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China calls for improved global human rights governance on behalf of 60 countries

Xinhua) 09:57, March 26, 2026

GENEVA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China, on behalf of 60 countries, delivered a joint statement at the 61st session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on Tuesday, elaborating on the rich human rights implications of the Global Governance Initiative and calling on all parties to jointly build a fair, just and mutually beneficial global human rights governance system.

Jia Guide, China's permanent representative to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said the world is currently in turbulence and transformation, with the UN and multilateralism facing headwinds, which underscores the urgent need to enhance the effectiveness of global governance.

Therefore, he put forward three proposals:

First, to uphold sovereign equality and observe international rule of law, adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, ensure the equal and uniform application of international law and rules, and jointly oppose any manipulation of double standards in the name of human rights.

Second, to practice multilateralism and jointly address challenges, steadily advance UN human rights reforms, enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, and properly respond to emerging human rights challenges.

Third, to promote a people-centered and action-oriented approach, place the right to development in a more prominent position on the multilateral human rights agenda, and provide greater capacity-building support for developing countries.

Since Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative in September 2025, it has received support and response from more than 150 countries and international organizations. Under its guidance, China has established the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The Tuesday joint statement helped build a broad consensus and contributed to advancing the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
NEW DELHI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the in-depth insights published by Vyansa Intelligence, the Global Manganese Sulfate Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 1.94% during 20262032. The market expansion is primarily supported by steady demand from the agricultural sector, particularly in fertilizer applications, along with the gradual emergence of manganese sulfate as a critical material in battery manufacturing.

Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in 2025, accounting for nearly 60% of total revenue, driven by strong agricultural activities, large-scale fertilizer consumption, and expanding industrial production across countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. The region's well-established supply chains and growing focus on battery material production further reinforce its leadership in the manganese sulfate market.

Global Manganese Sulfate Market Key Takeaways

The Global Manganese Sulfate Market is expected to grow from USD 3.96 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 4.53 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of around 1.94% during 20262032.

Industrial grade accounted for nearly 60% of the total market share in 2025, reflecting its dominant usage across fertilizers and industrial applications.

Fertilizers segment captured approximately 45% of the market, highlighting the strong dependence on agricultural demand.

More than 30 companies are actively engaged in the global manganese sulfate industry, with the top five players holding around 60% market share, indicating a moderately consolidated competitive landscape.

Leading companies operating in the market include Compania Minera Autlan, American Manganese, Element 25, Eramet, and South32, among others.

Key Market Forces Influencing the Demand for Manganese Sulfate Worldwide

Strong Dependence on Agricultural Fertilizer Demand

The global manganese sulfate market is primarily driven by its extensive use in fertilizers, where it plays a vital role in enhancing crop yield and maintaining soil nutrient balance. As agriculture continues to serve as a foundational sector across both developed and emerging economies, the demand for micronutrient-based fertilizers remains consistently strong. In regions with large agricultural bases, particularly across Asia-Pacific, manganese sulfate is widely utilized to improve crop productivity and address soil deficiencies. This sustained reliance on agricultural applications provides a stable and predictable demand foundation for the overall market.

Emerging Role in Battery Material Applications

Building on its traditional demand base, manganese sulfate is increasingly gaining strategic importance in the battery materials segment. It serves as a key component in lithium-ion battery cathode chemistries, particularly nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Although this segment currently accounts for a smaller share of the market, it is expected to witness gradual expansion as global electrification and energy transition initiatives accelerate. Consequently, manganese sulfate is evolving from a conventional industrial and agricultural chemical into a critical material supporting next-generation energy technologies.

Industrial Applications Supporting Base Demand

In addition to fertilizers and battery materials, manganese sulfate continues to find application across various industrial uses, including animal feed additives and chemical manufacturing processes. Its role as an essential micronutrient in animal nutrition contributes to improved livestock health and productivity, thereby sustaining consistent demand. These diversified applications not only broaden the market base but also enhance its resilience by ensuring stable consumption across multiple end-use sectors, even during fluctuations in specific industries.

Regional Production Concentration and Supply Chain Dynamics

From a supply perspective, the production and consumption of manganese sulfate remain highly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. This dominance is supported by the availability of raw materials, cost-efficient manufacturing capabilities, and strong downstream demand. China, in particular, plays a pivotal role as both a major producer and exporter. While this regional concentration strengthens supply efficiency and cost advantages, it also introduces potential risks related to supply chain dependencies, regulatory changes, and price fluctuations. As a result, global market participants are increasingly focusing on supply diversification and strategic sourcing initiatives to ensure long-term stability.

View Full Report and request to get the sample pages at:

https://www.vyansaintelligence.com/industry-report/manganese-sulfate-market-forecast

Operational Challenges and Market Constraints Affecting Industry Growth

Limited Growth Momentum in a Mature Market

Despite its essential applications, the global manganese sulfate market is characterized by relatively modest growth, with a CAGR of under 2%, reflecting its mature nature. The market's heavy reliance on traditional sectors such as fertilizers inherently limits rapid expansion, as these industries typically experience stable but slow growth rates. While emerging applications in battery materials present promising opportunities, their current contribution remains limited, resulting in an overall moderate growth trajectory for the market.

Price Volatility and Raw Material Dependency

Another key challenge impacting the market is the volatility in raw material prices, particularly manganese ore. Fluctuations in mining output, geopolitical developments, and global commodity market trends can significantly influence production costs and profit margins. This price sensitivity creates uncertainty for manufacturers, requiring them to adopt efficient sourcing strategies, cost optimization measures, and flexible pricing approaches to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

Strategic Investments and Product Innovations Accelerating the Growth of the Manganese Sulfate Market

The global manganese sulfate market is witnessing a gradual transformation driven by strategic investments, technological advancements, and increasing focus on high-purity applications. Industry participants and stakeholders are actively strengthening their capabilities to align with emerging demand trends, particularly in healthcare and energy storage sectors.

In 2025, Avenacy announced the launch of Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection in the U.S. market, marking a significant expansion of its injectable product portfolio. This development reflects the growing demand for high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade sulfate compounds, especially in critical care and hospital environments. It also highlights a broader industry shift toward the development of specialized, value-added formulations designed to meet stringent regulatory standards and evolving healthcare requirements. Although this initiative is specific to magnesium sulfate, it underscores a wider trend across the sulfate chemicals segment, where innovation, quality enhancement, and application diversification are becoming increasingly important.

Building on this momentum, the manganese sulfate market is also experiencing strong investment activity aimed at supporting next-generation applications. In 2025, Element 25 Limited secured a grant of approximately US$166 million under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program for its high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) project. The funding will support the development of its Louisiana-based facility, which is focused on strengthening the domestic supply of battery-grade manganese sulfate. This strategic initiative highlights the growing importance of manganese sulfate in electric vehicle (EV) battery production and reflects increasing government efforts to localize critical mineral supply chains.

Collectively, these developments indicate a clear shift in the global manganese sulfate market toward high-purity applications, technological innovation, and supply chain strengthening. As demand for advanced materials continues to rise, particularly in healthcare and energy storage, such strategic initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future growth trajectory and competitive dynamics of the market.

Market Analysis by Purity Grade, Application & Region

By Purity Grade, the industrial grade segment held the dominant position in the global manganese sulfate market, accounting for approximately 60% of the total share in 2025. This leadership is primarily attributed to its widespread utilization across fertilizers, animal feed, and various industrial processes, where cost-effectiveness and bulk usage remain key factors. As a result, industrial grade continues to form the backbone of overall market demand. In contrast, battery-grade manganese sulfate is steadily gaining momentum, driven by the rising need for high-purity materials in lithium-ion battery production. Although currently at a nascent stage, this segment is expected to expand progressively, supported by accelerating electrification trends and growing investments in energy storage technologies.

By Application, the fertilizers segment accounted for nearly 45% of the global market share in 2025, making it the largest application category within the manganese sulfate market. This dominance is largely due to the critical role of manganese as an essential micronutrient in enhancing crop yield and correcting soil deficiencies. Consequently, strong agricultural demand continues to underpin market stability. Alongside fertilizers, applications in animal feed are witnessing steady growth, supported by increasing focus on livestock health and productivity. Furthermore, the battery materials segment is gradually emerging as a key growth avenue, driven by technological advancements and rising electric vehicle adoption, although fertilizers remain the primary contributor to overall demand.

By Region, Asia-Pacific emerged as the leading region in the global manganese sulfate market, accounting for approximately 60% of the total market share in 2025. This dominance is supported by a combination of strong agricultural activity, extensive industrial production, and the presence of major manufacturing hubs across countries such as China and India. These nations play a pivotal role in both consumption and supply, reinforcing the region's market leadership. Additionally, increasing investments in battery manufacturing and energy storage infrastructure are further strengthening regional demand. As a result, Asia-Pacific continues to serve as a critical growth engine for the global manganese sulfate market, supported by both traditional and emerging applications.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place):

https://www.vyansaintelligence.com/industry-report/manganese-sulfate-market-forecast (Explore in-depth analyses, technological trends, and investment patterns.)

Major Players Strengthening the Global Manganese Sulfate Landscape

Compania Minera Autlan

American Manganese

Element 25

Eramet

South32

OM Holdings

Transamine Trading

Gulf Manganese

Mesa Minerals

Tshipi e Ntle

African Rainbow Minerals

Assmang

Kudumane Manganese Resources

Consolidated Minerals

Jupiter Mines

Global Manganese Sulfate Market Scope

By Purity Grade: Battery Grade, Industrial Grade

By Application: Fertilizers, Animal Feed, Battery Materials

By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific

Browse More Reports

Global Nickel Nitrate Market: The global nickel nitrate market is estimated at USD 1.1 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 3.82 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 19.46% during 2026-32.

Global Calcium Carbonate Market: The global calcium carbonate market is estimated at USD 58.98 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 73.12 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 3.12% during 2026-32.

Global Bio-Ethylene Market: The global bio-ethylene market is estimated at USD 610 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 1.02 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 7.62% during 2026-32.

Global Nitrogen Trifluoride Market: The global nitrogen trifluoride market is estimated at USD 1.54 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 2.76 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 8.69% during 2026-32.

Global Aluminum Powder Market: The global aluminum powder market is estimated at USD 2.45 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 3.87 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 6.75% during 2026-32.

Global PEG Esters Market: The global peg esters market is estimated at USD 6.1 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 9.29 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 6.19% during 2026-32.

Global Nickel Ammonium Sulfate Market: The global nickel ammonium sulfate market is estimated at USD 1.79 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 4.28 billion by 2032. Also, the market is projected to register a CAGR of around 13.26% during 2026-32.

About Vyansa Intelligence

Vyansa Intelligence is a global market research and consulting firm committed to delivering strategic, data-driven insights across a wide range of high-growth and emerging industries. The firm specializes in analyzing market trends, competitive landscapes, technological advancements, and regulatory developments that influence the global business environment. Leveraging a rigorous research methodology, Vyansa Intelligence combines proprietary forecasting models with carefully validated primary research and credible secondary data sources. This integrated approach ensures the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of its market intelligence. Through comprehensive industry analysis and forward-looking insights, Vyansa Intelligence enables corporations, investors, and decision-makers to identify emerging opportunities, mitigate potential risks, and formulate effective long-term business strategies. The company remains dedicated to providing actionable intelligence that supports sustainable growth and strengthens competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.

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SOURCE Vyansa Intelligence
The world is in the midst of an exorcist recruitment crisis at a time when more people are turning to Satanism and dark magic, the Pope has been warned.

Paganism and the occult were being fuelled by social media, Pope Leo XIV was told during a Vatican meeting with the International Association of Exorcists (AIE).

Founded in 1994, the AIE provides training and support for exorcists and helps to raise awareness of demonic possession. It has 1,000 members.

Its spokesman said there was a shortfall of more than 2,000 exorcists worldwide, as well as a lack of systemic skills and a shortage of training for young priests. There are about 3,172 Catholic dioceses across the world.

It would be a significant achievement if every Catholic diocese could have at least one exorcist, said Dr Alberto Castaldini, a professor of theology.

He added: Theological and pastoral training are important for raising awareness of this pastoral ministry.

Unfortunately, this topic is often absent from, or not adequately addressed in, the curricula of seminaries or theological faculties.

The AIE has an annual conference in Rome, where it has its headquarters, and holds training and refresher courses across the world.

Some seminaries have begun annual meetings with an exorcist priest, but this is not enough to meet the growing demand for exorcists or end the supply crisis.

Dr Castaldini said: This growing demand derives from a variety of causes. For example, involvement in occult sects, membership of esoteric or neo-pagan circles, or the use of magical practices.

These factors point to a phenomenon that is undoubtedly on the rise, becoming increasingly widespread and pervasive, fuelled by social media and even artificial intelligence.

One of the AIEs founders and presidents was Father Gabriele Amorth, the exorcist for the diocese of Rome. He claimed to have performed more than 160,000 exorcisms before his death in 2016.

Russell Crowe played the priest in the 2023 horror film The Popes Exorcist, which was loosely based on the Fathers memoirs.

Pope Leo has previously described the work of Catholic exorcists as delicate

Pope Leo recalled his past acquaintance with and appreciation for Father Gabriele Amorth during the private audience with Mgr Karel Orlita and Father Francesco Bamonte, who now lead the AIE.

The AIE presented the Pontiff with a report on the growing numbers of cases involving Satanism and the spiritual risks they posed.

It asked Pope Leo to ensure every diocese had one or more adequately trained exorcist priests, as well as access to special programmes and courses.

The top exorcists said they had discussed with Pope Leo the painful and increasingly widespread situation of people seriously disturbed by the extraordinary action of the devil as a result of frequenting occult sects.

Father Bamonte said: Ignoring these phenomena leaves many faithful without an adequate response to grave spiritual suffering, sometimes pushing them toward inappropriate solutions.

Delicate but most necessary job

The audience took place on Friday, March 13, but it was only made public later.

Pope Leo, 70, has previously described the work of Catholic exorcists as delicate but most necessary.

He has told priests to live it both as a ministry of liberation and of consolation, accompanying the faithful truly possessed by the evil one with prayer and the invocation of Christs effective presence.

There are two kinds of exorcism; invocative and imperative. The imperative can be used to end hauntings of places as well as possessions of people.

In the invocative form, one calls upon God to intervene, through His power, for the liberation of a person, Dr Castaldini said.

In the imperative form, demons are commanded, in the name of Jesus Christ, to leave a person they have possessed or to desist from exerting their evil influence in a place, a house, on an object, or on a person.

A major exorcism is only used in cases of demonic possession. It can only be carried out with the permission of a local bishop. Before it takes place, medical and psychological evaluation must take place to rule out mental illness.

The AIE updated its guidelines on safe exorcisms last year. The rules say it is critical that exorcists focus on the work of Christ, rather than place undue attention on the devil.

New age ideas or superstitions, such as diagnosing evil by touching objects or involving psychics, are not allowed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for an unannounced visit, just days after revealing Ukraine's expanding role in Middle Eastern security.

Kyiv is reportedly assisting five countries in the region  Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan  in countering drone attacks, a capability honed during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Mr Zelensky confirmed his arrival on X, stating: "Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled." He added: "We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security."

The Ukrainian leader had previously indicated that his nation is providing drone expertise and helping to build defence systems for these Gulf states.

He also suggested Ukraine could play a part in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz.

In return, Kyiv is seeking more high-end air-defence missiles, which Gulf countries possess and are desperately needed to repel Russias missile barrages.

Ukraine has emerged as a leading global producer of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors, which are both cheap and effective, proving instrumental in its defence against Russias more than four-year-old full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Thursday in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit, days after revealing that Ukraine is helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter drone attacks (Ukrainian Presidential press-service)

Ukrainian officials did not announce the trip beforehand, nor did they immediately provide further details.

A group of northern European countries vowed Thursday to harden the fight against Russia's shadow fleet of tankers exporting its sanctioned oil, as Turkish officials said that one of those tankers approaching the Black Sea entrance to the Bosporus Strait was hit by a naval drone.

Russia's shadow fleet is made up of aging tankers that are bought used, often by non-transparent entities with addresses in countries that are not sanctioning Russia.

Moscow needs the vessels to dodge Western sanctions and sell the oil and petroleum products that largely finance its more than 4-year invasion of Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a meeting with allies in Finland that "we should go after the shadow fleet even harder.

Speaking with other members of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a 10-country group that has been tracking the vessels, Starmer said the British military will now be able to board shadow fleet tankers when they transit UK waters, joining several other allies in doing so.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten (R) is greeted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb (2nd R) upon arrival onboard the Finnish Border Guard offshore patrol vessel Turva, prior the Joint Expeditionary Force JEF Leaders' Summit on March 26, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland (Getty Images)

Together, we must close off critical sea routes to this vital trade, to keep up the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and to help change the narrative of this war in Ukraine, Starmer said.

In a recorded video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia's oil and gas exports are fueling Moscow's effort to take over Ukraine.

So please keep the pressure on Russia  its tankers and shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters, he said.

In Turkey, officials said that none of the 27 Turkish crew members of the Altura tanker was injured when it was attacked early Thursday, causing damage to the bridge and engine room.

The Altura, which reportedly was carrying 140,000 tons of crude oil when it was hit some 14 nautical miles north of the Bosphorus, has been owned by Turkey-based Pergamon Maritime since November.

A member of the Finnish Border Guard takes part in an exercise, during the JEF leaders' visit on the Finnish Border Guard offshore patrol vessel Turva, prior to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit (Getty Images)

The tanker has been subject to European Union sanctions since October due to its role in transporting sanctions-dodging Russian oil exports, according to the Open Sanctions website.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the tanker was subjected to an attack by an unmanned sea vessel." He did not say whether Ukraine was suspected to be behind the attack.

In the past, Ukraines military has said it used sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Earlier this month Russia blamed a Ukrainian naval drone for the sinking of a Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya.
The Drama, A24s buzzy new drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is facing criticism over the big reveal at the heart of its narrative.

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for The Drama, which comes out in theaters April 3.

The film, which has been promoted as a dark romantic-comedy, has sparked controversy ahead of next weeks release after TMZ reported that the movies twist rubbed audience members the wrong way at early screenings.

In the movie, Zendayas character Emma confesses to her fiance, Pattinsons character Charlie, and their friends that she once planned a high school shooting but never went through with it.

Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel Mauser was shot and killed among 13 others in the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School, told TMZ that he is disgusted by the movies twist.

In The Drama, Zendayas character, Emma, confesses to her fiance, played by Robert Pattinson, that she planned a school shooting when she was younger (A24)

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's new movie 'The Drama' has been criticized for its plot twist by Tom Mauser (right), the father of Columbine victim Daniel Mauser (Getty)

Mauser, who has advocated for gun reform for the past 25 years, told the outlet that it is awful to use the serious subject as a plot device in a romantic comedy. The father, who has not seen the movie, said it humanizes shooters and normalizes school shootings. No mass violence is depicted in the movie.

He was particularly upset about Zendayas March 16 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in which Mauser said she did not treat what she called the big twist with enough gravity.

The Euphoria actor said on Kimmel: I really hope that people dont spoil it for each other so theyre allowed to go into it just unknowing and really experience the drama.

Kimmel said, I could see this movie causing a lot of problems for a lot of people in their personal lives, and Zendaya responded: Those conversations can go many ways.

A24 declined to comment on Mausers remarks.

The film is directed by Norwegian screenwriter Kristoffer Borgli, who is known for directing the 2023 comedy Dream Scenario. In addition to Zendaya and Pattinson, the movie also stars Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, Hailey Gates and Zoe Winters.

Zendaya said in a press release about the film: Theres going to be a lot of interest around what Emmas big revelation is in the movie, and while I think that revelation is important and pivotal, its about so much more than that.

What happens to Charlie and Emma in the wake of her confession becomes the ultimate test of love and acceptance in a relationship, and what youre willing to do in the name of love.
Erotic Ai

It doesnt take a business genius to know that sex sells. But whats acceptable and whats not when it comes to smut is something thats constantly contested.

The British Board of Film Classification has spent decades cracking down on licentious behaviour in films  sometimes unsuccessfully, but always to the chagrin of Britains porn producers and those who ran franchises like the Confessions Of... series of films.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Today those conversations are between AI companies and their backers about how willing they are to dabble in dirty content to bolster their bottom line.

On Thursday, OpenAI announced it had shelved plans to release an erotic chatbot indefinitely amid concerns from staff and investors about such a development.

The firm, run by Sam Altman, had already delayed the release of its adult mode owing to worries that it could encourage users to form unhealthy attachments and expose minors to inappropriate sexual content. It said it would now refocus on core products instead.

This weeks decision followed a regular meeting between OpenAIs wellbeing council and company representatives, held at the start of the year, at which sex was on the agenda.

The council includes specialists in youth development and mental health, and was formally founded by OpenAI in October 2025 to advise the company on how users can interact healthily with the technology.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shelved plans to allow users to engage in sexual conversations with its chatbot - Justin Sullivan/2025 Getty Images

Three months before the meeting, Altman, OpenAIs business-focused chief executive, said on X that he planned to loosen restrictions on how users could interact with ChatGPT, the firms popular chatbot. He added that, as part of their treat adult users like adults principle, the company would allow more human-like interactions with the chatbot, which could include erotica for verified adults that would work in conjunction with more stringent checks on users age.

The council of advisers was reportedly unhappy about the potential adoption of erotica on ChatGPT. But despite those concerns, OpenAI had appeared to be going ahead with plans to allow users to engage in sexual conversations with the chatbot - prior to the decision to put the project on ice. Had it come to fruition, it would reportedly have allowed adult users to engage in sexual text conversations, but not any multimedia content. An OpenAI spokesman told The Wall Street Journal earlier this year that the chatbot could engage in smut, rather than pornography.

Other AI companies have already decided to plough ahead. Grok, the public face of xAI, an AI firm run by controversial entrepreneur Elon Musk, allows users to engage in racy conversation. Groks spicy mode was added to the chatbot, which is linked to his social network X, last year. The justification Musk gave was simple. He recalled engaging in debates about which video platform  VHS or Betamax  would win out during his childhood. VHS won in the end, in part because they allowed spicy mode, he posted on X, adding a winking face emoji.

Grok, the public face of Elon Musks AI assistant xAI, added a spicy mode last year - Lionel Bonaventure/AFP

The notion that sex sells isnt new, but it does help explain why AI companies are looking at this as a new frontier. If you fall in love with or have your carnal needs met by a chatbot, youre more likely to come back time and time again to converse with it  and spend more on subscriptions in the process. They are clearly seeing a demand for it, says Kate Devlin, professor of AI and society at Kings College London, perhaps among the users they already have trying to conduct erotic chat, for example  and can see a way of making money from it.

Carolina Are, a fellow in interdisciplinary science at the London School of Economics, studies companies platform moderation policies and censorship. She agrees with Devlin, adding: [AI companies] are already seeing men looking for AI girlfriends. It almost feels like they dont want to leave any stone unturned.

But while many AI companies might be focusing solely on their financial returns  adult content platform OnlyFans enjoyed $7.2bn (5.4bn) in revenue in the most recent year for which data is available  there are deeper questions that should be asked, says Devlin.

Firstly, could sexually literate AI tools cause undue harm to innocent people by allowing users to either chat with AI-generated versions of them, or even view AI-generated images of them? This issue was highlighted by the controversy around Groks AI image-generating capabilities earlier this year.

Around the same time that OpenAI was tussling with its moral council, Grok triggered international alarm as users began using the tool to generate non-consensual sexualised images of women and, in some cases, children. Such nudification apps  which take an image of an individual and create a photorealistic representation of what that person might look like without clothes on  had existed on the internets fringes, but were now put front and centre into a mainstream social platform.

The UK Government moved quickly. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said it was totally unacceptable that Grok could still generate such material if youre willing to pay for a premium subscription to the image-generating tool, which was behind a paywall. She demanded that Ofcom use the full powers Parliament had given it. In a Commons statement, Kendall described the nude images as weapons of abuse and said a new offence criminalising the creation  or requesting the creation  of non-consensual intimate deepfakes would come into force that week. She also promised to criminalise nudification apps and the supply of tools built for that purpose. That week was an overstatement, but it did come into force in early February.

The UKs technology secretary Liz Kendall described the images created by nudification apps as weapons of abuse - Leon Neal/2026 Getty Images

UK regulators also took action: Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, examining whether it had properly assessed the risks, protected children, removed illegal content quickly enough and used sufficiently robust age checks. Even after X said it had introduced measures to stop Grok creating intimate images, Ofcom said the changes were welcome but the investigation would continue. Earlier this month, three Tennessee teenagers who claim they were victims of AI undressing by Grok have sued xAI. Musk said in January that he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok.

Beyond the targeting of women above the legal age of consent, theres also a concern that AI tools could be used to create illicit imagery of children. That would be caught up under some existing laws, says Devlin. In many countries, including the UK, depiction of child sexual abuse material is illegal and that includes pseudo-photographs, she explains. AI CSAM [child sexual abuse material] is illegal to make, possess and distribute in the UK. And in most US states, the same is true. But as with all things, there are wrinkles. With non-realistic images, or images of fictitious children, its a bit less clear, she adds  something that researchers at the University of Edinburgh highlighted in a recent report.

While possessing or distributing non-realistic indecent images is generally illegal, the act of making them is not a crime in England, Wales or Scotland.

In an attempt to plug that regulatory gap, the UK Government has proposed new offences in the Crime and Policing Bill targeting AI models optimised to create CSAM, while EU governments have begun the process of adding AI-generated child sexual abuse material to the blocs list of banned practices for AI tools.

Alongside questions of taste and legality, there are also concerns about handing over the ability to dictate what is and isnt in good taste to a group of individuals in Silicon Valley who have to date demonstrated questionable ability to match the publics views on such matters.

Who gets to decide what is deemed acceptable sexual content and what is deemed too much? Whats the line between smut and porn? asks Devlin, who fears those choices are now going to be put in the hands of tech companies and platforms. That could include limiting anything they consider problematic  and that could mean they potentially set limits around content on sexual behaviour, trans inclusion, LGBTQ+ content, et cetera, she says.

The Government has proposed new offences in the Crime and Policing Bill targeting AI models optimised to create child sexual abuse material - Leon Neal/2026 Getty Images

Some are trying to stay out of the conversation altogether: OpenAI competitor Anthropic says its Claude chatbot isnt designed for affective conversations (exchanges motivated by emotional or psychological needs, which can include sexual conversations). It has trained its chatbot to actively discourage sexually explicit conversations, which its data suggests accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of its total chats.

That small number of chats also go against its usage policy, which prohibits sexually explicit content. The firms constitution for its chatbot says it would not allow the creation of child sexual abuse content.

But Devlin is worried that some have no such inhibitions. She warns of the commodification of peoples emotional engagement, because why go to the trouble of engaging in a messy, complicated human relationship when [you could] build a connection with a sexy AI companion if you pay for a monthly subscription.
Anne Hathaway secured promises that the models would not be too skeletal, said Meryl Streep - Carlos Barria/Reuters

Anne Hathaway has banned alarmingly thin models from featuring in the Devil Wears Prada sequel.

According to her co-star Meryl Streep, the Oscar winner, 43, ensured that the catwalk models used in the Hollywood fashion film were not as skeletal as the ones the cast saw during Milan Fashion Week.

Speaking to Harpers Bazaar before the films release in May, Streep, who is reprising her role as magazine editor Miranda Priestly, revealed that she was struck by how thin the real-life models she saw on the runway were.

Meryl Streep, who reprises her role of Miranda Priestly - Cinzia Camela/LiveMedia/Shutterstock

She told the magazine: I was struck by how not only beautiful and young  everyone seems young to me  but alarmingly thin the models were. I thought that all had been addressed years ago.

Annie clocked it too, and she made a beeline to the producers about it, securing promises that the models in the show that we were putting together for our film would not be so skeletal! Shes a stand-up girl.

Streeps comments come amid an online buzz following this years awards shows about how rail-thin some of Hollywoods leading ladies have become.

She has waded into the debate previously, criticising Hollywoods preoccupation with skinny stars by declaring: I am fatter than any movie star youve ever met, but I dont care.

Devil Wears Prada 2 was filmed last year with the support of several high-end fashion brands, which is why the cast was able to attend actual runway shows in Milan.

Streep, who was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Golden Globe for her role as Priestly, admitted she was unnerved by the amount of press attention they garnered while filming.

The New York set was swarmed by paparazzi and fans daily, which led to warnings that the sequel was at risk of being ruined by overexposure on social media.

Anne Hathaway on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York last summer - Aeon/GC

When filming began in June last year, images of the characters outfits and the movies sets were quickly shared across Instagram, X and TikTok.

It resulted in an outcry from fans, who have waited nearly two decades for the sequel and who pleaded with publications and paparazzi to stop spoiling the magic.

Streep said: Even though we were aware of the impact of the first film two decades ago, I think none of us were prepared for the ambush of both goodwill and avid attention that engulfed us.

We needed police barriers and crowd control. Buses of fans turned up, and paparazzi swarmed and in one case kept jumping in front of the camera and the shot and got in a kerfuffle with crew. Annie kept her cool, but I was unnerved.

The sequel will follow protagonist Andy Sachs, played by Hathaway, as she becomes the features editor for Runway magazine, where she had previously worked with editor-in-chief Priestly.

Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci check out last summers Milan Fashion Week - Claudia Greco/Reuters

Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt are also reprising their roles for the film.

David Frankel, the director, said of the sequel: The characters are obviously 20 years along in their careers and at very different places, and the world of media is in a very different place.

Andy has had a career in journalism that mirrors a lot of peoples experiences in journalism these days[the sequel] is a movie about a woman in her 40s.

He added that it will be about how you make peace with the world as you find it, not the world that you wish existed.
Parents should ban screen time for toddlers during meals, the first national government guidance for families says.

Screen time for children under five should be limited to no more than an hour a day and they should be barred from social media, chatbots and AI toys because they are not made for young minds.

Families are also advised that children under two should avoid screen time altogether, except for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation. Parents are advised to lead by example and limit phone use around their children.

The guidance, published on Thursday, has been drawn up by the Government after research suggested screen time damaged toddlers ability to speak.

The average two-year-old in Britain watches more than two hours of television, video and digital content a day, twice as much as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Keep meal times free of screens, parents have been advised - Svetlana Repnitskaya

Surveys by Ofcom, the communications regulator, found that 37 per cent of children aged three to five  up to 800,000 toddlers in the UK  used social media apps or sites in 2024, an increase from 29 per cent in 2023.

The guidance recommends parents impose screen-free zones. It says: Keep bedrooms and mealtimes free from screens. This can protect valuable family time and interaction.

During meals, it suggests parents should try swapping screens for background music, simple conversation, table games, colouring or playing I Spy with colours or letters. At bedtime, it recommends reading stories together and no screens for toddlers an hour before bed to avoid disrupting sleep. Parents themselves are told to lead by example.

The guidance says: Childrens brains are like sponges  theyll copy your screen use habits. Be mindful of how often you use your phone around your child.

Spending long periods on your phone can make it harder to notice what your child is doing or feeling. Young children need attention, interaction and shared moments with their parents and carers to feel secure and supported.

Parents should lead by example

Parents should try to keep screen time for children aged from two to five to one hour a day. Less if possible.

Toddlers should watch slow-paced, predictable content because it is better for young brains than fast-paced, over-stimulating social media-style videos.

AI toys, tools or chatbots should be banned, and the guidance warns: Social media isnt made for young brains, so it should be avoided. Harmful content should be blocked through parental controls.

Watching screens with children, and talking and asking questions about the content is better for a childs cognitive development than letting them use them alone, the guidance says. Shared screen activities could include video calling friends and family or looking through photos together.

Starmer: We need to do more

Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday that the status quo isnt good enough and that we need to do more to protect children. He admitted some would oppose Labour providing guidance, but said: My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.

Research commissioned by the Government concluded that two-year-olds who spent five hours a day in front of screens knew significantly fewer words than those who watched for less than an hour. It also found that 86 minutes per day was the turning point at which the link between prolonged screen use and lower vocabulary became particularly marked.

The guidance was developed by a panel led by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Childrens Commissioner, and Prof Russell Viner, a childrens health expert.

It comes a day after the House of Lords voted for a full social media ban for under-16s in defiance of Sir Keir, who favours a public consultation before deciding whether to follow Australia in introducing such a measure.

Writing for The Telegraph (below), Lord Nash, the former schools minister, urged MPs to back his amendment, passed by the Lords on Wednesday, introducing the ban. He said Sir Keirs consultation amounted to no more than hollow promises and half-measures that would not address the damage social media firms were doing to children.

The Governments approach to the wellbeing of children is not good enough

By Lord Nash

On Wednesday night, by rejecting the Governments consultation and voting for an amendment in my name to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the House of Lords sent  for the second time  an unambiguous message to the Government: we need to raise the age limit on the most harmful social media platforms for children, and we need to do it now.

That this achieved an even bigger majority  including an increase in support from Labour peers  than when my amendment was previously passed sends a clear message that hollow promises and half measures are not enough.

The bill is returning to the Commons with a clear message that peers do not think the Governments approach to the wellbeing of children is good enough.

How can it be, when their own consultation asks children as young as 10 to assess whether platform features  such as the ability for children to send nude images or videos  should be blocked?

This consultation is a shocker. It does not begin to pass muster for a balanced consultation. It was rushed out in a blind panic to try and convince peers to vote against my first amendment. That failed, they voted for it.

A huge increase in self-harm

Since then, our elected colleagues in the Commons have decided to take a gamble on this consultation. They decided that the Governments words were enough to take a chance on. What does the Government have to say for itself?

The Government believes  in the words of Liz Kendall  that there is still a question of is it causation or correlation?

The consultation tells us we must weigh the so-called benefits of social media against its horrific harms. That young children being able to share dancing videos of themselves is somehow enough to counterbalance the harms that we see daily such as the explosion of sextortion of young boys, a huge increase in self-harm, and worse.

The Government believes we need time to wait and take time to conduct some extremely limited trials. What can these tell us when the overwhelming body of evidence is that there is a clear link between social media use and harm to our children  with whistleblowers from the social media companies themselves telling us that their own internal research shows that?

Compare the Governments statements to what we hear every day. The daily publication of even more academic research into harms ranging from depression to radicalisation. The daily pleas of parents, teachers, clinicians and the police who are united behind the need for decisive action.

On Wednesday, in a landmark judgment, a Los Angeles court ruled that Meta and YouTube were social media platforms addictive by design  not by some accident of tech bros creating cool platforms, but intentionally designed to lure people in and keep them there. This follows a court in New Mexico fining Meta $375m (280m) for misleading consumers about the safety of its platform and enabling harm, including child sexual exploitation.

Taken together, this shows that the tide is turning fast. The era of allowing big tech to conduct its experiment on young people is coming to an end globally. But the only people who havent noticed are the Government. They remain stuck in the middle with fingers in their ears, talking about needing to see the evidence and a two-sided argument.

Listen to what is going on around you

I ask them: please listen to what is going on around you. Lenin apparently said that there are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen. This is one of those moments. The world is shifting. If the Government wants an off-ramp, it has one. It can come out now and say the facts have changed and so we must show leadership and change course.

I did not get into this to make this the Nash amendment. If putting our children first becomes a crowning achievement of this Labour government and this Prime Minister, I will be cheering them on from the sidelines. And I will do all I can to work with them to make this happen.

That is my message to MPs. Tragically, some in this debate do not get second chances  as we saw from the incredibly brave bereaved parents in the gallery. But MPs will, when this bill returns. It is in their power to act and I urge them, please, to do so.

Lord Nash is a former schools minister
The Church of England has reported a slight uptick in the number of churchgoers but nowhere near the figures suggested by the YouGov poll - Oras Al-Kubaisi

It was hailed as a turning point in secular Britain: a quiet revival of Christianity, driven by Gen Z and young men.

Yet the empty pews and declining congregations told a different story.

Now, the controversial Bible Society report that hailed the so-called Quiet Revival has been withdrawn after it emerged that its conclusions were flawed and unreliable.

The polling, carried out by YouGov, had found churchgoing rose by 50 per cent between 2018 and 2024, led by Gen Z and younger adults. This equated to an estimated two million more people attending church.

The Church of England championed the report with much fanfare, repeatedly citing it in its research, publications and sermons.

Even Dame Sarah Mullally, the newly enthroned Archbishop of Canterbury, alluded to it in her first presidential address to the General Synod, the Church of Englands lawmaking body, in February.

She said: There are early indications of a rise in attendance and participation having continued over the last year. Of course, we must be cautious. These are early figures, but the trend is clear.

People are returning to the Church. They are finding a welcome, friendship, community, meaning and purpose. And we rejoice with God in these green shoots of hope.

Dame Sarah Mullally made reference to the Quiet Revival report when she addressed the General Synod last month - Jordan Pettitt/PA

The Bible Society, a Christian organisation dedicated to translating the Bible worldwide, said that it repeatedly sought and received assurances from YouGov regarding the robustness of its methodology and the reliability of the reports conclusions.

However, at the beginning of March, the market research company confirmed that it failed to take key quality control steps  such as excluding survey respondents who are not based in the UK, those who attempt to complete the survey multiple times, or those who give random or inattentive answers.

Paul Williams, the chief executive of the Bible Society, said: We are therefore deeply disappointed that YouGov not only made an error but also that it only discovered this so recently.

As a result, humanists and academics who criticised the studys findings have claimed that they feel vindicated.

Andrew Copson, the chief executive of Humanists UK, described the debunking of the research as both validation and vindication.

Much of the damage has already been done. Global media reports have too often and wrongly jumped on the bandwagon of a supposed Christian revival in the UK. That must stop.

At a time when truth in these social questions has never been more politically important, everyone has the obligation to be rigorous in their presentation of data in the public realm and the claims they make for it.

The UK is not a Christian country, and our politics must reflect that. If we fail to recognise the plural and mainly non-religious nature of our society, not only will we be living a lie as a country, we will be undermining our ability to work for peace and cohesion in our diverse society.

Experts questioned validity of report

Numerous academics also questioned the Bible Societys report, including Prof Sir John Curtice who mentioned it on an episode of BBC Radio 4s More or Less.

As a political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research, Prof Curtice is regarded as one of the countrys leading political polling experts.

David Voas, emeritus professor of social science at University College Londons Social Research Institute, added: Im afraid that the Bible Society brought these problems on themselves.

Experts have been telling them for the better part of a year not only that the figures are wrong, but why they were likely to be wrong: bogus respondents, repeat respondents, people overseas interested in the rewards, and other problems that infect opt-in online polls. They refused to engage with us.

According to the results of the latest census, Christians now account for less than half of the population of England and Wales for the first time in census history.

The Office for National Statistics results show that 46.2 per cent of the population (27.5 million people) described themselves as Christian in 2021. This marks a 13.1 percentage point decrease from 59.3 per cent (33.3 million people) in 2011.

The census also shows that every major religion increased during the 10-year period, except for Christianity.

Despite this decrease, Christian remained the most common response to the question about religion. No religion was the second most common response, increasing to 37.2 per cent (22.2 million) from 25.2 per cent (14.1 million) across the 10-year period.

Mr Williams added: We recognise that this news may feel discouraging and we share that sense of disappointment.

YouGov informed Bible Society that the 2024 survey sample on which our report The Quiet Revival was based was faulty, and it can no longer be regarded as a reliable source of information about the spiritual landscape in Britain.

However, he added: The reason we commissioned this research in the first place is that we want to understand what is truly happening on the ground.

We would wish to stress that YouGovs error does not mean that all of the findings were wrong  it means that we cannot reliably support those findings on the basis of this survey.

There is in fact a very positive story to tell. Over the past year we have seen an unprecedented public conversation about Christianity, with countless stories of a spiritual awakening among Gen Z, alongside greatly increased Bible sales in the UK, growing numbers of adult baptisms and confirmations, and increased attendance at evangelism courses.

Stephan Shakespeare, the chief executive of YouGov, said: YouGov takes full responsibility for the outputs of the original 2024 research, and we apologise for what has happened.

We would like to stress that Bible Society have at all times accurately and responsibly reported the data we supplied to them. We are running the survey again with Bible Society to get robust data on this topic.

A spokesman for the Church of England said: Our annual statistics show a small but consistent increase in attendance at services over the last four years, while still below the levels seen before Covid.

As we have made clear publicly, those increases, while very welcome, have not been on the scale suggested in the Bible Society report leading to media claims that a quiet revival had bypassed the Church of England.

There does, however, appear to be a genuine openness to Christianity, including among younger people.

We see this not only in the increases in attendance but reports from churches around the country of people turning up or making contact with an interest or curiosity about faith.

Interest in the Bible Society report over the last two years suggests it identified something in society, although its findings were clearly far in excess of the increase seen in attendance data such as ours.
Dr Rahmeh Aladwan will appear in court in London on Friday

An NHS doctor has been charged with multiple counts of inviting support for Hamas.

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, of Pilning, Gloucestershire, was arrested at her home on Thursday morning for breaching police bail conditions imposed following previous arrests.

The Metropolitan Police said she had been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly inviting support for a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, on four separate dates from July to December last year.

Dr Aladwan was also charged with using words that were threatening, abusive or insulting intending thereby to stir up racial hatred or having regard to all the circumstances was reckless as to whether racial hatred would be stirred up under section 18 of the Public Order Act in King Charles Street, London, on July 21 last year.

She was further charged with publishing or distributing written material that was threatening, abusive or insulting intending thereby to stir up racial hatred on Nov 19.

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan faces several charges under the Terrorism Act and the Public Order Act

She is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Friday.

Video posted on social media appears to show her arrest. In the footage, she can be seen in handcuffs asking police officers: Is this necessary for social media posts? They reply: Its for transport.

Earlier this year, the trainee surgeon was banned from practising medicine for 15 months by a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel, pending the outcome of a full investigation by the General Medical Council.

The MPTS panel concluded that a lengthy ban was needed after balancing the risk to the protection of the public, the public interest and the interests of the doctor.

Dr Aladwan has been banned from practising medicine for 15 months

Dr Aladwan has described anti-Semitism and the Holocaust as concepts used by Jewish people to promote a narrative of victimhood, placing a trademark symbol to the right of the word Holocaust in a social media post.

Hamas killed about 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages on Oct 7, 2023. A United Nations report found that Hamas attackers raped women at the Nova music festival site, used sexualised torture against hostages and raped womens corpses.

Earlier this week, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, agreed to reforms that will make it quicker and easier to suspend anti-Semitic and racist doctors. The overhaul gives regulators new powers to suspend doctors who demonstrate racist or anti-Jewish views but would previously have been able to continue working.

Mr Streeting supported the reforms after expressing his anger last year at doctors who were not punished for anti-Semitism allegations, including Dr Aladwan. It led Mr Streeting to ask regulators to explain why they are failing so publicly and abysmally in their responsibility to protect Jewish staff and Jewish patients.
Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar were killed in the Nottingham attack - Nottinghamshire Police

Police in Nottingham wrongly claimed that they had not interacted with a killer at all after his attack in Nottingham left three people dead, an inquiry has heard.

Wayne Birkett was thrown into the air when Valdo Calocane deliberately swerved and hit him with a stolen van that he was driving in June 2023.

It happened after Calocane had killed students Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar, both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65.

The Nottingham Inquiry, which is examining the events leading up to and after the attacks, heard that Mr Birkett wanted to know the severity of what Calocane had done previously.

However, Det Con Raj Johal, his family liaison officer, did not tell Mr Birkett and his partner Tracey Hodgson about the killers previous interactions with the police in an early meeting, the inquiry was told.

Ms Hodgson said: [DC Johal] said there was no history at all with the police. Shes been sitting on all this information that she already knew. Its so disappointing to know that she would have known all of this and she wasnt allowed to tell us, obviously.

The inquiry previously heard that Calocane assaulted and stalked a former flatmate, and had attacked two members of staff at a warehouse a month before the Nottingham attacks.

A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to attend court in September 2022 for allegedly assaulting a police officer on a separate occasion.

Calocane was handed an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 - Nottinghamshire Police

Mr Birkett and Ms Hodgson said the survivors of the attacks felt forgotten.

Ms Hodgson told the inquiry: It should have not needed this inquiry for the police in particular to tell the truth and be honest as to what we are learning of so many failures. All the organisations involved in this inquiry should have been open from the beginning.

They have caused extra suffering for the families, which could have been prevented, and they have prolonged their suffering when they should have been allowed to just get on with grieving. You have tortured these families over and over again.

Letters from the King

The inquiry was also told the three survivors and their families were caused upset by conflicting police statements surrounding letters from the King, which they never received.

Det Ch Insp Claire Gould, a family liaison adviser with Nottinghamshire Police, told the hearing she had requested that the King write to survivors families as well as relatives of those killed because there are actually six victims of the Nottingham attacks.

Ms Gould said: I was contacted by the royal correspondent on behalf of His Majesty the King to say, in his words, he wanted to write to the three victims involved in the Nottingham attacks.

So I responded to the royal correspondent, and said, with all due respect, would His Majesty please consider writing letters to the families of the bereaved but also to the three survivors.

Ms Gould said the response she received was that that absolutely would not be a problem and she had forwarded details of all the relevant parties.

A royal correspondent had then said letters would be sent directly from the Palace to the families, the inquiry heard.

I thanked her, and from then on its never been raised to me that any letters have not been received or that there have been any issues with that, Ms Gould said.

Calocane was handed an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after admitting three counts of manslaughter and three counts of attempted murder.

Mr Birkett said of the sentencing hearing for Calocane: I thought it was horrifying listening to what happened because I wasnt expecting it at all. I had to literally walk past him, probably within two metres of him, every time I had to leave the court. How do you do that, staring at the man who did all this?

Ms Hodgson said it was not the right sentence.

This shouldnt be the way we find out

In an email to Kate Meynell, the former Nottinghamshire Police chief constable, Ms Hodgson said it was old news that police officers had looked at sensitive information about the attacks without a policing purpose.

Ms Hodgson wrote: Literally word for word had already been on social media, and this shouldnt be the way we find out.

[The three survivors of the attacks] all seem to be forgotten because they are survivors of this horrendous crime that was committed by Valdo Calocane.

Giving evidence to the inquiry, survivor Sharon Miller said she thought she was a goner after being hit by the stolen van driven by Calocane.

Speaking to Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, Ms Miller said she was absolutely disgusted to learn via the media that police had had previous dealings with Calocane and that there had been a warrant out for his arrest before the attacks.

Ms Miller also criticised the lack of support she received after the incident and said the only person she ever had contact with was their family liaison officer.

The inquiry continues.
The Liteyny Prospect entered the English Channel having sailed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga, near Estonia

A Russian shadow fleet tanker sailed into the English Channel hours after Sir Keir Starmer threatened to use the military to seize such ships.

On Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister gave the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies authority to storm sanctioned vessels in British waters.

But on Thursday, a ship that is part of Vladimir Putins secret armada illegally ferrying oil to support his war in Ukraine was seen cruising through the Channel unchallenged.

The 820ft ship, called the Liteyny Prospect, entered the waterway on Thursday morning from the North Sea, having sailed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga, near Estonia.

It was about 20 miles off the south coast and expected to sail past Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy, on Thursday evening before heading out of the Channel on Friday morning.

Announcing his clampdown on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets.

Thats why were going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putins war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister added: He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Under the new plans, the Royal Navy and the National Crime Agency could be deployed to capture the tankers, using a legal justification from sanctions legislation passed in 2018.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, questioned whether the ship seen on Thursday would fit the criteria for being boarded.

He said: Following the Prime Ministers statement that he will be seizing sanctioned vessels in our waters, if that applies to this ship, presumably action will be taken.

Position of the Liteyny Prospect off the coast of the UK in the English Channel

Reports have suggested that since January at least 42 sanctioned ships have sailed through UK waters. However, the true number could be far higher.

Tom Sharpe, a retired Navy commander and former frigate captain, claimed an average of about two shadow fleet tankers sailed through UK waters each day.

It would be absurd to board all of them, he said. We now need to be laser focused on which ones to board and why. I think its quite reasonable to not be going at it today.

We have had a month of maritime impotence The announcement that we will seize sanctioned tankers is a glimmer of a maritime spine. But how long do you wait?

Special forces personnel from the SBS [Special Boat Service] and SAS [Special Air Service] could potentially be used to seize tankers, should armed guards be seen. The Royal Marines could board vessels that dont pose a danger.

Last week, Britain allowed one of Putins shadow fleet tankers carrying oil to Cuba to pass through the English Channel relatively unchallenged.

The sanctioned, state-owned vessel was escorted by a Russian warship and shadowed by the Navy for 48 hours as it navigated through British waters.

The UK has previously assisted in tanker boarding operations, providing intelligence on two illegal Russian tankers in the Mediterranean that were later seized by the French navy, and using a surveillance plane to support a US operation in the Atlantic to seize another vessel in January.

The Ministry of Defence was approached for comment.
VIENNA, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hotel Sacher Vienna opened its doors in 1876 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. The anniversary year begins with the presentation of the sculptures "Step Big" and "Dancer" by renowned artist Erwin Wurm in front of the hotel entrance. On 26 March 2026, these were ceremoniously unveiled in the presence of the artist, Vienna's Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig and the owner family. They remain on display there throughout the anniversary year.

The owner families Gurtler and Winkler, artist Erwin Wurm with his two sculptures Step Big and Dancer, and the Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, at the unveiling marking the 150th anniversary of Hotel Sacher Vienna in front of the hotel entrance.

"150 years of Hotel Sacher Vienna stand for a lived tradition combined with continuous renewal, as well as for the passion and excellence of the many people who have shaped Sacher over generations. Both guests and employees. It is thanks to them that we are able to stand here today," emphasize the owners Alexandra Winkler and Georg Gurtler.

"I warmly congratulate Hotel Sacher on its 150th anniversary. Sacher represents Viennese history and genuine hospitality, making it an important ambassador for Vienna around the world," says Vienna's Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig.

Oversized handbags in front of the hotel

To mark the beginning of the anniversary year, Hotel Sacher Vienna presents two sculptures by internationally renowned Austrian artist Erwin Wurm at its entrance: "Step Big" and "Dancer," oversized handbags on long, slender legs. The installation can be understood as a poetic reflection on the "invisible baggage" each person carries, shaped by origin, history and experience. At the same time, this collaboration highlights Sacher's strong connection to art and culture.

"I made these walking, jumping, dancing and stepping bags to address certain ideas about how we design ourselves, how we present ourselves, how we pretend, what we want to be, and how we want to be seen  both in the male world and the female world," explains Erwin Wurm.

150 years shaped by family and excellence

The foundations of Sacher date back to 1832, when Franz Sacher created the Original Sacher-Torte. To this day, it is handcrafted in 34 individual steps and is considered a culinary icon of Vienna. With the opening of Hotel Sacher Vienna in 1876, Eduard Sacher continued this success story and, together with Anna Sacher, established the hotel as an internationally renowned meeting place for society. Hotel Sacher Vienna is one of the few privately owned, family-run five-star superior hotels, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and was listed among The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025.

The sculptures mark the beginning of the anniversary celebrations. Further initiatives, such as messages from prominent personalities and a short film combining animation and live-action footage, will follow. More information can be found at: www.sacher.com/en/sacher-vienna-150-years.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2943296/150_years_Hotel_Sacher.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2942283/Hotel_Sacher_Logo.jpg

Enquiries

Sacher Communications

[email protected]

+43 1 51456 1276

SOURCE Hotel Sacher
The researcher was awarded one of the 2026 Sabin Award for her contributions to applied genomics in the typhoid vaccine campaign, which reached over 40 million children in Bangladesh. In her homeland, Saha helped establish advanced laboratories for the sequencing of bacteria and viruses, a scientific and social work that has earned her several international awards.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  Bangladeshi scientist Senjuti Saha is among three researchers who have received the Sabin Award for their contributions to vaccine development.

The Sabin Vaccine Institute, an organisation dedicated to promoting vaccine use worldwide, awarded Dr Senjuti Saha the Rising Star Award for her work using genomics to support one of the largest typhoid vaccine campaign ever, which reached more than 40 million children last year in Bangladesh.

As deputy executive director of the Child Health Research Foundation, Saha has played a key role in gathering scientific data to guide the vaccination strategy.

Over the course of her career, she has helped establish one of the country's leading genomic laboratories, capable of sequencing thousands of pathogen genomes to improve early detection of outbreaks and support the development of new vaccines, including those against Klebsiella bacterium, which causes infections in children and the elderly that are often resistant to antibiotics, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which primarily affects newborns.

The research, the scientist noted, is the result of years of collective work in Bangladesh, and demonstrates that quality science can emerge wherever there is a shared commitment to problem-solving.

Saha led the first complete sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) in Bangladesh, identifying local mutations and helping track the spread of the infection in the country.

In recent years, she has received several awards and recognitions. In 2023, she was included in the Asian Scientist 100 list, which highlights the continent's most prominent researchers, while in 2022, The Lancet scientific journal recognised her contribution to applied genomics for infectious diseases.

In 2020, she received another award for a science outreach project developed with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and a recognition from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2018 for her commitment to global research.

In 2023, she received the Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak, one of Bangladeshs highest awards for women.

The Sabin Institute's other award for researchers, the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal (named after the scientist who developed one of the polio vaccines), was awarded to Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci, already recognised for their contributions to the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

The two researchers, who are married to each other, were recognised for leveraging previous oncology research for a rapid response to the pandemic.

The award ceremony will be held on 12 May 2026 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington.
After testing the programme in some regions with a series of pilot projects, China is preparing to launch a form of universal plan specifically for long-term disability care. The mutual support will be funded by a 0.3 per cent contribution rate. This will help families in a country where people over 65 are expected to make up 20 per cent of the population by 2033.

Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The People's Republic of China is preparing to extend a specific form of long-term care to the entire population, an increasingly pressing issue in a country where the population is aging fast.

After a ten-year trial in several regions, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council recently published a document entitled "Opinions on Accelerating the Establishment of a Long-Term Care System. The latter includes guidelines for the sixth pillar of the countrys social security system, which the government is set to introduce.

China's existing welfare system provides five forms of mandatory social security: pension, primary healthcare, maternity, unemployment, and work-relate injury insurance.

The problem of long-term care for dependent older people is growing exponentially. In fact, recent demographic data indicate that more than 220 million people are over the age of 65, a group expected to represent more than 20 per cent of the population by 2033.

The related social costs for this group is not covered by primary healthcare, and so end up burdening families.

Since 2016, Chinese authorities have carried out a series of pilot projects to develop potential solutions. Since then, they have been implemented in 92 different regions of the country, with a total of over 300 million people insured.

According to recently released data, 3.3 million Chinese citizens with disabilities have already benefited from these mechanisms, reducing the overall economic burden on families by over 100 billion yuan (approximately US$ 14.5 billion).

This has informed the decision to extend the "sixth social insurance" to the entire population, with a universal system that, public officials promise, will pay particular attention to equity and sustainability.

The goal is to cover everyone, without distinction between urban and rural areas or professional categories. Enrolment will be open to all workers, with a contribution equal to 0.3 per cent of their salary, split between employers and individuals, with the support of public subsidies.

The benefits will initially focus on the most severely disabled, with different reimbursement rates, while priority will be given to home and community-based care to meet the widespread desire to age in one's own family environment.

The new insurance fund will be included in a special social security account, with separate management and restricted use.

In parallel, Chinese authorities are also working on an integrated service system, capable of coordinating with health insurance and facilitating reimbursements even across regions.

The central government is convinced that this new system could also have a significant economic impact. Expanding long-term care should stimulate the development of new sectors, from the production of home care devices to disability assessment services.

Already, investments in these areas have exceeded 60 billion yuan (US$ 8.7 billion) in a rapidly growing market in China.
by Maria Casadei

The ruling overturns a provision that previously limited this right to cases where the child was under three months old. However, legal disparities remain: biological mothers, for example, are entitled to 26 weeks leave, whilst fathers are entitled to just 15 days, and only if they work in the public sector.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - Under new Supreme Court guidelines, an adoptive mother can now receive up to 12 weeks maternity leave regardless of the childs age. The ruling overturns the section of the 2020 Social Security Code that granted maternity leave only to mothers who had adopted children under three months old.

This provision had been particularly criticised, as the adoption process is usually very lengthy and the child is very often over three months old at the time of placement. An artificial distinction between mothers, the judges had commented, especially considering that adoptive mothers have the same role, the same responsibilities and the same care obligations.

The Supreme Court amended the existing law, removing the three-month age restriction and affirming that adoptive mothers have the same rights and obligations towards a child as biological mothers.

The leave period, however, as activists and members of civil society have pointed out, remains set at 12 weeks, whilst that of biological mothers is 26 weeks  more than double. The repeal of this section is therefore only a first step towards recognising equal rights between biological and adoptive mothers. However, the Supreme Court has reiterated that the role of the mother is not merely biological, but is defined by care and responsibility.

The Social Security Code, which came into force in November 2025, brings together nine laws into a single regulatory framework with the aim of creating a more comprehensive and inclusive protection system for all sections of the workforce.

The law comprises some 164 articles covering various topics, such as employees pay, the social security fund and maternity benefits. Article 60, which governs the right to maternity allowance, had raised concerns within civil society because it discriminated against adoptive mothers, violating the rights to equality, life and personal freedom enshrined in the Constitution.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court also discussed parental equality and considered the possibility of extending paternity leave  currently 15 days for civil servants (with no provision in the private sector)  to cover adoption as well. Parenting is not a solitary function performed by a single parent, but a shared responsibility in which each parent contributes to the childs holistic development, the Court stated.

However, in reality, this concept is not yet fully accepted or recognised in the Indian workplace. The Court urged the government to consider the draft bill on paternity leave and parental benefits tabled last year, which aims to secure eight weeks paternity leave, and directly called on trade unions to draft a provision recognising paternity leave as a social security benefit, so that it is also incorporated into the private sector.

The introduction of maternity benefits dates back to the colonial era. The Bombay Maternity Act of 1929 introduced a series of measures to protect women working in factories, a provision followed by similar laws in other parts of the country, until 1961, when Parliament passed the Maternity Benefit Act, which established 12 weeks maternity leave, later increased to 26 weeks in 2017. On that occasion, surrogate and adoptive mothers were also included, for whom a 12-week leave was introduced. The 1961 Act was subsequently incorporated into the Social Security Code of 2020, currently in force, which aims to extend social protection to all workers, including on-call workers and gig workers.
BEIJING, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Keymed Biosciences (HKEX: 02162) announced its 2025 annual results. The year marked the company's 10th anniversary and a pivotal year in its transition from R&D to commercialization.

Revenue Leaps Forward, Supporting Long-Term Stable Growth

Since its founding in 2016, Keymed has built a pipeline of over 50 programs, with more than 10 in clinical development, three indications successfully launched, six core technology platforms continuously upgraded, over 10 external partnerships established, and planned production capacity exceeding 100,000 liters.

In terms of financial performance, the company achieved a significant revenue increase. Total revenue in 2025 was approximately RMB 720 million, a 67% year-on-year increase. This included around RMB 310 million from sales of the core product Kangyueda and approximately RMB 410 million from collaboration income. The company maintained steady R&D investment, with R&D expenses of approximately RMB 720 million. As of December 31, 2025, cash reserves stood at approximately RMB 1.96 billion, providing ample funding to support core pipeline development and long-term business growth.

Core Product Commercialization in Full Swing, Continuous Expansion of Indication Footprint

As of the date of this announcement, the new drug applications of Kangyueda for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) have been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Since January 2026, all launched indications of Kangyueda and both of its packaging forms (vials and pre-filled auto-injector pens) have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List of China, significantly enhancing affordability and accessibility for Chinese patients.

During the Reporting Period, revenue for sales of Kangyueda amounted to approximately RMB310 million. In January 2026, the new drug applications for Stapokibart for the treatment of adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD were accepted by the NMPA. Simultaneously, we are advancing a Phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Stapokibart in child subjects with moderate-to-severe AD, and as of the date of this announcement, patient enrollment is in progress. Additionally, in 2025, we continuously proceeded with a Phase III clinical study of Stapokibart injection in patients with prurigo nodularis (PN). This clinical study has completed the patient enrollment in April 2025.

Global Partnerships Accelerate, Milestone Payments Validate Pipeline Value

In 2025, the company advanced several core pipeline programs through out-licensing deals, accelerating clinical development and unlocking overseas value for early-stage assets at an accelerated pace. Multiple business development achievements continued to validate the company's platform innovation potential and diverse partnership model, providing sustained momentum for subsequent in-house R&D and pipeline advancement.

CMG901 (AZD0901, Claudin 18.2 ADC), a first-in-class Claudin 18.2 ADC globally, has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA, as well as Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the CDE. Following its out-licensing to AstraZeneca for global development, multiple global Phase III clinical trials are being rapidly advanced. In February 2026, the first subject was dosed in this clinical trial, triggering a milestone payment subject to the terms and conditions of the license agreement. In early March 2026, KYM Biosciences Inc. (a 70% non-wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group) received the relevant milestone payment totaling US$45 million.

CM336 (BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody) was out-licensed to Ouro Medicines for global development (excluding Greater China). Open-label, multi-country basket studies are underway in the United States and Australia for relapsed/refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and other autoimmune cytopenias, with the first cohort of patients having completed dosing. Basket studies have also been initiated for active, autoantibody-positive Sjogren's syndrome and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. In January 2026, CM336 was granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the FDA for the treatment of AIHA and ITP.

In March 2026, Ouro Medicines announced that Gilead Sciences would acquire Ouro Medicines through a merger. The Merger Agreement provides for an upfront payment at Closing of US$1,675 million, subject to customary adjustments, and contingent milestone payment of up to US$500 million, for a maximum total of US$2,175 million. It is expected that based on the Company's equity interest in Ouro Medicines, the Group will receive an initial payment of approximately US$ 250 million, and contingent milestone payment of up to approximately US$ 70 million, for a maximum total of approximately US$320 million. The final consideration receivable by the Group is subject to the achievement of relevant milestones as well as the shareholders agreement amongst the Ouro Medicines shareholders.

CM355 (CD20 x CD3 bispecific antibody) : In January 2025, the company entered into a license agreement with Prolium, granting exclusive rights for global development in non-oncology indications and for oncology indications outside Asia. Keymed and its partner InnoCare received a combined upfront and near-term payment of $17.5 million, and are eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties totaling up to $502.5 million, as well as a minority equity interest in Prolium. As of the date of this announcement, Prolium announced the initiation of dosing in healthy subjects in a single dose-escalation study of CM355/PRO-203, and expects to initiate an international multi-center Phase I/II clinical study for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the second quarter of 2026, and will also initiate therapeutic studies for other B-cell-driven severe autoimmune diseases within 2026. Additionally, in an investigator-initiated exploratory study, 5 patients with refractory advanced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (all accompanied by lupus nephritis) are undergoing treatment evaluation.

CM313 (CD38 antibody) : In January 2025, the company entered into an exclusive license agreement with Timberlyne Therapeutics for global development (excluding Greater China), receiving $30 million in upfront and near-term payments, and became the largest shareholder of Timberlyne.

Promising Pipeline Data Highlights Best-in-Class Potential

CM512 (TSLP x IL-13 bispecific antibody) : The Phase I study has met all study endpoints. Data showed a half-life of up to 70 days, supporting the potential for extended dosing intervals. Notably, 50% of patients in the 300 mg group achieved EASI-75 at Week 6 post-first dose, compared to 7% in the placebo group. At Week 12, EASI-75 and EASI-90 response rates in the 300 mg dose group reached 58.3% and 41.7%, respectively, versus 21.4% and 0% in the placebo group. At Week 24, response rates remained stable across all endpoints and were significantly superior to placebo. Multiple Phase II studies for CM512 have been initiated across indications including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, moderate-to-severe asthma, moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Notably, the Phase II study in CRSwNP has completed enrollment of 120 target patients.

CM336 (BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody) : Data from the Phase II dose-expansion cohort in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 95.2% in the target dose group, with a  complete response (CR) rate of 76.2%, a minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate of 100%, and a 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 95.2%. The Phase III study was initiated in the second half of 2025.

In 2025, we continuously proceeded with a Phase I/II clinical study to assess CM336 injection for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). As of July 2025, in the Phase II dose-expansion stage, only 4.7% of subjects experienced Grade 2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) events, with no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) events occurring. The objective response rate (ORR) in the target dose group was 95.2%, the rate of complete response (CR) or better was 76.2%, the minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate was 100%, and the 12-month progression-free survival rate was 95.2%. Concurrently, in the second half of 2025, we initiated a Phase III clinical study to evaluate CM336 monotherapy versus investigator's choice (standard of care, SOC) in RRMM patients who previously have received at least second-line treatment.

Other Pipeline Programs Progressing Steadily:

CM518D1 (CDH17 ADC) : Initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial for advanced solid tumors.

CM383 (A protofibril antibody) : Completed patient enrollment in a Phase Ib study for Alzheimer's disease.

CM559 (N3pG A antibody): A Phase I clinical study in healthy male subjects for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease was initiated in 2025, with the first subject enrolled in September.

CM326 (TSLP antibody) : Led by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, clinical studies for multiple indications are underway. A Phase III clinical study for moderate-to-severe asthma completed enrollment of the first subject in March 2026, and a Phase III clinical study for CRSwNP was initiated in February 2026.

CM350 (GPC3 x CD3 bispecific antibody) : Phase I/II study in advanced solid tumors is in dose-escalation phase.

CM369/ICP-B05 (CCR8 antibody) : Phase I dose-escalation trials continue in advanced solid tumors and relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Innovative Technology Platforms Continue to Evolve, Forward-Looking Positioning in Chronic Disease

The company has established a diverse set of technology platforms, including Antibodies Discovery Platform, KeyMedSTAR (Keymed Superior Topo1i ADC Reagents) ADC Platform, TCE Bispecific Antibodies Platform, VESIR (VEhicle for siRNA Delivery) Oligonucleotide Platform, Small Molecule Platform and KeyCND (Keymed Central Nervous System Delivery)  Blood-Brain Barrier-Penetrating Antibody Delivery Platform. Leveraging iterative and synergistic platform innovation capabilities, the company continues to efficiently generate high-quality, high-potential innovative medicines, pioneering a blue ocean in the broader chronic disease treatment landscape.

Talent and Organization Continuously Optimized, High-Standard Capacity Development Accelerates

As of December 31, 2025, the company had 1,625 full-time employees, including a commercialization team of over 400 and a drug discovery and clinical operations team of over 430, providing strong talent support for product commercialization and R&D. The Chengdu manufacturing facility currently has three pilot production lines and three commercial production lines, achieving a total capacity of 21,800 liters. A newly added 24,000-liter stainless steel production line has completed installation and commissioning and is about to come into operation. All facilities are designed in compliance with NMPA and FDA cGMP standards, with total planned capacity exceeding 100,000 liters in the future.

The 2025 annual results comprehensively demonstrate the company's transformative progress in proprietary R&D, clinical advancement, and commercial operations, as well as its broad prospects across diversified technology platforms, innovative partnership-driven global expansion, and value realization on the world stage, underscoring the sustained and steady momentum fueled by original innovation. Keymed will continue to uphold its "patient-centric" philosophy, address unmet clinical needs, and remain committed to proprietary R&D and differentiated innovation, delivering high-quality, affordable innovative therapies to patients, while creating sustainable, long-term value for shareholders, partners, and society.

SOURCE Keymed
To boost local employment, the government has announced new steps that include higher salary thresholds for visa applications and limited stays, even for high-income migrants. But without investment in training, Malaysia risks only a shortage of skilled labour and rising costs.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Malaysia wants to significantly reduce its dependence on foreign labour. To this end, it has decided to introduce new restrictions that could reshape the countrys entire economic system.

According to the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, starting in June, the minimum salary threshold for obtaining a work visa will be increased.

For some categories, it will rise from 10,000 to 20,000 ringgit per month (approximately US$ 2,500 to US$ 5,000), while other categories will see increases from 5,000 to 10,000 ringgit and from 3,000 to 5,000 ringgit.

At the same time, employers will only be able to sponsor the same foreign worker for a limited period, between five and ten years, depending on the type of permit.

This restriction is part of the government's strategy to reduce the share of foreign workers from 14.1 per cent (2024) to 5 per cent by 2035. The stated goal is to encourage employment for Malaysian citizens and raise average wages, which currently hover around US$ 700 per month.

Malaysia is home to approximately 2.1 million registered foreign workers employed in low-wage jobs, often earning little more than the minimum wage of 1,700 ringgit (about US$ 430 per month).

Alongside these, the country also employs approximately 140,000 highly skilled workers in the financial, technology, semiconductor, and energy sectors.

According to data from the Home Affairs Ministry, this group of high-income expatriates contributes significantly to the national economy, with approximately 75 billion ringgit (US$ 19 billion) inflows annually and approximately 100 million ringgit (US$ 25 million) in taxes.

According to the government, reliance on low-skilled foreign labour has slowed technological innovation and productivity growth, generating "wage distortions" and a labour market dominated by low-value-added jobs.

The new restrictions not only affect lower-skilled workers but also higher-wage expatriates, with the aim  according to the authorities  of ensuring that their employment genuinely complements" and fosters the development of local skills.

Companies, in addition to risking doubling costs due to rising wages, will also have to plan to replace foreign workers with local staff at the end of their stay, a process that will require further investment in training and skills development.

For Malaysia, the main challenge remains developing an adequate workforce. Economic analysts believe that without strengthening the education and vocational training system, the reduction in expatriates risks resulting in a shortage of skilled workers rather than a real increase in domestic employment.

Photo: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.com
by Vladimir Rozanskij

A new law on local viticulture  the finest in the former Soviet states  is about to come into force in Tbilisi. A step towards meeting European quality standards and preventing the spread of viruses among crops. But small farmers fear that the introduction of a licensing system will encourage the formation of a closed circle amongst the major producers.

Tbilisi (AsiaNews) - Georgian wine, the finest of all the former Soviet states, will be subject to new regulations, and producers will require a state licence, without which neither wine nor grapes may be sold. The authorities speak of raising quality and European standards, whilst smaller wineries fear they will be unable to comply with the new provisions.

The most traditional region for Georgian wine is the inland plain of Kakheti, where wine production is not merely a culture but a true way of life, as Georgij Gvardzelasvili, owner of the winery of the same name, told Ekho.Kavkaza, recalling how he planted his first vines without intermediaries and without any permits. Today, his estate covers around 5,000 hectares of land, where he cultivates rare grape varieties and exports his products to nine countries where Georgian bars and restaurants are found.

The new law On Viticulture and Wine Production, which comes into force on 1 May, raises many concerns for Georgij, though he acknowledges that the sector has long faced various problems: uncertified seedlings are used, errors occur in the selection of varieties (for example, one buys Saperavi wine from a private seller, which then turns out to be the inferior Kisi) and the vineyards are affected by diseases. In his view, if Georgia wishes to meet the standards of countries such as Italy, France and Spain, changes are inevitable.

It is essential to screen crops for viruses; often, businesses face crises due to this lack of attention, and in this sense, control measures are very beneficial for everyone. However, the entrepreneur fears that insurmountable bureaucratic hurdles may arise for small businesses, and the state must be able to support the farmers. The National Wine Agency will issue the permits, taking on new powers in addition to quality control, and deciding the survival of individual farms.

Representatives of the Agency assure that the new system will help everyone to comply with agrotechnical standards, certify wine varieties and choose the right geographical locations for all producers, so as to uphold the quality of each variety. Deputy Minister for Agriculture Zurab Ezugbaja notes that in France, much stricter measures are adopted, which are laid down by law, providing for the removal of excess vines with percentage limits that producers must adhere to, which set cultivation quotas for each territory.

Another winegrower, Aleko Sardanasvili, works in the village of Khvanckara, which lends its name to one of the finest wines, and manages to produce several varieties of high-quality wine from just one hectare of land. He explains that effective production cannot be launched without agreements with the state, which also allow for subsidies and exemptions to be received by following a clearly defined procedure; but he too observes that a closed circle is forming among the major producers, whilst small-scale farmers face many difficulties.

Aleko expresses his opposition to the imposition of a state permit, because every agricultural entrepreneur has the right to sell the produce of their land according to their needs, without too many restrictions, provided that production is organised according to reasonable criteria. There is particular debate over the conditions for obtaining the permit, and by May the Minister for the Environment must clarify the criteria for completing the formalities. The NGO Transparency International-Georgia has published its assessment on the matter, also highlighting risks of corruption and threats of pressure on small winegrowers; a criticism that does not concern the general concept of the reform, but the details of its implementation, with the granting of arbitrary and absolute powers to the ministry, without any possibility of appeal or complaint. If individual farmers are deprived of their freedom to cultivate, Georgian wine will lose its soul, and with it any standard of quality.
Todays headlines: Nepalese Commission accuses former Prime Minister Oli of failing to prevent the deaths of dozens of people during anti-corruption protests; A senior Indonesian army officer resigns following an acid attack on an activist; Washington and Tehran are at odds over the negotiations; Tokyo releases further strategic oil reserves onto the market.

CHINA - UNITED STATES

Trump has stated that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in China on 14 and 15 May, after postponing this historic trip due to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. This would be the first visit to China by a US president in almost 10 years. Trump is also expected to host Xi in Washington DC later this year. Beijing has not responded to the dates suggested by Trump; it does not usually reveal Xis schedule so far in advance.

NEPAL

A Nepalese commission set up to investigate the violence that occurred during last Septembers anti-corruption protests has recommended that former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli be prosecuted for negligence for failing to prevent the deaths of dozens of people. The report was published two days before Balendra Shah is due to be sworn in as the new prime minister. The commission held Oli responsible for failing to act to stop the shootings, which lasted for hours and resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Gen Z protesters. 76 people were killed and 2,522 injured during the two days of unrest.

INDONESIA

Yudi Abrimantyo, head of the Indonesian armys intelligence unit, has resigned following an acid attack on an activist known for his opposition to the expansion of the armed forces role. Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, suffered burns to 20% of his face and body after acid was thrown at him by assailants on a motorbike on 12 March. This was followed by the arrest of four officers, all members of the intelligence unit. If found guilty, punishments range from disciplinary action to dishonourable discharge.

JAPAN

Japan has stated that it has begun to release part of its strategic oil reserves onto the market, in an attempt to mitigate the impact that the surge in prices caused by the war is having on this resource-poor nation. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz  through which a fifth of the worlds crude oil and gas passes: Tokyo is the worlds fifth-largest oil importer, with over 90% of its supplies coming from the Middle East.

IRAN - USA - ISRAEL - LEBANON

Trump claimed that Iran is willing to do anything to reach a deal to end nearly four weeks of war, contradicting the Iranian foreign minister, who said his country is merely examining a US proposal. Minister Abbas Araqchi said that, although there have been no negotiations with the United States, various messages have been exchanged via intermediaries. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that negotiating with Israel under enemy fire would amount to a surrender, whilst launching a series of attacks, and Israel has declared its intention to extend a buffer zone into Lebanon.

RUSSIA - SRI LANKA

Following groups of workers from India, Russia has begun welcoming workers from Sri Lanka to address labour shortages, as announced by Moscows ambassador to Colombo, Levan Dzagaryan, who assured that the problems encountered by these workers in the Pskov region, including delays in salary payments, would soon be resolved, and the Sri Lankan ambassador to Moscow, Shobini Gunasekera, pledged the necessary support.

UZBEKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN

Uzbekistans border police have uncovered a drug trafficking operation, seizing over 70 kilograms of hashish originating from Afghanistan, concealed as unpeeled potatoes in over 200 packages within a consignment transported by a 25-year-old Uzbek national from the Surkhandar region, the southernmost part of the country. According to investigations, the consignment was destined for Russia, and efforts are now underway to reconstruct the entire criminal network linked to this case.
by Dario Salvi

Bishop Berardi describes the climate of tensions and concern among people, surprised by Irans response to the Israeli-American attack. From travel, celebrations, and migrant workers, a climate of uncertainty prevails, combined with the fear that water will be affected. Below the surface, relations between Shias and Sunnis remain tense, while relations between Christians and Muslims are strong. The Abraham Accords are in crisis.

Milan (AsiaNews)  People in the Gulf "are wondering why, despite the money spent on protection, bases, and weapons, we have been attacked so hard" by Iran. This will inevitably lead to "a review of the geopolitics of this area" since "trust has eroded, this according to Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.

The United States and Israel launched a military action "while talks were underway, the prelate told AsiaNews. First they said they wanted to reach a deal, then they bombed and killed (Irans) political and religious leader (Ali Khamenei). People understand that (Iran) is now trying to defend itself.

The apostolic vicar is currently on a pastoral visit to Kuwait, one of the four countries that come his jurisdiction; the others are Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

For the prelate, the war launched by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic is "based on revenge. It is different from 'traditional' wars as we have known them until now," whose objective was "the conquest of territory. We are witnessing a verbal escalation, followed by a material response.

The war is affecting daily life, starting with travel. Unlike the past, the journey from Bahrain, the seat of the vicariate, to Kuwait, about an hour's flight, this time was overland, through Saudi territory.

Air traffic, in fact, is virtually paralysed due to the Israeli-American attacks and Iranian retaliation, which has repeatedly targeted the strategic interests of Gulf states.

At first, it was thought that (the war) could be over in a week," the prelate noted, but Iran responded "violently," albeit "legitimately," to the attack, putting up "unexpected resistance.

There is "uncertainty" because the refineries are "almost all closed," the oil wells "cannot produce," and "the closure of the Strait of Hormuz" has stopped traffic and trade. This is a distressing situation," the bishop lamented. The greatest danger is that they could target desalination plants and drinking water, causing a huge problem, even if that hasn't happened so far and we hope it doesn't."

Uncertainty among migrants

One of the greatest uncertainties related to the conflict is the presence in the Gulf countries of migrant populations, especially from South and Southeast Asia, who constitute an essential workforce for local economies.

The Europeans and Americans have already left, Bishop Berardi said, but we haven't seen a massive outflow so far. The vulnerable, especially the sick, women and children, and families, have the most to fear, yet most remain, despite their doubts because it's unclear what the future holds, whether banks, factories, and refineries will close as well."

"Some have lost their jobs or aren't being paid; others are waiting for the end of hostilities." However, there is already evidence of "a rise in poverty and a demand for (economic) assistance, even within our communities."

"Doubts, questions, and fears abound that everything will stop and that we could see further escalation," the vicar said. "At that point," he added, "people will begin to leave, but these countries cannot survive without immigration; everyone is aware of that.

Our Christians pray for peace, solidarity, and help between communities, between parishes, and within them, Bishop Berardi said.

From our perspective, we see no willingness on the part of Israel to stop, while the United States continues its threats, meeting with a response from Iran, whose people have a long tradition and have shown a certain strength."

We wait for the (leaders) decisions and pray, the prelate added, hoping that they will be inspired by greater wisdom and logic, because if the entire Middle East goes up in flames, it will be the end.

Confessional tensions

The new war that erupted on 28 February came just a few days before the start of Ramadan for Muslims and during Lent for Christians, but rather than dividing them, it has allowed them to strengthen relationships at the grassroots and individual levels.

"Our messages," Bishop Berardi noted, "were clear: we fast together, we pray during a special time for both religions," seeking greater "solidarity and generosity, strengthening our bond with God."

In a time of war and violence, "we expressed our solidarity as Christians," the vicar continued, "and this approach was appreciated" by majority Muslims.

Conversely, a certain tension prevails between Sunnis and Shias, whose relationship has long been problematic, but which the Gulf War has exacerbated. Still, governments "are trying to keep a low profile" or are sending signals of coexistence, comfort, and solidarity.

For example, the crown prince of Bahrain, who is also prime minister, visited the [countrys] Shia and Sunni leaders, and together they prayed in Manamas Grand Mosque. He then visited the cathedral as a show of unity" with Christians.

Many efforts are underway," Bernardi stressed, "to ease tensions that remain unresolved and simmer at the core of relations."

Tensions and uncertainty are growing ahead of upcoming Easter celebrations, when restrictions and limits will be in place on gatherings and worship, with differences between countries, in an effort to ensure the safety of the faithful.

We are reflecting," the bishop said, "on the procedures to adopt," starting with Palm Sunday and continuing during Holy Week.

"In Bahrain, outdoor ceremonies are prohibited, and it will not be possible, as in the past, to hold the Stations of the Cross in the courtyard of the Catholic school. Like at the end of Ramadan, outdoor gatherings are prohibited, even though services attract up to 4,000 faithful. We will hold the rites indoors, from the early hours of the morning until midnight in a continuous cycle, the bishop said.

The situation is different in Qatar, "where everything has remained shuttered for weeks," and services, as at the time of COVID-19, were "broadcast online, and priests visited the faithful to bring them the Sacraments," even though "just today the green light came from the authorities" for the reopening of churches.

In Saudi Arabia, services continue online (the "miracle of the internet, as the prelate called it in a AsiaNews report), while in Kuwait, Masses are celebrated inside places of worship, avoiding crowds at the end of Mass.

"I have told all priests that they are pillars on which people can lean in this difficult time. I thank God that none of them has asked to leave and return to their country of origin because of the war.

The End of the Abraham Accords?

The developments in recent weeks finally seem to be undermining the Abraham Accords, which, had fostered a rapprochement in the recent past between Israel and some Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and, for a while, Saudi Arabia.

"The conflict has thrown everything into question. Added to this is the shield factor, the protection that the Americans should have guaranteed with all their bases in the region. It is very clear that this has not been the case."

Governments have not issued any official statement, but images and news are heavily censored to avoid alarming an already worried public and to try to minimise the damage Iran has managed to inflict on its neighbours.

The prelate noted that, ordinary people wonder about the significance of the huge sums spent on security, bases, and missiles, only to be attacked so massively. This is why it is widely believed that the geopolitics of this area need to be reassessed.

"Israel is overdoing its defence objectives, from Gaza to Lebanon, with the loss of thousands of human lives and enormous destruction."

Now the question is how to restart dialogue and mediation, especially given the declining trust in diplomacy following the military escalation.

The question among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is "how to respond and defend ourselves" from this war between the United States and Israel with Iran, which is setting the entire region ablaze. This is not just a metaphor, since wells and other facilities are burning.

Tehran has demonstrated a power no one expected, perhaps exaggerated in its response, and with a growing sense of hatred among the people toward the Jewish state, which has proven to be ferocious and violent.

"It will take years to rebuild, reshaping the power relations, ties, and connections in a society that is about to change" in an economic context that is fragile. This is why the Easter message, the hope of entrusting oneself to God even in a situation of death, becomes even more important and urgent.
26 March 2026 14:14 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

The global energy crisis has once again underscored the strategic importance of energy security, particularly for countries heavily reliant on hydrocarbons. The volatility observed in global markets reflects not only dependence on oil and gas, but also the broader challenge of insufficient diversification into alternative energy sources. As a result, the urgency of transitioning to a more balanced and resilient energy mix has become increasingly evident.

However, such a transition is inherently complex, especially for economies historically built on fossil fuels. The development of renewable energy infrastructure requires significant financial investment, favorable natural conditions such as wind and solar resources, and advanced technological capabilities. Among the most critical challenges in this transition is energy storage. Unlike oil, renewable energy cannot be stored in conventional ways, making storage systems an essential component of a sustainable energy model.

In this context, Azerbaijan is actively advancing its energy transition strategy. The country aims to develop up to 6 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, increasing this to 8 gigawatts by 2033. This expansion is designed not only to meet growing domestic demand, but also to support electricity exports and power emerging sectors such as data centers. Achieving these targets, however, requires robust energy storage infrastructure to ensure stability and efficiency within the grid.

An important step in Azerbaijans energy transition was reached on March 25, when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Absheron Battery Energy Storage Center, implemented by AzerEnergy. The commissioning of this facility signals the countrys entry into a more advanced phase of energy system modernization, where flexibility and resilience are becoming as critical as generation capacity itself.

Financed entirely through domestic resources, large-scale energy storage centers with a combined capacity of 250 MW and 500 MWh have been established at the 500 kV Absheron and 220 kV Agdash substations.Importantly, this represents the first deployment of battery energy storage at such scale across the CIS region, positioning Azerbaijan as an adopter as well as an emerging regional frontrunner in grid modernization technologies.

The Absheron facility, equipped with 50 battery units and 13 inverter containers, forms a highly responsive system capable of addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the global energy transition, grid integration of intermittent renewable sources. Studies conducted by Tetra Tech and EPRA suggest that storage systems of this nature are essential to reliably integrate up to 1,850 MW of renewable capacity into Azerbaijans grid without compromising stability.

A defining feature of the Battery Energy Storage Center is its operational flexibility. With the ability to fully charge or discharge within two hours, the system can efficiently capture surplus electricity, particularly from solar generation during daylight hours, and release it during peak demand periods. This enhances efficiency as well as reduces the curtailment of renewable energy, a critical issue in rapidly expanding green energy systems.

From a systems perspective, the integration of advanced digital control technologies such as SCADA enables real-time monitoring and management of grid performance. This ensures frequency and voltage stability, allows for automatic response to sudden imbalances, and significantly reduces the risk of cascading failures. The inclusion of black start capability further strengthens national energy security, enabling rapid system restoration in the event of large-scale outages.

Beyond technical performance, the strategic value of energy storage lies in its ability to decouple energy production from consumption patterns. By smoothing demand fluctuations, particularly during evening hours when solar output declines the system enhances overall grid efficiency and reduces reliance on conventional backup generation. This, in turn, contributes to lower operational costs and reduced carbon intensity over time.

The project also reflects Azerbaijans broader push toward energy sector digitalization and infrastructure modernization. A dedicated control center has been established at the Absheron facility, complemented by upgraded administrative and operational infrastructure. Over the past seven years, the country has deployed approximately 4,700 kilometers of fiber-optic networks and implemented a centralized SCADA system covering more than 550 energy facilities, laying the groundwork for a fully integrated and intelligent energy system.

Advanced technologies, including AGC, WAMS/WACS systems, and AI-based predictive diagnostics, are further enhancing system reliability and forecasting accuracy. These developments indicate a shift toward a data-driven energy model, where real-time analytics and automation play a central role in operational decision-making.

In parallel, the ongoing AZURE project is facilitating the integration of 2 GW of renewable energy capacity into the national grid. The construction of new high-voltage transmission lines linking key nodes such as Absheron and Navahi is strengthening the transmission backbone, ensuring that increasing volumes of renewable energy can be efficiently distributed across the system.

Looking ahead, Azerbaijan plans to integrate more than 2,100 MW of green energy capacity by 2028, while electricity demand is projected to grow by approximately 17% by 2032. In this context, energy storage is no longer a supplementary component but a strategic necessity, ensuring that supply expansion is matched by system flexibility and reliability.

Overall, the commissioning of the Absheron Battery Energy Storage Center represents a critical milestone in Azerbaijans transition toward a more diversified, resilient, and sustainable energy system. As renewable energy capacity expands, such storage infrastructure will play an increasingly central role, transforming how energy is generated, and also how it is managed and consumed.
26 March 2026 18:56 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Russias invasion of Ukraine has reordered the commercial geography of Europe, and some of the less remarked effects include the emergence of Azerbaijan, traditionally a minor player in European trade, as a potentially important actor for an increasingly large number of European Union member states. None has welcomed this turn of events as warmly as Latvia. Trade between Riga and Baku has increased by over 130% since 2022, driven by logistics, a shared enthusiasm for green technologies, and Azerbaijans own modernisation push, which has given Westerners something to sell.

When Latvia's State Secretary of Economy, Raivis Bremsmits, sat down to assess his country's commercial ties with Azerbaijan on Wednesday with local media, the numbers on the page told a story of quiet but accelerating momentum.

Total trade turnover between Latvia and Azerbaijan reached 47mn in 2024, a rise of 10.2% on the previous year. That figure may appear small for two sovereign nations, but it represents the culmination of a three-year run of consistent expansion. In 2022, the bilateral trade relationship sat at roughly 20m, a figure that had itself only recently recovered from the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic. By 2023, that total had climbed to approximately 43mn, driven in large part by a near-doubling of Latvian imports from Azerbaijan. Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau recorded that imports from Azerbaijan rose by 90.7% in 2023 compared to the prior year, an exceptional spike against a backdrop in which Latvia's overall trade turnover fell by 11.9% that year, weighed down by lower energy prices and reduced volumes with Russia and Belarus.

Latvia's principal exports to Azerbaijan are foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment; Azerbaijani exports to Latvia have historically consisted of base metals and plastic products. Neither basket is glamorous. But officials in Riga view that narrowness as an opportunity rather than a ceiling. "These sectors create opportunities for business cooperation, knowledge exchange and the implementation of mutually beneficial projects," Mr Bremsmits said, pointing to transport and logistics, agriculture and food production, and education as areas ripe for deeper engagement.

The 2025 figures suggest the relationship is entering a new phase. In the first half of 2025, trade turnover between the two countries reached 28mn, an increase of 43% compared with the same period of the previous year, with Latvian exports reaching 21mn and imports from Azerbaijan hitting 7mn, both also up 43%.

Investment flows tell a similar story. Azerbaijan ranked 40th among foreign investors in Latvia in 2024, with investment volumes of 15mn, a figure that climbed a further 7% to 16mn in the first half of 2025 alone.

For a country of Azerbaijan's size and geographic distance from the Baltic, that placement speaks to an appetite for positioning assets within the European Union's single market.

Azerbaijan has been actively seeking European partners since 2022, as the West's need for alternatives to Russian energy sources has elevated Azerbaijan from a secondary energy source to a primary one. The broader effort to modernize the economy, including the energy sector, agriculture, logistics, and digitalisation, has provided Azerbaijan both the means and the impetus to build trade relations. Latvia has been seeking to redirect its trade routes eastward within the space of the post-Soviet states without passing through Russia.

It is precisely in logistics where analysts see the most tangible near-term opportunity. The 'famous' Middle Corridor, the trans-Caspian trade route linking Central Asia and the Caucasus to Europe via Azerbaijan and the Black Sea, has gained significant traction since 2022. Riga's port and rail network, connecting to Central Europe and Scandinavia, could form a natural northern terminus for goods moving westward through that corridor. Mr Bremsmits acknowledged that transport and logistics represented a core area of potential cooperation, and Latvian officials have been exploring how to align infrastructure investment with Azerbaijan's own connectivity ambitions.

The environmental dimension adds a further layer of strategic alignment. Latvia is a committed adherent of the EU's Green Deal architecture and has developed competencies in waste management, water resource management and the bioeconomy that Baku is increasingly looking to import, figuratively and, potentially, literally. Azerbaijan's economic modernisation focus on energy, agriculture, logistics and digitalisation creates tangible opportunities for Latvian companies to expand positions in the region and participate in the country's economic modernisation projects, according to Mr Bremsmits, who added that Latvia sees good potential for cooperation in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable industrial development.

The relationship is not without its asymmetries and constraints. Azerbaijan remains a minor trading partner for Latvia by European standards, ranking 59th among Latvia's foreign trade partners in 2024, well outside the top tier dominated by Lithuania, Germany and Estonia. The diplomatic relationship, while cordial, lacks the institutional density of Latvia's ties with its EU and NATO partners. And Baku's domestic reform trajectory, while impressive in macroeconomic terms, raises governance questions that some Western European investors factor into their calculations.

The convergence of Azerbaijani modernisation ambitions, Latvian green and logistics expertise, and the reconfigured geography of European trade has created conditions for the bilateral relationship to punch above its statistical weight. The numbers are still small, perhaps, but the trajectory is there.
SEOUL, South Korea, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LG hosted a President's Meeting on the 25th at the Namsan Leadership Center in Seoul, attended by LG Corp. Chairman and CEO Kwang-mo Koo and about 40 top executives from major affiliates.

The meeting served as a forum to explore strategic solutions for strengthening 'future resilience' against external shocks, particularly as uncertainties such as geoeconomic instability and global supply chain restructuring have become a constant in the business landscape.

LG Corp. Chairman and CEO Kwang-mo Koo, emphasizes the need for speedy AX acceleration to top executives at the President's Meeting held at the Namsan Leadership Center on the 25th. LG Corp. Chairman and CEO Kwang-mo Koo, emphasizes the need for speedy AX acceleration to top executives at the President's Meeting held at the Namsan Leadership Center on the 25th.

The executives agreed that overcoming unpredictable market conditions requires structural innovation that goes beyond incremental efficiency gains.

In particular, they defined AX(AI Transformation) as the essence of future competitiveness and concluded that the ability to execute with speed is the most critical factor.

Chairman Koo likened the AI-driven industrial shift to the introduction of electricity and the internet, emphasizing, "AI will not simply be a tool for enhancing efficiency and productivity.

He added, "It demands fundamental changes to prepare for a new era, and the future of company will be determined by how we perceive and respond to this transformation."

He also stressed, "Speed is of the essence. Since rapid execution is more vital than a perfect plan, we must deliver quick wins in high-impact areas to accumulate and expand our achievements." "

Furthermore, he urged the leadership to make decisive choices and take strong action, noting that "AX is not a task for a specific department, but a mandate that CEOs and business leaders must spearhead themselves."

Consequently, LG's leadership committed to accelerating structural innovation using AX across all stagesfrom design and production to marketingdriven by clear goals and agile execution.

SOURCE LG
26 March 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

For more than thirty years, ArmeniaAzerbaijan relations, which have become a source of conflict in the South Caucasus region, or more precisely, Armenias territorial claims, have once again resurfaced like a chronic illness just months before elections in Armenia. For several days now, both during pre-election campaign meetings with the public and in parliamentary speeches, the countrys Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been studying new ideas emerging from the domestic audience and attempting to gauge the publics attitude towards the concept of peace.

However, the latest outcomes clearly show that preparations for peace in Armenia are still not at the desired level. For example, during a recent public outreach campaign conducted by Pashinyan in the tube station last week, the reaction of an Armenian woman to a map of Armenia presented by the Prime Minister to her young child was notably harsh and rhetorical. The Armenian resident accused Nikol Pashinyan of handing over Karabakh to Azerbaijan and stated that the model presented did not reflect her countrys map. Another elderly Armenian citizen voiced similar claims, accusing Pashinyan and alleging that his country had supposedly lost its "sovereign territories". This is a clear manifestation that a segment of society in Armenia still does not wish to distance itself from separatist tendencies.

Yes, in recent years both Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken serious steps towards promoting and encouraging peace. Following a number of initiatives at the diplomatic level, there were also contact meetings between representatives of civil society from both sides. This was not only about leaving behind a conflict that lasted for more than thirty years, but also about taking necessary steps for the two peoples to coexist in one region and to continue their existence as sovereign and developed states. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan witnessed the pain of the war that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and how damaging it was to economic development. The prolonged closure of communication lines and the paralysis of diplomatic relations over many years hindered the rapid development of both countries. Armenia, remaining under blockade, was deprived of major economic opportunities due to the closure of its borders with both Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The occupied territories of Karabakh, having remained under the control of a separatist regime for many years, turned into a highly dangerous area. More than 80% of these lands were contaminated with military ammunition and mines, effectively becoming zones of death. Yet during the 30 years of occupation, not a single stone was laid upon another in Jabrayil, Fuzuli, or Aghdam. On the contrary, these territories were reduced to ruins and hidden from the international community for years. No one could have imagined that Aghdam would become the greatest ruin of the 21st century. So where were those who now claim Karabakh as their territory at that time? Why were some Armenians who now call themselves refugees not moved when they saw the devastated lands of Karabakh back then?

After the 2020 war, many Armenians who loudly proclaimed homeland voluntarily left Karabakh. In 2023, when the last separatist group in Karabakh was eliminated, several ethnic Armenian civilians living there were offered citizenship. This offer was unilateral; it was not conditional upon the return of Azerbaijanis who had been expelled from Armenia in the late 1980s. Azerbaijan took humanitarian steps to ensure the peaceful and secure life of Armenians who had lived in Karabakh. However, those Armenians said, we do not need Azerbaijans water or bread, and left the country of their own accord. Today, Nikol Pashinyan addresses those same individuals with the following question: Why do you accuse me? Why did you not remain in Karabakh at that time, and now call yourselves refugees and blame me?

Last day, the Prime Minister of Armenia once again drew attention with his address to the public that accuses him. He noted that in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the people of Armenia must decide whether the Karabakh movement will continue or not.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this during government hour in response to concerns that some circles perceive his statementthat war would break out if the Civil Contract party does not win the electionsas a threat.

Pashinyan also presented the public with two crucial choices: either to completely end the Karabakh movement, or to return to the past and go to war.

Pashinyan even indirectly touched upon the Declaration of Independence, which for many years included territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenias constitution. Referring to the Declaration of Independence, the Prime Minister said that it was not a declaration of independence, but rather a declaration of conflict and dependence.

Addressing his people once again, Pashinyan stated that he now links the Karabakh movement, which he currently considers mistaken and once supported himself, to Armenias destiny. According to him, the Armenian people must struggle to distance themselves from these claims; otherwise, this could determine our fate.
26 March 2026 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

An international group of travelers led by Harry Mitsidis, founder and head of the NomadMania travel club, has begun a visit to Azerbaijans Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions.

AzerNEWS reports that the delegation includes 79 travelers from 37 countries, making it the largest international group to visit Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur to date.

NomadMania ranks destinations worldwide by dividing the globe into 1,301 regions. Mitsidis himself has visited all of them, placing him first in the global rankings. The organization has also held its annual meeting in Azerbaijan for the first time.

The visit is seen as particularly significant for promoting the formerly occupied territories within the framework of so-called black tourism, while also showcasing large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts underway in the region.

Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 15 visits by international travelers have been organized to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur through major global travel clubs. This latest trip marks the 16th such visit.
26 March 2026 12:06 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan exported 22,638.44 tons of apples worth approximately $17.62 million in JanuaryFebruary 2026, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The figures mark a strong year-on-year increase, with export revenues rising by 30% (up by about $4.49 million), while volumes grew by 9.5% (an additional 1,964.77 tons) compared to the same period last year.

During the reporting period, apple exports accounted for 0.5% of Azerbaijans total export revenues, reflecting their role within the countrys non-oil export segment.

Overall, Azerbaijans foreign trade turnover reached $6.264 billion in the first two months of the year:

 Exports: $3.665 billion

 Imports: $2.599 billion

Compared to the same period last year, total exports declined by 23.1%, while imports fell by 37.2%.
26 March 2026 11:23 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

A humanitarian cargo train operated by Russias Ministry of Emergency Situations has arrived at the Garadagh station of Azerbaijan Railways, delivering aid bound for Iran.

Azernews reports that the shipmentprimarily consisting of medicinesexceeds 300 tons. The cargo is expected to be transported onward to its final destination within Iran by road.

Earlier, on March 12, another humanitarian consignment sent by Russias emergency authorities, weighing more than 13 tons and consisting of medical supplies, was also delivered to Iran via transit through Azerbaijan.

The development follows a phone call on March 11 between Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, Putin expressed gratitude for Azerbaijans prompt support in facilitating the evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran, as well as for enabling the transit of humanitarian aid across its territory.

Amid rising tensions in the region, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian cargo underscores the growing importance of international cooperation and transit capabilities.
26 March 2026 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of the country's Independence Day, AzerNEWS reports.

"Esteemed Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Day of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Independence Day, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and your entire people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

There are good traditions of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Bangladesh. I am confident that, in line with the interests of our peoples, we will continue to make joint efforts to develop our bilateral relations and expand our cooperation.

On this auspicious day, I wish you good health, happiness and success in your work, and the friendly people of Bangladesh peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
26 March 2026 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

International travelers have visited the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Khojaly genocide, AzerNEWS reports, citing Trend.

During their visit, they familiarized themselves with the monument and received detailed information about the historical events and consequences of the tragedy.

The trip is led by Harry Mitsidis, a Greek-born British national and founder of the NomadMania club, marking the latest journey of international travelers to Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.

The visitors entered the territories of the Aghdam district recently liberated from occupation. As part of the trip, they are scheduled to visit the cities of Aghdam and Shusha today. Tomorrow, the group will travel to Lachin, followed by visits to the Zangilan and Fuzuli districts.

The delegation consists of 79 people from 37 countries, making it the largest group of international travelers to visit Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur to date.

NomadMania divides the world into 1,301 regions with a unique ranking system. Club leader Harry Mitsidis has traveled to all of these regions and currently holds the top position worldwide. It is also worth noting that NomadMania held its annual meeting in Azerbaijan for the first time.

This trip carries special significance in terms of promoting the liberated territories within the framework of black tourism and showcasing large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts.

Overall, between 2020 and 2025, leading global traveler clubs organized 15 international trips to Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. The current trip marks the 16th in this series.
26 March 2026 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A group of international travelers led by Harry Mitsidis, founder of the NomadMania club, has arrived in Khankendi as part of a tour to the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The visitors were briefed on the citys current state and ongoing developments, as Azerbaijan continues large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts in the region.

The delegation consists of 79 travelers from 37 countries, making it the largest international tourist group to visit Karabakh and East Zangezur to date.

The trip began with entry through the Aghdam district. The itinerary includes visits to Shusha and Aghdam, followed by Lachin, and later the Zangilan and Fuzuli regions.

The visit is organized under the framework of the NomadMania club, known for its global ranking system dividing the world into 1,301 regions. Mitsidis himself has visited all of them and ranks first globally.

The trip is seen as part of efforts to promote the region through black tourism, offering visitors insight into post-conflict recovery and redevelopment.

Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 15 international trips were organized to Karabakh and East Zangezur by leading travel clubs. The current visit marks the 16th such trip, reflecting growing global interest in the region.
26 March 2026 13:51 (UTC+04:00)

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Rising oil and gas prices are expected to put increasing pressure on energy-importing countries, while boosting revenues for exporters such as Azerbaijan, according to a regional economic outlook by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. At pre-conflict price levels, the negative trade balance in energy resources is particularly high for countries including Moldova, Jordan, Tunisia, Senegal, North Macedonia, Morocco, and Egypt, where deficits range from around 5% to...

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

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26 March 2026 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In January-February of this year, Azerbaijan exported 61.3 thousand tons of crude oil and oil products obtained from bituminous rocks to Tunisia, valued at 29.5 million US dollars.

AzerNEWS reports, citing the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, that data on exports to Tunisia for the same period last year were not disclosed.

It is noted that in the first two months of 2026, Azerbaijans total trade with foreign countries amounted to 6.264 billion US dollars, down 2.64 billion dollars, or 29.6%, compared to the same period in 2025. Of this, 3.665 billion dollars were exports and 2.599 billion dollars were imports.

Over the past year, exports decreased by 1.102 billion dollars, or 23%, and imports fell by 1.539 billion dollars, or 37.2%, resulting in a positive trade balance of 933.6 million dollars, down 52.4 million dollars, or 5.3%, compared to last year.
26 March 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Iran has stepped up its military defenses on Kharg Island amid concerns over a possible U.S. ground assault, AzerNEWS reports, citing international media outlets.

In recent weeks Tehran has been preparing for a potential operation by the United States aimed at seizing control of the island. As part of these preparations, Iran has deployed traps, including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, along with additional military personnel, air defense systems, and surface-to-air missile systems.

Sources indicate that the U.S. administration has considered the possibility of capturing the islandlocated in the northeastern part of the Persian Gulfas a means of pressuring Iran to restore shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island serves as a critical economic lifeline for Iran, with approximately 90 percent of its crude oil exports passing through the area.
DALLAS, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Texas hemp industry faces a dual crisis of a 3,000% license fee hike and new restrictions on key federally legal hemp-derived products effective March 31, MNG Brands has announced a sweeping emergency relief program. The MNG Brands "Texas Hemp Retailer Relief Program" includes the $50,000 Licensing Relief Grant and Statewide Inventory Buy-Back programs designed to support small businesses across the state. To learn more about the "Texas Hemp Retailer Relief Program," please visit go.mngbrands.com/relief.

Supporting Texas Small Businesses

"Texas small businesses are being handed a $5,000 bill on the same day the state is taking away their top-selling products," said David Palatnik, President of MNG Brands. "We aren't going to watch our community collapse. We are putting our capital and our supply chain to work to ensure Texas shops can pivot, stay legal, and stay in business."

MNG Brands' "Texas Hemp Retail Relief Grant" initiative directly addresses the urgent challenges confronting the Texas hemp industry. It will provide $5,000 "Recovery Grants" to ten reputable small businesses, offering crucial financial assistance during this period of significant regulatory change. Concurrently, an immediate inventory-swap program will be implemented for retailers holding stock that is no longer eligible for sale under the new regulations, enabling them to pivot quickly and remain in compliance.

Program Highlights

The initiative includes:

The $50,000 Relief Grant: A reimbursement credit of the $5,000 state license fee for 10 selected retail businesses for financial relief.

A reimbursement credit of the $5,000 state license fee for 10 selected retail businesses for financial relief. The Inventory "Buy-Back": A statewide buy-back program allowing retailers to swap non-compliant products for MNG's products with the objective of enabling shops to stay legal and keep shelves stocked without missing a beat.

A statewide buy-back program allowing retailers to swap non-compliant products for MNG's products with the objective of enabling shops to stay legal and keep shelves stocked without missing a beat. Expert Judging Panel: Selection will be guided by industry leaders who aim to support businesses that are pillars of their communities and the hemp industry.

Applications open March 27th at go.mngbrands.com/relief/#apply. For further details on eligibility and application procedures for the grants and inventory swap program, please visit go.mngbrands.com/relief/.

"At MNG Brands, people have always come first. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to the wellness journey of every customer who walks through the doors of a Texas hemp retailer. We believe that access to high-quality, compliant hemp and wellness products is not a luxury but an essential part of helping people lead healthy and fulfilling lives," said Jason Brandl, Chief Operating Officer of MNG Brands. "By protecting the small businesses that serve those customers every day, we are protecting that access. MNG Brands is proud to invest in the communities, the retailers, and the people who make this industry meaningful, because when people thrive, everything else follows."

About MNG Brands

MNG Brands is a national leader in functional wellness retail and product innovation, operating one of the largest privately owned CBD and kratom platforms in the United States. Its flagship retail brand, CBD Kratom, spans more than 50 locations across major markets, including Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and St. Louis, alongside a growing e-commerce and wholesale footprint.

Through its portfolio of brands and distribution partnerships, MNG Brands delivers high-quality, compliant products across emerging wellness categories, including CBD, kratom, and alternative beverages. The company works closely with retail partners to drive incremental revenue, navigate regulatory change, and bring new consumers into the category.

For more information, visit mngbrands.com.

SOURCE MNG Brands
26 March 2026 11:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Wall Street Journal has reported that at least three Republican members of Congress, including the chairs of key Armed Services committees, are signaling that a potential U.S. ground operation in Iran could be under consideration, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the report, the lawmakers are strongly suggesting that preparations may already be underway, with the possibility that such an operation could begin in the near term.

Recent statements from senior Republicans indicate that while military operations are expanding, there is no unified public stance on deploying ground troops. For instance, Senate leadership has previously suggested that current operations are primarily focused on air and naval power, not a land invasion.

At the same time, classified briefings to Congress have left open the possibility of further escalation, with officials describing the situation as rapidly evolving and broad in scope.

The U.S. administration has yet issued no official confirmation regarding plans for a ground invasion.

United States President Donald Trump said Tehran is currently "negotiating" and insisted Iran wants to make a deal but is "afraid" to say so.

"They want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Trump said at a Republican fundraiser dinner in Washington. "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us," he added. Trump also noted that "there's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran."

Iran dismissed a US-proposed peace plan on Wednesday, describing the demands as "excessive," and floated five conditions of its own, according to state broadcaster Press TV. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump is ready to "unleash hell" if Tehran doesn't accept defeat.
26 March 2026 12:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Ukraine has canceled a total of 116 international agreements linked to the Soviet-era treaty framework, in a move aimed at fully severing legal ties with Russia, Belarus and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), AzerNEWS reports.

According to Andriy Sybiha, Ukraines Foreign Minister, the decision was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers as part of a broader effort to align the countrys legal system with current geopolitical realities.

My firm conviction is that Ukraine's legal framework must correspond to the realities of the war and the new security architecture on the European continent. To achieve this, we must sever the last legal ties that once connected us with the Russian Federation, Belarus and the CIS, Sybiha stated.

Under the governments move:

 Ukraine withdrew from 25 agreements

 canceled 3 agreements outright

 and exited 88 international treaties

In terms of distribution:

 5 agreements were with Russia

 23 agreements with Belarus

 87 agreements were within the CIS framework

 1 agreement was trilateral between Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus
26 March 2026 12:52 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Germany's Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius stated on Thursday during his visit to Australia that when it comes to the United States attacking Iran, "there is no strategy, there is no clear objective ... there is no exit strategy", AzerNEWS reports.

He noted that Berlin wasn't consulted before the strikes, further adding that this is not Germany's war and that the country doesn't want to "get sucked into [it]."

Pistorius remarked that Germany is ready to "secure any peace," as instability in the Middle East will have global effects. "This war is a catastrophe for the world's economies. The impact is absolutely evident already now after a little bit more than two weeks," he commented, stressing that a diplomatic solution must be found "as soon as possible."

United States President Donald Trump said Tehran is currently "negotiating" and insisted Iran wants to make a deal but is "afraid" to say so.

"They want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Trump said at a Republican fundraiser dinner in Washington. "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us," he added. Trump also noted that "there's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran."

Iran dismissed a US-proposed peace plan on Wednesday, describing the demands as "excessive," and floated five conditions of its own, according to state broadcaster Press TV. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump is ready to "unleash hell" if Tehran doesn't accept defeat.
26 March 2026 15:49 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The United States Department of Defense is thinking about potentially transferring military aid meant for Ukraine to the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports via WSJ.

The sources explained that the move is being considered as the war with Iran is consuming some of Washington's "most critical munitions." Among the weapons that could be rerouted from Ukraine are air defense interceptor missiles. Nonetheless, the sources noted that no definitive decision has been made yet.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Pentagon unveiled deals to boost the production of some weapons, including seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor.

The United States Department of Defense is discussing new options for dealing the "final blow" to Iran, including deploying ground forces there and launching a high-pressure bombing campaign, Axios reported on Thursday.

According to two US officials and two other sources familiar with the matter, such moves will become more likely if the latest effort to have Washington and Tehran negotiate fails. US President Donald Trump insisted that the talks are ongoing on the proposed 15-point plan for Iran's nuclear status, while the other side dismissed such claims. Trump later said that the Iranian leadership is "afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people."

The outlet's sources now said that potential options for intensifying pressure on Iran were discussed during a Zoom meeting. However, they pointed out that all the prospects are still "hypothetical" and that Trump has not decided on going for either of them yet.
26 March 2026 18:02 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have carried out attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-linked targets in the country, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The embassy has urged American citizens to leave Iraq immediately and advised them to avoid the embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil due to ongoing risks associated with rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles in Iraqi airspace.

The attacks come in the aftermath of a series of deadly airstrikes earlier this week that reportedly killed fighters from the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The PMF, a coalition of pro-Iranian militias integrated into Iraqs armed forces, has blamed the United States for the strikes.

The escalation follows the absence of a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. Since February 28, the U.S. and Israel have launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. military facilities across the region.

As tensions intensified between March 1 and 5, the conflict expanded across multiple Middle Eastern countries, raising serious concerns over regional stability. Energy infrastructure and maritime routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are now under significant threat, pushing global oil prices sharply higher and prompting several countries to evacuate their citizens.
26 March 2026 16:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Israel has reportedly removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf from its target list, following diplomatic intervention, a Pakistani source told Reuters, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the source, Pakistan played a key role in preventing potential strikes.

Israel had their coordinates and wanted to eliminate them. We told the United States that if they destroy them too, there will be no one left to talk to. The United States has asked Israel not to do this, the source said.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the two senior Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israels strike list for several days, citing U.S. officials. The report did not mention Pakistans involvement but noted that the pause was linked to exploring possible peace negotiations.

Multiple countries, including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye, are said to be actively mediating between Iran and the United States to de-escalate tensions.

Islamabad is reportedly being considered as a potential venue for talks, as diplomatic efforts accelerate to prevent further escalation and open a pathway toward negotiations.
26 March 2026 19:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Beijing has responded to President Donald Trump's statement that his postponed China visit for talks with counterpart Xi Jinping would take place in mid-May, AzerNEWS reports.

"The two countries are in communication regarding President Trump's visit to China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during Thursday's regular press briefing, without confirming the dates. "Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations."

Newsweek reached out to the White House and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. by email with requests for comment outside regular office hours.

The trip, which would be Trump's first to China in more than eight years, is expected to build on the leaders' last face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October 2025, which yielded modest concessions and a provisional easing of trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

Originally set for March 31, Trump delayed the visit, citing the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Beijing has repeatedly pointed to the importance of top-level talks in stabilizing relations, which remain strained over issues ranging from tariffs to Taiwan. Trump said his trip to Beijing for talks with the highly respected president of China is now set for May 14 and 15.

"First Lady Melania and I will also host President Xi and Madame Peng [Liyuan] for a reciprocal visit in Washington, D.C., at a later date this year," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday. "Our representatives are finalizing preparations for these historic visits. I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, I am sure, a monumental event."
The longrunning Missouri v. Biden lawsuit over free speech and the internet has finally come to a conclusion with a consent decree the protects online free speech. The case had its origin in government attempts to force social media sites to censor content on Covid and on election matters. The Twitter files after Elon Musk bought it had revealed a lot of government overreach. and were instrumental in providing evidence for the case.

The case had been returned to the lower court for more proceedings after making a trip to the Supreme Court, where Amy Comey Barret greatly disappointed conservatives for not standing with the Frist Amendment. The parties have not settled the case, and the consent decree recognizes that free speech right on the internet are the same as on other media, and that the government is prohibited from threatening social media companies over what they allow to be posted.

https://www.racket.news/p/finally-good-news-free-speech-wins

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/25/settlement-stops-government-from-using-social-media-as-speech-police/

https://justthenews.com/nation/free-speech/big-freaking-deal-trump-axes-biden-censorship-machine-unprecedented-consent

The war on free speech is ongoing by the globalist western elites. The US has pushed them back with this case, but in Europe, the situation for free speech is far worse.

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/democracy-watch/the-western-elites-war-against-democracy-is-now-out-in-the-open/
In the legal immigration process, aspiring immigrants must first have a very thorough medical check by a US-approved surgeon to verify they are free of disease. Only then can they be approved for an immigrant visa. Of course, there are lots of other requirements, too, but that one protects US citizens from immigrants bringing in disease.

There was no such requirement for health checks for illegal aliens released into the US at Biden's open border. Nobody gave any health check to them before releasing them into the interior of the US, and often flying them where they wanted to go.

Now a GOP congresswoman is pointing to two illegal aliens who have murdered Americans and who were let in with major contagious diseases as an example of the insanity of this Democrat policy. The killer of Katie Abraham entered the US with full blown AIDS, and the killer of Sheridan Gorham is eaten up with Tuberculosis, for which he has already had a $30,000 treatment since his arrest.

Illegal aliens like this not only pose a threat to US citizens from their criminal nature but also from the deadly diseases they bring into our country. But the Democrats cause travel chaos at our airports in their jihad to keep them here.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/03/sickening-illegal-alien-killer-katie-abraham-entered-us/

Democrats are still holding American air travelers hostage to try to save illegal aliens from deportation..

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/25/democrats-continue-holding-american-air-travelers-hostage-to-save-illegal-aliens/
Inland Empire gateway airport also saw double-digit growth in cargo

ONTARIO, Calif., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of passengers traveling through Ontario International Airport (ONT) in February increased by 6.3% and cargo shipments grew by 10.3% compared to the same month last year.

The Southern California gateway reported that more than 478,000 passengers flew into and out of ONT last month. Domestic volume grew by 2.1%  to 433,094  while international customer counts remained strong, increasing by 55.1%  to 55,531.

Southern California's Ontario International Airport reported continued passenger growth in February.

Year-to-date, the number of air passengers climbed to more than 971,000, an increase of 5%. The number of domestic travelers was essentially flat at 849,708, with international travelers at 121,812, an increase of 60%.

"As we approach ten years of local ownership, ONT has evolved into a gateway that reflects the energy and growth of the Inland Empire and greater Southern California. Our focus on accessibility and ease of travel continues to resonate with passengers and airlines alike, and we're proud to play a central role in connecting this dynamic region to the world," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).

Passenger

Totals Feb

2026 Feb

2025 Change YTD

2026 YTD

2025 Change Domestic 423,094 414,286 2.1 % 849,708 849,205 0.1 % International 55,531 35,807 55.1 % 121,812 76,127 60.0 % Total 478,625 450,093 6.3 % 971,520 925,332 5.0 %

The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in February were:

Southwest Airlines (35.4%) American Airlines (17.0%) Alaska Airlines (10.6%) Delta Air Lines (9.0%) United Airlines (8.9%)

Air cargo grew overall by 10.1% in February with commercial freight up by 13.1% while the volume of mail decreased by 5.4%.

Air cargo

(tonnage) Feb

2026 Feb

2025 Change YTD

2026 YTD

2025 Change Freight 57,331 50,606 13.3 % 114,646 103,029 11.3 % Mail 9,197 9,727 -5.4 % 18,722 20,630 -9.2 % Total 66,529 60,333 10.3 % 133,369 123,659 7.9 %

"As a top 10 air cargo hub with world-class facilities, we take pride in delivering the first-rate customer service our shipping partners demand when they need it," Elkadi said.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the second most popular mid-sized airport in the United States, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner)

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport
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BENNINGTON  One of four individuals, two from Bennington and two from Connecticut, charged with multiple felony drug counts on Christmas Day, has taken a plea deal with prosecutors that avoids any jail time.

Jeffrey Corbin, 34, facing a possible 56 years behind bars, instead received a 2-5-year sentence, all suspended, with a four-year probation. Corbin pleaded guilty to two of the five counts, with three of the charges dismissed as part of the deal. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell drugs and cocaine possession. Corbin was also charged in two separate incidents with cocaine possession. Those additional charges were included in the plea deal. The state dismissed fentanyl trafficking, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and fireworks possession charges as part of the deal.

According to an affidavit, police were summoned to a residence at 312 Weeks Street after numerous reports of gunshots were called in. Responding officers kicked in a basement door to gain entry into the residence, which had, according to the affidavit, a distinct odor of gunpowder. Several individuals, drugs, and a Glock firearm were located in different bedrooms of the home. All of the occupants were then detained.

A search warrant was then requested and obtained for the residence, where police found bags of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, buprenorphine, and a bag of currency equaling $1,960. Police also located a loaded Glock 9mm handgun.

An explosive device, later found to be a large firework that was thrown out of a vehicle in the same general area of town on Christmas Eve, was eventually tied to one of the defendants.

Charged at the time were Christopher Mavilla, 53, of Bennington; Corbin; Miguel Diaz-Antonetty, 41, of New Britain, Connecticut; and Tanairy Rodriguez, 44, of New Britain, Connecticut. Corbin was held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility with a $20 000 bail.

As part of the deal, Corbin will have numerous conditions of release to adhere to, including submitting to drug testing, warrantless searches of his person, residence, or vehicle, electronic monitoring, a prohibition on residing or associating with any individuals reasonably associated with drugs, screenings for substance abuse, inpatient treatment, a curfew, and no association with anyone involved in the incident.

A check of Vermont Department of Corrections records indicates that Corbin was recently released from custody.
LENOX  As he approaches a celebration of his 50th anniversary as owner of The Bookstore & Get Lit Wine Bar, Matt Tannenbaum wants you to know hes not going anywhere.

But he will be able to reduce his hours in the shop at 11 Housatonic St. as a transition plan shifts into higher gear.

Tannenbaum expects to become a bookseller emeritus, allowing him the flexibility to travel more and attend literary events.

Ill still have my hand in, passing along the institutional knowledge, the most important thing, and then the presence, being here for the customers, he said.

What I want to emphasize is the gratitude I have for the customers who constantly say 'I could have bought a book elsewhere, faster and cheaper, but I wanted to support you,'  Tannenbaum said.

Our motto is, it takes longer but it costs more, he quipped.

The store will mark the half-century milestone on April 1 with an all-day open house, also serving as a pre-birthday party for Tannenbaum, who turns 80 on April 11. Food and drink will be on hand, and guest speakers will hold forth during an open mic.

Keeping it all in the family, his well-versed daughter, Shawnee Tannenbaum, 40, will become the day-to-day proprietor, assisted by part-time staffers, including Sheppard Bear and Ryan Marchione.

Theres no timeline for the succession plan, as she has two kids to care for after school  Siena, soon to turn 6, and Desmond, 3  with her husband Michael DuPont, a School Committee member.

Siena jokes that she wants to work here, said Shawnee, who works in the store during school hours and on Saturdays.

Younger daughter Sophie, who works with Wildflower Alliance to assist homeless people in Pittsfield, will be an adviser on book selection and eventually a part-owner of the business.

Featured in a widely praised 2022 documentary, Hello, Bookstore, filmed on location during the pandemic and streaming on Apple+, Prime Video and Kanopy, the local landmark ranks as the oldest retail store downtown owned by one proprietor, Matt said.

"In the shadow of the pandemic, a small town rallies to protect a beloved local bookstore, according to the film's trailer  a reference to the astonishing $125,000 raised within three months by local and distant donors in a GoFundMe campaign to keep the shop open against all odds, as a matter of survival.

The original goal, $60,000, was reached within 23 hours.

It was a scary time, I knew that I had to do something, he said. For Shawnee, it felt weird, I was uncomfortable about it, the world was on fire in July 2020. But I understood we werent going to make it without it.

The stores slogan, Serving the community since last Tuesday, originated on a bookmark that also stated, All kinds of books for all kinds of people, Matt explained. It had no specific meaning and was completely arbitrary, he confessed, other than that it sounded funny,

But people inquired, so I had to tell them, this is our joke. By his calculation, the store has been open for 2,608 Tuesdays.

Having moved back to the area from New York City in 2015, Shawnee helped out on weekends while her weekday job was at Zogics, the online cleaning products supplier in Lenox.

After her first child, was born, she phased out of Zogics, eyeing an eventual role as owner of The Bookstore. Several potential buyers had come forth, Shawnee recalled, but they wanted to turn it into other things.

Shawnee acknowledged that some customers insist on buying from her dad and prefer to visit when hes there. He has found his own way; Im not him," she pointed out. "Im not going to change things, but I do things differently.

Meanwhile I think I have a lot of books to read, to catch up on.

I knew you were not me and you had your own sensibility and would bring that to the store, Matt chimed in. Once I understood that implicitly, then I was fine knowing what Shawnee was going to do. It took me 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years to learn all the things I know now.

Pointing out that the book trade is constantly changing, Shawnee is going to keep up with that, probably better than Ive been able to keep up, he said.

Working alongside her father for the past several years, she learned that people come in to chat.

Hes part bookseller, part therapist, as Shawnee put it. Theres a lot of lonely people, seeking comfort, needing to feel better about how the world is now. Coming into a safe place, with an anti-ICE T-shirt in the window, they know they can sit here just to talk to him.

Also, he knows what books they enjoy, even those he didnt like, she added.

When people come in for comfort and therapy, its not me especially," Matt said, "its what books provide, whether self-help, a psychology text, or a novel  non-fiction is where you find the facts, fiction is where you find the truth, especially for young people.

To people pleasantly surprised to find an independent bookstore still in business, Shawnee said, my go-to response is, theyre still teaching kids how to read, so until they stop, I think well be in business.

Timeline 1968: The Bookstore is founded in Stockbridge by David Silverstein in his living room at a cottage near Alice's Restaurant in Stockbridge (first known as The Back Room). 1973: Silverstein, having relocated to Lenox at two different sites, opens The Bookstore on Housatonic Street near Loeb's Market. 1975: Two years after first moving to New Marlborough from q wholesale book business in Washington, D.C., self-styled hippie Matt Tannenbaum relocates to a log cabin in Great Barrington, working as a carpenter. 1976: After his first visit to The Bookstore in Lenox, Tannenbaum seals a deal with Silverstein, purchasing the shop with a silent partner on April 1. 1977: After his investor-partner goes bankrupt, unable to pay the purchase loan, Tannenbaum buys the store himself with a loan from his mother. 2020: To survive the pandemic, The Bookstore sets up a GoFundMe campaign, raising $60,000 in the first day, wirh a final total of $125,000 three months later. 2022: "Hello, Bookstore," a documentary filmed during the pandemic is released to wide acclaim. 2026: On April 1, the shop will celebrate 50 years under Tannenbaum's ownership with an all-day open house.

Timeline

1968: The Bookstore is founded in Stockbridge by David Silverstein in his living room at a cottage near Alice's Restaurant in Stockbridge (first known as The Back Room).

1973: Silverstein, having relocated to Lenox at two different sites, opens The Bookstore on Housatonic Street near Loeb's Market.

1975: Two years after first moving to New Marlborough from q wholesale book business in Washington, D.C., self-styled hippie Matt Tannenbaum relocates to a log cabin in Great Barrington, working as a carpenter.

1976: After his first visit to The Bookstore in Lenox, Tannenbaum seals a deal with Epstein, purchasing the shop with a silent partner on April 1.

1977: After his investor-partner goes bankrupt, unable to pay the purchase loan, Tannenbaum buys the store himself with a loan from his mother.

2020: To survive the pandemic, The Bookstore sets up a GoFundMe campaign, raising $60,000 in the first day, wirh a final total of $125,000 three months later.

2022: "Hello, Bookstore," a documentary filmed during the pandemic is released to wide acclaim.

2026: On April 1, the shop will celebrate 50 years under Tannenbaum's ownership with an all-day open house.
And lawmakers are still looking for funding sources that could spare the district some of its projected layoffs.
You are the owner of this article.
Proposed cuts to the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority have been dropped after the new operating company came up with a run cut that can continue with the drivers they have.
In this family photo, Eagle columnist Lauren Stevens tries out his Flexible Flyer sled in the driveway of his Philadelphia childhood home in January 1945.
Community-led trail restoration efforts grow across the U.S. as outdoor recreation surges and volunteer trail groups decline.

MISSOULA, Mont., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- onX, the industry pioneer in digital navigation technology, is partnering with Toyota for a second year to expand the Trail Revival Project, a nationwide stewardship initiative dedicated to protecting and restoring access to public land trails.

In 2026, the Trail Revival Project will support 24 trail restoration and cleanup projects across the United States, bringing together off-road clubs, volunteers, and land managers to maintain and reopen trails threatened by erosion, storm damage, overgrowth, and illegal dumping.

The effort comes at a critical moment for public lands as outdoor recreation continues to surge. Many off-road trail clubs  longstanding operational partners to land managers responsible for clearing, maintaining, and restoring trails  are facing declining participation. Despite contributing more than 2.6 million hours of service annually (work equivalent to over 1,700 full-time employees) these groups are seeing reduced engagement, while land management agencies contend with limited staffing and funding. As a result, many trails go without consistent maintenance, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to erosion, overgrowth, and closure.

Toyota returns this year as onX's key partner, providing funding, vehicles, and logistical support to help power trail restoration efforts nationwide.

In its first year, the onX and Toyota Trail Revival Project initiative mobilized 400+ volunteers across 14 projects in 13 states, contributing more than 2,400 hours of trail work to restore 30 trails and nearly 50 miles of access routes through debris removal, drainage repairs, trash cleanup, and other maintenance.

Trail Revival Project events currently planned for 2026 include:

March 21: Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

March 21: Tonto National Forest, Arizona

March 28: George Washington National Forest, Virginia

March 28: Ocala National Forest, Florida

April 1: San Bernardino National Forest, California

April 25: Mendocino National Forest, California

April 25: Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Idaho

June 6: Langlade County OHV Trails, Wisconsin (Rain Date June 11)

June 28: White River National Forest, Colorado

June 28: Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

July 26August 8: Pioneer Trail, Carson National Forest, New Mexico

August 8: Arapeen OHV Trail System, Utah

Additional projects will be announced in the coming months.

"Access without stewardship is simply not sustainable," said Griffen Gilbert, onX Offroad Community Marketing Manager. "Trails don't maintain themselves. The Trail Revival Project supports the land management agencies, local clubs, and volunteers who do the work to keep these routes open for future generations."

"Toyota Trucks are designed for adventure seekers, and with that passion comes a responsibility to help preserve the places where those adventures happen," said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. "Building on the positive impact we made in 2025, we're excited to continue supporting the Trail Revival Project and the dedicated volunteers working to keep trails open for the community."

Join the Trail Revival Project movement. Sign up to volunteer or apply to host a local event at:

https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives/toyota-onx-offroad-trail-revival-project

About onX and onX Offroad

Founded in 2009, onX is a pioneer in digital outdoor navigation, developing software that informs, inspires, and empowers outdoor recreationists. Its suite of appsincluding onX Hunt, onX Offroad, onX Backcountry, and onX Fish Midwestis built by explorers, for explorers.

onX Offroad is the leader in off-road mapping and GPS technology, empowering powersports and overlanding enthusiasts to explore more than 650,000 miles of motorized trails and 852 million acres of public land. Built for off-roaders, by off-roaders, the app delivers some of the most complete, current, and accurate mapping available.

Because off-the-beaten-path experiences are central to its mission, onX also leads initiatives to protect and expand access to public lands. Since 2018, the company has partnered with organizations across the country to improve access through direct funding, data analysis, and research that support key legislation.

Learn more at https://www.onxmaps.com.

About Toyota

Toyota, creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America (nearly 48,000 in the U.S.).

For almost 70 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 47 million cars and trucks in North America at the company's 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, the company's plant in North Carolina began assembling automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (more than 2.3 million in the U.S.) in 2024, of which more than 43 percent were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell).

Contact:

Austin Caron

[email protected]

SOURCE onX
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani participates in the St. Patrick's Day Parade along 5th Avenue on March 17 in New York City.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion: Governor is right to take aim at centuries-old 'blue law' preventing Sunday hunting in Massachusetts


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MIAMI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenEvidence, the most widely used medical AI and clinical decision-support platform among U.S. physicians, today announced the launch of Coding Intelligence to automate the coding process and capture missing reimbursement, allowing physicians to focus on their patients.

OpenEvidence launches Coding Intelligence to help physicians capture every dollar they've earned

Modern medical billing has become impossibly complex and time-consuming. With tens of thousands of billing codes and multiple ways to code the same visit, the complexity of billing makes it challenging for physicians to get appropriately reimbursed without pivoting their focus away from patient care. We built Coding Intelligence to solve this.

OpenEvidence Coding Intelligence is live today in Visits. It delivers automatic ICD-10 diagnoses, E/M level recommendations with supporting MDM rationale written directly into the note, and CPT code suggestions for faster, more accurate reimbursement, all derived from clinical documentation and based on the latest clinical guidelines. Coding Intelligence is applied automatically at the end of every visit and is available the moment a note is finished.

"Without any extra work, OpenEvidence is able to generate concise rationale for their CPT + E/M suggestions. It truly captures the complexity of the encounter and saves me hours when I'm at the ER," said Ania Bilski, MD, VP of Clinical AI at OpenEvidence.

OpenEvidence Coding Intelligence provides:

E/M level recommendations with the full MDM rationale already written. Medical decision-making documentation is one of the most time-consuming parts of medical practice. For every hour of patient care, physicians spend nearly two additional hours on documentation. OpenEvidence generates the MDM breakdown automatically from the clinical note. Whether billing by complexity or by time, the reasoning is already documented and included in the record.

Medical decision-making documentation is one of the most time-consuming parts of medical practice. For every hour of patient care, physicians spend nearly two additional hours on documentation. OpenEvidence generates the MDM breakdown automatically from the clinical note. Whether billing by complexity or by time, the reasoning is already documented and included in the record. Never guess CPT codes again. Suggestions are automatically surfaced based on what was done during the visit - including uncommon procedure codes that are easily missed for complex cases. The wrong code billed out of habit quietly compounds into significant lost revenue. Coding Intelligence ensures the right code gets submitted helping physicians avoid lost revenue and minimize time spent in paperwork.

Suggestions are automatically surfaced based on what was done during the visit - including uncommon procedure codes that are easily missed for complex cases. The wrong code billed out of habit quietly compounds into significant lost revenue. Coding Intelligence ensures the right code gets submitted helping physicians avoid lost revenue and minimize time spent in paperwork. Automatic CPT code sequencing to maximize reimbursement. Under Medicare's Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction policy, every procedure after the first reimburses at roughly 50%. The order the codes are listed in determines how much the practice gets reimbursed. OpenEvidence shows expected RVU values alongside each CPT suggestion so codes can be sequenced correctly before the claim goes out - exactly the way an experienced biller would.

Under Medicare's Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction policy, every procedure after the first reimburses at roughly 50%. The order the codes are listed in determines how much the practice gets reimbursed. OpenEvidence shows expected RVU values alongside each CPT suggestion so codes can be sequenced correctly before the claim goes out - exactly the way an experienced biller would. ICD-10 diagnosis suggestions that reflect actual complexity of the encounter. ICD-10 diagnosis suggestions are surfaced automatically  no manual lookup, no searching for the most specific code at the end of a full clinic day. The suggestions reflect the actual nuance of what was documented.

"The true 'gold' is how the algorithm generates clear, concise, and RVU-billable Medical Decision Making (MDM) statements [it] captures the complexity of the work already being done without forcing the physician to upcode." Kevin Lu, MD

Coding Intelligence is available today for all verified clinicians in OpenEvidence.

About OpenEvidence

OpenEvidence is the most widely used medical AI platform among U.S. physicians, and is trusted by hundreds of thousands of verified clinicians to make high-stakes clinical decisions at the point of care with answers that are sourced, cited, and grounded in peer-reviewed medical literature. OpenEvidence was founded with the mission to organize and expand the world's collective medical knowledge. Learn more at openevidence.com.

SOURCE OpenEvidence
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Introduction to Police Checks

As someone who frequently navigates the regulatory and compliance seas in Australia, I find police checks to be a compelling topic. We're not just talking about a mere formalityits a critical component when selecting the right people to join a team. Conducting a thorough criminal background check helps ensure that those hired have the legal standing to safeguard a businesss reputation, especially in customer-facing roles.

What Is a Police Check?

A police check is essentially a procedure that involves verifying an individuals criminal history. In Queensland, the national police check qld is most commonly used, often becoming a requirement for roles involving significant responsibility or sensitive information. If you're akin to James, a small business owner in Perth, keeping abreast of this via the Queensland Police Museum should be a favoured strategy.

Types of Police Checks

There are generally a few categories of police checks:

Standard Checks: Suitable for general employment, where any criminal record is scrutinised.

Working with Vulnerable Groups: These are tailored checks ensuring individuals working with children or elderly people meet stringent criteria.

State-Specific Checks: Brisbane, for example, might require a unique national police check for roles involving local regulations, useful for referencing legal cases at the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

When Are They Required?

Understanding the scenarios where police checks become mandatory is crucial. Many businesses and industries in Australia, like tour agencies requiring their guides to have clear records, illustrate this need. For James, ensuring peace of mind involves knowing that his staff is fully verified, thus avoiding any unforeseen complications down the line.

Police Checks for Journalists

Reasons Journalists Need Them

Within the realm of journalism, safeguarding credibility and ensuring accuracy are paramount, but equally important is maintaining public trust. Police checks, like an Australian police check, are essential tools for journalists, providing credibility and strengthening trust with sources and the audience. These checks verify that reporters have no disqualifying criminal history, which could otherwise compromise sensitive investigations or question their integrity. Whether you're covering crime, politics, or public events, having a clean record can be critical to gaining access to information and securing interviews.

Scenarios Requiring Police Checks

There are several specific instances where journalists may be required to undergo a national police check. Reporting from sensitive environments such as courts or government facilities often necessitates a background check to ensure the journalist is free from any history that could pose security risks. Moreover, investigative reporters who delve into cases involving criminal activities might need a verified background to ensure they present no bias or conflict of interest. These scenarios demonstrate how police checks act as gates to better ensure journalistic integrity.

Impact on Journalistic Work

The police check WA not only influences a journalists ability to report on certain stories but also affects their standing with editors and media companies. A clean report can provide access to events where permissions are heavily guarded and foster relationships with high-profile sources who require trust before sharing valuable information. For professionals curious about how such checks impact their practice, visiting the Queensland Police Museum and its documentation on the history of policing and journalism interactions can provide valuable insights. By appreciating this dynamic, journalists can cultivate a more transparent relationship with the public and maintain the professional rigor required in journalism.

Navigating the Process

Steps to Obtain a Police Check

Getting a police check is a pivotal step for any employer looking to ensure the safety and reliability of potential hires. The process begins by selecting an authorised provider to perform the check, catering to local state requirements such as a police check victoria or police clearance wa. It's important to gather all necessary identification documents beforehand. Once these are submitted, the request is processed, keeping in mind privacy protocols.

Common Documents Needed

Applicants must present specific identification documents to verify their identity. Typically, this includes a government-issued ID (like a drivers licence or passport), a birth certificate, and proof of residence. These documents are standard across states but always check with local authorities for any additional requirements unique to your region.

Handling Delays and Issues

Delays in processing can arise due to incomplete documentation or inaccurate information. To navigate these challenges, reach out promptly to the service provider for clarification. Detailed guidance is often available through resources at institutions like the State Library of Queensland, ensuring you have all necessary information. Regular follow-ups ensure your checks are completed efficiently, leaving no room for compliance oversights.

As you manage this essential process, draw on resources like the Queensland Police Museum for insights into criminal records. This informed approach ensures that you maintain trust with clients and uphold high standards of operation in your business.

FAQs on Police Checks

Validity Periods and Renewals

When discussing the validity and renewal of police checks, it's crucial to understand the timeframe each check remains valid. As a guideline, a police check is typically valid for three months from the date of issue. However, this can vary depending on the organisation requesting the check. For example, some employers may have specific policies in place requiring more frequent renewals to ensure compliance with employment standards and safety protocols.

Addressing Discrepancies

Discrepancies in police checks can arise for various reasons, such as differences in name spellings, date of birth errors, or incorrect addresses. Resolving these issues promptly is essential to avoid potential hiring delays. Its advisable to check all personal information before submitting a police check nsw, ensuring accuracy and completeness. If discrepancies are identified after the check, contacting the relevant authority, like the Queensland Police, to rectify the issue is the best course of action.

Consequences of Non-compliance

Failing to obtain a timely police check or ignoring discrepancies can have serious consequences. For businesses, this oversight may lead to non-compliance with state regulations, affecting operations and possibly incurring penalties. A police check act is not just a procedural formality; it's a critical step in safeguarding business integrity and client trust. Ensuring all staff have up-to-date and accurate police checks reinforces the commitment to security and professionalism.

These insights are integral for professionals keen on maintaining a robust compliance framework, particularly in sectors where regulations and public trust are paramount.

Best Practices

Privacy and Security

As professionals, maintaining privacy and security when dealing with sensitive information such as police checks is imperative. Consultations with legal offices at the Brisbane Magistrates Court reveal the crucial importance of secure data storage to prevent unauthorized access. Employ encrypted digital systems and limit access to those who strictly need it. Use case studies from the Queensland Police Museum to illustrate the potential risks of negligence. In one instance, a Brisbane-based company faced legal repercussions after a data breach of criminal background information, highlighting the critical importance of robust security measures.

Understanding Regulations

Staying informed about the evolving regulations surrounding police checks is vital. Frequent visits to the State Library of Queensland for legal research have shown me that legislation changes more often than one might expect. Keep abreast of updates to ensure compliance with both federal and state laws. By leveraging seminars and workshops available at legal institutions, you can absorb the latest from leading experts.

Regular Updates

Regularly updating procedural methods will ensure that your practices remain aligned with current standards. Interviews with compliance officers underscore the importance of an annual review and adjustment of procedures. During my journey, Ive discovered that developing a schedule for reassessment protects organisations from potential oversights. Its advisable to integrate new technology solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. This proactive approach not only safeguards your operations but also affirms your commitment to ethical standards.
A Los Angeles jury found Alphabet's Google GOOGL.O and Meta Platforms META.O liable on Wednesday in a landmark youth social media addiction trial.

Here's a breakdown of what the jury found, and how the cases could be an early test of how courts may handle similar claims going forward.

What did the Los Angeles jury find?

The jury ordered Meta and Google on Wednesday to pay a combined $6 million (5.19 million) in damages to plaintiff Kaley G.M., a 20-year-old who said she suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts after becoming addicted to the companies platforms at a young age because of their attention-grabbing design.

The jury found that both Meta and Google were negligent in designing their platforms and failed to warn consumers about their risks.

What happened in New Mexico?

Separately, a jury in New Mexico on Tuesday ordered Meta to pay $375 million (324 million) after finding the company misled users about the safety of Facebook and Instagram while enabling child sexual exploitation on those platforms in a lawsuit brought by the state's attorney general.

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Why are these trials important?

The trials were the first to test whether Big Tech can be held liable for the design of apps blamed for harming young people's wellbeing.

Meta, Snapchat, and parent Snap Inc. SNAP.N, Google's YouTube, and TikTok and parent ByteDance are facing thousands of lawsuits in federal and state courts over claims they knowingly designed their platforms with features that addict children and teens, fueling a mental health crisis.

What does the verdict mean for other lawsuits?

The Los Angeles trial is meant to serve as a bellwether, or test case, for the thousands of similar lawsuits consolidated in California state courts.

Verdicts in bellwethers are often used by judges and attorneys to assess the potential value of remaining claims and guide settlement negotiations.

Typically, multiple bellwethers will be tried before a broader settlement or resolution is reached.

What other kinds of lawsuits are pending?

Beyond the California state court cases, more than 2,400 lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies that make similar claims have been centralised in the California federal court.

The federal litigation also includes lawsuits brought by state attorneys general alleging harm to their states, as well as cases by school districts that say social media addiction has caused costly disruptions and problems.

While there can be some coordination between state and federal courts overseeing similar claims, verdicts in state court do not typically have a direct impact on the federal litigation.

What legal questions remain?

Both the New Mexico and the California cases highlighted a central legal dispute that is likely to shape future cases: how much federal law shields social media companies from liability.

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Meta, Google and other social media companies have argued such lawsuits are barred by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally protects platforms from liability over user-generated content.

Plaintiffs counter that their claims target the sites' design features that cause harm rather than the content itself.

The judges in Los Angeles and Santa Fe rejected that argument when they allowed the cases to go to trial. The verdicts could form the basis of appeals that would give higher courts a chance to weigh in on the key question of whether Section 230 applies to claims focused on platform design rather than content.

What comes after the verdicts?

In May, the judge in New Mexico will oversee a second phase of that trial where the state attorney general will ask for a court order directing Meta to make changes to its platforms and for additional monetary damages.

Meta said it will appeal both verdicts. Google said it will appeal in the Los Angeles case.

In addition to the Section 230 question, the companies could also base appeals on events surrounding the trial, including the judge's decision-making on evidence, or jury or attorney conduct.

Will there be more trials in the US?

Yes, in both state and federal courts. A trial is scheduled for June in federal court in a lawsuit brought by a school district in Breathitt County, Kentucky, against Meta, ByteDance, Snap, and Google, according to court records.

In California state court, another trial is slated to begin in July involving claims against Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.

(Reporting by Diana Novak Jones, additional reporting by Courtney Rozen, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Rod Nickel)
The Court of Appeal has rejected an argument that the taking of DNA samples breached the constitutional rights of a man who used a billhook to murder his partner's brother in a family dispute over property.

In dismissing a conviction appeal by Keith OHara (47), the court also rejected the argument that search warrants in his case should have been excluded as there was no audio recording of the application for the warrants made by gardai in the District Court.

OHara, of Cahergal Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Paul Jones and to a second charge of burglary, but he was convicted by a jury in December 2021 at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork and sentenced to life in prison by Judge Michael MacGrath.

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The trial of O'Hara and co-accused Helen Jones, the deceaseds sister, heard that the murder of Jones arose out of a dispute about the family home in Cork that was before the civil court and which had caused a lot of disharmony.

Evidence was heard that OHara and Helen Jones travelled by taxi to the deceaseds home at Bandon Road in Cork on September 4th, 2019, where a heated exchange took place at the front door between the two defendants and Paul Jones.

During this exchange, Helen Jones was armed with a knife.

Later that day, both defendants were seen in a distressed state near the deceaseds house. They got a taxi from the scene, with the taxi driver noticing blood in the back of his taxi following the journey, which matched DNA samples later taken from OHara while detained.

On September 7th, the deceaseds son and two others went to the deceaseds house, where they were unable to gain entry as something was blocking the door. With a neighbours assistance, they gained entry and located the body of the deceased.

A pathologists report indicated that Jones had sustained 25 stab wounds together with a chop to the head. Two different weapons were used, with a billhook used by OHara and a knife by his co-accused. While the knife was never located, the billhook was found with O'Hara's blood on the handle and the deceaseds blood on the blade.

In launching an appeal against his conviction on Thursday, OHaras legal team, led by Vincent Heneghan, argued that the trial judge erred by refusing to exclude the DNA evidence of a sample taken from the appellant by gardai.

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They said that this sample was not taken in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act, 2014, as a garda sergeant and superintendent did not mention the grounds upon which authorisation was sought or granted.

As a result, it was argued that the sample taken was performed unlawfully and in breach of the appellants constitutional right to bodily integrity.

OHaras barristers also claimed that the judge erred by refusing to exclude any evidence recovered on foot of search warrants in the case, as the information given by gardai in relation to the warrants was sworn in the judges chambers rather than in a courtroom.

The barristers said that no recording facilities were available in the chambers, and the detective who made the application was unclear as to what oath was administered or taken.

In response to these submissions, the State, led by Jane Hyland, submitted that the garda superintendent explained that the authorisation for taking the samples was necessarily grounded on his reasonable suspicion of OHaras involvement and his belief that the samples would tend to confirm or disprove that involvement.

Concerning the search warrants, it was submitted that a garda sergeant attended at the District Court with sworn information which set out the grounds for the warrants, so the District Court judge was right to grant them.

In delivering the courts judgment today, Justice Patrick McCarthy said that concerning the taking of the DNA samples, the reasonable grounds for obtaining these samples were plainly and unequivocally present.

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He said that the garda witnesses were cross-examined and the factual details of the case were clear with a high degree of specificity, so the superintendent had sufficient grounds to make the orders.

Saying that the judge was entitled to make his decision to admit the samples based on the evidence heard, the judge ruled that there was no meaningful proposition that the order was unreasonably made.

Ireland Boy (17) accused of arson spree that left two Dublin homes 'uninhabitable' Read more

Concerning the search warrants, the judge said that there was no requirement for the application by the gardai to be recorded. He went on to say there was no doubt that the judge reasonably heard the application and rightly gave the warrants on merit.

The judge said that the court was rejecting the appeal.

In June 2024, co-accused Helen Jones also failed in her attempt to have her conviction overturned, with the Court of Appeal rejecting her bid to rule a search warrant unlawful based on the specific wording of the oath taken by a detective garda before the District Court judge.

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OAKLAND, Calif., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Pacific Time) to discuss its first quarter 2026 results. The public can access the conference call through a simultaneous webcast. The link is provided below and will also be available from the PG&E Corporation website.

What: First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call

When: Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time

Where: http://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/events-and-presentations/default.aspx

A replay of the live conference call and webcast will be available at

http://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/events-and-presentations/default.aspx.

Alternatively, a toll-free replay of the conference call may be accessed shortly after the live call through April 30, 2026 by dialing (800) 770-2030. Confirmation code 92587 will be required to access the replay.

Please contact Investor Relations at [email protected] if you have any questions.

PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is a holding company headquartered in Oakland. It is the parent company of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, an energy company that serves 16 million Californians across a 70,000-square-mile service area in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pgecorp.com.

SOURCE PG&E Corporation
There have been extraordinary delays in restoring a Carlow town site on which a building was demolished without permission, a High Court judge has said.

Judge Mary Rose Gearty said it has been painful to observe a case in which orders for the propertys reinstatement were made in 2017 by a now-retired judge.

She noted there has been much publicity around a separate example of a house built 20 years ago without planning permission in Co Meath. It was demolished by the local council last week.

The judge was not in the least surprised that plaintiff Elaine Morgan, a barrister and co-owner of a protected adjoining property on Dublin Street, wanted to bring a motion for the defendants attachment and imprisonment if they fail to comply with certain further steps, including submissions of updated project drawings, by April 17th.

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The case, which is also brought by Carlow County Council, is against the propertys owners, Slaneygio Limited and developer Joseph Germain.

In 2017, then High Court judge Marie Baker ruled that the demolition of number 25 Dublin Street over a bank holiday weekend in October 2016 required planning permission.

The owners claimed the two-storey building had been in an unsafe condition after internal works led to the collapse of a rear wall. Morgan alleged the claims it was unsafe were not credible.

In updated legal documents, Morgan alleged her property, which was attached to and supported by the demolished building, has suffered from water ingress and dampness.

She claimed no works have yet commenced on the site of the property despite extensive engagement by a court-appointed engineer who delivered detailed drawings and specifications for the build.

She alleged the owners have shown a clear and unequivocal unwillingness to comply with the terms of the 2017 order and have no interntion of complying  if they believe they can avoid it.

On Thursday Morgans barrister, Tadhg Dorgan instructed by Malcomson Law, said the owners have failed to comply with fresh deadlines for delivering structural drawings but did send on some documents on Wednesday evening.

The items cannot continue to be sent in a piecemeal fashion, he said, adding he wanted to bring a motion seeking the owners attachment and imprisonment if they fail to deliver the remaining required document by April 17th.

Damien Conroy, counsel for the defendants, said his clients had no difficulty delivering the documents by that date.

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Ireland Permanent injunction granted to prevent trespass on Tesco land in Galway Read more

He objected to the potential attachment and committal motion given the owners are making progress and there has been a signficiant level of compliance with the previous order.

The judge said it is perfectly clear there was no planning permission for the works done under the cover of a bank holiday weekend. It is now 2026, and it is not at all surprising Morgan wants a response to the extraordinary situation.

I simply dont accept it is unfair in any way to seek an order to attach and commit the [property owners] because it seems to me that might be the only way to ensure compliance, said Gearty.

The case is due to return to court in a month for an update on progress.
A series of social media posts by a Wexford GP, which criticised measures to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, introduced doubt in the public about the safety and effectiveness of public health guidelines, a medical inquiry has heard.

An expert witness for the Medical Council, Rukshan Goonewardena, told a fitness-to-practise committee of the regulatory body that he believed that comments on Twitter (now X) by Billy Ralph were inappropriate for a doctor to make.

He warned that such comments could have made the public distrustful of medical guidelines.

Dr Ralph, who runs his own practice at The Ballagh Health Centre, The Ballagh, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, is facing six separate allegations of professional misconduct over the content of posts he published on the social media platform between October 2020 and June 2022.

They relate to a total of 34 individual tweets which variously criticised the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and Covid-19 vaccinations, particularly to children, as well as the use of facemasks and lockdowns to restrict the spread of the virus.

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Another allegation relates to the promotion by Dr Ralph of the use of ivermectin  a prescription medicine used to treat parasitic infections like head lice - as a treatment for Covid-19 infection.

Counsel for the Medical Council, Neasa Bird, said the GPs tweets were also not in accordance with the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners.

On the second day of the inquiry on Thursday, Dr Goonewardena said there was no evidence to support Dr Ralphs claims that NPHET had caused a bigger second wave of cases by introducing facemasks, lockdowns and social distancing.

The expert witness also disputed the GPs assertion that there was no pandemic as he told the inquiry it was very clear there was one and Dr Ralphs comments were inappropriate given the large number of deaths.

On Dr Ralphs promotion of ivermectin, Dr Goonewardena said there was no guidance from reputable sources for the drugs use to treat Covid-19 or to replace vaccination.

He said it was unfortunate that information shared by Dr Ralph on Twitter was not accurate or valid.

Dr Goonewardena expressed concern that vulnerable people who lacked medical knowledge might be influenced by information shared online that was not factual or evidence-based.

Doctors should not be giving medical advice on social media, he observed.

Questioned about giving vaccines to children for Covid-19, the expert witness said that while the initial focus was on vaccinating the vulnerable and elderly, there was a recognition that children could transmit the disease to others.

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Dr Goonewardena noted that children with special needs were also considered to be at high risk.

He stressed that the benefits of vaccination for Covid-19 outweighed the risks of any side-effects.

Dr Goonewardena said he believed the cumulative effects of various social media posts of Dr Ralph constituted dishonourable behaviour in terms of a finding of professional misconduct.

He believed the GPs views about vaccinating children were reflective of what Dr Ralph was doing in his own practice.

However, Dr Goonewardena said he was not 100 per cent sure if the GPs tweets in relation to lockdowns were serious enough to merit a finding of professional misconduct.

Under cross-examination by Dr Ralph, he said he was not aware of any connections between NPHET, the Irish College of General Practitioners and pharmaceutical companies in relation to the specific issues before the inquiry.

Asked if guidelines were legally binding, Dr Goonewardena replied that they represented best practice which doctors were expected to adhere to.

He accepted that doctors were entitled to their personal opinion about such guidelines but said they should not publicly question them as public statements by doctors could cause harm.

However, he acknowledged that there were no allegations to suggest that Dr Ralph had caused any harm.

The witness also noted that the GP had provided 700 pages of testimonials to the fitness-to-practise committee.

Dr Ralph claimed Dr Goonewardenas assertion that the SARS CoV-2 virus was spread by droplets was incorrect and said it was a long distance aerosol spread virus.

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Ireland HSE reviewing hospitals failings over response to doctor who raped nurse Read more

The two doctors disagreed about whether masks and social distancing would help to prevent the transmission of such a virus.

The chairman of the inquiry, Paul Harkin, had to make a number of interjections during the hearing to remind members of the public in attendance not to disrupt proceedings, including not to approach witnesses.

Dr Ralph is due to give evidence on Friday on what is expected to be the final day of the inquiry.

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
The High Court has granted a permanent injunction to Tesco, preventing a couple from trespassing on an 8-acre site it wants to develop in Galway city.

Last July, Tesco Ireland Ltd obtained an injunction, pending full hearing of the case, preventing Martin and Kathleen Donovan, who live in a caravan on a halting site at Tur Uisce, Doughiska, Galway, from trespassing on the land.

The court heard they had been keeping the horses on the land at Briarhill Junction and using buildings on it as makeshift stables.

Following the granting of the injunction, the horses had been removed and the site secured, David Dodd BL, for Tesco, told the court on Thursday.

Dodd was now seeking to make the injunction against trespass permanent.

Counsel said while the court could take comfort from the fact that its order has been complied with, he was seeking that it be made permanent.

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The Donovans had been served with the application seeking the permanent injunction but had not appeared in court, counsel said.

Judge Brian Cregan was satisfied the papers had been served on them, and he granted Tesco the injunction sought.

Previously, the court heard the Donovans claimed they have been on the site for 15 years and could claim some adverse possession (squatters rights). Tesco disputed this.

Ireland 'I may have misspoken' - Judge apologises for criticism of prison management in murder trial Read more

The court also heard that at a meeting with the Donovans before proceedings were brought, Tesco was told they would get the horses off if they were "financially compensated" so that they could buy or rent new land to keep the animals. Tesco refused.

Galway City Council also notified Tesco that it had to render part of the land "other than derelict" and the site had been placed on the derelict sites register.

Dodd said the derelict sites issue had also been resolved.

Tesco wants to develop the site and part of it has been compulsorily purchased for part of the N6 Galway Ring Road project.
US President Donald Trump said that a deal to end the Iran war is near, after Tehran dismissed his 15-point ceasefire plan and issued its own sweeping demands to stop fighting as it launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries.

Two officials from Pakistan described the 15-point US proposal broadly, saying it included sanctions relief, a rollback of Irans nuclear programme, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil is normally shipped.

Iran issued its own plan via state TV, which includes a halt to killings of its officials, means to make sure no other war is waged against it, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities and Irans sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.





No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations, Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later told state TV.

Mr Trump insisted at a Republican fundraiser on Wednesday night that talks were underway with Irans leaders.

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They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but theyre afraid to say it because they figure theyll be killed by their own people, he said.

The death toll from the war has risen to more than 1,500 people in Iran, nearly 1,100 people in Lebanon, 20 in Israel and 13 US military members, as well as a number of civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region. Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced.

Activists in Iran reported heavy strikes early on Thursday morning around Isfahan, a city 205 miles south of capital Tehran.



UK petrol and diesel prices since start of Iran conflict, to March 24 (PA Graphics)

The pro-reform newspaper Ham Mihan reported online about strikes in the area.

Isfahan is home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of the nuclear sites bombed by the United States during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June.

The semi-official Fars news agency, which is close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, described the attacks as targeting two residential areas, without elaborating.

Earlier, Israels military said it had completed a wide-scale wave of strikes across Iran, including in Isfahan.

A missile alert sounded on mobile phones in Dubai on Thursday morning.

Saudi Arabias Defence Ministry said it intercepted multiple drones over its oil-rich Eastern Province on Thursday morning, while Kuwait reported it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire and Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens.
A landmark ban on AI nudification tools has been backed by the European Parliament.

The vote, which took place in Brussels on Thursday as part of the Digital Omnibus package, includes an explicit ban on "nudification" apps - tools that have gained traction for generating intimate deepfake images of individuals without their consent.

The vote amended the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), by 569 votes in favour, 45 against, with 23 abstentions.

In late January, the EU Commission opened an investigation into X over whether Grok chatbot had breached rules by disseminating illegal content.

In mid-February, the Data Protection Commission in Ireland opened an investigation into X regarding whether it had breached GDPR rules.

MEP Maria Walsh, member of the European Parliaments Gender Equality Committee, said: Todays vote shows that the EU will not allow artificial intelligence to be used to exploit and humiliate women and girls.

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"Nudification apps are not harmless tools; they are a form of digital violence that can have devastating and lifelong consequences for victims.

Walsh has been campaigning for stronger EU action on deepfakes for the past two years.

"Deepfake technology is being used to create non-consensual intimate images, overwhelmingly targeting women, with little accountability for those responsible.

World European Parliament agrees on resolution calling for minimum age on social media Read more

"The recent controversy surrounding Xs Grok AI tool, which has been used to generate explicit deepfake images and is now under investigation, shows just how urgent this issue has become.

"We must be clear: consent does not disappear online. The creation and sharing of these images is a violation of a persons dignity, privacy and safety, and it requires a strong legal response.

This is about protecting people, particularly young women and girls, from a rapidly growing form of cyberviolence. Today, the European Parliament has shown that it is ready to act.

Gardai previously confirmed that they were investigating up to 200 reports of sexual abuse material related to minors that were generated using the Grok chatbot.
Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse on Thursday, hardening their positions over ceasefire talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war as thousands more US troops neared the region.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial strait while Israel poured more troops into southern Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles and Gulf nations worked to intercept fire. Heavy strikes were reported in Irans capital and other cities.

In a war that appears defined by who can take the most pain, the US has offered shifting objectives, including ensuring Irans missile and nuclear programmes are no longer a threat and ending Tehrans support for armed groups in the region. Washington at one point also pushed for the overthrow of Irans theocracy.

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While the US-Israeli campaign has hit Irans military and government hard, killing top leaders and striking scores of targets, Iran continues to fire missiles and there is no sign of an uprising against the government.



(PA Graphics)

For Irans leadership, merely outlasting the onslaught could be seen as victory. It may be hoping to get the US to back down by hitting the world economy with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted oil and natural gas shipments and raised prices worldwide for energy and other goods.

Short of a negotiated solution, the US would need a dramatic escalation to end Irans attacks and restore the free flow of goods through the strait, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime.

Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal from the US while putting forth its own demands.

Mr Trump has vowed to strike Irans power plants if it does not fully reopen the strait. His new deadline pulls back on his earlier threat to bombing Irans energy plants if Tehran did not open the critical waterway.

Iran had threatened to retaliate against the regions vital infrastructure, like desalination facilities, if Mr Trump followed through. The US president said he was holding off on carrying through his threat because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well.

A Gulf Arab bloc said on Thursday that Iran is now exacting tolls from ships to ensure their safe passage through the waterway.



A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Iran has been blocking ships from the strait that it perceives as linked to the US and Israeli war effort, while letting through a trickle of others. Mr Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that Iran is allowing some oil tankers through as a sign of good faith for talks.

Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a bloc of six Gulf Arab nations, said Iran was charging for safe passage.

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Lloyds List Intelligence called it a de facto toll booth regime, saying that at least two vessels have paid in yuan, Chinas currency.

Irans grip on the strait and relentless attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have sent Brent crude, the international standard, up more than 40% since the war started.

Israel said it killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, and the countrys naval intelligence chief, Behnam Rezaei. Defence minister Israel Katz said Mr Tangsiri was responsible for bombing operations that have blocked ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz.



Pro-government supporters chant slogans and wave Iranian flags during a rally in western Tehran on Wednesday (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Using Pakistan as an intermediary, Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point action list, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed on Thursday, calling it a framework for a possible peace deal.

Mr Witkoff said there were strong signs the US could convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction.

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A day after saying Iran wants to cut a deal, Mr Trump posted on social media Thursday that Tehran needs to get serious soon on negotiating an end to the war before it is too late.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

But Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war and does not plan to. He said the US had tried to send messages to Iran through other nations, but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.

Egypt is also acting as a go-between, according to Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty, who said on Thursday that his country sees a desire from both sides for calm, for the exploration of negotiations.

Meanwhile, a group of ships, including the USS Tripoli, drew closer to the Middle East with some 2,500 Marines.

Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne  trained to land in hostile territory to secure key territory and airfields  have been ordered to the region.

Ali Bahreini, Irans top envoy to UN institutions in Geneva, warned on Thursday that any US and Israeli attempt to mount a ground invasion of Iran would be a big mistake.



Israeli security and rescue forces at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

The Israeli army said on Thursday it had deployed the 162nd division into southern Lebanon, joining thousands of troops that have moved there since the war erupted. Israel says the open-ended invasion is aimed at protecting its northern border towns from Hezbollah attacks and uprooting the militant group from the area.

Israel also said it carried out a wave of attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure early on Thursday. Heavy strikes were also reported around Isfahan, home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of Irans nuclear sites.

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Witnesses told The Associated Press that power is out in some areas of Irans capital Tehran, though no official reports have been released yet. Witnesses had earlier reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

Loud booms could be heard across Israel as it was repeatedly targeted by barrages from Iran. Israels emergency service said a man in his 30s was killed near the northern coastal city of Nahariya after a wave of strikes that came from Lebanon. In the United Arab Emirates, two people were reported killed by shrapnel from a missile interception over Abu Dhabi.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, deputy health minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera.
Italian authorities have impounded 20 million euros (17.3 million) worth of property, artworks and financial assets in and around Florence that were allegedly purchased with money stolen from original Bond girl Ursula Andress.

The seizures were the result of an investigation launched after Andress reported to Swiss authorities that she had been swindled out of assets by financial advisers.

The 90-year-old told Swiss newspaper Blick in January that she had been defrauded out of 18 million Swiss francs by her long-time financial adviser over an eight-year period. The newspaper said the adviser had died in the meantime.

I am still in shock, Andress was quoted as saying. I was deliberately chosen as a victim. For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me shamelessly and exploited my goodwill in a perfidious, indeed criminal, way in order to take everything from me. They took advantage of my age.



Ursula Andress was a former Bond girl (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The stolen funds were invested in foreign companies, used to buy assets and then channelled through transactions designed to conceal their source, Italian authorities said.

They were traced to the purchase of 11 real estate properties, 14 plots of land cultivated as vineyards and olive groves, along with artworks and financial assets in Florence and the neighbouring Tuscan countryside.

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Authorities did not say if any arrests were made.

Swiss-born Andress is best known as the first Bond girl, Honey Ryder, in 1962s Dr No, which featured her memorable entrance emerging from the sea in a white bikini.

She went on to work with Elvis Presley in Fun In Acapulco and Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in Four For Texas. She later transitioned to a European cinema and television career, before retiring in the early 2000s.
Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife have appeared in a New York courtroom as they seek to have their drug trafficking indictments thrown out over a geopolitical dispute over legal fees.

The defence and prosecution argued over whether Maduro should be allowed to use Venezuelan government funds to pay for his defence.

His lawyers have insisted the US is violating the deposed leaders constitutional rights by blocking government money from being used for his legal costs.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein questioned why the prosecutions argument to block the funds still stands, now that US and Venezuelan relations have warmed somewhat.



Demonstrators protest outside Manhattan federal court (Heather Khalifa/AP)

He did not immediately rule on the issue and did not give a timeline for the decision. A date for the next hearing was not set.

As supporters and opponents rallied outside, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first court appearance since a January arraignment at which he protested about his capture by US military forces and declared: I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country. Flores has also pleaded not guilty.

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The couple sat at the defence table between their lawyers, wearing jail uniforms and headphones to listen to the translation.

In addition to drug trafficking, they are accused of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their trafficking operation. That included the killing of a drug boss in Caracas, the indictment said. If convicted, they face life in prison.

Both are being held at a Brooklyn detention centre and neither has asked to be released on bail. Judge Hellerstein has yet to set a trial date.

Demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse both in favour of and against Maduro.

In a noisy scene, protesters and supporters chanted, blew horns and beat drums and cowbells. Among the anti-Maduro contingent, one person waved a sign reading Maduro rot in prison. On the other side of a metal barrier, people held signs reading Free President Maduro.

In Caracas on Thursday morning, a couple of hundred people gathered at a public plaza including ruling party supporters, state employees and civilian militia members.

Retiree Eduardo Cubillan said he was there to pray for Maduro and Flores and condemn the violation of Venezuelas sovereignty during the January 3 operation.



People gather at a government-organised event to watch former president Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores appear in a New York court on a screen in Caracas (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

We hope that in the United States, if justice truly exists, a trial will be held that will lead to President Maduros freedom, because this kidnapping violated international legal principles, and we want justice to be served, Mr Cubillan, 80, said.

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, continue to enjoy some support in Venezuela, with murals and billboards across the capital, Caracas, demanding their return.

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While Maduros ruling party remains in power, he has slowly been erased from the government of Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelas acting president.

Ms Rodriguez has replaced senior officials including Maduros faithful defence minister and attorney general, reorganised agencies, appointed ambassadors and eliminated tenets of the self-proclaimed socialist movement that has ruled Venezuela for more than two decades.

Venezuela has since reestablished diplomatic relations with the US, which in 2019 cut ties with Maduros government and recognised the then-head of the National Assembly, a member of the opposition, as the countrys legitimate leader. The US has eased economic sanctions on Venezuelas crucial oil industry and also dispatched a charge daffaires to Caracas.

Prosecutor Kyle Wirshba argued on Thursday that if the reason for US sanctions on Venezuela was because Maduro and his wife were plundering their countrys wealth, it would undermine the sanctions to allow them to access the same funds now to pay for their defence. Maduro has said he does not have personal funds to pay his lawyers.

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Judge Hellerstein questioned that argument, saying Maduro and Floress right to defend themselves is paramount over the governments national security and foreign policy interests.

I see no abiding interest of national security on the right to defend themselves, the judge said.

Among his arguments, Maduro lawyer Barry Pollack contended that if Maduro got public defenders, investigating and preparing his case would sap legal resources meant for people who cannot afford their own attorneys, and that does not make sense in a case where you have someone other than the US taxpayer standing ready, willing and able to fund that defence.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Osmond pitches Spanish critical minerals play to feed robotics boom Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd March 26, 2026  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

In the world of junior exploration, having the right rocks is only half the battle when it comes to standing out from the pack. Having them in the right place and at the right time can be a company maker and Osmond Resources appears to be ticking all three boxes. Chinese humanoid robots can now dance and perform flips, advancing rapidly thanks to the adoption of AI robotics. The ASX-listed explorer has just taken centre stage at the prestigious Swiss Mining Institute conference in Zurich, laying out a compelling case for its Orion EU critical minerals project in Spain. Early indications suggest the project could deliver three distinct saleable mineral products, titanium-rich rutile, zircon and rare earths-rich monazite, positioning it as a tailor-made solution for a continent scrambling to secure strategic supply for an oncoming robotics revolution.

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From a scale perspective, our target zone is a three-metre-thick seam across the meaningful part of 228km. Osmond Resources managing director Anthony Hall The company says its projects mineralisation stands in stark contrast to Europes broader strategic production, with the European Union currently extracting precisely zero titanium, zirconium, hafnium, or rare earth elements. Europe is wholly reliant on imports of these materials, even as they form part of the bedrock of modern technology and are set to skyrocket in demand from humanoid robot adoption. If human-like machines become even half the monster many expect, the world could be heading for one of the biggest critical minerals shocks ever seen. Morgan Stanley has forecast robot sales could hit a staggering 1.4 billion units a year by 2050, generating as much as US$25 (A$36) trillion in annual revenue and creating a colossal new pull on rare earths and titanium.

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The timing couldnt be better for Osmonds Orion project, which hosts at least two of the essential commodities needed for the coming wave of physical AI. Forecasts suggest that rare earths magnet supply may need to increase by an extraordinary 480 times to support long-range robot production for 2050, while titanium alloy demand from humanoid robots alone could blow out to roughly 280 times the size of the current titanium alloy market. For Europe, the issue is not just demand - it is supply security. China dominates the global rare earths magnet supply and controls about 70 per cent of titanium processing. This is the critical context for Osmonds Orion project. Sprawled across 228 square kilometres of Andalucian countryside in southern Spain, Orion is not just another dot on a map; it is a potentially massive domestic solution to Europes pressing supply needs.

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The projects strategic importance has also been amplified by the EUs Critical Raw Materials Act, a sweeping legislative push to break the blocs dependence on foreign powers. Osmond Resources is attending the Swiss Mining Institute conference in Zurich, Switzerland, at the iconic Dolder Grand Hotel. For companies like Osmond, this policy provides a powerful tailwind, creating a direct pathway for permitting, funding and offtakes for projects deemed strategically important. At the heart of Orions appeal is its unique geology. The project is hosted within a 470-million-year-old quartzite sequence interpreted as a lithified placer sand system - in laymans terms, its an ancient, fossilised coastal beach deposit. Just as modern beaches naturally concentrate heavy minerals such as zircon and rutile along the shoreline, this ancient system did the same on a massive scale before being buried, cooked and cemented into hard rock.

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The result is a series of predictable, relatively flat-lying and laterally extensive layers rich in a suite of high-value heavy minerals, including titanium-rich rutile, zircon and the rare earths-bearing mineral monazite. Early grades emerging from Osmonds high-grade Zone 1 are already raising eyebrows. One high-grade sub-seam returned an incredible 18.8 per cent rutile, 11.9 per cent zircon and 2 per cent monazite. A 3m-thick primary seam also delivered impressive numbers, including 13 per cent rutile and 8 per cent zircon. The company says its systematic exploration program has been steadily building a body of evidence to support the thesis of a continuous high-grade system of global significance. Recent drilling at its Zone 3 prospect, 9.5km from the initial Zone 1 discovery, confirmed the regional prospectivity, hitting multiple thick, high-grade horizons of the same mineralisation. One intercept returned 6.35m at 1.53 per cent zirconium and 0.254 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO). With grade and scale beginning to come into focus, Osmond has wisely shifted gears to de-risk the processing pathway.

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Osmond Resources managing director Anthony Hall said: From a scale perspective, what we ended up with from our target zone was a three-metre-thick seam across the meaningful part of 228 square kilometres. At a seam thickness of 3m and a specific gravity around 3, it results in roughly 9 million tonnes of high-grade material per square kilometre of mineralisation. Recent preliminary metallurgical testwork on a 150kg composite sample has also ticked the box, confirming the mineralisation is highly amenable to a conventional, industry-standard mineral sands flowsheet. The company says its zircon is of particular note, with management confident that with further optimisation, it can produce a premium-grade zircon concentrate on par with leading global producers. Early results for monazite were equally encouraging. A simple magnetic separation and flotation process yielded a monazite-dominant concentrate grading an impressive 19.4 per cent TREO, with recoveries of 76 per cent, comparable to those achieved at hard-rock monazite projects worldwide. Osmond says it will now look to form a scoping study around its strategically significant critical minerals project, initially focusing on the straightforward sale of mineral concentrates, offering a potentially rapid and capital-light route to cash flow for the company.

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However, Osmonds ambitions extend far beyond simply digging and shipping. The company says it is simultaneously pursuing a downstream processing strategy to capture the full value of its minerals within Europe. The cornerstone of this strategy is a landmark collaboration agreement with Spanish engineering powerhouse Tecnicas Reunidas. The Madrid-listed multi-billion-dollar giant is a leader in the energy transition space and a key player in the EUs push for industrial sovereignty. The partnership will see Osmond license Tecnicas Reunidas proprietary RARETECH hydrometallurgical technology to build a processing facility in Spain. The goal is to achieve the EUs first fully vertically integrated production of mixed rare earths. This is a game-changing move. It leapfrogs the typical junior explorer model and positions Osmond as a potential mine-to-magnet-feedstock producer, capturing significantly more value and embedding itself as a critical piece of Europes future industrial puzzle.

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The collaboration with a respected Spanish industrial advocate not only provides a proven technical solution for downstream processing but also lends immense credibility and strategic leverage in securing Spanish and EU funding. With the mineralisation already showing promise, Europe is scrambling to lock in secure domestic critical minerals and drilling is set to ramp up, Osmond looks perfectly positioned for the oncoming robotics revolution. With the right minerals, in the right place and definitely at the right time. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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SAFE MULE Capability Snapshot

System: SAFE MULE (Multi-Function Utility Loader  Expeditionary)

Mission: Expeditionary logistics, equipment transport, and rapid material handling in austere environments

Users: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force

Environment: Forward operating bases, flight lines, expeditionary airfields, and remote operational locations

Design: Modular mission platform supporting multiple attachments and operational tasks

Status: Research and development complete  system transitioned into production

Evaluation: Demonstrated in operational environments including Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX River)

LAS VEGAS, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SAFE Structure Designs today announced that the company has successfully completed research and development of the SAFE MULE (Multi-Function Utility Loader  Expeditionary) and has transitioned the patented system into production to support operational requirements across the United States military.

SAFE MULE Loading CH53 and V22

The SAFE MULE is a next-generation expeditionary logistics platform engineered to support operational missions for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Designed for rugged environments and forward-deployed operations, the system provides military personnel with a versatile and highly mobile solution for moving, loading, transporting, and supporting mission-critical equipment in austere conditions.

The SAFE MULE platform was developed to address a critical logistics challenge faced by modern expeditionary forcesthe need to move heavy equipment and mission support assets quickly in environments where traditional forklifts, loaders, or material-handling equipment cannot easily operate. To learn more about the SAFE Mule See video on the SAFE MULE

The system provides a flexible solution that enables military personnel to maneuver equipment, supplies, and support systems in forward operating locations where speed, mobility, and reliability are essential.

Following extensive engineering development, testing, and system validation, SAFE Structure has now finalized the SAFE MULE platform and begun transitioning the system into full production.

As part of its development program, the SAFE MULE system was demonstrated and evaluated in operational environments including Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX River)one of the United States Navy's premier aviation test and evaluation facilities. Demonstrations highlighted the platform's ability to support expeditionary logistics operations and mission-critical equipment handling in demanding operational conditions.

SAFE Structure's engineering team designed the SAFE MULE with a modular architecture capable of supporting multiple mission sets including expeditionary logistics support, equipment transport, rapid loading operations, and forward mission support in austere environments.

With research and development now complete, SAFE Structure Designs has begun production of the SAFE MULE platform to support military customers seeking improved expeditionary logistics capabilities.

Statement from SAFE Structure President and CEO

Johnny Buscema, President and CEO of SAFE Structure Designs, commented on the milestone:

"Completing the research and development phase of the SAFE MULE and moving the system into production is a major milestone for our team. Our focus has always been to build equipment that solves real operational challenges for the men and women who serve our country.

We believe God gives us the means and ability to meet the needs placed before us, and we're honored to deliver solutions that support the mission readiness of our military."

Media Contact: SAFE Structure Designs Media Relations [email protected] www.SAFE-2.com

SAFE Structure Designs is a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in mission-critical military support equipment, aviation maintenance systems, and expeditionary logistics platforms for defense customers.

The company develops innovative engineering solutions that support operational readiness across U.S. military aviation, logistics, and expeditionary operations.

Built on principles of American manufacturing, faith-driven leadership, and a commitment to supporting the warfighter, SAFE Structure Designs partners with military organizations to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver reliable equipment for the field.

SOURCE S.A.F.E. Structure Designs
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Premier1 zeroes in on gravity-driven WA gold drill targets Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd March 26, 2026  3:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Premier1 has sharpened its aim on a potential Murchison gold discovery at its Abbotts North project in Western Australia, with high-resolution gravity surveys confirming priority drill targets in the burgeoning gold region. The company says its new gravity data, when layered over existing high-res magnetics, confirmed previously identified gold mineralisation sitting within an intersection of multiple large-scale structures  a classic setting for the formation of high-grade gold deposits. Early mining activities at New Murchison Golds Crown Prince deposit, adjacent to Premier1s Abbotts North gold project in Western Australia. According to management, the results have bolstered its confidence in the target ahead of an upcoming maiden drilling tilt, which is slated to begin in the second quarter of this year. The high-resolution gravity survey data has provided additional strong support for the prospectivity of the Rochefort target. Premier1 executive director Simon Phillips

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The prospect in question, Rochefort, has already shown plenty of promise from boots-on-the-ground surface observations. Previous work identified a coherent gold-in-soil anomaly stretching 400m by 350m, backed by high-grade rock chips up to an impressive 11.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Premier1 executive director Simon Phillips said: The high-resolution gravity survey data has provided additional strong support for the prospectivity of the Rochefort target. It gives us greater confidence in the structural controls on mineralisation. Despite being the companys secondary project away from its Yalgoo gold tenure, 300km away, Abbotts Norths address adds another layer of allure to its emerging WA gold story. The project sits just 35km north of Meekatharra in the historically rich, although relatively underexplored Abbotts greenstone belt. Notably, the Rochefort prospect lies only 20km along strike to the north of New Murchison Golds recently discovered and now producing Crown Prince deposit, which hosts a high-grade resource of 2.2 million tonnes grading 3.9g/t gold for 279,000 ounces.

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New Murchison is now trucking its high-grade ore to Westgold Resources Bluebird processing facility, pushing its market cap to above $500 million. Mirroring the underexplored greenstones seen at Crown Prince, the set up at Abbotts North shines a light on the discovery upside yet to be tested. Despite the Abbotts mining centre historically producing 41,000 ounces of gold at an exceptional head grade of 31g/t from shallow quartz reefs, the belt has seen remarkably little modern exploration, particularly on Premier1s ground. With geophysics now pinpointing the structural sweet spots, surface geochemistry lighting up with gold and a maiden drilling campaign on the horizon, Premier1 is building a robust case for yet another discovery in the Abbotts greenstones. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessConsumer affairsCommercial real estate Sydney barrister Brian Dooley calls last drinks at Courthouse. Its yours for around $20m Carolyn Cummins March 27, 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

Capital Gain In Sydneys inner west, barrister Brian Dooley has called last drinks at his Newtown Courthouse pub. The Sydney silk, normally to be found at 4 Wentworth Chambers or appearing at the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or District Courts, purchased The Courty, the 773 square metre pub at 202 Australia Street in Bohemian Newtown, close to 40 years ago. Barrister Brian Dooley has called last drinks at his Newtown Courthouse pub. Soon after buying it, he installed Bruce Solomons Solotel group to look after the popular venue as its long-term manager and tenant.

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Solomons lease expires in September, and with the pub sector running so hot, Dooley said the time is now right to sell the venue. No price was disclosed but expectations are the pub will fetch around $20 million. HTL Property agents Andrew Jolliffe, Dan Dragicevich and Sam Handy are handling the sale. Further inland, Tamworth is best known for its country music and Golden Guitar, but this week its at the centre of another major pub deal that will have Canberra-based investor Andrew Turnbull expand his hotel empire. Turnbulls IMG Hotel Group bought a portfolio of four pubs from the Tamworth Pub Group in a deal worth $160 million. Changing hands are four of the regional towns venues: the Longyard Hotel, Southgate Inn, Family Hotel and The Pub (along with Brittans Brewery). The vendor, Tamworth Pub Group, is a joint venture between The Pub Groups Craig Power and Tierzah Douglas, and Sydney-based Oscars Hotel Group headed by Bill and Mario Gravanis.

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Turnbull said Tamworths pubs present an opportunity underpinned by a well-managed portfolio with strong economic fundamentals, population growth and diversified revenue streams. The Longyard Hotel in Tamworth has sold, along with three others. They will be added to IMGs existing regional pub portfolio in Dubbo, Wellington, Mudgee, Orange, Bathurst, Mittagong and Cabarita. The sale was advised by JLL Hotels & Hospitality groups John Musca and Kate MacDonald. Gday caravaners

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Adelaide-based Gday Group run glorified caravan parks from the wilds of the Kimberley to Sydneys leafy north shore. Now they have finished upgrading their latest site, just a stones throw from Sydneys centre. The Macquarie Park site is at 13 Plassey Road (known as Discovery Parks  Lane Cove), and has had a $7 million upgrade, with another $3 million likely to be spent in the next few years. The upgrade included seven new safari tents to cater for a growing number of Sydneysiders wanting staycations, as well as more affordable spots for visitors wanting to be near the North Ryde metro. Campers at El Questro Station in the Kimberley. The Australian-owned tourism business is run by chief executive Grant Wilckens. It bought the El Questro resort in Western Australias far north and Kings Canyon Resort in the Northern Territory in 2021 for $60 million. The deal included the Lane Cove Holiday Park in Sydney.

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Gdays other recent NSW projects include a $4.5 million redevelopment at Emerald Beach on the Mid North Coast and a $20 million-plus transformation of a park at Forster, which it completed in 2024. On the South Coast, Discovery expanded its portfolio with a purchase in Narooma in 2023. Break free Private investment group Zhaos is selling the BreakFree on Broadway, a hotel at 247253 Broadway in Glebe, with an expectation of around $25 million. Located directly opposite Victoria Park and the Broadway Shopping Centre, the three-storey property with, basement, is fully leased to a BreakFree-branded hotel across its upper levels, and includes three ground-floor retail tenancies and a basement that has development approval for an 86-pod capsule hotel. The 51-room hotel operates under the global BreakFree brand through a franchise agreement with Accor. Its secured by a 10-year lease to Celestial Capital Group that includes the basement and its potential pod hotel.

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Colliers Steam Leung, Karen Wales and Harrison Mitchell, together with Savills Andy Hu, Jordan Lee and Harry George, are managing the campaign. Mental health hub A $10 million donation from industrial property giant Goodman to St Vincents Hospital will help convert the former Green Park Hotel in Darlinghurst into a mental health facility. The donation was made through the Goodman Foundation. The facility, once complete, will be known as The St Vincents Goodman Urban Health Hub. It will support early intervention and recovery-focused mental health services in one of Australias most densely populated urban communities. The industrial warehouse giant Goodman Group is run by Greg Goodman. Rhett Wyman

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The hospital bought the federation-era Darlinghurst pub, known by locals as the Greeny, in late 2020 for $8.25 million from Bruce Solomons Solotel group that had owned it for about 30 years. Before the sale, the hotel had been pulling beers for 127 years and was a favoured haunt for Sydneys LGBTQI community, as well as being a landmark venue for Mardi Gras celebrations. carolynannecummins@gmail.com The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessMarketsWorld markets Opinion The insider trading shadow hanging over Trumps sudden backdown Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist March 26, 2026  10:58am

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Was the unusual and suspicious trading activity in oil and share futures earlier this week insider trading, or was it astute traders taking advantage, again, of Donald Trumps predictability? Last Saturday, Trump gave Iran an ultimatum, posting on Truth Social that the US would hit and obliterate Iranian power plants, starting with the biggest one first, if Tehran didnt re-open the Strait of Hormuz. He gave Iran 48 hours to comply. Trumps abrupt U-turn rattled markets this week. Bloomberg Just after 7am on Monday in the US, in another Truth Social post, he walked back that threat and extended the deadline by five days, saying there had been in depth, detailed and constructive conversations over the weekend with Tehran about a complete and total resolution of the conflict. Iran, subsequently, has denied there were talks and has rejected the administrations plan for an end to the conflict. Fifteen minutes before that post, about 6200 oil futures contracts, notionally worth about $US580 million ($835 million), were traded within a minute, according to a Financial Times analysis of Bloomberg data. Each contract represents 1000 barrels of oil, so a $US1 movement in the oil price generates a $US1000 profit or loss.

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There was similarly unusual activity in S&P500 futures  where there were contracts notionally worth $US1.5 billion traded  in prediction markets, in individual oil stocks (there was a burst of activity in Exxon options, for instance) and, it seems, in some European markets. Related Article Web culture A bar full of young things staring at TV screens. But theyre not watching football Not surprisingly, the markets responded to Trumps post, with oil prices tumbling and share prices rising. Brent crude dropped from about $US112 a barrel to $US99 a barrel. S&P 500 futures jumped 3.35 per cent and a cluster of newly-created accounts on Polymarket that were punting on a ceasefire were shown to be prescient. Hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions, were made for those investors in the less than 15 minutes between the trades and Trumps post.

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The huge spikes in futures markets volumes, and parallel activity in predictions/betting markets, immediately led to conclusions that it must be insider trading, adding to a pattern of equally suspicious trades ahead of Trumps previous market-moving changes of mind. Those include similar activity ahead of the US and Israeli strike on Iran, including prediction markets betting that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be killed. There were huge purchases of call options just before Trump paused his Liberation Day tariffs for three months last year, only a week after he had announced them; successful bets on the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro; sudden increases in market activity ahead of the government shutdowns and similar wagers being made before the informal release of the economic data that Trump often pre-emptively announces on Truth Social. The suspect activity in markets on Monday looks exactly as it would if someone, or several someones, had access to prior knowledge  inside information  that Trump was about to reverse course on his threat to obliterate Irans power generation.

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Had that threat been carried out, it would inevitably have triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran on the regions energy and water infrastructure, with near-permanent effects on global oil supply, not to mention devastation for communities and economies dependent on desalinated water. The oil price would have soared and share and bond prices would have plummeted. Trump loves to see how markets react to his threats. AP Knowing that the oil price would fall and share prices rise as the immediate threat of escalation receded, an astute investor would take up big short positions in Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate futures, buy call options on the S&P 500 index, place bets in prediction markets and buy options over the big oil stocks. To muddy the waters and maximise their profits, they might also seek out similar positions in markets outside the US. That scenario is essentially what happened on Monday, but was it insider trading or just astute trading?

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Trump is extremely predictable. Hes prone to making dire, bombastic threats and less than truthful statements  almost always on Truth Social  and then backing away just before hes supposed to be about to act. There have been a number of occasions when hes announced something on a weekend to give markets time to consider their response  and for him to gauge their likely reaction. View post on X Whether he would recognise it or not, his propensity for using statements on Truth Social to gauge investor sentiment and then react (via Truth Social), whether or not it facilitates insider trading, could be characterised as market manipulation  not that Trump, immune from prosecution while president and with the power of the pardon for any associate or family member, would care in either case. He is very aware of, and sensitive to, the impact his decisions and pronouncements have on financial markets and tends to back off if share or bond investors react badly to whatever he proposes.

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It was the violent adverse reaction in the markets that caused him to defer the Liberation Day tariffs. Related Article Gaming & wagering Australians use banned bookie as war wagers spark journalist death threats A smart investor who has studied Trumps modus operandi would be very aware of the likelihood that the severity of Trumps threat  he was proposing to commit a war crime with potentially horrific repercussions for the region  would lead to another of his TACO moments. He usually does chicken out. While the timing of the trades, just minutes before Trump performed his TACO backflip, does look highly suspect, it is conceivable, at least, that they were the result of an astute trader betting that Trump would what he always does. It may be that we never know the real character of the trades in question.

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The US Commodities Futures Trading Commission, which is the regulator for most futures activity and which has charge of oil futures, isnt known for its regulatory zeal. The Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees the sharemarket and some futures trading in equity-related indices, is now chaired by a Trump appointee and is in deregulatory mode. Trump is extremely predictable. Hes prone to making dire, bombastic threats and less than truthful statements  almost always on Truth Social  and then backing away just before hes supposed to be about to act. Neither body has expressed any interest in pursuing an investigation into the trading. It is possible, if there were an offshore element to the trades, that the UKs Financial Conduct Authority or the European Securities and Markets Authority would be keener than their Trump administration counterparts to look into what occurred.

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The White House, naturally, denies that anything untoward has occurred, with a spokesman saying it would not tolerate any administration official illegally profiteering off insider knowledge. Related Article World markets The $830 million bet on oil minutes before Trump sent markets tumbling This administration, and Trumps unique approach of making and announcing policy, is making some traders very rich, along with a first family who have benefited massively from his return to the presidency via perfectly timed transactions from the administrations embrace of crypto assets, from its contracts with companies they are exposed to and from the governments close personal ties with leading US energy and tech company executives and uber-wealthy and powerful Middle Eastern leaders. With the Republicans in control of Congress, there wont be any serious congressional investigation of the series of suspect trades that have occurred over the past year. That could change, however, if the Democrats gain control of the House, at least, in the November midterm elections. They have vowed to probe the dealings of Trump, his family and members of his administration that seem to have added substantially to many of their net worths. Trump is reportedly worried that he will be impeached, again, if he loses control of the House.

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Whether or not there was illegal insider activity involved in this weeks trading, or the earlier unusual episodes, or whether it has just been smart trading, the trades demand some level of investigation. There might still be one. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
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Two old women sit in a Brunswick house drinking tea. One of them is me. The other is Rosalie Ham, bestselling author of The Dressmaker trilogy, who at 71 is amply qualified to write a book about ageing. The book  part self-help, part reflection, part memoir, laced with Hams trademark humour  is called Look After Your Feet. Its a metaphor for looking after everything, she says. Balance, strength and the state of your feet. My parents had terrible feet, because of the war and the Depression and getting everyone elses shoes. Perhaps its because many Baby Boomers are avid readers, but authors are becoming interested in ageing. Their attention can be inspiring (Jacinta Parsons A Wisdom of Age)cheerleading (Kathy Lettes call for women in their 60s to go out and be fabulous) or enraged (Helen Garners reaction to a patronising young waiter). Mines just, here we are, this is whats happening, Ham says. What does age feel like to her? I dont feel it. I feel like Ive always felt. Then I think God, Ive got 20 years left, what wont get done? What am I going to do? A caveat: this book is mostly about ageing women. Do men age differently? Its all about their genitals and their work. Shes bemused at how younger people see her. They dont recognise the journey Ive had. They look at me and they have no idea I spent most of my 20s in a mosh pit. Theyd be shocked if they read my diaries.

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After six novels, the Melbourne writer has turned to non-fiction partly because her publisher suggested it and also through observing her circle of friends. Our conversations are about knees, hips, feet, big toes, sciatic and neuro pain, having a fall. Then theres memory loss: Ham pays for a landline so she can find her cellphone. You accumulate wisdom, but by the time youve accumulated it, youre moved to the back seat of the vehicle of life. I dont mind it, I quite like to ride. And its not literal. The family is always saying, Let grandma sit in the front of the car. Becoming older is not really about becoming wise. You just collect information and have a fairly solid grasp of things from all those years of observing people and how things work. The great irony is that nobody wants to hear it. Kate Winslet in the film adaptation of Hams novel The Dressmaker. Ageism, Ham says, is real in the workforce, and theres a lot of fear and prejudice against getting older. But its got its advantages and I wanted to let them in. Such as? Being not noticed. Thats a wonderful thing. You dont have to do small talk or work the room. You can walk in and quietly sit down and watch people. Thats great for me as a writer, she says. I dont feel guilty about pressing the button and stopping six lines of traffic while I cross the road. I dont have to wear a bra. I can take three hours to get dressed. My budget is my own  I can spend $80 on a dog toy and it doesnt matter. Ham has four grandchildren aged between 11 and 18 (the grandchildren of her late husband Ian) and shes happy to do grandmotherly duties once a week, but the rest of the time I do whatever the heck I want.

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Its impossible to age gracefully. You can try, but your body does what it wants. So theres discussion of flatulence and incontinence: I had an aunt on diuretics, shed rather stay home. But Ham got her out and about: The first thing we always did was check where the loo was. Theres no advice in her book on sex. Its fine at the time, says Ham. But it just seems like a stupid thing when you think about it. Ham has been observing old or disabled or eccentric people all her life, and thats helped to create characters in her novels. When she was a child living in the tiny NSW town of Jerilderie, there was a deaf man whose conversation could be heard streets away, a man who talked to lampposts and a man with a brain injury who ran the newsagency, where customers counted out the exact change for him. Everybody looked out for everybody else. You accumulate wisdom, but by the time youve accumulated it, youre moved to the back seat of the vehicle of life, says Ham of ageing. Justin McManus Later she worked as a nurses aide in aged care. I saw people had perspicacity and accumulated knowledge. And theyd had a life. They were a scientist, or they flew a plane. And nobody asks them about it. There were several turning points in Hams life. One was when she was 10 and her mother left. She had an affair that didnt last, but she didnt move back. It took her years to work out what had happened. It was more traumatic for my older siblings. I lived on our block with people all around me and my best friend and her family and school  I had a very comfortable lovely world in that town, she says. She only went three blocks away, or she was at the pub, so I could always find her. She got hepatitis at 30 and the doctor said shed be in a wheelchair by the time she was 40, so she decided to move out and have good fun. I dont know why she didnt think about it, she just did it. She could have been a little kinder to everyone around her. My dad was brilliant. He did his best. It was a scandal for the small town, and Hams mother was ostracised, but she survived by becoming a seamstress and the townswomen forgave her because they wanted to look good. Hams first novel, The Dressmaker, became her revenge: I just took that situation and dramatised the hell out of it.

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Another turning point was born from humiliation. A boyfriend, an odd-shaped boy with dull teeth, dumped her and everyone but herself knew hed been cheating on her. At the time I was absolutely shattered. A few years down the track, when I found out who I was, I realised it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned to be more careful with people, not just going with a boy because he liked you. During a stint in a share house in Earls Court, London, Ham learned how to have fun. It opened up my entire world. In those carefree years of travel, she met a South American boyfriend, the Gaucho, and had many adventures on his motorbike. They are still friends. But when they broke up, he told her you should do something with your life. Related Article Review Cults, political thrills, ADHD and the Murdochs: 10 new books Oh my God, I had a kind of physical-emotional response to that, she says. At the same time, I went I should, I will. That led her to drama school. And when she decided she didnt want to be either an actor or a drama teacher, she fell into a professional writing course. After three weeks, I knew I was home. I didnt know if Id ever get published, I just wrote that book to pass the course. The rest is Ozlit history. Publication, a surprise hit, a set book for schools, an award-winning 2015 film adaptation and international sales of more than 500,000 for The Dressmaker and her other novels. Twenty-five years later, shes still doing Dressmaker events and recognising fans, such as those inspired by Sergeant Farrat, the cross-dresser. Perhaps the biggest turning point was meeting her future husband. I thought, oh there you are. He was my kind of person. I didnt know the other people werent really my kind of person, but I knew who I was by that point. The happy years with Ian and his children were threatened when he acquired Alzheimers, and later, terminal cancer. I was in full nursing mode with Ian, she says. That was the best thing I had, a way of coping. Those practical things probably saved me from going completely mad. It was very hard sometimes, I did drink a lot of wine, she concedes. But at the same time I drowned him in love and affection. I was grateful, I understood the importance of having that great big fat relationship in my life.

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(PG) 104 minutes

Pixar animations frequently achieve a magical mix of the commonsensical and the completely manic. The studios latest film, Hoppers, is typical. Its pitching a serious environmental message, but this doesnt mean that its delivering a sermon. Far from it. Its serious side is so well camouflaged by the happy absurdities flitting around on its surface that it could be selling snake oil and you wouldnt mind.

Hoppers: A magical mix of the commonsensical and the completely manic. Disney

There are a few snakes to be glimpsed amid its large and varied cast of animal species, but the stars of the show are the members of a beaver colony, together with their human champion, Mabel. We first meet Mabel as an animal-loving little girl intent on releasing the animals penned up in her schools science laboratory. And we return to her later as an adult obsessed with saving a forest pond that has been home to beavers for decades.

Her enemy is the local mayor, Jerry Generazzo, a strutting politician with John Hamms voice and Gavin Newsom hair, whos planning to destroy the beavers habitat by running a new freeway across it. Little does he know the trouble that awaits him.
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The online lore surrounding Underscores  the hyperpop musician April Harper Grey  is immense to the point of overwhelming. On SoundCloud, theres the trove of glitchy tracks she began posting as a 13-year-old enthralled with Skrillex. On Reddit, obsessives trawl through her digital footprint, including a YouTube channel where she used to dissect the mechanics behind her favourite K-pop hits. On YouTube, music professors highlight the wormhole tendencies of her 2023 album Wallsocket, a Zoomer masterpiece that came with its own alternate reality game and fake college newspaper. Theres not that much out there, I dont think? the 25-year-old laughs from a hotel room in San Francisco, the city where she was born and raised, ahead of a livestreamed album launch at her hometown mall. I mean, I have some side accounts and all that, but nothing that people havent already found. You almost wonder what Underscores very online childhood wouldve been like if shed had to contend with Australias under-16s social media ban. Much better, she laughs. Im happy for the childhood I got, but I definitely would have benefited from a little crackdown with the internet usage, because I was really on that all the time. And when youre a kid, youre just super vulnerable. The wormholes endure  theres this guy on YouTube that crossed London without going on roads, and Ive been watching that to go to sleep each night, she says  but, in between, Grey has crafted the first pop masterpiece of the post-Brat age. Her new album, U, sounds like the present dragging the past into the future. Its nostalgic but new, satirical but reverent, evoking the fertile sounds of Y2K-era pop but with a mad scientists brain and a sound designers touch. The beats on Do It, easily the pop single of the year, skitter like Timbalands iconic work for Justin Timberlake but with the distortion-heavy crunch of hyperpop. In the songs music video, Grey lands K-pop choreography against the backlit silhouettes of early-2000s iPod commercials.

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Single Music grinds like Blackout-era Britney via the wonky breakdowns of Greys lodestar, Skrillex. The US dubstep icon, whose real name is Sonny Moore, was such a formative figure in Greys musical awakening that she once used the username SonnyMooreFan77 during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session. Hes my favourite artist of all time and hes constantly inspiring. Hes always pushing the envelope, and it all sounds new and futuristic, she says. Thats the biggest thing to me. I always want my music to sound like it could only happen in the year it came out. If U eschews the gonzo world-building of Wallsocket  a concept album that explored Greys trans identity via indie sleaze, pop-punk and 60s girl groups (It was really exhausting to do a lot of that stuff, and I was just super uninspired by the end, Grey says)  theres another method to its madness. In a sort of generation overload update of Brian Enos Ambient 1: Music for Airports, Grey imagined the music playing in a slick modern cityscape  these third spaces where people gather, like malls and airports and supermarkets  before making the songs to fit it. During an extended stay in Minneapolis, she wrote songs in the Mall of America, the largest shopping centre in the Western Hemisphere, and an emblem of capitalistic excess: clean, sleek, busy. I would go there every day, bounce the beat and just jot down lyrics, she says. I really hate a dead mall. They totally scare me. But I love when a mall is bustling and alive. I love seeing a bunch of people at the mall and being like, OK, people are going outside and stuff. Ironically, Grey doesnt necessarily want her music to live in those spaces. Despite tours with 100 Gecs and Porter Robinson, and collaborations with Danny Brown and Oklou (Harvest Sky is the biggest song Ive ever been a part of) that have moved her work to a bigger orbit, Greys not trying to be pops next main girl. I dont think so, I think theres a limit for me, she says of her pop ambitions. I think my version of pop stardom is probably different from, like, 2000s pop stardom. And I think that goes for anyone that is pursuing pop music in this decade.

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Like much of her generation, Grey is a self-aware student of pop. Theyve seen what stardom did to Britney, to Justin (Bieber or Timberlake, take your pick), and  God forbid  to Chappell. Even Charli XCX  pops great outsider, who took over the charts on her own experimental terms  has retreated from music after her overwhelming Brat summer. For Grey, who is based in Chicago, where DIY spaces dominate, success means making music for dedicated thousands rather than faceless millions. Its a very inspiring thing to be like, anything is possible, says Grey of the pop landscape after Charli XCXs unprecedented mainstream takeover. But I think at that level theres a lot of sacrifice that goes into that, and I love my life right now. I like going outside and being able to not be noticed when I walk on the street. I feel theres so many horror stories of pop stars that have gotten to that A-list and are under this microscope the whole time. Obviously, I want to push my work as far as it can go, but I definitely dont want that. Born and raised in San Francisco to an American father and Filipina mother, Grey began releasing songs as Underscores on SoundCloud during middle school. Although she wasnt raised religious, Grey and her brother attended an Episcopal school and went to church three times a week. The Episcopals are the chillest denomination, so it was pretty open, says Grey. But it was an all-boys school, K-8, so we were there for, like, nine years, just dealing with a bunch of middle-school boys in a very small grade. I think that f---ed me up a little more than the religion of it all. Obsessed with Skrillex, she learnt to make music via YouTube tutorials and GarageBand. Her dad, a former musician who later turned to tech, would help crack torrented programs for her.

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EnvironmentConservationAnimal cruelty Koala towed behind ute in alleged act of animal cruelty Bianca Hall March 26, 2026  1:23pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A koala has been put down in a small Victorian town after it was allegedly dragged behind a vehicle in an act of animal cruelty on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses saw an older man wearing glasses driving a white Toyota ute with a metal toolbox fitted to the back, which had a koala tied with rope dangling from the tow bar, South West Local News reported. A koala that was allegedly dragged through the township of Koroit in Victorias south-west has been put down. Mosswood Wildlife The koala was dragged along King Street in Koroit, before the man drove to Victoria Park and left the animal there as locals were finishing footy training. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said the koala had rope tied around its neck and was dragged for an unknown distance.

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Distressing photographs seen by this masthead show the koala was extensively injured by the time wildlife rescuers were able to reach it. The photographs are too graphic to publish. Wildlife Victoria rescuer Debbie OGrady, who also volunteers for Mosswood Wildlife, took a call from a woman who had seen the man dragging the koala behind his ute, and raced to the scene. When she got there, the koala was extensively injured, but still alive. Its the most horrific rescue that Ive been to, she said. Im just dumbfounded by it. I just cant understand how anyone could do that to an animal, let alone a defenseless one.

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A volunteer veterinarian from the Mosswood Wildlife centre had to euthanise the animal. IFAWs Oceania head of programs, Josey Sharrad, said the incident was horrific and senseless, and the person responsible should have the book thrown at them. There have been a string of animal cruelty cases reported in the area. Joe Armao It is beyond belief that someone would do this to any animal, let alone an iconic koala, Sharrad said. Koalas should be treasured, not tortured. The tireless volunteers at Mosswood Wildlife already see such devastation on a daily basis, but to see this deliberate act of cruelty and the extent of the horrendous injuries is something that will stay with them for a long time.

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Related Article Animal cruelty Man charged over senseless mass slaughter of wombats The organisation is urging anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident to report it to police as soon as possible. It is the latest in a string of animal cruelty incidents reported in the area. In 2023, an 18-year-old man filmed himself purposely running over a koala on Tower Hill, The Standard reported. He was sentenced to three months prison in the Magistrates Court in 2024 after pleading guilty to aggravated animal cruelty, but that sentence was overturned on appeal to the Warrnambool County Court later that year.

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In 2020, a P-plater was charged after allegedly intentionally trying to mow down kangaroos, wallabies and rabbits in the Tower Hill reserve. Koroit, which had a population of 2184 at the 2021 census, is 18 kilometres north-west of Warrnambool. In 2017, a koala was found mutilated on the side of Hopkins Point Road in Warrnambool with its ears removed, fuelling calls from police for information to help catch the culprit. Its understood multiple people reported the latest incident to police, but a police spokeswoman said the Conservation Regulator would take primary responsibility for the investigation. Cal Heppell, director of regulatory operations at the Conservation Regulator, said the agency was aware of the alleged incident, and was investigating alongside police.

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Were asking anyone with information about this incident to report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, Heppell said. An offence of aggravated cruelty can attract penalties of up to $101,000 and two years in prison. 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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NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Developers eye off land around chicken farm for rapid growth Julius Dennis March 26, 2026  3:54pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Developers are eyeing off a large chunk of land centred around a chicken farm south-east of Brisbane for rapid housing and industrial growth. Should the proposal gather steam and garner support from the state, it could be deemed a priority development area, fast-tracking its transformation from rural farmland to urban sprawl. Stephen Williams from Wingate Properties, best known for his roles in West Village in inner Brisbane and the Riverlink shopping centre in Ipswich, is the face of the project. The chicken farm in Mount Cotton. LinkedIn The director of local housing developer Fiteni, Adam Souter, is also involved as a representative of one of the landholders.

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The pair have met with Redland City Council officers, as well as the mayor and deputy mayor, to discuss potential residential and industrial development around the Golden Cockerel chicken farm in Mount Cotton. Landholders involved include local developer and newspaper owner Warren Pryde, Dirk Karreman of Karreman Quarries, and Darwalla, a poultry company that partially owns Golden Cockerel. In a statement, Souter said a group of landholders were exploring opportunities to deliver new housing and jobs in the area. A range of opportunities is being considered including investigations into any new infrastructure that may be required, he said, promising stakeholders would be engaged should any development progress.

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Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie, who is also the planning minister, said he had not been approached about the development. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland councils A council dumped plans for a new supermarket. Its developer questions why The development is being floated as the state government reviews the South-East Queensland Regional Plan, with expectations the regions population will swell from 3.8 million to 6 million in 2046. There are already three designated priority growth areas in the Redlands. The Weinam Creek priority development area has been mired in controversy, as the council recently pulled out of a two-year agreement with developer Don ORorke to build a shopping centre and car park for people parking at the Redland Bay ferry terminal.

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Toondah Harbour, where the Walker Group had hoped to build luxury apartments on the water in the councils north-east corner, is also at a standstill, after the developers pulled their application when the federal government took issue with its potential environmental impact. In April last year, an area in Southern Thornlands was also deemed a priority, with the state declaring plans for 8000 homes on the land around Woodlands Drive. Council officers have repeatedly pushed back against the suggestion of expanding the urban footprint in the Redlands due to infrastructure costs. A Redland City Council spokesperson said landholders can make representations to the state government about land use changes through the regional plan. Council would expect to be given an opportunity to review and provide feedback if the Queensland Government review identified any potential planning changes, including possible adjustments to the urban footprint, they 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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NationalQueenslandPetrol prices Ornament in the garage: Caravanners, 4WDers cancelling trips over fuel fears Catherine Strohfeldt March 26, 2026  4:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A small volunteer convoy travels out to Queenslands Western Downs to refurbish a remote showground every year. But Mike Hennessy says that wont happen in 2026. Hennessy, a retiree from Bribie Island, said the four-day trip to Jandowae Showgrounds had blown its budget at the bowser following the fuel price spike triggered by war in the Middle East. You use a tank full of fuel to get out there and a tank full to get back, and you dont leave it empty, so youve got to fill again, he said. Its nearly $800, without driving around out there, just in fuel. Mike and Julie Hennessy. Mike Hennessy

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Hennessy, who was due to embark on the trip on Thursday, said the group had typically come from across south-east Queensland, with the organisers based in Beaudesert. We didnt also want to get out there and not be able to get back because of the lack of fuel at the fuel stations, [and] if you go to the gas station here and fill up your jerry cans, people look at you like youre some sort of criminal, he said. Its disappointing for everyone  it wasnt just to go for a holiday and have a good time, it was to help someone, and we cant even do that. The price of fuel has soared since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for ongoing aerial strikes from US and Israel, crippling the oil supply chain and causing a global energy crisis.

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Hennessy, who owns a diesel-powered Ford Ranger, said the cost of diesel on Bribie Island  up to about 320 cents per litre (cpl)  had also ruled out visiting family in Logan over Easter. Related Article Middle East at war Why we panic buy  and how to convince people not to Diesel prices in Caboolture, directly west of Bribie Island, sat between 315cpl and 320cpl, while in Brisbane, service stations started prices at about 306cpl. He said his sister, who lives in Moreton Bay, had also nixed plans to take their own campervan away over the holiday period. Theyve got the same type of car as Ive got, and she said ours is just an ornament now in the garage.

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Hennessy said he and his wife had opted to use electric bikes for travel within their local community. At Neurum Creek Bush Retreat  a camping ground about 95 kilometres north of Brisbane  some campers booked in for the Easter break planned to swap out their diesel-drinking 4WD vehicles for smaller cars. Mike Hennessy said taking his Ford Ranger and caravan (pictured) to Jandowae would cost him $800 in fuel alone. Mike Hennessy Woody Point local Rob Hill said he was starting to doubt whether he could leave for his post-retirement bucket-list trip from Brisbane to Perth in six weeks time. This is meant to be the big Western Australia trip, and its getting spoiled by Mr Trumps fuel prices, he said.

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When we started all this fuel was only $2 a litre  its a little bit of a disappointment at the moment, but at this stage were still going. Related Article Petrol prices About 11,000km from the Strait of Hormuz, this is how the fuel crisis is biting in Brisbane Hill said the group, which included himself, his sister, and his brother-in-law, had already paid hefty deposits on some accommodation and activities. We are not sure how we would go transferring it to next year, [or] whether they would allow it as its not really an emergency, he said. While fuel remained available on popular routes west of Brisbane, including in towns such as Dalby or Roma, Hennessy said travelling for leisure felt increasingly unjustified.

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Thats how you tend to think of yourself now, there are other people who cant even get to work or havent got enough fuel to go around shopping, 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.
From 1st Five-Year Plan to 15th Five-Year Plan: a new look at China's 'first factories'

10:03, March 26, 2026 By Men Jiewei, Liu Mengdan and Zhang Wenhao, People's Daily ( Global Times

Editors Note:

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) proposes optimizing traditional industries, which form the foundation of Chinas industrial system and account for about 80 percent of the manufacturing sector value. Upgrading traditional industries is vital to accelerating new quality productive forces.

How can traditional industries upgrade to achieve high-quality development?

Success does not come from waiting; it must be earned through hard work. Those time-honored factories bearing the marks of their times are forging ahead with full enthusiasm now.

Recently, the reporters visited Chinas "first factories" from the first Five-Year Plan (1953-1957), including FAW Group, China First Heavy Industries Co (CFHI) and YTO Group, to see how they are fostering and developing new driving forces and setting sail again at the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

FAW Group: Leveraging brand prestige &digital technology to accelerate car-making

By Men Jiewei

In Changchun, Northeast Chinas Jilin Province, FAW Hongqis Fanrong Plant sees a new-energy vehicle (NEV) roll off the assembly line every 54 seconds, with industrial robots ensuring the efficiency.

"Digital upgrading boosts efficiency significantly," said Zhang Guolong, FAWs senior assembly-technology director, noting that the Fanrong Plant has a daily output of around 1,000 vehicles.

From using the wrenches in the past to leveraging various types of industrial robots today, FAW Group takes innovation as its primary driver to propel high-quality development.

Founded in 1953, as a key project of Chinas first Five-Year Plan, FAW produced Chinas first truck "Jiefang" three years after its ground-breaking ceremony in Changchun, Northeast Chinas Jilin Province, which ended the history of China being unable to manufacture automobiles.

The workers fought day and night for 33 days and hand-hammered out Chinas first sedan Hongqi, said Xu Dongming, director of FAW Hongqi Culture Exhibition Hall.

Growing with Chinas automobile industry, FAW has been continuously exploring new technologies through persistent innovation. In 2025, its total sales hit 3.3 million, with independent brands at 940,000, up 15 percent. The companys NEV production reached 366,000 cars, up 71.4 percent year-on-year.

Innovation-driven transformation has brought vigorous vitality. The carmaker has tackled more than 1,500 core technologies and applied for more than 22,000 patents during the 14th Five-Year Plan.

It has completed the trial production and verification of 66Ah all-solid-state battery cells, with major indicators leading the world; jointly developed Chinas first advanced process multi-domain fusion chip  "Hongqi No 1" and deeply integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into the entire chain of production, operation and after-sale services.

The NEVs produced by FAW are now shipped to Europe via ChinaEurope freight trains at Changchun International Land Port. Actively participating in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, FAW has established a presence in more than 100 countries and regions, with its brand prestige continuously growing.

To promote the high-quality development of Chinas automobile manufacturing industry, a key effort lies in strengthening the independent research and development (R&D) of core technologies and key components and making national brands stronger and larger.

"Facing the 15th Five-Year Plan period, FAW has launched a three-year action plan for comprehensive transformation and new breakthroughs, and is accelerating its strides toward building itself into a world-class carmaker," said a person in charge of FAW.

China First Heavy Industries Co: Making high-end equipment for global industrial chains

By Liu Mengdan

In Qiqihar, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, China First Heavy Industries Co (CFHI) recently completed Chinas first domestically made 1-million-kilowatt conventional-island integral forging low-pressure rotor. As the red silk cloth was slowly lifted, the "heart" component of the nuclear power conventional island unit came into view, with the surface of the giant forging as smooth as a mirror.

The manufacturing process of the conventional-island integral forging low-pressure rotor is complex and imposes strict requirements on manufacturing capabilities.

"After multiple rounds of technological research and advancement, CFHI has overcome a series of difficulties, laying a solid foundation for the localization of core equipment for Chinas nuclear power conventional islands," said Song Chuanbao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of the Material Industry Department of CFHI.

Since the 1950s, CFHI has shouldered the mission of building major equipment for the nation. In 1958, it produced its first batch of molten steel and iron. In its early days, workers carried heavy parts manually in temperatures of minus 30 C without lifting machinery, said Chi Hai, a Chief Milling Technician of the Engineering Equipment Division of CFHI.

Today, CFHI continues to forge core nuclear power components with craftsmanship and innovation, said Liu Boming, a national role model worker and Chief Forging Technician at the Material Industry Department of CFHI, who has participated in the whole process of tackling key bottlenecks for the million-kilowatt-class rotor. We have carried out hundreds of simulation tests to ensure its precision.

Liu said that to encourage exploration and innovation, the company selects leading technical and skilled talents and grants them both honors and material rewards, which has boosted everyones enthusiasm for innovation. Over the past 70-plus years, CFHI has provided 6 million tons of mechanical products for national economic development, filled 624 technological gaps in domestic industrial products, and developed 452 new products.

With more advanced technologies and higher-quality services, the company has deeply integrated into the global industrial and supply chains.

Last December, two ethylene oxide (EO) reactors, manufactured by CFHI for the China-Saudi Arabia Gulei Ethylene Projects EO/EG unit, were shipped from CFHIs Dalian Nuclear Power and Petrochemical Equipment Manufacturing Base.

CFHI has now become one of the world's largest manufacturers of ethylene oxide reactors, according to Feng Dongxu, Secretary of the Party Committee, Director and General Manager of CFHI Nuclear Power and Petrochemical Company.

Looking toward to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, CFHI will focus on high-end equipment making, advanced materials and new energy to enhance its core competitiveness and deepen integration into global industrial and supply chains, according to a person in charge of the CFHI.

Chinas YTO Group: Focusing on R&D to explore broader agricultural machinery market in the world

By Zhang Wenhao

An automatic guided vehicle was seen transporting chassis weighing several tons to the assembly line; truss manipulators lifting large tires and placing them precisely on the frames... At the assembly workshop of YTO Group, an Oriental Red-brand tractor rolls off the production line every three minutes on average.

"These products are heavy-duty power-shift tractors newly developed and put into production for large-scale farm operations. They are not only large in size and powerful, but also smarter and more efficient," said Wang Yuzhe, Director of the Product R&D Department of YTO Groups Large Tractor Company.

In 1955, the predecessor of YTO Group  the First Tractor Manufacturing Plant  broke ground in Luoyang city, Central Chinas Henan Province. In 1958, the first tractor left the factory, marking the beginning of agricultural mechanization in China.

Inside the agricultural museum in the factory, the Oriental Red 54 crawler tractor is on display. As Chinas first independently developed "iron ox," it has witnessed the development of this time-honored enterprise from the first Five-Year Plan period.

"In the early days, without specialized equipment, the factory relied on a large workforce, with all pulling, lifting, carrying and cranking done manually," said guide Zhang Ying.

In the early days of reform and opening-up, following the implementation of the household contract responsibility system, rural farmland was divided into small plots. "The factory adjusted its R&D strategy in a timely manner and produced the first generation of low-power wheeled tractors," said Xue Zhifei, a national role model worker and professor-level senior engineer at YTO Group.

Models such as the 15-horsepower Oriental Red small four-wheel tractor could be used for ploughing during busy farming seasons and for transportation in slack periods, winning wide market recognition, according to Xue.

Today, YTO Group has developed products of different horsepower levels to meet full-scenario operation demands, including hilly and mountainous areas, dry and paddy fields, and protected horticulture.

"A high-horsepower wheeled tractor contains more than a thousand components, and a single machine relies on a huge supply chain system," said Xue. In Luoyang, more than 200 enterprises supply parts to YTO Group.

At the Henan Oriental Red International Land Port, containers on China-Central Asia freight trains are slowly departing, carrying YTOs latest tractors and parts to Kazakhstan.

"At present, the companys products have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions," said Shan Chunyu, Deputy General Manager of YTO Groups International Trade Company.

"Following the development trends of agricultural machinery such as intelligent control, efficient operation, energy conservation and environmental protection, we will focus on overcoming key bottleneck technologies. Entering the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the company will accelerate the R&D and application of high-end intelligent tractors featuring high-horsepower continuously variable transmission, power shifting and hybrid power, boosting the high-quality development of domestic agricultural machinery," said a person in charge of YTO Group.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Company to assess infrastructure, grid access and development readiness across prospective U.S. locations

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TAE Technologies, Inc. ("TAE" or the "Company"), a leading fusion energy company, today commenced site visits across multiple U.S. locations as part of its siting and development process for its first fusion power plant.

The visits, scheduled across the United States, are part of a broader evaluation effort to identify locations capable of supporting the development, construction and long-term operation of TAE's initial 50 MWe fusion facility and future utility-scale deployments.

TAE is progressing site selection planning as it prepares for the next phase of development of its first fusion power plant, which is targeting approximately 50 MWe of electricity generation in the early 2030s. Future TAE fusion power plants are expected to range from 350  500 MWe, reflecting the Company's long-term approach to delivering utility-scale fusion energy to the grid and carbon-intensive industrial processes.

TAE's leadership team, including CEO Michl Binderbauer, CFO Cedric Burgher, TAE Global GmbH CEO Jonathan Toretta and senior engineering and finance leaders, will meet with local stakeholders and assess site-specific conditions across each location.

"We have seen tremendous interests from multiple states willing to partner in our exciting path to power. We want to ensure we select the best site for our first utility-scale fusion power plant," said Binderbauer. "We are evaluating locations based on the infrastructure, grid connectivity and long-term development conditions required to support reliable power generation. This process is about ensuring we build in the right place, with the right partners, to support sustained deployment in markets where power demand and infrastructure readiness are converging."

During the visits, TAE will evaluate a range of factors central to deployment, including land access, connectivity to primary distribution grids, proximity to skilled labor and transportation infrastructure and alignment with local and state stakeholders. The regions selected for evaluation reflect areas where power demand, industrial infrastructure and grid capacity intersectconditions that are critical to supporting reliable, utility-scale generation and enabling future expansion.

On December 18, 2025, TAE and Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. ("TMTG") announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement and the convertible promissory note between TAE and TMTG, TMTG has now provided $200 million of cash to TAE and an additional $100 million is available to TAE upon the filing of a Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

For more information, please visit: https://tae.com/trump-media-and-technology-group-to-merge-with-tae-technologies/.

About TAE

TAE Technologies is the world's leading fusion power company, developing the most sustainable and economically competitive solution to bring abundant clean energy to the grid and carbon-intensive industrial processes. In addition, it operates subsidiaries TAE Power Solutions, which provides technology for energy storage and power delivery systems for batteries and electric vehicles, as well as TAE Life Sciences, which develops technologies and drugs for treating cancer patients.

Learn more about our plans here: https://tae.com/how-were-advancing-american-fusion-energy-to-power-the-a-i-revolution/.

For assets, please visit our press kit

Follow TAE on: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, TMTG intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 to register the common stock of TMTG to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction. The registration statement will include a document that serves as a proxy statement and prospectus of TMTG and consent solicitation statement of TAE (the "proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement"), and TMTG will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. This document is not a substitute for the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement, or any other document that TMTG may file with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TMTG AND TAE, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, THE RISKS RELATED THERETO, AND RELATED MATTERS.

After the registration statement has been declared effective, a definitive proxy statement will be mailed to the shareholders of TMTG (the "TMTG Shareholders") and a prospectus and consent solicitation statement will be sent to the stockholders of TAE. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and other relevant documents filed by TMTG with the SEC (if and when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by TMTG, including the proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement (when available), will be available free of charge from TMTG's website at tmtgcorp.com under the "Investors" tab.

Participants in the Solicitation

TMTG and certain of its directors and executive officers and TAE and certain of its directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the TMTG Shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of TMTG's directors and executive officers in the solicitation by reading TMTG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 14, 2025, TMTG's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2025, August 1, 2025 and November 7, 2025, respectively, TMTG's definitive proxy statement for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on March 18, 2025 and the proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraphs above. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the TMTG Shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction, including a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will also be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and consent solicitation statement and other relevant materials when filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this communication, regarding TMTG's proposed merger with TAE, TMTG's ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined Company's future financial performance, as well as the combined Company's strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words, and the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding TMTG's and TAE's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding: the anticipated timing and terms of the proposed transaction; plans for deployment of capital and the uses thereof; governance of the combined Company; development and construction timelines; cost competitiveness of fusion-generated electricity; timing of commercialization of TAE's fusion technology; expectations regarding the time period over which the combined Company's capital resources will be sufficient to fund its anticipated operations; plans for research and development programs; and future demand for power. These forward-looking statements are based largely on TMTG's and TAE's current expectations. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause TMTG's or TAE's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks related to TMTG's or TAE's ability to demonstrate and execute on commercial viability of its technology; legal proceedings; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all; changes in digital asset valuations; disruption to TMTG's or TAE's operations; TMTG's or TAE's ability to develop and maintain key strategic relationships; competition in TMTG's or TAE's industry; ability to access required materials at acceptable costs; delays in the development and manufacturing of fusion power plants and related technology; ability to manage growth effectively; possibility of incurring losses in the future and not being able to achieve or maintain profitability; potential generation capacities of specific reactor designs; regulatory outlook; future market conditions; success of strategic partnerships; developments in the capital and credit markets; future financial, operational and cost performance; revenue generation; demand for nuclear energy; economic outlook and public perception of the nuclear energy industry; changes in laws or regulations; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all; ability to protect intellectual property; adverse economic or competitive conditions; and other risks and uncertainties. In addition, TMTG and TAE caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this communication are subject to the following factors: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could delay the proposed transaction or give rise to the termination of the agreements related thereto; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against TMTG or TAE following announcement of the proposed transaction; (iii) the inability to complete the proposed transaction due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of TMTG or TAE, or other conditions to closing in the merger agreement; (iv) the risk that the proposed transaction disrupts TMTG's or TAE's current plans and operations as a result of the announcement of the proposed transaction; (v) TMTG's and TAE's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of TMTG and TAE to grow and manage growth profitably following the proposed transaction; and (vi) costs related to the proposed transaction. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to TMTG and TAE as of the date of this press release and, while TMTG and TAE believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, these statements are inherently uncertain, and you are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Except as required by applicable law, TMTG and TAE do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in TMTG's periodic filings with the SEC, including TMTG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, TMTG's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in the Form S-4, when filed. TMTG's SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

SOURCE TAE Technologies, Inc.
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Billionaire waste magnate Balfour Irvine has been charged with criminal offences over allegations of unlawful use of Brisbane land following a long-running feud between businesses in a riverside industrial area. Irvine, the chief executive of resource company BMI Group, is facing 11 charges of unlawful use of premises relating to his company, Dunhill Properties. Balfour Irvine-owned BMI owns and operates transfer stations, a recycling unit and two major landfills. AFR Details of the criminal allegations, which were revealed in a separate but related proceeding in the Planning and Environment Court, are limited but come after Irvines publicised stoush with fellow rich lister Trevor Lee, whose Australian Country Choice runs an abattoir on a neighbouring site in Morningside. Irvine, whose wealth recently swelled to $1.3 billion according to The Australians rich list, has long battled to run hospitality and retail businesses in the industrial zoned area.

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The dispute between Irvine and Lee came to a head in 2024 after a farmers market, Rivermakers Markets, was established without a necessary permit on land owned by the waste magnate, according to the Brisbane City Council at the time. Related Article Brisbane City Gravely irresponsible: Council throws new roadblock at popular Sunday markets The market was halted months after it began by the council following complaints from Australian Country Choice. But the spat has continued due to Irvines attempts to run hospitality and retail businesses in the area. Irvine is the sole director of Dunhill Properties, and involved in the management and control of Rivermakers through the BMI Group.

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Eight of the charges relate to the Heritage Quarter precinct, situated on Colmslie Road at Morningside in Brisbanes east. The property contains a state-listed heritage place. Three of the charges relate to the facility named Depot, which is a larger precinct at the corner of Lytton Road and Colmslie Road. The two properties are separated by a developing industrial park. The offences are alleged to have occurred between April 11 and September 19 last year. Charges were brought against Irvine in September after the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning commenced criminal proceedings in the Magistrates Court. Beef heir Anthony Lee, current Australian Country Choice CEO and son of billionaire Trevor Lee, at the familys abattoir in Morningside. Dan Peled In the separate case before the planning court, Rivermakers had appealed against the Brisbane City Councils decision to refuse a development application and variation request to the Morningside land.

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Australian Country Choice has joined the Planning and Environment Court proceedings contending that a development application by Irvine should be refused. The proposed development seeks preliminary approval for a material change of use for a bar, education establishment, food and drink outlet, function facility, and a large retail precinct. The council has maintained that the development should be refused. The Rivermakers Market was halted by council in 2024. Goodwill Projects In a decision handed down on Wednesday, Judge Nicole Kefford declined to stay the planning dispute for one year over the Rivermakers site.

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She said it was appropriate to explore other case management measures, including hearing of the progress of Irvines criminal proceedings, before continuing. The complaint alleges that Dunhill Properties Pty Ltd is criminally liable as a principal offender because it permitted businesses to use the subject land for the purposes particularised in the complaints, according to the decision in the planning court published this week. The complaint against Mr Irvine alleges that he is criminally liable  as a principal offender. The criminal liability of Mr Irvine is founded on proof of the offences in the complaint against Dunhill Properties Pty Ltd. Kefford said care needed to be taken in the planning appeal to ensure there was not a risk to the publics expectation that the pursuance of private rights in the planning proceedings do not compromise the prosecution of the alleged offences in the Magistrates Court, and Irvine and Dunhill Properties right to silence.

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The planning case was listed to be heard again on April 2. 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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Most West Australian businesses have been impacted by the fuel crisis gripping the nation as a result of the Gulf conflict, while some in the states regions are debating whether it is even worth opening at all, dual surveys have revealed. A snap survey of more than 430 businesses by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, released on Thursday, revealed 82 per cent of respondents had seen an increase in supplier costs, while 45 per cent had been directly impacted by fuel shortages. West Australian businesses are being squeezed by the soaring price of fuel. Hannah Murphy And 31 per cent described the impact on their business as significant or severe. Just 7 per cent reported no impact. Of the respondents, which were drawn from a range of sectors, 56 per cent said they would be forced to absorb the jump in costs, while two in five said they would have to pass them on to customers.

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Meanwhile, another chamber survey  this one from the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, also released on Thursday  found many operators were debating whether it was even worth opening as the fuel crisis continued to deepen. In that survey, which ran over a week and received over 400 responses from businesses across agriculture, tourism and fisheries, 81 per cent of respondents said their fuel cost had gone up by nearly two-thirds in recent weeks. The survey said many agriculture businesses were re-thinking their plans ahead of the usual April seeding program, and were either scaling back or cancelling it completely due to the uncertainty. Just under a third of businesses said they had been forced to stand down employees due to cancelled jobs, an inability to travel or prohibitive costs.

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About 40 per cent of businesses reported being impacted by cancellations for planned jobs, while some tourism businesses said they had seen a number of cancellations. Tourism operators told the survey they were expecting their lowest Easter numbers in over 10 years. One business reported that one of their suppliers added a War Time Fuel Surcharge on their invoice which is incredibly concerning, the surveys key findings said. RCCIWA has not seen this level of anxiety, business uncertainty and stress since the onset and first two years of COVID-19. This is a fast-moving issue and the escalation of the impact it is having on regional businesses and their communities is alarming.

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We are also seeing concerning patterns of behaviour in some regional areas such as stockpiling, price gouging, abusive behaviour towards service station employees and fuel theft. Related Article Courts Fuel thief behind bars for alleged hit-and-run drive-off as six WA petrol stations run dry The findings echoed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA snap survey, which warned agricultural businesses were the hardest-hit, with 74 per cent reporting a severe or significant impact, largely due to increased costs for fuel, fertiliser, chemicals and freight. The US war with Iran has squeezed the Strait of Hormuz, which is on Irans southern border, through which about one-fifth of the worlds oil is shipped. But its not just a vital oil trade route. Much of the worlds fertiliser supply comes from the Gulf, and is being constrained by the conflict.

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CCIWA chief executive Will Golsby said the crisis had reached into virtually every business in the state. Were obviously deeply concerned about what happens if this crisis continues, he said. The longer this drags on, the worse it will be for WA businesses and the broader economy. Golsby also flagged significant concerns for the health and disability care sector, which often required staff to travel across the city and state. He predicted the hit from fuel prices on household budgets would flow through to consumer behaviour.

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Petrol prices Perth woman lodges complaint after petrol price jumps 30 cents in 20 minutes Businesses in the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors are likely to be the first to see these impacts and weve heard from businesses in tourism that they are bracing to experience impacts over the Easter holidays, Golsby said. Almost half of the businesses responding to the CCIWA survey said they would reduce non-essential spending, and one in four said they would review staffing due to the fuel crisis. Key recommendations from the RCCIWA survey included capping fuel prices for essential services and sectors, increasing fuel tax credits, providing grants to regional businesses to offset the impact, and ensuring all communication was clear and timely. WA government promises increased visibility on fuel stocks as more stations run dry

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WA Treasurer and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson was working on improving the visibility they had of fuel stations and their stocks. There are a lot of different contractual arrangements out there between wholesalers, distributors, retailers, that, from a government perspective, wasnt something that was entirely visible, she said. So thats the work of the fuel group to work with distributors, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers to see how we can get greater visibility, to make sure we can support regional WA in certain towns where there are shortages. Saffioti said the government did not plan to raise the states fuel supply emergency level to amber yet  but it would continue to monitor the situation. Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen revealed on Thursday that 40 WA fuel stations had run out of diesel, while 14 have no unleaded fuel.

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Related Article Energy Cycling to work, staying home, cutting school hours: How the world is handling the fuel crisis Bowen revealed the figures as part of his daily update on the state of the fuel market across Australia. The average price of unleaded petrol in Perth was 258 cents per litre on Thursday, according to Fuelwatch, with the cheapest station being Chidlow Growers Mart Liquor Store, which was selling unleaded for 230 cents per litre. Diesels average reached 309 cents per litre in the metro region, having broken the 300-cents barrier when prices jumped on Wednesday. In WAs north, iron ore miner Fenix Resources is taking steps to reduce non-essential activity at its mining and haulage operations, due to constraints on diesel supply.

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The company has warned that constraints to diesel supply due to the Iran war are starting to impact operations across Australias mining sector. Meanwhile, federal Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth told the ABC the government was not at the stage to direct people to work from home. There is work to be done if and when  depending on the length of this crisis  where we look at other measures, she said. But at the moment we are not directing people to work from home. But that doesnt mean people shouldnt sit down, if working from home works for them and employers, to come to those agreements. with Alexander Darling, Bloomberg Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Thank you for following our live coverage of question time in the House of Representatives. Heres what happened this afternoon:

Energy Minister Chris Bowen provided updated data on the number of petrol stations running low on fuel across the country. He also provided new data on the rate of distribution to independent and regional suppliers from large petroleum firms. Bowen said the data showed significant increases compared to this time last year.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce urged the government to immediately bring in fuel rationing, arguing that by the time shortages hit, it will be too late. He said farmers were considering how they could conserve their fuel consumption as prices rocket, and the effects would eventually be felt across the country.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has accused Barnaby Joyce of stoking fear over Australias food security, saying Australia could produce enough food amid the oil shock.

Today was the last sitting day of the week; however, parliament will return on Monday with another session of question time.

Meanwhile, you can follow along with our live coverage of the war in Iran here.
The only other matter on the notice paper this week is a supplementary appropriation bill  which approves unforeseen expenditure between annual budget bills.

Already provided to departments and the parliament through the consolidated fund, the spending is still required to be approved by MPs under financial accountability laws.

The 2024-25 figures being signed off this week are a total of $5.7 billion (including $5.4 million incurred by the legislative assembly and parliamentary service itself).

Treasurer David Janetzki has sought to sheet most of the blame for the figure to what he described as the deception of the former Labor government for hiding project blowouts and failing to provide ongoing funding for various measures.

Shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman said the spending also included workplace agreement bargaining outcomes and expenditure on the Crisafulli governments election commitments.

The Treasurer spent more time during his speech on his own appropriation bills talking about Labor than he did about what his government will do to manage the budget and the huge challenges ahead for the budget, Fentiman said.
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PoliticsWAMining Electrical union threatens historic industrial action over BHP worker pay Michael Philipps March 26, 2026  5:19pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The Pilbaras mining industry could face its first industrial action in 40 years, with the Electrical Trade Union threatening to strike if a deal to improve pay for up to 60 BHP workers is not reached. Electrical Trade Union state secretary Adam Woodage said the strike threat is over wage discrepancies among the current workforce, and the union has taken the historic step of voting for protected industrial action. The proposed strike action has the potential to severely impact BHPs operations in the Pilbara. Thats whats caused us to get to this point of our members wanting an enterprise agreement and wanting to have an equal, level playing field, he said at a press conference on Thursday. The Electrical Trade Union has filed for a protected action. Our members have voted on that protected action and have endorsed proceeding.

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Woodage said the potential strike action at BHP could be extended to other operations in the region. This will be one of the first of many to occur in the Pilbara, he said. However, we are willing to be a force of peace in the Pilbara with companies that want to negotiate and achieve fair, reasonable outcomes for our members. In a statement, BHP said it had contingency plans in place to ensure that operations continue, but it was negotiating a new enterprise agreement with power workers. The ETU stated the proposed actions would not be taken in any situation where the safety of workers or the community may be threatened.

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Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA chief executive Aaron Morey said the move to strike sent a worrying signal to global investors. This is a dangerous turn for the Pilbara, he said. Industrial conflict and dispute doesnt just hurt investment - ultimately, it hurts workers and Western Australian families. We saw this play out in the 1970s and 1980s when frequent strikes battered productivity and trashed Western Australias reputation as a stable and reliable trading partner. The legacy of that upheaval was massive investment into Brazil, creating an iron ore industry that today remains WAs biggest competitor.

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By contrast, deunionisation of the Pilbara in the 1990s led to a golden era of investment and growth in the iron ore industry. WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to make a stand on the proposed strike action. We know that people working in the resources industry, compared to many other sectors in our community, are well remunerated and work in excellent conditions, he said. We would like to see those people getting on with the very important work without the threat of industrial action hanging over those important activities that power the economy in Western Australia, and clearly provides so much for Western Australia. Zempilas said the states mining industry kicks in $10 billion in royalties annually and employs 130,000 Western Australians.

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Premier Roger Cook needs to send the strongest possible message that union activity that disrupts the engine room of our state, our nations economy, will not be tolerated. Deputy Premier RIta Saffioti said she encouraged both the union and the company to sit down and see whether they can mutually agree on a path forward. We always want both industry and the union to sit at a table and to find a path forward. Thats what happens across industry in other places, she said.
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WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Opinion Trump feels the pain as his war becomes a liability in the heartlands Cory Alpert Former White House staffer March 26, 2026  10:50am

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As the average price for a gallon of petrol in the United States surged more than a dollar higher than last month, the pain of Donald Trumps war on Iran has begun to set in. Republicans in Georgia responded by passing an emergency tax break on petrol, cutting US33 (47) off the cost of each gallon. Other Republican-led states, including Utah and my home state of South Carolina, are considering the same option as voters grow increasingly upset at the rising cost of the war. Petrol prices are a sensitive issue for US President Donald Trump, pictured in the drivers seat of an 18-wheeler in 2017. EPA Not just the cost for the country, in a financial or geopolitical sense, but how much the war in the Middle East is making their everyday lives more expensive  the exact thing that Donald Trump said that he would spend his presidency focused on. Those voters are growing increasingly anxious. They believe the war is going to last a long time, and that the economic impacts are going to settle in and hang over them like a drought in a hot summer.

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These voters will decide the Republican Partys fate later this year. The MAGA loyal have not fallen away, but independents and non-MAGA Republicans are quickly turning against the war, making worse an already daunting midterm landscape. Related Article Opinion

Trump's White House Theres a reason Trump set his 48-hour deadline on a Saturday. It had nothing to do with Iran Clinton Fernandes Academic and former intelligence officer These elections were always going to be tough for Republicans. The party that holds the White House nearly always loses ground in the midterms, but the Republicans only have a handful of seats to lose before losing their majority  and the ability to appoint judges and pass budgets. Trump is clearly aware of the spike in petrol prices. Just days ago, he invented imaginary talks with the Iranian regime that buoyed markets for a moment until the Iranians said that no such talks happened. But even as this political crisis hits America, conservatives know that Trump demands loyalty. To question his instincts or motives or even his current analysis of the state of the war would mean finding oneself on the receiving end of a Truth Social post that can destroy any Republicans career if they face a primary challenger  as many are right now.

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In swing states especially, Republican representatives are trying to find the balance between alleviating the pain that their voters feel and not angering a president who demands domain over truth itself. In Georgia, the calculus has already weighed out. The petrol tax cut is more interesting as a confession than a policy  an effective admission that the war was a choice made by a Republican president that has resulted in rising costs for Americans. By passing the tax cuts, they are acknowledging that the party which made a mess will have to do something about it to avoid political calamity. This November, the state will play host to the most hotly contested Senate election in the country, where an incumbent Democratic senator will go up for re-election in a state won by Donald Trump in 2024. Republicans there are tacitly acknowledging that if voters in Georgia are still feeling the sharpest stings of Trumps war, they may well lose the Senate entirely. Democratic-led states have made the tactical decision to do nothing. To cynically let the cost of living rise and for Washington to take the blame. Its an easy way for the Democratic governors of California, New York, and Maryland  all of whom are rumoured to be setting up their own presidential campaigns  to highlight the failures of the Trump administration.

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The state where this tension over oil will be tested most is Texas. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil, nearly as much as Republican political fortunes are dependent on Trumps blessing and favour. Rising oil prices are not only frustrating car-dependant Texans, but will hurt their oil refinery and airline industries. Related Article Opinion

Trump's America We Americans dont know if were the good guys any more Cory Alpert Former White House staffer Democrats have already made significant inroads in this years Senate election in Texas, while Republicans have yet to choose between the incumbent and an ultra-MAGA challenger with all of Trumps baggage and little of his charisma. In short, it is the first time in a generation that Republicans might actually lose this seat. If the stars align for the Democrats, with a weak Republican nominee, it would represent a ground shift in American politics  a self-defeat in the Republican heartlands. Republicans in power across the US are now caught in a bind between alleviating the pain their voters feel or staying on the good side of the only figure in their party whose voice matters. The party that promised to bring down the cost of living is now the party responsible for a war driving it up.

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And the only people who cant say that out loud are the people whose careers depend on doing so. Cory Alpert is a PhD researcher at the University of Melbourne looking at the impact of AI on democracy. He served the Biden-Harris administration for three years. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
HARLINGEN, Texas, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Regional Bank (TRB) announced a strategic partnership with Mexico-based factoring firm Capital X to establish a cross-border factoring collaboration supporting trade between Mexican exporters and U.S. buyers. The initiative expands the bank's international capabilities while strengthening financing solutions that facilitate commerce between Mexico and Texas.

IPB - Capital X Partnership Agreement

Through the partnership, TRB and Capital X will introduce financing solutions that support Mexican exporters selling to businesses in Texas and across the United States. The collaboration combines the stability and regulatory framework of a U.S. banking institution with the local market expertise and operational experience of a Mexican factoring firm.

Spearheaded by TRB's International Private Banking division, which provides cross-border banking and financing solutions, this initiative represents an important step in the bank's continued effort to strengthen its international platform and support businesses operating along the TexasMexico trade corridor.

"Expanding our international capabilities is an important part of TRB's long-term strategy," said Eduardo Caso, Executive Vice President and head of International Private Banking. "Through our partnership with Capital X, we are creating a structure that supports cross-border trade while providing exporters with improved access to liquidity and disciplined credit evaluation centered on U.S. buyers."

Factoring allows exporters to convert accounts receivable into working capital by selling invoices to a financial institution. The structure is particularly valuable in international trade, where payment terms often extend from 60 to 120 days and exporters require predictable liquidity to support production and fulfill new orders.

Under the partnership framework, TRB will work alongside Capital X to evaluate receivables tied to U.S. buyers while providing banking oversight, risk management, and the financial infrastructure that supports the financing and collection process. Through TRB's U.S. banking platform, payments from buyers can be received, monitored, and administered within a regulated financial environment, strengthening transparency and credit discipline throughout the structure.

"This partnership reflects the type of thoughtful collaboration needed to support businesses operating between two economies," said Guillermo Gomez, International Banking and Factoring Officer. "By combining TRB's banking platform with Capital X's expertise in the Mexican market, we are creating a solution designed to help exporters manage cash flow, navigate cross-border trade complexities, and continue growing their businesses."

The TexasMexico corridor remains one of the most active trade regions in the world. By bringing together a U.S. banking institution and a Mexican factoring partner, TRB and Capital X aim to provide exporters and their U.S. buyers with financing structures that support trade while maintaining strong governance, transparency, and credit discipline.

The partnership also reflects TRB's broader commitment to expanding the capabilities of its International Private Banking platform, which provides financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses operating across borders.

About TRB International Private Banking

TRB International Private Banking provides specialized financial services for individuals, families, and businesses with financial interests between the United States and Mexico. The division supports cross-border banking needs through solutions designed to facilitate international commerce, foreign exchange management, and financial coordination across jurisdictions.

Operating within Texas Regional Bank's diversified financial services platform, TRB International Private Banking combines the strength and regulatory framework of a U.S. financial institution with deep regional expertise in the TexasMexico trade corridor.

Learn more about TRB International Private Banking.

About Texas Regional Bank

Founded in 2010 and rooted in local purpose, Texas Regional Bank (TRB) is a privately owned financial institution bringing full-service, relationship-driven banking back to the communities it serves. With more than 35 locations across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Hill Country, Houston, and the DallasFort Worth Metroplex, TRB delivers a full suite of financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses through locally-led teams supported by the scale and capabilities of a diversified financial services platform. Together with its subsidiaries, TRB offers domestic and international banking, trust and wealth management, insurance, mortgage, capital markets, economic development, and foreign exchange services.

For more information about Texas Regional Bank, visit trb.bank.

SOURCE Texas Regional Bank
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A LEADING UK insurance company has announced Carlow as the destination of its EU base, with over 22 jobs being created at South East Technological Universitys new corporate services building.

JustCover, a travel insurance brand specialising in cover for those who may struggle to obtain it elsewhere, including people with pre-existing medical conditions and older travellers, is an arm of InsurEvo Group Limited, founded in 2017.

Director at JustCover, Peter Clark, said being based in SETU opens up significant possibilities for the companys future.

It is a fantastic opportunity for us to really come and put a foothold here, he explained. With all the graduates coming out of SETU here, it gives us a real opportunity to engage with the college now and build awareness with them.

Mr Clark said the initial 22 jobs will mainly be focused on customer service and sales; however, the hope is that the Carlow base will expand into other areas in the future.

Initially, those 22 jobs are going to be focused from a contact centre point of view, such as sales roles, but over time as the company grows, we will look to add in what we have done in some of our other sites, such as IT, HR and project management, Mr Clark said.

It is a really exciting time for JustCover and the Irish arm of the InsurEvo business, and over the next two to three years youre really going to see more and more roles come in now that we have that base here, he concluded.

David Denieffe, SETUs chief operating officer, welcomed the announcement. We are very pleased to welcome JustCover to our Carlow campus as the first corporate client in our new corporate services building. Their decision to locate here, alongside a commitment to create 22 jobs, is a strong endorsement of the regions talent base and the calibre of graduates emerging from South East Technological University, he said.

Maeve McConnon, head of financial services at IDA Ireland, said the expansion reflected Irelands continued appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment.
LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TRE House, a leading name in legal hemp and mushroom products, has renewed their commitment to responsible manufacturing and distribution throughout its supply chain.

Since 2022, TRE House has been an industry leader in legal, recreational hemp and mushroom products. With so much uncertainty in the marketplace, the brand is taking a public stand against bad actors in the space by renewing its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.

According to a company spokesperson, all TRE House products will continue to be made with the finest quality ingredients. Products will also continue to be manufactured at Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facilities. These facilities have strict quality standards, focusing on safety, identity, strength, and purity. They require robust systems that cover premises, equipment, training, and processes to prevent contamination or errors.

TRE House products will also continue to be subject to lab-testing from third-party laboratories for purity and potency. As a result of this testing, every TRE House product comes with a Certificate of Analysis, which is available for customers to view at TREhouse.com. The TRE House website also features a state-of-the-art age gate so only customers of legal age can purchase.

The company spokesperson added, "While there are, unfortunately, some untrustworthy brands in the recreational space, we want our customers to be assured that our products are as safe as possible, and that they deliver exactly as promised every time."

About TRE House

Founded in 2022, TRE House is a U.S.-based company dedicated to providing high-quality hemp, mushroom, and other recreational products to adults 21+. Using the finest ingredients and safest manufacturing practices, TRE House backs all of their products with a Certificate of Analysis, a report from an ISO-certified third-party lab, so customers can be assured of their purity and potency.

SOURCE TRE House
Eoin Reynolds

A psychiatrist has agreed to provide a report in the case of a Somali national accused of murdering Mary Ward in Belfast, having previously stated he was close to withdrawing due to the "dismissive and rude" behaviour of prison staff.

Judge Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court said on Wednesday that a judicial review may be needed if the prison failed to allow the psychiatrist access to Ahmed Abdirahman (32).

He added: "I might consider calling in the governor to see why the doctor is being treated in this way."

Oisin Clarke SC, for Mr Abdirahman, on Thursday told the judge that the prison has now agreed to facilitate a 90-minute virtual appointment. Clarke said the defence team expects the psychiatrist will provide a report in due course.

McDermott said he "may have misspoken" yesterday when speaking about the prison management. He added: "If I did, I apologise." He adjourned the case to April 22nd for an update on the progress of the psychiatrist's report.

Abdirahman, originally from Somalia and with a last address at Kinlay House, Lord Edward Street, Dublin, is accused of murdering Ward, who was his former partner, on September 25th 2024, at her house on Melrose Street in south Belfast.

He remains in custody in Cloverhill Prison awaiting the preparation of the psychiatric report.

At Wednesday's hearing, Clarke said the psychiatrist had attended for a physical visit in prison, but he felt the staff were dismissive and rude, so he left without seeing the accused.

Clarke said that a video link consultant was then arranged but cancelled with no explanation given.

Counsel said that due to the manner in which this case had been evolving, the psychiatrist was "nearing the point where he no longer wants to continue.
Japan-based Tokuyama Corp has announced plans to transfer its domestic cement and solidification agent sales business to Taiheiyo Cement, as part of a broader restructuring of its cement operations.

The transaction will involve the creation of a new wholly owned subsidiary to which Tokuyama will transfer its domestic cement sales activities and related subsidiaries. The shares in the new company will then be sold to Taiheiyo Cement for approximately JPY37bn (US$250m), subject to regulatory approvals, with completion targeted for October 2026 .

Tokuyama said the move reflects long-term structural decline in Japans cement demand, which has fallen significantly since its peak in 1990. The company indicated it is considering the eventual cessation of cement production by FY2028.

The business being transferred accounted for around 13 per cent of Tokuyamas consolidated sales in the financial year ended March 2025 .

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Following the transaction, Tokuyama plans to focus on growth areas including electronics, healthcare and environmental businesses, while exploring alternative uses for its cement production assets.

The deal further consolidates Taiheiyo Cements position in the domestic market, as Japans largest cement producer continues to strengthen its distribution and sales network.
Turkcimento has warned that the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could act as a de facto non-tariff trade barrier for Turkish cement exports under current implementation rules.

The industry body said default emission values applied to third countries significantly exceed actual emissions from Turkish producers, creating a substantial cost burden. While reported emissions for grey clinker from Turkish exporters are around 0.88tCO2/t, the EUs default value for other countries is set at 1.551tCO2/t.

According to Turkcimento, this discrepancy could raise carbon costs from around EUR20 (US$23) per tonne to as much as EUR80/t of clinker at current EU ETS prices, in some cases exceeding the average export price and threatening the viability of exports to the EU.

Turkiye is a major supplier of clinker and cement to European markets, with Turkcimento members producing 75Mt of clinker in the first 11 months of 2025.

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The association also highlighted concerns over verification capacity during the CBAM transition period, warning that delays could force exporters to rely on default values that do not reflect actual performance. It called for the use of national monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) data, aligned with EU standards since 2015, to ensure fair treatment.

Turkcimento added that unresolved technical issues around indirect emissions, electricity factors and renewable energy investments further risk distorting carbon calculations and undermining competitiveness.
BEIJING, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Global South Financiers Forum opened in Beijing on Wednesday under the theme "Illuminating Global South."

Addressing the main forum, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said Xinhua is committed to amplifying the voice of the Global South and documenting its dynamic development.

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua addresses the main forum of the 2026 Global South Financiers Forum in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2026. The 2026 Global South Financiers Forum opened in Beijing on Wednesday under the theme "Illuminating Global South." (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

He added that the agency will leverage its all-media network and global presence to promote deeper financial cooperation among Global South countries and contribute solutions to building a new global financial governance order.

Sun Shuo, vice mayor of Beijing, said the financial sector is a pillar of the city's economy. He noted that Beijing will remain committed to high-standard opening up and expand financial cooperation with Global South countries, with efforts focused on improving the business environment, strengthening sci-tech and financial integration, advancing green finance cooperation, and promoting higher-standard financial opening up.

Lu Lei, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, said the central bank encourages financial institutions to carry out green and low-carbon investment in countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

He added that the central bank stands ready to work with all parties to advance high-quality development of green finance and guide capital toward green and low-carbon sectors.

Li Hongyan, deputy head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, said the restructuring of the global green industry presents win-win opportunities for China and other Global South countries.

Through high-standard financial opening up, China will deepen cooperation with other Global South countries in green industries, share opportunities and contribute to global sustainable development, Li said.

Erwin Ramirez, Nicaragua's minister of development, industry and trade, and Shahin Mahmudzada, executive director of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, also addressed the forum. The two-day event is hosted by Xinhua.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/349905.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
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Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union is calling on community members to vote for a Peoples Choice Finalist in each region of its annual Idea Leap Grant Competition. All finalists (including those selected by Peoples Choice voting) are guaranteed at least $10,000 to help them take their business to the next level.Voting opens on March 30 at 8 a.m. and closes on April 3 at 5 p.m. To vote, visit tvfcu.com/vote, select a regional competition to view semifinalists in that area and watch videos showcasing their businesses.Simply click vote and enter a valid email address. Each person may only vote once in each competition.Were excited to invite the community to be a part of the Idea Leap journey by voting for the Peoples Choice Finalist, said Dionne Jenkins, vice president of corporate engagement at TVFCU. Each of these entrepreneurs is bringing bold ideas and real passion to our region. When people engage, vote and share these stories, theyre helping lift up small businesses and shape the future of innovation across our 17-county service area.Semifinalists are vying for a total of 15 grants worth $225,000. During each regional pitch event, several grants will be awarded: the top prize in each region is $30,000, second place earns $15,000 and three additional finalists will each receive $10,000.The Chattanooga region semifinalists are: Chef Express Convenient Cocktail Co. Little Tail Farms Mindy Bs Deli Scenic City Arborists Scenic City Wellness Shaqs Mobile Detailing Southside Vet Clinic Windy City Eatz Yellow Racket RecordsThe Ocoee region semifinalists are: Bradley Tree Service Copperhill Brewery and Ocoee River Distilling The Drug Store Benton First Bloom Coffee and Bakery Fitted Stitches Heat N Eat Integrated Solutions of TN Mona & Larrys Polk Physical Therapy Quality Cleaning ServicesThe Northwest Georgia region semifinalists are: Band Instrument Repair Academy Estelas Taqueria Grace Hair Company KB Pressure Washing Lookout Mountain Flight Park Made By Kourmoulis Mayelli Meza Ragged Oak Farm Rise Wellness Stout HealthcareThis year, Local 3 News will premiere pitch competitions for the Northwest Georgia and Ocoee regions during the week of May 4. On the evening of May 7, TVFCU will hold an in-person pitch competition at The Signal for the Chattanooga region finalists. RSVP information will be available in the coming weeks. FollowTVFCU on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates, or visit tvfcu.com/idealeap.
Families across the Chattanooga area "will have the opportunity to step away from the uncertainty of caregiving and find real answers, support, and connection" on Thursday as the Morning Pointe Foundation will host a Caregiver Cafe titled Caring in the Cove.

It will be from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove. The free event is open to caregivers, adult children, and community members seeking guidance, trusted resources, and practical next steps.

Rather than focusing on a single topic, the evening will feature a four-person panel of local professionals who regularly support families navigating aging-related decisions. Attendees will hear expert insight and have the opportunity to ask questions during an open discussion period. Light snacks and vendor booths will also be available.

Panelists include:

Paula Larkin, CADDCT

Certified Alzheimers Disease/Dementia Practitioner and Trainer.

Lacy Graydon, BSW

Community Liaison with Adoration Hospice.

Chuck Alsobrook

Hamilton County Veterans Service Officer and Office Manager. Guidance on Veterans Pension with Aid & Attendance benefits.

H. Ben Davis III, CSA

Broker Manager with Select Pointe, LLC. Medicare insurance

This Caregiver Cafe is about helping families feel heard and better prepared, said Sarabeth Wilkins, Executive Director at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove. We want attendees to leave with trusted resources, new connections, and greater confidence in the decisions ahead.

The event is part of the Morning Pointe Foundations ongoing mission to provide caregiver education while also supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing, culinary arts, social work, and therapy through partnerships with local schools.

The Caregiver Cafe is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and connect with local professionals in a welcoming environment designed to support and empower caregivers.
10866 Lost Lake Circle 6312 Dogwood Drive 516 Tucker Street 231 Walnut Street Previous Next

10866 Lost Lake Circle

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,639 square feet, on a 5.04 acre lot

The sale was to Marissa Ponikvar Gifford Tr, Marissa Ponikvar Trust from Lauren Buongiovann Hunt Tr, Kenneth Wayne Hunt Tr, Kenneth Wayne Hunt Revocable Trust, Lauren Buongiovanni Hunt Tr, Lauren Buongiovanni Hunt Revocable Trust, Lauren Buongiovanni Hunt Tr

$1,140,000

6312 Dogwood Drive

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3,205 square feet, on a 0.7 acre lot

The sale was to William Valentine, Courtney Valentine from Timothy S Eachus, Caroline B Eachus

$1,220,000

516 Tucker Street

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,764 square feet, on a 10,001 square foot lot

The sale was to Joseph Oros from Patricia Riley, Keith A Riley

$1,249,000

231 Walnut Street

4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 4,025 square feet

The sale was to Justin Brock, Tempest Grace Brock from Peter James Ryan, Peter Ryan, Heather Ryan

$1,650,000
Students and employees from Southern Adventist Universitys automotive program will be providing free vehicle inspections for community members on Sunday, April 12 from 1-4 p.m. in the Samaritan Center parking lot, 9231 Lee Hwy. in Ooltewah.Under the umbrella of the School of Engineering and Physics, the Applied Technology team will check fluids, belts, hoses and other maintenance items on vehicles. While they will not be doing any repairs on site, each inspection will be followed by an explanation of recommendations on anything that should be fixed.Donations to benefit the Samaritan Center are welcomed, but not required.For more information, call 423-236-2863.
Design for new Walnut Street Bridge lights View toward Maclellan Island. Safety netting is still in place in areas were deck work is ongoing. Bridge in Blue Leading up from the North Shore Previous Next

The newly remodeled Walnut Street Bridge, when the doors are thrown open to the public in late September, won't be quite as welcoming to the birds and insects as before.

Netting is being installed that will be a deterrent to birds nesting and landing at the top of the bridge and creating messy conditions.

The bridge decking will be of Alaskan yellow cedar, known for its high density and natural oils that resist decay, insects and the humidity. No chemical treatments are being added to that new decking, which is expected to last over 30 years.

The deck work is 60 percent complete with work finished from the North Shore through Span 5.

The new lights have an old-timey look in keeping with the bridge's opening in 1891. Officials said the project "will include installation of LED light poles and fixtures that mimic the historic aesthetic but offer superior energy efficiency and night visibility along with bird blinds."

Brian Smith, city parks administrator, said the lights will be in keeping with preserving the "night sky."

Eleven new high-definition CCTV security cameras are included in the project.

The main water line going over to North Chattanooga is being refurbished along with all underlying electrical conduits.

The original 7,500 plaques from the time when it was decided to reopen the bridge as a pedestrian walkway will go back into place. They denote donors to the bridge preservation work. The plaques will be hand set into the new cedar planks in the order they were removed.

The steel and paint work is 100 percent complete except for touch ups. All six spans have been sandblasted to bare metal and repainted in the bridge's signature blue.

As the sandblasting and painting proceeded, large tarps were used that kept any loose materials from falling into the Tennessee River below. This debris was collected and recycled.

The paint layers include a primer, intermediate and a UV-resistant blue topcoat.

Structural repairs are nearly 100 percent complete. Crews have addressed unforeseen corrosion in the floor beams and truss connections discovered under the old deck.

Total investment in the project is $40.9 million, including federal grants, city hotel-motel tax funds and structural contingency funds. The bridge was built for under $250,000.

The 18-month renovation started March 17, 2025. James Caron, project manager for Southern Road and Bridge, of Palm Harbor, Fla., praised the workers, saying, "At times we had 60-70 at a time working dark to dark."

Sturdy netting was placed under the bridge, but there have been no worker falls thus far. When the bridge was built in 1890-1891, three workmen lost their lives.

The Walnut Street Bridge is 2,376 feet end to end.

It's the first major overhaul of the popular Walking Bridge in over 30 years.
Gennate Ltd, a Greater Manchester-based deep-tech company developing next-generation plant nutrition nanomaterials, announced the successful close of a 550,000 seed funding round. The investment was led by SFC Capital, with participation from the GM Advance Fund, (managed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)), and the Salonica Infinity Fund (part of Salonica Group).

The Gennate team: (left to right) Dr. Farid Khan, Dr. Imad Naasani, Dr. Jamie Bailey and Ms Zainab Dawood Gennate Ltd

The round reflects a strong collaboration between private capital and public-sector partners to accelerate the commercialisation of UK-developed scientific innovation. Based in Stockport and with laboratory space at Manchester Science Park, Gennate is emerging from the regions growing life sciences and advanced research ecosystem.

The funding will underpin the creation of up to 15 new jobs over the next three years and accelerate Gennates transition from laboratory development to pilot-scale manufacturing, enabling productisation of its proprietary platform and early commercial deployment. Key milestones include fabrication, technology maturation and launch of initial industrial pilots with leading agritech partners.

Gennate is led by its CEO and founder, Dr. Imad Naasani and co-founder Dr. Farid Khan, who are experienced biotech entrepreneurs, and have formed a team of nano-formulation scientists. The team has moved into Kilburn House, Manchester Science Park, part of Bruntwood SciTech which provides the ecosystem that allows biotech companies to form, scale and grow.

Joseph Venables, Associate Commercial Direct at Bruntwood SciTech said: Gennate is a fantastic example of the kind of pioneering, science-led business were proud to support at Manchester Science Park.

By providing access to specialist lab space, a collaborative community of likeminded businesses and connections into our academic, clinical and investment partner network, were able to help innovators like Gennate accelerate their growth from early-stage research through to commercialisation.

Its great to see this latest funding milestone, which is a strong endorsement of both the business and the wider innovation ecosystem here in Manchester.

Gennate has developed a novel continuous-flow nanoreactor platform that enables the low-cost, scalable production of nano-sized macro- and micronutrients. The technology addresses long-standing manufacturing and cost barriers that have limited the global adoption of nanofertilisers, while supporting more efficient nutrient delivery and reduced environmental losses. Gennates nanofertiliser formulations have already shown 30% increase in wheat seed germination and >50% yield increases in growth and biomass of crops.

Dr Imad Naasani, Founder and CEO of Gennate, added: This funding is a strong validation of our scientific breakthrough and our vision to make nanotechnology commercially viable at industrial scale. It enables us to move decisively toward pilot production and sets the company for early product deployment and global growth.

150,000 of funding was provided through the GM Advance Fund, a 10m revolving investment fund managed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support the growth of companies in the advanced manufacturing and materials sector. The Fund is open to new start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises based in Greater Manchester, and those with tangible plans to relocate or expand operations in the city region.

Councillor David Molyneux, Leader of Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Resources and Investment, said: The GM Advance Fund was set up to support companies like Gennate, businesses that can turn world-class research into real economic opportunity for Greater Manchester. Advanced materials is one of our frontier sectors, with huge potential to create good jobs, attract private investment and build long-term strength in the regional economy while supporting more sustainable ways of producing and using resources.

By backing businesses at this stage, were helping innovation take root here and making sure growth delivers for local people and communities across Greater Manchester.

The Salonica Infinity Fund focuses on backing pre-revenue and early-revenue, science-led companies emerging from the UKs leading innovation clusters, investing across life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability-driven technologies. In addition to capital, the Fund provides hands-on strategic and commercial support to help founders bridge the gap between world-class science and real-world application.
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Attorneys representing a middle school student in Washington state say school officials improperly disciplined the girl for distributing Gospel tracts to classmates.

According to the American Center for Law and Justice, which is representing the student, the incident took place on or about Feb. 18 at a public middle school in an unnamed district.

The legal group alleges that a vice principal entered the classroom after learning about the distribution of the tracts, removed the student and told her she was not allowed to share religious materials on campus.

The student had reportedly been handing out tracts obtained from the Gospel House Tract Society during lunch and break periods, asking classmates for permission before doing so.

In response to the administrators directive, the student questioned why other students were allowed to express their views while she was not permitted to share her faith.

According to the ACLJs March 20 demand letter, the vice principal responded: Students may share opinions, but they may not share religious beliefs.

Attorneys further allege the administrator pointed to the schools policy of allowing students to leave campus to participate in protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as an example of acceptable expression, while maintaining that distributing religious literature was prohibited.

During the same interaction, the student also asked about forming a Christian student club but was told it would require a teacher sponsor  a claim the ACLJ disputes.

The attorneys argue that the schools actions violate the students constitutional rights.

The prohibition against the mere discussion of God or the giving of an item displaying a religious reference to a friend and classmate blatantly interferes with [her] First Amendment rights as a student, wrote ACLJ attorneys Nathan Moelker and Christina Compagnone.

In their letter, the attorneys cited the Supreme Courts decision in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969), which held that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.

The ACLJ also noted that this is not the first dispute involving the student and the same district.

In 2019, when the student was in second grade, school officials reportedly conducted routine backpack searches to confiscate Christian tracts, treating them as prohibited items.

The organization said it intervened at that time, leading to a demand letter and ultimately a formal agreement in 2022 affirming that the school district must remain neutral toward religion and may not discriminate against religious viewpoints.

That agreement also recognized the students right to distribute materials on campus, including religious literature, according to the ACLJ.
Home News Catholic Church wont survive without ordaining women, cardinal warns

Unless the Catholic Church breaks its 2,000-year tradition of ordaining only men to the priesthood, Archbishop of Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich doesnt believe it can continue to exist. And the majority of Catholic women agree with him, he claims.

I cannot imagine how a church can continue to exist in the long run if half of the people of God suffer because they have no access to ordained ministry, Hollerich said during a recent symposium in Bonn, Germany, according to The Catholic Herald.

As a bishop, I have also learned that this is not just a demand of some left-leaning womens groups, he added. When I speak with women in parishes, 90% share the same opinion.

The Catholic Churchs Code of Canon Law prohibits the ordination of women to the priesthood, stating A baptized male alone receives sacred ordination validly. There has been much discussion about expanding the role of women in the Catholic Church recently.

While it recognized the outsized role of women in the church, the Final Report of Study Group 5, focusing on Womens participation in the life and leadership of the Church, published by the General Secretariat of the Synod earlier this month, did not support the idea of ordaining women for leadership.

It calls, however, for expanded, non-ordained roles for women in Church governance and leadership.

The question of womens access to the diaconate did not yet appear sufficiently mature, all things considered and as maintained by Pope Francis himself; yet the opportunity remained open to continue the work of deeper study on the role of women in the leadership of communities and on other possible avenues of participation, the report states.

The report acknowledges that, in addition to playing an essential and often undervalued majority role in the life of the Church, those contributions are undervalued and under-recognized.

It makes clear that leadership roles for women in the church can be expanded in sacramental roles.

It is important to reiterate this point: alongside the sacramental path and distinct from it, there is also a charismatic path that can be fruitfully pursued to open new spaces of participation for the lay faithful, particularly for women, the report says. It follows that even in the exercise of governance within a Diocese, opportunities of this kind may arise and should be employed.

Despite his position on the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, Hollerich acknowledges that it isnt universal. He applauded the ongoing efforts to expand womens roles within the current framework of the church, which will continue to advance under Pope Leo XIV.

It would be my deepest wish that the whole Church rejoices in this, Hollerich said.

The comments from the Jesuit cardinal come as Bishop Johan Bonny of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antwerp, Belgium, announced plans last week to ordain married men to the priesthood by 2028, despite the Roman Catholic Churchs requirement of clerical celibacy.

The question is no longer whether the Church can ordain married men as priests but when it will do so, and who will do it, Bonny wrote in a pastoral letter claiming that the consensus on this question is almost total among Church leaders. Any delay comes across as an excuse.
Home News CPAC Int'l Faith Summit talks post-COVID religious freedom, Charlie Kirk legacy

GRAPEVINE, Texas  The 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference kicked off Wednesday afternoon with the International Faith Summit at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine.

The annual gathering, running March 2528, brings together influential Republican leaders, activists and faith figures amid a challenging political landscape for President Donald Trump, including divisions on the right over the U.S.-involved war in Iran that he launched.

While Trump  who was not expected to address the conference this year  retains broad support among conservatives, the conflict has tested some supporters of his America First pledge to avoid foreign entanglements. A new Associated Press-NORC poll shows about 59% of Americans believe the military action in Iran has been excessive.

During the opening International Faith Summit, a panel of more than a dozen speakers addressed spiritual renewal, religious liberty and global Christian persecution. The discussion was led by moderator and CPAC senior fellow Mercedes Schlapp.

Pastor Che Ahn, senior pastor of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry and a notable figure in the New Apostolic Reformation movement, responded to a question about key issues for California voters by framing problems in spiritual terms linked to Isaiah 9:6.

The last time I checked, we're the body of Christ, said Ahn. The governments on our shoulder. He's the head. We're the body, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, of his government and of His peace will have no end.  So at the end of the day, we win, but until then, we have to see revival and reclamation take place in California. That is the province of California and our nation.

Ahn, who is running as a Republican for California governor in 2026, then recounted his churchs legal battle during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in California and warned about the states political future.

I began to realize that we have come to a one-party communist Marxist atheistic state called California, and we have to break that ideology, he said. It's not flesh and blood, but against principalities.

Schlapp added, We're not going to allow that to happen again.

Victor Marx, founder of All Things Possible Ministries in Colorado, paid tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative activist organization Turning Point USA, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September. Marx said Kirk was a great example of living your faith out regardless of the fear and the consequences.

That's what's ignited, I'd say, a whole generation of young people and hopefully a bunch of oldsters who are going, Who cares? Let's just live for God, do what he says regardless of what anybody says, because we're gonna be obedient to God even unto death, he added.

Schlapp, who noted Kirks first national speech was at CPAC in 2021, said the conservative activists legacy continues to inform CPACs agenda.

His spirit is with us. We pray for his family, for Erica, the children, and for the great work that Turning Point is doing, she said. We miss Charlie. We miss Charlie, but his legacy lives on, and we obviously are inspired to keep doing the work of reaching out, continuing to reach out and building community that's so critical.

CPAC is scheduled to run through Saturday with featured appearances from figures including Franklin Graham, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Home News Department of Labor launches new Center for Faith website targeting religious discrimination

In a bid to combat rising cases of religious discrimination, the United States Department of Labor has launched a new website for its Center for Faith, with resources for Christians and other Americans who may have faced religious discrimination in the workplace.

The move fulfills a portion of President Donald Trumps executive order that created the White House Faith Office and Centers for Faith within each federal agency.

Through the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Labor, faith-based organizations can maximize their participation in grant funding opportunities and minimize regulatory burdens, according to the website. The center also works to engage faith organizations to defend religious liberty and lift up individuals through the dignity of work and self-sufficiency; and to combat anti-Christian, anti-Semitic bias, as well as all forms of religious discrimination.

Americans should not face discrimination in the workplace because of their religion. Our new Center for Faith website offers helpful guidance for American workers and faith organizations interested in competing for grants at the Department of Labor, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement. Thanks to President Trump, Americans right to religious freedom is more protected than ever before.

Data cited by the Survey Center on American Life shows that in 2009, only about 42% of white Evangelical Christians said Evangelical Christians in the U.S. faced a lot of discrimination. In 2023, some 60% reported that they believe Evangelical Christians regularly face discrimination.

In 2023, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported a massive increase in religious discrimination complaints, jumping from 2,111 in 2021 to over 13,000 in 2022. Objections to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate primarily drove these complaints.

On Tuesday, the EEOC announced it had resolved charges of religious and disability discrimination against a leading global technology company involving the granting of vaccination exemptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company agreed to pay $15 million as part of a three-year conciliation agreement but admitted no wrongdoing.

There was no pandemic exception to workers civil rights and liberties, EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said in a statement.

Under President Trumps leadership, the EEOC is focused on accountability and delivering results for American workers. Title VII and the ADA require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs and qualifying disabilities unless they can demonstrate undue hardship, she explained. When employers fail to meet that obligation, the Commission will act. This resolution makes clear that Americas workplaces must remain open to employees of faith and to workers with disabilities.

The technology firm, which has locations in 12 U.S. states, was accused of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination because of an individuals religion and requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employees religious beliefs, observance or practice unless doing so would cause an undue hardship.

The government says the company also violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires the accommodation of disabilities absent undue hardship, and prohibits employers from discharging an employee because of their disability or because they engaged in protected activity by requesting an accommodation.

We are pleased we were able to reach a resolution of this matter, Melinda Caraballo, director of the EEOCs Phoenix District Office, said. The companys agreement to review and revise its equal employment opportunity policies and report these changes to the EEOC are important steps in ensuring a workplace free of discrimination.
Home News Finnish MP Paivi Rasanen found guilty of hate speech over 22-year-old pamphlet against homosexuality

Finnish parliamentarian Paivi Rasanen was found guilty of hate speech and fined by the Supreme Court of Finland on Thursday over a pamphlet describing homosexuality as a psychosexual development disorder more than 20 years ago.

Rasanen, who led Finland's Christian Democratic Party from 2004 to 2015 and served as the country's interior minister from 2011 to 2015, was found guilty in a slim 3-2 decision of "making and keeping available to the public a text that insults a group," according to a press release from the U.S.-based legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International.

Police first began investigating the grandmother of 12 in response to criminal complaints shortly after Rasanen's 2019 tweet in which she quoted Romans 1:2427 to rebuke the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for promoting LGBT "pride month." She questioned how the church could agree with "shame and sin" being presented as "a matter of pride."

Investigators later dredged up a pamphlet she published in 2004 with Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, titled "Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity."

At one point, the pamphlet argues that homosexuality is disordered, which the court found was an opinion that could "insult homosexuals as a group on the basis of their sexual orientation."

The court noted that "it must be taken into account that the text forming the basis for the conviction did not contain incitement to violence or comparable threat-like fomenting of hatred. The conduct is therefore not particularly serious in terms of the nature of the offense."

Convicted under Chapter 11 of the Finnish Penal Code, which deals with "agitation against a minority group," Rasanen was ordered to pay a fine of 1,800 euros ($2,080), and the court prohibited physical and digital copies of the pamphlet from being distributed following the ruling.

In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Rasanen recalled being disturbed by her church's participation in the 2019 Helsinki LGBT Pride march, noting that the police investigation dragged out as she and Pohjola were repeatedly dragged to court.

She and Pohjola faced their third trial last October, despite being unanimously acquitted twice by the Helsinki Court of Appeal and the three-judge District Court of Helsinki.

The Supreme Court acquitted Rasanen over the initial 2019 tweet that sparked the prosecution against her in the first place, arguing that she "justified her opinion by citing a biblical text" among other things.

Rasanen said she was "shocked and profoundly disappointed" by the high court's ruling, and accused them of failing "to recognize my basic human right to freedom of expression."

"I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith, and will continue to defend my and every persons right to share their convictions in the public square," she said.

I am taking legal advice on a possible appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. This is not about my free speech alone, but that of every person in Finland. A positive ruling would help to prevent other innocent people from experiencing the same ordeal for simply sharing their beliefs."

Paul Coleman, who serves as executive director of ADF International, condemned the ruling as "an outrageous example of state censorship," based on a law that did not exist when Rasanen's pamphlet was written.

"This decision will create a severe chilling effect for everyones right to speak freely," he warned.

In a statement in 2024, Coleman likened Rasanen's case to something from the Middle Ages and warned of "creeping censorship" afflicting the historically free nations of Europe.

"In a democratic Western nation in 2024, nobody should be on trial for their faith  yet throughout the prosecution of Paivi Rasanen and Bishop Pohjola, we have seen something akin to a 'heresy' trial, where Christians are dragged through court for holding beliefs that differ from the approved orthodoxy of the day," Coleman said.

Last month, Rasanen attended a prayer gathering of national repentance at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., before testifying to the U.S. Congress about the growing hostility toward free speech in Europe.
Home News Pete Hegseth quotes imprecatory psalms during Pentagon prayer service: 'Pour out your wrath'

Quick Summary AI Summary Pete Hegseth quoted imprecatory psalms during a Pentagon prayer service.

He invoked divine wrath against enemies of the United States.

Hegseth's remarks drew backlash, with comparisons to Islamic fundamentalism. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth quoted from the imprecatory psalms and invoked divine wrath against the enemies of the United States on Wednesday during introductory remarks he made at the first monthly prayer service at the Pentagon since the outbreak of the war in Iran.

"Every month it is fitting to be right here," he told those gathered at the service, which was live-streamed and included uniformed military personnel. "All the more fitting this month, at this moment, given what tens of thousands of Americans are doing right now."

Reading from a prayer he said was given by a military chaplain to the U.S. Navy task force that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, Hegseth read from Psalm 18, which David composed after he was delivered from the hand of Saul.

"I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet," the psalm reads in part.

Pete Hegseth, at today's Christian Prayer & Worship Service at the Pentagon, prays for Almighty God to "pour out your wrath" and "break the teeth of the ungodly." He begs the Almighty to sanction "overwhelming violence" against "those who deserve no mercy" pic.twitter.com/eJyDeTANot  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) March 25, 2026

Hegseth went on to read from the chaplain's prayer used ahead of the Maduro operation, which was prayed in the name of Jesus Christ and likewise peppered with quotes from the imprecatory psalms.

"Almighty God, who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle, you who stirred the nations from the north against Babylon of old, making her land a desolation where none dwell: behold now the wicked, who rise against your justice and the peace of the righteous," he prayed.

"Snap the rod of the oppressor, frustrate the wicked plans of the ungodly. By the blast of your anger, let the evil perish. Let their bulls go down to slaughter, for their day has come; the time of their punishment. Pour out your wrath upon those who plot vain things and blow them away like chaff before the wind."

The prayer went on to invoke divine aid in letting "every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation."

"Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy," he continued. "Preserve their lives, sharpen their resolve and let justice be executed swiftly and without remorse, that evil may be driven back and wicked souls delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them."

Hegseth's remarks drew backlash from users on X, some of whom likened his apparent worldview to the Islamic fundamentalism of the Iranian regime. The scrutiny comes amid concerns regarding what role religion and especially eschatology are playing in the conflict, which has extended for nearly a month.

During an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes Overtime" earlier this month, Hegseth acknowledged there is a religious element to the war, but singled out Shiite Islamic eschatology as the culprit.

"Obviously, we're fighting religious fanatics who seek a nuclear capability in order for some religious Armageddon," Hegseth said in response to a question regarding whether he views the war in a "religious context."

"But from my perspective, obviously, I'm a man of faith who encourages our troops to lean into their faith, rely on God. There's no atheists in foxholes. Your mortality is right in front of you."

"I remember prayer, for me, on combat missions, how important that was. That's why we're making the chaplain corps great again and active again, making sure we're pouring into the faith of our troops," added Hegseth, who in 2018 expressed optimism that a third Jewish temple would be built in Jerusalem.

Pete Hegseth admits the war against Iran has religious meaning for him, according to his version of Christianity.



Hegseth says its important to give U.S. soldiers faith before they go to war.



They need a connection with their almighty God. pic.twitter.com/u45lnwhytm  Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) March 9, 2026

Earlier this month, the nonprofit Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), led by Mikey Weinstein, claimed that hundreds of service members have sent him religious freedom complaints since the war began, including some alleging that they are being told there is a Christian eschatological element to the conflict.

One complaint reportedly alleged that an unnamed commander told non-commissioned officers during a March 2 briefing that Trump was "anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth." The Pentagon did not respond to The Christian Post's request for comment on the allegations at the time.

Earlier this week, Hegseth's pastor, Brooks Potteiger, who delivered a message at the first Pentagon prayer service under Hegseth last year, prompted backlash for agreeing with a Christian podcast host who claimed imprecatory psalms were appropriate to use against political foes such as Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico.

Amid pushback, including allegations from Talarico and some media outlets that he was calling for Talarico to be killed, Potteiger denied wanting to see Talarico die and said the ultimate desire of a Christian using imprecatory psalms against someone is to see their conversion and repentance.
Home News School district reverses suspension, agrees to teacher's religious accommodation after legal pressure

Quick Summary AI Summary Salem City School District in Ohio reverses suspension of teacher Shawnae Carlisle.

District agrees to allow unpaid leave for religious holidays after legal pressure.

First Liberty Institute says the decision respects religious rights of employees. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary

An Ohio school district has agreed to allow one of its employees to take unpaid leave to observe religious holidays after facing the threat of legal action for suspending the employee earlier in the school year.

In a statement published Tuesday, the religious liberty law firm First Liberty Institute announced that the Salem City School District in Salem, Ohio, agreed to grant one of its teachers, Shawnae Carlisle, an accommodation allowing her to take unpaid leave to observe religious holy days after receiving a letter from the legal organization.

The school districts decision comes five months after it suspended Carlisle, who teaches science at Southeast Elementary School, when she requested unpaid leave to observe a holy day.

First Liberty Institute identifies Carlisle as a member of the Church of God who celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles each fall and four additional religious observances throughout the school year. Carlisle had regularly requested and received time off to observe the religious holidays throughout her 15-year teaching career, always making sure a substitute teacher was available to cover her class in advance.

That changed in October, when she was suspended for five days after taking time off to observe the Feast of Tabernacles despite the school districts denial of her request. As she had in the past, Carlisle ensured a substitute was available to cover her classes while she was away.

First Liberty Institute argued that school districts reasoning "did not comport with its treatment of other teachers in the school, describing the school districts actions as arbitrary and inconsistent.

The legal group sent a demand letter to the Salem City School District, prompting it to reverse course.

We are grateful that after receiving our letter about Ms. Carlisles religious liberty rights, the Salem City School District reversed its prior suspension of Ms. Carlisle for observing religious holy days and instead agreed to accommodate her religious observances going forward, said First Liberty Senior Counsel Cliff Martin. Salem City School Districts actions demonstrate how all school districts can and should respect their religious employees.

Ben Flowers, an attorney at the law firm Ashbrook Byrne Kresge Flowers LLC who represented Carlisle along with First Liberty Institute, said that teaching and faith are important to Ms. Carlisle."

"No one should be forced to violate their religious beliefs in order to keep their job, and we are glad that with this new religious accommodation, she will not have to choose between the two," Flower said.
Home News Oklahoma officials sued for rejecting Jewish charter school

A group seeking to create a Jewish charter school in Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against state officials over the recent denial of its application.

The National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation filed the complaint Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Defendants named in the suit include Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and members of the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board.

The suit alleges that by refusing to allow religious entities like Ben Gamla to oversee charter schools, Oklahoma is violating the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Plaintiffs Jewish beliefs and identity are their motivation for seeking to own and operate a publicly funded charter school. Offering education from a Jewish perspective is a core part of their religious exercise, reads the lawsuit.

The exclusion of Plaintiffs is not narrowly tailored to achieve any government interest.  Plaintiffs have suffered, are suffering, and will suffer irreparable harm and other forms of harm absent relief.

The foundation is represented in part by the Becket Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm that has won religious liberty cases at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Attorney General Drummond cant blacklist schools for being religious while welcoming everyone else with open arms, said Eric Baxter, senior counsel at Becket and attorney for Ben Gamla, in a statement Tuesday.

That kind of religious hostility is unlawful, unjust, and utterly at odds with decades of Supreme Court precedent. Were going to court to vindicate Ben Gamlas right to equal treatment under the law.

Last December, Ben Gamla submitted an application to form a Jewish charter school in Oklahoma. The foundation already runs four nonreligious charter schools in Florida.

The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board voted against the application in February, with Ben Gamla founder Peter Deutsch vowing at the time to appeal the decision.

A coalition of progressive groups  including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union, Education Law Center, Freedom From Religion Foundation and Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice  applauded the decision.

The advocacy organizations sent a letter to the state school board ahead of the vote, urging members to reject the application on state and federal constitutional grounds.

By refusing to approve what would have been the nations first religious public school, the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board is protecting Oklahomans religious freedom, public education, and church-state separation, the groups said in a joint statement.

Were proud to be part of a large and diverse group of Oklahomans and people nationwide who are committed to defending Americas secular public education system.

In June 2023, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted 3-2 to approve the creation of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would have been overseen by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa.

However, Drummond sued the board in October 2023, and a coalition of liberal groups filed a lawsuit in July 2023. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 7-1 against St. Isidore in June 2024, with the majority concluding that it violated the state constitution.

In May 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a brief 4-4 per curiam opinion affirming the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling against the establishment of St. Isidore. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself due to reported personal ties to a professor who was an early adviser to St. Isidore.
Home News Sarah Mullally installed as first female archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Mullally has been installed as the archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England and, by extension, the global Anglican Communion.

At a service held Wednesday at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally's public ministry as archbishop officially begins, having been invested with the legal functions of the office in January.

During her sermon at the service, the 64-year-old Mullally noted that the teenage Sarah who put her faith in God would never have imagined the future that lay ahead, and certainly not the ministry to which I am now called.

She spoke about how some members of the global Anglican community were unable to attend the installation due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.

We pray for them without ceasing, and for all those in war-torn areas of the world, in Ukraine, in Sudan and Myanmar, that they would know Gods presence with them, just as we pray for peace to prevail, said Mullally.

She also told those gathered that we are called to trust that nothing will be impossible with God, even when we see so much in the world that makes hope seem impossible.

But there is hope, because we make this journey with God. We do not bear the weight of this calling in our own strength, but only in the grace and power of God, she added.

We walk with God, trusting that God walks with us, trusting that in all that we face  in the sorrow and the challenges as much as in the joy and the delight  we do not walk alone. There is hope, because we are invited to trust that God will do a new thing.

Initially a nurse who treated cancer patients, Mullally was ordained to the priesthood in 2001 and had served as the bishop of London since 2018. She was elected archbishop last October, succeeding the Rev. Justin Welby, who resigned in January of last year.

Mullallys election stirred controversy among theological conservatives within the Anglican Communion, partly due to some of her progressive theological views, as well as the belief among some that women should not be in church leadership positions.

The Global Anglican Futures Conference was among the critics. The Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, issued a statement arguing that the Church of England had chosen a leader who will further divide an already split Communion.

For over a century and a half, the Archbishop of Canterbury functioned not only as the Primate of All England but also as a spiritual and moral leader of the Anglican Communion, Mbanda stated.

However, due to the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to guard the faith, the office can no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity.
Alan Ritchson Cleared Of Charges, Iranian Group Targets US & Israel, Christian Nationalism Critique

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:51 06:51

Top headlines for Thursday, March 26, 2026

We explore the recent news about actor Alan Ritchson, famous for his role in Reacher, who has been cleared of charges following a physical altercation. Next, we examine the alarming developments in England, where an Iranian terror group has taken responsibility for an arson attack on Jewish ambulances and has declared its intention to continue targeting the US and Israel. Plus, we discuss a heated political controversy in Texas, where state Rep. James Talarico criticized Christian nationalism in response to a provocative statement made by Pastor Brooks Potteiger.

00:11 No charges for Christian Reacher star Alan Ritchson after fight

00:58 Iranian terror group behind UK arson vows to do more attacks

01:51 Louisville pays $800K to settle with Christian photographer

02:43 Talarico says 'Christian Nationalism kills' in response to pastor

03:33 Planned Parenthood chapter pays $500K to end discrimination probe

04:25 Dallas begins removal of 30 rainbow-colored crosswalks

05:16 DoorDash delivery worker, 78, gets nearly $1M from strangers

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Home Opinion Parents beware: Roblox is breeding ground for 764 network groomers

In my February op-ed, I warned parents that the comforting phrase safe at home on a screen is a dangerous lie.



The 764 network, a decentralized group of nihilistic violent extremists, was already using popular gaming apps to target children. What begins as innocent play quickly turns into grooming. Children are manipulated into producing child sexual abuse material, filming self-harm, and much worse. The blackmail and trauma that follow can destroy young lives.

In just weeks, the courts are already giving us more evidence.

Multiple state attorneys general and dozens of families have now sued Roblox. Roblox is not a single game. It is an open platform where users create and host their own games and interact directly with others, often without meaningful oversight. The company reports roughly 144 million daily active users, and 35 to 40% of them are under the age of 13. That means roughly 50 million young children are logging in every single day on a platform that parents are told is safe.

The complaints name the 764 network directly as one of the organized groups using the platform to target vulnerable children.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit in November 2025, accusing Roblox of putting pixel pedophiles and corporate profit over the safety of Texas children. The company stands accused of ignoring state and federal online safety laws while misleading parents about how well it protects kids. On March 6, 2026, a Texas judge ruled that core claims, including allegations of deceptive practices, can move forward.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed suit on March 4, 2026. His complaint describes 764 as a massive, worldwide cult of nihilistic violent extremists that has repeatedly used Roblox to find and groom children before coercing them into explicit material and self-harm videos. One example cited is a 16-year-old girl who died by suicide after prolonged grooming by an individual she first encountered on Roblox, who was tied to the 764 network.

Kentuckys earlier lawsuit described Roblox as a preferred environment for predators and detailed cases involving the grooming and exploitation of children. Additional actions have been filed in Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Iowa, and Los Angeles County, pointing to a pattern that is no longer isolated.

On the federal side, more than 130 cases are now consolidated in multidistrict litigation in California. Families describe the same pattern again and again. Children as young as 5 to 13 are approached through in-game chats, friend requests, and digital incentives that make it easy for predators to build trust. Once contact is established, the conversation quickly moves to private channels where oversight disappears, and harm escalates.

This is the exact digital safety crisis I warned about in my first piece. At that time, it was based on FBI alerts and parent reports. Now the lawsuits lay out the details, with specific references to 764 and devastating outcomes.

Parents cannot continue outsourcing their childrens safety to companies whose business model depends on keeping kids online for as long as possible. Roblox and similar platforms have had years to address these risks. They have not. The lawsuits make that clear.

The vulnerabilities are obvious. Children can be contacted easily. Identities can be faked. Conversations can move off platform in minutes and out of sight.

Parents need to act. Now.

Start with control of the account itself. Roblox allows parents to create and link a parent account to a childs profile. Use it. Move your childs account under your control. Lock down privacy settings. Restrict who can contact them. Disable or severely limit chat. If you are not in control of the account, you are not in control of who is reaching your child. Period.

Then go through the account together. Every friend. Every message. Every interaction. If you do not know who someone is, remove them. Immediately.

Do not assume a username is a child. It often is not.

Set rules and enforce them. Devices stay in common areas. No private, late-night use. No moving conversations to other apps without your knowledge. Not Discord. Not Snapchat. Not anywhere.

Have direct conversations. Ask your child who they are talking to. Ask if anyone has asked them to move off the platform. Ask if anyone has asked for photos, videos, or secrets.

Watch behavior closely. Withdrawal. Secrecy. Sudden anxiety around a device. These are not small signals. They are warnings.

And do not wait for proof.

By the time there is proof, the damage is already done.

If you discover exploitation or even suspect it, act immediately. Do not handle it quietly.

Preserve everything. Take screenshots. Save chats. Do not delete the account or messages.

Report it. File a report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the Cyber Tip line at report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Contact your local law enforcement. Notify your state attorney generals office. You can also submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

These cases move fast. Evidence matters. Delay protects the predator, not your child.

And support efforts to hold these companies accountable. Contact your state attorney general. Contact your representatives. Demand real safeguards and consequences when platforms allow known predator networks like 764 to operate.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been one of the strongest voices on this issue. He told me directly,

It is unconscionable that Roblox has allowed pedophiles to operate all across its platform and take advantage of our children. Its not only unbelievably immoral that the company is putting profits ahead of the protection of kids and lying to parents, but its also illegal. Thats why Ive taken aggressive legal action against the company and will continue to fight any Big Tech corporation that wants to endanger our children and mislead parents.

The people behind the 764 network are not going to stop. The companies enabling them are not going to fix this without pressure.

Protection starts at home.

Our children are the target.

Protect your children.
Home Opinion What constructive ecumenism in Christianity looks like

According to an article in Religion Unplugged, Roman Catholic officials are considering the Augsburg Confession as a basis for Christian unity. For those not up on their Church history, this was written in 1530 by Philip Melanchthon as a joint statement for Protestant leaders in Germany.



The confession was rejected by the Emperor Charles V and the Vatican hierarchy, but it remains the fundamental doctrinal statement for Lutherans around the world and serves as a template for other Protestant confessions in the last five centuries.

The Vatican praising Augsburg is kind of like Pepsi telling customers to go try a Coke. A Jesuit scholar quoted in the article even said this,

Acknowledging the Reformations contributions and recognizing the Augsburg Confession as a paradigm for Christian unity would further the cause of mission and a unified Christian witness to a broken world that needs to hear the Gospel.

Whether this move by the Vatican becomes more than just compliments, ecumenism has a complicated history. While most Christians recognize the need for greater unity, the devil is in the details. Bridge-building should never devolve into moral compromise or a denial of the Gospel.

A commitment to faithfulness can also, on the other hand, be corrupted by tribalism. When Christians reduce Christianity to only their own particular tradition, preference becomes dogma, non-essentials are made essential, and secondary, non-salvationary issues are reimagined as conditions of salvation. In practice, Christianity can become less about the truth of the Gospel or standing against heresy and instead becomes a group- or self-identity.

Its even more dangerous and damaging when, in the name of unity, essential Christian doctrines are ignored. Chuck Colson called this Mushy or Easy Going Ecumenism. This happened with Mainline denominations in the 20th century, when the quest for a nebulous unity ended in denial of the importance of truth entirely. This has also happened in pop Evangelical circles, when caring about truth and doctrine is slandered as not loving people.

Christians disagree, and those disagreements matter, whether about the mechanics of salvation, the substance and administration of the Lords Supper, or the style of worship and instruction. Not all disputes are as central to the faith as others are, but some are certainly worth dividing over.

As Chuck Colson put it back in 2011:

Without creeds and dogmas, without reference to what [David] Brooks calls the accumulated wisdom of thousands of co-believers through the centuries, religion succumbs to irrelevance. And that can lead to an eternal destination that  many people are being told no longer exists.

In practice, this will mean maintaining the tension of holding tightly onto truth while also committing ourselves to the Christian unity for which Christ prayed. One model is what Francis Schaeffer called co-belligerency and Chuck Colson termed the ecumenism of the trenches, the pragmatic recognition that we dont have to agree on everything to work together on something. This approach allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder on ethical and social issues, while standing back-to-back against the aggressions of the anti-Christian and hyper-secular attacks of the enemy.

To do this kind of ecumenism well and without compromise, even as we work together on causes about which we can agree, we must keep arguing in love for one another and for the truth. For example, Roman Catholics and Protestants cannot both be right about Mary. One of us is wrong. The truth matters, and it matters more than our tribe. A constructive ecumenism across Christianitys traditions can only take place if we are, at the same time, struggling for the truth.

Some may recoil at the call for Christians to argue about anything, but not G.K. Chesterton. He did, however, note the difference between arguments, which are necessary parts of pursuing what is true, and quarrels, which get in the way of the truth:

People generally quarrel because they cannot argue. And it is extraordinary to notice how few people in the modern world can argue. This is why there are so many quarrels, breaking out again and again, and never coming to any natural end.

Theologically, C.S. Lewis compared the different denominations and Christian traditions to rooms in a house. Thus, as he wrote in Mere Christianity:

 above all you must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling. In plain language, the question should never be: Do I like that kind of service? but Are these doctrines true?

Indeed. And ecumenism that does not compromise will require both the confidence that truth is real and knowable, and the humility that God is at work in all of His people, not us.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
Home Opinion Why the Church must not withdraw from the public square

Along the treacherous waters off North Carolinas Outer Banks stands the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. For generations, its powerful beam has warned ships away from the shifting shoals and hidden dangers of what sailors have long called the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Storms have battered its shores. Waves have crashed relentlessly against the coast. Yet its light, steady and far-reaching, has spared countless lives.

Years ago, however, the sea itself began to threaten the lighthouse. Erosion steadily crept closer, putting the structure at risk of being lost. So, in a remarkable act of foresight and determination, the entire lighthouse was moved inland at great effort, so that its light would not be extinguished.

But we must be clear: the lighthouse is not the source of the light. It is only the structure from which the light shines.

In much the same way, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the true light of the world, and the Church is its appointed witness. No nation, including America, is itself that light. Yet in the providence of God, this country has served as a remarkably elevated platform from which that light has been projected with unusual reach and strength.

Through religious liberty, economic abundance, global influence, and an unparalleled missionary movement, America has enabled the Gospel to reach the farthest corners of the earth. It has not been the light. But it has been, in many respects, a well-positioned lighthouse.

That reality carries with it a sobering implication.

If God has used a nation in such a way, should we be surprised that forces opposed to His truth would seek to weaken the very conditions that have facilitated that witness so effectively? Scripture reminds us that your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The Evil One does not strike aimlessly. He opposes what most advances the purposes of God.

If the Gospel has gone forth powerfully from a particular place, it is not unreasonable to expect that the enemy would work persistently to dim that light, not by extinguishing the Gospel itself, which he cannot do, but by eroding the moral, cultural, and spiritual foundations that have provided for that light to shine so broadly.

This brings us to an unavoidable question.

What is the responsibility of the Church, especially its pastors and leaders, in such a moment?

There was a time when the Church spoke with unmistakable clarity on the great moral issues of the day. Today, however, many of the most consequential issues shaping the soul of our nation receive little sustained attention from the pulpit.

The sanctity of human life continues to be challenged, not only in the tragedy of abortion but in the growing acceptance of assisted suicide. The institution of marriage has been redefined, and confusion surrounding gender and identity has spread rapidly through the culture. The family, long understood as the foundational unit of both Church and society, has been steadily weakened by fatherlessness, fragmentation, and neglect.

At the same time, industries built on addiction have expanded with remarkable speed, not only with the governments support but also with its endorsement and promotion. Gambling, once restrained, is now accessible in the palm of ones hand  the smartphone. Substance abuse is increasingly normalized, while alcohol abuse in various forms is treated as a harmless escape rather than a destructive force.

Perhaps most concerning is the quiet collapse of truth itself. We are told that truth is subjective, that moral claims are merely personal preferences, and that even the most basic realities of human identity  such as a person claiming a different racial identity, an adult identifying as a child, or a student insisting they are an animal and expecting their teachers to affirm it  are treated as fluid and self-defined. It is a form of madness.

Add to this the growing tensions surrounding religious liberty, parental rights, and the shaping of young minds, and it becomes clear that we are not dealing merely with political disagreements. These are profoundly moral questions. These are questions that touch the very order of Gods creation.

Yet, many pastors and denominational leaders hesitate and remain silent.

Some fear being misunderstood. Others fear being labeled as political. Still others are uncertain how to speak in a way that is both faithful and wise. These concerns are not insignificant and deserve to be acknowledged.

Still, silence carries its own consequences.

When the Church withdraws from the public square, it does not create a vacuum of neutrality. It simply leaves the shaping of culture to voices that have no regard for the truth of Gods Word.

Our Lord did not call His people to retreat from the world, but to bear witness within it. Ye are the salt of the earth  Ye are the light of the world, said Jesus (Matthew 5:1314). Salt preserves. Light reveals. Both imply necessary influence.

To speak to the moral issues of our time is not to confuse the mission of the Church with that of the state. The Churchs mission is clear: to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and exalt Christ. That mission does not change.

But neither is it isolated from the world in which it is carried out.

The same Gospel that saves the sinner also speaks to the order of human life. It addresses truth and falsehood, right and wrong, justice and injustice, creation and design. To proclaim Christ while refusing to speak to the moral realities that shape the lives of those we are trying to reach is not a fuller faithfulness  it is a diminished one.

Faithful Gospel witness and faithful engagement with the culture are not competing callings. It is not an either-or situation  it is both, and they must work in tandem.

To preach repentance without addressing the sins that are normalized in the culture leaves application vague. To proclaim truth without confronting the lies that dominate public life is to leave truth abstract. To call people to follow Christ without speaking to the moral direction of the world they inhabit is to leave discipleship incomplete.

Pastors are called to be shepherds who declare all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Such counsel speaks not only to private devotion, but to the moral order of human life in every sphere.

What is needed in this tumultuous hour is not severity of speech  though it may at times be appropriate  nor antagonism, nor a provocative spirit. What is needed is Gods truth, spoken plainly and courageously.

The kind that speaks the truth in love. The kind that refuses to be silent where God has spoken. The kind that understands what is at stake  not merely for our nation, but for the witness of the Gospel itself.

The storms rage. The rocks remain. Without the light high and lifted up, the ships run aground.



Just as that lighthouse was not left to the mercy of the tides, neither should we assume that the moral and spiritual conditions that have supported the spread of the Gospel in our nation will preserve themselves.

This is no time for the light to go dim.
Arts Council England (ACE) logo

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced that it will simplify its application processes after a critical review last year.

In her review, Labour life peer Margaret Hodge called for ACE to radically reform its application and reporting requirements to make it easier for organisations such as charities seeking funding.

She also said there was an unacceptably high level of bureaucracy, a lack of clear leadership and wasteful practices at the organisation.

In its response, published today, ACE said it was committed to working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to create a simpler and better experience in the months ahead.

DCMS today announced that it would provide up to 8m to reform ACEs systems and simplify its application processes to help the sector spend less time on funding applications and reporting.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the mooted changes and called on ACE to evenly distribute the benefits of culture.

Nandy said: A reformed and independent Arts Council will sit at the heart of this vision to reach, inspire and nurture young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be creative.

Longer funding rounds

Arts minister Ian Murray, who co-authored the governments response to Hodges report, said DCMS would work with ACE to revolutionise the way it funds arts.

As part of the reforms, the government said it would work with ACE to develop a new fund for future artists and creatives, focusing on those with fewer opportunities to flourish.

DCMS also revealed changes to ACEs national portfolio investment programme, including a 2m fund for projects that directly engage with people in their communities.

Longer funding rounds for the portfolio, of up to five years, were also supported by DCMS in its response to incentivise philanthropy and cultural tax reliefs.

ACE said it would test with DCMS how longer funding cycles, rolling application programmes, and the assurance of future funding might be implemented.

The government is also exploring the potential opportunities that charging international visitors at museums could bring.

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A common standard for collecting volunteering data backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been published.

Volunteering opportunities are currently advertised across more than 47 brokerage platforms, with information collected in various ways.

This means volunteers have to navigate multiple websites, while organisations are required to enter the same information repeatedly across different systems.

The DCMS-funded project, conducted by the Open Data Institute (ODI), Do IT and Team Kinetic, has aimed to address this by producing a common data collection standard.

Published today , the standard covers volunteering roles, locations, suitability, and application details  so information can be published once and reused widely.

Civil society minister Stephanie Peacock said: Volunteering changes lives, both for the people who give their time and for the communities that depend on them.

This project has built the foundations to make it easier for people across the UK to find ways to help, and for the organisations that need them to be found.

Organisations adopt standard

The project was first announced in October last year and ran three pilot projects to test how the standard would be applied.

As part of this, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) confirmed that its Milo volunteering platform, used widely in the country, is implementing the standard.

The Royal Voluntary Service has also agreed to use the standard to publish data about volunteering opportunities from its recently launched platform, GoVo .

Do ITs technical team has also built a ChatGPT application that allows people to find volunteering opportunities and refine their search via natural-language conversation, using standardised opportunity data.

A series of interviews with smaller organisations was also conducted as part of the project, finding that measuring the impact of volunteering activity had become so difficult that many organisations had stopped trying.

The ODI said these findings will inform guidance and support developed as the standard is adopted more widely.

ODI chief executive Louise Burke said: Volunteering is one of the most powerful expressions of community we have, but the data infrastructure that supports it has lagged far behind.

This project has shown that a shared, open approach to volunteering data is not only technically achievable but genuinely wanted by the sector.

The data standard we have developed, and the tools it enables, demonstrate what can be built when organisations work together on common foundations.

The ODI is committed to stewarding this work, and we look forward to seeing it taken up across the sector.

Calum MacUisdean, SCVO's digital services manager, said of the organisation's involvement in the project: Making it as easy as possible for people to find volunteer opportunities is incredibly important.

Its been exciting to be involved in building an open data standard to achieve that, and also for SCVO to be one of the first organisations in the UK to publish data using the standard at scale.

Working collaboratively with ODI, building on SCVOs existing Milo data structure and SCVO-developed systems for Volunteer Scotland and TSI Network Scotland (representing Scotlands Third Sector Interfaces), weve developed a system that allows information about volunteering opportunities already in the public domain to be shared in a standardised way using a structured semantic format and schema.

We are glad to share information and collaborate with ODI to make it easier for everyone to build systems in future that are compatible with each other.

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Three weeks ago, a Dutch freelancer named Menno van den Bos contacted CJR and the Tow Center for Digital Journalism to tell us he had found a writeup of our Journalism 2050 issue in his countrys press that he suspected of containing AI-generated inaccuracies. In itself this is not surprising. As we have written here before, the incidence of fake quotes and citations from journalists and academics is a growing menace. The Tow Center is frequently cited in error, I and other journalists and researchers are misquoted, and a core citation problem in news that Tow researchers originally identified a year ago is not only not improving, it is generally infecting journalism and academic citation on an increasingly alarming scale.

What was surprising about the incident was that the AI distortions came from a very senior figure in European journalism, Peter Vandermeersch, a former editor in chief at leading Dutch newspaper NRC and chief executive at Mediahuiss Irish division. Now a kind of intellectual emeritus at Mediahuis, Vandermeersch is an in-house sage, in the official position of a Journalism and Society fellow. Or at least he was, until the unchecked and inaccurate use of AI in his work caused his suspension.

Vandermeersch made up quotes from eight different commentators, academics, and journalists from our Journalism 2050 issue. None of the experts appeared anywhere in the project. Their quotes did not exist anywhere else that van den Bos could find. I was one of the quoted commentators, and I do cohost the Journalism 2050 Podcast, but this quote was not something I had said. Not on the podcast, nor, as far as I can tell, anywhere else. Van den Boss reporting into Vandermeerschs Substack uncovered incidents of using AI beyond this one: in total, fifteen out of fifty-three posts contained AI-generated, or otherwise fabricated, quotes.

In a mea culpa, which truth be told could have been a bit more culpa, and a lot more mea, Vandermeersch describes what happened: Even Iwith all my years of experience and knowledgefell into the trap of hallucinations. I summarised reports using AI tools and worked from those summaries, trusting they were accurate. In doing so, I wrongly put words into peoples mouths, when I should have presented them as paraphrases. In some cases, it reflected my interpretation of their words. That was not just carelessit was wrong.

There is another problem herethese words could not have been paraphrased because they did not exist. I wasted many minutes of my averagely priced time looking for where I might have said something asinine about immersive knowledge. Google AI Overviews pointed me to a speech made by someone else, in which I was quoted, but not about that.

Writing in the Irish Times about the unfortunate case, Fintan OToole neatly summarized the embarrassment of his former colleague as boiling down to there being no effective responsible use of AI in this type of journalism.

So what can have come over him? asks OToole. I suspect the answer lies in his life as a newspaper business executive who cant help having an eye on the bottom line. That part of his self-described roleexploring the responsible use of AI in newsroomsis not an abstract intellectual quest. Its a search for ways to cut more jobs and make higher profits.

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At the heart of this problem lies the original sin of the relationship between platforms and publishers. The haste of publishers to think that, when a technology company presents itself as providing help to journalism, this is in fact what it is doing. In nearly every example I can think of, the opposite has been the case. While executives paid far more than editors lectured newsrooms about trust being the number one problem for journalism, and shoveled money into underwriting research that proved this, their own aim was to borrow the authority of reporting without paying for it, and to create products that washed away the foundations of fact in a tide of cash.

In Paris last week, at the excellent Saving Journalism conference put on by Columbia and McGill University, Julia Angwin talked about the class action case she was filing against Grammarly for appropriating her name and reputationalong with those of dozens of other journaliststo suggest to their users that we were in some way lending our editing skills to their product. In the United Kingdom, another AI authorship scandal broke this week when the new book by Matt Goodwin, a right-wing commentator and would-be politician, appeared to be riddled with made-up facts and quotes that didnt exist; the occasional citation appeared to have ChatGPT left in the URL, pointing to a possible source of the absence of truth.

Sometimes, as a journalist, it is embarrassing or uncomfortable to be held accountable for the things that you said or wrote. Those of us who have been trundling around the hamster wheel of word production, for longer than the internet has existed, now live in a gloam of low-level anxiety that an offhand remark or an aside at a panel will become ingrained in countless AI biographies as the very essence of our intellectual belief system. Attributing values, opinions, actions, and ideas to people who do not hold them has always been a flaw in the worst excesses of journalism. Accountability, although thin and unevenly applied, was at one time a possibility. This too is now largely illusory.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday accusing mutual fund giant Fidelity of cheating many investors in its $439.1 billion Fidelity Government Money Market Fund by keeping them in higher-cost share classes than they were eligible for.

U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett in Manhattan rejected claims that Fidelity unjustly enriched itself, and the funds board and investment managers breached their fiduciary duties, by failing to automatically convert retail class shares into lower-cost premium class shares once balances hit $100,000 in non-retirement accounts or $10,000 in retirement accounts.

Retail investors said Boston-based Fidelity shortchanged them out of millions of dollars by continuing to charge fees and expenses of up to 0.42% on their investments, rather than up to 0.32% on the premium class shares.

Garnett, however, said Fidelity fully disclosed the economic consequences of converting or not converting shares. She also said investors neither showed that Fidelitys disclosures regarding conversions were misleading nor disputed they could readily convert their shares on their own.

Against this backdrop, it was not outside the bounds of reason for defendants to design the fund without an automatic conversion feature, Garnett said, quoting a legal standard to establish gross negligence.

Lawyers for the investors did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Fidelity and its lawyers did not immediately respond to similar requests.

Garnett distinguished the case from litigation accusing Vanguard of saddling retail investors in its target-date funds with big tax bills when it switched institutional investors into lower-cost shares. She said that switch was unexpected, and gave retail investors no say or notice.

Vanguard settled those cases last year for an estimated $158 million, investors lawyers said.

According to Fidelitys website, $406.4 billion of the money market funds $439.1 billion of assets as of February 28 were in the retail share class. Fidelity had $7.1 trillion of assets under management at the end of 2025.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; Editing by Mark Porter)
The two air traffic controllers at LaGuardia Airport were grappling with a higher-than-anticipated workload, complicated by foul weather, when an inbound Air Canada Express jet plowed into a fire truck on Sunday evening, killing both pilots.

The heavy, late-evening traffic wasnt out of the ordinary for LaGuardia, data from aviation analytics company Cirium show. Air crews and controllers consistently face a late-evening rush to clear planes from the busy New York City airport where scheduled flight operations generally cease around midnight.

In the stretch between 10 p.m., shortly before the first controller clocked in on Sunday, through the fatal accident at 11:37 p.m., 70 commercial flights landed or took off from LaGuardia. Thats more than double the 31 flights scheduled at the airport during that 97-minute time span, according to Cirium.

Moreover, actual flight activity far exceeded the scheduled operations during the same time period for every Sunday night in March, Cirium data show. On March 8, controllers handled a comparable workload  62 arrivals and departures during the same time span, with the loads tapering off the other two Sundays.

The flight activity on the night of the crash is another piece of the puzzle as investigators at the US National Transportation Safety Board work to determine why the accident occurred. The tragedy is the latest in a string of fatal US aviation disasters since the start of last year when a commercial passenger jet collided midair with a U.S. Army helicopter, killing 67 people.

It also comes as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has been taking steps to curb runway incursions, like the incident at LaGuardia, by deploying new technology at airports.

Its common practice across the U.S. to reduce staffing during the midnight shift to two controllers, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters Tuesday. The FAA defines the midnight shift as one in which the majority of hours are worked between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

At LaGuardia, the curfew is at midnight, but the overnight shift actually starts at 10 p.m. or so, said aviation consultant Robert Mann. So even under a normal circumstance, youre getting a minimum staffing situation on the last nominal 90 minutes of scheduled activity.

The night of the crash, LaGuardia faced a logjam of flights disrupted by thunderstorms earlier in the day. Air traffic controllers were also grappling with rainy conditions and limited visibility and an active emergency  a United Airlines Holdings Inc. jet had twice aborted its takeoff, once for a cockpit warning light and a second time because the cabin crew complained of a foul odor.

Audio of tower communications shows the controllers juggling a continuous stream of activity just before the Air Canada regional jet, operated by Jazz Aviation LP, plowed into a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey fire truck heading to assist the United plane. A system designed to warn of potential collisions didnt sound an alert, and the emergency vehicle wasnt broadcasting its position from a transponder, Homendy said.

When you rush in the tower, in the airplane, on the ground and you have another emergency on top of that with another plane with rejected takeoffs, youre eroding whatever margins exist in every dimension of the problem, Mann said. And it may eventually cause the safety margins to erode as well, he added.

Top photo: The crashed Air Canada Express plane at LaGuardia Airport. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Elon Musks lawyer says the billionaire didnt get a fair trial because a San Francisco jury slipped a bizarre and highly questionable joke into a verdict form when it concluded he defrauded Twitter Inc. shareholders before acquiring the social media platform.

In a letter to the federal judge who oversaw the civil trial, attorney Alex Spiro pointed to the jurys computation of how much Musks tweets depressed Twitter stock and how the panel highlighted just one number in blue ink  $4.20. The number 420 is cultural slang for pot smoking.

The jury found Friday Musk misled the investors in 2022 when he tweeted that Twitter  now called X  had too many fake accounts and then tried to back out of his $44 billion offer to buy the company. The investors who sued claimed Musk acted intentionally and they lost money when the shares fell. Musks legal team has vowed to appeal the verdict.

The eight-person panel found Musk liable to Twitter investors for misleading them with two tweets he posted in May 2022 stating concerns about the prevalence of fake accounts on the platform. Jurors rejected a claim in the class-action case that a third Musk statement violated federal securities law as well as an allegation that the billionaire waged a broader scheme to defraud investors.

Musks rare defeat in court  which could cost him billions of dollars  was a mockery of justice, Spiro said in the letter. He said the jury used its verdict to mock Mr. Musk and the process and made a numerical joke.

Back on Aug. 7, 2018, Musk caught the attention of federal securities regulators when he tweeted he had funding secured to take Tesla Inc. private at $420 a share. Musk, the worlds richest person, co-founded the electric-car maker and is its chief executive officer.

Tesla stock shot up, only to plummet when the serial entrepreneur later said the plan was abandoned. Some Tesla investors sued, but a San Francisco jury in that case cleared Musk in 2023 of wrongdoing.

In a separate US Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit over the Tesla tweet, the agency alleged Musk chose the $420 figure because he was trying to impress his then-girlfriend with a marijuana joke. The SEC settled that case, with Musk and Tesla agreeing to pay investors a combined $40 million without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

In his letter Thursday to the judge, Spiro didnt specifically reference the Tesla tweet. Instead, he said the Twitter jurys emphasis on $4.20 appears to be a mocking reference to a number previously associated with Mr. Musk.

Spiro claimed the figure had no significance to the damage determination and the verdict was a commentary not on whether Mr. Musk committed securities fraud (he did not) but on the jurys views about Mr. Musk himself.

Lawyers for the investors who brought the case had accused Musk of publicly attacking Twitter to knock down its stock price so that he could buy the company for less than his original bid of $54.20 per share.

Twitter lost billions of dollars in market value that summer while Musk waffled on whether to go through with the deal, which he eventually did at the agreed price.

The amount of damages Musk must pay to individual investors will be determined at a later date when shareholders submit claims. An attorney for the investors said the final tab could reach $2.6 billion.

But as part of its verdict, the jury estimated the amount of artificial deflation per share of Twitter stock over about five months in 2022. The verdict sheet filed in court shows a chronological list of handwritten figures ranging from less than $3 to more than $8 for each trading day from May 13 through Oct. 3 of that year.

The Aug. 9 figure  $4.20  stands out as the only one not in black ink.

The jurys bizarre and highly questionable method of completing the form, this joke (which was no doubt intentional), was just the final example in a parade of issues and events that illustrated and confirmed that Mr. Musk was deprived his right to a fair trial adjudicated by an impartial jury dedicated to finding the truth, Spiro wrote.

The case is Pampena v. Musk, 22-cv-05937, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
March 25, 2026: Earlier this year the Spanish government dismantled the largest cocaine trafficking network operating in the Atlantic. This was a major loss for the seagoing smuggling operation that moved several tons of narcotics into Europe using high-speed boats capable of outrunning patrol vessels. After a year of investigations, Spain arrested over a hundred suspects and seized more than ten tons of cocaine along with electronics, boats and vehicles worth millions of dollars.

This smuggling operation used speed boats based in the Canary Islands that landed drugs in southern Spain. The speedboats also collected drugs from ships offshore. The smugglers used a sophisticated communications system that employed several different means of sending and receiving messages. Cooperation between American, Spanish, South American, Moroccan and the European Union authorities demolished a major drug smuggling operation.

This was but another in a series of anti-drug smuggling operations. Five years ago in southern Spains Malaga province just east of the Straits of Gibraltar, a police raid on a drug gang coastal warehouse found a ten-meter narco-sub drug smuggling submersible vessel under construction and nearly completed. The sub had a fiberglass and wood hull containing twin 200 HP engines. The sub could carry about two tons of drugs. This type of narco sub is used for offshore transfers of drugs from ocean-going fishing trawlers or cargo ships carrying cocaine from South America or hashish and heroin from Africa. Belgium and Spain are major centers of the European drug trade and together accounted for about ten percent of the drug seizures worldwide.

Building narco subs in Europe was suspected after the long-anticipated appearance of South American narco-subs in Europe finally happened in November 2019. This occurred off the Spanish coast when a trans-Atlantic narco-sub was having engine and ventilation problems made worse by rough seas. The three-man crew was discovered by police as they were abandoning the sinking narco-sub close to shore. Two of the crew, both from Ecuador, were arrested while the third man got away but was captured a few days later and found to be Spanish and the pilot of the sub. The sub was soon brought to the surface and taken to a port. The 21-meter submersible was carrying three tons of cocaine and had apparently made several voyages so far. This one had traveled farther than usual, to northwest Spain, near the border between Portugal and Galicia Spain, to avoid more intense offshore patrols off the southwest Spanish coast. The use of these submersibles off the Spanish coast had been rumored since 2016. It was also known that some only went as far as Cape Verde Islands, 570 kilometers off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands further north 100 kilometers off the Moroccan coast or much farther north to the Azores 1,500 kilometers west of Portugal. Once near these islands, the subs offload their cargo to fishing or speedboats, take on fuel and return to their South American base to pick up another load. As the use of submersibles and subs in South America became more common, it was suggested that these difficult to detect boats be used to move the cocaine to Spain.

Some submersibles had already been delivering cocaine to the west coast of Africa where smugglers moved it north and distributed some of it to African and North African gangs that serviced smaller Europe markets. Most of this trans-Atlantic cocaine ends up in Spain which is the source of most cocaine distributed throughout Europe. Spanish gangs dominate the importation and distribution of cocaine to other European markets. There are hundreds of police investigators in Spain and Europe who concentrate on the Spanish gangs that are at the center of the very profitable European cocaine trade. The Spanish gangs arrange for pick up and movement of cocaine from the Atlantic islands to Spain or other European countries.

What information the police have about the trans-Atlantic movement of cocaine comes from interrogations of arrested gang members and eavesdropping on their electronic communications. For a long time, cocaine was smuggled aboard cargo or passenger ships or commercial airline flights. These methods involved a lot of people getting caught and many shipments, some of them quite large, seized. Operating these small narco-subs on the high seas proved more difficult at first. After some trial and error, including many subs disappearing at sea, narco-sub design and crew qualifications reached the point where trans-Atlantic voyages were deemed practical for regular use. Eventually, the majority of cocaine used in Europe was arriving via these small narco-subs.

The European police cooperated with their American and South American counterparts to get an idea of how extensive the use of these submersibles was in moving cocaine from the source Ecuador and Colombia to world markets. The submersibles had already become the major transportation method to North America, Africa and Europe because they were the most difficult to detect. Since the 1990s it is believed that nearly a thousand submersibles have been built and about two hundred are currently in use. Thats about a billion dollars spent on narco-sub construction.

The United States has been dealing with these submersibles since 2000 because most of them appeared to be used to move cocaine to the United States. About 80 percent of the submersible traffic was in the Pacific, from South America to Mexico and, less often, to Central America. Another 15 percent operated in the Caribbean and a growing percentage of the boats were moving cocaine to Africa and Spain.

Most of these narco-subs are still semi-submersible type vessels. These are 10-20-meter fiberglass and wood boats, powered by one or two diesel engines, with a very low freeboard and a small conning tower, providing the crew of 3-5, and engine, with fresh air and the ability to safely navigate. A boat of this type was, since they first appeared in the early 1990s, thought to be the only practical kind of submarine for drug smuggling. After 2000 some drug gangs developed real submarines, capable of carrying 5-10 tons of cocaine. These boats were not true submarines because they did not have batteries so they could operate submerged with the diesel engine turned off. Instead, these subs used a World War II innovation, the snorkel. This looked something like a periscope, but thicker in diameter. For narco-subs, the snorkel mast was not retractable, as it is on military subs, but operated on the same principle.

In the smaller narco-subs, the snorkel proved to be more trouble than it was worth. In bad weather, waves constantly washed over the snorkel and forced its water valve to close, so water did not get into the sub. This often caused the diesel to shut down because of insufficient fresh air and too much exhaust unable to vent. The crew had a separate air supply but that supply was not sufficient to keep the diesel going, even for short periods. The snorkel was largely gone by the late 1990s. Instead, the designs of the semi-submersibles were improved by using better methods to cool the exhaust via more pipes outside the sub hull where the colder water absorbed heat before venting into the air via a curved pipe that sent the exhaust down towards the water rather than straight up. By reducing its heat signature this way, the sub reduced its vulnerability to the heat sensors search aircraft used. At that point the semi-submersible subs were very difficult to spot using radar, heat sensors, or even visually, from the air or a surface ship. With these reduced heat emissions, the snorkel was no longer an attractive alternative. The police and military have since obtained better sensors for detecting these narco-subs. The American military is a leader in this field and that is why the one percent detection rate increased to about ten percent of all narco-subs being detected and caught.

The snorkel subs also cost more than semi-submersibles and required a more highly trained crew. For a long time, there were efforts to borrow a lot of technology and ideas from the growing number of recreational submarines being built. That led to the construction of a few true subs, based on recreational subs. These proved to be more expensive to build and operate and some were still detected at sea or during construction. That meant the true subs were not sufficiently more effective to justify their higher cost. Semi-submersibles cost about $2 million to build, which takes about a year. The true submarines take several years to build and cost over $5 million.

That has led to drug gangs changing their tactics and building smaller narco-subs that carry one or two tons of cocaine at $24 million a ton so that, if one of these subs is caught, its loss is just considered a cost of doing business and not a significant financial loss.

Despite losing over a hundred semi-submersibles to the U.S. and South American naval forces, plus hundreds more to accidents and bad weather plus hundreds more to heavy use, the drug gangs have apparently concluded that the subs are the cheapest and most reliable way to ship the drugs. Early on, several hundred of these narco-subs were built and used on one-way trips to Mexico or the United States. Most of them got through. As new ones were built, their designs and durability improved to the point where the semi-submersibles were capable of multiple round-trips. Some have apparently been refurbished or rebuilt so they can undertake even more voyages.

It was these sturdier and more reliable vessels that made the trans-Atlantic routes possible. The more reliable boats also made it possible to obtain more experienced, and effective, crews. The early designs were dangerous and although high fees were paid to crew, usually operators of offshore fishing boats, it was very dangerous. Some of the early crews were recruited by threats against their families or even by kidnapping of family members. With the reusable boats more crews were making a career out of this well-paying job. Moreover, the trans-Atlantic voyages meant covering about 8,000 kilometers, which could take 15-20 days. The trips to Mexico were less than half that and the ones to Central American or via the Caribbean even shorter. The early trans-Atlantic voyages went only as far as some islands close to Europe and Africa but these were still about 75 percent as long as going all the way to Spain.

A detection network, run mainly by the United States, located a lot more of these cocaine subs than there were police or coast guard or navy ships available to run them all down. This was a problem that has yet to be solved. It is complicated by the fact that these aerial contacts can be lost even if you keep the search aircraft in the area for a long time so a surface ship can arrive. One possible solution to this was more international cooperation. Since the early 1990s the United States has used a special interagency group of the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Defense, plus international ones in which over a dozen nations participate in intelligence sharing/analysis operation, called the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, to track drug smuggling from South America. After 2001 the task force became quite expert at tracking the submarines and submersibles built in South America for smuggling cocaine to North America and, in a few cases, all the way to Europe. Some of these long-range subs are apparently going all the way from Ecuador to the United States, bypassing the Mexican cartels, who have been fighting each other in a big way since 2008. Trips directly to the United States proved too dangerous and most of the narco-subs now go to Mexico or Central America.

There was always a concern that larger boats would eventually head for Europe. For years little was known about this effort, except that it existed. Then verifiable reports, from informants, electronic eavesdropping and interrogations confirmed that cocaine was coming in via semi-submersibles. It was believed that these subs would be more at risk of being lost because of an accident or bad weather than being spotted. It turned out that the new designs were even capable of making the trip and usually returning under their own power. European navies, especially Portugal and Spain's, and coast guards were alerted and began searching regularly but until 2019 had never actually caught one of these semi-submersibles. At first, it was thought that the risk of failure was so high for these trans-Atlantic narco-subs that few were built and not on a regular basis. That was not the case and the captured gangsters and overheard electronic communications indicated that the subs had become a regular method for moving the cocaine.

So far, the Colombian security forces and other Latin American navies have been responsible for most of these vessel captures. The number being captured has been going up in the last few years and 2019 was a record year with 36 boats detected and seized. Usually these boats are sunk by their crews when spotted, but the few that were captured intact revealed features like an extensive collection of communications equipment, indicating an effort to avoid capture by monitoring many police and military frequencies. The Colombians captured several of these vessels before they could be launched. Since 2010 the Colombians have been collecting a lot of information on those who actually build these subs for the drug gangs and FARC leftist rebels that provide security and often transportation for moving cocaine. FARC made peace with the government several years ago but some factions refused to surrender and continued to produce cocaine and build semi-submersibles. Security forces in Colombia and Ecuador continue to search for the jungle riverbanks where the construction takes place. These construction sites are constantly being moved because they are hard to keep hidden for a long time.

Colombian police have arrested dozens of members of gangs that specialized in building submarines and semi-submersible boats. As police suspected, some of those arrested were retired or on active duty with the Colombian Navy, which operates two 1970s era German built Type 209 submarines. These arrests were part of an intense effort to find the people responsible for building subs for cocaine gangs. Find the builders and you stop the building efforts. In this case, it has only delayed some construction and made it more expensive to build these boats.

European police have detected signs that Spanish drug gangs are not only building their own narco-subs for making the final run of from up to a hundred kilometers offshore, with cocaine transferred from a larger surface ship, but also planning to make fully submersible subs powered by electric engines for this final run to the Spanish coast. These would be larger than the usual narco-subs because of the need to carry over ten tons of batteries to propel the sub under water at about 60 kilometers at five kilometers an hour, just beneath the surface. These subs would be virtually undetectable compared to the current diesel-powered semi-submersibles, but would have to meet the ship carrying the drugs closer under 30 kilometers to the shore. These submersible subs would be far more expensive, at over $10 million each to build and require better trained and more experienced crew to operate it. For that reason it is believed the drug gangs will not take the risk of building and operating these more expensive and complex submersibles unless losses among the semi-submersibles off the coast get too high.

The U.S. shared with Israel what it knew about finding these vessels because Israel felt threatened by them for different reasons. In 2016 Israel began deploying new sensors and techniques to find these small, easily built vessels that they feared would be used to attack Israels new offshore natural gas fields. The Israelis have an advantage in that they have a less restrictive ROE\Rules of Engagement and, while the United States never has enough surface ships or long-range helicopters to make sure that long-range sensor contacts are actually narco-subs and not some legal vessel, the Israelis can warn all maritime traffic in their coastal waters to identify themselves or risk being fired on from the air or from surface craft. A number of the latter are unmanned, like the new Seagull unmanned surface drone that can fire wire-guided torpedoes.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Apple CEO Tim Cook shake hands on the day they present Apple's announcement of a $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 6, 2025.

Apple announced a significant expansion of its American Manufacturing Program on Thursday, bringing four new partners  Bosch, Cirrus Logic, TDK, and Qnity Electronics  into its domestic supply chain.

The companies will manufacture essential materials and components in the U.S. for Apple products sold worldwide, with Apple planning to invest $400 million in the new programs through 2030.

CEO Tim Cook framed the move as a bet on American ingenuity, calling the partnerships "another powerful example of what is possible when we invest" in U.S. manufacturing.

The new additions will create jobs and strengthen the country's manufacturing capabilities, the company said.

The expansion accelerates Apple's American Manufacturing Program, or AMP, which sits at the center of its $600 billion, four-year pledge to U.S. manufacturing and innovation.

Apple launched AMP in August 2025 alongside a $100 billion spending increase, with Cook appearing at the White House with President Donald Trump for the announcement. The company's U.S. operations currently support more than 450,000 jobs across all 50 states, and Apple plans to directly hire 20,000 more in R&D, silicon engineering, AI, and software development.
Apple is widening its push to expand manufacturing in the United States, adding several new partners, including Qnity Electronics , to the mix. It is a win-win for both Club companies and their investors. Apple on Thursday announced that chip-materials maker Qnity  along with Face ID component supplier Cirrus Logic , and sensor makers Bosch and TDK  have joined its American Manufacturing Program, bringing more of its supply chain onto U.S. soil. The iPhone maker said it's planning to spend $400 million as part of these new programs through 2030. "At Apple, we believe in the power of American innovation and manufacturing, and we're proud to partner with even more companies to produce critical components and cutting-edge materials for our products right here in the U.S.," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. Apple unveiled its American Manufacturing Program back in August 2025 with a splashy announcement in the Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump  a politically savvy move from Cook to give the company breathing room in Trump's tariff and domestic manufacturing crusade. At the time, Apple also tacked on an additional $100 billion to its $500 billion American investment pledge made in February 2025, which had failed to keep the company in Trump's good graces throughout the spring and early summer. Qnity is now the third Club name to participate in Apple's manufacturing initiative, joining Broadcom and Corning . In fact, it was the creation of the American Manufacturing Program that sparked our interest in Corning's stock. Apple invested $2.5 billion into Corning to help the upstate New York-based company expand manufacturing capacity for the glass used in iPhone and Apple Watch covers. With the spotlight on Corning, we learned more about its booming opportunity to supply fiber optic cables to data centers amid the AI buildout, which ultimately led us to pull the trigger and start a position in October 2025. Broadcom, which re-entered the portfolio in August 2023, makes crucial radio frequency components for 5G communications on Apple devices. Qnity's involvement with Apple underscores its importance in the semiconductor supply chain, and we couldn't be happier about the closer ties between the two companies. Chips cannot be made without Qnity's specialized chemicals and materials, which it supplies to the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Apple is a key customer of TSMC's new Arizona chip factories. Apple is about as good a partner as any company could hope for, thanks to its strong customer loyalty and deep pockets. This move increases our confidence in Qnity's ability to grow earnings. As Jim Cramer and Director of Portfolio Analysis Jeff Marks discussed on Thursday's Morning Meeting, Qnity remains cheap versus its main rival, Entegris , despite its strong year-to-date performance. Qnity trades at less than 32 times this year's earnings estimates, according to FactSet data, versus roughly 36 for Entegris. As much as we prefer talking business fundamentals to politics, there is no denying that the Trump administration likes to help those who work with the White House. As a result, any company that can demonstrate a commitment to U.S. manufacturing is at less risk of tough talk coming its way from Washington. With Thursday's Qnity news, one more company in our portfolio appears to be a bit safer from ending up in hot political water, and Apple looks to have an even stronger, more secure, more American supply chain. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL, Q, AVGO, and GLW. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
British Airways Airbus A380 Superjumbo passenger aircraft, spotted flying on final approach for landing on London Heathrow Airport runway in the United Kingdom.

British Airways is offering a financial incentive to its pilots who reduce their planes' fuel consumption, as the U.S.-Iran war continues to plague travel and drive up jet fuel prices.

The airline's pilots would have to cut their aircraft's carbon dioxide emissions by 60,000 tons more than their 2025 levels to receive a bonus worth 1% of their base pay, according to documents viewed by Bloomberg News and reported on Tuesday.

British Airways confirmed to CNBC that it's working with the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) on this initiative and said it's "fully committed to making improvements to colleagues' experience at work," in a statement.

Members of the BALPA will vote on the proposal at the end of April and it is expected to go into effect next year, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

"BALPA and British Airways are exploring potential changes to terms and conditions for pilots at British Airways, including ways in which pilots can continue to contribute to the company's sustainability goals," BALPA said in a statement to CNBC.

The trade union, which says it represents 85% of pilots in the U.K., added that "any proposed changes to terms and conditions will be put to members to vote upon."
The flags of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union ahead of the Group of Seven (G-7) Leaders' Summit in Banff, Alberta, Canada, on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Expect more "grin and bear it" trading moments as investors keep trying to price multiple conflicting scenarios.

Today's round of "who is saying what" will be complicated by a G7 foreign ministers meeting in France, where representatives from the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, Canada, Italy and Japan have struggled to speak with one clear message.

Right now, talk is not cheap. The volatility triggered by conflicting reports of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran being underway, not underway, facilitated by mediators or even "negotiating with yourself" has caused billions (if not trillions) of dollars to be lost or made over the last few sessions.

Hello, this is Leonie Kidd writing to you from London. Welcome to another edition of CNBC's Daily Open.

Iran's foreign minister told state media on Wednesday that while Tehran had no intention of holding direct talks with the United States, an American proposal to end the war was under review.

However, earlier Wednesday, Iranian state media said that the country would reject a U.S. ceasefire offer and laid out its own list of conditions for ending the war, including granting Tehran control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's mission to the United Nations said Tuesday that "non-hostile vessels" would be able to pass through the strategic strait.

Today, attention will turn to France where the G7 foreign ministers will be meeting in the picturesque Abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay. In a statement issued ahead of the meeting, the group pledged to "seek avenues for negotiation to encourage de-escalation while promoting the security of civilian populations, the reopening of maritime and trade routes, and the cessation of the Iranian regime's nuclear and ballistic programs."

Not on the agenda, but almost certainly on G7 minds will be the underlying tensions between European countries and Nato, over its more supportive position on the war in Iran, as reported by the Financial Times.

In markets, trading has been mixed across Asia, while European futures indicate a muted open. The whipsaw moves are creating a "grin and bear it" environment to trading, as investors try to price both a diplomatic outcome, alongside further disruption to energy flows.

In a possible sign Washington sees a path toward de-escalation, the White House confirmed that a long-awaited meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14 and 15. The announcement amounts to a roughly six-week postponement of the planned China summit, which had been delayed due to the Iran war.

The sum of the developments was enough to raise some hopes on Wall Street, with stocks jumping on Wednesday and oil prices pulling back. U.S. stock futures were little changed on Wednesday night.

And finally...

White House posts cryptic videos, deletes one, fueling speculation online

Two mysterious videos posted to the White House's official X and Instagram accounts on Wednesday night generated buzz online, with the purpose of the short, vertically shot clips unclear. One video was later deleted.

There was no indication of the context of the posts, which racked up millions of views.

 Dylan Butts




Two major CEOs told CNBC in recent months that the rise of artificial intelligence contributed to their decisions to hand over the reins and step down from their positions.

It's one of the latest insights into how America's corporate leaders are sizing up the AI transition.

Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday that his decision to step down from his role was influenced by larger "waves of the organizational momentum."

"My job is also to think who's the best team to put on the field to get the next wave done," Quincey said. "And I concluded that, actually, it was time to put someone else on the field for the next wave of growth."

Quincey, who has been CEO of the beverage giant since 2017, will be succeeded by current COO Henrique Braun, effective at the end of this month.

"In a pre-AI, a pre-gen-AI mode, we made a lot of progress. But now there's a huge new shift coming along," Quincey said.

While he said he's leaning into the technological advances, he believes the beverage company needs "someone with the energy to pursue a completely new transformation of the enterprise."

That person, Quincey said, is Braun, who he believes will uniquely equip the company to embrace its next chapter.

Quincey's comments echo sentiments from former Walmart CEO Douglas McMillon in December ahead of his departure from that role.
White House threatens to "unleash hell" on Iran

Xinhua) 10:17, March 26, 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gestures at a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 25, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.

"President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell," she said at a White House press briefing. "Any violence beyond this point," she said, will be because Iran "refused to understand they have already been defeated and refused to come to a deal."

Leavitt declined to reveal whom Washington is negotiating with over how to end the war with Iran.

"We're not going to get into the details of these negotiations and conversations that continue to take place as, of course, you can imagine, they are very sensitive diplomatic discussions," she said.

Leavitt argued the war, breaking out on Feb. 28, remains on track to endure for four to six weeks.

There are no talks or negotiations between Iran and the United States, said Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei in an exclusive interview with India Today on Wednesday.

"No one can trust U.S. diplomacy," Baghaei said, noting that Iran had a very catastrophic experience with U.S. diplomacy, evidenced by U.S. attacks during negotiations over the nuclear issue in the past.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman of Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the United States is negotiating with itself due to its internal strife.

He urged the United States to stop disguising its defeat as "an agreement," adding, "the strategic power the enemies would brag about has turned into a strategic defeat."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gestures at a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 25, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gestures at a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 25, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 25, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 25, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump will "unleash hell" if Iran refuses to make a deal over the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
March 26, 2026: German firm Tytan is one of several companies in Europe producing drones. Most of these are sold to the general public and some are sent to Ukraine for use in combat. While Ukraine manufactures most of the drones it uses, it will purchase effective ones from foreign manufacturers.

Tytans first drone is an interceptor used for air defense against attack drones. Production is already underway and is expected to reach 3,000 drones a month by the end of 2026. Each TYTAN drone weighs five kg, with a one kg warhead. Max speed is 250 kilometers an hour and an interception range of 15 kilometers.

Two years ago, Ukraine developed a drone that could intercept and destroy other drones. This was achieved using FPV/First Person Viewing operated drones to detect the enemy drone and destroy it by colliding with it. This was made possible by using drones controlled by FPV operators. While the first FPV drones were quadcopters, the interceptor drones are faster fixed wing models that look like remotely controlled model aircraft. The soldier operating the FPV was a kilometer or more away and used FPV goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the UAV could see. Each of these UAVs carried half a kilogram of explosives, so it could instantly turn the UAV into a flying bomb that could fly into a target and detonate. This is an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone.

The interceptor drones were used to take down Russian reconnaissance and surveillance drones that located targets for Russian artillery and for air strikes by manned aircraft or explosives equipped FPV drones that can go after a moving target. Unlike manned aircraft, drones are smaller and slower with top speeds of 100 to 150 kilometers an hour and only operate at low altitudes under 1,600 meters. Note that these drones were still unable to catch helicopters, which they could damage. Fixed wing aircraft, like jet fighters, are another matter as they rarely fly low enough for the drones to reach, much less hit such a fast moving aircraft. The Ukrainians were able to incorporate the new killer drone capability into their air defense systems, which meant the air defense radars and fire control systems recognized drones large enough and metallic drones to show up on radar. Modern aircraft tracking radars were not designed to detect, much less track, small slow and low flying drones.

The Russian solution to this Ukrainian interference was to send more surveillance drones accompanied by attack drones as a way to overwhelm the Ukrainian air defense system. Sometimes this worked, for a while, but the Ukrainians were generally faster to improvise and modify systems that didnt work until they did. Russian forces rely more on massive use of whatever they have. This sometimes works because, as the Russians like to point out, quantity has a quality all its own. That worked until it didnt as the Ukrainians found ways to quickly overwhelm Russian defensive measures and destroy more of their artillery target spotting and reconnaissance drones in several areas. If the Ukrainians could continue to manufacture lots of these interceptor drones that simply collide with their targets, the Russians are in big trouble because Ukrainian artillery can operate more freely and effectively and suffer lower losses.
The slump in Meta Platforms  exacerbated by two social media court defeats this week  could be setting up as a buying opportunity. Meta shares sank more than 8% on Thursday after a Los Angeles jury late Wednesday found the company (and Google's YouTube) negligent in the case of a woman who alleged she became addicted to apps as a kid. Damages totaling $6 million were awarded, with Meta on the hook to pay 70% of them. On Tuesday, a jury in Santa Fe, New Mexico , held Meta liable for $375 million in civil damages for violating state consumer protection laws. Meta said it will appeal the Santa Fe ruling and explore its options in the California case. (Google parent Alphabet said it will appeal the California verdict.) "If you decide that you're going to sell Meta because it looks like this is going to be tobacco, it's not going to be tobacco," Jim Cramer said Thursday on CNBC, referencing the years of Big Tobacco lawsuits and subsequent government regulation of the industry as unlikely outcomes for Big Tech. "Tobacco hid it for years," Jim said, arguing tech companies have been "quite open" about the risks of social platforms. Meta has been our worst-performing megacap tech stock in March, losing more than 15%. Investors are "going to regret" selling Meta stock, Jim added, pointing out that earnings next month could be great and/or CEO Mark Zuckerberg could announce more layoffs. Either one of both could spark a rally. "We're very close to needing to buy some," Jim told Club members, considering the recent decline as a way to pick up more shares on the cheap. The stock currently trades at a forward price to earnings estimates of 18 times compared to its five-year average of 23 times. META YTD mountain META stock performance YTD. What's at stake This week's decisions against Meta challenge long-standing legal protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which has historically shielded social media companies from liability tied to user-generated content. The California case is the first time a jury treated social media platforms as defective products designed to exploit young users. More than 3,000 similar suits are pending in California courts, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Jim said he does not like to see plaintiffs piling on the tech companies, recalling the stampede of talc litigation against former Club stock Johnson & Johnson . "It's what [lawyers] do. They rove and find someone that they think they can beat, then they get a lot of different people signing up, then they go for mass tort litigation and make a lot of money," explained Jim, who graduated from Harvard Law School in 1984 but went right to Wall Street instead of being a lawyer. "That's been the pattern with these, whether it be asbestos or whether it be what happened with J & J with talc," he said, suggesting Meta and other tech companies are being targeted because "they're deep-pocketed." To be sure, Jim warned that if the cases continue, investors should brace for volatility in Meta stock. From a financial standpoint, Bank of America estimates teen users account for roughly 1% of Meta's revenue, suggesting limited exposure even if usage among younger audiences declines. However, an avalanche of verdicts against the company could lead to forced remedies that could disadvantage the company well beyond sales fundamentals. Bottom line Jim overall favors the optimistic view that Meta is positioned for growth as CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to make aggressive long-term bets and decisive changes at the company in the age of AI. That includes new compensation structures tied to stock performance, potentially allowing top executives to benefit if shares rally explosively in the coming years. Meta also announced hundreds of layoffs across several divisions this week, including its Reality Labs unit. While "the optics aren't good," Jim framed the move as consistent with Meta's history of tightening costs during uncertain economic times. "Yes, he did lay off some people. Are we supposed to think that that's bad? Every time he lays off people, he's made even more money." At the same time, Meta is ramping up spending elsewhere. The company expects capital expenditures between $115 billion and $135 billion this year, largely tied to building out AI infrastructure. It's that surge in spending  more than the legal battles  that has been the primary pressure on the stock so far this year. Jim has said in the past that Meta and the rest of the megacaps must keep spending in order not to be left behind in AI. The Club maintains a buy-equivalent 1 rating on Meta and $825-per-share price target. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long META, GOOGL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
A modified Tesla Model X drives in the tunnel entrance before an unveiling event for the Boring Co. Hawthorne test tunnel in Hawthorne, California, December 18, 2018.

When Elon Musk's Boring Company announced plans in July to build 20 miles of tunnels in Nashville to carry passengers to and from downtown to the airport in Tesla cars, Republican Governor Bill Lee touted the project as "transformative."

Eight months later, residents appear less enthusiastic.

A new survey from Vanderbilt University, which is located in Nashville, found that 51% of residents residents disapprove of plans for the so-called Music City Loop when they're aware of Musk's involvement.

"The public's support for Elon Musk's tunnel project is heavily influenced by partisanship," Vanderbilt said on its website, regarding the poll. Local opposition to construction rose to 51% from 35% "when Musk's name is explicitly mentioned in the question."

Musk became a prominent and controversial figure in politics in 2024, when he spent around $300 million to propel Donald Trump back to the White House, and then worked in the early days of the president's second tenure in the White House, slashing the size of the federal government and cutting key programs.

The Boring Company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier this month, Metro Nashville Council members voted to formally oppose the Music City Loop. However, the state's Republican leadership has given Musk's company permission to dig under state highways throughout the city.

Tennessee is now weighing a bill that could give the state the power to take fees from such projects, and to direct federal transit grants to the state's preferred projects. The bill, if enacted in its current draft, could also give the state and project operators the power to regulate underground transit systems, leaving municipalities like Nashville with little recourse to address fires or other emergencies, and workplace safety or pollution concerns.

City council members in Nashville and residents who opposed the Music City Loop expressed concern about The Boring Company's track record in public hearings.

As ProPublica previously reported, citing public records, when Musk's tunneling venture built its "loop" at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the company racked up an "extraordinary number of violations," covering a wide array of problems such as missed inspections, unpermitted construction, water pollution and worker injuries.

Those who supported The Boring Company in public hearings praised Music City Loop's potential to create construction jobs in the city, and hoped the tunnels would alleviate traffic congestion in Nashville.

The Boring Company this week announced that it its targeting more U.S. cities  including Baltimore, Dallas and New Orleans  for tunnel development. The company is running its business development efforts as a contest, the Tunnel Vision Challenge, promising winners a "free" one-mile tunnel. The Baltimore Ravens, who had entered the challenge and won, turned down Musk's offer after initial meetings with the company.

WATCH: Musk merger complicates SpaceX IPO
A screen displays a portrait of Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei during the funerals of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders, army commanders and others killed in the early days of the United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, at Enghelab Square in Tehran on March 11, 2026.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed the session 1.2% lower, with all major bourses and most sectors in the red.

LONDON  European stocks ended lower on Thursday, erasing the previous day's gains as investors struggle to decipher mixed messages on the status of Middle East peace talks.

Miners and technology stocks led declines, with the sectors falling 3.4% and 2.3%, respectively, as risk-off sentiment returned to markets.

In corporate news, British retailer Next reported strong full-year earnings on Thursday and raised guidance, while warning investors that instability in the Middle East could "restrain growth" in its overseas markets should the conflict persist. Its shares closed 4.2% higher, placing the company at the top of London's FTSE 100 .

"It is also likely to have knock-on effects on costs, selling prices and consumer demand in the rest of the business," wrote chief executive Lord Wolfson in its latest earnings report.

While Next's first-quarter sales were described by the CEO as "encouraging," its European rival Hennes & Mauritz announced subdued sales figures during the first three months of 2026.

Citi analysts described current trading as "slightly weaker than anticipated." H&M's Stockholm-listed shares closed more than 2% lower.

Global markets have been reacting to contradictory statements from Washington and Tehran over the last 48 hours regarding the status of peace talks. The U.S. says talks over a proposed peace plan have been taking place, while Iran denies any direct interaction with Washington on the matter.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly told state media on Wednesday that officials were reviewing an American proposal to end the war, but said Tehran had no intention of having talks with the U.S.

He added that an exchange of messages between the two countries through mediators "does not mean negotiations with the U.S.," Reuters reported.

Iran state media reported Wednesday that the Islamic Republic would reject a U.S. ceasefire offer, instead countering with its five-point list that would give Tehran control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Asia markets were mixed in overnight trading, while on Wall Street, U.S. equity markets slid on Thursday.

European markets are keeping a close eye on news from the meeting of G7 foreign ministers taking place in France on Thursday and Friday. The wars in Iran and Ukraine will be top of the agenda. Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, South Korea and Ukraine will also be in attendance.
First lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Jabbe-Bio, Polish first lady Marta Nawrocka, French first lady Brigitte Macron, and U.S. first lady Melania Trump look at a humanoid robot during the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2026.

The White House hosted its "first humanoid robot guest" on Wednesday, with first lady Melania Trump appearing alongside a robot from robotics upstart Figure AI.

The robot, identified as Figure 3, accompanied the first lady during the second day of the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit, a gathering focused on technology and children's education.

The machine greeted attendees in multiple languages and described itself as "a humanoid built in the United States of America," according to widely circulated footage from the event.

The display represented one of, if not the, highest-profile showcases of humanoid robotics in the U.S. to date and highlights how the tech is becoming a national priority amid global tech competition. Beijing has also promoted humanoid robots at highly publicized events this year.

The first lady used the robot to promote her push for artificial intelligence in children's education, suggesting that the robots could one day act as interactive educators at home. However, Figure AI says its third-generation humanoids are also applicable for more general purposes, including commercial and household tasks.

The White House spotlight is likely to boost the brand of Nvidia -backed Figure AI, a lesser-known robot company compared to larger humanoid players like Tesla 's Optimus and Boston Dynamics, though some of its team comes from those competitors, as well as tech giants like Apple .
The U.S. and Israeli war on Iran is having a catastrophic impact on the global economy, European members of the G7 have warned ahead of a key summit on Thursday.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations  whose core members are the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan  are set to meet in France for a two-day summit, with the wars in Iran and Ukraine top of the agenda.

European leaders and ministers issued warnings about the impact of the war on the eve of the gathering, at which they're expected to encourage the U.S. to pursue an off-ramp with Iran. U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio is only due to arrive at the summit on Friday, however.

It comes amid an apparent impasse over a possible ceasefire as well as potential escalation with the threat of ground troops.

"To make it crystal clear, this war is a catastrophe for the world's economies," Boris Pistorius, Germany's defense minister, warned early Thursday.

"European partners and Germany highlighted from the beginning that we have not been consulted before. Nobody asked us before. It's not our war," he told reporters during a visit to Australia.

International energy prices have rocketed since the conflict was initiated by the U.S. and Israel in late February, with energy infrastructure in Iran and neighboring Gulf states destroyed or damaged as a result of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and Iran's retaliatory attacks.

Tehran's almost total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage through which a fifth of global oil and gas supplies normally flow, has severely restricted global energy supplies, with the European Union's leader warning that the situation was "critical."
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 18, 2025.

Gulf states issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Iran's "blatant" and "criminal" attacks against their energy infrastructure, signaling a readiness to act in "self defense" in the future.

The Gulf states stressed that attacks launched from Iraqi territory by armed factions and proxies loyal to Iran were a particular grievance, and a breach of international law.

"While we value our fraternal relations with the Republic of Iraq, we call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks ... toward neighboring countries," the joint statement by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan commented Thursday,

An end to such attacks is necessary "in order to preserve brotherly relations and avoid further escalation," according to the statement.

The Gulf states reaffirmed their "full and inherent right to self-defense against these criminal attacks," in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the right of states to self-defense, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression.

They also reserved the right "to take all necessary measures to safeguard our sovereignty, security, and stability."

Iran's Gulf neighbors have been repeatedly targeted and hit by Iranian drones and missiles as part of the Islamic Republic's retaliatory strikes against the U.S. and Israel's bombardment since late February.
The screen of a GPS attached to the dashboard of a vehicle as residents of Dubai face GPS disruptions on March 9, 2026, in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates decried that it was being targeted "in a very unwarranted manner" in the war, stressing it would "not partake in any attacks against Iran", which has lashed out at Gulf countries seen as US allies. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) - | Afp | Getty Images

Hours after the first salvos of the U.S. and Israel's "pre-emptive" strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the data analytics firm Kpler observed vessels in the Persian Gulf making unusual maneuvers, with location data from ships in the Gulf showing vessels traveling over land and making sharp turns in polygonal paths. Since the start of the war, similar disruptions to location-based services have surged across the Middle East, affecting mariners, aircraft, and motorists alike. These disruptions have also exposed key vulnerabilities of the GPS, an American-made system now synonymous with satellite navigation. For years, firms like Kpler have flagged thousands of instances of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf manipulating onboard Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals  the system used to track vessels in transit  to evade sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Known as spoofing, this manipulation of location signals allows vessels to obscure their movements, and has long been a tool of "covert" operations, according to Ana Subasic, a trade risk analyst from Kpler. But since the start of hostilities in the Middle East, location spoofing in the Persian Gulf has surged dramatically. Within the first 24 hours of the conflict, maritime intelligence firm Windward logged over 1,100 different vessels across the Gulf experiencing AIS interference, followed by a 55% increase a week later.

Dire straits

"There are a lot of entities that are trying to jam GPS  or other satellite navigation signals  in the region with various reasons for doing so," said Clayton Swope, deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project from the Center for Strategic & International Studies, or CSIS, in an email to CNBC. According to Swope, the added interference with satellite navigation signals across the region likely stems from Gulf states looking to protect against drone and missile strikes on critical infrastructure by "confusing" the onboard navigational systems of adversarial drones and missiles. Such forms of electronic interference are increasingly being deployed as defensive countermeasures in modern warfare  similar disruptions followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a CSIS report. But this interference has also disrupted various aspects of everyday life. Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai. The persistent jamming and spoofing activity in the region also poses key public safety concerns, according to Lisa Dyer, executive director of the GPS Innovation Alliance. Although the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has significantly reduced shipping activity in the Persian Gulf, foreign-flagged vessels from countries like China and India have still been granted the right of transit. For vessels still carrying crude exports from the Gulf, accurate positioning data is crucial for mitigating risks of collisions or running aground when passing through the narrow Strait, which measures only 21 miles (33 km) at its narrowest, Kpler's Subasic said. Beyond the navigational challenges for vessels and aircraft in the region, interference with satellite navigation systems could also hamper the responses of emergency services which rely on navigation aids, Dyer said, in a call with CNBC.

Turning to China?

Despite pervasive interference across the region, Iranian strikes have continued unabated, fueling speculation over the sources of Iran's military capabilities. "There is evidence, right now, that Iran has been given access to China's BeiDou," said Jack Hidary, CEO of navigation technology startup SandboxAQ, referring to China's global satellite navigation system. "This is giving Iran greater accuracy in its missile strikes and its targeting," Hidary told CNBC's Dan Murphy in a televised interview on March 17. Other analysts, cited in publications like Al Jazeera, have also attributed the apparent accuracy of Iranian strikes to its use of China's BeiDou. Missiles and drones often use a combination of satellite-based navigation systems, and other systems, like inertial navigation capabilities  which operate independent of satellite-based signals  for targeting.

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Like the GPS  originally a U.S. Department of Defense project  Beijing developed BeiDou for military use following a perceived over-reliance on the U.S.-made GPS in the 1995 Taiwan Strait Crisis, when GPS disruptions allegedly resulted in the loss of ballistic missiles over the Taiwan Strait. Now in its third iteration following its launch in 2000, BeiDou has been expanded to a range of commercial applications, and "features the largest network," when compared against other constellations like the GPS, Europe's Galileo and Russia's Glonass, according to Luca Ferrara, general manager of AQNav, SandboxAQ's navigation product. While Tehran has not officially commented on its use of BeiDou, Ehsan Chitsaz, Iran's deputy communications and information technology minister reportedly praised the accuracy and architecture of BeiDou after last June's 12-day war between Iran and Israel, according to China's state media Xinhua. Iranian and Chinese authorities have not responded to CNBC's requests for comment.

Nothing new

However, other analysts are unsurprised by these claims. According to Swope from the CSIS, even if true, there is probably little significance in Iran's use of BeiDou, as it "would not require active coordination or support from China." "Modern chips used for satellite navigation are capable of receiving signals from all the big four global satellite navigation systems  so Iran could be using BeiDou, or even GLONASS or Galileo," Swope said. Dyer from the GPS Innovation Alliance added that most commercial receivers "use [multiple] constellations for navigation," which are "interoperable in some ways." Even if Iran were using BeiDou, as a satellite-based navigation system, it would still be vulnerable to the same jamming and spoofing risks as the GPS, Dyer said.

"Modern chips used for satellite navigation are capable of receiving signals from all the big four global satellite navigation systems  so Iran could be using BeiDou, or even GLONASS or Galileo." Clayton Swope Deputy director, Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic & International Studies
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.

Iran is preparing legislation that would impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state-aligned media.

Traffic in the waterway, a critical shipping route, has effectively come to a standstill since the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran began almost four weeks ago. Subsequent supply constraints, along with attacks on energy facilities and regional production shutdowns, have pushed oil prices into triple digits.

Revolutionary Guard-aligned news agency Fars said overnight that a lawmaker had told its reporter the plans to impose tolls were also a bid to officialize Iranian supervision over the Strait of Hormuz.

A draft had been prepared, but was not yet complete, Fars reported. It said lawmakers were planning to complete a draft bill by next week, so it would be ready to put to parliament.

The lawmaker said Iran would collect tolls in exchange for secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Google translation.
A satellite view of Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province, Iran, within the Strait of Hormuz region on January 17, 2026. Gallo Images | Gallo Images | Getty Images

The U.S. is preparing to send thousands more troops to the Middle East, prompting speculation about a ground attack on Iran amid conflicting accounts of peace talks. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to send about 3,000 troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, alongside two Marine Expeditionary Units, to assist military operations in Iran. Military experts said that the number of additional troops being deployed to the region appears to be consistent with plans for discrete and time-limited operations  rather than a sustained ground campaign. It puts two strategic Iranian islands in the spotlight and raises questions about a potential move to seize the Islamic Republic's nuclear materials. "All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War. As we have said, President Trump always has all military options at his disposal," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNBC in an emailed statement. U.S. President Donald Trump's move on Thursday to give Iran a 10-day extension to open the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz appeared to temper the immediate prospect of a U.S. ground incursion. The president said he would pause attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure through to April 6, adding that talks with Tehran were "going very well."

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Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Davis estimated that there were likely only around 4,000 to 5,000 "trigger pullers" or ground troops being deployed. "That is enough to seize a small target for a period of time. You've got to understand, even the 82nd Airborne Division, it's an immediate reaction force to provide very quick reaction on the ground but only in advance of something bigger coming in behind that," Davis, a senior fellow and military expert at Defense Priorities, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday. "I have seen no evidence that any kind of a force of size has been even considered, much less alerted, prepared, equipped, trained up that you would need to go.  That takes months of time to do."

Qeshm Island, Kharg Island and nuclear materials

Davis said that, from the limited number of ground troops being deployed, there were three possibilities that the U.S. could theoretically execute. The first possibility is seizing Qeshm Island, which sits "in the horseshoe bend of the Strait of Hormuz," Davis said. Qeshm Island, off Iran's southern coast, is the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Located near the Strait of Hormuz, the arrow-shaped island has emerged as a potential U.S. target amid reports that anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and attack craft are being kept there in underground tunnels.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards CNBC

Davis said the second target could be Kharg Island, the centerpiece of Iran's oil industry, while a third scenario is a raid to capture more than 400 kilograms of reprocessed material, provided the U.S. can locate this and it is sufficiently concentrated to make a raid viable. Often referred to as its "oil lifeline," Kharg Island is a coral island located about 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran. It is estimated that around 90% of the country's crude exports pass through it before tankers then travel through the Strait of Hormuz. The island's economic importance to Iran makes it particularly vulnerable to the threat of military action, although analysts say seizing it would likely require a ground troop operation, which the U.S. has previously appeared reluctant to undertake.

"The overall idea is to deny Iran's capabilities to use those islands," Kevin Donegan, retired vice admiral and former commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, told CNBC's "Morning Call" on Wednesday. "A lot can come at you from mines and missiles and cruise missiles  but a lot of that has been eliminated already or significantly degraded. So, the mission is absolutely executable. The real question is how long will it take to do it and when can flow be restored," he added. One of Tehran's top lawmakers said Wednesday that they were anticipating a potential attack from "Iran's enemies" to try to occupy one of its islands.

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"All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces," Iran's speaker of parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, said on X, according to a Google translation. "If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks," he added.

The U.S. forces aren't for fighting prolonged land wars

Ruben Stewart, senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, or IISS, think tank, said the number of U.S. forces preparing to be deployed was not consistent with a sustained ground campaign. "What is notably absent are the heavy armoured units, logistics depth, and command structures required for a prolonged land war. In practical terms, this is a force that can act quickly and selectively, but not one that could sustain operations deep inside Iran or over an extended period," Stewart told CNBC by email. "Seizing Kharg Island is technically feasible but escalatory, given its centrality to Iran's oil exports. By contrast, securing Iran's nuclear material would be the least realistic with this force as it would require a far larger, sustained ground presence," he added.

A man holds an Iranian flag showing the faces of Iran's late and new Supreme Leaders Ali and Mojtaba Khamenei along Enghelab (Revolution) Square in central Tehran on March 25, 2026. - | Afp | Getty Images
An Iranian security worker monitors an area in phase 19 of the South Pars gas field in Assalooyeh, on Iran's Persian Gulf coast, on Aug. 23, 2016. Morteza Nikoubazl | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Oil prices have been gripped by volatility since the U.S.-Iran war began nearly four weeks ago. But analysts say the market has now entered a state of "backwardation," with some suggesting a risk premium has been baked into energy prices despite traders anticipating a swift resolution to the conflict. Oil prices jumped on Thursday, amid mixed messages from Washington and Tehran on the state of peace negotiations. Ongoing missile strikes in the Middle East and the continued backlog of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz are keeping prices elevated. Front-month global benchmark Brent crude futures were last seen nearly 4% higher at $106.18 a barrel, almost 47% higher than where they stood before the U.S. and Israel's first strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for April delivery were last seen trading around $93.27  roughly 39% higher than before the war began. Across the futures curve, however, prices tell another story. The oil market is in backwardation: a phenomenon where futures contracts with immediate or near-term deliveries sell at a premium over later deliveries.

"That backwardation  lower prices in the future compared to now  is indicating that the market thinks this current uplift in the oil price is transitory," Toni Meadows, head of investment at BRI Wealth Management, told CNBC on a video call. "So it's an event, rather than something that stays with us. Otherwise, you'd be paying more for future deliveries because of scarcity of supply. So, yes, there's an issue now due to the fighting, but the expectation is that there will be some resolution." Meadows said it was difficult to judge whether this was a reasonable conclusion. "We don't know the full story of what's happening," he told CNBC. "Trump is definitely looking for an off-ramp, he's been doing that all week. But the Iranians said they aren't talking [to the U.S.]  where does the truth lie? At the moment, I think markets are just playing it cautiously." He noted European gas prices have not surged to the extent they did after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but said there was also still a backlog of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz  and markets may not be pricing in all the potential ways the situation could unfold. "At the moment, it can just be a price spike that abates if there is some sort of resolution, but it's difficult to see what that path might be," he said. "If it is short-lived, if they can find an off-ramp and capacity in the region hasn't been destroyed, that's one thing, [but] It's a very fragile mix. One missile changes the equation. It's not just about the negotiations. LNG plants, once they're destroyed, it takes years getting that back online."

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He added that it would also be very difficult for the U.S. to achieve a total degradation of Iran's nuclear ambitions by bombing the country. "There's still 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at 60%  it doesn't take much to get that to 90%. The Iranians have got the technology and they could just force it underground," Meadows said. "I'd say that markets are being relatively calm considering the potential range of outcomes." Katy Stoves, investment manager at Mattioli Woods, told CNBC the backwardation behavior playing out in the oil market "is quite normal with a shock like this." "I think people are expecting sort of a reduction in hostilities, which is what it's signaling," she said. "But equally, on the other side, potentially slightly more worrying, it could be [forecasting] a reduction in demand." Gas and airfares in the U.S. have already spiked in the almost four weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched their first strikes. "Even if we do get a resolution, I think it's very, very important to note that there's been a lot of energy infrastructure destroyed during this, and even if we do get some sort of ceasefire  repairing those facilities, bringing those facilities back online is going to take time  and I'm not entirely sure the market is probably pricing that in," Stoves said.

Risk premium
March 26, 2026: A growing number of Russian leaders and Russians in general are concerned about the increasing influence of China. Not only is China supplying many goods previously produced in Russia, but Chinese workers are crossing the borders in eastern Russia to help deal with the labor shortage. Because of over a million men lost in the Ukraine war, and another million leaving the country to avoid military service and an ever-declining birth rate, the Russian population is shrinking. As more Chinese move into eastern Russia, those areas will eventually be more Chinese than Russian. China never renounced its claims on Russian territory in the Far East, where the Russian city of Vladivostok was, until 1860, the Chinese city of Yongmingcheng. The Russian Far East is already dominated economically by the Chinese, and the Russians rightly fear that the Chinese want these territories back. Russia would probably comply because they need China as an ally and are too weak economically and militarily to resist such Chinese demands.

Russia is increasingly dependent on China for economic support and help in rebuilding an economy ravaged by more than four years of war in Ukraine. China is willing to help, not as an ally but as a patron for its new Russian client state. China seeks to turn Russia into a vassal state.

This is nothing new, not when you consider that the traditional Chinese name for their country is Zhongguo, which is usually translated into English as Middle Kingdom. But a more literal and accurate translation is everything under the heavens. Until the 21st century this mainly meant adjacent land areas. But now China points out that everything means the South China Sea, portions of India and the Russian Pacific Coastal region. The Zhongguo tradition also means China does not have allies, just powerful trading partners, like America and European nations. Then there are client states like North Korea, Pakistan and others who deny the status, like Russia. That has always been the Chinese outlook, and it hasnt changed.

Some things have changed. China finally underwent the Industrial Revolution during the 1980s. While that made China an economic superpower, China is no longer a self-sufficient continental power, as it had been for thousands of years. Now China is dependent on international trade to keep its economy going. Treating foreigners with disdain, and often deceiving and exploiting them, has consequences. The most immediate example is how China is dealing with its recent debt crises and the possibility of a major economic disruption. China is seeking to make its enemies suffer for this, instead of itself, and so far that appears to be working.

Less hostile foreigners can also be a problem. This can be seen in the problems China is having with its two nuclear-armed clients, Russia and Pakistan. Both these clients have used their connections with China to carry out aggressive actions against weaker neighbors.

China supports this misbehavior because China is also an empire trying to reclaim lost territories. That some of those territories are currently Russias Far East is not officially discussed in Russia or China but is no secret to many Russians and Chinese. That is a problem for another day as currently Russia and China support each others imperial ambitions in Ukraine and the South China Sea and help each other out to deal with any associated problems, especially the UN or economic sanctions.

China does not want to fight a war to achieve this hegemony, and it doesnt have to. The Chinese economy is the second largest in the world while its military exists mainly to protect China from external threats. The Chinese economy is the offensive weapon China is using to dominate the globe.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg makes a keynote speech during the Meta Connect annual event, at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 25, 2024.

Meta is boosting its spending commitment on a forthcoming AI data center in West Texas by more than sixfold to $10 billion, with an aim to reach 1 gigawatt of capacity by the time the facility comes online in 2028, the company said on Thursday.

The data center being built in El Paso will lead to the creation of 300 new jobs, Meta said, with more than 4,000 construction workers required at its peak. The company also said it's committed to adding over 5,000 megawatts of clean power to the grid, and will ease the water burden by working with specialized nonprofits to bring fresh water to the area.

"Since breaking ground last year, we have been proud to call El Paso home and are committed to being a good neighbor," the company said in a blog post on Thursday.

When Meta started construction at the 1.2-million-square-foot site in October, its planned investment was $1.5 billion. Gary Demasi, Meta's vice president of data center development, revealed the steppedup investment at an annual Borderplex Alliance summit in El Paso.

Meta is ramping up its spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure as the company and its hyperscaler peers try to meet what they say is unprecedented and soaring demand for computing resources. In its latest earnings report in January, Meta said capital expenditures for the year would reach up to $135 billion.

But unlike tech rivals Google , Amazon and Microsoft , Meta doesn't have a cloud infrastructure business, and its hefty spending is garnering extra scrutiny from Wall Street. The stock is down 17% for the year, including a drop of 8% on Thursday that followed two stinging defeats in court this week related to the company's failure to adequately police Facebook and Instagram.

Meta has been cutting costs elsewhere as it pours resources into AI. On Wednesday, the company confirmed to CNBC that hundreds of layoffs are coming across Facebook, global operations, recruiting, sales and its virtual reality division.
A shopper carries a Target bag in Emeryville, California, US, on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. Target Corp. is scheduled to release earnings figures on March 3.

A major teachers' union is calling for its members to skip Target when buying back-to-school supplies, the latest twist in a series of boycotts that have targeted the big-box retailer as its turnaround shows signs of life, CNBC has learned.

The AFT, or American Federation of Teachers, passed a resolution Thursday that calls on its 1.8 million members and others to shop at local stores and not at Target, saying the company did not respond adequately to the surge of federal immigration enforcement in the retailer's hometown of Minneapolis this winter. Federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during the operation.

The labor union, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, plans to urge a similar resolution at AFL-CIO's convention in Minneapolis this summer and at conventions held by other organizations, including the NAACP and LULAC, AFT President Randi Weingarten said.

Target declined to comment specifically on the AFT's resolution but said in a statement that it has "a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities we serve," including donating 5% of profits since the company's founding and offering a discount to educators as part of a teacher appreciation program.

Target's annual sales have declined for the past three years in a row, but the company's new CEO Michael Fiddelke laid out an ambitious plan earlier this month to refresh its stores, add more enticing merchandise and return to sales growth. The retailer said it expects net sales to rise about 2% this fiscal year compared with the prior year and anticipates sales will grow every quarter.

It is unclear if and how much the AFT's call for a back-to-school boycott could hurt Target, which is trying to win back customers. Earlier this month, Atlanta area pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant announced the end of a yearlong boycott of the company, called Target Fast, which had started because of the company's rollback of major diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

At a press conference, Bryant said Target has demonstrated its commitment to the Black community with investments in Black businesses and donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Yet other activists leading a separate boycott, including former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner, have said they continue to call for shoppers to steer clear of Target.

The AFT previously supported and participated in the Target boycott over its DEI rollback.

The retailer has attributed some of its sales losses to backlash to its DEI decision, along with other factors including company missteps with merchandise, a weaker store experience and softer discretionary spending.

At an investor meeting in Minneapolis in early March, Fiddelke stressed that it's "a new chapter for Target." He said the company is "doing the work to build connection with new guests, deepen relationships with existing guests and earn back trust with guests we've disappointed."

In a separate email to Target employees earlier this month, Fiddelke highlighted how the retailer is putting its strategy into action, including through its move to cut prices on more than 3,000 items and the opening of its 2,000th store. He said Target has made progress with winning back trust, too, noting the end of the Target Fast boycott.

He said Target has had "ongoing conversations with the organizers" of the boycott, who have "acknowledged the meaningful contributions Target has made, and will continue to make, to the Black community."

In an interview with CNBC, Weingarten said the AFT's boycott is focused on what she called Target's lack of response to the surge of aggressive and violent immigration enforcement in its own backyard. Weingarten said the AFT sent a letter to Target and met with Target staff to encourage them to speak up before the union moved to pass the resolution.

"Target was negotiating with our colleagues in the civil rights community for weeks and weeks and weeks," she said. "They could have very easily dealt with both [concerns about DEI and immigration enforcement] and they chose not to."

She said Target is "more worried about standing with the Trump administration than the communities that made them a profitable company."

Fiddelke joined dozens of executives from Minnesota-based corporations in co-signing a letter in late January calling for an "immediate de-escalation" in the state after the fatal shooting of Pretti. However, the letter did not name the shooting victims Pretti or Good or call out the president, his immigration policies or federal agents.

Fiddelke also shared a video message with employees that more directly acknowledged current events, but stopped short of calling for ICE agents to leave the city or for accountability in the two shooting deaths.

Weingarten described the CEOs' letter as "insulting" and said it "basically blamed both sides."

She said the union, which includes many teachers, can have the greatest financial impact during the back-to-school shopping season this summer and fall. By passing the resolution now, she said, the AFT can get the word out to members and "give Target enough time to come back to its senses."
United States President Donald Trump (R) speaks to the press before his departs the White House en route Miami, Florida on March 20, 2026, in Washington DC. Celal Gunes | Anadolu | Getty Images

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Pakistan has offered to facilitate peace talks in pursuit of a "comprehensive settlement" of the ongoing war. But neither Washington nor Tehran has confirmed such discussions. At the same time, the U.S. ordered on Tuesday to send thousands more soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the region that could be rapidly deployed for possible additional military action, such as seizing the Kharg Island oil port or reopening the strait, if negotiations falter. Those forces may give the president more leverage in his negotiations, but also risk fueling Tehran's resentment and provoking a harsher response, analysts say. "Diplomacy is almost always backed up by force," Iranian-American historian Arash Azizi said in an email to CNBC, adding that under Trump, this is done even "more openly and more crudely." The administration has been notably inconsistent in its messaging, with Trump reportedly saying that he wants a speedy end to the war while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has kept up his warlike warnings, saying that "we see ourselves as part of this negotiation as well. We negotiate with bombs." Military hostilities in the region continued spiralling, with the Iranian military reportedly saying in a statement earlier Thursday that it had carried out attacks on satellite stations in Israel as well as Middle Eastern bases hosting U.S. troops.

Demand far apart

The gap between what the U.S. and Iran want remains wide, with Israel being another wildcard even if both sides manage to find a common ground, analysts say. Israel has yet to publicly comment on the peace terms during the latest war of words, with reports indicating Israeli government had been blindsided with Washington's proposal. CNBC could not verify the claim.

FILE PHOTO: Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends a rally in Tehran, Iran, May 31, 2019. Hamid Forootan | Via Reuters

Iranian officials have signaled they will likely reject the U.S.' terms and have laid out their own list of conditions for ending the war, including Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. That may be a nonstarter for the U.S. as Trump on Monday floated the possibility that the strait could be controlled jointly by "me and the ayatollah." The U.S. demand for restrictions on Iran's missile program could also be a red line for Tehran. "How long the conflict lasts will hinge on how long it takes for the two sides to reach common ground," Cohen said.

'Massively difficult' task

The military reinforcements give Trump more options, but analysts say they may not be enough against an adversary that has long prepared for this fight. The actual U.S. ground combat force may be enough to seize a small, lightly defended target for a short period said Daniel Davis, a senior fellow and military expert at policy think-tank Defense Priorities. However, he said it would not be enough to sustain an operation against a country that has spent years fortifying underground missile cities, dispersing its forces and preparing for precisely this scenario. "I think [the reinforcement] has a very low probability of success and very high probability of casualties," Davis said on CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday. Davis retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years of active service.

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The deployment of elite units such as the 82nd Airborne Division could provide rapid on-the-ground response capability, but would not be sustainable without massive follow-on military commitment, Davis said. U.S. military planning regarding Iran so far has also reflected some miscalculations on Trump's part, according to the retired military veteran. The administration may have gained confidence from the successful operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, Davis said, but the geography, military capability and strategic depth of Iran bear little resemblance to the Caracas raid. Unlike Venezuela, Iran is an enemy that is "very much capable of striking back," with well-trained proxies across the region and control of the chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil flows, Davis said. "This is a more massively difficult task than that in Venezuela," he added.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was extending an ongoing brief pause in attacking Iran's energy facilities by 10 days, to April 6, at the request of the government of the Islamic Republic.

Trump's move avoids escalating the war with Iran at a time the United States has signaled it wants a negotiated end to the conflict and as the key Strait of Hormuz remains almost completely closed to oil shipments.

His announcement came as key U.S. stock market indexes fell and oil prices rose.

"As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction," Trump said in a Truth Social post.

"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The original five-day pause on U.S. attacks on Iran's power plants and energy infrastructure was due to end Friday. Trump had announced the first pause on Monday on Truth Social.

"The Iranians asked me" for the latest delay, Trump said later Thursday in a Fox News interview.

He said that Iran had asked for a one-week extension, but he decided on 10 days "because they gave me ships."

He was referencing his earlier claim that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz this week as a "present" to the United States.
US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, on March 9, 2026.

Trump blasted Gorsuch and Barrett, along with the four other justices in the majority of the case, for not exempting the U.S. government from refunding up to $165 billion in tariffs paid by American importers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act .

"Two of the people that voted for that, I appointed," Trump said at the National Republican Congressional Committee dinner at Union Station in Washington, D.C., without naming the two justices.

"The Supreme Court, that's right, of the United States cost our country  all they needed was a sentence  our country hundreds of billions of dollars, and they couldn't care less," Trump fumed. "They couldn't care less."

Referring to Gorsuch and Barrett, Trump said, "And they sicken me."

"They sicken me because they're bad for our country," Trump added.

Trump's other appointee to the high court, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, dissented along with two fellow conservatives, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

The majority, in its decision in the case known as Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, said on Feb. 20 that a president does not have the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs on imports from most countries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as Trump had claimed.

"Based on two words separated by 16 others in Section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA 'regulate' and 'importation'  the President asserts the independent power to impose tariffs on imports from any country, of any product, at any rate, for any amount of time," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority decision.

"Those words cannot bear such weight," wrote Roberts, who, like Gorsuch and Barrett, is a conservative.

Since the ruling, the Trump administration has moved to replace the revenue the U.S. government would have collected if the IEEPA tariffs had been upheld.

Trump, on Feb. 20, invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose global tariffs of 10% on imports, but those duties last for just 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.

Earlier this month, the office of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opened trade investigations into nearly 80 countries and economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, including China, Japan, India, Mexico, and the European Union.

Section 301 allows the U.S. to impose tariffs on imports from nations found to have engaged in unfair trade practices.
German automaker Volkswagen is reportedly in talks with Israeli defense firm Rafael to produce missile defense systems  and Citi analysts say it could be an opportunity. The companies are in discussions to convert VW's factory in Osnabruck, Germany, which is slated to close, to make components for the Israeli Iron Dome missile-defense system produced by Rafael, the FT reported on Tuesday. A spokesperson from VW said it is "in dialogue with various market players" about the future of the site. They added that the production of weapons by Volkswagen remains ruled out for the future, and it does not engage in speculation regarding further plans for the Osnabruck site. VW's latest earnings reported a more than 50% drop in operating profit and flagged another tough year ahead as the firm continues to grapple with U.S. tariffs and competition in China. Its shares are down 18% year-to-date and 60% over five years, but the reported discussions with Rafael could be a step in facilitating a turnaround, Citi wrote. VOW3-DE YTD line Volkswagen shares year-to-date. "We think re-deploying ANY automotive invested capital (or just net cash) into higher return, higher growth non-automotive business could improve VW's return on invested capital, and would add a positive narrative that the auto industry currently does not offer," the analysts wrote in a Wednesday note. The ability to use the Osnabruck plant  which the company is due to close in 2027  to boost the growth of the EU defense industry seems like a win-win, in Citi's view. "In this scenario, not only does VW save the short-term cash liabilities of closing the plant and making its 2,300 people redundant, but VW also avoids selling capacity to new (Chinese) competitors, and the defense industry likely sees an accelerated production ramp-up," the analysts added. Citi flagged political risks, however, citing how public opinion of Elon Musk's involvement in U.S. President Donald Trump's administration dovetailed with collapsing Tesla sales in Europe. "What European political reaction any VW association with an Israeli defense company might attract is currently unknown," the analysts added. If VW made missiles for Rafael, it would join a list of carmakers that are also involved in the production of weapons and defense equipment, including Renault, Mitsubishi and Hyundai.
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Thursday's key moments. 1. The S & P 500 fell nearly 1% on Thursday on uncertainty over ceasefire talks with Iran, erasing gains from the session prior. During Thursday's Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump said the moves in oil and the stock market due to the conflict are not as severe as he thought they would be. Not surprisingly, U.S. oil prices were up 4%, following the inverse pattern of oil-up-stocks-down (and vice versa) that we have largely seen since the war began nearly four weeks ago. Jim cautioned investors against making big stock moves while oil is still in control of the market. "That won't work," Jim said. On Friday, Jim holds the Club's March Monthly Meeting at 12 p.m. ET. 2. Jefferies started Wells Fargo as a buy, naming the stock its top pick among four money-center or super-regional banks. With Wells Fargo's $1.95 trillion asset cap finally gone , analysts said the bank can grow its balance sheet and interest-based income much faster. Jim said investors can buy more shares if Wells falls below $80 per share, less than 1% below its Wednesday close. He chalked up much of Wells Fargo's success to CEO Charlie Scharf's leadership. "Scharf has cleaned up all the problems," Jim said. "Scharf's always been a really terrific CEO." 3. TJX stock got some love from Bernstein. Analysts said it is a favored name during periods of economic uncertainty as the off-price retailer behind T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods offers top quality at affordable prices. New investors may balk at TJX's premium stock valuation, but Bernstein said it's worth it. If the stock sharply declines, it could be a chance to buy. "It goes through these swoons every once in a while," said Jeff Marks, director of portfolio analysis for the Club. "It might be a good opportunity there to pick it up." 4. Stocks covered in Thursday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Jefferies , Nucor , Tyson Foods , and Qualcomm . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long WFC, TJX. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Wells Fargo is likely to gain ground as the bank continues to emerge from recently removed restrictions on its total assets, according to Jefferies. The investment bank initiated research coverage of Wells Fargo with a buy rating and put a $100 price target on shares, implying about 25% upside from Wednesday's close. Wells was the top pick at Jefferies among four money-center or super-regional banks that it initiated with a buy rating ( Bank of America , Citigroup and PNC Financial were the others). Our "top pick is WFC as the removal of the regulatory asset cap in June 2025 should power above-average growth," Jefferies analyst David Chiaverini said Thursday in a note to clients. Last June, the U.S. Federal Reserve lifted a 7-year restriction on assets at Wells Fargo, enabling the bank to pursue unhindered growth. The central bank originally imposed the limitations due to governance and control issues at Wells, including employees opening millions of unauthorized accounts to meet work-performance quotas. "Wells is in the early innings of a multiyear recovery in [return on tangible common equity] following the removal of its asset cap in June 2025 and the termination of key consent orders," Jefferies wrote. "We believe the firm can compete on [an] equal footing with peers, supporting balance sheet growth, lower costs and an improving fee trajectory." Jefferies' bullishness tracks with the consensus on Wall Street, where 17 of 27 analysts covering Wells Fargo have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. Shares of the bank have slumped nearly 16% in the past three months.
by Austin Bay March 26, 2026

As I began an essay reviewing Ayatollah Iran's nuclear weapons quest, President Donald Trump appeared on real-time TV and announced, "They are going to make a deal ... And they're talking sense."

OK. In our digitally connected world, ubiquitous videos of Trump's Iran military operation (from gun, drone and targeting cameras) have partially dissipated the fog of war. Believe your eyes.

U.S. and Israeli weapons have plastered Ayatollah Iran's offensive and defensive weapon systems and obliterated munitions caches and logistics capabilities. Israeli strikes on Iranian command centers and "known locations of high value targets" (HVT -- big shot ayatollahs, secret police goons, etc.) have created a leadership vacuum. The better part of two top leadership echelons has been killed.

Which leads to this question: Who is this "they" you mention, Mr. President? And what do they say that constitutes sense?

Various instant media sources report "third country" mediators are in contact with the "they." One talking head pegged "they" as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. That's plausible. The IRGC is essentially Iran's army. IRGC big shots have guns and a few loyal gunslingers, so they can defend themselves against never-surrender diehard ayatollah fanatics.

My guess: Whoever they are, they are men scrambling for post-regime power or men who want to survive the regime's collapse -- or both.

Subsequently, Trump told reporters that these unidentified souls possessing common sense have agreed to his demand that the Iranian state never acquire nuclear weapons.

Quote: "They've agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon."

Trump's Iran bottom line -- first stated in 1987 (oh, yes) -- is that Iran can never and will never have nukes.

Ignore the media dullards, especially self-aggrandizing pomps like The Economist who claim Operation Epic Fury has no strategy. Priggish pish. I've served in a U.S. military theater operational joint planning position. Epic Fury's design is brilliant and its intent crystal clear: eliminate the ayatollah regime's ability to defend itself -- meaning eliminate its military, police and defense support personnel and systems.

So far, the execution is better than brilliant. War is hell. We are witnessing brilliant hell.

Why do -- or did -- the ayatollahs seek nuclear weapons? The ayatollahs have made mega-enemies, foreign and domestic. Their despotic and corrupt political structure oppresses the Iranian people, wages proxy wars worldwide, runs criminal syndicates worldwide and exacts a threat toll on oil shipments in the Persian Gulf. There's also the Islamist card. Sarcastic ayatollahs declared Israel a "one bomb state."

But self-survival is the deep reason. The ayatollahs run (ran?) a version of the North Korea Scam: possessing nukes ensures an evil regime will survive since it can respond to an attack with a nuclear strike. The terrorist regime survives via balance of terror.

Which leads to the question the American people and the rest of the world should ask: How did we get here?

The answers: Guilt trips and cowardly appeasement.

President Jimmy Carter let Iran's shah fall because he felt guilty about the CIA. Cold War-era Russian propaganda and leftist media in the U.S. and Europe amplified the guilt trip.

By the early 1990s, it was clear the ayatollah regime was evil and interested in building nuclear weapons.

The Obama administration practiced appeasement with cash. Once upon a time, President Barack Obama vowed to halt Iran's nuclear weapons quest.

So, practicing self-proclaimed smart diplomacy, his administration produced the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- the Obama-Biden faculty club administration's ridiculous name for appeasing Iran's radical religious dictatorship.

The JCPOA gave Iran money. Obama's deal lifted sanctions and kickstarted the Iranian economy. With that money, the ayatollah regime waged a dozen small wars. Iranian agents also conducted or financed violent meddling operations in at least 30 different countries.

The cash also financed nuclear weapons research and ballistic missile production.
Australia's newest airport Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport may be months away from officially opening its doors, but you can now purchase tickets to be one of the first international passengers to fly out of it.

Singapore Airlines has started selling tickets for flights Sydney-Singapore flights scheduled for November 2026.

Singapore Airlines Begins Ticket Selling for Western Sydney International

According to a report by Travel Weekly, Singapore Airlines will begin operating daily non-stop flights on November 23.

The service will depart Singapore at 11:30 a.m. local time and arrive at Western Sydney Internation Airport (WSI) at 10:20 p.m. local time.

For flights going from Sydney to Singapore, the service will depart WSI on the same day at 11:55 p.m. local time and arrive in Singapore at 5:05 a.m. local time.

Per the report, the flight will operate on Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft, which has a total of 303 seats. 40 of these seats will be allocated for the Business Class, and 263 will be allocated for the Economy Class.

'First International Airline to Commit'

According to a report by Sky News, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King has released a statement as tickets for these flights begin to go on sale.

"Singapore Airlines was the first international airline to commit to fly into Western Sydney International, and I'm really pleased tickets are on sale so people can start planning their next flight," said King.

Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Marketing Planning of Singapore Airlines Dai Haoyu likewise released a statement, saying, "Singapore Airlines' services to Australia's newest gateway at Western Sydney will deliver more choice and strengthen connectivity to this popular destination for our customers."

"Western Sydney's late-night departure capacity will enable a seamless travel journey and connections through Singapore Changi Airport, to more than 130 global destinations served by the SIA Group," he added.

Aside from Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar will also flight out of WSI. Air New Zealand will also begin flying out of the airport by next year depending on the availability of aircraft.
In communities marked by economic stability, social cohesion, and civic participation, education and youth development are often key indicators. In the face of growing populations and evolving workforce demands, long-term capacity-building is essential to ensure positive outcomes.

For the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, education, health awareness, and social support are instrumental drivers of community resilience. Through its structured outreach and volunteer mobilization efforts, the foundation implements programs that improve access to learning resources, promote responsible citizenship, and expand opportunities for young people.

The Foundation of Youth-Centred Development

Community growth often results from providing young people consistent academic support, leadership exposure, and practical life guidance. Through its programs, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation provides access to educational materials, mentoring activities, and service participation that reinforce accountability and teamwork.

The organization also encourages youth engagement to reduce barriers associated with resource shortages and limited mobility. By providing students with early exposure to structured community service, the organization helps them develop transferable skills that enhance their career readiness, communication skills, and long-term civic involvement.

Learning Access Through Community Partnerships

The foundation's partnership-driven outreach programs expand the reach of their educational services while aligning local needs with available resources. As volunteer networks deliver learning supplies and organize tutoring sessions, other groups hold youth-focused events in underserved areas.

In Canada, the foundation coordinates food distribution and community engagement activities to reinforce student stability by addressing nutrition and household pressures. These collaborative efforts help ensure continuity between schools, families, and social organizations, improving participation rates and reinforcing shared responsibility.

Building Leadership and Social Responsibility

The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation's youth empowerment initiatives help foster leadership development through hands-on participation in outreach campaigns, environmental programs, and health awareness efforts.

The organization also gives young people exposure to real-world service environments, which cultivate discipline, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Integrating structured volunteer training with community-based activities helps reinforce teamwork and accountability among program participants. Consequently, many transition into mentoring roles as they mature, thereby sustaining institutional knowledge and strengthening continuity within local volunteer networks.

Measuring Long-Term Community Outcomes

The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation's sustained educational investment produces measurable impacts on employment readiness, public engagement, and household stability. In communities with consistent outreach, volunteer retention is generally higher, and intergenerational participation is stronger.

Disaster response readiness has also improved with a greater understanding of logistics, communication protocols, and cooperative planning among youth. Through data tracking and transparent reporting, the foundation evaluates program effectiveness and refines delivery models in many service areas.

Strong governance enables the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation to deliver consistent programming, disciplined financial management, and accountable oversight throughout its various multi-region initiatives. Through structured volunteer coordination, clear risk controls, and transparent reporting, the organization reinforces operational stability while supporting responsible growth.

Fifteen years after the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation was established, education and youth empowerment remain central to its community strategy. By continuing to provide access to learning, mentorship pathways, and service leadership, the organization hopes to cultivate workforce readiness, civic participation, and household stability. Through these integrated efforts, opportunity is translated into measurable social mobility and durable community advancement across generations.
by Bill Benzon

I was hanging out on Twitter the other day, discussing my previous 3QD piece (about Progress Studies) with Hollis Robbins, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Cal State at Sonoma. We were breezing along at 240 characters per message unit when, Wham! right out of the blue the inspiration hit me: How about an interview?

Thus I have the pleasure of bringing another Johns Hopkins graduate into orbit around 3QD. Hollis graduated in 83; Michael Liss, right about the corner, in 77; and Abbas Raza, our editor, in 85; Im class of 69. Both of us studied with and were influenced by the late Dick Macksey, a humanist polymath at Hopkins with a fabulous rare book collection. I know Michael took a course with Macksey and Abbas, alas, he missed out, but he met Hugh Kenner, who was his girlfriends advisor.

Robbins has also been Director of the Africana Studies program at Hopkins and chaired the Department of Humanities at the Peabody Institute. Peabody was an independent school when I took trumpet lessons from Harold Rehrig back in the early 1970s. It started dating Hopkins in 1978 and they got hitched in 1985.

And  you see  another connection. Robbins father played trumpet in the jazz band at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the 1950s. A quarter of a century later I was on the faculty there and ventured into the jazz band, which was student run.

Its fate I call it, destiny, kismet. [Social networks, fool!]

Robbins has published this and that all over the place, including her own poetry, and shes worked with Henry Louis Skip Gates, Jr. to give us The Annotated Uncle Toms Cabin (2006). Not only was Uncle Toms Cabin a best seller in its day (mid-19th century), but an enormous swath of popular culture rests on its foundations. If you havent yet done so, read it.

Shes here to talk about her most recent book, just out: Forms of Contention: Influence and the African American Sonnet Tradition.

* * * * *

Bill Benzon: Ive been enjoying reading your book, but its going slowly, not because of any difficulty in your prose, which is fine, but because of the richness of your exploration. I keep getting side-tracked by thoughts of jazz, blues, identity & culture, of the young white boy at the beginning of Young Man With a Horn being transfixed by the trumpet virtuosity of a middle-aged black man, who generously mentors him to stardom, a bit like the crows and Dumbo in the Disney film. But then theres Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra being bent out of shape trying to synch-up with the rhythms of Odadaa!, bell rhythms especially, a music and dance troop from Ghana. All of which is to say, tell me a story, the story you open your book with.

Hollis Robbins: Interesting opening question! With its free-flowing nature it is almost the opposite of a sonnet. The point of the sonnet is that the form is prestigious, rigid, and flexible up to a point. When you choose to write a sonnet, you are choosing to limit yourself and to join a centuries-old practice of self-limitation that has recognizable traditions, protocols, famous practitioners, and important detractors. But mostly you are choosing to limit yourself and be deliberately self conscious of the form and its traditions.

My book is about 200+ years of African American poets who have chosen to partake in this tradition  what they have gotten out of it, who inspired them, why they write sonnets, what they gain from the sonnet, and what the sonnet gains from more than a century of truly innovative African American poetic practitioners.

Writing this book took a long time because it required telling the history of the sonnet and all the important traditions, telling the story of African American literature and all of the important traditions, and then showing how these two traditions came together to produce something new: a genealogy that has been less overlooked than deliberately disregarded.

If you are sidetracked, you cannot blame the sonnet! The sonnet does not let itself be sidetracked. Leave that to free verse practitioners.

BB: Oh, Im not blaming the sonnet for anything. But Im still waiting for that story you tell in the prologue. That story is about identity and art, no? It is conventional to associate jazz with Africa, and for good reason. But that link has to gloss over specific technical differences, differences that Marsalis and the JLCO had to confront when dealing with the Ghanaian rhythms of Odadaa!. The fictional white boy in Young Man with a Horn is remotely descended from the real Bix Beiderbecke, arguably the first important white jazz musician. But, as Amiri Baraka (then writing as LeRoi Jones) remarked in Blues People, Louis Armstrongs musical vocation embodied values esteemed in his local culture while Beiderbecke pursued his musical vocation in opposition to his local culture. Whats it take for an African American poet to pursue a form central to European poetic traditions?

HR: OK this is a better question than I first thought. Initially I thought that once again you were taking the long way around to ask a question about a literary form that is the opposite of taking the long way around. But I see now youre asking a question that can only be asked by taking the long way around: why did African American poets keep denying the sonnet forms appeal for one hundred years? So: good question!

Gwendolyn Brooks, who was a brilliant sonnet writer, used to lament the fact that African American poets were twice tried: under so much pressure to write about race in America they were unable to write sonnets on raindrops until racial equality was achieved. A sonnet on raindrops might well represent racial tears but not overtly enough for readers who demanded explicitly racial themes.

African American sonnet writers never stopped loving the sonnet. Dunbar loved it. McKay loved it. Hughes loved it but denied it. Brooks loved it until she was pressured to say it was a white form and then she disavowed it, even while she still loved it and kept writing sonnets. The problem was never on the production side but the demand side. The curators of Black Literature in the 1960s wanted to stamp out demand for the sonnet. The suppliers kept supplying sonnets for all the reasons I write about in my book  its an ideal form for distilling, expressing, and performing the immensely complicated experience of being Black in America.

As for Africa and jazz, I think trying to make connections between jazz conventions and sonnet conventions is not fruitful, really. I understand that you bring to the table great learning in jazz conventions but Im not finding that they translate to understanding of the sonnet, which is fundamentally different!

Does this make sense?

BB: Oh, it makes perfect sense. Musical culture and literary culture are very different. Notice, for example, that we have had white performers of jazz for as long as we have direct evidence, that, despite the fact that hip hop is now 30-40 years old, there are and have been relatively few white performers of any note.

Meanwhile I offer you the opening of Duke Ellingtons A Drum is a Woman. Starting at about 4:00 or so youll hear that rhythm came from Africa, way back. FWIW, Ellington did not himself use the term jazz, a term that has been in dispute in the jazz world for some time.

HR: Theres a lot written on why he emphasized Africa and dreamt about Africa, when he didnt get there until 1966. Theres a lot written about claims about Africa by Black intellectuals in the 1920s and thereafter, about drums and rhythm.

BB: One of the big issues in jazz studies is just what is it that came from Africa. How did West African rhythm become transformed into a jazz shuffle? Afro-Cuban rhythms are much closer to West African rhythms. Dizzy Gillespie integrated a Cuban drummer, Chano Pozo, into this musical practice in the 1940s and thus amplified the dialog with Latin rhythm that has been very important in jazz. Jelly Roll Morton called it the Latin tinge.

HR: OK, But what is less talked about is the way jazz musicians were influenced by the drumming and chanting of Native Americans in Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida. See Ray Nobles Indian Suite. So its far more complicated than saying jazz came from Africa.

BB: Cherokee has been a jazz standard for decades. Charlie Parkers Ko-ko is based on it. Its become something of a testing ground for virtuosity.

* * * * *

BB: One thing that interests me is how the sonnet got established in the first place. Given that establishment, of course all sorts of poets have had to deal with it. But why did that form get established at all?

HR: The sonnet was established in 12th century Italy and I spend an entire chapter in my book on its beginnings, how the idea of metaphysical love was in the air as a result of new interest in Plato, whose works were known through Augustine and in a few Latin translations. The idea of a pure, unfettered love made for great poetry and the sonnet form, with its eight lines of metaphysical questioning and six lines of earthly assessment, was easily understandable and endlessly repeatable, with variations. I love you, but. You are beautiful, but. The but does all sorts of work in the sonnet form. The famous early practitioners were Petrarch, Dante, Michelangelo, and hundreds of others.

So this simple form, fourteen lines with a few different rhyme schemes, was taken up by English poets, most famously by Shakespeare, but by many others. The short version is that Milton invested the form with political significance, a Protestant significance, as it were, and Wordsworth continued that tradition. In America, Paul Laurence Dunbar saw its significance for African American political protest, as did Claude McKay, Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Hayden, and many hundreds of others up to the present. Terrance Hayess new book, for example, is American Sonnets for my Past and Future Assassin.

BB: OK. But by the time Shakespeare came around there were so many sonnets out that that, if you wanted to call yourself a poet, you had to prove yourself in the form. Howd it get to that point? What are the affordances of the form?

HR: According to Petrarchs Secretum: For what else does the sublime doctrine of Plato argue but that the soul must protect itself from the passions of the flesh and eradicate its fantasies so it may rise pure and unfettered to the contemplation of the mysteries of the divine, combining meditation on ones own mortality with that contemplation?

Thats quite a quote. In the lyric voice of Renaissance humanism, Petrarchs sonnets enact praise of ideal beauty. His poetic speakers argue with themselves about spiritual love. They also ask themselves: Am I suffering? Am I in bondage? Should I be? Why is it that I am? As you can imagine, these questions are of obvious interest to African American poetry.

BB: Thats all about meaning, which is fine as far as it goes. But what of time and rhythm? Remember, youre talking to a musician. For me word meaning is just something that takes up time slots. I keep thinking that the sonnet is really a 16 bar form in which the final two bars are silent so you can rest while the first 14 sink in. The blues, though, three sections of four bars, the blues I understand. I tend to think of the sonnet as the blues of literary art, a short form with infinite possibilities.

HR: Ha  your proposal to think about the sonnet as a 16 bar form cut down to 14 lines, or the sonnet as the blues of literature, might be a misunderstanding of the sonnet. First the blues meter is tetrameter not pentameter. You have four lines of alternating rhymes in tetrameter. Everything wraps up nicely and easily, as expected. The pleasure is in the closure, in the final rhyme of the fourth line.

The sonnet doesnt work like that. The Petrarchan sonnet rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA for the first 8 lines, which is fundamentally different than ABAB or ABCB or AAAA. With the sonnet, you have to wait for the A rhymes and that delay is important. Moreover, the last eight lines can be a variety of rhymes: CDCDC or CCCDDD or CDDCDC or some variation. You might end with a rhyme that rhymes with the eye but not the ear, like wind and find.

African American sonnet writers used these rhyme conventions in the same way that all other sonnet writers used these conventions, to signal that there arent easy resolutions, that progress is delayed, that expectations of deliverance will be met in unexpected ways.

So the sonnet form itself is in conversation with every sonnet. All sonnets are in some way about the sonnet form. A sonnet writer may decide to break form and not rhyme at all or rhyme in unorthodox ways to signal anger or breaking free of the form. This is the beauty of the sonnet  it allows the performance of following rules or the performance of breaking free while it retains its form.

BB: The blues has four lines? Musically its a 12-bar structure, 4 + 4 + 4.

HR: You are right of course about the rhyme, which is usually AABB or AAA, but I am right the meter is tetrameter rather than pentameter. Four beat lines not Five beat lines. Its hard to sing to pentameter in fact.

BB: What about the audience for the sonnets. What do we know or can infer about demographics?

I ask on general principle, but also because the white audience for jazz as been larger than the black audience since who knows? Perhaps since the early 20th century. The reason is simple, the white population is much larger than the black. The NEA has been doing arts participation surveys since, I dont know, the 70s, 80s, maybe earlier. When I looked at those for my book on music it was clear the percentage of blacks interested in jazz was larger than the percentage of whites, but when you multiply by total population, the white population is much larger.

Almost every time Ive heard live jazz, the white audience out-numbered the black. Exceptions, well, theres the Left Bank Jazz Society in Baltimore where, as I recall  it was a long time ago  the audiences were 2/3rds black. I dont know how many of those concerts I went to, but a lot over several years. There was an out-door Dizzy Gillespie concert in Baltimore in one of the large parks, I think Leakin. About, say, 10,000 people and only a dozen or so were white. Three of them were with me, a half dozen were on the stage, either in the band or with the crew, and the others here and there. Baltimores population, of course, is majority African-American. Then a small neighborhood club in Buffalo in the 1970s and a Sunday afternoon jam session above a funeral parlor in Philadelphia in the mid-1990s.

HR: Great question about audience  its not really a question that comes up often but it is a logical question from a musician. Most poets got their start publishing in newspapers and periodicals in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Most of the canonical sonnets I study were initially published in periodicals so their audience would have been readers of those periodicals. W.E.B. Du Boiss journal, The Crisis, was affiliated with the NAACP and its mission was in part to fight race violence. So readers of The Crisis might read sonnets alongside news articles about lynchings. Claude McKay published If We Must Die in a Socialist newspaper, The Liberator, in 1919, so that sonnet would have initially had an audience of political activists of all races.

Throughout the twentieth century, Black poetry anthologies republished many of these sonnets. The best-selling anthologies of American poetry usually would have some African American poetry but in fact most anthologies ignored Black poetry until a few decades ago. But poetry anthologies edited by African American editors were where many Black readers encountered Black sonnets.

* * * * *

BB: Lets shift gears. We started out talking about progress a couple of days ago. What does literature, what do sonnets, have to do with progress? What do you think Shelley had in mind when he wrote: Poets are the hierophants of an unapprehended inspiration; the mirrors of the gigantic shadows which futurity casts upon the present; the words which express what they understand not; the trumpets which sing to battle, and feel not what they inspire; the influence which is moved not, but moves. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. Dont you just love that phrase, hierophants of an unapprehended inspiration?

HR: I love the last line, that Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. I mostly disregard the hierophants line because I think that speaks primarily to Shelleys poetic practice but not to poets universally. I dont think most of the African American sonnet writers I study would call themselves interpreters of sacred mysteries but rather keen-eyed observers and truth tellers. Someone like Claude McKay was overtly political and wanted to change the world. A legislator of language and poetic form but not a hierophant. Dunbar too changed language but as a legislator not a hierophant.

BB: I too like the last line. As for hierophants, I barely know what it means  had to look it up in the dictionary. I just like the sound.

Back to the last line, in our Twitter conversation you said that progress originates in irritation. What does that mean and how does the African American sonnet tradition speak to that?

HR: Whatever the larger social and economic landscape of support for projects  education, freedom, sufficient resources for a full belly and a roof over ones head  the provocation for progress is irritation. A person is dissatisfied in some way. Maybe theres a better way to kill a mammoth or light a fire or craft a vessel for bringing water from the stream or sew a blanket or make a firearm or weave clothing or communicate with a lover across town. Dissatisfaction or restlessness is always present or why would anyone innovate in the first place?

All poetry is a matter of dissatisfaction and absence. There is no poetry about present happiness. Poems might be about past joy or might anticipate future bliss but there are no poems about happiness now.

So  poetry and progress are kin in this way, both born of disquiet.

BB: The African American sonnet tradition has seen a lot of change in 200 years. Do you think that that change represents progress? If so, in what sense?

HR: What is progress in poetry? Certainly the sonnets written by African American sonnet writers this century are more knowing and more richly layered than sonnets 100 years ago because poets have a larger archive to read and respond to. Poets always influence each other and provoke each other to innovate. This is what my book is about.

* * * * *

BB: [To self  might as well give it a shot.] What about sonnets and AI?

HR: I would say that two crucial contributions humanists can make to progress at the moment are 1) demonstrating how the creation of character in literature offers ways of understanding data storage and memory and quantum thinking that arent yet being studied; and 2) bringing new knowledge about language to AI and how AI understands language. I find the poetry experiments of GPT-3 to be truly boring, frankly. What does it matter to train GPT-3 to write a poem in the style of Tennyson or Dickinson or to tweet like some famous thought leader? Thats just goofy. A more important question is how I Can Has Cheezburger? is Blakean in its devastating succinctness. It is unforgettable. It is ineffable. When AI does such a thing I will take note.

BB: Im with you on GPT-3 and Cheezbugers. But I have to push back on 1) and 2). Tossing something over the transom and saying hey guys! deal with it is not useful, but thats pretty much all humanists know how to do. They cant hold up their end of the conversation. Im speaking in broad generalities, of course. There are exceptions, but not enough to matter.

We dont need to become technical experts in AI, but we need to know the language better than we do. In particular we have to appreciate and enter into their intellectual style, a style where discursive prose is not the primary medium of conceptualization. Thinking is done in diagrams, mathematical formalisms, physical gesture, and, yes, code. We have to learn to think outside of and beyond prose.

I recently listened to a YouTube conversation between an AI guy, Lex Fridman, and a microchip designer, Jim Keller. It was fascinating, though much of it whizzed by me. As they talked about processes that happen on and in chips I was visualizing particles moving on surfaces. The visualizations were vague, but essential, the REAL thinking.

How do you implement thought in brute matter? Chip designers do know something about that. Perhaps not as much as they think they know, but what they know is not trivial. What literary critics know is that it (thought in computers, but brains as well) isnt possible because its all wrong. Cheap knowledge. Literary critics are de facto mind-matter dualists.

Until literary critics are interested in listening to that chip designer  and others like him, software too  what youre asking for isnt going to happen. And I mean listen to him, talk to him, be genuinely interested in what hes doing. You dont have to understand him all the way and you dont have to believe that what he knows will solve everything.

Alas, its probably too late for anyone who already has a degree. To make those conversations happen weve got to identify undergraduates who both love literature and revel in the computational thought style. Theyre out there, though many of them may prefer science fiction to Anthony Trollope or Emily Dickinson. Weve got to attract them to our graduate programs and then nurture that intellectual style within literary study. We dont know how to do that.

The profession had a chance at developing useful concepts back in the 1970s, but it decided not to and hasnt looked back. Im thinking of structuralism  structuralism, NOT post-structuralism, Levi-Strauss on myth in particular  some poetics and narratology, even the flirtation with generative grammar. Heck, even contemporary digital humanists are reluctant to go there. I dont see how anything currently happening in literary studies is going to lead to such concepts and language. The AI folks are doing to have to figure it out on their own.

The ones most likely to do so are the folks who design interactive video games. Why? Because they have to figure out how to implement plot structures and characters in code that people can interact with in real time. You cant do that with GPT-3. You need old school symbolic AI and old school computational linguistics, you need story grammars, all that was going on in the 1970s and 80s, but literary critics werent paying attention. The discipline may be interested in what the AI folks do, but its abrogated the right to participate in the process.

Sorry for the rant.

HR: Excellent rant on AI

It turns out I have a fairly good understanding of microchip design and manufacture; I worked on an assembly line making integrated circuits through most of high school, during the summers. In fact my interest in microengineering is why Im interested in the sonnet as a form: it is small, limited, and requires careful engineering to ensure all of the different elements work together in a small space and that one part doesnt overheat or spark and short another element.

BB: Sounds like Jerry Seinfeld on jokes, each one is a finely crafted machine.

HR: Poetry is engineered language. The problem for AI is that the layers of meaning embedded in individual words, word phrases, and word clusters are not easily archived and cataloged. A person can hear an echo of another poem; an artificial intelligence may not hear that echo. So in fact the problem is not me not listening to chip designers but rather natural language processors not talking to enough poets.

BB: Um, err, were talking past one another. Lets put that aside and try an experiment. Lets get our hands dirty.

HR: OK.

BB: Theres a guy at the Progress Studies Slack, Phil Mohun, who has access to GPT-3 [a state of the art AI natural language generator]. Hes asked for prompts. Why dont I give him the opening two lines of Marcus Christians The Craftsman and see what it comes up with.

HR: The classic confrontation. Instead of John Henry we have Marcus Christian

BB: Right!

HR: and instead of a steam-powered machine drill we have GPT-3.

* * * * *

BB: Yes! Instead of industrial machine vs. human muscle we have 21st century AI vs. the human soul.

Heres what GPT-3 did. Phil prompted it with the text in boldface and it replied with the rest:

A sonnet by Marcus Christian:

I ply with all the cunning of my art

This little thing, and with consummate care

Contrive a score of air-tight cells

And coil therein a million filaments.

And yet, despite all my aspiring skill,

All it can do, howeer I strain and toil,

Is make a drum that, once it is put up,

Can never be made into a bell.

HR: Well its not finished as a sonnet of course  its the first part of a sonnet, at eight lines. The rhyme scheme is unclear  on the one hand skill/toil is a nice para-rhyme but care and up dont seem to have rhymes and thats a problem in a poem that is explicitly about creating art with consummate care. GPT-3s six lines are careless. Moreover the words chosen have no coherent meaning. Why use a word like score, with multiple meanings, if youre not going to lean on the multiple meanings? Why a million? Why the strange archaic syncope, howeer? Who puts up a drum? Why the wasted word phrase, Can never be made into?

More importantly theres nothing to interpret in this poem  theres no sense of why it is crafted the way it is, what the lines are gesturing toward and alluding to.

When you compare this to Marcus Christians full sonnet you see how it cant possibly achieve what Christians sonnet does, with its allusions to other poems and other traditions, situating itself in a complex network of literary production that stretches back hundreds of years to Shakespeare and a hundred or so years back to Keats, and yet is solidly in the tradition of midcentury African American poetic optimism.

In order for GPT-3 really to write poetry in the manner of Marcus Christian it would have to have as inputs not only all of Christians poetry but also all the poetry that Christian was reading, including McKay, whom Christian pushed back against in several of his sonnets. Poems are always part of a network and so the network needs to be part of the input.

BB: Thats all well and good. I certainly dont think GPT-3 is going to put poets out of work. Nor, for that matter, GPT-6, GPT-13, or even GPT-42. I dont think thats how this is going to evolve.

But whats got my attention is the words drum and bell in those last two lines. What happens in GPT-3 is that it creates a very high dimensional space  a ludicrous space! billions and billions of dimensions  where each word is a point in that space. When you feed it a prompt, those words activate a sub-region within that space. That sub-region will, of course, itself be of high-dimensionality, through not as many dimensions the full space. GPT-3 then completes a text from that prompt by moving about in that sub-region. Why is it that both drum and bell turn up in the sub-region prompted by the first two lines of Christians sonnet? And then GPT-3 ended its completion with those two words. Is that mere contingency  you know, monkeys pecking away at typewriters  or was GPT-3 able to suss out the nature of the space appropriate for those opening lines and sense that those two words would nicely complete the document?

HR: I have no pretty explanation for the appearance of drum and bell except to say that both appear fairly often in English language poetry generally. Musical words are like vowels in Scrabble  youre always going to get a fair number of them sprinkled here and there. Whether theyre appropriate to any particular poet is unclear!

BB: OK, but howd GPT-3 know to toss in those musical words at all? For all practical purposes its got the entire vocabulary of the English language to draw on. Its not doing things willy-nilly. Theres a lot of structure there, structure, by they way, thats opaque to us. We may have created this, this, whatever it is, but its workings are opaque to us.

Yes, its a computer. We talk of them as machines; machine translation (aka MT) from one language to another is one of the founding problem areas of computer science. But, as Marvin Minsky remarked a long time ago, digital computers not machines in any ordinary sense. Any intuitions we have from our experience with, say, watches, vacuum cleaners, steam power drills, automobiles, whatever, they mislead us about computers. But computers are not living beings either. What are they? Do we know? I think were in here be dragons territory.

HR: Butbut

BB: We could go round and round

HR: Yes. Lets listen, let Marcus Christian speak.

BB: Agreed.

* * * * *

HR: Marcus Christian deserves to be better known. He was a poet from New Orleans, born in 1900, largely self educated, worked as a chauffeur and completed high school, worked for the Federal Writers Project, and was a librarian at Dillard University until he was fired for not having a college degree. He wrote beautiful sonnets, drawing on Shakespeare and Wordsworth to argue with Claude McKay. Here, Christians sonnet evokes Wordsworths Nuns fret not (souls, solace) and Shakespeare with his evocation of immortality in the couplet. (The source of the quote is unknown.) And while the sonnet is not racialized, phrases such as laborings of weary hands and yearnings infiniteyet dumb gesture to sonnets such as Cullens From the Dark Tower. Christians sonnet is wholly optimistic.

I ply with all the cunning of my art

This little thing, and with consummate care

I fashion itso that when I depart,

Those who come after me shall find it fair

And beautiful. It must be free of flaws

Pointing no laborings of weary hands;

And there must be no flouting of the laws

Of beautyas the artist understands.

Through passion, yearnings infiniteyet dumb

I lift you from the depths of my own mind

And gild you with my souls white heat to plumb

The souls of future men. I leave behind

This thing that in return this solace gives:

He who creates true beauty ever lives.

Marcus Christian, The Craftsman, anthologized in Beatrice M. Murphy, ed. Ebony Rhythm: an Anthology of Contemporary Negro Verse. Exposition Press, 1948.
To celebrate the bicentenary of Trafalgar in 2005, an actor dressed as Lord Nelson was sent up the Thames on the prow of an RNLI lifeboat. On the orders of elfnsafety, he was forced to wear a lifejacket over his 19th-century admirals uniform, which somehow spoiled the effect.

I couldnt resist writing a spoof column imagining how the battle could ever have been fought under modern terms of engagement. Its been doing the rounds on the internet ever since.

While already hampered by ludicrous safety and diversity directives, and international yuman rites laws recently introduced by Tony Blairs Labour government, at least back then the Navy was capable of mustering a serious fighting fleet.

Two decades ago, even after years of defence cuts under both the Tories and Labour, it still had 31 functioning destroyers and frigates. Today, not so much.

On Nick Ferraris LBC Radio breakfast show, Defence Secretary John Healey couldnt even be sure how many warships he has at his disposal.

Healey bumbled and blustered before he settled on a figure of 17, although he couldnt say where they all were. He was expertly skewered by Ferrari and a succession of callers who appeared to have a more accurate grasp of the situation than the Defence Secretary himself.

Defence Secretary John Healey recently couldnt even be sure how many warships the UK has at its disposal

Respected defence analyst Francis Tusa said the Navy has only five serviceable ships available immediately - two destroyers and three frigates. One of those, HMS Drag Queen, has finally made its way to Cyprus after being marooned in dock for refitting for weeks in the run-up to the Iran war.

As for the others, your guess is as good as Healeys. It has now emerged that Britain is having to borrow a ship from Germany to take part in a long-planned Nato exercise next month. It doesnt get more embarrassing than that.

Since 2005, the number of Navy personnel has declined from more than 41,000 to around 32,000. As recently as the first Gulf War in 1991, it had 62,000 enlisted men and women and was able to send a 33-ship task force. In 2026, we cant even rustle up a single minesweeper to help open up the Straits of Hormuz.

Which got me wondering what Admiral Lord Nelson would make of the Royal Navy today. These days hed be fighting with his one remaining arm tied behind his back. Lets join him as he surveys the fleet at Portsmouth alongside the Defence Secretary. Nelson has his spyglass to his good eye...

HMS Dragon's arrival in Cyprus to help the war effort was delayed

Nelson: I see no ships.

Healey: Er, if you look hard enough, sir, theres something over there.

What, that distant vessel steaming towards port? Is that one of ours?

No, sir. I believe thats the Isle of Wight Ferry.

Ah, I see a warship now. Why isnt it at sea?

Thats HMSTikkyTokky, sir. In dry dock for a refit.

How long has it been there?

Pretty much ever since it was commissioned, sir.

Whats the problem?

Richard Littlejohn has been wondering what Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson would make of the Royal Navy today

Apparently the engines dont work in warm water. Thats why we cant send it to the Gulf just yet.

Gadzooks! How would Drake ever have singed the King of Spains beard if the Golden Hind couldnt operate in the Med?

Our ships werent so sophisticated back then, sir, so it took less work to make them seaworthy. In fact, were recommissioning the Mary Rose as a stopgap, once the carpenters have fitted the wheelchair access to the focsle.

And that curious square-shaped vessel yonder?

The Bibby Stockholm, sir. A merchant barge formerly used to house asylum seekers until an immigration judge ruled it was unfit for human habitation.

So whats it doing flying the white ensign?

Weve commandeered it as temporary accommodation for service members and their families forced to leave our base at Akrotiri because of the Iranian missiles. Should be anchored off Cyprus in about three weeks.

And wheres the rest of the fleet?

Weve sent a few of our smaller ships and a couple of rowing boats to the Arctic Circle to protect Greenland?

From whom, Healey?

President Trump, I believe. Hes been threatening to invade Greenland.

I thought America was a Nato ally.

It is, sir. Or was. Trump says he doesnt need our help, until he does. Despite calling our aircraft carriers toys, he wants us to open up the Straits of Hormuz shipping lanes which have been closed by the Iranian Republican Guards.

So are we?

No. The Prime Minister says we can only take part in defensive operations. Something to do with international law. And, anyway, we withdrew our last minesweeper from the Gulf a few weeks before the Iran war started. And were even having to borrow a German ship to take part in a Nato exercise in the Atlantic in April.

Germany? Whatever happened to Britannia Rules The Waves? Level with me, Healey. How many warships can we muster at a push?

Id like to say 17, sir, but the experts tell me weve only got five.

Five? So we certainly couldnt fight the Battle of Trafalgar today, let alone mount the Dunkirk evacuation or the D-Day invasion.

To be honest, sir, we cant even stop tens of thousands of illegal migrants crossing the Channel to Kent on rubber dinghies.

So England is effectively defenceless?

Thats about the size of it, sir.

I did at least expect the band of the Royal Marines to greet us today with a selection of sea shanties.

Theyre back in London, sir, rehearsing for the upcoming Gay Pride Parade.

Gay Pride?

Yes, sir, the Royal Navy has been actively recruiting homosexuals for many years as part of its diversity drive.

In which case: Kiss Me, Healey.
It's just before 10.30pm on Monday October 20 and one of the Metropolitan Police's busy 999 call centres receives an urgent call. On the end of the line is a 48-year-old man, with a soft Irish accent, who wishes to report an emergency.

'Oh, hello,' he says. 'Someone just robbed my phone.'

The caller explains that his assailant, a 'black guy' in his 'late teens' of slim build and average height, had brazenly 'come on to the pavement to grab my phone and cycled off on a bike'.

Although he'd given chase, it had been in vain: the street criminal travelled 'a few blocks' north before turning left into a park and disappearing.

There follows a short conversation in which the phone operator apologises that no one can be deployed to the crime scene, since 'we are having extreme demand on police officers'.

They instead offer to take a crime report over the telephone. Details are duly shared, and a couple of minutes later, the victim is issued with a 'crime reference number,' and wished goodnight.

So ends what, in Sadiq Khan's London, is a depressingly common series of events. Some 117,000 phones are pinched in the capital each year, with around 80,000 taken via robberies.

Many, including the one in this incident, are snatched from the hand of an unwitting pedestrian who happens to be texting while walking along a pavement after dark.

At the time his phone was stolen, Keir Starmer's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney was heavily embroiled in the fallout from his close friend Peter Mandelson's sacking as UK Ambassador to the United States

McSweeney had recommended Peter Mandelson's appointment (Both pictured on June 23, 2025) - and played an active role in the vetting process

Yet in this case, the victim is no ordinary pedestrian. And today, some five months later, his phone (or more particularly its contents) lies at the epicentre of an explosive political scandal.

The controversy revolves around a simple fact: the 48-year-old man in question was none other than Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's then chief-of-staff and one of the most powerful men in Britain.

His stolen iPhone was a work device. Throughout the almost 18 months since his boss had moved into Downing Street, he'd been using it to run the country.

At the time of the 999 call, McSweeney also happened to be heavily embroiled in the fallout from his close friend and mentor Peter Mandelson's sacking as UK Ambassador to the United States.

In addition to recommending the Labour Peer's appointment in the first place, he'd played an extraordinarily, and perhaps inappropriately, active role in a subsequent vetting process which had seen Mandelson parachuted into the 161,000-a-year role  leapfrogging several highly-qualified career diplomats in the process.

It was McSweeney, rather than a member of the Number Ten 'propriety and ethics' team, who was instructed to interrogate his old chum over various links to Jeffrey Epstein which had been 'red-flagged' during a civil service vetting process.

Unsurprisingly, he'd then given the paedophile's associate a clean bill of health, prompting Keir Starmer to rubber stamp Mandy's move to Washington in December 2024.

That had, of course, ended in tears. And following Mandelson's chaotic departure from Washington which cost the taxpayer 75,000 in compensation, and caused significant damage to the UK's reputation, McSweeney's role in the whole thing was coming under severe scrutiny. One might say that vultures were circling.

Most pressing, was an issue flagged in early October, when a group of Labour whips had attended meetings at which they discussed how to respond to an expected 'humble address motion' by the Tories on the whole thing.

It was feared that they would seek disclosure of every email and WhatsApp exchange related to Mandelson's appointment and resignation.

According to the Spectator, those involved had later told colleagues: 'If the Tories pass a humble address motion, Morgan is f***ed.'

All of which is broadly what came to pass. Following disclosures made via the Epstein Files, the Government has already released one tranche of official documents (they show how McSweeney had dismissed concerns about his powerful friend via a memo claiming, wrongly, that they had 'all been dispelled') and is expected to make more papers public shortly after Easter.

This second tranche of documents should, on paper, contain both formal and informal communications between Mandelson and the Downing Street machine.

Particularly juicy would be the large number of WhatsApp messages he's believed to have exchanged with McSweeney, in which the duo would, given the Prince of Darkness's extensive track record, be expected to have exchanged insider gossip about everything from policy to reshuffles, to the competence (or otherwise) of the Prime Minister and various cabinet ministers.

They could, in other words, be political dynamite. But for one important fact: thanks to the conveniently timed mobile phone theft of Monday October 20, those messages appear to no longer exist.

To understand why, we must interrogate both the Metropolitan Police's transcript of the 999 call plus various pieces of guidance, and public statements, about the whole thing that have been issued by both Downing Street and senior ministers over recent days.

At times, they are strangely contradictory. And in the cold light of day, several aspects of the official account don't entirely seem to add up, prompting Tory frontbencher Alex Burghart to say yesterday that 'the whole thing stinks of a cover-up' while Nigel Farage declared: 'What a convenient theft for McSweeney. Does No 10 think the British public are complete idiots?'

Back to that emergency call, which raises several significant questions. Not least why McSweeney doesn't bother to tell the police that he happens to be the Prime Minister's chief-of-staff, which would surely have seen the force divert significant resources to recovering the stolen device. Instead, he said, somewhat vaguely: 'It's a government phone.'

Then there is a strange passage during which McSweeney told the call-handler that the incident had occurred in

'Belgrave Street,' an address in Tower Hamlets. In fact, it had occurred in Belgrave Road, a busy thoroughfare connecting Pimlico with Belgravia.

When the call-handler asked whether he'd followed the assailant to Stepney Green Park (which is again in Tower Hamlets) McSweeney replied, wrongly: 'Yeah. He turned left there.'

As Andrew Neil observed last night, that 'couldn't have been true... It's almost as if McSweeney [was] deliberately misleading the police call handler to sow confusion.'

Thanks to the convenient timing of the mobile phone theft, Mandelson's WhatsApp messages to McSweeney no longer exist (Pictured: Mandelson and McSweeney on June 23, 2025)

Then there is the small matter of what happened to the iPhone's automatic tracking function, which should in theory have allowed either the police or Downing Street's security staff, who might (in the context) be expected to have taken the incident very seriously indeed, to quickly locate the stolen device.

McSweeney to this end tells the operator: 'About two minutes before I rung you and I chased... I rang my office to get the phone tracked.' Yet somehow, Number Ten's finest sleuths appear to have been unable to find it.

What instead seems to have happened is that they decided to both shut off the stolen device and wipe it remotely.

Somewhat weirdly, Starmer's office refused to answer questions yesterday about whether they had subsequently contacted the Met to liaise with them over the incident.

There is further confusion over how the police followed up the incident. On Tuesday, Labour sources were briefing that they'd been 'too busy' to mount a further investigation.

But the Met said yesterday that they'd instead made two calls to the victim the very next day, via the personal phone he'd made the 999 call on. They did not get a response.

Conveniently, given the context, there appears to have then been no way for McSweeney or anyone else to access the WhatsApp messages that were sitting on that phone.

While most people's devices are backed up to Apple's 'cloud' services, meaning they are automatically downloaded each time they log into a new telephone, security concerns mean that senior government officials aren't allowed to use that service.

Neither are they meant to run WhatsApp on their laptops or tablets, which might create alternative records of past correspondence.

Instead, Government guidance states they must either forward or screenshot messages on to an official system, and that they are responsible for protecting personal data from 'accidental loss'.

That McSweeney seems to have failed to follow such protocols seems, at the very least, careless.

Indeed, some have compared his situation to that of Rebekah Vardy's agent, who prior to the infamous 'Wagatha Christie' trial managed to lose a phone containing a number of key messages relating to her feud with Coleen Rooney, which were expected to cause significant damage to the Vardy case, by dropping it into the North Sea during a fishing trip.

McSweeney resigned from Downing Street last month, saying: 'The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself... I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.'

As a result, his take on this week's developments remains unclear.

Former Labour colleagues are meanwhile busy digging themselves into holes. At the weekend, Communities Secretary Steve Reed told LBC radio that the phone had been stolen 'well in advance of anything happening about Mandelson... Maybe even a year before.'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting explained the situation as a 'cock up rather than conspiracy'

That was, of course, untrue, prompting SNP leader Stephen Flynn to refer Reed to the PM's ethics adviser, asking: 'Why did he lie?'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting was meanwhile handed the poisoned chalice of doing yesterday's media round.

'I can totally understand the cynicism in these sorts of cases,' he conceded, before insisting that the loss of the Mandelson messages was nonetheless 'a cock-up rather than a conspiracy'.

Labour hasn't always been so forgiving when ministers manage to mislay old WhatsApp communications.

Back in 2023, it emerged that Boris Johnson was unable to access an old phone containing messages he'd exchanged in 2020 and had been asked to provide to the Covid Inquiry.

It led to a furious political row, with Keir Starmer's then deputy Angela Rayner accusing the Conservatives of 'a desperate attempt to withhold evidence,' adding: 'The public deserve answers, not another cover-up.'

Some might argue that Ms Rayner's silence over the McSweeney affair reeks of hypocrisy. Others might call it sensible politics.

But she was right about at least one thing: unless the public starts to get some proper answers, the mystery of the missing iPhone will rumble on.
He was just seven when his little sister was snatched from idyllic Fairy Meadow Beach  but 56 years later not a day passes that Ricki Nash doesn't think about what happened on that fateful day in 1970.

He remembers it all: Cheryl giggling in her blue swimming costume as she ducked away from him into the ladies' changing rooms; the growing terror on his mother's face when they couldn't find her; the blame and guilt that took root and grew like tentacles around him for the rest of his life.

'I was supposed to keep her safe,' he says, speaking to the Daily Mail after a decision by Australian prosecutors which means the chilling cold case into the disappearance of three-year-old British toddler Cheryl Grimmer might finally be solved after all these years.

'The guilt I have carried for leaving Cheryl alone that day has only been intensified by the knowledge that the case was mismanaged,' says Ricki, who has spent his life seeking justice for his sister.

'That burden is something I've lived with for decades and the failures that followed made it far heavier than it ever should have been. I've lived a life of hell.'

Cheryl's story is one of a little girl lost but it's also one of a family ruined. That glorious day on the beach should have provided snapshots to send back to Bristol to show how lucky the Grimmer family had been in choosing to emigrate to Australia as Ten Pound Poms 18 months earlier.

Instead, a single moment has defined a life of sorrow, of a family torn apart by silence and blame.

Cheryl's parents, Carole and Vince, went to their graves never knowing what happened to their little girl; her three brothers have lovingly and diligently pursued answers and justice that, to date, have failed to arrive.

A decision by Australian prosecutors means the chilling cold case into the disappearance of three-year-old British toddler Cheryl Grimmer (pictured) might finally be solved after all these years

The teen who confessed to killing the little girl  referred to in the files by his alias Mercury because he was a minor  is now in his 70s (pictured in 2017 being escorted by police)

Ricki Nash (pictured with his sister as a youngster) said not a day passes by that he doesn't think about what happened to his younger sister Cheryl Grimmer on that fateful day in 1970

Yet all along, sitting in the files, was a confession made by a 17-year-old boy just 14 months after Cheryl disappeared. The youth told the police in horrific detail how he snatched Cheryl and ran off, intending to sexually assault her. But when she cried out he tied a handkerchief over her face with shoelaces then strangled her, covering her body in leaves and dirt. The teen who made that confession  referred to in the files by his alias Mercury because he was a minor  is now in his 70s.

When the confession came to light he was charged and held in custody but when the case reached court in 2019, it was ruled inadmissible on a technicality. The charges were dropped.

To say that Ricki and his brothers, Paul and Stephen, were angry is an understatement.

The trio are now in their 60s. The trauma of their sister's disappearance has corroded all their lives but a decision last month by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to review the decision to drop the charges has offered a glimmer of hope.

For Ricki, 64, the possibility of reopening the case can never take away the sadness but it might mean he and his siblings can uphold a promise they made to their mother Carole on her deathbed in 2011 that they would never stop seeking answers to what happened to their sister.

I will remember her evil smile for the rest of my life

I'm Tom Rawstorne, and nearly 30 years ago a 12-year-old murderer, with a gold crucifix hanging round her neck, gave me a moment I'll never forget. Sharon Carr is to this day Britain's youngest-ever female murderer, having killed an 18-year-old hairdresser in an unprovoked act of gruesome violence. I watched her up close in court for three weeks and it is something I'l never forget. I've written about it in The Crime Desk newsletter - sign up to read it for free.

'We could have lived a different life if, back in 1971, police had just done their job,' he says from the Philippines where he lives with his partner Kimberly.

Sadly Ricki, who ran a successful cleaning business before his recent retirement, is estranged from three of his four children but he keeps his Facebook open in the hope they may one day reconnect.

His Brisbane-based brother Paul, who is 60 and has raised five daughters barely letting them out of his sight, is still haunted by his sister's disappearance.

'When we go out I enjoy myself to a certain extent but I'm too busy checking that all my daughters and grandkids are there, making sure everyone is safe.' His wife Linda reveals their daughters were never allowed to go to sleepovers.

In their lengthy conversations with the Daily Mail, you sense the three brothers are making up for all the years they weren't allowed to mention their sister's name.

Suffering in an era without counselling or support, the Grimmer family contracted into silence  but the grief seeped out in other ways. As Ricki explains, his parents had vicious arguments and, as the eldest, he was subjected to regular beatings by his father who, in an awful twist, turned out not to be his father after all.

'He blamed me every day. I was thrown across rooms, thrown through windows, beaten all the time and I didn't realise why there was so much hatred from him towards me, his eldest son.'

To understand how the family imploded we need to go back to January 12, 1970, when Cheryl disappeared. It was Ricki who had begged his mum to take him and his siblings to Fairy Meadow Beach, an hour south of Sydney.

The children had swum and played happily on the sand until the wind got up and Carole asked Ricki to take Stephen, five, Paul, four, and Cheryl up to the shower block to wash off the sand.

'Because Cheryl was so young I took her into the boys' changing rooms to get her showered off. When we came out Cheryl wanted a drink so I lifted her up to the water fountain. My brothers were running up and down and then Cheryl snuck into the ladies' changing room.

'I said to her, 'come on, let's go back, we're going to get into trouble' but she wouldn't come out. She was three years old and she was smiling and laughing at me. I wouldn't go in and instead made the fatal mistake to go back to the beach to get my mother,' explains Ricki, replaying the scene that has tormented him ever since.

Carole returned with her sons to the changing rooms but Cheryl wasn't there. 'My mum was looking around and couldn't see her and then she came up to me and shook the living bejesus out of me saying, 'where did you leave her?' That's when the panic set in and she started screaming,' says Ricki.

Ricki Grimmer (centre), with brothers Stephen, (second left), and Paul, (right) along with Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth, (left), as they address the media in 2016 after the emergence of the teenager's confession

Cheryl (second from right) with her brothers, who have promised they will never stop searching for the truth as to what happened to the little girl

The police were alerted and within hours hundreds of locals were combing the beach and bushland for the little girl. The children's father, stationed with the army in Sydney, returned home and the next day hopes were raised when police received a ransom note demanding $10,000 for Cheryl's safe return.

Analysis of the handwriting suggested it was most likely written by a teenager but no one appeared at the handover location and police dismissed it as a hoax.

As the hours of waiting turned into days, then weeks, Vince would go out drinking, returning home to scream at Carole: 'Why did he leave her?' As Ricki says: 'It changed the dynamics of our family. We were a normal family who'd come to Australia for a better life and less than 18 months later, we're ripped apart. It deteriorated from there and kept getting worse and worse.'

As the years passed with no answers, Cheryl's disappearance was a constantly weeping wound. Paul recalls his mother going to the newsagent on an anniversary of his sister's disappearance and becoming distressed at the sight of Cheryl's picture on the front page.

As he says: 'The lady in the shop had to call us to come and get Mum because she broke down.' Middle brother Stephen, 62, who stayed in the area for 30 years, said the memories never left him.

'I used to do surf carnivals at Fairy Meadow Beach and you sort of have mental issues when you're standing there or riding your bike past the beach. When people I worked with asked about it, I'd get choked up and have to walk away.'

One day when he was 13, Ricki recalls his parents fighting and he sided with his father. 'It wasn't long before we were due to go back to the UK because our family was a massive basket case.

'They were arguing and I said, 'Mum, come on, Dad's right, stop shouting at one another'. He screamed at her: 'There you go  and he's not even my son'.'

Ricki says his mother threw a carving knife at his father, narrowly missing him. Ricki ran away for five days but returned home cold and hungry.

It turns out Carole had had her eldest son with another man back in Bristol, but Vince had brought up Ricki as his own.

'I know who my biological father is but he won't accept it and the irony of all this is that I have another half-sister,' says Ricki. 'I offered to do a DNA test but she doesn't want to know.

'It's a bitter pill to swallow that I lost my sister and then I've got another half-sister who doesn't even want to know me.'

Fortunately, he and Vince mended their relationship before his death in 2004.

While the family returned briefly to the West Country in the mid 70s, they found no peace and went back to Australia.

Ricki, who had taken his mother's maiden name as his surname, wanted to stay in the UK so he enlisted in the Army but with The Troubles in Ireland, Carole was determined not to lose another child. She begged him to return to Australia, so he did.

Three marriages and four children later, he says he's a good dad but was a poor husband due to the demons in his head. Once he met a woman claiming to be Cheryl but he knew instantly on meeting her that she wasn't.

Within hours of Cheryl's disappearance hundreds of locals were combing the beach and bushland for the little girl (Pictured on January 13, 1970)

Carole Grimmer, pictured with her sons, went to her grave never knowing what happened to her daughter, Cheryl

After his third marriage ended in 2012, Ricki says he was suicidal. 'I was a mess. I'd had enough and a friend of my wife's found me sitting in a car park gutter. She and her husband took me home. They probably saved my life.'

Therapy, which includes writing to his sister, has helped as has four pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago in Spain where he has laid stones in his sister's memory.

As he says, he feels as if he lost his sister twice: the first time when she disappeared, the second in 2016 when a detective called to tell him they'd started reinvestigating the case and had unearthed Mercury's confession of murder.

'That was the first time I'd ever heard the word murder. I'd always lived with the hope that Cheryl would knock on the door one day and come walking in,' he says.

It turns out that Mercury, who had also gone to Australia from Britain, was a troubled youth and had been at Fairy Meadow Beach on January 12, 1970.

His confession is chilling. He tells how he saw the little girl with her brothers and how one of them lifted her up to get a drink.

When she came out of the changing rooms and began following her brothers, Mercury grabbed her, putting a hand over her mouth to stop her screaming because there was a 'bloke' sitting on the wall nearby. Having taken her to a secluded area, he put his hands around her throat.

'I guess I must have strangled her,' he says in the confession.

He went on to say that he considered taking her swimsuit home but decided not to. 'I thought my mother might find it, so I burnt it in an incinerator on the beach,' he told detectives.

Although police took the teenager to the place he left Cheryl's body, nothing was found and they opted not to charge him.

Decades later, when the confession was unearthed, Mercury spent two years in prison awaiting trial for murder.

He pleaded not guilty and, in a pre-trial hearing, the case fell apart after the judge ruled the confession inadmissible because a caution had been issued as soon as the teenager started making admissions and not before  and because of the 'particular vulnerability' of the accused.

Angry and frustrated, the Grimmer brothers gave Mercury a deadline in October last year to meet them and explain his confession. When he didn't, Australian MP Jeremy Buckingham used parliamentary privilege to name him and read aloud his confession.

Stephen Grimmer, Ricki Nash and Paul Grimmer have called on the suspect to 'do the right thing' and explain the confession he wrote in 1971

Now the DPP is prepared to review the decision to drop the charges if any new evidence or witness information emerges. Meanwhile a parliamentary inquiry in Australia will begin in May.

Directly addressing the alleged perpetrator, Buckingham said: 'You are a coward, a slug and a murderer and you should do the right thing now, explain that confession you made in 1971 and admit to your egregious crime.'

Paul Grimmer, whose wife had to stop him lunging at Mercury when the charges were dropped in 2019, will not let up. 'I want to be able to sit at my mother and father's grave and tell them we finally got him.'

The family, including their cousin Dr Michael Grimmer in England, have worked on the case tirelessly and have given police 11 lines of inquiry.

Ricki says over the years the police have made 'monumental mistakes'  and he wonders if someone is protecting Mercury.

Ultimately, the damaged seven-year-old boy inside him needs a resolution. 'I think I'll still be scratching at the lid of my coffin as they're putting me in the ground, saying 'have you checked this?' or 'have you done that?'

'We can't live with ourselves without doing everything we can.'
Where is Irans Supreme Leader? Its a question that the world, not least Iranians, have been asking since Mojtaba Khamenei was elevated to the office shortly after his father was killed on the wars first day.

While Ali Khameneis life ended under the rubble of his Tehran compound after an Israeli strike, which also killed several of his family members, it was thought that Mojtaba had survived the attack.

But since he became Supreme Leader on March 8, he has made no public appearances. His first public message was given not via video, or even audio, but via a written statement that, logically, anyone could have penned.

The regime has done its best to keep up appearances. Government news outlets and aligned social media channels have resorted to circulating AI-generated videos of him alongside his father. Obviously, this ludicrous output has only led to mockery among Iranians. Theyre calling him the AI supreme leader, CNN quoted one as saying.

It also fuels conspiracy theories. The most prevalent are that Mojtaba, 56, was killed in the Tehran strike along with his father and the mullahs are covering it up, or that he was badly injured (rumours are rife that he has at least lost a leg) and is incapacitated, or even in a coma, in a hospital in Istanbul or Moscow.

Injury is the most plausible explanation. If he were dead the regime would have announced it quickly, as it almost always does. Equally, if Mojtaba is in good health then his continued absence from public view makes little sense.

So if hes out of the picture  for the moment at least  whos in charge? Well, it had been Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), until he met his deserved end last week.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf is about as establishment as it gets: a so-called son of the revolution, he joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and rose through the ranks during the Iran-Iraq War

Reports suggest Ghalibaf is the man that Donald Trump feels he can make a deal with to end the war

I wrote then that the most likely figure to emerge as the countrys chief strategic decision-maker would be Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. The White House clearly agrees, as reports suggest that he is the man that Donald Trump feels he can make a deal with to end the war.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have apparently been in contact with Ghalibaf regarding possible negotiations  with Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan acting as intermediaries.

Ghalibaf has called the reports fake news served up to the media to manipulate financial and oil markets. This is not surprising, given that he daily threatens the US and its allies in typical Iranian hyperbole  par for the course for any politician in Tehran with a microphone to his mouth.

And while a military spokesman mocked Trumps remarks yesterday, saying the US is negotiating with itself, Ghalibaf hasnt ruled out future talks. So who is this 64-year-old  and how important is he to the regime?

The latter is a fair question. If youre a senior Islamic Republic official alive today, youd feel fortunate, but also a little insulted that you werent considered important enough to be killed.

Ghalibaf is about as establishment as it gets: a so-called son of the revolution, he joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 1980 and rose through the ranks during the Iran-Iraq War to become chief commander of the Imam Reza Brigade after just two years.

In 1997 he became commander of the IRGC Air Force. From there he served as Irans chief of police from 2000 to 2005, before becoming Mayor of Tehran  a vital portfolio for the politically ambitious. Hes also run unsuccessfully for president four times.

Ghalibaf is seen as the figure who can bridge the political and military-security arenas. Analysts describe him as an insider in a way few other politicians are. He is close to Mojtaba and was close to the late IRGC commander, Qasem Soleimani, whom the Americans killed in 2020 and who is a legend among regime supporters.

This gives Ghalibaf credibility with the IRGC that a civilian could never achieve. He also sits on the SNSC and the Supreme Economic Coordination Council.

He is everywhere that matters. Part of the reason for this is that he specialises in being all things to all people.

From what I hear, he is conservative but prepared to be flexible if it will advance his career. In his various presidential runs, he has portrayed himself variously as a traditional Iranian tough guy, a moderniser and a Supreme Leader devotee. Hes also brutal. As Speaker, he was a member of the SNSC during the recent street protests, when the state cracked down on its own people, killing more than 12,000 (with some estimates exceeding 30,000)  a crime against humanity carried out with the permission of the heads of all three branches of government.

Indeed, he appears to take a personal, almost sadistic, pleasure in violence. In a secretly recorded conversation from 2013 that later surfaced, Ghalibaf  then a candidate for president  detailed his direct role in violent crackdowns during the 1999 student protests.

Photographs [show] me on the back of a motorbike beating [the protesters] with wooden sticks, he boasted. I was carrying out beatings on the street level. I am proud of that.

Alongside the brutality is corruption. During his time as mayor, more than 670 municipal properties were transferred to individuals and institutions outside legal frameworks.

Iranian journalist Yashar Soltani was subsequently imprisoned for exposing violations. Everything about Ghalibaf indicates that he is unlikely to compromise on the regimes hardline principles.

However, as Dr Raz Zimmt, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, observed in The Jerusalem Post: He is very corrupt, but in the context of the Middle East, that sometimes means he is a man you can actually do business with.

But Ghalibaf is in no way running the country alone. Irans military and political systems work on a mosaic of overlapping power centres, where institutions such as the IRGC operate alongside political and clerical nodes of power, all of which have a high degree of autonomy.

It is based on a simple principle: Cut off the head, and the body keeps moving. Institutions are designed to remain functional even if senior leadership is taken out, as has happened in this war.

Iran has long been a praetorian state with a clerical veneer. The real power in the country rests with the IRGC, and another key appointment to watch is that of former IRGC commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, who has replaced Larijani as secretary of the SNSC.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Vahidi is heading up the IRGC itself after his predecessor was also killed. Vahidi has been linked to atrocities for decades, and is under an Interpol red notice for his arrest in connection with the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires.

The regime could not be clearer in the choice it has made. More fanaticism, more violence, and yet more terror.
The backlash to my new book, Suicide Of A Nation: Immigration, Islam, Identity, has been nothing short of frenzied. While rocketing straight into the bestseller charts on Amazon as their sixth most sold book in Britain this week, and sparking enormous debate in the Press and online, the book (and I) have come under a wave of extraordinary, almost unhinged criticism from the Left.

Few of my critics have addressed my arguments specifically. Most, instead, have preferred to seize on what they claim are inconsistencies, inaccuracies and even the absurd categorically untrue notion that the book was somehow written by AI.

Others have feebly sought to weaponise the fact that I decided not to release the book with a mainstream publisher. Well, having written seven previous books with establishment publishers  these days a staunchly woke industry  I know for a fact they would try to censor and dilute a book that tackled the topics I did.

For example, I strongly suspected the demographic projections I make in the book, which are all based on official census data using the same methods adopted by the Office for National Statistics, would have likely fallen foul of a traditional publisher, with their sensitivity readers designed to swerve anything controversial.

And yet these projections form the core of my argument. In the book I show how, unless we urgently change course, the White British will become a minority by the year 2063: a historic turning point that will come much sooner among the under-40s, potentially as early as the year 2050.

I strongly suspected the demographic projections I make in the book, would have likely fallen foul of a traditional publisher, says Matt Goodwin

Meanwhile, people who were born overseas  foreign-born, to use the official terminology  and their children will go from constituting 19 per cent of Britain today to more than 60 per cent by the 2070s. And by the end of the century, the share of people following Islam in Britain will rocket from roughly one in every 17 people to roughly one in every four, including potentially as many as one in every three young people.

I take no joy in sharing these numbers. And I suspect millions of Britons will find them as alarming as I do. Yet my critics, instead of addressing these issues head-on, are instead working overtime to try and discredit a book they disagree with on political grounds.

The backlash to my new book, Suicide Of A Nation: Immigration, Islam, Identity, has been nothing short of frenzied

They are so incensed that, as I write, they are bombarding the books Amazon page with one-star reviews, trying to put people off from reading the truth about what is happening.

Others, predictably, have claimed the book is racist, incendiary, divisive and toxic when, in reality, it is none of those things. Calling for an end to mass migration and to control our borders are policies that might be loathed by the chattering classes who attend literary festivals, but they remain firmly popular among the hard-working majority  and plenty of Daily Mail readers.

But let me drill down into one or two of the specific claims being made against me. Some critics have alleged that Suicide Of A Nation contains factual errors, some of them supposedly obtained from artificial intelligence.

They claim, for example, that it cannot be true that in places such as Leicester, Luton, Slough and most of London, most primary school pupils no longer speak English as their main language.

But actually this is true  and the official school census data prove it. In Leicester last year 56 per cent of children spoke a language known or believed to be other than English. In secondary schools, its 53 per cent; in primary schools its a scarcely believable 59 per cent.

Or look at Slough, where close to 60 per cent of children in state primary schools do not speak English as their main language, according to the census.

While my critics would prefer to ignore these statistics, many people  like me  look at them with a sense of dread. What, they will quietly ask, are our politicians doing to the country we love?

While I am happy to confirm that I obtained some of these figures after making AI searches, I also checked them against the official datasets. I included a reference to AI in the books footnotes for this reason  ignorantly leapt upon by my critics  so I have nothing to hide.

In fact, I go much further in the book: those same official datasets, such as the latest census, also tell us that there are now at least a million people in England who cannot speak English well or at all. One million!

Aside from the fact British people are now forced to spend tens of millions of pounds annually on translation and interpretation services in the NHS and elsewhere as a result of this influx, the simple truth is that a nation cannot be held together without a shared language, which supports a shared culture, identity and way of life. And, like millions of other people, I worry we are losing these crucial things.

There are now at least a million people in England who cannot speak English well or at all, as signs in east London including at Brick Lane now have Urdu as well as English

My critics have further claimed this week that I was somehow overstating the case when I pointed out that, in some Bradford schools, a vanishingly small number of children mainly speak English. Yet once again, the data backs me up. It is a fact, reported in otherwise fawning BBC articles as far back as 2018, that in at least one Bradford primary school, more than 98 per cent of pupils speak English as an additional language. Again, I find this deeply alarming. Dont you?

One prominent Left-wing critic, whom I have agreed to debate this week on GB News, claims that schools in which dozens of different languages are spoken tend to achieve good exam results. But the evidence shows it is not that simple and the debate is far from settled.

Much depends, as the Bell Foundation has shown, on the level of English proficiency among the rapidly growing number of children in our schools who speak different languages, and at what point they arrive at school.

And what, I might add, about the native English children who  unlike their predecessors stretching back centuries  suddenly have to navigate classrooms that may be filled with pupils from around the world speaking different languages, clinging to different cultures and with whom they may have vanishingly little in common? Are we not allowed to consider them?

Official reports, submitted to parliamentary committees, also make clear that teaching and support staff are less confident in working in multilingual classrooms, suggesting many teachers feel overwhelmed by the way mass migration is impacting their classrooms.

Now, have a small number of historical references in the book, such as what the Roman statesmen Cicero and Livy said 2,000 years ago, turned out to be imperfect? Yes. And where thats the case, those quotations will be corrected. For instance, it appears I was incorrect to suggest that Cicero once said the state should begin with the people closest to us. What he said, among other things, was Salus populi suprema est lex, which means the good of the people should be the supreme law of the land. If only we had politicians today who felt the same way.

But lets be clear about whats happening: my critics would rather nit-pick over interpretations of Latin than deal with the evidence-based arguments I put forward. And these can be summarised in just five words: we are losing our country.

Our leaders, by doubling down on mass immigration, broken borders and a two-tier policy of multiculturalism that prioritises minorities over the majority, are pushing us towards national suicide. My critics biggest fear is that more and more people in this country will recognise this simple fact.

That is why their strategy is to attack those who dare to speak it.

The problem for them? Im going nowhere. For as long as I am living and breathing, I will continue to tell the people the truth about what is happening to our country.

Matt Goodwin is the author of Suicide Of A Nation: Immigration, Islam, Identity
by William Benzon

OpenAI released GPT-3 in June of 2020, though not to the general public. Those who had access to it were variously impressed or stunned: Is this it? Is AI really coming at long last? Though I was not in the direct access circle, I had indirect access and was deeply impressed, using that access in an interview with Hollis Robbins that I published in 3QD on July 20, 2020: An Electric Conversation with Hollis Robbins on the Black Sonnet Tradition, Progress, and AI, with Guest Appearances by Marcus Christian and GPT-3. That August I issued a working paper: GPT-3: Waterloo or Rubicon? Here be Dragons. I stuck this at the top of the first page:

GPT-3 is a significant achievement.

But I fear the community that has created it may, like other communities have done before  machine translation in the mid-1960s, symbolic computing in the mid-1980s  triumphantly walk over the edge of a cliff and find itself standing proudly in mid-air.

This is not necessary and certainly not inevitable.

As far as I can tell, the AI industry is now well out over the edge of that cliff. While I see prospects for a brilliant and productive long-term future, I fear that the next decade or two will be chaotic.

Heres how ChatGPT put it to me in a recent dialog:

The engineering success is real. LLMs [large language models] and related systems have given us access to a new conceptual continent. They work, and at extraordinary scale. But the institutional failure lies in the monoculture: too much intellectual, financial, and training-path dependence on one family of architectures and one style of thought about intelligence. The result is that we are building out the utility before we have adequately explored the space of possible successor technologies or developed the conceptual tools needed to understand what these systems are revealing about language, cognition, and cultural structure.

The paradox we are facing, then, is that the unexpected and extravagant success of the transformer technology has resulted in a furious maelstrom of entrepreneurial, investment, and commercial activity that may inhibit the further development of that technology.

The story is a complicated one, but I can convey its basic shape with two analogies. The European discovery, exploration, and settling of North America can give a rough sense of where we are and how far we have to go in the development and use of AI technology. The structure of knowledge and skills involved in whaling, seamanship vs. whale hunting, can give a rough sense of the institutional failing.

Discovering and Exploring a New World

When Columbus set sail he was expecting to reach India. When he struck land in the Bahamas in 1492 he was a bit south of an entirely different continent, North America. Roughly three centuries later much of the eastern part of the continent had been settled by Europeans and their descendants. Late in 1805 Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean near the mouth of Columbia River in Oregon. It took a century after that before European Americans had more or less settled the entire continent.

Lets say that OpenAIs release of GPT-3 corresponds to Columbus first setting sail in August of 1492 while the release of ChatGPT in late November of 2023 corresponds to Columbus landing in October of 1492. Within a relatively short time tens of millions of people had hooked up to ChatGPT. By the end of the year artificial intelligence was no longer little more than the dream of relatively small group of engineers and scientists. It had moved from the world of science fiction into what is colloquially known as the real world. Just how real it was and is, that became the subject fierce debate, and remains so. The debate has become widespread and unavoidable.

Within roughly a year and a half, as Claude noted in an article I recently published (The Shock and the Narrowing), capital, talent, and institutional attention all funneled toward a single paradigm, a computing monoculture based the kind of technology that powered the GPTs. The idea was to scale it up: more compute (memory and processing), bigger models (more parameters), and more data. Then build-out the infrastructure and ship products. Claude continues:

Google, which had invented the transformer architecture in 2017, was caught flat-footed and scrambled. Meta pivoted its AI strategy around LLMs. Microsoft integrated OpenAIs models into its core products. A hundred startups raised money to build on top of the new foundation models. The venture capital flowing into AI, measured as a share of total U.S. deal value, went from 23% in 2023 to nearly two-thirds in the first half of 2025.

The infrastructure investment that followed is staggering by any historical standard. The four largest hyperscalers  Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta  are expected to spend more than $350 billion on capital expenditures in 2025 alone, most of it AI-related.

To return to our crude analogy, this monoculture believes that all we need to do to reach the Pacific Ocean is to build more of the same. We have all the fundamental ideas we need.

One reason for this is that most of the scientists and engineers currently involved in machine learning and AI are relatively young. For them, the triumph of AlexNet in image recognition in 2012 is the setting-foot-on-a-new-land event. AlexNets triumph was achieved through scaling up enabled by using graphics processing units (GPUs). If thats your starting point, then it is easy to see why you would believe that scaling up would take LLMs across the continent to the Pacific Ocean and that its going to happen fairly soon.

My time horizon is much longer and encompasses a wider range of technologies. I did research on Old School computational semantics in the 1970s and saw the so-called AI Winters of the 1980s. Moreover my teacher, David G. Hays, was a first generation researcher in computational linguistics in the 1950s and saw that field defunded in the mid-1960s for promising more than it delivered.

Thus I have a different view. Im hardly alone. And some within the industry are beginning to realize that large language models like those powering ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and others may be limited technologies. As Claude put it in that article:

Gary Marcus has been making this argument for years, often dismissed as a contrarian. But the intellectual tide has shifted. Ilya Sutskever  the man who arguably did more than anyone else to build the scaling paradigm that produced GPT-3 and GPT-4  left OpenAI in May 2024 and founded Safe Superintelligence, a company explicitly premised on the idea that the current path does not lead to genuine intelligence. Fei-Fei Lis World Labs, which raised $1 billion, is pursuing spatial intelligence and world models  the ability to understand and predict the physical world, which LLMs trained on text cannot do. And Yann LeCun, in a January 2026 interview with MIT Technology Review given from his Paris apartment shortly after leaving Meta, was direct: The breakthroughs are not going to come from scaling up LLMs. The most exciting work on world models is coming from academia, not the big industrial labs.

That is to say, LLMs will not take us to the Pacific Ocean, much less support our efforts to settle the continent from coast to coast.

They believe, as do I, that we are going to need some fundamentally new ideas to make it across the continent. A number of ideas are already visible, but are not yet fully developed. The problem is that so much attention is focused on, and so many resources are being devoted to, the transformer-based LLM paradigm that it is not at all clear how and whether or not these other architectures can be brought to maturity. The problem does not lie entirely with industry. We must also consider the educational pipeline, undergraduate and graduate, that funnels people to the industry.

Whaling for Intelligence

The title of a 3QD article I published in December 2023 states the analogy: Aye Aye, Capn! Investing in AI is like buying shares in a whaling voyage captained by a man who knows all about ships and little about whales. The skills required to navigate and handle a ship are real, and they are necessary to any whaling voyage. But they are different from the skills needed to find, successfully pursue, and ultimately to kill whales and extract the oil and ambergris. While one can imagine, as an abstract possibility, that such a voyage might have happened, as far as I know, no real whaling expedition of that nature ever took place. Its too absurd.

Contemporary AI technology, however, is a very different beast, one where a distinction of that kind can be made without, however, a deficiency of knowledge about whale behavior being recognized as such. Contemporary chatbots can generate very sophisticated texts, but you dont need to know much of anything about language and linguistics, or cognition, much less rhetoric, discourse, structure or literary criticism, in order to create the bots. When a Gary Marcus points to the limitations of large language models, he does so because he has studied language and cognition. He has a deeper understanding of the human mind that do most of the experts who have given us the current AI revolution.

But, wait, you might be thinking, dont the engineers who design automobiles, for example, dont they understand how cars work? Do they not grasp the thermodynamics of exploding gas inside a small chamber? Do they not grok how the reciprocating motion of the pistons can be mechanically transformed into rotary motion and how the transmission and drivetrain transfer that motion to the axels? Then theres the friction between the tires and the road, and between the air and the cars exterior, not to mention the steering mechanism, the brake mechanism, the windows, the trunk, the air-conditioning, and so forth. Dont they have to understand these things in order to design and build cars? Yes, they do. But language technology is different from traditional electro-chemical-mechanical technology, very different.

Just why that is so is a difficult and tricky business, something well beyond the scope of this essay. But I can make some observations. Last month I published Chess and Language As Paradigmatic Cases for Artificial Intelligence. My point was simply that they present very different computational problems, but I didnt say much about the computational techniques used in each case. For roughly the first three to four decades, from the 1950s into the 1990s, the computational techniques were analogous to those involved in automobile engineering in the sense the people who designed and wrote the programs did so on the basis of some understanding of how chess and language worked. To construct a chess program you need to know, not only the rules of chess, but chess strategy and tactics: How do you evaluate a board position? How do you plan a sequence of moves? Similarly, to construct a program to translate a text from one language to another, or to answer questions, you need have base your program on some theory of language and even cognition. If you want to build a program that tells small stories, a standard task for the last quarter of a century  something that David Ferrucci worked on and then went on to lead IBMs Watson project  you need to have some theory of story structure, something AI researchers picked up from folklorists and narratologists.

This older style (which I previously referred to as Old School) is generally known as symbolic computing because it is about computing with symbols, such as language strings, logical propositions, or ordinary arithmetic, with its Arabic style numerals and limited set of operators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and equivalence). More informally, and with a touch of disdain, it is known as GOFAI (Good Old-Fashioned Artificial Intelligence). The newer style is statistical in character, with artificial neural networks such as large language models being a specific kind of statistical method.

Starting in the 1970s, however, various researchers began developing statistical techniques they could use for various tasks. One group of researchers developed statistical techniques for analyzing strings of spoken language (hidden Markov models) from which they developed speech recognition systems. DragonDictate was the first commercially available program; it was released for the DOS operating system in 1990.

Gerard Salton had begun working on so-called vector space semantic models for document retrieval in the 1960s. The basic underlying idea is simply stated: words that occur together in texts do so because their meanings are related. So, you have a program conduct a statistical analysis of a body of texts to determine which words occur together. You then use the results of that analysis for various purposes. Salton was interested in document retrieval, which is more or less what you do when you use an internet search engine, such as Google. But you can use similar techniques to analyze the contents of a text, something that has interested literary critics in the last decade or two. Most importantly for our purposes, vector semantics is the basis of large language models (LLMs), where statistical. These statistical models are opaque to humans. Computers can work with them directly, but we cannot.

It turns out that when you take a very sophisticated analytic engine, known as a transformer, and have it analyze an extremely large corpus of texts, the entire web, the resulting artificial neural net can generate text that is pretty much like the text that humans generate. The resulting chatbots, however, do have various problems. So-called hallucination is perhaps the best-known of these, but there are others. Ive mentioned some of them in that 2020 paper I already mentioned (GPT-3: Waterloo or Rubicon? Here be Dragons). You can find more if you scroll through Gary Marcuss substack.

The belief that is currently dominant in the industry is that, when weve thrown enough compute against a truly gargantuan pile of text to build a model that has more parameters than there are stars in the universe, then all of those problems will disappear. Gary Marcus says thats nonsense, so does David Ferrucci, Yann Lecun and Fei-Fei Li. I agree.

Now, while we can call out various individual researchers, executives, and investors for their blindness, for not knowing enough about language, cognition, and the human mind to properly evaluate the behavior of these remarkable systems I fear that criticism is misdirected. As I point out in the whaling article:

This blindness has been institutionalized. That one is well-qualified to address questions about the human-level capacities of AIs, regardless of ones actual knowledge of human capabilities, that is implicit in the institutionalized culture of AI and has been there since Alan Turing published Computing Machinery and Intelligence in 1950.

As I have already said, the problem can be traced back to the pipeline that leads from undergraduate school, into graduate or professional school (for some), and on into industry or, for an ever smaller group, into the academy. The problem is collective and institutional.

Nor is it at all obvious to me just how or when this could have been prevented. The performance of ChatGPT surprised everyone, certainly the general public, but also and just as certainly, the scientists and engineers who created it. That performance was not and could not have been predicted when OpenAI started training GPT-3.5. (And why not, pray tell? Because we dont know how these things work.) I am inclined to believe that such a surprise was all but inevitable at some point. Now we must live with the consequences.

But it is NOT obvious to me that the consequent widespread monoculture was inevitable. If Gary Marcus and others had been taken seriously, say, in the middle of 2023, the commitment to a transformer-centric AI culture might not have been so extreme, and more resources might have gone to investigating and developing other architectures. Thats not what happened. So here we are.

What should we do? What CAN we do?

What Needs To Be Done?

In dont know how to answer the last question. Im not a seer. But the answer to the first question is really quite simple: We need to invest, not only in other architectures, but in different kinds of physical substrate, more like the nervous system in structure, performance and even in physical substance. Let me return to Claudes Shock and Narrowing essay:

What is actually required  and this is an argument that almost nobody in a position to act on it currently wants to hear  is something closer to the Apollo project in scale but Bell Labs in spirit. Not a defined goal pursued by centrally coordinated engineering. But sustained, generously funded, genuinely open-ended scientific inquiry into the nature of intelligence itself: the computational principles underlying biological neural networks; the role of embodiment and physical interaction in the development of reasoning; the architectural alternatives to attention-based transformers; the hardware innovations  neuromorphic, biohybrid, photonic  that might support a genuinely different computational paradigm.

This is the kind of research that markets will not produce, because it cannot be justified on a product roadmap. It is the kind of research that requires the NSF or NIH model  investigator-directed, long-horizon, evaluated on scientific merit rather than commercial potential. And it is the kind of research that, in the current political and economic climate, is being progressively defunded in favor of applied work that can demonstrate near-term returns.

When is that likely to happen? I do not know. If I lean on my innate optimism really hard I can imagine that in, ten years or so the necessary research (which already exists in nascent form) will begin thriving and our institutions will change in ways that allow us to recover from this collapse. For what its worth, here are two blog posts sketching what that could look like: Brave New World: Notes on the next 30 years in AI [Work in Progress], March 19, 2026; and AI for the Next 30 Years: Four kinds of activity that should be pursued.

Let me give the last word to Claude:

The shock of ChatGPTs success was real, and the decisions it triggered were understandable. But a civilization that allows a single commercial surprise, however dramatic, to determine the entire research agenda for the most consequential technology in its history has made a coordination error it may spend decades correcting.

***

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Juliah Thompson had always had a lot of moles. So when another one appeared on her face, she ignored it.

'It was on my upper right cheekbone,' she told Daily Mail, 'but, honestly, I thought nothing of it'.

'I thought it was just a new freckle I had gotten, if I'm being honest. I just thought, ugh, ok, I was in the sun too much.'

The 21-year-old Arizona native took great care of her skin. She lathered on sunscreen and moisturizer every morning, and always ensured to wear a hat or long sleeves outside.

The spot was tiny, barely bigger than a pinhead  when she first noticed it in September 2025. It was easily covered with foundation, smooth with a clear border, and showed none of the warning signs typical of skin cancer. Her mother told her to keep an eye on it.

Over the next three months, Thompson said the mole started to change  turning darker and growing in size.

By the time she graduated from veterinary school in December, it had swollen to roughly the size of a pea.

Becoming concerned, in February 2026, she booked an appointment with her dermatologist, who was 'immediately' worried, she said, and ordered a biopsy.

One week later she got an unexpected diagnosis: Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. It was at stage zero, but growing fast.

If melanoma is left untreated and spreads, statistics show just 34 percent of patients survive for five years or more.

Her dermatologist said the mole would need to be removed right away in a surgery that would require making a two-inch cut in her face, leaving her with a permanent scar.

Juliah Thompson, 21, from Arizona, is shown in January 2026, where she had a mole on her right cheekbone

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Her dermatologist, Dr Michael Christopher, told Daily Mail that about 80 percent of doctors would have missed her cancer because they would have only relied on a naked-eye examination on the spot.

In his practice, however, he uses a dermatoscope, a device from the 1980s that allows doctors to zoom in on a piece of skin as though they had a magnifying glass, that can reveal any worrying changes.

He said this showed that the spot had an irregular border and varied pigmentation, warning signs of cancer, that prompted him to order a biopsy.

Christopher said he posted photos of the spot as seen by the naked eye in a dermatologists group and asked whether others would order a biopsy. Only twenty percent of respondents said they would.

'I never thought anything of it, because there's like, no way it could come back as something crazy,' she told Daily Mail.

'When he told me over the phone, I was in shock. I don't even remember the phone call, because all I kept thinking in my head was, "Oh my gosh, I have skin cancer".'

Christopher recommended that she have it surgically removed and referred her to a plastic surgeon. Two days after the diagnosis, the spot was cut out.

Melanomas can grow rapidly and become more advanced within weeks.

Thompson is shown above at her examination, with the mole visible on her right cheekbone. On the left is the mole shown under a dermatoscope

Two days after her diagnosis, Thompson had surgery to have the mole removed. It involved making an incision in her face as long as the base of an iPhone to take out the cancer

Doctors aim to remove melanoma before it becomes life-threatening and spreads to other organs.

About 110,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma every year, the second most common type of skin cancer.

It is behind more than 80 percent of the 8,500 deaths from skin cancer recorded in the US every year.

Melanoma cases are rising globally and in the US. Estimates suggest that in 2025 alone, cases will have risen by 5.9 percent.

The cancer is almost always linked to sun damage.

'I have fair skin,' Thompson told Daily Mail, 'I try and be super aware of when I'm going into the sun and applying sunscreen as well.

'Living in southern Arizona, we have a lot of sun. It's sunny most days of the year.'

She struggled with severe acne in her teenage years, she added, which has led her to photograph her face every month to track whether it is returning. That is what led her to first notice the spot.

Some studies suggest that suffering from acne may raise the risk of melanoma because it can cause damaging mutations in cells, increasing the likelihood that they may turn cancerous.

A week after her surgery, Thompson had her stitches removed. She is now three weeks on from the procedure and says it is healing well, although it may leave a scar.

Thompson is shown above on March 11, 1 week post her surgery and after her stitches were removed. Doctors warned that she may be left with a scar on her face

'It'll take a good year to heal, is my guess,' she told Daily Mail. 'I have no feeling about having it. I think it's awesome that I get to tell my story to people when they ask'.

'Skin cancer screening requires a full body dermatoscopic exam on every pink and pigmented spot,' Christopher told Daily Mail.

'If that is not being done... there is no way I would be comfortable with having an exam any other way.'

To monitor for melanoma, Christopher said that patients should be familiar with all the spots on their body and the location of moles.

He said that if there was a new mole that was changing or one that looked different from the rest, then patients should book to see a dermatologist.

Dermatologists recommend the ABCDE rule for detecting melanoma, which stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving.

They say patients should be concerned about a spot if it is asymmetric, where one half does not match the other, has an irregular border, with uneven and blurred edges, has multiple colors or shades, is larger than an eraser on the tip of a pencil and is changing.

'All I'm trying to do is make sure that people are taken care of appropriately,' Christopher added.

'Skin cancer screening requires a full body dermatoscopic exam on every pink and pigmented spot.

'If I didn't have a dermatoscope to do this, I would cancel my clinic.'
A faint brown line under a fingernail might not seem like a cause for concern. But for one woman, it turned out to be the only signs of a rare, deadly kind of cancer that ultimately cost her part of her finger.

When Elizabeth Misselbrook first noticed a mysterious streak under the nail of the middle finger of her left hand in September 2019, her doctor told her not to worry.

It was, most likely, a bruise.

But within two years, the keen flute player from Bracknell, Berkshire, was forced to have part of her middle finger amputated due to the discovery of a life-threatening cancer.

Experts are now warning patients to look out for similar nail changes that could be a sign of the disease. They also warn that there are other serious medical conditions that can affect the nails too.

Elizabeth, who is now in her 40s, initially contacted her GP after remembering that she had seen a social media post outlining the dangers of mysterious lines appearing on the nail.

'I was worried because I have a doctor friend and she put something on Facebook about a line on your nail being a sign of something,' the marketing manager said.

Elizabeth Misselbrook first noticed a brown streak under her finger nail in September 2019

She was initially told to keep an eye on it for three months and said she wasn't 'overly worried'

'I wasn't overly concerned  but enough to make a GP appointment. I didn't wait. It didn't itch, it was just a faint, light brown line.'

After being reassured by the doctor, she was told to return in a few months if it hadn't resolved.

Elizabeth noticed that, far from fade away, it began to grow and darken  and when she returned to the GP, he referred her to a dermatologist.

Elizabeth said: 'It takes time because it's not a quick 'whip that off and have a look' and nails do get funny marks. But it was changing and I did have a bad feeling.'

Doctors decided the safest way to investigate was to remove the nail so they could examine the tissue underneath.

This is standard practice when melanoma is suspected, as the cancer develops in the nail bed  the skin beneath the nail  rather than the nail itself.

The procedure involves taking off the nail plate under local anaesthetic and removing a sample  or sometimes all  of the underlying tissue for biopsy.

In Elizabeth's case, surgeons went further and removed the entire nail bed down to the bone, before covering the area with a skin graft to help it heal.

Because the nail-producing cells sit in the nail bed, removing this tissue usually means the nail will not grow back normally. However, depending on how much of the structure remains, some regrowth or a nail-like covering can occur.

When the area healed, her nail returned with a more sinister appearance, defined by a 'much darker and wider' line in December that year  a sign the abnormal pigment cells were still present and progressing.

'It was changing a lot,' Elizabeth recalled. 'The dermatologist said it was suspicious and it'd need to be biopsied again. It was much wider and darker and I was getting worried.

'It had pigment that had gone onto skin at base of nail so I was a lot more concerned because it had more sinister features.'

Elizabeth was diagnosed with acral lentiginous subungual melanoma in May 2021.

'They said it's melanoma, stage 1A meaning it's invasive but not hugely,' she said.

The disease, which manifests itself under the nail in dark lines, is often ignored  or even missed  because it often looks like a simple bruise. Though if it is not caught quickly it can be aggressive and highly dangerous.

Elizabeth was aware of the dangers and even spotted a third lesion on her nail.

Within two years Elizabeth was forced to have part of her middle finger amputated

Elizabeth was a keen flute player before having her finger amputated

That led doctors to give Elizabeth the devastating news that she should have part of her finger removed in July 2022 because the cancer had already occurred twice.

She reluctantly agreed out of desperation to live.

Elizabeth said: 'I was upset when they said they had to amputate, but I was really worried so I kind of wanted them to make sure it didn't come back. I was resigned to it.

'I hadn't felt unwell at any point and I hadn't had drug treatment so I felt grateful. I didn't want to get ill.

'I was worried about the long-term consequences like handwriting and playing the flute. I wanted to play the flute but I want to live more.'

Elizabeth said she would not have been aware of the dangers of having a line under the nail if it was not for the post she had seen on social media.

Speaking after her second melanoma was removed  leaving her cancer free  she added: 'The whole way along I never felt I was going to die because the surgeon was very reassuring that it was cancer but it was very treatable as it was diagnosed early.

'I was trying to stay calm and thinking 'it is what it is, I've got to deal with it and it's not nice'. A lot of people struggle a lot more than I have and they find it really hard.'

With around 17,600 new cases of melanoma in Britain every year, and between one and three per cent are subungual melanoma.

Plastic surgeon Richard Wain, an expert in skin cancer, said: 'It can happen in any nail  on your hands or feet  and unlike other forms of melanoma, it's not related to UV exposure.

'We don't really know what the cause is.'

Typically, subungual melanoma is first detected when someone visits their doctor after noticing what they believe is a bruise under the nail that isn't going away.

But in rare instances, cancer is discovered.

'For this reason, it's sometimes associated with trauma in people's minds  but we don't know whether trauma actually causes it.'

In addition, people with darker skin tones, including those from Asian backgrounds, may develop a benign change to the nail known as melanonychia  black or brown streaks down the nail.

'This is usually seen in multiple fingers or toes and is harmless,' said Mr Wain, who is a spokesperson for the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. 'The thing to look out for is a line or mark in a single digit that changes.

'One of the big problems, from my perspective, is that a lot of patients present quite late  they watch it and think it's fine, then eventually go to the doctor.

'My feeling with this kind of thing is: if you notice a dark patch that wasn't there before and don't remember injuring it, go and see your GP  and take a picture.

'The worst thing is to wait months and months for it to grow, and only come to clinic when it could have been treated earlier.

'When it's treated later, you may have to remove the finger  and it can kill, absolutely it can.

'We can often treat it locally, but if it's very thick, we have to amputate the whole finger.'

Elizabeth, who is mystified about what could have caused her condition, wants to raise awareness over the rare disease.

'Check your nails for anything suspicious that doesn't grow out, a bruise will grow out,' she said.

Experts have echoed her calls, and have urged people to be more aware of the subtle warning signs.

Unlike many forms of skin cancer, subungual melanoma is not linked to sun exposure. Instead, its causes are still not fully understood, though trauma to the nail, genetic factors and existing pigmentation may play a role.

The condition can also affect toenails, where it is even more likely to go unnoticed.

Specialists say the key warning sign is a single dark line running from the base of the nail to the tip that does not fade or grow out. Changes in colour, width, or pigment spreading onto the surrounding skin should also raise concern.
It's a scene that could be taken straight from a horror film; hundreds of headless human torsos laid out on stainless steel tables, their smooth waxy skin glistening beneath harsh neon striplights.

But if a small group of scientists - and their billionaire backers - get their way, this could be the future of medical research, with laboratory animals replaced with living 'organ sacks' grown from anonymous human cells.

R3 Bio, a biotech start-up based in San Francisco, USA, is working towards engineering 'complete organ systems' to be used in the research and development of drugs.

The company's main motivation is to reduce the amount of animal suffering that happens in medical and scientific research, but their vision has attracted the attention of several billionaire investors who see the potential of their invention in the lucrative world of longevity medicine.

One of the firm's backers is Singapore-based investment fund Immortal Dragons.

Their CEO Boyang Wang said: 'We think replacement is probably better than repair when it comes to treating diseases or regulating the aging process in the human body.

'If we can create a non-sentient, headless bodyoid for a human being, that will be a great source of organs.'

However, one particular organ will be missing from R3's 'sacks' - the brain.

R3 Bio has proposed creating 'organ sacks' to remove the need for animal models in research (file photo)

The most commonly cited reasons for humans not being used in laboratory experiments come down to ethics - but by leaving out the brain, R3 manage to entirely bypass this sticking point by ensuring that their creations neither feel pain nor have any form of consciousness.

But despite this, R3 co-founder Alice Gilman told Wired that she doesn't like the organ sacks to be referred to as 'brainless'.

She said: 'It's not missing anything, because we design it to only have the things we want.'

Gilman and R3's other co-founder, John Schloendorn, claim that the company already has the technology to create mouse organ sacks but deny that they have - yet.

Once they've mastered headless mice, the next challenges would be to create monkey organ sacks, before progressing onto 'bodyoids' made from human cells.

The non-human primate sacks could be used for drug toxicity testing, and in the case of another pandemic, vaccine trials, sparing thousands of monkeys from a life spent in a laboratory cage.

Despite government legislation to move away from animal testing, figures from the 2024 financial year revealed that US research facilities reported using more than 60,000 nonhuman primates in experiments during that period.

The data, released by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, said that more than 33,000 of those animals were not subjected to pain and nearly 26,000 experienced minimal pain.

However, more than 1,000 - about 1,200 - were subjected to extreme pain, or not given pain relief or anaesthetic due to the nature of the experiments they were used in.

Figures relating to how many animals were euthanised after experimentation are not collated.

In a previous blog post, Gilman explained one of the other major benefits of using 'human biology platforms' is that researchers can see how drugs affect the entire human body at once, rather than just one organ or cell group.

She wrote: 'We need integrated, full-system human biology platforms.

'That means human cell-based models that incorporate vasculature, immune components, and endocrine signalling.

'Models that can metabolise drugs, develop inflammation, and respond systemically, not just in one tissue, but across many.

'If we want to move beyond animal testing, we need to treat system-level modelling as national infrastructure.

That means funding it like a public good, validating it like a regulatory standard, and building it with the urgency of a moonshot."

'The human body is not a collection of parts, its a system. We cant keep studying diseases in pieces and hoping the results will scale.

'Whether were testing new drugs, mapping rare disorders, or training AI models, the biology we use needs to reflect the biology we live with.

'Yes, this will be difficult. Yes, it will take time. But its the only scientifically and ethically defensible path to eliminating animal testing. Anything less is wishful thinking.'

While the monkey and human organ sacks are still theoretical rather than a reality, the R3 bosses told the magazine that they would most likely be created using a combination of stem-cell technology and gene editing.

Gilman said: 'We have things that no one has invented before to create designer organs.'

Furthermore, the organs could save the lives of millions of people across the world who are waiting for a life-saving transplant.

In the UK, figures released in March 2025 revealed that there are 12,000 people in the UK on the waiting list for an organ transplant. In the US it is much higher, with an estimated 100,000 people waiting for a suitable donor organ to become available.

R3's other big name backers are billionaire Tim Draper and UK-based LongGame Ventures.

Although R3's proposed organ sacks will not be sentient, one bioethicist says that should organ sacks become a viable option, its success will rest on whether the public accepts the technology.

Hank Greely, a bioethicist at Stanford University said: 'If you make a living entity without a brain at all, I think wed be pretty comfortable with thinking it cant feel pain.

'I think the yuck factor will be strong, but that depends in part on what any resulting things look like and how they behave.

'Its highly possible that none of this will ever work, but it's also possible that it could.'
Just half an hour of walking a day could slash younger women's breast cancer risk, new research suggests.

The findings come from a study examining how aerobic exercise affects proteins in the blood known to have cancer-fighting properties.

While breast cancer is more common after the menopause, it can be more aggressive and harder to treat in younger women  prompting scientists to look for ways to prevent the disease in this group.

Experts from Riga Stradins University in Latvia studied 18 healthy pre-menopausal women aged around 41, tracking how levels of six anti-cancer biomarkers changed after exercise.

These included myokines  proteins released by muscles during physical activity that are thought to play a role in suppressing tumour growth.

They found that even walking on a treadmill at low intensity for just 30 minutes triggered changes in the blood that slowed the proliferation of cancer cells.

Higher intensity exercise produced stronger effects.

When participants walked for between 30 and 45 minutes at a moderate-to-high intensity, around half of the biomarkers showed enhanced anti-cancer activity.

Just half an hour of walking a day could slash younger women's breast cancer risk, new research suggests

To test this, researchers used blood samples taken immediately after exercise and exposed them to HER2-positive breast cancer cells  an aggressive form of the disease that grows rapidly and is more likely to spread.

They found that the myokine-rich fluid significantly reduced the rate at which these cancer cells divided.

Around 15 to 20 per cent of breast cancer patients have HER2-positive disease.

HER2 is a protein found on the surface of all breast cells that helps regulate growth and repair. But when the gene controlling it malfunctions, it can drive uncontrolled cell division and tumour formation.

While the exact biological mechanism is not yet fully understood, researchers say the findings add to growing evidence that physical activity may help to prevent  and potentially slow the progression of  breast cancer.

The study, presented at the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, looked at the immediate biological response to a single bout of exercise.

However, the authors say the results align with broader public health advice.

Lead author Linda Laizane, a PhD researcher in medical biochemistry, said: 'We can certainly draw a bridge between these findings and global health recommendations.

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'If 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise is enough to 'prime' the blood with cancer-inhibiting factors, then consistency is key to maintaining that protective environment.'

She added: 'We wanted to provide women with protocols that are actually doable.

'Some people may not enjoy or have the time to go to the gym, but walking is something we do every day  so maybe we can just increase the speed a little to help support these natural cancer-fighting mechanisms.'

According to the NHS, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

Prof Laizane added: 'A practical way to achieve this, and one that aligns with our findings, would be 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise five times a week.

'This frequency ensures a regular 'pulse' of beneficial myokines and hormones in the bloodstream that could help protect against cancer.

'That said, these implications remain speculative at this stage, and further research is required to validate the long-term effects.'

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, with more than 56,000 new cases each year.

Globally, cases are predicted to rise by a third to more than 3.5 million a year by 2050, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study Breast Cancer Collaborators.
Most Americans assume they will never be exposed to anthrax.

But scientists are now warning that the deadly bacteria may be quietly lurking beneath someone's home  in their local soil.

Anthrax, which can trigger blisters, dark sores and is fatal in nearly all cases if left untreated, is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Hannah Kinzer, a PhD candidate in public health at Washington University in St Louis, warned that the organism was present in much of the soil across the US, normally just within the first six inches of the surface.

She said: 'The bacteria that cause deadly anthrax disease persist in the earth.

'In the soil, they hang out and can form communities around plant roots. They also interact with neighboring micro-organisms.'

For many, anthrax is imagined as a white powder, such as that sent through the mail during the 2001 anthrax attacks in the US that killed five and sickened 17.

But Kinzer said that, in reality, the bacteria is invisible to the naked eye, and often lies undetected in the soil, particularly in pastures and old burial sites.

Shown above are health officials disinfecting an anthrax site in Thailand in May last year. The move was ordered amid an outbreak of the bacteria in a nearby village

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She wrote in The Conversation: 'Once the spores take the form of bacteria, they can also mount an aggressive offensive. Anthrax bacteria can cleave vital proteins with toxins and wreak havoc on their cellular adversaries.'

Cattle, deer and other large herbivores disturb the bacteria and unintentionally eat the anthrax spores along with their food. They can also be exposed to it through a cut.

For animals, anthrax normally infects cattle, which happens after the animals ingest a large number of spores during grazing.

In their bodies, the bacteria release spores that cause severe internal bleeding.

The cattle can die within 48 hours of infection, and their bodies then decompose, returning the anthrax spores to the soil.

Kinzer said that this is the typical lifecycle for anthrax, and added that human infections are accidental and not typically part of its life cycle.

The anthrax bacteria rarely cause an infection in humans  with health officials saying the risk of soil anthrax causing an infection is low.

Researchers in Nebraska say that this is because a human must be exposed to a high number of virulent spores to cause an infection.

These spores must also enter the body through one of three routes: Either a cut or scrape in the skin, being breathed in or ingested in a sufficient dose.

Shown above is an image of symptoms triggered by anthrax infection. The above symptom is a dark sore in the skin (stock image)

This map, published by the EPA in 2014, shows the states where anthrax has been detected in the soil. A darker shade of green means more anthrax is present in the area

In most cases, infections in humans are only recorded after someone handles leather or wool, inhales spores or eats undercooked meat from an infected animal that has died.

There are no recorded cases of anthrax spreading from human-to-human.

In the US, only nine cases have been confirmed in humans since 2006. There has not been an outbreak since the bioterrorism attack with the contaminated letters in 2001.

Warning signs of an anthrax infection emerge from one day to two months after someone is exposed to the spores.

Patients may develop small, itchy blisters, painless sores on the face, neck, arms or hands, heavy sweats, chest pain, and a red face and eyes.

Within weeks, patients can develop the fatal complication sepsis or swelling of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, triggering major internal bleeding that causes death.

Infections can be treated with a 60-day course of antibiotics or a three-dose anthrax vaccine.

Doctors warn, however, that the treatment is not always successful.

For patients who were infected with anthrax via inhaled spores, only about 55 percent survive after treatment.

For those infected via eating contaminated food, only 60 percent survive after treatment. In skin infections, treatment clears virtually all infections.

In her comment piece, Kinzer warned that the bacteria preferred soils rich in alkalines, calcium and nitrogen, which are found across large areas of the western US.

But she also warned that, if these conditions were not present, the bacteria could persist in spores in the soil for 50 years or more, waiting for the right conditions.

The bacteria is also very difficult to kill as it can survive dehydration, radiation and toxic chemicals.
Breast cancer survivors face hidden costs of up to 12,000 a year despite the NHS being free at the point of care, a damning report has revealed.

Research from the University of Cambridge shows around a third of women living with the disease face financial problems long after treatment has ended.

For some, these costs follow them for the rest of their lives  in the form of lost working hours, childcare, travel expenses and barriers to insurance.

Building on research conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Lancet Breast Cancer Commission, experts estimate these costs could amount to an additional 1,000 a month  and may last for decades, for as long as a woman is living with the disease.

Presenting the findings at the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, Professor Charlotte Coles, clinical oncologist and chair of the commission, said: 'The bottom line is that the NHS is only 'free' at the point of care.

'What we found is that there are huge unmet financial costs, many of which are exacerbated by a postcode lottery.

'Patients are often faced with more costs following a diagnosis, whilst being less able to work  whether that's because of the side-effects of treatment or a lack of support getting back to work.

'But what we're also trying to highlight is that there are other costs which can't be measured in terms of pound signs that are putting immense stress on these women and their families.

Breast cancer survivors face hidden costs of up to 12,000 a year despite the NHS being free at the point of care, a damning report has revealed

'And this is probably only the tip of the iceberg with these surveys. You can only imagine what is happening to people from more underserved populations.'

In a major new report, researchers have set out six evidence-based recommendations aimed at supporting breast cancer survivors  from trust-led discussions about money worries to phased return-to-work schemes, automatic travel concessions and help with form-filling.

The authors of the new research, spearheaded by Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research, are now calling on the Government to reassess its approach to breast cancer care, warning that without a coordinated national strategy, tens of thousands of women will continue to face substantial and unnecessary financial burdens.

Prof Coles added that there are inconsistencies in the availability of well-established support services, meaning that while some patients are offered the psychological help they need in a timely manner, the majority are not.

This is likely to be affecting both timely access to treatment and survivors' quality of life, she added.

Dr Patrick Kierkegaard, an implementation scientist at the Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, who used the earlier research to build the six-point plan, said: 'Existing services are not good enough and often deepen the burden through unclear support rules, hard-to-find money advice and confusion between private care and the NHS.

'Women should never have to choose between treatment and childcare, but unfortunately that is the reality when hidden costs are not linked to practical actions.'

He said that during the interview stage of the pilot, a young mother reported having to take her daughter with her to chemotherapy.

'She was lucky enough that there was a MacMillan nurse around who offered to look after her child  but again this places an added strain on already stretched services,' he added.

'What we have done is devise an action map clearly outlining six measures that are ready for feasibility testing, in an attempt to bring UK decision makers, doctors and cancer survivors together.'

Prof Coles added: 'As it stands, a lot of these women end up becoming their own case managers. So not only do they have to deal with the cancer itself and any post-treatment side-effects but they also have to chase down paperwork, contact insurers and dip into savings to make ends meet.

'So becoming a survivor in this case means that you've also picked up a second job in terms of just trying to live life again.

'I think we could do a lot in the NHS, but we do need more investment to make a system that is really reactive. At the moment that's the idea, but the reality is that it's not working everywhere as it should.'

In response to the call to action, a government spokesperson said: 'We recognise a cancer diagnosis has a big impact on personal finances, which is why we are improving care for patients and tackling the cost of living.

'NHS England is making sure everyone with a cancer diagnosis has access to personalised care and support, including information about the financial impact on families.'

The government has pledged to tackle breast cancer 'head-on' through its National Cancer plan, which they say will help end health inequalities.

But Breast Cancer Now day too many lives are still being 'ripped apart.'

Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at the charity said: 'Research like this exposes the reality of how beyond its physical impacts, breast cancer also takes a huge financial and emotional toll on people diagnosed with this devastating disease and their loved ones.

'They might be trying to process a diagnosis and what the future holds, or feeling lost and adrift after finishing treatment. And even when support is available, additional barriers can mean that not everyone can access the help they so desperately need.

'We have a bold ambition that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.

'Life-changing support that is available to everyone, so no-one faces the disease alone, is critical to that.

'Understanding the true scale of the burden a breast cancer diagnosis brings will also help to inform our work with governments across the UK to make change happen now.'
Many women are envious of those with model-esque, Kardashian-length eyelashes - but achieving the look can prove costly - both to your wallet and to your health.

Women all over the world are turning to eyelash lifts and extensions to enhance their eyes, often paying upward of $300 to professionals in order to achieve the dramatic look.

But many are unaware of the dangers, which can range from mild allergic reactions all the way to permanent blindness.

One beauty lover who learned the hard way was content creator and model Taylor McAllister. She shared her experience with the Daily Mail as a cautionary tale to others.

In September, McAllister suffered from what she believed to be chemical burns after getting an eyelash lift in Texas.

Eyelash extensions work by having lightweight fibers glued to the eyelids, making lashes appear thicker, longer and fuller.

The fibers come in all different materials - including mink or silk - and are semi-permanent, meaning that they will last a few weeks before needing to be removed.

Lash lifts, on the other hand, are a 'perm' for your eyelashes, giving them a serious curl that opens up the eyes.

Some women want lengthy and full eyelashes - but achieving the look can prove costly, both to your wallet and to your health

Content creator and model Taylor McAllister shared her experience with the Daily Mail as a cautionary tale to others (pictured with chemical burns around her eyes after her treatment)

These lifts are applied by using multiple curling chemicals, while a silicone pad is placed on the eyelashes as a kind of 'curling rod' to help hold the shape. Once the treatment is done, the lift is supposed to last for about six to eight weeks.

McAllister had not undergone a lash lift for a few years prior to her fateful appointment. She had always remembered the lash lift solution burning a bit during previous treatment, but the latest installation proved to be a whole different kind of pain.

This time, it burned like never before - but she didn't speak up to let the lash technician know.

'She took it off,' McAllister recalled. 'My eyelashes looked great.'

But things quickly took a turn.

A few hours later, some of her eyelashes began to look a little wonky, with only some of them left curled.

And then, when she woke up the next day, what she saw was even worse - swollen, itchy eyelids that soon became covered in scabs.

'I had scabs, it took days for it to heal and peel off,' McAllister told the Daily Mail.

'I've never had anything like that happen before.'

In September, McAllister suffered from what she believed to be chemical burns after getting an eyelash lift in Texas (aftermath pictured)

McAllister suspects that she suffered from a chemical burn, but never went to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis (aftermath pictured)

McAllister suspected that she experienced a chemical burn, but never went to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

But according to David Allamby, MBChB and laser eye surgeon at London's Focus Clinic, McAllister got off easy.

He told the Daily Mail that chemical burns are a rare risk that come with lash lifts, due to the 'perm' solution, although they're often thought of as the 'safer' option.

'Lash lifts involve "perming" the hair using strong chemicals to break and reform disulfide bonds in the lash,' Allamby said. 'With these solutions, there is always some level of risk.

'The main concerns are irritation or allergic reactions, particularly if the product comes into contact with the eye.'

The expert said these solutions contain high amounts of alkali.

'In more severe cases, clinical reports highlight risks of corneal alkali burns and conjunctival erosions if the solution leaks into the eye,' Allamby said.

Thankfully, McAllister was able to heal quickly, and she considers herself lucky.

Last year, California-based Pilates instructor Samantha Cole went viral on TikTok after she showed off an allergic reaction she had to eyelash extensions (aftermath pictured)

'I probably should have spoken up,' McAllister told the Daily Mail. 'It's probably my fault, but at the same time, I figured she knew what she was doing, and so, I kind of trusted the process.'

McAllister isn't alone when it comes to these dangerous reactions to eyelash treatments.

Last year, California-based Pilates instructor Samantha Cole went viral on TikTok after she showed off an allergic reaction she developed after getting eyelash extensions installed.

The clip of her extremely swollen eyelids reached over 2.5 million views.

Speaking to the Daily Mail recently, Cole said she had always been a huge fan of eyelash extensions, getting them while she was in college without any kind of problem or allergic reaction.

But because they were becoming too expensive, she stopped. During college, she suffered a large allergic reaction to something else entirely, which led her to get a full allergy panel.

The allergy panel revealed that she was allergic to over 80 specific triggers, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and various topical steroids.

Because of this, she decided to go back to basics when it came to her beauty routine. Cole stopped wearing nail polish, getting eyelash extensions and wearing makeup.

'It wasn't super painful, but it was just so puffy, so it just felt super swollen and irritated,' Cole told the Daily Mail (aftermath pictured)

'I would wake up and I would have crusties in my eyes from my eyes watering throughout the night,' she said (aftermath pictured)

But after ten years of going bare-faced, Cole decided she wanted to try again, and slowly began to introduce various beauty treatments back into her life - one of those being eyelash extensions.

'I believe I started with my very first set of extensions in April last year, and the first set was totally fine,' Cole explained to the Daily Mail.

'And then when I got them filled in May, it was like a little bit of itching when they first put them on.'

She had them applied the next month, in June, which left her eyes swollen during the first day. This prompted her to message her eyelash technician to ask if there was anything that could be done differently, such as applying sensitive glue.

But in July, things got worse as she went for what would end up being her last set, with her eyes becoming extremely swollen and itchy just 24 hours after the lashes were applied.

'It wasn't super painful, but it was just so puffy, so it just felt super swollen and irritated,' Cole told the Daily Mail.

'I would wake up and I would have crusties in my eyes from my eyes watering throughout the night and my body trying to fight the inflammation.'

Now, instead of getting eyelash extensions, Cole uses eyelash clusters from a hypoallergenic brand called WinkClique that reached out to her after a viral video.

With increasingly more women jumping on the eyelash extension trend, experts are sounding the alarm on the serious side effects that can come with the treatment

At the end of the day, Cole believes her reaction to eyelash extensions was due to her own allergies, but recommends that those interested in getting the treatment try out a test of the glue somewhere else on their body first, like on the inside of the wrist.

'I just think that around your eyes, because it such thin skin, it's just a little bit more reactive,' Cole said.

However, the content creator admitted that she is not necessarily counting out extensions in the future.

'I wouldn't necessarily say I would never get eyelash extensions again,' Cole said. 'If it eventually worked out to where I could, I definitely would.

'So many of my friends see the same girl that did my eyelash extensions, and they don't have any reactions.

'I just think if you're super sensitive, you have to be really picky and to always choose your own safety and your own health over vanity.'

Laser eye surgeon's general clinical advice for extension wearers David Allamby, MBChB and laser eye surgeon at London's Focus Clinic, shared the following guidance with the Daily Mail: 1. The "Two-Month Rule" (The Break) 'Clinical data shows that "traction alopecia" (thinning of natural lashes) is often reversible if caught early. Every two to three months, remove the extensions entirely and go "natural" for at least 30 days. This allows the hair follicle to recover from the constant weight of the synthetic fiber.' 2. Monitor the "Redness Window" 'Minor irritation for one to two hours after application can be normal due to glue vapors. However, if you experience redness, itching or swelling that lasts more than one day it is likely an allergic reaction or a chemical burn. 'Note: Do not attempt to pull them off yourself if they itch; this can cause permanent scarring to the lash bed. Have them professionally removed with a debonding agent.' 3. Check the "Weight-to-Lash" Ratio 'Ensure your lash technician is not applying "clusters" (multiple heavy lashes on one natural one) or using extensions that are significantly longer than your natural length. A "1:1" ratio (one extension per one natural lash) is the safest way to avoid premature shedding.'

With increasingly more women jumping on the eyelash extension trend, experts are sounding the alarm on the serious side effects that can come with the treatment.

In rare cases, they can leave you susceptible to eye injuries that could even lead to permanent vision loss.

Professionals urge young women to think twice before undergoing the expensive treatment.

'Eyelash extensions are actually riskier than you might imagine,' Allamby told the Daily Mail.

He revealed the alarming potential side effects include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, Staphylococcus, eye discharge and more.

Citing a recent 2026 study published in The National Library of Medicine, Allamby said women who wore eyelash extensions were twice as likely to have watery eyes and natural lash loss.

They were also eight times as likely to have eye discharge compared to those who don't have the extensions.

'Oil glands in our eyelids help protect our eyes from dryness. Unfortunately, eyelash extensions were even associated with a three-fold higher likelihood of gland abnormality,' Allamby said.

'The most common issues are irritation and allergic reactions to the adhesive, as most professional glues contain cyanoacrylates that may emit formaldehyde.'

Allamby said that eye care professionals also see cases of blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, or conjunctivitis.

Poor cleaning can lead to heavy bacterial buildup, the laser eye surgeon said.

And it's not even guaranteed that the risk will pay off.

'Repeated or heavy extensions can sometimes weaken natural lashes over time,' Allamby said.

So if your goal is to eventually move away from treatments and have your natural lashes still in tact, you may be in for a disappointing surprise.
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IN the fickle world of fast fashion that seems to have taken over our high street, with its hurried, plastic-heavy product refreshes moving from rail to landfill after just a handful of wears, one brand once rose above it all.

Weve always loved M&S not because its trend-led and obsessed with newness, but for consistent quality, natural fibres and reasonable prices; its felt like the last bulwark against the disintegration of the British high street, standing up against the relentless encroachement of brands like Shein.

So I was nervous when Marks announced a shift to more frequent collections - twice monthly, no less, the first of which launches today - called The Love That Drop.

Director of M&S Woman Maddy Evans says: What our customers tell us is that they want more frequent bursts of style they can wear immediately, and The Love That Drop is our response to that.

Is this the Boohoo-ification of M&S?

Honestly? No. Walking through the rails of the new collection with Evans was reassuring. She explained that they are cutting options overall and focusing on the items that matter, adding that selling out of products is absolutely fine.

Gillian Anderson is the face of the new campaign.

Love that, she remarks in her inscrutable way, surveying everyday women in their chic M&S outfits. Me too, I found myself thinking. I did love it - starting with the Bottega Venetaesque woven leather blazer, above, styled here with a mini skirt - but Ill be wearing it with black trousers or jeans.

This is the strongest collection Ive seen from M&S in a long time. It offers genuinely multi-generational appeal, with pieces that work from your early 20s through to your 60s and beyond. As a woman over 40, Im no longer trying to keep up with every trend, but I do enjoy adding something fresh to my wardrobe. M&S excels at fashion-forward pieces that dont veer into mutton-dressed-as-lamb territory.

Maddy told me shoppers see M&S as a trusted editor, not a trend-chaser. The brand is leaning into that role, with these fortnightly curated drops typically featuring six or seven outfits designed as complete solutions.

With 12 million womenswear customers, its no small feat to keep everyone happy, but theyre managing it. M&S now holds the number one market share in womenswear overall (its number one in retail and number two online). It may be more trend-led, with frequent drops, but it avoids tipping into the kind of disposable fashion seen elsewhere.

Price remains a key strength, with most pieces under 30. As Maddy puts it: Value is also about versatility, how many ways you can wear something. Spring jackets, like the standout black-and-white funnel-neck styled here with tie-bottom balloon jeans, prove the point: stylish and practical, but also waterproof - dramatically increasing their cost-per-wear.

Theres a noticeable confidence in the collection. From classic tailoring to more directional pieces - knitted polos with structured shoulders, textured skirts - it all feels stylish without losing wearability.

Accessories alone are worth the visit. Footwear, in particular, has been modernised  the low-heeled slingbacks stand out - and theres a clear focus on versatile, functional design.

So yes, the mini-drop strategy delivers. It allows customers to fully embrace trends or simply pick out key pieces to add something new to their wardrobe. M&S has taken a bold approach, and it looks like its going to pay off.
While preparing for a talk on the Mitford sisters at the Oxford Literary Festival this Saturday, I was struck by the mention of Nancy Mitford returning to home comforts after running away to art college and a bedsit. She came back, she said, because she had been kneedeep in underclothes... I literally had to wade through them. No one to put them away. Awful.

I was reminded of a fight a couple of years ago between my husband and my then 22-year-old daughter. She and her boyfriend had just moved back in to our terraced home in West London after university and had immediately thrown our laundry system into overloaded paralysis.

Socks! thundered my husband. So many bloody socks! Do you and he change socks five times a day?

My daughter shrugged: Maybe if you did the modern thing and got a dryer, you wouldnt notice how many socks there are. I mean, it must take hours hanging them out to dry instead of which you could just put them in to tumble.

Im not sure she even noticed our stunned reaction.

Her brother meanwhile, now 22 himself, confessed something to me the other day that made me realise where we had gone wrong.

I actually thought, when growing up, that socks naturally gravitated towards each other, he said. Because I would put them in the laundry basket singly and then they would magically turn up, paired again, in my drawer.

The horrifying realisation that, without meaning to, we have pampered and spoiled our children by doing all their household tasks for them so quietly that they didnt even notice, was echoed by a survey of 2,000 parents this week.

Like my husband and me, 61 per cent of those surveyed said they were expected to do chores as children, with 56 per cent admitting that, by contrast, their own children refuse to help out around the house.

A quarter have never emptied the dishwasher and a third have never hung out the washing. Nearly half have never vacuumed and more than half refuse to clean their room.

Clean their room? My teenagers refused to even tidy their room in time for our fortnightly cleaner to be able to enter without needing to put on a hazmat suit!

Socks! thundered Susannah Jowitt's husband during a fight a couple of years ago with her then 22-year-old daughter. So many bloody socks!'

If we forced them to put the dishes away  it never happened spontaneously  they would simply do it wrong

When our son turned 21 and we threw a party for him, he did at least come downstairs to help clear up the next day. But when I asked him to get out the vacuum cleaner, he had to ask where it was. He didnt even know we had a cleaning cupboard.

I now bring this up whenever anyone complains about their teenagers  upstaging my friends like the men in the Four Yorkshiremen sketch performed by Monty Python (Ee, you were lucky my son hardly knows what a vacuum cleaner is!)  but in reality utterly ashamed; horribly aware that in our case, because we both work from home, it has often just been easier to give in and do the household chores ourselves.

During their teen years, our daughter and son were hell to live with mainly because their moods were disarmingly precarious. Sometimes they were charming, affectionate, supportive, intuitive (thankfully they never grunted or shut themselves away like classic teenagers); at other times, loud and aggressively defensive.

Where this Jekyll-and-Hyde-ishness came into play was almost always on the subject of household chores  or slavery, as they called it from about the age of 14.

They were incapable of putting things into the dishwasher and would cite the fact they had cleared the table as justification for not doing so. As for them emptying it? We tried. Oh, how we tried. But I am ashamed to say they often defeated us.

If we forced them to put the dishes away  it never happened spontaneously  they would simply do it wrong, knowing how much (for their dad especially) it would madden us. Saucepans into the frying pan drawer; frying pans under the sink with the cleaning products; side plates stacked up with full-size plates and stuffed into any cupboard haphazardly. Our son once put the clean butter dish into the freezer, triggering a long hunt for it.

He claimed pressure of work. He was doing GCSE mocks. You be the judge. But that was the straw that broke my husbands back, and thereafter he just did it himself.

Any insistence by me that our children tidy up their own rooms was deemed an intolerable invasion of privacy of their human right to live as they wanted.

What, like pigs? I said crossly, and was told off by my son for being porkist: pigs are famously clean in their sty, he reminded me.

We allowed them parties  we are nice parents, I would wail to my husband  but made them clear up. With the result that one time, we came back from a weekend away to find out the hard way that the children had had a gathering.

As we relaxed on the sofa, we realised that, in their panic to make everything look tidy, they had stashed any mess under the seat cushions: leaking beer cans, fag butts, oily takeaway wrappers. That was a low point.

For our daughters 16th birthday party, she persuaded us to go out for dinner for the middle part of the evening. We returned to find each of our three lavatories had a teenager throwing up in it.

The next morning, our son said indignantly: But I cleared up the one in the downstairs loo!

All he had actually done was drag a cloth through the swathe of sick spattered across the wall, leaving three stripes of vomit and a stinking, unrinsed cloth in the sink.

At the beginning of lockdown, we sat down to have the chat where I said everyone had to put their shoulder to the wheel.

But this was where their generations brilliance at twisting the mental wellness debate to their own ends came into play. My daughter held up her hand and simply said: I cannot do laundry.

I tried to be reasonable. OK, which bit is so offensive to you? The handling of others dirty pants? Emptying a wet load and hanging it out?

She looked at me as if I were mad and shuddered theatrically. All of it. I just have a phobia, OK?

Things only improved when my son also moved back home after university. Reaching a rock bottom of filth in student digs had made him face up to the fact that household chores were not magically  like his socks  going to do themselves.

By then my husband and I had enjoyed some empty nest years, during which we had become firmer about what we would not put up with.

We sat down and had housemates meetings with both children, establishing parameters from the start. These included doing all their own laundry; keeping their own rooms clean and tidy, otherwise we would charge hazard money; and doing the washing-up when they did the cooking.

But we were nearly undone by Ramengate.

One week night, when I was on a work deadline, our daughter and her boyfriend offered to cook ramen for all of us. Good, we thought, thats basically posh Pot Noodle  this will be a quick and easy treat.

Four hours later, our kitchen looked like the Demon Barbers basement: oily red Korean gochujang smeared everywhere, noodles spilled like guts underfoot, dirty cleavers and metal basins filled with liquid littering every surface.

The pork had needed marinading, then frying, then roasting, then slicing and marinading again, apparently.

We ate and asked them politely if they wouldnt mind clearing up now while we went up to bed.

Er, no, said our daughter equally politely but with a hint of menace. We cooked, you clean.

She has never lived down that comment. Now 24, she has moved into a rented house in East London, but we may well bring it up on her wedding day.

We have paid the price for spoiling our children, but we still have some fight left in us.
Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander off course.

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of dining at Steer Dining Room, consider this your sign.

Within minutes of walking in, it catapulted straight to the top of my must-tries for 2026. It's not hard to see why it's been crowned number one in Melbourne on Australia's 30 Best Steak Restaurants list.

Tucked discreetly down a South Yarra laneway, Steer is the kind of place you want to keep to yourself (and many do).

Recently refurbished, the space has cemented its reputation as a true 'Temple of Wagyu' - and not in a showy, overworked way.

Everything here is thoughtful. Each cut is meticulously sourced for marbling, lineage and integrity, then presented with a touch of tableside theatre. I've never learned so much during a meal.

The room itself strikes the perfect balance. It's moody without being pretentious and intimate without feeling closed in. Think pinhole lighting, a cascading glass chandelier and a low (and flattering!) glow.

But what really sets Steer apart is the service - you're looked after but never hovered over.

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of dining at Steer Dining Room, consider this your sign

The snacks: Natural oyster, shallot mignonette. Pulled beef tendon, miso mayo, pickled cucumber. Canadian scallop ceviche, pineapple, cucumber, curry leaf

Everything here is thoughtful. Each cut is meticulously sourced for marbling, lineage and integrity, then presented with a touch of tableside theatre. I've never learned so much during a meal

It's also, unsurprisingly, a magnet for off-duty stars and chefs. On Grand Prix weekend, F1 driver Valtteri Bottas was dining quietly with family beside us, entirely unfazed, completely at ease despite it being the night before the big race.

At the helm is General Manager Harold Faizal, whose enthusiasm is infectious. His pride in what Steer has become is palpable.

And it's justified. This is, without exaggeration, one of the most memorable meals I've had in years, and that's coming from someone who doesn't usually gravitate towards big steak dinners.

At the heart of the experience is the Signature Wagyu Degustation, a tightly curated progression showcasing flagship cuts from some of the country's most exceptional producers. Each course is introduced with care and each cut explained.

And despite the premise, it never once feels heavy.

After a trio of genuinely faultless snacks, we were treated to a Victorian-inspired tableside steak tartare, finely sliced Sher Wagyu rostbiff dressed with black garlic, oyster and egg yolk emulsion, and finished with native saltbush. It was, quite simply, the best tartare I've ever had.

What followed was a seamless procession: Wagyu Karubi with compressed tomato and leek bread sauce, a beautifully balanced Wagyu Sukiyaki, a deeply flavourful dry-aged Porterhouse 9+, and a pot of melt-in-your-mouth mashed potato.

And then, somehow, dessert.

Steer's award-winning wine list features over 60 wines by the glass and a rotating series of thematic flights

At the helm is General Manager Harold Faizal, whose enthusiasm is infectious (left). He is pictured preparing the Victorian-inspired tableside steak tartare, finely sliced Sher Wagyu rostbiff dressed with black garlic, oyster and egg yolk emulsion, and finished with native saltbush (right)

We were already full, comfortably so, but at Harold's insistence, we ordered the pavlova. And thank God we did. Light, nuanced and spectacular. Order it and you can thank me later.

Steer isn't just a steak restaurant. It's an experience that manages to feel both elevated and entirely unpretentious, leaving you full but not gasping by the end.

Go hungry. Book ahead. And prepare to be completely won over, whether you consider yourself a 'steak person' or not.

Prepare to be completely won over, whether you consider yourself a 'steak person' or not

Wagyu Karubi with compressed tomato, leek bread sauce and society garlic (left) and Wagyu Sukiyaki with horseradish, chives and sukiyaki sauce (right)

We were already full, comfortably so, but at Harold's insistence, we ordered the pavlova. And thank God we did. Light, nuanced and spectacular. Order it and you can thank me later

Hamsi Taverna: A Turkish haven

As promised I visited this newly opened Turkish hotspot in prime position at the sparkling new Sydney Fish Market.

And, as expected, it absolutely delivered. A stunning setting, genuinely fun staff, swift service and a menu designed for sharing. It's perfect for a long, lazy Sunday lunch or a vibe-filled evening with a drink in hand.

Acclaimed chef Somer Sivrioglu brings the flavours of Istanbul straight to the harbour at this absolute gem of a venue.

The culinary force (Anason, Maydanoz) opened Hamsi Taverna in January and the vibe is Mediterranean escapism. Think lazy afternoons and stacked share plates.

Inspired by the seaside taverns of the Aegean and named after the beloved Black Sea anchovy, Hamsi centres around 'sea, smoke and spice'.

The menu is seafood-forward, built around crudo, cured and flame-grilled dishes that channel the spirit of market dining.

As promised I visited this newly opened Turkish hotspot in prime position at the sparkling new Sydney Fish Market

The cured kingfish lakerda with fava puree and OB Bakery's rustic bread rolls with Antakya-style hummus (left). A baked conchiglie pasta with sweet spanner crab, Murray cod with charred scallion and lemon (right)

Now, to the highlights.

The cured kingfish lakerda with fava puree and pickled onion was a standout from the start, alongside OB Bakery's rustic, warm, crunchy bread rolls with Antakya-style hummus, pine nuts and za'atar. A serious flavour bomb.

And I couldn't not order one of the skewered Skull Island king prawns, paired with walnut harissa and lemon chilli. Perfectly charred, punchy and over too quickly.

Then came the main event. A baked conchiglie pasta with sweet spanner crab and prawn bisque, finished with a touch of tableside theatre, and a beautifully cooked Murray cod with charred scallion and lemon. To die for and fantastic when paired with the chargrilled broccolini.

To finish? One hell of a taste sensation in the form of a pistachio tiramisu and a strong Turkish coffee.

The space itself is great too. Marine tones, a luxe finish and a wood-fired grill anchoring the open kitchen, slowly perfuming the room with smoke, citrus and olive oil.

Make a day of it at the Fish Market, then settle in here. A top-tier recommendation you won't regret.

The space itself is great too. Marine tones, a luxe finish and a wood-fired grill anchoring the open kitchen, slowly perfuming the room with smoke, citrus and olive oil

To finish? One hell of a taste sensation in the form of a pistachio tiramisu and a strong Turkish coffee

A Gaggan takeover

Crown is bringing world-renowned chef Gaggan Anand to Australia for a limited run of exclusive dining events, and it's shaping up to be one of the year's biggest culinary moments.

The Bangkok-based chef behind Gaggan, currently ranked number one in Asia for 2025/26 and among the world's top 10, is known for redefining modern Indian cuisine with bold, high-energy dining experiences.

His Australian debut lands at Crown Sydney from 28 April to 3 May with a 12-course degustation featuring a glass of Dom Perignon and his signature theatrical flair.

A progressive Indian lunch series will run from 1 to 3 May, while a bespoke bar and snacks menu takes over Cirq throughout May.

The experience then moves to Crown Melbourne on 6 May, where Gaggan will collaborate with Marmont for a three-day series blending fine dining with a party atmosphere. Expect an eight-course menu of his most celebrated dishes, paired with music and a multisensory edge.

Tickets are limited and on sale from 30 March, with early access for American Express Centurion and Platinum Card Members from 27 March.

Yum.

Crown is bringing world-renowned chef Gaggan Anand to Australia for a limited run of exclusive dining events, and it's shaping up to be one of the year's biggest culinary moments

The Bangkok-based chef behind Gaggan, currently ranked number one in Asia for 2025/26 and among the world's top 10, is known for redefining modern Indian cuisine with bold, high-energy dining experiences

A progressive Indian lunch series will run from 1 to 3 May, while a bespoke bar and snacks menu takes over Cirq throughout May

July: A luggage world-first

In exciting news for luggage addicts like I am, July has launched CaseSafe, a fully integrated, trackable suitcase designed to take the stress out of lost luggage.

Created in consultation with Google and Apple, the clever design allows you to track your case directly from your phone via a built-in, TSA-approved lock. It's a genuinely smart upgrade on something every traveller has worried about at some point.

I've been trying it out on international trips, and it's delivered. Roomy, easy to manoeuvre and, most importantly, it worked exactly as promised. Having that visibility the entire journey adds a level of calm you don't realise you need until you have it.

With an estimated 36 million bags mishandled globally each year, July's co-founder Athan Didaskalou describes CaseSafe as the start of a new standard in travel.

In exciting news for luggage addicts like I am, July has launched CaseSafe , a fully integrated, trackable suitcase designed to take the stress out of lost luggage

I've been trying it out on international trips, and it's delivered. Roomy, easy to manoeuvre and, most importantly, it worked exactly as promised. Having that visibility the entire journey adds a level of calm you don't realise you need until you have it

Compatible with Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub networks, the battery-operated lock connects to a global tracking system, making it simple to locate your luggage wherever it is

The technology is now built into July's signature range, those instantly recognisable cases you'll spot on baggage carousels everywhere, combining sleek design with genuinely useful innovation.

Compatible with Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub networks, the battery-operated lock connects to a global tracking system, making it simple to locate your luggage wherever it ends up.

Retailing from $395 to $495, CaseSafe is available in Carry On, Checked and Checked Plus sizes, complete with July's lightweight polycarbonate shell and smooth 360 spinner wheels.

Literally peace of mind, packed.
A woman who moved to a new country to be with a man she met on vacation has opened up about the difficult transition.

Claire Drinkwater, originally from London, had just gone through a rough breakup and was feeling burnt out from her 'demanding' media job when she decided to take a year off to travel the world in 2014.

She backpacked across nine countries in Asia, Oceania and South America.

And while Drinkwater had a feeling it would be a life-changing trip, she never expected that she would meet her soulmate during it and decide to uproot her entire life so that they could be together.

During an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, she explained that she met her partner, Steeve, when they were both on the same bus tour of New Zealand's South Island months into her travels.

'He was French but living in Belgium and had just started his own solo travels,' she recalled.

'We ended up sitting together on the bus and kept chatting. That evening, after a group barbecue, he suggested we walk down to the beach to watch the sunset together.

'We talked for hours about our lives and what had brought us there. It felt like we'd known each other for a long time, even though we had just met.'

Claire Drinkwater, originally from London, moved to a new country to be with a man she met on vacation. She and her partner, Steeve, are seen recently

She had just gone through a rough breakup and was feeling burnt out from her 'demanding' media job when she decided to take a year off to travel the world in 2014

Drinkwater admitted that despite their immediate connection, she didn't think it would turn into anything serious.

'When you're traveling, you get used to people moving on often, so you don't want to get attached too quickly,' she added. 'When the tour ended we said goodbye.'

But the two stayed in touch and, a couple of weeks later, Drinkwater invited him to come to Bali with her on a whim.

To her surprise, he said yes and they ended up traveling 'on and off' together for a few months, visiting Bali, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Soon, they couldn't bear to be apart. And when Steeve wrapped up his travels and returned home to Brussels, Belgium, Drinkwater made the wild decision to move in with him.

But adjusting to life in a different country while also navigating a new relationship was certainly not a walk in the park.

'Our relationship had grown out of all these amazing experiences in different places, so I was curious what it would feel like once we settled into a routine,' Drinkwater admitted.

'And adjusting to life in Belgium wasn't always easy, especially rebuilding my career and navigating daily life in a new language.

'But in the end having a stable base together felt really nice. And his family and friends were really welcoming.

She met her partner, Steeve, when they were both on the same bus tour of New Zealand's South Island months into her travels. She's seen during the New Zealand trip

'We ended up sitting together on the bus and kept chatting,' she shared. 'That evening, we talked for hours. It felt like we'd known each other for a long time.' They're seen on the bus tour

But the two stayed in touch and, a couple of weeks later, Drinkwater invited him to come to Bali with her on a whim. To her surprise, he said yes. She's seen in Bali

When Steeve wrapped up his travels and returned home to Brussels, Belgium, Drinkwater made the shocking decision to move in with him. She's seen in Brussels

Flash forward to 12 years later and Drinkwater and Steeve are still going strong. They're seen recently

'Gradually things fell into place. After only a few months I found a permanent communications role with a great team in Brussels, and over time the city started to feel like home.'

She said having open communication and establishing her own life in Belgium separately from his was what ultimately made it work.

Flash forward to 12 years later, and Drinkwater and Steeve are still going strong.

'This year we're celebrating 12 years since meeting on that trip through New Zealand, which feels surreal,' she gushed.

'Moving to Belgium was something I never imagined, but it turned out to be a great decision.'

Her advice to others? 'Be open to where life takes you,' she dished.
Craig Melvin was left 'absolutely devastated' after being passed over to interview his Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie about her missing mother, show insiders tell the Daily Mail.

The longtime NBC anchor thought it was almost guaranteed that he would be the one to speak to Savannah in her first interview about her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who was snatched from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1.

Melvin believed the moment would mark a major step forward in his career, but was completely blindsided when executives chose Hoda Kotb.

'Craig is absolutely devastated he didn't get that interview,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'He thought it was his moment with Savannah  and it never even came his way.

'He wasn't just passed over  he wasn't even asked. That's what really stings.'

Loyal NBC star Melvin, who has been on the Today show since 2018, felt that he had earned the opportunity to take the reins of the show after replacing Kotb when she decided to step back in 2025 to spend more time with her family.

'Craig believed he'd earned that spot. He is the official co-host,' the source continued. 'So to be left out entirely feels like a major setback.'

'There's a real sense of confusion,' another insider said. 'He doesn't understand why he wasn't given the opportunity. Hoda walked away from the seat. It's not fair.'

Craig Melvin was 'absolutely devastated' he was 'passed over' for Savannah Guthrie's interview, sources tell the Daily Mail

In her first televised interview since her mother's tragic disappearance, Savannah Guthrie told friend and co-star Hoda Kotb distressing new details of the moment she realized 84-year-old Nancy had been abducted

But sources tell the Daily Mail the snub has undermined Melvin, who has been a constant on screens since starting the job - leaving colleagues concerned for his future on the show.

'He thought this was proof he was being taken seriously as a co-host,' the source explained. 'Now he's questioning that.'

'The rug was pulled out from under him. He went from confident to uncertain overnight.'

'It's not just disappointment  it's doubt,' one added. 'About his role, his standing, all of it.'

An excerpt of the interview was shared Tuesday and part one of the full interview aired Thursday.

In the second part of the interview on Friday, it was revealed that Guthrie will return to Today on April 6.

Her colleagues appeared delighted at the news. Al Roker said: 'Whats wonderful, its almost symbolic after Easter and the resurrection, the rising, I think as a family well hold hands and help her.'

Melvin agreed, but the show of support for Savannah and her family has also left him with a somewhat bitter taste.

'This has shaken him,' the insider continued. 'There's growing concern behind the scenes. If he's not getting interviews like this, where does he really stand?'

A Today source insists: 'Craig was looped in and fully supportive of Savannah's interview with Hoda.'

Savannah, who was last on air two days before her mother's disappearance, appeared on the show she once anchored daily

'Right now, Craig's future feels very much up in the air,' the insider added. 'And that's a tough place to be.'

When Hoda announced that she would be stepping away from the show in 2025, Melvin was so shocked he asked her if she was being 'forced out'.

The pair have been publicly supportive of each other since her departure, but her desire to return to the Today show has reportedly put a wedge between them - and Savannah.

Despite the complications behind the scenes, Hoda and Savannah wept during the interview as Savannah said she is haunted by thoughts of her mother's 'terror' every night.

Nancy disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1, sparking a huge search that has so far resulted in no arrests and no sign of the grandmother.

Nancy, 84, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1, sparking a huge search that has so far resulted in no arrests and no signs of life

Guthrie burst into tears as she publicly apologized to her missing mother amid fears that her fame and fortune may have triggered the abduction

Savannah said she and her family are still holding onto hope that the case may be solved, saying: 'Someone needs to do the right thing.'

'We are in agony. It is unbearable. And to think of what she went through,' she said.

'I wake up every night in the middle of the night, every night. And in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought. And I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.'

Savannah said she is 'holding onto faith' that her mother will be found, and said despite no sign of her in over eight weeks, she 'still believes'.

The star's colleagues wept on the air as they shared an excerpt of the conversation, as host Carson Daly said it was 'gut-wrenching' to see Savannah suffering 'while we are no closer to solving this - it's been so long.'

Savannah was last on the air two days before her mother's disappearance, and has primarily stayed in Arizona to assist the search and be with her family.

She made a return to the Today show studio in New York City earlier this month, and she told Kotb this week that she wanted to return to show and that 'I'm still me.'

'I wanted you to know that I'm still standing, and I still have hope,' she said. 'And I don't know what version of me that will be, but it will be.'

Hoda and Craig Melvin (seen on the Today set on February 12) had stepped in to anchor the show amid Savannah's absence

With no suspects identified or signs of the 84-year-old found safe, scrutiny has fallen on the investigation for the missing grandmother, led by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

In an interview this week, Nanos was unapologetic as he said he has 'no regrets' over his handling of the case despite failing to solve it.

His comment comes after the Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the return of their mother.

The FBI has also offered $100,000 for information that leads to Nancy's rescue.
Megyn Kelly hit out at Today Show stand-in Hoda Kotb for crying as she interviewed Savannah Guthrie about her mother's disappearance, as she noted that the journalist failed to follow-up on new details the distraught daughter brought up.

Savannah's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, sparking a massive search that has so far resulted in no arrests and no sign of the grandmother.

As the investigation now enters a third month without any suspects or signs of Nancy, Savannah sat down with Kotb for an emotional interview, the first part of which aired on Thursday.

It showed both Savannah and Kotb breaking down in tears, which Kelly admonished the interviewer for.

'This interview was not about Hoda, it was about Savannah,' the former Fox News reporter said on her podcast Thursday.

'And I'm sorry, but Hoda kept wiping away tears that weren't there either. This was acting on Hoda Kotbs part, and it was a distraction and an unnecessary one.'

She also pointed out that Kotb failed to ask Savannah follow-up questions when she revealed new information about how she and her siblings Camron and Annie found their mother's $1.4 million house following the abduction.

She noted in the interview that her mother suffered from severe back pain and could not walk far, and revealed that 'the doors were propped open.'

Megyn Kelly lashed out at Today Show host Hoda Kotb for crying as she interviewed Savannah Guthrie about her mother's disappearance

Savannah sat down with her Kotb for her first interview since her mother's abduction

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, sparking a massive search that has so far resulted in no arrests and no sign of the grandmother

'Why would the door be "propped open?"... I don't understand,' Kelly said after playing the clip on her podcast.

She then told her guests, security experts James Hamilton, Eric O'Neill and Randy Sutton that she wanted to offer her own 'editorial... from a journalistic perspective.'

'With respect, I have to say I think Hoda Kotb fell down on the job, and I don't think she was the woman for the interview,' Kelly continued.

'They put her out there because they use this as a promotional vehicle. The two are friends, look, "We're a big family, look at them relating,"' she then claimed of NBC's decision to have Kotb handle the interview.

Kelly also noted that the producers at the Today Show kept Kotb's mic on 'for her empathetic sounds and her active listening,' which she called 'a major distraction' and a 'very odd' choice 'because normally the network would turn down, hold Hodas mic during Savannahs very compelling answers, especially in an interview this big.'

'The reason they left Hoda's mic open is because I'm telling you, NBC had an agenda here, which was to show you one big, happy family. Look how empathetic she is,' Kelly argued, reiterating that the mic was an 'inappropriate choice, journalistically, because it served only as a distraction.'

But Kelly said her biggest complaint with the interview was that Kotb did not ask any follow-up questions 'and therefore it was not journalistically sound.'

In a portion of the interview that aired on Thursday, Savannah revealed that the door to her mother's $1.4 million home was left 'propped open'

She spoke about how she, her brother, Camron, and sister, Annie, found the home following the abduction on February 1

'She did not ask very basic questions, like, What do you mean propped open? Kelly noted. 'Thats it. I'm not talking about you go for the jugular I mean very basic reportorial ABCs - What does propped open mean?'

'And the sins got worse as the interview went along,' Kelly said. 'I objected to how it was handled.'

'I'm just being honest. I'm not trying to be petty. I'm trying to be honest about what I saw there and what should have happened in an interview this big,' she concluded.

The interview marked the first time Savannah opened up about the investigation into her mother's disappearance and the effect it has had on her family.

She told how she had spent the evening with Today Show co-host Carson Daly and their children in New York City when her sister Annie called to tell her that their mother was missing.

The two sisters were then left in a 'panic,' she recalled.

Savannah said she was out with Today Show co-host Carson Daly and their children in New York City when her sister Annie called to tell her that their mother was missing

She said it was her brother who first brought up the possibility Nancy's abduction could be linked to her fame and wealth

They initially suspected that Nancy had suffered a medical episode in the night, but quickly realized something more sinister had occurred.

'Her phone was there and her purse was there and all her things, and it just didn't make any sense,' Savannah told Kotb.

'I started calling the hospitals and the police were there and talking to her at the same time and it was just chaos, and disbelief.'

Soon, Savannah said, her brother Camron brought up the possibility that the 84 year old may have been abducted in an effort to gain some of Savannah's wealth.

'My brother, he was in the military, he saw right away what this was. He said: "I think she's been kidnapped for ransom."

'I said "Do you think, because of me?"

'He said "Sorry sweetie, yeah, maybe." But I knew that.'

It still remains unclear whether Savannah's fame and wealth had anything to do with Nancy's abduction, but Savannah said the thought that she 'brought this to her bedside' is 'too much to bear to think' about.

Savannah also called speculation that her brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni was involved in her mother's abduction 'unbearable.'

'It piles pain upon pain. There are no words. There are no words,' she cried.

'I don't understand, I'll never understand, and no one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law. No one protected my mom more than my brother. We love her and she is our shining light. She's our matriarch. She's all we have.'

Savannah now says 'someone needs to do the right thing' and come forward with information to help the investigation. She is pictured hugging Dylan Dreyer during a visit to the Today Show earlier this month

There has been no trace of Nancy since her disappearance, with Nest doorbell camera footage released weeks later showing a masked figure in black nitrile gloves with a gun on the doorstep around the time Nancy vanished.

Savannah now says 'someone needs to do the right thing' and come forward with information to help the investigation.

'We are in agony,' she told Kotb in a portion of the interview that aired on Wednesday, sharing how she wakes up in the middle of each night thinking about the pain that Nancy suffered.

'To think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night, every night,' she said, tears streaming down her face.

'In the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought. And I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.'
Oil and gas firm EnQuest warned that Labours windfall tax is killing North Sea investment as the Middle East crisis shows the need for domestic energy supplies.

EnQuest is diversifying operations into Asia due to a challenging landscape in the UK, which enforces a 78 per cent profits levy.

Its annual post-tax profits fell to 1.2million after it took a 93million charge as the Government extended the tax to 2030.

EnQuest said war in Iran, which has pushed oil prices past $100 a barrel, has underlined the reliance of the world on oil and gas, and the strategic importance for countries to have their own domestic oil and gas supply.

It said Britain was an outlier in continuing to impose windfall taxes brought in after the Ukraine war broke out in 2022.

This has impacted confidence in the UK North Sea, with operators cutting investment, accelerating the cessation of production on assets, and consolidating activities in what they consider to be a non-core region into joint ventures, it said.

Industry body Offshore Energies UK says high tax rates should apply only if oil and gas prices pass a certain threshold.
Former James Bond, Daniel Craig, has become the face of China's newest car brand to launch in Europe.

Lending his ex-007 figure to several cars launching this year, the famous British actor will front marketing materials and television commercials related to Denza's key vehicles - the BYD sub-brand.

Denza, which claims to be the world's first premium brand devoted solely to new-energy vehicles, is pushing for worldwide recognition as it gears up to its European launch.

Denza's flagship Z9GT shooting brake will be launched on 8 April at the Palais Garner opera house in Paris - and it will come to Britain later this year

As well as having Daniel Craig as the face, the Chinese brand will look to make waves with its Z9GT - a model that can recharge in the same time it takes to fill up a fuel car with petrol.

Ex-Bond and famed British actor Daniel Craig has become the face of Chinese brand Denza, which is owned by BYD, as it starts its expansion into Europe

The Z9GT is compatible with its parent company BYD's radical Flash Charging technology.

It can charge at speeds up to 1,500kW - charging the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes.

Denza's parent company BYD has officially overtaken Tesla as the world's largest EV seller.

BYD sold almost 28 per cent more EVs last year to hit more than 2.25 million sales.

Set aside, Denza aims to draw customers with a unique blend of cutting-edge innovations and European-influenced design elegance, so it believes Craig makes a perfect partner for this.

Stella Li, BYD executive vice president, said: 'Daniel Craig represents a powerful combination of strength, sophistication and authenticity.

'Those qualities resonate deeply with what Denza stands for.

'As we bring the brand to the world - across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa - we are proud to welcome an actor whose presence and character reflect the spirit of Denza.

'Together, we want to show how technology, design and emotion can come together to create a new vision of premium mobility.'

The Denza Z9GT EV can undergo a near full charge (10 to 97 per cent) in only nine minutes.

The lightning charging times are thanks to the Z9GT using BYD's 122kWh Blade Battery 2.0, which is the only advanced unit that can fully extract charging speeds from the devices.

BYD has also said it will install hundreds of its Flash Chargers in the UK this year, which are three times faster than the most powerful EV chargers currently available.

The price of the Z9GT is yet to be confirmed.
Elon Musks rocket firm Space X is closing in on a record 1 trillion stock market listing.

The Tesla billionaires company is set to file for an initial public offering in the US within the next two weeks, and could go public as soon as June in a listing likely to be the biggest ever.

It could seek more than 56billion, it was reported by The Information, a tech news publication  much more than the 19billion record set by oil giant Saudi Aramco in 2019.

And the company, which is developing craft for missions to Mars, is set to be marketed to investors with a target valuation of 1.1 trillion, around 94 times its 2025 revenue, according to Morningstar.

The business was valued at just under 1 trillion after it merged with Musks AI outfit to form the worlds most valuable private firm.

Space X bought xAI, known for the Grok chatbot on social media website X. The firm was reported to be valued at 910billion last month.
The boss of the Co-op will step down after four years, as the retailer reported it had taken a significant hit from a cyber attack and higher employment costs.

Shirine Khoury-Haq will leave Co-op after four years as chief executive on 29 March, and will be replaced by director Kate Allum on an interim basis.

It came after the Co-op was forced to defend its culture after allegations of a 'toxic culture' among leadership.

A letter to the board, seen by the BBC last month, raised complaints about a culture of 'fear and alienation'.

We heard very clearly that the term of toxic issues, they did not recognise it, and they were very clear about that, Khoury-Haq said today.

But she said staff had flagged there were areas where we had not communicated as clearly as we could have.

Khoury-Haq led the group through a major cyber attack last year, which it said today had a 107million impact on profitability.

The retailer's IT networks were hacked last April, which resulted in payment problems, product shortages, and the loss of customer data.

Khoury-Haq said: 'Following last years cyber attack, the organisation is now ready to deliver on an ambitious strategy of stabilisation and transformation.

Co-op swung to a loss last year following a cyber attack in April

'This extends beyond the timeframe I had planned for my CEO tenure, and now is the right moment to hand over to leadership that can commit to seeing the strategy through.'

Co-op, which is owned by its 6.2 million members, reported an underlying operating loss of 35million, as revenues fell 2.3 per cent to 11billion.

The retailer, which operates across more than 2,500 stores, said the hack had cost it 285million in lost sales - higher than the 206million it reported in September - and a direct 86million hit to its profits.

Co-op also pointed to an additional 150million 'cost headwinds'. These include 47million worth of regulatory costs, made up of National Insurance increases and new packaging taxes.

It said it planned to cut 200million of operating costs this year to help it return to profitability.

Co-op joined other retailers in warning of the instability caused by the Iran war, which would hit consumer confidence this year.

'Trading conditions remain difficult and the current geopolitical landscape is adding further instability,' said Khoury-Haq.
The boss of Next has warned the war in the Middle East could push up prices for UK shoppers.

Lord Simon Wolfson said the conflict is likely to have knock-on effects on costs, selling prices and consumer demand outside of the region.

It comes as the business said it had 'not yet reached the period of unusually strong UK trading we experienced last year, when the firm surpassed a 1billion profits milestone for the first time.

And Wolfson said it may continue to restrain growth in the Middle East, which makes up 6 per cent of its total turnover.

The war will cost the retailer 15million in extra costs - including fuel and air freight - should it last for three months.

Next is seen as one of Britain's most reliable retailers even despite pressure on the High Street

But the business has saved costs elsewhere to offset these increases, so it does not impact its annual profit targets.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG: 'Today's figures from Next contain a hint that the rise in fuel costs is bound to extend beyond increases at the pumps.

'After a strong start to the year, Next and other retailers are facing tougher times, just like UK consumers.'

The remarks follow the boss of Morrisons yesterday, warning that consumers are facing 'tough times' amid predictions that food prices will rise in the coming months.

Shares rose 6 per cent on Thursday morning after it posted strong sales for last year.

The business expects profits to rise 4.5 per cent to 1.21billion for the current financial year, with sales set to rise 4.5 per cent too.

Lord Wolfson, whose insights into the UKs economic health are closely watched, has steered Next since 2001. In that time, sales have soared, even as consumer confidence has struggled.

Profits surpassed expectations at 1.2billion for the 52 weeks to the end of January this year - 14.5 per cent up on the year before.

This was 8million higher than it had previously forecast, as full-price sales did better than expected in January while there were also improved clearance rates at its end-of-season sales.

Annual sales rose 10.8 per cent to 7billion for the year.

In January, Next warned that 'continuing pressures on UK employment are likely to filter through into the consumer economy as the year progresses.'

It is one of the retailers to flag concerns over an upcoming package of employment law changes, including a proposal to offer staff a set number of guaranteed hours.

Lord Wolfson has said this must still allow retailers to hire part-time and seasonal workers to help them in busier times of the year and with recruiting students.

Retailers have also been grappling with higher costs over the past two years.

Next said that increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions, which came in last April, has meant the cost of its part-time entry level wages has risen 13 per cent.
The boss of Marks & Spencer has accused Labour of pushing up energy bills.

Stuart Machin, who runs one of Britains biggest High Street chains, said that government levies now make up more than half of the retailers energy costs.

He said these extra costs have 'nothing to do with the price of oil or gas'.

The comments came as the UK faces the biggest hit to economic growth from the Iran war of any major economy, according to a warning from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

'Over the last few years the "policy costs" on our energy bill have skyrocketed,' Mr Machin wrote on LinkedIn.

The M&S boss  who has run the company since May 2022  said: These are the tariffs that [the Government] place on our bills to fund their policies, and have nothing to do with the price of oil or gas. They now make up over half our bill. Its just not sustainable for UK businesses.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin with Rachel Reeves

Households and businesses are already facing increased petrol and diesel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised targeted support for some households with their energy bills.

But businesses are unhappy with so-called non commodity costs in which the government adds green energy levies to the wholesale price of energy.

From next month, charges have been added to business energy bills to help pay for the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station and more electricity pylons.

Increases will come hand-in-hand with hikes to national minimum wages while many firms will also have to fork out higher business rates from April.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, told the Financial Times that it is lobbying the Government to focus on its energy policy and the pipeline of additional policy costs that are about to impact businesses.

It is not just shops who will be impacted as other businesses operating on the High Street are also concerned.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents 10,000 businesses in the night-life sector, said such energy levies were feeding into prices paid by consumers.

He warned that the UK continues to struggle with indecision and short-termism with pressure heaped on already vulnerable sectors and hitting jobs.

The reality is stark: if businesses cannot afford to operate, they cannot afford to employ, Mr Kill added.

A Government spokesman said: We know that businesses across Britain will be concerned about the impact on their energy bills from events in the Middle East.

Wholesale costs are the single largest component of energy prices.

Our mission for clean power by 2030 will get us off the roller-coaster of fossil fuel prices, to cut bills for businesses and households for good.

And it is expected that shoppers will start to see the impact of the war at the supermarket tills in the coming months.

'While it can take several months for cost rises to filter fully through to shop shelves, the cost of the Iran conflict will be felt by shoppers this year,' Karen Betts, chief executive at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), warned this week.
A foodbank was hit with 500 worth of parking tickets for overstaying in a bay by a few minutes while picking up donations at Tesco.

Middlesbrough Foodbank says it had been using the drop-off zone in the Parkway Shopping Centre, Middlesbrough, for years.

But since January, it has been slapped with hundreds of pounds in fines from newly installed parking cameras. In one case, volunteers stayed just 51 seconds over the 10-minute limit.

The charity said it had been hit with five separate parking tickets in the space of eight weeks, each charging 100.

'I'm going to fight this every step of the way. We're not going to take it lying down. I just think it's ridiculous,' Tracey Godfrey-Harrison, project manager at the foodbank, told the Daily Mail.

She added: 'I think it's terrible that anybody should get fined for something so small but we're a charity so that 500 is 500 less we have to buy food for people who need it.'

Ms Godfrey-Harrison said that the foodbank does not get enough food donations, so it relies on cash donations to buy groceries.

'That money is a quarter of our monthly shopping bill. It's been taken out of the mouths of the people in Middlesbrough that need it... I just think it's disgusting,' she added.

One parking fine showed that volunteers had only stayed 51 seconds over the signposted 10-minute limit.

On two other occasions, volunteers were fined for staying in the bay for 14 minutes and 15 minutes to load their van.

Middlesbrough Foodbank said that they had used the drop-off zone in a shopping centre to collect food donations from Tesco for years, but were suddenly fined five times

Ms Godfrey-Harrison said: 'We go in, pick up the donations and we leave. It takes us around 15 minutes because we have to take trolleys to the front of the store.

'But we don't hang around or go shopping. We do what we need to do and we get back in the van.'

She said that the van they use would not fit in the regular-sized bays in the car park.

Both Tesco and Ms Godfrey-Harrison have said that the land is not owned by Tesco but by Parkway Shopping Centre, which hired contractor UK Parking Control (UKPC) to send out the fines.

The foodbank project manager said that she had appealed the parking fines but that one had already been rejected.

She expected that all of her appeals would be rejected as they were judged by UKPC.

In the letter seen by the Mail, UKPC wrote to the foodbank: 'We have carefully considered your appeal based on the information provided and the evidence supporting the parking charge.

'In this instance having completed our assessment, we consider the parking charge to have been correctly issued, as the vehicle was parked in a drop-off point.'

If the foodbank decided to take the parking fine to an independent appeals service, it would have had to pay the full 100 fine if it lost  rather than the reduced price of 60 they can pay now.

The PCN the foodbank received (pictured) showed that volunteers had only overstayed for 51 seconds beyond the signposted 10 minutes

Tracey Godfrey-Harrison, project manager at the foodbank, said the fines were 'disgusting'

Ms Godfrey-Harrison said: 'Something has to be done about it because it's ridiculous.'

She added: 'It's the car parking company that's at fault here, not Tesco.

'Fines arent very helpful at all. People are already struggling because of the cost-of-living crisis and people have to put petrol in their cars and food in mouths.

'People have already got a lot on in their lives without these fines coming through the post and raising people's anxiety levels.'

The foodbank said they feed anybody who comes to them and have helped more than 40,000 people in the past three years.

After being contacted by the Daily Mail, a representative of the Parkway Shopping Centre said it would contact the car park management to get the tickets cancelled.

The spokesman said: 'Im very sorry to hear about what happened.

'In cases where a vehicle enters the service yard, however, parking enforcement is triggered because that area is restricted to authorised service vehicles only.

'That is likely why the fines were issued, rather than because the volunteers overstayed.

'That said, we recognise the important and valued work the foodbank does for the community, and we want to ensure they continue to be supported. We will gladly contact the car park management company to request that the tickets are cancelled.'

The charity said that they needed 15 minutes to be able to load donated onto their van from the Tesco in the shopping centre

'Going forward, we will also work with the foodbank to agree a more suitable arrangement for future collections, as we cannot continue to overturn charges issued for unauthorised access to the service yard.'

The foodbank has now confirmed that the tickets have been cancelled as a result of the Daily Mail's inquiries.

A spokesman for Tesco said: 'We are really sorry to hear about this as we have long been a supporter of the Middlesbrough Foodbank and the important work they do.

'We do not own or operate the Parkway Shopping Centre car park outside our Coulby Newham Extra store but have now logged the details of the Foodbank van to prevent it receiving further parking tickets and have reached out to the shopping centre management about the existing tickets.'

UKPC were also contacted for comment.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, UK foodbanks distributed 2.9 million emergency food parcels.

That equates to one parcel every 11 seconds last year. This represents a 51 per cent increase compared to five years ago, according to Hart Foodbank.
The televised retelling of America's most romanticized romance begins at the bitter end.

Love Story, starring Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette and Paul Anthony Kelly as John F Kennedy Jr, opens with the couple arriving at the small airfield in New Jersey to take what would prove to be their doomed final flight.

Kennedy is shown being chauffeured onto the tarmac along with his sister-in-law Lauren. His wife arrives after them, and the couple have a blazing row before boarding the plane. They take off in bright sunlight, bound for Martha's Vineyard - and their untimely death.

Much of that is untrue.

Kennedy drove himself and Lauren to the airport in his white Hyundai; they took off not in daylight, but - crucially - as darkness was falling.

And the argument that producer Ryan Murphy depicts did not happen, according to the man who saw it all - the last person to see them alive, a man to whom the Daily Mail has spoken.

Kennedy had indeed spent the previous night sleeping at a hotel, amid well-documented marital troubles. But the tarmac theatrics Murphy portrayed are his own invention.

'I don't think they were having an argument. It was just a discussion,' aviation consultant Kyle Bailey told the Daily Mail. He was a 25-year-old novice pilot on that July 1999 day.

'I don't think they were having an argument. It was just a discussion,' aviation consultant Kyle Bailey told the Daily Mail

Kennedy and Bessette pictured in his plane in 1998

He saw Kennedy arrive and watched as Bessette pulled up shortly afterwards.

'There was nothing animated,' he said. 'There was work to be done, to get the plane ready and take off. There was focus on the task.'

With so much attention on the Kennedy-Bessette relationship, sorting fact from fiction has become a national sport.

Now, with the nine-episode series drawing to its tragic end, the Daily Mail has spoken to witnesses and aviation experts and analyzed the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report into the crash, to tell the full story of what actually happened.

July 16, 1999: 1pm

Kennedy, who three months earlier had upgraded his basic Cessna 182 for a significantly more complex Piper Saratoga, had told the airport in advance that he intended to fly out that day.

His cousin Rory, daughter of Robert F Kennedy and wife Ethel, was to marry author Mark Bailey on July 17 in the Massachusetts village of Hyannis Port.

Kennedy intended to spend Friday in meetings at the Manhattan office of his magazine, George, and then fly with his wife that evening to Hyannis Port, dropping his sister-in-law off at Martha's Vineyard on the way.

Kennedy had fractured his left ankle in a paragliding accident six weeks earlier, on June 1. He had been operated on the next day and only had the cast removed the day before the flight. His doctor told him not to fly until he was able to walk comfortably without crutches - normally around ten days.

But a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doctor later confirmed that someone with Kennedy's injury 'would not normally be expected to visit and receive approval from an FAA Medical Examiner before resuming flying activities.'

Kennedy was, therefore, at suboptimal fitness, but not medically prohibited from piloting the plane.

Staff at Essex County airport call Kennedy at 1pm and ask what time he wants his plane brought out of the hangar and made ready for him.

He tells them, according to Bailey, that he expects to arrive between 5.30pm and 6pm.

Carolyn Bessette at the Hyannis Airport in 1998 with the couple's dog, Friday

Three months before the fatal flight, Kennedy (pictured) had upgraded his basic Cessna 182 for a significantly more complex Piper Saratoga

Shortly after 8pm

Bailey, whose book Witness: JFK Jr's Fatal Flight describes their final hours, told the Daily Mail that he saw Kennedy and Lauren Bessette, 34, arrive in Kennedy's noticeably low-key white car at the airport shortly after 8pm, as dusk was falling. Traffic from Manhattan, where the trio was based, was extremely heavy and everyone's arrival that day was later than planned.

Carolyn Bessette, 33, arrives at the airport in a chauffeured black Lincoln town car, pulling up at around 8.15pm.

Kennedy had only piloted his new Piper for 36 hours, and had been alone in the plane, without an instructor present, for just three. Of those three hours, a mere 48 minutes were flown in darkness.

Yet when, earlier that day, an instructor volunteered to accompany Kennedy, the 38-year-old told him that 'he wanted to do it alone,' according to the NTSB report.

Bailey sees Kennedy walking with a crutch as he performed his final checks on the plane.

The two women board the six-seater aircraft and take their seats.

Kennedy climbs into the cockpit and radios Essex County control tower asking for permission to taxi and take off.

His final conversation with air-traffic control is to confirm his imminent departure from runway 22: 'Right downwind departure, two two.'

They are his last known words.

The cockpit voice recorder did not survive the crash.

8.40pm

Kennedy takes off from runway 22 and radar begins detecting the airborne plane.

Given the size of his aircraft, he is neither required to file a flight plan in advance, nor maintain contact with air-traffic control. There is no black box on the plane.

Radar records the plane heading north-east to the Hudson River at an altitude of 1,400 feet.

Above Westchester County airport, in upstate New York, Kennedy turns towards the east and rises to 5,500 feet, heading in the direction of Martha's Vineyard.

JFK Jr taking off in his Cessna airplane in 1998

In October 1998, Kennedy is pictured checking his plane

JFK Jr is pictured reading a map and planning a trip while at the Caldwell Airport in New Jersey

8.47pm

'Civil twilight' - the time which begins at sunset and ends when the geometric center of the sun is six degrees below the horizon - officially ends, and full nighttime conditions are in effect.

The sun set a little over half an hour ago, at 8.14pm.

Four airports along the route - Essex County, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod airport, in Hyannis - report haze or mist, with visibility between four and six miles. There is a gentle to moderate breeze of up to 16 knots, or 18-20mph.

Kennedy had completed about 50 per cent of a formal instrument training course, so is flying by sight, without relying on the cockpit instruments.

The plane is equipped with GPS, which he is using, and autopilot.

It is impossible to know whether he uses autopilot at any time during the flight.

8.49pm

Kennedy is flying at 5,500ft above Westchester County airport when a small American Airlines plane, a Fokker 100 seating 100 passengers, begins its approach to the airport.

Air-traffic control, unaware of Kennedy's presence, tells flight AA 1484 to descend from 6,000ft to 3,000ft.

8.53pm

The AA pilot tells air-traffic control that he can see Kennedy's plane and adds: 'I understand he's not in contact with you or anybody else.'

Air-traffic control confirms to the AA pilot that Kennedy is not in communications with them - he is not required to be.

The pilot of the AA plane tells air traffic control that 'we just got a traffic advisory here'  that advisory, the NTSB report says, is an automated Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert. It warns pilots that there is another aircraft in the vicinity that they need to be aware of.

The wreckage was recovered from the water

Kennedy intended to spend Friday in meetings at the Manhattan office of his magazine, George, and then fly with his wife that evening to Hyannis Port, dropping his sister-in-law off at Martha's Vineyard on the way

Kennedy's final conversation with air traffic control is to confirm his imminent departure from runway 22: 'Right downwind departure, two two.' (Pictured is the mangled cockpit of the Piper aircraft that was recovered after the crash)

8.54pm

Air-traffic control hands over to the Westchester County control tower, providing the AA pilot with the correct radio frequency to contact them.

The AA pilot tells the control tower that he has received 'a resolution advisory' - an urgent automated warning telling him of an impending collision in 20-30 seconds time.

Despite this the AA pilot continues on its course and avoids Kennedy's plane: the pilot is not forced to make any alterations to the planned route, as the NTSB states: 'No corrective action was reported to have been taken by the controller or flight 1484.'

Both the airliner and Kennedy's Piper continue their journeys.

It is not known whether Kennedy was aware of the situation.

Some time after 9pm

Midway between the coastal Connecticut cities of Bridgeport and New Haven, Kennedy's plane begins flying over the ocean.

9.33pm

Thirty-four miles west of Martha's Vineyard, Kennedy begins a steady descent from 5,500ft.

C David Heymann, a Kennedy biographer, speculates that Kennedy could have been reducing height to get below the haze and try to see lights on land.

9.37pm

Kennedy's plane has dropped to 3,000ft; it is flying at a calm, controlled pace.

9.38pm

Kennedy makes a right turn. There is some speculation among pilots, although no concrete confirmation, that the plane turned right because Kennedy reached to change his radio frequency (on the right-hand side of the cockpit), and accidentally tracked right as a result.

Thirty seconds after the turn was initiated, Kennedy levels off and begins climbing a little for the next 20 seconds.

9.39pm

Kennedy makes a left turn, seemingly trying to rectify his course.

The plane levels off and resumes flying east, towards Martha's Vineyard.

But Kennedy, inexperienced, and flying without instruments at night and in hazy conditions, is evidently confused.

Julian Alarcon, an FAA gold seal-certified flight instructor and founder of Manhattan-based Aviator NYC, explained to the Daily Mail just how disorienting the conditions are: 'Your body is telling you that you are moving in one direction, but you're actually moving in the opposite direction.

'An experienced pilot would know to trust their instruments. But Kennedy wasn't fully trained in how to read them.'

'An experienced pilot would know to trust their instruments. But Kennedy wasn't fully trained in how to read them,' said Alarcon. (Pictured: JFK Jr and a friend in his plane in 1998)

Kennedy, inexperienced, and flying without instruments at night and in hazy conditions, was evidently confused

A damaged propeller was recovered from the crash

9.39pm and 50 seconds

Kennedy makes a left turn, with the left wing at a 28-degree angle.

On board, Carolyn and Lauren Bessette will have felt the turn and a slight G force beginning to pin them to their seats, although according to Alarcon, it would not be overly alarming.

9.40pm and 7 seconds

The plane levels off.

9.40pm and 15 seconds

Kennedy, now clearly disorientated, makes a right turn.

The turn, right wing down, gets steeper and steeper: Carolyn and Lauren Bessette would now, said Alarcon, be very aware that something is going wrong, as the plane goes faster and faster.

9.40pm and 25 seconds

Radar now shows the plane's right wing at 45 degrees - Carolyn and Lauren will feel like they are about to be flung from their seats.

The engine is roaring: Kennedy has the engine at full throttle, the NTSB report shows, and the propellers working at full speed.

He is trying to get the wings level once more but, disorientated, doesnt know which way is up or down.

And all the while the plane is plummeting downwards, in a terrifying spin known as 'a graveyard spiral.'

Alarcon said this would have been like something out of a horror film as the craft pitches down, spinning in the dark.

Little could save them now, bar the presence of an experienced pilot by Kennedy's side guiding him out of the mess.

Even if Kennedy radios air-traffic control, there is not time for them to help. Autopilot, if it was ever on, would have flipped off amid the violent downwards spin.

Nose down, the plane plummets into the ocean.

Even if Kennedy radios air-traffic control, there is not time for them to help. Autopilot, if it was ever on, would have flipped off amid the violent downwards spin. (Pictured: A Coast Guard helicopter over the ocean lifts a rescue swimmer)

Dr James Weiner, with the office of the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner, told the NTSB investigators: 'The pilot and passengers died from multiple injuries as a result of an airplane accident'

9.41pm

The Piper Saratoga hits the water, and the NTSB report shows its wings break on impact.

Dr James Weiner, with the office of the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner, told the NTSB investigators: 'The pilot and passengers died from multiple injuries as a result of an airplane accident.'

No drugs or alcohol were found in their systems.

Probable cause of the accident was described by the NTSB as: 'The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a descent over water at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze, and the dark night.'
Heir hunters tracing the family of a British woman who died without a will uncovered secrets that had remained hidden for decades - while giving her long-lost cousin the missing details she had spent years desperately searching for.

When Lynn Howell, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, died in 2022 aged 75, she left a modest estate with no known living relatives, prompting probate research firm Fraser and Fraser to look into the case.

But the team - best known for featuring on the BBC One show Heir Hunters - swiftly hit an obstacle after struggling to locate the birth certificate of Lynn's mother, Joan Phyllis Beard.

After persevering, they discovered Joan had actually been abandoned as a newborn baby at St George's Hospital in Hanover Square, London, in 1922, before being looked after by foster parents.

Researchers found Joan's birth mother was a woman named Thelma Edge - an unmarried typist living in London - who had conceived her daughter out of wedlock.

What they did not anticipate is that more than 5,000 miles away, one of Lynn's relatives had spent the last 20 years also looking into Thelma's past - and it was only with her passing that the missing pieces of the family tree would finally fall into place.

Lynn's first cousin Charmaine Bird, who was born in South Africa but is now based in Dubai, had believed her mother Elizabeth had grown up alone with no other family.

'My mum was an orphan, and it affected her every single day of her life,' Charmaine told Daily Mail. 'She never felt like she belonged anywhere. She always felt very unwanted. She used to say repeatedly, "I was nobody's child. Nobody wanted me."

Charmaine Bird searched more than 20 years to trace her mother's family - but it was only with the death of her unknown cousin in the UK that she finally found the answers

Charmaine's mother, Elizabeth Jones, had grown up believing she was an orphan and did not know where or how many siblings she had

Charmaine's grandmother, Thelma, bore a striking resemblance to her mother - but never acknowledged Elizabeth as her daughter and tried to bury her previous marriages

'I promised her before she died in 2011 that I would keep searching for answers - and I never stopped.'

As a very young child, Elizabeth Jones was separated from her siblings and raised in an orphanage in Transkei, today part of South Africa.

Years later, she married and relocated almost 2,000 miles away to another town - where the strangest of coincidences occurred.

Unknowingly, she had moved to a town just 14 miles from where her biological mother was living.

Charmaine said: 'There was a man who kept approaching Elizabeth asking if she was related to a woman in the town named Thelma. My mum would say "no, I'm an orphan and I don't have any family".

'But the man kept insisting, telling her she looked so much like her and urged her to contact the woman. It turned out he was right.'

With trepidation, Elizabeth called the number she had been given and asked if Thelma was her biological mother.

But the response was not one Elizabeth had anticipated.

'I am your mother - but you were a leaf I tore out of a book a long ago,' Thelma coldly replied. 'I have a different life now - and I don't want you to call me again.'

Elizabeth and Charmaine had just stumbled across Thelma Edge - the same woman who had abandoned a baby in London years earlier, who was now remarried and known as Thelma Stuart.

Despite her assertion that she wanted nothing to do with her daughter, Thelma later ended up divorcing her husband and being taken in by Elizabeth, who looked after her until her death in 1980 aged 77. Many commented on how physically identical the pair looked.

But to the end, Elizabeth never felt loved by her mother.

'I was there when she went to say goodbye - and she still didn't accept her,' explained Charmaine. 'She sobbed in my arms and said, "Charmaine, I'm never going to know who I am, never"'.

Her mother's emotional turmoil prompted Charmaine to relentlessly research the family tree.

Thanks to her efforts, Elizabeth discovered who her father was and reunited with her sister, Gwen, as well as her half-sister, Colleen, from another marriage.

Charmaine even managed to track down Elizabeth's older brother, Owen, in 2003 - bringing the pair together in an emotional reunion after they had been separated for more than 70 years.

'The moment he saw her, he held her face in his hands and said, "My darling sister. I remember when they took you away," Charmaine said. "She sobbed like a baby. They were so alike  their hands, their smiles, even the way they looked at each other.2

But Charmaine never knew anything of Thelma's life in London or the other children she had. It was only with the help of Fraser and Fraser that Charmaine was able to fill in the many other gaps, including the existence of Joan - Lynn Howell's mother and Elizabeth's older half-sister.

Researchers found that between 1923 and 1937, Thelma married four times and gave birth to eight children.

Charmaine managed to track down Elizabeth's brother, Owen, in 2003 - bringing the pair together in an emotional reunion after they had been separated for more than 70 years

Elizabeth not only had a brother, Owen, and sister, Gwen, but also three half-sisters and two half-brothers.

Charmaine learnt how Thelma had abandoned her first daughter after giving birth as an unmarried mother, while her second daughter, Thelma Rose, was placed in an orphanage shortly after her first husband died.

Thelma began life again with her second husband and Charmaine's grandfather, Edward Jones, but the marriage fell apart.

She then tied the knot again, but tragedy struck once more after her new husband died of a heart attack when Elizabeth was four.

Her brother Owen was later able to relate how Thelma was left to bring up the three children as a single mother - and quickly feel into destitution.

'He remembered how she would stand at the roadside and ask truck drivers for food. One of them gave her a bag of sugar, but she really needed maize meal to make porridge for the children.

'He remembers her crying and saying, "What am I going to do with a bag of sugar? How do I feed these children?" She was really struggling.'

Elizabeth was placed in an orphanage - the same one where her older half-sister Thelma Rose had been left at years previously - while her brother and sister ended up living with their father.

When she married for the fourth time, Thelma seemingly started over once again - and went on to have two more children. She told no-one of her past until the day she was confronted by Elizabeth many years later.

Charmaine said: 'Before we knew all of this, we were really quite resentful of my grandmother, because my mother loved people and she gave all her love to Thelma - even though she really received it in return.

'Now that we found out more, I can understand that life was very hard for women on their own, especially in those days. There's a part of me that thinks about how hard her life was and how much she had to go through.

'The only thing I'm upset with Thelma was that she never wanted to acknowledge my mother.

'She was just too proud, she didn't want the indignity of having a child that just appeared when no-one knew she had been married previously. She would not say sorry and it just broke my mother's heart.'

Charmaine's mother, Elizabeth (centre) grew up alone but went on to have nine children, 27 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Thanks to the efforts of Fraser and Fraser, she now knows her mother was also one of eight children

Having grown up and spent most of her adult life without a family, Elizabeth went on to marry and become 'the most loving mother'.

'She had nine children, 27 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren - and there were about 20 other people that called her 'mummy' or 'granny'.

'My mother was just the most incredible soul that wanted to love and nurture others.'

Charmaine says she wishes she had known about her first cousin Lynn while she was alive, but thanks to the research by Fraser and Fraser she has finally been able to piece together her family history - and now knows her mother was far from 'alone'.

In total, Fraser and Fraser traced 20 beneficiaries of Lynn Howell, including Charmaine - but finding out more about her family history feels more valuable than any inheritance, she explained.

'When I saw the researcher put my mother's name into this large family tree, I just burst into tears. At last I knew Elizabeth finally belonged, she had found her place.'
Around half an hour before 14-year-old Colt Gray pulled out an AR-style rifle he'd gotten for Christmas and went on a rampage, killing four people at his Georgia high school in September 2024, he texted his father.

'I'm sorry, it's not ur fault... ur not to blame for any of it,' he wrote.

Unfortunately for 55-year-old Colin Gray, a jury earlier this month profoundly disagreed with his son's opinion and convicted the father on all 29 counts he faced over the tragic deaths of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder.

Astonishingly, jurors took less than two hours to find him guilty of offenses including second-degree murder - becoming the first parent to be convicted of murder in such a case. His son hasn't yet gone on trial over the shooting.

Colin's conviction - he could spend the rest of his life behind bars - marks a significant development in the controversial tactic for US prosecutors to go after not only school shooters, but their inadequate caregivers.

Around three-quarters of school shooters in recent years have acquired their guns at home. But in the US, any prosecution of citizens over their guns was always likely to be intensely scrutinized.

And yet there has so far been little pushback from the gun rights lobby as state attorneys have targeted particularly egregious examples of parents allowing their children - some of which have histories of mental illness or violence - to get a hold of the lethal weapons they have then turned on schools.

When, two years ago, James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to ten to 15 years for their role in the 2021 mass shooting at Michigan's Oxford High School in which their 15-year-old son Ethan Crumbley killed four other pupils, some legal experts predicted the landmark case wouldn't be repeated.

Colt Gray killed four at his Georgia high school in September 2024

Jurors took less than two hours to find Gray Sr guilty of offenses including second-degree murder

The circumstances were too extreme, the parents' behavior too reprehensible, they said. (School officials had shown the Crumbley parents their son's violent drawings a few hours before the shooting, but they insisted he stay in school  despite having given him a gun days earlier).

Instead, the Crumbley case has spurred prosecutors across the US to follow suit, often with the blessing of local communities desperate to achieve some sort of accountability for horrific crimes  not just from unhinged children but from adults.

In Wisconsin, the father of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow  who killed a teacher and fellow student in a school shooting last year  has been charged with allowing her access to the semi-automatic handguns she used in the attack.

Jeff Rupnow, 42, tried to connect with his daughter through guns when she struggled to cope with her parents' divorce, said court papers. He told investigators she'd told him she wanted to kill herself and he'd had to lock up all the knives.

And yet, when he bought two pistols which they'd take out for target practice and saw her interest in guns had 'snowballed,' he still confided to her the code number for the safe, according to the prosecutors' complaint, where he stored them in their shared home. Rupnow's attorney filed a motion to dismiss charges, citing a 'reckless disregard of the truth.' He faces up to 18 years in prison if convicted.

Parents are being prosecuted even when their children haven't carried out attacks. In Texas, mother Ashley Pardo has been charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism by buying ammunition and tactical gear for her 13-year-old son. Prosecutors say she bought the supplies 'in exchange for babysitting his siblings.' They also allege she knew he had expressed a desire to carry out 'acts of mass violence' at a middle school.

Even before the Crumbleys were prosecuted, Robert Crimo Jr, the father of the 21-year-old Illinois gunman who killed seven people during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, pled guilty in 2023 to misdemeanor reckless conduct for signing his son's firearm application.

However, the prosecution of Colin Gray was unprecedented, legal experts told the Daily Mail, because he was convicted of second-degree murder, a far more serious offense (punishable by up to 30 years in prison) than the involuntary manslaughter charges for which the Crumbleys were found guilty.

According to Georgia's criminal code, second-degree murder involves 'the commission of cruelty to children.' Consequently, Gray was only charged with the offense for the deaths of the two students, not the teachers.

Prosecutors didn't argue that Colin Gray wanted the shooting to happen, but that he 'failed to intervene, and his failure to intervene was negligent in ways that justify treating him as part of the homicide.'

James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to ten to 15 years for their role in the 2021 mass shooting at Michigan's Oxford High School in which their 15-year-old son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four other pupils

Natalie Rupnow killed a teacher and fellow student in a school shooting last year

Natalie's father, Jeff Rupnow, has been charged with allowing her access to the semi-automatic handguns she used in the attack

Inevitably, it boiled down to his peculiar recklessness as the parent of a deeply troubled child. He didn't just fail to stop his son from getting hold of a gun, he essentially put a particularly deadly one in his hands.

Gray bought Colt the AR-style rifle for Christmas in 2023 and allowed him to keep the deadly weapon unlocked in his bedroom. And he bought the gun just months after police had questioned the boy about online threats to commit a school shooting.

Gray, who owned various firearms, insisted in court that his son's gun was meant for hunting and he taught him to handle it responsibly. 'We didn't have them in a safe but I'm telling you he had a healthy respect for weapons,' he said. His lawyer said Gray was a loving if sometimes struggling parent who was 'wired to see the best' in his son.

Prosecutors countered that Gray, who lived with his son after becoming estranged from Colt's mother, failed to get him help for anger and mental health issues. His wife, Marcee Gray, who, like Colin, suffered from drug addiction issues, testified that her husband 'just didn't want to deal' with their son's obvious problems.

The court heard he knew his son was obsessed with school shooters and had a 'shrine' in his bedroom to 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz who fatally shot 17 students and staff at Florida's notorious Parkland High School shooting in 2018. Gray insisted he never noticed all the pictures of Cruz plastered on Colt's walls. 'There's this whole other side of Colt I didn't know existed,' he said.

After the verdict, the lead prosecutor in the case said the outcome not only secured some justice for victims, but sent a powerful message to other parents about failing to act decisively when they saw their child's spiraling mental decline. 'We talk a lot about rights in our country but God gave us a duty to protect our children,' said Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith.

However, the concept of holding parents to account with serious criminal offenses has divided legal experts and criminologists as to whether it is a step in the right direction.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 80 mass school shootings at US schools since the 1999 Columbine massacre. Critics, including survivors and victims' families, endlessly chorus that the world's most gun-loving country never learns the lessons about preventing more tragedies.

Inevitably, these new prosecutions of parents aren't appearing in a vacuum.

As the Supreme Court has refused to tighten gun controls, campaigners are turning to the courts by pursuing civil cases against firearms makers and sellers. They're also pressuring state prosecutors to follow the example of Georgia and Michigan and focus on parents. Gun control advocates predict these prosecutions will be enormously valuable in encouraging owners to keep firearms out of children's hands.

Criminologist and mass shooting expert James Densley of Metro State University in St Paul said he wasn't surprised prosecutors were starting to target parents in school shooter cases. He also wasn't surprised that the gun lobby hasn't complained, as he believes even the staunchest gun rights advocate accepts that owners should be responsible for keeping them out of the hands of children.

'Prosecutors are looking for novel ways to address this problem. And in these prosecutions of parents, they found some leverage,' he told the Daily Mail.

Inevitably, gun-owning parents may start feeling they are at risk of prosecution if they let their offspring anywhere near a firearm. But Densley stressed that the prosecutions weren't simply about parents providing children with access to a weapon but 'the context in which it is provided.'

'If you've got a child who is not presenting as being in crisis, and you're taking them for shooting lessons and spending time together at the firing range, that might be a perfectly normal thing to do and quite benign,' he said.

By contrast, the 'tipping point' in the cases in which parents have so far been prosecuted, he said, was that they ignored 'a lot of warning signs that this was a child on a difficult path and then giving them access to firearms.'

'The parent knows about the mental health struggles, suicidal ideation, whether or not they've been referred to, you know, a counselor or mental health provider. They've got that history, and yet they're still providing access to the firearm.'

His research into school shooters has revealed there was an important distinction between parents who were 'oblivious' to their children's problems because they had their own personal issues, parents who consciously facilitated their offspring's 'pathway to violence', and  third - parents who genuinely tried to do something for troubled offspring even if it wasn't enough. He predicted that parents in that third category won't be prosecuted as they're unlikely to be found guilty.

Mark Chutkow, a criminal lawyer and former prosecutor in Michigan, told the Daily Mail the prosecutions of parents reflect the 'frustration of local communities when these mass shootings take place 'they want to see someone held responsible.'

'When it's a child that was the trigger puller, they want to see adults also held responsible as wellespecially when they're teenagers like this, and they otherwise wouldn't have legal access to guns without their parents.'

He said the Crumbley case was 'followed very closely' by lawyers and law enforcement, and when both parents were convicted, 'that gave a road map to other prosecutors out there that this is something that could succeed.'

Chutkow admitted he was surprised that the jury convicted Colin Gray of second-degree murder, as it was a difficult offense to prove in such cases, given that it ordinarily requires proving the accused was aware a murder was going to occur. (Georgia officials say second-degree murder in their state specifically relates to harming children.)

Texas mother Ashley Pardo has been charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism by buying ammunition and tactical gear for her 13-year-old son

Robert Crimo Jr, the father of the 21-year-old Illinois gunman who killed seven people during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, pled guilty in 2023 to misdemeanor reckless conduct for signing his son's firearm application

Colin Gray is seen handcuffed and being escorted out after jury deliberations on March 3

The case against parents like the Crumbleys and Gray may seem obvious, but critics have cited fears of a 'slippery slope' in making parents responsible for their actions and prosecutors charging mothers and fathers whose criminal negligence is far less clear.

Some skeptics about charging parents also complain that, in these cases, prosecutors often have few options in what precise charges to bring. This could lead, they say, to parents facing offenses  such as manslaughter and second-degree murder - that are out of all proportion to what they did.

Another criticism is that blaming the parents lets other parties  such as the gun lobby and state governments  who might also play a part in facilitating school shootings off the hook.

Ekow Yankah, a law and philosophy professor at the University of Michigan, told the Daily Mail that 'headline-grabbing prosecutions of terrible parents' help 'soothe' public anger and allow Second Amendment advocates to fend off the tighter gun controls that - he insists - are the only real solution to school shootings.

Although he was 'sympathetic' to those who wanted to prosecute the extreme cases of parental misconduct, he was wary about the ethics of prosecuting parents for their children's crimes.

'Even the most loving parent at some point gets to say [to their child], 'I have done what I can and you are now your own person, your actions are your own responsibility,' he said.

He also worries that it will lead to parents being prosecuted for far less egregious behavior, saying: 'Every time prosecutors are given a new legal tool, they will be empowered to stretch the boundaries of that tool.'

Others put their trust in juries to distinguish between responsible and irresponsible gun-owning parents.

Chutkow said jurors often put themselves in the accused's shoes when deliberating and ask themselves how they'd have acted in the same situation. He's confident they'll be able to tell a parent who was sincerely attempting to do their best from one, like Colin Gray, who didn't much care if they were adding fuel to the fire.
Karate-kicking her way across the screen in a smart gray suit, Vanessa Motta's advert depicted her as a personal injury lawyer who meant business.

But it was the very business the stuntwoman-turned-attorney, 44, attracted that has forced her to swap her stunning $1.4 million New Orleans mansion for a federal prison.

Motta, who is a mother to two young daughters, could remain incarcerated until she is 64 after she was convicted in a federal court last Friday of helping to orchestrate a 'cash-for-crash' scheme.

One legal expert says one of the only possible ways for Motta to potentially shorten the predicted 20 year sentence would be to turn on her fiance Sean Alfortish, the father of her toddler daughter.

Alfortish, a wealthy stable owner and lawyer, is charged with being a participant in the same scam and of orchestrating the murder of a federal informant who sought to blow the lid on it. He has pled not guilty to all the charges.

The couple's breathtaking downfall has scandalized the upper echelons of New Orleans society, which counted the pair among its ranks until recently.

Motta's scheme was shocking in its brazenness.

The lawyer paid for TV advertisements that blared 'Car wreck? Injured? 18 wheeler?'

Motta is seen here alongside Alfortish and their daughter in an undated picture shared to social media

The town own a 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom mansion in the Lake Vista neighborhood in the city where the phony collisions were carried out

It appealed for victims to get in touch on the number '500-PAIN' and concluded with a close-up shot of Motta poised for combat, with the catchphrase 'Send 'er in!'

The attention-grabbing commercial was interspersed with clips of Motta's work as a Hollywood stuntwoman on movies including Jurassic World and Furious 7.

It is unclear whether Motta's years spent working in the Hollywood land of make believe inspired the $10 million scam that has shattered her life.

The yearslong scheme began shortly after Motta set up her New Orleans firm in 2017, two years after she graduated from law school in Miami, where she was raised.

Cash began to roll in, with Motta using the fruits of her labor to treat herself to a gorgeous five-bed, seven bathroom mansion.

She soon found herself under surveillance as part of the FBI's Operation Sideswipe, which has secured 50 cash-for-crash convictions since 2019, Nola.com first reported.

Motta and another lawyer, Jason Giles, were the first lawyers to go on trial over the conspiracy both were involved in, with Giles also convicted last week.

Their scam involved two teams known as spotters and slammers.

Motta is seen here thrown a round house kick in a promotional video shared to her firms YouTube page

Motto ran a series of billboards around the city in the hopes of luring in clients, while also staging crashes

Motta is seen here alongside her partner Alfortish, who has denied any wrongdoing in relation to both the scams and the death of a witness

It might be some time before Motta sets foot back inside the family home as she could now face 20 years behind bars

Spotters would cruise around the streets of New Orleans eyeing up 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles.

After finding the vehicles, they would then alert slammers who would purposefully drive their cars into the big rigs.

The slammers would flee the scene after the collision, while others inside the vehicle would pretend to be its driver and lie about what had happened.

Fake witnesses were even provided to back up the fake driver's lies about the trucker being to blame, according to a federal indictment seen by the Daily Mail.

The crooks would go on to make personal injury claims against the truckers, with Motta and her cronies netting a hefty chunk of the subsequent payouts.

Motta's lawyer Sean Toomey told the trial that she had no idea that she was caught up in such a scheme. The jury didn't buy her excuse and found her guilty.

Motta says she plans to appeal her conviction. She stands to be permanently disbarred from practicing law should that appeal fail.

Motta is seen here posing in front of a car wreck in a promotional image for her business that she posted to the firm's Instagram

Motta and Alfortish are seen here with their daughter in a pictured shared to social media

US District Chief Judge Wendy Vitter took a dim view of Motta's antics, trashing the disgraced lawyer's claims she had no idea of what was being done in her name.

'I have no reason whatsoever to believe she is naive or under the influence of anyone else.' Vitter said in court after the conviction came back last Friday.

'In fact, I believe Ms. Motta knew exactly what she was doing at all times.'

Former federal prosecutor Michael Magner, who is not involved in the case, told Nola.com that Vitter's scathing words hint at Motta being in line for the maximum punishment when she is sentenced in July.

Motta is being held in custody until then, far from the luxurious trappings of her old life.

Magner opined that [said] there are two ways in which Motta's sentence could potentially be reduced.

He said Vitter may take pity on Motta as the mother to a toddler, with her youngest daughter born in 2024.

Motta may also be able to reduce her sentence if she is willing to provide potential evidence against the father of that toddler - her fiance Sean Alfortish.

Motta is seen here in her federal mugshot after being found guilty. Garrison is pictured on the right

In 2011 Alfortish, seen here with Motta, was disbarred and went to prison in connection with a rigged election

Magner says that may not work either, explaining: 'The government may conclude that they do not need her cooperation to obtain convictions in the next trial.'

Alfortish will stand trial in August on charges linked to the cash for crash scam and of conspiring to murder Cornelius Garrison III. He denies all allegations made against him.

Garrison, a runner in the cash-for-crash scheme, was murdered in 2020 days after being indicted over the fraud scheme.

He was serving as an informant and was considered a key prosecution witness.

Garrison introduced Alfortish to the crash-for-cash scheme, according to federal prosecutors.

Another defendant Ryan Harris already pleaded guilty in the plot, claiming it was Alfortish who arranged the killing and paid a man named Leon 'Chunky' Parker to carry it out.

Harris agreed to a 35-year sentence in the plot in exchange for his cooperation, directly implicating Alfortish and alleged triggerman Parker.

Alfortish pleaded not guilty in court last year to all the charges against him. The Daily Mail has approached his attorney for further comment.

Under federal law killing a federal witness is punishable by death or life behind bars.

In court earlier this month Harris testified that it was Motta who worked with him in filing the bogus claims. Motta was never charged in connection with the death of Garrison.

And while her greed may have bought her the trappings of wealth and success, it now means her toddler daughter faces growing up without her mother - and possibly her father too.
Roughly 800 teenagers trashed a $4.8million Texas mansion during a wild party that erupted into chaos when someone opened fire.

Officers arrived at a massive Airbnb in Celina on March 21 after receiving several emergency calls of shots fired and armed men threatening to kill someone, said Celina Police Chief John Cullison to Fox 4.

'We started getting the 911 calls with the shots fired. We also got a call that there were 10 men at the front gate, and they had guns, and they were threatening to kill someone,' the chief said.

'So, this of course amped our officers up just a bit to make sure we go inside and keep everybody safe. But it wasn't until they went inside and they actually realized how vast this party was,' he added.

The party had been advertised online, and teens as young as 15 and adults as old as 25 filled the property, ranging from roughly 500 to 800 people, said Cullison.

Bodycam footage shows teens fleeing as police arrived, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Other videos taken from within the mansion showed fights, partiers on countertops, and overall chaos.

'Somebody booked it, saying they needed the property for a party of seven people,' Kishore Karlapudi, owner of the property, told Fox.

A massive Airbnb in Celina, Texas was used for a wild party on March 21, that police officers needed to respond to after shots were fired

Videos showed party goers from ages 15 to 25 flooding the house (Unidentified partiers fight outside)

Celina Police Chief John Cullison warned parents to talk to their children about the dangers and consequences of attending parties like the one held at the estimated $4.8million Airbnb

The homeowner added that his kitchen island's granite countertop was broken, likely from people dancing on it, and that he had also broken fixtures in the home.

Karlapudi shared photos showing how the partiers took down items like mirrors and paintings but left broken glass, garbage, and other debris on the property.

'We were totally shocked, and they damaged the property, you know. They took all the furniture out of the living space, and they put it in the garage,' he said.

Online estimates value the mansion, built in 1996 and sitting on 18.3 acres, at $4.84million.

Police officers also arrested a minor for a suspected DUI, and another individual who had an active warrant was also placed under arrest.

There have been 587 shootings at short-term rentals nationwide since 2019, according to the Texas Neighborhood Coalition, as cited by the outlet.

Footage shared online has drawn comparisons to the 2012 film Project X - a movie about a group of high schoolers throwing a small get-together that quickly turns into an out-of-control bash.

Chief Cullison noted they are still investigating after issuing a chilling warning to parents.

Kishore Karlapudi, owner of the property, shared photos of the debris and damage left after he was believed the renters would only be having seven guests

A granite countertop was severely damaged after the party which the owner believes kids were using to dance on top of

Officials noted they are still investigating the incident and luckily did not report any injuries

'As both your Chief of Police and a parent, I strongly encourage parents in our community to use this incident as a catalyst for having open and direct conversations with their sons and daughters about personal responsibility, wise decision making, and the dangers that can quickly intensify in such environments.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Celina Police Department and Airbnb for comment.
A California model is headed to trial over accusations of seducing wealthy older men on dating apps, posing as their girlfriend and robbing them to fund her lavish lifestyle.

Adva Lavie, 27, of Los Angeles, allegedly targeted rich men on the internet, posing as a 'girlfriend or companion,' before arriving in a Porsche and burglarizing their homes of cash, credit cards and high-end designer items.

At least five victims are tied to the alleged scheme, with more than 10 others coming forward in recent months. Authorities say it could stretch beyond state lines and even into international waters.

On Monday, Lavie was held to answer on a total of six felony counts after a judge ruled there was enough evidence to justify a full criminal trial.

The charges include two counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying information, two counts of grand theft, one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present and one count of first-degree residential burglary.

Just months earlier, in December, the former adult performer pled not guilty to all charges.

'This ruling means the evidence in this case will now be presented before a jury,' Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in Wednesday's news release.

'At her trial, we will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this defendant exploited trust built through online relationships to gain access to victims homes and steal from them,' he added.

California model and adult performer Adva Lavie (pictured), 27, will officially face trial after a judge ruled there was enough evidence

Lavie is accused of luring rich men on dating apps across LA County and posing as a 'girlfriend' before burglarizing their homes of cash, credit cards and high-end designer items

Lavie (pictured) was held to answer on a total of six felony counts on Monday, including burglary and extortion

'Her ability to deceptively influence others, whether in person or online, has now come to an end.'

Lavie is scheduled to be arraigned April 6 at the Van Nuys Courthouse and has since been released on an ankle monitor, with orders to stay away from the named victims.

If convicted on all counts, she faces up to 11 years and eight months in state prison.

'Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who uses deception and manipulation to prey on others,' Hochman added.

Lavie - who has appeared in 'Playboy' and 'Penthouse Pet' and claims to be the first top Israeli OnlyFans model - is accused of running her scheme from 2023 to 2025.

The case stems from alleged incidents involving at least five victims across Los Angeles County. Authorities say the number of victims has only continued to grow since her arrest.

Prosecutors allege she built online relationships with older men and younger women to target victims across Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, gaining access to their homes and, in some cases, their financial accounts.

She allegedly arrived to meet with them in upscale cars - alternating between a black Porsche Macan SUV and a white Mercedes coupe - presenting herself as a successful international model, according to detectives.

Lavie (pictured)has appeared in 'Playboy' and 'Penthouse Pet' magazines and claims to be the first top Israeli OnlyFans model

In a press release, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman (pictured) said: 'Her ability to deceptively influence others, whether in person or online, has now come to an end'

Lavie allegedly arrived to meet with her victims in upscale cars - alternating between a black Porsche Macan SUV and a white Mercedes coupe

But authorities say the allegations could extend beyond Southern California, with reports surfacing in Nevada, Florida, and overseas in France and Italy.

In October, Lavie told The Daily Mail she believed shed fallen victim to a shadowy conspiracy: 'I think when you probably hang out with someone really powerful and someone really connected, if you p*** them off, it's problematic because they can really f*** you over.'

Meanwhile, several accusers have said Lavies carefully curated public image - posing with luxury cars, designer clothing and jet skis on international trips - played a key role in gaining their trust.

Lingerie model Amber Karis Bassick said she thought she was accepting an innocent invitation when Lavie offered her a trip to Ibiza for a so-called content-creation getaway.

'I thought that was really nice of her and sweet, and it'd be a lot of fun,' she said.

Bassick, believing Lavie to be financially stable and well-connected, was stunned when she arrived in Spain to find the hotel room unpaid, leaving her to foot the bill, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The model said she was later pressured to cover additional expenses after Lavie claimed her credit card wasnt working.

What followed, she said, was a disturbing pattern: Lavie allegedly stayed out all night for several days in a row, persuading men to pay for food, transportation and other costs - and, when they werent looking, would snap photos of their credit cards.

Authorities said reports of allegations against Lavie have surfaced in Nevada, Florida, and overseas in France and Italy

Lingerie model Amber Karis Bassick (pictured) said Lavie invited her on a trip, but when she arrived, she found the hotel room unpaid, leaving her to foot the bill

Accusers said Lavie's carefully curated public image - posing with luxury cars, designer clothing and trips - played a key role in gaining their trust

Bassick said she became more and more uncomfortable as Lavie appeared fixated on milking cash and personal information from the men they met.

'I thought this trip was a girl's trip to make content, but for [Lavie,] the whole trip was just to use me to attract her next victims,' Bassick said. 'All she wanted to do was hunt for rich older men.'

She said she ultimately decided to leave the hotel, worried for her safety and disturbed by Lavies behavior.

'She doesn't eat anything. She runs on zero sleep. I don't know how she exists. It's scary to me,' Bassick told the outlet.

Other claims surfaced publicly after Lavie appeared on the Access Vegas podcast in November, where she spoke confidently on cryptocurrency, geopolitics and US politics.

At one point, she said: 'Having a strong masculine leader to the United States is so important, because a lot of countries are watching the US.'

'We are the most important country in the world and everybody knows that,' she added. 'I'm so lucky to be living in this country.'

But podcast host Michael Sartain later revealed that twice, Lavie left her microphone and disappeared from the studio for extended periods during filming.

While filming a podcast in November, several guests said that they found their credit cards and cash missing after Lavie disappeared from the studio

Bassick (pictured) said Lavie only appeared fixated on milking cash and personal information from the men they met during the trip

Law enforcement officials said that Lavie has used multiple aliases, including Mia Ventura, Shoshana and Shana

Sartain also said she had been a regular presence at charity events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas clubs, and was allegedly known to intimidate her victims to prevent them from talking to police, according to KTLA News.

After the episode, several guests discovered that credit cards and cash were missing from their belongings. Guest Eden Lynn told The Times that two of her credit cards and $400 in cash were gone.

Weeks later, Lynn said she noticed unauthorized charges on her American Express card from a Beverly Hills hair salon. When she contacted the salon, she was told the appointment had been made under the name 'Mia Ventura.'

The salon later provided screenshots from a FaceTime consultation that Lynn said showed Lavie. Lynn canceled her credit cards but did not report the incident to police.

Another podcast guest, social media influencer Alena Weigi, said she also discovered one of her credit cards missing after the show.

Law enforcement officials say Lavie has used multiple aliases - including Mia Ventura, Shoshana and Shana - and has presented different personal histories depending on the situation.

Investigators also allege she targeted high-end items, focusing on designer goods and cash rather than low-value property, and that the pattern was repeated across her multiple victims.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office charged Lavie on November 4, though she surrendered two days later.

The podcast host said that Lavie (pictured) was allegedly known to intimidate her victims to prevent them from talking to police

If convicted on all counts, Lavie faces up to 11 years and eight months in state prison

Lavie served two years in the IDF before working as a flight attendant for an Israeli airline, a job she lost during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2022, a former Israel Defense Forces soldier known as Mia Ventura was announced as a new member of the subscription-based platform HoneyDrip.com.

She had served two years in the IDF before working as a flight attendant for an Israeli airline, a job she lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was then that she built a substantial social media following through her international travels, though has since deleted or restricted many accounts after the charges were filed.
The homeowner's association (HOA) of a wildfire-ravaged community gave residents a $23,000 bill due within a month and threatened lawsuits if they don't pay up.

Residents of the La Vina community in Altadena were notified by the HOA on July 29, 2025, of the gargantuan fee, giving them 34 days to pay by September 1, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Homeowners were forced to pay the bill to help repair damage caused by the Eaton fire last year.

The January fires, which tore through ritzy LA neighborhoods, left at least 31 dead and decimated 57,000 acres of land. Altadena was among the community's worst hit.

La Vina itself lost 52 of its 272 homes but has already begun rebuilding 70 percent of those destroyed, along with repairing communal spaces, according to the outlet.

Residents who did not chip in by paying the $23,614 bill were subject to late fees, a lien on their home, regardless of whether it was damaged, and 12 percent annual interest.

A community member whose home was burned down was sued by the HOA in March to enforce a lien and pursue foreclosure on the vacant lot to pay outstanding debts owed to the association.

The hefty bill split the community in half, with many outraged by the HOA's lack of understanding after such a devastating event.

Residents of the La Vina community in Altadena were notified by their HOA to pay a $23,614 fee by September 1 after being notified on July 29 of 2025. The community saw 52 of its 272 homes burn down during the Eaton Wildfire in January of last year (In area in Altadena that was hit by the fire)

The Eaton Wildfire ravaged neighborhoods in Southern California at the start of 2025. The wildfires killed 19 in Altadena and destroyed thousands of homes. Pictured above is a home burning in Altadena on January 8, 2025

'Who treats their friends and neighbors so heartlessly after the greatest catastrophe of their lives?' asked Ryan Harmon to the Times, a resident whose home was damaged by smoke and is living in a rental.

'Not every resident has $24,000 lying around months after their house burned.'

Harmon opposed the fee and said that because he spoke out, he's been labeled as a troublemaker.

'I've created enemies,' he said. 'It's sad to see a once-thriving community turned so nasty. The fire brought everyone together until that HOA letter went out.'

Harmon protested the bill and was hit with late fees for months, and the HOA threatened to place a lien on his home.

At his lawyer's advice, he paid the fee using a $29,000 insurance payout.

That money was originally granted to him to help pay for cleaning his family's smoke-damaged clothes.

Harmon said that others in the community had insurance plans to cover the unexpected fee.

Join the discussion Should HOAs put financial pressure on wildfire victims for community repairs, or is that crossing a line?

A man reacts as he arrives at his burned home during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county

The residents were billed to pay for $6.4million in damages, which included $2.2million to replace irrigation, $1.8million to replace fencing, and $1.5million to replant shrubs and trees, in addition to some smaller clean-up and services, according to a PowerPoint presented by the HOA at a meeting, cited by the Times.

Despite the HOA having disaster coverage, it was not enough to cover the millions in repairs.

Rande and Jess Sotomayor, who have lived in La Vina for decades, told the Times that the bill was needed and complied with the Davis-Stirling Act, the state law that governs HOAs.

'We're lucky the fee was minimal,' Rande said. 'We've seen special assessments in the hundreds of thousands in other HOAs.'

Jess told the outlet the tight deadline was due to the HOA needing the funds to move forward with repair contracts.

'It's a no-win situation for the board. If they did it one way, they'd be faulted for not doing it another way,' Jess said.

'If people aren't paying, it's not fair to the people who paid up front.'

When asked by the outlet about the foreclosure lawsuits, Jess said it was an unfortunate circumstance of not paying the bill.

The Daily Mail has reached out to La Vina for comment.
A wealthy businessman in Missouri has shrugged off local outrage after selling a farm, spanning over 600 acres, to be turned into a data center.

LB Eckelkamp Jr, CEO and board chairman of the Bank of Washington, was surprised to see backlash after selling the 644 acre farm near Interstate 44 at Gray Summit that has been in his family for around 20 years.

'I knew there would be public attention because we saw it happening in other places. I had no idea there would be this much public attention when we originally entered the contract,' the 82-year-old of Washington told the St Louis Post-Dispatch.

But he believes the data center will be a 'huge benefit' to Franklin County.

'I can't think of a better use for the property because of the minimal problems that it causes and the huge benefit that it gives to the area,' he continued.

Eckelkamp said his family bought the farm for 'investment purposes' like development, and they were waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of that.

The businessman said that they had been approached by many developers, but ultimately chose to sign with Provident Data Centers - a move that enraged locals.

'The property is apparently ideally situated for a data center,' Eckelkamp told the outlet, noting access to utility lines and the size of the lot allowing for a 'very large data center' that can keep open land around it.

A wealthy businessman is selling his farm in Missouri to a data center developer, as locals are outraged

LB Eckelkamp Jr, CEO and board chairman of the Bank of Washington, was surprised to see backlash after selling his farm to a Texas-based data center developer

The center, despite the outrage, is estimated to generate over $50 million per year in new tax revenue for local governments

But data centers have been largely opposed by many locals across the country, including in Franklin County.

Around 850 people packed into the gym at Union High School to watch the Franklin County planning commission discuss the plans for developing the data center.

The meeting lasted almost eleven hours long, with 174 speakers addressing the board. Most speakers opposed the data centers proposed for both Pacific and Gray Summit, the Dispatch reported.

Much of the debate consisted of proposals for size and noise limits, as well as concerns over the impacts the center may have on surrounding nature or water and electricity users.

On Facebook, one local said: 'NO DATA CENTERS!! I wanted to attend and will go to the next meeting. Data centers can go in urban areas.. knock down a old abandoned factory, ware house or shopping mall and put it in those places... we have enough unneeded development out here. Cant wait for more gas stations & liquor stores.'

Another commented: 'Data centers pose significant environmental and community challenges, including immense electricity consumption, high water usage for cooling (often millions of gallons daily), and noise/light pollution. They strain local power grids, leading to higher energy bills for residents, and often require fossil fuel backup generators, causing air pollution.'

Yet, the wealthy businessman said that the necessary concerns have been addressed.

'We carefully consider all of the objections that have been made,' he told the outlet. 'In fact, we have, in my opinion, completely resolved any valid objections.'

Around 850 people packed into the gym at Union High School to watch the Franklin County planning commission discuss the plans for developing the data center

Eckelkamp said that the center would be using 'very little water' and the developer has proposed a closed-loop cooling system.

The Texas-based developer also promised that noise levels would remain around the same current level. The banking tycoon told the outlet that the developer 'can guarantee that there will be no more noise emanating than there is today.'

The developer also promised to pay for additional electrical work that may be necessary for the center, Eckelkamp told the Dispatch.

According to Eckelkamp , the site is around 1,000 feet from any residential area and even further from the Shaw Nature Reserve.

'The site on our property will be totally invisible from the Shaw Nature Reserve or anywhere along Robertsville Road, which divides our property from the Shaw Nature Reserve,' he said.

The center, despite the outrage, is estimated to generate over $50 million per year in new tax revenue for local governments, officials said.

'There's going to be a huge benefit for all of the residents of Franklin County because of the tax that's generated,' Eckelkamp said.

'Any minor inconvenience for a very few people, if any - if any - is more than overridden ten times over by the benefits.'

Much of the debate consisted of proposals for size and noise limits, as well as concerns over the impacts the center may have on surrounding nature or water and electricity users

The banking tycoon also shot down fears over the health risks of a data center, such as 'hurting the brain and all kinds of stuff,' which he described as 'totally inaccurate.'

The mass amounts of criticism has also fallen on his lap, but he said he remains proud of the choices he has made.

The rise in data centers cropping up around the country amid the ever-increasing tech and AI industry has led to numerous infuriated locals.

Companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are rapidly scaling AI infrastructure, and Northern Virginia has emerged as the data center capital of the world.

Its flat land, power infrastructure and dense fiber optic cable network from the dot com boom has lent it an upper hand as AI continues to grow.

Just outside of Washington DC, one home building company sold Amazon a parcel of land for data centers for a whopping $700 million.

The developer had paid just $50 million for the land a few years earlier and had planned to build around 516 homes there. But now, the development of data centers over homes has caused a 75,000 shortage, according to the Virginia Association of Realtors.

New data centers are also causing energy usage and costs to surge across the country.

Data center developers are outbidding home builders for land by orders of magnitude. Another data center construction site in northern Virginia is pictured

Amazon paid $700million for land in Bristow, Virginia, that the previous owner, Stanley Martin, paid $50million for just a few years earlier. Another Amazon data center in nearby Ashburn, Virginia, is pictured

According to data from the federal Energy Information Administration, residential electricity prices in September rose 20 percent in Illinois, 12 percent in Ohio and nine percent in Virginia compared to the same period the previous year.

In 2023, Virginia state lawmakers facing the start of the AI infrastructure boom commissioned an impact study which found that demand from data centers 'would drive up Virginias energy usage 183 percent by 2040.'

That was in contrast to a projected 15 percent growth of energy use without any new data centers.

The study also determined that the costs of that energy spike would likely be passed onto residential consumers, driving up their electricity bills by as much as 25 percent in regional markets.

But those projected consequences have done nothing to slow down the AI infrastructure boom.

OpenAI recently announced that it, in partnership with Nvidia and other companies, would build out several new data centers across the country that are projected to consume 17 gigawatts of electricity.

For some perspective, that is enough electricity to power all of Switzerland and Portugal combined, Cornell University professor Fengqi You told The Blubber.

The data center construction frenzy has driven up the price of land sales across the country.

Data centers have caused energy usage and energy costs to skyrocket for nearby residential consumers. A Microsoft data center under construction in Aldie, Virginia, is pictured

Many homeowners with property near the sites of these new data centers are deeply unhappy.

The industrial atmosphere created by the enormous warehouses, as well as the constant hum of server farms and risks of increased electric bills, are causing pushback.

Elena Schlossberg, an anti-data center activist, told the Wall Street Journal: 'Nothing can live next to data-center development like this except more data-center development.'

Last year, Loudoun County made it so all new data center developments must be approved by the County Board.

And a proposed bill in the state legislature would make it so data centers could only be built in areas zoned for industrial purposes.

In late January, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill to protect residential consumers from electricity bill hikes caused by data centers.

The bill requires data centers and utility companies to agree to contract terms that protect regular consumers, but critics say the protections are not strong enough because the Public Service Commission would still be allowed to raise electricity rates in response to rising demand created by data centers.

But data center developers are fighting back against growing opposition. They have made major political contributions, including the largest share of those received by members of Prince William Countys board of supervisors.

An Amazon spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that the company's data centers, 'create high-quality jobs and generate significant local property tax revenue that helps fund schools, public safety and infrastructure.'
A woman was plucked from obscurity to become an executive at a top private jet firm in glitzy Aspen, Colorado, only to poach her boss's elite client list and launch a rival aviation company, a lawsuit alleged.

Gabrielle Sandino, 45, was dramatically fired from her position with Aspen Air in February after its president Richard Collins, 63, claimed he uncovered what he described as a calculated betrayal.

Sandino started a rival private jet firm called VisionAir, which Collins claimed was unfairly established using his painstakingly-built contacts, data and goodwill, according to the lawsuit.

The dramatic legal dogfight was first exposed by BusinessDen, with the Daily Mail subsequently reviewing the papers and chatting to Collins about his allegations.

After discovering the alleged deceit, Collins let Sandino go and issued a cease and desist, the lawsuit said. Sandino then allegedly deleted the company's vital Mailchimp marketing account in an act of retaliation, his lawsuit claimed.

Speaking with the Daily Mail, Collins said that the closure of the account wiped out roughly 5,000 emails and locked every other employee out of Aspen Air's LinkedIn page.

'It's a case of greed,' said Collins, who lives in a $1.2million home in the city, after he described how he hired Sandino, who resides in a $1.5million home in Basalt, from her retail job and 'taught her everything' he knew from his 30 years in the industry.

Collins said he first discovered what Sandino had done after a friend showed him VisionAir's website.

Gabrielle Sandino, pictured, was dramatically fired from her position with Aspen Air in February by its president, Richard Collins

According to his lawsuit, Collins, uncovered a shadow business of hers, named VisionAir, that he claimed she built on his goodwill and contacts

According to the suit, he formed the business in 2017, and then hired Sandino as a contractor in August of 2022 to help 'further develop' his business.

The legal filings claimed that Collins would hand Sandino access to his client and vendor lists so she could make sales on his behalf, as well as build relationships.

That October, the two entered into an agreement, which stipulated that any clients or information obtained by Sandino would be Collins's property if she was terminated, the lawsuit said.

The agreement allegedly included a confidentiality clause which prohibited the duplication of any of the company's information.

A non-compete was also agreed upon between the two, the suit said, allegedly prohibiting Sandino from competing directly with Collins's company for sixty days after the terms of her employment ended.

The suit claimed that in October of 2022, Sandino opened a Mailchimp account on behalf of Aspen Air to aid in the marketing of the business.

Collins's suit said that he paid for the service throughout this time, saying it was 'instrumental in growing' his business.

The following summer, Sandino ran a marketing campaign for the company, but listed her own personal number as the point of contact, the suit claimed.

After being called out for it, all other marketing materials were changed to include only Collins's email, cell number and web address, the suit added.

For the next three years, the two worked together in harmony - until Collins found out in November of last year that Sandino had founded her own firm.

In founding VisionAir while still under contract with his business, Collins claimed in his suit that Sandino directly violated their non-compete.

Prior to her job in aviation, Collins told the Daily Mail that Sandino, seen here, worked in retail

An aerial view Aspen, Colorado

Collins formed the business in 2017 before employing Sandino as a contractor in August of 2022 to help 'further develop' his business

He confronted her about it and, a week later on February 24, terminated her position from his company.

Although the suit claims that she was fired from her post, Collins told the Daily Mail that Sandino stood down from her position as he mulled over his next steps.

That same day, he issued her with a cease and desist letter claiming she was directly violating their agreement.

According to the suit, Sandino acknowledged the cease and desist but told Collins she would not be complying with it.

Not long after telling him she would not comply, Sandino is accused in the suit of logging into the Mailchimp account and shutting down the businesses profile.

In doing so, she deleted all client information. Fifty minutes later, she issued an email to 'some or all' of Collins's clients using her own business information, the suit said.

According to the filing, the email instructed customers to 'update their records and submit all requests' to Sandino's new email address, saying she had a new contact under the VisionAir name.

Collins said in his lawsuit that he later found out she had accessed his customer data platform, something she was 'generally not required to access.'

The suit said that while doing this, she 'improperly copied Plaintiff's customer information.'

Sandino (right) is accused in the suit of directly violating the agreement she made with Collins

Sandino has said she has never competed with her old employer and did nothing wrong

Last week a judge overseeing the case ruled in favored of Collins, temporarily closing down Sandino's company

Despite the cease and desist, Collins alleged in his suit that Sandino sent another email blast to his clients to market her new business and its services.

It is also claimed that she took out a four-month printed ad campaign on Collins's behalf, which had his name on it but also a cell number and QR code that directed contacts to herself.

'Sandino is actively using Plaintiff's goodwill and reputation to solicit the Aspen Air clients and customers she obtained from the CRM System and redirecting them to book competing services through VisionAir,' the suit alleged.

'The tortious conduct of VisionAir and Sandino has caused and will continue to cause Plaintiff injury.

'Including without limitation, lost business, attorney's fees and other expenses incurred in enforcing the Agreement.'

Judge Susan Ryan decided last week to temporarily shut down Sandino's company, ruling that she did in fact try to snag her former boss's clients while still working for him.

'(Gabrielle) Sandino is not permitted to contact Aspen Air's clients in this manner, and she should not profit from her improper actions,' the judge said, according to BusinessDen.

Sandino meanwhile has said she has never competed with her old employer and did nothing wrong, the outlet stated.

Instead, she defended VisionAir as a company that was launched to grow Aspen Air's serviced beyond the Colorado town, Sandino added.

A number of jets are seen parked at Aspen Airport in the Colorado city

'Those services were intended to establish (my) broader professional profile within private aviation and do not compete with Aspen Air's charter brokerage,' the disgraced executive said.

Ryan issued an injunction against Sandino three hours after Collins filed the lawsuit banning her and VisionAir from competing with Aspen Air and using the company's client list for 14 days.

The judge also held a hearing to decide whether to extend the injunction, as Sandino told Ryan in another affidavit that Aspen Air has been attempting to 'limit my ability to provide for my household.'

'I was fired and should be able to pursue work within another company that can support the backings of my air charters,' she told the judge.

Still, Ryan chose to side with Aspen Air, stating that she was not convinced by Sandino's reasoning for her new company.

Ryan has also ordered Sandino return any confidential documents that she has from her time at Aspen Air and has prohibited her from competing with her former employer for 60 days after her firing.

'The court appreciates that Sandino needs to earn a living but enjoining her in this case is a more conservative course of action and will protect both parties,' the judge concluded.

The Daily Mail contacted Sandino, who is representing herself, and an attorney for further comment.
The US and Israel's strategy of assassinating religious, political and military leaders in Iran sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to members of their own administrations being targeted, Peter Hitchens has argued.

Speaking on the latest Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast, the longstanding Mail on Sunday columnist said that the policy of taking out foreign rulers could easily be turned on Western nations.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in an Israeli missile strike on his home on February 28, 2026.

The Supreme Leader's daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the bombardment on his home in Tehran, with a number of other Iranian officials killed over the following month.

While many Iranians celebrated in the streets following the Ayatollah's death, a number of analysts have questioned the tactical shrewdness of forcibly removing an elderly leader who was already facing widespread protests in Iran and turning him into a martyr figure.

Hitchens said that the policy of assassinating leaders could lead to a nightmare scenario in which a superpower like China seeks to take out a US President.

'Just imagine, if you would, ten years hence, the Western nations are at war with China over Taiwan, not a totally impossible scenario,' he said on the podcast.

'And one morning, shortly after this war begins, the President of the United States is sitting in the Oval Office in the White House, and he and his entire entourage are killed by a Chinese hypersonic missile.'

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's former Supreme Leader, was assassinated in an Israeli missile strike on February 28, 2026 at the age of 86

Israel have not been coy about their policy of assassination, with the Prime Minister's office even releasing an image of Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the death of senior Iranian figures

However, Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens has argued that the policy of assassinating leaders could lead to a nightmare scenario in which a superpower like China seeks to take out a US President

Hitchens argues that the US and its allies risk squandering the moral upper-hand if continue to stoop to such methods.

'Whatever moral advantage we may have had, we've sacrificed by using these methods and left it open to any of our future enemies when they develop the same capacity to do the same to us,' he said.

In the event of an attack on US political figures by a foreign power, the mhttps://podfollow.com/alasedia would be in outcry, Hitchens said.

'I have no doubt that the media of the Western countries would be full of horrifying pictures of the carnage and the ruins, and everybody would go on the television, and indeed on social media, to say what a despicable acts this was,' he added.

'I'm pretty certain they'd call it cowardice, and almost certainly they call it barbaric. In my view, they'd be right.

'But the Chinese would would turn around and say, "Well, hang on a minute. You do this too. Why do you complain?"'

While Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the grand prize for the US and Israeli forces, a spate of other political, religious and military figures have also been targeted in the last month.

Hours after the death of Khamenei, Irans feared national security chief Ali Larijani, thought by many to have been the de facto leader of the country and the architect of its terror, posted a message on social media, swearing revenge.

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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.

However, he too was soon assassinated in a secretive operation after Israeli authorities received intelligence that he would travel to one of his hideout apartments near Tehran alongside his son, as opposed to his normal residence.

On Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's command, precise strikes were launched and the mission was soon complete, with one Israeli security source confidently telling Channel 12 in the aftermath: 'There is no way he survived this attack.'

Israel have not been coy about their policy of assassination, with the Prime Minister's office even releasing an image of the PM ordering the death of senior Iranian figures.

While a Chinese attack on the US president remains a speculative scenario for the time being, the idea of foreign nations seeking to assassinate foreign political leaders is clearly a prospect many in the Trump administration are already taking seriously.

Speaking after the death of Ali Khamenei, President Trump told ABC News' Jon Karl: 'I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well, I got him first.'

Nor is this fear new in US political circles.

Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani was assassinated on January 3, 2020 by a US drone strike while travelling to meet Iraqi prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, a strike ordered by President Trump.

Soleimani was commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with members of group planning to kill Trump's former National Security Advisor John Bolton in retaliation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Shahram Poursafi, who also goes by the name Mehdi Rezayi, attempted to pay individuals in the United States $300,000 to carry out the murder in Washington, D.C. or Maryland.

To hear Peter Hitchens and Sarah Vine debate Britain's nuclear future in full, search for Alas Vine and Hitchens wherever you get your podcasts.
Anyone with a passing interest in the House of York saga will know that Princess Beatrices dashing husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi is in the property game.

They might also be aware that Edo, as he is known, has sure-footed good taste, evident from his interior design projects, and that everything about them  and him speaks of high-end refinement and a rare attention to detail.

Were Edo himself a property, one might be tempted to call it meticulously maintained.

And yet when he first appeared at Beatrices side, some who follow the royals couldnt help feeling a sneaky bit suspicious. Was this debonair Latin charmer  he is the scion of an aristocratic Italian family  too good to be true?

Some found it strange that he left his glamorous architect fiancee, Dara Huang, with whom he has a son, then aged just two, for Beatrice. Ms Huangs mother, Lily, certainly thought so. She said she was shocked and believed it stunned her daughter as well, so sudden was the split.

Then there was Edos extravagantly overblown engagement-day declaration on Instagram in 2019. You will never be alone my love, my heart is your home, he gushed to Beatrice, along with the wider world. Hand in hand, today, tomorrow and forever.

More than six years on and there are fears the couple, who, to be fair, have always seemed happy despite the naysayers, have hit a rocky patch, something they deny.

There are fears that Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have hit a rocky patch; pictured in 2023

Beatrice and Edo attend the Christmas Morning Service with his son from a previous relationship with architect Dara Huang

Some found it strange that Edo left glamorous architect fiancee Ms Huang, whose own mother described her as being shocked by the split

Shadowed by the Epstein scandal that led to her parents dizzying fall from grace, Beatrice, 37, is understandably at a low ebb. Along with her sister Eugenie, she is under pressure to speak up about her links to the late financier following the arrest of her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

It is against this background that 42-year-old Edo came under fire for gallivanting around Florida in her hour of need earlier last month, though he says he was simply trying to build my business.

More than 4,000 miles from home and looking for all the world like a Miami Vice extra in a pastel pink suit and light blue shirt, with loafers, he promoted his design company, Banda, spoke at a conference, and, judging by the copious snaps he posted on social media, had a jolly time in the sunshine. Photos show him reclining outside the Art Deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and holding a glass of rose on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel.

Sources close to the couple have since reported there has been notable distance between them of late and that while Beatrice is desperate to hold things together, her husbands primary concern seems to be his business.

Today, some in their social circle point out that he would do well to remember that his marriage to Andrews eldest daughter gave Edos career a once-in-a-lifetime boost. When he walked back up the aisle of Windsors Royal Chapel of All Saints in July 2020, he had one of the most eligible women in Europe by his side.

When they first got together, Edo wasnt nearly so successful, said a former associate. Being adjacent to royalty was transformative.

To be fair, their union came against a backdrop of Covid, which hit most property businesses. Yet the Daily Mail has discovered that Banda faced difficulties even before that. In 2018 its two main subsidiaries  Banda Design and Banda Property  were both reporting losses.

Prior to that, the company Edo started aged 23 had enjoyed moderate success, with annual profits in the tens of thousands. Yet his new life as a member of the Royal Family coincided with a period of spectacular growth.

In 2020, Banda was a niche concern specialising in locating and developing upmarket homes for the rich, mainly in and around London.

Today, it grandiosely calls itself a multi-disciplinary property practice, covering property search and acquisition, development, project management, architecture and interior design all over the world and employs some 60 members of staff, more than three times the figure six years ago.

Indeed, the latest records from Companies House show that Banda Design Ltd, its interior design arm, reported a turnover of 2.2million in 2024, and retained profits of 774,353. Yet the year before Edo and Beatrice wed, it was 244,000 in the red.

Friends say that Edo is singularly driven and has made a success of his business through dedication and talent. Yet it is also true that his name, or rather his royal connections, afforded him access to new platforms to promote his work.

Join the discussion Would YOU trust a brand built on status as much as skill?

Latest records from Companies House show that Banda Design Ltd, its interior design arm, reported a turnover of 2.2million in 2024, and retained profits of 774,353

But the year before Edo and Beatrice wed, Banda was 244,000 in the red

When Beatrice fell for him, Edo and his business activities were largely unknown, save for the time when, discussing how he turned a handsome profit by converting a disused nightclub into flats, he boasted to a newspaper that the 200,000 he stumped up for the project was peanuts. Friends said this was typical of his cocky side.

Post-wedding, it seemed his every project was given acres of space in newspapers and magazines. And suddenly, he was given free rein to rhapsodise about his commercial efforts using what at times appeared to be jargon-heavy, Harry and Meghan-style verbiage.

In an interview last year, he described an apartment block he worked on in Dubai as sculptured, serene and fluid and said his goal had been to create an emotionally resonant sanctuary in the sky inspired by the softness of the desert landscape and the movement of air and light across it.

Never in any interview does Edo mention his wife or the royals, much less answer questions about them. But he was surely aware the blanks would be filled in for him, thus ensuring that he wouldnt appear to be the one leveraging his status.

It was the kind of publicity money cant buy, says a source. There were references in the likes of Vogue and Hello! to him joining the Royal Family. It didnt exactly do his business any harm, did it? Would he have got it if he wasnt her [Beatrices] husband? Of course not.

Just three months after his wedding, the Financial Times, no less, calling him the property developer and newlywed husband of Princess Beatrice, wanted to know, among other things, his favourite scent (184-a-bottle Santal 33 by Le Labo, as it happened) and what he always keeps in his fridge (68 London-smoked salmon and a bottle of tequila).

Looking for all the world like a Miami Vice extra in a pastel pink suit and light blue shirt, Edo promoted his design company, spoke at a conference, and, judging by the copious snaps he posted on social media, had a jolly time in the sunshine

In an interview last year, he described an apartment block he worked on in Dubai as sculptured, serene and fluid and said his goal had been to create an emotionally resonant sanctuary in the sky

Soon, he was invited by Tatler to share the design secrets behind his latest property in Chelsea. The society magazine called it one of the most important achievements of his design career, an incomparably luxurious and sensitively drawn together family home.

Edo responded in the same vein: It has such a wonderful energy and buzz  one can only imagine the ultimate playdate for children in the swimming pool followed by everyone piling onto the oversized, bespoke linen sofa in the cinema room to watch a film.

Another project, this time on Australias Gold Coast, was promoted in 2023 as a 130 million uber-luxe ocean club development  which has a royal connection.

The boss of a PR company handling the venture called it a collaboration between world-leading interior design studio Banda  founded by Edo Mapelli Mozzi, husband of Princess Beatrice  and highly credentialed Australian businessman Rory OBrien.

A property magazine noted Edo would bring a touch of royalty to the scheme, Masthead, comprising 28 luxury apartments.

And a TV report on 9News Gold Coast was littered with royalty references, including his marriage to Beatrice. It claimed that Edo, as well as designing the interiors, was also a potential buyer.

Edo himself was filmed saying: I truly believe the team has put together the best residential scheme in all of Australia. This is going to be beachside living at its best.

To his mother-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, whose name has been used to boost any number of commercial ventures over the years, all this would no doubt seem rather tame. Certainly par for the course.

It was late 2018 that Princess Beatrice first unveiled her new boyfriend to her parents, though in truth the two families had known each other for years.

His father is former Olympic Alpine skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, who represented Great Britain at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan.

But the count and Edos mother divorced when Edo and his sister, Natalia, were very young, and his father later moved to France.

Edos mother, Nikki, remarried and he was brought up to become very close to his businessman stepfather, Christopher Shale, former prime minister David Camerons constituency chairman and close personal friend in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Shale died aged just 56 in 2011, and Andrew and Fergie, together with their daughters, were among the congregation at his memorial service.

The link between Shales family and Fergies goes back many years. Before she became Duchess of York, he employed her as a secretary in a public relations company.

With the two families so entwined, Beatrice and Edo kept their relationship quiet until both were confident enough to come out as a couple.

Every year, Edo posts effusive social media tributes to his wife on her birthday and their wedding anniversary. Now an insider claims: Things havent been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

She really wants to almost naively see the good in people and will turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths  that is why she was blind to her fathers behaviour, and the same is true of her belief in Edo. She wants to stay together, but he seems more and more distracted by work and travel. Just when she needs him most, hes been pulling away.

Even so, she was all smiles as she was seen leaving a swanky sushi bar with Edo in Notting Hill, West London, after a friends birthday lunch last week.

The next day, the Daily Mail can reveal that they were spotted a mile away  exiting a taxi and heading for Kensington Palace, presumably to see Princess Eugenie at Ivy Cottage, her London residence.

The sisters have had much to discuss in recent months and have been holding crisis talks, said a source. And that looks likely to be the case for quite a while yet.

Just the kind of thing, some might think, that would present a troubling image if you are in the business of creating serene perfection for the super rich.
Civil servants want to return to working from home so they can save money as the Middle East war drives up the cost of living.

The main trade union for Whitehall officials is demanding ministers scrap the long-standing requirement that staff turn up to the office three days a week.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said the move would help struggling workers as the Iran conflict threatens to increase food prices as well as travel costs.

It also said the return to wfh culture, which first took hold during the Covid pandemic, would save Government departments money as energy bills soar.

Latest official figures show that all but one of the main Whitehall HQ buildings had more than 60 per cent average occupancy in November, although numbers fell in December as staff took time off for Christmas.

The International Energy Agency has already suggested employees work from home to reduce demand for petrol, as well as driving more slowly or using public transport.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: Rising global tensions are pushing up costs for workers who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Whitehall could be empty again if civil servants return to working from home

The Governments office attendance policy is out of step with whats currently happening in the world, and the impact this is having on staff.

If its people come first, it must prepare to adapt its approach in response to events like this and scrap the 60 per cent mandate which would provide immediate relief to our members and help reduce costs.

However Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: Rising costs are real, but theyre not an excuse to lower standards  especially when expectations are already low.

Civil service roles underpin the running of the country and office attendance matters for accountability, productivity, and delivering for taxpayers.

The answer isnt removing expectations, its stronger leadership. That means drilling in the North Sea to increase domestic production and working with our allies to open the Strait of Hormuz.

And John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers will barely be able to contain their laughter at this delusional statement from the PCS union.

The PCS claim that civil servants are poorly paid, despite Britains bureaucrats benefiting from higher salaries than their private sector counterparts on top of better holiday entitlements, more sick leave, and significantly more generous pensions.

Ministers should be ignoring these demands and telling recalcitrant pen-pushers to grow up.

The Cabinet Office said there was no change to its position.
The Government's former race tsar has hit out at the woke ideology that led to mental health workers deciding not to section a killer paranoid schizophrenic - because he was black.

Lord Sewell, who led a landmark race report in 2021, said 'diversity, equity and inclusion' (DEI) drives were warping decision-making by some professionals.

And he also hit out at a culture of 'white guilt' which had made people 'too frightened' to 'state things that are obvious', and stopped organisations adopting his report's recommendations.

He was speaking as an inquiry continues into Valdo Calocane, who fatally stabbed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, as well as Ian Coates, 65, in Nottingham in 2023.

Last month, it emerged mental health workers had decided not to section Calocane following a violent incident in 2020.

It is thought they feared it might be racist, after consulting research that said there was an 'over-representation of young black males in detention'.

Despite this, he was detained on four other occasions before he eventually went on his killing spree.

Lord Sewell referred to the case during an event at the Centre for Social Justice on Tuesday night to mark the fifth anniversary of his report, which examined whether Britain was institutionally racist.

Lord Sewell (pictured), the Government's former race tsar, has hit out at the woke ideology that led to a paranoid schizophrenic being left free to kill because he was black

He was speaking as an inquiry continues into Valdo Calocane (pictured), who fatally stabbed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, as well as Ian Coates, 65, in 2023

Last month, it emerged mental health workers decided not to section Calocane despite a violent incident in 2020, after consulting research that said there was an over-representation of black men in custody. From left to right: victims Ian Coates, 65, Barnaby Webber, 19, and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19

He said: 'There's a couple of things we called out [in the report], on the mental health area.

'As you know, there's that whole issue with the murder of those three people, and we know that we have this disparity of black men being incarcerated.'

Confirming he was talking about the Calocane case, he continued: 'We were saying you have to go upstream to find out why the disparity was there.

'[People] weren't really understanding that when it comes to that mental health issue, what were the reasons for the disparity.

'Get to that  not your DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) or your discussion around the fact that certain ethnic minorities are disproportionately in there.

'They may be disproportionately in there because they just present with that disease.'

He added that part of the disparity could be explained by the fact that there had been a 'historic distrust of the system' among black people  preventing them from seeking help early.

'That disease, as an illness, can be explained by the fact that people are not presenting early enough,' he added.

'They are presenting too late, in crisis, and that's when the disproportion happens.'

Lord Sewell was the chairman of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, a group set up by Boris Johnson to investigate whether Britain was a racist country following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2021.

Lord Sewell was the chairman of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, a group set up by Boris Johnson to investigate whether Britain was a racist country following the Black Lives Matter protests (pictured) in 2021

The landmark review sparked fury from the Left after it found children from many ethnic minorities do as well or better at school than white pupils, who often performed the lowest.

At the time, the Tory peer warned ministers should consider the needs of the white working class, saying his report had uncovered how 'stuck' such groups were.

On Tuesday, Lord Sewell said the report had acted as an 'engine' but was 'not driving enough' change.

He added: 'We never really got out of the door with it, mainly because people were so frightened. 'We talk about this white guilt, this giddiness, about just stating these things that were obvious.'

He said part of the problem was that the results of his report were unexpected, especially following the protests over the police shooting of African American George Floyd in the US.

'With no agenda, no pre-conceived conclusions, we just followed the evidence,' he said.

'And nobody expected, after the George Floyd disruption, that we would then be focussing on white people.'

Asked during the event whether he agreed that Britain was a racist country, Lord Sewell said it had 'significantly improved' in his lifetime.

He said he felt his 30-year-old daughter has had better experiences in this regard than he had when he was young.

'If I compare it to what I went through when I was going to school, [it was] night and day,' he said.

'The stuff that we had  it was horrendous. She is in a different world.'

He pointed to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who is of Nigerian heritage, as being an example of how much the country had changed in recent years.

'Even four or five years ago, to think that the head of the Conservative party would be a black woman from a Nigerian background, people would laugh you out the room,' he said.

'That's where we are in Britain. So in that sense it is better.

'My experience as a black man in Britain, is that it has significantly improved.'

The latest figures from the CSJ show that only one third of white pupils on free school meals achieving the minimum grade to pass GCSE English and Maths.

Meanwhile, this was achieved by over 80 per cent of Chinese pupils, and almost 70 per cent of Indian and Bangladeshi pupils, who were all also on free school meals.

Earlier this week, he said: 'White working-class boys from the poorest homes are still stuck at the bottom of the class. Our warnings were not listened to.'
On October 20, 2008 Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, then the Mayor of Tehran, made a rare trip overseas, visiting the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, Japan.

He was shown a pocket watch that stopped at 8.15 am on August 6, 1945, the moment the city was incinerated by an American nuclear bomb, leading to the deaths of 140,000 people.

After somberly signing the visitor book, Ghalibaf said: 'I will spare no effort in helping to create a world without nuclear weapons. Promoting dialogue...is an essential step.'

US officials later quietly debriefed their Japanese counterparts, who had met with Ghalibaf in private, to get their assessment of the Iranian politician.

Details of what they learned were then relayed in two 'secret' and 'confidential' memos to the State Department in Washington.

According to the intelligence Ghalibaf, in private conversations with Japanese officials, parted ways with the Iranian regime on the nuclear issue, indicating he was open to compromise. The difference was one of tone, and it was 'marginal,' but it was there.

In the presence of another Iranian official he parroted the regime line, although seemingly without conviction, according to those present. Then, when the other Iranian official was gone, he indicated a desire for dialogue.

The two memos, later published by WikiLeaks, confirm that US intelligence has been watching Ghalibaf for many years.

Now, as the speaker of Iran's parliament and a major power player, he has emerged as the person in Iran that President Trump reportedly seems most keen to talk to.

As President Trump searches for a pragmatic new leader of the country, one who would agree to abandon ambitions to build a nuclear bomb, the focus is turning to Ghalibaf.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran on November 21, 2025

The plot thickened on Thursday as it emerged Israel had removed Ghalibaf from its list of assassination targets after the US told it to 'back off.'

Intriguingly, also removed from the Israeli target list, by US request, was Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

In an extraordinary coincidence, according to the intelligence documents, Araghchi was with Ghalibaf on his earlier visit to Japan. Araghchi was Iran's ambassador to that country at the time.

Of course, Ghalibaf's nods to moderation could all be a charade. After all, he is a former Revolutionary Guard commander, and former police chief, with a reputation for extreme brutality.

He is reviled by many Iranians who regard him as a butcher for his role in suppressing student protests in 1999, 2003 and 2009.

In a leaked audio tape, he was once heard bragging: 'Photographs of me are available showing me on the back of a motorbike beating them (protestors) with wooden sticks. I was among those carrying out beatings on the street level and I am proud of that.'

He was also heard boasting that he had secured government permission to have security forces enter a campus and shoot at students.

Protestors reportedly nicknamed him the 'rooftop killer' after students were thrown from the tops of buildings.

However, if he genuinely is prepared to abandon hopes of building nuclear weapons, Trump may be willing to deal with him.

In his conversations with the Japanese officials, according to the first memo, Ghalibaf was said to have suggested that he may support a 'marginally less confrontational approach to the nuclear issue' than the Iranian regime.

'On nuclear issues...Ghalibaf reportedly at first went through his Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) boilerplate points dutifully, but with little apparent conviction,' one memo stated.

It continued: 'Ghalibaf...appeared to suggest (without spelling anything out) slight divergences, at least in tone, from IRI nuclear boilerplate.'

He was said to have told the Japanese that Iran had no intention of relinquishing its 'civil' nuclear program, as the regime had 'paid too high a price to get to this point.'

But he also said that Iran was capable of pursuing its nuclear goals 'without confrontation' and that he believed Iran should make 'further efforts' to earn the trust of the international community.

He was described in the memo as a 'refined, affable, highly polished guest and interlocutor.'

The second intelligence memo reported that Japanese officials had found Ghalibaf to be a 'calm, decent, and pleasant' man, who was 'very smart and well-informed.'

In discussions about Iran's nuclear program, he maintained that Iran had a right to produce nuclear energy and that its efforts were peaceful.

He also argued that the West had a 'double standard,' accommodating nuclear programs in India and North Korea, but not Iran.

However, the Japanese officials reported that Ghalibaf 'did not use any charged or emotional language when making his points.'

Ghalibaf appeared to see Iran's path as 'engaging in dialogue with the world in a better way,' one of the memos said.

President Donald Trump is looking for a pragmatic leader in Iran

On a visit to Hiroshima, Ghalibaf said he wanted to rid the world of nuclear weapons

At the time of the Japan visit Ghalibaf was casting himself as an alternative to Iran's hard line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Fast forward nearly two decades and it is not known whether the intelligence memos are still an accurate representation of his views.

Nor is it known what the exact effect visiting Hiroshima had on his thinking about Iran developing a nuclear weapon.

But some at the White House are said to see him as a possible US-backed leader.

'He's a hot option,' one US official told Politico. 'He's one of the highestBut we got to test them, and we can't rush into it.'

On Monday, President Trump said: 'We are dealing with a man that I believe is the most respected  not the supreme leader. We have not heard from him.'

The President added that he was not naming the man, 'because I dont want them to be killed, OK? I dont want them to be killed.'

Frozen in time: In Hiroshima, Ghalibaf saw a melted wristwatch that stopped at 8.15 am when the nuclear bomb hit

Visitors walking past the Atomic Bomb Dome on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima on August 5, 2025

The following day, he said there were 'negotiations right now' involving Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

'We have a number of people doing it. And the other side, I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal,' Trump said.

However, as speculation swirled that Ghalibaf, 64, was the person negotiating on the Iranian side, he flatly denied it.

'Our people demand the complete and humiliating punishment of the aggressors,' he wrote on social media. 'All officials stand firmly behind their Leader and people until this goal is achieved.

'No negotiations with America have taken place. Fake news is intended to manipulate financial and oil, and to escape the quagmire in which America and Israel are trapped.'

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran

Members of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps hold RPG weapons during an annual rally to mark Quds Day in Tehran on April 5, 2024

Iran's Fars news agency claimed the negotiation reports were a US 'psychological operation' and a 'character assassination of Ghalibaf.'

President Trump is looking for an Iranian version of Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after the US military captured then Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January.

There is no doubt that Ghalibaf's power has increased since February 28, when Israeli and US strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, 86, and a host of other senior regime figures.

Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, who has been declared the new Supreme Leader, has for years backed Ghalibaf in a series of failed presidential campaigns in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024.

US diplomats have long been aware of their link, according to cables published by WikiLeaks.

'Mojtaba reportedly has long maintained a very close relationship with Tehran Mayor and presidential hopeful Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf; Mojtaba was reportedly the "backbone" of Ghalibafs past and continuing election campaigns,' a cable in 2008 said.

'Mojtaba is said to help Ghalibaf as an advisor, financier, and provider of senior-level political support. His support for and closeness to Ghalibaf reportedly remains undiminished.'

However, questions still remain over the extent of Ghalibaf's current control with Mojtaba reportedly injured and various elements within Irans theocracy likely to be competing against each other.

'Many Iranians despise Ghalibaf, diplomats see him as pragmatic,' according to analyst Michael Rubin. 'Those diplomats confuse pragmatism with opportunism.

'Ghalibaf is a survivor. He sees in Trump someone who can help him achieve what late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei denied him: the presidency or some equivalent interim leadership role.'

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during an election campaign rally ahead of the presidential vote in Tehran on June 15, 2024

President Trump's Operation Epic Fury against Iran was launched on February 28

An explosion erupts from a building following an Israeli strike in central Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday, March 18

Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency claimed reports he was talking to the US were a 'political bomb' meant to put the regime's leaders in disarray.

'The mention of Ghalibafs name was clearly intended to create internal divisions within Iran and to provoke conflict among political forces,' it claimed.

Ghalibaf is the son of a shopkeeper from Torqabeh in northeastern Iran.

He fought in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, went on to train as a pilot, and became head of the Revolutionary Guards air force, and later led Iran's police.

A leaked recording of a meeting between Ghalibaf and members of the Revolutionary Guards volunteer Basij force had him claiming that he ordered gunfire be used against demonstrators in 2003.

It also had him praising the violence used against demonstrators in Irans 2009 Green Movement protests.

As Tehrans mayor from 2005 to 2017 Ghalibaf faced corruption allegations, including over $3.5 million being donated to a foundation run by his wife.

He has engaged with the West in the past, including traveling to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He also revealed in a newspaper interview in 2008 that, as Mayor of Tehran, he was closely studying New York for tips on urban management.

However, later, as Iran's parliament speaker he praised the Hamas terrorist atrocity on October 7, 2023, claiming that the 'Zionist regime will never have peace until the day it is annihilated.'
Keir Starmer's national security adviser has discussed plans to 'deepen cooperation across the board' with China in the wake of the Iran war.

Jonathan Powell held secret talks in Beijing this week to discuss the fallout from the conflict, which has opened up a rift in Britain's 'special relationship' with the United States.

China is a long-time ally of Iran and supplies components for the Islamic regime's deadly Shahed drones, which RAF jets have been helping shoot down.

But, according to reports in Chinese state media, Mr Powell discussed joining forces with Beijing over efforts to bring the war to an end.

China's state broadcaster CCTV said Mr Powell discussed ways to 'jointly bring the issue back to the track of political settlement' during talks with Mr Wang on Monday.

Downing Street refused to comment on the details of the meeting or even confirm it had taken place, despite China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishing a photograph of the meeting between the two men.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith urged ministers to 'come clean' about the meeting and publish the full minutes.

The former Tory leader, who was sanctioned by Beijing for speaking out about human rights abuses, said: 'We know China is an ally of Iran  they are on opposite sides of this conflict  so why are holding secret talks with them?

Keir Starmer visited China this year as part of a push labelled 'Project Kowtow' by critics

Jonathan Powell, third from left, in Beijing on Monday during secret talks which Downing Street has refused to even confirm took place

Controversial: Jonathan Powell has pushed for closer relations with China's communist regime

'It would be so dangerous for us to go down this route of becoming China's lackey. This whole Project Kowtow that Labour are engaged in is a complete capitulation.

'The fact that we have to learn about it from Chinese state media just makes it worse. We need a full statement on what Jonathan Powell was up to and what was agreed because the threats posed by China are so serious and the human rights abuses are even worse.'

Downing Street refused to offer any comment on the meeting. The PM's spokesman said: 'As a matter of routine, we do not comment on the national security adviser's meetings.'

The spokesman insisted the government's position on China 'has not changed' since the outbreak of the war in Iran.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two men had discussed the Iran conflict and the prospects for closer co-operation on a wide range of issues.

Mr Wang said that following Sir Keir's visit to Beijing this year, the two countries would now look to 'deepen co-operation across the board, effectively manage differences and work for the steady growth of China-UK relations'.

He said closer relations between the two countries were 'in line with the trend of the times and the aspiration of the people'.

Mr Powell is said to have pushed to 'strengthen communication and co-operation and jointly develop a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership'.

On the war, Mr Wang appeared to back Sir Keir's call for de-escalation, saying the 'spillover effects' were widening and warning that extension of the conflict would 'only cause more damage and more severe consequences'.

He said all parties should now work to 'not fuel the tensions' and to 'address the root causes and work together to bring the issue back to the track of political settlement through dialogue and negotiation'.

Mr Powell has been a key figure in pushing for closer relations with Beijing and helped coordinate the PM's visit to China this year.

The shadowy aide is also the architect of the controversial Chagos deal, that will see the UK hand the Chagos islands to Mauritius, which is said to be an ally of China. The deal, which would involve the UK paying up to 35 billion to lease back Diego Garcia, is now in doubt because of opposition from Donald Trump.
Six Meta executives are set to get nearly a billion dollars each in bonuses as the company ambitiously moves forward with its artificial intelligence (AI) goal.

Despite laying off 700 employees on Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a new stock option plan for his top executives that could see them get up to $921 million each.

Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, Chief Product Officer Chris Cox and Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan have the highest chances of the massive payout, according to Equilar, a compensation research firm.

The lowest bonus would be awarded to the company's Chief Financial Officer Susan Li, whose stock option would be around $161 million, the research firm estimated.

Dina Powell McCormick, the president and vice chairman, and Chief Legal Officer Chris Mahoney, would also be eligible to receive stock options.

It would mark the first time since 2012 that Meta has given its executives stock options, The New York Times reported.

'This is a big bet,' a Meta spokesperson told The Times. 'These pay packages will not be realized unless Meta achieves massive future success, benefiting all of our shareholders.'

The executives would be allowed to buy extra stock options if the company hits growth targets, The Times reported.

Mark Zuckerberg laid off 700 employees on Wednesday, while simultaneously announcing a new stock option plan for six executives including Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth (pictured) that could see them get up to an almost $1 billion payout each

Chief Product Officer Chris Cox and Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan (left and right) will have the chance to gain a $921 million stock option

One of the targets includes making Meta a $9 trillion company by 2031, a feat that would include boosting the company's market value six-fold.

Zuckerberg has made it clear he's on a mission to create a 'superintelligence' and the company is predicted to spend around $115 billion this year, with much of its budget going toward AI.

The billionaire, who has a net worth of $204.2 billion, has said that AI will 'dramatically change the way that we work' starting this year.

He also admitted the change will see layoffs happening.

'Were starting to see projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person,' he told investors in January, according to The Times.

Zuckerberg spent billions last year on a team of AI specialists to join the ranks of the company's 78,000 employees.

Hundreds were cut this week from the Reality Labs team, which worked on virtual reality and metaverse products, amounting to roughly ten to fifteen percent of the team.

'Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure theyre in the best position to achieve their goals,' a spokesperson told The Times.

Chief Financial Officer Susan Li ( will have the lowest option at $161 million

Dina Powell McCormick, the president and vice chairman, and Chief Legal Officer Chris Mahoney would also be eligible to receive stock options

The change comes after Meta and Google were ordered to pay $3 million to a woman whose social media addiction ruined her life.

The first-of-its-kind lawsuit saw the plaintiff, a 20-year-old referred to only as Kaley, accuse the tech giants of hooking her to their platforms.

After more than 40 hours of deliberation across nine days, California jurors decided the tech giants were negligent in the design or operation of their platforms.

The jury also decided each company's negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Kaley, who alleged her use of social media as a child addicted her to the technology and exacerbated her mental health struggles.

Jurors also found that both companies knew or should have known their services posed a danger to minors, that they failed to adequately warn users of that danger and that a reasonable platform operator would have done so.

Jurors assigned Meta 70 percent of the responsibility for Kaley's harm - a $2.1 million share of the compensatory award - and YouTube the remaining 30 percent, or $900,000.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Meta for comment.
The Minnesota Senate has opened its chamber floor to lawmakers' small children in a groundbreaking move to support working mothers.

On Wednesday, lawmakers voted to open the chamber floor to children, scrapping a 168-year-old rule after pressure from women on both sides of the aisle to make the body more family-friendly.

While the Minnesota House has allowed children since 2013, the Senate has long clung to rigid rules - only lifting its ban on drinking water on the floor a few years ago.

The chamber will now welcome the youngsters, providing lawmakers the ability to care for and breastfeed their kids while on duty.

'It was long overdue to make sure that this is a more family-friendly institution, that we can be parents and we can be senators,' Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten said.

Verbeten sparked the dramatic change just two weeks ago when she was removed from the floor for bringing her seven-month-old son, Leo.

She and Senator Julia Coleman drove a historic effort to change the narrative for parents in government, winning approval in a 4125 vote this week.

Coleman called the measure a game-changer for women in the chamber with young children, easing the 'unlimited burden' of tasks and the sense of 'drowning' while trying to do their jobs.

The Minnesota Senate voted to open the chamber floor to children in a move to support working mothers on Wednesday

Senator Clare Oumou Verebeten (pictured) sparked the change when she was removed from the floor for bringing her seven-month-old son, Leo, two weeks ago

The change, which will allow lawmakers to care for and breastfeed their kids while on duty, upended a 168-year-old rule

'There is no space or time given for mothers who are trying to breastfeed while serving in the Senate,' the lawmaker said.

'This rule won't impact me, I would not subject this chamber to the three little munchkins I have running around, but this is about planting seeds for trees for the future parents coming after me to sit under,' she added.

'It is time to get with the times. There is a long way to go, but this is the biggest change we've seen.'

The Minnesota Senate has long embodied intense formality: men in suits and ties, water only recently allowed at desks, and speeches required to face the chamber rather than other members, even if off to the side.

Visitors - including senators children - are also prohibited from being on the chamber floor during sessions.

It wasn't until Sen. Verbeten was escorted out of the chamber during a recent session - a moment she called shameful and embarrassing - that momentum for change began.

Witnessing the moment unfold, Coleman quickly reached out. During Wednesday's session, she recalled a time in her first term when a fellow senator was removed for bringing her children.

As she was led out, she turned to Coleman and said, 'Good luck being a mom and doing this job.'

Verbeten and Sen. Julia Coleman (pictured) drove the historic effort, winning approval in a 4125 vote

Senator Erin Maye Quade (pictured) described the experience of losing the ability to breastfeed her daughter under the jobs constraints

Senator Karin Housley (pictured) said she felt the resolution merited additional consideration before being approved due to the 'seriousness' of the job

'I don't ever want to have to look another mother in the eyes and say the words I heard before,' Coleman told the floor.

She argued that the Senate is not family-friendly and warned it could discourage young parents - particularly women - from running for office.

'Stories like these scare women away,' she said. 'Women in particular are demanding this change and for good reason. We saw what our grandmothers and our mothers faced and said, "Its time to speak up."'

Coleman spoke of leaving her then-three-year-old child in a hallway next to the chamber during a vote, an experience that added to the pressure of meeting the Senates endless demands.

'I had him put his hand on that door and he was scared,' she said. 'When I got down to his level, I said, "Baby, you can't come with Mommy today. I have to run in and vote. Please keep your hand on the door and please, do not move."'

Senator Erin Maye Quade described to the chamber the heartbreaking experience of losing the ability to breastfeed her daughter under the jobs constraints.

She explained that, unable to drink enough water during long debates, her milk supply dried up. When her daughter was hospitalized, doctors told her she had to breastfeed, saying formula alone wouldnt suffice.

'I just started crying because I couldn't give her breast milk because I didn't produce anymore,' Maye Quade said.

Sen. Carla Nelson (pictured) proposed limiting the rule to children under one, arguing it 'gets to the heart of the issue' and aligns with the US Senate

The Minnesota Senate only lifted its ban on drinking water in the chamber a few years ago

During her first term, Coleman (pictured) said a mother told her: 'Good luck being a mom and doing this job'

There were, however, opponents of the change, who argued that the chamber is already crowded with staff, leaving little room to move up and down the aisles.

Some raised concerns that allowing children could create distractions, and argued that legislators shouldnt receive special benefits most workers dont receive.

Senator Karin Housley said she felt the resolution merited additional consideration before being approved.

'I feel like it took us 10 years to be able to carry a clear water bottle to our seats. Ten years that was debated, and this didn't go through any other committees,' she said.

'I think this is a very, very serious job. We are debating laws here, so let's show the institution some respect.'

Several attempts were also made to limit the policy to only the youngest children, rather than leaving it open-ended.

Senator Carla Nelson proposed limiting the rule to children under one, saying it 'gets to the heart of the issue' and aligns with the US Senates approach.

That push failed, however, as Coleman and others argued against setting an age limit, saying young children cant be left alone safely or wouldnt be comfortable in offices elsewhere.

Senator Liz Bolden (pictured) argued that it comes down to 'trusting parents to decide what is best, what is needed'

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (pictured) proposed letting the rule expire at years end, which failed to pass

Senator Alice Mann (pictured) argued that the rule is nothing more than a barrier preventing women in the chamber from doing their jobs and parenting

Senator Liz Bolden argued that it comes down to 'trusting parents to decide what is best, what is needed.'

Other amendments sought to cap the age at five or ten, while Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson proposed letting the rule expire at years end.

Senator Rich Draheim suggested an alternative: converting a conference room off the chamber into a parenting space. However, all amendments failed to pass.

Meanwhile, Senator Michael Holmstrom proposed an amendment to let staff bring their children onto the chamber floor - but he made clear that his support had limits.

Holmstrom, a father, argued that lawmakers had made life harder for child care providers while simultaneously trying to grant themselves exceptions, calling it an attempt to 'exempt ourselves from the consequences of our actions.'

'I have deep compassion for the challenges of members in our body. I face the same challenges,' he said.

'But I made a solemn commitment to my constituents to sacrifice and to serve the people of my district, not to shield myself from the very policies that we create.'

Senator Alice Mann argued that the rule is nothing more than a barrier preventing women in the chamber from doing their jobs.

Senator Michael Holmstrom (pictured) argued that lawmakers make life harder for child care providers while simultaneously trying to grant themselves exceptions

Verbeten (pictured at mic) said the change ensures that her experience 'wont happen to any other mom, or any other parent, on the Senate floor'

Verbeten (pictured) said allowing children gives parents the freedom to succeed without neglecting the needs of their small children

'The body is supposed to reflect the people, and yet women only make up 37 percent of the Legislature in 2026 because rules like this that keep women from fully participating,' Mann said.

'It was mentioned that it took us 10 years to drink water on this floor, and, Mr President, just because the Senate moves an inch every 10 years is no excuse to continue to exclude women from doing their jobs fully,' she added.

The rule change was ultimately passed, and Coleman wrapped up the 90-plus-minute debate by remarking she was 'not shocked' that senators deliberated longer on the amendment than on some bills.

Sen. Verbeten told a press conference after the vote that the rule change was historic, giving parents the freedom to succeed at work without neglecting their young children.

'Thanks to these amazing moms who are behind me, we worked to change the rules,' she said.

Verbeten said the change also ensures that the experience she faced just weeks earlier 'wont happen to any other mom, or any other parent, on the Senate floor.'
An Alabama woman has been charged after prosecutors say she left a three-year-old boy in her car for five hours, where he died.

On February 6, Kela Stanford was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury in connection to Ke'Torrius 'KJ' Starkes Jr.'s death in July 2025. The indictment was unsealed on Wednesday.

'This indictment is a step toward accountability for a tragedy that was preventable,' said family attorney Courtney French. 'By leaving KJ unattended in extreme heat for several hours, the defendant showed a level of negligence that the law simply cannot overlook.'

Stanford, 55, had been working as a transport driver for Covenant Services Inc., which contracts with the state's Department of Human Resources (DHR). The agency provides social services and administers family assistance programs.

On July 22, 2025, Stanford was tasked with driving Ke'Torrius from his daycare in Birmingham to a DHR building in Bessemer for a supervised visit with his father, according to French and testimony from a detective.

The visit with his father ended at around 11:30am. Instead of bringing the boy back to the daycare as she was supposed to, Stanford drove back to the east side of Birmingham and made stops at Church's, Little Caesars and a tobacco shop, according to AL.com.

She returned home from those errands at 12:30pm, then spent the rest of the afternoon watching a movie, spending time with her husband and opening Amazon packages.

It wasn't until 5:30pm that Stanford said she was reminded that Ke'Torrius was still in her car. The boy's foster mother called her to say he hadn't been returned to the daycare.

Kela Stanford has been indicted in connection to the hot car death of Ke'Torrius 'KJ' Starkes Jr., a three-year-old boy who was under her care

Ke'Torrius died on July 22, 2025, after spending hours inside Stanford's car while it was in the nineties outside. Stanford and her lawyer say she had no criminal intent and that this was a tragic accident

Stanford went out to her vehicle and found Ke'Torrius unresponsive. Responding officers confirmed that the boy had died.

Stanford's lawyer, Derek Simms, has previously said his client did not have criminal intent and leaving the boy in the car was a tragic accident.

Birmingham Detective Gabriel Lacally testified that the temperature outside had reached 96 degrees that day.

A lawsuit later filed by the family against Stanford claimed the temperature inside the car rose to more than 140 degrees.

Stanford told police that she tried to bring Ke'Torrius's body temperature up by putting him in cold water in her bathtub. She also said she tried to perform CPR on him.

Stanford was immediately fired from Covenant Services after what happened.

Ke'Torrius's death led to widespread condemnation from the community and politicians.

Ke'Torrius's death drew harsh statements of condemnation by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and other politicians

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, said the boy's death was the result of 'reprehensible and gross negligence'.

State Representative Patrick Sellers said this case 'has revealed the glaring cracks in the system'.

Stanford was initially arrested on August 1, 2025, and was released the same day after posting a $30,000 bond, according to court records.

After she was formally charged with leaving a child in a car unattended, a class B felony, Stanford was re-arrested on Monday morning.

She was released less than an hour later. Court records show she has no bond conditions as of now.
A woman said Southwest Airlines banned her from boarding her flight after a check-in attendant claimed she was too large to fit in a seat, leaving her the only option of purchasing a second seat for an extra $450.

Ruby Cosby was checking in her bags at Nashville International Airport on February 28 when she claims her unpleasant experience occurred.

Cosby was preparing for a trip to Los Angeles, California, when a staffer allegedly informed her that she would need more than one seat, according to Wave 3.

On January 27, Southwest implemented an 'extra seat policy' that requires a passenger to purchase an extra seat if the armrest cannot fully extend.

Cosby insists that she has always fit in the seat fine and only needs a seat belt extender.

She took to social media to post a video ranting about the experience, following: 'So you're just looking at me and telling me I can't fit in the seat.'

You're not gonna let me go get in the seat first before you assume I can't fit in the seat.

Cosby noted that she is well aware of her wider hips but added that she has flown with Southwest several times and has never had an issue with a passenger next to her.

Ruby Cosby claimed she was a Southwest Airlines employee told her she would have to purchase an extra seat due to her size

Cosby was checking in her bags at Nashville International Airport on February 28 when she claims her unpleasant experience occurred

She claimed the flight attendants would be rude even after speaking to a manager and was given the only option of purchasing the seat next to her for an additional $450.

However, Cosby had booked a round-trip flight, meaning she would have to pay for another seat on her return trip, doubling her total to $900.

With few choices and time ticking, she said she asked for a refund but was told that, because her ticket was for an economy seat, it was unlikely they could honor it.

'Sir, so you're telling me I can't get on the flight, I can't get a refund. I'm like 'What are my options?'' said Cosby.

Without any funds to purchase an extra seat, she decided to call her family, who helped her with the money.

She said that when she went back up to rebook the flight, a 'thicker' woman was helping her and made no issue of purchasing the extra seat.

Cosby said it wasn't until she spoke to her manager that the need for more than one seat was brought up again.

'I understand having a policy put into place to make sure others are comfortable; my main worry is that there's nothing put into place to stop discrimination or anything from happening, said Cosby to Wave 3.

Cosby, who said she is well aware of her wider hips denied needing the extra space but was still not let on the plane without purchasing the seat next to her. She ended up taking a plane with Delta Airlines after only purchasing one ticket

Southwest planes, the narrowest seat width is 15.5 inches, with standard legroom of about 31 to 33 inches

'It's just based on perception, that's my worry. I feel like this policy can be used unfairly because there are no guidelines.'

Cosby made it to Los Angeles by booking one $350 ticket through Delta Air Lines and told the outlet she has not heard back from Southwest.

Southwest sent WSMV a statement: 'We began communicating changes to our policy, which is in line with industry standards, almost a year ago, and continued reiterating those changes directly to customers throughout the summer.

We ask Customers who may need an extra seat to let us know in advance of their day of travel so we can do our best to accommodate their needs. In this case, we have reached out directly to the Customers involved to better understand their experience and ensure we address any concerns with the appropriate discretion.'

On Southwest planes, the narrowest seat width is 15.5 inches, with standard legroom of about 31 to 33 inches.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Southwest Airlines for comment.
Chinese FM calls on world to promote dialogue among parties to Mideast conflict

Xinhua) 10:48, March 26, 2026

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the international community to actively promote dialogue among the parties involved in the conflict in the Middle East.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the latter's request.

Abdelatty briefed Wang on his views on the development of the regional situation. Expressing that the Egyptian side is deeply concerned about the current situation, he said that if energy and power facilities are attacked and paralyzed, it will lead to chaos throughout the region.

To cool down the situation, the Egyptian side is communicating with all parties and actively promoting negotiations, he said.

Noting that Egypt and China are comprehensive strategic partners, Abdelatty said that Egypt is willing to maintain close coordination with China and jointly enhance diplomatic efforts to prevent the region and the world from falling into turmoil.

For his part, Wang said that both China and Egypt are responsible countries. They both oppose military operations without authorization from the UN Security Council, oppose attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, and do not approve of affecting the Gulf countries, Wang said.

The situation in the Middle East is changing rapidly, Wang said, citing that both the United States and Iran are signalling their readiness to negotiate. A glimmer of hope for peace has emerged, he said.

If this war continues, it will only bring more casualties and unnecessary losses, leading to further spillover of the situation, Wang said.

Stressing that as long as there is dialogue, there is hope for peace, Wang said that the actions of the Security Council should help ease the situation and promote dialogue, and help prevent the expansion of the war instead of giving a pass to the use of force.

Noting that China supports Egypt in continuing to play a mediating role in promoting the resumption of peace talks and the cessation of the war, Wang said that China is also willing to continue to make constructive efforts for this purpose.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Gavin Newsom's press office again accused conservative journalist Benny Johnson of using the gay dating app Grindr in a shocking post.

The governor previously responded to criticism from the commentator - who recently pledged to sue controversial provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos after he accused him of being gay - with a similarly mean-spirited barb.

Johnson suggested Newsom looks 'terrified' after claiming fraud investigations into the state of California will uncover corruption by Newsom.

'There is a reason Gavin Newsom looks so terrified right now. He should be,' Johnson added.

Newsom's press office account on X which is often dedicated to trolling and even mimicking Donald Trump, shot back soon after.

'We got a call from Grindr after this and said your team was their biggest users. Congrats!'

Grindr is a gay dating app with about 15 million active users per month.

Johnson shot back at Newsom later Wednesday, accusing Newsom of trying to use nasty insults to distract from his failings.

Gavin Newsom's (pictured) press office again accused conservative journalist Benny Johnson of using the gay dating app Grindr in a shocking post

Johnson (pictured) suggested Newsom looks 'terrified' after suggesting that fraud investigations into the state of California will uncover corruption by Newsom

'Notice how every time a journalist uncovers fraud in California, Newsoms reaction is to smear us with lies  not fix the fraud,' Johnson wrote.

'Gavin called Nick Shirley a pedo last week for trying to end fraud in California. Stop attacking the people who are doing YOUR job. Its just sad.'

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Newsom denied any homophobia in the tweet.

'We love gay people and its very woke of you to ask about this! Were sorry some conservative snowflakes had their feelings hurt. We hope they recover!'

Johnson is married to Kate Johnson, a nurse. The couple have four kids together.

She celebrated their wedding anniversary last month, writing: 'Nine years and 4 babies later and I love you more than I thought possible. Happy Anniversary, my love. You are the best of men.'

Johnson said in January that he would be traveling to California 'next week' to visit what he called 'the fraud capital of the world.'

He cited alleged mismanagement of funds, which supposedly included $70billion lost in taxpayer funds, $24billion spent on 'nonexistent' homelessness programs and $18billion used on a stalled highspeed rail project.

Johnson (pictured) shot back at Newsom later Wednesday, accusing Newsom of trying to use nasty insults to distract from his failings

Johnson also claimed that $32billion in COVID19 relief funds had been 'stolen' and that $2.5billion were 'lost' to SNAP fraud.

He pointed to how 'billions spent on rebuilding after the Palisades fires' resulted in 'no homes built', as well.

'The American taxpayers are p***ed,' Johnson added. 'We fight for them.'

Newsom's press office previously responded to Johnson's claim that $70 billion had been lost and claimed that description was 'false.'

'The State Auditor's 'highrisk' list does NOT cite billions in current losses,' the account said. 'It's a report to flag programs for added oversight BEFORE potential fraud occurs.'

The post added: 'California PROSECUTES fraud  arresting 929 people and recovering $5.9 billion in unemployment fraud alone.'

Johnson's claim that $24 billion was spent on 'nonexistent' homelessness programs appeared to reference a 2023 report assessing their effectiveness.

The report said that money was allocated from 2018 to 2023, but that the programs had not been 'consistently tracked and evaluated.'

The 'stolen' COVID19 relief funds that Johnson was pointing to seemed to cite a Lexis Nexis data analysis that claimed about $32.6billion in fraudulent money could have been paid out in California.

Johnson's claims about California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) being used for fraud were previously echoed by Congresswoman Young Kim, a Republican, last month.

She asked Newsom to start a 'thorough investigation into fraud' and 'to ensure illegal aliens are not prioritized over Californians and that vital food services reach California's most vulnerable communities for whom the program was intended.'

The Pacific Palisades fire hit about 9,000 homes but only about one third have started rebuilding to any extent, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In a followup post, Johnson claimed that he had received more than 250 emails 'from California state employees and public officials with detailed fraud evidence.'
A carpenter 'terrified' of jail has walked free with a suspended sentence after a judge showed him leniency.

Benjamin John Dobson, 23, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in the Sunshine Coast suburb of Wurtulla between October 6, 2023, and May 22, 2024.

Dobson admitted that he had provided 17 customers with cocaine every week at a 'street level', in deals worth up to $2,100, The Courier Mail reports.

The carpentry apprentice also pleaded guilty to supplying drugs on six separate occasions between November 2021 and May 2024.

During his sentencing at the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Wednesday, the court heard Dobson was 'simply terrified' of going to jail.

'His arrest has been a sobering experience,' defence barrister Steve Dickson said.

'He is simply terrified of the prospect of prison, and it is a very real prospect.

He has turned his life around.'

Benjamin Dobson, 23, admitted that he had provided 17 customers with cocaine every week at a 'street level', in deals worth up to $2,100

The court heard Dobson (pictured left) had sourced the drugs from father-and-son duo Kim Andrew White and Marshall Andrew White (pictured right)

The court also heard that a character reference in Dobson's support was provided by someone who works in a police call centre.

Mr Dickson said the apprentice had given in to peer pressure and had begun putting the profits towards funding his own drug habit.

He said his client had believed he was 'just supplying his friends' and did not fully grasp the serious consequences of his actions at the time.

The court heard Dobson used a cutting agent to mix with drugs he sourced from father-and-son duo Kim Andrew White and Marshall Andrew White.

The pair, who police allege headed 'a large Sunshine Coast drug syndicate', are facing a total of 31 charges relating to dangerous drugs and possessing weapons.

Neither of the men has entered a plea on the charges.

Dobson was sentenced to four years jail, suspended, for the trafficking offences, and 16 months, also suspended, for six counts of supplying drugs.

'This must be heartbreaking for your parents and other people in the court supporting you,' Justice Soraya Ryan told him.

Dobson's lawyer said he was 'terrified' of the prospect of prison (the tradie is pictured)

'You say you have distanced yourself from negative drug influences and I understand that you are terrified of going to jail.'

Justice Ryan acknowledged the criminal justice system 'falls apart if judges sidestep prison terms just because the people in front of them are afraid'.

Nonetheless, she decided to show Dobson leniency.

'If you are a tradie you are going to know that there are drugs everywhere, in your employment peer group and it is not easy to stay away from them,' she said.

Dobson has shared various photos of his jet-setting life on social media, with photos showing the apprentice partying in Bali, flying in business class, shooting guns, and even riding on the back of a jet ski with Marshall White.
'Middle-class' Melbourne drug queen Tess Rowlatt has fronted court after she was busted fleeing from a bikie's BMW with a big bag of meth.

Rowlatt, 36, appeared before the Melbourne County Court on Thursday where she pleaded guilty to trafficking meth and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The convicted drug trafficker was nabbed by police in Melbourne high-rise district Southbank just before 1am on August 16 last year.

Cops had noticed a black BMW X5 the court heard was registered to an individual with a firearm prohibition order and 'outlaw motorcycle gang affiliations'.

Police followed the BMW for a short distance then lit it up, at which stage it stopped and Rowlatt bolted from the vehicle.

Police chose to let the BMW drive off and instead chased down Rowlatt, who raced towards Southside Tower on Sturt St.

Rowlatt, who was well-presented at court wearing a white shirt and grey skirt, was caught with more than 100g of meth in her black handbag.

The former marketing high-flyer was also caught with 1,4butanediol - a commercial-grade solvent that converts into the party drug GHB when ingested.

Melbourne party girl Tess Rowlatt has pleaded guilty to trafficking meth. A Corrections Victoria support worker described her in court as 'quite middle-class' unlike others in prison

Rowlatt was busted with more than 100g of meth

Rowlatt was also caught with $750 in cash and bank cards in other people's names.

Police hauled Rowlatt away for questioning before she was charged and remanded in the notorious Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

The court was not told the identity of the bikie who owned the BMW, or whether that person was behind the wheel at the time.

Rowlatt, who was in Victoria's Macedon Ranges at the time of her latest arrest, was serving a four-year community correction order for prior trafficking offences.

Judge Duncan Allen, who sentenced Rowlatt for her prior offending in February 2024, also presided over Thursday's plea hearing, which was attended by the drug dealer's family, friends and boyfriend Timmy O'Dwyer.

Rowlatt's sister Victoria Rowlatt, who appeared remotely, and O'Dwyer both submitted character references to Judge Allen.

Victoria claims to have worked at Fox FM and Mediaweek and appears to be a part-time social media influencer.

Both sisters attended the prestigious Canterbury Girls' School - but while Victoria flaunts her glamorous lifestyle, party girl Rowlatt now sits behind bars.

The court heard Rowlatt wants to live with her boyfriend Timmy O'Dwyer (above)

Rowlatt's sister Victoria Rowlatt (pictured) wrote her a character reference for the court

The court heard that it was suggested Rowlatt could either live with her parents on their Macedon Ranges farm or move in with O'Dwyer in St Kilda.

Judge Allen, who said he preferred the 'St Kilda option', asked O'Dwyer if he had a 'history of drug use' but he did not take to the witness box to respond.

Barrister Candice Jackson, for Rowlatt, assured that O'Dwyer did not use drugs nor was he using drugs in the months he was dating his girlfriend prior to her arrest.

Meanwhile, a supporter of Rowlatt exclaimed that she 'looked stressed' as she sat motionless in the dock.

The court heard that Rowlatt had a 17-year history of drug abuse which began when she was 19.

Despite this, and her history as a prominent drug dealer in Melbourne, Corrections Victoria had earlier assessed Rowlatt as having a 'low risk of reoffending'.

It was also determined after her February 2024 sentencing that Rowlatt only required a single day of drug rehabilitation, which was completed within three months of commencing her longer-than-usual community correction order.

Further, Rowlatt was allowed to complete 400 hours of community service 'working from home'. The exact nature of the work wasn't revealed in court but whatever Rowlatt did it ended up benefiting a kindergarten in Kyneton.

The court heard Rowlatt had a 17-year history of drug abuse which began when she was 19

The court was told that Rowlatt's boyfriend Timmy O'Dwyer (pictured) did not use drugs

This was clearly inadequate, allowing Rowlatt to relapse into drugs and offending.

Judge Allen lambasted the 'system' for contributing to Rowlatt's latest troubles, after he had previously determined she was 'wholly rehabilitated'.

'Clearly, an abject failure [has occurred],' he said.

'I didn't expect for one second anyone would tell her we don't need to see you anymore [after three months on the community correction order].'

Experienced Crown prosecutor Matthew Cookson countered by telling the court that Rowlatt was 'entirely responsible' for her reoffending after she was previously given an 'exceptional opportunity of mercy'.

Judge Allen rejected Cookson's submission.

Rowlatt's 'significant prior' offending was her role running a major drug racket run out of 16 Melbourne Airbnbs between July and October 2021.

Rowlatt may be given another chance in a drug clinic after previous attempts to rehabilitate her were deemed inadequate

Rowlatt served just 419 days in jail despite pleading guilty to trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs.

Covert cops had secretly tracked Rowlatt and another suspected drug dealer during an investigation that lasted several months and involved hours of physical and electronic surveillance.

She was eventually arrested at her Upper West Side apartment on Spencer St on October 21, 2021.

Rowlatt initially faced more than 70 charges, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of meth and heroin and trafficking bute, known to be a deadly rave drug.

A Melbourne court previously heard allegations Rowlatt shifted between 16 separate Airbnb properties, including the View Hotel St Kilda and Upper West Side in the city.

Police had alleged Rowlatt stayed at the properties for periods lasting between a night and a few days while she sold vast amounts of meth.

Rowlatt sold drugs at the short-stay properties which police alleged she secured using fake IDs.

The court also heard a prior allegation Rowlatt made multiple drug deals including a single transaction suspected to be worth $34,000.

Police uncovered the evidence after seizing several of Rowlatt's devices.

The glamorous party girl, who claimed on social media that she had graduated from Monash University before holding sales roles in multiple marketing companies, is now locked away at Dame Phyllis Frost, where she has been for the past 222 days.

Her lawyers are seeking to use her time in prison lockdowns due to staff shortages as a mitigating factor for a shorter jail term.

Judge Allen said he required more evidence before deciding whether the conditions at the jail Rowlatt lives in alongside mushroom killer Erin Patterson are enough to warrant a sentence reduction.

A Corrections Victoria employee also entered the witness box to say that she sees Rowlatt on a weekly basis.

The support worker said she would be able to assist Rowlatt after her release, telling the court she 'seems more serious than she's ever been' in wanting to rehabilitate.

'She's quite middle-class, she's quite different to the average prisoner,' they said.

However, the support worker told the court that Rowlatt had previously lied to psychologists about her drug use and could not fully guarantee she could trust her honesty now.

Judge Allen adjourned the matter so the parties could gather more evidence, but told Rowlatt he wanted to bail her to a drug rehabilitation facility and defer sentencing when the matter returns on April 30.
An Australian farmer says he is scrambling to secure enough fuel to finish harvesting his crops, warning that ongoing shortages are now threatening supplies of everyday staple foods.

Fuel prices have surged in recent weeks after Iran moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about 20 per cent of global seaborne oil shipments, in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes.

More than 500 service stations across Australia have already run out of at least one type of fuel, with regional areas and diesel supplies particularly hard hit.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly insisted the shortages are being driven by a sudden spike in demand caused by panic buying, rather than a collapse in supply.

'We have as much fuel in Australia today as we had on the day Iran was attacked. We have had real issues, particularly in regional Australia, getting fuel to where demand has been very high,' Bowen said.

Maize grower and aspiring One Nation candidate Paul Funnell said the lack of fuel in regional areas is already hitting farmers hard.

Standing in front of his crop, he said: 'This maize crop behind me will produce around 2,000 tonnes.'

The grain, planted in October, is now ready to harvest, but he cannot complete the job without more diesel.

Farmer and local Riverina politician Paul Funnell said he is unable to transport his crops for food manufacturing due to the ongoing fuel shortage

Diesel and petrol prices have surged in the last month after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway for 20 per cent of global oil supplies, in response to joint US and Israeli strikes

He said it has already taken 90,000 litres of diesel to grow the crop, powering irrigation pumps, tractors, seeders and other machinery, and he now needs another 5,000 to 10,000 litres to finish harvesting.

'I ordered fuel this morning. They said, "We don't know when you'll get it, and we don't know what it will cost".'

'We shouldn't be in this position. The crop has to sit here now, luckily it can, for the moment. But this goes into your corn chips, your cornflour, your bread, your cereals.'

Funnell warned the pressure does not end once harvesting is complete, with fuel also needed to transport grain to mills and food manufacturers.

'Empty fuel tanks can't harvest product,' he said.

'Growers have already spent all their costs upfront. If they can't get the crop off, you can't get your food. It's not rocket science.'

He said his own crop represents only a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of maize required nationwide, but argued it highlights the scale of the challenge facing the sector.

'We are starving for fuel in this country, all because for five or six decades we've shut down our fuel refineries,' he said.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly insisted the shortages are being driven by a sudden spike in demand caused by panic buying, rather than a collapse in supply

Norco chief executive Michael Hampson has sounded the alarm, saying milk prices could jump by up to 50 cents a litre if global shipping disruptions drag on

'You delivered, the Coalition with Labor, the crisis we're in today.

'Regional Australia is bearing the brunt.'

Australia's refining sector has shrunk dramatically over the past 15 years, with several plants closing due to competition from large Asian refineries and the high cost of upgrades.

Port Stanvac closed in 2009, followed by Clyde in 2012, Kurnell and Bulwer Island in 2014, and BP's Kwinana and ExxonMobil's Altona refineries in 2021.

Only Ampol's Lytton refinery in Brisbane and Viva Energy's Geelong facility remain, supplying just a fraction of national fuel demand.

Funnell urged metropolitan Australians to understand the pressures farmers are facing.

'Please, metropolitan areas, listen and take note. This is what puts food on your shelves and on your table.'

His warning comes after the boss of one of Australias largest dairy companies said Australians could soon be paying significantly more for milk, and face broader food supply fears, if global shipping disruptions are not resolved within weeks.

Truck drivers who transport food from farms to supermarket shelves are also coming under pressure as fuel costs continue to rise

Norco chief executive Michael Hampson said the economic fallout from the escalating crisis could eclipse the pandemic if key energy and trade routes remain blocked in the Middle East due to the ongoing war.

The best-case timeline pointed to six-12 months of food supply disruptions, linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and stabilising petrochemical supply routes.

'If it isn't resolved promptly, as in the next week or two, the fallout for this event is going to make Covid look like a tea party,' Hampson told The Guardian.

'We won't be worried about running out of toilet paper  we'll be worried about not having food.'

Hampson warned Australians should expect milk prices to rise, saying increases of 30 to 50 cents a litre 'wouldn't be unreasonable' if supply chain pressures continue to build.

However, he stressed that outright milk shortages were unlikely at this stage.

He said the dairy industry faces growing risks from disruptions to global petrochemical supply, with milk packaging heavily dependent on oil-based resins that could become impossible to source if logistics networks do not stabilise.

'Then it doesn't matter how much it costs  because we won't have anything to put the milk in,' he said.

The warning comes as fuel costs surge across the sector, with Hampson revealing Norco's milk processing facilities have already been hit with an extra $1 million a month in fuel bills since the conflict began.

It was no longer a question of if, but when, higher costs will flow through to consumers, supply chain management and logistics expert Elizabeth Jackson said.

'Every kilojoule of food that comes from an Australian farm is moved by a diesel-powered vehicle,' Dr Jackson said.

'Even the most basic of foods - fresh fruit and vegetables that don't go through any sort of processing - right through to the most processed exported foods, are dependent upon transport systems.

'They are also dependent upon diesel for their manufacture in terms of mechanisation that goes into food production, like tractors.'

Price rises are likely to begin with fresh produce because of its constant need for transport.

Increases were possible within two to three weeks, with a 'slow burn' most likely rather than one sudden spike.

'The fresher the produce, the quicker we're going to see the prices increase,' Dr Jackson said.
A Japanese-owned bulk cargo ship pulled off a daring dash through Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continued its voyage to Australia by claiming it had a Chinese owner.

The vessel Iron Maiden is due to dock in Perth on Thursday after previously being stranded in the Persian Gulf following the United States and Israel's bombing of Iran on February 28.

Data showed it unloaded cargo in Dubai on March 2 before heading towards the Strait of Hormuz along with thousands of other ships.

For two days it sat in limbo under the threat of an Iranian attack before making its move on March 4.

As it approached Hormuz, the Japanese-owned ship broadcast 'China owner' from its transponder in a sneaky tactic as it sailed through the dangerous waterway at night at 22km/h - close to top speed for a bulk carrier of its size.

It then switched off its tracking signal for about an hour while moving through the Strait of Hormuz, before turning it back on once it reached the other side.

'This pattern suggests the possibility of an informal access filter, where vessels signalling Chinese ownership or crew may be attempting to indicate neutrality or avoid targeting in the current conflict environment,' analysts at Windward, a UK-based intelligence company, said.

The strategy reflects Iran's growing control over traffic through the vital waterway, where vessels linked to friendly nations appear to receive preferential passage.

The Japanese owned Iron Maiden made its escape from the Strait of Hormuz in the middle of the night after it broadcasted 'China owner' from its transponder

Iron Maiden is due to dock in Perth on Thursday

Join the discussion Should ships be allowed to disguise their ownership to avoid conflict in dangerous waters?

Earlier this month, LPG tanker Bogazici broadcast that it was a Muslim-owned and Turkish-operated vessel in an effort to avoid attacks as it passed through the strait before escaping into the Indian Ocean.

Iron Maiden eventually made it to Singapore on March 17 and arrived off the Western Australian coast on March 24.

It is bound for Kwinana port, according to VesselFinder.

The carrier will be the first known ship to dock in Australia after being stranded in Dubai during the war.

But Iron Maiden will not help ease Australia's deteriorating oil supply - as it transports dry goods.
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This is the moment police questioned a group of moped delivery drivers next to a busy road during an immigration crackdown as 19 vehicles were seized.

The riders were pulled over by a team of Metropolitan Police officers who cordoned off the area with traffic cones in Wandsworth, South London, yesterday afternoon.

Video filmed from a bus showed officers speaking to several motorcyclists who had dismounted, many of whom had container boxes on the back of their vehicles.

Detectives could be seen examining the containers, and one insulated bag for a popular delivery company was placed on the grass by the side of the road.

The clip capturing the pre-planned operation also showed a large flatbed truck carrying more than ten mopeds  as police could be seen speaking with a van driver.

The Met was working with Home Office immigration enforcement officers, and arrested two people under Section 24(1)(b)(i) of the Immigration Act 1971.

During the joint operation, one Pakistani national was arrested as an overstayer and one Indian national was arrested for breach of immigration bail.

Some of the mopeds and electric scooters were seized for allegedly being stolen, while others were said to have been used in the theft of other vehicles.

Moped drivers are questioned by police in Wandsworth, South London, yesterday afternoon

Metropolitan Police officers speak to a rider by the side of the road in Wandsworth yesterday

Footage shows officers speaking to several motorcyclists dismounted from their vehicles

The clip filmed in Wandsworth also shows a large flat-bed truck carrying at least ten mopeds

A Home Office spokesperson told the Daily Mail today: 'Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages and fuels organised immigration crime.

'This Government will not stand for it. Since coming into power, the Government has increased immigration enforcement action to the highest level in British history, with an 83 per cent in illegal working arrests and 77 per cent rise in raids.'

And a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told this newspaper: 'Local officers carried out a pre-planned operation aimed at tackling uninsured or unlicenced drivers in Wandsworth on Thursday, 25 March.

'20 vehicles were seized, and dozens of traffic offence reports were submitted to drivers that were stopped.'

It comes after a three-week investigation into food delivery riders by the Mail, which revealed many working in London are sleeping rough and using soup kitchens.

This newspaper also disclosed that many of the roughly 20,000 drivers in the capital are often not unskilled - but are rather young graduates and trained professionals.

Our new investigative video series called 'Underground: UK' revealed the hand to mouth existence of those who transport takeaway orders across the capital.

In recent months the Government has been cracking down on asylum seekers taking jobs for delivery firms as Home Office officials target illegal working hotspots.

Asylum seekers in the UK are normally barred from work while their claim is being processed, though permission can be applied for after a year of waiting.

Minister also announced last year that they would share information about asylum hotel locations with food delivery firms in a bid to disrupt such hotspots.

Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat previously said they would ramp up facial verification and fraud checks to prevent people working as riders without permission.
A controversial squatter's rights activist has hit back after being called a 'cry baby' by a property investor after the two clashed over the housing crisis.

In a recent debate on SBS program The Feed, panellists were asked to discuss the statement: 'Housing shouldn't be treated as an investment.'

Socialist Jordan van den Lamb told the panel that investing in property was 'morally reprehensible' and that no one should make a profit from what others need to survive.

Fellow panellist and buyer's agent Eddie Dilleen, who owns 180 properties, later told Daily Mail that people like Mr van den Lamb were 'cry babies' who weren't prepared to make sacrifices to crack the property market.

'There was just so much complaining (by Mr van den Lamb),' Mr Dilleen said.

'They have all these ideas of how we should move to a communist kind of society where everyone gets given everything.'

But on Thursday, Mr van den Lamb hit back at Mr Dilleen, calling him 'out of touch'.

'I asked him what he has to say to someone sleeping rough and he couldn't imagine what that meant,' Mr van den Lamb told Daily Mail.

Activist Jordan van den Lamb has hit back at claims by a property investor that he's a cry baby

Mr van den Lamb said buyer's agent Eddie Dilleen was 'out of touch'

'It's out of touch to say anyone who says everyone deserves a roof over their head is a cry baby.'

Mr van den Lamb, who has a mortgage on a studio apartment he lives in with his wife, claimed people like Mr Dilleen were the reason homes cost so much in Australia.

'He's exploiting at least 180 people and he's the one telling me to stop being mean to him,' Mr van den Lamb said.

'He's increasing housing costs for the rest of society by expanding his property empire so I think we're allowed to be a little mean to him.

'If we're looking at who's the cry baby here, I don't think that's me.'

Mr Dilleen said last weekend the reason Aussies struggled to crack the property market was that many weren't prepared to lower their standard of living for a deposit.

'People are buying designer bags and going on holidays. If you want to get out of renting, then you need to sacrifice for at least a couple of years,' he said.

'You need to be able to drop your lifestyle for a few years and put money away.'

Mr van den Lamb is paying off one mortgage with his wife

Mr van den Lamb wants Australia to publicly build more public houses like these towers in North Richmond in Melbourne

Mr Dilleen said renters could get into the property market by, for example, saving $30,000 to buy a $600,000 unit, based on a five per cent deposit.

Mr van den Lamb fired back: 'It's a guy who owns 180 properties who is telling someone sleeping rough to lower their living standards. How are you supposed to do that if you're sleeping rough.'

The housing activist, who has previously advocated for Aussies to squat in empty homes, called for a mass expansion of public housing to help struggling Australians find a suitable place to live.

Mr van den Lamb wants Australia to publicly build more public houses and not contract them out to private developers.

A report in June last year by UNSW Sydney's Dr Chris Martin called for a rethink of how housing assistance was delivered.

It revealed that while more than 423,000 vulnerable and low-income households received social housing, demand was rapidly outpacing supply.

Between 2016 and 2022, waitlists grew by more than 26,000 households, while the number of households entering social housing fell by 6,400.

Dr Martin said: 'It is abundantly clear we need more social housing. Australian governments have started to try to grow the social housing stock again.'

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O'Neil is in favour of more public housing

Mr van den Lamb wants people to sell their investment properties to make housing affordable

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O'Neil told Daily Mail the current government was ramping up its commitment to public housing after years of neglect.

'We absolutely need more social and affordable homes, and it was something the previous federal Liberal government completely neglected, delivering just 373 new social and affordable homes over their decade in office,' she said.

'The Albanese Government is taking an entirely different approach, delivering 55,000 new social and affordable homes over the coming years, while also increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance and working with states to strengthen rental rights.'

Mr van den Lamb wants to turn every empty home in Australia into public housing, arguing that people shouldn't use properties as an investment.

'We don't need investment in something that people need to survive,' he said.

Mr van den Lamb's preference would be for everyone who had a spare property to sell it.

'House prices would come crashing down and that would be great,' he said.

'I also think we should have a state bank that offers loans at a significantly discounted rate to help people to have access to loans.

'Look at how much quicker house prices are rising while real wages are declining. House prices are increasing exponentially.'
An Aboriginal leader has slammed the Albanese government's support of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying First Nations governance should be brought in.

Muruwarri and Budjiti man Bruce Mukadda Shillingsworth, 34, said he supports Iran and condemned Israel and the United States, claiming Canberra had sided with two nations that 'don't contribute'.

'Let's talk about the colonial competency to manage and to run a country here for a second,' he said.

'And why First Nations - even now more than ever - need to be brought forward to continue to govern this continent.

'The (Australian govenrment) choose to side with two completely useless countries, and yes, I'm talking about Israel and America, that do not contribute to the necessity of the Australian construct.

'Those two countries do not contribute to the health, welfare, well-being, or the best interest of the Australian construct.

'Even worse, Australia has sided with those two completely useless countries against a country that partially provides oil and that has the ability to stop Australia's oil supply. And yes, I'm talking about Iran.

'It is complete stupidity. It is suicide. It is like hacking off your own, completely good, useful limb for no reason at all.'

Muruwarri and Budjiti man Bruce Mukadda Shillingsworth (pictured) criticised the government for supporting US-Israeli strikes on Iran

He said the government had chosen the US and Israel over a nation that partially provides oil, Iran, to Australians (pictured, no petrol available in Rockdale, Sydney, on March 25)

Mr Shillingsworth, who is from New South Wales, also criticised the Albanese government's decision to send military assistance to the Persian Gulf.

The Prime Minister announced on March 10 that the Australian Defence Force would deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the United Arab Emirates.

Eighty five personnel were also deployed, and the Albanese government will provide air-to-air missiles.

'The irony is, you've got mob within the Australian construct that are jumping up and down and saying, 'Yes, we should be supporting America and we should be supporting Israel. Send the troops.'' Mr Shillingsworth said.

'You dumbasses. How do you not see that it does not contribute to the health, welfare, well-being, or the best interest of the Australian construct?'

He also called out those who support the strikes on Iran on account of the ripple effect on global fuel supplies, spiking fear among Australians.

'Australians are now experiencing high fuel prices on top of an already (existing) cost of living crisis,' he said.

'I'm gobsmacked, and not just at a limited oil supply. Some of the fuel stations here are shut down. Fuel prices have gone through the roof.'

Mr Shillingsworth said these criticisms were why First Nations need to be brought forward to continue to govern this continent instead of Anthony Albanese

Albanese has called a second national cabinet meeting to discuss new emergency measures to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis.

Public transport discounts, WFH and carpooling are among the proposed measures set to be discussed by state and territory premiers next Monday.

Hospitality operators will consider imposing a five per cent surcharge on customers as transport and delivery costs surge amid the fuel crisis.

The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association has urged businesses to introduce a temporary surcharge on all meals, including takeaways.

Almost 200 petrol stations across NSW have run out of diesel, while at least 32 reported not having any fuel at all, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told parliament on Wednesday.

In Victoria, 134 are without one or more types of fuel.

Shillingsworth uses his Facebook page to share statements such as 'First Nations hold supreme power, jurisdiction and authority over their lands' with his 68,000 followers.

The Muruwarri and Budjiti man posts videos advising Indigenous Australians on how to deal with police, who he calls 'foreign private corporate agents', and has been filmed blocking their path.

Tribal Lore Enforcement covers an area of about 200 square kilometres and a population between 2,000 and 3,000 - most of them Indigenous

Shillingsworth established a body he calls 'Tribal Lore Enforcement' in NSW's north-west with his father Bruce Mundagutta Shillingsworth six years ago.

He has appeared wearing a black and grey uniform and driving a white Hyundai Accent with a police-like chequered pattern and the words 'Lore Enforcement' emblazoned on its side.

In September 2023, Shillingsworth was convicted of aiding and abetting arson and destroying Commonwealth property in relation to a December 2021 fire which caused $5.3million to Old Parliament House.

He had appeared at the ACT Supreme Court wearing a traditional headdress and loincloth, and draped in a kangaroo pelt inscribed with a declaration of independence signed by 'his people'.

Tribal Lore Enforcement covers an area of about 200 square kilometres and a population between 2,000 and 3,000 - most of them Indigenous - from Bourke up to Enngonia near the Queensland border.

Shillingsworth was filmed three years ago in a confrontation with police who responded to reports of illegal squatting on Ledknapper Nature Reserve at Enngonia.

'We've got the police here,' Shillingsworth said to the camera.

'What's happening is they're going out onto Muruwarri country, they're thinking that they've got authority. I'm going to ask them right here right now about whether they've got jurisdiction.

One of the officers interjected, telling Shillingsworth: 'You're blocking a public road'.

Another officer said, 'You're blocking a roadway, move your vehicle. This is a roadway in NSW.'

Shillingsworth told the officers again, 'This is Muruwarri land,' before warning them they were not allowed to enter traditional Aboriginal land.

After being given a direction to move his car, Shillingsworth identified himself as a 'Lore Enforcement officer'.

'You're committing an offence because that land from here onwards is Muruwarri land and you should know that,' Shillingsworth said.

Shillingsworth was subsequently charged with obstructing traffic and disobeying directions over the incident, which occurred in March 2022.

He was found guilty of both offences and fined $400 after a hearing in September 2022 at Bourke Local Court.

Shillingsworth later pleaded guilty to using a recording device inside court premises and posting the results on social media. He was placed on a nine-month conditional release order without conviction.

In another confrontation, this time outside the Oasis Hotel in Enngonia in April 2022, Shillingsworth again objected to police being on Muruwarri land.

'You guys are trespassing,' Shillingsworth told police in a video of that encounter. 'We served you guys with an eviction notice and now you are overstepping that.

'This is the second time we've given you a warning. Next time you come out on Muruwarri land you may be liable to prosecution under our law and you may be arrested. Do you understand that?'

Shillingsworth previously told the Daily Mail that privately funded Tribal Lore Enforcement was unlike a government-run police force.

'First of all, there is a difference between law and lore,' he said. 'Lore is in reference to natural lore.

'First Nations people have that close relationship with the land, the flora, fauna, all of it. So it's very very different from man-made law.'
The war in Iran has increased the risk of an attack in Britain, the head of counter terrorism policing warned on Wednesday.

Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor fears the conflict could act as a 'trigger' for an attack on UK soil.

He spoke out as it can be revealed that the rising threat from Iran has now overtaken Russia, after the number of plots uncovered more than doubled in the past three years.

The Islamic Republic now represents the biggest proportion of hostile state casework for MI5 and police, leaving Moscow and Beijing trailing.

In the past 12 months, more than 20 Iranian plots, including kidnaps and attempted assassinations, were smashed compared with ten in 2023.

Mr Taylor said: 'There is no question the ambition [from Iran] has increased. In terms of volume, I would predict and imagine that will continue to rise.'

He said ongoing strikes by the US and Israel may inspire a lone offender and there is also a risk of retaliation from a vengeful Tehran using Iranian spies or criminal proxies.

Mr Taylor added: 'I think it would be very surprising if the events in the Middle East didn't have an impact on the UK.'

Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor (pictured on March 24) fears the war in Iran could act as a 'trigger' for an attack on UK soil

The senior officer spoke out just days after a firebomb attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London (pictured the aftermath), which is seen as an anti-Semitic hate crime

The vehicles were set ablaze in the heart of one of the largest Jewish communities in London

The senior officer spoke out just days after a firebomb attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, which is seen as an anti-Semitic hate crime.

A suspected Iranian terror group is said to have claimed responsibility within hours, though doubts have been cast over the credibility of this.

The Golders Green incident is not being treated as a terror attack  but when asked whether there could be another assault on the Jewish community, Mr Taylor said: 'There is a potential. One of the challenges is we're approaching Passover, a key religious date in the Jewish community.

'They've already suffered the Yom Kippur attack at the Manchester synagogue and we saw the Bondi Beach attack.'

He revealed an extra 264 officers  including armed patrols, drones and mounted police  are being deployed to protect the Jewish community over the next five weeks as part of 'wider protective security'. Passover starts on April 1.

Mr Taylor added: 'It's the fear those communities feel. We think it's really important there is a visible show [of officers] on top of what we're already doing, which is quite an enhanced posture within Jewish communities over this next period, just so that they can be reassured that police are on it and that they're safe.

'We also know that anti-Semitic attacks, in the UK and across the world, have increased. Understandably, they are frightened.'

Mr Taylor said police were now intervening earlier as risk has become 'more unpredictable'.

'Our threshold for intervention has probably fallen a little bit in the current context, because we want to make sure we can manage that threat,' he added.

'What that means is we are less inclined to let investigations run for longer, just in case somebody says overnight I'm going to do something.

'It would not be right for the public if we are investigating an individual and we had an opportunity to intervene.

'I think the risk could be more unpredictable and that is a challenge.

'When it becomes more unpredictable, and you're seeing things on the news that might trigger a behaviour, we want to make sure that we have taken all possible steps to manage that threat.'

But he stressed that the official UK threat assessment of terrorism had not changed from substantial, which means an attack is likely.

Three hooded suspects were seen approaching the vehicles before they were set alight on March 23

Threat levels are determined by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, an independent body based within MI5.

Mr Taylor said: 'Geopolitical events clearly have a bearing on the things we see, the activity we see, it has an effect on our caseload, not always immediately, but often with a tail.

'It probably increases the risk of something happening because those individuals who may previously have been in that space, may take a geopolitical issue as their trigger.'

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley this week warned: 'The rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats is grave: hostile state surveillance activity, 20 disrupted plots, and recent attempted attacks on the Iranian diaspora.

'None of this is isolated. It is part of a rapidly shifting threat.'

Yesterday a senior security official said Mossad has ramped up work with Britain since the war erupted as Israel's intelligence agency believes Europe has become the 'central arena' for Iranian attacks abroad.

The representative said: 'There is a wave on the way. Iran understands it's harder to attack Israel, but Europe is a whole different story.

'Europe has become the central arena. It's easier to attack Jewish, Israeli, and Western targets there.

'This is a British problem, not just an Israeli problem. You have to move from prevention to action. This threat is already inside Europe.

'Co-operation [with Mossad] has increased. There is intelligence sharing. It is much easier for Iranians to attack Jewish communities in Western targets.

'It's like in a tsunami, you see that in the beginning something wrong is happening. It's very easy to manipulate people to initiate actions against Western sites.

'I think that the Iranians will try to make more and more actions.

'I can tell you the Iranian state of mind  let's put some pressure on the home front in the UK and in Europe and maybe the European pressure will push the Americans to stop the war.'
A young cafe owner was left 'shaking' after she was slammed by a regular customer for increasing the cost of her medium and large coffees by 80c.

Ruby Rule, 26, who owns three cafes in Queensland, recently raised her coffee prices by 16 per cent for the first time in three years.

Ms Rule said the customer lectured her after he was charged an extra 80 cents for his usual extra-hot medium flat white.

'He comes back an hour later, he says "Your not going to like what I'm about to say to you". And I was like oh god, did I f*** up his coffee,' she said in a TikTok video.

'He starts laying into me about our price increase. His coffee has gone from $5 to $5.80, which he says is completely unacceptable.

'If he thinks that's unacceptable then that's totally okay, he doesn't need to shop with us, and that's basically what I said.

'I said I know it's a significant jump and I know some of our customers, it's not going to be viable for them to shop with us anymore.'

Ms Rule said she explained the decision to raise prices was a combination of factors, including increased rent and supplier costs.

A cafe owner has had to defend increasing her coffee prices after being slammed by a customer for her 'completely unacceptable' move

'I explained how over the past three years, we had to move into a much more expensive area with much more expensive rent.

'That is not something we could control.

'Our old building got demolished so we had to move and this was out best option. We've had to change suppliers. Suppliers are raising their prices.'

While Ms Rule said she understood why some customers would now go elsewhere, she said they would be lucky to find a medium-sized coffee for $5.80.

Aussies were divided over the price jump, with some applauding the decision.

'The general public have no idea what it's like running a small business,' one said.

'$5.80 is so reasonable! A medium at our local is $6.50 and I happily pay it,' one said.

'I feel that pricing of yours is quite reasonable, especially considering all the factors,' a third person agreed.

Ms Rule was left shaking after a customer slammed the 16 per cent price increase at her cafe

Ruby Rule owns three cafes in Queensland including The Boneyard Expresso (pictured)

Join the discussion Are rising coffee prices making your daily brew a luxury or are they fair given business costs?

But others slammed the 'steep' price hike.

'16 per cent in one go is a bit steep should have phased it,' one said.

'I think price increases are inevitable however a 16 per cent increase in one go is really hard to justify' a second wrote.

'I think the prices of coffees are getting ridiculous,' a third said.

Others shared what they were paying for their own coffees.

'Where I work, a shot is $5, two is $6 and four is $7,' one said.

'Add-ons like alternative milks, syrups, decaf, and additional shots are all $1 extra.'

'Paying $7.80 for two shots lactose free where I am,' a third said.

According to recent Commonwealth Bank analysis, the cost of coffee beans has increased by 200 per cent over two years, partly due to a drought in Brazil.
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For 18 years, Angela Shellis 'fought tirelessly' for her son Tristan.

But the 'unbreakable' love she felt for her deeply troubled younger boy  as well as his successful university undergraduate elder brother  was to be betrayed in the cruellest manner imaginable.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Tristan Roberts spent hours a day in a toxic online world where he could give vent to his most depraved fantasies.

He was so divorced from reality  and obsessed with violence and mass murderers  that he became fixated on the notion that his 'devoted' mother was to blame for his unhappiness.

Fuelled by unjustified anger and poisonous misogyny, which he spouted on the controversial gamers' messaging app Discord, Roberts began plotting to kill her.

In a chilling glimpse into the insidious power of AI, the teenager turned to the technology's unmonitored might for tips on what kind of weapons a 'non-experienced' killer should use.

Then, Roberts turned 18. He didn't spend his birthday drinking with friends.

Instead, he visited a local branch of The Range store chain, where he bought a knife and disposable razors, showing ID to prove he was 18  the required legal age.

Tristan Roberts, 18, (pictured being arrested at his home after his mother's body was found on October 24) was jailed for life yesterday for bludgeoning his mother Angela Shellis to death with a hammer

He held his 45-year-old mother prisoner in her own bedroom, repeatedly attacking her with a hammer (pictured) and strangling her

He then led her to a nature reserve (pictured, the pair walking there, captured on CCTV footage) and bludgeoned her to death with the hammer - which he had bought on Amazon for 20

He spent hours a day in a toxic online world where he could give vent to his most depraved fantasies. Pictured: A message he posted on online chat forum Discord

He was so divorced from reality  and obsessed with violence and mass murderers  that he became fixated on the notion that his 'devoted' mother was to blame for his unhappiness. Pictured: A message he posted on Discord about serial killer TV series Dexter

He asked an AI tool for tips on which weapon to use to murder his mother Angela Shellis (pictured) and how to clean up afterwards. It told him a hammer would be best for 'a non-experienced killer'

The purchase concerned the cashier, who kept a copy of the teenager's receipt. The next day he bought another knife.

Two weeks later, he enacted his callous plot  putting his mother through a four-and-a-half-hour ordeal of unspeakable horror.

Roberts recorded every moment of it. From the initial assault to the final fatal blows. Mercifully for Angela's family, those moments weren't played to court.

It was agony enough for them to hear how Roberts held his 45-year-old mother prisoner in her own bedroom, repeatedly attacking her with a hammer and strangling her.

He then led her to a nature reserve and bludgeoned her to death with the hammer he had bought on Amazon for 20.

What could possibly have motivated such brutality? That is a question that continues to haunt Angela's family.

Roberts, who had a fascination with serial killers, including TV series Dexter and the movie American Psycho, has offered no explanation; in police interviews he responded 'no comment'.

In a note on his laptop a week before the killing he spelt out his twisted desire for 'vengeance' against his mother, saying he was 'Not Tristan Roberts, but Alex'.

Self-pityingly he described his 'entire life' as 'a s***show of f****** hell, just hell, abandonment, betrayal, bullied, nearly froze to death, physical effort, suffering'.

'All of it and most caused by one person, and not myself.

'And now that one person, not out of sadistic pleasure or malice, but out of revenge, justice, vengeance and to move forwards in life, I must take the weight off my back.

'Even if it hurts. There is no use living anymore if I don't do this. I am already dead.'

In notes he wrote before the murder he said he was motivated by 'hatred of women'. One Discord post read: 'I do hate girls are you OK with that?'

The platform has been accused in the US of harbouring radical communities including white supremacist far-Right groups.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, is also reported to have been active on the site.

In reality, Roberts' ungrateful and self-centred attitude was a cruel and insulting inversion of the lifelong sacrifices Ms Shellis had made for both her sons.

Roberts had previously posted misogynistic messages (pictured) and boasted of his chilling intent to kill on controversial chat forum Discord, which has been linked to other murders

Roberts has offered no explanation for his brutality; in police interviews (pictured) he responded 'no comment'

In a note on his laptop a week before the killing, Roberts (pictured) spelt out his twisted desire for 'vengeance' against his mother

But in reality, Roberts' ungrateful and self-centred attitude was a cruel and insulting inversion of the lifelong sacrifices Ms Shellis (pictured) had made for both her sons

Her devotion to her boys is clear from her own social media accounts, peppered with pictures of them.

'Home is where my boys are,' reads one post. 'I will never understand how some parents live every day knowing they have a child out there they rarely bother about and just get on with their life without a care in the world.'

After separating from the boys' father, she had moved back from Bedfordshire to the seaside town of Prestatyn in her native North Wales so they could benefit from the support of relatives.

A qualified teacher, described by relatives as having 'a heart full of love and kindness', Angela took a lower-paid job as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School so she could spend more time with her sons. That Roberts needed help was clear.

In childhood, he was referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. He attended mainstream schools but 'struggled' and had a history of disruptive behaviour.

But while he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, to this day, professionals have detected no recognised mental health disorder  relatives now suspect he 'manipulated' doctors.

Adolescence was turbulent: he spent time in hospital, in homeless accommodation and a period with his father in Milton Keynes.

What support Angela sought  and with what, the court heard, 'limited success'  will doubtless become clearer with time.

Denbighshire County Council said yesterday that it and 'partner organisations' had referred the case to North Wales Safeguarding Board and could not comment.

What is known is that the mother and son relationship became 'strained'. Family members, too, were worried about Roberts' deteriorating behaviour after the family moved to Prestatyn.

In February 2025 he was given a six-month referral order by Llandudno youth court for possession of a bladed item in a public place and shoplifting.

Neighbours reported him behaving aggressively towards them, and overheard him shouting in the family's semi-detached house.

It is a devastating feature of this case that both Angela and her elder son, Ethan, had begun to suspect the threat Roberts represented towards her.

As Mold Crown Court was told, on October 17  four days after Roberts had turned 18  the worried mother messaged a social worker and friends, stating that he had bought a knife and a hammer.

In one note on her phone she asked: 'Why?? What does he need these for? Is he planning to hurt me, himself, what? Who? Why? FFS.'

Ethan too was concerned; before going back to university, he set up wireless-enabled cameras inside the family home.

In the weeks running up to the murder he used Chinese AI search tool DeepSeek to ask for tips for a 'non-experienced killer'. Pictured: Gloves found at the crime scene

He soon put his murderous plan into practice. Along with weapons, he bought a balaclava, facemasks, overalls and clingfilm. Pictured: A carrier bag and its contents found at Roberts' address upon his arrest

The attack began at around 11pm and lasted until 3.30am. Preying on her devotion, Roberts convinced his mother to leave the house, under the pretence she could have her injuries treated. Pictured: Ms Shellis' mobile phone, which was found by police at her home

He ordered her to put on a balaclava (pictured, found by police at the scene)  to restrict how far her blood was spread, police suspect  then tricked her into taking a 'shortcut' through a nature reserve, where he left her to die

But unknown to either of them, Roberts' plans were escalating.

In the early hours of October 18, he posted messages on Discord stating that he had been standing over his mother holding a hammer as she slept but did not use it.

The next morning, she wrote a note on her phone reading: 'OMG I did not sleep well at all... and Tristan kept coming into my room too  why? Am I safe in my room tonight?'

Meanwhile, Roberts' posts on Discord were becoming ever more disturbing.

In one chat he boasted about being able to chop a bear apart with a weapon.

Another said: 'She is gonna just vanish off the earth. I already tried everything else. Now it's time.'

In a third he wrote: 'I can kill her bare-handed. I only want to make it brutal and make sure I don't mess up with an axe.'

His accounts were repeatedly taken down for violating the platform's policies against abusive and threatening content and his posts deleted.

But Roberts, who wasn't in education, kept thousands of screenshots (recovered by police after the murder) and simply set up new user names  a total of 16 different accounts.

In the weeks running up to the murder he used Chinese AI search tool DeepSeek to ask for tips for a 'non-experienced killer', including whether he should use a knife or a hammer.

After it refused to engage, Roberts tricked it by lying that he was writing a book about serial killers.

Once Ethan had gone back to university for the new term, Roberts put his murderous plan into practice.

Along with weapons, he bought a balaclava, facemasks, overalls and clingfilm.

His mother was particularly vulnerable because she was off work and using crutches due to a leg injury.

On the evening of October 23, he made a brief voice recording in which he said that he was 'Alex'  believed to be his murderous alter ego  and was going to kill his mother.

The attack began at around 11pm and lasted until 3.30am. 'This is the moment we are doing it,' he said. 'We are going to hit her with a sledgehammer.'

When he was arrested later that day, Roberts had barricaded himself into his bedroom. He calmly asked officers: 'Is the body you found my mother?' Pictured: Police at his home address

As killer Roberts (pictured) was given a life sentence yesterday, devastated relatives were still struggling to comprehend the tragedy

Ms Shellis was conscious before pleading in a 'calm and firm voice' for him to phone 999 for medical help.

She even offered to 'back him up and say that he had not known what he was doing', prosecutor Andrew Thomas KC said.

But, preying on her devotion, Roberts convinced her to leave the house, under the pretence she could have her injuries treated.

He ordered her to put on a balaclava  to restrict how far her blood was spread, police suspect  then tricked her into taking a 'short cut' through a nature reserve.

There, he took the sledgehammer out of his rucksack and rained down blows on her, leaving her to die.

He returned home alone at 5.35am and was filmed on a doorbell camera leaving again 50 minutes later, swinging a carrier bag thought to have contained bleach to clean the murder scene.

He was thwarted by the presence of dog walkers and he returned home.

Later that morning he logged straight back on to Discord, writing: 'I've just had the craziest day.'

He said that he had 'beat the s***' out of his mother, and described how he had 'smashed her skull'.

Angela's body was found just after 8.30am, but it took police several hours to establish her identity.

Relatives were worried and tried to contact her  but Roberts sent messages from her phone to say she was laid up with a 'bad throat'.

Ethan sent his mother's phone a message asking: 'Just call me for a second So that I know you are alive.'

Roberts  posing as their mother  replied: 'I think I am alive [laughing emoji]'.

When he was arrested later that day, he had barricaded himself into his bedroom. He calmly asked officers: 'Is the body you found my mother?'

The murder weapon  a 20 'mini sledgehammer' bought on Amazon  was seized at the home.

As he was given a life sentence yesterday, devastated relatives were still struggling to comprehend the tragedy.

In a powerful victim impact statement to the court, Ethan said their mother had done anything and everything for Roberts 'his whole life'.

'Mum never gave up on him. I don't know how he could do this to anyone, let alone the one person that would do absolutely anything for him,' he said.

He felt 'haunted' by anger as well as guilt that he was unable to protect his mother.

Her sister, Sarah Gunther, said she wanted her sister to be remembered as 'a mum who never gave up, no matter what life threw at her'.

Addressing her nephew directly, she told him how the family 'fought so hard to try and get you the help you needed'.
The grieving parents of a toddler who died due to systemic failures at a Sydney hospital are expecting their fourth child.

Danny and Elouise Massa rushed their two-year-old son Joe to Northern Beaches Hospital's emergency department in September 2024.

The toddler had spent that night violently vomiting. He was suffering a life-threatening condition called hypovolemia after losing too much fluid.

After a series of hospital failures and misdiagnoses, Joe suffered severe and irreversible brain damage and his life support was turned off three days later.

An internal review identified multiple failures at the hospital that day, including poor IT systems, incorrect triaging and ignoring the family's concerns.

Since their son's tragic death, the Massas have lobbied for legislative change, inspiring the passage of Joe's Law to enshrine a parent's right to be heard during the treatment of their children in NSW hospitals.

The couple appeared on Radio 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham's program on Thursday with health minister Ryan Park to launch a new statewide hotline for patients and families to raise concerns about the care of a loved one in hospital.

They also revealed that their fourth child is due on June 2.

Danny and Elouise Massa will welcome their fourth child in early June, less than two years after the tragic death of their son Joe

The death of Joe Massa at Northern Beaches Hospital in September 2024 sparked reforms

'It's bittersweet,' Ms Massa told a delighted Fordham.

'This baby is already so loved and we knew that knew (in) our darkest times that hope and love will always been the main drive and force for us.

'This baby is a symbol of hope for our family and hopefully for others.'

The couple have chosen not to find out the baby's gender beforehand.

The NSW government launched Raise It on Thursday, a safety reform allowing patients, families, and carers to urgently raise concerns if a patients condition deteriorates in a public hospital.

It replaces the previous REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) program launched in 2013 to help people escalate concerns of clinical deterioration.

The state government overhauled REACH after the program failed Joe and his family.

'It is going to literally save lives in hospitals,' Ms Massa said.

Elouise Massa (pictured with Joe) says that new reforms will save lives in hospital

Joe's death in September 2024 inspired Raise It, a new statewide hotline for patients and families to raise concerns about the care of a loved one in hospital

'It's a way to empower every individual across NSW, whether you're a patient, parent, carer or healthcare practitioner to raise your concerns.

'It is not a weakness, it's a sign of compassion, care and professionalism.

'It is Joe's love that is driving this change.'

Mr Massa added: 'El was in the hospital advocating for better care for Joe and they fell on deaf ears.

'The old protocol failed and the Raise It reform is a tremendous step in the right direction.'

The Raise It program involves three clear steps to get help fast in a public hospital or health service.

The first is to speak to a nurse or doctor about your concerns.

If you're still concerned, the second step is to request the nurse in charge for a clinical review.

Two-year-old Joe (pictured in hospital) suffered severe and irreversible brain damage after a series of failures and misdiagnoses. His life support was turned off three days later

Northern Beaches Hospital has returned to public hands in the wake of the tragedy

If that also fails, the third step is to call the Raise It hotline on 1800 777 333, where a senior health professional will listen to your concerns and respond.

'Because patients and families often recognise early changes first, trusting your instincts when you or someone you love comes into hospital is critical,' Park said.

'You dont need medical knowledge. You dont need to be certain. You might notice small changes. You might feel something just isnt right.

'You know yourself or your loved one best. If youre concerned, Raise It. NSW Health staff are here for you, will listen to you, and make sure you get the care you or your loved one needs.'

Following Joe's death, the NSW government has returned Northern Beaches Hospital to public hands and ordered a Clinical Excellence Commission review of its systems and processes surrounding paediatric care.

It has also requested a coronial inquest into Joe's death.
President Donald Trump floated Wednesday night that he wasn't calling the Iran war a 'war' because that would trigger the need for him to seek Congressional approval, which he hasn't.

The President made the comments during a glitzy dinner at D.C.'s Union Station that raised cash for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the political group that helps elect Republicans to the House of Representatives.

'I won't use the word "war" because they say, if you use the word war, that's maybe not a good thing to do,' Trump told the crowd. 'They don't like the word war because you're supposed to get approval.'

'I'll use the word military operation, which is really what it is,' the President added.

Later, he referred to the Iran war as an 'excursion into hell.'

The President peppered his speech with Iran war updates as he spoke to lawmakers and donors for an hour and five minutes.

Trump pushed back on denials from Iranian government officials who say negotiations with the US aren't happening.

'And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it,' Trump said. 'Because they figure they'll be killed by their own people. They're also afraid they'll be killed by us.'

President Donald Trump spoke for an hour and five minutes Wednesday night at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

Union Station was decked out for President Donald Trump's appearance at a fundraising dinner Wednesday night to benefit the National Republican Congressional Committee, which helps elect GOP members to the House of Representatives

'There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran,' Trump joked.

He wove between talking about Iran and bashing his enemies - the Democrats and the 'fake news' - or all of them at once.

'They want chaos,' he said of the Democrats, referring to what's ensued amid the partial government shutdown, which has left Transportation Security Administration employees unpaid, and thus airports chaotic.

'There are great military triumphs against Iran that can't be displayed on television because they're displaying airports,' the President complained.

Trump also pressed Republicans on how important it was for them to win the midterm elections.

'I think we're going to have a great election,' he said. 'We're going to do it, we're going to do it.'

Later in the appearance, he got more animated when talking about the midterms, after admitting he had ditched his pre-planned speech.

'You don't mind if I go off this crazy teleprompter?' he had asked the crowd. 'It's boring, the teleprompter thing.'

A plume of smoke rises over an oil storage facility hit by US-Israeli strikes on March 8

President Donald Trump raises a fist as he appears at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual President's Dinner at Union Station on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C.

He said Republicans needed to win the midterms 'because we are competing against lunatics and the public knows it!'

Trump said this after impersonating former President Joe Biden trying to find an exit.

'This guy, that couldn't walk off a stage. See the stage, see how many stairs ... he could never find the stairs. And people don't want that. People want a President that's able to walk off and find the stairs,' Trump said.

'Do you ever see that? Where he looks out, "ohhh I'm finished,"' the President continued. 'First of all, his speeches were extremely short. They lasted a matter of seconds and then he'd walk out.'

Trump then said of Biden, 'he was probably a nice guy.' 'I couldn't stand this guy,' he added.

The President also suggested that he would spend a lot of time campaigning ahead of the November elections.

'I'm going to personally campaign for every one of you,' he told the large crowd.

The NRCC announced that the group had raised a record $35.2 million from the dinner.
A neo-Nazi leader accused of masterminding an attack on an Aboriginal protest site has enjoyed a rare win in court after a swag of charges against him were dropped.

On Thursday, Thomas Sewell, 32, tuned into the Melbourne Magistrates' Court via video link to hear prosecutors had abandoned most of the allegations against him.

Sewell had been facing 25 charges including violent disorder and affray, and was one of 15 people charged over an incident at a First Nations camp in Melbourne's Kings Domain.

Prosecutors alleged he led a group of far-right extremists to attack occupants of Camp Sovereignty on August 31.

Sewell is alleged to have kicked and punched a person during a melee in which seven victims had been identified, the Supreme Court heard last year.

But prosecutors on Thursday announced they had discontinued all but five charges.

No reasons were given as to why the charges were withdrawn.

As it now stands, Sewell still faces the two main charges of violent disorder and affray, which he formally pleaded not guilty to on Thursday.

Thomas Sewell (centre) was heckled by a bystander as he left court earlier this year

The remaining charges related to an unlawful assault, and allegations he breached his bail conditions.

With the main charges unable to be heard in the lower court, Sewell is now gearing up for a trial at the County Court of Victoria later this year.

At his last appearance, Sewell told reporters outside court his dispute with prosecutors was over the idea that the attack was 'unprovoked'.

He said his associates had been attacked at a March for Australia protest before the Camp Sovereignty incident.

'If we can agree to the facts, then I'm happy to do what's needed to be done,' Sewell told reporters.

'This idea that I just walk around the street punching people for no reason... that's just a lie.'

A member of the public heckled Sewell as he spoke to media, telling him: 'You put Australia to shame, buddy.'

Three people were injured in the alleged attack on the camp, with one woman requiring staples in her scalp to close a wound, the court was previously told.

Thomas Sewell (centre with cap) is accused of roughing up a First Nations camp in Melbourne's Kings Domain.

Thomas Sewell claims he and his mates had been earlier provoked by camp members

Three of Sewell's co-accused - Zack Steven Dewaard, Billy Conheady and Haymish Busscher - have already formally pleaded not guilty to charges including violent disorder and affray.

They will each face trial in the Victorian County Court.

The other accused - Jake Crockett, Michael Nelson, Yan Zakharin and Michael Saarinen - will fight the allegations at a magistrates' court committal hearing in May.

Jaeden Johnson was the only one to admit offending, pleading guilty to charges of violent disorder, assault by kicking and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

He will face a plea hearing in the County Court in August.

Sewell was granted bail in the Supreme Court of Victoria in November.

Justice James Elliott ordered Sewell to live in a sharehouse with his two children and fiancee, who put up a $20,000 surety and promised to alert authorities if he breached his bail conditions.

He has also been banned from attending the Melbourne CBD or the vicinity of Kings Domain.
Iran rejected Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan yesterday, blaming a previous 'catastrophic experience' of US diplomacy.

It said the plans were 'excessive' and that war would only end when its own conditions were met.

While only 14 of the 15 points have been seen, analysts say they are almost a carbon copy of those rejected by Iran last summer.

The White House last night claimed the US still 'wants peace'  but warned that Mr Trump 'is prepared to unleash hell' if Iran does not accept it is beaten.

The regime would have to agree to its missile programme being limited and to stop funding regional proxies.

Yesterday, Iran put forward its own ceasefire proposal, calling for war reparations and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

In a clear act of defiance, it ridiculed the US for 'negotiating with itself', telling state TV that 'Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met'.

That follows negotiations in January and May last year being broken off by the US to launch joint strikes with Israel against the Islamic Republic.

First responders inspect a destroyed car at the site of a residential building hit in an overnight strike during the US-Israeli military campaign in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran, Tuesday, March 24, 2026

A woman and boy hold up miniature Iranian flags while sitting in a vehicle moving along Enghelab (Revolution) Square in central Tehran on March 25, 2026

The rejection came as Iran launched more missiles at targets across the region, including a US aircraft carrier  as Israel in turn hammered southern Lebanon.

Yesterday, Tehran confirmed it had received Mr Trump's 15-point proposal, which lays out America's war aims in the first 12 points.

Analysts say the terms are 'more or less' the same as those rejected before, though offer more generous sanctions relief  while the Strait of Hormuz was not previously an issue.

Meanwhile, the US was pushing to meet regime counterparts in Pakistan to discuss the plans today. But it is claimed Tehran has ruled out meeting Mr Trump's 'backstabbing' peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Regime officials instead responded with their own demands for a halt to 'aggression and assassinations' and for the US to pay war reparations.

Iranian spokesman Esmail Baghaei yesterday described the current conflict as a 'betrayal of diplomacy'. He said: 'We made it clear yesterday there are no talks or negotiations between Iran and the US. We've had a very catastrophic experience, I should say, of US diplomacy.'

The Trump administration first entered negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme in April last year with Mr Witkoff meeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Rome.

The US President said both sides were close to a deal on May 27, but a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) four days later found Iran had amassed a record amount of military-grade uranium.

When the IAEA declared Iran had breached its non-proliferation obligations on June 12, Israel launched pre-emptive strikes before the US joined in and decimated Tehran's nuclear sites in the so-called 12-Day War.

Talks resumed after the regime killed thousands of Iranians who rose up to protest against their rule in January. But the US broke off again to launch strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Yet despite a blistering bombing campaign that took out key regime figures, the Islamic Republic survived, before crippling the global economy by shutting the Strait through which 20 per cent of global oil passes and firing on Gulf neighbours.

Plumes of smoke and fire rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility, according to authorities, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 14, 2026

Smoke and flames rise following an Israeli military strike on a target in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, March, 25, 2026

Now Tehran feels like it has the upper hand as the economic fallout has forced Mr Trump back to the negotiating table.

Point one of the US plan demands Iran must 'dismantle existing nuclear capabilities'. This is a deal-breaker for the US and Israel, but Iran will see no need to relent on this point.

The next five points also all deal with nuclear issues, including granting the UN watchdog full access. Iran has always stated it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, so is unlikely to make a stand.

The US also wants assurances that Iran will not support or fund its terror proxies, which again it is unlikely to agree to.

An additional point is an order to open Hormuz.

The final US demands relate to Iran's missile programme, asking that it is limited in range and restricted to self-defence.

In return, Washington has offered to lift all sanctions and prevent them being reinstated.This point will be enticing as it has been Tehran's key demand.

The US also offered to assist Tehran in its civilian nuclear programme, which has previously been on the table. But Iran's foreign minister last night said his country did not plan to negotiate and intended to keep fighting.

Mr Araghchi told state TV: 'At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance.

'Speaking of negotiations now is an admission of defeat.'

He insisted the Strait of Hormuz was 'not completely closed it is closed only to enemies'.

Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz, of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, told the Daily Mail: 'The Americans don't understand who they are fighting against. Iran has the upper hand, why would they capitulate?'

Last night, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said talks were continuing between the US and Iran, but would not get into 'nitty-gritty'. She said: 'President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.'
Iran claimed it had targeted a US aircraft carrier with cruise missiles amid a fresh round of devastating strikes across the region on Wednesday.

Tehran released unverifiable footage of a missile said to have been fired at the USS Abraham Lincoln, while claiming the ship was forced to 'change position' after the barrage in the Arabian Sea.

The Islamic Republic's navy chief, Admiral Shahram Irani, revealed a Qadar anti-ship cruise missile was used and warned that the 1.8 billion, nuclear-powered warship and its carrier group were 'constantly being monitored'.

In a statement read on state television, he added: 'As soon as this hostile fleet comes within range of our missile systems, it will be subjected to powerful strikes by the Iranian Navy.'

It comes after Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that all 101 missiles fired at the Abraham Lincoln were intercepted.

Iran also launched a fresh barrage of missiles at targets across the region on Wednesday. It was accused of aiming at Israel's largest power plant  defying the US President's claims that a five-day pause on attacks against energy infrastructure had been agreed.

A ballistic missile landed close to Orot power station in Hadera, sending huge plumes of smoke across the area. The plant was not damaged by the missile, which landed nearby.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said it had destroyed at least eight drones in its oil-rich Eastern Province and missile alert sirens also sounded in Bahrain.

And Kuwait said it shot down multiple drones but one hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a massive fire.

Tehran claimed it had fired ballistic missiles at the $1.8billion USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (pictured), adding it had to 'change position' after the barrage in the Arabian Sea.

The Iranian regime released this unverified footage of missiles being fired towards the USS Abraham Lincoln

The attacks continued amid reports Saudi Arabia and the UAE are considering joining the fight as they do not want the US to strike a deal with a severely wounded and dangerous Iran.

Pro-Iran social media accounts shared a picture of a Sejil ballistic missile being launched with the caption: 'One of our senior diplomats, His Excellency Mr Sejil, is heading for negotiations with the Great Satan.'

The regime also signalled on Wednesday it could call on the Houthis, its terror proxy in Yemen, to fire on vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to shut another vital shipping lane to the Red Sea.

A military official said it has 'both the will and the capability' to do so in response to any 'enemy action'.

It is seen as a threat should the US try to seize the strategically vital Kharg Island, through which Iran exports 90 per cent of its oil.

The Houthis have so far sat this war out, but if they entered the conflict it could further drive up oil and gas prices and push the world economy towards a crippling recession.

Elsewhere, Israel has continued to pound southern Lebanon and it appears the country could launch a ground invasion against Iranian proxy Hezbollah.

It has given an evacuation order for civilians living south of the Litani River, with one million residents now displaced.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday: 'We are expanding this security zone to keep the threat of anti-tank missiles away from our communities and our territory.

'We are simply creating a larger buffer zone. Now the issue of dismantling Hezbollah is at the forefront of our minds. This is also linked to the broader campaign against Iran, which is still in full swing, contrary to what is being reported in the media.'

Tehran has so far responded to the US-Israeli operation by firing missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz. It is at present only allowing a small number of ships from friendly countries through.

This action has sparked a global energy crisis and rocked the world economy. As a result, the US has faced pressure from allies to reopen the strait to bring down oil prices.
While Donald Trump continues to talk about peace deals, thousands of US troops are heading for the Middle East  raising questions about the President's real objectives.

More than 3,000 Airborne and US Special Forces troops were preparing for operations on Iranian territory on Wednesday night, set to join 5,000 US Marines already closing in on the country.

The President is expected to order an invasion of the strategically significant Kharg Island, through which 90 per cent of Iranian oil is processed, should the proposed 'deal' fall through, having bought himself five days to move his pieces into position.

That could force Tehran to cease its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, it is believed the reports may be a deliberate distraction ahead of a possible alternative US plan to seal off Iranian nuclear facilities inside the country.

Last night, however, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the man most likely to be involved in peace talks, warned of 'relentless attacks' in the event of any invasion.

He said: 'All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces. If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks.'

Meanwhile, former CIA Director John Brennan said he believed the Iranian regime over Trump.

Asked about disputes over whether the two sides were engaged in talks, he said: 'I tend to believe Iran more than I do Donald Trump, because he could not acknowledge the truth even when he's slapped in the face with it repeatedly.

Donald Trump (pictured at the National Congressional Committee on March 25, 2026) has continued to talk of peace deals while deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East

Pictured: A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a U.S.-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran on March 8, 2026)

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'And it's clear that he is flailing right now. He's trying to figure out how he's going to get out of this debacle that he has created.'

Any invasion could take place as soon as this weekend when US Marines who have sailed from the Pacific are expected to arrive in the region.

The 82nd Airborne, based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, specialises in rapid, highrisk missions. Its Immediate Response Force (IRF) unit has around 3,000 soldiers who can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Marine Expeditionary Units could be launched from the USS Tripoli, which was based off Japan, and the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, which sailed from California.

Seizing tiny Kharg Island, 20 miles from the Iranian coast, would offer Trump an opportunity to bargain with the regime. It is considered the most important piece of oil infrastructure in the region.

But last night US military commentators suggested any invasion would be symbolic rather than strategic, considering what could be achieved by airstrikes.

Former US Special Forces soldier Matt Tardio said: 'The United States can isolate Kharg from the sky with A-10 bomber aircraft and Apache helicopter gunships operating freely over the Persian Gulf. Sending in troops to Kharg Island would be symbolic, stupid and certainly would not be advisable.'

Former US national security advisor John Bolton agreed taking Kharg Island would be about symbolism and politics.

He said: 'I think President Trump has been looking for a way to get out and declare victory for some time, particularly after the Strait of Hormuz was closed.

'It could be that the deadline given to Iran was intended to give time for US forces to get there.'

But it is feared the move could draw China into the conflict as the country is reliant on Iranian crude oil.
President Trump planned to defy NYC's socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani by sending around 500 ICE agents to LaGuardia and John F Kennedy airports, reports said.

The Department of Homeland Security will continue its surge of ICE agents to airports amid chaos at TSA lines from a partial government shutdown, NewsNation reported.

'TSA is extremely grateful to the patriotic men and women of ICE who have deployed to airports that are facing a high number of callouts because of the Democrats' shutdown,' Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.

'After receiving standard TSA training curriculum, ICE officers are guarding entrances and exits, assisting with logistics, doing crowd control, and verifying identification using TSA equipment and standard operating procedures.'

Bis noted that the TSA agent callout rate was 11.14 percent on Tuesday, with JFK having one of the highest callout rates in the country at 36.8 percent.

While only near half that (17.1 percent) have called out at LaGuardia, it faces extreme delays in part due to the still ongoing investigation into the fatal collision between an Air Canada jet and a firetruck on the runway days ago.

Mamdani has been highly critical of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the past, calling for the agency to be abolished and claiming they have 'terrorized' US citizens.

'The more support we have available, the more efficiently TSA can focus on their highly specialized screening roles to efficiently get airport security lines moving faster,' Bis added.

The Department of Homeland Security will continue its surge of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents to airports amid chaos at TSA from a partial government shutdown

Around 500 ICE agents will be sent to New York's LaGuardia and John F Kennedy airports (pictured) within the next 24 hours

The new deployments come at a time when conditions at airports are becoming potentially dangerous.

Earlier Tuesday, TSA acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the House Homeland Security Committee that the agency is now 'being forced to consolidate' security lanes, and 'may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough officers.'

'It is a fluid, challenging and unpredictable situation. We understand this is frustrating and disruptive,' McNeil told Congress. 'This is unacceptable.'

Travelers have been urged to get to airports more than two hours early because security lines are so slow, as wait times have lasted an average of 270 minutes in some of America's busiest hubs.

Airports nationwide are experiencing surging callout rates higher than 40 percent among TSA employees, McNeil said.

Nearly 50 percent of staff at Houston's Hobby Airport called off Monday, leaving fewer employees to help control the swell of travel mayhem.

Senators are currently chasing a deal that would fund much of DHS, including TSA agents.

Meanwhile, Trump had ICE agents descend on some of the busiest airports in the US on Monday.

Join the discussion How do you feel about ICE agents stepping in at airports during the TSA crisis?

President Donald Trump had Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents descend on some of the busiest airports in the US on Monday

Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis would not confirm the locations of the officers but did outline what the agents would be doing

The federal agents are still getting paid.

According to the White House, the agents have helped decrease airport wait times in recent days, but did not specify how that's been done.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the agents' presence 'is yielding results', and that the Trump administration has 'seen wait times decrease, not as much as we'd like.'

By midday Wednesday, New York's LaGuardia Airport saw a line that virtually extended the entire length of Terminal B, the Associated Press reported.

While many are experiencing lengthy wait times, and even flight delays and cancellations, other travelers have reported having a breeze of a time getting through their travels.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are known as the least busy travel days at airports, offering less hassle and lower fares.

The wave of flight chaos has gotten so severe that travelers are reporting suffering health-related symptoms while on long lines, with one suffering a panic attack while stuck underground in a TSA line at a Houston airport.

When Meg Lauck entered the TSA line at George W. Bush airport on Tuesday, the sea of people curled up to three floors deep and flowed back all the way into the basement, something she referred to as a 'hellhole.'

TSA acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the House Homeland Security Committee that the agency is now 'being forced to consolidate' during a hearing on Wednesday

'I'm sorry, it's really bad. We're underground,' she told ABC 13. 'I have some claustrophobia. This is not pleasant.'

The experience left her so traumatized that she was forced to leave the airport and rent a car to drive back to New Orleans, Louisiana, Lauck said.

Fliers in Houston are facing some of the longest TSA lines in the country, with travelers waiting around for more than two hours in Terminal A and E on Wednesday, KHOU 11 reported.

The airport has faced a high number of callouts, with 36 percent of TSA staff not coming in for their shifts.
Australians are being warned of a contagious flu variant after twice as many people than expected died from the virus at the start of the year.

The Subclade K variant, known as Super-K, has been circulating around the country since September, with last year's flu vaccine ineffective against it.

Mater Health Services director of infectious diseases Paul Griffin revealed the start of the year had been devastating for dozens of families.

'In January, more than 60 people died from flu in Australia, which is around double the number we would normally see during that month,' he told The Courier Mail.

'This is largely due to the Super-K variant which is easily transmitted, and also due to low vaccination rates.'

More than 22,000 Australians have caught the flu this year, with 7,295 reported in Queensland.

The flu vaccine has since been updated to combat the Super-K strain, with Aussies, including pregnant women and children, urged to get the jab as soon as possible.

'Elderly people and anyone with a compromised immune system should also absolutely get the flu injection,' Professor Griffin said.

Aussies are being warned of a contagious flu variant that has largely contributed to twice as many deaths in the country in January than usual

'It's definitely safe and we know they're at higher risk of more severe disease from the flu.'

In Queensland, flu jabs are free from local GPs or pharmacies for anyone aged six months and older.

There is also a new needle-free flu vaccine for those aged between two and five.

'It's an intranasal vaccine - a little spray of fluid into each nostril - that will provide young children with excellent protection against the flu,' Professor Griffin said.

'Children six months of age and upwards are recommended to get the flu vaccine every year and pregnant mothers should also get vaccinated to protect them and their unborn babies.'

The flu season normally begins in April as the weather becomes cooler, before ramping up through the winter.

'If you get vaccinated now or early April, you should have excellent protection during the peak of the flu season which is usually the latter half of winter here in Queensland,' professor Griffin said.

He said a Covid booster was a great idea as well.

With more than 22,000 flu cases reported nationally so far this year, Paul Griffin, the director of infectious diseases at Mater, a Queensland network of public and private hospitals and healthcare services, said it was vital the latest vaccines worked (stock image)

'It is safe to have a Covid and flu vaccine at the same time and, for older adults, I would also recommend getting an RSV vaccine,' he said.

'That way you can be protected against the more serious respiratory viruses that are likely to be circulating at the same time.'
Do you know more? Email charlotte.karp@dailymail.com.au

A casual staff member at a $48,000-a-year private school in Sydney has been sacked after he was accused of offering to pay a teenage girl for sexual material.

Newington College employee Benjamin David Collinge, 29, was arrested at 5.45am on Thursday after police raided his mother's home in Beecroft, in the city's north-west.

The arrest came just eight days after the sex crimes squad received a report about a man who allegedly tried to encourage a girl, 14, to send sexual material in exchange for money.

Following investigations by Strike Force Trawler, the Beecroft property was raided and Collinge was taken to Gladesville Police Station.

He was charged with using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 for sex, and using a carriage service to access child abuse material.

Collinge had been providing classroom support in the music department at Newington College on a casual basis.

Headmaster Michael Parker released a letter to parents, informing them that Collinge had been fired.

'Newington was first made aware of this matter this afternoon and is working with Police and the Office of the Childrens Guardian on the ongoing investigation,' it read.

Benjamin David Collinge, 29, was arrested on Thursday morning and charged with child grooming offences

'Police have informed us that no Newington students, or students at schools we have recently been associated with, have been identified as having been involved.

'Mr Collinge worked in various casual roles with the Music department at the Senior campus, Wyvern House and Lindfield since 2015, during which time he completed all mandatory child protection training, held a valid Working With Children Check, and there were not complaints about his behaviour.'

Mr Parker said the school was 'deeply upset by these allegations' and that it would 'work closely with police on the protection of children'.

'I will communicate with you again once more information is known and as permitted by Police,' the letter read.

Footage showed Collinge being escorted out of the $2million Beecroft home wearing a $190 Palace Caveman shirt.

Newington College is a Pre-K to Year 12 boarding school with campuses in Stanmore, Eungai Creek, and Lindfield, with annual fees hitting more than $48,000.

Collinge graduated from Newington College in 2014 and went on to become a casual worker at the same institution.

He was thanked in a 2025 school newsletter for assisting with a concert at the primary school campus.

Footage showed Collinge being escorted from his mother's house in Beecroft

Collinge graduated from Newington College and later became a music teacher at the school

Collinge was refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on Thursday.

Newington College announced plans to become co-educational in 2023, prompting some parents and alumni to launch action in the NSW Supreme Court.

Lawyers claimed the school was formed to teach males, pointing to a trust deed from 1873 that described Newington College as 'an efficient college for youth'.

They argued the term 'youth' was limited to the advancement of education of boys and young men.

A judge dismissed the matter in May 2025, ruling the word 'youth' in the trust deed was used in a gender-neutral sense.

The school is now accepting girls into all years at the Lindfield campus, and girls in Kindy, Year 1, Year 5 and Year 6 at the Stanmore campus from 2027.

Female students in Year 7 and Year 11 can enroll at the senior campus in Stanmore from 2028.
The Albanese Government has quietly tightened Australia's worldfirst under-16 social media ban, using a low key update to make sweeping changes that are likely to expand the number of apps subject to restrictions.

Any social media platform will now be designated as an 'age-restricted social media platform' if it uses algorithmic recommender systems designed to hold a user's attention.

Platforms that use one of a list of 'dopamine-driving features' - such as infinite scroll feeds, public reaction tools such as likes and upvotes, and disappearing content such as 24-hour 'Instagram stories' that encourage compulsive checking - will also be classified as restricted.

The eSafety Commissioner confirmed that ten major platforms - including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Reddit - now meet the threshold and will be formally assessed under the tougher regime.

However, previously excluded services such as Discord, WhatsApp, Google Classroom and Roblox remain out of scope under the revised criteria.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the changes shine a light on 'harmful and addictive features being used to target young Australians,' arguing that the government's restriction gives children 'a break from the pervasive pull of social media.'

'Targeted algorithms, doomscrolling, persistent notifications and toxic popularity metres are stealing their attention for hours every day,' Wells said.

The timing of the government's quiet regulatory shift is deliberate - with the Albanese government set to soon defend the ban in the High Court.

Minister Anika Wells (pictured) announced the changes quietly on Wednesday afternoon

Reddit and two teenagers - backed by an organisation named the Digital Freedom Project - argue the law is unconstitutional and unfairly restricts young people's rights online.

The legal battle has come under an even more intense spotlight after a landmark rulings against big tech companies in the United States this week.

A Los Angeles jury found the companies were negligent in fostering the social media addiction of a young woman known as Kaley, awarding her $USD6m ($AUD8.5m) in compensatory and punitive damages.

Jurors concluded that the platforms' design features fuelled Kaley's depression, bodyimage struggles and compulsive use and acted with 'malice, oppression or fraud'.

Meta rejected the verdict.

'Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online,' it said.

Google also disputed the ruling.

'This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site,' it said.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant (pictured) and Wells will provide an update next week

In a separate American case, Meta was hit with a massive US$375 million fine in New Mexico after a jury found the company misled families about the safety of Facebook and Instagram and knowingly exposed children to sexually explicit material and sexual predators.

Meta has said it will appeal.

Both verdicts could open the door to further legal action against the tech giants.

Wells and the eSafety Commissioner will release a fuller compliance update next week, revealing how many under16 accounts have already been removed under the tightened rules.

Companies that fail to enforce the ban now face fines of up to $AUD50million for violations.
Two of the ABC's biggest stars, Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb, were too busy to down tools and join the picket line - or at least that's what it looked like when the ABC went out on strike this week.

The highly paid contractors to the taxpayer-funded broadcaster - Sales is on a rumoured $400,000-a-year - and other stars like Four Corners' Louise Milligan and Weekend 7pm presenter Sabra Lane stayed at it rather than hitting the bricks.

Sales, the ex-7.30 presenter currently introduces weekly profile documentary Australian Story, while political commentator-with-a-twist Crabb, reportedly on an annual $220,000, keeps inventing new shows.

More than 1,000 ABC journalists and staff nationwide took industrial action for 24 hours over a pay and conditions dispute.

They walked out on Wednesday after a majority voted to reject the latest pay offer, to raise wages by 10 per cent over a three year enterprise bargaining agreement.

But while high-profile and highly-paid contractors like The Radio National Hour presenter Fran Kelly and Late Night Live host David Marr did turn up, both dressed in union t-shirts, there were noticeable absences.

As Kelly addressed the Sydney strike rally at 11am on Wednesday outside the ABC's Ultimo offices, hundreds of staff walked from the Southbank office in Melbourne to cheers from supporters.

After the Sydney rally, striking staff congregated in the Lansdowne Hotel, by no means the closest pub to the ABC's Harris Street headquarters.

ABC star Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb, above presenting their podcast Chat 10 Look 3, did not appear to join any of the protest rallies during the ABC 24 hour strike

High profile ABC staffers, David Marr, and award-winning reporter Angus Griggs (above) attending the strike rally outside the broadcaster's Harris Street headquarters on Wednesday

Sales and Crabb, who earn a reported $400,000 and $200,000, stayed on the tools during the 24 hour national walkout by staff who voted against a three-year 10 per cent rise

While content from its British BBC counterpart rolled out to replace many local shows, ABC managing director Hugh Marks said: 'It is not a great time for our team to be out. There are a lot of things happening in the world.'

He cited the ongoing fuel crisis and wars in the Middle East, as 'matters of national importance' to be reported.

On Thursday, just hours before the strike's end, Marks said that staff had treated taking industrial action as 'a bit of a game', a comment that drew protest as 'utterly offensive' from ABC staff and union representatives.

'I dont think this is a game. I think this is really serious,' Marks said, 'At the end of the day, the people that are suffering are our audiences.

'So, you know, if they want the audiences to suffer more, of course its their right to take protected industrial action.

'Thats their right and we should respect that. Respect, I think, is a really important thing when you get into these discussions.'

ABC staff ended their strike at 11am on Thursday, but regular programming on its radio and TV broadcast networks took some time to return.

The channel's audiences reportedly deserted the ABC in droves during the strike and ratings dropped accordingly.

The ex-7.30 presenter now introduces Australian Story among other jobs at the ABC including fronting her popular podcast with Annabel Crabb

ABC staff mass in Ultimo after downing tools at the national broadcaster's Sydney HQ for a 24 hour strike over pay, which some said left them unable to pay their power bills

Annabel Crabb, the ABC's political commentator-with-a-twist Crabb invents new shows for the broadcaster, her portfolio including Kitchen Cabinet, The House and most recently, Civic Duty

Meanwhile, back at HQ, Sales and Crabb have made a desperate plea for cash for their independent podcast, Chat 10 Look 3, The Australian reported

The pod, which runs for up to an hour each week with the popular pair chatting about what they've been watching, as well as their work, home lives and inspirations, has been running for 12 years.

But now, Sales and Crabb have informed their loyal following of around 100,000 'its expensive to run' and their day jobs at the ABC don't leave them time to raise cash as they have done previously with tours and merchandise.

'To keep the lights on, we need to do a lot of live shows on weekends  but we both have busy jobs, plus children,' they told their podcast audience.

To cover the increasing costs of running Chat 10, they were trying new things such as bringing in extra ad revenue and partnering with luxury boutique wellness company Nourish Travel to offer 'Chatter retreats'.

While Leigh Sales has attended one in the Adelaide Hills, Crabb has another on offer in the Gold Coast Hinterland in September this year.

One person who joined the Sales event has given the impression it would trounce next month's Meghan Markle 'girls retreat' weekend in contact-with-the-star-guest value.

'A standout feature was the presence of Leigh Sales,' the testimonial on Nourish Travel's site reads, 'whose generosity with her time and candid sharing of life experiences added immense value to the event.

'Her openness and authenticity left a lasting impression on all attendees.'

The latest ABC pay offer included a 3.5 per cent increase and 3.25 per cent in the subsequent two years, and included a $1,000 bonus.
High-profile conservative influencer Big Chocky has erupted over the Daily Mail's revelations that a serial rapist who is deemed a high risk of sexually assaulting women and children has been granted a $220,000-a-year NDIS funding package.

Wayne Wilmot, now aged 53, was part of the pack involved in the kidnapping, rape and murder of Sydney bank teller Janine Balding in September 1988. He has been in and out of prison since he was arrested aged 15 over Ms Balding's murder.

He has a long and violent record of sexually assaulting women while on parole or bail. In a recent judgment, the NSW Supreme Court found that he would be likely to offend again, most likely involving 'forced penetrative sexual activity and sexual coercion (which) may involve violence, weapons ... and could be perpetrated against children'.

Justice Sarah McNaughton's judgment reveals that Wilmot was last year granted National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding until June 2026.

It noted that the NDIS last year 'approved a 12 month plan for the defendant in the amount of $221,620.99 with the funding to be reviewed annually'.

The funding covers Wilmot's access to a support service, Mates & Mentors, while he is on external leave from the prison halfway house he is required to live in. He is also eligible for four hours of daily support 'for assistance with social economic and community participation', seven days a week.

The Daily Mail's report about a decision to grant Wilmot the lavish NDIS funding package sparked a furore online, with Big Chocky - real name Chris Katelaris - calling the decision a 'sick and twisted' joke.

'It's a scam,' he fumed, describing the NDIS as 'good' for people who need it, but using an expletive to describe the people who abused it.

Wayne Wilmot was one of five people who abducted and raped bank teller Janine Balding, 20. In September 1988 she was taken to a remote paddock and drowned in a dam

Wilmot, left, and Carol Anne Arrow (right) at Campbelltown Local Court in Sydney 1988, where they were both charged with five counts relating to Janine Balding's death at Minchinbury

Now aged 53, Wayne Wilmot has a four decade-long history of sexual offending against women, but was granted access to NDIS funding and pornography while on release

'This dog shouldn't be getting what he's getting'.

It was on September 8, 1988 when a teenage Wilmot - who was on bail - and three other males aged 14 to 22 and a woman kidnapped Ms Balding at knifepoint from Sutherland Railway Station car park about 6pm.

The 20-year-old was forced into her own car and driven down the M4 motorway by Wilmot to a remote spot in Minchinbury in western Sydney where she was sexually assaulted, hogtied, and gagged.

Ms Balding was then carried to a dam where she was held down and drowned. The gang stole the jewellery off her body, and withdrew cash with her bank card.

They were arrested within days and three of Wilmot's co-accused were given life sentences plus 25 years.

Wilmot was charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and one each of robbery in company and detaining with intent to gain advantage.

He was sentenced to nine years and four months, with a seven-year minimum, and released on parole in October 1996.

In 1997 he robbed and assaulted a woman in Ashfield, in inner-western Sydney, and in 1998 tied up and sexually assaulted a terrified 19-year-old female railway employee at Leightonfield Railway Station.

Wayne Wilmot is led away at court after his arrest and charge over the abduction and rape of Janine Balding who was murdered and her body dumped in 1988

Wilmot denies his appalling history of offending and minimises his guilt from offences of raping Janine Balding (above) before her murder and robbing her body to assaulting other women at Sydney train stations

A few weeks later, he attempted to kidnap a young woman at Glenfield station, and was locked up.

But it was only via a 2004 DNA testing program for NSW Inmates that Wilmot's semen was matched to the Leightonfield attack, and he was jailed in 2006 for a maximum of 12 years.

While in jail, he was convicted of sexually assaulting another inmate and committed further assaults on prisoners which he contended 'were warranted'.

Wilmot was released on a supervision order in June 2024, but less than two weeks after his release breached the order with his extreme pornography video searches.

The Supreme Court has now returned Wilmot to custody for a year.

However he is living in Nunyara Community Offender Support Program (COSP), the halfway house attached to the back of Long Bay prison complex.

Wilmot is allowed external leave days and will undergo 'a staged transition to the community' over the next year.

Wilmot held a coveted position working in the COSP's kitchen until he aggressively attacked another inmate. He now works in the facility's laundry.

Wayne 'Shorty' Jamieson, born with foetal alcohol syndrome, was convicted of Janine Balding's murder and jailed for life. Now aged 59, he claims he was wrongly identified as the killer

Janine Balding was about to turn 21 and was engaged to be married when the bank teller was abducted while walking to her car at Sutherland Railway station

One of Wilmot's former cellmates reported being sexually assaulted by him. Wilmot has been charged in custody with intimidation, possession of prohibited weapons and assault.

The most recent assault allegation from November last year, that Wilmot headbutted and struck another inmate, was captured on CCTV.

Justice McNaughton's judgement includes a February 2026 report on Wilmot by court-appointed psychologist, Patrick Sheehan.

Mr Sheehan reported Wilmot's 'risk of a serious sex offence to be at the "high end of the risk spectrum" and that it was "very clear" he could not live in the community in the future without an Extended Supervision Order (ESO)'.

This might have to be with a 'line-of-sight condition', a costly provision which would require constant supervision.

In 2024, Mr Sheehan found Wilmot 'took almost no responsibility for his offence history relating to sexual violence ... flatly denying' the Janine Balding offence, and 'implying that his other convictions were also false, even those to which he (pleaded) guilty.'

Wilmot's co-accused in the Balding attack, Wayne 'Shorty' Jamieson, was jailed for life and is now aged 59. He also denied culpability, claiming it was another person nicknamed 'Shorty' who perpetrated the murder.

The court judgment said that Wilmot has impulsivity, anger and aggression issues, is deceitful, has reckless disregard for the safety of others and 'he was unable to express any empathy or remorse'.

Wilmot has also been assessed as suffering from psychopathy and a psychologist said he was at 'well above average risk for further sexual offending' and 'at a high risk for violent offending'.

Wilmot is due for release back into the community on March 19, 2027. On release, the court judgment further noted that 'in the context of anticipated NDIS support in the community' a warning had been issued about his behaviour on the outside.

A consultant neuropsychologist had stated that 'NDIS Services rarely tolerate intimidating interactions that can't be safely managed.

'Failed community integration will isolate (Wilmot).'
National Australia Bank has cut hundreds of jobs in Australia as it ramps up hiring in India and Vietnam - at the same time company insiders are slamming the Big Four bank's culture in the wake of an employee's tragic suicide death in Melbourne.

In the latest restructure, 447 roles will be eliminated from its business division in Australia, while 237 new positions will be created in the two Asian countries.

The latest cuts come after earlier waves of redundancies, with the bank axing 180 roles in its retail banking division in February and more than 400 jobs across its technology and operations teams in October.

Financial Services Union national president Wendy Streets blasted the bank for slashing local jobs while expanding its global footprint.

'NAB is cutting hundreds of roles in Australia while expanding its workforce offshore, a decision that has real consequences for local workers and communities,' she said.

'This is a net loss of Australian jobs, with roles shifting to lower-cost markets despite these positions being readily filled here. These are ongoing, skilled roles that should remain in Australia.'

She said NAB's efforts to redeploy staff do little to address the broader issue of secure jobs being funnelled out of the country.

The restructure comes as NAB continues to grapple with a shocking tragedy at its Docklands headquarters earlier this month.

National Australia Bank has cut hundreds of jobs in Australia as it ramps up hiring in India and Vietnam

A number of NAB workers have now spoken out about the work environment at the Big Four bank in the wake of a fraud department worker's suicide (Pictured: Inside the building at Bourke St)

On March 5, a banker fell to his death from the roof of the Bourke Street complex, an incident that horrified witnesses and triggered an internal investigation into what staff have described as a 'toxic workplace culture.'

The man, yet to be formally identified, is understood to have been an 'AI-skilled' employee working in NAB's fraud division.

The bank is examining whether the height of the rooftop glass barriers played any role in the incident.

One traumatised staff member told the Daily Mail they had just returned from lunch when the tragedy unfolded.

'As we were walking back, we looked up and watched the entire thing,' they said.

In a statement to Daily Mail, NAB confirmed that the jobs were being cut, saying it was needed to build a 'modern workforce'.

'As NAB has said for some time, building a modern workforce that best supports our customers is an important part of our strategy. Our workforce has been evolving to ensure we can help customers more consistently at the times they need us, and to help us access great talent in key markets. We continue to hire and develop people in Australia - especially in customer facing roles - to strengthen our capability.

'These decisions are always difficult, and we understand the impact on our colleagues. Our priority is to support them through redeployment opportunities, access to confidential assistance, and practical career transition services.

'We continue ongoing and constructive engagements with the Finance Sector Union.'

If this has raised any issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for confidential crisis support.

Follow Mail+'s coverage of the tragedy at NAB's Bourke St office tragedy

Read the damning email to NAB CEO from suicidal worker before Docklands tragedy - as we reveal the cruel HR method pushing staff to the brink

Pushed to the brink: NAB staff claim bosses at the suicide bank where one employee plunged to his death are deliberately making life hell for workers - and the reason why will horrify you

Anger, grief and finger-pointing at NAB after 'AI-skilled' worker's skyscraper suicide: As questions mount about Big Four bank, staff cry: I never want to step foot in there again

'Triggering' Teams photos and claims of other suicide attempts: NAB whistleblower speaks after bank worker plunged from 14th-floor rooftop as horrified staff watched on
Jimmy Kimmel has been slammed for mocking America's working class after calling new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin an 'unqualified plumber.'

Mullin, President Donald Trump's pick to replace ousted Secretary Kristi Noem, was sworn in as the nation's ninth DHS chief on Tuesday, following Senate confirmation by a 54-45 vote the night before.

During his Tuesday evening monologue, Kimmel addressed the Republican senator's nomination, calling him a 'low-level MMA fighter' and 'plumber' now charged with protecting the country from terrorism.

'Trump's got a whole new generation of thinkers lined up, including his newly confirmed secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne "Chuck Mike Bruce Dave" Melon - Mullin,' the late-night host said.

'He's the now former senator of Oklahoma. Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber,' he added.

'That's right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now. It worked for Super Mario. Why not Markwayne?'

Before entering politics, Mullin had a brief career as a mixed martial arts fighter, retiring in 2012 with an undefeated 5-0 record.

He gained a reputation as a firebrand, earning induction into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and even challenging the Teamsters president to a brawl during a 2023 Senate hearing.

Jimmy Kimmel was slammed for mocking America's working class after calling new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin an 'unqualified plumber'

Mullin, Trump's pick to replace ousted Secretary Kristi Noem, was sworn in as the nation's ninth DHS chief on Tuesday

The Senate confirmed Mullin's new position on Monday night following a 54-45 vote

As for plumbing, Mullin and his college bride took over Mullin Plumbing - his family business - after he delayed his studies due to his fathers illness, according to his biography.

Together with his wife, he spent the past 25 years growing the business into the regions largest service company.

Undeterred, Kimmel only doubled down on his joke, branding the new face of DHS unfit for the role.

'But honestly - I mean, if Trump is going to keep picking these unqualified people to run the department, why not have more fun with it?' he said during the monologue.

'I mean, next time instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security?' he added. 'At least we can get a concert out of it, right?'

His joke, however, appeared to fall flat with some in the political sphere, as posts condemning the comedian flooded X shortly after the segment aired.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wrote: 'I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians.'

Wyoming Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis responded sharply, writing: 'The disdain for which the Democrats and Hollywood elites have for working-class Americans - and folks who step up to do important jobs for their country - is shameful. These people need help.'

Mullin had a brief career as a mixed martial arts fighter before retiring in 2012 with an undefeated 5-0 record

Mullin and his college bride (pictured now as wife, Christie Mullin) took over Mullin Plumbing - his family business - after he delayed his studies due to his fathers illness

During Tuesday's monologue, Kimmel said: 'I mean, next time instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security?'

In response to Kimmel's comments, Sen. Ted Cruz (pictured) wrote: 'I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians'

Representative Mike Collins did not take Kimmels comments lightly, criticizing the comedian in a lengthy post and accusing him of attempting to 'demean' men by calling Mullin a plumber.

'The elites too often look down their noses at the blue collar, middle America,' Collins wrote.

'As if plumbing is something to be ashamed of or is somehow a lesser profession than a court jester turning tricks on late night commentary (comedy is dead),' he added.

Collins said that calling a senator a plumber 'doesnt do him justice,' noting that Mullin built a successful business in a competitive industry that provides jobs and food on the table for many families.

'Plumbers, truckers, builders, tradesmen, etc built this country and continue to be a vital part of our economy's backbone,' the representative continued.

'It's not just jobs,' he added. 'It's a spirit of actually using the sweat of your brow, determination and yes, intellect, to add in a productive way to America - a land of pioneers.'

'Western civilization can't survive without the men and women who provide blue collar services. Late night political commentary masquerading as comedy would never be missed.'

DHS even responded to the clip in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying: 'DHS is too busy arresting gang members, terrorists, pedophiles, rapists, murderers, and other criminal illegal aliens to engage in this kind of silliness.'

Mullin challenged the Teamsters president to a brawl during a 2023 Senate hearing (pictured)

Representative Mike Collins (pictured) accused Kimmel of attempting to 'demean' men by calling Mullin a plumber

Ex-DHS Secretary Noem was spectacularly fired by Trump earlier this month

Ex-DHS Secretary Noem was spectacularly fired by Trump earlier this month after much scrutiny over her alleged affair with top staffer Corey Lewandowski, which both have denied, and other scandals.

The 'last straw' came when Noem told Senator John Kennedy under oath that she'd been given Trump's approval for a $220million taxpayer-funded campaign designed to boost her national profile.

Trump announced her exit on Truth Social moments before stating that little-known Senator Mullin of Oklahoma would be nominated to become the next DHS Secretary.

On Monday, Mullin cleared the simple majority needed to be confirmed to his post.

Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico crossed party lines and sided with the majority of Republicans to approve the nomination.

During his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump began reading Mullins bio before stumbling across a surprise: Mullin is Native American.

'But as the only Native American... I didn't know that,' Trump said before glancing at Mullin.

'I can tell you, he's the only Native American in the Senate. How many have been there before you, do you know?' the president asked, to which Mullin responded, 'I think three.'

During his swearing-in ceremony, Trump was visibly surprised to find out that Mullin is Native American

Mullin with the leaders of the Cherokee Nation in 2019

Mullin seemed taken aback that Trump was unaware of his background, as the pair have appeared together at several events

Mullin inherits a DHS facing widespread criticism, including long airport lines and the deployment of ICE agents on Monday to assist with operations (pictured at LaGuardia)

'I didn't know all these things. I would have picked him faster. If I had known, I would have made a quicker decision,' Trump replied.

Mullin seemed taken aback that Trump was unaware of much of his background, even though the two have appeared together at countless political and sporting events, often with his family.

He is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and has supported multiple legislative efforts to help Native Americans while in Congress.

'Im Cherokee, and I never knew I was special for being Cherokee until I came to DC, because where Im from, everybody is Indian or wants to be,' Mullin said in a 2025 press release.

Shortly after being sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi, he said that he would work with both Republican and Democratic states to 'protect everybody the same.'

Taking charge of DHS, Mullin inherits a department under fire, with travelers nationwide facing long lines due to unpaid TSA staff, and ICE agents deployed to multiple airports on Monday to help manage the crisis.

Meanwhile, senators still remain deadlocked on a funding deal for the agency, which requires support from both Democrats and Republicans.

There was hope Monday evening that a deal had been struck, as Senator Katie Britt told reporters after returning from the White House that an agreement with Trump had been reached.
Donald Trump told his fellow Republicans that the US and Israel 'cut out the cancer' of Iran's nuclear program as insiders claim he's privately seeking to end the war within weeks.

The president declared victory over Iran's nuclear threat while speaking to the National Republican Congressional Committee Wednesday and said the US military was ready to deliver the knockout blow.

'Its short term. What we had to do is get rid of the cancer. We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon,' he said.

'Weve cut it out. Now were going to finish it off.'

Meanwhile, Trump privately told allies and cabinet members that he doesn't want the war to be drawn out much longer.

Trump had initially outlined a four to six-week timeline at the beginning of the war and he wants to stick to that goal.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House hopes to have the war concluded by the time Trump with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing hold a scheduled meeting in mid-May.

'President Trump is extraordinarily skilled at multi-tasking and works on multiple challenges at the same time,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

'The President is laser focused on fully achieving the military objectives against the terrorist Iranian regime. The president's sole focus is always victory.'

Donald Trump told his fellow Republicans that the US and Israel 'cut out the cancer' of Iran's nuclear plan, while privately wanting the war to end sooner rather than later

Trump has reportedly been telling his allies and cabinet members that he doesn't want the war to be drawn out much longer

A source told WSJ that Trump has said the war is distracting from his other priorities, including the SAVE America Act, potentially pursuing regime change in Cuba and even the upcoming midterms.

Trump remains reluctant to put boots on the ground and send soldiers into Iran, with 13 Americans already dead and nearly 300 more wounded, and remains more focused on a deal to end the fighting.

However, sources said Trump has some advisors telling him achieving regime change in Iran would mean great things for his legacy and have said he should lean into the war even further.

Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including strikes that hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire.

Trump, speaking at a fundraiser Wednesday night in Washington, insisted that Iran still wants to cut a deal.

'They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people,' said Trump, who added: 'They're also afraid they'll be killed by us.'

A photograph taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun shows smoke as it rises from a site targeted by Israeli artillery in the village of Zawtar El Charkiyeh

member of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps shows his AK47 weapon during an annual rally to mark Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, in support of Palestinians

The US has both deployed more troops to Iran while signaled a willingness to negotiate with Tehran in recent days.

Trump has told advisors that he wants the US to have access to Iranian oil as part of any deal to end the war.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for further comment.

Mediators are pushing for possible in-person talks between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as Friday in Pakistan, the Egyptian and Pakistani officials said.

Trump has said the US is 'in negotiations right now' and that the participants include special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump has not identified anyone from Iran taking part.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, cited an Iranian five-point proposal that includes a halt to killings of its officials, safeguards against future attacks on Iran, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities and Iran's 'exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.'

Trump has said the US is 'in negotiations right now' and that the participants include special envoy Steve Witkoff (pictured left), Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner (pictured right), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured center) and Vice President JD Vance

A man holds an Iranian flag showing the faces of Iran's late and new Supreme Leaders Ali and Mojtaba Khamenei

Those measures, particularly reparations and its continued chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, likely will be unacceptable to the White House.

While Iran and Oman both have territory in the strait, its narrow shipping channels are viewed as international waters through which all ships can travel.

Any talks between the US and Iran would face monumental challenges. It's not clear who in Iran's government has the authority and willingness to negotiate .

Iran remains highly suspicious of the United States, which twice under the Trump administration has attacked during high-level diplomatic talks, including when the war began on February 28.

Tehran's defiance against the US deal came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, 'and we do not plan on any negotiations.'

That followed a report from Iranian state TV's English-language broadcaster quoting an anonymous official as saying Iran rejected America's ceasefire proposal and has its own demands to end the fighting.

Earlier, two officials from Pakistan, which transmitted the US plan to Iran, described the 15-point proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran's nuclear program, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, 'and we do not plan on any negotiations'

An emergency worker walks at a site following Iranian missile barrages in central Israel

An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts said the proposal also includes restrictions on Iran's support for armed groups. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet released.

Iran has long insisted it won't discuss its ballistic missile program or its support of regional militias, which it views as key to its security.

And its ability to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz represents one of its biggest strategic advantages.

Iran's attacks on regional energy infrastructure, along with its restrictions on the strait, have sent oil prices skyrocketing, putting pressure on the US to find a way to end the chokehold and calm markets.

At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Mideast in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

The paratroopers are trained to jump into hostile or contested areas to secure key territory and airfields.

The Pentagon is also sending about 5,000 more Marines trained in amphibious assaults and thousands of sailors to the region.

The news of potential negotiations drove down the price of oil. Brent crude oil, the international standard, was trading around $100 a barrel Wednesday, after nearing as high as $120 earlier last week.

That's still up around 35 percent from the start of the war.

Economists and leaders have warned of far-reaching effects if energy prices remain high  from rising prices on food and other basics to higher rates for mortgages and auto loans.

Iran has allowed a small number of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but has said no ships from the US, Israel or countries seen as linked to them can pass.
President Donald Trump hit out at his predecessor's open border policies for the murder of 18-year-old college student Sheridan Gorman.

Gorman, a freshman at Loyola University, was fatally gunned down in the early morning hours on Thursday while walking with friends near the pier at Loyola Beach in Chicago.

Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan man who illegally entered the country in May 2023, is now facing felony charges of first-degree murder and aggravated use of a firearm in connection with her death.

'Less than one week ago, a precious 18-year-old college student named Sheridan Gorman was shot and killed while walking in a park, innocently,' the president said at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner in DC.

'The illegal alien monster charged with Sheridan's murder had come illegally from Venezuela and had been released into our country by Sleepy Joe Biden,' he continued, calling his predecessor 'pathetic' and the 'worst president.'

He then went on to note that Medina-Media 'was then arrested again and released again by the Democrat Governor JB Pritzker, one of the worst governors in the history of our country, in the sanctuary city of Chicago.'

'Democrats politicians don't care about the American blood they spill in their very demented pursuit of these open borders,' Trump then argued, before vowing that Republicans would end sanctuary policies.

Medina-Medina had been apprehended by US Border Patrol during Biden's presidency on May 9, 2023, but was released into the US, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Just over a month later, on June 19, 2023, he was arrested in Chicago for allegedly shoplifting $132 worth of merchandise from a Macy's and was once again released.

President Donald Trump blamed his predecessor's open border policies for the death of a Chicago college student during his speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner on Wednesday

Sheridan Gorman (left) was fatally gunned down on Thursday morning while walking with her friends near the pier at Loyola Beach in Chicago

Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan man who illegally entered the country in May 2023, is now facing felony charges of first-degree murder and aggravated use of a firearm for Gorman's death

Court records show he failed to appear for subsequent hearings, leading a judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. He was never apprehended on that warrant.

The president has previously called Gorman's death 'devastating.'

'These people were let in by Biden,' Trump told reporters on Monday.

'We're getting them out. We're getting them out fast. That's why ICE is so important. They're doing such a good job.'

Gorman's family has previously said they are also upset about the policies that have allowed Medina-Medina to remain in the country.

'We are gravely disappointed by the policies and failures that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime,' the family said in a statement to Fox News.

'When systems fail - whether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to act - the consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent.'

But Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have placed the blame back on Trump for failing to introduce comprehensive immigration reform.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker admitted there's been 'real failures' in the US immigration system and that all levels of government need to continue work to fix it

'This has been a terrible tragedy, and I know that the Gorman family has suffered mightily,' Pritzker said.

'There have been real failures. Those failures, of course, extend beyond the borders of Illinois. Theyre national failures, a failure to have comprehensive immigration reform, a failure of the president to follow his own edict to go after the worst of the worst.'

'And in my view, we have a lot of work that we need to continue to do,' he added.

Progressive Chicago Mayor Johnson also hit out at Trump on Wednesday as he announced that a snowplow in the city would be named 'Abolish ICE.'

'What the Trump administration is doing and has done has nothing to do with immigration enforcement or safety. It doesn't,' Johnson continued.

'Ninety-five percent of the individuals that were detained by ICE were not the "worst of the worst" that he said he was going to go after, had no criminal record,' he claimed.

Gorman's family has said they are upset about the policies that allowed Medina-Medina to remain in the country. Sheridan is pictured with her mother Jessica Gorman

It remains unclear why Medina-Medina may have opened fire on the college freshman

It remains unclear why Medina-Medina may have opened fire on Gorman, but prosecutors have alleged he was hiding near the pier where Gorman and her friends were walking that morning, ABC 7 reports.

Surveillance footage from multiple cameras then caught the suspect wearing black clothing, a black mask and walking with a 'distinct limp and slow gait' from the scene of the shooting to his apartment building.

There, he was allegedly caught on surveillance footage without a mask on while waiting for an elevator.

Those images were then sent to a police database and US Customs and Border Protection identified the suspect as Medina-Medina.

He was taken into custody on Friday at his apartment building in Rogers Park, where authorities allegedly found the clothing he was said to be wearing during the shooting and a .40-caliber handgun that matched shell casings found at the scene.

Medina-Medina is now due to appear in court on Friday for a pretrial detention hearing, after his scheduled hearing on Monday was postponed while he remains in the hospital, where he is being treated for tuberculosis.
A woman has drowned at a popular beach on Lord Howe Island.

Emergency services were called to Neds Beach about 10.30am on Wednesday following reports of a person unresponsive in the water.

The 54-year-old woman was pulled from the water by members of the public, who commenced CPR as they waited for first responders.

Police assisted local hospital staff in attempts to resuscitate the woman.

She was rushed to Gower Wilson Memorial Hospital.

However, she could not be revived.

Police will investigate the circumstances of the incident.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Emergency services were called to Neds Beach about 10.30am on Wednesday following reports of a person unresponsive in the water (Lord Howe Island is pictured)

Neds Beach is a popular snorkelling destination and is located in a sanctuary zone within Lord Howe Island Marine Park (pictured)

Neds Beach is a popular snorkelling destination and is located in a sanctuary zone within Lord Howe Island Marine Park.

It is one of the only places in Australia where visitors can wade into the shallow waters and hand-feed schools of fish.

The beach sits on the island's north-east coast.

Lord Howe Island is located between Australia and New Zealand, about 600km east of the Australia's mainland, directly east of Port Macquarie.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney slammed the CEO of Air Canada for giving an English-only speech offering condolences to the victims of the deadly crash in New York.

Carney joined in the criticism for Michael Rousseau after the nation's parliament summoned him to testify at their official languages committee for not also offering his sympathies in Quebecois French.

'We proudly live in a bilingual country. There are two official languages here and Air Canada has a special responsibility whatever the situation to communicate whatever the situation in both official languages,' Carney said.

'I am extremely disappointed by the message released by the CEO of Air Canada. It shows a lack of compassion, and we will be closely following his comments before the official languages committee as well as the comments coming from the board of Air Canada.'

Rousseau shared a four-minute condolence video online that only included two French words - 'bonjour' and 'merci.'

Antoine Forest, one of the two pilots killed in the crash at LaGuardia Airport, was a French-speaking Quebecer.

Forest and Mackenzie Gunther died when the Air Canada Jazz flight they were landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck on the runway Sunday evening.

Canada's largest airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney slammed the CEO of Air Canada for giving a speech offering condolences to the victims of the deadly crash in New York in English only

Carney joined in the criticism for Michael Rousseau after the nation's parliament summoned him to testify at their official languages committee for not also offering his sympathies in Quebecois French

Rousseau has been criticized for not speaking French previously. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles.

Quebec's identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France.

The province is about 80 percent French-speaking.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault noted that when Rousseau was appointed president of the airline in February 2021, he promised to learn French.

'If he still doesn't speak French today, it's disrespectful to his employees and to his francophone customers, so yes, I think that if he doesn't speak French, he should resign,' Legault said.

Rousseau had said his understanding of the French language was 'fair,' but that he had made it by in Quebec for 14 years without needing to know the language.

'I've been able to live in Montreal without speaking French, and I think that's a testament to the city of Montreal,' he said, per CBC.

After the Air Canada leader faced mountains of backlash from the statements, he apologized and said he would be taking lessons in French.

Antoine Forest (pictured), one of the two pilots killed in the crash at LaGuardia Airport, was a French-speaking Quebecer

'I admit that I made a mistake by not learning to speak French when I joined Air Canada and I am correcting that mistake at this point,' he told the committee in 2022, around a year since he took on the leadership role within the airline.

Federal Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said the Air Canada board should force him out.

'He should leave. He should acknowledge the fact that he doesnt have the requisite respect for Quebec society,' he said. 'There is a limit to the number of insults that one is supposed to stand.'

In a statement to CBC, a spokesperson for the airline said that Rousseau's decision to deliver the message in English was because he was not proficient enough in the French language.

'Mr Rousseau felt it was important to personally address our customers, our employees and those of Jazz, their families and all those affected in any way. He therefore recorded a message before leaving for the crash site,' the statement said.

'Despite his efforts, his ability to speak French does not allow him to convey such a sensitive message as effectively as he would have liked in that language. We have therefore used subtitles to ensure everyone can receive his message directly.'

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about Rousseau's video.

Industry Minister Melanie Joly said many of the victims and their families are francophones and said Rousseaus video lacked empathy. 'It is a question of moral leadership,' Joly said.

Aircraft maintenance workers inspect the wreckage of the Air Canada Express jet

The Port Authority fire truck is seen completely wrecked near the runway after colliding with an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 at LaGuardia Airport in New York

Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said he would rather the CEO of Canadas flagship carrier focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training.

French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge said in the Quebec National Assembly: 'After all these years in Quebec and Montreal, I think this shows contempt on Mr Rousseau's part. It is unacceptable.'

Carney said Canadian officials continue to work in close collaboration with their American counterparts to determine how this crash happened.

During the near four-minute statement posted on X, with French subtitles, Rousseau described the incident as 'a very somber day' for the airline.

'I want to express our deepest sorrow for everyone affected,' he continued. 'We know this is a difficult day for everyone, including us here at Air Canada.'

'We are deeply saddened by the loss of two [Jazz Aviation LP] employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families,' he added.

The devastating crash that killed the two pilots injured around 41 others onboard after the aircraft had been traveling at around 150mph during heavy rains on the runway.

The Air Canada Bombardier CRJ-900 landed at around 11.30pm on Sunday night before colliding with the fire truck.

A terrified passenger shared shocking images of the damage to the aircraft

The fire truck had been given permission to cross the runway to deal with an unrelated issue with a separate plane, where a pilot reported that an 'odor' was filling the aircraft that left 'flight attendants feeling ill', officials said.

As the fire truck raced to the other aircraft, air traffic controllers appeared to realize it was on a collision course with the Air Canada jet seconds before impact, as one said in the audio: 'Truck One, stop, stop, stop!'

Addressing the plane seconds later, the air traffic controller said: 'JAZZ 646, I see you collided with the vehicle. Just hold position. I know you can't move. Vehicles are responding to you now.'

There were 72 passengers and four crew members aboard the aircraft, and experts said the death toll could have been far higher if the truck had collided with the fuel stored on the plane.

Images from the tarmac after the incident showed the truck was destroyed in the collision. The nose of the Air Canada plane had also been torn off by the impact.

One of the 41 people hospitalized in the crash was a female flight attendant, who was ejected through the front of the jet while still strapped to her jump seat. She was injured but is expected to make a full recovery.

The crash resulted in LaGuardia grounding all flights until at least 2pm ET Monday as emergency crews raced to the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The Port Authority vehicle was turned on its side as several emergency responders flooded the runway

Your browser does not support iframes.

Sources told NBC News that the air traffic controller was working two positions at the time of the crash, amid an ongoing nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.

Jack Cabot, a passenger on the Air Canada jet, described the moment they made impact as 'chaos.'

Cabot said the journey had been a regular flight like always, but as we were arriving, we came down really hard.

He said the hard landing saw the pilots stop really quickly on the runway, before about two seconds later there was just an absolute slam.

'Everybody was flying everywhere, the plane started veering off left and right, he told Fox News.

It was chaos, I mean it didnt feel like there was anybody in control.'
READ MORE: Pauline Hanson demands that the ABC is defunded

One Nation's former NSW leader, Mark Latham, has unleashed against his old party.

In his rant on Thursday evening, protected under parliamentary privilege, Latham accused figures within One Nation of engaging in 'financial scams,' cashlaundering activities, and the 'nefarious' misuse of taxpayerfunded political money.

Parliamentary privilege is a legal protection that allows MPs to speak freely on topics linked to their jobs in Parliament, without the risk of being sued for defamation. So allegations can be raised that might not be allowed outside the chamber.

Speaking during a debate about electoral law reforms, Latham claimed One Nation had been running 'a conveyor belt of financial misconduct', and insisted the party's national officials were siphoning NSW funds to Queensland for improper purposes.

'Queensland One Nation were taking the NSW administrative money and paying it into a bank account in Brisbane,' he told the chamber about his stint with the party.

Latham claimed he regarded the alleged behaviour as 'the equivalent of theft'.

He told the Upper House that he had warned One Nation's then-national secretary Rod Miles in a fiery phone call.

'Unless you repay that money tomorrow, I'm going down to the Day Street police station to report the theft,' he said.

Mark Latham (pictured) unleashed against Pauline Hanson and James Ashby in Parliament

According to Latham, Miles returned the funds after they spoke.

He claimed One Nation's obsession with merchandise sales was a deliberate vehicle for cash manipulation.

'For what had been a small party, they've got more merchandise than a $2 shop in the main street of Campbelltown,' he said.

'If the cash is available, it can be laundered and distributed for any purpose,' he said.

Latham went further, alleging that funds raised by the party 'certainly' paid the private legal expenses of Pauline Hanson and her adviser James Ashby, and that he was 'pretty sure that some of the cash gets laundered into their own personal purposes'.

'That's the problem with cash in politics. Nobody really knows where it's going,' he said.

The former One Nation NSW leader recounted multiple scandals involving Ashby, calling him 'a faceless crook, obsessed with financial scams, who defies the wishes of his boss and does what he likes.'

Latham highlighted the infamous Al Jazeera sting, in which Ashby was filmed seeking support from the US National Rifle Association.

Latham quit One Nation after a breakdown between himself and James Ashby (right)

'You'd have to be an absolute moron to not know he wasn't a plant,' Latham said.

'They totally disgraced themselves over there.'

He also claimed Hanson privately agreed with him at the time that Ashby should not travel to the United States, citing the illegality and political toxicity of accepting foreign money.

'You can't be taking foreign money the equivalent of foreign interference,' Latham said he told Ashby.

But according to Latham, Ashby ignored the warnings and travelled anyway.

Latham accused Sky News hosts Peta Credlin, Andrew Bolt and Paul Murray of giving Ashby legitimacy he did not deserve.

'It is to their discredit that they associate with this shyster,' he said.

The former One Nation figure urged stronger legal safeguards to prevent interstate officials controlling NSW party finances.

Latham (pictured) joined One Nation in 2018, and was their lead Upper House candidate in 2019

'You can't have the New South Wales admin money being run by a committee of Queenslanders,' he said, welcoming new government amendments requiring party agents and senior officeholders to be enrolled voters in NSW.

Latham ended his extraordinary spray by claiming One Nation has a long history of pushing Queensland influence within national structures.

'They have a long reputation of favouring Queensland, with financial scams, cash, and even senators.'

'If you vote for One Nation you're not voting for Paulin Hanson. You're voting for James Ashby and his financial scams,' he said.

He criticised One Nation for nominating Sean Bell, a then-Queensland resident, to fill a NSW Senate vacancy left by One Nation's Warwick Stacey, who was elected, but resigned before he was sworn into Parliament.

Mark Latham joined Pauline Hanson's One Nation in late 2018, becoming the party's highprofile leader in NSW and its most prominent parliamentary figure.

He quickly emerged as the face of the party's state operations, leading its ticket at the 2019 NSW election and later returning to the Legislative Council after the 2023 poll.

However, internal tensions simmered for years, particularly around James Ashby's influence.

Mark Latham (right) was sacked as One Nation leader in 2023 and quit shortly afterwards

Latham repeatedly clashed with federal figures, previously accusing the national executive of interfering in NSW affairs and undermining the state branch.

In August 2023, One Nation officially sacked Latham as NSW leader.

Latham later resigned from the party entirely to sit as an independent, blasting the national leadership and accusing it of dysfunction and financial mismanagement.

Daily Mail has contacted Senator Pauline Hanson for comment.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have welcomed a 'reckoning' for social media giants after a US court found Meta and Google liable for a woman's childhood social media addiction.

Jurors in California ruled that Google, owner of YouTube, and Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, built platforms to hook young users without regard for their well-being.

The lawsuit saw a 20-year-old woman, referred to only as Kaley, argue a childhood addiction to social media platforms had exacerbated her mental health issues.

After more than 40 hours of deliberation across nine days, jurors concluded the tech giants were negligent with their platforms, a verdict that could influence the outcomes of thousands of similar cases which accuse social media firms of causing harm.

Following the ruling on Wednesday the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have been outspoken in their condemnation of the negative impact of social media platforms, hailed the outcome as a victory for children's safety.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'This verdict is a reckoning. For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach.

'We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.

'Let this be the change - where our children's safety is finally prioritised above profit.'

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (pictured) have welcomed a 'reckoning' for social media giants after a US court found Meta and Google liable for a woman's childhood social media addiction

People who lost family members to suicide due to social media addiction hold pictures of their loved ones outside the Los Angeles Superior Court

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives at the court house during the trial in February

Jurors listened to about a month of lawyers' arguments, testimony and evidence, and they heard from Kaley, as well as Meta leaders Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri. YouTube's CEO, Neal Mohan, was not called in to testify.

Kaley told jurors that her near-constant social media use 'really affected my self-worth,' saying the apps led her to abandon hobbies, struggle to make friends and constantly measure herself against others.

In closing arguments, plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier cast the case as a story of corporate greed. He argued that features on the apps were engineered to drive compulsive use among young people.

But the tech giants maintained throughout the trial that Kaley's mental health struggles had nothing to do with their platforms.

The jury recommended Kaley be awarded $6million dollars (4.4million) in damages. Both Meta and Google disagreed with the verdict and confirmed they were planning to appeal.

Before the verdict was announced, a spokesman for Meghan and Harry said the trial had already been a 'turning point' for big tech firms.

They added: 'It has forced some of the most powerful companies on earth to reveal what's behind the curtain and to answer, in public and on the record, for choices that shaped an entire generation's daily life.'

A Meta spokesman said 'teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app', while Google said the verdict misunderstood YouTube, 'which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site'.

Snapchat and TikTok were also named defendants in the lawsuit, but each settled before the trial started.

Family members of victims react to news that the jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in the social media addiction trial on Wednesday

Mothers of social media victims hold up images of their children after the verdict in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The California decision came a day after a New Mexico jury found Meta liable under state consumer protection law for misleading the public about the safety of its platforms and failing to protect children.

The duke and duchess have long campaigned to raise awareness about the harms of social media, with Harry criticising the 'lawlessness' within the industry in a podcast interview in October.

In 2025, Harry and Meghan called for stronger protections for children online after unveiling a memorial in New York City to young people who lost their lives due to the harmful effects of social media.

The Sussexes' Archewell Foundation also began its Parents' Network initiative as a support system for parents of children affected by online harm.

Harry, speaking at a Project Healthy Minds event in New York City in October, claimed that the digital world has 'fundamentally changed how we experience reality'.

He said the digital world has 'fundamentally changed how we experience reality - young people exposed to relentless comparison, harassment, misinformation and an attention economy designed to keep us scrolling at the expense of sleep and real human contact'.

Following the ruling, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was 'very keen' for the Government to 'do more on addictive features within social media'.

Asked if the trial pointed to a shift in public mood with expectation of more aggressive regulation, Sir Keir told reporters: 'I think it does, and obviously we'll study that ruling very carefully, but I'm absolutely clear that we need to go further.

'The status quo isn't good enough. We need to do more to protect children. That's why we're consulting about issues such as banning social media for under-16s.

'I'm very keen that we do more on addictive features within social media.

'We've already taken the powers so that when we get to the end of the consultation, we don't have to wait years to implement this.

'But I want to be really clear, it's not if things are going to change, things are going to change. The question is, how much and what are we going to do?

'And that's what we're working on. I'll be saying some more about this tomorrow.'
A 25-year-old gang-rape victim left paraplegic after jumping from a roof in a suicide attempt is set to die by euthanasia today, after Spanish courts overruled her father's efforts to stop the procedure.

Noelia Castillo, from Barcelona, will undergo the procedure on Thursday at the Sant Pere de Ribes assisted living facility where she resides, bringing to an end a legal battle that has lasted more than a year and a half.

Her request for euthanasia was approved by the Catalan government in July 2024, but was subsequently delayed when her father, supported by the ultraconservative Catholic group Christian Lawyers, launched a series of legal challenges.

Those appeals were rejected at multiple levels of the Spanish legal system, including the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, clearing the way for the euthanasia to go ahead.

A last-minute attempt to halt it at the European Court of Human Rights was also rejected this week.

While the court will continue to examine the case, its decision means there is no need to delay the procedure.

Castillo, who has been confined to a wheelchair since 2022, has spoken openly about her decision and the suffering she says led her to it.

'I want to go now and stop suffering, period. None of my family is in favor of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I've suffered during all these years?' she said.

Noelia Castillo, from Barcelona, will undergo assisted dying on Thursday

Noelia Castillo and her mother, Yolanda, who said: I do not agree, but I will always be by her side

'I don't feel like doing anything: not going out, not eating. Sleeping is very difficult for me, and I have back and leg pain.'

'The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister', she said, referring to her family members, 'cannot be more important than the life of a daughter'.

In an interview broadcast on the Spanish Antena 3 programme Y Ahora Sonsoles, she described how she wants to spend her final moments.

'I've told them how I want it to be. I want to die looking beautiful. I've always thought I want to die looking good. I'll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple,' she said.

She has invited her family to say goodbye beforehand, but said she wants to be alone when the injection is administered.

Castillo spent much of her childhood in care due to her parents' addiction and mental health problems, and has said a gang rape in 2022 was a turning point.

She was reportedly sexually abused by one of her ex-boyfriends and later three other men days before she attempted to take her own life, according to Spanish media.

'I didn't report it because it was days before I tried to kill myself,' she said of the assault.

On October 4, 2022, after using cocaine, she jumped from the fifth floor of a building, leaving her paraplegic.

She suffered a severe spinal chord injury, which has left her unable to move from the waist down and caused severe neuropathic pain and incontinence, according to El Mundo.

'My father saw me fall and couldn't do anything,' the 25-year-old said, 'But after everything he's done, I don't feel sorry for him anymore.'

Her father sought to block her euthanasia through the courts, arguing against her right to die, but she accused him of failing to respect her wishes.

'He hasn't respected my decision and he never will,' she said in her final interview.

'He wanted to put the house he bought in my name so he could continue collecting child support. After that, he doesn't want to put the house in my name, or pay for the funeral, or attend the euthanasia, or the burial, and he says he doesn't want to know anything more about me. That for him I'm already dead.

'I understand. He's a father and he doesn't want to lose a daughter, but he doesn't listen to me. He never calls me, he never writes to me. The only thing he does is bring me food. Why does he want me alive? To keep me in a hospital?' she added.

Prior to her suicide attempt in 2022, the young woman had reportedly already attempted to take her own life through drug overdoses and self harm, El Mundo reports.

According to reports, Castillo also suffers from borderline personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder with paranoia and suicidal ideation, leading to severe mood swings and instability.

Spain is one of few countries to legalise euthanasia following a 2021 law that comes with strict requirements.

It stipulates that anyone of sound mind who is suffering from a 'serious and incurable illness' or a 'chronic and disabling' condition can request assistance to die.

The father had said his daughter suffered from mental disorders that 'could affect her ability to make a free and conscious decision' as required by law.

He also said there were indications she had changed her mind and that her ailment did not entail 'unbearable physical or psychological suffering'.

The deputy of the VOX conservative party, Espinosa de los Monteros, gives his support to the demonstration against the euthanasia law in front of the Congress of Deputies in Madrid

Despite the intense legal fight, Castillo herself contacted Antena 3 after learning the date of her euthanasia to leave a final message.

'I've finally done it. Let's see if I can finally rest because I can't take this family anymore, the pain, everything that torments me from what I've been through,' she said. 'I don't want to be an example for anyone, it's simply my life, and that's all.'

Her mother, who also appeared in the interview, said she wished she had a 'magic wand' to change her daughter's mind.

Although the euthanasia is now set to proceed, legal action surrounding the case will continue.

Christian Lawyers has launched further complaints against medical professionals and members of Catalonia's Guarantee and Evaluation Commission, as well as the former regional health minister, alleging misconduct.

The European Court of Human Rights is also expected to rule at a later date on whether there has been any violation of rights, meaning the wider legal questions raised by Castillo's case will remain unresolved even after her death.

According to Christian Lawyers, the euthanasia procedure will be performed at 6pm local time this evening.

For help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org
Two men who were arrested in connection with the Golders Green arson attack on two Jewish community ambulances have been released on bail, police said today.

The British nationals aged 47 and 45 were arrested yesterday morning by counter terrorism detectives at addresses in north west London and central London.

The Metropolitan Police said the pair had been detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and both men were taken to a London police station.

But in an update this morning, the force confirmed the men had both been released on bail to an unspecified date next month while the investigation continues.

Officers carried out searches yesterday at the two addresses, understood to be in areas near Kilburn and King's Cross  and confirmed this morning that further searches also took place yesterday at two other addresses in north-west London.

Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: 'Although the two men have been released from police custody, there are strict bail conditions in place while we continue to investigate their suspected involvement in this incident.

'I can reassure the public that we will be closely monitoring these while we carry out further enquiries. We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this.

'I'd like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.'

The vehicles set ablaze in Golders Green on Monday belonged to Jewish organisation Hatzola

Four ambulances from Hatzola were set on fire during the incident at about 1.35am on Monday

Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the Golders Green area of north London, were set on fire at about 1.35am on Monday.

The head of the Met said earlier this week that the force was investigating whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links was behind the arson attack.

Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north-west London, said: 'We know that community concerns remain heightened and I want to reassure the community that an enhanced, bespoke policing plan and activity, which is particularly focused around vulnerable areas right across London, will continue over coming days and weeks.

'This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.

'I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation. We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.'

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of March 23. Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
A motorcyclist had his bike stolen by two thieves while he was riding it at 100kmph in Argentina.

The incident took place on the Acceso Sudeste highway in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires.

Footage of the ambush that was captured on the victim's helmet camera showed the rider travelling at high speeds in the fast lane when two assailants on another motorcycle suddenly drew level with him.

Within seconds, the passenger lashes out, destabilising the victim before reaching over and ripping the key straight from the ignition - all while both bikes are still moving at speed.

The stunned rider is left helpless as his motorcycle loses power and begins to slow, while the attackers speed ahead before quickly turning back, knowing the engine will not restart.

Incredibly, no one was injured during the brazen attack despite traffic hurtling past in the busy lane.

Realising he was defenceless, the victim abandoned his bike and fled on foot, running against the flow of traffic in a desperate bid to escape.

A motorcyclist had his bike stolen by two thieves while he was riding it at 100kmph in Argentina

Footage of the ambush showed the rider travelling at high speeds when two assailants on another motorcycle suddenly drew level with him

The stunned rider is left helpless as his motorcycle loses power and begins to slow, while the attackers speed ahead

One of the suspects then reportedly chased after him and opened fire, but missed as the rider scrambled to safety.

The thieves then made off with the stranded motorcycle and remain on the run.

The dramatic footage has since spread all over social media, with motorcyclists warning that highways in the region have become a hunting ground for gangs targeting riders.

The incident is the latest in a string of similar high-speed robberies, as motorcycle theft continues to surge across Argentina in recent years.
A report in the German media has claimed that a youth centre did not report a girl's alleged rape to authorities due to concerns that 'Muslim boys are already under enough police scrutiny.'

The claims emerged regarding the handling of serious allegations at the Wutzkyallee youth centre in Neukolln, Berlin.

German outlet Bild reported that a sworn affidavit from employees at the neighboring facility, MaDonna, confirmed suspicions that authorities failed to report alleged rapists due to concerns over scrutiny of Muslim boys. The claims have been denied.

The affidavit is said to detail the case of a 16-year-old Turkish-Kurdish schoolgirl who was allegedly raped by an Arab boy and subsequently sexually assaulted by eight others in a secluded area of the youth centre.

The document has been submitted to both the Senate and district politicians.

It indicates that the alleged perpetrators filmed the assaults and used the footage to blackmail the victim.

Additionally, the group reportedly attempted to persuade the victim's younger sister to meet with them.

In the affidavit, it was stated: 'In this context, we informed the social services coordinator that a report must be filed. The social services coordinator refrained from doing so, as she feared it would marginalize the perpetrators.

The claims emerged regarding the handling of serious allegations at the Wutzkyallee youth centre in Neukolln

'She stated, in essence, that the Muslim boys were already under enough police scrutiny and that she wanted to prevent a general suspicion.'

Meanwhile, a transcript of a conversation between the centre's supervisors obtained by the German publication stated: 'Intimacy in the premises of the youth center is permitted  even between girls and several boys.'

Markus Oegel , head of the CDU parliamentary group in Neukolln, said: 'You can't create spaces for intimacy in youth centers simply because Muslim youths aren't allowed to do that at home  that's unacceptable.

'After all, we're still talking about minors.'

The Berlin Senate Department states that there are no official regulations or rules governing relationships in youth centers.

Following the initial report by Bild, Sarah Nagel, the Left Party's youth councillor, asserted, 'As of today, I would like to make it clear: There was absolutely no attempt to cover up the allegations.'

She further added, 'The perpetrators' background played no role whatsoever in how the incidents were handled.'

The youth club has since been officially closed.

Nagel emphasized the need for safe environments for all children and young people, stating, 'Sexualized violence and the patriarchal structures that promote it must be consistently countered.'

Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, has also responded to the situation, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation.

He stated on Facebook, 'If it turns out that the rape of a 16-year-old was deliberately covered up out of a misguided sense of cultural tolerance or for partisan political reasons, there must be consequences.

'People who cover up such things have no place in public office. The events in Neukolln must be fully investigated. There is no cultural discount for criminals. The protection of the young woman is now the top priority.'
Keir Starmer is struggling to quell a new Mandelson 'cover-up' crisis over missing messages from a top aide's phone.

The PM insisted this morning it is 'far-fetched' to suggest Morgan McSweeney pretended to have his phone stolen in October to avoid disclosing private exchanges with the peer.

But one of his own MPs openly said last night that he did not 'believe' the former No10 chief of staff's account. The Tories have said the situation 'stinks to high heaven' and demanded Mr McSweeney gives evidence to Parliament.

The missing phone is thought to contain hundreds of messages exchanged with Mandelson both before his appointment as US ambassador and for months afterwards.

In the weeks before the theft the PM's general counsel had been interviewing Downing Street staff about their contacts with the New Labour architect.

There were also reports in September that Kemi Badenoch was looking to use Commons mechanisms to force the release of internal information.

Last month Parliament ordered the release of all material relating to Mandelson's seven-month tenure, amid anger that his long-standing friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was ignored.

Police confirmed yesterday that Mr McSweeney reported his phone had been stolen in October last year, just days after Labour officials are said to have warned he would be 'f***ed' if his messages to Lord Mandelson were ever revealed.

Keir Starmer insisted this morning it is 'far-fetched' to suggest Morgan McSweeney pretended to have his phone stolen in October to avoid disclosing private exchanges with the peer

Keir Starmer with Morgan McSweeney (left) in Downing Street last year

Labour MP Karl Turner - an increasingly vocal critic of Sir Keir - posted on X last night: 'I don't believe McSwindle had his iPhone stolen.'

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In an unprecedented move, Scotland Yard released the transcript of 999 call made by Mr McSweeney just before 10.30pm on October 21 in which he said his phone had been stolen by a black man on a bicycle.

He told call handlers he had given chase. And he informed them that the stolen device was a 'government phone'.

But he did not reveal his role as the PM's chief of staff, or the fact that his phone contained highly sensitive material.

CCTV was also not checked due to a mix-up over the name of the street in which Mr McSweeney said he had been mugged.

The police pushed back yesterday against claims by allies of Mr McSweeney that he was told they were 'too busy' to investigate the theft.

The force suggested that because Mr McSweeney did not identify himself the potential 'security risks' could not have 'reasonably' shaped decisions on how to handle the case.

Officers are said to have tried to call the senior adviser twice the following day, without getting a reply.

Speaking to broadcasters in Helsinki, Finland, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The phone was stolen. It was reported to the police. There's a transcript of the call in which Morgan McSweeney gives his name, his date of birth, the details of the phone and the police confirm that it was reported.

'Unfortunately, there are thefts like this. It was stolen. It was reported at the time, the police have acknowledged and confirmed that  and the idea that somehow everybody could have seen that some time in the future there'd be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched.'

Downing Street refused to say whether any of the messages had been recovered or whether they could be retrieved from Mandelson's phone. It is understood the Cabinet Office does hold some messages between the pair, which are expected to be published at a later date.

Speaking to Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Sir Keir later said he 'dwells on' the 'mistake' he made in hiring Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US.

'Nobody has been harder on me in relation to the mistake I made there than me,' he said.

'And I'll tell you for why, I've spent years trying to deal with violence against women and girls.

'And as I look back at it now and the mistake I made, I've been really hard on myself.

'In the immediate days after this all came out, I was particularly hard on myself. So yeah, everybody else was criticising, I get all that.

'But nobody was criticising me more than myself. I'm not trying to, you know, make that a mitigation or an excuse, but, I know I made a mistake.

He added: 'I know that after nearly 20 years, fighting violence against women and girls, I made a mistake there. And I hate the fact I made that mistake. And I dwell on it.

'I beat myself up about it. It's certainly not a mistake I'd ever repeat. But, there's no criticism anybody else can level at me that will be as harsh as the criticism I dished out for myself.'

Documents released by the Government have revealed that in the weeks before the phone theft the PM's general counsel had been interviewing Downing Street staff about their contacts with Mandelson

Weeks before the phone theft No10 communications director Matthew Doyle told the PM's counsel of 'back and forth' no the Mandelson issues involving Mr McSweeney

Mr McSweeney resigned last month saying he took responsibility for the appointment of Mandelson.

Labour MP Karl Turner - an increasingly vocal critic of Sir Keir - posted on X last night: 'I don't believe McSwindle had his iPhone stolen.'

In response to other users, the backbencher added: 'I believe the report was made. McSwindle didn't mention that he was the chief of staff to the PM. A significant omission of he'd wanted the police to prioritise the offence.'

Rosie Duffield, who now sits as an independent MP after leaving Labour, added: 'If there is anyone in Westminster who believes this phone containing potentially damning messages mysteriously went missing/was stolen, I have yet to meet them...'

Labour MP Richard Burgon said on X that he had submitted Parliamentary written question asking whether Mr McSweeney reported the theft to the Cabinet Secretary and what impact it had on national security.

Mr Burgon said: 'Given the serious impact this could have on getting the truth about the Mandelson scandal we need answers.'

Kemi Badenoch said it was 'very suspicious that the phone got stolen' after it became 'clear that a lot of documents were going to come out'.

The Tory leader told broadcasters in London on Thursday: 'Anyone could have stolen that phone. It could have been China, it could have been Russia.

'I think there are a lot of questions that need answering, and what we need is for Morgan McSweeney and, let's be frank, Keir Starmer to come clean about what happened and why this report was not escalated to the security services.'

Mrs Badenoch raised the issue of messages going missing at PMQs in the Commons yesterday.

In a reference to Sir Keir's previous legal role, she swiped: 'I wonder what a director of public prosecutions would make of the defence, ''sorry, I can't produce my WhatsApps, my phone's been stolen''.'

The disappearance of Mr McSweeney's phone has left a series of unanswered questions.

No10 said the theft was reported immediately to Downing Street's security department which was able to wipe its contents remotely.

Labour MP Richard Burgon said on X that he had submitted Parliamentary written question asking whether Mr McSweeney reported the theft to the Cabinet Secretary and what impact it had on national security

The PM left his aides to ask Mandelson 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

But officials could not say whether any attempt was made to track the phone or whether any discussion was had with police investigating the theft.

Despite his high profile, there appears to have been no attempt to establish whether Mr McSweeney was the victim of a random theft  or whether he could have been deliberately targeted by a hostile state.

The first batch of documents disclosed in response to the Parliamentary edict showed Sir Keir did not speak to Mandelson personally before he was appointed, instead leaving it to aides to ask questions about his Epstein ties.

The next tranche is expected to be released next month.
A textile millionaire couple have accused their dead daughter's husband of a 'smash and grab' raid on their fortune amid a bitter court battle over ownership of the family firm.

Natalie Berg built Fabric Land over five decades after starting out as a market trader in 1971 - going on to develop a multimillion-pound business with husband Jeremy.

The couple's daughter Marnie and her husband Darren Hill later joined the family firm, with Marnie dedicating 30 years of her life to it.

But following her suicide aged 49 in 2022 - at which time Marnie was estranged from her spouse - a family war erupted between her parents and their son-in-law.

Mr Hill is suing the couple for ownership of the business, which he values at 10million - claiming he was promised the company would be handed down to him and Marnie before he agreed to start working for it in 2007.

He claims he endured years of 'long and unsociable hours' on the basis he would be left in control of the firm when his parents-in-law retired at the age of 70.

But Natalie, 73, and Jeremy Berg, 75, insist no such promises were ever made, branding the lawsuit 'an attempt by Darren to orchestrate a spectacular "smash and grab" of [their] assets'.

Fabric Land became a thriving textiles chain after starting out as a market stall in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Natalie and Jeremy Berg outside Central London County Court after a hearing in dispute over shares in Fabric Land

Mr Hill outside Central London County Court after the hearing about ownership of Fabric Land

Darren Hill and his late wife Marnie Hill (pictured at a party), who took her own life aged 49 in May 2022

It now boasts an HQ near Bournemouth, has online and high street outlets, and supplies theatrical departments of several well known cruise companies.

Marnie joined the family firm when she was 16, working there for three decades before taking her own life in May 2022 following a decline in her mental and physical health during Covid, Central London County Court heard.

Her husband Mr Hill worked for the company between 2007 and 2022 as an executive manager, having sold his interest in the business he was working in, the court was told.

However, he now alleges he only did so because his parents-in-law made promises about the future of Fabric Land during a holiday in Vietnam more than 20 years ago.

According to Mr Hill, the couple said he and Marnie would eventually take over the business when they retired.

He claims to have worked 'during annual leave, over holidays and through ill-health, tolerating a verbally abusive working environment from 2018/19'.

He also claims he was promised ownership of two warehouses in Ringwood, Hampshire, which the couple own but lease to the company, following their deaths.

Mr Hill's barrister James Saunders told the court: 'The family, including Natalie and Jeremy, holidayed in Vietnam in December 2003, at which time Marnie and Darren had been together for eight years and married for 18 months.

'During this holiday, it is Darren's case that the family discussed the future of the company and that assurances/promises were made to Darren that, if he were to join the business, he and Marnie would be the owners and controllers of that business when Natalie and Jeremy ultimately retired.

Fabric Land's shop in Kingston. The company also boasts an HQ near Bournemouth

'That position was maintained, and further like assurances made, during the subsequent years and Darren ultimately decided to join the company in April 2007.'

Mr Saunders added: 'It is Darren's case that he took this decision and made this move, relying on the promises made to him by Natalie and Jeremy.'

However, Mr and Mrs Berg claim no such promises were made and that Mr Hill joined the firm because Marnie asked them to offer him a job.

Mr Hill's barrister labelled the couple's 'total denial of any promises or assurances' as 'extreme', suggesting the couple may be motivated by hostility towards their son-in-law because they both 'blame Darren for their daughter's death'.

And while Mr and Mrs Berg insist he was 'never fit for management,' Mr Hill claims he and Marnie were acknowledged to be the 'future of the business,' Mr Saunders added.

The couple's barrister, Pepin Aslett, said they claim no such promises were ever made, branding the lawsuit little more than a calculated raid on the assets they have built up over many years.

'Mr and Mrs Berg will say that the true reason for this claim is no more than an attempt by Darren to orchestrate a spectacular "smash and grab" of Mr and Mrs Berg's assets,' he said in his written arguments to the court.

He also dismissed Mr Hill's claim that Fabric Land could be worth up to 10million as 'pie in the sky'.

Their son-in-law never had a pivotal role in the company, he added, pointing out that 'at no time was he a shareholder or a director'.

He also 'walked out of the company,' formally resigning in June 2022. In the same year, Marnie was 'estranged' from him and instructing divorce lawyers.

Taking a job with Fabric Land was a step up for Mr Hill, the barrister claimed, adding he also picked up a range of benefits while working there.

In court, Mr Hill gave evidence about his role with Fabric Land, saying he had an 'executive role'.

The Bergs' barrister, however, pressed him about the daily aspects of his work at the company, including having to 'sign off pay' for the workforce.

'What does signing off really mean?' asked Mr Aslett, suggesting he simply had to confirm figures and press a button to authorise payments.

'I authorised wages for a team of 100-plus staff,' replied Mr Hill. 'I didn't just press a button, I had to double and triple check the figures.'

The trial, in which Judge Nigel Gerald will decide whether the couple made binding promises about handing over the company, continues.
The Mayor of Bath has been suspended by the Liberal Democrats after he shared a post on social media which claimed the attack on a Jewish ambulance service in Golders Green was an 'Israeli false flag' operation.

Dr Bharat Pankhania, who is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer at University of Exeter Medical School, reposted a series of claims about the arson attack on his personal X account.

These included the 'false flag' post and two others which suggested the incident was insurance fraud.

Two British men, aged 47 and 45, were yesterday arrested over the attack by detectives from counter-terror police. They have since been bailed.

The London Fire Brigade rushed to Highfield Road in the early hours of Monday morning after four Hatzola ambulances were set alight outside a synagogue.

The vehicles were gutted as the blaze took hold, with explosions caused by oxygen tanks stored on board leading to the evacuation of nearby homes as a precaution. No-one was injured in the fire.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats told the Daily Mail Dr Pankhania has been suspended.

They said: 'Dr. Pankhania has been suspended from the Liberal Democrat group while the party looks into this.

'We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community following the appalling arson attack earlier this week.'

Liberal Democrat Dr Bharat Pankhania, who is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer at University of Exeter Medical School, reposted a series of claims about the arson attack on his personal X account

The London Fire Brigade rushed to Highfield Road in the early hours of Monday morning after four Hatzola ambulances were set alight outside a synagogue

It is understood the suspension refers to him sitting as a Liberal Democrat, rather than a suspension from the mayoralty itself.

Dr Pankhania has now deleted his social media posts and apologised, saying he had been 'made aware' that he had reposted the 'abhorrent' claims.

He said in a statement: 'I have been made aware that I have reposted or replied to some posts which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent.

'I am incredibly apologetic that I have not lived up to the standards I set myself.

'I have of course deleted them, and I wish to apologise unreservedly.'

One of the posts shared by the mayor referred to the attack as a 'false flag' operation, adding, 'People are now asking why do the Jewish community have their own private ambulances in the UK?', SomersetLive reports.

Hatzola is a voluntary community organisation which helps transport patients in desperate need of care. Although set up by the Jewish community, it serves anyone who needs it, regardless of their faith or cultural background.

It also has bases in Manchester, Gateshead, Canvey Island and Hertfordshire.

Dr Pankhania, who has been a Bath and North East Somerset councillor since 2019, qualified from the Welsh Nation Schools of Medicine in Cardiff and trained as a GP in 1989. He now specialises in disease control.

The two British nationals were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Two properties were search in the Kilburn and Kings Cross areas, where they were detained, with two further homes also being searched by police in north-west London.

Four ambulances from Hatzola were set on fire during the incident at about 1.35am on Monday

The attack is currently being treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime by police, but not a terror attack.

Both men have since been released on bail until a date in April.

Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: 'Although the two men have been released from police custody, there are strict bail conditions in place while we continue to investigate their suspected involvement in this incident.

'I can reassure the public that we will be closely monitoring these while we carry out further enquiries. We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this.

'I'd like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.'

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of March 23.

Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has been contacted for comment.
Keir Starmer has been accused of overseeing a defence 'shambles' over the state of the Royal Navy after it emerged Britain had to ask Germany for the use of a warship to keep a major Nato commitment.

Germany has deployed the frigate Sachsen with British officers aboard as the flagship of an alliance maritime task group in place of HMS Dragon, which was sent to help defend Cyprus from Iranian attacks.

But the move billed by Berlin as 'an expression of the close (Germany-UK) partnership' has raised alarm bells about how many warships the UK can field at a time.

Defence Secretary John Healey was this morning unable to say how many of the Royal Navy's surface fleet of 17 frigates and destroyers is currently fit to fight, when grilled over the state of the service.

It came as Sir Keir this morning again refused to say when he will reveal the much-delayed blueprint for increasing spending on the UK's Armed Forces, even as he warned of the threat posed by Russia to world peace.

Labour's defence investment plan (DIP), showing how it plans to push military pending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, was due to be published last autumn but has since been repeatedly pushed back.

Additionally, new figures released by NATO today showed that UK military spending as a proportion of GDP was lower than expected last year, at 2.3 per cent rather than the expected 2.4 per cent.

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge told the Mail the situation was 'a complete shambles'.

The Prime Minister today warned that Western nations are facing a 'war on two fronts as he meets allies at a major European defence meeting in Finland

The invasion of Ukraine and the US-Israel conflict with Iran are the two major arenas of war impacting European nations, the Prime Minister said at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) leaders' summit.

'At a time of war in Europe and the Middle East, it is truly extraordinary that the Secretary of State for Defence doesn't seem to know how many ships the Royal Navy has,' he said.

'This farce has serious consequences  Labour ministers didn't have a single warship in the Middle East for the first time in decades, just as war was starting.

'Meanwhile, they have failed to deliver promised NATO commitments and instead have had to rely on Germany to meet our obligations in the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea.

'All this on the day it was confirmed there will be no Defence Investment Plan before Parliament breaks before Easter.

'It was Starmer's decision to prioritise welfare over Defence spending, forcing the MOD into a penny-pinching posture which is why they've slashed ship availability. The PM owns what is happening now.

'A cash crunch and a car crash interview from John Healey is a long way from what our armed forces need right now. The men and women who serve our nation deserve far, far better'.

The Prime Minister today warned that Western nations are facing a 'war on two fronts' as he meets allies at a major European defence meeting in Finland.

The invasion of Ukraine and the US-Israel conflict with Iran are the two major arenas of war impacting European nations, the Prime Minister said at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) leaders' summit.

As well as Navy fears, a former senior general has also warned that the British Army has been left so depleted by years of cuts and declining troop levels that it would only be able to take a small market town - on a good day.

General Sir Richard Barrons said UK land forces would be unable to do anything 'substantial' in a war and would only be able to help out with small tasks in operations led by the US or Nato.

The former senior soldier, who co-wrote Labour's Strategic Defence Review (SDR) last year, spoke out amid an ongoing row over the state of the Armed Forces in light of the US-led war with Iran and increasing Russian belligerence in Europe.

The Government has set an ambition for defence spending to reach 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) within the current Parliament and 3.5 per cent by 2035.

On Monday Sir Keir Starmer insisted the Government was 'nearly there' with completing DIP.

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New figures released by NATO today showed that UK military spending as a proportion of GDP was lower than expected last year, at 2.3 per cent rather than the expected 2.4 per cent

The main focus of concern has been on the Royal Navy amid fury at the time it took to send one ship, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon (right, being refuelled at sea), to help defend Cyprus from Iranian missiles

General Sir Richard Barrons said UK land forces would be unable to do anything 'substantial' in a war and would only be able to help out with small tasks in operations led by the US or Nato

Last night he gave approval for British forces to begin seizing Russian shadow fleet tankers as he arrived in Helsinki for the gathering.

Britain's commandos will begin halting and boarding the ships as a means of tightening a stranglehold on Moscow's illicit oil exports.

Speaking to broadcasters as the summit began, Sir Keir said: 'The focus here is very much on Russian aggression in Ukraine and we have to accept that there's a war on two fronts  there's the Iranian conflict and the continuing Ukrainian conflict.

'Today I'll be talking to allies about what more we can do. Of course, there will be discussions about defence spend, also defence capability.

'And today I'll be making clear to them that I'm giving permission for the UK to intercept shadow fleet, Russian shadow fleet ships, these are ships that are unlawfully breaching sanctions, usually with oil. We'll be working with others on that project.

'On defence, obviously, I've already committed to increasing defence spend. We have the commitments to go further and we will keep those commitments.'

The main focus of concern has been on the Royal Navy amid fury at the time it took to send one ship, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, to help defend Cyprus.

It was due to provide Dragon as the flagship for Standing Nato Maritime Group One, but senior officers will lead the taskforce in the Baltic from a Deutsche Marine ship.

The German embassy in London tweeted: 'As the UK deploys HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean, German frigate Sachsen will take over from HMS Dragon as NATO maritime task group flagship - an expression of the close (Germany-UK) partnership'.

Mr Healey was unable to tell LBC this morning how many of the UK's 17 surface warships is currently available.

'Every nation with every piece of its military kit has some in operation, some on deployment, some in state of readiness, some being repaired and maintained. it is a regular rhythm that is common to military planning,' he told the broadcaster.

Asked again what the state of the fleet was, apart from Dragon, he added: 'I'm proud of what we are able to do ... I have to make decisions based on what we have got.'

He added that the Germans were 'good allies' to step in and provide a frigate that will be commanded by a Royal Navy commodore, saying: 'This is what good allies do. The Germans have stepped in to supply their warship.'

Asked if he was embarrassed that the UK needs to borrow a ship from Germany, he said it was a 'sign of the strength of the Nato alliance  but I'm not happy with the situation we have with British warships, and that's because it takes six years to build a warship'.

And Speaking on Times Radio Mr Healey said Gen Barrons was 'not right', adding: 'This Middle Eastern conflict is demonstrating that it is our forces together, RAF, Navy and Army are defending our bases, they're defending our people, they're defending our allies across the region.'

The JEF, a military coalition of ten northern European countries led by the UK, aims to defend against Russian incursions.

It also includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

Moscow's shadow fleet is reported to be made up of more than a thousand ageing tankers.

They illicitly ship oil and other goods out of Russia by flying the flags of other countries, with the aim of evading sanctions imposed by the West since the invasion of Ukraine began.

JEF countries Finland, Sweden and Estonia have recently intercepted suspected shadow tankers travelling through the Baltic.

Closing off British waters to the shadow fleet is aimed at forcing the Russian vessels into taking longer, more costly sea routes, or risk being intercepted by the UK.

British forces have already been involved in tracking shadow fleet vessels for several years, and have supported operations by other countries to seize the ships.

In January, the UK assisted in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US.

Previously known as the Bella-1, the Russian-flagged vessel was captured by US forces aided by RAF aircraft and the British supply ship RFA Tideforce in the Atlantic.

Later that same month, Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Dagger helped the French seize another sanctioned ship, the Grinch, in the western Mediterranean, shadowing the vessel through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Last week, the French intercepted the Deyna oil tanker in the Mediterranean, supported by the UK.
The police watchdog is investigating a force's handling of sexual abuse allegations made against influencer Andrew Tate.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was probing Hertfordshire Constabulary's response to reports made by three women after their case was closed in 2019 following a four-year investigation against the controversial social media influencer.

A former detective constable could face gross misconduct proceedings for 'alleged failures to properly investigate' the case, it said.

The watchdog added that two former detective sergeants, who supervised the investigation, were also being probed for alleged misconduct.

The three women who made the reports to Hertfordshire Constabulary said in a joint statement issued through their legal team: 'We are grateful that the IOPC has taken steps to investigate potential issues with how our reports were handled.

'From the beginning, all we have wanted is for our cases and the evidence to be fully and fairly considered by those with the power to do so.'

Tate's three alleged victims have since taken their claims to the High Court alongside a fourth woman, who all allege the professional kickboxer used sexual violence against them.

Court documents show he is accused of holding a gun to a woman's face before saying 'you're going to do as I say or there'll be hell to pay'.

Three women made sexual abuse reports against Andrew Tate (pictured centre) to Hertfordshire Constabulary

However the alleged victims' case was closed in 2019 after a four-year investigation by the force

One of the claimants also alleges Tate assaulted her with a belt and grabbed her by the throat on a number of occasions in 2015.

The documents show other alleged victims claim he strangled them during sex while saying things such as 'I'm just debating whether to rape you or not' and 'who do you belong to?'.

Tate's lawyers previously vehemently denied the claims made against him - saying the allegations are 'false' and that they 'were not controlled and did not behave as though they were controlled' by him.

A spokesperson for the influencer also said at the time that the allegations outlined in the documents are 'unproven and untested', and 'categorically' denied.

The civil trial is due to take place in June this year.

The legal team of the three women who reported alleged abuse to police, McCue Jury & Partners, said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)'s decision not to authorise charges in the case is currently the subject of a victim's right to review.

In September last year, the CPS said the legal test to bring criminal charges had not been met.

Tate is also facing legal proceedings in Romania alongside his brother Tristan Tate, in which both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Tate's lawyers previously vehemently denied the claims made against him

They said the allegations are 'false' and that his alleged victims 'were not controlled and did not behave as though they were controlled' by him. Pictured: Tate with his brother Tristan Tate

The pair are due to be extradited to the UK following the conclusion of proceedings in Romania after Bedfordshire Police secured a European arrest warrant for further separate allegations of rape and human trafficking involving different women.

Those allegations, which the brothers 'unequivocally deny', date back to 2012 to 2015.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary told the Daily Mail: 'The IOPC is currently investigating Hertfordshire Constabulary's handling of allegations made by three women in 2015.

'This is following a voluntary referral to the watchdog by the force in December 2023.

'We are fully committed to supporting this independent investigation and are in regular contact with the IOPC as they progress the matter.

'Due to the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.'

A spokesperson for the IOPC told the Daily Mail: 'We are independently investigating the actions and decision making of Hertfordshire Constabulary following multiple reports of sexual offending by a man, which was first reported to the force in 2015.

'Our investigation began following a voluntary conduct referral from the force in December 2023.

'As part of our investigation, we are investigating a former detective constable for potential gross misconduct, relating to alleged failures to properly investigate, and two former detective sergeants at the level of misconduct, who supervised the investigation.'

However they said that the serving of notices does not mean disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow, adding that the watchdog will decide at the end of its investigation whether individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.
Iranian security forces opened fire on apartment buildings in Tehran after residents were heard chanting anti-regime slogans, opposition groups have claimed.

Footage shared by the citizen journalism news site Iran Wire claims to show residents of the capital's Chitgar neighbourhood chanting 'down with the IRGC' - referring to Iran's secuirty forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Two masked officers could then be seen pointing guns at windows as they fired at the homes of suspected dissidents.

Residents had been chanting anti-regime slogans in response to a pro-government march, with video showing supporters of the Islamic Republic waving flags as they paraded down the street.

It is unclear when exactly the video was taken, but it is believed to have been shot in recent days.

It comes as Iranians have reported a surge in security measures, nighttime patrols and pro-government rallies that they say are creating an atmosphere of intimidation amid the ongoing war, London-based broadcaster Iran International reports.

According to accounts shared with the Persian-language news outlet, the intensified measures are an attempt to control the population, with masked security forces seen carrying weapons like machine guns to instil fear.

Meanwhile, several checkpoints have been installed across Iranian towns and cities, with security forces pointing weapons toward passing cars.

Video grab shows the moment Iranian security forces opened fire on apartment buildings in Tehran after residents were heard chanting anti-regime slogans

Two masked officers appeared to point guns at windows

Residents had been chanting anti-regime slogans in response to a pro-government march. Video grab shows supporters of the regime parading down the street

Iranians have also reported an increase in nightly pro-government gatherings involving convoys of large vehicles, loudspeakers and armed escorts.

Across several locations, supporters of the Iranian regime have been heard chanting 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' as the war in Iran hits the one-month mark.

Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, and we do not plan on any negotiations.'

That followed a report from Iranian state TV's English-language broadcaster quoting an anonymous official as saying Iran rejected America's ceasefire proposal and has its own demands to end the fighting.

Earlier, two officials from Pakistan, who transmitted the U.S. plan to Iran, described the 15-point proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran's nuclear program, limits on missiles, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped.

An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts said the proposal also includes restrictions on Iran's support for armed groups.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet released.

It comes as Iranians have reported a surge in security measures, nighttime patrols and pro-government rallies. Pictured: People wave national flags and hold portraits of Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei as they march in support of the Iranian armed forces in central Tehran on March 25, 2026

Israeli security forces cordon off the area following a projectile strike on south Tel Aviv on March 26, 2026

President Donald Trump, speaking at a fundraiser Wednesday night in Washington, insisted that Iran still wants to cut a deal.

'They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people,' said Trump, who added: 'They're also afraid they'll be killed by us.'

Iran has long insisted it won't discuss its ballistic missile program or its support of regional militias, which it views as key to its security. And its ability to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz represents one of its biggest strategic advantages.

Iran's attacks on regional energy infrastructure, along with its restrictions on the strait, have sent oil prices skyrocketing, putting pressure on the U.S. to find a way to end the chokehold and calm markets.

On Thursday, sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles. In the United Arab Emirates, two people were reported killed, and three were wounded by falling shrapnel from a missile interception over Abu Dhabi.

Industry experts say Iran is implementing a 'de facto 'toll booth' regime,' with some ships paying in Chinese yuan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime.

Meanwhile, a strike group anchored by the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli drew closer to the Mideast with some 2,500 Marines.

Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne have been ordered to the region.
Robert Jenrick is calling for an emergency halving of VAT on road fuel to ease the 'Trumpflation' pain for drivers.

Reform said the move would slash 12p a litre off the cost of petrol and 14p off diesel for the next three months.

The proposal - estimated to have a 1.5billion price tag for the Treasury - comes amid mounting alarm at the fallout from carnage in the Middle East.

Iran has responded to US-Israeli attacks by effectively blockading the Strait of Hormuz - the crucial channel through which around a fifth of global oil supplies pass.

Costs of brent crude and gas have soared with little sign of the chaos easing soon, despite Donald Trump talking up the prospect of negotiations.

Brits are already feeling the impact, with the Bank of England having backed away from interest cuts and the prospect of energy bills spiking by more than a fifth when the cap changes again in July.

Robert Jenrick is calling for an emergency halving of VAT on fuel to ease the 'Trumpflation' pain for Brits

Your browser does not support iframes.

Mr Jenrick, Reform's economic spokesman, made the call on a visit to a petrol station in Dover, where he offered drivers 5p off fuel

'The Chancellor is raking it in while motorists suffer,' said the Reform MP. 'The rising costs of fuel are really hitting alarm-clock Britain right now'

Since Mr Trump launched the war, UK prices have increased by around 17p a litre for petrol and 33p a litre for diesel.

Mr Jenrick, Reform's economic spokesman, made the call on a visit to a petrol station in Dover, where he offered drivers 5p off fuel.

The visit follows a similar stunt by party leader Nigel Farage earlier this month as part of Reform's campaign against the Government's plan to reverse the temporary 5p cut to fuel duty introduced after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Mr Jenrick said: 'The Chancellor is raking it in while motorists suffer. The rising costs of fuel are really hitting alarm-clock Britain right now.

'She's making tens of millions of pounds a week in extra tax revenue as a direct result of the war; the least she could do is lessen the blow.'

Ms Reeves has so far refused to scrap plans to increase fuel duty in September, although she insists they will be kept under review.

The Chancellor has made clear any bailout for the Middle East chaos will be targeted, arguing she cannot afford to prop up the 'wealthy'.

But the Treasury is not thought to be able to target specific incomes, meaning that support is expected to go to around six million people on handouts such as universal credit and pension credit.

The stance has caused anger that middle-income households will face even more pain, with the tax burden already on track to hit a record high.

Labour MPs have forced the Government to drop efforts to curb the spiralling welfare bill.
An Egyptian asylum seeker accused of gang-raping a lone, drunk woman on Brighton beach claimed he filmed the assault to gather evidence for police, a court has heard.

Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, said he was shocked when he saw two of his friends raping the woman behind a beach hut.

The 33-year-old woman has claimed she was dragged onto the beach and raped after a night out with friends in the seaside city on October 4 last year.

Al-Danasurt denied he had sex with the woman and said he knew what he was witnessing was Haram - forbidden by Islamic law - and wanted to document it.

In a police interview recorded nearly two weeks later, Al-Danasurt said he had no role in arranging or encouraging the rape and recorded it on his phone as potential evidence.

'The video is there, you have seen it, they were raping her in the video. I was in a shock, so I started recording what I was seeing,' he said.

Asked why he changed position, laughed and zoomed in while he was filming, he said: 'I didn't mean anything at all.

'I do not remember, I just wanted to capture them all together.'

Egyptian national Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, and Iranian national Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, are accused of repeatedly raping the woman, while Al-Danasurt allegedly filmed the assault and egged them on.

Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, (pictured) who arrived in the UK on a small boat, said he was shocked when he saw two of his friends raping the woman behind a beach hut

Egyptian national Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, (pictured) and Iranian national Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, are accused of repeatedly raping the woman

All the three men are charged with rape, while Al-Danasurt is additionally charged with sharing an intimate film. They are on trial at Hove Crown Court.

In his first interview, recorded before police had viewed the three video clips on his phone, Al-Danasurt said he had begged the other men to stop.

When officers asked him why he could not be heard saying so in any of the clips, he said: 'I do not remember.

'I may have said Haram, stop, that's enough, something like that, but I do not remember. It was not funny, no.

'As a Muslim, I've not seen anything like this my whole life.'

He told police he deleted the videos saying he did not want them on his phone and denied sharing them.

The woman told police she remembered a light shining in her face when she regained consciousness on the beach.

Alshafe gave three prepared statements during interviews with Sussex Police detectives.

He initially denied knowing Al-Danasurt, his roommate at the asylum hotel where he had lived for three months, before telling officers they did not get on.

Alshafe denied being in Brighton on October 3 and 4 or ever being in the Horizon nightclub where the men are said to have partied before the alleged rape.

A map shown to the jury reveals the movements of three asylum seekers who partied in nightclubs before allegedly gang-raping a lone, drunk woman on Brighton beach

He agreed his ID had been scanned at the door but said stills taken from CCTV cameras were not him.

Alshafe answered 'no comment' after detectives read a description of him posing and sticking his tongue out in a video that his roommate said showed the rape.

He did not answer when police asked him why his DNA had been found on swabs taken from the woman.

The court heard the alleged victim thought her drink may have been spiked.

Ahmadi told police all three men had consensual sex with the woman on the beach and that Al-Danasurt was the only one who could speak English.

In a prepared statement, he said the woman had initiated the sex with all three men.

He claimed the sex was consensual and the woman was conscious and participating throughout.

He told police: 'After I finished, Karin started slapping her and spat in her mouth.'

He said the woman was upset and said that she would call the police.

Sussex Police said the woman reported being attacked on the lower esplanade in Brighton in the early hours of Saturday, October 4 last year.

All three defendants deny the charges.

The trial continues.
Sarah Ferguson could lose her honorary membership to The Stationers' Company as councillors prepare to strip her of the Freedom of the City of York tonight over her and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Ms Ferguson, 66, was awarded an Honorary Freeman of The Stationers' Company in 1988, just two years after she married Andrew, 'for her support and involvement in Company initiatives'.

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the Company is reviewing the granting of the honour.

When asked, the London livery company - which was founded in 1403 for the communications and content industries, representing publishing, printing, and digital media - said its Court is now 'researching the original honour'.

It added it is 'drawing the facts together' on how it 'may proceed' regarding her honorary membership.

A statement from a Stationer's spokesperson said: 'Sarah Ferguson was given Honorary membership of the Stationers' Company by the Court (the decision-making body of the Company) in 1988 for her support and involvement in Company initiatives in 1987.

'In answer to your question, the Court is researching the original honour and drawing the facts together on how we may proceed.'

It denied this suggests it is planning to strip Ms Ferguson of her membership. Daily Mail has approached The Stationers' Company for further comment.

Sarah Ferguson could lose her honorary membership to The Stationers' Company as councillors prepare to strip her of the Freedom of the City of York tonight over her and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Ms Ferguson, 66, was awarded an Honorary Freeman of The Stationers' Company in 1988, just two years after she married Andrew, for 'for her support and involvement in Company initiatives'

The Company was originally a guild that controlled the book trade and held a monopoly on printing and managed copyright for three centuries.

Queen Camilla was also made an Honorary Freeman of The Stationers' Company in July last year for her dedication to promoting literacy and reading.

It comes as City of York councillors are set to vote on a motion proposing to revoke the honour from her tonight after revoking Andrew's in 2022.

Ms Ferguson and her then-husband Andrew, 66, were given the honour as a wedding present when they visited York in 1987.

The proposal to strip the pair of the honorary status has been on the cards since last October and it is the only item on the agenda for an extraordinary council meeting of the City of York Council at The Guildhall, York, at 6.15pm.

The Freedom of the City of York is a historic honorary status dating back to the 13th Century. It once had trade advantages but is now largely symbolic and grants holders with the right to join the Gild of Freemen of York, who take an interest in the affairs of the city.

The Council's motion states: Notice of Motion  Removal of Sarah Ferguson's Honorary Freedom of the City status

'To consider the following Motion submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Paragraph 3.1(l) of the Council Procedure Rules:

'The Council resolves that, pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the City of York Council withdraws the Honorary Freeman of the City status from Sarah Ferguson, which was conferred upon her in 1987.'

Following the latest release of the Epstein files last month, Ms Ferguson's ties to the paedophile financier were brought into question off the back of her disgraced ex-husband's relations with him.

She was mentioned numerous times and emails suggest he had been bankrolling her for 15 years. In one 2009 email she is believed to have said the Epstein: 'I urgently need 20,000 pounds ($27,521) for rent today.

'The landlord has threatened to go to the newspapers if I don't pay. Any brainwaves?'

In another gushing message, she appears to say 'Just marry me' after a string of compliments to the paedophile who had been convicted of soliciting sex from a minor the year before.

Ferguson even seemed to involve her own children with Epstein, apparently talking of then-19-year-old Eugenie coming back from a 'shagging weekend' in 2010. She is also believed to have introduced her then-22-year-old goddaughter to Epstein following his release from prison.

In one 2011 email, she wrote that he was a 'steadfast, generous and supreme friend' to her and her family. This was sent after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008 and after she denounced her own involvement with him as an error of judgment.

A spokesperson for the former duchess said this email was sent in response to legal threats following her public comments.

York Councils Labour leader Cllr Claire Douglas said last October that it was deplorable that anyone associated with Epstein would bear titles linked to York.

Following the latest release of the Epstein files last month, Ms Ferguson's ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) were brought into question off the back of her disgraced ex-husband's relations with him

Fergie did not respond to these comments at the time.

York councillors removed Andrew's Freedom of the City honour in 2022 for his own relationship with Epstein.

The council cited its commitments to protecting women and girls from violence and abuse as its reason to strip the title from him at the time.

The honour has been bestowed upon many British icons like the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in February after emails seemed to suggest he shared confidential documents with Epstein during his time as trade envoy in Asia. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Former US ambassador Peter Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office last month. Both men have since been released on bail without charge but remain under investigation.

Andrew was stripped of all his royal titles last October and he resigned from all public roles in 2020. Queen Elizabeth removed him from his honorary military and charitable roles in 2022.

The former prince reached an out-of-court settlement on a civil sex assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre earlier in 2022.
Keir Starmer today insisted the 'status quo' won't remain on social media for under-16s as the Government consults on different restrictions.

The Prime Minister said he was 'very keen' to tackle addictive features on apps following a potentially precedent-setting court ruling in the US.

A jury in Los Angeles on Wednesday ruled that Google, owner of YouTube, and Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, built platforms to hook young users without regard for their wellbeing.

In Britain, the Government is currently weighing up whether to implement a blanket ban on social media for under-16s, following a similar prohibition in Australia.

Ministers are currently consulting on the plan while hundreds of teenagers are taking part in a trial of social media bans, time limits and curfews.

Sir Keir came under fresh pressure to implement a tough crackdown on Wednesday night when the House of Lords supported a social media ban for under-16s for the second time.

In a defeat for the Government, peers voted 266 to 141, majority 125, in favour of Conservative former minister Lord Nash's amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and School's Bill.

MPs will be given the opportunity to vote on the amendment when it returns to the House of Commons as part of a process known as parliamentary ping-pong.

The Prime Minister said he was 'very keen' to tackle addictive features on apps following a potentially precedent-setting court ruling in the US

The Government is currently weighing up whether to implement a blanket ban on social media for under-16s, following a similar prohibition in Australia.

The Government has said it will oppose the amendment until it has completed its consultation on social media restrictions.

Lord Nash said the upper House had sent an 'unambiguous message' to the Government in support of a social media ban for under-16s.

'Tonight the House of Lords sent for the second time an unambiguous message to the Government: hollow promises and half-measures are not enough,' he said.

'That they voted in even greater numbers than before sends a very clear message to the Government that they must act now to raise the age limit for access to harmful social media sites to 16.'

The US lawsuit, brought after a young woman argued a childhood addiction to social media had exacerbated her mental health issues, could influence the outcomes of thousands of similar cases which accuse social media firms of causing harm.

The jury in Los Angeles recommended the 20-year-old plaintiff be awarded six million dollars (4.4 million) in damages.

Both Meta and Google disagreed with the verdict and confirmed they were planning to appeal.

Asked if the landmark trial pointed to a shift in public mood with expectation of more aggressive regulation, Sir Keir told reporters: 'I think it does, and obviously we'll study that ruling very carefully, but I'm absolutely clear that we need to go further.

'The status quo isn't good enough. We need to do more to protect children. That's why we're consulting about issues such as banning social media for under-16s.

'I'm very keen that we do more on addictive features within social media.'

Speaking in Helsinki, Finland, before a summit with national leaders from the Joint Expeditionary Force, Sir Keir added: 'We've already taken the powers so that when we get to the end of the consultation, we don't have to wait years to implement this.

'But I want to be really clear, it's not if things are going to change, things are going to change. The question is, how much and what are we going to do?'

Snapchat and TikTok were also named defendants in the US lawsuit, but each settled before the trial started.

A Meta spokesperson said 'teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app' while Google said the verdict misunderstood YouTube 'which is a responsibly-built streaming platform, not a social media site'.

The California decision came a day after a New Mexico jury found Meta liable under state consumer protection law for misleading the public about the safety of its platforms and failing to protect children.
Former Top Gear presenter James May has reached an out-of-court settlement after being charged with keeping a motorcycle which did not meet insurance requirements.

May was due to stand trial after being prosecuted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency over an allegation relating to his 50-year-old orange Suzuki motorcycle.

The 63-year-old broadcaster was dressed in a bright yellow coat and shirt as he arrived by bicycle at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court in South London this morning.

The charge states that on July 17 last year, May kept a vehicle - a Suzuki GT750 motorcycle - which did not meet insurance requirements.

The motoring journalist who lives in West London did not appear before magistrates and settled the case outside of court, prosecutors told reporters.

He was photographed locking up his bicycle outside the court building just after 9.45am, before he then came back out again and left at around 10.20am.

May presented the BBC motoring show alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from 2003 until 2015 and was known as 'the other bloke from Top Gear'. He also earned the nickname 'Captain Slow' for his performances in challenges.

After leaving Top Gear, the presenting trio went on to make a new motoring show for Amazon Prime Video called The Grand Tour, which ran from 2016 to 2024.

Former Top Gear presenter James May arrives at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court today

James May arrives by bicycle at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court in South London today

James May outside the court today, where he is accused of not insuring his classic motorbike
Donald Trump warned on Thursday that Iranian negotiators 'better get serious soon, before it is too late,' insisting the nation has been 'obliterated,' as the US President pushes to reach a deal.

Taking to his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: 'The Iranian negotiators are very different and strange. They are begging us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only looking at our proposal.

'WRONG!!! They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it wont be pretty! President DJT'

In another post this morning, Trump lashed out at NATO again, saying the defensive alliance has done nothing to help with 'the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.'

The President reiterated the US does not need anything from NATO but added people should 'never forget'.

Trump has repeatedly lambasted NATO throughout the conflict after nations rejected his calls to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday of last week, the US leader called the longtime US allies 'cowards' hitting out at them for 'complaining about high oil prices' while not helping to open the strait.

Trump's comments today come as the Pentagon is drawing up miliary options to deliver a 'final blow' in Iran which could include deploying ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, it has been reported.

The President reiterated the US does not need anything from NATO but added people should 'never forget'

Donald Trump warned on Thursday that Iranian negotiators 'better get serious soon, before it is too late'

Insiders say a dramatic escalation will grow increasingly likely unless there is a breakthrough in talks and if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut.

US officials believe another show of force could help Donald Trump by allowing him to declare victory or create further leverage for a peace settlement, according to Axios.

The options are said to include invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran's main oil exports hub, invading Larak, an island that helps Tehran keep the Strait of Hormuz under control and seizing ships that export Iranian oil on the eastern side of the strait.

It comes as oil prices climbed again today as markets reacted to Iran dismissing a US proposal to end the war despite Donald Trump insisting leaders in Tehran 'badly' want a deal to stop the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iranian outlets have reported that the parliament is seeking to approve a bill which would levy tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The BBC reported that the head of the parliament's construction committee said a 'draft has been prepared but has not reached the stage of a full bill' and the aim is to 'provide security for vessels passing'.

It has not yet specified how much the possible tolls will be.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said last night in a televised interview on state TV that Iran has so far accepted requests of vessels passing by countries such as 'China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India'.

He said Hormuz, from Irans perspective, 'is not completely closed but closed to enemies'.

Trump yesterday told his fellow Republicans that the US and Israel 'cut out the cancer' of Iran's nuclear program as insiders claim he's privately seeking to end the war within weeks.

The president declared victory over Iran's nuclear threat while speaking to the National Republican Congressional Committee Wednesday and said the US military was ready to deliver the knockout blow.

'Its short term. What we had to do is get rid of the cancer. We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon,' he said.

'Weve cut it out. Now were going to finish it off.'

Meanwhile, Trump privately told allies and cabinet members that he doesn't want the war to be drawn out much longer.

Trump had initially outlined a four to six-week timeline at the beginning of the war and he wants to stick to that goal.

The US President has said the US is 'in negotiations right now' and that the participants include special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump has not identified anyone from Iran taking part.

A plume of smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran

Smoke rises from Kuwait international airport after a drone strike on fuel storage in Kuwait City

A 15-point peace plan, modeled on Trump's Gaza deal, was confirmed by two officials briefed on the talks, the New York Times reported.

It includes Iran dismantling all of its nuclear and long-range missile capabilities, as well as opening the Strait of Hormuz, and abandoning its ties to proxy terror groups across the Middle East.

The proposal outlines reciprocal benefits for Iran, including assistance with advancing its civilian nuclear program, as well as lifting all sanctions imposed by the international community.

Meanwhile, Iran issued its own plan via state TV, that includes a halt to killings of its officials, safeguards against future attacks on Iran, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities and Iran's 'exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.'

Those measures, particularly reparations and its continued chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, likely will be unacceptable to the White House.

'No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations,' Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later told state TV.

The war in the Middle East continues to rage on, with the death toll rising to more than 1,500 people in Iran, nearly 1,100 people in Lebanon, 20 in Israel and 13 US military members, as well as a number of civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region.

Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced.

Activists in Iran reported heavy strikes early on Thursday morning around Isfahan, a city 205 miles south of capital Tehran.

Isfahan is home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of the nuclear sites bombed by the United States during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June.

The semi-official Fars news agency, which is close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, described the attacks as targeting 'two residential areas', without elaborating.

Earlier, Israel's military said it had completed 'a wide-scale wave of strikes' across Iran, including in Isfahan.

A missile alert sounded on mobile phones in Dubai on Thursday morning.

Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said it intercepted multiple drones over its oil-rich Eastern Province on Thursday morning, while Kuwait reported it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire and Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens.
A job hopeful who said he was 'the most qualified person in the United Kingdom' after his application was unsuccessful has lost an age discrimination claim.

David Hughes, 71, made the ambitious statement when he was met with negative responses from employers in the scientific field.

He later sued a recruitment firm over their rejection - insisting the company did not take into account his 'professional standing' nor his 'exceptional qualifications'.

The senior citizen also insisted the agency's lawyer was not up for the job because she had never attended the University of Derby.

Mr Hughes was previously branded an 'unreliable and incredible witness' when he brought a claim against a different employer at an earlier employment tribunal.

At his most recent hearing, in Birmingham, a judge criticised him for being 'prone to exaggeration' and bringing claims that were 'nonsensical'.

He had boasted about being a qualified lawyer - but this turned out to be untrue, it emerged.

It also came to light that Mr Hughes was previously convicted for blackmail, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and attempting to obtain a pecuniary advantage by deception, for which he served a prison sentence in 2008.

He had sued the Science Recruitment Group - insisting it discriminated against him because of his age.

Mr Davies registered with the agency in August 2020 so he could look for employment or projects in the science, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food, renewable, biotech, chemicals and medical devices sectors.

A senior consultant at the company contacted two companies that Mr Hughes had previously worked at to obtain references from them.

At his most recent hearing, a judge criticised Mr Davies for being 'prone to exaggeration' and bringing claims that were 'nonsensical'. The Birmingham Tribunal office is pictured

He was met with negative responses from both employers, which were not prepared to provide a reference for Mr Hughes.

The consultant decided that due to the poor feedback he would not put Mr Hughes forward for any positions because he was worried this could affect the 'client relationships'.

Mr Hughes claimed it was not the agency's policy to get references before someone had been placed with a client and insisted they had 'blacklisted' him because of his age.

But the agency said it had never been told about his age as this was never given when he registered.

It was then that Mr Hughes argued he was 'the most qualified person in the United Kingdom'.

He said a colleague had told him the agency was 'taking the mickey' out of him and were 'sadistically playing' with him because he was 'too old' to be put forward for any roles.

Though, it was found that the conversation with a colleague was 'invented' by Mr Hughes to make evidence of a 'discriminatory motive in hindsight'.

Mr Hughes complained to the agency in March 2023, asking for an explanation of why he had not been put forward for any of the 400 jobs he said he had applied for.

During the tribunal, Mr Hughes made an allegation against the agency's lawyer - saying she was not qualified because she had never attended the University of Derby.

Criticising Mr Hughes, Employment Judge Geraldine Flood said: 'His account on a number of matters changed over time and was inconsistent and illogical.

'He is prone to exaggeration. For example he suggested initially that he had received over 1000 emails from [the consultant at the recruitment company], but that number varied up and down variously in his accounts being described as 200, 300, 400 and as high as 1750.

'In fact only a handful of such emails were produced.

'The Tribunal accepted the observation of [the consultant] that there is no way he would have been able to find that number of roles for [Mr Hughes] in the time period.

'He makes repeated outlandish statements about his own professional standing repeatedly claiming to be "the most qualified person in the United Kingdom".

'There were many examples of inflammatory language in his correspondence with [Science Recruitment Group] and the Tribunal.

'He also took that approach when cross examining [the consultant] at times becoming haranguing and repetitive despite being warned several times about this.'

Mr Hughes was unsuccessful in all his claims that he was discriminated against and harassed because of his age.

Judge Flood said: 'Mr Hughes has not produced any credible evidence for the Tribunal to find any facts to show that his age could have been the reason for decisions made by the consultant or any other employee of the company.

'The evidence of the consultant was accepted that he did not know how old he was and to an extent, this brings an end to the matter.

'Whatever the reason for any treatment, it therefore cannot have been because of his age.

'The Tribunal accepted the reason given by the consultant as to why he did not put Mr Hughes forward for any roles.

'He was not satisfied with the response he received from the two companies he contacted to get a reference in respect of him.

'That is effectively the end of the matter. Mr Hughes' arguments about his own exceptional qualifications, experience and other references did not change the fact that the two companies that the consultant contacted to ask them to provide a reference for him refused to give one.'

Judge Flood concluded: 'That was clearly and plainly the reason why he was not put forward for any jobs.'
Savannah Guthrie burst into tears as she apologized to her mother Nancy amid fears that her fame and fortune may have triggered the abduction.

Speaking on NBC's Today  the show she usually anchors  on Thursday Savannah said her brother Camron was the first person to realize that 84-year-old Nancy's February 1 abduction may have been linked to the TV star's fame and wealth.

Savannah said: 'My brother, he was in the military, he saw right away what this was. He said: "I think she's been kidnapped for ransom."

'I said "Do you think, because of me?"

'He said "Sorry sweetie, yeah, maybe." But I knew that.'

Savannah said that she, Camron and their sister Annie still do not know for sure what triggered Nancy's February 1 abduction from her $1.4million home in Tucson, Arizona  before breaking down at the thought that her fame may have encouraged the abductor to strike.

'I don't know that it's because she's my mom and somebody thought , "Oh that girl, that lady has money, we could make a quick buck".'

'Too much to bear to think that I brought this to her bedside, that it's because of me. I just have to say, "I'm so sorry, Mommy. I'm so sorry",' Savannah told Hoda Kotb on NBC Today on Thursday

'I'm sorry to my sister and my brother and my kids and my nephew and Tommy and my brother-in-law, just, like, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.'

Savannah Guthrie offered distressing new details of the moment she realized her 84-year-old mother Nancy had been abducted in an interview with Hoda Kotb on NBC Today

Nancy Guthrie, seen with Savannah, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona in the early hours of February 1 and has been missing ever since

Savannah went on to share how the speculation that her brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni was involved in Nancy's abduction is 'unbearable.'

'It piles pain upon pain. There are no words. There are no words. I don't understand, I'll never understand, and no one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law. No one protected my mom more than my brother. We love her and she is our shining light. She's our matriarch. She's all we have.'

There has been no trace of Nancy since her disappearance, with Nest doorbell camera footage released weeks later showing a masked figure in black nitrile gloves with a gun on the doorstep around the time Nancy vanished.

Savannah told Kotb that she had spent the evening with Today co-host Carson Daly and their children in New York City when her sister Annie called to say Nancy was missing.

Her husband Mike was away on a tennis 'boys' trip' that Savannah had bought him for Christmas.

Savannah said: 'My sister called me and I said "Is everything okay?" and she said "No, mom's missing."'

Savannah and Annie were in a 'panic,' she recalled. They initially suspected that Nancy had suffered a medical episode in the night, but quickly realized something more sinister had occurred.

'Her phone was there and her purse was there and all her things, and it just didn't make any sense,' Savannah told Kotb.

'I started calling the hospitals and the police were there and talking to her at the same time and it was just chaos, and disbelief.'

Footage showed a masked figure on her doorstep around the time of her abduction

Savannah said that she, Camron and their sister Annie still do not know for sure what triggered Nancy's February 1 abduction from her $1.4million home in Tucson, Arizona

Savannah explained that her mother's health was too poor for her to have wandered off, with a 'good day' for Nancy being one where she could walk to the mailbox at the end of her short driveway.

The star said her family saw the doors to Nancy's home propped open and began to wonder whether a crew of paramedics had stretchered her away.

But the sight of her phone and purse  as well as blood drops on the doorstep  soon made her realize something far more sinister had come to pass.

Asked about the doorbell camera footage of her mother's likely abductor, Savannah said: 'It's just absolutely terrifying. And I can't imagine that is who she saw standing over her bed.

'I can't. It's too much.'

Savannah said she believed two ransom notes sent after Nancy's abduction were real. She said those were the ones her family responded to via video.

She conceded that others sent were likely fake, saying: 'A person that would send a fake ransom note has to look deeply at themselves... a family in pain.'

Savannah, in a portion of the interview that aired Wednesday, said 'someone needs to do the right thing' and come forward with information to help the investigation.

'We are in agony,' she told Kotb, sharing how she wakes up in the middle of each night thinking about the pain that Nancy suffered.

'To think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night, every night,' she said, tears streaming down her face.

'In the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought. And I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.'

Savannah Guthrie sat down with Hoda Kotb for her first interview since her mother Nancy was abducted last month

She added that while it is unbearable to think of the terror her mother must have felt, 'those thoughts demand to be thought. And I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.'

Both Savannah and Kotb were crying during the brief portion of the interview aired on Wednesday.

Kotb, Savannah's former co-host, has returned to Today while her former colleague has been away.

Savannah Guthrie has been a co-host of NBC's morning show since 2012, and is expected to return to the show next month.
A California woman has died after being bitten by a rattlesnake amid a spike in attacks.

Gabriella Bautista, 46, was hiking in Wildwood Regional Park on March 14, when the venomous snake struck just before noon.

Bautista, a Moorpark resident, was airlifted to Los Robles Regional Medical Center but died five days later, KCAL reported.

The 46-year-old succumbed to venom from the rattlesnake bite, The Ventura County Medical Examiners Office said.

Bautista was a wife, mother, and avid hiker, the office said. Her death is Californias second rattlesnake fatality this month.

Julian Hernandez, 25, was biking near the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine at around 11am on February 1 when another snake struck.

Hernandez was rushed to the hospital and fell into a coma for more than a month, before his family confirmed he died on March 4 from the bite.

Both deaths happened at around the same time a teenage girl was rescued Friday after a rattlesnake bite.

The girl fell off her bike when she was bitten in the same area as Bautista, Thousand Oaks, per KTLA.

Gabriella Bautista, 46, an avid hiker, was trekking in Wildwood Regional Park when she was bitten by a rattlesnake

Bautista, who died five days later, is remembered as a loving wife and mom

Firefighters responded at around 7.30pm, rescuing her from the Wendy Drive trailhead and transporting her to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Tributes poured in for Bautista, with family and friends mourning the beloved hiker on her online obituary.

'I still cant believe youre gone. Losing you so suddenly doesnt feel real. You were such a beautiful soul. Kind, strong and full of life,' one person wrote.

'Ill always cherish the memories we shared together, laughing, dancing and having a good time,' they said.

A comment from one of Bautista's coworkers said: 'I will always remember her for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and the genuine care she showed others.

'She had a gentle way of making people feel valued and at ease, even in the smallest moments. She was taken far too soon, and she will be deeply missed.'

There have been four reported rattlesnake bites in California since March 14, compared with nine for all of last year.

Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes commonly found across California, particularly along hiking trails and in rural areas, according to the California Poison Control System.

Tributes poured in for 46-year-old Bautista on her online obituary

Julian Hernandez, 25, of Costa Mesa, was biking on Quail Hill Trailhead on February 1 when he was bitten by a rattlesnake

Hernandez's family confirmed he died from complications related to the snake bite on March 4

Bautista was bitten while hiking in Wildwood Regional park in Thousand Oaks, California

The agency said it receives hundreds of calls each year about suspected rattlesnake exposures, most often between April and October when warmer weather draws more people outdoors.

Officials warn that rattlesnake bites can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening, with symptoms sometimes appearing within minutes or a few hours.

Those symptoms may include severe pain, swelling at the bite site, bleeding, bruising, nausea, lightheadedness, drooling, difficulty breathing and, in rare cases, shock or collapse.

If bitten, California Poison Control advises people to remain calm and call 911 immediately while heading to the nearest hospital.

Experts also warn against attempting common but dangerous home remedies such as sucking venom out of the wound, cutting the bite site, applying ice or heat, drinking alcohol or caffeine, or using a tourniquet to restrict blood flow.

Instead, the best course of action is to keep the affected area relaxed and seek professional medical treatment as quickly as possible.
New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani is quietly looking for extra money to close the city's budget gap from policies he endorsed on his political campaign.

The 34-year-old NYC mayor is said to be searching for around $1.3 billion in potential savings by dipping into programs that he had supported on his campaign trail.

According to three sources close to the matter, Mamdani's administration is looking to postpone a mandate that would reduce classroom sizes in public schools and lower costs associated with a rental assistance program.

The rental assistance program is at the center of a legal dispute with the City Council, the New York Times reported.

Delaying the classroom size mandate would require approval from State Legislature, while rental assistance program cost reductions would need support from the courts, according to the outlet.

Mamdani faces closing a $5.4 billion gap in the NYC budget before the spending plan takes course on July 1.

His budget director, Sherif Soliman, detailed on Wednesday plans to cancel contracts with McKinsey and other private companies, audit public health insurance plans and terminate a department's subscription to Slack.

Olivia Lapeyrolerie, a spokesperson for City Hall, wouldn't confirm to the outlet that the savings plans involving schools and rental assistance programs exist.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, 34, is said to be searching for around $1.3 billion in potential savings by dipping into programs that he had supported on his campaign trail

According to three sources close to the matter, Mamdani's administration is looking to postpone a mandate that would reduce classroom sizes in public schools and lower costs associated with a rental assistance program

Mamdani faces closing a $5.4 billion gap in the NYC budget before the spending plan takes course on July 1

'We have outlined key opportunities for substantive future savings that would require action from Albany and are working on long-term solutions to rebalance our fiscal relationship with the state,' Lapeyrolerie told the NYT.

'We are leaving no stone unturned.'

The NYC mayor was a staunch supporter of the city's CityFHEPS program, a rental assistance program, as well as reducing class sizes while on his campaign trail.

On Tuesday, his administration filed an appeal of a state Appellate Court ruling to mandate continued growth for the CityFHEPS program, which is one of the largest in the country, the outlet reported.

A hearing on Wednesday saw City Council speaker Julie Menin influencing Mamdani to drop the appeal for CityFHEPS, and 'reach a settlement that really works to protect vulnerable New Yorkers and that is also fiscally responsible.'

Soliman told the NYT that their administration is in 'good faith' talks regarding the management of the CityFHEPS program, which saw costs increase to over $1 billion last year following local mandates for expansion and an affordable housing shortage.

During his campaign, Mamdani backed the $12 million plan to hire 1,000 new teachers a year.

Jenna Lyle, a spokesperson for the mayor's office, told the Gothamist that Mamdani is committed to smaller class sizes and that his administration is 'working on a range of strategies to meet the class-size mandate and ensure that all students have access to the high-quality, inclusive and equitable learning environment they deserve.'

The NYC mayor was a staunch supporter of the city's CityFHEPS program, a rental assistance program, as well as reducing class sizes while on his campaign trail

Mamdani drew criticism for his backtrack on CityFHEPS, with former City Council speaker Christine Quinn describing it as a 'classic political example of promise made, promise broken'

Current law enforces that 80 percent of classrooms must meet the class size requirement by September, and only around 65 percent meet those requirements, the outlet reported.

Leonie Haimson, the executive director of Class Size Matters, told the Gothamist that they believed it is 'very unlikely, in my view, that the city will make the benchmarks for the next two years of 80 to 100 percent.'

'Basically because Mayor [Eric] Adams dragged his feet,' Haimson added.

Last year during his campaign, Mamdani said: 'Frankly, this is an initiative that speaks to a desire that many have. It's also an initiative that requires funding.'

'Were going to pay for it by actually taking on the close to $10 billion a year that we are currently spending within our education system on contracts and consulting,' Mamdani said.

'Much of which is not only not standardized, not only duplicative, but also there are a number of those contracts that seem to have more in common with who the vendors know than what the work is that theyre actually doing.'

Mamdani said the class-size law from 2022 was created at a time during an intense staffing shortage, and 'this is a policy that addresses this shortage.'

'It is a policy that will be a citywide initiative to train, to certify and to hire new teachers to create a pipeline from school to school to ensure that every year we are hiring an additional 1,000 new teachers,' he said.

On Wednesday, Mamdani pointed toward the budget crisis he inherited from former mayor Eric Adams as reasoning for his change of heart

During his campaign, Mamdani backed the $12 million plan to hire 1,000 new teachers a year

The mayor's administration has thus far cut around $245 million in spending

According to the Independent Budget Office analysis, NYC would have to fork over at least $1.6 billion annually to fund an additional 17,700 teachers, the New York Post reported.

Former Mayor Eric Adams opposed the movement during his time in office, claiming that it was unaffordable. Mamdani said that his plan would be to implement an early college track 'that will work with high school students who will not receive only mentorship, but college credit' as well as $12,000 a year in tuition assistance.'

Mamdani drew criticism for his backtrack on CityFHEPS, with former City Council speaker Christine Quinn describing it as a 'classic political example of promise made, promise broken,' the Gothamist reported.

'Candidate Mamdani promised time and time again to drop this suit. This blunt reversal of that commitment is an abject failure when it comes to meeting the most basic needs of homeless families  the very population these vouchers are meant to serve,' Quinn told Politico.

'The citys lack of leadership means more families stuck in shelter, more trauma, and skyrocketing shelter costs for the city.'

Redmond Haskins, a spokesperson for Legal Aid, told Gothamist in a statement: 'It is regrettable that the Mamdani Administration has chosen to continue this litigation rather than focus on ensuring that vulnerable New Yorkers can access the housing support they urgently need.'

On Wednesday, Mamdani pointed toward the budget crisis he inherited from Adams as reasoning for his change of heart. While campaigning, he had made promises of expanding the voucher program, which helps people out of homelessness, and criticized Adams for trying to be rid of it.

'What I would like to do is to take every action possible to end the homelessness crisis,' he said, Politico reported. 'I also have to be honest with New Yorkers that while we all predicted that it would be a difficult fiscal situation that we would find in January, there are very few who believed that it would be at the scale that we have found.'

Mamdani defended his position, and noted that if the city dropped the appeal, 'we are speaking about an expansion that would then cost over $4 billion in the next few years alone.'

The mayor's administration has thus far cut around $245 million in spending, according to the outlet.

The Daily Mail reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
Wild footage captured the moment hundreds of lawless Chicago teens overran the city and attacked random people in the street.

The mob was seen violently stomping a shirtless man and flying into a frenzy in videos captured during the takeover of the downtown Loop district on Wednesday night.

Several police cars were seen stationed nearby, yet they apparently failed to intervene, video showed.

Private security group Community Intelligence Unit (CIU) reported at least one teen was beaten unconscious, a number of vehicles were destroyed and several people were arrested.

The group also reported that bear mace was used during the melee, and footage showed several rioters appearing to use tasers to zap each other and innocent victims.

Chicago City Alderman Brian Hopkins announced a curfew for 10pm to help bring the chaos to a close, saying the situation got 'out of control'.

He said the curfew order led the crowd to mostly disperse by 10.40pm, saying that it had an 'immediate impact' after hours of violence.

Locals say similar scenes are becoming more common under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, with gangs of teens known to frequently overwhelm the popular Loop district late at night with little resistance from authorities.

Wild footage captured the moment hundreds of lawless Chicago teens overran the city and attacked random people in the street during a night of chaos on Wednesday

At least one teen was beaten unconscious, a number of vehicles were destroyed, and several people were arrested. In one clip shared to social media, an unconscious man was seen surrounded by the mob as a man with a flashlight tried to help him

An estimated 400 teens are running amok downtown on State St. and Michigan Ave.



It's an absolute mess.



CPD contact tells us some teens have mace and tasers. Teens were tasing people.



One teen has been hospitalized.



Multiple arrests, multiple fights.



Tact Teams sent downtown. pic.twitter.com/mOTuPv1b9M  Chicago Contrarian (@ChicagoContrar1) March 26, 2026

In one clip shared to social media, an unconscious man was seen surrounded by the mob as a man with a flashlight tried to help him.

Members of the CIU said they were attending to the unconscious man and tried to 'provide assistance and help stabilize the situation as best as possible until additional help arrived.'

It is unclear how many people were arrested amid the takeover, with footage showing several men in handcuffs being surrounded by cops to keep them away from the mob. The Daily Mail has contacted the local police for more information.

Reports also suggest some teens were caught fighting on the tracks of the Chicago subway system.

The avalanche of teens taking over the city's downtown came as Chicago Public Schools broke for spring break this week.

Community activist Sandie Norman said she waded into the wild scenes to document the situation, saying on social media that she was stunned by the lack of intervention.

'I'm just trying to figure out where are all the outreach people, all the people who are on TV with the mayor, all the violence prevention people?' she wrote.

'This is what's going on down here in the city of Chicago. Only people I see out here are Chicago police trying to maintain control down here and kids.'

The mob was seen flying into a frenzy, destroying cars and fleeing from police, with authorities saying the group eventually dispersed after they introduced a curfew

Teens were seen screaming and attacking people in the streets

Locals say the mayhem has become a growing issue under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, with gangs of teens known to frequently overwhelm the popular Loop district late at night with little resistance from authorities

Footage showed several rioters appearing to use tasers during the chaotic scenes

Chaos in the loop tonight.



Police radios are going crazy, reports of multiple assaults, fighting in the subway, looting of a 7-11 & street vendor threatened with her own knife.



Its going to be a really long summer. pic.twitter.com/9dvYkoy3an  Libs Of Chicago (@Libs_OfChicago) March 26, 2026

Join the discussion How would YOU expect police to respond in this moment?

The CIU also said that Wednesday night's incident was far from the first time Chicago's downtown has been overrun by teens in recent times.

'This is bigger than just one night. This is a growing issue,' the group said.

'We need community support. We need parental accountability. We need guidance and structure for our youth.

'Parents please be aware of where your children are, who they are with, and what they are involved in. Situations like this are becoming more frequent and more dangerous.

'This behavior is getting out of hand, and it will take all of us working together to put an end to it.'

Alderman Hopkins has previously called for social media companies to be held responsible for Chicago's teen takeover issue.

He said platforms often host pages for the takeovers and allow teens to organize.

Last year, one of the takeovers turned deadly after a 14-year-old was shot in November.

The Daily Mail has contacted Mayor Johnson's office for comment.
Homelessness in Los Angeles reached a new low this week as city crews discovered a group of people had been living below a manhole cover for over a year.

City workers made the startling discovery Wednesday as they were preparing to seal up a storm drain.

It comes as locals say they have complained to authorities for years about people living in the underground space.

One man was almost sealed inside by the crews before he was seen, as a worker was heard yelling: 'Hey, there's someone down there,' according to the LA Times.

Resident Denise Evans told the outlet that rampant homelessness has plagued her neighborhood in south Los Angeles for some time and that she has frequently warned police about the issue.

She said she has reported fires, trash and open encampments on her street and said Wednesday's discovery was the first time that authorities had come to fix the problem.

'I don't understand,' she said. 'Why did it take a year?'

Evans is far from the only disgruntled Los Angeles resident to complain about vagrancy, with the latest figures showing a staggering 67,777 people are homeless across the city.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced scrutiny for her handling of the crisis, with the latest polling showing her in danger of becoming the first mayor in over 20 years to lose re-election.

Homelessness in Los Angeles reached a new low this week as city crews discovered a group of people had been living below a manhole cover for over year

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been blamed for a lack of direct action to bring down the number of homeless people in her city - with a report finding there were 67,777 homeless people in LA despite over $500 million being spent on the issue

The latest polling shared last week by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies/Los Angeles Times found Bass is still leading her re-election race, but has several challengers closely behind.

Bass registered 25 percent support, with Councilwoman Nithya Raman in second place at 17 percent and reality TV star Spencer Pratt at 14 percent, with his campaign criticizing Bass and her Palisades Fire response.

Dan Schnur, a political communications lecturer at University of Southern California and UC Berkeley, told ABC7 that while Bass is ahead in the latest poll, she is far from secure in her re-election as LA residents continue to complain about issues in the city.

'These are very discouraging, if not downright devastating, poll numbers for Karen Bass,' Schnur said.

'She's running ahead of her opponents, only because her opponents are not very well known. Generally speaking, throughout history, Angelenos tend to re-elect their mayors.

'You have to go back more than 20 years, back to 2005, to find the last mayor, James Hahn, who was not re-elected to office,' he noted.

'So voters in Los Angeles tend to be pretty forgiving, even if they're not seeing dramatic progress.'

Homelessness in Los Angeles has barely improved in 2025 despite a reported $516 million being spent to improve it - with the city reporting just 141 fewer homeless people from 2024 to 2025

Bass is up for re-election in June. She holds 25 percent support in the race, with reality TV star Spencer Pratt trailing her at 14 percent. Pratt has been a fierce critic of Bass's handling of the Palisades Fire, which burned down his home (pictured)

According to a report from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), homelessness in Los Angeles has barely improved in 2025 despite a reported $516 million being spent.

The report found that a total of 67,777 people are homeless in Los Angeles, a slight drop of 141 people compared to 2024 figures despite the massive spend.

The mayor also faced intense scrutiny for her handling of the wildfires in early 2025, which killed almost 20 people and caused more than $25 billion in damage.

Over 25 percent of voters remain undecided in the race, according to the latest poll.

If a candidate does not receive over 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates go to a run-off election in November.

The poll also found that just 31 percent of Los Angeles voters have a favorable opinion of the mayor, while 56 percent view her unfavorably.

If Bass were to lose her re-election, she would become the first Los Angeles mayor to be voted out of office since 2005, with political analysts saying her lead looks vulnerable if her rivals can surge in name recognition before election day.

Bass's tenure as Los Angeles mayor has been marked by a number of controversies and struggles, including criticisms of her handling of riots in her city in June 2025.

Protesters looted stores and rioted over Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, but Bass waited more than four days before establishing curfews and deploying police to deal with the chaos.

The riots came just months after wildfires devastated the Los Angeles area, which saw Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom come under heavy scrutiny for a perceived lack of quick action.

The Daily Mail has contacted Mayor Bass's office for comment.
A neighborhood in Houston overrun with stray dogs that roam around the streets has residents demanding that the city government do more.

Many of the unaccompanied dogs are clustered around Tuffly Park in the Fifth Ward, an area across the river from downtown Houston.

Community activist Jonathan Russell told KTRK-TV that action needs to be taken before any more people are fatally mauled.

'A lot of people are scared of the animals. They're walking with their children. They don't know if the animal is friendly. They don't know if it's aggressive or not,' he said.

'We don't want to take chances. We don't want to wait until something happens to say, "Hey, we have a problem. We have a problem because there's just too many loose animals,"' he added.

In March 2025, Harriet Phillips, a 65-year-old woman living in northeast Houston, was attacked and killed by three Staffordshire Bull Terriers that broke through her fence.

The dogs were euthanized after the incident and their owner, 38-year-old Marshall Garrett, has been charged in connection to Phillips' death.

And in July 2024, a two-year-old girl, A'Daya Rain Fisher, was killed in her babysitter's home by three Rottweilers.

The Fifth Ward in Houston is overrun with stray dogs. In light of several maulings over the last two years, residents want the city government to take stronger action

Many of the unaccompanied dogs are clustered around Tuffly Park, an area across the river from downtown Houston

A'Daya Rain Fisher was killed in July 2024 by three Rottweilers in her babysitter's home. She was just two years old

Community activist Jonathan Russell said many people are scared of the stray dogs because they don't know if they're friendly or not

Stray dogs have been connected to at least five attacks in the Fifth Ward last year, according to KTRK-TV.

In one of these attacks, a man named Vincent Thomas was thrown from his bike and bitten on his legs, his arms and his face. He was in the hospital for eight days.

'They bit my head, my jaw, they bit my teeth out of my mouth,' he said.

The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC), Houston's municipal animal shelter and adoption facility, was never able to find the dogs that attacked Thomas.

Last year, BARC got 51,385 calls for service from across the city and took in 22,345 animals. In 2024, it took in 20,875 animals, six percent fewer than in 2025.

BARC said residents should call 311 if they see a loose dog out on the street.
In a narrow vote, the San Francisco Board of Education opted to bring back eighth-grade algebra, a class that had been stripped out of nearly all the public schools it oversees for the last 12 years.

Middle schools ditched the class thinking it would give disadvantaged and minority students more time to get a handle on easier, more foundational math concepts. The idea was by the time they got to high school, they'd be able to better tackle algebra.

This led to a dynamic where only 2 out of 21 middle schools offered a pathway for kids to take algebra.

And at the other 19 schools in the district, students would need a meeting with a counselor and signed parental consent before they could enroll in what used to be a standard class, according to the Center for Educational Progress.

The plan did not pan out as expected. A 2023 Stanford study found that participation in AP math courses dropped by 15 percent, driven largely by declines in AP Calculus. Delaying algebra also failed to close racial equity gaps in math classes.

'The percent of Black students enrolling in any AP math course has remained statistically significantly indistinguishable from the pre-policy period while Hispanic student enrollment in advanced math increased by 1 percentage point,' the study's authors wrote.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco school board listened to the criticism from parents and researchers and voted 4-3 to return algebra to the middle school curriculum.

For years, parents were incensed over the change, largely because it made their kids less attractive candidates when applying to college.

The San Francisco Board of Education voted 4-3 to bring Algebra I back as a standard course offering for eighth grade public school students. It comes 12 years after the class was eliminated with the rationale that it would give disadvantaged and minority students a leg up

Most school systems in the United States offer Algebra I in eighth grade. This then prepares students for geometry in ninth grade, Algebra II in 10th grade, pre-calculus in 11th and calculus during their senior year.

For students looking to go into STEM fields, it is particularly important to have calculus under their belt before their freshman year of college. And for many students in the San Francisco public school system, they were effectively a year behind.

In March 2024, San Francisco voted overwhelmingly in favor of a non-binding measure that called for algebra to be brought back as an eighth-grade offering.

Since then, the political winds have shifted further, with newly-elected school board members increasingly siding with the majority of parents on this issue.

Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was elected in November 2024 and is seen as a more moderate Democrat, also supports algebra in middle school.

Phil Kim, the school board commissioner, said that reinstating the course could reverse enrollment declines that have ended up sapping funding for the district. Kim was among the four 'yes' votes.

'Families want to see a public school system that offers rigorous coursework,' Kim said. 'This is absolutely an instructional strategy. But its also a retention tool to bring families to our district and demonstrate we will not only take care of your children, but we will teach them, too.'

District Superintendent Maria Su has now been charged with coming up with a plan on how to make algebra an elective course in 19 schools. Interested students will take it alongside regular eighth grade math.

Most school systems in the United States offer Algebra I in eighth grade. This then prepares students for geometry in ninth grade, Algebra II in 10th grade, pre-calculus in 11th and calculus during their senior year

San Francisco School Board Commissioner Phil Kim voted in favor of bringing Algebra I back and argued that it would boost enrollment in the city's public schools

Students with high enough grades would automatically be placed in algebra but will be able to opt out if they choose.

There will also be an option for students to take algebra without also having to enroll in standard eighth grade math.

Two other schools will participate in a pilot program that will have all middle school students take an accelerated math course load, consisting of Math 6, 7, 8 and Algebra I over a three-year period.

The program was developed after a two-year experiment in which the district tried numerous approaches to middle school math.

Stanford economist Thomas Dee, who was an author on the university's study on scrapping algebra, looked at the data and told The New York Times the accelerated approach showed 'dramatic gains' in math scores for students enrolled in Math 8 and Algebra I.
A Libyan migrant who previously threatened to torch his taxpayer-funded hotel has been jailed for 24 years for a frenzied knife attack.

Abdalla Barka, 45, repeatedly knifed Hamza Al-Badri outside a cafe in Shepherd's Bush, west London, after accusing the victim of stealing from him.

The 'violent and sustained' attack left Mr Al-Badri with severe wounds to his left leg and he is now unable to walk properly.

Appearing at Southwark Crown Court Barka, who denied his charges, was found found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place by a jury.

Barka was previously jailed for 15 months in 2023 after he threatened to set himself on fire with petrol and a box of matches at a seafront hotel in Swansea.

He had been living at Leonardo's Guest House when he was asked to leave by hotel staff. It was at this point that he got 'extremely angry' and he threatened to 'burn himself and burn the building' down

The threats had left the owner of the hotel 'terrified' and she burst into tears when she was told about the ordeal.

At the sentencing this week, Judge Alexander Milne said: 'On 12 February last year you had been working in a cafe on Goldhawk Road. Shortly before 1pm, Mr Al-Badri walked past that cafe.'

Abdalla Barka (pictured), 45, repeatedly knifed Hamza Al-Badri outside a cafe in Shepherd's Bush, west London , after accusing the victim of stealing from him

Barka was previously jailed for 15 months in 2023 after he threatened to set himself on fire and burn down Leonardo's Guest House (pictured) in Swansea after he was asked to leave the seafront hotel

The court heard that Barka and Mr Al-Badri had lived together for a brief period but their 'relationship had deteriorated' and he accused Mr Al-Badri of stealing from him.

Barka confronted Mr Al-Badri, and then ran after him with a knife that he had swiped from the cafe.

The judge continued: 'Within a few moments you emerged from the cafe and ran in the direction that Mr Al-Badri had gone, plainly pursuing him.

'You confronted Mr Al-Badri and began stabbing him with a knife you had brought to the scene. It is a reasonable conclusion that the knife had been taken from the cafe, and you admitted as much in evidence.

'The attack was violent and sustained. He fell to the ground, and he can be seen defending himself from you with his hands, arms and legs.'

Judge Milne added that had it not been for a 'brave member of the public' who intervened 'there is no sign that [Barka] would have desisted before killing Mr Al-Badri'.

In a statement Mr Barka said that he had been concerned that Mr Al-Badri would try to hurt him.

He said: 'I was worried about my safety so I hit him and stabbed him. I was worried about my life. I stabbed him many times in the heat of the moment.'

Judge Milne told Barka: 'You do not seem prepared to accept responsibility for your actions.

'He said that he was in agony for weeks following the attack and he had to have multiple operations. He is no longer able to walk properly due to the serious wound inflicted on his left thigh. He does not know if he will regain the function of his left leg.'

But the judge added: 'I accept that you were effectively homeless at the time, and that your lifestyle appears to have been chaotic and disruptive.'

Barka was given a 24-year prison sentence, of which he will serve two-thirds in custody.

He was born in Libya but later moved to Sweden before arriving in the UK eight years ago.

The judge said Barka may be deported when he is released, adding: 'It may well be that the appropriate authorities consider whether to permit your continued residence in the UK, but that is a matter for another tribunal, and not one that this court is required to rule or give any directions on.'

Barka, of Hunt Close, Shepherd's Bush, denied but was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place.
An American Airlines flight attendant has gone missing during a layover in Colombia, leaving his family desperate for answers.

Fernando Gutierrez, 32, had just landed in Medellin from Miami on Saturday and was scheduled to spend the night before flying back to the US.

Gutierrez was staying in Rionegro and headed to Medellin's El Poblado neighborhood with a female colleague  identified only as Andrea  for a night out, according to Colombian outlet Telemedellin.

The pair went to a nightclub and met two men who suggested continuing the party somewhere else, according to a friend.

But hours later, Andrea was found disoriented by authorities in El Poblado and rushed to a medical center. Gutierrez has not been seen since.

'We tracked the phone to a residential area in Medellin, but we haven't been able to talk to him,' his friend Sharom Gil told the outlet. 'Our messages don't reach him anymore.'

Gutierrez, who is based out of the DallasFort Worth area, has been reported missing in both the US and Colombia as his family searches for answers.

'Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, an American citizen and flight attendant for [American Airlines] is missing in Medellin,' Alejandro Murcia, a USbased elected official who represents Colombians abroad, said on X. 'His family is desperate.'

Dallas-based flight attendant Fernando Gutierrez, 32, went missing in Medellin, Colombia on Saturday night

Gutierrez was in Colombia for a layover before flying back to Miami when he went out to a nightclub with a friend

The last known trace of Gutierrez was a message sent in the early hours of the morning sharing his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado.

'We don't have anything else,' Gil said.

She added that she contacted Dallas police to report him missing and said American Airlines had notified the US Embassy in Colombia.

However, the Dallas Police Department told the Daily Mail on Thursday morning: 'We were not able to locate any information on this alleged missing person case.'

Another friend, Karla AmayaLovo, called Gutierrez's disappearance 'terrifying and urgent.'

AmayaLovo reiterated that Gutierrez had gone out and claimed that 'according to reports from fellow crew members, he was last seen leaving a nightclub.'

She also raised concerns that Gutierrez may have been drugged, noting how his female colleague had been found disoriented and later hospitalized.

On Thursday morning, AmayaLovo told the Daily Mail that there was 'no new information' to provide about her friend, adding a crying emoji.

She added that the search for Gutierrez was 'still going on' in Colombia.

American Airlines acknowledged that Gutierrez was missing and told the Daily Mail it was working with Colombian authorities in their investigation to find the missing flight attendant

Gutierrez was staying in Rionegro (pictured), home to Medellins international airport, but went out in Medellin

Colombian authorities have launched an emergency search for the missing flight attendant, El Colombiano reported.

One theory is that one of the men who approached Gutierrez claimed he knew Medellin very well and could show him around but this was not confirmed, according to the outlet.

So far this year, 124 people have been reported missing in Medellin, with 104 found alive, 18 still missing and two found dead.

Investigators are reviewing camera footage from the area where Gutierrez was last seen in an effort to reconstruct his movements the night he went missing.

However, no new information has been released by Colombian or American authorities about the timeline of his disappearance or possible whereabouts.

The US Department of State currently urges Americans to 'reconsider travel' to Colombia because of 'crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.'

It warned travelers that murder, assault and theft were common in 'many areas' of Colombia.

Sharom Gil, Gutierrez's friend, said he went out with a colleague named Andrea who had later been found disoriented and hospitalized

Another friend, Karla AmayaLovo, told the Daily Mail on Thursday morning that there were no updates to report on Gutierrez's disappearance

A public social media profile for Gutierrez said he had been a flight attendant since December 2017.

American Airlines told the Daily Mail: 'We are actively engaged with local law enforcement officials in their investigation and doing all we can to support our team member's family during this time.'

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the labor union that represents American Airlines flight attendants, told NBC 5 it was 'actively supporting all efforts to help locate our missing colleague in Colombia.'

A US Department of State spokesperson told the Daily Mail that it was aware of the situation and monitoring Gutierrez's reported disappearance.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the US Embassy in Colombia and Sharom Gil for further comment.
More than 550 public sector workers are on packages worth over 174,000 a year, the Government has revealed.

A 'high earners' list covering Whitehall and quangos has been published by the Cabinet Office for the first time in three years.

However, the number of people in the category has been trimmed - because the threshold for appearing on the roll call has been pushed up by 25,000.

That brings it into line with Keir Starmer's total remuneration as Prime Minister - including MP salary.

HS2 chief executive Mark Wild topped the latest list, earning between 660,000 and 665,000 as of last September.

The head of Network Rail, Andrew Haines, was on 585,000 to 590,000.

HS2 chief executive Mark Wild topped the latest list, on a package worth between 660,000 and 665,000 as of last September

The top 10 'high earners' on the list Mark Wild, HS2 - 660,000-665,000 Andrew Haines, Network Rail - 585,000-590,000 (until October 2025) Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail - 555,000-550,000 (from August 2025) Nick Elliott, AWE plc - 465,000-470,000 David Peattie, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority - 445,000-450,000 Redacted, AWE plc - 395,000-400,000 Nicholas Harris, National Highways -395,000-400,000 Eliska Burrows, Network Rail - 390,000-395,000 Jacob Kelly, Network Rail - 385,000-390,000 Liam Sumpter, Network Rail - 385,000-390,000

He was replaced by Jeremy Westlake, who entered the list on 555,000-550,000 in August last year.

Nick Elliott, the chief executive of AWE - which oversees the nuclear deterrent - was listed as earning 585,000 to 590,000.

National Highways boss Nicholas Harris also featured with remuneration of up to 400,000.

Dame Antonia Romeo, who has now been promoted to Cabinet Secretary, was being paid 205,000 to 210,000 as the top civil servant at the Home Office.

The chief executive of Ed Miliband's new GB Energy, Daniel McGrail, was recorded as on a 350,000 to 350,000 package.

John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are sick of seeing the ranks of senior civil servants continue to expand while services continue to suffer.

'Britain's bureaucracy looks increasingly like a potemkin vilage with an elite of highly paid staff acting as a facade for a failing institution, which is continuously letting down households.

'Radical reform of the civil service is needed, including significant cuts to the number of employees, and a dramatic shift in the rotten culture.'

The last public sector high earners list had a threshold of 150,000 and included 664 people as of September 2023.

It is understood the level has been lifted in line with the Treasury's 'senior pay control', which was increased in June 2025. Salaries above that threshold need to be explicitly signed off by the Chief Secretary.

The Cabinet Office said the list represents 0.1 per cent of public sector jobs.

A spokeswoman said: 'We need to ensure we can attract high-calibre people to the civil service and salaries must be competitive with the wider public and private sectors.

'Pay must always be justified and deliver full value for money for the taxpayer, so it is absolutely right that we publish this information and allow it to be scrutinised.'
A New Mexico couple has been accused of abusing their newborn girl, including bruising and breaking her bones, according to prosecutors.

Tyler Janousek and Trenaty Lewis, both 25, face a slew of child abuse charges after medical evaluations revealed their six-week-old had broken ribs and signs of prior physical trauma, according to the Lea County Sheriffs Office.

The couple, originally from New Mexico, were living in Texas at the time of the incident, according to Lewis's Facebook.

'On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Lea County Sheriff's Office was contacted by Covenant Hospital regarding a six-week-old female infant who had been brought in with multiple broken ribs,' police said in a press release.

The baby girl was later transported to an advanced medical care hospital, where a criminal investigation was opened into the cause of her injuries.

'Investigators identified the infants parents as suspects,' the Sheriff's Office stated.

'Medical evaluation revealed that the infant had sustained at least 29 fractures, both old and new, which medical professionals determined to be highly specific to violent and recurrent abusive trauma.'

The infant was placed into protective custody while continuing to be treated for her severe injuries, they added.

Janousek faces three child abuse charges, while Lewis is charged with one count of accessory to child abuse.

Tyler Janousek, faces three counts of child abuse

Trenaty Lewis, 25, faces one count of accessory to child abuse

Prosecutors say the father's 'alleged actions of child abuse show a willingness to commit violence against the most vulnerable members of society,' according to documents obtained by Santa Fe New Mexican.

Per the documents, the couple brought the six-week-old to the hospital after Janousek said he was holding the girl when he 'bent over and heard a pop.'

Lewis told authorities she was showering when the incident occurred, claiming Janousek dropped the girls pacifier and crushed her while bending down to pick it up, according to the outlet.

An X-ray scan revealed the baby girl suffered from seven new rib fractures, and sustain three that were healing, the documents stated.

A doctor noted the girl had a bruise on her chest, which the parents claimed was 'just a birthmark,' and said they did not know why she had older injuries, according to the documents.

The father allegedly acknowledged he had sometimes been rough with the infant, including pinching or squeezing her.

He allegedly told police he wasn't 'the most gentle parent,' but he was not 'super rough,' the outlet reported.

The couple, originally from New Mexico, were living in Texas at the time of the incident

Investigators identified the parents as the suspects after further medical evaluation of the infant

Prosecutors say the father's 'alleged actions of child abuse show a willingness to commit violence against the most vulnerable members of society'

The investigation further showed she had suffered more than 20 rib fractures and bruises, medical evaluations from the documents stated, showing 'multiple episodes of violent trauma.'

Lewis allegedly confessed that Janousek intentionally abused the baby, the outlet reported.

Janousek remains behind bars until his trial, while Lewis was released on bond.

Daily Mail reached out to Janousek's attorney, as well as the Lea County Sheriff's Office.

An attorney was not listed for Lewis, according to arrest records viewed by Daily Mail.
A Florida man has been charged in his girlfriend's death by suicide after he allegedly urged her to pull the trigger during an argument, court documents revealed.

Camille Mary McGonigle, 37, shot herself dead in the Oakland Park efficiency-style apartment that she shared with her boyfriend Miguel Hernandez on January 24.

Hernandez, 41, held her blood-covered body in his arms until medics arrived at the scene and rushed her to nearby Broward General Hospital, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail.

McGonigle was pronounced dead at the hospital on February 9, with the coroner later ruling that she died by suicide.

Hernandez told investigators that McGonigle grabbed the weapon and shot herself in the head, a Broward County Sheriff's report said.

He claimed she had a history of making suicidal statements, often during arguments, and said on several occasions that she wanted to kill herself, police said.

He said that during their argument in January he 'told her to stop,' but did not grab the weapon because he did not actually believe McGonigle would pull the trigger.

But surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows how Hernandez repeatedly yelled 'go ahead and do it' and 'go ahead and do it, you p****' before the weapon discharged, the report said.

Camille Mary McGonigle shot herself dead in the Oakland Park, Florida home she shared with her boyfriend Miguel Hernandez, pictured together, on January 24, 2026

Camille 'Camie' McGonigle, 37, was pronounced dead at Broward General Hospital on February 9, with the coroner later ruling that she died by suicide

When police arrived at the scene, they found Hernandez inside the residence (pictured) as he held McGonigle's blood-covered body in his arms

He also told McGonigle 'she did not have the "balls" to do it,' according to the filing.

After she fired the gun, Hernandez shouted 'oh my god, baby, oh my god,' the footage reportedly showed. He then directed his mother to call 911.

Hernandez was 'visibly shaken and crying' when police arrived at the residence. He was handcuffed and taken into custody for questioning, the filing stated.

During a police interrogation, Hernandez admitted to making the egging statements, but claimed he thought he was just 'calling her bluff.'

Hernandez further admitted that he handed the weapon to McGonigle during the argument after having racked the slide, police said.

He claimed McGonigle brought the gun to her head twice, but only fired it on the second instance, the filing stated.

He denied wanting McGonigle to kill herself, as well intentionally assisting her in her death, police said. He also claimed he regretted handing her the gun and said he should not have done so.

Hernandez was arrested on March 22 for manslaughter by culpable negligence, charging documents showed.

Police allege Hernandez, 41, urged McGonigle to pull the trigger as the pair argued

Hernandez, seen in his mugshot, was arrested on March 22 and charged with manslaughter by culpable negligence

McGonigle and Hernandez started dating in February 2023, according to their social media profiles - which feature tons of loved-up photos of the pair

'Homicide detectives determined that although McGonigle discharged the firearm herself, Hernandez actively facilitated and escalated the incident,' the Broward Sheriff's Office said.

'The evidence revealed Hernandez racked the slide to chamber a round, handed the firearm to McGonigle, and repeatedly encouraged her to shoot herself immediately prior to the gunshot.'

Police added: 'Investigators say his actions directly contributed to the circumstances that led to her death.'

Hernandez is currently being held Broward County Main Jail. He has pled not guilty. No bond has been set and his trial is pending, jail records show.

He and McGonigle started dating in February 2023, according to their social media profiles - which feature tons of loved-up photos of the pair.

They had been living in the apartment together for about 18 months, the police report stated. They shared the property, which appears to have multiple units, with his parents and two children.

A hearing in Hernandez's case is scheduled for today.
Donald Trump warned Iranian leaders they better 'make a deal' soon 'before it is too late' amid reports the US is preparing for a 'final blow', including ground troops.

The President's threat comes as his five-day ceasefire on strikes against Iranian energy facilities is set to expire in the next 48 hours with no plan for an extension.

Officials have told Trump that a crushing show of force could help bring the war with Iran to a close, strengthen US leverage in future peace talks, and allow the President to declare victory.

The Pentagon, under the direction of Pete Hegseth, is preparing military options for a 'final blow' against the Islamic regime that could include a ground invasion and a widespread aerial bombing campaign, according to Axios.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'The Iranian negotiators are very different and strange. They are begging us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only looking at our proposal.'

'WRONG!!! They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it wont be pretty!'

Iran has begun reinforcing Kharg Island, a critical oil hub, for a potential US ground invasion by laying traps such as anti-personnel and anti-armor mines along likely landing zones. US officials have warned the administration that any such ground operation would carry significant risks, including the potential for high numbers of American casualties.

The regime rejected Trump's 15-point plan to end the war, claiming the terms were 'excessive' and that the conflict would end on Tehran's 'own timeline.'

Trump warned Iranian leaders they better 'make a deal' soon 'before it is too late' amid reports the Pentagon is preparing for a 'final blow' to the regime by sending US troops in a land invasion

Israel is engaging in a wide range of military strikes across the Middle East, including in Gaza and Lebanon, where Iran's proxies are active against Netanyahu's forces (pictured: a fireball erupts following an Israeli strike near a tent encampment sheltering people displaced by war in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on March 25)

Speaker of the Iranian parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf in Tehran, Iran, February 1

Trump, meanwhile, declared victory on Wednesday evening while speaking to his fellow Republicans about how the US had 'cut out the cancer' of Iran's nuclear program.

The President told supporters at the National Republican Congressional Committee in DC on Wednesday that the US military had won the war.

'Its short term. What we had to do is get rid of the cancer. We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon,' he said.

Behind-the-scenes, Trump has reportedly told his closest advisers to begin drafting plans to wrap up the war within the next few weeks as he seeks to avoid a long term conflict with the regime.

Trump had initially outlined a four to six-week timeline at the beginning of the war and he wants to stick to that goal.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House hopes to have the war concluded by the time Trump with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing hold a scheduled meeting in mid-May.

However, Trumps push for a quick off-ramp may prove difficult, as top Iranian officials have refused to agree to a ceasefire unless their sweeping demands, including reparations, are met.

Israeli forces led by Benjamin Netanyahu are seeking to intensify strikes against Iran's military infrastructure over fears the US could soon settle with the regime.

Join the discussion Would YOU support a final military strike in this situation?

The Trump administration appears to have created distance with their regime change goal after strikes against senior leadership have failed to overthrow the government

Israeli strikes in Gaza earlier on Wednesday

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran on March 7

Iran has refuted Trump's peace plan with far-reaching demands

Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces to strike as many high-value Iranian targets as possible as the US submitted a 15-point peace plan on Tuesday.

The Israeli prime minister and his top military advisers were alarmed the US plan did not go far enough to curb Tehran's military capabilities, despite its tight restrictions on Iran's missile stockpile and nuclear program.

Netanyahu's deadline reflects deep concern within the Israeli government that Trump could reach a deal with Tehran at any moment, sources say.

Israeli officials present at Netanyahu's underground meeting described the atmosphere as 'tense.'

Netanyahu's inner circle is intent on reaching three key war goals: eliminating Iran's ballistic-missile stockpile, ensuring Tehran cannot develop a nuclear warhead, and fostering an environment within Iran for civilians to overthrow the Islamic regime.

The Trump administration has quietly distanced itself from the regime-change goal after strikes against senior leadership failed to topple the government.
Killer drones are become an increasingly prominent part of modern warfare, used by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict - and to dramatic effect by Iran at the start of this month.

The Islamic Republic shocked the world by launching strikes on a number of Gulf countries in retaliation for the US-Israel missile bombardment which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026.

In total, Iran has launched nearly 5,000 missiles and drones at its neighbours, according to recent figures from Al Arabiya, hitting US bases, five-star hotels and oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE.

But as the capabilities of military drones grows ever more sophisticated, so does the technology developed to combat them.

On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape, foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance heads to one of the world's biggest arms fairs to meet the manufacturers creating the tools to detect and bring down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

The most obvious way of taking out a drones may appear to be to shoot them down, although this is not as strauightforward as it seems.

Traditionally the Armed Forces relied on missiles such as the Aster 30, which has a long range and is extremely accurate - but each unit costs around 3million.

That is a huge sum when set against the cost of the aggressor drone, which cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.

Foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance visited one of the world's biggest arms fairs to learn about the technology used to take down military drones

Plumes of smoke and flame rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 14, 2026

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As a result, a number of defence companies are looking to find ways of shrinking the anti-drone missiles to make them more affordable - without losing their accuracy.

Saab's new Nimbrix missiles are only 3ft long, weigh less than 7lb, can fly up to three miles and costs in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Another new warhead on the market uis the Frankenburg Mark I. At 60cm it's even smaller than Nimbrix - the size of a baguette - can fly up to one and a half miles, and costs 40,000 a pop.

At the Defence And Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2026 conference in London's Excel Centre, Pleasance spoke to Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies and former Permanent Secretary to the Estonian Ministry of Defence

He said: 'This is the smallest ever guided missile, that makes it special and is also how we bring the affordability.

'If we speak about short range missiles, initially they were built [to attack] against helicopters.

'In the seventies, there was the Stinger and Mistral - they are all very good missiles, but the problem is they are very expensive.

'Now what we saw in Ukraine last weekend, there was a record, more than 800 Shahads that have a warhead of 50 kilos or more were shot against Ukrainian targets.

Saab's new Nimbrix missiles (pictrured) are only 3ft long, weigh less than 7lb, and can fly up to three miles. They cost in the tens of thousands of dollars - as opposed to 3million for an Aster 30

Kusti Salm (right), CEO of Frankenburg Technologies and former Permanent Secretary to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, shows off a 2ft Frankenburg Mark missile to the Mail's Chris Pleasance

A graphic showing the technical specifications of a Shahed-136 'suicide' drone - a model used frequently by Iran in recent weeks

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: How to defeat drones in the Iran war and Ukraine

'The manufacturing of the long-range drones that carry warheads is now around 100 a day and is increasing by a factor of four every year, so this year 30-40,000, next year more than 100,000.

'The only way to stop this madness is to come up with something that is cheaper by cost and readily available.'

An alternative method to shooting drones down from the sky is to block the frequencies they use to navigate and communicate.

Jammers work by broadcasting a very powerful signal which overwhelms that communication, basically drowning it out and causing the drone to crash.

However, some militaries have got around this by using drones with fibre-optic cables, meaning there is no airborne sign to be intercepted.

And some drones like the Shaheds, used widely by the Iranians, dont have a pilot and thus cannot be jammed.

That leads to perhaps the most science fiction-sounding solution to the drone menace: shooting them down with giant lasers.

Like missiles, these shoot drones out of the sky - but rather than using explosives, they use a super intense beam of energy.

This is focused on the drone, basically cooking it. The electrics are frazzled and sometimes it bursts into flames, causing it to crash.

But like the jammers, the only thing youre using up when you fire them is electricity, meaning they have a cost per shot of just a few cents.

There are drawbacks though - the lasers are heavy and require a lot of power in the form of a large battery, meaning theyre not super practical.

And while theyve been successfully tested, theyre largely unproven in combat. Rain, smoke, even reflective surfaces on the drone may stop them working.
A double murderer who stabbed his pregnant girlfriend to death while on licence for a previous murder, has been handed a whole life order after Court of Appeal judges ruled his sentence was 'unduly lenient'.

Shaine March, 47, was knifed his girlfriend Alana Odysseos 23 times at her home in Walthamstow, east London, early on July 22, 2024.

The mother, 32, was in the early stages of pregnancy with her third child when she was murdered by March following an argument about whether to have an abortion.

March had been convicted of murder before the attack, information that was withheld from jurors during his trial last year.

He was 21 when he fatally stabbed 17-year-old Andre Drummond in the neck at a McDonald's restaurant in Denmark Hill, south London, in January 2000.

Following his release on a life licence in early 2013, he was recalled to jail later that year after he stamped on the stomach of another pregnant girlfriend in July and was released again in February 2018.

March admitted murder and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 42 years in October last year.

But, his sentence was later referred to the Court of Appeal, with barristers telling a hearing on Thursday that March should have been given a whole life order.

In a ruling, Lord Justice Edis, sitting with Mr Justice Cavanagh and Judge Alice Robinson, said: 'The sentence was unduly lenient. We quash it, and we quash the minimum term order that the judge made, and substitute in its place a whole life order, which means that the offender will never be released.'

Shaine March, 47, knifed his girlfriend 23 times at her home in Walthamstow, east London , early on July 22, 2024

Alana Odysseos, 32, was in the early stages of pregnancy with her third child when she was murdered by March

In the Court of Appeal ruling, Lord Justice Edis said that Mr Justice Murray, the judge who sentenced March, 'did fall into error' and that the aggravating factors were 'far more potent' than mitigation.

He continued that the death of the unborn child, and that the attack on Ms Odysseos was witnessed by one of her other children, were both a 'serious aggravating factor'.

The judge also said that March's brain injury was not a 'major cause' of his offending, and that the lack of premeditation had to be 'highly qualified'.

Following the ruling, Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: 'Alana Odysseos was a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short in an act of appalling violence by a man with a long history of serious violence. Alana's daughters have lost their mother, and her family have lost someone they loved deeply.

'There is no room for violence against women and girls and I welcome the court's decision to increase Shaine March's prison sentence, removing this extremely dangerous offender off our streets and protecting anyone else suffering harm.

'I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Alana's daughters and everyone who cared for her.'

After being told he would die behind bars, March, who watched Thursday's proceedings via a videolink from HMP Belmarsh in London, addressed members of Ms Odysseos' family in court and said: 'I just want to say that I am sorry.'

March had also challenged the length of his sentence, with his barristers claiming it was 'manifestly excessive'.

The couple pictured together. Ms Odysseos was in the early stages of pregnancy with her third child when she was knifed at her home in Walthamstow, east London

March's trial at the Old Bailey heard that Ms Odysseos knew about his murder conviction, with safeguarding checks made by probation services.

March, of Surrey Quays, south-east London, admitted her murder on the seventh day of his trial after an expert no longer supported his defence of diminished responsibility.

Tom Little KC, for the Solicitor General, told the Court of Appeal in written submissions that March and Ms Odysseos had been in a relationship for around four months, during which time March attacked her and stopped her from talking to family and friends.

They also argued about her pregnancy, including in the hours before the murder on July 22, 2024, with Ms Odysseos heard to say: 'I don't want to kill my baby.'

She was later seen outside the property, clutching her right side.

Bleeding from multiple stab wounds to her body, Ms Odysseos pointed at the defendant standing nearby and shouted: 'Shaine stabbed me, he stabbed me. Help, help.'

March walked away as Ms Odysseos died on the ground outside her address despite the efforts of police and paramedics.

She had suffered stab wounds to her chest, stomach, pelvis, shoulders, buttocks, right arm, thighs and lower legs.

Before throwing his mobile phone in a drain, March recorded a voice note saying: 'Mum, I just killed a woman, and I'm going back to jail.'

Father Alan Yates, pictured outside the Old Bailey in October, said his daughter was a 'happy-go-lucky' much-loved mother who was 'kind and considerate'

Sentencing March, Mr Justice Murray said the murder involved 'prolonged and excessive violence' but that he did not consider the case to be one where 'the need for lifelong imprisonment is clear beyond doubt'.

He based this on four factors, including that March suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was a teenager, which affected his ability to regulate his emotions, and that both murders were 'apparently spontaneous'.

But Mr Little told the Court of Appeal on Thursday that a whole life order was 'just punishment' and that there was a 'constellation of aggravating features' in the case.

In court, he said: 'Properly analysed, this case should never have left the categorisation as a whole life order case.'

Sandip Patel KC, for March, told the court that the sentence was reached in a 'fair and balanced manner'.

He also said that March's sentence should be reduced on the grounds of his traumatic brain injury, stating that Mr Justice Murray 'did not give it the fullest regard'.

In the Court of Appeal ruling, Lord Justice Edis said that Mr Justice Murray 'did fall into error', and that the aggravating factors were 'far more potent' than mitigation.

He continued that the death of the unborn child, and that the attack on Ms Odysseos was witnessed by one of her other children, were both a 'serious aggravating factor'.

The judge also said that March's brain injury was not a 'major cause' of his offending, and that the lack of premeditation had to be 'highly qualified'.

Following the ruling, Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: 'Alana Odysseos was a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short in an act of appalling violence by a man with a long history of serious violence. Alana's daughters have lost their mother, and her family have lost someone they loved deeply.

'There is no room for violence against women and girls and I welcome the court's decision to increase Shaine March's prison sentence, removing this extremely dangerous offender off our streets and protecting anyone else suffering harm.

'I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Alana's daughters and everyone who cared for her.'
A furious Vladimir Putin has demanded that Western films be banned after he was left humiliated by an Oscar-winning documentary.

The dictator publicly raged at his culture minister, Olga Lyubimova, for her tardiness in enforcing new rules.

The move came as the Russian ruler, 73, was humiliated by Pavel Talankin's Mr Nobody Against Putin, which this month won an Oscar as best documentary.

This film depicts a small-town Russian teacher who documents how ordinary people - especially children - are drawn into the Kremlin's sinister wartime propaganda system.

Putin demanded of his minister: 'Well, why are we just talking?

'We ideologically allow in some completely stupid and unnecessary [films], and financially we don't support our own producers.'

New curbs needed to be in place 'as quickly as possible', the Russian leader said.

He has now called for a quota system to heavily restrict foreign films.

The dictator publicly raged at his culture minister, Olga Lyubimova, for her tardiness in enforcing new rules

The Russian ruler, 73, was humiliated by Pavel Talankin's Mr Nobody Against Putin, which this month won an Oscar as best documentary

This film depicts a small-town Russian teacher who documents how ordinary people - especially children - are drawn into the Kremlin's sinister wartime propaganda system

Lyubimova, 45, claimed it was 'complex' but agreed to his demands after the embarrassing slapdown.

The despot's rambling rant during a televised online meeting coincided with a court decision in Chelyabinsk to ban the distribution of Mr Nobody Against Putin, to ensure Russians cannot view the film.

The Central District Court upheld a request from the Russian state prosecutor's office to have the documentary removed from three online video platforms.

This was 'in the interests of an indefinite number of persons', the court was told.

The prosecutor claimed the documentary gave a 'negative attitude' to Putin's war against Ukraine and his government, and should be banned.

Small-town Russian school videographer Talankin, 35, won the Academy Award together with US filmmaker David Borenstein for the documentary, which chronicles pro-war patriotic lessons introduced in Russia's schools under President Vladimir Putin amid Moscow's Ukraine offensive.

Talankin, who fled Russia with the smuggled footage and now openly opposes the war, was instructed to film the propaganda lessons by the school administration, eventually deciding to secretly team up with the US director.

It comes a week after Russia condemned the documentary, saying it had featured children filmed without their parents' consent, in what was Moscow's first official reaction to the film scooping the prestigious award.

Russia's human rights council, a government body, said that 'images of minors were used without obtaining the consent of their parents' in the documentary.

It added that the footage was intended as an 'internal record of school activities for educational use', but was then used for commercial purposes.

The council said it requested that the Academy that awards the Oscars and the UN cultural agency UNESCO launch an investigation.

Moscow has not yet commented on the substance of the film. State-controlled media largely ignored the award.
A British-based member of an international people trafficking ring referred to illegal migrants as chickens in a laughable attempt at subterfuge.

Ramal Briem was arrested at his home in Wolverhampton after agreeing an 11 for the price of 10 discount deal with one of his contacts.

They repeatedly used the code word 'chicken' to refer to migrants, with one contact telling Briem that 'one chicken costs 1,500'.

Briem, an Iraqi national, pleaded guilty to working with an organised crime gang to illegally bring Vietnamese nationals to the UK and was today jailed for 10 years and two months.

The criminal had himself arrived in Britain illegally by small boat in late 2020, and claimed asylum.

He is then thought to have helped hundreds of migrants cross from northern France to Britain, either by small boat or stowed away in lorries, a National Crime Agency (NCA) spokesman said.

Messages on Briems phone showed he and another gangster, identified only as Kevin, had discussed the movement of migrants waiting for illegal Channel crossings in France, referring to them as chickens.

Ramal Briem, 33, an Iraqi who arrived in Britain by small boat in 2020, has been jailed for just over 10 years for his role in a migrant-smuggling ring

In one exchange, the pair discussed fees for transporting migrants and agreeing on a fee of 11 for the price of 10.

In one message Kevin said: If possible, 1 chicken costs 1,500 pounds. I'll give it all to you.

Briem replied: Yes 1500. Give it to me.

Kevin went on: Ok I'll give you the chicken. Currently I have over 30 chickens in Dunkerque. I need them to finish this time. And next time I have a new chicken I will give it to you.

Briem responded: Ok. Next time I need all your chicken.

In a further exchange, 'Kevin' wrote: '10 chickens. I will give 1 chicken for free, right?

Briem replied: 'Hahahahahaha.'

Kevin was also arrested by the NCA in April 2024 and is undergoing extradition proceedings to France for alleged immigration, drug and modern slavery offences.

Prosecutors said the group would bring Vietnamese migrants to eastern Europe on work visas before moving them to France to board small boats to come to the UK.

When they arrived here other members of the gang would help them disappear within the Vietnamese community.

Briem, 33, was arrested in his dressing gown by NCA officers at his home in July 2024.

An NCA spokesman said Briem had helped to arrange a lorry drop of six clandestine migrants to Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, in March 2024.

Briem also admitted visiting a number of addresses in Croydon and Birmingham to collect large sums of cash which he later gave to an unknown man in a car.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration at Wolverhampton Crown Court in October 2024.

He was sentenced to 10 years and two months imprisonment at Worcester Crown Court today.

NCA branch commander Saju Sasikumar said: The language Ramal Briem used to describe people illustrates his complete disregard for human life.

To him, migrants were nothing more than a commodity to trade in, regardless of the severe risks they were taking during these dangerous journeys, all for his own financial benefit.

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The migrants themselves may have wanted to come to the UK to establish a better life for themselves and their families.

But the fact they chose to use smugglers like Briem to enter the UK clandestinely automatically put them at a far greater risk of being embroiled in debt bondage or modern slavery situations.

Border security and asylum minister Alex Norris said: We are cracking down on the vile smugglers abusing UK borders.

This government is bolstering law enforcement powers so officers can intercept, detain and arrest people smugglers faster and restore order and control to our borders.
Iran's navy commander who oversaw the Strait of Hormuz blockade has been killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Alireza Tangsiri's death in a video statement on Thursday.

He said: 'Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' navy, Tangsiri, along with senior officers of the naval command.

'The man who was directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping was blown up and eliminated.'

The strait is one of the world's most crucial oil chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global energy supplies passing through the narrow waterway each day.

Since the start of the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Israel has announced the killing of several top Iranian officials, including supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic republic's powerful security chief, Ali Larijani.

In recent days, Israeli forces have carried out several strikes targeting the naval assets of Iran.

Last week, Israeli airstrikes hit several Iranian naval ships in the Caspian Sea, including ones equipped with missile systems, support vessels and patrol craft.

Iran's navy commander who oversaw the Strait of Hormuz blockade has been killed in an Israeli airstrike

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced Alireza Tangsiri's death in a video statement on Thursday. Pictured: Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz

Since the outbreak of war, Iran has moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of shipping being blocked, diverted or forced to seek clearance, particularly vessels linked to the US and its allies.

The ongoing shutdown has proved disastrous for global energy and trade flows, pushing Brent crude prices to their highest levels in nearly four years - at one point reaching nearly $120 a barrel.

It comes as Iran has responded to Trump's 15-point peace plan with a list of its own demands, including calling for the closure of US bases in the Middle East and a new toll for Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Washington sent Tehran the plan - modelled on Trump's Gaza deal - to end the crisis in the Middle East, highlighting the White House's eagerness to find an offramp from the war as it wrestles with its economic fallout.

It is unclear how widely the plan, delivered via Pakistan, had been shared among Iranian officials, with the regime sternly denying a peace process is taking place following comments from Trump that Tehran wants a deal 'so badly'.

Public statements aside, Iran has let the Trump administration know it has a high-bar for re-entering a ceasefire deal, including the closure of all American bases in the Gulf and reparations for attacks on the country.

According to the Wall Street Journal, other demands include a new order for the Strait of Hormuz, that would allow Tehran to collect fees from ships that transit the Persian Gulf channel, as Egypt does now with the Suez Canal.

The regime wants it to be guaranteed that the conflict wouldn't restart and an end to Israel's attacks on the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

It has also demanded a lifting of all sanctions on Iran, and for the country to retain its missile programme, with no negotiations to limit it.

According to the Journal, a US official called the demands 'ridiculous and unrealistic'.

The posturing will make reaching a resolution with the Islamic Republic harder than before Trump started the war, Arab and US officials said.

While the US President claimed on Tuesday that Tehran gave Washington a 'very big present worth a tremendous amount of money', an Iranian military spokesman insisted that the US is 'negotiating with itself', adding: 'Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you.'

Israel and the US have pummelled Iran's ballistic missiles, launchers and production facilities, as well as its nuclear programme in the bombing campaign that began on February 28, with leaders vowing never to allow the regime to possess a nuclear weapon.

In terms of Washington's demands on Iran, Israel's Channel 12 reported that the 15-point plan includes the pledge that nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow must be taken out of use and destroyed.

It also calls for transparency and oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over activities in Tehran, as well as the promise that the regime will abandon the use of armed proxies in the region, and stop its funding and arming of regional allies.

Iran would have to dismantle its existing nuclear capabilities that have already been accumulated, and commit to never striving to achieve nuclear weapons again.

Under the plan, all enriched material must be handed over to the IAEA, and no nuclear material will be enriched on Iranian soil.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and constitute a 'free maritime zone'.
King Charles' trip to the US is set to go ahead next month despite half of Britons wanting it to be cancelled in the wake of Donald Trump's recent blasts at the UK.

As part of his first state visit to America, the King is expected to attend a White House dinner in Washington DC and also travel to New York.

The timing of the visit has yet to be confirmed but it has been reported the King will address the US Congress during the last week of April.

His trip will come ahead of America's 250th anniversary and follows Mr Trump's historic second state visit to Britain in September last year.

There had been calls for the King to postpone his trip across the Atlantic while the US is engaged in a war with Iran.

Mr Trump on Thursday denied that tensions with Britain over the Middle East conflict would affect the King's visit.

Answering media questions at a Cabinet meeting, the US President said: 'He's going to be here very soon, as you know, we're going have a state dinner.

'It's going be great,' he added. 'He's a friend of mine.'

King Charles' trip to the US is set to go ahead next month despite half of Britons wanting it to be cancelled in the wake of Donald Trump's recent blasts at the UK.

A YouGov poll, conducted on Wednesday, showed 49 per cent are opposed to the King's visit going ahead, compared to just 33 per cent who want it to happen

Senior Government sources also said there was no suggestion the King's visit was being delayed, despite it having yet to be formally announced.

But a new YouGov poll revealed a growing wish among Britons for the King's trip to be cancelled completely.

The survey, conducted on Wednesday, showed 49 per cent are opposed to the visit going ahead, compared to just 33 per cent who want it to happen.

A previous poll from two weeks ago showed 46 per cent wanted the King's trip to be cancelled, compared to 36 per cent who thought it should go ahead.

In the past fortnight, Mr Trump has continued his criticism of NATO allies - including Britain - for failing to assist in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The US President has swiped that Sir Keir Starmer is 'no Winston Churchill' while fuming at the Prime Minister's reluctance to allow America to use British bases to launch attacks on Tehran.

On Thursday, Mr Trump delivered another blast at the UK, saying Sir Keir made 'a big mistake' and denigrating UK warships as 'toys'.

'We had the UK say that 'we'll send'  this is three weeks ago  'we'll send our aircraft carriers', which aren't the best aircraft carriers, by the way. They're toys compared to what we have,' the US President said.

'But 'we'll send our aircraft carrier when the war is over'. I said 'oh that's wonderful, thank you very much. Don't bother. We don't need it'.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Trump is yet again insulting our brave Armed Forces just because we refuse to be dragged into his illegal war.

'The 'toys' he refers to are called HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

'What more will it take for Keir Starmer to call off the King's state visit to the US?'

The latest YouGov poll showed that Green voters are the most opposed to the King's visit (70 per cent), with Liberal Democrats (65 per cent) and Labour voters (62 per cent) not far behind.

Only Reform UK voters are firmly in favour (63 per cent) of the US state visit, while Tory voters are split 45-43 per cent on the subject.

The figures are not dissimilar to public sentiment when the circumstances were reversed last year.

Some 45 per cent of Britons thought it was wrong to invite Mr Trump for a state visit to the UK in September, with 30 per cent opposed.

YouGov surveyed 5,281 adults on 25 March.
A benefits swindler who claimed 23,000 saying her crippling anxiety kept her housebound at home was pictured clubbing, surfing and ziplining in Mexico.

Mother-of-one Catherine Wieland, 33, was given a 28-week suspended sentence at Hove Crown Court in East Sussex after racking up 23,662 in Personal Independence Payments over more than two years.

Evidence presented to the court showed her ziplining and surfing in Cancun and visiting Thorpe Park three times all while telling the DWP that her debilitating mental health prevented her from going out.

Wieland's lavish spending also included other luxuries like acrylic nails, tanning sessions and trips to a private Harley Street dentist.

Overall, she treated herself to 76 beauty appointments, 60 visits to pubs, clubs and restaurants and several foreign currency transactions, despite claiming she couldn't cook or wash herself without prompting and couldn't travel alone.

When the mother returned from her lavish holiday she submitted a review claiming her condition had worsened, saying she couldn't stand for long and the use of her hands was limited.

But subsequent surveillance showed Wieland at her local shopping centre lifting bags and pushing a trolley.

When investigators finally confronted her with her bank statements she told them: 'I didn't realise you're not allowed to leave your house.'

Catherine Wieland, 33, claimed 23,000 saying anxiety kept her housebound. She was later pictured clubbing, surfing and ziplining in Mexico

Wieland is seen outside court today. The mother of one claimed she suffered crippling anxiety that left her housebound

Judge Joshua Swirsky said: 'This is pure and simple fraud. It's not a victimless crime. It's a crime against other members of society.

'There is only a limited amount of money awarded to the DWP, for people in need.

'Your offences are aggravated by what you spent the money on - pubbing and clubbing, shopping for clothes, taking your son on a holiday to Cancun.'

Prosecutor Sarah Thorne told how the defendant claimed benefits including a BMW saloon via the Motability scheme.

Defence lawyer Daniel Frier told the court she had suffered childhood trauma and domestic violence.

Wieland stayed silent and walked by when asked for comment on leaving the dock.

She previously denied the offences before changing her plea to guilty in January this year.

Her claims for Personal Independence Payments, or PIPs, began in 2021.

She told officials of suffering from PTSD and dyslexia, Hove Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Sarah Thorne told the court how Wieland spoke of how she 'needed support to cope with daily life'.

It was an anonymous tip-off to the Department of Work and Pensions that prompted a probe into her claims.

Pictures and videos shared online coincided with times she was applying for PIP payments.

Ms Thorne said: 'Evidence was found that she was dishonest about the claims.'

Pictures of Wieland on holiday - which coincided with times she was applying for PIP payments - showed her riding a quad bike and doing various other outdoor activities

The mother of one is seen exploring an underground cave while on holiday. She told officials of suffering from PTSD and dyslexia which left her housebound

Wieland poses in front of a BMW saloon car she obtained under the Motability programme before attending a festival

Trips made by Wieland included outings at Chessington and Thorpe Park theme parks as well as a holiday in Mexico and attending a Brighton Pride event.

She also obtained, in July 2022, a BMW saloon car under the Motability programme.

Ms Thorne asked for costs of 1,650 though acknowledged Wieland's likely weekly payments would be 'a drop in the ocean'.

Wieland, who had no previous convictions, was described by her lawyer Daniel Frier as someone who started claiming benefits then 'didn't want the money to stop'.

He told the court she was the sole carer of her 16-year-old son and the Motability-provided BMW had gone back.

Mr Frier added: 'She's sorry for what she's done.'

Following her sentencing, Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: 'This is an insult to every hardworking taxpayer and to people who genuinely depend on PIP.

'Wieland lied repeatedly, milked the system for every penny she could get and then had the nerve to claim her condition was worsening while she was ziplining and surfing in Mexico.

'We are committed to finding those who try to defraud taxpayers, and they will face the consequences.'
The boss of National Savings and Investments has resigned after a scandal saw up to 37,500 customers left unable to access their relatives' premium bonds.

Dax Harkins, who has served as chief executive of NS&I since April 2023, left the company this morning after a meeting with Treasury officials, it is understood.

Mr Harkins reportedly took home more than 300,000 a year in salary and pension perks during his time as chief executive.

He has left after it emerged the bank planned to repay tens of thousands of savers whose money was withheld from them due to a series of failures.

NS&I estimates that up to 37,500 bereavement claims with a total value of up to 476million in customer deposits may have been affected.

The company is accused of short-changing families by losing track of investments, delaying payouts and withholding premium bond prizes.

Some customers were reportedly forced to turn to lawyers to help recover the money they were owed by NS&I, incurring additional costs. The Treasury is understood to be working with the bank to establish the precise sum of compensation for affected customers.

Former HMRC boss Sir Jim Harra will replace Mr Harkins as chief executive on an interim basis to 'provide a fresh start', pensions minister Torsten Bell announced today.

Dax Harkins (pictured) has resigned after a scandal saw up to 37,500 customers left unable to access their relatives' premium bonds

He told the Commons: 'I also want to make sure NS&I has the very best leadership in place.

'Effective from today, I have appointed Sir Jim Harra, former HMRC first permanent secretary, to take over as the chief executive of NS&I on an interim basis, to provide a fresh start for NS&I's next phase of development.

'I recognise his predecessor Dax Harkins' 22 years of public service at NS&I.'

He added: 'As well as providing leadership to the organisation, Sir Jim will undertake a review over the next three months to spell out in detail the background to this tracing problem and to set out what lessons must be learned for NS&I going forward.

'I have discussed this with Sir Jim and I'm confident that his extensive experience will help guide NS&I in the months ahead, and I will ensure Sir Jim's review is shared with the chairs of the Treasury and the Public Accounts committees upon completion.'

Shadow Treasury minister Mark Garnier accused the Government of 'sitting on their hands' over the 'poor performance' of NS&I.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, he said: 'Why has this Government been sitting on their hands?

'The poor performance and a botched digital transformation means that the NS&I are short-changing savers at a time when raising money for the Government has never been more needed.'

Mr Garnier added it was 'concerning' that the Treasury were notified of the operational failures on December 18, but only made a statement to Parliament after an article in the The Daily Telegraph three months later.

He asked: 'Can the minister please explain why it has taken him over three months to come forward with this statement?

'People have been let down. Whilst NS&I have apologised for these mistakes, this will be of little comfort to those thousands of people who have lost out. The Government does need to act swiftly and the families need to be compensated.'

Pensions minister Torsten Bell (pictured) said NS&I did not respond fully to previous warning signs

NS&I did not respond fully to previous warning signs, pensions minister Mr Bell, who also sits in the Treasury, told the Commons.

He said in a statement: 'The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) took enforcement action in 2018 against Santander relating to the tracing of accounts following notification that a customer had passed on. This received significant attention at the time.

'However, what is now clear is that NS&I and its suppliers did not respond to those warning signs as fully as I and, more importantly, their customers would expect. Nor did the last government act.

'Bereaved families whose loved ones held accounts with NS&I will rightly be anxious about this news.'

The causes of a tracing issue which affected NS&I customers has 'been addressed and will not affect customers going forward', Mr Bell said.

He added that 'this issue is about tracing, not the security of any funds' held by NS&I, insisting that 'savings are 100 per cent safe'.

NS&I is responsible for reuniting beneficiaries with the money they are due, the pensions minister told MPs, adding 'there is no need for individuals to waste money on a claims management company or solicitor'.

Mr Bell told the Commons: 'NS&I has put in place a dedicated programme team and it's hired an additional 100 staff.

'I have asked them to publish a delivery plan in May detailing how they will take forward this work to reunite funds with their owners.

'This will cover the number of cases affected, how NS&I will proactively contact representatives of estates to ensure they receive the funds they are due, including interest on savings, and the compensation that, where appropriate, will be paid.

'There is no need for individuals to waste money on a claims management company or solicitor.

'I want to reassure people that the onus is not on them but on NS&I to act, to contact estate representatives and to reconnect beneficiaries with the money they are due.'
Keir Starmer looks to be digging in for a Labour meltdown over local election results - calling the King's Speech for six days later.

The PM has scheduled the State Opening for May 13, meaning that MPs will not gather at Parliament for nearly a week after the polls.

As well as limiting the opportunity for plotting, the Government laying out its plans for the coming session could also give Sir Keir the chance for a 'reset'.

Meanwhile, ministers confirmed this morning that they are delaying a series of potentially controversial planning decisions on wind and solar farms until after the elections.

The votes for councils, mayors and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have long been seen as a moment of maximum danger for Sir Keir.

Labour insiders fear that Reform is poised to make more huge gains on councils in traditional heartlands. Polls also suggest the party is on track for disaster in Wales and Scotland.

The Government had tried to delay a swathe of the council elections, but was eventually forced to go ahead following a legal challenge by Nigel Farage.

Keir Starmer has scheduled the State Opening for May 13, meaning that Parliament will not sit for nearly a week after the polls

Getting the King (pictured) to lay out a new slate of legislation could be a way of drawing a line under what looks like being a bloodbath for Labour

Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are among the big hitters regarded as 'on manoeuvres' in case a vacancy appears at the top.

Sir Keir was almost ousted in a coup last month amid a flare-up of anger over Peter Mandelson being made US ambassador despite a long-standing friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Commons Leader Alan Campbell confirmed the King's Speech date in the House today.

He told MPs: 'As is usual, the current session of Parliament will be prorogued ahead of the King's Speech, and this time will be used to enable logistical and security preparations for the state opening of Parliament.

'The likely date of prorogation will be confirmed in due course.'

One Labour MP who backs replacing the PM said they had been out-manoeuvred.

'I honestly can't see any route to replacing Keir,' they told ITV News.

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Prorogation is typically a week to a fortnight before the State Opening.

The current parliamentary session will have lasted for about 22 months, which is longer than the typical year.

During a session, ministers push through as many changes to the law as they can after laying them out in the King's Speech.

A poll published yesterday showed Labour is on course to lose its grip over Welsh politics after more than a century.

Eluned Morgan's party is set to be reduced to a rump of just 12 seats as it is leapfrogged by nationalists Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.

There is even a risk that Labour could fall to just the fourth party in Cardiff Bay, with the YouGov MRP research giving it just two seats more than the Greens, who are forecast to win 10.
Anti-American protesters gathered in Philadelphia and vowed to celebrate the deaths of US soldiers, shocking video revealed.

A masked speaker urged the crowd to do 'everything in our power to bring the United States to its knees,' footage posted Tuesday by independent journalist Frankie Scales showed.

'For every US military base that crumbles and for every US soldier who returns home in a casket, we cheer,' he said.

That prompted a wave of loud applause from the other anti-American protesters.

He went on to praise several terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, during the rally as his fiery speech continued.

'These popular voices on the ground spend every waking moment in direct confrontation with Zionism,' he said. 'And they rely on a strong Iranian state to maintain their fighting capacity.'

After he finished his remarks, the man was confronted by Scales, who asked him if he hated America.

'May a Hamas rocket blow up your family's home,' the protester replied.

A masked speaker in Philadelphia urged a crowd to bring the United States 'to its knees' and expressed his support for Hamas and Hezbollah

MUST WATCH: Anti American chants and speeches broke out at a Hands Off Iran protest in Philadelphia.



A speaker claimed that everyone must stand in solidarity with the Islamic Regime of Iran because the Regime funds proxies who rely on them for their fighting capacity. pic.twitter.com/4krT0K8zHw  SurgePhilly (@Surge_Philly) March 24, 2026

Scales told the Daily Mail on Thursday: 'The protesters were advocating for the destruction of the United States of America.'

'The speaker exposed what has always been true about these protesters,' Scales added. 'They arent concerned with human rights. Their goal is to tear down the West and the United States of America.'

He claimed that he heard 'many chants about how US soldiers should be killed and the United States should be destroyed.'

'But not one about the thousands of Iranians killed by the Islamic regime,' Scales told the Daily Mail.

Scales claimed that the protesters 'worked very hard to stop me from recording what was happening.'

'They followed me, yelled into my microphone, formed human walls to impede my freedom of movement, and even spit on me,' he told the Daily Mail.

The protester he confronted was cloaked in a red hoodie and had his face obscured by what appeared to be a keffiyeh headdress.

Other demonstrators were also covered up in similar attire, carrying flags with inscriptions in Arabic and signs saying 'Amerika is the head of the snake' and 'Right to resist, right to return.'

In a follow-up post, Scales claimed the demonstration included members of groups such as Indivisible Philadelphia, Brandywine Peace Community, the Prayers for Peace Alliance and CODEPINK.

Independent journalist Frankie Scales, who covered the demonstration, told the Daily Mail that the protesters wanted to 'tear down the West and the United States of America'

The anti-America rally was condemned on Thursday by Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat.

'Truly appalling,' Fetterman wrote on X. 'These a**holes chanting [sic] for the death of our servicemembers.'

'Where's the Dem outrage and condemnation?' he asked.

Across the aisle, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz quickly responded to Fetterman.

'Very good Q,' Cruz posted, also calling the demonstration 'sick' in a separate post.

Conservative commentator Laura Ingraham also blasted the protest, calling the demonstrators 'traitors.'

'Denaturalization is the only option,' Ingraham said.

Florida Congressman Randy Fine echoed that, writing: 'Each and every one of these Muslim terrorists needs to be denaturalized and deported.'

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican, called the protests 'pure evil.'

The rally has been criticized by conservative lawmakers and figures on social media, with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman also condemning the protest

Even the Republican Party's official X account weighed in, calling it 'absolutely abhorrent.'

'Every single Democrat should condemn this,' the GOP account added.

The anti-America rally also drew attention within the Trump administration's Department of Justice.

'Get out!!!' Leo Terrell, the chair of Trump's antisemitism task force, said.

Scales has covered other pro-Iran, anti-America protests in Philadelphia since war broke out in the Middle East on February 28.

Earlier this month, the independent journalist posted footage of himself alongside a group of demonstrators.

In that clip posted March 3, one of the protesters appeared to spit a beverage at Scales, as he demanded that law enforcement intervene.

'The most disgusting thing I have ever experienced,' Scales said then.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pennsylvania Sens. Fetterman and McCormick for further comment.
An Iranian girl who went viral for recreating the 'Trump' dance on social media after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated revealed her cousin had died as she hit out at the regime.

On March 2, Moone Rahim, who describes herself on X as 'Your favourite Iranian baddie', shared a video of herself performing the famous Trump YMCA dance, which has garnered nearly 10 million views.

On Wednesday, she told her 92,000 followers that she had lost her 'beloved cousin,' last week, who 'would be alive if there was no Islamic regime.'

In a lengthy post on X alongside a baby photo of her and her cousin she added: 'This picture was probably the last time I was really happy in my life, before I realized where I was born and where I live.'

'The Islamic regime took everything I could have had: my freedom, my rights, my happiness, my youth, and so much more.'

The influencer, who lives in the US and is a PHD student in engineering according to her X bio, continued by saying she thought she would be happy in America, but instead is watching her hometown 'getting ruined' and her 'sisters and brothers getting murdered by the Islamic regime.'

'Every night one of us dies, and the whole world ignores us,' she added.

Rahim said that the world was turning a blind eye the plight of innocent Iranians, including children and pregnant women, who are 'dying just so the IRGC ideology survives.'

Moone Rahim shared a video of herself performing the famous Trump YMCA dance, which has garnered nearly 10 million views

Moone Rahim posted a baby photo of her and her cousin on X

Viral social media videos show jubilant crowds dancing on the streets, as well as individuals recreating the fist pumping move at home with friends

'They took our beautiful country, our lives, our families, and our freedom, and the whole world is just watching in silence,' she wrote before finishing with, 'Rest in peace, my brother.'

Rahim was one of many Iranians who to social media to share videos of them doing the famous 'Trump dance' in celebration after a joint US-Israel military operation killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei on February 28.

The videos showed jubilant crowds dancing on the streets, as well as individuals recreating the fist pumping move at home with friends.

Meanwhile, the Iranian regime has continued to crack down on its own people as the war rages on.

It was reported earlier this month that the brutal regime has begun rounding up civilians it claims are helping its enemies, while sending threatening texts to the population, warning those who take to the streets will face a 'blow stronger than January 8'.

Civilians have also received a constant barrage of messages with false claims about US deaths and impending victory, according to the Financial Times.

One message addressed to the 'people of Iran' said: 'The wicked enemy, desperate to achieve its goals in the battlefield, is once again seeking to instill fear and instigate street chaos'.

The text, sent by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence arm, added 'Internal traitors to the homeland' who take to the streets will face 'a blow stronger than January 8', the date the regime began its massacre on anti-regime protesters.

In a message on state TV, one regime figure said: 'Once the dust from all this sedition settles, we'll grab you by the collar, one by one,' addressing 'liberals, supporters of the west and those in love with Zionism and imperialism.'

'We'll make your mothers mourn for you,' he added.

Last week it was reported that Iran had arrested 500 people accused of sharing information with enemies, according to regime police chief Ahmadreza Radan.

Half of those cases involved serious incidents 'including people who provided information for hitting targets and individuals who took footage of strike locations and sent them,' he said without going into detail on when the arrests took place.

In January, weeks before the US and Israel launched the current war against Iran, there were widespread anti-government protests in Iran that were repressed in the deadliest crackdown in the Islamic Republic's history.

Authorities had blamed Israel and the US for fomenting what they said were 'violent riots' aimed at overthrowing the clerical establishment.

President Donald Trump, performs his 'Trump Dance' at a rally in 2025

Families and residents gather at the Kahrizak Coroner's Office in January confronting rows of body bags as they search for relatives killed during the regime's violent crackdown on protests

Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the unrest and attributed the violence to 'terrorist acts'.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), however, has recorded more than 7,000 killings, while warning the toll could be far higher.

The brutal crackdown also saw the deaths of more than 220 children, the agency said.

Other human rights organisations have tallied many more, and medical professionals have estimated that 30,000 could have been killed.

Last week, the regime executed three people who were accused of killing two police officers after taking part in the anti-regime protests.

Champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, 19, was reportedly killed in a public hanging along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi in the city of Qom last Thursday.
Ministers have officially vetoed plans for a Chinese firm to build the UK's largest wind turbine factory in Scotland.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said he was blocking Ming Yang's proposed 1.5billion facility at Ardersier Port near Inverness, which would have created up to 1,500 jobs.

In a written statement today he said the Government 'cannot support the use of (the turbines) in UK offshore wind projects ... we have informed offshore wind developers of this'.

The decision effectively kills Ming Yang's plan to build the UK's biggest turbine factory, sparking claims from First Minister John Swinney that the Labour government is 'sabotaging Scotland's industrial future'.

The decision came after a lengthy deliberation process, with trade minister Sir Chris Bryant saying in January that the UK had to be 'clear eyed' in its relationship with China.

And the chairman of Westminster's Business and Trade Committee, Liam Byrne, said 'over-reliance on China in strategic sectors leaves Britain exposed to coercion, disruption and unfair competition'.

Ministers and officials had been examining the potential national security implications around Ming Yang since it was linked last year to a supply deal for the Green Volt floating wind farm around 50 miles north-east of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.

Last year the UK Government intervened to prevent Jingye, the Chinese owner of British Steel, from shutting down the last two operational blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Ming Yang's plan for a wind turbine factory in Ardersier Port near Nairn have been blocked by the UK Government

Ardersier Port is located on the Moray Firth, near Inverness

First Minister John Swinney said the Labour government is 'sabotaging Scotland's industrial future'

The crisis raised questions about whether key UK industries should be allowed to fall under foreign control.

US Congressman John Moolenaar said China was 'a foreign adversary', while the Ministry of Defence also raised concerns about the implications of Chinese companies building wind farms for Britain.

The Chinese Communist Party dismissed the comments as 'baseless and discriminatory'.

Speaking at the SNPs Holyrood election campaign launch in Glasgow this morning, Mr Swinney said he had not been informed of the decision before it was announced.

Was I blindsided by this? Yes, I was, he said.

This has been kicking around in the UK Government, theyve had it for 18 months, and Ive heard on countless occasions theres going to be a decision this week, no theres not  and its gone like that for ages.

Ive been around and one of the advantages of being around long enough is that you know all the tricks in the book.

Dont tell me there was a coincidence that that announcement was made at the very end of the Scottish parliamentary session.

Thats not a UK Government acting in good faith and they no longer are acting good faith.

But Mr Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, had earlier said: 'Our Committee has consistently warned that in a more unstable world, where China has too often resorted to the tactics of economic coercion, we simply can't surrender control of our energy supply chain in ways that create the risk of new and unwise dependencies'.

Chinese firm Ming Yang said its plans could have led to 1,500 jobs - but they have been vetoed by the UK Government

A Ming Yang spokesman said the company was 'disappointed' but 'committed to supporting the UK's mission to become a clean energy superpower'.

Mr Swinney posted on X: 'Deeply disappointed that the UK Labour government has blocked Ming Yang's investment in our renewables industry  putting up to 1,500 Scottish jobs at risk.

'They are sabotaging Scotland's industrial future.'

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said Labour 'has pulled the rug out from under Scotland's renewables industry'.

Ardersier, a former North Sea fabrication yard, is being redeveloped and forms part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
UK police have been granted funding to continue investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann for another year - but the budget has been slashed.

The specialist Metropolitan Police team has been given 86,000 for Operation Grange for 2026/27, a drop from 108,000 in the previous year,

It brings the total cost of the missing persons inquiry to around 13.3 million since it was launched 15 years ago in 2011.

Home Office ministers have approved a request from the Met to continue funding the probe, called Operation Grange, through 2026/27.

Madeleine was three when she vanished from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve while on a break with her siblings and parents Kate and Gerry McCann.

The 19th anniversary of her disappearance will be on May 3.

Prime suspect and convicted rapist Christian Brueckner was released after serving a prison sentence in his native Germany last September.

He has never been charged with any crimes in connection with Madeleine.

Madeleine McCann, who disappeared while on holiday with her family in Portugal in 2007

Operation Grange consists of three police officers and one member of police staff who work on a part-time basis.

In 2024, one member of the team DC Mark Draycott, testified at Brueckner's trial and said he had taken a call from a man called Helge Busching who had named Brueckner as a suspect in the Maddie case.

Retired Metropolitan Police detective Peter Bleksley said he could see why families of other missing children could be "angry" at the news funding was being continued despite the lack of further leads.

He said: There will be parents of other missing children reading this and asking why the investigation into their child's disappearance has not had the same level of funding and attention.

There's possible confusion among them as to why there is still a dedicated team of officers looking at this. I can see why they would be angry when their child's case has not had the same level of resources.

You have to ask, what have these millions achieved? The answer, sadly, is nothing.

But another source said: The (McCann) family will be pleased that the funding has been granted for another year. They have always had high hopes Maddie will be found.

Fifteen years since Grange launched, they still hope and pray for positive news.

Pictured are Kate and Gerry McCann, who still have 'high hopes' their daughter will be found

Earlier this month it was reported Bruckner had moved into a flat yards from a primary school near his home town of Braunschweig.

Officers said his Brueckner's phone had pinged in the area on the night Madeleine disappeared.

German investigators say they believe Madeleine is dead but have no forensic proof tying Brueckner to the case.

Prosecutors have also pointed to evidence - including mobile phone data - indicating Bruckner may have been in the area when Madeleine vanished.

Breuckner, released from prison last year, remains a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance

Operation Grange began as an investigative review of existing files but later upgraded to a full investigation in July 2013, allowing detectives to pursue new lines of enquiry alongside Portuguese and German authorities.

The Metropolitan Police drew up an initial list of 60 people of interest, 38 of whom it began investigating  but Portuguese authorities only allowed them to search one of three sites they had requested.

Last year, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said Bruckner remains a suspect for us in Madeleines case  which is still being treated as a missing person inquiry.

A Home Office source said Operation Grange was an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police but declined to comment further.

Last month, Channel 5 confirmed that they have commissioned a Madeleine McCann drama series that will focus on her mother Kate.

Actress Laura Bayston, who played Babs in season two of BBC's Killing Eve, has taken on the role of Madeline's mum for the new 90-minute film called Suspect: Kate McCann.

This is the first time that the missing case of Madeline has been made into a drama  although there have been many documentaries made for various television channels.

The McCanns are reportedly aware of the film but 'not involved editorially.
A female Pokemon shop worker was stabbed to death in Tokyo by a man who then killed himself.

The woman, in her 20s, was stabbed in her neck at 7.16pm local time (10.16 GMT) in a commercial complex by a man also in his 20s, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said on Thursday.

Both were pronounced dead at a hospital within an hour, police added.

Broadcaster TV Asahi said the woman was a staff member of the Pokemon Center store in the building and the perpetrator was wielding knives in both hands.

The motive remains unclear, local media reported.

Videos posted on social media showed shoppers running away from the site as ambulances converged on the building, located just a few hundred meters away from the Ikebukuro terminal, one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo.

A man in his 30s, who saw security guards and police officers running frantically inside the facility, told local media: 'I was shocked that an incident occurred in a facility frequented by families.

'It's frightening to think that I could have been caught up in it.'

A female Pokemon shop worker was stabbed to death in Tokyo by a man who then killed himself

Videos posted on social media showed shoppers running away from the site

Broadcaster TV Asahi said the woman was a staff member of the Pokemon Center store in the building and the perpetrator was wielding knives in both hands

Videos posted on social media showed ambulances converged on the building, located just a few hundred meters away from the Ikebukuro terminal, one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo

A 21-year-old female office worker from Nerima Ward who visited the store added: 'Many customers were running out of the store. If I had come a little earlier, I might have been caught up in it too.'

A spokesperson for the Pokemon Co, which operates about two dozen stores in Japan selling merchandise from the popular franchise, was not immediately available for comment.

Strict gun controls in Japan mean knife attacks are a more common form of public violence, with multiple stabbing incidents on trains and at railway stations in the past few years.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
A female police officer in Massachusetts was arrested with her husband and charged with child rape after recently being suspended.

Plymouth Police Officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, and her husband, Daniel Forand, 37, were arrested at their home on Thursday, after allegedly raping a boy repeatedly starting when he was just 14 years old, according to court documents cited by the Boston Herald.

Pelrine faces three felony counts of aggravated child rape with force and one count of aggravated statutory rape of a child.

Forand was hit with 20 charges, including rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for crimes that allegedly occurred from 2018 to 2025, according to the accuser.

After their arrest, the couple pleaded not guilty at their arraignment in the Plymouth District Court, where a cash bail was set at $10,000 for Pelrine and $25,000 for Forand, which they posted.

Defense attorneys for the couple declined to comment after the proceeding.

The officer was recently placed on paid administrative leave on March 17 after the alleged victim disclosed the sexual abuse accusations in a handwritten affidavit, according to the New York Post.

'We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the allegations. We hold our officers to the highest of standards and expect them to uphold their sworn duty both on duty and off,' the Plymouth Police Department said in a statement.

Plymouth Police Officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, was arrested at her home on Thursday, after allegedly repeatedly raping a boy

Daniel Forand, 37, Pelrine's husband was also arrested and was charged with 20 charges, including rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for crimes that allegedly occurred from 2018 to 2025, according to the accuser

'Our primary mission is to safeguard the public's trust and uphold the law. We value human life, fairness, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. The conduct alleged is in violation of our values and of our basic principles as a police officer to serve and protect.'

The accuser, now in his twenties, said that his grandmother and aunt raised him untill he was 12 and was then handed over to his aunt's 'church friends Daniel Forand and Samantha Pelrine...' he wrote in an affidavit cited by the Boston Globe.

After a year, the couple became his legal guardians, and the alleged abuse began shortly after, continuing to 2025.

'Shortly after they became my guardians, they both sexually assaulted me until 2025 and physically assaulted me until 2026,' the alleged victim wrote.

He claimed that only the husband physically assaulted him.

The accuser moved out of the couple's home in Plymouth in February.

Jim Duffy, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney, said in court that, 'The allegations are that the sexual abuse started when he was 14 years old and continued up until last year, another term for that is "grooming."'

The police officer was pictured crying during her arraignment on Thursday afternoon where she pleaded not guilty

Forand also pleaded not guilty and his attorney argued that the accuser was a 'troubled young man' who made the allegations after the couple told him he needed to move out of their home

During the arraignment, Pelrine's attorney asserted that the alleged victim had previously made a false accusation of sexual assault against another person while in high school, according to CBS News.

Forand's attorney describes the alleged victim as a 'troubled young man' who made the allegations after the couple told him he needed to move out of their home.

'He had accused someone falsely of sexually inappropriate behavior when he was in high school,' said Pelrine's defense attorney Joseph Krowski Jr.

The officer and Forand are expected back in court on June 8 for a probable cause hearing.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pelrine's and Forand's attorneys for comment.
An airline check-in girl has admitted helping a crime gang smuggle millions of pounds through Manchester Airport to Dubai so she could splash the cash on designer goods and a boob job.

Emma Rauf, 33, who worked for Emirates, changed her plea to guilty after initially denying one count of entering into a money laundering arrangement to remove cash from the UK.

Bolton Crown Court heard she abused her position at the airline's check-in desk to waive hundreds of pounds of excess baggage fees for couriers who smuggled large amounts of used bank notes hidden in clothes in suitcases to the UAE city.

Over nearly two years, from December 2017, the gang allegedly moved up to 30 million from the UK to Dubai via a series of flights, with mules taking up to five suitcases at a time.

The jury was shown videos allegedly sent by Rauf to relatives showing off a Louis Vuitton handbag, Valentino shoes and a diamond ring and Rolex watch inside a Bentley.

They also heard messages that showed Rauf allegedly had cosmetic breast surgery paid for by her role in the crime.

Bill Baker KC, prosecuting, said Rauf was prepared to risk her job at the airline to 'enjoy the lifestyle' that was brought by commissions on the laundered cash.

He said: 'The lure of designer goods and expensive watches was no doubt her motivation for involving herself in very serious organised crime.'

Check-in worker Emma Rauf, 33, admitted helping move between 14million and 30million on Emirates flights from Manchester

The jury was shown videos allegedly sent by Rauf to relatives showing off items such as a Rolex watch

Ben Royle's partner Phoebe Adamson (pictured) was left terrified after three men in ski masks tried to break into his flat where he had stored 500,000, jurors were told

Mr Baker said couriers failed to declare any of the cash at Manchester and Birmingham airports, despite a legal requirement to do so for sums of over 10,000 Euros.

Some of the sums, which varied from about 100,000 to 667,949 were declared upon arrival in Dubai, where there are no checks as to the origins of the money, before it was paid into bank accounts to launder the cash.

Mr Baker KC told the court that the total amount of declarations made to Dubai customs by the couriers was just under 14 million over more than 135 return flights.

Mr Baker said: 'When (Rauf) was working on the check-in desk for flights to Dubai, she checked in her co-defendants without requiring them to pay for their excess baggage.

'When she was not working on the check-in desk, she asked her colleagues who were working, to check in her co-defendants without paying for their excess baggage.'

The court heard that Rauf, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, also flew to and from Dubai eight times over a period of just five months, but never declared any cash upon arrival.

He said: '(The group) probably took out up to 30m as just over half was not declared and, on non-declared flights, they still took suitcases and phone messages showed there was money but some of it was not declared.'

This image which was shown to the jury allegedly shows a Louis Vuitton handbag stuffed with stacks of cash

Pictured: Phoebe Adamson and Ben Royle

The jury was shown videos allegedly sent by Rauf to relatives showing off items such as a Rolex watch

The money involved came from major organised criminals involved in the supply of drugs in the north of England, the court heard.

The jury was told the alleged ringleader, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now believed to be in Dubai after he failed to attend the trial.

He allegedly made 30 return trips to Dubai himself before recruiting others, who were often flown out in business class seats and treated to visits to high-end nightclubs and restaurants, including Salt Bay, which serves steaks with gold leaf.

In one 24-hour period alone a total of more than 1.6 million was smuggled by three couriers, the court heard.

'(The organiser arranged for) the defendants to pick up huge sums of cash generated by crime in this country and smuggle it to Dubai,' Mr Baker said.

'They smuggled the cash hidden in clothes in suitcases they carried onto commercial flights.

'None of the cash was declared to the authorities in this country on leaving as the law required it to be.

Heather Jeffrey, 58, (pictured) is on trial for flying out some of the cash

Sheldan Noel, 30, (pictured) and Lamara Noel, 34, all from Bradford, are also on trial for allegedly flying out some of the cash

'On arrival in Dubai some of the cash was declared to the authorities, as they carried out no investigation of where it had come from.'

But the operation began to unravel after some of the money was discovered and seized before it left Britain.

A total of 788,455 in cash was seized at UK airports, prompting a major probe by the National Crime Agency.

Mr Baker said the operation also brought major risks to Rauf's family after some of the money went missing while under her control.

Rauf's brother Ben Royle, 31, formerly of Wilmslow, and his friend Sheikh Jobe, 33, from Manchester, have also pleaded guilty to money laundering and are due to be sentenced at the end of the trial.

The court heard Royle's partner, Phoebe Adamson, who is not implicated in the offending, was left terrified when three men in ski masks tried to break into his Manchester flat, where he had stored 500,000, while she was there alone.

Rauf's parents' home was also shot at after 406,500 left in the boot of her car on the drive was stolen overnight.

Mr Baker said the criminal owner of the missing cash ordered Rauf and her brother to take lie detector tests to try to find its whereabouts and warned them whoever took it would get a 'bullet through the head.'

When Rauf refused, several bullets were fired through the front door and lounge window of the family home, in Hale, Cheshire, by a man on a motorbike.

Rauf was later seen taking 'full' bags to a safety deposit box in Manchester City Centre, the court heard.

Alleged couriers Sophie Logan, 30, from Dubai but formerly of Derby, Devanyl Graham, 26, from Dewsbury, plus Heather Jeffrey, 58, and her children Sheldan Noel, 30, and Lamara Noel, 34, all from Bradford, are all on trial for allegedly flying the cash out of the UK.

The trial continues.
Furious Republicans stormed out of a classified briefing on Iran on Wednesday amid fears the US is preparing to invade the country as Tehran refuses Donald Trump's peace overtures.

With almost 7,000 US ground forces deploying or en route to the Middle East - including from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and the Marines - speculation is swirling about Trump's rapidly developing plans for the war.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace walked out early, venting that 'we were misled,' while pro-Trump committee chair Mike Rogers warned 'we're not getting answers,' as Pentagon chiefs briefed the House Armed Services Committee, sparking fireworks on Capitol Hill.

Now, a Daily Mail source inside the room has revealed stark new details, including a shifting set of objectives separate from those publicly touted by the administration.

'We were told nukes were not a military objective,' they said, noting how the Pentagon has repeatedly stated they were.

It marks a stark shift from the four goals the White House has publicly stated: destroying Iran's missiles, navy, armed proxies, and nuclear capabilities.

It comes as Trump extended his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy plants by 10 days to April 6, after saying peace talks are 'going very well' on Thursday.

The lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, urged the White House to answer questions about Kharg Island, Iran's crucial oil export hub; its nuclear material; and regime change.

The lawmaker said that the White House must answer for its plans, particularly regarding Kharg Island and troops on the ground.

The answers are 'jaw-dropping' and 'will blow your brains out', the lawmaker said.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace told reporters she was 'misled' about the war after she exited the meeting on Wednesday

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26

However, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly disputed the lawmaker's comments and told the Daily Mail, 'This is completely false.'

She added: 'The United States Military has four distinct goals in Operation Epic Fury: destroy Irans ballistic missile capacity, annihilate their navy, ensure that terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region, and guarantee that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.'

Iran has begun reinforcing Kharg Island for a potential US ground invasion by laying traps such as anti-personnel and anti-armor mines along likely landing zones.

The island, responsible for the processing of 90 percent of Iran's oil exports, lies deep inside the Persian Gulf, and its capture would represent a major strategic shift in the war.

US officials have warned the administration that a ground operation to seize the island would carry significant risks, including the potential for high numbers of American casualties.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rogers was uncharacteristically agitated after leaving the briefing, stating that he had few details about the direction the war is heading.

'We want to know more about whats going on,' Rogers, an Alabama Republican, said. 'Were just not getting enough answers.'

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi felt the same after his own briefing.

'I can see why he might have said that,' Wicker told Politico of Rogers's comments.

Mace wrote on X: 'The justifications presented to the American public for the war in Iran were not the same military objectives we were briefed on today in the House Armed Services Committee.'

One lawmaker suggested to the Daily Mail that Iran's Kharg Island will be important to the war's next steps

Join the discussion Would YOU support a ground invasion based on unclear objectives?

Department of War officials briefed lawmakers, but the members were not satisfied with the answers from Pete Hegseth's lieutenants

A plume of smoke and a fragment of concrete rise from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the eastern outskirts of Tyre, in southern Lebanon, on March 24, 2026

2,000 troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne unit, pictured above during the Iraq war, are en route to the Middle East

But at least one of the new objectives, regime change, aligns with Israel's stated war aims. Trump has not mentioned regime change in his public messaging since the early days of the conflict, and it features nowhere in the White House's official goals.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has three goals: eliminating Iran's ballistic-missile stockpile, ensuring Tehran cannot develop a nuclear warhead, and fostering an environment within Iran for civilians to overthrow the Islamic regime.

On Wednesday, Iran flatly rejected a 15-point peace plan presented by the US.

The Republican walkout lays bare the fractures in the GOP over the Iran war, with skepticism growing among lawmakers about the timeline, scope, and purpose of the prolonged assault.

Members also expect the White House to submit a request for additional funding for the Pentagon.

The estimated price tag is $200billion, roughly a fifth of the entire Pentagon's annual budget.

'As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,' Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.

'Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,' he added.

Tehran has said it is not engaged in talks with Washington and Trump has not identified who the US is negotiating with in the regime, with many high-ranking officials killed in the war.

On March 23, the US President announced a halt to all threatened strikes against power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, but has now extended it to 10 days.

The Islamic Republic has said it would return strikes on energy facilities in the Gulf region if Trump follows through with his threat.
President Donald Trump on Thursday revealed the mysterious 'present' given to the United States from the Iranians that the US is negotiating with to try to end the war.

'You know I told you about a present, right? Steve, can I reveal the present?' Trump asked.

Trump was holding a Cabinet meeting, one that stretched for nearly 100 minutes, and asked his special envoy Steve Witkoff if he could divulge how the Iranians the US was in contact with proved they were legitimate.

'You can do anything you want, sir,' Witkoff replied.

Trump said the Iranians wanted to show 'we're real and solid and we're there.'

'We're going to let you have eight boats of oil. Eight boats. Eight big boats of oil,' he explained. 'And they'll sail up tomorrow.'

The President said he was watching Fox News when he saw a report about eight boats 'going right up the middle of the Hormuz Strait.'

'And actually, they then apologized for something they said and they said we're going to send two more boats. And it ended up being 10 boats,' Trump added.

President Donald Trump revealed the the mysterious 'present' given to the United States from the Iranians the US is negotiating with to try to end the war during his Cabinet meeting Thursday

President Donald Trump put his special envoy Steve Witkoff on the spot during Thursday's Cabinet meeting, asking Witkoff, who is leading negotiations alongside Jared Kushner, if he could reveal the Iranians 'present' to the administration

He then turned back to Witkoff, who has been handling negotiations with Iran alongside the President's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

'I hope I haven't screwed up your negotiations,' Trump joked.

'But I thought it was appropriate to say, as I did taunt you the other day by saying they're going to give us a present,' the President told reporters.

On Tuesday, during a swearing-in ceremony for new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Trump had teased that the Iranians the US was negotiating with had given the administration a gift.

'They did something yesterday that was amazing. Actually, they gave us a present and the present arrived today and it was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money,' Trump said.

'And I'm not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize and they gave it to us,' he added.

Trump and other US officials haven't identified the Iranians they're reportedly talking to, with the President explaining why during his appearance Wednesday night at a dinner benefiting the National Republican Congressional Committee.

'And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it,' Trump said. 'Because they figure they'll be killed by their own people. They're also afraid they'll be killed by us.'

Join the discussion Can Trump successfully negotiate with Iran?

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff (center) speaks Thursday during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. Witkoff pushed that before the Iranian strikes, the Iranians were not negotiating in good faith

'There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran,' Trump joked.

Over the past few days, members of the Islamic Regime have denied that negotiations with the US are ongoing.

At the same time, some Republicans are Capitol Hill stormed out of a classified briefing on Iran Thursday amid fears that the US could invade Iran if diplomacy goes nowhere.

During the Cabinet meeting, Witkoff turned to the cameras to assure the American people that the Iranians - before Trump ordered the strikes - had not been negotiating in good faith.

'I have no doubt that we exhausted all efforts on behalf of a peaceful resolution,' Witkoff said. 'Jared and I both agreed that the Iranians were there to buy time until a weaker President arrived.'
An 83-year-old US Air Force veteran has died days after a man shoved him onto New York City subway tracks.

Richard Williams was enjoying his usual errands on March 8 around 11.30am in the Upper East Side, when the alleged suspect, Bairon Hernandez, 34, pushed the elderly man onto the tracks while he waited for the F and Q trains at the Lexington Avenue-63rd St. station.

Just moments before, Hernandez sent another man, John Rodriguez, 30, flying onto the train tracks, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said.

Rodriguez helped Williams off the tracks, while bystanders guided them back onto the platform just before a train came speeding into the station.

Hernandez, who is originally from Honduras, fled the scene but was arrested early Tuesday morning at a shelter in Brooklyn after police received a tip, authorities said.

Williams succumbed to his injuries on March 17, The New York Post reported. A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Hernandez has had his charged upgraded to second-degree murder, according to court records.

'We have no comment at this time,' Hernandez's attorney Mitchell Schuman said. 'We have yet to see the indictment, concluded our investigation or reviewed the expected voluminous discovery materials.'

Richard Williams (pictured), an 83-year-old US Air Force veteran has died days after a man shoved him onto New York City subway tracks

Richard Williams was enjoying his usual errands on March 8 around 11.30am in the Upper East Side, when the alleged suspect, Bairon Hernandez (pictured), 34, pushed the elderly man onto the tracks while he waited for the F and Q trains at the Lexington Avenue-63rd St. station

The American Border Story, an initiative to bring attention to the crisis at the border, mourned Williams' death and slammed open border policies.

'This case is a direct indictment of failed policies that allow dangerous individuals to repeatedly reenter our country and remain on our streets. Sanctuary policies and a refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement have real, deadly consequences,' a spokesperson said in a statement.

'Richard Williams should still be alive today. Leaders who continue to obstruct immigration enforcement have blood on their hands and must be held accountable.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for comment.

Williams' daughter Debbie, who has declined comment on her father's passing, previously told The Daily Mail that she was 'wishing for a miracle.'

Debbie also said she would 'love to meet the man who saved him,' referring to Rodriguez.

Rodriguez's current condition is unknown.

When asked how she feels about Hernandez being arrested, she said: 'I hope he burns in hell.'

Williams succumbed to his injuries on March 17

Williams (left) is seen on the train platform just moments before the alleged assailant, Bairon Hernandez (right), pushed him onto the train tracks and fled the scene

The day it happened, Debbie said her father was out enjoying his usual shopping spree 'like he always does,' Daily News reported.

'Now none of that is probably going to happen again. He goes wherever he wants to go. He's very healthy for an 83-year-old man that's going to be 84.

'There's absolutely nothing wrong with him. So for this whole thing to happen, it's a real sin.'

Samantha Loria, Williams' granddaughter, echoed Debbie's heartbreak, adding that her grandfather has survived horrible events in the past.

'The hardest part is I can't have a conversation or hug him again,' Loria told CBS New York.

'Any time I visit him, we walk around. We would go to Manhattan. He would always say hi to everyone, ask how they're dong. It doesn't hurt anything to be kind.

'He loves to walk. He survived a fire, cancer recently, and all he wanted to do is walk,' she stated.

Loria added: 'Thank God there wasn't a train coming.'

John Rodriguez (pictured), 30, was pushed onto the tracks just before Williams was. He helped get the elderly man to safety, and now Williams' daughter, Debbie, wants to meet him, she told the Daily Mail

Police posted images of Hernandez around the city and offered a $3,500 reward for information leading to his arrest

Before the attack, Debbie said her father was very active and healthy.

'He's an incredible man. He likes reading. He likes walking,' she said.

Williams, who has three daughters and two granddaughters, just recently celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary, she said.

He previously had a career in making bulletproof equipment and lives on Roosevelt Island, she told the outlet.

On Monday, Rodriguez told ABC 7 he is scared to ride the subway again after what happened.

The Queens man was on his way to work when he was shoved onto the tracks with Williams, he said.

'I panicked, I started asking for help, not only for me but for the other man that was pushed,' Rodriguez, who's been left in an arm sling, told the outlet.

Dramatic footage Rodriguez recorded after he was pushed showed Williams on the platform just before the suspect, seen next to him, shoved him.

As that happened, a good Samaritan was seen trying to help bring Rodriguez to safety, police said.

His shoulder and neck were injured, and he also developed a fever after the incident, the young man revealed.

'I get panic attacks just thinking about getting on the subway,' he added.

The footage helped police track down Hernandez after they posted images of him around the city and offered a $3,500 reward for information leading to his arrest.

He has been charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and reckless endangerment, police said.

Rodriguez, who lives in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, does not have a prior record in New York.

Williams and Rodriguez do not know their alleged attacker or each other.

It is unclear when Hernandez is due in court. The Daily Mail contacted the NYPD for comment.
The lead attorney in the $3million social media addiction ruling against Meta and Google has hailed the verdict as a tipping point in the behaviour of technology giants.

The first-of-its-kind lawsuit saw the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman referred to only as K.G.M. or Kaley, accuse the tech giants of intehttps://podfollow.com/the-trial/tionally getting her hooked on their platforms.

Speaking to the Daily Mail's The Trial podcast, Kaley's lawyer Matthew Bergman, founding attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) who are representing hundreds of plaintiffs in state and federal proceedings, declared himself 'humbled' by the verdict.

Kaley started using YouTube at six, downloading the app on her iPod Touch to watch videos about lip gloss and an online kids game. She joined Instagram at nine after getting around a block her mother had put in place to keep her off the platform.

After more than 40 hours of deliberation across nine days, California jurors decided the tech giants were negligent in the design or operation of their platforms.

The jury also decided each company's negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to Kaley, who alleged her use of social media as a child addicted her to the technology and exacerbated her mental health struggles.

Mr Bergman said that the significant damages awarded were the only way to get the attention of social media companies.

'This is how you get their attention. I mean, how many times have their executives been excoriated before Congress?' he said.

Meta CEO and Chairman Mark Zuckerberg (center) leaves the Los Angeles Superior Court after testifying in the landmark social media addiction trial on February 18, 2026

'They don't seem to care how many bad expose articles have come out in the press. They don't care. The one thing they seem to care about is money. So this is how we change their behavior.'

https://podfollow.com/the-trial/He added: 'We have thousands of cases filed, so it starts getting to a point where the companies are going to have to decide, "Is it cheaper for us to keep litigating these case, or is it cheaper for us to actually make our platform safer and actually implement some design changes that we know are easily accomplished?"

'We're hopeful that as we increase the litigation pressure, the platforms will start taking larger and larger steps toward making their platform safer.'

Mr Bergman also paid respect to Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life after being bombarded with AI content online.

He said: 'I keep thinking of Molly Russell, and she really started this. And her father, Ian, really started this across the pond in the UK.

'That was the first time that a social media company had ever been called to account for causing, in Molly's case, such a terrible outcome in a in a beautiful young child. I feel Molly must be smiling right now.

'In Kaley's case a young woman was severely victimized by social media, but thank God she's still with us and she's still able to move on with her life. In so many cases that's not what we have.

'Thinking about what Ian went through for those five years provided me with inspiration and hope that justice can, and not always, but sometimes does prevail.'

Jurors found that both companies knew or should have known their services posed a danger to minors, that they failed to adequately warn users of that danger and that a reasonable platform operator would have done so.

Jurors assigned Meta 70 percent of the responsibility for Kaley's harm - a $2.1 million share of the compensatory award - and YouTube the remaining 30 percent, or $900,000.

The multi-million-dollar verdict will grow as the jury decided the companies acted with malice or highly egregious conduct, meaning they will hear new evidence shortly and head back into the deliberation room to decide on punitive damages.

The landmark ruling comes just one day after Meta was ordered to pay a penalty of $375 million after a New Mexico jury determined the firm knowingly harmed children's mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms.

Mr Bergman sung the praises of the whistleblowers within the tech world that have spoken out about practices within the industry that encourage social media addiction.

'I think the only reason why these platforms were designed the way they are were is because the companies felt that they had no legal accountability,' he said.

Supporters of plaintiff Kaley hold signs outside the courthouse in Los Angeles as she takes the stand on February 25, 2026

Amy Neville, whose son Alexander died after buying counterfeit pills on social media, is embraced outside the Los Angeles court as she awaits the jury's verdict on Wednesday

Listen to The Trial of Social Media: Meta and Google DID cause harm - wherever you get your podcasts

'What we've seen in the documents, many of which were presented before the jury, is that within Meta, within YouTube, there are people of conscience that have reached out multiple times to C-suite and said "Look what we're doing to kids." Time and time again, those entreaties are rejected in favor of the almighty buck.

'Nowhere have I seen any document saying, "Well, gee, we might get sued." Now, those documents are being generated. Now they're having to fathom more than just a bad day of press or an embarrassing encounter in front of the United States senator.

'And now they have to look at impacts on their stock price and impacts on their profitability. And that hopefully will lead to some meaningful change.'

The jury was told not to take into account the content of the posts and videos that Kaley saw on the platforms because tech companies are shielded from legal responsibility for content posted on their sites under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act.

Despite the victory in court, Mr Bergman insisted this was not a 'ancing in the endzone kind of moment', with Google and Meta are both planning to appeal the verdict.

Asked about Kaley's response to the verdict, he said: 'She's very happy. She's not a person who wears her emotions on her sleeve.

'She's a very private person. It was very hard for her to go through this trial and to hear her mother excoriated, to hear her mental health brought in full view of everybody.

'She wishes she didn't have to do this. There's no there's no amount of money that would compensate. I mean, she lost her childhood. What's the cost of that?'

A Google spokesperson said: 'We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.'

Meta has been approached for comment.

For help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org
A beloved Nebraska weatherman who recently struggled with voice issues has been diagnosed with stage-four cancer, he heartbreakingly revealed.

Kent Boughton, the chief forecaster for News Channel Nebraska in Grand Island, is battling small cell carcinoma that he says has spread throughout his body.

Boughton, 68, has been battling illness since January when he lost his voice from suspected laryngitis.

He spent three weeks taking medication to treat the infection, but his voice remained raspy-sounding and strained.

His doctor then ordered a CT scan which showed that the left side of his vocal cords were paralyzed.

Further tests revealed that a cancerous tumor in his lung had grown against his left tonsil, paralyzing it and causing his voice issues.

'If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't have known I had cancer,' Boughton said Friday in a social media video disclosing his diagnosis.

'I spent my entire career telling you about storms, trying to save your lives, for crying out loud. Now I'm facing my own storm, my own inside tornado, if you will.'

Kent Boughton, the chief forecaster for News Channel Nebraska, revealed in a heartbreaking social media post on Friday that he is battling stage-four cancer

Boughton, delivering a forecast on NTV News, has worked as a meteorologist since the 1970s

Boughton, with his wife Marcie Ryan, has already completed one round of chemotherapy and has another scheduled at the end of this month

Boughton has already completed one round of chemotherapy and has another scheduled at the end of this month.

'It isn't an easy road for me. I am not walking it alone,' he told his followers.

'I have an incredible family base, amazing colleagues, and a community here in Grand Island, and the entire state of Nebraska...helping me out and supporting me.'

Boughton said he plans to continue working at the TV station, even if his voice is impacted by his treatment.

He vowed to 'fight to the end' and asked his fans to pray for him, just as they did when he drove his car into a semi-truck in 2009.

The meteorologist, who at the time was taking Chantix to quit smoking, crashed into the truck head-on after having taken an increased dose of the medication, as prescribed by his doctor.

He was freed from the vehicle with the so-called jaws of life and life-flighted to the hospital, where he underwent a four-hour surgery. His left hip and foot were shattered, and his left knee cap was broken in half.

'You supported me after my car wreck,' Boughton recalled in his video Friday. 'What was I doing? Driving a car into a semi. Seventeen years go  I survived that.'

Boughton crashed into a semi-truck head on in May 2009 and had to be freed from the vehicle with the so-called jaws of life

He was life-flighted to the hospital, where he underwent a four-hour surgery. His left hip and foot were shattered, and his left knee cap was broken in half

Boughton grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska and began working as a DJ at a local radio station when he was just 15 years old

He reminded his followers how for the last 50 years they have 'laughed' with him and 'stood by me through every forecast.'

'I don't need anything from any of you, except your prayers,' he continued. 'Your kindness, your prayers, your messages, they all mean everything.'

Boughton acknowledged his own mortality, but said he is not yet ready to give up.

'There is no barcode anywhere on my body that gives me an expiration date,' he said. 'That's pretty much true for all of us. We could all get run over by a car tomorrow.

'So I'm going to be here. Prayers last time got me through for 17 years,' he said, admitting that he probably doesn't have that long this time around.

He added: 'But I'm going to go as far as I can.'

Boughton grew up in Grand Island and began working as a DJ at a local radio station when he was just 15 years old.

He graduated from Brown Institute in 1977 and started his career as a sports and weather director in Idaho, before returning to Nebraska two years later.

The veteran Nebraska meteorologist married his second wife Marcie Ryan in October 2019

Boughton has two adult children and several grandchildren. The family is pictured together on Christmas last year

When he is not working, Boughton appears to enjoy hunting. He is also loves spending time with his family, traveling, and collecting rocks and antique beers cans

He worked at several TV stations across the Grand Island area and finally joined News Channel Nebraska last year.

He was married for 30 years to his wife Lori, who passed away in 2017. The couple shared a daughter Nikki and son Chad, both of whom still live in the area with their respective families.

Boughton remarried in October 2019. He and his second wife Marcie Ryan appear to be very involved in their grandchildren's lives.

When he is not working, Boughton enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and collecting rocks and antique beer cans, according to his KLKN TV biography. He also appears to enjoy hunting.
A controversial black comedian has sparked outrage online after donning prosthetics and whiteface to mock Erika Kirk's public appearances after her husband Charlie Kirk was fatally shot.

Drew Desbordes, or 'Druski,' posted a video where he was seen dressed in a blonde wig, makeup, a cross necklace and prosthetics to mock conservative women.

The video, captioned 'How Conservative Women in America act,' saw the 31-year-old comedian recreate and mock viral videos of Erika Kirk during her public appearances after her husband, Charlie, was fatally shot in September.

Kirk took on a large role in Turning Point USA, Charlie's non-profit that focuses on 'engaging' young college and high school students on conservative politics.

She faced waves of backlash following her husband's death, with many saying that her grief was appearing performative or disingenuous.

In the beginning of the video, Druski was seen dressed in a white pant suit while dancing on a stage with sparklers, a podium and an American flag.

Then, Druski holds a mock press conference during which he says: 'We're praying for all the soldiers and troops.'

'That's great that you're praying, but-,' a mock reporter began, while another interjects and asks about children dying in an attack by the US.

The video, captioned 'How Conservative Women in America act,' saw the 31-year-old comedian recreate and mock viral videos of Erika Kirk during her public appearances after her husband, Charlie, was fatally shot in September

Erika Kirk speaks during the memorial service for her husband Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona

Comedian Drew Desbordes, or 'Druski,' posted a video where he was seen dressed in a blonde wig, makeup, a cross necklace and prosthetics to mock conservative women

'It broke my heart,' Druski responded, in an exaggerated tone.

The clip cuts to him singing along to Katy Perry's 'California Gurls' while driving.

Druski was then seen holding a Bible while appearing on a makeshift podcast. The clip appears to emulate a viral video that saw Kirk looking directly into the camera while menacing music played, mocking the intense stare.

'In what ways have you grown closer to Jesus,' the mock interviewer asked.

'I serve a righteous God and that is why we say our prayers,' he answered. 'We are all his children. But when I say children, I mean the holy blessed trinity which is why I hold the Bible.'

Another clip of Druski appearing on the same stage plays before he was seen ordering at a coffee shop drive through.

'Sweet cream foam chai iced matcha and Bella will have all-organic pup cup,' he was heard ordering for himself and a dog, Bella.

'Yes, everything organic.'

Kirk took on a large role in Turning Point USA, Charlie's non-profit that focuses on 'engaging' young college and high school students on conservative politics

Druski was then seen holding a Bible while appearing on a makeshift podcast. The clip appears to emulate a viral video that saw Kirk looking directly into the camera while menacing music played, mocking the intense stare

Druski holds a mock press conference during which he says: 'We're praying for all the soldiers and troops'

A clip of Druski then mocking a viral video of Kirk dabbing away tears played before several videos were featured of him attempting Pilates.

The video cuts to Druski standing before a podium with a mock police officer, who is a person of color, is stood behind him.

'We have to protect all men in America, especially all white men in America,' he began with his hand over his heart.

The camera pans and zooms in on the mock-police officer, who begins to side-eye Druski.

'Those are the boys that we care about in this country, America is built on their backs. Because they are the ones who matter most.'

The whole video, posted on Wednesday, garnered more than 670,000 likes, 110,000 reposts and 13,000 comments.

However, many were outraged by the clip and plenty drew the conclusion that Druski was targeting Erika Kirk.

Join the discussion Where should the line be drawn on comedy?

A clip of Druski then mocking a viral video of Kirk dabbing away tears played before several videos were featured of him attempting Pilates

The video cuts to Druski standing before a podium with a mock police officer, who is a person of color, is stood behind him. 'We have to protect all men in America, especially all White men in America,' he began with his hand over his heart

One person wrote: 'Thought you were funny before. This is just disgusting.'

Another added: 'What a cruel, cruel, world we live in.'

While a third said: 'You might need your own security detail after this.'

And another wrote: 'Reverse the races and youre a racist  but youre black so you cant be racist right? The good part is I dont find it racist nor do any other white folks, were not professional victimswe just find it not funny, stupid, disgusting and cruel.'

Addressing the comic directly, one user said: 'Sir, you are a racist.'

Another critic wrote: 'How a pitiful misogynist acts in America.'

But others slammed those who were outraged by the skit: 'The same conservatives who claimed liberals cant take a joke are very offended by this (hilarious) video.'

Some felt the outraged reaction was hypocritical.

'Why is it only acceptable when comedians make jokes about the black community but the moment someone does something about a white person y'all cry wolf. Soft as baby s***,' another said.

'The same people who are mad about this, were all laughing and making memes of George Floyd when he passed away but this is somehow too far,' a user commented.

Turning Point USA declined to comment at this time.

This, however, is not Druski's first time donning 'whiteface' after he had himself made up in full 'whiteface' for an online skit in which he parodied NASCAR fans.

The comic was filmed walking around NASCAR's Southern 500 race in South Carolina in overalls, a mullet and even a fake sunburn, mingling jovially with cheerful white attendees and putting on a caricatured southern accent.

Druski had himself made up in full 'whiteface' for an online skit in which he parodied Middle American NASCAR fans

He performed an over-the-top parody of a white Southerner, loudly singing Born in the USA out the window of his car while driving and trundling out of a trailer while swigging a Monster

Druski - a friend of Justin Bieber's who was featured on the pop star's new album - donned a whiteface costume that featured an American flag hat and a smattering of fake tattoos, including one of the Stars and Stripes on his partly exposed chest.

He performed an over-the-top sendup of a white southerner, loudly singing Born in the USA out the window of his car while driving, trundling out of a trailer while swigging a Monster and jumping up and down while roaring with approval at the races.

The attendees of the NASCAR event were seen warmly welcoming him, drinking beer with him and - in the case of one older woman - perching herself in his lap.

In one of the sketch's more polarizing touches, Druski spat disdainfully on the ground whenever a black racegoer walked past him.

Fans flooded into the comments to praise the sketch, particularly the 'incredible work' of the makeup team behind Druski's physical transformation.

'This is Tropic Thunder levels of race swap. How did he make it look so good,' marveled one viewer as another wrote: 'Ngl your makeup artist needs a raise.'

'White guy here, this s*** is f***ing hilarious. If you're offended you're a p***y,' wrote another as another addressed Druski directly: 'You realize you have a full-length movie and theatrical run on your hands, don't you?'

Other commenters however were less impressed, such as one X user who wrote: 'Huh Id never heard of you before. Clearly I wasnt missing much. The spitting at the black fans wasnt funny at all, and most of it was a bunch of over the top stereotypes which can be funny if done right.'

He was totally unrecognizable as he vanished into the role, with not only a mullet, beard and overalls, but also a fake sunburn and tan lines

'Notice how no white folk acted like you were?' noted another. 'And WHY did you spit at the feet of black people? I wish you would go back and ask them how many times that happened that day -- you treated them worse than any white person did I assure you. Always have to invent the racism.'

'Would have been hilarious without the race baiting bulls***,' concurred another viewer as one wondered if people were 'allowed to do black face again?'

One NASCAR fan took the view that the sketch was 'Hilarious over all, though, I wish you hadn't spat at black race fans while disguised as a white Hillbilly (even if they are part pf the skit). This sport has worked hard to distance itself from its racist past.'
California Governor Gavin Newsom chose his words carefully when discussing Kamala Harris in a recent interview, but still left enough clues to suggest he believes 2028 is his moment, not hers.

Newsom and Harris have orbited each other politically for decades and are now widely tipped as frontrunners to lead the Democratic Party into the presidential race.

Both won elections in San Francisco in 2003, Newsom as mayor and Harris as district attorney. Harris ran for Senate in 2016, and then the presidency in 2020 and 2024, while Newsom held back until 2018 to run for governor.

'I also have known my relationship to that relationship - that when she goes, she goes first,' Newsom told Axios on Thursday.

'She's lived an extraordinary life,' he added, pointedly using the past tense.

Newsom was also pressed on an excerpt from Harris' bestselling memoir, released last year, in which she accused him of failing to return her call when Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

'I think it created some color for the book,' he said. 'It certainly helped her book sales - not my component part, but that book has done unbelievably well.'

Newsom said he texted her back and avoided direct criticism of Harris during the interview, but he did suggest her time for the big political swings may be over.

Gavin and Jennifer Newsom in a recent Instagram post

Former Vice President Kamala Harris talks with Rep. Lateefah Simon about her book, '107 Days' at the Henry J. Kaiser Center For The Performing Arts in Oakland, California, on March 3

'Kamala is an incredibly talented person who can do anything,' he said. 'She doesn't have to be anything anymore.'

Newsom said he would support Harris in whatever her next political role was.

'She's exceeded so many people's expectations - maybe not her own. And she may run for another office. She may run for school board,' he said.

The sparring comes as a new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll maps the early 2028 battlefield. Harris remains the frontrunner on 22 percent, down one point, while Newsom sits just behind on 19 percent, holding steady.

Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary under Joe Biden, has climbed to 11 percent, up one point and firmly in third. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recorded the biggest single jump, up three points to 8 percent and into fourth.

Newsom also admitted he had not actually read Harris' memoir in full.

'I did not fully read it. I've got it. I've read excerpts,' he said, before turning directly to camera: 'I admit, Kamala, I have not fully absorbed the book. I should, but I was more focused on getting [my book] out.'
A woman has been jailed for six years in Switzerland after shooting her lover dead while they had sex.

The 40-year-old claimed she pulled the trigger after he began to smother her, insisting she acted in self defense.

Judges accepted that she had been attacked and was defending herself, but ruled her response was disproportionate and went beyond what was necessary.

The woman was therefore found guilty of intentional homicide at Rheintal District Court on Thursday.

The court said there had been 'alternatives' to using lethal force, meaning her actions amounted to an excess of self-defence.

The woman told the court the sex had initially been 'completely normal', but claimed the man twice covered her mouth and nose during intercourse.

'I grabbed the pistol because he was choking me. I couldn't breathe at all. I was afraid I was going to die,' she said.

In early September 2023, the woman, from Hungary, met the victim, an Austrian man, at a table dance bar in Austria's Vorarlberg region, where she worked as a dancer.

The pair quickly struck up a relationship, exchanging numbers and speaking daily before arranging to meet at his home in Diepoldsau, eastern Switzerland, later that month.

A woman has been jailed for six years in Switzerland after shooting her lover dead while they had sex. Pictured: Where the crime occurred

She arrived at around 8.30pm, with prosecutors saying the pair spent the next two hours drinking heavily, talking and having consensual sex, moving between the bed and sofa.

At around 10pm, the man was lying on his back on the sofa with the woman on top of him when a loaded Glock pistol, kept unsecured on a nearby table, came within her reach.

She picked up the weapon shortly afterwards and fired a single shot into the left side of his head.

The victim suffered catastrophic brain injuries and went into respiratory failure.

The woman immediately tried to raise the alarm, searching online for the Swiss emergency number before calling a taxi driver and urging him to contact police.

'Lots of blood, call the police quickly,' she told him.

She later managed to dial emergency services herself, but despite efforts by first responders, the man died at the scene around half an hour after the shooting.

Prosecutors rejected her account that she had no choice but to fire, arguing she had several alternatives and did not need to use lethal force.

They said she could have resisted, struck him, or fired a warning shot instead.

Her defence team argued she acted out of panic and fear for her life.

The convicted woman must pay the mother of the victim 20,000 Swiss francs in compensation.
A serial thief who threatened to decapitate TV presenter Aled Jones and left a Bridgerton star traumatised after trying to steal her phone has pleaded guilty to another attempted robbery with a machete.

Algerian Zacariah Boulares, now 19, was armed with the weapon when he tried to steal a Rolex watch from Neil Tallantire.

The incident happened in broad daylight in Bayswater, west London, on August 19, 2023, six weeks after he had robbed Songs Of Praise star Jones.

The Welsh baritone was walking along Chiswick High Road in west London when Boulares, then 16, pointed a machete at his face, stole his 17,000 Daytona Rolex watch and threatened to cut off his head.

Boulares, the son of an Algerian patisserie chef, struck again in February last year when he was caught red-handed trying to steal Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour's mobile phone at a branch of Joe and the Juice on Kensington High Street.

Boulares, from Feltham, south London, will remain in custody until sentencing in June for the latest charges he has admitted.

'You must expect that on your return to court a substantial custodial sentence awaits,' Judge Weekes told him before he was led away from the dock.

Ms Chenneour said dealing with the trauma of the incident led her to consider leaving London.

Algerian 19-year-old Zacariah Boulares, who was 16 at the time, was armed with a machete when he tried to steal a Rolex watch from Neil Tallantire

Pictured is the moment Boulares is arrested by Met Police officers

On Thursday Boulares appeared at Southwark Crown Court to plead guilty to the attempted robbery of Mr Tallantire and possession of the machete, outside Waitrose in Porchester Road, Bayswater.

Dickon Edwards, prosecuting, said: 'This is a very serious offence. Mr Boulares was 16 at the time. He is now 19.

'The starting point is four years on the guidelines with a range of three to six years.'

Judge Mark Weekes asked the Crown Prosecution Service and Metropolitan Police why it had taken so long for the youth to be brought to justice over the August 2023 crime - despite spending some of that time in custody.

He said: 'The CPS and the police will need to provide a full explanation for how it has taken so long, not just for Mr Boulares' point of view but for Mr Tallantire,' he said.

'It has taken two and a half years, it's on CCTV, in broad daylight in London, and he must be bewildered about what's taken quite so long to bring this case to court.'

He said the CPS and the police would have until 9 April to provide an explanation.

The judge will consider a finding of dangerousness against Boulares when he is sentenced on June 19, and the court is also expected to be presented with psychological reports on him.

Pictured is the moment Boulares was caught red-handed trying to steal Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour's mobile phone on Kensington High Street

He also ordered a psychiatric report as Boulares claims he suffers from autism and possibly ADHD.

Judge Weekes told Boulares: 'I am going to remand you in custody as a consequence of your convictions on these matters. There are going to be reports completed on you. It is very important that you comply with those assessments and and are honest with the authors of those reports.'

In July 2025 Boulares was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Isleworth Crown Court for a string of crimes, including the attempt to steal Ms Chenneour's phone and a theft from a blind woman.

At the sentencing hearing Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, said Boulares had targeted wealthy areas for 'rich pickings', in a 'systematic pattern of stealing from people as they are enjoying a meal or refreshment at a restaurant'.

'You seem to be plagued by an attitude that if people can afford nice things, then you can take them,' he said.

'It's clear you are completely willing to use violence when challenged, and it's a matter of the deepest regret that individuals have been left feeling they don't want to come to London or they should leave London.'

The court heard that Boulares has already accumulated 12 convictions for 28 offences, including violence, threatening behaviour, weapon possession and theft.

Ms Chenneour had been waiting for her order at Joe and the Juice when Boulares came up behind her and reached out to grab her iPhone 14 from the side.

The court heard that Boulares has already accumulated 12 convictions for 28 offences

CCTV footage captured the moment Chenneour, bravely grabbed Boulares' shoulder during the attack and tackled the serial thief to the ground.

Her then boyfriend, scriptwriter Carlo Kureishi - who was assaulted and warned he would be stabbed - also helped pin the teen down.

Former professional athlete Chenneour's, who played Clara Livingston in the third season of the Netflix period drama, managed to take her phone back from Boulares before repeatedly hitting him with it in the posh cafe.

He admitted the theft of a blind woman's handbag at Five Guys in Thurloe Street, Kensington, and stealing another woman's rucksack as she dined at Pizza Pilgrims on Kingly Street, near Carnaby Street, in January and February 2025.

The attack on Mr Jones happened when Boulares was 16, when he could not be identified because of anonymity provisions in youth court proceedings.

Ealing youth court was told the teenager trailed the TV star along the road and pulled out a machete, shouting 'give me your Rolex or I will cut your arm off'.

After the robbery Boulares noticed that Mr Jones was following him from a distance, and he told him to 'walk the other way or I will cut your head off'.

He was sentenced to a 24-month youth detention and training order, having also admitted stealing a gold 20,000 Rolex from a 78-year-old man at Paddington station in west London in May 2023.

Boulares, from Feltham, south London, will remain in custody until sentencing in June for the latest charges he has admitted.

'You must expect that on your return to court a substantial custodial sentence awaits,' Judge Weekes told him before he was led away from the dock.
The rapist stalker who orchestrated the horrific acid attack on TV star and model Katie Piper has lost his bid for freedom.

Daniel Lynch, now 50, was jailed for life in 2009 for rape and for arranging the sickening assault that left the then 24-year-old with devastating burns and blind in one eye.

He enlisted teenager Stefan Sylvestre, then 19, to throw sulphuric acid at her face as she walked along a street in Golders Green, north London.

A judge at the time branded his crime an act of 'pure, calculated and deliberate evil'.

Lynch was considered for parole for the first time this week having served the minimum term of his life sentence.

The prospect of him being freed was said to have terrified mother-of-two and Loose Women star Katie, who was left needing hundreds of operations after the assault.

However, a document released by the Parole Board today outlined that Lynch should not be released.

He also himself admitted that he was not ready to return to the community.

The document said: 'The panel considered a large dossier of written evidence and it received oral evidence over a period of two full days.

'It noted that Mr Lynch had been involved in a dreadful attack with the use of life-threatening sulphuric acid against the victim.

Katie Piper (pictured) was aged 24 when Daniel Lynch plotted the attack in March 2008

Lynch (pictured), now 50, was jailed for life in 2009 for arranging the sickening assault that left the then 24-year-old model and presenter with devastating burns and blind in one eye

'The panel considered his actions to be clearly an act of revenge.'

The horrifying assault left Katie needing hundreds of operations after being left with severe burns and life-changing injuries.

She has appeared in documentaries about her recovery - including a landmark 2009 film 'Katie: My Beautiful Face' - and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.

In 2023, Katie said: 'I'm 40 this year. Am I going to die in the next 10 years?

'I don't actually know. The people that attacked me will be released. Are they going to kill me? I'm not sure.'

The document from the parole board noted that Lynch had served just over 18 years in prison and that he had done some work to 'address his risk factors'.

It continued: 'The panel concluded that Mr Lynch does not yet have the necessary controls to manage his emotions and direct his thinking skills in relationships.

'Mr Lynch has accepted that he is not yet ready to be released.

'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

Lynch was found guilty of rape and grievous bodily harm at Wood Green Crown Court in March 2009 and admitted actual bodily harm.

Sylvester was jailed for life with a minimum of six years for grievous bodily harm.

He was released in 2018 on licence and is believed to be living abroad after absconding.

Lynch was said to have become obsessively jealous after briefly dating Piper before the attack.

He and Sylvestre were told by Judge Nicholas Browne KC that they had 'planned and then executed an act of pure, calculated and deliberate evil'.

Lynch admitted his crimes for the first time when he was interviewed by the parole board.

He told the panel that he had subjected Katie to a 'terrifying ordeal', assaulted her and raped her.

Later in the hearing, the panel noted that Lynch had attempted to distance himself from the admissions he had made.

The case was considered at an oral hearing which took place over two days this month via a video link.

Mr Lynch indicated through his legal representative that he had hoped to be transferred to open conditions as a result of the review but this has also been rejected.

In reaching its decision, the panel considered the contents of Mr Lynch's dossier, prepared by the Secretary of State.

The panel also considered a victim personal statement which conveyed the impact of his crimes and the consequences of his offending.

The Parole Board report added: 'At the time of his offending, these risk factors had included his misuse of drugs and alcohol, his difficulties in managing extreme emotions and his poor coping skills.

'The panel noted poor decision making, a lack of victim empathy and Mr Lynch's insensitivity in relationships.

'Mr Lynch had a tendency to ruminate, a sense of entitlement and a fear of humiliation if he were to be the loser in any conflict.

'He was prepared to use violence, including sexual violence, including as a means of control.

'In this case, protective factors which would reduce the risk of reoffending were considered to be the family support available to Mr Lynch and his strong desire to better himself and to build a social network.

'Evidence was presented at the hearing regarding Mr Lynch's progress and custodial conduct during this sentence.

'He had undertaken accredited programmes to address his decision making and his use of violence.

'In 2018, he transferred to a specialist regime designed to help people recognise and deal with a wide range of problems.

'He was deselected from the regime 20 months later due to his poor behaviour and the managers of the intervention believed that he would have benefited from further work.

'Mr Lynch then engaged with an accredited programme to address his behaviour in relationships.

'He also engaged with individualised work in custody and he had worked hard in obtaining a considerable number of qualifications.

'Mr Lynch had completed work on victim awareness, conflict resolution and anger management.'
An ambulance was stolen from a hospital with a patient and a paramedic still inside as a man is arrested following a major manhunt.

The emergency vehicle was taken from outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday evening.

Staffordshire Police deployed a dog handler and force plane to find the ambulance which was eventually found at a petrol station on the A34 road near the village of Chesterton.

The alleged thief then attempted to flee on foot but he was caught by a police dog.

Both the patient and paramedic were uninjured during the ordeal.

The Stoke Sentinel reported that no keys were left in the ambulance at the time of the theft.

Today, police have arrested a 31-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent on suspicion of kidnap, vehicle theft, drink driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Police are now urging anyone with information to come forward.

The emergency vehicle was taken from outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday evening

Pictured: An ambulance outside Royal Stoke Hospital (file image). Staffordshire Police deployed a dog handler and force plane to find the ambulance which was eventually found at a petrol station on the A34 road near the village of Chesterton

In a statement, Staffordshire Police told the Daily Mail: 'A man has been arrested after an ambulance was stolen from outside Royal Stoke University Hospital last night.

'At about 8.15pm, we were called after a man got into an ambulance while it was parked at the hospital and drove off.

'A paramedic, a patient and another person were in the back of the ambulance at the time it was taken.

'Officers quickly caught up with the ambulance and followed it until the driver stopped on the Esso petrol station on the A34, at the junction of Liverpool Road and London Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

'A police dog and their handler searched the marshland near to London Road and found a man. He tried to run away but was stopped by our police dog.

'A 31-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, vehicle theft, drink driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He will be questioned in custody. No one from inside the ambulance was injured.

'Anyone with any information that can help with our investigation is asked to get in touch. Call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 743 of 25 March.'
Two people have been arrested in Oxford on suspicion of funding terrorism.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said a 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman remain in custody following the arrests on Thursday.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of arranging funds for the purpose of terrorism, contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000, police said.

CTPSE are being supported by Thames Valley Police as they carry out searches at an address in the city, the force said.

An increased police presence is expected in the Cowley area while searches take place.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said a 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman remain in custody following the arrests in Oxford on Thursday (Pictured: An aerial view of Oxford)

Superintendent Jen Hogben, of Thames Valley Police, said: 'Arrests of this nature can cause some in the community to feel concerned, however they form part of a pre-planned operation led by our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East and there is no immediate risk to the public.

'We will continue to offer support to CTPSE while their investigation continues.

'Residents living in the Cowley area may notice an increased police presence while search activity is ongoing.

'If there are any concerns anyone wishes to raise, please contact police.'
Donald Trump today described Britain's aircraft carriers as 'toys compared to what we have' in his latest swipe at the UK's lack of support for his war against Iran.

In yet another sign of the deep freeze consuming the transatlantic 'special relationship' the president lashed out at the Royal Navy's capabilities in a rant against US Nato allies.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, the US President said: 'The British said "we'll send our aircraft carriers" - which aren't the best aircraft carriers by the way, they are toys compared to what we have - "we'll send our aircraft carrier when the war is over". I said "that's wonderful, thank you very much - don't bother".'

He also said he was 'very disappointed' by the Prime Minister's decision at the start of the conflict not to permit the use of the UK-US Diego Garcia base to target Iran using 'that beautiful B2 bomber'.

The president's remarks come after Downing Street rejected Trump's previous claims that it offered to send either HMS Queen Elizabeth or the fleet flagship HMS Prince of Wales to the Middle East.

Sir Keir Starmer is becoming increasingly reluctant to allow the UK to be dragged into the conflict which has triggered a surge in energy prices.

However it comes at a time when the Royal Navy's ability to wage war and defend Britain is being thrown further into doubt, after we had to ask Germany for the use of a warship to keep a major Nato commitment.

Berlin has deployed the frigate Sachsen with a British officer in command as the flagship of an alliance maritime task group in place of HMS Dragon, which was sent to help defend Cyprus from Iranian attacks.

Defence Secretary John Healey was this morning unable to say how many of the Royal Navy's surface fleet of 17 frigates and destroyers is currently fit to fight, when grilled over the state of the service.

But he admitted he was 'not happy with the situation we have with British warships'.

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. He described Britain's aircraft carriers as 'toys' in his latest swipe at the UK

The US President's remarks come after Downing Street previously rejected Trump's claims that it offered to send aircraft carriers to the war. Pictured: HMS Prince of Wales

Trump also said that the Iranian attack on the Diego Garcia military base last week shows the capabilities Iran has.

He said: 'They shot at the now famous island, the island which the UK was really afraid to give us because they didn't want to get dragged in, well, we don't want to get dragged into their wars either.

'One thing we are very disappointed with is Nato because Nato has done absolutely nothing.'

Trump also took to social media to continue his attacks on Nato for failing to assist in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as the conflict nears its one-month mark.

Writing in a Truth Social post this morning, the president said: 'NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.

'The USA needs nothing from NATO, but "Never Forget" this very important point in time,' he added.

The US President's remarks about Nato and Britain come after he previously said that Sir Keir is 'no Winston Churchill' while fuming at the Prime Minister's reluctance to allow America to use British bases to launch attacks on Tehran.

Last week, the UK gave American forces the green light to run 'defensive' operations from its military sites, such as Diego Garcia.

Sir Keir also extended that to action, aiming to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz - amid mounting panic over choked off oil supplies.

However, the PM assured Cyprus that RAF Akrotiri will not be used for strikes.

Join the discussion Would YOU trust current UK leadership to handle this situation?

It came as Sir Keir again refused to say when he will reveal the much-delayed blueprint for increasing spending on the UK's Armed Forces, even as he warned of the threat posed by Russia to world peace.

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge told the Daily Mail the situation was 'a complete shambles'.

It also comes as Trump threatened Iran with devastating attacks unless it accepts a 15-point White House peace plan, possibly through indirect talks brokered by Pakistan.

Pakistan's top diplomat confirmed that those negotiations were ongoing as military activity continued to escalate.

Iran denies participating in any negotiations despite efforts by Egypt and other nations to assist, and has cemented its control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, using it as a pressure point for the world economy.

Israel, meanwhile, says it will press ahead with more attacks.

In an online post, Trump insisted Tehran was 'begging' for a deal and warned of further military escalation if one is not reached.

'They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!' he wrote on Truth Social.

The US President previously said that Sir Keir Starmer is 'no Winston Churchill' while fuming at the Prime Minister's reluctance to allow America to use British bases to launch attacks on Tehran

Israeli security forces cordon off the area following a projectile strike on south Tel Aviv on March 26, 2026

Since launching the war alongside Israel on February 28, Trump has vacillated among different stated objectives, including toppling the Islamic Republic, eliminating its disputed nuclear programme and degrading its missile capabilities.

Now he's focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passed before Iran effectively seized control of the waterway in response to the surprise US-Israeli bombardment.

Israel says it still hopes to foment an uprising against Iran's leaders.

Pakistan's top diplomat, Ishaq Dar, said indirect talks between the United States and Iran are still ongoing, publicly acknowledging Pakistan's role for the first time.

Pakistan, which borders Iran, is keen to restore regional stability and stem the war's impact on energy prices. By stepping in as a mediator, it positions itself as a useful US partner.

It has also joined Trump's Board of Peace, an initiative that grew out of the Gaza ceasefire.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
A pedophile who murdered a 13-year-old girl after getting her pregnant has died in prison in an apparent suicide, officials said.

Jarvis Butts, 43, was found dead in his cell at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, Michigan on Wednesday.

He was just two weeks into a 35 to 60 year sentence for the murder of Na'Ziyah Harris.

Prison staff said they 'provided life-saving measures which were unsuccessful' and noted that state police are investigating Butts's death as a suicide.

He pleaded guilty to murdering Harris in January 2024 after impregnating her and prosecutors said he targeted the young girl after previously having children with her aunt.

Butts was also sentenced to ten to fifteen years for sexually assaulting other children.

Prosecutors said Butts groomed Harris for two years before murdering her, finding that he often sent her sexually explicit texts and grew close to her family.

In the weeks before the murder, Butts searched online for abortions and abortion pills.

Jarvis Butts, the man convicted of killing Na'Ziyah Harris, 13, and sexually abusing multiple other girls, was found dead in his cell at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, Michigan

Butts was weeks into his 35-60 year sentence for the murder of Harris before being found dead in his cell on Wednesday

Harris was last seen on the morning of January 9, 2024, getting off a bus in Detroit.

Prosecutors said they uncovered text messages showing she met up with Butts on the day she disappeared.

'He was a classic and expert groomer and pedophile,' Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said when he was charged.

In September 2023, Harris allegedly text Butts to inform him she had missed her period and by November 2023 'the evidence shows Butts knows that she is pregnant.'

Worthy said: 'His phone records show that he searches online about abortions, abortion pills and drinking red anti-freeze.'

The prosecutor also accused Butts of targeting and befriending women with intent to have sexual contact with their young daughters in a sickening campaign of abuse.

As part of the investigation, police reportedly tracked Butts' movements to the Rouge River in Detroit the day after Harris disappeared.

Police later recovered the clothes Harris was last seen wearing from the area.

Prosecutors said Butts groomed Harris for two years before murdering her in January 2024 and grew close to her family by having children with her aunt

Harris's body has never been found, but as part of Butts' plea deal he was required to provide details about the location of her remains.

Worthy said after he pleaded guilty, 'one of the most important aspects of the plea agreement was giving NaZiyahs family some semblance of closure. The disclosure of the location of her body was crucial.'

Following his arrest for Harris's murder, he was additionally charged with sexually assaulting a number of other young girls aged under 13.

One of the victims, now 20, was abused between April 2012 and April 2014, Worthy said.

The second victim was abused between July 2015 and July 2017, prosecutors said.

The charges come after Butts was convicted for sexually assaulting two young girls in 2005.
A judge told a school fees fraudster who claimed to have anxiety and depression 'of course you do, you're a fraudster, that's an anxiety-making and depressing way to live' - as he jailed him.

Gareth Sowter, 51, and Kim Sowter, 46, who had been declared bankrupt, enrolled all four of their sons at the private St Edmund's College in Ware, Hertfordshire.

But from 2012 onwards, the pair, who are now divorced, never paid the prestigious school, where fees can be as high as 40,000 a year.

They fobbed off accounts managers pursuing them for the total 106,000 bill for years by insisting they would soon receive a cash windfall from a will.

When the inherited sum of 208,166 finally arrived in 2020, however, the couple refused to cough up.

The couple appeared at the Old Bailey in London where Ms Sowter admitted two fraudulent transfers of property and her ex-husband pleaded guilty to eight.

The judge noted medical reports which said Mr Sowter suffers from anxiety and depression - but dismissed them outright.

'I do not wish to sound unsympathetic but of course you do. You have been living the life of a fraudster for years,' Judge David Jeremy said.

Gareth Sowter, 51, and Kim Sowter, 46, who had been declared bankrupt, enrolled all four of their sons at the private St Edmund's College (pictured, file photo) in Ware, Hertfordshire

Judge David Jeremy (pictured) noted medical reports which said Gareth Sowter suffers from anxiety and depression - but dismissed them outright

'That is an anxiety making and depressing way to live your life. You have brought it all upon yourself.'

He was jailed for 26 months, with the judge telling him he used the money which should have gone to the school to 'live beyond his means'.

But his ex-wife avoided prison after she was handed an eight-month sentence suspended for 18 months.

The court heard part of the cash the couple said would be used for paying their children's school fees was instead spent on a holiday.

Mr Sowter, who is a convicted VAT fraudster, also funneled some of the money to family, friends and even one of his teenage sons to protect it from his creditors.

And more than 15,000 of the total windfall was paid to the solicitors who acted for him in his VAT fraud case, a court heard.

He had previously carried out a 367,812 VAT fraud over the course of three years.

Mr Sowter did so by inflating bills and forging bank statements to claim the money back from the taxman for a series of companies he ran.

In May 2021, he was given a suspended sentence of 24 months for these crimes.

But it would later emerge he had also been stashing the inheritance money away with family and friends just a month prior.

He gave 50,000 to his then-wife, who also sent 35,000 to a friend and 3,400 to her son to keep the cash out of the school's hands.

Judge Jeremy told him: 'You had been able to build up a large debt by fobbing off the school with stories of debts that had not been paid and assurances there were monies that were due to come to you.

'When you were finally able to honour your word and pay the school what it was owed for educating your children you decided not to.

'Instead you diverted the money to friends and associates in order to keep it to yourself.'

Mr Sowter, from Ware, Hertfordshire, claimed his previous VAT fraud was 'a poor decision' - but the judge said: 'It was not a poor decision.

'It was a long-term choice made over years to live well beyond your means, because as the pre-sentence report on you says you have a deep sense of entitlement.

'You also have a willingness to be dishonest to satisfy that sense of entitlement.

'Your sense of entitlement meant you thought you had a right to the finer things in life, even if you could not afford them.'

Judge Jeremy said fee-paying schools are 'a soft touch for unscrupulous parents'.

This is because, he explained, they operate on the basis of trust and are desperate not to expel children for non-payment of fees.

'The victim is not just the school. It is all the honest hard working parents who often make huge sacrifices to send their children there alongside yours,' the judge said.

Mr Sowter claimed he was trying to protect his sons - but Judge Jeremy disagreed.

'You did not protect your children but you gave them an education which has come from lies and fraud,' he said.

'The probation officer thought you only had remorse for yourself and so do I.'

Judge Jeremy said the pair's offences were aggravated by the fact they used their own son as a vehicle for their fraud.

He told Ms Sowter: 'You were used by your husband to commit these crimes at his direction but you knew what you were doing.

'You knew the way the school was being fobbed off and you knew of the VAT fraud.'

Ms Sowter thanked the judge and shook uncontrollably in the dock as her sentence was suspended.

Chris Wood, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 'When someone is declared bankrupt, the law requires any money or assets they have to be used to repay what they owe, not to be given away to family and friends.

'What makes this case particularly serious is that Gareth Sowter had promised the school he would use his inheritance to clear the debts and then did the precise opposite.

'Kim Sowter compounded that dishonesty by moving on the money she received, even using some of it for family holidays.

'Bankruptcy laws exist to ensure that creditors are treated fairly.

'Anyone who abuses those protections by fraudulently transferring assets should expect to face serious consequences.'
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed a mysterious drawing in his notepad during President Trump's Cabinet meeting early this morning: a large squiggle.

The bizarre doodle raised eyebrows, as it appears parts of his speech was scratched out. But the Secretary's words were far more pointed than his pen.

Delivering his speech on the ongoing conflict with Iran, Hegseth declared that 'Operation Epic Fury is not an endless war,' but rather a 'decisive campaign' that has already left the Iranian military 'in shambles.'

'Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralized,' Hegseth told the Cabinet. 'Overnight, not only do they not have a navy... they no longer have a navy commander.'

Eagle-eyed observers have long scavenged for clues in the margins of Cabinet notebooks and body-language, desperate for a glimpse into the administration's true agenda.

But while Hegseth's 'secret squiggle' remains a nondescript enigma, it follows a trail of high-stakes paper scraps.

Most famously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sparked a media firestorm in October when he dramatically interrupted a White House summit to hand President Trump an urgent, handwritten note regarding the Gaza peace deal.

'I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,' Trump told reporters gathered at the roundtable on Wednesday.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed a mysterious drawing in his notepad during President Trump's Cabinet meeting early this morning: a large squiggle

Delivering his speech on the ongoing conflict with Iran, Hegseth declared that 'Operation Epic Fury is not an endless war,' but rather a 'decisive campaign' that has already left the Iranian military 'in shambles'

'Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralized,' Hegseth told the Cabinet. 'Overnight, not only do they not have a navy... they no longer have a navy commander'

At another Cabinet meeting back in late January, Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff passed a written note to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. 'Putin' was the only word that could be made out in the scribbled text

Eagle-eyed observers have long scavenged for clues in the margins of Cabinet notebooks and body-language, desperate for a glimpse into the administration's true agenda

The frantically scrawled note was caught on camera. It read: 'Very close. We need you to approve a post on Truth Social soon, so you can announce the deal first.'

At another Cabinet meeting back in late January, Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff passed a written note to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. 'Putin' was the only word that could be made out in the scribbled text.

During the briefing today, Hegseth didn't hold back against the journalists in the room, accusing the press of ignoring the mission's reality.

'You wouldn't know it if you listened to the dishonest hate-Trump media,' Hegseth said. 'Behind every fake news story, there's an F-35 pilot executing a dangerous mission. My message to the media is, get it right.'

He claimed that the press was working 'hand in glove' with Democrats, just as they did during the Iraq surge in 2007. 'It's the same old pirate playbook, TDS [Trump Derangement syndrome] in your DNA,' he added, 'but the hard-working, God-fearing, patriotic Americans out there know better.'

In a particularly fiery moment, Hegseth linked the current targets of US airstrikes to the previous administration, claiming the US is now paying to destroy what it once 'funded.'

'Many of the Iranian military factories and bases that we're systematically destroying were paid for by the pallets of American cash that Barack Obama flew into Tehran,' Hegseth claimed. 'You might call it an inconvenient truth. Iran took our money and turned it into weapons and bunkers and ammo, and now we're destroying those weapons.'

Addressing the range of Iranian missiles, Hegseth issued a stark warning to the international community. After noting that Iranian missiles recently targeted a location 4,000 kilometers away, he pointed out the proximity of major Western capitals.

'To the world, I say, London is 4,000 kilometers from Iran. Washington, D.C. is 3,300 kilometers from Venezuela,' he noted, suggesting the global reach of the threat.

Hegseth concluded by making it clear that while the administration 'prays for a deal,' the military pressure will not let up until Iran's offensive capabilities are dismantled.
An LBC host was left speechless after a caller demanded people feel 'some empathy for people like me' after he said he feels poor despite earning 150,000-a-year.

John said he lives 'paycheque to paycheque' despite him and his partner bringing in a total of 230,000-a-year from their combined salaries.

And the caller, who lives in the Labour stronghold of Islington, claimed he should be able to claim benefits because of the high cost of living in London when he rang Tom Swarbrick's show on Tuesday.

Calling into the programme during a discussion about a proposed energy bailout, John said he had been forced to cancel his gym membership and could no longer afford to go to Waitrose for his shopping.

It came moments after the radio host had congratulated the caller on his income, sparking an angry response from John, who said: 'No it's not congratulations. I live in London. I feel poor. I'm not from a rich family.'

This left the normally outspoken LBC host speechless, with Mr Swarbrick throwing his pair in the air in disbelief at John's comments.

After explaining that he earns a whopping 150,000 a year on his own, the caller continued: 'You go into Waitrose these days and you literally spend 50 on just getting a meal.

'I had to cancel my gym membership.

'I am living paycheque to paycheque, right? Can barely save any money. So this idea that people like me who have worked our proverbials off and have apparently a good job, whatever that remains to be seen, shouldn't get benefits is ridiculous.'

Mr Swarbrick replied: 'So because you bring in 230,000 a year, you need an energy bailout when your bills go up by 30-something a month? Give it a rest.'

The LBC host looked exasperated and threw his pen in the air in disbelief at John's comments

John then said: 'No, no, no, this idea that you are wealthy because you're on an X salary, it's just the most reductive low IQ take, that's all I'm saying.'

Caller John demanded that even the wealthy needed help with the likely increase in energy bills because of the higher outgoings associated with a larger salary.

The radio host smiled in disbelief as the caller demanded an energy bailout, despite earning nearly four times as much as the average salary in the UK.

'I can't tell if you're joking with me or not... I can't tell if this is an entire charade,' Mr Swarbrick said.

John, insisted he was serious and asked the radio host, who works in London, if he had ever been to London.

Mr Swarbrick confirmed to the caller that he had been to London before - LBC Radio is based in Leicester Square in the capital.

Yesterday, Rachel Reeves said she would help 'working people' with their energy bills if prices soar because of the war in Iran.

The Chancellor has made clear any bailout for the Middle East chaos will be targeted, insisting she cannot afford to prop up the 'wealthy'.

Rachel Reeves boasted she is helping 'working people' with the energy crisis today - as she prepares to subsidise bills for millions of benefits claimants

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But the Treasury is not thought to be able to target specific incomes, meaning that support is expected to go to around six million people on handouts such as universal credit and pension credit.

Energy prices spiked after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after US-Israeli bombardment. Around 20 per cent of global oil goes through its key shipping lanes.

Analysts Cornwall Insight have forecast that the energy price cap could jump by 332 in the summer.

The RAC said the average pump price for diesel was now 173.83p a litre yesterday, up 3p on Monday and 31.5p since Donald Trump launched the war on Iran.

Meanwhile, petrol has risen by 15.7p to 148.55p a litre over the same period.
The Iranian hardliners running Tehran since Donald Trump killed the ayatollah are now ramping up calls to build a nuclear bomb as the regime claims it has one million fighters on standby for a US ground invasion.

Leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are now considering publicly pursuing a nuclear weapon in defiance of US-Israeli strikes.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the war, the IRGC hardliners have become a dominant force in the country. Trump claims to have wiped out Iran's hardline mullahs, but the Islamic regime is proving to be a hydra, with each new head tougher and more intent on vengeance than the last.

The regime has long denied it would pursue a nuclear bomb, with Khamenei banning nuclear weapons as forbidden under Islam. However, Western intelligence agencies have publicly stated that Iran has been secretly enriching and stockpiling uranium in pursuit of a weapon.

Tehrans leaders are now considering quitting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and scrapping their posturing on nuclear weapons altogether.

Sources told Reuters the relentless US-Israeli strikes have persuaded the regime it has nothing to gain by holding back from building a bomb.

Trump on Thursday extended his deadline to not strike Iranian energy plants, writing on Truth Social: 'As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well.'

Iranian state media, meanwhile, claims more than one million troops have been mobilized in preparation for a US ground invasion to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The buildup comes amid growing threats from Trump to seize Kharg Island, a key oil hub that helps control the vital waterway.

Israel is engaging in a wide range of military strikes across the Middle East, including in Gaza and Lebanon, where Iran's proxies are active against Netanyahu's forces (pictured: a fireball erupts following an Israeli strike in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on March 25)

Leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are now considering publicly pursuing a nuclear weapon in defiance of US-Israeli strikes

The buildup comes amid growing threats from Trump to seize Kharg Island, a key oil hub that helps control the vital waterway

Trump claims to have wiped out Iran's hardline mullahs, but the Islamic regime is proving to be a hydra, with each new head tougher and more intent on vengeance than the last

Iranian state media, meanwhile, claims more than one million troops have been mobilized in preparation for a US ground invasion to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Trump has threatened to launch new strikes on Iran if they do not agree to a ceasefire

Iran has begun reinforcing the island by laying traps such as anti-personnel and anti-armor mines along likely landing zones.

US officials have warned the administration that any ground operation would carry significant risks, including the potential for high numbers of American casualties.

Pentagon chiefs ordered around 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East last night to join some 4,500 Marines already en route to the region, as Trump's peace push shows signs of collapse.

Hardline politician Mohammad Javad Larijani, brother of senior official Ali Larijani who was killed in a strike last Tuesday, was quoted by state media this week urging Iran to suspend its membership of the NPT.

'The NPT should be suspended. We should form a committee to assess whether the NPT is of any use to us at all. If it proves useful, we will return to it. If not, they can keep it,' he said.

Earlier in the month, state television aired a segment with conservative commentator Nasser Torabi in which he said the Iranian public demanded: 'We need to act in order to build a nuclear weapon. Either we build it or we acquire it.'

The President has said he is prepared to pull the trigger on a full-scale invasion if Tehran continues to rebuff his diplomatic overtures, according to members of his inner circle.

'Trump has a hand open for a deal, and the other is a fist, waiting to punch you in the f***ing face,' a Trump aide told Axios.

US officials have warned the administration that any ground operation would carry significant risks, including the potential for high numbers of American casualties

The 15-point plan, modeled on Trump's Gaza deal, would require Iran to dismantle all nuclear and long-range missile capabilities, open the Strait of Hormuz, and abandon proxy terror groups.

But Iranian state TV on Wednesday said that the regime had rejected the ceasefire proposal. Instead, Tehran is demanding the closure of all US bases in the Gulf, reparations, and an end to Israeli military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Tehran is also seeking to bring the strait - a chokepoint for roughly a fifth of the world's oil - under its control, allowing it to charge transit fees on passing vessels, much like Egypt does with the Suez Canal.

A Trump official described Iran's demands as 'ridiculous' and 'unrealistic', warning that reaching a deal is now more difficult than before the war began as the President prepares a potential ground invasion force.
A woman paralysed when she jumped off a roof following a rape ordeal has died by euthanasia in Spain after courts overruled her father's efforts to stop the procedure.

Noelia Castillo, 25, from Barcelona, died on Thursday at the Sant Pere de Ribes assisted living facility where she resided, bringing to an end a legal battle that has lasted more than a year and a half.

While Spain's euthanasia law came into force in 2021, Noelia's case is the first to go before a judge to decide.

Christian Lawyers, the ultraconservative Catholic organisation which has been representing Noelia's father Geronimo Castillo, said tonight: 'Noelia has already been euthanised.

'At Christian Lawyers, we deeply regret her death and denounce that this case highlights the serious flaws in the euthanasia law, which does not protect the most vulnerable people.

'We urge politicians to use her story to drive urgent changes and prevent something like this from happening again.

'Thanks to everyone who has empathised with the family during these very difficult times.

'You can understand that the parents are broken after years of trying to support her in her rehabilitation.'

Noelia Castillo, from Barcelona, died by euthanasia on Thursday at the Sant Pere de Ribes assisted living facility

She had been left paraplegic after jumping from a roof in a suicide attempt

The 25-year-old and her mother, Yolanda, who said: 'I do not agree, but I will always be by her side'

Before she was euthanised in a procedure which began at 6.30pm local time, Castillo is said to have asked her family to spend extra time with her.

Loved ones were due to leave her alone with a medic who administered her three injections at around 5.30pm but stayed for at least another half an hour.

She was alone in the room when she died at her own request, apart from the doctor administering her injections.

Castillo passed away around 20 minutes after receiving the first of the injections.

The case was closely followed in Spain. Noelia's young age, the public battle waged by her family to stop her and the circumstances that led her to seek euthanasia animated public opinion as the courts ultimately ruled in favour of her right to end her life.

The 25-year-old had been left paraplegic after jumping from a roof in a suicide attempt.

Her request for euthanasia was approved by an independent body in Catalonia made up of doctors, lawyers and bioethics experts in July 2024.

The body approved Castillo's request based on assessments that evaluated her condition as serious and incurable, and that the 25-year-old had severe, chronic and debilitating suffering.

But it was subsequently delayed when her father, supported by Christian Lawyers, launched a series of legal challenges.

Those appeals were rejected at multiple levels of the Spanish legal system, including the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, clearing the way for the euthanasia to go ahead.

A last-minute attempt to halt it at the European Court of Human Rights was also rejected this week.

Spain's euthanasia law came into force in 2021. According to government data, 426 requests for assisted dying were granted in 2024, the most recent year available.

This was the first time that a case went to court for a judge to decide.

Castillo, who had been confined to a wheelchair since 2022, had spoken openly about her decision and the suffering she says led her to it.

'I want to go now and stop suffering, period. None of my family is in favour of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I've suffered during all these years?' she said.

'I don't feel like doing anything: not going out, not eating. Sleeping is very difficult for me, and I have back and leg pain.'

'The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister,' she said, referring to her family members, 'cannot be more important than the life of a daughter'.

In an interview broadcast on the Spanish Antena 3 programme Y Ahora Sonsoles, she described how she wants to spend her final moments.

'I've told them how I want it to be. I want to die looking beautiful. I've always thought I want to die looking good. I'll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple,' she said.

She invited her family to say goodbye beforehand, but said she wanted to be alone when the injection is administered.

Castillo spent much of her childhood in care due to her parents' addiction and mental health problems, and said a gang rape in 2022 by three boys in a nightclub was a turning point.

She was reportedly sexually abused by one of her ex-boyfriends and later three other men, days before she attempted to take her own life, according to Spanish media.

'I didn't report it because it was days before I tried to kill myself,' she said of the assault.

On October 4, 2022, after using cocaine, she jumped from the fifth floor of a building, leaving her paraplegic.

She suffered a severe spinal cord injury, which left her unable to move from the waist down and caused severe neuropathic pain and incontinence.

'My father saw me fall and couldn't do anything,' the 25-year-old said, 'But after everything he's done, I don't feel sorry for him anymore.'

The deputy of the VOX conservative party, Espinosa de los Monteros, gives his support to the demonstration against the euthanasia law in front of the Congress of Deputies in Madrid

Her father sought to block her euthanasia through the courts, arguing against her right to die, but she accused him of failing to respect her wishes.

'He hasn't respected my decision and he never will,' she said in her final interview.

'He wanted to put the house he bought in my name so he could continue collecting child support. After that, he doesn't want to put the house in my name, or pay for the funeral, or attend the euthanasia, or the burial, and he says he doesn't want to know anything more about me. That for him, I'm already dead.

'I understand. He's a father and he doesn't want to lose a daughter, but he doesn't listen to me. He never calls me, he never writes to me. The only thing he does is bring me food. Why does he want me alive? To keep me in a hospital?'

Prior to her suicide attempt in 2022, the young woman had reportedly already attempted to take her own life through drug overdoses and self-harm.

Castillo also suffered from borderline personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder with paranoia and suicidal ideation, leading to severe mood swings and instability.

Spain is one of few countries to legalise euthanasia following a 2021 law that comes with strict requirements.

It stipulates that anyone of sound mind who is suffering from a 'serious and incurable illness' or a 'chronic and disabling' condition can request assistance to die.

The father had said his daughter suffered from mental disorders that 'could affect her ability to make a free and conscious decision' as required by law.

He also said there were indications she had changed her mind and that her ailment did not entail 'unbearable physical or psychological suffering'.

Despite the intense legal fight, Castillo herself contacted Antena 3 after learning the date of her euthanasia to leave a final message.

'I've finally done it. Let's see if I can finally rest because I can't take this family anymore, the pain, everything that torments me from what I've been through,' she said. 'I don't want to be an example for anyone, it's simply my life, and that's all.'

Her mother, who also appeared in the interview, said she wished she had a 'magic wand' to change her daughter's mind.

Although she has now died, legal action surrounding the case will continue.

Christian Lawyers has launched further complaints against medical professionals and members of Catalonia's Guarantee and Evaluation Commission, as well as the former regional health minister, alleging misconduct.

The European Court of Human Rights is also expected to rule at a later date on whether there has been any violation of rights, meaning the wider legal questions.

In messages published online before Noelia's euthanasia this afternoon, campaigners against it said: 'On Thursday March 26 at 6pm Noelia will be euthanised. Pray for her life.'

Sympathiser Carla Gomez responded by saying: 'Rest in peace and to those who don't like Noelia's decision, lump it.

'It's her life and she has the right to decide.'

Jose Maria Fernandez, acting for Christian Lawyers, said at the doors of the hospital around the time Noelia was about to be euthanised: 'The legal system has failed. The euthanasia legislation is being applied as an applied suicide law.

'The procedural system has failed, and there's been a failure in this country's health system.

'This is a young girl who has had a lot of problems, and obviously a very difficult life and we all regret this.

'But the only thing the health system has been able to provide her with has been death.

'We think Noelia should have received treatment a long time ago for her mental health problems.'

He added: 'We hope this case will serve at the very least to prevent it from happening again so there are no more Noelias.'

Spain is among nine European countries with laws that allow people experiencing unbearable suffering to access assisted dying. The criteria vary by country.

Medically-assisted suicide involves patients themselves taking a lethal drink or medication that has been prescribed by a doctor while euthanasia involves doctors or health practitioners, under strict conditions, actively killing patients who meet certain conditions by giving them a lethal injection at their request.

For help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org
A teenager was brutally stabbed during rush hour on the New York City subway as horrified commuters watched on.

A 19-year-old was stabbed on the L train through the East Village on Thursday morning at around 8.10am, according to officials.

The teen suffered a stab wound to the leg at the First Avenue and East 14th Station, the New York Post reported.

The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he is said to be in stable condition, officials told the Daily Mail.

A person of interest was detained, while charges remain pending, police told the Post.

The stabbing reportedly stemmed from a dispute between two train riders, but the reason for the argument remains unclear, according to the outlet.

Earlier reports suggested that the teen had succumbed to his injuries, however it was confirmed with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Public Information that he had survived the attack.

The incident comes around one week since a subway thief shook a Muslim woman in Brooklyn and threw her to the ground while taunting her over Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Post reported.

Following the attack on March 17, the suspect remains at large.

The Daily Mail reached out to the New York City MTA Transit Police for more information.

This is a breaking news story.

A 19-year-old was stabbed on the L train through the East Village on Thursday morning at around 8.10am
Keir Starmer has appealed for sympathy over the Mandelson scandal, saying he has been 'really hard on myself' for appointing the disgraced peer as US ambassador.

In a self-pitying interview, the Prime Minister said he is haunted by his decision to ignore warnings about Lord Mandelson's 'particularly close' friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

'Nobody was criticising me more than myself,' he told Sky News on Thursday. 'I hate the fact I made that mistake. And I dwell on it. I beat myself up about it.

'It's certainly not a mistake I'd ever repeat. But, there's no criticism anybody else can level at me that will be as harsh as the criticism I dished out for myself.'

Documents published this month show that Sir Keir went ahead with the appointment despite being warned in writing that Lord Mandelson had continued his friendship with Epstein for years after his conviction for child sex offences - and had even stayed at his New York mansion while he was in jail.

But even after the warning from the Cabinet Office, he did not question Lord Mandelson himself, instead dedicating the task to his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who was known to be a close personal friend of the Labour grandee, and who asked him just three questions.

Kemi Badenoch urged Sir Keir to 'come clean' over the Mandelson scandal, as questions mounted over the mysterious theft of Mr McSweeney's phone.

The theft means that hundreds of messages relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment may never be released, despite being demanded by Parliament.

All smiles: The PM celebrated Lord Mandelson's appointment last year but now says it was a mistake which haunts him

Whitehall sources confirmed that the Cabinet Office has not asked Lord Mandelson to surrender his own phone, meaning that only a fraction of the material surrounding the disastrous appointment may ever be published.

The PM said it was 'far-fetched' to suggest that the loss was linked to demands for the release of the Mandelson files.

Mr McSweeney's phone was stolen on October 20 last year, months before Parliament voted to order the release of the Mandelson files.

'The idea that somehow everybody could have seen that sometime in the future there'd be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched,' he said.

But Mrs Badenoch first demanded that Sir Keir 'publish all the documents' surrounding the appointment on September 10.

Days later, it was reported that the Conservatives were considering a Parliamentary motion to compel the release of the information.

A Whitehall source told the Mail that the possibility had been raised at a meeting of Labour officials in early October, with one raising the question: 'What is they come for Morgan's mobile?'

Mrs Badenoch said: 'I think there are a lot of questions that need answering, and what we need is for Morgan McSweeney and, let's be frank, Keir Starmer to come clean about what happened.'

The controversy is also causing deep unease among some Labour MPs. Labour veteran Karl Turner branded the PM's former aide 'McSwindle', adding: 'I don't believe McSwindle had his iPhone stolen.

'We mustn't take the public for fools. And I am afraid this smacks of too convenient by far.'
Former SNP council boss Jordan Linden has been found guilty of sexually assaulting five young men  one as young as 17 - and sexually harassing a 14 year old boy.

Once a rising star in the SNP, the 30-year-old from Bellshill was found guilty of 10 charges by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court, following a seven-day trial.

He will now have to wait until he is sentenced in May to find out if he will be jailed for his crimes, which occurred over a decade, from 2011 to 2021.

Linden, a former leader of North Lanarkshire Council, showed no emotion as the panel of seven men and eight women delivered their verdicts.

He was found not guilty of five other charges involving stalking and sexual assault.

Linden tried to claim one of his sexual assaults had been consensual, but jurors sided with prosecutors and agreed he had attacked the man while he slept and could not consent.

The man, who considered Linden a friend, said he had vomited after the attack.

He was also found guilty of assaulting a fellow SNP member by locking him in a toilet during a party in Dundee in 2019, where he ordered the man to urinate in front of him, tried to kiss him and asked him if he was scared.

Linden denied all the charges but has been found guilty of sexually assaulting five young men

One of his sex attacks took place while he was chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The victim, aged 17 at the time, said he had ended up having to share a bed with Linden during a group trip, after a hotel booking blunder by the youth parliaments organisers.

He said he woke up to find the 19-year-old touching his thighs and breathing heavily behind him.

The former politician harassed other young members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, including a 14-year-old boy who he terrorised in his hotel room during a gathering of the organisations 130 young people.

Other members aged between 15 and 18, were sent partially naked images of the predator while he was in the bath or in bed, which Linden said he had done as he was lonely. Some of the men said Lindens genitals could be seen in the images, although he had attempted to obscure them with bubbles in the bath.

Linden had been the leader of North Lanarkshire Council for just two months when he quit the post in July 2022 after allegations about his conduct at a party with SNP activists became public.

He stepped down as a councillor a year later when a fellow councillor revealed he had been harassed by the politician.

Linden was a rising star in the SNP but his career now lies shattered following his conviction

Linden pictured at Falkirk Sheriff Court during his seven-day trial

Joined by his mother, father, brother and other relatives in court, Linden appeared flushed when his fate was decided by jurors but otherwise had no reaction. His mother wept from the court seats.

Sheriff Christopher Shead deferred sentencing until May 5, and allowed Linden to be released on bail after his KC David Moggach told the judge his client had no previous criminal convictions and had not breached his bail conditions since his arrest in February 2024.

Leaving the court, Linden told a reporter: I have no comment to make at this time.

Responding to the verdict, the Scottish Youth Parliament said its first thoughts were with Lindens victims.

It said Lindens actions were reprehensible and diametrically opposed to its values and ethos.

It said it had fully supported the investigation by Police Scotland and the subsequent prosecution.

A spokesman added: An independent review of our safeguarding arrangements, commissioned in the wake of the allegations, found that our child protection policies fully complied with national guidelines and legislation.

Safeguarding, well-being and child protection are of paramount importance to SYP. We continually strengthen our guidelines and procedures in line with evolving national policies and best practice, which includes updating policies, training and support every two years.

The SNP said it hoped the verdict 'brings some justice' to Linden's victims.

A spokesman added: 'As proceedings remain ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has been plunged into fresh humiliation after she was formally stripped of her Freedom of the City of York.

The city's councillors unanimously voted tonight in favour of a motion to revoke 'York's highest honour' following the latest revelations over her friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The move comes four years after her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of his own freedom of the historic city and five months after she lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew finally relinquished his Duke of York title over his links to Epstein.

Ms Ferguson and Andrew, both 66, were given the Freedom of the City of York honour as a wedding present when they visited the city in 1987.

The accolade has previously been bestowed upon politicians and celebrities including Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.

Andrew was said by Labour MP for York Central Rachael Maskell to be the 'first to ever have their freedom removed' by the city.

It came shortly after revelations that he paid a multi-million-pound out-of-court settlement to trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre, who claims the then-prince had sex with her three times when she was a teenager.

Ms Giuffre was said to have been introduced to the prince by Epstein's long-time fixer Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.

The former Duchess of York has had her Freedom of the City of York revoked following a meeting of the city's councillors

The move came four years after her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faced the same fate over his links to Jeffrey Epstein

In recent months, Ms Ferguson's own relationship with Epstein has made headlines following the release of millions of pages relating to the paedophile known as the 'Epstein files.'

In one message, Ms Ferguson asked Epstein, who supported her financially for years, to 'just marry me'.

The messages were sent in 2009, a year after Epstein was convicted in Florida of soliciting sex from a minor.

Speaking during the debate at York's Guildhall on Thursday evening, Liberal Democrat councillor Darryl Smalley, who proposed the 2022 motion to revoke Andrew's freedom of the city, said: 'It was the first time in the city's history that the honour had been removed.

'I was asked at the time if we were also removing the honour from Sarah Ferguson.

'At the time, I thought it wrong to judge someone by the actions of their ex-husband.

He added: 'We now know, following the release of thousands of documents, that Sarah Ferguson too had a close friendship with Epstein, which continued well beyond his conviction.

'We don't expect recipients of York's highest honour to be saints. We simply do not want them to be best friends of convicted paedophiles.

'We stand with victims. We stand for the rule of the rule of law. We stand for decency.'

Gwen Swinburn, a member of the public, addressed councillors during the debate.

She said: 'The decision before you tonight is whether to remove the freedom of the city from Ms Ferguson.'

She added: 'Every day the phrase 'The York family' appears. Increasingly, it appears as the 'disgraced' York family. Not just in the UK but all over the world.

'That is what our city's name is now attached to. It chips away at the reputation of this city - quietly and repeatedly by a thousand cuts.

'If you remove the Freedom of the City you remove one of those cuts but you leave the rest.'

Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of the Labour group on the local authority, responded: 'As the people of York would expect, holding this status requires upholding the values and behaviours consistent with such an honour.

'Those who continued to associate with Jeffrey Epstein after his crimes became widely known fall well short of these expectations.

'Sarah Ferguson falls into this category as the Epstein files have shown. I therefore call on council to support the motion as presented.'

The Freedom of the City of York is a historic honorary status dating back to the 13th century.

It once had trade advantages but is now largely symbolic and grants holders with the right to join the Gild of Freemen of York, who take an interest in the affairs of the city.

The former duchess has not been seen in public since December.
Kenya holds capacity building seminar for local Chinese language teachers

Xinhua) 10:50, March 26, 2026

NAIROBI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A three-day seminar for enhancing the competence of local Chinese language teachers opened on Wednesday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, drawing over 100 in-person and virtual participants.

The three-day seminar themed "Empowering Local Teachers for Quality and Sustainable Chinese Language Education" brought together senior government officials, language scholars and tutors.

The workshop has been organized by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Kenya, and sponsored by the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching.

Carol Hunja, the secretary for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, said that Chinese language teaching in Kenya is aligned with the new competence-based education that aims to prepare young learners adequately for future jobs.

"Chinese language, being the second most spoken language in the world, is being rolled out in Kenya. We have also signed a memorandum of understanding with China to promote Chinese language teaching in the country," Hunja said.

Kenya is committed to strengthening the capacity of local Chinese language teachers through partnership with Confucius Institutes embedded in several public universities countrywide, Hunja said.

She added that young graduates and in-service teachers have secured scholarships at Chinese universities where they have acquired pedagogical skills, and have joined the growing army of local Mandarin teachers.

To promote Chinese language teaching in Kenya, the government has also identified 20 pilot schools that will host teachers from China to teach Mandarin for a specific period, Hunja said.

She added that Chinese teachers will be merged with their local counterparts to ensure that Mandarin can be taught more effectively in primary and secondary schools.

Zhong Yinghua, president of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching, noted that Kenya is among African countries where Mandarin proficiency has gained traction among the youth, given its central place in a globalized world.

Local teachers, once empowered, will be key to driving uptake of the Chinese language among young learners in Kenya to boost cross-cultural ties and mutual understanding, Zhong said.

Faith Wanjiku Mworia, the chairperson of the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Kenya, said the seminar aims to upskill Mandarin tutors while increasing their understanding of policies aimed at promoting the language in local schools.

"From this seminar, the teachers will not only be equipped with the resources that they should use to enhance their teaching profession in the Chinese language, but also they will know how to strategically position themselves to become the best teachers here in Kenya," Mworia said.

Fred Wamala, a Mandarin teacher at a private primary school on the outskirts of Nairobi, said that young learners are keen to improve proficiency in Mandarin, aware of the myriad opportunities it could open in the future.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Two Florida county employees having a workplace affair were gunned down in a brutal double killing as they were about to hook up in a car outside a public library - allegedly by the woman's estranged husband, who is now at large.

Stacie Mason, 49, and Danny Ooley, 56 - who were both employed by Indian River County - were shot multiple times with an AR-15-style rifle in Vero Beach early Tuesday, in what police have described as a 'crime of passion'.

Investigators have since identified the suspect as Mason's spurned 64-year-old husband Jesse Ellis.

The victims, who were both married, were highly regarded county officials and had been having an affair for several weeks, said Vero Beach Police chief David Currey.

According to police, the pair had arrived separately at the Indian River County Main Library just before 7am and parked in the lot nearby.

Mason exited her Volkswagen SUV and got into Ooley's Ford Ranger pickup - only for Ellis to approach the vehicle moments later.

Indian River County employees and lovers Danny Ooley, 56, and Stacie Mason, 49, were shot dead outside a Vero Beach library in what police described as a targeted attack

The pair were sitting in Ooley's truck outside Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach on Tuesday morning when Mason's estranged husband opened fire

The horror that unfolded was captured on CCTV, which police have not yet been released.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Currey said the footage shows the suspect 'coming toward the driver's side of the vehicle and firing multiple shots and then going around to the passenger side.'

Ooley was shot first inside the truck, with multiple rounds going into the vehicle. As the gunfire continued, Mason either attempted to escape or was pulled out of the truck by the gunman.

Investigators say Ellis fled the scene in his 2022 gray F150 pick-up and drove to nearby South Beach, leaving the double-murder weapon behind.

Thirty minutes later, a man matching his description was reported to have entered the ocean fully clothed and swam out at least 900 yards near Riomar Country Club, said the police chief.

A high-performance Zodiac-style boat was launched by the fire department which caught up with the man, who gave a false name and refused help.

The Daily Mail has learned Indian River County Fire Rescue were called to conduct a welfare check on the man and had no idea of a connection to the murders at the time.

Assistant fire chief Steve Greer said the man gave a false name and did not appear to be in distress. 'He said he was OK and he does this often,' said Greer. 'He became agitated. Fire rescue crews went back to shore.'

That was the last time the man, who entered the ocean wearing long shorts and a dark blue shirt, was seen. Fire and rescue told later police about their encounter.

Police believe the killings were fueled by a deteriorating marriage. Mason and Ellis had been married for 13 years and were in the process of separating, with their home about to be sold, police say

Referring to the alleged killer  and without giving more details of the confrontation in the ocean  Currey said: 'He's still at large, he's still a person of interest.

'We can confirm citizen says it was him that swam out there.

'Could he have drowned? Potentially, yes. Could he have come back out of the water? Potentially, yes.

'If he's at large, can he find a way to have some kind of transportation? Absolutely. We have his truck, he's probably not going home.'

Currey continued: 'This was a crime of passion. Two individuals that were apparently seeing each other for a period of time and one husband being upset about it.'

Ellis and Mason had been wed for 13 years, but the marriage had hit the rocks.

They were 'in the midst of potentially separating or divorcing and their home was getting ready to be sold. They were conversing among themselves about separating,' said Currey.

And revealing what could turn out to be a key element of the horror, the chief said: 'Mr Ellis did obtain some professional service to look into some things.'

Both Ooley and Mason were respected, longtime employees. Ooley had worked his way up over nearly 25 years to become assistant director of public works

Mason had spent 14 years with Indian River as a traffic analyst technician

Appearing to imply the spurned husband had hired a private investigator, Currey added later: 'You heard me say he obtained some professional services. He had information of some things that were taking place.

'The library was a location where they had apparently met before. And they met again there yesterday morning and Mr Ellis was apparently aware of that.'

Both victims' vehicles were spotted via roadside cameras coming into the city northbound just before 7 in the morning, said Currey.

Search warrants at residences connected to the suspect have been carried out.

'Investigators recovered multiple firearms and digital evidence including cell phones which are currently undergoing forensic analysis. This remains an ongoing investigation,' Currey said.

He added that boats and vehicles were scouring the beach, while investigators were hoping to retrieve video footage from home security cameras at houses and condos beside the water.

Ooley had worked for the county for nearly 25 years, rising from a maintenance worker to the assistant director of public works. Mason had spent 14 years with Indian River as a traffic analyst technician.

'Danny and Stacie were not just employees, but colleagues and dedicated public servants who supported this community every day,' Indian River said in a statement.

Police say suspected gunman Ellis then fled the scene before vanishing near the ocean, sparking an intense search

'Their absence is deeply felt across out organization and the community they served.'

It continued: 'This is not a normal day for our organization. We recognize many of our employees are grieving, and we want them to take the time they need. Supporting one another during this moment is not optional.

'We know that Stacie and Danny would want us to continue working hard for the public.

'We will take care of one another in the days ahead. We will check in, we will carry this weight together, and we ask for the public's patience and understanding as our employees grieve.'
Parents have been told to limit screen time to an hour a day for under-fives and keep them off AI and social media  under new government guidelines.

Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to help parents 'navigate' technology amid 'conflicting advice', and would not leave them to 'fight the battle alone'.

The tips, which will be given to parents online and in family centres, are aimed at building 'healthy habits' around screen time in families.

Teachers have previously complained many children are arriving at school unable to talk properly or turn the pages of a book due to too much time on iPads.

However, last night, Laura Trott, shadow education secretary, said: 'I welcome guidance for parents on screen use for the youngest, but the Government must go further.

'The impact extends well beyond the under-fives, and too often parents are left to contend with social media and big tech on their own.'

Under the guidance, screen time for children under two should be avoided other than for shared activities encouraging interaction.

The guidance for two to five-year-olds will advise parents to 'try to keep it to one hour a day. Less if possible'.

Parents have been told to limit screen time to an hour a day for under-fives and keep them off AI and social media  under new government guidelines (file picture)

For the screen time that two to five-year-olds do have, families will be advised to avoid fast-paced social media-style videos and toys or tools that use artificial intelligence (AI).

Bedtimes and mealtimes should be screen-free, with families advised to instead try background music, table games, bedtime stories and colouring.

Watching screens with children and talking and asking questions about the content is also better for a child's cognitive development than letting them use them alone, the guidance will say.

Shared screen activities could include video calling friends and family or looking through photos together, parents will be advised.

It comes as the Government is also considering measures to ban social media for under-16s and outlaw smartphones in schools.

Tory peers are locked in a war with Labour MPs over whether to introduce these measures via the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently being hammered out in the Commons and the Lords.

Speaking yesterday of his new guidelines, Prime Minister Sir Keir said: 'Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless.

'Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting.

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) said he wanted to help parents 'navigate' technology amid 'conflicting advice', and would not leave them to 'fight the battle alone'

'My Government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.

'There will be some who will oppose us doing this.

'But whether it's navigating technology, tackling the cost of living or balancing the demands of family life, I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children.'

Reacting, Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank, said: 'While much of this guidance is good common sense, the Government is still ducking the most important questions. It needs to listen to the House of Lords and ban under-16s from social media and also make sure that every school is enforcing an effective smartphone ban.'

Around 98 per cent of children are watching screens on a daily basis by the age of two, the Government has previously said.

The guidance was developed by a panel led by children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and children's health expert Professor Russell Viner.

Long periods of time spent on screens alone impacts activities key for good development such as sleep, physical activity, creative play and interaction with parents, the panel found in its review of the evidence.

The panel also recommended in its report that parents should think about their own screen use in the presence of their children, and consider screen-free periods of the day for the whole family.
Australia's government insists it still has not received any direct requests from the United States for military aid in its war with Iran, after a public attack from President Donald Trump.

The US president criticised allied countries for not providing assistance in the conflict, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to put pressure on global oil prices.

'(UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer) didn't want to help us. Australia, too. Australia was not great. I was a little surprised by Australia,' Trump said.

Australia is providing military assistance in the Persian Gulf region following a request from the United Arab Emirates.

Defence Minister Richard Marles would not be drawn on Trump's criticism, but said no requests from the White House have been received.

'The last thing I'm going to do is give a running commentary on what the president has said, all we can do is respond to this situation, respond to the requests that are made of us,' he told the ABC on Friday.

'We're looking at all the requests that we get from countries around the world, including the United States, and obviously we answer them in the context of our national interest.

'Defending the states of the Gulf is really important given our relationship with them.'

An E-7A Wedgetail military surveillance plane, along with 85 defence personnel, has been sent to the UAE to monitor Iranian drone strikes.

The request for help from the UAE has been the only one received by Australia since the US-Israel war with Iran began, Mr Marles said.

'The E-7 is in in the region, and it is playing a really important part,' he said.

'It is playing an important role in respect of the defence of the gulf states. We will work this through with our with our friends and our partners, to look at what role we can play.

The US president has extended a self-imposed deadline to Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6 before potential strikes on energy infrastructure.

Federal minister Murray Watt said it was imperative for the war to be resolved as soon as possible.

'From Australia's perspective, we support anything that is going to get the Strait of Hormuz open as quickly as possible and restore some of the interrupted fuel chains that we have,' Senator Watt told ABC Radio on Friday.

'The longer this dispute goes on and the longer the Strait of Hormuz is closed, that's going to continue to have impacts on the Australian economy and Australian families.'

Coalition frontbencher Sarah Henderson said the government needed to outline why military help had not been provided to the US.

'It's quite embarrassing that in the international stage we have been called out as not providing appropriate assistance to the US,' she told Sky News.

'The US is our strongest defence ally. This is pretty grim news overnight from the United States.'
The White House and Republicans are looking at ways President Donald Trump can sidestep Congress to pay Transportation Security Administration workers amid the current airport chaos.

Some Senate Republicans pitched to the White House that Trump declare a national emergency, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

If Trump invoked the National Emergency Act, he could use unspent government dollars to temporarily pay TSA workers.

Republican senators also discussed paying TSA agents with money from the Big, Beautiful Bill passed by Congress last year, the Journal said.

Bypassing Congress was discussed at a private lunch Thursday, the Washington Post reported, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune sharing plans.

The White House confirmed that options are on the table.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Post, 'it is true the White House is having discussions about a number of ideas to blunt the impact of the Democrat shutdown crisis, but no preparations or plans are currently underway.'

'The best and easiest way to pay TSA Agents is to fund DHS,' Leavitt added.

If Trump invoked the National Emergency Act, he could use unspent government dollars to temporarily pay TSA workers

The White House and Republicans are looking at ways President Donald Trump can sidestep Congress to pay Transportation Security Administration workers amid the current airport chaos

The Department of Homeland Security hasn't been funded in 41 days after Democrats and Republicans came to an impasse over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding in the aftermath of border agents killing two Americans.

Democrats have refused to agree to a deal that doesn't rein ICE in.

Republicans have refused to fund DHS with the exception of ICE - which would allow TSA workers to get their paychecks.

Earlier this week, Trump tried to tie DHS funding legislation to getting his Save America Act across the line, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted Trump for trying to 'sabotage negotiations.'

As the partial shutdown dragged on, airport chaos ramped up, with Trump deploying ICE agents to airports around the country.

On Wednesday, the White House rejected Elon Musk's $250 million offer to cover TSA workers' salaries.

'I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country,' Musk, the world's richest man, posted on X Monday.

Yesterday, the White House rejected Elon Musk's $250 million offer to cover TSA workers' salaries

But the offer was rejected by the White House on Wednesday despite Trump earlier stating he 'loved' the proposal.

'We greatly appreciate Elon's generous offer,' White House Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail in a statement. 'This would pose great legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts.'

'The fastest way to ensure TSA employees - and all DHS employees - get paid is for Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security.'

Officials seriously considered Musk's offer but were also concerned it could represent a conflict of interest.

If Musk did pay the TSA workers' salaries, there could be legal challenges due to the Tesla and SpaceX executive's many government contracts.
A woman who performed oral sex on a teenage boy while he was passed out at a party has failed in her bid to have her sexual abuse conviction quashed.

South Australian mum Cynthia Frahn, 53, had been found guilty of the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old.

The incident took place at her home in Monarto, 63km southeast of Adelaide, in June 2023, news.com.au reports.

During her trial, a jury was told the teenager had passed out in a tent during a party at Frahn's home before waking to find her performing the sex act on him.

She was sentenced to four years in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and six months.

Frahn then attempted to have her conviction and sentence overturned due to her claim the judge had made 'the prosecutor's fallacy', a logical error.

Her appeal took issue with the way that DNA evidence had been presented to the jury during the trial but this claim was thrown out.

Her appeal also argued there was a mistake in the DNA evidence that was part of the circumstantial case against her, namely samples from Frahn and the teen's clothes.

Cynthia Frahn (pictured) performed oral sex on a 15-year-old boy while he was passed out

Her solicitor told the appeal panel this was 'equally capable of being explained by innocent transference in undisputed circumstances'.

But the panel chose to uphold her conviction and sentence, rejecting her case.

'It was consistent with the verdict for the judge to find that the complainant was not willing and did not acquiesce in the applicant's acts,' the judgment read.

1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811. After hours 6231 1817
A blanket ban on biological males entering female-only spaces should not be introduced, according to the SNPs equalities minister.

Kaukab Stewart was accused of ignoring a Supreme Court ruling after speaking against a blanket ban at an election hustings event.

First Minister John Swinney yesterday refused to distance himself from the comments, leading to claims that Nicola Sturgeons toxic gender ideology still has a firm grip on the party.

Ms Stewart, an MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, was previously pictured at a rally where activists called for feminist Terfs to be decapitated. She said: Human rights are not pick and mix, and we shouldnt be pitted against different communities.

It is absolutely possible to have differences of opinions and views, and live in and respect each others spaces. What we cannot do is to blanket ban people from places. The very virtue of being a human gives you these rights.

Kaukab Stewart, right, says single sex space rules should not be enforced

The entrance to a gender neutral toilet facility

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton criticised the SNP's 'toxic gender ideology'

Asked for his response, Mr Swinney said: The legal position on that question has been established by the Supreme Court, and weve got to apply and interpret those issues in relation to all of our policy questions.

'People in our society have rights, and everyones rights have to be respected. Thats why we have to apply the contents of the Supreme Court judgement carefully, as it acknowledges that people have rights given protected characteristics.

'If we ignore that, we could potentially be at risk of legal default. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: These shameful comments from the equalities minister prove that Nicola Sturgeons toxic gender ideology still has a firm grip on the SNP  despite being in breach of the law.

'Its nearly a year since the Supreme Courts crystal-clear ruling, yet Nationalists still refuse to accept it, putting women and girls at risk. Swinney is betraying women.
Russell Findlay has warned Reform UK remain a very real threat to the Union despite the chaos in its Scottish operation this week.

They are not a joke, the Scottish Tory leader said as he launched his election campaign.

Mr Findlay urged voters to avoid the nightmare scenario of another SNP majority by using the secret weapon of their peach-coloured list ballot to back the Conservatives.

He said that if an arrogant John Swinney secured another majority he would use it to push a weak UK Labour government for an independence vote.

The First Minister could also revive the Nicola Sturgeons stalled gender reforms, he said.

Vowing to throw the kitchen sink at the campaign, Mr Findlay told activists and candidates in Edinburgh: This election should be about the cost of living.

Its the number one issue on the doorsteps because hard-working Scots are really struggling with rising bills under the SNP.

But independence is also on the ballot paper because John Swinney has put it there.

Russell Findlay launches the Scottish Tories campaign

He has said that an SNP majority is a mandate for another divisive independence referendum and he will push relentlessly for it. We are the only party that fundamentally supports the Union and we have a track record of standing up to this dismal SNP government.

Reform are not a Unionist party. They field pro-independence candidates, court nationalists.

An SNP majority is the nightmare scenario facing Scots  and its up to the Scottish Conservatives to stop it, like we did in 2016 and 2021. John Swinney thinks hes got it in the bag, but I will throw the kitchen sink at stopping him over the next six weeks.

Mr Findlay predicted the campaign would shine an unforgiving light on the SNPs disastrous record and Reforms credibility, but a far kinder one on the Tory record of championing voter concerns.

Since Reform unveiled its Holyrood candidates last week, one has been suspended and three have quit, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies shot down the partys tax plans.

Scottish leader Lord Malcolm Offord was also embroiled in a row about an obscene homophobic joke, prompting the partys only MSP to flee on camera from the media.

Mr Findlay said: We had Graham Simpson running away at the first sound of gunfire. We know that the Tories run towards battle.

He went on: Our record will be there for the electorate to see.

We will be talking loudly and proudly about how our party have been the only party at Holyrood who have consistently and robustly stood up to the SNP.

We stopped them their gender self-ID law, we stood up to their high taxes, we stopped all sorts of our fringe obsessions.

And of course, in 2021 we stopped Nicola Sturgeon, at the height of her TV fame, from getting that majority, which she said would give her a mandate for independence.

He said voter scrutiny of SNP and Reform failings and credit for the Tories record would see the polls begin to shift.

Speaking after the event, Mr Findlay said Reform looked pretty amateurish in Scotland, adding they dont appear to stand for anything and it would be a terrible mistake to vote for them.

But with the polls showing the SNP likely to return to power because Reform are splitting the Unionist vote, Mr Findlay said it would be wrong to under-estimate the danger Nigel Farages party posed to the Union.

He said: They are not a joke. They are a very real threat. A vote for Reform in this election is only going to be a gift to John Swinney. Hes known this for months. Hes been desperately trying to talk up Reform.

He wants to put Reform front and centre because he knows a strong Reform presence will split the vote further to the SNPs benefit.

Reform need a PR man and John Swinney would be very good at the job.

Reform are a Unionist Party in name only. They drape themselves in the Union flag, but at the same time, field pro-independence candidates and want to work with nationalists.

Mr Findlay, 53, who is a West Scotland list candidate, said an SNP majority could see the return of gender reforms passed by Holyrood in 2022, but blocked by the last Tory government as they intruded on UK equality law.

The proposals would have let biological males change their legal sex simply by declaring they were female, without a medical diagnosis.

The SNP Government failed to overturn the UK veto at Scotlands highest civil court, then abandoned the legislation amid a public backlash.

But a future SNP Government could try to pass a revised version, potentially with the help of a UK Labour government.

Mr Findlay told the Mail: There is a very real risk.

Nicola Sturgeon and the party that she built wholeheartedly believes that a man can become a woman, and vice versa, just on their say so.

Even this week, Nicola Sturgeon couldnt bring herself to say what everyone in Scotland knows - Isla Bryson is a man, hes a rapist, and she just couldnt bring herself to say that.

So the idea that, a bit like independence, gender has somehow disappeared and been settled, thats not the case.

The Tories won 31 MSPs to the SNPs 64 in 2021, making them the Holyrood opposition.

Polls suggest Labour and Reform are now vying for second place.
Anas Sarwar yesterday asked independence supporters to help make him First Minister.

The Scottish Labour leader appealed to separatists during the official launch of Scottish Labours Holyrood election campaign, but Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay branded the move as desperate and deeply concerning.

Mr Sarwar last month asked disaffected Labour supporters to hold your nose and back him to oust the SNP and put aside their anger over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his government.

Appearing alongside activists and candidates at an arts venue in Glasgows Barras market, Mr Sarwar asked wary Nationalists to back Labour too.

He said: The SNP have had their chance, and have lost their way  thats why this election must be about removing them from office.

People who support independence know my views on it, and a referendum, but even if they disagree with me on Scotlands final destination doesnt mean we cant come together and make Scotland better right now.

'That means no more excuses and no more looking for someone to blame  instead new energy, new ideas, new leadership and a new First Minister who shares the same ambition as the great people of Scotland do.

However, Mr Findlay accused Mr Sarwar of being desperate to court SNP voters. He added: Does that sound like a truly Unionist party who can be trusted on the Union?

Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar appealed to independence voters

For all that none of us want to obsess over independence, we would be completely naive to think it is off the table. It will always be John Swinneys number one priority.

Given how dangerous the rhetoric from Anas Sarwar is around working with Yes voters, and pandering to them, who knows where we might end up?

In his pitch to voters, Mr Sarwar said Scottish Labour was the only Holyrood party which could credibly replace the SNP. He insisted that he offered change, would fix the mess left by the SNP and get the basics right.

On health, he said Labour would cut NHS waiting lists, end the 8am rush for a GP appointment.

He also pledged to make life affordable and back business to create local jobs while putting police back on the streets, cracking down on yobs and ending the SNPs soft touch on crime.

Attacking the SNP education record, Mr Sarwar promised to recruit 2,000 specialist teachers to help children falling behind in writing, reading, maths and science.

He also outlined plans for 9,000 apprenticeships in key Scottish industries. He added: Some may be tempted by Reform but they cant win in Scotland and cant beat the SNP. All they risk doing is helping a tired SNP cling on to power, stopping change.

Mr Sarwar twice ducked questions about candidate Irshad Ahmad, a former SNP and Alba member who topped the Lothians list amid rumours of a mass membership sign-up.

It had been reported a complaint had been sent to Scottish Labour general secretary Kate Watson alleging Mr Ahmad, who is a candidate in Edinburgh North Western, was doing little to no work.

Mr Sarwar said all his candidates were working hard.
Reform UK suffered another day of chaos as it lost its fourth Holyrood election campaign candidate in just one week.

Linda Holt, who has faced heavy criticism for past comments referring to former First Minister as an Islamist moron and her claim he was not British, stood down as candidate for the Fife North East constituency and the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

She said that the decision was due to a lack of support from the party.

It comes as Reforms Scottish leader Lord Malcolm Offord was accused of being in hiding after snubbing a TV interview yesterday [Thursday] as he continued to come under fire for a homophobic joke.

Ms Holts decision to stand down came after she ranked only eighth out of nine on Reforms regional list for the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

She said: Due to a lack of support from the party, I am withdrawing my candidacy for Reform with immediate effect.

I thank all those who have supported me, and I wish the remaining candidates well.

Reform UK has now lost four of its 73 constituency candidates since they were announced only last Thursday.

Linda Holt stood down as the Reform candidate for the Fife North East constituency

The Mail revealed yesterday that Roland Jackson had stepped down as candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes.

Mr Jackson, who served for 12 years in the British Army and worked on strategic and international policy development in Natos headquarters, now runs a health and wellbeing business in Fife. He said: My name was published prematurely in error but I am unable to stand for family reasons.

I went through the process but I notified Reform at the eleventh hour and sadly it was an administrative error at their end.

Aberdeen Central candidate stood down after indicating that he had no intention of actually becoming a politician.

Dundee City West hopeful Stuart Niven was also suspended after it emerged he is barred from acting as a company director for seven years after a former company entered liquidation after he shifted Covid loans to a personal account.

Lord Offord was due to do an interview with STVs Colin Mackay but pulled out, with Reforms Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr speaking to the broadcaster instead. Opposition leaders have branded him unfit to be an MSP.

Asked if he was embarrassed by Lord Offords joke, Mr Kerr said: No, Im not at all. Look, this was a joke that happened eight years ago, Malcolm apologised at the time, I think we just have to try to move on.

He made amends at the time when this happened and he has apologised. I want to spend the next six weeks talking about the future of Scotland, I dont want to talk about whats happened in the past.

He said he accepts the joke was totally out of line but insisted he is very, very confident Lord Offord will still be leader at the election.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: Having announced pro-independence candidates, seen four of his candidates already quit and his tax plans exposed as fiction it seems that Lord Offord has now gone into hiding.

Hes running away while Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay takes the fight to the SNP.
Gus Lamont's grandmother remains hopeful that the missing boy will finally be found, months after he vanished without a trace.

Friday marks six months since four-year-old Gus disappeared from his grandparents' 60,000ha Oak Park Station near Yunta in South Australia's Mid North region.

Despite South Australian Police launching its largest search operation in the state's history, no trace of Gus has ever been found.

Police announced last month they believed the four-year-old was dead and declared his disappearance a major crime.

They also revealed that two family members were no longer cooperating with police, but stressed that Gus's mother and father, Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont, were not considered suspects in the ongoing investigation.

Gus's grandparents Shannon and Josie Murray - a transgender woman - have both enlisted the services of high-profile Adelaide defence lawyers.

Josie hired Andrew Ey while Shannon is represented by Casey Isaacs, who made a statement on behalf of his client - who was the last person to see Gus alive - on Thursday night.

'(Shannon) is still supporting Josie, co-operating through her solicitors and hoping to find Gus, (and) hoping that some information comes to light soon,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser.

Gus' grandmother Shannon Murray (pictured) hopes that information about his disappearance 'comes to light soon'

Friday marks six months since four-year-old Gus Lamont vanished without a trace

It's understood Shannon last saw Gus playing in a sandpile at Oak Park around 5pm on AFL Grand Final day on September 27 last year. But when she went to call him inside a short time later, he was gone.

Officers returned to the remote Oak Park Station earlier this month to search several locations for potential evidence regarding the investigation.

The taskforce dedicated to the case vowed to 'continue to investigate the disappearance of Gus Lamont until it is resolved'.

Crime Stoppers has received more than 500 calls from the public about the case.

'Task Force Horizon members are dedicated, motivated and determined to locate Gus Lamont and return him to his parents,' a police spokesperson said.

'SA Police has not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues.'

Former NSW detective-turned-criminologist Vincent Hurley warned the investigation 'may take years' to reach a conclusion.

'The fact that the police are still going out there, the fact that they are still following up leads. 'They would not be going out there for no reason at all,' he told the ABC.

New photos and footage were recently released by SA Police of missing boy Gus

Despite SA Police launching its largest search operation in the state's history, no trace of the boy has been found (pictured, officers search the desert in Yunta)

'The police will continually follow up this until it's solved.

'It might take one, it might take three, it might take five years but eventually someone will be held to account.'

Shannon and Josie Murray released a joint statement last month after police revealed they had identified a suspect within the family.

'We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,' the pair's statement read.

'The family has co-operated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.'

Days later, police arrested and charged Josie Murray, 75, with firearm offences. Police said the charges are not connected to Gus's disappearance.

Murray was bailed to appear in Peterborough Magistrates Court in May.

A week later, police released new photos and footage of Gus on behalf of his parents.

Gus' grandparents Shannon (left) and Josie Murray (right) have both enlisted the services of high profile Adelaide defence lawyers

Police confirmed to Daily Mail that a wide-brimmed grey hat with a black band that Gus was wearing in the video is one of the items they were hoping to find.

It's understood that Gus was wearing the same hat when he disappeared while playing at his grandparents' property.

'We are united in our grief, and we are united in our search for answers about what happened to our little boy, Gus, who means everything to us,' a statement from Gus' parents read at the time.

'Our lives have been shattered, and every moment without him is unbearable. We know someone out there may have information.

'If someone knows what happened, we are pleading with that person - or anyone who may have seen or heard anything - to please come forward. Even the smallest detail could give us the answers we so desperately need.'

'SA Police has not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues,' a spokesperson said

The parents also shared their gratitude to the hundreds of workers and volunteers who offered their time to search for their 'beautiful' boy.

'We also want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the search for Gus,' the statement continued.

'The tireless efforts of police, emergency services, ADF personnel, volunteers, and specialists have meant more to us than we can ever say.

'To the friends, family and supporters who have shown such compassion, concern, and assistance during this heartbreaking time: thank you.

'Your kindness has helped carry us through the darkest days of our lives. All we want is to bring Gus home and understand what happened to our beautiful boy.'
Iranian spies are attempting to recruit teenagers on social media to carry out attacks on British soil.

Various channels on messaging app Telegram are offering payments of 500 to carry out tasks purportedly for Tehran including surveillance on potential targets, it has emerged.

The channels, which are publicly accessible, are advertised on an account linked to Iran's intelligence service.

Experts believe that Tehran is expanding a recruitment strategy it pursued in Israel, where several people as young as 14 have been charged with filming Israeli military targets in exchange for cash.

The jobs, advertised in English and Hebrew, vary from filming to tailing targets, with thousands of pounds offered for more complex tasks.

The channels use automated chatbots to request information including location of the recruit, their motivation and potential skill set before offering payments in cryptocurrency to hide the source.

Yesterday, former Israeli intelligence officer Or Horvitz said: 'It's not a secret that Iranian intelligence is working very hard in both the US and the UK on operations like this.

'This is part of a broader security strategy being developed in these countries. Because they find it difficult to operate directly, they often try to act indirectly  but they show little restraint on this issue.

Various channels on Telegram, a messaging app, are offering payments of 500 to carry out tasks purportedly for Tehran including surveillance on potential targets, it has emerged

'They have carried out multiple actions on both UK and US soil, attempting to destabilise situations and, most importantly, targeting Jews and Israelis.

'This represents a significant effort on their part.

'From what I understand, they have no real red lines when it comes to operating in the UK, which they view as one of the most attractive environments in which to operate.'

The development comes as police continue to investigate whether Iran hired criminal proxies to torch four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green on Monday.

The three arsonists remain at large, but investigators are increasingly convinced that Iran was behind the attack.

Two British men aged 45 and 47 arrested on Wednesday in connection with the attack have since been released on bail.

Police believe the arsonists may have been recruited online, mirroring a strategy by Russia's Wagner Group who hired a group of men to carry out an arson attack on a Ukrainian business in East London in 2024.

In that case, the ringleader, Dylan Earl, 21, from Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire, was recruited by an automated Russian chatbot on an encrypted Telegram app, which he subsequently used to hire the rest of the gang.

Police are still trying to verify whether the ambulance attack was the work of an alleged Iranian terror group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which has claimed responsibility.

The development comes as police continue to investigate whether Iran hired criminal proxies to torch four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green on Monday

The new group appears to have recruited teenagers as young as 17 to carry out a series of recent attacks in Europe including an arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue.

Roger Macmillan, a military and security professional who spent years countering Iranian state-sponsored threats, said teenagers were engaging with Iranian-linked Telegram accounts.

He told the Times: 'The messages will be in English and in Hebrew because they are looking to recruit Jewish people or Israelis who are disaffected, as well as English-speaking people who need money.

'It's as blatant as that, it's straight out of a Russian playbook. They offer British teenagers money and say I'll give you 500 - it's too easy.

'They'll ask kids to photograph this, film that. You don't know what that is used for.

'The person doing the actual recruitment probably won't know who he's doing it for, because somebody else is controlling him.'

He added: 'The people that they are hiring to do the jobs are probably not your highly trained operators who have been trained to go and do these attacks.

'These are kids, these are vulnerable people who have been co-opted on the promise of, 'do this, video it, and we will give you 500'.'

MI5 spy chief Sir Ken McCallum has previously warned anyone thinking of carrying out Iran's 'dirty work': 'If you take money from Iran, Russia or any other state to carry out illegal acts in the UK, you will bring the full weight of the national security apparatus down on you. It's a choice you'll regret.'
Panic-buying at petrol stations across Australia is being driven by a different set of forces than those during the COVID-19 pandemic, an expert says.

Long queues at service stations have appeared as conflict in the Middle East causes a surge in fuel prices and raises concerns about supply, but an economist says the motivations behind the behaviour have shifted.

Tim Neal, who has researched panic-buying at scale, said the behaviour during the pandemic was primarily about future supply concerns from lockdown disruptions.

'With fuel prices, there are supply concerns especially when it comes to diesel,' Dr Neal said.

'But what initially started the panic-buying was a price motive. People are stocking up because you expect future price increases.'

More than 500 service stations were without some kind of fuel on Thursday but more petrol and diesel was flowing to the regions, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told parliament.

'There are real shortages, particularly in regional areas, that need to be addressed,' he said.

Oil prices have skyrocketed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February.

Long queues have formed across the nation as people stock up before fuel prices rise further

Iran has in turn attacked regional energy infrastructure and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, forcing countries to respond to global fuel supply shortages.

National cabinet will meet to discuss the ongoing fuel crisis on Monday.

Sudden spikes in demand could quickly outstrip supply, leading to temporary outages, Dr Neal said.

But he said it was too early to determine whether shortages were driven more by supply disruptions or surging demand, but both factors were likely at play.

Efforts to curb panic-buying were often limited once it began, Dr Neal said, because the behaviour becomes self-reinforcing.

'All you need for panic-buying to be rational is to believe that other people are going to be panicking,' he said.

Tougher penalties for price gouging passed parliament on Thursday afternoon.

Legislation doubling the maximum fine for false and misleading conduct or cartel behaviour to $100 million was given the green light by the Senate to deter petrol companies from profiting from the shortages.

'We're not immune from uncertainty and volatility in the global economy, but this action is all about protecting consumers and holding petrol suppliers and retailers to account,' Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Bowen has left the door open to measures aimed at driving down fuel demand, including encouraging people to work from home and increasing levels of ethanol in petrol.
Motorists in major cities are now facing fuel limits at some petrol stations as shortages spread beyond regional areas.

Supply pressures that have plagued regional Australia's independent petrol stations for weeks are now entering urban markets.

Customers at a Shell-branded Viva station on Sydney's Northern Beaches were limited to 50 litres per vehicle, with jerry cans and external tanks banned due to shortages, The Australian reports.

The masthead reports that other city petrol stations are doing the same.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly insisted supply issues are being driven by a sudden spike in demand caused by panic buying, and that rationing is not needed.

'We have as much fuel in Australia today as we had on the day Iran was attacked. We have had real issues, particularly in regional Australia, getting fuel to where demand has been very high,' Bowen said.

'We've seen very big spikes in demand. Some of that has been panic buying. Some people are trying to get ahead of expected price rises. Some farmers are stocking up, which is understandable.

'But the fact is, if demand suddenly jumps dramatically, whether it's for petrol, diesel or even toilet paper, supply chains come under pressure.'

Supply pressures that have plagued regional Australia's independent petrol stations for weeks are now washing into the country's urban markets

Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists fuel stocks are stable, saying surging demand is driving shortages

He said Australia had received all expected fuel shipments so far, although six deliveries scheduled for April had been cancelled, with some replaced by alternative sources as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue.

He said 74 of the 80 fuel shipments expected across April and May were still on track to arrive.

If the conflict drags on for several more weeks, Bowen said contingency plans are in place to manage supply risks, but rationing remains unlikely.

'We have also said there are international supply risks going forward, but we are pretty well placed to deal with those risks. There is a range of actions available to government. Rationing would be an absolute worst-case planning measure. It's not on the agenda.'

Bowen also ruled out a controversial $40 fuel purchase cap outlined in a 2019 national emergency fuel shortage response, which has resurfaced in recent days as one of the possible measures governments could consider if supplies were severely disrupted.

'To introduce something like that, you would have to declare a national fuel emergency, which has never been done. I've already said I don't envisage doing that. So it's really not on the agenda,' he said.

Some of the other measures in the fuel shortage plan focus on cutting demand before rationing kicks in.

Join the discussion Should panic buying and strict fuel limits be enforced, or is there a fairer solution to the crisis?

Anthony Albanese will convene a second national cabinet meeting on the crisis on Monday, where demand-side measures, including working from home, carpooling and public transport concessions, are expected to dominate the agenda

These include urging motorists to carpool, adopt 'eco-driving' habits such as smoother acceleration and reduced air-conditioning use, and encouraging businesses to prepare contingency plans for a potential halving of their fuel supply.

The document also says the government could allow higher fuel prices to help curb consumption, on the basis that reduced supply would naturally push prices up and discourage unnecessary travel.

Bowen said: 'Public restraint, public information campaigns and requesting people to save fuel would be the first step, and that only after that would any further actions be considered. I made clear yesterday, I think we're a long way from that.'

Bowen confirmed on Thursday that 608 petrol stations were suffering from a shortage of at least one type of fuel, amounting to eight per cent of all fuel stations in the country.

Meanwhile, the average price of 91 unleaded has soared to 256.1c a litre, while diesel is at 312.1c.

Global oil supply has slowed this month after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 per cent of the world's oil passes, following attacks by the US and Israel.

Australia imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel from overseas, mainly from Asia, but those countries source much of their crude oil from the Middle East.

Anthony Albanese will convene a second national cabinet meeting on the crisis on Monday, where demand-side measures, including working from home, carpooling and public transport concessions, are expected to dominate the agenda.
It was a family reunion of sorts in the East Room on Thursday as Donald Trump's almost daughter-in-law, US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, made a high-profile appearance at the White House to celebrate Greek Independence Day.

The President ensured all eyes were on the envoy, giving her a glowing introduction and beckoning her to join him at the podium.

'Kimberly, Kimberly that is my little pet name for her. I hope you come back here in, what is the term for that, 12 years?' Trump told the room, sparking laughter from a packed crowd.

The 57-year-old Ambassador opted for understated elegance at the diplomatic reception, donning a simple, black dress, cinched at the waist with a delicate silver chain belt.

To complete the look, she wore her signature classic diamond cross necklace.

Her son, Ronan Anthony Villency, was spotted in the audience supporting his mother before she took her place alongside the President on stage. Also seen mingling in the star-studded crowd was longtime Trump confidante Kellyanne Conway.

The annual event, held in the historic East Room, serves as a cornerstone of the diplomatic calendar, celebrating the enduring bond between Washington and Athens.

Trump took the opportunity to pay tribute to the Greek-American community, welcoming a room packed with influential diplomats, industry titans and religious leaders.

Influential Greek-Americans seen at the event included Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative Mike Manatos, American diplomat Patrick Theros and billionaire John Catsimatidis.

Donald Trump (L) greets US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle during a Greek Independence Day celebration in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 26 March

It was a family reunion of sorts in the East Room on Tuesday as President Donald Trump's almost daughter-in-law, US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, made a high-profile appearance at the White House to celebrate Greek Independence Day

President Trump is seen praying with his Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle

Trump embraces US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle at a reception celebrating Greek Independence Day

In a formal declaration honoring the day, the President drew parallels between the two nations' histories: 'As America marks 250 glorious years of independence, we draw inspiration from the example of the Greek people who refused to surrender their sovereignty and preserved the flame of self-government,' Trump said.

The celebrations didn't end at the White House gates. The political elite are expected to keep the party going tonight at Balos, the upscale Greek eatery in Washington, DC, where Guilfoyle is reportedly the guest of honor.

Back in late February, the Daily Mail reported that Guilfoyle made the trip to Washington, hoping that President Donald Trump would be her knight in shining armor as she struggles to solidify power in the European nation.

Guilfoyle, the ex-fiancee of the president's eldest son Donald Trump Jr, has only been in the ambassadorial role since September but is reportedly in need of a 'rescue mission' from Trump Sr, amid a failure to win over the Athenian elite.

'She made waves when she came in, for both bad and good reasons, and now the honeymoon effect is over. Now it's - okay, what can you do for Greece? Show us if you are all talk or action,' a political operative based in Greece told the Daily Mail.

As such, Guilfoyle was reportedly spotted in the Oval Office huddled with Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month before making this second trip.

According to two sources, the first female Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic went straight to the top, pushing Trump to commit to a high-profile visit to Greece in a bid to help her restore her image - and remind the local power players of her direct line to the White House.

Some critical media outlets and even Greek politicians have grumbled that Guilfoyle's focus since taking up the diplomatic post has been more on high-society events and gala appearances than on granular policy negotiations.

Trump is seen here laughing with Guilfoyle, President and CEO of 'Gristedes,' billionaire John Catsimatidis and wife Margo Catsimatidis

According to two sources, the first female Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic has gone straight to the top, pushing Trump to commit to a high-profile visit to Greece

'The US-Greece relationship in general has been like "The Love Boat." [Guilfoyle] has been part of it, but she is no more than Julie, the social director,' said a source familiar with the inner workings of the embassy, referencing the event organizer played by actress Lauren Tewes in the hit 1970s sitcom about life onboard a cruise ship.

'She is putting on great parties, sure, but she is taking credit for things that were in the final stages before she even got nominated,' the source added.

One example insiders point to is the recent Offshore Concession Agreements between Greece and a consortium led by US oil company Chevron, giving it exclusive rights for gas exploration off the southern Greek coast.

While Guilfoyle championed the February ceremonial signing at Maximos Mansion - home to the Greek Prime Minister - the agreement had reportedly been launched and effectively finalized long before she was even nominated as ambassador.

Some concerns have also been raised locally over whether the strength of her policy influence with Trump has fallen behind that of Tom Barrack, the ambassador of neighboring Turkey.

'She is better than Barrack at photo-op diplomacy, but he is racking up policy wins. Over the last 10 years, Greeks thought they had an advantage when it came to the US ambassador in Athens compared to the ambassador to Turkey, and now they feel like they don't,' the source familiar with the inner workings of the Greek embassy said.

That said, 'her greatest accomplishment has been getting high-level eyes on Greece,' the source added.

Indeed, several top Trump officials who have already visited Guilfoyle including Secretaries Doug Burgum, Chris Wright, and soon, perhaps even Marco Rubio.

Guilfoyle, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Gavin Lewis, vice president of new ventures at Chevron, pose after signing an agreement granting rights for exploratory drilling and potential hydrocarbon exploitation south of the Peloponnese and Crete

The post in Greece, a sun-soaked vacation destination steeped in ancient history and democracy, was seen as something of an olive branch after Guilfoyle's engagement collapsed

She now lives in Jefferson House, the ambassador's villa located in the exclusive Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens

Trump hugs Guilfoyle, during the Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House back in March of last year

But it is a Greek visit from Trump that Guilfoyle is still desperate to secure.

'There is a lot of speculation about dates and, apparently, to avoid the perception that she had overstepped, she came directly to meet [Trump] in person,' the same source said.

Her strategy appears to be working. State Department insiders tell the Daily Mail that early July is being tentatively suggested as the target for a Presidential landing.

'The president said he is considering the visit and when would be best to make the trip,' an insider said.

With a NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in neighboring Turkey, a stopover in Athens would surely be a logistical no-brainer.
A series of isolated coastal towns are in the firing line as a powerful tropical cyclone barrels towards Australia's west coast.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle was upgraded on Thursday to a severe category four system off the Western Australian northwest coast and could grow more powerful.

The storm is on track to cross the coast late on Friday between Carnarvon and Kalbarri as a degraded category three system, but it could still pack a punch, with wind gusts up to 224km/h possible.

It was expected to skid past Exmouth overnight and affect Coral Bay and Denham before crossing the coast in the Shark Bay area.

ABC Meteorologist Nate Byrne said the 'monster' cyclone is expected to cross the coast somewhere between Cape Cuvier and Shark Bay later on Friday.

'This is a monster cyclone, with a clear eye in the centre - that tells you a lot about its severity,' he told the ABC.

Narelle has reformed after leaving a trail of destruction across parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The system is set to move southeast after crossing the coast and pass as a tropical low east of Perth on Saturday, bringing showers and thunderstorms.

Cyclone Narelle has a clear eye in the centre of the storm, as seen in this Weatherzone map

The category four system has retensified as it prepares to cross the West Australian coast

Kalbarri State Emergency Service deputy Steve Duncan said the town was as prepared as it could be for Narelle's arrival in the early hours of Saturday.

'The majority of the town was here for (Cyclone Seroja in 2021),' he said. 'That's one benefit of past events, people are more aware.'

Seroja flattened the coastal town of about 1,500 people after it crossed the coast as a category three system.

'People are still quite jumpy,' Mr Duncan said.

'It was quite a traumatic event for the town, so people are very wary on any potential cyclone Impact in the area, which is quite understandable.'

Agricultural town Carnarvon could take a direct hit from Narelle as a category four system on Friday.

Shire president Eddie Smith said he was trying to stay positive so he could deal with whatever hit the town.

'We're waiting for the inevitable,' he said. 'I'm hoping that we see it downgraded from the probable three or four to two, that would be really good.'

The cyclone is seen siting north of the West Australian coast on Thursday

The system is set to pass as a tropical low east of Perth on Saturday

Banana growers' co-op boss Doriana Mangili said farmers were still recovering after being lashed by Tropical Cyclone Mitchell six weeks ago.

'In the last one, winds were just over 100km/h, but this one's looking to go as high as 220km/h, so that's a very different scenario,' she said.

'That's the sort of wind that can rip a roof off a house; there'll definitely be debris flying around.

'You can see power poles snap, and then the recovery process becomes much greater, because you can't do anything until power is restored.'

The town of about 6,000 people was devastated by Tropical Cyclone Olwyn in 2015, when power and water were lost for more than a week and roads were cut off.

'It's looking more and more the same sort of severity as Olwyn,' Ms Mangili said. 'That's the one we lost 100 per cent of our (agricultural) production.

'We've seen this before.'

Farmers have been racing to harvest as much fruit as possible and send it to Perth, 900km south, before roads in the region were closed.

'I joked yesterday that last week my only problems were the cost of fuel, fertiliser, and packaging... now we're potentially getting no income for 18 months,' Ms Mangili said.

'It's devastating.'
When Ethan Roberts could not get hold of his mother on the morning of October 24, 2025, he immediately feared the worst had happened.

He had by this point become so worried about his younger brother Tristan's escalating behaviour that he had set up wireless-enabled cameras inside the family home before leaving for university.

But nothing could prepare him for the horror of what Tristan had done the night before.

Fuelled by a violent hatred towards women and after spending hours online on controversial messaging apps, he had gone through with his murderous plans and brutally killed their mother Angela Shellis.

When she failed to answer the phone the next day, Ethan sent her a text message asking: 'Just call me for a second - so that I know you are alive.'

Roberts - posing as their mother - replied: 'I think I am alive [laughing emoji]'.

Ethan said he knew immediately the message was not from her.

In a moving victim impact statement read in full at Mold Crown Court where Tristan was jailed for 22 years, Ethan told how he 'knew from the messages that it wasnt my mum'.

'I was begging for her to call me and I knew, had it truly been her, that she would answer me in an instant,' he said.

'That day will forever remain a blur and I felt numb. As the news began to come out that a woman had been found I knew probably what had happened, but could not accept it was mum.'

Tristan Roberts, 18, in a mugshot released by North Wales Police after he was jailed for life

Angela Shellis, 45, a teaching assistant, was described as a 'devoted' mother who 'fought tirelessly' for her younger son Tristan before he killed her

Roberts sent messages from her phone to worried relatives to say she was laid up with a 'bad throat'. Her phone was found at the home.

The hammer he bought on Amazon and used to murder his mother in woodland near their home

Tristan has offered no explanation for the murder; in police interviews he responded 'no comment'.

He told how he had to take public transport and travel several hours by bus to get home 'all the while completely alone and isolated'. He said the wait to reach the family and home and know the truth was 'unbearable'.

'By the time I arrived at my aunts house the police were there, they confirmed they believed the woman they had found was my mum and I completely broke down,' he said.

Ms Shellis, 45, had been found with severe head injuries beside a footpath near a nature reserve in Prestatyn, North Wales, by walkers that morning.

Tristan, who harboured a violent hatred of women, had kept her prisoner in her bedroom, recording her four-hour ordeal in audio too distressing to be played to the court.

He then lured her into woodland on the pretence of allowing her to get help, only to deliver the fatal blows with a hammer bought from Amazon and leave her body in undergrowth.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Roberts had, in the months leading up the killing, spent hours a day in a toxic online world where he had posted misogynistic messages and boasted of his chilling intent to kill on a controversial chat forum linked to other murders before the attack.

He had also asked an AI tool for tips on which weapon to use and how to clean up afterwards. It told him a hammer would be best for 'a non-experienced killer'.

Tristan has offered no explanation for the murder; in police interviews he responded 'no comment'. But the court heard he had become fixated on the notion that his 'devoted' mother was to blame for his unhappiness.

A qualified teacher, described by relatives as having 'a heart full of love and kindness', she had taken a lower-paid job as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School so she could spend more time with her sons.

In childhood, Tristan had been referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. He attended mainstream schools but 'struggled' and had a history of disruptive behaviour.

He also spent time in hospital, in homeless accommodation and a period with his father in Milton Keynes before returning to the family home in Prestatyn, North Wales.

Ethan, who left the court in tears at one point, said there was not a day that went by that he did not question why.

He said his mother was patient with his brother 'put up with so much from Tristan, and even then she still loved him'. He said she never gave up on him and tried to help him and get help for him, but he never accepted it.

'Why would he do that to her? All my mum ever did was love Tristan, she looked after him and put up with way more than anyone ever should have, but that was my mum  she would do anything for us, anything for him, shes the only person thats ever done anything and everything for Tristan his whole life and hes the one whos took her from us all,' he said.

'I feel overwhelmingly angry  of course at Tristan, who I am obviously angry at and devastated by his actions.

'I am also angry at myself. I feel guilty and angry for not being there, for not doing anything to prevent this and protect my mum. I am even a bit angry at my mum  I dont know why she didnt call me or her sister, try to fight, or struggle, or do anything.

'These questions haunt me and Ill never know, well never know, what exactly happened. I suffer with grief and depression, I am a shell of the person I was.'

He said he had since withdrawn from university temporarily felt and said he now felt 'completely lost'.

In the statement read to the court on his behalf he went on: 'She was the most important person in my life and now shes gone.

'I dont know how I can live my life without her. Mum and I were so close, we talked everyday. Whether I was home, in uni, on holiday, no matter where in the world I or she were, wed talk everyday about anything and everything.

'Mum would always check up on me, she was always there for me, no matter what. It is hard thinking about the future, there were so many things I wanted to do with mum.

'I had always talked about wanting to move from the UK and shed always say I need to take her with me, we were inseparable.

'I wanted to take her on holiday, on a cruise, I told her Id take her away on her 50th birthday, all these plans for the future and milestones we would have shared.'

He said he never wanted to see Tristan again.

'I cant imagine him ever being in the public or being safe for himself or others if he doesnt start engaging and talking about why he has done this to our mum and take responsibility for what he has done to mum and to the wider family.

'I dont know how he could do this to anyone, let alone the one person out of everybody that would do absolutely anything for him, no one else would put up with what she dealt with, she still loved him, we tried to include him all the time in everything, he never wanted to, he just hid.'

Ms Shellis' sister Sarah Gunther said she wanted her sister to be remembered as 'a mum who never gave up, no matter what life threw at her'.

Addressing her nephew directly in court on Wednesday, she told him how the family 'fought so hard to try and get you the help you needed'.

Roberts had previously posted misogynistic messages (pictured) and boasted of his chilling intent to kill on controversial chat forum Discord, which has been linked to other murders

He then led her to a nature reserve (pictured, the pair walking there, captured on CCTV footage) and bludgeoned her to death with the hammer - which he had bought on Amazon for 20

She said: 'Tristan, I wanted to look into your eyes today and say this to you. The impact of your actions in taking Angela from us all, is something we now have to live with every single day.

'As a close family, we all fought so hard to try and get you the help you needed, none of us ever gave up on you  Angela especially.

'We all showed you love and cared for you, and tried to include you in everything we did. It is incredibly hard to express our feelings towards you now.

'There is anger, confusion, and heartbreak, but for me personally, there is still care there too for you.

'I just wish that if you felt you didnt want to live under the same roof as Angela you had considered that it could have been resolved in so many other ways, without going to the extreme of taking her away from everyone who loved her.'

Tristan did not make eye contact and spent most of the hearing staring straight ahead except to cast his gaze downwards from his seat in the glass-panelled dock as the 'catastrophic' injuries he inflicted were spelt out.

Mrs Gunther, reading from her moving personal impact statement, told him: 'I hope in time you can come to understand the full consequences of your actions, and the pain and devastation they have caused to so many people.

'Angela will be sadly missed by so many, she will never be forgotten. She was loved by everyone who knew her.

'She was strong, caring, and determined, and we want her to be remembered as a mum who never gave up, no matter what life threw at her.

'I hope that, in time, the services that also failed my sister and my nephew will be held accountable for this tragedy that I feel could have been avoided.'
A glamorous former Massachusetts cop accused of trying to gun down her colleagues has been found not guilty following a scandalous showdown with her fellow officers in court.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 29, sighed with relief and hugged her family as the judge ruled in her favor on Thursday. She faced up to five years behind bars, but will now walk free.

The case stemmed back to a chaotic episode in June 2025, when she was accused of pulling a gun on her North Andover Police Department colleagues as they tried to serve her with a restraining order from her firefighter fiance Justin Aylaian, 32.

They accused her of pointing her service weapon at them and pulling the trigger before the weapon jammed. Fitzsimmons insisted she only intended to shoot herself in the head in a botched suicide attempt.

After raising the weapon in the air, Fitzsimmons was shot in the chest by officer Pat Noonan. She spent weeks in the hospital with a collapsed lung and was then charged with trying to gun down her fellow officers.

In own testimony this week, Fitzsimmons insisted that she never tried to shoot any officers and only tried to kill herself.

She said on the stand that she wanted to end her life after 'losing everything'. She testified that she feared her life was spiraling out of control after Aylaian ended the relationship and tried to seize custody of their child.

'I saw my baby go, my fiance, my dog, my house, and I knew that it was going to be my job, too,' she said in her testimony.

Former Massachusetts police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been found not guilty of trying to open fire on her fellow officers as they served her with a restraining order from her firefighter fiance

Fitzsimmons, 29, appeared emotional in court on Thursday as the verdict was read, hugging her attorneys and family as she breathed a sigh of relief. She faced up to five years behind bars, but will now walk free

The chaotic episode unfolded in June 2025, when Fitzsimmons' firefighter fiance Justin Aylaian ended the relationship and alleged that she had threatened him and their four-month-old son

Handing down his verdict, Judge Karp said the case was one of the 'more exhausting, hardest things' he has done in his judicial career.

Fitzsimmons had requested a bench trial meaning she did not have to face a jury and her fate rested solely with the judge.

Karp said while there was 'no evidence' of a conspiracy among police to cover-up the facts of the shooting, he was not swayed by arguments that Fitzsimmons tried to shoot her fellow officers.

The judge also acknowledged the 'crucial and often thankless role' of police officers, and said he believed Noonan did the best he could in the situation when he shot Fitzsimmons.

But he said although he found both Noonan and Fitzsimmons' testimony to be credible, he ultimately decided that prosecutors did not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fitzsimmons, who was on maternity leave from the police department at the time of the shooting, previously told the court she was blindsided by Aylaian's decision to leave her and only realized he was ending things when she was given the restraining order.

However, the couple's relationship had been deteriorating for some time, and hit a low point weeks before the shooting after they attended a boozy joint bachelor and bachelorette party where they accused each other of drinking to excess.

Fitzsimmons told the court that hours before being served with the restraining order, she and Aylaian got into a bitter argument about caring for their son because he refused to take him while she went to CPR training.

Fitzsimmons admitted to lying about where her service weapon was during the incident. Prosecutors argued that she abruptly grabbed it and pointed it at officers, but she claimed she only intended to shoot herself

Fitzsimmons was a North Andover Police officer for just over a year before she was shot. She was fired following the incident

Pat Noonan, pictured, is the police officer who shot Kelsey Fitzsimmons during the fiery confrontation a court was told

Fitzsimmons said she had to take the CPR training to prepare for her return to work, but Aylaian did not want to pick up their baby, which forced her to take the infant with her.

She testified that while driving home, she saw her fiance's truck outside a friend's property surrounded by other vehicles she recognized from the bachelor and bachelorette party which roused her suspicions.

She claimed that she then realized her phone number had been blocked by Aylaian. One of his friends allegedly tried to reassure her the vehicles she saw were only gathered at the property to pick up items left behind from a party.

She said she knew 'something was going on', and parked in a school parking lot near her home so he would not know she was home in case Aylaian came back.

Soon after Noonan and two other officers arrived at her home.

In her testimony, she admitted that she lied to the officers about where her service weapon was when they showed up at her home to serve her with the document, claiming it was in her basement when it was actually in her bedroom.

She said she intended to use the gun to kill herself, testifying: 'I made that decision as I realized I had just lost everything in a 15-second conversation with my coworker.'

Her testimony came the day after Noonan took to the stand to claim that he was forced to shoot her because he feared she was trying to kill her fiance.

Fitzsimmons, seen taking the stand in her own defense this week, insisted that she never would have shot her colleagues and only intended to kill herself when she raised the weapon

Fitzsimmons was seen flashing a filthy look in court as her former colleague testified that he was forced to shoot her because he feared she was trying to kill her fiance

Fitzsimmons stared down her former North Andover Police colleague in court as he testified.

Noonan told the court: 'I think I was standing in her way for her to get downstairs and kill Justin.'

Massachusetts does not have a state law requiring police departments to wear body cameras and the North Andover Police Department officers at the scene were not wearing cameras that would have shown the episode in Fitzsimmons's home.

Noonan alleged that Fitzsimmons pointed her service weapon at him and pulled the trigger, but said it made a 'click' noise because the gun was jammed.

He said he had no choice but to shoot her because she then 'tap racked' the gun, a move to clear a jam that feeds a bullet into the chamber.

In cross examination of Noonan, Fitzsimmons' attorney Timothy Bradl argued that the police officer did not need to shoot her in the chest and alleged he used excessive force.

Bradl claimed that Fitzsimmons lifted the gun in an attempt to shoot herself in the head, saying she was going through a mental health crisis and feared losing custody of her son.

He accused Noonan of unnecessarily shooting her, saying: 'You know its prohibited for someone to use deadly force on someone who is only exhibiting harm to themselves?'

Fitzsimmons said she was terrified of police taking her baby away from her

Noonan, a SWAT team trained cop, responded: 'Absolutely.'

Asked why he didn't tase her instead, Noonan said: 'We meet deadly force with deadly force.'

In her testimony, Fitzsimmons said she tried to move Noonan into another room before shooting herself.

'I knew if I pulled out my firearm in front of a police officer, I would get shot,' she said.

'Im not dumb, I was a police officer. If someone takes out a gun in front of you, yes, thats a threat, yes, thats somebody that you probably feel threatened from.

'Even looking back now, reflecting for nine months, I think my decision to do it to myself was selfish to everybody who loves me. I wanted to kill myself. Me and my gun. No one else involved.'

Bradl said Fitzsimmons was suffering from postpartum depression during the shooting incident. He said her life 'imploded' when Aylaian filed a restraining order against her.

The defense attorney alleged that officer Noonan tried to 'adjust the narrative' after the shooting in order to protect himself and argued that he did not need to shoot Fitzsimmons in the chest.

He described Fitzsimmons as a panicking mother who thought her life was spiraling out of control.

'She made a decision for herself and it's a decision that takes your breath away,' Bradl said.

Prosecutors disputed Fitzsimmons' version of the incident, claiming that the only reason it did not turn deadly was because there was no bullet in the chamber of her gun and because of Noonan's SWAT team training

The former police officer was shot in the chest during the incident and suffered a collapsed lung

'She decides to end her life with her firearm in her bedroom. She knows her firearm is in her bedroom, and she tells police something else.

'She tells them the guns are in the basement, because she doesn't want to involve them. The idea of harming them, the evidence will show, is ludicrous.

'She's trying to get them away from her.'

Prosecutors disputed Fitzsimmons's version of the incident, claiming that the only reason it did not turn deadly was because there was no bullet in the chamber of her gun and because of Noonan's SWAT team training.

They said Noonan was with Fitzsimmons when she then went into her bedroom and he 'noticed that her demeanor changes and she gets upset, at that point she lunges to her right.'

The prosecutor alleged earlier in the trial that she picked up her service weapon from in her bedroom, pointed it at the officers and pulled the trigger, but it did not fire.

He alleged that she then tried to rerack the gun and raised it up, leading Noonan to shoot at her twice. One missed her and the other hit her in the chest.

Aylaian, a local firefighter in North Andover, Massachusetts, previously alleged that Fitzsimmons threatened him and their newborn.

He testified in her trial on Monday, saying that he decided to move out of their home and try to gain full custody of their son over fears that she may harm herself or their family.

Fitzsimmons was a North Andover Police officer for just over a year before the she was shot. She was fired following the incident.
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The Princess of Wales was praised for her grace after ferocious gusts of wind threatened a wardrobe malfunction during the Archbishop of Canterbury's historic installation ceremony yesterday.

Videos showed Kate, 44, gripping onto her straw hat as she arrived in Kent for the enthronement of Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, in Kent.

The mother of three put on an elegant display in a monochrome ensemble, including a black-and-white houndstooth straw boater from Juliette Millinery.

While the hat looked impossibly chic and showed off her elegant chignon, the blustery weather meant Kate was forced to keep one hand on it as she greeted the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, outside the cathedral.

It would have taken some effort to keep the black-and-white hat perfectly perched on the princess's head as videos showed Kate's matching coat fluttering in the wind.

At one point, the hat nearly flew off before Kate caught it - as royal fans remarked she was typically elegant despite the weather playing foul.

Some also suggested Kate was taking style cues from the First Lady of the US, who is known for wearing eye-shielding hats with exaggerated proportions.

'Kate's recent look seems similar to Melania Trump's style,' one person wrote, referencing the First Lady's collection of wide-brimmed hats, including the extraordinarily large purple one she picked for last year's state visit to the UK.

The Princess of Wales was praised for her grace after ferocious gusts of wind threatened a wardrobe malfunction during the Archbishop of Canterbury's historic installation ceremony yesterday

Videos showed Kate, 44, gripping onto her straw hat as she arrived in Kent for the enthronement of Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, in Kent

The headgear completely obscured Melania's eyes, as a fashion expert suggested that Melania deployed hats to the same 'unsettling' effect as Anna Wintour's sunglasses.

However, members of the Royal Family usually tend not to wear hats that hide their faces because 'part of their public duty is to be seen', editor of 10 Magazine, Claudia Croft, previously told The Independent.

Kate's choice of headgear yesterday certainly marked a departure from the smaller pieces she has worn before, as one X user noted the 'Melania vibes'.

The future Queen arrived at Canterbury Cathedral alongside Prince William, 43, to witness the symbolic start of the archbishop of Canterbury's public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.

For the occasion, she picked a brand new 2,850 Washington Prince of Wales check Cashmere Coat from Suzannah London.

Kate completed her look with her 570 Ralph Lauren Celia Calfskin heels in black, while carrying her 4,036 Chanel Mini Classic Handbag, made of lambskin and gold-tone metal.

She also debuted the Juliette Millinery hat, but gusty wind and rain forced her to hang on tightly to it as Kate was received outside the church by the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Colgrain.

Reacting to the footage of Kate, one fan said she is 'always so elegant', adding: 'Best dressed person I have ever seen. Always!!!'

Another X user wrote: 'I loved [how she was laughing when holding onto her hat in the wind, yet still said her goodbyes].'

A third comment read: 'Only the Princess of Wales could pull this off so perfectly and elegantly. I would be a nervous wreck trying to wear that hat, afraid a strong wind would blow it off.'

One person quipped, 'Its Catherine, William and her hat against the wind,' in a post on X.

Kate's face was partially covered by the hat as she took her seat in the Quire next to Prince William, who attended yesterday's landmark ceremony in his role as heir to the throne.

William and Kate did not have an active role in the service, but watched as members of the congregation.

Some also suggested Kate was taking style cues from the First Lady of the US, who is known for wearing eye-shielding hats with exaggerated proportions

The ceremony featured a mandate - a legal instruction - from the King, read by Principal Registrar of the Province of Canterbury, Darren Oliver, giving the monarch's instruction to install Dame Sarah as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

She is the first woman to be appointed Archbishop in the role's 1,400-year history, and yesterday's service was her formal installation.

Dame Sarah is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

William and Catherine previously met her at Lambeth Palace on February 5 and have since indicated their interest in building a warm and meaningful relationship with the most senior bishop in the church and its spiritual leader.

The Prince and Princess of Wales took a few moments to speak to the new Archbishop on their way out.

It comes as Kensington Palace aides briefed that while William is not a 'regular' churchgoer, he does have a 'quiet' commitment to his faith and is keen to build a strong and warm relationship with the new Archbishop. It helps that, like him, she is an Aston Villa fan.
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The Prince of Wales is 'determined' that Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis 'will not fall victim' to the 'built-in cruelty' of the heir and spare system, a royal author has claimed.

Prince William, 43, is 'determined that his second and third-born children are well-prepared and well-financed for independent lives', Tina Brown, author of The Palace Papers, has revealed.

Writing in the latest installment of her Substack 'Fresh Hell', Ms Brown added that the future King wants to ensure that Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, 'will not fall victim to the same cycle of thwarted freedom' due to the historic heir and spare sibling rivalry.

'I am told that the heir to the throne, Prince William, is preoccupied with the built-in risk of primogeniture's cruelty,' she said.

In a desperate bid to avoid suffering the same bitter 'rift' he and his brother, the Duke of Sussex, experienced growing up, previous reports have suggested that William is eager to 'break the cycle of the heir and spare feud' for his three children.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in October, royal author Robert Hardman revealed that both the Prince and Princess of Wales want to ensure that the two children do not feel any 'less loved or relevant' than their older brother and heir to the throne, Prince George, 12.

He explained this commitment to a more equal upbringing is to ensure that Charlotte and Louis do not grow up with the same 'resentment' as other recent royal 'spares', such as Princess Margaret and Prince Harry.

He told co-host and historian Kate Williams: 'It is said that the Prince and Princess of Wales are very concerned.

The Prince of Wales is 'preoccupied' with the 'cruelty' that Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could experience as young royal spares, royal author Tina Brown has claimed

Writing in the latest installment of her Substack 'Fresh Hell', Ms Brown added that the future King wants to ensure that Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, 'will not fall victim to the same cycle of thwarted freedom' due to the historic heir and spare sibling rivalry

'Of course, Prince George is the heir, and that's the way it's going to be. It's a hereditary, hierarchical, constitutional monarchy. You can't change that.

'But there are ways I think, in which you can try and ensure that you don't leave the younger ones feeling they are any less loved or any less relevant.

'They're just going to have to accept their career path is going to be different.'

This was aided by the end of a centuries-old primogeniture tradition in 2013, which previously dictated that the first-born son would take the throne, and that any resulting spare must be succeeded by the next born male.

Charlotte, often described as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon', is the first royal to have benefited from the long-needed update, which previously sidelined Princess Anne and made Prince Andrew the spare to Charles.

According to Tom Quinn, historian and author of Scandals Of The Royal Palaces, this change will enable a more harmonious relationship between all of the Waleses' children.

'It will make things a lot easier because there won't be two males like two deer clashing antlers anymore,' he previously revealed in a Channel 5 documentary.

Speaking in the documentary, others suggested that the future will be different for the youngest successors because they are being raised as equals and have a more 'normal' upbringing - a 'key to unpacking and shifting expectations of our heirs and spares'.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in October, royal author Robert Hardman revealed that both the Prince and Princess of Wales want to ensure that the two children do not feel any 'less loved or relevant' than their older brother and heir to the throne, Prince George, 12

Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, also said they would have more 'freedom and choice than their father had'.

If successful, it would break the cycle of historic rival relations in the family.

Three generations ago, King Edward VIII and his younger brother, King George VI, famously severed all ties after the intended heir abdicated the throne in 1936, after his requests to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson were repeatedly denied.

The sudden move forced the spare, George, to take the crown, a succession he had never trained for nor wanted for himself.

With neither brother satisfied with their fate, each blaming the other for their circumstances, friction further escalated between the pair and eventually resulted in a complete collapse in their relationship.

In more recent history, Andrew was the 'spare' to his oldest sibling, King Charles. Although Princess Anne was the second-born child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the rules of succession at the time meant that the next-born son would be next in line for the throne.

Princess Margaret, who died in 2002, was also reported to have faced her own personal gripes with being the 'spare', though the sisters still shared a close bond.

Ms Brown previously wrote: 'Margaret was the only person on the planet who always knew Elizabeth as a peer, exchanging gossip, complaining about their mother, understanding the world through the same peculiar royal prism.'

However, according to Andrew Morton, Margaret once said, 'I have never suffered from "second-daughter-itits". But I did mind forever being cast as the "younger sister".'

Now, William and Kate are making a conscious effort to ensure that their three children experience a normal upbringing free of spare-related concerns.

During an interview with Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy in October, William revealed that he wants to 'do what's best for my children' and 'try to avoid the mistakes' his parents made.

The future King told Levy: 'Getting the balance of work and family life right is really important.

'Because for me, the most important thing in my life is family, and everything is about the future and about if you don't start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you're setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall.

'We try to make sure we give them the security and the safety that they need.'
With his charm, oratorical skills and campaigning brio, Boris Johnson helped persuade Britain to vote to leave the European Union with Brexit in 2016. He was, however, unable to avert Megxit four years later.

Boris, who was Prime Minister when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to quit royal duties and seek their fortune in North America, wrote in Saturdays Daily Mail of his regret that hed failed to persuade Prince Harry to change his mind.

Boris had said to him: I honestly think its a pity. I think there is so much good you can do here, so many good causes. Why not stick around?

Yet, as the former PM admits, It was clear I was getting nowhere. And he now begs the couple: Come back to Britain, with your heads held high.

Harry has made clear one of the factors preventing his return to this country with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four: His family was stripped of its automatic right to armed police protection, paid for by Britains hard-pressed taxpayers.

Last year, he lost a legal battle with the Home Office to have it reinstated. He claimed this was a good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up.

Harry has made clear one of the factors preventing his return to this country with Meghan and their children: The removal of his right to armed police protection

His subsequent request to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a full risk assessment to be carried out was granted last December, and the committee making the final decision on the level of police protection was expected to meet in January to discuss the reinstatement.

Last week it was disclosed that officials are trying to block the couple from receiving taxpayer-funded security over fears of a public backlash.

Civil servants from the Home Office, the Cabinet Office and the Foreign Office who sit on the royal and VIP executive committee, which authorises security for senior royals, were reported by The Telegraph to be against granting the Sussexes taxpayer-funded protection whenever they are in Britain because it carries too much political risk.

Civil servants receive a lot of criticism, often condemned as pen-pushers who block politicians from taking decisions. In this case I say, Three cheers for the mandarins!

There is a deepening Establishment plot to bring back Harry and Meghan, known as Project Thaw, involving senior politicians and some key figures at Buckingham Palace. And I, for one, am grateful that brave civil servants are prepared to stand up for the quiet majority of British people who dont want to pay for the California-based couples comeback.

Alex Rayner told me at the weekend: Harry is a royal whos significantly served in the Armed Forces. To ask him to pay for it [security] privately feels a tiny bit spiteful'

They chose to go ahead with their explosive, deeply hurtful interview with Oprah Winfrey when Harrys grandfather, Prince Philip, was seriously ill in hospital

Harrys frustration that Project Thaw has hit a snag is reflected in comments made to me by one his best friends.

Alex Rayner, who went to the North Pole with Harry on a charity trek in 2011 and is in regular contact with him, told me at the weekend: Harry is a royal whos significantly served in the Armed Forces. To ask him to pay for it [security] privately feels a tiny bit spiteful, given that there are other members of the Royal Family who receive it who do far less.

I found Rayners comments astonishing. What is spiteful is Harry and Meghans behaviour since they left Britain.

To take just one example, they chose to go ahead with their explosive, deeply hurtful interview with Oprah Winfrey when Harrys grandfather, Prince Philip, was seriously ill in hospital for what turned out to be the last time.

In another example, the former actress gave the appearance of mocking the Queen, who was in failing health, with the elaborate curtsy she performed in their tawdry, insulting Netflix series, Harry & Meghan.

There is nothing spiteful about refusing to hand the Sussexes automatic armed police protection, paid for by Britains taxpayers. They forfeited that when they moved abroad, as the courts made clear last year.

If they want it back, there are two things that they can easily do. They can apologise in private and in public for the hurtful, offensive things they have said about members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Catherine.

And they can abandon their money-making activities and devote themselves to public service instead.
The Prince of Wales threatened to shave off his beard - in favour of just a moustache - as he met troops sporting minimal facial hair today.

The Prince, who grew his own much-discussed beard in summer 2024, admired the moustaches of men in 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment at Bulford, Wiltshire.

Stroking his face said: 'I might end up taking mine off and leaving a tash.'

Told by Lt Jack Austin, 23, that the craze had started when 1 Mercian was serving in Estonia last year, the Prince noted that the style is 'creeping in now'.

The British Army changed its rules to allow neatly-groomed facial hair on soldiers in March 2024.

During his visit to Bulford, the Prince was shown the latest training techniques, including an exercise using drones to help with building clearance, and met families.

One mum, Maxine Debonnaire, 63, left the future King laughing after she jokingly told him she had barely seen her son since he returned from Estonia because he had been out on so many dates.

'I think we'll get on very well,' William told her, putting an arm around her as 26-year-old Lt Harris Debonnaire laughed along and confirmed he had in fact taken her out for Mother's Day.

The Prince joined the officers, soldiers, and families of B Company in the Officers' Mess to hear about their recent six-month deployment to Estonia on Operation Cabrit - the UK's contribution to NATO's Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland.

The Prince, who grew his own much-discussed beard in summer 2024, admired the moustaches of men in 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment at Bulford, Wiltshire

'How long did it take you to become a master of this?' he asked drone operatives, told that 'if you're good at video games, you're alright Sir'

During his visit to Bulford, the Prince was shown the latest training techniques, including an exercise using drones to help with building clearance, and met families

He praised the dedication of service families, and compared notes about the cold weather he experienced when he visited Estonia in March 2025.

Moving through four tables of families to talk, the Prince also entertained small children by asking if they had found the 'very big chocolate cake and cookies' on offer.

He also spent time with the female network to hear about women in the Army, asking about the progress made and what more needed to be done.

The Prince of Wales is Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.

The Prince also sported ear defenders to watch an exercise at the urban training facility, where a makeshift building - which William joked looked a bit like a 'bouncy castle' - had been set up for practice.

The infanteers used training weapons to simulate clearing the building, as drones flew overhead to give them better visibility.

'How long did it take you to become a master of this?' he asked drone operatives, told that 'if you're good at video games, you're alright Sir'.

He praised the exercise for its creativity, and developing skills the regiment had learned on deployment.

Afterwards, he asked those who took part about their morale, whether they were enjoying their service, keeping busy, and what he could do to help.

The Prince also presented three Long Service and Good Conduct medals to soldiers before posing for a photograph with families.
The case of a New Mexico mother who vanished without a trace last year has now been connected to the mysterious deaths and disappearances of five other key scientists and defense officials throughout the US.

Melissa Casias has not been seen since June 26, 2025, when her family said she uncharacteristically decided to work from home, but was last spotted miles from their house walking alone without her wallet, phone or keys.

Casias, 54, was an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a facility founded by the famed Manhattan Project during World War II. It has been tied to nuclear weapons research ever since.

Her disappearance takes the number of people from the scientific community potentially holding highly sensitive secrets who have gone missing or died since June 2025 to six.

Of those six, five had ties to nuclear research or missile technology and four of them can now be shown to have some type of connection to each other.

Casias went missing just four days after respected NASA scientist Monica Reza mysteriously disappeared while hiking with friends in California.

Both women had worked at facilities with ties to retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland, who also vanished near a hiking trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 27, 2026.

While her husband and daughter have previously suspected that Casias left over personal and financial struggles, former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker told the Daily Mail he is concerned her disappearance is part of a much larger pattern.

Melissa Casias worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a long-running nuclear research facility, before disappearing on June 26, 2025

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Swecker explained that Casias's work at LANL may have made her a target for abduction, since an administrative assistant often has access to the same sensitive files their supervisors have.

'In a classified lab, or just a high clearance lab, they would basically be in the know on what's going on,' Swecker said. 'And it wouldn't be the first time their administrative assistant has been targeted.'

'When I look at three missing scientists in critical technology areas, what I come up with is - it has to be investigated fully by the FBI,' said Swecker, who spent 24 years with the FBI.

'They can't have these examined in isolation and compartmentalize them as individual missing person cases.'

Casias and her husband, Mark Casias, both worked at LANL at the time of her disappearance eight months ago.

According to Mark, a superintendent at the lab, Casias had the security badge needed to enter LANL with her when she dropped him off at work that morning.

However, their daughter, Sierra, told investigators that Casias visited the teen's place of work to drop off a sandwich and then claimed she was returning home after forgetting the badge.

The day went from strange to alarming when Casias's supervisor at the nuclear research lab told Mark she had never reported to work or worked from home that day.

Casias was last seen walking alone in New Mexico after dropping off her husband at work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, but not reporting for work herself

Chris Swecker was a member of the FBI for 24 years. The counterintelligence expert warned that the disappearance of multiple people tied to national security fields is alarming

When Casias's family returned home, they found that only her work and personal phones had been left behind and wiped clean after someone performed a factory reset on them.

Surveillance cameras last spotted Casias walking alone eastward on State Road 518, roughly three miles from her home, around 2.20pm local time. No body or any definitive evidence of her whereabouts has been found since.

According to Ashley Flowers of the Crime Junkie Podcast, Casias had allegedly lost her national security clearance at LANL due to her family's money issues that could have made her a target for blackmail.

The Daily Mail reached out to Los Alamos National Laboratory to confirm the reports and the nature of Casias's work at the nuclear testing site.

'The Lab communitys thoughts continue to be with Melissa Casias family. The Lab has cooperated fully on the investigation,' LANL said in a statement.

Swecker noted that the disappearances of Casias, Reza and McCasland may all be unique and unconnected, but federal officials should not take chances given the critical technology or information each was entrusted with.

'I think you have to pull out all the resources necessary to look for links and look for potential espionage activities. That's where you start,' Swecker recommended.

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Swecker was particularly concerned about the disappearance of Reza, the director of the Materials Processing Group at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the inventor of Mondaloy, a space-age metal used in advanced missile and rocket engines.

Reza, who vanished on June 22, 2025, was just 30ft away from two friends while they were hiking near Mount Waterman in California's Angeles National Forest.

'My antennas go up on that one, especially because you're not hiking together and someone disappears 30ft away, and you can't find a body, and you can't find a person,' Swecker told the Daily Mail.

'This really gives me pause. I would be looking at all three of them. I would dissect their lives, from high school on, and just see if there are connections here.'

While Reza's disappearance does not connect directly to the Casias case, both women had ties to McCasland, the former commander of the Phillips Research Site at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Reza's work to create Mondaloy was funded directly by AFRL while McCasland was overseeing the lab from 2011 to 2013.

As for Casias, McCasland previously oversaw research at Kirtland AFB from 2001 to 2004. Kirtland and LANL work closely together on national security projects, especially research involving America's nuclear capabilities.

Retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland, 68, was last seen near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in February 2026

Just four days before Casias's disappearance, Monica Reza (pictured) went missing during a hike in California. Reza had worked on the creation of advanced rocket technology in a project overseen by McCasland

McCasland's disappearance has also baffled investigators, as the retired Air Force general left his phone, prescription glasses and smart devices behind in his New Mexico home.

McCasland's wife, Susan, claimed that 'foul play' was not suspected in her husband's disappearance, but noted that the avid hiker and cyclist left home with only a pair of boots and his .38-caliber revolver.

The general's reported ties to secret UFO programs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and Reza's work with advanced rocket technology, have led many to claim without evidence that the pair were fleeing from parties that wished to silence them because of what they know.

Meanwhile, another scientist gunned down in an unprovoked attack at his home in California has also been connected to this growing web of suspicious events.

Astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was killed at his home on February 16, 2026, after being shot on his front porch around 6am local time.

The scientist had worked on the NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor, infrared telescope projects that track asteroids but use the same physics as military systems for tracking satellites and hypersonic missiles.

These dual-use infrared sensors fall under AFRL's space surveillance work, which McCasland previously oversaw.

Carl Grillmair was killed by a gunshot wound while on his front porch in California. The California Institute of Technology scientist had been involved with the same technology the military uses to track hypersonic missiles

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department named Freddy Snyder, 29, as a person of interest in Grillmair's homicide case and later charged the man with murder, carjacking and burglary.

However, police did not release a motive in the alleged homicide, and it was unclear if the two men knew one another or whether the shooting was targeted.

Two other respected researchers in Massachusetts have been found dead since December 2025. Nuno Loureiro, who was working on breakthroughs using nuclear fusion as an energy source, was shot dead in his Brookline home last year.

Meanwhile, Jason Thomas, a pharmaceutical researcher at Novartis, was found dead in a Wakefield lake on March 17, 2026 after disappearing without a trace three months earlier.

'You can say these are all suspicious,' Swecker said, 'and these are scientists who have worked in critical technology.'

While the former FBI assistant director was not convinced there would end up being a direct tie to UFOs, as conspiracy theorists have alleged, he was gravely concerned that an organization or foreign power was targeting US citizens with knowledge of the country's national security defenses.

'Space [is] interesting, and that's sensitive technology, but I'm particularly concerned about their involvement in the missile technology,' Swecker warned.

'There are a million ways to do this type of investigation. If [the FBI] leveled their resources on it, we could get answers, and they could get answers.'
Your kitchen hob could be leaking cancercausing chemicals into your home, a new study warns.

Experts have discovered that 'eyepopping' quantities of benzene are being emitted from gas stoves  even when they're switched off  with levels equivalent to living with a smoker.

Benzene is a colourless, highly flammable chemical emitted in petrol fumes, cigarettes and natural gas that has a characteristic sweet odour.

Exposure has been linked with a higher risk of cancer, particularly leukaemia, and other longterm health issues.

But hundreds of thousands of people in the UK could be regularly exposed to levels of beyond the recommended limit, scientists warned.

'The levels of benzene we found in the distribution system gas in the UK and the Netherlands are frankly eyepopping,' said Dr Seth Shonkoff, executive director of PSE Health Energy, which led the study.

'That means even a small leak can pose significant health risks quickly indoors and outdoors.

'Whether it's leaking from a pipeline or a stove in someone's kitchen, it's all the same gas, and health risk travels with it.'

The researchers discovered different benzene concentrations within their samples, with Amsterdam and London recording the highest amounts

For the study, researchers collected nearly 80 samples of unburned gas from homes in the UK, the Netherlands and Italy.

They found that European natural gas appears to contain much more benzene than American sources.

Compared with average US levels, benzene concentrations in London and Amsterdam homes were between 60 and 80 times higher than the average in North America.

Lowlevel gas leaks were also found in 40 per cent of the kitchens, in quantities too small for people to detect.

In roughly nine per cent of homes, the leak rates combined with the benzene levels in gas were high enough to exceed the EU annual limit, indicating a potential chronic health risk.

The largest inhome benzene concentration was recorded in London, where a leaky stove was releasing amounts 13 times higher than the recommended limit.

The researchers also calculated that in the UK, benzene exposure could rise to nine times above the national safe limit before most people could smell the leak.

In the worst affected homes, 'modelled benzene exposureis worse that living with a smoker' the team, which also included scientists from Stanford University, said.

Experts have discovered that 'eyepopping' quantities of benzene are being emitted from gas stoves. Pictured: The team carrying out their study

What is benzene? Benzene is a colourless, highly flammable chemical found in petrol fumes and natural gas that has a characteristic sweet odour

Exposure to benzene is most likely to occur through inhalation, with cigarette smoking a significant source

Short term exposure to benzene in air may cause irritation to the eyes nose and throat, cough, a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties

Exposure to larger amounts can cause swelling of the airways and a buildup of fluid in the lungs

Longerterm, it has been linked with a higher risk of cancer, particularly leukaemia, and other health issues

More than half of British homes use gas for cooking  the equivalent of more than 36 million people  estimations suggest.

Dr Tamara Sparks, who led the study, said: 'Given these high concentrations, a lot of people are likely being chronically exposed to benzene without knowing it.

'We have little clarity on why gas leaks occur in some homes and not others, making this benzene hazard essentially a lottery.

'This has so far flown under the public's radar, but we hope that, by bringing attention to it, action can be taken to reduce this threat.'

She explained that people can reduce their personal risk by opening windows to get more fresh air, 'but there's only so much an individual can do when this gas is piped into their home.'

In the UK, levels of the toxic chemical were highest in gas from London stoves, which had 64 times more benzene than those from North American homes.

Cambridgeshire gas had 42 times more, while Manchester and Edinburgh had 23 times more and 16 times more respectively.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, did not explain the reason for the regional difference but suggested it may be caused by different gas sources.

Levels of the toxic chemical vary across regions, the study found. The largest inhome benzene concentration was recorded in London

'We expect our homes to be the safest place we spend our time,' Rachel Huxley, a spokeswoman for the Wellcome Trust, said.

'This study shows that everyday use of gas can put people at unnecessary health risks.'

Frank Kelly, professor of community health at Imperial College London who was not involved in the study, said he did not think the authors had exaggerated the risks, adding that the findings are 'really quite worrying'.

However Alastair Lewis, professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of York, said that 'current data on UK homes doesn't indicate a widespread problem with high benzene concentrations'.

Future Energy Networks, the body representing UK gas distributors, said any potential health and safety concerns were taken seriously and it would consider the study findings.
Would you trust a robot around your family?

With humanoids now able to complete mundane chores such as folding the laundry, loading the dishwasher, and even boiling the kettle, you might be tempted to bring one into your home.

However, a recent spate of incidents could sway your decision.

This week, a humanoid hit the headlines after slapping a child across the face during an out-of-control dance show in China.

Over in California, a bot went berserk at a restaurant, with desperate staff filmed trying to drag it away from customers.

Meanwhile, a humanoid was even detained by police in China after terrifying an elderly woman.

'With sales of humanoid robots set to skyrocket over the next decade, the public will increasingly be at risk from these kinds of incidents,' said Carl Strathearn and Emilia Sobolewska, robotics experts at Edinburgh Napier University, in a recent article for The Conversation.

'In our view as robotics researchers, governments have put very little thought into the risks.'

What should have been a family-friendly dance performance ended in disaster, after a young boy was slapped across the face by a rogue robot

Tesla robot leaves a 'trail of blood' after attacking an engineer in Texas

A Tesla engineer was attacked by a robot during a brutal and bloody malfunction at the company's Giga Texas factory near Austin.

Two witnesses watched in horror as their fellow employee was attacked by the machine, which is designed to grab and move freshly cast aluminum car parts.

The robot had pinned the man, who was programming software for two disabled Tesla robots nearby.

It then sank its metal claws into the worker's back and arm, leaving a 'trail of blood' along the factory surface.

The incident  which left the victim with an 'open wound' on his left hand  was revealed in a 2021 injury report filed to Travis County and federal regulators.

Robot goes berserk at a restaurant in California

Customers at the Haidilao hotpot restaurant in San Jose, California, were enjoying their meals when a humanoid started showing off some moves.

Some of the robot's moves include putting its hands on its hips and stamping its legs and waving its arms in the air. A total of three employees were forced to intervene, grabbing the robot by the scruff of its neck

While performing a dance routine, involving waving its arms and shaking its hips, the robot suddenly slammed its hands down on a table.

This sent chopsticks and bright yellow sauce flying into the air, while staff raced over to try and turn it off.

The humanoid continued to dance throughout the altercation  which saw three employees wrestle with the robot and try to drag it away by the scruff of its neck.

Humanoid slaps a boy across the face in China

What should have been a family-friendly dance performance ended in disaster, after a young boy was slapped across the face by a rogue robot.

Shocking footage from a show in Shaanxi province in China on March 21 showed a Unitree robot spinning around the stage.

It veered towards the crowd as it performed sweeping arm movements in time to the music.

As the bot got closer, a young boy could be seen drawing his arms in, in the hopes of avoiding its flailing metal limbs.

What should have been a lovely family event turned sour, after a humanoid robot appeared to attack the crowd at the Spring Festival Gala in Tianjin, northeast China, last year

Unfortunately, his attempts proved futile, as the robot caught the boy fully in the face during a pirouette.

Robot attacks the crowd at the Spring Festival Gala in China

What should have been a lovely family event turned sour, after a humanoid robot appeared to attack the crowd at the Spring Festival Gala in Tianjin, northeast China, last year.

Footage showed the robot, adorned with a bright jacket, appearing to lunge at a group of people behind a barricade.

Its erratic movements forced the festival's security to drag it back from the crowd, over fears it may harm someone.

The event organisers reportedly described the incident as a 'simple robot failure'.

They added that the robot had passed previous safety tests, and that additional measures would be put in place to make sure this wouldn't happen again.

Robot attacks its handler during testing

The robot  seemingly of its own accord  raised its arms in the air and brought them down again, repeating the motion with increasing speed and violence

How can we make robots safer? 1. Increase owner requirements Ban people from controlling robots under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when they are otherwise distracted such as using their phones. 2. Improve design Safe designs would consider everything from reducing cavities where fingers could get caught, to waterproofing internal components. 3. Train operators There appears to be a major skills gap in operator training, and robotics companies will need to prioritise this to ensure operators can control machines efficiently and safely. 4. Educate the public If people understand to what extent walking robots are owner-operated or remote-operated, it will change their expectations about what the robot might do, and make everyone safer as a result.

In May 2025, a humanoid robot attacked its handler while trying to break free from restraints in a scene viewers branded 'dystopian'.

In CCTV footage from a factory in China, the black robot could be seen attached to a miniature crane before it suddenly began swinging its arms back and forth.

As it flew into a rage and lashed out, a man sitting behind a nearby computer began ducking while another man standing behind the robot backed away.

The robot  seemingly of its own accord  raised its arms in the air and brought them down again, repeating the motion with increasing speed and violence.

It then began walking forward as it thrashed around in an apparent bid to break free.

The men could both be seen flinching and cowering while raising their arms to shield their face as they moved out of its path.

The computer monitor toppled tp the floor and other items were knocked over from the desk as the men attempted to flee from the out-of-control robot.

Eventually, one of the men pulled the crane from behind in a bid to stop the spree of destruction.

Robot detained by police after terrifying an elderly woman in China

In what sounds like a scene from a science-fiction thriller, a humanoid robot was arrested by police after terrifying an elderly woman in China.

According to local authorities, the 70-year-old woman was startled by the robot when she suddenly noticed it standing behind her.

A viral clip shows the woman yelling and waving her bag at the diminutive bot, which repeatedly raises its arms in the air.

Footage then shows two police officers escorting the Unitree G1 down the road, with one leading the robot by its shoulder.

Police told reporters that the woman had stopped to check her phone when the robot halted behind her, waiting for her to clear the path.

The elderly pedestrian was then 'frightened' to discover that the robot was silently following her down the road.

Following the incident, the woman told police that she was feeling unwell and was taken to hospital for a check-up and treatment.

A bizarre video shows the moment a humanoid robot is arrested by police after terrifying an elderly woman in China

After doctors confirmed there was no physical altercation between her and the robot, the unnamed woman said that she wouldn't be filing a complaint against the bot's operator.

What can we do to make robots safer?

Dr Strathearn and Dr Sobolewska have pinpointed four urgent step to make robots safer.

Firstly, they say we should increase owner requirements.

Here in the UK, there are currently no government guidelines for robots controlled by owners  meaning you could take one just about anywhere.

'As a starting point, we could ban people from controlling robots under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when they are otherwise distracted such as using their phones,' the researchers suggest.

'Their use could also be restricted in risky environments such as confined spaces with lots of members of the public, places with fire or chemical hazards, and the roofs of buildings.'

And the actual design of the humanoids themselves could also be approved, according to the pair.

'Robots that looks sleek and can dance and flip are fun to watch, but how safe are the audiences?' they asked.

'Safe designs would consider everything from reducing cavities where fingers could get caught, to waterproofing internal components.'

Next, operators of remote-controlled robots could have better training.

The researchers explained: 'Clearly there will be dangers with robots using AI features, but remoteoperated models could be even more dangerous.

'Mistakes could result from users lack of real-world training and experience in real-life situations.'

Finally, the researchers say that educating the public is crucial.

They concluded: 'If people understand to what extent walking robots are owner-operated or remote-operated, it will change their expectations about what the robot might do, and make everyone safer as a result.'
Apple has launched age checks in the UK that will force iPhone users to prove their age to access 18+ apps.

'When creating a new Apple Account or using Apple services, you might see a prompt to confirm that you're an adult,' Apple explains on its support page.

'This is required by law in some countries and regions.'

The new checks are in line with Ofcom's online safety laws, which are designed to keep underage children safe.

However, some sceptics have called Apple's measures 'outrageous'.

'It is absolutely outrageous that, overnight, Apple has put a chokehold on Britons' freedom to search the internet, access information and use apps unless they provide sensitive ID documents,' said Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch.

'This means 35 million Brits who have paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for Apple tech suddenly now have a child's device unless they comply with invasive demands for personal information that go far beyond what UK law requires.

'Apple has crossed the Rubicon with this software update which is more like ransomware, holding customers hostage to ID demands that are invasive, exclusionary and unnecessary.'

Apple has launched age checks in the UK that will force iPhone users to prove their age to access 18+ apps

Apple will give iPhone users two options to confirm they're overage when trying to access content aimed at people aged 18+.

Firstly, you can use your credit card to prove your age.

'You can add a credit card to your Apple Account to confirm that you're an adult,' Apple explains.

'If you use a credit card, you have the option to add it as a payment method for your Apple Account. Debit cards aren't eligible.'

Alternatively, you can scan your driver's licence or national ID to confirm that you're an adult.

'To help make sure that you scan your ID successfully, make sure that you're in a welllit place (indoors works best),' Apple advised.

'Place your ID against a neutral background and avoid glare. Make sure that the image of your ID is clear and in focus before submitting.'

Ofcom has described Apple's new measures as a 'real win for children and families.'

Apple will give iPhone users two options to confirm they're age when trying to access content aimed at people aged 18+. Firstly, you can use your credit card to prove your age

'Apple's decision that the UK will be one of the first countries in the world to receive new child safety protections on devices is a real win for children and families,' a spokesperson said.

'Our rules are flexible and designed to encourage innovation, particularly in age assurance.

'We've worked closely with Apple and other services to ensure they can be applied in a variety of contexts in order to ensure users are protected.

'This will build on the strong foundations of the Online Safety Act, from widespread age checks that keep young people away from harmful content, to blocking highrisk sites and stepping up action against child sexual abuse material.'

However, not everyone agrees.

Ms Carlo described the measures as 'draconian.'

'Children's online safety is vital but requires better parental controls and thoughtful tech responsibility  not sweeping, draconian, shock demands by foreign companies for all of our IDs and credit cards,' she said.
Ancient Egyptians may have left behind a cryptic clue to a hidden second Sphinx, carved directly into stone more than 3,000 years ago.

The Dream Stele, positioned between the paws of the Great Sphinx, appears to depict two sphinx figures, hinting that the legendary monument may once have had a twin.

Now, Italian researchers who, in 2025, claimed to have uncovered massive underground structures beneath the Giza Plateau believe they have identified the second guardian buried deep beneath the sands.

Filippo Biondi revealed the discovery on Thursday while speaking on the Matt Beall Limitless podcast, explaining that lines drawn from the pyramids to the known Sphinx point to an identical mirrored location where the buried structure is believed to lie.

'We are finding precise geometrical correlation, 100 percent of correlation, in this symmetry,' he said, adding: 'We are very confident to announce this we have a confidence about 80 percent.'

Using satellite radar technology capable of detecting subtle ground vibrations, Biondi claimed the data points to a massive structure concealed beneath a 180-foot-high mound of hardened sand, which he said is composed of solidified sand rather than natural bedrock.

Preliminary scans show vertical shafts and passageways strikingly similar to those already found beneath the original Sphinx, with dense vertical lines believed to represent the solid walls of underground shafts rather than empty voids.

Beyond the possible second Sphinx, Biondi believes the findings hint at something even larger, an extensive underground complex beneath the Giza Plateau itself.

'Down underneath the Giza Plateau, there is something very huge that we are measuring,' he said. 'There is an underground megastructure.'

Preliminary scans captured a structure appear to mirror the Great Sphinx. Researchers believe a second sphinx is hiding below the sands not too far from the iconic structure

The Dream Stele, also known as the Sphinx Stele, was erected between the front paws of the Great Sphinx of Giza by Pharaoh Thutmose IV around 1401 BC, during Egypt's 18th Dynasty.

The ancient inscription, like many created during the New Kingdom, was intended to reinforce the ruler's divine right to the throne.

Legend has it that the stele justified Thutmose IV's unexpected rise to power by recounting a dream where the Sphinx promised him the throne in exchange for restoring the monument, blending political propaganda with religious legitimacy and documenting early restoration efforts.

However, Biondi and his team believe there is more truth than myth behind the imagery, saying the carvings showing two sphinx figures may not have been symbolic at all, but instead a clue to the layout of the monuments themselves.

He and his team are not the only researchers to suggest a second Sphinx may be buried beneath the Giza Plateau, as Egyptologist Bassam El Shammaa first raised the theory more than a decade ago.

El Shammaa cited ancient Egyptian records and mythology describing lightning striking the Sphinx, which he believes may refer to a second monument that was later destroyed, possibly after being cursed by one of Egypts most powerful deities.

Egypt's former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass has long dismissed El Shammaa's theory, noting in 2017 the area has been dug by so many archaeologists, and it yielded nothing.

However, Biondi explained that when they traced a line from the center of the Khafre Pyramid to the existing Sphinx, the alignment created a precise geometric path across the plateau, forming what he described as a mirrored reference line used to identify the second location.

The team believes an ancient stele shows that there were two sphinx statues constructed in Egypt

When that same alignment was mirrored from the center of the Great Pyramid, it pointed to another location on the opposite side, the exact spot where scans now suggest a second Sphinx may be buried beneath a mound of hardened sand.

Satellite images of the Giza plateau, which features the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Sphinx, revealed a mound on the surface, and Filippo believes it is above the second sphinx.

'That small mountain has a height of approximately 108 feet,' he explained. 'The first Sphinx sits slightly below the surrounding surface, in a shallow depression, so it is possible the second Sphinx could be hidden beneath this higher mound.'

Scans of the original Sphinx also revealed a network of shafts and chambers beneath the monument, features he now believes are mirrored beneath the suspected second structure

He noted that researchers are still working to compare elevations between the known Sphinx and the mound to determine whether their heights align, including measuring how far each sits relative to the surrounding plateau surface.

'We have to study this more carefully,' he said. 'It makes sense to compare the elevations, but we are still analyzing the data.'

Despite the remaining uncertainties, Biondi said the team believes the structure, if it exists, is likely buried beneath the mound rather than exposed above ground.

'Probably the second Sphinx is under that small mountain,' he said. 'Because it is high, about 108 feet above the background.'

Biondi said scans of the original Sphinx also revealed a network of shafts and chambers beneath the monument, features he now believes are mirrored beneath the suspected second structure.

The scans captured shafts on the first Sphinx and shafts on the hypothetical second Sphinx, he explained, noting that the similarities between the two sites are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Pictured is Filippo Biondi (left), who with his team, claimed to have uncovered a megastructure beneath the Giza Platue

The scans identified the second sphinx where A is shown, sitting adjacent to the Great Sphinx shown as B

Biondi also said that preliminary images from the new scans show not only vertical shafts but also horizontal passages extending from deeper sections underground.

Scans of what the team calls the third, and lowest, shaft also revealed horizontal tunnels branching outward.

He added that researchers are now tracing those passageways, which appear to mirror similar horizontal routes previously identified beneath the first Sphinx, suggesting what he described as 'incredible symmetry' between both structures.

'There is an incredible symmetry between the first and the second,' Biondi added.

According to Biondi, the vertical features seen in the scans do not represent empty openings, but rather the dense outer walls of underground shafts.

Despite the dramatic implications, he emphasized that fieldwork remains essential before any definitive conclusions can be made.

Pictured is the outline where the researchers believe the second sphinx is

'For the second Sphinx, it is important to go in situ with geologists and carefully study the mound,' Biondi said. 'We are very confident that it is not bedrock.... the sand has been solidified.'

The team has already begun preparing formal plans to move forward if permission is granted.

'We have located some special entrances where we can work in situ. It means that we have written a project proposal that can be submitted to the Egyptian authorities,' said Biondi.

In this project proposal, we have specifically indicated that some shafts are visible, which are located between the first Sphinx and the Khafre pyramid.

He said researchers have identified two or three shafts in the area, including one particularly large shaft that appears to be blocked by debris, which he said was measured during field visits and appears to obstruct deeper access points, adding that clearing those blockages could be the key to unlocking what lies beneath.'

The debris, according to Biondi, can also be easily removed, allowing him and his team safe access to the underground structures below, potentially opening what he described as entrances into a larger underground network beneath the plateau.
Having babies in space might be more difficult than first thought  as researchers have discovered sperm can get lost in zero gravity.

The idea of reproduction beyond the bounds of Earth has become a hot topic, with some saying it must become a 'top priority' to preserve the future of mankind.

However, a new study has identified a major hurdle that people will face while trying to conceive in space.

Sperm are negatively impacted by a lack of gravity, which plays havoc with their directional skills, according to researchers from Adelaide University.

'This is the first time we have been able to show that gravity is an important factor in sperm's ability to navigate through a channel like the reproductive tract,' senior author Dr Nicole McPherson said.

'We observed a significant reduction in the number of sperm that were able to successfully find their way through the chamber maze in microgravity conditions compared to normal gravity.

'This was experienced right across all models, despite no changes to the way sperm physically move.

'This indicates that their loss of direction was not due to a change in motility but other elements.'

Researchers have found the navigational abilities of sperm are negatively impacted by a lack of gravity

Sperm in microgravity 'got lost' significantly more often than usual  and it could have important implications for future human reproduction on other planets

For their study the researchers took sperm samples from humans, mice and pigs and put them through a machine that simulates zero gravity.

The sperm then travelled through a maze designed to mimic the female reproductive tract  and 'got lost' significantly more often than usual.

Using simulation models, they observed up to a 30 per cent reduction in the number of eggs that were successfully fertilised by the sperm.

Overall, fertilisation rates were reduced during fourtosix hours of exposure to microgravity.

Prolonged exposure appeared to be even more detrimental, resulting in development delays.

In some cases, it reduced the number of crucial cells that go on to form the foetus in the earliest stages of embryo formation.

'These insights show how complex reproductive success in space is and the critical need for more research across all early stages of development,' Dr McPherson said.

In good news, however, the team found that the addition of the sex hormone progesterone helped more human sperm overcome the negative effects of microgravity on navigation.

Exposure to zero gravity also appeared to modify the number of foetal cells within the embryo. The left image shows the cells in normal gravity, compared to in microgravity (right)

Is sex in space possible? Experts say that sex in space is physically possible but not recommended. There is nothing stopping astronauts from overcoming the challenges of having sex in microgravity. However, low libido and erectile dysfunction may make things difficult. The biggest risks are associated with pregnancy. Experts are not sure whether microgravity and radiation will damage a developing foetus. Some studies have suggested that developing in space could lead to birth defects in children.

'We believe this is because progesterone is also released from the egg and can help guide sperm to the site of fertilisation, but this warrants further exploration as a potential solution,' Dr McPherson said.

The study, published in the journal Communications Biology, is the first to assess sperm's ability to navigate through a reproductive channel under these controlled conditions.

'As we progress toward becoming a spacefaring or multiplanetary species, understanding how microgravity affects the earliest stages of reproduction is critical,' coauthor Professor John Culton said.

The researchers now want to investigate how varying gravitational environments and proposed artificial gravity systems impact sperm navigation and early embryo development.

A key question is whether gravityrelated changes in development occur gradually as gravitational force decreases.

Or, it could be that there is a very low threshold, resulting in an 'all or nothing' response.

Understanding this distinction is essential for planning future human reproduction in extraterrestrial environments, including moon and Mars settlements, and for designing artificial gravity systems that support healthy development.

'In our most recent study, many healthy embryos were still able to form even when fertilised under these conditions,' Dr McPherson said. 'This gives us hope that reproducing in space may one day be possible.'

Reproduction in space is not as easy as in Hollywood movies such as 1979 Bond film Moonraker make out

The study reads: 'Space exploration continues to inspire scientific advancement, with a renewed focus on longterm missions and planetary settlements.

'NASA's ARTEMIS program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2029, while SpaceX anticipates its first crewed Mars missions by 2030.

'As humanity moves toward permanent offEarth habitation, understanding how extraterrestrial conditions affect reproduction is essential for crew health and the sustainability of life beyond Earth.'

Last year, researchers from Kyoto University showed that mouse egg and sperm cells could survive in space and go on to produce healthy offspring.

Meanwhile, Dutch Biotech startup Spaceborn United have launched the first miniature lab for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo processes into orbit.
Thousands of Americans have been told to stay indoors due to hazardous air quality sweeping across several US states.

Parts of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama have been deemed 'Unhealthy' due to fine particle pollution (PM2.5), microscopic particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.

The particles can also trigger inflammation, breathing difficulties and other health issues when inhaled, and are considered life-threatening and are a major cause of premature death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 4.2 million deaths annually.

The advisories are focused on where the three states meet just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee, north of Huntsville, Alabama and Rome, Georgia.

Chattanoogas air quality issues are largely caused by its valley geography, which traps pollution under temperature inversions and prevents dirty air from dispersing.

Prescribed burns and controlled fires in northwest Georgia and the surrounding area frequently send smoke plumes into the valley.

Hazardous air is also being reported across southern Arizona, focused on the Sonoran Desert region.

Health officials urged locals to stay indoors if possible, adding that windows should be shut during peak smoke hours and closely track real-time air quality alerts.

Parts of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama have been deemed 'Unhealthy' due to fine particle pollution (PM2.5), microscopic particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs

Chattanoogas air quality issues are largely caused by its valley geography, which traps pollution under temperature inversions and prevents dirty air from dispersing (STOCK)

The hazardous levels in Arizona are likely tied to extreme events like massive dust storms or heavy wildfire smoke.

The Sonoran Desert is naturally dusty, with conditions, wind, construction, agriculture, and vehicle traffic on unpaved or disturbed areas kicking up coarse dust.

Recent weeks have seen reports of blowing dust events across Arizona due to strong winds and dry ground, which can create localized spikes.

Data on AirNow.gov suggests elevated but not necessarily emergency-level pollution, with hotspots indicating localized worsening.

However, the Tennessee hotspot is much more localized and heavily influenced by mountain-valley trapping.

The Cumberland Plateau acts like a wall, concentrating pollution right over Chattanooga.

The dominant pollutants are PM2.5 and ozone, with PM10 also elevated. PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, consisting of dust, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets suspended in the air.

Late March is peak season for prescribed burning across Georgia, Alabama and the Southeast for forest management, wildfire prevention and land clearing.

Hazardous air is also being reported across southern Arizona, focused on the Sonoran Desert region

Multiple burns are occurring right now, sending smoke plumes that concentrate in localized spots like Macon, Georgia, which is under an unhealthy air quality warning.

High pollen counts common in March can also add to the particle load and make the air feel hazier, but the primary driver of the red shading is smoke from the burns.
The CIA was rumored to have experimented with mind-control methods during the Cold War, in an attempt to turn citizens into cold-blooded assassins.

Now, a psychiatrist who reviewed more than 1,500 declassified government records has claimed those chilling whispers were not fiction, but part of a coordinated effort to fracture human minds and control behavior.

Speaking on the Alchemy American podcast, Dr Colin Ross described Cold War-era intelligence programs that tested whether individuals could be psychologically split into hidden personalities capable of carrying out secret missions, including murder.

'You have documented projects called MK-Ultra and other variations of mind control that focused on creating splits and multiple personalities, couriers, spies and Manchurian candidates capable of assassinating world leaders,' said Ross, who specializes in trauma-related disorders and has spent decades studying dissociation and memory.

'They used whoever they could get their hands on, hypnotizing them, using brain electrode implants and electric shock, all in an effort to create the super spy.'

The concept, known as the 'Manchurian candidate,' refers to an individual trained to carry out violent acts without conscious awareness, activated by specific commands or triggers.

Ross said the ultimate goal was to create operatives who could perform acts of violence or espionage and later have no memory of what they had done, a tactic long feared during the Cold War.

He cited Lee Harvey Oswald and Charles Manson as notorious examples of figures he believes may have crossed paths with intelligence-linked mind-control networks.

Dr Collins Ross said some of the most controversial material he reviewed involved figures tied to major moments in American history, particularly the assassination of President John F Kennedy

MKUltra, an infamous CIA program, was led by chemist Sidney Gottlieb (pictured) to develop mind control techniques during the Cold War

Many of the programs Ross discussed, including MKUltra, are historically documented, having been exposed during congressional investigations in the 1970s.

However, several of the connections he raises involving high-profile figures remain disputed among historians and intelligence researchers.

Ross said his conclusions are based on thousands of pages of declassified CIA and military documents he obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and archival research during the 1990s.

Additional revelations came from congressional hearings in the mid-1970s, when officials disclosed the scale of chemical testing conducted on human subjects as part of behavioral research programs.

According to testimony cited by Ross, the US Army admitted to testing roughly 120 different drugs in mind-control experiments and exposing at least 1,500 people to LSD, with some accounts suggesting the total may have reached 4,000.

Those admissions came during investigations by the Senate's Church Committee, which uncovered widespread abuses within US intelligence agencies and forced public acknowledgment of previously secret experiments.

Ross said the CIA efforts spanned multiple classified programs beginning in the early 1950s, at the height of Cold War fears that rival nations were developing psychological warfare techniques capable of controlling human behavior.

MKUltra, led by chemist Sidney Gottlieb, was a top-secret CIA program from 1953 to 1973 designed to develop methods for behavioral modification, mind control and interrogation, largely using unsuspecting subjects.

Ross cited Lee Harvey Oswald ( pictured) and Charles Manson as notorious examples of figures he believes may have crossed paths with intelligence-linked mind-control networks.

It involved unethical experimentation, including administering drugs like LSD, sensory deprivation, and hypnosis.

Some subjects were reportedly unaware they were being tested on, raising ethical concerns that later triggered lawsuits and congressional outrage.

The program was exposed in 1975, prompting investigations into CIA abuses of power.

Before MKUltra, however, the CIA was running Bluebird, which would later be named Project Artichoke, which set the stage for its mind-control mission.

The earliest documentation of Bluebird dates to April 1950. Early activities included testing on human subjects, including a team traveling to Japan in July 1950 to test methods on suspected double agents.

A declassified document from 1954 detailed turning a foreign official into an assassin without their knowledge. While the memo noted the target as a high-ranking politician in the unknown country, it also added that this technique could also be used against American officials 'if necessary.'

Ross said that the document is among the clearest written examples suggesting intelligence agencies seriously explored the possibility of creating unwitting assassins.

Project Artichoke detailed plans to target a member of an unnamed foreign government with mind-altering drugs in order to kill their political leaders

He told podcast host Jesse Michels that the CIA used hypnotism, electric shock, drugs, sensory deprivation and isolation during experiments.

'Basically, they threw everything at the wall to see what would stick,' he said.

Ross said some of the most controversial material he reviewed involved figures tied to major moments in American history, particularly the assassination of President John F Kennedy.

According to Ross, Lee Harvey Oswald's background contains several details that he believes raise unanswered questions about whether the accused gunman had contact with intelligence-linked figures before the shooting.

Among those concerns was Oswald's defection to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, a move that typically resulted in harsh consequences for American citizens.

The psychiatrist also explored the case of Charles Manson, the cult leader responsible for the brutal Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969, suggesting his rapid transformation from petty criminal to manipulative cult figure remains difficult to explain

Instead, Ross noted, Oswald was later allowed to return to the US. That unusual sequence of events has fueled decades of speculation.

'So Marine guy defects to Russia and then we just let him back in, nothing to see here,' Ross said, describing what he views as one of the most puzzling elements of Oswald's history.

Ross also pointed to claims that Oswald may have been impersonated overseas before Kennedy's assassination, something his mother reportedly warned officials about.

If true, he suggested, that detail could indicate intelligence-level involvement or surveillance surrounding Oswald long before November 22, 1963.

Oswald, however, consistently denied shooting anyone and claimed he was innocent, famously stating, 'I didn't kill anybody' and 'I'm just a patsy.'

The psychiatrist also explored the case of Charles Manson, the cult leader responsible for the brutal Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969, suggesting his rapid transformation from petty criminal to manipulative cult figure remains difficult to explain.

Dr Collins Ross specializes in trauma-related disorders and has spent decades studying dissociation and memory

Ross said Manson frequently visited the Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinic in San Francisco during the late 1960s, a facility that treated large numbers of young people experimenting with drugs.

What makes that location significant, Ross noted, is that psychiatrist Dr Louis Jolyon West, a figure linked to CIA-funded research, worked at the clinic during that period.

West later became one of the most controversial psychiatrists connected to government-funded behavioral research, and his work has been repeatedly cited in discussions surrounding MK-Ultra-era experimentation.

Ross also described Manson's sudden rise to influence as striking.

'You have this transformation of this guy from this petty criminal to this cult leader, it's just this day and night sort of thing,' Ross said.

While he stopped short of claiming direct involvement, Ross suggested the overlap between Manson and intelligence-linked figures remains an area of ongoing speculation among researchers.

Ross believes the destruction of many MK-Ultra records in the 1970s ensured that the full extent of the program may never be known, leaving historians and investigators with only fragments of what he described as one of the most secretive operations in US intelligence history.
First Lady Melania Trump marked a futuristic first at the White House on Wednesday, as she was introduced by a robot.

The First Lady had gathered other first ladies and a first gentleman in the East Room to discuss young people and technology, as part of her broader Fostering the Future Together initiative.

After the other spouses arrived, Melania made her dramatic entrance alongside the white and black robot, which then introduced the First Lady, using a female voice.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Robotic: First Lady Melania Trump made a grand entrance alongside Figure 3, a humanoid robot made in the U.S.

Greeting: Figure 3 waves to a gathering in the East Room alongside Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Melania Trump

It said: 'Thank you, First Lady Melania Trump, for inviting me to the White House. It is an honor to be at Fostering the Future Togethers Global Coalition inaugural meeting.'

'I'm Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America,' the robot explained. 'I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education.'

The robot then said welcome in 11 different languages, and slowly walked around the rectangular table where the panel was speaking and departed down the White House's Cross Hall.

Melania commented: 'It's fair to say, you're my first American-made humanoid guest.'

Melania's two-day event attracted spouses and representatives from some of the U.S.'s top allies at a time when relationships are tense due to the war in Iran.

During Tuesday's Fostering the Future Together initiative at the State Department, the First Lady was joined by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and the wife of Israeli Prime Minister, Sara Netanyahu.

Speech: Figure 3 welcomed attendees in the East Room in 11 different languages. Several of the first ladies spoke in their native languages during Wednesday's program

Walk: First Lady Melania Trump follows Figure 3 into the East Room of the White House on Wednesday for her Fostering the Future Together event

Smiles: Brigitte Macron , the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, was next to Melania Trump at the First Lady's Fostering the Future Together initiative event on Wednesday

Snap: A class photo of the group of world leader's spouses and other representatives assembled by First Lady Melania Trump was taken on the South Lawn Wednesday

Soles: First Lady Melania Trump's red-bottomed Louboutins are photographed as she arrives for a group photo with the spouses of other world leaders

On Wednesday, Melania hosted Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. She sat next to her and called on her to speak first.

Brigitte Macron was all smiles, passionately speaking in French about limiting youngsters' screen time and access to social media.

Other speakers included Morocco's Princess Lalla Hasnaa, the youngest sister of Morocco's King Mohammed VI, the United Arab Emirates' royal Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif Al Nahyan, the wife of UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Poland's First Lady Marta Nawrocka, Panama's First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, Sierra Leone's First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and Malawi's First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.

The only man on the panel, First Gentleman of Kosovo Lt. Col. Prindon Sadriu, spoke last.

The First Lady has expanded her Be Best initiative during Trump's second term to encompass discussions about artificial intelligence and how it can safely be harnessed to help young people.
Tania Deshpande was still enjoying that post-vacation high when she arrived at the airport in Huatulco, Mexico, last month with her husband and two kids to fly back home to California.

But what started as a dream trip soon turned into a nightmare when the 41-year-old mother of two was told by American Airlines that their flight had been oversold and there was only room for one of them.

She was astounded. They had paid over $800 for each ticket and had booked 'months in advance.'

What came next was a 'scary' and 'exhausting' saga that ultimately resulted in Deshpande getting stuck in Mexico, completely alone with nowhere to stay.

She laid bare the terrifying ordeal exclusively with the Daily Mail, explaining that she first booked their flights two months prior to the trip and specifically paid for 'Main Cabin' so they could pick their seats in advance.

However, she noticed that when she attempted to select their seats, the website told her she couldn't and that she would instead receive seat assignments at the airport.

'Then, 24 hours before the flight, when I attempted to check-in online, I got the same message saying I needed to select seats at the airport,' she recalled.

'At this point, my husband suspected something was wrong. He called American Airlines customer service and was told not to worry, the flight was not oversold and there were plenty of seats available, we just had to show up at the airport to select our seats.'

Tania Deshpande, 41, from California, said she got stuck in Mexico alone after American Airlines oversold her flight. She's seen during the trip with her husband

Deshpande claimed they had paid over $800 for each ticket and had booked 'months in advance' (stock image of American Airlines plane)

Deshpande, who was traveling with her husband and two young kids, ages six and eight, recalled her horror upon being told by the agent at check-in that there was only room for one of them on the flight.

'I was shocked. I felt gut-punched. This was one of the most expensive tickets we've paid for - over $800 per one-way ticket (we spent nearly $4,000 for our family),' she explained.

'We were totally blindsided by the misinformation from the American Airlines online system and their customer support.

'I also couldn't believe they would oversell and involuntarily deny boarding for a family with young children, especially after we followed their rules to a tee, paid for an expensive ticket with seats, and purchased the tickets well in advance.'

Deshpande said she was then told that the next available American Airlines flight out of Huatulco that had enough room for them wasn't for weeks.

'Our kids are crying and scared about not being able to get back home,' she continued.

'We briefly considered purchasing seats on another airline, but this would have meant forfeiting our tickets, and the ticketing agent told us they could not refund them.

'It was surreal to realize after spending so much money and time with American Airlines customer support and with their ticketing agent, we didn't see a way for us to get back to the US.

Deshpande is pictured with her two young kids, ages six and eight, during the trip

'I wanted to cry but really didn't want to fall apart in front of my kids, who were already on edge.'

The ticketing agent suggested they go through security and wait at the gate in case other passengers miss the flight or agree to give up their seats for compensation.

Thankfully, four seats ultimately opened up and while Deshpande was relieved that her kids would be able to fly home, it meant either she or her husband would have to stay behind.

'In that moment we had to quickly decide which parent would stay and which would go with the kids,' she said.

'Our children were already anxious and crying because they thought we might not make it home. The idea of separating from them unexpectedly was incredibly stressful.

'Since I speak fluent Spanish and my husband needed to return to work in person while I work remotely, we decided it made the most sense for me to stay behind so the rest of the family could travel home.

'I hope no other parent has to make the choice to be separated from their family in another country.

'Its a really heartbreaking and scary moment. I was shaking inside, but I tried to stay calm so I wouldn't scare my kids.'

After her family departed, Deshpande said she was told that American Airlines could rebook her on a flight back to the US, but it wouldn't be for another five days.

'I asked them to find a way via another airline which the gate agent said was not possible,' she claimed.

'I asked them to print out my rights as an involuntarily denied passenger and to show me where it says they cannot do this via another airline.

'Lo and behold after I insisted on understanding my rights, some time later I was told they found a three-leg flight [through a different airline] that was booked for me the next day.'

Deshpande had to take three flights in total to get home and arrived roughly 24 hours after the rest of her family. She's seen with her family during the trip

Deshpande said she was handed a 'stack of paperwork and ushered out into the arrivals area.'

She claimed that she was 'not offered' any help with transportation or hotel accommodations and left completely alone to figure it out in a foreign country.

'I had to find and pay for a hotel on my own,' she stated. 'I was really scared and nervous.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to American Airlines for comment.

Deshpande ultimately found a place to stay and departed the next day. She had to take three flights in total to get home and arrived roughly 24 hours after the rest of her family.

'I estimate that I spent about seven hours dealing with American Airlines agents and customer service,' she added.

'It's frustrating when you have to advocate so hard as a customer just to get basic help and still not get it. And sadly, my experience is not unique.'

Her lesson to others? Know your rights as a passenger.

'Make sure you understand whether you are being voluntarily or involuntarily denied boarding, because your rights and compensation can depend on that,' she suggested.

'And understand which rules apply to your flight. If you are departing from the United States, the Department of Transportation has specific rules about denied boarding.

'If you are departing from another country, different laws may apply and the protections can be different. Make sure to ask - INSIST - on what your rights are.'
Many holidaymakers are accustomed to paying an overnight levy when visiting a popular destination.

Tourism tax has been introduced in many hotspots around the world to help manage the high numbers of visitors and bring extra revenue into the area.

The amount can vary, from a few euros a night extra in Rome to a percentage of the room rate in Amsterdam.

Closer to home, Manchester introduced a City Visitor Charge back in 2023, and Edinburgh is set to bring something similar in from July.

The UK government is now proposing to give city mayors and town officials across the country the authority to charge a small fee for overnight stays.

Here are all the destinations around the world that might require you to pay an extra fee for staying there...

Holidaymakers in Amsterdam are expected to pay 12.5 per cent extra on top of the cost of their hotel room

Amsterdam

Tourists heading to check out the vibrant nightlife, colourful architecture and culture of Amsterdam are expected to pay 12.5 per cent extra on top of the cost of their hotel room.

Called 'Toeristenbelasting', it's one of the highest visitor fees in Europe, and was increased from seven per cent, plus 3 (2.60) per person, in 2024.

It applies to hotels, B&Bs, campsites and holiday lets.

Meanwhile, cruiser-goers have to pay a different day-tripper tax of 14.50 (12.50) per person.

Bali

The popular Indonesian island has charged international tourists IDR 150,000 (6.80) since February 2024.

The fee applies per person, rather than per person per night, and can be paid on or before arrival at the airport.

Travellers aged over 16 are expected to pay a varying local rate plus 10 per cent VAT when visiting spots including Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza.

The rates decrease during off-season months, typically between November and April.

Barcelona

From April 1, tourists visiting Barcelona could face nightly fees of up to 15 (13) following a significant increase in the local tourist tax

From April 1, tourists visiting Barcelona could face nightly fees of up to 15 (13) following a significant increase in the local tourist tax.

Under new regulations, set to come into force in April, the regional parliament of Catalonia has doubled the tax for holiday rental guests to a maximum of 12.50 (10.90) per night, up from 6.25 (5.45).

The rise comes ahead of a previously announced plan to ban all shortterm rental accommodation by 2028.

Hotel guests will soon be required to pay between 10 (8.75) and 15 (13) per night, up from 5 (4.35) and 7.50 (6.55), depending on the category, with the likelihood that guests will pay more at four and five-star hotels.

The new fees mean a two-night stay for a couple booked into a four-star hotel - which make up nearly half of all hotels in the city - could cost an extra 46.60 (40), as solo guests can be charged up to 11.40 (9.95) per night.

Meanwhile, guests staying at five-star hotels could face fees of up to 15 (13), while cruise passengers will continue to pay approximately 6 (5.20).

Berlin

Holidaymakers visiting the capital of Germany have to pay a City Tax of 7.5 per cent each night.

The charge was originally introduced to private overnight stays in January 2014 but was extended to business trips from April 2024.

Bhutan

In Bjutan, travellers from everywhere except India pay a whopping $100 (75) per person, per night. Visitors from India are charged INR 1,200 (9.55) per person, per night.

Bhutan might offer impressive mountains and landscapes to explore, but the incredible experiences come with the most expensive tourist tax in the world.

Travellers from everywhere except India pay a whopping $100 (75) per person, per night. Visitors from India are charged INR 1,200 (9.55) per person, per night.

Those aged between six and 12 years old have a 50 per cent discount and visitors under five years old are exempt.

France

Municipalities across France can charge a taxe de sejour, which can be applied, as well as an additional city tax.

The charge, used in popular cities, varies between 65 cents to 15.60 (55p to 13.50) per person, per night, in Paris, depending on the quality of the accommodation.

Greece

The Greek government introduced a Climate Resilience Tax for anyone visiting Greece.

The charge is calculated per room, per night and visitors are asked to pay when they check into their accommodation.

Between April and October, travellers are charged between 2 (1.75) and 15 (13) per room, per night depending on the star rating of the hotel.

This is reduced to between 50 cents to 4 (43p to 3.45) to between November and March.

The Greek government introduced a Climate Resilience Tax for anyone visiting Greece

Japan

From March this year, tourists have been asked to pay between 200 yen (94p) to the maximum cap of 10,000 yen (47), across five tiers to visit per night in Kyoto.

Ljubljana

From January 2019, tourists have been charged 3.13 (2.71) per day, and those between seven and 18 years old 1.57 (1.36) to visit the capital of Slovenia.

This includes a 2.50 (2.16) tourist tax as well as a 63 cent promotion tax.

New Zealand

New Zealand charges an International Visitor Levy of $100 (43.35) when tourists apply for a visa or electronic travel authority.

Portugal

Some 43 municipalities in Portugal expect visitors to pay a fee, which varies on the location.

Tourists are charged from 4 (3.46) per person, per night to 28 (24.22) during their visits to Lisbon.

Those heading to the Algarve, including regions like Albufeira and Faro, are often charged between 1 to 2 (86p to 1.73).

Meanwhile in Porto, tourists are charged 3 (2.59) per person, per night and this is capped at a maximum of 21 (18.16).

Tourists are charged from 4 per person, per night to 28 during their visits to Lisbon

Prague

The Prague government set a tourist tax for visitors aged over 18 years old 50 Czech Koruna (1.77), per person, per night.

It was previously only 21 Czech Koruna (74p) - making it one of the cheapest tourist charges in the world - but was increased in 2022.

Switzerland

A tourist fee in Switzerland varies by the region between 2.5 Swiss Franc (2.36) and 4.75 Swiss Franc (4.49) per night.

In Basel, the charge is four Swiss Franc (3.78), in Geneva 4.75 Swiss Franc and Zurich 2.5 Swiss Franc.

Italy

Visitors to Rome have to cough up between 3 (2.60) and 10 (8.65) per person, per night, depending on the accommodation.

Meanwhile in Venice, there is an entry fee for tourists of 5 (4.33).

Vienna

The capital of Austria charges 3.2 per cent of the cost of the accommodation per night.

UK cities

Visitors to Manchester have paid a City Visitor Charge since 2023, and plenty of other spots around the world apply a similar fee

A tourism tax is already in place in several UK cities, and Manchester was the first to do so in 2023.

Others are set to introduce charges later this year, and the government are proposing for city mayors and town officials to be given the authority to charge a small fee for overnight stays.

It would apply to visitors staying at hotels, holiday lets, Bed and Breakfasts, and guesthouses.

Manchester

Travellers visiting the 'capital of the North' will see an additional 1 fee on accommodation bookings - called the City Visitor Charge.

Liverpool

Holidaymakers heading to Liverpool also have to pay a 2 City Visitor Charge.

Aberdeen

A seven per cent charge is set to come into play from April 2027 at the earliest in Aberdeen.

Edinburgh

Holidaymakers exploring Edinburgh's historic streets will be charged five per cent of the cost of their overall visit from July 24.

Glasgow

The Visitor Levey Scheme, allowing Glasgow to charge tourists seven per cent on their stay, will be introduced in January 2027.

London

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan received powers last year to levy a tax on overnight visitors, which he said would 'directly support the capital's economy and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination'.

Through changes enabled by the Autumn Budget 2025, city mayors and town officials will have the authority to charge a small fee for overnight stays in accommodations such as hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets.

In November, Lambeth Council called for a tourist tax to be introduced in the borough and across London.

Lambeth Labour pushed for an 'Overnight Visitor Levy' that they argue would be a 'fair and progressive' way to practice sustainable tourism for the local community.

'An overnight levy, sometimes called a tourist levy, would be a small charge paid by tourists and visitors on accommodation costs such as hotels and short-term lets,' the council penned on an online petition.
With millions of Brits beginning to book getaways for 2026 and 2027, travel experts are warning of eight common 'red flag' scams that could ruin a holiday and drain your bank account.

Fraudsters swindled more than 11 million from British holidaymakers in 2025, and with searches for 'travel scams' surging by 648 per cent in the past year, it reflects a growing concern among UK travellers.

Thankfully, Jane Bolton, managing director of ski holiday provider Erna Low, has shared the biggest scams catching travellers out, plus the easy steps that can considerably reduce risk.

According to Jane, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they present themselves.

From fake flight cancellation texts to cloned airline websites that look almost identical to the real thing, here are the eight swindles Jane warns travellers to look out for while booking your next adventure.

'Too good to be true' deals on social media

According to Jane, unusually cheap luxury villas or return flights are major red flags.

Scammers use these 'too good to be true' bargains to pressure travellers into making impulsive choices.

Fraudsters swindled more than 11 million from British holidaymakers in 2025

Travel expert Jane Bolton has highlighted eight major travel scams that are currently catching holidaymakers out

If a price seems suspiciously low compared to the market, it's wise to be cautious.

Jane adds: 'Always book through reputable travel companies or trusted booking platforms with secure payment systems, and never send money by bank transfer to "hold" a deal.'

Fake flight cancellation emails or texts

Another common scam involves fraudsters sending fake emails or texts about cancelled flights or hidden fees to create a false sense of urgency.

These messages can look impressively professional, using official logos to trick the recipient into acting fast.

Jane says: 'Never click links in unexpected messages.

'Instead, log into your booking account directly through the official website to check for updates.

'Airlines and reputable travel companies wont ask for sensitive details through random links.'

Scammers frequently send fake emails or texts about cancelled flights - even using professional logos to trick travellers into acting quickly

Cloned airline or travel websites

Cybercriminals are building fake websites that almost perfectly mimic famous airlines and travel brands.

These sites are incredibly convincing, often featuring a web address that differs from the real one by only a single letter.

To protect yourself, Jane advises typing the official URL directly into your internet browser instead of clocking on adverts or links.

She adds: 'Double check the web address carefully, and use established booking channels that clearly display secure payment options and company details.'

In 2025, experts warned of scammers who are targetting holidaymakers on Booking.com by sending false messages and emails from hotel accounts.

As the messages look legitimate and appear to have come through Booking.com, many tourists are then tricked in to sending payments to the scammers.

The messages falsely inform the holidaymaker that their card has been declined or that their payment details need to be verified.

The scammers then ask holidaymakers to enter their banking details via a false link which is used to steal money.

Requests to make payment outside the platform

Another major red flag is when you're asked to complete your transaction outside of a secure booking system.

Scammers frequently devise technical glitches as an excuse to request a direct bank transfer instead, says Jane.

To stay protected, it's worth keeping all messages and payments within the official platform.

This ensures you have access to booking protection, official records and customer support should a problem arise.

It comes as fraudsters have been posing as airline workers and calling British holidaymakers to demand payment for a 'seat guarantee' on the plane.

The scam involves holidaymakers being called up by someone pretending to represent a major UK airline.

The caller then typically claims there is a problem with the passenger's seat selection, often blaming a 'system glitch' and offers to secure preferred seats over the phone - but they will only 'allocate' the seats if the traveller pays a fee.

Booking or paying over public Wi-Fi

Open Wi-Fi in public places like hotels and airports is often unsecure, making it easy for hackers to steal your private data or payment information.

To stay safe, avoid entering sensitive details while on these networks, use mobile data or a secure connection when making bookings, and disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your phone to prevent risk.

Jane continues: 'Using a trusted VPN can add an extra layer of security when you must access Wi-Fi in public places.'

Fake travel insurance providers

Fraudsters don't just target flights and accommodation - they also target holidaymakers with extremely cheap insurance policies that appear legitimate, but provide no real cover.

Many travellers only realise they've been conned once they'd tried to make a claim.

Jane advises: 'Always check that an insurer is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority before buying.

'If the price is significantly lower than everywhere else, its worth double checking.'

Scam customer service numbers

Scammers often create fake customer service numbers that pop up in search results in order to trick travellers into sharing private information.

To protect yourself, only use contact information found directly on official websites.

If a number appears suspicious, it's worth verifying it through a trusted source before you dial.

Pressure tactics and countdown timers

Scammers frequently use high-pressure tactics such as fake countdown timers and limited-availability warnings to force travellers into paying before they can think.

Legitimate companies won't demand an immediate payment without giving travellers the chance to check they're satisfied with what they're about to purchase.

Jane finishes: 'If you feel rushed, pause and research before committing.'
Manchester Airport has taken the bottom spot for flight punctuality among major UK air hubs in 2025.

The hub, which is the UK's third busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, has taken the title away from Gatwick Airport.

Last year, Gatwick retained its unwanted title as the country's worst airport for delays  with departures last year running on average 23 minutes late.

Now, a study has revealed only 65.25 per cent of schedule services at Manchester arrived or departed on time.

That falls far below the 74.34 per cent national average.

Manchester was revealed as the country's worst airport for delays, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aviation trends data between January and December 2025, by legal-tech company SkyRefund.

While there was a brief window of optimism in the first quarter of 2025 when punctuality hit 74 per cent, the situation deteriorated rapidly as the year progressed.

By the third quarter, Manchester's on-time performance plummeted to just 56 per cent, marking a significant decline and a frustrating year for northwest travellers.

Manchester Airport has been ranked as the airport that's worst for flight delays

Manchester wasn't alone in its struggles, though.

Birmingham and Bournemouth both sat at 69 per cent punctuality, followed closely by Stansted (70 per cent) and Gatwick (71 per cent), rounding out the five worst airports for delays.

The data highlights a massive divide between struggling major airports and their more efficient regional neighbours.

While Manchester floundered, Liverpool emerged as the UK's most reliable airport, with an impressive 80.75 per cent of flights running on schedule.

Other top performers included Aberdeen, Belfast International, and Southend.

Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, who led the analysis, suggests that travellers shouldn't always buy the external factors as justification for delays at airports.

'Manchester is currently one of the most challenged hubs in the country, as far as delays are concerned and airports regularly point European air traffic control or weather for these issues.

'A huge chunk of these disruptions also come down to airline-specific failures like crew scheduling and technical issues.

It has taken the crown from Gatwick, which held the title previously

'The fact that Liverpool can maintain an 82 per cent punctuality rate while Manchester sits at 71.5 per cent for the first half of the year proves that regional factors, like poor weather, aren't always to blame.

'Top-performing airports like those in Belfast and Aberdeen are essentially creating a hedge against disruption through sheer operational efficiency.'

Ivaylo added: 'It's always a nightmare to see a holiday ruined by flight troubles. Thankfully, both UK and European law offer consumers significant protections and compensation in the event of long delays or services being cancelled.'

The CAA defines an 'on-time' flight as one that arrives or departs within 15 minutes of its scheduled slot.

Its 2025 reporting covers 25 major UK airports, including domestic data from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The worst major UK airports for delays Manchester  65% of flights departing within 15 minutes of scheduled slot Birmingham  69% Bournemouth  69% Stansted  70% Gatwick  71% Bristol  71% Edinburgh  72% Cardiff  73% Newcastle  73% Teesside  73% Exeter  74% Luton  74% Southampton  74.5% Jersey  74% Leeds Bradford  74% Isle of Man  76% East Midlands  76.5% London City  76.5% Heathrow  77% Glasgow  77.5% Southend  78% Belfast City  78% Belfast International  79% Aberdeen  80% Liverpool  81% Source: CAA Aviation Trends data covering January to December 2025

It comes after last year, Manchester Airport Terminal 3 was ranked as the UK's worst airport on the annual Which? airport survey.

The poll asked 5,789 British travellers to rate their experiences at airports across 10 categories.

The terminal received just one star in a number of categories, including security queues, seating, prices in shops and food outlets and range and quality of shops and food outlets.

One passenger said: 'Now Ryanair puts most of its flights through there and it is absolutely not set up for that number of passengers.'

The passenger continued: 'It's impossible to get a drink or something to eat, but much worse than that  there is nowhere to sit.'

Manchester Terminal 1, meanwhile, came second to last in the Which? poll, with customers complaining about the 'overflowing toilets' and 'rubbish', while its Terminal 2 came fourth from the bottom.

Manchester Airport explained the reasons for delays often have nothing to do with airport operations.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: 'This analysis of the Civil Aviation Authority's data is misleading as it ignores important context - context which is directly referenced by the CAA in the notes accompanying the research and in the research itself.

'Punctuality is affected by factors that are outside of an airport's control. The two most significant factors contributing to delays in the last year have been industrial action affecting air traffic control in Europe, and the weather.

'These were exacerbated by airspace restrictions above conflict zones meaning airports with significant long-haul networks, like Manchester, were more significantly affected than others.

'As an industry we are working collectively to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates, while protecting flight schedules and avoiding the need for cancellations.'
Viewers of the BBC's docu-series looking behind-the-scenes of the UK's ambulance service were left shocked by scenes that saw a fragile woman, 94, left on the floor.

Fans tuning into the show on Wednesday night, which airs on BBC One, were left in shock seeing the OAP collapsed as it was revealed she had been without help for FIVE hours.

Ambulance follows the work of the service around the UK, looking at the problems and pressures faced by the British ambulance service daily.

Narrated by former Dr Who star Christopher Eccleston, viewers are shown what the day-to-day operations look like, from the point of view of those in the control rooms and the crews working on the street.

Cameras capture everything from the initial first call to the arrival of the ambulance, and follow the stories through to what happened after their departure.

On Wednesday (March 25) BBC viewers watched on as a 94-year-old was forced to lie on the floor for five hours before an ambulance was able to reach her.

Viewers of the BBC's docu-series looking behind-the-scenes of the UK's ambulance service were left shocked by scenes that saw a fragile woman, 94, left on the floor

Fans tuning into the show on Wednesday night, which airs on BBC One, were left in shock seeing the OAP collapsed as it was revealed she had been without help for FIVE hours

The incident took place while the NHS Yorkshire Ambulance Crew in Leeds were seen being pushed to breaking point, dealing with multiple emergencies at the same time.

Fans watched as the ambulance service were called to help de-escalate a scene that saw a man threatening to jump out of a window and throw petrol on police.

By the time the ambulance service had been called to the scene, which saw staff Nagina and Mo standing by to treat any casualties if the situation escalated, the staff had already handled around 300 calls that shift.

After nearly two hours, police de-escalated the incident without injuries, leaving the ambulance staff to attend to the dozens of patients who had been waiting.

Meanwhile, paramedic John was sent to a Category 1 emergency where a patient had stopped breathing in one of nine cardiac arrest calls received in an hour.

And crew members Jen and Elliott were then dispatched to another call, which saw a patient found not breathing and in need of urgent assistance.

Elderly patient Audrey, had been left lying on the floor for FIVE hours after falling from bed in the early hours of the morning before she was found by her carer.

Audrey had been stuck since 5am and was complaining of pain in her hip, with Nagina and Mo sent out to deal with the incident as she was prioritised up to a Category 2 call by one of the ambulance service call handlers.

'Somebody has been on the floor since 5am,' the call handler could be heard saying. 'She's 94, she is not being kept waiting, we're getting someone to her.'

Audrey had been stuck since 5am and was complaining of pain in her hip

Viewers watched on as Nagina and Mo helped Audrey off the floor and assessed her condition, ensuring she was not injured and calling for further help.

But fans watching were left heartbroken over the scenes and took to X, formerly Twitter, to complain that someone should have been with Audrey sooner - and hit out at one of the former emergencies.

One penned: 'All those services wasted on the guy acting up threatening to attack the people trying to help him where this 94 year old on the floor having to wait 5 hours.

'Sorry, but these people who make it hard for the emergency services should be category 3 and lower.'

Another chimed in: 'It's disgusting how the Government can fund wars but not provide enough resources to provide emergency care in a timely way.'

As a third remarked: 'How lovely and dignified was the 94 year old lady who had to wait 5 hours to be picked up.'

Someone else praised the team, saying: 'Huge respect to our colleagues in the Ambulance Service. Day in, day out they respond to some of the toughest situations imaginable with professionalism, compassion, and calm under pressure.'

It comes after Ambulance viewers were left furious as they hit out at the 'utterly ridiculous' strain on paramedics highlighted in the BBC show.

Last week's instalment followed ambulance crews based across Scarborough and Whitby, but some aspects left the audience concerned.

During the episode, it was revealed that Scarborough had 'just five ambulances on shift for a population of 108,000.'

Taking to X, many viewers shared their fury over this situation, as one wrote: '5 ambulances covering Scarborough on a bank holiday?

'Thats utterly ridiculous. I feel sorry for the ambulance service.'

Another penned: 'Scarborough has 5 ambulances with a population of 118,000.'

A third remarked: '5 ambulances for a population >100,000 seems like mad underfunding!

'We should be rioting over this dereliction of duty by our politicians not just watching the fallout of an underfunded and under resourced system as primetime 9pm telly.'

A fourth chimed in: 'Watching #ambulance and it is worrying to think some have to travel 90 miles to see a patient.

'I'm lucky to be able to see the ambulances from my window, I just can't comprehend going those distances. Respect to the paramedics.'

One frightening instance saw a life-threatening Category One choking call come in - only for the nearest crew to be at least 35 minutes away.

A viewer raged: 'This #ambulance show is a joke. The lack of funding that the NHS and ambulance service have is harrowing.

'45 minutes to get to a cat 1 emergency, 5 ambulances for a population of over 100000, but politicians still say it is okay.'

Viewers watched on as Audrey was assisted by paramedics Nagina and Mo

'Just as well shes stopped choking with them taking over half an hour to get there. Not their fault of course, its lack of investment and resources', a second agreed.

Meanwhile, a crew sent out to cover call a Bridlington ultimately left Scarborough with no ambulance cover.

Towards the end of the episode, an on-screen graphic read: 'On average, people living in the coastal and rural parts of Yorkshire wait 45% longer for emergency care than those living in urban areas.'

Elsewhere, a previous installment left viewers disgusted as a paramedic was punched in the face - raging 'nobody should have to put up with this!'

The episode, which aired on Wednesday (March 11), followed members of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service amid tense situations.

Paramedics Louise and Sarah were on hand to help a patient having a seizure, but things didn't quite go to plan.

As the patient became increasingly more physically aggressive, the pair called in police back-up.

During this confrontation, the patient punched Louise in the nose and Sarah later said she'd been 'caught in the face'.

Viewers discovered that, 'On average, people living in the coastal and rural parts of Yorkshire wait 45% longer for emergency care than those living in urban areas.'

Fans were appalled by the conditions faced by these healthcare workers and reacted on social media.

One wrote on X: 'I cant believe the level of abuse these poor ambulance staff/paramedics receive! Nobody should have to put up with this when trying to earn a living!

'These people are trying to help you! Show some respect! Absolutely disgusting.'

Another said: 'Two female paramedics got physically abused (one punched in the nose) by a drug user who overdosed and continued to help the man once the police arrived.

'Then drove him to A&E! Whatever these people earn - double it! #Ambulance.'

A third chimed in: 'Those poor women. No one deserves to be smacked in the face when theyre trying to help someone #Ambulance.'

Elsewhere, the control room staff faced harassment from a persistent caller using abusive language towards operators.

This person previously refused an ambulance, but continued to make new phone calls each minute, therefore blocking the emergency lines from authentic life-threatening cases.

Team leader Abi ultimately had to escalate the situation by reporting the caller to the police.

She explained in the show: 'As a manager, I'm very protective of my team.

'When I see my entire team receiving abuse and it affects multiple people, it is really difficult to see.

'No one deserves that. That shouldn't happen at all, but it certainly shouldn't happen to people who are there to help.'

Addressing the persistent caller, Abi added: 'You can see how many genuine emergency calls are sat waiting to be answered, that need our help.

'You think, "Why am I doing this?"'

One viewer fumed: 'Absolutely disgusting behaviour from these patients and callers, staff should be allowed to refuse to treat them.'

Another raged: 'Will never understand how people can phone emergency services and act as rude and disrespectful as that!'

Ambulance airs Wednesdays on BBC One and is available to stream iPlayer.
The latest fired candidates on The Apprentice took a series of parting shots at Lord Sugar amid the fallout from the BBC show's double elimination.

In Thursday's episode (March 26), the candidates were tasked with taking on the fan-favourite TV selling task, flogging products that they believed would win over the nation live on air.

Levi Hague, Conor Galvin, Kieran McCartney, Dan Miller and Rothna Akhtar placed their hopes on a yoga mat, an exercise machine, a shoe dryer and a bracelet in order to secure orders from viewers.

While Karishma Vijay, Lawrence Rosenburg, Pascha Myhill and Priyesh Bathia decided on air purifying headphones, a water flosser and a ring to make profit.

Lord Sugar joined his grandson Joe as they watched the candidates sell the products on screen, and they were far from impressed with the outcome from the teams.

It sparked a fiery showdown in the boardroom, with losing team project manager Conor bringing back co-stars Levi and Kieran to face firing.

And while Kieran managed to survive another week, making a deal with Lord Sugar to walk if he fails as project manager next week, Levi and Conor were given the boot.

The latest fired candidates on The Apprentice took a series of parting shots at Lord Sugar amid the fallout from the BBC show's double elimination

Levi was given the boot from the competition after the fan-favourite TV shopping challenge

But not without taking a series of final shots at Lord Sugar, revealing their disappointment to be leaving the process, saying Kieran was 'kept in for dramatics'.

Conor said: 'I definitely think it was down to me and Kieran, and obviously Kieran gave the very exciting ultimatum, which was offered to me and I declined.

'It was down to the wire between me and Kieran as to who should stay and I think ultimately the dramatics kept Kieran in.

'Based on my nine weeks of performance, I wanted to progress based on merit. I think I really gave it 100% every week and so I think I was hoping that Lord Sugar would look at my past performances over the last nine weeks.

'I was happy with my selling technique in the challenge, but unfortunately, my end result left Lord Sugar with no other choice but to fire me.

'If I could go back, I would argue my case to stay based on merit more. I would have tried to reason with Lord Sugar that I will give 100% next week and every other week as I would in the real business world.

'I don't want to progress based on dramatics, I want to progress based on merit and because I am good at what I do.

'But that is my only regret - not fighting my corner harder when I felt so defeated in the boardroom.'

Conor hit out at Lord Sugar, revealing his disappointment to be leaving the process and saying Kieran was 'kept in for dramatics'

Lord Sugar pointed his finger twice during Thursday's instalment of the long-running show

Levi admitted that he was partly relieved to leave the competition, even if he didn't think he 'deserved' to be fired from the BBC One process.

He added: 'When I was fired, I wasnt upset, I was actually quite relieved and ready to get back home to my business, my wife and my six-month-old daughter.

'I don't think [I deserved it], but I respect Sugar's decision. In hindsight, I wish I performed a bit better and not got as giddy about being on the show.'

Also taking aim at Kieran, Levi continued: 'I think Kieran should have gone out of me and him. He said he was a strong salesman, but when he was selling there wasnt much enthusiasm or energy...'

It comes after one previously fired candidate opened up on being 'really sad' to leave the competition, and shared an extraordinary confession in the wake of his firing.

Harry Clough, financial sales manager from Battersea, London, waved goodbye to his 250,000 investment and partnership from Lord Sugar last week.

Harry has followed in the footsteps of his fellow fired co-stars Rajan Gill, Megan Ruiter, Carrington Saunders, Andrea Cooper, Vanessa Tetteh-Squire, Roxanne Hamedi, Tanmay Hingorani, Marcus Donkoh, Georgina Newton and Nikki Jetha.

When asked about how he felt after being fired, Harry said: 'It was extraordinary.

'I mean, seeing Lord Sugar's finger point and then saying ''you're fired'' was such a weird experience, it was pretty surreal.

'I kind of felt it coming because I was in the boardroom with Kieran and Conor, who are the biggest characters on the show.

'So, I thought I didn't stand a chance against those guys.

But then I was just really sad. I loved the whole process, filming was insane and everything was awesome.

'But then you just leave and you didn't see them again and then it is just back to normal life.

The latest episode saw the 10 remaining candidates given the chance to redeem themselves from the disastrous scavenger hunt in Hong Kong earlier in the series

'I was happy with how far I got, but I was definitely gutted to go.'

And when asked if he thinks that he deserved it, Harry added: 'I mean, there's all this argument about the SUP (stand up paddle board).

'I think it was the right decision to buy it there and then.

'Obviously it was unlucky that the other team managed to get a second-hand one but that was sort of out of my control.

'I don't think that was all on me and I think there were other things that happened, but everyone did so well in that task, so it was always going to come down to the smallest thing.

'Someone had to be fired at the end of the day.'

He also think that the wrong person was sent home.

Harry said: 'I would say it was so close and I think it's so easy to blame a PM and put it on them.

'I was saying Kieran should have been fired when I was in the boardroom because obviously there was that whole joke about them going on a lad's day out and tasting wine and stuff like that.

'They went against Kieran's motto of what we should do in terms of pricing in terms of doing this quickly.

'But also at the same time, they did really good deals. So, I think it was such a close one.

'It was so difficult and when it came down to me, Conor, and Kieran, it was always going to be me.'

It comes after candidate Rajan launched an attack towards Levi Hague, saying he instead should have been fired in his place after 'putting himself out there' more than his rival last week.

Last Thursday saw Lord Sugar task the remaining candidates with creating a virtual reality demo of a new game, designing a brand to score investments.

The losing team, led by Lawrence Rosenburg, opted to create an aerobics game where huge frogs chase the user - however they received only 55,000 worth of investment.

This was in stark comparison to the opposing team, which had Harry Clough and thanks to Karishma Vijay's expertise in gaming, soared to victory by securing 205,000 investment for their futuristic running game.

Lawrence, 28, decided to bring Levi and Rajan back into the boardroom with him to face Lord Sugar's wrath - but it was Rajan who was eventually given the boot.

Hitting back against the decision, he said: 'Ultimately, Lord Sugar makes the decision based on the task and the overall performance, and I respect that. But I don't think I deserve to be fired, to be honest.

'One of the things that Lord Sugar said to me before he fired me was that he felt like he didn't really see much of me throughout the process.

'But if I had the chance to speak to him right now, I would remind him I was sub-PM twice throughout the process. I held, I think, three corporate negotiations throughout the process of which every negotiation outweighed and smashed the other team.

'And I put my all into every single task and I feel like there were some individuals who didn't do that and they should be facing the repercussions themselves.'

Laying into former co-star Levi, he added: 'I feel like in terms of consistency throughout the process, I didn't really see much of it.

'I think he was sub-PM once in the first task in Hong Kong and I feel like I put myself out there a lot more than he did...'

The Apprentice airs Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip before it makes the news.

Prada upstaged

It speaks volumes about the state of Sydney's socialite set that last week's much-hyped Prada party - billed as an unmissable event - drew barely any Alisters.

Despite Silver Party chair Maree Andrews (nee Tzaneros) meticulously curating the soiree's guest list, the turnout was decidedly underwhelming.

There was a mixed bag of B-list fixtures: tracksuit queen Pip Edwards, nude artist Dina Broadhurst, WA-based model Rebecca Jobson and chicken heiress Jessica Ingham all made an appearance, but those with the most social clout were elsewhere.

Across town in Centennial Park, the real main event unfurled: Aussie Home Loans heiress Deb Symond O'Neil - the daughter of John Symond - and her husband, Addenbrooke managing director Ned O'Neil, hosted a lavish Wuthering Heightsthemed soiree for her 38th birthday at their jaw-dropping $20.5million residence.

'It' girl Deborah Symond O'Neil threw a lavish birthday party that trumped the Prada party

Deb's socialite sisters-in-law Lou O'Neil (right) and interior designer Poppy Tzaneros (nee O'Neil) were also spotted enjoying the festivities

No expense was spared for the OTT party, with guests including Pilates queen Bernadette Sukkar, PR guru Montarna McDonald and designer Michael Lo Sordo

Now this guest list was the real Who's Who of the eastern suburbs circuit: Pilates queen Bernadette Sukkar, PR guru Montarna McDonald, entrepreneur Alyce Tran, designer Michael Lo Sordo, plus Four Seasons Condoms heir Michael Porter and his fashion publicist husband Billy Mitchell all turned out.

Perhaps most tellingly, even Maree's sister Barbara Coombes (nee Tzaneros) spent a hot minute at the Prada party before skipping off in favour of Deb's knees-up.

Still, one thing the Prada party did have going for it was a few new romances.

Three high-profile guests rocked up with new men on their gym-honed arms.

Dina, 50, fresh from her split from appliances heir John 'Herman' Winning Jr after an exhausting on-again-off-again courtship, arrived with dashing German entrepreneur Danny Tchalaby, who can't be much older than 30.

Rebecca was seen getting cosy with Sydney man-about-town Charles 'Chugga' Hinckfuss after her split from retired professional surfer Taj Burrow.

And of course, Pip of P.E Nation fame arrived with her flavour of the month, business consultant Nicholas Nogarotto.

In the end, Prada had the label - but Deb had the guest list.

Chicken heiress Jessica Ingham (left, with friend) was among the guests at the Prada opening

Barbara Coombes made a cameo at the Prada soiree thrown together by her sister Maree, before hot-footing it to Deb's Wuthering Heights party

Party like it's 1977

There were no doubt sore heads the morning after Ellie Malouf rang in her 30th in unapologetically glittering style.

The birthday girl - daughter of Australia's richest garbo Ian Malouf and wife Larissa - threw a Studio 54themed bash high above the city in her parents' jaw-dropping CBD penthouse.

She hosted about 150 of her closest friends, who leaned all the way into the brief, donning sequins, feathers and platform heels.

If Instagram photos are anything to go by, the usually sleek residence was transformed into a full-blown disco fever dream.

Guests reportedly danced well into the early hours, with whispers the party didnt wind down until sunrise.

Birthday girl Ellie Malouf pictured with her Rich Lister dad Ian Malouf in the background

The Studio 54themed bash was held high above the city at Ian and Larissa Maloufs jaw-dropping CBD penthouse

Perched atop the ANZ commercial tower, the sprawling four-bedroom apartment is less 'penthouse' and more private resort

Not that the setting hurt. Perched atop the ANZ commercial tower, the sprawling four-bedroom apartment is less 'penthouse' and more private resort, complete with a rooftop level boasting a cabana lounge and pool, plus uninterrupted views of Sydney.

Ellie, who is CEO and co-founder of Ahoy Club, has built a name for herself in luxury yachting, and her business is behind some of the city's most eye-catching superyachts, including the ever-glamorous M/Y MISCHIEF.

Big trouble in Double Bay

Colourful Sydney businessman 'Big Jim' Byrnes certainly knows how to make an entrance.

The larger-than-life debt collector turned heads at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, stepping out in an all-white ensemble like it was the French Riviera.

He was there over a matter stemming from a late-night dust-up with nightclub boss Julian Tobias at the Bedouin nightclub in Double Bay after the 2023 Melbourne Cup.

The court heard revellers had been spilling out of the venue rather worse for wear, with staff scrambling to restore order as the champagne-soaked night began to unravel.

According to testimony and security footage, Byrnes allegedly witnessed a young woman in distress, and in true Big Jim fashion, didn't hesitate to step in.

An argument broke out between 'Big Jim' Byrnes and nightclub boss Julian Tobias (pictured)

Footage showed Byrnes being restrained by two men while Tobias appeared to get involved in the scuffle. Byrnes then allegedly fired back with a headbutt

As security swooped, the situation escalated and Byrnes found himself tangled up with Tobias and his crew.

Footage showed Byrnes being restrained by two men while Tobias appeared to get involved in the scuffle. Byrnes then allegedly fired back with a headbutt.

Byrnes, once a financial adviser to late billionaire Alan Bond, was subsequently slapped with charges of affray and common assault. Tobias walked away scot-free.

The matter has finally come to a conclusion, with Magistrate Lambino clearing Byrnes of all charges.

New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week

Read the damning email to NAB CEO from suicidal worker before Docklands tragedy - as we reveal the cruel HR method pushing staff to the brink

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MAFS INSIDER: Unaired 'sexual mishap' for Alissa and David that shattered their relationship. You won't see it on TV - now sources are speaking out

Read the damning email to NAB CEO from suicidal worker before Docklands tragedy - as we reveal the cruel HR method pushing staff to the brink

Inside celebrity dentist Dr Steven Lin's desperate last days in his childhood home - and the quiet turmoil that drove a respected family man to a life of drugs, filth and violence

'Death threats' from tradies, 1-star reviews... now cancer-stricken Block landscaper makes a startling admission from his Brighton bunker as he's chased for money all over town

LIZ JONES: Why so many are now gravely concerned by this picture of Kate and William

Sydney psychologist accused of using LinkedIn 'as a dating app' unleashes on ex-employee who filed 118-page complaint: LUCY MANLY goes inside the feud so vicious you'll need therapy

Mother of cheating nurse shares horrific way daughter was killed after SUV sex... and shares heartbreaking details of her marriage to doctor

Child killer Chris Watts' sick fetishes that fuelled him to annihilate his family, revealed for the first time by his 'mother figure' pen pal

Ugly new Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban divorce fight ERUPTS: Her friends share humiliating details of 'midlife crisis'... and reveal brutal REAL reason daughter Sunday Rose 'snubbed' him

RICHARD EDEN: Troubling Harry and Meghan 'behind the scenes' whispers from the Palace. Royal officials are terrified to speak about them... but one breaks their silence to confide in me

WA model Rebecca Jobson steps out with a new wealthy playboy boyfriend at Prada event in Sydney - following her split from surf king Taj Burrow after seven years of marriage
As Kyle Sandilands' $88million legal battle against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) heads to Federal Court, key details of his legal defence have now emerged.

2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham said on Thursday morning that the shock jock would be relying on the 'dump button' defence.

'On the radio show he [Sandilands] hosted with Jackie O, there was a 30-second delay. And because of several breaches of the radio codes [in the past], the censor was employed by the radio station,' Fordham said.

'They worked for the radio network and independently of the Kyle & Jackie O show, and if the conversation headed into dangerous territory, the censor would beep out anything deemed too risky.'

Fordham continued, saying that on the day of Sandilands' now-infamous on-air argument in February, the censor allowed the clash to go to air without interruption.

'It's my understanding that it's written into Kyle's contract that the radio station is responsible for what goes to air,' Fordham said.

As Kyle Sandilands' $88 million legal battle against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) heads to Federal Court, key details of his legal defence have now emerged

Fordham added that the situation 'went deeper', and said that it was incumbent on ARN to censor anything that could put Sandilands in breach of his 10-year contract.

'The radio station is actually obliged to dump anything that breaches the signed agreement between ARN and Kyle,' he said.

'So, if anything being broadcast placed Kyle in breach of his contract, the radio network had a duty to dump it.'

The broadcaster added that another incident that would likely feature prominently in Sandilands' defence was a similar argument Sandilands and Henderson had in 2025.

The fracas was initially not broadcast, but later resurfaced on the Kyle & Jackie O show during a segment with couples counsellor Melissa Ferrari.

In the recording, Kyle is heard goading Jackie about being 'off with the fairies' and taking calls instead of working.

The back-and-forth culminated in Henderson storming out of the studio.

'Okay, I'm going!' Jackie raged.

Join the discussion Should radio hosts be held responsible for on-air clashes if their network promotes and profits from them?

2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham said on Thursday morning that the shock jock would be relying on the 'dump button' defence

'I'm constantly getting f***ing gaslit around here!' she added before leaving the studio.

Fordham said that the incident would also form a basis for Sandilands' arguments due to the similarities with the clash that saw both him and Henderson terminated.

'Back then Kyle was accusing Jackie of being off with the fairies, and that's the same as he said this year,' he said.

'Kyle said in 2025 that, amongst the producers, it was an open secret that Jackie was distracted  that's similar to what he said this year, too.'

Fordham continued: 'Back in 2025 Jackie O said she was being picked on and gaslit, but ARN did not launch an investigation when that happened.

'In fact, the fight was packaged up and used for a future segment. They didn't want to waste it.

'And this is going to be part of the argument from Kyle Sandilands. If he didn't face any disciplinary action in 2025, how's it fair to sack him for something similar in 2026?'

Daily Mail has reached out to Sandilands' lawyer for comment.

Fordham said on the day of Sandilands' now-infamous on-air argument in February, the censor allowed the clash to go to air without interruption

The end of the Kyle & Jackie O Show was announced last Wednesday when Sandilands released a statement at 7am announcing that KIIS' parent company, ARN, had terminated his 10-year, $100million contract.

An insider told news.com.au on Monday that Sandilands will claim as part of his defence that he had no warnings from ARN management over the issue of how he spoke to his co-host.

The former king of the radio ratings will also argue that ARN 'promoted' their notorious on-air brawls.

'[There were] no warnings, whether formal or informal,' the source said.

According to the report, Sandilands and his legal team are trawling through footage of The Kyle and Jackie O Show to argue that it was 'normal' for the pair to fight.

The insider also revealed that Sandilands is putting in regular invoices to ARN on the basis that his axing was 'invalid and opportunistic'.

On Monday morning, ARN issued a statement in an ASX market update, asserting that the network disputes Sandilands' claims and plans to defend the proceedings.

'The applicants claim the termination of Mr Sandilands' contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law,' their statement read.

'The applicants seek an order for specific performance of two contracts, payment of whatever amounts are due and payable under the contracts at the time of judgment, and damages.'
The heartbreaking family sacrifice Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling made in her final years has been revealed, following her tragic death on Tuesday aged 54, after a long battle with bowel cancer.

The beloved relationship expert relocated to London with her family in 2021 to take up a role on MAFS UK, but continued flying back to Sydney for several months each year to appear on the Channel Nine version.

The demanding schedule meant repeatedly uprooting her life  and enduring long stretches apart from her husband Gareth and their daughter Maddie, 10  as she balanced her booming international career with family life.

In September 2024, a year after her cancer diagnosis, Mel opened up to her followers about the personal toll her career was taking.

'They've just returned to the UK, it's very bittersweet and hard to say goodbye but it's only six or seven weeks this time around... I've done longer than that away from them in the past... we've had three months separations before,' she wrote.

She added that her demanding schedule  juggling both the local and international versions of MAFS  often kept her apart from her husband and daughter for months at a time.

The heartbreaking family sacrifice MAFS expert Mel Schilling made in her final years has been revealed, following her tragic death on Tuesday aged 54 after a long battle with bowel cancer. (Pictured with husband Gareth and their daughter Maddie)

Mel, who had been a fixture on MAFS AU since its second season in 2016, previously admitted that she often endured extreme pain while filming the show  but pushed through regardless.

'At the reunion dinner party I was doubled over in pain and then during the whole reunion shoot, I was just trying to smile through the pain, just get through it,' she told Yahoo Lifestyle.

She added that she first noticed the pain during filming its 11th series in 2024.

'I didn't know what it was, I thought it was jet lag. I really did. I just thought I'm working too hard, it's the travel, I'm just not taking care of myself. I really didn't think it was anything else,' she said.

It comes after John Aiken shared the details of his touching final moments with his costar Mel before her death.

The relationship expert, 55, told A Current Affair on Wednesday night that he was able to 'look her in the eye' and explain what she meant to him, and to the world.

Aiken told Mel that he loved her and that she had 'made a difference.'

'She understood she had touched a lot of people all around the world,' Aiken told the current affairs show.

The beloved relationship expert relocated to London with her family in 2021 to take up a role on MAFS UK, but continued flying back to Sydney for several months each year to appear on the Channel Nine version. (Pictured with costars John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla)

The demanding schedule meant repeatedly uprooting her life  and enduring long stretches apart from her husband Gareth and their daughter Maddie  as she balanced her booming international career with family life

'I took her husband an Irish whiskey, and we drank that. She had some memories.'

John explained that he saw Mel for a final time last week, just days before she died.

'She lit up the room. She was larger than life, full of energy  beautiful smile, very glamorous,' he said.

John also led Channel Nine's tribute to the relationship expert ahead of Wednesday's episode of MAFS.

In a heartbreaking segment, Aiken fought tears as he shared moving words about his costar and best mate.

'It's with great sadness and heavy heart that today the MAFS family lost a colleague and dear friend, Mel Schilling,' he said.

'She brought fun and joy, humour, and she also brought an authenticity which we all loved to be around. It was such a delight. Married At First Sight won't be the same without her.'

Mel's husband Gareth announced on Tuesday that the dating expert had died just days after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.

In a lengthy statement, he spoke of her love for him and their daughter Madison.

Mel helmed the expert panel of the Australian franchise for 12 seasons and also appeared in five series of the UK version on Channel 4.

But she had announced she would be stepping back from filming earlier this year, in order to prioritise her family and health.
Chaka Khan celebrated her 73rd birthday on Monday and revealed just how close she is to retirement following a five-decade career.

'They'll kill me before they let me stop singing!' the Queen of Funk told Harper's Bazaar UK earlier this month.

'But I know now, this is what I am, this is what God put me here for, and I'm just going to just do it until it's over.'

Sometimes Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens) can't 'believe it's me' when she reflects on her accomplishments: 'I'm still excited about what I do. It still moves me. When you know there are all these people out there waiting to hear you sing, it's a special thing.'

The 11-time Grammy winner - who boasts 4.9 million social media followers - received happy birthday messages from many of her famous colleagues including pop star Cyndi Lauper, who posted cake and balloon emojis in celebration.

Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P Henson posted the same greeting and emojis along with a crown and hearts in her comment.

Chaka Khan celebrated her 73rd birthday on Monday and revealed just how close she is to retirement following a five-decade career (pictured February 1)

Four-time Grammy winner Roberta Flack's Instagram account wrote: 'Happy birthday, @chakakhan, from Roberta's team.'

'Happy blessed birthday, Chaka!' two-time Grammy winner Patti LaBelle commented.

And seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight wrote: 'Happy birthday sister!'

'I've never been cut, never been snitched or snatched. I don't believe in it,' Khan told the Table Manners podcast of plastic surgery on Wednesday.

'What I do, you gotta grease [your face]. Got to oil that face up before you go to bed. There's some good oils. You can use anything from baby oil to your favorite lotion that's got some like some girth to it. Just pop that s*** on and go to sleep.'

The great grandmother entered rehab in 2016 for prescription medication and alcohol dependency, and she previously battled addictions to heroin and cocaine.

'There were times when I thought, will I make it? Will I live through this?' Khan told Harper's.

'I went through all this stuff  drugs and the whole nine yards  so I'm just happy that I made it.'

The Ain't Nobody hitmaker has been hard at work promoting director Racky Plews' new musical biopic I'm Every Woman: the Chaka Khan Musical currently touring the UK, which will next play the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from April 1-4.

'They'll kill me before they let me stop singing!' the Queen of Funk told Harper's Bazaar UK earlier this month. 'But I know now, this is what I am, this is what God put me here for, and I'm just going to just do it until it's over'; seen in 1978

Sometimes Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens) can't 'believe it's me' when she reflects on her accomplishments: 'I'm still excited about what I do. It still moves me. When you know there are all these people out there waiting to hear you sing, it's a special thing' (pictured in 2019)

The 11-time Grammy winner - who boasts 4.9 million social media followers - received happy birthday messages from many of her famous colleagues including pop star Cyndi Lauper, who posted cake and balloon emojis in celebration

Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson posted the same greeting and emojis along with a crown and hearts in her comment

Four-time Grammy winner Roberta Flack's Instagram account wrote: 'Happy birthday, @chakakhan, from Roberta's team'

'Happy blessed birthday, Chaka!' two-time Grammy winner Patti LaBelle commented

And seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight wrote: 'Happy birthday sister!'

'I've never been cut, never been snitched or snatched. I don't believe in it,' Khan told the Table Manners podcast of plastic surgery on Wednesday

'What I do, you gotta grease [your face]. Got to oil that face up before you go to bed. There's some good oils. You can use anything from baby oil to your favorite lotion that's got some like some girth to it. Just pop that s*** on and go to sleep'

The great grandmother has been hard at work promoting director Racky Plews' new musical biopic I'm Every Woman: the Chaka Khan Musical currently touring the UK, which will next play the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from April 1-4

The Chicago native - who still pulls 6.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify - has sold 3.5 million records through her funk band Rufus and 70 million records as a solo artist (pictured in 1976)

Khan handpicked pop star Alexandra Burke to play herself: 'At first, it was difficult to find a girl to play me who was wild enough  I'm happy we found Alexandra because she's someone who can let everything go and just be.

'I told her, "Free yourself up, baby. Relax, open your mouth and sing." And she did exactly that.'

The Chicago native will be on tour throughout the month of May beginning with her concert at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA on May 7.

Khan - who still pulls 6.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify - has sold 3.5 million records through her funk band Rufus and 70 million records as a solo artist.

The Calumet High School drop-out hasn't released a new song since Immortal Queen with Sia in 2024, and she hasn't put out a full-blown record since her 12th studio album Hello Happiness in 2019.

Khan is best known for her hit songs Tell Me Something Good, Sweet Thing, I Feel for You, Through the Fire and Higher Love.

She was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

On the personal front, Khan welcomed two children - daughter Indira Milini Khan, 52, and son Damien Holland, 47 - with babydaddy Rahsaan Morris and second ex-husband Richard Holland.
Popular influencer Ashy Bines has raised eyebrows after sharing a video of herself stocking up on toilet paper at a local supermarket as Australia's fuel crisis continues.

She shared a clip to her Instagram story this week that showed her on a shopping trip with fellow influencer Tijana Bundalo, who said the pair were 'prepping in case things lock down.'

Ashy, 37, jumped in, explaining that the worsening fuel crisis had prompted her to pick up some extra supplies.

She added that she was particularly keen to stock up on dried food and toilet paper, alluding to the panic buying seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I dont know if you guys have seen, its maybe a little bit controversial but fuel prices, the rumours are were gonna run out and then were worried that transport stops and all the food goes,' she said.

'So, were just prepping some dried food and some toilet paper because we all know what happened a few years ago.'

Popular influencer Ashy Bines has raised eyebrows after sharing a video of herself stocking up on toilet paper at a local supermarket as Australia's fuel crisis continues

She shared a clip to her Instagram story this week that showed her on a shopping trip with fellow influencer Tijana Bundalo, who said the pair were 'prepping in case things lock down'

Tijana added that being prepared before a potential crisis could help prevent lockdown panic buying.

'I feel like my parents are so deep in this rabbit hole, so theres never just a problem to have a little bit of extra stuff at home just so if something stops, if transport stops or whatever, its like you dont have to get into that real anxious energy that everyone went through when COVID happened,' she said.

Seemingly keen to ward off criticism, the mum-of-two uploaded a subsequent video in which she explained she was not encouraging panic buying.

'I dont think theres anything wrong in being a little bit prepared, I didnt go excessive, I bought one thing of toilet paper, I bought some tin foods, some dry foods, some extra rice crackers and an extra jar of peanut butter, it wasnt anything excessive,' she explained.

'When youve got children I dont think theres anything wrong with just making sure that youre a little bit prepped.

'Its not to make anyone fearful, its just like mama to mama, be prepared.'

Ashy's comments come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a second national cabinet meeting to discuss new emergency measures to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis.

Public transport discounts, working from home, and carpooling are among the proposed measures set to be discussed by state and territory premiers next Monday.

'Were just prepping some dried food and some toilet paper because we all know what happened a few years ago,' she added, referencing the panic buying of toilet paper during the COVID-19 pandemic

Hospitality operators will consider imposing a five per cent surcharge on customers as transport and delivery costs soar during the ongoing fuel crisis.

The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association has urged businesses to introduce a temporary surcharge on all meals, including takeaways.

Almost 200 petrol stations across NSW have run out of diesel, while at least 32 reported not having any fuel at all, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told parliament on Wednesday.

In Victoria, 134 are without one or more grades.

Ashy was recently slammed online after people claimed she was using the Bondi terror attack to promote her wellbeing podcast and program.

She shared a post to Instagram in the wake of the tragedy in which she discussed the enormous emotional toll the attacks had taken on the wider Australian community.

'I feel everyone in Australia is waking up feeling sick just thinking about everyone impacted by Bondi,' Ashy began.

'May we support one another and never forget the power of kindness in times like these.'

Seemingly keen to ward off criticism, the mum-of-two uploaded a subsequent video in which she explained she was not encouraging panic buying. 'Its not to make anyone fearful, its just like mama to mama, be prepared,' she said

Almost 200 petrol stations across NSW have run out of diesel, while at least 32 reported not having any fuel at all, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told parliament on Wednesday. In Victoria, 134 are without one or more grades

Ashy then suggested that people who are feeling 'wobbly' due to the emotional toll of the attacks should subscribe to her Rise Inside podcast and wellbeing program. She provided a link to the subscription page, which charges a membership fee of $50 per month.

'If I'm ever feeling anxious or want to feel more calm, it's nice to know that in less than five minutes that can all change,' Ashy wrote.

Furious followers quickly took to social media to slam Ashy for 'using' the Bondi terror attack to promote her business.

'Does anyone else find it really bad taste and just gross that Ashy Bines is using the awful terrorist attack in Bondi to advertise her Rise Inside subscription?' one person asked.

'Any influencer using this tragedy to pivot or push a business or product should go straight in the bin. Absolutely foul,' a second added.

'To make money off this is utterly disgusting. This is the lowest of the low. This must stop,' another chimed in.

'Yes, that's exactly how the people affected by the Bondi tragedy are feeling today, "wobbly",' someone else sniped.
Arabella Del Busso left gym goers shocked when she posed topless during a sweat session.

The former NRL WAG, 36, opted to capture her gym progress on Wednesday by flexing her biceps and showing off her incredibly toned physique.

However, Arabella took her selfie one step further by whipping off her workout top, and exposing her cleavage, leaving her standing in nothing but black underwear and white Nike sneakers.

The brunette bombshell proudly shared the image to Instagram, covering her breasts with an info box pointing fans to her sideline hustle.

Arabella has developed a reputation for pushing boundaries with her provocative displays.

In 2025 she shocked Melbourne office workers when she stripped down on the balcony of her high-rise CBD apartment.

Arabella Del Busso left gym goers shocked when she posed topless during a sweat session

The former NRL WAG, 36, opted to capture her gym progress on Wednesday by flexing her biceps and showing off her incredibly toned physique. However, Arabella took her selfie one step further by whipping off her workout top

Arabella was discharged from Australia's largest female prison in 2024, after she served five months behind bars for stealing $52,000 from her employer when she was working as a receptionist for a Sydney medical business.

She has been embroiled in scandal since her relationship with former Bulldogs star Josh Reynolds came to an end when she faked three miscarriages with him.

Arabella starred on TV's SAS Australia show in 2020, revealing why she pretended to be pregnant.

'I told my partner [Reynolds] that I had a pregnancy scare, and I showed it to him and said it was ours, when in fact, it wasn't our scan at all,' she confessed.

Asked what prompted her to lie about the pregnancy, she admitted the relationship was 'coming to an end'.

'I didn't know how to deal with losing someone,' she continued.

After being asked if her plan was to 'cheat the person into staying with you', Arabella said she just wanted 'to try and draw him back in'.

In July 2024, she left Dillwynia Women's Correctional Centre in Sydney and is understood to have begun a new life with her boyfriend in Melbourne.

In 2025 she shocked Melbourne office workers when she stripped down on the balcony of her high-rise CBD apartment

It is understood that a judge had deemed it impractical to give her a community service order when she was moving to Victoria.

In a court affidavit, her boyfriend James, a builder also in his 30s, said she was 'kind, supportive, loving'.

'I feel people don't know the real Arabella Del Busso,' he stated.

'The Bella that I have grown to love is the most caring, genuine, down-to-earth, selfless person I have met from a relationship perspective.'

The pair had already started dating when she was facing charges for stealing over $50,000 from a Sydney medical practice back in 2019.
Dan Osborne suggested his marriage was over a week ago after venturing out without his wedding ring - as friends claim he quietly separated from Jacqueline Jossa earlier this year.

The couple are understood to have ended their 13-year relationship after 'living apart' for much of the year following a secret trial separation.

Their turbulent marriage has faced numerous difficulties over the years, among them multiple claims of infidelity levelled at Dan, who has previously been accused of cheating on his wife with former Love Island contestants Gabby Allen and Alexandra Cane.

Dan, 34, was pictured without his wedding band last week as he prepared for an appearance at a London screening of Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, just days before their split came to light.

The father-of-three appeared downcast as he departed the Essex home he purchased at the time of their original split last year.

EastEnders star Jacqueline, 33, 'insisted on a divorce' from former The Only Way Is Essex regular Dan after 'mentally checking out' of their relationship for good.

Dan Osborne suggested his marriage was over a week ago after venturing out without his wedding ring - as friends claim he quietly separated from Jacqueline Jossa earlier this year

The couple are understood to have ended their 13-year relationship after 'living apart' for much of the year following a secret trial separation

The couple, who are parents to young daughters Ella, 11, and Mia, seven, exchanged vows in 2017 after dating for four years. Dan also has son Teddy, 12, from a previous relationship.

The tattooed TV personality originally moved out of the family home in March last year during an earlier separation.

They later headed on a 'make-or-break getaway' to Mexico and in June 2025 the pair celebrated their eight-year wedding anniversary, enjoying a romantic break at a luxury London hotel to mark the milestone.

Now sources tell The Sun the split this time is 'permanent', adding: 'Everyone knows they've had their troubles, but after spending some time apart this year, they've decided to make the split permanent. Their two daughters are their main priority.'

Dan is said to have moved out 'permanently last month into the secret house he bought behind Jacqueline's back' during their brief split in early 2025.

Jacqueline was left in shock after discovering her husband had bought a house in Essex last year, which put more pressure on their strained relationship.

The couple reportedly struggled to make their marriage work following weeks of heated rows.

'After all Jac's been through, she's finally had enough. They've been living separate lives all this year and she's over it', the source added. 'There's only so many times she can put herself through living in limbo and taking him back.'

'She has mentally checked out of the relationship for the first time and Dan has panicked. He's worried the grass isn't greener and has had the shock of his life that he's pushed Jac too far this time.'

Friends of Jacqueline are reportedly 'so pleased' she has finally checked out of the marriage for good after years of 'begging' her to leave.

The Daily Mail has contacted Jacqueline and Dan's representatives for comment.

Just five months ago, Dan was caught liking another girl's bikini snaps on Instagram with Closer reporting at the time that he is back to his 'old tricks'.

Dan was reportedly seen liking model Rosey Victoria's posts and a source told the magazine: 'Dan has proved time and time again that he can't be trusted.

'Nothing means more to Jac than Dan - she's desperate for her marriage to work and doesn't care at what cost.

Dan was pictured without his wedding band on last week, just days before their split came to light

The tattooed TV personality originally moved out of the family home in March last year during an earlier separation (pictured with a friend)

'But the fact of the matter is, he can't help himself and friends worry that he's up to his old tricks again.'

The Daily Mail understood at the time that Dan and Rosey are pals and the pair both follow each other on the social media platform.

Admitting that 'it takes a village,' the soap star said that despite becoming parents at a young age they 'never struggled' thanks to their family.

Speaking to OK! magazine, Jac said: 'It really takes a village to raise a family and I have a village around me. My husband is incredible.

'He also works and is very busy, so when we're juggling, we're usually juggling together. Luckily my mum is incredible too, and so is Dan's dad, so we have a lot of help and support.

'Me and Dan were young parents, but we didn't struggle. Again, the "village" helped. That has always been the case for me  I've always had amazing friends and family around me.'

Months after they rekindled following a brief split in March last year, Dan apparently sent flirty text messages to Christine McGuinness, 37.

The former TOWIE star and Paddy McGuinness's ex failed in their attempts to hide their growing bond from as far back as 2019, after it was reported the pair have leant on one another during their respective marriage woes.

It was claimed that the pair exchanged 'flirty texts' while acting as a source of comfort during their personal struggles and they were previously pictured together at Londons The Hoxton hotel in March 2023.

Sources had claimed that Christine and Dan comforted each other through their marital woes, and exchanged a string of flirty texts in which the model reportedly called Dan 'D'.

After news of their close friendship came to light, Christine reportedly said she is 'absolutely adamant nothing sexual happened between them both', with Dan suggesting the messages are 'deep fakes or AI'.

Their turbulent marriage has faced numerous difficulties over the years, among them multiple claims of infidelity levelled at Dan, who has previously been accused of cheating on his wife

Months after they rekindled following a brief split in March last year, Dan apparently sent flirty text messages with Christine McGuinness, 37 (pictured)

Dan and Jacqueline's relationship has been plagued by accusations of infidelity and in 2018 Dan was linked to Love Island's Gabby Allen (pictured)

A source close to Christine told The Sun that Dan 'mainly led the way with texts', which often involved 'platonic stuff about their kids'.

Dan and Jacqueline's relationship has been plagued by accusations of infidelity and in 2018 Dan was linked to Love Island's Gabby Allen after they were spotted getting close on a yacht in Marbella.

Previously, The Sun claimed that Dan sent 'flirty messages' to his former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Gabby - months after the pair vehemently denied claims that they'd had an illicit tryst.

In March 2019 rumours began to circulate that he had kissed Love Island's Alexandra Cane in a nightclub, which they both denied.

That December he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling last year - which he strongly denied - while Jacqueline was in the I'm A Celebrity jungle.

After endless denials, Dan finally admitted he had been unfaithful and then referenced his misgivings.

Speaking about their marriage woes, Dan previously told The Sun: 'I've made mistakes, yeah. I've done things I shouldn't have done. Me and Jac have spoken about that and she has forgiven me.

'I know in the past I've denied things when they're not true, then when something has been true, I probably just kept my mouth shut. I was a different person.'
Katie Price has reportedly shut down her travel business venture just two weeks after its launch, following backlash from travel industry executives.

The former glamour model, 47, had created a Katie Price Travels Instagram page, where she posted an advert attempting to recruit InteleTravel agents alongside fellow TV personality Danielle Lloyd.

Danielle, 42, works as an independent travel agent for homeworking agency InteleTravel, and shares insights on her Instagram account @travelsmarterwithmissdlloyd.

Danielle was pictured in the advert alongside Katie to recruit people to join InteleTravel under the brand Travel Smarter Group.

The advert read: 'Join Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd. Hear how you can earn money from travel around your other commitments. Work flexibly. Travel more. Earn extra income.'

But the post was met with a wave of criticism from industry insiders.

Katie Price has reportedly shut down her travel business venture just two weeks after its launch, following backlash from travel industry executives

Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa Henning criticised the ad, especially following the difficulties faced by the industry amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

She wrote, as reported by Travel Weekly: 'I very rarely comment publicly on things like adverts being posted about agent recruitment. But seeing Katie Price advertising an event to attract part-time agents this week was a step too far.

'For the past 12 days I have worked non-stop, 24/7, supporting our clients and our agents through the disruption affecting Dubai and other destinations.

'I've watched our teams go above and beyond to get people home safely. I've seen agents working ridiculous hours for their customers, losing the commission they had earned because trips had to be cancelled or rearranged, and still showing up because that's what real travel professionals do.

'I've seen agents in tears because they care so much about their clients and are genuinely worried about what's happening. I have spoken to clients who have been in tears desperate to get home.

'So to then see promotions suggesting that you can simply "earn money from travel" with a glossy campaign featuring Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd  positioning the role of a travel agent as something you do casually around other commitments  honestly feels like a huge mockery of our industry.

Join the discussion Would YOU keep going or shut it down after two weeks?

TV personality Danielle Lloyd featured in the advert alongside Katie, as they attempted to recruit agents for InteleTravel

'This isn't a side hustle. This isn't a gimmick. And it certainly isn't "easy money while you travel".'

But Katie Price's PA responded to the comments, Travel Gossip reported.

She said: 'Katie has never stated that she personally books travel. She is simply sharing this platform with others to help people become independent travel agents and create an additional income  whether that be part-time or full-time.

'All agents within the community receive full training and are committed to supporting their clients. Many people join this business to build better financial opportunities for themselves and their families, and they work incredibly hard to do so.

'It's disappointing when people try to undermine that effort. Like any travel professional, agents can experience situations such as airline cancellations or changes, which are unfortunately outside of their control.'

She went on to say: 'Katie was simply advertising an opportunity call.'

She added: 'It's important to remember that the people involved in this business are real individuals with real livelihoods. When inaccurate stories or false accusations are written, it doesn't just affect one person  it can impact the many people who have worked hard to build their businesses.'

However, amid mounting criticism from industry figures, it now appears the travel account has been deleted after their advert came under fire

Nicola Dack, a travel counsellor, wrote on social media: 'Please be careful who you trust with your holidays and your hard-earned money.

'Travel is not a "side hustle", it is a profession. It is been there 24/7 when the unexpected happens.

'I have spent 29 years in travel, working full time to support my clients through constant changes, flight disruptions, airline issues and global uncertainty. That level of care and knowledge cannot be squeezed into a one-day online course or a few hours of your time a day... Anyone can sell you a holiday. Not everyone can look after you properly when it really matters.'

Meanwhile, Francesca Barone, owner of Elite Cruises, said she had 'nothing against either of these women per-se' but added, according to Travel Weekly: 'Pop up TAs shouldn't be taken seriously.'

She said: 'There is no such thing as easy money in this business  it's a passion and requires true grit and a determination to succeed come what may and to offer our clients the best possible service in what are sometimes the most challenging of circumstances.'

And @personal_travel_angel added: 'I've been seeing adverts like this one lately, and to be honest, as someone who has dedicated my life to the travel industry, starting in 1994, it's a little hard to swallow.

'I normally let these things go without comment but after the last ten days I really feel I need to explain my point of view.

'The idea that you can just "sign up" and become a travel agent as a quick side hustle alongside other commitments does a massive disservice to the profession. Being a travel agent isn't just about booking a flight or finding a pretty hotel.

'Since 1994, I have navigated global crises and travel disruptions, the complex legalities of consumer protection (ATOL/ABTA/Package TravelRegulations), the intricate "behind-the-scenes" of airline ticketing and complex itineraries and building deep-rooted relationships with suppliers that a "hobbyist" simply won't have.'

Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Danielle declined to comment at the time.
Joseph Duggar's accuser detailed her shock claims against him in an interview with a detective, according to a newly surfaced affidavit for an arrest warrant.

The 31-year-old father of four was arrested last Wednesday in Tontitown, Arkansas in connection with allegations that he touched a nine-year-old girl on her genitals and underwear in Florida.

His wife Kendra, 27, was taken into custody Friday in Tontitown and charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as four charges of second-degree false imprisonment. Joseph is now also facing the same charges.

Kendra was released on bond about an hour and a half after her booking, while Joseph has signed an extradition waiver to face charges in Florida, according to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Now it has emerged that Joseph's accuser, who is currently 14, alleged she suffered 'several incidents of sexual abuse' when she was nine years old on a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, according to the affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail.

She made the claims in a forensic interview she gave to a detective with the Tontitown Police Department, per an affidavit written by Deputy Sheriff Darrell Norris of the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Lynn Haven, Florida.

Joseph Duggar's accuser detailed her shock claims against him in an interview with a detective, according to a newly surfaced arrest warrant affidavit

At the time of the Florida vacation described in the document, Joseph and Kendra had two children and she was pregnant with their third.

Joseph's accuser told a detective that during the Florida vacation, she 'would sit on the defendants lap' and he would 'cradle [her] with his arms,' the affidavit states.

As the holiday progressed, Joseph's behavior is said to have evolved, according to the underage girl's account of events as relayed in the legal document.

Joseph is claimed to have requested that she 'sit on the couch beside [him],' whereupon he supposedly 'covered the parties with a blanket,' per the affidavit.

The document adds: 'Once the parties were covered, the defendant would pull the victims dress up and touch the victims thighs.'

The accuser also asserted that 'during these incidents [Joseph's] hand grazed [her] vagina' and his 'hand was outside of her underwear' - an occurrence she said took place 'several times,' leaving her 'confused' and 'uncomfortable.'

Joseph's accuser also said he 'eventually approached the victim and apologized for his actions' and then 'the incidents stopped occurring,' the affidavit claims.

After the underage girl gave her forensic interview to the Arkansas detective, Deputy Sheriff Darrell Norris in Florida - the officer who wrote the affidavit - 'requested the detective and victims father call Joseph' in order to obtain a confession from him.

At the time of the Florida vacation described in the document, Joseph and his wife Kendra (left) had two children and she was pregnant with their third

The affidavit claims that during the call, Joseph 'admitted his actions, stating he touched the victim over her clothing' and 'admitted his intentions were not pure.'

According to the authorities, a judge signed off on an affidavit that included the contents of that phone conversation, whereupon an arrest warrant was issued to the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Florida.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office then apparently sent the warrant to the police in Arkansas, leading to Joseph's arrest in Tontitown.

He was taken in to custody last week in connection with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor, a statement from the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Lynn Haven, Florida announced.

An investigator with the Tontitown Police Department in Tontitown, Arkansas reached out to the BCSO 'regarding a report of past sexual abuse.'

An alleged victim, identified as a 14-year-old girl, told law enforcement about a series of inappropriate incidents Duggar was involved in around five years back, police said.

Authorities said then that the alleged incidents occurred in 2020, when the alleged victim was nine years old and on vacation with her family in Panama City Beach, Florida.

The 19 Kids And County star is now facing additional charges including four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, the Tontitown Police Department told TMZ.

A warrant for Kendra's arrest was issued on Friday but when law enforcement initially went to the Duggar family residence in Washington County, she was not there

The 19 Kids And County star is now facing additional charges including four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, the Tontitown Police Department told TMZ; Duggar seen above top far right

Duggar and Kendra's new charges in Arkansas are reportedly not related to his case in the state of Florida.

He is being held in Arkansas as he awaits extradition back to Florida.

Family members have since broken silence on his arrest, such as brother Josh - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography.

His attorney told the Daily Mail: 'Josh understands the stigma of being accused.

'He lives with the painful reality of how false accusations can destroy a life. He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction.'

The attorney said that the brothers 'are not in frequent communication' but Josh 'hopes and prays for his brother's well being in this difficult time.'

His sister Jill has also spoken out by uploading a post to her family blog which she shares with husband Derick Dillard.

'We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill's brother's [Joseph Duggar's] arrest,' the message read.

'We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph's arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020. We are shocked and heartbroken.'

They added, 'We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family.

Family members have since broken silence on his arrest , such as brother Josh - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography; Josh's 2021 mugshot seen above

Jill and Derick also sent love to Kendra and her four children in the post shared on Thursday, just one day before her arrest

'We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.'

Jill and Derick also sent love to Kendra and her four children while praying 'that they feel loved and supported during this time as we cannot imagine the indescribable pain they feel as they process and grieve everything.'

The post was uploaded on Thursday, just one day before Kendra's arrest for allegedly endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment.

Duggar's mugshot was released on Wednesday evening by the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The former reality star sported a thick beard, and he gazed forward with a stony expression, which notably contrasted the grinning 2021 mugshot of his brother Josh, which had also been snapped in Washington County.

The alleged victim told investigators that the family had been staying at a home located on Danny Drive at the time of the illegal incidents.

Joseph Duggar 'repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,' BCSO officials said, adding that his behavior appeared to escalate as the vacation continued.

In another incident, Joseph 'asked [the victim] to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket, 'rubbing' his hands on her thighs.

Joseph Duggar 'repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,' BCSO officials said, adding that his behavior appeared to escalate as the vacation continued

'During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim's underwear and grazed her genitals.'

Duggar subsequently told the alleged victim he was sorry, and the incidents ceased, according to officials with the BCSO.

The father of the alleged victim confronted Joseph Duggar about what happened on Tuesday, at which time he admitted to his actions to the father and a detective in Tontitown, the BCSO said.

Joseph Duggar was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with Lewd and Lascivious Behavior - Molestation of a Victim Less Than 12-years-old; and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Conducted By A Person 18 Years or Older.

Duggar's confession to the girl's father and a detective was included in an affidavit filed by the Bay County Sheriff's Office, which was obtained by People.

BCSO Criminal Investigator Chase Norris had then 'requested the detective and victim's father call the defendant.'

During the phone call, Duggar 'admitted his actions' and confessed that he 'touched the victim over her clothing,' per the affidavit.

At the time, the TV personality had 'admitted his intentions were not pure.'

His cousin Amy Duggar also recently broke her silence to share she was 'utterly shocked' but 'not surprised' over his arrest.

She said in a statement to People on Friday: 'In light of the recent allegations involving my cousin, Joseph Duggar, I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry.'

Amy added, 'My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected and surrounded by people she could trust.

'The courage it took for her to come forward, especially after years of carrying something so heavy, cannot be overstated. That bravery deserves to be honored above all else.'

She said in a statement to People on Friday: 'In light of the recent allegations involving my cousin, Joseph Duggar, I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry'

And while she was 'utterly shocked' over the allegations, Amy expressed that she is 'not surprised that another alleged predator has emerged from this toxic system.'

Amy told the outlet that she has 'worked hard to break cycles in both my extended family and my immediate family.'

She sent prayers to the alleged victim while adding, 'Recognizing that we do not yet know the full picture, I am also praying for Joseph's wife, Kendra, as she begins to process this, and for the protection of their children.

'I'm praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest.'

For those who have been impacted by sexual abuse, text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa have split after 'living apart' for much of the year following a secret trial separation.

The EastEnders actress, 33, is said to have pushed for a divorce with Dan, 34, after reportedly 'mentally checking out' of their marriage.

The couple, who married in 2017 after four years together, share daughters Ella, 11, and Mia, seven. Dan is also father to 12-year-old Teddy from a previous relationship.

The pair are believed to have quietly gone their separate ways weeks ago, despite efforts to keep the split under wraps.

While they have typically kept their private life out of the spotlight, they appeared to maintain a united front on social media.

However, recent activity has hinted at a growing distance, with signs increasingly pointing to separate lives behind the scenes.

Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa have split after 'living apart' for much of the year following a secret trial separation

While they have typically kept their private life out of the spotlight, recent activity has hinted at a growing distance, with signs increasingly pointing to separate lives behind the scenes

According to The Sun, the pair briefly unfollowed each other on Instagram.

After being contacted for comment, Jacqueline reportedly re-followed Dan, with him returning the gesture the following morning.

Dan suggested his marriage was over a week ago after venturing out without his wedding ring.

He was pictured without his wedding band last week as he prepared for an appearance at a London screening of Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, just days before their split came to light.

The father-of-three appeared downcast as he departed the Essex home he purchased at the time of their original split last year.

Further clues emerged through their social media activity, with Dan notably absent from Jacqueline's recent posts.

In fact, he hasn't appeared on her Instagram grid since Halloween, sparking speculation among fans.

While both have continued to share glimpses of family life with their children, neither has been tagging or referencing the other in recent weeks.

Jacqueline also posted a heartfelt Mother's Day tribute, writing that her daughters 'make life worth living'.

Meanwhile, Dan did not publicly acknowledge the occasion as he had done in the past.

Instead, he appeared to hint at a more introspective mindset, sharing a mirror selfie on his Instagram Story with the caption: 'It's just you vs your mind every single day.'

Further clues emerged through their social media activity, with Dan notably absent from Jacqueline's recent posts

Another sign came last month when Jacqueline shared a series of snaps from an exercise class and weight training session, smiling alongside friends.

The mum-of-two has been focusing on herself, balancing her fitness routine with meals out and cinema trips with her children.

She has also revamped her lifestyle, recently slimming down by two dress sizes without the help of weight-loss injections.

The shift in their online presence comes after reports earlier this year suggested they had been living separately, despite reconciling last summer, with Dan reportedly maintaining his own property.

Jacqueline had also seemingly brushed off concerns over Dan 'liking' glamorous posts from influencers, as she tried to keep their relationship intact.

Just five months ago, Dan was caught liking another woman's bikini snaps on Instagram, with Closer reporting at the time that he was back to his 'old tricks.'

Dan was reportedly seen liking model Rosey Victoria's posts, with a source telling the magazine: 'Dan has proved time and time again that he can't be trusted.

'Nothing means more to Jac than Dan - she's desperate for her marriage to work and doesn't care at what cost.

'But the fact of the matter is, he can't help himself and friends worry that he's up to his old tricks again.'

The Daily Mail understood at the time that Dan and Rosey are pals, with the pair following each other on social media.

A friend of Dan's told The Sun: 'Their relationship has always given his friends whiplash. They never know what the next moment will bring.

'One thing is for sure, they don't want to give anyone the satisfaction of knowing it hasn't worked.

'They've always tried their utmost to play happy families no matter what's going on behind closed doors.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Dan and Jacqueline's representatives for comment.

Dan and Jacqueline's relationship has been plagued by accusations of infidelity and in 2018 Dan was linked to Love Island's Gabby Allen (pictured)

Months after they rekindled following a brief split in March last year, Dan apparently sent flirty text messages with Christine McGuinness, 37 (pictured)

Their turbulent marriage has faced numerous challenges over the years, including multiple allegations of infidelity levelled at Dan, who has previously been accused of cheating with former Love Island contestants Gabby Allen and Alexandra Cane.

In March 2019 rumours began to circulate that he had kissed Love Island's Alexandra in a nightclub, which they both denied.

That December he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling last year - which he strongly denied - while Jacqueline was in the I'm A Celebrity jungle.

After endless denials, Dan finally admitted he had been unfaithful and then referenced his misgivings.

Speaking about their marriage woes, Dan previously told The Sun: 'I've made mistakes, yeah. I've done things I shouldn't have done. Me and Jac have spoken about that and she has forgiven me.

'I know in the past I've denied things when they're not true, then when something has been true, I probably just kept my mouth shut. I was a different person.'

The TV personality previously moved out of the family home in March last year during an earlier separation.

The pair later reunited, enjoying a 'make-or-break' trip to Mexico, before celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary in June 2025 with a stay at a luxury London hotel.

However, sources now claim the latest split is 'permanent.'

'Everyone knows they've had their troubles, but after spending some time apart this year, they've decided to make the split permanent. Their two daughters are their main priority,' a source told The Sun.

Dan is said to have moved out 'permanently last month' into a property he had previously purchased in Essex.

Jacqueline was reportedly left shocked after discovering he had bought the home during an earlier split, adding further strain to their relationship.

The couple are said to have struggled to repair things following a series of rows.

'After all Jac's been through, she's finally had enough. They've been living separate lives all this year and she's over it,' the source added. 'There's only so many times she can put herself through living in limbo and taking him back.

'She has mentally checked out of the relationship for the first time and Dan has panicked. He's worried the grass isn't greener and has had the shock of his life that he's pushed Jac too far this time.'

Friends of Jacqueline are reportedly 'so pleased' she has finally walked away after years of urging her to leave.
Nicholas Brendon was found dead by his friend after the actor's shock passing at the age of 54 while 'foul play' is not suspected.

The late star had been known for playing the character of Xander Harris in the hit series Buffy The Vampire Slayer as well as appearing in other shows such as Criminal Minds.

His loved ones confirmed his death in an emotional statement last week on Friday, and shared Brendon 'passed in his sleep of natural causes.'

A close pal of the actor had been staying at the house overnight before his passing, Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner told Us Weekly in a statement on Wednesday.

Zeiner said he was 'notified of a deceased individual at a residence in west-central Putnam County' on March 20.

'Upon arrival, I observed an adult male positioned as if asleep, who had been pronounced deceased by medical personnel prior to my arrival.'

Nicholas Brendon was found dead by his friend after the actor's shock passing at the age of 54 while 'foul play' is not suspected; seen in 2015 in L.A.

A close pal of the actor had been staying at the house overnight before his passing, Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner told Us Weekly in a statement on Wednesday; seen in 2001

While it is not yet known when the exact time of the death occurred, Zeiner said it happened close to when the body was first discovered.

The coroner also stated that there were 'no signs of foul play, and nothing at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural,' per Us Weekly.

Brendon's family had previously suggested that the late star was going through treatment for an unspecified diagnosis at the time of his death.

In 2022, the actor suffered a heart attack before being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

The results of both an autopsy and toxicology tests have yet to be revealed.

His loved ones announced his passing last week on Friday in a statement uploaded to the star's Instagram account.

'We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,' they began.

'Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years,' his family said, before adding that he also had a 'passion' for both painting and art.

The coroner also stated that there were 'no signs of foul play, and nothing at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural,' per Us Weekly; seen in 2018 in Italy

'We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,' they began

Brendon was 'passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,' the statement continued; seen in 2000

Brendon was 'passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,' the statement continued.

'Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.'

His loved ones concluded with, 'Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.'

An earlier version of the statement - before it was edited - suggested that Brendon was undergoing treatment for an unspecified diagnosis leading up to his passing.

'While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing,' they had written, per The Hollywood Reporter.

He previously opened up about his addiction struggles, explaining that also played a role in his ongoing health battles, including cauda equina syndrome.

And according to a Facebook post shared late last year, Brendon also underwent 'knee surgery' in 2025.

Brendon's Buffy co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar described his death as tragic and premature.

'It's a tragedy when you lose anyone at any point,' Gellar said. 'It's a bigger tragedy when you lose someone way sooner than needs to be.'

An earlier version of the statement - before it was edited - suggested that Brendon was undergoing treatment for an unspecified diagnosis leading up to his passing

She called Brendon 'an integral part of Buffy, and that never goes away.'

Gellar said of her late colleague's work on the series: 'I think as actors we talk a lot or think a lot about legacy.

'He brought so much joy to so many people on that show, and that lives on. And that's the truth.'

It was also recently revealed that lawyers for Brendon are making a perplexing move as they hope to continue to litigate a breach of contract lawsuit the star had been involved in at the time of his death.

Brendon had been entangled in legal proceedings with Stephen Britton, an Ohio-based contractor who he had sued for more than $121,000 over a work dispute.

In legal docs reviewed by Us Weekly, Brendon told the court that he was unhappy with Britton's construction work on his home in Ohio.

Britton said in legal documents filed in December of 2025 that the late actor cursed at his construction workers and tossed projectiles at them.

The workers were fearful of working in the late actor's home, Britton said in legal documents, as there were weapons such as axes often accessible.

The Daily Mail reached out to Britton and Brendon's representative and lawyer for further comment.

'It's a tragedy when you lose anyone at any point,' Gellar said. 'It's a bigger tragedy when you lose someone way sooner than needs to be'; seen in 1997

Brendon had been entangled in legal proceedings with Stephen Britton, an Ohio-based contractor who he had sued for more than $121,000 over a work dispute; seen in 2017 in Philadelphia

The contractor said in legal docs that he 'became worried for his safety and his workers' safety' as result of the late actor's mercurial temperament.

Amid the enmity, the late actor placed an Apple AirTag in his work bag to keep track of his whereabouts, Britton told the court, which Brendon denied.

'I've never had this happen to me before, and it was alerted for probably three days prior that my iPhone picked it up,' Britton said in legal docs.

Britton said of the tense atmosphere on the job: 'I feared, immensely for my life.

'To be able to go there and work, to be able to get a job done, to worry about weapons and axes that are going to get - you know, am I going to get a plate thrown at me?'

He added: 'Am I going to get physically assaulted? I was fearful, but then when a tracking device is put on my person, thats not acceptable.'

His lawyer added, 'He's a very calm, relaxed, individual with lots of physical problems and is not threatening in any way shape or form'

Brendon said that a $20,000 loan he provided the contractor with was not repaid, leading his attorneys to request a total of $121,260 with interest.

Attorneys for Brendon said that his estate is planning on picking out a representative who will see the case through the system in the wake of his unexpected passing.

Brendon had denied the claims, telling the court, 'I don't threaten people.'

His lawyer added, 'He's a very calm, relaxed, individual with lots of physical problems and is not threatening in any way shape or form.'
Tara Reid has resurfaced publicly for the first time since the investigation into claims her drink was spiked at a hotel bar was closed three months ago.

On November 23, 2025, the American Pie star, 50, alleged she was drugged by a stranger after having just one drink at a hotel in Rosemont, near the O'Hare airport in Chicago, Illinois.

She was taken out on a stretcher and brought to the hospital after a hotel employee called 911, which was captured in a now-viral video.

The harrowing ordeal made global headlines but three weeks later the Rosemont Police Department announced they were closing the investigation.

The police did not say that Reid's claims were false but that they did not have enough evidence to move forward.

On Monday, Reid, who spoke exclusively with the Daily Mail about the incident in December, looked in high spirits as she stepped out in Los Angeles.

Tara Reid has resurfaced publicly for the first time since the investigation into claims she was secretly drugged at a hotel bar was closed three months ago

The actress was joined by her musician friend Tina Win.

Reid flashed a wide smile as she and her pal arrived at a restaurant, where they dined outdoors.

She was dressed in a pink and gold satin zip-up jacket, which she styled with distressed skinny jeans and pink high top sneakers with silver studs.

She had her signature bleached blonde hair and she wore a full face of makeup.

On December 17, 2025, the Rosemont Police Department released a statement to TMZ confirming that they would be closing an investigation into Reid's drink-spiking allegations.

'We are not saying that [Reid's] claims are false, however at this time we do not have evidence to support it and there is nothing further on our end to investigate. Should additional evidence of a crime be brought forward, we will reopen the case and investigate accordingly,' the police department told the site.

Earlier in December, Reid said she felt 'judged and bullied' after police insisted there was no video evidence of anyone 'tampering with or adding something to [Reid's] drink' at the hotel.

Reid told Us Weekly: 'I've been honest about the fact that I don't remember anything after my first drink. All I said was that I felt something was wrong and that I felt I may have been drugged, because I have no other explanation for why I woke up in a hospital gown with no memory of how I got there.

On Monday, Reid, who spoke exclusively with the Daily Mail about the incident , looked jovial as she stepped out in Los Angeles with her musician friend Tina Win

The actress flashed a wide smile as she and her pal arrived at a restaurant, where they dined outdoors

'Seeing the media twist my words and attack me for not remembering has been incredibly painful and is severely affecting my mental health.

'I feel bullied and judged for something I cannot recall. I'm trying to heal, but the public scrutiny is making that very difficult, and I've been afraid to even leave my house.

'No one ends up in the hospital for around eleven hours from drinking wine alone. I hadn't taken any medication that day, and I know something wasn't right.

'Whether I had additional drinks after that doesn't matter, the fact is I don't remember anything.'

Reid went on to ask for 'privacy, compassion and space to heal'. She added: 'I've shared the only truth I have, what I remember, and what I felt.'

In footage obtained by TMZ from the night, Reid was speaking incoherently and seemed to slip off a wheelchair in the lobby, and was helped back into the chair, before paramedics led her away on a stretcher.

In a police report filed at the time, Reid said she was in the lobby with 'a bunch of' YouTubers, and 'the whole thing felt suspicious' as most of them had 'their phones out'.

In the report, she alleged that after stepping outside with one of the men, she returned to find 'a napkin over my drink'.

Reid told officers: 'Then the last thing I remember was drinking that drink and seeing a couple sitting next to us.

On November 23, 2025, the American Pie star, 50, alleged she was drugged by a stranger after having just one drink at a hotel in Rosemont, near the O'Hare airport in Chicago

Inside the hotel where Reid had her incident

The police did not say that Reid's claims were false but that they did not have 'enough evidence' to move forward; Reid seen in November 2025

Reid is known for her roles in major films like The Big Lebowski and American Pie; American Pie stars Eddie Kaye Thomas, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, Natasha Lyonne, Reid and Thomas Ian Nicholas pictured

'The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital around eight hours or more later not knowing where I was or anything that happened. I completely blacked out with no recollection of anything.'

The Rosemont Public Safety Department previously told the Daily Mail that surveillance footage didn't 'show anyone tampering with or adding something to [Reid's] drink'.

They did confirm 'that a bartender covered her drink when she left the bar which is standard practice for bartenders to do'.

The authorities added: 'At this time there is no criminal act that has been committed and there is no one we are currently investigating'.
FKA Twigs has accused her ex-boyfriend actor Shia LaBeouf of trying to bully her into silence - and shake her down financially - in a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Wednesday.

The British musician (born Tahliah Debrett Barnett), 38, officially settled her sexual battery lawsuit against actor LaBeouf, 39, in July 2025, following a protracted five-year court battle.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, sought $10 million in damages and alleged sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress during the couple's relationship. LaBeouf denied these claims.

The two began dating after meeting on the set of LaBeouf's 2019 semi-autobiographical film Honey Boy, in which Twigs was cast.

Now Twigs, who is represented by Mathew Rosengart, claims LaBeouf had taken on the same aggressive stance in litigation that he displayed during their toxic relationship.

'Shia LaBeouf has tried to control Tahliah Barnett for the better part of a decade,' lawyers for FKA Twigs, using her real name, said in legal docs obtained and reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Twigs said that she was responding with litigation against LaBeouf after he made a secret arbitration demand last year trying to get an 'exorbitant' sum of money as punishment over what he called a breach of a past arrangement.

LaBeouf in December demanded money after he said Twigs breached a settlement they reached five years earlier following an interview she gave to The Hollywood Reporter last fall.

The Daily Mail has reached out to attorneys for both parties for further comment on the story and has yet to hear back.

FKA twigs accuses her ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf of trying to bully her into silence in a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Wednesday

Twigs said in legal docs she is suing 'to right a wrong, and also on behalf of other women who are the victims of sexual and domestic violence who do not have the resources to speak out and defend themselves from predators.'

Twigs said that 'in so doing, she seeks to ensure that survivors of sexual misconduct are not themselves bullied or silenced like she was by agreements that violate California law and public policy.'

The remarks LaBeouf complained about came after the publication asked Twigs if she felt safe in the wake of past abuses she suffered.

'I wouldn't say I feel safe,' she said. 'I feel really passionate about being involved with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More, to help survivors in any way that I can.

'I think it's less about me at this point and more about looking forward. Just, you know, moving on with my life.'

Rosengart told the Daily Mail in a statement that the legal 'action was taken in response to Mr. LaBeoufs attempt to bully and intimidate FKA Twigs through a frivolous and unlawful secret arbitration he filed against her in December in which he sought to extract money from her.

'We are pleased to have obtained the dismissal of that case earlier this month, and to her great credit and on behalf of other survivors as well, twigs refuses to be bullied anymore.

Rosengart concluded that it's 'unusual' that the case that is not about money but about upholding and enforcing California law and policy designed to protect survivors by nullifying illegal NDAs.'

FKA Twigs pictured at the Grammys last month

LaBeouf attends the premiere of Salvable at The Curzon Soho on July 8, 2025 in London

Lawyers for Twigs said in the legal filing that the Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act in California protects her from claims as such from the Transformers actor.

They said in the legal documents that his 'campaign of intimidation and abuse of the legal system denigrates not just' FKA Twigs, 'but every survivor of sexual abuse in' California.

Twigs initially accused the actor of subjecting her to a 'continuous stream of verbal and mental abuse' during their time dating from 2018 until early-2019 in her initial 2020 lawsuit.

After Twigs filed her legal complaint in 2020, LaBeouf acknowledged to The New York Times 'a history of hurting the people closest to' him.

He said, 'Im not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations.

'I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years ... Im ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt.'

Meanwhile LaBeouf is embroiled in further legal turmoil. He was arrested in New Orleans on February 17 on two counts of misdemeanor battery after allegedly getting into a bar fight.

He was then arrested later in February on a misdemeanor simple battery charge, which was reportedly related to the same incident.

The Transformers star's arrests could have potentially scuttled his plans earlier this month to travel to Rome - where his father Jeffrey was being baptized  but LaBeouf was granted permission to travel to Italy by a judge.
In an industry marked by break-ups and betrayals, theirs is a Hollywood success story.

So it seems fitting that Zendaya and Tom Holland found themselves inadvertently recreating a scene from Romeo And Juliet in Paris.

British actor Holland, 29, leant over the balcony of his hotel room on Tuesday as he waved his American fiancee off to the premiere of her film The Drama.

Spider-Man star Holland  who performed the famous balcony scene while playing Romeo in the West End in 2024  didn't walk the red carpet with Zendaya, leaving her to enjoy the spotlight alone.

But he slipped quietly into the cinema, sitting halfway back to watch the rom-com which also stars his friend Robert Pattinson.

His casual look of striped top and trousers was a world away from the glamorous outfit worn by Zendaya, also 29.

She chose a backless, white custom Louis Vuitton gown with a black bow and dramatic train.

Her stylist, Law Roach, claimed last month that the actress and Holland had already married  and Zendaya has been wearing a gold ring next to her diamond engagement ring.

British actor Tom Holland, 29, leant over the balcony of his hotel room on Tuesday
Rosalia was forced to cancel a concert midstream for the first time in her career, owing to a serious case of food poisoning that forced her offstage.

The 33-year-old Catalan songstress was performing at the Unipol Forum in Milan on Wednesday when she announced she was feeling ill.

'I've tried to do this show. Since the beginning I've been sick,' she could be seen informing the crowd in fan footage posted to X, formerly Twitter.

'I've had, como, big time food poisoning and I've tried to push it till the end, but I'm feeling extremely sick,' said the Malamente hitmaker.

'I'm puking out there. And I really wanna give the best show, and I'm like on the floor, doing my best,' she continued to supportive noises from the audience.

She vowed to 'try to keep going' but confessed that 'maybe at some point I'll have to stop,' reminding the crowd of how 'extremely sick' she was feeling.

Rosalia was forced to cancel a concert midstream for the first time in her career, owing to a serious case of food poisoning; pictured at the BRIT Awards last month

'I'm really trying. I'm gonna push as much as I can. But if we have to stop - we might have to stop if I really physically, I can't keep going. I mean, I'm in pain.'

Ultimately she walked offstage and closed the show, offering a wan wave to the cheering audience and wearing a stricken expression on her face.

Rosalia is currently on her fourth international concert tour, named after and supporting her fourth studio album Lux, which she released last year.

While promoting the tour a few months ago, she teased: 'I can say that definitely theres going to be experimentation, and hopefully rigor and playfulness at the same time,' in an interview with Vogue.

She began with a concert in Lyon, France earlier this month before playing a brace of shows in Paris and then another show in Zurich before this week's Milan imbroglio.

If she recovers in time, she will be back onstage this coming Monday for the first date in a four-concert engagement at the Movistar Arena in Madrid.

From there she will whirl through a string of European cities including Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Cologne and Berlin before alighting on London's famed O2 Arena for two shows on May 5 and 6.

After nearly a month off, she will bring the show to the US and Canada, playing cities like Miami, New York, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles and more.

The 33-year-old Catalan songstress was performing at the Unipol Forum in Milan on Wednesday when she announced she was feeling ill; pictured at the BRIT Awards

Rosalia is then booked to travel through Latin America, first with South American cities such as Bogota, Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

She will then head back north to play three Mexican cities - Tlajomulco de Zuniga, Monterrey and Mexico City - and then San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 3.

In an interview last year, Rosalia remarked that 'making albums and performing' is her 'mission,' while 'performing is an act for others,' via Billboard.

'I dont like touring. I like to be onstage and I love my fans, so I do it. But I love being in my home, calm, reading, cooking, going to the gym, lifting weights and going to sleep. Literally, that makes me so happy; I dont need a lot,' she said with a laugh.

'When you travel, its much harder; psychologically its a challenge, always. But I also know that there are other jobs that have so much complexity and challenges, and I feel so grateful that I can be a musician,' she acknowledged.
Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt has broken her silence on the domestic violence scandal involving Taylor Frankie Paul.

Last week, Paul's season of The Bachelorette was scrapped by ABC just days before its premiere after disturbing 2023 footage of her attacking her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in front of her eight-year-old daughter was released.

Amid the scandal, it was also revealed that Hulu has halted production on season five of The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives, which stars both Paul and Leavitt and is among the streamer's top shows.

Without mentioning Paul by name, Leavitt, 32, addressed the ongoing drama for the first time while speaking to Interview Magazine on Wednesday.

'I have a lot of emotions about it and I'm still processing everything that's happening, but the safety of human beings, especially children, comes first,' she began.

'Always, period, the end. And I don't want that to be tolerated. I don't want that to be overlooked.

Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt has broken her silence on the domestic violence scandal involving Taylor Frankie Paul

'It's just so fresh. That's all I have to say about that.'

Leavitt's statement comes amid uncertainty about the future of The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives as production has reportedly been on hold for weeks.

The reality series follows a group of Mormon mommy influencers - known on social media as 'MomTok' - who 'face a scandal involving swinging, which threatens their faith, friendships, and reputations,' as per IMDb.

Along with Paul and Leavitt, the show also stars Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Demi Engemann, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Layla Taylor and newest addition Miranda McWhorter, who joined the cast in season two.

The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives, which is mostly centered around Paul, first began airing in 2024.

Season four wrapped on Hulu on March 12, 2026 just days before the Paul scandal erupted.

Production on season five was paused over a more recent alleged domestic dispute between Paul, 31, and her ex Mortensen, 33, which reportedly took place in February of this year and is still under investigation by authorities in Utah.

TMZ is alleging that the future of The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives is 'very much up in the air' as the show's production company JJP has allegedly hired a 'third-party investigator' to investigate 'unspecified leveled accusations among the cast.'

Join the discussion Should reality TV stars be held accountable for off-screen behavior, or is it none of our business?

Leavitt and Paul star together on the hit Hulu series, which is currently on pause due to the scandal

Without mentioning Paul by name, Leavitt told Interview Magazine that she is 'still processing everything that's happening but the safety of human beings, especially children, comes first'; (L-R) Paul, Jessi Draper and Leavitt seen in 2025

The outlet's source claimed that nothing will happen with the Hulu show 'until findings can be reviewed by ABC.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Hulu and ABC for comment.

This comes as Paul is now under investigation over a third allegation of domestic violence made by her ex.

A spokesperson for the West Jordan, Utah Police department told NBC News Mortensen accused Paul of domestic violence in a 2024 incident.

In a statement obtained by The Daily Mail, the West Jordan police said: 'The West Jordan Police Department is currently investigating an incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen.

'The allegations were reported at the end of February 2026, and detectives have reviewed video believed to have been recorded in early to mid-2024.

'Investigators are actively working to gather and verify information and are in the process of interviewing those involved. At this time, no charges have been filed, as the investigation remains ongoing.

'We recognize there is significant public interest in this case; however, it is being handled in the same manner as any other investigation. Our procedures and standards are applied consistently and without exception.'

No other details are available over what allegedly transpired, however the spokesperson told NBC News the police were contacted by Mortensen last month over the matter.

The spokesperson said the department is now reviewing numerous videos tied to the alleged incident to sort out the timeline and other details.

Last week, disturbing 2023 footage of Paul attacking her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in front of her eight-year-old daughter was released

Hours later, Paul's season of The Bachelorette was scrapped by ABC just days before it was set to premiere

The police only have Mortensen's version of events and have not yet communicated with Paul, the spokesperson said. Her attorneys have been in contact with investigators.

Representatives for Paul were unable to comment. The Daily Mail has also sought comment from Mortensen but did not immediately hear back.

The police spokesperson said they want either a written statement from Paul or do an interview in order to assist in corroborating several of the details in Mortensen's claim.

Mortensen also told the West Jordan police he was referred to them by the Draper Police Department due to the jurisdiction of the 2024 allegation.

It comes amid another open investigation into Paul and Mortensen over allegations of domestic assault.

'Allegations have been made in both directions,' a spokesman for the department previously told People, adding 'contact was made with involved parties on [February] 24 and 25.'

Paul's season of The Bachelorette was canceled just days before its premiere after a shocking 2023 video surfaced of her attacking Mortensen with her young daughter Indy present.

That case was public knowledge for years before video of the dispute came to light.

Paul and Dakota have a toddler together, son Ever. Paul also has a daughter, Indy, and a son, Ocean, with ex-husband Tate Paul.

After the cancellation, the reality star, who made her name appearing on Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, released a statement alleging she suffered 'extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation' in silence for years; seen on March 15

Mortensen was granted a restraining order against Paul on Friday after characterizing her as an 'immediate threat' to his safety.

After the cancellation, the reality star released a statement alleging she suffered 'extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation' in silence for years.

'Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,' the rep said.

They further claimed Paul has been staying quiet 'out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming' and is now 'seeking support,' going through her options and 'preparing to own and share her story.'

Mortensen has since denied 'baseless claims' made about himself and their relationship in a statement for The Daily Mail.

In a statement, he said: 'As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.

'I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.'
He rose to fame as the beloved character of Nudge in the 90s sitcom Hey Dad!

And now actor Christopher Truswell has resurfaced in a promotional campaign for a life insurance policy aimed at over-60s.

In the 2025 ad called 'DIY 60', the famously cheeky actor plays a character called Gary who is building a backyard bar with his son.

Truswell, who turned 60 in January, still has his famously curly locks, but is barely recognisable from his comedy heyday.

Showing signs of a receding hairline and wearing a light beard, Truswell is costumed in blue jeans, a matching T-shirt and a flannelette shirt for his character.

'I like having all the right tools for the job, and now, after the big six-o, I want to make sure my lot gets looked after in case anything happens to me,' Truswell's character says.

He rose to fame as the beloved character of Nudge in the 90s sitcom Hey Dad! And now actor Christopher Truswell has resurfaced in a promotional campaign for a life insurance policy aimed at over-60s. (Pictured: Truswell in Hey Dad)

In another scene, he calls the insurer and speaks to a call centre operator to get details about their policy.

Truswell's image is also featured on the Golden Insurance website in a promotion with the caption, 'Make your golden years shine with Golden Life Insurance.'

The serious nature of the commercial is a far cry from Truswell's time on Hey Dad!

Debuting on Channel Seven in 1987, the half-hour sitcom ran for a whopping 291 episodes before its last show aired in 1994.

Truswell's character of Gerald 'Nudge' Noritas became a fan favourite for his habit of helping himself to the food in his neighbour's fridge.

In the show, he played the best friend of Hey Dad!'s main character Martin (Robert Hughes), who is trying to raise his family after the death of his wife.

The show's cast also featured Julie McGregor, Paul Smith, Simone Buchanan and Sarah Monahan.

The English-born Truswell later featured on Seven's long-running medical drama All Saints from 2006-2007 and later scored roles on Packed to the Rafters (2008) and Underbelly (2010).

In the ad called 'DIY 60', the famously cheeky actor plays a character called Gary who is building a backyard bar with his son. Pictured: A scene from the ad for Golden Insurance

Truswell's character of Gerald 'Nudge' Noritas became a fan favourite for his habit of helping himself to the food in his neighbour's fridge. Pictured: Truswell in a 2020 interview

His last major role was in Blue Murder: Killer Cop (2017), the sequel to the ABC's landmark true crime saga Blue Murder (1995) about corrupt policeman Roger Rogerson.

He also performed voice work in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002).

According to his Star Now profile, the veteran performer is still highly active, with stage work dominating his appearances over the last two decades - including a stint in a Blues Brothers tribute band.

Also a musician, Truswell has performed in a musical tribute to the famed 60s pop band The Monkees.

In a 2020 interview with The Morning Show, Truswell confirmed he was living in the Blue Mountains with his partner, Suzanne Richards.
Kim Kardashian smoldered in a low-cut gown while posing up a storm in BTS snaps as she prepares to 'auction' off her $1 million All's Fair wardrobe.

The 45-year-old TV personality - who recently fueled romance rumors with F1 racer Lewis Hamilton in Tokyo - jumped to her main Instagram page on Wednesday as she donned numerous outfits from the set.

The SKIMS founder took on a role in the Ryan Murphy legal drama last year and despite being panned by critics, the Hulu series has been renewed for season two.

Kardashian wowed in a white dress that clung to her figure and contained a deep plunging neckline on the front as well as ruched details around the waist.

She additionally sported a dazzling diamond necklace while her dark locks were parted to the side.

The mom-of-four showed off the look in front of a white wall and posed once again while standing next to camera equipment ahead of shooting a scene.

Kim Kardashian, 45, smoldered in a low-cut gown while posing up a storm in BTS snaps as she prepares to 'auction' off her $1 million All's Fair wardrobe

The SKIMS founder took on a role in the Ryan Murphy legal drama last year and despite being panned by critics, the Hulu series has been renewed for season two

The reality star shared a glimpse at other ensembles she had worn during the first season including a flowy yellow dress and a patterned strapless outfit.

She looked business chic in a tan vest which was paired with matching trousers and a blazer draped over her shoulders.

Kardashian additionally added a light blue blouse underneath and carried a briefcase of the same hue in her hands.

In the caption of the post, the actress explained that she would be auctioning off her wardrobe from the show - which is estimated to be worth around $1 million - with all funds going to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

'In All's Fair, I play a lawyer who sees firsthand how the legal system can either empower women or leave them behind,' she wrote.

'But in the real world, the "price of justice" is a barrier that many women simply cannot afford.'

Kardashian added that '100% net sales will go directly to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to fund their free legal services for women who are fighting for their safety, their children, and their futures.'

She added that the 'right to a lawyer shouldn't depend on the balance of your bank account. For many women, legal aid is the only bridge to a restraining order, a fair custody agreement, or the chance to rebuild a life from scratch.

Kardashian wowed in a white dress that clung to her figure and contained a deep plunging neckline on the front as well as ruched details around the waist

The reality star shared a glimpse at other ensembles she had worn during the first season including a flowy yellow dress and a patterned strapless outfit

In the caption of the post, the actress explained that she would be auctioning off her wardrobe from the show - which is estimated to be worth around $1 million - with all funds going to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

'In All's Fair, I play a lawyer who sees firsthand how the legal system can either empower women or leave them behind,' she wrote

Kardashian added that '100% net sales will go directly to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to fund their free legal services for women who are fighting for their safety, their children, and their futures'

Kardashian and co-star Sarah Paulson coordinated in chic gray outfits as well as black lace tights and yellow heels

'Supporting survivors means more than just helping them leave; it means ensuring our justice system recognizes the reality of abuse. We are making sure that "justice for all" actually means all.'

The auction will kick off on Friday, March 27 on Kardashian Kloset and will conclude on March 29 at midnight.

Kardashian has been vocal about her goals to have a career in the legal field.

Late last year in November, the media personality revealed that she did not pass the bar exam - which she took in July 2025.

'Well...I'm not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV,' she shared to Instagram at the time, referring to her new Hulu series All's Fair.

'Six years into this law journey, and I'm still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up - just more studying and even more determination.'

Kardashian then sent gratitude to those who have 'supported and encouraged me along the way so far.'

The mom-of-four concluded her statement with a positive message and stated that she nearly passed the bar exam.

The auction will kick off on Friday, March 27 on Kardashian Kloset and will conclude on March 29 at midnight

Late last year in November, the media personality revealed that she did not pass the bar exam - which she took in July 2025

'Falling short isn't failure - it's fuel. I was so close to passing the exam and that only motivates me even more. Let's Go!!!!!!!!!!'

In May of last year, the star reached a major milestone as she graduated from her law school program following a six year journey.

She celebrated the big moment by taking part in a backyard ceremony which she gave a glimpse of on social media.

Kardashian took part in the four-year California Law Office Study Program (LOSP) rather than attending traditional law school.

Her late father Robert Kardashian had been a lawyer and notably was the defense attorney for O.J. Simpson amid his 1995 murder trial.

In May of last year, the star reached a major milestone as she graduated from her law school program following a six year journey

Kardashian has been keeping busy with one of her latest business ventures by promoting her new Update energy drinks - which are available at Walmart

Days before she revealed the results of her bar exam, the reality star blamed ChatGPT for making her fail past law exams.

Kardashian has been keeping busy with one of her latest business ventures by promoting her new Update energy drinks - which are available at Walmart.

Update is caffeine-free and is made with zero sugar, zero artificial flavors and zero artificial colors.

The energy drink brand officially relaunched with Kardashian as a co-founder and became available to consumers at Walmart on March 1.

The TV personality has also continued to fuel romance rumors with F1 racer Lewis Hamilton.

The TV personality has also continued to fuel romance rumors with F1 racer Lewis Hamilton; seen in March in China

On Wednesday, Kardashian jumped to her Instagram stories as she spent time at Disneyland in Tokyo

The pair were recently spotted together during an outing in Tokyo over the past weekend.

The stars initially sparked relationship speculation back in January when they were seen checking into a hotel in the Cotswolds.

On Wednesday, Kardashian jumped to her Instagram stories as she spent time at Disneyland in Tokyo.

She uploaded a snap of a Mickey Mouse pancake that was topped with sugary whipped cream.
As Kyle Sandilands' legal battle against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) heads to Federal Court, his true feelings about the blockbuster case have been revealed.

A source close to Sandilands, 54, told Daily Mail on Thursday afternoon that the shock jock was looking forward to 'getting the ball rolling'.

'He's pumped,' the source said.

'Kyle feels that he has been wronged by ARN and cannot wait to get the ball rolling. He's excited.'

It appears that Sandilands has also mended fences with his former co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson, with the source revealing the pair had been in communication amid the legal storm surrounding the pair.

'They've had some casual chats,' the source said.

As Kyle Sandilands' (pictured) legal battle against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) heads to Federal Court, his true feelings about the blockbuster case have been revealed

A source close to Sandilands told Daily Mail on Thursday afternoon that the shock jock was looking forward to 'getting the ball rolling'. Pictured with Jackie 'O' Henderson

'It's good to see that they can be friendly despite not having a show anymore.'

The first salvos are set to be fired on Friday morning with the first case management hearing set for 9am.

While not the start of the trial, it is a critical preliminary hearing where a judge will decide if the matter should head toward mediation or if a trial date needs to be set.

It is also expected that the hearing will establish deadlines for both parties to exchange further evidence.

Immediate claims will also be addressed, including Sandilands' legal team asking the court to force ARN to honour his $100 million contract despite misconduct allegations.

It comes after 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham revealed key details of Sandilands' legal arguments on Thursday morning, claiming that the shock jock would be relying on the 'dump button' defence.

'On the radio show he [Sandilands] hosted with Jackie O, there was a 30-second delay. And because of several breaches of the radio codes [in the past], the censor was employed by the radio station,' Fordham said.

'They worked for the radio network and independently of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, and if the conversation headed into dangerous territory, the censor would beep out anything deemed too risky.'

'He's pumped,' the source said. 'Kyle feels that he has been wronged by ARN and cannot wait to get the ball rolling. He's excited.' Kyle is pictured with son, Otto

It appears that Sandilands has also mended fences with his former co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson , with the source revealing the pair had been in communication amid the legal storm surrounding the pair

Fordham continued, saying that on the day of Sandilands' now-infamous on-air argument in February, the censor allowed the clash to go to air without interruption.

'It's my understanding that it's written into Kyle's contract that the radio station is responsible for what goes to air,' Fordham said.

Fordham added that the situation 'went deeper', and said that it was incumbent on ARN to censor anything that could put Sandilands in breach of his 10-year contract.

'The radio station is actually obliged to dump anything that breaches the signed agreement between ARN and Kyle,' he said.

'So, if anything being broadcast placed Kyle in breach of his contract, the radio network had a duty to dump it.'

The broadcaster added that another incident that would likely feature prominently in Sandilands' defence was a similar argument Sandilands and Henderson had in 2025.

The fracas was initially not broadcast, but later resurfaced on The Kyle & Jackie O Show during a segment with couples counsellor Melissa Ferrari.

In the recording, Kyle is heard goading Jackie about being 'off with the fairies' and taking calls instead of working.

'They've had some casual chats,' the source said. 'It's good to see that they can be friendly despite not having a show anymore'

Fordham said that the incident would also form a basis for Sandilands' arguments due to the similarities with the clash that saw both him and Henderson terminated.

'Back then Kyle was accusing Jackie of being off with the fairies, and that's the same as he said this year,' he said.

'Kyle said in 2025 that, amongst the producers, it was an open secret that Jackie was distracted  that's similar to what he said this year, too.'

Fordham continued: 'Back in 2025 Jackie O said she was being picked on and gaslit, but ARN did not launch an investigation when that happened.

'In fact, the fight was packaged up and used for a future segment. They didn't want to waste it.

'And this is going to be part of the argument from Kyle Sandilands. If he didn't face any disciplinary action in 2025, how's it fair to sack him for something similar in 2026?'

Daily Mail has reached out to Sandilands' lawyer for comment.

The end of the Kyle & Jackie O Show was announced last Wednesday when Sandilands released a statement at 7am announcing that KIIS' parent company, ARN, had terminated his 10-year, $100 million contract.
Radio star Kyle Sandilands was heckled by sovereign citizen protesters as he left court following the first hearing of his landmark $85 million legal fight against his former employer ARN.

Sandilands, dressed in a black suit and tie, on Friday commenced action in the Federal Court alleging that ARN - the parent company of KIIS FM - deliberately sabotaged his $100 million contract.

He claimed the blow-up with Jackie 'O' Henderson that led to his sacking could not constitute serious misconduct because such behaviour was encouraged by his employer.

At a case management hearing on Friday the shock jock's barrister, Scott Robertson SC, said Sandilands's case was 'fairly confined'.

Mr Robertson said the matter would turn on whether a now-infamous exchange Sandilands had with Henderson on The Kyle & Jackie Show on February 20 amounted to 'serious misconduct'.

Following the brief hearing, Sandilands was addressing the media outside court when he was heckled by a group of women yelling about 'the constitution' and by a man filming on his mobile phone.

Kyle Sandilands was addressing the media about his $85m lawsuit against ARN when he was confronted by a man yelling about Covid

Sandilands is seen and turning away smirking after he was confronted about his actions during Covid by a protester (holding mobile phone, over radio star's left shoulder)

Sandilands claims the blow-up with Jackie 'O' Henderson that led to his sacking cannot constitute serious misconduct because such behaviour was encouraged by his employer

As Sandilands turned his attention to the man, he asked: 'Are you guilty by association during the Covid times and the vaccine?'

A visibly baffled Sandilands said 'we've got the loon brigade,' turned around and walked away. 'The bloke's yelling about Covid, I don't know what that is,' he added.

The Daily Mail has established the man is sovereign citizen Rocco Avati, who posts on TikTok as Rocco Varty, and believes the Australian government is illegitimate.

Prior to the incident, Sandilands denied reports that he'd had conversations with Henderson.

'Contrary to popular reporting, I haven't spoken with Jackie,' he told the assembled media.

He admitted he regretted what he said to her on February 20 - comments alleging that his co-host was 'off with the fairies' - which prompted Henderson to storm out and ARN to terminate his 10-year deal with the network.

Sandilands alleges ARN sacked him in a calculated attempt to exit the costly agreement after little more than 14 months.

Inside court, Mr Robertson said Sandilands was encouraged to engage in 'robust' behaviour on air and that his conversation with Henderson could not be deemed serious misconduct.

Kyle Sandilands arrives at court in Sydney's legal district on Friday morning

Speaking of his contract, Sandilands told reporters: 'It shouldn't have been terminated'

He noted that if ARN had objected to what Sandilands said to Henderson the comments could have been stopped from going to air by pressing the dump button.

'This isn't a case of a royal commission into Mr Sandilands and his previous career,' Mr Robertson told the court.

Mr Robertson said Sandilands was seeking reinstatement, but ARN's attitude was that 'the world's moved on'.

'He's happy to turn up on Monday morning and continue to do his show,' Mr Robertson said.

Mr Robertson said the termination of Sandilands's contract was invalid and he was entitled to be paid what he was owed.

Tom Blackburn SC, for ARN, said the court could not force the network to put Sandilands back on air and described the action as 'just a claim for debt'.

Mr Blackburn said Sandilands had defied directions in the past and his conduct had impacted ARN's broadcasting licence.

He said if an employer were to sack a worker for drunkenness that person's past behaviour would have been considered when determining what action was appropriate.

Sandilands claims in a Federal Court lawsuit his former employers deliberately conspired to sabotage his $100million contract. He is pictured with his former Kyle & Jackie O show co-host

Mr Blackburn also accused Sandilands of trying to 'jump the queue' by having his case expedited.

Justice Angus Stewart set the matter down for a second case management hearing on April 24.

Sandilands arrived at court on Friday with his manager Bruno Bouchet about half an hour before the first case management hearing was set to start at 9am.

Sandilands said his sacking was 'traumatic' and added about his contract: 'It shouldn't have been terminated.'

'(I'm) just happy that we can get in today and get this ball rolling,' he said outside the Federal Court.

'I just want to get back to work as quickly as possible - I've got a family to support.'

His legal team is led by the 'ferocious' Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery, while ARN is being represented by the firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

On Monday morning, ARN issued a statement to the ASX, asserting the network disputed Sandilands's claims and planned to defend the action.

ARN's newly appointed CEO Michael Stephenson is reportedly trying to persuade Sandilands's former co-host, Jackie 'O' Henderson (above), to return to KIIS FM with a solo show

'The applicants claim the termination of Mr Sandilands's contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law,' their statement read.

'The applicants seek an order for specific performance of two contracts, payment of whatever amounts are due and payable under the contracts at the time of judgment, and damages.'

Behind the scenes, ARN's newly appointed CEO Michael Stephenson has been trying to persuade Sandilands's former co-host, Jackie 'O' Henderson, to return to KIIS FM with a solo show.

The pair's 25-year broadcasting partnership imploded on February 20 when Sandilands slammed Henderson over what he described as her 'fixation' with astrology.

ARN is reportedly hoping to bring back Henderson at a much lower rate with a new program, after the network also terminated her own $100 million deal last month.

Henderson is apparently not enthusiastic about that offer, while sources close to the former co-hosts say she intends to watch how Sandilands's legal offensive unfolds.

The end of the Kyle & Jackie O show was announced on Wednesday last week when Sandilands released a statement at 7am announcing that KIIS's parent company had terminated his contract.

'ARN has just announced they've terminated my contract,' he said. 'I don't accept it.'

Sandilands told Henderson: 'It's affecting other things, like your fixation on this has made you almost unworkable. You're off with the fairies with this s***t. It's mental'

Henderson fought back tears after Sandilands's attack as she continued to defend herself. 'I would never say things like that about you,' she told him

'My lawyers told them last week this would be invalid. And guess what? It is.'

An hour after Kyle's bombshell statement, ARN chief executive Michael Stephenson sent an email to staff announcing The Kyle & Jackie O Show had been axed.

'This morning, ARN announced that it has issued a notice of termination of contract with Kyle and Quasar Media,' the email read.

'As a result, ARN will no longer present the Kyle and Jackie O Show.'

ARN announced last month that Henderson's $100 million contract had been terminated after she told allegedly executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following an on-air blow-up.

Henderson and Sandilands were discussing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 20 when she read out the disgraced royal's birth chart.

Sandilands then lambasted his co-star, claiming her love for astrology was affecting her work.

As Henderson protested, Sandilands continued: 'It's affecting other things, like your fixation on this has made you almost unworkable. You're off with the fairies with this s***t. It's mental.'

Henderson said she was offended by Sandilands's comments.

'I am, Kyle,' she said. 'I totally am offended by you saying something like that.'

Sandilands responded: 'Well, too bad if you are because that's the reality of what we're dealing with here. It's affecting everything else. You're too fixated on it.'

Henderson became audibly emotional, fighting back tears as she continued to defend herself.

'I would never say things like that about you,' she said.

'It's a total attack, it really is to say: 'You don't know what the F is going on, you're not doing your job,' that's an attack and I wouldn't do that.'
Kyle Sandilands' personal debt will play a crucial role in his legal battle as the shock jock begins his $88 million case against his old employer, ARN, in federal court on Friday.

The 54-year-old ex-host of the KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show was suspended earlier this month for 'serious misconduct' before his axing, following his on-air spat with Jackie 'O' Henderson on February 20.

Sources close to the case have revealed that Sandilands is seeking a speedy resolution since he is carrying a mortgage on his $14 million mansion in Sydney's ritzy Vaucluse.

The insider told news.com.au that the one-time radio ratings king has made 'financial plans' based on his lucrative contract.

Sandilands is seeking the remaining $85 to $88 million on his ARN contract in the proceedings.

'There are a few different arguments he is making, but firstly, it all comes down to the termination and that it was done wrongfully,' the insider told the publication.

Kyle Sandilands' personal debt will play a crucial role in his legal battle as the shock jock begins his $88 million case against his old employer, ARN, in federal court on Friday. Pictured: Sandilands outside his Sydney mansion

Sources close to the case told news.com.au that Sandilands is seeking a speedy resolution to his case since he is carrying a mortgage on his $14 million mansion in Sydney's ritzy Vaucluse (pictured)

The source continued: 'He has a young family like everyone else, and he also, the way he has figured his life out, for the next eight years or so, was to be on air, and to have that radio show.'

Sandilands splashed out on his Sydney mansion in 2023, soon after he and Jackie 'O' Henderson signed a massive $200 million landmark deal with KIIS FM.

The now-defunct deal was inked to expire in 2023, and had the radio stars set to make $10 million a year as they expanded into the Melbourne market.

Sandilands wants a timely resolution to his legal matter, the insider said, because the former radio star's opportunities are for the moment restricted.

'He just wants it all figured out because this is just a weird no-man's-land, and he can't be on-air, and it is a very odd time,' the source said.

It comes after details emerged earlier this week about how Sandilands' legal team will do battle with ARN in court.

An insider now says the shock jock will claim as part of his defence that he had no warnings from ARN management over the issue of how he spoke to his co-host, Jackie 'O' Henderson.

The former king of the radio ratings will also argue that ARN 'promoted' their notorious on-air brawls.

The now-defunct $200 million deal was inked to expire in 2034. Pictured with Jackie 'O' Henderson

'(There were) no warnings, whether formal or informal,' an insider revealed to news.com.au on Monday.

'ARN promoted that kind of content and put it in social media snippets and played it across the network,' they said.

According to the report, Sandilands and his legal team are trawling through footage of The Kyle and Jackie O Show to argue that it was 'normal' for the pair to fight.

The insider also revealed that Sandilands is putting in regular invoices to ARN on the basis that his axing was 'invalid and opportunistic'.

Apparently, legal mediation is off the table as a way of resolving the conflict between ARN and Sandilands, says the source, because the radio star believes that there was no 'valid reason for his termination'.

Backed by a prominent legal team, Sandilands is claiming that ARN deliberately conspired to sabotage his $100 million, 10-year contract in a calculated attempt to exit the costly agreement after just over 14 months.

Sandilands' legal team is led by the 'ferocious' Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery, according to The Australian.

The end of the Kyle & Jackie O Show was announced last week when Sandilands released a statement at 7am announcing that KIIS' parent company, ARN, had terminated his 10-year, $100 million contract.
Kimberly Wyatt has shed light on the lasting impact of being sexually abused at the age of three and not being believed by her parents.

The Pussycat Dolls star, 44, who is joining the band in their upcoming comeback, appeared on the Begin Again podcast, where she recalled 'the darkness' of her childhood in the wake of the trama.

She said: 'You know I experienced a lot of sexual abuse and that really chipped away at my confidence, at my soul, at my feeling of being safe and that really was the making of me as a kid. I was very introverted.'

Ms Wyatt has spoken in the past about being molested as a toddler and also surviving an attempted rape while working on a cruise ship when she was 17.

Speaking on the podcast to host Davina McCall, she explained that the abuse left her 'struggling to look in the mirror' but detailed how dance helped her through leaving her life in rural America and improving her social skills.

Kimberly Wyatt has shed light on the lasting impact of being sexually abused at the age of three and not being believed by her parents

Speaking about her childhood, Ms Wyatt, who shares three children with her husband of 12 years Max Rogers, said: 'I grew up in a small, little town in Missouri, Middle America called Warrensburg, very much a farm town.

'My dad delivered fuel to farmers and he was a fuel guide, delivering oil, driving trucks, was gone a lot. My mum worked for him, so we lived on a farm way out in the country in my smaller years.

'It was idyllic in so many ways because I loved try to be just as tough as the boys and loved going muddying in trucks and doing all this farm life.

'Gosh in the UK I don't even see these types of things going on. So to think back there's so much of it that's pretty brilliant, of what I got to experience in those little farm years'.

Despite enjoying her quaint life, she explained things were not always as positive, saying: 'But it was also the making and the breaking of me, living in that wonderful little lovely area. My grandmother lived just around the corner...

'My grandmother was my everything, Grandma Jane. She showed me a love and a selflessness that to this day, that's what has made me the mum that I strive to be everyday when I wake up...

Ms Wyatt, second right, is blazing the comeback trail with the Pussycat Dolls (the band pictured in 2005)

Ms Wyatt is pictured with husband Max Rogers in 2018

'The bad was I had brilliant parents, I think who tried their best but there was a lot of darkness in my very young years, through my formative years to my young teen years.'

On how she evolved, she said: 'I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I was constantly running away from social situations. I didn't have a lot of friends and I think that those moments were really what defined why that made me who I was in that time.

'But the thing that turned everything around for me was getting into the dance studio.

'I stepped into the dance studio because I loved the Olympics, I loved the figure skating and the gymnastics and what these people could do with their bodies and the stories they could tell through movement.'

She went on to say: 'I experienced a lot of sexual abuse that really chipped away at my soul. But getting into dance really opened my eyes. There's a whole world out there.'

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story contact Rape Crisis' 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222
Joseph Duggar's accuser has detailed her shock claims against him in an interview with a detective, according to a newly surfaced affidavit for an arrest warrant.

The 31-year-old father of four was arrested last Wednesday in Tontitown, Arkansas, in connection with allegations that he touched a nine-year-old girl on her genitals and underwear in Florida.

Now it has emerged that Joseph's accuser, who is currently 14, alleged she suffered 'several incidents of sexual abuse' when she was nine years old on a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, according to the affidavit obtained by People.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Horror abuse: Joseph Duggar's accuser, 14, has outlined how he allegedly molested her when she was nine years old

She made the claims in a forensic interview she gave to a detective with the Tontitown Police Department, per an affidavit written by Deputy Sheriff Darrell Norris of the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Lynn Haven, Florida.

At the time of the Florida vacation described in the document, Joseph and Kendra had two children and she was pregnant with their third.

Joseph's accuser told a detective that during the Florida vacation, she 'would sit on the defendants lap' and he would 'cradle [her] with his arms,' the affidavit states.

As the holiday progressed, Joseph's behavior is said to have evolved, according to the underage girl's account of events as relayed in the legal document.

Joseph is claimed to have requested that she 'sit on the couch beside [him],' whereupon he supposedly 'covered the parties with a blanket,' per the affidavit.

Family man: Joseph and his wife Kendra (left) had two children and she was pregnant with their third at the time of the alleged molestation

The document adds: 'Once the parties were covered, the defendant would pull the victims dress up and touch the victims thighs.'

The accuser also asserted that 'during these incidents [Joseph's] hand grazed [her] vagina' and his 'hand was outside of her underwear' - an occurrence she said took place 'several times,' leaving her 'confused' and 'uncomfortable.'

Joseph's accuser also said he 'eventually approached the victim and apologized for his actions' and then 'the incidents stopped occurring,' the affidavit claims.

After the underage girl gave her forensic interview to the Deputy Norris - the officer who wrote the affidavit - 'requested the detective and victims father call Joseph' in order to obtain a confession from him.

The affidavit claims that during the call Joseph 'admitted his actions, stating he touched the victim over her clothing' and 'admitted his intentions were not pure.'

Shock accusations: Joseph 'repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap' and touched her underwear

According to the authorities, a judge signed off on an affidavit that included the contents of that phone conversation, whereupon an arrest warrant was issued to the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Florida.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office then sent the warrant to the police in Arkansas, leading to Joseph's arrest in Tontitown.

Joseph was taken into custody last week in connection with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor, a statement from the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Lynn Haven, Florida announced.

Charged: The 19 Kids And Counting star is accused of lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor; seen, top far right

An investigator with the Tontitown Police Department reached out to the BCSO 'regarding a report of past sexual abuse.'

An alleged victim, identified as a 14-year-old girl, told law enforcement about a series of inappropriate incidents Joseph was involved in around five years back, police said.

Authorities said then that the alleged incidents occurred in 2020, when the alleged victim was nine years old and on vacation with her family in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Pedo brother: Josh Duggar is serving a 12-year sentence for possessing child pornography

Joseph is now facing additional charges including four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, the Tontitown Police Department told TMZ.

His wife Kendra, 27, was taken into custody Friday in Tontitown and charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as four charges of second-degree false imprisonment. Joseph is now also facing the same charges.

Kendra was released on bond about an hour and a half after her booking, while Joseph has signed an extradition waiver to face charges in Florida, according to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Joseph and Kendra's new charges in Arkansas are reportedly not related to his case in Florida.

He is being held in Arkansas as he awaits extradition back to Florida.

More charges: Joseph and Kendra have since been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment

Family members have since broken silence on Joseph's arrest, including brother Josh - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography.

His attorney told the Daily Mail: 'Josh understands the stigma of being accused.

'He lives with the painful reality of how false accusations can destroy a life. He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction.'

The attorney said that the brothers 'are not in frequent communication' but Josh 'hopes and prays for his brother's well-being in this difficult time.'

Family support: Joseph's sister Jill and her husband Derick sent love to Kendra and her kids

His sister Jill has also spoken out by uploading a post to her family blog which she shares with husband Derick Dillard.

'We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill's brother's [Joseph Duggar's] arrest,' the message read.

'We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph's arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020. We are shocked and heartbroken.'

They added: 'We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family.

'We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.'
Pete Wicks has been under investigation by liquidators for three years after racking up debts of 120,000, Daily Mail can reveal.

The reality television star, who was confirmed to be in a relationship with Olivia Attwood last weekend after months of speculation, wound up his business PW Promotions Ltd in 2023 after earning tens of thousands for appearing on shows such as The Only Way Is Essex.

Now liquidators Carter Clark now say they need more time to investigate the company before it can be dissolved as they are 'awaiting the outcome of a review of accounting information'.

Upon going bust three years ago, Pete, 38, signed a legal document called a Statement of Affairs claiming that the debt stood at 100,681, but it was discovered that the company owes more than this.

HMRC are demanding 59,681 in corporation tax, 24,710 in VAT and 1,273 in PAYE (Pay as you Earn) while trade and expense creditors are owed 35,704.

The total amount demanded by creditors is 121,368, which is much more than the 100,681 Pete signed off.

Pete Wicks has been under investigation by liquidators for three years after racking up debts of 120,000, Mail Online can reveal (pictured earlier this week)

The reality television star, wound up his business PW Promotions Ltd in 2023. Now liquidators say they need more time to investigate the company before it can be dissolved

This news comes as he and Olivia Attwood were seen kissing in the Flute Bar in Soho, London on Friday night following her marriage breakdown in January (pictured in 2025)

While Pete may personally have plenty of cash from his successful TV career, the liquidators have confirmed that there are no assets and 'no recoveries have been made'.

Sources say this is bad news for all those who are owed, as they wont be receiving a penny.

The report adds: 'The assessment revealed matters that required further clarification. This process is ongoing with assistance from the Company's accountants, and, once concluded, the liquidation will be finalised.

Pete was also a director of clothing firm Happy Brands with TOWIEs Jake Hall and pal Charles Sharp. But in November 2022, it posted heavy accumulated losses of 796,258.

On the same day, Pete and Jake resigned as directors.

A year on from posting those figures, the firm went into liquidation in November 2023 owing 795,463. And, in March last year, it was finally dissolved.

Currently Pete has one active firm, Unkempt, set up in 2021, and according to Companies House his accounts are overdue.

Other previous companies comprised Hermano Clothing and Pirate Petes Tattoo both opening and closing without doing any business.

Pete and Olivia previously insisted they were just friends, but they are thought to have begun their fling at the end of February (pictured at the BRITs 2026)

This news comes as he and Olivia were seen kissing in the Flute Bar in Soho, London on Friday night following her marriage breakdown in January.

Olivia and Pete's new 'passionate romance' is said to have left her former husband Bradley Dack 'livid and embarrassed' and dashed his hopes of a possible reunion.

Pete and Olivia previously insisted they were just friends, but they are thought to have begun their fling at the end of February.

Hours after the kissing images emerged, they were pictured arriving separately to host their KISS FM show The Sunday Roast.

Onlookers said the couple partied for about three and a half hours at the Flute Bar.

The pair have always had a close bond working together on their radio show and have socialised in the same circles for years.

However, eyebrows were first raised last summer when they were seen getting cosy on a boat trip in Ibiza  sparking concerns that Olivia's marriage was on the rocks.

Olivia and Petes PR machines set in motion when the pictures of them kissing last week were revealed.

With news of Bradley also in a new romance being pushed.

However, Emily Rose Moloney, who was one of Brads exs before Olivia, over ten years ago, has denied any new romance claims.

She stated on TikTok yesterday: This is out of hand now. Im absolutely not in a relationship with Brad nor have I been for ten whole years.

The Daily Mail have contacted Bradley's representatives for comment.
Ben Affleck treated his middle child Fin to a Broadway show while on vacation in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old movie star appeared to be in good spirits bonding with the non-binary 17-year-old, whose gender affirmation happened at their grandfather's memorial service nearly two years ago.

Fin - formerly known as Seraphina Rose - was dressed warmly in a black jacket over a long yellow dog-print scarf, baggy black jeans and grey sneakers.

Affleck - who obliged a fan with a selfie - wore a black peacoat over a white button-up shirt untucked over slim black jeans and brown boots.

The two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker and Fin took in one-man show Every Brilliant Thing starring Daniel Radcliffe at the Hudson Theatre.

Duncan Macmillan wrote and directed the solo show  featuring audience participation  about a man, who writes down life's little joys on Post-its to heal the trauma of his suicidal mother.

Ben Affleck treated his middle child Fin to a Broadway show while on vacation in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday

Affleck shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, who he was wed to from 2005-2018 (pictured 2014, a year before their split)

Affleck also welcomed 20-year-old daughter Violet (who's enrolled at Yale University) and 14-year-old son Samuel during his decade-long marriage to Daredevil leading lady Jennifer Garner, which ended in 2018.

On Monday, DeuxMoi shared a video of the Rip producer-star's second ex-wife Jennifer Lopez groaning after a fan revealed his name was Ben during an audience participation segment of her All Night Live in Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace's The Colosseum.

Affleck and the 56-year-old pop diva finalized their divorce on February 21 after less than three years of wedded bliss.

Two weeks ago, the Dunkin' brand ambassador got a hefty boost to his reported $150 million fortune when Netflix acquired his AI start-up company InterPositive.

An insider told Bloomberg that Affleck and his investors will earn up to $600 million from the streaming giant as long as it meets 'certain performance targets.'

In a statement, the celebrity senior advisor said he 'couldn't be happier' with the Netflix deal after quietly founding the LA-based company in 2022 with a 16-person team of engineers, researchers and creatives.

And since 2022, Affleck has also kept busy running independent artist-led studio, The Artists Equity, with his childhood friend Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital.

The Boston besties - who are 10th cousins once removed - originally met as neighbors in Cambridge, MA before co-writing their Oscar-winning screenplay for Gus Van Sant's 1997 drama Good Will Hunting.

The 53-year-old movie star appeared to be in good spirits bonding with the non-binary 17-year-old, whose gender affirmation happened at their grandfather's memorial service nearly two years ago

Fin - formerly known as Seraphina Rose - was dressed warmly in a black puffer over a long yellow dog-print scarf, baggy black jeans and grey sneakers

Affleck - who obliged a fan with a selfie - wore a black peacoat over a white button-up shirt untucked over slim black jeans and brown boots

The two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker and Fin sat in-the-round to see the 85-minute one-man show Every Brilliant Thing starring Daniel Radcliffe at the Hudson Theatre (pictured March 12)

Duncan Macmillan wrote and directed the solo show  featuring audience participation  about a man, who writes down life's little joys on Post-its to heal the trauma of his suicidal mother

Affleck also welcomed 20-year-old daughter Violet (who's enrolled at Yale University) and 14-year-old son Samuel during his decade-long marriage to Daredevil leading lady Jennifer Garner, which ended in 2018

Affleck and the 56-year-old pop diva finalized their divorce on February 21 after less than three years of wedded bliss (pictured March 16)

Coincidentally, Lopez also has a non-binary child called Emme Maribel Muniz (R, pictured February 22), who's used they/them pronouns and been gender-neutral as far back as 2022

Two weeks ago, the Dunkin' brand ambassador got a hefty boost to his reported $150 million fortune when Netflix acquired his AI start-up company InterPositive

An insider told Bloomberg that Affleck and his investors will earn up to $600 million from the streaming giant as long as it meets 'certain performance targets'

Last month, Deadline reported that the Kiss of the Spider Woman producers will oversee Tom McCarthy's untitled darkly comic drama for Sony Classics starring Paul Rudd, Evan Peters, Amy Ryan, Paul Giamatti and Tatiana Maslany.

Affleck recently shot his sixth feature directorial effort Animals - which he co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in as LA Mayoral candidate Milo Bradford.

The Netflix hostage thriller also features Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington and Steven Yeun.

The Eastern Congo Initiative co-founder previously helmed Gone Baby Gone (2007), The Town (2010), Argo (2012), Live by Night (2016) and Air (2023).
Jordan Brooks has revealed he is 'weak and unable to walk' as he posed in a wheelchair with pregnant girlfriend Sophie Kasaei on Instagram on Thursday.

The TOWIE star, 31, revealed last week that he had been diagnosed with a viral form of meningitis, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining. This is a different type of meningitis to the outbreak of bacterial meningitis B in Kent.

Jordan, who has currently been in hospital for two weeks, has also has been diagnosed with encephalitis, a rare, serious, and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain.

Now in a new update, Jordan revealed he is unable to walk due to his 'entire body' being 'super weak' and explained that he has a 'long way to go' in his recovery.

He penned: 'Lord give me strength. Get me home to my Boy. 5mins of fresh air off the ward this morning with my everything.

'Still not got the strength to walk and am super weak all over my entire body.

'Thank you for holding me up all the way through this Sophie Kasaei. Still a long way to go in this battle but we are getting there.'

Jordan Brooks has revealed he is 'weak and unable to walk' as he posed in a wheelchair with pregnant girlfriend Sophie Kasaei on Instagram on Thursday

The TOWIE star, 31, revealed last week that he had been diagnosed with a viral form of meningitis, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining as well as encephalitis, a rare, serious, and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain

Jordan and girlfriend Sophie are currently expecting their first child together, a baby boy. She revealed earlier this week she is seven months along.

On Wednesday, Sophie said it's been the 'worst month of our lives' as she gave a health update on boyfriend Jordan.

Sophie opened up about the 'scary time' as Jordan suffers 'seizures' from the side-effects of meningitis and encephalitis.

She wrote: 'Popped back home for a little rest after being at the hospital with my darling all day. Still such a scary time but everyday Jord shows strength that we won't let this awful condition beat him.

'Our baby keeps him going more than ever. He keeps us all going.'

'He has viral meningitis as well as encephalitis (not the meningitis we are seeing on the news that is bacteria not viral) the encephalitis is what we are dealing with now and the affects that gives.

'Anyone who has ever witnessed a love one with viral encephalitis and menintitis can understand how scary it can be.

'Seizures are scary to witness but he's in safe hands. We are all there for him right now and I'm being looked after by my family too.'

She continued: 'Worst month of our lives I never wish this on anyone.

'As I go into my third trimester I pray for the day he comes home to me and we can enjoy these last few weeks preparing for our precious baby.

'That's all I can hold onto right now. Life is so unpredictable and it makes you appreciate so much more when you go through these times.

'Thank you for all your messages we will get there'.

Now in a new update, Jordan revealed he is unable to walk due to his 'entire body' being 'super weak' and explained that he has a 'long way to go' in his recovery

Earlier this week, Sophie opened up about the 'scary time' as Jordan suffers 'seizures' from the side-effects of meningitis and encephalitis

Sophie followed up the message by sharing a sweet bump mirror selfie and revealed she is currently 28 weeks along in her pregnancy

WHAT IS ENCEPHALITIS? Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed (swollen). It can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital. Anyone can be affected, but the very young and very old are most at risk. Encephalitis sometimes starts off with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature and headache, but these don't always occur. More serious symptoms develop over hours, days or weeks, including: confusion or disorientation, seizures (fits), changes in personality and behaviour or loss of consciousness. Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has these more serious symptoms. It's not always clear what causes encephalitis, but it can be caused by viral infections. Several common viruses can spread to the brain and cause encephalitis in rare cases, including the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores and genital herpes) and the chickenpox virus. Source: NHS

Sophie followed up the message by sharing a sweet bump mirror selfie and revealed she is currently 28 weeks along in her pregnancy.

It comes days after Sophie stressed how 'life can change in the blink of an eye' as boyfriend Jordan remains in hospital battling viral meningitis and encephalitis.

The TV personality, who was only allowed to visit Jordan for the first time on Friday, has said she is in a 'living nightmare' seeing her partner in hospital.

Sharing a series of photos of the couple from happier times, the pregnant star, who is expecting the couple's first child, opened up about the 'hardest thing she's ever known'.

She wrote: 'Life can come at you really fast. Literally in the blink of an eye.

'One minute youre dreaming about your future together and the next, youre sitting in a hospital room, holding on to hope with everything you have.

'Watching the person I love in pain and fear, something I cant fight for them is the hardest thing Ive ever known. And through all this Im carrying the tiniest piece of us a reminder that even in the darkest moments, life is still growing, still holding on.

'I never imagined Id feel this much fear and this much love all at once. Life really can change in the blink of an eye. Please dont take a single moment, a single person, for granted.

'Everyday I fall in love with you more and more @jordanbrook11 this whole thing feels like Im living in a nightmare waiting to be woke up by you next to me in bed but Im just grateful your here and fighting for your family.

'Our little baby boy is what is keeping this family going. I love you @jordanbrook11'.

On Saturday, Jordan shared a video from his hospital bed where he explained the swelling on his brain is 'getting worse' and said: 'We're not out of the woods yet, but we're getting there.'

In the clip, he said: 'This is the first time I've really been able to speak strong enough about what's going on. There's been a lot of speculation as to why I'm here and what's going on, and there's a few comments and people saying things, but this is my diagnosis that I got yesterday.

'I've been diagnosed with not one, but two viruses that are attacking similar part of my body. I've got viral meningitis and encephalitis together. That's the inflammation of the brain and the lining around it. So this isn't something small or minor.

'I've had CT scans, MRI scans, lumbar punctures. We've got round the clock care since I've been in this hospital. I'm on IV drips, everything, antiviral, pain management, physio, seizure monitoring as I have minor seizure risk at the minute.

'But unfortunately, the swelling on my brain is getting worse. It's really, really tough, even the simple day to day activities and normal things aren't easy right now.'

He warned fans and friends not to listen to people commenting conspiracies regarding his condition, as he said: 'Be conscious of some things that people are writing and commenting.

'This isn't like a joke, or people are writing that I'm a lot worse than I am, and there's big C-words being dropped and things like that. It isn't that, but the swelling on my brain is really bad, pumped to my meds, my steroids, to try and get the swelling down.

'I don't know how much longer I'm going to be.'

Sophie revealed on Friday that she could now visit Jordan in hospital after it was revealed he isn't 'contagious'

He turned his attention to his pregnant girlfriend Sophie, as he continued: 'My focus right now is simple. I need to get healthy.

'My Soph has been amazing, and she's growing my precious baby boy. I just want to be a young, healthy dad, home for my family, with my baby, that's the goal.

'This won't beat me. I will get out of this.'

He added: 'Thank you as I said to anyone who is thinking of me and please be kind to Soph and support Soph and anybody else in the same boat.'

Clarifying his diagnosis, Jordan captioned the video: 'My diagnosis  First time I've been strong enough to speak on this. Not one, but two viruses  viral meningitis and encephalitis.

'This isn't minor. Scans, treatment, and still a long road ahead. Be careful what you read  not everything being said is true.

'Right now my focus is simple: Get healthy and get home to my family. Grateful for the doctors, my family, and everyone supporting me.

'Life can throw curveballs when you least expect it. I will not beat  JB .'

Earlier this week, Jordan took to Instagram to share a black and white photo of himself lying in bed.

Alongside it, he wrote: 'Another day in paradise. Praying for a better one or some sort of miracle.'

He didn't go into any further detail about his condition at the time.

Sophie revealed on Friday that she could now visit Jordan in hospital after it was revealed he isn't 'contagious'.

She wrote: 'As hard as this is I am finally allowed to see my Jords as there's nothing contagious. His strength is just amazing and we will get through this as a family. Thank you for all your well wishes we are all praying for a more positive day.'
Helen Flanagan turned heads in a plunging negligee as she prepared for the Celebrity Ex On The Beach premiere in a clip shared to Instagram on Thursday.

The former Coronation Street actress, 35, joined the Paramount+ reality series alongside TOWIE's Dani Imbert, 27, John Grimes, 34, one half of twin duo Jedward, and Love Island star Toby Aromolaran.

But as she prepared to walk the red carpet on Thursday to promote the show, Helen showcased her ample cleavage in a black lace top.

Then holding up a white dress she planned on wearing, Helen revealed that she had to have the garment altered because she is 'a bit booby'.

She paired her gown with a gold clutch and strappy heels, which were a gift from Kurt Geiger's Carvela.

To accessorise, Helen completed her ensemble with a pair of gold shell earrings and a dainty gold necklace.

Helen Flanagan, 35, turned heads in a plunging negligee as she prepared for the Celebrity Ex On The Beach premiere in a clip shared to her Instagram story on Thursday

The former Coronation Street actress joined the Paramount+ reality series alongside TOWIE's Dani Imbert, 27, John Grimes, 34, one half of twin duo Jedward, and Toby Aromolaran

Alongside her post, she tagged all the companies involved in her outfit creation and penned: 'it's giving beach goddess'.

On the explosive dating show, filmed in sunny Tenerife, Helen will come face-to-face with her former flames, which could include her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair or even boxer David Haye.

Helen's 13-year relationship with Scott, with whom she shares three children, ended in 2022.

Earlier this year, she laid bare the depth of her feelings for David in her autobiography Head & Heart, admitting she fell 'deeply in love' with the former world champion, though their romance proved complicated.

Now embarking on another search for love - having previously appeared on Celebs Go Dating - Helen has revealed she hopes to settle down with someone in the public eye, admitting she fears being taken advantage of outside the spotlight.

The latest series will also feature Married At First Sight UK star Amy Kenyon, 28, and Love Is Blind contestant Freddie Powell, 32, while comedian Daisy May Cooper joins as the show's new narrator.

Amy, a wedding planner, is back on the dating scene following the collapse of her marriage to Luke Debono, who received backlash for his inappropriate comments during the show.

At the dramatic final vow renewal, Amy told Luke he was not 'worthy' of her love, declaring their relationship 'done, dead, deceased.'

As she prepared to walk the red carpet this afternoon to promote the show, Helen showcased her ample cleavage in a black lace top

Holding up a white dress, Helen revealed that she had to have the garment altered because she is 'a bit booby'

Alongside her post, she tagged all the companies involved in her outfit creation and penned: 'it's giving beach goddess'

Love Island's Curtis Pritchard, fresh from his stint on All Stars, and fellow Islander Ronnie Vint, are set to make dramatic arrivals at the Spanish villa.

Curtis first shot to fame on Love Island in 2019 before returning for All Stars in 2025 and again this year - and he is still searching for a long-term partner.

After romances with Maura Higgins and Ekin-Su Culculoglu failed to go the distance, the reality star fell hard and fast for Millie Court on the latest series of All Stars.

But when their relationship didn't progress, Curtis laid bare his emotional side, breaking down in tears on screen as his hopes were dashed.

The line-up is rounded out by Too Hot To Handle's Izzy Fairthorne, 26, who is on the hunt for her first-ever boyfriend, and co-star Chase DeMoor, 29, returning for another shot at love.

Celebrity Ex On The Beach will stream exclusively on Paramount+ on Tuesday 31st March, with new episodes released weekly.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills executive producer Andy Cohen blasted Sarah Michelle Gellar for hating on his show while inside Radio Andy headquarters at SiriusXM Studios inside Midtown Manhattan's Rockefeller Center.

It all began March 18 when the 48-year-old Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum was asked by Page Six Radio if she was loving season 15 and she scoffed: 'No. I think it's boring.'

Co-hosts Evan Murray-Real and Danny Murphy audibly gasped at Gellar's candor, but she tried to point out her favorite parts: 'I like the cast. Like, I love Rachel [Zoe]. I think Rachel's a great addition.

'I love [Bozoma Saint John]. I mean, I live for Kathy and Jen. Like, I want a spin-off. I want a Jen Tilly Kathy Hilton spin-off!'

'But it's slow,' the Star Search judge said. 'It's just picking up now.'

Gellar was even more savage when asked about newcomer Amanda Frances: 'I don't think she's polarizing. I just don't think anyone enjoys her.'

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills executive producer Andy Cohen (L, pictured March 18) blasted Sarah Michelle Gellar (M) for hating on his show while inside Radio Andy headquarters at SiriusXM Studios inside Midtown Manhattan's Rockefeller Center

As soon as Cohen saw the clip, he felt betrayed because he had just interviewed the Daytime Emmy winner that same day in that same studio.

'And it was in our studio and then they post it and it's like "Sarah Michelle Gellar hates The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" with all this Radio Andy signage everywhere,' the 57-year-old Emmy winner reacted on Andy Cohen Live.

'And I go, "You know what? Don't bring someone into my studio to trash my show. How about the door is locked when I leave? How's that? Or maybe think twice about posting that all over social media where it says 'Andy' everywhere behind SMG." She's wrong, by the way.'

Gellar was also all smiles as Cohen interviewed her on his Bravo boozy talk show Watch What Happens Live on March 17 alongside RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley, but it didn't air until March 20.

The Long Island-born scream queen has been hard at work promoting her role as Ursula Danforth in Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin's action-horror comedy Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, which hits US theaters this Friday and UK theaters April 10.

Aside from RHOBH, the two-time Peabody Award winner also executive produces the franchises in Salt Lake City, Potomac, Orange County, Miami, London, Atlanta, Rhode Island as well as Ultimate Road Trip.

It all began March 18 when the 48-year-old Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum was asked by Page Six Radio if she was loving season 15 and she scoffed: 'No. I think it's boring'

Co-hosts Evan Murray-Real (pictured) and Danny Murphy audibly gasped at Gellar's candor, but she tried to point out her favorite parts: 'I want a spin-off. I want a Jen Tilly Kathy Hilton spin-off!'

'But it's slow,' the Star Search judge said. 'It's just picking up now'

As soon as Cohen (center) saw the clip, he felt betrayed because he had just interviewed Gellar (L) that same day in that same studio

'And it was in our studio and then they post it and it's like "Sarah Michelle Gellar hates The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" with all this Radio Andy signage everywhere,' the 57-year-old Emmy winner reacted on Andy Cohen Live

'And I go, "You know what? Don't bring someone into my studio to trash my show. How about the door is locked when I leave? How's that? Or maybe think twice about posting that all over social media where it says 'Andy' everywhere behind SMG." She's wrong, by the way' (pictured March 15)

The Daytime Emmy winner (center) was also all smiles as Cohen (L) interviewed her on his Bravo boozy talk show Watch What Happens Live on March 17 alongside RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley (R), but it didn't air until March 20

Aside from RHOBH (pictured), the two-time Peabody Award winner also executive produces the franchises in Salt Lake City, Potomac, Orange County, Miami, London, Atlanta, Rhode Island as well as Ultimate Road Trip

Cohen will next welcome RHOBH star Kyle Richards (L) and Love Overboard host Gabby Windey (R) into the clubhouse for this Thursday's episode of Watch What Happens Live

Cohen will next welcome RHOBH star Kyle Richards and Love Overboard host Gabby Windey into the clubhouse for this Thursday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.

The Traitors reunion host will also portray a thinly-veiled version of himself in Jorma Taccone's DV murder comedy Over Your Dead Body - hitting US theaters April 24 - alongside Jason Segel, Samara Weaving, Juliette Lewis and Timothy Olyphant.

On the personal front, Cohen has fathered two children - son Benjamin Allen, seven, and daughter Lucy Eve, nearly four - via gestational surrogate.

The Missouri-born presenter reportedly still has two leftover frozen embryos in the 'bank' in case his children are unable to have their own and want to raise their siblings.
Katie Price has attempted to 'debunk' some of the claims from her husband Lee Andrews after he's faced a sea of accusations he's a 'scammer.'

The ex glamour model, 47, initially tied the knot with the businessman, 42, in January just weeks after meeting, before holding a second, legal ceremony  much to the shock and concern of fans and family, due to reports of Lee being a scammer.

It was claimed British-born Lee spent three weeks locked up in a Dubai jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in her name and has been banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates. He denies this.

Lee, who is a self-proclaimed 'millionaire' has also claimed that he studied at Cambridge University and has a PhD.

Katie has now tried to hit back at some of Lee's claims in a video posted on her YouTube channel, reading out a statement that she said he gave to her.

In the clip, she insisted that Lee did have a thesis from Cambridge, but admitted she'd 'got it wrong' and had a PHD from Spain, and claimed any rumours he had such a qualification started as 'hearsay.'

Katie Price has attempted to 'debunk' some of the claims from her husband Lee Andrews after he's faced a sea of accusations he's a 'scammer'

Katie read out a statement which she said Lee gave to her, where she insisted he did boast an 'associate degree in engineering by distance learning from Cambridge.'

She said: 'I have seen something from Cambridge, it's a thesis or whatever it's called from Cambridge, but the PHD is from Spain, so yeah I got that wrong.

'The PHD wasn't Cambridge, the thesis he was he did at Cambridge, was a thesis or something you do. I don't know. I should read what he says it is if you want me to.'

Beginning the statement, she said: 'So I get it right, Lee has an associate degree in engineering by distance learning from Cambridge. Notorised and attested.

'He's never claimed to have a PHD from Cambridge, this was hearsay from others.

'He currently has an honorary doctorate and written thesis which Lee has produced and published. He will make Exclusive for everyone to read. This also included the legal use of the title Doctor featured in his passport.

'His company is registered in the British Virgin Islands, and can be viewed as listed in real time by visiting the BVI registered companies Index. He is the appointed director and shareholder.

'He has worked and introduced himself to the public figures that have been showcased on his social media, which includes me.

'He hasn't conned anyone, nor has been investigated, arrested or suspected of such outrageous things against, just rumours stemming from one ex as a smear campaign that won't let it go.

'These are all lies. Lee should not be underestimated, as he is producing, working and involved with things most people couldn't even fathom.'

Katie then defended her romance with her spouse, stating: 'I'm with Lee for Lee, I couldn't give a s**t if he was a binman, I couldn't give a s**t if he was a rich man or a blind man, how I connect with Lee and how I get on with Lee and how I feel about Lee and how he treats me is all I care about.

'I'm very happy and I want everyone else to be happy for me.'

The ex glamour model initially tied the knot with the businessman in January just weeks after meeting, with Lee since facing accusations he is a 'scammer'

Lees ex, Alana Percival, has responded to the video with alleged messages from him, which she says prove his lies

Alongside the clip, she wrote: 'Big news to come'

Lees ex, Alana Percival, has responded to the video with alleged messages from him, which she says prove his lies.

Hitting back at the PHD comment, she shared a text message from Lee to her which said: I have a PHD Cambridge doctor in-passport.;

Responding to Katie's claims that Lee has never been to prison, Alana shared alleged messages that said: 'I need to stack wins this week and make life epic...

'I was in prison Alana not jail. Central prison!'

Another alleged message from Lee reads: 'You'll have the screen shot of this hitting the account tomorrow. I know it's all been up in the air I've pulled this together in record time amongst other things since coming out of prison. Not letting you down seriously I have it in cash ways and sending a large amount to the UK tomorrow.

'So il get this bridge tomorrow directly then il pay it in full next week or the week after when I'm on the ground. one of my first agendas. Also one is in your name and half. This I want for you! To have I wont let you down.'

This was followed by another message, that said: 'I went through the worst to get out of trouble. When my sentence had been passed on me they already sentenced me 11 cases with words like treason being thrown around.

'And 1 case where a judge can only see me in March 2026.

'Oh hell bells no freaking Ways! And I literally struck a deal and closed them all with 3 high ranking judges. 6 locals were ready to put passports for me, That's why I dealt with Cez sincerely. I told her get on the phone and a contact these people and tell them what I'm facing right now. I was in solitude. no phone half yhe time facing serious things already sentences I, try undoing that. 3 cases a day removed.'

Katie has come under scrutiny around her relationship with Lee after many of his so-called business achievements were called into question.

This week it was also reported he is set to face further legal woes in Dubai, amid claims he is banned from leaving the now war-torn country.

According to news reports, allegations were made to Herefordshire Police against him, which have since been handed to Dubai cops.

A source told The Sun: 'The police have handed the files to the police in Dubai as Lee lives there and the allegations made against him happened in that country.'

Daily Mail have contacted Lee Andrews' representatives for comment.

Lee's ex Dina found out about his apparent swindling after receiving a phone call from the mortgage company, sparking her decision to file a legal case against him.

According to Dubai law, individuals pending criminal investigations, including unpaid debts or civil lawsuits, are not legally allowed to leave the country.

The woman reported him to the authorities in Dubai who investigated her claim.

It is unknown at what stage the investigation is at  but Lee was subject to the travel ban preventing him from leaving Dubai while the case was open.

He has also reportedly been heard begging a woman for cash in desperate voice notes.

The US-based businesswoman, who did not want to be named, revealed she received a string of 'desperate' voice notes from him just a week before he proposed to Katie.

In the voice notes, Lee reportedly tried to persuade the woman to send him cash in amounts ranging from 1100 to 2500 on multiple occasions since last May for what she believed was a business opportunity.

But as the woman felt uneasy about sending money, Lee's voice notes reportedly became more and more desperate  with the Dubai-based 'millionaire businessman', asking her for cash as recently as January.

In the voice notes heard by The Sun, Lee reportedly said: 'If you can help me or send Western Union 3000 that would help me so much. I could just do with a big hug really.

'You don't know how desperate it's been, the last couple of months of me trying to survive.'

Self-proclaimed 'millionaire' Lee is said to have claimed he was cash-strapped and living off 20 pence ready meals because he was waiting for payments from his business Aura Sustainable Vehicles & Energy BVI to clear from Kenya.

Despite their arrangement reportedly being a business one, Lee is said to have told the woman he would 'love her' if she could send him the cash and referred to her as 'beautiful'.

When the woman refused to send Lee money, he reportedly swore at her and called her a time waster.

Speaking to the publication, the woman said Lee had told her he was so poor he was forced to live off packets of rice.

She said she ultimately decided against sending him cash but she came very close as he is 'so persuasive'.

The woman went on to say that Lee told her back in December he had met someone special, who she believes to be Katie.

The Daily Mail has contacted Lee for comment. Lee has denied all previous claims.

She is not the first woman to make allegations against Lee.

It comes after Lee's furious ex accused him of 'scamming' women out of cash as she dubs him the 'tinder swindler'.

The former glamour model stunned fans last month when she announced she had married the Dubai-based businessman following a whirlwind one-week romance.

After news of their nuptials emerged, Lee's exes spoke out about him and he faced a string of accusations about the true nature of his finances, with a slew of his claims about his wealth, business acumen and celebrity-links said to be false.

His former flame Alana Percival, 32, previously spoke out about how Lee had asked her to marry him in a lavish proposal strikingly similar to when he popped the question to Katie 16 weeks later.

Last week Alana claimed four women have got in contact with her in the last two weeks since she told her story  all claiming that Lee tried to 'scam' them out of money  in a post seen by The Sun.

Alana went on to brand Lee 'embarrassing' and likened him to the Tinder Swindler  a Netflix show made about Israeli conman Simon Leviev, a notorious relationship scammer.
When it emerged this week that Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne had ended their nine-year marriage for good, it was framed as the final chapter in a turbulent relationship.

But the Daily Mail can now reveal that the ending in fact came months ago  not with a dramatic fallout, but with a quiet admission from Dan that, after years of trying to repair the damage caused by his past, he simply couldnt do it any more.

Former Towie star Dan had already moved out of the family home in November after a prolonged period in which, Im told, EastEnders star Jac had all the power and control but Dan couldnt do anything right, despite doing most of the childcare, and always telling her where he was.

The truth is Dan couldnt carry on anymore, one source tells me. Jac would have happily kept up the pretence to the outside world that they were still this happy family but hed had enough.

And if there had once been the expectation that, as before, the distance might be temporary, that assumption, Im told, did not hold this time.

Dan moving out of the family home back in November showed his wife that he was serious about the break-up, the source adds. She always thought hed be back but hes shown her that they are better off with their current arrangement.

At the heart of the breakdown, those close to the couple say, was a dynamic that had been in place for years  one shaped by Dans past infidelities, but defined by Jacs inability to move beyond them.

In those few years after he cheated, everything was on her terms, a source says. She would want to know where he was and who he was with but he understood he had to comply if he wanted the marriage to work.

Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa at the National Television Awards in 2020. The pair have split after nine years of marriage

It was, Im told, a compromise Dan, 34, accepted as the price of rebuilding trust. But as time passed, Jac reportedly failed to soften in her views.

She had all the power and control, but five years on she was still the same even though he had done nothing to show her otherwise, a source says. He couldnt do anything right, despite doing most of the childcare, and always telling her where he was. The trust had gone and there was no moving on from it no matter how hard he tried.

Everyone is blaming him, but these last five years he really has done everything he can to be the best husband and dad, the source adds. The past is the past but sadly she never really moved on from what he did to her all those years ago.

Indeed, the couple have faced their difficulties over the years, with their marriage plagued by those cheating allegations against Dan.

He was accused of having a fling with Love Island: All Stars winner Gabby Allen, 34, in 2018 after they were pictured cosying up together on a yacht in Marbella.

The former ITVBe star was also accused of sleeping with a mystery woman months after his wedding to Jac, and partaking in a threesome with Celebrity Big Brother model Chloe Ayling, 28, and US reality TV star Natalie Nunn, 41, which he denied.

Six months later, he was seen kissing 2018 Love Islander Alexandra Cane on a London night out.

In 2019, during Jacs appearance on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, fellow campmate Myles Stephenson, 34, who had previously dated Gabby, told the EastEnders star he believed Dan had cheated with the Scouse Islander.

The couple are parents to young daughters Ella, 11, and Mia, seven, while Dan is father to son Teddy, 12

A year later, Dan finally confessed to making mistakes and said Ive done things I shouldnt have done.

He even admitted that if Jac, 33, had behaved the same way he did, he would have walked out on their relationship, saying: If it was the other way around Id be gone.

Jac, however, did not leave. Instead, she chose  publicly at least  to rebuild, standing by her husband as they attempted to move forward.

And when Jac returned full-time to EastEnders in 2023, reprising her role as Lauren Branning, Im told the balance of their family life quietly shifted, with Dan increasingly taking on day-to-day responsibilities at home  something, friends say, he embraced.

Jac is a busy working mum. Over the last couple of years its Dan who has been doing all the school pick-ups and drop offs, the play dates and after school clubs, one source says. Since his departure the source adds: The girls have remained in the family home with their mum but they spend a lot of the week with their dad.

Alongside daughters Ella, 11, and Mia, seven, Dan also continued to co-parent his son Teddy, 12, from his previous relationship with Megan Tomlin.

The couple split when Megan was pregnant and Dan was already seeing Jac by the time Teddy was born in December 2013.

Like any blended family life can be tricky at times, the source added. But the girls love their older brother and Dan has done everything he can to make sure Teddy was a part of their family.

Dan pictured without his wedding ring last week. Last year, Dan bought a 1.3million bachelor pad behind his wifes back

There were, too, signs that Dan had begun to prepare for an ending long before it formally arrived.

Last year, Dan bought a 1.3million bachelor pad behind his wifes back  a move which insiders say was to provide him with security knowing his marriage was declining, as Jac was the sole owner of their 2million family home.

The purchase is said to have left soap star Jac feeling betrayed and it had reignited old trust issues.

Located in Southend, Essex, the two-floored house boasts a show stopping open plan living and kitchen area, plus a luxury bar inside a bespoke outbuilding.

An insider said at the time: Dan bought a house last year without telling Jacqueline until the final stages.

He put the wheels in motion because he believed their relationship was coming to an end and with Jac owning their marital home, he needed to look after his future.

It caused a blazing row between them and the trust, which was already fragmented, really suffered.

The couple later reconciled after heading on a make-or-break getaway to Mexico, and in June 2025 they celebrated their eight-year wedding anniversary, enjoying a romantic break at a luxury London hotel to mark the milestone.

But just months after their reconciliation, it emerged that Dan had reportedly sent flirty texts to Christine McGuinness  a connection said to have developed over years as the pair leaned on one another during their respective marriage issues.

After news of their close friendship came to light, Christine, 38, said she was absolutely adamant nothing sexual happened between them both, while Dan suggested the messages were deep fakes or AI.

And yet, for all the attempts to repair what had been broken  the reconciliations, the holidays, the effort to rebuild a life that, from the outside, still appeared intact  those close to Dan and Jac say the outcome had long since been set.

So when he finally walked away in November, telling Jac its over, it brought to a close a marriage that had seemingly never fully recovered from what came before.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is helping train his love child Joseph Baena for his first bodybuilding competition.

The 78-year-old seven-time Mr. Olympia instructed his 28-year-old nepo baby 'to shock the muscles' as he pumped iron at Gold's Gym in Venice, CA on Tuesday.

Baena is set to make his bodybuilding debut at NPC Natural Colorado State, which will be held at Pinnacle Performing Arts Center in Denver, CO this Saturday - according to TMZ Sports.

Every athlete who enters this show will not only be drug tested, they'll also take a 30-minute polygraph test to ensure they're 100 percent natural.

On March 18, the half-Guatemalan athlete - who boasts nearly one million social media followers - revealed he packed on 18lbs of muscle in eight weeks.

'He's an amazing father. He's a great person to look up to and he's the smartest man I know,' Baena told ET in 2023.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is helping train his love child Joseph Baena for his first bodybuilding competition

'It's been a great journey and he's always been so supportive of whatever I do. So, I'm just really grateful to have a dad like him.'

And in 2022 while the Christie's real estate agent was competing in Dancing with the Stars, Schwarzenegger marveled, 'Jesus Christ, I can't even believe that you can move like that' because as he told ET 'our family's not known for dancing, especially on my dad's side.'

Indeed, out of all five of the former California Governor's children, Baena has followed in his footsteps the most despite primarily growing up with his chef mother Mildred 'Patty' Baena in Bakersfield, CA.

The Pepperdine University grad was only 13 in 2011 when Schwarzenegger revealed he secretly fathered him during a 'one-night stand' with his former housekeeper, which ended his 25-year marriage to journalist Maria Shriver before their divorce was finalized in 2021.

Last year, the 70-year-old niece of President John F. Kennedy admitted in her poetry book I Am Maria that the divorce 'broke my heart, it broke my spirit, it broke what was left of me. Without my marriage, my parents, a job  the dam of my lifelong capital-D Denial just blew apart.'

Baena and the FUBAR producer-star first bonded over fitness and he gifted him a copy of The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, which he co-authored in 1985.

'My dad is old-school; he doesn't believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I,' the Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws actor told Men's Health in 2022.

'I love the word honor, and I'm very prideful in the sense that if I use my dad's contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor is that gonna bring me?'

The 78-year-old seven-time Mr. Olympia instructed his 28-year-old nepo baby 'to shock the muscles' as he pumped iron at Gold's Gym in Venice, CA on Tuesday

Baena is set to make his bodybuilding debut at NPC Natural Colorado State, which will be held at Pinnacle Performing Arts Center in Denver, CO this Saturday

Every athlete who enters this show will not only be drug tested, they'll also take a 30-minute polygraph test to ensure they're 100 percent natural

On March 18, the half-Guatemalan athlete - who boasts nearly one million social media followers - revealed he packed on 18lbs of muscle in eight weeks

'He's an amazing father. He's a great person to look up to and he's the smartest man I know,' Baena told ET in 2023. 'It's been a great journey and he's always been so supportive of whatever I do. So, I'm just really grateful to have a dad like him' (pictured March 15)

And in 2022 while the Christie's real estate agent was competing in Dancing with the Stars, Schwarzenegger marveled, 'Jesus Christ, I can't even believe that you can move like that' because as he told ET 'our family's not known for dancing, especially on my dad's side' (pictured Thursday)

Indeed, out of all five of the former California Governor's children, Baena has followed in his footsteps the most despite primarily growing up with his chef mother Mildred 'Patty' Baena in Bakersfield, CA (pictured June 11)

The Pepperdine University grad was only 13 in 2011 when Schwarzenegger revealed he secretly fathered him during a 'one-night stand' with his former housekeeper (R, pictured in 2019), which ended his 25-year marriage to journalist Maria Shriver before their divorce was finalized in 2021

On May 3, Baena and his girlfriend, Dutch model Mel Randel (R, pictured February 20), will celebrate their third anniversary

Schwarzenegger just signed on to reprise his breakout role in a new Conan the Barbarian movie in development with 20th Century Studios, which will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie (pictured in 1982)

On May 3, Baena and his girlfriend, Dutch model Mel Randel, will celebrate their third anniversary.

Earlier this month, Deadline reported that Schwarzenegger signed on to reprise his breakout role in a new Conan the Barbarian movie in development with 20th Century Studios, which will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie.

But first, the Austrian-born American will next portray Santa Claus in Adam Shankman's upcoming Christmas comedy The Man with the Bag for Amazon MGM Studios.

The holiday flick will also feature Alan Ritchson, Awkwafina, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Adrian Martinez, Jane Krakowski and Ken Jeong.
Theo James made a rare red carpet appearance with his wife Ruth Kearney, at the London premiere of his new movie Fuze on Thursday.

The actor, 40, and Ruth, 41, took a night off parenting duties to celebrate his new film at Londons Odeon West End.

For the occasion, Theo cut a stylish figure in a brown suit paired with a smart brown shirt.

Meanwhile, Ruth looked incredible in a leopard print co-ord with black heeled boots.

The pair appeared in high spirits as they posed for cosy snaps on the red carpet.

Also at the event were Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, David Mackenzie, and Saffron Hocking.

Theo James made a rare red carpet appearance with his wife Ruth Kearney, at the London premiere of his new movie Fuze on Thursday

The actor, 40, and Ruth, 41, took a night off parenting duties to celebrate his new film at Londons Odeon West End

James Bond candidates Aaron and Theo joined forces for the new movie.

Both actors have been tipped to take on the iconic 007 role and taking over from Daniel Craig.

The official synopsis for Fuze reads: 'After an undetonated bomb from World War II is uncovered at a London construction site, the chaos of the subsequent evacuation and bomb disarming provides excellent cover to conduct a nearby bank heist'.

It comes as despite the rumours, insiders have denied reports that Aaron has been cast as the new Bond in the 007 movies, leaving speculation to swirl.

Responding to the rumours he could step into Bond's shoes last year, Aaron played coy, telling Numero: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.'

Meanwhile Theo, who is of Greek decent, is one of at least twenty established names to be linked with the James Bond role.

Addressing the rumours, he told The Guardian: 'Everyone's interested in [Bond] because it's a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn't be me.

'I do think there are better people for that job. And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there's no going back. You're opening Pandora's box there.

Also at the premiere was his co-star Gugu Mbatha-Raw,

Luke Mably cut a stylish figure for the event

Saffron Hocking turned heads at the event

David Mackenzie beamed on the red carpet

Elham Ehsas was also in attendance

Aaron Taylor-Johnson looked dapper

James Bond candidates Aaron and Theo joined forces for the new movie

Fuze is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on April 3

'You have got to be willing to live a very different life and have a different life for your family. And that would be pretty tricky. Plus, my mates would take the p*ss out of me. Because they always say, "Bondopoulos  the Greek Bond."'

The long-running Bond franchise is famous for turning those who play the secret agent into global superstars.

And it isn't shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role; the late Sean Connery, one of the most recognisable Bonds, had only featured in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of the titular British spy in 1962's Dr. No, catapulting him to international fame.

But while Idris Elba was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role in 2024 so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.

The actor brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming's famed British spy in February 2023.

When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: 'It's very dark.

'We've been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we're here with the first movie.

'You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I'm not going to be that guy.

'I'm going to be John Luther. That's who I am.'

Back in August 2022, it was reported that Idris had walked away from 'years of talks' with movie bosses to take over the famous role.

He had been the bookies' favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles - and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007.
James Bond fans may well have been seeing double-O-7 on Thursday evening as two of the hottest contenders for the still-vacant role attended a red carpet premiere in London.

Leading men Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James were in attendance as new movie Fuze launched at Odeon West End ahead of it official UK release on April 3.

The British actors lead a growing list of eligible stars currently in the running to play the seventh incarnation of smooth-talking secret agent Bond, five years after Daniel Craig quit the coveted role.

Rubbing smartly-clad shoulders outside the central London venue, the two stars struck debonair poses for the cameras - and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, the man responsible for driving the Bond franchise forward.

After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael Broccoli, the children of original James Bond producer, Albert R Broccoli.

Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.

Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were in attendance as new movie Fuze launched at Odeon West End in London on Thursday ahead of it official UK release on April 3

Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion.

Speculation has continued to grow over who will be the next big-screen Bond, with Taylor-Johnson and James previously touted as favourites among industry figures.

The acquisition of the Bond franchise by Amazon earlier this year has also prompted a flurry of guesses as to where they might take the franchise next.

Bond has been spoiled with video game adaptations since the 1980s, with early adaptations taking the form of shooting games or text adventures in which players typed in what they wanted the super-spy to do.

Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027.

Due to a filming ban being imposed in central London, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.

'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.

'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.'

The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.

Theories are rife around which names are in the running to replace Daniel Craig, after he made his last appearance as Bond in the 2021 film No Time To Die

The British actors lead a growing list of eligible stars in the running to play the seventh incarnation of smooth-talking secret agent Bond, five years after Craig quit the role

James Bond fans may well have been seeing double-O-7 on Thursday evening as two of the hottest contenders for the still-vacant role attended the red carpet premiere in London

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (left) and Theo James (right) attend the Fuze premiere on Thursday

The two actors were joined by glamorous co-stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (middle left) and Saffron Hocking (middle right)

Join the discussion Is it time to reinvent James Bond - or would that ruin what made 007 iconic?

Amazon Prime had taken over 'creative control' of the James Bond franchise, leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs such as Star Wars.

The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control.

The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from the Broccoli family.

There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond.

Barbara Broccoli's choice for Bond was thought to be Taylor-Johnson, who was once the favourite for the role, but Heyman and Pascal are likely to want to choose their own 007.
Dean Cain sparked a storm at Thursdays Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) as he passionately defended his decision to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - a move he revealed he made in August 2025.

The former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star, 60, told a packed crowd in Texas that his leap into ICE was motivated by a desire to take action, not just offer words.

Im Dean Cain, and some of you might be wondering why a former Superman actor is on stage at CPAC? Well, the answer is simple. Its because I believe in truth, justice and the American way, he began.

He continued, So what is the American way? Well, for me, number one, individual rights. Number two, equality of opportunity, not outcome. That means no DEI, no CRT. And yes, on merit no matter your race, your religion, your social status, it doesnt matter, you earn it.

'Number three, competition. The ability to compete fairly without the government getting in your way. No men in womens sports.

Cain then argued that words alone were not enough. Now, the theme here today is action not words. And right now Im giving you a bunch of words. So what about action? Well, when extremists on the left screamed, defund the police, I joined law enforcement. When the leftists shrieked, defund ICE, I joined ICE.

Dean Cain sparked a storm at Thursdays Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) as he passionately defended his decision to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - a move he revealed he made in August 2025

The former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star, 60, told a packed crowd in Texas that his leap into ICE was motivated by a desire to take action, not just offer words

The 61-year-old also took aim at Hollywood, boasting: And when Hollywood said, oh my gosh, youre a conservative, youre canceled, I said, you know what? Were gonna create a new platform called Proud American Studios, and Im gonna do a podcast called The Homeland, and Im gonna celebrate the United States of America, the greatest nation the world has ever known.

He closed his speech defiantly, declaring: And were gonna fight. Were gonna fight to keep it that way. So truth, justice, and the American way, okay? God bless you all for being here.

Cain's impassioned words come after he faced brutal mockery for struggling through an ICE training course last August.

Video showed Cain navigating the obstacle course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia.

The former Superman star sluggishly scaled a wall, crawled on all fours through a barrel, dragged a dummy across the course, and fired guns at a shooting range alongside acting ICE director Todd Lyons.

Was the video slowed down? one critic asked. Another wrote: So basically when the citizens start fighting back  ICE is screwed.

A third added: Glad he wants to help but hes probably not your best candidate tbh.

Some viewers called the course a kiddy playground and utterly embarrassing.

Im Dean Cain, and some of you might be wondering why a former Superman actor is on stage at CPAC? Well, the answer is simple. Its because I believe in truth, justice and the American way, Cain said

Cain's impassioned words come after he faced brutal mockery for struggling through an ICE training course last August

Despite the backlash, ICE shared Cains video alongside a link to their recruitment site, touting incentives including a signing bonus of up to $50,000, $60,000 in student loan repayment, and a 25 percent premium pay bump.

Cain hit back at his critics, insisting: What youre making fun of is me standing up for federal law enforcement and American citizens. If you want to make fun of me for that, go ahead.

He initially revealed he would join ICE ASAP to help save America and backed former President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

I am a sworn law enforcement officer, as well as being a filmmaker, and I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it. So I joined up, Cain said.

He continued: If you want to help save America, ICE is arresting the worst of the worst and removing them from Americas streets.

'They need your help, we need your help, to protect our homeland for families. Join today if its something that tickles your fancy because we can use you.

Cain also praised ICE under Trump, claiming the agency had arrested hundreds of thousands of criminals including terrorists, rapists, murderers, pedophiles, MS-13 gang members, drug traffickers.

At the time, ICE said it had received 100,000 applications for roughly 10,000 open positions since lifting age caps in a major recruitment drive.
Controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands is expected to make his first appearance in court in a showdown with a $100million contract on the line.

The top-rating provocateur, 54, is suing his former employer ARN in the Federal Court, alleging the termination of his contract with the company was invalid because there was no act of serious misconduct.

He also claims the termination breached Australian Consumer Law.

ARN, the parent company of KIIS FM, which previously broadcast Sandilands' show for more than a decade, said on Monday it disputed the claims and would defend them.

Its subsidiary, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, is also named in the lawsuit.

Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery, leads Sandilands' legal team.

Kyle Sandilands (pictured) has arrived at his first appearance in court in a showdown with a $100million contract on the line

The top-rating provocateur, 54, is suing his former employer ARN in the Federal Court, alleging the termination of his contract with the company was invalid because there was no act of serious misconduct

Over the past two weeks, Lynch has carefully examined every detail of the host's agreement and strategised a comprehensive attack on ARN.

He filed the necessary papers last Friday.

ARN tore up Sandilands' $100million contract after the shock jock's on-air clash with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson ended their time together on the long-running show.

On Monday morning, the network issued a statement in an ASX market update, asserting that the network disputes Sandilands' claims and plans to defend the proceedings.

'The applicants claim the termination of Mr Sandilands' contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law,' their statement read.

'The applicants seek an order for specific performance of two contracts, payment of whatever amounts are due and payable under the contracts at the time of judgment, and damages.'

Meanwhile, ARN's newly appointed CEO Michael Stephenson is working hard to prevent the legal dispute from escalating by trying to persuade Sandilands' former co-host, Jackie 'O' Henderson, to return to KIIS FM with a solo show.

However, ARN is hoping to bring back Henderson at a much lower rate with a new program, after the network also terminated her $100million, decade-long deal last month.

Join the discussion Should major media companies be allowed to rip up huge contracts over on-air personality clashes?

ARN tore up Sandilands' $100million contract after the shock jock's on-air clash with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson ended their time together on the long-running show. Both pictured

Sandilands' legal team is led by Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery

Henderson is not enthusiastic about that offer, while sources close to the former co-hosts indicate that she intends to watch how Sandilands' legal offensive unfolds.

The end of the Kyle & Jackie O show was announced on Wednesday, March 18 when Sandilands released a statement at 7am announcing that KIIS' parent company, ARN, had terminated his 10-year, $100million contract.

In an explosive statement obtained by Daily Mail, Sandilands admitted he doesn't 'accept' the fate of his role at the network.

'ARN has just announced that they've terminated my contract,' he said.

'I don't accept it.'

Sandilands continued: 'My lawyers told them last week this would be invalid. And guess what? It is.

'Let me tell you what actually happened here. Jackie and I had a blue on air. That's it. The kind of thing we've done a hundred times in 25 years. And ARN took the situation and decided to try and burn the place down.

'They sacked Jackie. They suspended me. They wouldn't even let me pick up the phone to call her or anyone else on the show. Then  and this is the bit that gets me  once they'd made it impossible for the show to go on, they turn around and say, "You didn't fix it. You're fired!"'

In an explosive statement obtained by Daily Mail, Sandilands admitted he doesn't 'accept' the fate of his role at the network

The split came after Sandilands slammed his broadcast partner for looking into former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's horoscope

Sandilands added that he had apologised to Henderson the night after their on-air clash last month.

The Kyle & Jackie O show was a consistent ratings hit in Sydney, but had failed to gain much traction in its expansion to Melbourne and Brisbane.

The split came after Sandilands slammed his broadcast partner for looking into former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's horoscope.

'You're off with the fairies ... every segment, every time you've spoken, you don't even know what's going on,' Sandilands said to Henderson during the February 20 broadcast.

ARN said Henderson gave notice she could no longer work with her co-host, triggering an early March decision to terminate her $100million agreement.

Sandilands was suspended on March 3 and issued a breach notice for serious misconduct.

He has consistently denied breaching the terms of his contract.
Magda Szubanski has revealed she is working on a new project following her cancer battle.

The Kath and Kim star, 64, is set to publish a new memoir, titled I Cant Tell You But I Will, focusing on coping with her mothers death and her journey becoming a campaigner for marriage equality in Australia.

'2017 was the year I finally grew up,' Magda said in a statement.

'My mother was dying, and I was catapulted into the forefront of a bitter cultural and political battle: the same-sex marriage survey.

'I Cant Tell You But I Will is the true tale of how I came to understand the unseen powers that shape our world, and learned how to stand up to them while staying true to your soul and to the people you speak for.'

Magda added that the book would be 'a eulogy' for her mother Margaret, who died in 2017, aged 92.

Magda Szubanski has revealed she is working on a new project following her cancer battle.

'Most of all, though, it is a eulogy for my beloved mother, Margaret: like my Celtic ancestors, I am keening her life, singing of the terrible beauty of caring for someone you love as they die,' she said.

'This is the story of how I went from comedian to campaigner, from daughter to orphan, and from naive idealist to pragmatic warrior.

The book, Magda's second memoir, is set to hit shelves on September 29.

Magda's first memoir, Reckoning, focused on her childhood and her father Zbigniew's activities as a Polish spy during World War II.

The book was highly acclaimed, picking up numerous awards, including Book of the Year at the 2016 Australian Book Industry Awards.

The news comes after Magda revealed last month that her cancer had gone into remission.

'Ive completed chemo and I am now in remission. Phew!' she said.

'It's not a cure, but if Ive got a good remission, hopefully that will mean Ill be able to keep the cancer at bay for a good long time.

The Kath and Kim star, 64, is set to publish a new memoir, titled I Cant Tell You But I Will, focusing on coping with her mothers death and her journey becoming a campaigner for marriage equality in Australia

'This is the story of how I went from comedian to campaigner, from daughter to orphan, and from naive idealist to pragmatic warrior,' she said

'And I also wanted to say a special, huge thank you to you for all the love and support that youve shown.'

Telling fans that she felt loved and supported during her health crisis, Magda said that it helped physically as well as emotionally.

'So eternal gratitude, thank you so much for that,' she added.

Elsewhere in the clip, Magda praised her own health team and Australia's medical community, calling it 'one of the best in the world.'

'There's not a day that goes by that I don't give profound thanks to the medical community... and also to the common sense of the Australian people that we see how practical and compassionate it is to have a really good medical system,' she said.

In May last year, Magda announced on social media that she was battling a rare form of cancer known as Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

She appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning her treatment to fight the disease.

'Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,' she began.

The news comes after Magda revealed last month that her cancer had gone into remission

'It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. The good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team.

'Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate.

'It's pretty confronting. It is full-on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.'

Magda said she had started a treatment called the Nordic protocol, which treats mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) by shrinking the tumours with a combination of drugs administered in five phases.
Anyone with a passing interest in the House of York saga will know that Princess Beatrices dashing husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi is in the property game.

They might also be aware that Edo, as he is known, has sure-footed good taste, evident from his interior design projects, and that everything about them  and him speaks of high-end refinement and a rare attention to detail.

Were Edo himself a property, one might be tempted to call it meticulously maintained.

And yet when he first appeared at Beatrices side, some who follow the royals couldnt help feeling a sneaky bit suspicious. Was this debonair Latin charmer  he is the scion of an aristocratic Italian family  too good to be true?

Some found it strange that he left his glamorous architect fiancee, Dara Huang, with whom he has a son, then aged just two, for Beatrice. Ms Huangs mother, Lily, certainly thought so. She said she was shocked and believed it stunned her daughter as well, so sudden was the split.

Then there was Edos extravagantly overblown engagement-day declaration on Instagram in 2019. You will never be alone my love, my heart is your home, he gushed to Beatrice, along with the wider world. Hand in hand, today, tomorrow and forever.

More than six years on and there are fears the couple, who, to be fair, have always seemed happy despite the naysayers, have hit a rocky patch, something they deny.

There are fears that Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have hit a rocky patch; pictured in 2023.

Edo Criticised for Prioritising Business Over Marriage

Shadowed by the Epstein scandal that led to her parents dizzying fall from grace, Beatrice, 37, is understandably at a low ebb. Along with her sister Eugenie, she is under pressure to speak up about her links to the late financier following the arrest of her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

It is against this background that 42-year-old Edo came under fire for gallivanting around Florida in her hour of need earlier last month, though he says he was simply trying to build my business.

More than 4,000 miles from home and looking for all the world like a Miami Vice extra in a pastel pink suit and light blue shirt, with loafers, he promoted his design company, Banda, spoke at a conference, and, judging by the copious snaps he posted on social media, had a jolly time in the sunshine. Photos show him reclining outside the Art Deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and holding a glass of rose on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel.

Sources close to the couple have since reported there has been notable distance between them of late and that while Beatrice is desperate to hold things together, her husbands primary concern seems to be his business.

Today, some in their social circle point out that he would do well to remember that his marriage to Andrews eldest daughter gave Edos career a once-in-a-lifetime boost. When he walked back up the aisle of Windsors Royal Chapel of All Saints in July 2020, he had one of the most eligible women in Europe by his side.

When they first got together, Edo wasnt nearly so successful, said a former associate. Being adjacent to royalty was transformative.

To be fair, their union came against a backdrop of Covid, which hit most property businesses. Yet the Daily Mail has discovered that Banda faced difficulties even before that. In 2018 its two main subsidiaries  Banda Design and Banda Property  were both reporting losses.

Prior to that, the company Edo started aged 23 had enjoyed moderate success, with annual profits in the tens of thousands. Yet his new life as a member of the Royal Family coincided with a period of spectacular growth.

In 2020, Banda was a niche concern specialising in locating and developing upmarket homes for the rich, mainly in and around London.

Today, it grandiosely calls itself a multi-disciplinary property practice, covering property search and acquisition, development, project management, architecture and interior design all over the world and employs some 60 members of staff, more than three times the figure six years ago.

Indeed, the latest records from Companies House show that Banda Design Ltd, its interior design arm, reported a turnover of 2.2million in 2024, and retained profits of 774,353. Yet the year before Edo and Beatrice wed, it was 244,000 in the red.

Friends say that Edo is singularly driven and has made a success of his business through dedication and talent. Yet it is also true that his name, or rather his royal connections, afforded him access to new platforms to promote his work.

Latest records from Companies House show that Banda Design Ltd, its interior design arm, reported a turnover of 2.2million in 2024, and retained profits of 774,353.

Edos Early Career Marked by Confidence and Ambition

When Beatrice fell for him, Edo and his business activities were largely unknown, save for the time when, discussing how he turned a handsome profit by converting a disused nightclub into flats, he boasted to a newspaper that the 200,000 he stumped up for the project was peanuts. Friends said this was typical of his cocky side.

Post-wedding, it seemed his every project was given acres of space in newspapers and magazines. And suddenly, he was given free rein to rhapsodise about his commercial efforts using what at times appeared to be jargon-heavy, Harry and Meghan-style verbiage.

In an interview last year, he described an apartment block he worked on in Dubai as sculptured, serene and fluid and said his goal had been to create an emotionally resonant sanctuary in the sky inspired by the softness of the desert landscape and the movement of air and light across it.

Never in any interview does Edo mention his wife or the royals, much less answer questions about them. But he was surely aware the blanks would be filled in for him, thus ensuring that he wouldnt appear to be the one leveraging his status.

It was the kind of publicity money cant buy, says a source. There were references in the likes of Vogue and Hello! to him joining the Royal Family. It didnt exactly do his business any harm, did it? Would he have got it if he wasnt her [Beatrices] husband? Of course not.

Just three months after his wedding, the Financial Times, no less, calling him the property developer and newlywed husband of Princess Beatrice, wanted to know, among other things, his favourite scent (184-a-bottle Santal 33 by Le Labo, as it happened) and what he always keeps in his fridge (68 London-smoked salmon and a bottle of tequila).

Looking for all the world like a Miami Vice extra in a pastel pink suit and light blue shirt, Edo promoted his design company, spoke at a conference, and, judging by the copious snaps he posted on social media, had a jolly time in the sunshine.

Luxury Developments Promoted With Emphasis on Lifestyle

Soon, he was invited by Tatler to share the design secrets behind his latest property in Chelsea. The society magazine called it one of the most important achievements of his design career, an incomparably luxurious and sensitively drawn together family home.

Edo responded in the same vein: It has such a wonderful energy and buzz  one can only imagine the ultimate playdate for children in the swimming pool followed by everyone piling onto the oversized, bespoke linen sofa in the cinema room to watch a film.

Another project, this time on Australias Gold Coast, was promoted in 2023 as a 130 million uber-luxe ocean club development  which has a royal connection.

The boss of a PR company handling the venture called it a collaboration between world-leading interior design studio Banda  founded by Edo Mapelli Mozzi, husband of Princess Beatrice  and highly credentialed Australian businessman Rory OBrien.

A property magazine noted Edo would bring a touch of royalty to the scheme, Masthead, comprising 28 luxury apartments.

Royal Connection Highlighted in Global Property Promotion

And a TV report on 9News Gold Coast was littered with royalty references, including his marriage to Beatrice. It claimed that Edo, as well as designing the interiors, was also a potential buyer.

Edo himself was filmed saying: I truly believe the team has put together the best residential scheme in all of Australia. This is going to be beachside living at its best.

To his mother-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, whose name has been used to boost any number of commercial ventures over the years, all this would no doubt seem rather tame. Certainly par for the course.

It was late 2018 that Princess Beatrice first unveiled her new boyfriend to her parents, though in truth the two families had known each other for years.

His father is former Olympic Alpine skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, who represented Great Britain at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan.

But the count and Edos mother divorced when Edo and his sister, Natalia, were very young, and his father later moved to France.

Edos mother, Nikki, remarried and he was brought up to become very close to his businessman stepfather, Christopher Shale, former prime minister David Camerons constituency chairman and close personal friend in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Shale died aged just 56 in 2011, and Andrew and Fergie, together with their daughters, were among the congregation at his memorial service.

The link between Shales family and Fergies goes back many years. Before she became Duchess of York, he employed her as a secretary in a public relations company.

With the two families so entwined, Beatrice and Edo kept their relationship quiet until both were confident enough to come out as a couple.

Public Affection Contrasts With Private Strain

Every year, Edo posts effusive social media tributes to his wife on her birthday and their wedding anniversary. Now an insider claims: Things havent been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

She really wants to almost naively see the good in people and will turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths  that is why she was blind to her fathers behaviour, and the same is true of her belief in Edo. She wants to stay together, but he seems more and more distracted by work and travel. Just when she needs him most, hes been pulling away.

Even so, she was all smiles as she was seen leaving a swanky sushi bar with Edo in Notting Hill, West London, after a friends birthday lunch last week.

The next day, the Daily Mail can reveal that they were spotted a mile away  exiting a taxi and heading for Kensington Palace, presumably to see Princess Eugenie at Ivy Cottage, her London residence.

The sisters have had much to discuss in recent months and have been holding crisis talks, said a source. And that looks likely to be the case for quite a while yet.

Just the kind of thing, some might think, that would present a troubling image if you are in the business of creating serene perfection for the super rich.
A former Massachusetts cop accused of attempting to gun down her colleagues as they tried to serve her fiance's restraining order told a court she only ever intended to shoot herself after 'losing everything'.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 29, took the stand in her own defense on Wednesday to fight charges of assault with a deadly weapon over the June 2025 incident.

The young cop was shot by North Andover Police officer Pat Noonan after she allegedly pointed her service weapon at officers while they were trying to serve her with a restraining order from her firefighter fiance Justin Aylaian, 32.

Fitzsimmons said in her testimony that she only pointed the gun at herself and never intended to shoot anyone else, adding her life was spiraling out of control and that she feared her four-month-old son would be taken away from her.

From Maternity Leave to Restraining Order

'I saw my baby go, my fiance, my dog, my house, and I knew that it was going to be my job, too,' she said in her testimony as she grew visibly emotional, per Boston.com.

Fitzsimmons, who was on maternity leave from the police department, said she was blindsided by Aylaian's decision to leave her and only 'realized our relationship was over when a restraining order was handed to me.'

But the couple's relationship had been deteriorating and hit a low point in June, after they attended a boozy joint bachelor and bachelorette party in Maine where they both accused each other of drinking to excess.

Fitzsimmons told the court that they had a bitter argument about caring for their son while she did CPR training just hours before she was served.

Fitzsimmons said Aylaian did not want to pick up their baby which forced her to take him with her.

The Service Weapon Lie

She testified that while driving home, she saw her fiance's truck outside a friend's property surrounded by other vehicles she recognized from the bachelor/bachelorette party which roused her suspicions.

She claimed that she then realized her phone number had been blocked by Aylaian. One of his friends allegedly tried to reassure her the vehicles she saw were only gathered at the property to pick up items left behind from a party.

She said she knew 'something was going on', and parked in a school parking lot near her home so he would not know she was home in case Aylaian came back.

Soon after Noonan and two other officers arrived at her home.

In her testimony, she admitted that she lied to the officers about where her service weapon was when they showed up at her home to serve her with the document.

She said she intended to use the gun to kill herself, testifying: 'I made that decision as I realized I had just lost everything in a 15-second conversation with my coworker.'

Her testimony came the day after Noonan took to the stand to claim that he was forced to shoot her because he feared she was trying to kill her fiance.

Chest Shot Controversy

Fitzsimmons stared down her former North Andover Police colleague in court as he testified.

Noonan told the court: 'I think I was standing in her way for her to get downstairs and kill Justin.'

Fitzsimmons was seen at that moment staring at Noonan, before turning to her attorney and appearing to mouth the word, 'What?'

Fitzsimmons was hit in the chest by Noonan after she allegedly drew her weapon, and was hospitalized for weeks with a collapsed lung. She was charged with assault when she was released.

Noonan alleged that Fitzsimmons pointed her service weapon at him and pulled the trigger, but said it made a 'click' noise because the gun was jammed.

He said he had no choice but to shoot her because she then 'tap racked' the gun, a move to clear a jam that feeds a bullet into the chamber.

In cross examination of Noonan, Fitzsimmons' attorney Timothy Bradl argued that the police officer did not need to shoot her in the chest and alleged he used excessive force.

Me and My Gun

Bradl claimed that Fitzsimmons lifted the gun in an attempt to shoot herself in the head, saying she was going through a mental health crisis and feared losing custody of her son.

He accused Noonan of unnecessarily shooting her, saying: 'You know its prohibited for someone to use deadly force on someone who is only exhibiting harm to themselves?'

Noonan, a SWAT team trained cop, responded: 'Absolutely.'

Asked why he didn't tase her instead, Noonan said: 'We meet deadly force with deadly force.'

In her own testimony, Fitzsimmons said she tried to move Noonan into another room before shooting herself, saying she 'knew if I pulled out my firearm in front of a police officer, I would get shot.'

'Im not dumb, I was a police officer. If someone takes out a gun in front of you, yes, thats a threat, yes, thats somebody that you probably feel threatened from,' she said.

'Even looking back now, reflecting for nine months, I think my decision to do it to myself was selfish to everybody who loves me,' she said. 'I wanted to kill myself. Me and my gun. No one else involved.'

Postpartum Crisis

Bradl said Fitzsimmons was suffering from postpartum depression and was on maternity leave during the shooting incident. He said her life 'imploded' when Aylaian filed a restraining order against her.

Aylaian, a local firefighter in North Andover, Massachusetts, previously alleged that Fitzsimmons threatened him and their newborn.

He previously testified in her trial on Monday, saying that he decided to move out of their home and try to gain full custody of their son over fears that she may harm herself or their family.

The first witness in the trial on Monday was North Andover Police Lt. Sean Daley, who testified that he joined Aylaian and two other officers to serve Fitzsimmons with the restraining order and waited outside while the others went inside.

Daley said he did not see Fitzsimmons bring out her weapon, but heard Noonan saying from inside the home, 'Don't do it Kelsey.'

He said he began running up the stairs and heard gunshots, then saw Fitzsimmons on the ground with a gunshot wound.

He said she told the officers as she lay injured on the ground: 'I'm sorry, I want to die.'

The Bodycam Problem

The crux of the trial rests on whether Fitzsimmons pulled her gun on herself or on the other officers, with Bradl arguing in his opening statements this week that the episode was a tragic [self-murder] attempt.

He noted that officers were heard yelling 'Kelsey, no, Kelsey, no', saying that 'you don't say that when you're staring at the muzzle of a gun pointed at you. You say that to a person who has a gun to their head.'

'And you don't shoot someone in the chest when they are seeking clearly to only harm themselves,' he added.

Massachusetts does not have a state law requiring police departments to wear body cameras and the North Andover Police Department officers at the scene were not wearing cameras that would have shown the episode in Fitzsimmons' home.

Bradl alleged that officer Noonan tried to 'adjust the narrative' after the shooting in order to protect himself and argued that he did not need to shoot Fitzsimmons in the chest.

He described Fitzsimmons as a panicking mother who thought her life was spiraling out of control as she faced losing custody of her child.

'She made a decision for herself and it's a decision that takes your breath away,' Bradl said.

'She decides to end her life with her firearm in her bedroom. She knows her firearm is in her bedroom, and she tells police something else.

No Bullet in the Chamber

'She tells them the guns are in the basement, because she doesn't want to involve them. The idea of harming them, the evidence will show, is ludicrous.

'She's trying to get them away from her.'

Prosecutors disputed Fitzsimmons' version of the incident, claiming that the only reason it did not turn deadly was because there was no bullet in the chamber of her gun and because of Noonan's SWAT team training.

They said Noonan was with Fitzsimmons when she then went into her bedroom, and he 'noticed that her demeanor changes and she gets upset, at that point she lunges to her right.'

The prosecutor alleged that she picked up her service weapon from in her bedroom, pointed it at the officers and pulled the trigger, but it did not fire.

He alleged that she then tried to rerack the gun and raised it up, leading Noonan to shoot at her twice. One missed her and the other hit her in the chest.

Fitzsimmons was a North Andover Police officer for just over a year before the shooting incident in June 2025. She was fired following the incident.

She requested a bench trial instead of facing a jury, meaning a judge will decide her fate. The judge in her trial expected that he would hear evidence and come to a verdict within a week.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Costco shoppers say a once-beloved dessert has taken a turn for the worse  and theyre not holding back.

Customers are complaining that the warehouse giants popular Kirkland Signature chocolate chunk cookies - $11 for a pack of 24 - have become hard as a rock.'

The cookies, long a staple in Costcos in-house bakery lineup, are now being branded brittle and inedible by frustrated fans who say the quality has noticeably slipped.

One shopper posted a photo of the cookies on Reddit, claiming the change happened after Costco rolled out a separate oversized chocolate chip cookie in the food court.

That $2.49 all butter cookie - packed with bittersweet and semisweet chocolate chips and a hefty 750 calories - replaced the chains iconic twisted churro in 2024.

Now, some customers are convinced the bakery version has suffered as a result.

I noticed recently they started using artificial flavors and so I quit buying them, one shopper wrote.

Another shared a photo showing them trying - and failing - to press down on a cookie. My nail is white from squeezing so hard, they said.

Costco's Kirkland Signature chocolate chunk cookies cost members $11.34 for a pack of 24 cookies

Costco shoppers can snag a massive chocolate chip cookie at the warehouse retailer's food court

'All these 'bakery' cookies are horrible, no matter where you buy them,' another Reddit user chimed in.

'It's just mass-produced dough made at a local commissary and distributed to all the stores. The priority is shelf life, not taste or quality.'

'They suck now. Just bought some and they are so bad,' another wrote.

This wouldn't be the first time Costco's desserts caused major fan frustration.

The retailer has already faced criticism after axing its fan-favorite twisted churro, replacing it with a $2.99 caramel churro sundae topped with chopped churro bites.

Still, Costcos food court remains one of the most popular in America, famous for its ultra-cheap staples including the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, pizza slices and the $3.99 chicken bake.

The company has also tightened rules around who can access those deals, recently requiring membership verification at outdoor food courts.
The boss of Epic Games is facing a furious backlash after posting what critics have branded a tone-deaf message just hours after axing 1,000 workers.

CEO Tim Sweeney suggested the newly unemployed staff would be snapped up elsewhere thanks to their 'once-in-a-lifetime' resumes - a comment that only intensified anger online.

The gaming giant - best known for its blockbuster video game Fortnite - confirmed Tuesday it was cutting around 1,000 jobs, alongside more than $500million in spending across contractors, marketing and open roles.

Sweeney said the cuts were unavoidable because the company is still spending more than it earns - despite the huge success of Fortnite and its powerful Unreal Engine software.

Fortnite still generated about $6billion in revenue in 2025 - but that marked a slowdown from the year before as player activity dipped. Lower console sales and costly legal fights with Apple and Google added to problems.

But it was Sweeney's attempt to justify the layoffs that triggered the biggest backlash.

'An important thing to understand is that Epic never lowered our hiring standards as we grew, and the layoff wasn't a performance-based 'rightsizing' as companies call it nowadays,' Sweeney wrote.

'It's a sound bet that anyone with Epic Games on their resume is in the top few percent of their discipline.'

The CEO of Epic Games has caught the ire of users online for his utterly thoughtless post on X directed at the 1,000 employees he had sacked the day before

Gaming boss Tim Sweeney touted that the axed employees would be easy pickings for hiring companies with their 'once-in-a-lifetime' resumes and 'quality' work ethic

Fortnite gameplay image showing the hit battle royale that helped generate billions for Epic Games - even as the company moves to cut 1,000 jobs

However, this didn't have the desired effect of quelling the masses with many blasting Sweeney for 'ruining' the companies reputation.

'You can't just lay off over 1,000 employees, many of whom had been with the company for more than seven years or were exceptionally talented,' one user wrote.

'You've made a huge mistake, and you're only going to end up losing everything you've built.'

'So you recognize their impeccable work, soul, and discipline AND STILL decided to s***can them,' another user wrote. 'This will have long lasting effects on the community and game that may not recover.'

Many blasted his decision to fire principal engineer Evan Kinney, who is responsible for game security and helped shape various events, replay mode and the upcoming rivalry system for Fortnite.

Kinney wrote on X in the wake of their firing: 'Guess who got laid off today! I am genuinely so confused and bewildered. Just in the past few days i've had multiple directors tell me how much they appreciate everything I do.'

Another user referenced former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's widely hailed decision to voluntary take a 50 percent pay cut twice due to poor performance of two of its gaming products, the 3DS and the Wii U, rather than laying off employees.

'You cutting 5 percent of your salary would be 100 times what Iwata lost financially and I bet it's even more...,' they wrote.

Many blasted his decision to fire principal engineer Evan Kinney, who is responsible for game security and helped shape various events, replay mode and the upcoming rivalry system for Fortnite

Fortnite generated approximately $6billion in revenue in 2025, despite experiencing a notable 'downturn' in player engagement and hours compared to 2024

This backlash comes as fears of an AI-driven jobs cull on Wall Street are intensifying after banking giant HSBC revealed it is weighing sweeping layoffs that could hit up to 20,000 workers last week.

Jack Dorsey kicked off the AI job cut wave in February, axing 4,000 workers - roughly half of Block's workforce - saying he would rather make deep cuts now than carry out staggered layoffs as AI reshapes the business.

It was followed by Australian tech entrepreneur Mike Cannon-Brookes slashing more than 1,600 jobs at Atlassian in an AI-driven shake-up.

Then last week week, reports emerged suggesting Meta could cut as much as 20 percent of its workforce as the company that owns Facebook pours billions into artificial intelligence.
Vision of building community with shared future for humanity lights way forward

10:53, March 26, 2026 By He Yin ( People's Daily

On March 23, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping first proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity when he addressed the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. With a broad and forward-looking perspective, this vision has helped guide global development and progress.

Over the past 13 years, this vision has evolved from a compelling idea into concrete, wide-ranging practice. People around the world increasingly recognize its contemporary relevance and the strength of its principles. Like a beacon, it continues to light the way forward for humanity.

In a world marked by overlapping disruptions and uncertainty, the long-term vision and global implications of this vision have become ever more evident.

Humanity faces mounting challenges: hegemonism and power politics are on the rise; unilateralism and protectionism are resurging; multilateralism and free trade are under growing strain.

Seen through the lens of zero-sum and "my country first," the world appears narrow, crowded, and conflict-ridden. However, from the perspective of shared interests and win-win cooperation, it looks markedly different: more open, more interconnected, and full of opportunity.

The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity follows the laws of social development and aligns with the trend toward peace and development. It sends a clear message: in the face of common challenges, no country can succeed in isolation. Cooperation and coexistence remain the most viable path forward.

As John Milligan-Whyte, chairman of the America-China Partnership Foundation noted, Western thinking has often assumed that "for one to win, another must lose." When this vision was proposed in 2013, it challenged such assumptions, and today it is increasingly shaping how the world operates.

A just cause commands broad support and unites people across nations. The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity has taken deep root in people's hearts.

It has been written into resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for nine consecutive years and has received support from more than 100 countries and international organizations. Dozens of countries and regions have reached consensus with China on building communities with shared futures in various forms.

Progress has been made across fields such as cyberspace, nuclear security, public health, human-nature relations, and maritime cooperation. Its appeal and influence continue to grow.

According to a 2025 Global Survey on Impression and Understanding of China, nearly 80 percent of overseas respondents recognized this vision. Favorable perceptions of China continued to rise, with increasing expectations for China to play a greater global role.

China's actions, guided by a commitment to the common good, are gathering forces for cooperation and global solidarity.

In addressing development challenges, China has advanced high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, and promoted similar measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

It has also built platforms for exchange and cooperation, such as the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Consumer Products Expo, continuously sharing development opportunities through higher-level opening up.

A slogan displayed on the cranes at Chancay Port in Peru -- "A port of all, a port for all" -- reflects China's commitment to ensuring that no country is left behind on the path to modernization.

In the face of global uncertainties, China has actively played its role as a responsible major country, contributing Chinese solutions to global challenges, working tirelessly to foster peace, and building consensus.

It has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. These four global initiatives respond to the urgent needs of today's world, have been widely welcomed as international public goods, and provide strategic guidance for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the country is advancing steadily, growing robustly, and moving in the right direction. It will strive to serve as an anchor of certainty and a source of stability for the world.

With firm conviction and pragmatic action, China will work with all parties to turn the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity into reality, seeking to contribute to global development and human progress.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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You or a loved one may be in need of an ambulance during a medical emergency. Your house might be on fire. The ambulance or fire engine never turns up because it has no fuel. This is because Ed Miliband has blocked any new contracts or drilling in the North Sea where there are literally billions of barrels of oil and gas.

Yes, we get Net Zero, ah wouldnt it be lovely if the world and everyone had daffodils everywhere and farted out rose scented eco farts but the world is not fucking like that. There are mean regimes around, there are bad people who want Britain ruined, and there are wars.

The eco-lunatics need to get a fucking wake-up call, because in times of war, your fucking windmills do nothing. You cant put a wind turbine on a fucking tank or run a fucking battleship with solar.

After the war, when the globe has been purged of much of its population, sure, if youre still alive, Ed Miliband, you can stick turbines and solar panels over the pockmarked landscape or do whatever you want, but get this through your fucking deluded thick head  were in the beginning of the war right now. You need to open the fucking drill holes and get that oil, shale and gas flowing.

You deluded motherfuckers will be the ruin of Britain. Look at Norway; they are run by a leftist government, but one with a fucking brain. They are drilling and drilling right now, you stupid, cunting arseweed Miliband moron. Imagine the amount of money through tax revenue and other charges the stinking, fucking, debt-ridden Labour government could make with North Sea oil.

If there is anyone who has any fucking sense in the miserable Labour government, do something now. Lock Miliband up immediately. Whatever it takes, he needs to be put in a padded room somewhere and the key thrown away; he is an existential danger to the United Kingdom.

I wish our politicians absolutely zero luck in explaining their energy policy to the walking dead when the pumps are dry and the lights go out. pic.twitter.com/nSIbNZZE5K  StarmerOut (@ForeverScept) March 26, 2026
A candlelight vigil will be held in Inishowen this week in memory of murdered young Derry woman Amy Doherty, as the local community joins a wider regional response to the ongoing crisis of domestic abuse.

Organised by Lifeline Inishowen, the event will take place at 7.00pm on Friday, March 27, outside the domestic abuse charity's premises beside Super Valu in Carndonagh, with everyone urged to attend.

The vigil aims to bring people together in solidarity with Ms Dohertys devastated family while also standing united against all forms of domestic violence.

Lifeline Inishowen Project Manager Bridgeen Coyle said the organisation, like many across the North West, has been shocked, saddened and angered by the circumstances surrounding the horrific death of the 28-year-old Derry mother-of-two.

With similar vigils being held in the North, Bridgeen said it is vital for the people of Inishowen to stand in solidarity too.

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The peaceful gathering will include a moment of reflection where attendees will light candles in remembrance and hope. Organisers also plan to release thirty balloons to honour the women who have lost their lives to domestic abuse in the North since 2020, further highlighting the scale of the problem.

Bridgeen said the Carndonagh vigil is not only about remembering victims but also about raising awareness and encouraging collective responsibility.

You are not alone has always been our core message, she said, adding that events like this are essential in breaking the silence that often surrounds abuse and in supporting survivors within the community.

Members of the public are being encouraged to attend and show their support, with organisers hoping the turnout will strengthen calls for action and reinforce a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.

Domestic abuse continues to impact families across Inishowen and beyond. By coming together in solidarity, organisers believe communities can play a vital role in challenging violence, supporting victims and working towards a safer future for all.

All are welcome to attend.
A businessman who carried out a violent assault on the proprietor of a popular Inishowen coffee shop, headbutting and kicking him before chasing him around the premises in a moment of madness, has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Mark Harkin, of 148 Sicily Park, Belfast, appeared before Buncrana District Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and provoking the peace arising from an incident at Gap Coffee Co in Bridgend.

The court heard how the 54-year-old defendant, with previous addresses in Newtowncunningham and Derry, had been a regular customer at the coffee shop because his business is nearby.

Mr Harkin, who runs a glass staircase business, admitted attacking Mr Niall Cusack after being asked to leave Gap Coffee Co one morning last year.

Judge Grainne Malone described Mr Harkins behaviour as extremely concerning. She imposed a three-month prison term, suspended for eighteen months, on condition that Mr Harkin keeps the peace and stays away from the Bridgend establishment.

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Giving evidence for the prosecution, Garda Daniel Mulholland of Muff Garda Station outlined how he was called to the scene following reports of an assault at approximately 9.30am on the morning of April 10, 2025.

Upon arrival at Gap Coffee Co, he met with the injured party, manager Niall Cusack, who reported that he had been attacked by a customer known to him as Mark Harkin.

Mr Cusack explained that earlier that morning, he had approached Mr Harkin in response to complaints about his behaviour, which were described in court as relating to general annoyance. Seeking to address the matter calmly, Mr Cusack asked Mr Harkin to step outside the premises so they could speak privately.

Once outside, Mr Cusack informed the defendant that his patronage was no longer welcome at the coffee shop and asked him to take his business elsewhere. It was at that point, however, the court heard, that the situation escalated suddenly.

According to Garda Mulhollands evidence, Mr Harkin reacted by headbutting Mr Cusack, an attack which drew blood, before proceeding to kick him. The assault did not end there. The defendant then chased Mr Cusack around the building while verbally abusing him.

Garda Mulholland viewed CCTV footage of the incident at the premises. While the footage only partially captured what occurred, he told the court it clearly showed a forceful interaction that knocked Mr Cusack backwards.

By the time Gardai arrived, however, Mr Cusack had cleaned himself up and there were no visible signs of blood. The injured party did not require medical attention and did not sustain any lasting physical injuries.

Nevertheless, Garda Mulholland confirmed that Mr Cusack later provided a victim impact statement, which was submitted to the court and read by Judge Malone. The contents of that statement, the judge noted, illustrated the significant emotional impact the incident had on him.

In a development that weighed in the defendants favour, the court heard that Mr Harkin made early efforts to engage with Gardai following the assault. In fact, before Garda Mulholland had completed his initial enquiries, Mr Harkin had already contacted Buncrana Garda Station and left his details.

Garda Mulholland subsequently spoke with Mr Harkin by phone. During that conversation, the defendant indicated that he was travelling back to Belfast but openly admitted his involvement in the assault. He later attended Buncrana Garda Station on May 13, 2025, where he made full admissions under caution.

During interview, Mr Harkin described the incident as a moment of madness, stating that he had lost control of himself during the confrontation. Garda Mulholland told the court that the defendant had been extremely cooperative throughout the investigation process.

Mr Harkin was later arrested on foot of a live bench warrant and brought before Letterkenny District Court. The court heard that at the time of his arrest for the assault, there were also two outstanding warrants relating to historic road traffic matters.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Rory OBrien painted a picture of a previously law-abiding individual who had experienced a complete and uncharacteristic loss of composure.

He emphasised how his client has no previous convictions in either jurisdiction and is regarded as a hardworking businessman who regularly travels between Belfast and Inishowen for work.

Mr OBrien told the court that the incident must be understood in the context of a heated exchange between two individuals who were familiar with one another. Mr Harkin, he said, had been a loyal and frequent customer of the coffee shop, attending up to three times a day on some occasions.

The defence solicitor said that on the morning in question, Mr Harkin had been in the premises with friends when he felt that he was being singled out by Mr Cusack. The defence said there had been a discussion relating to a previous littering incident, during which Mr Harkin felt he was being unfairly accused and publicly ridiculed.

Garda Mulholland accepted that there had been a conversation outside the premises about a prior littering issue. However, he maintained that Mr Cusack had acted appropriately in asking Mr Harkin to step outside to discuss the matter.

According to Mr OBrien, emotions escalated quickly once the two men were outside. His client felt antagonised and victimised, and in the heat of the moment lost the run of himself. The solicitor stressed that Mr Harkin fully accepts responsibility for his actions and recognises that his behaviour was wholly unacceptable.

This was completely out of character, Mr OBrien said. It was an aberration that occurred during a face-to-face confrontation when emotions were running high.

He added that Mr Harkin had immediately acknowledged his wrongdoing, contacted Gardai of his own accord, and later made full admissions. He had also expressed a willingness to make amends, including offering compensation to the injured party.

However, Garda Mulholland informed the court that Mr Cusack did not wish to accept any personal compensation. Instead, he requested that any such payment be directed towards a domestic violence charity.

Judge Malone, in her remarks, acknowledged the mitigating factors in the case, including the defendants guilty plea, lack of previous convictions, and cooperation with the investigation. However, she made clear that the seriousness of the offence could not be overlooked.

I appreciate that Mr Harkin has pleaded guilty to this matter and has no previous convictions, she said. However, Mr Cusack has written a very moving victim impact statement where he clearly has been affected very badly by this assault.

The judge emphasised that as the proprietor of the premises, Mr Cusack was entirely within his rights to address concerns about a customers behaviour. She noted that he had handled the situation appropriately by asking Mr Harkin to step outside rather than confronting him publicly.

Its important to remember who is on trial here, Judge Malone said. It is Mr Harkin and not Mr Cusack.

Describing the defendants actions as deeply concerning, she highlighted the nature and timing of the assault.

To headbutt someone at 9.30 in the morning is extremely serious, she said. Anyone is entitled to be in their premises at that hour and not be at risk of attack.

While the judge ultimately decided against imposing an immediate custodial sentence, she said a prison term was warranted to mark the gravity of the offence. She sentenced Mr Harkin to three months in prison but suspended the sentence for a period of 18 months on strict conditions.

Those conditions include that Mr Harkin must keep the peace, be of good behaviour, and stay away from Gap Coffee Co in Bridgend.

In addition, Judge Malone directed the defendant to pay 500 to Lifeline Inishowen, reflecting the victims wish that any financial penalty be used for charitable purposes.

The court also briefly addressed separate road traffic matters involving Mr Harkin, which were adjourned to a later date. The defendant signed a bail bond before leaving the courtroom. He did not address the court during the proceedings.
An Assembly Committee has warned tens of thousands of road openings carried out each year by utility companies could be contributing to the deterioration of Northern Irelands road network.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) cannot currently determine the costs linked to these reinstatements or provide assurance that taxpayers are not subsidising associated maintenance work.

In its Report on Road Openings by Utilities, the Committee says the burden of maintenance costs associated with over 50,000 road openings and reinstatements that take place annually should be shared with the utilities.

However, the Committee has expressed alarm that it had not received reassurances that this was the case.

Utility companies supply essential services like gas, electricity and communications and carry out necessary works on their infrastructure. When this involves opening roads and pavements, they are also responsible for reinstating them to a satisfactory standard so they can be used by the public.

As part of its Inquiry into this area, officials from the Department for Infrastructure (which oversees the performance of utilities) gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee.

In its report, PAC has made a total of 11 recommendations it would like to see implemented.

The Committee believes that frequent and repeated road openings can weaken the road structure and contribute to the deterioration of the network over time.

Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Daniel McCrossan MLA said: Of course there are other causes of defects that the Department is required to repair across the entire network.

However, when we spoke to officials they couldnt set out a reliable way of calculating how much of that burden arose from deterioration of the road network linked specifically to utility reinstatements.

As a result, they couldnt reassure us that taxpayers were not subsidising repairs that should be properly funded by utility companies.

We are recommending that by the early Autumn, the Department develops a methodology to determine the cost of maintenance linked specifically to utility reinstatements - and uses it to determine if its cost recovery approach is appropriate and achieving value for money.

Within a year, we also want to see the Department undertake a full evaluation of the costs and benefits of introducing performance-related financial penalties for utilities.

The Committee concluded that the road network was in an entirely unacceptable state of disrepair. It highlighted a 2024 Northern Ireland Audit Office finding that more than 3.3 billion worth of maintenance work remained outstanding.

In its report, PAC went on to say that the disruption caused by utility works impacted significantly on road users and local communities. It cited an inconsistency in contractor behaviour, as well as poor communication and unclear lines of responsibility that all contributed to the disruption and uncertainty experienced by residents and businesses.

The Committee said it would like to see a substantial strengthening in how DfI gathered, analysed and responded to public concerns - and called for reporting mechanisms to be simple, accessible and well promoted.

Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Tom Buchanan MLA said they were also calling for urgent action to restore a credible inspection programme by the Department. He said: Visual inspection targets have been missed consecutively for seven years. Effective inspections are essential in ensuring reinstatement works are completed to the required standard and defects identified early.

Another issue has been the suspension of the core testing programme  which can identify defects beneath the road surface. This represents a serious risk.

Our report also recommends the Department publishes a wider range of performance data from utilities. More transparent and specific reporting would help drive improvements, shine a light on poor performers and give the public greater confidence that issues are being addressed.

Within the next 12 months we want to see a detailed action plan published which sets out how the data gathered will be used to support decision making and actions.

The Committee has also called for a review of warranties related to reinstatements to take place within the next six months  to ensure they protect public money.

Warranties are intended to protect the taxpayer from short-term costs arising from poorquality reinstatements  but PAC believes the current two or threeyear warranty periods are insufficient.

PAC welcomed the Departments innovative digital mapping and AI project, which it said in the future could transform the way road conditions are understood and defects are identified  and it acknowledged the benchmarking work being carried out with the Highways Authority and Utilities Committee (HAUC UK).

The Committee said the Departments ability to manage road openings by utilities had been constrained by significant recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in professional and technical roles. It recognised the Departments efforts to innovate in workforce development but said the challenges were systemwide and required coordinated, crossdepartmental action.
Arrests have been made in Derry as part of enquiries into reports of suspicious activity in Ballymena earlier this week.

The arrests were made by Tactical Support Group officers based in Maydown when on patrol in the Victoria Road area on Wednesday night, March 25.

A 17-year-old male teenager and a 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary remain in custody at this time.

A 19-year-old man, who was arrested by Local Response Team officers in Derry on March 24, also on suspicion of burglary, has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The three arrests follow reports earlier this week of suspicious activity in Ballymena where householders were approached by males offering to carrying out general maintenance work. Enquiries are ongoing.

Police are advising people to be vigilant and report any suspicious strangers offering unsolicited services or trying to gain access to homes.

This could involve offers to clean driveways, repair roofs or other maintenance or repair work.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Not all cold-callers are rogue traders or fraudsters, however, those intent on committing crime will employ any tactic to engage you and lower your guard.

"If someone calls to your home offering a service you have not sought out, or making enquiries about any work you may need done, trust your gut - if you feel that something isn't quite right, it usually isn't. Dont permit them into your home, do not make any advance payments and report anything that raises your suspicions to us immediately.

"It is so important to share details of these types of interactions and behaviours with us. The sooner information is reported, even if it is on behalf of others, the better our chances are of catching a potential criminal. This is also a good way to help us spot potential patterns and implement patrolling to deter criminals and reduce crimes of this nature in the local area.

"There is information available on the PSNI website https://www.psni.police.uk/bogus-callers"
Dentaid The Dental Charity has provided free dental treatment to people experiencing homelessness in Derry on its return to Northern Ireland.

The charity held five outreach mobile dental clinics at the Foyle Haven Day Centre, operated by homelessness charity Depaul, between March 23 and 27.

Volunteer dentists and dental nurses supported Depauls service users, with treatments to relieve dental pain and assessments for those who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed.

It marks the charitys first visit to Northern Ireland in more than a year to provide treatment for those in need of care who are facing barriers to dentistry such as homelessness, harm, poverty or abuse. Dentaid has previously held clinics in Armagh, Belfast, Coleraine and Lisburn.

Dentaid operates 11 mobile dental units, each containing equipment including a chair, lights, dental instruments and X-rays. They travel around the UK visiting locations such as homeless shelters, womens refuges and community centres to provide care to vulnerable people in places where they receive advice and support.

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Last year Dentaid provided more than 30,000 dental treatments including fillings, extractions and scale and polishes to 8,438 people experiencing homelessness, harm, poverty and abuse across the UK.

Depaul is a charity which supports some of the most marginalised individuals and families living in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They provide emergency and long-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, along with wrap-around support and interactive workshops in schools to help children understand homelessness and make safer choices.

Jill Harding, head of marketing and communications at Dentaid The Dental Charity, said: Returning to Northern Ireland has been one of our main priorities for 2026 as we recognise the need for dental care is hugely important, especially for the most vulnerable groups of people.

This week has been hugely rewarding in terms of being able to not just help people out of dental pain but enable them to feel more confident in their appearances and help break down barriers to support stemming from their oral health.

A huge amount of work has gone into making these clinics a success and we would like to give a big thanks to Depaul and Bupa Dental Care Londonderry helping us to give smiles back to people experiencing homelessness.

Commenting on the partnership, Helena Bracken, Project Group Manager at Depaul's Foyle Haven service said: We are very grateful for the support of the Dentaid team and for their incredible work. At Depaul, we believe everyone deserves the dignity of a healthy smile and so we are proud to host Dentaid's mobile clinic this week providing life-changing care directly to our service users.

Together, we are breaking down barriers to healthcare and supporting those who need it most.

To learn more about Dentaid The Dental Charity please visit www.dentaid.org.
Utility companies digging up roads in Northern Ireland more than 50,000 times a year could be contributing to infrastructure deterioration, a Stormont committee has warned.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has also raised concerns that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) cannot provide assurance that taxpayers are not subsidising associated maintenance work.

In a report, the committee said the burden of maintenance costs associated with road openings and reinstatements that take place annually should be shared with the utilities.

However, the committee has expressed alarm that it had not received reassurances that this was the case.

Utility companies which supply services like gas, electricity and communications, carry out necessary works on their infrastructure.

When this involves opening roads and pavements, they are also responsible for reinstating them to a standard so they can be used by the public.

The PAC has made 11 recommendations following an inquiry.

The committee believes that frequent and repeated road openings can weaken the road structure and contribute to the deterioration of the network over time.

Committee chairman Daniel McCrossan said: Of course there are other causes of defects that the Department (for Infrastructure) is required to repair across the entire network.

However, when we spoke to officials they couldnt set out a reliable way of calculating how much of that burden arose from deterioration of the road network linked specifically to utility reinstatements.

As a result, they couldnt reassure us that taxpayers were not subsidising repairs that should be properly funded by utility companies.

We are recommending that by the early autumn, the department develops a methodology to determine the cost of maintenance linked specifically to utility reinstatements  and uses it to determine if its cost recovery approach is appropriate and achieving value for money.

Mr McCrossan said the committee also wanted to see the department undertake a full evaluation of the costs and benefits of introducing performance-related financial penalties for utilities.

The committee concluded that the road network was in an entirely unacceptable state of disrepair.

It highlighted a 2024 Northern Ireland Audit Office finding that more than 3.3 billion worth of maintenance work remained outstanding.

In its report, the PAC said that the disruption caused by utility works impacted significantly on road users and local communities.

The committee said it would like to see a substantial strengthening in how DfI gathered, analysed and responded to public concerns, and called for reporting mechanisms to be simple, accessible and well promoted.

The committee has also called for a review of warranties related to reinstatements to take place within the next six months  to ensure they protect public money.

Warranties are intended to protect the taxpayer from short-term costs arising from poorquality reinstatements  but PAC said it believes the current two or threeyear warranty periods are insufficient.

PAC welcomed the departments innovative digital mapping and AI project, which it said in the future could transform the way road conditions are understood and defects are identified.

It said the departments ability to manage road openings by utilities had been constrained by significant recruitment and retention challenges.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: The department welcomes the publication of the Public Accounts Committees report on road openings by utilities and will carefully consider the findings.

The department will work with the Public Accounts Committee to progress the recommendations contained within the report.
A police officer has said he cannot explain why he stated in evidence at the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe that he had been tasked to search for a green coat belonging to the missing schoolboy.

The constable initially told a jury at Belfast Coroners Court he had searched a flat for the missing coat, but later conceded he didnt believe he had been told about the item.

The officer also told the inquest he had been briefed by a team at Musgrave Street police station in Belfast before giving evidence on Thursday.

The inquest into the death of the schoolboy, which is being heard with a jury, is in its ninth week.

Noah, a pupil at St Malachys College, was 14 when his naked body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he left home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was likely to be drowning.

The inquest continued on Thursday with evidence from Constable Wharry.

He told the jury that on June 25 2020, four days after Noah disappeared, he was tasked to assist CID with the arrest of a male at a flat in Belfast.

The officer said nobody was in attendance at the address, but it was searched and shortly before 10pm he discovered items of schoolwork belonging to Noah in a rubbish bag in the kitchen of the flat.

Counsel to the coroner Peter Coll asked if the person police had been tasked to arrest on the evening was Daryl Paul.

The officer confirmed this.

Paul, of Cliftonville Avenue, previously pleaded guilty to stealing a rucksack containing Noahs laptop and school books.

The officer told the court he had been advised that Noahs laptop, bag and green coat were in the possession of Paul.

The officer said the flat was extensively searched but the laptop and green coat were not present.

He said the school books were bagged and taken to Musgrave Street police station.

The officer told the court that despite stating in his original statement there was body-worn camera evidence of the search, he later said he could not remember if footage had been recorded.

The witness was then questioned by counsel for Noahs mother Fiona Donohoe.

Brenda Campbell KC showed the witness a statement from Ms Donohoe setting out her concerns about the police investigation into the disappearance of her son, including the failure to recover items of his clothing.

She said: Did you understand before you got into the witness box today that a concern was the failure of the police to look for Noahs green coat?

The officer said he had been briefed at Musgrave Street police station before he gave evidence that there had been concerns about the coat.

Ms Campbell said: It is a concern that for the first time in your evidence, you mentioned three or four times a green coat and yet it appears nowhere in your statements, nowhere in your contemporaneous notebook.

You tell us today for the first time you were briefed in relation to the green coat, that you looked for the green coat and that you didnt find the green coat.

He said: I looked for all the items we were told to look for.

The barrister said: Which you tell us for the first time included the green coat. Is that true?

He said: I believe so. We were in the flat, when Daryl Paul was not there we were told items.

Ms Campbell said: What were you told?

The officer responded: The laptop and the bag.

She continued: Anything else?

Mr Wharry said: I dont believe we were told about the green coat.

We were told about items.

Ms Campbell said: You dont believe you were told about the green coat, why have you told us repeatedly this morning that you were?

When the officer did not reply, the barrister asked if he was able to answer the question.

He said: I am not, no.

Ms Campbell said this was a serious matter and difficult evidence for Noahs mother to listen to.

After lunch, Ms Campbell asked: You told us you had been briefed by the team at Musgrave Street station before you came to court today. Who was present?

Coroner Mr Justice Rooney warned the witness that he was not obliged to respond if he felt a truthful answer would incriminate himself.

The witness indicated he would answer the question and said he was briefed by two other officers about the the running order of the court as he had never been in the witness box before.

Ms Campbell pointed out the officer had said in his first statement to the inquest that, on the evening he had carried out the search of the flat, the events had been captured on body-worn video footage.

She said: Was that the truth?

The officer said: I believed it was captured.

The barrister showed the jury a statement from another police officer, which stated Noahs school books were observed in the flat beside clothing on the bedroom floor.

Ms Campbell said: What we were particularly interested in is what was the clothing, and one way to answer that question might have been through the body-worn footage.

The barrister then said that during the disclosure process in the inquest, requests had been made to view the footage.

She said this then led to a second statement from the officer in 2022 stating he could not remember if a body-worn camera had been activated during the search.

The barrister next drew attention to police public appeals for information during the period of Noahs disappearance, which had mentioned his missing green coat.

She said an anonymous call to police following these appeals had led to the search of Pauls flat.

Ms Campbell said: The one thing you came away without, which is of interest to us, was the green North Face coat.

He said: That is correct.

She said: That is because, I am going to suggest, you were never asked to look for it?

The officer said: I cant recall the full details of what we were told.

Mr Justice Rooney asked the officer: Knowing you are going to arrest someone, would you not have put your body-worn videos on?

Mr Wharry said: I would only put it on if somebody is there.

Counsel for the PSNI Donal Lunny asked if there was an element of discretion for officers at the time about when they turned their cameras on.

The constable said: There was, the system has changed since then.

The inquest will resume on Monday.
Contingency plans to cover special school summer schemes are being examined, the Health Minister said, after it was announced that the programme would be called off this year.

It emerged on Thursday that the schemes, which provide support for children with additional needs over the summer, would not go ahead in 2026 over concerns about the healthcare available for pupils.

An Assembly committee heard on Thursday that families are spitting fire over the decision.

The Education Authority said it had attempted to avoid the move through repeated engagement with the Department of Health.

It said it had made clear that on-site nursing cover would be required for summer schemes to be held safely.

However, the authority said the department had confirmed this will not be available.

The Department of Health has said every summer scheme does not require an onsite registered nurse.

In a statement, the Education Authority said: This decision has been taken solely on safety grounds.

We deeply regret it and fully understand that it will be very distressing for children and parents.

The authority acknowledged the pressures facing the health service, and said it would continue to work to resolve the issue of healthcare provision for special school pupils.

It said its view was that consistent province-wide and year-round nurse-led provision for all special schools is required.

It added: Its current absence, in the context of greater complexity of health needs, has created growing pressures and concerns for the welfare of children in term time.

The risks are much greater in the summer months when there is inevitably reduced staffing availability for summer schemes, with the schools themselves being closed.

At the Assemblys Health Committee on Thursday, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said that little bit of comfort for parents and opportunity for those children had been thrown away.

He said those summer schemes must happen and added that families were spitting fire over the decision.

He questioned the minister on what would be done for vulnerable children who will have two months without structured activity due to cutbacks from the Department of Health.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the programme was a two-week scheme, but Mr McGrath replied that the school break means children go two months without provision.

The minister told the committee: We are looking at contingency plans to cover that period.

But I think its just very disappointing that those summer schools are being suspended.

The UUP MLA said he was trying to understand what has changed since last year and added he was surprised to hear that announcement coming today.

Mr Nesbitt said one of the issues is that the Department of Education, led by DUP minister Paul Givan, was not aware of the qualifications of all their classroom assistants.

He said he had proposed that such assistants on 52-week contracts could be switched to look after summer schemes.

Mr Nesbitt said: Im not quite sure why we have given up so early on with the summer still some months away.

Mr McGrath said it sounded like Mr Nesbitt was having a bit of a row with and passing the buck to the Education Minister over the terms of classroom assistants.

Mr Nesbitt said the characterisation was deeply unfair and just wrong.

Im saying that an official from the Department of Education said they didnt have full knowledge of the qualifications of the classroom assistants.

Thats just a fact  thats not poking at anybody.

Mr McGrath replied: Its farcical that one end of our Executive doesnt know what the other is doing, and in one end of the Executive, youre saying the staff dont even know the qualifications of the staff that work for them.

Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health Mike Farrar called the EAs decision highly regrettable.

SEN summer schools have been running successfully and safely in Northern Ireland for several years with nursing support which did not include onsite nursing presence in all sites.

Of the full cohort of children attending special schools (around 7,500), around 1,500 are identified as requiring additional support for complex healthcare needs.

Based on clinical advice, the safe delivery of these summer schemes does not require onsite registered nursing provision in all sites.

We have advised that in previous years the CCNs (community childrens nurses) provided additional training and support to classroom assistants who work on the summer schemes and we have offered to provide that at an enhanced level.

The CCNs provide healthcare support to children with complex healthcare needs within the community including those requiring palliative care as well as providing support to children attending SEN schools.

He said around 80% of children who attend SEN schools do not have complex healthcare needs requiring CCN intervention.

The cancellation of these schemes will also directly lead to pressure on already stretched respite services for a significant number of these children who have very complex needs and we fully acknowledge and appreciate the concerns that families will understandably have.

We remain committed to supporting schools to address the health needs of children with special educational needs and work is ongoing to consider the best model for nursing provision in special schools.

We will make every effort to ensure that alternative support can be put in place to lessen the impact of the EA decision.

Sinn Feins Cathy Mason called for ministers to find a solution.

In a statement she said: It is unacceptable that the health and education ministers could not come up with a solution to continue this much-needed provision this summer.

These special school summer schemes are a lifeline for many families, providing vital respite and important support for children with complex needs.

In recent days we have seen the Education Minister attempt to deflect from his failings in improving the education system. Instead he should be focused on protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

I will be writing to both ministers to challenge this decision and to press them to get their heads together and find a solution that works for these children, their families and their schools.

TUV councillor Matthew Armstrong, who is the father of a child with additional needs, said the schemes are a vital part of the holiday season and described the announcement as totally unacceptable.

The Ballymena representative added: Whatever the truth, and whoever to blame, it is outrageous and leaves some of the most vulnerable children in society in the lurch.
Violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland was the main issue discussed by the Executive on Thursday, health minister Mike Nesbitt said.

Mr Nesbitt said he was considering whether a summit could be organised to engage with communities on the issue of domestic violence against women and girls, but warned the problem would not go away quickly.

He also said funding was not withdrawn from Womens Aid, but instead their application was refused; and added that he would prefer if they were receiving funding from his department.

The topic of violence against women and girls has come to the fore after the murder of two women this month as well as the conviction of Stephen McCullagh for the murder of his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally.

A murder investigations is ongoing following the death of Amy Doherty in Londonderry at the weekend, while a man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Ellie Flanagan in Fermanagh earlier this month.

Appearing before the health committee on Thursday, Mr Nesbitt said funding for Womens Aid had not been cut, but instead they had not qualified for funding.

He was responding to a question from committee chairperson Philip McGuigan, who said the Department of Health cut its funding in 2023 by half and withdrew completely core grant funding in 2024.

Mr Nesbitt said: If youre referring to core funding, we did not cut this time. We didnt cut them out.

We redesigned the scheme two years ago, we redesigned it again for this coming year because it had been around for over 20 years and new charities couldnt even apply for it.

So, what happened was, Womens Aid didnt meet the criteria to get it and I think thats a very important distinction between us actively deciding to withdraw their funding and them being unsuccessful in the application.

I would much rather they were receiving core grant funding from the Department of Health, and thats why we provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Asked if he could look to see if more could be done for Womens Aid, Mr Nesbitt replied: I will certainly do that.

But we are talking about governance, and we have to have governance structures about how we distribute the money.

He added: Ive come to you from an Executive meeting that started at 10am and is still ongoing, and I hope I will be forgiven if Im breaking confidence by saying the substantive discussion this morning was on the violence against women and girls and the two deeply regrettable, tragic murders.

He said he planned to write to First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly about a proposal to better engage with the community.

I also think its probably one of those issues thats going to be a generational transformation.

So, what Im thinking about is not just Womens Aid, but all the community and voluntary groups that the Department of Health funds.

So, the ones who are maybe dealing with womens issues, and particularly with youth, could we pull them all in somewhere could we just have a summit and say weve got to get out and start messaging and really engage the community in whats going on. Its not going to go away quickly.
Some reassurance has been given that the meningitis outbreak in the south of England may be able to be contained, Stormonts health minister Mike Nesbitt has said.

He said the Department of Health was working to find out how many students may be coming back to Northern Ireland from England for the Easter holidays.

Two students have died following the meningitis outbreak in Kent and 20 laboratory cases had been confirmed, with a further two under investigation.

All patients in the outbreak have required hospital admission, and nine were admitted to the intensive care unit.

No new cases have been reported in recent days, however.

Mr Nesbitt was asked by SDLP MLA Colin McGrath if additional measures had been put in place to prepare for a possible meningitis outbreak, considering students may be travelling back from England.

Mr Nesbitt told the health committee that there was a four-nations call last week where the outbreak was discussed.

He added: The UK Health Security Agency gave some reassurances in terms of the containment of this outbreak, which, as you know, is in the south of England, and came specifically at this Club Chemistry nightclub.

There is a reasonable degree of assurance that they think they will be able to contain it there, we are trying to ascertain the small number of students from here who will be coming back for the Easter holidays.

Weve been assured that one pupil of an East Belfast school who had meningitis did not have meningococcal meningitis, and in fact, thats part of just the normal run of meningitis.

I think theres an average of one a day across the United Kingdom.

We have vaccinations in sufficient supply, and the vaccination does apply, it does work with this strand of meningitis.

So we are reasonably assured that we are not on the brink of something disastrous.
Airtel Africa chair Sunil Bharti Mittal will retire from his position later this year, with Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal set to succeed him.

Mittal, who also serves as executive vice chairman of Bharti Airtel, will step down at the end of the operators AGM in July. He has held the role since 2019 and has been credited with steering the business to a lifetime high revenue market share despite intense competition.

Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of deputy chair from the same date. Airtel Africa said the appointment will ensure continuity with the founding family and significant shareholder. He will also act as a conduit between the board and the Airtel Money board, on which he serves, as well as with Airtel Africas headquarters in Dubai, where he is based.

Mittal said: It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity, and I know the company will continue to prosper and advance the transformative power of connectivity to the millions of customers we serve across 14 African countries. I have offered my services and will be available to support the company as requested by the chair.
The Namibia Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) said on Tuesday that it rejected LEO satellite operator Starlinks application for a licence to operate in the country because it didnt meet all regulatory requirements.

CRAN had announced on Monday that it had rejected the application. During a press conference broadcast on Facebook the following day, Tulimevava Mufeti, CRANs chair of the board of directors, explained the reason for the rejection, saying Starlinks application only met three of six criteria for licence approval.

The six criteria include competition, technical and financial capacity, frequency availability, ownership and control, national defence and public safety, and compliance history.

Mufeti said Starlink fell short on the latter three, starting with the fact that telecoms licencees must be 51% owned by Namibian citizens or local entities. On the national defense and public security front, Mufeti said Starlinks model raises concerns about data sovereignty, jurisdiction and the governments ability to supervise both.

Starlinks past history of offering LEO satellite services in Namibia without a licence and being initially unresponsive to CRAN requests to obtain one was also a strike against it, Mufeti added.

On the bright side, she continued, CRAN believes Starlink would be good for competition in Namibia and a welcome solution to extending voice and data connectivity to remote areas. The regulator is also confident in Starlinks finances, and said frequency availability would not be a problem.

Namibias Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Emma Theofelus, said at the press conference that Starlink was welcome to resubmit its application once CRANs concerns had been addressed. Starlink has yet to confirm its next move in Namibia.
Senegals telecoms regulator, the Autorite de Regulation des Telecommunications et des Postes (ARTP), has launched a public consultation on the deployment and sharing of fibre-to-the-x (FTTx) networks in Senegal.

Theres been rapid growth in fibre connectivity in the country, with nearly 600,000 lines connected by the end of 2025, driven by government aims to boost connectivity, digital sovereignty and the digital economy  but there have also been problems.

They include parallel infrastructure deployments, inconsistent technical architectures, and the absence of a structured co-investment framework. As the TechAfrica News website points out, these issues raise concerns about inefficiencies, duplication of infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.

Could network sharing be an answer? Thats what the consultation aims to find out. It is reportedly seeking a lot of information, including input from industry stakeholders on technical standards, deployment models, infrastructure sharing mechanisms, rules, market dynamics, wholesale access and sharing arrangements (if any). Stakeholders are also invited to provide perspectives on market demand, future growth potential, and the role of alternative technologies in expanding connectivity.

The aim, in theory, is to reach a harmonised regulatory, technical, and economic framework for FTTx deployment, with all that that could mean in terms of competition, sharing models and even allowing service providers to operate entirely on third-party fibre infrastructure.

The consultation is also looking at architecture choices such as GPON or point-to-point systems, the use of underground ducts and aerial infrastructure, and building access requirements, not to mention quality of service, maintenance responsibilities, and coordination among multiple operators in shared network environments.

TechAfrica says ARTP also wants views on market development, including current levels of fibre penetration, growth, the potential use of FTTx networks for mobile backhaul and the broader role of fibre in supporting Senegals digital ecosystem.

Will this make it easier to find areas of consensus and divergence among stakeholders and use the insights to benefit Senegals digital infrastructure? We should find out fairly soon. Stakeholders have been invited to submit detailed contributions by 10 April 2026.
Hayo, a global digital service provider, is back in the news again after launching voice, messaging and digital solutions in Rwanda.

It says local service providers, enterprises and government entities will benefit from access to a portfolio of services designed to support digital and economic growth, adding that customers can seamlessly roll out national mobile registry (NMR), IoT and eSIM platforms, as well as messaging services and international voice.

As part of the launch, Hayo says it will be onboarding local talent and working in collaboration with local service providers and businesses.

Hayo notes that the number of internet users in Rwanda has more than tripled over the last decade, with 34.2% of the population regularly using the internet in 2023 compared to only 8% in 2012, according to the WTO and World Bank.

Hayo says it aims to accelerate the countrys adoption of digital services with tailored industry-specific solutions across mobile, govtech, IoT, cloud and more. Hayo combines networking, technologies and digital solutions to have a positive impact on local businesses and communities; it has more than three decades of experience across Africa.

The news comes after the recent launch of Hayos eSIM platform, which offers white-label capabilities for operators to increase roaming revenue, enable the rapid delivery of services and enhance operational efficiency, while providing a seamless customer experience.

The company has also enhanced its National Mobile Registry (NMR) platform in Q1 2026, adding fraud and mobile theft protection to its existing list of capabilities designed to help governments regulate imports, protect citizens and increase public revenue.

Hayo already operates in over 30 countries, serving more than 100 mobile operators and a global ecosystem of more than 500 partners. Its move into Rwanda builds on continued business expansion across Africa, including Senegal in Q1 2026, as well as Botswana, Liberia and Malawi in 2025.
EdgeConneX says it has formed a strategic partnership with Latin American water stewardship platform Kilimo to improve water efficiency for farmers in Chiles Maipo River Basin, as well as its data centre operations in Santiago.

Under the partnership agreement announced on Monday, the initiative will leverage Kilimos Irrigation Manager solution to help farmers utilize real-time field data to optimize irrigation practices by providing clear recommendations on when and how much to irrigate.

EdgeConneX said the AI-based modeling tool helps fruit and grape growers enhance crop resilience and boost yields while also improving basin strength.

However, EdgeConneX said the Kilimo partnership is also part of its broader global water strategy, which focuses on designing facilities with minimal operational water usage and investing in water-benefit projects in stressed regions  an issue that has become a hot-button topic for data centre operators.

Andrew Brodeur, EdgeConneXs VP and leader of its national real estate and sustainability team, said that while the project will support its data centre operations in Santiago by delivering verified volumetric water benefits, its also designed to benefit local farmers and the broader community.

As we expand our digital infrastructure globally, our responsibility to protect local resources grows with it. Partnering with Kilimo enables us to extend our impact beyond our own facilities to tackle water scarcity at the community level, Brodeur said in a statement. By providing farmers in Santiago with AI-driven tools, we are making a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Farmers are key allies in improving water efficiency. By combining farmers local knowledge with data and technology that support better irrigation decisions, collaboration with agricultural producers in the Maipo River Basin can generate measurable benefits for the watershed while strengthening local farming communities, added Andrea Ramos, VP of water and climate partnerships at Argentina-based Kilimo.
Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, drew attention at a recent White House event when she arrived alongside a human-like robot called Figure 03. The event focused on how technology is transforming daily life. As she walked down the red carpet, the robot accompanied her, greeting guests and communicating in multiple languages. The company behind the humanoid said it aimed to demonstrate how artificial intelligence is moving beyond smartphones and computers into machines that operate in the real world. Speaking at the event, Trump described a future in which humanoid robots assist in classrooms as intelligent tutors, adapting lessons to each students pace and responding to emotions.

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What is Figure 03?

Figure 03 is the latest humanoid robot created by Figure AI, a company that creates robots to function in various environments rather than in factories or labs. According to company officials, their ultimate goal is to develop robots that can learn from humans and assist them in various places, such as homes, offices, and even in public spaces. They further claimed that this robot is created in such a way that it can adapt and respond rather than following pre-set instructions like other robots.

Also read: One UI 9 features leaked ahead of official rollout: Supported devices and release timeline

How does the robot work?

The robot runs on a system called Helix, which helps it understand surroundings and process spoken commands. This also allows it to react in real time, as it can recognise objects, learn from interactions, and adjust to new situations. This is one of the features that makes it different and more flexible than traditional robots, which usually perform only a single type of task.

Figure 03 also consists of advanced cameras to provide better vision and awareness. Additionally, the hands of the robot are equipped with sensors as well as small cameras to assist the humanoid robot in handling objects in a better way. The robot is able to change its grip as well.

The robot is also able to provide voice interaction by incorporating speakers as well as microphones. Additionally, it is also equipped with wireless charging capabilities.

Also read: Forget iPhone 18 Pro, next years iPhone may get Find X9 Ultra-like 1-inch 200MP camera: All details

Figure 03 steals the show

Guests at the summit watched closely as the robot interacted naturally with people. It was not only restricted to movements but also responded to voices and greeted people. The demonstration was intended to illustrate how far robotics has advanced and how soon robots of that nature might become part of peoples lives.

What did Melania say?

Speaking at the event, Melania Trump highlighted how such robots could assist in classrooms by adapting lessons to each student. The message was clear. The future may include robots not just as tools, but as active partners in daily life.
X down: Elon Musks social platform X (formerly known as Twitter) is currently facing a massive outage globally, including in India. On Downdetector, an online outage monitoring platform, more than 34,000 users in the US have reported the disruption. Meawhile, more than 17,000 reports have been logged in India so far.

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Data from Downdetector shows that around 47 per cent of users are facing issues with the feed/timeline, 34 per cent reported issues with the app, and the rest 13 per cent reported issues with the website.

Also read: Meta to lay off hundreds of employees across departments amid AI push: Report

As per the outage monitoring platform, reports started appearing in India at around 12:30 PM, and the number is increasing since then. On Downdetector, one user joked, Elon cant handle fee millions of traffic he wants to go to Mars. Haha. Another posted, Damn i thought it was just me but its down for everyone.

Usually, when platforms face disruptions, users head to X to share their experiences and check out real-time updates. So, many found themselves without their usual space for live reactions. Interestingly, a few users were still able to post about the situation on the platform.

Also read: Google releases Lyria 3 Pro AI model with longer music generation: How to access

The company has not yet released an official statement regarding the outage. For now, users will just have to wait for the company to identify the issue and fix it.

Also read: Apple testing standalone Siri AI app to compete with ChatGPT, Gemini: What it may offer

Seeing the update that X is down on X is crazy   Barrack Gumba (@_gumba1) March 26, 2026

If X is down, where will we be running to inform everyone???  Trump Updates (@trumpdatez) March 26, 2026

Some people are asking if X is down. sometimes we should ask if our network is even good.  Mazi Noble (@NobleEjim) March 26, 2026

X is Down again 



If you are seeing this interact pic.twitter.com/S01TF8vSZQ  Abu-Hudair (@Abuhudairr) March 26, 2026
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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging people to attend the local Consultation on Early Learning and Care and SchoolAge Childcare in Louth as part of the National Conversation on Education.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), in partnership with Louth Childcare Committee, today announced details of the upcoming local consultation events:

In Donegans Inn, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Stillorgan taking place on Tuesday, 21 April from 6.30-8.30pm.

In the Gateway Hotel in Dundalk taking place on Wednesday, 22 April from 6.30-8.30pm.

Places are limited. Those interested in taking part can book a place online at gov.ie/LetsTalkEarlyYears.

The consultation process is seeking views from parents, early years educators, schoolage childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone interested in the issues.

It is the latest step in the National Conversation on Early Years which is already generating significant debate. New figures show that over 11,000 responses were received during a national online survey on Early Years, which closed on 12 March.

In total, 51 local consultation events are being held across Ireland between 2030 April 2026. Each local consultation event will run for approximately 1.52 hours. Participants will join small table groups focusing on three core themes (Accessibility, Affordability, Quality).

These local consultations offer the public an opportunity to:

Share what is working well and what needs to change.

Identify priorities for future investment and improvement.

Ensure the voices of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and communities shape national policy.

Contribute to an affordable, accessible, highquality early learning and care and school-age childcare system.

The consultation events will be delivered in collaboration with the 30 local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). Input gathered at local level will inform both Phase 2 of Shaping the Futurethe Governments Early Years Action Planand the successor to First 5, Irelands WholeofGovernment Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.

Read Next: Louth player scoops EuroMillions windfall

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

More than 11,000 people have had their say online about the future of early years education and now is the time for the local consultation stage of the Action Plan on Early Years Education.

There will be 51 local consultation events hosted by City and County Childcare Committees in venues all across the country between 20 and 30 April 2026, as part of the National Conversation on Education.

I am keen to hear the views of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone with an interest in early learning and care or school-age childcare.

I am committed to making early learning and care and school-age childcare affordable, accessible and high-quality.

Encouraging participation in the consultation process, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said:

"Every child should grow up with the care, encouragement and learning opportunities they need to flourish. Highquality early learning and care, and school-age childcare, are crucial in this respect. It is key that parents have access to these essential services, and that the dedicated professionals who provide those services are supported.

Progress on Programme for Government commitments around affordability, accessibility and quality must continue to be shaped by evidence and by the voices of those directly involved. That is why a wideranging public consultation process is now under way. We want to hear valuable insights from parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the country. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard.

Louth CCC Manager, Sharon Manning said:

At Louth County Childcare Committee, we work with parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders and providers every day. We know just how transformative early learning and care, and schoolage childcare can be for childrensupporting their learning, development, and overall wellbeing.

We also know the vital role these services play in supporting parents to learn, work, and take part fully in our community. That why we really want to encourage everyone to take part.

Read Next: Council told to tackle 'consistent abuse' of disabled parking bays in Dundalk

By sharing your experiences and insights, you can directly shape Shaping the Future and the successor to the Governments strategy for babies, young children and their families - First 5. Make sure to book your place today so you can have your say at your local consultation!

The National Conversation on Education: the First 5 years and School-Age Childcare has five key stages:

Stage 1: A national online survey, which closed on the 12th of March. Almost 12,000 responses were received. Stage 2: A nationally representative survey of 500 households with children under 14. Stage 3: A consultation exercise with children. Stage 4: Local consultation events, delivered by local City and County Childcare Committees. Stage 5: A national consultation event that will take place in June (The Shaping the Future National Forum: Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare).

A full list of the times and locations for the local consultation events is available online.

Those interested in taking part can book a place online at gov.ie/LetsTalkEarlyYears.
A Dundalk councillor has warned that CCTV in Dundalk town centre is not picking up "really serious incidents".

Fianna Fail councillor Shane McGuinness told the March meeting of Louth County Council that the positioning of CCTV cameras on Earl Street in Dundalk needs to be examined and questioned if the local authority could install more cameras.

"I have spoke to the Gardai about this and three cameras, pointing in the different directions would be much better and much more sensible than a camera swinging around the top of the pole."

He said "every time something happens and we go to look at it, its always pointing in the wrong direction".

Cllr McGuinness said that Gardai are then "wasting a lot of time" trying to contact local businesses to obtain CCTV footage of "serious incidents that are happening at night".

The Fianna Fail councillor called for Louth County Council to "change the plan" in relation to cameras on other streets in the town centre.

"I think we seriously need to look at the two cameras on Church Street and Park Street, and change the plan because theyre not picking up some really, really serious incidents that are happening at night," he said.

Read Next: Near 4m rent arrears in Louth having 'significant impact' on council's budget

David Hanratty, Director of Services for Louth County Council told the meeting that CCTV is a matter for An Garda Siochana and that it is not in the "direct remit" of the local authority .

But he said he would refer it on to the chair of the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).

LCSPs were established across all local authorities in Ireland, and aim to replace the work of former Joint Policing Committees.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Dundalk is set to host the only all-island female conference for entrepreneurs this June, as it returns for its 10th year, with AIB back as title sponsor.

Taking place on 4th June at the Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk, the 2026 Women in Business All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference is set to welcome more than 300 women-led business owners from across the island on for a focused full-day event of empowerment and entrepreneurial collaboration.

Following a sell-out crowd last year, the prestigious conference will focus on the theme Keeping it Real, with Laura Tenison MBE, founder of JoJo Maman Bebe, confirmed as keynote speaker alongside conference host Caroline ONeill.

The event also sees the return of the popular marketplace where women business owners have the chance to showcase their wares to industry peers and support organisations.

Commenting on this years All-Island Entrepreneurs Conference, Head of Business Banking at AIB, Karen Kidd said: As the conference marks its 10th year, its a powerful reminder of how far women-led enterprise has come across the island, and how much potential still lies ahead.

Read also: Outstanding success for DkIT Hospitality students

"At AIB, supporting entrepreneurs to grow sustainable, ambitious businesses is central to what we do. Were proud to once again support Women in Business in delivering an event that brings real conversations, real connections and real opportunity to the forefront for women founders at every stage of their journey.

Attendees will hear the latest insights and lived experiences of entrepreneurship across the island and beyond, with key topics to be explored including access to finances, expanding into new markets and the wider business support ecosystem.

Looking ahead to Junes event, Roisin McDermott, Head of Entrepreneurship at Women in Business, added: This event is designed to help women founders develop, network, collaborate and learn.

"The theme this year is Keeping it Real because we want to hear from real women about real journeys and share real honest lessons learnt.

"The format this year will include lightning talks with experienced female founders, UK and Irish brands scaling stories, breakout business clinics with global entrepreneurs, a business marketplace, enterprise support advice and energetic spaces and connections.

Last year was a sell-out event and even had a waiting list. It is such a great way to build your community with female founders from every corner of the island.

To find out more about the event and to book your tickets visit: womeninbusinessni.com/events
28 Irish Red Cross volunteers from across the country were recognised at an event in the Mansion House, Dublin on Saturday, for giving 50+ years of service to their local communities. Volunteers from Clare, Cork, Donegal, Limerick, Louth and Dublin were awarded Long Service Medals for their selfless dedication, over five decades, to those most in need.

Volunteer Patrick McGahey was among the volunteers recognised at the event for an incredible 50 years of service to his local community through the Drogheda branch of the Irish Red Cross.

Along with his late wife Ann who was also an Irish Red Cross volunteer, Patrick taught first aid and CPR to local community groups and competed in first aid and casualty simulation competitions across Europe in the 1990s. Patrick was involved in high profile events through his volunteering including providing first aid support during the Popes visit to Ireland in 1979.

Patrick believes there should be a first aider in every home. Back in the 1980s I used my CPR skills to help a work colleague who had suffered a cardiac arrest. I performed CPR on him until the ambulance arrived and thankfully, he survived, said Patrick.

Over the years Ive felt great satisfaction organising social events for older people in the community, bringing them together to sing, dance and play bingo. I also facilitated respite weeks to Mosney holiday camp and Bundoran for people with disabilities.

My late wife Ann and I had some truly great times volunteering with the Irish Red Cross over the decades. People are very appreciative of what we do and that means so much. Through our volunteering with the Irish Red Cross our five sons met so many people from different walks of life, and I think they learned to see the person first, not their difficulty or disability, said Patrick.

Charlie Flanagan, Chair, Irish Red Cross presented the volunteers with their awards. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he said, It really is remarkable that these wonderful volunteers have dedicated so much time and energy to help others. Over an astonishing 50 years, they have committed themselves to their local community.

Read Next: Near 4m rent arrears in Louth having 'significant impact' on council's budget

The work theyve done over those decades  providing first aid support at local events, teaching CPR skills to school students and community groups, offering therapeutic hand massages to nursing home residents, to mention just some examples  have touched so many lives, young and old. Thanks to their quiet, steady leadership, their skills and experience built up over many years, and ultimately their compassion and humanity, our communities are stronger and more resilient.

As Irelands humanitarian response network, 4000 volunteers at 71 Irish Red Cross branches across Ireland help communities prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen and recover stronger and more resilient. The Irish Red Cross stands with people in crisis, at home and abroad, offering practical help, comfort and hope.

For more information visit: www.redcross.ie
The Cork Fringe Festival has returned for its second year, with creatives from across the city gathering for the launch of its programme at The Bodega this week.

This years festival, which will run over the weekend of May 8-10, will feature more than 50 performances across 15 venues, with a promise of a celebration of brave, weird, and independent art.

Organisers of Cork Fringe promise a festival that will surprise and delight, reaffirming the citys reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.

Over the course of the Fringe Weekend, audiences will be treated to a mix of theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual art, drag, cabaret, and experimental performance, with emerging and established artists sharing stages in venues all across town.

Kicking-off the festival is Disco Infernal at The Pav hosted by DJ Candy Warhol. This follows on from Hell Night by Bjrnism, setting the scene for what the organisers promise will be an exciting weekend.

From original Cork theatre such as Alison Teahans The Girls Room at the Cork Theatre Collective Studio to John of Thrones, an immersive performance from comedian and storyteller John Spillane at Elizabeth Fort, this years programme brings together local and international artists across a range of disciplines.

International comedians  including Eryn Tett from Manchester and Chris Dupuis from Canada  join the festival, alongside encounters in the street from Carmel Clavin with Cork Liminal ensuring that audiences will discover work both on stage and unexpectedly throughout the city.

The festival is a wide and varied programme, with theatre in the form of The Pigeon Factory at The Granary, midnight storytelling from SeeThrough at Maureens, and a family-friendly performance in The History of Art: A Clown Show at Dance Cork Firkin Crane.

For more on ticketing and the full Cork Fringe 2026 programme, visit www.corkfringe.com or on Instagram @corkfringe.
The Dail is to hear statements this afternoon on the former Bessborough mother and baby institution, following the decision by Cork City Council to grant planning permission for 140 apartments on the site.

In Februrary, Estuary View Enterprises 2020 received planning permission to demolish almost a dozen buildings at Bessborough to make way for the apartments.

Last week, a protest held outside Leinster House heard that the site is not an empty field waiting to be filled.

Between 1922 and 1998, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ran Bessborough as a mother and baby institution, during which time 9,768 mothers and 8,938 babies were admitted.

In Februrary, Estuary View Enterprises 2020 received planning permission to demolish almost a dozen buildings at Bessborough to make way for the apartments.

Objection

Labour Party city councillor Peter Horgan has lodged with An Coimisiun Pleanala an objection against the development, joining the 700-strong Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group which has separately objected.

I would encourage as many people as possible to lodge observations about the development to An Coimisiun Pleanalas website, Mr Horgan said.

Its vital that we get as many peoples views lodged with the commission, as quickly as possible.

Separately, a Cork TD has said research by The Echo which established that in 1947 the State abandoned a threatened investigation into nearly 700 deaths at Bessborough showed that complicity between Church and State went right to the very top.

The threat of investigation had come after so many children died there in a single 12-month period  102 between 1943 and 1944  that it negatively affected the national infant mortality rate.

Defended

In 1945, the State chief medical advisor, Dr James Deeny, had sacked the Bessborough superioress, a decision privately defended by taoiseach Eamon de Valera after Church criticism.

Under the new Bessborough superioress, Mother Rosemonde, the infant death toll fell significantly and in an August 1947 letter to Mother Rosemonde, Deeny said the State would call off an investigation so long as the death rate there remained low.

Donnchadh O Laoghaire, Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, said the revelations were shocking.

That the investigation was shelved demonstrates what we have long known, that, ultimately, this was part of an entire system that mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries, county homes, industrial schools, they were all part of the same apparatus which the imprimatur and the complicity of the State up to the highest level, he said.

Its a dark stain on our history here in Cork and across the country, but this is more proof of it, and that it went right the very top.
A 6,645 mid-March Irish Friendship Day visit to Oklahoma was not counted as part of Cork County Councils St Patricks festival US delegation, because it was funded through its East Cork municipal district, the council has said.

Earlier this month, 14 representatives of Cork County Council  eight councillors and six officials  travelled to New York, Chicago, and Detroit for 12 days, attending various social, cultural, and business events over the St Patricks festival.

That 12-day trip cost 31,292.69, including 13,488.69 spent on flights and 17,804 on accommodation.

However, travelling separately to the St Patricks delegation was a five-day, three-person East Cork municipal district delegation to visit the Choctaw Nation and McAlester City in Oklahoma.

This group, consisting of Fine Gael councillor Rory Cocking, Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern, and county council official Eileen Coleman, was not included as part of the councils official St Patricks festival delegation.

The separate trip to Oklahoma flew out on March 11 and returned on March 15, and cost 6645.39. Part of the Oklahoma visit included a trip to McAlester city, where the Cork delegation met with officials from McAlester City Council.

McAlester held its inaugural St Patricks festival this year, and McAlester mayor Justin Few showed the visitors around the city as part of its March 13 Irish Friendship Day.

Not related

A council spokesperson said: The Oklahoma delegation was not related to Cork County Councils delegations that visited Chicago, Detroit, and New York as part of the 2026 St Patricks Day engagements.

Asked why this expenditure was not included under the councils St Patricks festival delegation to the US, they replied that it had been organised and paid for by the East Cork municipal district.

Asked how the municipal districts are funded, the spokesperson said it was through annual budget allocations from Cork County Council, which are distributed locally via structured grant schemes to fund community and development initiatives.

Asked whether any other county council representatives had travelled abroad during the St Patricks festival, the council spokesperson replied: No additional foreign travel was approved by corporate services beyond the delegations already referenced.

The county councils visit to Oklahoma celebrated an important connection between Ireland and the Choctaw Nation that is commemorated by a 20-foot, stainless-steel sculpture in Midleton, entitled Kindred Spirits.

In the depths of 1847  Black 47  the worst year of the Famine, the Choctaws gathered in Scullyville, Oklahoma, and raised about $170, the equivalent in todays money of about 5,000, and sent it to Ireland.

Forcibly removed

Less than two decades earlier, the Choctaws had become  under Irish-American US president Andrew Jacksons Indian Removal Act  the first Native Americans to be forcibly removed from their lands.

Through the worst winter on record and a cholera epidemic, some 17,000 Choctaws  men, women, and children  were forced to walk the 800km Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. As many as 6,000 died en route.

Mr Cocking said it had been an honour to be welcomed by Chief Gary Batton to the Choctaw Nation headquarters in Durant, Oklahoma, and then to Tuskahoma, to see the Eternal Heart monument, a sister sculpture to Midletons Kindred Spirits.

I thought it was important that we further the ties between our two peoples and that we remember that incredible act of kindness from the Choctaw people, he said.
A Cork man who pleaded guilty to possession of illegal drugs for sale or supply on two occasions has been convicted in the district court.

Sergeant Trish OSullivan told Macroom District Court that Tommy ODriscoll, aged 38 and from Lower Codrum, Macroom, Co Cork, was charged with two counts of possession and two counts of possession for sale or supply in relation to two incidents in 2024.

The court heard that on August 9, 2024 a Garda patrol spotted two males sitting in a parked white Toyota car at the mart grounds in Macroom.

The two individuals  one of whom was Tommy ODriscoll  were known to gardai.

There was a strong smell of cannabis from inside the car and a search was carried out. Under a seat, cannabis valued at 300 was recovered and ODriscoll was also in possession of 300 in 50 notes.

ODriscoll admitted possession of the drugs for sale or supply.

On September 10, 2024, a warrant was obtained to search ODriscolls residence. Cannabis valued at 3,500 was seized, which ODriscoll admitted was in his possession for the purpose of sale or supply.

Defence solicitor, Frank Purcell, said ODriscoll had a gambling addiction, which had led him to run up substantial debts and that he had been selling cannabis to pay off the debts.

Mr Purcell said that ODriscolls problems had been going on for years, but he was now halfway through a treatment programme to deal with his gambling addiction.

The court was told that ODriscoll also had mental-health issues and suffered from bi-polar disorder.

For the offence at the Macroom mart grounds, Judge Joanne Carroll convicted ODriscoll of possession for sale or supply and sentenced him to 80 hours of community service, in lieu of three months in prison. For the simple possession charge, he was placed on a probation bond for 12 months.

For the offence at his residence, he was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for two years on the sale or supply charge, and the possession charge was taken in to consideration.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
A civil engineer who moved to Ireland after fleeing the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo with his brother has become the first student to graduate from UCC under a scholarship which supports refugees.

After receiving refugee status in Uganda, Kanku Biselele and his brother had no income and were staying at a friends house after sleeping on the floor of the refugee centre.

Kanku had a bachelors degree, had graduated, and was looking to pursue further education.

The internet was a lifeline for me, Kanku told The Echo.

Kanku wanted the chance to leave Uganda and pursue a degree that would eventually give him security, a home, and further opportunities.

He applied to the EU passworld scholarship, which offers refugees in Uganda the opportunity to study for a masters degree in Ireland.

The scheme provides five students with a full fee waiver, on-campus accommodation, and a stipend for the year, which is provided by community support.

It targets areas of skill shortages in Ireland, and universities are free to select students in disciplines with a high demand for employers.

Life changed

The programme also allows refugee scholars to go directly from graduation to meaningful employment and contribute to the Irish economy.

For Kanku, his life changed when he received the call saying he was accepted as part of the EU passworld scholarship, enabling him to attend UCC.

I was putting it out there, Kanku said.

You feel you had a chance, but then you get rejections, and you lose hope.

It took four months before Kanku was invited to start in the 2024 academic year.

He remembers the exact date he heard from the co-ordinator of the project, Ruth Hally, for an interview.

That feeling was overwhelming. I dont think Ive ever responded to anything so fast, he said.

I had no time to waste, and I said: Yes, I will be there.

Because what am I really doing? Im unemployed, and nothing is going on in my life.

I have to be there.

Overwhelming

Kanku said it was overwhelming and daunting to go through an interview when he had never even used Microsoft Teams before, but Ms Hally made him feel special.

And the rest is history, he said.

Kanku Biselele.

Now, Kanku is the first student to graduate under the Education Pathways Ireland programme with a postgraduate diploma in sustainable energy.

A group of 20 friends and lecturers who Kanku now considers family, including his cousin, arrived on campus to celebrate his graduation, welcoming him with applause and yells.

I didnt know all of them were coming, really.

I didnt know this was who created this? Who started it, you know?

Who motivated all of them to come, I dont know, but you see the numbers, and Im quite delighted, said Kanku.

He added that he now feels a sense of belonging, has integrated into Cork, and he will also start learning the Irish language soon.

Ive met so many people through this opportunity that came into my life, he said.

Theyve become my friends, sisters, parents.
A 25-year-old woman has been deported from the US to Ireland to face outstanding theft charges in Cork  including stealing two hams and cosmetics more than seven years ago.

Garda Pat Costello told Cork District Court yesterday that he arrested Ciocolata Munteanu at Dublin Airport on Tuesday when she arrived on a deportation flight.

The circumstances are that she was deported back from America by American authorities, and we were alerted to her arrival. She was deported on a flight from LA yesterday from the US after five years. Her whole family were there for the last six years, said Garda Costello.

Dennis Healy, solicitor, said: She will enter a plea of guilty. She needs a couple of days to get the money together. I would ask for one week.

There was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail on conditions. They include living at 50 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork; signing daily at Bridewell Garda Station; and not to leave the jurisdiction.

Mr Healy said she was without a passport.

Ciocolata Munteanu at Dublin Airport on Tuesday when she arrived on a deportation flight.

On November 27, 2018, Munteanu stole two hams valued at 80.

On January 24, 2019, she stole 264 worth of cosmetics at Boots, Blackpool, Cork.

She pleaded guilty to those thefts at Cork District Court on Wednesday.
Gardai in Cork are appealing for the publics assistance in locating a 33-year-old man who is reported missing from the city since Thursday, March 12.

Thabo Blessing Mhlanga was last seen in the South Main Street area of Cork city centre.

He is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height with a slim build, black hair and brown eyes.

Gardai and Mr Mhlangas family are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information about Mr Mhlangas whereabouts is asked to contact Gurranabraher Garda Station on 021 4946200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Two Ladbrokes staff sitting quietly doing their work at a betting office in Cork city were shocked to see a customer firing a stool through a protective screen and then witness the man throw another stool at two TV screens.

Cormac Fitzpatrick (45), with an address at South Terrace Apartments, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to charges of causing criminal damage and being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself or others.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a sentence of five months on the accused and commented: I am very concerned about the staff working quietly and then a stool comes flying across the room and breaks two TVs.

"This was not someone losing money on a horse or anything like that but it was a significantly violent episode.

Sgt Gearoid Davis said the accused had 66 previous convictions including 44 for being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself or others.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said the accused was originally from Liscarroll, County Cork, and living in Cork city with the supported accommodation at South Terrace.

He has alcohol problems allied to mental health problems. He discontinued medication which was a bad situation. He feels he should be hospitalised because of his psychotic disorder.

Mr Buttimer said that while the outburst was in the betting office there was no animus between the parties and no gambling issue in the background.

Sgt Davis said: The incident occurred on March 20 at Ladbrokes, Marlboro Street. Cormac Fitzpatrick was slurring his words to gardai, he had glossy eyes and was very unsteady on his feet. Prior to arrival of gardai, Cormac Fitzpatrick entered Ladbrokes, picked up a stool and smashed it against the protective screen in front of the tills in the shop.

He began shouting at the two staff workers behind the screen, saying, F*** you, f*** you.

"He then picked up a different stool in the shop and threw it at the television wall in Ladbrokes, resulting in two televisions being smashed from the impact of the stool being thrown at them. Each television is valued at 500.
A bow and arrow were carried by a 58-year-old man who earlier threatened staff at the Southern Star pub and now the sentencing judge has suggested that the matter could be dealt with by way of restorative justice.

Diarmuid ODonovan of 3 Marble Lane, High Street, Cork, pleaded guilty to several charges arising out of a number of incidents at or near the Southern Star on Southern Road, Cork city.

Sergeant John Dineen said the 58-year-old man made threats to burn down the pub and then walked away and he was later seen hanging around the area with a bow and arrow.

Frank Buttimer solicitor submitted in relation to Mr ODonovan: He did not put someone in fear. He did not make any threat to anyone. In fact, he was going to return it to a person who left it behind at his houseHe never entered the pub  the closest he got was to the door.

Judge Dorgan said: The problem is the threat.

The judge went on to express concern with the fact that certain people were turning up at the defendants house and staying there. The judge advised him: You cannot be a soft touch when they are dragging you down.

Mr ODonovan said he would have to go about getting barring orders against some people coming to his home.

The judge said she did not want to send him to jail and said she would like to see the possibility of restorative justice being explored to deal with the matter.

To that end, Judge Dorgan put sentencing back until April 22 and also urged him to seek barring orders and to change the locks on his house.

As well as making the threat and carrying the weapon on March 10, 2025, he also assaulted a member of staff at Tesco Express in the area on May 15, 2025.

Sentencing on that charge was also put back for a month.
No Ordinary Heist, in cinemas, Mar 27, cert 15a, ****

It is shaping up to be a defining year for Eanna Hardwicke. Fresh from his acclaimed portrayal of Roy Keane in Saipan, he picked up the IFTA for the role, confirming his status as one of Irelands most compelling talents.

Its not just on film where he is making his mark. At Londons National Theatre, Hardwicke has been captivating audiences in The Playboy of the Western World.

With a major award win, a career-defining film role still resonating with audiences, and a standout turn in one of theatres most iconic plays, 2026 is fast becoming the year Hardwicke steps firmly into the spotlight.

This week, he is back on the big screen with No Ordinary Heist, a gripping retelling of the infamous Northern Bank robbery. Drawing on a shocking true story, it sees director Colin McIvor explore one of the most remarkable crimes in modern Irish history.

In December, 2004, a criminal gang kidnapped two bank workers families, forcing the employees to steal 26.5 million from a Belfast vault. Notably, the criminals orchestrated the entire heist without ever entering the bank themselves.

For the sake of the real people involved, their names and details of their lives have been changed in the film.

As Christmas approaches, bank manager Richard (Eddie Marsan) is in a foul mood. With a round of redundancies looming at the bank, he is trying to keep his staff calm about who might be on the chopping block, all while preparing to break the news to those who wont be returning to work in the New Year.

Things arent much better at home, where Richard and his wife Celine (Eva Birthistle) are at odds, with no sign of their marriage improving. Even before the redundancy news, Richard was working around the clock, leaving little time for home life.

He is constantly clashing with Barry (Hardwicke), a young employee he regards as little more than a nuisance. He would probably be quite happy to see Barry made redundant, but Barry needs the work. He lives with his mum, played by Andrea Irvine, and she relies on Barrys wages to take care of them both.

One night at the pub, Barry makes a serious mistake when his friend introduces him to some dodgy people and starts chatting about Barrys job at the bank. With the beer flowing, Barry becomes loose-lipped.

Later, he wont remember much, but he suspects he might have mentioned that he works in the vault.

It is after this that bank robbers turn up at each of the mens homes, tying up Richards wife and Barrys mum. The robbers have guns and threaten the women not to move or say anything, and then they round up Richard and Barry.

The two men are given strict instructions. They are told to go to the bank the next morning as usual, carry out their normal duties, and wait for further instructions. If they notify the police or tell any other staff member what is happening, their loved ones will be killed.

Both Barry and Richard are visibly on edge, struggling to maintain a facade of normalcy. Any strange behaviour is brushed off as nerves over the redundancies, and their colleagues keep their suspicions to themselves. Only Mags (Michelle Fairley), the banks sharp-eyed head of security, senses something is amiss. While she lacks concrete evidence, she resolves to keep a close watch on them.

Over the next few hours, precise instructions for extracting the money from the bank arrive, each message laced with chilling reminders of the consequences if they fail to comply. Not only must they move millions of pounds out of the vaults, but they also have to slip through the banks corridors, dodge their colleagues, and deliver the cash to the waiting getaway vehicle, all under Magss watchful presence.

Meanwhile, in their respective houses, the two women show remarkable resourcefulness as they search for ways to escape their captors, adding another layer of tension to the film. Too often, women in these stories are sidelined as passive victims, but here they are fully realised characters with agency.

The films tension dips slightly in the middle, as Barry and Richard struggle to follow the criminals instructions. This lull likely stems from budget constraints rather than any fault of the cast. Marsan and Hardwicke deliver superb performances as desperate men trying to hold themselves together for the sake of their loved ones.

Despite its dips, the film is a gripping, claustrophobic drama. It is also refreshing to see a Belfast-set film free of politics
Well, we had a few lively responses to that discussion on the famous Cork foodstuffs, tripe and drisheen, which aired last week in Throwback Thursday.

It followed the correspondence from Liam OReilly about his venerable familys business, with its abattoir up in the then undeveloped Gurranabraher, and its still existing and highly popular stall at the Grand Parade end of The English Market.

To deflect sideways for just a moment, do you notice that we all, always, call it The English Market?

I met a couple of Canadian friends there recently, wanting, as you do, to show off our gorgeous indoor facility with its fountain and myriad of stalls, some dating back a century or more, and they, after rapturously admiring everything and anything, asked why we called it The English Market.

Of course, I fervently went into a few hundred years of Corks history, when we were heavily colonised by our neighbours across the water, and those of us with even a smidgen of an Irish accent hadnt a hope of trading there.

They listened, fascinated, but then repeated the question with even more curiosity. With all that negative memory, how come you all still call it The English Market?

They got me thinking. Why do we? Its hardly out of love and affection for those centuries of control. Is it because weve got used to it?

Every day you hear of street names and public places, being re-named because the older one now has bad connotations for one reason or another. But The English Market remains untouched, unaffected.

Heaven knows, Im deeply fond of the name and the place myself, and over many years of travel in other lands, have compared their markets unfavourably with the best, the ultimate, the only real one, back home in Cork by the Lee.

I learned to call it by that name in babyhood when I was first introduced to its hallowed halls (and back then, let me tell you, that beautiful fountain was not the shiningly clean sight it is today, being used by everybody for cleaning and tidying up their produce before displaying it on their stalls).

If you have views on this (no, not the condition of the fountain back then, the name, the name!), do share them with all of us, please.

Right, back to the tripe discussion. Here are strong words from Tim Morley, along with a few treasured memories of other foodstuffs.

Hallo Jo, you have put us off our food for the next six months with your stories of tripe and drisheen. All those threats on the fires of hell wouldnt be near as threatening compared to spending all eternity with food like that!

Still, for those real Corkonians, born inside the city suburbs, I remember my father (mothers name McCarthy), who was in the same school class as that traditional Corkman, Liam O Ruiseal, man of the bookshop.

Well, when father got a plate-load of such delicacies, such as you described them, his eye took on a glow of delight. Especially when the crubeens turned up.

Gosh yes, lets not forget the crubeens! Would there by any chance be any of our readers out there who dont know what crubeens are? Hardly. It is part of our knowledge, acquired over the years of growing up in our beloved city. It is part of our culture too. Who could forget Jimmy Crowley singing:

She sells tripe and best drisheens,

Murphys stout and pigs crubeens,

Heres up em all, sez the boys of Fair Hill!

I believe that the legendary Kattie Barrys pub, in that side lane off the Coal Quay, sold those self same crubeens to its regulars, but never having ventured inside its doors, cant say from personal experience.

Twas more of a place for the menfolk, you understand. Ladies in search of a pint would go to one of the establishments nearby that boasted a snug with its own private door and a hatchway through to the bar proper.

Back to Tim Morley, who now turns his attention to other foods which he remembers with real affection.

My mother came from out the country. When I visited her former home, there was a lovely creamy decent-sized egg for breakfast, white or brown bastible bread (yes, baked over the turf fire), with lashings of butter made up at Boggerah mountain.

The lady (Maggie Ned) who made this delectable stuff had a packet (via the local parish priest) sent off on special request to his lordship C.L. (Cornelius Lucey) every week.

And those delicious local floury potatoes? I was expected to bring back a bag to Germany for our local relatives there when I reluctantly had to quit these joys once more and return to the real world.

Well, when I pass away, I hope I will have behaved myself well enough to deserve my plain Irish food above!

Indeed, thats a pious hope, Tim. Pass along the dish of potatoes there, St Peter. And dont go keeping the butter up at your end of the table!

Now there was great interest shown in the details of that 19th century Guys Directory of Cork we featured last week, and several people have asked for some more information therefrom.

I found an analysis of 1871, tabling where all our residents came from originally, absolutely fascinating.

Of course, by far the largest number had been born in Cork county or city itself, but it was interesting to see that the greatest total after that was from England and Wales, with Dublin coming in a good third.

The very last note on the table lists 24 Cork inhabitants who were born at sea. Now doesnt that awaken your curiosity?

Were they travelling over from neighbouring Britain, or from further afield, the colonies and East Indies? Old pieces of information like this raise so many new and interesting questions.

But lets return to somewhat more recent times. 1947, to be exact, since that is when a marvellous little magazine brought out its very first issue.

I discovered this recently at the bottom of a box of old books, and thought it should be shared you.

It is called Shandon, Corks Own Magazine, and Issue No 1, from May-June 1947, was priced at just 6d.

On leafing carefully through its delicate pages, which crumbled as I turned them, I found my own father had contributed an article on camping at the very top of Carrauntoohil amid the snow, ice, and high winds of a winters night. Well, he was always one for choosing the more challenging path.

It does explain why that rare copy of the first issue of Shandon survived. He rarely wrote anything down, my father, being far too busy getting out and living life, but he must have been pressured by his peers for this new venture to actually put pen to paper.

There are some lovely advertisements in the magazine by old Cork firms, including one headed Rationing Difficulties from Simcox & Sons of 16 Patrick Street, offering to help solve the housekeepers problems with sourcing the basics of everyday life like bread, margarine, sugar, etc.

The cover for the first edition of the Shandon magazine in 1947, which included a mention of a certain Jack Lynch who is good for a few years yet, written by a correspondent known as Onlooker

We did have rationing in Ireland, right up to the 1950s, I think. Exactly why is unclear - presumably to do with supplying neighbouring Britain during the war and beyond - but anybody with a long enough memory, do please share.

All I can remember is seeing old ration books tucked away in a cupboard, but can recall nothing of dates.

There are ads from the Hanover Cycle Company, Pope Brothers, Finns Drapers, Robert Days, and more in the magazine.

Really nostalgic is an article by one John J. Horgan entitled Cork of My Youth, which evokes a far earlier city than any of us can remember. Here is just a snippet:

The Cork of my youth - roughly the last ten years of the 19th century - was a Cork without electricity, without motor-cars, without telephones, without even the wireless, yet a place where two shillings would purchase as much as two pounds will now, and where we had never heard of ration books...

I can remember the gas-man with his long pole lighting the little green gas-lamps at dusk each evening along the Mardyke and in Patrick Street, a Patrick Street where on a wet day one waded ankle deep in mud if one strayed from the stone crossings, and where in summer the dust blew in ones face.

I remember our childish wonder and excitement when the now defunct Muskerry Tram - or, more politely, light railway - its engine equipped with a real American cow-catcher which seemed to have come straight from the Wild West, first emerged from its terminus under St Fin Barres Cathedral and puffed noisily up the Western Road on its trial run to Blarney.

I remember, too, landing from the Bristol steam-packet - the old paddle streamer Juno with its black and white funnels - at Passage, for the good, or rather bad, reason that it was low tide and there was not enough water for her to proceed to Cork...

The contents page for the first edition of the Shandon magazine in 1947.

The horse still reigned supreme, and what a King he was. On market days, the streets were filled with the high gigs, trap, or Scotch carts of the farmers.

Professional men and the country gentry were to be seen in open victorias or closed broughams with fine high-stepping horses, driven by old family retainers who knew all there was to be known about horse-flesh.

Wagonettes drawn by two horses were hired to take family parties or convivial gatherings of friends to the country or the sea-side for the day.

One famous excursion was the annual outing of the Cork Corporation to Graball Bay overlooking the harbour entrance under Fort Camden, outings which did not lack spiritual refreshment...

What lovely images Mr Horgan brings to our minds!

A quiet peaceful city, gas lamps being lit at dusk, horses clopping gently by - but also streets ankle-deep in mud if you inadvertently stepped off the stone crossings.

Wonder where those were situated and if you can see any trace of them today? Probably not, given the number of times that thoroughfare has been resurfaced, and still continues to be.

There is another fascinating article in that first issue of the Shandon magazine of 1947, concerning an up and coming young sportsman who was slowly moving into the world of law, one Jack Lynch.

Listing his many medals, and extolling his progress, the writer - identified only as Onlooker, gives it as his opinion that the selfsame Jack is good for a few more years yet...

Lets hear your memories of yesteryear, be it of tripe and drisheen, or long ago hurling matches, a trip on the river, or a lost back street of our city.

Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork.
Top Tips for Buying VHF / UHF Ham Radio Antennas There are many considerations to think about when buying a VHF / UHF antenna for your amateur radio station - cut though the confusion with my top tips and explanations.

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Please note: There are links to products in this review and ElectronicsNotes makes a small commission at no cost to you on any sales that are made from links on this article.

Choosing the right VHF or UHF antenna is one of the most critical decisions needed when setting up an amateur radio station.

While a high-power transceiver can compensate for some system losses, when receiving the antenna is crucially important.

Whether you are looking for a base station vertical, a mobile whip, or an upgrade for your handheld (HT), here are my thoughts on what to look for.

Categorising the Application: Base, Mobile, or Handheld?

The antennas used for base stations, for mobile and on handhelds are very different - not in the basic concepts of their operation, but in the sizes, fixings, mounting methods and antenna types used.

This means that the first step in selecting an antenna will be to define the antenna use and its environment.

Each environment presents unique mechanical and electrical challenges, and this is why there is such a wide variation of the antenna types available.

Base Station Antennas

For a home station, height is king. Base antennas are usually large, fixed structures designed to be mounted on masts or chimneys.

Vertical Collinears: These are the most common. They consist of multiple stacked elements inside a fibreglass radome. They provide 360-degree coverage and are ideal for local repeater work.

Yagis (Beams): If you are interested in "weak signal" work, SSB, or satellite communication, a directional Yagi is essential. It focuses all your energy in one direction, significantly increasing range.

UV Dual Band (2 metre & 70cm) Omni Fibreglass Antenna Supports up to 100W, 3.5/5.5 dBi gain for extended signal reach, durable fibreglass construction. Buy Now

Mobile Antennas

There are many requirements for antennas used on cars. The antenna must not only be able to survive highway speeds, low-hanging branches, car washes, and the like, but it must also have a suitable form of mounting and a good level of performance.

Mounting Styles: Look for magnetic mounts (temporary), hole-mounts (permanent and best for RF grounding), or lip-mounts (attaches to the trunk or hood).

Physical Strength: Look for "fold-over" features that allow you to tuck the antenna away in garages.

VHF UHF Dual Band Vehicle Radio Antenna with Magnetic Base PL259 Dual Band 144MHz & 430MHz, Gain: 2.5/3dB, Max Power: 50W, VSWR: LESS 1.5, Impedance:50 ohm, connector: PL-259/UHF M Male, antenna connector socket: NMO Type, antenna height: 9cm, length of coaxial cable: 5m/16.40ft. Buy Now

Handheld (HT) Upgrades

The "rubber duck" antenna that comes with your radio is a compromise designed for durability, not performance. Many people will want to improve on this because the HT will be limited by its power and also normally by the location - typically at the height of one person.

Telescopic vs. Flexible: A 1/4 wave or 1/2 wave telescopic antenna can vastly improve your HT's range, but they are fragile. High-gain flexible "whips" offer a middle ground.

Note: Remember that it is well worth buying a speaker mic so that you can keep the antenna away from your eyes and head in general to reduce the levels of RF that are absorbed.

ABBREE Walkie Talkie Antenna SMA Female Male VHF UHF AR-771 walkie-talkie antenna for Baofeng. SMA-female for BaoFeng UV-5R UV-82 BF-888S Quansheng UV-K5 K6, etc handheld radios. Buy Now

Key technical aspects

When looking at antenas there are a number of specifications that can be seen. It is useful to have a good understanding of these.

 Polarisation: Horizontal vs. Vertical

At VHF and UHF in particular, polarization matters immensely. If the antenna receiving and transmitting antennas have different polarisations, e.g. horizontal to vertical, a signal loss of up to 20 dB can often be seen. Although this is only a very rough guide, it can be seen that this a massive reduction in signal strength.

As a result it's necessary to determine the best polarisation for the particular application envisaged.

Vertical Polarization: The standard for FM repeaters, mobile operation, and handhelds. It is easier to mount vertically on vehicles and provides omnidirectional coverage.

Horizontal Polarization: The standard for "weak signal" modes like SSB (Single Sideband), CW, and FT8. Horizontal antennas tend to pick up less man-made noise (which is often vertically polarized).

Summary: If you want to talk on FM or repeaters, use a vertical because all FM communications are FM and this is dictated by the fact that an omnidirectional antenna is required on cars and this will be vertically polarised. However, if you want to hunt long-distance, typically using SSB or CW then horizontal is the type of polarisation needed.

 Understanding Gain: dBi vs. dBd

Gain is often the most misunderstood specification. An antenna does not "create" power; it simply takes the power available and squashes it into a flatter, more concentrated shape.

dBi: Gain relative to an "isotropic" source (a theoretical point that radiates in a perfect sphere).

dBd: Gain relative to a standard dipole antenna.

Here's a useful relationship:

0 d B d = 2.15 d B i

What to look for: Be wary of cheap antennas claiming "10 dBi" gain in a 20-inch package. Physics dictates that higher gain requires more physical aperture (length). For a base station, look for at possibly 6  9 dBi for significant repeater reach.

For a mobile, 3  5 dBi is usually the "sweet spot" to avoid a radiation pattern so flat that it misses repeaters located on hills.

 Bandwidth and Multi-Band Capability

In the UK and many other regions, the most popular VHF/UHF bands are 2 Metres (144146 MHz) and 70 Centimetres (430440 MHz).

Dual-Band Antennas: Most modern amateur antennas are "Dual-Banders." They use traps or phased elements to work on both 2m and 70cm with a single feedline. This is the most practical choice for 90% of hams.

Triband and Quad-Band: Some antennas include the **6 Metre (50 MHz)** or even 10 Metre (28 MHz) bands.

The Trade-off: While convenient, quad-band antennas are often "compromise" antennas. They are physically large and can be difficult to tune (SWR) across all four bands simultaneously. If you have the space, a dedicated 10m/6m antenna usually outperforms a "do-it-all" whip.

Quad-Band Base-Station Antenna,29.6/50.5/144/430MHz Covering the four main amateur radio bands from 29MHz up to 440MHz, this quad band vertical is ideal for base station use as it cna handle up to 100W and also provides a useful level of gain dependent upon the band in use. Buy Now

 Mounting and the "Ground Plane"

How an antenna is mounted is just as important as the antenna itself.

Ground-Plane Dependent: Many mobile antennas (like 1/4 wave whips) require a large metal surface (the car roof) to act as the "other half" of the antenna. Without this, the SWR will be high, and the antenna won't radiate properly.

Ground-Plane Independent: If you are mounting an antenna on a fiberglass boat, a plastic roof, or a wooden balcony, look for "Half-Wave" or "Radial-less" designs. These do not require a metal surface to function.

 Durability and material quality

'Radome' Material: For base stations, look for high-quality **fiberglass (FRP)**. It protects the internal copper elements from corrosion and wind vibration.

Hardware: Look for stainless steel U-bolts and mounting brackets. Zinc-plated hardware will rust within a year in coastal or rainy climates.

Connectors: SO-239/PL-259 is the standard for VHF, but can be "lossy" at higher UHF frequencies, especially if low quality versions are used - high quality is not too bad, but best not used above about 150MHz anyway. N-Type connectors are the gold standard for UHF (70cm and above). These are meant to be waterproof and have much lower signal loss, but again, only get the high quality versions. It is also wise to seal over any external connectors with self amalgamating tape to prevent any water ingress.

 Operational bandwidth and SWR

"SWR" (Standing Wave Ratio) measures how well the antenna is matched to the feeder. A low SWR can indicate an optimal system.

The Problem: An antenna might have a perfect 1.1:1 SWR at the bottom of the 2m band but jump to 2.0:1 at the top.

It is necessary to be aware that a good SWR reading in the shack may not mean an efficient system. If the coax has a high loss, it will mean that the signal going to the antenna will be attenuated, resulting in less reflected power and hence a lower SWR reading, and also the reflected power is attenuated, still further reducing the visualised SWR in the shack.

 Other Considerations: The "Hidden" Factors

Visual impact

In many neighbourhoods, "Antenna Restrictions" or "Neighbourhood Watch" might be an issue. There can be legal restrictions imposed on any external antennas allowed.

There are some ways in which some restrictions and limitations might be overcome:

Slimline Collinears: Look for white or grey fiberglass that blends into the sky.

Disguised Antennas: Some mobile antennas are designed to look like standard car cellular or FM antennas to prevent theft or unwanted attention.

Wind Loading

A high-gain collinear antenna is effectively a long lever. In a storm, it puts immense stress on any mast or fixing mast. Check the "Max Wind Speed" rating of the antenna, especially if you live in an exposed area. Also check the fixings and mast used for compatibility with the size of antenna, etc.

Feedline loss

At VHF and especially UHF, the cable *between* the radio and the antenna is a major factor. Even the best antenna in the world will perform poorly if you use cheap RG58 cable over a 50-foot run.

Recommendation: Use very low loss coax for base stations to ensure the gain of the antenna isn't lost in the feeder.

Checklist

When shopping for your next VHF/UHF antenna, ask these four questions:

Does the antenna match my radio? (Dual-band vs. Single-band)

Does it match my mode? (Vertical for FM/Repeaters, Horizontal for SSB)

Is it ground-plane independent? (Do I have a metal surface to mount it on?)

Connector type For example N type is better for high frequencies like 70cms, and for handhelds, SMAs are often used. Also with SMA connectors, check that it is the right gender.

The "perfect" antenna is the one that gets you on the air consistently. For most, a high-quality dual-band fibreglass vertical for the home and a 5/8 wave mag-mount for the car is the ideal starting point.

Nagoya NA-771 SMA-F Female Dual Band VHF/UHF 144/430MHz Dual Band VHF/UHF 144/430MHz; power: 10W, VSWR: Less Than 1.5, impedance: 50ohm, connector: SMA-Female, length: 39cm, compatible with many HTs: UV-5R, etc. Buy Now

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High-level opening up to boost China-ASEAN cooperation, says ASEAN-China Centre chief

11:03, March 26, 2026 By Wang Jing, Wu Chaolan, Wu Yanhong ( People's Daily Online

"China will further advance high-level opening up and bring greater benefits to cooperation with ASEAN," Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, said in an interview on the sidelines of an "Understanding China" dialogue session hosted by the center in Beijing on March 20, 2026.

He noted that China and ASEAN have remained each other's largest trading partners for six consecutive years, with trade continuing to grow steadily. As China expands its imports, its vast market is expected to create more opportunities for Southeast Asian countries.

Shi also highlighted that China's outbound investment, particularly to Southeast Asia, is generating economic and social benefits while helping drive technological development in the region.

Looking ahead, he emphasized that deeper cooperation in high-tech sectors will further enhance Southeast Asia's technological capabilities and contribute to broader economic and social development.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Wu Chengliang)
OpenAI has "indefinitely" abandoned plans to release an a erotic chatbot for adults following concerns from employees and investors, the company confirmed to The Financial Times. Plans for such a feature, first announced in October 2025 for release in December last year, had already been delayed while company debated whether to release it all. It's the second app OpenAI has decided to shelf this week, after announcing on Tuesday that it was shutting down its Sora video generator.

The adult-oriented chatbot, reportedly called "Citron mode," is now on hold with no planned release date. The company reportedly had difficulty training models that previously avoided erotic content and also removing illegal behavior like bestiality or incest, two people familiar with the matter told the FT.

Open AI said that it wanted to conduct long-term research on the effects of erotic chats and user attachment to AI, adding that there was currently not yet enough "empirical evidence" on the subject. The company also said it wanted to focus on its core productivity tools like coding assistants and drop "side quests" like Sora and the erotic chatbot.

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The idea for adult features came after OpenAI announced that it would add parental controls and automatic age detection features for ChatGPT. CEO Sam Altman said back in October that the company had always been careful about such issues over concerns around unhealthy AI attachments, but felt comfortable that it could "safely relax the restrictions in most cases."

However, the adult mode had reportedly caused concern among investors, particularly amid the controversy caused by rival xAI's Grok model that generated deepfake nudes of real people and children. Staff also worried about the feature, with one senior employee even leaving the company over the issue. "AI shouldnt replace your friends or your family; you should have human connections," he told the FT.

Another challenge is OpenAI's age-checking tech, introduced following lawsuits from families who said that ChatGPT harmed their children. The tech reportedly has an error right higher than ten percent, which would still give a large number of young people access to the tech. OpenAI said that figure is in the industry standard range and that it is continuing to work on its accuracy.
A US District Court Judge for the Northern District of Texas has dismissed X Corp.s lawsuit against advertisers it claimed participated in an illegal boycott of X, Reuters reports. X originally filed its lawsuit in 2024 in response to advertisers pulling ads from the social media platform, a decision reportedly motivated by X's lax approach to moderating hate speech.

Judge Jane J. Boyle was not swayed by Xs claims that advertisers like Twitch, Shell, Nestle and Lego pulling advertising amounted to an antitrust injury. The companies named in Xs lawsuit are members of the World Federation of Advertisers Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), an organization used by advertisers to bargain for certain safety standards from the platforms they advertise on. Advertisers took issue with X's approach to moderation and responded accordingly, purchasing ad space on other social platforms instead. The decision hurt X's ad revenue, but as Boyle writes in the dismissal, the company made no claim that advertisers did so to benefit a competitor or to form their own competing platform. They also didn't prevent X from selling ad space to other companies not in GARM. "The very nature of the alleged conspiracy does not state an antitrust claim," Boyle writes, "and the Court therefore has no qualm dismissing with prejudice."

Xs lawsuit being "dismissed with prejudice" means the company will be unable to refile the lawsuit at a later date. Separately, Judge Boyle also denied X the ability to appeal her decision. The company's rancor for advertisers was apparent when owner Elon Musk compared X's lawsuit to going to war, but the vitriol appears to be all for naught. X claimed in January 2026 that nearly all its top advertisers had returned to buying ads on the platform. As a subsidiary of xAI, the social platform is now also facing new, even more pressing issues, like its AI assistant Grok's alleged willingness to generate sexually explicit imagery of minors.
The European Union has opened a formal investigation into whether Snapchat has breached Digital Services Act (DSA) regulations regarding the safeguarding of children using its app.

Regulators say that the company, whose audience demographic has always skewed young, may not be doing enough to protect minors from grooming and "recruitment for criminal purposes." The EU is also looking into whether Snapchats younger users are too easily accessing information on how to buy illegal drugs and age-restricted products.

Brussels argues that while Snapchat requires users to be at least 13 years of age to sign up for an account, its self-declaration age assurance system may not be an adequate means of ensuring those younger than the minimum age cant engage with the platform. The European Commission also says the current measures fail to assess whether users are younger than 17 years old, which it says is necessary for an "age-appropriate experience." It also alleges that adults are able to exploit the current system to lie about their own age and impersonate minors.

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Investigators believe that the app itself doesnt allow for other users to report accounts they suspect are being used by people younger than the minimum age requirements. Moreover, they argue that reporting illegal content found on the app is not easy enough, and that Snapchat may not be informing its users about "possibilities for redress.

Other issues being looked at by the European Commission include child and teen accounts being recommended to other users by Snapchats Find Friends feature and insufficient guidance on available account safety features.

The investigators are now in the process of gathering evidence, sending out interview invitations and requesting information from Snap. The Commission says the investigation is based on analysis of the last three years of risk assessment reports filed by Snapchat, as well as an information request it sent on October 10 in 2025.

"The safety and wellbeing of all Snapchatters is a top priority, and our teams have worked for years to raise the bar on safety," a Snapchat spokesperson said in a statement to Engadget. "Snapchat is designed to help people communicate with close friends and family in a positive, trusted environment, with privacy and safety built in from the start - including additional protections for teens. As online risks evolve, we continuously review, strengthen, and invest in these safeguards."

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The company added that it has acted proactively and transparently in its efforts to meet the DSAs requirements, and said it would fully cooperate with the Commission throughout its investigation.

Snap is one of a number of social media companies currently facing increased scrutiny regarding the safety of minors using its platform. In 2023, the company added new features designed to make it harder for teenagers to connect with strangers. One of these measures involved increasing the amount of mutual friends users must have before appearing in search and suggested accounts.
Melania Trump drew widespread attention Wednesday after appearing alongside a humanoid AI robot during a White House summit focused on children's education and technology.

In a video shared online, Trump walked through a White House hallway with the robot, known as Figure 3, which moved on two legs and kept pace beside her.

The robot later addressed an audience in the East Room, marking a rare moment where artificial intelligence took center stage at a high-level public event.

"Thank you first lady Melania Trump for inviting me to the White House," the robot said. "I'm Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America. I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education."

According to CNN, the event was part of Trump's "Fostering the Future Together" initiative, which aims to promote safe and effective learning tools for young people.

The summit brought together global first spouses and leaders from major tech companies to discuss how artificial intelligence could shape education.

A walking, talking humanoid robot strolled side-by-side first lady Melania Trump into the East Room at the White House for the second day of her international technology summit. https://t.co/EImMBfyE9y pic.twitter.com/4IPTm0U9QB  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) March 25, 2026

Melania Trump Jokes About First Humanoid Guest

Trump acknowledged the unusual guest with humor, saying, "It's fair to state you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House."

The robot's appearance impressed attendees, who watched quietly and took photos as it spoke and greeted the crowd in multiple languages with clear pronunciation. It then exited the room without any technical issues, highlighting how far AI-powered robotics has advanced.

Online, reactions came quickly. Some users joked about science fiction scenarios, while others questioned whether the video was real.

"Oh it's real, I thought it was an AI generated video," one person wrote, US Magazine reported. Others commented on the robot's walking style, comparing it to human movement.

During her remarks, Trump described artificial intelligence as a growing force that could soon become part of everyday life.

"The future of AI is personified," she said. "Very soon, artificial intelligence will move from our mobile phones to humanoids that deliver utility."

She encouraged leaders to imagine robots helping in classrooms, even suggesting a humanoid teacher that could give students more time to explore other interests. Still, she stressed caution, noting that "the safety of our next generation is always paramount."
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3

La Guardia Civil detiene en la provincia de Almeria a unos 180 profugos de la justicia en el primer trimestre de 2026
Theres a line spoken by Harry Potter, the literary creation of author J.K. Rowling, in the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that many in U.S. agriculture can relate to: I dont go looking for trouble, the budding wizard notes, but trouble usually finds me.

Farmers and ranchers know just how he feels.

Take this winters weather. According to a recent post by Bryce Anderson, DTNs meteorologist emeritus, data for the 2025/26 December-through-February winter shows its been the second warmest in 131 years and the driest in 45 years, going back to the 1980/81 winter season.

In fact, A review of USDAs March 3 drought report, notes Anderson, shows that over the winter season, drought in corn country grew from 30% (of the area) to 51%; soybean-area drought grew from 30% to 53%, while winter wheat drought grew from 35% to 56%.

Warm and dry this early is both a bad combination and a bad omen. The key change to indicate any reversal, Anderson offers in a follow-up email, is how quickly La Nina conditions in the Pacific moderate.

La Nina often brings cold, dry winters; its sibling, El Nino, is associated with warmer, wetter winters.

If the Pacific actually swings toward El Nino, he continues, that should be better for Midwest temperatures and moisture along with conditions in Californias productive Central Valley.

Weather may be somewhat predictable; war never is and thats again been shown by the still-young, still-expanding fight in the Middle East. Its a costly, no-end-in-sight trouble that touches everything and everyone.

Its immediate effects  fast-climbing diesel costs and soaring fertilizer prices  are two more hard hits to already reeling farmers who, incidentally, are only beginning to collect $12 billion in federal bridge subsidies to mop up 2025 losses.

Now the war has pushed the president to delay his much-anticipated trip to China. Its the right move; presidents should be on American soil in times of war, not swapping smiles with politicians in foreign capitals.

After the news became public, however, traders clipped old-crop soybean futures for 70 cents and corn for 13 cents. Their worries are real: Will the meeting be rescheduled soon, and if so, will ag trade still be at the center of talks or will it be oil and war?

Even more trouble awaits when attention turns to Washington. First is the 2025 Farm Bill, passed March 5 by the House Ag Committee. It was a hard pull. Debate stretched more than 20 hours and featured sharp partisan disputes, reported the Iowa Capital Dispatch, particularly over previous cuts to nutrition programs.

Those cuts, dropped into last Julys big beautiful bill, derailed the generations-old urban/farm coalition that had worked in tandem to pass every Farm Bill since the founding of Food Stamps, todays SNAP.

The breakup, Scott Faber, a senior official with the Environmental Working Group, told the Dispatch, puts the Farm Bill in big trouble now. Republicans chose to blow up the coalition, he explains, so if Congress fails to pass another farm bill ever again, it will be Republicans who rightfully will bear the blame.

And, he added, this historic once-in-a-generation miscalculation by the farm lobby will, in the long run, undermine public support for the farm safety net.

His thesis may be tested soon. Congress was asked by 56 farm groups in mid-January to again throw farmers a lifeline to keep their farms in business until (Farm Bill-based) support reaches them in late 2026.

How much more? No amount was mentioned, but tens of billions is likely.

And thats only if the weather, war-shaken markets, new tariffs and Congress dont deliver even more trouble.

(The Farm and Food File is published weekly throughout the U.S. and Canada. Contact information is posted at farmandfoodfile.com.  2026 ag comm)
KIDRON, Ohio  A family dairy that has spent years pushing its crops farther and harder is now looking for something else to carry them forward: endurance.

Greg Steffen and his family farm corn, soybeans, triticale and rye. On just under 100 acres around their historic home  his children are the sixth generation to grow up under that roof  he milks about 130 cows, nearly four times the herd his parents tended when he was a child.

Now hes trying to answer a question that could shape the future of his dairy: How long can he push his land while keeping his soil healthy for the long haul?

After years of tinkering with forages and cover crops on his own, he joined a new, farmer-led research effort called From the Ground Up. Funded by a $10 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, the five-year project works with a network of farmer groups in Ohio and Missouri and a team of university researchers led by Ohio State University. Together, theyre looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon storage, improve resilience to climate change and ensure the long-term viability of farms.

Bucking the convention of university scientists designing trials and asking farmers to host them, the project starts with farmer questions and builds the science around them.

The point of this is to develop information that is actionable and trustworthy for the whole farming community, said Douglas JacksonSmith, project director and a sociologist and economist at Ohio State University.

Together, those involved in From the Ground Up represent a crosssection of agriculture, from largescale grain operations pushing the envelope on cover crops, to small urban vegetable farms, to conventional dairies like Steffens. The project lets farmers themselves define the conservation questions that matter most on their operations and tests how practices like cover crops and reduced tillage perform under real-world farm conditions  agronomically, economically and over time.

Outcomes farmers value.

That kind of groundtruthing is exactly what From the Ground Up was built to do, according to JacksonSmith.

The essence of the project is to try to really invest heavily in farmer-led research and innovation in the conservation space, he said.

JacksonSmith has spent decades studying the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices on farms that protect soil, water and other natural resources. Too often, he said, practices that look promising in small plots or tightly controlled experiments dont translate cleanly to busy, complex operations. He pointed to a strong body of research showing that approaches such as cover crops, reduced tillage and diversified rotations are effective and widely endorsed. But one successful research trial does not a working farm make.

The outcome of the project isnt basic research. Its not that were going to discover if cover crops can do X, Y and Z, for example, JacksonSmith said. This is about how you can make it work under realistic, working farm conditions, and can we focus in on those outcomes farmers value most?

To see which approaches might have potential in the fields, Jackson-Smith and his team knew they needed a broad swath of farmers willing to experiment.

We tried to find farmers who are not just the well-known innovators at the cutting edge, JacksonSmith said, but also to try to reach that middle ground, where farmers are curious and interested but not yet convinced or have frustrations.

Alex Jefferies, the project manager, said the farmer-first model embraces the variability scientists often try to control for, like uneven soils and differing farm sizes, as an inherent part of conducting research on working farms. For her, success will ultimately be measured not in journal articles but in what sticks on the ground.

We want these practices to be something at the end of the project that they would continue with if theyre working on their farm, she said. The farmers have to be just as invested or more invested in the project outcomes than we are.

Should that happen, if people pick up and adopt these practices through our project, that would be a really big measure of success, I think, she said.

Better than before.

Steffen isnt alone in asking questions about how to improve his farm. Just down the road, another farmer is grappling with the same tension between production today and the health of the ground underfoot.

Scott Stoller milks about 400 cows and raises crops, including corn and soybeans, along with mixed forages. Lately, hes wrestling with a question that looks deceptively simple on paper. When he grows a lush stand of cover crops such as clover or peas, should he plow it down to feed the soil, or harvest it to feed the cows and return those nutrients later as manure? Does it make a difference? And if it does, what kind of difference?

We cannot rob the soil; thats where it all starts. But I dont sell organic matter, either. We sell milk. So, how do we get the milk without depleting the soil? We want to leave it better than when we came. But how do you do that? Stoller said.

Since the late 1990s, when he began transitioning the farm to organic, Stoller has been driven by a desire to answer fundamental questions about what his practices were really doing to the soil, the crops and the cows, and whether he could truly succeed by utilizing natural processes instead of depleting them. His search for answers led him to the farmer-driven project at From the Ground Up so he could learn what it takes to keep his soil healthy. With support from the projects research team, Stoller has helped recruit other farmers and codesign onfarm trials that compare different ways of managing cover crops and rotations under actual field conditions. On most participating farms, the research plays out at field or splitfield scales and is replicated across rotations, with farmers and scientists tracking not only crop yield and forage tonnage, but also changes in soil health and the economics of each choice.

Stoller believes their organic practices have improved the farms soils, but hes not satisfied with gut feelings alone.

Compared to the neighbors, Im not a bit embarrassed. Were not depleting our soil, but is it as good as it was 200 years ago? he wondered.

Stoller has already seen one clear result above ground: corn yields dropped where he mowed his cover crop. That hints that leaving more biomass to feed the soil might pay back in grain, but it still doesnt answer the deeper question of whats happening to the soil, or how the lost yield compares to the value of the extra forage.

For now, Stoller must wait for patience to bear fruit. As part of the project, baseline soils were taken last year, but follow-up tests in years three and five will show whether the soil is actually better off.

His place has changed a lot over the years. The 1840s-era barn where his great-grandparents once milked cows twice a day has given way to a modern parlor built in 2014. But the old barn still stands, today playing host to community sings and graduation parties while kids disappear into its hay maze, feeling their way through tunnels before they finally spill back out into the light.

In some ways, that journey mirrors the one the farm has taken. But one thing hasnt changed: Stollers insistence on questioning everything, especially what it really takes to keep both the soil and the business that depends on it alive and healthy.

He said the vision hes committed to is about more than his own fields.

The organic system was built on, everybody along the way has to win. And its even right down to the truck driver, to the grocery store; everybody has to win, including the farmer and the consumer, he says. The goal is for everybody to win along the way  no losers.

Cows

Farmers always have questions.

Before he joined the research project, Steffens growing herd pushed him to rethink his forages and look more seriously at winter annuals. After years of struggling with inconsistent alfalfa, he turned to triticale, a coolseason wheatandrye hybrid winter annual. Because triticale can be harvested early enough to fit into a rotation with shortseason corn, the shift quickly paid off. The crop not only proved more reliable, but it also allowed him to expand into soybeans. With triticale covering his haylage needs over winter and freeing up ground in his rotation, Steffen was able to plant 52 acres of soybeans last year.

Triticale has also delivered the consistency he was looking for: where alfalfa can thin out in wet spots and leave patches of uneven feed, triticale tends to perform more uniformly from field to field. Early soil tests on his longestrunning triticale cornfield have come back encouraging, and hes seen less erosion since moving to heavier cover and striptill, with live roots in the ground for most of the year.

Those are positive signs, but for Steffen, theyre evidence in progress, not final answers. Even as the data improves, hes uneasy about what long, continuous rotations of corn and triticale on the same ground might mean for his soil over time.

I dont want to get 10 years down the road and find out I depleted my soil, and now Im in big trouble, he said.

That question of what intensive production means for soil over the long haul is what ultimately led him to work with researchers in the first place. Today, Steffen is leading a From the Ground Up project that tests how two different approaches  terminating traditional cover crops or harvesting annual winter forage before planting corn  affect both soil and corn yield. For him, partnering with the university is a way to turn field observations into evidence other farmers can put to use.

Farmers always have questions on, can we do this better, or can we be more profitable? We all have those questions. And so how do we find out the answers? he said. I think it is so helpful to be able to partner with [the university] and do the project together. Its research that us farmers wanted to figure out the answer for.
Jeremy Clarkson and Lisa Hogan have launched a bold new push to champion British farming, unveiling a major Diddly Squat Farm Shop rebrand as mounting pressures push many farmers to the brink.

More than half of UK farmers have considered leaving the industry in the past year, according to a 2025 Farmdex report, with most expecting family-run farms to decline sharply.

It is against this backdrop that the Cotswolds business has introduced a new identity built around a simple message: British farming should be celebrated.

What began as a modest farm shop in a muddy layby has since drawn crowds from across the country, evolving into one of Britains most recognisable food brands, fuelled in part by the success of Clarksons Farm.

The relaunch centres on the slogan For Farms Sake, designed to highlight the people behind food production and the realities of life on farm. From now on, every product will carry the message: Buying this helps farmers farm.

A new cockerel logo  pitchfork in hand  has been introduced as a mark of food that supports farmers and promotes fair returns, reinforcing the brands no-nonsense tone.

The shop itself has also been revamped and reopened on 25 March, retaining its familiar character while introducing updated fittings and a more seasonal feel.

The timing is deliberate. UK agriculture, which covers around 69% of the countrys land and employs roughly 460,000 people, continues to face rising costs, tight margins and structural uncertainty. Despite its role in feeding the nation and shaping rural landscapes, the sector often struggles for recognition.

The Amazon series following Clarkson and Hogan has brought those challenges into sharp focus, highlighting everything from unpredictable weather to red tape, while helping reconnect audiences with where their food comes from.

The farm shop has steadily expanded its range to include milk, honey, condiments and preserves, many sourced directly from the farm or nearby Cotswolds producers.

Lisa Hogan said the aim is to reconnect people with farming through everyday purchases.

At Diddly Squat Farm we grow and source ingredients to support British farming, and we want people to feel the joy of the farm the moment they pick something up, she said, adding that the team is eager to welcome visitors back.

Clarkson was characteristically direct in his assessment of the food system.

Nothing winds me up quite like food that has nothing to do with the people who actually grew it. Our food does, he said. You pick up a jar of mustard. You help a British farmer. Thats it.

Further product launches are planned later this year as the business continues to expand its offering and strengthen its focus on supporting producers.
Nearly six in ten Britons support banning non-stun slaughter, new polling shows, as pressure grows on ministers to act.

New polling by More In Common found that 58% of the public back prohibiting non-stun slaughter for halal and kosher meat. The findings come as the government confirms the issue will not be addressed in its animal welfare strategy.

UK law requires animals to be stunned before slaughter to reduce suffering, but exemptions allow non-stun methods for religious practices.

While all kosher meat in the UK comes from non-stun slaughter, stunned halal meat is widely accepted by many Muslims, although a significant proportion of halal animals are still not stunned.

Animal welfare groups including the RSPCA, British Veterinary Association and Compassion in World Farming support a ban, with campaigners arguing religious demands shouldnt trump animal welfare.

The governments animal welfare strategy, published at the end of 2025, sets out measures to improve welfare in areas such as pig, fish and crustacean slaughter, but makes no reference to religious slaughter practices.

Confirming this, Defra minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock said there are no commitments in the strategy that address religious slaughter practices specifically.

The issue has also been debated several times in Parliament this year.

MPs raised concerns in January about the number of animals being killed without stunning. In February, Conservative MP Esther McVey called for mandatory labelling of non-stun meat, and similar proposals gained support during a June debate on a petition with more than 100,000 signatures.

The polling forms part of a wider report on attitudes to religion and society, based on responses from more than 2,000 people across Britain, alongside focus groups.

The research was funded by the National Secular Society (NSS), which campaigns for an end to non-stun slaughter.

NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said the findings show the public believe religious demands shouldnt trump animal welfare.

She said it was disappointing the strategy failed to address the issue, warning animals would continue to suffer unnecessarily and consumers remain in the dark when making ethical choices.

However, representatives of the Jewish community have pushed back against calls for reform, arguing that non-stun slaughter methods are often mischaracterised in public debate.

A spokesperson for Shechita UK said the evidence did not support claims that stunning was a more humane option, pointing to peer-reviewed studies from Europe and the United States which, they said, show Shechita to be at least as humane as mechanical stunning methods.

They added that the suggestion that stunning is a calm or optimal process is simply not borne out by the evidence, noting that methods such as captive bolt, electrical water bath stunning and CO2 gas are not kind or comfortable procedures, with the latter increasingly under scrutiny.

The spokesperson also argued that mechanical stunning was originally introduced for efficiency rather than welfare, and cautioned against what they described as sanitising terms such as stun and non-stun being used to limit debate.

They further said that, historically, slaughter method debates in Europe had often been shaped more by societal and political factors than animal welfare concerns, adding that policy should follow science, not slogans, and must respect both animal welfare and the long-standing rights of religious communities fully adhering to UK law.

While non-stun slaughter remains a sensitive issue, protections are in place to allow practices for faith communities.

Conservative MP Esther McVey has also pushed for clearer transparency, introducing a Ten Minute Rule Bill that would require meat from non-stun slaughter to be clearly labelled.

The debate is expected to continue as pressure grows for both welfare reform and greater consumer transparency.
A 100 million government-backed restart of a major carbon dioxide plant could provide a crucial boost to UK farming and food production amid growing concerns over supply shortages due to the US-Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ministers have approved funding to reopen the Ensus facility on Teesside, which was mothballed last year after a US trade deal cut tariffs on bioethanol  its main product. The grant is expected to support an initial three-month restart, aimed at stabilising domestic CO2 supplies.

For farmers, the move is set to reopen a key market for maize and feed wheat, while restoring an important source of animal feed for the North East.

The intervention is significant for agriculture, where carbon dioxide plays a vital role across the supply chain. It is widely used in food processing, packaging and storage, as well as in abattoirs for humane livestock stunning.

CO2 production in the UK is closely linked to fertiliser manufacturing, meaning disruption in energy markets can quickly impact farm businesses. High gas prices in recent years have already forced some fertiliser plants to scale back or halt production, tightening CO2 availability as a knock-on effect. This has previously led to disruption across the food chain, particularly in meat processing.

Concerns are now resurfacing as global energy markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption could place further pressure on fertiliser supplies and drive up input costs for farmers already operating on tight margins.

Grant Pearson, Ensus UK chairman, said: This agreement of support from the UK government is excellent news for our employees and supply chain, and we hope to have the plant back in full operation soon.

It will also support UK agricultural and fuel markets, including future expansion in sustainable aviation and maritime fuels and the development of greener chemicals.

Former BP executive Nick Butler warned shortages could emerge within weeks, saying: There will be shortages and I think the government now should be seriously planning how theyre going to handle that and part of that is maximising supply.

The governments move suggests ministers are keen to avoid a repeat of previous CO2 shortages, which caused disruption to meat processing and the wider food supply chain. Past shortages forced some abattoirs and producers to scale back operations, underlining the sectors reliance on a stable supply of the gas.

Despite mounting concerns, ministers have sought to reassure businesses. Energy minister Michael Shanks told MPs the government was absolutely not preparing for blackouts or fuel rationing, insisting the UK has a strong and diverse range of supplies.

However, uncertainty remains over how long global supply pressures could last. The situation is being closely monitored by industry groups, with any sustained disruption likely to feed through into higher production costs and renewed pressure on farm businesses.

The reopening of the Teesside plant is seen as a short-term but important step in safeguarding key inputs for the UKs food and farming sectors.
More than 500 jobs at animal feed producer ABN are at risk, with Unite calling for clarity after the company lost a major supply contract.

Workers across five sites in Yorkshire, Devon, Lancashire, Oxfordshire and Cumbria  many in rural areas where alternative employment can be limited  are facing an uncertain future following the loss of a key deal to supply feed to 2 Ag.

The contract was withdrawn in April 2025 after 2 Ag, formerly 2 Sisters, opted to bring production in-house. TUPE regulations did not apply, meaning no employees were transferred. The loss represents a significant commercial setback for the business.

Unite said staff have been left in limbo, with no clear timeline on whether they will remain employed, move to another company or face redundancy.

The union said it was not fully informed of the scale of the issue until late 2025, despite earlier concerns among the workforce.

General secretary Sharon Graham said the company had failed its employees.

ABN is treating its workers with contempt. Dedicated workers should not be treated in this manner. ABN must come clean and tell workers what the future holds, she said.

Talks between Unite and the company have taken place several times, but the union said there is still limited clarity on next steps.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said long-serving employees feel particularly let down.

One of our reps has over 42 years service and feels totally let down by the company as it is now just not bothering, he said.

He added that, as part of Associated British Foods  which also owns Primark  the company should be doing more to support its workforce.

A firm of this size should be able to do the right thing for its workforce and have the decency to be transparent about their futures, he said.

The union is calling for clear deadlines and stronger support for affected workers.

We are demanding that the company sets clear deadlines for decisions to be made and to support our members properly, Mr Jones said.

Several sites are understood to be under review or on the market, including Cullompton, Bury, Enstone and Langwathby, while staffing levels at Flixborough have already been reduced through voluntary redundancy.

Other sites are not currently affected.

Responding to the situation, Jonny Lester, general manager at ABN, said the company was taking difficult but necessary actions following a review of its operations.

Following a comprehensive review of our operations and manufacturing footprint, we are taking difficult but necessary actions to secure the sustainability of our business. This includes exploring multiple options for the future of affected sites, he said.

We are acutely aware of the uncertainty that this ongoing process creates for our colleagues and are working hard to support them with care, clarity and respect as we work towards its conclusion.

We remain committed to communicating as transparently as possible with our employees and stakeholders and will continue to share confirmed information as soon as we are able, as we have been doing throughout the process so far.

The actions we are taking reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable animal feed products, today and for the future.
A 2.4m circular farm project aiming to turn crops into both food and low-carbon fuel has launched in Lincolnshire, in a UK-first move that could reshape the future of farming.

The three-year RePeat initiative is designed to tackle one of agricultures biggest challenges  producing food while cutting emissions and adapting to climate and market pressures.

The project brings together the University of Lincoln, Pollybell Farm and energy supplier Flogas, backed by Defras Farming Innovation Programme and Innovate UK.

A large-scale demonstrator will be established across Pollybells 5,000-acre estate spanning Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

For many farms, balancing productivity with sustainability is becoming increasingly difficult. The new model aims to address this by integrating food production, renewable energy generation and environmental land management within a single system.

At its core is renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), a low-carbon fuel produced from farm-grown biomass that can be used in existing heating systems.

This could prove significant for the 1.5 to 2 million UK homes that are off the gas grid, where affordable low-carbon heating options remain limited.

The system will also capture heat and carbon dioxide generated during fuel production and reuse it in controlled environment agriculture.

This approach could support year-round food production while reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Dr Amir Badiee, principal investigator at the University of Lincoln, said the project is focused on delivering practical results.

RePeat is about bringing together technologies that already exist and proving they can work as a connected system on a commercial farm, he said.

The challenge now is not just innovation, but integration and generating the evidence needed to scale.

The University will lead on system design, monitoring and validation to ensure the model delivers reliable, transferable data for farmers, industry and policymakers.

Pollybell Farm, which has led more than 9m in research into peatland management, biomass and controlled environment agriculture, will host the trial.

Project lead James Brown said the approach could transform how farms operate.

The opportunity here is to rethink how land is used, producing food, generating energy and improving environmental outcomes in a single system, he said.

That has the potential to change the economics of farming.

The project reflects a growing push to integrate food, energy and environmental systems within UK agriculture, as the sector looks to diversify income and improve resilience.

Flogas will explore how the fuel produced could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in off-grid rural areas.

The project will also assess wider impacts, including rural job creation and long-term farm viability, as policy shifts towards low-carbon production and environmental land management.

Findings will be shared with government and industry, with results expected to inform future policy and investment decisions.

If successful, the model could provide a blueprint for cutting emissions without sacrificing food production  a balance central to the UKs net zero ambitions.
British red meat exports have hit a record 2 billion, up 12% year-on-year, prompting a fresh push to unlock new global markets.

The surge, confirmed in the latest HMRC figures for 2025, is seen as crucial for boosting farmgate returns at a time of rising costs and tight margins across the sector.

The UK already has access to more than 50 international markets for beef, lamb and pork, underlining the strong global demand for British produce, known for its quality, traceability and sustainability.

In response, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has published its latest Market Access Prioritisation Report, outlining where efforts will be focused to expand exports and strengthen the UKs position in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Recent progress in securing new markets has already strengthened that position.

Gains include lamb access to Taiwan in 2023, expanded pork access to Mexico in 2024 to include offal and by-products, and new entry into Vietnam  one of South East Asias fastest-growing consumer markets.

Alongside opening new trade routes, maintaining existing ones remains critical.

Audits by Canadian and US authorities in 2024 and 2025 confirmed UK compliance across red meat sectors, allowing exports to continue without disruption and reinforcing confidence in UK standards.

A major breakthrough came in May 2025, when the UK secured negligible BSE risk status from the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The milestone, achieved after years of surveillance and biosecurity measures, is expected to unlock further opportunities for UK beef and by-products in markets where animal health status is a key barrier to entry.

As part of its wider export drive, AHDB has also been building relationships in priority regions.

This includes hosting a British Meat Dinner in Japan, bringing together key stakeholders to showcase UK beef, lamb and pork and strengthen trade links.

Ouafa Doxon, AHDB head of market access, said the report has been developed closely with industry to help guide long-term strategy.

Levy payers are at the heart of what we do helping us align with industry aspirations, she said.

She emphasised the need for agility as global conditions shift and competition intensifies.

We must be agile to changes in global trade and adapt to where new opportunities arise, she said.

Expanding export opportunities remains a gradual process, but one that delivers value across the supply chain once established.

Its important to remember we dont open markets overnight. It takes time, she said, adding that maintaining a diverse portfolio of destinations is essential.

AHDB said its work supports wider efforts to promote British red meat overseas, with teams working alongside industry and government to maximise export potential.

Market access is the first step in the export process, opening the door to both new markets and broadening the scope of what we can export, Ms Doxon said.

With global demand rising and competition for premium markets intensifying, securing and maintaining access to key destinations will be critical if the UK is to build on record export growth and compete on the world stage.

Further negotiations and developments are expected over the coming year as the sector looks to capitalise on current momentum.
Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar broke his silence after a Sikh organisation filed a complaint over a poster showing Ranveer Singh smoking a cigarette while wearing a turban.

The filmmaker said that it is an AI-generated image and called it a deliberate actor of misinterpretation. Dhar issued a statement that read, "I am deeply grateful & indebted for the overwhelming love that Dhurandhar The Revenge has received from audience across the country and the world. However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals are circulating manipulated visuals by morphing officially released promotional material using artificial intelligence to create false and misleading narratives."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aditya Dhar (@adityadharfilms)

He continued, "One such fabricated image falsely depicts the character Hamza/Jaskirat smoking while wearing a turban. This is completely untrue and does not form part of the film or any official material released by us. It is a deliberate act of misrepresentation intended to provide and create mischief."

Dhar added that he holds the highest respect for the Sikh community and every portrayal has been handled with utmost sensitivity, dignity and responsibility."

The filmmaker further urged the audiences to rely only on official content and watch the film as intended and not fall prey to AI-generated misinformation being circulated with an "ulterior motive."

"Such acts will be dealt with firmly," Dhar concluded.

About Dhurandhar: The Revenge

The story continues the journey of Ranveer Singhs character, an Indian undercover agent operating under the name Hamza. While the first part focused on his infiltration into the dangerous Lyari gang and the assassination of its leader, Rehman Dakait, the sequel takes the narrative forward as Hamza tightens his control over the underworld and its political links. Alongside Ranveer, the Aditya Dhar directorial also features Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna and Danish Pandor among others.

Also Read: Border 2 Director Anurag Singh Praises Aditya Dhar for Dhurandhar Franchise
After turning heads at a Bvlgari event in Italy, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is already onto what she calls a new adventure. The actor recently shared on social media that she was heading to Amritsar, and was spotted at the Delhi airport on Thursday. Dressed casually, she greeted the paparazzi with folded hands and also took time out to click pictures with fans.

Priyanka kept her airport look easy and stylish in a satin silver shirt paired with blue jeans, finishing it off with a denim cap and oversized round glasses. As she stepped out of the airport, she paused to pose for the photographers and warmly acknowledged them before making her way to the car.

She also interacted with fans, happily posing for photos without any rush. Later, Priyanka posted a map on Instagram showing her journey from Delhi to Amritsar, along with the caption, Chalo, another adventure. She didnt reveal further details about the trip, leaving fans curious.

On the work front, Priyanka was last seen in the action-adventure film The Bluff, directed by Frank E. Flowers. She will soon return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamoulis Varanasi, alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, marking her comeback after eight years. The film, expected to release in April 2027, has already created buzz, and she also has season 2 of Citadel lined up.

Also Read: PHOTOS: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Dazzles in Pastel Nicolas Jebran at Bvlgaris Star-studded Milan Event
For Anishma Anilkumar, it was a moment years in the making. The actor recently met Suriya when he visited the team of Youth, and the interaction quickly turned into the emotional highlight of the films ongoing success celebrations.

A full-circle fan moment

Taking to social media, Anishma shared her excitement about finally meeting the star she has admired since childhood. "Making me blush since 2005. From watching Strum Vizhi Sudare every morning before going to school, to sticking his posters on my wall and admiring him for the incredible actor and person he is yes, finally I met him." (sic)



Her heartfelt note struck a chord with fans, many of whom saw their own long-standing admiration for film stars reflected in her words. Suriyas gesture of meeting the team added a personal touch to what has already been a memorable phase for the young cast.



Suriyas visit comes at a time when Youth, directed by and starring Ken Karunaas, is enjoying positive word of mouth following its release on March 19. The coming-of-age comedy drama has been appreciated for its breezy narrative and relatable themes.

Industry support boosts Ken Karunaas debut

The film has also received encouragement from other prominent names in the industry. Actors Karthi and Silambarasan TR have also met the team to congratulate them, signalling strong industry backing for the young filmmakers first outing.



Youth features an ensemble cast including Suraj Venjaramoodu, Devadarshini, Meenakshi Dinesh, and Priyanshi Yadav, bringing together a mix of experience and fresh energy.

Making me blush since 2005



From watching Strum Vizhi Sudare every morning before going to school, to sticking his posters on my wall and admiring him for the incredible actor and person he is yes, finally I met him @Suriya_offl pic.twitter.com/e1FktnzzeU  Anishma Anil (@anishma_anil) March 25, 2026

Music, reception and whats next

Adding to the films appeal is its soundtrack by GV Prakash Kumar, whose previous collaborations on films like Asuran and Vaathi have been widely appreciated. His music in Youth complements the films youthful tone and emotional beats.



Behind the scenes, the films technical crew includes cinematographer Viki, editor Nash, art director Ramu Thangaraj, and stunt choreographer Kalai Kingson, all of whom contribute to its polished presentation.



With largely positive reviews since release, the film is now expanding its reach. The Telugu-dubbed version of Youth is scheduled to hit theatres on March 26, opening it up to a wider audience.



For Anishma, however, the moment with Suriya remains the defining takeaway. In the middle of a promising film debut and growing recognition, it is this personal milestone that stands out, turning a professional journey into something deeply memorable.



Also Read: Suriyas Karuppu Gets Official Release Update After Delay Buzz
EA Rajendran, a versatile performer who made his mark across theatre, films and television, has passed away at the age of 71. He had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness and breathed his last at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam.



From stage roots to screen presence



Rajendrans journey into the arts began on the stage, where he first discovered his passion for performance. Born to Ayyappan and Sumathi in the Engoor Tharavadu at Thrithallur in Thrissur district, he showed an early inclination towards acting during his school days at Thrithallur U P School. His participation in literary society plays laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to the performing arts.



After completing his college education, Rajendran joined the National School of Drama in Delhi, graduating with first rank, a testament to his dedication and craft. He later honed his skills further by pursuing a television course at the Film and Television Institute of India, equipping himself with a deeper understanding of the medium.



A life intertwined with theatre and family



It was during this period that Rajendran met Sandhya, daughter of veteran actor O Madhavan, and sister of Mukesh. Their shared passion for theatre soon turned into a partnership in life, with the two getting married while Sandhya was still a student at the Thrissur School of Drama.



Following their marriage, Rajendran settled in Kollam and became closely associated with Kalidasa Kalakendram, the theatre troupe led by his father-in-law. Here, he found a creative home, contributing significantly to its productions and growth. One of his notable achievements was adapting a Russian novel into a stage play with the support of playwright Jose Chirammal. The production went on to win the Kerala State Government Award for Best Play in 1987.



For several years, Rajendran and Sandhya were central figures in the troupes performances, shaping its identity and repertoire. During this period, Sandhya was honoured with the State Award for Best Theatre Actress, reflecting the couples strong presence in Keralas theatre circuit.





Cinema, television and beyond



Although Rajendran stepped into cinema early with Greeshmam, directed by V R Gopinath, consistent opportunities in films did not immediately follow. It was after a considerable gap that he returned to the screen with Kaliyattam, directed by Jayaraj. The film marked a turning point, leading to a steady stream of roles in Malayalam cinema.



Over the years, he appeared in around sixty films, taking on a wide range of characters that spanned antagonistic roles to nuanced supporting parts. His performances in films like Pranayavarnangal, Daya and Pattabhishekam showcased his ability to adapt to different genres and storytelling styles.



In addition to films, Rajendran was a familiar presence on Malayalam television, appearing in several serials that brought him into households across the state. His contributions were not limited to the arts alone. He also served as Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation, balancing public service with his creative pursuits.



Rajendrans passing marks the end of a career that quietly but consistently enriched Malayalam performing arts. From his early days on stage to his work in cinema and television, he remained committed to his craft, leaving behind a body of work that reflects both versatility and dedication.







Also Read: Tovino Thomas Pallichattambi Teaser Drops As Makers Shift Release Date


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 25, 2026) - New Found Gold Corp. (TSXV: NFG) (NYSE American: NFGC) ("New Found Gold" or the "Company") announces that it has filed its annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, and its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2025 (together, the "2025 Annual Documents"), with Canadian securities regulators and the annual report on Form 40-F (the "Form 40-F"), which includes the 2025 Annual Documents as appendices, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

The 2025 Annual Documents are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Form 40-F is available under the EDGAR system of the SEC (www.sec.gov). New Found Gold's financial disclosure documents are also available on the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca.

Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the financial disclosure documents free of charge upon request through the Company's investor inquiry form on the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca.

About New Found Gold Corp.

New Found Gold is an emerging Canadian gold producer with assets in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Gold Project ("Queensway") and Hammerdown Gold Project, which includes the Hammerdown deposit and Pine Cove milling and tailings facilities. The Company is currently focused on advancing its flagship Queensway to production and bringing the Hammerdown deposit into commercial gold production.

In July 2025, the Company completed a PEA at Queensway (see New Found Gold press release dated July 21, 2025). Recent drilling continues to yield new discoveries along strike and down dip of known gold zones, pointing to the district-scale potential that covers a +110 km strike extent along two prospective fault zones at Queensway.

Throughout 2025 New Found Gold built a new board of directors and management team and has a solid shareholder base which includes cornerstone investor Eric Sprott. The Company is focused on growth and value creation.

Keith Boyle, P.Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

New Found Gold Corp.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Keith Boyle, P.Eng., CEO, and a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. Mr. Boyle consents to the publication of this press release by New Found Gold. Mr. Boyle certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release.

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 Information

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements regarding the Company's focus on advancing Queensway to production and bringing the Hammerdown deposit into commercial gold production; statements regarding recent drilling results and the district-scale potential that covers a +110 km strike extent along two prospective fault zones at Queensway; and the Company's focus on grow and value creation. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "interpreted", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "suggests", "indicate", "often", "target", "future", "likely", "pending", "potential", "encouraging", "goal", "objective", "prospective", "possibly", "preliminary", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and NYSE American, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with the Company's ability to complete exploration and drilling programs as expected, possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results and the results of the metallurgical testing program, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca and on the website of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289955

Source: New Found Gold Corp.
Rio Tinto has published its 2025 Taxes and Royalties Paid Report, which details $9.9 billion of taxes and royalties paid globally during the year (2024: $8.4 billion).

In Australia, taxes and royalties totalling $6.1 billion (A$9.5 billion) were paid in 2025, including corporate tax paid of $3.7 billion (A$5.8 billion). Rio Tinto also made significant tax and royalty payments in Chile ($1.1 billion), the United States ($1.0 billion), Mongolia ($628 million) and Canada ($399 million).

Higher tariffs on primary aluminium exports from Canada to the United States, including the removal of the 10% tariff exemption from March 2025, resulted in almost $1 billion in additional tax payments in the United States. Higher profits at Escondida resulted in higher corporate tax payments in Chile and increased copper production and prices at Oyu Tolgoi resulted in higher royalty payments in Mongolia.

Rio Tinto Chief Financial Officer Peter Cunningham said: "The taxes and royalties we pay to governments are an important contributor to the economic health and development of the regions where we operate.

"We seek to operate responsibly everywhere we work. Our operations deliver meaningful benefits to society and host communities now and for the long-term including the production of essential materials, job creation, skills development and small business growth.

"Our payments to governments can be significant for national budgets and to support development priorities, while our voluntary social investment also allows communities to invest in their own social and economic development for years to come.

"We continue to be a leader in transparent tax reporting, voluntarily publishing detailed information on our taxes and royalty payment to governments for over 15 years. We welcome feedback on our disclosures as we continue to find better ways to contribute to our host countries and communities."

In the past 10 years, Rio Tinto has paid $82.7 billion in taxes and royalties globally, of which more than 76% was paid in Australia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260325662160/en/

Contacts:

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

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Category: General
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!
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 25, 2026) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU)("Copper Fox" or the "Company") announces that its that its unaudited interim consolidated January 30, 2026, financial statements have been filed on SEDAR+. For the Quarter ended January 31, 2026, Copper Fox had a net loss of $242,857 (October 31, 2025 - $1,071,237) which equated to $0.00 loss per share (October 31, 2025 - $0.00 loss per share).

Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "During the Quarter, Copper Fox made significant progress advancing its objective of completing a prefeasibility study (PFS) on its Van Dyke project. With the early stage works of the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in progress, advancing the hydrogeological studies is expected to add significant insight into understanding solution flow within the Van Dyke deposit, a critical parameter in estimating the sweep efficiency and predict expected future copper production. At Mineral Mountain, the first drillhole in its "maiden" drilling program has been completed, the drill was moved to the second drillhole, approximately 1.3km to the northeast to test another portion of this very large porphyry copper target. The Multi Year Area Based (MYAB) permit application for the Eaglehead project has been submitted to the BC Ministry of Mines. Work plans for conducting additional exploration at Sombrero Butte to locate potential drillhole locations are underway. At Schaft Creek, the majority of the 2025 activities have been reported, however the results of the metallurgical testwork remain outstanding. Copper Fox expects to provide updates on both the Schaft Creek and Mineral Mountain projects shortly."

During the Quarter ended January 31, 2026, the Company incurred $1,114,656 in expenditures toward furthering the development of its Schaft Creek and Van Dyke copper projects and further exploration of its Eaglehead, Sombrero Butte and Mineral Mountain copper projects. Copies of the financial statements, notes, and related management discussion and analysis may be obtained on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , the Company's web site at www.copperfoxmetals.com or by contacting the Company directly. All references to planned activities and technical information contained in this news release have been previously announced by way of news releases. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Q1-2026 Highlights

Announced an update on the strategy and activities required to position the Van Dyke project to transition to the PFS stage and the execution of non-binding letters of intent to access industrial water for leaching purposes and an offtake agreement for the material excavated from the proposed underground excavation.

Results of the 2025 drilling program at Schaft Creek which included intersecting mineralization 500m south of the Liard zone. Analytical results include: DDH SCK-25-478, intersected a 67.27m core interval (357.73 to 425.00m) that averaged 0.286% copper, trace molybdenum, 1.814g/t gold and 1.77g/t silver that included an 11.5m core interval (408.50 to 420.00m) that averaged 0.381% copper, trace molybdenum, 9.352g/t gold and 2.67g/t silver. DDH SCK-25-480, intersected a 181.50m core interval (21.00 to 202.50m) that averaged 0.299% copper, 0.006% molybdenum, 0.088g/t gold and 0.96g/t silver, that included a 15.00m core interval (110.90 to 125.90m) that averaged 0.562% copper, 0.009% molybdenum, 0.131g/t gold and 1.70g/t silver.

Announced the results of merging the chargeability and resistivity data from the geophysical surveys completed on the Eaglehead porphyry copper project between 2014 and 2025.

Subsequent to the Quarter Ended

Completed a non-brokered private placement of approximately $3,000,000 in gross proceeds by issuing 4,615,384 common shares at a price of $0.65 per share.

Announced commencing the PEA on the Van Dyke project along with a 3-D numerical groundwater flow model and continued hydrogeological data collection.

Announced 2025 results from the Schaft Creek ongoing geotechnical, hydrogeological, environmental, and meteorological studies.

Van Dyke, Arizona

With the Van Dyke project having the potential to become a near term scalable, ESG-aligned mid-size copper mine, having the right team to complete the updated PEA is a major step in advancing the project to the PFS stage. A critical portion of advancing the project is demonstrating to the federal and state regulatory bodies that future leaching operations can be conducted in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. To achieve this, understanding fluid flow patterns within the Van Dyle project is critical to configure the well field design to contain and recover the leaching fluids, but also provides data that can be used to estimate the sweep efficiency which impacts predicted copper production, both critical aspects of maximizing the economics of the Van Dyke project. Early works related to the updated PEA, consisting of locating sites for the portal to the decline to access the deposit and the location of the SX-EW plant and related facilities, core sampling to confirm the limits of the recoverable copper mineralization and meetings with the Town of Miami on obtaining a permit to conduct future drill programs were completed. The semi-regional 3-D numerical groundwater flow modelling to assess the groundwater flow within the Bloody Tanks Wash drainage basin and its effect on the groundwater within the Van Dyke project along with hydrogeology monitoring and sampling to detect changes in water quality continue.

Mineral Mountain, Arizona

During the Quarter, the first ever drilling program on the large Laramide age porphyry target at Mineral Mountain commenced. The project is located on a prolific copper trend in Arizona, approximately 25km southwest of the giant Resolution porphyry copper deposit and 20km northeast of the Florence ISCR deposit. The preparation of a news release announcing preliminary details for DDH MM-01-2025 is underway and is expected to be released shortly, with DDH MM-02-2025 still being drilled.

Schaft Creek, British Columbia

At Schaft Creek, total expenditures by the Schaft Creek Joint Venture (SCJV) from inception in 2013 to the end of 2025 is approximately $90 million. Since completion of the 2021 Schaft Creek PEA, the SCJV has focused on completing a series of studies to advance the project from the PEA to the PFS stage and using the data collected from these studies to assess the potential impact of project development on the local environment. These studies are an integral part of an ongoing process of collecting data and identifying data gaps on which to base future programs to achieve the PFS level in accordance with industry standards. The 2025 drill results south of the Schaft Creek deposit combined with the 2024 drill results north of the deposit imply significant resource expansion potential to develop a long-life copper asset for the SCJV. The 2026 Schaft Creek budget and program are expected to be released shortly.

Eaglehead, British Columbia

At Eaglehead, a MYAB permit application has been submitted to the BC Ministry of Mines. Receipt of this permit is fundamental to allow additional exploration to advance this project to the PEA stage.

Sombrero Butte, Arizona

The Sombrero Butte project has advanced to the drill ready stage to test the large Laramide age porphyry copper target located in the center of the project. Selecting drillhole locations that provide the best chance of intersecting the copper shell of the porphyry system is an important part of preparing a Plan of Operation (PoO). Considering the positive results from the re-modelling of the 2024 geophysical data and recent surface mapping, Copper Fox has delayed preparation of the PoO to conduct additional field work to select the drillhole locations that provide the best possible chance of intersecting the "copper shell" of the porphyry system.

Elmer B. Stewart, MSc, P.Geo, President of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

Selected Financial Results





3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended





January 31, 2026



October 31, 2025



July 31, 2025



April 30, 2025

Loss before taxes $ 242,857

$ 336,885

$ 295,679

$ 374,058

Net loss

242,857



164,538



295,679



374,058

Comprehensive (gain) / loss

964,419



(100,174 )

197,381



1,225,382

Comprehensive loss per share,

basic and diluted

0.00



0.00



0.00



0.00























3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended



3 Months Ended





January 31, 2025



October 31, 2024



July 31, 2024



April 30, 2024

Loss before taxes $ 236,962

$ 261,484

$ 293,185

$ 302,668

Net loss

236,962



(219,427 )

293,185



302,668

Comprehensive (gain) / loss

(461,245 )

(402,630 )

199,185



(167,104 ) Comprehensive loss per share,

basic and diluted

0.00



0.00



0.00



0.00



Liquidity

As at January 31, 2026, the Company's cash position was $306,730 (October 31, 2025- $686,236) and as of the date of this news release the Company's cash position is $1,308,194.

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.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Elmer B. Stewart

President and Chief Executive Officer

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 statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). 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 include statements regarding; advancing the Schaft Creek and Van Dyke projects to the PFS stage; Van Dyke hydrogeological studies adding significant insight; completing a PEA on Van Dyke; moving the Eaglehead project toward the PEA study stage; completing a work program for Sombrero Butte; and providing updates on Schaft Creek and Mineral Mountain projects shortly.

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, financial, and economic advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the stability of economic and market conditions. 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: the Van Dyke and Schaft Creek projects may not advance to the PFS stage; the maiden drilling program at Mineral Mountain may not be successful; the PEA may not get completed at Van Dyke; Eaglehead may not receive an approved MYAB permit; work programs at Sombrero Butte may not get started; the overall economy may deteriorate; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; copper prices and demand may fluctuate; currency exchange rates may fluctuate; conditions in the financial markets may deteriorate; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals.

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/290026

Source: Copper Fox Metals Inc.
Asia's largest AI conference brings 10,000+ attendees to Marina Bay Sands on June 10-11 - with Google, AWS, Arm, Red Hat and Snowflake already confirmed

SINGAPORE, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperAI, the largest AI conference in Asia, returns to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on 10-11 June 2026. Now in its third year, the conference expects to convene over 10,000 attendees, 1,500 AI companies, 100+ exhibitors and 150+ speakers from over 150 countries.

Singapore is where East meets West in AI. As export controls tighten and sovereign AI strategies accelerate globally, the window for neutral-ground collaboration is narrowing. SuperAI 2026 exists for exactly this reason.

SuperAI 2026 has already secured commitments from leading AI and technology companies including OpenAI, WEKA, Snowflake, Arm, Google, AWS, Red Hat, DigitalOcean, Oxylabs, and Bain & Company, alongside institutional partners including Saudi Arabia's SDAIA and Startup Island Taiwan.

Confirmed speakers include Balaji Srinivasan (keynote on the personal, private, and programmable future of AI), Benedict Evans (returning to debut his annual presentation on AI industry trends), and Aaru co-founder Ned Koh ($1B AI unicorn expanding to Singapore), alongside leaders from Cerebras, Samsung Next, Z.ai, and Meitu. The lineup reflects SuperAI's position as the only global AI conference where leaders from across the world's major AI ecosystems share the same stage.

"Singapore is the only place in the world where the full spectrum of global AI comes together in one room - leading labs, frontier model builders, infrastructure players, and policymakers from across the US, Asia, and Europe. That's not an accident. It's Singapore's strategic position, and SuperAI is built to make the most of it," said Peter Noszek, Co-Founder of SuperAI.

Six Thematic Pillars

The SuperAI 2026 agenda is structured around six pillars reflecting how AI is transforming the global economy:

Robotics & Embodied AI - humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, automation in factories, logistics and the built environment

- humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, automation in factories, logistics and the built environment Frontier Models - the latest from leading AI labs pushing the boundaries of what's possible

- the latest from leading AI labs pushing the boundaries of what's possible AI Infrastructure - GPUs, data centres, energy, compute scaling and the sovereign infrastructure race

- GPUs, data centres, energy, compute scaling and the sovereign infrastructure race AI in Finance - intelligent agents in banking, capital markets and AI-powered risk

- intelligent agents in banking, capital markets and AI-powered risk BioTech & HealthTech - drug discovery, precision medicine, and the convergence of AI with life sciences

- drug discovery, precision medicine, and the convergence of AI with life sciences AI's Global Impact - safety, governance, workforce transformation, climate, and public sector deployment

Chinese robotics and AI champions will appear alongside leading Western labs, founders and investors - reflecting growing demand for neutral ground where these ecosystems can meet.

Beyond the Main Stage

Genesis Startup Competition - the world's largest AI startup competition with a US$100,000 prize pool powered by OpenAI. Ten finalists selected from hundreds of global applicants across 40+ countries.

- the world's largest AI startup competition with a US$100,000 prize pool powered by OpenAI. Ten finalists selected from hundreds of global applicants across 40+ countries. NEXT Hackathon - backed by AWS and Vercel, a 36-hour hackathon at Marina Bay Sands with a US$100,000 prize pool.

- backed by AWS and Vercel, a 36-hour hackathon at Marina Bay Sands with a US$100,000 prize pool. Singapore AI Week (8-14 June) - a city-wide programme of labs, workshops, community events and ecosystem meetups anchored by SuperAI.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale - prices increase 31 March. Opportunities are open for sponsors, exhibitors, startups and communities looking to host events during Singapore AI Week.

For more information visit www.superai.com.

About SuperAI Singapore

SuperAI is the largest AI conference in Asia, bringing over 10,000 attendees and 1,500 AI companies from more than 150 countries to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The conference is where East meets West in AI - spanning robotics & embodied AI, frontier models, AI infrastructure, biotech & healthtech, finance, and AI's global impact. SuperAI takes place 10-11 June 2026 as the anchor event of Singapore AI Week (8-14 June).

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/superai-2026-returns-to-singapore-as-the-worlds-ai-powers-converge-on-neutral-ground-302725608.html
NEW DELHI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the recent market research report published by MarkNtel Advisors, the India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 25% during 2026-2032. The market expansion is primarily driven by increasing adoption of smart home technologies, rising consumer preference for convenience-oriented appliances, and growing integration of IoT-enabled solutions in modern kitchens.

Within India, the market is witnessing strong traction across urban regions, supported by increasing disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and evolving consumer lifestyles that emphasize automation, energy efficiency, and digital connectivity in household appliances.

India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market Key Takeaways

The market size was valued at USD 0.73 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 0.80 billion in 2026 to USD 2.99 billion by 2032, reflecting the rapid adoption of intelligent kitchen solutions, increasing penetration of connected devices, and expanding smart home ecosystems across the country.

By Product Type, Cooking Appliances accounted for nearly 48% of the market share in 2026, driven by high demand for smart ovens, induction cooktops, microwaves, and air fryers that offer enhanced cooking precision, automation, and energy efficiency.

By Connectivity Type, Wireless Internet Connectivity captured around 60% of the market share in 2026, highlighting the growing reliance on Wi-Fi-enabled appliances that support remote operation, app-based control, and seamless integration with smart home platforms.

The presence of leading consumer electronics and appliance manufacturers continues to strengthen competitive intensity and accelerate innovation in the India smart kitchen appliances ecosystem.

Download a FREE PDF Sample of the Report:

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/india-smart-kitchen-appliances-market-report.html(Discover the market potential, platform-specific insights, and key industry trends)

Key Growth Drivers Accelerating the Expansion of the India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market

The India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market is experiencing robust growth, primarily driven by the rapid evolution of connected living and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience, efficiency, and automation.

Rising Adoption of Smart Home Ecosystems

To begin with, the increasing penetration of smart home ecosystems across India is significantly fueling the demand for connected kitchen appliances. Consumers are progressively adopting integrated home automation systems that enable centralized control of multiple devices through smartphones and voice assistants. As a result, smart kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are becoming essential components of modern households, offering enhanced convenience, improved efficiency, and a seamless user experience.

Growing Demand for Convenience and Time-Saving Solutions

Building on this trend, changing lifestyles and evolving household dynamics are further accelerating market growth. With increasingly busy schedules and a rising number of dual-income households, consumers are prioritizing appliances that simplify daily cooking and kitchen management. Consequently, smart appliances equipped with features such as pre-programmed cooking modes, remote monitoring, and AI-powered recommendations are gaining strong traction, particularly among urban consumers seeking efficiency and ease of use.

Expansion of E-Commerce and Digital Retail Channels

In addition, the rapid expansion of e-commerce and digital retail channels has significantly improved the accessibility and availability of smart kitchen appliances across the country. Online platforms provide consumers with a diverse range of products, competitive pricing, detailed comparisons, and user reviews, enabling more informed purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, manufacturers and brands are strengthening their digital presence and direct-to-consumer strategies, further supporting market penetration and consumer engagement.

Technological Advancements and Product Innovation

Furthermore, continuous technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in shaping the market landscape. Manufacturers are actively introducing innovative appliances integrated with IoT, artificial intelligence, and voice control capabilities. Features such as real-time cooking assistance, energy consumption tracking, predictive maintenance alerts, and compatibility with smart home assistants are significantly enhancing product appeal. This ongoing innovation is not only improving functionality but also enabling companies to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.

Key Market Barrier Affecting Industry Growth

Despite the strong growth trajectory, certain challenges continue to hinder widespread adoption of smart kitchen appliances in India.

High Initial Cost of Smart Appliances

One of the primary barriers is the relatively high upfront cost associated with smart kitchen appliances compared to conventional alternatives. The incorporation of advanced technologies, connectivity features, and premium design elements contributes to elevated pricing, which can limit affordability for price-sensitive consumers. This challenge is particularly evident in semi-urban and rural markets, where budget constraints remain significant. Although prices are expected to gradually decline with ongoing technological advancements and economies of scale, cost considerations continue to act as a key restraint on broader market expansion.

Market Analysis by Product Type and Connectivity

By product type, cooking appliances dominated the India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market, accounting for approximately 48% of the total share in 2026. This dominance is primarily attributed to the increasing consumer inclination toward smart cooking solutions that enhance convenience and efficiency in daily meal preparation. Appliances such as smart ovens, induction cooktops, and air fryers are witnessing strong demand due to their ability to offer precise temperature control, automated cooking functions, and energy-efficient performance. Moreover, the growing popularity of home cooking, supported by digital recipes and guided cooking features, is further strengthening the adoption of these appliances across urban households.

By connectivity type, wireless internet connectivity emerged as the leading segment, capturing nearly 60% of the market share in 2026. This growth is largely driven by the increasing demand for Wi-Fi-enabled appliances that enable seamless remote operation and real-time monitoring through mobile applications. Consumers are increasingly favoring connected devices that integrate effortlessly with broader smart home ecosystems, enhancing overall convenience and control. Furthermore, the rising adoption of voice assistants and app-controlled technologies is accelerating this trend, as users seek more intuitive and interactive kitchen experiences supported by advanced connectivity solutions and intelligent automation features.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place): https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/india-smart-kitchen-appliances-market-report.html(Explore in-depth analyses, technological trends, and investment patterns.)

Smart Kitchen Innovation Unfolding Through AI and Automation Advancements

The India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market is undergoing a transformative phase, characterized by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and automation technologies that are redefining modern cooking experiences. As consumers increasingly seek convenience, precision, and personalized solutions, manufacturers are focusing on integrating intelligent features into everyday kitchen appliances. In line with this trend, in 2026, Hisense unveiled an advanced AI-powered induction range at CES 2026, equipped with its innovative "ConnectLife AI Cooking Agent." This next-generation appliance is designed to deliver real-time recipe guidance, enable intelligent meal planning, and automatically adjust temperature settings based on cooking requirements. The inclusion of a user-friendly touchscreen interface further enhances interaction, allowing users to seamlessly navigate cooking processes. Such innovations not only simplify complex cooking tasks but also minimize human error, improve energy efficiency, and ensure consistent results. Moreover, the introduction of AI-enabled appliances reflects the broader shift toward connected kitchen ecosystems, where devices communicate and adapt to user preferences. As a result, these developments are significantly contributing to the evolution of smart kitchens in India, making them more intuitive, efficient, and aligned with modern consumer expectations.

Complementing these high-end technological advancements, the market is also witnessing innovations focused on everyday convenience and affordability, thereby broadening consumer reach. In 2025, Wonderchef introduced "Chai Magic," widely recognized as the world's first automatic tea maker, aimed at simplifying one of India's most routine kitchen activities. Launched in Kolkata, this appliance automates the entire tea-making process, from brewing to achieving consistent taste and strength, thereby eliminating manual effort and variability. Its introduction reflects a growing emphasis on practical innovation tailored to Indian consumption habits and preferences. Priced at an accessible level, the product is strategically positioned to attract a wide range of consumers, including middle-income households seeking affordable smart solutions. Furthermore, its availability through both retail outlets and digital platforms highlights the increasing importance of omnichannel distribution strategies in enhancing product accessibility. Collectively, such developments demonstrate how companies are balancing advanced technological integration with practical usability, ultimately accelerating the adoption of smart kitchen appliances across diverse consumer segments in India.

Prominent Smart Kitchen Appliance Companies in India

Key players shaping innovation and competitive dynamics include:

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.

Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

Whirlpool of India Ltd.

Godrej Appliances (Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd.)

IFB Industries Ltd.

Haier Appliances India Pvt. Ltd.

Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

BSH Household Appliances Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.

Versuni India Home Solutions Ltd.

Voltas Beko Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd.

Others

India Smart Kitchen Appliances Market Scope

By Product Type: Cooking Appliances (Smart Ovens, Smart Induction Cooktops, Smart Microwaves, Smart Air Fryers, Smart Slow Cookers), Food Storage (Smart Refrigerators, Smart Wine Coolers), Food Preparation (Smart Coffee Makers, Smart Blenders, Smart Kitchen Scales), Cleaning Appliances (Smart Dishwashers)

By Connectivity Type: Wireless Internet Connectivity (Wi-Fi), Short-Range Connectivity (Bluetooth, NFC), Smart Home Protocols (Zigbee, Thread, others)

By Control Type: App-Controlled, Voice-Controlled, Touch/Remote Controlled

By Price Range: Low/Economy, Mid-Range, Premium

By Sales Channel: Retail Online (Direct Sale, E-Commerce), Retail Offline (Direct Sale, Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Brand Stores)

By End User: Residential, Commercial

By Region: North, East, West, South

Browse More Reports

Global Cloud Kitchen Market: The Global Cloud Kitchen Market size was valued at around USD 45.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 86.16 billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 13.54% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

South East Asia Cloud Kitchen Market: The South East Asia Cloud Kitchen Market is expected to grow at around 13.2% CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28.

Middle East & Africa Cloud Kitchen Market: The Middle East & Africa Cloud Kitchen Market size was valued at around USD 427 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,074 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 21.92% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Maldives Kitchen Equipment Market: The Maldives Kitchen Equipment Market size was valued at around USD 5.27 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.51 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 3.58% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

GCC Bathroom & Kitchen Sanitary Fittings Market: The GCC Bathroom & Kitchen Sanitary Fittings Market size was valued at around USD 615 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 971 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 7.91% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Global Kitchen Display Systems Market: The Global Kitchen Display Systems Market size was valued at around USD 520 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.15% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Saudi Arabia Cloud Kitchen Market: The Saudi Arabia Cloud Kitchen Market size was valued at USD 173 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 11% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30.

About MarkNtel Advisors

MarkNtel Advisors is a trusted market research and consulting firm delivering high-quality, data-driven intelligence across global industries. Our reports are developed using rigorous research methodologies, including primary stakeholder interviews and validated secondary sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Backed by experienced analysts and sector expertise, we provide actionable insights that enable enterprises and investors to make informed, strategic decisions with confidence.

Contact Us:

MarkNtel Advisors

Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201301, India

Contact No: +91 87199 99009

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Libra by Wolters Kluwer now live in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, expanding European footprint

Wolters Kluwer Legal Regulatory today announced the launch of Libra by Wolters Kluwer, its purpose built legal AI workspace, in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. With this four country rollout, Wolters Kluwer completes its Eastern Europe expansion and further strengthens the European presence of Libra by Wolters Kluwer.

Libra by Wolters Kluwer brings together trusted, expertly curated legal content and advanced AI capabilities in a single, integrated workspace. The solution supports core legal workflows such as research, drafting, review, and analysis, helping legal professionals work more efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality, traceability, and compliance.

"The launch in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania marks an important milestone in the European rollout of Libra by Wolters Kluwer," said Viktor von Essen, CEO of Libra by Wolters Kluwer. "Following earlier launches in Western and Central Europe, Wolters Kluwer has now extended the availability of its legal AI workspace across nine European markets, responding to growing demand from law firms and corporate legal departments for secure, workflow integrated AI solutions tailored to the legal profession."

"With the introduction of Libra by Wolters Kluwer in Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, we are setting a new benchmark for how legal AI should work: accurate, transparent, and built on trusted, authoritative legal content. Legal professionals in our markets are looking for AI solutions they can rely on in their daily work, and Libra delivers exactly that," added Balazs Reffy, Vice President and General Manager Wolters Kluwer Legal Regulatory Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary

"Following the successful launch of Libra by Wolters Kluwer in Poland earlier this year, we are pleased to now make the legal AI workspace available to legal professionals in Romania. This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting lawyers with purpose built AI solutions that combine advanced technology with trusted legal expertise," said Adrian Mantoiu, General Manager Wolters Kluwer Legal Regulatory Romania

Libra by Wolters Kluwer is designed specifically for legal professionals. By combining AI technology with authoritative legal content, the workspace enables users to generate reliable outputs with verifiable sources, reduce manual effort, and minimize risk associated with generic AI tools. The solution supports confidentiality and compliance requirements, helping legal teams adopt AI with confidence.

This four country launch underscores Wolters Kluwer's continued realization of value from its November 2025 acquisition of Libra Technology as well as the company's continued investment in purpose built AI solutions for the legal market and its commitment to supporting legal professionals across Europe as the industry moves from experimentation with AI to productive, everyday use.

Wolters Kluwer's Legal Regulatory division enables legal and compliance professionals to improve productivity and performance, mitigate risk, and solve complex problems with confidence. Its expert solutions combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services to deliver better outcomes, advanced analytics, and improved productivity for customers.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2025 annual revenues of 6.1 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,100 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260320584655/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Frederick Assmuth

Director Branding Communications

Legal Regulatory

Wolters Kluwer

Office: +49 2233 3760-7634

Email: frederick.assmuth@wolterskluwer.com

Magdalena Kotlarska

Senior Communications Specialist

Legal Regulatory

Wolters Kluwer

Email: magdalena.kotlarska@wolterskluwer.com
Exceptional results from Lithium de France's first geothermal well, exceeding initial estimates

Bpifrance and the historical shareholders Eiffel Essentiel, Ademe Investissement and Credit Mutuel Equity support a first 33 million financing step

Regulatory News:

Arverne (FR001400JWR8 ARVEN), the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions announces its roadmap for 2031-2033. Arverne aims to strengthen geothermal energy's role in France's energy mix and secure Europe's supply of geothermal lithium.

Presentation materials and video recordings of the events will be available on the Arverne website, under the 'Investors' section: Being an Arverne shareholder' Arverne

Dual Flow Plan

Ambitions 2031/2033

2027: 1 st production and sales of Heating Cooling,

1 production and sales of Heating Cooling, 2028: 1 ere production and sales of geothermal lithium,

1 production and sales of geothermal lithium, 2031-2033: 4 TWh/year generated annually in France from deep geothermal energy, accounting for more than 50% of the production targets set out in the third Multi-Year Energy Plan, and 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided per year, 27,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate produced annually, enough to power 800,000 electric vehicles using Arverne geothermal lithium.



2026: 1st year of implementation of the Dual Flow plan

Target of securing long-term contracts worth 400 million

Drilling completed for the first doublet in the Lithium de France project and commissioning of the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant

Continuing to reduce environmental impact as an innovative and responsible operator.

Funding the group's industrial and commercial expansion:

Arverne announces a first financing milestone with a proposed bond issue (ORANE) for a minimum amount of 33 million, which would be subscribed primarily by Bpifrance, alongside its long-standing shareholders Eiffel Essentiel, ADEME Investissement and Credit Mutuel Equity, historical shareholders of Arverne.1

Pierre Brossollet, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arverne, stated:

"In a global context marked by instability, Arverne enhances subsurface resources to produce local, continuous energy, actively contributing to sovereignty, competitiveness and the energy transition in France and Europe.

With a portfolio of nearly one hundred projects in France and major advances in the Lithium de France project, Arverne expects a significant acceleration from 2026 onward, with the signing of 400m in long-term contracts.

By 2031-2033, Arverne targets approximately 4 TWh per year of deep geothermal energy production in France, representing more than 50% of France's energy roadmap objectives, corresponding to 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided compared with gas. Annual production of 27,000 tonnes of lithium in Alsace will equip the batteries of 800,000 electric vehicles with French geothermal lithium.

The business models we are developing, with EBITDA margins above 50% and multi-decade contracts, will generate secured revenues and recurring cash flows.

I would like to express my gratitude to our current shareholders and those who will join us for their trust. Arverne Group is now at the dawn of a major value-creation cycle."

Geothermal energy widely endorsed to diversify the French and European energy mix

In 2025, the French government introduced concrete measures to remove obstacles to the development of geothermal energy this local, decarbonized and continuously available renewable energy, which is essential to energy independence for heat. This policy stance was reinforced in early 2026 by the third Multiannual Energy Program (PPE3), which aims to reduce the share of fossil fuels in final energy consumption from 60% to 40% by 2030 through massive electrification and increased use of renewables, while increasing geothermal production fivefold by 2035.

At the same time, the European Union is preparing a Geothermal Action Plan for the second quarter of 2026, targeting 250 GW of installed capacity by 20402-six times the current level. This plan comes in a critical context: the end of Russian gas imports in 2027, forcing Europe to rethink its energy strategy.

Lithium: a strategic issue for electric mobility and industrial autonomy

Global lithium demand is expected to quadruple by 2040, driven by the rapid growth of electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

____________________________ 1 Details of the contemplated transaction are available on Arverne's investor website. 2 Source BMI, Q4 2025

This metal, at the core of rechargeable batteries, has become a strategic resource to support the transition toward more sustainable mobility and the large-scale integration of renewable energy.

In response to these challenges, the European Union is pursuing its strategy to develop local lithium production and reduce its dependence on imports-primarily from China-under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) adopted in 2024 and the Industrial Accelerator Act.

France is structuring a competitive and sovereign value chain through France Batterie, whose objectives especially include the deployment of gigafactories to reach 100 to 120 GWh of production capacity by 2030 and the securing of raw material supplies.

Dual Flow

Arverne's strategy is built on recognized technical expertise and a high level of integration of its know-how. This trajectory has been shaped in particular through structuring partnerships, which have helped consolidate a clearly established reference position and create genuine barriers to entry in its markets.

Since its inception, Arverne has developed a unique model underpinned by solid assets, enabling the Group to pursue new ambitions today:

industrial expertise supported by a fleet of equipment and in-house competencies,

a firmly driven commercial momentum in the Heating Cooling business, backed by a continuously expanding project portfolio,

ongoing operations at a first site under the Lithium de France project, with the prospect of producing lithium and geothermal heat over a 30-year period.

Given the strong growth of the geothermal heat and lithium markets, Arverne is in a particularly favorable position, already benefiting from significant visibility on its development prospects.

Building on these strengths, the Group sets out its ambitions for the 2031-2033 horizon through its Dual Flow Plan, which embodies the industrial and commercial acceleration now underway.

Drilling Construction: the foundation for the development of Arverne's ambitions

Arverne has integrated the Drilling Construction activity in order to secure human resources and to gain better control over the scheduling of its internal operations. To date, the Group operates three rigs dedicated to deep geothermal energy.

To support the growth of its Heating Cooling and Critical Metals activities, Arverne plans to continue expanding its fleet, notably through the acquisition of two deep geothermal rigs by 2031, representing an investment of 50 million. In order to optimize the use of its resources, the Group will continue to carry out operations for third parties, generating an EBITDA margin of [10-15%].

Heating Cooling: 30 projects with unit revenue of approximately 140 million under 30-year contracts

Arverne's teams have built on a commercial portfolio of nearly 100 deep geothermal projects across metropolitan France, representing a potential of 5 TWh of geothermal heat.

By 2031-2033, the Heat Cooling business aims to deploy 30 projects, corresponding to the production and commercialization of 2 TWh per year of geothermal heat. Over a 10-year horizon, nearly 50 projects and 3.5 TWh are expected to be in production and commercialization.

A project will produce on average 75 to 80 GWh per year over a renewable 30-year period, generating approximately 140 million in revenue over the period, with an EBITDA margin of [40-45%] and an IRR of [8-10%]. On a per-project basis, initial gross investments will amount to approximately 25 million, plus 150,000 in annual maintenance costs.

To support its commercial transformation and the execution of upcoming projects, Arverne intends to focus its strategy on developing deep geothermal projects alongside partners, within an SPV model, vehicles which will be controlled by Arverne.

Beyond the strong growth expected from this activity backed by 30-year contracts, Arverne aims to achieve an EBITDA margin of approximately 50% for its Heating Cooling business.

Critical metals Lithium de France Project: production peak expected in 2031-2033, 450 million in average annual revenue over 30 years

In 2020, Arverne launched the Lithium de France Project, with the ambition of producing both local, low-carbon geothermal heat to serve local communities and industries, and geothermal lithium capable of equipping up to 800,000 electric vehicles. National in scope, this project will create nearly 200 direct jobs and 700 indirect jobs in Alsace.

By 2031-2033, 2.2 TWh of geothermal heat and 27,000 tonnes of geothermal lithium carbonate will be produced each year. The results of the pre-feasibility study (PFS), released in September 2024, have validated the competitiveness of the A-DLE technology. The definitive feasibility study (DFS), to be conducted through summer 2026, will refine this initial analysis and the associated financing requirements for the project's deployment.

The table below summarizes the key characteristics of the Lithium de France Project and highlights its attractiveness in terms of revenue and profitability, with approximately 450 million in average annual revenue, over a 30-year period, and a target average EBITDA margin of 75%.

Lithium de France Project Geothermal heat and lithium Location France Alsace Project start year 2020 Year of first production 2028 Peak production year 2031 2033 Total project lifetime 30 years Gothermal lithium Product LCE (lithium carbonate) Technology A-DLE technologie Current project phase Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) underway Concentration 180 mg/ Li Production capacity 27 000 tonnes/ year Extraction efficiency (PFS data) 91% Depletion rate 3.5% per year, following a four-year production plateau at 100% Lithium offtake 25,000 tonnes over five years with Renault Group Average lithium price 20,500 per tonne LCE Gothermal heat Target production capacity 2,2 TWh/ year Average selling price 30/MWh Project economics Average revenue 450 million year Target average EBITDA margin 75% Target CAPEX (PFS study data) 1.8 billion 1.9 billion Target OPEX (C1) (PFS study data) < 4,500 per tonne Post-tax IRR without leverage 15,2% Post-tax IRR with leverage 24,7% Project impact Jobs 200+ direct 700 indirect Emissions avoided 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with market lithium Water 91% of water recycled

2026: First year of implementation of the Dual Flow plan, marking industrial and commercial acceleration

Progress toward the target of 400 million in long-term contracts to be signed in 2026

Arverne announces the signing of a memorandum of understanding for heat distribution in Alsace with Primeo Energie France, a specialist in renewable energy distribution, and its subsidiary R-CUE, a key player in the development of district heating networks.

This agreement relates to the development by R-CUE of a network dedicated to the commercialization of decarbonized, local, stable and competitive geothermal heat, under long-term contracts.

It aims to enhance the value of the heat production of Lithium de France, an Arverne subsidiary, whose plants would supply existing or future networks, as well as industrial customers.

Lithium de France: first geothermal well results exceeding initial estimates

The results of the test of the first drilled well exceed the upper-end assumptions: a stabilized flow rate of 275 m/h (vs. 250 m/h estimated), a temperature of 145C (vs. 130C estimated), and a productivity of 10 L/s/bar demonstrate an exceptional resource and confirm the relevance of the site.

The lithium grade of 180 ppm3, combined with the absence of any detected induced seismicity, validates both the industrial potential and the operational control of the project.

This first well provides the clearest, concrete, measured and reproducible evidence that the project in Alsace is one of the most promising in Europe.

Financing of the Group's industrial and commercial scale-up

Arverne announces a first financing milestone through a proposed bond issue (ORANE), for a minimum amount of 33 million, which would be subscribed primarily by Bpifrance, alongside its long-standing shareholders Eiffel Essentiel, ADEME Investissement and Credit Mutuel Equity, historical shareholders of Arverne4

Completion of this transaction is subject to approval by the Shareholders' General Meeting to be held on 17 June 2026, as well as to customary precedent conditions.

It is specified that the Subscribers have undertaken to vote in favor of the resolutions relating to the issuance of the ORANEs.

As part of its industrial and commercial acceleration plan, Dual Flow, Arverne is also considering additional financing transactions, including a potential capital increase.

About ARVERNE

ARVERNE, is the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions.

It specialises in harnessing natural ground resources to transform them into local energy sources for heating and cooling systems and to extract lithium. A mission-driven company listed on Euronext Paris, Arverne works for local authorities and industrial companies with a focus on energy sovereignty and short supply chains. www.arverne.earth

____________________________ 3 Lithium grade currently undergoing certification 4 Details of the transaction are available on Arverne's investor website.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326494850/en/

Contacts:

Media relations: communication@arverne.earth arvernegroup@image7.fr

Investor relations: investor.relations@arverne.earth Financial press: anne-claire.taton@seitosei-actifin.com
Connecting Excellence Group Plc

("Connecting Excellence Group", "XCE", the "Group" or the "Company")

Interim results for the period ended 31 December 2025

Net fee income growth driven by higher value placements following successful IPO

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Connecting Excellence Group Plc (AQSE:XCE)(OTCQB:XCELF), the international executive recruitment group with a long term, ambitious and disciplined Bitcoin (BTC) treasury strategy, is pleased to report its interim results for the period from incorporation on 14 May 2025 to 31 December 2025 ("H1 2026" or "the Period").

H1 2026 Financial Highlights:

Group revenue/net fee income for the Period: 1.21 million

Net fee income for the half year from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025 increased by 20.3% to 0.89 million, a 12.7% increase in the average fee per placement, reflecting the Group's strategic focus on higher-value executive mandates

Group gross profit for the Period: 0.78 million

Spencer Riley Limited gross profit for the period: 0.78 million

Group EBITDA for the Period: 54k loss*

Group operating loss for the Period: 59k*

Spencer Riley operating profit for the Period: 0.34 million

Group cash balance at Period end: 1.40 million

Group Bitcoin treasury holding: 40.36 BTC at a value of 2.62 million

*Period includes an exceptional item of 806,800 relating to the Group's IPO costs

H1 2026 Strategic and Operational Highlights:

Raised 1.5 million in pre-IPO funding round

Successful Initial Public Offering ("IPO") in December 2025, with the Company joining the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market and raising 3.3 million gross

Continued development of the Group's international executive recruitment platform, Spencer Riley, with a focus on high growth sectors including engineering, logistics, life sciences, automation, technology, professional services and business advisory and consultancy

Development of a dedicated Bitcoin executive recruitment division, supporting talent placement within Bitcoin-native companies and traditional businesses seeking Bitcoin expertise

Acquired 31.08 BTC at average price of 66,596 adding to 9.28 BTC already held prior to IPO

Launch of the XCE BTC Bond in December 2025, with the first tranche issued for 10 BTC settled in January 2026, providing a scalable and flexible mechanism to grow the Group's Bitcoin treasury while preserving operational capital

Post-Period & Outlook:

Strong post-period trading with the Group achieving its highest monthly net fee income to date in January 2026, generating 0.25 million, reflecting continued demand for senior executive placements

Expansion of Bitcoin treasury: Acquired 2.06 BTC with IPO funds and 64,000 of free cash flow at average price of 63,168 Total of BTC 52.42 held in treasury as of the date of this announcement, including 10 BTC held in relation to XCE's 2026 Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond programme

Shares commenced trading on the OTCQB market in February 2026 under the ticker XCELF, to support access for international investors

Continued growth of the Spencer Riley recruitment platform across high-growth sectors including engineering, logistics, life sciences, automation, technology, professional services, and B2B services

The Board continues to explore strategic acquisitions within the executive recruitment sector and remains focused on aligning performance-based incentives with shareholder value.

Scott Ellam, Chief Executive Officer of Connecting Excellence Group, commented: "We are pleased to report a strong first half, with net fee income up 20.3% year-on-year, driven by higher-value placements across our key sectors.

"Our successful IPO in December 2025 was a pivotal milestone for the Company and has strengthened our balance sheet and enabled us to accelerate both our international executive recruitment business and strategically expanded our Bitcoin treasury, demonstrating the effectiveness of our dual flywheel business model.

"Looking forward, we remain focused on driving further recruitment revenue growth, developing our dedicated Bitcoin executive recruitment division, and leveraging innovative structures such as the XCE BTC Bond to grow our treasury while preserving operational capital. Together, these initiatives create a self-reinforcing flywheel that positions Connecting Excellence Group for sustainable long-term growth, market leadership, and enhanced shareholder value."

About Connecting Excellence Group Plc ("XCE"):

XCE is an international executive recruitment group with a long term, ambitious and disciplined Bitcoin treasury strategy. The flagship recruitment company, Spencer Riley, places senior executives with clients globally across a number of high growth markets including engineering, logistics, life sciences, automation, tech, professional services and B2B services.

The Bitcoin treasury strategy sets the foundation for the Company's scalable recruitment business to attract and retain high performing talent with individual performance linked share option incentives to increase revenue, profit and cashflows. In the future, XCE can also expand market share through strategic acquisitions, at very little cash cost, using performance-based equity incentives to provide immediate and ongoing shareholder value. XCE is also building a dedicated Bitcoin executive recruitment division, enabling executives to find their role within either Bitcoin businesses or traditional businesses looking for Bitcoin talent worldwide and accelerating corporate education, integration and adoption of Bitcoin.

Website: xce.io

Follow on X: XCE - Connecting Excellence Group

Follow on Linkedin: XCE - Connecting Excellence Group

Connecting Excellence Group ("XCE") Scott Ellam, Chief Executive Officer Angus Gladish, Chief Financial Officer contact@xce.io Tel: +44(0) 113 390 8623 AlbR Capital Limited (Aquis Corporate Adviser and Joint Broker) Guy Miller Tel: +44(0) 20 7469 0930 Allenby Capital (Joint Broker) Matt Butlin (Head of Equities) Nick Harriss Tel: +44(0) 20 3328 5656 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR) Charles Goodwin, Annabelle Wills xce@yellowjerseypr.com Tel: +44(0) 20 3004 9512

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

Chief Executive Officer's Statement

For the period ended 31 December 2025

I am pleased to report that the Company has delivered an impressive H1 2026 with the growth of both our executive recruitment business, Spencer Riley, and our Bitcoin treasury. In December 2025, XCE successfully completed its IPO and joined the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market, raising gross proceeds of 3.3m to support its growth plans.

Spencer Riley

Spencer Riley delivered a strong performance in the first half with record H1 net fee income for the period from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025 of 889k, up 20.3% on the comparable period (H1 2025: 741k), reflecting a 12.7% increase in the average fee per placement. This was achieved against the backdrop of increasing macro-economic uncertainty, which may impact hiring in specific regions and specific industries. Spencer Riley is adaptable, can operate sector agnostically and regionally agnostically, so where we identify new business development opportunities or downtrends in specific markets, we will focus our attention accordingly. This was previously demonstrated in our ability to generate revenue within safety equipment and life science distribution across 2020-2022. Spencer Riley is focused on placing candidates in senior executive positions, with each fee ranging from ~15k to ~100k. As well as our clients being geographically diversified, we believe the business's focus on placing senior executives and being nimble has led to outperforming the larger operators, who are placing candidates in low to mid-level roles. For the period from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025 there was an increasing proportion of fee income in the US at 62% (H1 2025: 47%) with the UK, Europe and ROW fee income representing 21%, 15% and 2% respectively (H1 2025: 24%, 29% and Nil respectively).

Bitcoin Treasury

XCE has a deep conviction that, over time, Bitcoin will serve as an effective store of value and strategic reserve asset, offering an asymmetric return profile and potential upside not traditionally accessible via standard corporate treasury strategies. As highlighted at the time of the Company's IPO, XCE's treasury strategy is to preserve long-term value, increase Bitcoin per share and generate additional balance sheet strength over time. In line with this, post-IPO the Company immediately began to execute its Bitcoin treasury strategy and acquired a total of 31.08 BTC at average price of 66,596, adding to 9.28 BTC the Company held prior. At the period-end, the Company held 40.36 BTC.

At the end of December 2025, the Company launched its 2026 Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond programme, the XCE BTC Bond, as a key post-IPO capital-raising tool. This innovative structure designed by the XCE team is the first of its kind to incorporate a BTC price differentiator. The programme supports the Company's mission to connect human capital to digital capital, driving operational growth in recruitment while compounding BTC per share for long-term shareholder value. The bond launched with a first tranche issued for 10 BTC, which was settled in early January 2026.

Post-Period

Spencer Riley has made a good start to the second half and recorded its best January performance to date with 0.25m of net fee income. The Company has also acquired a further 2.06 BTC at an average price of 63,168, utilising its IPO funds and 64,000 of free cash flow.

As of the date of this statement, XCE currently holds 52.42 BTC in its BTC treasury, including 10 BTC held in relation to XCE's 2026 Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond programme.

As part of the Group's strategy to broaden its shareholder base and increase access to international investors, in February 2026, XCE's shares commenced trading on the OTCQB market. At the same time, the XCE team has spoken at several industry related events as part of its corporate marketing to promote both its recruitment services and BTC treasury strategy, and how it is educating other corporates on how to integrate a BTC treasury into their businesses.

Strategy & Outlook

XCE is beginning the implementation of our industry leading talent attraction strategy, targeting hiring experienced recruiters with a proven capability of adding an additional 200,000+ per annum individual contribution, with an industry leading long term EMI share option linked compensation plan (of which we have received advance assurance from HMRC), utilising performance-based share options with vesting directly linked to executive recruiters' revenue and profit targets. This is in addition to the industry competitive base salary and commission scheme. The recruitment operations medium term focus is driving organic revenue growth through the Spencer Riley flagship business and internal hiring strategy.

XCE's capital markets and Bitcoin-focussed board are attending, keynote speaking and panel speaking on a number of global podcasts, international industry events and building on relationships with partners, clients and investors targeting significant increases in the BTC held within XCE Group.

Scott Ellam

Chief Executive Officer

25 March 2026

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the period ended 31 December 2025

Period ended 31 December 2025 Notes Unaudited '000 Continuing operations Revenue 4 1,211 Cost of sales (433) Gross profit 778 Administrative expenses (837) Operating loss (59) Finance costs (71) Loss before taxation (130) Income tax (20) Loss for the period (150) Other comprehensive income Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: Fair value loss on cryptocurrency assets, net of tax 6 (170) Total other comprehensive loss (170) Total comprehensive loss (320) Loss per Ordinary share (pence) Basic and diluted 5 (0.32)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

For the period ended 31 December 2025

Company registration number: 16451358 As at 31 December 2025 Unaudited Notes '000 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 6 2,621 Property, plant and equipment 9 Total non-current assets 2,630 Current assets Trade and other receivables 1,375 Cash and cash equivalents 1,397 Total current assets 2,772 TOTAL ASSETS 5,402 Equity Share capital 7 - Share premium 7 4,400 Capital redemption reserve (295) Revaluation reserve 182 Accumulated losses (164) Total equity 4,123 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 629 Derivative financial liability 646 Deferred tax liabilities 4 Total current liabilities 1,279 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 5,402

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the period ended 31 December 2025

Share capital Share premium Capital redemption reserve Revaluation reserve Accumulated losses Total equity '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 Shares issued on incorporation - - - 352 (14) 338 Loss for the period - - - - (150) (150) Other comprehensive loss - - - (170) - (170) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (170) (150) (320) Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners: Shares issued 50 4,800 - - - 4,850 Issue costs - (400) - - - (400) Shares redeemed - - (295) - - (295) Deferral of shares (50) - - - - (50) Total transactions with owners - 4,400 (295) - - 4,105 At 31 December 2025 - 4,400 (295) 182 (164) 4,123

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the period ended 31 December 2025

Period ended Notes 31 December 2025 Unaudited '000 Cash flow from operating activities Loss before tax (130) Adjustments for: Depreciation 5 Finance costs 71 Changes in working capital: Increase in trade and other receivables (752) Decrease in trade and other payables 416 Cash used by operations (390) Income taxes (74) Net cash used in operating activities (464) Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of intangible assets 6 (2,070) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (8) Net cash used in financing activities (2,078) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from fundraise, net of issue costs 7 4,400 Repayment of borrowings (809) Finance costs (71) Net cash generated by financing activities 3,520 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 978 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 419 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,397

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the period ended 31 December 2025

1. General information

Connecting Excellence Group Plc (the "Company") is a public limited company and is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Atlas House, 31 King Street, Leeds, England, LS1 2HL.

On 2 September 2025, the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Spencer Riley Limited and SPE 366 Ltd and on 11 December 2025, the Company listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange.

2. Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the period from incorporation of the Company on 14 May 2025 to 31 December 2025 and have not been audited but have been reviewed by the Company's auditors. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standard IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and are presented on a condensed basis.

The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the periods ended 30 June 2025 within the Company's Admission Document, which were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, and the public announcements made by the Company during the interim period. The Admission Document, dated 10 December 2025, is available on the Company's website.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are presented in thousands of Pounds Sterling ("'000"), which is the functional and presentational currency of the Group.

On 2 September 2025, the Company entered into a share-for-share arrangement pursuant to which the Company acquired 100% of the share capital of Spencer Riley Limited and SPE 366 Ltd in exchange for shares in the Company. This transaction was considered a combination of entities under common control and falls out of the scope of IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. IFRS does not specifically state how combinations of entities under common control are accounted for. Therefore, in accordance with IAS 8 'Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors', the Directors have considered merger accounting principles, as set out in FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Under this method, the financial statements of the parties to the combination are aggregated and presented as though the combining entities had always been part of the Group, therefore the consolidated interim financial statements include the assets and liabilities of the Group as at 31 December 2025. The opening consolidated statement of changes in equity as at 14 May 2025 includes the share capital of the Company and the reserves of the combined Group. The investment by the Company in Spencer Riley Limited and SPE 366 Ltd is eliminated and to the extent there are any differences between the fair value and nominal value of the shares this is through the merger reserve in the Group statement of financial position.

Going concern

As at 31 December 2025 the Group had a cash balance of 1,397k, and net assets of 4,123k.

The Directors have considered the applicability of the going concern basis in the preparation of these interim financial statements. This included the review of internal budgets and financial results which show, taking into account reasonably probable changes in financial performance that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current funding arrangements.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have ample resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they have adopted the going concern basis in the preparation of the interim financial statements.

3. Accounting policies

i) Basis of Consolidation

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The consolidated interim financial statements consolidate the interim financial statements and the results of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings Spencer Riley Limited and SPE 366 Ltd, made up to 31 December 2025.

Intragroup balances, and any gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in preparing the interim financial statements.

ii) Intangible assets

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is accounted for as an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives and measured at fair value with revaluation gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income or profit or loss, respectively. Fair value is determined by reference to an active market at the reporting date. The Group's holding in Bitcoin is accounted for as an intangible asset with an indefinite useful economic life. Bitcoin is traded in an active market and the Directors have adopted the revaluation measurement model.

Bitcoin purchases are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently re-valued to fair value based on the market price available on global exchanges. Increases in the carrying amounts arising on revaluation are recognised, net of tax, in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the revaluation reserve in equity. To the extent that the increase reverses a decrease previously recognised in profit or loss, the increase is first recognised in profit or loss. Decreases that reverse previous increases of the same asset are first recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of the remaining surplus attributable to the asset. All other decreases are charged to profit or loss.

Bitcoin is held for long term appreciation in line with the Group's treasury policy and therefore is classified as a non-current asset in the consolidated statement of financial position

4. Revenue

An analysis of the Group's revenue for the year, for continuing operations, is as follows:

Period ended 31 December 2025 Unaudited '000 Continuing operations Revenue from recruitment placements 1,211 1,211 Timing of revenue recognition: At a point in time 1,211 1,211

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue.

5. Loss per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period. As the Group is loss making, the effect of instruments that convert into Ordinary shares is considered anti-dilutive.

The weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Period ended 31 December 2025 Unaudited '000 Loss attributable to equity holders of the Company (150) Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue 46,268,748 Basic and diluted per share (pence) (0.32)

6. Intangible assets

Bitcoin Total '000 '000 Cost As at 14 May 2025 (Unaudited) 370 370 Acquisition of subsidiary 2,070 2,070 As at 31 December 2025 (Unaudited) 2,440 2,440 Revaluation As at 14 May 2025 (Unaudited) 352 352 Revaluation during the period (171) (171) As at 31 December 2025 (Unaudited) 181 181 Carrying amount As at 31 December 2025 (Unaudited) 2,621 2,621

The Group held Bitcoin during the period, which is recorded at cost on the day of acquisition. Increases in fair value between acquisition and reporting date are recorded in other comprehensive income and decreases in profit or loss.

7. Share capital

No of shares Share capital Share premium Total No.    As at 14 May 2025 201 201 - 201 Issue of 49,921 Ordinary shares 49,921 49,921 - 49,921 Sub-division of shares 9,021,960,000 50,122 - 50,122 Capital reduction (14,067,858) (78) - (78) As at 13 November 2025 9,007,892,142 50,044 - 50,044 Share consolidation and deferral of shares 105,975,201 106 - 106 Shares issued on IPO 276,190,486 276 4,799,724 4,800,000 Share issue costs - - (399,227) (399,227) As at 31 December 2025 382,165,687 382 4,400,497 4,400,879

On 13 November 2025, the Company entered into a number of arrangements regarding its share capital, resulting in a change in the share structure. The changes to the share structure included the following:

An issue of 49,921 1 Ordinary shares to the existing shareholders;

A sub-division of the shares from a par value of 1 to a par value of 0.0000056, resulting in the total number of shares after the sub-division of 9,021,960,000;

A capital reduction of 14,067,858 shares; and

A consolidation of the shares from a par value of 0.0000056 to 0.0000010, resulting in a total of 105,975,201 shares in issue, and a deferral of 105,975,201 shares at a par value of 0.0004712.

On 11 December 2025, following successful admission to Aquis the Company issued 276,190,486 Ordinary shares for net proceeds of 4,400,878.

8. Related party transactions

Related parties comprise of key management personnel who are the Directors of the Company.

As at the balance sheet date of 31 December 2025, amounts owed by P W Cresco Ltd, a Company under common control, to the Group were 31,123.

9. Events after the reporting date

On 5 January 2026 the Company announced that it had made further Bitcoin purchases up until 2 January 2026. The Company purchased one Bitcoin on 2 January 2026 for a purchase price of 66,434.76 ($89,421.19).

On 2 February 2026 the Company announced that it had made a further Bitcoin purchase on 30 January 2026 of 1.065 Bitcoin for a purchase price of 64,000 ($87,987.20).

On 18 February 2026 the Company announced that it began trading on the OTC Venture Market ("OTCQB") in the United States, under the symbol "XCELF". No new Ordinary Shares have been issued by the Company for this parallel trading of its shares.

Important Notice:

Connecting Excellence Group PLC holds treasury reserves and surplus cash in Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a type of digital asset. Whilst the Board of Directors of the Company considers holding Bitcoin to be in the best interests of the Company, the Board remains aware that the financial regulator in the UK (the Financial Conduct Authority or FCA) considers investment in Bitcoin to be high risk.

At the outset, it is important to note that an investment in the Company is not an investment in Bitcoin, either directly or by proxy. However, the Board of Directors of the Company consider Bitcoin to be an appropriate store of value and growth for the Company's reserves and, accordingly, the Company is materially exposed to Bitcoin. Such an approach is innovative, and the Board of Directors of the Company wish to be clear and transparent with prospective and actual investors in the Company on the Company's position in this regard.

The Company is neither authorised nor regulated by the FCA. And Bitcoin is unregulated in the UK. As with most other investments, the value of Bitcoin can go down as well as up, and therefore the value of the Company's Bitcoin holdings can fluctuate. The Company may not be able to realise its Bitcoin exposure for the same value as it paid in the first place or even for the value the Company ascribes to its Bitcoin positions due to these market movements. And because Bitcoin is unregulated, the Company is not protected by the UK's Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

However, Bitcoin is formally recognised as personal property in the UK under the new Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on December 2, 2025. This legislation has removed previous legal uncertainty by establishing a new, third category of personal property to accommodate digital assets that do not fit traditional definitions.

The Board of Directors of the Company with a history of a Bitcoin treasury prior to becoming a public company, has taken the decision to invest in Bitcoin, and in doing so is mindful of the special risks Bitcoin presents to the Company's financial position. These risks include (but are not limited to): (i) the value of Bitcoin can be highly volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise; (ii) the Bitcoin market is largely unregulated - there is a risk of losing money due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and counterparty failure; (iii) the Company may not be able to sell its Bitcoin at will - the ability to sell Bitcoin depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time, with operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds potentially causing unwanted delay. The Board of Directors of the Company does not subscribe to such a negative view, and therefore ascribes to the 'Bitcoin, not crypto' mantra and has a 'Bitcoin only ethos'. However, prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to do their own research and verify before investing.

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.

SOURCE: Connecting Excellence Group PLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/connecting-excellence-group-plc-announces-interim-results-for-th-1152173
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) ("FIRST HYDROGEN" or the "Company") announces that further to the February 23, 2026 news release, the Company has amended and expanded the binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") with Exodus Actuation Solutions Inc. ("RoboticsCo") to include exclusive worldwide rights to develop and advance a patented mobile robotic unmanned ground vehicle (the "UGV") designed for autonomous and remote robotic operations. Unmanned Ground Vehicles are considered ground-based drones, operating without an onboard human through remote control or autonomous systems to handle security surveillance, AI enabled ground military operations, dangerous sites or load management on land. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming ground-based drone defense systems (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) from passive monitoring tools into active, autonomous, and rapid-response networks. Key applications include AI-driven sensor fusion, target recognition, and autonomous interception to combat the increasing threat of drone swarms and high-speed threats.

The UGV will be powered by a hybrid design with solar, battery and hydrogen fuel cell delivering extended runtime, low noise operation and zero-emission. The UGV will be built on a durable modular chassis which is usable in any terrain and designed to support a wide range of payloads. It will feature eight articulated semi-robotic legs equipped with integrated leg-wheel assemblies. The hybrid leg-wheel architecture allows the platform to roll efficiently on smooth surfaces while maintaining the stability of continuous 4-point contact, with the traction and terrain-handling capability of a legged robot. This design enables the UGV to efficiently navigate uneven environments where conventional wheeled or tracked carts and delivery robots often struggle.

Drones as a Service ("DaaS") is an on-demand or subscription-based model that allows businesses to leverage aerial and ground drone technology, including hardware, software, and certified pilots, without the high capital expenditure of purchasing and maintaining the equipment themselves. This model is rapidly expanding to provide tailored solutions for agriculture, military, construction, and infrastructure monitoring. Precedence Research reports that the current drone services market is valued at US$20.2 billion estimated to grow at a CAGR of 24.04% to US$142.2 billion by 2035. With global defense spending exceeding $2 trillion annually, growing interest in robotic systems for logistics, inspection, and hazardous operations could represent a significant driver of future robotics deployment. (https://www.precedenceresearch.com/drone-services-market)

Mounted above the robotic chassis is a modular cargo platform with multiple versatile applications that are easily interchangeable. The functions are designed for military field support such a drone launch and refueling platform, transport, equipment, security, tools, emergency packages, or other heavy items. The system is intended to function as a mobile robotic drone assistant capable in a wide range of logistics, such as campus and facility operations including security, construction sites, and last-mile delivery and emergency situations.

The platform is expected to support both autonomous and user-assisted operating modes, allowing the robot to follow a user, operate via remote control, or navigate predetermined routes. By combining robotic mobility with cargo transport capability, the system aims to reduce manual labour requirements and reduce power consumption in environments where materials must be moved frequently across varying terrain. The useful platform allows for use in academic research, industrial automation, defense research programs, and autonomous navigation testing.

For further details on the Company's unmanned ground vehicle development please visit: https://www.firsthydrogen.com/robotics/.

Balraj Mann, CEO of First Hydrogen commented: "We believe hybrid robotic mobility platforms represent an emerging category within the broader robotics and automation sector, enabling new applications in logistics, infrastructure maintenance, and industrial & defense operations. The UGV drone strategy of Drones-as-a-Service builds on the Company's hydrogen-as-service business model."

The Company will have exclusive worldwide rights to advance the UGV towards commercialization, including the development of a viable commercial design and defined application for the technology within a two year period ("Development Milestone"). Upon successful completion of the Development Milestone First Hydrogen shall have exclusive worldwide rights from the remaining life of the UGV patent to develop, commercialize and exploit the UGV, subject to a 1% royalty on gross sales of products the incorporate the UGV patent. First Hydrogen will bear all cost of development and will own 100% of the intellectual property, inventions, developments, improvements, products, software, designs, data, know-how, and other work product created, conceived, or developed in connection with the UGV.

About First Hydrogen Corp. (FirstHydrogen.com)

First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver, Montreal, Germany and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution. The Company has designed and built two hydrogen- fuel-cell-powered light commercial vehicles ("FCEV"). The FCEV are road-legal in the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) with 6,000 km of testing completed and have achieved a range of 630+ kilometres on a single refueling. The vehicles have successfully been trialled in real-world conditions with fleet operators in the United Kingdom.

About First Nuclear Corp. (FirstNuclear.com)

First Nuclear Corp. is committed to developing and commercializing advanced clean energy solutions, including green hydrogen produced by state-of-the-art Small Modular Reactors. The Company aims to provide scalable, sustainable, and economically viable alternatives to meet global climate goals and enhance energy security.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

FIRST HYDROGEN CORP.

"Balraj Mann"

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains information or statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies and outlook of First Hydrogen, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments and the future operations, strengths and strategies of First Hydrogen. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results.

The forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on management's assumptions and analysis and other factors that may be drawn upon by management to form conclusions and make forecasts or projections, including management's experience and assessments of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Although management believes that these assumptions, analyses and assessments are reasonable at the time the statements contained in this news release are made, actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Examples of risks and factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements may include: the timing and unpredictability of regulatory actions; regulatory, legislative, legal or other developments with respect to its operations or business; limited marketing and sales capabilities; early stage of the industry and product development; limited products; reliance on third parties; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of increasing competition; the loss of key management personnel; capital requirements and liquidity; access to capital; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; the impact of COVID-19; shifts in the demand for First Hydrogen's products and the size of the market; patent law reform; patent litigation and intellectual property; conflicts of interest; and general market and economic conditions.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of First Hydrogen as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. First Hydrogen undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

NEITHER 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/289989

Source: First Hydrogen Corp.
Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services (TIC), is pleased to announce the expansion of its geographical scope as an Approved Verifier under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme. Additional offices in China, Japan, India, and France are now formally listed in the Climate Bonds Verifiers Directory.

This expansion builds on Bureau Veritas' established role since the approval of its Brazilian office in 2020, further enhancing its ability to support issuers with high-quality, independent verification services across key markets.

"Our expanded presence as an Approved Verifier under the Climate Bonds Standard reinforces Bureau Veritas' commitment to advancing credible, high-integrity sustainable finance", said Marc Roussel, Executive Vice President, Urbanization and Assurance at Bureau Veritas. "With verifier capabilities available across key markets, we continue to deliver local expertise with global assurance standards; boosting market confidence and directing capital to climate-aligned projects.

Robust frameworks such as the Climate Bonds Standard play a crucial role in advancing the global sustainability transition and enabling large-scale decarbonisation. With broader geographic coverage across Asia and Europe, Bureau Veritas is now better positioned to facilitate green and sustainable debt issuance, helping issuers demonstrate alignment with science-based criteria and strengthening investor confidence in labelled debt instruments.

"The addition of the local Bureau Veritas' offices in China, Japan, India and France in the Climate Bonds Verifiers Directory reflects the continued strengthening of verification capacity across key markets with regional expertise and support" said Marina Strovolidou, Head of Certification, Climate Bonds Initiative. "Expanding trusted, science-based verification coverage is essential to supporting issuers worldwide and maintaining the integrity of the Climate Bonds Certification framework.

The Climate Bonds Verifiers Directory provides issuers and investors with a transparent, up-to-date list of organisations authorised to conduct verification under the Climate Bonds Standard, supporting the integrity and credibility of the global sustainable finance market.

This expansion reinforces the shared commitment of the Climate Bonds Initiative and Bureau Veritas to advance best practices in sustainable finance and accelerate capital flows toward climate-aligned projects. Leveraging its expertise in supporting sustainability transitions, Bureau Veritas integrates compliance, risk management, and transformation strategies to help organisations embed sustainability into their operations. The enhanced verifier capabilities strengthen this mission by providing trusted, independent assurance and reinforcing market integrity through science-based verification of green and sustainable debt instruments.

About Bureau Veritas:

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 82,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.

For more information, visit http://www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.

Our information is certified with blockchain technology.

Check that this press release is genuine at www.wiztrust.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326167940/en/

Contacts:

ANALYST/INVESTOR CONTACTS

Laurent Brunelle

+33 (0)1 55 24 76 09

laurent.brunelle@bureauveritas.com

Colin Verbrugghe

+33 (0)1 55 24 77 80

colin.verbrugghe@bureauveritas.com

Romain Gorge

romain.gorge@bureauveritas.com

Ines Lagoutte

ines.lagoutte@bureauveritas.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

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+33 (0)6 68 63 83 18

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Frederic Vallois

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frederic.vallois@bureauveritas.com
A new BearingPoint study highlights how digital technologies are reshaping Europe's defense value chain and why accelerating digital transformation is essential to strengthen industrial resilience and operational readiness.

Europe's defense sector is entering a new phase of transformation. Rising geopolitical tensions, evolving security threats, and increasing pressure to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy are forcing defense organizations to rethink how they design, produce, and sustain military capabilities. In this context, MSC 2026 signaled a new era of industrial scale, accelerated procurement, AI-enabled capabilities, and deeper industry-government cooperation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326171406/en/

According to a new study by management and technology consultancy BearingPoint, digital technologies are a critical enabler of this transformation. However, many defense organizations across Europe still face significant barriers in scaling digital capabilities across complex value chains driven by fragmented digital architectures, multi-stakeholder governance complexity, and constraints in execution capacity

The report, "Digital transformation in Europe's defense value chain," highlights the growing importance of digital technologies in improving industrial efficiency, operational readiness, and supply chain resilience across the defense ecosystem.

"To strengthen resilience and maintain technological sovereignty, defense organizations must accelerate digital adoption across the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and logistics," said Manuel Schuler, global leader Automotive, Manufacturing, and Defense at BearingPoint.

Key findings

60-70% of aerospace and defense executives expect digital transformation to have a high or very high impact by 2028, yet only 20-30% report advanced levels of digital maturity today, highlighting a significant execution gap.

In the public defense sector, the strongest digital transformation ambitions are in training and simulation (34%) and deployment readiness (32%), while advanced digital maturity in areas such as procurement and supplier ecosystem visibility remains limited.

In the aerospace and defense industry, scaling digital transformation is primarily constrained by people and execution-capacity challenges, with skills shortages (26%), budget constraints (26%), workforce fatigue (24%), and limited supplier collaboration (22%) emerging as the most significant barriers.

In the public defense sector, structural constraints dominate, with budget rigidity (34%) and disconnected data silos (32%) cited most often, alongside unclear digital strategies (28%).

Investment priorities across the defense ecosystem are increasingly shifting toward AI-enabled decision support, predictive analytics, and digital twin environments, reflecting a growing focus on data-driven optimization and lifecycle integration.

At the same time, investment in supplier network visibility and supply chain orchestration is gaining importance, as defense organizations seek to mitigate geopolitical risks and improve coordination across complex, multi-tier ecosystems.

The growing importance of digital technologies in defense

The study finds that digital transformation is reshaping all core stages of the defense value chain, from research and development to production, maintenance, and lifecycle management.

Technologies such as AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, and cloud platforms are enabling defense organizations to improve system design, accelerate production cycles, and enhance operational performance. These technologies also help defense organizations manage increasingly complex supply chains and improve collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

The study also highlights the growing shift toward software-defined defense, as defense systems are increasingly shaped by software, data, and continuous upgrades rather than fixed hardware. This shift places new demands on digital architectures, governance, and cybersecurity, making interoperable platforms, secure data foundations, and resilient software delivery capabilities critical to sustaining operational effectiveness. However, despite growing awareness of the importance of digital transformation, many defense organizations continue to operate with fragmented digital architectures and governance structures that limit data sharing and hinder the integration and scaling of new digital capabilities.

"Defense organizations must move beyond isolated digital initiatives and adopt a more integrated approach to transformation," said Manuel Schuler. "By connecting data across the defense ecosystem and embedding digital technologies into core operations, organizations can significantly improve efficiency, resilience, and decision-making."

Strengthening Europe's defense value chain

The study emphasizes that accelerating digital transformation will be essential to strengthening Europe's defense industrial base.

Improving data interoperability, modernizing digital infrastructure, and adopting advanced technologies can help defense organizations enhance collaboration across the value chain, reduce operational risks, and improve lifecycle management of complex defense systems.

"In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, digital transformation is becoming a central pillar of Europe's defense resilience. Closing the execution gap requires coordinated transformation across the entire defense ecosystem industry and government together," concludes Reinhard Geigenfeind, global leader Public and Health at BearingPoint.

About the study

The "Digital transformation in Europe's defense value chain" study explores how digital technologies are reshaping Europe's defense ecosystem and examines the opportunities and challenges organizations face in accelerating digital transformation.

The research is based on a survey of 151 senior executives, including 101 aerospace and defense industry leaders and 50 public defense decision-makers, across Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, and Finland. Respondents include senior leaders responsible for digital transformation, technology, operations, and strategy.

The analysis is complemented by expert insights and BearingPoint's experience working with defense organizations and industrial partners across Europe.

Download the full study here: https://www.bearingpoint.com/en/insights-events/insights/digital-transformation-in-europes-defence-value-chain/

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. We help businesses transform by combining deep industry expertise with strong capabilities in strategy, operations, and technology. Dedicated SAP and Microsoft transformation units, a strong focus on AI, and outcome-based products enable us to provide tailored, innovative solutions that create measurable and sustainable value.

In addition to our core consulting operations, we run two joint ventures. Arcwide, our joint venture with IFS, specializes in business transformation enabled by IFS technology. BearingPoint North America, our joint venture with ABeam Consulting, focuses on consulting excellence and business transformation built on SAP.

BearingPoint works with many of the world's leading companies and public-sector organizations. Together with its strategic alliance partner ABeam Consulting, the firm brings together more than 15,000 professionals and serves clients in over 70 countries, delivering seamless business transformation, strengthening performance, and driving sustainable impact.

BearingPoint is recognized among TIME World's Best Companies and Forbes World's Best Employers. The firm is also a certified B Corporation, committed to responsible business and creating long-term value for organizations, people, and society.

For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326171406/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Alexander Bock

Global Senior Manager Communications

Telephone: +49 89 540338029

Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com
LONDON, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Krane Funds Advisors, LLC ("KraneShares"), a global asset manager specialising in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), expands its suite of carbon strategies through listing the KraneShares California Carbon ETC series on the London Stock Exchange. The strategy will trade in both USD and GBP-hedged currencies under the tickers KCCA LN and KCCP LN, respectively.





Exchange



Ticker Currency Listing Date SEDOL ISIN London Exchange KCCA LN USD 26 Mar, 2026 BVY7605 XS3145731611 London Exchange KCCP LN GBP Hedged 26 Mar, 2026 BV4J2F8 XS3323626740



The strategy, referred to as KCCA throughout, is designed to track the level of its reference index, the S&P Carbon Credit CCA Index, providing targeted exposure to California Carbon Allowance (CCA) futures. California's cap-and-invest programme is one of the largest and most established compliance carbon markets globally, covering nearly 80% of the state's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions1 across the world's fourth-largest economy.2

Established in 2013 and recently extended through 2045, the programme operates under a declining emissions cap, tightening supply over time. Demand is driven by mandatory participation from large emitters, which must acquire allowances through auctions or secondary markets.3 As government-mandated and regulated programmes, cap-and-invest creates transparent and liquid markets that incentivise companies to pursue the most cost-effective emissions reduction strategies while driving broader industry innovation.

As a part of the broader KraneShares suite of carbon strategies, KCCA further expands investor access to carbon pricing, offering compelling risk-adjusted return potential while supporting price discovery and market liquidity. The California carbon allowance market is also characterised by supportive structural features, including a downside floor mechanism that establishes a minimum settlement price at auctions, rising annually by 5% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

"KraneShares has been a leader in developing innovative investment solutions that give investors access to differentiated markets," said KraneShares Head of Alternative Investments, Luke Oliver. "We are proud to launch KCCA to UK and European investors, offering exposure to a fast-growing asset class with structural upside potential that can serve as a valuable diversifier with its uncorrelated returns in an increasingly volatile global market."

"KraneShares has been a pioneer in bringing carbon markets to investors, partnering with the index provider to create an index that would be tracked by the first global carbon ETF on the New York Stock Exchange in 2020 in partnership with Climate Finance Partners (CLIFI) and expanding since into a full suite of carbon strategies on global exchanges," said Dr. Xiaolin Chen, Head of International at KraneShares. "We are excited to further democratize access to the California carbon allowance market through the KCCA ETC listing for UK and European investors."

For more information on the KraneShares California Carbon ETC, please visit https://kraneshares.eu/etc/kccaln/ or consult your financial advisor.

Citations:

Congressional Research Service. The California Cap-and-Trade Program: Overview and Considerations for Congress. CRS Report R48314, December 18, 2024. Library of Congress. Governor Gavin Newsom, "California is now the 4th largest economy in the world," April 23, 2025. International Carbon Action Partnership, "California extends cap-and-trade to 2045, renames program 'Cap-and-Invest'," 29 September 2025.

Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss.

About KraneShares

KransShares delivers research-driven, high-conviction strategies connecting investors to some of the world's most powerful growth themes. From China's dynamic capital markets to emerging technologies, alternatives, carbon, covered calls and fixed income, we aim to help investors position portfolios for the future. By combining innovative products, deep expertise, and trusted global partnerships, KraneShares helps investors capture the megatrends reshaping the global economy. Together, we focus on delivering exceptional client experiences and innovative solutions. The firm is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).



Risk Disclosures

The ETCs are not principal protected and are a high-risk investment. The ETCs are secured, limited recourse obligations of the Issuer. The ETCs issued under the Programme will not be guaranteed by any entity and no person other than the Issuer will be obliged to make payments on the ETCs.The ETC may use FX hedging (e.g., futures and forwards) to reduce currency risk and support index tracking, though such hedging may not be fully effective and may introduce costs and risks. There is no guarantee that the ETCs will achieve their investment objective nor will the reference index fully or successfully hedge risk while having long exposure to the price of carbon or achieve responsible investing. Further risks relating to this investment are disclosed in the KCCA base prospectus, which along with key investor information, is available on: https://kraneshares.eu/etc/kccaln/.

This document is intended only for persons residing in jurisdictions where its distribution or availability of KCCA is consistent with local laws and KraneShares' local regulatory authorizations.

Contact:

KraneShares Investor Relations

info@kraneshares.com
NEW DELHI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the in-depth insights published by Vyansa Intelligence, the Global Cobalt Alloy Powder Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.46% during 2026-2032. The market expansion is primarily supported by rising demand for high-performance materials across aerospace, medical, and energy sectors, along with increasing adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and precision metallurgy.

North America dominated the global market in 2025, accounting for nearly 40% of total revenue, supported by strong aerospace manufacturing capabilities, advanced material research infrastructure, and significant defense spending. Continued investments in high-performance alloys and critical material supply chains are further reinforcing the region's leadership in the cobalt alloy powder market.

Global Cobalt Alloy Powder Market Key Takeaways

The Global Cobalt Alloy Powder Market is expected to grow from USD 41.23 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 55.94 billion by 2032.

Superalloys accounted for nearly 50% of the total market share in 2025, reflecting their critical role in high-temperature and high-stress applications.

The Aerospace segment captured approximately 40% of the market, highlighting strong demand for cobalt-based materials in jet engines and turbine components.

More than 25 companies are actively engaged in the global market, with the top five players holding around 50% market share, indicating a moderately consolidated competitive landscape.

Leading companies operating in the market include Hitachi Metals, Global Tungsten & Powders, Heraeus Holding, Carpenter Technology, Sandvik Materials Technology, among others.

Key Growth Catalysts and Emerging Trends in the Global Cobalt Alloy Powder Industry

Rising Demand for High-Performance and Heat-Resistant Materials

The global cobalt alloy powder market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress. Cobalt-based superalloys play a critical role in aerospace engines, power generation turbines, and industrial tooling applications, where operational reliability and durability are essential. As industries continue to push performance boundaries and operate under more demanding conditions, the need for advanced alloy powders is expected to remain consistently strong.

Growth in Aerospace and Additive Manufacturing Applications

Building on these performance requirements, the aerospace sector has emerged as a key growth driver for cobalt alloy powders. The rising production of aircraft, coupled with increasing investments in next-generation aviation technologies, is significantly boosting demand. At the same time, the growing adoption of additive manufacturing is accelerating the use of high-purity, uniform metal powders. This technology enables the production of complex geometries with improved material efficiency, thereby strengthening the role of cobalt-based powders in critical, high-performance applications.

Expansion of Medical and Energy Applications

Beyond aerospace, the market is experiencing expanding adoption across medical and energy sectors, further diversifying its application base. Cobalt-chromium alloys are widely utilized in medical implants due to their excellent biocompatibility, strength, and wear resistance. In parallel, power generation systems rely on cobalt alloys for components exposed to high thermal and mechanical stress. This broadening range of applications is reinforcing steady and sustained demand across multiple end-use industries.

Advancements in Powder Production Technologies

Complementing these demand-side factors, continuous advancements in powder production technologies are enhancing overall market efficiency and product quality. Techniques such as gas atomization, plasma atomization, and chemical reduction are enabling the production of powders with superior consistency, purity, and performance characteristics. These innovations are particularly crucial in meeting stringent requirements in aerospace and medical applications, while also improving manufacturing efficiency and minimizing material waste.

View Full Report and request to get the sample pages at:

https://www.vyansaintelligence.com/industry-report/cobalt-alloy-powder-market-analysis

Key Challenges and Competitive Pressures Impacting Industry Growth

Raw Material Supply Constraints and Cost Volatility

Despite favorable growth dynamics, the cobalt alloy powder market faces notable challenges related to raw material availability and price volatility. Cobalt, being a critical mineral with a geographically concentrated supply chain, is subject to fluctuations in supply and pricing. As a result, manufacturers may encounter cost uncertainties that can impact production planning and profit margins, particularly in periods of supply disruption.

Intense Competition and Technological Differentiation

In addition to supply-side challenges, the market is characterized by intense competition among global and regional players. This competitive environment often results in pricing pressures, especially in cost-sensitive markets. While leading companies focus on innovation, advanced production technologies, and strategic collaborations to strengthen their market position, smaller players frequently compete on pricing strategies. Consequently, maintaining a balance between technological advancement, cost efficiency, and product performance remains essential for sustaining long-term competitiveness.

Strategic Developments Accelerating Cobalt Supply Diversification

In 2025, KoBold Metals took a significant step toward enhancing global cobalt supply resilience by signing a mineral exploration agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This strategic initiative is aimed at advancing access to critical minerals, including cobalt, which plays a vital role in high-performance alloy production.

Building on growing concerns around supply chain concentration, the agreement reflects broader industry efforts to diversify sourcing channels and reduce dependence on China-dominated processing networks. By expanding exploration and development activities in resource-rich regions, KoBold Metals is contributing to a more balanced and secure global supply framework.

As a result, such developments are expected to strengthen raw material availability for downstream industries, including cobalt alloy powder manufacturing. This, in turn, supports long-term market stability and enables manufacturers to better navigate supply-side uncertainties while meeting rising demand across aerospace, medical, and energy applications.

Market Analysis by Composition, Application & Region

By composition, the superalloys segment maintained a dominant position in the global cobalt alloy powder market, accounting for approximately 50% of the total share in 2025. This leadership is primarily driven by the exceptional mechanical strength, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability offered by cobalt-based superalloys. These properties make them highly suitable for applications operating under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Furthermore, their widespread use in aerospace engines, gas turbines, and high-performance industrial components reinforces their market prominence. As industries increasingly demand materials that ensure durability and efficiency, the superalloys segment is expected to sustain its leading position over the forecast period.

By application, the aerospace segment held a leading share of nearly 40%, supported by the growing production of aircraft and increasing demand for high-performance engine components. Cobalt alloy powders are extensively used in manufacturing critical parts such as turbine blades, combustion chambers, and exhaust systems, where resistance to heat and mechanical stress is essential. In addition, the rising adoption of lightweight and fuel-efficient aircraft is further accelerating the demand for advanced materials. As aerospace manufacturers continue to focus on performance optimization and safety standards, the reliance on cobalt-based powders is expected to remain strong, thereby reinforcing the segment's dominance.

By region, North America emerged as the leading market, capturing approximately 40% of the global share in 2025. This dominance is primarily attributed to the presence of well-established aerospace and defense industries, along with advanced manufacturing infrastructure across the region. Moreover, continuous investments in research and development of high-performance materials and growing emphasis on securing critical mineral supply chains are further strengthening market growth. The region also benefits from strong government support and technological innovation in additive manufacturing. As a result, North America is expected to maintain its leadership position while driving advancements in cobalt alloy powder applications.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place):

https://www.vyansaintelligence.com/industry-report/cobalt-alloy-powder-market-analysis (Explore in-depth analyses, technological trends, and investment patterns.)

Prominent Players Strengthening the Global Cobalt Alloy Powder Landscape

Hitachi Metals

Global Tungsten & Powders

Heraeus Holding

Carpenter Technology

Sandvik Materials Technology

Allegheny Technologies

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TOKYO, Japan, Mar 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Rail announced that it will manufacture rolling stock for a new restaurant train, Fine Dining Train "vies," in which SEIBU RAILWAY Co.,Ltd. is participating. The train is scheduled to begin operations in March 2028, and the train name and logo design have now been finalized.Realising a premium travel experience through rolling stock manufacturingDrawing on the technologies and expertise it has cultivated through the design and manufacture of railway rolling stock, Hitachi will be responsible for manufacturing the vehicles for this train. Fine Dining Train "vies" builds upon and further develops the concept established by " Fifty Two Seats of Happiness ," Seibu Railway's full - course restaurant train that has been in operation since 2016, with the aim of delivering a more refined and exclusive space and dining experience. The train will be newly designed and manufactured based on the Seibu Railway flagship limited express train "Laview," which was manufactured by Hitachi and debuted in 2019. Hitachi will apply to this project the technical know - how it has gained through the development and manufacture of Laview, including the creation of open and spacious interiors enabled by large windows, design philosophies that harmonize with surrounding landscapes, and technologies that realize a comfortable travel environment. In addition, Hitachi's contribution extends beyond vehicle manufacturing alone. By leveraging its expertise in control and system technologies that support safe, stable operation and passenger comfort, Hitachi will help realize a travel experience in which dining and space are integrated at a high level. Through the creation of a premium travel environment that ensures safety and comfort while supporting " quality time shared with someone special ," Hitachi will continue to deliver new value.Key information- Train Name: Fine Dining Train "vies"- Planned Start of Operations: March 2028- Rolling Stock Manufacturer: Hitachi Rail- Naming Development: Toshiyuki Konishi (POOL inc.)- Logo Design: Hideyuki Tanno (POOL DESIGN inc.)Naming conceptFine Dining Train "vies" "Vie" means "life" or "living" in French. The name reflects respect for nature-an important value long cherished in Japan, where food is regarded as receiving life-while expressing the desire to enrich the lives of each passenger. The plural form "vies" was chosen to represent this idea. When read in reverse, "vies" reads as "Seibu," creating a subtle narrative connection. Together with the subtitle "Fine Dining Train," the name expresses a special dining stage where multiple lives meet and resonate through a refined culinary experience.Logo design conceptThe organic curve of the letter "s" and the underline extending from it represent the train's distinctive form. The word "vie," meaning "life," "living," and "vitality" in French, is incorporated into the design, symbolizing both rich cuisine and the passengers themselves. Rather than speed or efficiency, the logo embodies a leisurely and indulgent experience, creating a space that gently envelops its guests. The underline extending from right to left subtly alludes to the reverse reading of "vies" as "Seibu."Seibu Railway's restaurant trainHitachi has supported Seibu Railway's restaurant train initiative through close collaboration with the company, including "Fifty Two Seats of Happiness ," which has been in operation as a full - service restaurant train since April 17, 2016, following the refurbishment of Seibu Railway's 4000 series rolling stock. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma , the exterior and interior of the train are inspired by Chichibu , one of the region's most prominent tourist destinations. The exterior dynamically incorporates motifs of the Arakawa River flowing through the natural landscape, while the interior features traditional Chichibu Meisen textiles and l ocally sourced Nishikawa timber . The train operates mainly on weekends and holidays between Ikebukuro / Seibu - Shinjuku and Seibu - Chichibu stations, and is scheduled to mark its 10th anniversary in April 2026 .Seibu Railway 001 series limited express train "Laview"Hitachi manufactured the Seibu Railway 001 series limited express train "Laview," positioned as Seibu Railway's flagship train for the future, which debuted on March 16, 2019 . The name "Laview" combines the concepts of "L" for a luxurious living -like space, "a" for arrow -like speed, and "view" for the expansive scenery visible through its large windows . The train embodies the aspiration to provide passengers with an enjoyable limited express journey that gently blends into both urban and natural landscapes.About Hitachi RailHitachi Rail is committed to driving the transition to sustainable mobility and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer, and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, smooth , and sustainable transportation.With a turnover of more than (e)7 billion and 24,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a reliable partner for the world's best transport companies. The company's presence is global, but the company is local, with success based on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. Its international expertise and experience covers every part of urban ecosystems, main lines and freight railways, from high - quality production and maintenance of rolling stock to digital signalling, payment systems and smart operations. Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high -speed train, leverages the digital and artificial intelligence expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies.For more information, visit the hitachirail.comAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY 2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Casa Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CASA) (OTCQB: CASXF) (FSE: 0CM) (the "Company" or "Casa") is pleased to announce that it has received a large dataset of historic drill hole information from the Congress Gold Mine Project in Yavapai County, Arizona, USA. Comprehensive desktop technical studies integrating this data with the Company's own 2022 drilling campaign have resulted in the identification and delineation of three distinct priority exploration zones that will form the basis of the 2026 field and drilling program.

HIGHLIGHTS

Receipt of a large historic drill hole database greatly expanding the geological model for the Congress Gold Mine Project

3D modelling of over 100 historic and recent drill holes confirms strong structural integrity and continuity of the gold-bearing vein systems

Three distinct exploration zones classified: Echo Bay Exploration Zone (~750m x 1,000m), Malartic Exploration Zone (~450m x 1,150m), and New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone (~800m x 1,000m)

Echo Bay Exploration Zone designated highest priority target based on historic drill density and potential for expanded mineralization envelope

Historic drill intercepts include highlights such as 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au, 2.0m @ 21.88 g/t Au, 3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au, and 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au within the Echo Bay Zone

Congress Gold Mine Project is fully permitted with excellent road access and proximity to an experienced regional labor force

Company geologists and field personnel are being mobilized for initial site preparation and drill program setup

HISTORIC DRILL DATABASE COMPILATION

Casa Minerals is pleased to announce the receipt of a comprehensive dataset of historic drill hole collars, surveys, and assay records from the Congress Gold Mine Project. This data was compiled from exploration programs conducted by previous operators -- most notably Echo Bay Mines Ltd. -- during the 1980s through the early 1990s. The database encompasses a significant number of drill holes distributed across the project area, substantially expanding the known geological framework of the property.

Historic exploration at the Congress Gold Mine was conducted during a period when gold market conditions were materially lower than today's environment, which directly influenced the selection criteria and cut-off grades used by previous operators. Consequently, the historic programs focused predominantly on higher-grade gold intersections, and many lower-grade vein intercepts that may be economically significant at current gold prices were not assigned the same level of analytical priority. Casa believes this creates a meaningful opportunity to reinterpret the mineralization system with a lower economic threshold, logically expanding the dimensions of the mineralization envelope that will be targeted in the forthcoming drilling season.

Important Disclosure: The historic drill hole results referenced in this news release were collected and reported by previous operators under practices that predate current NI 43-101 standards. These results are disclosed solely for contextual and geological interpretation purposes. They have not been verified by a current Qualified Person, do not conform to NI 43-101, and are not classified as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historic results as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and Casa is not treating them as such.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING AND VEIN SYSTEM VALIDATION

Desktop technical studies have included rigorous 3D modelling of all available drill hole data using industry-standard geological modelling software. The resulting three-dimensional representation of the drill hole database, illustrated in Figure A below, demonstrates the remarkable density of historic drill coverage across the project and confirms the structural coherence and continuity of the principal gold-bearing vein systems.

The 3D model was constructed using NAD83 / UTM Zone 12N coordinates and captures drill holes ranging from surface to depths approaching 600 metres below ground elevation. The model reveals that:

The dominant vein systems exhibit strong northeast-southwest structural orientation, consistent with the principal fault architecture identified on surface

The alignment and attitude of vein structures intercepted in the Company's 2022 confirmatory drilling campaign correlate with high fidelity to those projected from the historic drill hole database, validating the overall geological model

The 2022 drilling campaign identified additional vein structures not captured in the historic database, indicating that the current geological model is likely incomplete and that the total mineralized footprint may be materially larger than previously understood

Incorporating lower-grade vein intercepts -- previously deprioritized by historic operators under lower gold price conditions -- into the mineralization envelope substantially increases the aggregate target volume for future drilling

Figure A: Four-panel 3D presentation of historic and recent drill hole collars and traces, Congress Gold Mine Project. Views from west (upper left), east (upper right), oblique (lower left), and plan (lower right). Coordinate system: NAD83 / UTM Zone 12N. The high density of drill traces illustrates the extensive historic exploration coverage across the project area. Pink/magenta traces represent historic drill holes; black traces represent more recent drilling. Purple lines denote projected vein orientations.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_001full.jpg

THREE PRIORITY EXPLORATION ZONES -- 2026 PROGRAM BASIS

Detailed integration of the historic drill database with geological mapping, vein system mapping conducted in 2022, and structural interpretation has enabled Casa to formally classify three distinct priority exploration zones within the Congress Gold Mine Project. The classification of each zone reflects the combination of historic drill density, vein system geometry, and the nature of the gold mineralization documented to date. Figures 1 through 4 present these zones in their regional and local contexts.

Figure 1: Regional overview map of the Congress Gold Mine Project showing principal vein systems (red dashed), fault corridors (blue dashed), shaft locations (Shafts 1 through 6), historic stope outlines (yellow, 1959-1987), patented claim and BLM claim outlines, and the location of the three principal exploration zones. The project is situated in Yavapai County, Arizona.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_002full.jpg

Echo Bay Exploration Zone -- Highest Priority Target

The Echo Bay Exploration Zone, measuring approximately 750 metres by 1,000 metres, is the largest and most intensively drilled zone on the property. It encompasses the historic non-NI 43-101 resource outline that was previously defined by Echo Bay Mines and represents the core of the historic gold-producing system at Congress. The zone is bounded by the principal northeast-trending veining corridors and is cut by northwest-trending fault structures that locally displace but do not terminate the mineralized vein arrays.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the Echo Bay Exploration Zone hosts a dense cluster of historic drill hole intercepts distributed across the full extent of the zone. The drill hole collars and assay intercepts depicted in the figure provide compelling evidence for broad, zone-scale gold mineralization. Notably, the higher-grade intercepts are concentrated along the principal vein corridors while lower-grade disseminated and stockwork gold is documented in the intervening ground. This spatial distribution is characteristic of orogenic gold systems and is consistent with the geological setting at Congress.

Selected historic drill intercepts within the Echo Bay Exploration Zone include:

1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au -- exceptional high-grade intercept within the principal vein corridor

-- exceptional high-grade intercept within the principal vein corridor 3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au -- high-grade intercept demonstrating vein width and continuity

-- high-grade intercept demonstrating vein width and continuity 2.0m @ 21.88 g/t Au -- high-grade vein intercept in the central portion of the zone

-- high-grade vein intercept in the central portion of the zone 2.4m @ 19.03 g/t Au -- confirming strong grade continuity along strike

-- confirming strong grade continuity along strike 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au -- broad, elevated-grade intercept indicative of wide mineralization envelopes within the vein system

-- broad, elevated-grade intercept indicative of wide mineralization envelopes within the vein system 1.5m @ 15.28 g/t Au -- demonstrating high-grade vein core and broader lower-grade haloes

-- demonstrating high-grade vein core and broader lower-grade haloes 2.0m @ 12.19 g/t Au and 7.3m @ 11.00 g/t Au -- further confirming grade and continuity of the principal vein arrays

and -- further confirming grade and continuity of the principal vein arrays 3.1m @ 11.19 g/t Au and 2.0m @ 15.63 g/t Au -- documented in the southwestern portion of the zone, indicating lateral continuity

Given the historic drill density, the documented grade profile, and the alignment of the 2022 confirmatory drilling with the historic vein model, the Echo Bay Exploration Zone has been assigned the highest exploration priority for the 2026 program. The Company views the zone as offering the clearest near-term pathway to NI 43-101 resource delineation.

Figure 2: Detailed plan map of the Echo Bay Exploration Zone (~750m x 1,000m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are historic drill hole intercepts (brown dots annotated with interval length in metres and gold grade in g/t), principal vein system traces (red dashed), fault corridors (blue dashed), historic stope outlines (yellow), shaft locations, and the historic non-NI 43-101 resource outline (red hatch). Selected intercepts include 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au, 3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au, 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au, and 2.4m @ 19.03 g/t Au, among numerous others.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_003full.jpg

Malartic Exploration Zone

The Malartic Exploration Zone covers an area of approximately 450 metres by 1,150 metres and is situated to the south and southeast of the Echo Bay Exploration Zone. The zone is named after the "Malartic-style" stratabound and vein-hosted gold mineralization that has been documented in this area of the project. Historic shaft locations CGC-003 and CGC-004 are located within this zone, providing direct underground access for potential future development.

The Malartic Exploration Zone is characterized by multiple subparallel northwest-striking vein sets that have been intercepted in a series of shallow to moderate-depth drill holes. The vein system includes documented vein widths of 27 feet, 38 feet, and 55 feet (as labelled on Figure 3), indicating substantial structural corridors capable of hosting economically significant gold mineralization.

Representative historic drill intercepts within the Malartic Exploration Zone include:

3.6m @ 0.74 g/t Au and 10.3m @ 1.73 g/t Au -- broad lower-grade intercepts within the principal vein corridor demonstrating wide mineralization envelopes

and -- broad lower-grade intercepts within the principal vein corridor demonstrating wide mineralization envelopes 10.36m @ 1.41 g/t Au and 8.1m @ 3.53 g/t Au -- moderate-grade intercepts confirming continuity of the vein arrays

and -- moderate-grade intercepts confirming continuity of the vein arrays 7.7 @ 3.56 g/t Au and 8.1m @ 2.53 g/t Au -- further demonstrating consistent grade within vein-hosted mineralization

and -- further demonstrating consistent grade within vein-hosted mineralization 3.2m @ 7.72 g/t Au and 2.8m @ 9.41 g/t Au -- higher-grade intercepts at the northern margin of the zone (shared boundary with the Echo Bay Zone)

The Malartic Exploration Zone is relatively underexplored compared to the Echo Bay Zone, and the relatively sparse drill coverage suggests significant upside potential for zone expansion with systematic drilling.

Figure 3: Detailed plan map of the Malartic Exploration Zone (~450m x 1,150m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are historic drill hole intercepts (annotated with gold values), principal vein system traces, shaft locations including CGC-003 and CGC-004, historic stope outlines, and documented vein widths of 8.2m, 11.6m, and 16.8m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_004full.jpg

New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone

The New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone, measuring approximately 800 metres by 1,000 metres, is the northernmost of the three classified exploration zones and is situated along a structurally distinct corridor characterized by the northwest-striking New Congress-Niagara fault system. This zone encompasses historic Shaft 1 as well as drill holes CGC-008, CGC-009, and CGC-010 from the Company's 2022 exploration program.

The 2022 drilling in this zone identified four discrete veins with widths ranging from 49.5 feet to 206 feet -- a notably wide structural corridor. These widths are illustrated in Figure 4 as Vein 49.5 ft, Vein 55 ft, Vein 70.5 ft, and Vein 206 ft. The scale of these structural features highlights the potential for significant bulk-tonnage style mineralization within this zone, distinct from the higher-grade but narrower veins documented in the Echo Bay Zone.

Critically, the 2022 drilling at the New Congress Niagara Zone identified several vein structures that are not represented in the historic drill database, reinforcing the Company's view that the existing geological model incompletely captures the full scope of the vein system. This structural incompleteness, combined with the relatively limited historic drill coverage of this zone, underscores its exploration potential.

Figure 4: Detailed plan map of the New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone (~800m x 1,000m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are drill hole locations from the 2022 exploration program (CGC-008, CGC-009, CGC-010) alongside Shaft 1, with identified vein widths of 49.5 ft, 55 ft, 70.5 ft, and 206 ft. The purple outline denotes the exploration zone boundary.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_005full.jpg

PROJECT STATUS AND 2026 FIELD PROGRAM

The Congress Gold Mine Project is fully permitted for exploration and mining activities in Yavapai County, Arizona. The property benefits from:

Fully permitted status: All necessary exploration and access permits are in place, enabling rapid mobilization of field crews and drilling equipment

All necessary exploration and access permits are in place, enabling rapid mobilization of field crews and drilling equipment Excellent road access: Paved and maintained road access to the property boundary facilitates cost-effective equipment and supply logistics

Paved and maintained road access to the property boundary facilitates cost-effective equipment and supply logistics Experienced regional labor force: The Yavapai County region has a well-established mining and exploration workforce with proven experience in gold exploration projects of this type

The Yavapai County region has a well-established mining and exploration workforce with proven experience in gold exploration projects of this type Infrastructure: Existing shaft infrastructure and historic workings provide geological reference points and potential future development opportunities

The Company is currently mobilizing a team of geologists and field personnel to the Congress Gold Mine Project for initial site preparation, geological review, and establishment of the field infrastructure required for the 2026 drilling program. Detailed drill program parameters, including planned hole locations, depths, and targeting rationale, will be provided in a subsequent technical news release.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

"The receipt of this historic drill database is a genuinely significant development for Casa Minerals," stated Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO. "For the first time, we now have a comprehensive view of the full scope of historic exploration at Congress, and what we see is highly encouraging. The 3D model clearly validates our 2022 findings and demonstrates that the gold system is both continuous and larger than historic estimates suggested. With gold trading at current levels, the lower-grade vein intercepts that were historically deprioritized now become compelling exploration targets in their own right. The Echo Bay Zone, with intercepts like 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t and 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t, gives us a very strong foundation from which to build a modern NI 43-101 resource. We are mobilizing our team and look forward to reporting our first drill results from the 2026 season."

QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr. Erik Ostensoe, P.Geo., a Director and Chief Geologist of the Company, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

ABOUT CASA MINERALS INC.

Casa Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on gold, copper, and strategic minerals exploration in North America. The Company holds a 90% interest in the historic Congress Gold Mine in Arizona and is advancing multiple projects in British Columbia, including the Arsenault copper-gold-silver project. Casa's experienced management team is committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery and development of economic mineral deposits. For more information, please visit: www.casaminerals.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's exploration plans and programs for 2026; anticipated drilling activities at the Congress Gold Mine Project; the classification and prioritization of exploration zones; expectations regarding resource definition and the potential to advance the project to NI 43-101 compliant standards; interpretations of historic drill data and 3D geological models; mineralization potential and domain expansion; and mobilization of field personnel. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such factors include, without limitation: uncertainties regarding exploration results; risks related to the accuracy and completeness of historic data; the inability to verify historic assay results; variations in mineralization and grade; the speculative nature of mineral exploration; challenges in obtaining required permits and approvals; fluctuations in commodity prices; availability of financing; changes in economic and market conditions; environmental and regulatory risks; operating hazards; and other risks inherent in the mineral exploration industry. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290037

Source: Casa Minerals Inc.


EQS Newswire / 26/03/2026 / 10:45 CET/CEST

CHENGDU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 March 2026 - Air China launched a direct passenger flight from Chengdu to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with service starting March 26. This marks Chengdu's 12th regular direct passenger route to Europe. The inaugural flight recorded a load factor of 95%, with the return leg reaching 85%, underscoring strong market demand.



Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

According to Air China's Southwest Branch, the Chengdu (Tianfu International Airport)-Brussels route offers three round trips per week on the Airbus A330-300, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Previously, Chengdu had already opened a dedicated all-cargo route to Brussels. The launch of the passenger service now establishes a dual-track system for both passenger and freight transport.



Before the route's launch, travelers from Chengdu to Brussels typically required a transfer, with the whole journey taking more than 17 hours. The new direct service cuts travel time to under 11 hours, creating a faster and more convenient aerial corridor for economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity between China and Belgium.



This route also represents Chengdu's first newly launched intercontinental passenger service of the year. To date, the city operates 19 intercontinental passenger routes, including 12 connecting major European cities such as Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Brussels, with nearly 40 weekly flights. Chengdu's regular international and regional direct routes have now clocked up 85, markedly boosting its global connectivity.



The ever-expanding international flight network has further stimulated inbound tourism. In 2025, Chengdu received 2.38 million inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 44.3%, signaling a strong recovery of the inbound tourism market. During the recent 2026 Spring Festival, the city welcomed 77,000 inbound tourists, up 47.2% year on year, with a growing number of international travelers choosing Chengdu as their top destination for experiencing China.



As noted by The Times in its feature on 12 of the Best Places to Visit in China: "Home of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, this city has become a popular stop on many China tours. Foodies will relish their visit-it's one of the original UNESCO cities of gastronomy, so you'll find the best of Sichuan cuisine here. Highlights include spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, and the myriad street foods you'll find outside Chengdu's many temples. It's also the departure point for tours to the national parks of Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong, and the autonomous regions around Sichuan."



To enhance the travel experience of international passengers, Chengdu has introduced a package of measures covering tax refunds upon payment, language services, smart navigation, and promotional incentives, all aimed at improving convenience and adding to the appeal of inbound tourism. Policies such as instant tax refunds, direct payments via overseas e-wallets, and over 600 tax refund stores have largely facilitated travel for international tourists.



In 2025, Chengdu had more than 6,000 taxi drivers trained in English, and the scenic area Xiling Snow Mountain rolled out an international booking platform supporting real-time translation in 24 languages and transactions in 29 currencies, with multilingual AI translation screens installed across major tourist attractions and transportation hubs in Chengdu.



Meanwhile, Jinli Street-once named by CNN as one of the world's most beautiful streets-officially introduced the "Open Chengdu" cultural tourism base on February 6. The base features a professional English-language service team, more than 300 bilingual signs, and over 10 bilingual self-service ticketing machines supporting multiple ID types. Across more than 50 locations in Jinli, from museum gift shops to street vendors, international credit cards such as VISA are widely accepted.



In addition, Chengdu Eastern New Area, where Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is located, offers international transit passengers subsidies of up to 400 yuan per person, including 200 for hotel stays, 100 for consumption vouchers, and 100 for railway tickets.

Hashtag: ChengduInformationOffice

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Chengdu Information Office

26/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Powermax Minerals Inc. (CSE: PMAX) (OTCQB: PWMXF) (FSE: T23) (the "Company" or "Powermax") is pleased to announce the results of an integrated geochemical and geophysical interpretation, including 2025 rock, soil, and sediment assay results, from its Atikokan Rare Earth Elements ("REE") Property in northwestern Ontario.

The interpretation identifies and prioritizes exploration targets with characteristics consistent with potential REE mineralization, with multi-media geochemistry suggesting that surface anomalies may serve as vectors for follow-up exploration.

Key Highlights

Rock Sampling (117 samples)

TREO values range from 19.1 to 503.3 ppm

Multiple samples exceed 200 ppm TREO

Elevated REE values primarily associated with gneissic units (Blocks B & C)

Soil Sampling (228 samples)

TREO values range from 28.4 to 615.8 ppm

Strong REE anomalies identified across north-south soil grids

High values spatially associated with structural corridors and lithological contacts

Sediment Sampling (10 samples)

TREO values range from 37.1 to 377.2 ppm

Indicates mechanical dispersion of REE-bearing minerals downstream

Supports presence of proximal REE source rocks

These values fall within background to moderately anomalous ranges typical of early-stage REE exploration systems.

Interpretation Summary

The integrated interpretation demonstrates two distinct mineralization environments across the property:

Dashwa Gneiss Complex (Blocks B & C) - Priority targets for follow up exploration

Geochemical and radiometric data indicate that REE enrichment is: Associated with Th-bearing accessory minerals (monazite, allanite) Strongly correlated with Th/U ratios and uranium enrichment Controlled by regional structural corridors and shear zones

The data suggest a metamorphic or metasomatic LREE system, where REEs are concentrated along deformation zones rather than uniformly distributed.

Soil geochemistry further strengthens the exploration model, showing REE-Th-U associations and that surface anomalies are vectors toward underlying mineralization

White Otter Batholith (Block A) - Lower Priority due to: TREO values ranging from 22 to ~487 ppm, typical of background granitic rocks Weak correlations between REE and radiometric indicators REEs hosted in dispersed accessory minerals (allanite, zircon, apatite) rather than concentrated zones While overall prospectivity is limited, localized structurally focused targets remain, particularly at fault intersections and pegmatitic zone



Based on the interpretation of geochemistry and geophysical results, the Company has developed a conceptual exploration model consistent with structurally controlled REE mineralization, primarily in monazite (a light REE-thorium phosphate) and allanite (an REE-bearing epidote group), which occur within gneissic foliation zones, shear corridors, and at contacts between batholith and gneiss.

Paul Gorman, CEO of Powermax Minerals, commented:

"These results significantly advance our understanding of the Atikokan Property and clearly define a path forward for exploration. The identification of structurally controlled REE targets within the Dashwa Gneiss Complex is particularly encouraging, as it points to a coherent mineralization system rather than isolated occurrences." Mr. Gorman further explains, "the strong association of rare earth elements with thorium and uranium geochemistry provides us with reliable vectors to prioritize targets, and we are confident that focused follow-up exploration work, will allow us to unlock the full potential of this project."

Figure 1: Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) REE prospectivity map for Block A (White Otter Batholith), showing prospectivity levels and the distribution of 2025 rock-sample TREO values.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11633/290035_277f6348a486f901_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) REE prospectivity map for Block B (Dashwa Gneiss Complex), showing prospectivity levels and the distribution of 2025 rock-sample TREO values.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11633/290035_277f6348a486f901_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) REE prospectivity map for Block C (Dashwa Gneiss Complex), showing prospectivity levels and the distribution of 2025 rock-sample TREO values.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11633/290035_277f6348a486f901_003full.jpg

Exploration Work Summary

In October 2025, property-scale airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys were conducted by Geo Data Solutions Inc. (GDS), flown at 50-metre line spacing with gridded outputs at 25-metre resolution and an average ground clearance of 44-metre for the helicopter.

Complementing this survey, the 2025 exploration work also included a field program of geological mapping, prospecting, radiometric surveys, and systematic soil, sediment, and rock sampling. A total of 426 samples, including quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples, were collected and submitted to Agat Labs for analysis.

Sampling, Analytical Methods and QA/QC

Soil samples were collected from the B-horizon where possible at depths of approximately 10-30 cm using hand tools. Approximately 0.5-1.0 kg of material was placed in labeled kraft sample bags. Sample locations were recorded using handheld GPS units.

Representative rock samples were collected during prospecting of rock outcrops and mineralized float across the property. Rock samples consisted of selective grab samples weighing approximately 1-2 kg and were collected using a geological hammer. Grab samples are selective in nature and may not represent of the mineralization hosted on the property. Handheld scintillometers were used as prospecting tools due to affiliation of REE mineralization with higher radioactivity.

Samples were submitted to AGAT Laboratories Ltd., Thunder Bay, Ontario location and were later prepared and analyzed at its Calgary, Alberta location using the 201-380 Metals Package. Agat is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited independent laboratory. Quality assurance and quality control procedures included the insertion of field duplicates, blanks and standards. At the laboratory, rock samples were dried, crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Soil samples were dried and sieved to obtain the fine fraction (typically -80 mesh). Samples were analyzed for rare earth elements using sodium peroxide fusion followed by ICP-OES/MS analysis, which provides near-total digestion for REE determination. Quality assurance and quality control procedures included the insertion of field duplicate samples into the sample stream at regular intervals. Laboratory internal QA/QC procedures were also applied.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., who is a director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary Statement

The geochemical and geophysical results presented in this news release are preliminary in nature and are intended to guide exploration targeting. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource. Grab samples are selective in nature and may not be representative of the mineralization on the Property.

About Powermax Minerals Inc.

Powermax Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing rare earth element projects. The Company holds an option to acquire the Cameron REE Property, comprising three mineral claims totaling approximately 2,984 hectares in British Columbia. Powermax also optioned to acquire the Atikokan REE Property, consisting of 455 unpatented mining claims in NW Ontario. Powermax also optioned to acquire the 5178-hectare Pinard REE in Northern Ontario. Powermax also owns a 100% interest in the Ogden Bear Lodge Project, in Crook County, Wyoming.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding potential mineralization, exploration plans, timing of activities, and future exploration results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Powermax Minerals Inc. 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 required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in CSE policies) 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/290035

Source: Powermax Minerals Inc.
The Board of Directors will propose the distribution of a 0.65 dividend per share, an increase of 8%

The total payout would amount to approximately 125 million, to be distributed in two payments of 0.32 and 0.33 per share in July and December 2026

The Board of Directors will also propose to the Annual General Meeting the appointment of Allison Steiner as proprietary director and Stephen Kaniewski as independent director

Fluidra, a global leader in equipment and connected solutions in the pool and wellness sector, agreed at its Board of Directors to propose to the General Shareholders' Meeting the distribution of a 0.65 dividend per share charged to 2025 results. This proposal represents a payout of approximately 50% of adjusted net income, in line with the company's dividend policy and capital allocation framework.

The total payout, subject to approval at the General Shareholders' Meeting to be held on May 6, 2026, would amount to roughly 125 million. If approved, Fluidra would make a first payment of 0.32 per share on July 14 and a second payment of 0.33 per share on December 10, 2026.

"In 2025 we once again demonstrated the strength of our business, delivering growth ahead of the market and making solid progress on our strategic priorities, all in a dynamic environment. I want to thank all Fluidra teams for their commitment and dedication. We remain focused on executing our strategy and investing to reinforce the business for the long term, while continuing to enhance returns. Our priorities are clear: accelerate growth, strengthen our competitive differentiation, and reinforce operational excellence," said Eloi Planes, Fluidra's Executive Chairman.

Appointment of new Board members

The Board of Directors has also proposed ratifying the appointment by co-option of Allison Steiner, who joined the Board in February 2026 as a proprietary director, and additionally appointing Stephen Kaniewski as a new independent director. Both appointments will be submitted for approval at the General Shareholders' Meeting on May 6.

Fluidra thus maintains its Board at 14 members, with the aim of ensuring broad representation of perspectives and interests, and fostering diversity in gender, nationality, country of origin, cultural background, professional experience, and knowledge, in accordance with its current Director Selection Policy.

Allison Steiner joined Rhone in 2007 as Head of Legal and became Managing Director in 2018. From 1999 until joining Rhone, she was an associate in the corporate law practice at Sullivan Cromwell LLP in New York, where she advised Rhone among other clients. Her main practice areas during her time at Sullivan Cromwell were Mergers Acquisitions and Private Equity.

Steiner holds a law degree cum laude from New York University School of Law and graduated summa cum laude from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in American Studies.

Stephen Kaniewski brings broad international experience spanning business development, operational management, financial strategy, sales enablement, and information technologies. He developed most of his career at Valmont Industries (NYSE), a global leader in critical infrastructure and agriculture solutions. After joining the company in 2010 as Vice President of Information Technology, he went on to serve as CEO for more than five years until July 2023, and was also a member of the Board of Directors, overseeing global operations across 86 locations in 22 countries.

Kaniewski holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Santa Clara University.

Finally, the Board will also propose the re-election of Jose Manuel Vargas as a proprietary director of the company.

About Fluidra

Fluidra S.A. (FDR:SM) is the global leader in pool and wellness equipment and connected solutions. It is included in the Ibex 35, the benchmark index of the Spanish stock market, and in the FTSE4Good Index Series, the benchmark sustainability index. Fluidra provides an extensive offer of innovative and connected products and services, operating in more than 47 countries. The company has a portfolio of some of the most recognized brands in the industry, including Jandy, AstralPool, Polaris, Cepex, Zodiac, CTX Professional and Gre.

To learn more about Fluidra, visit www.fluidra.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326206848/en/

Contacts:

Press:

Xana Pena, xana.pena@tinkle.es, +34 674 73 47 82

Sarah Estebanez, sarah.estebanez@tinkle.es, +34 636 62 80 41

Carlos Jaramillo, carlos.jaramillo@tinkle.es, +34 664 111 801
The Company has today, Thursday 26 March 2026, published the following for the financial year ended 31 December 2025:

2025 UK Annual Report (including its audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the financial year ended 31 December 2025);

2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F;

2025 Sustainability Report;

2025 Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Report (collectively, the "2025 reports"); and

Notice of 2026 Annual General Meeting (the "AGM Notice")

The 2025 reports communicate relevant aspects of the Company's operating, sustainability and financial performance during 2025.

The Company has also filed its 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F, which includes its audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") today.

The Company's 2026 Annual General Meeting (the "2026 AGM") is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (which is 4:00 p.m. British Summer Time and 5:00 p.m. South African Standard Time) at 6363 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, USA.

Shareholders are invited to join the 2026 AGM virtually by following the instructions set out in the AGM Notice. By joining the 2026 AGM virtually, shareholders will be able to view a live video feed of the 2026 AGM, submit voting instructions and submit questions either in writing or via an audio line.

The AGM Notice sets out the business proposed to be conducted at the 2026 AGM, with the record date set as Friday, 13 March 2026 for the purposes of determining eligibility to receive the AGM Notice and voting at the 2026 AGM. Mailing of the AGM Notice and the 2025 UK Annual Report to shareholders who have elected to receive paper communications will commence today.

The 2025 reports and the AGM Notice are available online on the Company's website at reports.anglogoldashanti.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company's shareholders may request electronic copies of the 2025 reports and also have the ability to receive, upon request, a hard copy of AngloGold Ashanti's complete audited financial statements, free of charge, from the Company Secretarial Department by emailing CompanySecretary@anglogoldashanti.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326224422/en/

Contacts:

Media

Andrea Maxey: +61 08 9425 4603 +61 400 072 199 amaxey@aga.gold

General inquiries: media@anglogoldashanti.com

Investors

Yatish Chowthee: +27 11 637 6273 +27 78 364 2080 yrchowthee@aga.gold

Andrea Maxey: +61 08 9425 4603 +61 400 072 199 amaxey@aga.gold
WyoTech and the University of Wyoming (UW) have joined forces to bridge two worlds that rarely meet- hands-on trade training and university academics.

LARAMIE, WY / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / In a groundbreaking collaboration, WyoTech, a private trade school with nearly 60 years of experience training skilled technicians, has partnered with the University of Wyoming (UW), the state's flagship public university, to create an innovative pathway for students to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership in as little as two years. This bold collaboration offers the best of both worlds in education models- a hands-on, trade focused training and a research-driven public university system.

Key Features of the Partnership

Credit Transfer Advantage - Students who complete any program at WyoTech are eligible to transfer all credits directly toward UW's Bachelor of Science in Career Technical Education program.

Accelerated Pathway - With WyoTech training plus UW coursework, students can complete a bachelor's degree in as little as two years . (Students transferring from the Welding program will need to take additional courses.)

Flexible Online Learning - UW's CTE courses are offered 100% online , allowing graduates to continue working in the automotive, collision/refinishing, diesel, or welding industries while advancing their education wherever they may reside.

Broadened Career Opportunities - A CTE degree enhances employability, opens doors to teaching and leadership roles, and equips graduates to pass their passion for the trades onto the next generation.



Benefits for Students and the Workforce

For decades, WyoTech has prepared students for immediate entry into high-demand careers. This new partnership takes that foundation a step further by connecting technical expertise with academic credentials.

"It might seem odd at first- a trade school teaming up with a university. But, it makes perfect sense for those of our students who seek hands-on training with an open door for more education at the end of their journey with us," said Kyle Morris.

Industry Impact

WyoTech graduates not only have the skills and training under their belts to consider high-demand industry opportunities, but now have more room to chase and grow into leadership roles. Pursuing the CTE Teacher Training program as a WyoTech graduate can allow them to share their expertise, mentor the next generation of technicians, and strengthen the entire technical education environment- in Wyoming's workforce and beyond.

Accessible, Practical, and Forward-Thinking

Graduates of WyoTech are provided training and shop time which allows them endless opportunities into industries that fuel the economy, while UW provides the academic depth and teaching methodology that can position them as leaders and educators. Together, this partnership not only benefits students but also strengthens the pipeline of skilled workers and future technical educators in Wyoming and beyond.

Next Steps

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership through UW after completing their training at WyoTech can learn more by visiting https://www.wyotech.edu/l/uw-bas/

About WyoTech

WyoTech is America's Destination Trade School, providing hands-on training for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, WyoTech offers accelerated programs designed to prepare students for careers in automotive, diesel, collision and refinishing, and welding. With an eight-hour, fifteen-minute training day and industry-driven curriculum, students gain more practical experience in less time-allowing them to graduate quickly and enter the workforce. WyoTech is committed to craftsmanship, work ethic, and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals who keep America moving

Contact

Ashley Chitwood

800-521-7158

achitwood@wyotech.edu

SOURCE: WyoTech

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/an-unlikely-partnership-private-trade-school-wyotech-and-public-school-university-of-wyom-1150765
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from eight additional drill holes from the recent drill program at its 100% owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana, South America.

Five of the eight holes were collared in West Wenot, two in Central Wenot and one at the east end of the Wenot deposit. All holes intersected multiple zones of gold mineralization. The objective of these holes was to fill gaps within the broader Wenot deposit, to convert some mineralized areas to the higher "indicated" confidence level and to provide further testing of the limits of the Wenot gold system. The holes at West Wenot showed continued significant gold mineralization within the southern sediments.

Five diamond drill rigs are now drilling on the Wenot deposit, all working on a series of holes at the northeast portion of Wenot. These are focused on the prolific Dike Corridor at depths between -150 to -400m (the DC holes), in areas not previously tested. As these holes are collared further to the north, they will also explore potential northern splays. Early next week, one drill rig will be deployed to test an intriguing geophysical anomaly known as "the Handle" that corresponds to a magnetic high trending northeast off of the Wenot deposit. An additional drill rig will also commence an additional two holes stepping out on the East Wenot target area.

Highlights* from the recent drilling include:

(refer to Table 1 for full assays and downhole depths):

Hole 25ODD-158 7.74 g/t Au over 13.5m Including 28.03 g/t Au over 3.1m 1.45 g/t Au over 44.4m Including 6.0 g/t Au over 3.6m



Hole 25ODD-162 6.30 g/t Au over 9.8m Including 37.31 g/t Au over 1.1m 4.15 g/t Au over 6.7m



Hole 26ODD-166 10.02 g/t Au over 5.4m 2.55 g/t Au over 10.5m 1.48 g/t Au over 14.4m



Hole 25ODD-161 5.06 g/t Au over 9.4m Including 26.96 g/t Au over 1.2m



Hole 26ODD-163 2.61 g/t Au over 15.4m



Hole 26ODD-164 2.93 g/t Au over 10.0m 2.78 g/t Au over 11.5m Including 7.41 g/t Au over 3.0m 2.46 g/t Au over 11.0m



Elaine Ellingham, President and CEO commented: "As these drill results continue to add to the confidence in Omai as a Tier 1 gold asset, we are advancing many aspects of work towards the next stages for the project. The Company is expecting the completion of its updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) within the next couple of weeks and the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) is expected a couple months following completion of the MRE. We have already set our sights on the work that will advance us towards a Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Study. Metallurgical work, tailings studies and the important permitting initiatives are front and centre. At the same time, we will continue our very aggressive drill program with a focus on upgrading the large Wenot resource, extending the limits and testing certain priority exploration targets."

Current Drill Results

Central Wenot

Hole 25ODD-158 was drilled from the north side of the Wenot Deposit to evaluate down-dip extensions of mineralization across the wide Wenot shear corridor. The hole confirmed the depth continuity of the mineralization observed earlier in holes 153 and 153W (especially within felsic dikes). Hole 158 intersected multiple visible gold occurrences associated with quartz-ankerite and quartz veining, shear zones and altered dikes within the northern volcanic sequence, including 7.74 g/t Au over 13.5m including 28.03 g/t Au over 3.1m. Further downhole within the Dike Corridor, 1.45 g/t Au over 44.4m including 3.6 g/t Au over 6.0m was intersected in quartz veining within altered felsic dikes and the enclosing volcanics. The CQFP zone assayed 1.18 g/t Au over 10.6m. Only minor gold was encountered within the southern sediments in this area, the best being 1.79 g/t Au over 2.3m.

Hole 26ODD-164 was collared 120m in front of hole 158 on the same section line and also drilled to the south. Hole 164 provided good evidence of the upward continuity of zones intercepted by previous holes 25ODD-153 and 25ODD-158. In this hole, the Dike Corridor has 10 mineralized zones, the most notable of which are 2.93 g/t Au over 10.0m with VG, 2.12 g/t Au over 9.0m with VG and 2.78 g/t Au over 11.5m (which included 7.4 g/t Au over 3m). The Dike Corridor is very robust in this area and with the increased drilling density, the extent of this gold mineralization is becoming more apparent. The CQFP in hole 164 has 2 modest zones of 1.8 g/t Au over 1m and 2.7 g/t Au over 1.2m. A couple of gold zones within the sediments have VG and the best intercepts are 2.4 g/t Au over 10m (including 4.43 g/t Au over 4m) and 2.46 g/t Au over 11m (including 16.5 g/t Au over 1.2m). The last intercept to the south, near the end of hole is 1.6 g/t Au over 5.3m within the southern porphyry (SPOR) zone. This SPOR is typically a narrow rock unit that persists along the full extent of the Wenot shear typically occurring about 125m south of the central contact that itself hosts the typically wide and well mineralized quartz-feldspar porphyry (CQFP).

East Wenot

Hole 25ODD-160 was drilled northward at the east end of the Wenot deposit. The dip of the contact between the volcanics and sediments is consistently steep to the north or sub-vertical along the full Wenot deposit. However, at this eastern end, there is evidence that the dip has rotated to the south. Hole 160 illustrates this. This hole lies within a gap between holes 24ODD-82 (3.19 g/t Au over 22.8m and 3.65 g/t Au over 4.5m) and 22ODD-46 (1.85 g/t Au over 12.7m). In hole 160, a series of six gray to reddish gray felsic dikes occur within 50m of the central contact and CQFP. In this area, the Dike Corridor appears to converge with the central zone and it extends 50m from the CQFP to the north with up to 1-2% disseminated pyrite and quartz veining with some VG. Mineralized intervals within this 53m wide Dike Corridor include 2.64 g/t Au over 2.7m, 0.59 g/t over 4.2m, 1.01 g/t over 7.0m and 7.17 g/t Au over 1.5m.

West Wenot

Holes 25ODD-161 and -162 were drilled from the south side of the Wenot deposit. Hole 161 was drilled to explore the shallower extension of gold mineralization near the central contact above hole 25ODD-126 which returned 2.08 g/t Au over 18m, including 9.68 g/t Au over 1.5m in the CQFP. Hole 161 encountered the CQFP at the contact with 5.06 g/t Au over 9.4m (including 26.96 g/t Au over 1.2m) approximately 70m updip from the zones in hole 126 that assayed 2.08 g/t Au over 18.0m. 150m updip from the CQFP zone in hole 161, hole 20 intersected 1.28 g/t Au over 25.7m, this continuity of gold mineralization quite typical within the CQFP zone. Further downhole in 161, several narrow mineralized intervals occur within the volcanics with up to 0.5% disseminated pyrite, the best assaying 8.47 g/t Au over 1.5m.

Hole 25ODD-162, collared 200m east of Hole 161, was also drilled from the south side of the Wenot Deposit. It intersected several discrete mineralized zones in the sediments with the best being 7.1 g/t Au over 1.2m associated with a diorite dike. The CQFP mineralization assayed 6.3 g/t Au over 9.8m (including 37.31 g/t Au over 1.1m) with several spots of VG. A number of gold zones within the Dike Corridor include 4.15 g/t Au over 6.7m and 4.56 g/t Au over 3m with VG and 2.11 g/t Au over 2.2m.

Hole 26ODD-165 was drilled at the far west end of Wenot to explore the potential to extend the deposit further to the west. Shallow in the northern volcanics, 0.86 g/t over 10.2m was intersected before the CQFP which assayed 0.61 g/t Au over 15.5m. The southern sediments host six minor gold zones, the best being 1.46 g/t Au over 3.0m. The zones clearly continue and deeper drilling may identify more robust mineralization, as the Wenot shear continues towards the Camp Zone.

Holes 26ODD-163, 26ODD-166 were drilled on the same section line, with hole 166 being 70m in front of (south) hole 163. Both were collared from the north side of Wenot. These holes tested across all of the Wenot shear corridor. Typical of the west end of Wenot, the major gold zones have migrated to the southern side of the contact, to be dominantly within the southern sediments. Both holes encountered significant visible gold, typical of this area of the deposit. Hole 166 first encountered gold mineralization at a vertical depth of 150m with a zone running 10.02 g/t Au over 5.4m on the north side of the CQFP. Hole 163 intersected an impressive 2.61 g/t over 15.4m at a vertical depth of 260m that may represent the same zone as in hole 166.

Significant intercepts of gold mineralization were encountered, as expected, within the southern sediments in both holes: Hole 163's sediment-hosted gold zones include 2.84 g/t Au over 6.4m, 1.97 g/t Au over 6.8m and 9.07 g/t Au over 1.0m. In hole 166 updip, the sediment zones include a number of zones along a 100m core interval including: 2.55 g/t Au over 10.5m, 1.48 g/t Au over 14.4m, 1.76 g/t Au over 6.0m, 1.37 g/t Au over 11.1m and 1.64 g/t Au over 4.2m. In all, hole 166 intersected over 69m of gold mineralization within a 175m downhole interval of sedimentary rocks, or roughly 40% of this sediment interval.

Figure 1. Plan Map of Wenot Showing Drill Hole Locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/290030_9acfe316f4dd4a7d_001full.jpg

Geophysics Target

One drill rig is being deployed to test a prospective geophysics anomaly known as the "Handle", that trends NE from the Wenot deposit. The Wenot deposit corresponds to a high magnetic anomaly related to magnetite content and the Handle is similarly a magnetic high. Historical blast hole data suggests northeast-trending structures play a role in the mineralization in some areas along the Wenot deposit. This geophysics anomaly conforms to this trend and presents an interesting drill target.

Figure 2. Airborne Magnetic Images showing the Omai "Augen", the Wenot Magnetic High, and the "Handle" target

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/290030_9acfe316f4dd4a7d_002full.jpg

Table 1. Recent Wenot Drill Results*

DDH FROM

(m) TO

(m) INTERVAL

(m) Grade

(g/t Au) Zone 25ODD-158 54.0 55.5 1.5 0.85 Saprolite

420.0 433.5 13.5 7.74 Volcanics including 426.1 429.2 3.1 28.03

468.0 472.5 4.5 0.54

499.7 500.9 1.2 0.98

507.8 511.2 3.4 0.50 Dike Corridor

516.1 560.5 44.4 1.45 including 547.9 551.5 3.6 6.00

585.6 586.9 1.3 0.82 Volcanics

590.0 592.7 2.7 2.57

666.1 671.8 5.7 0.62

682.3 692.9 10.6 1.18 CQFP

749.6 751.9 2.3 1.79 Sediments

25ODD-160 333.3 343.5 10.2 1.54 Dike Corridor

351.0 353.7 2.7 2.64 Volcanics

358.3 362.5 4.2 0.59

368.0 370.1 2.1 0.83

373.8 380.8 7.0 1.01

385.5 387.0 1.5 7.17

437.1 445.5 8.4 0.55

25ODD-161 226.5 228.0 1.5 0.79 Sediments

241.5 242.6 1.1 2.37

262.0 264.3 2.3 4.03

362.3 371.7 9.4 5.06 CQFP including 370.5 371.7 1.2 26.96

436.5 440.2 3.7 1.40 Dike Corridor

470.0 473.1 3.1 2.07 Volcanics

541.0 542.0 1.0 1.21

545.5 547.0 1.5 1.52

583.5 592.5 9.0 0.31

600.0 601.5 1.5 8.47

627.0 628.5 1.5 1.41

25ODD-162 77.5 78.0 0.5 2.41 Saprolite

198.5 201.1 2.6 0.42 Sediments

288.5 289.7 1.2 7.10

403.8 413.6 9.8 6.30 CQFP including 412.5 413.6 1.1 37.31

452.5 455.5 3.0 4.56 Volcanics

499.5 506.2 6.7 4.15 including 504.4 505.6 1.2 12.24

519.9 522.1 2.2 2.11

26ODD-163 364.9 380.3 15.4 2.61 CQFP including 370.5 372.0 1.5 7.09 including 376.3 377.7 1.4 12.60

466.0 467.0 1.0 9.07 Sediments

484.3 491.1 6.8 1.97

556.9 563.3 6.4 2.84 including 556.9 558.0 1.1 14.51

572.4 574.0 1.6 0.70 SQFP

26ODD-164 290.5 300.5 10.0 2.93 Dike Corridor

350.0 359.0 9.0 2.12

384.5 396.0 11.5 2.78 including 386.0 389.0 3.0 7.41

477.5 478.5 1.0 1.83 Diorite, CQFP

493.3 494.5 1.2 2.71

502.5 512.5 10.0 2.40 Sediments including 505.0 509.0 4.0 4.43

534.0 545.0 11.0 2.46 including 539.6 540.8 1.2 16.46

617.5 622.8 5.3 1.56 SQFP

26ODD-165 216.3 226.5 10.2 0.86 Dike Corridor

262.0 266.7 4.7 0.29

277.0 292.5 15.5 0.61 CQFP

350.0 355.0 5.0 0.34 Sediments

363.5 364.5 1.0 2.34

373.5 376.5 3.0 0.69

391.3 397.0 5.7 0.58

401.5 403.0 1.5 1.76

465.5 468.5 3.0 1.46

26ODD-166 219.2 229.4 10.2 5.61 Shear Zone including 219.2 224.6 5.4 10.02

248.0 258.1 10.1 0.93 CQFP

263.2 267.3 4.1 0.87 Sediments

279.0 285.0 6.0 0.66

298.0 302.5 4.5 0.70

306.5 310.7 4.2 1.64

315.4 326.5 11.1 1.37

331.5 339.5 8.0 1.24

347.0 357.5 10.5 2.55 Diorite, Sediments

364.8 379.2 14.4 1.48

406.0 412.0 6.0 1.76 Sediments

437.5 438.5 1.0 5.02

446.8 449.1 2.3 0.89 SPOR

477.1 482.3 5.2 1.45 Sediments

*True widths vary as mineralization at Wenot is generally hosted within stockwork vein systems with alteration halos, with an estimated true width range of 70-90%. Cut-off grade 0.30 g/t Au with maximum 3.0m internal dilution is applied. **If indicated, a maximum 5.0m internal dilution was applied. All grades are uncapped unless otherwise noted.

Quality Control

Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags.

Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold and surrounding samples within deemed gold zones, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications.

Qualified Person

Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT OMAI GOLD

Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield.

In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt deposit, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt.

The Company completed 39,000m of diamond drilling in 2025. An updated MRE is planned for Q1 2026 to be followed by an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in Q2, that will include the Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt underground deposit. Three drills have commenced the 2026 drill program: at Wenot the focus is to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai brownfields project benefits from known metallurgical recoveries, existing tailings facilities, and infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip, and road access, connecting to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006.

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.

Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates



Hole ID



Azimuth

(degrees) Inclination

(degrees) Easting Northing Length

(m) Status 25ODD-158 174 -54 305128 602020 784.6 Reporting 25ODD-160 358 -51 306025 601209 505.0 Reporting 25ODD-161 356 -49 304580 601428 688.0 Reporting 25ODD-162 356 -52 304780 601400 644.0 Reporting 26ODD-163 175 -54 304480 601917 613.9 Reporting 26ODD-164 175 -50 305131 601902 631.5 Reporting 26ODD-165 177 -50 304281 601874 571.5 Reporting 26ODD-166 175 -51 304479 601849 496.7 Reporting

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. 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 such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company 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 required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101").

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290030

Source: Omai Gold Mines Corp.


EQS Newswire / 26/03/2026 / 19:20 UTC+8



On the evening of March 23, Huaqin Technology Co., Ltd. ("Huaqin" or the "Company") released a striking 2025 annual performance report.

The Company achieved full-year operating revenue of RMB 171.437 billion, up 56.02% year on year; net profit attributable to parent company shareholders reached RMB 4.054 billion, rising 38.55% year on year; and non-GAAP net profit attributable to parent company shareholders stood at RMB 3.244 billion, up 38.30% year on year. Meanwhile, the Company proposed a cash dividend of RMB 12 per 10 shares.

Against a backdrop of intensifying market competition and volatile raw material costs, the growth of such magnitude from a large-cap player has immediately captured market attention.

Yet focusing solely on these headline figures risks overlooking the truly meaningful takeaways from this annual report.

I. Strategy Enters Realization Phase, Second Growth Engine Accelerates

On top of its already large revenue base, the Company still delivered 56.02% year-on-year growth, pushing annual revenue to RMB 171.437 billion and solidifying its leading position among A-share listed firms. More importantly, Huaqin's management provided an anchor-setting medium-to-long-term guidance at the performance briefing. The Company expects 2026 revenue to exceed RMB 200 billion and clearly targets RMB 300 billion in total revenue by 2028-2029 under its "3+N+3" structure.

Relative to its current RMB 170 billion scale, this target implies the Company will sustain mid-teens growth over the next 3-4 years, rather than entering the steady-state phase typical of traditional manufacturing.

The sustained robust growth stems not from a passive recovery driven by a single sector rebound, but from the combined effects of expanding platform capabilities, upgraded customer structure, and mass shipment of multiple product lines.

Specifically, the growth curve built around the "3+N+3" strategy - three mature business ecosystems (smartphones, laptops, data centers) plus three strategic new businesses (auto electronics, robotics, software) - has evolved from blueprint to tangible financial results, demonstrating diversified and high-value-added growth traits.

1. Diversified Growth Drivers

Traditional ODM players usually rely heavily on the prosperity of a single category, especially the smartphone cycle. However, Huaqin's 2025 growth showed clear diversification. The revenue of its basic mobile terminal business increased by 57.17% year-on-year, while the revenue of its computing and data business (PC + data center) increased by 51.93% year-on-year. The more impressive innovative business (mainly covering automotive electronics, robotics, etc.) achieved a year-on-year growth of 121.00%, with a revenue scale of RMB 3.48 billion.

2. Business Mix Shifts Toward Higher Value

While mobile terminals remain the largest revenue contributor, the computing & data business - centered on data centers - now accounts for 44% of total revenue, becoming a second pillar nearly on par with mobile terminals.

According to the annual report, the Company's data center business saw sharp growth in shipments across all product lines, and it maintained a leading market share in AI servers. China Post Securities noted that Huaqin has become a core supplier to the top three global CSP (communication service providers) customers.

This means the Company's business portfolio is gaining higher value mix and strategic industry position: it has shifted from a pure consumer electronics player to a dual-engine growth model driven by consumer electronics + computing infrastructure, positioning itself in the high-certainty, high-growth computing infrastructure sector that underpins the digital future.

3.New Businesses Gain Meaningful Scale & Contribution

The annual report explicitly defines robotics as a key second growth curve.

The innovative business segment - robotics, auto electronics and software - posted the fastest growth among the Company's four divisions at 121.00% year on year in 2025. Auto electronics revenue exceeded RMB 1 billion in 2025, with a target of RMB 10 billion in revenue over the next 3-5 years. Software business began contributing meaningful revenue and profit. Data collection robots entered mass production and delivery; nearly 1 million units of home cleaning robots were shipped in 2025, with a doubling of shipments expected in 2026.

Notably, the Company's operating cash flow (OCF) improved markedly in the second half of 2025. After a net outflow of RMB 1.522 billion in H1, the full-year net outflow narrowed sharply to RMB 223 million, implying a net inflow of approximately RMB 1.299 billion in H2 - a decisive reversal from the first half.

This signal suggests that upfront capital expenditures (CAPEX) on procurement and inventory for business expansion has started translating into effective cash collections from customers and healthy operational quality, indicating the Company is entering a harvest phase of sustained free cash flow generation.

II. Platform Capabilities Extend Outward, Tech-driven Competitive Advantage Reshapes Business Logic

For a long time, limited market perception of ODM firms to their manufacturing capabilities: supply chain management, cost control, mass production, project delivery - all important, and all part of Huaqin's foundational competitiveness.

Yet viewing Huaqin merely as a hardware assembler or contract manufacturer can no longer explain its simultaneous expansion across vastly different product categories, nor its stronger positioning than many traditional ODMs in the AI hardware wave.

The core logic lies in long-term invested technical capabilities moving from a back-office support system to the forefront, translating into significant commercial leverage.

Unlike traditional manufacturing ODMs, Huaqin is a hardware company with strong software capabilities - rooted in its founding team's software background and sustained investments in AI software, visual recognition and related fields. In the AI era, on-device inference and multimodal interaction have become mainstream; underlying software and system optimization directly define a hardware product's performance ceiling and user experience. This software-hardware integration capability forms Huaqin's core competitive differentiation.

As this capability extends outward, it rapidly builds competitive barriers in new sectors.

In terms of data center business, Huaqin is one of the few industry players with full-stack design capabilities across computing nodes, network nodes and liquid cooling. It leads in core technologies such as whole-machine architecture, high-speed interconnectivity and liquid cooling. Meanwhile, it has built an open and compatible ecosystem fully supporting mainstream global GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and domestic computing platforms.

Management disclosed at the performance briefing that data center revenue is projected to grow 30%-50% in 2026, with AI servers accounting for over 70% of the mix. Switch revenue is set to double again, and "hyper-node products will enter mass production and delivery in H2 2026".

Moreover, backed by technical accumulation from its large consumer electronics hardware platform, strong computing support from AI PCs and servers, and massive test data and application scenarios from its global manufacturing footprint, Huaqin has advanced rapidly in robotics.

During the reporting period, the Company established an independent robotics subsidiary Yiren Intelligent Robotics and assembled a dedicated R&D team, aiming to become a leading full-stack robotic solutions provider for the 3C manufacturing sector.

With rich global manufacturing scenarios and data reserves, the Company is currently focused on industrial wheeled robots that boost production efficiency. It delivered data collection robots at scale in 2025 and expanded customer coverage in home cleaning robots. Management noted that cleaning robot shipments reached the 1-million-unit level, with doubling growth expected in 2026. The Company is also developing humanoid robots: it completed debugging of its first self-developed biped robot and plans a second generation based on NVIDIA's Thor platform.

Additionally, Huaqin provides mass manufacturing services to multiple robotics firms, expanding capacity and delivery capabilities to refine its robotics ecosystem.

In intelligent driving business, Huaqin has built full-stack automotive-grade R&D capabilities covering hardware, software, HMI and testing, alongside a specialized and large-scale automotive-grade manufacturing center. It has achieved key breakthroughs and mass delivery across core product lines including intelligent cabin, ADAS, body domain and display systems, and forged deep partnerships with numerous traditional automakers, new energy vehicle makers and overseas clients.

Management expects this business to double again in 2026, targeting RMB 10 billion in revenue and profitability over the next 3-5 years.

In AI hardware business, the Company offers comprehensive coverage of high-growth edge AI device categories: AI phones, AI PCs, smart wearables and XR devices.

Across data centers, robotics, auto electronics and AI hardware, a clear path emerges: Huaqin is not entering unrelated new industries - it is repeatedly deploying the same core capability system.

This may well be the real reason Huaqin can keep expanding its business scope amid the current AI wave.
KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Golden Destinations Group Berhad ("Golden Destinations" or the "Company"), a full-service outbound travel experience curator, is pleased to announce the launch of its prospectus in conjunction with its upcoming Initial Public Offering ("IPO") on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities"). Golden Destinations specialises in curating outbound travel experience packages under its flagship Golden Destinations ("GD)" brand portfolio and operates mainly through a business-to-business ("B2B") model, serving a nationwide network of travel agents. The Company focuses on product curation, itinerary development and coordination of travel services, while leveraging its travel agent network for market reach and distribution.

(From Left) Mr. Lim Swee Chuan, Executive Director / Chief Corporate Officer, Golden Destinations Group Berhad; Mr. Mita Lim, Managing Director, Golden Destinations Group Berhad; YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. David Lim, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Kay Hian (M) Sdn Bhd; Mr. Tan Meng Kim, Managing Director, Capital Markets, UOB Kay Hian (M) Sdn Bhd

The IPO aims to raise approximately RM90.00 million through the issuance of 200.00 million new shares at an issue price of RM0.45 per share, representing a market capitalisation of RM450.00 million based on an enlarged issued share capital of 1.00 billion shares.

The proceeds from the IPO will primarily be utilised for the following initiatives:

RM50.00 million for the establishment of a new centralised headquarters to consolidate the Company's operations and support its expanding workforce and operational requirements.

RM13.50 million for strengthening branding, marketing and promotional initiatives to enhance the visibility of the Golden Destinations brand in Malaysia and Singapore and reinforce its market presence within the outbound travel industry.

RM6.00 million expansion of geographical presence, including strengthening market penetration in East Malaysia and exploring opportunities to establish a presence in the Singapore market.

RM 4.00 million for enhancement of IT systems and operational infrastructure to improve workflow efficiency, strengthen data capabilities and support the Company's growing scale of operations.

RM6.00 million for expansion of workforce to strengthen the service delivery capabilities, enhance operational efficiency and meet the demands of a growing customer base.

RM4.00 million for the working capital which include the staff salaries and benefits, as well as the general overheads for the payment of administration and operational expenses.

RM6.50 million for estimated listing expenses.

Applications for the IPO will open at 10.00 a.m. on the date of the prospectus launch and will close at 5.00 p.m. on 6 April 2026. The listing on the ACE Market is scheduled for 16 April 2026.

Mr. Mita Lim, Managing Director of Golden Destinations Group Berhad commented, "The launch of our Prospectus marks a significant milestone for Golden Destinations as we embark on the next phase of our corporate journey towards becoming a listed company on the ACE Market. With our established industry presence and extensive network of travel partners and agents, the IPO will enable us to strengthen our operational capabilities, enhance our brand presence and further scale our curated travel offerings to meet the growing demand for international travel."

Mr. David Lim,Chief Executive Officer of UOB Kay Hian (M) Sdn Bhd added, "Golden Destinations has built a strong brand and an extensive distribution network within Malaysia's outbound travel segment. With its scalable B2B model and diversified travel experience offerings across global destinations, the Company is well-positioned to capture the continued recovery and long-term growth in international travel demand. We are pleased to support the Company in its ACE Market listing."

Over the years, Golden Destinations has established a strong operating platform supported by extensive destination coverage and long-standing relationships with travel agents and global travel partners. The Company curates a wide range of travel experience packages covering destinations across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Africa, catering to diverse traveller preferences and market segments.

UOB Kay Hian (M) Sdn. Bhd. is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter and Placement Agent for Golden Destinations' IPO.

###

ABOUT GOLDEN DESTINATIONS GROUP BERHAD

Golden Destinations Group Berhad ("Golden Destinations" or the "Company") is a full-service outbound travel experience curator, offering a comprehensive suite of outbound travel experience products and services under Golden Destinations (GD), our flagship brand portfolio. Through its subsidiaries, the Group offers a comprehensive range of travel products, including series travel experience packages, cruise travel experience packages and other outbound travel experience packages, distributed primarily via an established network of travel agents. As at its latest reporting period, Golden Destinations' travel portfolio spans over 84 countries, with more than 2,000 travel experience packages across multiple destinations worldwide, supported by long-standing relationships with airlines, cruise operators and overseas ground service providers. The Group is focused on scaling its operational capabilities, enhancing service delivery and strengthening its market presence in the outbound travel segment.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn Bhd on behalf of Golden Destinations Group Berhad

For more information, please contact:

Jazzmin Wan

Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

William Yeo

Email: w.yeo@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: Golden Destinations Group Berhad

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/golden-destinations-unveils-prospectus-for-ace-market-ipo-sets-to-raise-rm90.00-million-1152201
Vancouver, Canada--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) (FSE: E48) ("TTGI" or the "Company"), a global provider of Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) solutions and channel-only IT services, today announced the establishment of a group-level marketing function to support coordination across its operating subsidiaries and the appointment of Susanne King as Vice President of Marketing.

The role has been established to align marketing, communications and partner engagement activities across TTGI's portfolio, including Insentra, Turnium and Claratti, as the Company continues to operate across multiple technologies, services and partner environments. Ms. King previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Insentra until 2021 and has been appointed to this newly established group-level role at TTGI.

The Vice President of Marketing role is intended to support consistency in how the Company's capabilities are presented and engaged through its global partner ecosystem. TTGI operates a partner-only model in which its subsidiaries deliver networking, communications and IT services capabilities through technology partners rather than contracting directly with end customers. As the Company integrates multiple businesses under its Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) strategy, the coordination of marketing and partner engagement activities across these entities is relevant to how the platform is presented and engaged by partners.

Doug Childress, Chief Executive Officer of TTGI, said, "As the Company continues to operate across multiple subsidiaries and partner environments, establishing a coordinated approach to how we engage with partners and present our capabilities becomes increasingly important. This role is intended to support alignment across the group, ensuring that our platform is communicated consistently as we continue to integrate our operating businesses."

Susanne King, Vice President of Marketing at TTGI, said, "The structure of the business today brings together multiple operating companies and a broader set of capabilities delivered through partners. The focus of this role is to ensure those capabilities are clearly represented across the group, making it easier for partners to understand how they engage with and utilise the platform across different technologies and services."

Ms. King brings significant experience in B2B technology marketing, with a focus on partner-led go-to-market strategies, global brand positioning, and demand generation across IT services and software environments. She previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Insentra, where she led the company's global marketing function and supported partner engagement across multiple regions. Her experience includes developing and executing marketing programs within cloud, managed services, and enterprise IT environments, with an emphasis on aligning marketing strategy to partner ecosystems and supporting scalable growth across international markets.

The Company operates across multiple subsidiaries delivering software-defined networking (Turnium), unified communications (Claratti), and IT services (Insentra) through a global partner ecosystem. The establishment of a group-level marketing function reflects the Company's current operating structure and is intended to support coordination across these activities as part of its ongoing operations.

About Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TTGI)

TTGI acquires companies that complement its Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) strategy, integrates them to generate efficiencies, and delivers their solutions through a global partner-led program to customers worldwide. TTGI's mission is to provide IT providers with a complete, white-labelled portfolio of business technology solutions, enabling them to quickly add new services in response to customer demand.

In essence, TTGI is building a TaaS platform that incorporates all the services, platforms, and capabilities that ISPs, MSPs, IT Providers, VoIP/UCaaS, CCaaS, or Cloud Providers might need. Additionally, TTGI provides deployment resources, hardware, delivery, support, and marketing and sales enablement to help channel partners go to market quickly and deliver exceptional quality.

TTGI delivers secure, cost-effective, uninterrupted, and scalable global IT solutions to its partners and their end-customers-because "Connectivity Matters."

For more information, contact sales@ttgi.io, visit www.ttgi.io or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @turnium.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

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 the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Some of these risks are described under the "Caution on Forward-Looking Information" section and "Risk Factors" section of the MD&A. Although the Company 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. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company 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/290034

Source: Turnium Technology Group Inc.
DJ Genel Energy PLC: Audited results for the year ended 31 December 2025

Genel Energy PLC (GENL) Genel Energy PLC: Audited results for the year ended 31 December 2025 18-March-2026 / 07:00 GMT/BST =---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 March 2026 Genel Energy plc Audited results for the year ended 31 December 2025 Genel Energy plc ('Genel' or 'the Company') announces its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2025. Paul Weir, Chief Executive of Genel, said: "We have established an ever more resilient business with significant upside potential, and we are now well-placed to deliver value to our shareholders and build a business that generates resilient, diversified and predictable cash flows that will support the resumption of distributions to shareholders. In 2025 we made good progress on a range of fronts: our business continued to generate double digit USD millions of production business free cash flow, and we reported bottom line positive free cash flow to improve our net cash position, with excellent progress being made on reorganising the business. We successfully exited three unprofitable licences in Kurdistan and two in Africa, without incurring any new exit payments or retaining potential liability exposures. We also refinanced our bond, de-risking funding for delivery on future strategic priorities. We continue to maintain a strong focus on rigorous capital allocation. Since regional hostilities began two weeks ago, production has been temporarily halted from Tawke. A state of readiness has been maintained to allow a production restart as soon as it is safe to do so. At this moment, our guidance for 2026 remains unchanged from our January trading statement. Our key focus remains acquiring new assets to diversify our cash generation, and participating in exports from Kurdistan, whilst ensuring that we maintain the right balance between risk and reward. Operationally, our organic portfolio, where there remains significant unvalued potential, is well-positioned to deliver progress this year, with planned drilling at Tawke targeting additions to both production and reserves, a clear plan for de-risking Block 54 in Oman and tangible progress towards drilling the Toosan-1 well in Somaliland." Results summary (USD million unless stated) 2025 2024 Average Brent oil price (USD/bbl) 69 81 Average realised price (USD/bbl) 32 35 Production (bopd, working interest 'WI') 17,520 19,650 Revenue 68.7 74.7 Production costs (21.0) (17.6) EBITDAX1 43.3 1.1 Operating loss (10.3) (52.4) Cash flow from operations 36.3 66.9 Capital expenditure 29.2 25.7 Production business netback after interest 9.8 4.9 Free cash flow2 4.1 19.6 Cash 224.4 195.6 Total debt 92.0 65.8 Net cash3 133.7 130.7 Basic LPS from continuing operations ( per share) (4.6) (22.5) Dividend ( per share) - -

1. EBITDAX is operating loss adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation, exploration expense, net

write-off/impairment of oil and gas assets, net ECL/reversal of ECL receivables and other non-cash items 2. Free cash flow is reconciled on page 8 3. Reported cash less IFRS debt is reconciled on page 8

Highlights

-- Following the U.S.-Israeli air war on Iran that started on 28 February 2026, production and drilling operations on

the Tawke licence were temporarily shut down. The Company continues to monitor developments closely to assess when

it can safely and securely resume operations -- Tawke generated predictable production with consistent domestic sales demand, resulting in working interest

production of 17,520 bopd (2024: 19,650 bopd), with all production sold domestically -- Domestic sales price averaged USD32/bbl for the year (2024: USD35/bbl), with all cash due for domestic sales received

before the end of the year -- Production was temporarily stopped in July following the drone attacks on a number of Kurdistan oil operations,

including Tawke, with gross production back to around 80,000 bopd by November -- Production business netback of USD10 million (2024: USD5 million) and free cash flow of USD4 million (2024: USD20 million).

Closing net cash of USD134 million (2024: USD131 million)

- Cash of USD224 million (2024: USD196 million)

- Bond debt of USD92 million due in 2030 (2024: USD66 million) -- In late September, agreements were signed between the Federal Government of Iraq ('FGI'), the Kurdistan Regional

Government (the 'KRG') and a group of international oil companies to resume exports of crude oil produced in

Kurdistan through the Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline. Genel chose not to participate at that point and continues to keep

exports under review, with participating parties reporting that the process is working in line with expectation -- Balances with the KRG

- USD88 million (under KBT pricing and excluding interest) remains overdue from the KRG, although this has been

reduced by about USD40 million credit balances. We continue to work towards a plan for payment or settlement of

amounts owed, and appropriate adjustment for price and interest

- Not included in the USD40 million, Genel Energy Miran Bina Bawi Limited, a subsidiary of the group, owes the KRG

around USD26 million relating to an arbitration legal fees charge, an appeal against which will be held in April

in London -- Exits from the Sarta, Qara Dagh and Taq Taq licences finalised with no residual liability exposure. We have also

exited the Lagzira licence in Morocco and the Odewayne licence in Somaliland, again with no residual liability

exposure -- A socially responsible contributor to the global energy mix:

- Portfolio carbon intensity under 14.4 kgCO2e/bbl, remaining below the industry average target

- Climate disclosure: maintained a CDP Climate rating of B for a fourth consecutive year

- The Genel20 Scholarship programme has entered its fourth year, where Genel is providing university tuition

funding for undergraduates from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

- In Somaliland, Genel continued to engage with local communities through its social investments focused on

healthcare in rural areas and supporting local education

OUTLOOK

-- With Tawke domestic market sales expected to be consistent, and with production expected to benefit from new

drilling in FY 2026, we expect production business netback to more than cover Genel's costs, which include net

interest payable -- Incremental to the production business, the Company expects to invest up to USD20 million on its pre-production

assets:

- On Block 54 in Oman, in line with the 3-year initial exploration phase work plan, which includes 3D seismic

acquisition and drilling two wells, as we announced at the time of entering the licence in the first half of

2025

- SL10B13 in Somaliland, as we make progress towards drilling the Toosan-1 prospect in 2027 -- The Company continues to progress towards building a business with a strong balance sheet that delivers resilient,

reliable, repeatable and diversified cash flows that support a dividend programme. The Company's objectives for the

year on the path to building that business include:

- acquisition of new assets to diversify our reserves and resources and cash generation

- restart of exports of Tawke oil to access international pricing

- pursuit of net amounts owed by the KRG

- safe execution of activity on Block 54

- further progress towards drilling Toosan-1

Enquiries:

Genel Energy +44 20 7659 5100 Luke Clements, CFO Vigo Consulting +44 20 7390 0230 Patrick d'Ancona

Genel will host a live presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform on Thursday 26 March at 10.00 a.m. GMT. The presentation is open to all investors. Questions can be submitted pre-event via your Investor Meet Company dashboard or at any time during the live presentation. Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet Genel Energy PLC via:

https://www.investormeetcompany.com/genel-energy-plc/register-investor. Investors who already follow Genel on the platform will automatically be invited.

This announcement includes inside information.

Disclaimer

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to the usual risk factors and uncertainties associated with the oil & gas exploration and production business. Whilst the Company believes the expectations reflected herein to be reasonable in light of the information available to them at this time, the actual outcome may be materially different owing to factors beyond the Company's control or within the Company's control where, for example, the Company decides on a change of plan or strategy. Accordingly, no reliance may be placed on the figures contained in such forward looking statements.

CEO STATEMENT

We entered 2025 having established the necessary building blocks to transform the value delivery prospects of this business. The three key pillars at the centre of our strategy are:

-- Maintaining the resilience of our business, by being as efficient as possible and by carefully managing risk -- Getting the most value from our existing portfolio, primarily by accessing international exports for our production

and by investing wisely in our current assets, and finally -- Diversifying our cash generation, by acquiring new assets

The resilience of our business has been improved. Our cash generation from the Tawke PSC has been predictable and resilient. There has been successful optimisation of spend and strong operational performance, resulting in production levels being maintained despite no new wells adding to production in the year and very low annual spend. Towards the end of the year, drilling recommenced for the first time since the pipeline shut in March 2023 and we are excited about the potential for additions to both production and reserves that can be unlocked by an appropriate work programme over the next year.

Towards the end of 2025, a number of Kurdistan IOCs commenced exports under a new interim arrangement with the Federal Government of Iraq ('FGI') and the Kurdistan Regional Government ('KRG'). We see this as significant progress and, although we continue to sell domestically, we keep our position regarding exporting oil under review. In the meantime, the cash we generate immediately from local sales helps maintain our balance sheet strength and fund the resumption of drilling activity on the licence.

We have successfully continued our process to exit legacy assets and financial obligations that would not contribute to delivering value for our shareholders. On Taq Taq, Sarta and Qara Dagh, we have now concluded our exit from these licences with no incremental cost. We have also exited the Lagzira licence in Morocco and the Odewayne licence in Somaliland. These exits have removed non-productive spend and we retain no liability exposure going forward.

From a balance sheet point of view, we issued a new 5-year bond in April, replacing the previous bond that was due to mature in October 2025. We now have a production business that generates double digit free cash flow from domestic sales and a significant cash balance that de-risks funding for fulfilment of our strategic objectives.

With regard to acquiring new assets, we have been very active this year originating, developing, and bidding on opportunities. We will continue to remain active and disciplined to ensure that we invest our cash only on assets that offer the appropriate resilience and production potential, and at a level that will be value accretive.

The Company continues to progress towards building a business that maintains a strong balance sheet, and delivers resilient, reliable, repeatable, and diversified cash flows that support a dividend programme.

The Company's objectives for the year on the path to building that business include:

- acquisition of new assets to add reserves and diversify our cash generation - restart of exports of Tawke oil to access international pricing - pursuit of net amounts owed by the KRG - safe execution of activity on Block 54 - further progress towards drilling Toosan-1

OPERATING REVIEW

Overview of production and reserves

PRODUCTION FY 2025 FY 2024 Brent USD/bbl 69 81 Price USD/bbl 32 35 WI price USD/bbl 11 10 WI production bopd 17,520 19,650 Carbon intensity kgCO2e/bbl 14.4 13.9

Working interest average production of 17,520 bopd was lower than last year (2024: 19,650 bopd) as a result of the interruption from the drone strikes in July, with all production sold into the domestic market at average of USD32/bbl (2024: USD35/bbl).

Reserves and resources development

Genel's key performance indicator of proven plus probable (2P) net working interest reserves totalled 64 MMbbls (31 December 2024: 82 MMbbls) at the end of 2025.

Remaining reserves (MMbbls) Resources (MMboe) Contingent Prospective 1P 2P 2C Best Net Net Net Net 31 December 2024 53 82 10 2,996 Production (6) (6) - - Acquisitions and disposals (5) (10) - (2,007) Extensions and discoveries - - - - New developments - - - - Revision of previous estimates 7 (2) (1) - 31 December 2025 49 64 9 989

Disposals resulted in a reduction in 2P reserves for the divestment of Taq Taq licence in Kurdistan Region of Iraq ('KRI') and in prospective resources for the exit from the Lagzira licence in Morocco. Acquisitions saw a small addition to prospective resources from Block 54 in Oman.

PRODUCING ASSETS

Tawke PSC (25% working interest)

The Tawke PSC, comprising both the Tawke field discovered in 2006, and the Peshkabir field discovered in 2013, remain the cornerstone of the Company's cash generation. In December 2025, the combined production from both fields reached 500 MMbbls, a significant milestone marking more than two decades of safe and sustainable production operations. With gross 2P remaining reserves of 254 MMbbls and additional development opportunities under evaluation to add more, the Tawke PSC remains a world-class asset.

In Q4 2025, the Joint Venture partnership agreed plans to restart investment drilling in the PSC following a 2-year hiatus since the 2023 export pipeline shutdown. The first well was spudded in December 2025, with additional rigs added since then and the campaign now well underway. This return to investment via a multi-rig programme underscores our confidence in the resource potential of the asset.

Despite no new wells being added in the last few years, gross production from these fields has been maintained at around 80,000 bopd as a result of an active and diligent production optimisation approach by the Operator. In 2025 in particular, a focused campaign of well interventions and workovers yielded a series of incremental gains that were crucial in offsetting natural decline, leading to run rate production being higher than the previous year's average without any additional well stock.

On 16 July 2025, the Operator reported a number of drone-related security incidents across the licence area, that resulted in asset damage to a crude oil tank at Tawke and surface processing equipment at Peshkabir. There were no injuries to personnel and environmental impact was minimal but operations at the Tawke licence were temporarily suspended for damage assessment. Following a partial restart and a period of repair and reinstatement, the Operator was able to restore production on an expedited basis to around 80,000 bopd by early November.

As a result of the exceptional performance from the Operator to restore production to pre-drone attack levels by early November, actual average production for the full year was 70,090 bopd, down just 11% versus 78,615 bopd in 2024. As a point of interest, the average production in the months not impacted by the drone attacks was greater than the average of the previous year.

Despite the significant challenges posed by the unprecedented July drone attack, 2025 was a year of operational resilience and strategic progress for the Tawke PSC and we look forward to working in partnership with the Operator to deliver even more value from the asset in the years ahead.

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

Oman Block 54 (40% working interest)

Our preliminary activity, re-entry and testing of the legacy Batha West-1 (BW-1) discovery well was completed safely, ahead of time and under budget.

The BW-1 well operation was a low-cost preliminary activity to commence our work on the block representing the first of a number of steps towards understanding the full potential of the licence.

Work is now ongoing on analysing data collected from the testing and assessing its implications for the location of further activity on the block, which includes the acquisition of 3D seismic data and drilling two exploration wells over the next 2 years. 2026 activity will be dominated by existing 3D seismic reprocessing and new 3D seismic acquisition and processing whilst planning for and working towards the drilling of the joint venture's first well on the licence.

Somaliland - SL10B13 (51% working interest, Operator)

We continue to work towards drilling of the highly prospective Toosan-1 exploration well. In the meantime, Genel continues to work closely with local communities and beneficiaries, with its social investments including a broad range of initiatives in the space of mother and child health, education and the environment.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2025 financial priorities

The table below summarises our progress against the 2025 financial priorities of the Company as set out at the start of FY 2025.

2025 financial priorities Progress -- Effectively sold consistently into the domestic market and maintained price levels despite falling Brent -- Restored Tawke production rapidly after interruption -- Finalised Taq Taq, Sarta, Qara Dagh, Lagzira and Odewayne licence exits at no incremental cost or residual liabilities -- Continued to optimise organisational cost -- Issued new bonds Maintain business resilience, balance sheet strength and capital availability -- extending debt maturity to 2030 and reducing funding risk for delivering our strategic objectives -- reduced debt levels so as to reduce overall net interest cost from USD7 million in 2024 to below USD1 million in 2025 -- Overall delivered production business netback of USD10 million and overall free cash flow of USD4 million -- Net cash of USD134 million and cash of USD224 million at end of 2025 provides significant funding for organic and inorganic investment -- Maintained production at the Tawke PSC through efficient investment, without incurring the additional cost of drilling new wells -- Invested cost-effective capital in Block 54 in order to inform the Ensure appropriate capital allocation and best work programme to de-risk investment over the remainder of the deliver diversification of our cash commitment period generation -- Deferred expenditure on non-cash generative projects -- Continued expediting steps to stop any non-value accretive spend across the business -- Continued cost-effective investment in optimisation of processes and systems to improve operational efficiency

Outlook and financial priorities for 2026

The key principles of our financial focus remain largely unchanged. We have a resilient business model that is designed to mitigate the impact of uncontrollable adverse events and maximise exposure to the upside. Ultimately, we seek to build a business that generates resilient, diverse, and predictable cash flows that support resumption of distributions to shareholders.

2026 financial priorities Maintain business resilience, balance -- A strong balance sheet protected by resilient cash generation is an sheet strength and capital important component of our business model availability -- We expect again that the production business will be free cash flow positive in 2026 and provide the majority of funding required for the planned capital investment in pre-production assets -- Our capital allocation priorities remain maintenance of a strong balance Ensure appropriate capital allocation sheet, investment in the Tawke PSC and funding of the Company's strategic prioritisation objectives in order to generate long-term value for shareholders -- The principal priority is to add new assets to our portfolio with a view to diversifying our cash generation, which can be done through both organic and inorganic investment -- The Company intends to diversify and increase its cash generation through both organic and inorganic investment, this remains a priority for the business -- For organic investment, the Company will only invest where the balance Invest capital in order to diversify between reward and risk is appropriate, with exciting planned investment in and increase cash generation and value 2026 on both Block 54 and Toosan-1 delivery -- For inorganic investment, the Company continues to identify, originate and mature opportunities and will ensure any investment is value accretive and in line with the Board's priority criteria

Financial results for the year

(all figures USD million) FY 2025 FY 2024 Brent average oil price (USD/bbl) 69 81 Field level realised price per barrel (USD/bbl) 32 35 Average price per working interest barrel (USD/bbl) 11 10 Working interest production (bopd) 17,520 19,650 Revenue 68.7 74.7 Other income 3.4 - Production costs (21.0) (17.6) Production capex (24.2) (23.0) G&A (excl. non-cash) (16.9) (22.2) Net cash interest1 (0.2) (7.0) Production business netback after interest 9.8 4.9 Pre-production capex (5.0) (2.7) Net expense from discontinued operations (0.9) (10.2) Working capital and other 0.2 27.6 Free cash flow 4.1 19.6 Purchases of own shares - (2.4) Settlement of 2025 bonds (65.8) (185.0) Issuance of new 2030 bonds 90.5 - Net change in cash 28.8 (167.8) Opening cash 195.6 363.4 Cash 224.4 195.6 Debt reported under IFRS (90.7) (64.9) Net cash 133.7 130.7

1 Net cash interest is bond interest payable less bank interest income (see note 5)

Production of 17,520 bopd was lower than last year (2024: 19,650 bopd) as a result of the interruption from the drone strikes in July, which impacted production up to early November. All production has been sold domestically at an average price of USD32/bbl (2024: USD35/bbl), which under the PSC translates into USD11 (2024: USD10) per working interest barrel produced.

Revenue was USD69 million (2024: USD75 million), with spend broadly in line with last year: production costs were USD21 million (2024: USD18 million) and production capex was USD24 million (2024: USD23 million).

Cash general and administrative costs were USD17 million, lower than last year (2024: USD22 million) as a result of this year benefiting from cost reductions and no material arbitration costs.

Interest income of USD9 million (2024: USD16 million) and bond expense of USD9 million (2024: USD23 million) both decreased in line with cash and bond balances, with overall net interest cost of USD0.2 million significantly reduced from USD7 million last year as a result of lower debt levels.

The resulting production business netback of USD10 million was higher than USD5 million generated in the last year.

Pre-production capex of USD5 million (2024: USD3 million) was related to Oman and Somaliland assets.

Free cash flow of USD4 million was lower than USD20 million last year, which had benefitted from positive working capital movements of USD28 million.

The Company called its existing bonds in April and issued a new bond, increasing cash by USD25 million.

EBITDAX and cash flow

(all figures USD million) FY 2025 FY 2024 EBITDAX 43.3 1.1 Interest received 8.9 15.8 Working capital (15.9) 50.0 Operating cash flow 36.3 66.9 Producing asset cost recovered capex (18.9) (21.7) Exploration and appraisal capex (4.5) (3.1) Interest and other (8.8) (22.5) Free cash flow 4.1 19.6

EBITDAX of USD43 million was significantly higher than last year (2024: USD1 million), mainly due to accrued arbitration cost award last year. EBITDAX is presented in order to illustrate the cash operating profitability of the Company and excludes the impact of costs attributable to exploration activity, which tend to be one-off in nature, and the non-cash costs relating to depreciation, amortisation, impairments, write-offs and share-based expenses.

Free cash flow was USD4 million (2024: USD20 million). Free cash flow is presented in order to illustrate the free cash generated for equity.

Cash and debt

Cash of USD224 million increased from the start of the year (31 December 2024: USD196 million) as a result of positive free cash flow and increase in bond debt. The Company monitors its cash position, cash forecasts and liquidity on a regular basis. The Company holds surplus cash in treasury bills, time deposits or liquidity funds with a number of major financial institutions. Suitability of banks is assessed using a combination of sovereign risk, credit default swap pricing and credit rating.

The nominal value of bond debt increased to USD92 million (31 December 2024: USD66 million). The bond debt matures in April 2030 and has two financial covenant maintenance tests:

Financial covenant Test YE 2025 Equity ratio (Total equity/Total assets) > 30% 63% Minimum liquidity > USD20 million USD224 million

Net assets

Net assets at 31 December 2025 were USD351 million (31 December 2024: USD357 million) and consist primarily of oil and gas assets of USD252 million (31 December 2024: USD273 million), net trade receivables of USD76 million (31 December 2024: USD85 million) and net cash of USD134 million (31 December 2024: USD131 million).

Going concern

The Directors have assessed that the Company's forecast liquidity provides adequate headroom over forecast expenditure for the 12 months following the signing of the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025 and consequently that the Company is considered a going concern. Further explanation is provided in note 1 to the financial statements.

The Company has net cash of USD134 million at the balance sheet date.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2025

2025 2024 Note USDm USDm Revenue 2 68.7 74.7 Other income 2 3.4 - Production costs 3 (21.0) (17.6) Depreciation and amortisation of oil assets 3 (50.0) (52.1) Gross profit 1.1 5.0 Exploration expense 3 (0.3) (2.7) Reversal of / (accrual for) arbitration cost 3 9.1 (32.2) (Expected credit loss ('ECL')) of trade receivables / Reversal of ECL 3 (1.3) 1.4 General and administrative costs 3 (18.9) (23.9) Operating loss (10.3) (52.4) Operating loss is comprised of: EBITDAX 43.3 1.1 Depreciation and amortisation 3 (50.1) (52.2) Exploration expense 3 (0.3) (2.7) Other non-cash (expense) / income (3.2) 1.4 Finance income 5 8.9 15.8 Bond interest expense 5 (9.1) (18.2) Net other finance expense 5 (2.2) (7.3) Loss before income tax (12.7) (62.1) Income tax expense 6 (0.1) (0.1) Loss and total comprehensive expense from continuing operations (12.8) (62.2) Profit / (Loss) from discontinued operations 7 3.9 (14.7) Loss and total comprehensive expense (8.9) (76.9) Attributable to: Owners of the parent (8.9) (76.9) (8.9) (76.9) Loss per ordinary share   From continuing operations: Basic 8 (4.6) (22.5) Diluted 8 (4.6) (22.5) From continuing and discontinued operations: Basic 8 (3.2) (27.8) Diluted 8 (3.2) (27.8) Adjusted Basic LPS1 8 (3.2) (27.6)

1Adjusted basic LPS is loss and total comprehensive expense adjusted for the add back of net impairment/write-off of oil and gas assets and net ECL/reversal of ECL of receivables divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares

Consolidated balance sheet

At 31 December 2025

2025 2024 Note USDm USDm Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 9 82.7 82.3 Property, plant and equipment 10 171.5 191.1 Trade and other receivables 11 59.4 60.9 313.6 334.3 Current assets Trade and other receivables 11 23.0 27.2 Cash and cash equivalents 12 224.4 195.6 247.4 222.8 Assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale 7 - 41.8 Total assets 561.0 598.9 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables 13 (1.3) (0.2) Provisions 14 (26.3) (25.1) Interest bearing loans 15 (90.7) - (118.3) (25.3) Current liabilities Trade and other payables 13 (91.7) (109.6) Interest bearing loans 15 - (64.9) (91.7) (174.5) Liabilities directly associated with assets in disposal groups classified as held 7 - (41.8) for sale Total liabilities (210.0) (241.6) Net assets 351.0 357.3 Owners of the parent Share capital 17 43.8 43.8 Share premium 3,863.9 3,863.9 Accumulated losses (3,556.7) (3,550.4) Total equity 351.0 357.3

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Share capital Share premium Accumulated losses Total equity USDm USDm USDm USDm Note At 1 January 2024 43.8 3,863.9 (3,473.8) 433.9 Loss and total comprehensive expense - - (76.9) (76.9) Contributions by and distributions to owners Share-based payments 18 - - 2.7 2.7 Purchase of own shares for employee share - - (2.4) (2.4) plan At 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 43.8 3,863.9 (3,550.4) 357.3 Loss and total comprehensive expense - - (8.9) (8.9) Contributions by and distributions to owners Share-based payments 18 - - 2.6 2.6 At 31 December 2025 43.8 3,863.9 (3,556.7) 351.0

1 The Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 does not define the expression "dividend" but refers instead to "distributions". Distributions may be debited to any account or reserve of the Company (including share premium account)

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Note 2025 2024 USDm USDm Cash flows from operating activities Loss for the year (8.9) (76.9) Adjustments for: Net finance expense 5,7 2.4 12.1 Taxation 6 0.1 0.1 Depreciation and amortisation 3 50.1 52.2 Exploration expense 0.3 - Reversal of provisions 3 - (3.8) Net impairments, write-off / (write-back) 3,7 (3.5) 0.8 Other non-cash items (share-based payment cost) 3 1.9 1.9 Changes in working capital: (Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables (3.8) 2.5 (Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables (11.0) 62.3 Cash generated from operations 27.6 51.2 Interest received 5 8.9 15.8 Taxation paid (0.2) (0.1) Net cash generated from operating activities 36.3 66.9 Cash flows from investing activities Additions of intangible assets (4.5) (3.1) Additions of property, plant and equipment (18.9) (21.7) Net cash used in investing activities (23.4) (24.8) Cash flows from financing activities Purchase of own shares - (2.4) Bond repayment 15 (65.8) (185.0) Issuance of new bond 15 90.5 - Lease payments (0.7) (0.7) Interest paid (8.1) (21.8) Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities 15.9 (209.9) Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 28.8 (167.8) Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 12 195.6 363.4 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 12 224.4 195.6

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1. Summary of material accounting policies

1. Basis of preparation

Genel Energy Plc - registration number: 107897 (the Company), is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in Jersey with a listing on the London Stock Exchange. The address of its registered office is 26 New Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RA.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (together 'IFRS'); are prepared under the historical cost convention except as where stated; and comply with Company (Jersey) Law 1991. The material accounting policies are set out below and have been applied consistently throughout the period.

The Company prepares its financial statements on a historical cost basis, unless accounting standards require an alternate measurement basis. Where there are assets and liabilities calculated on a different basis, this fact is disclosed either in the relevant accounting policy or in the notes to the financial statements.

Items included in the financial information of each of the Company's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars to the nearest million (USD million) rounded to one decimal place, except where otherwise indicated.

For explanation of the key judgements and estimates made by the Company in applying the Company's accounting policies, refer to significant accounting judgements and estimates on pages 16 to 18.

Going concern

The Company regularly evaluates its financial position, cash flow forecasts and its compliance with financial covenants by considering multiple combinations of oil price, discount rates, production volumes, payments, capital and operational spend scenarios.

The Company has reported cash of USD224 million, with debt of USD92 million maturing in April 2030 and significant headroom on both the equity ratio and minimum liquidity financial covenants.

Although agreements have been reached between the Federal Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government and a group of international oil companies to resume exports of crude oil produced in Kurdistan through the Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline, the Company has elected not to participate for now. As a result, the Company is currently selling in the domestic market at lower prices and lower volumes than are available from exports, with significantly reduced cash generation.

The Directors have assessed that, even with continued domestic sales, the Company's forecast liquidity provides adequate headroom over its forecast expenditure for the 12 months following the signing of the Annual Report for the period ended 31 December 2025 and consequently that the Company is considered a going concern.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consolidate the Company and its subsidiaries. These accounting policies have been adopted by all companies.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between companies are eliminated.

Joint arrangements and associates

Arrangements under which the Company has contractually agreed to share control with another party, or parties, are joint ventures where the parties have rights to the net assets of the arrangement, or joint operations where the parties have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. Investments in entities over which the Company has the right to exercise significant influence but has neither control nor joint control are classified as associates and accounted for under the equity method.

The Company recognises its assets, liabilities, income and expenses relating to its interests in joint operations, including its share of assets and income held jointly and liabilities and expenses incurred jointly with other partners.

2. Significant accounting judgements and estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported results, assets and liabilities. Where judgements and estimates are made, there is a risk that the actual outcome could differ from the judgement or estimate made.

Significant judgements

There are no significant judgements that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group and Company's accounting policies that require additional disclosure not already provided under significant estimates.

Significant estimates

The following are the critical estimates that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group and Company's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Estimation of hydrocarbon reserves and resources and associated production profiles and costs

Estimates of hydrocarbon reserves and resources are inherently imprecise and are subject to future revision. The Company's estimation of the quantum of oil and gas reserves and resources and the timing of its production, cost and monetisation impact the Company's financial statements in a number of ways, including: testing recoverable values for impairment; the calculation of depreciation, amortisation and assessing the cost and likely timing of decommissioning activity and associated costs. This estimation also impacts the assessment of going concern and the viability statement.

Proved and probable reserves are estimates of the amount of hydrocarbons that can be economically extracted from the Company's assets. The Company estimates its reserves using standard recognised evaluation techniques which are based on Petroleum Resources Management System 2018. Assets assessed as having proven and probable reserves are generally classified as property, plant and equipment as development or producing assets and depreciated using the units of production methodology. The Company considers its best estimate for future production and quantity of oil within an asset based on a combination of internal and external evaluations and uses this as the basis of calculating depreciation and amortisation of oil and gas assets and testing for impairment under IAS 36.

Hydrocarbons that are not assessed as reserves are considered to be resources and the related assets are classified as exploration and evaluation assets. These assets are expenditures incurred before technical feasibility and commercial viability is demonstrable. Estimates of resources for undeveloped or partially developed fields are subject to greater uncertainty over their future life than estimates of reserves for fields that are substantially developed and being depleted and are likely to contain estimates and judgements with a wide range of possibilities. These assets are considered for impairment under IFRS 6.

Once a field commences production, the amount of proved reserves will be subject to future revision once additional information becomes available through, for example, the drilling of additional wells or the observation of long-term reservoir performance under producing conditions. As those fields are further developed, new information may lead to revisions.

Assessment of reserves and resources are determined using estimates of oil and gas in place, recovery factors and future commodity prices, the latter having an impact on the total amount of recoverable reserves. Where the Company has updated its estimated reserves and resources any required disclosure of the impact on the financial statements is provided in the following sections.

Estimation of oil and gas asset values (note 9 and 10)

Estimation of the asset value of oil and gas assets is calculated from a number of inputs that require varying degrees of estimation. Principally oil and gas assets are valued by estimating the future cash flows based on a combination of reserves and resources, costs of appraisal, development and production, production profile, climate-related risks, pipeline reopening and future sales price and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate discount rate.

Future costs of appraisal, development and production are estimated taking into account the level of development required to produce those reserves and are based on past costs, experience and data from similar assets in the region, future petroleum prices and the planned development of the asset. However, actual costs may be different from those estimated.

Discount rate is assessed by the Company using various inputs from market data, external advisers and internal calculations. A post tax nominal discount rate of 14% (2024: 14%) derived from the Company's weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is used when assessing the impairment testing of the Company's oil assets at year-end. Risking factors are also used alongside the discount rate when the Company is assessing exploration and appraisal assets.

Estimation of future oil price and netback price

The estimation of future oil price has a significant impact throughout the financial statements, primarily in relation to the estimation of the recoverable value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. It is also relevant to the assessment of ECL, going concern and the viability statement.

The Company's assumption of average Brent oil price for future years is based on a range of publicly available market estimates and is summarised in the table below.

USD/bbl 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029+ Actual / Assumption 69 65 67 70 75 HY2025 assumption 65 65 70 75 75 Prior year assumption 75 75 75 75 75

The netback price is used to value the Company's revenue, trade receivables and its forecast cash flows used for impairment testing and viability. It is the aggregation of reference oil price average less transportation costs, handling costs and quality adjustments.

Effective for export sales from 1 September 2022 up to March 2023, sales were priced by the MNR under a new pricing formula based on the realised sales price for KRI blend crude ('KBT') during the delivery month, rather than dated Brent. The Company did not agree on this new pricing formula and continued to invoice based on the agreed formula using reference Brent price. The Company does not have direct visibility on the components of the netback price realised for its oil because sales are managed by the KRG, but the latest payments were based on the netback price provided by the KRG. Therefore, the export revenue from 1 September 2022 was recognised in accordance with IFRS15 using KBT pricing, resulting in the recognition of USD10 million less of revenue.

Since the export pipeline closure in March 2023 the Company has sold its production domestically and at lower realised oil prices than previously achieved through export.

Estimation of the recoverable value of trade receivables (note 11)

As of 31 December 2025, the Company is owed six months of payments for the sales from October 2022 to March 2023. Management has compared the carrying value of trade receivables with the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on a number of collection scenarios. The ECL is the weighted average of these scenarios and is recognised in the income statement. The weighting is applied based on expected repayment timing. The result of this assessment is an ECL provision of USD11.8 million (31 December 2024: USD11.7 million). Sensitivities of the ECL has been provided in note 11.

Decommissioning provision (note 14)

Decommissioning provisions are calculated from a number of inputs such as costs to be incurred in removing production facilities and site restoration at the end of the producing life of each field which is considered as the mid-point of a range of cost estimation. These inputs are based on the Company's best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the period inflated at 2% (2024: 2%) and discounted at 4% (2024: 4%). 10% increase in cost estimates would increase the existing provision by c.USD3 million and 1% increase in discount rate would decrease the existing provision by c.USD3 million, the combined impact would be c.USD0.3m. The cash flows relating to the decommissioning and abandonment provision are expected to occur in 2036.

Arbitration costs award (note 13)

The consolidated accounts include an accrual of USD26 million relating to a potential costs award in relation to the arbitration claim made by the KRG against a subsidiary of the Group, Genel Energy Miran Bina Bawi Limited ('GEMBBL'). This has reduced from USD36 million accrued at the end of last year as a result of the actual award made in April being lower than the amount provisionally accrued. In May 2025, GEMBBL appealed this costs award.

Other estimates

The following are the other estimates that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group and Company's accounting policies and that have effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Taxation

Under the terms of the KRI PSCs, corporate income tax due is paid on behalf of the Company by the KRG from the KRG's own share of revenues, resulting in no corporate income tax payment required or expected to be made by the Company. It is not known at what rate tax is paid, but it is estimated that the current tax rate would be between 15% and 40%. If this was known it would result in a gross up of revenue with a corresponding debit entry to taxation expense with no net impact on the income statement or on cash. In addition, it would be necessary to assess whether any deferred tax asset or liability was required to be recognised.

3. Accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in preparation of these financial statements are consistent with those used in preparation of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Revenue

Revenue from contracts with customers is earned based on the entitlement mechanism under the terms of the relevant PSC.

Under IFRS 15, entitlement revenue is recognised when the control of the product is deemed to have passed to the customer, in exchange for the consideration amount determined by the terms of the contract. For sales through pipeline, the control passes to the customer when the oil enters the pipe. For sales through trucks, the control passes to the customer when the oil is delivered to the trucks.

Entitlement has two components: cost oil, which is the mechanism by which the Company recovers its costs incurred on an asset, and profit oil, which is the mechanism through which profits are shared between the Company, its partners and the KRG. Profit oil revenue is always reported net of any capacity building payments that will become due.

The Company's export oil sales made to the KRG are valued at a netback price which is explained further in significant accounting estimates and judgements. The Company's domestic sales are valued at the price agreed with the domestic buyers. All production in 2025 was sold into the domestic market.

The Company is not able to measure the tax that has been paid on its behalf and consequently has not been able to assess where revenue should be reported gross of implied income tax paid.

Intangible assets

Exploration and evaluation assets

Oil and gas assets classified as exploration and evaluation assets are explained under Oil and Gas assets below.

Tawke RSA

Intangible assets include the Receivable Settlement Agreement ('RSA') effective from 1 August 2017, which was entered into in exchange for trade receivables due from KRG for Taq Taq and Tawke past sales. The RSA was recognised at cost and is amortised on a units of production basis in line with the economic lives of the rights acquired.

Property, plant and equipment

Producing and Development assets

Oil and gas assets classified as producing and development assets are explained under Oil and Gas assets below.

Oil and Gas assets

Costs incurred prior to obtaining legal rights to explore are expensed to the statement of comprehensive income. Exploration, appraisal and development expenditure is accounted for under the successful efforts method. Under the successful efforts method only costs that relate directly to the discovery and development of specific oil and gas reserves are capitalised as exploration and evaluation assets within intangible assets so long as the activity is assessed to be de-risking the asset and the Company expects continued activity on the asset into the foreseeable future. Costs of activity that do not identify oil and gas reserves are expensed.

All licence acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, inventories and other direct costs of exploration, evaluation and development are capitalised as intangible assets or property, plant and equipment according to their nature. Intangible assets comprise costs relating to the exploration and evaluation of properties which the Directors consider to be unevaluated until assessed as being 2P reserves and commercially viable.

Once assessed as being 2P reserves they are tested for impairment and transferred to property, plant and equipment as development assets. Where properties are appraised to have no commercial value, the associated costs are expensed as an impairment loss in the period in which the determination is made. Development assets are classified under producing assets following the commercial production commencement.

Development expenditure is accounted for in accordance with IAS 16 - Property, plant and equipment. Producing assets are depreciated once they are available for use and are depleted on a field-by-field basis using the unit of production method. The sum of carrying value and the estimated future development costs are divided by total barrels to provide a USD/barrel unit depreciation cost. Changes to depreciation rates as a result of changes in forecast production and estimates of future development expenditure are reflected prospectively.

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and their residual values are reviewed on an annual basis and changes in useful lives are accounted for prospectively. The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for the relevant period.

Where exploration licences are relinquished or exited for no consideration or costs incurred are neither de-risking nor adding value to the asset, the associated costs are expensed to the income statement.

Impairment testing of oil and gas assets is considered in the context of each cash generating unit. A cash generating unit is generally a licence, with the discounted value of the future cash flows of the CGU compared to the book value of the relevant assets and liabilities.

Subsequent costs

The cost of replacing part of an item of property and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The net book value of the replaced part is expensed. The costs of the day-to-day servicing and maintenance of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations

A part of the Company's operations is classified as a discontinued operation if the component has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations, is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. The disposal group or asset classified as asset held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Assets held for sale are presented under a separate line item within current assets and liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale are presented separately under current liabilities. Discontinued operations are excluded from the net income/loss from continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as gain/loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative consolidated statement of comprehensive income is restated and presented as if the operation had been classified as such from the start of the comparative year.

Financial assets and liabilities

Classification

The Company assesses the classification of its financial assets on initial recognition at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income or fair value through profit and loss. The Company assesses the classification of its financial liabilities on initial recognition at either fair value through profit and loss or amortised cost.

Recognition and measurement

Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised at fair value on the trade-date - the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from crude oil sales, sales of gas or services performed in the ordinary course of business. If payment is expected within one year or less, trade receivables are classified as current assets otherwise they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for expected credit loss. The Company's assessment of expected credit loss model is explained below under financial assets.

Cash and cash equivalents

In the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments which are assessed as cash and cash equivalents under IAS 7 and includes the Company's share of cash held in joint operations.

Interest-bearing borrowings

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of any discount in issuance and transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. When the Company buys back its bond, the carrying amount of the liability is measured based on the repayment amount by allocating the initial transaction cost and the difference is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan.

Borrowings are presented as long or short-term based on the maturity of the respective borrowings in accordance with the loan or other agreement. Borrowings with maturities of less than twelve months are classified as short-term. Amounts are classified as long-term where maturity is greater than twelve months. Where no objective evidence of maturity exists, related amounts are classified as short-term.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Offsetting

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Company will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Company's best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date and are discounted to present value where the effect is material. The unwinding of any discount is recognised as finance costs in the statement of comprehensive income.

Decommissioning

Provision is made for the cost of decommissioning assets at the time when the obligation to decommission arises. Such provision represents the estimated discounted liability for costs which are expected to be incurred in removing production facilities and site restoration at the end of the producing life of each field. A corresponding cost is capitalised to property, plant and equipment and subsequently depreciated as part of the capital costs of the production facilities. Any change in the present value of the estimated expenditure attributable to changes in the estimates of the cash flow or the current estimate of the discount rate used are reflected as an adjustment to the provision and capitalised as part of the cost of the assets.

Impairment

Exploration and evaluation assets

Spend on exploration and evaluation assets is capitalised in accordance with IFRS 6. The carrying amounts of the Company's exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment under IFRS 6. Impairment assessment of exploration and evaluation assets is considered in the context of each cash generating unit, which is generally represented by relevant the licence.

Producing and Development assets

The carrying amounts of the Company's producing and development assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment or reversal of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. For value in use, the estimated future cash flows arising from the Company's future plans for the asset are discounted to their present value using a nominal post tax discount rate that reflects market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For fair value less costs of disposal, an estimation is made of the fair value of consideration that would be received to sell an asset less associated selling costs (which are assumed to be immaterial). Assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (cash generating unit).

The estimated recoverable amount is then compared to the carrying value of the asset. Where the estimated recoverable amount is materially lower than the carrying value of the asset an impairment loss is recognised. Non-financial assets that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Impairment testing of oil and gas assets is explained above. When impairment indicators exist for other non-financial assets, impairment testing is performed based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. The Company assets' recoverable amount is determined by fair value less costs of disposal.

Financial assets

Impairment of financial assets is assessed under IFRS 9 with a forward-looking expected credit loss ('ECL') model. The standard requires the Company to book an allowance for ECL for its financial assets. The Company has assessed its trade receivables as at 31 December 2025 for ECL. Further explanation is provided in significant accounting judgements and estimates.

Equity

Share capital

Amounts subscribed for share capital at nominal value. Ordinary shares are classified as equity. When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, is net of any tax effects and is recognised as a deduction in equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity. When treasury shares are subsequently sold or reissued, the amount received is recognised as an increase in equity and the resulting surplus or deficit of the transaction is transferred to/from retained earnings.

Share premium

Amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.

Accumulated loss

Cumulative net losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income net of amounts recognised directly in equity.

Dividend

Liability to pay a dividend is recognised based on the declared timetable. A corresponding amount is recognised directly in equity.

Employee benefits

Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are expensed to the statement of comprehensive income as the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payments

The Company operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans. The expense required in accordance with IFRS 2 is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period of the award and partially capitalised as oil and gas assets in line with the hours incurred by the employees. The expense is determined by reference to option pricing models, principally Monte Carlo and adjusted Black-Scholes models.

At each balance sheet date, the Company revises its estimate of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Any revision to the original estimates is reflected in the statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to equity immediately to the extent it relates to past service and the remainder over the rest of the vesting period.

Finance income and finance costs

Finance income comprises interest income on cash invested, foreign currency gains and the unwind of discount on any assets held at amortised cost. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

Finance expense comprises interest expense on borrowings, foreign currency losses and discount unwind on any liabilities held at amortised cost. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset are capitalised over the respective assets.

Taxation

Under the terms of the KRI PSCs, the Company is not required to pay any cash corporate income taxes as explained in significant accounting judgements and estimates. Current tax expense is incurred on profits of service companies.

Segmental reporting

IFRS 8 requires the Company to disclose information about its business segments and the geographic areas in which it operates. It requires identification of business segments on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the CEO, the chief operating decision maker, in order to allocate resources to the segment and assess its performance.

Related parties

Parties are related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial or operational decisions. Parties are also related if they are subject to common control. Transactions between related parties are transfers of resources, services or obligations, regardless of whether a price is charged and are disclosed separately within the notes to the consolidated financial information.

New standards

The following new accounting standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations are effective on 1 January 2025: Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates: Lack of Exchangeability (issued on 15 August 2023). These standards did not have a material impact on the Company's results or financial statements disclosures in the current reporting period.

The following new accounting standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations are effective on 1 January 2026 and have been endorsed in 2025: Annual Improvements Volume 11 (issued on 18 July 2024), Contracts Referencing Nature-dependent Electricity - Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (issued on 18 December 2024), Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments - Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (issued on 30 May 2024). The following new accounting standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective and/or have not yet been endorsed by the EU: IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures (issued on 9 May 2024), IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (issued on 9 April 2024), Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates: Translation to a Hyperinflationary Presentation Currency (issued on 13 November 2025), Amendments to IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures (issued on 21 August 2025). Nothing has been early adopted, and these standards are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results or financials statement disclosures in the periods they become effective except for IFRS 18 which will impact the presentation and disclosure in the financial statements and the Company is still assessing the full impact.

2. Segmental information

The Company has two reportable business segments: Production and Pre-production. Capital allocation decisions for the production segment are considered in the context of the cash flows expected from the production and sale of crude oil. The production segment is comprised of the producing fields on the Tawke PSC (Tawke and Peshkabir fields) which are located in the KRI and make export sales to the KRG and domestic sales to the domestic buyers where one buyer contributed c.80% of revenue, c.USD55m (2024: one buyer contributed 70%, c.USD50m). The pre-production segment is comprised of exploration activity, principally located in Oman, Somaliland and Morocco (exited in June 2025). 'Other' includes corporate assets, liabilities and costs, elimination of intercompany receivables and intercompany payables, which are non-segment items.

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Pre-production Total Production Other USDm USDm USDm USDm Revenue from contracts with customers (domestic) 68.7 - - 68.7 Other income 3.4 - - 3.4 Cost of sales (71.0) - - (71.0) Gross profit 1.1 - - 1.1 Exploration expense - (0.3) - (0.3) ECL of trade receivables (1.3) - - (1.3) Arbitration cost reversal - - 9.1 9.1 General and administrative costs - - (18.9) (18.9) Operating loss (0.2) (0.3) (9.8) (10.3) Operating loss is comprised of EBITDAX 51.1 - (7.8) 43.3 Depreciation and amortisation (50.0) - (0.1) (50.1) Exploration expense - (0.3) - (0.3) Other non-cash expenses (1.3) - (1.9) (3.2) Finance income - - 8.9 8.9 Bond interest expense - - (9.1) (9.1) Other finance expense (1.1) - (1.1) (2.2) Loss before income tax from continuing operations (1.3) (0.3) (11.1) (12.7) Profit from discontinued operations 3.9 - - 3.9 Profit / (Loss) before income tax 2.6 (0.3) (11.1) (8.8) Capital expenditure 24.2 5.0 - 29.2 Total assets 301.8 37.4 221.8 561.0 Total liabilities (79.5) (27.8) (102.7) (210.0)

Sarta and Taq Taq PSC figures have been disclosed as discontinued operation (note 7).

Total assets and liabilities in the other segment are predominantly cash and debt balances.

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Total Production Pre-production Other USDm USDm USDm USDm Revenue from contracts with customers (domestic) 74.7 - - 74.7 Cost of sales (69.7) - - (69.7) Gross profit 5.0 - - 5.0 Exploration expense - (2.7) - (2.7) Arbitration cost accrual - - (36.0) (36.0) Reversal of accruals and provisions - - 3.8 3.8 Reversal of ECL of trade receivables 1.4 - - 1.4 General and administrative costs - - (23.9) (23.9) Operating profit / (loss) 6.4 (2.7) (56.1) (52.4) Operating profit / (loss) is comprised of EBITDAX 57.1 - (56.0) 1.1 Depreciation and amortisation (52.1) - (0.1) (52.2) Reversal of ECL of trade receivables 1.4 - - 1.4 Exploration expense - (2.7) - (2.7) Finance income - - 15.8 15.8 Bond interest expense - - (18.2) (18.2) Net other finance expense (1.0) - (6.3) (7.3) Profit / (Loss) before income tax from continuing 5.4 (2.7) (64.8) (62.1) operations Loss from discontinued operations (14.7) - - (14.7) Loss before income tax (9.3) (2.7) (64.8) (76.8) Capital expenditure 23.0 2.7 - 25.7 Total assets 373.8 26.5 198.6 598.9 Total liabilities (117.6) (0.3) (123.7) (241.6)

Sarta and Taq Taq PSC figures have been disclosed as discontinued operation (note 7).

Total assets and liabilities in the other segment are predominantly cash and debt balances, and includes assets and liabilities relating to Sarta, Qara Dagh, Miran and Bina Bawi PSCs which have been exited in prior years.

3. Operating loss

2025 2024 USDm USDm Production costs (21.0) (17.6) Depreciation of oil and gas property, plant and equipment (excl. RoU assets) (45.0) (46.6) Amortisation of oil and gas intangible assets (5.0) (5.5) Cost of sales (71.0) (69.7) Exploration expense (0.3) (2.7) Reversal of ECL of trade receivables (note 1,11) - 1.4 ECL of trade receivables (note 1,11) (1.3) - Net (ECL) / reversal of ECL of receivables (1.3) 1.4 Arbitration cost reversal / (accrual) 9.1 (36.0) Reversal of provisions - 3.8 Reversal of / (accrual for) arbitration cost 9.1 (32.2) Corporate cash costs (9.1) (13.3) Other operating costs (7.8) (8.6) Corporate share-based payment expense (1.9) (1.9) Depreciation and amortisation of corporate assets (0.1) (0.1) General and administrative costs (18.9) (23.9) Auditor's remuneration: Audit of the Group's consolidated financial statements (0.3) (0.4) Audit of the Group's subsidiaries pursuant to legislation (0.1) (0.1) Total audit services (0.4) (0.5) Interim review (0.1) (0.1) Total audit related and non-audit services (0.5) (0.6)

All fees paid to the auditor were charged to operating loss in both years.

4. Staff costs and headcount

2025 2024 USDm USDm Wages and salaries (14.8) (17.4) Contractors (0.3) (0.2) Social security costs (1.2) (1.2) Share based payments (2.8) (2.7) (19.1) (21.5)

2025 number 2024 number

Average headcount was:

UK 23 25

Turkiye 28 31

Somaliland 23 26

KRI 1 5

75 87

5. Finance expense and income

2025 2024 USDm USDm Bond interest (9.1) (18.2) Loss on bond buy-backs - (4.6) Other finance expense (non-cash) (2.2) (2.7) Finance expense (11.3) (25.5) Bank interest income 8.9 15.8 Finance income 8.9 15.8 Net finance expense (2.4) (9.7)

Bond interest payable is the cash interest cost of the Company's bond debt. Other finance expense (non-cash) primarily relates to the discount unwind on the bond and the asset retirement obligation provision.

6. Income tax expense

Current tax expense is incurred on profits of service companies. Under the terms of the KRI PSCs, the Company is not required to pay any cash corporate income taxes as explained in note 1.

7. Assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations

On 24 December 2024, the Company entered into a sale agreement to dispose its share of rights, benefits, liabilities and obligations in Taq Taq PSC to its partner. The transaction was subject to Kurdistan Regional Government ('KRG') approval. These operations, which were expected to be sold within 12 months, had been classified as a disposal group held for sale and presented separately in the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2024. Following the KRG approval in May 2025, the assets and liabilities held for sale were removed.

The major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the operations classified as held for sale are as follows:

2025 2024 USDm USDm Property, plant and equipment (note 1,10) - 32.5 Trade receivables, net of ECL (note 11) - 9.3 Assets classified as held for sale - 41.8 Other payables and accruals - 4.8 Deferred income - 15.8 Provisions (note 14) - 21.2 Total liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale - 41.8 Net assets of disposal group - -

Sarta PSC was terminated on 1 December 2023. On 20 April 2025, a Settlement, Relinquishment, and Termination Agreement ('RTA') was signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq ('KRG'), Genel Energy Sarta Ltd. and Chevron Iraq (Sarta) Ltd. (together 'Contractors'). As per the agreement, the KRG released the contractors from liabilities owed to the KRG and the Contractors released the KRG from all liabilities owed to the contractors. Therefore, all receivables and payables related to Sarta PSC has been written off resulting with c.USD4 million profit in the year.

The results of the discontinued operations from Taq Taq and Sarta, which have been included in the loss for the period, were as follows:

2025 2024 USDm USDm Other operating costs (0.9) (10.5) Impairment loss on Taq Taq held for sale asset - (2.2) Reversal of ECL of trade receivables 1.2 - Write-off of trade receivables (note 11) (8.9) - Write-off of trade payables 12.5 - General and administrative costs - 0.4 Operating profit / (loss) 3.9 (12.3) Other finance expense (non-cash) - (2.4) Profit / (Loss) from discontinued operations 3.9 (14.7) 2025 2024 Cash flows from discontinued operations USDm USDm Net cash used in operating activities (2.3) (10.3) Net cash used in investing activities - - Net cash used in financing activities - -

8. Earnings / (Loss) per share

Basic

Basic earnings / (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

2025 2024 Loss from continuing operations (USDm) (12.8) (62.2) Profit / (Loss) from discontinued operations (USDm) 3.9 (14.7) Loss attributable to owners of the parent (USDm) (8.9) (76.9) Weighted average number of ordinary shares - number 1 275,454,531 276,223,685 Basic LPS - cents (from continuing operations) (4.6) (22.5) Basic EPS / (LPS) - cents (from discontinuing operations) 1.4 (5.3) Basic LPS - cents (3.2) (27.8)

1 Excluding shares held as treasury shares and by the Employee Benefit Trust

Diluted

The Company purchases shares in the market to satisfy share plan requirements so diluted earnings per share is adjusted for performance shares, restricted shares, share options and deferred bonus plans not included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. Because the Company reported a loss from continuing operations for the year ended 31 December 2025 and 31 December 2024, the performance shares, restricted shares and share options are anti-dilutive and therefore diluted LPS is the same as basic LPS:

2025 2024 Loss from continuing operations (USDm) (12.8) (62.2) Profit / (Loss) from discontinued operations (USDm) 3.9 (14.7) Loss attributable to owners of the parent (USDm) (8.9) (76.9) Weighted average number of ordinary shares - number1 275,454,531 276,223,685 Adjustment for performance shares, restricted shares, share options and deferred bonus - - plans Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares 275,454,531 276,223,685 Diluted LPS - cents (from continuing operations) (4.6) (22.5) Diluted EPS / (LPS) - cents (from discontinuing operations) 1.4 (5.3) Diluted LPS - cents (3.2) (27.8)

1 Excluding shares held as treasury shares and by the Employee Benefit Trust

Adjusted Basic LPS

Adjusted basic LPS is loss and total comprehensive expense adjusted for the add back of net impairment/write-off of oil and gas assets and net ECL/reversal of ECL of receivables divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares.

2025 2024 Loss attributable to owners of the parent (USDm) (8.9) (76.9) Add back of impairment loss on Taq Taq held for sale asset - 2.2 Add back of net reversal of ECL/ECL of receivables 0.1 (1.4) Loss attributable to owners of the parent (USDm) - adjusted (8.8) (76.1) Weighted average number of ordinary shares - number 1 275,454,531 276,223,685 Adjusted basic LPS - cents per share (3.2) (27.6)

1 Excluding shares held as treasury shares and by the Employee Benefit Trust

9. Intangible assets

Other Exploration and evaluation assets Tawke Total assets RSA USDm USDm USDm USDm Cost At 1 January 2024 22.8 128.5 7.5 158.8 Additions 2.7 - - 2.7 Other 0.4 - - 0.4 At 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 25.9 128.5 7.5 161.9 Additions 5.0 - - 5.0 Other 0.4 - - 0.4 At 31 December 2025 31.3 128.5 7.5 167.3 Accumulated amortisation and impairment At 1 January 2024 - (66.6) (7.5) (74.1) Amortisation charge for the year - (5.5) - (5.5) At 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 - (72.1) (7.5) (79.6) Amortisation charge for the period - (5.0) - (5.0) At 31 December 2025 - (77.1) (7.5) (84.6) Net book value At 1 January 2024 22.8 61.9 - 84.7 At 31 December 2024 25.9 56.4 - 82.3 At 31 December 2025 31.3 51.4 - 82.7 2025 2024 Book value USDm USDm Somaliland PSC Exploration 27.6 25.9 Oman PSC Exploration 3.7 - Exploration and evaluation assets 31.3 25.9 Tawke capacity building payment waiver 51.4 56.4 Tawke RSA assets 51.4 56.4

10. Property, plant and equipment

Other Producing assets assets Total USDm USDm USDm Cost At 1 January 2024 3,313.2 17.3 3,330.5 Additions 23.0 0.6 23.6 Right-of-use assets - 0.5 0.5 Other1 3.2 - 3.2 Reclassified as held for sale (note 7) (2,021.3) - (2,021.3) At 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 1,318.1 18.4 1,336.5 Additions 24.2 0.2 24.4 Right-of-use assets - 1.8 1.8 Other1 0.6 - 0.6 At 31 December 2025 1,342.9 20.4 1,363.3 Accumulated depreciation and impairment At 1 January 2024 (3,068.5) (15.5) (3,084.0) Depreciation charge for the year (46.6) (1.4) (48.0) Reclassified as held for sale (note 7) 1,986.6 - 1,986.6 At 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 (1,128.5) (16.9) (1,145.4) Depreciation charge for the period (45.0) (1.4) (46.4) At 31 December 2025 (1,173.5) (18.3) (1,191.8) Net book value At 1 January 2024 244.7 1.8 246.5 At 31 December 2024 189.6 1.5 191.1 At 31 December 2025 169.4 2.1 171.5

1 Other line includes non-cash asset retirement obligation provision and share-based payment costs.

2025 2024 Book value USDm USDm Tawke PSC Oil production 169.4 189.6 Producing assets 169.4 189.6

The sensitivities below provide an indicative impact on net asset value of a change in netback price, discount rate or production, assuming no change to any other inputs.

Tawke CGU Sensitivities USDm Long term netback price +/- USD5/bbl +/- 17 Discount rate +/- 1% +/- 11 Production +/- 10% +/- 34 Domestic sales for 1 more year - 19

11. Trade and other receivables

2025 2024 USDm USDm Trade receivables - non-current 59.4 60.9 Trade receivables - current 16.6 24.1 Other receivables and prepayments 6.4 3.1 82.4 88.1

As of 31 December 2025, the Company is owed six months of payments (31 December 2024: six months).

Period when sale made ECL Reclassified as held for sale Trade Overdue 2023 Overdue 2022 Total nominal (note 7) receivables provision USDm USDm USDm USDm USDm USDm 31 December 2025 40.2 47.6 87.8 - (11.8) 76.0 31 December 2024 49.3 58.1 107.4 (10.7) (11.7) 85.0 2025 2024 Movement on trade receivables in the period USDm USDm Carrying value at the beginning of the period 85.0 92.9 Revenue from contracts with customers 68.7 74.7 Cash for domestic sales (68.7) (74.7) Write-off of Sarta receivables (note 7) (8.9) - Reversal of previous year's expected credit loss (note 1) 1.2 1.4 Expected credit loss for current period (note 1) (1.3) - Reclassified as held for sale (note 7) - (9.3) Carrying value at the end of the period 76.0 85.0

Recovery of the carrying value of the receivable

All trade receivables relate to export sales from Tawke PSC as the domestic sales are on a cash and carry basis. As explained in note 1, the booked nominal receivable value of USD87.8 million has been recognised based on KBT due to IFRS 15 requirements and it would be USD10 million higher under Brent pricing mechanism. The Company expects to recover the full value of receivables owed from the KRG under Brent pricing mechanism, but the terms of recovery are not determined yet. An explanation of the assumptions and estimates in assessing the net present value of the deferred receivables are provided in note 1.

Total USDm Booked nominal balance to be recovered 87.8 Estimated net present value of total cash flows 76.0

Sensitivities/Scenarios

As set out in note 1, the recoverability of the overdue trade receivables is based on a number of different collection scenarios. We consider that the ultimate resolution will include full consideration of all balances between the two counterparties. A 1% increase / decrease in the discount rate would result in a c.USD0.7 million change in the ECL provision. Each three-month delay in settlement would result in a c.USD0.9 million increase in the ECL provision. A combined three-month delay and a 1% increase in the discount rate would result in a c.USD1.6 million change in the ECL provision. The discount rate applied is the discount rate considered to represent the effective interest rate on this instrument.

12. Cash and cash equivalents

2025 2024 USDm USDm Cash and cash equivalents 224.4 195.6 224.4 195.6

Cash is primarily invested with major international financial institutions, in US Treasury bills or liquidity funds.

13. Trade and other payables

2025 2024 USDm USDm Trade payables 12.1 20.0 Other payables 35.5 32.7 Accruals 45.4 57.1 93.0 109.8 Non-current 1.3 0.2 Current 91.7 109.6 93.0 109.8

Current payables are predominantly short-term in nature and there is minimal difference between contractual cash flows related to the financial liabilities and their carrying amount. For non-current payables, liabilities are recognised at discounted fair value using the effective interest rate. Lease liabilities are included in other payables.

14. Provisions

2025 2024 USDm USDm Balance at 1 January 25.1 45.2 Interest unwind 1.1 1.8 Additions 0.1 2.9 Reclassified as held for sale (note 7) - (21.2) Reversals - (3.6) Balance at 31 December 26.3 25.1

Provisions cover expected decommissioning, abandonment and exit costs arising from the Company's assets which are further explained in note 1.

15. Interest bearing loans and net cash

Purchase/ issuance 1 Jan 2025 Discount unwind Free cash flow 31 Dec 2025 of bond USDm USDm USDm USDm USDm 2025 Bond 9.25% coupon (current) (64.9) (0.9) 65.8 - - 2030 Bond 11% coupon (non-current) - (0.2) (90.5) - (90.7) Cash 195.6 - 24.7 4.1 224.4 Net cash 130.7 (1.1) - 4.1 133.7

As of 31 December 2025, the fair value of the USD92 million of bonds held by third parties is USD96 million (31 December 2024: USD66 million).

In April 2025, the Company issued a new five-year senior unsecured bond and exercised its call option on the old bonds, which were repaid at par.

The bonds maturing in 2030 have two financial covenants:

Financial covenant Test YE 2025 Test YE 2024 Equity ratio (Total equity/Total assets) > 30% 63% > 40% 60% Minimum liquidity > USD20m USD224.4m > USD30m USD195.6m Repurchase 1 Jan 2024 Discount unwind Share purchase Free cash flow 31 Dec 2024 of bond USDm USDm USDm USDm USDm USDm 2025 Bond 9.25% (243.7) (1.6) 180.4 - - (64.9) (current) Cash 363.4 - (185.0) (2.4) 19.6 195.6 Net cash 119.7 (1.6) (4.6) (2.4) 19.6 130.7

16. Financial Risk Management

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and other assets. The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum credit exposure to credit risk at 31 December was:

2025 2024 USDm USDm Trade and other receivables 80.0 85.6 Cash and cash equivalents 224.4 195.6 304.4 281.2

All trade receivables are owed by the KRG. Cash is deposited with major international financial institutions and the US treasury that are assessed as appropriate based on, among other things, sovereign risk, CDS pricing and credit rating.

Liquidity risk

The Company is committed to ensuring it has sufficient liquidity to meet its payables as they fall due. At 31 December 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of USD224.4 million (2024: USD195.6 million). The maturity of trade and other payables is disclosed in Note 13, and the fixed-rate debt profile and associated interest rate risk considerations are disclosed below under interest rate risk.

Oil price risk

The Company's export revenues are calculated from netback price and domestic sales revenues are from a price established on an arm's length basis as further explained in note 1, and a USD5/bbl change in average price across domestic sales would result in a (loss) / profit before tax change of circa USD6 million.

Currency risk

Other than head office costs, substantially all of the Company's transactions are denominated and/or reported in US dollars. The exposure to currency risk is therefore immaterial and accordingly no sensitivity analysis has been presented.

Interest rate risk

The Company reported borrowings of USD90.7 million (2024: USD64.9 million) in the form of a bond maturing in April 2030, with half-yearly fixed coupon interest payable of 11% p.a. on the nominal value of USD92 million (2024: USD66 million). Although interest is fixed on existing debts, whenever the Company wishes to borrow new debt or refinance existing debt, it will be exposed to interest rate risk. A 1% increase in interest rate payable on a balance similar to the existing debts of the Company would result in an additional cost of circa USD1 million per annum.

Capital management

The Company manages its capital to ensure that it remains sufficiently funded to support its business strategy and maximise shareholder value. The Company's short-term funding needs are met principally from the cash flows generated from its operations and available cash of USD224.4 million (2024: USD195.6 million).

Financial instruments

All financial assets and liabilities are measured at amortised cost. Due to their short-term nature except interest bearing loans and non-current portion of trade receivables, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value. Their carrying values are as follows:

Financial assets 2025 2024 USDm USDm Trade and other receivables 80.0 85.6 Cash and cash equivalents 224.4 195.6 304.4 281.2 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables 90.5 108.4 Interest bearing loans 90.7 64.9 181.2 173.3

17. Share capital

Total Ordinary Shares At 1 January 2024 - fully paid1 280,248,198 At 31 December 2024, 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 - fully paid1 280,248,198

1 Ordinary shares include 845,335 (2024: 845,335) treasury shares. Share capital includes 3,832,307 (2024: 4,067,720) of trust shares.

There have been no changes to the authorised share capital since it was determined to be 10,000,000,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 per share.

18. Share based payments

The Company has three share-based payment plans under which awards are currently outstanding: performance share plan (2021), deferred bonus plan (2021) and restricted share plan (2011). The main features of these share plans are set out below.

Key features PSP (2021) DBP (2021) RSP (2011) Either Performance shares or restricted Deferred bonus shares. The Restricted shares. The shares. The intention is to deliver the intention is to deliver the full intention is to deliver the Form of full value of vested shares at no cost to value of shares at no cost to the full value of shares at no awards the participant (as conditional shares or participant (as conditional shares cost to the participant (as nil-cost options). or nil-cost options). conditional shares or nil-cost options). Performance conditions may or may not Performance conditions may apply. Awards granted with performance Performance conditions may or may or may not apply. For Performance conditions are measured against relative not apply. For awards granted to awards granted to date, conditions and absolute TSR measured against a group date, there are no performance there are no performance of industry peers over a three-year conditions. conditions. period. For awards subject to performance conditions, they will vest when the Remuneration Committee determines whether Vesting the performance conditions have been met Awards typically vest after two Awards typically vest in period at the end of the performance period. For years. tranches over three years. awards that are not subject to performance conditions, awards typically vest in tranches over three years. Provision of additional cash/shares to Provision of additional cash/ Provision of additional reflect dividends over the vesting period shares to reflect dividends over cash/shares to reflect Dividend and the period where the options have the vesting period and the period dividends over the vesting equivalents vested and have not yet been exercised where the options have vested and period may or may not (where applicable) may or may not apply. have not yet been exercised (where apply. applicable) may or may not apply.

In 2025, awards were made under the performance share plan and deferred bonus plan. The numbers of outstanding shares as at 31 December 2025 are set out below:

Share awards with Share awards without Share Weighted avg. exercise performance conditions performance conditions options price of share options Outstanding at 1 January 7,561,301 1,002,917 18,452 1,046p 2024 Granted during the year 4,075,827 428,066 - - Forfeited during the year (2,152,140) - - - Lapsed during the year (1,467,593) (155,387) (18,452) 1,046p Exercised during the year - (364,428) - - Outstanding at 31 Dec 8,017,395 911,168 - - 2024 and 1 Jan 2025 Granted during the year 4,475,401 711,232 - - Forfeited during the year (1,847,249) - - - Lapsed during the year (423,570) (46,279) - - Exercised during the year - (300,435) - - Outstanding at 31 10,221,977 1,275,686 - - December 2025

Fair value of awards granted during the year has been measured by use of the Monte-Carlo pricing model. The model takes into account assumptions regarding expected volatility, expected dividends and expected time to exercise. Expected volatility was also analysed with the historical volatility of FTSE-listed oil and gas producers over the three years prior to the date of grant. The expected dividend assumption was set at 0%. The risk-free interest rate incorporated into the model is based on the term structure of UK Government zero coupon bonds.

The inputs into the fair value calculation for PSP awards granted in 2025 and fair values per share using the model were as follows:

PSP (without condition) PSP 02/04/2025 02/04/2025 Share price at grant date 63p 63p Fair value on measurement date 63p 40p Expected life (years) 1-3 1-3 Expected dividends - - Risk-free interest rate 3.95% 3.95% Expected volatility 49.35% 49.35% Share price at balance sheet date 60p 60p

The weighted average fair value for PSP awards (without condition) granted in 2025 is 63p and for PSP awards granted in 2025 is 40p.

The inputs into the fair value calculation for PSP awards granted in 2024 and fair values per share using the model were as follows:

PSP (without condition) PSP PSP (without condition) PSP 30/04/2024 30/04/2024 10/09/2024 10/09/2024 Share price at grant date 85p 85p 74p 74p Fair value on measurement date 85p 52p 74p 40p Expected life (years) 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 Expected dividends - - - - Risk-free interest rate 4.45% 4.45% 3.70% 3.70% Expected volatility 44.89% 44.89% 44.75% 44.75% Share price at balance sheet 66p 66p 66p 66p date

The weighted average fair value for PSP awards (without condition) granted in 2024 is 85p and for PSP awards granted in 2024 is 51p.

Total share-based payment charge for the year was USD2.8 million (2024: USD2.7 million).

19. Capital commitments

Under the terms of its production sharing contracts ('PSC's) and joint operating agreements ('JOA's), the Company has certain commitments that are generally defined by activity rather than spend. The Company's capital programme for the next few years is explained in the operating review and is in excess of the activity required by its PSCs and JOAs.

20. Related parties

The Directors have identified related parties of the Company under IAS 24 as being: the shareholders; members of the Board; and members of the executive committee, together with the families and companies, associates, investments and associates controlled by or affiliated with each of them. The compensation of key management personnel including the Directors of the Company is as follows:

2025 2024 USDm USDm Board remuneration 0.8 0.7 Key management emoluments and short-term benefits 4.8 4.0 Share-related awards 1.6 1.7 7.2 6.4

There have been no changes in related parties since last year and no related party transactions that had a material effect on financial position or performance in the year.

21. Events occurring after the reporting period

Following the U.S.-Israeli air war on Iran that started on 28 February 2026, production and drilling operations on the Tawke licence were temporarily shut down. The Company continues to monitor developments closely to assess when it can safely and securely resume operations.

22. Subsidiaries and joint arrangements

The Company holds 25% working interest in Tawke licence, 40% in Oman Block 54 licence and 51% in Somaliland SL10B13 licence.

For the period ended 31 December 2025 the principal subsidiaries of the Company were the following:

Entity name Country of Incorporation Ownership % (ordinary shares) Barrus Petroleum Cote D'Ivoire Sarl1 Cote d'Ivoire 100 Barrus Petroleum Limited2 Isle of Man 100 Genel Energy Africa Exploration Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Finance 4 plc3 UK 100 Genel Energy Holding Company Limited4 Jersey 100 Genel Energy International Limited5 Anguilla 100 Genel Energy Miran Bina Bawi Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Morocco Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy No. 6 Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Block 54 Oman Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Petroleum Services Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Qara Dagh Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Sarta Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Somaliland Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy UK Services Limited3 UK 100 Genel Energy Y?netim Hizmetleri A.S.6 Turkey 100

1 Registered office is 7 Boulevard Latrille, Cocody, 25 B.P. 945 Abidjan 25, Cote d'Ivoire

2 Registered office is 6 Hope Street, Castletown, IM9 1AS, Isle of Man

3 Registered office is Fifth Floor, 36 Broadway, Victoria, London, SW1H 0BH, United Kingdom

4 Registered office is 26 New Street, St Helier, JE2 3RA, Jersey

5 Registered office is PO Box 1338, Maico Building, The Valley, Anguilla

6 Registered office is Vadi Istanbul 1 B Block, Ayazaga Mahallesi, Azerbaycan Caddesi, No:3 Floor: 18, 34396, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey

23. Annual report

Copies of the 2025 annual report will be despatched to shareholders in March 2026 and will also be available from the Company's registered office at 26 New Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RA and at the Company's website - www.genelenergy.com.

24. Statutory financial statements

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2025 contained in this preliminary announcement has been audited and was approved by the Board on 17 March 2026. The financial information in this statement does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements for the years ended 31 December 2025 or 2024. The financial information for 2025 and 2024 is derived from the statutory financial statements for 2024, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and 2025, which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies and issued to shareholders in March 2026. The auditors have reported on the 2025 and 2024 financial statements; their report was unqualified and did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report. The statutory financial statements for 2025 are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union. The accounting policies (that comply with IFRS) used by Genel Energy plc are consistent with those set out in the 2024 annual report.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement that contains inside information in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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ISIN: JE00B55Q3P39, NO0010894330 Category Code: FR TIDM: GENL LEI Code: 549300IVCJDWC3LR8F94 Sequence No.: 421355 EQS News ID: 2293132 End of Announcement EQS News Service =------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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March 18, 2026 03:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
Dr. Terri Cooper is a 35-year life sciences-healthcare industry veteran. As a recognized life sciences-healthcare expert, Terri has worked across sectors globally in both public and private domains. Terri is a former Principal of Deloitte's US consulting practice. Her experience spans complex industry, business, technology, brand-building, and regulatory imperatives. She has successfully built Deloitte's Life Sciences R&D business and has led global organizational and financial restructures driving significant performance improvement, and has piloted innovation and M&A initiatives that have resulted in growth opportunities and competitive differentiation.

"I'm honored to join the Board of Morphic Medical at such a pivotal time in the evolution of metabolic health," said Terri. "The company's commitment to advancing less invasive, patient-centered solutions represents exactly the kind of innovation our healthcare system needs. I look forward to supporting the team as they expand access and improve outcomes for patients living with obesity and type 2 diabetes."

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Terri Cooper to the Morphic Medical Board of Directors," said Mike Gutteridge, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Terri brings more than three decades of global leadership across the life sciences and healthcare sectors, with deep expertise in strategy, regulatory navigation, organizational transformation, and value creation. Her experience will be instrumental as we advance our U.S. STEP-1 clinical trial and continue building the clinical and commercial foundation for RESET, our incision-free, endoscopic therapy designed to deliver rapid weight reduction and meaningful metabolic improvement for patients living with obesity and type 2 diabetes."

About Morphic

Morphic Medical is the developer of RESET, an endoscopically delivered therapy which offers a non-surgical, alternative treatment for morbid obesity and/or obesity in the presence of concurrent cardiometabolic risk factor, e.g., type 2 diabetes and/or dyslipidemia. RESET is not approved for sale in the United States and is limited by federal law to investigational use only. Founded in 2003, Morphic Medical is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit morphicmedical.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Morphic Medical Media Contact:

Investor Relations

investor@morphicmed.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/morphic-medical-strengthens-board-with-appointment-of-healthcare-veteran-terri-cooper-302725462.html
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Digital Science, a leading technology company serving stakeholders across the research ecosystem, is pleased to announce a new AI-powered feature for Altmetric that makes it easier to understand and communicate research impact.

The new Altmetric Attention Digest streamlines the process of demonstrating research value by automatically generating concise, narrative summaries of a research output's attention and influence.

This capability moves beyond simply quantifying mentions - it provides a deeper understanding of who's engaging with the research, how it's being received, and the nature of its real-world impact across diverse channels.

Available to users of Altmetric Explorer, this innovative feature is designed to address the growing challenge of translating complex research attention metrics into clear, credible, and actionable narratives.

Altmetric Attention Digest is ideal for researchers or research admin teams, medical affairs teams, pharma professionals, publishers assessing article performance and editorial strategy, and governments and funders who need to track the reach and influence of funded research.

The new tool enables users to:

Save time and maximize efficiency

Demonstrate impact effectively

Enhance reporting

Assess content performance

Make smarter, data-driven decisions

Miguel Garcia, VP of Product, Digital Science, said: "We're all interested in understanding how research impacts society, and although we already have solid ways of assessing academic impact, societal impact analyses could be improved.

"Altmetric has been counting mentions from multiple sources but it has been hard to explain how the research conversation proliferated, what were the main triggers and what real impact happened, especially at scale. Our dream at Altmetric has always been to provide a clean narrative for this.

"The new Altmetric Attention Digest leverages artificial intelligence to cut through data complexity, offering instant, comprehensive insights that empower users to understand the impact of research at a glance, gain strategic insights and make smarter decisions. It gets us much closer to that dream."

See more about Altmetric Attention Digest.

About Altmetric

Altmetric is a leading provider of alternative research metrics, helping everyone involved in research gauge the impact of their work. We serve diverse markets including universities, institutions, government, publishers, corporations, and those who fund research. Our powerful technology searches thousands of online sources, revealing where research is being shared and discussed. Teams can use our powerful Altmetric Explorer application to interrogate the data themselves, embed our dynamic 'badges' into their webpages, or get expert insights from Altmetric's consultants. Altmetric is part of the Digital Science group, dedicated to making the research experience simpler and more productive by applying pioneering technology solutions. Find out more at altmetric.com and follow @altmetric on X and @altmetric.com on Bluesky.

About Digital Science

Digital Science is an AI-focused technology company providing innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by researchers, universities, governments, funders, industry, and publishers. We work in partnership to advance global research for the benefit of society. Through our brands - Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, metaphacts, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic, and Writefull - we believe when we solve problems together, we drive progress for all. Visit digital-science.com and follow Digital Science on Bluesky, on X or on LinkedIn.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290042

Source: Digital Science
Lone Star Funds ("Lone Star") today announced that an affiliate of Lone Star Fund XII, L.P. has completed the acquisition of Alliance Ground International ("AGI"), a leading North American airport services provider.

"We are excited to partner with the AGI management team to drive the business forward," said Donald Quintin, Chief Executive Officer of Lone Star. "The company has a superior service offering and a track record of success across its integrated operations. We see opportunities to continue to invest in the business and its people to continue to grow its capabilities and ensure it remains best-in-class in delivering for the aviation industry."

"Today marks an important next step for AGI as we move forward in partnership with Lone Star," said Jared Azcuy, Chief Executive Officer of AGI. "Our commitment to safety, reliability, and operational service excellence remains unchanged. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver for our airline partners and reinforces that the platform we've built is not only proven, but positioned to lead the next phase of growth in our industry."

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Miami, AGI operates in over 60 airports in North America with a workforce of more than 12,000 professionals. Lone Star and AGI announced the transaction in January 2026.

About Alliance Ground International

Alliance Ground International is one of the fastest-growing U.S.-owned aviation handling companies in North America, providing cargo, ground, mail handling, security, and hospitality services. Headquartered in Miami, AGI employs more than 12,000 team members and operates at over 60 airports in the United States and Canada.

About Lone Star

Lone Star is a leading investment firm with its principal office in London, UK advising funds that invest globally in private equity, credit and real estate. The firm has been successfully navigating complex situations for over 30 years. The funds are experienced value investors that seek opportunities in situations that are in flux or complicated by specific structural or financial factors, regardless of the prevailing market environment. Our deep bench of senior leaders and expert deal professionals ensures a strong foundation for successful investments and strategic decision-making. Since the establishment of its first fund in 1995, Lone Star has organized 26 private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments totaling approximately $96 billion. For more information regarding Lone Star Funds, go to www.lonestarfunds.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326616149/en/

Contacts:

mediarelations@lonestarfunds.com
The Phase 1 study of RLS-1496, the first human trial of a GPX4 (selective glutathione peroxidase 4) modulator, met its primary endpoint and also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between target engagement and clinical improvement in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

RLS-1496 is a first-in-class disease-modifying mechanism targeting pathological senescent cells that drive inflammaging and chronic degenerative diseases of aging

A second study for RLS-1496 a Phase 1b/2a study in actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions) is underway in the United States, with completion expected later this year

Rubedo CEO Frederick Beddingfield, III, MD, PhD, FAAD, to moderate panel on senescence and skin at the Dermatology Innovation Forum (DIF) during the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting on Thursday, March 26, at 1:05 pm MT in Denver

Oral presentation of data accepted at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) from May 13-16, 2026, in Chicago

Rubedo Life Sciences, Inc. (Rubedo), an AI-driven, clinical-stage biotech focused on discovering and rapidly developing selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells, today announced preliminary results from a single-center, ascending-dose, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial in patients with plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin aging (photo-aged skin). The recently completed Phase 1 clinical trial, conducted in the European Union, was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, clinical effects, plasma bioavailability, and pharmacodynamics of topical RLS-1496-the first-ever GPX4 (selective glutathione peroxidase 4) modulator to be studied in human trials, and the first specifically targeting cellular rejuvenation, an area of great interest to the scientific community as a new therapeutic pathway. The study met its primary endpoint, with RLS-1496 also demonstrating early signs of efficacy.

Preliminary Trial Results

RLS-1496 was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events (AEs) and no discontinuations due to AEs or tolerability issues during the 4-week study

In psoriasis patients: Clear dose-response seen during the trial (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%); all doses were well-tolerated so only 1.0% dose will be evaluated moving forward Dose-related target engagement of RLS-1496 and GPX4 Overall reduction in senescent cells seen with RLS-1496 in the mid- and high-dose cohorts Some subjects treated with RLS-1496 had a reduction of senescent cells, which was associated with a reduction of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-19 and S100A7; this reduction was not seen in the vehicle cohort An average 20% reduction in epidermal thickness was observed on histology in subjects treated with RLS-1496 for one month A statistically significant relationship was seen between target engagement and improvement in clinical psoriasis severity

In atopic dermatitis patients: Even higher levels of target engagement and substantial clinical improvement were seen in atopic dermatitis subjects on RLS-1496 After one month of treatment, 25% of subjects on RLS-1496 had a >/=4-point change in pruritus (or itching) on the numeric rating scale (NRS); no vehicle subjects had a 4-point or more change on the NRS

Early photo-aging data show: Dose-dependent target engagement in non-lesional photo-aged skin Histology, proteomics, and spatial transcriptomics indicate that collagen gene and protein expression increase with treatments over time, in particular, spatial transcriptomics shows an effect in dermal fibroblasts Spatial transcriptomics show indication that SASPs and inflammatory biomarkers decrease with treatments over time in keratinocytes



"We're pleased by the positive safety and tolerability seen in the trial, with the additional preliminary results exceeding our expectations by showing very promising and clinically meaningful results across multiple measures including histologic, cellular, biomarker, and clinical evaluations in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and photo-aged skin," said Rubedo CEO Frederick Beddingfield, III, MD, PhD, FAAD. "It's uncommon to see clinical effect in a Phase 1 dermatology study given the shorter study duration and smaller sample size, and we are excited by the potential of this treatment with the clinical and biomarker changes we have observed already."

Dr. Beddingfield will preview these results during a panel he will moderate on senescence and skin at the Dermatology Innovation Forum (DIF) during the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting on Thursday, March 26, at 1:05 pm MT in Denver. Additional results from this trial will be presented during an oral presentation at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) from May 13-16, 2026, in Chicago.

A second study for RLS-1496 a Phase 1b/2a study in actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions) is underway in the United States with completion expected later this year. In both trials, all subjects have their photo-aged skin treated with RLS-1496 in addition to their lesional skin relating to their medical condition. From these trials, Rubedo expects to obtain a large dataset on the treatment of aging skin from approximately 70 subjects.

Rubedo Chief Scientific Officer and Founder Marco Quarta, PhD, said, "This is one of the first comprehensively evaluated trials of a senotherapeutic drug that targets aging pathologic cells and regenerates healthy cells, and also the first human trial of a GPX4 modulator. These preliminary results show the drug working mechanistically as expected and even better than should be expected clinically in a 4-week trial. We are excited for the upcoming comprehensive results from this trial, as well as the results of the ongoing trial in actinic keratosis."

About RLS-1496 and GPX4 Modulation

Rubedo's lead candidate RLS-1496, being developed for topical and oral administration, is a potential first-in-class, disease-modifying GPX4 modulator selectively targeting pathologic senescent or "aged" cells that drive chronic degenerative diseases and conditions associated with biological aging processes. These include immunology and inflammation (I&I), dermatology and skin aging, metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes, liver fibrosis), sarcopenia, and neurodegenerative disease.

In certain pathologic cells, aging is associated with an imbalance in GPX4. Modulation of GPX4 sensitizes cells to ferroptosis, which is a type of programmed cell death and is believed to be an Achilles heel of senescent cells. By modulating GPX4 in ferroptosis-sensitive senescent "aged" cells, RLS-1496 may be able to clear these cells to not only fight disease, but also support healthy cells to function properly and restore tissue homeostasis. Beyond its targeted senolytic function in triggering selective ferroptosis within pathological senescent cells, RLS-1496 could also act as a restorative modulator that induces a vital 'redox-reset' in stressed neighboring cells, effectively clearing the source of chronic inflammation while actively re-establishing healthy tissue homeostasis.

RLS-1496 uses Rubedo's proprietary, AI-driven drug discovery platform ALEMBIC, which identifies targets within pathologic senescent cells and develops selective cellular rejuvenation medicines for these targets.

About Rubedo Life Sciences

Rubedo Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing a broad portfolio of innovative selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells that drive chronic age-related diseases. Our proprietary AI-driven ALEMBIC drug discovery platform is developing novel first-in-class small molecules to selectively target pathologic and senescent cells, which play a key role in the progression of pulmonary, dermatological, oncological, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and other chronic disorders. Our lead drug candidate RLS-1496, a potential first-in-class disease-modifying GPX4 modulator is currently in Phase I clinical trials. The Rubedo leadership team is composed of industry leaders and early pioneers in chemistry, AI technology, longevity science, and life sciences, with expertise in drug development and commercialization from both large pharmaceutical and leading biotechnology companies. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, USA, and has offices in Milan, Italy. For additional information, visit www.rubedolife.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326810310/en/

Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Rubedo Chief Business Officer Ali Siam

alisiam@rubedolife.com

781-974-9559

Media Contact:

Peter Collins

p.collins@togorun.com

908-499-1200
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, announces the upcoming opening of two new stores.

Store #34 - Puebla Centro

Store #34 is a 7,987 square feet location in Puebla's historic center, a high-traffic commercial and tourist district. As our second store in the state, it strengthens our local presence. Planned opening on Tuesday, March 31.

Store #35 - Parque Tepeyac

Store #35 is located northeast of Mexico City in a high-density residential and commercial area. The 3,640 square feet store is located within Parque Tepeyac, a destination with more than 100 commercial establishments. Planned opening on Saturday, April 4.

"The openings of stores #34, and #35 mark an important step in our expansion and further increase accessibility for Mexican consumers who want to shop at our stores," said Rahim Bhaloo, Founder, CEO & Chairman of PesoRama. "We have identified a robust pipeline of high density traffic areas where there is an opportunity to open additional stores to drive continued growth and success."





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5801/290049_1e79b00c94bbbbd0_002full.jpg

Join Our Live Stream on Instagram!

A live stream of the ribbon cutting and new store opening celebration of store 34 will be held on JOi's Instagram page on Saturday, April 4 at 3:00 PM CDMX / 5:00 PM EST. Join us in celebrating and follow along on Instagram: @joi.dollar.plus

About PesoRama Inc.

PesoRama, operating under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 33 stores (soon to be 35) offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the following categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more. For more information visit: http://pesorama.ca.

Cautionary Note

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290049

Source: PesoRama Inc.
London-based hire signals continued global expansion and dedication to empowering agencies to combine human control with AI-driven innovation

Xnurta, the award-winning agentic AI-powered advertising platform in retail media, today announced that Luis Pedro Martinez has joined the company as Managing Director, Europe, based in London.

Martinez brings more than 15 years of experience across technology, retail media, and agency leadership, most recently serving as a VP at WPP Media UK. His appointment marks a significant step in Xnurta's international expansion and deepens its engagement with global brands and agency partners navigating the shift toward AI-driven advertising.

"At Xnurta, we're focused on building the future of retail media through AI," said Kashif Zafar, CEO of Xnurta. "Luis brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and hands-on experience scaling commerce within global agencies. As brands and agencies look to move faster and operate more intelligently, his leadership will be instrumental in helping them unlock the full potential of AI-driven advertising."

Martinez began his career in digital advertising roles at Microsoft and Amazon, where he spent over a decade working at the intersection of data, infrastructure, and retail media during his formative years. He later joined Jellyfish, helping scale the agency's Amazon practice into one of the largest in Europe, managing over $100 million in media. That model ultimately became a foundation for commerce capabilities within WPP.

At WPP, Martinez played a key role in advancing commerce media strategy during a period of transformation. He grew his team from 20 to 65 people, consolidating all commerce staff under one practice.

"Commerce media is entering a new phase where AI is not just optimizing campaigns, but driving decision-making," said Martinez. "Xnurta is built natively for that future. It brings together measurement, intelligence, and automation in a way that reflects where the market is going."

Based in London, Martinez will lead Xnurta's European operations, focusing on expanding partnerships with brands and agencies, supporting omnichannel commerce strategies, and accelerating adoption of AI-powered advertising solutions across the region.

About Xnurta

Xnurta is the leading agentic AI-powered ad management platform for brands, sellers and agencies. Its AI Copilot powers over 2M bidding decisions per day on Amazon and Walmart, while its AMC Hub empowers brands to better understand their data with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, no-code pre-built models, and custom audience creation. Xnurta is the only Amazon Advertising technology partner platform to win the Amazon Technology Innovation Award two years in a row. Thousands of brands and agencies trust Xnurta to power their eCommerce advertising including Lenovo, Govee, Orolay, Greenworks, Jackery, Anker, and more.

For more information, visit: http://www.xnurta.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326863187/en/

Contacts:

Nathan Ramsey

nathan@chimneyrockadvisors.com

(434) 202-3076
HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Development Highlights- During the Year, the Group had 4 innovative products approved for marketing by the NMPA, namely, Saitanxin(R) (Culmerciclib Capsules), Hernexeos(R) (Zongertinib Tablets), Putanning(R) (Meloxicam Injection (II)) and Anqixin(R) (Recombinant Human Coagulation Factor VIIa N01 for Injection).- In 2025, the Group's sales of innovative products reached RMB 15.22 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.2%. In addition, the Group has established multiple R&D centers in Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, Guangzhou, and other cities, and has successfully built diversified innovative technology platforms covering small molecules, protein degraders, siRNA, monoclonal/bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), inhalable formulations, transdermal patches and other fields.- As at 31 December 2025, the Group had a total of 39 innovative oncology drug candidates, 10 innovative liver/cardiometabolic drug candidates, 14 innovative respiratory/autoimmune drug candidates, and 6 innovative surgery/analgesia drug candidates in the process of clinical trial application or above. Of these, 1 innovative oncology drug candidate and 2 innovative surgery/analgesia drug candidates are in the marketing application stage; and 13 innovative oncology drug candidates, 1 innovative liver/cardiometabolic drug candidate, 5 innovative respiratory/autoimmune drug candidates, and 1 innovative surgery/analgesia drug candidate are in Phase III clinical trials. Also, 9 innovative oncology drug candidates, 6 liver/cardiometabolic drug candidates, 5 innovative respiratory/autoimmune drug candidates, and 2 innovative surgery/analgesia drug candidates are in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, the Group had a total of 16 innovative oncology drug candidates, 3 innovative liver/cardiometabolic drug candidates, 4 innovative respiratory/autoimmune drug candidates, and 1 innovative surgery/analgesia drug candidate in Phase I clinical trials.- Focus V(R) (Anlotinib Hydrochloride Capsules) is a novel small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been approved for 10 indications. It has several new indications currently in Phase III clinical studies, including first-line non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer and first-line pancreatic cancer, with plans to gradually submit marketing applications within the next two years.- From 2023 to 2025, the Group obtained marketing approval for 7 national category 1 innovative oncology drugs, namely, Saitanxin(R) (Culmerciclib capsule), Hernexeos(R) (Zongertinib table), Yilishu(R) (Efbemalenograstim alfa Injection), Andewei(R) (Benmelstobart Injection), Anboni(R) (Unecritinib Fumarate Capsules), Anluoqing(R) (Envonalkib Citrate Capsules), and Anfangning(R) (Garsorasib Tablets). It also obtained marketing approval for 4 oncology biosimilars, including Anbeisi(R) (Bevacizumab Injection), Delituo(R) (Rituximab Injection), Saituo(R) (Trastuzumab for Injection), and Paletan(R) (Pertuzumab Injection). The sales volume of these products accelerated rapidly in 2025, and they have become important contributors to the Group's revenue growth.- Tianqing Ganmei(R) (Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate Injection) is the fourth-generation of glycyrrhizic acid preparation that has been approved for 3 indications. During the Year, the Group made efforts to strengthen academic promotion, expanding doctor coverage and gaining recognition from experts through academic conferences at all levels, while vigorously exploring new patients to expand into new markets, and actively promoting retrospective research to provide more academic evidence for its clinical use.- TQC3721 (PDE3/4 inhibitor) is a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials in China for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Group is developing a variety of dosage forms of TQC3721: a suspension for inhalation is in Phase III clinical trials, and an inhaled dry powder formulation is in Phase II clinical trials. The different dosage forms are expected to further enhance patient compliance.- Zepolas(R)/Debaian(R) (Flurbiprofen Cataplasms) is the first domestically produced cataplasms approved for marketing in China, ranking first in the market share of topical analgesia for many years. The Group focuses on the development of highpotential regions, further expanding its market coverage and gradually increasing its production capacity to meet the booming market demand, driving the sustained rapid sales growth of Zepolas/Debaian. The second-generation flurbiprofen patch developed by the Group is expected to be approved for marketing within one year. With formulation enhancements, the second-generation product can significantly improve the transdermal absorption of the drug and enhance the adhesiveness of the plaster, thereby improving patient compliance.Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited ('Sino Biopharmaceutical' or the 'Company', together with its subsidiaries, the 'Group') (HKEX stock code:1177), a leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the 'Year').During the Year, the Group's revenue increased by approximately 10.3% to approximately RMB31.83 billion. Profit attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations (as reported) was approximately RMB2.34 billion, a year-on-year increase of approximately 22.0%. Basic earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent from the continuing operations were approximately RMB13.02 cents, an increase of approximately 24.0% over last year. Underlying profit attributable to owners of the parent totaled approximately RMB4.54 billion, a year-on-year increase of approximately 31.4%. The Group's liquidity remained strong, with cash and bank balances classified as current assets of approximately RMB12.18 billion, bank deposits classified as non-current assets of approximately RMB10.25 billion, wealth management products of approximately RMB10.56 billion in total, and total fund reserves of approximately RMB32.99 billion for the Year.The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend payment of HK5 cents per share (2024: HK4 cents). Together with an interim dividend of HK5 cents already paid, the total dividend for the year amounts to HK10 cents (2024: HK7 cents).Sales: Innovation-driven growth fuels sustained sales momentumDuring the Year, the Group consistently increased investments to enhance R&D quality and efficiency, which led to a marked strengthening of R&D capabilities, driving sustained sales revenue growth and delivering substantial results. Sales of innovative products increased by 26.2% year-on-year to approximately RMB15.22 billion, accounting for approximately 47.8% of the Group's revenue. If the sales is categorized-by therapy field, sales of oncology drugs increased by 22.8% year-on-year to approximately RMB13.18 billion, accounting for approximately 41.4% of the Group's revenue. Sales of surgical/analgesic medications increased by 12.8% year-on-year to approximately RMB5.03 billion, accounting for approximately 15.8% of the Group's revenue.In the field of oncology, the Group has a comprehensive layout in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), covering the full-line treatment of multiple subtypes. Focus V(R) (Anlotinib Hydrochloride Capsules) has been approved for 10 indications, and several new indications are currently in the marketing application or Phase III clinical trial stage. Its combination therapy has demonstrated superior efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. From 2023 to 2025, the Group obtained approval for and launched a total of 7 national category 1 innovative oncology drugs and 4 oncology biosimilars. The sales volume of these products accelerated rapidly in 2025, and they have become important contributors to the Group's revenue growth.In the field of surgery/analgesia, Zepolas(R)/Debaian(R) (Flurbiprofen Cataplasms) have ranked first in market share of topical analgesia for many years. The second-generation flurbiprofen patch is anticipated to receive marketing approval within the year and is expected to strengthen its market leadership through this dosage form upgrade. Meanwhile, Putanning(R) (Meloxicam Injection (II)), China's first once-daily long-acting analgesic NSAIDs injection, was approved for marketing by the NMPA and the FDA in May 2025 and has been included in the NRDL in 2025. It is expected to become another blockbuster product for the Group in pain management area.R&D: Technology-driven advancements significantly enhance R&D quality and efficiency'R&D innovation has always been the key driving force of the Group. The Group has established multiple R&D centers in places including Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and has successfully built diversified innovative technology platforms covering such fields as small molecules, protein degraders, siRNA, monoclonal/bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), inhalation formulations, and transdermal patches. For the year ended 31 December 2025, the Group's total R&D investment amounted to approximately RMB 6.32 billion, accounting for approximately 19.8% of Group revenue.The Group also attaches tremendous importance to the protection of intellectual property rights and actively files patent applications to enhance its core competitiveness. During the Year, the Group filed 1,167 new patent applications and received 273 patent grants. As at the end of the Year, the Group had accumulated 5,724 valid patent applications and obtained 2,120 valid patent grants.Prospects: Focusing on innovation and firmly promoting internationalization strategyLooking ahead, the Group will continue to focus on innovation and remain deeply committed to four core therapeutic areas - oncology, liver / cardiometabolic diseases, respiratory/autoimmune diseases, and surgery/analgesia. It will leverage AI to deeply empower the entire R&D process and continuously strengthen its R&D and innovation capabilities to drive steady business growth. Over the next three years (2026-2028), the Group's innovation pipeline is expected to experience another wave of explosive growth, with nearly 20 national category 1 innovative drugs expected to be approved for marketing, including multiple blockbuster products with first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) potential. It is expected that by the end of 2028, the total number of innovative products launched by the Group will be around 40, positioning them as the core driver of business growth.At the same time, the Group will firmly advance its internationalization strategy. In February 2026, the Group announced that it had granted Sanofi an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Rovadicitinib, with the right to receive payments of up to US$1.53 billion, plus tiered royalties of up to double digits based on annual net sales of Rovadicitinib. Going forward, out-licensing will become another important source of revenue for the Group, continuously injecting strong, new momentum into its performance growth and formally launching a second growth curve supported by revenue from internationalization. In addition, the Group remains committed to adhering to the "win-win cooperation" philosophy and is dedicated to building an open and diverse innovation ecosystem. Through in-depth cooperation with the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and scientific research institutions, the Group is accelerating the aggregation of high-quality global resources, promoting the co-creation and sharing of innovative outcomes, and continuously strengthening its market leadership. Through the integration of high-quality resources such as LaNova Medicines and Hygieia, the Group has significantly strengthened its R&D capabilities in cutting-edge fields, including tumor immunology and siRNA.Looking ahead, the Group will continue to drive innovation through its dual engines of internal R&D and strategic cooperation, accelerate its development through internationalization, and make steady progress towards its strategic goal of becoming a world-class innovative pharmaceutical company.For detailed information on the Group's results for the Year, please refer to the official announcements uploaded by the Group to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website and its official website.About Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited (HKEX:1177)Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading, innovative R&D-driven pharmaceutical group in China. Its business covers the entire industrial chain, including R&D platforms, intelligent manufacturing, and a robust sales system. Its products encompass a wide range of biologics and chemical drugs, with a strong presence in four core therapeutic areas: oncology, liver/cardiometabolic diseases, respiratory/autoimmune diseases, and surgery/analgesia. The company was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2000, was included as a constituent of the MSCI China Index in 2013, became a constituent of the Hang Seng Index in 2018, and was added to the Hang Seng Stock Connect Biotech 50 Index and the Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 25 Index in 2020. The company has been named among the "Top 50 Global Pharmaceutical Companies" by the authoritative U.S. magazine Pharm Exec for seven consecutive years, and has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Best Companies in Asia" by Forbes Asia for three consecutive years.For more information, please visit: www.sbpgroup.comSource: Sino Biopharmaceutical LimitedCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
 45% of C-level executives plan to establish a U.S. legal entity within the next 12 months; a further 27% say they will consider entry within two to three years

 65% cite supply chain or manufacturing efficiency as the primary driver for U.S. expansion

 88% identify federal and state tax reporting as the most burdensome area of U.S. compliance

Nearly half (45%) of global C-suite leaders plan to establish a legal entity in the United States within the next 12 months, highlighting continued demand for access to the U.S. market. This finding from the latest research by CSC-the leading provider of global business administration and compliance solutions-demonstrates the U.S. continues to attract investment from around the world, even as companies face an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

CSC surveyed 300 C-level executives at large organizations headquartered in Europe, the U.K., Asia Pacific, and South America to examine global sentiment toward U.S. market entry, including expansion plans, strategic drivers, and regulatory challenges.1 CSC's report Navigating U.S. Market Entry: Insights, Risks, and Opportunities for Global Businesses details the results.

The research highlights strong forward momentum toward U.S. expansion. In addition to the 45% planning to establish an entity within the next 12 months, a further 27% say they will consider entry over the next two to three years.

Operational and strategic benefits are the dominant drivers for expansion. Almost two-thirds of the executives (65%) cite supply chain or manufacturing efficiency as the main motivation for establishing a U.S. presence. Strategic positioning-including partnerships and mergers and acquisitions opportunities-is cited by 56% of respondents, while 56% also highlight access to capital markets as a key motivator.

"We're seeing a clear trend of U.K., European, and Asia-Pacific multinationals incorporating a U.S. entity to reach the approximately 340 million consumers or investors in the U.S.," said Myrna Reijnders, market leader, Americas at CSC. "It's a significant movement across sectors-from retail, real estate, insurance, healthcare, and biotech to energy, AI, and technology, including critical infrastructure, such as data centers."

Despite strong enthusiasm, companies acknowledge entering the U.S. market is far from straightforward. Almost nine-in-10 (88%) respondents view federal and state tax reporting as the most burdensome compliance requirement, followed closely by employment and labor regulations (80%).

Many companies underestimate the realities of operating in the U.S. Half (50%) of companies with some degree of U.S. presence say they were surprised by the complexity of tax and financial reporting requirements once operations were underway.

As a result, they increasingly see outsourcing as a practical strategy for managing compliance and operational risk. A significant 79% of executives indicate they will likely outsource U.S. compliance or governance functions to a specialist provider, with 62% stating this is "very likely."

"Companies assume doing business in the U.S. means you're working in one jurisdiction. But rules and requirements can vary at the federal, state, and local levels," added Jenn Kenton, chief commercial officer at CSC. "That's where the challenge lies. Successfully setting up and maintaining a U.S. business means navigating those differences. It's also where CSC has supported companies for over 125 years. Our goal is to ensure companies are set up to operate and remain compliant in the U.S. and beyond."

CSC has been helping organizations incorporate, operate, and maintain compliance in the United States since 1899. Today, the company provides U.S. governance and compliance services, including registered agent representation in all 50 states, entity formation and management, annual report filing, business license management, and compliance monitoring to help organizations maintain good standing.

To download a copy of CSC's Navigating U.S. Market Entry: Insights, Risks, and Opportunities for Global Businesses, visit cscglobal.com/service/campaigns/us-market-entry-report/

1CSC, in partnership with PureProfile, surveyed 300 C-level executives at large organizations headquartered in Europe, the U.K., Asia Pacific, and South America to understand their strategies, priorities, and challenges when expanding into the United States.

About CSC

CSC is the leading provider of business administration and compliance solutions, offering industry-leading expertise and unmatched global reach to alternative fund managers and capital markets participants. Leveraging deep institutional experience and a tailored approach, CSC delivers a comprehensive suite of fund administration, trust, agency, and compliance services to support a wide range of private and public market transactions, complex fund strategies, and scalable operations.

As the trusted partner of choice for more than 75% of the PEI 300 and 90% of the Fortune 500, CSC helps clients navigate operational and transactional complexities across more than 140 jurisdictions and various asset classes. With extensive worldwide capabilities, our expert teams provide solutions tailored to each client's needs. Privately held and professionally managed since 1899, we combine global reach, local expertise, and innovative solutions to help our clients succeed.

We are the business behind business. Learn more at cscglobal.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326233249/en/

Contacts:

For more information:

CDR Consultancy

Amber Liu/Hassan Ali

csc@cdrconsultancy.com



CSC

Katie Scott-Kurti

Head of Brand Communications Marketing

katie.scottkurti@cscglobal.com

CSCNewsroom
Amsterdam Partners LLP, the international law firm acting for Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the of the newly formed Strong Armenia party, have today appealed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to intervene to ensure that elections set for June this year are not invalidated by heavy-handed official interference.

The letter was sent in response to Brussels' announcement that it would deploy a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to monitor the vote.

Failure to ensure that the Response Team benefits all parties, rather than the ruling party, would "risk the country's long-awaited European integration, including its bid to join the European Union", Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam Partners LLP, has warned. He added that "the civil rights clampdown is brutal, targeting anyone who dares criticise the Pashinyan administration, including opposition mayors, religious leaders and anyone supporting them, namely Mr. Karapetyan. Indeed, the government itself may be the single greatest threat to a free and fair election".

In a letter to Ms. Kallas, Amsterdam highlights "serious and well documented concerns" and urges her to meet Mr Karapetyan as part of moves to ensure the poll is free and fair.

The legal intervention is backed by the International Observatory of Democracy of Armenia, which cites a series of authoritarian moves by Yerevan, suggesting that he intends to win at all costs.

Notably, the group has noted that "a deteriorating environment for political and civil rights in Armenia raises serious concerns" regarding the conditions necessary for a fair and free election.

The Observatory further identified patterns, including politically motivated detentions, interference with judicial independence, misuse of speech-related criminal provisions and the use of state institutions against perceived political opponents by the Armenian Government. It stated that "it is hard for Armenian authorities to insist that the election will be fair and free when the leading opposition leader remains under house arrest."

Mr. Karapetyan, seen as the leading opposition figure, is currently subject to restrictive measures during the pre-election period. He leads in polls across many areas of Armenia, including the nation's capital.

This comes as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has spent months publicly denigrating and attacking Catholicos Karekin II, Head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest in the world. The Armenian state, which was the first ever to convert to Christianity, in 301 AD, has been rounding up clergy and the Church's high-profile supporters, as well as confiscating assets. Many of Armenia's bishops have been arrested by the authorities.

The Prime Minister has also said that he intends to seize control of Armenia's largest religious organisation, something that would violate Article 17 of the Constitution of Armenia.

In a statement, he confirmed that his government will take over the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church and replace it with a "real, pure, and state-centred Church" that would not be allowed to oppose the state interest.

Civil rights groups have denounced this latest instance of democratic backsliding in the region, decrying in particular the incumbent administration's instrumentalisation of law enforcement and the judiciary for narrow short-term political interests.

Amsterdam Partners LLP is an international law firm based in London and Washington, DC, specialising in political advocacy and human rights. For more information, please visit www.amsterdamandpartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326849307/en/

Contacts:

Media enquiries may be directed tocontact@amsterdamandpartners.com
PEMBROKE, Bermuda, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or "AXIS" or the "Company") (NYSE: AXS) today announced that Matthew Kirk has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at AXIS, effective March 31, 2026, completing a planned leadership transition, which was first announced on August 14, 2025. Mr. Kirk reports directly to AXIS President and CEO Vince Tizzio, serves on the Company's Executive Committee, and is based in New York.

"We are proud and excited to appoint Matt as our CFO, and grateful to him and Pete for their partnership in leading a seamless transition process," said Mr. Tizzio. "In his four months serving as a strategic advisor, Matt has already demonstrated tremendous value to our organization. He brings deep financial leadership experience on a global scale, a strong understanding of the Property & Casualty insurance sector, and a management style that aligns with our values. As we enter the next chapter in our specialty leadership journey, we are privileged to have Matt as part of our executive leadership."

Mr. Tizzio added: "We express gratitude to Pete for his 16 years of service to our Company. He has been instrumental in advancing our multi-year transformation and positioning the Company for sustained profitable growth. We are grateful for Pete's partnership during this transition period and for the strong foundation he leaves behind."

In light of the successful transition of the CFO duties, Mr. Vogt will be departing AXIS timed to Mr. Kirk's appointment and will no longer stay on as a strategic advisor through year-end as had been previously announced.

Mr. Kirk said, "I'm honored to formally step into the role of Chief Financial Officer at AXIS. AXIS has made significant progress in recent years in executing its specialty underwriting strategy and I look forward to building on that momentum alongside Vince, the leadership team, and AXIS colleagues globally."

About Matthew Kirk

Matthew Kirk was appointed Chief Financial Officer of AXIS Capital in March 2026. He previously served as special advisor to the CEO from October 31, 2025 until his appointment as CFO. Mr. Kirk joined AXIS from Enstar Group Limited, where he served as CFO overseeing the company's global finance functions. Prior to that, he was Group Treasurer at Enstar, responsible for treasury, capital management, and investor relations. Before joining Enstar, Mr. Kirk held senior leadership roles at Sirius International Insurance Group, including Group Treasurer and President and Managing Director of Sirius Investment Advisors. He began his career at Arthur Andersen as an Assurance and Business Advisory Manager. Mr. Kirk received his B.S. from the University of Delaware and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. The Company has shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion at December 31, 2025, and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore and Canada. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a financial strength rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.
DUBAI, UAE, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announces the launch of Boost Battle 2026 Series 3, a trading competition offering participants the opportunity to share in a total prize pool of 500,000 USDT.

The event introduces a multi-week trading competition designed to reward active participation through both leaderboard performance and task-based incentives.

Pre-registration runs from April 3, 2026, at 12 a.m. UTC through April 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC. Registration and the event period both begin on April 13, 2026, at 12 a.m. UTC and conclude on May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC. The competition is structured across four weekly rounds, each running from Monday at 12 a.m. UTC to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. UTC.

Each round features a leaderboard with a prize pool of up to 100,000 USDT. The top-ranked trader in each round may receive up to 8,000 USDT, depending on performance and eligibility requirements. Leaderboard rewards are distributed within 14 working days after the end of each round.

In addition to leaderboard incentives, participants can complete daily tasks to earn entries into a lucky draw, with each draw offering rewards of up to 0.0005 BTC. Lucky draw rewards are credited within three hours of winning, while task completion updates may take up to three days due to verification processes.

Participants earn points based on trading volume using Unified Trading Accounts. Trading designated boosted tokens applies multipliers to trading volume, allowing users to accumulate points more efficiently and improve their rankings. Rankings are updated daily based on the previous day's activity, though updates may be subject to delays.

Only trades and deposits made after registration are counted toward event performance. Eligibility is limited to users who have completed Identity Verification Level 1. Only Main Accounts are eligible, with Subaccount activity aggregated under the primary account. Institutional users, market makers and affiliates are excluded.

Key participation mechanics include:

Trading eligible non-zero-fee pairs via a Unified Trading Account

Monitoring boosted tokens for each round through the event page

Accumulating points through trading volume to climb the leaderboard

Completing daily tasks to earn additional reward opportunities

Boosted tokens may be adjusted during the event, and prize pools are unlocked based on cumulative boosted trading volume. Participants must meet minimum point thresholds within each round to qualify for rewards.

Participation is restricted in certain jurisdictions. The event is not available to users residing in the European Economic Area, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain, among others. Additional restrictions apply in accordance with Bybit's service policies.

Bybit / TheCryptoArk / IMakeIt

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

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2932256/Bybit_TNFP_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-launches-boost-battle-2026-series-3-with-500-000-usdt-prize-pool-302738580.html
Alta, Wyoming--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Cannell Capital LLC - Cannell Capital LLC ("CC") sends this letter to Rackspace and its shareholders.

"That quirky investment company which has managed private investment partnerships continually since the good summer of 1992 - brings forth to the public the letter by Mr. Gajen Kandiah, CEO of Rackspace Technology, Inc. in response to our "icebergs ahead" warning.

"The dance is over. The punchbowl has been removed.

"Between credit and equity, our money is with credit. Accordingly, we have sold the equity after a 321% run.

"Caveat emptor," said J. Carlo Cannell, Managing Member.

March 6, 2026

Board of Directors

Rackspace Technology, Inc. ("RXT")

1718 Dry Creek Way

San Antonio, TX 78259-1837

Accounts under the purview of Cannell Capital LLC ("CC") have acquired sundry debt securities of Rackspace Technology, Inc. We are delighted with 1) The general progress that RXT has made; 2) The specific and recent Palantir win; and 3) RXT's enviable position in the hybrid cloud managed services space.

We are not delighted with 1) The long slog we have endured to talk to management;1 2) The looming tsunami of debt; and 3) As far as we can see, apathy and / or ignorance toward said tsunami. Where is the plan to recapitalize the company? Is there a plan?

Accordingly, I or a colleague hereby register our interest in serving on the inevitable creditor committee. In March 2024, Abry Partners and Apollo Global Management LLC helped negotiate the $375 million debt reduction and $275 million new money. Today's situation is more dire, however. Most of RXT's debt of $3.3 billion goes current in 14 months. At best RXT can generate $300 million of free cash flow in the next two years. The market pegs your junior debt with a yield to maturity of 78% - a sobering but realistic mark in the event of a refinancing.

On February 18, 2026, 542,491,528 shares of RXT traded. The stock was up 468% in the 13 trading days that followed. The prudent thing would be to sell equity into this to ameliorate some of the debt. We believe that RXT has neither an at-the-market offering in place nor a plan to issue equity. (We do not know such definitively because while the company apparently speaks regularly to the few security analysts who follow it, it apparently does not speak to owners - or at least not to us.)

Best regards,

/x/

J. Carlo Cannell

Managing Member

Credit versus Equity: Credit Always Prevails

To quote Warren Buffett "References to EBITDA make us shudder - does management think the tooth fairy pays for capital expenditures?"2 In other words, EBITDA represents earnings "before all the bad stuff". Buffett seemed to warn us that any management that talks about EBITDA is either trying to deceive you or is deceiving themselves. Charlie Munger was less diplomatic. Of EBITDA he said "[N]ow they use it in the business schools. ...that is horror squared. [I]t's bad enough that a bunch of thieves start using a term. But when it gets so common that the business schools copy it, that's not a good result."

To wit, Rackspace Technology (RXT) for which Alpha Spread predicts a "meaningful chance of default" and the Altman Z-Score is (2.4). RXT's interest coverage ratio is (1.87), meaning it is not currently generating enough operating profit to cover its interest payments on its $3.2 billion in debt. Here are the facts ($ million, FY Dec):

Market Cap $409 Debt $3,198 EV $3,463 LTM Interest Expense $80 LTM FCF $69

Rackspace Technology is a managed service provider which helps businesses design, build, and operate their infrastructure across hybrid cloud environments. A former highflyer which led the charge for alternatives to legacy solutions for on-premises hosting, it has devolved to a baby Accenture with no growth and a GPM of 19.7% (LTM).

LTM FCF was $69 million. Let's say that it expands to $100 million in 2026. RXT has two years to address $3.2 billion of debt. The crunch is about to happen. The stock is technically devoid of value as I write.

In the last 30 days, the common was up 338% based upon a suspect announcement of an expansion of business with pre-existing customer Palantir. A month ago, the junior debt yielded 89%. You know what that means. A credit committee is probably in the bullpen.

In his 2000 letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett noted that many dot-com and telecom companies had massive EBITDA but even more massive interest expenses. When the interest expense exceeds the actual cash coming in, the "EBITDA" becomes a meaningless number on a path to bankruptcy.

Cannell Capital LLC

Alta, WY





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8612/289805_e838c7bc44b5bbed_002full.jpg

1 We have contacted RXT's Head of Investor Relations, Sagar Hebbar, 23 times since October 2025. On October 24, I offered to come to San Antonio. We have enjoyed only two calls with Sagar however - one on November 11, 2025 and another on March 2, 2026. We have repeatedly been promised a call with RXT's officers, a call that has never happened.

2 https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2000ar/2000letter.html

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289805

Source: Cannell Capital LLC
Issy-les-Moulineaux, March 26, 2026

On March 24, 2026, Sodexo hosted the international Grand Finale of Cook for Change!, its sustainable chef challenge, in London, bringing together clients and partners. For this fourth edition, Sodexo awarded the talent, creativity, and commitment of its chefs in promoting food that is delicious, healthy, and sustainable.

An international finale showcasing culinary creativity and commitment

After several months of competition involving more than 500 chefs, nine finalists from eight countries competed in a final cook-off before an outstanding jury of renowned chefs and industry experts, including:

Frederic Anton - Meilleur Ouvrier de France and multi-starred Chef (Pre Catelan - 3 Michelin stars, Jules Verne - 2 Michelin stars, Don Juan II - 1 Michelin star)

- Meilleur Ouvrier de France and multi-starred Chef (Pre Catelan - 3 Michelin stars, Jules Verne - 2 Michelin stars, Don Juan II - 1 Michelin star) Anna Haugh - TV presenter and Executive Head Chef/owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London

- TV presenter and Executive Head Chef/owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London Lloyd Mann - Sodexo's Global Executive Chef

- Sodexo's Global Executive Chef Sinead McLaughlin - Regional Corporate Chef at Rational, partner of Sodexo

- Regional Corporate Chef at Rational, partner of Sodexo Jessie Sommarstrom - Executive Chef from Sodexo Sweden and Nobel Prize Banquet Chef

The finalists' challenge was to create a dish that was tasty, healthy and creative, while having a low environmental impact.

The 2026 award winners recognise excellence and impact

At the end of the competition, three prizes were awarded:

Chef of the Year 2026: Robert Janse (Netherlands) for his "Smoked Kohlrabi with Miso, White Bean Cream and Kombucha Beurre Blanc"

(Netherlands) for his "Smoked Kohlrabi with Miso, White Bean Cream and Kombucha Beurre Blanc" Culinary Innovation Award : Gordon Carberry (UK & Ireland) for his "Miso Roasted Parsnip with Textures of Parsnip, Wild Rice, Crispy Chickpeas and Aquafaba Mayonnaise" .

: (UK & Ireland) for his "Miso Roasted Parsnip with Textures of Parsnip, Wild Rice, Crispy Chickpeas and Aquafaba Mayonnaise" Impact at Scale Award: Randall Prudden (United-States) for his "Whole Pumpkin with Roasted Maitake Mushroom & Mole Negro".



An inspiring celebration

The awards ceremony also served as an opportunity to underscore the need to reconcile taste, culinary expertise and transformation of food systems, notably through remarks by Brent Loken.

Brent Loken, Global Food Lead Scientist at WWF:

"The science is clear: we must transform our food system to address climate, nature, and health challenges. Chefs, through their creativity and influence, play a major role in making healthy and sustainable food tasty, accessible, and desirable. Initiatives like Cook for Change! are essential to show that healthy and sustainable eating is possible."

A showcase of Sodexo's commitment in support of its clients

Beyond the competition itself, Cook for Change! demonstrates how Sodexo's culinary expertise creates value for its clients. Through food offers that are both tasty, healthy and sustainable, Sodexo meets growing consumer expectations while helping its clients achieve their performance and sustainability objectives.

Thierry Delaporte, Sodexo Group CEO:

"Cook for Change! is a powerful illustration of our ability to support clients in transforming their food offers. Thanks to the creativit and passion of our chefs around the world, we deliver practical solutions that bring together great taste, nutritional quality and a positive impact. I am proud to see our teams helping, every day, to make food a driver of sustainable performance."



Frederic Anton, President of the Cook for Change! jury:



"The standard of this year's competition was outstanding. The chefs created dishes that were accomplished, creative and full of personality. It is a real source of pride to see such a diversity of approaches."



The Grand Finale was streamed live on YouTube, allowing a wide audience to follow this international event celebrating culinary creativity. The replay is available here . For more information on the challenge, the finalists and their dishes, please consult the dedicated press kit.

About Sodexo

Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the leader in Food and Services, shaping better everyday experiences at every moment in life: work, heal, learn and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. With its services, Sodexo meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

Sodexo key figures

24.1 billion euros Fiscal 2025 consolidated revenues

426,000 employees (as at August 31, 2025)

#2 France-based private employer worldwide 43 countries (as at August 31, 2025)

80 million consumers served daily

6.5 billion euros in market capitalization (as at January 7, 2026)

Contacts

Media Domitille Lecasble +33 (0)6 28 74 66 79 domitille.lecasble@sodexo.com

Attachment
New press release marketing guide and downloadable checklist reveal the 10-step playbook for maximizing press release ROI across social media, email, video, SEO, and AI visibility channels

RALEIGH, NC / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Most businesses publish a press release and move on. According to PressRelease.com, a leading press release distribution service for small businesses and startups, that approach leaves the vast majority of a press release's value on the table. Today, PressRelease.com published a comprehensive press release amplification guide and free downloadable checklist designed to help businesses transform a single press release into weeks of marketing content across every channel available to them.

The guide outlines a 10-step amplification playbook that takes a press release from initial distribution through social media, blog content, video, email marketing, journalist outreach, thought leadership, and sales enablement - generating 15 to 25 or more individual content pieces from one announcement.

"Distribution is the starting line, not the finish line," said Jennifer Hammers, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PressRelease.com. "The businesses that get the most value from their press release investment are the ones that amplify their news across every channel. A press release isn't a single-use asset - it's the seed of an entire content strategy."

The Amplification Gap: Why Most Press Releases Underperform After Distribution

When a business publishes a press release through PressRelease.com, that news lands on major media outlets including Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, the Associated Press, and other high-authority press release distribution platforms. That press release distribution creates immediate visibility - but the audience reading those outlets is primarily journalists, investors, and industry professionals.

The actual customers, partners, and community members most businesses are trying to reach discover content through entirely different channels: social media feeds, company blogs, email inboxes, and YouTube. Without amplification, a press release reaches media outlets but often misses the audience that drives revenue.

The amplification guide also addresses the growing role of AI in content discovery. Research indicates that company-owned newsrooms account for a significant portion of AI citations, and YouTube has emerged as the second most-cited source by AI platforms. Businesses that repurpose press releases into blog posts, videos, and structured newsroom content create multiple pathways for AI tools to discover and cite their brand.

The 10-Step Amplification Playbook

The PressRelease.com amplification guide covers ten specific actions businesses should take after every press release distribution:

Share across all social media channels - with native posts tailored to each platform, not just a shared link. Rewrite as a blog post - adding context and personality that builds long-term SEO authority on the company's own domain. Create a short video summary - a 60-90 second video from a company spokesperson posted to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Email the announcement to existing audiences - reinforcing credibility when customers see the news from the company and on major outlets. Post to the company website newsroom - creating the permanent, structured content that AI tools cite most frequently. Design shareable graphics - pulling key quotes and statistics into branded visuals that drive social engagement. Pitch journalists directly - combining broad distribution with targeted outreach to turn coverage into earned media. Write a LinkedIn article or op-ed - positioning the company's leadership as thought leaders in their industry. Add "As Seen In" credentials to sales materials - leveraging outlet logos on websites, decks, and proposals to build third-party trust. Mine the release for ongoing content - scheduling individual data points, quotes, and insights as standalone social posts over the following 2-4 weeks.

Free Downloadable Amplification Checklist

Alongside the guide, PressRelease.com has published a free downloadable Press Release Amplification Checklist that organizes the complete press release marketing process into four phases: Day of Distribution (7 action items), First Week (8 items), Ongoing Amplification covering weeks two through four (6 items), and AI & SEO Optimization (4 items). Each item includes the recommended platform, timing, and expected impact on press release visibility and ROI. The press release amplification checklist is available for free download at PressRelease.com.

"We built PressRelease.com to make press release distribution simple and accessible for businesses of all sizes," Hammers added. "But press release distribution is only half the equation. The businesses that see the greatest return on their press release investment are the ones that treat their press release as a content engine - not a one-and-done announcement. This guide gives them the exact playbook to do that, whether they're a solo founder publishing their first press release or a growing marketing team managing quarterly announcements."

About PressRelease.com

PressRelease.com is a press release distribution service that gives businesses full control over where their news appears. Unlike traditional press release distribution companies that bundle outlets into fixed packages, PressRelease.com lets users choose exactly which media outlets publish their press release - from Yahoo Finance and Business Insider to the Associated Press and industry-specific publications. With transparent press release pricing, proof-of-placement links, and real human support, PressRelease.com is built for startups, small businesses, agencies, and growing brands that want targeted, high-impact press release distribution without complexity. Whether you need to distribute a single press release or build an ongoing PR strategy, PressRelease.com makes it simple. Visit PressRelease.com to learn more.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Hammers

EVP, Sales & Marketing

PressRelease.com

jenniferh@accessnewswire.com

800-713-7278

www.pressrelease.com

SOURCE: PressRelease.com

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/pressrelease.com-publishes-free-press-release-amplification-guide-1151628
While not reaching statistical significance, there was a slowing of disease progression relative to placebo, as measured by IBMFRS, in the overall patient population at the lower dose of ulviprubart, with a 50% slowing of disease progression relative to placebo across both doses in a pre-specified subgroup of patients with less severe disease

Ulviprubart demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile compared with placebo in the study

Study validates ulviprubart's mechanism of targeted depletion of cytotoxic T cells expressing KLRG1

Abcuro plans to meet with FDA to discuss next steps to advance ulviprubart in IBM

Abcuro, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company, today presented results at the 6th Global Conference on Myositis (GCOM) meeting, being held March 23-26, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal from the Phase 2/3 MUSCLE clinical study of ulviprubart (ABC008), an investigational monoclonal antibody in development for the treatment of patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM). IBM is a rare, debilitating and relentlessly progressive chronic autoimmune disease that currently has no approved treatment options.

"A trend towards slowing of disease progression in patients with less severe disease is encouraging based on the biological hypothesis of how KLRG1+ T cells destroy muscle fibers over time. This pattern is consistent with observations in other diseases, where therapeutic effects are more readily detected in earlier stages," said Namita Goyal, MD, Director of the Neuromuscular Center at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, and principal investigator of the MUSCLE study. "It also underscores ulviprubart's unique mechanism targeting highly differentiated cytotoxic T cells expressing KLRG1. IBM is a devastating, progressive disease with no approved treatment options that affects tens of thousands of patients around the world. The significant unmet need in IBM cannot be overstated, and patients, care partners, and healthcare providers are united in seeking a safe and effective treatment."

Key Highlights from Oral Presentation:

MUSCLE (NCT05721573) was a global Phase 2/3 clinical trial evaluating ulviprubart, dosed once every eight weeks (Q8W), in patients with IBM. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in IBM Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS) total score at Week 76 compared to placebo. Key secondary endpoints included Manual Muscle Test 12 (MMT-12), dynamometry measurements for hand grip (Grip Dynamometry) and quadricep strength (Quad Dynamometry) and Modified Timed Up and Go (mTUG).

272 patients were randomized to one of two dose cohorts, 0.5 mg/kg (n=94, Low Dose Cohort) and 2.0 mg/kg (n=92, High Dose Cohort), or placebo (n=86).

Across all patients, the primary endpoint of mean change from baseline in IBMFRS score at Week 76 demonstrated a trend for slower decline in the Low Dose Cohort with a decrease of 1.7 points in IBMFRS compared to a decrease of 2.4 in the placebo cohort (p=0.086), and a decrease of 2.1 in the High Dose Cohort (p=0.373).

In the pre-specified analysis of patients with a baseline IBMFRS score of =29, there was a trend in both dose cohorts suggesting slower decline in the IBMFRS score over 76 weeks compared to placebo. The mean change from baseline of IBMFRS at Week 76 was a decrease of 1.3 points for both doses, compared to placebo which decreased by 2.6 points (p=0.066 and p=0.075 for the Low Dose and High Dose groups, respectively). This reflects a 50% slowing of disease progression relative to placebo in this subpopulation with less severe disease, suggesting a greater potential of ulviprubart's disease modifying activity in patients with a baseline IBMFRS score of =29.

Ulviprubart was observed to have a favorable safety and tolerability profile across all patients. The most common adverse event was fall (52.2% and 55.3% in the Low Dose Cohort and High Dose Cohort, respectively, compared to 51.2% in the placebo cohort). Common treatment emergent adverse events (in =10% of patients) that occurred at least twice as often with ulviprubart versus placebo were chills, headache, pyrexia, and nasopharyngitis.

No patient dosed with ulviprubart experienced a treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) that led to discontinuation; overall, 2% of ulviprubart dosed patients discontinued the study early compared to 7% in the placebo group.

Nearly all patients who completed the MUSCLE study are currently being dosed in an ongoing open-label extension (OLE) study.

"We would like to thank all the participating patients and care partners, along with the clinical investigators and their staff for their support of the MUSCLE study," said H. Jeffrey Wilkins, Chief Medical Officer of Abcuro. "While the study did not achieve statistical significance, ulviprubart was generally well-tolerated and demonstrated a promising trend toward slowing of disease progression in less severe patients as assessed by IBMFRS. Based on the data, we believe ulviprubart has the potential to provide meaningful therapeutic benefit in such patients and we plan to meet with the FDA to discuss next steps for the advancement of ulviprubart in IBM."

About Ulviprubart

Ulviprubart is a first-in-class, potent, monoclonal antibody that targets pathogenic T cells that express killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) on their cell surface, referred to as KLRG1+ T cells. Ulviprubart is designed to selectively target and deplete well-differentiated cytotoxic KLRG1+ T cells where KLRG1 is highly expressed, while sparing other immune cells, which may offer improvements in safety and tolerability as compared to other T cell depleting approaches.

About Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)

IBM is a rare, debilitating and relentlessly progressive chronic autoimmune muscle disease with no approved pharmacologic treatments and a significant unmet need. It is mediated by highly differentiated T cells that are chronically or aberrantly overstimulated and can have detrimental long-term effects including destruction of healthy muscle tissue. People living with IBM progressively lose muscle function, including loss of grip, dexterity and mobility. Based on published epidemiology literature, the ICD-10 code for IBM and an estimate for those misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, we estimate there are approximately 40,000 patients diagnosed with IBM in the United States and we estimate the prevalence of IBM to be approximately 35,000 patients across major European countries and Japan.

About Abcuro

Abcuro is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing potentially first-in-class immunotherapies designed to benefit people living with debilitating and progressive rare autoimmune diseases and for other indications where certain cytotoxic T cells are pathogenic. We believe that by selectively targeting and depleting highly cytotoxic T cells, which are key drivers of chronic inflammation and damage, we can advance our mission to deliver potentially life-transforming, disease-modifying therapies to patients facing these devastating conditions. The company's lead program, ulviprubart, is currently being evaluated in a long-term open label study of inclusion body myositis (IBM) patients previously treated on another ulviprubart trial and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL). For more information, visit us on LinkedIn and at abcuro.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326988940/en/

Contacts:

Media

Matthew DeYoung

Media Relations

Argot Partners

abcuro@argotpartners.com



Investor Relations

IR@abcuro.com
HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Dynasty Fine Wines Group Limited ('Dynasty' or 'the Group') (Stock Code: 00828), a premier grape winemaker in China, today announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 ('the Year').In 2025, due to the impact of macroeconomy as well as weak demand in wine consumer market in the PRC, the Group's sales of medium to high-end products significantly declined, resulting in a 37% year-on-year decrease in revenue to HK$170.0 million. In addition, due to the decline in sales revenue and gross margin, as well as an increase in loss allowances for trade receivables owing to extended repayment from certain distributors, the profit attributable to owners of the Company decreased by 59% year-on-year to approximately HK$13.7 million, although such decrease in profit was already partly offset by a net gain on compensatory surrender recognised during the year. Earnings per share of the Company was HK0.97 cents per Share.With strengthened marketing effort for dry white in coastal region and the launch of new white wine and sparkling wine products, sales of white wine products served as the Group's primary revenue contributor. Sales of red and white wines products accounted for approximately 39% and 54% of the revenue respectively for the year (2024: approximately 41% and 56% respectively). The gross margin of red wine products and white wine products in 2025 were 25% and 35% respectively (2024: 36% and 41% respectively). The overall gross profit margin decreased to 31% in 2025 (2024: 39%), mainly due to change in product mix with more products with lower prices and margin in response to market dynamics and needs during the year.The Group has been actively pursuing innovation, embracing the '5+4+N' product strategy, with 'N' standing for developing various customised products and continuously creating new products to meet the diverse needs of different Chinese consumer groups. During the year, the Group launched a new gift set product, i.e. Dynasty Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Dry Red Wine for the Yi Si Year of Snake, integrating with the Chinese zodiac culture and the leading rise of Chinese-style fashionable products, by presenting the zodiac culture in a youthful visual language to attract potential consumers. In addition, based on its existing high-quality products, the Group continues to introduce new products and promote product upgrades. The Group participated in the 112th China Food & Drinks Fair in March 2025, introducing new products such as Tianyang Tea-flavoured wine series, Dynasty Baifu VSOP brandy, etc., to further improve its product matrix and provide consumers with diverse consumption choices. Breaking through from the constraints of traditional wine, this tea-flavoured wine series, with its core concept of 'tea and wine fusion,' has captured market attention with its unique craftsmanship. During the China Food & Drinks Fair, the Group also held wine-tasting events, where the new wines from Dynasty Ningxia Winery won industry praise for their unique flavor and exquisite craftsmanship. In the second half of the year, the Group also introduced new products 'Hi' tea-flavoured wine series in response to the market need, which are very suitable for ready-to-drink scenarios among young consumers.In addition to enriching the product matrix, the Group has been closely cooperating with distributors, pressing ahead with its marketing campaign, accelerating the innovation of consumption scenarios, and enhancing and strengthening the wine cultural experience. The Group held its national tour tasting and business events, new products launch ceremonies at various exhibitions and wine fairs, as well as promotion activities for the 20th anniversary of listing in Hong Kong, during which the Group actively promoted its latest product mix that covered all product lines.During the year, two joint venture companies approved by the Group were established in February 2025, for the manufacturing and sales of yellow wine and Chenpi wine and trading of sauce-flavour baijiu products nationwide in the PRC respectively. For the yellow wine project, installation and testing of production equipment of a manufacturing plant with a tank capacity of 3,000 tonnes of yellow wine and special yellow wine - Chenpi wine in Jiangsu is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Upon completion of the project, the Group will be able to produce special yellow wine - Dongtai Chenpi Wine which allows the Group to effectively expand product categories, seize development opportunities in the Chinese yellow wine industry. The project expansion aims to effectively implement Dynasty's strategic plan, further improving the industrial layout, expanding category tracks, tapping into industry potential, creating new performance growth points, and realising Dynasty Group's transformation into a full category, full industry-chain enterprise. For the sauce-flavour baijiu segment, Dynasty sauce-flavour baijiu products, namely 'Han', 'Tang', 'Song' and 'Ming' have been newly launched in the core-market in Tianjin and Shanghai and will be further strategically promoted to other regions in 2026. The sauce-flavour baijiu products satisfy the needs of customer groups with different spending habits and contributing to the Group's business. In the future, the continuous development and expansion of the sauce-flavour baijiu industry and the improvement of the level of customer groups will inevitably and effectively drive the increase in the sales scale of Dynasty wine and related products, thereby enhancing our industry influence and brand awareness.Regarding online sales, the e-commerce team of the Group comprehensively operates online stores itself on the traditional e-commerce platforms, such as JD.com, Tmall and Pinduoduo () for product sales, as well as comprehensive innovation on its brand, product categories, and business systems, procedures and models via interest-based e-commerce platforms, including Rednote, Kuai and TikTok. The Group continues investing resources in a timely manner for improvement of the online sales channels and optimisation of online stores interface so as to capture the change of customer consumption behaviour in the PRC. The Group jointly develops exclusive products with leading e-commerce platforms, and promote AI livestreaming models in various channels to increase brand exposure and livestreaming sales, adopts big data analysis to accurately understand consumer demand, and injects strong momentum into the continued expansion of market scale. To establish an online brand matrix, the Group selected and authorised new online distributors during the year. The Group believes that the online platforms not only serve as business-to-customer trading platforms between the Group and the consumers, but also additional marketing and promotion channels for the brand, which can enhance the overall business potential of the Group.During the year, the Group had boasted brilliant results in major wine appraisal competitions. Among the numerous awards, 'Dynasty Jin. Y Brandy XO barrel-aged 12 years' has won the Silver Award, at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition ('IWSC'). The competition is considered the international standard for wine and spirits quality. Dynasty Baifu VSOP Brandy, Golden Dynasty Marselan Dry Red Wine, as well as Tianyang Tea Wine series are also awarded at the '2024 Qingzhuo Awards' in respective categories by China Alcoholic Beverages Association. 'Dynasty Mengyuan White wine' has also won the Grand Gold Medal at the France International Wine Awards ('FIWA') China region, Spring 2025 for its excellent quality. In addition, 'Dynasty Inherit series ' Dry Red Wine' has garnered the Gold Award at the same competition. These wines stood out from other entries for their elegant aroma, smooth body and round taste, and won the awards at the competitions, showing the charm and strengths of Dynasty wines to the country and the world. Dynasty has won the Silver Medal in the Sparkling Wine/China category, the Silver Medal in the Dry Wine/China category, and the Bronze Medal in the Medium/China category for its Dynasty Tianyang Winery Jasmine Sparkling Wine, Dynasty Inherit Series - Dry Red Wine, and Dynasty Inherit Series - Semi Dry White Wine, respectively, at the 2025 Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia ('GWSAA') (formerly known as the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition ('HKIWSC')). This marks the 15th consecutive year that Dynasty products have won awards at the event, demonstrating industry-wide recognition of Dynasty's exceptional winemaking skill and quality. In addition, 'Dynasty Pinyue VSOP brandy' also won the Gold Medal in the brandy category of 2025 China Fine Wine Challenge.Mr. Wan Shoupeng, Chairman of Dynasty, concluded, 'Looking ahead to 2026, the Group will continue to focus on market and consumer demand, reinvent consumption scenarios and promote product quality. At the same time, the Group will continue to innovate marketing strategies to stimulate brand vitality, further expand the market share of Dynasty's products, strengthen Dynasty's brand image as a representative of domestic wines, and set a benchmark for the Chinese wine industry, with the aim of bringing Dynasty's superior wines to more consumers in the PRC. The Group will continue to uphold quality, seize the development trend of low-alcohol and younger consumer markets, and proactively develop new marketing prospects through innovation in products categories and consumption scenarios.'About Dynasty Fine Wines Group LimitedDynasty Fine Wines Group Limited was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 00828 on 26 January 2005. Founded in 1980, Dynasty is the premier grape winemaker in China. It is principally engaged in the production and sale of grape wine products under its reputable 'Dynasty' brand. Dynasty is the first Sino-foreign joint venture wine company in China with Tianjin Food Group Limited and the French grape wine giant, Remy Cointreau, as its current major shareholders. The Group produces and sells more than 100 grape wine product series, and introduces imported wine products, providing high-quality and value-for-money grape wines to the full range of consumer groups in China.For media enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations (China) LimitedMs. Anita Cheung Tel: 2864 4827Ms. Gianna Ye Tel: 2864 4837Ms. Hazel Ye Tel: 2864 4893Ms. Chloe Lyu Tel: 2864 4835Emailsprg-dynasty@sprg.com.hkSource: Dynasty Fine Wines Group LimitedCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: MON) (OTC Pink: MXTRF) (FSE: ES0) ("Montero" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of independent geochemical vector modelling completed by Fathom Geophysics ("Fathom") on rock geochemistry collected from its Elvira gold project in Chile's Maricunga Gold Belt.

The modelling forms part of the Company's ongoing integrated exploration program, following previously reported geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and target definition work, and combining these datasets with surface geochemistry and artificial intelligence-assisted modelling to refine exploration targets within the Elvira hydrothermal system.

The results identify two coincident and spatially related deep porphyry-style targets beneath the central alteration system, further supporting the interpretation that Elvira hosts a large high-sulphidation epithermal system potentially related to a deeper porphyry mineralizing centre. A regional location map of the project and a detailed map of the project area are shown in Figures 1 and 2.





Figure 1: Regional location map of the Elvira Project, Maricunga Belt, Chile*.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11789/290078_0d1e657bb4d5d858_001full.jpg



Figure 2: Elvira Project concession boundary and simplified geological map.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11789/290078_0d1e657bb4d5d858_002full.jpg

*Adjacent property Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates shown in Figure 1, including those for Salares Norte, Fenix Gold, La Coipa and Lobo-Marte, are derived from publicly available disclosures prepared by the respective owners in accordance with applicable securities regulations, including: Gold Fields Limited, Salares Norte Technical Report Summary (effective 31 December 2024); Rio2 Limited, NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Technical Report for the Fenix Gold Project (effective 16 October 2023); and Kinross Gold Corporation, La Coipa and Lobo-Marte Mines Mineral Reserve and Resource Statement as at 31 December 2024, prepared in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. Such information is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's Elvira project.

Dr. Tony Harwood, President and CEO of Montero, commented: "Independent geochemical footprint modelling has defined coherent porphyry-style targets beneath Elvira. Integrated with our geological, geophysical, and surface epithermal data, these results support the interpretation of a large vertically zoned mineralized system at depth. We are now applying artificial intelligence-assisted modelling to refine and prioritize drill targets."

Geochemical Context

The geochemical vector modelling is based on a dataset of thirty-eight (38) rock samples collected from the Elvira project and analyzed using four-acid digestion ICP-MS methods to provide high-sensitivity multi-element geochemistry suitable for porphyry footprint analysis.

Geochemical results from recent surface sampling, as previously reported by the Company, confirm the potential for a large high-sulphidation hydrothermal system at Elvira, characterized by widespread arsenic enrichment and localized molybdenum anomalism. These patterns are consistent with vertically zoned porphyry-epithermal systems and provide key inputs to the geochemical vector modelling. Geochemical sample locations are shown in Figure 3.





Figure 3: Location map for the area showing distribution of surface rock samples shown as red dots. The grid that is overlain has 1.5 km spacing for northings and 1.5 km spacing for eastings.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11789/290078_0d1e657bb4d5d858_005full.jpg

Geochemical Vector Modelling and Target Definition

The Company commissioned Fathom to conduct three-dimensional porphyry footprint modelling using multi-element rock geochemistry collected during recent exploration programs.

The modelling utilized the 38 rock samples analysed by four-acid digestion ICP-MS, providing high-sensitivity multi-element data for key pathfinder elements including As, Bi, Cu, Li, Mo, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Tl, and W. These samples represent a subset of a broader geochemical dataset collected across the project area.

The modelling focused on these eleven (11) key pathfinder elements, which were incorporated into the modelling workflow to evaluate the spatial distribution of multi-element geochemistry relative to idealized porphyry zonation models within a three-dimensional grid of the project area.

Two industry-recognized geochemical zonation models were applied:

Cohen (2011) porphyry footprint model.

porphyry footprint model. Halley et al. (2015) porphyry alteration and geochemical dispersion model.

Both models generated high-confidence porphyry targets beneath the central Elvira alteration system, defining a coherent target zone at depth.

Model Results and Target Definition

The results define a coherent porphyry-style target zone at depth, comprising two spatially related modelled targets (Figures 4 and 5), coincident with previously identified alteration zones, structural corridors, and geophysical anomalies.

EL-FG-01C - Cohen Model Target

This target occurs beneath the central portion of the geochemical sampling area and represents a high-confidence porphyry footprint anomaly. The highest scoring part of the target occurs approximately 1.5 km below surface, with lower-scoring extensions extending to shallower depths.

The combined plan and cross-sectional views (Figure 4) illustrate a laterally continuous and vertically extensive anomaly interpreted to represent a potential porphyry-style centre at depth.





Figure 4: Combined plan and cross-sectional views of the Cohen (2011) porphyry footprint modelling results based on multi-element rock geochemistry.

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11789/290078_0d1e657bb4d5d858_007full.jpg

EL-FG-01H - Halley Model Target

A second target generated using the Halley model occurs slightly east of the current sampling area.

This target is somewhat deeper than the Cohen model target but also displays a strong model fit and is interpreted to represent the same underlying mineralized system.

The combined plan and cross-sectional views (Figure 5) indicate a coherent and deeper-seated anomaly that is spatially related to the Cohen model target.





Figure 5: Combined plan and cross-sectional views of the Halley et al. (2015) porphyry footprint modelling results based on multi-element rock geochemistry.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11789/290078_0d1e657bb4d5d858_009full.jpg

These results illustrate a consistent geochemical response at depth and support the interpretation of a spatially related porphyry target zone.

The current modelling is based on a relatively limited number of samples with constrained spatial distribution. As such, the geometry and separation of modelled targets may reflect data coverage. Additional geochemical sampling, particularly to the east and along open anomalous trends, is expected to further refine and potentially consolidate the interpreted target zones.

Interpretation

The spatial coincidence of the Cohen and Halley model outputs defines a coherent porphyry-style target zone beneath the central alteration system. These results establish a consistent geochemical vector toward a potential porphyry centre at depth, building on previously reported geological, geophysical, and geochemical interpretations, and represent priority targets for follow-up exploration and drill testing.

Next Steps

The Company will continue integrating geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets using structural interpretation and artificial intelligence-assisted modelling.

Upcoming exploration work will focus on:

Extending surface geochemical sampling to better constrain the geochemical footprint.

Continued integration of geological and geophysical datasets.

Refinement of three-dimensional exploration models.

Prioritization of potential drill targets.

The Company expects to provide further updates as interpretation of the integrated datasets progresses.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Marcial Vergara, B.Sc., and Mr. Mike Evans, M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat., each a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and independent consulting geologists to the Company.

About Montero

Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. is a Canadian exploration company focused on gold and copper exploration in Chile. Montero holds a 100% interest in the Avispa copper-molybdenum project in the Palaeocene Porphyry Cu-Mo Belt of northern Chile and has an option to acquire the Elvira and Potrero gold projects in the Maricunga Gold Belt. These projects are currently being advanced through exploration. The Company's board and management have experience in the discovery and development of precious and base metal projects.

Montero is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON and has 8,353,833 Common Shares and 835,383 stock options outstanding.

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 STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the integration and interpretation of geological, geochemical and geophysical data; the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools; the identification, evaluation or prioritization of areas for further exploration; the potential for mineralization; and the timing or scope of future exploration activities, including any potential drilling. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and on assumptions management believes are reasonable as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to mineral exploration and development activities; uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of geological and geophysical data; the speculative nature of mineral exploration; commodity price fluctuations; changes in general market conditions; regulatory approvals and permitting risks; availability of financing; operational and technical risks; and other risk factors described in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero 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/290078

Source: Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.


EQS Newswire / 26/03/2026 / 22:23 UTC+8

?For Immediate Release? 26 March 2026 Yip's Chemical Announces 2025 Annual Results Effective Business and Product Portfolio Improvements Driving Gross Margin and Profit Growth Profit Attributable to Owners Increased to HK$137 million Proposed Final Dividend of HK12 Cents per Share Highlights: Confronted with global economic uncertainties, slowing domestic growth and mounting pressures from industry "involution", the Group recorded a revenue of HK$2.99 billion and sales volume of 240,000 metric tonnes, representing year-on-year declines of 5.3% and 9.3% respectively.

Through deepened focus on niche industry segments, product portfolio optimisation and enhancement of technology and services, coupled with the benefit of stable raw material prices, gross profit margins of the coatings and inks businesses improved over the preceding year. Overall gross profit margin of the Group rose to 25.4%, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.9 percentage points.

Solvents associate company's export sales grew strongly, driving its sales volume to a historical high of 1,800,000 metric tonnes. Though impacted by industry "involution" with margins and profits contracting, it still contributed a return of HK$79.4 million to the Group, compared with HK$96.0 million in the preceding year.

Benefiting from the sustained refinement of the Group's business and product portfolio and the effective implementation of stringent cost controls, profit attributable to owners substantially increased by 41.8% year-on-year to HK$137 million.

Gearing ratio continued to be at a relatively low level of 13.4%, enhancing the flexibility of future investments in new growth projects.

In the year under review, the Group completed the acquisition of approximately 60% stake in "Sino-Hypro", and entered into the chemical vapour recovery and treatment market, providing a new growth engine for the Group.

The Board recommended payment of a final dividend of HK12 cents per share. Total dividends for the year amounted to HK16 cents per share, representing a 14.3% increase as compared to the preceding year. (Hong Kong, 26 March 2026) Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited (SEHK: 00408) ("Yip's Chemical" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the "Group") today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the "year under review"). During the year under review, the operating environment remained volatile and fraught with unprecedented uncertainty. Together with weak domestic demand in the Chinese Mainland and the severe industry "involution", the Group's core businesses faced considerable sales pressure. Nevertheless, margins benefited from stable raw material prices and the effectiveness of the Group's sustained cost-control measures. The Group recorded revenue of HK$2.99 billion, representing a mild decrease of 5.3% year-on-year. Overall gross profit margin improved to 25.4%, up 1.9 percentage points from last year, while profit attributable to shareholders rose to HK$137 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 41.8%. The Board recommended the payment of a final dividend of HK12 cents per share (2024 final dividend: HK11 cents per share). The Group's cash flow and gearing ratio continued to improve and remained at healthy levels, providing greater flexibility to support future investments in new growth projects. In December 2025, the Group completed the acquisition of approximately 60% equity interest in Beijing Sino-Hypro Petrochemical Tech. Co., Ltd. ("Sino-Hypro"), a leading enterprise in chemical vapour recovery and treatment in the Chinese Mainland, marking Yip's Chemical's formal entry into a high-technology and sustainability-driven chemical vapour treatment field. Mr. Ip Chi Shing, Chairman of Yip's Chemical, expressed, "Despite the challenging macro environment, I remain cautiously optimistic about the business outlook for 2026. In 2025, the Group successfully advanced two significant business expansion initiatives, further strengthening our long-term competitiveness and unlock growth potential. First, the Group's solvents associate, Handsome Chemical, has completed and commissioned its new plant in Hubei with an annual capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes of acetic acid and 600,000 metric tonnes of acetates. The new facility will continue to generate economies of scale, enhance competitiveness, and is expected to deliver steady growth in its contribution to the Group's profitability. In addition, through close collaboration and complementary strengths with Sino-Hypro, this new business is expected to accelerate its development and become an important new member of the "leading development platform for chemical businesses" that Yip's Chemical has been dedicated to establishing in recent years." Chairman Ip added, "In the current macroeconomic environment, the Group will continue to uphold a prudent and steady approach, implement comprehensive cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancement measures, and consistently strengthen our operational efficiency and competitiveness. While driving the sustainable and healthy growth of our core businesses, we will also actively introduce high-quality enterprises with technological capabilities and growth potential to join the Yip's platform, thereby building a diversified and synergistic business portfolio. This will lay a solid foundation for the vision of a "Towards a Century of Revered Leadership" and create long-term and stable return for shareholders and stakeholders." Business Review and Outlook Coatings During the year under review, the Chinese Mainland property market showed little signs of recovery and affected by sluggish transactions in both new and existing projects, the architectural coatings business continued to face pressure in a challenging operating environment. Although the Group made efforts to expand its distributors' network, declining demand for architectural coatings led to a drop in sales volume. As a result, the Group's coatings business recorded a decline of 14.7% to 157,000 metric tonnes in sales volume and a mild decline of 5.3% to HK$1.38 billion in sales revenue, respectively. The industrial coatings business, as a niche segment, achieved substantial increase in sales through effective product portfolio management and the launch of products that receive high market recognition, including coatings for customised wooden furniture and functional coatings for plastic substrates. Meanwhile, resins business continued to conduct research and development of products related to automotive coatings and protective coatings, leading to growth in both sales revenue and profit. The coatings business recorded a gross profit margin of 29.8%, an increase of 3.6 percentage points compared to that of the preceding year. The segment results increased substantially by 623% to HK$52.2 million. In the coming year, the Group will leverage the momentum of the development of industrial coatings and resin products, allocating additional resources to focus on driving the growth of these business segments. The Group's production base in Vietnam is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026, enabling better service to customers across Southeast Asia in the future. In addition, the Group is also actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions of entities with technological capacities to accelerate its development. In the architectural coatings sector, the Group will focus on domestic market and adopt more pragmatic promotional strategies and in collaboration with distributors across the country to develop a more extensive online-and-offline store network to further expand market coverage. Inks During the year under review, the Group's inks business recorded a revenue of HK$1.32 billion, representing a slight decrease of 3.3% compared to that of the preceding year. Amid a highly competitive environment, the inks business continued to gain recognition from major printing enterprises in the Chinese Mainland by offering cost-effective products and services, resulting in increased sales volume. With expanded sales volume enabling effective cost allocation and raw material prices remaining relatively low, the gross profit margin rose by 1.1 percentage points to 21.6%. However, under the pressure from overall economic environment, certain customers encountered operational difficulties, resulting in a substantial bad debt provision during the year under review. Therefore, the inks business recorded a segment profit of HK$46.3 million, representing a decrease of 40.1% compared to that of the preceding year. Looking ahead to the coming year, we will continue to fortify its strengths in packaging printing inks, further expand market share and remain attentive to potential merger and acquisition opportunities involving technology-driven inks enterprises in the market to accelerate development. Lubricants During the year under review, revenue from the lubricants business decreased by 12.4% to HK$284 million, and the gross profit margin dropped by 1.2 percentage points to 22.1%. This segment recorded a profit of HK$6.5 million, representing a decrease of 31.6% compared to that of 2024. The demand for automotive lubricants was impacted by the overall industry "involution", thereby exerting pressure on the selling prices, gross profit and profits of "Hercules" lubricants. Looking ahead, the Group will steadily grow the sales volume of automotive lubricants by continuously optimising its product portfolio and prudently investing in the development of niche segments within the industrial lubricants market, so as to create new growth drivers for the lubricants business. Investment in Solvents Associate The Group retains a 24% effective stake in "Handsome Chemical", the largest acetate solvents company in the world. The solvents associate recorded a strong growth of 17.2% in sales volume in 2025, reaching a historical high of 1,800,000 metric tonnes of acetates. In particular, the sales volume of exports reached approximately 760,000 metric tonnes, which served as the major force of growth. Meanwhile, it maintained effective cost control and delivered a return of HK$79.4 million to the Group during the year under review, compared with HK$96.0 million in the preceding year. Its new acetic acid and acetates solvents plant in Hubei commenced full-scale production in the second half of 2025, boosting output of acetic acid and acetate solvents, progressively realising the benefits of vertical integration and economies of scale. Under the effective leadership of the associate's management team and in collaboration with our business partners "PAG" and "Qisheng", the business is expected to continue its prosperous trajectory. Investment in Sino-Hypro In December 2025, the Group successfully completed the acquisition of approximately 60% equity interest in Sino-Hypro, signifying Yip's Chemical's entry into the chemical vapour recovery and treatment industry. The subsidiary not only creates new growth driver for the Group, but also contributes meaningfully to China's environmental governance through its chemical vapour treatment technologies. With the management team and the original shareholders working in close partnership, and by combining Sino-Hypro's strong technological foundation and Yip's Chemical's operational expertise, the Group is confident that the subsidiary is well-positioned for sustainable and promising development. Mr. Ip Kwan, Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Yip's Chemical, concluded, "Over the past few years, the management team has continued to strengthen the market positions of our core businesses, gradually establishing a solid profit base for the Group. Looking ahead, in addition to driving organic growth of our core businesses, we will strive to enhance the operational efficiency of Sino-Hypro, with the aim of cultivating it into a key growth engine for the Group. Simultaneously, we are actively seeking strategic investment and acquisition opportunities that align with Yip's Chemical's long-term development direction, including those create synergies with our core coatings and inks businesses, thereby accelerating the development of "a leading development platform for chemical businesses". We believe these initiatives will further consolidate profit growth, add new dimensions to the businesses and drive the Group towards a successful future." End - About Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) Founded in 1971 and listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 00408) since 1991, Yip's Chemical has been dedicated to the chemical industry for more than half a century. The Group's long-term vision is to become "a leading development platform for chemical businesses" driven by green, innovative technology, professional services and highly respected brands that enrich people's lives. The Group's core businesses include inks, industrial and architectural coatings, specialty resins, lubricants and chemical vapour recovery and treatment. The core businesses have established leading positions in China in their respective sectors. "Bauhinia Variegata" is the largest inks manufacturer in China; "Hang Cheung" coatings holds a leading position in China's high-end plastic coatings segment; Bauhinia Advanced Materials Group also operates well-known brands including "Bauhinia" and "Camel" paints as well as "Da Chang" polymers; "Hercules" and "Pacoil" lubricants rank among the market leaders; "Sino-Hypro" is recognised as a leading enterprise in chemical vapour recovery and treatment in China. The Group is also a core investor in "Handsome Chemical", the world's largest acetate solvents producer. Leveraging its stable shareholder structure, extensive nationwide manufacturing and sales network, and a dynamic portfolio of strong businesses, the Group has built a robust foundation in the domestic chemical industry. Going forward, the Group will drive sustainable innovation in chemical operations and accelerate the development of a more scalable and resilient platform. Learn more about Yip's Chemical on: www.yipschemical.com Media and Investor Enquiries Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited

Ms. Wing So Tel:(852) 2675 2385 Email: wing.so@yipschemical.com Fax :(852) 2675 2345 DLK Advisory Limited Ms. Michelle Shi Tel: (852) 2854 8711 Email: michelleshi@dlkadvisory.com

Ms. Kathleen Mui Tel: (852) 2854 8727 Email: kathleenmui@dlkadvisory.com



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MONACO, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The spirit of exploration and innovation took center stage at the sixth edition of the Yacht Club de Monaco Explorer Awards, hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco. The ceremony concluded four days of discussions dedicated to exploration, science and technological innovation, bringing together explorers, scientists and pioneers committed to shaping a more sustainable future.



Opening the evening, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, president of the Yacht Club de Monaco highlighted the deeper meaning behind the event and its mission to encourage discovery and knowledge.



"To explore is to venture beyond known horizons in order to understand what lies beyond. This is the very spirit that brings us here together this evening for the 6th edition of the Yacht Club de Monaco Explorer Awards, which concludes four days of discussions dedicated to exploration, science and innovation," he stated, thanking the Explorers Club of New York and its outgoing president Richard Wiese.



The Prince then referred to record-breaking marine biologist Sylvia Earle, who was sitting in the audience. "The only way we can protect the ocean is by learning to understand it in all its depth," he said from the stage, quoting the scientist.



"The challenges are immense. The territories to be explored are scientific, environmental and technological. Innovation is an essential lever to better observe, understand and protect. This is the very purpose of our initiative 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting', supported by initiatives such as the Sea Index and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge," he added.

As part of the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' approach, the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts recognize owners committed to protecting the oceans.Among the projects recognized during the evening was R/V Plastic Odyssey, an ambitious maritime expedition dedicated to fighting plastic pollution around the world. The initiative uses a research vessel to develop and share practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste in regions most affected by the crisis.Its co-founder, Simon Bernard, expressed both pride and emotion while receiving the recognition in the Science & Discovery category."Plastic Odyssey is an expedition aboard a research vessel, and we're working on plastic pollution, on concrete solutions to end this massive issue. We've been traveling around the world, across Africa, South America and Asia. I'm feeling a bit emotional, to be honest, because it all started here. It's a long story with the Yacht Club de Monaco and with Monaco - a long story of support. This is an amazing recognition, honestly."Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of the innovative S/Cat Ganany, the MODX 70 project, a pioneering catamaran designed to redefine sustainability in the yachting sector.The team behind the project explained the philosophy driving the development of the vessel. "We developed a pleasure catamaran with zero fuel on board, no fossil energy, and therefore zero carbon emissions. It's something completely new, but we believe it represents the truly sustainable yachting of the future. We are of course very excited about the award and thankful to the Yacht Club de Monaco," said MODX chief executive officer Franck David. The catamaran won the Technology & Innovation category.The concept behind the vessel was clear from the very beginning. "When we started to develop the MODX 70, on day one we said we wanted a yacht that is truly sustainable. That means zero fuel on board and a yacht able to travel while producing its own energy to go further. That's what we did with this project, and this is our contribution to a more sustainable yachting experience," added Jean Guyon of MODX.By celebrating projects that combine exploration, scientific research and technological innovation, the Yacht Club de Monaco continues to reinforce Monaco's growing role as a global hub for environmental initiatives and forward-thinking maritime solutions.The Yacht Club de Monaco will continue its programme dedicated to superyachts, and in particular onboard professions, with the seventh edition of the Superyacht Chef Competition on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd8fe5ff-68af-48a2-89a9-ef68e89defac
New funding will accelerate Origin's Enterprise Benefits Intelligence platform which was co-created with multinational organisations including Pfizer, Comcast and BP

"It's a problem the benefits industry has been trying to solve for 15 years", says Origin CEO Chris Bruce, "which is only possible thanks to AI."

Origin, the AI native platform reshaping how global organisations manage employee benefits, today announced a $30 million Series A+ funding round. This brings the company's total funding to over $50 million within twelve months. Origin helps organisations to manage one of the largest, least visible areas of workforce spend global benefits. Its platform identifies inefficiencies, streamlines benefits operations and improves employee experience at scale.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326028470/en/

Origin Co-founders, Chris Bruce and Pete Craghill

The Series A+ is led by Notion Capital, which also participated in Origin's Series A round. Felix Capital, which led the Series A round, Acadian Ventures, and all existing investors are participating in the Series A+, reflecting their continued belief not only in the size of the opportunity, but in the team's ability to execute quickly and deliver value to enterprise customers. The Series A+ round was raised at a higher valuation than the Series A. Alongside this, Origin has secured growth capital from HSBC Innovation Banking UK.

Origin was founded by the leadership team behind Darwin, the global benefits technology company acquired by Mercer in 2016. The Origin team founded the company with a clear mission: to enable organisations to optimise their second largest people cost.

Benefits have been left behind until now

For decades, global benefits have remained fragmented across countries, vendors, brokers, insurers, consultants, retirement providers, and point solutions. Information sits across PDFs, policies, renewals, vendor platforms and local documents in multiple languages. Origin's Benefits Intelligence report found that 20% of global benefits professionals at multinational organisations say it takes more than a month to answer, "What are our coverage limits and exclusions?", and 20% say it takes more than a month to determine "Why has my benefit spend changed so much over the past 5 years?" The result is a system where organisations struggle to answer basic questions. What are we offering? What are we paying? What value are we getting? Where are we exposed? Where are we wasting money?

Origin addresses this with what it calls the first Enterprise Benefits Intelligence platform, a trusted system of record, insight, and action for global benefits, powered by AI.

Chris Bruce, Co-founder and CEO of Origin, said, "The biggest barrier in global benefits has always been the lack of a single source of truth. It is a problem we have been trying to solve for fifteen years, and it simply was not possible without AI. That is the unlock that makes it possible to digitise one of the most inefficient areas of enterprise spend. Benefits data is complex, scattered, inconsistent, and constantly changing, exactly the kind of problem AI can solve. Origin creates the first trusted source of truth for benefits information, giving organisations visibility into their total global spend for the first time, so they can optimise it, run benefits operations far more efficiently, and deliver a better experience to employees everywhere."

Designed with the world's most complex organisations

Origin's platform has been co-created in partnership with a number of the world's largest and most complex employers, including Pfizer, Comcast, and BP; organisations that manage benefits across dozens of countries, thousands of vendors and rapidly evolving compliance requirements.

As economic uncertainty continues and healthcare and risk costs rise across many markets, CFOs, CHROs and benefits teams face growing pressure to control spend while protecting employee experience. Where Origin is the platform, Cuido is Origin's AI engine the first-ever Artificial Benefits Intelligence purpose-built for global benefits.

Cuido ingests and structures fragmented data from policies, contracts, renewals, broker reports, vendor platforms, local documents and more, transforming unstructured information into a single, queryable system of record. Trained specifically on global benefits data and regulatory frameworks, it interprets complex policy language, maps coverage and cost structures across countries, and flags duplicated coverage, pricing inconsistencies, governance gaps and unmanaged renewals.

Unlike generic AI tools, Cuido is designed for the operational realities of multinational benefits. It does not simply summarise documents; it connects inventory, spend, risk and performance data to surface actionable insights. Origin sits at the centre of the global benefits operating cycle, managing renewals, vendor relationships, and governance workflows that run continuously across every market a client operates in. This enables leaders to identify inefficient or overlapping spend, rationalise vendors, simplify plan design and embed governance and automation into day-to-day operations.

The impact is measurable. An Origin client consolidated 13 local insurance policies into a single regional plan, achieving a 20% cost saving. By combining domain expertise with purpose-built AI, Origin gives executive teams clear answers to fundamental questions: what are we offering, what are we paying, and where are we exposed.

Investor conviction, deep domain expertise and proven execution

Andy Leaver, Operating Partner of Notion Capital, said, "We back teams with deep domain expertise and the ability to execute. Over the last 12 months, we have seen Origin move with exceptional speed, rapidly acquiring and delivering for complex global clients, while demonstrating a clear, differentiated product vision. We are doubling down because we believe Origin is building the defining platform in this category."

"Benefits are one of the last major enterprise functions still left behind by the digitisation wave of the last 25 years. AI now makes it possible to build a true system of record and intelligence for benefits, and Origin is leading that shift."

Antoine Nussenbaum, Co-Founder and Partner at Felix Capital, said, "From our first conversations with the Origin team, we were struck by the scale of the opportunity in global benefits. This is a market that is operationally complex, highly fragmented, and long overdue for transformation. We believe Origin is rebuilding the foundational infrastructure for the global benefits ecosystem, and delivering the benefits intelligence that organisations have been missing",

"We are proud to continue to partner and support Origin in this next phase of growth, and we have strong conviction in their ability to define this category globally."

Use of funds, employee experience, integrations, and partner platform

The Series A+ funding will be used to accelerate two major areas of the roadmap:

Employee experience and HCM integrations: deepening integrations into the HCM experience layer so that benefits information and support is accessible, consistent, and personalised, where employees already work. Partner platform expansion: building out Origin's partner capabilities to support the broader benefits ecosystem, including brokers, consultants, insurers, retirement plan providers and point solutions, so they can deliver better advice, better support and better outcomes for clients.

Jamie Fitt, SVP Growth and Partnerships at Origin, said:

"This investment allows us to expand the functionality that helps our partners deliver superior value to clients through new efficiencies, AI-enabled tools and a future-proofed operating layer for benefits. Origin is strengthening the entire ecosystem so partners can move faster, be more strategic and deliver measurably better outcomes to their clients."

Sydney MacGregor, Interim Head of Enterprise Software, HSBC Innovation Banking UK, said: "We are excited to support Origin on the next stage of its growth journey as it accelerates the delivery of its platform roadmap. This financing marks an important milestone in Origin's mission to bring clarity, efficiency, and intelligence to a complex area of enterprise spend. We're delighted to partner with venture-backed innovators like Origin, helping them as they build and achieve their ambitions."

The future of benefits will be intelligence-led

Origin believes benefits will increasingly be run like other critical enterprise domains, governed, measurable, insight driven and automated.

About Origin

Origin is an AI native platform helping global organisations to cut benefits costs, create operational efficiency and deliver a superior employee experience. Origin is building the first Enterprise Benefits Intelligence platform, a trusted source of truth and insight that enables HR and finance leaders to understand, govern and optimise benefits across countries, vendors, and plan types.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326028470/en/

Contacts:

Origin PR contact

Sally McDonald

Director

Onboard PR

+44 (0)7507409330

sally.mcdonald@onboardpr.com
First Party secretary drives rural revitalization in Hainan village

People's Daily Online) 14:15, March 26, 2026

On a recent morning, Zheng Xianming, first Party secretary of Jiatang village in Nanlyu town, Tunchang county, south China's Hainan Province, surveyed rows of "Space Lotus No. 36" shoots growing in a pond.

The lotus, a product of aerospace breeding, was planted just last winter and has already reached the water's surface.

"Around the May Day holiday, they will be flowering and fruiting," he said. "This year will show whether the 500-plus mu (33.33 hectares) of lotus ponds can truly take off."

Zheng Xianming works alongside villagers in Jiatang village, Nanlyu town, Tunchang county, south China's Hainan Province. (Photo by Wu Zuhai, rendered as an oil painting with AI enhancement)

Zheng arrived in June 2024 as the village's first Party secretary, dispatched by the Hainan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, where he had overseen farmland development. He found a village of more than 3,200 people with a weak collective economy.

One long-standing headache was a cluster of fishponds covering 62.5 mu that had sat idle for years. Previous arrangements had seen them leased informally at a total rent of just 360,000 yuan ($52,300) under decades-long contracts. Zheng pushed to change that. By putting the ponds up for open bidding through a rural property rights exchange center, the dormant asset fetched 1.05 million yuan at auction.

"That money gave our village its initial capital," said Wu Hong, the village's Party branch secretary.

Drawing on his professional background, Zheng drove the consolidation of fragmented plots into larger fields, then used the momentum to set up an agricultural machinery service team. The fleet of 10 machines quickly became a sought-after resource, not only working Jiatang's land but also taking on jobs in neighboring Qionghai and Wenchang, generating more than 200,000 yuan last year.

"In the past, farmers here grew ordinary rice and got about 1.8 yuan per kilogram. After deducting labor and fertilizer costs, there was barely anything left," Zheng said. The introduction of the space lotus has changed the equation. Gross income per mu reaches 2,970 yuan, with net profit approaching 2,000 yuan after deducting costs, he noted.

The village has also partnered with a company to launch a Jiatang rice brand, with the company guaranteeing a purchase price of 3 yuan per kilogram for fresh, wet, unhusked rice.

Last year, the village introduced a co-culture model of rice and Australian red claw crayfish, with the village providing land and a partner company supplying expertise  sharing both risks and returns. Orders for premium rice continued to grow steadily. In 2025, the village collective's annual income exceeded 2 million yuan.

At the village entrance, construction crews are working at pace on a new project. A cafe suspended above a lotus pond is expected to be completed in June.

"We will promote agritourism and build the cafe, which will inject more vitality into the village," Zheng said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
PARIS, FR AND RIYADH / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Globeholder AI today announced the launch of Globeholder AI Thinking Lab, a new platform designed to help organizations make scientifically grounded decisions about complex physical systems.

Engineering and strategic consulting firms, infrastructure investors, and public institutions spend months or years analyzing environmental, infrastructure, and regulatory dynamics before making decisions that shape multi-billion-dollar investments and policies. These decisions require integrating scientific evidence, engineering models, financial analysis, and regulatory constraints - a process that remains slow, fragmented, and difficult to verify.

Globeholder AI Thinking Lab was created to change that.

Since 2024, Globeholder's co-founders have been developing frontier AI systems based on transformer-architecture designed to learn how the real world behaves - from orbit to street level. This work led to the creation of a new operating system layer for physical-world intelligence, which powers the Thinking Lab. Within this environment, scientific AI agents operate inside autonomous laboratories, generating hypotheses, analyzing observational and simulation data, and translating complex physical dynamics into operational and financial decision frameworks.

Most AI systems today rely primarily on fast pattern recognition, often referred to as Type-1 reasoning. But the most critical decisions facing governments and industries require Type-2 reasoning: structured analysis, hypothesis testing, and verifiable logic grounded in real-world evidence.

"The forces that shape markets are physical - energy, infrastructure, climate, and regulation," said Goknur Sirin Jubin, PhD, CEO and Co-founder of Globeholder AI.

"As AI evolves beyond content into autonomous systems, a new paradigm is emerging: intelligence that can reason across these interconnected physical realities. This is not an incremental evolution of spatio-temporal analytics- it is a fundamental shift. For decades, industries have operated through fragmented tools and siloed models, unable to reason holistically across complex systems. We are moving beyond that. At Globeholder AI, we are building AI-native physical reasoning systems that integrate agentic intelligence, world models, and simulation to transform complexity into auditable, reproducible, and decision-grade intelligence. This convergence breaks silos, redefines how critical decisions are made, and establishes a new category of AI - one that understands the world as it truly operates and enables decisions at planetary scale."

Globeholder AI Thinking Lab Pioneers Type-2 intelligence

Type-2 Intelligence - AI systems are capable of structured reasoning, hypothesis testing, and verification against real-world dynamics.

"The world is not made of text," said Eren Unlu, PhD, CTO and Co-Founder of Globeholder AI. "Most AI systems rely on pattern recognition, but decisions about infrastructure, energy, and climate require Type-2 reasoning - structured analysis grounded in physical reality. Thinking Lab was built for that."

Thinking Lab is an autonomous, AI-native scientific environment where self-learning agents operate as coordinated research teams, tackling complex spatiotemporal and multi-dimensional problems through simulation, hypothesis testing, and iterative reasoning. This is not traditional analytics - it is a new class of intelligence that learns, reasons, and delivers optimal answers under real-world constraints.

Rather than generating opaque predictions, Thinking Lab produces structured reasoning that can be verified, challenged, and used to support real-world decisions.

The platform's Type-2 reasoning engine combines these simulations with observational and economic data to deliver auditable insights for climate risk, infrastructure planning, and strategic investment decisions.

Technology Ecosystem

Globeholder AI is a member of the NVIDIA Inception program for startups and built an AI-native autonomous lab platform called 'Thinking Lab' for physical and planetary reasoning. Globeholder AI's architecture is designed to be modular and partner-enabled, allowing us to integrate best-in-class technologies - including models from the NVIDIA Cosmos and NVIDIA Earth-2 families, enabling large-scale modeling of the weather and climate, the environmental and infrastructure of the critical systems under changing conditions they impact.

"High-stakes decisions in sectors like insurance and financial services demand AI reasoning that can bridge the gap between complex atmospheric science and real-world risk and planning", said Niall Robinson, Developer Relationship Manager for Weather and Climate at NVIDIA. By integrating NVIDIA Earth-2 and Cosmos models, Globeholder AI's Thinking Lab will help organizations turn physics-based climate simulations into auditable, transparent insights that guide how they price risk, protect communities, and deploy capital."

Thinking Lab is built and deployed on Amazon Web Services (AWS), leveraging the scale, security, and reliability of AWS cloud infrastructure and AI tech stack to power its Type-2 reasoning engine. By running on AWS, Thinking Lab is able to process large-scale observational, simulation, and operational data with the performance and resilience required for sovereign-grade decision-making.

Industry Support

Eric Leandri, CEO, Aleria Technology LLC

"The next frontier of artificial intelligence will not be built on language alone but on the ability to understand how the real world behaves. Globeholder's Thinking Lab reflects this shift by combining advanced reasoning with physical-system intelligence, enabling transparent and accountable decision-making where trust is essential. The partnership with Aleria brings together the powerful combination of proprietary AI models, unlocking the insights of tomorrow and redefining what intelligent decision-making looks like."

Bernard Pitre, Chief Innovation Commissioner, Economic Development City of Laval

Cities today face increasingly complex challenges - from infrastructure investment and environmental management to regulatory frameworks and long-term urban planning decisions.

Platforms such as Globeholder AI's Thinking Lab represent a new generation of sovereign AI systems capable of transforming complex signals from the physical world into structured, transparent, and auditable insights.

By enabling cities and public institutions to generate advanced analytics internally, these technologies can significantly reduce reliance on fragmented external data sources and analytical tools, while strengthening the strategic autonomy of public institutions in their decision-making processes.

Marco Pfrang, Product Director, AI and Analytics, TomTom

"Globeholder AI's transformer architectures and embedding technologies represent powerful enablers for the next generation of mapping and mobility intelligence. By applying advanced AI reasoning to complex spatial and environmental signals, platforms like Thinking Lab can help unlock a new era of traffic pattern understanding and dynamic mapping systems."

Gabrielle Gauthey, SVP European Affairs, TotalEnergies

"Europe's energy transition requires decisions that are both scientifically rigorous and economically sound. AI platforms capable of producing transparent, auditable insights on complex physical systems will play an increasingly important role in shaping resilient infrastructure, energy strategy, and long-term investment decisions."

Early Access Now Available

Globeholder AI is opening a limited early access program for Thinking Lab, inviting a select group of professionals, institutions, and infrastructure decision-makers to be among the first to deploy the platform on live decisions. Early access members will receive full platform access, direct engagement with the Globeholder AI product team, and the opportunity to co-develop use cases and shape the product roadmap. Spots are limited and allocated by application.

Organizations interested in joining the program can apply at globeholder.ai/earlyaccess .

About Globeholder AI

Globeholder AI is a Paris-and Riyadh-based deep-tech company developing frontier AI systems that understand and reason about complex physical systems, enabling high-stakes decision-making across engineering, finance, infrastructure, and government.

Founded by a machine learning scientist and a simulation expert with over 15 years of experience, Globeholder builds Type-2 reasoning architectures powered by autonomous scientific laboratories-where AI agents generate hypotheses, test them against real-world data, and continuously refine their conclusions to produce auditable, decision-grade intelligence.

The company's technology originated from building advanced multi-modal representations of the physical world, including Earth observation foundation models, geospatial embeddings, and geo-transformer architectures. These are not end applications, but core building blocks toward a broader vision: a planetary-scale world model capable of understanding, simulating, and predicting how real-world systems behave-across infrastructure, environment, and economic dynamics.

Learn more at www.globeholder.ai

Media Contact:

press@globeholder.ai

SOURCE: Globeholder AI

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/globeholder-launches-ai-thinking-labtm-pioneering-type-2-intellig-1152196
IP Infusion, a global leader in open networking software solutions, announced today a strategic partnership with EXAsystems by Energo-Tel Sp. z o.o., a wholly owned subsidiary of EXATEL. This partnership enables EXAsystems to deliver turnkey, enterprise-grade networking solutions based on IP Infusion's OcNOS open network operating system, supporting public administration, telecommunications service providers, and data center operators across Poland.

"EXAsystems is bridging the gap between network operations and system integration," said Bartosz Gajda, CEO of EXAsystems (Energo-Tel brand). "This partnership makes us the first in the region to offer a true synergy between service provider field experience and open networking tech. We deliver a seamless networking experience, from planning to deployment to operations, enabling customers to modernize with confidence."

This partnership scales EXATEL's multi-year OcNOS SP deployment, a cornerstone of its mission to establish cyber sovereignty for Poland. By transitioning from a technology consumer to an infrastructure creator, EXATEL now operates a nationwide, multi-layer EVPN-MPLS architecture spanning core, aggregation, and access domains. The network leverages carrier-grade L2/L3 routing orchestrated by EXATEL's in-house SDN controller on modern 100G and 400G whitebox platforms. Additionally, Open ZR+ optics are used for IP-over-DWDM, which consolidates network layers and maximizes fiber efficiency while maintaining full multi-vendor interoperability.

"Our engineers have worked closely with OcNOS for four years, operating it across more than 300 nodes within large-scale networks spanning Poland and international hubs," said Jacek Terpilowski, CTO of EXATEL. "We have deployed over 150 links at 400G and another 170 at 100G, creating a high-capacity backbone for mission-critical services nationwide. We are now extending that real-world operational experience to both Exatel and EXAsystems customers as a proven, carrier-grade platform."

Backed by EXATEL's nationwide optical transport infrastructure, spanning over 23,000 km of fiber and extending to key interconnection hubs in Germany and the Czech Republic, EXAsystems is uniquely positioned to support large-scale network modernization initiatives. With this strategic move, EXAsystems expands its reach as a full systems integrator, delivering carrier-grade routing, switching, EVPN-MPLS, and IP-over-DWDM transport solutions.

"More than 600 network operators worldwide already trust IP Infusion and our OcNOS open networking software to support their most demanding and mission-critical workloads," said Tom Savoie, CEO of IP Infusion. "We are pleased to see EXATEL, through its EXAsystems subsidiary, extend that trust by expanding the reach of its turnkey telecommunications and networking infrastructure solutions across Poland."

About IP Infusion

IP Infusion develops open network software solutions for carriers, service providers, and data centers. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion leads the market in Network Operating Systems. Its flagship platform, OcNOS, empowers network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., IP Infusion is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD. For more information, visit www.IPInfusion.com.

About EXATEL

EXATEL is a leading Polish telecommunications operator and provider of ICT, cybersecurity, and satellite services. As a provider of critical infrastructure for public administration, security sectors, and financial institutions, EXATEL operates one of the most secure and modern fiber-optic networks in Central and Eastern Europe.

About EXAsystems (Energo-Tel brand)

EXAsystems, a fully owned subsidiary of EXATEL, is a specialized systems integrator and service provider focusing on the delivery of turnkey telecommunications and infrastructure solutions. By combining technical advisory, hardware reselling, and professional integration services, EXAsystems helps organizations build resilient network architectures. The company specializes in supporting service providers and public sector entities with end-to-end infrastructure deployments, including routing, switching, and optical transport systems.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326419505/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Katherine Verducci, 1903 PR

kverducci@1903pr.com

408.429.5779
Solar energy expansion is booming worldwide. India, in particular, is seeing rapid growth thanks to state funding programs, tax incentives, subsidies and green loans from banks. In 2025, 37.5 gigawatts were added a 50 percent increase from the previous year. The 2026 budget provides for a deployment of 45 to 50 gigawatts, allowing the most densely populated country to become the second largest solar market in the world. Intersolar Europe will shine a spotlight on the south Asian country from June 23-25 in Munich. India is an up-and-coming market for the international PV industry. There will be numerous events where visitors can learn about the market, new business opportunities and the structure of new supply chains. The exhibition will take place as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe's largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry. More than 100,000 visitors and 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world are expected to attend.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326991766/en/

A large number of interested visitors attended Intersolar India a key industry event in India since 2009. (Solar Promotion GmbH)

Photovoltaics (PV) serves as the technological backbone of supply security in the expansion of renewable energies. 500 gigawatts of renewable energy are expected to be installed by 2030, including 280 gigawatts of solar energy. PV is becoming more attractive due to unprecedented price erosion: According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar power costs in India have fallen by 80 percent since 2010, making it the most cost-effective option for new power installations.

But there are also challenges. The need for highly specialized skilled workers, the expansion of modern energy infrastructure and the scaling of storage capacity are key factors for the next transformative phase. These developments also open up enormous opportunities for collaborations and new markets. "India is both a major sales market and an attractive partner for expanding production capacity in the solar and storage industries. This also makes it a potential source for finished components and intermediate products," says David Wedepohl, Managing Director International Affairs at the German Solar Association.

At the end of January 2026, the European Commission signed a free trade agreement with India. "Along the entire PV value chain from module production and cells to wafers, ingots and polysilicon India is growing to become one of the most dynamic producers in the world. The EU-India Free Trade Agreement also gives new opportunities for discussion and trade between both regions," explains Dr. Puzant Baliozian, Sector Group Leader Photovoltaics Equipment at VDMA (German Engineering Federation). In the future, solar energy is set to expand onto reservoirs, bodies of water and agricultural land using agricultural PV and floating solar systems.

Side events at the exhibition

With support from Intersolar Europe and other partners, the German Solar Association is planning several side events at the exhibition on the topic of the India's PV market. Together with the VDMA, they are dedicated to building joint supply chains. The VDMA, the German Solar Association and the Indian NSEFI are hosting a CEO roundtable, bringing together high-ranking industry representatives. The Indo-German Energy Forum are hosting a business dialogue to mark the free trade agreement concluded between India and the EU. On June 24, this series of events will be concluded by the India Meets EU: Solar Night Networking Reception.

Intersolar Europe

Munich, June 23-25, 2026

For more information, please visit:

www.intersolar.de

www.TheSmarterE.de

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326991766/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

RYSM Schlesische Strae 26/c4 |10997 Berlin

Roberto Freiberger Tel.: +49 163 8430 943

roberto.freiberger@rysm.com

Solar Promotion GmbH P.O. Box 100 170 75101 Pforzheim

Peggy Harter-Zilay Tel.: +49 7231 58598-240

haerter-zilay@solarpromotion.com
BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust Plc - Tender Offer

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 26

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO, THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND OR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE CONTRAVENTION OF ANY REGISTRATION OR OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENT OF SUCH JURISDICTION OR OF THE UK.

This announcement is for information purposes only and it does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, securities in any jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. Neither this announcement nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever.

For immediate release

BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust plc ("BRLA" or the "Company")

(LEI: UK9OG5Q0CYUDFGRX4151)

Tender Offer, Publication of Circular and Notice of General Meeting

Further to the announcement by the Company on 5 January 2026, the board of the Company is pleased to announce it has published today a circular (the "Circular") advising Shareholders of the details in relation to the Tender Offer and providing notice of a General Meeting of Shareholders to approve the Tender Offer.

Background to Tender Offer

As part of its discount control policy, your Board has stated previously that it would make a tender offer to Shareholders for up to 24.99 per cent. of the issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company at a tender price reflecting the latest cum-income Net Asset Value less 2 per cent. and related portfolio realisation costs in the event that the continuation votes for each relevant biennial period are approved (being the continuation votes in 2024 and 2026), if, over the four year period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025 (the Calculation Period), either of the following conditions was met:

the Company's annualised total NAV return did not exceed the annualised US Dollar net return of the MSCI EM Latin America Index (the Benchmark Index) by more than 50 basis points: or

the average daily discount to the cum-income Net Asset Value exceeded 12 per cent. as calculated with reference to the trading of the Ordinary Shares.

As announced by the Company on 5 January 2026, as at 31 December 2025, and over the Calculation Period, the Company had underperformed the Benchmark Index by 332 basis points on an annualised basis and the Ordinary Shares had traded at an average daily discount to Net Asset Value of 10.93 per cent. As a result, your Board has decided to implement the Tender Offer and the purpose of the Circular is to set out details of the Tender Offer.

The Circular contains the background to and reasons for the Tender Offer, in addition to the formal terms of the Tender Offer, together with details of how Eligible Shareholders can tender Ordinary Shares for purchase, if they wish to do so. It also contains details of the revised discount control mechanism which will apply in the future.

The implementation of the Tender Offer is conditional, amongst other things (as detailed under the heading "Conditions to the Tender Offer" in the Circular), on the passing of the Continuation Resolution at the 2026 AGM and Shareholder approval to be obtained at the General Meeting of the Company to be held on 29 May 2026 immediately following the 2026 AGM. The Notice of General Meeting is set out at the end of the Circular.

Circular

A copy of the Circular will be made available on the Company's website at BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust plc - BRLA | BlackRock and submitted to the National Storage Mechanism, where it will be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism .

For information, capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Circular.

Revised discount control provision

While the Board regards the Company's share rating at any particular time as primarily a reflection of sentiment towards the sector alongside portfolio performance, it recognises that there are a number of other factors which can have a material impact in the context of driving demand for the Company's shares. With this in mind, and having consulted with the Company's major shareholders, the Board is introducing a revised discount control mechanism such that the Company will offer shareholders the opportunity to tender up to 100 per cent. of their shareholding if the annualised total NAV return does not exceed the annualised US dollar net return of the Benchmark Index (both on a US Dollar basis) over the four years to 31 December 2029 (the New Calculation Period).

Shareholders will be offered a tender offer for 100 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital, excluding treasury shares, at a tender price reflecting the latest cum-income Net Asset Value less related transaction and portfolio realisation costs. The tender will be conditional on the continuation vote for each relevant biennial period being approved (being the continuation votes in 2028 and 2030).

If as a result of this tender opportunity the Company's NAV is expected to fall below any minimum size condition established as part of the relevant tender offer, the Board would consider withdrawing the tender, consult with major shareholders on the future of the Company and, if appropriate, put forward proposals for a strategic review of the options for the future and/or for a reconstruction, reorganisation or winding up of the Company.

The making of any tender offer in accordance with the revised discount control mechanism set out above will also be conditional upon the Company having the required Shareholder authority or such Shareholder authority being obtained, the Company having sufficient distributable reserves to effect the repurchase of all the tendered shares and, having regard to its continuing financial requirements, having sufficient cash reserves to settle the relevant transactions with Shareholders, and the Company's continuing compliance with the Listing Rules and all other applicable laws and regulations.

General Meeting

The Tender Offer is subject, amongst other things, to Shareholder approval of the Continuation Resolution at the 2026 AGM and the Tender Offer Resolution at the General Meeting.

If the Continuation Resolution is not passed at the 2026 AGM, the General Meeting will be adjourned and the Directors will convene a general meeting within three months at which proposals for the liquidation or reconstruction of the Company will be put forward.

A notice convening the General Meeting to be held at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL on 29 May 2026 at 12.30 p.m. (or, if later, as soon as the 2026 AGM convened for 12.00 noon on the same day has concluded or been adjourned) is set out at the end of the Circular.

At the General Meeting, at which all Shareholders may attend, speak and vote, the Tender Offer Resolution will be proposed to authorise the Company to make market purchases of the Tendered Shares acquired by Cavendish Securities, as principal, pursuant to the Tender Offer as described in the Circular.

If the Tender Offer Resolution is not passed, the Tender Offer will not proceed.

In order to be passed, the Tender Offer Resolution, which is to be proposed as a special resolution, will require the approval of Shareholders representing at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast at the General Meeting.

The Articles provide that at the General Meeting each Shareholder present in person or by proxy or who (being a corporation) is present by a representative shall on a show of hands have one vote and on a poll shall have one vote for each Ordinary Share of which he or she is a holder.

The quorum for the General Meeting shall be two persons entitled to attend and to vote, each being a Shareholder or a proxy of a Shareholder or a duly authorised representative of a corporation which is a Shareholder. In the event that the General Meeting is adjourned and the above-mentioned quorum is not present at such adjourned General Meeting, the quorum shall be one.

Recommendation

The Board considers that the Tender Offer as set out in the Circular and the Tender Offer Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Board recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the Tender Offer Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting.

The Directors intend to vote in favour, or procure the vote in favour, of the Tender Offer Resolution at the General Meeting in respect of their own beneficial holdings of Ordinary Shares which, in aggregate, amount to 29,757 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 0.10 per cent. of the issued Ordinary Share capital of the Company as at the date of the Circular (excluding any shares held in treasury).

Timetable

2026 Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy 12.30 p.m. on 27 May Tender Closing Date: latest time and date for receipt of Tender Forms and TTE Instructions in CREST 1.00 p.m. on 27 May Record Date for participation in the Tender Offer 6.00 p.m. on 27 May 2026 AGM 12.00 noon on 29 May General Meeting 12.30 p.m. on 29 May (or, if later, as soon as the 2026 AGM convened for 12.00 noon on the same day has concluded or been adjourned) Results of General Meeting and Tender Offer elections announced 29 May Calculation Date close of business on 30 May Tender Price announced 2 June Settlement Date: cheques dispatched and payments through CREST made as soon as practicable after 3 June Balancing Ordinary Share certificates and CREST accounts settled as soon as practicable after 3 June

All references are to London time unless otherwise stated.

Each of the times and dates in the expected timetable of events may be extended or brought forward without further notice. If any of the above times and/or dates change, the revised time(s) and/or date(s) will be notified to Shareholders by an announcement through an RIS.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Beynsberger BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Tel: 020 7743 3000

Tunga Chigovanyika Cavendish Capital Markets Limited Tel: 020 7397 8900

Daniel Balabanoff

Date: 26 March 2026

This announcement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, securities in any jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. Neither this announcement nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever.

The full terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set out in the Circular, which Shareholders are advised to read in full. Any response to the Tender Offer should be made only on the basis of the information in the Circular.

The Tender Offer is not being made to Restricted Shareholders. In particular, the Tender Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of South Africa and the Tender Offer cannot be accepted by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from within the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or the Republic of South Africa.

The Tender Offer is not being made to Sanctions Restricted Persons.

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited ("Cavendish"), which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Tender Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to customers of Cavendish or for providing advice in relation to the Tender Offer. Nothing in this paragraph shall serve to exclude or limit any responsibilities which Cavendish may have under the FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder.

Apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imposed on Cavendish by the FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder, Cavendish accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the contents of the Circular or for any other statement made or purported to be made by it or on its behalf in connection with the Company or the Tender Offer. Cavendish accordingly disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort or contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might otherwise have in respect of the Circular or any such statement.
A limited-edition eyewear release celebrating the art of leisure, and the ritual of the Dark 'n Stormy

PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Bisous, the eyewear brand known for craftsmanship and coastal sophistication, announces the launch of the Dark 'n Stormy Rumrunners, a limited-edition sunglasses collaboration with Goslings, the Official Rum of the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Debuting during the Boat Show, which begins on March 25, this exclusive release celebrates a unique partnership rooted in craftsmanship, style, and the spirit of leisure.

The Dark 'n Stormy Rumrunners were designed to evoke the iconic cocktail itself. The upper frame features a rich brown tone reminiscent of Goslings Rum, while the lower frame glows with a golden hue inspired by Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. Each pair comes with two custom lens cloths and a cocktail card to guide owners in crafting their own Dark 'n Stormy at home, making the experience as immersive as it is stylish.

"The Dark 'n Stormy Rumrunners are the stylish result of a fun collaboration with Bisous," said Malcolm L. Gosling, eighth-generation rum maker and President of Goslings Export Bermuda.

"Thoughtfully crafted and rich in character, these frames have translated the essence of the Goslings brand into eyewear designed for the life of leisure, on the water, and beyond."

Production is strictly limited to 100 pairs, emphasizing the collectible nature of the release. The Rumrunners combine thoughtful design with enduring style, perfect for afternoons on the water, sun-soaked events, or any occasion where leisure is celebrated.

The Dark 'n Stormy Rumrunners will be available exclusively from Bisous beginning March 25 at the Palm Beach Boat Show ??and can be purchased online and in limited quantities at www.iwearbisous.com .

About Bisous

Bisous is an independent eyewear brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed sunglasses that combine timeless style with exceptional materials. Bisous was founded on the belief that great products should look good and be built to last. The brand produces small batches of distinctive frames crafted from premium Italian acetate and quality hardware.

Designed to complement moments of leisure as well as the pursuits of those who like to push the limits, Bisous sunglasses balance refinement, durability, and enduring style.

Bisous sunglasses are available online and through select retail partners and collaborations.

For more information about Bisous, visit www.iwearbisous.com and follow @iwearbisous

About Goslings Rum

A family business for over 200 years, Goslings Rum is Bermuda's largest export product and the only company that blends and bottles rum on the island. First exported to the United States in 1980, Goslings offers distinctive, award-winning rums: Goslings Black Seal Rum, Goslings 151 Proof Black Seal Rum, Goslings Spirited Seas Ocean Aged Rum, Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum, and Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Bermuda Rum. Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, crafted specifically for use in the trademarked Goslings Dark 'n Stormy cocktail, is a top- selling ginger beer in the United States, and expanded in 2023 to include Stormy Peach Ginger Beer. Goslings is available in all 50 states as well as North American and European Duty Free, the Caribbean, Canada, Australia, and most European markets. For more information about Goslings Rum, visit Goslings.com and follow @GoslingsRum.

Media Contact:

Sarah Shriver Smothers

sarah@fordhamilton.com

SOURCE: Goslings Rum

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/bisous-and-goslings-launch-limited-edition-dark-n-stormyr-rumrunners-sun-1151601
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - CENTURION MINERALS LTD. (TSXV: CTN) ("Centurion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has executed an Option to Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") for the Limestone gold project ("Limestone" or the "Project") in Suriname. The Project is located proximal to the Rosebel and Saramacca Mines of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. ("Zijin") (see Figure 1), and areas of extensive small-scale mining (see Figure 4).

The 3,548-hectare Project is well situated for a gold discovery (see Figure 1 below). Historic and active small-scale mining indicates the presence of gold within the Limestone concession. Limestone is situated in the largest and most productive region of both active and historic gold mining in Suriname. This region includes the Rosebel Gold mines operated by Zijin hosting a resource exceeding 6 million ounces of gold (195 tonnes) with a grade of 1.04 g/t (Source: Zijin, Rosebel Mine). In addition, other international mining companies have been active in the region, exploring and drilling projects along the Saramacca and Rosebel Mine trends of Zijin. Limestone appears to be along the Saramacca mine trend.

Figure 1: Limestone proximity to Zijin Rosebel and Saramacca Mines

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/289962_centurion_1.jpg

The Limestone gold project maintains an exploitation license granted to the current concession holders (the "Optionors") in 2025. The Project is less than 4 hours by road (or boat) from Paramaribo, Suriname's capital city, with the Saramacca River crossing the concession area.

Gold mineralization in Suriname is primarily controlled by structural and lithological factors within the Paleoproterozoic Marowijne Greenstone Belt of the prolific gold producing Guiana Shield (Source: Journal of South American Earth Sciences). The deposits are predominantly classified as orogenic gold systems formed during the Trans-Amazonian orogeny (Source: Cambridge University Press) (see Figure 3).

Figure 2 (Left): Suriname Location, Source: Google Maps

Figure 3 (Right): Gold deposits of Suriname, Source: Cambridge University Press

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/289962_27c1a8eeb41258cb_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Prolific artisanal gold mining within the Limestone concession area and in close proximity

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/289962_27c1a8eeb41258cb_004full.jpg

Suriname has two tier one mines, Rosebel owned by Zijin and Merian owned by Newmont Corp. ("Newmont"), both located within the greenstone belt. Historically, the greenstone belt has been underexplored, however, in recent years the area has experienced a surge in mineral exploration activity from companies including Founders Metals Inc., Miata Metals Corp., Greenheart Gold Inc., and Sranan Gold Corp. Suriname has the potential to develop multiple new mines from concessions having similar potential to Limestone.

Addition of Suriname-Based Exploration and Development Team

The Company intends to conduct exploration utilizing an experienced Suriname-based team located in Paramaribo. The exploration and development team is supervised by Dr. Dennis LaPoint, Ph.D., P.Geo, having more than 26 years' experience in Suriname. Dr. LaPoint led the geological team's discovery of what has become the Merian Mine, currently owned by Newmont.

Strategic Focus on Exploration and Mining Jurisdictions:

Centurion's Suriname objectives include acquiring additional prospective gold concessions. Specific opportunities have been identified with interested concession holders. In keeping with the Suriname focus, the Company has terminated the Casa Berardi Property Option Agreement.

Transaction Summary:

To earn a 100% interest in the Limestone Gold Project, the Company has executed a 6-year Option to Purchase Agreement. The payments are comprised of US$500,000 cash paid to the Optionors and project exploration expenditures (the "Exploration") of US$500,000, as follows (in USD):

1) $30,000 paid in cash within 30 days of the Agreement's Effective Date (the "Agreement Date")

2) $40,000 paid in cash on the 1st anniversary of the Agreement Date and $50,000 in Exploration

3) $50,000 paid in cash on the 2nd anniversary of the Agreement Date and $75,000 in Exploration

4) $50,000 paid in cash on the 3rd anniversary of the Agreement Date and $75,000 in Exploration

5) $60,000 paid in cash on the 4th anniversary of the Agreement Date and $100,000 in Exploration

6) $70,000 paid in cash on the 5th anniversary of the Agreement Date and $100,000 in Exploration

7) $200,000 paid in cash on the 6th anniversary of the Agreement Date and $100,000 in Exploration.

The project is subject to a 2% Net smelter royalty ("NSR") and the Company has the right to purchase the NSR from the Optionors by paying $1million for each 1%.

Qualified Person

Dr. Dennis J. LaPoint, Ph.D., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Centurion Minerals Ltd.

Centurion Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based company with a focus on precious mineral asset exploration and development in the Americas.

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 Information

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289962

Source: Centurion Minerals Ltd.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has waived the put option attached to the warrants granted in connection with the 40 million financing agreement signed in 2022

This waiver eliminates any contractual right for the EIB to request a cash settlement of the warrants at loan maturity, while allowing for their early exercise and free transferability

Regulatory News:

Medincell (Euronext Paris: MEDCL), a commercial- and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical licensing company developing long-acting injectable treatments, today announced that the European Investment Bank (EIB) has waived on March 26, 2026 the put option attached to approximately 780,000 warrants granted in connection with the 40 million financing agreement executed in 2022.

As a result of this waiver and the resulting new terms applicable to the warrants, the warrants agreement no longer includes any contractual mechanism that could require Medincell to settle the warrants in cash, under any circumstances, at the maturity of the loan. This removes a potential contingent repayment obligation and provides increased long-term visibility on the Company's financial commitments.

Stephane Postic, Chief Financial Officer of Medincell, said: "Our long-time partner, the EIB, has decided to permanently waive the put option, showing its continued confidence in Medincell. This decision strengthens our financial position by removing a potential repayment obligation at debt maturity and enhances the long-term clarity and visibility of our financial commitments. This waiver reflects the evolution of Medincell's financial profile since the execution of the 2022 financing agreement."

The waiver became effective upon execution of the contractual amendment. The contractual amendment also contemplates new terms attached to the warrants, which are intended to provide for an earlier exercise period and allow their free transfer to any third party, subject to approval by the Company's Shareholders' Meeting (expected to take place by September 2026 at the latest.). Absent such approval, the existing contractual framework, including the put option, would remain unchanged.

The waiver has no impact on Medincell's cash position, liquidity or operating activities.

EIB Warrants revised terms following amendment

Warrant Tranche Tranche A Tranche B Tranche C Issuance Date 21/12/2022 26/01/2023 31/07/2023 Number of Warrants 175,000 286,041 313,607 Exercise Price 5.98 7.31 5.93 Start of Exercise Period Immediate Transferability Freely transferable to any third party

Notes

The number of warrants and exercise prices remain unchanged following the waiver and revised warrant terms

The amendment allows for immediate exercise of all warrants (vs. 5 years after issuance)

Warrants are now freely transferable, whereas they were previously non-transferable

Additional information on the EIB warrants and the related potential dilution can be found in the Company's latest financial report.

About Medincell

Medincell is a clinical- and commercial-stage biopharmaceutical licensing company developing long-acting injectable treatments across multiple therapeutic areas. Our innovative treatments are designed to ensure adherence to medical prescriptions, enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of medicines, and reduce their environmental impact.

These treatments combine active pharmaceutical ingredients with our proprietary BEPO BEPO Star technologies, which enables controlled drug delivery at therapeutic levels for several days, weeks, or months following a subcutaneous or local injection of a small, fully bioresorbable deposit.

Risperidone LAI was the first treatment based on BEPO technology to receive FDA approval, initially for schizophrenia in April 2023, and subsequently for Bipolar I Disorder in October 2025. It is marketed in the United States by Teva under the brand name UZEDY. Medincell's risperidone LAI was also approved for schizophrenia in Canada and South Korea in 2025.

A New Drug Application (NDA) for Olanzapine LAI as a once-monthly treatment for schizophrenia in adults was submitted to the U.S. FDA in December 2025 by Medincell's partner, Teva. U.S. FDA accepts Teva's New NDA for Olanzapine LAI on February 20, 2026.

Medincell's investigational pipeline includes numerous innovative therapeutic candidates in various stages of development, from formulation to Phase 3 clinical trials. We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and foundations to advance global health through new treatment options.

Headquartered in Montpellier, France, Medincell employs over 140 people representing more than 25 nationalities.

medincell.com

UZEDY is a trademark of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Medincell's BEPO technology is licensed to Teva as SteadyTeq, a trademark of Teva Pharmaceuticals.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Company's expectations for (i) the timing, progress and outcome of its clinical trials; (ii) the clinical benefits and competitive positioning of its product candidates; (iii) its ability to obtain regulatory approvals, commence commercial production and achieve market penetration and sales; (iv) its future product portfolio; (v) its future partnering arrangements; (vi) its future capital needs, capital expenditure plans and ability to obtain funding; and (vii) prospective financial matters regarding our business. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements other than statements of historical facts that may be contained in this press release relating to future events are forward-looking statements and subject to change without notice, factors beyond the Company's control and the Company's financial capabilities.

These statements may include, but are not limited to, any statement beginning with, followed by or including words or phrases such as "objective", "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "foresee", "aim", "intend", "may", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "project", "will", "may", "probably", "potential", "should", "could" and other words and phrases of the same meaning or used in negative form. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that may, if any, cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or expressed explicitly or implicitly by such forward-looking statements. A list and description of these risks, contingencies and uncertainties can be found in the documents filed by the Company with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the "AMF") pursuant to its regulatory obligations, including the Company's universal registration document, filed with the AMF on July 29, 2025, under number D. 25-0580 (the "Universal Registration Document"), as well as in the documents and reports to be published subsequently by the Company. In particular, readers' attention is drawn to the section entitled "Facteurs de Risques" on page 30 et seq. 26 of the Registration Document.

Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including in the event that new information becomes available. The Company's update of one or more forward-looking statements does not imply that the Company will make any further updates to such forward-looking statements or other forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

This press release is for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for the Company's shares in any jurisdiction, in particular in France. Similarly, this press release does not constitute investment advice and should not be treated as such. It is not related to the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any recipient. It should not deprive the recipients of the opportunity to exercise their own judgment. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326592001/en/

Contacts:

David Heuze

Head of Corporate and Financial Communications, and ESG

david.heuze@Medincell.com +33 (0)6 83 25 21 86



Grace Kim

Chief Strategy Officer, U.S. Finance

grace.kim@medincell.com +1 (646) 991-4023



Nicolas Merigeau Arthur Rouille

Media Relations

Medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94



Louis-Victor Delouvrier Alban Dufumier

Investor Relations France

Medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Anticipated Guarantees' Amounts for the Company and its Subsidiaries in 2026



26.03.2026 / 18:16 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Announcement on Anticipated Guarantees' Amounts for the Company and its Subsidiaries in 2026

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 26 March 2026 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Anticipated Guarantees' Amounts for the Company and its Subsidiaries in 2026.

The full announcement is available at:

https://smart-home.haier.com/media/xbvj1xpy/announcement-on-anticipated-guarantees-amounts-for-the-company-and-its-subsidiaries-in-2026.pdf

IR Contact:

Haier Smart Home Hong Kong

T: +852 2169 0000

Email: ir@haier.hk

Press Contact:

CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH

Sara Pinto

pi@crossalliance.de

T: +49 89 1250903 35

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier Smart Home is the world's largest home appliance company and a global leader in smart home solutions. Its portfolio spans refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, kitchen appliances and water heaters, complemented by HVAC, smart building and water solutions, all integrated through its smart home platform.

Operating localised R&D, manufacturing and commercial capabilities in more than 30 countries, the Company's portfolio of brands - Haier, Casarte, Leader, GE Appliances, Candy, Fisher & Paykel and AQUA - serves consumers across the full price spectrum in over 160 countries and regions. This 'global enablement, local execution' model underpins the Company's competitive position in every market it serves.

The Company is committed to evolving from a global appliance leader into a user-centric, platform-based smart home ecosystem company, with premium positioning, global reach, digital capabilities and AI-driven product innovation as its core strategic pillars.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0). Entering the second half of its first year, The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is excited to announce the next regional bonus prize. Organized by The Northern Miner, the treasure hunt has captured the attention of puzzlers and explorers alike. Six one-ounce gold coins valued at over $35,000 will be claimed by a hunter, or hunters, in New Brunswick - where coal, potash, and metals mining have all shaped the provincial economy.

Looming large over New Brunswick's mining history is the Bathurst Mining Camp. With over 70 years of history, the Bathurst Mining Camp remains a globally significant mining district. In 1952, the discovery of what is now known as Brunswick No. 6 began the transformation of the region from a primarily logging and fishing district into a prolific mining camp and key driver of Canadian prosperity. While the most significant mine, Brunswick No. 12, closed in 2013, modern exploration tools enable enterprising explorers to revisit the area with new eyes; all hopeful to uncover the secrets hidden below the forests of Bathurst.

"The Bathurst Mining Camp in northern New Brunswick stands as a cornerstone of Canadian geological history, representing one of the world's most prolific concentrations of massive sulphide deposits. Staggering quantities of lead, zinc, and copper have been extracted from the region - fueling decades of economic prosperity for both New Brunswick and Canada." - Anthony Vaccaro, President, The Northern Miner Group.

Tens of thousands of hunters continue their search for the grand prize, alongside the two active regional bonus prizes - The Golden Triangle in BC, and now New Brunswick. The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is poised to ramp up as the winter chill and snow relents. Hunters from across the country have been wracking their brains to solve the mysteries wrapped in Canadian geological history, forming friendships and memories as they hunt across the country.

Participants can join the hunt and view the New Brunswick clue here.



Watch the New Brunswick reveal video here:





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKMSuzamHzg

This campaign is proudly presented with the support of industry sponsors including Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Sprott Money, EarthLabs Inc., IAMGOLD Corporation, Kinross Gold Corporation, The World Gold Council, McEwen Inc., Alamos Gold Inc., Ernst & Young LLP, Mining Matters, MINING.COM, CEO.CA and The Canadian Mining Journal.

For more information, including full contest rules, FAQs and updates, visit treasure.northernminer.com.

Follow @northernminer (X/FB/YouTube) | @thenorthernminer (IG) | @mining (X) | @miningdotcom (IG/FB/YouTube); @ceodotca (X/IG/FB/TikTok) | @ceocafilm (YouTube) for ongoing clues and community updates.

About The Northern Miner

The Northern Miner is a one-of-a-kind information resource. With over 110 years of experience serving the mining and exploration industry, crucial reports by The Northern Miner writing staff inform the decision-making process of thousands of high-performing mining professionals.

Founded in 1915, The Northern Miner remains the industry's most respected mining news authority, known for its on-the-ground journalism, editorial independence, and deep sector expertise. Now owned by EarthLabs Inc., it operates alongside platforms like MINING.COM, CEO.CA, and Canadian Mining Journal, delivering critical insight and trusted intelligence to the global mining community.

About EarthLabs Inc.

EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) is a mining investment, technology, and media company that aims to provide strategic leverage to the metals and mining sector through investments, royalties and a full suite of data-driven media SaaS tools and services including CEO.CA, The Northern Miner, MINING.COM, Canadian Mining Journal and DigiGeoData.

Disclaimer

18+. No purchase necessary. Open to residents of Canada only. All prize valuations are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and based on the spot gold prices as of March 26, 2026, and may fluctuate with market prices. Full contest rules, eligibility criteria, and redemption process available at treasure.northernminer.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), OTC Best Market ("OTCQX") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "potential", "projected", "assumed", "planned", "to be", "may", "could", "should", or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While the Company has attempted to identify key risks and assumptions, actual outcomes may vary.

Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by law. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282101

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290102

Source: EarthLabs Inc.
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Proposal of 2025 Profit Distribution



26.03.2026 / 18:24 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Announcement on Proposal of 2025 Profit Distribution

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 26 March 2026 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Proposal of 2025 Profit Distribution.

The full announcement is available at:

https://smart-home.haier.com/media/bnnpfpkw/announcement-on-proposal-of-2025-profit-distribution.pdf

IR Contact:

Haier Smart Home Hong Kong

T: +852 2169 0000

Email: ir@haier.hk

Press Contact:

CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH

Sara Pinto

pi@crossalliance.de

T: +49 89 1250903 35

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier Smart Home is the world's largest home appliance company and a global leader in smart home solutions. Its portfolio spans refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, kitchen appliances and water heaters, complemented by HVAC, smart building and water solutions, all integrated through its smart home platform.

Operating localised R&D, manufacturing and commercial capabilities in more than 30 countries, the Company's portfolio of brands - Haier, Casarte, Leader, GE Appliances, Candy, Fisher & Paykel and AQUA - serves consumers across the full price spectrum in over 160 countries and regions. This 'global enablement, local execution' model underpins the Company's competitive position in every market it serves.

The Company is committed to evolving from a global appliance leader into a user-centric, platform-based smart home ecosystem company, with premium positioning, global reach, digital capabilities and AI-driven product innovation as its core strategic pillars.
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Conducting Bulk Raw Materials Hedging Business in 2026



26.03.2026 / 18:22 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Announcement on Conducting Bulk Raw Materials Hedging Business in 2026

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 26 March 2026 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Conducting Bulk Raw Materials Hedging Business in 2026.

The full announcement is available at:

https://smart-home.haier.com/media/xtyh4ylo/announcement-on-conducting-bulk-raw-materials-hedging-business-in-2026.pdf

IR Contact:

Haier Smart Home Hong Kong

T: +852 2169 0000

Email: ir@haier.hk

Press Contact:

CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH

Sara Pinto

pi@crossalliance.de

T: +49 89 1250903 35

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier Smart Home is the world's largest home appliance company and a global leader in smart home solutions. Its portfolio spans refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, kitchen appliances and water heaters, complemented by HVAC, smart building and water solutions, all integrated through its smart home platform.

Operating localised R&D, manufacturing and commercial capabilities in more than 30 countries, the Company's portfolio of brands - Haier, Casarte, Leader, GE Appliances, Candy, Fisher & Paykel and AQUA - serves consumers across the full price spectrum in over 160 countries and regions. This 'global enablement, local execution' model underpins the Company's competitive position in every market it serves.

The Company is committed to evolving from a global appliance leader into a user-centric, platform-based smart home ecosystem company, with premium positioning, global reach, digital capabilities and AI-driven product innovation as its core strategic pillars.
Clearwater, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - LinkDaddy LLC, a digital infrastructure company headquartered at 509 N Prescott Avenue, Suite B, Clearwater, Florida 33755, has launched the AI Visibility Blueprint, a forensic website structural audit service designed to identify invisible technical failures inside plugin-based CMS websites that prevent businesses from appearing in AI-generated search results - regardless of existing backlink investment.

LinkDaddy Launches Forensic Website Audit to Address AI Search Invisibility

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/289680_47e55b3674b4b98b_002full.jpg

An estimated 43 percent of all websites on the internet run on plugin-based CMS platforms. According to LinkDaddy, the majority of those sites suffer from structural decay - the cumulative degradation of a website's machine-readable architecture caused by years of plugin accumulation, theme bloat, orphaned pages, missing schema markup, and broken entity connections. Unlike visible design problems, structural decay is undetectable to the business owner while remaining fully legible to AI systems evaluating sites for citation and recommendation eligibility.

The consequence is a systematic disconnect between the authority a website accumulates through backlinks and the visibility it achieves in search results. As AI-powered answer engines increasingly generate responses from structured signals rather than keyword-matched pages, plugin-based websites lacking structural compliance are excluded from AI-generated responses regardless of content quality or link profile.

The AI Visibility Blueprint is built around the structural logic defined in published search engine ranking patents, including the Information Gain patent (US12536233B1), the Knowledge Graph evaluation framework, and entity recognition standards established through established E-E-A-T documentation. The audit is conducted manually over five business days and produces six specific deliverables covering compliance scoring, technical error identification, structured data implementation, competitive gap analysis, AI visibility assessment, and a priority fix roadmap.

To validate the methodology, LinkDaddy constructed a new website using the same patent-aligned structural standards that underpin the Blueprint. The site launched with zero backlinks, no paid traffic, and no domain history. Within 17 days, the site achieved page 1 organic rankings for multiple competitive keyword variations, appearing alongside established firms with years of domain authority and extensive link profiles.

The site was additionally cited in AI-generated search results within the same 17-day period. Search console data confirmed growing impressions across three simultaneous keyword variations, a result LinkDaddy attributes to entity recognition across query types. The site recorded an average position of 15.1 and 36 total impressions within the first 10 days of indexation.

A common assumption among business owners is that a functioning website - one that loads, displays correctly, and holds some keyword rankings - is structurally sound. LinkDaddy's position, supported by the case study data, is that visible functionality and machine-readable structural compliance are distinct properties, and that most plugin-based websites built before 2024 possess the former without the latter.

LinkDaddy LLC is a digital infrastructure and authority-building company headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. Founded by Anthony James Peacock, the company provides patent-compliant website structural audits, Knowledge Graph optimization, structured schema deployment, and high-authority backlink infrastructure to businesses and agencies across more than 50 countries. LinkDaddy holds DUNS number 041919626 and EIN 30-1243112 and is registered as Florida LLC L20000168051. Further information is available at https://linkdaddy.com/ai-visibility-blueprint/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289680

Source: Plentisoft
A Colorado university has been named a gold military friendly school, marking 14 years of consecutive recognition.

LAKEWOOD, CO / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Colorado Christian University (CCU) earned gold status for 2026-2027, a step up from previous years and its highest designation to date, reflecting the university's continued commitment to serving military members, veterans and their families.

The designation evaluates institutions based on outcomes such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement and levels of financial support for military and veteran students, as well as the quality of services and resources dedicated to their success.

"Earning gold status is a milestone that reflects the heart CCU brings to serving those who serve our country," said Allison Burkhart, Vice President of University Marketing, College of Adult and Graduate Studies Enrollment and Student Success.

"Our military and veteran students don't just choose CCU for the flexibility or the benefits expertise - they choose us because we genuinely care about their success, their families, and their futures. This recognition affirms that Christ-centered education and a commitment to those who serve our country are a calling we take seriously, and one we will not stop pursuing."

CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CCU Online) plays a central role in this recognition, offering 100% online degree programs designed to meet the needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. The university also provides specialized military enrollment counselors and tuition assistance programs.

CCU also offers reduced tuition rates for active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, along with support in transferring military training into academic credit and accessing earned education benefits.

"For 14 years, CCU has remained committed to serving military students with excellence and care," said Bill Hutto, CCU military enrollment director.

"Our team understands the unique challenges they face, and we take pride in providing personalized support that helps them not only enroll but persist and succeed."

Military friendly schools are evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey, with gold status representing a high level of achievement among participating institutions nationwide.

Active-duty service members, veterans, and military families can connect with CCU's dedicated military enrollment team to explore programs, benefits, and next steps. To learn more, visit ccu.edu/military .

Photos of military-affiliated students are available ?here?.

About Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University , founded in 1914, is the premier Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, CCU provides Christ-centered higher education equipping students to impact the world with grace and truth. With a mission of cultivating the mind without compromising the heart, CCU integrates biblical truth with academic excellence. Students are prepared to lead with moral clarity, spiritual depth and professional competence across a variety of vocations and callings.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Matthew Murray

A. Larry Ross Communications

+44 7849 758046

Matthew@alarryross.com

SOURCE: Colorado Christian University

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/colorado-university-awarded-gold-status-in-military-friendly-rankings-1152342
Product sales up 18.7% to 5.8 million

European end-market sales of Sibnayal rose by more than 71% to nearly 11 million

rose by more than 71% to nearly 11 million Royalties doubled to over 1.1 million

Cash position of 1.35 million as of December 31, 2025, a cash runway to mid-Q2 2026

Sibnayal is expected to receive Marketing Authorization in the United States in September 2026 for the treatment of dRTA

Regulatory News:

Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris FR0013296746 ALDVI), a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative treatments for people suffering from rare kidney diseases, announces today its 2025 financial results, and provides an update on its activities.

The financial statements for the year 2025 were approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on March 26, 2026. The audit procedures are being finalized, and the auditors shall issue their audit report by mid-April 2026. It will include a section on the significant going concern uncertainty related to the financing of the Company's activities beyond mid Q2 2026. The 2025 financial statements will be available in full in the Universal Registration Document 2025.

Didier Laurens, Chief Executive Officer of Advicenne, commented: "The 2025 fiscal year was marked by a major milestone in Advicenne's history: the filing of the marketing application of Sibnayal in the United States and its acceptance by the FDA. It results from the outstanding commitment of the entire team, which continues to respond daily to requests from the U.S. regulatory agency. At the same time, we have continued, with our partners, to expand the commercial presence of Sibnayal in Europe and in the Gulf countries, where it generated sales of nearly 11.0 million, benefiting a growing number of patients. From a financial standpoint, the preparation and follow-up of our US registration filing have increased cash burn and reduced our cash horizon, despite our strict control over spending allocations. In the coming months, we aim to extend our cash runway and restructure our balance sheet, to ensure the timely completion of Sibnayal's application review by FDA and to strengthen Advicenne before entering into a strategic partnership agreement that creates value for all our shareholders."

( thousands) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Total product sales 5 791 4 877 Of which Sibnayal 3 073 2 290 Net sales revenue* 6 006 4 973 Revenue from partnerships 1 102 545 Current operating expenses 9 520 9 367 Of which Cost of Goods sold 3 144 2 699 Of which R&D expenses 3 741 2 997 Of which marketing and sales expenses 124 1 095 Of which structural and general expenses 2 515 2 576 Current operating result -2 014 -3 289 Pharmaceutical taxes1 -5 240 -2 878 Other income from non-current activities 0 3 500 Impairment and other non-current items -739 -2 537 Operating result -7 993 -5 204 Financial result -1 539 -1 266 Of which financial interests -1 562 -1 289 Net result -9 532 -6 464 Basic and Diluted loss per share (/share) -0.72 -0.53 Opening cash 3 248 5 251 Cash flows from/(used in) operations -3 727 -762 Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities -403 -108 Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 2 227 -1 132 Closing cash 1 345 3 248

* according to French accounting principles, including services rendered

2025 key Financial highlights

Product sales reached 5.79 million euros in 2025, up 18.7% on 2024. Growth was driven mainly by Sibnayal, which rose by almost 37% to 3.07 million euros. In France, performance remains solid, with an increase of 40% over the full year, confirming the pattern observed in the second half of 2024. End-market sales of Sibnayal either through commercial partnerships or directly by Advicenne, totaled 10.8 million, an increase of more than 71% compared to 2024.

In-market sales Sibnayal (m) 2025 2024 Growth France 2.51 1.82 +37.9% Europe Middle-East 8.33 4.51 +84.7% Total 10.84 6.34 71.0%

In addition to sales, Advicenne receives income from partnerships, based on the sales generated by its partners. In 2025, Advicenne received 1.1 million euros from partnerships, which is double the 2024 figure.

The current operating loss was reduced by almost 39% to 2.01 million in 2025. Cost of goods sold increased in line with revenue growth. Current operating expenses, excluding cost of sales, were kept under control at 6.38 million (compared to 6.67 million in 2024) and were primarily allocated to R&D in preparation for the submission of the ADV7103 application to the U.S. FDA.

In 2025, Advicenne recorded non-current charges of 5.98 million, including:

a 5.24 million charge for pharmaceutical taxes set by the French health authorities in the absence of an agreement on the health insurance reimbursement price for Sibnayal and Likozam . This amount includes all taxes generated by the reimbursement agreement for Sibnayal that has finally been secured in France;

and Likozam . This amount includes all taxes generated by the reimbursement agreement for Sibnayal that has finally been secured in France; a charge of 0.5 million euros corresponding to expenses recognized in connection with the free attribution of shares (AGA).

As a reminder, in 2024, Advicenne recorded a non-current charge of 2.53 million, primarily related to the total impairment of a primary packaging machine, offset by non-current income of 3.50 million linked to the conclusion of the agreement with Primex Pharmaceuticals AG, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, announced in December 2024.

Financial losses came to 1.54 million, almost entirely consisting of interest payments on the EIB (European Investment Bank) loan and the French government-guaranteed loans (PGE), an increase compared to 2024 due to the financial restructuring that took place in July 2025.

The Company recorded a research tax credit of 0.39 million euros in 2025, compared with 0.38 million euros in 2024.

Overall, net income showed a loss of 9.53 million euros, compared with 6.47 million euros in 2024.

Cash consumption from operations was 3.73 million in 2025, driven by non-current items, an acceleration of R&D investments in the United States, and a rebalancing of the working capital.

In 2025, the Company received 2.24 million from a capital increase carried out in conjunction with its financial restructuring.

Finally, Advicenne ended 2025 with a net cash position of 1.34 million, compared with 3.25 million a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, this amount gives the Company a cash runway to mid-Q2 2026.

2025 highlights

In 2025 Advicenne benefited from the sustained growth of Sibnayal in Europe, the regulatory successes in several Gulf countries, and the achievement of key milestones in the development of ADV7103, both for distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) and cystinuria.

Sustained growth of SibnayalEuropean end-market sales of Sibnayal grew by more than 70%, reaching almost 11 million, driven by Advicenne's direct sales, which surpassed 3 million, and sales generated by the company's commercial partners.

Marketing Application filed for dRTA in the United States. Advicenne submitted the registration application for ADV7103 to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2025. The application is currently under review by U.S. authorities, whose response is expected by September 3, 2026, at the latest. It should be noted that ADV7103 has orphan drug designation for the treatment of dRTA in the United States.

Significant progress in the field of cystinuria. Advicenne, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in the United States, has validated a relevant biomarker for evaluating ADV7103 in patients with cystinuria. This biomarker is expected to support a positive response to the FDA's requests regarding the primary endpoint of the pivotal study. Advicenne is finalizing the protocol for this study in cystinuria, which will soon be discussed with the FDA. The primary biological endpoint should enable patient recruitment in both the United States and Europe and allow for the consideration of submitting marketing applications simultaneously in both regions. ADV7103 has been granted orphan drug designation for cystinuria in Europe and the United States.

Post-period events

Simultaneous approval and reimbursement for Sibnayal in the United Arab Emirates for dRTA. This marketing authorization is the second one granted for Sibnayal in the Gulf countries, following the one granted in Saudi Arabia in July 2025. The reimbursement rate is based on an annual treatment cost comparable to that in Saudi Arabia and equivalent to the best prices in Europe.

Sibnayal has been officially approved for reimbursement for the treatment of dRTA in France. On February 2, 2026, the Company announced that Sibnayal had been added to the list of drugs eligible for reimbursement to social security beneficiaries and approved for use by local authorities and various public services in the treatment of dRTA. Published in the Journal Officiel, this development ends the need for special access and allows for the easier dispensing of Sibnayal directly in retail pharmacies.

2026 outlook

Continued growth in Sibnayal sales. During the 2026 fiscal year, Advicenne expects sales of its leading product, Sibnayal, to keep growing in Europe. Advicenne and its partners are committed to furthering the commercial success of Sibnayal, which addresses a significant unmet medical need.

Granting of marketing authorization for ADV7103 in the United States. The main goal is to put everything in place to secure the registration of ADV7103 in the dRTA indication in the United States within the timeline set by the FDA. This will be a major milestone in creating value for the product and for Advicenne. At the same time, Advicenne plans to validate the development plan for ADV7103 in cystinuria.

Extending the cash runway. Advicenne is actively working to extend its cash runway beyond the second quarter of 2026 and to implement the necessary measures for its financial restructuring.

ABOUT ADVICENNE

Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris ALDVI FR0013296746) is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. Its lead product Sibnayal (ADV7103) has received its Marketing Approval for distal renal tubular acidosis in EU and GB. ADV7103 is currently in late-stage development in cystinuria in Europe and in dRTA and cystinuria in the US and in Canada. Headquartered in Paris, Advicenne, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 2017, has now been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since its transfer on March 30, 2022.

For additional information, see: https://advicenne.com/

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Advicenne group and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Advicenne considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority on April 29, 2025 (a copy of which is available on www.advicenne.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Advicenne operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Advicenne or not currently considered material by Advicenne. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Advicenne to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Advicenne expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

1 In France, where the price has not yet been contractually agreed upon with the administration, taxes set by the regulatory authorities are remitted to the collection agencies. These taxes, calculated on the basis of gross sales, are recognized based on the Company's best estimates or on collection notices received from the administration.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326100694/en/

Contacts:

Advicenne

Didier Laurens, Directeur General

+33 (0) 1 87 44 40 17

Email: investors@advicenne.com

Maarc Media relations

Bruno Arabian

+33 (0)6 87 88 47 26

Email: bruno.arabian@maarc.fr
Two-year investment will grow experiential Camp O'Connor USA and the online Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club, with a focus on access, civic participation, and national reach

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute-founded by the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court to advance civic education, civil discourse, and civic engagement nationwide-has received a $500,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The funding will expand two of its proven, nonpartisan youth civic education programs: middle school Camp O'Connor USA and the virtual O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club for high school students.

"The O'Connor Institute is offering students structured opportunities to practice democracy across difference," said Ambika Kapur, Program Director for Education at Carnegie Corporation of New York. "These programs build the civic knowledge, habits, and confidence essential for meaningful participation in our communities. Especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we are delighted to support that work."

Carnegie's investment will support the continued development of a scalable national model for experiential civic education that can reach students across diverse communities at a time when civic knowledge and productive civic participation continue to decline. Through Camp O'Connor and the Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club, students do more than study democracy in theory. They experience it in action through hands-on learning, civil discourse, and leadership development, which not only increases civic education and awareness but also civic practice.

"The programs give students meaningful and practical application opportunities to build civic knowledge, confidence, leadership skills, public speaking ability, and the capacity to engage constructively across differences," said Sarah Suggs, President and CEO of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute.

A central priority of this work is expanding access for students from underrepresented and underserved communities, including students from Title I schools and other communities that may face barriers to participation. The grant will help the Institute strengthen a more expansive and accessible national pipeline for youth civic education, with the goal of reaching students in all 50 states.

By preparing the next generation to value civility, engagement, and democratic responsibility, the Institute continues Justice O'Connor's legacy in a way that is both practical and forward-looking. The timing is especially significant as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States. This work is not only an investment in youth civic learning today, but also in the future of American democracy.

"This grant reflects our commitment, consistent with Justice O'Connor's legacy, to ensuring every young person has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to be an active participant in our country and communities."

- Philip L. Francis, Board Chairman, Sandra Day O'Connor Institute



# # #

About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace. Learn more at Carnegie.org

About the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute

Founded in 2009 by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute is a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to strengthening civic education, civil discourse, and civic engagement. Through innovative civic education programs, research, and fostering an informed citizenry, the Institute works to ensure that every generation is prepared to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in our democratic republic. Its work reflects Justice O'Connor's enduring belief that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. Learn more at OConnorInstitute.org

Media Contacts:

O'Connor Institute: Meg Lewis | mlewis@oconnorinstitute.org

Carnegie: Angely Montilla | AEM@carnegie.org

SOURCE: Sandra Day O'Connor Institute

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/sandra-day-oconnor-institute-receives-500-000-carnegie-corporation-grant-to-expand-youth-1152420
Today, Venture Global and Edison jointly announced the signature of a commercial agreement for the settlement of the pending arbitration between the two companies concerning the Calcasieu Pass project.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326559130/en/

Completion of the settlement is expected by the end of Q2 2026, at which point the arbitration will be terminated. The agreement fully resolves the arbitration in its entirety. As part of the settlement, Edison and Venture Global have also agreed to the delivery to Europe of additional cargoes beyond those envisaged under the long-term contract, to support gas supplies primarily to the Italian market. The first delivery is scheduled for May 2026, in Italy, at the Adriatic LNG Terminal.

The agreement represents a significant step in strengthening commercial cooperation between the parties and it establishes a foundation for further future deliveries in the context of the disruption caused by ongoing geopolitical events.

Both parties welcome this agreement, as it further consolidates long-term deliveries and enhances the commercial partnership between Venture Global and Edison which is an important foundational customer of the Calcasieu Pass project. The parties look forward to continuing to work together to pursue Venture Global's mission of stabilizing global LNG/gas markets and to further consolidate Edison's role in guaranteeing the stability and security of Italy's energy supply.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326559130/en/

Contacts:

Venture Global Media contact: press@ventureglobalLNG.com

Venture Global Investor contact: IR@ventureglobalLNG.com
KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / AsiaFIN Holdings Corp., (OTCQB:ASFH), a leading fintech financial ecosystem enabler, today announced that it will release its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025, after the close of the U.S. capital markets on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The Company will host a webcast on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (20:30 Malaysia Time) to discuss the full year 2025 financial results in more detail.

Members of AsiaFIN's management team will host the webcast, followed by a live question-and-answer session.

Earnings and Q&A Webcast

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026

Time: 08:30 Eastern Time (05:30 Pacific Time, 20:30 Malaysia Time)

To register for the webcast, please click the registration link here and complete the online form. Registered participants will receive a Microsoft Teams join link via email.

Please join the webcast 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. If you experience any difficulties joining the webcast, please contact investor.relations@asiafingroup.com.

A webcast replay and transcript will be available here Corporate News - AsiaFIN and the presentation will be available here SEC Filings - AsiaFIN.

About AsiaFIN Holdings Corp.

AsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH), a Nevada corporation, operates through its wholly owned Malaysia, Hong Kong and StarFIN Holdings Ltd subsidiaries. AsiaFIN's mission is to become the "financial ecosystem enabler" through its solutions in Fintech; Regulatory Technology (REGTECH); ESG Consultancy & Reporting and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) services. AsiaFIN provides services to over 90+ financial institutions and over 100 corporate clients in the Asia and Middle East region including Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. AsiaFIN's clients are central banks, financial institutions and large corporations. For further information regarding the company, please visit https://asiafingroup.com.

Investors

AsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH)

KC Wong, Chief Executive Officer

investor.relations@asiafingroup.com

Media

AsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH)

KC Wong, Chief Executive Officer

media@asiafingroup.com

SOURCE: ASIAFIN HOLDINGS CORP.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/asiafin-holdings-corp-to-host-webcast-to-announce-full-year-2025-finan-1152235
Jumping Jack Dog Ranch founder says case reflects dangerous anti-business precedent in Texas

HAYS COUNTY, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Brett Mundy, founder of Jumping Jack Dog Ranch in Hays County, has launched a GoFundMe campaign after a series of court rulings she says have stripped her company of core rights that Texas small businesses depend on to survive, including the ability to control company finances and pay for legal defense.

Mundy is seeking to raise $107,000 by April 8 to comply with a court-ordered payment she says was imposed during a three-year legal dispute with a minority shareholder. If the money is not paid by that deadline, Mundy says she could face contempt of court and possible jail time, putting her business, its employees and the future of its property at risk.

For Mundy, the issue is bigger than one dog ranch.



"This is not just about me or my business," said Mundy. "This is about whether a Texas small business has the right to defend itself, manage its own operations and honor the agreements it was built on. If these rulings stand, every small business owner in Texas should be paying attention."

Founded nine years ago in honor of her dog Jack, Jumping Jack Dog Ranch is a boarding, daycare and grooming facility serving more than 6,000 families just outside Austin. The company employs 30 people, offers full benefits and specialized care for senior dogs, special-needs dogs, foster dogs and rescue animals.

According to Mundy, after recent Court rulings, the Court is now setting the salaries, making business decisions, and controlling the manager's ability to assist in the legal defense. The ruling of the Judge prevents the company from giving raises that were promised at time of hire. The Court has also ordered that Mundy must personally pay $107,000, the amount the Company spent on all legal fees over the last three years, into the registry of the Court.

Mundy argues that this level of court involvement sends a chilling message to business owners across Texas, a state that has long promoted itself as a pro-business environment with limited government interference. While the Governor's Small Business Freedom Council has worked to cut red tape and make the State the best place to do business, this Court has made Hays County, the worst place for a small business to thrive.

"If a court can block a company from funding its own legal defense while also dictating how that company operates, that should alarm legislators, employers and anyone who believes Texas should remain a place where small businesses can grow and operate fairly," Mundy said.

The consequences of closure would be immediate. Jumping Jack Dog Ranch supports 30 jobs, including employees with disabilities who live on-site and could lose both employment and housing if the business shuts down. The business also serves thousands of pet owners and local rescue partners who rely on the ranch for safe, structured care.

The ranch sits on 11 acres over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, adding another layer of public concern. Mundy says she fears that if the business is forced into a sale, the property could ultimately be sold to developers or outside interests, jeopardizing land she has worked to protect.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will go toward satisfying the court-ordered payment and helping keep the business operating while the legal process continues.

Mundy says she is speaking out not only to save Jumping Jack Dog Ranch but also to raise awareness of what she views as a serious threat to small-business rights in Texas.

"This case should outrage anyone who believes in property rights, business ownership and limited government," Mundy said. "Texas lawmakers say they support small business. I'm asking them to prove it."

If the court-ordered funds are ultimately returned, bonuses will be given to employees, and a donation will be made to Jack Jack's Pack, a Hays County-based 501(c)(3) dog rescue organization not affiliated with Jumping Jack Dog Ranch.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7768f626c

About Jumping Jack Dog Ranch

Jumping Jack Dog Ranch is a dog boarding, daycare and grooming facility in Hays County, Texas, serving more than 6,000 families. Founded by Brett Mundy in honor of her dog Jack, the business is known for its structured, force-free care and its support for senior dogs, special-needs dogs, foster dogs and rescue animals.

Media Contact for Jumping Jack Ranch

Jo Trizila, TrizCom Public Relations

972-247-1369 (Office)

214-232-0078 (Cell/Text)

Jo@TrizCom.com

SOURCE: Jumping Jack Dog Ranch

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/agriculture/owner-of-hays-county-dog-ranch-seeks-help-as-court-fight-raises-broader-questions-for-t-1152452
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Lithosphere has announced the launch of its Makalu Testnet, introducing a new infrastructure layer designed to support intelligent, AI-coordinated decentralized systems. The release represents a significant step in the evolution of blockchain architecture, positioning Lithosphere as a foundational layer for Web4, where artificial intelligence and decentralized networks operate in coordinated environments.

AI-native blockchain infrastructure enabling coordinated intelligent systems across decentralized networks

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8833/290056_55742c9544191902_001full.jpg

The Makalu Testnet introduces an AI-native blockchain architecture built to support intelligent execution at the protocol level. At the core of this system is Lithic, a smart contract language designed to enable structured and verifiable AI execution within decentralized applications. By integrating AI directly into the execution layer, Lithosphere provides developers with a framework for building applications where intelligent computation operates within deterministic and economically governed environments.

Alongside Lithic, the testnet includes MultX, a cross-chain protocol designed to enable composability across multiple blockchain networks. MultX allows decentralized applications and intelligent systems to coordinate execution and share state across chains, supporting interoperability at the infrastructure level rather than through external bridging mechanisms. This capability is intended to reduce fragmentation and enable more cohesive operation across decentralized ecosystems.

The Makalu Testnet also introduces DNNS, a decentralized naming system designed for Web4 environments. DNNS provides a framework for identity and addressing within intelligent decentralized systems, allowing agents, applications, and users to interact through structured and verifiable naming layers. This component supports persistent identity within decentralized environments, which is increasingly important as systems evolve to include autonomous agents and machine-to-machine interactions.

In addition, Lithosphere introduces the LEP100 standards framework, which defines how AI interacts with decentralized infrastructure. The framework includes specifications for AI execution, provider integration, cost governance, and cryptographic verification, establishing a standardized model for building intelligent applications within the Lithosphere ecosystem. These standards are designed to support interoperability, consistency, and structured development across decentralized systems.

"Web4 represents a shift toward systems that coordinate intelligence rather than simply process transactions," said J. King Kasr, Chief Scientist at KaJ Labs and creator of Lithosphere. "The Makalu Testnet introduces the infrastructure required for this transition, where AI and blockchain operate together within verifiable and interoperable environments."

The launch reflects a broader architectural progression in the evolution of the internet. Web1 connected documents. Web2 connected people. Web3 connected assets. Web4 introduces a new layer where decentralized systems coordinate intelligence across networks.

Through the Makalu Testnet, Lithosphere provides developers and researchers with an environment to explore and build applications aligned with this next phase. The platform is designed to support intelligent decentralized systems that operate across chains, integrate AI into execution logic, and maintain verifiable governance at scale.

About Lithosphere

Lithosphere develops blockchain infrastructure designed to support programmable digital assets, cross-chain interoperability, and AI-native decentralized execution environments. The platform focuses on enabling intelligent systems to operate within verifiable, decentralized networks through structured execution models and interoperable protocols.

Social Media

Instagram

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290056

Source: Kaj Labs
Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTCID: TLOFF) ("Talon" or the "Company") announced that, effective today, its Board of Directors has appointed Juan Andres Morel as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Morel succeeds Henri van Rooyen, who is stepping down from the role following many years of leadership and service to Talon. Mr. Morel joined Talon's Board in connection with the closing of Talon's acquisition of Eagle Mine and the associated Humboldt Mill in January 2026.

Mr. Morel brings more than 30 years of mining industry experience spanning operations, engineering, project development, and executive leadership. He is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Lundin Mining, overseeing global operations and project development. Prior to joining Lundin Mining in 2022, he held senior operating and technical leadership roles at BHP, Antofagasta Minerals, and CODELCO.

Mr. van Rooyen has led Talon's development for more than a decade. Since being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2012, he has shaped the Company's strategic direction, advancing the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project from concept through expansion and into environmental review in tandem with the progression of the U.S. Department of Energy-funded North Dakota Battery Minerals Processing Facility. He also led the acquisition of the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill to establish a U.S. nickel-copper platform.

"Henri's contributions in guiding Talon to where it is today cannot be quantified," said Darby Stacey, CEO of Talon. "He has led tirelessly through both exciting and challenging times and has shaped the company through important stages of its development, including the recent transformational acquisition of the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill. Under Henri's leadership, the transition has advanced exceptionally well and ahead of schedule, leaving Talon well prepared for Juan Andres to assume the role of Chairman. Juan Andres brings extensive operating experience, strong technical and strategic insight, and a clear understanding of our business and industry. We look forward to working closely with him as we continue advancing Talon's strategy and building on the progress already underway."

Mr. Morel said, "I am honored to assume the role of Chairman of the Board at this important time for Talon. I want to thank Henri for his years of leadership and service. Through my role at Lundin Mining and my involvement in Talon's acquisition of the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill, I have had the opportunity to get to know these operations and the broader business well. Talon has a strong asset base, a clear strategic direction, and an experienced leadership team. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team to support Talon's continued progress and long-term success."

Mr. van Rooyen said, "It has been the greatest privilege to lead Talon for the past 14 years. When we started at Tamarack, we were a small team with a dream and a highly prospective land position in the 11-mile Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Today, thanks to the extraordinary combination of unique skills, tenacity, and innovation demonstrated by our incredible Talon team, as well as the support of the Department of War, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Department of Energy, Talon has delivered multiple discoveries, including the Vault Zone and Boulderdash, 8 miles from Eagle. During this time, the iterative Minnesota environmental review process resulted in an innovative Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project that addressed stakeholder concerns. Having long admired the achievements of the Eagle team, it is a privilege to see the pieces of a U.S. nickel-copper platform coming together at an important time for U.S. critical minerals. I have full confidence in Darby, Juan Andres, and the entire unified 505-person Talon team to execute on the Company's strategy. Thank you to every member of the Talon family for your dedication and unwavering belief in our vision."

ABOUT TALON

Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company advancing and operating high-grade nickel-copper assets in the United States, including 100% ownership of the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill in Michigan, the only primary nickel mine currently operating in the United States, and the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project in Minnesota. Talon is in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project comprises a large land position (18 km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project and currently owns 51%. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Beulah Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for a US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of War awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified and experienced exploration, mine permitting, mine development, operations, and community relations teams.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290158

Source: Talon Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - SILICON METALS CORP. (CSE: SI) (OTC Pink: SLCNF) (FSE: X6U) ("Silicon Metals" or the "Company") announces that it intends to consolidate the common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Share for every five (5) pre-consolidation Shares (the "Consolidation").

Currently, a total of 53,051,908 Shares are issued and outstanding. Accordingly, upon the Consolidation becoming effective, a total of 10,610,382 Shares, subject to adjustments for rounding, will be issued and outstanding. There is no maximum number of authorized Shares. The exercise or conversion price and the number of Common Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding stock options or Common Share purchase warrants will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the Consolidation in accordance with the respective terms thereof.

Endeavor Trust Corporation will mail out a Letter of Transmittal to the shareholders of record as of the record date providing instructions on exchanging pre-Consolidation share certificates for post-Consolidation share certificates. Shareholders are encouraged to send their share certificates, together with their Letter of Transmittal, to Endeavor in accordance with the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal.

Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank or trust company or other intermediary should contact that nominee or intermediary for assistance in depositing their Common Shares in connection with the Consolidation.

The Consolidation is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Upon acceptance by the CSE, the Company's trading symbol will remain the same, but the CUSIP and ISIN numbers will change upon the completion of the Consolidation.

The Company also wishes to announce the resignation of Mr. Leighton Bocking from the board of directors. The Company thanks Mr. Bocking for his time and commitment over recent years assisting the Company advance its objectives and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. The Company is actively seeking a new director and will update the market accordingly in the near future.

About Silicon Metals Corp.

Silicon Metals Corp. is currently focused on exploration and development in Canada, namely British Columbia and Ontario. The Company's Maple Birch Project, located approximately 30km south-east of Sudbury, Ontario, is a high purity quartz pegmatite project with a 3,000 tonne per year production permit. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Crystal Hills Project, located approximately 40 km north of the city of North Bay, Ontario, Canada, which consists of five mineral claims comprised of eighteen (18) cells totalling approximately 400 hectares. The Company also holds an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in the exploration stage and now fully 5-year permitted Ptarmigan Silica Project, located approximately 130km from Prince George, British Columbia. The Company has also acquired an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in both the exploration stage Silica Ridge Silica Project located approximately 70kms southeast from the town of MacKenzie, British Columbia, as well as the exploration stage Longworth Silica Project located approximately 85km East from Prince George, British Columbia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SILICON METALS CORP.

"Ray Wladichuk"

Ray Wladichuk

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither the 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).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

We seek safe harbor

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, the Company's plans to move to the next level and its focused vision to become a significant critical minerals company, and the Company's plans to put its strategy into action and begin unlocking the value of its projects across Canada. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, and opinions of management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties; uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets; reliance on key personnel; and changes in laws, regulations, and regulatory policies. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290166

Source: Silicon Metals Corp.
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CRR.UN) ("Crombie") will hold its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of Unitholders on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Cineplex Cinemas, 612 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. (EDT).

2025 AGM Webcast:

The AGM will be broadcast via live audio webcast. The webcast may be accessed at www.crombie.ca under Investors and through https://www.gowebcasting.com/14654. Time has been allotted at the end of the webcast for telephone questions.

Teleconference:

Dial-in numbers to join the AGM are:

USA/Canada Toll-Free: +1-833-752-5566

International: +1-647-258-0575

To join the AGM call without operator assistance, Click Here to register and enter your phone number to receive an instant automated callback.

A replay will be available by dialing 1-855-669-9658 or 1-412-317-0088 and entering password 4756162# until midnight, May 14, 2026.

Q1 2026 Conference Call

Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CRR.UN) ("Crombie") will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 7, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Senior management will discuss Crombie's financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The financial and operational results will be released on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after market close.

Teleconference:

Dial-in numbers to join the conference call are:

USA/Canada Toll-Free: +1-833-752-5566

International: +1-647-258-0575

To join the conference call without operator assistance, Click Here to register and enter your details to receive an instant automated callback.

A replay will be available by dialing +1-855-669-9658 or +1-412-317-0088 and entering password 9384831#, until midnight on May 14, 2026.

Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Crombie's website at www.crombie.ca under Investors and through https://www.gowebcasting.com/14655. The webcast will be available for replay on Crombie's website for 90 days following the conference call.

About Crombie REIT

Crombie invests in real estate with a vision of enriching communities together by building spaces and value today that leave a positive impact on tomorrow. As one of the country's leading owners, operators, and developers of quality real estate assets, Crombie's portfolio primarily includes grocery-anchored retail, retail-related industrial, and mixed-use residential properties. As at December 31, 2025, our portfolio contained 308 properties comprising approximately 18.9 million square feet, inclusive of joint ventures at Crombie's share, and a significant pipeline of future development projects. Learn more at www.crombie.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289956

Source: Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust
BELVEDERE TIBURON, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / For the first time, fractional ownership shares in the legendary "Eureka Bar," a massive 64-pound California Gold Rush sunken treasure gold ingot, are being offered by Kagin's Digital (https://kagins.digital), a subsidiary of Kagin's Inc. of Belvedere Tiburon, California.

"The 933.34 troy ounces gold bar, recovered from the famed 1857 shipwreck of the SS Central America, known as the 'Ship of Gold,' is widely regarded as the largest surviving gold artifact of the California Gold Rush and one of the most historically significant gold bars ever produced," stated Dr. Donald Kagin, President of Kagin's Digital and author of the reference book Private and Pioneer Gold Coins of the United States 1786-1862.

Shares in the Eureka Bar will be offered through a digital fractional ownership structure pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, allowing accredited investors to participate in ownership of the historic treasure. Investors interested in learning more about the offering can view the official brochure by visiting https://kagins.digital/marketing/Kagins-Eureka-Gold-Bar.pdf and at https://kagins.digital.

The announcement about the Eureka Bar comes amid renewed public attention surrounding the SS Central America treasure following the recent release from prison of treasure hunter Tommy Thompson. His expedition team of scientists and engineers originally recovered the shipwreck in the late 1980s, the most important numismatic recovery in American history.

The SS Central America Treasure

The SS Central America yielded what Life magazine famously described as the "Greatest Treasure Ever Found." Valued at more than $100 million, the sunken treasure was initially salvaged between 1988 and 1990 by the Columbus-America Discovery Group led by Thompson, with additional recovery conducted in 2014 by Odyssey Marine Exploration.

Much of the treasure was subsequently marketed by the California Gold Marketing Group and Adam Crum of FinestKnown.com.

The Eureka Bar

The "Eureka Bar" was produced in 1857 during the height of the California Gold Rush by San Francisco assayer Augustus Humbert and private coiner John Glover Kellogg.

"The massive ingot represents both a monumental Gold Rush artifact and a tangible financial instrument of its era, often described as a monetary document made of gold," said Dr. Kagin.

The bar was privately acquired in 2002 for $8,000,000 as part of a larger transaction involving several ingots and gold coins recovered from the wreck site, setting a record for a numismatic rarity. Today, the Eureka Bar is insured for $10,000,000.

Fractional Ownership Offering

The Eureka Bar has now been structured as a $6,500,000 digital fractional offering, with 1,500 shares being offered to members of the Kagin's Digital community.

"While it remains one of the most valuable numismatic items in existence, this structure allows individuals to participate in ownership of an incredibly important California Gold Rush artifact and iconic treasure for an average share price of $4,333," Dr. Kagin explained.

Crum, Managing Partner of National Treasures and widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on the SS Central America treasure, added: "Over the course of my career, I have handled and sold more than $100 million in SS Central America treasure, including the majority of all the ingots recovered. The Eureka Bar stands alone as the largest California Gold Rush artifact and, in my view, the most important surviving gold bar in the world."

Blockchain-Secured Ownership

Ownership of the Eureka Bar will be offered through fractional shares, allowing accredited investors to participate in one of the most iconic surviving treasures of the California Gold Rush. The offering will be conducted as a securities offering under Regulation D, Rule 506(c) of the Securities Act of 1933.

Through Kagin's Digital platform, each share is securely recorded using blockchain-based technology, creating a transparent and tamper-proof record of ownership. This digital infrastructure allows fractional shares to be managed efficiently while maintaining the security and provenance expected of a museum-grade historical artifact.

About Kagin's Digital

Kagin's Digital, a subsidiary of Kagin's Inc., specializes in digital fractional offerings of rare and historic numismatic assets secured through blockchain technology. Visit https://kagins.digital/ or https://www.kagins.com/ to learn more. Kagin's Inc., founded more than 90 years ago, has been associated with numerous historic treasure offerings, including the $10 million Saddle Ridge Hoard, widely recognized as the most valuable buried treasure ever discovered in North America.

Important Disclosure

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offering of securities will be made only to accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D and only through official offering documents.

News media contact:

Dr. Donald Kagin

Email: don@kagins.com

Office: 888-852-4467 Mobile: 415-302-6500

SOURCE: Kagin's Digital

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/10-million-california-gold-rush-bar-recovered-by-treasure-hunter-tomm-1151064
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - First and Goal Capital Corp. (TSXV: FGCC.P) ("F&G" or the "Company") and Copper Bullet Mines Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of Canada ("CBMI") signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") on July 28, 2025. F&G and CBMI entered into a definitive business combination agreement dated September 30, 2025 (the "DA"), pursuant to which F&G and CBMI intend to complete a proposed business combination which will constitute a reverse take-over of F&G (the "Transaction"). It is intended that the Transaction will constitute F&G's "Qualifying Transaction", as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Pursuant to the Transaction, CBMI and a wholly owned subsidiary of F&G will amalgamate to form a new amalgamated company, and upon such amalgamation, holders of common shares of CBMI ("CBMI Shares") will receive one post-consolidation F&G common share for each CBMI Share held. As a condition of the Transaction and subject to shareholder approval, F&G will consolidate its common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for every 1.108 pre-consolidation common shares. On or immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that F&G will change its name to Coyote Copper Mines Inc. or such other name as may be determined by CBMI.

The parties to the Transaction are at arm's length and, as to the knowledge of the Company, no insider, promoter or control person of the Company has any material equity ownership or interest in CBMI prior to giving effect to the Transaction. Paul Smith and Daiana Turco, each insiders of F&G, hold minority interest in CBMI. As the Transaction is not a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in TSXV Policy 2.4), approval of the Transaction by F&G's shareholders will not be required pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. CBMI held an annual general and special meeting of its shareholders on November 25, 2025 and approved the Transaction.

F&G held an annual general and special meeting of its shareholders on November 24, 2025, and approved, among other things, a name change to Coyote Copper Mines Inc. ("CCMM" or the "Resulting Issuer"), a new omnibus incentive plan, and the directors of the Resulting Issuer upon closing of the Transaction.

The Company has received conditional acceptance for the Transaction and listing of Resulting Issuer as Tier 2 Mining issuer, subject to the Resulting Issuer fulfilling all the requirements of TSXV.

The Company has filed the Filing Statement dated March 26, 2026 in connection with the Transaction on SEDAR+, and the scheduled closing date for the Transaction is expected to occur on or about April 7, 2026.

In connection with the Transaction, all outstanding stock options and agent warrants of F&G will, on a post-consolidation basis, remain in effect on substantially the same terms and in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

FIRST AND GOAL CAPITAL CORP.

F&G was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on incorporated on June 3, 2021 and is a Capital Pool Company (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) listed on the TSXV. F&G has no commercial operations and no assets other than cash.

About Copper Bullet Mines Inc.

Since its incorporation on April 10, 2021, the team at CBMI, has acquired through staking and option a significant land package in the heart of Arizona's Copper Triangle. CBMI's Copper Springs property has more than 96 historic drill holes.

The project is adjacent to Arizona State highway 60, located 1 hour east of Phoenix. High voltage power lines cross the project and water is available from perennial springs. The Copper Springs Project is surrounded by producing mines, including Capstone's Pinto Valley, KGHM's Carlotta mine, Group Mexico's Ray Mine, and various other mines and projects owned by South 32, BHP, Rio Tinto and Freeport-McMoRan.

The Globe Miami area, the northeast part of the Copper Triangle where the Copper Springs project is situated has produced over 37 billion lbs of copper. The Copper Triangle is also home to 2 of the 3 copper smelters in the USA.

From exploration through discovery, development, capital raising, and successful execution of commercial mining and milling operations, CBMI's team includes a full-range of experienced industry professionals. Additional information about CBMI may be found on its website: www.CoyoteCopper.com.

Financing

Since the signing of the LOI on July 28, 2025, CBMI has completed two financings.

As announced in F&G's October 1, 2025 press release, CBMI completed an oversubscribed financing by way of private placement 10,554,343 units at $0.07 per unit for gross proceeds of $738,804.

Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half a warrant of CBMI. Each full warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of CBMI at an exercise price of C$0.15 per share for a period of 36 months from the issue date. Upon CBMI receiving its drill permits, CBMI may deliver a notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to the warrant holders notifying such warrant holders that the warrants must be exercised within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the Acceleration Notice, otherwise the Warrants will expire at 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after the date of Acceleration Notice.

Paul G. Smith and Daiana Turcu, each a director of F&G, participated in the financing, resulting in each of them holding a minority equity interest in CBMI. Paul Smith subscribed for 630,000 units and Daiana Turcu subscribed for 532,000 units. Paul Smith owns 0.8% and Daiana Turcu owns 0.7% of CBMI as a result of the financing and that prior to the LOI they did not own any security in CBMI. Participation by F&G and other insiders in the Private Placement is considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). CBMI is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the insiders' participation in the Private Placement in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of any securities issued under the Private Placement (and the consideration paid to the CBMI therefor) to interested parties (as defined under MI 61-101) did not exceed 25% of the CBMI market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

In connection with the Transaction, on January 26, 2026, CBMI completed a second private placement (the "CBMI Financing") of 21,719,935 units of CBMI (the"CBMI Units") for gross proceeds of 3,040,791.00 at $0.14 per CBMI Unit. Each CBMI Unit consisting of one CBMI Share and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "CBMI Warrant"). Each CBMI Warrant is exercisable at $0.20 for one CBMI Share for a period of thirty-six months from the date of issue. Upon CBMI receiving its drill permits, CBMI may deliver a notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to the warrant holders notifying such warrant holders that the CBMI Warrants must be exercised within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the Acceleration Notice, otherwise the CBMI Warrants will expire at 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after the date of Acceleration Notice.

The net proceeds from the CBMI Financing will be used by the Resulting Issuer to fund exploration and development of the Arizona Property and for working capital purposes.

In connection with the CBMI Financing, certain duly registered and eligible finders (the "Finders") were paid an aggregate cash fee of $154,221.16, being an amount equal to 7% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from subscribers introduced by such Finders. As additional consideration, the Finders also received an aggregate of 1,052,152 CBMI Agent Warrants, being an amount equal to % of the number of CBMI Units issued to subscribers introduced by them. Each CBMI Agent Warrant will be exercisable at an exercise price of $0.14 to acquire one CBMI Unit at any time during the 36 months following the date of issue. Upon CBMI receiving its drill permits, CBMI may deliver a notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to the warrant holders notifying such warrant holders that the warrants must be exercised within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the Acceleration Notice, otherwise the Warrants will expire at 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after the date of Acceleration Notice.

The Proposed Transaction

Consolidation

As a condition of the Transaction and as approved by F&G shareholders on November 24, 2025, F&G will consolidate its common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for every 1.108 pre-consolidation common shares.

Capitalization of CBMI

CBMI is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and, as of the date hereof, has (a) 79,642,569 CBMI Shares issued and outstanding, (b) 21,719,935,080 CBMI Warrants exercisable to acquire 21,719,935 CBMI Shares at an exercise price of $0.15 and $0.20. The holders of CBMI Warrants may, at the option of the holders thereof, elect to replace their CBMI Warrants with warrants to acquire F&G Shares, but otherwise bearing the same terms as the CBMI Warrants which they replace.

Fully Diluted Share Capital

Upon completion of the Transaction, the issued and outstanding securities of the Resulting Issuer are expected to consist of 96,368,674 Resulting Issuer Shares at the amounts set out in the below capitalization table:

Securities Number Approximate %-Fully

Diluted Common shares



Post-Consolidation F&G Shares prior to close of Transaction 14,285,700 12.14% Issuable to former CBMI Shareholders prior to CBMI Financing 57,922,834 49.22% Issuable to former CBMI shareholders resulting from CBMI Financing (prior to September 30, 2025) 591,276 18.46%(5) Issuable to former CBMI shareholders resulting from CBMI Financing (after September 30, 2025) 21,128,460 17.72% Issuable to former CBMI shareholders resulting from compensation shares Nil - Issuable in connection with the Finder's Fee Agreement 2,440,404 2.07% Total Common Shares 96,368,674 81.89%





Convertible Securities



Resulting Issuer Shares issuable upon exercise of Resulting Issuer Options 1,428,475(1) 1.21% Resulting Issuer Shares issuable upon exercise of Resulting Issuer Replacement Warrants 18,378,928(2) 15.62% Resulting Issuer Shares issuable upon exercise of Resulting Issuer Replacement Broker Warrants 459,386(3) 0.39% Resulting Issuer Shares issuable upon exercise of CBMI Broker/Agents Warrants 1,052,152(4) 0.89% Total Convertible Securities 21,318,938 18.11% Total 117,687,612 100%

Notes:

(1) Resulting Issuer Options ranging from an exercise price of $0.055 to $0.11 with expiry dates of between October 22, 2031 and January 11, 2032.

(2) Resulting Issuer Replacement Warrants ranging from an exercise price of $0.15 to $0.20 with expiry dates of between December 13, 2027 and January 26, 2029.

(3) Resulting Issuer Replacement Broker Warrants with an exercise price of $0.11 with an expiry date of the earlier of: (i) the date that is five (5) years from the date the F&G common shares were listed on the TSXV (or January 11, 2027); and (i) one (1) year from the date of completion of the Transaction.

(4) Resulting Issuer Replacement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $0.14 with an expiry date of 3 years from the date of completion of the Transaction.

(5) CBMI issued a total of 21,719,736 Units between September 30, 2025, and January 26, 2026, as part of the CBMI Financing.

Terms of the Transaction

F&G will acquire all of the issued and outstanding CBMI Shares by way of a three-corner amalgamation. The Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of CBMI.

Pursuant to the Transaction, one (1) F&G Consolidated Shares will be issued to the holders of CBMI Shares in exchange for each one (1) CBMI Share issued and outstanding as at the effective date of the Transaction.

CBMI will issue 2,440,404 shares payable to two arm's length finders in connection with the Transaction.

Insiders, Officers and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer shall consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of ten directors, a majority of whom shall be nominated by CBMI. The nominees of CBMI are expected to consist of, at a minimum, Daniel Weir, Darryl Irwin, Erika Dohring, Doug Harris, Keith Minty and Daryl Hodges. The parties expect Daniel Weir will be appointed CEO and Secretary of the Resulting Issuer and Arif Shivji will be appointed as CFO of the Resulting Issuer.

Following completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that no one will exercise control or direction over more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer.

The following sets outs the names and backgrounds of all persons who are expected to be considered insiders of the Resulting Issuer.

Daniel Weir, CEO, Corporate Secretary and Director

Daniel has worked for over 20 years at some of the top financial firms in Canada. He worked as an Institutional Equity Trader, Sales and Investment banking as well as a broker. He was the Head of Institutional Equity Sales at a boutique firm focused on financing Mining companies. Having raised billions of dollars, both publicly and privately, Mr. Weir has expertise at evaluating and financing mining deals. He has sat on boards of potash, graphite and copper-zinc mining companies. Dan spent the past 8 years working in Africa, developing a graphite project. Mr. Weir has overseen exploration projects, and the designing and engineering of processing plants. Mr. Weir graduated from the University of Toronto. Dan resides in Toronto, Canada.

Daryl Hodges, Chairman

Mr. Hodges (Lakehurst, Ontario) is current Chairman & CEO of Electro, having over 35 years of exploration / mine development, and capital markets / financing experience. Mr Hodges is also President of privately owned Ladykirk Capital Advisors Inc. since 2014. Mr. Hodges was former Chairman and CEO of Jennings Capital, responsible for building the mining practise and participation in over $4bn in transactions. And spent 19 years as an exploration/development geologist in central and eastern Canada and was instrumental in numerous discoveries including, Sisson Brook 1978, Hoyle Pond Chopp Zone 1981, Hammond Reef 1987, Raindrop Zone VMS 1990. Hodges spent his last five years focused on offshore M&A in Russia (Norilsk), Fennoscandia (Keivitsa, Boliden), SE Asia (China and Philippines) before entering the capital markets in 1996. Mr. Hodges graduated from University of Waterloo with HBSc and MSc degrees in Earth Science. Darryl resides just outside of Toronto, Canada.

Erika Dohring, Director

Erika has extensive knowledge and expertise in epithermal gold and silver deposits, as well as base metals systems including porphyry copper and VMS. She grew into a career as an exploration geologist with exposure to capital markets and economic evaluation, and most recently as an entrepreneur. As manager of corporate development and JV programs of Riverside Resources, she successfully launched and led multiple early-stage gold and silver exploration programs and was part of the team that spun out the public company Capitan Silver Corp. Most recently, Mrs. Dohring has launched two private Mexican ventures. Mrs. Dohring graduated from Institut Beauvais in France with a Master's Degree in Geology and Mining Engineering. Erika resides in Mexico.

Doug Harris, Director

Doug has over 25 years of audit, buy side, sell side and advisory experience participating in over $2 billion of transactions. Doug has served as a director of several public companies, chairing audit and independent committees, and provides advisory and CFO services through his company Harris Capital Corporation to a number of mining companies. Mr. Harris obtained his MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Doug resides just outside of Toronto, Canada.

Keith Minty, Director

Keith has 30 years of professional experience in mineral resource exploration and development of precious and base metals and industrial minerals in Canada and internationally. He has been directly involved in increasing mineral resource project's value through resource development, constructing, operating and managing gold and platinum group metal projects. Mr. Minty has been associated with resource exploration and development companies such as Hunter Dickinson, Viceroy Resources, North American Palladium, and Aurvista Gold. He is currently an active member of the board of directors of companies. Mr. Minty obtained a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University, he received his MBA from Athabasca University. Keith resides in Toronto, Canada.

Darryl Irwin, Director

Mr. Irwin has spent over 20 years working at multiple Big4 accounting firms. He is currently a trusted business advisor to many Canadian-based companies. Darryl has provided business and tax advice on strategies to minimize income tax, structuring of acquisitions and reorganizations, loss utilization planning, shareholder/owner remuneration planning, assistance with tax audits, appeals, advance tax rulings and various other tax compliance matters. Mr. Irwin dedicates most of his time to servicing the emerging company sector. He has significant experience in value-added tax planning for companies and their shareholders, with a focus on tax structuring for liquidity events, including both divestitures and capital raises. Darryl resides in Toronto, Canada.

Arif Shivji, CFO

Arif Shivji is a registered CPA in BC & Alberta, US CPA in Illinois, and a CFA charterholder. After his MBA from the Richard Ivey School Business, Shivji became Manager of Transaction Services with PwC Advisory where he performed buy-side due diligence on acquisitions in Canada, US, and UK. Mr. Shivji has been providing part time CFO services to private & public companies. In addition, he has set up two CPCs on the TSX and a junior mining IPO on the CSE exchange. Previously, Shivji was founder & CFO of Predator Midstream that grew to 90 staff when it was sold to a large public company (Secure Energy). Since May 2021, Shivji has been CFO of Copper Bullet leveraging his 25 years of professional finance experience. Arif resides in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Qualified Person

Michael Feinstein, is the "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release.

Further Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to F&G and CBMI was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

The securities to be issued in connection with the Transaction 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 in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

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 Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the proposal to complete the Transaction and associated transactions. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the expected terms of the Transaction, the number of securities of F&G that may be issued in connection with the Transaction, the ownership ratio of the Resulting Issuer post-closing, the Concurrent Financing, shareholder approval, CBMI's strategic plans and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Transaction will occur or that, if the Transaction does occur, it will be completed on the terms described above. F&G and CBMI assume no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

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/290161

Source: First and Goal Capital Corp.
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2026) - GoGold Resources Inc. (TSX: GGD) (OTCQX: GLGDF) ("GoGold", "the Company") is pleased to announce that at the annual and meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2026 (the "Meeting"), the shareholders re-elected John Turner, Bradley Langille, Phillip Gaunce, Jorge Aguirre, Terrence Cooper, Douglas Reid and Karen Flores as directors of the Company for the forthcoming year. Each director was elected by a majority of the votes and the table below presents the votes in respect of the election of each director:

Nominee



Votes For Votes Against John Turner



149,433,320 (78.88%) 40,014,849 (21.12%) Karen Flores



186,064,026 (98.21%) 3,384,143 (1.79%) Phillip Gaunce



182,891,034 (96.54%) 6,557,135 (3.46%) Douglas Reid



187,763,189 (99.11%) 1,684,980 (0.89%) Terrence Cooper



138,519,475 (73.12%) 50,928,694 (26.88%) Bradley Langille



189,203,134 (99.87%) 245,035 (0.13%) Jorge Aguirre



189,132,320 (99.83%) 315,849 (0.17%)

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, were re-appointed as the auditors of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed, at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors.

About GoGold Resources

GoGold Resources (TSX: GGD) is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North exploration and development projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com.

For further information please contact:

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any of GoGold's securities in the United States.

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Los Ricos South and North projects, and future plans and objectives of GoGold, including the intention to undertake further exploration at Los Ricos North, and the prospect of further discoveries there, constitute forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of GoGold and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices, the accuracy of mineral resource estimates, and the performance of the Parral project. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from GoGold's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with GoGold's projects, the failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. For additional information with respect to risk factors applicable to GoGold, reference should be made to GoGold's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with securities regulators, including, but not limited to, GoGold's Annual Information Form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290171

Source: GoGold Resources Inc.
LG has started rolling out its 2026 TV lineup, including upgraded OLED evo models, a new Micro RGB evo series, and a wireless wallpaper TV. The 2026 OLED evo models are positioned as the next phase of OLED development, with upgrades across key picture quality elements such as brightness, color, contrast, and response time.

LG OLED evo (G6, C6, B6)

The 2026 OLED evo lineup focuses on improving core display performance while integrating updated processing and personalization features. LG states that its OLED development builds on over a decade of global leadership in the segment.

The models combine AI processing with new display technologies to deliver higher brightness, improved color accuracy, and reduced reflections across different lighting conditions. LG also highlights near-infinite contrast ratio and fast response time as core OLED characteristics.

Key Features

Hyper Radiant Color technology

Up to 3.9 higher brightness compared to standard OLED (B6 reference)

11 AI Processor 4K Gen3 with 5.6 improved AI performance

AI Dual 4K Upscaling for low-resolution content

Hyper Bright Booster for scene-based brightness control

Reflection Free Premium display with industry-first certification from Intertek

Reflection reduction method that minimizes glare by eliminating light rather than scattering it

The TVs also support Dolby Atmos FlexConnect for adaptive spatial audio and are compatible with LG Sound Suite for flexible multi-speaker configurations.

AI & Smart Features

The 2026 LG TVs run on webOS 26, which integrates both Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to support a multi-AI experience for search, interaction, and personalization. The platform also includes LG Shield for system-level security and data protection. It offers:

AI Concierge for personalized recommendations and suggested keywords

AI Search for contextual content discovery

AI Chatbot for queries and assistance

AI Picture & Sound Wizard for automatic optimization

Voice ID for user-based personalization

AI-generated images and background audio via LG Gallery+

LG OLED evo W6 (Wireless Wallpaper TV)

The W6 model is designed as an ultra-slim OLED TV with a wireless setup. It integrates all key hardware components into a thin panel while using an external box for connectivity. The model focuses on minimizing visible cables and enabling flexible installation without compromising video or audio transmission quality.

Key Features

Approx. 9mm ultra-slim design with integrated components

Wireless AV transmission via Zero Connect Box

Supports 4K resolution at 165Hz

Lossless and low-latency wireless signal transmission

Zero Connect Box reduced in size by 35% compared to earlier versions

Recognized with multiple awards at CES 2026

LG Micro RGB evo (Premium LCD TV)

The Micro RGB evo series introduces a new LCD approach focused on improving color output and light control. It replaces traditional white backlighting with RGB LED light sources and uses smaller light units for better precision.

LG extends its display processing and light control techniques to this lineup, aiming to improve LCD performance in areas such as color reproduction and accuracy. The company positions this as a premium LCD technology that approaches OLED-level performance in color.

Key Features

RGB LED backlight system replacing conventional white LEDs

Reduced light source size for improved precision

Enhanced color reproduction

11 AI Processor 4K Gen3 with dual AI engine

Advanced light control derived from OLED technology

Triple 100% Color Certification covering BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB standards

Large-size variants including 100-inch models

Pricing and Availability

LG will begin rolling out its 2026 OLED TV lineup starting March 25 in South Korea, followed by a phased global expansion. The OLED lineup includes G6, C6, and B6 models, available in sizes ranging from 42 inches to 97 inches.

LG OLED evo G6 Series

OLED97G6KNA  97-inch  KRW 37,900,000 (USD 25148 or Rs. 2,36,8071 approx.)

OLED83G6KNA  83-inch  KRW 13,000,000 (USD 8626 or Rs. 8,12,267 approx.)

OLED77G6KNA  77-inch  KRW 7,791,000 (USD 5169 or Rs. 4,86,798 approx.)

OLED65G6KNA  65-inch  KRW 3,803,700 (USD 2523 or Rs. 2,37,663 approx.)

OLED55G6KNA  55-inch  KRW 3,059,700 (USD 2030 or Rs. 1,91,176 approx.)

LG OLED evo C6 Series

OLED77C6SNA  77-inch  KRW 6,190,000 (USD 4107 or Rs. 3,86,764 approx.)

OLED65C6SNA  65-inch  KRW 3,338,700 (USD 2215 or Rs. 2,08,608 approx.)

OLED55C6KNA  55-inch  KRW 2,455,200 (USD 1629 or Rs. 1,53,406 approx.)

OLED48C6KNA  48-inch  KRW 1,897,200 (USD 1258 or Rs. 1,18,541 approx.)

LG OLED B6 Series

65-inch  KRW 3,290,000 (USD 2183 or Rs. 2,05,566 approx.)

77-inch  KRW 5,690,000 (USD 3775 or Rs. 3,55,523 approx.)

83-inch  KRW 7,900,000 (USD 5242 or Rs. 4,93,608 approx.)

The W6 wireless OLED TV and Micro RGB evo models are expected to launch in the first half of 2026. LG is also expanding its large-screen portfolio with Micro RGB models up to 100 inches and QNED TVs reaching 115 inches.
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.
Nathan Savig, teacher at Fruita Middle School, helps his engineering class students nail the together the frame of a shed on March 11. Fruita Shed Co. donated all the materials for Savigs classes to build sheds that will then be sold with the funds going toward the purchase of more materials to build more sheds.
Intelligence forces arrest 39 mercenaries linked to terror groups, Israel in Tehran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 2:47 PM

Iran's Intelligence Ministry says its forces have identified and arrested 39 mercenaries recruited by terror factions and the Zionist regime Tehran who were attempting to carry out activities against national security amid the US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Intelligence announced the apprehension of 27 individuals working for two terrorist groups, adding that one of these operatives was attempting to set up an operational cell in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. The individual intended to instigate insecurity and disorder using seized weapons but was captured before carrying out his plan, it added.

According to the ministry, 49 handmade explosive devices, two AK-47 assault rifles, 16 handguns, 50 bullet magazines, 1,500 cartridges, electric shockers, tear gas canisters, Molotov cocktails, a large quantity of combustible materials used for making bombs, and seven Starlink satellite internet terminals were confiscated from their hideouts.

The announcement added that two of the apprehended elements were Israel-hired mercenaries operating on social media platforms in an attempt to instigate public disorder and civil disturbance against the Islamic Republic and in favor of "Zionist child-killers."

Other captured individuals had been appointed to disclose the positions of security forces to the enemy and to the spy network "Iran International" television.

The US and Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians.

In response, the Iranian armed forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting US bases in the region and Israeli positions in the occupied territories with waves of missile strikes and drone attacks.

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Contracts

Contracts for March 25, 2026

AIR FORCE

DNI Trend JV LLC, Tulsa, Oklahoma (FA4877-26-D-0007); PCI Bhate JV LLC, Reston, Virginia (FA4877-26-D-0008); and OCS Construction Services Inc., Riverside, California (FA4877-26-D-0009), were awarded a not-to-exceed $350,000,000 multiple award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a multiple award construction contract. This contract provides for a construction program to include maintenance, repair, alterations, mechanical, electrical, heating and air conditioning, demolition, painting, paving, and earthwork. Work will be performed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; and Luke AFB, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 9, 2031. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and 31 offers were received. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. The 355th Contracting Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, is the contracting activity.

NAVY

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, was awarded a $95,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-24-C-2124) for engineering, technical, design agent, and planning yard support for operational strategic and attack submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Kings Bay, Georgia (13%); Bangor, Washington (10%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (3%); North Kingston, Rhode Island (2%); and Newport, Rhode Island (2%), and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,600,000 (54%); fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,793,786 (37%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $425,176 (9%), were obligated at time of award, of which $ $2,218,962 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. This contract was awarded on March 23, 2026.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Goodrich Corp., doing business as Collins Aerospace, Troy, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $62,172,173 modification (P00014) exercising the second four-year option period of a two-year base contract (SPRHA1-20-D-0001) with two four-year option periods for C-130 heat sinks performance-based support. This is a firm-fixed-price, requirements contract. The ordering period end date is March 31, 2030. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2030 Air Force working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Ogden, Utah.

UPDATE: Spartan Medical Inc.,** Gaithersburg, Maryland (SPE2DF-26-D-0008, $15,000,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for consumable dental supplies for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DE-25-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 12, 2026. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

ARMY

Kraemer North America LLC, Plain, Wisconsin, was awarded a $12,822,905 firm-fixed-price contract for the rehabilitation of dam tow haulage systems, including repairs and modifications to the guide-wall; design, fabrication, installation, and testing of new rail systems; and other associated repairs to support barge movement. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Hastings, Minnesota, with an estimated completion date of April 7, 2028. Fiscal 2025 civil construction funds in the amount of $12,822,905 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is the contracting activity (W912ES-26-C-A010).

*Small business

* *Service-disabled veteran-owned small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4444449/

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chairs Anti-Corruption Policy Council session

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

Press releases

24.03.2026

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired the regular session of the Anti-Corruption Policy Council, which was attended by representatives of state bodies included in the council, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations and invited participants.

The agenda of the session discussed issues aimed at applying uniform approaches during the investigation of violations related to the process of declaring property, income, interests and expenses, as well as a number of issues related to the prevention of possible corruption risks in the electoral process.

Within the framework of the first item on the agenda, Mariam Galstyan, Acting Chairperson of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, presented that during administrative and criminal proceedings regarding violations related to the declaration process, different interpretations of administrative and criminal circumstances emerge, which may affect the uniformity of law enforcement practice. In this context, the need to introduce a mutually accountable and coordinated methodology between the bodies authorized to investigate violations related to declaration, the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption and the Anti-Corruption Committee, was emphasized.

A proposal was presented to strengthen the toolkit for monitoring the declaration process, including the implementation of a comprehensive analysis of violations, in order to initiate and effectively implement a preliminary investigation.

During the discussion, an exchange of views took place on issues arising during the investigation of violations related to declarations, with particular emphasis on the need to avoid different interpretations of administrative and criminal law assessments and the formation of unified law enforcement practice.

Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the role of the analytical work carried out by the Corruption Prevention Commission within the framework of supervision over the declaration process, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of the effective operation of checks and balances mechanisms.

Within the framework of the second item on the agenda, representatives of non-governmental organizations presented proposals on reducing corruption risks in the electoral process. In particular, the proposals concerned increasing the transparency of electoral financing, improving the mechanisms for monitoring the voting process, as well as limiting the possibilities of illegal financing.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of implementing consistent steps to ensure the transparency of the electoral process and fully comply with the requirements set by the legislation, instructing to continue discussions on the submitted proposals and to submit proposals for legislative and practical changes requiring priority solutions within a short period of time.

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NATO gathers experts for Integrated Air and Missile Defence Conference in Poland

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

24 March 2026

The fifth annual NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Conference was held in Gdynia, Poland, from 9 to 11 March 2026, serving as a key forum for high-level policy discussions on the current security environment and the future direction of NATO IAMD.

The conference took place amid intense focus on air and missile threats, driven by Russia's expanded use of missiles and drones in its war against Ukraine, and alongside NATO's demonstrated effectiveness in recent intercepts of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Turkiye. Bringing together NATO delegates, senior decision-makers from capitals, and stakeholders from across the Alliance, the event addressed political and strategic themes central to strengthening the Alliance's integrated defence posture.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte provided opening remarks at the conference. He underscored the need for Allies to continue to increase defence spending and urgently invest in more air and missiles defences. "NATO IAMD is our first line of defence", said the Secretary General, adding that "NATO must - and will - strengthen the shield that protects our skies". The conference discussions reinforced NATO's commitment to vigilance, capability enhancement, and collective resilience in the face of evolving threats.

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MOFA Spokesperson's Statement on Japan's Authorization of High School Textbooks (March 24, 2026)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date: 2026-03-24

The government of the Republic of Korea strongly protests against the Japanese government's authorization on March 24 of high school textbooks that distort historical facts according to Japan's self-centered view of history. The ROK government calls for an immediate correction.

Particularly, the ROK government strongly protests against the fact that the Japanese government once again authorized textbooks containing preposterous claims over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the ROK territory historically, geographically and under international law. The ROK government makes it clear that Japan's unjust claims over Dokdo are entirely unacceptable.

The ROK government also expresses strong regret over the fact that these textbooks contain descriptions on the historical issue of forced labor victims during Japanese colonial rule as well as that of "comfort women" victims of the Imperial Japanese Army, distorted in a manner that dilutes their coercive nature. The ROK government once again urges the Japanese government to pursue history education based on the spirit of apology and remorse that the Japanese government has itself expressed regarding its past history.

As building a future-oriented relationship between the two countries calls for a correct historical understanding by young generations, the ROK government hopes that the Japanese government will show a more responsible attitude in history education while facing history squarely.

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We must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 24 March 2026

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 24 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the conflict in the Middle East and its impact upon civilians.

Together with partners, we continue to strive for a swift resolution to this crisis.

And we cannot let this current period of crisis in the region distract us from the need to make progress on the 20-Point Plan for Gaza, or from the deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank.

So I will make three points.

First, the parties and this Council, through resolution 2803, have expressed their backing for President Trump's 20-Point Plan.

But Gaza today remains unacceptably divided.

Repeated violations of the ceasefire are costing lives and undermining progress for peace.

It is essential that swift progress is made to implement Phase 2.

Hamas has no future in the governance of Gaza. It and other militant groups must demilitarise.

And I welcome and fully support High Representative Mladenov's remarks on the importance of full decommissioning.

Swift progress also means the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza being given full support to lead the day-to-day administration of Gaza during the transition to Palestinian Authority governance, delivering for the Palestinian people's immediate needs and the crucial recovery efforts needed across the Gaza Strip.

Second, Resolution 2803 is clear on the need for the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Yet for weeks, Israel has restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to one single crossing.

Last week, 1,063 trucks were offloaded, just one quarter of the weekly target of 4,200 trucks.

And Israel's closure of the Rafah crossing on 28 February for 18 days delayed life-saving medical evacuations for thousands.

This is wholly unacceptable.

A lack of essential goods is driving up commercial prices, while shelter materials, critical medical supplies, fuel, and repair equipment remain blocked by Israel under long-standing dual-use restrictions.

At the same time, the Government of Israel's de-registration measures are shrinking the space for international NGOs in Palestine

The UN and its partners, including UNRWA and International NGOs, must be able to operate unimpeded in Gaza, with access to all parts of the Strip and the supplies needed to deliver essential and lifesaving services.

Finally, we cannot successfully implement the 20-Point Plan without resolving the situation in the West Bank.

The UK has repeatedly and strongly condemned Israeli steps to expand control over the West Bank.

We have been clear. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.

And the severe economic restrictions imposed by Israel are significantly undermining peace efforts.

The UK is appalled by recent killings, reports of sexual assault, torture, and degrading treatment of Palestinians at the hands of violent settlers.

We strongly condemn settler violence and terror, including the spate of attacks on West Bank villages over the weekend.

Since February 28, we have seen 6 Palestinians shot dead by settlers, as well as the killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces.

This is completely unacceptable, as is the apparent lack of accountability for countless reports of human rights violations at the Sde Teiman facility.

The Israeli government must take concrete steps to prevent any such egregious actions and ensure accountability.

Impunity for such horrific actions is inconsistent with international law.

President, we still have the opportunity to end the cycle of violence and build a better future for the region, a better future for the next Israeli and Palestinian generations.

A two-state solution is the only way to achieve this. There is no alternative.

Together, and urgently, we must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable.

To promote peace, security, and stability, the Israeli Government must reverse the Security Cabinet's decision to expand control over the West Bank and take urgent action to halt the escalating violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

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March 25, 2026

Release

Department of War and Lockheed Martin to Accelerate PrSM Deliveries, Putting Production on a Wartime Footing

The Department of War (DoW), in partnership with Lockheed Martin, today announced a new framework agreement to accelerate the production of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The agreement is a direct outcome of Secretary Hegseth's mandate to move faster, put the defense industrial base on a wartime footing, and build the Arsenal of Freedom.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will make targeted investments in advanced tooling, facility modernization, and critical testing equipment to slash production lead times. By focusing on these critical industrial base elements, the Department is ensuring this deep-strike capability can be delivered to the warfighter faster and more efficiently than ever before. This framework agreement also establishes the potential to negotiate a multi-year contract for up to seven years, should Congress authorize a multi-year contract in the future.

"Through this agreement, we are actively building the Arsenal of Freedom with speed and urgency," said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "By empowering industry to invest in the factory floor, we are building a decisive and enduring advantage for our warfighters to outpace any potential adversary."

This initiative is a core component of the Department's broader Acquisition Transformation Strategy and the work of the Munitions Acceleration Council, executed in close collaboration with the Army and several DoW components, including the Economic Defense Unit. By forging partnerships with industry leaders, the Department of War is ensuring that the Arsenal of Freedom and the industrial base remain robust, responsive, and capable of delivering speed, scale, and resilience needed to deter aggression and ensure the United States and its allies are prepared to prevail in any conflict.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4441677/

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March 25, 2026

By Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas Rowe, 90th Missile Wing

Next Generation of Airmen Sustain Deterrence Mission

At Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and other intercontinental ballistic missile bases, maintaining the nation's strategic deterrence requires precision, teamwork and a high level of responsibility from the missile maintainers supporting the mission.

Many of them step into the role early in their careers, working on complex systems that support missile test operations and ensuring the reliability of the country's missile deterrence.

These service members prepare systems used during test launches conducted at Vandenberg and maintain ICBMs held at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. Their work demonstrates the reliability and readiness of the nation's strategic capabilities.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Struckmeier, an electromechanical team chief assigned to the 377th Flight Test Missile Maintenance Squadron at Vandenberg, has spent almost nine years supporting different parts of the missile maintenance career field. He started his career working on the air-launched cruise missile system at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, before moving to the ICBM mission.

Another maintainer, Air Force Staff Sgt. River Ramey, team chief of the missile maintenance squadron, has served for more than six years. He began his career supporting the ICBM mission at Malmstrom before later transferring to Vandenberg.

Missile maintenance airmen begin their careers in technical school before moving into on-the-job training at their first duty station.

Preparing for a missile test launch requires coordination across multiple teams and sections. Leading up to a launch, maintainers complete inspections, prepare equipment and review procedures to ensure each step of the process is completed safely and correctly.

Operations intensify as launch day approaches. Maintenance teams may work longer hours while preparing equipment and ensuring systems are ready for launch.

For many maintainers, witnessing a missile launch for the first time reinforces the significance of the mission they support. Test launches conducted at Vandenberg replicate the procedures used for operational launches and demonstrate the reliability of the weapon system.

"My first shift at Vandenberg was actually a launch night," Struckmeier said. "It smells like the Fourth of July, and you can feel the heat coming off the launch tube."

After the launch, Struckmeier realized that the test process was identical to the real thing. "That was sobering in a good way," he explained.

Supporting mission asset systems requires strict adherence to technical orders and maintenance procedures. Even minor errors can affect mission success, making precision and attention to detail essential parts of daily work.

"The tiniest mistake on a weapon system is catastrophic," Struckmeier said. "Globally, what we do here shows the world that the system works. If maintenance mistakes cause launches to fail, adversaries might start questioning our capabilities. So, proving the system is reliable is extremely important."

Through their time supporting the mission, both team chiefs said the experience has contributed to significant professional and personal growth. As they gained experience, their responsibilities expanded to include supervising technicians, ensuring safety standards are met and supporting mission readiness.

"My mindset has evolved a lot here at Vandenberg," Ramey said. "Because the equipment is mission-certified, we need guidance before making certain changes or repairs. So, you have to be very mindful of everything you do."

While many people in their 20s are still establishing their careers, airmen supporting the ICBM mission often take on responsibilities that require a high level of technical knowledge and accountability. Although the work can feel routine daily, events such as missile launches and the global attention they receive highlight the broader significance of the mission.

Maintainers supporting the mission take pride in contributing to a capability designed to preserve stability and deter conflict. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, where success often means systems function exactly as intended.

"Sometimes we see what adversary countries say about it and how the public reacts," Struckmeier said. "It's cool seeing recognition for a job that usually goes unnoticed, because a good day means nothing happens."

The reliability of the nation's strategic deterrence depends not only on the systems themselves, but also on the highly trained young airmen responsible for maintaining them. Through their work, the next generation of maintainers continue to support a mission that plays a critical role in national security.

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Report by President Antonio Costa to the European Parliament plenary session

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council

Speech

25 March 2026 17:57

A lot has happened since our last plenary discussion two months ago. The world around us has become even more geopolitically unstable. We are now faced with the direct and indirect consequences of the developments in Iran and the Middle East. Meanwhile, none of the other challenges around us have gone away, especially as Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine continues into its fifth year.

However, in the midst of this geopolitical context, Europe is continuing to pursue an ambitious economic agenda. In fact, that agenda is becoming more urgent by the day.

I come to you just a few days after a European Council that took decisive action on Europe's competitiveness. In doing so, European Leaders delivered on the spirit of Alden Biesen - a meeting that had provided a new momentum for the European Union's economic strategy. European Leaders delivered through clear, concrete targets, with ambitious and measurable timelines.

I am talking about the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda the European Council launched last week. This is an ambitious action plan, to be implemented until the end of 2027, but mostly during this year of 2026. Let me outline some of the priorities we agreed on.

We will focus on the completion of the single market, in particular by tackling the already identified 'terrible ten' barriers by March 2027. Furthermore, Leaders want to see swift progress to improve the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, to ensure the mobility of workers in Europe.

By the end of 2026, Leaders expect the endorsement of the Commission's newly presented proposal to create a single voluntary 28th regime for all companies wishing to adopt it, to help them to operate seamlessly and with a single set of rules within the European Union.

Concrete decisions are also needed by the end of the year on the Savings and Investment Union proposals, in order to mobilise savings, increase private investment, and create a truly integrated European capital market.

We also need to urgently continue with our ambitious simplification agenda, to reduce existing red tape, but also ensuring that new initiatives are in line with the 'simplicity by design' principle.

Simpler rules and less gold-plating by member states: that is also why European Leaders have called for regulations to be favoured over directives.

Beyond the single market and simplification, the European Council underlined that we need to take determined action to increase our strategic autonomy and reduce dependencies. In strategic sectors and technologies, a targeted and proportionate 'European preference' is needed, and in this regard, the Industrial Accelerator Act should be agreed by the end of the year.

Last but not least, it is clear that high energy prices are one of the biggest challenges for the competitiveness of the European Union. The current crisis in the Middle East and its impact on global energy supply confirm that the path we have chosen is the right one: decarbonisation and the acceleration of homegrown energy sources, in a technologically neutral way, remain the right way forward to limit dangerous dependencies and lower energy prices in the long term.

There was no ambiguity on this in last week's European Council. However, it was clear that at the same time we need to take immediate action to protect our citizens and businesses. In this regard, the Commission will present a set of temporary and targeted measures, taking into account the specific situations of member states, and the particular vulnerability of certain energy-intensive industrial sectors, in order to counter the risk of relocation and to protect jobs.

In short, the 'One Market, One Europe' agenda is ambitious, it is concrete and it is urgent; and it represents a real policy acceleration towards a more competitive Europe.

But, let me be clear. This change of pace and ambition will not bear fruit without you. The Parliament, together with the Council, will be the institution turning this agenda into tangible changes and benefits for European citizens and businesses. The Parliament will have its full say in shaping these decisions.

We are working together towards a common objective: a more competitive and more innovative Europe. But this agenda is much more than that. It provides the solid foundation we need to protect and develop our prosperity and our social model. It means quality jobs. It means affordability. And it means leaving no one behind as Europe deals with harsh global competition.

At the same time, this economic strength is also a strategic imperative. It will allow us:

to eliminate harmful dependencies

to ensure our sovereignty, even when it comes at a cost

to increase and sustain our growing investment in defence

to support Ukraine as long as it takes

We need to act together to ensure that we have the economic muscle to do all this.

The current geopolitical context is acting as a catalyst for our competitiveness agenda. But it is also putting our values to the test. And we must continue to defend the rules-based international order, and uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and our Treaties. Violations of international law must not be accepted anywhere. The European Union must continue to stand firm on this.

In the meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, during the European Council, it was once again clear that the European Union is - and will continue to be - a staunch defender of multilateralism. In fact, the European Union must become one of the main driving forces of a network of multipolarity, in support of multilateralism, international law and the United Nations. That is the European Union's international vocation. And that is in the European Union's interest.

The European Union will continue to be a force for stability, standing up for the international rules-based order. And we will take firm action to ensure our capacity to act in an unstable world. The implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda is key in this regard.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with this Chamber to achieve this.

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EDA chief meets Belgian Minister of Defence to strengthen EU cooperation

European Defence Agency

25 March 2026

European Defence Agency (EDA) Chief Executive Andre Denk held talks with Belgium's Minister of Defence Theo Francken on 25 March, aiming to reinforce EU collaboration and support Belgium's military revamp as part of Europe's defence readiness.

In Brussels, Denk also met other senior Belgian officials, including General Frederik Vansina, Chief of Defence, and Lieutenant-General Bernard Phaleg, National Armaments Director and Director General for Material Resources. The meetings focused on Belgium's defence priorities, operational needs, and EU-level cooperation frameworks.

Chief Executive Denk outlined EDA's core tasks, including capability development and joint procurement to assist Member States in their re-armament efforts. He highlighted some of EDA's recent success stories, from low-earth satellite projects, where Belgium is set to play a role. Denk also briefed on the Agency's strengthening processes, following the tasking by EU leaders in 2025.



"EDA is ready to support Belgium's ongoing modernisation and capability development, and to build on existing EU cooperation mechanisms," Denk said. "Belgium shows that strong cooperation, supported by national investment and EU funding instruments, is crucial for maintaining sovereignty and readiness in an increasingly challenging security environment," Denk added.

It has shown its commitment to the industrial ramp-up, organising the first ever Brussels European Defence Exhibition (BEDEX) in March, and a second edition is set for April 2027. Belgium has embarked on a major programme of capability modernisation, emphasising combat readiness, territorial defence, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Belgium actively supports the EU's broader defence objectives, including the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, and considers EU funding instruments central to restoring national defence readiness.

Belgium participates in 13 Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects, coordinating the Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures (MAS-MCM) project. EDA is part of PESCO's secretariat.

Belgium is involved in 22 EDA capability projects and 19 Research & Technology initiatives. These efforts focus on strategic enablers, maritime capabilities, cyber, and defence innovation involving SMEs and mid-caps.

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Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner Kubilius on a new financial instrument to support the European defence industry

European Commission

Press release

Mar 25, 2026

Brussels

"Check against delivery"

Executive Vice-President Virkkunen

Today we adopted a proposal for a Regulation introducing a new financial instrument to support the European defence industry: the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation, 'or AGILE,' for short.

I want to start by thanking my very good colleague, Andrius. Our cooperation on this file has been incredibly smooth and, fittingly, very agile.

The war in Ukraine has taught us that for the European defence industry to become more competitive, we must be faster in our innovation, combining disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum, robotics and cyber to our warfare.

That is why the European Commission has encouraged the Member States to use at least 10% of armament procurement budgets to emerging and disruptive technologies.

New emerging technologies shape modern warfare. European defence industry has been fragmented and the message we get from the SME's and start-ups is that they often face difficulties when they try to get their foot to the door in defence procurement.

Up until now, the EU has done great work in defence R&D. However, as also highlighted in the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap, we have not been as successful as we want to be when it comes to speed, risk-taking and supporting defence industry SME's and start-ups.

That is where AGILE comes in. AGILE, a regulation proposal, is our new 115 million funding tool. It is a pilot project lasting year 2027. Its purpose is to take disruptive defence tech out of the lab and onto the field at record speed.

AGILE will support between 20 and 30 projects, and we are stepping up to cover 100% of the eligible costs.

It will be fully aligned with the most pressing needs of EU Member States, and will ensure that European defence is not just innovative, but ready to respond to any threat. We want to take SME's and start-ups onboard to build needed military capabilities.

AGILE is the missing piece of the puzzle that helps defence solutions reach the market. It fits right in with our existing programs like the European Defence Fund.

For the Commission, this is not just a policy - it is a strategic priority.

Just last week we adopted another landmark proposal for European startups - the 28th regime. We want to make things easier for people with good ideas, and that is what we are also doing with our pilot project Agile.

The world is changing, the threats are changing, and we are committed to ensuring European defence is ready to respond.

***

Commissioner Kubilius

Wars and battlefields are changing. Militaries need new tech, speedy deliveries, very competitive prices. That is why the transformation of defence industry is our strategic priority. That is what the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap of 2025 November 19th was about. The Agile program comes from that Roadmap.

Today about 70-80% of defence procurement in EU countries (notably large defence spenders) is primarily directed at the top ten largest contractors (large established companies). This contrasts with the US, where less than 40% is directed at the top ten.

Usually those large companies are developing 'haute couture' production in defence. It takes long time, it seeks technological excellence, and the products are really expensive. Such production comes in small numbers and it is really difficult to quickly surge such a production.

At the moment, we have EU instruments to support 'haute couture' production in defence, like European Defence Fund. The procedures of the Fund to approve the projects also are 'haute couture': they are procedurally very detailed and take long time.

Today we need to be ready to win the wars of tomorrow, not just to fight the wars of yesterday. In between tomorrow and yesterday we need to be ready to fight the wars of today. Be able to adapt very quickly, to ramp up production immediately. In general we need to be smarter and quicker than our adversaries.

That is why we need more innovative SMEs and startups, both from the defence and civilian sector, to help us accelerate our defence readiness.

We need more disruptive and low-cost solutions for our armed forces. SMEs and startups can help if we 'boost' them with speedy support and simple rules.

That is why we need to create financial instruments to support not only 'haute couture' projects, but also 'good enough' projects: disruptive, able to scale up in a speedy way from startup level to industrial level and to produce massive amounts of cheaper products, responding to the need of modern frontline.

That is why we are proposing the Agile program as a 'booster' for innovative SMEs and scaleups.

The goal of Agile ambition and speed.

Speed on administration side decision making: 4 months. Speed on industry side - delivery of disruptive technologies and products: lead time 6-12 months or less.

Agile ambition the Program will establish a fast-track process for evaluation of applications. The Commission will award grants from 1 up to 5 million for European SMEs within a 4-month period. This is an unbelievable speed for EU bureaucracy and decision making.

Which means that we should accept a higher level of risk-taking on our side (preliminary evaluation: self-declaration from applicants on ownership control).

AGILE will be open to single entities from EU Member States, Norway and Ukraine. The focus will be in principle on New Defence players (SMEs, including startups and scaleups that meet that definition, and including from the civil sector). Creation of consortia is also possible.

Agile also will create possibilities for Inducement intervention: by allowing participation of New Defence actors established in third countries, provided they relocate to an eligible country.

The Programme will provide financial support to companies by covering up to 100% of eligible costs of selected projects.

Agile is a programme limited in time and in financial resources. Because for 2027 we shall be able to use only 115 million for this program. That is all we were able to find available in our current budgets of EDIP, EDF and Space program till 2028.

We would be very happy to use much more for EDIP and AGILE till 2028, but it is for Member States to decide.

Since we are able to use only 115 million for 2027, we can expect that only 20-30 European SMEs will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Agile programme in 2027.

The number is limited, but if we shall manage to assist those companies to become a new European 'Helsing SE' or 'Frankenburg Technologies' and meet the evolving needs of European militaries, that would be a great success for the Agile programme. 20 new successful disruptors in the European defence landscape - that would be great! That would be a great 'booster' for our defence.

We hope that Agile will demonstrate its success in the one short year of 2027. It will be a good opportunity to test Agile, in order to continue it with much bigger financial resources during the next MFF period from 2028 to 2035.

And we hope that success of the Agile programme will inspire individual Member States to go for the establishment of similar national Agile programs. Some countries have some similar programmes, but Agile is the most ambitious in terms of speed and size of awards.

We need to remember that Member States, if they implement NATO pledges by 2035, they will have the possibility to spend 50-100 times more for defence, than we will spend on the EU level through the next MFF. It means Member States can make the Agile agenda 100 times more powerful than we shall be able to do at EU level.

Let us make Agile a new symbol of European defence!

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Commission presents 115 million Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)

European Commission

Press release

Mar 25, 2026

Brussels

The European Commission is presenting a new 115 million funding tool, AGILE, to bring disruptive defence technology from the lab to the field at record speed. This pilot instrument is set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum or drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that success on the battlefield now depends on short innovation cycles; the ability to develop, test, and deploy new technologies and cost-efficient solutions in weeks or months rather than years. With modern warfare going through a rapid digital and technological transformation, AGILE is designed for the'New Defence'players, the startups and tech innovators who move at high speed.

To support them, the programme will provide faster, more flexible funding for individual companies, and allow innovations to be deployed as quickly as possible. AGILE will aim to operate with an unprecedented time-to-grant of just four months and for technologies to reach defence forces between 1-3 years.

AGILE will support between 20 and 30 projects, providing up to 100% funding for all eligible costs. It will also include a retroactive clause for companies to claim expenses incurred up to three months prior to the closing of the call for applications, to facilitate quick innovation.

The work programme will cover two main types of activities: mission-driven development of disruptive defence products and technologies, and market delivery by helping defence solutions reach the actual markets.

It will be fully aligned with the most pressing needs of EU Member States, and will ensure that European defence is not just innovative, but ready to respond to any threat at a moment's notice.

Next steps

The Commission will present a proposal for a new Regulation establishing AGILE to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption under the ordinary legislative procedure.

The instrument is expected to be operational from early 2027 to ensure the fast deployment of new technologies to European armed forces.

Background

In recent years, the European Union has stepped up efforts to strengthen defence research and development, notably through the European Defence Fund (EDF), which promotes cooperative, cross-border projects. Within this framework, the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) supports start-ups and SMEs, while the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), launched by the European Defence Agency, strengthens cooperation among Member States and stakeholders. Together, these instruments provide a solid basis for collaborative defence innovation in Europe.

At the same time, additional efforts are needed to complement existing tools with more agile mechanisms. Recent initiatives, including the Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the White Paper for the Future of European Defence - Readiness 2030, stress the need to accelerate innovation and uptake of new technologies.

In this context, the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap calls for a more speed, agility and risk-taking across the European defence ecosystem, and highlights the need for new, more responsive support instruments, paving the way for the AGILE programme.

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China opposes US' forcibly seizing head of state of a country, supports Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty, legitimate rights: FM on trial of Maduro couple

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 25, 2026 04:31 PM

In response to a media inquiry that according to media report, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife will stand trial again on March 26, and what specific measures China is taking, together with international community to ensure they can be released, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the US forcibly seized the head of state of a country, flagrantly violating the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, which China firmly opposes.

We support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, dignity and legitimate rights and interests, Lin said.

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PM Netanyahu: "The issue of dismantling Hezbollah is now before us. This is connected to the overall campaign against Iran, which is still in full swing, despite media reports. We are determined to fundamentally change the situation in Lebanon."

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 25.03.2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, by videoconference, to the forum of Government ministry director generals and confrontation line local authority heads:

"I want to commend you for your steadfastness.

I fully understand that the mission placed upon you is heavy, heavier than that of your colleagues in other parts of the country. This is due to the short distances and brief warning times from Lebanon, which add an obvious and very difficult layer of hardship that must be dealt with.

First, before the budget discussions, I ordered the cancellation of cuts regarding the North. Not only did I instruct to cancel them, but I said we must add to them for essential needs - rebuilding, dealing with the population and more.

Second, I ask you to do everything possible to prevent leaving the communities. I understand there are special needs - the elderly and the disabled. [Prime Minister's Office Acting Director General] Drorit [Steinmetz], I ask that you assist and handle this There are solutions but they must be submitted, and in real-time.

Third, I want to share with you, to the extent that I am able, the principles guiding our military action:

I remind you, first of all, of the threat that Hezbollah built over close to 40 years. This consisted of 150,000 rockets and missiles. It was the most concentrated area on earth for such weapons, which were aimed, of course, at the Galilee and all of Israel's cities.

There was the threat that they would turn the Galilee, and the cities of Israel as well, all cities of Israel, into ruins. We have removed most of this threat, though there is still work to do.

We faced the threat of a ground invasion by thousands of Radwan terrorists, both above and below ground. We have also neutralized this threat; it no longer exists.

We have created a real security buffer that prevents a ground invasion into the Galilee, across the northern border.

We are expanding this security buffer to push the anti-tank missile threat away from our communities. We are simply creating a larger buffer zone.

The issue of dismantling Hezbollah is now before us. This is connected to the overall campaign against Iran, which is still in full swing despite media reports.

We are determined to fundamentally change the situation in Lebanon.

Regarding the Druze community, it touched my heart directly. The fact that they were slaughtered with the same cruelty as Israeli citizens, I knew it was entirely up to us to stop it. I viewed it as a moral and political matter of the highest order, and that commitment remains firm.

I want to say a word about our heroic fighters. Their bravery and daring have changed the equation. I need not explain to you where we were and where we are today. We are breaking bounds in every meaning of the phrase and are doing so thanks to them, their commanders and the decisions we are making.

Israel is stronger than ever, and Iran is weaker than ever. It is still trying various means, as you can see, but we have changed how we are perceived. I can tell you that countries in the region are saying this, not just me. Opportunities for alliances we never dreamed of are emerging because of the perceived strength of the State of Israel, the determination of the IDF, and the resilience of Israel's citizens. Everything is woven together.

There is a completely different assessment of Israel's power and its role in the region. If this is true for the Middle East at large, it must certainly be expressed in the North and in the problems we are addressing."

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Ministry urges Japan to retract Dokdo claims in new textbooks

KOREA.net

Mar 25, 2026

By Kang Gahui

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 24 filed a strong protest against high school textbooks in Japan containing territorial claims to Korea's easternmost island of Dokdo, demanding an immediate correction.

The ministry through a spokesperson's statement said, "We strongly protest the Japanese government's approval of high school textbooks that distort historical facts based on a Japan-centric view of history."

"We strongly protest the Japanese government's repeated approval of textbooks containing groundless claims to Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically and under international law," it said. "We state our clear rejection of any unjust claims by Japan to Dokdo."

The ministry also expressed deep regret over the textbooks containing distorted historical descriptions by downplaying the coercive nature of the Japanese military's mobilization of women for sexual slavery and forced laborers.

"To build future-oriented ties between Korea and Japan, correct understanding of history by future generations must serve as the foundation," it added. "We hope for the Japanese government to squarely face history and show a more responsible attitude toward history education."

Later that afternoon, the ministry summoned Hirotaka Matsuo, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, to lodge a protest.



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Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a note of protest to the Russian Charge d'Affaires regarding the entry of an unmanned aerial vehicle into Latvian airspace from Russia

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Published: 25.03.2026

Today, 25 March 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia to express a categorical protest and to present a note condemning the entry of an unmanned aerial vehicle into Latvian airspace from Russian territory on the night of 25 March.

The representative of the Russian Embassy was informed that Russia, by waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, is creating unpredictable risks of security incidents across the wider region.

The talks also condemned Russia's air strike on 24 March against civilian infrastructure in several regions of Ukraine, including the Lviv region, killing and injuring civilians and attempting to destroy UNESCO World Heritage sites. Latvia noted that this forms part of Russia's barbaric attack not only on the people of Ukraine, but also on Ukraine's deep historical and cultural roots.

It was emphasised that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter, and the demand to end the aggression and withdraw Russian armed forces from the entirety of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory was reiterated.

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Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas' commentary on the drones crashed in the Baltic states

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2026-03-25

Development and Strengthening of the Armed Forces | International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas provided the position on the drone crash incidents in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia which were assessed to come astray from the defence of Ukraine against the Russian aggression.

"Ukraine is not at fault for the war russia launched. I will consult with Minister of Defence in Ukraine about the ways to avoid similar incidents and minimize unwanted impact in the future," said Minister R. Kaunas.

He underscored the incidents were a clear alert for a better defence on the eastern NATO border, specifically, more of NATO capabilities, as well as more rapid and substantial EU investment, including through the development of the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Wall initiatives.

Minister R. Kaunas noted there was an intense collaboration and coordination with Estonian and Latvian counterparts and pointed out that the abundance of unconfirmed claims in the public was not helping with the effort to control the situation.

"I understand the public concerns about air defence. The situation is not excellent, nor can it be such bearing in mind the neighbors are involved in the biggest war since World War II. I will not look for excuses, instead, I am working to improve the situation. We could be in a different place had we started spending 4-5 percent of GDP on defence since 2020 at least," Minister R. Kaunas said.

Minister urges the politicians and the public to stay focused on the mutual agenda of strengthening defence.

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Secretary General welcomes President of Mauritania to NATO Headquarters

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

25 March 2026

On Wednesday (25 March 2026), Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to NATO Headquarters, where he also met with the North Atlantic Council.

The Secretary General emphasised that the changing security situation in NATO's southern neighbourhood has a clear and direct impact on Euro-Atlantic security. He noted that this further demonstrates the importance of enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation with like-minded partners, including Mauritania.

The Alliance's partnership with Mauritania has deepened since the country joined NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue partnership forum in 1995. With over 30 years of cooperation, Mauritania is an important NATO partner and an emerging centre of stability in the Sahel region. Earlier this year, Mauritania and NATO jointly approved an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), marking a new phase in their cooperation, and offering opportunities to further leverage the potential of their partnership. In addition, a NATO Defence and Related Security Capacity Building (DCB) Package supports Mauritania in building stronger and more resilient defence capabilities, helping to enhance stability and security for both Mauritania and the wider Sahel region.

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani last visited NATO Headquarters in January 2021.

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Turk calls for immediate release of UN, humanitarian staff detained in Yemen

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

25 March 2026

Delivered by

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk

At

Geneva

My colleagues in Yemen remain arbitrarily detained - and some have been deprived of their liberty for five years now. Every day, the injustice of their detention is compounded. Their suffering, and that of their families, is intolerable.

On this International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, I call, again, on the de facto authorities in Yemen to release immediately and unconditionally the 73 UN staff members, including eight from my Office. Under no circumstances can UN personnel be detained, much less charged with crimes, for undertaking their vital work on behalf of the Yemeni people.

I pay tribute to these colleagues, the other humanitarian workers also detained in Yemen, and to the thousands of UN staff who work in the most difficult situations, in crises and conflicts, to serve communities in need of support.





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PH seeks stronger defense cooperation with NATO, European nations

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

March 25, 2026, 5:29 pm

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called for more cross-regional convergence in the defense and military domains during his meeting with a ranking North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) official.

In a statement Wednesday, the DND said Teodoro met with NATO Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone at the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum (PDSF) on Tuesday.

"Secretary Teodoro underscored the need for broader cooperation among countries as challenges to global security and stability continuously evolve," the agency added.

The PDSF is scheduled from March 24 to 26.

"He (Teodoro) shared that the Philippines is presently laying the groundwork for enhanced interoperability and exchanges with the European Union and NATO countries, underpinned by the country's duty to strengthen its resilience and protect the welfare of Filipinos wherever they may be in the world," the DND stressed.

Likewise, Cavo Dragone affirmed NATO's willingness to pursue cooperation with Manila.

Both officials acknowledged the importance of sharing information and best practices as inter-regional partners converge to mitigate the threats to the prevailing international order.

"Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone earlier met at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue in September last year, where they shared views during a panel discussion on geopolitical competition and restoring strategic stability," the DND said.

Organized by Defence Academy of the Ecole militaire of France, the PDSF is a major international forum that provides a valuable avenue for dialogue among states, institutions, militaries, researchers and civilian stakeholders on regional and global strategic and geopolitical issues. (PNA)

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Marcos sees 'reset' in PH-China ties amid global shifts

Philippine News Agency

By Darryl John Esguerra

March 25, 2026, 1:34 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said a "reset" in Philippine-China relations may be inevitable as global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, while reiterating Manila's position against war amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In an interview with Bloomberg made public Tuesday, Marcos pointed to ongoing changes in international relations driven by rising global tensions.

"I think it's certainly going to happen... It's happening now," the President said when asked if a "reset" of ties with China is on the table.

He noted a wider restructuring in international systems.

"There's going to be a very, very serious restructuring. I remember I was watching Prime Minister Wong from Singapore and he was saying there will be, we will have to withdraw, redraw, all of our, even our legal relationships in terms of international law, in terms of all of these things."

"They will have a lasting effect, and there is, there will have to be a new normal."

Marcos said the Philippines continues to separate its territorial disputes with China from economic engagement.

"We've always tried to differentiate the territorial disputes from our trade arrangements. And many, many investments.. still, of the big programs here of the government are coming from China."

"And they have not used this as somehow, they haven't leveraged this in any way. In quite the contrary, they've been very, very helpful in terms of, for example, fertilizer, which is, we import a great deal of fertilizer from China."

The Philippines and China have been locked in a long-standing maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea, part of the vast and resource-rich South China Sea which Beijing claims as entirely its own.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China's sweeping claims. However, Beijing has refused to honor the landmark ruling.

On the joint development of gas resources in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos said discussions remain ongoing.

"Something that we've been talking about for a great deal. But the territorial disputes will get in the way of that. Maybe this will be, provides impetus for both sides to come to an agreement," he said.

No to war

Asked about the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Marcos emphasized the Philippines' position.

The Philippines, a longtime ally of the United States, has maintained its stance of pursuing peace while safeguarding national interests amid evolving global tensions.

"We never want war. Our foreign policy is very, very simple. It's peace and the national interest," he said.

"That's it. And war is never in the national interest as far as the Philippines is concerned. And so we just are hoping that this ends soon and that whatever recalibration will be done as quickly as possible, so we can get back to work."

"And that's really where the Philippines is. We are watching, waiting, hoping and praying that this ends soon."

Talks with Russia

In the same interview, Marcos bared that the Philippines is exploring the possibility of securing fuel supply from Russia, the country's non-traditional trading partner.

"Russia is not a traditional supplier of crude oil to the Philippines or any energy supply, but we are exploring that as well," he said.

"Basically, we are trying anything, everything to secure supply because that's the one thing that we can do about. The pricing is going to be a much more difficult challenge because everyone is a price taker when it comes to oil."

The push to diversify suppliers comes as the government operates under a declared national energy emergency, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East where the Philippines gets the majority of its oil supply. (PNA)

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OPAPRU, Basilan LGU provide livelihood aid to 300 MILF combatants

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

March 25, 2026, 1:24 pm

MANILA -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Basilan provincial government, together with other stakeholders, have so far provided livelihood assistance to 300 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members as of last February.

"Since February 26 this year, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Basilan and the OPAPRU, through its Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) and in coordination with Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities, have already provided livelihood assistance to 300 MILF members, of which 288 are decommissioned combatants," the peace body said in a statement Wednesday.

Aside from providing a major boost to small livelihood ventures, OPAPRU said assistance will also uplift the socioeconomic conditions of the decommissioned combatants and their families, as committed under the Normalization Program.

It also said the Basilan provincial government has so far distributed approximately PHP4.5 million during the "USAP TAYO GOB: Decommissioned Combatants" initiative.

Under the OPAPRU-supported LNI Program, each beneficiary received PHP15,000 in cash.

Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman, meanwhile, expressed full support for the peace body's development programs.

"Magiging mapayapa ang komunidad kung mapayapa kayong namumuhay. Mapayapa kayong namumuhay kung maayos ang inyong kabuhayan. At magiging maayos ang kabuhayan ng lahat kung maayos ang mga programa ng ating pamahalaan at kung walang kaguluhan sa ating lugar (communities will be at peace if residents are living peacefully. You will be living peacefully if you have good sources of livelihood. And everything will be in order if all government programs are functioning properly and there is no trouble in our communities)," he added.

Hataman also said the "USAP TAYO, GOB" initiative serves as a platform where residents can directly express their concerns that need immediate action. (PNA)

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'Resistance over surrender': Hezbollah fighters ready to fight 'without limits', says leader

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 2:38 PM

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem says the Lebanese resistance movement has chosen the path of confrontation over surrender, and its fighters are prepared to fight and sacrifice "without limits" in defense of Lebanon against the US-Israeli project of "Greater Israel."

In a statement on Wednesday, the Hezbollah chief outlined the existential stakes facing Lebanon, affirmed the resistance's unwavering commitment to the battle, and called for national unity against what he described as a joint US-Israeli aggression aimed at subjugating the country.

Sheikh Qassem said Lebanon faces two clear options, "either surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the future of our generations, or engage in inevitable confrontation and resist the occupation to prevent it from achieving its goals."

He said the timing chosen by the resistance to respond to the aggression "denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise, prevented it from isolating Lebanon, and nullified all pretexts."

The Hezbollah secretary-general praised the movement's fighters, saying they "have written the most magnificent epics of heroism, honor, patriotism, and dignity."

"They are determined to continue without limits, ready to sacrifice endlessly, and now serve as a shining symbol of nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation."

Sheikh Qassem said the people of Lebanon "have displaced themselves in contribution to the jihad, endured as sacrificers and resistors, proudly and willingly offering their children, suffering far away from their homes and normal lives to secure a free and honorable future for their homeland and its people."

The 'Greater Israel' project

Sheikh Qassem warned that there exists a dangerous US-Israeli project known as "Greater Israel," which is based on occupation and expansion from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon.

He said the US-Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not stopped since November 27, 2024, and that the Israeli enemy has continuously violated ceasefire agreements.

Call for national unity

The Hezbollah leader called for national unity under a single banner: "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people."

He said all other matters can be addressed afterward.

"National unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country," he said. "National unity enables us to endure this painful phase through solidarity and cooperation, helping us to rebuild our country together."

Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision that criminalizes resistance, warning that "when the exclusivity of weapons is demanded to meet what Israel desires while the occupation and aggression continue, it is a step toward Lebanon's demise and the realization of 'Greater Israel.'"

The Hezbollah chief firmly rejected any negotiations with Israel while hostilities continue.

"Negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender and the deprivation of Lebanon's entire capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies land and attacks daily are entirely unacceptable."

Defensive battle for Lebanon

Sheikh Qassem framed the ongoing operations as a purely defensive battle.

"We are in a defensive battle for Lebanon and its citizens. Those who are martyred are our men, youth, women, and children. What we liberate is the land of our homeland, Lebanon."

The Hezbollah leader said confronting the aggression against Lebanon is "a national responsibility for everyone."

Since the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began on February 28, Hezbollah has intensified its operations against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching rockets and drones at military targets and settlements in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona.

Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hezbollah's operations have successfully tied down significant Israeli ground forces, challenging the security of northern residents and the regime's home front.The 'Greater Israel' project

Sheikh Qassem warned that there exists a dangerous US-Israeli project known as "Greater Israel," which is based on occupation and expansion from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon.

He said the US-Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not stopped since November 27, 2024, and that the Israeli enemy has continuously violated ceasefire agreements.

Call for national unity

The Hezbollah leader called for national unity under a single banner: "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people."

He said all other matters can be addressed afterward.

"National unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country," he said. "National unity enables us to endure this painful phase through solidarity and cooperation, helping us to rebuild our country together."

Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision that criminalizes resistance, warning that "when the exclusivity of weapons is demanded to meet what Israel desires while the occupation and aggression continue, it is a step toward Lebanon's demise and the realization of 'Greater Israel.'"

The Hezbollah chief firmly rejected any negotiations with Israel while hostilities continue.

"Negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender and the deprivation of Lebanon's entire capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies land and attacks daily are entirely unacceptable."

Solidarity with Iran

Sheikh Qassem drew attention to Iran's confrontation with the US and Israel, describing it as "a lesson for reflection."

"What is happening in the confrontation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the global American-Israeli aggression is a lesson for reflection. Iran stood firm against the mightiest and most brutal criminals on Earth, and it will prevail, God willing," he said.

"Know that every victory against America and Israel brings good to all," he added, citing the Quranic verse: "And victory is not but from Allah, the Almighty, the Wise."

Defensive battle for Lebanon

Sheikh Qassem framed the ongoing operations as a purely defensive battle.

"We are in a defensive battle for Lebanon and its citizens. Those who are martyred are our men, youth, women, and children. What we liberate is the land of our homeland, Lebanon."

The Hezbollah leader said confronting the aggression against Lebanon is "a national responsibility for everyone."

Since the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began on February 28, Hezbollah has intensified its operations against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching rockets and drones at military targets and settlements in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona.

Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hezbollah's operations have successfully tied down significant Israeli ground forces, challenging the security of northern residents and the regime's home front.

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Lethal Kinetic Strike, March 25, 2026

Press Release | March 25, 2026

On March 25, at the direction of the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.

Four male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Norwegian Prime Minister Store

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

March 25, 2026

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store today to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran. The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the efforts to maintain international pressure to confront threats posed by the Iranian regime. The Secretary also expressed his thanks for the support of the Norwegian government following the March 8 attack against the U.S. Embassy in Oslo.

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UN Human Rights Council 61: UK General Comment on the Resolution for the Urgent Debate on Iran

Speech

UK General Comment on the Resolution for the Urgent Debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders

Published 25 March 2026

Location: Geneva

Delivered on: 25 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

We welcome this Urgent Debate.

As we said earlier today, we stand with our Gulf friends and allies, and will continue to act in their defence. Iran's actions are endangering civilians, destabilising the region and threatening the global economy. That is why we co-sponsored this resolution.

However, we wish to put on record some of our reservations on the text.

We do not think it is within the mandate of the Human Rights Council to determine the need for inter-state reparations. Nor should the Human Rights Council determine that conflicts represent threats to international peace and security - that is for the Security Council, as it determined in resolution 2817. We understand OP1 as reflecting a determination already made by the UNSC.

We also note that human rights obligations only apply within the jurisdiction of a State party and jurisdiction is primarily territorial.

And we want to be clear that the international law of the sea is as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and references to it in the resolution should be read accordingly.

The UK's support for this resolution is based on our overarching concern on the situation in the region and is without prejudice to our longstanding position on these issues; the language in this text should not be considered as a future precedent which the UK deems acceptable.

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Art exhibition held in Brussels, marking 55th anniversary of China-Belgium ties

Xinhua) 14:33, March 26, 2026

This photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the opening scene of the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A Belgian artist introduces her works at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A Belgian artist introduces her works at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A visitor views exhibits at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A visitor takes photos of an exhibit at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Today's top news: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine, Somalia

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Lebanon

Humanitarian crisis deepens as displacement orders strain aid access

OCHA says that the human toll of hostilities continues to grow in Lebanon.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 1,000 have been killed, including at least 120 children. Nearly 3,000 people have been injured.

The humanitarian operating environment remains increasingly constrained due to expanding and repeated displacement orders, hostilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including key bridges. This continues to significantly hamper humanitarian access.

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to support people in need, despite the constraints and challenges. To date, they have distributed more than 1.9 million meals and over 810,00 liters of bottled water.

OCHA reiterates that rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected people must be guaranteed. Civilian infrastructure - including transport networks, water systems and power stations - is protected under international humanitarian law. The safety of civilians, displaced populations and humanitarian staff must be ensured at all times.

The UN Population Fund received its first shipment of life-saving medicines and supplies in Beirut two days ago. This delivery, made with support from the European Union and in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, will help thousands of pregnant women. It includes medicine and equipment for safe deliveries, including C-sections and complicated cases, as well as supplies for survivors of sexual violence, including children.

Cross-border movements to Syria continue. According to Syrian authorities, since 2 March, more than 180,000 people arrived in Syria, including over 157,000 Syrians and more than 22,000 Lebanese people. Reports also indicate the rising use of unofficial crossing points, raising concerns of the risks of exploitation.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Lebanon with urgent support.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Conditions worsening as access stalls

OCHA warns that the humanitarian crisis remains dire, despite the efforts of the UN and its partners.

Over the past week, humanitarian partners provided emergency shelter support - including tents, tarpaulins, kitchen supplies, mattresses, blankets and clothes - to some 12,000 families.

But partners stress that more durable solutions - including repairing people's homes - are imperative. This requires faster approvals for critical materials - such as timber and cement - which remain heavily restricted.

On health, emergency teams held more than 11,000 medical consultations this week, alongside ongoing trauma and limb reconstruction care. They warn, however, that disruptions in the rotations of international staff in and out of Gaza are significantly reducing their operational capacity and continuity of care. Since the beginning of the regional escalation, these rotations have become inconsistent and limited to once weekly.

OCHA continues to call for the remaining impediments to be removed, including reopening of more crossings and allowing the entry of diverse critical supplies, to enable a faster scale up of the humanitarian response to ensure progress made to date is not reversed.

In the West Bank, OCHA has warned that violence by Israeli forces and settlers continues to result in Palestinian casualties and fuel further displacement. Just this morning, Israeli forces and groups of settlers raided the Batn al Hawa area in East Jerusalem and began forcible evictions of Palestinian families from residential buildings. Evicted families were forced into the streets and their belongings and homes were taken over by the settlers.

OCHA reports that overall in East Jerusalem, displacement risks remain high, with hundreds of Palestinian families facing imminent eviction due to ongoing eviction cases, amid an increasingly coercive environment. OCHA reiterates that Palestinians in the West Bank must be protected, as required by international humanitarian law, and perpetrators of violations must be held accountable.

Sudan

Border clashes threaten humanitarian deliveries

OCHA has warned that rising tensions along the border of Sudan and neighbouring countries are increasing risks to the safety of civilians.

Civilian casualties have been reported in several recent incidents along the Sudan-Chad border.

Near Sudan's border with Ethiopia, clashes are threatening humanitarian access to the towns of Kurmuk, Sali and Dindraw, south of Ed Damazine, the capital of Blue Nile State. The violence has triggered civilian displacement, with people moving toward Ed Damazine and across the border into Ethiopia.

In the Kordofan region, it was reported that more drone strikes caused civilian casualties in the town of Lagawa in West Kordofan and the town of Dilling in South Kordofan on Monday.

OCHA once again calls on all parties to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and ensure rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all people in need.

Fires in displacement sites are increasing due to overcrowding, high temperatures, flammable shelter materials, open-fire cooking practices, and dry, seasonal winds.

On Monday, a fire killed a three-year-old child and uprooted 15 families in the Al Afad site for displaced people in the town of Ad Dabbah in Northern State. On the same day, a fire in the village of Al Bnia Alzain in the locality of Um Dam Haj Ahmed in North Kordofan reportedly displaced 30 families.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support.

Ukraine

Civilian casualties mount as strikes continue

OCHA reports that attacks across western Ukraine and front-line hostilities have resulted in more than 110 civilian casualties between 24 and early 25 March.

Authorities reported nine people, including a child, were killed. Homes, hospitals, energy facilities and a historic site were damaged.

Authorities and aid workers said that, in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, a father and daughter were killed and four others injured. In Lviv City, 26 people were injured and around 20 residential buildings and a UNESCO-listed church were damaged, while at least 18 people were reportedly injured in the Vinnytsiar Region.

Front-line hostilities reportedly killed several civilians and injured close to 80 people across the Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions. Energy infrastructure was also damaged in the Chernihiv and Ternopil regions, leaving some 62,000 families without electricity.

Amid the clashes, humanitarian partners continue to respond to people's needs. On 25 March, a convoy delivered over four metric tons of aid to the front-line community of Slatyne in the Kharkiv Region, where around 500 residents, mostly older people and people with disabilities, have limited access to basic services. In the Poltava region and Vinnytsia City, aid organizations provided legal aid, psychosocial support and cash assistance.

Somalia

Recent clashes drive displacement

OCHA reported that recent clashes in the town of Baidoa, in Somalia's South West State, have forced more than 30,000 people to flee their home since 20 March.

Families have escaped from neighbourhoods in the centre of Baidoa to surrounding villages, where basic services are scarce and humanitarian support is limited.

South West State has been hit hard by drought, and the continued insecurity is compounding humanitarian needs and hindering the response.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Somalia with urgent support.

Posted on 25 March 2026

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USS Gettysburg Returns to Naval Station Norfolk from U.S. Southern Command Missions

US Navy

25 March 2026

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) returned to Naval Station Norfolk March 23, concluding a five-month deployment supporting U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) missions.

"The 'War Horses' of USS Gettysburg conducted themselves honorably and professionally, supporting our nation by deterring narcoterrorism, maintaining security and stability in the Western Hemisphere, and enforcing U.S. sanctions," shared Capt. John Lucas, commanding officer, USS Gettysburg. "We stand 'GETTY ready' to support our American warfighting team wherever and whenever we are called."

Gettysburg brought maritime capabilities in response to Presidential executive orders and a national emergency declaration. The ship's performance provided clarification of the military's role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. Gettysburg was among U.S. military forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of the USSOUTHCOM mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.

Gettysburg worked alongside both the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group while supporting USSOUTHCOM missions.

Gettysburg is a multi-mission guided-missile cruiser capable of air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support and surface warfare, supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces or operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. The ship carries approximately 350 Sailors. Commissioned on June 22, 1991, USS Gettysburg is the namesake of the Battle of Gettysburg.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 25 March 2026 - Day 1491

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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that over the previous week there has been an increase in mechanised assaults by Russian forces along the front line in Ukraine. On 17 March 2026, Russia's 6th Tank Regiment conducted a mechanised assault on the Pokrovsk axis in eastern Donetsk oblast. On 19 March 2026 in western Donetsk oblast, Russian forces launched a near battalion size assault of 500 personnel and up to 100 armoured and all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles towards Lyman. In this case, open source indicates Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps used remote mines and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to successfully intercept and halt Russia's advancing convoy. Three days later there was a further failed follow-up mechanised assault on the Lyman axis.

The observed uptick in Russian mechanised assaults is likely due to an improved weather window. Russian assaults were enabled by foggy conditions which hinder visibility and reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian reconnaissance and UAS operations. This is combined with improving ground conditions for cross country manoeuvrability. These recent mechanised attacks are likely to be opportunistic and are not consistent with a wider sustained offensive by Russian forces.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 140 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day.

Ukrainian defenders inflict a permanent fiery impact to the Russian opponent, destroying personnel and depleting Russia's combat potential. Active actions are carried out in designated directions.

The Russian opponent made 49 aviation strikes - dropped 159 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian troops operated 5989 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out 3,206 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the North Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy carried out 72 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, two of them with the use of the RSV. Committed one air strike with the use of four cabs. Two collisions were recorded in the direction.

In the South-Slobozhans komu direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlement of Staritsa and towards Zibinogo, Ohrimivka.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian troops twice attacked in the areas of Pi any and in the direction of the new Kruglyakivka. The clashes are ongoing.

In the Lyman direction Ukrainian soldiers repelled five Russian assaults in the direction of drobishevogo, Lyman and in the area of the settlement of kopanka.

In the Slavic direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance five times in the areas of Zakitny, Riznikivka, Platonivka and towards Rai-Oleksandrivka. Two attacks are underway.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian aggressor once tried to improve his position by attacking in the area of the Time Jar.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 17 times in the areas of the settlements of Konstantinovka, Pleshiyivka, Novopavlivka and towards Illinivka, Toretsky. One attack is underway.

The Russian enemy committed 39 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. Russian forces tried to advance in the areas of settlements Bilitske, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Novomikolaivka, Novopidgorodne, Molodetske, Gorikhove and towards Grishinyo, Shevchenko. One assault action in progress

According to preliminary calculations, today 118 Russian occupants were eliminated and 33 injured in this direction; 14 vehicles and three occupant shelters destroyed; 38 shelters damaged, BPLA control point, 2 BBMs and six units of vehicles. Destroyed or suppressed 212 BPLA of different types..

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers attacked three times in the areas of settlements of Ternove, Oleksandrograd and Krasnogirsk. One attack is underway.

In the Gulyaipil direction, 16 Russian attacks were recorded in the areas of the settlements of Gulyaipole, Varvarivka, Olenokostyantinivka and towards the Railway. Two assault operations are underway.

In the orihivs komu direction, the Russian enemy attacked in the area of primors kogo.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian opponent carried out two assault actions - towards the Antonivsky Bridge and the island of White-breasted. One attack is underway.

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.

The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU mechanised brigade and one territorial defence brigade near Ivolzhanskoye, Manukhovka, Bublikovo, Khrapovshchina, and Bititsa (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade have been hit near Izbitskoye, Velikaya Babka, and Verkhnyaya Pisarevka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 310 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, 21 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, and one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS.

Two Israeli-made RADA counter-fire radars, one electronic warfare station, one ammunition depot, and six materiel depots were neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops engaged manpower and military hardware of four mechanised brigades, one security brigade of the General Staff of the AFU, and one national guard brigade near Monachinovka, Shevchenkovo, Sobolevka, Palamarevka, Staroverovka (Kharkov region), and one Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 180 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 30 motor vehicles, three artillery guns, and one Czech-made Vampire MLRS. One electronic warfare station and four ammunition depots were neutralised.

As a result of active and decisive actions, units of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces liberated Nikiforovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Formations of seven mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, one motorised infantry brigade, and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU have been hit near Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka, Ray-Aleksandrovka, Lipovka, Bylbasovka, Novoselovka, Kramatorsk, Nikolayevka, and Slavyansk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU lost up to 200 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and eight field artillery guns, including two of them manufactured by NATO countries. Three electronic warfare stations, two ammunition depots, and one POL depot were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, the Azov Special Operations Brigade, and three national guard brigades near Krasnoyarskoye, Svetloye, Toretskoye, Verovka, Dobropolye, Grishino, Torskoye, Sergeyevka, Belitskoye, Novopavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Ivanovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

Up to 300 troops, one tank, two armoured personnel carriers, six armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns have been neutralised. One radar and one ammunition depot have been neutralised.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. The losses were inflicted on the formations of two mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, two assault brigades, four assault regiments of the AFU, and one national guard brigade near Vozdvizhevka, Vasinovka, Zelenoye, Komsomolskoye, Charivnoye, Kopani, Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region), Levadnoye, and Prosyanaya (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The enemy lost up to 330 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-48 counter-fire radar and three ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU Mountain Assault Brigade, one Marine Brigade, and one territorial defence brigade near Orekhov, Preobrazhenka, Odarovka (Zaporozhye region) and Kazatskoye (Kherson region).

Up to 40 troops, eight motor vehicles, one field artillery gun, two electronic warfare stations, and three materiel depots have been neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on assembly facilities of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles and their launch sites, energy facilities used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ammunition and fuel depots, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas.

Air defence systems shot down three U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, four Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 543 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 127,465 unmanned aerial vehicles, 652 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,475 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,693 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,067 field artillery guns and mortars, and 57,766 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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Chinese National and Two U.S. Citizens Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Artificial Intelligence Technology to China

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars' worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand.

"The cutting-edge AI chips the defendants allegedly schemed to export to China represent the best of American ingenuity and years of strategic investment in maintaining our technological leadership," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "NSD is committed to protecting U.S. innovation and ensuring that those who violate U.S. export controls face serious consequences."

"Zheng, Kelly, and English allegedly conspired to sell millions of dollars' worth of American-made AI computer chips to buyers in China, in clear violation of U.S. export controls," said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. "As our foreign adversaries escalate their efforts to dominate the field of artificial intelligence, we are seeing them employ increasingly brazen schemes to illegally acquire valuable U.S. technology. Enforcing export controls is critical to our work safeguarding America's economic and national security, and the FBI will continue working with our partners to protect our nation's innovation and hold accountable those seeking to profit by supplying hostile nation states."

"Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg of the Northern District of Georgia. "My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom."

"Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority," said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. "Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable."

"Safeguarding America's advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety," said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. "This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security."

According to the criminal complaints and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (Company-1) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China.

In Oct. 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an "Advanced Computing Certification," certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements.

In Jan. 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the Oct. 2023 order. In Jan. 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the Oct. 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng's company was based in China and that it was "odd" that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that "China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China."

In early Feb. 2024, additional review of the Oct. 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (Company-2). Company-2's efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Oct. 2023 purchase was not completed.

While the Oct. 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the Oct. 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful.

Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, "fake" corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme.

For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled "GPU Partnership," Kelly stated: "They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc." and "I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information." English replied: "I'm not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago."

Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2's computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China.

Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: "[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it's a banned country for distribution. It's a lucrative business right now - millions of dollars in profits per order - so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?"

Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: "DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA." Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly's message that referenced China needed to be removed because: "We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation." In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: "We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us."

Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial.

Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia today.

The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Topics: Export Control

National Security

Components: National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Georgia, Northern

Press Release Number: 26-285

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Security and Defence: The European Union and China hold their 15th consultations

European External Action Service (EEAS)

25.03.2026

EEAS Press Team

On 24 March, the European Union and China held their 15th annual consultations on security and defence in Brussels.

The EU and China exchanged views on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU recalled its unwavering support to Ukraine, stressing that the respect for the UN Charter, in particular Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, remained the basis of any settlement. The EU also conveyed that China's positioning on the war continues to affect the EU-China relationship and called on China to exert influence on Moscow to stop its war.

The EU and China also exchanged views on security issues in Asia and Pacific, such as maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, including in the East and South China Seas and the Taiwan Strait. The EU underlined its concerns regarding increasing tensions in Asia and stressed its commitment to promote security and stability in the region, underlining the obligation by all parties to adhere to and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides exchanged on the latest developments in Iran and the region, which threaten both regional and global stability. The consultations also provided an opportunity for dialogue on non-proliferation, disarmament and space security.

The consultations were co-chaired by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace Security and Defence at the European External Action Service on the European Union side, and by Major General Guo Hongtao, deputy Head of Office for International Military Cooperation on the Chinese side.

Background

To advance its interests and uphold its values, the European Union engages with China on a range of security and defence issues in accordance with the multi-faceted policy approach set out in the March 2019 Joint Communication of the European Commission and the High Representative "EU-China: A Strategic Outlook".

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: March 25, 2026 19:20

China-Arab TV: Could you update us on the incident that an officer from Japan's Self-Defense Force broke into the Chinese Embassy in Japan? Does China have any further comment?

Lin Jian: China's Embassy in Japan is working with the Japanese police to handle the related matters. The perpetrator was handed over to the Japanese police. According to information released by the Japanese police, he is a second lieutenant of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force. He scaled the embassy wall carrying a knife with an 18cm blade. China deplores the incident and has protested to the Japanese side both in Beijing and Tokyo. China pointed out the incident gravely threatened the safety of the embassy staff, disrupted the peaceful life in the embassy, and impaired its dignity. It shows that the Japanese side failed to fulfill its obligations in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations or to fulfill its special responsibility to uphold the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel. We once again urge the Japanese side to immediately launch a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrator to justice and fully account for the incident.

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi received a phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi yesterday, during which the latter said that Iran hopes China will continue to play a positive role in promoting ceasefire and peace talks. What's China's plan to facilitate peace talks?

Lin Jian: As the reverberating spillover effects of the conflict deal a heavy blow to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond, people in the region and the international community all hope and call for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities. During his phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that it is China's principled position that all regional hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by force. Negotiating is always better than fighting. It is hoped that relevant parties will seize every opportunity and window for peace and start the peace talks as soon as possible.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has been working tirelessly for peace. Our diplomatic mediation efforts will not stop as long as the conflict continues. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting ceasefire and ending hostilities. Working together with regional countries and the international community, we will contribute our part to restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf region at an early date.

AFP: According to U.S. media, President Donald Trump reportedly sent a peace plan to Iran as he voiced optimism at ending nearly a month of war. Tehran has also announced that it will let non-hostile oil vessels go through the Strait of Hormuz. What is China's response to these latest developments?

Lin Jian: We are gravely concerned over the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the impact on regional and global peace and stability. The pressing priority now is to stop fighting. The way out is through dialogue and negotiation. China supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions, deescalating the situation and restoring dialogue.

Reuters: Is the Foreign Ministry able to confirm that any Chinese ships have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after yesterday's announcement that non-hostile vessels will be allowed to pass?

Lin Jian: Maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and keeping shipping routes safe serves the common interests of the international community. China has all along been in communication with relevant parties to work for the deescalation of the situation. The pressing priority is for the parties concerned to step up to their responsibilities and immediately stop military operations to avoid further deterioration and escalation of the situation and prevent the turmoil from causing a greater impact on global economy.

Shenzhen TV: It was reported that Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on March 24 reviewed high school textbooks to be used from 2027. Some textbooks include descriptions suggesting there was no coercion regarding comfort women and forced labor, and asserts that Diaoyu Dao is "Japan's inherent territory." What is China's comment?

Lin Jian: To obscure historical facts, play down Japan's war crimes and seek to evade responsibility by playing on words when reviewing textbooks is Japan's go-to tactic to deny and distort its history of aggression. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, and has lodged serious protests with the Japanese side.

Japan has yet to make a clean break with militarism after the war, and its Yasukuni war shrine still honors 14 Class-A war criminals. Forcibly recruiting comfort women and labor is a serious crime against humanity that Japanese militarists committed during their aggression and expansion. These are historical facts clear to the whole world and backed by solid evidence. There's no way they can be denied.

Let me stress that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been China's territory since ancient times, over which China has indisputable sovereignty. No matter what small tricks the Japanese side uses regarding textbooks, they cannot change the fact that Diaoyu Dao belongs to China. Any attempt to undermine China's territorial sovereignty is futile.

China noted that the ROK has also lodged serious demarches with the Japanese side to protest against contents about Dokdo and comfort women in the textbooks. This shows that Japanese far-right forces' moves of distorting history and misleading Japanese people in their view of history have triggered high alert and strong indignation from the international community, including its Asian neighbors. We seriously urge the Japanese side to look history in the eye, make a clean break with militarism, allow the young generation in Japan to know the true history, properly handle historical issues in a responsible attitude, and avoid further losing the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.

AFP: A retired Hong Kong policeman on Tuesday denied spying for Beijing, telling a London court that he played no part in directing shadow policing operations for China in the UK. The man, a 65-year-old man named Bill Yuen, has been charged with assisting foreign intelligence service between December 2023 and May 2024. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this case?

Lin Jian: We have stated our position on this case on multiple occasions. I would like to stress that we firmly oppose political manipulation under the pretext of "foreign interference" allegations.

Reuters: Is the Foreign Ministry able to update us on last week's statement that China is willing to "cooperate" with countries struggling with energy shortages in the region? Have any initiatives started already? How does China think it can best assist Southeast Asia at this time, with several countries having to resort to shortened work weeks to deal with the shortage?

Lin Jian: The situation in the Middle East has dealt a blow to global energy security, industrial and supply chains and international trade order. Relevant countries should immediately stop military operations and prevent the regional turmoil from causing a greater impact on global economic growth. China stands ready to strengthen coordination and collaboration with the international community and jointly address energy security issues.

Telesur: In the light of the United States bombing and invasion against Venezuela that killed more than 100 persons and led to the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and as the March 26 hearing approaches, what is China's legal assessment of the judicial process involving the Venezuelan President and the First Lady, in terms of legality, sovereignty, and international law? Also, what concrete measures is China taking, together with the international community, to ensure the release of the presidential couple who are being held as hostages in the United States?

Lin Jian: The U.S. forcibly seizing a country's president clearly violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law and basic international norms. China firmly opposes that. We support Venezuela in safeguarding its own sovereignty, dignity and lawful rights.

Nippon TV: According to newspaper reports, in January two Japanese people were arrested in Guangzhou for possession of drugs. Is the Spokesperson aware of this matter, and do you have any comment on this matter?

Lin Jian: I'm not aware of what you mentioned.

Reuters: Has the Japanese side given China any assurance after the break-in that something like this will not happen again? Does this incident risk widening the schism between Tokyo and Beijing?

Lin Jian: The incident once again highlighted the danger of the rampant spread of far-right impact and neo-militarism in the country. It also reveals the toxicity of the Japanese government's erroneous policies on vital issues concerning China-Japan relations such as history and Taiwan, and Japan's failure in maintaining discipline in Self-Defense Force and in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the Chinese diplomatic and consular premises and personnel. With regard to what measures the Japanese side will take to properly handle the incident and get rid of the root cause for such incidents once and for all, I suggest you ask the Japanese side. The international community, including China, is watching.

Kyodo News: It's reported by the Japanese media that the officer from Japan's Self-Defence Forces who broke into the Chinese embassy said he was trying to convey opinions to the ambassador, which was inconsistent with what China said. What's China's comment on that?

Lin Jian: Have you ever seen an individual who, armed with a knife, entered the embassy without permission to convey opinions to the ambassador? The perpetrator, a sitting officer of Japan's Self-Defence Forces, scaled the wall and broke into the Chinese embassy carrying a knife with an 18cm blade in clear violation of the law. This is the fact that the Japanese police found out. It's also a fact that he threatened to kill Chinese diplomats in the so-called "name of god." The Japanese side must take it seriously and thoroughly investigate the incident.

EFE: What expectations does China have for the World Trade Organization's ministerial meeting in Cameroon this Thursday? What prospects are there for advancing with the WTO reform after China's decision to give up a special treatment as a developing country?

Lin Jian: As the international economic and trade order faces severe challenges with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise and the multilateral trading system gravely impacted, it is of special significance that the WTO holds a ministerial conference in Africa again after a decade. China firmly supports Cameroon in making this WTO Ministerial Conference a success.

Telesur: Given the ongoing energy blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, considered a form of collective punishment under international law and aimed at provoking a change of government, how does China assess the legality of these actions? And what concrete measures is China taking to support Cuba, protect its sovereignty, and ensure the Cuban people have access to essential resources?

Lin Jian: For over 60 years the U.S. has imposed a full blockade and illicit sanctions on Cuba, wreaking havoc on people's lives in Cuba. China firmly opposes these unilateral sanctions and firmly supports Cuba in pursuing the development path suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference. We urge the U.S. to immediately lift the blockade and sanctions, and stop pressuring Cuba under any pretext. This is also the overwhelming call from the international community.

EFE: Pakistan recently positioned itself as a mediator between the United States, Israel and Iran together with Turkiye and Egypt and has offered its capital as the venue for negotiations. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment or information on this?

Lin Jian: The pressing priority now is to stop fighting. The way out is through dialogue and negotiation. China supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions, deescalating the situation and restoring dialogue.

EFE: U.S. authorities have decided to ban the import of any foreign-made routers. It was seen as a new step in Washington to ban electronic equipment of Chinese origin. So I don't know if you have any comment on this?

Lin Jian: China consistently opposes the U.S. overstretching the concept of national security and taking discriminatory measures against foreign enterprises. The U.S. should provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for companies of all countries.

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HKSAR Security Bureau tells GT that police must obtain court warrants before accessing devices, rejecting foreign media smears

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Mar 26, 2026 01:04 PM

In response to foreign media reports claiming that Hong Kong police can now demand phone or computer passwords from people suspected of breaching the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, portraying the new rules as a "further crackdown on dissents," a spokesperson from the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) told the Global Times on Thursday that the reports are misleading, noting that law enforcement officers must apply to the court for a warrant and obtain judicial approval before searching electronic devices such as mobile phones.

Regarding certain erroneous reports by individual foreign media outlets, the claim that revised rules to the NSL for Hong Kong would allow Hong Kong police to randomly demand pedestrians to hand over their mobile phones and provide passwords is completely false and misleading, the Security Bureau firmly clarified, the spokesperson said. "We strongly condemn such selective, sensationalized reporting that attempts to create panic with exaggerated and inaccurate headlines, and that seeks to smear and malign the HKSAR's work in safeguarding national security."

The spokesperson noted that many Western countries have similar laws or rules on police obtaining information from electronic devices during investigation.

Some foreign media outlets including the Guardian, BBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Al Jazeera reported the new rules under the NSL for Hong Kong. BBC claimed those who refuse to cooperate with the law enforcement personnel could "face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to HK$100,000 ($12,700), and individuals who provide false or misleading information could face up to three years in jail."

The Guardian claimed this move aims to "further crackdown on dissent."

Many common law jurisdictions authorize law enforcement officers, during investigations and evidence collection, to require relevant individuals to provide means of decrypting electronic devices, the spokesperson said, noting that examples include the UK's Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Australia's Crimes Act 1914, New Zealand's Search and Surveillance Act 2012, and Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code 2010.

Those foreign media reports came after some new amendments to a bylaw under the NSL for Hong Kong that the government gazette on Monday.

In a legislative council session on Tuesday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang pointed out that law enforcement officers must, on national security grounds, apply to the court for a warrant under oath, and may only search the relevant electronic devices once the court has granted approval. "It is not the case that officers can casually demand citizens hand over their phone passwords on the street," Tang said, according to local media reports.

For example, if police are executing a search at a premises and someone inside blocks the door with an object, they may be in violation of the offense of obstructing a public officer. Therefore, the newly introduced penalties are entirely reasonable. Similar provisions exist in many other jurisdictions, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore, Tang said, per RTHK.

In fact, prior to the amendment, the implanting rules already authorized law enforcement officers, under general circumstances, to search electronic devices containing evidence of offenses that may endanger national security, provided they obtained a court-approved warrant. This includes the power to bypass or unlock such devices, the spokesperson said.

The current revision merely authorizes law enforcement officers, when exercising those powers, to require a "specified person" to provide decryption methods, thereby enabling officers to carry out the searches. It does not constitute any additional intrusion into freedom of communication or the secrecy of communications, the spokesperson noted.

Although the BBC report noted that law enforcement officials in many parts of the world have the authority to demand access to electronic devices as part of criminal investigation, it accused the NSL of covering "vaguely defined" offences.

"Some foreign media outlets deliberately conceal the legal boundaries and procedural constraints of the law, distorting law enforcement measures targeting criminal suspects as restrictions imposed on the general public. At its core, this amounts to using the issue of rule of law to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and to discredit the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems,'" Louis Chen, a member of the Election Committee, told the Global Times.

Hong Kong's rule of law is solidly grounded, and law enforcement is carried out strictly in accordance with the law. It safeguards national security and fully protects citizens' legitimate rights while maintaining normal social order, Chen said.

"Any biased smear or sensationalism cannot change the fact that Hong Kong has moved from chaos to governance and is on the path toward long-term stability," he added.

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Two new types of Chinese anti-drone laser weapons revealed in official media report; expert sees China's laser-based counter-drone technologies at global forefront

Global Times

By Liang Rui and Liu Xuanzun Published: Mar 26, 2026 12:08 AM

A report by official Chinese media on Wednesday unveiled two new types of anti-drone laser weapons. A developer said such laser weapon systems, supported by intelligent targeting and multi-sensor integration, demonstrate strong responsiveness and adaptability, while enabling coordinated operations within an integrated combat network.

Footage released in the CCTV News report showed how the systems countered low-altitude, slow-flying small drones simulating covert penetration on the battlefield, flying at an altitude of 50 to 80 meters, which is within the blind spot of conventional radar systems.

More advanced threats such as fiber-optic drones, capable of transmitting real-time data and video through physical links and thus resistant to electronic interference, pose additional challenges and often require physical destruction, according to the CCTV News report.

In response to such threats, multiple counter-drone systems were featured. A container-like platform identified as the "Guangjian-11E," or Light Arrow-11E, multi-mode terminal jamming system can rapidly lock onto targets and disrupt their onboard sensing and targeting functions, the report said.

The "Guangjian-21A", or Light Arrow-21A, system, meanwhile, operates in a "shoot-on-the-move" mode, allowing it to maintain sustained firepower while reducing exposure to counterattacks, reported CCTV News.

In terms of engagement methods, the "Guangjian-21A" specializes in "hard-kill" capabilities, generating high-density energy beams over several kilometers to penetrate drone structures and destroy internal circuits or propulsion systems within seconds. By contrast, the "Guangjian-11E" employs a soft-kill approach, using pulsed laser energy to precisely disable key components, effectively blinding drones and disrupting their reconnaissance and data transmission functions, reported CCTV News.

These complementary "soft" and "hard" kill methods address targets at different ranges and threat levels, filling gaps in each other's operational coverage, CCTV News said.

Both systems are equipped with phased-array radar and infrared detection systems, and can interconnect via both wired and wireless links to enable real-time data sharing and precise target identification and engagement, according to the CCTV News report.

The laser systems, as next-generation equipment, feature multi-source detection and intelligent identification, enabling rapid response and adaptive targeting. Integrated into a broader combat system, the platforms can coordinate "soft" and "hard" kill methods and link with radar and electro-optical sensors to form a rapid "detect-to-destroy" chain, Zhou Shuiliang from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China was quoted by the CCTV as saying.

Previously, multiple types of anti-drone equipment were reviewed in formations at China's V-Day military parade on September 3, 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, addressing the importance of anti-drone warfare on the modern battlefield.

Anti-drone missile and artillery systems, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons reviewed at the parade are a powerful "iron triangle" that can both "soft kill" and "hard destroy" unmanned aerial vehicles.

Given the widespread deployment of drones on the battlefield, countries are now prioritizing the development of efficient counter-drone systems and platforms, Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times.

The inclusion of high-energy laser and high-power microwave counter-drone systems in the parade indicates that both have demonstrated strong performance in realistic training, and suggests that China's laser- and microwave-based counter-drone technologies are at the forefront globally.

Zhang Xuefeng, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that high-energy laser weapons can quickly and accurately detect, aim, and track targets. Using high-energy lasers, it only takes a few seconds to shoot a drone down.

"This genre of anti-drone systems has high accuracy, minimal collateral damage, the advantage of unlimited ammunition, and very low operating costs, making it the lowest cost anti-drone equipment in a single deployment," Zhang said.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Congratulations from Belarusian President

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, March 25 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a congratulatory message from Aleksandr Lukashenko, president of the Republic of Belarus, on March 23.

The message said:

Your Excellency,

I, on behalf of our people and on my own behalf, extend sincere congratulations to you on your reelection as president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The unanimous adoption of the above-said decision at the Supreme People's Assembly reflects the general will and full support of the Korean people for your steadfast line of strengthening the independence of the country and improving the well-being of the inhabitants.

I am sure that your activities in this responsible duty will continue to promote the development of the DPRK and the prosperity of its citizens.

Minsk affirms that it has an interest in actively expanding the political and economic ties with Pyongyang at all levels.

Your Excellency,

I wish you good health and success in the state affairs and pay my highest regard. -0-

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Ceremony for Welcoming Belarusian President Held

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, March 26 (KCNA) -- A ceremony took place at Kim Il Sung Square on March 25 to welcome Comrade Alexandr Lukashenko, president of the Republic of Belarus, who is paying an official visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Comrade Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Seen standing at the square were the poles with national flags of the DPRK and the Belarusian Republic, the guard of honor and the honorary cavalry of the Korean People's Army, and the Central Military Band of the Ministry of National Defence.

Kim Jong Un appeared at the venue for the ceremony of welcoming the Belarusian president.

Attending the ceremony were Jo Yong Won, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Kim Jae Ryong, Ri Il Hwan and Kim Song Nam, secretaries of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the DPRK, and Kim Tok Hun, first vice-premier of the Cabinet.

Pyongyang citizens and schoolchildren were present there with the national flags of the two countries and flowers in their hands.

When a limousine carrying the Belarusian president arrived at Kim Il Sung Square amid the playing of welcome music, Kim Jong Un gladly met with Alexandr Lukashenko and warmly welcomed his visit to the DPRK.

He introduced major leading cadres of the Party and the government to Alexandr Lukashenko.

He exchanged greetings with Yuri Shuleiko, deputy prime minister of the government of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ruzenkov, minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleksandr Khodzhayev, minister of Public Health, Andrei Ivanets, minister of Education, and Andrei Kuznetsov, minister of Industry, and took the platform together with Alexandr Lukashenko.

The national anthems of the Republic of Belarus and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were played while a 21-gun salute boomed.

Alexandr Lukashenko received a salute from the chief of the guard of honor of the KPA.

Guided by Kim Jong Un , Alexandr Lukashenko reviewed the guard of honor of the KPA.

There was a march-past of the guard of honor of the KPA.

Alexandr Lukashenko expressed his heartfelt thanks to the DPRK government and people for their sincere hospitality. -0-

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Belarusian President Arrives in Pyongyang

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, March 26 (KCNA) -- To pay an official visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Comrade Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Comrade Alexandr Lukashenko, president of the Republic of Belarus, arrived here by his private plane on March 25.

Accompanying him are Yuri Shuleiko, deputy prime minister of the government of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ruzenkov, minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleksandr Khodzhayev, minister of Public Health, Andrei Ivanets, minister of Education, Andrei Kuznetsov, minister of Industry, and other suite members.

Seen flying at the flagstaffs of Pyongyang International Airport were the national flags of the DPRK and the Republic of Belarus and the guard of honor of the Korean People's Army lined up at the apron of the airport.

Kim Tok Hun, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and first vice-premier of the Cabinet, and Kim Jong Gyu, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, warmly greeted Alexandr Lukashenko, president of the Republic of Belarus.

A woman worker presented a bouquet to Alexandr Lukashenko.

Children welcomed the friendly guests of Belarus, waving national flags of the two countries. -0-

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G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay (25 March 2026)

France - Ministere de lEurope et des Affaires etrangeres

In an international context marked by a growing number of conflicts, an increase in cross-cutting threats such as organized crime and drug trafficking, and the fragmentation of the world economic order, France wants to put dialogue, crisis-response and renewed multilateralism at the heart of its G7 Presidency. These will be the objectives of this G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held on 26-27 March in Les Vaux-de-Cernay.

True to the spirit of the founding Summit in Rambouillet in 1975, France wishes to demonstrate that the G7, born out of the first oil crisis, embodies a shared vision of global prosperity based on three principles: solidarity between nations, economic stability and collective responsibility. France's G7 Presidency aims to be one of balance, convergence and results, to achieve concrete progress for the security and prosperity of all.

A new international order must emerge to produce a fairer and more balanced system, underpinned by a renewed multilateralism. Reform of global governance, reconstruction and the fight against cross-cutting threats are issues which require a collective commitment which extends beyond G7 members alone. That is why the French G7 Presidency has chosen to involve the major emerging economies and regional partners in its work. Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Korea, India and Ukraine will thus join the work of the G7 Foreign Ministers.

1. Promoting conflict resolution

Amid a growing number of conflicts, France will mobilize its partners on major crises.

On Iran and the Middle East, the partners will seek avenues for negotiation to encourage de-escalation, while promoting the security of civilian populations, the re-opening of maritime and trade routes and the cessation of the Iranian regime's nuclear and ballistic programmes.

On Ukraine, the G7 partners will reiterate their support for Kyiv in terms of energy and capabilities, and will step up pressure on Russia, especially regarding its shadow fleet.

The ministers will also address several regional situations, including the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, and Venezuela and Cuba, in light of the events which have taken place since the start of 2026.

2. Organizing reconstruction

France and its partners are seeking to work together to raise funds internationally to repair Chernobyl's confinement structure, which was severely damaged by a Russian strike in 2025, and to organize a regional conference to combat the trafficking of Captagon in Syria, a synthetic drug that is wreaking havoc in the Middle East and has made its way to Europe. Finally, we will discuss regional economic integration in the Middle East.

3. Combating cross-cutting threats and increasing sovereignty

The Ministers will establish a G7 task force to work on creating a network of ports in G7 countries and other partner countries to step up the fight against drug trafficking. Another priority will be to organize a regional security conference in the Caribbean in Martinique in July 2026, convening countries in the region and G7 partners to step up the fight against drug trafficking in the region, and to organize the fifth "No Money for Terror" conference, to be held in Paris on 19 May 2026 to combat terrorist financing. Finally, we will discuss securing critical mineral supply chains, following on from the discussions held under the Canadian G7 Presidency.

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India Accelerates Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration; Domestic Production Capacity of Rare Earth Permanent Magnet to Reach 5,000 Tonnes by 2030: Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha

India - Press Information Bureau

Department of Atomic Energy

Liberalisation of existing provisions and opening up to private sector through the SHANTI Act will boost domestic capacity and reduce imports: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Lithium and rare earth elements are critical for India's increasing requirement in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence, aerospace, and space applications, and will also play an important role in supporting clean energy transition as well as emerging technologies like AI which need reliable energy systems, says Dr Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 25 MAR 2026 3:49PM by PIB Delhi

India has intensified efforts to scale up domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets and accelerate exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, with production capacity targeted to reach 5,000 tonnes by 2030, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha today.

Replying to a series of questions during the Question Hour in the ongoing Budget Session, the Minister said that the country's current requirement of rare earth permanent magnets is about 4,000 tonnes, which is projected to rise to nearly 8,000 tonnes by 2030, highlighting the need for rapid expansion of domestic capabilities.

The Minister informed that a pilot project on neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets has recently been launched, while a samarium-cobalt magnet plant at Visakhapatnam has been made operational with an initial production capacity of 500 tonnes per year. This capacity will be scaled up to 2,000 tonnes in the next phase and further to 5,000 tonnes by 2030.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the government is working in close coordination across ministries under a whole-of-government approach to fast-track exploration and development of critical minerals.

Responding to a question by Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar on lithium reserves in Degana, Rajasthan, the Minister said that preliminary survey activities are already underway and further exploration is expected to begin soon. He added that lithium exploration falls under the Ministry of Mines, and similar efforts are also in progress in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that lithium and rare earth elements are critical for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence, aerospace, and space applications, and will play an important role in supporting clean energy transition as well as emerging technologies requiring reliable energy systems.

The Minister also informed that recent policy measures, including provisions under the Atomic Energy (Amendment) framework, have opened up exploration of several critical minerals to private sector participation, with safeguards in place for strategic resources such as uranium.

Referring to recent initiatives, he said that rare earth corridors have been announced in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala to strengthen the domestic ecosystem for processing and value addition.

The Minister said that rare earth elements are found both in beach sand minerals and rock formations, and their exploration requires different approaches depending on geological conditions. He added that some regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jharkhand, have significant deposits of rock-based minerals which are relatively more complex to explore.

On concerns related to environmental impact, he clarified that mining-related safeguards fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Mines and associated regulatory frameworks, and emphasized the need to curb illegal mining.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India is steadily strengthening its position in the critical minerals sector with a focus on reducing import dependence, enhancing domestic production, and building a resilient supply chain to support future industrial and technological growth.

*****

NKR/AK/NM

(Release ID: 2245038)

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HRC61 - EU Statement - HRC61 Urgent Debate on the human rights implications of Iran's unprovoked attacks against GCC countries and Jordan

European External Action Service (EEAS)

25.03.2026

Geneva

Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

European Union

HRC61 Urgent Debate on the human rights implications of Iran's unprovoked attacks against GCC countries and Jordan

26 March 2026

EU Statement

Mr President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova (Republic of), Montenegro, North Macedonia and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

Developments in Iran, and the wider region threaten regional and global security, with grave repercussions on vital livelihoods worldwide.

We strongly condemn Iran's unprovoked military strikes against countries in the region and express solidarity with countries affected. The EU calls on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region, in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2817, which should be fully implemented.

The EU calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law, including the United Nations Charter, international human rights law and international humanitarian law, by all parties. The EU deplores the loss of civilian life, and calls for an immediate end on strikes against energy and water facilities.

The EU stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to end the hostilities. The EU calls on the Iranian regime to cease the violence and repression against its own people. It calls for the respect of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the right to choose their own future.

The EU supports the resolution presented by the GCC countries and Jordan condemning Iran's unprovoked attacks against them and calls for it to pass by consensus.

Thank you.

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HE GCCSG Welcomes UNHRC Adoption of Resolution on the "Effects of Recent Iranian Military Aggression" Against GCC States and Jordan during its 61st Session

General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Mar 25, 2026

General Secretariat - Riyadh

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcomed the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of the resolution titled "Effects of the Recent Military Aggression Launched by Iran."

The resolution was submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, receiving exceptional and broad support from more than 100 countries across various regional groups.

"The adoption of this resolution during the urgent debate held today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as part of the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council, reflects a categorical international rejection of the blatant Iranian attacks on the territories of member states not involved in any conflict," His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi stated

He noted that it signifies a global condemnation of the grave impacts of this aggression under international human rights law and its threat to international peace and security.

His Excellency praised the resolution's content, particularly its clear condemnation and strong denunciation of the consequences of the unjustified and deliberate attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure.

"These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage within the GCC states and Jordan, in addition to the broader implications of illegal Iranian actions on regional and international stability, including maritime security, environmental protection, global trade routes, and sustainable development,"His Excellency added.

Furthermore, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi welcomed the resolution's emphasis on Iran's obligation to adhere to its duties regarding the protection of human rights and the principles of international law.

This includes respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting civilians, immediately ceasing violations, and the obligation to provide reparations for damages resulting from these breaches, while calling for engagement in dialogue and peaceful means for dispute resolution.

Moreover, His Excellency underscored that the broad support for this resolution, adopted by consensus, clearly reflects a wide international agreement that attacks against states that are not parties to any conflict cannot be justified under international law under any pretext as well as lack any legal or factual basis.

He pointed out that the resolution calls on Iran to comply with its obligations under international human rights law and the United Nations Charter, necessitating diligent international follow-up to ensure accountability and prevent the recurrence of such violations.

His Excellency reaffirmed the GCC states' steadfast approach based on commitment to human rights, respect for international law, and the preservation of regional and international stability.

He commended the valuable and significant efforts exerted by the Gulf group, chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Geneva to convene this emergency session and mobilise international support for this historic, unanimously approved resolution.

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President Lee, New Zealand agree to cooperate in Mideast crisis

KOREA.net

Mar 25, 2026

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

President Lee Jae Myung on March 24 discussed over the phone with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responses to the situation in the Middle East.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told a news briefing, "The two leaders exchanged views on the recent situation and outlook for the Middle East and discussed the ripple effects on the global economy and energy security."

Both sides agreed that stabilization of global supply chains for energy is a top priority amid global instability in supply and demand for crude oil.

Prime Minister Luxon said his country's perspective is that securing the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and stability of global energy supply chains are crucial, as New Zealand imports all of its refined oil. He also lauded Seoul and Wellington's participation in the joint statement on the strait and hoped to continue close communication and cooperation.

President Lee said, "Cooperation among countries with similar standpoints is crucial to restore regional peace and stabilize the global economy."

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Iran warns any regional country aiding enemies to seize its islands will face severe reprisal

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 9:44 PM

Iran's parliament speaker has warned that any regional country cooperating with enemies to occupy any of the Islamic Republic's islands will see its vital infrastructure become a definite target of Tehran's uncompromising retaliation.

"According to certain data, Iran's enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing an operation to occupy one of Iran's islands," Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf wrote in an Arabic-language post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

"All enemy movements are under the supervision of our armed forces. If they take any step, all vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted relentlessly, without limitation."

A number of regional countries, most notably the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have allowed their respective soils to be used as launch pads for strikes against Iran since late last month, when the United States and the Israeli regime began their latest bout of unprovoked and illegal aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In response, Iranian armed forces have carried out more than 80 waves of retaliatory missile and drone strikes, codenamed Operation True Promise 4, targeting enemy positions.

The operation has delivered destructive blows to sensitive and strategic American outposts and interests throughout the region, including in the UAE and Bahrain as well as in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

It has also proven devastating to similar Israeli targets across the occupied territories.

Qalibaf's post came after US President Donald Trump made inflammatory comments regarding plans to seize the strategic Kharg Island in southern Iran.

Reports from US media outlets have indicated that the Department of War has ordered the deployment of approximately 2,000 troops from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division to West Asia amid rising tensions.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Iranian top legislator had addressed the same issue, sounding a stern warning to the United States and stating that the Islamic Republic was closely monitoring the deployment of American troops to the region.

"What the generals have ruined, the soldiers cannot fix; instead, they will only become victims of [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's delusions," he had written, referring to the Israeli official's feverish campaigning that reportedly prompted Washington to join Tel Aviv in the unprovoked aggression.

"Do not test our resolve to defend our land," Qalibaf had concluded.

Amid the aggression, the Islamic Republic has strongly urged regional states to separate themselves from the aggression by preventing their territories from being misused for attacks targeting Iran.

Also on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lamented some regional countries' having stated previously that they would not allow their respective soils to be used against Iran before going back on their words.

"We cannot believe that this occurred without those countries being aware of it," he said.

"My message to the countries of the region is that they must definitely distance themselves from this American-Zionist aggression against the soil and people of Iran, and separate themselves from this war."

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True Promise 4: Iran and resistance axis ops. against US-Israeli assets on Mar. 25

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 8:44 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Iranian armed forces and resistance groups across the region continue to carry out retaliatory military operations against the United States and the Israeli regime.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army conducted multiple operations as part of Operation True Promise 4, which was launched immediately after the US-Israeli coalition carried out an unprovoked act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28.

Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 82 waves of missile and drone strikes with advanced weaponry targeting Israeli military facilities in the occupied territories, as well as US occupation bases and assets scattered across the West Asia region.

The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have also joined the front against the external aggressors, inflicting heavy blows on the enemy.

Hezbollah's operations have been primarily focused on Israeli military sites in the occupied territories. Its operations are both in response to the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and the relentless ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime over the past year.

Iraqi resistance groups have also been carrying out daily operations, primarily against American military assets in Iraq and other Arab countries.

Below is a list of operations carried out by the Iranian armed forces, as well as resistance movements in Lebanon and Iraq, against the US and the Zionist regime on March 25:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

The 80th wave of Operation True Promise 4 targeted strategic points and military centers located in the northern parts of occupied Palestine, with the blessed code "Ya Shadid al-Quwa," dedicated to the martyred driver Mohammad Dalvand and all truckers and drivers, in support of the pride-inspiring attacks of the Islamic Resistance of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the oppressed people of southern Lebanon.

In this operation, the military command of the regime army located north of the city of Safad, which is responsible for commanding and deploying forces for attacks on the northern borders of Palestine, was targeted.

Israeli military targets in "Tel Aviv", "Kiryat Shmona", "Bnei Brak", and the bases of the US military in "Ali Al-Salem", "Arifjan", "Al-Azraq", and "Sheikh Isa" were also targeted by liquid and solid-fuel, precision-guided systems and explosive drones.

Successful hits of wave 81 missiles on more than seventy points in the occupied territories.

In the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4, under the code "Ya Baqir al-Ulum, peace be upon him," and as a gift to all the soldiers of the homeland and the soldier martyrs, especially the hero soldier martyr Sayyed Javad Izadi, more than 70 points in the occupied territories were struck with high success and intensity, including Haifa, "Dimona", Al-Khadriya near Haifa, and north and south of "Tel Aviv".

Missiles such as Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr 4, and Qadr were used in this wave.

The fourth strategic fighter jet of the invading US military, an F18, was downed over the skies of Chabahar and crashed into the Indian Ocean after being precisely hit by missiles from the new advanced air defense system of the IRGC Navy under the command of the country's integrated air defense network.

A 7-member mercenary team linked to foreign spy services was arrested in Semnan. The leader of this terrorist network, in addition to communicating with foreign enemies, received sabotage training and received funds from his contact abroad for purchasing and manufacturing explosive equipment.

Iranian Army:

Targeted Israeli air support centers, drone manufacturing industries, and vital Mossad equipment with a barrage of drones.

The attacks specifically targeted repair and maintenance facilities for F-15 and F-16 attack fighters and the Israeli aerospace industries (IAI), which is the center for the development and equipment of advanced "Heron" and "Harop" drones, the "Ofeq" series of spy satellites, and the supply of vital equipment for Mossad and Shin Bet.

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the town of Al-Qawzah with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the border town of Al-Qawzah with a guided missile, achieving a direct hit.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the border town of Al-Qawzah with a rocket barrage and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the border town of Al-Qawzah with a guided missile for the second time.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in "Shomera" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the infrastructure belonging to the Israeli military in the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two Merkava tanks near the pond of the town of Dibil with guided missiles.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted positions of the Israeli military in "Metulla", Al-Marj, and "Misgav Am" with rocket barrages,

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and after monitoring a force of Israeli soldiers in the town of Taybeh, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them for the second time with an attack drone, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Keila" barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank at the newly established Israeli position in the border town of Markaba with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, after monitoring a force of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Taybeh, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them for the third time with an attack drone, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Taybeh for the fourth time with artillery.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles near the pool of the town of Dibl with a swarm of attack drones, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the Khiam detention center for the third time with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the Taybeh project for the second time with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Al-Marj site for the second time with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and demolition of homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Krayot" area north of the occupied city of Haifa with a barrage of qualitative missiles.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Merkava tanks and a D9 bulldozer west of the Taybeh project with guided missiles.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and after monitoring a force of regime soldiers attempting to tow destroyed vehicles west of the Al-Taybeh project, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them with a rocket barrage.

In response to the aggression against Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the Khiam detention center for the fourth time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the vicinity of the Dibl town pond with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at Tal Abu Madi in the border town of Dhuhaira with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and following the observation of the advance of an armored Israeli force in the town of Taybeh towards the Al-Muhaisibat area, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted it with guided missiles, resulting in the destruction of 4 Merkava tanks and a D9 bulldozer.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Taybeh project for the third time with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and as a continuation of the statements regarding the confrontations in the town of Taybeh, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two more Merkava tanks with guided missiles, resulting in their destruction, bringing the number of destroyed tanks to 6.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in continuation of the reports of the confrontations in the town of Taybeh, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two more Merkava tanks with guided missiles, which led to their destruction, bringing the number of destroyed tanks to 8.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq:

Targeted US occupation forces inside the "Victoria" base in Baghdad.

Struck the bases of terrorists in Erbil, Iraq, which also included a base of Mossad.

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FM says Iran's policy rests in continued resistance, rules out negotiations

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 8:44 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's current policy is to continue resistance in the face of ongoing unprovoked American-Israeli aggression, while ruling out negotiations and ceasefire in the absence of required guarantees.

"At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place," the top diplomat said in a televised interview on Wednesday.

"There are no negotiations underway," he reiterated elsewhere in his remarks, besides questioning the reliability of outside assurances.

Regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, but Tehran's position has not changed, the official stated.

"Many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran's position has remained 'principled and firm.'"

'Iran dismisses intl. guarantees in favor of inherent guarantee created by reprisal'

"International guarantees are not 100 percent reliable," Araghchi stated in reference to reported efforts by some third countries to act as intermediaries towards ending the unlawful aggression that has prompted decisive retaliation on the part of the Islamic Republic.

"Through the inherent guarantee that we created ourselves, no one will dare again to go to war with the Iranian people," the official added, pointing to the Iranian reprisal that has seen the country's Armed Forces launch at least 81 waves of unrelenting counterstrikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

'Enemy must learn a lasting lesson'

The foreign minister, meanwhile, asserted, "A ceasefire without guarantees is a vicious cycle that only leads to the repetition of war."

"The enemy must learn a lesson so that it never again even contemplates launching another attack, and the damages suffered by the Iranian people must be compensated," he said.

'US bases a liability for host countries'

He also said recent developments had proved how allowing the United States to set up outposts inside regional territories would compromise the security of the host countries rather than contributing to their security.

"This war revealed many truths, one of them being that US bases not only failed to provide security for the host countries, but, in fact, became a source of insecurity for them," he said.

Araghchi was referencing the numerous occasions in which the Armed Forces have pummeled the US outposts in regional states such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan in retaliation for the aggression and the host countries' collaboration with the aggressors.

"If these countries are being struck, it is because of the presence of those bases," he said.

"My message to the countries of the region is that they must definitely distance themselves from this American-Zionist aggression against the soil and people of Iran, and separate themselves from this war."

The foreign minister also lamented some regional countries' having stated previously that they would not allow their respective soils to be used against Iran before going back on their words.

"We cannot believe that this occurred without those countries being aware of it," he said.

'Retaliation marks golden moment in Iran's history'

Araghchi commented on the trajectory followed by the aggression as well as Iran's determined counterstrikes that have witnessed the Armed Forces fire hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as attack drones against hostile objects.

The enemy failed to accomplish several of its objectives, including dividing the country, securing a swift victory, and undermining domestic cohesion.

Iran's reprisal has gone down as "a golden moment" in its history, with the country preventing two nuclear-armed aggressors from reaching their goals.

The sheer triumph of the retaliation, he added, was witnessed by the aggressors' speaking of talks with the Islamic Republic, despite urging at the beginning that Tehran had to "unconditionally surrender."

"The fact that they are now talking about negotiations is itself an admission of defeat. Weren't they the ones talking about 'unconditional surrender'? So why are they now mobilizing their highest-ranking officials to pursue negotiations?" Araghchi asked.

On the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed to enemies and their accomplices since the onset of the aggression late last month, Araghchi said the strategic waterway remained open to friendly countries.

"For some countries that we identified as our friends, we allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz. We allowed China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to pass," he said.

"There is no reason for us to allow our enemy to pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

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Iran considers any threat or ultimatum as 'act of war': IRGC Aerospace chief

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 6:44 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force says any threat or ultimatum issued against Iran is considered an act of war.

The force's Commander Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi made the remarks in an X post on Wednesday, stressing that US President Donald "Trump must learn that any threat or ultimatum against Iran is considered as part of the act of war itself."

Early this week, Trump threatened to destroy Iran's major power plants within 48 hours if Tehran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed to shipping linked to the US and Israel and their allies.

Iran warned that all energy infrastructure, information technology (IT) hubs, and desalination plants associated with the US or the Israel regime in the region would be obliterated if its vital infrastructure came under attack.

As the deadline approached, Trump backed down, saying he had instructed the Pentagon to halt all plans for attacks for five days subject to the outcome of negotiations he claimed were underway with Iran. Tehran, however, categorically rejected his claims.

"Strikes by Iranian forces against strategic targets in Israel's Dimona and Haifa within the past few hours, which were in line with Iran's military strategy, conveyed a clear message in response to Americans' threats of two-day and five-day deadlines," General Mousavi further stressed.

His comments come as Tehran rejected a 15-point US proposal, proposing five conditions for ending the imposed war, Press TV reported earlier.

A senior political-security official with knowledge of the matter, speaking exclusively to Press TV, said Iran would not allow Trump to dictate the timing of the war's end.

"Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met," the official said, emphasizing Tehran's resolve to continue its defense and inflict "heavy blows" on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

According to the official, Washington has been pursuing negotiations through various diplomatic channels, putting forward proposals that Tehran views as "excessive" and disconnected from the reality of America's failure on the battlefield.

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Iran says US officials misleading public, manipulating media to justify 'illegal war'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 4:48 PM

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says American officials are misleading the public and manipulating the media to justify their illegal war, nearly a month after the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday, hailing "The War You Don't See," a renowned American documentary by John Pilger about the realities of war.

Baghaei, who also published a poster of the documentary, said: "This is a must-watch film, especially nowat a time when U.S. authorities are actively misleading the public and manipulating the media to justify their illegal war against Iran and to whitewash the atrocities they are committing."

He also quoted the following lines from the documentary's narration, which underscore the critical role of media in crimes committed during the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Israel's appalling atrocities against Palestinians:

"We journalists have to be brave enough to defy those who seek our collusion in selling their latest bloody adventure in someone else's country ... For propaganda relies on us in the media to aim its deceptions not at a faraway enemy but at you at home."

The US and Israel launched the aggression on February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, several senior officials and military commanders, and hundreds of civilians in attacks on residential areas, schools, hospitals and other civilian places.

In response, the Iranian armed forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting US bases in the region and Israeli positions in the occupied territories with waves of missile strikes and drone attacks.

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IRGC hits over 70 Israeli targets with precision missiles in 81st wave of retaliation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 4:07 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across the occupied territories in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4.

In a statement on Wednesday, the IRGC Public Relations Department said the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

According to field intelligence cited by the IRGC, the regime's casualty toll has gone up, notably following the previous three waves of Iran's powerful strikes.

The total number of killed and wounded has now surpassed 2,500, the statement said.

It said the IRGC and the Army have risen "in the stature of a nation," declaring that the entire nation is mobilized to defend beloved Iran.

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read.

The IRGC pledged to transparently convey the truth of the war in its future statements.

"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned.

The IRGC concluded with a warning.

"Remember, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, this is what our martyred Leader taught us."

The 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4 comes as the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran enters its 26th day.

Since the February 28 attacks that martyred Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several top commanders, Iran has conducted waves of missile and drone strikes against US and Israeli assets across the region and within the occupied territories.

The IRGC says over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Zionist targets since the war began, while Iran's air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets .

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Iran rejects US proposal, lays out five conditions for ending imposed war: Source to Press TV

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 1:59 PM

Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing imposed war, insisting that it will only occur on Tehran's own terms and timeline, a senior political-security official told Press TV on Wednesday.

The official with knowledge of the details of the proposal, speaking exclusively to Press TV, said Iran will not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate the timing of the war's end.

"Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met," the official said, emphasizing Tehran's resolve to continue its defense and inflict "heavy blows" on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

According to the official, Washington has been pursuing negotiations through various diplomatic channels, putting forward proposals that Tehran views as "excessive" and disconnected from the reality of America's failure on the battlefield.

The official drew parallels with two previous rounds of negotiations held in the spring and winter of 2025, characterising them as deceptive.

In both instances, the official stressed, the United States had no genuine intention to engage in meaningful dialogue and subsequently carried out military aggression against Iran.

Tehran has therefore categorized the latest overture, which was delivered via a friendly regional intermediary, as a ploy to heighten tensions and has responded negatively.

The official outlined five specific conditions under which Iran would agree to end the war. These include:

A complete halt to "aggression and assassinations" by the enemy.

The establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic.

Guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations.

The end of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region

Iran's exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is and will remain Iran's natural and legal right, and it constitutes a guarantee for the implementation of the other party's commitments, and must be recognized.

The official further noted that these stipulations are in addition to demands previously presented by Tehran during the second round of negotiations in Geneva, which took place just days before the US and Israel carried out a fresh round of aggression on February 28.

Iran has communicated to all intermediaries acting in good faith that a ceasefire is contingent upon the acceptance of all of its conditions.

"No negotiations will be held prior to that," the official stressed, reiterating that the continuation of Iran's defensive operations will persist until the outlined conditions are met.

"The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion," he hastened to add.

The unprovoked and illegal war was launched on February 28 - in the middle of indirect nuclear talks - with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and some top-ranking military commanders and government officials.

In response, Iranian armed forces have so far carried out nearly 80 waves of retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli and American military assets across the region.

In recent days, the American side has courted some regional countries to persuade Iran to cease its retaliatory strikes that have decimated American and Israeli military infrastructure in the region as well as to allow American vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Iran closely monitoring deployment of US troops in region: Qalibaf

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 11:41 AM

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that Iran is closely monitoring the deployment of American soldiers in the region.

In a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Qalibaf addressed recent reports of US military movements.

"We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially the deployment of their soldiers," he wrote.

"What the generals have ruined, the soldiers cannot fix; instead, they will only become victims of Netanyahu's delusions. Do not test our resolve to defend our land."

The statement comes amid heightened tensions, 26 days into a US-Israeli aggression against Iran. The remarks follow unconfirmed reports from Western media and claims by US President Donald Trump regarding negotiations with the Islamic Republic.

Iranian officials have not yet officially confirmed any such negotiation proposals.

Analysts suggest that the proposed five-day deadline for talks, as floated by Trump, might serve as a cover for potential hostile actions.

Prior to the diplomatic overtures, Trump had made comments regarding the seizure of Iran's Kharg Island. Reports from American media outlets indicate that the Pentagon has ordered approximately 2,000 soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to West Asia.

In response to these naval movements, the Iranian Army's Navy has conducted a military operation.

According to official reports, missiles of the Iranian Army's Navy targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, compelling the US naval force to change its position.

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USS Abraham Lincoln under constant surveillance, will be hit if within range: Navy commander

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 10:32 AM

Iranian Army's Navy has said that the movements of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group are being closely and constantly monitored and will be targeted if it comes within the range of Iranian missiles.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian Navy, warned that should the hostile carrier group enter the range of Iranian missile systems, it would be targeted with crushing strikes.

"Like Mount Dena, we stand firm for the dignity and glory of Iran and Iranians, to be a hope for the oppressed and a thorn in the eyes of enemies," he said in remarks on Wednesday.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the US Navy.

Rear Admiral Irani honored the memory of the martyrs of the destroyer Dena and outlined the Navy's posture in the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf.

"The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with resolute will and the absolute maritime dominance of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Persian Gulf, intelligent control of the Strait of Hormuz, and authoritative monitoring of the passage of military and hostile fleets north of the 10-degree line, will not relent until we avenge the blood of our dear martyrs," he said.

The Iranian Navy announced that its Ghadir coastal cruise missiles successfully targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, forcing the American fleet to change its position.

The Navy commander, the statement noted, has issued the order to fire at the Abraham Lincoln from the force's operational command post.

The USS Abraham Lincoln had been operating in the waters near the Persian Gulf before the Israeli-American coalition launched the war of aggression against Iran on February 28.

In retaliatory operations, Iranian armed forces launched a few successful strikes at the US aircraft carrier, inflicting severe damage and forcing it to retreat.

The war entered its 26th day on Wednesday with Iran currently holding the upper hand, having destroyed US and Israeli military infrastructure across the region.

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Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant comes under attack again

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 10:32 AM

Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has once again come under attack as the United States and Israel continue their aggression against the Islamic Republic.

According to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, a projectile struck the facility around 21:08 on Tuesday, marking an alarming escalation in the US-Israeli terrorism against Iran's civilian infrastructure.

The latest incident follows a previous attack on the plant on March 5, raising significant concerns over the dire consequences of such a criminal action.

Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Ali Bahreini voiced grave concerns about the repercussions of such hostile acts.

In a letter to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Bahreini highlighted the environmental impact of attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities and oil storage facilities, stating such actions pose a significant and long-term threat to public health.

He outlined the extensive damage inflicted upon Iran's healthcare sector due to ongoing assaults.

According to Bahreini, the aggressions have led to the loss of 21 health workers' lives, left seven hospitals inoperable, damaged 49 medical facilities, and resulted in the destruction of 81,000 civilian housing units.

The ambassador underscored the urgent need for international bodies, including the World Health Organization, to intervene and address the health and environmental ramifications of these ongoing hostilities.

He emphasized that these acts of aggression are a clear violation of international and humanitarian laws.

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday said it had been informed by Iran that a projectile struck the premises of the Bushehr NPP.

Russia, which has helped to build the first Iranian nuclear power plant, warned on Monday that US-Israeli strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran are extremely dangerous.

Such strikes could have irreparable consequences, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

On March 17, the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said that a strike carried out "on the territory adjacent to the building of the metrological service, located on the site of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, in close proximity to the operating power unit."

Russia condemned a strike on the territory of the plant and called for de-escalation around the facility.

Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev said Wednesday the situation at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant continues to develop along a worst-case scenario.

Likhachev said Rosatom had begun a third phase of personnel evacuation, with one group departing by road towards the Iranian-Armenian border on Wednesday morning and two more groups set to leave shortly.

Until the situation stabilizes, Rosatom is temporarily reducing the number of staff at the plant to a minimum.

On February 28, the United States and the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war on Iran, assassinating former Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei as well as several top military commanders.

Iran immediately began to retaliate against the aggression by launching barrages of missile and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on the US bases in regional countries.

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Iran says no talks with US, vows to continue defending itself

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 9:57 AM

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, says no one can trust US diplomacy after the aggression against Iran during negotiations.

During an interview with India Today news outlet on Wednesday, Baghaei said the Israeli-US aggression against Iran during the indirect negotiations was a "betrayal of diplomacy."

The US entered negotiations with Iran twice, and both times attacked Iran, he added.

"We made it clear yesterday there is no talks or negotiations between Iran and the US. We've had a very catastrophic experience, I should say, of the US diplomacy," he said.

"We were attacked two times within a span of nine months when we were in the middle of a negotiating process to resolve the nuclear issue. So this was a betrayal of diplomacy," he stated.

Baghaei rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that Washington and Tehran have entered ceasefire negotiations.

"There has been no contact between Iran and the US in the past 24 days, and Iranian armed forces continue to defend the country's territorial integrity."

According to the spokesman, Iran has received requests over the past several days from various countries offering to mediate negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

"I cannot deny the fact that many countries in the region and beyond have approached Iran with offers to act as mediators in talks between Iran and the United States.

"These messages have been coming in for several days. We received requests regarding such negotiations and responded to them. Our position is clear: we continue to defend ourselves," Baghaei said.

He added that US and Israeli statements about intentions to hold talks with Iran are not trustworthy, since they initiated the terrorist war on Tehran.

Speaking about Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's meetings with counterparts from neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Baghaei stressed that he sees friendly intentions from neighbors to de-escalate the region.

"Pakistan is, of course, our neighbor. We have good relations with Pakistan, as with other neighbors. We believe they have good intentions. Our foreign minister maintains contact with counterparts from neighboring countries.

"Such talks are held between Iran, its neighbors, and other friendly countries. We understand that regional states and neighboring countries are concerned about the consequences, and everyone is trying in some way to help ease the situation," Baghaei added.

Baghaei also said Iran will "absolutely" continue charging countries and vessels fees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the key shipping route remains heavily restricted.

"A series of measures is in place for passage through the Strait of Hormuz due to the war situation imposed on Iran," he said in the interview.

In an earlier statement on Monday, Baghaei emphasized that the Islamic Republic has neither had any contact with Washington since the launch of the joint US-Israeli war of aggression, nor has it changed its position on the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions for ending the imposed war.

He stated that messages through some friendly countries have been received, over the past few days, requesting negotiations from the US to end the war, to which Iran has responded appropriately and in line with its principles.

In these responses, he added that necessary warnings were given about the severe consequences of any attack on Iran's critical infrastructure, and that such a scenario would result in a decisive, immediate, and effective response from the Iranian armed forces.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched an illegal military offensive that included the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and multiple senior commanders.

In response, Iran has conducted waves of retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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IRGC congratulates Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr on appointment as new security chief

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 8:47 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has congratulated Dr. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr on his appointment as the new secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the IRGC hailed Zolqadr as one of the enduring assets of the Islamic Revolution, praising his decades-long record of service across pivotal moments in the country's modern history.

Zolqadr, a veteran military commander, was appointed to the position on Tuesday.

Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabai, the deputy for communications and information at the Iranian president's office, announced the decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

According to the official, President Masoud Pezeshkian made the appointment with the endorsement of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

The IRGC's statement highlighted Zolqadr's extensive involvement in multiple arenas, including the struggle against the former Western-backed Pahlavi regime, counter-terrorism operations against the MKO terror cult, the eight-year Sacred Defense during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and efforts to thwart various seditions against the Islamic Republic.

The IRGC described the appointment as "worthy" and underscored its significance at a critical juncture in the country's history.

The IRGC also honored the memory of the late Dr. Ali Larijani, describing him as a martyred intellectual warrior and praying for his elevated station in the hereafter.

Larijani, who previously held the position, was assassinated in an Israeli-American terrorist strike last week. He had served as SNSC secretary from August 2025 until his martyrdom.

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Iran, Iraqi resistance hit US military hubs, Israeli-backed separatists in Erbil

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 7:53 AM

Iranian armed forces say they carried out new retaliatory missile attacks on positions of US "terrorist" forces and Israeli-backed separatist groups in Iraq's Kurdistan region, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

"A few hours ago, the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as part of its ongoing operational measures, targeted the gathering point of American forces and separatist groups supported by the Zionist regime at Erbil Airport using surface-to-surface missiles," the army's Public Relations Office said.

The statement said the targeted area was "one of the key support and command centers" for American operations, housing a wide range of military equipment and systems.

It added that the site also served as the headquarters of separatist groups, which it said "create insecurity along Iran's western and northwestern borders."

Iranian authorities said such groups have, for years, carried out attacks on Iranian security forces in Kurdish-majority areas along the country's western and northwestern regions.

Following the start of US-Israeli aggression in late February, five Kurdish separatist groups, including the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), announced the formation of a political coalition aimed at challenging Iran's government and seeking secession of Kurdish areas.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Iraqi group Saraya Awliya al-Dam said it had also targeted positions of anti-Iran separatist groups and Israeli intelligence officers in northern Iraq.

"Following a precise operation and relying on the intelligence efforts of the mujahid and courageous forces of Saraya Awliya al-Dam, we announce that in the attacks carried out on March 24, 2026, against positions in northern Iraq, where Iranian opposition groups were stationed, a number of Israeli Mossad officers were also present," the group said in a statement.

It said several of the officers were severely injured.

A day earlier, the group said it had carried out 136 military operations against US targets in Iraq and the region over the past three weeks.

The developments followed airstrikes carried out by US aircraft and drones against the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), which the group described as anti-terror resistance forces.

The strikes early Tuesday killed at least 15 fighters, including Saad Daway, identified as a commander of operations in Iraq's western Anbar province.

Another strike later targeted a PMU headquarters in Nineveh province in northwestern Iraq, which also served as the residence of its leader, Falih al-Fayyadh.

The attacks on the PMU have escalated since late last month, when, according to the statements, the United States and Israel began a new round of terrorist attacks against Iran.

Senior Iraqi figures were cited as expressing outrage over the escalation and the attacks targeting Iran.

Various PMU factions said they would continue resistance, while also expressing solidarity with Iran in the face of what they described as American-Israeli attacks.

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As Iran Conflict Escalates, Ukraine Tells US: We've Seen This Before

By Alex Raufoglu March 25, 2026

WASHINGTON -- As Iranian drone and missile attacks test American defenses in the Middle East, a visiting Ukrainian delegation says the United States is now facing a battlefield reality Kyiv has been adapting to since the early months of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"The mass and scale attack of cheap drones...really changes how systems perform," Maryna Hrytsenko, executive director of the Kyiv-based Snake Island Institute, told RFE/RL in an interview during a visit to Washington on March 24.

Her warning comes as Ukrainian officials seek to translate frontline experience into strategic lessons for Western partners -- arguing that Ukraine's war has become a real-world stress test for modern air defense.

At the center of that message is a stark economic imbalance. Advanced systems like the Patriot air defense system remain highly effective but using them against waves of low-cost drones is unsustainable over time.

"We understood for a very long time that it's not cost-effective to use $4.5 million missiles for Patriots to shoot down a $500,000 Shahed drone," Hrytsenko said.

A War Ukraine Knows Well

The Ukrainian delegation's US visit -- following appearances at a security forum in Miami and continuing meetings across Washington -- comes as conflicts involving Iran highlight vulnerabilities that Ukraine has been documenting since 2022.

The group includes not only policy and analytical staff from the Snake Island Institute, but also Ukrainian military practitioners directly involved in air defense operations.

Among them are an air force representative who works closely with US systems and a senior officer from the Army Corps responsible for implementing air defense across the front line.

According to Hrytsenko, their role is to provide "battlefield-validated" insight into how Western systems perform under sustained, large-scale attacks -- something the US has had limited experience with until recently.

"I think what America has faced for the first time is the mass-scale attack of cheap drones...that really changes how systems perform," she said.

Hrytsenko said the Middle East is not yet experiencing the full spectrum of threats Ukraine faces today but recent developments echo earlier phases of the war.

"I think the Middle East is not facing everything that we are facing right now," she said, noting differences in maritime capabilities and battlefield dynamics.

Still, she pointed to parallels in the use of mass drone attacks and the targeting of detection systems.

"Not only the air defense systems are important, but the radars, right? The ability to understand where this [threat] is coming from," she said, recalling how similar challenges emerged in Ukraine after Iranian-designed drones were introduced in large numbers.

Ukraine's response has been to build a layered air defense system -- combining Western platforms with new technologies such as interceptor drones, acoustic sensors, and even citizen reporting networks.

The approach is detailed in a recent Snake Island Institute report, Holding Back the Sky, which tracks the evolution of Ukraine's air defense from Soviet-era systems in 2022 to a hybrid architecture by early 2026.

Partnership, Not Assistance

In meetings with the White House, Congress, the Pentagon, and think tanks, the delegation is pushing a consistent message: Ukraine should be treated as a security partner, not just a recipient of aid.

"We don't believe in assistance," Hrytsenko said. "We believe that long-term cooperation is built through partnership."

She argued that Ukraine can help the US address broader strategic challenges -- from Europe to the Indo-Pacific -- by sharing battlefield-tested solutions and reducing the burden on American forces.

"Ukraine can actually be that power...that can help America to fit its goals and lower its presence if needed in Europe," she said.

The delegation is also emphasizing practical cooperation, including ongoing testing of Ukrainian drone and defense technologies in the US and the need to integrate training alongside procurement.

"There is already some of the Ukrainian systems that are being tested here," she said, adding that implementation -- not just acquisition -- is critical.

Divided Attention, Shared Threats

The widening conflict involving Iran has had mixed implications for Ukraine, Hrytsenko said.

On one hand, it has reinforced Kyiv's warnings about the growing accessibility of drone warfare -- even for nonstate actors.

"The threshold of entering...military combat...has really, really lowered," she said, noting that components can now be sourced cheaply and assembled at scale.

On the other hand, shifting US attention and resources pose risks. Interceptor stockpiles -- particularly for systems like Patriot -- have been drawn down, potentially limiting near-term deliveries to Ukraine.

"Americans have used a lot of their stockpiles," she said, adding that Ukraine continues to explore alternatives but faces challenges in producing comparable systems domestically.

At the same time, she pointed to what Kyiv sees as an increasingly coordinated alignment among US adversaries.

"I think the adversary connection has never been more clear now," she said, citing cooperation between Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea.

According to Hrytsenko, Russia is already supporting Iran in ways that directly affect US interests.

"Our government says that Russia is giving intelligence to the Iranians that impacts and literally helps Iranians to take American lives and Israeli lives," she said.

War And Diplomacy Intertwined

On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to balance military operations with diplomatic efforts.

Hrytsenko confirmed that Kyiv is pursuing gains to strengthen its negotiating position, while adapting to an increasingly drone-centric war.

"Right now, it's all more about drones," she said, emphasizing the growing importance of air defense at the front line.

At the same time, Ukraine has shifted its communications approach, focusing less on announcing counteroffensives in advance and more on operational surprise.

"We switch not to just talking about making some counteroffensive measures, but mostly making them," she said.

Despite ongoing fighting, she reiterated that Ukraine remains open to negotiations -- but on terms shaped by strength.

"Russia only understands strength," she said.

Beyond Weapons: Lessons To Implement

For the Snake Island Institute, the goal of the Washington visit is not just to share insights but to influence how they are applied.

"It goes a long way from just reading and knowing...to making the decision," Hrytsenko said.

She stressed that cooperation should go beyond procurement to include training and integration of Ukrainian systems into US military structures.

"It's not enough to just procure Ukrainian weapons," she said. "The training, the way that you implement this...is key."

That includes ongoing collaboration on drone technologies, electronic warfare, and maritime systems -- some of which are already being tested in joint frameworks.

As the US confronts evolving threats in multiple regions, Ukrainian officials say their experience offers a preview of what modern warfare increasingly looks like -- and a case for deeper cooperation built on it.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran- ukraine-us-drones/33716140.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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White House Says Trump Ready To 'Unleash Hell'

By Ray Furlong March 25, 2026

The White House urged Tehran to recognize that it has been defeated by the United States and Israel, warning that President Donald Trump is ready to "unleash hell" on Iran if it remains defiant.

The words of warning came as Iran repeated its denial that it is in talks with Washington and gave a chilly reception to a reported 15-point US plan to end the war that has killed thousands of people, spilled across the Persian Gulf, and roiled global energy markets.

"If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily...President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing on March 25.

Trump "does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again," she said.

The details of the US proposal, reported by media outlets citing unnamed sources on March 24 and delivered to Iran by way of Pakistan, have not been made public, but it is widely believed to be similar in many respects to proposals made before the current conflict began with Israeli and US air strikes on February 28.

A response delivered via Iranian state television on March 25 said the US conditions are excessive and that Tehran will end the current war when it chooses and if its conditions are met. But Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi suggested that senior authorities were reviewing US proposals, seemingly indicating no outright rejection so far.

The US "put forward ideas in their messages that were conveyed to top [Iranian] authorities, and if necessary, a position will be announced by them," Araqchi said.

Speaking in a state TV interview, Araqchi rejected the notion that Iran has been defeated, asserting that the US had failed to achieve its war goals.

"At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance," he said, adding: "We do not intend to negotiate."

Leavitt told reporters that the White House had not confirmed the full US plan as reported in the media, adding: "There are elements of truth to it, but some of the stories I read were not entirely factual, so I am not going to negotiate on behalf of the president here at the podium."

While Araqchi and other senior Iranian figures have denied Tehran is in talks with the United States, Leavitt maintained that talks were continuing and were "productive."

Trump said on March 24 that his administration was "talking to the right people in Iran" about a deal to end the war and that negotiations were ongoing. A day earlier, he said that "very good and productive" talks had taken place with a "top" Iranian figure.

In the competing plans, new elements are thought to include demands by both sides concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global supplies of oil, gas, and other commodities that Iran is currently blocking.

US Demands

The single most important US demand is one that Trump has repeatedly stated. He also says that Iran has agreed to it.

"They'd like to make a deal," he told reporters during an Oval Office event on March 24. "They've agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon."

The United States and its allies, including Israel and major European nations, have been concerned about the prospect of Iran developing nuclear weapons for many years. Iran has always denied wishing to do so.

Even if this was true, Iran is now under new leadership and has come under intense US and Israeli attacks that launched two wars -- the first one being June last year. The intentions of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has still not been seen since his appointment was announced on March 8, are inscrutable.

Likewise, it's not entirely clear to what extent he or other players are currently calling the shots in Tehran, nor the degree to which senior Iranian officials are even able to communicate with each other amid ongoing air strikes that have killed so many top figures.

"The problem is that this government is fragmented. There are elements of the government that are fanatics, such as the [Islamic] Revolutionary Guards [Corps], who may try to kill officials who want to negotiate peace," Frederick Fleitz, vice chairman of the America First Policy Institute, told RFE/RL.

The 15-point plan reportedly includes a 1-month cease-fire while details are worked out. The plan includes many other US demands, such as dismantling Iranian nuclear facilities, handing over enriched uranium stocks to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and agreeing not to enrich in the future.

Further points are said to put limits on Iran's missile capabilities and an end to Iran's support for regional proxy forces, such as Hezbollah, regarded as a terrorist organization by Washington.

While many of these were already US demands before the war, some, such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iranian strikes on regional energy facilities, would be a response to Iran's wartime actions since February 28.

In return, Iran would see sanctions lifted and get US assistance with a civilian nuclear power program.

"The reported parameters of the US proposal do not lack ambition: Sanctions relief in return for sweeping Iranian concessions," Naysan Rafati, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, told RFE/RL.

"But if past is prelude, its feasibility would rest on the Islamic republic's willingness to fold under fire on what have long been its red lines. On the nuclear front, for example, Tehran has continued to insist on the right to uranium enrichment... It has also rejected the notion of negotiating over its missile program," he added.

Iran's Position

Iranian officials have not only said talks are not taking place, they've also mocked US statements on the matter, with military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari saying that the Trump administration was "negotiating with itself."

"No one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever," he added in comments on March 25.

Meanwhile, some of Tehran's demands contradict US positions.

Examples include recognition of Iran's control or authority over the Strait of Hormuz, along with the right to charge passage fees, and the right to an unrestricted missile program.

The Iranian demands also clearly cross US red lines, demanding Washington close its military bases in the Persian Gulf, pay war reparations, and guarantee that it will not attack Iran again.

"For now, at least, the promise of economic relief and pain of continued strikes seem unlikely to prompt Iranian compromise on the scale Washington seeks," said Rafati. "The regime as a whole doesn't yet see its wartime position as desperate enough to agree to the US terms."

Fleitz had a similar take.

"I think the biggest challenge is to get the Iranian regime to agree to anything. I think we're still in the process of getting them to agree to actually negotiate. I think we've made some progress with some initial queries, but we need to get an Iranian representative, sit down with the US or with an intermediary to start talking," he said.

The back and forth come as both sides launched air attacks on March 25.

The semi-official Iranian SNN News Agency said a residential area was hit in Tehran, with rescuers searching the rubble.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia both said they had intercepted drone attacks, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it launched new strikes against Israel and US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-iran-competing- peace-plans/33716391.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Fred Fleitz: US May Strike Iran's Energy Infrastructure If Talks Fail

By Amra Zejneli Loxha March 25, 2026

Fred Fleitz, vice chair of the America First Policy Institute's Center for American Security, told RFE/RL he is "cautiously optimistic" about possible US-Iran talks on ending the war but said Washington is reinforcing its military position to pressure Tehran into a deal.

Fleitz, a former chief of staff at the US National Security Council, said the United States appears to be seeking out Iranian officials prepared to end the conflict, while trying to work around hard-liners from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, possibly through parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and regional intermediaries.

Fleitz, who spoke to RFE/RL's Regional Director Amra Zejneli Loxha, said Iran's first public response to the reported US 15-point plan should not be overread, describing it as a sign of divisions within the Iranian leadership. He added that if diplomacy collapses and Iran keeps threatening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump could escalate by targeting Iran's energy infrastructure.

Washington has reportedly sent Iran a 15-point proposal that includes a cease-fire, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, dismantling Iran's nuclear program, ending support for proxy groups, and lifting sanctions on Iran.

Iranian media reported that Tehran laid out its own conditions for ending the war.

RFE/RL: Mr. Fleitz, there appears to be some limited momentum toward negotiations between the US and Iran. Are you optimistic that these talks could lead anywhere?

Fred Fleitz: Well, I'm cautiously optimistic. And I should add that it's the first inclination or preference of President Trump to use diplomacy ahead of military force. And I think he's looking for a way to find responsible Iranian leaders who would like to stop the violence, would like to stop the war, stop the bombing.

And I think what we're trying to do is to try to get around the Revolutionary Guards radicals and probably radicals with the supreme leader. And I don't really know [if] the supreme leader is running the country. That's why I believe we've been working reportedly with the speaker of the Iranian parliament to see if a negotiated settlement can come about to end the war and to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

RFE/RL: When President Trump says that the US is talking to the "right people" in Iran, who exactly does he mean? Is it the parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf?

Fleitz: I've heard reports that's who it is. There could be other people. The problem is that this government is fragmented. There are elements of the government that are fanatics, such as the Revolutionary Guards, who may try to kill officials who want to negotiate peace. So that might be why the president has been hesitant to name exactly who the US is dealing with.

RFE/RL: If there is still no clear public Iranian counterpart, how confident can Washington really be that it is speaking to people who can actually deliver a deal?

Fleitz: Well, I'm not in the government, but I think that our State Department has a good deal of sources. We're also working with Turkey, with Pakistan, with Egypt, other states who have connections in Iran. So I can't tell you how we know this, but I believe that the US government actually is in touch with people who can speak on behalf of the Iranian government.

RFE/RL: There have been reports that Washington has sent Iran a 15-point proposal that includes a cease-fire, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, dismantling Iran's nuclear program, ending support for proxy groups, and lifting sanctions on Iran. What do you think of the prospects that the 15-point plan can lead to peace?

Fleitz: Well, it states the objectives that the US would like to promote stability in the region. And it includes things that the Iranian regime has refused to agree to. It has refused to negotiate in good faith. It wants to keep enriching uranium. It won't give up its missile program. We now know it has an enormous missile program that can strike Western Europe, possibly Paris and London. These are unacceptable threats to global security. And if there's going to be a negotiated settlement, they're going to have to be addressed.

RFE/RL: What are some of the most contentious issues and, on the other hand, the lowest-hanging fruit?

Fleitz: Well, I guess the contentious issue is to try to find a way to quickly secure the Strait of Hormuz. I hope Iran will quickly agree to give up its pursuit of uranium enrichment and give up the buried containers of near-weapons-grade uranium hexafluoride, which could be used to fuel a nuclear weapon. I'm not sure what the hanging fruit would be. I think the biggest challenge is to get the Iranian regime to agree to anything. I think we're still in the process of getting them to agree to actually negotiate. I think we've made some progress with some initial queries, but we need to get an Iranian representative [to] sit down with the US or with an intermediary to start talking.

RFE/RL: To what extent do you think trust can be a problem given that in previous talks they were interrupted by US attacks?

Fleitz: Well, Iran is making that accusation that they don't trust the US, because they were engaged with talks with the US last June and then in January. And in the middle of the talks, supposedly the US began -- the US or Israel -- began attacking Iran.

That's not exactly accurate. The Iranians were refusing to negotiate in good faith and were facing ultimatums by the United States. They knew that. They thought they could drag out talks indefinitely. When they tried to do that, military operations began. And I think the Iranian government is concerned right now, whatever is left of it, because there are American troops on the way, Marines and paratroopers. I think that strengthens America's hand. But I believe if we begin negotiating in good faith and Iran does too, there'll be a good agreement.

RFE/RL: If the US is moving toward diplomacy, why is it also reinforcing its military presence in the region with additional troop deployments?

Fleitz: I believe that President Trump wants to try diplomacy, but he doesn't know whether it will work out. And I believe by sending more troops to the region, he's strengthening his hand and putting more pressure on Iranian officials to make a deal.

RFE/RL: The first statements are now coming out of Iran on the 15-point plan. Based on reporting, Iran is demanding concrete guarantees to prevent a recurrence of war. It reviewed the proposal and, as reported, it considers it excessive. Iran says its defensive operations will continue until its conditions are met. It demands clear determination and guaranteed payment for war damage. The first condition for the end of war is "end of attacks and assassinations." What are your first thoughts?

Fleitz: I don't know how true that is. I also heard the Iranians claiming that there were no negotiations, that they hadn't been in touch with the US. A lot of what we're hearing reflects fracturing within the Iranian government and people who don't want any negotiations. We will see what happens when there are talks between the US and an Iranian representative or an Iranian representative and an intermediary negotiating on behalf of the United States. So, I don't read much into that. And there's not going to be reparations. Iran's responsible for this conflict.

RFE/RL: So, if these talks fail, how do you see the situation evolving?

Fleitz: I believe that if these talks fail and if Iran continues to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz that President Trump may carry through with his threat to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure. And I think Iranian leaders want to prevent that.

RFE/RL: Last June, when we spoke, you said you were concerned about who might rule Iran if the supreme leader were to fall and that this was one reason the United States should stay out of the regime-change business in this instance. Do you still feel that way today?

Fleitz: I'm concerned what the transition will look like when this regime falls. I think this regime will fall. I don't know how soon. There are some good players, including the late shah's son (Reza Pahlavi), who I think would be a good leader, but I don't know how strong his support is in the country. I do believe, however, that our State Department and Israel have given a lot, a lot of thought to a transition, to an interim government. I just don't know the details of that planning.

RFE/RL: What do you think is the real US objective at this point?

Fleitz: I think the US has achieved its objectives. It has basically destroyed Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and has stopped it from assembling what would have been a missile shield that would have protected Iran's nuclear weapons development.

And, by the end of the year, if we had not taken out Iran's missile-production capability, I don't think further attacks on Iran would have been possible. Iran would have a nuclear weapon. Those are major achievements.

We've also significantly undermined Iran's ability to project power abroad, as well as its internal security organizations that were being used to suppress and kill the Iranian people. These are great achievements. They will promote global security, hopefully to give the Iranian people a chance to take back their country.

RFE/RL: If this war ends without regime change, how do you think ordinary Iranians will view that outcome?

Fleitz: Look, I don't think anyone who thought when this war began that it would be possible to change the regime from the air. This is not regime change. It's regime weakening. It's creating opportunities for the Iranian people to take back their country. And this includes rather aggressive attacks on the Basij militias, which are basically the Nazis of Iran that are being used to kill Iranians who go out on the street and demonstrate. They're being hunted down by Israeli attack drones. It's just remarkable. There are pictures of them hiding under bridges doing other things so they can somehow harass the Iranian people, but also hide. I understand they're also hiding in taxi cabs. You know, if there's another mass demonstration, and I know it will be very, very risky for the Iranian people, the ability of the regime to put that down will be significantly weakened.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/fred-fleitz-us-may- strike-iran-energy-infrastructure-talks/33716454.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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UNHRC Adopts GCC States, Jordan Resolution Condemning Iranian Attacks

Saudi Press Agency

Wednesday 06/10/1447

Geneva, March 25, 2026, SPA -- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday unanimously adopted a draft resolution submitted by Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan, condemning Iranian attacks in the region.

The resolution addressing the human rights implications of Iranian attacks in the region was adopted without a vote following an urgent debate requested by Gulf states and Jordan.

During the debate, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its condemnation of the Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and other countries of the region.

Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Office at Geneva Abdulmohsen Majed Bin Khothaila stressed that these attacks constitute a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and a clear breach of international conventions and international law.

He emphasized that targeting countries not party to the conflict constitutes an unjustifiable aggression that cannot be accepted.

The adopted resolution condemns the Iranian attacks in the strongest terms, describing them as violations of international law, a serious breach of international peace and security, and an infringement on the sovereignty and territorial unity of states. It also calls for ensuring accountability for these violations.

The text further condemns any Iranian actions or threats aimed at disrupting or interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the resolution expressed deep concern over Iranian attacks targeting energy infrastructure and warned of their potential serious repercussions on the enjoyment of human rights. It calls on Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and to cease practices that threaten regional security and stability.

-- SPA

19:43 Local Time 16:43 GMT

0049

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US to Strike Iran 'Harder Than Ever' if Peace Talks Fall Through - White House

Sputnik News

20260325

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is very close to reaching all "core objectives" it set under Operation Epic Fury, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed on Wednesday.

"Our military efforts grow more successful with each passing day, steadily degrading Iran's ability to terrorize merchant ships. For all of these reasons, we are very close to meeting the core objectives of Operation Epic Fury and this military mission continues unabated," Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing.

"I don't have a specific timeline for you today, but it's obviously something the administration is working towards as quickly as we can," Leavitt said when asked about a time frame for oil tankers to start "freely" navigating the Strait.

Claiming that talks are ongoing and have been "productive," and that Trump's "preference is always peace," Leavitt warned that "if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily...President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before."

Leavitt said media reports on a 15-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict contains "a lot of misinformation," and emphasized that Vice President JD Vance "has been by the president's side every step of the way," on Iran. "Any reporting otherwise is just completely false, she said.

 Sputnik

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Speaker Johnson Says US Likely Ending Operation Against Iran Shortly, On Schedule

Sputnik News

20260325

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States Armed Forces is likely going to end Operation Epic Fury against Iran shortly and on schedule, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday.

"I think we are wrapping up Operation Epic Fury. That's what I think. And I think it will be done in short order and that it will be right on schedule," Johnson told reporters.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump claimed Washington and Tehran had "very positive and productive" talks over the weekend, and postponed US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump also expressed hope that progress will be achieved within five days. The Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed reports about direct talks being conducted.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed their "preemptive" attack was necessary to counter the perceived threat coming from Iran's nuclear program, but they soon made it clear that they want to see a change of power in Iran.

 Sputnik

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Russia Hopes US Ground Operation on Kharg Island Will Not Take Place - MFA Spokeswoman

Sputnik News

20260325

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is hearing speculation about preparations for a ground operation on Iran's island of Kharg but hopes it will be limited to words and threats, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

"We are hearing speculation about preparations for some kind of ground operation on the island of Kharg, but let's hope it does not go beyond talk and threats," Zakharova said during a briefing.

Events in the Persian Gulf show that the presence of US forces in the region only creates additional threats to all countries there, Zakharova added.

New calls for negotiations in the US operation against Iran may be aimed at creating conditions for regrouping forces, Zakharova said.

"It is possible that the new round of calls for negotiations is aimed at creating some more favorable conditions for regrouping forces and adjusting military plans," Zakharova told reporters.

Only Iran, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, must decide how to deal with its nuclear material, the spokeswoman added.

Joint military drills of Washington and Seoul in South Korea in March were an open preparation for a war, Zakharova said.

"There is an escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula, in the southern part of which, from March 9-19, the United States and South Korea conducted another joint military action ... Officially, it was declared defensive, however, judging by the content of the maneuvers practiced during the event, as well as the military equipment involved, these maneuvers, of course, are nothing more than undisguised preparations for war," Zakharova said.

The United States has given a generalized reaction and remained silent in response to demarches about the inadmissibility of the intelligence transfer to Kiev for strikes on Russia, Maria Zakharova said.

"We have to admit that in response to our demarches [on the transfer of intelligence to Kiev], the American side usually gets off with general words, or even completely silent," Zakharova said.

Russia will give a tough response if the Japanese government begins supplying lethal weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

"All of this further delays the prospect of a settlement in Ukraine. In this regard, we would like to reiterate our warning that any attempts by the Japanese leadership to supply lethal weapons and military equipment to the Kiev regime will be perceived by Russia as hostile actions against our country. They will inevitably be followed by tough retaliatory measures," Zakharova said.

The detention of the Deyna crude oil tanker by France is unacceptable, and Russia will respond by all means possible to cases of robbery in the interests of EU and NATO, Maria Zakharova said.

"The Russian side considers these practices of the European Union countries as unacceptable and grossly violating the letter and spirit of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Our country will use all the political, legal and other tools at its disposal to ensure respect for the principle of freedom of navigation," Zakharova said.

Russia has the necessary means to respond to West's unfriendly actions against its vessels, Zakharova said.

NATO and the EU should understand that cases of robbery and lawlessness will not remain unanswered by the Russian side, the diplomat added.

Last week, the French navy detained in international waters the Mozambique-flagged Deyna tanker, which was allegedly heading from the Russian port of Murmansk, the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean said.

 Sputnik

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US, Israel Preparing for Another 2-3 Weeks of Conflict With Iran - Reports

Sputnik News

20260325

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States and Israel believe that the armed conflict with Iran could continue for another two to three weeks, even if formal negotiations between the parties begin, news portal reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed US and Israeli officials.

US President Donald Trump reserves the options for both diplomacy and further military escalation to make decisions based on the developments, media reported. On Tuesday, Trump instructed US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to maintain military pressure on Iran, according to the report.

Efforts to start talks have not yet resulted in any changes to the orders that the Pentagon has issued to US Central Command regarding military operations and planning, the report said. Additional reinforcements, including several fighter squadrons and thousands of troops, are expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days and weeks, Axios reported.

The contingent includes two Marine expeditionary units and the command element of the 82nd Airborne Division with an infantry brigade of several thousand personnel, the news outlet reported. A White House representative told Axios that a ground operation remains one of the possible options, although Trump has not yet made a final decision.

Meanwhile, Iran has already received a 15-point US plan to resolve the Middle East conflict through intermediaries, according to the report. Washington wants to discuss it as a single package, which includes its conditions to end the war and ease sanctions on Iran, Axios said. Inreturn, the US wants Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and provide security guarantees regarding its nuclear and missile programs, as well as to cease its support for allied armed groups in the Middle East, the report said.

On Monday, Washington said it had held productive talks with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied the direct dialogue, but said that Tehran had received messages through intermediaries about Washington's desire to begin discussions on ending the conflict.

Earlier in the day, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said that negotiations between the United States and Iran could take place in Islamabad over the weekend.

 Sputnik

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Iran to Negotiate With US Only When 'It Is Our Will' - Military Spokesman

Sputnik News

20260325

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran will enter negotiations with the United States only when Tehran expresses its "will" and Washington has completely abandoned "thoughts of action against the Iranian people," Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Wednesday.

"Until it is our will, nothing will return to normal. This will happen only when thoughts of action against the Iranian people are utterly erased from your dirty minds. Our first and last wordfrom the very first daywas, is, and will be this: People like us will never negotiate with the likes of you. Not now, not ever," Zolfaghari was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

On Tuesday, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed officials, that Washington had delivered a 15-point plan to Tehran aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict amid its growing toll on the US economy.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed their "preemptive" attack was necessary to counter the perceived threat coming from Iran's nuclear program, but they soon made it clear that they want to see a change of power in Iran.

 Sputnik

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Iran Not Holding Talks With US - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20260325

Iran is not engaged in negotiations with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated.

"There are no negotiations between Iran and the United States, just as there have been none over the past 25 days since the start of the illegal war against Iran," Baqaei said, as quoted by India Today.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that Iran's past experience with negotiations with the US has been "catastrophic."

Iran continues to carry out strikes on US military facilities in the Middle East and on Israeli territory in response to attacks by the United States and Israel. On the first day of the conflict, February 28, a girls' school in southern Iran was hit, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. The total number of civilian casualties has exceeded 1,300, with more than 20,000 people injured.

 Sputnik

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US Operation Against Iran Continues, Despite Opportunities for Diplomacy - White House

Sputnik News

20260325

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US military operation against Iran continues, despite opportunities for contacts between the parties, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.

"As President [of the US Donald] Trump and his negotiators explore this newfound possibility of diplomacy, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated to achieve the military objectives laid out by the commander inchief and the Pentagon," Leavitt was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Iran Wants to See JD Vance as US Negotiator Instead of Witkoff, Kushner - Reports

Sputnik News

20260325

Iran allegedly told the United States that it does not want to work with special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, preferring to hold talks with Vice President JD Vance, the CNN broadcaster reported, citing sources.

According to CNN, Iran expressed mistrust of Witkoff and Kushner over the failure of previous contacts before the start of the US-Israeli military operation. Vance, in turn, is reportedly viewed by Iran as a politician who is interested in reaching a ceasefire.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said that the US and Iran had held very positive and productive talks over the past two days. He added he had instructed the Pentagon to delay strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure for five days.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied that the talks took place, saying it had only received messages expressing Washington's desire to engage in dialogue.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military bases across the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Iran Informs IAEA of New Strike Near Bushehr Nuclear Facility - Agency

Sputnik News

20260325

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday that it had been informed by Iran of a new strike near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Earlier in the day, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reported another missile strike near the plant, adding that there were no casualties or damage.

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that another projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant today. According to Iran, there was no damage to the NPP itself nor injuries to staff, and the condition of the plant is normal. IAEA [Director General Rafael Grossi] reiterates call for maximum restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks during conflict," the IAEA said on X.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military bases across the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement for the Urgent Debate on Iran

Speech

UK Statement for the Urgent Debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders

Published 25 March 2026

Location: Geneva

Delivered on: 25 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Mr President,

We too condemn reckless Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran must cease its assaults on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours so that a path towards stability and security in the region can be forged.

We also condemn in the strongest terms recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The UK stands alongside our allies in the Gulf affected by this conflict and will continue to act in their defence. Iran's actions are endangering civilians, destabilising the region, and threatening the global economy - negatively impacting the ability of individuals in the region to enjoy their human rights.

Iran's human rights record is deplorable. The security forces' response to protests constituted the deadliest crackdown in the Islamic Republic's history, and this conflict has further exacerbated the already appalling conditions endured by the Iranian people under the regime.

De-escalation is the only way forward for the region and we once again call on Iran to cease its attacks immediately.



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Strikes continue and diplomacy persists as Iran war extends; China hopes relevant parties seize opportunity for peace: Chinese FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 26, 2026 12:23 AM

The conflict in the Middle East continues, with US-Israeli strikes on Iran entering its 26th day, while both mixed signs of military attacks and diplomatic mediation emerged.

China continues to follow closely the evolving situation in the Middle East, with Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue holding a group meeting with envoys of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to China on Wednesday, while a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson also responded to several questions regarding Middle East situation at the regular press conference the same day, including on US President Donald Trump's reported peace proposal to Iran.

Zhai said the ongoing conflict has seriously endangered security and stability in the Middle East. China attaches importance to the legitimate security concerns of GCC countries and understands and supports their efforts to safeguard their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. China is willing to maintain close communication with the GCC side and make unremitting efforts to help cool down the situation.

The GCC envoys to China briefed on the current situation and expressed expectations that China will play a greater role in promoting the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

According to the Associated Press, the Israeli military announced it had begun new wide-scale attacks early Wednesday on Iran targeting government infrastructure, and witnesses reported airstrikes in the northwestern city of Qazvin.

Iran, for its part, also carried out attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has launched the 80th wave of its decisive retaliatory "Operation True Promise 4," this time targeting strategic points and military centers on the northern side of the occupied territories, in addition to striking American outposts across the region, Iranian media Press TV reported on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the AP reported that at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are set to be deployed to the Middle East, in addition to the deployment of two Marine units that will add about 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region.

In response, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran is "closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments," AI Arabiya English reported Wednesday.

While there is a "cloud of mistrust" between the US and Iran, Tehran is engaging diplomatically with several regional countries, including Pakistan, Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi said. Multiple media outlets have reported that Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye have been serving as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran, hoping to broker an off-ramp in a war that has triggered the largest energy crisis in modern history.

Iran has refused to negotiate with Trump's top envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, accusing them of "backstabbing."

Gulf sources told The Telegraph that the Iranians would not sit down with Witkoff, the administration's Middle East envoy, and Kushner, Trump's adviser and son-in-law, because of the military strikes that hit Tehran hours after they held talks in February.

Vice President JD Vance, who has remained largely quiet during the conflict, is widely seen as a skeptic of the US president's "Operation Epic Fury," the report noted, adding that his potential role as leader of a new US negotiating team signals the White House's intent to prevent further economic pain and pursue de-escalation, even though the strategy for ending the war remains unclear.

Earlier, quoting unnamed officials, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, calling on Iran to dismantle its three main nuclear sites and end any enrichment on Iranian soil, suspend its ballistic-missile work, curb support for proxies and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the situation in the Middle East, after Trump reportedly sent a peace plan to Iran as he voiced optimism at ending nearly a month of war and Iran announced that it will let non-hostile oil vessels go through the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said "We are gravely concerned over the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the impact on regional and global peace and stability."

"The pressing priority now is to stop fighting. The way out is through dialogue and negotiation. China supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions, deescalating the situation and restoring dialogue," said the spokesperson.

In the same press conference, Lin responded to a media inquiry about China's plans to facilitate peace talks, after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi received a phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi yesterday, during which the latter said that Iran hopes China will continue to play a positive role in promoting a ceasefire and peace talks.

"It is hoped that relevant parties will seize every opportunity and window for peace and start the peace talks as soon as possible," Lin said.

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Explainer: Why doesn't Iran trust the U.S.?

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:06, March 26, 2026

The conflicting claims highlight the deep mistrust defining U.S.-Iran relations, after months of indirect negotiations that have repeatedly collapsed due to Washington.

TEHRAN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Tehran Times reported Tuesday that Tehran views U.S. calls for negotiations as a deceptive scheme, stressing that it "does not trust these messages," even as Washington claims progress in talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the two sides had held "very good and productive conversations," but Iran denied any talks had taken place.

The conflicting claims highlight the deep mistrust defining U.S.-Iran relations, after months of indirect negotiations that have repeatedly collapsed due to Washington. Despite three rounds of talks, the latest cycle ended in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that ignited the current war.

WHY CONFLICTING CLAIMS?

Trump claimed Monday there were "major points of agreement," saying Iran "wants to make a deal" and "wants peace," while indicating any agreement would require Tehran to give up its nuclear capabilities entirely.

"I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Iran's state media has denied that Iran has engaged in any peace talks with the United States. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations have occurred with the United States, and that "fake news" has been used to "manipulate" the oil markets.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that there had been no direct or indirect contact with Trump, and the foreign ministry said Trump's remarks were "part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time" for military plans.

The current impasse is the latest chapter in a pattern of negotiations that have produced claims of progress followed by sudden breakdowns.

High-level indirect talks, mediated by Oman, began in April 2025 in Muscat with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Multiple rounds followed through June 13, 2025, before collapsing when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

Talks resumed in February 2026. Meetings were held in Oman and later in Geneva, where mediators described the third round on Feb. 26 as the "most intense" so far, with "significant progress" and plans for technical follow-ups in Vienna.

Less than 48 hours later, on Feb. 28, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes that sparked the current war.

WHY NO TRUST?

For Tehran, the breakdowns are not isolated but a part of a longer pattern.

In Trump's first term, he withdrew the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on May 8, 2018, even though international inspectors confirmed Iran was in full compliance. Washington then reimposed sweeping sanctions under a "maximum pressure" campaign.

Tensions escalated further in early 2020, after the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, an action Iran viewed as an act of war that prompted Tehran to abandon JCPOA limits on uranium enrichment.

The 2026 cycle repeated the sequence. After three rounds of talks that mediators called productive, the United States and Israel struck anyway. Iranian leaders say such episodes prove that Washington cannot be trusted to honor commitments when it believes it holds military superiority.

"Trump is fairly locked into two goals: Complete, permanent and verifiable nuclear disarmament with very little if any Iranian enrichment, and a reopening of Hormuz. I don't sense Iran is ready to agree to either demand," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Michael O'Hanlon told Xinhua.

Indeed, Trump demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear program, which Washington believes is meant to build nuclear weapons, but Iran maintains that it is for peaceful purposes.

Other analysts have expressed doubt that Iran is ready to come to the negotiation table, in the belief that Iran has prepared itself for months to weather the storm.

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Yemen's Ansarullah ready to enter battlefield in support of Iran: Report

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 26 March 2026 1:51 AM

Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement is reportedly ready to enter the battlefield in support of Iran amid ongoing unprovoked American-Israeli aggression targeting the Islamic Republic.

"As they have stated since the first day" of the unlawful aggression on February 28, Ansarullah "is on full alert and ready to enter the battlefield," Tasnim News Agency reported on Wednesday, citing an informed source.

According to the source, the movement is prepared to enter the equation by exercising control over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait as an instrument of pressure targeting the aggressors.

'Fighters set to discipline aggressors'

The source emphasized that if controlling the strait became necessary to further "discipline" the enemy, not only does Iran alone have the capability to generate a credible threat in the strait, but the "heroic forces" of Ansarallah were also "fully prepared to play a skillful role."

The source noted that Ansarallah has previously demonstrated that closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and asserting the will of the resistance in the Red Sea is an easy task for it.

The group has on numerous occasions in the past deployed its extensive military might towards applying immense pressure on hostile parties.

After October 7, 2023, when the Israeli regime began a heavily-US-backed war of genocide against the Gaza Strip, the movement started, among other things, to impose a naval blockade on Israeli ships and vessels either heading towards or away from the occupied territories.

The blockade went on to impose significant costs on the regime's economy, prompting ships to take the markedly lengthier and costlier route around southern African to reach the territories.

Besides the siege, Ansarullah would impose an aerial blockade on the regime, take sensitive and strategic Israeli targets under heavy missile strikes on a daily basis, and launch repeated operations against American naval vessels deployed off Yemen's coastline, the latter move causing at least two US aircraft carriers to withdraw.

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German Defense Chief Calls Iran War 'Catastrophe' To Global Economies

March 26, 2026

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on March 26 said a diplomatic solution to the Iran war was needed "as soon as possible," calling the conflict a "catastrophe."

"This war is a catastrophe for the world's economies. The impact is absolutely evident already now..." he said during a meeting with Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra.

"We have not been consulted before, nobody asked us before, it's not our war, and therefore we don't want to get sucked into that war, to make it crystal clear," Pistorius said.

Pistorius said if a cease-fire is agreed, Germany would discuss an operation to secure the peace, especially the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the important oil transit waterway that Iran has effectively blocked, although Tehran is now allowing selection countries to pass through.

While assailing Tehran's hard-line regime, Germany has also been unusually critical of the United States for its war with Iran.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier this week called US President Donald Trump's decision to go to war with Iran a "disastrous mistake" that violates international law.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=446750

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Seven killed, over a dozen injured in US-Israeli strike on military clinic in Iraq

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 2:20 PM

At least seven people were killed and 13 others injured in Iraq's western province of Al-Anbar when a US-Israeli airstrike targeted a medical facility.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, the aerial raid struck the Al-Habbaniyah military clinic on Wednesday.

The ministry stated that the Al-Habbaniyah labor department, which falls under the Al-Habbaniyah site command, was also hit in the attack.

The ministry condemned the airstrike as a flagrant violation of international laws that prohibit attacks on medical facilities and their personnel.

"This criminal act represents a dangerous escalation that requires a firm stance and holding those responsible to account," the statement read.

It further noted that targeting medical facilities is a heinous crime by any standard, as it strikes at institutions dedicated to saving lives.

In response to the attack, the Iraqi military announced that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has directed the foreign ministry to summon the US charge d'affaires and deliver a strongly-worded official note of protest.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense emphasized that the country's armed forces reserve the full right to take all necessary measures within approved legal frameworks to respond to the aggression.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi media outlets, citing security sources, reported that an airstrike had targeted positions of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), commonly known as Hashd al-Shaabi, in the Al-Habbaniyah district of Anbar.

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Netanyahu's spokesperson resigns after leaked audio reveals scathing criticism

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 9:46 PM

The spokesperson for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has resigned following his scathing and scornful criticism of the premier, according to Hebrew media.

The resignation of Ziv Agmon came following the release of audio recordings in which he sharply criticized the premier, his family, and his right-wing regime, reports said on Thursday.

In the recordings, he reportedly held Netanyahu responsible for the October 7 failure and asserted that the beleaguered prime minister should have stepped away from politics in the aftermath of the historic Hamas-led operation.

According to Channel 12 news, which made the damning revelations on Tuesday, Agmon decried Netanyahu as "old" and said he was "finished" after the events of October 7, 2023.

According to reports, the spokesperson also slammed Netanyahu for tying the regime's fate to his own personal political survival, adding that the prime minister's political career had effectively reached its end.

The leaked remarks have sparked political fallout, though further details regarding the timing of the resignation and any official statements from Netanyahu's office have not been released.

It adds to mounting internal pressures facing Netanyahu's regime amid unpopular multi-front wars, including against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The war against Iran was launched on February 28 as Tehran was engaged in indirect nuclear talks with Washington, which triggered massive and powerful Iranian retaliation, forcing settlers to hide in underground shelters.

Agmon's resignation comes less than a year after Omer Dostri, another spokesperson for Netanyahu, resigned over friction with the premier's wife, Sara Netanyahu.

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Israel's Ben Gurion Airport halts all operations amid Iranian missile barrages

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 7:12 PM

Operations at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport have come to a complete halt as Iranian missiles rain down on the occupied territories in retaliation for the war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

According to Hebrew-language media outlets, the Iranian Armed Forces have launched a fresh wave of missiles directed at various Israeli positions, effectively shutting down the airport, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv.

The volley of Iranian projectiles actiated siren systems throughout the occupied lands, and residents were ordered to take refuge in bomb shelters.

There are reports that a missile struck an open area near a power plant in the town of al-Khazirah, in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied lands.

Another wave of Iranian missiles targeted locations in the central occupied territories. Sirens sounded in the area to warn of the incoming missiles.

According to Israeli Army radio, Iranian missile units launched four separate rounds of attacks within a span of 40 minutes.

Multiple explosions have also been reported in the greater Tel Aviv area, with no immediate reports of possible casualties or the extent of damage caused.

On Sunday, the spokesperson for the Iranian Army stated that Ben Gurion Airport had been attacked by advanced Arash-2 drones.

General Mohammad Akraminia said the bulk of the unmanned aircraft used against the airport were of the Arash-2 type, which has a range of 2,000 kilometers and is a more advanced and destructive variant of the Kian and Arash-1 drones.

The spokesperson highlighted that the drone can easily evade enemy radar systems due to its very small radar cross-section, making it rather difficult for adversaries to detect.

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale and unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, and high-ranking military commanders, despite indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations on Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

Within the framework of their legitimate response, the Iranian armed forces immediately initiated powerful missile and drone operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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18th Japan-ROK Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 25, 2026

The 18th Japan-ROK Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues was held on March 24 in Seoul.

The Japanese side was represented by Dr. NAKAMURA Kimitake, Ambassador, Director-General of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, while the ROK side was represented by Mr. Ha Wieyoung, Director-General for International Security, Office of Strategy and Intelligence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. During this consultation, the two sides exchanged views on a broad range of key international issues in the areas of arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Looking ahead to the 11th NPT Review Conference, the two sides concurred on further deepening bilateral cooperation in these fields and to continue consultations. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of Japan and the ROK working even more closely together to address issues including North Korea's nuclear and missile issues.

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Outcome of ROK-Oman Foreign Ministers' Telephone Conversation (March 24)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date: 2026-03-24

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a phone call with H.E. Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman, at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East.

Minister Cho conveyed condolences on the recent passing of the late Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, noting his significant contribution to the development of Korea-Oman relations, and highly appreciated Oman's continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Minister Badr explained that major infrastructure across the Gulf region, including ports and industrial complexes in Oman, had sustained serious damage from the Iranian attacks, and requested Korea's continued attention and support.

Minister Cho expressed deep concern over the damage to civilian facilities in Oman, including Duqm Port and the Port of Salalah, caused by the ongoing conflict, while requesting Oman's active cooperation in ensuring stable supplies of energy resources such as LNG and crude oil.

He also conveyed appreciation for Oman's consistent support and cooperation for the operations of the Cheonghae Unit, and asked for close coordination should evacuation of Korean nationals via Oman become necessary.

The two ministers agreed to remain in close communication and cooperation for the development of bilateral relations and the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

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Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov holds working meeting with Colonel General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnamese People's Army

24 March 2026 12:15

Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov held a working meeting with the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnamese People's Army, Colonel General Pham Truong Son.

In the framework of the talks, the officials discussed in detail topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, and confirmed their commitment to strengthen relevant interaction in the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership.

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, which is traditional for Russian-Vietnamese relations.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Russian authorities discuss possible gasoline export ban  sources

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

25.03.2026 [22:52]

Baku, March 25, AZERTAC

Government agencies are currently continuing discussions on the possibility of reinstating a ban on gasoline exports for producers, two industry sources told TASS.

According to them, no decision has been made yet, and the issue concerns gasoline specifically, not diesel fuel.

In general, measures to stabilize Russia's fuel market will be discussed on Friday at a meeting between industry representatives and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The issue of exports will also be considered, one of the sources added, noting that a decision may be made on Friday.

Another source said that government agencies have not yet reached a unified position on the need for a ban, since such a measure alone cannot fully resolve the issue of seasonal increases in fuel demand, but it could be adopted as part of a broader set of measures.

Speaking at a meeting of the Energy Ministry earlier on Thursday, Novak said the Russian government must take measures as soon as possible to prevent fuel price increases at gas stations and ensure stability in the domestic fuel market amid the global energy crisis. According to him, global prices for petroleum products and crack spreads (the difference between the price of crude oil and petroleum products derived from it) have risen significantly.

On March 19, Anton Rubtsov, director of the oil and gas department at Russia's Energy Ministry, said that the issue of banning gasoline exports from Russia is not currently urgent, but the government could make such a decision and the option exists.

Russia currently has a temporary ban on exports of gasoline, diesel and other fuels, but only for non-producers (traders), which remains in effect until the end of July. However, since January 31, gasoline exports for petroleum product producers were allowed ahead of schedule  the restriction no longer applies to this type of fuel.

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Meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in the Kremlin.

March 25, 2026

16:45

The Kremlin, Moscow

Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, and Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev also took part in the talks on the Russian side.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade Pham Minh Chinh, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow, to the Kremlin.

First, allow me to congratulate you once again, along with all our Vietnamese friends, on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This event is of great importance for your country, and we have been following it with close attention.

Please convey my greetings to Comrade General Secretary To Lam. We have developed positive and friendly relations both on a professional and personal level. Once again, let me stress that we would be glad to receive him in Russia at any time he finds convenient.

Vietnam has been and remains our reliable partner and friend. Our relations, as we often emphasise, have stood the test of time.

I know that you have a packed agenda for this visit. You have already met with Russia's Prime Minister, Mr Mishustin, and the speakers of both chambers of parliament (Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin], as well as Secretary of the Security Council [Sergei Shoigu].

An agreement to build Vietnam's first nuclear power plant has been signed. Trade has been following an upward trajectory in 2026, having increased by 5.6 percent since the beginning of the year. Today, we will discuss all aspects of our relations, considering their breadth.

I would like to stress that we are always delighted to see our Vietnamese friends in Russia whenever they come here.

Pham Minh Chinh (retranslated): Comrade Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, comrades,

First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for your remarks, for the exceptionally heartfelt and warm attitude towards Vietnam, and for the special regard - your personal regard - for Vietnam.

I am very pleased to meet you after our three previous meetings in Hanoi, Kazan, and China, this time in Moscow, at the heart of Russia's capital. Today, the weather has also favoured us. Together with all the comrades from the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, I have personally felt the warmth and hospitality extended by the President and the leadership of the Russian Federation towards our delegation.

On this occasion, allow me to convey greetings and best wishes from our General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and other senior leaders of Vietnam, and to invite you to visit Vietnam this year, in 2026.

Vietnam always remembers and is grateful to the Russian Federation for the sincere sentiments and support - the steadfast, devoted, and invaluable support - provided by Russia's leadership and its people to Vietnam in resisting the American aggressors and in our nation-building efforts today

The years of companionship and cooperation between the peoples of our two countries have left an indelible mark and have become an emblem of the traditional, invaluable friendship between our peoples, serving as inspiration for future generations today and in the years to come in the history of our nations, especially under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, a longstanding friend of Vietnam, a loyal comrade who is very close to the leadership and people of Vietnam, who has always harboured special feelings for our people and has actively contributed to the architecture of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, with a vision spanning 100 years ahead.

Over the 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, you, Comrade Vladimir Putin, have been the senior-most official, holding this position for one-third of that time - for 27 years. You are the first senior leader of Russia to visit Vietnam - in 2001 - and the highest-ranking leader to visit our country the most - five times, with many more visits to come.

In 2001, you laid the foundation for our states to establish a strategic partnership and to elevate these relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, as well as to redefine the relationship for a new era of historically significant milestones in the 21st century.

I would also like to congratulate the Russian Federation: Over your 27 years in office, Russia has transformed itself from the instability and economic weakness of the 1990s into one of the world's four largest economies in terms of purchasing power parity. Today, the standard of living has risen significantly - there is a sense of solidarity, common goals, and common ideals, and the importance of culture has also grown much stronger.

The Russian Federation now plays a very important role, and its place in the international system and on the global agenda is becoming increasingly significant by the day. We can say with pride that Russia is growing stronger amid the current complex international situation. Comrade President, I wish to congratulate you and everyone, the entire Russian Federation on this.

Whenever we meet, we always have much to share - so many issues worth discussing, which is why our meetings tend to run long.

I would like to say that unity brings strength, cooperation brings benefits, and dialogue builds trust. Today, in the face of a complex and rapidly changing global landscape, I am looking forward to a very direct, practical, sincere, open, and productive exchange of views with you in order to identify areas for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation, add detail to that cooperation, as agreed between General Secretary To Lam and yourself, so as to reframe and elevate our relations across all areas - in depth, in practice, and to good effect, serving the interests of both countries in this new era, and contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

I would now like to hear your views, Comrade President.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much for your very kind words about us, about Russia.

I will certainly accept your invitation to visit Vietnam. We always have a special feeling when we go there, and we sense the same warmth from the Vietnamese towards us, Russians. We always come to a country where we feel truly welcome, and that never goes unnoticed.

And of course, our dialogue is always exceptionally sincere and built on deep trust, like that between close friends. Today, too, we will discuss all matters of mutual interest in that same spirit.

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Deputy Minister of Defence Vasily Osmakov holds talks with Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Commander of the Air Force of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

25 March 2026 07:26

Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov holds talks with Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, the Commander of the Air Force of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the defence sphere and confirmed the focus on further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.

The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere traditional for Russian-Ethiopian relations.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia

Press release

British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters as the UK steps up its pressure on Putin.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 25 March 2026

UK forces given permission to board sanctioned ships transiting UK waters

Move is the latest blow to Putin's shadow fleet operation, fuelling his illegal war in Ukraine

Comes as the Prime Minister addresses the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki today, reiterating the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine

British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters as the UK steps up its pressure on Putin.

The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement officers will now be able to interdict vessels that have been sanctioned by the UK and are transiting through UK waters.

It follows the Royal Navy supporting allies with the monitoring and tracking of several shadow fleet ships to enable interdiction in European and Mediterranean waters in recent weeks.

The move is the latest blow to Russia's shadow fleet, which is fuelling Putin's barbaric war in Ukraine, and comes as the Prime Minister arrives at the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki today [26 March] to discuss security in the region and how partners can combat an increasingly aggressive Russia.

A number of JEF allies, including Finland, Sweden and Estonia, have carried out recent operations against suspected illegal shadow fleet vessels in the Baltic, closing off critical maritime routes to Russia's malign operation.

By joining JEF partners in interdicting shadow fleet vessels, the UK will put a further stranglehold on the shadow fleet, closing off UK waters, including the Channel, for sanctioned vessels.

This will in turn force operators to either divert to longer, financially painful routes, or risk being detained by British forces.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

We are living in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world, facing threats from different fronts across the world every day.

As Prime Minister, my first duty is to keep this country safe and protect British interests here and abroad.

Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets. That's why we're going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin's war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.

He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

As an island nation built on maritime trade, the Arctic and High North is vital to the UK's prosperity and British livelihoods.

The region is the only place where Russia, through its formidable Northern Fleet, can directly threaten the lifelines that sustain and protect us: food, energy, undersea data cables, and the sea lines of communication that connect the US to Europe.

UK military have been tracking the shadow fleet for a number of years and following the successful US operation to seize tanker Bella 1, which UK assets supported, Ministers ordered the development of plans and options to carry out similar operations against further Russian shadow fleet ships.

Military and law enforcement specialists have been put through their paces in preparation for a number of scenarios in recent weeks, including boarding vessels that don't surrender, are armed, or use high tech pervasive surveillance to evade capture.

Each target ship will be individually considered by law enforcement, military and energy market specialists before a recommendation is made to ministers and an operation is executed.

Following the detention of a ship, criminal proceedings may be brought against the against the owners, operators and crew, for breaches of UK sanctions legislation.

Around 75% of Russia's crude oil is transported by Putin's decrepit fleet and aging fleet of ships. Alongside allies, the UK has imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels.

The UK is calling for further coordination on seizing shadow fleet vessels between JEF Allies, further underlining our commitment to the region and deterring hostile activity by Russia.

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KMT's defense bill 'highly unfeasible': Ex-KMT lawmaker

ROC Central News Agency

03/25/2026 08:38 PM

Taipei, March 25 (CNA) A NT$380 billion (US$11.89 billion) Kuomintang (KMT)-proposed spending cap on weapons systems approved by Washington for sale to Taiwan is "highly unfeasible" and should be raised to at least NT$800 billion, former KMT lawmaker Jason Hsu () said Wednesday.

The KMT's defense bill, currently under review at the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, would fund eight systems announced by the United States in December, with a follow-on budget proposed by the Ministry of National Defense in the event of new U.S. arms sale packages.

It is being considered alongside the Cabinet's and the Taiwan People's Party's versions, which set the spending cap at NT$1.25 trillion and NT$400 billion, respectively.



CNA graphic CNA graphic

In a social media post, Hsu said that as a former ruling party, the KMT should have known better than to propose a "highly unfeasible" budget for foreign arms procurement.

The bill's phased budget planning approach contradicts the nature of foreign arms procurement packages, which are not made at random but require a lengthy negotiation and assessment period between Taiwan and the U.S., said Hsu, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank.

With U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping () scheduled to meet in just over a month, Hsu warned that time is not on Taiwan's side.

If the Legislature has not passed the special defense budget by then, Trump could make concessions on planned arms sales to Taiwan that Congress has yet to be notified of to secure certain terms with Xi, Hsu said.

If that happens, Taiwan will not even receive letters of acceptance from the U.S., effectively denying the follow-on budget proposal route espoused by the KMT, he added.

Hsu recommended that the KMT raise the amount stipulated in its bill to between NT$800 billion and NT$900 billion, which would have been more "practical."

As for the remaining NT$300 billion gap between the KMT's and the Cabinet's bills, Hsu said that could be gradually offset by adopting a general budget planning route.

"The last thing I want to see is the review being stymied by an excessive gap between the ruling and opposition proposals," Hsu said, adding that this could "lead to the Cabinet's version being rejected in a floor vote through a joint opposition effort."

"Such an outcome would be a true disaster for Taiwan," he said.

Hsu also said that the KMT bill's exclusion of drone procurement, which is covered by the Cabinet's bill, was "extremely dangerous" given China's escalating "gray zone" coercion and other potential military actions to take Taiwan.

Later in the day, President Lai Ching-te () also noted the omission of drones and AI-assisted command and control systems in the KMT's and the TPP's bills.

Excluding these critical systems shows the opposition's lack of understanding of modern warfare, Lai said at the Democratic Progressive Party's Central Standing Committee meeting in Taipei, calling on nonpartisan support for the Cabinet's "comprehensive" special defense budget bill.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/ASG



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Lithuanian PM and president clash over Taiwan island office name; root cause lies with Lithuania itself to rectify past mistakes: Chinese expert

Global Times

By Zhang Wanshi Published: Mar 25, 2026 11:59 PM

Internal divergence has once again surfaced in Lithuania over the renaming of an office set up by the Taiwan regional authority, which had previously significantly worsened Lithuania's relations with China.

The Lithuanian Prime Minister once again reiterated her stance on the so-called "Taiwanese Representative Office" in the country early this week, which she said brought no benefits but hurt ties with China, while the president on Tuesday rejected the prime minister's characterization that he agreed with her position. A Chinese expert said such internal divergence only reflects that the root of the problem has always lain with Lithuania itself, the one eager to rectify its past mistakes.

Nearly one month after Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said that she would be prepared to consider renaming an office set up by the Taiwan regional authority in her country, she reiterated on Monday that the opening of the so-called "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Lithuania has "brought no benefits" from the region and has damaged relations with China, Lithuanian media outlet LRT English reported.

Ruginiene also said that the president agreed with the positions she expressed during a high-level meeting on foreign and security policy in February. However, one day after she made these remarks, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda rejected that characterization, saying that the prime minister should not comment on statements made during private discussions, according to another report by the media outlet.

Nauseda claimed on Tuesday that the issue of the so-called "Taiwanese Representative Office's" name was settled when it was established and warned that reopening the debate could lead to its closure, according to LRT English. The president also claimed that "Vilnius is not prepared to accept pressure from Beijing."

As of press time, the Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania has not yet responded to the Global Times' inquiry regarding the matter.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to the matter on Wednesday, but it had made its position clear earlier. In February, responding to a question regarding Lithuania's Prime Minister's previous remarks that Lithuania made a strategic mistake by allowing a so-called "Taiwanese representative office" to open in the capital under the name "Taiwanese," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated:" China's door to communication with Lithuania remains open. China hopes Lithuania will translate the willingness to improve ties with China into action."

At the same time, the Taiwan island-based media outlets including CNA and UDN reported on the matter on Wednesday, with the headline only focusing on Lithuanian President's stance. A Chinese expert said such a reaction in the island is hardly surprising, and China's position remains clear-cut. Yet the crux of the current situation is nothing but a self-inflicted disturbance created by Lithuania itself.

The Lithuanian government, in disregard of the Chinese side's strong objection and repeated dissuasion, approved the establishment of the so-called "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Lithuania by Taiwan authorities in August 2021. Since then, China has adopted a slew of legitimate, reasonable and lawful countermeasures including a diplomatic downgrade between China and Lithuania.

China and Lithuania once engaged in very practical cooperation, with the two sides advancing collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, the president, who has been in office since 2019, is prejudiced against China and has contributed to the deterioration of the bilateral relationship, Zhao Junjie, a senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

He added that Prime Minister Ruginiene, who took office only a few months ago in September 2025 and belongs to another political camp, has appeared more pragmatic amid the prolonged deadlock that has severely hit Lithuania's economy and trade.

A new public opinion survey, reported by LRT English, shows that a majority of Lithuanians support renaming the so-called "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Vilnius in an effort to improve relations with China, with 58 percent of adults in Lithuania in favor of changing the name to the "Taipei Representative Office."

The internal divergences only reflect that the root of the problem has lain in Lithuania itself, Zhao said. The choice of whether to make the right decision lies entirely in its own hands, and it should resolve its internal differences and address the issue on its own, as the country itself is the one eager to rectify the mistakes made back then, the expert added.

Against this backdrop, the expert noted that in observing China-Lithuania relations, actions speak louder than words, and consistency between words and deeds is crucial.

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Turkiye navigating Mideast conflict cautiously, prudently, not falling into traps: President

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

25.03.2026 [00:17]

Baku, March 25, AZERTAC

Turkiye is navigating the current Mideast conflict cautiously and prudently, while upholding brotherhood and neighborly relations, Anadolu Agency reports citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We are not falling into traps set for us," Erdogan said at a speech following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, stressing that Turkiye is "determined to steer clear of the ring of fire."

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye, aware of its stature, stands out in its region and globally through its stance, discourse, and actions.

"Turkiye is one of the rare countries that dares to call right 'right' and wrong 'wrong,'" he said, noting that following "the attacks launched on Feb. 28 against our neighbor Iran under Israel's pressure, this characteristic of our country has been discussed more widely."

He emphasized that Turkiye is among the leading countries praised for "correctly reading and analyzing from day one this process that has engulfed our region in blood and gunpowder."

Erdogan said Turkiye has been well prepared for the evolving global environment of conflict and war, highlighting steps to strengthen energy supply security through diversification and projects aimed at bringing domestic resources into use, while also reinforcing infrastructure, transportation, and financial resilience against external shocks.

Emphasizing growing international engagement, he said Turkiye has expanded cooperation mechanisms with dozens of countries and strengthened trade and diplomatic ties, particularly across Africa and Latin America.

He added that the country has also boosted its industrial capacity by establishing new organized industrial zones and technoparks.

Despite "hidden and open embargoes," Erdogan said Turkiye has reached a level of self-sufficiency in many fields, particularly in defense, noting that the country has achieved significant progress with domestic capabilities "from unmanned aerial vehicles to missiles and rockets, from electronic warfare systems to air defense capabilities."

He also underscored a shift in Turkiye's security doctrine, saying Ankara has expanded its security perimeter beyond its borders, describing it as "a transformation in our country's security paradigm."

Erdogan said the global system has been undergoing a deep transformation since the 2008 financial crisis, intensifying competition among actors across four main axes.

"The international system is essentially seeking answers to key questions: Who will shape technology? Who will control data and artificial intelligence? Who will dominate production, supply, and consumption chains? Who will control energy resources and trade routes? In a world evolving toward multipolarity, who will be the new poles?" he said.

He added that the region has once again become the main arena of competition, similar to a century ago, as traditional alliances weaken and new ones emerge among countries facing similar threats.

Highlighting Turkiye's achievements in transportation, Erdogan said the country's infrastructure has enabled uninterrupted rail travel from London to China.

"If it is now possible to travel by uninterrupted rail from London to China, this is thanks to the railways, bridges, and tunnels we have built in our country," he said.

Erdogan underlined that Turkiye will continue to work with all its strength, all its means, and all the tools at its disposal to establish peace, justice, and stability.

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PM call with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman: 24 March 2026

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, this evening.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 24 March 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, this evening.

The Prime Minister opened by wishing the Crown Prince, and those celebrating across Saudia Arabia, a very happy Eid, despite the circumstances in the region.

Iran's ongoing attacks, including on critical national infrastructure, were appalling, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's unwavering support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and updated on the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment.

The leaders discussed the need for deescalation, and the Prime Minister updated on planning around the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the UK-led joint statement last week, the UK was now working with partners on what a viable plan could look like to ensure the flow of goods through the key maritime route, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders agreed their teams should continue to work closely to defend the Kingdom and the wider region from further attacks.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

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New military diplomacy training to upskill specialists in negotiation and languages, as part of new Defence Diplomacy Strategy

Press release

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training program - upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy.

From: Ministry of Defence, Lord Coaker and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 24 March 2026

Military personnel will learn from diplomats and language experts in a new training program.

First UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy reinforces Defence's role as an engine for growth by putting exports and industrial collaboration at its heart.

Strategy published today delivers on Strategic Defence Review commitment to strengthen key partnerships while protecting UK influence across the globe.

The strategy will boost warfighting readiness by training alongside allies, upskilling international-facing personnel through a new Defence Diplomacy Cadre, and providing world-class military education to students from over 100 countries.

The Defence Diplomacy Strategy published today [24 March] steps up the UK's engagement as part of the new contest for influence, expanding world-class military education, and making defence an engine for economic growth.

The Strategy will support delivery of the SDR's priorities and NATO First vision, through strong European partnerships, the UK's leading role in the JEF coalition and the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership - while maintaining vital relationships across the Euro-Atlantic, Middle East, Indo-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and our Overseas Territories.

It is backed by the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the end of the Cold War - hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

In this new era of threat, now is the era for hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy. Since we entered office, our government has strengthened the UK's relationships with our key allies and partners. We've got new defence agreements with Norway, Germany, France, and the EU. We've delivered record defence export deals. And I'm proud that the UK is leading on international support for Ukraine. This strategy is critical for delivering security for people at home, boosting NATO's collective deterrence and making defence an engine for jobs and growth.

Key elements of the Strategy include:

A new Defence Diplomacy Cadre, with over 200 civilian policy professionals trained in diplomacy and negotiation skills.

Enhanced intelligence sharing, with the new Military Intelligence Services to recommend by end of 2026 how sharing can reinforce NATO First and enhance UK influence.

Strengthened alumni networks, nurturing long-term relationships with graduates now in senior positions, including Czech President Petr Pavel and New Zealand's Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mat Williams.

Expanded international military education, with almost 600 students from over 100 countries receiving world class UK military training.

Overseas defence exports personnel brought into Defence's global network to boost sales, grow industry capacity and support UK jobs.

Minister of State for Defence, Lord Coaker, said:

The threats we face are more serious and less predictable than at any time since the Cold War. NATO First does not mean NATO only - security in the Euro-Atlantic is indivisible from security in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. This first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy ensures the UK remains fully committed to working with our global allies and partners on shared priorities.

The strategy embeds 18 months of international successes, including securing strategic agreements with Germany, France and Norway, strengthening our national security and making defence an engine for growth. It also marks a record year for defence exports, including the biggest fighter jet deal in a generation Turkiye the largest ever warship deal in our history with Norway.

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UK to cap overseas political donations and ban crypto funding for parties

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

25.03.2026 [21:04]

Baku, March 25, AZERTAC

Britain will cap how much donors living overseas can give to political parties and ban cryptocurrency donations following an independent review into the influence of foreign finance, a move that could hurt Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, Reuters reports.

The government ordered the review into foreign financial interference in politics after a former politician in Reform UK was jailed last year for taking bribes to make pro-Russia speeches and statements.

Last year, the populist Reform UK became the first British party to announce it would accept donations in the form of bitcoin and at least two-thirds of its money raised came from donors abroad.

Led by Farage, a friend of U.S. President Donald Trump, Reform is leading the governing Labour Party in opinion polls and raised more money than its rivals last year.

The government said it would cap donations by Britons living abroad at 100,000 pounds ($133,880) per year, and introduce a moratorium on crypto donations until a system to regulate them effectively was established, implementing the main conclusions of an independent review.

"We will stop hostile foreign states and others who want to weaken and exploit the UK by stoking division and hatred," housing minister Steve Reed said on Wednesday.

Reed said "a ban on cryptocurrency donations is vital" to shut off a "clear route" for channelling illicit funds into politics. He added the cap on donations and crypto ban would both apply from Wednesday.

In his review, a former senior government official Philip Rycroft said "the threat of foreign financial interference in our politics is real, persistent and sustained."

There had previously been no limits in Britain on donations to parties if they come from individuals on the UK electoral register or from UK-registered companies or organisations such as trade unions.

Rycroft's review said Britain faced a persistent problem of foreign countries, including Russia, China and Iran, trying to influence and undermine the country's democracy and possible new threats from foreign actors and private citizens, including from "allies like the United States".

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Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, Keynote Speech at DPRTE 2026

Speech

The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, opened the two-day DPRTE 2026 conference with a keynote speech addressing topics such as procurement, innovation and skills.

From: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP

Published 25 March 2026

Location: DPRTE 2026, Farnborough

Delivered on: 25 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thanks Jacqueline and good morning everyone.

Very good to see you all here today and a very good welcome to DPRTE 2026. A chance for the defence procurement industry to come together, a chance for us to forge new bonds, and to move us all to warfighting Readiness.

Because as a government, it is our stated ambition to get our armed forces towards warfighting readiness. Able to deter, and, if necessary, defeat a peer adversary.

The brave men and women of our Armed Forces can't do that without the work that you do. So thank you for the work that you are doing.

And you all have seen that this very moment, we have Typhoons and F-35s in the air above the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Their work in keeping British citizens, British bases and British allies safe is critical to our national security but also to our deep industrial partnerships that we have with our friends in that region.

You can't fly a Typhoon without the parts, the services, the ingenuity, the investment, and the innovation that you provide for our armed forces. So, thank you for what you are doing.

Now, you will have seen that since Iran started indiscriminately attacking its neighbours after the U.S and Israeli strikes, that there has been more focus on how we can deliver air defences, and other counter UAS systems, faster to our friends and to our forces. I'm afraid, I'm an impatient Janna. So, I'm from Plymouth. I want things to happen faster. And you can see just as the general public can see that the world is getting more dangerous. Is getting more unpredictable. The threats that we are facing are becoming more severe and more apparent to us all.

But that means we have to increase defence spending. Precisely, what we are doing. Five billion pounds extra in the defence budget this year alone. And we have to increase defence spending faster. That's what the Prime Minister told the Munich security conference a few weeks ago. But it's not just about the amount of money that we spend on defence. It's how we spend it. So, I'm really excited that shortly you'll hear from Rupert Pierce, our new National Armaments Director about how we're changing procurement. How we're delivering capabilities faster. How we're cutting the time of contracting. How we're removing stupid rules that get in the way of delivering the capabilities that our Forces need at a faster pace.

And as we're spending more of an increasing defence budget with UK-based firms, we're also spending more of that with SMEs as well. With a stated of ambition to increase our SMEs spend by 50% of direct spend between the Ministry of Defence and small businesses by May 2028. Now we could not be doing this work without your workforce and your ingenuity.

The Typhoons, we're flying are only flying because of the work that's done in Lancashire. The welders, the engineers of radar weapons and engines in Bolton, Bristol, Luton and Edinburgh. Nor without the safety engineers, the testers the auditors and the pilots from across all of our home Nations. And it's a tiny snapshot of how to deliver warfighting readiness, we need a whole team approach, not just the men and women of our armed forces, but those in our industry as well. If you take Typhoon alone, that helps employ more than 20, 000 people across the UK across 330 UK firms. A similar number is employed in the F-35 supply chain across more than 100 tier one suppliers.

And when you look beyond those two aircraft, to other capabilities that we have in the region in the Middle East, at the moment, like our anti-drone teams armed with lightweight multi-role missiles made in Belfast. Our Wildcat helicopters made in Somerset. HMS Dragon built on the Clyde. And when you add in all those capabilities additional platforms, you can see that this approach to warfighting readiness is a team sport.

Now, our capabilities beyond the Middle East require that same approach as well. The Carrier Strike Group, that is preparing to deploy to the North Atlantic and the High North all delivered maintained and upgraded by an army of procurement experts across the national armaments directors group, and wider defence all represented here at this conference.

You begin to build a picture of the scale of a sector, and the opportunity to reinforce that defence is an engine for growth. It's an opportunity to tell the story. Now, if I'm speaking honestly, in the past, defence has not always been good at telling the story about how working for a defence company big or small is a good career.

We've sometimes hidden behind our barbed wire fences and our walls. Not wanting to tell the full story. Now in asking you to tell the story of what you do. I do not want you telling the secret squirrel part of the tech that you make. I don't want you just revealing the terminal velocity of missiles but I do want you saying that your sector, your company is a great place for people to work. A great place for young people to start a career, a great place for people to be retrained mid-career. Because if we can make the case that defence is an engine for growth, which has the advantage of not just being a good sound bite, has the advantage of being true as well. Then we attract more investment, more bright young people wanting to start their career in this sector. More people looking to invest in the services and capabilities that you provide. Now look to do that, I realise there's jobs that I have to do as a minister. One of those is we have to publish the Defence Investment Plan.

There's very few people that want to out more than I do, believe me and that will come out soon and we're working flat out to deliver that. But while acknowledging that that certainty that comes from a pipeline of 10 years of seeing which capabilities we're investing, many of you will already know those because you will have read it in the Strategic Defence Review.

The DIP just implements the SDR. But we haven't waited for the DIP to sign the contracts that we need. Since the general election over 1200 contracts signed, 86 percent of those going to British companies. But we've got a lot of work to do to make sure it's delivered, right? Now, 18 months ago when I was made a minister in the MOD, 47 of our 49 major defence programs were both delayed and they were over budget.

A third of our equipment program was unfunded. That's the inheritance that we have to sort out because I want to make sure that Defence Investment Plan is fully funded is clear about the promises we're making about the capabilities, the areas that we're asking people to invest in, and you can see those already.

Big bets on autonomy, both in the maritime and air domains. More investment in AI and speeding up productivity and battlemaking decisions. It's also why we're investing in six new energetics factories, and where that to deliver some of the capabilities we need, we need to look at those crush areas where we can support the supply chain. Energetics being a really good example but not the only one.

And that is precisely, why when it comes to the work that you are doing here and the work that I kicked off at our last DPRTE conference in Manchester at the end of October, I said that we would Backing British and we are, I said that we will be looking at investing in more British companies, and we are, and we said we've been bringing forward more procurements and more Innovative procurements and we have.

So you can look at things like the new autonomous naval procurements that Royal Navy has put out. A range of new naval drone capabilities, and releasing the competition for project Nightfall to co-develop ballistic missiles for Ukraine. That demonstrates a new urgency that we have injected into defence procurement.

And in just over two months, thanks to our commercial X team, we've gone from launching a 20 million pound fund to find the next defence unicorns, to signing contracts with some of those most promising British candidates. But we're not just investing in the future of warfare. We're also investing in our national security now, and that means back in the UK workers and UK innovators.

And that's why at our last time we came together, we launched our consultation on the new offset regime, building links between our industry between UK firms And those nations abroad, where we work by kit from. Injecting additional capability and connections. Since I spoke to you in October, we've signed defence contracts worth 4.9 billion pounds and 94% of those have gone to British companies.

That is a sign that procurement is still happening and we're favouring British companies, as we said we would do. That includes 650 million pounds for the Typhoon upgrade program that secures 1500 jobs. A billion pounds for the New Medium Helicopter Built in Yeovil, securing 3300 jobs in Somerset. And we've spent millions of pounds on drone procurements. Earlier this month, an order for 20 uncrewed surface vessels built by Kraken in Hampshire, taking us a step closer to delivering our vision of a Hybrid Navy.

And today, to keep and maintain our diverse fleet of small military vessels at sea. I can announce that we are awarding our in-service contracts worth more than 280 million pounds over seven years to Babcock and Serco. to deliver our commitments back SMEs almost 200 million of that. Contract will go to Golden Arrow Marine who operate across the South Coast and to UK Docks based in Tees and Southampton firm Griffin Marine support. Nine separate contracts that will keep around 3000 military boats, at sea across a hundred different classes. From small ribs used to counter narcotics and the drug trade to our Royal Navy p2000s Patrol vessels that play in important role in escorting of Vanguard-class submarines.

Now alongside these new defence contracts, I said that we'd be implementing reforms in the way that we procure, and we're laying the foundations for that. The National Armaments Director will set out shortly the blueprint for much of that procurement reform that we want to set in train.

But I want it to be faster. I want it to be more efficient. I want it to favour and support British-based firms. I want there to be more investment in skills as part of that. Unapologetically, more investment in skills to deliver those. Which is why shortly, we'll be announcing the results of the search for the new Defence Technical Excellence. Colleges. Why we're investing more in the growth deals up and down the country. And why since October, we've stood up the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, a new one-stop shop for SMEs to better access defence. Because I think it's fair to say looking around the room at the SMEs that I recognise, it has not always been easy for SMEs to access defence.

Not always easy to understand, which is the door to go in to access the contract that, you know you can deliver and deliver well. That's what the Defence Office for Small Business Growth is designed to help with and it's standing up over the course of this year. But today I'd like to go further and I'm proud to announce the launch of the first cohort of the AWS UK SME Vanguard program. A new MOD initiative in partnership with Amazon Web Solutions, and Make UK Defence to modernise and transform the manufacturing industrial capabilities with the UK's SME Community. Today, five UK SMEs are being awarded a one-million-dollar total in Amazon web services, cloud computing, credits to digitise their service and accelerate the development of Defence Solutions.

Also going further by opening a business centre in Kyiv. Some of you will have been on the trade missions that I have led to Ukraine. Having trade missions has been a good start, but having an all year-round UK business presence in Kyiv to help you access support, to sell your products to our close ally fighting against Russian aggression will be stood up shortly. The new business centre there with announcements made shortly.

And the growth deals that we announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy are being delivered. We've announced the ones in Wales and Scotland, and South Yorkshire. Plymouth and Northern Ireland will follow very shortly. Each of them, taking 50 million pounds to invest in skills and Innovation.

And since I spoke at the last DPRTE conference, I'm afraid the world has only got more dangerous. More people in our communities are feeling the effects of that. Driving up energy prices, driving uncertainty, and people feeling less secure about the international scene than they were. To respond to that we're increasing defence funding.

We're re-arming and backing our armed forces. But this is a team sport. It requires not only ministers like me, the National Armaments Director Rupert and the MOD team to deliver faster, to remove barriers and obstacles to growth. But it requires you to invest, to continue innovating to deliver services faster more digitally enabled. And supporting the growth and not only our own Armed Forces, but those who are allies as well. In these more uncertain times, it is us all working together that's delivering that war-waiting Readiness. And when our planes are in the sky, when drones are being shot out of the air by our forces using the technology that you make, you know, what you do, makes a difference, thank you for what you are doing.

Please keep going. Thank you very much.

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Boost to British jobs and skills with new deals to support thousands of defence boats

Press release

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with five suppliers to provide support services for the fleet of 3,000 smaller vessels used by Royal Navy, Army, RFA and MOD Police.

From: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP

Published 25 March 2026

Over 280 million in contracts awarded to maintain and support 3,000 Navy, Army and defence boats, protecting UK waters for years to come.

Contracts back British businesses, creating more than 100 skilled jobs across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall.

Programme supports the reopening docks, showing how defence is an engine for growth.

British businesses have been backed today, with 100 skilled jobs created through new contracts to support a fleet of 3,000 defence boats which are essential to protecting the UK's waters.

The contracts, worth 283.5 million, will maintain and support smaller vessels used by the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and MOD Police, such as single-person watercraft, high-speed craft, training vessels, and the Royal Navy's P2000 small warships.

Awarded to Golden Arrow Marine, UK Docks, Griffon Marine Ltd, Babcock and Serco following a competitive procurement process, the contracts will run until 2033.

More than 250 million of the total value flows exclusively through UK-based businesses, making defence an engine for growth.

The programme will create apprenticeships, engineering and manufacturing roles in coastal and riverside communities from Scotland to Cornwall. It will directly enable the reopening of docks in Teesside and regeneration of key maritime sites. Activity will be centred on major naval bases at Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde,

with additional work in Gibraltar.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said:

We're backing British businesses, reopening docks and breathing new life into maritime industries that have been the backbone of our coastal towns for generations - proving once again that Defence is an engine for growth. This is defence spending that works hard for the whole country. These contracts will keep our critical boats ready and operational, while putting over 100 skilled jobs into communities - including apprenticeships for people just starting their careers.

The awards are structured to provide support for nine distinct requirements covering capabilities from P2000 to Army boats. Six of these requirements will be covered by three UK SMEs - Golden Arrow Marine, UK Docks and Griffon Marine Ltd - and two will go to Babcock and one to Serco.

Through the Defence Industrial strategy, the Ministry of Defence committed to making defence an engine for growth - backing British businesses, creating skilled jobs and strengthening the industrial base that keeps our armed forces operational. These contracts are an example of that in action, ensuring that the investment needed to maintain our Armed Forces' capability flows into British communities and British businesses.

These contracts are backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War - hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 with 270 billion this Parliament.

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Multi-billion-pound support deal agreed as part of major UK export win

Press release

The UK and Turkiye have signed a multi-billion-pound training and support contract, marking the next phase of the landmark Typhoon deal agreed in October 2025.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 25 March 2026

Agreement forms part of the major UK export deal secured in October 2025.

Pilots and technicians to be trained in the UK, alongside long-term maintenance support for the Turkish Airforce.

20,000 UK jobs backed by deal for British-built Typhoon fighter jets for Turkiye.

UK-built fighter jets for Turkiye will be supported under a major new training and support contract signed today.

The UK and Turkiye have signed a multi-billion-pound agreement which will see the UK train Turkish Air Force pilots and ground crew to fly and maintain Typhoon fighter jets, marking the next phase of the landmark Typhoon deal agreed in October 2025.

The support agreement, signed in London today between Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Turkish Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, will see 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians - covering mechanical, avionics, weapons and mission systems - trained in the UK.

The work also secures production of aircraft components and spares in support of Turkiye's maintenance of the aircraft with the support of UK industry, including BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls Royce and Martin Baker - backing British defence jobs across the country. That work includes delivery of spares and support equipment, associated engineer and pilot training, high-tech training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities.

More than a third of every Typhoon is built in Britain, with production lines in Scotland, Lancashire and Bristol, and 330 UK companies in the supply chain. The overall deal is securing 20,000 skilled UK jobs for years to come, demonstrating that defence is an engine for growth by being a powerful backer of British industry.

Turkiye's acquisition of Typhoon will strengthen NATO's combat air capability on its eastern flank. The training programme represents a significant step forward in delivering on the wider deal, which is the largest UK fighter jet export order in nearly 20 years.

Typhoon fighter jets continue to demonstrate their importance around the clock, flying regular defensive missions in the Middle East to help protect UK personnel and allies and partners in the region.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This partnership does not just export world-leading British built jets, it builds alliances, grows our economy, and makes NATO stronger. Turkiye's decision to acquire Typhoon is a vote of confidence in British industry and British jobs, and this agreement brings the UK-Turkiye partnership to life. As UK Typhoon pilots continue to fly defensive missions over the Middle East, I'm proud that Turkish pilots and engineers will train alongside our RAF personnel to strengthen our collective security - this is defence delivering for Britain.

The Typhoon workshare agreement sees more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft is produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. The UK jobs include:

Nearly 6,000 jobs directly support the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems sites in Warton and Samlesbury, where production and final assembly of each Turkish Typhoon fighter jet will take place.

The Typhoon programme supports more than 1,100 jobs in the South West region. That includes Rolls-Royce in Bristol producing critical modules and components for Typhoon's EJ200 jet engines and acting as main hub for maintenance of the engines.

The Typhoon programme supports more than 800 jobs in Scotland. That includes Leonardo in Edinburgh manufacturing the fighter jet's cutting-edge radar for identifying enemies.

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems' Air sector, said:

We're proud to support the UK's partnership with Turkiye by delivering a trusted defence capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments. Turkiye's acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country's advanced combat air capabilities. We're delighted to play a key role in enhancing Turkiye's readiness to operate the new aircraft through this training and support agreement with the UK Government.

Typhoon remains the proven backbone of RAF combat air power, and Turkiye's acquisition signals growing international confidence in British aerospace capability.

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Yulia Svyrydenko opened the 16th meeting of Ukraine Donor Platform Steering Committee

Ukraine Government

Department of Information and Public Communications of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, posted 25 March 2026 15:11

Friends and donors of Ukraine gathered today in Kyiv for the 16th meeting of Ukraine Donor Platform Steering Committee. The meeting was opened by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who presented key priorities for resilience-building and advancing recovery to the partners.

"Our number one priority is energy. Thanks to our partners' support, we made it through the hardest winter under constant russian attacks on our infrastructure. During this heating season, we received more than EUR 600 million in contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, and this support helped secure equipment reserves and enable rapid repairs after russian strikes," the Prime Minister said.

Comprehensive plans to ensure the energy resilience of Ukraine's regions for the coming heating seasons, with a total cost of EUR 5.4 billion, were also presented. Part of funding will be partially covered by the state and local budgets. At the same time, given the serious challenges the state faces amid the war, as well as the broad funding needs across various sectors, the Government of Ukraine is counting on substantial support from international partners and donors to help cover these needsboth through financial contributions and through the delivery of critical equipment.

"Even amid the challenges to our very survival, Ukraine continues to move steadily and actively along its European integration path. We are working to close all negotiating clusters already this year. In line with the EU's core principles, reforms, and the rule of law, we will ensure that all requirements for opening the clusters and continuing accession negotiations in 2026 are met," emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.

Yulia Svyrydenko thanked everyone who continues to stand with Ukraine and accentuated that support helps Ukraine to preserve stability and continue moving forward even in the most challenging times.

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Yulia Svyrydenko met with the French President's Special Envoy for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction

Ukraine Government

Department of Information and Public Communications of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, posted 25 March 2026 14:08

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with Muriel Lacoue-Labarthe, the French President's Special Envoy for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction.

"Following up on our meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, we discussed partnership in developing distributed generation as part of the Regional Resilience Plans. We also focused on accelerating the implementation of projects in the private sector together with French energy companies, including the development of wind generation infrastructure in Ukraine," announced the Head of Government.

According to her, Ukraine has successful experience of cooperation with French companies, that played key role in the construction of a New Safe Confinement

at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and participating in the repair activities after a russian attack last year.

Yulia Svyrydenko thanked French partners for their patronage of the Chernihiv region and asked to scale up the support initiatives to other frontline regions of Ukraine.

"We are grateful to France and its G7 Presidency for its consistent support and readiness to work jointly toward Ukraine's recovery, the strengthening of its energy resilience, and the continuation of its reform track," stressed the Prime Minister.

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Denys Shmyhal: Ukraine is ready to share its experience in energy resilience to strengthen energy security in Europe

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, posted 25 March 2026 12:20

The world in which Europe's modern energy architecture was formed no longer exists. Today, energy systems must be assessed based on resilience, speed of recovery, and the ability to operate under prolonged shocks.

This was emphasized by First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during the "European Forum" at the international energy conference CERAWeek in Houston, USA.

The Minister noted that Ukraine was forced to face these challenges earlier than most countries and outlined key conclusions for partners:

- Security and protection of energy facilities must be embedded in design processes;

- Distributed generation, cogeneration, energy storage systems, and backup solutions for critical infrastructure are essential for ensuring uninterrupted operation;

- Diversification strengthens energy independence and reduces risks to energy systems;

- Strategic equipment reserves are a key asset that should become part of collective energy security;

- The role of energy ministers in partner countries should be strengthened, with appropriate authority and access to resources.

"Ukraine's experience has practical value. We are ready to share it to strengthen energy security in Europe," Denys Shmyhal concluded.

He also noted during a roundtable titled "Global Partnership for Ukraine: Strategic Opportunities in the Energy Sector" on the sidelines of CERAWeek that, according to the World Bank, Ukraine will require nearly USD 91 billion over the next decade to rebuild its energy sector.

"To mobilize such investment, Ukraine critically needs private capital," he stated.

Denys Shmyhal outlined key areas with the highest investment potential, including energy storage systems (BESS), renewable energy, gas generation, development of local energy networks, as well as gas production and modernization of oil and gas infrastructure.

The Minister emphasized that investments in Ukraine's energy sector are mutually beneficial: for Ukraine, they mean modernization of the energy system; for Europe, strengthening and diversification of the energy architecture; and for investors, access to one of the largest infrastructure markets on the continent.

"Every dollar invested in Ukraine's energy sector is a contribution to regional stability and Europe's security," Denys Shmyhal stressed.

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NATO and Ukraine activate next steps for UNITE - Brave NATO innovation programme

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

25 March 2026

Following its announcement in November 2025, NATO and Ukraine have unveiled the next steps for the first Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering (UNITE) - Brave NATO competition.

NATO and Ukraine will fund a collective 10 million in contract awards to teams of Allied and Ukrainian companies. Innovators from across the Alliance and Ukraine can now access the UNITE-Brave NATO web portalopens in a new tab on Brave1's website.

The portal features Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and Air Defence challenges for Allied and Ukrainian innovators to tackle together, as well as broader information about the programme. Companies can now register for matchmaking on the portal and teams will use it to submit their joint proposals when the competition window opens in spring. Companies from NATO nations interested in applying to the programme should contact their respective NATO delegations to check their eligibility for contracts.

NATO and Ukraine will jointly evaluate the project proposals and contract awards will be issued by NCIA in line with the NATO Procurement Opportunity pageopens in a new tab.

The UNITE - Brave NATO programme will feature at the upcoming NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum on 1-2 June 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

In addition to the first competition, work is underway for the further UNITE - Brave NATO competitions to solve today's hardest military innovation challenges and foster deeper connections between our innovation ecosystems - with plans to scale UNITE - Brave NATO to 50 million.

Funding for Allied companies under UNITE - Brave NATO is provided by NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP). Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation sponsors activities for Ukrainian companies.

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Ukraine Hits Russia's Ports Again As Fighting Intensifies Amid Stalled Peace Talks

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service March 25, 2026

Ukraine launched hundreds of drones at Russian targets early on March 25, hitting a major port in a spike in fighting as peace talks appear to stall despite an attempt by Kyiv to revive them in Florida last weekend.

According to Russia's Defense Ministry, nearly 400 Ukrainian drones were launched at more than 10 Russian regions and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, in what many said was the single largest assault attempt by Ukraine since the war broke out just over four years ago.

The Ukrainian barrage, which came a day after nearly 1,000 Russian drones targeted regions across Ukraine, hit one of Russia's largest petroleum export outlets. According to Leningrad regional Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko, Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga caught fire as a result of the attack.

"A fire is currently being extinguished," Drozdenko wrote on Telegram, as user-generated videos on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels showed pillars of smoke allegedly rising from the facility, a key site for oil and gas exports on the Baltic Sea.

Ukraine's security service confirmed the attack, calling it Kyiv's "gift" to Russia on the Day of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Reuters news agency reported that according to its calculations, about 40 percent of Russia's crude oil export capabilities, or around 2 million barrels per day, were shut as of March 25 after the strike on Ust-Luga.

This month, Ukraine has hit "all three of Russia's major western oil export ports," Reuters said: Novorossiisk on the Black Sea and Primorsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea.

Oil exports are a major source of revenue for Russia, which has benefitted from a sharp increase in global oil prices since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran on February 28.

Separately, Ukrainian military forces said a Russian icebreaker, the Purga, was hit at the shipyard in the city of Vyborg, also located in the Leningrad region, more than 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

"It was prepared to serve the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation. Such vessels perform the functions of both an icebreaker and warship," the statement released on March 25 said.

Russian authorities did not immediately comment on the strike, though Drozdenko said the roof of a residential building in Vyborg was damaged, warning of more incoming drones and a possible reduction in Internet speeds in the area.

The new attacks followed similar ones on March 23 that forced Ust-Luga and another major port on the Gulf of Finland, Primorsk, to suspend exports of crude oil and fuel for a day.

Kyiv has stepped up its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure amid fears that rising oil prices, and a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russia due to conflict in the Middle East, could stimulate Moscow's economy and further fuel its military invasion.

Meanwhile, at least four people were reported killed and 27 others injured in the past 24 hours by Russian strikes in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk and southern Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions, all partly occupied by Russia.

In Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, at least 150,000 more people were left without electricity on March 25 following a strike that targeted local energy facility. Nearly 150 Russian drones were reportedly launched on Ukraine's territory.

Separately, Estonia and Latvia, bordering with Russia's Leningrad and Pskov regions, reported drone incursions from Russian territory. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said a drone hit a local power plant, but "was not directed" at the country.

"This is a concrete consequence of Russia's full-scale war of aggression," Tsahkna wrote on X. No casualties or damage to the power station were reported in the incident.

Days earlier, Ukraine attempted to revive US-backed peace negotiations with Russia, as the talks had sputtered to a halt after multiple rounds held at the start of the year.

Kyiv's team of top officials, including Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, David Arakhamia, and Serhiy Kyslytsya, met with the US delegation that included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on March 22 in Florida.

With both sides saying discussions mainly focused on security guarantees, the only apparent result was "possible" further prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the talks.

Zelenskyy added it was clear the United States were concentrated on its own war with Iran. He earlier suggested Moscow had felt "impunity" while global attention has largely shifted to the United States and Israel's war with Iran.

On March 19, the Kremlin said that the trilateral talks between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv were on a "situational pause." It added Russia hoped for fresh talks to take place as soon as their "American partners" could pay more attention to Ukrainian affairs.

On March 25, President Vladimir Putin's chief foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, said Russia was briefed by the United States about the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida: "We know where we stand now."

US President Donald Trump has sought to end the war in Ukraine since he took office in January 2025, but Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on crucial issues, including control over Ukrainian territory in the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with Russia showing no readiness for compromise.

"I'd like [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin and President Zelenskyy sit down and make a deal," Trump said on March 24. "I think they are getting close, but I've been saying that for a while.

On March 25, Reuters quoted Zelenskyy as saying in an interview that the US is prepared to offer Ukraine strong security guarantees if Kyiv withdraws its forces from the portion of the Donbas they still hold.

"The Americans are prepared to finalize these guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw from [the] Donbas," Zelenskyy said.

Russia baselessly claims Donetsk, Luhansk, and two other regions in mainland Ukraine as its own. Zelenskyy said a withdrawal would jeopardize the security of Ukraine and Europe by handing strong Ukrainian defensive positions to Russia.



"I would very much like the American side to understand that the eastern part of our country is part of our security guarantees," Reuters quoted him as saying.

It said the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-drone-strikes-ports- oil-war/33716185.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Yale Report Links Russian Energy Giants To Deportation, Indoctrination Of Ukrainian Children

By Alex Raufoglu March 25, 2026

WASHINGTON -- A new report by the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab alleges that Russian state-linked energy giants Gazprom and Rosneft were directly involved in the transfer and political indoctrination of thousands of Ukrainian children, speakers said during a March 25 press conference releasing the report.

The report, Willing Accomplices: Gazprom & Rosneft's Role In The Transport and Indoctrination of Ukraine's Children, concludes "with high confidence" that the companies and their subsidiaries facilitated the transportation and/or reeducation of at least 2,158 children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine between 2022 and 2025.

It identifies six camps in Russia and Russia-occupied territories where children were taken, including facilities owned by Gazprom subsidiaries, and says the effort is part of a broader, systematic campaign.

"Gazprom and Rosneft are critical components of President [Vladimir] Putin's industrial-scale campaign of child deportation, transportation indoctrination," said Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the research slab.

The report says children from Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya regions were transported to camps where they were exposed to pro-Russian messaging and, in some cases, militarized activities described as "patriotic education.

"We know that children from Ukraine have been taken to at least six camps...either sponsored by Gazprom and Rosneft...or...directly owned by Gazprom subsidiaries," said lead researcher Paige Farrenkopf.

She said the research confirmed that "at least 2,158 kids...were taken to these camps," adding that transfers continued "as recently as summer 2025."

Corporate Network, Limited Sanctions

According to the report, Gazprom subsidiaries and trade unions helped organize transport, issued camp vouchers, and facilitated activities defined as "reeducation," which includes promoting pro-Russian narratives and minimizing Ukrainian identity.

The report also highlights the scale of corporate involvement, identifying 44 entities linked to the effort, including subsidiaries and trade unions tied to the companies. It says 80 percent of them are not currently under US or European sanctions.

"Of the 44 entities our report identifies, 80 percent are not sanctioned," Farrenkopf said.

A companion analysis from Stanford University warns that a recent US sanctions waiver could allow the companies to continue generating revenue.

"This matters, because American foreign policy is...putting dollars directly into the pockets of two Russian companies implicated in the forcible transfer and reeducation of Ukrainian children," said researcher Ruth Gibson.

The Yale report notes that a March US Treasury license temporarily allowed certain Russian oil shipments to proceed, potentially benefiting Gazprom and Rosneft despite existing sanctions.

Asked by RFE/RL about the methodology, Farrenkopf said the findings were based entirely on publicly available information.

"Our methodology actually entirely relied on open source information," she said, adding that subsidiaries of the companies "directly claimed that they were involved...in facilitating the transport and reeducation of Ukraine's children."

Raymond said the findings have already been shared with US officials.

"We have communicated the report to both houses of Congress and to the Trump administration," he said, adding that the State Department had been briefed on the initial findings.

Broader War Crimes Context

The report argues that the involvement of major state-linked corporations and their subsidiaries shows a coordinated effort beyond government agencies.

"What this report demonstrates...is that this campaign...[is] a whole of government approach...[that] involve[s] Russian private companies," Raymond said.

The findings build on previous investigations into the deportation of Ukrainian children, which led the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's children's rights commissioner.

Yale researchers say the new report is the first to provide detailed evidence linking major Russian corporations and their subsidiaries to that campaign.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian- energy-giants-role-deportation-indoctrination- ukrainian-children/33716342.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Involving US on Hold 'for Obvious Reasons' - Kremlin Aide

Sputnik News

20260325

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday that trilateral negotiations on Ukraine with the participation of the United States are currently on hold "for obvious reasons."

"There is a break in the trilateral talks for obvious reasons. Our American colleagues have given us a very thorough update on the progress of the bilateral talks they held in Florida last Saturday with the Ukrainian delegation," Ushakov told reporters.

When asked about the details of the talks between the US and Ukraine in Florida, the Kremlin aide stated that the parties "were talking in continuation of trilateral negotiations on ways to resolve the situation in Ukraine."

No one has yet prepared or coordinated the text of an agreement to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with Russia, Ushakov said.

"We know nothing about this, because, in my opinion, no one has prepared the text of the agreement. At least, no one has coordinated or discussed it with us," Ushakov told reporters when asked about US reports of some kind of agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia has been informed of the results of the US-Ukraine talks held in Florida on March 21, Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday.

"[Talks] were held in Florida last Saturday with the Ukrainian delegation. They held the talks, we were thoroughly briefed on the results, and we know where we stand now," Ushakov told reporters.

 Sputnik

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Hungary Stops Gas Supplies to Ukraine Until Druzhba Oil Transit Resumes - PM Orban

Sputnik News

20260325

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Hungary is stopping gas supplies to Ukraine until oil transit from Russia via Druzhba is resumed, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday.

"In order to break the oil blockade and ensure Hungary's energy supply, new measures are needed now. Therefore, we will gradually stop supplying gas from Hungary to Ukraine, and we will store the remaining volume of gas inside the country. Until Ukraine supplies oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary," Orban said in a video message posted on social media.

In 2025, Hungary accounted for 45% of Ukraine's gas imports. By February 2026, Hungarian electricity made up as much as 50% of Ukraine's imports. This is not just "threats"  it is real leverage capable of causing a serious shortfall in Ukraine's energy system.

Ukraine halted the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline through its territory to Slovakia and Hungary on January 27, citing damage. Hungary stopped diesel supplies to Ukraine and then blocked a 90 billion EU loan to Kiev and the 20th sanctions package until Russian oil transit resumes  in response to what it calls blackmail by the Kiev regime, which for political reasons is not restoring Druzhba flows.

 Sputnik

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Largest aerial attack recorded in a single day: air defense neutralizes over 94% of targets

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

25 March, 2026, 6:22 PM EET



Ukraine is building a layered defense architecture grounded in a systematic approach Ukraine is building a layered defense architecture grounded in a systematic approach

Yesterday, on 24 March, Ukraine repelled the largest aerial attack recorded in a single day since the start of the full-scale war. Despite the record number of incoming threats, air defense warriors repelled the attack and destroyed over 94% of hostile aerial threats.

The attack was preceded by a combined enemy air strike involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and strike UAVs. In total, 999 drones were launched over the course of the day, including Shahed-, Geran-, and Gerbera-type drones.

Within Kyiv Oblast alone, approximately 250 drones were employed. Just a year ago, that scale of drone use was seen only in large-scale attacks across the entire territory of Ukraine. Yesterday, they were completely neutralized within a single oblast. No aerial threats were detected over the city of Kyiv  apart from a flock of birds.

russia employs various types of aerial threats at different altitudes and speeds in an attempt to overwhelm air defense capabilities.

How Ukraine is strengthening the protection of its skies

In response, Ukraine is building a layered defense architecture grounded in a systematic approach. Ukraine employs all available resources to counter the attacks, including Air Force units, interceptor drones, mobile fire groups, tactical aviation, and helicopters. Ukraine conducts large-scale, integrated air operations unmatched anywhere in the world.

The results of these efforts are already evident in major cities that have traditionally been the enemy's primary targets. Recognizing the limitations of its strike capabilities, the enemy is shifting its focus to attacks on civilian infrastructure in western oblasts of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is already developing a new layer of air defense to prevent attacks on civilian cities in western Ukraine.

The adversary is aware of these developments. That is why, during the 24 March strike, russia employed all available resources.

Air defense warriors carry out highly complex tasks on a daily basis, day and night, demonstrating steadily increasing effectiveness.

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Latvia begins the transfer of CVR(T) armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

25 March, 2026, 9:35 AM EET

Latvia has begun transferring a batch of CVR(T) armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine as part of military assistance. Deliveries have already started.

The vehicles are intended for the equipping of a battalion-level unit.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, discussed the development of mutually beneficial defence cooperation during a meeting with Andris Spruds, Minister of Defence of Latvia.

Projects to support unmanned systems units

During talks with Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration, the Latvian delegation was briefed on the current battlefield situation. The Ukrainian side briefed the Latvian delegation on increasing losses among russian forces and presented key projects to implement Ukraine's War Plan, including the Drone Line and ensuring a baseline level of unmanned systems supply to brigades.

One of Ukraine's objectives is to impose losses on the enemy at a level that would make any further advance impossible.

Latvia: an ally in the defence industry and military technologies

The parties also discussed joint projects in the defence industry and the development of military technologies. In particular, they assessed the potential of the Drone Coalition, in which Latvia is among the leaders. This platform is considered a key mechanism for coordinating efforts and sharing experience.

Particular attention was given to the prospects for employing ground robotic systems on the battlefield, as well as to plans for advancing production of key types of unmanned systems, including:

FPV;

deep strike;

middle strike.

The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to Latvia for its comprehensive support, including its decision to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually to support Ukraine, as well as for its participation in the critically important PURL programme.

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Ukraine Offers a Mutually Beneficial Partnership: We Can Strengthen Those Who Can Strengthen Us - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

25 March 2026 - 20:20

Dear Ukrainians!

A quick update on today. I held a coordination call covering all the regions affected by Russian strikes and hits. Special attention was on the Chernihiv region, where restoration of electricity continued throughout the day. I tasked government officials and the Presidential Office team to also work together with the military on air defense issues - especially protection against drones - in the western regions of Ukraine. We need to add defensive lines - this is a clear task. We also know that the Russians are preparing an operation against water supply systems in the coming months. And every community must take the protection of relevant facilities seriously and with full responsibility. Today, we went over the key tasks again with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the CEO of Naftogaz, other government officials, and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. The Air Force and the Armed Forces of Ukraine also have work to do.

Our diplomatic team is working actively, and in particular, we are engaging with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, which now show a strong interest in Ukraine's experience, above all in defending against drones. We already see that not only "shaheds" are being used in the Middle East and the Gulf region, but there is also growing evidence of the use of FPV drones. This is modern warfare, and everyone must be prepared for it. Ukraine has this expertise, and in exchange for our support, we need corresponding help in areas where we face greater challenges. This includes protection against ballistic threats and financial resources for defense. Ukraine offers a mutually beneficial partnership: we can strengthen those who can strengthen us. And the situation in the world now is such that only coordinated and joint actions can guarantee real results and genuine security. We see that we are being blocked in Europe, and as long as this risk remains, we must seek out additional opportunities to strengthen ourselves. The Middle East and the Gulf are, in our view, the right direction and serious opportunities to make us stronger.

We are also working closely with our reliable partners in Europe to scale up joint weapons production projects, first and foremost, drones. I am grateful to every country and every leader who are already with us. There will be new agreements as well - we are preparing them. And of course - gratitude to our warriors. Our positions on the front, our positions in domestic production, our strength here at home - this is what allows Ukraine to attract global attention. Without global attention, it is nearly impossible to withstand this kind of war. And without strong defense, the world does not notice the peoples fighting for freedom. That is why our courage and our strength are Ukraine's most important assets. We defend our state. We defend our independence. And we achieve results for Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Your Work Lifts the Spirits of All Ukrainians - The President Met with SSU Warriors and Congratulated Them on Their Professional Holiday

President of Ukraine

25 March 2026 - 17:42

On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Security Service of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with SSU warriors, congratulated them on their holiday, and presented state awards: the Cross of Military Merit, the Orders of Merit, III class, of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, I-II class, "For Courage," I-II class, of Princess Olga, II class, and the Medal "For Saved Life."

The Head of State thanked the warriors for their service, emphasizing that Ukrainians can trust the Security Service and rely on its protection and effectiveness across every domain. Over the years of this war, the Security Service of Ukraine has become a combat-proven, strong, and exemplary special service in Europe and the world.

"We are all glad to see your deep strikes on enemy territory - especially the results against Russia's oil sector - which lift the spirits of our entire state, of all Ukrainians. Your combat work on the frontline is something we can only be proud of - in the toughest sectors, the SSU has proven itself with dignity. I thank you for your operations in the Black Sea - both in defending against Russian warships and in actions against Putin's bridge. Thank you for 'Spiderweb,' which has gone down in the history of special operations worldwide," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President also highlighted the SSU's work countering Russian sabotage in Ukraine's rear.

"Some details still cannot be publicly discussed or disclosed, but we know how many assassination attempts on Ukrainians you have successfully prevented and how many Russian agents you have stopped. This is an enormous achievement of the Security Service of Ukraine," the Head of State emphasized.

Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of all the heroes of the SSU and other branches of Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces who gave their lives carrying out combat missions for Ukraine's independence and people.

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Ihor Zhovkva: Ukraine and Estonia Coordinate Joint Initiatives to Strengthen Europe's Security

President of Ukraine

25 March 2026 - 11:40

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with Estonian Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs Mariin Ratnik.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked Estonia for its support of Ukraine and noted the country's chairmanship of the NB8 format this year, as well as the leadership role of the Nordic and Baltic countries in countering Russia's evasion of sanctions. Particular attention during the meeting was given to concrete steps to counter Russia's tanker fleet, including the detention and confiscation of tankers and the imposition of sanctions on vessel owners and crew members.

Our country also appreciates Estonia's decision to ban entry to individuals involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that the restrictions have already been applied to 1300 Russian nationals. This decision is important and entirely fair. Two weeks ago, Ukraine initiated a proposal to ban entry to the European Union and impose sanctions on nearly 130 Russian commanders involved in crimes against Ukrainians, and submitted the relevant documentation on them and their immediate family members to the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva emphasized that Ukraine expects continued support for such initiatives from Estonia and other countries.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed specific decisions to support Ukraine, including the further development of the PURL initiative, to which Estonia has already made two contributions totaling 21 million.

They also addressed opportunities for developing joint production. Estonia is ready to consider financing projects involving resources from the SAFE instrument, with its application amounting to 2.7 billion.

In addition, the participants discussed preparations for the NB8 Summit, which will take place in June in Tallinn, as well as the development of joint security initiatives within this format with Ukraine's participation.

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Ferrari turned down Antonelli as youngster, says father

Kimi Antonelli's father has revealed how Ferrari missed the chance to sign Italy's new Formula 1 star many years before his breakthrough.

Kimi Antonelli, Chinese GP 2026

 Mercedes

Amid growing hype in Italy following the 19-year-old's win from pole in Shanghai - and claims from Luca di Montezemolo and others that Ferrari should have secured him - the story of how Antonelli ended up at Mercedes is now coming into sharper focus.

Kimi was called up to Ferrari as a promising karting driver, spotted by Massimo Rivola, his father Marco Antonelli told Formula Passion.

"He was 11 years old, and even tried out the simulator in Maranello - the same one designed for the academy's students. Everything was ready.

"But Maurizio Arrivabene, who was then head of the racing department, said my child was still too young.

A few months later, Mercedes contacted us, and the rest is history.

Antonelli himself has also confirmed early contact with Ferrari, but made clear where his loyalty now lies.

I don't want to try to upstage any legends. Ferrari is Ferrari, and that's how it always will be, he said.

"I understand all the love the Tifosi have for me. But I think the fans in Italy will also be pleased to know that I've already found my family at Mercedes.

After all, they were the ones who chose me and invited me to join them when I was just a teenager, and they provided the conditions for me to continue to grow and develop.

Backing the account of his father, Kimi added: "I had contacts with Ferrari. But I was still very young then - 10 or 11 years old.

"But Mercedes really wanted me and took their chance. Toto Wolff contacted us at the end of 2017 and told us they wanted me in their youth program.

And I'm very grateful to them for this opportunity.

Wolff, for his part, insists he never doubted the decision to fast-track Antonelli - even amid criticism last year that the youngster was not yet ready.

I've been in this environment for many years and there's always criticism, the Mercedes boss told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It often comes from those who don't have all the information available.

"There aren't many drivers capable of winning everything right from karting like Kimi. I've seen his growth up close, so I've never seen the decision to take him straight to Mercedes as risky.

"The only danger with young drivers is that they're not ready to handle the pressure of Formula 1, but Antonelli has always had an excellent structure and a model family around him.

We try to raise him in a successful environment, and his mom and dad know motorsport very well. They can give him good advice.

Wolff also acknowledged the significance of Antonelli's early success for Italy. I knew Italy had been missing a top-flight victory for a long time, he said.

"Now a driver has arrived who is also a little rock star, with important values and a great character. That's all it takes to succeed.

But Kimi mustn't be put under excessive pressure now.

(GMM)
'We cannot confuse participation with responsibility' by Callistus Mahama, Ph.D

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What is next for Africa after the UN recognised slavery as humanitys gravest crime?

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From Ghana School of Law monopoly to National Bar Exam: What the new law means

GraphicOnline Opinion Mar - 26 - 2026 , 17:54 3 minutes read

Parliament has passed the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, marking a major shift in how lawyers are trained in Ghana, with reforms aimed at widening access, improving standards and introducing a new pathway to the Bar.

Here are 10 key things to know about the Bill, which, if assented to by President John Dramani Mahama, will allow other universities, including private institutions, to be accredited to offer professional legal programmes;

1. It ends the monopoly of the Ghana School of Law

For decades, the Ghana School of Law (HSL) has been the sole institution responsible for professional legal training. The new law seeks to break that monopoly and open up the system.

2. New regulator to oversee legal education

The Bill establishes a Council for Legal Education and Training to regulate professional legal education and set standards and curriculum.

3. Universities can now offer professional law training

If assented to by the President, the law will allow accredited public and private universities to run professional legal programmes.

4. Introduction of a National Bar Examination

A single, standardised National Bar Examination will be introduced for all candidates seeking to practise law in Ghana.

5. Law Practice Training Course becomes mandatory

All prospective lawyers must undertake a Law Practice Training Course at an accredited institution before sitting the Bar exam.

6. Shift from theory to practical training

The new course will prioritise clinical legal education and practical lawyering skills instead of a largely theoretical approach.

7. Entry still requires an LLB degree

Graduates with a Bachelor of Laws or other recognised law degrees must first gain admission into the training course before qualifying for the Bar.

8. Reform targets long-standing bottlenecks

The Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, said the reforms are designed to remove barriers that have made it difficult even for top-performing graduates to gain admission into professional legal training.

We are also introducing the National Bar Exam so that those who go through the law practice training course at the accredited universities can all write the National Bar Exam, which will be a standardised exam that will be administered by the Council for Legal Education and its Bar Examination Committee, he said.

9. Government hails it as a new era

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, described the Bill as a turning point for fairness and access.

With the Bill successfully passed, we believe that this is the dawn of a new era where all students will be fairly treated.

Which ever law school you go to and whichever law faculty you attend, all of us will end up at the doors of the National Bar Examination. Whether you went to Legon, UDS or you went to UCC or Winneba, we will all end up at the same place and it is there that lawyers will be determined.

We want all to witness that we have kept the promise, he said.

10. Minority backs Bill but raises wider concerns

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, acknowledged the Bill as a fulfilled campaign promise but criticised the government on other commitments.

Mr Speaker, the President spoke about sole sourcing at the manifesto launch and talked about no sole sourcing at his first and second State of the Nation Addresses.

But today, we know that they are the apostles of sole sourcing, and we know today that at the Presidency, the Deputy Chief of Staff has been awarded an 11 million cedi sole sourcing contract, he said.

He added: The very thing that they said they would not do is what they are doing.
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Auntie remark by nurse of Ghanaian heritage leads to harassment ruling

GraphicOnline International News Mar - 26 - 2026 , 13:00 3 minutes read

A UK employment tribunal has awarded compensation to a healthcare assistant after ruling that she was subjected to harassment by a colleague of Ghanaian heritage who repeatedly addressed her as auntie, despite her objections.

The tribunal found that Ilda Esteves, 61, had been harassed on the grounds of age and sex while working at the West London NHS Trust, where she was employed in Womens Forensic Services.

Her colleague, Charles Oppong, a nurse of Ghanaian background, defended his actions by stating that the term auntie is widely used in Ghanaian culture as a sign of respect for older women. However, the tribunal ruled that the continued use of the term after Ms Esteves had asked him to stop created an offensive working environment.

The tribunal heard that Ms Esteves had repeatedly asked Mr Oppong to address her by name, but he persisted. She also raised concerns about comments suggesting she would be a good match for an older colleague, which she found inappropriate.

In a formal complaint submitted in September 2023, Ms Esteves wrote: A staff member called me auntie multiple times despite telling him to call me by my name. He said you want to be young then!

He also commented on my lipstick and said I would be a good match for a member of staff named George.

Mr Oppong admitted to using the term once but denied repeated use, maintaining it was intended as a respectful form of address rooted in his Ghanaian cultural background. However, Employment Judge George Alliott rejected his account, describing his evidence as unreliable.

He was reluctant to acknowledge that there was a George working on his ward, he claimed not to know Georges age and would not give an estimate, he did not remember how many shifts he may have worked with [Ms Esteves]... We found him evasive and vague, the judge said.

We find that Charles Oppong probably did refer to [Ms Esteves] as auntie on a number of occasions and probably did make the comment about her being a match for an older colleague. We find that Charles Oppong, as a staff nurse responsible for leading the teams, should not have made such comments.

We find that Charles Oppongs purpose was probably an offensive attempt at humour. We find that [Ms Esteves] did perceive it as creating an offensive environment.

We find that the circumstances of the comments being made in the office and in the corridor and at handover were such that it had the effect of creating an offensive environment. We find that it was reasonable for the comments to have that effect.

Consequently, [her] claim of harassment on this ground succeeds.

The tribunal acknowledged that the term auntie carries cultural significance, noting that it is in fact, a term of respect in Ghanaian culture, but concluded that its use against Ms Estevess wishes made it inappropriate in the workplace.

Ms Esteves was awarded 1,425 in compensation. Her additional claims of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and unlawful deduction of wages were dismissed.
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Dozens of bodies, mostly infants, discovered in Kenya mass grave

BBC International News Mar - 26 - 2026 , 11:12 3 minutes read

About 32 bodies, mostly children, have been dug up from a mass grave in the western Kenyan town of Kericho as investigations continue into the shocking discovery.

The exhumation was done after the police obtained a court order to retrieve 14 bodies that were initially believed to have been buried at the site.

Government pathologist Richard Njoroge told journalists on Tuesday evening that what they found was "quite unusual" with bodies "stacked in gunny bags", after a day-long process that was interrupted by heavy rains.

A post-mortem examination is expected to begin on Wednesday, amid calls to promptly identify the bodies and investigate the circumstances of the deaths.

Njoroge said there were "seven adults and 25 children", with the children being infants and foetuses. A number of body parts were also retrieved.

The pathologist added that some of the bodies appeared to have originated from hospitals and mortuaries but that would be further determined after autopsies.

He noted that the adult remains were highly decomposed, with those of the children less so, which he said indicated that they died at different times.

On Tuesday, homicide detectives and forensic teams, wearing white protective suits, gloves and face masks, worked under tight security as they dug at the site.

Some bodies were recovered intact, while others were found as partial remains and bones, and placed in evidence bags.

Police sealed off the area while a crowd of residents gathered nearby. Some appeared visibly shaken as investigators documented each stage of the exhumation.

Crowd gathered to watch as the bodies were dug up

The exhumation followed a tip-off from a whistleblower, which prompted police to launch an investigation.

On Monday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said their initial findings indicated that 13 unclaimed bodies had officially been released from a hospital in neighbouring Nyamira county and transported to Kericho for burial last Friday.

However, many questions remain about the additional bodies and the manner of burial.

It is also not clear how the bodies came to be buried at the site that belongs to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which has denied links to the secret burial.

An official of the organisation told the local Daily Nation news website that the burial was conducted without their approval and caught NCCK officials by surprise.

The DCI had earlier said it was investigating whether there was any criminal activity besides the reported irregularities in the burial process.

Two suspects, a public health officer from Nyamira and a cemetery caretaker, have reportedly been arrested in connection with the matter, with others being questioned.

Human rights group Vocal Africa said the discovery was a "staggering and horrific escalation that exposes the true scale of this tragedy".

"With reports of mutilation and dismemberment among the remains, the discovery points to a level of violence that demands immediate, transparent investigation and national accountability," it said.

"Identification of these victims must be done as soon as possible," outgoing Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said.

The discovery comes after hundreds of bodies were found in a remote forest in 2023 near the coastal city of Malindi in one of the country's worst cases of cult-related mass deaths.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie was arrested after 429 bodies, including children, were dug up from mass graves in the remote Shakahola forest.

He was accused of ordering his followers to starve themselves to death - charges he has denied.
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Chairman Wontumi challenges no case ruling, seeks stay of trial

Justice Agbenorsi Mar - 26 - 2026 , 15:05 2 minutes read

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application challenging a High Court decision dismissing his submission of no case.

He has also filed a motion seeking to halt the trial pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal against the ruling.

Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are facing six counts of allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining activities on the companys concession without obtaining prior approval from the sector minister.

They are also accused of facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

The court, in dismissing the submission of no case filed by the accused, held that the initial evidence presented by the state stood unless the accused persons produced sufficient contrary evidence to disprove it.

It subsequently gave the accused seven days to indicate whether they would remain silent and allow the court to determine the case based on the prosecutions evidence, or whether Chairman Wontumi would testify in person and file witness statements from individuals he intends to call in his defence.

Proceedings

When the case was called today, both the interlocutory appeal and the motion for stay of proceedings pending appeal were brought to the attention of the court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.

However, the state, represented by the Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, waived his right to file a formal response opposing the application.

According to the Deputy Attorney-General, Chairman Wontumis affidavit in support of the motion contained no factual depositions but rather legal arguments and opinions.

He therefore prayed for an abridgement of time for the motion, which had April 16, 2026, as the return date, to be heard immediately.

However, counsel for Chairman Wontumi said he was not prepared to move the motion.

I pray that counsel should apply formally if he wants an abridgement of time. We are not prepared to move this application today, counsel submitted.

Courts direction

In response, the court stated that it had the inherent jurisdiction to shorten time limits for any application.

The judge further indicated that an opposing party is not required to file an affidavit in opposition before the court can consider an application, adding that the court may determine an application whether or not it has been formally moved.

Following discussions, the court proposed March 27, March 30 and March 31 as possible dates for the hearing.

However, both parties agreed on April 2, 2026.

The case has accordingly been adjourned to April 2 for arguments for and against the motion.
Even 50 years wouldnt be enough  Ablakwa hits back at US over slavery vote

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CID picks up two over Dzorwulu jewellery shop robbery after five months

Mohammed Ali Mar - 26 - 2026 , 10:02 1 minute read

Two men are in police custody after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested them in connection with a robbery at a jewellery shop near Nyaho Clinic at Dzorwulu in Accra.

The suspects, Abubakar Mamoud and Mahmoud Abdul Aziz, also known as Justin Martin, are expected to appear before court on March 26, 2026.

In a press release dated March 25, signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, the police said the two were arrested on February 24, 2026, at Anyaa in the Greater Accra Region after months of intelligence work by a team from the CID Headquarters.

The arrest comes more than five months after the incident. On September 11, 2025, two armed men on a motorbike attacked the shop, assaulted an attendant, broke the glass door and made away with assorted jewellery.

Police said a search of the suspects rooms led to the retrieval of items believed to have been used in the operation.

These include a hammer, a black face mask, a toy pistol, a gold detector, a gold weighing scale, a diamond detector, a backpack, hand gloves, a helmet and two motorbikes.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to the offence and named one Eddy of Oyarifa as the person who received the stolen jewellery. The police said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest him.
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Police transfer Ibrahim Mahama assault probe to CID Headquarters

Mohammed Ali Mar - 26 - 2026 , 13:37 3 minutes read

The Ghana Police Service has transferred investigations into the alleged assault on renowned visual artist Ibrahim Mahama to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

The decision follows a meeting on March 26, 2026, between the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Police Management Board and Mr Mahama.

The incident is reported to have occurred on March 21, 2026, as Mr Mahama was returning from Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at a mosque in Tamale. His vehicle was stopped near the Mariam Hotel junction, where what was described as a routine check allegedly escalated into a confrontation.

Mr Mahama claimed that officers from the IGPs Special Operations Team, known as the Black Maria, entered his bus, forced him to unlock his phone and deleted footage he had taken, after which he was assaulted.

He reported injuries including a broken tooth, cut lips, rib pain and recurring headaches, and was treated at a private health facility in Tamale.

At a press conference on March 23, 2026, Mr Mahama said the incident had disrupted his schedule, leading to the postponement of lectures at the Royal College of Art, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, as well as planned trips to Helsinki, Amsterdam and South Africa. He said he would take legal action against the officers involved.

Conflicting accounts

The police have, however, disputed his account. In a statement, Deputy Superintendent of Police Bawah Abdul Jalil described the incident as a traffic enforcement operation that escalated due to the conduct of a driver who blocked a busy road and refused to comply with police directives.

There have also been differing accounts within the police. The Northern Regional Police Command indicated that the Black Maria unit had been withdrawn from the region on March 5, 2026, and could not have been involved. In a separate statement, DSP Jalil maintained that the unit was present during the March 21 incident.

CID takes over investigation

The Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said the IGP had met Mr Mahama and listened to his account.

She said the IGP had directed the CID Headquarters to take over the criminal investigation from the Regional Command, while also instructing the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau to expedite a separate inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved.

Any persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law, ACP Ansah-Akrofi said.

She added that the Regional Command had earlier taken statements from Mr Mahama and his team, visited the scene and met him at his residence before the meeting.

The police have assured Mr Mahama of a thorough investigation and appealed to the public to remain calm.

Mr Mahama was ranked first on ArtReview Power 100 list in 2025, becoming the first African artist to achieve the feat. He is the founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Red Clay Studio and Nkrumah Voli-ni, all based in Tamale.
CID picks up two over Dzorwulu jewellery shop robbery after five months

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Even 50 years wouldnt be enough  Ablakwa hits back at US over slavery vote

Mohammed Ali Mar - 26 - 2026 , 10:59 4 minutes read

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said the United States would not have supported the United Nations resolution on reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, regardless of how long negotiations had taken.

Even if we gave them 50 years, they would say that the time is not enough, he told journalists on March 25, 2026, at a press conference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York after the adoption of Resolution A-80-L48.

The resolution was approved by 123 member states, with 52 abstaining. The United States, Israel and Argentina voted against it.

US position

Washington, in its official explanation of the vote published by its mission to the United Nations, outlined two main objections.

The United States said it does not recognise a right to reparations for historical acts which were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.

It also argued that the resolution appeared to place crimes against humanity in a hierarchy, which, in its view, diminishes the suffering of victims of other atrocities.

Mr Ablakwa said the United States also raised concerns during negotiations about the time allocated for consultations.

Ghana rejects claims of rushed process

Mr Ablakwa rejected the assertion that negotiations were rushed, insisting that the process had been extensive and inclusive.

He said John Dramani Mahama gave formal notice of the resolution at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, providing member states with advance notice of Ghanas intentions.

He explained that negotiations began shortly afterwards and went through several rounds of consultations, with each session lasting three hours.

In the history of the United Nations, this has been a resolution that has gone through so many rounds of consultations, he said.

He added that the group behind the resolution included academics, researchers and historians from across the world.

We disagree with the notion that there was no time for negotiations, he said.

Regarding concerns about ranking crimes, Mr Ablakwa said the resolution does not seek to compare crimes against humanity but rather addresses a specific historical injustice.

We are only speaking to a historical fact, he said. Never in the history of mankind have we had such a systemic crime. We are talking about the contextual framing of what has happened, not about the ranking of crimes.

Scale of impact

Mr Ablakwa said the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted more than 300 years, continues to have lasting consequences, including racism and inequality.

He noted that more than 12.5 million Africans were taken during the slave trade, with over three million dying during the crossing.

More than three million people died, were tossed into the transatlantic ocean, which is a mass gravesite, he said.

He added that UNESCO has identified Ghana as the country with the highest number of slave forts and castles in the world.

Focus on structural redress

Addressing concerns about beneficiaries, Mr Ablakwa said the resolution prioritises long-term development interventions rather than direct financial payments to governments.

We do not want any payments made to us directly, he said. We are talking about causes to deal with the structural inequalities.

He explained that the resolution proposes measures such as endowment funds for education, skills training and support for entrepreneurs.

Mr Ablakwa also highlighted calls for the return of cultural artefacts, including items from Egypt and the Ashanti Kingdom, stressing that such restitutions should not be carried out in a piecemeal manner.

Support and next steps

Mr Ablakwa said he engaged key advocacy groups ahead of the vote, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP and the National Action Network, led by Al Sharpton, all of which supported the resolution.

He revealed that 62 members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote to the US Ambassador to the United Nations urging a vote in favour, but the ambassador ultimately voted against it.

Mr Ablakwa noted that September 2026 will mark 100 years since the League of Nations Slavery Convention of 1926 and called for meaningful progress on reparatory justice.

We can no longer wait, he said. September, we will be commemorating 100 years. A whole century, and yet there has been no justice.

He described the adoption of the resolution as the beginning of a broader process and called on all member states, including those that abstained or voted against it, to engage constructively.

The work of justice does not end with remembrance, he said. We therefore urge every member state to consider carefully the actions it must take to ensure inclusive and good faith dialogue on reparatory justice.
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Africa wins historic vote on slavery: Ghana spearheads resolution at UN - Trafficking declared gravest crime

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Mar - 26 - 2026 , 11:02 7 minutes read

The United Nations (UN) has adopted Ghanas resolution on transatlantic slave trade, slavery, colonisation and apartheid at the UN General Assembly in New York, the United States of America (USA).

The resolution entitled, Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity, was overwhelmingly adopted by the UN member states.

The resolution saw 123 countries vote in favour; 52 countries abstained from voting, while three countries, namely the USA, Israel and Argentina, voted against the resolution.

The adoption of the resolution means the transatlantic slave trade and slavery can now be called the gravest crime against humanity and set the tone for legitimate pressure for reparative justice and the return of stolen artefacts from Africa during the period of the slave trade, colonisation and apartheid.

Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, moved the motion with the backing of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS and the Caribbean countries, among others.

Stand up and be counted

Moving the motion for the adoption of the resolution at the UN headquarters yesterday, President Mahama called on UN member states to stand up and be counted on the right of history by supporting the resolution on slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.

Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery. Let our vote on this resolution restore their dignity and humanity, he said.

President Mahama, who spoke on behalf of the African Union (AU), tabled the motion at the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday as part of the observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Rationale

The resolution, known as Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity, sought the recognition of the cruel history of the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, colonisation and apartheid.

It sought reparations and reparative justice as well as the return of cultural and historic artefacts of African countries and people of African descent across the world.

It also calls for a crucial adjustment of world systems to afford African countries and Africans equal opportunities to exercise their rights.

President Mahama urged UN member states not to sit on the fence of neutrality on the adoption of the resolution, backing his statement with a quote from a former President of the USA, Theodore Roosevelt, that, With a great moral issue involved, neutrality does not serve righteousness; for to be neutral between right and wrong is to serve wrong.

He also stressed the need to pursue justice, reminding delegates at the UN General Assembly of the civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther Kings, assertion that, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

The President added that while the road had been long, especially for Africans, each step guided by a desire to be better and do better, had brought the world closer to the kind of world we would like to leave for our children.

Remembrance

President Mahama underscored the importance of remembering the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, saying progress was made in steps towards a better future.

He said the marking of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery was not only to honour the 13 million Africans enslaved over centuries, but also to bring the world to a better place.

We remember them through articles and oral histories, through broadcast programmes, books, music, visits to museums, monuments, and memorials, such as the Ark of Return, located right here at the Visitors Plaza of the United Nations Headquarters.

Through these activities, we do more than remember. We document and educate; we gain a greater perspective; we find the delicate balance of learning from history so we do not repeat it, while leaving the pain behind.

In doing so, we begin to heal, individually, within our immediate communities, and within the global community, President Mahama stated.

For his part, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stressed the need to dismantle false narratives and racial realities and call out the underlying white supremacy.

By dismantling its damaging falsehoods online, in the media, in schools, at work, in politics, and within ourselves, and by working on truth, justice, and rebellion to recognise the extraordinary courage of the exploiters, we honour their determination to be free, their quiet resilience, and their organised resistance, he said.

He stressed that the perverse global order fostered by the slave trade and slavery thrived because power acted without conscience, adding that leaders must now use power for better things.

Now we must improve the persistent barriers that prevent so many people of African descent from exercising their rights and realising their potential. We must commit fully and without hesitation to human rights, equality, and the inherent worth of every person, the UN Secretary-General stated.

Affirmation of truth

Speaking after the resounding vote in favour of the motion at the UN General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the adoption of the resolution was an affirmation of truth.

We have chosen remembrance over silence, dignity over erasure and shared humanity over division.

We have advanced the cause of justice, and we have done that so emphatically, he said.

This is an emphatic victory for justice. Our ancestors, Africans, and all people of African descent are today honoured that our humanity and our dignity have been restored, he said.

Mr Ablakwa indicated that the adoption of the resolution was not an arrival at a destination, but rather a major step in the ongoing journey and collective conversation of the sponsors of the resolution for reparatory justice.

He said the sponsors of the resolution remained committed to continued engagement with all member states in the shared spirit of cooperation adding that, through this resolution, the world had spoken with clarity and truth.

We have affirmed that the trafficking of enslaved Africans and their racialised chattel enslavement is the gravest crime against humanity, a crime whose scale, structure, and enduring consequences demand recognition at the highest level of our shared global conscience so that we can move forward in healing and in preventing such a crime from ever happening again.

This resolution is not about apportioning blame across generations or nations. It is not about reopening old wounds; it is about ensuring that those wounds are neither forgotten nor denied.

It is about creating space for truth, for education, and for a more honest global conversation that allows us to move forward together with greater understanding, he stated.

Refuting claims

Mr Ablakwa rejected the reasons the United States adduced for voting against the UN motion on slavery, calling them "stonewalling" and "red herring".

He stated that the government had undertaken extensive consultations, involving experts and historians worldwide, to push for the adoption of the justice.

Mr Ablakwa affirmed that September would mark 100 years since slavery was abolished, yet justice remained elusive.

Clarification, appreciation

Mr Ablakwa also clarified that reparations for the transatlantic slave trade were not about direct payments to individuals.

Rather, they pertained to addressing structural inequalities and promoting development in affected communities.

He explained that the proposed frameworks would support education, empowerment, skills training, and entrepreneurship through endowment funds.

The Foreign Affairs Minister added that African and Caribbean leaders were not seeking personal gain, but rather collective redress for historical injustices.
Featured

IGP Special Team seizes suspected drugs, arrests 19 in Kumasi operation

Emmanuel Bonney Mar - 26 - 2026 , 13:25 3 minutes read

The IGP Special Operations Team, on Thursday (March 26, 2026), carried out a routine patrol in the Kumasi metropolis, leading to the arrest of 19 persons in Alaba and Thinker as part of efforts to clamp down on criminal networks and activities in the area.

Exhibits retrieved during the operation included quantities of white substances suspected to be heroin or cocaine, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, opioids, and other items commonly used to facilitate drug consumption.

All suspects were subsequently transported to the Ghana Police Services Suntreso District Headquarters, where they are currently in detention pending further investigation and possible prosecution.

The seized exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate investigative units for forensic analysis and evidential purposes, a police situational report said.

Targeting crime hotspots

The operation focused on addressing crimes such as robbery, stealing, rape, violent attacks on commuters and other road users, drug peddling and abuse, as well as the sale and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

The team, led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil and ASP Samuel Mustapha Abenzuo, involved 111 personnel deployed for the exercise.

It was supported by 10 service vehicles, including a Black Maria designated for the conveyance of suspects and an armoured carrier to ensure officer safety and operational efficiency.

Intelligence-led operation

The team, the report said, commenced the exercise with an extensive inner-city patrol across various townships and streets, including areas surrounding the Manhyia Palace enclave.

The patrol was intelligence-led, with particular attention given to identified hotspots noted for persistent criminal activity.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team proceeded to areas known as Alaba and Thinker, which have been identified as hubs for drug peddling and substance abuse within the region. Upon arrival, officers conducted systematic searches of pedestrians and shop operators within the jurisdiction to retrieve illicit drugs and other contraband items.

During the operation, the team apprehended one Madam Ola Ruth, a shop operator within the area. A search conducted on her premises led to the retrieval of quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. As the exercise progressed, officers encountered a group of individuals engaged in peddling and use of illicit substances within the same vicinity, it said.

The report added that 18 additional suspects were arrested, bringing the total number of arrests to 19.

Commitment to public safety

It stated that the operation was conducted in a professional and disciplined manner, with officers adhering strictly to established policing standards and protocols.

The IGP Special Operations Team remains resolute in its mandate to combat crime and dismantle criminal networks across the Ashanti Region. Continuous patrols, intelligence gathering, and community collaboration will be intensified to sustain the gains made through such operations. The team assures the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, promoting safety, and restoring public confidence in the security services, the report emphasised.
Featured

New legal education law introduces National Bar Exam, expands access

Nana Konadu Agyeman Mar - 26 - 2026 , 17:12 3 minutes read

Parliament has passed the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, aimed at expanding access to professional legal education in Ghana.

The Bill seeks to establish the Council for Legal Education and Training to regulate professional legal education and set the curriculum and standards.

It is expected to end the long-standing monopoly of the Ghana School of Law over professional legal education and its entrance examinations, which have, over the years, limited access for many aspiring lawyers.

As a remedy, the Bill, if assented to by the President, will allow other universities, including private institutions, to be accredited to offer professional legal programmes.

National Bar Examination

The Bill introduces a Law Practice Training Course to be offered by accredited universities to prepare candidates for a National Bar Examination.

The course will emphasise clinical legal education and the acquisition of practical lawyering skills, rather than purely theoretical instruction.

Holders of the Bachelor of Laws degree or other approved first degrees in law will be required to gain admission to the course before qualifying to sit the National Bar Examination.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, presented the Bill to the House on October 24 last year, and it received bipartisan support.

Equality of opportunity

Moving the motion for the second reading on February 10 this year, Dr Ayine said the Bill was in line with Article 25 of the Constitution, which seeks to promote equality of opportunity for Ghanaians aspiring to become lawyers.

He explained that the reforms would address bottlenecks associated with the Ghana School of Laws monopoly and the highly competitive entrance examination, which had made it difficult even for first-class graduates from reputable universities to gain admission.

Dr Ayine added that the accreditation regime would ensure quality control so that not every law faculty would qualify to train candidates for the Bar.

We are also introducing the National Bar Exam so that those who go through the law practice training course at the accredited universities can all write the National Bar Exam, which will be a standardised exam that will be administered by the Council for Legal Education and its Bar Examination Committee, he said.

A new era

Following the passage of the Bill, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, described it as the fulfilment of a key campaign promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the reforms would promote equity, fairness and access to legal education.

With the Bill successfully passed, we believe that this is the dawn of a new era where all students will be fairly treated.

Which ever law school you go to and whichever law faculty you attend, all of us will end up at the doors of the National Bar Examination. Whether you went to Legon, UDS or you went to UCC or Winneba, we will all end up at the same place and it is there that lawyers will be determined.

We want all to witness that we have kept the promise, he said.

Minority raises concerns

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, acknowledged that the Bill was a campaign promise of the NDC and described its passage as a success for the government.

However, he criticised the government for failing to deliver on other promises.

Mr Speaker, the President spoke about sole sourcing at the manifesto launch and talked about no sole sourcing at his first and second State of the Nation Addresses.

But today, we know that they are the apostles of sole sourcing, and we know today that at the Presidency, the Deputy Chief of Staff has been awarded an 11 million cedi sole sourcing contract, he said.

He added: The very thing that they said they would not do is what they are doing.
Featured

Renewed ethnic violence in Nkwanta leaves 5 dead, security tightened

Mohammed Ali Mar - 26 - 2026 , 11:25 2 minutes read

Five people have been killed in renewed violence in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, prompting the Inspector-General of Police to deploy armoured vehicles and additional security personnel to the area.

The Ghana Police Service, in a press release issued on March 26, 2026, said the victimsthree males and two femaleswere found at two separate locations within the municipality by a joint security team.

The team comprised personnel from the Police, the Military, the Bureau of National Investigations, Defence Intelligence and the Ghana National Fire Service. Although the victims have been identified, their names have not yet been made public.

According to the police, the deployment involved officers from the National Police Operations Unit, and calm has since been restored following the intervention.

The latest violence is linked to a long-running dispute among three ethnic groups in the Nkwanta areathe Adele, Akyode and Challafuelled by tensions over land boundaries and security concerns.

A statement issued by the National Peace Council indicated that the conflict also involves the movement of firearms into the municipality by individuals connected to the groups.

The Council said chiefs and elders of the three groups, on the same day, signed a declaration committing themselves to an immediate end to the violence and the movement of firearms.

The agreement, which also covers allied groups, requires all parties to remain within their respective land boundaries while ongoing court processes continue. It further directs the leadership of each group to instruct their members, particularly the youth, to refrain from any form of armed activity, regardless of provocation.

The National Peace Council said it would establish a joint committee to monitor compliance with the agreement. It also called on security agencies to carry out their duties professionally and to investigate all reported incidents of violence, while urging residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.

In a separate statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Region, the Ghana Police Service said investigations have begun to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify those responsible. The police did not indicate whether any arrests had been made.

Residents of Nkwanta and surrounding communities have been advised by the police and the National Peace Council to avoid spreading unverified information and to support ongoing investigations by providing any relevant information.
MTN Ghana has rolled out a self-service SIM swap feature designed to spare customers the ordeal of visiting a service centre when their SIM card is lost, damaged, or stolen.

MTN Ghana has introduced a MTN Ghana self SIM swap feature, allowing customers to replace lost, damaged, or stolen SIM cards without visiting a service centre.

The new self-service option is available through the myMTN App or by dialling *1333#, making it possible for users to complete a SIM swap from anywherewhether at home, at the beach, or on the move.

What is the MTN Ghana Self SIM Swap Feature?

The MTN Ghana self SIM swap feature is part of the companys push toward digital customer service. It removes the need for in-person verification by using biometric authentication through the National Identification Authority (NIA).

This innovation helps reduce long queues at service centres while giving users more control over their mobile services.

How the MTN Ghana Self SIM Swap Works

To use the MTN Ghana self SIM swap, customers must first purchase a new, blank, or unregistered SIM card from an authorised MTN retailer. Once you have the SIM, follow these steps:

Open the myMTN App or dial *1333# Select the SIM Swap option Choose whether the swap is for yourself or another person Enter the phone number to be swapped Input the new SIM cards serial number Select the reason for the swap (loss, theft, damage, etc.) Review and consent to biometric data usage Wait for NIA verification Receive a confirmation SMS once completed

Biometric Verification and Data Protection

The MTN Ghana self SIM swap process relies on secure biometric verification via the NIA database. Users must give consent before their data is used.

MTN Ghana assures customers that biometric data collected during the self SIM swap process is used strictly for identity verification and handled under its data protection policy.

Benefits of MTN Ghana Self SIM Swap

No need to visit a service centre

Faster SIM replacement process

Reduced waiting time

Secure identity verification using NIA data

Accessible anywhere via app or USSD

What You Need Before Starting

A new, unregistered SIM card

The SIM pack (for the serial number)

Access to the myMTN App or USSD (*1333#)

Your biometric details registered with the NIA

A Step Toward Digital Convenience

The rollout of the MTN Ghana self SIM swap highlights the companys commitment to digital transformation and customer convenience. Subscribers can now resolve SIM-related issues quickly without the stress of visiting a physical outlet.

Customers are advised to update the myMTN App to the latest version to fully access this feature.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ recently, and in some markets these are both powered by the company's own Exynos 2600 SoC. Now, a new report from Korea claims Samsung is already working on the Exynos 2800, expected to make its debut in 2028 in the Galaxy S28 family.

Samsung Galaxy S26 5G

Samsung Galaxy S26+ 5G

The Exynos 2800 is rumored to be made by Samsung on a 2nm process (SF2P+, specifically), and Samsung wants to complete the design of the chipset and hand over the schematics to the foundry "within the year". After that step, the foundry will make multiple generations of samples improving things between them. Only after that will actual chip mass production start.

The Exynos 2800 is allegedly codenamed Vanguard (the upcoming Exynos 2700 is Ulysses). Samsung had planned to use a 1.4nm process from 2027, but it has since decided to focus instead on yield stabilization and optimization rather than chase size at all costs. SF2P+ is an intermediary step until the 1.4nm process does actually arrive in 2029.

The same source claims the design of the Exynos 2700 has proceeded smoothly thanks to the fact that it's also sticking with 2nm. According to "an official from the semiconductor industry", Samsung thinks it's become impossible to carry out process miniaturization in mobile chipsets every year, at the same cadence as in the past.

Instead, the company will also focus on design technology co-optimization - which is optimization between semiconductor design and manufacturing process technology. This will be applied in new processes that are unfavorable for yield improvement due to their low technical maturity.

Source (in Korean)
Emotional value drives booming consumer market

People's Daily Online) 15:07, March 26, 2026

Emotional consumption took off on Chinese social media at the start of 2026, emerging as a new way for young people to express themselves and find comfort.

"On weekdays, I'll treat myself to a newly launched co-branded milk tea, and on weekends, I take classes to learn traditional intangible cultural heritage crafts. That routine helps me unwind," said Qiao Ziyan, who was born in the 1990s and currently works in Beijing.

A 2025 report on emotion-driven consumption among Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), jointly released by the Shanghai Youth and Children Research Center and other organizations, identified five top categories that deliver emotional value. These include physical products such as plush toys, aromatherapy items and stress-relief gadgets; experience-based spending like concerts, stand-up shows and psychological counseling; social consumption; digital consumption; and purchases of co-branded products and IP collaborations.

Consumers select blind boxes at a Pop Mart store in Xidan Joy City, a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Shi Yifei)

Perler bead crafting is catching on among young people. Whether made for themselves or given as gifts to friends, the handmade pieces are fueling a growing market that combines emotional value with commercial potential.

Data from China's e-commerce platform Meituan show that searches for perler bead crafting on the platform have surged more than tenfold year on year since the start of 2026, while transaction orders have doubled. People aged 20 to 25 account for nearly 40 percent of those searching for the activity. Meanwhile, searches for pet photography have also risen by more than 40 percent year on year.

Online video and audio content has become a key channel for sparking and amplifying emotion-driven consumption. The historical epic TV series "Swords into Plowshares," which premiered at the start of this year, has boosted sales of related books. Creative cultural products inspired by the bronze fish-shaped tally, an official ID token featured in the show, sold several million units within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the filming location, Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province, saw travel bookings rise by 31 percent year on year in the run-up to the Spring Festival.

Short videos and micro-dramas also experienced explosive growth in 2025, with the domestic user base approaching 700 million and the market value surpassing 100 billion yuan ($14.52 billion).

Market research firm iiMedia Research reported that the market scale of China's "emotion economy" reached 2.3 trillion yuan in 2024 and is projected to exceed 4.5 trillion yuan by 2029.

In 2024, the market scale of the "guzi" economy  a catchall term derived from a phonetic pun on the English word "goods" that refers to spin-off merchandise linked to anime, music and gaming  reached 168.9 billion yuan, up 40.63 percent year on year.

"Developing creative cultural products based on IPs is an important way to energize emotion-driven consumption," said Zhou Zhiqiang, a professor at Nankai University.

The guzi economy uses IPs to turn emotional resonance in the virtual world into real-world consumption. Through collectibles, interactive experiences and other activities, it meets Gen Z's needs for emotional support, self-expression and a sense of belonging.

"Emotion-driven consumption goes beyond a market activity; it also acts as a carrier of cultural identity," said Bai Xue, head of the Data Innovation Lab at the Shanghai Youth and Children Research Center.

Looking ahead, she emphasized that harnessing China's rich traditional culture and transforming it into modern, emotionally compelling IPs will be a major engine for innovation in emotion-driven consumption.

Emotion-driven consumption is also transforming commercial spaces, industrial ecosystems, and models of employment and entrepreneurship, injecting fresh momentum into regional economic growth.

By introducing guzi stores, night schools and stress-relief venues, older shopping malls such as Bailian ZX Creative Centre in Shanghai have doubled or even quadrupled revenue per square meter. Data from Douyin's e-commerce arm show that over the past year, more than 9,800 businesses in the emotion-driven consumption sector have grown sales from zero to several million yuan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Del. Jim Moylan introduced another bill to recognize and compensate Guam residents exposed to nuclear fallout from U.S. weapons testing in the Pacific.

Previous attempts to seek justice and pay for Guam victims failed.

Moylans latest measure, the Parity for Pacific Radiation Survivors Act, seeks to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, RECA, to extend federal recognition and compensation eligibility to Guam residents. A copy of the bill is not publicly available yet.

Federal and declassified reports confirm that Guam was exposed to radioactive fallout from 67 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1962, Moylans office said in a media release.

Scientific studies support treating Guam the same as other downwind communities already recognized under federal law, it added.

The latest bill, according to a media release from Moylans office, would update RECA to include Guam as a downwinder area, extend the qualifying exposure periods to reflect the full timeline of documented fallout, and add renal disease to the list of compensable conditions.

These changes would allow eligible Guam residents who developed qualifying illnesses to apply for federal compensation and formal recognition under RECA, consistent with benefits already provided to other downwind communities, the delegates office said.

Our community has waited generations for the federal government to acknowledge what the science has already shown, Moylan said in a statement. I have fought for this from day one, and I will continue fighting until Guam is fully included and justice is delivered to our survivors and their families.

Moylan, who is seeking reelection, thanked the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors, its members, and its president Robert Celestial for their close collaboration with the delegates office and their longstanding advocacy on behalf of Guams radiation survivors.

The delegate said he continues to work alongside fellow advocates, survivors, colleagues, and federal partners to correct this decades-long injustice and ensure that Guam is not forgotten.

Joining Moylan in calling for long-overdue federal recognition, Sen. Therese Terlaje, stressed the need to correct the continued exclusion of Guams radiation survivors from RECA coverage.

It is unjust that the U.S. Congress excluded the cancer patients of Guam from RECA coverage, Terlaje said in a statement. Our people suffer the same pain as those in other U.S. jurisdictions as a result of radiation exposure from U.S. nuclear testing. It is both just and urgent that the United States Congress extend federal resources and recognition to the U.S. citizens of Guam who were directly impacted by U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific and who continue to endure its lasting consequences.

Moylan said the legislation aims to deliver long-overdue recognition to survivors and honor the families of those who spent decades fighting for justice on behalf of Guams radiation survivors.

Many of those who first raised their voices about radiation exposure are sadly no longer with us, Moylan said. We owe it to them, and to every family still carrying this burden, to finish what they started and secure the recognition they never lived to see.
As Guam enters another campaign season, candidates will talk about economic growth, opportunity, and the future of our island. As a chef, restaurateur, and employer, I am listening closely.

The views I share here are based on my personal experience and do not necessarily represent the entire food and beverage industry. But they reflect the daily realities many small business operators understand all too well.

Restaurants operate at the intersection of policy and survival. Decisions made in government offices directly affect our ability to hire, invest, price our menus, and plan.

While dining rooms may appear vibrant, behind the scenes, operators are navigating rising power bills, higher shipping costs, workforce shortages, and increasing regulatory demands.

These pressures are not theoretical. They influence whether a business expands or delays growth. Whether wages can increase. Whether prices remain affordable for local families.

As candidates ask for public support, restaurant owners are asking for something in return: clarity.

We want to hear concrete plans to stabilize utility costs and improve supply chain efficiency. We want realistic strategies to strengthen workforce training, so hospitality jobs are seen as long-term careers, not temporary work.

We want stronger support for local agriculture that reduces dependence on imports and keeps more economic activity on the island.

We also expect the government to address long-standing administrative challenges that slow business momentum. Streamlined permitting, predictable procurement timelines, and consistent communication are not special favors. They are fundamental to a healthy business environment.

Restaurants are more than social spaces. They are economic engines. They employ thousands, support tourism recovery, create opportunities for young workers, and help circulate dollars throughout the local economy.

This election season is not just about vision statements. It is about whether leaders understand how policy choices affect real businesses and real livelihoods.

Restaurant owners will continue to serve Guam with pride. But we are paying close attention to those who are prepared to listen, engage, and act with urgency.

Because when small businesses are forced to struggle, the entire island feels the impact.

And when small businesses succeed, the whole community moves forward.
(HedgeCo.Net) In a landmark development that underscores the accelerating institutionalization of digital assets, Morgan Stanley is nearing the launch of its own proprietary spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The move marks a decisive shift for one of Wall Streets most influential firmstransitioning from a cautious facilitator of third-party crypto products to a direct participant in the digital asset ecosystem. As of March 25, 2026, the initiative reflects not only growing confidence in the maturity of crypto markets, but also a broader strategic realignment among traditional financial institutions seeking to capture a larger share of this rapidly evolving asset class.

This pivot is particularly notable given Morgan Stanleys earlier stance. Between 2024 and 2025, the firm primarily operated as a distribution platform, allowing its vast network of over 16,000 financial advisors to recommend select third-party Bitcoin ETFsmost prominently products such as iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) from BlackRock and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) from Fidelity Investments. Now, the firm is moving upstream, positioning itself not just as a distributor of crypto exposure, but as a manufacturer of it.

The Strategic Evolution: From Access Provider to Product Creator

Morgan Stanleys entry into the proprietary ETF space represents a natural progression in its crypto strategy. Initially, the firm approached digital assets with measured caution, balancing client demand with regulatory uncertainty. By offering access to third-party ETFs, it was able to meet investor interest without assuming the operational, custodial, and reputational risks associated with direct product issuance.

However, the landscape has changed dramatically. Regulatory clarity has improved, institutional adoption has accelerated, and Bitcoin has increasingly been recognized as a legitimate asset class within diversified portfolios. In this environment, the economics of distribution alone are no longer sufficient. By launching its own ETF, Morgan Stanley can capture a greater share of fees, control product design, and deepen client engagement.

This transition mirrors broader trends across Wall Street, where firms are seeking to internalize capabilities that were previously outsourced. Whether in private credit, alternatives, or now digital assets, the shift toward vertical integration is becoming a defining feature of the modern financial services industry.

Why Now? Timing the Crypto Inflection Point

The timing of Morgan Stanleys move is critical. After a volatile period in the early 2020s, the crypto market has entered a new phase characterized by increased stability, institutional participation, and infrastructure development. The approval and success of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States have been a key catalyst, providing a regulated and accessible vehicle for investors to gain exposure to the asset.

Bitcoins resilience has also played a role. Despite periodic drawdowns, the asset has demonstrated an ability to recover and attract capital, reinforcing its position as a store of value and a potential hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty. As institutional investors become more comfortable with its risk-return profile, demand for structured exposure has grown accordingly.

For Morgan Stanley, entering the market at this stage allows it to leverage existing infrastructure and investor familiarity while still capturing significant growth potential. It is, in many ways, a classic second-mover advantagelearning from early entrants while deploying capital and resources at scale.

The Competitive Landscape: A Crowded but Growing Market

Morgan Stanleys entry into the Bitcoin ETF market places it in direct competition with some of the most powerful asset managers in the world. Firms like BlackRock and Fidelity have already established a strong foothold, benefiting from early mover status and significant inflows.

However, the market is far from saturated. The total addressable market for Bitcoin ETFs continues to expand as new investor segments enter the space, including retail investors, financial advisors, and institutional allocators. Moreover, differentiation is not solely based on timing; factors such as brand trust, distribution capabilities, and product innovation play equally important roles.

Morgan Stanleys strengths in wealth management and client relationships provide a distinct competitive advantage. With one of the largest advisor networks globally, the firm is uniquely positioned to drive adoption of its own products, integrating them seamlessly into client portfolios.

Wealth Management Integration: A Key Differentiator

One of the most significant aspects of Morgan Stanleys strategy is the integration of its Bitcoin ETF into its broader wealth management platform. Unlike standalone asset managers, Morgan Stanley operates a highly integrated model where product creation and distribution are closely aligned.

This allows the firm to offer a more cohesive client experience, combining investment products with advisory services, financial planning, and portfolio management. For clients, this means access to crypto exposure within a trusted and familiar framework, rather than through standalone or external platforms.

For advisors, it provides an additional tool to meet client demand while maintaining control over risk and suitability. As crypto becomes an increasingly common component of diversified portfolios, the ability to offer in-house solutions is likely to become a key competitive differentiator.

Risk Management and Compliance Considerations

Despite the growing acceptance of digital assets, risk management remains a central concern. Bitcoins volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and operational complexities require robust frameworks to ensure investor protection and compliance.

Morgan Stanleys entry into the ETF space suggests a high level of confidence in its ability to manage these risks. This includes custody arrangements, pricing mechanisms, and liquidity managementall critical components of a successful ETF structure.

The firms experience in managing complex financial products provides a strong foundation, but the unique characteristics of digital assets introduce new challenges. Ensuring transparency, maintaining security, and navigating evolving regulatory requirements will be essential to the long-term success of the initiative.

The Broader Institutional Shift Toward Crypto

Morgan Stanleys move is part of a broader trend toward institutional adoption of digital assets. Over the past several years, a growing number of banks, asset managers, and financial institutions have entered the crypto space, driven by client demand and the potential for new revenue streams.

This shift is transforming the perception of crypto from a speculative niche to a mainstream asset class. As more institutions participate, the ecosystem becomes more robust, with improved liquidity, infrastructure, and governance.

At the same time, the entry of traditional players is reshaping the competitive dynamics of the market. Crypto-native firms, once dominant, are now competing with established financial institutions that bring scale, credibility, and regulatory expertise.

Economic Implications: Fee Capture and Revenue Growth

From a business perspective, the launch of a proprietary Bitcoin ETF represents a significant revenue opportunity for Morgan Stanley. By moving from distribution to product creation, the firm can capture management fees that would otherwise accrue to third-party providers.

This shift also aligns with broader trends in asset management, where firms are seeking to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on traditional fee structures. As margins in core businesses come under pressure, new areas such as digital assets offer a potential source of growth.

However, competition is likely to keep fees relatively low, particularly as more players enter the market. Success will therefore depend not only on pricing, but also on scale and differentiation.

Client Demand: The Driving Force

Ultimately, the success of Morgan Stanleys crypto strategy will depend on client demand. Over the past several years, interest in digital assets has grown significantly, particularly among younger investors and high-net-worth individuals.

This demand is not limited to speculative trading; many investors view Bitcoin as a long-term investment with unique diversification properties. As a result, financial advisors are increasingly incorporating crypto into portfolio discussions, often as a small but meaningful allocation.

By offering a proprietary ETF, Morgan Stanley can better meet this demand while maintaining control over the client experience. This aligns with the firms broader strategy of providing comprehensive and integrated investment solutions.

Regulatory Landscape: A Critical Enabler

The evolution of the regulatory environment has been a key factor in enabling institutional participation in crypto markets. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States represents a significant milestone, providing a framework for regulated exposure to digital assets.

For Morgan Stanley, this regulatory clarity reduces barriers to entry and enhances investor confidence. However, the landscape remains dynamic, with ongoing developments that could impact product design, distribution, and compliance.

Staying ahead of these changes will be essential, requiring close collaboration with regulators and a proactive approach to risk management.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto on Wall Street

Morgan Stanleys pivot to crypto is likely to have far-reaching implications for the broader financial industry. As one of the first major banks to fully embrace product creation in this space, it sets a precedent that others may follow.

This could lead to increased competition, innovation, and integration of digital assets into traditional financial systems. Over time, the distinction between crypto and traditional finance may become less pronounced, as the two converge into a more unified ecosystem.

For investors, this evolution offers both opportunities and challenges. While increased institutional participation enhances credibility and access, it also introduces new dynamics that must be understood and navigated.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Financial Evolution

Morgan Stanleys move from crypto gatekeeper to active market participant represents a defining moment in the evolution of both the firm and the broader financial industry. It reflects a growing recognition that digital assets are not a passing trend, but a fundamental component of the future financial landscape.

By launching its own Bitcoin ETF, the firm is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging its strengths in wealth management, distribution, and product innovation. While challenges remain, the strategic rationale is clear: capture value, meet client demand, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

As Wall Street continues to adapt to the rise of digital assets, Morgan Stanleys decision may well be remembered as a pivotal stepone that helped bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of crypto.
A HENLEY woman living with incurable cancer has completed a charity walk in London to raise awareness and support research.

Ewa Gucciardo, 52, took part in the Walk of Light London 2026 on Saturday, joining others in Battersea Park to shine a light on blood cancer.

Ms Gucciardo ran out of time to make angel wings she had planned for her outfit, but donned some bright Christmas lights to complement the events theme.

Despite her condition, she completed the three-hour walk alone and made friends on the way.

Everybody was so nice and friendly, and it was really great, she said. It was beautiful, all the lights, colours and the music. There was food and drink, and it was well organised. When they do it again, Ill prepare myself better with a costume.

This was her first time attending a Walk of Light and she said the experience was amazing.

Ms Gucciardo said: The strength is inside me and comes from my friends. I talk to them, and they give me the energy and strength to go on They were very happy, and they all cheered for me.

Ms Gucciardo, who works at Reids of Henley, is currently battling breast cancer for the second time. The disease has since spread to her bones, stomach and lymphatic system and is considered incurable.

She first faced cancer in 2017 while living in her native Poland, where she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy before going into remission. The illness returned after she sought medical help for persistent pain in her knee and back.

Ms Gucciardo said she is determined to continue working while she can, in part to support her daughter through university.

Unfortunately, I cannot do long hours anymore because this cancer leaves me in pain, and then I have to lie down, she said.

If I stay moving when Im working and I have my music on and my colleague has the music on  we help each other. They really are the most amazing people to work with.

If they see me a little pale or swaying or holding furniture, they make me sit down, make tea and then in 15 minutes Im all right again. There are very beautiful people in Henley.

I am so lucky to live here because I know if anything happened to me, Im not on my own.

Originally moving to the UK in 1998, she ran a restaurant business in Swindon with her former husband before moving to Sicily in 2009.

She returned to the UK in 2020 after securing a carers job and has since settled in Henley.

Ms Gucciardo recently celebrated her 52nd birthday with a fundraising event for cancer charities, including Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
A community-run beer festival in Old Windsor is set to return for its fifth year, bringing together local breweries, live music and food across a two-day event.

The Old Windsor BeerFest will take place at Old Windsor Memorial Hall in Straight Road on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, marking its fifth annual festival since launching in 2022 following the end of lockdown restrictions.

For 2026, organisers are promising a strong line-up of brewery partners, including Windsor & Eton Brewery, 40ft Brewery, Triple fff Brewery, Howling Hops, Indie Rabble and East London Brewing Co.

There is also a range of cider producers such as Cotswold Cider Co, Tutts Clump and Broadoak Cider Company.

In all, there are 20 different beers and eight ciders. Windsor & Eton Brewery always make the event a special blend  and this year has made a hot cross bun flavoured beer.

The selection reflects what organisers describe as an East End feel this year, with several breweries travelling from east London.

That said, all participating brewers are based within around 40 miles of Old Windsor, keeping the focus on local producers.

There will also be two beers created by Windsor & Eton Brewery, giving regular customers something new to try over the Easter period.

Visitors can expect a wide selection of craft ales and ciders, alongside wine, prosecco and soft drinks.

As in previous years, the organisers will offer tasters and will keep going until you find something you enjoy.

Each ticket includes a branded pint glass, with a new violet logo design introduced for 2026.

The event will again be held inside the memorial hall, where long trestle tables are set out to create a social atmosphere.

The weekend begins with an Acoustic Friday session from 6pm to 11pm on March 27, featuring live music from a local musician performing well-known covers.

Saturdays day session runs from 12pm to 5pm on March 28 and is marked as The Saturday Social, aimed at those keen to meet brewers and explore the full offering in more detail.

The third and last session is on Saturday evening from 6pm to 11pm.

Hot food will be available throughout the event from the Old Windsor-based Cross Keys BBQ team, alongside bar snacks.

Organisers describe themselves as a group of beer lovers who want to provide a safe and inclusive festival for all that celebrates and gives back to the community.

It operates as a non-profit, with proceeds supporting local groups and charities. Since launching, more than 5,000 has been donated.

Part of this years ticket income will also support the Trussell Trust, which runs a nationwide network of food banks and campaigns to end food poverty in the UK.

The event is for over-18s, with no children or dogs permitted. Drinks and food will be card-only purchases.

Tickets cost 11 per session and are available in advance plus booking fees.

The Saturday night session is sold out but there are tickets available for the Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Even where sessions have not sold out, there will limited availability on the door, the events FAQ says.

Purchase tickets in advance at: tinyurl.com/old-windsor-beerfest-2026
THE father of a boy with a severe muscle wasting condition said waiting more than a year for regulatory approval of a drug to slow its progression has left him broken.

Alex Clarke, 49, said the wait in providing his son Ben, 12, access to the givinostat drug could be costing precious time in the race to prolong his mobility.

Ben, who attends Gillotts School in Henley, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) aged four, after his family noticed him falling over.

The illness, which primarily effects boys, causes significant muscle weakness and means that Ben will eventually lose the ability to move independently.

Givinostat works by reducing inflammation and fibrosis in muscle tissues, promoting muscle regeneration and potentially slowing disease progression.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said its appraisal of the drug would be paused until at least April, when changes to its cost-effectiveness measures come into effect.

The delay has left children like Ben, who are eligible for the treatment but unable to access it through their hospital trust, with more uncertainty.

Mr Clarke said he worried by the time the drug is available to Ben, he may no longer be eligible.

He said: I think its a real blight on Oxford [Trust], what is supposed to be a centre of excellence, particularly in paediatric neurology, that they are not delivering this drug to our boys.

There are 21 other trusts which are delivering the early access programme and allowing boys and families with boys like Ben with Duchenne access to this medication.

The drug has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as being safe and having a positive effect in delaying the onset of some of the later symptoms of Duchenne like keeping them on their feet for longer and increasing the time to loss of ambulation.

Im just worried that you get to a point where it takes so long and Ben is then not eligible because he cant walk anymore and the drug is not approved for a non-ambulant boy. The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of three trusts which have opted not to roll out the programme.

The trust, which provides paediatric neurology care for the Thames Valley area, has blamed cost pressures within the NHS for this decision. Instead, it insists families wait for a positive NICE appraisal.

Charity Duchenne UK, along with Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo, has supported Mr Clarkes campaign to pressure the trust to reverse its decision.

The charity says the refusal of some trusts to offer the treatment through the Early Access Programme has created a postcode lottery which is extremely unfair.

The drug was deemed safe and effective by MHRA in December 2024 and Mr Clarke said positive results have been observed in participants of the Early Access Programme in other parts of the country.

It is available to boys aged over six with a DMD diagnosis who are still ambulant and are able to stand from the floor within 10 seconds.

Mr Clarke said he and other families still waiting for access worry what effect the delay will have on their sons chance at slowing the progression of symptoms. He said: Ben is turning 13 this year, he was 11 when this whole campaign started. This is a pivotal point in Bens life. Boys between the age of eight and 12 generally start to lose ambulation or lose ambulation altogether.

Over the last year we have seen Ben get weaker and we have seen Ben decline and we have seen him finding it more difficult to get off the floor and we have seen him finding it more difficult to climb any stairs.

The latest NICE delay comes three months after it announced its verdict would be paused to allow commercial negotiations between ITF Pharma and NHS England.

Mr Clarke said it adds to what has been a traumatic experience for his family. He said: It has taken a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of emotional input into corresponding regularly and then constantly being pushed back.

The impact on me as a person is that it has got me to the point where I am broken and I dont think I can fight any longer.

Mr van Mierlo said he had written several times to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on expediting the availability of treatment and called for a complete root and branch reform of how medicines become available. He added: It is devastating for [parents]. To know that a safe and effective medicine exists and is denied to your child is not a position any parent would want to imagine.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was preparing to provide staffing support for once the drug is commissioned by NHSE.

Professor Andrew Brent, chief medical officer at the trust, said: We recognise the impact that Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy has on those affected and on their families. We have met several times with Mr Clarke, and we understand and sympathise with the case that he and other families are making for universal access to Givinostat for boys with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy.

Like the wider NHS, our trust needs to manage competing demands within our allocated finances. Givinostat has not yet been approved by NICE and we have not been funded for the increased service capacity required locally to deliver Givinostat safely and sustainably. We hope that NICE will be able to make a positive recommendation for Givinostat use in the NHS very soon.
Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference gets underway in S China's Hainan

14:46, March 24, 2026 By Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online

A scene from the BFA Annual Conference 2026 press conference in Boao, south China's Hainan. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2026 Annual Conference officially opened on Tuesday, March 24, in Boao, south China's Hainan province, with a press conference outlining the event's agenda, themes, and key participants.

BFA Secretary-General Zhang Jun described this year's gathering as high level, broad participation, and strong representation. Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the plenary session, alongside meetings with global leaders, business representatives, and BFA board members.

Other prominent participants include Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Azerbaijani National Assembly Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, and Kazakhstan First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Minseok will address the forum via video link.

Around 2,000 delegates from more than 60 countries and regions are attending, along with over 1,100 journalists from about 150 media outlets. Participants include policymakers, former leaders of international and regional organizations, business executives, and scholars.

Zhang Jun, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, makes opening remarks at the BFA Annual Conference 2026 press conference in Boao, south China's Hainan. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

This year's theme, "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation," reflects both the profound transformations and growing uncertainties facing the world. Zhang said the forum aims to send a clear message that while challenges persist, opportunities remain, and cooperation is essential to building a better future and a community with a shared future for humanity.

More than 50 events are scheduled, organized around four main areas. The first focuses on global trends, including economic uncertainty, global trade shifts, climate governance, and the role of Global South countries. The second centers on regional cooperation, with discussions on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Asia-Pacific integration, and cross-border payment systems.

The third highlights innovation and transformation, covering topics such as industrial upgrading, humanoid robotics, artificial intelligence in healthcare, green development, and the blue economy. The fourth emphasizes partnerships and inclusive development, with sessions on corporate strategy, ESG, and the role of young entrepreneurs.

Zhang Jun, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, makes opening remarks at the BFA Annual Conference 2026 press conference in Boao, south China's Hainan. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

China's development outlook remains a key focus. This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan and a new phase for the Hainan Free Trade Port. Sessions such as "China Economic Outlook" and "Invest in China, Share the Future" aim to highlight opportunities for investment and cooperation.

Two flagship reports were also released: the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report and the Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report. They note that despite global challenges, Asian economies continue to demonstrate resilience and contribute significantly to global growth and trade.

The reports emphasize that multilateralism, economic globalization, and sustainable development remain important forces. They call for deeper regional integration, greater innovation, green transition efforts, and stronger cooperation to address global challenges.

Zhang expressed confidence that Asian economies can achieve high-quality development and play a leading role in the Asian Century, provided countries maintain unity, confidence, and a commitment to cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Wu Chengliang)
China urges Japan to correct mistakes to enable normal economic, trade cooperation

Xinhua) 16:59, March 26, 2026

BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes to pave the way for normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian emphasized that China remains committed to high-standard opening up and is dedicated to building a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class business environment.

The spokesperson cited the latest survey by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, which shows that Japanese enterprises operating in China generally report sound business conditions, maintain high satisfaction with China's business environment, and plan to continue deepening their presence in the Chinese market.

The spokesperson said that stable and healthy economic and trade relations between China and Japan serve the shared interests of both peoples.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
China remains predictable partner in turbulent world

09:40, March 26, 2026 By He Yin ( People's Daily

A recent article by a German media outlet observed that, in a world marked by turbulence and frequent conflicts, China is shaping the image of a "predictable partner" by committing to stability and advocating cooperation.

At a time when "uncertainty" has become a defining word of the era, the international community's view of China as a "predictable partner" reflects strong recognition of China's stability and growth potential, and highlights the global significance of China's governance and development.

"Predictability" stems from policy continuity and efficient governance. The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress recently adopted the National Development Planning Law, providing a solid legal framework for science-based formulation and effective implementation of national development plans.

This move has drawn widespread international attention. Overseas observers believe that China has "institutionalized in legal form a system proven to be effective," ensuring the stability and predictability of its development while boosting confidence among global businesses to increase investment in China.

From the first Five-Year Plan to the 14th Five-Year Plan, China has consistently pursued long-term development with clear strategic planning and firm implementation. This "delivering on its promises" approach provides partners with stable expectations for cooperation.

"Predictability" also arises from the consistency and sense of responsibility in China's foreign policy. China has long embraced the ideal of pursuing the common good of humanity. Against the backdrop of intensifying global conflicts and competition, China remains committed to building a community with a shared future for humanity and to following a path of peaceful development.

China will never take the beaten path of seeking hegemony as its strength grows, nor does it subscribe to the logic that the world can be run by major countries. Instead, it advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. It upholds a global governance philosophy based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and steers global governance reform following the principles of fairness, justice, openness and inclusiveness.

No matter how the international landscape evolves, China continues to act with the responsibility and commitment of a major country, contributing reliable strength to a turbulent world and remaining firmly a predictable partner committed to upholding international order and opposing destabilizing policies.

"Predictability" is further rooted in the certainty China brings to the world through its own development. Over the past five years, China's economy has grown at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent, contributing around 30 percent to global economic growth. Through steady development and pragmatic cooperation, China continues to generate positive momentum.

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan charts an ambitious vision for high-quality development -- from fostering new quality productive forces, to enhancing digital and intelligent development, and to expanding high-standard opening up. China will continue to work with all parties to complement each other's strengths, share opportunities, and achieve mutual development through deeper integration of interests.

As Luz Maria de la Mora, Director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, noted: "As the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer, China is committed to high-level opening up and creates more predictable and diversified opportunities for global businesses." Her remarks exactly mirror a broad international consensus.

At its core, China's "predictability" is grounded in a consistent value orientation: improving the lives of its people. China seeks a stable external environment for development and aims to make the world a better place through its own progress. The belief that "China will do well only when the world does well, and vice versa" underscores China's enduring commitment to the well-being of humanity. With a broad vision and a strong sense of responsibility, China remains steadfast as a force for peace, stability, and justice in the world.

"Predictability" means reliability and reassurance, especially at critical moments. China will continue to stand firmly on the right side of history, contributing steady momentum to global development through its own progress and offering stability in a time of profound global change. It will remain a consistently stable, reliable, and constructive force in an increasingly uncertain world.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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In Brief: Whitbread, the UK's largest hospitality company, is set to increase its footprint in Ireland with a new 156-room Premier Inn hotel at the culturally significant Limerick Opera Square.

Whitbread to Open 156-Room Premier Inn at Limerick Opera Square - Image Credit Whitbread

Whitbread PLC has announced plans to build, operate, and own a 156-room Premier Inn hotel at the Opera Square development in Limerick, Ireland.

Whitbread PLC, parent company of Premier Inn, has acquired a site at the corner of Ellen Street and Patrick Street in Limericks Opera Square for a 156-bedroom Premier Inn hotel. The hotel will be built, operated, and owned by Whitbread following the site acquisition from Limerick Twenty Thirty. The project is part of Whitbreads plan to develop a network of 5,000 Premier Inn hotel rooms across Ireland.

The Limerick Premier Inn will be the first private investment in the Opera Square development. The planned seven-storey hotel will offer a mix of Standard and Premier Plus bedrooms, as well as a free-to-use ground-floor lounge space for business and leisure travelers. The hotels opening is subject to an amendment to a pre-existing planning permission. Whitbread is expected to submit a planning application to Limerick City and County Council before the summer. Pending approval, construction could begin in 2027.

Whitbread currently operates six Premier Inn hotels in Dublin and Cork, totaling more than 1,000 guest bedrooms, with an additional six hotels and 1,000 guest rooms in development. The Opera Square hotel will expand Premier Inns presence to Limerick, Irelands third-largest city.

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The Opera Square development is part of a broader urban regeneration project led by Limerick Twenty Thirty. Whitbread expects the new Premier Inn hotel to accommodate around 60,000 guests annually, based on the average occupancy of its trading hotels. In Limerick, Premier Inn expects to employ approximately 30 permanent team members, with recruitment focused within the city and county. All team members will be employed directly by Whitbread.

Premier Inns expansion in Ireland began with the acquisition of its first Dublin hotel location at Georges Street, Dublin 2, in 2019. Following subsequent openings in Dublin and Cork, the company increased its network target from 3,500 to 5,000 rooms across Ireland in May 2025, identifying more than 10 regional cities and towns for future locations, alongside further expansion in Dublin.

The Opera Square development includes plans for a civic plaza, city library, hotel, office accommodation, and housing within Georgian buildings. The Premier Inn hotel is one of the anchor developments in this project.
In Brief: Cloudbeds' latest report highlights the challenges independent hotels face in 2026, including narrowing profit margins, evolving traveler behaviors, and the growing dominance of OTAs in the hospitality sector.

Cloudbeds 2026 State of Independent Hotels Report Reveals Tightening Margins, Shifting Traveler Behavior, and Rising OTA Dominance - Image Credit Cloudbeds

Drawing on 90 million bookings across 180 countries, the industry's most comprehensive annual benchmark documents occupancy softening, deepening OTA dependence, and sharp regional splits alongside signals of emerging opportunity

Cloudbeds, the intelligent unified platform powering hotel growth, today released data findings from its 2026 State of Independent Hotels Report, the fourth annual edition of the hospitality industrys definitive benchmark for independent hotel performance. Compiled from 90 million bookings spanning tens of thousands of properties in 180 countries, the report delivers a detailed quantitative view of 2025 performance across global independent hotel markets.

The central finding is one of accelerating divergence. Across key performance metrics, independent hotels lost ground relative to OTAs in 2025. Yet the data also surfaces regional bright spots and behavioral shifts that point to meaningful opportunity for operators who respond strategically.

"2025 told many different stories for Independent hotels, and that divergence is only the beginning, said Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds. With AI reshaping discovery, OTA dependence deepening, and margin pressure mounting, independent lodging has never needed clarity more. This report gives operators the sharpest view yet of the forces reshaping their market and most importantly, it provides a path forward."

Key Findings: 2025 Performance at a Glance

The reports analysis of 2025 traveler booking behavior surfaces seven structural shifts with direct implications for independent operators:

Demand softened across independent hotels. Global occupancy slipped 0.6% year over year, while ADR and RevPAR declined 5.8% and 5.4% respectively, a stark contrast to branded hotel performance over the same period.

Regional performance split sharply. EMEA was the lone bright spot, with ADR rising 6.0% and RevPAR advancing 3.9%. Asia Pacific recorded the steepest declines: ADR fell 16.2% and RevPAR dropped 17.5%. North America posted modest declines overall, though Canada outperformed with RevPAR growth of 6.0%, while the U.S. declined 4.4%.

OTA dependence deepened. OTA share of independent hotel bookings rose to 63.4%, with some markets approaching 80%. OTA cancellation rates hit 21.8%, more than double the 10.6% rate for direct bookings.

Booking windows lengthened. Travelers booked an average of 40 days in advance in 2025, up from 38 days in 2023, with North America and EMEA leading at 48 and 47 days, respectively.

Cancellation lead times grew. The average cancellation window expanded to 39 days, up from 35 in 2023; providing operators with greater advance notice and a wider opportunity to resell inventory.

Short stays continue to dominate. More than two-thirds of bookings were one to two nights, though bookings of 7 nights surged 25% year over year, signaling emerging extended-stay demand.

The full report includes regional performance breakdowns, country spotlights, booking behavior analysis, and expanded trend analysis with actionable recommendations for independent operators.

Report Availability

The State of Independent Hotels Report 2026 is available for download at: https://www.cloudbeds.com/hospitality-industry-report/

About Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is hospitalitys only intelligent growth engine  a unified platform trusted by the worlds most ambitious hoteliers across 150 countries. Built to challenge the limits of outdated tech stacks, Cloudbeds connects operations, revenue, distribution, and guest experience in one powerful, intuitive system. The platform is enhanced with Signals, a hospitality AI model giving hoteliers the power to anticipate demand, run smarter operations, and craft more personal, profitable guest journeys at scale. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has earned top honors from Hotel Tech Report (Top PMS, Hotel Management System, and Channel Manager, 20212026), the World Travel Awards (Worlds Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider, 2022), and Deloittes Technology Fast 500 (2024).
In Brief: HVS India explores how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are influencing India's hospitality sector, discussing potential challenges and strategies for navigating this uncertain landscape.

The Middle East Crisis and Its Effect on Indias Hospitality Industry - Image Credit Pexels

Global travel is being reshaped once again, as the Middle East crisis disrupts aviation networks and reshapes how and where people choose to travel, but demand rarely disappears, it simply evolves. For India, this moment presents a strategic opportunity to capture shifting flows, strengthen domestic leisure, and position itself as a safe global destination. Read more to find out.

Geopolitical tensions across the Middle East have once again brought uncertainty to global travel, disrupting aviation networks and influencing traveler sentiment. While such crises are not new, their impact today is amplified by the regions critical role as a global transit hub linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Globally, the immediate impact has been visible in-flight cancellations, rerouted air corridors, and rising fuel costs. Airlines are operating longer routes to avoid conflict zones, increasing travel time and cost, while higher crude oil prices are translating into elevated airfares. At a time when long-haul travel was steadily recovering, this added a new layer of friction to international mobility.

Since the escalation of hostilities in late February 2026, more than 40,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled or rerouted, according to aviation analytics provider Cirium. At major regional hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, significant disruptions have been reported, with airlines rapidly adjusting schedules and capacity. In several cases, airlines have also suspended flights to key Gulf destinations entirely, while others have begun rerouting aircraft along longer paths that bypass closed airspace across Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the Gulf. These adjustments increase fuel consumption, extend flight times, and raise operating costs for carriers, highlighting how quickly geopolitical developments can ripple through the global aviation network.

What is equally noteworthy is that despite the sector having endured an unprecedented disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently committing to stronger crisis preparedness, the current situation has exposed clear gaps in execution. Even with significant investments in digital infrastructure, automation, and AI-led systems, airlines have struggled to manage large-scale operational disruptions smoothly. Reports of stranded passengers facing long wait times, limited communication, and challenges in rebooking highlight that the sectors response mechanisms remain under stress. This raises an important point of introspection for the industry, particularly given earlier assertions that it was better equipped to handle future disruptions.

Rising fuel costs add to travel friction

The disruption has been compounded by rising energy prices and aviation turbine fuel costs, forcing airlines around the world to adjust ticket prices and introduce additional surcharges. Brent crude prices have surged past USD 100 per barrel, raising concerns across the global aviation industry where fuel can account for 30% to 40% of airline operating costs.

In India, multiple carriers have already implemented fuel surcharges across domestic and international routes to offset these rising costs. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have introduced additional charges ranging roughly between INR 199 and INR 1,300 per ticket depending on distance and route, directly passing a portion of the higher fuel costs to passengers. For travelers, this translates into an immediate increase in airfare, particularly on long haul routes where fuel constitutes a significant share of operating costs.

Global uncertainty, a strategic opportunity for India?

For India, the implications extend beyond aviation. Higher energy prices and supply-side uncertainties could impact sectors such as logistics, petrochemicals, and trade-linked industries, which in turn influence corporate travel demand. As companies recalibrate costs and defer non-essential travel, business travel may see some moderation in the near term.

At the same time, shifting global travel patterns could redirect demand. As travelers reassess long-haul itineraries, some demand may shift toward destinations that remain operationally stable and accessible. This creates a potential opportunity for India, alongside Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam, to capture incremental international demand. While India may not be a direct substitute for traditional Mediterranean or Gulf leisure circuits, the shift presents an opportunity that can be strategically leveraged. Additionally, the current environment also presents a clear opportunity for India to emerge as a stronger MICE destination. With world-class convention infrastructure now in place, India is well-positioned to capture demand that may shift away from established hubs such as Dubai.

India also holds a unique trifecta advantage in this context: geopolitical neutrality, unmatched cultural and geographic diversity, and a well-established luxury hospitality ecosystem that continues to expand across metros and leisure destinations. However, this shift in global demand will not happen organically. It requires deliberate national positioning and coordinated action. The country must now actively market itself internationally as a safe and stable travel destination more aggressively than ever before. A renewed Incredible India 2.0 campaign, focused on safety, accessibility, and experiential diversity, deployed through targeted global outreach, can play a pivotal role in repositioning the country. The objective should be clear: to move from being an alternative destination to becoming a preferred default for long-haul travel into Asia.

Domestic travel to gain further momentum

In many ways, the current environment is reshaping how people choose to travel rather than suppressing demand altogether, with current circumstances already encouraging travelers to stay closer to home.

Indias domestic tourism market remains a key strength and is likely to play an even more defining role in the current environment. While the country is presently in a relatively lean travel period, the approaching summer holiday season could amplify a clear behavioral shift. With ongoing uncertainty around international travel, a growing segment of Indian travelers is expected to pivot toward domestic destinations, reinforcing the sectors already strong demand base.

This shift is likely to be particularly pronounced among upper-middle and affluent travelers, who may substitute outbound holidays with domestic luxury leisure experiences. As a result, the summer season could see a meaningful rise in leisure market ARRs across established resort destinations, supported by stronger demand concentration and sustained pricing power.

Short-haul and road travel set to increase

Another clear trend is the growing appeal of short-haul and road-based travel. As airfares increase, travelers are likely to favor destinations within driving distance of major cities. Indias national highway network has expanded significantly over the past decade, supporting stronger demand for regional leisure destinations, hill stations, pilgrimage circuits, and emerging boutique markets located within driving distance of major metropolitan centers. As long-haul travel becomes more expensive, these accessible destinations are likely to see sustained demand.

For hotels, the impact will be mixed. While cost pressures, particularly on energy and logistics, may affect margins, demand fundamentals remain intact. Leisure destinations within driving distance of key metros could outperform, while business hotels may experience some moderation in corporate demand in the short term.

At a policy and industry level, this moment calls for coordinated and accelerated structural action. Industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Hotel Association of India (HAI), and state tourism boards must work in closer alignment with the government to fast-track long-pending reforms.

The broader takeaway is that tourism rarely disappears during periods of global uncertainty. Instead, it evolves. Destinations shift, travel durations change, transportation choices adapt to new economic realities, and cost considerations may play a more prominent role in decision-making.

For India, this moment is not just about navigating disruption, but about stepping into opportunity. As global travel demand recalibrates, there is a clear window to capture demand shifting away from the Middle East and towards Southeast Asia, strengthen its position as a credible MICE hub, and deepen its already robust domestic travel base. As echoed at the HOPE Conference in Goa earlier this year, the industry recognized that India stands at a critical inflection point and must proactively convert this moment into a structural shift in global tourism flows toward the country, not merely absorb displaced demand but fundamentally reposition itself within the global travel ecosystem. In an increasingly fragmented travel landscape, the destinations that move quickly and strategically will emerge stronger, and for Indias hospitality sector, this is not just a phase to manage, but a moment to lead as global travel routes and preferences continue to evolve.

Mandeep S. Lamba, President  South Asia, oversees the HVS practice in South Asia. Mandeep has spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry having worked with International Hotel Companies such as Choice Hotels, IHG and Radisson Hotels before becoming President for ITC Fortune Hotels in 2001. Having successfully built the Fortune brand in Indias mid-scale hospitality sector, Mandeep ventured into an entrepreneurial stint for over 8 years, setting up JV companies with Dawnay Day Group UK and Onyx Hospitality Thailand before joining JLL in 2014, as Managing Director, Hotels & Hospitality Group  South Asia. An established industry leader, Mandeep has won several awards and recognitions for his accomplishments. Recently, he was featured in the Hotelier India Power List of the most respected hoteliers in India for the second year in a row. Contact Mandeep at +91 981 1306 161 or mlamba@hvs.com.

Dipti Mohan, Senior Manager - Research with HVS South Asia, is a seasoned knowledge professional with extensive experience in research-based content creation. She has authored several point of view documents such as thought leadership reports, expert opinion articles, white papers and research reports. Contact Dipti at dmohan@hvs.com.

Dhwani Gupta, Associate - Research with HVS South Asia, studied literature for her undergraduate and believes that you can do anything with the right amount of research. After graduating, she pursued a course in Management and Liberal Arts which gave her a wider perspective of the world. As a result, the more difficult a topic is, the more fun she has writing it. Contact Dhwani at dgupta@hvs.com

Source: View the original article at HVS.
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MCLA Green Living Seminar to Explore the Church's Role in Addressing the Climate Crisis

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the next installment of its Green Living Seminar Series on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.

The presentation is free and open to the public and will be recorded and available at mcla.edu/greenliving

Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, author of "Climate Church, Climate World," will present "How the Church Can Engage with the Urgent Moral Crisis of Climate Change."

The talk will explore the history of the Church's ecological concern, the shifts needed for religious leaders to harness the power of faith to restore the natural world, and how congregations can remain political without becoming partisan, stated a press release. Rev. Dr. Antal will also address how communities of faith can respond to the rise of Christian Nationalism, the importance of proclaiming truth in the face of climate denial, and how individuals and institutions can embrace grief, acknowledge discontinuity, and accept their vocation in this moment.

Rev. Dr. Antal serves as Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the head of the United Church of Christ. During his tenure leading the 350 UCC churches in Massachusetts, he preached on the climate crisis in more than 400 settings.

MCLA's Green Living Seminar Series brings environmental experts, scholars, and practitioners to campus throughout the academic year to engage students and community members in conversations about sustainability, ecology, and our relationship with the natural world.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest Galaxy A series devices that bring Samsungs newest mobile innovations  including enriched Awesome Intelligence  to more users worldwide. The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsungs commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks. Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G strengthen the experiences users rely on every day with upgrades to performance, camera and display, alongside durability and security features. With up to six generations of OS upgrades and long-term security support, the new Galaxy A series is built to last. Leading the lineup is Galaxy A57 5G, featuring a slimmer, more refined design and upgraded AI-powered capabilities that make it the most powerful Galaxy A series device yet.

The new Galaxy A series reflects our continued commitment to AI democratization by bringing the latest innovations to more Galaxy users, said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. With Samsungs fundamental capabilities combined with enriched Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will deliver reliable everyday performance to users around the world and drive rapid AI expansion.

Enriched Awesome Intelligence Designed for Everyday Life

Through the latest One UI 8.5, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G extend Samsungs latest AI innovations to more users, with Awesome Intelligence that helps people get more things done with ease while unlocking new ways to create and stay productive.

Voice Transcription is new to the Voice Recorder app, making it easier to revisit important details from meetings, lectures or calls by quickly transcribing and translating call recordings or turning voicemail audio into text. AI Select is easier to access with a long press on the Edge Panel, surfacing relevant actions directly on the screen to extract text or create content without manually selecting items. AI Select also supports Drag & Drop in Multi-Window layout, allowing users to easily move images into Samsung Notes or Photo Editor for faster editing and improved productivity.

Awesome Intelligence makes everyday photo editing easier than ever. Object Eraser now delivers more natural results when removing unwanted distractions, like a passerby in the background or clutter in a cafe. On Galaxy A57 5G, Best Face supports more photos and continuous shooting, making it easier to capture the perfect group photos where everyone looks their best. Fan favorite tools like Filters and Edit Suggestions help users quickly refine and share moments without extra effort, while Galaxy A57 5G also features Auto Trim for even easier video editing.

Circle to Search with Google adds multi-object recognition so users can easily explore multiple items in an image at once  from an outfit to surrounding accessories  all in one search.

The new Galaxy A series expands Awesome Intelligence experiences with a choice of agents designed to simplify everyday tasks from search to organizing plans or easily adjusting settings. As a conversational device agent, upgraded Bixby lets users intuitively control Galaxy settings and features using natural language, while Gemini navigates complex tasks across native Galaxy apps and select third-party apps to support faster, more intuitive interactions.

Awesome Camera to Capture Clearer Photos and Videos, Day or Night

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into mobile experiences, camera performance remains essential to delivering the everyday usability and satisfaction users expect.

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G deliver brighter, clearer visuals powered by the upgraded camera hardware and an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP). The devices feature a versatile triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor, delivering sharp, detailed images across a wide range of lighting conditions without the need for manual adjustments.

When the lights go down, the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G camera adapts seamlessly with improved Nightography, capturing clear and true-to-life photos and videos even in low light conditions.

Galaxy A57 5G takes photography a step further with enhanced image processing that sharpens detail and reduces noise for even clearer, more vibrant results. It delivers rich contrast and balanced color even in challenging light, while with a faster shutter speed, users can instantly capture fleeting moments faster and with improved clarity.

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G also benefit from AI-based subject recognition and scene optimization to balance portraits, preserve natural skin tones and create clearer background separation. When the moment calls for a wider perspective, the ultra-wide lens captures more in every group photo or landscape view, while the 5MP macro camera reveals fine details up close for added creative flexibility.

Performance for Streaming and Multitasking

Galaxy A57 5G delivers the best of both design and performance, combining upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU to deliver improved performance with its sleek and light form. Built for smooth streaming, scrolling and content creation, its refined design features a glossy finish and distinctive triple-camera island for a standout modern look that feels comfortable in-hand.

Despite its slimmer profile, Galaxy A57 5G packs powerful performance. Its 5,000mAh battery supports up to two days of use  powering everything from filming and editing to viewing on the go. Slimmer bezels and a bright Super AMOLED + display with Vision Booster ensure an immersive, clear viewing experience indoors and outside.

Built for everyday use, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, adding durability in real-world environments and offering users peace of mind when accidents happen.

Long-Term Support and Foundational Security

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G reinforce Samsungs commitment to device longevity, offering up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, along with up to six years of security updates  giving users the confidence to rely on their device for years to come.

Samsung provides a fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice with Knox Vault, a hardware-based, tamper-resistant security solution. Galaxy A series offers users holistic protection through innovative security and privacy features including Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, Private Sharing, Theft Protection as well as the new Private Album, a Gallery feature that allows users to lock away personal media quickly and easily. Unlike traditional safeguards, the latest A series devices also proactively notify users about potential risks with Privacy Alerts, which are intelligent notifications that offer clearer insight and control over location permissions or suspicious monitoring of sensitive data. Together, these enhancements make security feel as intuitive as the rest of the experience, making device protection easier than ever for everyone.

Availability

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G is now available in Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Galaxy A57 5G will be offered in Awesome Navy, Awesome Gray, Awesome Icyblue and Awesome Lilac, while Galaxy A37 5G comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, and Awesome White. For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage optimized to users' device needs, including tailored benefits that protect the devices value.

Every purchase comes with a free travel adapter (worth P1,190) and phone case (worth P990), alongside two-year Samsung Care+ warranty for total peace of mind. And for a limited time only, you can get the 256GB variant at an additional P1,500 off! That's up to P5,170 worth of savings.

Looking to upgrade to the Galaxy ecosystem? Take 40% off the Galaxy Fit3, Watch8, Buds3 FE, and Buds Core with every purchase of the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 5G too.

Offers valid until June 30 only*. For more information on the latest Galaxy A series devices, please visit:

Galaxy A57 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA57-PR

Galaxy A37 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA37-PR

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-252295, 251225, and 251388 series of 2026
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Donald Trump will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on 14-15 May, more than a month later than initially planned.

The US president was scheduled to visit China on 31 March but postponed the trip after launching a war against Iran jointly with Israel. The forthcoming visit will be the first to China by a US president in almost a decade.

I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, Im sure, a Monumental Event, Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform after announcing the new dates.

He also said the Chinese president would make a visit to Washington later this year.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the schedule, saying Mr Xi "understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout these combat operations right now.

Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House ( Getty )

The US and Israel went to war with Iran on 28 February, conducting heavy airstrikes that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with several members of his family and a number of political and military leaders. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and American military and economic interests across the Gulf and closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime trade route, sparking a global fuel crisis.

Asked whether the war would be over by the time of Mr Trumps visit, Ms Leavitt said Washington had "always estimated approximately four to six weeks, so you can do the math on that.

Mr Trump told reporters last week he was pushing the Beijing visit back "five or six weeks," adding that China was "fine with it.

Beijing was yet to confirm the dates. Its foreign ministry said earlier this month it was in talks with Washington over the timing.

The postponement of Mr Trumps visit added a new layer of complexity to an already strained relationship between the US and China, marked by trade friction, technology competition and geopolitical rivalry.

In February, the US Supreme Court struck down many of Mr Trumps sweeping emergency tariffs, removing a significant source of leverage ahead of what were supposed to be trade-focused talks.

Mr Trumps joint war with Israel against Iran then introduced a fresh point of tension with Beijing, Tehrans most important oil buyer. China imported around 12 million barrels a day of Iranian oil in the first two months of this year.

After Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Trump sought Chinas assistance in reopening the waterway and told the Financial Times he wanted an answer from Beijing before his visit. The request was rebuffed. The Chinese foreign ministry described head-of-state diplomacy as playing an "irreplaceable" role in guiding bilateral ties, but did not directly respond to Mr Trump's appeal on the opening strait.

Chinese state media struck a conciliatory tone ahead of Mr Trumps visit. A Global Times editorial published on Thursday said the long absence of a US presidential trip was "abnormal and shouldnt be the case.

Both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," the editorial added.

The last US presidential visit to China was in November 2017 during Mr Trump's first term. The US president last met Mr Xi in November at the Apec summit in South Korea.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko signed a new cooperation treaty in Pyongyang on Thursday, marking the start of what Minsk described as a fundamentally new stage in relations.

The agreement was concluded during Mr Lukashenkos first ever visit to North Korea. The two-day trip began on Wednesday with a state ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square, according to North Korean and Belarusian state media.

The visit deepens North Koreas alignment with Belarus and Russia amid the war in Ukraine.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops, along with artillery shells, missiles and rocket systems, to aid the Russian war effort in Ukraine. In return, its getting financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies, helping reduce reliance on China, its longstanding backer.

Belarus, a strategic ally of Moscow, hosts Russian forces, missiles and, reportedly, drones for use against Ukraine.

South Koreas unification ministry said it expected the talks between Mr Kim and Mr Lukashenko had focused largely on economic cooperation, but also views the trip as part of a broader effort to reinforce Pyongyangs ties to Belarus and Russia.

Both Pyongyang and Minsk are subject to extensive Western sanctions. While North Korea faces restrictions linked to its nuclear weapons and missile programmes and its support for the Russian war effort, Belarus is under sanctions for its role in the Ukraine conflict and its crackdown on dissent following the disputed 2020 election.

North Korea and Belarus established relations in 1992 and, three years later, set up a joint trade and economic cooperation committee that was reactivated last year. North Korea maintains an embassy in Belarus, although Minsk doesnt have one in Pyongyang.

open image in gallery Kim Jong Un and Alexander Lukashenko attend a welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang ( AFP via Getty )

The friendly relations between our states, which originated back in the days of the Soviet Union, have never been interrupted. Today, as a result of comprehensive progressive development, were transitioning to a fundamentally new stage, Mr Lukashenko told Mr Kim, according to Belarusian state news agency Belta. Belatedly, but nevertheless, we are transitioning to a new stage.

Mr Kim described the newly signed agreement as a foundation for future ties, Yonhap reported. The new interstate treaty will serve as a legal foundation that will further guarantee the stable development of bilateral relations, he said.

Mr Lukashenko characterised the document as fundamental, adding that it clearly and openly sets forth the goals and principles of interaction between the two countries, and defines the institutional framework for future mutually beneficial processes.

The visit, Belarusian media noted, was meant to identify key areas of mutual interest and the most promising projects for implementation. It was expected to produce about 10 additional agreements spanning sectors including education, culture and sport, the Belarusian president said, according to the Korea Herald.

Ceremonial events dominated the first day of the trip.

According to the news agency KCNA, Mr Kim gladly met Mr Lukashenko and warmly welcomed him with a 21-gun salute, military honours, and crowds of citizens waving national flags.

The Belarusian leader reviewed an honour guard by the army and watched a goose-stepping parade by soldiers alongside his host.

open image in gallery Kim Jong Un and Alexander Lukashenko attend an official ceremony in Pyongyang on 25 March 2026 ( AP )

Mr Lukashenko was accompanied by a delegation that included ministers for foreign affairs, public health, education, and industry as well as deputy prime minister Yuri Shuleiko.

The Belarusian leader visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of North Koreas former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state, and laid a floral tribute and a bouquet sent by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

He later joined Mr Kim at Liberation Tower, where they observed a moment of silence in memory of the fallen fighters of the Soviet army who dedicated their precious lives to the sacred war for Koreas liberation, referring to the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945.

Mr Kim met Mr Lukashenko in Beijing last September and extended the invitation for a visit. In a letter sent earlier this month, KCNA reported, the North Korean leader told the European leader that he was willing to expand and develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation to a new, higher stage in line with the demands of the new era.

Mr Lukashenko responded that Minsk affirms it has an interest in actively expanding political and economic ties with Pyongyang at all levels.
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The last time Rithaika Sri Omtri spoke to her mother, she complained of a headache. It had started a few days earlier. Persistent, unusual and easy to dismiss. Then came the tingling in her fingers. Soon, she was in a coma.

Her head was constantly hurting, Omtris mother, Rachana Gangu, recalls in an interview with The Independent. She was throwing up, it wouldnt stop.

By the time doctors at a hospital in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad performed an MRI, it was too late.

She had a massive brain haemorrhage. The stroke was so intense that within hours she was slipping away, Gangu says. The doctors couldnt do anything.

Omtri fell ill at the start of June 2021, as India rolled out its first vaccine against Covid-19. Her symptoms began a couple of days after she received the jab developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, marketed in India as Covishield. A few weeks later, on 20 June 2021, Omtri was gone.

Severe adverse events like Omtris were incredibly rare across Indias gargantuan Covid vaccination drive. Of the 2.2 billion doses administered in the country, there were only 2,782 reported cases of side effects that developed into severe illness  the equivalent of roughly one in 800,000. The number in which a person died following immunisation was even smaller  just 1,171 cases.

But those figures are no consolation for the families like Omtris consumed not only by grief, but also a years-long struggle for recognition, answers and accountability  one that finally culminated this month in a landmark order by Indias Supreme Court.

The court has directed the Indian government to create a system for patients or their families to receive compensation for serious adverse events following Covid vaccinations. The no-fault framework would not require families to prove negligence, or for the state or healthcare providers to admit wrongdoing.

India does not appear to have any uniform or structured policy mechanism to provide redress to individuals who suffer adverse effects following vaccination, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta observed in their ruling.

This gap cannot be lightly overlooked, particularly when vaccination programmes are undertaken as public health measures under the aegis and authority of the state itself. The concern becomes all the more pressing in the context of the Covid pandemic, when immunisation was carried out on an unprecedented scale as a collective societal necessity.

For families like Gangus, however, the key question remains unresolved: even if compensation is eventually paid, can it be enough?

open image in gallery Rithaika Sri Omtri, 18, died within days of taking the Covishield vaccine ( Supplied )

In early 2021, as India emerged from the first wave of the pandemic, vaccination was presented as the main path back to normalcy, away from lockdowns, loss and uncertainty.

Gangus daughter had just turned 18 at the time. She had finished school and was deciding between studying architecture in India or in the US. She got into Georgia Tech, Gangu says, referring to an American university. She wanted to become a big architect. Just a normal girl with big dreams.

Vaccination was technically optional, but in practice it would be necessary for Omtri to pursue her education. Colleges required it. Travelling abroad depended on it.

At least three physicians told us the vaccine was completely safe, that there would be absolutely no problem, Gangu says. Being a healthy child, we never even had a minor thought that there could be any side effects.

Gangu says Omtri received her first dose of Covishield on 29 May 2021. When she felt unwell a few days later, Gangu says, even doctors were unaware that what she was experiencing could be linked to the vaccine.

At first they said it was not vaccine-related, Gangu recalls. None of them even knew it could be vaccine-related.

open image in gallery Rithaika Sri Omtri, 18, was contemplating whether to go to college in India or abroad when she died ( Supplied )

As Omtris symptoms worsened, a blood test showed that her platelet count had dropped sharply, far below normal levels. The doctors suspected dengue but her condition continued to deteriorate rapidly. Then came the stroke that would eventually kill her.

It was only later that studies emerged to put cases like Omtris in context.

An Oxford University study published in the British Medical Journal in August 2021 confirmed that certain Covid vaccines were associated with an increased risk of rare blood-related conditions including potentially dangerous clots, known as a thromboembolism.

The study revealed a higher incidence of venous clotting and low platelets due to the AstraZeneca vaccine and a higher risk of arterial clotting due to the Pfizer shot.

That study noted that contracting Covid itself posed a significantly higher risk of dangerous blood clotting than from the vaccine, and public health experts emphasised that the benefits of receiving protection against the virus far outweighed the risk of an extremely rare adverse event.

At the time, AstraZeneca said the vaccine had saved more than a million lives around the world, preventing about 50 million cases of Covid so far. A spokesperson for the firm said clotting was an extremely rare side effect and that the company was exploring ways to remove the risk altogether.

A University of Oxford spokesperson told the BBC in late 2021 that it was follow[ing] with interest any new developments and investigation into potential causes for these very rare side effects associated with the vaccine, whilst being reassured by real-world effectiveness data that the vaccine remains a highly effective tool for combating this pandemic.

Yet even earlier in 2021 the blood clotting concerns were enough for some European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Denmark, to restrict or order reviews into vaccines similar to Covishield.

In the Supreme Court of India, government lawyers said the vaccines approved in India had all undergone a rigorous process involving multiple expert bodies, and that systems for monitoring adverse events were robust, decentralised, and transparent.

They also emphasised that serious side effects were extremely rare, putting clotting events at a fraction of a case per 100,000 doses.

Studies conducted by national health agencies, the lawyers further claimed, had found no direct causal link between Covid vaccines and sudden deaths.

Gangus daughter never regained consciousness after the stroke, and after receiving the devastating news that she had been declared brain dead the family were left to make a difficult choice.

open image in gallery Karunya died after Covid vaccination ( Supplied )

The doctor said if we could donate her organs, somebody else would live, Gangu says. My husband told me, youre the mother. You decide. If she cant be with us, at least let her provide life to others.

They agreed, and an autopsy was conducted as is legally required before organ donations. According to the family, it confirmed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a rare type of clotting linked to the vaccine.

For Gangu, that confirmation brought clarity but not closure.

What followed was a different kind of struggle. We asked the hospital for records but they wouldnt release them, she says. We went to the district immunisation officer but [received] no information.

It took multiple right-to-information requests for the family to obtain the records. In November, we got a reply saying yes, her death was caused because of the vaccine, Gangu says.

Health authorities dont publicly confirm causation findings in individual cases and the classification of adverse events remains complex.

The Independent has contacted AstraZeneca, the Indian health ministry and the Serum Institute of India, the manufacturer of Covishield, for comment.

The court too refused to look into the scientific determination of causality in individual cases, leaving the matter to domain experts  specialists in their field who are involved in scrutinising pharmaceutical products before granting manufacturers approval.

It argued that extensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on sudden deaths among adults post Covid have conclusively established no linkage between Covid vaccines and sudden deaths.

For families like Gangus, however, the distinction can feel abstract.

Why are we hiding the facts? Gangu asks. Dont people have the right to know?

That question would become central to a broader legal challenge extending beyond a single case.

Hundreds of kilometres further south in Coimbatore, another family was asking similar questions.

Venugopalan Govindan lost his daughter, Karunya, 20, after vaccination. The data science student and musician had been building what her father would later describe as an accomplished life.

She was very charming, everybody remembers her fondly, he says. Now I know what she would want. She would want this to be prevented from happening to anybody else.

Like Gangu, Govindan found himself navigating an opaque system.

Try registering an adverse event, he says. You wont be able to. Even if you do, its like a black hole.

The government submitted to the court that any adverse event could be reported through official channels and it would be reviewed by expert committees. The petitioners argued that, in practice, the system was inconsistent, with cases underreported, misclassified, or delayed. Their experiences would form the backbone of the joint petition that culminated in this months ruling.

Indias vaccination drive was humungous. According to government data cited in court, nearly 2.2 billion doses were administered by late 2022. Around 92,000 adverse events were reported, with 1,171 deaths.

Most of the recorded events were classified as minor and only about 2,700 as serious or severe.

The petitioners pointed to the fact that other countries were limiting vaccines like Covishield over blood clotting concerns in 2021. Our question was simple, Gangu recalls. Why didnt our government inform the public?

Government lawyers told the court India-specific data supported the safety and efficacy of Covid vaccines. They also argued that differences in population, genetics and epidemiology made direct comparisons with other countries difficult.

Authorities insisted that decisions were driven by domestic data and expert reviews. The court ultimately declined to adjudicate on scientific causation, making a distinction between medical debates and legal remedies.

Instead, it focused on a different aspect.

open image in gallery Karunya had been building what her father described as 'an accomplished life' before it was tragically cut short ( Supplied )

The court noted that India lacked a uniform structured system to compensate individuals who suffered serious adverse events following vaccination, particularly in a programme conducted nationally and under state authority.

The absence of such a mechanism, it said, could not be ignored.

So the court directed the government to create a framework for affected individuals or families to receive financial compensation without needing to prove negligence or liability.

At the same time, it was careful to clarify what this did not mean.

The scheme, the court said, should not be interpreted as an admission of fault by the government or any authority. It also refused to establish an independent body to investigate adverse events, saying existing expert systems should continue.

Individuals, the court added, would still be free to pursue other legal remedies, including consumer courts.

Gangu isnt satisfied. We were prepared that they would not say it was the governments fault, but we were hoping at least there would be direction on informed consent, she says.

The idea of compensation itself, she suggests, raises questions. What does compensation mean? she asks. Do people have the time or resources to go to consumer courts if they are not satisfied?

The no-fault framework is still being designed. It remains unclear how claims will be assessed, how compensation amounts will be determined or how accessible the system will be for families across socioeconomic backgrounds.

Govindan is more direct. It is too little, too late, he says. In the absence of a functional system, this is not going to serve all people.

For both families, the issue is not merely financial, its about recognition, transparency, and trust.

At the heart of the matter lies a tension that defined the pandemic years: the gap between public messaging and individual experience.

The affected families argue the governments communication created effective compulsion where vaccination was officially voluntary but practically necessary for travel, education, and participation in public life.

When we were vaccinated, the only thing they said was you could have a mild headache and fever, Gangu says. Take paracetamol.

That didnt help her daughter.

Govindan frames it as a question of transparency, saying those getting vaccines should have had a clearer picture of the risks. Dont give only the rosy side and hide the negative side, he says. Tell people the risks. Even if they are rare. And let them decide.

Both families say they would have made different choices with fuller information.

Absolutely not, Govindan says when asked if he would have vaccinated his daughter if he knew then what he does now. Zero per cent chance.

Public health officials have argued that clear and confident messaging is essential during a crisis to ensure widespread uptake, and that ultimately the scientific evidence backs using vaccination at scale to reduce instances of severe illness and death.

Irrespective of the Supreme Courts ruling and what it may ultimately lead to, the affected families continue to grieve.

Gangu cant get over the fact that her daughter planned a life that never began.

The legal battle, she insists, was never about money. I couldnt stay silent, she says. If I dont take action, who will?

It feels like a bad dream that I wish I could wake up from.
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A bus carrying about 40 people plunged into a river in central Bangladesh as it was driving onto a ferry, leaving at least 24 people dead, authorities said on Thursday.

The vehicle plunged into the Padma river on Wednesday afternoon in Rajbari district, about 84km from the capital Dhaka, Fire Service and Civil Defence official Dewan Sohel Rana said.

It was going to the capital from the southwestern district of Kushtia as people returned to work after the Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Mr Rana said some of the passengers swam to safety after the accident, but several got trapped.

Four fire service units and 10 divers led the search and rescue operation, supported by the army, police, coast guard, and local authorities. A rescue vessel joined the operation late on Wednesday and lifted the bus, Mr Rana said, and rescuers worked overnight to recover bodies, finding 24 by Thursday morning.

Strong currents and heavy rainfall, however, disrupted the rescue work overnight, Mr Rana said.

The dead included 11 women and five children, another Fire Service and Civil Defence official, Talha Bin Zasim, said.

It was not clear if anyone was still missing.

Hundreds of people die each year in road and ferry accidents in Bangladesh.
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A Cambodian man deported by the US to the African kingdom of Eswatini under the Donald Trump administrations third-country programme was released on Wednesday to be repatriated, his lawyer said.

The man spent five months in detention at a maximum-security prison with other deportees.

Pheap Rom was deported to the southern African nation in October and held at the Matsapha Correctional Centre.

After his release, he took a commercial flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, to start his journey to Cambodia, his US-based lawyer Tin Thanh Nguyen told the Associated Press.

The US has sent 19 migrants from other countries to Eswatini in three batches since July. Mr Rom is the second to be repatriated after a Jamaican man was flown home in September.

When Mr Rom and a group of nine other shackled deportees arrived in Eswatini on 6 October, they were greeted by 20 or 30 military personnel wearing masks and carrying machine guns surrounding the private jet.

None of the detainees knew where they were going, though some felt hopeful they would be freed after finishing their prison sentences. Mr Rom had finished his 15-year prison sentence in the US for attempted murder.

As they departed the airport and veered into a rural road, panic set in. They pulled into the dirt road and you see nothing but dirt road. I was like, oh, yeah, theyre definitely going to kill us and just dump us on this dirt road, Mr Rom, 43, said during a phone interview while he was still detained in Eswatini last week.

Instead, they were escorted into Matsapha Correctional Centre, a maximum-security prison, where the men would be detained, without any charges, and kept apart from inmates convicted of murder, terrorism, robbery and other crimes committed in that country.

The first two months were the hardest, Mr Rom said. Inmates were woken up at 7.30am, allowed 15 minutes outdoors, and were inside their cells at 5.30pm.

Phone use was permitted once a week and limited to 10 or 15 minutes. And that once a week they will sit right there and listen to your conversation and then they will write down what youre talking about in a book that they have, in the logbook that they had, he said, referring to the guards.

If families were asleep, working or didnt have WhatsApp, they were unable to call again for another week. Under those conditions, it was difficult to reach attorneys.

A report released by the Senate Foreign Committee Relations estimated it cost about $413,000 to deport a person from the US to Eswatini.

Despite the expense, Mr Rom described impoverished conditions at the prison.

Inmates received one roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap per week.

Meals were often meatless. For breakfast, inmates received either porridge or a piece of bread with tea, Mr Rom said. For lunch and dinner, they received a scoop of rice and vegetable broth or a side of beans. Some days they received chicken, but often if they wanted protein, they had to buy boiled eggs, chicken or beef platters from the commissary.

Conditions improved in the last three months of Mr Rom's detention. Outdoor time was increased and inmates had access to the internet and cellphones to make international calls to family, friends and lawyers.

Mr Roms family moved to the US as refugees when he was a child and later became lawful permanent residents. Mr Rom lost his legal status during removal proceedings and was ordered deported. Though he has not lived in Cambodia, he said he was still excited to go there and be free.

I hope that my repatriation sets a path for their repatriation, because these guys are still human beings, fathers, sons, uncles and they deserve due process, Mr Rom said.

Mr Trump has taken a hard-line stance on immigration and the US has deported around 300 migrants to countries they have no ties with under the third-country programme, according to a report compiled by Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Lawyers have criticized the programme as unlawful.

The US has struck deals with at least seven African nations to take some of those migrants. The US paid Eswatini $5.1 million to take up to 160 deportees, according to details of the deal released by the US State Department. While Eswatini's government has previously said the migrants are there in transit on their way home, the deal allows them to be held in Eswatini for up to a year.

Mr Rom served a 15-year prison sentence in the US for attempted murder and was released in late 2024, Mr Nguyen said, adding in a statement that Mr Rom being held at the prison in Eswatini for five months was unlawful because he faced no criminal charges in the African country.

Roms release proves what we have argued from the beginning. These third-country deportations are unnecessary and unlawful, he said.

The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have defended third-country deportations as a means to quickly remove people who are in the US illegally. Many of the deportees sent to Eswatini were convicted of serious crimes and had completed their sentences in the US.

But lawyers say sending migrants to countries they have no ties with is a tactic by the administration to bypass US immigration laws and denies the deportees their rights, including a fundamental principle that anyone being detained should be able to challenge it in court. Third-country deportations have been the subject of several legal cases, both in the US and in some countries where migrants are sent.

Last year, the US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to go ahead with third-country deportations. In February, a US federal judge ruled that the policy was unlawful because it didn't give migrants notice of where they were being sent or an opportunity to challenge their deportations. An appeals court lifted that order this month.

The deportations have been the subject of two legal challenges in Eswatini, which is ruled by a king and is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. An Eswatini lawyer acting on behalf of deportees being held at the Matsapha prison  where Mr Rom was also held  says he has been denied access to them and has sued the government.

In a separate case, local advocacy groups have challenged the legality of Eswatini holding foreign nationals for months in a prison.

The Trump administration's choice of African countries to strike deportation deals with and pay money to is also under scrutiny. It includes nations with notoriously repressive governments and sketchy human rights records such as Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

Eswatini's King Mswati III has long been accused of clamping down on pro-democracy movements, sometimes violently.

The US has sent more than two dozen deportees to Equatorial Guinea, a small, authoritarian state in West Africa ruled by the same president since 1979 and where the government is accused of being one of the most corrupt in the world.

Democrats in the US have questioned the Trump administration over a $7.5 million payment it made to the government of Equatorial Guinea.
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Vietnam has reported at least three deaths linked to the highly contagious hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) since the beginning of this year, the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control (CDC) said.

About 7,300 cases have been reported across Vietnam's most populous city since the beginning of the year, the centre said. The city recorded 837 HFMD cases between 9 and 15 March, it added.

At least eight severe cases have been recorded so far, six of which were from other provinces, according to the CDC. The city also recorded 30 school-based clusters and 49 in the community, with several areas seeing notable increases. Ho Tram Commune alone reported four HFMD clusters.

Health authorities in Vietnam have expressed concerns over the detection of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) in surveillance results, which accounted for 25 per cent of the samples tested. The strain is known for its high virulence and rapid transmission, and can cause severe neurological and respiratory complications, including death in children under five.

While the disease typically affects children under five years old, adults can catch it too, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HFMD can spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can also spread through contact with objects and surfaces contaminated with virus particles, fluid from blisters, and stool.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is common in children under five and can spread easily in the community, said Nguyen Van Lam, director of the National Childrens Hospital's Centre for Tropical Diseases.

Symptoms include a fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and a rash, typically on the hands and feet. The CDC says most children have mild symptoms and then they get better on their own in seven to 10 days.

The number of skin lesions does not reflect how severe the disease is. Some children may only have mild symptoms such as fever or mouth ulcers but can worsen very quickly, Mr Lam told Vietnam News.

To prevent catching or spreading the illness, people are advised to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.

Those caring for children should help them wash their hands and keep their blisters clean. People should also avoid touching their face with unwashed hands and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items such as toys, according to health experts.

The health ministry has asked the education department to ensure schools are equipped with adequate handwashing facilities, including clean water and soap. Health authorities have urged schools to coordinate closely with local health authorities to strengthen public messaging, particularly on the risks posed by the EV71 strain, and to help parents recognise early symptoms and seek prompt medical care.

The health ministry this week separately floated mandatory medical isolation for nine infectious diseases, which included HFMD, and a rapid-response process to be triggered within hours of detection

The proposal applies isolation measures to four groups: confirmed cases, suspected cases, carriers, and people exposed to infectious agents, according to reports.

Isolation may take place at home or other residences, at medical facilities, or at border gates, with decisions made by commune-level authorities, hospital directors or border officials.

Authorities may also requisition facilities such as schools, dormitories, military or police barracks, hotels, factories and apartment buildings for isolation if necessary.
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Two men who were arrested in connection with the Golders Green ambulance attack have been released on bail.

The men, a 47-year-old and a 45-year-old of British nationality, were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

They have been bailed until April while the investigation continues, the Metropolitan Police said.

Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the Golders Green area, were set on fire in an arson attack on Monday at around 1.35am.

Searches were carried out at addresses in the Kilburn and Kings Cross areas of London, where the men had been arrested, the force said.

Further searches have also taken place at two other addresses in north-west London, the Met added.

open image in gallery Four ambulances were set on fire during the incident ( PA Wire )

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: Although the two men have been released from police custody, there are strict bail conditions in place while we continue to investigate their suspected involvement in this incident.

I can reassure the public that we will be closely monitoring these while we carry out further inquiries.

We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this.

Id like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.

The head of the Metropolitan Police said earlier this week that the force was investigating whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links was behind the arson attack.

open image in gallery Two men have been arrested after the incident on Monday ( PA Wire )

Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.

We know that community concerns remain heightened and I want to reassure the community that an enhanced, bespoke policing plan and activity, which is particularly focused around vulnerable areas right across London, will continue over coming days and weeks, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in north-west London, said.

This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.

I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism policing to support their investigation. We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 providing the reference 415 of 23 March.
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Former Top Gear host James May cycled to court as he was charged with keeping a motorcycle which did not meet insurance requirements.

Mr May was due to stand trial after being prosecuted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) over an allegation relating to his 50-year-old orange Suzuki motorcycle.

The 63-year-old arrived at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court by bike on Thursday morning wearing an orange shirt and coat.

The charge states that on 17 July of last year, Mr May kept a vehicle  a Suzuki GT750 motorcycle  which did not meet insurance requirements.

The Grand Tour star, of west London, did not appear before magistrates and settled the case outside of court, prosecutors told reporters.

The DVLA has been contacted for further information.

open image in gallery Former Top Gear presenter James May has reached an out-of-court settlement after being charged with keeping a motorcycle which did not meet insurance requirements ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

Mr May hosted Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from 2003 until 2015.

The trio reunited for The Grand Tour on Amazons Prime Video on 2016 where they hosted several series and specials until Clarkson, Hammond and Mays on-screen relationship came to an end in September 2024.

James May previously said 2025 was one of the busiest years of his life as he moved on from working with Clarkson and Hammond to focus on other TV and creative projects.

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The 63-year-old told the i Paper: Ive been thinking about my retirement since I was a teenager  2025 was going to be my trial retirement year, but Ive been accepted to speak at a couple of history festivals and charity events, Ive got two TV series, and then Im doing a live show in Australia, New Zealand and around the UK.

He continued: This is the busiest year Ive had for about a decade. I havent had a day off in months.

open image in gallery Former Top Gear presenter James May arrived at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court by bike on Thursday morning wearing an orange shirt and coat ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

The TV star is also the co-owner of The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, where he has struggled to turn a profit in a testing hospitality environment.

He added: I have a pub, which is very nice, but it doesnt make me any money and it never has. We made some gin for my pubs, which we turned into a gin brand.

We employ people, and I have to go to America to promote it, but it doesnt make me any money either.
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Double murderer Shaine March has been handed a whole life order after judges ruled his original sentence was unduly lenient.

March, 48, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 42 years in October 2025 for fatally stabbing his pregnant girlfriend Alana Odysseos in east London.

March was on life licence for an earlier murder at the time.

Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme (ULS), claiming it should be increased to a whole life order.

This is how the scheme works and the options available to judges in these cases.

open image in gallery Shaine March has been given a whole life order ( Metropolitan Police )

What is the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme?

ULS allows sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal if Government law officers consider them potentially unduly lenient.

Under the scheme, any person or institution can ask for any sentence handed down in a Crown Court to be reviewed.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves then has 28 days from the sentencing date to consider the request and, if deemed necessary, refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

The test for whether a case is referred is high. The sentence can only be deemed unduly lenient if it falls outside the range of sentences considered reasonably appropriate for the sentencing judge to hand down, based on the facts and evidence of the case.

What happens at the Court of Appeal?

Usually, three appeal judges will hear the case.

The judges cannot examine or change the offences for which the defendant was sentenced and cannot look at any new evidence related to the case.

They can only assess whether the sentence was unduly lenient based on the evidence before the sentencing judge at the time.

If the sentence is deemed unduly lenient, the original sentence is quashed, and a new sentence is substituted.

open image in gallery Alana Odysseos was murdered while pregnant with her third child ( Family Handout )

What was Marchs original sentence?

March was previously sentenced to life with a minimum term of 42 years in October 2025.

At the time of Ms Odysseoss murder, March was on life licence for a previous murder committed in 2000. He had fatally stabbed 17-year-old Andre Drummond in the neck in Denmark Hill, south London.

Sentencing him at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Murray said Ms Odysseoss murder involved prolonged and excessive violence, but he did not consider the case to be one where the need for lifelong imprisonment is clear beyond doubt.

He based this on four factors, including that March suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was a teenager, which affected his ability to regulate his emotions, that both murders were not premeditated, and that he had pleaded guilty.

What did the Court of Appeal rule?

The Court of Appeal ruled the sentence was unduly lenient, quashing the minimum term and substituting a whole life order, meaning March will never be released.

Lord Justice Edis, sitting with Mr Justice Cavanagh and Judge Alice Robinson, said in a ruling the aggravating features of the case were far more potent than the limited mitigation available to March.

He continued that the death of the unborn child was a serious aggravating factor, and the finding that there was no premeditation had to be highly qualified.

He said: It may be that the final act of killing had occurred in a rage; it may be that he picked up the knife not long before he used it, but the absence of any prior planning to do that, in the circumstances of this case, operates as only a very limited mitigating factor.

He continued that Marchs brain injury was not a major cause of his offending and that his guilty plea came only when he had no alternative open to him.

open image in gallery Solicitor General Ellie Reeves welcomed the courts decision ( PA Archive )

What has the Solicitor General said?

Following the ruling, Ms Reeves said: Alana Odysseos was a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short in an act of appalling violence by a man with a long history of serious violence.

Alanas daughters have lost their mother, and her family have lost someone they loved deeply.

There is no room for violence against women and girls, and I welcome the courts decision to increase Shaine Marchs prison sentence, removing this extremely dangerous offender off our streets and protecting anyone else suffering harm.

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Alanas daughters and everyone who cared for her.
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A mayor said he is incredibly apologetic after sharing social media posts that suggested an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green was a fraud.

Dr Bharat Pankhania, who is the Liberal Democrat mayor of Bath, had shared a post on his personal X account about the attack on the four ambulances run by Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service.

The vehicles were set on fire during the incident in Golders Green, north-west London, earlier this week.

After facing criticism for the social media posts, Dr Pankhania deleted them and issued an apology on his account.

I have been made aware that I have reposted or replied to some posts which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent, Dr Pankhania, who is a councillor at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said in a social media post on X.

I am incredibly apologetic that I have not lived up to the standards I set myself.

I have of course deleted them, and I wish to apologise unreservedly.

open image in gallery Dr Bharat Pankhania, who is the Liberal Democrat mayor of Bath, had shared a post on his personal X account about the attack on the four ambulances run by Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service ( University of Exeter )

Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.

Two men  aged 47 and 45 and of British nationality  who were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life have been released on police bail.

They have been bailed until April while the investigation continues, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said searches had been carried out at addresses in the Kilburn and Kings Cross areas of London, where the men had been arrested.

open image in gallery The burnt-out remains of Hatzola ambulances at the Jewish Community Ambulance service in Golders Green ( Jamie Lashmar/PA )

Further searches have also taken place at two other addresses in north-west London, the Met added.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: Although the two men have been released from police custody, there are strict bail conditions in place while we continue to investigate their suspected involvement in this incident.

I can reassure the public that we will be closely monitoring these while we carry out further inquiries.

We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this.

Id like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.
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For years, Joanna Harrison lived with the shame of the abuse she suffered at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and wanted to remain anonymous. But when her name was included in the millions of documents released as part of the Epstein files, she felt she had to speak up.

Its not normal to see your abusers face every day for six years, on TV, hear their name, she told BBC Newsnight.

It gets to a point where youre being suffocated, and you need to breathe, and I feel this is my way of trying to breathe, she added, explaining why she decided to speak out.

Ms Harrison and four other Epstein survivors were brought together to share their stories of grief and anger and memories of his private island, Little St James.

open image in gallery Joanna Harrison has spoken out about her experience with Epstein ( BBC Newsnight )

She met Epstein in Florida, aged 18, and recounted how he raped her on his birthday.

Speaking publicly for the first time, she expressed her concerns that she and other survivors would not get justice now that Epstein is dead.

Another survivor, Chauntae Davies, who is a trained massage therapist, shared images with the BBC from her time travelling with Epstein on his private plane to Africa. They included photographs of actor Kevin Spacey and former president Bill Clinton, who were travelling on a humanitarian trip to promote Aids prevention.

She recalled travelling on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to five different countries in five days, but she said the experience was tainted by what was happening behind closed doors.

She said Epstein raped her on his private island after being hired to give him massages. But she said she never considered telling Mr Clinton, who, while giving testimony in front of the US House Oversight Committee in February, said he wished Ms Davies had told him about Epsteins wrongdoing.

open image in gallery Chauntae Davies shares images of her time travelling with Epstein on his private plane to Africa ( BBC Newsnight )

Being included in the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing, and the former US president has repeatedly said he did not witness Epsteins abuse. Mr Spacey has called for the release of all the Epstein files, saying: For those of us with nothing to fear, the truth can't come soon enough.

The release of files by the US Justice Department brought to light allegations that prompted the US state of New Mexico to reopen a criminal probe into Epsteins Zorro Ranch, after an investigation in 2019.

Ms Davies said the ranch was where most of the assaults happened, calling it dark and eerie. Another survivor, Lisa Phillips, also said the ranch was creepy.

open image in gallery Jena Lisa Jones met Epstein when she was just 14 years old ( BBC Newsnight )

Ms Phillips, who was a fashion model when she met Epstein, spoke about his connections to King Charless brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. She said her friend, who wanted to remain anonymous, was allegedly instructed to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor in a New York apartment in 2003.

The former prince, who was stripped of the last of his royal titles last year over his links to the convicted paedophile, has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

open image in gallery Lisa Phillips, who was a fashion model when she met Epstein, spoke about the financiers connections to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ( BBC Newsnight )

The former Duke of York was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over accusations he had shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.

He remains under police investigation by Thames Valley Police, whose officers are assessing the claims that emerged in the Epstein files.

Ms Philips told the BBC she asked Epstein why he had made her friend have sex with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor. She claimed Epstein replied: I like to have things on people.

Survivors Jena Lisa Jones and Wendy Pesante both met Epstein when they were aged 14. Ms Pestante said that a 14-year-old should not have the mindset of a sex worker.
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The Metropolitan Police will resume arresting protesters for displaying signs supporting Palestine Action.

This follows a pause last month after the High Court ruled the governments ban on the group unlawful.

The Met announced Wednesday that arrests would recommence as the appeal against the ruling is expected to take months.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: While the High Court has found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it has confirmed the impact of that judgment will not take effect until the Governments appeal has been considered which could take many months.

That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action.

We must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date. We must do that consistently and without fear or favour.

The Met announced that officers will resume arresting protesters because the appeal against the ruling is likely to take several months ( AFP/Getty )

He went on: The High Court decided on February 25 to grant the Home Secretary permission to appeal and to leave the proscription in place pending the outcome of that appeal.

Having now considered our position in light of that decision, taking into account all the circumstances, we have determined that while Palestine Action remains proscribed and support for it remains unlawful under the Terrorism Act, we must continue to enforce the law and this is likely to involve the arrest of those committing offences.

More than 2,700 people have been arrested so far for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action since it was banned as a terrorist group last year.

Protesters have arranged mass rallies where demonstrators hold up signs saying I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.

The trials of hundreds of people accused of holding up the placards have been put on hold while the legal battle over whether the group should have been banned rumbles on.

Earlier this month Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the cases would be delayed until after the High Court Appeal over the ban is heard.

Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
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Millions of drivers may soon claim more for mileage expenses, as the government launches a "workers-first" review.

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson stated the 45p-per-mile rate review was "well overdue".

Unchanged since 2011, he acknowledged this stagnation had increased "the cost of working".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the review this month, with the Treasury offering further details. The government intends to consult workers facing rising motoring costs during the process.

Exchequer Secretary Mr Tomlinson said: Millions of working people rely on their car to do their job.

But mileage rates have been unchanged since 2011 and thats increased the cost of working. A review is well overdue.

Keeping prices down at the pump is an important way we can help people with the cost of living which is why fuel duty is already frozen.

open image in gallery Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said a review of the 45p-per-mile rate was well overdue ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

The approved mileage allowance payment defines how much employees can be reimbursed tax-free for using their own cars for work.

Drivers can currently claim 45p per mile tax-free for the first 10,000 miles which is supposed to cover running a vehicle, including insurance and servicing.

After that drivers can claim 25p per mile. An additional 5p per mile can be claimed for each passenger transported.

Officials said the workers-first review will focus on people who rely on a car to do their job.

Any changes to the rate would be announced at a future budget.

Unison general secretary Andrea Egan said: This review is long overdue. Many workers have paid a heavy price for simply going about their jobs due to frozen rates.

For people providing essential public services who need their own cars for work, thats left them thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Its good news the Chancellor has listened and is heading in the right direction. Particularly when household bills are on the rise again.

open image in gallery Drivers can currently claim 45p per mile tax-free for the first 10,000 miles which is supposed to cover running a vehicle, including insurance and servicing ( PA )

The Government has been under pressure to do more to help motorists as fuel prices soar in response to the oil and gas crisis triggered by the war in Iran.

Diesel prices have risen by nearly a quarter since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

The RAC said the average price of a litre of the fuel at UK forecourts reached 175.7p on Wednesday, up 23% from February 28 when the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran began.

Average petrol prices have increased by 13%, from 132.8p to 149.4p.

The Tories have stepped up a campaign to persuade Ms Reeves to scrap an increase in fuel duty which is due in September.
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A rag trade-to-riches textiles queen and her husband are locked in a 10m court feud with their son-in-law, who they accuse of making a spectacular smash and grab raid on the family fortune.

Natalie Berg built up textiles chain Fabric Land over five decades after starting out in 1971 as a simple market trader - working with her parents before going on to develop a multimillion-pound business alongside husband Jeremy, supplying customers including in the world of theatre.

The couple's daughter Marnie and her husband Darren Hill also later joined the family fabric business, with Marnie having dedicated 30 years of her life to Fabric Land since the age of 16.

But following Marnie's tragic death in 2022, aged 49, a family war erupted, with Mr and Mrs Berg on one side and their son-in-law Darren on the other.

They are now facing off in court after Darren sued for ownership of the business - which he values at 10m - claiming he was promised the company would be handed to him and Marnie before he agreed to start working for it in 2007.

He says the couple made binding promises about the future of Fabric Land, claiming he endured years of a fractious working relationship with his father-in-law and worked long and unsociable hours on the basis that he would be left in control after they retired at the age of 70.

open image in gallery Darren Hill outside Central London County Court after hearing in dispute over Fabric Land shares ( Champion News )

But Natalie, now 73, and Jeremy Berg, now 75, say no such promises were ever made, and have branded the lawsuit "an attempt by Darren to orchestrate a spectacular smash and grab of [their] assets.

Fabric Land, according to the company's website, became a thriving textiles chain after starting out from humble beginnings on a market stall in Maidenhead, Berks.

Now with an HQ near Bournemouth, they have online and high street outlets, as well as supplying the theatrical departments of several well known cruise companies, including Carnival Cruise Liners and Cunard, with fabric for the costumes used in their theatrical shows.

Central London County Court heard their daughter, Marnie, joined the family firm at the age of 16, going on to work with her parents for the next 30 years until she tragically committed suicide in May 2022 after her mental and physical health declined during the Covid lockdown.

Her husband Darren had also worked for the company between 2007 and 2022 as an executive manager, having sold his interest in the business he was working in, the court heard.

However, he now says he only did so because his parents-in-law made binding promises about the future of Fabric Land on a holiday in Vietnam over 20 years ago that he and Marnie would eventually take over the business after they retired.

open image in gallery ( Supplied by Champion News )

He says he worked long and unsociable hours for relatively scant reward, and that he carried on his heavy workload during annual leave, over holidays and through ill-health...tolerating a verbally abusive working environment from 2018/19.

Now, following his wife's death, he is suing to force the elderly couple to make good on their alleged promises and hand him their shares in the company.

He is also claiming he was promised ownership of two warehouses in Ringwood, Hants, which the couple own but lease to the company, following their deaths.

The family, including Natalie and Jeremy, holidayed in Vietnam in December 2003, at which time Marnie and Darren had been together for eight years and married for 18 months, his barrister James Saunders told the court.

During this holiday, it is Darrens case that the family discussed the future of the company and that assurances/promises were made to Darren that, if he were to join the business, he and Marnie would be the owners and controllers of that business when Natalie and Jeremy ultimately retired.

That position was maintained, and further like assurances made, during the subsequent years and Darren ultimately decided to join the company in April 2007."

It is Darrens case that he took this decision and made this move relying on the promises made to him by Natalie and Jeremy, said his barrister, although noting: The Bergs case is that no such promises/representations were made and that Darren joined the company because Marnie asked them to offer him a job.

Darrens barrister labelled the couple's "total denial of any promises or assurances" as "extreme" and suggested the couple may be motivated by deep-seated hostility towards their son-in-law because they both "blame Darren for their daughters death."

And while the Bergs insist he lacked the right stuff to take over the reins and was never fit for management, Darren claims he and Marnie were acknowledged to be the future of the business, said Mr Saunders.

But the couple's barrister, Pepin Aslett, said they claim no such promises were ever made, and in court branded the lawsuit little more than a calculated raid on the assets they have built up over years of toil.

Mr and Mrs Berg will say that the true reason for this claim is no more than an attempt by Darren to orchestrate a spectacular smash and grab of Mr and Mrs Bergs assets, he said in his written arguments to the court.

He also dismissed Mr Hill's claim that Fabric Land could be worth up to 10m as pie in the sky.

Their son-in-law never had a pivotal role in the company, he added, pointing out that at no time was he a shareholder or a director.

He had also walked out of the company, formally resigning in June 2022 and, at the time of her tragic death, Marnie was estranged from him and instructing divorce lawyers.

Taking a job with Fabric Land was a step up for Darren, claimed the barrister, saying he also picked up a range of benefits while working there.

In court, Darren gave evidence about his role with Fabric Land, saying he had an executive role.

The Bergs barrister, however, pressed him about the daily aspects of his work at Fabric Land, including having to sign off pay for the workforce.

What does signing off really mean? asked Mr Aslett, suggesting that he simply had to confirm figures and press a button to authorise payments.

I authorised wages for a team of 100-plus staff, replied Darren. I didnt just press a button, I had to double and triple check the figures.

The trial, in which Judge Nigel Gerald will decide whether the couple made binding promises about handing over the company, continues.
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The boss of one of Britains largest banks has left the organisation after a 470m savings scandal involving customers who died.

Dax Harkins will be replaced by the former HMRC boss Sir Jim Harra as chief executive of state-backed NS&I, on an interim basis, to provide a fresh start.

The pensions minister Torsten Bell announced the move on Thursday after it emerged that tens of thousands of customers had launched legal action against the savings bank because it had apparently lost track of customers life savings.

The Treasury-backed bank, which runs the Premium Bonds monthly lottery and offers a range of savings and investments to more than 24 million customers, is now launching a programme to reunite people with their cash, with up to 37,000 customers and 476m in deposits affected.

open image in gallery Dax Harkins was appointed NS&I chief executive in 2023 ( NS&I )

Mr Bell said NS&I had notified the Treasury of an operational failure to comprehensively trace accounts of some customers after they died.

He said: The result of this failure is that not all savings were identified by NS&I and paid to the beneficiaries of their estates as they should have been. Specifically, processes failed to comprehensively trace some customer holdings where those were spread across multiple profiles or systems. Bereaved families whose loved ones held accounts with NS&I will rightly be anxious about this news. Since being notified, the Treasury has ensured external advisers including EY and legal experts have been engaged to identify the scale of these errors.

Mr Bell added that NS&I had reviewed over 34 million customer records and that the work was still ongoing, but it points to a maximum of around 37,500 customers with up to 476m in deposits being affected. He said the bank would work to return the money and would pay compensation where appropriate.

Three-quarters of cases relate to the period between 2008 and 2025, he said, and represent less than 0.2 per cent of NS&Is customers. He also said NS&I did not respond fully to previous warning signs.

open image in gallery The bank is responsible for Premium Bonds (NS&I/PA) ( NS&I )

Mr Bell added: The FCA [Financial Conduct Authority] took enforcement action in 2018 against Santander relating to the tracing of accounts following notification that a customer had passed on. This received significant attention at the time. However, what is now clear is that NS&I and its suppliers did not respond to those warning signs as fully as I and, more importantly, their customers would expect. Nor did the last government act. Bereaved families whose loved ones held accounts with NS&I will rightly be anxious about this news.

Mr Bell told the Commons that he wanted to make sure NS&I has the very best leadership in place. Effective from today, I have appointed Sir Jim Harra, former HMRC first permanent secretary, to take over as the chief executive of NS&I on an interim basis, to provide a fresh start for NS&Is next phase of development. As well as taking over, Sir Jim would be carrying out a three-month review to spell out in detail what went wrong and the lessons that must be learned, he added.

Mr Bell said the causes of a tracing problem which affected NS&I customers had been addressed and will not affect customers going forward. He insisted the issue was about tracing, not the security of any funds held by NS&I, adding that savings are 100 per cent safe.

open image in gallery NS&I has reviewed more than 34 million customer records ( Alamy/PA )

Shadow Treasury minister Mark Garnier asked: Why has this government been sitting on their hands?, he asked. The poor performance and a botched digital transformation means that the NS&I are short-changing savers at a time when raising money for the government has never been more needed.

People have been let down. Whilst NS&I have apologised for these mistakes, this will be of little comfort to those thousands of people who have lost out. The government does need to act swiftly and the families need to be compensated.
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National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is set to pay millions of pounds to customers after a series of errors were discovered.

The Treasury-backed savings bank has apologised after it was revealed that many bereaved families did not receive money they were owed, alongside poor customer service.

The banking giant provides a range of savings and investments to over 24 million customers, including around 22 million Premium Bonds holders.

It is now undergoing a programme to reunite people with their cash, with up to 476 million in deposits being affected. The bank has also indicated that those affected may be compensated for the issue.

Many families of deceased savers have complained that NS&I withheld Premium Bond prizes from them, with some reporting that payments were delayed and investments lost.

open image in gallery Pensions minister Torsten Bell told the Commons that NS&I notified the Treasury of an operational failure to trace accounts comprehensively of some customers who had died ( PA Archive )

The savings bank is in talks with the Treasury to repay 37,500 savers whose money may have been misplaced.

Pensions minister Torsten Bell told the House of Commons that NS&I notified the Treasury of an operational failure to trace accounts comprehensively of some customers who had died.

He said: The result of this failure is that not all savings were identified by NS&I and paid to the beneficiaries of their estates as they should have been.

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Specifically, processes failed to comprehensively trace some customer holdings where those were spread across multiple profiles or systems.

An NS&I spokesperson said: We recognise that dealing with bereavement can be challenging and would like to apologise to anyone who has not received the customer service from NS&I that they should expect, particularly at such a sensitive time.

Am I eligible for compensation?

More details are expected to be laid out by NS&I in May about how missing funds will be returned, alongside possible compensation, Mr Bell has confirmed.

It is not clear at this stage if money will be paid in compensation to those affected alongside the return of their missing funds.

The pensions minister told the Commons: Since being notified, the Treasury has ensured external advisers including EY and legal experts have been engaged to identify the scale of these errors.

Through this work, NS&I have reviewed over 34 million customer records.

That work is ongoing, but it points to a maximum of around 37,500 customers with up to 476 million in deposits being affected.

Three-quarters of cases relate to the period between 2008 and 2025.

This number is likely to fall in future but while it represents less than 0.2 per cent of NS&Is customers, it is still far too many.

open image in gallery National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is set to pay millions of pounds ( NS&I )

He added there is no need for individuals to waste money on a claims management company or solicitor, stressing the onus is on NS&I to contact people, rather than the other way around.

In its latest guidance, NS&I said: NS&I apologises and is extremely sorry for these errors. It is working hard to ensure everybody affected is paid what is owed to them. Families, beneficiaries and deceased customers' estates do not need to take any immediate action. NS&I will contact estates that are affected and will publish further information for the beneficiaries of those estates in due course.

In one case, NS&I reportedly failed to tell the daughter of a deceased saver about her mothers bonds, and also lost track of 2,000 in bonds she held herself, she told The Telegraph.

In another case, NS&I allegedly refunded a womans family for tax interest and legal costs after it lost track of two accounts linked to an investment portfolio.

Former HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) boss Sir Jim Harra will replace Dax Harkins as the chief executive of NS&I on an interim basis to provide a fresh start, Mr Bell said.

NS&I was also under the spotlight in February, when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said it was not confident about NS&Is ability to successfully deliver its transformation programme, which was designed to modernise NS&Is operations.

Total costs of the programme hit an estimated 3 billion in 2024, and NS&I was overconfident about its ability to deliver it, the committee said.

The spending watchdog said there were risks to NS&Is business, and especially its customers, if the programme is unsuccessful.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged Travelodges chief executive, Jo Boydell, to "seriously engage" with the government after she cancelled a meeting with MPs.

Sir Keir expressed his "very concerned" that some MPs had not heard directly from Ms Boydell, stressing the "incredibly important" need for lessons following an "utterly appalling" sexual assault at one of the chains hotels.

The incident involved a guest at a Maidenhead, Berkshire, Travelodge, who was sexually assaulted by a man given a key card to her room. Kyran Smith was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February for the December 2022 attack.

In his letter to Ms Boydell, the Prime Minister stated: "I welcome your recent meeting with several Members of Parliament, including the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, and the minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG)."

I was, however, very concerned that some MPs were not able to hear from you directly.

I urge you to seriously engage with MPs and my Government to address the concerns that remain around best practice interventions for prevention, the training being made available and the pace of Travelodges response.

Referring to the assault, he added: It is incredibly important that lessons are learned and action is taken to better protect guests.

open image in gallery Jo Boydell, Travelodge chief executive at Docklands Travelodgein Docklands, London. (Sonja Horsman/PA)

Ms Boydell apologised to the victim in a statement earlier in March, adding the company had made changes to its door key policy.

Smith, from Staines, Surrey, had lied to reception staff, telling them he was the victims boyfriend.

He had been at the same party as the woman before they and others retired to their rooms.

The woman said staff told her Smith had passed their security checks by providing her name.

The Government published its VAWG strategy in December, with the aim of halving this type of violence in a decade.

In the letter, the Prime Minister said: This is a personal mission for me: no woman or girl should feel unsafe in this country, or fear for their life.

VAWG is a national emergency and, as such, demands that all of us take action to tackle it.

It is understood Travelodge has launched an independent investigation into its room security policies.

While Sir Keir welcomed the move in the letter, he said: This review should proceed at pace, with a confirmed timeline and a commitment to deliver the outcomes, so early findings can be acted upon immediately.
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A cold snap is set to bring chilly and windy conditions to the UK for the weekend, after parts of England and Scotland saw hail and snow on Wednesday.

Fuelled by Arctic winds, temperatures remained between 5C and 10C but felt more like freezing, with the Met Office warning that unsettled weather will continue in the coming days.

On Wednesday night, snow also settled across parts of Scotland, reaching depths of 6cm in Tulloch Bridge and 2cm in Aviemore.

Hail and icy pellets were seen in London and Devon, with scattered showers across the country.

By Thursday daytime, strong northwesterly winds carrying the colder Arctic air were expected to shift to a milder west or southwesterly flow.

While there will be sunny intervals, cloud and rain are set to push into Northern Ireland and western parts of the UK, but it will feel less cold.

Arctic winds have caused the UK to feel freezing, despite temperatures being between 5C and 10C ( PA )

Temperatures are due to return to average on Friday, between 7C and 13C, but those hoping for a sunny weekend will be sorely mistaken, as wintry showers and patchy rain are predicted.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: After a spell of mild and brighter weather, the UK will turn increasingly unsettled in the coming days. A series of weather fronts will bring periods of rain, strong winds and much colder air by midweek.

Temperatures are set to range from 6C to 10C, but will feel closer to single figures due to the wind.

It should be a little milder again by the end of the week, with many areas seeing another spell of rain on Friday, he added.

British Summer Time (BST) also begins on Sunday, with the clocks jumping an hour forward to gain another hour of daylight.

Looking ahead to next week, drier and more settled conditions are more likely in the south of England, while some colder interludes and wintry showers are likely in the North.

Met Office five-day weather forecast

Thursday

Any wintry showers in northeast Scotland will ease during the early morning. Most areas stay dry and bright before clouds, rain, and strengthening winds reach Northern Ireland and western Scotland later. Milder than Wednesday, but still feeling rather cold.

Overnight

A milder night with widespread cloud and rain, heavy over western hills. The southeast may stay clearer with patchy frost. Clearer skies and showers reach northwest Scotland later.

Friday

Rain returns on Friday and pushes southeastwards through the day. Sunnier skies in the North, but cooler once again with some wintry showers and stronger gusts of winds.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

Saturday brings sunny spells and showers, wintry and windy further North. Sunday sees heavy rain then brighter, showery, windy weather. Monday is mostly dry before cloud and patchy rain return.
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Rachel Reeves will reportedly wait until the autumn to announce a significant package of support for households that rely on gas heating, amid fears over spiralling energy bills as a result of the Middle East crisis.

The chancellor is said to be preparing to announce a limited package of support for bills over the summer, before a bigger bailout in the autumn.

She is expected to allow the energy price cap to rise in July, despite expectations that it will jump by as much as 330, according to forecasts  meaning that average household bills will hit 1,972, forecasts from Cornwall Insight say.

Rachel Reeves said she would put in place targeted support for households battling rising energy bills ( House of Commons )

Treasury officials told The Times that Ms Reeves plans to allow this to go ahead because she believes the true impact of the conflict on bills will be clearer by the autumn.

Sources said the chancellor believes that any support package should be introduced when gas consumption increases heading into the winter, but they insisted that no final decisions have been made.

An energy industry source told the Times: The thinking is that you let the July bills rise happen and save any major intervention for the autumn.

"There are two good reasons for this; the first is that it buys you time to properly look at the data and the best way to offer support.

"The second is, its going into the winter when you want to announce any package, not into the summer.

But Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition warned that a delay in announcing support would carry a real risk of unintended consequences.

He said: The taxpayer clearly shouldnt be subsidising wealthy households running swimming pools or hot tubs, but ruling out support from July 1 carries a real risk of unintended consequences.

Households on direct debit typically build up credit over the summer months, which helps them manage higher bills in winter.

"But if prices rise in July, that buffer will be smaller than usual, leaving many families exposed when the cold weather arrives.

Giving a statement in the Commons earlier this week, the chancellor rebuked the previous Conservative government for providing blanket support in the wake of Russias attack on Ukraine, which she said had cost the country tens of billions of pounds.

Instead, Ms Reeves made clear Labour ministers will offer targeted rather than universal support to those who need it most.

In her statement on Tuesday, the chancellor said that blanket help offered under Liz Truss gave the support to the most wealthiest of households and left us with high levels of national debt, a cheque written then for a bill that is still being paid today.

While she indicated that more targeted support would be offered, she said this support wouldnt be unveiled for at least another month.

The Treasury has been contacted for comment.
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Washingtons ambassador to the UK has warned that it would be a mistake to cancel King Charless planned state visit to the US.

Asked about calls to postpone the historic royal trip because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Warren Stephens said it would be wrong for it to be scrapped or delayed and insisted the trip should go ahead.

In a Q&A session after his speech to the British Chambers of Commerce conference in London on Thursday, Mr Stephens refused to confirm the visit, which has not been officially announced, but added: I think he will go and I think it will be a very meaningful trip for him.

The diplomat said US House Speaker Mike Johnson had made an offer for Charles to address both Houses of Congress while he was there.

open image in gallery A source in Washington said Trump will go ballistic and blame Keir Starmer if the visit does not go ahead ( Getty )

It comes as The Independent has been told that Congressional and Senate leaders have been told to prepare for a joint meeting to hear the King speak during the week beginning 27 April.

But the visit is being overshadowed by the war in Iran and Donald Trumps repeated criticism of Keir Starmer. The US president suggested the PM was no Winston Churchill after he initially refused permission for the US to use RAF bases to launch attacks on Iran.

A source in Washington involved with the organisation of the visit told The Independent that President Trump will go ballistic if the visit is cancelled and will blame the prime minister.

The president regards Charles as a personal friend, and the visit is being timed to coincide with the celebrations in the US of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

While the government has insisted that the state visit is a matter for Buckingham Palace, it is understood that decisions on these Royal events are taken in consultation with the Foreign Office as an extension of UK diplomacy.

Senior politicians have called for the visit to be scrapped in the wake of the Iran war, including the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry.

If it was to go ahead next month  the dates havent been confirmed, but everybody seems to think its going to be next month  it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war and that, I think, is quite difficult. And the last thing that we want to do is to have their Majesties embarrassed, she told BBC Radio 4.

open image in gallery Trump considers Charles a personal friend but the Iran war has made the trip a controversial subject ( PA )

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for the visit to be cancelled.

At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, its clear this visit should not go ahead, the Lib Dem leader added.

A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.

A recent YouGov poll revealed that almost half of those surveyed (49 per cent) believe the visit should be cancelled, while a third (33 per cent) support it going ahead.

Green voters are the most opposed to the visit (70 per cent), with Lib Dems (65 per cent) and Labour voters (62 per cent) not far behind, the poll found. Only Reform UK voters are firmly in favour (63 per cent), while Tories are split 45 per cent to 43 per cent on the subject.
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The House of Lords has supported a social media ban for under-16s for the second time.

Peers voted 266 to 141, majority 125, in favour of Tory former minister John Nashs amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill on Wednesday.

It is the second time he has pushed for a ban on under-16s from social media, after MPs voted against it earlier this month.

The Commons instead agreed to give the government wider and more flexible power.

It comes after a jury in Los Angeles found that Google and Facebook owner Meta designed addictive products which harmed a 20-year-olds mental health.

Lord Nash said techies have taken a cavalier approach to content damaging to children and have gone way too far in prioritising their commercial instincts.

open image in gallery Nash warned that the tech industry had prioritised commercial interests over their users ( PA )

Addressing the House of Lords, Lord Nash said: I have been the director of tech companies in California.

The Californian techies are some of the most able, innovative, entrepreneurial, wealthy, and job-creating people in the world.

But in relation to that cavalier approach that they have taken to harmful content online for our children, I think theyve gone way too far in prioritising their commercial instincts, and we need to act now in a way that is truly effective.

I dont think I need to spend much time talking about the clear evidence and causal link between social media and harm to our children.

But I was horrified to hear [technology secretary] Liz Kendall on the radio say a few weeks ago that there is no proven causal link. All I can say is, where has she been?

He said he has no faith in the outcome of the consultation, which is underway to help ministers decide how to lessen online harms.

open image in gallery Hilary Cass said the government is failing to understand the impact of social media on our children ( PA )

Lord Nash became emotional as he paid tribute to bereaved parents who campaigned for a change in the law following the deaths of their children.

More than 20 family members sat in the gallery, including George and Areti Nicolaou, who clutched a photo of their son Christoforos, who took his own life after joining an online forum.

Paediatrician and crossbench peer Hilary Cass said the government is failing to understand the impact of social media on our children.

She added: The government is taking a very, very narrow view to social media.

They are locked into the psychological aspects of it, which are hugely important, but they are failing to look at the wider aspects and the direct harms that are being reiterated time and time again by professionals, both in schools, in clinics, and by the families who are sitting up in the gallery now.

And it is disrespectful of the trauma to those families and to the people who are suffering direct harm to continue to grab headlines with these sort of cheap efforts to say were piloting something which is going to give us no information at all.

open image in gallery A six-week pilot is being launched to see if social media restrictions have a positive effect ( Getty/iStock )

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a six-week pilot which will see 300 young people aged 13 to 17 try different restrictions on social media use to see the impact on their schoolwork, sleep and family life.

Childrens rights campaigner and crossbench peer Beeban Kidron spoke in support of Lord Nashs amendment, telling the upper chamber: While we consult, children are harmed in real time, and we cannot afford to wait.

Referring to the case in California, crossbencher Lord Russell of Liverpool suggested the House of Lords should act as the UKs jury on social media.

We have heard about the malice and the fraud that these companies are visiting upon so many of our children and indeed on their unfortunate parents, he said.

We, as the jurors, should deliberate today and give a resounding verdict.

Technology minister Liz Lloyd had earlier said: Many noble Lords have declared that they do not support an under-16 ban but are supporting this amendment to push the Government to do more. I can assure the House that the Government will do more.

Lord Lloyd added: We know many people support a social media ban for under-16s, but other respected voices are concerned it is not the right approach. That is why the Governments consultation is the responsible path forward.

The consultation seeks views on the areas raised by (Lord Nashs) amendment and beyond, including harms from gaming and AI chatbots. We have already received over 30,000 responses from experts, parents and young people.
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Sir Keir Starmer has said it is a little bit far-fetched to suggest the theft of his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeneys phone was linked to the release of files relating to Peter Mandelsons appointment as British ambassador to the US.

Concerns have been raised that the phone snatching, which occurred in London in October 2025, could result in the loss of important messages between the pair.

Speaking to broadcasters in Helsinki, the prime minister insisted the phone had been stolen and brushed off suggestions the claim was an attempt to obfuscate.

Sir Keir said: The phone was stolen. It was reported to the police. Theres a transcript of the call in which Morgan McSweeney gives his name, his date of birth, the details of the phone and the police confirm that it was reported.

Unfortunately, there are thefts like this. It was stolen. It was reported at the time, the police have acknowledged and confirmed that  and the idea that somehow everybody could have seen that some time in the future thered be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer brushed off the claim that the stolen phone was an attempt to confuse an investigation ( PA )

Later, the prime ministers official spokesperson added: So, the point the prime minister was making was that the idea that the theft was connected to the humble address is categorically untrue.

He added: Were committed to complying with the humble address in full. All government departments, ministers and relevant individuals have been asked to provide all the relevant information they hold in the scope of the humble address.

Mr McSweeney, who is said to have pushed for the former Labour peers appointment as US ambassador, resigned as Sir Keirs chief of staff earlier this year over his role in the decision.

The Metropolitan Police wrongly recorded the theft as having taken place in east London rather than Westminster after Mr McSweeney wrongly gave his location as Belgrave Street rather than Belgrave Road during the 20 October call.

Police have taken the unusual step of releasing a transcript of Mr McSweeneys 999 call reporting the phone theft.

In the course of the call, he gives his name, a personal email address and a home address outside London, and he says the device is a government phone and that he has called his office to get it tracked.

Given that the theft was recorded in the wrong place, officers checked the wrong CCTV and concluded there were no realistic lines of inquiry to follow. This is now being reviewed.

The Cabinet Office does have some of the messages between Mr McSweeney and Lord Mandelson, it is understood.

open image in gallery The Met Police inaccurately recorded McSweeneys theft as taking place in east London instead of Westminster ( Reuters )

Health secretary Wes Streeting has said the loss of messages was a cock-up rather than conspiracy while Downing Street has been keen to emphasise the phone theft happened months before MPs compelled the government to release correspondence related to Lord Mandelsons appointment as the UKs ambassador to the US.

MPs moved in February to force the publication of tens of thousands of documents amid questions over what was known about the peers links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein before he was handed the Washington job.

Lord Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked from his Washington role in September last year over his links with Epstein, who died in 2019.

He was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary in Gordon Browns government.

Sir Keir has repeatedly said he is sorry for believing Lord Mandelsons lies over his connection to the sex offender and for appointing him as US ambassador.

The first tranche of documents related to the peers appointment was published earlier this month, with more to follow.
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Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK will start confiscating Russian shadow fleet vessels as he steps up attempts to put pressure on Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.

The prime ministers announcement comes in conjunction with European allies after France, Belgium and Sweden have already boarded Russian ships in recent weeks in an attempt to cut off funding for Moscows war.

The move means that Britains commandos will be able to board and halt Russias shadow fleet vessels as they pass through UK waters.

There is no end in sight to the war in Ukraine despite Donald Trumps attempts to broker a peace deal with Putin, including the US easing sanctions on Russian oil.

open image in gallery Keir Starmers announcement follows European allies also moving to board Russian ships ( PA )

Sir Keir said the UK would join northern European allies in intercepting the tankers, in an attempt to go after the sanctions-breaking ships even harder.

The prime minister will travel to Helsinki, Finland, on Thursday for a summit with national leaders from the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

The JEF, a military coalition of 10 northern European countries led by the UK, aims to defend against Russian incursions.

It also includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

Moscows shadow fleet is reported to be made up of more than a thousand ageing tankers.

They illicitly ship oil and other goods out of Russia by flying the flags of other countries, with the aim of evading sanctions imposed by the West since the invasion of Ukraine began.

JEF countries Finland, Sweden and Estonia have recently intercepted suspected shadow tankers travelling through the Baltic.

Closing off British waters to the shadow fleet seeks to force the Russian vessels into taking longer, more costly sea routes, or risk being intercepted by the UK.

open image in gallery The wreck of the Russian carrier Arctic Metagaz, which is adrift between Malta and Lampedusa ( Newsbook Malta )

Sir Keir said: We are living in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world, facing threats from different fronts across the world every day.

As prime minister, my first duty is to keep this country safe and protect British interests here and abroad.

Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets.

Thats why were going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putins war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.

He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

British forces have already been involved in tracking shadow fleet vessels for several years, and have supported operations by other countries to seize the ships.

In January, the UK assisted in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US.

Previously known as the Bella-1, the Russian-flagged vessel was captured by American forces aided by RAF aircraft and the British supply ship RFA Tideforce in the Atlantic.

Later that same month, Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Dagger helped the French seize another sanctioned ship, the Grinch, in the western Mediterranean, shadowing the vessel through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Last week, the French intercepted the Deyna oil tanker in the Mediterranean, supported by the UK.

Libyan authorities have meanwhile towed a suspected shadow fleet oil tanker found drifting in the Mediterranean, which was believed to have been hit in a drone strike.

The tanker, carrying liquefied natural gas, was towed to avoid a spill in the Mediterranean.

At the JEF summit, the prime minister and other leaders are expected to discuss shared security in the so-called High North and the war in Ukraine.
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Kito* has a quiet voice; the husky tone of a late adolescent.

I killed at least 100 people, the 17-year-old boy says, speaking from a small village in the northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Its really difficult to know how many, because we were shooting people en masse. But obviously its a lot.

Click here to watch Sam Kileys documentary from the DRC  Minefield: War, Minerals and Trumps New Deal in Africa

The Ituri region, which borders Uganda and South Sudan, is victim of some of the fiercest fighting in the country. The region is home to dozens of warring ethnic militias and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the DRC branch of Isis. It is less heavily involved in - but still affected by - the war between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who launched a renewed insurgency in 2023.

The M23, ADF, militias in the government-aligned Wazalendo coalition, and dozens of other armed groups in the DRC, are all accused of recruiting children, both boys and girls, who are forced to kill, search for food, spying, work on the land, or serve as wives for commanders.

Speaking bluntly in an interview with The Independent, Kito recalls the horrors of his time with one of scores of armed militias in the war-ravaged country.

open image in gallery In the DRCs Ituri province alone, more than 13,000 children remain under the control of armed groups ( AFP/Getty )

The image of his victims is, he says, engraved deep into his memory. They were looking at me. It will stay with me forever, the things I saw and the horrible things I had to do. I killed people. I saw these people die every day.

He is one of thousands of children to have become cannon fodder for the endless violence in the DRC, which is home to the worlds most severe child recruitment crisis. In the Ituri province alone, 13,000 children remain in armed groups after 1,360 were released in 2025. The UNs annual report says at least 2,365 children were recruited across the country in the year to June 2025 but experts say this is likely a major underestimate; in the North Kivu province, at least 2,054 children were recruited according to the NGO Children for the Future and Development (EADEV).

Most are forcefully abducted, coerced, or drugged by militia groups, while others volunteer following pressure from the militia or from their friends.

The children think they're doing the right thing by joining to protect their own community, explains Katharina von Schroeder, a director of advocacy at Save the Children. Also some of the armed groups work with youth to recruit. So they will send children that are already with them to convince their friends. That is, unfortunately, a very successful strategy.

Children like Kito, whose family was left cash-strapped after his father died, are targets for the local militias, coercing children with promises of money and respect.

open image in gallery Children like Kito often struggle to reintegrate into normal life after their ordeals ( Hugh Kinsella/Save the Children )

Kito was a positive and self-assured boy, those who know him well say; a big dreamer who was fixated on transforming his impoverished childhood before his fathers death left him in a desperate financial situation.

He was recruited on 24 September 2024, as an assistant to one of the colonels. The colonel was really mean to me, Kito recalls. He was really demanding, giving me too many orders, it was really difficult.

Kito was made to do the colonels bidding. His duties involved fetching water and supplies, laying paths for the groups missions, and engaging in battle, firing at other armed groups, often with other children in their ranks.

That November, he would seize an opportunity to flee the militia, after taking stock of possible escape routes when tasked with laying the trail through the Ituri rainforest for an upcoming mission. I was creating the trail, so I managed to escape the road which I traced for the group. I took another main road, and left while no one was watching, he says. It was because the colonel asked me to get some water. I took advantage of this situation to escape the group.

Its too difficult to talk about

Escaping such a fate was extremely complicated for Imani*, who was recruited in August 2020 when she was a 12-year-old.

A friend had convinced Imani to join an armed group when she was young and didnt have the capacity of thinking, the now 18-year-old tells The Independent.

She was handed several laborious roles within the group. I was made to carry water, cultivate the land, carry bags. It was really difficult, because sometimes I would not eat for three days and then I was made to do that.

Imani was forced to served as a so-called wife to one of the captains. She was repeatedly raped until she fell pregnant little more than two years into her time with the group, aged just 15 years old. Discussing this period of her life, Imani says, brings too many painful memories: Its too difficult to talk about.

open image in gallery Children are used to fight, carry, cook, or serve was so-called wives for the commanders ( AFP/Getty )

After a pregnancy fraught with complications, Imani gave birth to her daughter in her home village. But soon afterwards she would return to the militia with her child, where, for nearly another year, she was forced to work with an infant baby in her arms.

Imani would be sent to steal food from local farmers to feed the militia men, or to the market to carry large loads of food to the base. She fell ill several times after the pregnancy. Often, she would go to bed having not eaten in days.

After [the pregnancy] I became really sick, Imani says. It was around 9am in the morning. All the chiefs of the army group went out. I felt really, really bad that morning. My friend saw that I was really ill. When Imani and her friend realised the group leaders and bodyguards were absent, they quickly departed the village.

Imani was 16, and her scarred adolescence had been lost to four years of abuse and control at the hands of a brutal militia. But as of 15 August 2024, she was free.

They welcomed me home

Both Imani and Kito are among the minority who successfully escape the clutches of an armed group each year, to be reunited with their families and supported by NGOs that help them reintegrate into society.

open image in gallery Recruitment has intensified ( Getty )

This process has been made more difficult after severe cuts to aid by the Trump administration. USAID was the leading donor of humanitarian assistance in the DRC, but since around 83 per cent of the programmes were cut, this assistance has run thin. Children are also more likely to end up in armed groups due to the cuts; an absence of aid and educational programmes leaves children more liable to joining.

Leaving the armed groups, however, does not guarantee an end to their hardships. Resettling at home is difficult, with children months or years behind their peers at school, often struggling to fit in socially after losing much of their childhood to war and violence. The psychological impact of what they have witnessed or taken part in can be hugely damaging.

Parents invest in their childhood for a good future, send the child to school, and then the child is suddenly ripped out of the community, out of the family, and the families often don't know if the child is still alive, if they will ever come back, explains von Schroeder.

They're also scared that if the children come back, they will become violent because they're so traumatised.

Imanis mother welcomed her home.

open image in gallery ( Hugh Kinsella/Save the Children )

She wanted to know why I left the village for the group. I explained that my friend told me that it was great, that it was amazing, and that she had duped me into going there.

Things were trickier for Kito. When I arrived home, my mother and brother were so nice to me, they welcomed me home. I was so happy, he says.

But I felt like an outsider, because the other children went to school, they were living life, and I didnt know what to do.

Both have since turned their lives around. Kito has since trained in carpentry and works in a carpentry workshop, a transformation he says he is really proud of.

Ive kind of forgotten everything that happened, he says. Sometimes I think about it but I dont remember anything. My job is taking a lot of time, and its good for me, because I dont think about these things.

Imani, who is now training in tailoring, says the trauma of her past has not ruined her vision of the future. I havent forgotten everything. Sometimes I remember the struggle of what happened. But what is in the past is in the past.

*Names changed to protect identities

This article has been produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project.
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A brother and sister have been charged after an explosive device was left outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa this month.

Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, were charged Wednesday in separate federal indictments. The sister was arrested upon her return from China, where she had flown with her brother after the threat. Both have U.S. citizenship, U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe said during a news conference.

The device didnt detonate, but could have potentially been very deadly, Kehoe said.

Alen Zheng faces 40 years in prison if convicted of attempting to damage government property and unlawfully making and possessing the explosive device. Ann Mary Zheng faces 30 years if found guilty of witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact to the crime, by allegedly selling the car he used to drop off the package, Kehoe said.

A federal public defender declined to comment on the charges against the siblings.

The suspicious package went undiscovered for nearly a week, but the investigation developed very quickly after it was found on March 16, Kehoe said.

A suspicious package was found outside MacDill on March 16, prompting the FBI to investigate ( AP )

Agents allege that Alen Zheng actually planted the device on March 10 and made a 911 call minutes later, saying there was a bomb at the base, he said. Then he and his sister sold their Mercedes-Benz SUV, bought tickets to China, and were gone by March 12.

Air Force personnel had searched the sprawling base without discovering the device initially. When it was found outside the visitors center, investigators kicked into high gear. They used phone data to connect the 911 call to Alen Zheng, and spotted the SUV on surveillance video. By the time they reached CarMax, the car had been vacuumed and cleaned, but they were still able to find evidence, including residue matching the explosive, Kehoe said.

Agents also searched the familys home and reported finding explosive device components. Meanwhile, the device found outside the bases gate was flown by helicopter to an FBI lab in Huntsville, Alabama, for further examination, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor said.

Kehoe said hes not sure if the siblings also have Chinese citizenship. He said they have no immediate evidence that Alen Zheng was working on behalf of the Chinese government or any other country. Were exploring every avenue we can to get him back to the United States, Kehoe said.

The U.S. Central Command is located at MacDill and is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia. MacDill is one of the U.S. bases that has been on heightened alert since the war in Iran began.

Another man was arrested earlier this week on charges of making threatening phone calls to the base days after the device was discovered, though investigators havent accused that caller of planting any devices. There was no immediate connection between the caller and the Zhengs.
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Peak bloom for the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. is here, a welcome sign of spring in the city of concrete and granite constantly weighed down by the necessary heft of the nation's decision-making.

Thousands of blooming cherry trees have burst into ephemeral blossoms, the arrival of which marks the unofficial beginning of Washington's tourist season.

It's a fleeting window, though, with the delicate blooms at the mercy of weather shifts.

Peak bloom date is defined as the day on which 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, according to the National Park Service, which cares for the 3,500 cherry trees across the city.

This year, it's right on time, typically happening between the last week of March and the first week of April, although its happened as early as March 15 and as late as April 18.

open image in gallery The cherry blossoms date back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo, and the Japanese government remains involved in their care and in the annual festival celebrations ( AP )

Aside from the bloom of the flowering trees themselves, there's also the four-week National Cherry Blossom Festival, which began March 20 and runs through April 12 and includes musical performances, Japanese cultural events and a fireworks display.

Last year, according to festival organizers, more than 1.6 million people from across the world attended festival events, and a bloom cam garnered more than 2.3 million views.

How long does peak bloom last?

Again, it all depends on the weather, but you'd better get out to see the blooms quickly, no matter the forecast.

According to the park service, the Yoshino trees typically bloom for several days, and it's best if the weather is cool and calm during that time.

Even one rainy or windy day can bring a swift end to the ephemeral light pink glow along the Tidal Basin and other sites throughout the city, jettisoning the petals altogether.

open image in gallery Aside from the bloom of the flowering trees themselves, there's also the four-week National Cherry Blossom Festival, which began March 20 and runs through April 12 ( AP )

open image in gallery The Yoshino trees typically bloom for several days, and it's best if the weather is cool and calm during that time ( AP )

It's good that there wasn't a late frost, though, because that could have stopped the trees from even blooming at all.

What's the history of the Washington cherry blossoms?

The cherry blossoms date back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo, and the Japanese government remains involved in their care and in the annual festival celebrations.

In 2024, Fumito Miyake, minister for public affairs at the Japanese Embassy, said his governments decision to contribute an additional 250 trees would be a birthday present in advance of this summers celebration for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Again this year, visitors are contending with a somewhat restricted blossom appreciation area at the Tidal Basin, home to the highest concentration of the trees.

open image in gallery Even one rainy or windy day can bring a swift end to the ephemeral light pink glow along the Tidal Basin and other sites throughout the city ( AP )

open image in gallery Japan will contribute an additional 250 trees as a birthday present for the 250th anniversary of American independence ( AP )

With the National Park Service still in the midst of a three-year renovation project to shore up the basins aging seawall in time for this summers anniversary, parts of the basin are fenced off.

More than 100 of the trees had to be cut down as part of that project and will be replanted.

What about Stumpy?

Devotees of Stumpy  the gnarled tree that became an internet celebrity  will not be able to visit the icon in person.

Stumpy was one of the trees cleared for the renovations, but Stumpy clones live on, waiting to be planted when the work is done.

Last year, organizers added an event to honor the citys most famous tree  a memorial pedal-boat race.
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A survivor of Jeffrey Epsteins sexual abuse has described her time at the pedophiles infamous Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, describing it as cold, dark, and having an eerie feeling.

Appearing on a BBC Newsnight special with five other survivors on Wednesday, Chauntae Davies said of the property: Thats where the majority of the assaults happened. I have my darkest memories from Zorro Ranch.

She added that she felt trapped there. It had a cold, dark, eerie feeling in there.

Davies said that the legacy of her ordeal at Epsteins hands had continued to impact her throughout her adult life, ruining her marriage and leaving her paranoid about her daughters interactions with men.

open image in gallery "Nicky," a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse, describes her ordeal to Victoria Derbyshire on Wednesday's Newsnight special ( BBC Newsnight )

She described triple-locking her garage door to stop intruders, checking for car bombs, and experiencing other weird, strange fears.

I dont think theres an aspect of my life that hasnt been affected by it, she said.

Another woman, who appeared anonymously on the show in silhouette and under the pseudonym Nicky, told host Victoria Derbyshire she was drugged and raped by the late financier at his mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, when she was 19.

Nicky said she preferred to maintain her anonymity rather than see her family suffer collateral damage or face undue harm.

Like the other survivors, Nicky said she had been first introduced to Epstein by a friend and had agreed to give him a massage as a way to make money, which is precisely what transpired on their first encounter.

open image in gallery Epsteins victims are continuing to campaign for justice, demanding the authorities hold the late billionaires powerful friends to account ( New York State Sex Offender Registry )

Nicky meanwhile, spoke about an occasion in which the billionaire wore no underwear and was covered only by a towel. Rolling over on the table, Nicky said Epstein told her to take her top off.

So I took my top off just like last time, started at his feet, worked my way up, and when I got to his upper thigh and went on to his chest, he pulled at my jeans, like, almost to unbutton them, she recalled.

Hoping to discourage his advances, she lied to Epstein that she was on her period. He attempted to goad her into sex anyway, boasting of his own prowess.

When she continued to refuse, the massage continued until Epstein removed his towel and began to masturbate in front of her, leaving her completely grossed out and telling herself to get the hell out of here.

Epstein then urged her to drink from a bottle of Fiji Water, saying it was important to stay hydrated, after which, she said, I took some water and I have no recollection of anything for a minimum of 12 hours after that.

open image in gallery Jena-Lisa Jones spoke movingly about the enduring impact Epsteins abuse had had on her adult life, saying it had led her down a very dark path for quite some years ( BBC Newsnight )

Nicky said she woke up feeling sick and sluggish and heavy, immediately realising she had been raped while unconscious.

At a subsequent third massage, Epstein propositioned her again and she again told him she was menstruating.

You dont have to lie to me, he responded, which, she said, later led her to realize that the rape had definitely happened because otherwise he could not have known the truth.

He raped her again on that occasion, an event she told Newsnight, she did not recall until summer 2019, when she reported her allegations to the FBI following Epsteins second arrest and subsequently suffered a panic attack.

I have done various psychotherapies to try to remember, to try and have a glimpse of something, and its black, I have no idea, she told the BBC.

open image in gallery I dont smile the same way anymore, Joanna Harrison told Newsnight ( BBC Newsnight )

But I can logically make a variety of assumptions that I think would be very accurate.

Another survivor, Jena-Lisa Jones, told Derbyshire: It led me down a very dark path for quite some years and from that moment on, I like, learned how to use my body for money.

I think its hard to keep going over it all the time and seeing nothing come out of it. I think this is more retraumatizing than the actual abuse, I think a lot of us say that.

Joanna Harrison, a victim who had not previously come forward, said: You cant get away from it. Its hard to heal when its something you see everyday. I was on a first date and somebody brought it up to me, not knowing my involvement.

There are certain things you cant prepare yourself for and it makes it really hard to heal when youre stuck in the same place and seeing that persons name everyday and hearing that persons name everyday.

All of the participants became emotional at the end of the show when asked to hold up photographs of their younger selves, taken around the time of the abuse.

I was a lot more innocent then, Harrison commented poignantly. I dont smile the same way anymore.
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Thomas Keller, the world-renowned chef behind the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, is leading a high-profile campaign against a planned affordable housing project in the wealthy Napa Valley enclave of Yountville.

The celebrity chef joined local business owners to challenge Yountville Commons, a 120-unit apartment complex intended for workers, arguing that the development is a poor fit for the community and that officials failed to consult the town's major employers. The confrontation took place during a recent town council meeting, where the chef  dressed in his white culinary jacket  criticized officials for a lack of transparency.

No one ever came to me and said, What do you think about this project? Keller, 70, told the five council members, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. I really would expect and encourage you to talk with the business community here, which seems to not have happened.

The project aims to address a chronic housing shortage in Yountville, an enclave of 3,400 people where the median home value has climbed to $1.3 million.

According to town data, approximately 3,100 workers commute into the area daily, many earning a median salary of $51,000. Typical home values have soared almost 40 percent since 2017, pricing out the very people who staff the towns famous boutiques, art galleries and spas.

open image in gallery The housing project Keller opposes aims to address a chronic housing shortage in Yountville, a town of 3,400 people where the median home value has risen to $1.3 million ( Getty )

The central point of contention involves the inclusion of 300-square-foot studio apartments. While town manager Brad Raulston defended the units as affordable options at roughly $1,500 a month, critics have described them as inadequate.

Gary Jabara, a real-estate investor and major local employer, told The Wall Street Journal: The unit mix is obviously wrong. Nobody wants to live in a cage.

However, supporters of the development suggest the opposition is rooted in elitism.

Councilwoman Robin McKee suggested that the backlash was amplified by Kellers celebrity status, stating there is a fear of riffraff regarding the potential arrival of vineyard workers in the town center.

Ryan OConnell, a local member of Yimby Action, told The Wall Street Journal that the language used by critics suggested a desire to keep certain people out of the area. Referring to a letter signed by Keller regarding community harmony, OConnell used an Instagram post to address the chef directly.

Hes a great chef, OConnell says to the camera in the post. Were very grateful for how many people he employs in this town. Maybe let them build this affordable housing. Maybe dont get in the way of it.

open image in gallery Michelin-starred French Laundry in Yountville, Calif. ( Getty/iStock )

The Independent has reached out to French Laundry for comment.

The tension comes as Kellers business group faces legal scrutiny regarding its treatment of staff. As first reported by The Press Democrat, a former dishwasher at The French Laundry has filed a lawsuit in Napa Superior Court alleging multiple violations of the California Labor Code.

The complaint, brought by Elena Flores Beteta on behalf of herself and more than 50 similarly situated employees, alleges that the restaurant failed to pay for all hours worked, including overtime, and failed to provide proper rest breaks or facilities. The filing claims that staff were required to work off the clock and were not paid final wages upon separation. These violations, the complaint alleges, occurred pursuant to uniform policies implemented across the workforce.

In a statement to The Press Democrat, the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group denied the allegations, describing them as without merit.

We value our employees and maintain a respectful, professional, and inclusive workplace, the statement said. We are committed to complying with all applicable employment laws and regulations, and we maintain policies and practices designed to promote fairness and compliance across our organization.

While Keller has invested in 15 units of employee housing since 2006, he and other business owners have successfully gathered enough signatures for a referendum. This move, which effectively pauses the Yountville Commons project, will allow local voters to decide in November whether to repeal the zoning changes required for the development.

Even among local workers, opinions remain divided.

Jose Zamora, a 20-year-old grocery worker, told The Wall Street Journal that a studio would spare him a 50-mile daily commute. Conversely, others, like cashier Luisa Di Benedetto, argued the units are too small for couples, even as she noted that friends continue to leave the area for cheaper locations.

Keller has indicated he would support a revised version of the project, provided it incorporates more input from the businesses whose workers the housing is intended to serve.

So please, he told the council, lets get it right.
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Human remains have been exposed as a cemetery shoreline continues to erode along Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota.

St Louis County officials are seeking around $2.5 million to prevent more remains from surfacing at Scandia Cemetery, which is near the Glensheen Mansion, a local tourist attraction.

County officials first became aware in 2024 that graves at the Duluth cemetery were being exposed.

Future weather events and the effects of climate change are listed as concerns that could cause even greater degradation and erosion to the shoreline, the proposal states. Costs associated with housing and identifying exposed human remains are also marked as concerns in the document.

The proposal states that the site is currently controlled by a cemetery board.

open image in gallery Human remains have been uncovered at Scandia Cemetery in Minnesota, prompting calls stop the site's shoreline from eroding ( Google Street View )

The graveyard was established in 1881 by members of the local First Norwegian Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church. The first body to be buried there was that of a 9-year-old boym reports The Minnesota Star Tribune.

According to a local historical society, the majority of those buried there were victims of various epidemics in the early 20th century. That was prime real estate. Bury your loved ones near the lake, its beautiful, an engineer with St. Louis County Public Works, Rachel Gregg, told the newspaper.

Gregg said there are bones visible in the ground because theyre in a hard-to-reach spot.

There are still a handful of people who have made it clear in their wishes that they want to be buried there, The Star Tribune reports.

The report also says that the two keepers of the cemetery are over 90 years old.

open image in gallery Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area, covering approximately 31,700 square miles ( Getty/iStock )

Minnesota State Senator Jen McEwen told Northern News Now that she supports the $2,550,000 proposal to build a concrete retaining wall and to implement nature-based stabilization methods at the site.

We really do need to step up to make sure that we are protecting the public and addressing damage that is a direct result of climate change, McEwen said.

County Commissioner Patrick Boyle also told the outlet that officials want to do whats right for the families and those folks that are buried there.

As we speak, it continues eroding, Boyle continued. I dont think we can wait on this project any longer.

The county has applied for a grant from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The LCCMR is funded in part by the Minnesota State Lottery.

McEwen, who sits on the LCCMR board, told Northern News Now that she expects some officials to have reservations about the proposal.

I still think that we are going to face some questions from the legislature about whether these LCCMR funds are appropriate for a use like this, McEwen said.

open image in gallery County Commissioner Patrick Boyle says that the cemetery 'continues eroding' ( St Louis County )

However, Boyle says that he believes in the project despite it failing to receive funding last year.

We know its a shovel-ready case, and this is exactly what we need, he said. Its at the finish line.

Scandia Cemetery's caretakers wrote to the county several years ago, expressing a wish to give up the site, officials told Northern Now News.

An engineering company determined that building the wall was a cheaper proposal than relocating the graves, officials added.

According to the proposal, construction will begin in July 2027, and the project will be completed on December 31, 2028.
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A New York woman went missing after she reportedly jumped out of a moving car, sparking a major, days-long search  as her loved ones warn she is vulnerable and likely disoriented and frightened.

Brittany Kritis-Garip, 32, was last seen jumping out of a moving car, throwing her phone into a bush and fleeing Friday night in Oyster Bay, an area on the North Shore of Long Island, her husband, Fernando Garip, told News 12 Long Island.

"We've been combing wooded areas, rural areas, suburban areas, everything. So we're just asking for the public's help here. We really need the public's help to locate her," Garip said on Sunday. "We're going to be at this until she's home. I don't care what we have to do, what needs to be done."

She had unexpectedly jumped out of an unidentified family members car, her brother, Niko Kritis, told Patch. He described his sister as being vulnerable and likely disoriented and frightened.

She hopped out unexpectedly after pulling forward after a stop sign, her brother said. We are still actively pulling together videos of the path she ran.

open image in gallery Long Island woman Brittany Kritis-Garip has been missing since Friday, after she reportedly jumped from a moving car and ran away ( GoFundMe )

open image in gallery Kritis-Garips family is urging residents of Oyster Bay, New York, to look in their yards and on their security cameras for any signs of her ( GoFundMe )

Kritis-Garips wallet was found, and the last known footage of her was taken Friday at 8:14 p.m., her sister-in-law Jess Kritis said.

Her sister-in-law noted that Kritis-Garip thinks shes being tracked and in danger, [the] reason she ditched her phone.

The missing womans relatives are urging Oyster Bay residents to check their security footage as well as their yards, garages or any other enclosed spaces where someone could take shelter.

Those small, careful actions could be what brings Brittany home, her brother said. We believe Brittany may be trying to isolate or avoid contact, and its possible she could be shelter in secluded or hidden areas.

Her family has been working with authorities to piece together where she may have fled to. Her brother said that there was no single confirmed area at this time.

Nassau County police have sent their helicopter and drones searching over the area several times since Friday to try and locate Kritis-Garip.

open image in gallery Kritis-Garip was last seen on surveillance footage taken Friday night just after 8 p.m. in Oyster Bay ( GoFundMe )

open image in gallery Kritis-Garip is described as one of the kindest, move loving, and considerate people you could ever meet ( GoFundMe )

Kritis-Garip is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black pants and a black jacket with a fur collar.

Brittany is one of the kindest, move loving, and considerate people you could ever meet, her brother said. She lights up the lives of everyone around her, and we are deeply worried. We just want her home safe.

Sarah Castor, a friend of Kritis-Garip, started a GoFundMe with the goal of hiring a private investigator to help in their search efforts. The fundraiser had received over $15,000 in donations as of Thursday morning.

Castor wrote that her friend might be disoriented and frightened and may think she is in danger, adding, She is not dangerous  she needs help.

Brittany is deeply loved. We are doing everything we can to find her  and we are so grateful for your support, Castor added.

Authorities ask anyone with information about Kritis-Garips whereabouts to call the Nassau County Police Department Missing Person Squad at 516-573-7347.
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Scientists have discovered traces of cocaine, caffeine and even painkillers in sharks prowling the waters surrounding the Bahamas.

The drugs were detected in three shark species, with researchers warning that the studys findings warned of emerging pollution risks in seemingly pristine ecosystems.

The study, which was published in Environmental Pollution, marked the first time that cocaine and diclofenac had been detected in sharks native to the Bahamas. It was also the first time that caffeine and acetaminophen had been detected in any shark species worldwide.

Acetaminophen and diclofenac are the active ingredients in Tylenol and Voltaren, respectively.

Its mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water, Natascha Wosnick, one of the scientists who carried out the study, told Science News.

open image in gallery Scientists have discovered traces of drugs in sharks swimming near the Bahamas, including in lemon sharks (stock) ( AFP/Getty )

Much of the research was conducted in the waters surrounding the remote Eleuthera Island, and an inactive fish farm popular with divers, Wosnick said. Eighty-five sharks were captured in the region for the study.

According to the findings, 28 of the sea-dwelling creatures exhibited detectable levels of cocaine, caffeine, acetaminophen or diclofenac.

The drugs were detected in Caribbean Reef Sharks, Atlantic Nurse Sharks, and Lemon Sharks, although Blacktip Sharks and Tiger Sharks were also studied.

Researchers found changes in metabolic markers in sharks that showed signs of contaminated blood. Some of the sharks even appeared to have altered triglycerides, urea and lactate levels.

According to the study, diclofenac can be associated with kidney disease in animals. Cocaine and caffeine have been linked to hyperglycemia and lactate accumulation.

Wosnick told Science News that a young Lemon Shark, which tested positive for cocaine, was likely to have been exposed to the drug shortly before the study. That is because drugs persist longer in an animals muscles than in the blood.

open image in gallery Traces of drugs were also discovered in Caribbean Reef Sharks by scientists ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Wosnick told the publication that the shark could have ingested a packet containing residues of cocaine.

They bite things to investigate and end up exposed, she said.

Wosnick, who is a biologist at Federal University of Parana in Brazil, has previously detected traces of cocaine and rare earth minerals in sharks off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Sharks in the Brazil-based study showed higher levels of cocaine, she told Science News. However, that result may have been obtained because the study tested muscle tissue rather than blood.

Wosnick told the publication that chemical pollution is often overlooked in the Bahamas in favor of other concerns, including oil spills and plastic pollution.

Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs are increasingly recognized as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in marine environments, particularly in areas undergoing rapid urbanization and tourism-driven development, researchers wrote in the Environmental Pollution study.
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The White House has U-turned on its denial of reports that Bill Maher would receive a prestigious Kennedy Center award, insisting that its comments were right at the time.

The comedian will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a ceremony to be aired on Netflix in June. The Atlantic first reported the news last week, though officials at the time blasted the report as fake news.

This is fake news, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the outlet. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award. Communications Director Steven Cheung added: Literally FAKE NEWS.

Now the White House says it will happen after all.

This was false reporting at the time of the Atlantics reporting, but the situation changed after further conversations took place between the Trump-Kennedy Center and event organizers over the past week, a government spokesperson said.

open image in gallery The White House has U-turned on its denial of reports that Bill Maher would receive a prestigious Kennedy Center award, insisting that its comments were right at the time ( Invision )

Kennedy Center officials were expected to announce the news officially later Thursday, with the ceremony due to be one of the last public events before the institution shuts down for two years for renovations at Trumps direction.

The president has come under fire for his intervention in the centers affairs, already having ordered it renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, which has prompted many performances to be cancelled and legal action to be launched.

For nearly three decades, the Mark Twain Prize has celebrated some of the greatest minds in comedy, Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, said in a statement shared with The Associated Press.

For even longer, Bill has been influencing American discourse  one politically incorrect joke at a time.

open image in gallery White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously called news that Maher would receive the prize fake news ( Getty Images )

In a separate statement Maher said: Thank you to the Mark Twain people: I just had the award explained to me, and apparently its like an Emmy, except I win.

Id just like to say that it is indeed humbling to get anything named for a man whos been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain.

Previous recipients of the prize include Mahers fellow talk show hosts David Letterman and Conan OBrien, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart and Adam Sandler.

Maher and Trump have enjoyed a tumultuous relationship, with the comedian describing the president as gracious and measured after attending a dinner at the White House with him in 2025.

However, in a post on Truth Social last month, Trump turned on Maher, calling him a highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT, adding that it was a total waste of time for me to have this jerk at the White House.
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The Justice Department is suing a California towing company, claiming that it illegally auctioned off nearly 150 vehicles that had been towed from a Marine Corps base.

S&K Towing Inc. has been accused of illegally selling or disposing of as many as 148 vehicles owned by service members, many of which were towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in southern California, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The lawsuit accuses the San Clemente-based company of ignoring the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by a protected service member.

S&K Towing is accused of illegally processing the vehicles between August 2020 and April 2025.

The men and women who serve in our nations military deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States, First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said.

open image in gallery The Justice Department is suing a California tow truck company after it allegedly sold or disposed of nearly 150 vehicles from a Marine Corps base ( Getty Images )

Prosecutors argue in the lawsuit that some of the vehicles S&K sold or disposed of were registered to Camp Pendleton addresses.

In other instances, the vehicles were auctioned off even after S&K was told its owner was in the military, prosecutors claim.

The company was also reportedly approached about the issue. A Military Legal Assistance lawyer had approached the company and explained that the company was violating SCRA.

In response, a manager at S&K said, We do this all the time, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

open image in gallery The tow company is accused of processing the vehicles between August 2020 and April 2025 ( AP )

It is unacceptable and illegal for a business to sell or dispose of these vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect servicemembers, Essayli said.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon noted that Servicemembers are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed.

The SCRA plays an important role in providing these servicemembers with adequate legal protections, Dhillon added.

Service members and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

The Independent has contacted S&K Towing Inc. for comment.
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President Donald Trump has sent Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports across the country  but their presence appears to have done little to ease the lengthy wait times caused by the government shutdown.

Trump deployed armed ICE officers to over a dozen major transit hubs on Monday to help roughly 50,000 TSA officers who are working without pay as Congress remains at an impasse on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA and ICE.

However, sending in ICE agents has not reduced security lines, according to data from affected airports viewed by The Washington Post.

Travelers on Wednesday waited four or more hours to clear security at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Other airports, including Philadelphias, already had wait times under 20 minutes, even before the agents were sent there.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged that wait times hadnt been trimmed down as much as wed like. The deployment has also not broken the deadlock over DHSs funding, which would restore TSA agents pay.

open image in gallery Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stationed at airports across the country have done little to lessen wait times at TSA, according to a report ( Getty Images )

TSAs acting head, Ha Nguyen McNeill, warned the agency may have to shut down operations at some airports if a deal cannot be made soon.

This is a dire situation, she testified at a House hearing on Wednesday. At this point, we have to look at all options on the table. And that does require us to, at some point, make very difficult choices as to which airports we might try to keep open and which ones we might have to shut down as our callout rates increase.

Yet Democrats and Republicans have remained at a stalemate after both parties rejected each other's proposals on Wednesday, dragging DHSs shutdown into its 40th day.

Democrats rejected Republicans offer Tuesday evening, saying that the proposal did not add enough enforcement mechanisms for ICE. Their demand comes after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.

Republicans later turned down their counter-proposal, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune saying it was not even close to being real.

open image in gallery TSA officials have warned that some airports may be shut down if a deal is not made soon ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Some travelers have reported waiting in lines for up to four hours due to the shutdown ( Getty )

As negotiations remain at an impasse, lawmakers remain in the same position they were in when the shutdown began over a month ago  and travelers will continue to suffer the consequences of long TSA wait times.

Leavitt, the White House press secretary, continued to blame Senate Democrats for not cutting a deal with Republicans, saying Wednesday that they were intentionally being cruel to distract Americans from military wins in the Middle East.

We have attempted in good faith numerous times to go to the Democrats with reasonable offers, Leavitt said. The cruelty is the point. They want chaos.

Trump also tried to ramp up the heat on Democrats, suggesting on Wednesday that he would put National Guard members in airports.

The president took to his Truth Social platform to blame Democrats for the Airports mess and praised ICE agents for assisting in security.

Thank you to our great ICE Patriots for helping. It makes a big difference. I may call up the National Guard for more help, he wrote.

Trump said earlier this week that the agents being deployed into airports would help TSA and do security like no one has ever seen before. However, since their deployment, videos shared online have shown officers standing around idly at airport doors or baggage claims.

open image in gallery There looks to be no imminent solution to the political standoff behind the airport delays ( Getty Images )

I see them all sitting down looking at their phones or chit-chatting, Rep. Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, said at the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday. It looks like they have no role to play.

While Trump tries to pressure Democrats into giving up their demands, some Democratic lawmakers say the presidents decision to send ICE to airports has had little impact on negotiations to end the shutdown.

Sen. Dick Durbin, of Illinois, called the move just another theatrical play by the president.

However, TSAs McNeill said the agents had been a helpful presence, and were taking on less specialized tasks, including directing lines and helping passengers load bins.

Theyve been incredibly helpful to alleviate the burden on our workforce, and were getting positive feedback from our passengers and field leadership alike, McNeill said.
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MAGA fans are tearing into Jimmy Kimmel on social media for poking fun at the new DHS secretarys former profession.

Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the new leader of the Department of Homeland Security on March 24, replacing controversial former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

On Tuesdays episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host joked that President Trump had a whole new generation of thinkers lined up.

Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber, Kimmel grinned. Thats right, we have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now.

Well, it worked for Super Mario, why not Markwayne, he continued.

open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel has been slammed by MAGA influencers for poking fun at DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin's former career ( Jimmy Kimmel Live! )

During the show, Kimmel also suggested that Trump should have a little more fun with his nominations to the DHS Secretary position.

Instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security, he asked, as an image of Trump and the rapper flashed up on the screen.

Kimmel added, At least we could get a concert out of it, right?

On social media, GOP lawmakers and influencers tore into Kimmel over his jokes about Mullins profession.

I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians, Senator Ted Cruz wrote on X.

The elites too often look down their noses at blue collar, middle America, Representative Mike Collins wrote on X. They try to demean a man by calling him a plumber.

Journalist Chris Cillizza wrote on X, Not a great look.

Senator Cynthia Lummis branded the joke as shameful on social media.

open image in gallery Markwayne Mullin previously worked as a plumber before running to become a US representative ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Several X users also expressed their anger at the joke, with one labelling the remark unfunny.

I cant wait for the day that Kimmel will be in need of a plumber, another wrote.

Mullin took over his familys business, Mullin Plumbing, in 1997, according to the Sequoyah County Times. At the time, the business had just six employees.

Under his leadership, the company became the largest plumbing business in Mullins home state of Oklahoma by 2011, according to Tulsa World.

However, speaking on The Elephant in the Room, Mullin admitted that he never wanted to be a plumber.

Id probably say that I was a little bit embarrassed about being a plumber, he added.

Despite that, Mullin said he and his wife had a vision to bring pride to the profession, including providing branded trucks and uniforms to their workers.

open image in gallery Mullin replaced controversial politician Kristi Noem as DHS secretary ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In his youth, Mullin had been a keen wrestler and went on to attend Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship.

However, according to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Mullin decided to leave the sport because of a recurring shoulder injury.

In 2016, the Oklahoma Chapter of NWHOF presented Mullin with an Outstanding American award, recognizing his success as a wrestler.

The now-DHS Secretary served as the U.S. representative for Oklahomas second congressional district from 2013 until 2023. From 2023 until 2026, he served as the states junior senator.
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A Democratic lawmaker has asked a federal judge to force the Kennedy Center to block and reverse efforts to attach President Donald Trump's name to the historic venue.

Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio argued in a motion filed Wednesday that Congress was clear in its intent that the Kennedy Center is named for the late President John F. Kennedy, and no one else.

Renaming the Kennedy Center for President Trump  without any authorization from Congress  undermines the Centers raison detre, and frustrates its purpose as the only memorial to President Kennedy in Washington, D.C., the motion argues.

Trump's handpicked board of directors voted in December to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center, arguing the Republican president deserved the recognition for his efforts to renovate the institution, which was named for the Democratic president assassinated in 1963.

But the move immediately drew protest from Democrats and some in the Kennedy family along with questions from scholars and historians about whether the move was legally permissible.

open image in gallery A day after the board's December decision, Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade ( AFP/Getty )

Beatty's motion argues that lawmakers have made clear at various points throughout the Kennedy Center's history that no other name should appear on the building.

Congress was particularly sensitive that no other names appear on the Center's exterior walls, other than the signage designating the institution as a memorial for President Kennedy, according to the motion.

A day after the board's December decision, Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade, an iconic part of Washington's cityscape that rests on the banks of the Potomac River. The name change has also been reflected on the Kennedy Center's website and social media channels.

We are asking the court to enforce the law and reverse this illegal renaming," said Beatty's lawyers, Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action, and Nathaniel Zelinsky, senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group, in a statement. "This abuse of power is an attack on the rule of law and the memory of John Kennedy and cannot stand.

open image in gallery Beatty's motion argues that lawmakers have made clear at various points throughout the Kennedy Center's history that no other name should appear on the building ( AP )

A central part of the capital's arts scene since it opened in 1971, the Kennedy Center is being closed by Trump this summer for a renovation that's expected to last for about two years. That is the subject of a separate legal effort as a coalition of eight cultural and historic preservation groups is suing to block further physical changes to the Kennedy Center.

Through her position in Congress, Beatty is an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center's board. A federal judge ruled earlier this month that she could participate in a board meeting but didn't force the board to allow her to vote on the closure.
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Corey Lewandowski is reportedly leaving his role as special government employee, amid accusations of conducting a taxpayer-funded affair with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, according to a report.

Both Noem and Lewandowski have vehemently denied suggestions that they had an affair, with the former previously describing the rumors as tabloid garbage at a House hearing. Noem has also described the accusations as a disgusting lie.

Tensions surrounding the allegations flared up again on Wednesday after photographs of the pair sitting side by side were released by the U.S. Embassy in Guyana.

Noem had arrived in the South American country to discuss joint efforts to disrupt cartel and transnational criminal activity among other issues, according to a post from the embassy on X.

open image in gallery Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been pictured taking her close adviser, Corey Lewandowski, on an official visit to South America amid claims that the two are having a taxpayer-funded affair ( Office of the President, Guyana )

Now, three sources and a White House official have told The New York Postthat Lewandowski will leave his role as a special government employee.

The sources told The Post that the decision was made as recently as Tuesday or Wednesday.

Two of those sources claimed that President Trump had forced out Lewandowski due to his disapproval of a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem.

The president was also reportedly unhappy with contracting decisions made by Lewandowski while he served under Noem.

A third source claimed that Lewandowski decided to leave on his own because he was not interested in moving to the State Department.

After being ousted from the DHS by Trump in early March, Noem was reassigned as special envoy to The Shield of the Americas.

CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis, wrote on X that a State Department official said that Noem will report to Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau in her new role.

open image in gallery Noem's trip to Guyana comes after she was ousted as Homeland Security secretary ( Office of the President, Guyana )

The initiative will bring together leaders of several South American countries to commit to stopping drug cartels.

Guyana was one stop on Noems tour, where she also visited the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica and Ecuador, according to Reuters.

Noem and Lewandowski traveled on a Homeland Security Department plane, the agency reported.

The department would not confirm the whereabouts of our plane.

Noem and Lewandowskis relationship has been scrutinized over allegations that the pair are having an extramarital affair.

The former DHS Secretary denied the rumours during a House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month.

open image in gallery The photos of Noem and Lewandowski in Guyana caused a stir on social media, with conservative media personality Meghan McCain writing in all caps, Girl what is you doing?!? ( Getty Images )

Noems husband, Bryon, left the room minutes before Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked, At any time during you tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?

I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage today at this committee, Noem replied.

Photos of Noems visit to Guyana with Lewandowski sparked backlash online on Wednesday.

Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, asked on X, GIRL WHAT IS YOU DOING?

Billy Binion, a reporter for the libertarian Reason magazine, wrote on X, Why are my taxpayer dollars funding Corey Lewandowski's travel to Guyana? How is that remotely acceptable?

Gazis reported that the photos of Noem with Lewandowski were not taken during an official State Department trip.

According to Gazis, the sources also suggested that Lewandowski is not employed by the State Department and there is no job lined up for him there in the future.

The Independent has reached out to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Guyana and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
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Pentagon staffers are poking fun at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with a brutal nickname, according to a report published Tuesday.

Several officials have reportedly referred to Hegseth as Dumb McNamara, a comparison to former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, who played a central role in expanding U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, current and former U.S. officials told Zeteo Tuesday.

The former defense secretary pushed so hard for further U.S. involvement in Vietnam that some dubbed it McNamaras War. The nickname is meant to take a jab at Hegseths hardline military approach, comparing it to a chapter in U.S. history thats widely seen as a major strategic failure.

The Independent has contacted the Department of Defense for comment.

Hegseth has become one of the strongest public backers of President Donald Trumps military campaign in Iran, openly backing the administrations aggressive approach. Speaking at an event in Tennessee this week, Trump singled out the former Fox & Friends host as an early and eager supporter, saying, Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up. You said, Lets do it.

open image in gallery Officials have reportedly nicknamed Pete Hegseth 'Dumb McNamara,' likening him to Vietnam-era Defense Secretary Robert McNamara ( Getty Images )

McNamara, who started out as a businessman before moving into government, served under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1968. He regularly gave positive updates about the war in Vietnam, despite declassified documents later showing that he knew it had become a disaster, the Daily Beast reports.

Estimates of deaths in the Vietnam War vary, but most historians put the total between 2 million and 3.5 million people.

In 1967, McNamara ordered a classified study that would later be known as the Pentagon Papers. The top-secret report examined the history and decision-making behind U.S. involvement in Vietnam and ultimately raised serious questions about the strategy and justification for the war.

Unlike McNamara, who later expressed regret over his role in Vietnam, Hegseth has shown little indication of reconsidering his stance. He has continued to advocate for forceful military action.

We negotiate with bombs, Hegseth said Tuesday. You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran.

open image in gallery McNamara was the Secretary of Defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, known for escalating American involvement in the Vietnam War, which critics sometimes dubbed McNamaras War' ( AFP via Getty Images )

The next day, Hegseth stood at the Pentagons first monthly worship service since the Iran war began and prayed not for peace, but for what he called overwhelming violence against Americas enemies.

Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation, Hegseth said. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.
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TSome Republicans have raised alarm bells at the growing number of young conservatives who have been influenced by far-right online personalities that espouse negative opinions of Jewish people, women, people of color and more.

Streamers and podcasters who have been accused of sharing such views, such as Nick Fuentes, Myron Gaines and others, have grown in popularity over the last few years  appealing to a younger bloc of conservatives disgruntled with traditional politics.

We dont think Hitler is, like, the worst person ever, Alec Beaton, a 23-year-old former Trump campaign staffer, told the Washington Post at a national young conservatives conference. Beaton added that he praises Adolf Hitler to mess with people.

Fuentes, a 27-year-old white nationalist with a Rumble platform of more than 600k, said during a recent stream that women just lie and theyre whores. Not all of them but it is a serious problem.

Gaines, a 36-year-old streamer, podcaster and author of a book titled Why Women Deserve Less, wrote on X in October, Yeah we like Hitler. No one gives a f*** what you woke jews think anymore.

open image in gallery Nick Fuentes has gained a massive following by sharing alternative conservative views online  particularly negative rhetoric about women and Jewish people ( Getty Images )

Beaton later commented on the article to The Independent, saying his comments were taken out of context.

Is Hitler the worst person ever? Of course not. Satan is. That is not just my belief as an America First Patriot, but first and foremost, the belief of the Catholic Church, he wrote in an email. Of course, unfortunately, this is something that zionists have a huge issue with, because Hitler being the worst person ever is imperative to their agenda in establishing the Greater Israel agenda.

The quotes are either misunderstood or blatantly out of context. Out of tens of thousands of things said, they were nitpicked. Hopefully, one day, a more neutral media company can bring these views to light, he added.

Beaton also provided more details about his views on the Holocaust and other issues brought up by the Post.

I do not recall specifying my own beliefs or going my own viewpoint on the holocaust, which is that, of course, it happened, but so did many other genocides, such as the Holodomer or the Great Leap Forward in China, yet the holocaust is regarded as one of the worst genocides in the world, Beaton wrote to The Independent. I don't think I'd call this belief holocaust revisionism, but rather that the holocaust is exaggerated by the media and zionists to justify Israeli Imperialism in the Middle East.

open image in gallery There is growing concern among some Republicans about the apparent antisemitism growing in the party ( Getty Images )

While the sentiments from the influential political commentators likely do not represent the beliefs of all, or even most, young conservatives, their platforms are growing. At the Symposium on Antisemitism, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz said, I have seen more antisemitism in the last 18 months on the right than at any point in my lifetime.

It is gaining real purchase, especially with young people, Cruz said, expressing concern that antisemitism was growing among young conservatives, especially on college campuses.

Its easy to see Fuentes growing influence in the comment section of his Rumble videos, which consistently gain 200k views. Some of his followers, known as groypers, share their own racist or sexist views.

Women and Jews need to Shut the F*** Up.

The brownification of America is disgusting and tragic.

Jews aren't that smart, they're just incredibly coordinated.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer and self-described Islamaphobe, has also pointed out antisemitism among the Republican Party.

The GOP has a Nazi problem, Loomer wrote in November. And the more we pretend like we dont, the worse its going to get.

open image in gallery Carlson has also been accused of antisemitism for platforming Fuentes. The former Fox News host has denied allegations that he is antisemitic ( AFP via Getty Images )

Loomers comments arose after Politico published an expose of bigoted messages exchanged between young Republican leaders, in which they praised Hitler, used racist slurs, joked about sending people to gas chambers like in the Holocaust, made positive remarks about rape and more.

Republican lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, condemned the messages.

Loomer has also accused former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson  an influential voice on the right  of spreading antisemitism, and even inciting violent antisemitic attacks. Carlson has denied the allegation, calling it slander.

I am ... strongly opposed to anti-Semitism, precisely as much as I am to the anti-Arab hate you promote or the anti-white bias embedded in the US government and our largest institutions. Its all immoral and indefensible. I believe in the inherent rights of the individual because I believe in God. Carlson wrote on X this month.

Cruz also accused Carlson of antisemitism, saying: It is being spread by loud voices, the most consequential of whom is Tucker Carlson.

In November, Carlson was accused of platforming Fuentes by giving him an interview. Carlson was heavily scrutinized for not pushing back on Fuentes antisemitic comments. The former Fox News host later told critics to Buzz off.

When President Donald Trump was asked about Carlsons interview, he defended Carlson and denied knowing much about Fuentes  despite once dining with the 27-year-old at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.

Fuentes was present as a guest of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, who has himself made a series of antisemitic statements.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has promised to combat antisemitism in his administration  targeting college and universities that allowed large pro-Palestinian protests in 2023 ( Getty Images )

When reached for comment, White House Spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement: President Trump is focused on making America great again for all Americans, and he has zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.

However, Democrats in Congress are being taken over by anti-Semitic and anti-American radicals like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, Ingle said.

According to the Washington Post, Beaton and his colleagues boasted about their growing influence at the national young conservatives conference.

Half the people there were, like, us, Beaton claimed.

This article was amended after publication to include comments from Beaton about the Post report.
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President Donald Trump has told aides in private that he wants to end the war in Iran in the coming weeks, according to a report.

As the conflict drags on to a fourth week, killing 13 U.S. service members and wounding 300, Trump wants to focus on other matters, including the midterm elections and pushing through legislation that would require voters to show photo ID at the polls and prove their citizenship, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Trump told an associate that the war was distracting from his other priorities, according to the WSJ.

The problem, though, is that ending the war is not down to Trump alone, the newspaper noted.

America entered into the conflict in a joint operation with Israel, which could continue its operations in the Middle East without the U.S. At the same time, negotiations between Washington and Tehran do not appear to be progressing, and the Iranian regime has so far rejected direct talks with the Trump administration.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump, pictured conferring with Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, has told aides in private that he wants to end the war in Iran in the coming weeks, according to a report. The problem, though, is that ending the war is not down to Trump alone ( Getty Images )

Trump has reportedly told aides that he wants to stick to the four-to-six week timeline outlined publicly at the beginning of the war.

Allies close to the president want him to pivot to addressing the cost of living amid rising gas prices because of the war, which remains one of the most pressing issue for Americans, while others want him to turn to Cuba and emulate the swift operation carried out in Venezuela in January, according to the WSJ.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump was extraordinarily skilled at multi-tasking and was addressing multiple challenges at once.

The President is laser focused on fully achieving the military objectives against the terrorist Iranian regime. The presidents sole focus is always victory, Leavitt told the WSJ.

Those close to the president told the outlet that it is often difficult to predict the decisions Trump will make about the war, and reportedly said that he has swayed between embracing diplomatic routes and escalating strikes on Iran.

open image in gallery Allies close to the president want him to pivot to addressing the cost of living amid rising gas prices because of the war, which remains the most pressing issue for Americans ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

There are also some advising Trump to go harder against Iran because regime change could be legacy-defining, if the president were to achieve it.

It comes as reports claim that the Pentagon is preparing scenarios for a massive final blow in the war.

Trump could choose from four proposals, including the use of troops on the ground and a possible invasion of Kharg Island, a vital component of Irans oil network, according to Axios.

The options, described as hypothetical by White House officials, come as Trump claimed Iranian negotiators are begging the U.S. to end the conflict despite Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declaring on state television that the country does not plan on holding any negotiations.

Trump has not yet made a decision on any of the options, but the president is ready to escalate if negotiations with Iran do not progress soon, the officials told Axios.

The president warned Iran Thursday to make a deal to end the war before its too late.
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Democrats on Capitol Hill have had no discussions about impeaching President Donald Trump if they take back the House of Representatives in the November midterms, several lawmakers told Punchbowl News.

With most polls indicating Democrats have a lead in the upcoming midterms, some have questioned whether liberal lawmakers will initiate inquiries into the president, specifically related to his decision to start a war in the Middle East without permission from Congress.

Literally no Democrats are talking about this, Rep. Pete Aguilar, the House Democratic Caucus Chair, told Punchbowl. This is not something that comes up in our discussions at all.

Rep. Susie Lee told the news outlet, We have bigger priorities to focus on.

When is it productive to take votes on this, and when is it productive for us to be out in the court of public opinion? Rep. Greg Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said.

open image in gallery House Democrats have not had any discussions about formally impeaching Trump, should they reclaim the lower chamber in November ( AP )

While lawmakers may not be formally discussing it, anti-Trump voters have called for his impeachment over his strikes against Iran, the capture of now-deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his handling of the Epstein files.

Impeachment is a powerful tool that can rally international attention to an issue. But its also a divisive move that is unpopular with large swaths of voters, according to Gallup polling.

Rep. Henry Cuellar told Punchbowl that moving forward with impeachment risks firing up Trumps MAGA base.

Weve seen this twice already. To do it a third time wont work, Cuellar said.

After reclaiming the House in November 2018, Democrats launched inquiries into the presidents actions. Eventually, in December 2019, Trump was impeached in the lower chamber of Congress on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Trumps first impeachment stemmed from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2020 election that reported Trump attempted to influence Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation into former President Joe Biden.

The House impeached Trump for a second time in January 2021, after the attack on the Capitol.

open image in gallery Protesters called for Trump's impeachment as the president was initiating strikes on Iran without the permission of Congress ( Getty Images )

Both times, the Senate voted to acquit Trump. A two-thirds majority is required in the Senate to convict in an impeachment trial.

The reality is we know that Trump, regardless of any impeachment vote, is not going to get convicted by the Senate, Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, told Punchbowl.

Earlier this month, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, told CNBC that while Democrats are not afraid of impeachment, it cannot be used as a panacea.

If we think that this will be the most effective way to address some of the crises of the republic that have been unleashed by President Trump or particular members of his Cabinet, then it will have to be considered, Raskin said.
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The Pentagon is preparing scenarios for a massive final blow in Iran, as President Donald Trump warned the country to make a deal to end the war before its too late.

Trump could choose from four proposals, including the use of troops on the ground and a possible invasion of Kharg Island, a vital component of Irans oil network, according to Axios.

The options, described as hypothetical by White House officials, come as Trump claimed Iranian negotiators are begging the U.S. to end the conflict despite Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declaring on state television that the country does not plan on holding any negotiations.

In the four proposals being drawn up for Trump by the Pentagon, the president could reportedly choose to invade or blockade Kharg Island; invade the island of Larak, which helps Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz; seize the island of Abu Musa and two Iranian-controlled smaller islands which are also located near the strait; or block and seize ships exporting Iranian oil, U.S. officials with knowledge of the plans told Axios.

Plans for ground operations to secure enriched uranium within Irans nuclear facilities have also been prepared by the U.S. military, along with an alternative proposal to carry out a large-scale air strike on the facilities that would not require boots on the ground, according to the outlet.

open image in gallery The Pentagon is preparing scenarios for a massive final blow in Iran, as President Donald Trump warned the country to make a deal to end the war before its too late ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump has not yet made a decision on any of the options, but the president is ready to escalate if negotiations with Iran do not progress soon, the officials told Axios.

The Independent has contacted the Pentagon and the White House for comment on the plans.

Trump appeared frustrated in a Truth Social post Thursday, and branded Iranian negotiators very different and strange.

They are begging us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only looking at our proposal. WRONG!!! Trump fumed. They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it wont be pretty!

open image in gallery Trump, pictured with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, could choose from four proposals, including the use of troops on the ground and a possible invasion of Kharg Island, a vital component of Irans oil network, according to the report ( Reuters )

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trumps warnings to Iran at a Wednesday briefing, and said the president is ready to unleash hell.

The President doesn't bluff and he is ready to unleash hell. Iran shouldn't miscalculate again Leavitt said. Any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime... refuses to come to a deal.

In the coming days and weeks, thousands more U.S. troops are anticipated to arrive in the Middle East.

The Pentagon confirmed to The Independent Wednesday that some elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, some division enablers and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be deploying to the region.
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President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that hes ordering the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay our TSA agents amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The DHS shutdown began more than 40 days ago after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the agency. Since then, TSA agents have been working without pay, which has led to staffing shortages and long security lines in airports nationwide.

Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country, as I always will do, the president wrote on Truth Social.

Therefore, I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports, he added.

open image in gallery The ongoing DHS shutdown has led to massive security lines at airports across the U.S. ( Getty )

Trump also thanked the hardworking TSA Agents and ICE agents who have been deployed to several airports across the U.S. this week to assist with the long lines.

This comes after the White House turned down an offer from billionaire Elon Musk to pay TSA agents during the funding lapse. A White House spokesperson previously told The Independent his offer poses great legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts.

Many TSA agents live paycheck to paycheck, which means theyve been struggling to pay for rent, groceries and other necessities during the funding lapse, according to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill.

Officers are reportedly sleeping in their cars at airports to save gas money, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second and third jobs to make ends meet, all while expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public, McNeill said Wednesday in a statement to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Many have received eviction notices, lost their childcare, missed bill payments and been charged late fees, damaged their credit, defaulted on loans, and have been unable to even qualify for a loan to help ease the financial burden during the shutdown, she added.

open image in gallery Some TSA agents have resorted to sleeping in their cars or selling their plasma to make ends meet amid the funding lapse, according to a Trump administration official ( REUTERS )

Angela Grana, a TSA agent in Colorado, told CBS News shes feeling deflated and demoralized amid the shutdown.

Im feeling unimportant and unvalued, she said on Thursday. My bills haven't stopped coming. Theyre still pounding on my door and my bank account is empty. So, I'm lost. I'm drowning.

Democratic lawmakers have said theyre demanding reforms to immigration enforcement operations before theyll agree to fund DHS.

Republicans gave Democrats their last and final offer to end the shutdown on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters. Amid the mounting pressure to reach an agreement, a group of more than 10 lawmakers from both parties has been working to negotiate the details, according to the Associated Press.
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President Donald Trump is lashing out at members of his own party and once again demanding changes to Senate rules that would allow the upper chamber to approve new restrictions on voting ahead of midterm elections that could cost Republicans control of the House, Senate  or both.

In a Thursday morning rant on Truth Social, he demanded Republican senators employ a parliamentary maneuver that would let them push any legislation through the Senate by ending the chambers 60-vote supermajority requirement for most bills and use that new power to end a weeks-long impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security instead of negotiating with Democrats over whether immigration agents can enter private homes without warrants.

When is enough, enough for our Republican Senators. There comes a time when you must do what should have been done a long time ago, and something which the Lunatic Democrats will do on day one, if they ever get the chance, he wrote. TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER, and get our airports, and everything else, moving again.

Trump also urged senators to add the complete, all five items, SAVE AMERICA ACT items and Go for the Gold by doing so. The five items he was referring to include a host of new proposed limits on voting by mail and onerous national voter registration procedures that could disenfranchise millions of Americans based on flimsy conspiracy theories about non-citizen voting.

Not long after, he repeated his all-caps demand for senators to TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER in a separate post before lashing out a third time against Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who he called a  a desperate, crippled politician while suggesting that Republicans should threaten to enact the rule change if he does not make a deal to reopen DHS.

open image in gallery Trump is once again demanding changes to Senate rules that are unlikely to be enacted by senators ( AFP via Getty Images )

His rant took place less than a day after House Republicans awarded him a made-up prize, the America First award, at the National Republican Congressional Committees annual fundraising gala.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the prize a beautiful golden statue  appropriate for the new golden era in America.

The presidents call for Republicans to short-circuit centuries-old senate procedures to make it more difficult for Americans to cast ballots ahead of the November midterm elections comes as travelers continue to face massive security lines at airports across the country.

Since February, approximately 50,000 transportation security officers have been forced to work without pay as senators battle over a deal that will provide the necessary funding to DHSwhile also include mechanisms to hold immigration enforcement officers accountable.

Until lawmakers reach a deal, many TSA agents are being forced to dip into retirement accounts, take on second jobs or rely on food pantries to get by.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump demanded Senate republicans end the filibuster and pass his SAVE America Act to restrict voting rules on Thursday morning ( Truth Social )

Many TSA officers have called out of work and approximately 480 have quit  leading to staffing shortages at some of the largest airports in the nation. The result has been checkpoint lines that can snake around airport terminals for hours-long waits before being screened, causing many to miss flights.

Trump has rejected senators efforts to craft a compromise package that would fund TSA and other DHS components while leaving funding for ICE to a separate process.

Instead, he has ordered ICE personnel to deploy at airports and has suggested National Guard soldiers could fill in for absent TSA workers, though neither group has the specialized training needed to operate airport security checkpoints.

His demand for new voting restrictions and refusal to allow a compromise to end the DHS funding impasse is his latest expression of anxiety about voting with just seven months remaining until Americans will vote on whether Republicans should retain the unified control of Washington they have had since Trump and a GOP-led Congress took power in January of last year.

An Associated Press/NORC poll released on Thursday found six in ten American say the war against Iran he started alongside Israel last month has gone too far, while supermajorities of Americans oppose putting American troops on the ground there.

A separate Fox News poll found just 42 percent of Americans support the war, with 58 percent opposed and 64 percent of voters disapproving of Trumps handling of Iran. Nearly as many adults, 62 percent, disapprove of the presidents foreign policy.

The Fox poll also found a record low number of Republicans voicing approval of the president at 84 percent, down from 92 percent last month, with 16 percent disapproving.

Overall, 59 percent of Americans polled say they disapprove of Trumps job performance overall, with 41 percent voicing approval. Thats a record low for Trump dating back to his first term.
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President Donald Trump gave an hour-long, rambling speech Wednesday night at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner in Washington, D.C.

House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced Trump at the event and announced the president had received the first annual America First Award. Johnson called the prize a beautiful golden statue  appropriate for the new golden era in America.

Trump then launched into a meandering speech, during which he lobbed familiar insults at his perceived political foes, including former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

If you go back to Obama, he was a great divider. He divided this nation, Trump said. He was a lousy president. The worst president in history was Biden. But Obama was a terrible president.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump railed against Democrats in his hour-long speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner ( REUTERS )

Trump also railed against Democrats for opposing Republicans SAVE America Act, which would require voters to show photo ID at the polls and prove their citizenship. Many Democrats have argued the legislation could disenfranchise millions of voters.

You have those Democrats, they stick together. Think of it  they vote against voter ID, they vote against proof of citizenship. They vote against it, he said.

Trump then told attendees hes a fan of no mail-in ballots  despite reportedly voting by mail in this weeks Florida special election.

Earlier in the speech, the president touched on the war with Iran and claimed Tehran wants to make a deal so badly.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson said the America First Award is a beautiful golden statue  appropriate for the new golden era in America ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The America First Award, represented by an eagle statue, is displayed on the side of the stage ahead of its presentation to Trump at the Republican fundraiser ( AFP via Getty Images )

Nobody has ever seen anything like we're doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people, Trump said.

They're also afraid they'll be killed by us. There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran, he added.

At one point during the event, the president also launched into a rant about how he cant call a waitress beautiful, because if you call her beautiful, thats the end of your political career.

open image in gallery Trump claimed Iran wants to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people ( AP )

Trump ended his speech with a rallying call for Republicans.

We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again, and most importantly, we will make America great again, he said. Thank you very much Republicans, go out and win the midterms!

The speech, where the president was heard slurring his words throughout, follows Trumps rambling remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday.

There, Trump appeared to be slurring his words as he touched on voter ID, mail-in ballots and several other topics.

After Wednesdays event, some Democratic lawmakers slammed Trumps America First Award on social media.

They have to treat the President like a child. So embarrassing for everyone involved, Representative Seth Magaziner wrote on X.

More gold statues for Donald Trump while TSA agents wait for paychecks?! How very out of touch, Representative Kathy Castor said.

This isnt the first prize Trump has been offered in recent months. In early December, Trump accepted the newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw, sparking outrage from some soccer fans.

A month later, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. The president called the offer such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.

The president was also named the Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal at a White House event last month.
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Transportation Security Administration officers have resorted to selling their blood and plasma for money as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown drags into its 40th day, the agencys acting administrator told Congress Wednesday.

Many in our workforce have missed bill payments, received eviction notices, had their cars repossessed and utilities shut off, Ha Nguyen McNeill, the TSA acting administrator, said during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing.

She added: Lost their childcare, defaulted on loans, damaged their credit line and drained their retirement savings. Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma and taking on second jobs to make ends meet. All while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public.

For the third time in the last fiscal year, approximately 50,000 transportation security officers are being forced to work without pay as senators battle over a deal that will provide the necessary funding to DHS while also include mechanisms to hold immigration enforcement officers accountable.

Until lawmakers reach a deal, many TSA agents are being forced to dip into retirement accounts, take on second jobs or rely on food pantries to get by.

open image in gallery Approximately 50,000 TSA agents have been forced to work without pay for more than a month  many say they are struggling to get by until lawmakers figure out how to fund the Department of Homeland Security ( AFP via Getty Images )

Taylor Desert, a transportation security officer at Indiana International Airport, told the Associated Press, she never thought shed be in the position of going to a food bank to supplement her groceries.

But having last received a paycheck on February 14, Desert is going to great lengths to ensure she doesnt spend her entire savings just to afford to keep living.

Many TSA officers have called out of work and approximately 480 have quit  leading to staffing shortages at some of the largest airports in the nation. As a result, security lines stretch for hours around the airport, frustrating travelers.

LaShanda Palmer, a TSA officer for 24 years, told NBC Philadelphia that colleagues have called out because they have no gas.

Some people can't make it over the bridge," Palmer told NBC Philadelphia. "Some people can't afford childcare.

open image in gallery TSA Acting Administrator, Ha Nguyen McNeill, told lawmakers Wednesday that approximately 480 TSA agents have quit since the shutdown ( Getty Images )

Husband and wife TSA agents, Oksana and Deron Kelly, told the Associated Press theyve dipped into their savings to support their two young children. Deron has begun working as a DoorDash delivery driver in his spare time, but has considered taking up a different job with more stability.

President Donald Trump has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to dozens of airports to assist in security measures.

The White House said ICE officers have been handing out water to travelers waiting in long security lines and offered to hold spots for those who need to step out of line temporarily.

Trump suggested Wednesday he could deploy National Guard members to airports experiencing long wait times to assist as well. However, its unclear what role they could play in alleviating congestion due to understaffed TSA agents.
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Some of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States are shrinking, and the vast majority are seeing slower growth, according to newly released government data.

The U.S. Census Bureau, which released new figures on Thursday, cited a nationwide drop in net international migration as the main factor behind the trend, a shift that coincides with President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

The nations largest counties like those in the New York metro area are often international migration hubs, gaining large numbers of international migrants and losing people that move to other parts of the country via domestic migration, George Hayward, a Census Bureau demographer, said in a news release.

With fewer gains from international migration, he added, these types of counties saw their population growth diminish or even turn into loss.

Among the areas hit hardest were Los Angeles, Miami, and San Diego, with New York City also seeing its population drop for the first time in three years. In contrast, several mid-sized and smaller metro areas saw significant growth, including Austin, Raleigh and Myrtle Beach.

open image in gallery Some of the nation's largest metro areas are losing population amidst President Trump's immigration crackdown, according to new Census Bureau data ( Getty Images )

The latest Census Bureau data includes year-over-year changes  between July 2024 and July 2025  within counties and metro areas. The results were compiled using available data on births, deaths and migration flows.

Here is a breakdown of the findings.

Population growth slowed almost everywhere

Overall, population growth slowed almost everywhere, declining in most of the nations 3,143 counties. Among the 2,066 counties that gained residents between 2023 and 2024, nearly 80 percent saw their growth slow or reverse in 2025.

Among the small share of counties that experienced high growth rates, most were concentrated in the Southeast, particularly in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

At the same time, about 80 percent of metropolitan areas  310 out of 387  saw fewer people enter between 2024 and 2025 than during the previous year. Notably, the three areas with the steepest decreases are all located along the southern border: Laredo, Texas; Yuma, Arizona; and El Centro, California.

On average, the growth rate in U.S. metro areas stood at 0.6 percent, down from 1.1 percent between 2023 and 2024.

The Census Bureau, which operates under the Commerce Department, highlighted several contributing factors: domestic migration reductions and a reduced birth rate  the U.S. fertility rate stood at a near-record low 1.6 births per woman in 2024.

However, the main driver was the decline of immigrants entering the country from around the globe.

Helen You, the interim director of the Texas Demographic Center, told CBS News that the steep decreases seen along the U.S.-Mexico border highlight the impact of immigration on year-to-year population change.

The vast majority of the slowdown of immigration is because of policy shifts, Eric Finnigan, the vice president of demographics research at John Burns Research and Consulting, told The Wall Street Journal.

open image in gallery In January, DHS claimed that close to three million illegal immigrants had left the country, including an estimated 2.2 million people who voluntarily left and over 675,000 who were deported ( Getty Images )

Trump, who promised to carry out the largest deportation program in U.S. history, began cracking down on immigration soon after taking office, beefing up interior enforcement and dramatically reducing the number of border crossings.

One year into his second term, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that close to three million illegal immigrants had left the country, including an estimated 2.2 million people who voluntarily left and over 675,000 who were deported.

Top five metro areas

Last year, population growth either slowed or reversed in each of the nations five largest metropolitan areas, which together are home to nearly 60 million people.

In 2025, 20,112,448 people lived in the New York City metro area, the biggest in the nation. It marked an increase of 32,361 from the previous year. By comparison, between 2023 and 2024, the population rose by 291,111.

Population growth also decelerated in the Chicago metro region, rising by 22,925 compared with 75,277 the prior year.

Two major Texas hubs saw similar slowdowns: the Dallas area added 123,557 people in 2024, down from 189,460 in the previous year, while the Houston area grew by 126,720, compared with 190,261 the year before.

By contrast, the Los Angeles metro area lost 62,454 people, after gaining 24,986 the previous year.
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A 92-year-old federal judge will decide if Donald Trumps administration is illegally blocking money for the defense of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores while the U.S. government refuses to lift sanctions against their countrys government.

Maduro and Flores returned to a federal courtroom in New York City on Thursday wearing prison-issued khaki and orange prison scrubs from a Brooklyn detention center where they have been detained for more than two months after U.S. military forces captured them in Caracas.

They have both pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations they steered a massive cocaine trafficking operation.

Attorneys for Maduro and Flores argued that the duo should be allowed to tap into Venezuelan government funds for their defense, but federal prosecutors argue that national security and foreign policy interests prevent the U.S. from carving out sanctions that would allow them to pay their attorneys.

If the purpose of the sanctions is because the defendants are plundering the wealth of Venezuela, it would undermine the sanctions to allow them access the same funds now to pay for their defense, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Wirshba said.

open image in gallery Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro returned to federal court in New York on March 26 as his attorneys and prosecutors argued over the fate of funding for his defense ( AP )

New York District Judge Alvin Hellerstein suggested that the U.S. governments actions could amount to potential interference to their constitutional right to defend themselves.

I see no national security issue to defend oneself, Hellerstein said. What are the interests here?

He repeatedly suggested that the Trump administrations attempts to reshape Venezuelas government and seize its oil have neutralized any alleged national security threat.

Venezuelas oil business has become vital, said Hellerstein, who noted that the Trump administration is invested in securing the countrys oil assets while Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz has imperiled global fuel supplies. By capturing and prosecuting the former president and deploying oil companies to the country, we have changed the situation in Venezuela, Hellerstein said.

Allegations of human rights abuses that triggered sanctions are no longer implicated because the U.S. has now captured the leaders allegedly responsible for them, according to the judge.

Defendants are here  They present no national security threat, he said. The Venezuelan government is no longer implicated in the atrocities were talking about. Weve corrected that.

open image in gallery Maduro (right) and his wife Cilia Flores (left) listened throughout the hearing using headphones with a translator as attorney Barry Pollack argued for a federal just to unblock sanctioned funds for their legal defense ( REUTERS )

The Trump administration is not denying the couples access to federal public defenders, but its not clear the U.S. will be able to learn where Venezuelan funds are coming from, and if they are tainted by illegal proceeds from the alleged trafficking conspiracy at the center of the case, according to Wirshba.

Hellerstein said federal public defenders would be tasked with a sprawling, international case that is going to require a significant investigative work and a great deal of expense, which would unjustifiably tax their abilities to defend other clients.

Hellerstein repeatedly asked what, if anything, he does have the authority to do.

We dont believe a remedy is available to the court, the prosecutor said.

Wirshba suggested a separate lawsuit could be filed to challenge the sanctions themselves but argued the courts do not have authority to carve out an exemption for Maduro and Flores.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control would have to create a specific license to lift sanctions against Maduro so he can access funds for his defense, but prosecutors say the judge cant order the office to do so.

Maduros defense attorney Barry Pollack, who formerly represented Julian Assange and former Trump ally Paul Manafort, said there is no evidence that potential funds are tainted or illegally obtained. He argued that the judge should dismiss the case altogether, which Hellerstein immediately rejected.

Im not going to dismiss the case, he said.

But, he added, if I find that in this case a specific license was arbitrarily withheld, and the government does not comply, that would be a time of dismissing the indictment.

This is a unique case and will take some time, he said.

open image in gallery Several dozen protesters rallied outside a federal courthouse in Manhattan demanding the release of the ousted Venezuelan leader who was captured by US forces in a lethal military operation in January ( Getty Images )

Their capture  the culmination of Trumps months-long pressure campaign to topple Maduros government and deploy U.S. oil companies into the country  also resulted in significant injuries to Flores, including severe bruising and a possible fracture, lawyers said in January.

She is now experiencing issues related to a mitral valve prolapse and not receiving adequate care in custody, attorney Mark Donnelly said Thursday. She needs an echocardiogram after many EKGS, he said.

Federal prosecutors allege Maduro led a conspiracy to ship drugs from Venezuela to the United States via the Caribbean and Central America using fishing boats and container ships as well as clandestine airstrips and commercial airports protected by corrupt government and military officials, according to the indictment.

The defendants allegedly relied on violent narco-terrorist groups including various cartels and gangs, including Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has targeted as part of the presidents vast anti-immigration agenda.

The alleged conspiracy lines the pockets of Venezuelan officials and their families while also benefiting violent narco-terrorists who operate with impunity on Venezuelan soil and who help produce, protect, and transport tons of cocaine to the United States, according to the indictment.
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A 20-year-old woman in South Australia was convicted of a graffiti offence after attaching googly eyes to a public sculpture.

Amelia Vanderhorst pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of marking graffiti by putting the eyes on Cast in Blue, a sculpture worth A$136,000 (70,721) in the centre of Mount Gambier, the ABC reported.

The artwork, unveiled in July 2025, depicts a mythical megafauna inspired by ancient marsupials found in the regions caves, with its bright blue colour referencing the nearby Blue Lake. A part of Mount Gambiers Beacon Art Project, its intended to create a distinctive cultural landmark in the citys centre.

The sculpture has divided local opinion since its installation, with some criticising it as unattractive and a waste of money. Its popularly known as the Blue Blob.

Magistrate Kylie Schulz directed Vanderhorst to pay A$2,000 (1,040) in compensation to the city council and complete 60 hours of community service. Your actions mocked the sculpture and the artist, the magistrate told Vanderhorst.

open image in gallery ( City of Mount Gambier )

The incident took place in September 2025 when Vanderhorst filmed herself attaching the eyes to the sculpture.

She knew she had no lawful authority to do so, police told the court, and had either been intending to damage property or been recklessly indifferent as to whether her actions would cause damage.

Instead of applying for legal aid, Ms Vanderhost started a crowdfunding campaign last November to pay for legal representation. According to ABC, she admitted on the now-deleted campaign page to being the one who put the eyes on the blue blob.

I dont have the funds for a lawyer as I am only young and jobless. I did not mean for the eyes on the blue blob to harm or offend anything or anyone at all so please help me, she wrote.

She raised A$1,894 (984) but later returned the money.

Vanderhorsts defence lawyer Michael Hill told the court on Tuesday that she had consumed nearly three litres of vodka on the night of the incident and been under the influence of drugs as well.

Mr Hill said she had acted in an attempt to make the sculpture look funny after seeing similar acts elsewhere and that she had since expressed remorse, describing her actions as one of the stupidest things Ive ever done.

He told the BBC in a statement that Ms Vanderhost had since taken meaningful steps to address the issues that contributed to her offending, including reducing her substance use and focusing on stabilising her personal circumstances.

She is committed to making better decisions moving forward.

open image in gallery Cast in Blue depicts a mythical megafauna inspired by ancient marsupials discovered in the regions caves ( City of Mount Gambier )

The city council spent A$3,000 (1,560) repairing the sculpture, police said. Council representatives claimed the adhesive used to attach the eyes couldnt be removed without damaging the surface of the artwork.

At the time of the incident, city mayor Lynette Martin had called it inappropriate and disrespectful, adding that people dont have to like it, but they dont have to be creating wilful damage in this way.

It is not harmless fun, she said. It is costly.

Cast in Blue had faced a separate vandalism attack two weeks after it was unveiled. At the time, the council had said it respected the range of views about the sculpture but asked that people respect that this is a community asset.

The Independent has contacted the Mount Gambier city council for comment.
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Leaders of Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) are distancing themselves from Trump as the war in Iran drags on and its repercussions are felt around the world.

The AfD, which has long been seen as a strong European ally of the Trump administration, appears to be shifting to a more detached public relationship ahead of key elections in Germany in September.

US vice president JD Vance and Elon Musk have both previously expressed public support for the party, sparking concerns in Europe.

The partys co-leader Alice Weidel told senior party lawmakers on Monday to reduce the number of high-profile trips party politicians are making to the US to cultivate ties with MAGA Republicans, according to four people who were present at the meeting, reported Politico.

open image in gallery AFD co-leader Alice Weidel told senior party lawmakers on Monday to reduce the number of high-profile trips party politicians are making to the US to cultivate ties with MAGA Republicans ( AP )

There have been a big many trips to the U.S. in quick succession, and there is a perception within the parliamentary group, the foreign policy working group, and certainly among the leadership that our goal has always been to maintain balanced and good relations with all international players, Torben Braga, an AfD lawmaker from the eastern state of Thuringia said.

In that we include  unlike other parties  Russia, but also, for example, China and India and countries in the Global South.

It marks a departure from their previous complimentary tone, with Weidel being one of the first politicians abroad to welcome Trumps victory in 2024.

They also embraced endorsements from Musk, Trumps on-off ally, who has been an outspoken supporter of the party and has claimed only AfD can save Germany.

Vance has also previously said Berlin should work with the AfD to curb migration in the country, and also met with Weidel at last years Munich Security Conference, breaking a taboo in German politics.

open image in gallery Tech billionaire Elon Musk speaks live via a video transmission during a speech by Alice Weidel at the AfD election campaign launch rally on January 25, 2025 in Halle, Germany (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) ( Getty )

However, recent polling suggests Germans do not favour the Trump administration. A survey in January found that only 15 percent consider the US to be a trustworthy partner for Germany, a historically low figure.

A survey conducted in early March suggested more than three-quarters of Germans feel threatened by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and six out of 10 Germans don't consider the US-Israeli offensive as justified.

This perhaps explains why the AfD was quick to issue a statement on X condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that renewed destabilization of the Middle East is not in Germanys interest and must be stopped.

open image in gallery US vice president JD Vance raised concerns in Europe after saying Berlin should work with the AfD ( PA Wire )

Later on in a TV interview, Tino Chrupalla, the partys other co-leader, said: Donald Trump started off as a peace president, now he will end up as a president of war.

It follows the AfDs attempt to loosen ties with Trump earlier in the year after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and threatened to take control of Greenland.

He has violated a fundamental election promise, namely not to interfere in other countries, and he has to explain that to his own voters, Weidel said in January.

This more critical stance echoes its like-minded neighbours in France, where the US president is also unpopular among the far-right.

Jordan Bardella, of the far-right National Rally, accused the US president of having imperial ambitions. The NR leader Marine Le Pen also criticised what she described as US-backed regime change in Venezuela, invoking state sovereignty as non-negotiable.
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Russia has supplied intelligence, targeting data, advanced drone technology and pre-war training to Iran that have helped its efforts to kill Americans, residents of the Gulf, attack British bases and strangle the global economy.

Donald Trumps response to this is to double down on his criticism of his allies and reveal that, while he rules in America, the US is sliding closer to being an outright enemy of the West.

According to several Western intelligence agencies and none other than the defence secretary of the United Kingdom, John Healey, Russia and Iran are an axis of aggression between Tehran and Moscow.

That aggression means that Iran has been getting Russian help, including the use of drones and electronic warfare and the tactical lessons the Kremlin has learned in the battlefields of Ukraine.

By any and every definition, that would make Russia an enemy of the US. This is not the first time that Western intelligence has informed the public that Russia has been helping Iran in fighting the US and Israel and in attacking US allies, including the UK, in and beyond the Gulf.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has once again lashed out at Nato ( YouTube )

So far Trump has shrugged this off, suggesting that one should expect such behaviour from Moscow.

Then, rather than acknowledge that Russia is a problem  a problem that already threatens the security of Europe, has invaded Ukraine (a democracy) and even threatened to use battlefield nuclear weapons on European soil  Trump has had another swipe at the very organisation designed to defend America and its allies against Moscow.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president said this: NATO NATIONS HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HELP WITH THE LUNATIC NATION, NOW MILITARILY DECIMATED, OF IRAN. THE U.S.A. NEEDS NOTHING FROM NATO, BUT NEVER FORGET THIS VERY IMPORTANT POINT IN TIME! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Some of the help from Nato nations like the UK, who have participated in ill-fated US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, would have been quiet advice not to repeat the mistakes of either, or both.

It might have also included a reminder that only the US has ever evoked article five of Natos foundation document, requiring allies to come to the aid of a member state under attack.

open image in gallery A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran ( AP )

Mr Healey might, if he felt included, have also mentioned that when the UK was invaded by Argentina in 1982 in the Falkland Islands, the US sat on its hands  a betrayal the British took in their stride.

But no. Having attacked Iran  based on the lie that Tehran was two weeks away from attacking Israel with a nuclear weapon, a hope for regime change and probably with an avaricious eye on Irans oil riches  Mr Trump attacks his allies as enemies and spits in the eyes of the nations he wants to help drag him out of the Iranian quagmire.

On top of that, according to the Washington Post, the US may soon renege on its commitment to sell air defence missiles to European countries, for use in Ukraine against Russia, in order to supply them to allies in the Gulf to fight off the drone and missile attacks that Russia has been helping Iran to launch at US targets.

President Trump has taken a solidly pro-Russian stand in all so-called peace negotiations that have been hosted by the US.

His negotiators have endorsed Russian demands for yet more Ukrainian territory and tried to paint Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as intransigent.

open image in gallery Trump has been accused of supporting Russian demands in peace talks with Ukraine ( AFP/Getty )

He cut military aid to Ukraine to zero more than a year ago and has said he wants to annex both Greenland and Canada, which are Nato members  serving the interests only of the Kremlin by undermining the stability of the alliance.

For good measure, along with his cabinet, he has adopted the great replacement theory  a racist conspiracy fever dream that Europe is being overrun by brown-skinned Muslims as central to its national strategy. Such madness works for Vladimir Putin, not America and not its allies.

Mr Trump claims to have decimated Irans military capabilities. Apart from not understanding that this means that 10 per cent, not all, of it has been destroyed, he also wants help from Nato to stop Iran blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

This will not happen, British and other Nato members have said, until the conditions improve  in other words, until the war stops.

Mr Trump does not know how to do that. He is in strategic trouble that will backfire on him domestically and is likely to undermine support for Republicans in the mid-term elections.

European leaders are finally realising that the future of the West lies in abandoning a president who puts the interests of Russia above those of fellow Americans.

Soon, Republican candidates may realise this too.
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Finland's Supreme Court fined a Member of Parliament for calling homosexuality a "developmental disorder", in a landmark ruling.

Paivi Rasanen, a long-serving MP for the Christian Democratic party, was found guilty on Tuesday of incitement against a group in a long-running precedent case.

Dr Rasanen, a medical doctor and MP for the small Christian Democratic party since 1995, was convicted for claims made in a 2019 social media post and on her website in 2020.

She asserted it was "scientifically proven" that homosexuality constituted a developmental disorder, a statement the court deemed incitement.

The Supreme Court ordered Dr Rasanen to pay a fine of 1,800 euros (1,540), equivalent to approximately $2,080. This decision overturns previous acquittals by lower courts.

open image in gallery Paivi Rasanen holding the Bible in court ( Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images )

In its 3-2 majority verdict, the court stated: "The Supreme Court considers that... Rasanen must have understood that, for example, claiming that homosexuality is a disorder of psychosexual development is, in light of the prevailing medical understanding, an incorrect assertion."

Dr Rasanen has been supported by the US-based conservative legal group, Alliance Defending Freedom, that campaigns for free speech and has tried to use her case as an example of how "Europe is censoring the world".

Dr Rasanen called the outcome "a shock" and told reporters she would consider appealing the ruling at the European Court of Human Rights.

Finnish government ministers from Rasanen's party and the nationalist Finns Party immediately called for freedom of speech and legislative changes.

Ville Tavio, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development from the Finns Party, a devout Christian himself, told reporters: "The law on incitement against a group should be amended."

The Supreme Court acquitted Dr Rasanen of a separate charge based on a picture of a quote from the Bible condemning gay relations, which she shared in a social media post in 2019.

The case has also drawn international attention, with Republicans in the US House of Representatives inviting Dr Rasanen to speak about her case at its Judiciary Committee in Washington earlier this year, at a hearing entitled "Europe's Threat to American Speech and Innovation".
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Dutch authorities have intercepted 261 suspected wild parrot eggs at Amsterdams Schiphol airport  with a chick hatching from one of them.

The illegal cargo was found in the hand luggage of a couple flying from Central America to Asia, according to the Netherlands food and product safety watchdog.

Customs officers made the unusual find on 24 March.

The eggs were individually wrapped in paper and bundled in T-shirts.

A chirping chick was emerging from one of them, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) said.

The chick was too young for its species to be identified, the watchdog said.

open image in gallery The couple were arrested at Schiphol airport ( Getty/iStock )

The Royal Military Police detained the two travellers, whose identities have not been disclosed.

All parrot species are protected under the CITES convention, a global treaty regulating the endangered animal trade  meaning strict rules apply to the possession and trade of the birds and their eggs.

The couple lacked documents showing their legal ownership of the eggs, the NVWA said.

The seized eggs and newly hatched chick have been transferred to a specialised care facility for incubation and ongoing care.

In November, a man was charged with smuggling after Customs and Border Protection officers at the US-Mexico border noticed a suspicious bulge in his pants  only to learn he had two parakeets hidden in his underwear.

The birds, an endangered species native to Mexico, were found on 23 October, apparently unconscious but breathing and heavily sedated inside two brown sacks, prosecutors said.

Just months earlier, in July, more than 1,600 parrots and canaries were seized at Lagos international airport in Nigeria.

The live cargo, including ring-necked parakeets and yellow-fronted canaries, was being illegally transported to Kuwait.

Parrots, songbirds, and birds of prey are among the most trafficked birds globally for the exotic pet trade, private collections, or for their feathers, according to the United Nations 2024 World Wildlife Report.

The non-profit World Animal Protection International estimates that in some areas, wild African grey parrot populations have declined by as much as 99 per cent due to trafficking.
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With war raging in the Middle East, many, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, warned the conflict could hand Vladimir Putin a window of opportunity to accelerate his aggression against Ukraine.

Now, it appears those fears have come true with Russia launching its most brutal attack on the country since the war began on Tuesday, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

A barrage of nearly 1,000 drones were launched over a 24-hour period, killing at least six people. Russia launched 23 cruise missiles, seven ballistic missiles, hitting at least 10 locations, including a Unesco World Heritage site, according to Ukraines air force.

The onslaught affected 11 regions and seven cities were hit, marking it out as the largest aerial attack in a single day so far.

open image in gallery Smoke rises after a Russian drone hits an apartment building during a rare daylight attack in Lviv, Ukraine. Moscow has ramped up its airstrikes on the country in recent days ( Reuters )

While Russias spring offensives have come to be expected around this time of year when weather conditions improve, peace talks have ground to a complete halt, and experts told The Independent that this could be Putins biggest opportunity yet.

Ultimately the escalation in the Middle East has created a window of opportunity for Putin because the escalation has diverted attention away from Ukraine, says Jaroslava Barbieri, a research fellow at the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House.

Air defence and system munitions being moved towards the Middle East leave Ukraine exposed and more vulnerable to renewed aerial attacks such as those we have seen this week, Barbieri warns. This is due to lower weapons supplies from countries including the US who will inevitably prioritise their own military operations against Iran.

Military assets rather than being moved to Ukraine through initiatives like PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List), which has allowed Nato European member states to purchase US equipment, are now being diverted to the Middle East.

open image in gallery President Vladimir Putins opportunistic spring offensive could be a delicate moment for Ukraine,, experts say ( Maxim Shipenkov/Pool Photo via AP, File )

Some preliminary military analysis suggests that within the first few weeks of the war in the Middle East, the US has burned through these kind of munitions at a rate that is higher than what Ukraine has received over 4 years of full-scale war. If this pace were to continue, Ukraine will be facing vulnerabilities in its air defence.

And all indications show that Ukraine is bunkering down for a years-long conflict, not laying the ground for an expected ceasefire, she says.

Ukraine has to brace itself for more years of the war particularly if the US gets bogged down in the Middle East and therefore chooses, for example, to abandon the peace talks or sort of continue this imitation of progress.

open image in gallery Destroyed vehicles at the site of a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv. The latest attacks come after an intense winter campaign ( Reuters )

Reports also suggest that the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuing temporary spike in oil prices have created extra revenues for Russia, which it is using to fund its war effort, although Barbieri caveats that we dont know how long this extra injection of cash into Russias war machine might last.

Russia has also been assisting Iran with satellite imagery and parts for weapons in order for it to continue to fight the US and Israel, according to some reports, but the Kremlin has denied the accusations.

Furthermore, temporary sanctions relief is helping Russian oil and gas revenues further fill the Kremlins coffers, Christina Haward at the Institute for the Study of War told The Independent.

Despite what the experts call the theatre of peace talks, Putins actions have demonstrated a staunch commitment to the attainment of his war objectives: annexation of part of Ukraines territory.

In light of this, Harward says that Putin has made clear his troops are not going to stop attacking.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky previously warned that the Middle East war could detract from Ukraines ability to push back against Russian aggression ( Getty )

Continued attacks are actually part of his negotiating tactic, she explains, shedding light on why the attacks could be worsening.

He has been trying for over a year now to convince the US that the Ukrainian lines are about to collapse such that Kyiv should just capitulate now and save the time and blood spent on defending against further Russian aggression.

These are false claims, but Putin is nonetheless going to try to use his spring-summer offensive to convince the US otherwise.

Peace talks appear to have been stalling around two main issues: territorial concessions and security guarantees. The Kremlin has made zero concessions on either of these items, continuing to demand that Ukraine cede territory that it still controls and outright rejecting any sort of Western security guarantee for Ukraine.

Barbieri says that the window of opportunity afforded by both the improved weather and the deflection caused by the Iran war allows Russia to try to push towards their heavily fortified fortress belt and cities, which is exactly that remaining part of the Donetsk region that Russia is still not controlling and that understandably Ukraine.

open image in gallery First aid responders are seen at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Roummane. Ukraine fears the focus on the Middle East will put them at a disadvantage against Russia ( AFP/Getty )

Donetsk has remained a sticking point for both Russia and Ukraine in trilateral discussions and Putin has insisted on seizing the entirety of the strategic region.

But Harward suggests that Russia may not make progress as quickly as it wants, particularly if the war in Iran were to end before summer.

Russian forces are unlikely to move anywhere fast on the battlefield in the spring-summer campaign, she explains.

Their advances in the past year have been creeping and slow, and this is unlikely to change in the near future.

Russia is unlikely to seize the Fortress Belt in Donetsk Oblast soon but will very likely suffer high casualties trying. Ukrainian forces have been inflicting increasingly high casualties on Russia, so if anything this may be a very costly offensive for Russia.

Despite the ruthlessness of Russias campaign, John Lough, a former Nato representative in Moscow and an expert at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre (NEST), says that Ukraine may have more of the advantage in the long-run.

The Kremlin hoped that Trump would twist Zelenskys arm hard enough to force him to sue for peace, but Trump has not delivered. The brutal winter air campaign that focused on destroying Ukraines power generation system has not persuaded Ukrainian society that it is time to stop fighting.

So, Putin is back at square one and is relying on the Russian army to grind forward and capture the fortress towns in Donbas. The Ukrainians have the advantage of the defender and seem more confident than before the winter that they can keep the Russians at bay in 2026.

Nevertheless, for an already exhausted nation, Barbieri adds: Its a very delicate moment for Ukraine.
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British prime minister Keir Starmer has given the UK military permission to board and detain Russian ships claimed to be part of a network of vessels that allows Moscow to export oil around Western sanctions.

The prime minister said he approved more aggressive action as Russian president Vladimir Putin was likely "rubbing his hands" at the spike in oil prices driven by the US-Israel war against Iran.

That's why we're going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin's war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine, Starmer said in a statement.

British military and law enforcement officials have been preparing to board Russian vessels that do not surrender, are armed, or use high-tech, pervasive surveillance to evade capture.

open image in gallery The French Navy boards Deyna, a shadow fleet Russian oil tanker sailing under the Mozambique flag in March ( French Armed Forces )

In recent months, European nations have stepped up efforts to disrupt Russia's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used by Moscow to fund its four-year war against Ukraine.

The Independent answers what the shadow fleet is and how it helps Putin in Ukraine:

What is the Russian shadow fleet?

Britain and other European nations accuse Russia of using foreign-flagged oil tankers to export oil, allowing Moscow to continue benefitting from its lucrative energy trade despite international sanctions.

The shadow fleet vessels typically have blurry ownership structures and are often poorly regulated, ageing tankers prone to spills, mechanical failures and leaks.

The UK says it has already sanctioned more than 500 suspected shadow fleet vessels, and estimates that some three-quarters of Russias crude oil output is transported by these ships.

Without official figures available, analysts have tallied around 155 tankers and 435 total ships that Russia has purchased since sanctions took effect in late 2022.

Analytics firm Kpler assessed late last year that the shadow fleet moves some 3.7m barrels per day, or 65 per cent of Russias seaborne trade, worth up to $100bn per year.

open image in gallery The wreck of the sanctioned Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier Arctic Metagaz, adrift between Malta and Lampedusa. Putin accused Ukraine of responsibility for attacking the ship in late March ( Newsbook Malta )

Despite efforts to crack down on vessels sailing the Mediterranean, many still operate through the Baltic Sea and move oil through the Gulf of Finland, a critical route for Russias exports.

After the French Navy intercepted the Deyna vessel - a suspected shadow fleet tanker - in the western Mediterranean in March, French president Emmanuel Macron described them as war profiteers that seek to reap profits and finance Russias war effort.

How does it work?

Europe is stepping up its efforts to spot and intercept ships serving Russian interests. But the vessels have several tricks to avoid identification and accountability, and continues to grow as blacklisted vessels are replaced with cheap, older ships.

The fleet uses tactics like ship-to-ship transfers in international waters, where there is less monitoring from port control authorities. This makes it easier to slip under the radar and avoid sanctions.

They also use falsification, including fake ship identification numbers, intentionally spoofed location data, and using flag countries with less oversight, according to Lloyds List Intelligence and Finlands Coast Guard.

open image in gallery The Russia-linked shadow fleet tankers operating around Europe in January ( Shadow Fleet )

Most of the tankers are owned by shell companies, with newly formed companies rapidly buying and selling on ships to make it even more difficult to prove accountability.

They also often sail without top-tier Western insurance or safety certification cover, and have unknown insurers or assessors of the vessels' seaworthiness. Norway has said most of the fleet consists of outdated tankers relying on non-Western or even fake insurance.

Gonzalo Saiz Erausquin, part of a maritime sanctions taskforce at national security think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told the International Bar Association: The challenge with the shadow fleet is that ownership is very opaque.

He said while disruption and new designations make it harder for Russia to get around the rules, there is still a risk of just forcing them to another alternative structure or jurisdiction.

Another issue is flag hopping, if a vessel is spotted to be flagged to one jurisdiction, it will just register with another to camouflage its operations, he said.

open image in gallery Russia and Iran have benefitted from rising oil prices since the war in Iran broke out (pictured: Vladimir Putin (left) and late Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei) ( Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader )

The Center for Strategic & International Studies says that while Ukraine can and should continue to hold illicit Russian maritime trade at risk, that is not an option for the United States, United Kingdom or European Union without sparking a significant escalation.

The legal basis to seize ships is guided by UN Convention, which only allows the seizure of ships in cases of piracy. European nations are now exploring different ways to legally stop and board vessels.

Zelensky has said Ukraine is working with European countries to ensure they can legally block such ships and confiscate their oil.

How do they fuel Russias war in Ukraine?

Russia is the main beneficiary of shadow fleet exports, according to Ukraine, the UK and France.

While Europe has looked for other sellers of oil and gas, China and India continue to buy huge quantities of Russian crude, though now at steep discounts.

Before March, Washington had urged India to move away from buying Russian oil as it tried to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

open image in gallery The US Coast Guard cutter Munro escorting the Russian-flagged Marinera, on 7 January 2026 ( U.S. Department of Defense )

That changed with US-Israel attack on Iran at the end of February, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz forced oil prices past $100/barrel and the US relaxed its sanctions to contain the damage.

Since the war began, Russia has benefited from an extra $150 million a day thanks to the rise in oil prices, according to the Financial Times.

Earlier this year, a UK government source told The Times that Britain was considering using seized oil from Russias shadow fleet vessels to fund Ukraines military needs, offering a double impact to hit Russian exports and boost Kyiv.
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The skeleton of a French nobleman whose life inspired Alexandre Dumas The Three Musketeers may have been found buried in a church in the Dutch city of Maastricht, officials say.

Workers discovered a grave containing human remains underneath tiles after part of the floor of St Peter and Paul Church subsided last month, triggering a challenge to identify the skeleton through DNA testing.

The bones are suspected to be those of Charles de Batz de Castelmore dArtagnan  known simply as dArtagnan in the famed 1844 novel.

open image in gallery Workers discovered a grave containing human remains after part of the floor subsided ( Reuters )

The real dArtagnan, a spy and musketeer for Frances Sun King, King Louis XIV, was killed in the Siege of Maastricht in 1673 when he was struck in the throat by a musket ball.

The church, which stands near the site where the French army camped, had previously been identified as a possible resting place for the soldier.

Transporting his body back from Maastricht to Paris in the summer heat would have been difficult.

Scientists have now retrieved DNA from a jawbone of the skeleton to test it and compare it with that of descendants of dArtagnan.

open image in gallery The church stands near the Dutch site where the French army camped ( Reuters )

This has truly become a top-level investigation, in which we want to be absolutely certain  or as certain as possible  whether it is the famous musketeer, who was killed here near Maastricht, said archaeologist Wim Dijkman.

Deacon Jos Valke said other clues found at the burial spot included a coin dated 1660 and part of a lead bullet.

He lay buried under the altar in consecrated ground, he said. There was a French coin from that time in the grave. And the bullet that killed him was lying at chest level, exactly as described in the history books. The indications are very strong.

The fictional dArtagnan, the hero of The Three Musketeers, was a hot-headed teenager who was a friend of the original three  and became the fourth.

In screen adaptations of Dumass story, dArtagnan has been played by actors including Douglas Fairbanks and Michael York.
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Slovenia's intelligence agency has "unequivocally confirmed foreign influences" on the country's parliamentary election held last weekend, the government announced on Thursday.

Following a meeting of the National Security Council, a statement revealed that the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) "presented concrete activities of a foreign para-intelligence agency as well as contacts with Slovenian entities."

The government confirmed that "the evidence collected, both domestically and abroad, has in the meantime already been handed over to the competent law enforcement authorities, the prosecutors office, and the police."

While the statement did not name the agency in question, the allegations have cast a shadow over an election that concluded with no clear winner. Prime Minister Robert Golobs liberal Freedom Movement secured 29 seats in the 90-member assembly, just one more than the opposition right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), which won 28.

During the intense campaign, videos surfaced online, purportedly showing secretly recorded conversations involving individuals linked to the government boasting about their political connections.

A coalition of activists and journalists alleged these videos were leaked with the deliberate aim of influencing voters, prompting Slovenian authorities to launch an investigation into the matter.

Further allegations have directly linked the SDS and a private foreign agency, Black Cube, to these recordings, based on intelligence gathered. Janez Jansa, the leader of the SDS, has acknowledged having contacts with an adviser from the Black Cube private intelligence agency but has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Vojko Volk, the secretary of state for national and international security, previously stated that Black Cube representatives visited Slovenia four times in recent months, including a street in the capital, Ljubljana, where the SDS party headquarters are located.

During the intense campaign, videos surfaced online, purportedly showing secretly recorded conversations involving individuals linked to the government boasting about their political connections ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Prime Minister Golob has since urged the European Union to investigate the claims. Black Cube, in a statement to the Associated Press, asserted that it is "an intelligence firm which provides services exclusively to clients engaged in business activities worldwide, supporting litigations, arbitrations and white-collar crime cases."

The firm added that it "obtains legal advice in every jurisdiction in which it operates to ensure legality of its activities" and "will continue uncovering fraud, corruption and asset dissipation in all its cases globally as it has consistently done in the past 15 years."

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a separate government statement issued on 20 March detailed that SOVA head Josko Kadivik had presented "a full account of events that took place between 10 and 11 December 2025, along with material evidence of connections of three representatives of the private intelligence corporation Black Cube (Giora Eiland, Liron Tzur and Dan Zorella) to the visit at Trstenjakova ulica 8 in Ljubljana, where the SDS party has its headquarters."

Kadiviks findings, the statement concluded, "likewise demonstrate counterintelligence operations against the Republic of Slovenia and foreign interference in Slovenian elections."
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Rescuers in Germany are racing to try to save the life of a whale stranded in shallow water on the coast.

Diggers have tried to dredge a channel into deeper waters to release the 33ft mammal back into the sea, but the sand was too compacted.

Experts say the chances of saving the humpback are slim, because after three days of being stuck on the beach, it will be exhausted.

open image in gallery The whale had fishing net wrapped around it. Rope was found in its mouth ( AFP/Getty )

The whale, thought to be a young male weighing up to 15 tons, became stranded on Monday on the shore in Lubeck Bay, off Timmendorfer Strand on the north German coastline.

Low tides and stormy weather have hampered rescue efforts, and divers have been into the water to try to assess the animals state.

Sven Biertumpfel, of the Sea Shepherd marine conservation group, told Sky News if rescuers cannot move it, it will probably die there. He said it can take up to a week or even longer for an animal that size to suffocate.

He said the whale had previously become entangled in a fishing net. Some of the net was cut off, but rope is said to still be stuck in its mouth.

The water off north Germany is less salty than the North Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, so its bad for whales skin, which could lead to a potentially fatal infection, Mr Biertumpfel said.

So every minute counts, he added.

open image in gallery Boats have tried to create large waves to release the mammal ( (c) Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten )

Marine biologist Robert Marc Lehmann told NDR the whale's skin looked terrible but that the animal was responsive.

Its reacting, it has both eyes open, its vocalising, but its incredibly uncertain and its scared, he said.

Boats from the coastguard and the fire department passed by to create large waves in the hope of freeing the animal, but without success.

Rescuers are reluctant to pull the animal out to deeper water for fear of injuring it.

open image in gallery An excavator lifts a pile of seabed as rescuers try to refloat the whale ( Reuters )

I hope the channel is deep enough that material will slide down and that this will motivate the whale to swim in. And if not, then hell have to be given a little nudge, Mr Lehmann said.

A larger excavator has now been brought in to create a channel, according to a spokesperson for the municipality of Timmendorfer Strand.

The rescue efforts are being livestreamed from the seaside town in Schleswig-Holstein.

Scientists are unsure why whales become stranded but changes in their sea environments are suspected, including the climate crisis.

One study blamed changing Arctic ice cover and prey availability for gray whales washing up dead along the Pacific coast.
Zelensky warns of 'distracted' US as acting ambassador Davis prepares to exit

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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.

Prior to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the parade would traditionally involve a display of tanks and other military equipment, as Moscow flexed its muscles for the world to see.

It has been pared back dramatically due to the war, however, and in 2024 Russia was mocked by Ukraine for displaying just a solitary tank for the second year in a row.

Russia's defence ministry confirmed no military hardware would be involved in the parade at all this year, though it did not directly link this to shortages or frontline deployments.

Meanwhile, 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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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for an unannounced visit, just days after revealing Ukraine's expanding role in Middle Eastern security.

Kyiv is reportedly assisting five countries in the region  Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan  in countering drone attacks, a capability honed during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Mr Zelensky confirmed his arrival on X, stating: "Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled." He added: "We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security."

The Ukrainian leader had previously indicated that his nation is providing drone expertise and helping to build defence systems for these Gulf states.

He also suggested Ukraine could play a part in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz.

In return, Kyiv is seeking more high-end air-defence missiles, which Gulf countries possess and are desperately needed to repel Russias missile barrages.

Ukraine has emerged as a leading global producer of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors, which are both cheap and effective, proving instrumental in its defence against Russias more than four-year-old full-scale invasion.

open image in gallery Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Thursday in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit, days after revealing that Ukraine is helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter drone attacks ( Ukrainian Presidential press-service )

Ukrainian officials did not announce the trip beforehand, nor did they immediately provide further details.

A group of northern European countries vowed Thursday to harden the fight against Russia's shadow fleet of tankers exporting its sanctioned oil, as Turkish officials said that one of those tankers approaching the Black Sea entrance to the Bosporus Strait was hit by a naval drone.

Russia's shadow fleet is made up of aging tankers that are bought used, often by non-transparent entities with addresses in countries that are not sanctioning Russia.

Moscow needs the vessels to dodge Western sanctions and sell the oil and petroleum products that largely finance its more than 4-year invasion of Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a meeting with allies in Finland that "we should go after the shadow fleet even harder.

Speaking with other members of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a 10-country group that has been tracking the vessels, Starmer said the British military will now be able to board shadow fleet tankers when they transit UK waters, joining several other allies in doing so.

open image in gallery Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten (R) is greeted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb (2nd R) upon arrival onboard the Finnish Border Guard offshore patrol vessel Turva, prior the Joint Expeditionary Force JEF Leaders' Summit on March 26, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland ( Getty Images )

Together, we must close off critical sea routes to this vital trade, to keep up the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and to help change the narrative of this war in Ukraine, Starmer said.

In a recorded video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia's oil and gas exports are fueling Moscow's effort to take over Ukraine.

So please keep the pressure on Russia  its tankers and shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters, he said.

In Turkey, officials said that none of the 27 Turkish crew members of the Altura tanker was injured when it was attacked early Thursday, causing damage to the bridge and engine room.

The Altura, which reportedly was carrying 140,000 tons of crude oil when it was hit some 14 nautical miles north of the Bosphorus, has been owned by Turkey-based Pergamon Maritime since November.

open image in gallery A member of the Finnish Border Guard takes part in an exercise, during the JEF leaders' visit on the Finnish Border Guard offshore patrol vessel Turva, prior to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit ( Getty Images )

The tanker has been subject to European Union sanctions since October due to its role in transporting sanctions-dodging Russian oil exports, according to the Open Sanctions website.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the tanker was subjected to an attack by an unmanned sea vessel." He did not say whether Ukraine was suspected to be behind the attack.

In the past, Ukraines military has said it used sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Earlier this month Russia blamed a Ukrainian naval drone for the sinking of a Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya.
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Zimbabwe has confirmed the deaths of 15 of its citizens who were recruited into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as authorities issue warnings about widespread fraudulent schemes luring individuals from several African nations into the four-year-old war.

Information Minister Zhemu Soda announced in Harare that the government is intensifying diplomatic efforts to repatriate 66 other Zimbabweans who are still alive. He revealed that victims from Zimbabwe were enticed by "fraudulent" employment agencies offering "deceptive and lucrative job offers," primarily using "social media platforms as their primary hunting ground."

Soda detailed the "pattern" of these schemes: victims are promised attractive salaries and safe working conditions, only to have their travel documents confiscated and be "coerced into active combat." He added, "They receive little to no training and are placed in life-threatening situations. When they are injured, killed or captured, the recruiters vanish, leaving families in Zimbabwe with no information, no support and no one to hold accountable. In many cases, the promised remuneration is never paid."

Beyond Zimbabwe, other African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, have reported similar instances of their nationals being tricked into traveling to Russia under false pretenses of work, only to find themselves on the front lines.

The southern African nation, which maintains close ties with Russia, is now working to ensure the safe return of survivors and to repatriate the remains of those who perished, according to the minister.

The southern African nation, which maintains close ties with Russia, is now working to ensure the safe return of survivors and to repatriate the remains of those who perished, according to the minister ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service )

Zimbabwes disclosure follows similar reports across Africa, where governments state their citizens have been drawn into the conflict through misleading recruitment drives. A January report by the think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates the war has claimed nearly 2 million lives.

In South Africa, police interrogated 11 men who returned home in February after allegedly being recruited to Russia under the guise of security training. Authorities later confirmed that two South Africans were killed in the conflict, with several others injured or stranded.

An intelligence report from Kenya indicated that as many as 1,000 Kenyans were recruited with job promises before being deployed to the Ukrainian front. The report noted dozens were injured, missing, or still fighting, and at least one Kenyan had died.

Ukrainian officials have estimated that over 1,700 Africans may have been recruited to fight for Russia, with cases involving citizens from Nigeria and other nations also documented. Investigations by The Associated Press in 2024 revealed that recruitment networks have targeted workers in Africa and Asia via social media advertisements and private agencies, offering work-study programs or civilian jobs that ultimately led to military contracts. Some recruits reported their passports were seized and they were compelled to fight with minimal training.
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Two people have been killed in Abu Dhabi after Iran launched a fresh barrage of missiles during its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

Another three people were injured in the attacks on the Emirati capital when debris from an intercepted missile fell, the emirates media office said.

The death toll from the war has continued to mount amid conflicting reports of peace talks.

open image in gallery An alert warning residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi of a potential Iranian missile strike ( AFP/Getty )

Israeli media reported that two people were injured in a blast north of Tel Aviv in Kfar Qasim on Thursday morning, and two teenagers were killed in Shiraz in the southwest of Iran on Wednesday evening during Israeli strikes on a residential area.

In the early hours of Thursday, the Israeli military said it was launching a wave of extensive strikes targeting the city of Isfahan in central Iran. The city is home to a major Iranian base, as well as a nuclear site that was hit by the US during the 12-day war last June.

Although the semi-official Fars news agency, close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, said the attacks targeted two residential areas, without providing details.

The tit-for-tat strikes come after Donald Trump claimed Irans leaders wanted to make a deal so badly but that theyre afraid to say it, because they figure theyll be killed by their own people.

At a fundraiser in Washington, the US president insisted that Iran was negotiating with the US to end the war in the Middle East, despite the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi claiming there were no such negotiations taking place. Iran previously suggested that the US was negotiating with itself.

open image in gallery Palestinian residents inspect the remnants of a missile that landed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank village of Beitin ( AFP/Getty )

Earlier this week, it was reported that Mr Trump had sent a 15-point plan to Iran, although the White House press secretary downplayed this during a press briefing.

I saw a 15-point plan that was floated in the media. I would caution reporters in this room from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources, said Karoline Leavitt.

The White House never confirmed that full plan. There are elements of truth to it, but some of the stories I read were not entirely factual.

open image in gallery A man surveys the damage to a car following a projectile strike in the Arab-Israeli city of Kfar Qassem ( AFP/Getty )

Araghchi said that Mr Trump had been sending ideas via mediators, but the exchange of messages through mediators does not mean negotiations with the US.

Later on, a senior Iranian official said the initial response to the US proposal was not positive, but added that the regime was still reviewing it.

Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are said to be trying to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the US, and a senior Iranian source said on Wednesday that Pakistan has passed on a proposal.

open image in gallery People gather at a missile impact site in Israel on Thursday ( Reuters )

The war began on 28 February with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, after which the country retaliated and widened hostilities by targeting American allies in the Gulf. It also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, which caused a spike in oil prices.

On Thursday morning, prices rose back up to $103 per barrel after confusion over the peace talks between Iran, Israel, and the US.

The bombardments on both sides do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon, with reports that Iran is about to receive a shipment of drones, food, and medicine from Russia to help with their war effort.
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Iran has threatened to take control of another key waterway in the Middle East if Donald Trump launches a ground invasion, raising fears of further economic chaos.

An unnamed military source told Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency on Wednesday that attacks could be launched on vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation to US operations on its territory or islands.

The Strait is located between Djibouti and Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthis have previously launched attacks on ships.

open image in gallery The Houthis regularly attack the region where the Bab al-Mandab Strait is ( EPA )

The source said that Iran has the capability to pose a "credible threat" in the Strait.

We are constantly monitoring and keeping an eye on the enemy fronts preparations and developments, the military source told Tasnim.

If the enemy wants to take action on land in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands or to inflict costs on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, we will open other fronts for them as a surprise so that their action will not only be of no benefit to them but will also double their costs, they added.

open image in gallery The Strait of Hormuz has played a key role in Irans military strategy ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

So far, the Iran-backed Houthis have stayed out of the war. Experts have suggested the proxy groups lack of action could be a strategic decision to exert more pressure on Washington and Israel at a later stage.

Iran last month seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes. The move sparked chaos in the energy markets and created a shortage of an estimated 4.3 million barrels of oil per day, according to Kpler.

Countries dependent on imports in Asia have been forced to take drastic measures in response to oil shortages, such as declaring a four-day working week.

The Mayor of Tehran, Dr Alireza Zakani, suggested on Wednesday that Irans control of the waterway was effectively a sanction against the US and allies.

Rather than bargaining to lift sanctions, were focused on shaping a new sanction framework against the US and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz he said in a post on social media.

Lifting US unilateral sanctions doesnt need a negotiation table, our missiles have already delivered results.

open image in gallery Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Iran would attack an unnamed neighbour if it cooperated with efforts by the enemies to occupy an island ( AP )

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said his country would attack an unnamed neighbouring country if it cooperated with efforts by "the enemies" to occupy one of its islands.

Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, Iran has attacked countries across the Gulf that host US bases.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that the "world is staring down the barrel of a wider war" in the region.

"It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder and start climbing the diplomatic ladder," he said at the UN headquarters in New York.
There are two things we need to separate when were talking about nuclear issues in Iran: the first one is whether Iran has capabilities of developing nuclear weapons and highly enriched nuclear material it may still have; the second issue is about potential US-Israeli attacks on Irans nuclear power stations.

A lot of people dont understand that these are two very different things. They hear the word nuclear and think it means bombs destroying everything in sight, but that is not the case  nuclear weapons are by far the most damaging and dangerous weapons in the arsenals of today.

The first point is about Iran and whether it has nuclear material. We know that Iran has a number of facilities that have been enriching uranium, which is the focus of most concern, because of the fears surrounding what they might do with it.

Weve been worrying about the Iranian nuclear programme for years now. Prior to 2003, Western intelligence strongly suggested that they were developing a nuclear weapons capability, but in 2003, US intelligence agencies came to the conclusion theyd stopped doing that. However, Iran has been enriching uranium  one of the materials used in nuclear weapons  to use in their reactors, and for developing isotopes for medical purposes.

They have a right to do that for peaceful purposes, and it was agreed in the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. Strict inspections showed that Iran was only developing the allowed low-enriched uranium. But when Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, the situation changed.

Iran started enriching their uranium again to higher levels. They soon enriched to around 20 per cent and then 60 per cent. When its that high, its not for a nuclear reactor or for medical purposes. You dont need it that high for anything other than a weapon.

The International Atomic Energy Agency found Iran has 400kg of this 60 per cent enriched uranium  but they cannot be sure where it is now. In June last year, Israel and the US attacked the facilities where Iran was enriching uranium, but we dont know if the Iranians removed the material from those sites prior to the bombing or if it remained underground at Isfahan, for example.

If they moved it, where is it now?

There is evidence that it could be buried at the known nuclear sites, or hidden somewhere like Pickaxe mountain, south of the nuclear facilities. But the truth is that nobody knows for sure where it is.

This uranium is one of the things that the US and the Israelis are after; they want to put it out of action, so Iran can never use it. But whats worrying people now is the question of whether Iran can do anything with this 60 per cent uranium?

To develop a nuclear bomb small enough to go on top of a warhead missile, it would need to be about 90 per cent enriched. The first bomb dropped on Hiroshima in the Second World War was 80 per cent enriched, and at 60 per cent it is still possible to make a nuclear bomb  it just cant be delivered by missiles.

In the worst case scenario, Iran could develop that 60 per cent material into bombs to take them out onto ships to ports, which could lead to a nuclear explosion like Hiroshima. If they dont explode properly, youve still got a dirty bomb, which would create a spread of radioactive material, contaminating an area for a long time and leading to widespread panic.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 ( AP )

We have to acknowledge that Iran has always said they didnt want to develop a nuclear weapon  they have repeated this to the US negotiators recently  and theres been a fatwa against having nuclear weapons in place for a long time.

In the Iran-Iraq war in the early 80s, Iraq used chemical weapons against Iran. Iran had developed chemical weapons but never used them, because they ruled that chemical weapons were inhumane and against God. Whether that would policy would remain in these circumstances is unknown, but Ive always given weight to that decision.

However, the fear is that US-Israeli attacks could accidentally land on Irans store of enriched uranium, and the IAEA are monitoring radiation levels. If that did happen, it would be more like a dirty bomb rather than a nuclear explosion, which, although awful, is nowhere near as bad.

My biggest worry is post-conflict, if chaos reigns in Iran with factions fighting each other. Currently, the nuclear facilities are guarded; its a real possibility that guards could flee the site where the enriched material is stored, leading to attempts to seize it and sell it on illicit markets. We saw this before when the USSR collapsed.

I dont think terrorist groups have the engineering capacity to do anything with it; it would more likely be bought by North Korea, which already has nuclear weapons or another state wanting to develop a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that doesnt have enriched uranium or an enrichment capability.

A UN security council resolution could address this and give powers to UN experts to secure the material and to ensure the nuclear material doesnt get into the wrong hands. But it could be very dangerous.

We also have the concerns about potential attacks to Irans nuclear power stations and what that could mean. An attack on a nuclear power station is not the same as a nuclear weapon. Its just not comparable. Youd get a spread of radioactive material, but the number of deaths would not be on the scale of a nuclear explosion. Again, it would be more like the effects of a dirty bomb, where you have conventional explosives spreading radioactive material.

open image in gallery Firefighters work at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine ( Reuters )

Weve had a number of attacks on nuclear power stations recently, with attacks on Ukraines Zaporizhzhia plant throughout the Russian war against Ukraine. The worst experience with a nuclear power explosion was an accident at Chernobyl in 1986. That reactor was very different to todays modern reactors in that it was an old graphite reactor that burns when it catches fire, and weather conditions led to radiation making its way to the British Isles. Zaporizhzhia is much more modern with a pressurised water reactor and inherently safer, like most reactors today.

But nobody should be attacking nuclear reactors. It goes against international law and creates a risk of radiation in the region. Iran has recently attacked the Israeli nuclear facility at Dimona and it has to stop. India and Pakistan have an agreement where no matter what, they dont attack each others nuclear facilities, and over many years, Iran has been calling for a similar arrangement in the Middle East.

Nuclear explosions are at another level  they can destroy the whole of a city depending on its size, the size of the explosion, the height at which it is detonated and the geography of the city. In the immediate area of the explosion  the ground zero  everyone would be instantly killed. Further away, those who arent destroyed by the impact of the blast wave could be burned by the following fires.

There is also an immediate blast of highly energetic radiation, which can lead to radiation poisoning, then there is the long-term radioactive fallout which circulates in the atmosphere and rains down on people, causing cancers and other damage in the short and long terms. Depending how many explosions take place, a nuclear war could also cause long-term climate changes worldwide  the so-called nuclear winter  leading to global famine.

The US possesses over 3,500 warheads, while Israel is generally believed to have nuclear weapons, but doesnt admit to it. Im not worried about them using these missiles on Iran  I see no advantage for them in doing that, and theyd lose any support in the world if they were to do that.

What this war shows is that you cant bomb countries into nuclear non-proliferation. It needs negotiation. I wish the first Trump administration had understood that all negotiation is compromise, before they pulled the US out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

This was a deal where Iran agreed to not develop nuclear weapons, and it prevented Iran from acquiring highly enriched uranium via stringent monitoring measures by the IAEA  and it worked. Even in the last few months, the US was negotiating with Iran to get rid of all its highly enriched uranium, but the US abruptly pulled out of those talks and started the bombing campaign with Israel, and now were where we are. Now more than ever, we need mature leaders who will say we need to have a new push on preventing nuclear proliferation and getting rid of nuclear weapons in the world, before it all spreads out of control.

As told to Radhika Sanghani
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The Pentagon is reportedly considering diverting crucial weaponry initially earmarked for Ukraine towards the Middle East.

It comes as the escalating Iran conflict places significant strain on the United States military's critical munition supplies.

The potential redirection of weapons, including air defense interceptor missiles, was reported by the Washington Post, which cited three informed sources.

The missiles were acquired through a Nato initiative launched in 2025, designed for partner nations to purchase U.S. arms for Kyiv.

The potential move coincides with a marked intensification of U.S. military operations across the Middle East.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said on Wednesday that American forces had struck over 10,000 targets inside Iran and were on course to curtail Tehran's capacity to project power beyond its borders.

The U.S. has struck thousands of targets in Iran, officials have said. Here, an explosion is seen near Azadi Tower in Tehran on March 7 ( AFP/Getty )

A Pentagon spokesperson told the Washington Post that the Defense Department would "ensure that U.S. forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win."

Neither the Pentagon, the U.S. State Department, nor Nato immediately responded to further requests for comment.

Last week, U.S. defense officials told the Associated Press that a sizable number of U.S. Patriot air defense missiles had been moved from Europe toward the Middle East.

Two Patriot missile systems were sent from Germany to Turkey after several ballistic missiles were fired toward Turkey from Iran since the start of the war, the Turkish defense ministry and three U.S. officials said.

The U.S. officials said missiles for the Patriot system were moved from various locations around Europe in an effort to reinforce air defenses towards the Middle East.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.

They said that the diversion of resources towards the war on Iran had left concerning gaps in Europes air defenses against Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran to bolster its war effort, according to a report.

Senior Iranian and Russian officials began secretly discussing the delivery of drones days after Israel and the U.S. launched their first attack on Tehran in February, two officials briefed on the intelligence told the Financial Times.

Moscow began its deliveries in early March, and they were expected to be completed by the end of the month, western intelligence said.
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Donald Trump has lashed out at Nato again, and claimed the alliance has done absolutely nothing to assist with his war with Iran.

The US president claimed he did not require Natos support but he would never forget its perceived lack of action.

In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump wrote: Nato nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.

The U.S.A. needs nothing from Nato, but never forget this very important point in time!.

open image in gallery Donald Trump criticised Nato at a White House cabinet meeting on Thursday ( Reuters )

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte avoided criticising the president when asked about the comments during a press conference in Brussels.

What I have been seeing is some frustration with him about the Europeans needing to take time to react to his requests when it comes to this question of making sure that sea lanes are open, he said. Rutte added that he had told Trump there had been good reasons" for the time it took.

In a White House cabinet meeting later on Thursday, Trump doubled down on his criticism, describing his war as a test for Nato as he said the US would remember how its allies responded.

Remember my statement, he added. They have an expression, a great expression: Never forget. You can never forget.

The latest attacks came as Trump said Tehran was begging to make a deal to end the war. The president claimed the US had been absolutely obliterating them over the near four weeks of conflict, saying it had wiped out its air force and navy.

open image in gallery Cargo ships sail in the Arabian Gulf towards Strait of Hormuz in United Arab Emirates on 19 March ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the US has presented a 15-point "action list" to Iran, delivered through Pakistan as a framework for a possible peace deal, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping lane out of the Middle East crucial for the globes oil supply.

Witkoff indicated there's a "strong possibility" an agreement can be reached but a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had viewed the proposal as "one-sided and unfair".

At the start of a Thursday cabinet meeting, Trump said he wanted to set the record straight that he isn't the one pushing for a deal.

They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people, Trump said.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, had said in an interview on state TV, however, that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, and we do not plan on any negotiations.

Araghchi said the US had tried to send messages to Iran through other nations, but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.

open image in gallery Trump is both threatening further attacks on Iran and discussing making a deal ( Getty )

Also during the cabinet meeting, Trump suggested that a deal might not ultimately come together.

I don't know if we'll be able to do that, he said of the prospects for a deal. I dont know if we're willing to do that.

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's top diplomat, said that indirect talks between the United States and Iran were ongoing.

Israel said on Thursday it had killed Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, the head of Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy, the key official overseeing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Adm. Brad Coope, US commander of Central Command, said the killing of Tangsiri makes the region safer.

Israel also said it carried out a wave of attacks early on Thursday targeting Iranian infrastructure, and air defences were heard in Tehran, while heavy strikes were also reported around Isfahan, a city some 205 miles south of the Iranian capital.

Since the war began, more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran, its health ministry says.

Twenty people have been killed in Israel; two Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. At least 13 US military members have been killed. More than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states have also died.

Nearly 1,100 people have died in Lebanon, authorities said. In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militant groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have been killed.
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My journey begins perched on the rocks below the Sidi Abderrahman Mausoleum, along Moroccos Atlantic coast.

In the port city of Casablanca, strong sea winds offer a cooling respite from the midday sun, which hangs bright and white in a cloudless sky. The mausoleum Im visiting sits at the end of a narrow rock jetty, a tiny islet exposed to the open ocean, surrounded by a cluster of whitewashed houses  the very image that gave Casablanca its name.

Im joined by a small audience of stray cats, silently watching together as locals further along the rocks cast their fishing lines into the sea, each catch dropped into plastic shopping bags at their feet.

Its a brief moment of calm, enough to steady my nerves  because aside from my new furry friends, Im entirely on my own. This is my first solo trip, and my first day on a whirlwind tour of Morocco.

open image in gallery Sidi Abderrahman Mausoleum in Casablanca ( Olivia Kerley/The Independent )

Read more: This down-to-earth European city should be your next solo travel trip

From the endless stream of TikTok and Instagram reels, it was clear to me that post-Covid the popularity of solo travel had soared. From gap year backpackers and digital nomads to wellness retreats and spontaneous weekend escapes, it seemed as though everyone was choosing to go it alone.

While solo trips may have won the hearts of travellers, in my mind there remained some hesitation. I had always travelled with friends or family; the idea of spending two weeks alone felt daunting.

Layered on top of that was the ever-present paranoia that comes with being a woman; concerns about safety were not just a passing thought, but a defining obstacle for me.

open image in gallery Olivia in the vibrant blue city of Chefchaouen ( Olivia Kerley/The Independent )

It was a birthday that came and went in a dank and dreary London that changed my mind. I decided not to allow my fears to hold me back anymore. I wanted to face the challenge, to do something for myself, by myself.

Intrepid Travel appeared to have the answer. The companys Essential Morocco trip is one of many designed to perfectly balance a guided tour with enough free time to explore independently. It seemed the perfect first step into solo travel.

Leaving Casablanca behind, my next destination is the mountain city of Moulay Idriss. Spread over two hills at the base of the Rif mountains, life in this whitewashed city is steeped in tradition. It is considered the holiest pilgrimage site in Morocco, and my local guide explains that for many Muslims, visiting Moulay Idriss five times is the same as taking the trip to Mecca.

For many centuries, Moulay Idriss was closed to outsiders; perhaps as a consequence, the city has eluded many travellers visiting the country today. Alone, I doubt I would have ever set foot in this city. With my guide, however, I moved through unfamiliar streets with a comfort and confidence I never would have felt on my own.

Later, watching the sunset over the tomb of Idris (the founder of Moroccos first Islamic dynasty), I am so grateful to have had the chance to experience both this town and the spiritual history of this country.

Moulay Idrisss slow pace of life is a far cry from our next destination: the vibrant blue city of Chefchaouen.

Read more: I have found the most beautiful riads in Marrakech to stay in

open image in gallery View of Ait Benhaddou at sunset ( Olivia Kerley/The Independent )

True to its reputation, the medina here is beautiful. Walking its narrow, winding alleys bathed in shades of white and blue (to represent the Mediterranean Sea), it feels as though you have stepped into a living painting.

It is here that I come to really appreciate my current company. Solo travel can sometimes seem lonely, especially in the quieter moments, when theres no one to talk to or share the experience with.

Yet, meeting my fellow travellers in the Intrepid group, it becomes clear that many feel the same way  most are young women travelling independently, without friends or family, but still drawn to a social connection. Our motley crew of characters includes doctors, lobbyists and students from as far as Australia, Canada and the US, as well as a few Brits, who like me, had taken the three-hour flight from London.

Despite how short the journey is between the UK and Morocco, the country feels a world away from anything familiar; its nice to have people there to share in that wonder with.

Read more: The female tour guides blazing a trail through the Atlas mountains

open image in gallery Looking out at the Medersa Bou Inania in Fes ( Olivia Kerley/The Independent )

On the 10th day of my journey, we reach Marrakesh. Night is falling as we enter the city, the perfect time to enjoy the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square in its full glory.

There are snake-charmers, fortune tellers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, monkeys in wedding dresses and a local dentist who shows me human teeth he has recently extracted for a great price. Here, colours, tastes, sounds and sights all feel charged with adrenaline, a living stage of Moroccan culture. It is as intense as it is brilliant.

Once again, Im grateful to be able to experience this with the support of my guide. Alone, I might never have seen this side of the square. Travelling solo as a woman often means staying within the bounds of daylight, as night can bring greater risk.

Intrepid designs its trips to give solo travellers the perfect combination of group travel and free time to explore, so the next day I set out alone into the world of the red city.

Google Maps may dominate every route and turn of my normal life, but here you have to meet the medina on its own terms; that often means dodging motorbikes that fly down the narrow alleys between souks or pushing through crowds of faithful pouring into Koutoubia Mosque.

Embarking on something like this alone would usually be well outside my comfort zone, but knowing my guide is just a phone call away gives me real peace of mind. It is the perfect balance for a first-time solo traveller like myself; independence, but with a safety net.

Morocco is a beautiful and brilliant country, one that has surprised me most in its duality. It is a place of calm and chaos, of tradition and modernity  quiet sunrises over vast desert dunes, and glowing sunsets over bustling mountain cities.

open image in gallery The dunes of the Sahara ( Olivia Kerley/The Independent )

In the same way, travelling with Intrepid has offered me a duality in how I experienced my journey. I leave with a deep sense of accomplishment, a personal goal finally achieved, but I have also gained so much more than I expected along the way.

Much of that came from my guide, Mohamed. He did far more than simply lead the way; he shared personal stories and a cultural context that transformed each place we visited into something richer, more layered, and more meaningful. He tells me that his work with Intrepid is driven by his own passion for sustainable travel  he wants to give back to the country that raised him.

In Morocco, I learnt to let go of the fear I had about travelling solo. I learnt that it doesnt have to be an anxiety-inducing jump into the unknown. For those looking to take their first step this country is the perfect way to experience the real, rare, and remarkable.

Olivias trip was supported by Intrepid Travel.

How to do it

Intrepids Essential Morocco tour (starting from 485) is for travellers aged 18-35. The price includes accommodation, meals and activities as well as your local guide and ground transport while on the tour.

The first of our Independent Trips in partnership with Intrepid Travel will be an adventure through Morocco from 19 October 2026 - 25 October 2026. For more information, click here.
The US is sending more than 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as part of the ongoing conflict with Iran, the Pentagon has confirmed.

This comes at a time when nearly 60% of Americans say that US military action in Iran has already gone too far, according to a new poll by AP-NORC.

According to the poll, many Americans are more worried about being able to afford gasoline than they are about replacing the Iranian regime with one more favourable to US interests.

Only around 3 in 10 people consider it a crucial foreign policy objective for the US to replace Irans government with one that is more sympathetic to American interests.
Maps have become a staple of the now four-week-old war in Iran, with the choke-point of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans multiple strikes on the Gulf states now familiar topics of news reports.

The latest addition to those maps would show a different perspective: thousands of US troops converging on Iran in apparent preparation for a land invasion of its military and energy hub, Kharg Island.

In this reading, US president Donald Trumps announced five-day pause in his previous 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz  or face the obliteration of its power plants  is no more than playing for time until US ground troops arrive.

The same would go for Trumps various statements to the effect that the US is talking seriously to Iran; that Iran has given the US a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money  though its uncertain whether this is literal or metaphorical, and all is denied by Iranian officials; and that a 15-point plan (is it old or new?) is on the table. Or was, at least, until Tehran rejected it and offered five ceasefire demands of its own in retaliation.

It could be said that Trumps contradictions leave some diplomatic space, allowing for divergent definitions of talks, negotiations, channels and the like.

A generous interpretation of what is happening suggests there is a twin-track policy being pursued by the United States, involving five days of pressure as its troops move ever closer, designed to coerce Iran into concessions before any deployment is needed. This could be more in line with Trumps hitherto pronounced policy on foreign wars, where air power is key and ground operations by US forces are to be avoided at all costs, given the disasters of Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam.

Of course, sowing confusion and keeping the enemy guessing are time-honoured and effective tactics. Nor was Trump wrong when he declined to answer a reporters query about US troop deployment, describing it as a crazy question.

For such an approach to be effective, however, both allies and enemies need to understand what is going on  and it is hard to see much evidence of this. Indeed, ever since Trump rescinded his 48-hour deadline  and arguably, ever since he gave the go-ahead for the joint assault with Israel on Iran  any clarity as to the timing of the war or its purpose has been conspicuously lacking.

Granted, Trumps speeches have often tended to be overlong and rambling. But the virtue of his encounters with foreign leaders and reporters (as well as many of his posts on social media) has always been that few emerged without knowing where he stood. In a sense, he can be said to have revolutionised diplomatic discourse; spin is not his way. Both as a campaigner and as president, he has been a highly effective communicator.

Donald Trump sent Iran a 15-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East, but Iran rejected it in favour of its own ( Getty )

Until now, it has also been possible  though many will disagree  to divine a rationale of sorts behind his actions in the first year of his second term. He was doing no more than he had pledged to do, and at a cracking pace, approved not only by his Maga constituency but by voters around the world frustrated by ever-delaying politicians.

His 21st-century rendition of the Monroe Doctrine (his Donroe doctrine) helped to explain his action against Venezuela, the talks coupled with embargos on Cuba, and even the claim to Greenland, where there is a geographic  though not legal  argument for regarding the territory as being on the western side of the Atlantic for defence purposes.

Outside the Western hemisphere, Trumps partly successful initiatives in Gaza, as well as his fitful but still failed efforts to end the Ukraine war, could also be seen as attempts to finish unfinished business, and secondarily  perhaps primarily, in Trumps view  as reinforcing his claim to the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Iran war, in so many ways, contradicts all of this. It is an entirely new front. Previously, it seemed not to figure as a priority in Trumps global view, or in his largely pragmatic National Security Strategy published last year, which preferred peaceful competition to conflict, even in relation to China.

There has been no clarity about why the war against Iran was started, beyond the notion that Trump was effectively bounced into it by intelligence about an imminent nuclear threat  as suggested both positively, by the secretary of state Marco Rubio, and negatively, by Joe Kent, who resigned as Trumps counterterrorism chief.

At the same time, Trumps facility for communication seems to be deserting him, with the rambling, contradictions and U-turns crowding out almost everything else. Even basic questions about the actual objectives of the war have received muddled and conflicting answers, including about how far the aims of the US and Israel really coincide.

It is hard to escape the impression that Trump is playing everything by ear, even more than he habitually does. He appears to give no recognition to the fact that this is a live war, the implications of which are vastly more dangerous in substance and potential scale than anything he has embarked on hitherto  more dangerous by far than gaming the international tariff system, deporting irregular migrants, and decapitating the regime in Venezuela.

The size of Iran, the competing interests at stake, and the regions role as a junction for so many links in the global economy all make this a quite different proposition, one that flies in the face of everything that Trump appeared to stand for.

For some, knowing what Trump was aiming for was scary enough, because he said so loud and clear. I would submit that not knowing what he is after, either because he does not know or because this real war has escaped his control, is a good deal scarier.

In normal times, seemingly impotent calls for de-escalation from the far distant sidelines tend to be seen as a weak and prevaricating excuse for a response. In todays circumstances, this has to be the wisest course on offer for third countries.
Well-known Wexford business to close its doors  I was 20 when I opened the first shop... thats a long time

House 2 Home premises located on Goreys Main Street is set to go under the hammer

Pauline Malone from House 2 Home Gorey. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Alan White Gorey Guardian Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 07:40

A well-established business in the heart of Gorey town is set to close its doors to the public as the shop is set to go up for sale in an online auction.
Irish Business

IDA and EI will no longer need ministerial sign-off to back defence-linked firms, under proposed legal changes
White House closely watching plans to remove Dublin Airport cap, Dail committee warned

Airlines for America says there are active conversations with US government on retaliatory measures

Dublin Airport handled a record 36.4 million passengers last year. Photo: John Mulligan

John Mulligan Wed 25 Mar 2026 at 12:06

The US administration is watching very closely plans by the Irish Government to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, a powerful US airline lobby group has warned.
Boao Moments 2026: Investing for the future, cooperation is the path

10:36, March 26, 2026 By Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online

Panelists prepare during the "Investing for the Future: Are We Ready?" sub-forum at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

At a time of deepening geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating technological change, global leaders gathering at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference converged on a common answer to the question of how the world should invest in its future: work together, or fall behind alone.

The high-level dialogue "Investing for the Future: Are We Ready?" brought together former heads of government, senior economic officials and leading business figures. Across wide-ranging exchanges on green energy, trade architecture, European strategy and China's innovation ecosystem, regional cooperation emerged as the session's defining refrain.

A different kind of disruption

Mari Pangestu, vice chair of Indonesia's National Economic Council, framed the moment with directness. The world will not return to what it was, she said, as interdependence, once a source of strength, is now widely treated as a vulnerability, while slow growth, economic security pressures and the retreat of multilateralism compound the challenge. Yet she was equally emphatic that the moment presents genuine opportunity, with the acceleration of the energy transition, the diversification of regional supply chains and shifting global power dynamics all opening space for new forms of cooperation.

Her prescription was practical. Rather than reacting to global fragmentation with protectionism, Asian economies should build domestic resilience and deepen regional integration. Drawing on a concept from APEC, Pangestu called for "concerted unilateralism": countries acting in parallel and in coordination rather than waiting for full multilateral consensus, building coalitions of the willing around shared goals. Her team's analysis showed that proactive regional cooperation could effectively offset the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. The message to governments was clear: the agreements are already in place. What is needed now is implementation.

The leadership question

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former prime minister of France, offered a more somber diagnosis. The rule of law is weakening, he warned, and force has re-entered the vocabulary of international relations. What the world needs most is a new kind of leader: mobile, unafraid of change, and genuinely knowledgeable about the world beyond their own borders. Quoting Antoine de Saint-Exupery, he said: "To love is not to look at each other, but to look together in the same direction." That, he argued, is the model Europe and China must adopt.

Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and former European Commissioner for the Economy, speaks at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and former European Commissioner for the Economy, shared the concern over institutional erosion. Trade wars and the weaponization of economic relations represent a dangerous new normal, he said, but they have not ended globalization, as trade volumes continue to rise even amid tensions. His counsel: resist the temptation to abandon existing institutions. The WTO, the IMF and the UN are imperfect, but a weakened architecture is preferable to none. For Asia and Europe alike, the priority should be to preserve and strengthen what already exists.

The economics of green energy

Andrew Forrest, executive chairman and founder of Fortescue, speaks at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

Andrew Forrest, executive chairman and founder of Fortescue, made the session's most emphatic argument for clean energy, grounding it in arithmetic rather than ideology. Fortescue is eliminating 1 billion liters of diesel from its operations within years, not decades, with the world's first fully green iron ore operation set to come online next year. Going fully green had been calculated to cost 6.2 billion U.S. dollars, compared to 18 billion dollars for a comparable fossil fuel development. Once capital is paid off, the operating cost of renewable energy approaches zero. Solar panel efficiency, he said, is being pushed from 23 percent toward 40 percent, and Fortescue is now installing 50,000 panels per day in Australia. The principal obstacle to the transition is not technical or economic but political, he said, specifically the conflicts of interest that prevent leaders from embracing necessary change. Countries that achieve energy sovereignty achieve genuine independence; those dependent on imported fuel remain exposed.

China's innovation ecosystem

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club and executive chairman of AEC Robotics takes questions at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club and executive chairman of AEC Robotics, brought a multigenerational perspective to China's role in global innovation. His grandfather began trading with China in the early 1950s, and three generations of engagement have given him, he said, a particular vantage point on where China stands today. Perry argued that the new world order is being built on four interlocking layers: energy, quantum, artificial intelligence and robotics. China was said to be 18 months behind the West on AI before DeepSeek arrived; he now believes China holds a meaningful lead. On manufacturing scale and the ability to move from innovation to deployment, no other country can match China. On quantum, which Perry called the true power of the future, he assessed the U.S. and China as broadly comparable. The challenge, he argued, is not capability but communication: bridging the gap between what global companies need and what China's manufacturing base can deliver. Those who remain disengaged from China's innovation ecosystem, he said, will be left behind.

Cooperation as the only path

Pangestu closed the loop on regional architecture, reporting from her recent co-chairmanship of the RCEP Joint Committee in Wellington, New Zealand, that political will is present but practical gaps remain. Harmonizing tariff schedules, standardizing rules of origin and enabling the free movement of skilled workers are the immediate priorities. She also proposed building shared regional energy reserves modeled on the ASEAN Plus Three emergency rice reserve, as a concrete expression of collective resilience.

On Europe and China, Raffarin acknowledged plainly that China has a plan while Europe does not, and called for a shared vision of where both sides want to be in 2040. Gentiloni agreed, arguing that a stronger, more strategically autonomous Europe would be a better partner for China and Asia, not a more distant one.

As the session closed, the panelists' differences of emphasis gave way to a shared conclusion: the tools for investing in the future exist. What remains to be seen is whether the cooperation required to use them can be assembled in time.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Pernod Ricard is exploring a potential acquisition of Brown-Forman, the owner of Jack Daniel's whiskey, as alcoholic drink companies look at ways to consolidate amid an industry downturn, people familiar with the matter said.
A Dublin art director says state support is needed to tackle elitism within the art world

John Daly said Tourism Ireland, Culture Ireland and the Arts Council must make art more accessible

John Daly

Sarah O'Mahony Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 12:00

Hillsboro Fine Art director, John Daly, says a new cohort of art lovers needs to be directed towards Irish talent.
A court has heard that there were already tensions on the pitch during an underage hurling match, when the father of one of the players approached an umpire with arms swinging.
Irish News

latest | Teenager and three men arrested in connection with house fire that killed Tadgh Farrell (4) and great-aunt Mary Holt in Edenderry
Down with this sort of thing  actor Pauline McLynn joins fox-hunting protest

Seventy-seven per cent of Irish people would like the activity banned

Above, protesters from Rural Ireland Against Fox Hunting protest outside Leinster House in Dublin.Photo: PA / Collins

Bairbre Holmes Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Father Ted star Pauline McLynn has said she cannot believe that, in the 21st century, were still asking for a ban on fox hunting.
latest | Foul play not suspected in death of man in fire at Edenderry home where Tadgh Farrell (4) and Mary Holt (60) died in arson attack last year

'People here are horrified' - body found in same house in Edenderry where two died last year

Patrick O'Connell, Louise Hickey and Catherine Fegan Wed 25 Mar 2026 at 22:15

The death of a man who was found after a fire at a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly, earlier this week is not being treated as suspicious by Gardai.
Siptu seeks support after INMO raised issue with HSE

Officials at their union Siptu plan to seek talks with employers on measures to assist staff who care for patients at home. Kevin Figgis, Siptu health divisional organiser, said healthcare assistants and community mental health nurses employed by the HSE were among members most affected by skyrocketing prices. He was speaking after the general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Phil Ni Sheaghdha wrote to the HSE seeking the top mileage rates for nurses.
A company which provides food services and facilities management to hospitals and other State funded bodies has been named as the donor of 30,000 to Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) for its Christmas party.
Rarely seen historical items, including a holster worn by Michael Collins, have been put on display as part of a new partnership between the Military Archives and the Little Museum of Dublin.
'I was a bit underwhelmed' - Big queues for 'In N Out Burger' pop up in Dublin, but is it worth the hype?

Hundreds of curious and hungry Dubliners queued for up to an hour in the IFSC yesterday to sample the menu of California-styled burger restaurant In-N-Out Burger.

The American family-owned chain, which has been in operation since 1948, currently has no permanent residence in Ireland, but has held similar promotional events in Dublin in September 2015 and November 2021.

Its motto of Quality you can taste proved an irresistible draw as a snaking queue of punters waited up to an hour outside the Harbourmaster bar in the bitter wind and intermittent rain to see if the hype was worth it.

Terezija Koncan (21) from Slovenia was invited to the pop-up by her friend, and she said that this style of burgers is not too common in her homeland.

"I would say burgers in Slovenia are a bit different from American burgers.

Danny Cullen (29) from Dublin said curiosity got the better of him, and that he had to give it a try.

"I'd seen it before on social media and I know it doesn't venture too far out of California, she said.

He continued: It's just nice to see different things to try and everything like that. Anything that can make the food culture in Ireland a bit more interesting is quite good.

"I'm back in Ireland with my husband for a couple of months and we found out that this pop-up was happening yesterday, said, Niamh McCullagh (26) from Cork  one of the first in line  who worked for In-N-Out Burger for seven years in Las Vegas.

"They have something for everyone, she said. It's such a simple menu and such a simple burger that everyone can enjoy it.

Exiting the building after ordering a Double-Double with chips and a drink for 11, Ms McCullagh was exuding love for her old employer.

I'm very satisfied, she said, adding: Especially with the quality of food that you have, definitely value for money.

Friends Rei Patricio (22) and Charlotte Villar (23) from Dublin, brimming with anticipation, spoke to the Irish Independent just before tucking into their burgers.

It smelled so good, even from the door, Ms Villar said, bemoaning the more limited menu this time compared to when she ate in the restaurant when visiting America before.

I know there's one up north, but still, it would be nice to have here in Dublin, she added.

After each taking a bite of one of the chains burgers, the response was positive.

"I'll give it an 8 [out of 10], both women said in unison, praising the burgers size.
A man has been charged and a teenager arrested after gardai seized two high-powered electric scooters  along with a bladed weapon  in a day of action in Dublin 7.

The man, aged in his 30s, who was arrested under public order legislation is expected to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice, Court 4, this morning.
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?
The US administration is watching very closely plans by the Irish Government to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, a powerful US airline lobby group has warned.

Chris Sununu, the president and chief executive of Airlines for America (A4A), told the Oireachtas Transport Committee yesterday he has held meetings in recent days with both the White House and the US Department of Transportation regarding the passenger cap.
The Government will continue to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use as part of Irelands cancer prevention drive following two reports highlighting the risks they pose, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing Jennifer Murnane OConnor said today.

She said the report of the sunbed working group and the Department of Healths sunbeds workshop report will inform" future work on the Programme for Government commitment to explore ways to outlaw commercial sunbed .
Mum Stephanie and baby Aodhan Brandon, at the launch of the ParentChild Psychological Support in Bray Primary Care Centre.

A ground-breaking early childhood initiative aimed at strengthening the emotional wellbeing of parents and infants is now underway in Bray and has the potential to shape national policy in the field.

The ParentChild Psychological Support (PCPS) Programme, a first-of-its-kind pilot, is already being hailed as a hugely significant development for local families. More than 90 families have already enrolled in the programme since it began operating last September, families who otherwise may not have had early developmental or emotional concerns identified so quickly.

The programme was formally launched at Bray Primary Care Centre by Kevin McCarthy, Secretary General at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, on Wednesday, March 18, bringing together health professionals, community organisations, local representatives and, fittingly, parents and babies who have already begun their journey through the service.

Local practitioners describe its introduction as a major step forward in early intervention, giving newborns and new parents in Bray access to supports that many other communities around the country do not yet have.

The programme provides a blend of developmental, emotional and parent-child attachment supports during the first 18 months of a babys life, a period widely recognised as critical for early brain, emotional and social development.

Parents attend seven structured sessions with their baby at a few weeks old, and again at three, six, nine, 12, 15 and 18 months. Each visit includes a detailed developmental review while also supporting parental wellbeing, coping and bonding.

The programme came about through a partnership between the Supporting Parents and Early Childhood Service (SPECS), Bray & North Wicklow Area Partnership (BNWAP) the HSE and Tusla.

SPECS early intervention and family support manager Maryrose Costello highlighted the significance of the initiative.

We know that the most crucial time for a babys brain development is in the first two years of life, she said. Thats why it is so important that parents receive the best possible support during this stage to build a secure bond with their baby. Thanks to the strong collaboration between key organisations and practitioners working locally in Bray, we are excited to pioneer this approach here.

The programme is based on an evidencedriven framework developed by Professor M Angeles Cerezo, chair of psychology at the University of Valencia, who attended the launch. Prof Cerezo has longstanding ties with Ireland and has contributed to Irish early intervention approaches for more than 25 years.

Early signs from the Bray pilot are encouraging. In addition to enrolling over 90 families, the service has already identified developmental needs and facilitated timely referrals to specialist supports, interventions that may not have been picked up until much later without this approach.

Childrens Minister Norma Foley, praised the initiative as an excellent example of early intervention in action and commended the organisations involved. If its impact continues to grow, the programme may become the blueprint for a nationwide model.

The free service is available to all parents with babies from newborn to 18 months in the Bray area. Families interested in learning more about the programme or accessing supports can contact the SPECS team at pcpsadmin@bnwap.ie
Somewhere, the Easter bunny silently weeps: Why do some of our favourite chocolate eggs taste different?

Social media has been ablaze decrying changes to some of our favourite chocolate brands. Danielle Barron finds out why its happening and talks to some Irish firms bucking the trend

TV Chef Aisling Larkin on what makes really quality chocolate

Danielle Barron Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 06:30

As lifes little pleasures go, the melt-in-your-mouth experience of good chocolate is hard to beat. But the online  and offline  chatter suggests all is not as it seems when it comes to our beloved bars.
Deirdre Reynolds: Nasty criticism of Barry Keoghans looks shows even Hollywood stars are not immune to online abuse

Actors sensitivity will see him play a blinder on the big screen, Peaky and otherwise

Barry Keoghan poses during the Met Gala in New York last year. Photo: Reuters

Deirdre Reynolds Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Barry Keoghan has dated pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, won a Bafta for The Banshees of Inisherin and been snapped up to play Ringo Starr.
Could you be next to face legal action?

Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Adrian on this weeks episode of The Big Tech Show to discuss dodgy boxes.

Sky has told the High Court it now has the names, addresses and even bank details of more than 300 dodgy-box users in Ireland and it plans to act against some of them.

Up to now, prosecutions have focused on sellers and distributors. But this could mark a turning point, with end users now directly in the firing line.

You can listen to the full episode here, on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts.
US president Donald Trumps America First agenda was the cornerstone of his election victory.

On the campaign trail, he promised to revive the domestic economy, tighten Americas borders and steer the country away from protracted wars.

But has all that preelection rhetoric now come back to haunt him?

As the US deploys thousands of troops to the Middle East, the conflict is looking less like a brief flareup and more like the start of a long, grinding war.

Podcast host Joe Rogan and other influential MAGA voices have slammed Trumps actions in the region, leaving many Americans feeling betrayed.

Despite Mr Trump's insistence that Washington is in talks with senior Iranian figures to strike a deal, Tehran denies any negotiations are taking place.

So, who exactly is talking to whom?

And as suspicion swirls about insider trading in the oil markets, who is cashing in on the chaos in the Strait of Hormuz?

On todays Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the UCD Clinton Institute, and by David Smith, Guardian Washington bureau chief, to unpack the latest on the war in Iran.
Tim Del Boy Nagle, Glenn Ramone, Connie Healy, Gerdy Zeb OConnor, James Bantry Jim OSullivan, Don of The Mills Ballyvourney, Declan Eagle Bevan (President of UBAKA), Caroline Ballantyne, and Anne Angel Gabriel (Secretary, UBAKA Ireland Chapter)

Cork motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to take part in an Easter drive in aid of BUMBLEance.

The Cork Easter Egg Motorcycle Run is organised by the Irish contingent of the Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse (UBAKA) and will see bikers drive from Ballincollig to Ballyvourney on Saturday, March 28.

Everyone is welcome to join, but there is one caveat  each driver must bring an Easter Egg, which will be donated to BUMBLEance and transported to one of the various childrens hospital wards across Cork.

Secretary of the Irelands UBAKA branch, Anne Gabriel told The Corkman that these events are always great fun.

Everything that we do is always about the kids.

We help to provide counselling, medical equipment and raise money for the charity because they are not government funded and operate through voluntary contributions.

For the run, this is also for the families of the motorcyclists as well because it gives people a chance to meet other families, and everyone is welcome, she said.

BUMBLEance, the official Childrens National Ambulance Service of Ireland.

The bikers are asked to meet outside the Applegreen service station in Ballincollig at 11:30am sharp before departing for The Mills in Ballyvourney at 1pm.

The run is expected to finish at 2pm, where face painting and the highly anticipated Easter Egg hunt will take place at the venue.

There will also be a raffle for spot prizes as well.

Whether you have a bike or a trike, you are more than welcome to attend, and all abilities are welcome as well.

Us bikers take care of everybody so it should be a good day all round, she added.

Ms Gabriel said the organisation has been running for the past three years and cited what she enjoys most about the group.

We are Cork-based but we have helped families across the country, from Clare to Tipperary to West Cork and Kerry and we are expanding all the time.

It is a great organisation because everything we do is for the children at the end of the day.

Also, I love meeting like-minded people because it gives people a chance to talk about their bikes and there is a lovely atmosphere."

For more information, visit Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse on Facebook.
A Mallow resident, who says he cannot remember why he drunkenly broke into two cars in the town, has been given a 250 fine by the courts.

48-year-old Cristian Gancerencu, with an address in the North Cork town, pleaded guilty to two counts of unauthorised interference with vehicles before Mallow District Court, with his solicitor calling the incident a sad situation.

Having entered his guilty plea, Sergeant Linda OLeary told the court that on November 8 of last year, just before 8.30pm on the Cork Road in Mallow, the accused entered two private vehicles.

Gardai met with the injured parties, while Mr Gancerencu was also present but was highly intoxicated. One of the injured parties told Gardai they came home to find the defendant sitting in their van, who was in possession of a jacket and a remote control from another vehicle.

In giving his circumstances, defence solicitor David OMeara said his client was 48 years of age, pleading guilty, and was highly intoxicated on the evening.

He puts his hands up, and has no excuse, he doesnt know why he did it, he was that drunk, its a sad situation, Mr OMeara told Judge Miriam Walsh.

Hes a digger driver and works on major construction sites, hes gainfully employed, he is living alone in Mallow, added Mr OMeara.

What were you up to? asked the Judge.

I asked him that question, he said he cant remember he was that drunk, he cannot offer any excuse, admitted Mr OMeara, who repeated his clients apologies and said no damage was done to either vehicle.

Sergeant OLeary said Mr Gancerencu had just one previous conviction for theft in September 2025. Judge Walsh ordered the accused to pay a 250 fine.
News

Emerging preferred route for Charleville Relief Road to be published by the end of this year

A second public consultation on the Charleville Relief Road will be held by the third quarter of this year and there is growing confidence that a selected option will also be presented at the forum.
The lack of fibre broadband in Castletownroche was raised at a recent Fermoy Municipal District meeting by Fianna Fail councillor Nelius Cotter who stressed the importance of getting the village connected to fibre broadband as he sought a timeline for the works.

The motion tabled by Cllr Cotter called on Cork County Council to write to National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Open Eir to roll out and install fibre broadband on the Main Street in Castletownroche.

Cllr Cotter said business owners and residents in Castletownroche pretty much have no fibre broadband coverage. I have brought similar motions of this kind of ilk before, not in these areas but particularly on the Main Street in Castletownroche. It is packed with businesses, from petrol stations to pubs to chemists. They pretty much have no coverage for fibre broadband.

There is very little action being taken on it, stated Cllr Cotter. Supposedly there is a timeline for them to roll it out, but it is certainly not in the short-term or medium term anyway. I think it is very urgent that we write to them and try and get something moving. It is important to get a timeline on when action will be taken.

Fianna Fail councillor Frank OFlynn requested an inclusion to the proposed letter to NBI and Open Eir. There are three things that changed this country in this century, electricity, broadband and Rural Link. Could we also include in the letter about the mobile phone service in both Doneraile and Castletownroche. If you have a call going through Castletownroche the coverage drops and in Doneraile there is no coverage at all.

Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre OBrien said everywhere should have broadband coverage at this point.

Darren Kenneally, senior executive engineer at Cork County Council informed the councillors that the local authority has no objection to the motion and would support such a letter.
A review will be carried out by the local authority to investigate the possibility of establishing two fifteen minutes parking slots at either side of the loading bay outside Centra Shop in Main Street, Doneraile.

The issue was raised through a motion from Fianna Fail councillor Frank OFlynn at a recent Fermoy Municipal District meeting.

The motion called on Cork County Council to put in place two fifteen minutes parking slots at either side of the loading bay outside Centra Shop in Main Street, Doneraile in the interest of safety.

Cllr OFlynn said the 15-minute slots that were brought in during Covid have been an outstanding success. They are working exceptionally well. It is a very busy street. We are lucky that there are two supermarkets in Doneraile and we want to keep them. People are telling me they cant park, pull-in or get out.

The local community are asking us to do something to help, stressed Cllr OFlynn. People are coming into the town, and they cant stop or pull in. I think the 15-minute slot would work exceptionally well here and I want the Council to look at it again and review it.

Local people are living there, and they cant even park their cars. People coming into town to shop would like to park somewhere reasonable. The 15-minute slots are a no-brainer. They are the best thing that came out of Covid. They are working, he added.

The motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Nelius Cotter who reiterated the importance of the 15-minute slots in towns and villages: They do work well and particularly in Doneraile. They are badly needed.

Darren Kenneally senior executive engineer at Cork County Council said the local authority is not in favour of establishing two fifteen minutes parking slots at either side of the loading bay outside Centra Shop. There is a residence on one side and a Garda station on the other side of the Centra shop. These 15-minute loading bays would interfere with the existing arrangement that is in place. The optics of it dont look great for putting two 15-minute slots outside a Garda station and a private residence.

I am not very happy with the response, declared Cllr OFlynn who pleaded for a review to be carried out. I would ask Darren to look at it again, discuss it with An Garda Siochana and come back to us with a report. I am not bringing it in for the sake of bringing it in.

It was subsequently agreed that a review would be carried out and communication initiated with An Garda Siochana.
A senior Dublin City Council (DCC) housing official admitted that the authority needs to get on the front foot in relation to antisocial behaviour in the capitals social housing complexes.

It comes amidst a spate of high-profile arson attacks on council tenants and a reported 2,415 occurrences of antisocial behaviour across its housing complexes over the course of last year.

It was a busy year, 2025, Claire Dempsey of DCCs estate management unit told councillors this week, adding that of those incidents, 103 would fall into the most severe category.

Her colleague Mick Clarke agreed, saying that the rate of people being burnt out of their homes had now reached epidemic proportions.

"I had six cases. Im now down to three where families are burned out, he said.

Mr Clarke said when a home is burned out, the tenants are moved away from the danger area, despite the fact that tenants usually want to stay in the same part of the city.

This is for three main reasons, he said. Reason one, its the safety, if someone is burnt out, and we do the house back up and put them back in, there could be a fatality and wed be asked: why the hell did you put them back in?

"The second reason is we have a duty of care to the neighbours and the community as a whole...And the third one is, its a huge amount of moneyto bring that house back into a liveable condition.

Frank dArcy, executive manager of DCCs housing operations, told councillors he was very conscious that antisocial behaviour is something that we in DCC need to get on the front foot in relation to.

In order to address the surge in attacks and antisocial behaviour, the council is assembling a working group on the matter over the next month which would involve councillors, staff and relevant departments of the authority.

Councillors were positive about the news, but aired many grievances about how the antisocial behaviour process works at the moment.

Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan said the people behind the most severe attacks need to be faced down.

I get the impression from the council, maybe Im wrong and Im open to correction, but they will pursue people who are in rent arrears, but those involved in this serious criminal activity appear to be, theres more leniency shown towards them, he said.

Independent councillor Cieran Perry said the council were in many cases subsidising drug dealers working out of our properties.

"[There are] people on the housing list for 10, 12, 15 years [that] are wondering, why cant I get a house when drug dealers are getting houses? Thats an issue. Thats a serious issue, he said.

Mr Perry also criticised the fact that the personal use of drugs wasnt classed as antisocial behaviour by the council, and said potential tenants partners should also be vetted alongside the applicants.

Mr dArcy said these, along with other issues, would be dealt with by the working group, which would aim to report back by the end of the year.

Its findings would then be fed into an updated council strategy beginning in 2028.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A site foreman who failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with another car did not know the area and was "following instructions on his sat nav", a court heard.

Valerii Burduja (34) left the driver of the other vehicle with significant injuries, and he needed a hip replacement.

The victim's four-year-old daughter was in the back of the car, and while she was upset, she was uninjured in the crash.

Judge Stephanie Coggans fined Burduja 500, but did not ban him from driving, after the victim said he accepted the driving was careless.

The defendant, with an address at Ringfort Avenue in Balrothery, admitted careless driving.

Burduja was originally charged with dangerous driving but the judge accepted a plea to the lesser charge of careless driving, which does not carry an automatic driving ban.

Garda Robert O'Rourke told Balbriggan District Court that gardai were called to the scene of a traffic accident at the crossroads of the R108 and Nags Head shortly after 11am on October 6, 2024.

Gda O'Rourke said there was significant damage to a blue Jetta and a black Audi, which was just off the road at the junction.

Gda O'Rourke said the Jetta had been travelling from Ballyboughal towards Naul, on the main road, when the Audi, which was coming from Garristown, failed to stop at a stop sign, and the two cars had collided.

Gda O'Rourke said the victim was taken to Beaumont Hospital, while his young daughter, who was in the back of the car, was taken to Temple Street Children's Hospital.

She was uninjured, and the driver said he experienced soft tissue injuries and subsequently needed a hip replacement in November.

Gda O'Rourke said the accused did not know the area. He informed gardai that he had been following instructions on a sat nav, which had told him to proceed ahead.

Gda O'Rourke said Burduja was not over the speed limit, but may have been driving too fast for the junction.

He has no previous convictions and has never been in trouble before.

Defence lawyer Martin Dully said Burduja was working as a foreman supervising building sites, and needed his licence to work.

Mr Dully said Burduja, who was a family man, cooperated fully with gardai. On the day, Burduja became confused, and he was following sat nav instructions.

Burduja had a full driving licence and was fully insured, the court heard.

The victim said he accepted Burduja's driving was careless, and he was happy for the court not to disqualify him.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
A fast-food worker who allowed over 3,500 in crime proceeds to be transferred through her bank account had trusted a man she thought was a friend, a court has heard.

Michelle Clarke (25) was vulnerable at the time, was mourning the death of her brother and trying to care for his young son.

Judge David McHugh ordered her to complete 120 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison.

Clarke, of Main Street, Clonee, Co Meath, admitted transferring, handling or possessing property which was the proceeds of crime.

Sergeant Conor Mohan told Blanchardstown District Court that on dates between March and May 2021, a total of 3,850 was transferred through the victims Bank of Ireland account.

Sgt Mohan said Clarke, who had no previous convictions, co-operated with gardai and made a voluntary statement about the incident.

She was very sorry for what had happened

Defence solicitor Mervyn Harnett said Clarke had just turned 21 at the time of this offence. He said Clarke had been asked by someone she knew if he could transfer 50 into her account, and if she would give him the cash.

Clarke did this, he said, and then a couple of weeks later all these payments started.

Mr Harnett said that Clarke thought she was helping a friend, but this other individual had taken advantage of her, and she was very sorry for what had happened.

Clarke had studied psychology, the solicitor said, and was currently working in a fast-food restaurant.

The money had not been repaid, the court heard.
The Indo Daily: Shooters, ICE and Iran: Is Trumps America too dangerous for the World Cup?
Other Sports

Family of Kerry Olympian Tom ORiordan to gift his All Ireland Schools gold medal to Tralee CBS

As the 2026 post-primary schools athletics season gets underway, there is a rare anniversary to be celebrated. An All-Ireland medal won 70 years ago could be on its way to Kerry after a long sojourn in Dublin. The gold medal was won by Tom 
Growing up in Killarney, Amano De Londra Miura, attended Gaelscoil Faithleann, speaking the Irish language daily, yet despite this early immersion it was only in recent years that she has come to realise the gift of Gaeilge and her desire to bring it to life for new generations.
A woman in her 40s and a teenager were arrested as Scarlett Faulkner lays in critical condition

Two people have been arrested in connection with the serious assault of Limerick woman Scarlett Faulkner, a young mother who remains in critical condition in hospital following an attack in Birdhill, Co Tipperary.

Gardai confirmed that a woman in her 40s and a teenage girl were arrested on Thursday morning and are being questioned in relation to the incident.

Ms Faulkner, who is in her 20s and has a young child, suffered severe head injuries after being attacked on the R494 road near Birdhill village at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday.

She was initially treated at University Hospital Limerick after being airlifted from the scene before being transferred to Cork University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

After the arrests, dozens of comments and hundreds of interactions with Scarletts familys updates online have shown the support of Tipperary and Limerick locals, especially among the Travelling community.

One online tribute read: Scarlett you just need to fight harder than ever and come home to your family.

Another post said: Please God justice will be served for you. Keep fighting Scarlett, [you have] everyone behind you.

Others shared messages of hope for her recovery alongside calls for accountability.

Candle lighting for you, [I] hope she makes a full recovery and you get the justice you deserve, one person wrote.

A further tribute urged: Come on Scarlett, its your fight now fight this and get your story heard.

Gardai continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.
The new Italian Ambassador to Ireland H.E.Nicola Faganello welcomed the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. Donal Gilroy and the Twinning promoter Giovanni Molinari to the Italian Embassy in Dublin recently to discuss details around Sligos plannned twinning with Sardinian city, Porto Torres.

The meeting lasted about 30 minutes with various topics around the proposed twinning were discussed, including the procedures for finalising the twinning agreement between Porto Torres and Sligo which Cllr Gilroy said would be of great benefit for both cities.

The Cathaoirleach took the opportunity to invite the Italian Ambassador to a formal visit to Sligo possibly before the expiration of his role in June.

President Catherine Connolly has also informed by the promoter Mr Molinari on the ongoing twinning project and she will invited to the long-awaited final signing ceremony.
One to Watch award winner Shania Taite (Galway Saorla), pictured with sponsors Dr. Brendan Jennings and EveAnne McCarron, ATU. Pics: James Connolly

Most Investable Start up award winner Chris Cornwall (Donegal Arlo), pictured with sponsors Laura Foy and Emma Gordon, PGIM

Ten founders who participated in Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers programme at ATU Donegal and Sligo were showcased at a ceremony in Sligo on March 20th.

Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers programme is delivered through ATU Donegal and Sligo and is the National Entrepreneur Development Programme with a support package worth 40,000.

The programmes primary purpose is to accelerate the development of sustainable new businesses that have strong international growth potential and contribute to job creation and economic activity in the region.

This year as part of the end of programme event, each participant had the opportunity to pitch their business with a chance of winning three cash prizes.

The Most Investable Start-Up Award sponsored by PGIM went to Chris Cornwall of Arlo.

Arlo, headquartered in Donegal, delivers realtime medical notes, referral letters, and patient summaries, all of which sync instantly with current patient management software. Cofounded by Chris Cornwall in early 2025, the company has achieved impressive early sales and is gearing up for major expansion, with upcoming investment boosting its growth trajectory.

The winner of the One to Watch Award sponsored by ATU was Shania Taite of Saorla, based in Galway.

Saorlas first product is LullaMED - a paediatric seating solution for 09-month-old babies, designed to support a calmer, safer, and more efficient treatment experience for clinicians, infants, and parents.

The Best Pitch Award sponsored by AIB went to Connor Feehily of Qora EPOS.

Cofounded in 2025 by the Manorhamilton native, Qora EPOS introduces a new standard in supplier order automation for the retail sector. The platform leverages advanced AIpowered email parsing and intelligent inventory gap matching to streamline order management from end to end, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly reducing costly errors. By transforming traditionally timeconsuming administrative tasks into seamless automated workflows, Qora EPOS enables retailers to reclaim valuable staff time, improve accuracy, and maintain consistently optimal stock levels.

The other seven graduates are:

Donal McLynn, Trinity Drinks, Sligo, a health and wellness beverage.

Eoghan Matthews, CeolConnect, Roscommon, a booking platform for venues to discover, connect and manage live musician bookings at the touch of a button.

Hannah Kelly, insigli, Donegal, insigli helps marketing agencies who spend days pulling together data and reports from disconnected marketing tools have client ready, performance reports with ROI attribution and recommendations in line with their goals and targets in minutes.

Jennie Carr, Isle Skincare, Donegal , a natural skincare brand developing innovative body care products using high-quality, Irish-made ingredients, starting with a targeted tallow-based balm.

Joanna Frivet, LegalMoov, Leitrim, a digital legal platform for client booking and onboarding for lawyers.

Mamta Bhardwaj, Insight Pulse, Sligo, an AI-powered analytics tool that helps SMEs understand and improve their marketing performance through clear and actionable insights, no marketing expertise needed.

Swas Sahu, Stock Trading Studio, Kildare, a cloud platform providing financial and economic data with built-in research and analysis tools for finance professionals, researchers, and analysts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brendan Jennings, Chief Officer Research, Innovation & Engagement, ATU said.: Embedding Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers programme within ATU plays a vital role in supporting balanced regional development. Participants are making a meaningful contribution to the indigenous business community and helping to drive the regions economic growth.

Many of you have already benefited from engaging with the wider ATU community throughout your time on the programme, drawing on the expertise, insights, and support of academic staff and students as you progressed through your development phase.

We hope you will continue to stay connected with the university and make use of its services long after you have completed the programme, helping to strengthen and accelerate the growth of your businesses.

Ciara Concannon, Enterprise Irelands National New Frontiers Programme Manager also attended the awards and described New Frontiers as a truly national programme whose success is rooted in its regional delivery model, ensuring support is delivered where its needed most. Guest speaker at the ceremony was New Frontiers alumnus Kieran Supple, CEO and founder of Reap Interactive Ltd trading as BovinePlus. Kieran participated in the New Frontiers programme in 2021.

BovinePlus leverages cuttingedge AI and imageanalysis technology to deliver realtime livestock tracking for the agritech sector. Kieran shared valuable insights into the challenges the company has navigated and highlighted key learnings on accessing funding and managing the early stages of a startup. Reap Interactive continues to gain strong market traction, supported by significant private investment.

Applications are now open for Phase 1 of New Frontiers which starts on April 14th. For more information about the programme visit www.newfrontiersnw.ie
Lifestyle

May Bank Holiday in Sligo: Top five things to do from a day at the races to cinema classics

Sligo is preparing for one of its liveliest weekends of the year as the May Bank Holiday approaches on Monday, 4 May 2026. A blend of traditional music, classical performance, outdoor adventure and community gatherings will animate the county from 
Communities in both Enniscorthy and Ukraine are in united grief following the sad and sudden death of Volodymyr Serheiev at the age of 14.

A beloved second year student in Enniscorthy Community College, a representative on behalf of the school described him as a kind and positive student who will be greatly missed by all.

"It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved second year student, Volodymyr Serheiev. Our school community is heartbroken by this loss. Volodymyr will be remembered fondly for his presence, kindness, and the positive impact he had on those around him, they said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Volodymyrs mother Olena, brother Vlad, and to his father, brother and family members in Ukraine, extended family, friends, the Ukrainian community and all who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.

They added that the school is providing support to students and staff, and ask that the privacy of the family is respected.

Wexford TD George Lawlor extended his condolences to the family, stating: My sincere condolences to Volodymyr's family, his friends, and the school community on his tragic passing. May he rest in peace.

His remains will be reposing in Brownes Funeral Home on Friday, March 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., an Orthodox ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday followed by a private cremation.

In a display of solidarity, friends and neighbours have launched a fundraising appeal to assist Volodymyrs family with his final journey. A Revolut account has been established to help cover cremation and funeral costs, as the community rallies to support his mother.

This link can be accessed on the schools Facebook page.
A justice system which doesnt protect the most vulnerable members of society and allows criminals to roam our streets is tearing communities apart. Thats according to Sinn Fein councillor for the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD), Aoife Rose OBrien, who said the recent relevation that eight convicted sex offenders are currently employed as paramedics in this country underlines the inefficacy or our justice system.

The reality in Ireland today is quite frightening; the public dont feel protected by our government or our justice system, she said. Over and over again we see suspended sentences handed out for incredibly serious offences right on our doorsteps. We see criminals roam our streets, while our protective measures are being torn from communities across the country.

"We need more gardai, we need robust penalties and we absolutely need a trusted garda vetting system implemented in every sector. It is crucial that our frontline staff have no previous convictions - we have to ensure these workers pose absolutely no threat to the vulnerable members of the public they are required to care for.

Cllr OBrien was speaking after it was revealed that the eight sex offenders had been allowed to work as paramedics because there is no mechanism in place to inform the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) of any past crimes before they take on staff. Furthermore, the PHECC is powerless to act, or even suspend, known criminals including sex offenders, from employment if their criminal history comes to light.

Compounding the issue, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill did not immediately respond when informed of the issue and a second letter, marked urgent, was required to move her to act.

I am horrified to learn that Minister Carroll MacNeill did not act immediately when this information was brought to her attention, said Cllr OBrien. Her actions - or lack thereof  are absolutely unacceptable and the public deserve answers. Why would the Health Minister tolerate such a failure within the system? And how was that allowed to happen in the first place?

Confirming she had written to both Minister Carroll MacNeill and Jusice Minister Jim OCallaghan to request that this oversight be immediately addressed, Cllr OBrien questioned how such a situation had been allowed to develop in the first place.

"Why has legislation not yet been introduced to give PHECC the authority to suspend or remove paramedics with serious criminal convictions? she asked. The public must have faith that Irish legislation is strong, thorough and fully protective.

Funded by the Local Demcracy Reporting Scheme.
Kris Kiggins (32), of no fixed abode outside Bray Courthouse on November 11, 2025

A man due to be sentenced in connection with the death of father-of-seven William Moorehouse has had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear in court.

Kris Kiggins (32), of no fixed abode, was due to be sentenced at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, March 26.

The matter was adjourned to that date in February 2026 to allow him to engage in drug treatment.

Mr Kiggins is charged in connection with the death of Mr Moorehouse, who was found dead at a playground in Bray in January 2025.

He previously pleaded guilty to one count of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury and one count of violent disorder.

Counsel for the accused stated that they have not heard from him in two weeks and are unaware of his whereabouts.

At the request of barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions, James Kelly, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Members of Mr Moorehouses family were visibly upset in court.

Mr Kiggins is one of multiple co-accused and is the only person to have entered a plea.

The remaining co-accused are due before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for trial in July 2026, with the exception of a man charged with Mr Moorehouses murder, who will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Senator Aubrey McCarthy has said that he forgives the man who was jailed on Thursday for threatening to kill him and the CEO of his charity Tiglin, as he resolved to fight harder for mental health reform.

Brian McCann (40), a former resident of Tiglin with an address in north Dublin, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for the finalisation of his sentence.

The accused pleaded guilty to one count of harassment and one threat to kill against Mr McCarthy, the founder of Tiglin, and one count of threatening to kill against Tiglin CEO Philip Thompson.

Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly, recalled evidence which was heard on a full facts basis at a previous sitting.

Mr Kelly stated that on February 22, 2022, the accused made threats to kill or cause serious harm to Mr McCarthy and Mr Thompson. He added that Mr McCann further harassed the Tiglin founder via social media by posting malicious comments on Facebook.

The court was told that the threats against the pair were of such a serious level that gardai felt intervention was necessary.

Mr Kelly remarked that Tiglin employees are accustomed to dealing with people from difficult backgrounds.

Mr McCann had previously been a resident with the organisation.

At a previous sitting, Judge Patrick Quinn directed that a substantial suspended sentence be considered to allow Mr McCann to seek professional mental health treatment.

Barrister for the defence, Eoin Gallagher, said his client is pleasant to deal with, when not in a psychotic state and that a care plan is in place, although it may not meet the courts standards.

The court heard that Mr McCann is scheduled to receive depot injections from his GP.

Counsel submitted that the supports required are not fully within the remit of either the Probation Service or the prison system, meaning Mr McCann falls between the stools.

It was further stated that if Mr McCann fails to attend his GP appointments, the suspended sentence will be activated immediately.

During his judgment, Judge Quinn said Mr McCann accepts responsibility for making the threats and noted that the accused has a history of mental illness.

However, when compliant with medication, he is stable.

He also made comment to the victim impact statement from Senator McCarthy which was read to the court at a previous sitting by Mr Kelly.

Mr McCarthy said that as co-founder of a homelessness and addiction charity, he has always worked to support marginalised people, but never expected threats to become so personal, direct, and credible.

He described how numerous threats were received via social media, but matters escalated when his secretary received a phone call that frightened the wits out of her, prompting him to contact gardai.

Mr McCarthy said the gardai, through the DPP, confirmed the threats were real and serious.

He told the court he made a formal statement not just for himself, but to protect his staff and colleagues.

He outlined the significant impact the threats had, stating they shook our sense of security and led to constant fear, including checking doors and looking over their shoulders. On Garda advice, both he and the Tiglin CEO installed alarms, cameras, and full-time surveillance at their homes.

Despite this, Mr McCarthy acknowledged that the accused was suffering from serious mental health and addiction issues. While he said this does not excuse the behaviour, it provides important context.

He told the court he has chosen to forgive McCann, expressing hope that he receives the help needed to achieve stability and recovery.

As a society, I believe that we need to do more not just in crisis, but long before people reach breaking point, he said. Our mental health system must be stronger, more compassionate, and far more accessible.

I have chosen to forgive the individual behind these threats. Not because it was easy, and not because what happened didnt matter, but because I believe in the redemptive power of compassion.

"I believe that people can be unwell and still be loved. That they can do wrong, and still deserve a second chance, if they are willing to face their actions and get the help they need.

Mr McCarthy concluded by stressing the importance of balancing accountability with compassion, and called for improved mental health supports to prevent similar situations in the future.

"I want to say clearly and publicly: I hold no bitterness toward the person involved. I choose to forgive. And I genuinely hope he receives the help and care he needs to find healing and stability.

We must never lose sight of the balance between accountability and compassion. I will continue to speak up, for safety, for justice, and for better mental health supports because no one should have to choose between doing their job and feeling safe, and no one should be left to suffer in silence until its too late.

This experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for mental health reform. We must reach people before they break. We must meet them in their despair, not just after it has turned into danger. Because every life has value, and every person, no matter how far they have fallen, deserves the opportunity to be restored.

Judge Quinn praised the preform valuable work and enormous difference to the vulnerable.

Mr McCann was sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final three and a half years suspended only on the condition that he undertake to attend all necessary medical appointments.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Erosion is critically endangering the coastline, including the Dublin to Rosslare railway line

Storm Babet washed away a sizeable section of the Murrough back in October 2023.

The structural and environmental integrity of the Murrough, a vital multi-modal infrastructural corridor and a primary socio-economic asset for Wicklow town, has reached a critical inflection point.

As coastal erosion patterns accelerate, with longitudinal data indicating a loss of approximately 30 metres of foreshore over the preceding decade, local representatives have intensified calls for the establishment of a statutory Murrough Taskforce.

While the taskforce takes its inspiration from the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk model, the two would differ significantly in their mission, the type of engineering required, and the national stakes involved.

In Bray and Greystones, the primary driver is tourism and recreation. The taskforce's goal is simply getting the gates open on a world-class cliff walk that has been closed for years due to safety risks.

In Wicklow town the driver is national infrastructure survival. The taskforce is fighting to prevent the total loss of the Dublin-Rosslare rail line and the towns primary sea defence. If the Murrough fails, the railway fails, and the town floods.

The Cliff Walk deals with vertical rock stability, where the engineering challenge involves pinning rock faces, installing catch-fencing, and managing clay slides on steep cliffs. The Murrough deals with horizontal erosion, where the challenge is stopping the sea from eating away at a flat shingle bank. This requires rock groynes, SeaBee units, and replenishing sand/shingle, which is a completely different engineering discipline.

While environmentally sensitive, Bray Head doesn't have the same level of Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) designation as the Murrough Wetlands. The taskforce must navigate the wetlands, which is home to rare alkaline fens and ground-nesting birds.

This makes engineering much more legally challenging than the rock-pinning used in Bray.

The Cliff Walk is largely isolated from urban development, whereas any Murrough taskforce must coordinate with active urban regeneration, including a 20.3m masterplan, and developments on the old Veha site in the town. It must balance heavy industrial protection with new urban aesthetics, which isn't a factor for the group in Bray.

The taskforce in Wicklow would also need to tap into the NTA and Department of Transport for funding streams, because it is protecting a strategic transport corridor. It is an infrastructure project first and a tourism project second.

The primary catalyst for the taskforce is the precarious state of the national rail artery. Managed under ECRIPP, Iarnrod Eireanns long-term coastal defence strategy does not project the commencement of permanent shoreline stabilisation until 2029.

ECRIPP is funded by the Department of Transport, through the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040, and aims to protect the East Coast rail line against coastal erosion and flooding. ECRIPP will include a new section of rock revetment at the Murrough where there is greatest risk to the rail line. The emerging preferred option for ECRIPP was presented to the public for consultation in 2024.

A formal response from the NTA to a parliamentary question from Wicklow Wexford TD Malcom Byrne revealed that Iarnrod Eireann invested more than 27.2 million between 2015 and 2025 to defend the Dublin-Rosslare rail line from the escalating threats of coastal erosion and flooding.

The data underscores a dramatic shift in strategy, with annual spending surging from just 80,000 in 2015 to a peak of 7.2 million in 2023, reflecting the transition from reactive storm repairs to pre-emptive structural strengthening.

While these measures have been critical, the NTA confirmed that the project has now moved into a decisive phase; ECRIPP have completed feasibility and preliminary design stages, with formal planning applications for permanent, long-term defences slated for submission in Q3 2026.

Local representatives, including Cllr Paul O'Brien and Cllr Gail Dunne, contend that the current rate of erosion renders this timeline insufficient.

"The operational reality on the ground does not align with a five-year planning horizon," noted Cllr O'Brien during a recent council discussion on the issue.

"Without immediate interim intervention facilitated by a dedicated taskforce, the structural foundation of the rail corridor remains exposed to catastrophic failure during subsequent winter storm cycles."

Cllr Dunne has warned that without a multi-agency taskforce, the Dublin-Rosslare rail line and the Murrough itself will be "washed away" before the end of the decade.

To function effectively, the taskforce would require a granular mix of executive power, technical expertise, and local oversight.

So, with growing calls for the groups establishment, here is an imagined list of potential members of the taskforce.

1. National executive and funding chairs To achieve the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk level of visibility, the taskforce would need to be chaired by a figure with the authority to bypass standard budgetary cycles, for example:

 The Tanaiste / Transport Minister: Direct ministerial involvement could help reclassify the Murrough as a project of national strategic importance. This would provide the political clout to pull forward the 2030 ECRIPP funding into the 2026/27 window.

 OPW Commissioner: Specifically, the lead for flood risk management. Their seat would be critical for approving minor works scheme grants (up to 750,000 per project) for immediate rock armouring.

2. Technical infrastructure leads These hypothetical members would hold the blueprints and the legal responsibility for the physical shoreline:

 Iarnrod Eireann chief engineer: Representing ECRIPP. Their role would be to ensure that temporary town defences do not interfere with the long-term stability of the DublinRosslare line.

 National Transport Authority (NTA) director: To oversee the integration of the Wicklow to Greystones Greenway and ensure that transport grants are utilised for dual-purpose coastal protection.

 Wicklow County Council chief executive: They would act as the local lead to coordinate between the Municipal District engineers and the national agencies.

3. Local political and planning oversight The idea behind this group is people who could represent the towns immediate needs and the local Masterplan:

 Wicklow Municipal District councillors: Councillors including Paul O'Brien and Gail Dunne, who have spearheaded the push for the taskforce and hold the mandate for the Waterfront Park Masterplan.

 Senior planning officer (Wicklow CoCo): To manage the complex Part 8 planning processes and ensure that developments like the Veha site hotel and housing meet strict coastal setback requirements.

4. Environmental and community guardians This group could mitigate the risk of legal challenges or environmental damage to the Special Area of Conservation (SAC):

 National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) representative: They could provide real-time guidance on protecting the Murrough Wetlands and ensuring soft engineering solutions are prioritised where possible.

 South East Coastal Protection Alliance (SECPA): This is a technical community group that would be able to act as a watchdog for the towns environmental heritage and prevents piecemeal planning.

 Wicklow Town Team chairperson: Representing local businesses and tourism interests, they could ensure the pump track and amenity investments are protected.

To move from a conceptual phase into an active delivery vehicle, the taskforce could launch a live, digital dashboard, showing real-time erosion rates and the status of funding applications, which keeps public pressure on national government by showing exactly how many metres of land are being lost each month. This could turn the slow-motion collapse into a visible, data-driven national emergency.

Operating beyond the constraints of Wicklow County Councils annual budget, which is heavily committed to housing and essential services, the taskforce could be tasked with mobilising national and European emergency funds.

Current estimates suggest that comprehensive protection for the Wicklow coastline requires an investment exceeding 145 million, a figure that necessitates high-level political discussions a formal taskforce can accommodate.

In February 2026, the local authoritys chief executive, Emer O'Gorman, confirmed that the executive is currently exploring the formal parameters for the taskforce. This indicates a pivotal shift toward a proactive resilience model for the towns eastern boundary.

The success of the Murrough Taskforce would be defined by its ability to compress a decades worth of planning into a three-year action window.

As the Irish Sea continues its encroachment, the establishment of this body would represent the towns most significant strategic effort to preserve its geography and future.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Add some sparkle to a cream base for eyes that stand out

Once upon a time, I was the queen of a complicated eye make-up look. For a big night out, Id set aside an hour and a half to get ready, and enter a sort of flow state as I applied a wide range of products to my face. These days, I simply dont have that sort of time, and frankly, if I did, Id probably prefer to spend it chilling out.

That doesnt mean I want to compromise on beautiful make-up though. I still like to look polished and interesting  I just want to achieve that in a more efficient way. Usually, that means simplifying my routine by using fewer products that still pack a punch when it comes to their impact.

Laura Merciers Caviar Stick

When it comes to my eyes, this usually means layering a cream eyeshadow with a shimmer or sparkle. While once upon a time cream formulas tended to gather and crease, innovation in product development means that, these days, most people dont need to worry about that.

Instead, cream shadows deliver a lasting finish, making them an ideal base for any make-up look. They work on their own, of course, but you can also layer other products on top of them to add a little pizazz.

Bobbi Browns Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Most of my favourite options in the cream shadow category come in crayon form. I find these easy to apply  simply draw them onto the lid and just under the lash line before blending. Laura Merciers Caviar Sticks (29 via spacenk.com) are excellent, as are Bobbi Browns Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks (29.50 via boots.ie), while Kiko Milanos Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks (7.99 via lookfantastic.ie) are an excellent budget option.

Kiko Milanos Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks

Once Ive applied my cream base, I use my finger to tap a sparkly shadow on top. The finger is the best way to apply any shadow with sparkle  its much better at picking up the product than a brush. This method is also quick and easy  whats not to like?

While chunky glitter has its time and place, I prefer to use a fine sparkle to deliver an eye-catching look that still feels grown-up. These types of shadows are a really simple way to bring a little drama, especially for a night out in low lighting.

Urban Decay's Space Cowboy

I have several favourites in this category, the first being a truly iconic product with thousands of fans. Im talking about Space Cowboy by Urban Decay (25.30 via cultbeauty.com), which is a peachy pink shadow packed with dazzling sparkle.

Half Magics Blushing Lizard

Second is Half Magics Blushing Lizard (14 via sephora.co.uk), a gorgeous mauve shadow with blue flecks of sparkle.

Danessa Myricks Colorfix Sticks

Finally, Danessa Myricks Colorfix Sticks (48.88 via cultbeauty.com) each include a sparkly foil side. My favourite shades are Interstellar, a champagne shade, and Meteorite, a light purple.

These all sit beautifully on brown or nude cream shadows, but also work on deep purples or navy if you want to be a little more adventurous. Simply add mascara, and youve got a beautiful and impactful eyeshadow look that wont take you more than a few minutes. Once you find your favourite combo, youll be set for life!

Buying Irish

Doctrines Divinity Cleansing Balm

I am never without a good cleansing balm. Its an essential part of my routine, and I rely on it heavily to remove the days make-up and SPF. Doctrine is an Irish brand, founded by three professionals with years of experience in the skincare industry. The formulas are developed in-house by Tracey Ryan, a co-founder of the brand and a cosmetic chemist. She did a great job on Doctrines Divinity Cleansing Balm (42 via doctrineskincare.com), which deeply cleanses the skin, leaving it supple and soft.

Something old...

Stilas Heavens Hue Hightlighter

Highlighters went through a grim phase of making people look like giant hunks of metallic glitter, but were back in the land of the subtle sheen these days. Well, it might not always be subtle, but, generally, present-day highlighters deliver the sort of gleam you might see on a supermodel. Stilas Heavens Hue Highlighter in Kitten (38 via boots.ie) has been around for a long time now, but it is a dream. A shimmering pink, it brightens and illuminates, leaving the skin with a glow that looks like it might have come from within, which is exactly what Im looking for from a highlighter. This shade is ideal for fair skin, while the other shades available (a bronze and a lilac) would look great on deeper skin tones.

Something new

Shiny Objects Wet Glisten Powder Highlighter

Kosas has made a great name for itself across the Atlantic, but is still a lesser-known brand in this part of the world. Thats a shame, because the range is excellent and consistently delivers easy-to-use products which suit most people. Its latest launch, Shiny Objects Wet Glisten Powder Highlighter (36.80 via cultbeauty.com), is predictably great. The powder formula melts into the skin, delivering a wet-look gleam, without leaving it looking chalky or metallic. Again, the pinky shade (Glimmerose) will suit fair, Celtic complexions, but this range also includes a peachy shade (Haloed), which will work on warmer-toned fair complexions, as well as bronze tones for deeper skin, and the blue-toned Opaline, which works for anyone who wants to look like a fairy.
Concern messages about Mandelsons appointment to US role are lost

Police have taken the unusual step of releasing a transcript of the 999 call reporting the theft of UK Labour Party strategist Morgan McSweeneys phone.

There are concerns exchanges relating to Peter Mandelsons appointment as British ambassador to the US could be lost as a result of the snatching of the mobile phone used by Keir Starmers former chief of staff.
Europe

If these issues arent addressed soon, we face what happened in 1917: Endless war and inflation take toll on Putins popularity
Doubts about Israels shield as missiles from Iran pierce defences

Tehran appeared to use longer-range munitions, placing Europe in reach

Palestinians visit the site where remnants of a missile fired from Iran are embedded in the ground in Kifl Haris, a village near Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Photo: Heidi Levine

Sammy Westfall, Heidi Levine and Lior Soroka Washington Post Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 06:30

When the air raid sirens blare and many residents of southern Israel seek shelter in basements, David Azran (54) instead takes to his porch to watch Israels air defence system blast out a volley of interceptor missiles, dizzying ribbons of light streaking across the sky.
Move a boost for resistance group

Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on the coastal city of Tyre, Lebanon, amid the escalating hostilities with Hezbollah. Photo: Reuters

Iran is insisting that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel, sources say, linking an end of the war to a halt to Israels offensive against Hezbollah.

Irans Press TV quoted an Iranian official as saying Tehran wanted any deal with the United States to secure an end to the war both on Iran and other resistance groups in the region.
Thousands more US paratroopers being deployed to Middle East

Trump refuses to rule out putting American troops on ground in Iran

Kharg Island has strategic importance for Iran

Dan Lamothe Washington Post Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 06:30

The Pentagon has ordered thousands more paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump refused to rule out putting US troops on Iranian soil.
When 'always online' starts to feel like 'always drained'

Image credit : Pexels | Inside the Green Days Off Trend Thats Becoming Gen Zs Favourite Reset

What even is the 'green days off' trend?

But why does your brain actually need this?

Its not just a trend; its a pattern

Image credit : Pexels | Why Green Days Off Are Trending With Gen Z

This isn't just about nature; it's about mental health

Why companies are starting to notice

Image credit : Pexels | The Real Reason Green Days Off Are Taking Over

But not everyone is convinced

The real reason this is taking off is burnout

We have all joked about it: "I need to touch grass. " But for a lot of workers like us, that joke is turning into something real. Yes, you heard that right.Between back-to-back meetings, endless tabs open and a life that mostly exists on screens, a new kind of leave called 'green days off' is quietly trending. Well, it is not for vacations or for sickness; it's just to step outside and breathe.And honestly, it makes sense.Let's be real here: most of our days don't involve much movement. They are built around sitting, scrolling, clicking and constantly replying. Even when we are productive, it rarely feels satisfying.You wake up and check your phone, sit at your desk for hours, switch between apps, maybe scroll during breaks, and suddenly the day is over without you really stepping outside.It's not burnout in an obvious, dramatic way. It's quieter. It's that low, constant feeling where nothing is technically wrong, but nothing feels right either.That's exactly the space "green leave" is trying to fill.The 'green days off' trend is not just about a vacation or a sick day; it's just a reset. Well, Green Day's days off aren't about escaping work completely. They are about breaking the monotony of routine and giving your mind something different to process.It could look like taking a random midweek walk in a park, sitting by the sea without constantly checking your phone, or even just having your coffee outdoors instead of at your desk. It might be a solo hike or simply spending time in nature where your only focus is being present.The point isn't to do something big or impressive. The point is to do something that feels real and grounding in a way everyday digital life often doesn't.The bigger issue is that we are overstimulated but under-rested. Our brains are constantly processing notifications, conversations, deadlines and endless streams of content, but they rarely get a true pause.Nature offers something that screens cannot. It slows things down without demanding anything from you. There are no expectations to respond, perform or keep up. That's why even a short amount of time outdoors can feel like a deeper reset than hours spent scrolling or watching something.More and more young workers are expressing the same experience. Being indoors all day starts to affect their mood, and work feels more draining when it is entirely screen-based.At the same time, even a short period spent outside can noticeably improve how they feel. This isn't surprising when you think about it. Humans were never designed to live almost entirely indoors, and yet that has quietly become the norm for many of us.What makes green days off resonate so deeply isn't just the connection to nature. It's the sense of control they represent.For many of us, work doesn't stay confined to office hours. It follows you through notifications, expectations of constant availability and the pressure to always be productive. Over time, it can feel like your time is no longer fully your own.Choosing to take a day specifically to step outside becomes more than a break. It becomes a way of reclaiming ownership over your time and energy. Its not about rejecting work but about setting boundaries that allow you to function better within it.Some organisations are beginning to experiment with this concept by offering a few dedicated days each year for outdoor activities or mental resets. This shift is not just about being progressive; it is also practical.'Green days' off work in Thailand are emerging as a popular, informal trend among Gen Z employees, where they take time off to reconnect with nature through activities like hiking or visiting the beach to ease burnout and boost mental well-being.At the same time, the idea has its critics. Some view green leaves as unnecessary or even excessive, interpreting it as avoidance of responsibility rather than a response to burnout.There is still a strong belief in many workplaces that exhaustion is simply part of working life. From that perspective, taking time off specifically for a mental reset can seem unreasonable. However, this is exactly the mindset that Gen Z is beginning to question.The growing popularity of green days off is closely tied to burnout. Many young workers are not just physically tired but also mentally drained in a way that regular breaks or weekends do not fully fix.It often feels like there is no real pause, even outside work hours. Because of that, time spent in nature becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessary form of recovery that helps people sustain their routines without reaching a breaking point.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has used Greece's Independence Day parade to deliver a pointed message on rearmament, declaring that investment in national defence "is not a luxury but a necessity" as Europe navigates one of its most turbulent periods since World War II.

Speaking moments after the end of

the annual March 25 parade in central Athens  which featured both the iconic evzone presidential guard and advanced drone systems  Mr. Mitsotakis said the display should leave every Greek feeling pride in the country's armed forces.

"We live in extraordinarily turbulent times," Mr. Mitsotakis said. "A strong deterrent capability is essential for Greece to project its national power  as a country that protects not only its own borders but also, in practice, the Greek community of Cyprus."

The prime minister went further, arguing that military strength alone is insufficient.

He called for national unity as a strategic asset, urging Greeks to distinguish between core national interests  on which consensus is essential  and political disagreements, which he said should remain confined to the domestic arena.

Mr. Mitsotakis's remarks carry weight at a moment when EU leaders are under pressure to accelerate defence spending following Russia's war in Ukraine and shifting signals from Washington on NATO commitments.

Greece already spends among the highest proportions of GDP on defence in the alliance.

The prime minister closed with a message to Greeks living abroad, saying their celebrations were shared from Athens.

"Despite the difficulties we face, Greece is a country moving steadily and boldly forward," he said.

   iefimerida.gr
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unsettled ahead of the 2027 general elections despite its dominance across the country.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Wednesday, the partys spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the APC was still panicking even with about 34 governors and control of the National Assembly.

We are the ones who have the burden to convince Nigerians to vote for us. We are the ones who have the responsibility to do the necessary things that would make Nigerians vote for us and we are calm because we know what we are doing, Abdullahi said.

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We in the ADC are calm, but they (the APC) are the ones; after having about 34 governors in their camp and almost all the National Assembly, they are still panicking. They are still sponsoring court cases against the ADC, he added.

The ADC spokesman also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining opposition parties in a bid to emerge as the sole candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

Drawing a parallel with Nigerias military era, Abdullahi referenced the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, alleging a similar pattern.

During military rule, Abacha created five political parties and encouraged them to make him the sole presidential candidate, but what we are seeing now is that the APC government is destroying every other political party so President Bola Tinubu will remain the sole candidate in 2027, he said.

Abdullahi further argued that public sentiment has turned against the ruling party, insisting that many Nigerians no longer have confidence in the APC-led administration.

It appears to us that the majority of Nigerians have concluded that this APC government has failed, he stated.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has said that some of the best humans on earth are from Israel, urging against the collective condemnation of Jews.

Garba made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday while addressing religious and geopolitical narratives surrounding Israel and Iran amid the war in the Middle East.

He clarified that Islam does not condemn all Jews, but only those who have strayed from the right path, noting that similar deviations exist across other religions, including Islam and Christianity.

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According to him, while there are individuals who fail to uphold justice and religious laws, there are also many upright and exemplary people among them who deserve the right to life, liberty and peace like any other nation.

No, not correct. Allah did not curse all of the jews, but some of them that have strayed from the true path, like he did to all other religions, Islam, Christianity etc.

Among them, like among others are those who refuse to follow The Law (Torah) and uphold Justice (Talmud), the likes of Natanyahu, but among them too are very very excellent people. They have right to life, their liberties and peace, like every other nation.

The Children of Israel are some of the best human on the surface of the earth. They contributed to so many great things, in several civilizations, through several centuries and dynasties. It is unfair to collectively condemn them, he said.

Garba cited a verse from the Quran, Surah Ali Imran (3:113), to support his position that not all People of the Book are alike, noting that some are righteous and devoted.

He added that he is currently undertaking extensive research on the subject.
South African police on Wednesday fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters in the coastal city of Durban.

The country has been repeatedly swept by waves of antiforeigner sentiment, often erupting into violent  and sometimes deadly  attacks on immigrants.

With local elections due in less than a year, the issue has become an even sharper political flashpoint.

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The protesters were whipped into action by groups including political parties and xenophobic vigilante movement Operation Dudula, whose name means push back in Zulu.

They poured into the streets waving placards, singing and chanting as they demanded tougher action against undocumented foreign nationals.

Police had initially managed to hold the marchers back from heading towards the beachfront, which protesters claimed was rife with drug dealers and other criminal activity.

But a small group broke away, harassing bystanders and looting shops, triggering the show of force.

Some shop owners, fearing looting and possible violence, had shuttered their businesses well before the march began.

People can call us names but we cannot allow a situation where our country is being destroyed before our very own eyes, said Herman Mashaba, leader of the ActionSA party, which promises to tighten immigration controls.

We are seeing our government allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world as far as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico, all over the world. So we are saying to our government this is unacceptable, he said at the protest.

Among the marchers was 81yearold Thembi Dlamini from Clermont, west of Durban, who said she had joined last years protest as well.

Among the marchers was 81yearold Thembi Dlamini from Clermont, west of Durban, who said she had joined last years protest as well.

I have seen my country going down because officials take bribes to give documents illegally, police allow drug trade because they are paid, she said, adding: Jobs are being taken away by our brothers from other parts of Africa who are here illegally. Where will our children get jobs?

As the continents most industrialised economy, South Africa is a prime destination for people seeking work even though its own unemployment rate hovers around 32 percent.

Competition for jobs has caused resentment among unemployed South Africans.

According to the statistics agency, some three million foreigners, or 5.1 percent of the population, live in the country. AFP
Social media has once again been set ablaze with controversy, and this time it involves popular relationship expert Blessing Okoro and outspoken influencer Saida Boj.

It all started when rumors began circulating online suggesting that Blessing Okoro had allegedly announced she was in stage 4 of cancer. The claim spread rapidly, sparking concern among fans and followers. However, not everyone is buying into the narrativeand Saida Boj has made that very clear.

Taking to her platform, Saida Boj issued a blunt and controversial warning to Nigerians, urging them not to jump to conclusions or spread unverified information.

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In her words, she questioned the origin of the claim: Who told you that Blessing is in stage 4 of cancer?

She didnt stop there. Known for her unapologetic style, Saida Boj went on to mock the situation, suggesting that the stage 4 being referenced might not be related to any illness at all.

It could be stage 4 of madness.

Her remarks quickly stirred reactions online, with many users divided over her tone. While some agreed with her stance on verifying information before spreading it, others criticized her for being insensitive.

In a more extreme comment that further fueled the backlash, she added: Una suppose use rope tie her.

This statement, in particular, drew heavy criticism, with many calling it unnecessary and harsh regardless of the situation.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clearthis incident highlights the speed at which misinformation can spread on social media, and the equally rapid reactions that follow.

Whether Blessing Okoro actually made any such announcement remains unclear at this point, but the conversation has already taken on a life of its own.
Anatomical Theater at the College of Philadelphia Medical School located at Fifth and Walnut Streets, late 18th or early 19th century. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Pennsylvania Hospital  the nations first hospital  opened in Philadelphia in 1751, yet there were no medical schools here.

There was no accreditation or credentials that were required, explained Jonathan Epstein, dean of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine and executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System. You could just hang out your shingle and call yourself a doctor. Training was poor and extremely varied.

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There were, however, a few elite doctors who trained in Edinburgh, Scotland, then the worlds epicenter for medical training. Two of these men were Philadelphia doctors John Morgan and William Shippen.

In 1765, Morgan and Shippen, eager for physicians in the colonies to have the same training as their European counterparts, became the earliest professors of what would become Americas first medical school at the College of Philadelphia.

This Saturday, the Philadelphia Historic District will honor our city as home of Americas first institution that offered formal training and a medical degree, leading the way for Philadelphia to become the birthplace of American medicine.

The celebration, to be held at the University of Pennsylvanias Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, is among the Historic Districts weekly Firstivals, marking events happening in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America and often the world. Firstivals are at the heart of the citys celebration of the nations Semiquincentennial.

Doctors trained at Surgeons Hall on the College of Philadelphias medical campus treated soldiers in the Revolutionary War  both Morgan and Shippen were physicians in George Washingtons Army.

In 1791, the Pennsylvania legislature passed an act uniting the College of Philadelphia with the University of the State of Pennsylvania, forming the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania built its first hospital in 1874. Shortly after, the medical school moved to its first building on the West Philadelphia campus.

With the hospital and the medical school, we had a teaching hospital, Epstein said. Philadelphia is home to Americas first hospital, its first medical school, and the countrys first academic health center.

 READ MORE: A 19th-century Philadelphia patent lawyer did, in fact, start the fire

Because of this, Philadelphia is home to numerous medical innovations.

Among them:

In 1803, Penn established the first maternity  then called the lying-in  department  at a time when most women gave birth at home.

The earliest known X-ray images were unknowingly taken by Penn physics professor Arthur Goodspeed in 1890. Those plates represent some of the worlds earliest experiments with this kind of imaging. Shortly after, X-rays were officially discovered in Germany in 1895.

Penn pathologist Peter Nowell and David Hungerford of the Fox Chase Cancer Center discovered what became known as the Philadelphia chromosome in 1960, determining, for the first time, that cancer is a genetic disease.

Just last year, doctors at Penn and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia saved a babys life using CRSPR gene-editing therapy to correct a fatal birth defect that stopped the baby from processing protein.

The medical school is currently researching how to incorporate AI into its school training.

Today, more than 800 students are enrolled at Penns Perelman School of Medicine. The school enrolls more than 200 M.D. and Ph.D. students.

It is the best of times, and its the worst of times, Epstein said, when asked about the Trump administrations deep cuts to medical research.

There are great advances still taking place, but there are unnecessary restraints being put on the pace of discovery that unfortunately slow us down. Still, we remain focused on treating patients and curing disease.

This weeks Firstival is Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, (Mezzanine at the top of the escalators), 1 Convention Avenue. The Inquirer will highlight a first from the Philadelphia Historic Districts 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week. A 52 Weeks of Firsts podcast, produced by All Thats Good Productions, drops every Tuesday.
Listen to article  0:00 min

Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter was working at Mural Arts in 2021, inside the former home of famed Philadelphia painter Thomas Eakins, when she came across an 1882 photograph by Eakins, posted online, that left her rattled.

Titled African American girl nude, reclining on couch, the sepia image focuses on a young child gazing directly at the camera, one small arm tucked awkwardly under her chin as she leans back on a patterned couch, her chest exposed. It was one of many graphic photographs that Eakins, a realist painter, took of nude subjects  children included  as references for his work. In this instance, he posed the child as an odalisque, a figure in art history whos typically enslaved into sex work.

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Seeing that small, unnamed girl alone and naked, at the whims of Eakins, repulsed and triggered Baxter, who described feeling like it shook the ground underneath her.

I was an artist also coming to terms with my own [experience of child] sexual abuse [as an adult] with an art therapist, and when you go through traumatic situations and sexual abuse as a child, you dont really have language. For me, to survive, my brain told me that I was in control  but it became crystal clear that there was no way that a child can give consent, said Baxter, 44, who now lives in South Philly, pursuing a masters in fine arts at Temples Tyler School of Art and Architecture with a focus in sculpture.

It was a pivotal moment for Baxter, a multimedia artist and social justice activist from Francisville who first earned acclaim in 2018 when she rapped about her experience giving birth in incarceration while shackled to a hospital bed in 2007. She was reunited with her son after serving a seven-month sentence after a conviction on drug and robbery charges.

In October 2021, she published an op-ed in The Inquirer calling Eakins Phillys revered sexual predator and organized a petition to condemn Eakins and demand that the city of Philadelphia remove his name from landmarks.

Eakins served as a director at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before he was fired in 1886 for insisting on nude models in classrooms, a radical viewpoint at the time. He died in 1916 and recent research has shed light on the artists pattern of sexual harassment, including allegations that he sexually molested his niece.

Baxters campaign also called on arts institutions like PAFA and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to raise awareness of his behavior in their celebrations of his legacy.

No one felt the need to remove these images from public access or have a deeper conversation around the impacts of these images and tell a fuller story about Eakins and his legacy, said Baxter.

In response, PAFA removed the image of the unnamed African American girl from its online database, where it had been readily available to view and download.

When Baxter contemplated how she could respond through her art, songwriting didnt seem like the best medium, but photography did. She created the photo series The Consecration of Mary, where she inserted herself into Eakins image, a nude woman draping a blanket over the little girl on the couch as if to protect her from the man behind the camera and shield her from the audience, too.

It was through this project that I was able to really tap in and get that cathartic healing, because I do look at the child as an avatar of myself, as this extension of myself, said Baxter. She wanted to restore dignity to a person who didnt receive it in their lifetime, and reimagine those moments as safer and protected, as they should have been.

She has since toured the photo series around the country, and this winter, it landed in Philadelphia for the first time for a solo exhibit at the Print Center called Epilogues of the Black Madonna, running through April 4. It was selected for the 100th anniversary of the centers ANNUAL International Competition.

Evoking a church, the floor in the gallery is covered in red carpet. At the center of the room are three prayer kneelers with cases of daguerreotype-like images in elaborate, velvet-lined cases, some opened and some closed. On one wall, she has an altar to the women in her life, including her mother, grandmother, and aunts, titled Reverence for the Everyday Black Madonna.

Baxter displays five large-scale self-portraits on a surface of brushed aluminum, giving each sepia image a metallic sheen. In one instance, she confronts the viewer with a hard, challenging gaze, returning to the patterned couch where she again drapes a blanket.

Only this time, she has removed the unnamed girl from the view.

Epilogues of the Black Madonna, through April 4, The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St., 215-735-6090 or printcenter.org.
Gary Smith, former dairy farmer and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, moves a bale of hay to feed cows at his family farm south of Downingtown. Read more

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Chester County, with its aging metal plants and rolling cornfields, was the least-wealthy of Philadelphias suburban counties in 1970, when Gary Smith was doing chores and thinking up side jobs on his immigrant dads dairy farm in the hills above Broad Run Creek.

As a young man, he huckstered sweet corn, shoveled meat, and studied planning at whats now West Chester University. Then he joined the tiny Chester County Economic Development Council in 1976, and became executive director two years later.

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By 1990, booming with financial, tech, and pharma jobs, Chester County was the richest of all 67 Pennsylvania counties, a rank it has retained. Smith, as head of the independent economic development council, was in the middle of that change. He scouted public and private funds, builders and investors, and organized worker-training efforts for growing software, finance, and biotech employers that chose Chester County over the city and its older suburbs.

He still heads the agency, still lives on the farm, and raises three hay crops and a handful of calves each year.

But after a 50-year career at the council, Smith is stepping down as CEO on July 1, the agency said this morning. Michael Grigalonis, his longtime deputy, will move into the top job, and Smith will stay on as executive strategist.

On a February morning, after tractoring a hay bale to the snow-covered pasture, Smith sat in his kitchen and spoke about his part in Chester Countys transformation.

This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

How did growing up on this farm shape your choices in life?

I was milking and doing the farm chores while my buddies were getting cars.

My wife, Vicky, I met in high school. Her dad was Abruzzese, he worked at Lukens Steel. He liked that I was a farmer, and that I brought him manure for his hot peppers.

I kept the farm going when Dad died in 1983. I sold [almost half the] property to pay for Moms care. They built houses.

Howd you start in business?

I was a huckster. I would drive down to Wilmington and sell 2,000 ears of corn a week on the farm market they had on King Street.

I went to West Chester. I had a B.A. in planning, in 1974. I got cum laude. I wanted to do community planning for the state. But there was a hiring freeze.

There was a company in West Chester, the Gagliardi family, they got a government contract to prepackage hamburgers and minute steaks.

They hired me to be a meat shoveler. My job was to fill two hoppers full of ground beef. Twelve tons a day. You had to get the rhythm so you didnt break your arms or cut your hand off.

When you work hard, people watch. One day Gene Gagliardi called me up to the office and said, What are you doing here, college boy? We became good friends.

Then the council had an ad in the paper. Gene Gagliardi told them good things about me. Their chairman was Ivan Mars, president of the old Chester Valley Bank, and he grew up on a dairy farm, as I did. Thats how I got it.

[The economic development council] was a small agency. I was made executive director in 1978 for $7,200 a year.

Where did these county development agencies come from?

In 1956, Pennsylvania set up Industrial Development Authorities, partnerships between business leaders and municipalities in each county where they want one, to make low-interest loans to incentivize companies. How could we know if these are good projects, or good people? So the authorities set up boards of industry people. By the way, weve done small-business loans in 54 counties.

Why didnt you do like other councils and fold into county government?

What happens is politics. There are a lot of interests, and in these agencies you have information, power, control. It is hard for a nonprofit to survive.

A lot of the counties turned them into departments. They can lose touch. Public officials have to be at the table, but they cant dominate the process.

How did Chester County pull ahead of the other suburban counties?

Businesses used to locate where natural resources were. Water, iron, limestone, wood for charcoal.

Forty years ago we started to see this transfer from industrial fabrication to information technology. The new industries needed talent; they needed education in math and science.

The people who ran these companies wanted to live out here, in big houses, on acre lots. But we saw that if we dont prepare people to work at these new industries, they will pass us by. So we invested in the schools.

What one employer really showed the change?

Vanguard Group was huge for us. Jack Bogle came in and said he wanted to start another mutual fund company, somewhere in this area. I put him on Drummers Lane, in Chesterbrook, where they had excess space. Then they bought land from Mr. Clarence Staats, of Staats Oil, where they are today.

What did you change that helped draw more employers?

By the early 1980s, [developer Willard] Rouse was rocking and rolling in Great Valley. There was this mass exodus down U.S. 202 [from the King of Prussia area] of people who wanted these beautiful, new one-acre estates in Chester County, and a very short drive to work. Soon we had speculative office buildings everywhere.

Then youd go to lunch, and thered be corporate headhunters in the parking lot, trying to get people to switch employers. Vanguard and [Downington-based IT company] Softmart called us and said, Stop bringing new companies in!

I called in their executives. I said, Listen, if you stop stealing from each other, if you call off the headhunter searches, well fill those jobs. I made people sign it, that they would not compete.

Didnt that violate antitrust laws?

We didnt make the workers sign noncompete agreements. It was the employers agreeing not to raid. An agreement of spirit and consciousness.

We formed the Information Technology Action Group. We had all their HR people on this working committee, to define the occupations available  coding, software, electronics. We went to the high schools and the universities. We brought students [in] for night classes. Now we have these partnerships also in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Are farms still viable here?

Pennsylvania had a policy that farms dont create jobs. Back when Ed Rendell was governor, I started writing articles in the newspapers, that Pennsylvania has this open-space program, paying people not to develop land, but we werent doing anything to preserve the farms that provide most of that space.

Thats why we opened the program AgConnect. We issue tax-exempt bonds for first-time farmers, and the bank gets a savings of about 2%, which is significant over time. I have 465 farm loans in our portfolio, most are Amish. We do the loans in several counties.

Does Chester County still have room to grow?

The countys goal is 33% open space. We are at 30% today. Thats an area the size of Delaware County.

We enjoy that these areas bring natural pleasure. But they are also part of our economy. We need to help farmers keep farming. And weve put together an outdoor economy group: When you put people on trails in conservation areas, when you paddle a kayak up the Schuylkill or down the Brandywine, there are outfitters, there are restaurants, that are part of the trip.

Im still a planner at heart, my biggest fear is this: Real estate values have gone way up, manufacturing is not as robust as it was, post-pandemic people dont need so much office space. So our industrial parks are starting to fill with apartments. Where will employers go?

Where should apartments go?

Infill sites. Abandoned properties, where theres tax liens and nobody to buy. Brownfields. Gas station sites. We could create a land bank and renovate those properties for affordable housing.

We want to create an Industrial Conservation District. Because if we put housing everywhere, we are going to lose our development inventory.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, a jury found Meta negligent. Read more

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A Los Angeles jury delivered a rare verdict against Silicon Valley giants Wednesday  the second finding in two days  boosting hopes of safety advocates that courts will deliver a long-sought reckoning over social medias harms to children.

The jury found social Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, and video platform YouTube negligent and awarded $6 million in damages to a young woman who alleged she had become hooked on the companies services as a child. The verdict came at the end of a monthlong trial that featured testimony by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and the morning after a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million in penalties for endangering children.

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The twin verdicts are signs of cracks in legal protections that for decades made tech companies seem almost impervious, as lawyers accuse the platforms of putting addictive or otherwise harmful features into their products. There are thousands more cases waiting to be heard, with young internet users, parents, school districts, and state attorneys general all seeking compensation and changes to how social media services operate. All told, companies are facing potentially transformative damage awards.

With years of scrutiny but little action, some advocates say the results signal the coming of a new era.

Jim Steyer, the chief executive of Common Sense Media, said the outcomes so far show that the courts, state legislatures, and foreign governments are now aligning to reshape Silicon Valley.

We have major, major momentum, said Steyer, who wrote a 2012 book on the dangers of Facebook. Weve been saying this for 15 years. These are addictive platforms.

The legal team for the young woman who brought the Los Angeles case said that the jury was swayed by evidence about how companies knew the risks of their technology.

For years, social media companies have profited from targeting children while concealing their addictive and dangerous design features, attorney Rachel Lanier and three colleagues said in a statement. Todays verdict is a referendum  from a jury, to an entire industry.

Given the huge number of other cases stacked up in the courts, experts said Meta and other tech firms are facing massive potential payouts. (Meta  the owner of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp  reported $201 billion in revenue last year.)

This is just the leading edge, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank. Two or three more cases in Los Angeles, verdicts come down in favor of the minor plaintiffs, that would really be troubling for social media platforms and probably prompt settlements.

The woman who brought the Los Angeles case  identified as K.G.M. or Kaley  alleged that she suffered anxiety and depression after using Instagram and YouTube throughout her childhood. The lawsuit focused on the design of the platforms, charging that tech companies built them to keep users glued to their screens with features like endless scrolling. That was a key legal maneuver to get around protections the firms enjoy involving liability for content posted by users.

But even after getting to court, experts said K.G.M.s lawyers faced a potentially difficult job. There is no agreed-upon definition of social media addiction, and attorneys for the companies sought to raise doubt about whether it was their technology that caused K.G.M.s struggles.

The final verdict was not unanimous, and jurors grappled with the evidence for days. But by a vote of 10-2 against the companies, they found that both knew their designs were dangerous and failed to warn their users of the risks.

Meta denied the allegations and said it takes steps to keep young users of its systems safe. The company immediately vowed to appeal both the verdicts.

Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app, Meta said in a statement. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.

Jose Castaneda, a spokesperson for YouTube, said it would appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site, he said in an email.

Snap and TikTok were also sued, but settled before the trial.

Advocates for stronger protections for children online have compared the cases to those targeting Big Tobacco firms, with the potential to deliver a broader reckoning for an entire industry.

In New Mexico, investigators in the state Justice Department went undercover to build a case arguing that Metas platforms have become hunting grounds for child predators. Jurors in Santa Fe quickly came back in favor of the state Tuesday afternoon. In May, the state attorney generals office will return to court to seek a judges order that the company makes changes to its systems to protect children.

A third trial next month, involving a Kentucky school district, is set to begin in federal court. Lawyers are seeking compensation for the alleged disruption that social media has caused in the classroom. They also want an injunction requiring age verification, parental controls, and targeting features, such as constant app notifications and auto-playing videos.

Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, said that while the verdicts indicate a huge risk for the social media industry, the outcome of other cases is not assured. He said the companies also had some strong grounds on which to base their appeals.

The jury verdicts might be reduced or wiped away entirely, Goldman said in an email.

Leaders in Washington have taken a far more limited role in overseeing Big Tech, mired in disputes over how to regulate the industry. But the verdicts could give fresh energy to efforts in Congress, as lawmakers consider a package of new child safety legislation.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R., Tennessee) said Wednesday that her colleagues now need to step in and take up the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation she is sponsoring with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Connecticut). The bill calls for similar protections to those sought in the court cases.

Big Tech has done everything in its power to blame parents and children instead of taking responsibility for designing their products to addict and harm children, Blackburn said in a statement. Now that Big Tech has been found liable for the harms they have pushed on our kids, its time for Congress to enshrine protections for American families.
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near Edgehill Court apartment complex on Feb. 25. Francis Collier was shot by Lower Merion officers there as he got into his car. Read more

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Two Lower Merion police officers were justified in shooting a former Delaware County police officer while attempting to arrest him last month, officials said Thursday.

Francis Connell Collier, 38, who previously served as a part-time officer in Morton, was wanted on charges of rape and other sex crimes involving children at the time of the shooting, which took place Feb. 25 in front of his home on Old Lancaster Road.

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Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said Thursday that as the officers went to arrest Collier, they heard a gunshot from within his Jeep, and saw a bullet exit the vehicles rear window.

The officers, whom Steele did not identify, believed they were being shot at and fired on the vehicle.

This was a dangerous situation where police were attempting to arrest an armed man on an arrest warrant, said Steele. Our investigation determined the facts of this case justified the use of deadly force by police officers.

Inside the car, investigators found Collier shot three times in the head, once from a self-inflicted gunshot, Steele said. It was not clear from Colliers autopsy which of the three shots killed him.

Beside him was a bulletproof vest, a Sig Sauer semiautomatic pistol, two rifles and a second handgun, investigators said.

The criminal case against Collier began late last year, authorities said, when Delaware County investigators learned that he may have sexually abused children.

Two women told investigators Collier had touched them inappropriately in the early 2000s, when they were 5 and 6 years old and Collier was a teenager, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. The women said the abuse began in 2001 and 2003, the affidavit said.

Years later, the women said, they learned that Collier worked with the Delaware County District Attorneys child abuse task force, which investigates sex crimes against children. They said they grew worried when they saw social media posts showing Collier posing with children, the document said.

When investigators interviewed Collier about the allegations in early December, the affidavit said, he failed a polygraph test, but told detectives he never intentionally touched the girls inappropriately.

County investigators referred the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office that month because of a possible conflict of interest, the affidavit said. State investigators later interviewed people who said the women had told them of the abuse years ago when they were children, and prosecutors filed the criminal charges against Collier just hours before his death.
Police investigate a mass shooting on the 1500 block of South Etting Street on July 7. Read more

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Prosecutors on Thursday withdrew charges against a man accused of being one of the gunmen in a mass shooting in South Philadelphia last summer after investigators said new evidence undermined the word of a key witness.

Jihad Gray, 36, has been jailed since August after investigators said he was among at least 15 people who fired guns on the 1500 block of South Etting Street on the night of July 7, leaving three people dead and 10 others wounded.

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Gray was charged with three counts of murder, nine counts of attempted murder, and related crimes, after a victim of the shooting told police she saw him shooting on the block that night, said Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope.

But in follow-up interviews, the witness said she was no longer sure Gray was involved, Pope said. And after additional evidence recovered in subsequent months undermined the statements, there was nothing to corroborate [Grays] involvement, she said.

We werent comfortable moving forward, the prosecutor said. And Im not in the business of keeping people in jail on insufficient evidence.

This person is not culpable for this crime, she said.

She withdrew all charges in connection with the shooting.

 READ MORE: In South Philly mass shooting, friends unintentionally killed each other, but its still murder, prosecutors say

Grays attorney Shaka Johnson said Gray has been tethered to awful facts that he had absolutely nothing to do with. All along, he said, Gray has cooperated with investigators to prove his own innocence.

The witness police relied on to justify his arrest, Johnson said, is contaminated and stained.

When police arrested Gray and searched his South Philadelphia home in August, investigators said they recovered drugs and firearms, which Gray is barred from owning due to prior convictions. He remains charged with drug possession and illegal gun possession.

He also faces charges of aggravated assault, intimidating a victim and witness, and related crimes after police said he threatened the victim who later identified him to police. In early August, police say, Gray went to the 2300 block of Mifflin Street and pointed a gun at the woman and threatened to shoot her if she snitched, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

Johnson said that wasnt true. The altercation began with a fight between two women, he said, and Gray arrived with other men nearly 10 minutes later to try to break things up.

Pope said there is video and other evidence that corroborates the intimidation.

Gray is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on those charges next month.

In the interim, Municipal Court Judge Christine M. Hope ordered that Gray be released on house arrest.

Four other men  Daquan Brown, 21, Terrell Frazier, 22, Brandon Fisher, 17, and Dieve Jardine, 45  remain charged in the mass shooting, and a judge ruled at a January preliminary hearing that there was enough evidence against them to proceed to trial.

A fifth suspect, 24-year-old Christopher Battle, remains at large.
The Kanpachi and other dishes at dancerobot, 1710 Sansom St., on Sept. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. Read more

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Craig LaBan recused himself from the formal full-length review of dancerobot because of the reporting trip he took to Japan with Jesse and Matt Ito in November. Kiki Aranita reviewed it in his stead, following similar critical practices  for instance, eating multiple meals over a period of time and making reservations under aliases to avoid detection. The Inquirer pays for the meals eaten by its journalists.

Jesse Ito works every single omakase service at Royal Sushi and Izakaya. Ito, who has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation award eight times, has racked up as much acclaim as frustration. The omakases are notoriously difficult to get into, with waiting lists hovering around 1,000 people per night. The waiting list is so brutal, that insiders speculated Ito had no chance at a Michelin star because even the inspectors could not get in.

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So when he announced another restaurant, dancerobot, it quickly became one of the most eagerly anticipated openings of fall 2025.

Dancerobot Rittenhouse shares numerous menu items with Royal Izakaya, along with design features. The restaurant looks like the Izakaya front half of Royal Sushi and Izakaya, but larger, roomier, and slicker, complete with gilded mirrors and Studio Ghibli anime projected onto brick walls.

The menu features nasu dengaku, the same reliably satisfying, sweet and savory miso eggplant dish that Masaharu Matt Ito, Jesses father, has been making since the 1970s, when he and his wife operated the restaurant Fuji in Cinnaminson and where Jesse was trained.

Because Ito is tied to the Royal Sushi counter, the restaurant is helmed by co-owner and executive chef Justin Bacharach, who previously oversaw Royal Izakayas back-of-house operations. At dancerobot, which opened at the end of September, Ito and Bacharach are co-chefs and partners.

Dining over the last few months, I had good meals and terrible ones at dancerobot. Dinners were shaky, especially as the kitchen found its footing. It seemingly struggled with a fastidious adherence to replicating classic yoshoku, which translates to Western cuisine, but refers to a now-codified array of omelets, mentaiko spaghetti, curry rice, and hamburg steak dishes served at kissatens (Japanese cafes) and snacks from konbini (Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart).

What Bacharach is doing, reverse engineering the often highly processed replications of Western food served in Japanese cafes and at its convenience stores with much higher quality ingredients, is commendable, but does not always produce delicious results.

Yoshoku is a challenging cuisine to work with. Its marked by artificial ingredients like brown gravy, ketchup, white bread. Thus, most items on the menu are bound or topped by either thick brown sauce or thick orange sauce, brown gravies and curries or mentaiko cream or mayo.

At dancerobot, there are also clear departures from both yoshoku and konbini food, like a fantastic interpretation of takoyaki (octopus fritters, typically a street food), delightfully twisted with the typical toppings of agedashi tofu, katsuobushi, and a caramelly soy sauce. Its the items that are clones of kissaten classics that make me question why they are doing this.

At dinner, the cheesy mentaiko omelet ($15) is a technical marvel that unfurls into beautiful tendrils of deliciously creamy curds when you slice it. Developing it took months of cracking through dozens upon dozens of [American-raised jidori] eggs, lamented Bacharach, who had been the chef at Cheu Noodle Bar before he started working at Royal during the pandemic. The omelet really needs rice, and perhaps even the soupy mentaiko cream pasta ($20) does, as its thick fusilli insufficiently sops up the exceedingly generous serving of sauce.

Like yoshoku cuisine, konbini food is highly processed and its joy is situational: the charm of famichiki (the large chicken nugget served at FamilyMart) involves getting it in a little paper envelope from a hot display case in a convenience store that also sells great socks and smoothies that you can blend yourself.

If success is defined by technique, then dancerobot is firing on all cylinders. But there are limits to that approach. Imagine a Wawa hoagie made from scratch with finer ingredients, but still tasting exactly like a Wawa hoagie, no better, no worse, and served to you at a buzzy restaurant rather than a quick-stop counter. Thats the Philly equivalent of what dancerobot is doing with Japanese comfort foods at dinner.

Dancerobots brunch service, currently only on Sunday, is an example of how Bacharach succeeds when he veers slightly off the path of faithful imitation, a celebration of all the kitchen can do with dough (whether baking it for shokupan, or milk bread, or teasing it into pancakes and cinnamon buns).

The honey butter toast ($8) has the exterior of a sugar-coated crouton that gives way to a soft, croissant-like flaky and buttery interior. The sourdough pancake ($16) is a puffy cloud, hot and quivering when it hits your table. The spicy avocado toast ($14) is an innovative take on a bagel with lox: toasted shokupan is spread with cream cheese seasoned with nori and scallions, mashed avocado spiked with a spicy yuzu kosho condiment, and topped with salty globes of ikura. Its one of the best brunches Ive had in Philly.

As is the teishoku breakfast ($36), a set I look forward to ordering again and again, served on a textured wooden tray, with precious little ceramic dishes containing a variety of pickled vegetables, miso soup, and a perfectly grilled fish fillet on fragrant, steamed rice (I chose salmon).

The bacon, egg, and cheese onirigi ($12) is delightfully weird, consisting of two triangular rice balls fried until crispy and topped with Cheese Whiz. Its inspired by konbini onigiri, but not at all faithful to it, a dish excellent in its own right. And at brunch, that omelet is actually served with rice, refashioned into omurice for which you can choose demi glace or mentaiko cream to pour over the top.

As dancerobot has evolved since its opening, the dishes have markedly improved. Divisive, early dinner dishes like the pizza toast (which arrived cold both times I had it) and a Japanese take on French onion soup that lacked any hint of crusty cheese have now fallen off the menu. They, and other kissaten dishes, were largely informed by the first trip Bacharach, a Bucks County native, and Ito took to Japan, in February 2025, when Ito mistakenly booked the wrong hotel (it had a similar name to a centrally located one they intended to stay at).

Bacharach and Ito wound up staying in the neighborhood Ikebukuro, nearly an hour away from the meals they were planning on having. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, said Bacharach, as they then had the opportunity to frequent locals-only establishments.

That trip to Japan, coupled with Itos memories of pilgrimages to Japanese superstore Mitsuwa in Edgewater as a child for katsu curry and kare pan, shaped dancerobots origins. The timing solidified the concept. Im so happy that finally we can open a place like this without ramen and sushi  that is so paramount, said Ito. It has been a long time coming. The market is ready to accept this.

Everything at dancerobot is valiantly, painstakingly made from scratch. The large, heaping tray of curry, to which you may add tonkatsu Iberico pork loin, konbini-style fried chicken, or vegetable tonkatsu may take its inspiration from the iconic boxed Golden Curry.

It did indeed remind me exactly of Golden Curry.

But Jesse and I wanted to make something unique and special, bringing in modern culinary technique and more umami, said Bacharach. He makes a vegan curry roux of roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, and shallots, thickens it with rice flour, and seasons it with sake, mirin, and tamari. Its spice comes from kanzuri, a Japanese chili paste made from togarashi peppers, kojii, salt, and yuzu.

The versions I tasted over the last few months seemed to increase in spice level, and relax in terms of gloopiness, improving with each iteration.

But the from-scratch approach doesnt always triumph. Bacharach developed the hamburg steak, which he called meat loaf, with a ketchup glaze, dressed up in a tuxedo, with painstaking care.

He makes demi-glace the old-fashioned way  starting out with a case of veal bones that takes two days to thaw, which we split into two pots.

Its simmered with aromatics, kombu, and vegetable scraps and in total, cooked for 20 hours. The stock is blended with Japanese ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and shio dashi.

Hamburg steak at its beefy finest may glisten with fat, coating steaming hot rice grains and the roof of your mouth with its golden richness, as you inhale its charcoal singe and imagine a pampered cow died rightfully for this transformation. This does not yet exist in Philadelphia.

Dancerobots hamburg steak, for all its pedigree, tastes like an ordinary meatball.

Dancerobot really succeeds when it, too, leans into the particulars of its situation. It fulfills a need in Rittenhouse that was simply never met: a bar with a sake-centric list that hits all the right notes, from premium to easy drinking with a long, ample bar that feels both divey and clean, thats dark enough that can make you feel a little anonymous if youre on a first date and lets you be a little bit loud if youre crammed into one of their booths like sardines with a six-person friend crew. The din encourages one to add to the loudness, which can be another essential quality in what makes a bar great.

The late night menu, served from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday night and Saturday nights is an absolute blessing. As Center City revelers trip down Sansom Street looking for food that will stick to their ribs and soak up the booze, dancerobot is right there, luring them in with a wonderful, spicy fried famichiki-esque chicken cutlet, served in a paper envelope.

Sansom Street, where dancerobot resides, is also home to the similarly nostalgic (albeit through an Americana not a Japanese lens) Wine Dive from Happy Monday Hospitality, where the iceberg salad is crisp and cold without a hint of wilt, and there are also potatoes and chicken cutlets to scratch that late-night itch. Texas-based Uchi, with its sushi and Japanese fusion food, has set up shop mere steps away from dancerobot.

Philly is experiencing an omakase and fancy sushi boom, evident in the wave of upscale sushi joints that have opened recently, like Kissho House in Center City and Javelin in Fairmount. It also has a lot more competition in the high-end omakase space, including Ogawas high-end experiences and Kevin Yanagas 637 Sushi Club.

And now, Japanese food is being reinvented in Philadelphia again, as Ito and Bacharach retool childhood flavors for a city that has evolved in the past decade. Dancerobots brunch heralds a new era for Japanese-inflected food in Philly, and the restaurant has great potential, once they fully lean into their creative impulses.

dancerobot

1710 Sansom St., 215-419-5202, dancerobotphl.com

Dinner

Tuesday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m.

Late Night

Friday and Saturday, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Brunch: Sunday, 10:30 am to 3 p.m.

Entrees $25-$35

Menu highlights: kare pan, age takoyaki, kanpachi, everything on the brunch menu

Drinks: Theres an excellent selection of easy-drinking sakes, served with little fanfare but a lot of knowledge. There are cocktails including frozen ones and a few N/A options.
Jourdyn Koviack was reunited with her dog, Forty, this week in Philadelphia. The dog had been missing since 2015. Read more

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Jourdyn Koviack fell in love on May 25, 2012, on an unremarkable street corner in Frankford.

She was 16, a high school junior. He was two months old, white with a smattering of black spots and soulful eyes  and when she saw him for sale on the side of the street, she couldnt help herself. He cost $200, and she used the money from her job at a local tanning salon. She brought him home on the bus, a pit bull pup tucked into her sweatshirt.

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Her boyfriend at the time, a gun enthusiast, named him Forty-Cal  Forty, for short  and from the start, she and the dog were inseparable.

When he was a puppy, shed carry him around in her purse. When she got her first car, Forty always rode shotgun. He loved pup cups and hot dogs. She created an Instagram page for him, and took photo after photo  Forty dressed as a rock star for Halloween, Forty wearing a party hat on his first birthday.

Her family had always had pets. But Forty was the first one that felt like hers.

Forty filled every void I ever had, Koviack says. [He taught me] tolerance and patience and responsibility and love.

To me, at 16 years old, he was my entire world.

For three years, it was bliss.

And then, in the spring of 2015, Forty vanished.

Lost dog

Koviack had just returned from the grocery store when she realized he was missing. Hed been in the backyard of her familys house in Mayfair, along with another family dog. The gate was open, though she was sure shed closed it.

Both of the dogs were gone.

In the days and weeks that followed, Koviack hung hundreds of posters around the city with Fortys photo.

LOST DOG!

EXTREMELY FRIENDLY!

She promised a reward and flooded Facebook with pleas for help.

People were eager to assist. Her online posts were shared again and again. Some sent in photos of dogs they were certain were Forty.

But each time, they would have different markings or the wrong color eyes.

People kept saying to me, Well, lights can be deceiving, Koviack says. [But] I knew Fortys markings from a mile away.

The family eventually found its other missing dog on Craigslist, where someone was trying to sell it; the police helped them get it back.

But they never did find Forty.

Ten years of hoping

Years passed.

A pandemic came and went.

The Eagles won a Super Bowl, then another.

Koviack got married, moved out of Philadelphia, got another pit bull and named it King.

But she never forgot about Forty.

She talked about him often. She kept his Instagram page active. Even after moving two hours outside of Philadelphia, to Luzerne County, shed sometimes go online and look at old Facebook posts, checking for new leads.

Everything would remind me of him, she says. Driving by a dog with a spot on his eye, hot dogs, pit bulls ...

Two months ago  more than a decade after Forty had gone missing  it occurred to her to call the microchip company again, after years of calling to no avail. (Shed had Forty microchipped shortly after getting him.)

No luck.

She was not naive; she knew that Forty, who by now wouldve been 13, had likely passed. She updated her contact information with the microchip company anyway.

Just in case.

We have your boy

The Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia is a constant flurry of activity.

An average of 22 dogs are brought into the groups shelter each day, and more than 7,000 come through annually  numbers that have increased in recent years.

Last Saturday night, a white dog with black spots arrived at its Hunting Park Avenue headquarters.

It had cozied up to a girl playing in the street, apparently, and her family had brought it inside, feeding it as they notified animal control.

When an officer arrived to pick up the dog and transport it to the ACCT shelter, he discovered it was microchipped. And when he checked an online registry, a phone number came back for a woman in Luzerne County.

Koviack, now 30, was leaving the trampoline park with her family when the phone rang. When the man identified himself as an animal control officer, her first thought was that King, her new pit bull, had somehow gotten out.

But then, the officer was saying something about Forty.

We have your boy, he said.

A prank, she figured.

Send me pictures, she said. I dont believe you.

The officer obliged.

Thats my f dog! she screamed.

She wanted to go get him that night but was told shed have to wait until the following morning. So she spent a sleepless night searching for the best ways to care for an older dog  which food is best, what kinds of beds are most comfortable.

The next morning, she and her husband and kids made the trek to the Philadelphia shelter, where they were ushered into a small room. I cant believe it, everyone kept saying.

Eventually, a dog sauntered in.

His black spots were now flecked with gray. He seemed a bit confused.

But there was no question: It was Forty.

Back at home

In the days since their reunion, Koviack and Forty have been doing their best to make up for lost time. He follows her around the house wherever she goes. He sleeps with her son, who was just a month old when Forty went missing.

The other night, she lay with him in his dog bed, just staring at him.

Its like a part of my childhood came back, she says.

Left unanswered, of course, is where the dog has been for the past decade.

According to the shelter, he had been well cared for in recent years  he was clean when they found him, with trimmed nails.

But beyond that, there are few clues.

Theres no way to be certain, said Sarah Barnett, executive director at ACCT Philly. But realistically, she said, someone probably stole him, realized he was neutered, and then gave him away or whatever.

Back in Luzerne County, meanwhile, Koviack is still struggling to fathom how all this played out.

I keep looking over at the couch, she said the other day, just to make sure hes still there.
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The head of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit came under fire Wednesday amid news that she and another official at the educational service agency used public funds for a 14-day African safari and other overseas travel for professional development.

The IUs monthly board meeting in Norristown, typically sparsely attended, drew a crowd of about 50 people, and at least 225 more joined by Zoom.

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It was the first meeting following an Inquirer report last week that the Montco IUs executive director, Regina Speaker, and its assistant executive director, Sandra Edling, had used their agency-issued credit cards to book about $40,000 worth of international travel since 2023.

Board president Margaret Wright told the crowd that in response to the story, she was forming an ad hoc committee to look at the IUs practices and procedures. She did not offer specifics.

Speaker, whose base salary last year was $298,000, apologized for the poor optics of the situation.

I am committed to doing whatever it takes to improve, she said.

Employees were not mollified.

Liz Forcellini, an occupational therapist at the IU, said during the public comment section of the meeting that the high travel expenses highlighted the inequalities in our organization, where some staffers are paying for supplies with their own money.

The trips felt deceptive and intentionally secretive, and I struggle to understand how they related to our mission, she said.

Forcellini said if she attends a work conference, shed be expected to make a presentation and share lessons learned with colleagues.

Speakers and Edlings trip to Kenya and Tanzania, however, was not widely known within the organization, even to some board members.

Expense reports The Inquirer obtained through a Right-to-Know request show Speaker made $9,342 in purchases related to the safari in May 2023 without providing a receipt or any indication that they involved overseas travel. The only supporting documentation was what appears to be a screen grab from her phone showing the amount of money charged to her procurement card.

Juliane Ramic, the former Montco IU board president who signed off on the expenses after Speaker had returned from Nairobi, said this month that she could not recall if she was aware at the time what the charges were for.

Most of us would consider it a dream trip, Andrew MacLeod, a personal care assistant at the IU, said at the meeting.

Speaker has defended the trip to Kenya and Tanzania, which culminated a yearlong academy for education leaders run by the School Superintendents Association, or AASA. She said that the money had already been allocated for professional development and that the safari included a visit to a tribal school.

Everything was through the lens of leadership, she previously told The Inquirer. It was about that process of survival of the fittest, and how are you a leader, and what do you prioritize.

MacLeod questioned whether the trip, which included six sightseeing tours and eight wildlife drives, was a good use of public funds. He said the board needs to provide better oversight.

All I can see is a bunch of leaders who didnt do anything, MacLeod said, drawing applause from the audience. The board didnt ask any questions.

The intermediate unit, which has a $198 million budget and receives a mix of local, state and federal funding, is one of 29 state-mandated agencies that provide schools with support services, such as early childhood intervention and technical assistance.

The 21-person board is composed of members from each school district board in the county.

In addition to the 2023 trip to Africa, Speaker traveled to South Korea and Singapore for 11 days in April 2025 as part of a $13,000 leadership academy.

Edling, who earns $215,000 a year and traveled to Africa with Speaker, used her procurement card in March 2025 for about $7,000 related to a planned 10-day trip to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria sponsored by AASA.

Speaker said that she subsequently halted all IU travel due to the states budget impasse and obtained a refund for Edlings Central Europe trip. According to the itinerary, it would have included two school visits, as well as dance lessons, a train ride underground into Austrias ancient Hallein Salt Mine, and a journey to crazy King Ludwigs fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein.

Strap on your dancing shoes as an expert teaches you how to dance the excitingly beautiful and quick-tempo Viennese Waltz, reads the itinerary.

Emily Chandler, a teacher in the Pre-K Counts program, told the board on Wednesday that it should be allocating money more wisely.

The money is going to the wrong places, Chandler said, or at the very least, not enough money is going to the right places.

The last speaker at the meeting was Sharon Reynolds, a reading specialist at the IU, who recounted how her colleagues would run out of cheap supplies, such cleaning spray for white boards, on a regular basis.

Reynolds said that she didnt have a problem with professional development, but that it shouldnt be limited to expensive trips for senior leadership. She wants the administration to talk more about what professional development looks like for the average IU employee.

Last fall, for instance, Reynolds said she was initially told by IU staff that shed have to pay out-of-pocket to take a training course. While Reynolds said she eventually was reimbursed, it wasnt entirely covered by the agency.

I did have to take a personal day, she said.
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, hardening their positions over ceasefire talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war as thousands more U.S. troops neared the region.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial strait while Israel poured more troops into southern Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

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Sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles, and Gulf nations worked to intercept fire. Heavy strikes were reported in Irans capital and other cities.

In a war that appears defined by who can take the most pain, the U.S. has offered shifting objectives, including ensuring Irans missile and nuclear programs are no longer a threat and ending Tehrans support for armed groups in the region. Washington at one point also pushed for the overthrow of Irans theocracy.

While the U.S.-Israeli campaign has hit Irans military and government hard, killing top leaders and striking scores of targets, Iran continues to fire missiles, and there is no sign of an uprising against the government.

Surviving could be seen as victory for Iran

For Irans leadership, by contrast, merely outlasting the onslaught could be seen as victory. It may be hoping to get the U.S. to back down by roiling the world economy with its stranglehold on the strait, which has disrupted oil and natural gas shipments and raised prices worldwide for energy and other goods.

Short of a negotiated solution, the U.S. would need a dramatic escalation to end Irans attacks and restore the free flow of goods through the strait, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime. Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal put forth by the U.S., while putting forth its own demands.

Trump has vowed to strike Irans power plants if it does not fully reopen the strait. His new deadline pulls back on his earlier threat to bombing Irans energy plants if Tehran did not open the critical waterway.

Iran had threatened to retaliate against the regions vital infrastructure, like desalination facilities, if Trump followed through. Trump said he was holding off on carrying out his threat because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well.

A Gulf Arab bloc said Thursday that Iran is now exacting tolls from ships to ensure their safe passage through the waterway.

Iran seen as operating Strait of Hormuz as de facto toll booth

Iran has been blocking ships from the strait that it perceives as linked to the U.S. and Israeli war effort, while letting through a trickle of others. Trump said during a cabinet meeting Thursday that Iran is allowing some oil tankers through as a sign of good faith for talks.

Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a bloc of six Gulf Arab nations, said Iran was charging for safe passage.

Lloyds List Intelligence called it a de facto toll booth regime, saying that at least two vessels have paid in yuan, Chinas currency.

Irans grip on the strait and relentless attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have sent Brent crude, the international standard, up more than 40% since the war started.

Israel said it killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, and the countrys naval intelligence chief, Behnam Rezaei. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tangsiri was responsible for bombing operations that have blocked ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the killings.

Trump says Iran needs to get serious about negotiations

Using Pakistan as an intermediary, Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point action list, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed Thursday, calling it a framework for a possible peace deal. Witkoff said there were strong signs the U.S. could convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction.

A day after saying Iran wants to cut a deal, Trump posted on social media Thursday that Tehran needs to get serious soon on negotiating an end to the war before it is too late.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

But Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war and does not plan to. He said the U.S. had tried to send messages to Iran through other nations, but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.

Egypt is also acting as a go-between, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who said Thursday that his country sees a desire from both sides for calm, for the exploration of negotiations.

As the diplomatic efforts went on, a group of ships, including the USS Tripoli, drew closer to the Mideast with some 2,500 Marines. Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne  trained to land in hostile territory to secure key territory and airfields  have been ordered to the region.

Ali Bahreini, Irans top envoy to U.N. institutions in Geneva, warned Thursday that any U.S. and Israeli attempt to mount a ground invasion of Iran would be a big mistake.

A wave of Israeli airstrikes hits as Iran fires on Israel and Gulf neighbors

The Israeli army said Thursday it had deployed the 162nd Division into southern Lebanon, joining thousands of troops that already have moved there since the war erupted. Israel says the open-ended invasion is aimed at protecting its northern border towns from Hezbollah attacks and uprooting the militant group from the area.

Israel also said it carried out a wave of attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure early Thursday. Heavy strikes were also reported around Isfahan, home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of Irans nuclear sites.

Witnesses told the Associated Press that power is out in some areas of Irans capital Tehran, though no official reports have been released yet. Witnesses had earlier reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

Loud booms could be heard across Israel as it was repeatedly targeted by barrages from Iran. Israels emergency service said a man in his 30s was killed near the northern coastal city of Nahariya after a wave of strikes that came from Lebanon. In the United Arab Emirates, two people were reported killed by shrapnel from a missile interception over Abu Dhabi.

Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Thursday that the army needs another 15,000 soldiers, roughly half of them combat troops, to be at full strength for its multiple missions. Israel can call up tens of thousands of reservists, but repeated deployments have drawn pushback, with many citing exhaustion and financial strain.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera.

Eighteen people have died in Israel, while three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. At least 13 American troops have been killed. More than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states have also died.

Authorities said more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon, where Israel has targeted the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, which has fired into Israel. In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militant groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have been killed.
A wild turkey named Fred in Deptford enjoys some nuts left in a yard for him. Fred was around the town for several years before he was hit by a motorist and died. Read more

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Fred, a beloved wild turkey whose antics stopped traffic along a busy stretch of a Deptford roadway, was struck and killed by a motorist, authorities said.

Dubbed Deptfords unofficial mascot, the turkey had become a celebrity, albeit a nuisance at times, strutting around the South Jersey community, watching traffic, pecking cars and chasing passersby at nearby businesses.

The Deptford Police Department announced Freds passing Wednesday in a social media post that went viral. The department said it had received over 100 nuisance calls about Fred over the years.

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Truth be told, Fred was a bit of a handful, the post said. But, he was our handful and we loved him. Freds patrolling the big intersection in the sky now.

The community responded with an outpouring of condolences, memes, and remembrances of the wayward turkey who boldly roamed the streets even during the Thanksgiving season. There were frequent reported sightings and encounters with Fred.

 READ MORE: Meet the beloved wild turkey who stops traffic and terrorizes a South Jersey community

Rest easy to my boy Fred. He aint deserve this, wrote Cole Judge.

Another person started a hashtag  #Justice4Fred. T-shirts with a picture of Fred wearing a yellow police flap jacket are being sold; 10% of the sales will be donated to the police. There were also calls to erect a marble or bronze statute to honor Fred.

Deptford Police Officer Ricky Rodgers created a song in memory of Fred, who was known for causing traffic jams that prompted police to dispatch a cruiser. The lyrics said in part:

Beep, beep horn but he wont move on. Whole town stuck til the turkey gone. We laughed. We cursed him  Freds out here wilding. Deptford aint Deptford without you.

In January 2025, Deptford Mayor Paul Medany ordered the public works department to put up a turkey crossing sign to warn motorists to look out for Fred, whom some referred to as Tom.

The stubborn bird often ignored honking motorists who tried to get him to move. When drivers tried to maneuver around him, Fred tried to peck their cars. (Turkeys peck cars when they see their own reflection and mistakenly believe its another turkey.)

Kim Chiocchi, who tended to Fred and put out birdseed and peanuts  his favorite, said she was in bed recovering from gallbladder surgery when her husband delivered the news about Fred.

Im going to miss him, Chiocchi said Thursday.

Chiocchi said Fred was hanging out near Caulfield Avenue and Clements Bridge Road when he was struck, possibly by a black Ford F150. The incident was captured on camera at DHY Motorsports, but the license plate was not visible, she said.

She said a police officer helped remove his remains from the roadway and she buried Fred in her yard, where he frequently hung out and slept in the trees. She collected some of his feathers and has ordered a plaque for the burial site.

For you to just hit him and leave him, I will never forgive you, she said.

Deptford resident Keith Drake organized a vigil for 6 p.m. Friday at 33 Caulfield Ave., where Fred was buried. He said seeing the turkey outside a nearby Wawa pecking his car tires and flapping his wings cheered up his daughter.

I know he may be just a turkey to some, but to most of us in Deptford, he was a family, Drake wrote in a text message. Hes brightened a lot of peoples lives in our community and I just thought we could show our thanks.

Wild turkeys are often lured to suburbia, where the habitat and plentiful supply of food from neighbors make ideal living conditions. Neighbors believe Fred had been around for several years.
Karen Barsoum, director of voter services, is at the Chester County Government Services Building in West Chester on Oct. 14, 2022. Read more

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Karen Barsoum, who faced a turbulent tenure as Chester Countys director of voter services, will leave the job in June.

Barsoum, who was appointed to oversee the countys elections in 2021, announced her resignation to staff Wednesday in an email.

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After careful consideration, I feel it is the right time for me to embrace new opportunities for both professional and personal growth, she wrote in the message. The decision to leave is mine and I thank the Commissioners for working with me on an appropriate timetable.

Her last day will be June 12. Barsoum sent her memo in response to an email seeking comment.

A spokesperson for the county said Thursday they were moving quickly to find a new director. Its another significant leadership change for the county, after its top administrator left the job earlier this month.

Barsoum, who came to the role after serving as assistant director in the Berks County election office, faced fevered criticism in recent months. Her time with Chester County became colored by high staff turnover and a series of election errors, with the most significant leaving about 75,000 independent and unaffiliated voters off the rolls in Novembers election, forcing roughly 12,000 voters to cast provisional ballots. Though the county said everyone who wanted to vote was able to, it caused hours of confusion and eroded the trust of residents.

An independent investigation of the poll book error found that there was no malfeasance, and said lack of direct supervision and formal training ultimately led to the error. The investigation did not suggest personnel changes, even as residents called for Barsoums resignation or firing. The countys commissioners declined to discuss personnel decisions when it presented the investigation to voters in February.

On the heels of the November error, the countys voters services department mistakenly reversed first and last names on mail-in ballot applications in February. The department, and the Pennsylvania Department of State, said the applications would still be processed as usual.

The mistakes came as Barsoum faced allegations of creating a hostile work environment, where she allegedly subjected election workers to bullying, according to an eight-page grievance filed by an employee against her.

The department has seen unusually high turnover since 2021, with nearly double the departures of neighboring collar counties over the same time period.

The county spokesperson said Thursday the commissioners, who comprise the countys board of elections, appreciates Ms. Barsoums work on behalf of the Department of Voter Services over the past five years.

In her memo this week, Barsoum said she would announce her next steps following the conclusion of her tenure in the county. She will assist with one more election to ensure a smooth transition, she wrote.

Looking back on my time in this role, I am filled with deep gratitude, she wrote. This work is truly about the people, the team, and the passion.
First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro (left) speaks at an America 250 PA event for Women's History Month alongside former First Lady Jill Biden. Read more

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HARRISBURG  Former First Lady Jill Biden joined Pennsylvanias First Lady Lori Shapiro and other former Pennsylvania first ladies on Wednesday for a panel discussion Wednesday in the state Capitol, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of women who often operate in the background.

The current and former first ladies encouraged the states women to continue bettering the state and country, while acknowledging some of the Pennsylvania women who blazed a path for womens equality today.

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Every step you take, every time you raise your voice, every consideration you have, every small good you do, it builds, Shapiro said. You should never underestimate the power of your voice.

First ladies at the national level spend a great deal of time in the public eye and have full staffs tasked with leading initiatives on issues important to them. At the state level in the nations fifth most-populous state, however, first ladies often take a quieter approach and have only a few staffers to help them achieve their goals.

Shapiro, whose husband Gov. Josh Shapiro is seen widely as a 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has kept a low profile during her time as the first wife and rarely makes public appearances. However, Josh Shapiro often credits her for some of his best political and policy moves, citing his high school sweetheart more than 100 times in his memoir released earlier this year.

Biden and Shapiro were joined by former Pennsylvania First Ladies Frances Wolf and Michele Ridge, each of whom shared how they approached their job as First Lady and how they came to focus on specific issues during their tenure.

For Shapiro, she has led the way on making free menstrual products available in public schools and expanding Pennsylvanias workforce to be inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities during her first three years as First Lady. Ridge, a longtime library director, focused on literacy efforts and preventing violence against Pennsylvanias youth when her husband former Gov. Tom Ridge led the state from 1995 to 2001; And Wolf spotlighted food insecurity in schools and colleges during her husbands time in Harrisburg from 2015 to 2023.

Biden, a Willow Grove native who described herself as Jilly from Philly, said she worked on a number of topics including veterans issues, breast cancer outcomes and menopause research throughout her four decades as former President Joe Bidens wife; first as a Senate spouse, then as Second Lady, and finally as First Lady.

Each of the first ladies offered positive outlooks for Pennsylvania women, and encouraged the female leaders in attendance to hire young women and mentor them. Biden also urged Pennsylvania women to take steps to become independent.

Make sure that no matter what, you can handle life on your own, because things happen in life that you never, ever expected, Biden said, noting her son Beau Bidens death from cancer in which he left behind two children. You need an education, or you need training, or you need something where you can have your own money, stand on your own two feet.

The group shared how they reacted to becoming First Lady, from worried tears to excitement, or both, and how they tried to balance the role as a full-time caretaker for their children in addition to a new role as a public figure.

We all realize the magnitude of this position of public service and the responsibility to do it well, Wolf said. At that point in time, I didnt know what I didnt know, but I knew that we had to step up.

The panel discussion was hosted for Womens History Month by American 250 PA, the state-level organization hosting events to celebrate Americas semiquincentennial this year. The panel was moderated by The West Wing actress Melissa Fitzgerald, a Philadelphia native. Former Gov. Tom Wolf, now in retirement and living in Philadelphia, sat in the second row at the event in support of his wife. Several grandchildren of former Pennsylvania governors also attended on Wednesday.

The group also celebrated Levittown resident Mae Krier, an original Rosie the Riveter who worked in a Boeing factory during World War II. She turned 100 on March 21  which falls on the national Rosie the Riveter Day recognizing the work efforts of women during WWII. She was formally recognized on Tuesday by the state House, and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a resolution last week acknowledging her for her contributions to the United States.
For the second year in a row, census figures noted a modest increase in the citys population. Read more

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Philadelphias population appears to still be rebounding  but at a slowing rate  from significant losses during the pandemic years, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For the second year in a row, the bureau noted an increase in the citys population, which stood at 1,574,281 residents. Though the latest estimated gain  1,546 new residents between July 2024 and July 2025  was much more modest than the prior years estimated gain of 6,913 residents.

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Even with the gains of the past two years, Philadelphia still has a ways to go to reclaim the 1.6 million-person population it boasted in July 2020.

Though the increase may be small, the trend is promising, said Gregory Diebold, a planning data specialist with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Philadelphia provides a cost of living, amenities, and a stable, diverse economy that is attractive, Diebold said. The data seems to be pointing to those all being positive factors and potential reasons why we are faring well and this trend is continuing past last year.

Local population trends align with national ones

Philadelphias slow growth wasnt unusual.

Growth slowed in a majority of the nations 3,143 counties, the bureau said.

Of the 387 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas reviewed by the bureau, 310 saw a slower rate of population growth between 2024 and 2025 than the prior year.

On a national level, the bureau attributed much of this change to a smaller number of people immigrating to the United States.

International migration into the Philly area slows down

The citys marginal population bump was partly due to 7,216 people coming from elsewhere in the world to live in Philadelphia between July 2024 and July 2025. Thats a significantly smaller number of immigrants moving to the city than in recent years.

Though this aligns with the nationwide trends, cities like Philadelphia often depend on immigrant labor to replace the residents who are aging out of the workforce, Diebold said.

During his 2024 run for office, President Donald Trump emphasized a desire to restrict immigration and bolster deportation rates. Both became major focuses of his agenda throughout the start of his second term. The newly released data covers Trumps first six months in office, offering an early look at how his immigration policy may be starting to affect the nations population.

Of course theres a new administration. There are policy changes, Diebold said. Its not [necessarily] the case that that will continue in future years in terms of international migration.

However, if international migration does continue to slow, that could spell major trouble for the citys workforce.

Philadelphia has about 158,000 foreign-born workers, which is about one in every five working residents, according to a March 10 report from the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. These residents often occupy service and logistics roles that overlap with gig work, the report said.

That means a smaller trickle of foreign-born residents moving to Philly could lead to higher gig service prices, longer delivery wait times, and reduced rideshare availability due to staffing gaps, according to the report.

A smaller number of people are leaving Philly than in prior years

Though the city gained fewer immigrant residents between 2024 and 2025, it also lost fewer residents to other cities than in years past.

Between 2024 and 2025, Philadelphia lost an estimated 9,726 residents to elsewhere in the country. Thats a significantly smaller figure than the prior years 14,945, or the 29,087 people Philadelphia lost to other parts of the country the year before that.

Its hard to say what could be contributing to more people staying, said Katie Martin, who leads research at Pew Charitable Trusts Philadelphia research and policy initiative.

I havent seen that before in previous years of population data, Martin said. That is a new trend that I wasnt expecting.

One possibility, Martin said, is that the citys high unemployment rate  a monthly average of about 5.1% in 2025, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data  is preventing people from being able to move.

When you see a slowing economy, you will also see less migration overall happening, Martin said.

Generally, people leaving the city is a bad sign for its future, she said, so maintaining residents is important. But that decline in people moving out may also indicate residents are stagnant in their lives and professional and personal development.

You dont want people who are born here leaving these areas, Martin said. But it also shows jobs access. It shows people moving to school. It shows a lot of people are pursuing opportunity when they move.

Chester and Montgomery Counties see upticks, while Bucks and Delaware experience small declines

Montgomery and Chester Counties picked up about 2,500 and 2,600 residents, respectively. Meanwhile, Bucks lost around 600 people, and Delaware lost around 500.

In the grand scheme of those counties populations, those changes are relatively minor.

For Montgomery County, this meant a 0.3% population increase and, in Chester County, a 0.5% increase.

Bucks and Delaware both lost around 0.1% of their population, according to the estimates.

Diebold said he suspected growth in Montgomery and Chester could relate to those counties having more available land and more new housing units, while Bucks and Delaware havent built up as rapidly.

Population steadily increases in Phillys Jersey suburbs

The New Jersey counties saw more significant growth across the board in 2025, continuing a trend of recent increases there. That may be because they have smaller populations, so any growth looks more pronounced in data, Diebold said.

Burlington County grew the most with 3,917 new residents, a 0.8% population increase.

Camden County added 2,204 residents, growing 0.4%, and Gloucesters population grew by 1,375 people, also an increase of 0.4%.

Both Diebold and Martin cautioned reading too much into any of these figures, as the data only covers one year and is often revised by the bureau the following year. For example, the bureau reported Philadelphias population growth in 2024 as about 10,500 residents, and revised that figure down to about 7,000 in this data set.

It will be interesting to see how this trend continues, Diebold said.

Staff writer Chris Williams contributed to this article.
Phil Glover, national vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA workers, speaks during a news conference Thursday outside City Hall. In the background, from left to right, are City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Nina Ahmad and Kendra Brooks. Read more

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A day after President Donald Trump deployed armed ICE agents to security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport, Phillys TSA union leaders and the citys top lawmakers stood on the steps of City Hall to send a message.

Take ICE agents for some retraining, get them out of our airport, and get TSA paid today" said Phil Glover, national vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents the regions Transportation Security Agency (TSA) workers.

But as City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmembers Nina Ahmed and Kendra Brooks joined union leaders in disavowing ICEs presence at PHL, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker remained silent on the topic, declining to comment on ICE and Trumps activity.

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While the Parker administration has vowed not to change the citys immigrant-friendly policies of past mayors, even going as far as to tell the U.S. Department of Justice that Philadelphia remains a welcoming city to immigrants, the mayor avoids confronting the White House in a strategy aimed at keeping Philadelphia out of the presidents crosshairs as he pursues a nationwide deportation campaign.

Despite the mayors stance, City Council, union leaders, and District Attorney Larry Krasner have been making their message clear.

We do not need to have ICE working at the Philadelphia International Airport, creating an atmosphere of fear, of confusion, and intimidation, Johnson said. His colleague, Brooks, coauthored pending city legislation that would place guardrails on ICE operations in the city.

TSA staff have missed paychecks, while ICE agents get paid

Local TSA agents are working through low morale as they near their fourth missed paycheck on Friday amid the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, according to AFGE. While ICE agents continue to get paid despite the shutdown, many TSA staff are working gig jobs to make ends meet.

Transportation Security officers are very disappointed that they are sending paid workers in to stand behind checkpoints or in front of the lines, and arent helping to even move the line, Glover said. All of this is political theater.

Earlier this week, Trump deployed ICE agents to 14 airports across the country, including PHL, amid TSA staffing shortages. Since TSA agents havent been paid since February, many have been calling out of work, with some airports, like Houston, seeing up to 40% staff callouts, leading to three-hour delays.

Security delays are not so bad at PHL, where TSA staffing callouts are among the lowest of large airports in the country. When ICE agents were stationed at Terminal D and B checkpoints on Tuesday, the maximum wait time was 15 minutes. Many travelers remained neutral to armed ICE agents, while others shook agents hands.

The Inquirer reported that some Philly TSA agents are now being flown to other parts of the country, such as Houston, to train ICE agents on TSA duties. Glover said TSA workers are not happy about it.

ICE is not built for running airports. Theyre not trained for it. Theyre not even trained for what theyre doing in the field right now, said Glover, who is an Army veteran and former law enforcement officer.

District Attorney Larry Krasner warns ICE agents

Thursdays news conference follows DA Krasners appearance at PHL on Tuesday to observe ICE operations and warn them not to break the law.

Uphold the laws and keep your oath, Krasner said on Tuesday. It does not matter whether I personally approve of policies that you are following. My job is to enforce the law. You commit crimes within the jurisdiction that is the city and county of Philadelphia  I prosecute you."

While Krasner was not at Thursdays news conference, his comments on ICE agents at TSA have reached the White House. Trumps press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, called Krasners comments disgraceful.

I would encourage this lawmaker [sic] to actually sit down and speak to the ICE agents who are on the ground doing this important work, Leavitt said.

When Krasner went to PHL on Tuesday, he attempted to talk with ICE agents, only to find that ICE had disappeared from public view upon arrival.

Sean Collins Walsh contributed to this article.
A resident of Camp Chloe, an encampment along the Delaware River Trail in South Philadelphia, cites a list of demands the members of the encampment have for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. Read more

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Who do encampment sweeps protect? Not unhoused Philadelphians.

Earlier this month, after years of repeated sweeps, an encampment of South Philadelphia residents declared they are tired of bearing the cost of violent and ineffective policies.

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They announced the formation of the Camp Chloe Community Oversight Board, aligned around four strategic demands of the Parker administration and Office of Homeless Services: safe sleep sites, a property receipt system for belongings destroyed during sweeps, housing-first policies, and a community oversight board composed of people with lived experience.

They are demanding to be equal stakeholders in negotiations about their fate.

Throughout her tenure, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has overseen numerous, misleadingly named encampment resolutions. These sweeps, often initiated due to quality-of-life complaints and ostensibly an opportunity to connect unhoused neighbors with resources, offer no resolution at all.

In fact, these ineffective and expensive measures destroy families by displacing and separating them. Public and private sanitation workers destroy vital records, medications, and treasured possessions with impunity and excessive force.

Last week, Camp Chloe residents had their tents cut down with machetes, and this past fall, one resident even had his tent full of his personal possessions bulldozed into the Delaware River.

Camp Chloe is a chosen family. Residents share food, resources, protection, and comfort with one another.

Why does protecting encampments matter?

Ask yourself why you choose to be in community with the people you love. Camp Chloe is a chosen family. Residents share food, resources, protection, and comfort with one another. In particular, those most vulnerable to being sexually assaulted report feeling safer in the encampment than living on the street or in a shelter. Residents also describe the healing and transformative change that has taken place within their relationships.

They offer one another the support and protection the city has failed to provide.

Meanwhile, city government has said it has no power to intervene in matters of private property, but that the property owner can request city services to resolve encampments. In theory and practice, the Office of Homeless Services, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Managing Directors Office provide the same stale offer of a temporary shelter bed, then stand aside as landscapers destroy our neighbors possessions and livelihoods. The residents move to a new spot, freshly traumatized, and the cycle continues with no resolution.

Instead, it is volunteer mutual aid organizers who show up consistently to provide survival materials including food, water, wound care supplies, drives to doctors appointments, help replacing destroyed identification documents, connections to HIV testing and treatment, and much more.

Our relationships with this community are more than just providing a service. We can tell you who in the camp can teach you about mythology or teach you carpentry. We know who takes their coffee black or with extra sugar. We trade songs we think one another might like, and we have helped each other shovel our cars out of the snow. When any of us has a bad day, we are there to comfort each other.

The University City Townhomes were demolished two years ago, destroying a multigenerational community that took decades of time and care to build, all to appease developers. That lot now sits empty and fenced off, with the promise to build affordable housing, but the community once there has already been destroyed.

What was the point?

City government wasted untold time and energy entertaining a proposal for an arena in Chinatown that would have destroyed yet another multigenerational community and site of cultural heritage. Mayor Parker chose to side with the developers and not the neighborhood, apparently unaware that she was merely a pawn in private business negotiations.

Once again, she is aligning herself with a real estate developer, Bart Blatstein, who forgot to pay $1 million in taxes. His property manager, James Moylan, was ousted as chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustments after he was federally indicted on embezzlement charges.

Recently, Moylan arrived at Camp Chloe to wake up residents with a cowbell. Our neighbors are not cattle. Why is the mayor of our city aligning herself with private individuals who have evaded taxes and misused public funds?

We the organizers stand in complete solidarity with Camp Chloe. We stand against developers who want to pour concrete over land that can ethically and sustainably be used to help the community flourish. The residents of Camp Chloe deserve a say in their fate. We invite Mayor Parker to come down to Camp Chloe and dignify the residents demands with a negotiation.

Leave the machetes, and well bring the sandwiches.

Erin Cookman, Colleen Stepanian, and Kelsey Leon are residents and organizers in support of Camp Chloe, a group of unhoused people who have been subjected to numerous encampment sweeps. Camp Chloe is named after the encampments dog, Chloe, who checks in on all the residents and barks in warning of intruders.
Listen to article  0:00 min

Over the years, the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office has faced one scandal after another  including allegations of sexual harassment and public corruption  but even in the depths of disgrace, most modern sheriffs at least tried to competently carry out their duties. Not so Rochelle Bilal.

Two years into her second term, it continues to be amateur hour at the sheriffs office, while City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker allow Bilal to fail on the job.

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The most recent example: After first denying there was a problem, and then promising to address it in 2024, the department still cannot issue deeds in a timely manner after property auctions  one of the offices basic functions.

Two companies that specialize in real estate investments have sued the office for failing to process deed transfers promptly, noting that a process that typically takes a few weeks is taking months, if not longer.

For approximately two years since the sheriffs sale, plaintiff is still paying ongoing taxes and preservation costs to protect the property without the benefit of legally possessing the property, according to a complaint filed this month by the Illinois-based Amos Financial LLC.

Without a deed, property owners cannot make use of their purchase. They cannot sell, rent, transfer, or borrow against their assets  and their properties become vulnerable to squatters and vandals.

 READ MORE: The cost of Trumps war with Iran keeps rising | Editorial

Property deeds are hardly the only job the department has struggled to perform. The citys financial watchdog found that under Bilals leadership, the office is marked by ongoing and serious operational and financial mismanagement.

In 2023, victims of domestic violence raised an alarm. The sheriffs office is responsible for collecting guns from those who are the subjects of protection-from-abuse orders.

In surrounding counties, collection rates range from 45% to 61%  figures that are far from ideal, but still significantly better than Philadelphias 13% under Bilal.

The sheriffs lapses are particularly concerning because, despite an 80% reduction in overall homicides since the pandemic, domestic violence killings are on the rise.

In 2024, it was judges who felt they were being placed in jeopardy by incompetence at the sheriffs office. Bilals department is entrusted with assigning deputies to provide courthouse security.

After poor staffing led to a surge in violent incidents in courtrooms, judges ordered Bilal to fix a series of systemic failures, which created an imminent threat to the safety and health of all persons present in the courthouses.

Bilal has also failed to perform her duty to hold property auctions. When Bilal took office, she unilaterally entered into an agreement with the online real estate auction company Bid4Assets to manage the sales of tax-delinquent property. Other online auction firms called the deal surreptitious because of how quietly the bidding process was handled.

 READ MORE: The dismantling of the Young Bag Chasers is a big win for law enforcement, but risks to public safety remain | Editorial

Landlords have also complained about the ineffectiveness of the sheriffs office. During hearings on proposed Safe Healthy Homes legislation meant to protect renters, opponents decried the current difficulties in evicting tenants, a process that can take months.

The one thing that has tended to get done under Bilal is wasting taxpayer dollars.

Almost immediately after taking office, the sheriff fired an employee who questioned what he called a slush fund the department used to pay for professional DJs, a mascot costume, and branded merchandise, among other dubious expenses. There were also efforts to double Bilals salary and hand out large raises to top deputies.

Problems at the sheriffs office are not new. An Inquirer investigation outlined 170 years of dysfunction and corruption. This board and good government groups like the Committee of Seventy have repeatedly called for the office to be abolished.

Given the existence of modern police departments  and the apparent inability of Bilal and her team to do their jobs  the continued existence of this vestigial office is a mystery.
In this April 2025 file photo, City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas announces reforms to school district policy. On Thursday, he introduced a measure to repeal a law that Council passed just one month ago. Read more

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Resign-to-run lives, after all.

Philadelphias longstanding rule requiring elected officials to quit their job in order to run for higher office will likely remain in place after a City Council member on Thursday moved to repeal legislation that lawmakers overwhelmingly passed just one month ago.

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Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, a Democrat who represents the city at-large, introduced a measure to repeal his own legislation that would have allowed elected city officials, except the mayor, to run for state or federal offices without resigning.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker had signed the legislation earlier this month, and it was poised to appear on the May primary election ballot, when voters would have had the opportunity to weigh in via a ballot question. If a majority of voters approved, the change would take effect.

But Thomas said Thursday that he lost confidence voters would OK the measure.

I thought that the version we were producing previously was going to be considered a happy compromise, he said. And thats not necessarily the reception that weve gotten back.

Thomas added: We want to go back to the drawing board.

Heres what happened during Thursdays Council meeting.

What was todays highlight?

So much for that: The repeal legislation that Thomas introduced Thursday marks the beginning of the end for a more than yearlong process that would have been the third time voters weighed in on resign-to-run. Two previous attempts to get rid of the rule failed at the ballot box.

 READ MORE: What is Phillys resign-to-run rule?

But Thomas had said he was hopeful that voters would approve this version, which was narrower than past attempts to repeal the rule entirely because, under Thomas proposed change, Council members running for mayor would still be required to resign.

Last month, Council passed the original legislation 15-1, with Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., a Democrat from North Philadelphia, casting the only no vote.

Council will vote on the repeal legislation in the coming weeks.

Thomas said he may try again in the future to reform the rule, but said its not likely to happen this calendar year. Every member of Council is up for reelection next year.

What else happened today?

Let the lobbying begin: Just days after Parker unveiled a plan to tax rideshare services at $1-per-ride, Uber made its presence in City Hall known  and its position crystal clear.

Multiple representatives from the rideshare giant and the lobbyists they work with milled about before City Councils session Thursday. They were handing out materials to Council members arguing that the tax would harm both drivers and the riders who use the service to get to work or access healthcare.

The mayors plan aims to increase revenue for the School District of Philadelphia, which is facing a $300 million deficit that officials say will result in cuts to staff and programs.

 READ MORE: Some Council members are skeptical of Mayor Cherelle Parkers $1 rideshare tax proposal

Council members are already skeptical. Several said this week that they worry the fee will hike costs for people who rely on Uber or Lyft to get to work, and would have a disproportionate affect on low-income residents.

The administration says not so. Finance Director Rob Dubow argued that the tax is progressive in that wealthier people would pay a higher share because they are more likely to use rideshare.

But Uber disagrees. The company sent a letter to Dubow Thursday, saying his statement require[s] a critical re-evaluation of basic tax principles and the lived reality of hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians.

They argue the fee is regressive, because a flat fee would represent a higher percentage of earnings for a low-income resident compared to someone who makes more money.

Prison oversight board established: A more than two-years-long process to establish a new oversight structure for the Philadelphia Prisons culminated Thursday with a vote to establish the responsibilities of the citys new Office of Prison Oversight and a related board made up of community members.

The creation of the board was enabled last year after voters approved an amendment to the Home Rule Charter via a ballot question. This legislation outlined the offices powers and duties, including conducting investigations, audits, and reviews.

ICE and the election: In a continuation of its efforts to oppose the Trump administration, Council voted Thursday to hold a hearing on Philadelphias election safety plans. The legislation cites the potential deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to polling locations.

 READ MORE: Council President Kenyatta Johnson says Philadelphia cant sit out Trumps immigration fight anymore

The Trump administration has said it is not planning immigration operations at polling places. However, the president has said Republicans should nationalize elections and take over the voting in at least 15 places.

Quote of the week

Philadelphians can care about others, too. It makes us better people. We want to live in a Philadelphia that stands up for our neighbors.

The kids weigh in: That was one of two dozen second-grade students from South Philadelphias Fanny Jackson Coppin School, who paraded into Council Thursday to testify to members.

They were asking lawmakers to support pending legislation that would prohibit the city from continuing its longstanding practice of hauling trash to Chester, where it is incinerated. The children said burning trash pollutes the air in Chester and contributes to negative health outcomes for the citys residents.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who authored the legislation, placed the bill on hold earlier this year after failing to gain enough support from members and amid opposition from Parkers administration.

The kids got a standing ovation.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this article.
Properties on this block of Chester Avenue in West Philadelphia are part of a large portfolio of affordable homes owned by developer Neighborhood Restorations, which wants to sell them. Read more

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Another 925 units of affordable housing in Philadelphia are in danger of disappearing, leading to a heated exchange between Philadelphia officials and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier at budget hearings this week over how to preserve them.

Its the latest chapter in a rolling crisis around expiring federal housing subsidies. The University of Pennsylvania estimates that more than 7,500 federally backed low-income homes could lose their affordability protections in the next decade.

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Gauthier says she wants to quickly intercede and help fund the purchase of the units, as the owner Jim Levin of Neighborhood Restorations says he wants to sell them to the city and is holding off on putting them on the open market  for now.

If we fail to act, it would be incredibly hard, if not impossible, to build enough affordable homes to replace what we have lost, said Gauthier, who represents the neighborhoods where many of the homes are.

Parker administration officials declined to negotiate in the midst of Tuesdays budget meeting  We are not going to make that commitment today, said Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers chief of staff Tiffany W. Thurman  but affirmed that they are exploring how to address the situation.

Although the exchange over Neighborhood Restorations fate was tense, both sides are well aware of the larger problem. Affordable Housing Preservation is one of the largest line items in the $800 million Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E) plan, which was hammered out between Parker and Council.

Gauthier has passed legislation requiring owners to give tenants and policymakers a year of advance notice if they intend to sell their affordable unit.

The debate in Council also comes as the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is raising capital to set up a permanent answer to the issue of expiring affordability.

Most federal housing programs rely on public-private partnerships where affordability lasts for only a set window of time, unlike earlier public housing programs that ensured permanent affordability. In neighborhoods where property values have shot up, owners have been enticed to abandon low-income housing subsidies at the end of their contracts.

United Way wants to create a revolving fund that buys properties with expiring affordability and keeps them in good repair and manages them short-term as responsible buyers are found to maintain affordability long-term.

Neighborhood Restorations is the crisis of the moment, but its not going to be the last. It might not even be the last one this year, said Greg Heller, a consultant who is working with United Way to set up the $100 million fund to purchase at-risk properties.

United Ways board has voted to approve an initial $2.5 million contribution to the fund.

The organizations CEO, the Rev. Bill Golderer, said in an email that United Way has approached three anchor [local] institutional investors and have identified over 130 individual investors. He expects an answer from the institutional investors by the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

This could serve our community for decades because this problem isnt going away, and its the most cost-effective affordable housing intervention, Golderer said in an interview.

Today, when subsidies expire or a low-rent building goes for sale in a gentrifying neighborhood, its a fire drill, and theres a scramble to try and assemble capital, he said. It would just be better to have the capital assembled and prepared for this exact kind of moment.

How United Ways idea could work

This kind of preservation fund to acquire endangered affordable housing has been discussed since at least Mayor Jim Kenneys administration, when Heller led the Redevelopment Authority.

Its a fairly commonplace innovation in other urban areas, with cities as varied as Minneapolis; Charlotte, N.C.; and Boston having their own versions in place.

Once capitalized, heres how the fund would work. When local leaders became aware that the owner of an affordable building  subsidized or otherwise  wants to sell it on the open market, the funds investment committee members would take a look at the property.

If they determine its worth buying, the fund would create a limited liability corporation (LLC) for the property with the preservation fund and the potential buyer if there is one at that stage.

The idea is that the LLC would hold the property for three to seven years, with the fund providing the buildings management and repair needs and collecting rent.

That would give an affordability-minded buyer time to put together the funds to acquire it themselves. Applications for Low Income Housing Tax Credits, which many nonprofits rely on, often take at least a year to secure.

Once the entity in question has the money it needs, it can buy out the preservation fund. The investors would get a small return from the collected rents and could either reinvest in their fund or get their money back.

Once the fund is capitalized, we would be prepared and able to buy the time it takes to do preservation, Heller said. If we dont have it, were just going to have to keep having fire drills without guaranteed success.

As United Way approaches potential investors, law firm Ballard Spahr has set up the preservation funds legal entity, and asset manager Forsyth Street is ready to administer it. The HOW Property Group, a prominent local developer and property owner, would manage the buildings short term.

Its fully structured and fully ready to go, Heller said. As soon as it has enough capital, it can start to acquire properties.

The timeline for Neighborhood Restorations properties

It is unclear whether United Ways preservation fund will be put together in time to intervene for the Neighborhood Restorations properties  which are 94% occupied.

In Levins sprawling portfolio, 224 homes already have reached the end of their regulatory restrictions, with the remaining 701 exiting the program over the next 11 years.

Levin was unavailable for an interview this week due to medical reasons, but in an February email, he assured tenants that he was seeking to sell their homes to the city in a bid to keep them affordable.

To be clear, the only group we have spoken to about purchasing our properties is the City of Philadelphia because they would and we would like to keep the properties affordable, the email reads. We have no idea how this will resolve.

Organizers with the progressive group One Pennsylvania are working with tenants and Gauthiers office to ensure that the portfolio ends up priced for lower-income people.

Although owners of LIHTC properties can extend the affordability subsidy, Gauthier fears that if Levin sells on the open market many of the properties will be transformed into market rate housing  especially those closer to University City.

This owner is at the table and wants to make this work, but the city has to demonstrate that we are willing to step up and ensure that these 925 homes remain permanently affordable, Gauthier said at the budget hearing.

The scale of Levins holdings makes it difficult for the city to handle them all at once, Parkers representatives say.

Were in the preliminary part of that conversation. Weve been able to identify how massive  this portfolio is, which means it takes a significant amount of resources" to acquire the properties, Jessie Lawrence, the citys director of planning and development, said at the budget hearing.

Neighborhood Restorations will not say how much they are asking for the portfolio. Two people familiar with the sales pitch said the company is asking $115 million, although the state of some properties could affect that number.

The company disagrees and says only cosmetic repairs are needed. The citys physical-needs assessment of the homes hasnt been completed yet.

But the amount of money allocated to affordable housing preservation in the first year of the H.O.M.E plan is $46.2 million.

To be able to rehab [this portfolio], some of which is not in the best condition, it would be not smart for us ... to invest everything into one area when we are committed to a very comprehensive strategy that is citywide, Lawrence said to Gauthier.

Parkers chief of staff said the administration would work with Gauthier on a solution.

We are committed to work with you. Weve already told you that last week. Were saying it on the record today. You can hold us accountable, Thurman said. We understand the impact and the opportunity at hand, but were not going to do it at this table right now.
At the same time, regulators have begun reviewing wildfire models to allow insurers to use more sophisticated analytics in rate filings and to link expanded capacity in higherrisk areas to approved models and mitigation incentives. FAIR Plan policies in California climbed to nearly 600,000 homes by mid2025, prompting warnings about the financial strain on the states insurer of last resort and underscoring how much exposure has migrated out of the standard market.
Athens says all of those lawsuits are related. And under the 2020 policy's related-claims provision, all "claims for loss arising from the same, related or continuous pollution conditions" are treated as if they were all first made during that same policy period. If that reading holds, the later lawsuits would fall under the 2020 policy - the one AIG already agreed triggered a defense.
On appeal, the businesses did not challenge the finding that the DMV hearing process is quasi-judicial. Instead, they focused their argument on public policy, contending that the trial court confused the need for industry regulation with the kind of power imbalance that typically justifies granting absolute immunity. They argued that the court wrongly equated the relationship between towing companies and vehicle owners with the relationship between police and citizens  a context where courts have recognized a stark imbalance of power. They also took issue with the idea that a large national insurer should be free to pepper a state agency with complaints against local towing companies without any legal accountability.
Erie's filing also walks through several policy exclusions it anticipates Cincinnati may raise, and argues none of them hold up. On the intellectual property exclusion, Erie points to the built-in carve-back that preserves coverage for the use of another's advertising idea. On the prior publication exclusion, Erie flags contradictory dates in the Grover complaint that it says leave room for covered "fresh wrongs." The knowing violation, failure to conform, and unauthorized use exclusions are also addressed and, according to Erie, do not apply on the facts alleged.
According to Guasch, this evolution underscores a fundamental change in how organizations must approach cyber resilience. Corporates should be concerned in the sense that attackers can now operate faster and at greater scale, he said. An appropriate response to this should include disciplined identity governance, strong monitoring, token lifecycle management and structured AI oversight within their own environments.
This article is part of a sponsored series by AgentSync.

And 5 tech priorities for carriers looking to tighten marginal spend

As direct-to-consumer insurance products such as embedded and app-driven signups increase, the insurance industry faces a great debate over who owns a customer relationship. Lets look at current industry trends for 2026 and into some of what we see coming in the future.

Are direct-to-consumer insurance sales cutting out insurance agents?

Yes, but no.

Yes, having an option for consumers to go straight to a carrier to write business can streamline that business process and can mean skipping the trickle down of commissions from carriers to agencies to producers. But many direct-to-consumer policies represent some of the sales that are lower-hanging fruit in the insurance world. Term life policies, renters insurance, mortgage insurance, extended warranties on appliancesthese are the sort of policies that are successful in embedded, point-of-sale, direct-to-consumer sales.

Yet, agents are still the face of insurance for a reason. Plenty of policies from cyberliability to annuities fit into the old standby that insurance isnt bought, its sold.

A working parent knows they need term life insurance. They can buy a 20-year policy for a clear dollar amount and schedule a physical online, done. But what about if that same person starts an online business, or wants to plan for retirement? Those are decisions people dont want to make alone. Having a broker or agent who will sit and help someone sort through their needs and suggest what fits may be the only way a person will buy permanent life or annuity policies, or some kind of business liability. Carriers cant afford to think about brokers and agents as only little datasets who do paperwork, because they are and will continue to be vital to the insurance sales process.

The current picture of direct-to-consumer, digital, and human channels of insurance sales

Being bullish on the role of human agents isnt just optimism: Its the reality of the market. Human agents actually increased their share of life insurance sales in the last decade. From 2015 to 2024, in the life insurance market, independent agent distribution grew from 46 percent to 54 percent; non-agent sales shrank from 13 percent to 10 percent. From 2020 to 2024, the percentage of annuity business sold by real agents didnt change.

In property and casualty, two-thirds of personal lines business was sold direct or embedded, but commercial policies are still agent-involved, with 75 percent of sales generated by human insurance agents. And lets be clear: The per policy values are much higher in commercial lines.

Embedded insurance is on the rise but dont ignore the total addressable market

Embedded insurance has made a splash, and lots of carriers and companies are enthusiastic about its potential. For good reason, too: The current $130 billion embedded market is projected to reach $900 billion in 2035. Neglecting those lines means leaving billions on the table. But the $7 trillion insurance market is projected to more than double in that time, as well. Projections put P&C business in the realm of $17 trillion and life insurance near $5 trillion. If thats the case, embedded will have grown like bonkers, but still only represent a fraction of the total addressable market of insurance.

The numbers bear it out, that the human element matters. While people say theyre unafraid to query AI to get some financial best practices and baselines, theyre far more likely to turn to a human for actual long-term financial planning. And 88 percent of people want to consult an actual human agent when theyre buying high commitment insurance policies.

5 tech priorities for smart carriers in 2026

Insurance carriers that operate at massive scales cant afford to work only a year at a time. Your tech roadmap has to take aim at an infrastructural state that may be five years into the future. To connect your tech today to the business you want to be in the next decade, youve got to prioritize:

No. 1: Tech that enables seamless customer handoffs

Prospective customers want to be able to self-service, until they dont. When a customer is ready to speak to a person, they want to talk to someone who isnt going to need a half hour of backstory to understand where they are in the sales process and what they need. Being able to autofill and identify customer needs is critical.

No. 2: Automagic back office processing

When customers have to wait for someone to fill out paperwork, you lose the sale. Having tech that can automagically fill accurate data and make back-office processes happen in the background, the speedier your quote-to-bind process is and the faster you can lock in a prospect.

No. 3: Self-service and feedback loops

Your staffers spend too much time double-checking producer work and answering questions. By prioritizing tech that allows for self-service tools and auto-reminders that provide a continuous feedback loop, you allow your staff to work on higher-leverage work and lower the amount of time you spend training and recruiting administrators.

No. 4: Administrative and operational tech

Carriers and agents both win when technology enables insurance agents to do what they do best: Sell. Tech that dials the phones faster may be helpful, but removing administrative tasks entirely from an agents to-do list opens up hours of time. When agents dont have to keep track of every paperwork detail, license number, and renewal notice, then theyre able to spend more time building the relationships that help them know clients in a way that keeps business sticky and makes sure they cover all of a persons bases.

No. 5: Connected, consolidated tech stacks

Spending on 80 different tech pieces with overlapping use cases and gaps of data silos isnt an effective use of your business dollars. Exposing those tech overlaps and gaps is painful, but doing the work of discovering how to consolidate and better connect your various systems is essential if you dont want to still be quietly hemorrhaging on your margins in 2030.

A better 2026 for a better 2030

Our customers at AgentSync are building robust tech platforms for their agents that take as much of the back-office burden from the agents as possible, giving them more time with clients, which has in turn grown their business. As a Sales professional, I can attest that people remember how you made them feel, and its just as true in insurance sales as anywhere. Being able to devote time to listening to your clients makes for better business, something your agents cant do if theyre trying to remember the last few digits of their NPN to fill in paperwork at the end of client meetings.

If youre ready to consolidate your tech stack for a better, more connected experience that enables your agents and clients alike while keeping your business spend tighter, contact us at AgentSync and see what we can do to help.

Disclaimer  AgentSync does not warrant to the completeness or accuracy of the information provided in this blog. You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and totality of all representations, assumptions, information and data provided by AgentSync to you in this blog. The information in this blog should not be construed as legal, financial, or other professional advice, and AgentSync is not responsible for any harm you sustain by relying on the information provided herein. You acknowledge and agree that the use of this information is at your own risk. You should always consult with the applicable state and federal regulatory authority to confirm the accuracy of any of the information provided in this blog.

Topics Carriers
The Trump administration said Monday it has initiated two new investigations into Harvard University over alleged antisemitism on campus and racially discriminatory admissions practices.

The inquiries, launched by the Department of Educations civil rights division, are the latest effort from Washington to pressure the Ivy League university into reshaping its policies.

If Harvard continues to stonewall as we try to verify its basic compliance with antidiscrimination statutes, we will vigorously hold them to account to ensure students rights are protected, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

If found to be in violation of the law, the department can strip Harvard of its federal funding and render the college ineligible for federal financial aid  steps the administration has threatened in the past.

A Harvard spokesman, Jason Newton, said in a statement that we are reviewing the US Department of Educations latest actions, which represent the governments latest retaliatory actions against Harvard for its refusal to surrender our independence and constitutional rights.

He also said that the university was committed to following the law, and ensuring that our Jewish and Israeli students, faculty, and staff are supported, safe, and fully included in campus life.

The move comes just days after the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the college, accusing its leaders of ignoring antisemitic harassment on campus, and a month after the department sued the school over data to support its investigation of racial discrimination in admissions. In its latest probe, the Education Department gave Harvard 20 days to hand over that data or face enforcement actions.

Read More: Trump Demand for Admissions Data Sends Wary Colleges Scrambling

The Education Departments probe similarly aims to extract admissions data from Harvard on applicants race, test scores and grades. The Trump administration has demanded such data from every college in the country via an executive order  a mandate that will face scrutiny in federal district court on Tuesday.

The Education Department probes are an escalation of the White Houses efforts to bring the Ivy League school to heel after President Donald Trump, in a fiery social media post early last month, demanded $1 billion from Harvard and accused college officials of serious, heinous illegalities.

Photo: Pedestrians walk through Harvard Yard on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Politics
Shanghai pioneers AI-driven scientific research paradigm

15:09, March 26, 2026 By Jiang Hongbing ( People's Daily

On March 1, NovaInspire announces an upgrade of its platform and launches super scientific research partner Dasheng. (Photo/Lyu Qianming)

In June 2023, Fudan University launched its campus-based cloud intelligent computing platform.

Building on this initiative, Professor Qi Yuan and colleagues proposed to Shanghai's municipal leadership that China develop large-scale scientific AI models, drawing inspiration from leading global projects.

Their proposal received approval within a week. By September of that year, the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science (SAIS) was officially established.

More than two years later, the institute has become a benchmark for "new research infrastructure," with a steady stream of breakthroughs.

On March 1, 2026, SAIS unveiled super scientific research partner Dasheng, an intelligent agent capable of autonomously breaking down research tasks and advancing projects based on natural language instructions.

Dasheng is highly versatile. It supports research across life sciences, earth sciences, humanities and other fields. Powered by strong foundational model tools, it can even generate multiple parallel "instances" to handle complex and time-intensive tasks simultaneously.

Dasheng is developed under the NovaInspire platform jointly built by SAIS, Fudan University, and Shanghai-based AI company INF. The platform made its debut at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025, where it introduced the concepts of "scientist-centered design" and "accelerating scientific discovery."

Through continuous iteration, the platform has integrated over 400 scientific models and tools, accumulated 22 petabytes of high-value data, and incorporated more than 500 million academic papers and patents, generating a growing number of innovations.

At SAIS, several domain-specific scientific models -- named after figures from Chinese mythology -- are designed to address key scientific challenges in high-value industrial applications.

In materials science, the Suiren model has built a candidate library of 12,000 molecules to train generative models, accelerating the discovery of new electrolyte formulations for lithium batteries.

In drug design, the Nvwa RNA model, combined with a proprietary siRNA database, has overcome key bottlenecks in siRNA drug development. Its goal is to evolve into a "living" scientific AI infrastructure, one that can be repeatedly used and continuously improved by scientists and industry experts.

In earth sciences, alongside the FuXi weather model, SAIS has also developed PI@Climate, a large language model trained on data spanning more than ten primary disciplines. As China's self-developed climate science model, it is already providing intelligent support for climate research, international climate negotiations, and policy-making.

Photo shows members of the Nvwa model team in a discussion. (Photo from the official account of SAIS on WeChat)

According to Wu Libo, assistant president of Fudan University and chair of SAIS, the institute's exploration is helping universities systematically validate a new paradigm for future scientific research. SAIS has already established in-depth collaboration with 43 teams at Fudan University, supporting the creation of 18 interdisciplinary centers for scientific intelligence.

"We aim to break down the boundaries between disciplines, engineering, platforms, and talent development," Wu said.

SAIS fosters innovation through initiatives like its "research bar," where young researchers can receive a free drink in exchange for sharing their ideas and innovations -- an initiative that reflects a vibrant and youth-driven culture.

The institute's multidisciplinary team averages 33 years in age. About 31 percent recruited from overseas universities and leading AI labs, while 40 percent bring extensive engineering experience from top tech companies. "Our greatest strength lies in these young talents," Wu noted.

Photo shows a "research bar" at SAIS. (Photo from the official account of SAIS on WeChat)

What attracts such a dynamic group of innovators?

Sun Xiuyu, an AI scientist in earth sciences, pointed out that under an organized research framework, SAIS provides participating teams with high-quality computing resources and considerable research autonomy, enabling young researchers to turn ideas into reality through continuous experimentation.

Wang Wenli, a materials science researcher, values the institute's collaborative environment, where scientists, AI experts, and engineers interact face-to-face on a regular basis. "What we create here naturally integrates the genetic strengths of multiple disciplines," she said.

Jiang Ruoxi, an AI scientist at SAIS, added, "What initially attracted me was the close integration with industry, but the speed of progress has exceeded all expectations."

"Our goal is to build a world-class scientific intelligence institution by 2030," said Qi Yuan, president of SAIS, expressing strong confidence in the institute's future.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Its not how the program was supposed to work. But thanks to a legal anachronism, Britains state-backed plan intended to help those most exposed to flooding has ended up favoring the countrys richest property owners.

Economists at the Bank of England have already suggested that Flood Re, the UKs flood insurer of last resort, may not be channeling enough support to those who need it most. But the full scale of the distortions isnt well understood, according to the programs chief executive.

Subsidies provided by Flood Re are flowing from poorer people in the north to some of Britains richest boroughs in the countrys south, CEO Perry Thomas said in an interview.

And that isnt the group of people that we were supposed to be helping, he said.

Read more: Londons Rich Come to Grips With Flood Risk on Their Doorstep

Thomas says the issue isnt within Flood Res power to address independently. The culprit is a council tax calculation based on 1991 property values, which underpins more than just Britains flood insurance program. Thomas says hes aware of examples in which the owners of luxury homes are able to get flood insurance at a cost of about 1,000 a year, and then make claims in the millions of pounds. At the same time, less affluent areas arent always getting the access to aid they need, he said.

The dynamic feeds into growing financial inequality in Britain, with rising property values a key contributor to the countrys wealth gap. Home insurers in the UK are required to pay into Flood Re, much like banks must pay into the countrys deposit-insurance program. In exchange, insurers can opt to transfer risky policies over to the program.

In practice, even though the levy on insurers is paid by everybody who has home insurance, Flood Re ends up allocating that more to the higher income than the lower income homes, Thomas said.

Council Tax Bands How much an insurer pays Flood Re to cover a property currently depends on its council tax band, which is determined by its value in April 1991. Band A represents the cheapest homes, Band H the most expensive. But without any updates to how those bands are calculated over the past 35 years, they no longer reflect reality, Thomas said. Back in 1991, a Band H home was anything above 320,000. For Band H properties in England ceded to Flood Re in the year starting April 2026, insurers will pay a premium of 1,613 for the flood-risk element of a policy, a figure that has risen from 1,200 when Flood Re was first launched .

A spokesperson for the UKs department for environment said the council tax bands were the most appropriate mechanism to differentiate between higher and lower value properties when the government designed Flood Re a decade ago. The current Labour government has said it will review the program before the next election, the spokesperson said.

Flood Re, which was created in 2016 with an intended end date of 2039, was designed as a temporary stopgap to help homeowners who couldnt access insurance on the open market. The idea has always been that by the end of the next decade, the UK government will have built up enough flood resistant infrastructure for Flood Re no longer to be necessary.

For now, however, the number of properties being added to the program is rising, as is the ratio of high-value claims, according to Thomas. At the same time, the financial industry has made clear its banking on Flood Re to be extended beyond its official end date, something Thomas has previously said is feeding moral hazard.

Flood Re has already sought to draw attention to the distortions that Thomas says are being allowed to play out. Last year, it published a report stating that the top council tax bands are significantly overrepresented in its portfolio.

Publicly available UK government statistics, meanwhile, show that the top council tax band accounts for just 0.6% of the total housing stock in England. Thomas says about 12% of homes in the Flood Re program are in Band H.

Some of Britains poorest areas are emerging as the biggest losers when it comes to flood insurance. A survey carried out by Diana Johnson, a member of parliament for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, found that 90% of residents of a new housing estate in the city of Hull had either been refused insurance or encountered problems renewing their policy.

Awareness of the governments Flood Re scheme is low, with many homes in Kingswood excluded or still facing unaffordable costs, she wrote in a recent newsletter, adding that the results of her survey are concerning.

Already back in 2024, researchers writing for the Bank of England published a staff working paper that warned of such risks. Flood Re has distributional implications that appear to disproportionately benefit owners of more expensive properties living in areas with higher income and lower deprivation, the papers authors wrote at the time. Meanwhile, the program risks only having a weak impact in lower income and more deprived areas, they said.

The likelihood of homes being impacted by floods is now rising as weather patterns change, according to the Association of British Insurers. Louise Clark, general insurance policy manager at ABI, says that its a great cause of concern for the industry, with climate change bringing more severe weather.

Last year, the cost of domestic flood claims rose 38% from 2024 to 312 million, according to ABI.

Clark says that claims numbers are only going in one direction, and this is up.

Photograph: Properties by the River Thames after the river burst its banks following heavy rain near Kew Bridge in London in 2016. Photo credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Flood
A U.S. proposal for ending nearly four weeks of fighting is one-sided and unfair, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday, whileU.S. President Donald Trump said Iran must make a deal or face a continued onslaught.

The Iranian official said the proposal, conveyed to Tehran by Pakistan, was reviewed in detail on Wednesday night by senior Iranian officials and the representative of Irans Supreme Leader.

It lacked the minimum requirements for success and served only U.S. and Israeli interests, the official said, while stressing that diplomacy had not ended despite the lack for now of a realistic plan for peace talks.

Read more: Iran Is Drafting Law to Introduce Tolls for Hormuz Transit

Trump described the Iranians as great negotiators but added that he was not sure he was willing to make a deal with them to end the war.

The conflict began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran has since launched strikes against Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states.

They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forward, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. Well see if they want to do it. If they dont, were their worst nightmare. In the meantime, well just keep blowing them away.

His comments came as the economic and humanitarian toll of the conflict mounted, with fuel shortages spreading worldwide, sending companies and countries scrambling to contain the fallout.

Maximalist Positions

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the U.S. had sent a 15-point action list as a basis for negotiations to end the war, adding that there were signs that Tehran was interested in making a deal.

Pakistans foreign minister said indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran were taking place through messages relayed by Islamabad, with other states including Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation efforts.

But Irans foreign minister said on Wednesday this did not amount to negotiation. At present, our policy is to continue resistance and defend the country, and we have no intention of negotiating, Abbas Araqchi said.

Any talks, were they to happen, would likely prove very difficult given the positions laid out by both sides.

According to sources and reports, the 15-point proposal to end the conflict includes demands ranging from dismantling Irans nuclear program and curbing its missiles to effectively handing over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has hardened its stance since the war began, demanding guarantees against future military action, compensation for losses, and formal control of the Strait, Iranian sources say. It also told intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire deal, regional sources said.

Trump has not identified who the U.S. is negotiating with in Iran, with many high-ranking officials among the thousands of people killed in the war across the Middle East.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict and was replaced by his son Mojtaba, who has been wounded and has not been seen in public since his appointment.

A Western diplomat said the U.S. had taken a maximalist position and there were doubts about whether Washington was genuinely seeking to end the war or instead buying time to calm markets as it prepares for a potential ground operation.

Waves of Missiles

On Thursday, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and other areas and injuring at least five people.

In Iran, strikes hit a residential zone in the southern city of Bandar Abbas and a village on the outskirts of the southern city of Shiraz, where two teenage brothers were killed, Irans Tasnim news agency said. A university building in Isfahan was reported to have been hit.

Israeli officials said Israel had killed the naval commander of Irans Revolutionary Guards, and that it had many more targets left as it degraded Iranian capabilities.

Still, Israel took Araqchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit-list after Pakistan urged Washington to press Israel not to target people who could be negotiating partners, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussion told Reuters. An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment.

Stock Rally Fades, Oil Prices Resume Rise

Hopes of a resolution to the conflict that had boosted global stock markets in the previous session dimmed on Thursday, with oil prices resuming their surge. MKTS/GLOB

The fallout from the war, which has caused the worst energy shock in history, has spread far beyond the region.

With the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas, effectively closed, the impact is rippling through sectorsfrom plastics and airlines to technology, retail and tourism.

Some governments are weighing support measures last used during the COVID pandemic. Farmers are struggling to source diesel for their tractors and tens of millions more people will face acute hunger if the war continues into June, the World Food Programme estimates.

Exchanges of missiles and drones across the Gulf continued on Thursday.

In Abu Dhabi, two people were killed and three others injured by debris from an intercepted ballistic missile, the government said.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Gareth Jones)

Photograph: First responders inspect the remains of a residential building hit in an overnight strike during the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matin Hashemi) Related: Iran Reviewing US Proposal Despite Negative Initial Response, Senior Iran Official Says

Topics USA
The UK will interdict and board Russian shadow fleet vessels in its waters, increasing European pressure on Moscow over tankers exporting sanctioned crude in transactions that help fund the Kremlins war on Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmers office said the move aims to deliver a blow to President Vladimir Putin, who is using the fleet to generate revenue to support the attacks on its neighbor.

Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets, Starmer said in a statement released Wednesday.

Thats why were going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putins war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine, Starmer said.

The move means Russian ships seeking to evade interception would have to steer clear of British waters, such as the English Channel, driving up shipping costs, according to the statement.

British military and law enforcement specialists have been training for various scenarios. These include boarding ships that dont surrender, are armed or use high-tech methods to evade capture, according to the statement.

The announcement comes ahead of Starmers visit to a Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Helsinki on Thursday. The JEF group of Northern European countries has been trying to crack down on Russias shadow fleet.

Royal Navy personnel have supported JEF countries including Finland, Sweden and Estonia in tracking shadow fleet vessels in recent weeks, the BBC reported.

Moscows war in Ukraine prompted a ballooning in the size of that dark fleet  vessels without standard insurance, often flying under questionable flags, or no flags at all, and with opaque ownership structures.

More than 600 tankers have been sanctioned by a combination of the European Union, the UK and US for their links to Russia. Of those, more than 570 have been blacklisted by the EU since June 2024, more than any other authority.

Leaders of several US allies have criticized President Donald Trump for his decision this month to temporarily loosen sanctions against Russia in an attempt to ease pressure on energy prices triggered by the Iran war. The move stoked concern among Ukraines partners that the Kremlin would benefit from the energy price spike and use the extra funds to bankroll its four-year assault on its western neighbor.

Photograph: The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) group of Northern European countries has been cracking down on Russias shadow fleet; photo credit: Johan Nilsson/AFP/Getty Images

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Russia
First Central Group Ltd., the UK vehicle and home insurer, has appointed investment banks as it prepares for a potential initial public offering in London, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company has lined up Deutsche Bank AG and UBS Group AG to steer a potential share sale, the people said, who asked not to be identified as the information is private. Its has also asked Fenchurch Advisory Partners to act as financial adviser on the offering, they added.

A listing could value First Central at close to 1 billion ($1.3 billion), some of the people said. No final decisions have been made and First Central could decide not to proceed with an IPO, the people said.

Representatives for First Central, Deutsche Bank, UBS decline to comment, Fenchurch did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The plans come as other UK insurance-related groups consider going public in the coming months, even as the war in Iran throws uncertainty over the IPO market in the near term. Private equity-backed cyber insurer CFC Group Ltd. and wealth manager Utmost Group Plc are each working with advisers on a potential IPO or sale, Bloomberg has reported.

Led by former Hastings Group executive Michael Lee, First Central offers motor and home insurance products to about 1.5 million customers in the UK. The group reported gross written premiums of 745 million in 2024 and adjusted core earnings of 111 million, according to its latest public accounts.

The Guernsey-based group previously explored a sale in 2022 via Evercore Inc., Bloomberg reported at the time.

Photograph: City of London; photo credit: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Carriers Auto London
Jurors in the first two trials in the U.S. from a growing wave of lawsuits targeting social media firms over harm to children have found Meta and Alphabets Google liable, potentially teeing up an appeals fight that could reshape how U.S. law shields tech companies from lawsuits.

In California, a Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Google liable for a young womans depression and suicidal thoughts after she said she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube at a young age, ordering them to pay a combined $6 million in damages. In a separate New Mexico case, jurors on Tuesday ordered Meta to pay $375 million after finding the company misled users about the safety of its products for young users and enabled the sexual exploitation of children on its platforms.

The verdicts pierce a legal shield that plaintiffs suing tech companies have long struggled to overcome: Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 1996 federal law that generally protects online platforms from liability over user-generated content. In both cases, the plaintiffs sidestepped that hurdle by arguing the companies harmed young users through decisions they made about the platforms design rather than the content itself.

Courts are increasingly trying to distinguish claims about platform functionality or platform conduct from claims that would really just impose liability for third-party speech, said Gregory Dickinson, an assistant professor at University of Nebraska College of Law who studies the intersection of tech and the law.

Meta and Google have denied the claims, arguing they have taken actions to protect young people.

META, GOOGLE CLAIMED LIABILITY SHIELD

In both cases, Meta urged the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, as did Google in the Los Angeles case, claiming they were shielded from liability by Section 230. The judges rejected the argument, saying the cases could move to trial.

We respectfully disagree with the verdicts and will appeal, a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. We remain committed to building safe, supportive environments for young people and will defend our record vigorously.

Google has said it plans to appeal in the Los Angeles case, but did not respond to a request for comment

Those appeals are almost certain to center on Section 230  and they could have broad implications.

Meta, Google, Snapchat parent Snap Inc, and TikTok parent ByteDance are facing thousands of lawsuits in both state and federal court over claims their design choices have led to a mental health crisis for teens and young people. More than 2,400 cases have been centralized before a single judge in California federal court, while thousands of cases are consolidated in California state court.

Legal experts say courts have been moving toward a narrower view of Section 230s liability shield. Several lower courts have ruled that companies platform design choices are not protected by the law, but no appellate court has weighed in. Appellate courts, not trial judges, are the ones whose rulings bind other courts.

IMPLICATIONS BEYOND SOCIAL MEDIA

An appellate ruling on Section 230 could have implications beyond social media, legal experts say, shaping lawsuits against other online platforms that host content used by children. More than 130 lawsuits are pending in federal court against Roblox Corporation, for example, accusing the popular gaming site of failing to protect users from sexual exploitation. Roblox denies the claims.

I think the internet is on trial, not social media, said Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University School of Law. If the theories work, they will be deployed elsewhere.

Appeals in both cases would be heard first by appeals courts at the state level. But they could go to higher courts after that.

The U.S. Supreme Court has shown a willingness to potentially decide the scope of Section 230. In 2023, the court heard a challenge involving Googles video-sharing platform YouTube, but ultimately sidestepped a ruling on the legal protections for internet companies.

In 2024, the high court declined to hear a Texas teens bid to revive his lawsuit accusing Snapchat owner Snap of failing to protect underage users of its social media platform from sexual predators. Two conservative justices  Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch  dissented from that decision, however, warning of further delays in addressing the issue. Social-media platforms have increasingly used (Section) 230 as a get-out-of-jail free card, they wrote in a dissent.

Meetali Jain, director of the Tech Justice Law Project, which brings litigation against tech companies, said she thinks the U.S. Supreme Court may now be open to weighing in on the scope of Section 230.

I personally think that the Supreme Court is even ready for a case like this, for the right case, Jain said.

(Reporting by Diana Novak Jones in Chicago, additional reporting by Andrew Chung in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rod Nickel)

Topics USA InsurTech Tech Liability Google
Risk Theory, a Dallas, Texas-based platform of insurance distribution businesses, announced the launch of Dealer Transit, a new logistics solution designed to help dealerships mitigate the growing risk of vehicle theft during transit. The program is backed by Risk Point, a Risk Theory Company and underwriting platform specializing in insurance solutions for dealerships.

Dealer Transit integrates insurance protection with a technology-enabled transportation platform to provide dealerships with a secure and insured method of transporting vehicles. This initiative reflects Risk Theorys broader strategy of combining underwriting expertise, technology partnerships, and specialized programs to address emerging risks within the industries it serves.

Dealer Transit was developed to address this business exposure by combining insurance enhancements with a controlled transportation booking.

Topics Auto Fraud
A Texas State Fire Marshals Office (SFMO) investigation helped lead to a lifetime prison sentence for a Panhandle man who set a house fire to cover up the murder of a 4-year-old girl.

Humberto Martinez pleaded guilty to capital murder on March 4 for strangling 4-year-old Hope Raley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Perryton Fire Department in Ochiltree County was putting out the house fire in 2022 when they found Raley. A medical exam confirmed that she died from strangulation before the fire was set.

The fire department found Martinez hiding in a crawl space under the house. He was the last person seen with Raley.

Perryton Police Department asked the SFMO to conduct an origin and cause investigation into the fire. SFMO determined that Martinez intentionally started the fire with a lighter and combustibles to cover the crime.

Investigations like this demonstrate the critical role the SFMO plays in uncovering the facts behind suspicious fires, said State Fire Marshal Debra Knight in a statement. Our teams work helped reveal the truth in a complex and tragic case, bringing justice and closure to the victims family.

Martinez confessed to the Texas Ranger after he was released from the hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance

Topics Texas
Just over three years ago, Florida lawmakers effectively ended one-way attorney fees, disincentivizing much of the costly property insurance claims litigation that had plagued the industry. But fees can still be awarded to either side in a lawsuit, in a process that involves hiring expert witnesses to testify on the appropriate amount.

Last week, a Florida appeals court issued what it called a sea change and long-overdue decisionone that could reduce insurers defense costs and streamline at least some lawsuits and appeals. The 6th District Court of Appeals, covering part of south-central Florida, threw out the 62-year-old court practice that had required expert witnesses and court hearings,.

The courts opinion is strong, well-reasoned, and compelling. I hope other DCAs follow it, said Matt Lavisky, an insurance defense attorney with the Butler Weihmuller law firm, in Tampa.

Lawyers on both sides of the claims litigation divide said the fee-expert and hearing practice, which was never required by Florida statute and is not followed in federal courts, has been time-consuming, costly and unnecessary. As the 6th DCA court said in its March 20 opinion, judges themselves can decide fees, based on their own wisdom and briefs filed by counsel.

I often wondered why we needed experts to tell judges (most of whom have practiced for many years) how to rule on attorneys fees and costs, said Lynn Brauer, a Miami plaintiffs attorney.

Brauer has served as an expert on fees, herself, and she ended up feeling like the arguments she made could have been done through court filings.

Lavisky, a former president of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, pointed out that the requirement had led to a cottage industry of people who testify as fee experts and ask for exorbitant hourly rates to do so.

The party seeking the fees never pays it. Instead, it is requested as a taxable cost against the opposing party, he said in an email. Thus, the threat of cost of the fee expert becomes a leverage point to negotiate an unreasonable fee.

Before the 2022 legislative changes, insurance industry advocates often gave examples of claims lawsuits that ended with five-digit awards for plaintiff policyholders but six-figure attorney fees, paid by insurance companies. Judges often based those fee awards on expert testimony and fee multipliers that added thousands of dollars due to various circumstances, such as the plaintiffs reported difficulty in finding legal representation.

Attorneys fees seem to drive some litigation where the underlying dispute pales in comparison to the potential of a fee award, the 6th District court wrote, quoting from the 4th District Court of Appeals in a 2010 case.

It turns out that many of the testifying experts are simply friends of the attorneys in the case, the 6th District opinion noted. But judges dont need that and can gain enough competent information from the lawyers involved in a case, along with billing records, affidavits and other documentation, the court said.

There was never any legal basis for the expert testimony requirement, or the requirement for universal evidentiary hearings to which it led, and these judicially invented requirements have caused the misspent expenditure of hundreds of thousands if not millions of hours of time by attorneys and judges across our state since their wrongful inception, 6th District Judge Joshua Mize wrote in the opinion. It is long overdue for these errors to be corrected, and we do so today.

The court noted that its opinion is now in conflict with at least 37 decisions from other Florida appeals courts over the last six decades, including those in five insurance cases. If other appellate courts follow suit and abandon the practice, it will mean statewide changes for insurance companies and for plaintiffs in how they manage fees and fee disputes, said Michael Packer, a Fort Lauderdale-based insurance defense attorney with the Marshall Dennehey law firm.

The 6th Districts opinion, which came in a mortgage foreclosure case, does not forbid expert witnesses or hearings if they are deemed necessary. Those may still be requested by either side, the court said.

We may continue to see parties utilizing experts to support fee claims or parties utilizing expert witnesses to support their position that the amount of fees sought is excessive or that a fee multiplier is not appropriate, Packer said. I would expect that practice to continue in larger, more complex cases or where the fees being sought are significant or a fee multiplier is sought.

One policyholder attorney said the change could disincentivize pre-hearing resolution of attorney fees if parties are no longer compelled to incur substantial costs in preparing for a hearing. The ruling may also diminish predictability in assessing litigation risk, said Gina Clausen Lozier, with the Clausen Choquette firm.

The use of expert testimony traditionally provides a clearer framework for evaluating the reasonableness of hourly rates and total fees, thereby illuminating the parties respective positionsguidance that may now be less readily available, she noted.

The 6th District judges tracked the origins of the fee-expert requirement to a 1964 2nd District Court of Appeals decision known as Lyle vs. Lyle. That courts rationale was that attorneys claiming fee awards may have a vested interest in inflating the time and hourly rates involved, and an outside perspective was needed.

But that 1964 decision cited no legal authority. And while several appellate decisions through the years have questioned the need for fee experts, most have followed the precedent. The exception has been in workers compensation cases, the 6th District opinion explained.

The appeals court noted that trial judges could now use some guidance on the issue, and suggested that the Florida Supreme Court consider amending the official rules of civil procedure to spell out how lawyers should justify, document or oppose requests for fee awards.

Topics Florida
Colorado workers compensation provider Pinnacol Assurance announced it will distribute a $15 million general dividend to its members in 2026.

Pinnacol members can expect to receive dividend checks starting March 25. More than 46,000 members in the state will receive a dividend check or credit.

This marks the 11th straight year Pinnacol has returned capital. This latest payment brings the total dividends returned by Pinnacol to Colorado employers to $905 million over the organizations history.

Pinnacol Assurance is a provider of workers comp insurance.
Marsh Risk said it has secured comprehensive insurance coverage for TerraPowers Kemmerer Unit 1 in Kemmerer, Wyoming, considered the nations first commercial-scale, advanced nuclear power plant approved for construction by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

According to Marsh, the placement is backed by U.S., London, and Bermuda insurers alongside traditional nuclear insurance pools and risk-retention vehicles. Marsh said the placement also marks the first time a next-generation U.S. nuclear plant has gained direct access to the commercial insurance marketplace.

The insurance program provides cover for TerraPower and its partners throughout the construction phase of the power plant, which is expected to commence shortly.

TerraPowers Natrium plant is designed to combine advanced fast reactor technology with integrated energy storage. The Natrium technology features a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. The storage technology can boost the systems output when needed, as it is designed to keep base output steady.

The first Natrium project is being developed through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. When completed, the Natrium plant will be the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the U.S, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Marsh Risk is a business of Marsh, a global insurance broker and risk advisor.

Topics Construction
Professional services firm Deloitte Ireland has appointed Noelle Doody and Malcolm Barske as partners, boosting the firms expertise in artificial intelligence, data and cybersecurity.

Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland, said: The timing is excellent too as Deloitte Irelands move into a single Deloitte EMEA firm. Bringing our EMEA businesses together into one integrated firm gives us the scale, capital and cohesion to move faster across 80 countries.
Did you know, Budapest has more thermal water sources than any other city in the world?

It was one of many interesting facts I learned from Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, co-founder of the luxury Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza, who recently visited Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa to celebrate an exclusive partnership.

Over tea and fresh scones, Margaret told me how she was working in New York for Time magazine when she received a call asking her to become a diplomat and move to Budapest. Six months later, she was serving as chief of staff at the American Embassy in Hungary, where she met her future husband, Stephen de Heinrich, son of the last crown prince of Austria-Hungary, and her business partner in founding Omorovicza.

Sally Foran has afternoon tea with Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza

The story

The story of the brand started with Hungarys healing waters, and Margarets experience with the noticeable difference they made to her skin. Having suffered from acne and rosacea from a young age, Margaret said she had never experienced anything that had such an immediate positive effect and the pair decided to commission studies on every thermal water source in Hungary.

Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, co-founder of the luxury Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza

The research identified an issue while minerals are beneficial, they are too large to be absorbed by the skin under normal conditions. After working with the dermatology and allergology laboratories at Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University, they developed and patented a biofermentation process to make the minerals bioavailable so the skin can properly absorb them. From this, they created the Healing Concentrate, a proprietary ingredient now at the heart of every Omorovicza product. It is clinically proven to

improve firmness, elasticity, hydration, and skin barrier resilience.

For the first time, their products are now available to purchase in Ireland at Powerscourt, along with some very special treatments.

The products

Traditionally, one of their bestsellers has been the Queen of Hungary Mist (85). Launched in 2009, it is inspired by a 14th century recipe used by the Queen of Hungary, who believed it kept her youthful (she was proposed to by a man half her age, so take from that what you will!).

A selection of Omorovicza's products

As its infused with mood-lifting notes of neroli, rose and sage, I found it not only refreshes and hydrates your skin, but also acts as an aromatherapeutic. The orange blossom scent makes it quite addictive  Im already on my second bottle. As it dispenses as an ultra-fine mist, it can be used as a hydrating toner, to set makeup, or to refresh at any time during the day.

The Elixir serum (210), launched last April, has recently replaced the mist as the brands bestselling product. It comes with a hefty dose of the aforementioned Healing Concentrate, alongside sage extract to soothe and reduce redness, minimise blemishes, reduce inflammation and help calm skin, and pumpkin seed extract, clinically

proven to outperform marine collagen and reduce wrinkles for a filler-like

The treatment

The partnership with Powerscourt emphasises healing from within with exclusive Omorovicza  Powerscourt rituals like the Blue Diamond Facial, a high-performance facial workout designed to restore energy and elasticity, and the two-hour Moor Mud treatment, which I trialled on the day. A decadent two hours of bliss, it was hands down the best body treatment Ive ever had.

A detoxifying and deeply nourishing full-body experience powered by the mineral-rich Moor Mud from Lake Heviz, it began with a full body exfoliation to refine skin texture before I was enveloped in the deeply nourishing Moor Mud body wrap. While I was cocooned in this, I had a revitalising head and scalp treatment and massage  pure heaven.

Finally, it concluded with a sculpting Gua Sha and a bespoke full body massage, with their firming body oil, to relieve tension, tone and sculpt. I floated back to my room, and struggled to go back down for dinner. If I have one piece of advice: make sure to book this treatment as close to bedtime as you can get!
This article was first published on October 12, 2024.

With a picture-perfect cityscape, that could be straight from the pages of a storybook, the Czech capital is best enjoyed during the autumn and winter months when the Interrailing students have returned to the classroom and the city becomes a winter wonderland, taking on a beguiling air with subtle hints at the magical season just ahead.

With the Vltava River running through it, Prague is also known as the City of a Hundred Spires, although a hundred might not do it justice.

Church of Our Lady before Tyn, Old Town and Prague Castle at sunset in Prague, Czech Republic,

Famous for its Old Town Square, the historic Old Town, dominated by bright baroque buildings,

Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock which gives an animated hourly show, Prague is a living, breathing, fairytale movie set.

Add to that the cultural heritage, the cafes and the architecture and 48 hours in Prague feels like an excellent idea indeed.

The view from the Charles Bridge to the Lesser town Mala Strana in Prague, Czech Republic.

Of course, Prague can be chilly in late autumn and winter, with average temperatures a few degrees lower than Ireland but on the plus side, it rains less.

The flight time is around 2  hours and the journey time from Vaclav Havel Airport into the city is around 40 minutes on the Airport Express Bus which also connects with the city's main train station.

Once you arrive, the Metro has 3 lines, taking you anywhere in the city you need.

Astronomical Clock in Prague's Old Town Square.

Out & About

A walk around the city is a wonderful way to admire the magical buildings and shopfronts. Navigating these narrow streets is a pleasure and stopping for a vanocni svarak (mulled wine) feels entirely appropriate in the cooler months.

Start at Old Town Square to visit the Astronomical Clock, or Prague Orloj, a medieval clock which dates from the 15th century, making it the oldest astronomical clock in the world.

Join the crowd in front of the tower and watch the show, which takes place on the hour every hour, from 9am to 11 pm.

Characters that make an appearance include portrayals of vanity, greed and death followed by the procession of The Twelve Apostles.

If you visit between 30th November 30th and January 6th, Old Town Square is also home to one of the magical Christmas Markets, with another in nearby Wenceslas Square just a few minutes walk away.

Old Town Square, Prague

From here, head down Charles Street (Karlova Ulice) the main route from the Old Town Square to the famous Charles Bridge (Karluv most).

Completed in 1402, Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful and photographed monuments in the world.

The bridge is guarded by 30 statues of saints that represent the most important personalities of European and global history.

Crossing the bridge brings you to the Mala Strana (Lesser Town) from where you continue up Nerudova Street to the stunning Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

A Unesco World Heritage site, Prague Castle is considered most likely to have been founded around the year 880 by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty.

Today, it consists of an array of palaces and clerical buildings of differing architectural styles, from the remains of Romanesque-style buildings from the 10th century through to the Gothic alterations during the 14th century. Both guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available.

Hop on  Hop off Tram

If walking becomes tiresome or you just want to experience THE most glamorous hoponhopoff journey ever, then grab a ticket for the Vintage Tram and discover the city at your own pace.

The vintage tram cars date from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy right through to the more recent cars from the 1960s, and all offer a great way to navigate the city.

Museums and More

House of Lobkowicz

If you do make the pilgrimage to Prague Castle, make time for a visit to the House of Lobkowicz, the only private building in the Prague Castle complex.

Home to a museum that houses the art collections of the Lobkowicz family, there are paintings by Canaletto and Rubens, as well as musical instruments and hand-annotated manuscripts by composers including Beethoven and Mozart

The museum is also home to the oldest and largest private library in Central Europe. You can also book a wine tasting or tour at Zamek Lobkowicz Roudnice winery which has been in operation since 1603.

Kafka Museum

Located on the Lesser-Town banks of the Vltava River, The Franz Kafka Museum opened in 2005. A brooding homage to the famously eccentric Czech-born writer, the exhibition consists of two parts Existential Space which delves into the way Prague shaped the author himself and Imaginary Topography which explores Kafkas enigmatic references to unnamed locations that appear in his works.

The Prague State Opera.

Prague State Opera

There is something magical about attending the opera in Europe, especially over the winter months.

A visit to the Prague State Opera is no different. Scheduled performances between now and Christmas include La Traviata, Puccinis La Boheme, Madam Butterfly and Hansel and Gretel.

Kunsthalle Praha.

Kunsthalle Praha

Located in the historic centre of Prague, Kunsthalles mission is to document and showcase the art scene of the 20th and 21st centuries both in the Czech Republic and Europe in general.

Kunsthalle is home to three large gallery spaces, a design shop and a cafe and terrace with stunning views over Petrin Hill and Prague Castle.

There are a range of artists' residencies and short-term exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from both Czech and International artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

EAT & DRINK

Cafe Slavia, Prague.

Cafe Slavia

Located on the banks of the Vltava River, Cafe Slavia is reputedly the oldest cafe in the city and aniconic establishment in Prague culture.

The cafe of choice for artists, writers, and intellectuals since opening in 1884, writers Karel and Josef Capek, along with a host of other luminaries frequented the understated Art Deco cafe.

Traditional specialties of the house include beef tartare with truffle mayonnaise and dried egg yolk, a classic schnitzel or Czech pancakes with sour cherries.

Cafe Slaviais equally good for breakfast, drinks, afternoon cake or dinner. Nab a window seat for stunning views of Prague Castle and the National Theatre.

Traditional Czech fare in Prague.

Vycep

More gastropub than restaurant in style, make no mistake, Vycep is all about the food.

A refreshing treat in a city where many restaurant menus favour traditional Prague ham and pork knuckle, Vycep serves delicious, creative food with panache in a cool room.

Choose from the good value lunch or dinner menus or splurge on the tasting menu with an option for either a beer and schnapps pairing or a wine pairing.

The unmissable sourdough potato and buckwheat bread is served with veal bone marrow butter and buckwheat miso.

Lokal Dlouhaaa

Beloved by locals, the Prague city branch of the Lokal pubs group serves up to 1500 people daily with hearty traditional foods with an extensive range of beer taps to match.

A long, cavernous room, reminiscent of a modern-day beer hall, the food menu changes daily but expect good value dishes such as chicken broth with noodles, Cevapi (grilled minced meat rolls) with onions, mustard and buttered potatoes, too many sausage dishes to mention and schnitzel in many forms. Never fear, there are some salads on the menu too.

SHOP

Praha 7

The Holesovice area has undergone something of a transformation in recent times with the year-round Holesovice food and produce market being the epicentre.

In a renovated steam mill, Vnitroblock houses an industrial cafe, restaurant, cinema, the DOX centre of contemporary art, a distillery, clothing stores and a barber shop.

A former industrial quarter, the Praha 7 neighbourhood is today filled with street food vendors, produce stalls, gallery spaces and creative pop-ups.

Na Prikope

A leafy, pedestrianised boulevard that links Wenceslas Square and Republic Square, Na Prikopedates back to the 13th century and is lined with shopping malls, boutiques and specialty shops.

Pay a visit to the Moser Crystal outlet for stunning Czech glassware.

STAY

Alfons Boutique Hotel

Located just a ten-minute walk from Wenceslas Square, Alfons Boutique Hotel is adjacent to bothMetro, bus and tram stops making getting around town a cinch.

Inspired by the works of world-famous Czech painter Alfons Mucha and the Art Nouveau period, rooms are tasteful and cosy withall the trappings one would expect from a good four-star hotel.

For those travelling with a group,there are also 2-bed apartments with kitchenettes. Rooms from 90 per night.

The Emblem

A luxury boutique hotel just steps away from Old Town Square, The Emblem is a family-run hotel and a design lover's dream.

The walls are adorned with commissioned works from both local and European artists and the list of designers tasked with bringing the hotel vision to life is impressive.

Rooms are slick and classic in style, with all the functional conveniences of a modern hotel, but its the shared hotel spaces that make you want to linger for longer.

The overall impression is a cosy, Bohemian-inspired haven, albeit in the centre of the city. Rooms from 125.
More than half of adults in Munster say the Government is not doing enough to address the acute shortage of early-years places available for children.

The finding comes from a new survey published as about 40,000 children under the age of three remain on waiting lists countrywide  including 3,947 in Cork alone.

The ninth annual Early Childhood Ireland Barometer, published on Thursday, shows 81% of people in Munster believe every child should be guaranteed access to earlyyears and schoolage care within their community.

Some 79% say earlyyears education should be made free for all children, similar to primary school, while 72% believe parents should receive financial support to stay at home with their child for the first 12 months.

The barometer also found 61% of adults in Munster support better pay and conditions for early-years graduates, with many saying those holding degrees aligned with teaching qualifications should receive the same terms as primary school teachers.

Early Childhood Ireland director of policy Frances Byrne said it was clear the system does not meet the needs of children and families".

This years poll shows that over half of adults in Munster believe the Government is not doing enough to address the shortage of early-years places, signalling a clear demand for urgent, decisive action, said Ms Byrne.

The survey combines public opinion data with policy analysis to track Government progress on key commitments for the early-years and school-age care system.

From our analysis, it is clear that the Government needs to address funding and staffing issues urgently to address challenges with capacity. Early Childhood Ireland has long advocated for bringing early-years graduates under public sector terms and conditions, in line with primary school teachers, said Ms Byrne.

Without better pay and conditions for the workforce, capacity cannot increase, and waiting lists will remain a reality for thousands of children and families.

Ms Byrne added while there had been some significant progress on key commitments, workforce issues continue to lag behind".

Given the unsustainable Cork staff turnover rate of 28%, we are calling on the Government to take urgent action to address the underlying issues around pay and conditions, she said.

The survey of 1,007 adults was carried out by Red C.
The family of a Cork man who suffocated to death while being restrained in a Cork City nightclub is appealing for his case to be reexamined on the 25th anniversary of his death.

Adrian Moynihan was 23 when he died at Sidetrax nightclub on March 26, 2001.

An inquest in 2003 found he died from asphyxiation caused by the manner in which he was restrained. Dr Marie Cassidy, the former State pathologist told the inquest his neck had been compressed; he had been held facedown, restricting his ability to breathe; and his arms were held behind his back, limiting the expansion of his chest as he attempted to breathe.

Bruises and abrasions on Adrian's neck, chest, arms, and legs were also noted at the autopsy  but the bouncers involved in restraining Adrian denied kicking, beating, or biting him.

Gardai called to his parents home on the morning of March 26, 2001. They woke up to gardai saying, you need to get ready and come to the hospital straightaway. They didn't know that was happening, Adrian's brother Alan tells the Irish Examiner.

He and his brother were called to identify the body in hospital. We could see wounds, marks, and bruising. There were lumps and bumps all over. There were marks around his neck. I noticed one part of his chest was higher than the other."

Final moments

CCTV footage captured some of the final moments of Adrians life. He had arrived at the nightclub with a friend who was refused entry. After a brief exchange, Adrian lashed out at one of the bouncers. Security staff then pulled him inside the club.

He was restrained in a corridor with no CCTV coverage.

A surveillance camera captures Adrian Moynihan (centre, light shirt) in an altercation outside Sidetrax nightclub. Picture: Provision/RTE

When gardai arrived minutes later, they saw Mr Moynihan was unwell and called an ambulance. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead.

The Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to prosecute, but the family is now seeking an explanation for that decision more than 20 years on.

Adrian Moynihan's father Andrew, sister Audrey and brother Darren lay flowers outside Trax nightclub on the occasion of the second anniversary of his death.

They are also calling for a new inquest, arguing the original verdict of death by misadventure was inappropriate. They believe a finding of unlawful killing should now be considered  an option that was not available under the coroner system when the inquest was held in 2003.

We're not happy with the results of the original inquest, which states that Adrian died from a misadventure, implying that it was an accident. We know it wasn't an accident," says Alan.

Adrian Moynihan was just 23 when he died. Picture: Provision

The family met with justice minister Jim OCallaghan at the end of January about the death of the apprentice mason, from Ballyvolane in Cork City.

He listened but said that he couldnt do anything because the DPP and the Coroners Court are independent bodies.

He told us if we wanted to do something wed have to go through the Attorney General."

The family has written to the Attorney General requesting that Adrian's case be re-examined.

The family believe excessive force at Sidetrax, located on Grafton Street between Oliver Plunkett Street and the South Mall, resulted in Adrians death that night.

The family is also dissatisfied with the way gardai conducted the investigation at the time, he said.

They have written to Fiosru, the Garda ombudsman, asking it to open an investigation. Although Fiosru declined to do so, the family has appealed.

We've been banging on closed doors. But we're staying with this, says Alan.
An inquest into the death of a 59-year-old woman who was attacked close to her home in Cork city last November has heard that she died from stab wounds to the thorax.

Stella Gallagher was fatally injured in an incident in Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork, on November 17, 2025. She was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital.

Her husband, Brian, was also seriously injured in the incident. The 63-year-old was taken to Cork University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told Cork Coroners Court that the cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to stab wounds to the thorax.

Sgt Fergus Twomey applied for and was granted an adjournment. He told Coroner Philip Comyn that a person has appeared before the courts in connection with the death. The inquest was indefinitely adjourned to allow criminal proceedings to take place.

Stella Gallagher was a native of Ballinspittle, Co Cork. She was a retired chemical engineer who worked for many years at Eli Lilly in Kinsale, Co Cork.

She was laid to rest on November 25, 2025, at St Michaels Cemetery in Blackrock, Cork, following Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ballinlough.

Mourners were told that Stella had an innate generosity and brightened the lives of others.

Her brother-in-law, Alan Gallagher, also said that she derived great pleasure from her involvement with the Togher Community Garden and the Cork Health Education Project Choir, with whom she sang.

Meanwhile, David Gallagher, of Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork,has been charged with the murder of his mother and with assault causing harm to his father close to the family home on November 17 last.

The 25-year-old first appeared in court charged with the offences on November 20, 2025.
Gardai have warned the public to be vigilant to scams ahead of the Ryder Cup 2027 in Adare, as general admission tickets are expected to be on sale this spring.

In a newsletter issued to local residents, Superintendent Michael Fleming said: Fraudsters are always looking for opportunities to target unsuspecting people and the impact of their efforts can be significant.

As local residents who rent their homes during the Ryder Cup could make up to 25,600 in a week through official channels, properties have also been listed on unofficial websites.

Supt Fleming added: The heightened profile of Adare, now and in the run up to September 2027, will create opportunities for these bad actors to develop fraudulent websites purporting to sell tickets, accommodation, merchandise, travel packages and every other event-related activity you can imagine.

He urged the public to ensure they make payments through official channels, as it can be very difficult and often impossible to recover money.

Different types of accommodation will be made available ahead of the tournament, including glamping, cruise ships, and more hotel spaces.

55,000 fans at Adare Manor each day

Meanwhile, Adare Manor is set to welcome approximately 55,000 golf fans a day.

The Ryder Cup Europe organisers have advised golf fans to only book accommodation once they have secured their tickets.

The organisers also noted that because the Ryder Cup does not have a fixed stadia like other sports, all the key infrastructure will have to be built at the venue. This will include grandstands and hospitality  a process that is set to begin towards the end of the first quarter of 2027.

They also said these plans will focus on enhancing the fan experience.

Tickets for residents

Chief Ryder Cup officer for Ryder Cup Europe, Richard Atkinson, said in the letter sent to local residents that a certain amount of tickets will be put aside for those living locally in Adare, in the spirit of co-operation.

It was also revealed 35,000 people from 87 different countries have applied to become volunteers  with 2,000 positions available.

They will fulfil two types of volunteer role  the traditional on-course marshal role and a new ambassador role that will support the overall fan experience and the smooth running of the event.

Richard Atkinson said: There may be 16 months still to go until the 2027 Ryder Cup comes to Adare Manor and Limerick, but there is already considerable excitement across the island of Ireland.

"We are making good progress with all elements of our planning and preparation for next years event, which is set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever to be staged in Ireland.

"We look forward to making some notable announcements in the coming months, including details of how Irish fans can get tickets and ensure they are part of the 100th anniversary of golfs greatest team contest when it returns to Ireland for the first time since 2006.
Parents of scoliosis patients have urged the Government to show them expert reviews, which they claim are being kept from them, ahead of the terms of reference for a statutory inquiry being drawn up.

One advocate told the Irish Examiner that if they are not aware of all the information surrounding the scoliosis scandal, they cannot ensure that justice is delivered for children.

The Government confirmed last year it would launch a statutory inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI), following meetings between Tanaiste Simon Harris, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and the parents of the late Harvey Morrison Sherratt.

As part of those discussions, it was agreed that the Governments appointed facilitator, Remy Farrell SC, would engage with stakeholders on scoping the content of potential terms of reference for an inquiry.

However, Claire Cahill, co-founder of The Scoliosis Advocacy Network, has now called on the Government, Ms Carroll MacNeill, and Mr Farrell to ensure all unpublished reports on the recent spinal scandals are provided to the families so that they can be fully informed while drafting terms of reference.

This includes a report by Selvadurai Nayagam reviewing elements of the paediatric orthopaedic surgical service at CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh.

The first phase of the review was completed in February and saw the recall of 62 children for spinal care at CHI following a review of the care of 91 children who underwent surgery performed by a named consultant.

Knowledge gap

Ms Cahill expressed fears that this knowledge gap would prevent the establishment of the best possible inquiry for their children.

She said: For any inquiry to be whole and to bring back good results for our children, families cannot be asked to engage in the inquiry while being denied access to the same reports held by the State.

There are lots of unpublished reports that the State and the facilitator for this inquiry have access to. Yet they expect us as families to sit at the table and formulate terms of reference without access to the information.

To have a fair process, families should be able to access the same information, she said, adding: We have written to the minister and also to the facilitator, Mr Remy Farrell, asking for these reports to be issued for us to do justice for the children who have suffered hugely for more than a decade.

We need to have access to this information so that we can sit down and, from the start, make it from the start a good process.

Otherwise, we may end up with an inquiry that doesnt really serve the needs of our children.

These unpublished reports belong to the children. They are the childrens data. In order for us as advocates and groups to do justice for the families we represent, we must have access to all of the data held by the State.

We could actually all miss really important issues because were not aware of them.

A Department of Health spokesperson said that work on this scoping exercise commenced on March 3 and will run for up to 16 weeks.

They said: [On Tuesday] both Houses of the Oireachtas approved data protection regulations for this scoping exercise, which will allow the facilitator to process personal data and meaningfully engage with all stakeholders.The minister is in engagement with the facilitator on the necessary material required for his scoping exercise.
The Government has accused construction firm Bam of seeking to blur the timelines for completion of the National Childrens Hospital, as a further delay was confirmed.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill criticised Bam as a revised completion date is now not expected for another three weeks.

The delay was confirmed by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Baord (NPHDB), saying it had been informed of the delay by Bam on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Ms Carroll MacNeill said a recent meeting she had with parent company Royal Bam led to an agreement to increase resources and ensure the work met clinical and technical standards required for patient care.

The spokesperson added that Bam said it would provide clarity on early access for Children's Health Ireland (CHI).

Despite these commitments, the minister has yet to receive a satisfactory response, the spokesperson said.

Instead of confirming when the promised resourcing uplift will be delivered, Bam has attempted to blur the timelines for completion - proposing partial delivery by April 30 without a resource-loaded plan or a credible path to finish the job.

This contrasts sharply with Bam Ireland and Royal Bams public statements that they are unwaveringly committed to achieving substantial completion and that all necessary resources are being deployed. These claims are not reflected on the ground, work completion rates, nor in any verifiable information provided to the minister."

The spokesperson said that there has been fluctuating staff resources on the site, which Bam has denied, saying there are between 850 and 900 staff on site per day.

The State demands that Bam honours its commitments and deploy all necessary resources without further delay and meet required standards, Ms Carroll MacNeills spokesperson said.

Responsibility for delivering this project sits squarely with Bam Ireland and the State will not reduce the pressure or dilute that accountability."

In a statement, a BAM spokesperson said it is not accurate or constructive to state that BAM has continuously missed completion dates, adding that dates are missed due to design changes.

This has been denied by the NPHDB, which told the Health Committee there has been no material change to the hospitals design.
A new book by Guardian Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll examines the hunt by British intelligence to capture Roger Casement and his role in assisting to foment  and ultimately attempting to call off  the 1916 Rising.

The book offers a unique take on the life of not just Casement but also other figures central to the Rising, as well as the British intelligence chief engaged in fighting a war against Germany while suppressing rebellion in Ireland.
Violence against women and girls is the shame of our society and we must do everything possible to end it, were the words of Declan McNally as he paid tribute to his sister Natalie, who was three months pregnant when she was murdered in 2022.

This week in Belfast, her partner, Stephen McCullough, was found guilty of her murder. In the same week, a male suspect has been arrested and charged with the murder of 23-year-old Ellie Flanagan in Enniskillen, and police have launched a murder investigation into the killing of Amy Doherty, a young mother in Derry, murdered over the weekend.

Northern Ireland is the most dangerous place in the UK and Ireland to be a woman, and the second-most dangerous region for women in all of Europe, with femicide levels outranked only by Finland. Women account for 90% of sexual offence victims and 67% of domestic abuse victims, according to data from the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Thirty-three women and young girls have suffered violent deaths since 2020. Each one of these violent crimes devastates an entire family in unimaginable ways, and leaves an indelible mark, not only on local communities, but on our collective humanity.

We in wider society cannot allow the lives of each of these women to be mere statistics. Politicians have issued statements, reaffirmed their commitments to ending this cycle of violence, and pointed to government efforts to effect change  but they can do more.

The total number of domestic abuse crimes recorded in 2024 and 2025 was 91% higher than it was 20 years prior. Whilst this spike may be partially influenced by an increase in victim reporting and police recording practices, the figures speak to a more pervasive issue; the Good Friday Agreement promised the people of Northern Ireland a future free from violence, but the violence has not gone away, it's concealed behind closed doors.

Research from Ulster University suggests 98% of women in Northern Ireland have experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime, with 50% enduring maltreatment before the age of 11, and seven out of 10 experiencing some form of violence or abuse within the last 12 months.

After the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, peace was primarily defined as the absence of sectarian war between men. Violence against women was largely relegated to a private or social issue rather than a political priority.

It wasn't until September 2024 before the Northern Ireland Executive finally launched its first comprehensive Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls. By international standards, we continue to lag far behind our post-conflict counterparts, with lethal consequences.

Culture of silence

The systemic levels of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is not unique; across the island of Ireland, women are at greater risk of harm.

Despite being two different jurisdictions, societies north and south have been shaped by religious institutions that emphasised the sanctity of a conservative perception of the family unit, often at the expense of the individual safety of women.

For decades, a culture of silence has protected perpetrators and isolated women in dangerous circumstances, often in their own homes.

This isolation can be further compounded for women in rural areas where tight-knit communities can create added layers of fear and shame.

The context in Northern Ireland differs, and is more extreme, due to the high levels of violence endured throughout the Troubles, and the complete absence of effective transitional justice mechanisms.

The threat posed by paramilitary organisations who enforce a form of community policing continues to persist in some of the most disadvantaged areas.

A 2022 report from Cooperation Ireland focused on a gendered analysis of paramilitary coercive control concluded that violence and coercive control against women is an organised strategy used by paramilitaries on an international scale.

This control is compounded by a culture of silence and high levels of poverty  both of which, paramilitaries thrive on. Northern Ireland does not have an anti-poverty strategy.

Instead of ridding ourselves of the scourge of paramilitaries from society, we watch TV advertisements, akin to safe driving ads, warning of the coercive control weaponised by paramilitaries; the presence of these dangerous, illegal organisations has become normalised.

The first minister and deputy first minister both provided statements condemning violence against women and girls following the conviction of McCullough. That they chose to deliver their messages separately suggests a return to the trenches ahead of next years Assembly election, when the people they're meant to represent desperately need a joined-up approach.

The stop-start nature of the Northern Ireland Assembly has limited real progress, while the mandatory power-sharing agreement restricts any single party from advancing a progressive agenda.

Women were only mentioned twice in the Good Friday Agreement, and neither references highlighted their vulnerability and the need to tackle systemic violence.

How we compare to other countries

By contrast, Colombia treated violence against women and girls as a barrier to peace; during the Havana peace talks a specific gender sub-committee body was formed to review every line of the peace treaty.

A transitional justice court was established with a specific jurisdiction for crimes against women during the conflict. The law specifically recognises that economic independence is the most effective long-term shield against domestic violence.

In Rwanda, where sexual violence was used as a weapon of war during the 1994 genocide, the government determined that the best way to combat violence against women and girls was to increase womens representation at the highest levels of government, manifested in-part with a 30% gender quota across all decision-making bodies.

Today, 63% of parliamentarians in Rwanda are women  far beyond Ireland, North and South  although there are concerns the regime is not democratic and parliamentarians have limited power.

For victims and survivors, the government created the Isange Model; a one-stop access point located within hospitals that provides immediate treatment, forensic evidence collection, counselling, emergency housing and a police officer on-site to record statements.

By contrast, victims across this island face a bureaucratic labyrinth of services that behaves more like a physical and emotional barrier to healthcare and justice.

Liberias dedicated sexual crimes court was created to solve the problem of cases languishing in a slow, general court system. What is to prevent Northern Ireland or Ireland from establishing a specialized domestic and sexual violence court?

In Timor-Leste, the Nabilan program, run by the government, works with the Catholic Church and traditional leaders to challenge the preconception that maintaining family honour requires concealing domestic abuse as a secret.

In Sierra Leone, success in tackling violence against women came from creating a chain of referral centres that connect isolated rural women to urban legal services.

'The Power to Change'

Northern Ireland is currently in the middle of its First Delivery Plan (2024-2026). The focus right now is on "The Power to Change" campaign, which targets the attitudes of men and boys  a direct lesson learned from the Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone models of social change.

The problem is that Northern Ireland is attempting to adopt the theory of other successful post-conflict transitions without the infrastructure needed to turn theory into action.

Women make up over 50% of the population, and are being failed systemically. We cant keep ignoring the legacy of Northern Irelands conflict, nor the legacy of Irelands patriarchal past.

Strategies are of little use without the infrastructure to support them. Northern Irelands peace process is praised as a global example, but it stands as an outlier in its failure to protect women.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said it is a little bit far-fetched to suggest the theft of his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeneys phone was in any way linked to the release of files on Peter Mandelson.

There are concerns exchanges relating to Mr Mandelsons appointment as British ambassador to the US could be lost as a result of the snatching of the mobile phone in London in October 2025.
Italian authorities have impounded 20 million euros (17.3 million) worth of property, artworks and financial assets in and around Florence that were allegedly purchased with money stolen from original Bond girl Ursula Andress.

The seizures were the result of an investigation launched after Andress reported to Swiss authorities that she had been swindled out of assets by financial advisers.

The 90-year-old told Swiss newspaper Blick in January that she had been defrauded out of 18 million Swiss francs by her long-time financial adviser over an eight-year period. The newspaper said the adviser had died in the meantime.

I am still in shock, Andress was quoted as saying. I was deliberately chosen as a victim. For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me shamelessly and exploited my goodwill in a perfidious, indeed criminal, way in order to take everything from me. They took advantage of my age.

Ursula Andress was a former Bond girl (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The stolen funds were invested in foreign companies, used to buy assets and then channelled through transactions designed to conceal their source, Italian authorities said.

They were traced to the purchase of 11 real estate properties, 14 plots of land cultivated as vineyards and olive groves, along with artworks and financial assets in Florence and the neighbouring Tuscan countryside.

Authorities did not say if any arrests were made.

Swiss-born Andress is best known as the first Bond girl, Honey Ryder, in 1962s Dr No, which featured her memorable entrance emerging from the sea in a white bikini.

She went on to work with Elvis Presley in Fun In Acapulco and Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in Four For Texas. She later transitioned to a European cinema and television career, before retiring in the early 2000s.
Iran and the United States appear at an impasse over the possibility of ceasefire talks, setting the stage for another escalation in the Middle East war.

Thousands more US troops have neared the region, Israel poured more troops into southern Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles and Gulf nations worked to intercept fire. Heavy strikes were reported in Irans capital and other cities.

In a war that appears defined by who can take the most pain, the US has offered shifting objectives, including ensuring Irans missile and nuclear programmes are no longer a threat and ending Tehrans support for armed groups in the region. Washington at one point also pushed for the overthrow of Irans theocracy.

While the US-Israeli campaign has hit Irans military and government hard, killing top leaders and striking scores of targets, Iran continues to fire missiles and there is no sign of an uprising against the government.

(PA Graphics)

For Irans leadership, merely outlasting the onslaught could be seen as victory. It may be hoping to get the US to back down by hitting the world economy with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted oil and natural gas shipments and raised prices worldwide for energy and other goods.

Short of a negotiated solution, the US would need a dramatic escalation to end Irans attacks and restore the free flow of goods through the strait, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime.

Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal from the US while putting forth its own demands.

President Donald Trump has vowed to strike Irans power plants if it does not fully reopen the strait  and his new deadline for that looms this weekend.

A Gulf Arab bloc said on Thursday that Iran is now exacting tolls from ships to ensure their safe passage through the waterway.

A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Iran has been blocking ships from the strait that it perceives as linked to the US and Israeli war effort, while letting through a trickle of others. Mr Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that Iran is allowing some oil tankers through as a sign of good faith for talks.

Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a bloc of six Gulf Arab nations, said Iran was charging for safe passage.

Lloyds List Intelligence called it a de facto toll booth regime, saying that at least two vessels have paid in yuan, Chinas currency.

Irans grip on the strait and relentless attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have sent Brent crude, the international standard, up more than 40% since the war started.

Israel said it killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, and the countrys naval intelligence chief, Behnam Rezaei. Defence minister Israel Katz said Mr Tangsiri was responsible for bombing operations that have blocked ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Pro-government supporters chant slogans and wave Iranian flags during a rally in western Tehran on Wednesday (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Using Pakistan as an intermediary, Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point action list, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed on Thursday, calling it a framework for a possible peace deal.

Mr Witkoff said there were strong signs the US could convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction.

A day after saying Iran wants to cut a deal, Mr Trump posted on social media Thursday that Tehran needs to get serious soon on negotiating an end to the war before it is too late.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

But Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war and does not plan to. He said the US had tried to send messages to Iran through other nations, but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.

Egypt is also acting as a go-between, according to Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty, who said on Thursday that his country sees a desire from both sides for calm, for the exploration of negotiations.

Meanwhile, a group of ships, including the USS Tripoli, drew closer to the Middle East with some 2,500 Marines.

Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne  trained to land in hostile territory to secure key territory and airfields  have been ordered to the region.

Ali Bahreini, Irans top envoy to UN institutions in Geneva, warned on Thursday that any US and Israeli attempt to mount a ground invasion of Iran would be a big mistake.

Israeli security and rescue forces at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

The Israeli army said on Thursday it had deployed the 162nd division into southern Lebanon, joining thousands of troops that have moved there since the war erupted. Israel says the open-ended invasion is aimed at protecting its northern border towns from Hezbollah attacks and uprooting the militant group from the area.

Israel also said it carried out a wave of attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure early on Thursday. Heavy strikes were also reported around Isfahan, home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of Irans nuclear sites.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that power is out in some areas of Irans capital Tehran, though no official reports have been released yet. Witnesses had earlier reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

Loud booms could be heard across Israel as it was repeatedly targeted by barrages from Iran. Israels emergency service said a man in his 30s was killed near the northern coastal city of Nahariya after a wave of strikes that came from Lebanon. In the United Arab Emirates, two people were reported killed by shrapnel from a missile interception over Abu Dhabi.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, deputy health minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera.
Human Rights Watch  (Beirut)  Israeli forces have expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon after indicating an intent to forcibly displace residents, destroy civilian homes and conduct strikes that could target civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. Forcible displacement, wanton destruction and attacks deliberately targeting civilians are war crimes. Countries that continue to provide Israel with arms and military aid risk complicity in the Israeli governments serious violations in Lebanon.

On March 22, Israels defense Minister, Israel Katz, issued a statement announcing that he and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ordered the acceleration of the demolition of Lebanese houses in the border villages in order to thwart threats to Israeli communities  in accordance with the Beit Hanoun and Rafah models in Gaza. On March 16, 2026, Katz said that hundreds of thousands of Shiite residents of southern Lebanon [] will not return to their homes south of the Litani area until the safety of Israels northern residents is guaranteed. Displacement orders issued by the Israeli military to residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut between March 11 and 15 further stated that the Israeli military will not hesitate to target anyone who is present near Hezbollah members, facilities, or means of combat.

For over two years, Israels allies and European states that purport to support and uphold human rights have buried their heads in the sand as atrocities continue in Lebanon, as in Gaza, said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. Atrocities flourish when there is impunity, and other countries should no longer stand by as they continue.

Since the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,029 people in Lebanon, including 118 children and 40 medical workers, as of March 22 according to Lebanons Ministry of Public Health. In recent days, Hezbollah has fired an average of about 150 rockets per day, according to the Israeli military. Hezbollah attacks have injured at least 15 people in Israel, according to Israeli mediareports.

On March 4 and 5, the Israeli military issued displacement orders for the entire population of Lebanon south of the Litani River and all residents of Beiruts southern suburbs, which include hundreds of thousands of people. Since March 12, the Israeli military has expanded the areas subject to displacement orders, ordering residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Zahrani River, 15 kilometers north of the Litani River, and 40 kilometers north of Lebanons southern border with Israel. Over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon thus far.

The Israeli defense ministers statement, indicating that Shiite residents of southern Lebanon will be prevented from returning to their homes until an undetermined safety standard for Israels northern residents is guaranteed, signals that Israel will prevent residents from returning to their homes for an indefinite period. The sweeping nature of the displacement orders, and the statements that do not address the protection of the displaced civilians, raises concerns of the war crime of forced displacement, Human Rights Watch said.

Singling out Shiite residents further indicates that Israel is imposing such measures based on their religion, a human rights violation, and further indicates that the residents security is not the aim of the displacement.

Ordering the Israeli military to accelerate the destruction of Lebanese homes raises serious risk of the war crime of wanton destruction and violations of the prohibition under international law against deliberately destroying civilian property except when necessary for lawful military reasons. The mere possibility of future military use by armed groups of some civilian structures cannot under the laws of war justify the wide-scale destruction of whole homes across Lebanons border.

Between March 11 and 15, the Israeli militarys Arabic spokesperson issued at least five nearly identical displacement orders for residents of seven neighborhoods in Beiruts southern suburbs, after first issuing a sweeping displacement order for entire southern suburbs of Beirut on March 5. The statement ordered residents to evacuate the area immediately and called on them to not return to those neighborhoods until further notice.

The orders further stated that the Israeli military will not hesitate to target anyone who is present near Hezbollah members, facilities, or means of combat. This differs from previous orders issued to residents of Beiruts southern suburbs, which stated, for example, that Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, facilities or means of combat is putting their lives at risk.

On March 5, minister in the defense ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, who sits on the security cabinet and also serves as Israels finance minister, recorded a video statement standing at the Israel-Lebanon border, stating that very soon, Dahieh [Beiruts southern suburb] will look like Khan Younis, in Gaza. Human Rights Watch has previously documented war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide by the Israeli military in Gaza.

These statements, combined with Israeli forces previous conduct of war in Lebanon, raise serious concern that the Israeli military may target civilians, based solely on their presence in or proximity to areas where Hezbollah is present.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have committed numerous violations of the laws of war and apparent war crimes in Lebanon with total impunity, including apparently deliberate or indiscriminate attacks on journalists, civilians, medics, financial institutions, reconstruction-related facilities, and peacekeepers. They have also unlawfully used white phosphorus in populated areas, among other violations. Human Rights Watch has documented several unlawful attacks in Lebanon using US-made weapons.

Civilians who chose to stay in areas subject to displacement orders in southern Lebanon are particularly at risk of being cut-off from food and medicine supplies and other aid, Human Rights Watch said.

In a statement published on March 18, the Israeli Military Arabic spokesperson said that bridges crossing over the Litani River into southern Lebanon would be struck to prevent the movement of reinforcements and means of combat into southern Lebanon. Between March 13 and 22, the Israeli military said that it struck at least four Litani River bridges.

Hezbollah should take all feasible precautions to protect civilians in its operations in Lebanon and Israel.

Civilians who do not evacuate following orders are still fully protected by international humanitarian law. Forced displacement is prohibited under the laws of war, except in cases in which civilian security is involved or for imperative military reasons.

A person who commits serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intentthat is, intentionally or recklesslymay be prosecuted for war crimes. Individuals may also be held criminally liable for assisting in, facilitating, aiding, or abetting a war crime.



File photo of Tyre, Lebanon by radwan skeiky on Unsplash

Lebanons judicial authorities should initiate domestic investigations of serious international crimes, and the government should accede to the International Criminal Courts Rome Statute and submit a declaration accepting the courts jurisdiction prior to the date of accession, including since at least October 7, 2023.

Israels key allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, should suspend military assistance and arms sales to Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials credibly responsible for ongoing serious abuses. They should levy further pressure on Israel to ensure that displaced residents can return to their homes once hostilities end or once the reasons for their displacement cease to exist.

The Israeli military does not get to decide when civilians lose protections afforded by international law nor should it be allowed to prevent displaced residents from returning to their homes based on some undefined safety standard, Kaiss said. Deliberately targeting civilians, civilian objects, and others protected under international law would be a war crime, and countries supplying Israel with weapons need to realize they are risking complicity in war crimes too.

Via Human Rights Watch
In its latest report to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan paints a picture of escalating abuses. What we have seen since May last year is a steady escalation of the conflict by government forces, who are trying to regain control of the areas occupied by the Nuer ethnic group, Commission chair Yasmin Sooka of South Africa tells Justice Info.

What we have seen particularly since January is aerial bombardments across seven of ten states. Civilians are particularly being targeted, and that is coupled with the forced recruitment of boys and young men, including abductions of young men who are then being taken to the frontlines. Weve also seen widespread sexual violence. Weve had the targeting not only of civilians but also civilian infrastructure, she adds.

According to evidence the Commission has gathered, she says some of these crimes could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. But David Deng, a US-trained American-South Sudanese lawyer who has been conducting peace-related research in South Sudan for some 15 years, says that mass atrocity crimes have being going on in South Sudan for years, and it is hard to judge whether they are worse now than in the past. But definitely what I can say is that we are heading into a much more volatile period, he tells Justice Info.

Historic Dinka-Nuer rivalry

Ethnic groups in South Sudan pulled together to fight for independence from Sudan, which they finally gained in 2011, making South Sudan the worlds youngest country. But since then, starting with civil war in 2013, they have been fighting each other. Rivalry is particularly strong between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups. President Salva Kiir is Dinka, while his First Vice-President Riek Machar is Nuer, and he is now in jail, on trial for treason.

As well as fighting between government and Nuer forces, Sooka says there are also ethnic militias all over the place, and the government has formed alliances with some against the Nuer. Among the worst abuses, says Deng, theres one incident in which government forces lured people out of their homes with promises of food aid, and then proceeded to kill several dozen people, including women and children.

Ugandan government forces have been supporting those of South Sudan, which at the very least is a violation of international sanctions on military aid to South Sudan, as pointed out by Amnesty International. Senior South Sudanese government and military figures, as well as allied militia leaders, are accused of inciting ethnic violence. The current violence is particularly bad in Jonglei state, where ethnic dimensions are compounded by desires to control oil and gas resources, Sooka says, but it has also spread to other parts of the country and could engulf most of South Sudan. She fears that with conflict also in Sudan to the north, South Sudan could be drawn into a wider regional conflict.

The hybrid war crimes court at an impasse

Successive peace agreements have run into trouble. Under regional pressure, a Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed in 2018, but Sooka says its key elements  a permanent Constitution, power-sharing, security sector reform and unified forces  have not been implemented. Starting in 2015, peace accords also provide for three forms of transitional justice, to be set up simultaneously: a hybrid court led by the African Union (AU) in partnership with South Sudans government, to try those most responsible for war crimes; a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH); and a Reparations Authority. But none have yet been set up.

Sooka says the government lacks political will. Its resistance seems to be strongest to the hybrid court, since it may fear people in its own ranks could be prosecuted. When I met with the president last year, his cabinet ministers in the meeting said the reason they want this hybrid court, Mr. President, is that you will be indicted and prosecuted, Sooka recalls. Back then, she pointed out to the president that with command responsibility, he had an important role to play in setting up such a court to try people who had stepped over the line, and that it was a government commitment.

But, she says, South Sudans government and the AU are currently playing ping-pong on the issue: The AU says it is waiting for an invitation, and the government has said quite publicly that the AU has not delivered the required guidelines to the government of South Sudan. So what you have is a bit of an impasse.

There is also the issue of funding. Deng says international partners are behind the hybrid court in principle, but I dont know how many would commit money. There was a point at which the US had put five million dollars towards it, but then the AU didnt spend that money and it was either reallocated, taken back or disappeared for some reason from the hybrid court, he adds. There is also the fact that South Sudan has its allies in the AU, and once the head of state has taken a position, its very hard for the AU to do anything about it. [Ugandan President Yoweri]Museveni is now protecting the government, and its going to be very hard for the AU to act.

Waiting for Truth Commissioners

Both Sooka and Deng say there has been a bit more progress on the CTRH and Reparations Authority, with legislation establishing them adopted at the end of 2024. But even as we speak, there has been no announcement about the appointment of Commissioners [for the CTRH], neither has anything been said about when this body will be set up, and what kind of funding is going to be made available to these two bodies, says Sooka. Theres a lot of stalling on that front as well, and thats a pity, because I think a properly-constituted Truth Commission could do an enormous amount of work which could be of benefit to the country.

Theres been a selection panel established, with civic actors  representatives of civil society, womens groups, academia, survivors, faith-based institutions  but the political parties themselves dont have any role, according to the legislation, in that selection process, Deng says. The CTRH is unique among institutions in South Sudan as it is not subject to the power-sharing agreement. So that selection body was constituted, and they did interviews in December and January, identified a shortlist of individuals and forwarded those names to the Ministry of Justice.

According to the legislation, the CTRH is to have seven Commissioners: four from South Sudan, and three from other African states, put forward by the African Union. So South Sudans government has four names of South Sudanese, but has not yet published them, saying again that it is waiting for the AU. Although it has been a long struggle, Deng thinks there is a decent chance that the CTRH could be set up some time soon, although the issue of funding remains. He says the South Sudanese candidates for commissioners, whose names he has seen although they are not officially published, are quite strong.

Reparations: the least well thought through

Deng says the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA) is the least well thought through. I think probably the drafters of that part of the peace agreement didnt properly appreciate what reparations entail, and everyone has different understandings of what reparations are, he continues. So it hasnt been conceptually developed very well.

Asked about the governments position on this, he says they have enacted the legislation, so seem ready to move ahead, at least more than on the hybrid court. However, the way its designed, the board has representation from both warring parties and other opposition groups, so its not an apolitical body the way the CTRH is meant to be. And now, given the standoff between the government and opposition, any decision that requires joint approval is challenging, to say the least.

Sooka says that while legislation on the reparations mechanism has been passed, its the one issue that the government wont really talk about. I remember that, even going back to the peace talks, the government had a lot of reservations around the Compensation and Reparations Authority, she says. We have been saying to the government that compensation particularly is very much part of the tradition and culture in South Sudan. And if you look at the way many disputes are settled, this is not something strange.

More international pressure needed

If this body were set up, together with the Commission, I think it could go a long way to looking at the questions of reintegration, of land, and return of people to their homes. But I would argue there is not much appetite on the part of the government to actually set that body up, she continues.

Sooka thinks the international community needs to exert more pressure. You cant have just an expression of concern, which I think has been the practice, she says. You need to have really coordinated, consistent and sustained pressure to ensure implementation of the full peace agreement and accountability for the violations.

Ultimately the onus is on South Sudanese to make something happen, and unfortunately we have a culture of dependency, which has come with decades of international intervention, says Deng. We have to find a way of overcoming that. If transitional justice is going to deliver anything meaningful, South Sudanese have to take ownership of it.
Ghanaians in the streets of the capital Accra were full of pride -- and already looking toward future "justice" -- Thursday after the United Nations recognised the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity."

The day prior, the resolution -- pushed for by Ghanaian President John Mahama, who travelled to New York for the vote -- was adopted to applause by a 123 in favor.

"It's not just a historic moment for us as a country, but it also validates the suffering of our ancestors and opens the door for justice," said Abigail Selikem Teye, a casually dressed student with a handbag slung over her shoulder.

The excitement was also evident in nearby Benin, which, like Ghana, has leaned into its painful past to encourage tourism and offer citizenship for descendants of slavery.

West and central Africa were devastated by the transatlantic slave trade, which from the 16th to 19th century saw millions of men, women and children shipped to the Americas to work in brutal -- and often deadly -- conditions.

In many of those same countries, black people continue to face discrimination and poverty today.

"This vote allows us to name things without fear of reprisals. The next step will, I hope, be an uninhibited call for reparations," said Ousmane Aledji, a Beninese writer in Cotonou, who told AFP he followed the vote "with much interest."

Others in the country's economic capital, like art historian Lylly Houngnihin, were "disturbed by the abstention of certain countries -- those which were the most enriched by the crime".

- 'Africa has suffered' -

Despite being non-binding the vote at the General Assembly headquarters in New York was contentious.

The United States, Israel and Argentina opposed the measure, while 52 member states abstained.

Critics including France said the resolution's designation of the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest" crime "risks pitting historical tragedies against each other".

It also comes, however, as countries like the United States have been criticised for restricting education on slavery and black history.

The resolution did not mention other slave routes in Africa, including across the Sahara Desert or Indian Ocean.

But it singled out the transatlantic trade's duration, brutality of the "racialised chattel enslavement of Africans" -- as well as present-day consequences including "the persistence of racial discrimination and neo-colonialism".

It did not explicitly demand reparations, though it "encourages member states to support initiatives aimed at reparatory justice".

Many argue Africa is still living with the slave trade's dire consequences.

"Who will pay for all the problems this caused? Africa has unfortunately suffered the two greatest scourges in history: slavery and colonization," said Franck Ogou, director of a pan-African heritage preservation programme in Porto Novo.

Larissa Adjivon, a 42-year-old Beninese entrepreneur, told AFP: "Recognition is good, but concrete actions should follow."

"We talk about reparations or restitution, but for me, the question is, what does this change for Africa today?"

- 'Return' to Ghana, Benin -

For Obadele Bakari Kambon, if "enslavement in totality is the wound," then the "healing part of it comes through repatriation."

The African American professor became a Ghanaian citizen in 2016, part of a wave of black people from the United States and elsewhere that Ghana has pushed to "return" to the country.

In recent years, more than 1,000 people have reclaimed citizenship as the country has also encouraged tourism as a way for people to learn about slavery -- and for some, their direct family heritage.

At the end of last year, Benin also launched a citizenship programme for members of the African diaspora.

burs-fvl/nro/giv
After talking honestly about her personality and recent acting work, including a scene with Moon Sang-min that got a lot of attention, South Korean actress Lee Yi-dam is getting a lot of attention again.

Lee is known for being able to work in many different genres. Recently, she has been in several projects that show off her range. She has also done a new pictorial and interview that give people a look at how she acts off-screen.

Naver says that Lee showed off a range of ideas in a fashion spread for Singles magazine, switching between moods that were both elegant and intense. The magazine said that she could change her visual style, which added to her reputation as a dynamic performer.

Lee talked about her personality outside of the spotlight in a statement she gave during the interview." In reality, I am an introverted and shy person, but when I am in the public eye, I want to be someone who works hard at everything."

The interview also talked about how she was getting more comfortable with photo shoots and being in public. "Photoshoots are a completely different realm from acting, so it was awkward at first, but now that I approach it with the mindset of enjoying it, it becomes much more fun," she said.

READ MORE: Cha Joo Young and Lee Yi Dam Reportedly Blindsided By Nude Scene in 'The Queen Who Crowns' Until Last Minute

Her recent acting jobs have also helped her become more well-known. Ten Asia says that Lee played two very different characters in the shows Lady Dua and Pavane, showing that she can handle performances that are very different from each other.

Lee talked about those roles and how she played each one differently. "If Mi-jeong was a dark and heavy character, Sera was much softer, and I thought a lot about how to express the emotions of each character."

Even though Lee's part in Pavane was small, she got a lot of attention for a storyline in which she had a one-night stand with a character played by Moon Sang-min. This got people talking.

The interview also brought out Lee's personal connection to her work now. She said, "My first pictorial shoot was also with Singles," which shows how much she works with the magazine.

People in the business say that Lee's rise in popularity is part of a larger trend in which Korean actors are becoming more popular for their acting skills and for how they connect with fans through honest interviews and stories.

Her most recent comments show the difference between how she acts in public and how she acts in private, which is something that happens to many actors.

READ MORE: Moon Sang Min Dragged Into Dating Rumors After Idol's Ring Sparks Speculation






Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Police and social development officials in Bangkok have arrested 16 foreign women accused of selling mechi in Sukhumvits Soi 4, Khlong Toei district, authorities confirmed.

The operation, which took place at around 8:30 PM, followed complaints from foreign tourists and reports circulating on social media about suspected activities.

Officers from Lumpini Police Station, along with teams from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, immigration officers, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, carried out surveillance before moving in to make the arrests.

Authorities said the suspects included 10 Tanzanian nationals, five Kenyan nationals, and one Vietnamese national.

Following the arrests, officials from the Department of Womens Affairs and Family Development imposed administrative fines.

The suspects were then handed over to the Immigration Bureau, where their visas were revoked and they are set for deportation under Section 12(8) of the Immigration Act.

All 16 women have been sent to the Immigration Bureau headquarters in Suan Phlu for further legal proceedings.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 26, 2026 - A creative Kenyan lady has gone viral after sharing a witty antiRuto song on TikTok, signaling her desire to see President William Ruto lose his reelection bid in 2027.

In the short clip, she cleverly reworks American RnB superstar Beyonces hit If I Were a Boy into a parody packed with political satire.

One of the standout lines goes: If I were Wantam, I would run to Sugoi, And give back the funds I have stolen.

The phrase Wantam was popularized by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has rallied Kenyans to make Ruto the countrys first oneterm President.

Sugoi, meanwhile, is Rutos rural home in Uasin Gishu County, often referenced in political banter.

Her remix arrives at a time when Gen Zs are mobilizing under the Niko Kadi campaign, encouraging peers to register as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

With this youthful demographic widely expected to play a decisive role in shaping Kenyas next leadership, their sustained online attacks and creative protests against Ruto are drawing attention.

Analysts have warned Ruto and allies not to dismiss the rising tide of Gen Z dissent as online noise, insisting it may be a signal of the electoral storm brewing ahead.

Watch the video>>> below

For me it's the lyrics!!!!! pic.twitter.com/h9tGFSntJ5  Munjiru wa mbari ya Karanja (@wakariowa) March 26, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 26, 2026 - A Kenyan businessman has shared a heartbreaking account of betrayal after a woman he trusted stole millions from him and vanished, only for him to later discover that he was not the biological father of the child they were raising.

According to his narration, life was stable in 2023.

His business was doing well, and he was comfortably servicing a car loan without financial strain.

However, things took a drastic turn after he met a woman he quickly grew close to.

Their relationship moved fast, and within two weeks, she informed him that she was pregnant.

He chose to take responsibility, welcoming her into his home and supporting her fully, believing they were building a future together.

Despite noticing red flags, including an unusually early birth, he chose to ignore them out of trust.

That trust would later cost him dearly.

The businessman revealed that he had given the woman full access to his bank accounts and M-Pesa, never suspecting she would betray him.

While he was away on a 14-day trip to Rwanda, she withdrew Ksh 5 million, money belonging to clients, cleared his car loan, and transferred the remaining funds to accounts under her control.

Upon returning, he found his house empty.

The woman had disappeared with everything, including the child.

The most shocking revelation came later when he discovered that the child he believed was his was not biologically his.

Despite the massive financial loss and emotional pain, he says the experience taught him hard lessons about trust.

He is now focused on rebuilding his life, stronger and wiser, while warning others to be cautious about who they trust.

Check out this full post.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 26 2026 - A Kenyan man who has lived in the United States for 22 years is facing deportation after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a r@pe conviction in Baltimore County.

Jackson Kabut Gichema, born in 1978, was arrested on Tuesday, March 24th, and is now awaiting removal proceedings.

Authorities say Gichemas detention follows a r@pe conviction in Baltimore County, a case that has ultimately sealed his fate.

Records show he entered the U.S legally in 2003 on a visitors visa but overstayed, remaining without legal status for more than two decades.

Court documents reveal that Gichema challenged his conviction, including an appeal to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals in 2011.

Despite these efforts, the ruling stood, leaving intact both the criminal judgment and a final order for his removal from the country.

Before being transferred to ICE custody, Gichema had been serving time at a Maryland Department of Corrections facility in Hagerstown.

His move to immigration detention marks a shift from criminal incarceration to deportation enforcement.

ICE has confirmed that Gichema will remain in custody while arrangements for his removal are processed.

No specific date has been set for his deportation, as officials continue to finalize the legal and administrative steps required to deport him to Kenya.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 26, 2026 - The United States Embassy in Nairobi has cautioned Kenyans against violating visa regulations, stressing that misuse of the process could lead to permanent consequences.

Charge dAffaires Susan Burns, in a statement on Thursday, March 26th, revealed that some Kenyans traveling to the U.S for business, tourism or education have been abusing visa terms by submitting fake documents, overstaying their permitted time or attempting to change visa status once in America.

Burns warned that such violations could trigger stricter measures, including visa bonds or even suspension of visa services.

Kenya has avoided restrictions so far, but it is still important to remember that a visa is a privilege, not a right.

False statements or inconsistencies can lead to permanent visa ineligibility, she emphasized.

She urged applicants to submit legitimate information and avoid fake agents who generate fraudulent documents.

Burns also reminded Kenyans to respect the admit until date stamped upon entry, noting that overstaying could bar them from returning in the future and make it harder for other Kenyans to gain entry.

The warning comes just days after the U.S Embassy in Uganda advised travelers to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover unexpected expenses such as travel disruptions and medical emergencies.

The embassy cautioned that abusing U.S taxpayerfunded benefits could result in permanent bans from traveling, studying or working in the United States.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
KILDARE students were celebrated recently for this years Rubbish Film Festival, as the winners of the Kildare section were announced.

The award ceremony, held at the Moat Theatre in Naas, showed the passion and innovation of Kildares emerging filmmakers, with students using film to explore key environmental issues in creative and impactful ways.

Proudly supported by Kildare County Council, the Rubbish Film Festival empowers transition year students to spotlight environmental challenges through one-minute films.

Participants were invited to explore themes such as waste reduction, climate action, fast fashion, biodiversity, and responsible consumption. Their films combined research, storytelling, and visual creativity to inspire meaningful conversations and positive action about sustainability.

The Kildare winners for this year were: Colaiste Chiarain Leixlip Community School for their film Blinded, which won Best Film, runner-up Maynooth Post Primary for their film Nightmare on Your Doorstep, Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen won Best Poster, and Colaiste Lorcain in Castledermot won the award for Impact Film for their film The Truth Is Plane to See.

Richard Curtin of Kildare Co. Co. presents the Impact Award to students from Colaiste Lorcain, Castledermot for their film titled The Truth is Plane to See

Richard Curtin presents the Best Poster Award to students from Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Richard Curtin, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kildare County Council, said:

Kildare County Council is delighted to support the Rubbish Film Festival 2026. The creativity and conviction shown by the school participants this year is truly inspiring. What makes this competition particularly special is that it places local voices at the centre of global environmental issues. I want to congratulate all the winners and participants in this years competition; you have all advocated for a more sustainable world.

Richard Curtin of Kildare Co. Co. presents the Best Film Award to students from Colaiste Chiarain Leixlip Community School for their film Blinded

Dave Sheehan, Rubbish Film Festival, added: "It was fantastic to see the creativity and passion from the ten schools who took part in the Rubbish Film Festival in Co. Kildare. The energy and imagination from the students' films on display at the Regional Awards was extremely high and shows how engaged young people are with environmental issues. Id like to thank Kildare County Council for their continued support of the festival, which plays an important role in raising awareness about waste, climate action, and sustainability, not only here in Kildare but across the country."

The winners will now progress to the National Rubbish Film Festival Awards in Dublin, where they will represent County Kildare alongside finalists from across Ireland.
DID he have a death wish for his birthday? said a judge to a man he banned from driving for two years after he was clocked on the motorway at 171kph.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was addressing Brandon Hickey (21), of Cloncollig, Tullamore, Co Offaly who was in Naas District Court recently for sentencing, after being charged with dangerous driving at Kilmore townland, a little to the West of the AppleGreen Services on the M4, on 19 June, 2025.

The weather was good, dry, good visibility. When we stopped him he said he was travelling from Mullingar, and when arrested, we brought him to Leixlip Garda Station, said the arresting garda.

Was he co-operative? asked the judge.

Oh, yes, said the garda.

Mr Powderley, you will be lucky to keep him out of jail, said the judge to the defending solicitor.

It was his birthday two days before, and he was travelling up to Dublin for a concert, said the solicitor.

At 171 (kph)? Did he have a death wish for his birthday? asked the judge.

He needs his car for work, and I have a letter from his employers, said Mr Powderley, handing it in to the court.

He has no previous (convictions) and he lives at home, he added.

I keep saying this, speed kills. Id rather see him lose his licence than his life, said the judge, before banning Mr Hickey for two years, and fining him 500.

If it wasnt what Mr Powderley said for you, youd be going to jail, concluded the judge.
TEN hardy Kilcullen residents braved the chill of the St Patrick's morning Liffey during the Sponsored Swim organised by patrons of the Spout Bar to raise funds for the Kilcullen Heritage Wall mural, commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action (KCA).

They were Patricia Byrne, Tony Gahan, Gary Mulhall, John Langan, Susan Langan, Eoin Houlihan, James Byrne, Gary OShaughnessy, Tomasz Gil, and Nicky Langan.

Oooohhh! That's bloody cold!

KCA has expressed thanks to Patricia Byrne, who came up with the idea, and to all who braved the elements and took to the Liffey on the morning. "Thanks also to the Canoe Club for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities and to all who turned out to support the effort," said KCA's Noel Clare afterwards.

Earlier in the weekend, a large crowd attended a KCA Table Quiz held at Fallons of Kilcullen, where the establishment using every available table and chair into service to accommodate the turnout. Ray Kelly acted as quizmaster, with questions set by local historian Joe Kelly. Special thanks were extended to Sean and Patrick Kelly of Fallons, along with all their staff, for their support on the night and for providing finger food for participants.

The KCA initiative will be a striking feature at the Newbridge Road entrance to the town, complementing several other artworks around Kilcullen. The artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design, has developed a theme that incorporates local history, heritage, nature, and the environment.

It is hoped to have the piece in place in the spring.
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DELIGHTED cheers greeted the relaunch of Penneys in Portlaoise this morning, following a 9m makeover that brought 25 new jobs and doubled the size of the store.

Eager crowds gathered outside the outlet in Laois Shopping Centre, as the ribbon was cut by Laois Co Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, a dapper dresser who no doubt had one eye on the greatly expanded menswear department.

He was joined by Fintan Costello, head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, together with the staff team led by store manager Orla Hudson. There was a stampede of shoppers as doors were officially flung open at 9am, on what the Primark group describes as Bigger, Brighter, Better: A New Chapter for Portlaoise.

The big relaunch came 55 years after Penneys opened a store on Lyster Square in Portlaoise in 1971, moving to the Laois Shopping Centre two decades later in 1991.

The new look Penneys has more than doubled in size, from 8,130sq. ft to 20,000 sq. ft, while about 25 new jobs have increased the staff team to 75. They include many long-serving employees, with more than 15 per cent having worked at the Portlaoise store for over 20 years.

Among them are Susan Kerry, who will celebrate an incredible 47 years service this year and Christina Ryan, who has worked in Penneys for 38 years.

The new store includes much larger childrens and ladieswear departments, wider walkways, display tables made of recycled materials and curved lightboxes, eight new self-service checkout tills and a new back-of-house area for staff.

Work on the expansion began last September and was carried out in stages, after Penneys got planning permission to extend into two neighbouring vacant units.

The extended section opened to customers in December, while work went ahead on refurbishment of the old store over the past three months.

Commenting on the relaunch, Mr Costello said: We know our customers in the area have been waiting for this for a long time and were so excited to showcase our new space.

The store is now more than double the size, giving customers a brighter, more spacious place to shop even more of the great value fashion and everyday family essentials they love from Penneys.

Its also fantastic to be growing our team with new roles and to celebrate the many long-serving colleagues who have helped make the store such an important part of the community for so many decades.

The budget retailer has announced plans to invest 250m in new and existing stores over a 10-year period, including the development of a 75m state-of-the-art distribution centre in Newbridge, Co Kildare, which is set to open later this year.

Founded in Ireland in 1969, Primark has more than 480 stores across 19 countries in Europe, the US and the Middle East, employing more than 80,000 people.
When Bob Flavin attended a routine appointment with a dental hygienist in January 2024, he did not expect to make a discovery that would change the course of his life.

In his mouth was a strange growth. The hygienist didn't know what she was looking at either, he recalls. She thought I had burned something in my mouth. Bob had mouth cancer. Head and neck cancer is what the general term is, but I only had it in the mouth, he says.

It was a surprise, he says, as he did not display symptoms. Shock was not the only emotion: I was worried about my family  It's not what I was supposed to leave behind.

Bob, who lives in Portlaoise with his wife and family, was concerned he would become entirely dependent on family if he were to become a skinny, very sick man. He wondered whether his wife would have to look after him.

He continues: I was more worried about that part of it than actual death. That didn't really bother me. Bob had no will and no health insurance. I was too young for any of that kind of stuff, he says. At the time of diagnosis, he was 52. He is now 54.

He was admitted to St. Jamess Hospital in Dublin, where he underwent 11.5 hours of surgery. Two weeks I was in hospital for, and a week in intensive care, he says.

The surgery to remove the tumour also removed much of his soft pallet and teeth. Bob had to learn to speak again.

I started training in speech and language therapy, he says. I was told before I started that my voice would come back to relatively normal, maybe a little bit more nasally, in about four months. It's been three years and it still hasn't, I'm still not back where I was. Losing his voice has affected much of his work. Bob is a journalist who, since 2010, has discussed cars on his YouTube channel BobFlavinVideo.

I was one of the first to do car reviews in video, he says. As of March 2026, he has over 78,000 subscribers.

Although the motivation to produce content is still there, the reality is that it's very difficult to make videos, he says.

He notes that, while his loyal fans have stuck with him, he now finds it difficult to attract new viewers: I cant expect someone to sit down and watch five minutes of my weird speech pattern. After surgery, Bob underwent radiotherapy five days a week for six weeks. It was unsuccessful. I think because my tumour was so close to my eye socket  They couldn't focus on the actual area where it was without damaging my eye.

Bob Flavin

He continues: [Radiotherapy] is a full-time job. You are going to the hospital every day. For 10 minutes you lie on a bed in a lead-lined room. You're on your own, there's no sound. There are no noises or radio or anyone talking to you  It's weird. It's a weird thing. Bobs cancer returned, and this time his consultant told him it was inoperable. The tumour had spread essentially all across my cheek and into my lower lip and into my eye socket, so it was rampant, he recalls.

His tumour was the size of a fist. He was signed over to oncology in St Jamess Hospital and a Laois-based palliative care team called out to house. Bob made a will; his family prepared for the end.

Then, a miracle. Through a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and steroids, Bob began a rapid turnaround.

Within 3 weeks I felt wonderful  I had a huge tumour reduction. Everything started to disappear outside and inside my face  And I started feeling better.

Bob is still undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy. His last two scans have been clear of tumour activity. That doesn't mean it's not there, he is quick to add. It just means, visibly, they don't see anything, but it could be sitting in cells or DNA in a small way.

A piece of skin from Bobs arm was used to cover the area where the tumour had been removed. Unfortunately, chemotherapy has made that disappear. There's a hole now where there should be a piece of skin, says Bob.

This has created issues with eating and drinking. I can drown from a glass of water because the airway passages open in my mouth, Bob explains.

It's possible to choke on food and I have problems swallowing now, but I've gotten used to it, he continues. I nearly drowned once in my own blood. Bob experienced what is sometimes called a herald bleed, which is a form of bleeding that presages a fatal rupture.

I lost two litres of blood in 15 minutes in a basin here in the house, he says.

There were no warning signs. Bob was simply eating when he suddenly tasted iron. I put my hand up and I went, Im bleeding  It was terrifying, I felt no pain, nothing. I was just bleeding out. Bob was starting to drown in his own blood. He moved to the sink and let it pour into a basin.

Thankfully, Bobs wife was at hand: An ambulance would have taken 20 minutes, but I only live about 5 minutes from Portlaoise Hospital, so we went in her car. They arrived at A&E. Staff at Portlaoise Hospital stopped the bleeding by closing all the veins in Bobs mouth.

Bob once again found himself in A&E in January when he had a sudden heart attack. A stent was put in and Bobs cancer treatment continued after a short break.

They've saved my life on two occasions, Bob says of Portlaoise Hospital staff. They are wonderful, those people.

Bob is not alone in his diagnosis. Mouth, head and neck cancers affect over 700 people in Ireland each year, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

The National Cancer Registry says it is the seventh most common form of cancer in the country, with the disease claiming the lives of over 200 people annually.

However, Bob says that for three years after his diagnosis, he never once met anyone who had mouth, head and neck cancer: I'm in oncology  where these people are around, but I don't know who has what. You can't just ask, what are you in for?

Bob finds there are sometimes limitations within HSE-led support groups: We couldnt talk to each other; we couldn't set up a WhatsApp group. Unless you meet face to face, [people] wont communicate.

He finds this isolating: Not only has my voice been taken, but its quite lonely. Bob believes it is important for cancer patients to meet others like them to discuss medication, therapy and offer advice.

Patients know an awful lot about the system because we're in it all the time, he says. If we can bring that information in through a network of other people who all have the same problems, then that's wonderful.

Bob has recently met other people like him: We all talk like me. There's one woman missing her tongue, another man missing his voice box, all those similar cases.

When Bob experienced his heart attack, he coined a new phrase to describe himself: fierce hard to kill. Using this as a guiding mantra, Bob hopes to establish a charity system under that name that will allow others who have cancer to meet, communicate, collaborate and support one another.

Bob has big ambitions for it. One in two of us will get cancer in Ireland, and when you're dropped into that system, when you have cancer, the information for the first couple of months comes at you so fast and so hard that all you can think is I have cancer. You don't think about anything else.

Bob also believes recovery support is vital: When you start to recover, youre ejected out of the system. Little bits of it close off and you never hear from them again  How do you return to normal life when you can't talk, eat properly, or are still sometimes in treatment?

Bob says it can be very hard to enter back into normal life without someone ahead of you who has been through [the system].

That's what I want to do, he says. That's who I want to be.

Petrolhead Bob is back out and about

Bob Flavin has set up a GoFundMe to support his treatment and living costs. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bob-flavin-fierce-hard-to-kill
A former prison officer who admitted dealing prescription drugs has walked free from court on a suspended sentence.

During a planned search of Aaron Sheridan's Dublin home on February 8, 2024 gardai found over 61 tablets sitting loosely in an Irish Prison Service-issued peaked hat. Around 900 tablets were found separately in a rolled up sock.

Sheridan (38) initially told gardai that the tablets were for personal use as he had a cocaine addiction and he took up to five tablets to come down from the cocaine. He later told The Probation Service that he was supplying the tablets to other colleagues in the prison service.

He denied to gardai that he ever supplied drugs within the prison. Garda Shane Cunningham told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that there is no evidence to indicate Sheridan was supplying the drugs in prison.

Sheridan of Belclare Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 9 pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home. He also admitted having the proceeds of criminal conduct which related to 1,200 cash found at his home.

Sheridan was also charged with possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct in his bank accounts. This money laundering charge related to 118,000 in allegedly unexplained monies moving in and out of his bank accounts during an eight year period between 2017 and 2024.

No plea was entered on this count, but it was taken into consideration for sentencing.

Eoghan Cole SC, defending, said his client had a gambling addiction which was out of control by the time he had joined the prison service in 2018. Counsel said that the movement of significant levels of cash through his bank account over the eight years included payouts from online gambling companies and casino apps.

He said his client also took in cash from nixers and from covering shifts for other prison officers. He said it's now accepted that all of this was irregular and was not dealt with properly with respect to declarations to Revenue.

Garda Cunningham accepted that at the time of his arrest, Sheridan was in debt and that there were no trappings of wealth. He agreed with Mr Cole that the average bank balance was generally quite low in value over the eight-year period.

READ NEXT: 'I might consider calling in the governor' - judge says judicial review may be needed over prison access problems

Sheridan was charged in February 2025 and pleaded guilty last November to the two charges. His three prior criminal convictions are for minor road traffic offences.

The father of two has since resigned from the prison service.

Judge Orla Crowe said she was giving him the chance of a lifetime and handed down a two-year sentence and suspended it for a period of four years on strict conditions.

At the sentence hearing on Thursday, March 26, the judge noted he had resigned as a prison officer but said it is a role in society which is a particularly trusted one.

His fall from grace is significant, she added.
A Laois TD has called for cancer patients to be automatically entitled to medical cards as the financial burden on patients was raised in the Dail on Tuesday, March 24.

Independent TD Brian Stanley showed his support for Sinn Fein's Deputy David Cullinane who tabled a motion on cutting the cost of cancer care for patients, including medical cards and free parking at hospitals.

The issue came about as the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is due to end this year and a new strategy is needed from next year. Deputy Cullinane said a new strategy is needed to "drive improvements in access to and the quality of care from 2027."

Laois TD Brian Stanley welcomed the proposal, stating "many cancer patients are being failed."

Deputy Stanley pointed out the significant figures of cancer diagnoses across the country and county, with 42,000 people diagnosed per year in Ireland and approximately 370 people each year in Laois. He also noted that these figures do not include non-melanoma skin cancer. He said Ireland also has the third highest mortality rate for people with cancer in the EU.

READ NEXT: 'I might consider calling in the governor' - judge says judicial review may be needed over prison access problems

Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Stanley said: "Unfortunately, in the most recent figures that we have from 2024, 138 people died from cancer in the county. I acknowledge the great work done by the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in Portlaoise. Those centres need more Government support. A lot of the money is raised voluntarily."

"In Laois, people face challenges with costs. Obviously, many of them do not have medical cards. They have to travel to hospitals generally in Dublin. They have to pay tolls, parking fees and extra fuel. One of things that needs to be done is to waive the parking charges for cancer patients. It is a very simple measure that can be taken."

Another cost saving measure for cancer patients included giving them automatic entitlement to medical cards.

"I have come across a case where a person died from cancer without being able to get a medical card. Their income was very modest, but they could not get a medical card because of the low-income thresholds," Deputy Stanley told the Dail.

As well as the financial burden faced by cancer patients, Deputy Stanley stated that delays in surgeries and cancer diagnoses must also be targeted in the new national strategy.

"The delays in surgery are shocking. They are not being done within the timeframe. According to the Irish Cancer Society, 61% of prostate surgeries are not being done within the target timeframe. A total of 45% of breast surgeries and 39% of lung operations are not being done within the targeted timeframe," he said.

"There are delays in radiotherapy, with 23% of cases not being done within the target timeframe, while in chemotherapy, the figure is 15%. That is shocking. Imagine the stress and worry for people who are delayed."

Deputy Stanley urged that the State should also provide free screening and free blood tests for prostate cancer for men over 60, as well as invest in modern diagnostic equipment and infrastructure in hospitals.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
There is a big Laois connection to a major new Irish thriller film that launches in Irish cinemas on Friday, March 27.

It is in the form of its co-writer, proud Portlaoise woman Aisling Corristine.

No Ordinary Heist is a major new Irish thriller inspired by the 2004 Northern Bank robbery, the largest cash heist in UK and Irish history. The film, co-written by Aisling Corristine and Colin McIvor features acclaimed actors Eddie Marsan (of US show Ray Donovan), Eanna Hardwicke (Saipan), Eva Birthistle and Michelle Fairley.

It marks Aislings feature length film debut, although she has already seen great success in the arts.

Her comedy short film Baps and Buns, is currently being streamed on Disney+ in Ireland.

A daughter of Margot and retired Portlaoise obstetrician John Corristine, Aisling, 43, began as a journalist before going on to study as a screenwriter, as she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"They call me a baby screenwriter because up until now Ive only done short films. Thats how a lot of people start, going from shorts to television episodes, she said.

One of three siblings, she went to school in Sacred Heart in Portlaoise.

"I was always writing one way or another. I worked for the Laois Voice years ago and when it closed I spend my redundancy on a screenwriting course. I really liked that but you couldnt make a living at it so I because a journalist, and worked for seven years for an American online company, Geo News. I always scribbled my own stories on the side. Every now and then getting a short made or getting stuff read, its a really long process. she said.

Her expertise was developed through prestigious programmes such as BBC Voices and The Writers Lab. Baps and Buns was screened internationally, winning several awards.

"It was great it was picked up by Disney+ because it was done on a shoestring. We won a scheme in the west that gave a tiny budget to make it. To go from shorts to a feature film thats out in cinemas is such a very lucky break, she said.

No Ordinary Heists Colin McIvor had reached out to ask her to write it with him.

"He was in art college in Belfast when the heist happened. He walked past it the day after when the police were there, he was so interested in the story, its something he always wanted to do. He read a TV pilot I had written and really liked it and he emailed me out of the blue.

"There was no money, he said Id have to take a leap of faith in hopes of writing a good script to attract a producer, and we did. We wrote it online, Id never met him over the years. He found an American producer and then an Irish producer, and we got together and said lets make this.

"Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and RTE all got on board.

"It was very much a close collaboration, we came up with suggestions of actors, I was very lucky to be on set for a week of the five week shoot. Ive a four year old so it wasnt going to be an every day thing. It was brilliant, such an education to see all the moving parts. How many dozens and dozens of people its takes behind the scenes.

"Ive seen it about seven times by now, I was involved in editing and watching cuts every day and weve had premieres in Belfast and Dublin, she said.

Summing up the movie, Aisling describes it as a tense, claustrophic, dramatic thriller and for those who dont remember the real crime, with a twist in the end.

"Its hard to do a heist movie on an Irish budget but I think we did a pretty good job.

It is based on the Northern Bank Robbery when criminals forced two workers to steal 26.5 million, by holding their families hostage.

"It was an amazing thing that happened that people forgot about, it was big news in Belfast.

Watch: trailer of No Ordinary Heist on YouTube

Its years and years of perservence to get a film made, finding funding, actors, such an exhausting, mad process, its almost amazing films do get made.

"As my first feature film, Im really proud of it and I think its getting a lot of good press. People seem to be genuinely excited about it and interested in it. Im hoping this is the start of a good working relationship with the cast and crew. Ill keep going from here.

Aisling is already working on her next film.

"With the same producer and director, we are lucky to get funding for another feature that Ill be writing myself.

"Years ago I got a small arts grant from Laois County Council, which helped me come up with the idea for this film. Its set in the Midlands so it will be nice to come back full circle. Its a dark comedy, she said.

She returns to Laois often to visit her family. Her sister Tara also writes, as a communications officer and her brother Eoghan is a stay-at-home dad of two.

Read next: Laois macra club tractor run raises incredible sum for Portlaoise charity

"We come back to see our parents every two weeks, and cook for them. Dad is still in great nick, he does his Ex Well classes twice and week and is still chatting away to everyone as usual, she said.

Aisling is however disappointed that the local Odeon cinema has not taken up offers to screen No Ordinary Heist.

"Its on every cinema in the country except Portlaoise. Its very frustrating, she said.
Over half a century since it first came to Laois, Penneys has come of age, with a 9 million revamp in Laois Shopping Centre, bringing 25 new jobs and a lot more shoppers to town.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday morning, March 26 by Laois County Council CEO, Cllr Barry Walsh, accompanied by store manager Orla Hudson, and the head of Penneys Ireland and NI Fintan Costello.

It follows a six month expansion of what was a long outdated Penneys, the last one with carpet in Ireland. Mr Costello recalled visiting the store and seeing Ms Hudson take out a mallet to carry out some banging on display equipment in the shop.

Staying open throughout the works, the mallet is going in a frame and Penneys Portlaoise now rivals any Irish Penneys with top facilities for customers and staff and more stock, including the widest childrens clothing range of any Irish Penneys, as Mr Costello told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We have been planning an extension here for some time. It hasnt been an easy journey, but we are delighted to be able to create 25 new jobs. There are 85 colleagues and managers now in the store. We are delighted to be able to double the size as well. We know our customers were really looking forward to it and weve had great feedback already. Portlaoise is a key town in the Midlands, and its great for the shopping centre, for the community and for our colleagues.

"We have doubled our offering for our customers, ladies wear is very strong, but the most important part for us here in Portlaoise is kids. We actually have little bit of a higher mix here in Portlaoise than we do in the rest of Ireland, the Irish head of Penneys said.

Manager Orla said she is from Kildare the home of horseracing, and described getting the new store as winning the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

"We had a few false starts on this, we didnt really believe it was happening until we saw the high vis coming in last year. We did jump a few hurdles but in the last 10 days we definitely came up that hill and crossed the finish line in style for team Portlaoise, she said.

Penneys regional manager Michael with Portlaoise store manager Orla and Kevin Doyle, manager of Laois Shopping Centre.

"Its a great transformation, today is a great celebration, the store has doubled, with fantastic backhouse facilities for the team. To be able to give them the working space they really deserve. The town of Portlaoise as well, all our loyal customers that come in regularly, they really deserve a better shopping experience and today is the day we can finally present it to them, the manager said.

Originally opened in 1971 in Lyster Square beside Quinnsworth, the Portlaoise store moved to Laois Shopping Centre in 1991. The newly refreshed store has more than doubled in size, from 8,130 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. including much larger backroom facilities to support staff.

Kevin Doyle is manager of Laois Shopping Centre.

We are thrilled to have it. Its been a long time in the pipeline and now were there. Its brilliant for the shopping centre, for the town of Portlaoise, and for the county of Laois. The amount of footfall we are going to get from this will lift everyones spirits. Its my 35th year here, weve been a long time waiting for this, he said.

The relaunch focused on the achievements of Penneys staff and management, with bouquets presented to the two longest serving workers, Tina Ryan at 28 years and Susan Kerry at 46 years working for Penneys.

Three of the longest serving staff in Portlaoise Penneys; Tina Ryan, Stephen Regan and Susan Kerry.

"Portlaoise has got so big, its definitely badly needed. Pennys themselves are a great company to work for. To last this length of time we are there. We got married there, we reared our children, sent them to college, and were still here, so we didnt run away too far, Susan said.

The customers are happy too, Tina said.

"Theyre loving it, they just think its so big, so bright and theres so much new stuff. They were saying they used to go to Newbridge before this or Kilkenny and now they wont have to, we have the same stuff. Its lovely for us now, we have all the mod cons now. Its easy to change stuff around now because we have all new equiment, she said.

Penneys managerial staff Anca, Maria and Sarah with the relaunch cake in the shape of shopping bags for Penneys Portlaoise.

Cllr Walsh said that Laois County Council is delighted at the investment into Portlaoise.

Read next: Excitement builds for Laois Live Well Expo

"We as a county and councillors are encouraging investment into Laois, just last week we were in New York speaking on how much Laois has to offer. Theres over 15,000 workers leaving daily to commute. We have skillsets, we have infrastructure and to see Penneys investing is encouraging to us.

"I know my own daughters and wife are delighted to have you here as well, he added.
An information appeal has been launched following a theft incident which occurred inside Penneys' Newbridge branch.

Garda Marc Connolly outlined details of the crime during a recent guest appearance on KFM.

READ NEXT: Theft incidents in Naas and Newbridge may be linked, Kildare garda says

He explained that the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19 last and involved two youths  one male and one female.

The pair proceeded to enter the store and steal items of clothing before subsequently fleeing the premises.

According to Gda Connolly, the youths fled in the direction of Newbridge Train Station.

However, he added that the items were later recovered, along with other items of clothing which gardai believe may have been stolen from other stores.

READ NEXT: Batch of bus shelter works in Kildare 'due to commence soon'

DESCRIPTION OF SUSPECTS

Gda Connolly also provided a description of the male and female suspects.

In the case of the male suspect, he said that the youth wore a Man City jersey with a black puffer jacket.

As for the female suspect, he said that this youth wore a multi-coloured top with pink leggings.

He concluded by urging anyone with information relating to the thefts to contact Newbridge Garda Station on 045 440 180.

When asked by the Leinster Leader newspaper about this crime, a garda spokesperson responded: "Gardai are investigating an alleged theft from a business premises on Edward Street, Newbridge, County Kildare that occurred on Thursday, March 19 last at approximately 5.15pm."

The spokesperson added that the investigation is ongoing.

READ NEXT: Sightlines near this Kildare church's graveyard are being blocked
A Kildare South TD has stated that the number of gardai in Kildare South has remained the same since 2020, despite repeated PR attempts to convey a different story.

Labour Party Deputy Mark Wall was speaking in the Dail this week when 'An Garda Siochana: Motion [Private Members]' came before the House.

Deputy Wall began his contribution by first welcoming students from the National Learning Network in his hometown of Athy, who joined the debate.

Speaking in the Dail, the Kildare South TD said he joined with the Minister in thanking all serving garda members for the job they do on behalf of us day in and day out, 24-7.

Unfortunately, Deputy Wall stated, morale within An Garda Siochana is very poor at the moment, which he said is directly related to the recruitment of gardai.

In my own constituency of Kildare South, the number of gardai has remained the same since 2020 despite repeated PR attempts to convey a different story, Deputy Wall said.

Currently, there are 147 gardai across the Kildare division in Athy, Castledermot, Kildare town, Monasterevin, Newbridge and Rathangan. Since 2020, the number of gardai in Kildare town has decreased by one, Athy remains unchanged at 34 and Newbridge has only increased by one. The overall figure across all stations in County Kildare is still 147. This is in addition to 37 retirements across the Kildare-Carlow division from 2021 to 2025.

READ NEXT: Garda describes harrowing Kildare incident in which male opened car door and snatched bag

Deputy Wall said that more worryingly, in recent months is that community policing across the Kildare-Carlow division decreased from 31 in May 2025 to just 21 in December 2025.

He pointed out that Kildare is a county that has had a population increase to 250,000, with the lack of garda visibility in the county creating serious problems in its large towns and villages.

He welcomed the fact, he said, that the Minister is concentrating on visibility, but this needed to speed up and include the counties that border Dublin.

This needs to happen very quickly, he said.

I also want to mention roads policing. In December 2025 we had 647 gardai in our roads policing division, compared with 1,046 in 2009. The reason I bring that up, and not for the first time, is the traffic and commuter chaos that happens every morning on the way into the capital and the lack of visibility of gardai on those stretches of road is very worrying.

I have spoken to gardai in County Kildare on this matter over the past six months and they all tell me that once an accident happens, their personnel are tied up for hours on end. This is happening almost every day, so we need to see an increase in Garda numbers in our roads policing division. We need to see visibility on our commuter routes into Dublin each morning.

Concluding, Deputy Wall said he supports the calls regarding domestic violence, as in 20 years of public service, in my office, I have never before seen such worrying growth in domestic violence on a daily basis. We need to do more.
A Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North has called for a review of capitation funding for what he described as an exceptional rural school in the county.

Deputy Naoise O Cearuil was putting the case forward for Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Broadford in his contribution to the Dail on March 25 2026.

Deputy O Cearuil said: Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Broadford, County Kildare, an exceptional national school with 60 pupils, is typical of a lot of rural national schools around the country that have a reduction in school numbers and therefore a reduction in capitation.

READ NEXT: Garda describes harrowing Kildare incident in which male opened car door and snatched bag

This is posing a challenge for many rural schools. The Financial Support Services Unit has engaged with the school and has essentially used it as a best-case example of a national school doing the most it can with the capitation it has.

However, there is a clear issue with capitation funding for rural schools with declining school numbers.

Deputy O Cearuil asked that the Department of Education and Youth review the capitation funding for small rural schools to ensure their longevity.

This would prevent the situation, he explained, where schools have to continue fundraising year in and year out for vital services such as electricity.

Deputy O Cearuil concluded: It is important to state that this is an exceptional school, with exceptional teachers and exceptional students.
A Beckett-inspired production developed in Leitrim is returning to the stage with a new second act, as Ante Beckett prepares for a one-night performance in Manorhamilton ahead of a Dublin run.

Ante Beckett, produced by Exit Does Theatre and starring Paddy McEneaney, has evolved into a one-hour, two-part play combining dark comedy, physical performance and sharp, fast-paced dialogue.

We wanted something simple and transportable, he said. We stripped it right back  four drapes and a seat. Thats all we needed. We started with big ideas but reduced it down to what was essential.

Written by Leitrim-based playwright Joel Smith, the original 25-minute piece debuted as a solo performance and went on to receive strong critical attention at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including coverage in the Journal of Beckett Studies.

The production has since been expanded with a second part, Twine, introducing a contrasting dynamic through the addition of a second character.

The first piece established a strong, neurotic, nihilistic character, McEneaney said. Then Joel had the idea  what if he had a twin who was completely the opposite? Thats where the second part came from.

The new act sees McEneaney joined on stage by Eoin OSullivan in what he describes as a faster-paced and more physical performance.

Its very different in style  much more back-and-forth, more physical comedy, almost slapstick at times. Theres conflict, but its fun, he said.

The full production now runs for approximately one hour, opening with the original solo piece before transitioning into a 35-minute two-hander.

Despite its roots in the work of Samuel Beckett, McEneaney said the show is designed to be more accessible to audiences.

Beckett can be quite heavy. This is lighter, more human, more approachable. It still has those themes  nihilism, existentialism  but its warmer. Even setting it in the womb changes everything. Its a place of nourishment, not emptiness.

The project was originally developed with support from Leitrim Local Live during the COVID period, with a creative team including director John Carty, set designer Eniko Hegyi, lighting designer Michael Cummins and sound designer Joe Hunt.

Following performances across Leitrim and Sligo, the production is now entering what McEneaney describes as its third manifestation, with refinements made to tone, costume and structure while retaining its minimalist set.

Ante Beckett will be staged in Manorhamilton Glens Centre on April 10 at 8pm, before running at The New Theatre in Dublin from April 14 to 17.

While the Manorhamilton performance is currently a one-night event, McEneaney said further dates could be added depending on demand.

READ NEXT: Irish music legend backs Leitrim GAA club's fundraiser
A Leitrim cancer patients story was highlighted in the Dail following a Sinn Fein motion on cancer services that called for a new cancer strategy.

Issues raised in the motion by David Cullinane about cancer care in Ireland included staffing shortages, timely access to treatment, outdated machinery, and the need to reduce the cost of cancer care for patients.

A local mans case was raised during the discussion of the motion by Martin Kenny, who spoke about delays affecting patients waiting for cancer treatment.

He was waiting for radiotherapy and contacted the hospital in Galway, which he has to travel to all the way from Leitrim, and was told he was on a waiting list, Deputy Kenny told the Dail.

READ NEXT: Call for injury clinic in Leitrim rejected amid pressure on Sligo Emergency Department

After several weeks of my office trying to deal with the HSE, he was finally able to move ahead with his treatment but he and his family were extremely stressed because his brother had previously passed away from the same type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, he added, noting that many people find themselves in that situation.

I know from talking to my colleagues that many people across every constituency are experiencing the very same thing. There are delays and there is difficulty in accessing treatment and in getting diagnostics, Deputy Kenny continued.

When we talk to the clinicians and the hospitals, they tell us that staffing, medical equipment and facilities are all problems. All of these things need to be dealt with.

"While the Government's countermotion may suggest it is going to produce the answers, we are very doubtful it will, he concluded.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Warning issued over suspicious vehicle selling knives in Leitrim
The mayor of Galway city is to contest the Galway West by-election triggered by Catherine Connollys inauguration as president of Ireland.

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard, a 40-year-old independent councillor who describes himself as centre-right, said he would contest the election with a Galway First message.

The native of Westside topped the poll in Galway City Central in three local elections.

The Galway West by-election will be held in May to fill the seat vacated by independent Galway TD Ms Connolly when she became president of Ireland.

Mr Cubbard feels that he has gained the experience to step up to the next level after being a local representative for several years.

He told the Press Association there is sheer frustration about a lack of fairness of investment in the Galway area, with requirements in transport and wastewater infrastructure.

I think the time is now, I really do believe in a common-sense approach and a Galway First approach, putting Galway at the front and centre of my decision-making.

Asked about his views on Ms Connolly, he said he admired her social views in particular and the way she spoke up for people who felt under-represented.

Mr Cubbard said it would have been unlikely for a third independent such as himself to have got elected in the last general election alongside Ms Connolly and now-Minister of State Noel Grealish, but thinks there is a potential independent seat up for grabs in the by-election.

He said he would work with Government and the opposition to back proposals that were good for Galway.

Asked if his Galway First slogan was inspired by US President Donald Trumps use of America First, the candidate said it was not and added that it was about seeking the same treatment and investment as Dublin.

Mr Cubbard said: Being an independent, Im not going to be shy and I wont apologise to anybody in this country for saying Galway has to be front and centre, and my job would be to get the best results for Galway city and county.

Asked about recent attention on Galway City Councils spending hundreds of euro chauffeuring him to Dublin Airport for a trip to Morocco, Mr Cubbard said he had not been aware of the contract arranged by the local authority and added it does seem excessive.

If Im told to go to the event on a bicycle  thats fine, Ill do it. The city council arranged the contract, its their problem.

Other candidates in the Galway West by-election include Senator Sean Kyne for Fine Gael, Councillor Helen Ogbu for the Labour party, councillor Noel Thomas, formerly of Fianna Fail now with Independent Ireland, and independent councillor Thomas Welby.

They will also face trade unionist Mark Lohan for Sinn Fein, mental health activist Mide Nic Fhionnlaoich for the Social Democrats, illustrator Denman Rooke for People Before Profit, teacher Orla Nugent for Aontu and the Green Party will run software engineer Niall Murphy.
Upjit Singh Sachdeva (Jeety) being robed in traditional Liberian attire at the ceremony where he was honored by RPAL and RDFI for his support to smallholder rubber farmers.
National Security Has a New Border and Liberia Is Leaving It Unguarded
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A SISTER of Scarlett Faulkner has issued an update on social media this Thursday afternoon saying the mother-of-one from Limerick city is not out of danger.

Scarlett, aged 29, was viciously beaten by individuals armed with weapons at the side of the R494 road in Birdhill on Saturday evening. The vehicle she was travelling in was rammed off the road before she was dragged from the vehicle and attacked.

Gardai have arrested two individuals in connection with the brutal assault. Scarlett remains in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital.

Her sister, Victoria, said in an update on social media this Thursday afternoon that she wants everyone to know she has seen every single post.

I've seen all the messages, comments, everyone sharing posts, putting videos up about Scarlet, down to every prayer that every person said - thanks very, very much to each and every one of you. May God bless you for doing it.

READ NEXT: Scarlett, the world is praying for you  - sister-in-law of Limerick mum fighting for her life

VIctoria said Scarlett is not out of danger.

She's still very critical at the minute. It will be a miracle if she does pull through and does survive - we're all praying. We're all heartbroken. We're in a million, thousand (pieces).

There's no words to describe the way we're feeling right now but please, I'm begging of ye, just please keep continuing to pray for Scarlett. It will be a miracle if my sister pulls through.

Victoria said Scarletts beautiful six-year-old daughter is asking her every day, how is mommy, is mommy going to come home and can she see mommy?

I don't know what to say to the child because it's just too hurtful to explain. It's her mommy at the end of the day, She's only six-years-of-age. She needs her mommy. Every child needs their mother.

Victoria ends the emotional update by saying: I'm begging of ye, keep praying, just keep praying.
IT WAS a miracle nobody was hurt or worse, an eyewitness told Limerick Live after a car mounted a footpath on OConnell Street.

The unusual road traffic incident occurred close to the junction of Lower Cecil Street and the citys main thoroughfare on Wednesday morning.

One eyewitness said: It was an elderly lady driving. It looked like she must have hit the accelerator instead of the brake, took out the pole, drove along the footpath and became wedged between the steps to a businesses and a parked car.

READ NEXT: Second option for new Limerick road features loop around college

They added: It was only the grace of God nobody was walking along the footpath at the time. It was around 11.30am. There are a lot of well-know businesses on that stretch so it would a busy part of town footfall wise. An ambulance was called but I dont think anybody was hurt.

Following a query from Limerick Live, a garda spokesperson confirmed officers attended the scene of a road traffic collision that occurred on OConnell Street, Limerick city on Wednesday, March 25 at approximately 11.20 am.

A vehicle collided with a road sign and a parked vehicle. No injuries have been reported at this time.

"Investigations are ongoing, said the garda spokesperson.
Theres a rebalancing toward CPUs, said Jeroen Kusters, a top semiconductor expert at Deloitte. The revolution was more on the GPU side. Now its on the entire system. CPUs have always been part of the AI fabric, but now theres a massive increase in need for them.Arms new processors represent one of the starkest indications yet of how dramatically the rise of AI agents is changing the technology industry. For decades, Arm has made money by licensing its CPU architecture to bigger companies such as Nvidia and Qualcomm, which use it to create CPUs that they sell to others. Now, Arm is going head-to-head with them by remaking itself as a chip designer.The new chip is the worlds most efficient agentic CPU, the company said. Long known for drawing up blueprints for chips that require less energy than others, Arm said its AGI CPU is twice as efficient as equivalent processors made by competitors.
(Bloomberg) -- Millennium Management is in the process of taking back cash it gave to Engineers Gate to trade on its behalf, after the hedge funds agreed to end their more than three-year-old partnership.

Engineers Gate will stop managing money for Millennium by the end of this month, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The firms have mutually agreed to dissolve the separately-managed account, the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private.

Engineers Gate wanted capital in the separate account to have the same liquidity terms as its fund, including quarterly withdrawals in normal markets and the possibility of investor-level gates in stress periods, one of the people said. The two firms entered into negotiations over whether to restructure the relationship but could not agree to those liquidity terms.

Engineers Gates hedge fund was up 50 basis points this month through March 20 and was down about 7% this year, one of the people said.

Millennium viewed Engineers Gates mandate as a $3.6 billion allocation that includes leverage, while Engineers Gate calculated the allocation at about $1.5 billion, reflecting different internal measures of the same relationship, the people said.

Engineers Gate is in the process of replacing Millenniums capital and will start April with about $4 billion in assets in its hedge fund, the people added.

Representatives for the two multistrategy hedge fund firms declined to comment.

The decision marks the end of one of Millenniums biggest partnerships with an external manager. The $86.7 billion investment giant has spent years spreading out its capital beyond its own traders, tasking money managers to run separate accounts, or even helping to spin out into new hedge fund firms.

Since its founding 12 years ago in New York, Engineers Gate has evolved from a small collection of equity-oriented quantitative strategies into a diversified investment platform.

Earlier this year, Millennium had topped up its investment in Engineers Gate by $300 million as part of the firms new capital raise.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
This divergence is also visible in online luxury consumption trends. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals continue to indulge themselves, while aspirational buyers may be holding back. Nakul Bajaj, who runs luxury website Darveys, said the company has recorded its best March in several years, underscoring that domestic luxury consumption may well be absorbing the slack from muted international travel. "Brands like Fendi and Pinko have seen particularly strong traction during the month, and we expect at least 40% growth in Q1 FY27 compared to the current quarter (Q4), driven in part by continued moderation in outbound travel."
For now, the strategy is offline-led. Our website will take another 12 to 18 months, Chugh said. That will also create an online presence which is under our control and maybe 2-3 years down the line we'll see, if we also need to get into a sort of a multi-channel channel strategy, he added.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp has given a list of two groups that should not be worried about the rise of artificial intelligence. During a recent podcast, Karp discussed a gloomy outlook for the job market amid the rise of artificial intelligence systems and the negative consequences this poses.

Speaking on the TBPN podcast, Karp said, There are basically two ways to know you have a future. One, you have some vocational training. Or two, you're neurodivergent. And when I say neurodivergent, I mean broadly defined.

Like you guys are sitting here. You could have had a corporate tool job. Like being able to do low-end coding, being able to do low-end lawyering, being able to do low-end reading and writing, he added.

Everybody with the normal-shaped skills are dyslexics, meaning the thing they can do that used to be valuable is not so valuable. The thing that they need to learn to do is be more of an artist, look at things from a different direction, be able to build something unique, Karp added on the podcast.

According to a 2024 Gartner study, 20% of sales organisations within Fortune 500 companies will actively recruit neurodivergent talent across conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexiato improve business performance.

Palantir CEO on his history with dyslexia: Karp has earlier publicly spoken about his history with dyslexia, going on to call it a formative moment in his life.

In an earlier interview, he had said, If you are massively dyslexic, you cannot play a playbook. There is no playbook a dyslexic can master, and therefore, we learn to think freely.

Honestly, I would cut off my arms and legs, or at least something, to get rid of the dyslexia. But the central advantage is I process in a way that has very little to do with what anyone else thinks, Karp added.

Meanwhile, Palantir had also created a "Neurodivergent Fellowship", which the company had explicitly stated was a pathway for luring exceptional talent and not a diversity measure.
Indias domestic fertilizer production may face a contraction as the West Asia war threatens to choke the supply of raw materials, according to a new report by Crisil Ratings. Urea and other nutrient output could plunge by as much as 15% if maritime and diplomatic disruptions in the region persist for three months.

The supply crunch hits at a tough time for the worlds most populous nation, which relies on West Asia for 40% of its fertilizer imports. With domestic manufacturing units facing a shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia, 80% of which is sourced from the conflict-prone region, capacity utilization is expected to fall, hurting the efficiency and bottom lines of major producers.

To prevent a domestic shortage during the crucial kharif sowing season, the government may be forced to absorb soaring international costs. Crisil has estimated that this could increase the central fertilizer subsidy bill by as much as 25,000 crore, adding fresh pressure to a budget already projected at 1.71 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year.

While a three-month inventory cushion and a government mandate to prioritize gas for urea plants offer some protection, the industry's profitability remains at the mercy of geopolitical stability.

Mint reported on 2 March that the West Asia conflict may push India's fertilizer subsidy. Currently, the fertilizer subsidy is projected at 1.71 trillion for the next financial year.

The ongoing issues in the Middle East could disrupt the fertilizer supply chain at a crucial time for the kharif season. Disruption in LNG and ammonia supplies continuing for about three months could cut domestic urea and complex fertilizer production by 10-15%. The impact on production will be cushioned to some extent by the recent government directive for allocation of 70% gas to urea manufacturers, said Anand Kulkarni, director, Crisil Ratings.

Key Takeaways West Asia conflict threatens to reduce Indias fertilizer production by 10% to 15%.

Government subsidy bill could rise by 25,000 crore due to higher costs.

India relies on West Asia for 80% of its critical ammonia imports.

Lower capacity utilization will hurt energy efficiency and dent urea manufacturer profits.

Three-month inventory levels and gas mandates offer a short-term supply chain buffer.

Operational hurdles, fiscal pressure Urea accounts for 45% of fertilizer consumption in India, complex fertilizers (diammonium phosphate, or DAP, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or NPK) for one-third, and single super phosphate (SSP) and muriate of potash (MOP) for the rest. The fertilizer sector dependence on imports remains high, with about 20% of urea and one-third of complex fertilizers, primarily DAP, being imported. Furthermore, the key raw materials for urea, such as natural gas, which accounts for about 80% of the raw material cost, and complex fertilizers such as ammonia and phosphoric acid, are largely imported due to limited domestic reserves.

The profitability of urea players primarily hinges on the difference between prescribed energy norms and actual energy consumption, as natural gas costs are fully passed through. The energy consumption of efficient players is about 5% below the prescribed norms, directly boosting their profitability. However, with a decline in capacity utilization, energy efficiency will take a hit, affecting operating profits. Nonetheless, players with multiple plants may optimize gas use across plants to reduce the impact.

The industry will require additional government subsidy support to mitigate the impact. Given the sector's strategic importance, the government has supported it in the past by raising NBS rates and providing additional subsidies for DAP players.

Also Read | Indian luxury set for strong sales as West Asia war keeps affluent at home

"Factoring in the elevated input costs and imported fertilizer prices for a quarter, the overall subsidy budget is likely to increase by 12-15% from initial estimates of 1.71 trillion for fiscal 2027. While the government has been prompt in clearing subsidy dues in the past five years, the timeliness and adequacy of subsidy support will have a bearing on the working capital cycle of players," said Nitin Bansal, associate director, Crisil Ratings.

The ability of fertilizer makers to source key raw materials and fertilizers from alternative sources, and the government's intervention in this regard, will be worth watching if the West Asia conflict stretches on.

The government is looking to boost purchases from a group of nations, including Indonesia, Belarus, Morocco, Russia and China.

Further, the government is working on a plan for which it has constituted seven empowered groups, including one for fertilizer.

Going forward, the extent and duration of geopolitical tensions will be critical in determining the depth of the impact on production, pricing, and fiscal outgo.

Also Read | War jitters push NBFCs into cautious mode
West Bengal Elections: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded the mother of a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital in 2024 from Panihati assembly constituency as it released the third list of 19 candidates for the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Her candidature, announced on 25 March, from Panihati signals the party's attempt to channel the outrage over the case, which had triggered months of protests across the state demanding justice and improved safety for women.

Also Read | 5 key pillars of TMC's digital playbook vs BJP in West Bengal polls

"I have become a candidate. If I win, the people of Panihati will win. I will raise my voice for those who have forgotten how to protest," she said, adding that she would work to improve the condition of the constituency and serve people," she said in an interview with a television channel after the announcement. She said contesting the election was not a matter of pride but a painful responsibility.

In Panihati, she will face TMC candidate Tirthankar Ghosh, son of outgoing assembly chief whip Nirmal Ghosh, while the CPI(M) has fielded Kallatan Dasgupta.

What did RG Kar's victim's mother say? "I have become a candidate. If I win, the people of Panihati will win. I will raise my voice for those who have forgotten how to protest," she said, adding that she would work to improve the condition of the constituency and serve people.

The rape and murder were investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, was convicted of the rape and murder in January 2025. Roy has been sentenced to life in prison.

"If I can serve people, my daughter will also be happy. I want the lotus to bloom across West Bengal and the TMC to be uprooted," she said.

Her entry into electoral politics comes nearly a year-and-half after the incident that shook the state and sparked a massive civil society movement that cut across political affiliations.

The protests, led by medical professionals and students, had turned into a wider agitation questioning law and order and governance in the state.

What about Unnao, Hathras incidents? asks TMC The BJP has repeatedly invoked the incident during its campaign, accusing the ruling TMC government of failing to ensure women's safety and alleging that attempts were made to shield those responsible for lapses in the investigation.

Her candidature has sparked a political row in poll-bound West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh questioned her decision to contest on a BJP ticket. I wonder why you ran to the BJP to seek safety for women. Have you forgotten the rape and murder of women in BJP-ruled states? Have you forgotten the Unnao and Hathras incidents? Ghosh asked in an interview with the news agency ANI.

Before her official candidature, she and her husband had claimed to have joined the BJP, sparking criticism from those who were part of the protests over the case.

"We are feeling a strange paradox. Watching Abhayas mother join the BJP in the name of 'womens safety' is so ironic that I dont know how to accept this," Kolkata-based martial artist Roudri Bagchi, who had also participated in the protests, told The Quint. The RG Kar rape victim is referred to as Abhaya by many news outlets.

The BJP defended the decision. This is not just a candidature, it is a fight for justice, the saffron party said.

Let us not forget how the Mamata Banerjee government handled this horrific crime. From attempts to suppress the truth, erasing evidence, mishandling the autopsy, hurried cremation, failure to preserve samples for further forensic examination, to tampering with the crime scene, serious questions were raised at every step, BJP leader Amit Malviya, who is also BJP's head of National Information & Technology Deptartment andco-incharge of West Bengal said in a post on X.

BJP's third list According to the BJP's third list, which had 19 names released on Wednesday, Rathindra Nath Bose will contest from Cooch Behar Dakshin, with the party dropping its sitting MLA, and Chitrajit Roy from Islampur and Arup Kumar Das from Singur.

Biplab Mandal has been fielded from Howrah Madhya, Sankar Guchhait from Medinipur, Anil Singh from Naihati, Subir Nag from Chunchura and Dipanjan Chakraborty from Uttarpara.

View full Image View full Image In the third lost, which had 19 names released on Wednesday, Rathindra Nath Bose will contest from Cooch Behar Dakshin, with the party dropping its sitting MLA, and Chitrajit Roy from Islampur and Arup Kumar Das from Singur.

Madhumita Ghosh will contest from Haripal, while other nominees include Dinesh Sarkar (Raiganj), Haripada Barman (Hemtabad), Amlan Bhaduri (English Bazar), Swapan Das (Shantipur), Dipanjan Kumar Guha (Chandannagar), Harekrishna Bera (Tamluk) and Prankrishna Tapadar (Purbasthali Dakshin).

Krishna Ghosh will contest from Katwa, Krishnakanta Saha from Sainthia and Anil Singh from Nalhati. In English Bazar, the party replaced its sitting MLA, Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, popularly known as 'Nirbhaya Didi', and nominated Amlan Bhaduri.

With the latest announcement, the BJP has now declared candidates for 275 of the 294 assembly seats in the state, while names for 19 constituencies are yet to be announced.

I have become a candidate. If I win, the people of Panihati will win. I will raise my voice for those who have forgotten how to protest.

The ruling TMC has already declared candidates for all 294 seats, while the CPI(M)-led Left Front has released three lists so far. Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on 23 April and 29 April, with votes set to be counted on 4 May.
That would leave huge issues still on the table. The U.S. has said Irans stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium needs to be dealt with as part of a cease-fire deal, yet Tehran may want to keep the material in its hands as leverage. The issue of inspections, Irans future enrichment rights and the lifting of remaining sanctions would all need to be handled at a later stage.
New Delhi: Global crude oil prices rose over 1% on Thursday as conflicting signals from the US and Iran on potential ceasefire talks kept markets on edge amid the ongoing West Asia war.

At 9.09 AM, the May contract of Brent on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $103.93, higher by 1.67% from its previous close. Similarly, the May contract of West Texas Intermediate on the Nymex rose 1.59% to $91.76 a barrel.

The uptick follows US President Donald Trumps claim that talks with Iran were underway, which was dismissed by Tehran. Irans military accused Washington of negotiating with itself to mask battlefield setbacks.

"Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself? Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the unified command of Irans armed forces, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Wednesday, according to Irans semi-official Fars news agency. Dont call your failure an agreement.

Although it has not accepted the 15-point plan proposed by the US, the White House has said talks with Iran are proceeding apace, said a CNN report. Citing US administration officials, it added that the US is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan to discuss an off-ramp.

Further, in an interview with state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that messages for negotiations have been sent by the US through mediators.

"The fact that they are talking about negotiation now is exactly an admission of defeat, Araghchi said. The fact that messages are being sent and we respond with warnings or state our positions is not called negotiation or dialogue; it is an exchange of messages, he added.

The war has disrupted about 20% of the oil and gas supplied from West Asia through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the global economy and energy-importing countries like India.

Also Read | The oil supply crunch is spreading from the Gulf to the rest of the world

Indias crude basket stood at $147.24 per barrel on 24 March, easing from $157.04 a day earlier. So far in March, the Indian basket has averaged at $123.15 per barrel, compared to $69.01 last month.

The government has maintained that although there are concerns about liquefied petroleum gas supplies, the country is in a comfortable position in terms of crude oil, petrol and diesel stocks, with rising imports from alternative sources.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained, said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, marketing and oil refinery addressing the media on the fuel stock scenario on Wednesday.

Noting that panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets, she said that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps.

Indian Oil Corp chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney also reassured consumers that fuel supplies remain stable.

"We would like to assure all citizens that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. IndianOil outlets nationwide are well-stocked and functioning normally. Unverified rumours can lead to unnecessary panic and supply disruptions. Please avoid panic buying and trust only official sources. Let us act responsibly and support seamless fuel availability for all," Sahney wrote in a post on X.

Also Read | ONGC needs more than higher crude oil prices
Amid swirling reports of a fuel crisis in India, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured on Thursday that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG nationwide.

The government said that all retail outlets maintain sufficient inventories to meet public demand.

It has urged citizens to ignore misinformation campaigns designed to incite panic.

The administration asserted that despite the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Indias procurement strategy remains robust. The country is currently receiving higher volumes of crude from its network of over 41 global suppliers than it previously imported through the contested waterway.

This comes as Iran has effectively blocked the strategic Strait  a transit point for 20% of global oil  in retaliation for military strikes by the US and Israel that commenced three weeks ago, driving international energy costs upward.

As the worlds fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, India continues to supply refined fuels to more than 150 nations.

Because India is a net exporter to the world, domestic petrol and diesel availability is structurally assured. All 1 lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across the country are open and dispensing fuel without interruption, the Oil Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry emphasised that while several other countries are currently rationing fuel or facing mandatory station closures, Indias supply chain remains uncompromised.

Despite the surge in demand at such pumps, fuel was dispensed to all the consumers and Oil company depots have been operational through the night to ramp up supplies. Steps have also been taken by oil companies to increase credit to petrol pumps to over 3 days from earlier allowed one day in order to ensure that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel at any pump due to working capital issues of pump owners, it added.

Despite these assurances, panic buying has led to long queues at various pumps. In Telangana, some stations displayed "no stock" signs following an unprecedented surge in consumer purchases, according to the Hindustan Times.

Dismissing the rumours suggesting that only six days of energy stocks are left in the country, the ministry said: India has 74 days of total reserve capacity and actual stock cover is around 60 days right now (including crude stocks, products stocks and the dedicated strategic storage in caverns) even as we are on the 27th day of the Middle East crisis.

Nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen regardless of what happens globally. Next 2 months of crude procurement has also been secured. India is completely secure for the next many months and the quantity in strategic cavern storage becomes secondary in such a supply situation, it added.

No LPG crisis, says govt Addressing the LPG situation specifically, the central government reiterated that no deficit exists. Under the LPG Control Order, domestic refinery output has been boosted by 40%. This has elevated daily production to 50 TMT, covering over 60% of the national requirement, against a total daily demand of approximately 80 TMT.
NEW DELHI: India is strengthening its position in global coffee and tea markets, driven by rising demand for value-added products such as instant coffee and packaged teas.

Between April and February FY26, coffee exports rose 20% year-on-year to $1.86 billion from $1.54 billion, while tea exports grew 11% to $934.9 million from $842.5 million, according to commerce ministry data.

The growth builds on a strong rebound last year, when coffee exports crossed $1.8 billiona record.

Also Read | Coffee packs to clearly show chicory percentage: FSSAI mandate begins 1 July

We have consistently recorded over $1 billion in coffee exports for the past four years, and this year marks the fifth. By February itself, we have already surpassed last years export level of around $1.8 billion, which is a very positive sign, said Kurma Rao M., chief executive and secretary, Coffee Board of India.

A closer look at the data reveals that between April and January FY26, coffee exports rose from $1.36 billion to $1.62 billion, with instant coffee contributing $498 million, highlighting the growing role of value-added segments.

Indian coffee is grown under shade, is hand-picked, and follows sustainable practices, which ensures high quality and differentiates it in global markets," Rao added.

Tea exports also maintained steady growth, rising from $768 million to $865 million during April-January. Bulk black tea and larger pack formats drove the expansion, while retail packs and tea bags saw stable demand.

Key export destinations for coffee included Italy (16% share, $251 million), Germany (9%, $144 million), and Russia (8%, $137 million), with additional demand from the United Arab Emirates, the US, Belgium, and West Asian markets such as Jordan, Libya, and Turkey.

For tea, UAE remained the largest market (20%, $173 million), followed by Iraq (12%, $100 million), with steady demand from the US (7%), Russia (6%), UK (6%), Iran (5%), China (5%), and Germany (4%).

Also Read | Trumps tariff retreat on groceries exposes the flaws of his trade strategy

Indias tea exports performed exceptionally well in 2025, reaching a record 280 million kg with export earnings of about 8,488 crore, supported mainly by strong demand from Iran, Iraq, the UAE and China, said P. K. Bhattacharjee, secretary general, Tea Association of India.

Bhattacharjee added that orthodox tea exports rose about 20% to 128.47 million kg. However, he cautioned, Any disruption in these traditional markets may affect export volumes, logistics, payment cycles and price realizations, referring to geopolitical concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

Data from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) shows coffee export earnings have trended upward in recent years despite a brief pandemic-led dip, reflecting steady global demand. India was the worlds seventh-largest coffee grower in FY24, with robusta accounting for about 72% of total production. The sector provides direct employment to more than two million people.

Indias coffee and tea sectors stand at a critical inflection point, said Said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum, noting that despite producing some of the finest varieties globally, exports remain constrained by reliance on bulk commodity trade rather than value-added, branded offerings.

Also Read | Inside the most beautiful coffee house in the world
Shouvik Das

Shouvik has been tracking the rise and shifts of Indias technology ecosystem for over a decade. From evolving technology consumption by users, to the rise of AI into mainstream narratives, Shouviks work spans across the entire ambit of the technology ecosystemincluding insights into tech law, policy and global geopolitics. Every week, he also hosts Techcetra, an irreverent, award-winning podcast for Mint. Outside work, Shouvik is an avid traveller and photographer, reader, aviation enthusiast, and a hobbyist toy collector.
Tata Group-owned Bigbasket follows a similar approach. We treat these clusters as high-yield segments, said Aashutosh Taparia, national head (last mile delivery) at Bigbasket. When mapping a city, the actual physical location of our dark stores is strategically decided based on the proximity to these anchor clusters. By positioning our last-mile hubs near these high-density communities, we ensure faster delivery times and lower logistics costs per order, Taparia noted.
Chinese mainland investors fund flows into Hong Kong stocks have sharply fluctuated in recent weeks, underscoring a lack of conviction to build long-term positions.

Onshore investors sold HK$27.4 billion worth of stocks in Hong Kong on Tuesday via a trading link after buying HK$29.7 billion in the previous session. Their quick turnaround this week reflects a similar pattern earlier in the month, when traders dumped shares after a record daily purchase on March 9.

The rapid swings suggest investors are waiting for clearer signs that Hong Kong stocks have bottomed, even as the Hang Seng Index has fallen about 10% from a peak in January. Rather than build positions in favorites like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., mainland investors appear to be taking a short-term trading approach via exchange-traded funds.

Southbound institutions have been moving in and out of three ETFs quickly in recent days and running swing trades with very quick in-and-out positioning, said May Zhao, investment director at Star River Securities Ltd. Its largely about hedging and liquidity, though some are also using ETFs to bottomfish in beatendown sectors like tech and healthcare.

The trading activity is mainly concentrated in some of the largest ETFs including the Tracker fund of Hong Kong, coinciding with sharp swings in Hong Kongs benchmarks. The Hang Seng gauge rose 2.8% on Tuesday, rebounding from a 3.5% drop the previous day.

This pattern suggests investors remain cautious and are shying away from making concentrated bets on individual stocks, according to Yang Ruyi, a fund manager at Shanghai Prospect Investment Management Co.

Southbound flows remained modest on Wednesday while the index edged higher.

The gap between index futures and the cash market has been wide enough to make arbitrage worthwhile, according to CSOP Asset Management Limited in a written response to Bloomberg. If you are trading through southbound, you really need the most liquid index ETFs as the core of the strategy.

With assistance from Davy Zhu.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Dipti Sharma

Dipti has spent nearly a decade happily knee-deep in the fast-moving, occasionally nerve-wracking, and always fascinating world of stock markets, tracking everything from sharp sell-offs to surprise rallies, and the narratives that drive them. She began her journalism journey at Informist, sharpened her market instincts at CNBC Digital and Moneycontrol, and is now charting new territory with Mint. Here, she is exploring new ground, bringing together sharp analysis, on-ground insights, and a keen eye for what really moves markets.<br><br>Before stepping into journalism, Dipti studied law and worked with a solicitor firm for close to three years, an experience that gave her a strong foundation in analytical thinking, contracts, and corporate structures. But the pull of markets and storytelling proved stronger, prompting a switch from law to journalism.<br><br>She writes about stocks and investments, but thats only part of the story. Dipti also teams up with market experts to turn complex trends into sharp, easy-to-understand videos, occasionally peeks at deals and acquisitions, and regularly picks the brains of industry leaders. Somewhere between earnings calls, market swings, and boardroom chatter, shes always looking for the next story that explains whats really moving the markets.
Nifty Metal has declined by 8.53% over the past month due to a mix of heightened global risk aversion linked to the West Asia conflict, tariff news, volatility in base metal prices, increased trading margins, and substantial profit-taking in stocks that excelled throughout 2025.

The brokerage firm, Axis Securities, continues to have a positive outlook on the metals sector as a whole and suggests a Buy on Dips approach, since the factors driving demand, coupled with supply limitations, support non-ferrous metals, while the safeguard duty and strong domestic steel demand benefit Indian steel producers.

Although the valuations are not inexpensive as stocks have not significantly corrected during the broader market downturn, lower price levels could offer a buying opportunity.

The brokerage firm observed that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have resulted in a rise of 14% in HRC prices and 7% in rebar prices thus far this quarter, whereas coking coal and iron ore prices have only increased by approximately 2% during the same timeframe, leading to wider spot spreads.

In the first quarter of FY26, average prices for steel HRC have risen by 11% year-over-year, which is expected to lead to increased spreads for steel mills based on consumption in Q4FY26 (with coking coal prices rising approximately 7% in Q3FY26, to be utilized in Q4 with a one-quarter lag).

The conflict in West Asia is likely to have a greater effect on DRI-based steel manufacturers, as well as on downstream and galvanized production processes, due to their reliance on the LNG, Propane, and LPG supplies affected by the war, according to Axis Securities.

Although steel production via the BF method may experience limited effects, the comments from management following Q4FY26 results regarding input costs, exports, and production forecasts will play a crucial role in determining stock performance in the short to medium term, according to the brokerage.

Strait of Hormuz impact on Metal Sector Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to have a substantial effect on the inflow of LNG, propane, and LPG, presenting challenges for Indias steel industry, especially for gas-reliant manufacturers. Firms dependent on gas-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and specific downstream processes could experience reductions in capacity owing to supply limitations.

The brokerage firm suggests that JSW Steel may encounter operational challenges at certain facilities, particularly within its coated products division, while AMNS India is at greater risk due to approximately 65% of its 9 mtpa capacity being reliant on gas-based DRI and electric arc furnace technology.

Jindal Stainless is currently functioning at a diminished capacity and has indicated possible delays in shipments. Smaller secondary steel companies and SMEs are expected to be the most adversely affected, as they lack pricing power and alternative supply options.

Also Read | Osho Krishan of Angel One recommends these 2 stocks to buy on 27 March 2026

Integrated players like Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India Limited are expected to see limited impact on upstream production, though certain downstream processes may face pressure. Tata Steels European operations could be affected by rising gas prices, but supportive policy changes in the UKsuch as reduced import quotas and higher tariffsmay aid margins in the coming quarters, as per the brokerage.

In the aluminium space, Hindalco Industries and National Aluminium Company may face some input cost pressures due to higher thermal coal prices, although firm aluminium prices are providing a cushion. Meanwhile, APL Apollo Tubes could see a limited production impact of around 34%, primarily due to disruptions at its Dubai facility and galvanising operations in India.

Stocks to buy, sell or hold? According to Axis Securities Research, select metal and mining stocks continue to see a mix of bullish and neutral outlooks. Tata Steel and Coal India Limited have been assigned a Buy rating with target prices of 220 and 500, respectively, indicating potential upside from current levels.

APL Apollo Tubes also carries a Buy call with a target of 2,250. Meanwhile, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Hindalco Industries, and National Aluminium Company (NALCO) are rated Hold, with target prices of 160, 1,050, and 390, respectively, reflecting a more cautious stance amid current market conditions.

Also Read | Stocks to buy: Raja Venkatraman recommends three stocks for 26 March

View full Image View full Image Stocks to buy, sell or hold? ( Axis Securities Research )
Stock to buy: Sumeet Bagadia stock recommendation: At a time where the markets are cautious about the outlook for the US-Iran ceasefire talks and crude oil remains above $100 per barrel, Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking has picked PSU bank stock Canara Bank as its 'Ram Navami Pick'.

With PSU banking stocks continuing to attract investor interest and technical charts signalling fresh momentum, Choice Brokings Executive Director Sumeet Bagadia has picked Canara Bank as his Ram Navami stock bet, citing a strong breakout pattern and favourable risk-reward setup for the medium to long term.

Bagadia has recommended buying Canara Bank at around 137.30 and adding on dips up to 133, with upside targets of 151 and 158. He has identified 125 as a crucial support level, making the setup attractive for traders and positional investors looking to capitalise on the ongoing strength in PSU banking counters.

On Wednesday, March 25, Canara Bank share price ended 2.55% higher at 136.55 following a broader market rally. Benchmarks Nifty 50 and Sensex also settled over 1.5% each in trade in the previous session. Indian stock markets are closed today, March 26, on account of Ram Navami. The PSU bank stock has rallied 54% in the last 1 year but shed 9% in 3 months and 14% in the last 1 month.

It is currently 16% away from its 52-week high of 162.90, hit in February 2026. However, it had touched its 52-week low of 83.36 in April 2025.

Ram Navami Pick by Sumeet Bagadia Buy Canara Bank at 137.30 and add up to 133 for the targets of 151/158

Bagadia highlighted that the stock has recently broken out of a rounded bottom pattern, a formation typically considered bullish in technical analysis. The breakout was accompanied by a noticeable increase in trading volumes, signalling strong participation and reinforcing the strength of the move.

Canara Bank is currently trading around the 137.30 level. The stock had earlier witnessed a breakout from a rounded bottom pattern, which is typically considered a bullish formation. This breakout was supported by a noticeable increase in trading volume, indicating strong participation and reinforcing the strength of the move, Sumeet Bagadia said.

Following the breakout, the stock witnessed an upward rally before retesting the breakout zone. It has managed to sustain above this level, suggesting the presence of underlying buying interest and effectively establishing the zone as a demand area.

On the weekly chart, the prior breakout level is seen around 125, which now acts as a key support. Any sustained move below this level could weaken the overall momentum, while holding above it keeps the bullish structure intact.

Based on the current technical structure, investors may consider accumulating the stock in the range of 137.30 to 133, where the key 200-day exponential moving average (200DEMA) is positioned. From a risk management perspective, the 125 level should be treated as a crucial support, Sumeet Bagadia said.

Bagadia believes that if the current structure holds, the stock has the potential to move towards 151 and 158 over the medium to long term. With a strong technical base and defined support levels, Canara Bank remains on the radar for investors seeking opportunities in the PSU banking space.
Despite lingering uncertainty amid conflicting reports on the US-Iran conflict and reported negotiations, global market sentiment has improved since Tuesday after US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington and Tehran are engaged in talks to end the West Asia conflict.

According to an AFP report, Trump on Wednesday said that Iran was taking part in peace talks, and its denials were because Iranian negotiators fear being killed by their own side.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Iran has turned down a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the US, and instead outlined five counter-conditions, which include control over the Strait of Hormuz and war damages compensation.

Stock markets, however, have taken note of the diplomatic efforts of the US and have started discounting the possibility of the war ending in the coming days, which will lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20% of global crude oil supply takes place.

How can an end to war impact the Indian stock market The indications that the worst of the US-Iran war could be behind us cheered the market. The Sensex and the Nifty 50, equity benchmarks of the Indian stock market, have jumped by 3.5% each over the last two sessions, while investors have become richer by 16 lakh crore in the period.

According to experts, an end to the West Asian conflict may trigger a swift 1,000-point rally in the Nifty 50 in the near term.

"The Nifty may rise to 24,000-24,600 in the next few days if an end of the war is announced," said Rohit Srivastava, the founder and market strategist at Indiacharts.com.

Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking, also has a similar Nifty target of 24,300 in the event of a formal announcement of the war's end.

The market rally may not be sustained, as the actual impact of crude oil volatility on corporate earnings remains to be seen.

Crude oil prices have remained above $100 per barrel for almost a month now. As India imports about 85-90% of its oil requirements, such a sharp spike in prices is expected to have a material macroeconomic impact.

Oil prices affect several industries, such as chemicals, restaurants and QSRs, tyres, OEMs, packaging, paints, and cement, as they raise production costs, eroding corporate profitability.

According to brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services, a $10 per barrel increase in crude could shave 3040 basis points off GDP growth.

"While the base case assumes 7.5% growth in FY27 at $70 per barrel, sustained prices above $90 per barrel could push growth below 7%, as energy-intensive sectors face margin pressure and weaker demand," the brokerage firm noted.

Pankaj Pandey, the head of research at ICICI Securities, said that the Indian stock market may not be completely out of the woods.

"It is still too early to declare the crisis is over, largely because there is a lack of clarity regarding how long crude oil prices will remain elevated. The current sense is that oil prices are unlikely to drop significantly in the near future," said Pandey.

Pandey pointed out that many companies are currently operating using older inventorymaterials purchased before the price spike. This has provided a temporary cushion, preventing immediate pressure on margins.

"If raw material and crude oil prices do not correct soon, the pressure on margins will become undeniable. At that point, analysts would need to revisit and likely lower their earnings forecasts and target prices for the market," said Pandey.

Overall, the market might be discounting the end of the war, but it cannot discount the impact of the war at this juncture. As oil prices remain elevated, experts believe the next few quarters will be challenging for earnings.

If prices remain at these high levels for one or two more months, an earnings recovery will almost certainly be delayed, potentially shifting the recovery timeline into the second half of FY27, said Pandey.

Read all market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
India relies on imports for 60 per cent of its LPG demand, the majority of which comes from Gulf nations, which have been impacted the most since the Iran war.

The disruption to liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to India's largest supplier's facilities in Qatar being hit by the war has led to prioritisation of the fuel for domestic users and CNG.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced India to pivot.

While the war in West Asia has disrupted crude oil, LNG and LPG supply chains, India, with its diversified sourcing, has been able to secure enough supplies of crude oil (the raw material used to make fuels like petrol and diesel) from West Africa, Latin America and the US.

However, the government is prioritising supplies to domestic household kitchens and curtailing usage by commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants by at least half.

The central government, through its policy measures, has managed to keep the impact of the shortage very limited, the BJP said in a statement.

Also Read | OMCs assure Indians of adequate fuel stocks amid panic buying

Change in LPG prices: The government has hiked the cost of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders amid supply disruptions. The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cooking gas cylinder rose by 60, while the price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder increased by 144 in early March across major cities.

No revisions have been made since.

City Domestic LPG cylinder prices Commercial LPG cylinder prices New Delhi  913  1,884.50 Mumbai  912.50  1,836 Kolkata  939  1,988.50 Chennai  928.50  2,043.50 Hyderabad  965  2,105.50 Lucknow  950.50  2,007 Bengaluru  915.50  1,958 Patna  1,002.50  2,133.50

Also Read | Households near PNG networks must switch from LPG in 3 months

LPG supply to be cut off if: Govt order Centre on Tuesday said that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply to households will be discontinued if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) despite availability.

The order, issued on 24 March, also set a deadline, requiring consumers to obtain a PNG connection in areas where it is feasible to do so.

The move is aimed at freeing up LPG supplies from areas with pipeline connectivity and diverting them to regions lacking such infrastructure, while promoting "fuel diversification" amid global supply disruptions.

Centre advises against panic booking Centre assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country, and urged them not to believe rumours circulating on social media or resort to panic buying.

"Reports circulating in sections of the news and on social media about changes in LPG refill booking norms are incorrect, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

It said that there is no change in LPG refill booking norms.

Minimum gap between two refill bookings remains:  25 days in urban areas

 45 days in rural areas

These timelines continue as per existing guidelines. Please, avoid panic booking. There is adequate LPG availability to meet demand.

No shortage of LPG cylinders in Delhi Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told the assembly that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders in the national capital.

"I would like to inform the citizens and the entire House that no rumours regarding LPG distribution in Delhi should be encouraged. With the festive season approaching, I want to assure the entire House that not even for a single day or a single hour will there be any shortage anywhere," he said.
Mausam Jha

Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IRincluding electionsand global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.
US President Donald Trump said Iran allowed a group of oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a positive signal amid ongoing negotiations.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump recounted how the tanker movements first came to his attention through media reports.

They said somethings unusual happening. There are eight boats that are going middle of the Hormuz strait  eight big tankers are going loaded up with oil right through, Trump said.

And I said, well, I guess they were right and I think they were Pakistani flagged. And I said, well, I guess were dealing with the right people.

The president added that Iran subsequently allowed additional vessels to pass, increasing the total number of tankers.

They then allowed two more boats, Trump said, bringing the total to 10 oil tankers.

During the meeting, Trump also appeared to acknowledge potential sensitivities around revealing such details publicly. Addressing US special envoy Steve Witkoff, he remarked: I hope I didnt screw up the negotiations by saying that.

The comments come as Washington and Tehran remain engaged in fragile discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global oil shipments, making any developments in the region closely watched by energy markets and policymakers worldwide.

Iran begging to make a deal Trump reiterated his stance that Iran is eager to reach a ceasefire agreement, pushing back against media reports suggesting otherwise.

They are begging to make a deal. Not me. Theyre begging to make a deal, he said, criticizing coverage by outlets.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump struck a more forceful tone, warning Iranian negotiators to act quickly.

They better get serious soon, before it is too late there is NO TURNING BACK, and it wont be pretty!

Weapons diversion remarks The President also addressed reports that the Pentagon could redirect weapons originally earmarked for Ukraine to the Middle East, suggesting such moves are routine.

We do that all the time Sometimes we take from one, and we use for another, Trump said.

Also Read | Iran claims mobilisation of over 1 million fighters amid fears of US ground conf
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is grappling with unprecedented airport delays as a weeks-long Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding shutdown exacerbates staffing shortages, long lines, and operational disruptions nationwide.

Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told Congress on Wednesday (March 25) that some airport wait times have exceeded 4.5 hours, marking the longest in agency history. The shutdown, now 40 days old following a lapse on February 14, has already led to the departure of more than 480 transportation security officers.

Major airports hit hard Airports in Atlanta, Houston, and New York have been particularly affected. Lines have extended through terminals, baggage claims, and even outdoors, prompting widespread social media complaints from frustrated travelers. On certain days, 4050% of TSA officers have called out, forcing the agency to consolidate screening lanes and scale back operations.

Shutdown deadlock The funding stalemate continues amid disputes over immigration enforcement policy. Democrats proposed reforms to limit immigration operations following several violent incidents, but Senate Republicans rejected the plan. Majority Leader John Thune criticized the proposal, calling it not even close to being real and highlighting demands including mask restrictions and judicial warrants.

DHS assistance limited Federal immigration officers have been deployed to some airports, but it remains unclear how much they have alleviated TSA duties. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats for the ongoing chaos, accusing them of obstructing a deal and creating disruptions to divert attention from US military operations overseas.

Staffing crisis On Monday, hundreds of immigration and Homeland Security Investigations officers began assisting with airport security. Despite this, DHS reported that 11.1% of TSA officers nationwide (3,160 personnel) did not show up for work. In major hubs like New York, Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans, absentee rates exceeded 30%, further fueling long waits for travelers. ICE and other DHS law enforcement personnel continue to receive pay during the shutdown.

Also Read | Delta Air Lines suspends perks for Congress members amid DHS funding stalemate
Mayor Zohran Mamdani moved to block the expansion of New York Citys housing voucher programdespite earlier campaign promises to support it, in a reversal at a time when housing affordability remains a pressing concern.

The conflict dates back to the tenure of former mayor Eric Adams, who opposed the City Councils effort to expand the voucher program. Adams maintained that the proposal would impose excessive financial strain on the city and questioned whether the Council had the legal authority to enact such changes.

Now, under Mamdanis leadership, the city is continuing that same legal argument. His administration has petitioned the New York State Court of Appeals to block the expansion, effectively carrying forward the previous administrations stance.

Fiscal concerns drive decision Mayor Mamdani has defended the move by emphasizing the citys deteriorating financial outlook. According to his administration, the proposed expansion could cost up to $10 billion over the next five years.

While reiterating his commitment to addressing homelessness, Mamdani stated that fiscal responsibility must also guide policy decisions. He framed the legal action as a necessary step to balance urgent social needs with long-term economic sustainability.

A broken campaign promise? During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani pledged to withdraw the lawsuit and support expanding housing assistance. Critics now argue that continuing the legal fight contradicts that promise, raising concerns about political credibility and trust.

Housing advocates and some city leaders say the reversal could delay relief for thousands of low-income renters struggling with rising housing costs in New York City.

What the Voucher Program does New York Citys housing voucher program is among the largest in the United States. Under its current structure, tenants contribute 30% of their income toward rent, with the city covering the remaining balance.

The proposed expansion aimed to:

-Increase the number of eligible participants

-Relax qualification requirements

-Extend support to more low-income households
Indian Oil Corp. has bought liquefied petroleum gas from Iran for the first time in almost eight years, according to people familiar with the matter, as the country scrambles to avert a worsening shortage of the vital cooking fuel spurred by the war in the Middle East.

The refiner will share the shipment with its state-owned peers Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd., said the people, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the trade.

Indian Oil last bought LPG from Iran in June 2018, according to data intelligence firm Kpler, which said the current cargo is about 43,000 tons of butane and propane.

That amount would only be enough to meet half a days demand in India, where LPG is commonly used as a cooking fuel. The country imports about two-thirds of its supplies, and 90% of that comes from the Middle East, largely through the Strait of Hormuz thats been effectively blocked since the start of the war.

The shortages have seen some Indians being forced to cook with firewood, and have led to fights in lines to get LPG cylinders. New Delhi has curtailed supplies to commercial users such as hotels and restaurants and invoked emergency measures to accelerate the development of natural gas pipelines.

Its the first Indian purchase of energy from Iran since the US issued a temporary waiver earlier this month allowing the country to buy crude oil or petroleum products from the Islamic Republic. The market has been watching for signs of potential buyers for Iranian cargoes that were long considered out of reach due to harsh US sanctions.

The people familiar didnt provide any further details on the cargo or the vessel thats carrying it. However, ship-tracking data from Kpler shows LPG carrier Sea Bird is transporting Iranian LPG and signaling it will arrive at Indias Mangalore port on Thursday.

The ship had previously signaled its intention to head to China, as it passed through the strait on March 17, before turning off its transponder signals. It then reappeared in the Arabian Sea a few days later, sailing east, even though its destination was Dubai in the opposite direction.

India is also in the final stages of negotiations for the safe passage of two more LPG cargoes through Hormuz. The vessels Green Asha and Green Sanvi are contracted by BPCL.
Iran has mobilised more than one million fighters in preparation for a potential ground confrontation with the United States, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency citing a military source.

The development comes amid escalating tensions in the region and growing speculation over a possible US military move on Irans southern front, particularly around the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

Wave of enthusiasm among fighters The Iranian source said there has been a surge in volunteerism, with young Iranians seeking to join military formations.

There has been a recent surge of requests from Iranian youth to Basij, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the army to participate in the battle, the source reportedly said.

The mobilisation reflects what officials described as a wave of enthusiasm to confront any potential US ground incursion.

Warning over Strait of Hormuz Iran signalled readiness to counter any attempt by US forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

The United States wants to open the strait by suicide. This is not a problem. We are ready to carry out their strategy and keep the Strait closed, the source said.

The waterway remains a critical global oil transit route, and any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching implications for energy markets.

Trumps remarks on negotiations US President Donald Trump has maintained that Iran is under pressure to strike a deal, dismissing Tehrans stance.

On Truth Social, Trump said Iranian negotiators were begging for an agreement after being militarily obliterated, urging them to move quickly.

Military build-up in the region The US Central Command has confirmed that around 50,000 American troops are currently stationed across the Middle East. These forces are spread across Gulf bases and nearby strategic locations, supporting air strikes, missile defence systems, and naval operations.

Escalation after February strikes The latest tensions follow a major escalation after the reported killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders on February 28, which triggered a large-scale military campaign by the US and Israel.

The strikes targeted military and civilian sites across Iran, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open only to select countries, even as Tehran continues its military operations in the Gulf.

India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan have been granted passage, while others face restrictions, signalling a significant escalation in tensions over one of the worlds most critical energy routes.

We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan", Araghchi said.

Iran Defines Its Friends  and Its Enemies  at Hormuz "The Strait of Hormuz, from our perspective, is not completely closed  it is closed only to enemies. There is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass," Araghchi said, drawing a geopolitical fault line across one of the most consequential stretches of ocean on earth.

Also Read | Iran US War News LIVE: Iran rejects US ceasefire plan with counterproposal

The move has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude climbing toward $104 a barrel on Thursday after shedding more than 2% the previous session. West Texas Intermediate traded near $92.

Oil Prices Surge as Hormuz Closure Chokes Global Energy Supply Brent crude is on course for its steepest monthly gain since 1990, a benchmark that underscores just how severely the conflict has disrupted the energy-rich Middle East.

Millions of barrels of daily oil output have been lost since the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz began, while prices for refined products, from diesel to jet fuel, have climbed sharply. Asia, heavily dependent on Gulf crude, has been hit particularly hard.

The White House insisted peace negotiations remain ongoing, but Tehran flatly rejected those overtures, issuing its own conditions for any resolution  among them, sovereign control over the strait itself.

Iran's Parliament Eyes Tolls on Hormuz Shipping Adding yet another layer of complexity, Iran's parliament is reportedly drafting legislation that would impose a fee on vessels in exchange for safe passage through the waterway.

The semi-official Fars news agency, citing an unnamed lawmaker, said the bill is expected to be finalised next week.

If enacted, it would effectively transform one of the world's busiest maritime corridors into a toll road controlled by Tehran, a development that would have profound implications for international shipping law and global trade.

ADNOC Chief Labels Iran's Hormuz Disruption 'Economic Terrorism' The head of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, speaking on Wednesday, Sultan Al Jaber, warned that Iran's actions at the Strait of Hormuz constitute nothing less than economic terrorism, with consequences felt far beyond the Gulf.

"When Iran holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom at the gas pump, grocery store, and pharmacy," he said.

The disruption has already begun driving up the cost of fuel, food, fertiliser, and medicine  commodities whose supply chains are deeply intertwined with the movement of Gulf energy exports.

United Nations Demands Immediate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added his voice to the growing chorus of international concern, calling for the immediate reopening of the strait amid mounting disruptions to global energy and food supplies. His statement was pointed and wide-ranging in its implications.
Saudi Arabias Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan warned of a significant global impact of the war in the Middle East, suggesting there's more than what meets the eye.

Al-Jadaan was quoted by Al Arabiya English as saying that while oil has dominated media coverage, it is refined products  including fertilisers, steel and aluminum  that have been most affected due to the ongoing war.

Also Read | Iran US War News LIVE: Trump calls Iranian lousy fighters but great negotiators

You will need to mute a lot of the media noise for you to really understand whats happening on the ground, Al-Jadaan reportedly said while speaking at the FII Priority conference in Miami. The summit is hosted by the Future Investment Initiative Institute.

He said the risks have not yet been priced into the markets.

The minister was quoted as saying that despite economic activities being quite normal in terms of day-to-day activity, obviously there are potential serious impacts on the global economy, not only in the region, but generally that we really believe that has not yet been priced in the markets."

Also Read | Trump to hold cabinet meeting today amid DHS shutdown pressure and Iran war

We really need to make sure that we resolve the conflict very quickly and come together to do that for the global economy not to be impacted even more," al-Jadaan said.

Shipping disruptions, rising input costs strain fertiliser markets The conflict between the US-Israel and Iran has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and tightened global supplies of crude oil and other commodities, including fertilisers.

This has begun to impact availability at the grassroots level, pushing up prices in recent weeks, news agency ANI reported.

India remains the second-largest consumer and third-largest producer of fertilisers globally, and the country is particularly exposed to global price movements in natural gas and imported nutrients such as phosphates and potash.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of the Fertiliser Association of India, told ANI on Thursday that shipping disruptions in West Asia and rising input costs are adding pressure to global fertiliser production and pricing.

He added, "Disruptions in shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, and tightening global LNG availability are exerting pressure on input costs and supply chains worldwide."

Higher LNG prices directly affect urea production costs, while logistical bottlenecks can delay shipments of finished fertilisers and raw materials, adding uncertainty for both producers and farmers during key agricultural cycles.

'India is managing the impact' Chaudhari, however, said India is managing the impact through close government-industry coordination and monitoring by empowered groups.

"The ongoing developments in West Asia have introduced significant volatility in global energy and fertiliser markets, given the region's critical role in supplying both natural gas and key crop nutrients," Chaudhari said.

Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari told ANI that while these challenges are real, "the impact on the fertiliser sector is being carefully managed through close coordination between the industry and the government."
Israels military has claimed it killed Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, in what it described as a targeted operation linked to the Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strike was carried out overnight and targeted senior naval leadership.

Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy, Tangsiri, along with senior naval command officials, Katz said in a video statement.

He added that Israel would continue its military campaign against Iran.

We will continue operating in Iran with full force to achieve the wars objectives.

Role in Strait of Hormuz blockade According to Israeli officials, Tangsiri played a central role in efforts to disrupt maritime traffic through the critical oil shipping route.

The IDF has eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy  directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, Katz claimed.

Tangsiri had become increasingly prominent in recent weeks, particularly amid heightened tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.

Strategic signal to allies Katz framed the operation as a broader geopolitical message, particularly to Washington.

An important message to our American partners, reflecting the IDFs assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital global energy corridor, and any disruption to shipping through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and trade.

No confirmation from Tehran Despite the Israeli claims, Iran has not officially acknowledged Tangsiris death. The lack of confirmation leaves uncertainty over the full impact of the reported strike, even as regional tensions remain high.

Also Read | Iran claims mobilisation of over 1 million fighters amid fears of US ground conf
The gap between what is known and what is being claimed is already too wide. Breathless predictions of how all white-collar work will be automated within 18 months arent analysis, but marketing. And theyre also bad for the technology itself. Public trust in AI is fragile. Tech leaders who want it widely adopted should stop selling every restructuring as proof that machines are turning humans obsolete.
She controls her transaction through a simple, intuitive conversational interface in her language. Her agent tells her in plain language what it is about to do and waits for her voice confirmation before acting. It proves her eligibility without exposing her Aadhaar number. It accesses her income and eligibility certificates from DigiLocker only after getting her consent. When the disbursement arrives via UPI, she is immediately alerted, with an audit trail.
(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy kicked off a surprise visit to the Gulf region as he seeks to offer his nations anti-drone expertise in exchange for defense support.

Zelenskiy said he was planning to hold important meetings as he announced his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. We appreciate the support and support those who are willing to work with us for security, he said.

The Ukrainian leader didnt elaborate on the details of the trip, which is going to take him to other countries in the region, according to people familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified.

Ukraine is set to sign an air security deal with Saudi Arabia, AFP reported Thursday citing an unnamed senior official.

Kyiv has been trying to leverage its experience with drone warfare since the start of the Iran war, dispatching teams to the Gulf to advise on how to intercept attacks that have wreaked havoc on energy infrastructure across the region.

The Ukrainian president has offered to exchange the expertise for support in getting supplies of expensive and increasingly scarce US-made missiles, which are the only effective weapon against high-speed Russian ballistic projectiles.

Zelenskiy is being accompanied in Saudi Arabia by his top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, who led a Ukrainian delegation to the region earlier this month. Ukraine has dispatched a team of more than 200 military specialists to several Middle Eastern countries to help them defend against drones fired by Iran amid its standoff with the US.

The trip comes as Kyiv is struggling to secure fresh commitments from NATO allies to purchase critical US-made weapons. A crucial 90 billion ($104 billion) European Union loan for Ukraine has also been put in limbo by a Hungarian veto.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A newly identified COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, is spreading across the US, raising concerns among health officials and researchers monitoring its transmission, mutation profile, and potential impact on immunity. The strainnicknamed Cicadahas been detected in multiple surveillance systems, including travellers, clinical samples, and wastewater, signalling a broader, and possibly undercounted, spread.

According to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 23 countries had reported the variant as of February 11, underscoring its growing international footprint.

What is the BA.3.2 Cicada COVID variant? BA.3.2 represents a genetically distinct lineage of SARS-CoV-2, separate from the JN.1 variants that have dominated infections in recent years.

BA.3.2 represents a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2, genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG) that have circulated in the United States since January 2024, the study authors wrote.

The variant is characterised by 70 to 75 mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus responsible for entering human cells. These changes are believed to contribute to what researchers describe as immune escape characteristics, meaning the virus may partially evade protection from prior infection or vaccination.

Phylogenetic analyses have identified the emergence of two BA.3.2 sublineages (BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2), indicating ongoing viral evolution, the researchers added.

Where has the new COVID variant been detected in the US? The CDC has identified BA.3.2 across multiple detection systems, including:

Nasal swabs from four US travellers

Clinical samples from five patients

Three airplane wastewater samples

132 wastewater samples across 25 states

Full list of COVID affected US states The new Covid variant has been detected in the following US states:

California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming.

Health experts caution that the actual spread may be wider due to limited genomic surveillance in some regions.

Origins and global spread of Covid Variant BA.3.2 Although now gaining attention, the variant is not entirely new. It was first identified in a respiratory sample in South Africa in November 2024, before gradually expanding its presence.

The strain was confirmed in the US in June 2025, in a traveller arriving from the Netherlands. By late 2025, BA.3.2 accounted for around 30 per cent of sequenced cases in parts of Europe, including Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Its nickname, Cicada, reflects its unusual emergence patternremaining relatively undetected before surfacing more prominently in 2025.

Symptoms linked to the Cicada Covid variant Early observations suggest that BA.3.2 does not present entirely new symptoms but may have some notable trends.

Severe sore throat is being reported as a common symptom along with other typical COVID symptoms, said Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include: Sore throat

Cough

Fever or chills

Fatigue

Headache

Muscle or body aches

Congestion or runny nose

Loss of taste or smell

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhoea

Shortness of breath So far, there is no clear evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness than other circulating variants.

Will vaccines still work against New Covid variant BA.3.2? The question of vaccine effectiveness remains under active study. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that existing vaccines and antiviral treatments are expected to continue protecting against severe disease.

However, the high number of mutations has raised concerns among some experts.

The number of mutations makes it less likely that the current vaccines will be as highly effective against the variant, Hopkins said, adding, but we need more data to better answer this question.

Because current vaccines are designed around earlier lineages, including JN.1-related strains, researchers are closely monitoring how well they perform against BA.3.2.

Could the new Covid variant trigger a surge? The trajectory of BA.3.2 remains uncertain, but experts say it has the potential to influence future infection trends.

It is possible we will see Cicada drive a summer COVID surge and become the dominant strain in the United States; but that is by no means certain, Hopkins noted.

Public health authorities continue to emphasise ongoing genomic surveillance as essential to understanding the variants spread, evolution, and impact.

Why health officials are closely monitoring BA.3.2 Given its mutation profile, immune escape potential, and increasing detection, BA.3.2 is being watched as a variant of interest. Researchers stress that gaps in global surveillance could mean the variant is more widespread than current data suggests.
Some tissues, like embryos, can be preserved with the help of chemicals that prevent ice crystals, but the chemicals can be toxic in large quantities. And it has been almost impossible to deep freeze parts of the brain in a way that allows them to work properly after thawing.
Apple had announced its partnership with Google to use Gemini to power the latest version of Siri, along with other Apple Intelligence features, but the finer details of that arrangement had remained under wraps. Now, as per a new report by The Information, under the arrangement, Apple gets full access to the Gemini model in its own data centre, which gives the iPhone maker the right to produce smaller models for specific tasks that are small enough to run directly on Apple devices.

Apple can distil Gemini into smaller models: The report also goes on to note that Apple can perform distillation on the Gemini model, which is a technique by which an LLM can transfer its knowledge onto a smaller model. In this process, Apple's model would act as a student model that tries to learn and imitate the chain of thought of the Gemini model.

With a smaller model, Apple also gets the flexibility of spending less computing power, allowing them to run on-device. The report also confirms that Apple is planning to unveil a smarter version of Siri at the WWDC conference in June this year, which would allow the voice assistant to remember past conversations it had with users and even suggest proactive responses like they leave home to avoid traffic ahead of an airport pickup.

Moreover, Apple's Foundation Models team has also reportedly not given up on developing its own in-house models, but it's not clear what the progress on that front has been.

What is Apple planning with Siri? Another report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman on Sunday had also confirmed that the Siri unveiling would happen at the WWDC 2026 conference on 8 June. The report also noted that Apple is planning to unveil a standalone app for Siri that would give it a fresh new look by bringing in a chatbot-like experience.

The app would give users access to all their past conversations with the AI assistant right from its main interface. It will also come with the ability to pin favourite chats, save older conversations, search across interactions, and start new conversations via a plus button inside the app.

The new Siri app will work similarly to any other chatbot out there, with the option to upload attachments like images and documents, send text and images, and a switch to turn in and out of voice mode. The app will also reportedly have the ability to suggest prompts to users based on their prior usage.
Elizabeth Rodriguez, 21, is escorted by a Laredo Police Department officer after her arrest March 25, 2026, in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Laredo Police Department

A woman wanted for capital murder in connection with a 2022 home invasion in Houston was arrested Wednesday morning in south Laredo, according to the Laredo Police Department.

Officers with the Laredo Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force apprehended 21-year-old Elizabeth Rodriguez on March 25 in the 2900 block of Vicente Street.

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She was served with a warrant issued by the Houston Police Department for capital murder of multiple persons.

Rodriguez is one of six suspects charged in a home invasion in which two men were shot and later died from their injuries, while a third man was assaulted and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

The shooting occurred Jan. 21, 2022, at a residence on Avenue Q in Houston, where multiple suspects entered the home and began shooting before fleeing, according to the Houston Police Department.

Jail records show Rodriguez was booked into Webb County Jail on the capital murder charge, where she remained in custody as of Wednesday afternoon with no bond listed.
Mugshot of Cindy Rodriguez, 31, who was arrested March 22, 2026, on a charge of assault on a peace officer in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office

A woman was arrested after kicking and biting an officer during a disturbance at a hospital, according to the Laredo Police Department.

Officers responded at about 5:52 p.m. March 22 to a hospital in the 1700 block of East Saunders Street, where an officer was monitoring a patient.

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The patient, identified as 31-year-old Cindy Rodriguez, fell to the floor and refused to cooperate with nursing staff. Rodriguez then became combative with two officers during a physical struggle, police said.

She allegedly kicked one officer twice in the abdomen and bit his right hand as she resisted arrest.

Rodriguez was charged with assault on a peace officer, a second-degree felony.

Jail records show Rodriguez was booked into the Webb County Jail on March 23 and released the same day on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
Dan Clouse, author of Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande. Courtesy/Dan Clouse Cover of the book Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande by Dan Clouse. A reading, platica, and book signing will take place at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. Courtesy/Dan Clouse A reading, platica and book signing for Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande by Dan Clouse will take place at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. Courtesy/Dan Clouse A reading, platica and book signing for Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande by Dan Clouse will take place at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. Courtesy/Dan Clouse A reading, platica and book signing for Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande by Dan Clouse will take place at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. Courtesy/Dan Clouse

Dan Clouse, author of Laredo Stories: A Boyhood on the Rio Grande, will hold a reading, a platica and a book signing Friday at the Laredo Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.

Born in Laredo at Mercy Hospital in 1949, Clouse spent his first 18 years in the city, where he attended United Day and Lamar Junior High and graduated from Nixon High School. He went on to pursue higher education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

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Clouse also completed postgraduate studies in Spanish literature and holds a masters degree in medieval Spanish literature. He served as a teacher and professor of literature and Spanish in Texas and Washington.

I am very excited to return to Laredo after so much time, he said. When I left for college, I came back in the summer of 1968 to work at my fathers business  an auto parts store that also exported to companies in Monterrey and other parts of Mexico. Later, I visited often to see my parents, who lived here until the 1990s.

The last time I visited was about 10 years ago, when a tribute was held in honor of my father following his passing.

Clouse noted that the book began as a series of submissions for "LareDOS: A Journal of the Borderlands," the online newspaper founded by Meg Guerra. He added that the book recalls his anecdotes growing up in Laredo during the 1950s and 1960s.

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Meg and I were talking on the phone one day. I told her a story about Laredo, and she found it amusing, he said. She then suggested that I write it down to be published in LareDOS. That was when I realized I had a certain knack for entertaining my contemporaries  those who remember the Laredo of yesteryear.

He said that for five years, from 2017-22, he wrote story after story recounting anecdotes from his life in Laredo, noting that they are not products of fiction.

Through this creative exercise, I learned a great deal about Laredo, he said. On one occasion, I asked Meg if I could write something that wasnt necessarily a memoir or anecdote but rather focused on the history of Laredo, and she said yes.

He mentioned that, on one occasion, he wrote a tongue-in-cheek article for April Fools' Day, fabricating an episode from Gabriel Garcia Marquezs actual road trip through Laredo with his family in 1961.

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Some people didnt realize it was nothing more than an April Fools' Day prank, he said.

He said he began thinking about publishing a book when one of his daughters suggested he compile and publish the collection of stories he had been submitting to LareDOS.

Last summer, one of my daughters asked me why I didnt gather everything I had written and publish it as a book, he said. So, I looked into the options and now my book is available on Amazon.

Clouse noted that the book was not something he had planned but rather that it came about as a surprise.

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I didnt write with any specific goals or objectives in mind, he said.

Clouse remarked that the creative process behind these stories, which were gradually compiled to form this book, was a true pleasure.

I dont consider myself a writer or an expert on Laredo  not like other great writers such as Norma Elia Cantu or Jerry Thompson  but as I wrote, I realized that I enjoyed it, and that writing about my anecdotes in Laredo was a source of pleasure, he said. But then, when I received positive feedback from readers telling me how much my stories made them laugh, that brought me a double dose of pleasure.

Clouse invited the Laredo community to attend the reading and discussion of his book Friday at the Laredo Center for the Arts, noting that readers could find installments of his book in LareDOS.

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You never truly leave Laredo behind; Laredo goes with me and has always been with me, he said. Laredo looms large in my memory, and I want readers to know that I wrote from a place of nostalgia, that I wrote a bit of history but also elegies to my departed friends as a tribute.

To read Clouse's stories published in LareDOS, visit laredosnews.com/category/columns/past-perfect.

The Laredo Center for the Arts is located at 500 San Agustin Ave.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar poses with representatives from the Texas Department of Public Safety during a Share-A-Bear distribution event Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar poses with representatives from Casa Misericordia during a Share-A-Bear distribution event Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar poses with representatives from the Laredo Police Department during a Share-A-Bear distribution event Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar poses with representatives from the Laredo Fire Department during a Share-A-Bear distribution event Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar speaks during a Share-A-Bear distribution event Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times

Boxes of stuffed animals filled the new Webb County Sheriffs Office administration building on Farragut Street  each one meant for a child facing a difficult situation.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar distributed 1,000 plush toys to local law enforcement agencies, first responders and community organizations Thursday as part of the countys Share-A-Bear Drive, a long-running effort designed to provide comfort to children affected by crime, trauma or natural disasters.

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This is our 12th annual Share-A-Bear distribution drive, said Eddie Zavala, administrative manager for the sheriffs office. In the last 12 years, we have given more than 12,000 stuffed animals to local organizations.

Zavala said the toys are collected over several months through partnerships with school districts, private schools and local organizations, then provided to groups that work directly with children.

The drive typically begins in the fall with a community donation event. In September, the sheriffs office launched this years drive with a collection event at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Mall del Norte, where residents and organizations donated stuffed animals.

These stuffed animals will bring smiles and comfort to children when they need it most, Cuellar said at the time. For 12 years, Share-A-Bear has shown the true heart of our community  neighbors coming together to bring comfort and hope to children who need it most. Each stuffed animal collected represents love, safety and healing, and Im so proud of what weve built together.

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At the event, Zavala thanked the agencies and organizations in attendance, ranging from law enforcement and school district police departments to medical and child advocacy organizations.

None of this would be possible without their assistance in ensuring that kids in the community receive this comfort item in their time of need, he said.

Zavala said the effort is focused on the children who receive the donations, pointing to visits to local hospitals during the holidays.

Every year, Sheriff Cuellar visits both hospitals here in Laredo  their pediatrics units  for Christmas, he said. When he walks in, just seeing the faces of those kids lighting up and their smiles, it reminds us why we do this.

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Cuellar said the idea for the program dates back to his time with the Texas Department of Public Safety in the 1980s, when troopers handed out teddy bears during seat belt enforcement efforts.

If DPS pulled somebody over and they had kids, wed give them a teddy bear to encourage them and therefore save lives, he said. We are an extension of the community so we can be able to talk to the kids and comfort them for a little bit.

Officials aid the effort will continue throughout the year, with deputies and partner agencies keeping the stuffed animals on hand when they are needed.
Laredo Police Department Lt. Charlie A. Rosales graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. on March 18, 2026. Courtesy/Laredo Police Department

Laredo Police Department Lt. Charlie A. Rosales graduated last week from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

I am proud to have completed the FBI National Academy, Rosales said. I return with a renewed commitment to lead with integrity, serve with purpose and uphold the trust our community places in us every day.

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Rosales was one of 252 officers participating in the 297th session of the program from 48 states, 24 countries, the District of Columbia and various military and federal civilian organizations. Law enforcement officers who demonstrate leadership and professionalism are chosen by nomination to participate in the program.

The academy is a 10-week program providing leadership, communication and physical fitness training. It is led by FBI special agents along with professional staff accredited by the University of Virginia. More than 56,900 officers have graduated from the program since it began in 1935.

Rosales joined the Laredo Police Department in 2005, starting in the patrol division. He was promoted to investigator in the Special Investigations Unit, handling cases related to sexual assault, child abuse and crimes against the elderly. He was also promoted to sergeant and lieutenant with Internal Affairs.

Rosales oversees Internal Affairs and Open Records. He maintains transparency and ensures compliance with public information laws and department policy to uphold ethical standards. He has earned several recognitions throughout his career, including Meritorious Service Awards and Investigator of the Year honors.
El Paso International Airport is set to break ground on a $20-million first phase of a Advanced Manufacturing District this May. El Paso International Airport / Press Release

A Far West Texas city is pushing to become a manufacturing powerhousea mission that will officially kick start in fewer than two months with a $20-million development.

El Paso plans to break ground on phase one of a planned Advanced Manufacturing District at the El Paso International Airport (ELP) in May, according to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. The project will construct a 50,000-square-foot building, including 10,000 square feet of administrative space and 40,000 square feet dedicated to a tenant shell space.

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Titled the Advanced Manufacturing District Phase I, the $20-million project is part of a larger "transformative" 250-acre development aiming to position the region as an innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing hub, according to ELP. Specifically, the district will support aerospace and defense manufacturing, according to the El Paso Economic and International Development office.

A rendering of a facility planned for the Advanced Manufacturing District at the El Paso International Airport. El Paso Economic and International Development Office

El Paso City Council approved the districts construction early last year, according to a prior city news release. Once complete, the district is expected to bring 4,000 engineering and technology jobs and 13,000 high-skill technical jobs to the area by 2030.

Phase one will also ultimately include construction of two 100,000-square-foot multi-tenant buildings in addition to the 50,000-square-foot facility, according to the release.

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"Creating high-paying jobs for our community has been one of my top priorities," Mayor Renard Johnson said in the release. "The Advanced Manufacturing District is a key investment in El Pasos future, fulfilling that promise by opening doors to life-changing opportunities for our residents."

Johnson said the project will not only transform the local economy, but also position El Paso as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

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In this photo provided by Norton Healthcare, nurse Robin Waldridge administers a Vitamin K shot to a newborn baby at Norton Women's and Children's Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the hospital in Louisville, Ky. (Jamie Rhodes/Norton Healthcare via AP) Jamie Rhodes/AP

One day at an Idaho hospital, half the newborns Dr. Tom Patterson saw didnt get the vitamin K shots that have been given to babies for decades to prevent potentially deadly bleeding. On another recent day, more than a quarter didn't get the shot. Their parents wouldn't allow it.

When you look at a child whos innocent and vulnerable  and a simple intervention thats been done since 1961 is refused  knowing that babys going out into the world is super worrisome to me, said Patterson, whos been a pediatrician for nearly three decades.

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Doctors across the nation are alarmed that skepticism fueled by rising anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust is increasingly reaching beyond vaccines to other proven, routine, preventive care for babies.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which analyzed more than 5 million births nationwide, found that refusals of vitamin K shots nearly doubled between 2017 and 2024, from 2.9% to 5.2%. Other research suggests that parents who decline vitamin K shots are much more likely to refuse getting their newborns the hepatitis B vaccine and an eye ointment to prevent potentially blinding infections. Rates for that vaccination at birth dropped in recent years, and doctors confirm that more parents are refusing the eye medication.

I do think these families care deeply about their infants, said Dr. Kelly Wade, a Philadelphia neonatologist. But I hear from families that its hard to make decisions right now because theyre hearing conflicting information.

Innumerable social media posts question doctors advice on safe and effective measures like vitamin K and eye ointment. And the Trump administration has repeatedly undermined established science. A federal advisory committee whose members were appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  a leading anti-vaccine activist before joining the administration  voted to end the longstanding recommendation to immunize all babies against hepatitis B right after birth. On Monday a federal judge temporarily blocked all decisions made by the reconfigured committee.

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One common thread that ties together anti-vaccine views and growing sentiments against other protective measures for newborns is the fallacy that natural is always better than artificial, said Dr. David Hill, a Seattle pediatrician and researcher.

Nature will allow 1 in 5 human infants to die in the first year of life, Hill said, which is why generations of scientists and doctors have worked to bring that number way, way down.

Vitamin K and other measures prevent serious problems

Babies are born with low levels of vitamin K, leaving them vulnerable because their intestines can't produce enough until they start eating solid foods at around 6 months old.

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Vitamin K is important for helping the blood clot and preventing dangerous bleeding in babies, like bleeding into the brain, said Dr. Kristan Scott of the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, lead author of the JAMA study.

Before injections became routine, up to about 1 in 60 babies suffered vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Today the condition is rare, but research shows that newborns who dont get a vitamin K shot are 81 times more likely to develop severe bleeding than those who do.

Hill has seen what can happen.

I cared for a toddler whose parents had chosen that risk, the Seattle doctor said. The child essentially had a stroke as a newborn and wound up with severe developmental delays and ongoing seizures.

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At a February meeting of the Idaho chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, doctors said they knew of eight deaths from vitamin K deficiency bleeding in the state over the preceding 13 months, said Patterson, who is president of the chapter.

Infections prevented by other newborn measures can also have grave consequences. Erythromycin eye ointment protects against gonorrhea that can be contracted during birth and potentially cause blindness if untreated. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents a disease that can lead to liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Even if a pregnant woman is tested for gonorrhea and hepatitis B, no test is perfect, and she may get infected after testing, said Dr. Susan Sirota, a pediatrician in Highland Park, Illinois. Either way, she risks passing the infection to her child.

Why are parents refusing routine care?

Parents give many reasons for turning down preventive measures, like fearing they might cause problems and not wanting newborns to feel pain.

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Some will just say they want more of a natural birth philosophy, said Dr. Steven Abelowitz, founder of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California. Then theres a ton of misinformation.  There are outside influences, friends, celebrities, nonprofessionals and political agendas.

Abelowitz practices in an area with about an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats.

Theres more mistrust from the conservative side, but theres plenty on the more liberal side as well, he said, Its across-the-board mistrust.

Social media provides ample fuel, spreading myths and pushing unregulated vitamin K drops that doctors warn babies can't absorb well.

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Doctors in numerous states say parents refusing vitamin K shots often also decline other measures. Sirota, in Illinois, encountered a family that refused a heel stick to monitor glucose for a baby at high risk for having potentially life-threatening low blood sugar.

Care refusals arent a new phenomenon. Wade, in Philadelphia, said shes seen them for 20 years. But until recently, they were rare.

Twelve years ago, Dana Morrison, now a Minnesota doula, declined the vitamin K shot for her newborn son, giving him oral drops instead.

It came from a space of really wanting to protect the bonding time with my baby, she said. I was trying to eliminate more pokes.

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Her daughter's birth a couple of years later was less straightforward, leaving the infant with a bruised leg. Morrison got the vitamin K shot for her.

Knowing what she does now, she said, she would have gotten it for her son, too.

Doctors and parents want the best for their children

Doctors hope to change minds, one parent at a time. And that begins with respect.

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If I walk into the room with judgment, we are going to have a really useless conversation, Hill said. Every parent I serve wants the best for their children.

When parents question the need for the vitamin K shot, Dr. Heather Felton tries to address their specific concerns. She explains why its given and the risks of not getting it. Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.

It really helps that you can take that time and really listen and be able to provide some education, said Felton, a pediatrician at Norton Childrens in Louisville, Kentucky.

In Idaho, Patterson sometimes finds himself clearing up misconceptions. Some parents will agree to a vitamin K shot when they find out it's not a vaccine, for example.

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These conversations can take time, especially since the parents doctors see in hospitals usually aren't people they know through their practices.

But doctors are happy to invest that time if it might save babies.

I end every discussion with parents with this: Please understand at the end of the day, Im passionate about this because I have the best interest of children in my mind and heart, Patterson said. I understand this is a hot topic, and I dont want to disrespect anybody. But at the same time, Im desperately saddened that were losing babies for no reason.

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FILE - A Marine stands front of newly-installed concertina wire lining one of two border walls separating Mexico from the United States during a news conference, March 21, 2025, in San Diego. Gregory Bull/AP FILE - Traffic moves along Interstate 10 near downtown Houston, April 30, 2020. David J. Phillip/AP

Growth rates in U.S. metro areas dropped the steepest in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border last year because of declines in immigrants while counties along Florida's Gulf Coast lost residents due to a series of hurricanes, according to new population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The estimates showed that a majority of metro areas and counties had slower population gains last year, which the bureau attributed primarily to a slowdown in international migration, compared to the previous year when an influx of immigrants had helped urban areas recover from the COVID-19 pandemic a few years earlier.

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The average growth rate for metro areas fell from 1.1% in 2024 to 0.6% in 2025.

The figures, covering one year through July 2025, reflect the initial months of President Donald Trump's second term and the beginning of his administrations immigration crackdown, With an aging America and birth rates in the U.S. declining over the past two decades, immigration has become an important source of growth in many communities.

With so little natural increase, migration determines whether an area grows or declines, particularly in the big metro cores that have continuous domestic out-migration and are dependent on immigration, said Kenneth Johnson, senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire.

Immigrant losses

Three metro areas along the U.S-Mexico border stretching from Arizona to Texas had the steepest drops in population growth rates in 2025, according to the Census Bureau.

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The growth rate in Laredo, Texas, dropped from 3.2% to 0.2%. It went from 3.3% to 1.4% in Yuma, Arizona, and declined from 1.2% into negative territory at -0.7% in El Centro, California. All three experienced growth in 2024 because of an influx of thousands of immigrants.

That pattern suggests a sharper rise-and-fall effect in border regions, where international migration plays a more central role in year-to-year population change, said Helen You, interim director of the Texas Demographic Center.

As in 2024, the top destinations for immigrants in pure numbers in 2025 were counties that are home to Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. But the drop in immigrant numbers in those counties was stark. Nine out of 10 U.S. counties had lower levels of immigration in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Census Bureau.

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Hurricane migration

Two destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, tore through Gulf Coast counties in Florida in fall 2024, leaving behind tens of billions of dollars in damage. The storms also caused residents to leave, according to the population estimates.

Pinellas County, which is home to St. Petersburg, lost almost 12,000 residents, the second most in the U.S., trailing only Los Angeles County, which has been losing residents all decade. Pinellas County relies on migration for growth because deaths outpace births more than in any county in the U.S.

Taylor County, a tiny community ravaged by the hurricanes in Florida's Big Bend area, had the steepest growth rate decline among U.S. counties last year, with a -2.2% drop.

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But the hurricane migration wasn't limited to Florida. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the county that is home to Asheville, North Carolina, had more than 2,000 residents leaving in the months after the remnants of Hurricane Helene destroyed homes and cut off power and communications to mountain towns.

Growth leaders

The New York metro area slid from growing by the most people in 2024 to ranking No. 13 in 2025 because of the drop in immigrants.

Instead, two perennial growth powerhouses this decade, the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, were at the top of the list, followed by the Atlanta, Phoenix and Charlotte, North Carolina, metro areas.

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Several midsize metros in Florida and South Carolina had the largest growth rates. Ocala, Florida, located 80 miles (129 km) northwest of Orlando and known for its horse farms, led the nation at 3.4%. It was followed by: metro Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which has become a retirement haven; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Lakeland, Florida, located between the much larger metros of Tampa and Orlando; and Punta Gorda, Florida, about 35 miles (56.3 km) north of Fort Myers.

Sunbelt exurban growth

The far-out suburbs were top destinations among those who had moved from somewhere else in the United States.

They were led by Collin County, Texas, outside Dallas; Montgomery County, Texas, outside Houston; Pinal County, Arizona, outside Phoenix; and Pasco and Polk counties outside Tampa.

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The rapid growth of far-flung exurbs is an after-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Census Bureau. Rising housing costs drove people farther from cities, and remote work allowed many to do their jobs from home at least part of the week.

Where the babies are

Even though New York had more people moving out than moving in, births allowed the metro area to gain more than 32,000 residents. The New York metro area led the nation in natural increase, or births outpacing deaths, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros.

The metros where deaths outpaced births in the greatest numbers were Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and several Florida communities with large senior populations  the Sarasota, Daytona Beach and Tampa metro areas.

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The two Texas metro areas topped the charts in natural increase because of their age structure and the fact that they have gained more people than anywhere in the U.S., You said.

Decades of domestic and international in-migration have produced relatively young populations, with a large share of residents in childbearing ages, alongside comparatively smaller proportions of senior populations, she said.

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Weir's Furniture store in Dallas-Fort Worth is closing all locations after 78 years in business. Rogan Macdonald/Getty Images/Image Source

A long-running Dallas furniture store is shutting its doors, bringing 78 years of business to a close.

Weir's Furniture, which currently operates four locations across North Texas, announced all store locations will be closing. The company thanked the Dallas-Fort Worth community for embracing Weir's as more than a store, but as a neighbor and a partner.

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"As we reflect on 78 years of serving this wonderful community, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude," Weir's Furniture wrote in the announcement. "From our earliest days practicing the Golden Rule to building four locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it has been your trust, loyalty, and support that brought our mission to life."

Owners J. Ray and Bea Weir opened the first storefront on Knox Street in 1948, a decision that grew into "something far greater than furniture alone."

For nearly eight decades, the Weir family said they believed home was more than just a place, helping families create stylish, inviting spaces where memories are made. They expressed "immeasurable" thankfulness to their loyal customers, present and past employees, vendors and partners and the Dallas-Fort Worth community as a whole.

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Weir's Furniture, 5801 Preston Rd, Plano, TX is closing up shop. Instantstreetview.com

The company will be closing storefronts at the following locations in North Texas:

Dallas - 4540 Travis St.

North Dallas - 4800 Spring Valley Rd.

Plano - 5801 Preston Rd.

Southlake - 201 N. Nolen Dr.

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The Weir's Furniture website notes sales up to 30 percent off at all locations, urging customers to shop while supplies last.

"As we close this chapter, we carry forward memories of decades of relationships built on trust and shared purpose," the company signed off. "Although the doors may be closing, the impact of your supportand the legacy of faith, service, and integrity that have defined Weir'swill remain with us always."
Whether you're a truck driver traveling across the country or a Georgian trying to get to work, many are feeling the effects of rising gas prices.

"It's all the same, says truck driver Abed Wawi, whos making a trip from Minnesota to Florida. There's no cheap fuel in any state."

It's stretching our paychecks really, really thin, says Cooper Briggs, a Georgia resident. I mean this across the board.

Many Georgia residents say theyre seeing drastic changes in their weekly fill-ups.

Before the gas prices went up, my car took $30, and my bike would take $8, Briggs says. Now my bike's taking $12 and hers is taking almost $50.

Truck drivers tell me they're seeing up to $300 differences in diesel costs. At a station in Ringgold, Wawi spent more than $730 for 150 gallons and spent more than $800 at his last station. He tells me, just two weeks ago, that number was in the $500s.

What $4-a-gallon gasoline means for you and the economy Oil prices have risen by more than $30 a barrel since the war.

"At the end of the month, that's almost $4,000-$5000 more, Wawi says.

To help mitigate the impact, Georgia leaders signed a law into effect Friday suspending the state's gas tax for 60 days.

Residents say they're thankful for the relief, but it's not enough to make a dent in prices, especially for Tennesseans considering making the drive down.

If that's what they have to do, that's probably more money for the stores here in Georgia, but, at the same time, that's a drive for Tennesseans to come down, Briggs says.

Because when numbers cancel out, it might not be worth it.

That kind of depends on how far they have to go across the line to how much they're actually saving, Briggs says.

Residents say, instead, they'd like to see similar laws passed for their neighbors.

Tennessee needs to be helping Tennessee, like Georgia's helping Georgia," Briggs says.

Georgia's fuel tax suspension is in effect through Wednesday, May 20, and we'll keep you updated if Tennessee leaders follow suit.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee continued his America 250 Celebration, which includes visiting all 95 counties in the state.

On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Lee made a stop in Meigs and McMinn counties. In Decatur, Tennessee, he visited the Meigs County Courthouse. There he was met with dozens of residents, greeted them and took pictures.

His main message was a simple "thank you" to the community. Especially calling small, rural communities special to him.

"I'm not running for office. I'm not. I don't need anything. I just want to tell you all thank you, because you have created in this community, like many communities across Tennessee," said Gov. Lee, "rural communities are a vital component to what makes Tennessee what it is, and so it's real special to be out here today."

TN Gov. Bill Lee visits Lodge Museum of Cast Iron in South Pittsburg The trip is part of the America 250 Tour, self-described as "America's field trip," an initiative to preserve the voices of everyday Americans.

Governor Lee also addressed several bills moving through the state's legislature. Including education, immigration, and a proposed pause on gas tax.

He spoke about the importance of The Education Freedom Scholarship Act and its school vouchers. While also addressing a proposed bill that would require schools and teachers to do background checks on immigrant students, saying the General Assembly is "wrestling with its best strategies."

"...a complicated and difficult problem the General Assembly is wrestling with the best strategies going forward, I know with regard to the specific education, immigration legislation you're talking about. It's changed forms many times since it was first presented, and I don't know what the final form is going to look like," said Gov. Lee.

Another proposal moving through session is providing relief at the pump with a gas tax. This comes just days after Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, passed a 60-day pause on gas tax in the state. When asked if Tennessee will do something similar, Governor Lee said he's happy to look at proposals.

"...we passed the largest tax cut in the state's history in under our tenure, in part because I really believe that when we reduce taxes on the people and put the money in their pocket, instead of in the government's hands, it's more likely that that money will be spent well, and it'll generate economic activity in the state. So we've always looked at opportunities to cut taxes. I know the general assembly has a number of proposals out there in session right now, and we're happy to look at any of those. I don't know which ones are moving forward, but as they do, we'll look at them. I'm always interested in ways to cut taxes," he said.

Following his visit to Meigs County, Governor Lee stopped by Mayfield Dairy in McMinn County to continue his tour.
A Legan based author and campaigner is bringing national attention to the experiences of mothers navigating Irelands child protection and family court system with the launch of a powerful new book.

Justice for Birth Mothers The Fight Against Forced Separation in Modern Ireland, co authored by Anna Kavanagh and Dr Finbar Markey, was officially launched this week at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

The book draws on real life testimonies from mothers across Ireland whose children have been taken by Tusla into State care, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness within the system.

Anna Kavanagh, co founder of the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice, said the book aims to ensure that voices long excluded from public debate are finally heard.

These are mothers whose experiences have too often been ignored or dismissed. This book places their stories firmly on the public record and calls for meaningful reform.

Also read: New book from award winning Longford author will give you insight on how to live a better life

The publication has already received strong support from across the political spectrum.

John McGuinness TD described the book as an important and timely contribution, warning that without reform, the State will in time be forced to issue apologies for what has occurred.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin TD said it is vitally important that the voices of birth mothers are listened to, adding that many feel there is no fair way for their experiences to be properly heard.

Also read: Longford activist demands action on tackling cost of having a disability in Ireland

Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who has raised these issues in the Dail, said the testimonies highlight serious shortcomings in how the State intervenes in family life and strengthen the call for reform.

Senator Sharon Keogan described the book as a responsible and non partisan publication that ensures these experiences are acknowledged and treated with the seriousness they deserve.

The book also highlights broader systemic concerns, including access to justice, delays in decision making, and the long term impact of forced separation on families.

The authors say the aim is to spark informed public discussion and encourage change.

Also read: Longford producer receives gold award for Rambling at the Fleadh programme

This is not just about individual cases. It is about a system that must be examined, understood, and improved, Ms Kavanagh said.

Justice for Birth Mothers The Fight Against Forced Separation in Modern Ireland is now available online via Amazon.
Award winning Longford author John Connell and Atlantic books are launching Johns latest book The Wisdom of Farmers in Longfords Backstage Theatre on Wednesday, April 8 at 8pm.

John will be in conversation with celebrated former news anchor Bryan Dobson of RTE.

The Wisdom of Farmers is Johns latest book and the product of ten years of thinking and research wherein he travelled around Ireland and the world to research the book.

The Wisdom of Farmers is a guide on how to live a modern life by learning from the knowledge of the most ancient job in the world; farming.

This life guide is grounded in Johns land philosophy, a unique way of looking at the world through the 10,000 years of farming knowledge that we can impart into our everyday lives.

Also read: Longford activist demands action on tackling cost of having a disability in Ireland

It's a book for everyone. You dont need to be a farmer to gain an insight and knowledge on how to live a better life.

John is the number one bestselling and award winning author of The Cow Book and the instant number one bestseller and An Post Irish book awards shortlisted 12 Sheep. He is also a farmer and former investigative journalist.

There are a small number of tickets available for the launch on April 8 and people can contact the Backstage Theatre to book a free ticket. https://backstage.ie/

Also read: New role for Longford man with 'strong track record in leadership of a major events venue'
A US Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) leaves the well deck of amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), transporting Marines and equipment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during a training exercise on March 22, 2021. (Corporal Ian Simmons, US Marine Corps via DVIDS)

The battle for the Persian Gulf could be entering a new phase as thousands of US Marines are reportedly due to arrive in the Middle East on Friday, the same day that President Donald Trumps deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires. The Marines arrival follows reports that Trump has potentially set his sights on seizing Irans Kharg Island, Irans vital oil export hub, in hopes of securing a quick opening of the strait and a decisive end to the conflict.

An operation to seize Kharg Island, however, is likely to have the opposite effect by incurring significant costs for little operational or strategic gains that can be achieved more effectively through other means. Indeed, a seizure and occupation of Kharg Island is more likely to expand and extend the war than it is to deliver any sort of decisive victory.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, US forces continue to pursue military objectives that have remained largely consistent: destroying Irans ballistic missiles, drones, and naval assets. American forces, alongside their Israeli partners, have made considerable progress in degrading those Iranian weapons and capabilities.

Despite initial operational successes, the Trump administration has reportedly focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which would help stabilize global energy markets, as its immediate goal. With the administration perhaps growing impatient and searching for additional military means to achieve still-undefined political goals, reports emerged this week that Trump is considering plans to seize and occupy Kharg Island, through which Iran exported around 90 percent of its crude oil before the war, to pressure Tehran to open the strait and potentially use as leverage in future negotiations.

Reports of a possible operation have arisen as two US Navy Amphibious Ready Groups and their embarked Marine Expeditionary Units, numbering at least 3,000 Marines combined, are moving toward the Middle East. On Tuesday, the Pentagon also ordered elements of the US Armys 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to the region, an additional force that could be used in such an effort.

However, the seizure and indefinite occupation of the island would pose significant operational challenges and come at a high cost for little strategic return.

A combination of Marines, Army airborne troops, and special operations forces could likely seize Kharg Island relatively quickly, though naval assets would encounter Iranian threats in transit to the island. However, the real problems for US forces would likely start once they are on the island, where they would face considerable force protection and sustainment challenges.

Sitting roughly 20 miles off the coast of Iran at the western end of the Persian Gulf and over 350 miles past the Strait of Hormuz, Kharg Island would leave US forces vulnerable to numerous threats. Despite the effectiveness of US and Israeli strikes at degrading Irans missile and long-range drone capabilities, the regime still retains some capacity to conduct missile and drone attacks and will likely continue to do so for some time. The proximity of Kharg Island to the mainland would also leave US forces within range of other indirect fire threats, including Iranian multiple launch rocket systems and potentially even some cannon artillery firing rocket-assisted projectiles.

An additional and underappreciated threat could come from Iranian first-person view (FPV) drones, millions of which have been employed on battlefields in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine have developed technologies and tactics to extend the range of these quadcopters to 20 miles, and even developed un-jammable fiber-optic drones with a range of around 30 miles. If Tehran acquires or builds FPVs with sufficient range, the Iranian military could possibly identify and target individual systems and US service members in real time. Upon any successful strikes, the Iranian regime would be expected to release videos of those attacks online, using the graphic deaths of American service members as propaganda. Iranian proxies have already released videos of FPVs conducting reconnaissance and attacks against US positions in Iraq.

Utilizing these capabilities, Iran would likely attempt to mass fires against US forces both during the seizure of the island and during any subsequent occupation. Already ongoing Russian intelligence-sharing with Iran, including satellite imagery, would almost certainly improve the lethality of these strikes.

Given the range and volume of the Iranian threats, robust force protection would be needed for any American troops tasked with occupying the island. They would ideally be equipped with significant air, missile, and drone defenses. Many of these systems, however, require substantial personnel and equipment that are also needed elsewhere in the theatre. Some of them would also be difficult to quickly employ and maintain on the island. Critical ground-based systems, such as radars, would be especially vulnerable to being detected and struck by Iranian indirect fire or drones, potentially crippling ground-based American defenses there.

The US Navy would need to contribute to this force protection effort, too. Already strained across several missions, destroyers would likely be required to provide ballistic and cruise missile defense not only for the forces on the island, but also for the Amphibious Ready Groups needed to get the troops there and the support craft needed to sustain them. This effort would be particularly dangerous because of Khargs location at the western end of the Persian Gulf. Ships would have to transit the Strait of Hormuz, almost the entirety of the Gulf, and then linger close to the Iranian coastlineallowing Iran to attempt potentially deadly attacks. If troops on the island require continual seaborne logistical support, the risks would only increase over time. These naval assets would also then be unavailable for other tasks, such as convoying oil tankers through the strait. Given that the Navy has yet to begin conducting convoy operations, a mission to seize Kharg would almost certainly delay its ability to do so.

Perhaps most importantly, US forces would also need to conduct a large-scale air-to-ground suppression campaign along the Iranian coastline with a range of assets to disrupt Iranian attempts to concentrate effective fires on US positions. This effort would tie up a potentially significant amount of US air assets, preventing them from striking other targets while possibly exposing them to greater surface-to-air threats. Even with a robust air campaign, the combined threat of rocket and potentially cannon artillery, long-range and short-range drones, and cruise and ballistic missiles would be formidable, and unlikely to be completely removed from the air alone.

Air assets, particularly helicopters and V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, would likely also be tasked with logistical support for US personnel on the island. Numerous sorties would be needed, and the relatively low-flying aircraft would be vulnerable to Iranian surface-to-air threats. Such threats might even include FPVsUkraine recently downed a Ka-52 attack helicopter behind Russian lines with a fiber optic FPV before finishing off the pilots with additional drones. Iran might attempt similar ambushes.

Given these challenges and others, a seizure of Kharg Island would be a high-risk operation involving large numbers of US forces that could lead to significant casualties. If conducting such an operation could deliver a decisive victory that shortens the war and secures American strategic objectives, one could perhaps argue that it might be worth the risk. However, even a successful seizure of the island would likely have the opposite effect.

First, Irans ability to generate revenue from oil sales is not a major determinant of the conflicts outcome in the near-to-medium term; it would only be of real significance if the war lasts for many months or years.

Second, even if strangling Iranian oil sales and the associated revenue was key to the wars outcome, the US can achieve all the objectives related to halting those sales through means other than invading Kharg Island. Sanctions, seizing Iranian tankers, or disabling portions of the oil infrastructure on Kharg are alternative options. Some of these approaches are wiser than others, but all are better than occupying the island.

Third, seizing Kharg would likely delay rather than accelerate reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Irans military capabilities on the island, which were already targeted by US strikes on March 13, are not particularly militarily relevant to the situation in the strait, given the more than 350 miles between these locations. And if US Navy ships are providing force protection around Kharg and convoying resupply ships to the island, they will have less availability to conduct convoy operations for merchant traffic through the strait. It will likely take some time before the US military can reopen the vital waterway, and seizing Kharg Island would likely only delay that goal even further.

Fourth, instead of increasing US leverage over Iran, seizing Kharg Island would enhance Tehrans ability to inflict costs on Washington. Iran is currently limited to primarily using its diminishing long-range capabilities, but the US placing troops on the island would allow Iran to employ much more of its arsenal. Any American casualties then inflicted would increase political pressure on the Trump administration to end operations. Seizing Kharg Island may encourage Tehran to prolong the conflict if it sees an opportunity to exact mounting costs.

Fifth, there is an immense risk of mission creep inherent in seizing the island. Once US forces occupy it, any withdrawal would be seen as a defeat for Washington. If the troops positioned there take heavy casualties from Iranian fire emanating from the mainlandand air power alone is not sufficient to completely remove that threatit is not hard to see how a subsequent seizure of coastal areas in the name of force protection could materialize. Iran, fighting a total war for regime survival, would have natural advantages in a ground war on its own soil against the United States, which entered the conflict seeking a quick, relatively low-cost, and decisive outcome, rather than a costly and extended contest of wills.

Political leaders in wartime often find themselves searching for a decisive battle that will deliver a fast and conclusive victory. To be sure, it is tempting to envision a singular objective or operation that will bring an enemy to their knees, especially when the alternative appears to be a grinding war of attrition with an indefinite timeline.

Kharg Island, however, promises neither a swift decision nor victory. While some may view its seizure as a point of leverage to secure an as-yet-undefined political objective, it would be a risky operation likely to come with high costs for little benefit. Kharg is much more likely to become a liability than an asset and would draw the Trump administration closer to the war of attrition that it is trying to avoid.

Ryan Brobst is the deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDDs) Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP), where Cameron McMillan is a senior research analyst.
Ousted Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez during the commemoration of Hugo Chavezs death in 2014. (Ricardo Patino via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez replaced longtime Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez with General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez on March 18, followed by implementing a sweeping reshuffle of senior military leadership. The change coincides with broader US-backed stabilization efforts and limited progress on improving human rights in the South American country.

Washington formally reestablished diplomatic and consular relations with Caracas on March 5 and reopened its embassy on March 14. US efforts have resulted in a February 20 amnesty law that has contributed to the release of dozens of political prisoners. However, despite these steps, a UN fact-finding mission reported that repressive institutions remain intact, with at least 87 people detained since January, and civic space still severely restricted. Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, currently abroad, has pledged to return to Venezuela and push for new elections.

In Rodriguezs announcement of replacing Padrino Lopez with Gonzalez Lopez, she thanked Padrino, a central figure under former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for over a decade, for his service and said he would receive new responsibilities. No official reason was given for the change.

Gonzalez Lopez, 65, is a close ally of Rodriguez, who promoted him to head of Military Counterintelligence in one of her first actions as interim president. He may also have been preferred by the US for the position of defense minister over Padrino Lopez, since Gonzalez Lopez is not under a US indictment for drug trafficking, unlike the former defense minister. However, Gonzalez Lopez is sanctioned by the US and EU for human-rights abuses.

Gonzalez Lopez previously helmed the National Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and was implicated in the defenestration and murder of Councilman Fernando Alban, who died in SEBIN custody. The murder of Alban, who was a prominent member of the Primero Justicia party, sparked a massive public backlash that ultimately led to Gonzalez Lopezs dismissal as head of SEBIN.

A day after ousting Padrino, Rodriguez began an even broader overhaul of the armed forces. She announced a wholesale change of military commanders: a new head of the Strategic Operational Command (CEOFANB) and new commanders for the Venezuelan Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, and Militia, along with other senior posts. This restructuring came weeks after General Francis Donovan, the head of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), made a surprise visit to Caracas. SOUTHCOM said the visit focused on steps to ensure the implementation of President Donald Trumps three-phase plan  particularly the stabilization of Venezuela.

Part of Washingtons stabilization efforts has been tied to the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. The Venezuelan legislature passed a new political amnesty law on February 20, aimed at freeing some detainees; explicitly excluding those accused of armed actions involving foreign actors. Regime officials have charged several opposition figures, notably 2025 presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado, with analogous indictments.

The new law has drawn mixed reactions. If the amnesty is not as broad as we would have liked it to be, that does not mean that the fight for the freedom of all the imprisoned and pursued is over.  Total liberty will come when the apparatus and culture of political repression are dismantled, Gonzalo Himiob, vice president of the Venezuelan rights NGO Foro Penal, said.

Nevertheless, hundreds of political prisoners have been released. Foro Penal reported that just over 540 prisoners have been freed since January 8, of whom about 91 were released under the new amnesty law. Rodriguezs government claims that nearly 2,200 individuals have been released or had restrictions lifted in recent months, though independent observers caution that many remain in detention without due process.

Opposition leader deputy Juan Pablo Guanipa, a Machado ally and the leader of the Primero Justicia party, said after the amnestys passage on February 20 that he was completely free and urged that all other political prisoners be released. Guanipa had been released earlier that month, but was abducted and rearrested less than a day later, followed by being released from prison but put on house arrest. His house arrest subsequently ended under the amnesty law. Freddy Superlano of the Voluntad Popular opposition party, who was forcibly disappeared after the 2024 presidential election, also had his house arrest lifted on February 27 as part of the amnesty.

Human-rights groups remain highly critical of the interim governments approach. A UN fact-finding mission reported to the Human Rights Council on March 12 that, despite the leadership change, complex legal and institutional machinery that enables human rights violations largely endures. It found that civic space remains severely restricted; 87 people, including journalists, have been detained since January; and key repressive laws and institutions have not been reviewed or reformed. The UN noted that while prisoner releases and the amnesty law are positive steps, these have been undermined by irregularities and limited reach.

The United States has nevertheless continued stabilization efforts and moved forward with formally reestablishing diplomatic and consular relations with the Rodriguez administration last week. The US State Department said the move will facilitate joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela. Simultaneously, Rodriguez said her administration was committed to promoting a work agenda that strengthens cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

Opposition leader Machado, currently abroad, has announced plans to return to Venezuela in the coming weeks and pledged to push for new elections. In a socialmedia message on March 8, she called for elections and told Venezuelans to prepare for a new and gigantic electoral victory. However, Rodriguez said that Machado should have to answer to Venezuela for supporting the US military raid that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In addition, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously emphasized that a stabilized economy and political reconciliation should precede elections.

Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkeys National Intelligence Organization. (Tahirselim2016 via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkeys National Intelligence Organization (MIT), hosted senior leaders of Hamas in Istanbul on March 22, underscoring Ankaras continued engagement with the Islamist group amid ongoing regional conflict.

Kalin met with members of Hamass political bureau to discuss the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire signed in October 2025 and ongoing Israeli military operations. The talks reportedly emphasized coordination against Israels campaign and rejected any fait accompli outcomes in Gaza. Notably absent from public summaries of the meeting was any discussion of Hamass disarmamentan issue central to the US-backed ceasefire proposals.

The meeting is not an isolated incident but part of a sustained pattern of Turkish engagement with Hamas leadership. Ankara has hosted officials from the widely designated terrorist group since 2011 and has repeatedly positioned itself as a mediator in Gaza negotiations. Turkish intelligence officials maintain direct channels with Hamas to facilitate ceasefire talks, reinforcing Turkeys role as an intermediary between the group and Western-backed diplomatic efforts.

Turkeys relationship with Hamas extends beyond mediation. Ankara has refused to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and has provided political legitimacy by hosting its senior leadership and allowing the group to operate networks from Turkish soil. Israeli and Western officials have long alleged that Hamas operatives have used Turkey as a base for recruitment, financing, and operational coordination.

Kalins March 22 meeting reflects a disparity in Turkeys relationship with Hamas. Publicly, Turkey has presented itself as a diplomatic broker seeking a ceasefire. Privately, its continued high-level engagement with Hamas, particularly through intelligence channels, signals an enduring political alignment and a willingness to preserve the group as a relevant actor in postwar Gaza.

Underscoring Ankaras continued support for Hamas, the US Treasury Department on March 12 sanctioned a new group of Turkish charities accused of facilitating the organizations activities. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Ghazi Destek Dernegi (GDD), Hayat Yolu, and the Palestinian White Hands Assistance and Solidarity Association for their roles in channeling funds to Gaza-based charities under Hamass controleffectively enabling the group to generate and transfer resources in support of its military operations.

Treasury officials cited internal Hamas documents obtained by investigators showing that GDD, in coordination with other sanctioned entities such as Waed Society Gaza, provided material support to individual Hamas operatives and contributed to construction projects that directly advanced the organizations infrastructure. Hayat Yolu, meanwhile, was identified as facilitating fundraising networks tied to the Muslim Brotherhood, elements of which have been designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration.

Ankaras maintenance of access to Hamas leadership is likely intended to help ensure Turkey retains influence over any future political settlement. For Washington and its allies, the meeting likely reinforces concerns that Turkey is not merely mediating the conflict but actively sustaining one of its principal militant actors.

Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he contributes to its Turkey Program and Center on Economic and Financial Power. You can follow Sinan on X @sinanciddi.
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary by transforming Sydney Opera House into a digital canvas using iPad and Logic Pro technology.

Macworld reports global celebrations featured performances by Mumford & Sons, DJ Nia Archives, and discussions on Deaf creativity with Troy Kotsur.

More anniversary events are expected leading up to Apples official April 1st milestone, showcasing the companys commitment to creativity and innovation.

Apple doesnt turn 50 until next week, but the celebrations are already in high gear. Following a performance by Alicia Keys in New York City earlier this month, Apple held events on Wednesday in London, China, Korea, Australia, and Washington, D.C. to commemorate the milestone.

At Apple Battersea in London, the company welcomed DJ Nia Archives and folk-rock band Mumford & Sons to perform for the crowd outside the companys U.K. headquarters. Following Archives set, Mumford & Sons played nine songs, including hits Little Lion Man and I Will Wait.

In China, Chris Lee took over Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu with a performance that blended fashion, choreography, music, and dynamic set pieces, while CODA star Troy Kotsur and Roberta Cordano, the first deaf woman to be president of Gallaudet University, sat down with Apples Sarah Herrlinger for a discussion about the legacy and future of Deaf creativity. And at Apple Myeongdong in Seoul, K-pop group Cortis performed a trio of songs, including YOUNGCREATORCREW from their upcoming album.

But the coolest event was held at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. As part of the Illuminating Creativity project, Apple transformed the Opera Houses eastern Bennelong sails into a digital canvas for artwork from 11 emerging Australian artists and six members of the public. A mix of still imagery and motion created in Procreate on the iPad, set to a score composed by musician Bailey Pickles using Logic Pro. Just check out these images:

Art projections on the Sydney Opera House. Apple

Apple

Apple

Apples 50th anniversary is officially April 1, so we expect events to continue all next week.
A student from St Marys Secondary School in Ballina is using journalism to shine a light on environmental issues as part of an international competition aimed at empowering young voices.

Second-year student Grace Cunnane is taking part in the Young Reporters for the Environment Competition, a global initiative that encourages students to investigate environmental challenges and communicate their findings through media.

Grace has produced a video essay exploring the environmental impact of the overconsumption of animal products, with a particular focus on its effects on Ireland and the wider planet.

My entry is a short video essay, discussing the issue of the environmental cost of the overconsumption of animal products and the strain commercial animal agriculture puts on our planet and more specifically our country, she said. This is a topic I myself am quite passionate about.

The project reflects what Graces teacher Jessica Wall, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator at the school, described as both strong research and a genuine passion for environmental sustainability.

Graces involvement in the competition is supported by the schools Green Schools Club, which promotes environmental awareness and action among students.

READ MORE: Mayo students reach national film awards final in Dublin

As part of the competition process, participants are encouraged to share their work with a wider audience. Grace has begun promoting her video online and is seeking support to help amplify her message.

The Young Reporters for the Environment programme is recognised internationally for fostering environmental awareness among young people and encouraging them to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.

You can watch Graces video here.
Historical Roll books for the three schools at Errew, Castlebar, have been kindly donated to the Mayo County Library in June 2022 by Errew National School and its wider community. They include records from Errew Monastery Boys School, which closed in 1975; Errew Girls School, which moved to the new premises in 1961; and the present Errew national school up to 2019.

Jim OConnor, Local Studies Librarian at Mayo County Library, visited Errew Community Centre recently to talk to Errew NS pupils about the successful preservation process of all the books and accompanied the pupils on a visit to the former Errew Monastery Boys School. The collection comprises a record of the attendance at the schools from 1884 to 2019, with a few records lost or incomplete. Included too are Daily Report books, Student registers, for boys and girls schools and a visitors book. This book is a record of visitors to the girls school from 1937 to 1975.

The record of the visits shows they were mostly for religious instruction on the sacraments, prayers, the story of Knock and the lives of the saints. The daily report books contain interesting information on the workings of the monastery from earliest times, particularly salaries, income and expenditure, with occasional notes in the margins offering a great insight into understanding the history of the place.

Pictured are Errew NS pupils, staff and Jim O'Connor outside Errew Community Centre.

Included too is a selection of miscellaneous documents and letters associated with the three schools, correspondence with the Department of Education, book suppliers and an exam roll from 1899, which contains many local names. The Roll books and papers were slowly dried out and carefully cleaned, recorded and assessed, then included in the schedule of the library digitisation programme. Funding and assistance from University College Galway enabled scanning of all documents on site and has ensured the preservation of this historical information for future generations.

Jim brought a selection of newly covered Roll books, photographs and old newspaper articles of interest to show the pupils. He discussed school life in the former Errew boys and girls schools and the rich history of the Errew and Frenchill area. The glorious sunny, Spring day was perfect for a stroll along the avenue and up to the hidden Errew Monastery, following the footsteps of many of the childrens grandfathers and grand uncles.

Errew NS pupils visited the former monastery boys old school classroom, the adjacent roofless thresher barn and bell tower and Errew cemetery where 22 Fransician Brothers are buried, including Errew monastery founders Br. Bernard Garry and Br Paul ODonnell and also Br Sylvester Lynch who has a cross monument erected in his memory at Frenchill crossroads. Pupils also spotted the crows foot sapper benchmark carved into the corner of the barn as part of the 1846 ordinance survey mapping of Ireland.

Acting Principal Ciara Walsh and Acting Deputy Principal Kate Tiernan extended huge thanks to Jim OConnor for his time and sharing his vast knowledge about the area and also to Janine Hoban for facilitating the talk and tour of the monastery with kind permission from the Veale family.

Errew NS looks forward to collaborating with Mayo County Library again in the future. Mayo library celebrates its centenary this year with many events planned in celebration of their 100th birthday. Entries for the Design a Bookmark competition remain open until April 17.

The Errew Roll books are currently archived at Mayo County Library Headquarters in Castlebar. All the available school records (those permitted under GDPR) have been published online by Ancestry and can be accessed through ancestry.com. The collection dating from 1884 is a valuable resource for genealogical research or those interested in social history.

READ MORE: Excitement building as Mayo racecourse's opening meeting looms
A Mayo councillor has stood over comments she made regarding homeless accommodation in Balla saying that what she said has been confirmed as facts.

Fine Gael councillor Donna Sheridan denied claims that comments she made at the February meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District regarding homeless accommodation in Balla was 'a solo run based on gossip and innuendo'.

The Balla native told the February meeting that she was concerned that the Olde Woods premises on Main Street in Balla was being used as homeless accommodation and this had not been communicated with the wider community.

Following the meeting, the Dempsey family, who own the premises released a statement claiming what Cllr Sheridan said was based on 'misinformation'. In a statement sent to The Mayo News, the family explained that the premises is leased to an independent company which has been housing Ukrainian residents since 2023. They said that only three of the twelve rooms had recently been made available for people on the homeless list, on a short-term basis, while the majority of the property continues to be occupied by Ukrainian residents.

However, at Wednesday's March monthly meeting of theCastlebar Municipal District, Cllr Sheridan stood over what she had said saying that at no time did she 'misinform this meeting'.

I have been in this chamber for the last six or seven years and my character has never been called into question in such a way. I wish to set the record straight. At no time did I misinform this meeting or the media. I came in here and said that the Olde Woods in Balla was being used as homeless accommodation. That is a correct fact which I have fact checked with the Director of Services prior to me coming in here, she said.

READ: Mayo syndicate claim 11.1 million jackpot at Lotto HQ

Cllr Sheridan said that following Freedom of Information requests submitted to two different bodies, she was informed that the Olde Woods has been used for homeless accommodation since July 31, 2025. She added that she felt the premises were not appropriate for homeless accommodation as there was nobody on the site full-time to look after the needs of the residents.

Cllr Donna Sheridan

I felt this [premises] was inappropriate because there is nobody on the site full time and I stand by that, she said.

It is really really concerning for the people of Balla. We need to do everything we can for homeless people in the middle of a bad crisis but putting people into situations where there is nobody onsite full time is just not acceptable. Charlestown [homeless accommodation centre] is an example of good practice but in my opinion this is not working and doesn't work.

Cllr Sheridan also informed the meeting that she had received information that homeless foreign nationals staying in the Olde Woods were recently before the local court and said this is concerning for local residents.

Balla is my hometown. I know people in Balla and grew up with them and know what is going on there and it is really concerning to me and the people of Balla. That is the situation and they are the facts. It is not suitable and I have to highlight it and say how worried I am and how concerned a lot of people are.

Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne commented that if people from Balla or the surrounding area are homeless they should be given first preference to stay in homeless accommodation in the area.
Members of the Mayo Self Advocacy Group are promoting their new film, I.T. & Me, at a special event at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 31.

I.T. and Me is a 25minute film highlighting the importance of digital inclusion and showcasing some of the ways in which technology can be used to enhance everyday life.

The group is hosting a screening of the film at the Audio Visual Theatre at Turlough Park to coincide with the films launch on YouTube.

Created by the Mayo Self Advocacy Group - an initiative of Western Care Association - I.T. and Me demonstrates how people can use technology for enjoyment, communication, education and staying connected with friends and family.

Through a series of workshops held in 2024 and 2025, group members developed their story ideas, scripted scenes, acted, and filmed a range of everyday digital tasks, including making phone calls, using WhatsApp, searching on Google, and accessing streaming services such as the RTE Player.

Participants who contributed to the film include: Michael Sayers, Belmullet, Triona McEvaddy and John Walsh, Ballinrobe, Danny Vesey and Conn Mangan, Achill, Teresa Keane, Westport, Bridget Ward, Claremorris, Farrah Hoban, Castlebar, and Denise Breslin, Ballyhaunis. All are advocacy representatives for their areas across Western Care Association in County Mayo.

The group was supported throughout the project by Carmel Brady, Advocacy Coordinator, and local Advocacy Coordinators from Western Care.

Drama Facilitator Lorraine Stack facilitated the rehearsals alongside the group ensuring that their stories were reflected in the script. Videographer and editor Tommy Murphy, Teem Lens, did an outstanding job throughout the project, as is reflected in the film. Funding for the project was provided by Southwest Mayo Development Company SICAP Programme.

Carmel Brady, Advocacy Coordinator with Western Care Association, said the project aims to build confidence and digital skills among participants and their peers. Advocates are peer educators, and they want to share this learning with others. We hope the film will help educate, build selfconfidence, and support personal development, she said.

The screening takes place at 12noon at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, on Tuesday, 31 March. Admission is free, but places are limited. To reserve a seat, please email tpark@museum.ie.

READ MORE: 25 million Community Centre Fund opens as Mayo groups are invited to apply
Students from Rice College Westport are celebrating national recognition as they travel to Dublin today (Thursday, March 26) for the final of the prestigious Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards.

The third-year students will attend the ceremony at the Mansion House, where their film Falling Forever has been shortlisted for Best Art Direction.

Adding to the achievement, student Charlie Foy has also been nominated for the highly sought-after Young Filmmaker of the Year award.

The nominations mark a significant accomplishment for the Westport school, highlighting the creativity and talent of its students on a national stage.

The Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards celebrate emerging talent from across the country, recognising young people who demonstrate excellence in storytelling, production and visual creativity.

READ MORE: Westport's Rice College to rock with Rock of Ages this week

Teachers and classmates have wished the group the very best as they represent both their school and Co. Mayo at the high-profile event.

The ceremony is expected to bring together some of Irelands most promising young filmmakers, with winners set to be announced later today.
All tested childrens fast-fashion garments exceeded lead safety limits, and even brief chewing could expose kids to harmful levels, raising serious health concerns.

Highlights: All tested fast-fashion childrens shirts exceeded the federal lead limit of 100 parts per million

of 100 parts per million Simulated chewing on fabric suggested lead exposure would surpass the daily safe ingestion limit for children

Brightly colored textiles like red and yellow tended to contain higher amounts of lead than muted colors

  Trusted Source

Initial tests find lead in children's fast-fashion clothing



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Parental Awareness and Early Concerns About Lead Exposure

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Use of Lead Compounds in Textile Dyeing Processes

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Higher Vulnerability of Young Children to Lead Toxicity

Expanding Testing and Fabric Lead Absorption Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Did all the tested shirts contain lead? A: Yes, every single shirt tested, 11 in total from four different retailers, contained lead levels exceeding the U.S. federal limit of 100 parts per million. Q: How could a child be exposed to lead from clothing? A: Young children often put clothing in their mouths; simulated chewing tests suggested this behavior could lead to lead exposure exceeding the daily safe ingestion limit for children. Q: Which colors of clothing showed higher lead amounts? A: Brightly colored textiles, particularly red and yellow, tended to have higher total lead amounts compared to muted colors. Q: Why is lead used in clothing fabric? A: Some manufacturers use a compound called lead(II) acetate as an inexpensive way to help dyes stick to materials and produce bright, long-lasting colors. Q: What safer alternatives exist for dyeing fabrics? A: Alternatives include natural mordants from plants with high tannin contents, such as oak bark, pomegranate peel, and rosemary, as well as alum, which is an environmentally safe mordant.

Initial tests find lead in children's fast-fashion clothing - (https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2026/march/initial-tests-find-lead-in-childrens-fast-fashion-clothing.html)

, with all tested garments exceeding U.S. safety limits and posing risks through behaviors like chewing ().Fast fashion offers an affordable way to clothe rapidly growing children, but early findings indicate that some garments may contain a harmful toxic element: lead. After analyzing multiple shirts from various retailers, undergraduate investigators discovered thatThey also estimated that evenThe findings are scheduled to be presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society.A personal experience motivated the investigation. Dr. Kamila Deavers, the projects principal investigator, began exploring lead contamination after her young daughter temporarily exhibited elevated blood lead levels caused by toy coatings, before stricter federal standards were implemented.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission currently enforces aDr. Deavers and undergraduate researchers at Marian University now focus on identifying risks of heavy metal exposure in everyday environments and sharing their findings with the local community.Dr. Deavers noted that increasing reports about lead in fast-fashion clothing raised concerns, especially since many parents remain unaware of the issue. She emphasized that the lack of public knowledge around lead contamination in clothing makes it an overlooked health concern.Earlier investigations have revealed elevated lead levels inHowever, lead has also been identified in textiles used in adult fast-fashion garments. According to Dr. Deavers, someto help dyes adhere to fabrics and maintain bright, long-lasting colors.Cristina Avello and Priscila Espinoza, both pre-medical students at Marian University, joined the initiative to examine how fast fashion might affect childrens health. They viewed their work in Dr. Deaverss laboratory as an opportunity to combine meaningful scientific inquiry with community outreach on a largely unrecognized issue.Exposure to lead is harmful at any level and can lead to behavioral issues, damage to the brain and central nervous system , and other adverse health outcomes., according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Avello pointed out that children not only face higher susceptibility but are also more likely to put clothing into their mouths, increasing their exposure risk.The team examined, including fast-fashion and discount brands. Espinoza reported that every tested shirt exceeded the permissible lead limit of 100 parts per million.Brightly colored fabrics,. Although testing every clothing item is impractical, none of the samples analyzed so far met federal safety standards.To further understand exposure risks, the researchers. They calculated maximum lead bioaccessibility in gastric acid and used this data to model exposure through behaviors such as sucking, chewing, or holding fabric in the mouth.The results indicated that such exposure could exceed the daily lead intake limit established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Dr. Deavers noted that these estimates are likely conservative. Even so,Future work by the team will involve testing additional clothing items and analyzing whether aThey also plan towithin washing machines that could release pollutants into wastewater.The researchers hope their preliminary findings will encourage stricter screening of clothing products and motivate the textile industry to adopt safer alternatives to lead(II) acetate in dyeing.Existing options include, which is considered environmentally safe.However, Dr. Deavers acknowledged that transitioning to safer technologies could be costly for manufacturers. Without pressure from consumers or regulatory policies, companies may have little incentive to change existing practices.Ultimately, the team aims toso that families can make informed purchasing decisions. As Avello emphasized, the impact of their work depends on effectively communicating these findings to the public.In conclusion, all tested fast-fashion childrens shirts exceeded federal lead limits, with brightly colored fabrics like red and yellow showing the highest levels.Simulated chewing suggested exposure could surpass daily safety benchmarks, prompting researchers to call for greater consumer awareness, stricter industry screening, and the adoption of safer dyeing alternatives to protect young children from potential lead exposure.Source-Medindia
In a moment of loss, one family chose organ donation, giving life and hope to others.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Corneal Donation

What passive euthanasia is

Enhancing Transplant Awareness and Acceptance Through Targeting Knowledge Gaps and Common Misconceptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which doctor should I consult to learn about organ donation?

A: You can consult a general physician or transplant specialist, and a hospital transplant coordinator can guide you through the process.

Q: What organs can be donated after death?

A: Organs such as eyes, heart valves, kidneys, and liver can be donated depending on medical conditions.

Q: Is organ donation allowed after passive euthanasia?

A: Yes, organ donation can be considered under strict medical and legal guidelines with proper consent.

Q: How does cornea donation help patients?

A: A cornea transplant can restore vision in individuals suffering from corneal blindness.

Q: How can I become an organ donor?

A: To become an organ donor, you can register through authorized programs and inform your family about your decision.
Amid the recent massive success of Dhurandhar, Border 2 and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, a new movie on Indian armys deep strike inside Pakistan in 2025 has been announced. Titled Operation Sindoor, the movie is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. Tiny Dhillon of the same name and is about how India fought back after the cowardly Pahalgam attack by the Pakistan based terrorist.

 Instagram/T-Series Vivek Agnihotri To Direct A Movie On Operation Sindoor Directed by The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, the production house made the official announcement and wrote, Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri join forces for #OperationSindoor a story that redefined security in the subcontinent and exposed Pakistans nuclear bluff. The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. Tiny Dhillons book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of Indias Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan. Sharing further details about the plot, the post read, Rooted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and backed by extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces, this is a story drawn from reality.. not to create noise, but to confront it: with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema. Check out the post below:
Controversy had taken hold when images of Ranveer Singh wearing a pink turban and smoking a cigarette went viral on the internet. Many believed that these were a part of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, and this caused a lot of problems. Threats of legal actions by the Sikh community were also beginning to rise to the extent that the film looked to be in deep trouble. Now, Aditya Dhar has responded to these alleged images. AI Dhurandhar: The Revenge Videos are Getting Out of Hand

 B62 Studios All over the internet, you can find videos and photos of alleged stills and scenes from Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Some are made to look believable; others are made purely to suggest that Hamza could get a happy ending even after all that he has gone through. Amongst them is a photo of Ranveer Singhs Jaskirat Singh Rangi wearing a turban and smoking a cigarette. That has deeply offended the religious beliefs of the Sikh community and is causing major controversy regarding how insulting it is. A police complaint was also filed against all parties involved, including the makers of the movie and Ranveer Singh. However, these images were fabricated and made using artificial intelligence. Aditya Dhar Clears the Air

 X/ParamjitSSarna Aditya Dhar took to his social media to share a statement with regard to these viral, albeit AI images. Not only do they hurt religious sentiments, but they also insult the craft that comes in making films with a human touch. The filmmaker addressed all the fabricated images and videos surfacing across the internet.
Centra Wellness Network serves Manistee and Benzie counties. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate

Earlier this month, Centra Wellness Network and Manistee County were two entities victorious in a court case against the state of Michigan.

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The agencies that sued opposed the states plan for changing how it hires and pays companies that provide behavioral health care services, as well as how mental health services are funded and managed across the state.

There were civil suits filed as well that represented plaintiffs from northern, central and southern Michigan.

Centra Wellness Network is the publicly funded community mental health service for Manistee and Benzie counties. It serves more than 1,200 individuals annually. Most clients are insured through Medicaid or have no insurance coverage.

In 2024, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services proposed rebidding the states 10 regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans, which manages Medicaid-funded behavioral health services.

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The states proposal supported shifting from a single-source system to a competitive bidding system, like insurance companies.

In this September 2025 file photo, Chip Johnston, executive director of Centra Wellness Network, speaks to the Manistee County Board of Commissioners. News Advocate/File photo

Chip Johnston, Centra Wellness Network executive director and chief executive officer, deemed the bid unlawful and cited the mental health code detailed in the Michigan constitution.

In the mental health code, the state has a partnership with counties to provide behavioral health services in the community, he said. Theres a series of contractual obligations and oversights for these individuals who cant fend for themselves ... County commissioners are in charge of making sure that services are delivered by creating a mental health board.

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Johnston said that the Manistee County Board of Commissioners supports Centra Wellness Network through funding and contracting, which allows the mental health network to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Michigan constitution requires the state of Michigan to take care of its most disabled folks, specifically individuals who are intellectually and developmentally disabled, he said. The proposal (would have) stripped our statutory requirements to contract for services on behalf of the clients were mandated to serve.

Johnston said that having local oversight and a connection with the local Manistee County government enables Centra Wellness to assist those needing urgent behavioral health help as well.

We interact with the sheriff departments, city police, hospitals, he said. We try to get people into treatment as quickly as we can, not only for their health, but for the communitys health in general. Thats why its important to be tied into the county because, ultimately, the (Manistee County Board of) Commissioners are in charge of me. They have oversight of the sheriff and make sure we all work together.

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If the states proposal had been allowed to stand, it would have severed Centra Wellness community ties, leaving 90% of funds in the hands of other entities making key decisions about localized care.

We would have to try to figure out how to string all that money together to make services work, assuming that we could even enter into a contract with them, Johnston said. That would be impossible with it being diluted ... The clients, in essence, would be stranded.

During the trials final arguments in December, Johnston served as a witness who testified on behalf of community mental health services programs. His testimony focused on the mental health service programs statutory obligations to vulnerable individuals and emergency services.

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During the March Manistee County Board of Commissioners meeting, Johnston gave an update on the lawsuit and was praised by the commissioners.

"Thank you for your service, I'm glad we as a board could come and assist on this legal challenge," said Jeff Dontz, District 5 Commissioner and board chair.

"I do want to note for everybody that Chip has been working like a dog behind the scenes, putting in the time to keep our state on the right course, not just representing us but representing the whole community health system, which is a huge task," said Goodman. "He's done a marvelous job from the very top of Michigan all the way down south, and we really do appreciate all your hard work."

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Johnston has worked in mental health services for 37 years and said that proposal requests like this are not new. In fact, this is the third one in his career.

Every 10 years they want to do this, but when I read this one in detail, I was just appalled by all of the state law violations, he said. I had 50 pages of law violations that I tracked in the proposal.

Johnston said that this ruling is for the benefit of the state and protects the communitys most vulnerable citizens, but he suspects that the state will issue a new proposal.

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While Johnston plans to retire soon, he said he will remain on retainer for Centra Wellness Network and be a consultant for the Manistee County Board of Commissioners. He doesnt plan to ever stop advocating for mental health and disability rights.
The Delta College Board of Trustees discusses candidates for college president during a special meeting on the Delta main campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Clockwise from the right are trustees Barbara Handley-Miller, Alexis Thomas, Diane Middleton, Michael Rowley, Michael Nash, Vice Chair Arshen Baldwin, Chair Stacey Gannon, and Interim President Andrea Ursuy. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News The Delta College Board of Trustees discusses candidates for college president during a special meeting on the Delta main campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Clockwise from the right are Michael Wood, Barbara Handley-Miller, Alexis Thomas, Diane Middleton, Michael Rowley, Michael Nash, Vice Chair Arshen Baldwin, Chair Stacey Gannon, and Interim President Andrea Ursuy. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News

Delta College's seven-month-long search for its next president is down to five candidates.

Its next president will be selected on April 14.

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The Delta College Board of Trustees met for four hours and 45 minutes on Thursday, March 26 on the main campus in Bay County and narrowed its list of 10 semifinalists down to five finalists.

The names of the five finalists will be publicly announced once the college notifies all of them of their status as finalists, which will happen by Friday, March 27, according to Interim President Andrea Ursuy.

The five finalists will be scheduled to visit the Delta main campus from April 6-10, one candidate on each day. While on campus, each candidate will give a general presentation followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience. In the evening, the candidate will be interviewed.

Monday, April 13 is set aside as a contingency day in case any of the finalists is not able to come to the campus during the previous week.

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On Tuesday, April 14, the board will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. to select the college's sixth president. That meeting will immediately precede the board's next regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. the same night.

Board of Trustees Chair Stacey Gannon said the five finalists share several traits in common.

"The finalists share a correlation to our Presidential Profile in that they are visionary, and are proven collaborative and inclusive leaders," Gannon said. "Most importantly, they are all committed to student success and access for all to a quality education. They are innovators and community minded individuals who all demonstrate a desire to be at Delta College."

At Thursday's special meeting, following approval of the agenda and public comment, the board voted to go into closed session under section 8(f) of the Open Meetings Act, which allows a public body to meet in a closed session to review and consider employment or appointment applications, but only if the candidate requests confidentiality.

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During the closed session, which lasted about three hours, the trustees viewed the videos provided by nine of the semifinalists with their answers to 10 questions posed to them by the board after its previous special meeting on March 11. One semifinalist did not respond to the questions.

After returning to open session, the trustees each voted by ranking their top five choices among the nine candidates. Then, presented with each candidate's total points based on first-place votes, second-place votes, etc., the board, through a series of motions, gradually narrowed the list from nine to five.

The board then approved the on-campus interview schedule and the list of 16 questions to be asked during the interviews.

During trustee comments near the close of the meeting, Trustee Michael Wood informed the board that he will be out of town for the month of April, so he will not be able to take part in the finalist interviews and selection of the president.

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Trustee Alex Clark was not present at Thursday's meeting. The board has nine trustees, three each from Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties.
Trevor and Heather Szafranski pitch R1SE: Education and Recreation to the investors on ABCs Shark Tank, where the Freeland-based founders secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran during the latest episode that aired on March 25. Christopher Willard/Courtesy of ABC

For Trevor and Heather Szafranski, Wednesdays appearance on ABCs Shark Tank ended with the moment every entrepreneur hopes for: a deal.

The Freeland couple, founders of R1SE: Education and Recreation, secured a $300,000 investment from Barbara Corcoran in exchange for 15% of the company, giving their fast-growing student support business both national exposure and a powerful new partner.

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For a company that began seven years ago in Freeland, the moment marked a major milestone.

R1SE, founded by Trevor Szafranski after a 15-year career in education, blends academic support, mentorship and recreation for students in a setting designed to help both children and working parents.

The company now operates locations in Freeland and Midland, serves about 120 students a day through its before- and after-school programming, and has a third facility under construction in Frankenmuth.

Absolutely surreal, Szafranski said of seeing himself and his wife on the show. The two watched the recorded episode amongst family, friends and supporters at a VIP premiere of the episode at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw.

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Shark Tank has been the soundtrack to my work day for a decade," Szafranski added. "Its provided endless inspiration as we see people take a leap of faith and pursue their dreams; therefore it was truly a dream come true.

Trevor and Heather Szafranski (far right) pitch R1SE: Education and Recreation to the investors on ABCs Shark Tank, where the Freeland-based founders secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran during the latest episode that aired Wednesday night, March 25. Christopher Willard/Courtesy of ABC

The couple entered the Tank seeking $300,000 for 10% of the company, valuing R1SE at $3 million. During their pitch, they explained how R1SE gives students help with homework, test preparation, projects and leadership habits, then rewards that work with access to movie rooms, gaming spaces and activity areas designed to make learning feel exciting rather than routine.

The idea struck a chord with the Sharks.

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Investor Daymond John praised the concept, calling the mix of academic support and recreation genius, while Kevin OLeary showed serious interest before ultimately bowing out over concerns about profitability and scale. Trevor told the panel each R1SE facility brings in roughly $600,000 in gross revenue, with net margins now at 21%.

Then Corcoran stepped in.

The real estate mogul connected personally with the educational mission behind the business and offered $300,000 for 15%, with the expectation that she would be repaid within three years. Trevor and Heather accepted.

Barbara Corcoran listens as Trevor and Heather Szafranski pitch R1SE: Education and Recreation on ABCs Shark Tank, where she ultimately struck a deal with the Freeland-based founders for $300,000 to purchase 15% of the company. Christopher Willard/Courtesy of ABC

For Szafranski, the national moment was about far more than business.

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Having the ultimate business platform agree and want us on their stage proved it all to be true, he said.

He said the response from family, friends and supporters has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

They all know that they truly played a vital role in making this possible, he said. So its not just a spotlight for us. Its a spotlight on them and proof that when family, friends, and community come together, amazing things can happen.

That community support has helped R1SE grow from a local idea into a regional business with about 35 employees, a number that Szafranski expects to rise to about 50 once the Frankenmuth location opens.

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With the Shark Tank deal now public, he said the companys future is looking good.

Our future is incredibly bright, Szafranski said. We already have plans to scale across Michigan, the Midwest, and the U.S...We can bring the ultimate support to their district or community and its no cost to them. Its truly a win all around.

Trevor and Heather Szafranski pitch R1SE: Education and Recreation to the investors on ABCs "Shark Tank" during the latest episode that aired Wednesday night, March 25. Christopher Willard/Courtesy of ABC

Even amid the excitement, Szafranski has not lost sight of why he started R1SE.

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On Shark Tank, when the investors pressed him on whether R1SE is driven more by mission or profit, he answered by pointing to the students whose lives have already been changed. He recalled one of the very first students to walk through the doors  a boy whose father had died, leaving homework tied to grief and loss. By the end of his first year at R1SE, Szafranski said, the student earned all As and Bs, won a turnaround award in Saginaw County and later enrolled at Michigan State University.

For Szafranski, those stories are the reason the business matters.

The Shark Tank experience itself, he said, was every bit as big as it looked from the outside.

Honestly, it was everything you would envision Hollywood to be, he said. The bright lights, the stars, the opportunities.

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But for all the Hollywood glamour, the heart of the story remains rooted in Freeland: a local educator, his wife and a homegrown idea aimed at helping children work hard, dream big and see more in themselves.

On Wednesday night, the rest of the country got to see what mid-Michigan has been watching grow for several years.

Max Milne covers community news as community editor at the Midland Daily News. Email him at max.milne@hearst.com.
Manistee High School students Andy O'Donnell (left), Bella Sorenson, April Konen, Faith Ferguson and Abigail Harvey sit together at the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller Manistee High School students and Youth in Government advisers have a discussion during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller Manistee High School students Leah Cutler (left), Leah McClellan and Brady Rivette sit together at the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 28, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller Manistee High School junior Andy O'Donnell sits in the Michigan State Capitol during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Manistee High School Youth in Government students reflected on the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference during their final meeting of the school year, held last week.

Nine Manistee students took part in the conference, which provides an opportunity to simulate all phases and positions of the actual state government.

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The conference was held Feb. 26 to March 1.

April Konen, a junior, said the conference was a fun way to meet new people.

"It's great to experience other people from around the state and see their political arguments," she said. "It's cool."

Manistee High School sophomore Faith Ferguson (front) sits in the Michigan State Capitol during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Faith Ferguson, a sophomore, agreed.

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"I was in Red Senate and the other two (Manistee) people that were in (Legislation) were in different parts of it, so I was really by myself by that point," she said. "It made me venture out to more people. I really liked that part."

Adviser Ryan Biller said it was nice to see the students branch out into different areas of government.

"Sometimes everyone tries to stick to the same area, but we had students in (National Issues Forum), in (Legislature) and even some students who are wanting to try out different areas next year," he said. "It was really fun to see all the students speaking and debating. It was all kind of on their own, student-led. It's really fun to see them be successful doing that."

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Manistee High School junior Leah McClellan enjoys the Michigan State Capitol during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Junior Leah McClellan said she created a proposal that made it to General Assembly but did not pass.

"It was limiting the use of school-sanctioned technology in public schools  so just not letting kids be iPad kids," she said.

She said she enjoyed being a committee chair, and she was nominated for the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs, which will be held this summer.

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"I was one of the top 10 out of like 120 delegates," she said. "... I was an alternate, so if someone gets sick or something, then I go."

Manistee High School junior Bella Sorenson enjoys the Michigan State Capitol during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Bella Sorenson, a junior, said her proposal made it to the second round.

"That was unexpected, but fun," she said. "... Basically that was just on mandating that every school allows students to have the choice to take an online class during the summer, and that it provides the class for free for the student."

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Sorenson said she also enjoyed all the dining options Lansing had to offer.

"A highlight would be the food," she said. "The food in Lansing is great. ... The shawarma was really good."

Manistee High School students chat during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Sophomore Abigail Harvey said she had fun working on committees.

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"It was a good amount of people, and then we talked about a lot of different bills," she said. "At one point we actually had a couple joke bills which were really fun to debate on. One of them was making Snoopy Michigan's mascot. That was fun to debate."

Freshman Leah Cutler participated on the National Issues Forum and said she had fun socializing.

"(My favorite part was) playing cards with my friends behind the talent show  behind the doors," she said.

Manistee junior Alexis McClellan (standing) speaks during the YMCA Youth in Government Lansing Conference on Feb. 27, 2026. Courtesy of Ryan Biller

Junior Alexis McClellan's proposal about making driver's training more affordable made it to the third committee before it was voted down.

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She said participating in the conference pushes her out of her comfort zone.
Peter Rielle, second from right, speaks during a Midland Public Schools community engagement session on Wednesday, March 25 at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. About 12 community members attended the session to learn about and give feedback on the work of the facility planning steering team. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News Brady Mills, left, of architectural firm GMB, opens a Midland Public Schools community engagement session about facility planning on Wednesday, March 25 at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. At right is Steven Gunther of GMB. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News This graphic shows the timeline for Midland Public Schools' facilities planning process, which will culminate in the Board of Education voting on a facilities "road map" at a May 26 special meeting. Midland Public Schools

Twelve people attended a one-hour community engagement session hosted by Midland Public Schools on Wednesday afternoon in the Community Room in the basement of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.

The heart of the matter is that a recent facilities assessment, conducted by education architectural firm GMB in November and December 2025, identified $549 million in facility needs over the next 10 years across the districts 17 buildings.

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More Information Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team members: Alex Bank Paul Barbeau Sara Bennett John Boothroyd Colin Broom Dan Buzzell Alysia Christy Jeanette Erdmann Kathie Fuce Hobohm Terry Hagen Mike Hayes Kurt Ieuter Jerry Lombardo Elaine Mahabir Jai Mahabir Lindsey McMacken Lee Meitler Holly Miller Anna Rowe Amy Sanborn Dan Scheffer Keith Seybert Bethany Shoun Tanveer Siddiqui Jack Spielman Jennifer Vannette Alan Wendt Mike Williams Gina Wilson Steve Witt

Wednesdays session covered the same topic as a meeting held Tuesday night at the same location  Tone-Setting, Benchmarking, and Listening to Community Values. Those were part of a series of meetings being held by MPS between March and May, designed to share information to keep residents updated on the facility planning process and to collect feedback from attendees.

The sessions focus on the work of the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team, a group of 30 parents, guardians, MPS staff, local business owners, and community members tapped by the school district to establish priorities and provide recommendations for a path forward for the districts facilities.

The purpose of the steering team, according to MPS, is To serve as a representative, community-based advisory body that guides the development of the Districts facility plan and the future of Midland Public Schools, assisting the Board of Education in its final decision-making so that those decisions lead to meaningful, future-ready learning experiences for every student.

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Two more sets of community engagement sessions are coming up:

Sessions 3 & 4: Understanding the Blueprint for Tomorrow Committees Work in Progress

April 14  6-7 p.m. and April 15  1-2 p.m.

Midland High School Little Theater

1301 Eastlawn Drive



Sessions 5 & 6: Connecting with the Blueprint for Tomorrow Committees Recommendation

May 7  11:15-12:15 p.m. & 6-7 p.m.

Northeast Middle School Classroom

1305 E. Sugnet Road

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The steering team began meeting in February and touring the various buildings in the district, and will eventually draft a road map for the facilities, which the MPS Board of Education will vote on at a special meeting on May 26.
Mark Birdsall has been the assistant editor of the Huron Daily Tribune since April 2022. Mark was first hired by the Tribune in the summer of 2019 to serve as sports editor. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Huron County and shut down high school sports in March 2020, Mark made a temporary move to news and officially joined the newsroom as a reporter in July 2021.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism from Grand Valley State University, where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Lanthorn.

Mark can be reached by phone at 989-623-3188 or by email at mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com.
Investigation continues into suspected human remains found in Genesee County. AzmanL/Getty Images

More than a week after suspected human remains were found at a mid-Michigan property, Michigan State Police say the investigation is ongoing, with new efforts focused on identifying the remains and interviewing people connected to the site.

MSP detectives are actively investigating the case, working with the Genesee County Medical Examiners Office and Michigan State University anthropologists to determine the identity of the remains. Investigators are also interviewing individuals connected to the Willard Road property where the remains were found, according to MSP.

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Troopers from the MSP Third District Flint Post were dispatched March 18, a little before 1 p.m., to a home on Willard Road in Forest Township, Genesee County, for a reported suspicious situation.

Police said the caller recently purchased the property and found what he believed were human remains.

Troopers, detectives and an MSP K-9 team responded to the scene and searched the property. Initial findings suggest the remains are human.

The investigation remains ongoing and no suspects are currently in custody. No additional details have been released at this time.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended a roundtable discussion on affordability with Democratic State Senate candidate Chedrick Greene in Saginaw on March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News Gretchen Whitmer and Chedrick Greene chat outside Delicious Sweets Bakeshop in Saginaw's SVRC following a roundtable discussion on affordability on March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a roundtable discussion on affordability with Chedrick Greene in Saginaw on March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News Democratic State Senate candidate Chedrick Greene listens at a roundtable discussion on affordability with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News Marlana Cork speaks at a roundtable discussion on affordability with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic State Senate candidate Chedrick Greene on March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic State Senate candidate Chedrick Greene met with community members for a roundtable discussion about affordability in Saginaws SVRC Marketplace Wednesday afternoon.

The cost of everything's gone up, Whitmer said at one point in the discussion. So even if the cost of pay goes up, but it doesn't keep track with (other costs), you know, it's a huge burden on folks.

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Roundtable participants included Ben Ritter, farmer and Central Michigan University lecturer; Marlana Cork, grants and projects manager at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers; Erika Wilson, early childhood assistant site administrator at Bay City YMCA; and Ciera Crudup, owner of businesses including Delicious Sweets Bakeshop in the SVRC.

Whitmer asked the panelists about the challenges they saw in their various jobs, with discussion covering rising costs of childcare, gas and business expenses; and about investments in Saginaw such as the Medical Diamond. Often, the Trump administrations tariffs and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran were cited as causes for increasing costs.

As a business owner, Crudup said its been especially challenging to cover all the costs of running her businesses while trying to avoid raising prices to levels that customers cant afford or arent willing to spend.

I think this is probably the toughest time that I've experienced in my 14 years as a business owner, because everything has gone up, Crudup said.

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Greene said he believes bringing quality jobs to the Great Lakes Bay Region will help small businesses because customers will have money to spend on their products.

Having quality jobs here, good paying jobs, good benefits and good retirement programs, allows a small business to thrive, Greene said. We have way more small businesses than we have big businesses.

Ritter said that as a farmer, hes seen the price of nitrogen, which is used to fertilize corn crops, increase drastically since the U.S. and Israel began the war in Iran on Feb. 28.

It's so crazy that we're living in such a partisan time that there are people on one side saying, Nope. Nothing to see here, but nitrogen costs increase 40% overnight, he said.

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Greene added that he had talked with sugar beet farmers who said they could not sustain another year like the current one.

Whitmer said free school meals for all, repealing the retirement tax and making education affordable are things that politicians at the state level can do to address affordability, even if they dont have control over policy at the national level.

A person in Lansing, whether you're the governor or a state senator, can't undo the tariff chaos that's coming out of Washington, DC, can't unilaterally prevent decisions that are impacting international gas prices, Whitmer said. But what we can do is deliver some relief to folks.

Among those in attendance at the roundtable was Lara Bell Phillips, new co-chair of the Midland County Democrats, who said she appreciated Greene and Whitmer sitting down with people to talk about affordability.

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It was really gratifying to see people like Chedrick and the governor take the time to sit down with a farmer and a daycare director and a small business owner and hear exactly how it's affecting them, said Phillips.

Greene is running against Republican Jason Tunney in a special election to represent the 35th State Senate district in Lansing. The election on May 5, and Libertarian candidate Ali Sledz is also on the ballot.

The Senate seat has remained empty since Kristen McDonald Rivet left for the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2025. Whitmer called a special election to fill the seat in August of that year.

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Phillips said the race could be indicative of how people will vote in future elections.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed at national airports since March 23 have reportedly started conducting security measures including ID checks.

ICE agents began appearing at more than a dozen airports on Monday, in an attempt to provide additional resources and security due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to a lack of funding that has diminished the presence of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials. Long lines around the country remain ongoing as a political squabble endures in Washington, hitting the 40-day mark without a deal in place.

ICE agents have reportedly begun checking IDs at least at three airportsHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, LaGuardia Airport in New York, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airportaccording to the New York Times, with reporting confirmed by DHS.

After receiving standard TSA training curriculum, ICE officers were verifying identification using TSA equipment and standard operating procedures, the agencys acting assistant secretary, Lauren Bis, said in a statement. Officers duties have also included guarding entrances and exits, in addition to crowd control, she added.

Military.com reached out to DHS for comment on ICE agents roles in assisting TSA and whether they have been performing duties outside of their traditional purview or training.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol LaGuardia Airport in New York as a long line of people waits to go through TSA screening on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

ICE agents in Atlanta were spotted instructing travelers to insert their IDs into card readers, according to the Times, including verifying identities on a computer screen and waving people toward scanning equipment as TSA officers nearby seemed to guide them.

In Phoenix, armed ICE agents wearing ballistic vests checked IDs, looked at travelers documents and helped manage the flow of baggage on security conveyor belts. One traveler at LaGuardia said that an ICE agent checked his ID when he went through the TSA PreCheck line.

It remains unclear whether ICE agents have also been assisting in security-related measures at other airports.

There have been at least 15 airports so far to have ICE agents, according to sources including the Associated Press and CNN:

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

John F Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Louis Armstrong International Airport near New Orleans.

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

Chicago-OHare International Airport.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Houstons William P Hobby Airport.

LaGuardia Airport (New York).

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico).

Philadelphia International Airport.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Pittsburgh International Airport.

Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, Florida).

Trump Calls ICE Agents 'Patriots'

The presence of ICE agents at these various airports starting this week has been praised by President Donald Trump, who painted a picture of the agents being congenial towards civilians.

I am so proud of our ICE Patriots! Trump wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. They were unfairly maligned by the Lunatic Democrats for years, and now, at the Airports, in addition to what they are supposed to be doing, they are helping people with bags, even picking up and cleaning areas.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) agents patrol around the Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Va., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce)

Trump administration officials initially offered mixed messages on how ICE agents could assist TSA.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said ICE is capable of stepping in and performing roles similar to TSA, saying Sunday on ABCs This Week that they know how to run the X-ray machines and run those same type of security machines at the southern border.

That same day, border czar Tom Homan said the opposite on CNNs State of the Union.

I dont see an ICE agent looking at an X-ray machine because theyre not trained in that, Homan said, instead alluding to their presence as aiding in areas that dont need their specialized expertise.

Ha Nguyen McNeill testified Wednesday in front of the House Homeland Security Committee on the ongoing shutdown, saying record-high wait times in TSA's 24-year history could get worse. Some wait times have surpassed four hours while 40-50% of TSA employees at certain airports have called out of work altogether.

"This level of disruption is unprecedented, and unacceptable, and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems," McNeill said.

On his War Room podcast on Monday, ex-White House senior adviser Steve Bannon said: We can use this as a test run, as a test case, to really perfect ICEs involvement in the 2026 midterms."

Pushback at Some Airports

Agents presence has facilitated some blowback in certain pockets of the country.

Demonstrators stood outside Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Wednesday, protesting ICE agents presence, according to local FOX 8. Local police had urged travelers to arrive early due to longer-than-average TSA lines and traffic outside the facility.

In Philadelphia, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, appeared at the airport earlier this week warning ICE agents not to overstep their authority.

"If you commit crimes in this jurisdiction, which is the city and county of Philadelphia, I prosecute you. That is how it works," Krasner said, according to local 6 ABC . "The president cannot pardon you."

Passengers wait in a security checkpoint line at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

San Diego City Councilmember and San Diego International Airport Authority board member Marni von Wilpert said ICE agents presence will make travelers less safe.

ICE has already shown it refuses to follow the law and respect our communities, so Im deeply concerned about what this deployment will mean for San Diego travelers and the thousands of workers at San Diego International Airport, von Wilpert said in a statement shared with Military.com.

Our TSA agents are highly trained in aviation safety and security. Dropping ICE agents into airports to do jobs theyre not trained for is a recipe for disaster, fear and more chaos, she added.

Getting Americans 'Used To' Broader Security Presence

Jill Garvey, co-director and co-founder of States at the Core, told Military.com that the Trump administration has used the partial DHS shutdown as impetus to deploy ICE agents.

We sort of saw this as the administration taking advantage of sort of the strain on TSA and the long wait lines at airports to make essentially a political move, Garvey said, describing it as a movement from occupying certain neighborhoods to purposefully creating an oppressive environment.

People gather outside JFK Airport's Terminal 4 to protest the use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

States at the Core is an organization that started in October 2024 to combat authoritarianism in the United States and support local, state and federal workers in efforts to combat it.

Garvey also took umbrage with the messaging coming out of the administration regarding agents roles, with the dichotomy in explanations between officials like Duffy and Homan. ICE agents dont have the expertise as TSA workers, she said.

She described the latest efforts not only as intimidation but aimed to gin up Americans and get them used to something that would traditionally be found in conflict or military zones.

If you've traveled through airports and places that are sort of more autocratic, there's militarized forces or police and a lot of transportation hubs, heavily armed, sort of intimidating figures, Garvey said. There's an overwhelming militarized presence in these places.

I suspect that's what the administration is going for, to just get people really used to having this federal law enforcement present in their everyday lives.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, hardening their positions over ceasefire talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war. Thousands more U.S. troops neared the region, Israel poured more troops into southern Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles, and Gulf nations worked to intercept fire. Heavy strikes were reported in Irans capital and other cities.

In a war that appears defined by who can take the most pain, the U.S. has offered shifting objectives, including ensuring Irans missile and nuclear programs are no longer a threat and ending Tehrans support for armed groups in the region. Washington at one point also pushed for the overthrow of Irans theocracy.

While the U.S.-Israeli campaign has hit Irans military and government hard, killing top leaders and striking scores of targets, Iran continues to fire missiles and there is no sign of an uprising against the government.

For Irans leadership, by contrast, merely outlasting the onslaught could be seen as victory. It may be hoping to get the U.S. to back down by roiling the world economy with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted oil and natural gas shipments and raised prices worldwide for energy and other goods.

Short of a negotiated solution, the U.S. would need a dramatic escalation to end Irans attacks and restore the free flow of goods through the strait, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime. Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal put forth by the U.S., while putting forth its own demands.

President Donald Trump has vowed to strike Irans power plants if it doesnt fully reopen the strait  and his new deadline for that looms this weekend, when the war will also mark a month. A Gulf Arab bloc said Thursday that Iran is now exacting tolls from ships to ensure their safe passage through the waterway.

Iran seen as operating Strait of Hormuz as de facto toll booth

Iran has been blocking ships from the strait that it perceives as linked to the U.S. and Israeli war effort, while letting through a trickle of others. Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Thursday that Iran is allowing some oil tankers through as a sign of good faith for talks.

Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a bloc of six Gulf Arab nations, said Iran was charging for safe passage.

Lloyds List Intelligence called it a de facto toll booth regime, saying that at least two vessels have paid in yuan, China's currency.

Irans grip on the strait and relentless attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have sent Brent crude, the international standard, up more than 40% since the war started.

Israel said it killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, and the countrys naval intelligence chief, Behnam Rezaei. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tangsiri was responsible for bombing operations that have blocked ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the killings.

Trump says Iran needs to get serious about negotiations

Using Pakistan as an intermediary, Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point action list, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed Thursday, calling it a framework for a possible peace deal. Witkoff said there were strong signs the U.S. could convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction.

A day after saying Iran wants to cut a deal, Trump posted on social media Thursday that Tehran needs to get serious soon on negotiating an end to the war before it is too late.

Press TV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, said Iran has its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

But Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war and does not plan to. He said the U.S. had tried to send messages to Iran through other nations, but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.

Egypt is also acting as a go-between, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who said Thursday that his country sees a desire from both sides for calm, for the exploration of negotiations.

Meanwhile, a group of ships, including the USS Tripoli, drew closer to the Mideast with some 2,500 Marines. Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne  trained to land in hostile territory to secure key territory and airfields  have been ordered to the region.

Ali Bahreini, Iran's top envoy to U.N. institutions in Geneva warned Thursday that any U.S. and Israeli attempt to mount a ground invasion of Iran would be a big mistake.

A wave of Israeli airstrikes hits as Iran fires on Israel and Gulf neighbors

The Israeli army said Thursday it had deployed the 162nd division into southern Lebanon, joining thousands of troops that already have moved there since the war erupted. Israel says the open-ended invasion is aimed at protecting its northern border towns from Hezbollah attacks and uprooting the militant group from the area.

Israel also said it carried out a wave of attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure early Thursday. Heavy strikes were also reported around Isfahan, home to a major Iranian air base and other military sites, as well as one of Iran's nuclear sites.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that power is out in some areas of Irans capital Tehran, though no official reports have been released yet. Witnesses had earlier reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

Loud booms could be heard across Israel as it was repeatedly targeted by barrages from Iran. Israels emergency service said a man in his 30s was killed near the northern coastal city of Nahariya after a wave of strikes that came from Lebanon. In the United Arab Emirates, two people were reported killed by shrapnel from a missile interception over Abu Dhabi.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera.

Eighteen people have died in Israel, while three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. At least 13 American troops have been killed. More than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states have also died.

Authorities said more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon, where Israel has targeted the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, which has fired into Israel. In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militant groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have been killed.

___

This story has been updated to correct the death toll in Israel, and that a Trump envoy says there are strong signs Iran can be persuaded it has no option but a deal.

___

Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Giovanna Dell'Orto in Miami contributed to this report.
Oil depots spewing black smoke. Debris sinking in the Persian Gulf. Missiles pounding military sites.

The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to peoples health  and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said.

All the burning of oil and gas fields in the coastal areas, all the ships that are there, the oil tankers that are being burned or (sunk)  all of these mean pollution, said Kaveh Madani, an Iranian scientist and director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. For someone like me who has fought for sustainability and protection of the environment in that region, this is like going many years backward.

Documenting the damage has proved daunting, with a full accounting impossible for now, said Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, a U.K.-based nonprofit that monitors environmental harms from armed conflicts.

The group uses remote satellite sensing and open-source intelligence to identify damage and score environmental risks to people, ecosystems and agricultural land. So far, it has recorded more than 400 environmentally concerning incidents related to the war, though much is still unknown due to delays in satellite imagery and an internet blackout in Iran, Weir said.

Attacks on oil- and gas-related sites create some of the worst environmental risks because of impacts to air quality and soil and water pollution, as well as health threats to people. Harder to quantify are risks from bombed military sites, some of which are deeply buried and some near populated areas, adding to "huge uncertainties around potential impacts, Weir said.

The air pollution unleashed could lead to many health problems

Perhaps the most enduring images of the war are of darkened skies from oil infrastructure set ablaze by airstrikes, including two weeks ago when black rain fell near Tehran, Iran's capital.

Soot, ash and toxic chemicals from strikes on fuel depots and a refinery combined with water droplets in the atmosphere and fell back to Earth as an oily, acidic rain that prompted warnings to stay indoors. Microscopic soot raises risks of lung and heart problems, while toxic chemicals pose long-term cancer risks and heavy metals from the fallout could contaminate soil and water supplies, experts said.

Debris and contamination from missiles, as well as potential strikes on manufacturing facilities and other infrastructure also could unleash harmful pollution throughout the region, experts said.

If you hit an ammonia-producing plant for fertilizer or for food production ... those release chemicals that are absolutely toxic and harmful if they spread, said Mohammed Mahmoud, head of Middle East Climate and Water Policy with the United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment and Health and founder of the Climate and Water Initiative.

Intensive fossil fuel emissions also are spiking levels of greenhouse gases that cause climate change, experts said. The carbon accounting platform Greenly estimated that the U.S. military alone released almost 2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in just the first six days of the war, meaning the actual amount generated by the fighting is certainly much higher, when accounting for Israeli and Iranian emissions and damage to infrastructure.

That is a significant amount in such a short time, as in an entire year around 50 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases are released around the entire world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Global oil shortages also are causing some countries to resume or increase their use of coal, which creates more air pollution that hurts people, and more greenhouse gas emissions.

Continued access to clean water is a big concern

Countries in the arid Persian Gulf region rely on hundreds of desalination plants for drinking water, raising health and security risks if plants are damaged or water is polluted, experts say.

Iran has said a U.S airstrike damaged one of its desalination plants, while neighboring Bahrain accused Iran of damaging one of its plants. Experts fear more could be targeted the longer the war goes on.

People in the region "struggle with having access to clean drinking water, even at peace times," said Madani, the Iranian scientist and U.N. official. Any damage to water infrastructure can have long-lasting impacts.

Weir worries that pollution, including oil, from sunken ships and other sources could clog desalination plants or that they could be knocked offline by attacks on power plants.

Experts say pollution also could damage fisheries and important ecosystems. Though some contaminants will be dispersed and diluted by water that moves through the gulf, heavy metals and toxic chemicals still could settle in sediment.

Its an enclosed basin, quite shallow, Weir said. There are sensitive habitats there, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sensitive species which could be impacted.

Nuclear risks are largely unknown

The U.N. nuclear watchdog has not had access to Iranian nuclear sites, including facilities targeted in June by the United States and Israel, meaning their status is largely unknown.

Possible attacks on large and small nuclear sites throughout the region is another thing to worry about, because of immediate and long-term health and environmental impacts, said Madani. Exposure can cause skin damage and radiation sickness, while long-term risks include cancer, heart disease and genetic damage.

U.S. and Israeli officials have said one of the war's aims is to destroy Iran's ability to produce nuclear weapons.

After Israel and the U.S. this month bombed an Iranian uranium enrichment installation, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at two Israeli towns, including one with a nuclear research center. Israel said the facility wasnt damaged.

We are hearing that there is no major radiation or change in the level of pollutants so that makes us hopeful that nothing has gone wrong, Madani said. But the risk is always there.

Addressing environmental damage could take decades

After the war, as Iran and other countries rebuild, environmental damage could be a low priority, experts said.

The focus will be on energy and water infrastructure, manufacturing plants and food production facilities, Mahmoud said. Some pollution, especially to the gulf or other waterways, I doubt will be addressed soon, and in some cases, not at all.

Weir said environmental damage isn't addressed properly after most conflicts because it's expensive and humanitarian needs come first," even if environmental risks are high.

In densely populated Tehran, for example, a huge number of strikes have hit not just oil infrastructure, but also buildings and residential areas, generating harmful contamination from pulverized building materials. People are being exposed to dust and chemicals, which may continue for a long time after the war eventually ends and rebuilding begins.

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The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, hosting his first monthly Christian worship service at the Pentagon since the Iran war began, prayed Wednesday to have every round find its mark.

Every month it is fitting to be right here, he told the gathered civilian employees and uniformed military personnel. All the more fitting this month, at this moment, given what tens of thousands of Americans are doing right now.

He read a prayer he said was first given by a military chaplain to the troops who captured then-President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation, Hegseth prayed during the livestreamed service. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.

Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, depicting a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might.

I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed, he read from the Psalms on Wednesday.

During the expanding Iran war and global conflicts, Hegseth's Christian rhetoric has drawn renewed scrutiny, including his past defense of the Crusades, the brutal medieval wars that pitted Christians against Muslims.

Statements of faith are common in American public life, across political parties and religious traditions. Pentagon aides and Hegseths defenders pull examples from history, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelts support of giving Bibles to troops. Hegseth regularly cites George Washington, who pushed to establish the military chaplain corps.

Hegseth often goes beyond standard calls for God to bless the country or its troops. Last week, he asked Americans to pray for service members in the name of Jesus Christ. On Wednesday, he again prayed in Jesus' name.

Ronit Stahl, author of Enlisting Faith: How the Military Chaplaincy Shaped Religion and State in Modern America, said referring to God in broad language is not unusual in this context. But the shift towards the specificity of Jesus Christ and therefore Christianity and in Hegseths case, a particular form of Protestant Christianity, is new, especially coming from the defense secretary.

Stahl, a historian at the University of California at Berkeley, said, In a nation with no establishment of religion per the Constitution, what does it mean to have a leader being not just broadly religious or religious in a pluralistic sense, but religious in a very particular sense?

Advocacy group files lawsuit

Hegseth belongs to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a conservative network co-founded by the self-described Christian nationalist Doug Wilson. CREC pastors have appeared at Hegseths Pentagon services at least three times, including Wilson who preached there in February.

A lawsuit was filed Monday over the services by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The advocacy group filed a similar suit against the Labor Department, where Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer hosts monthly prayer gatherings inspired by Hegseth.

The suit seeks to enforce a public records request from December, asking the Pentagon for internal communications about the worship services, their cost, guests and any complaints received from employees.

Secretaries Hegseth and Chavez-DeRemer are abusing the power of their government positions and taxpayer-funded resources to impose their preferred religion on federal workers, Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, alleged in a statement. Even if these prayer services are presented as voluntary, there is pressure on federal employees to attend in order to appease their bosses.

Making the chaplain corps great again

Military chaplains typically provide worship services within the defense department. As ordained clergy and commissioned officers, they minister from their specific tradition, but provide spiritual care to troops of any faith or no faith.

Hegseth announced Tuesday two reforms in what he has described as making the chaplain corps great again. He wants chaplains to focus more on God and less on therapeutic self-help and self-care. In recent years, the military has become increasingly dependent on chaplains to help address the growing numbers of troops in mental health distress.

In a video message, he said chaplains would no longer wear their rank on their uniform but instead be identified by religious insignia. He argued the move would remove unease or anxiety service members have about approaching officers for spiritual care.

He also said the military is reducing the number of faith codes, or religious affiliations, that it recognizes. The military will now use 31 religious affiliations, down from more than 200, which included many small Protestant denominations as well as identifications for Wiccans, atheists and agnostics.

The Pentagon did not respond to several requests for more information about the changes. The Defense Department has not yet released the updated list of religious affiliation codes.

The military is religiously diverse, and nearly 70% of troops identify as Christian, according to a 2019 congressional report. Nearly a quarter of troops were listed as other/unclassified/unknown, with small percentages of atheists/agonistics, Jews, Muslims and adherents of Eastern religions.

A turning point in Hegseth's faith

At Wednesdays worship service, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, an Air Force chaplain and Southern Baptist pastor, preached a folksy message on overcoming fear and following Jesus. Collins, a former congressman, continues a pattern of only evangelicals presiding at Hegseths services.

Hegseth began hosting worship at the Pentagon in May 2025, when his Tennessee pastor, Brooks Potteiger, preached. Potteiger will soon relocate to Washington, D.C., to take the helm of Christ Church DC, a new CREC congregation that Hegseth has attended.

Hegseth, raised Baptist, has said he experienced a turning point in his faith in 2018. He started attending an evangelical church in New Jersey; its pastor preached at the Pentagon last year.

He and his wife soon relocated to a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, to enroll their children in a classical Christian school affiliated with the CREC. They began attending Potteigers CREC church, Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship.

Hegseth mentioned his Pentagon worship services at a gathering of Christian broadcasters in February: We mostly do it because I need it more than anybody else.

We hear a lot from the freedom from religion crowd. They hate it, he said. The left-wing shrieks, which means were right over the target.

___

AP reporter Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Thursday in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit, days after revealing that Ukraine is helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter drone attacks on their territory during the Iran war.

Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled, the Ukrainian leader said on X along with a video of his arrival. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.

Zelenskyy provided no more information about his visit but he said last week that Ukrainian officials are helping Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan with drone expertise and helping build a defense system. Ukraine is also looking into whether it can play a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz, he said at the time.

In return, Ukraine is seeking more of the high-end air-defense missiles that Gulf countries possess and which Kyiv needs to stop Russias missiles.

Ukraine has quickly grown into one of the worlds leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. They are playing a key part in its defense against Russias more than 4-year-old full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian officials did not announce nor immediately provide details of Zelenskyy's trip.

European countries pledge more action on Russia's shadow fleet

A group of northern European countries vowed Thursday to harden the fight against Russia's shadow fleet of tankers exporting its sanctioned oil, as Turkish officials said that one of those tankers approaching the Black Sea entrance to the Bosporus Strait was hit by a naval drone.

Russia's shadow fleet is made up of aging tankers that are bought used, often by nontransparent entities with addresses in countries that are not sanctioning Russia. Moscow needs the vessels to dodge Western sanctions and sell the oil and petroleum products that largely finance its more than 4-year invasion of Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a meeting with allies in Finland that "we should go after the shadow fleet even harder.

Speaking with other members of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a 10-country group that has been tracking the vessels, Starmer said the British military will now be able to board shadow fleet tankers when they transit U.K. waters, joining several other allies in doing so.

Together, we must close off critical sea routes to this vital trade, to keep up the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and to help change the narrative of this war in Ukraine, Starmer said.

In a recorded video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia's oil and gas exports are fueling Moscow's effort to take over Ukraine.

So please keep the pressure on Russia  its tankers and shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters, he said.

Turkish crew rescued after sanctioned vessel hit by sea drone

In Turkey, officials said that none of the 27 Turkish crew members of the Altura tanker was injured when it was attacked early Thursday, causing damage to the bridge and engine room.

The Altura, which reportedly was carrying 140,000 tons of crude oil when it was hit some 14 nautical miles north of the Bosphorus, has been owned by Turkey-based Pergamon Maritime since November.

The tanker has been subject to European Union sanctions since October due to its role in transporting sanctions-dodging Russian oil exports, according to the Open Sanctions website.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the tanker was subjected to an attack by an unmanned sea vessel." He did not say whether Ukraine was suspected to be behind the attack.

In the past, Ukraines military has said it used sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Earlier this month Russia blamed a Ukrainian naval drone for the sinking of a Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The National Guard could soon be deployed to U.S. airports.

Donald Trump saying in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that he is prepared to send troops if disruptions worsen, signaling a potential escalation in the federal response to mounting travel chaos.

I may call up the National Guard for more help, Trump wrote.

Military.com reached out for comment to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE and TSA regarding the scale of the deployment and whether any immigration enforcement is taking place inside airport terminals.

His administration is weighing the move as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are already deploying to airports nationwide to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with staffing shortages and long security lines, marking a new escalation that could bring military personnel into civilian travel hubs.

ICE Deployed to Airports Nationwide as TSA Crisis Deepens

Federal officials began deploying ICE and Homeland Security Investigations personnel on Monday to roughly 14 major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, as TSA operations strained under severe staffing shortages.

The deployment comes as TSA faces widespread absenteeism tied to missed paychecks during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding strain. Roughly 50,000 airport security officers are working without pay, while absentee rates reached nearly 12%more than 3,400 officersat the peak earlier this week. More than 480 officers have quit, according to federal data.

Federal immigration officers walk toward a security checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Officials said ICE agents are being used for support roles including crowd control and managing passenger flow in public areas, and are not being deployed behind security checkpoints.

The move marks an unusual use of immigration agents inside civilian travel hubs as travel demand remains high, with passenger volumes running about 5% above last year.

Even as operations continue, most TSA functions remain active because the majority of officers are considered essential personnel required to work during funding lapses.

New York Army National Guard Specialists Kwabena Berko, a member of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, and Kwaku Mensah, a member of the 101st Signal Battalion, who are both on state active duty as part of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, patrol at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City on, Sept. 16, 2019. ( U.S. Army National Guard photo by New York Guard Capt. Mark Getman)

National Guard deployments are typically carried out under state authority at the direction of governors, though the president can federalize those forces in certain circumstances.

Officials have not released details on how such a deployment would be structured, which airports could be involved, or what specific role Guard personnel would play.

Concerns Mount Over ICE Role

Criticism is growing over the use of ICE agents inside airports, with lawmakers and civil liberties advocates questioning whether immigration enforcement actions could take place in civilian travel spaces.

Every time Donald Trump gets involved, he creates chaos for the American people, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, said in a statement on Sunday.

Federal immigration officers walk through a security checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Sherrill also said sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) called for the removal of ICE agents from airports, saying Monday at Newark Liberty International Airport, Fund TSA and get ICE the hell out of our airports.

The deployment, initially described as a support role to assist TSA with crowd control and passenger flow, has fueled uncertainty about the scope of ICEs authority and whether travelers could be subject to questioning or enforcement.

Staffing shortages at the TSA have strained airport security operations nationwide, with long lines and delays reported at major hubs.

The pressure has forced the federal government to pull personnel from other agencies, including ICE, to help stabilize airport operations.

Travelers wait in a TSA line, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at LaGuardia Airport in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

The expanding response from ICE deployments to the possibility of National Guard support reflects growing concern that disruptions could worsen without additional manpower.

The current strain follows broader warnings that prolonged funding disruptions could impact travel operations, with TSA absenteeism rising as workers miss paychecks.
A sweeping wartime shift is underway inside the Army, with officials saying the service is accelerating AI-driven targeting and rushing weapons from factory to frontline as soldiers are engaged in active combat.

The remarks, delivered Wednesday by officials at the Association of the United States Armys Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, come as leaders emphasize a faster, more direct link between battlefield operations, weapons production and how the service buys and fields equipment.

This month, our army is engaged in active combat, Under Secretary of the Army Michael Obadal said.

Officials said the shift is designed to cut through peacetime bureaucracy, prioritizing speed, scale and real-time battlefield feedback to move weapons and technology into combat faster.

AI Targeting Speeds Battlefield Strikes

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from testing into real-world use, with Army leaders pointing to new targeting systems that compress what was once a slow, multi-step process into near real-time battlefield decisions.

During Operation Ivy Sting at Fort Carson, Colorado, officials said the 4th Infantry Division used AI-enabled tools to automate parts of the targeting cycle, integrating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data with fire missions and command systems that traditionally required multiple human layers.

It enabled the division to prosecute 15 different targets in one hour, Obadal said.

Under Secretary of the Army Michael A. Obadal speaks at the Association of the United States Armys Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, outlining the services shift toward AI-driven targeting, faster weapons production and a wartime footing. (U.S. Army Materiel Command)

That speed marks a shift from legacy processes, where coordinating sensors, airspace, firepower and command approvals could take far longer and limit how quickly units could strike multiple targets.

Officials said the technology is part of a broader push to build a faster, more connected kill chain, linking sensors, data and weapons systems so commanders can identify, prioritize and engage threats across domains with minimal delay.

The urgency behind that shift reflects how quickly battlefield technology is evolving, particularly in drone warfarewhere units are rapidly adapting systems and tactics in live environments.

Army Speeds Weapons Buying to Match Combat

A major overhaul is underway in how the Army buys weapons.

Leaders are shifting acquisition onto a wartime footing and pushing to move capabilities into the field faster as operations accelerate.

Acquisition is now a war-fighting function, Jesse Tolleson, principal deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, said Wednesday in Huntsville.

The change is supposed to mark a break from a system long driven by compliance. Layered approvals and rigid requirements have often slowed development and delayed delivery of equipment to troops.

U.S. Army soldiers prepare a drone system during training, highlighting the services push to rapidly integrate unmanned and AI-enabled technologies into battlefield operations. (U.S. Army Materiel Command)

Officials said the Army is now moving toward a commercial-first model, cutting red tape and giving program managers more authority to make faster decisions based on battlefield needs rather than process.

A key shift is replacing often convoluted requirements with a shorter concept of needs framework, allowing companies to propose solutions quicker and adapt as conditions change.

Leaders said the goal is to shrink timelines that once stretched years, enabling faster integration of emerging technologies such as autonomous systems, electronic warfare tools and next-generation command-and-control platforms.

That push overlaps with broader efforts to improve readiness by addressing sustainment and repair challenges that have historically slowed innovation and fielding.

Army Ramps Up Ammo, Drone Production for Combat

The Army is expanding weapons production across its industrial base, ramping up output of 155mm artillery shells and increasing efforts to build drone components inside the United States as demand rises.

An unbreakable connection must exist from the factory to the frontline, Obadal said.

Officials pointed to increased production at facilities like the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania, where advanced manufacturing is being used to boost artillery shell output and rebuild stockpiles needed for sustained operations.

A digital battlefield visualization illustrates integrated targeting and command systems linking sensors, forces and weapons across domains, reflecting the Armys push toward faster, AI-enabled decision-making. (U.S. Army Materiel Command)

At the same time, the Army is working to expand domestic production of drone components, including circuit cards, motors and low-cost airframes that have historically relied on overseas supply chains.

Leaders said the effort is aimed at ensuring the U.S. can sustain large-scale combat operations while reducing vulnerabilities tied to foreign manufacturing and supply disruptions.

The service is also expanding how it tests and integrates drone capabilities with soldiers, reflecting a broader push to scale emerging systems more quickly.

Officials described a shift toward continuous transformation driven by real-world operations, with battlefield lessons feeding directly into development and acquisition decisions.

This is a step in the right direction to leverage industry-driven solutions, Obadal said.
A United Airlines jet triggered a midair collision alert while passing dangerously close to a military helicopter near Southern California. Federal investigators are now working to determine the severity of the situation.

During final approach to John Wayne Airport on March 24 in Orange County, pilots on United Airlines Flight 589 were advised by air traffic control to watch for a military helicopter flying near the airport. They saw the helicopter and also received a traffic alert, which they responded to by leveling the aircraft before landing safely, according to a statement provided by the airline to Military.com.

United said the flight was operated by a Boeing 737-800 carrying 162 passengers and six crew members.

The incident unfolded near John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, a medium-sized Southern California airport that serves more than 10 million passengers a year and sits in dense coastal airspace south of Los Angeles.

Nearby installations including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Naval Air Station North Island support frequent helicopter operations along the coast, increasing the likelihood of military aircraft sharing airspace with commercial traffic approaching Orange County airports.

A John Wayne Airport sign stands next to a parking structure at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., June 29, 2020. No one aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 was hurt during a rough landing at the Southern California airport during Tropical Storm Hilary. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong,File)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Thursday that it is investigating the incident. Officials have not determined whether the event qualifies as a near midair collision or a loss of required separation, and the military has not publicly identified the helicopter or its mission.

Air traffic control audio captured the urgency of the moment.

That was not good, a controller said as the aircraft passed, according to archived recordings from LiveATC.net.

Preliminary flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft were separated by roughly 475 feet vertically and about half a mile horizontally at their closest point.

Military.com reached out for comment to the U.S. Department of Defense and regional military commands that operate in Southern California.

Critical Details Still Missing in Near Miss Probe

Investigators have not yet clarified several critical points that will determine how serious the encounter was and whether any safety rules were violated.

Chief among them is whether the incident meets the threshold for a near midair collisiona designation generally used when aircraft come within 500 feet vertically or pose an immediate collision risk. Officials also have not said whether required minimum separation standards were breached under FAA rules governing aircraft spacing in controlled airspace.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 13, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nayomi Koepke)

Key details about the military aircraft remain unknown, including which service branch operated the helicopter and what mission it was conducting at the time. That information is essential because military flights can operate under different procedures than commercial aircraft, depending on whether they are flying under visual flight rules or receiving separation services from air traffic control.

Those unanswered questions will determine whether the encounter is classified as a routine traffic conflict or a more serious breakdown in coordination between civilian controllers and military aviation.

Crowded Airspace, Little Margin for Error

Such encounters are uncommon but carry heightened risk, particularly during final approach when aircraft are at lower altitudes, speeds are changing and pilots have less room to maneuver.

That risk has drawn increased scrutiny in recent months. Federal regulators have moved to tighten how helicopters and airplanes are separated in congested airspace after a series of close calls as well as a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., that raised concerns about mixed military and civilian traffic operating in close proximity.

Investigators examining that crash found warnings about helicopter traffic near commercial flight paths had been raised for years before the collision, adding urgency to new incidents involving military aircraft near passenger jets.

The FAA has not provided a timeline for its findings. Additional details are expected as officials review radar data, cockpit alerts and controller instructions.
For decades, the Armys CH-47 Chinook helicopter has not only transported thousands of soldiers but has also served as a symbol of strength for the U.S. military.

Even President Donald Trump praised the massive Chinook in Februarys State of the Union address, referring to the daring mission to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro from his heavily fortified compound.

But while most Americans recognize the Chinook as a versatile military workhorse, few know it is named after one of North Americas most prestigious indigenous tribes  the Chinook Indian Nation.

Sam Robinson is fighting to change that.

Robinson is an Army veteran and a proud Chinook Councilmember. For years, hes worked to gain federal recognition and honor the Chinooks namesake. Robinson wonders why the country he served granted honorary name recognition to the Chinook in 2001, only to rescind it 18 months later.

Army veteran Sam Robinson wearing his Chinook veteran baseball cap. (Submitted)

Answering the Call to Serve

Many Native Americans join the military for financial reasons, a pathway to college, or based on family tradition. Robinson was no exception. Having a brother, father and uncles who all served, Robinson felt a gravitational pull to join the military.

Once I turned 18, I knew that college wasnt my path, so enlisting felt like a practical option that I would take pride in, Robinson told Military.com. About six months before high school graduation, I went to an Army recruiter and signed up for delayed entry so that I could leave for service right after high school.

Robinson served in the Army for four years. He spent the first year in infantry, then was selected for a new anti-tank platoon, managing two missile systems. From there, he was sent to brigade headquarters, becoming a sergeant in only three years.

Which I was proud of because it showed how much I had learned in such a short period of time, he said.

One of Robinsons favorite memories from the Army was flying in a Chinook  thats right, a Chinook in a Chinook. It was a unique experience that left Robinson swelling with pride.

I was out in the field working when a captain asked me for a ride. On the way back, he recognized the pilot of a Chinook sitting out there and struck up a conversation. After they talked, the pilot allowed me to back my Jeep into the helicopter and take a ride in it, Robinson said. One thing I remember vividly is how noisy it was inside. I had always been a fan of the helicopter, and I felt especially proud to be a Chinook man who had gotten to ride in a Chinook helicopter.

Robinsons four years in the military taught him how to adapt to changes and learn on the fly. But he had strong mentors to guide him, seasoned soldiers from the Vietnam War, full of wisdom. He also learned strong leadership skills, which led to a 43-year career in wood products manufacturing, where he served as a plant manager.

I saw a lot of different leadership styles in the military, and it taught me that if you want people to respect you, you should not ask them to do anything you would not do yourself, Robinson said. You get more respect and better work out of people that way. That really stayed with me and carried me into my working life."

Sam Robinson served in the Army for four years. (Submitted)

A Proud Nation in the Pacific Northwest

American history buffs are likely pretty familiar with the Chinook Indian Nation and its ties to the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s.

The Chinooks were the first tribe to settle the Lower Columbia River and the Pacific Coast region, now known as Washington and Oregon. The nation is comprised of five tribes: the Clatsop, Cathlamet, Lower Chinook, Wahkiakum, and Willapa. Centuries later, most of the nations 3,400 enrolled members still call the Pacific Northwest their home.

The Chinook are alive and well, Robinson said. We are a living nation, not a people of the past, which is exactly why the federal governments refusal to formally recognize us is so harmful.

Despite the nations history in helping the American government during the time of Lewis and Clark, Chinook members serving in the military, and lending its name to what Robinson calls one of the Armys most recognizable helicopters, federal recognition has been painfully fleeting.

Federal recognition) is the formal acknowledgment of a tribes sovereignty and government-to-government relationship with the United States, Robinson said. Being a federally recognized tribe would grant us resources that other tribes receive, like healthcare access and education programs.

For many years, the Army adopted names of Native American tribes or chiefs and used them for its aircraft. So, when the powerful, robust CH-47 Chinook entered the fleet in 1962, naming it after the tribe made sense. The practice became official in 1969 through Army Regulation 70-28, establishing names that promoted strength, agility and endurance.

The name is fitting, Robinson said. Our people have endured generations of broken promises and mistreatment from politicians in D.C., yet weve always fought to remain on, and protect, our ancestral homelands.

Army veteran Scott Robinson Jr., Sam Robinson's father, who served in the Armor Division in the Korean War. (Submitted)

Still Hope for Recognition?

Receiving federal recognition allows a tribe to be formally acknowledged by the U.S., establishing governmental relationships. Without it, tribes are denied full political status, resources, and certain protections that the federal government gives to recognized tribes.

There was a glimmer of hope for the Chinook in 2001 when the nation received recognition, but that dream quickly died 18 months later when the act was rescinded.

In other ways, however, the U.S. cant seem to get enough of the Chinook. Not only is the iconic Army helicopter named after the tribe, but the government has also signed treaties with tribal ancestors, and the state of Washington is unofficially nicknamed the Chinook State.

For Robinson, and so many Chinook, the situation is confusing and frustrating.

The question we keep coming back to is: if you acknowledge us enough to put our name on your helicopter, why not formally recognize our nation? he said. Without that, none of the acknowledgment weve received translates into real, tangible support for our people.

Hope is not lost, however. Robinson said the Chinook Justice Movement is working to restore federal recognition through legislation, support from local and regional leaders, neighboring tribes in Washington and Oregon, descendants of Lewis and Clark, and, according to Robinson, tens of thousands of Americans who have signed petitions and written letters.

Ultimately, federal recognition must come from Congress through legislation signed into law. The same members of Congress who just a few weeks ago heard Trump glowingly praise the massive Chinook.
A U.S. Navy sailor suffered a non-combat injury on March 25 while working during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, the Navy said.

The sailor was moved ashore for further medical treatment and is in stable condition, according to a statement released Thursday by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The statement described the injury as non-life-threatening.

The Navy withheld the sailor's name, rank and the specifics of what caused the injury. An investigation is underway.

Few Details Released

The statement offered few details beyond confirming the injury and noting that the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group continues to carry out missions in support of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. It did not specify whether the injury occurred on the flight deck, in a hangar bay or elsewhere aboard the ship.

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)

The announcement comes less than two weeks after a fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea on March 12, injuring three sailors. That blaze, which started in the carrier's main laundry area, was also unrelated to combat. Two of those sailors returned to duty, while a third was flown off the ship for treatment.

The Ford has since left the theater entirely, pulling into Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete for repairs after the fire destroyed roughly 100 beds and displaced about 600 sailors.

Iran Claims Missile Strike on Same Day

The sailor's injury occurred on the same day Iran's military claimed it fired Qader coastal anti-ship cruise missiles at the Lincoln and its strike group. The Iranian Army's public relations office announced the launch through state media.

Iranian Navy commander Rear Adm. Shahram Irani said the carrier is under "constant surveillance" and would face what he called "crushing strikes" whenever it enters the range of Iran's missile systems.

Iranian officials said the missiles forced the carrier to change position. The Fars News Agency released video showing missiles being fired into the darkness, but the footage did not show any impact on the carrier. No independent verification has confirmed damage to the ship.

Iranian military truck firing a Qadr anti-ship missile in the Velayat-90 Naval Exercise. (Wikimedia Commons)

It was the third time since the start of the war that Tehran claimed to have struck the Lincoln. On March 1, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said four ballistic missiles hit the carrier. CENTCOM called that claim a "lie" and posted on X that the missiles "didn't even come close."

Iran made a similar claim involving drone strikes on March 5. CENTCOM denied that one as well and released photos showing the carrier operating normally.

President Donald Trump said on March 24 that Iran had fired 101 missiles at the carrier and that U.S. naval defenses intercepted all of them. The Pentagon has not issued its own detailed account of that engagement.

The Carrier's Role in Operation Epic Fury

The Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on Nov. 21, 2025, for an Indo-Pacific deployment. The Navy rerouted the carrier and its strike group to the Middle East in January as tensions with Iran escalated in the weeks before the war began on Feb. 28.

The Lincoln operates as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, which includes Carrier Air Wing 9, the guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and ships from Destroyer Squadron 21, including the USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy. The air wing's aircraft have been flying sorties against Iranian military targets around the clock since Epic Fury began.

Nearly 290 U.S. service members have been wounded in the campaign as of this week, according to CENTCOM spokesman Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins. About 255 of those troops have returned to duty, while 10 remain seriously wounded.

At least 13 American service members have been killed since the operation started. Those casualties have come primarily from Iranian drone and missile strikes on U.S. installations across seven countries in the region.

While the Lincoln sailor is not counted as part of the combat casualties, flight deck operations on a carrier remain one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. The tempo of wartime operations only raises the risk.
Brendan Carrs recent comments about news distortion made the term newly relevant, but the doctrine itself is much older and much narrower than the rhetoric surrounding it. Carr warned broadcasters covering the war with Iran that they must serve the public interest and could face consequences during license renewal if they aired hoaxes and news distortions.

That remark matters mainly because it pulled a little-used FCC concept back into public debate. The concept, however, is not a general ban on bad journalism, partisan framing, or disputed war reporting. It is a very specific theory tied to deliberate falsification by a broadcaster.

The FCCs Standard is Deliberate Deception, Not Mere Bias

The FCCs own guidance says it will investigate broadcast news distortion claims only when a complaint includes evidence that a report was deliberately intended to mislead the audience. The agency also explains, in its consumer guidance on complaints about broadcast journalism, that it is not enough to argue a report was unfair, one-sided, inaccurate, or misleading in the ordinary sense.

A viable complaint needs documented evidence of intentional falsification, such as testimony from someone with direct personal knowledge or other extrinsic proof showing the station itself acted to deceive viewers or listeners.

That narrow standard is why news distortion is so different from the broader political arguments people usually have about war coverage. In wartime, facts are often incomplete, casualty figures shift, military claims are contested, and reporters must work with uncertain information.

The FCC has historically treated those disputes as part of journalism, not as regulatory violations, unless there is proof that the broadcaster knowingly staged or falsified the report. A January 2025 FCC Enforcement Bureau order restated that point in unusually clear terms, saying a complaint fails without extrinsic evidence that the licensee engaged in deliberate and intentional falsification of the news.

The Vietnam Cases Show How Hard These Complaints Are to Win

The best historical examples come from the Vietnam era, when war coverage generated intense political backlash. One major dispute involved CBSs documentary The Selling of the Pentagon, which examined how the Defense Department promoted itself and its military policies during the Vietnam War. The program drew furious complaints, but in later FCC materials, the agency pointed back to that controversy as an example of its reluctance to punish journalism absent concrete proof of intentional distortion.

The lesson was not that war reporting could never generate complaints. The lesson was that the FCC would not become a general referee of contested national security coverage.

A second Vietnam-related example was the long-running controversy over CBSs documentary The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception, which addressed whether U.S. military leaders had understated enemy strength before the Tet Offensive.

A formal FCC complaint was filed, making it one of the clearest examples of a war-related news distortion claim. In 1985, the agency denied the news-distortion complaint, finding no extrinsic evidence that CBS had intentionally presented distorted material. However explosive the subject, the same rule applied: without evidence of deliberate falsification by the broadcaster, the FCC had little room to act.

These Vietnam-era examples are the most useful analogies to todays arguments because they involve exactly the kind of coverage officials are most likely to attack: reporting on military conduct, disputed official narratives, and the human costs of war. They show that political outrage and even allegations of unfairness are not the same thing as a legally cognizable news-distortion case.

CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin interviews Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III inside Washington Halls Thayer Award Room at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2024. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza. Source: DVIDS.

Successful Cases Usually Involve Hoaxes, Not War Reporting

Where the FCC has been more willing to act is in hoax cases, especially false reports of catastrophes. The agencys hoax rule prohibits a station from broadcasting false information about a crime or catastrophe if the station knows the information is false, it is foreseeable that the broadcast will cause substantial public harm, and it actually does cause that harm.

The rule was adopted in 1992 after a series of fake emergency broadcasts. One example the FCC cited involved a station that aired a mock nuclear attack report and used a siren similar to the Emergency Broadcast System signal. That kind of conduct fits the rule because it involves a fabricated emergency likely to cause panic or divert public-safety resources.

That distinction matters. A fake nuclear attack bulletin is not the same as a disputed report about a real war. The first is a hoax. The second is journalism. The FCCs own materials make clear that the agencys authority over hoaxes and its much narrower theory of news distortion do not create a broad federal power to punish broadcasters for coverage the government dislikes.

Why the Doctrine Still Matters

The practical significance of news distortion is not that the FCC often wins these cases. It is that the phrase sounds much broader than it is. Officials can invoke it to pressure broadcasters, especially during politically charged conflicts, even though the underlying doctrine has historically required strong proof of intentional deception. That is why Carrs comments got attention. They revived a phrase with real legal history, but one whose historical use has been narrow, fact-specific, and largely unsuccessful when aimed at controversial war reporting.

In short, the history of media distortion in broadcast law is not a history of the government punishing unpopular coverage of wars. It is mostly a history of the FCC setting a very high bar, then refusing to cross it unless there is evidence that a broadcaster deliberately tried to fake the news.
The Mets have released catcher Austin Barnes, reports Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The veteran backstop signed a minor league deal in late January. Its the second catcher-related move of the day for New York, as the club also designated Ben Rortvedt for assignment this morning.

Barnes was set to make $1.5MM if he made the big-league club, reported Jon Heyman of The New York Post. He couldve earned another $500K in incentives. The longtime Dodger will now look to latch on elsewhere.

New York was largely set behind the plate with Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens locked into the top two spots on the depth chart. The former has an extensive injury history, so it was prudent of the Mets to keep a handful of backup candidates in camp. Alvarez was pulled from a spring game last week with back tightness, but returned to the lineup over the weekend.

The 36-year-old Barnes did all he could to position himself for a roster spot if Alvarez or Torrens went down. He slashed .313/.389/.500 in limited spring action. The veteran has spent the past 11 seasons with the Dodgers. Hes been a backup for the duration of that stretch, maxing out at 262 plate appearances in a single season (2017).

Barnes has an 85 wRC+ in his big-league career. His main value has come on defense. The veteran has accrued 35 Defensive Runs Saved in more than 3,500 innings behind the plate. Barnes has even made the occasional appearance in the infield. Hes only done it a handful of times the past few years, but he had a run from 2017 to 2018 that saw him appear in 40 games at second base.

As DiComo points out, Hayden Senger and Kevin Parada are now the primary catching depth pieces behind Alvarez and Torrens. Senger made his debut last season after a lengthy minor league career. He hit just .181 with a 28.2% strikeout rate, though he racked up 5 DRS in 31 games. Parada was a first-round pick in 2022. Hes put up some solid minor league campaigns at the plate, but there are questions about his glove in the majors.

Photo courtesy of Reinhold Matay, Imagn Images
The Red Sox have released infielder Brendan Rodgers, according to his MLB transactions page. The veteran is facing shoulder surgery after a hard fall in late February. The injury ended his bid to earn a roster spot with Boston.

As Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com notes, Rodgers could be headed toward a renegotiated deal with the Red Sox as he recovers from the shoulder issue. The former Rockie signed a minor league agreement in early February. If Rodgers is going to miss the entire season, Boston could look to ink him to a two-year contract, similar to a free agent pitcher rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Rodgers was competing for second base reps with Marcelo Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and David Hamilton. The Caleb Durbin trade clarified some of the questions in the Boston infield, but it also sent Hamilton to Milwaukee. Andruw Monasterio came back in the swap and entered the second base conversation. Mayer ultimately secured the gig.

The 29-year-old Rodgers spent last season with the Astros. He broke camp with the team, but struggled mightily at the plate. The veteran posted a 55 wRC+ across 128 plate appearances. Rodgers strikeout rate ballooned to a career-worst 35.9%. An oblique strain in June effectively ended his season. Rodgers managed a couple of rehab appearances at Triple-A before electing free agency at the conclusion of the campaign.

Rodgers was among the most promising hitters in Colorados minor league system heading into the decade. He entered 2020 ranked No. 1 among Rockies prospects by FanGraphs and MLB Pipeline. A shoulder injury limited Rodgers in the shortened season, but he got his first extended look in 2021. The infielder slashed a respectable .284/.328/.470 in 415 plate appearances. He delivered similarly league-average numbers the following year. After 135 games of an 87 wRC+ in 2024, Rodgers hit free agency. Hes signed minor league deals the past two offseasons.

Photo courtesy of Troy Taormina, Imagn Images
Hyundai Verna 2026 facelift: What is new in Hyundai's updated mid-size sedan?

Hyundai has updated the Verna with a facelift that brings some significant upgrades. Here is a look at all the important changes introduced on the mid-size sedan.









Hyundai Verna 2026 facelift 2026 Hyundai Verna facelift starts at Rs 10.98 lakh ex-showroom

Facelift adds new design, features, and enhanced safety package

Verna retains powerful engines and introduces new variant trims Did our AI summary help?
MAH MCA CET Admit Card 2026 OUT today @ cetcell.mahacet.org, direct link here

The State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell), Maharashtra, is likely to release the MAH MCA CET 2026 admit card today, March 26









MAH MCA CET Admit Card 2026 MAH MCA CET 2026 admit card expected to release today

Exam scheduled for March 30, admit card required for entry

Candidates must download admit card from cetcell.mahacet.org Did our AI summary help?
AIADMK chooses to take DMK head-on in Chennai, targets 210 seats in upcoming assembly polls

The Chennai constituencies are expected to be a major battleground, with the AIADMK planning to contest 13 out of 16 seats in the city, widely considered a stronghold of the DMK.









Edappadi K. Palaniswami AIADMK to fight 13 of 16 Chennai seats, challenging DMK

AIADMK to contest against CM Stalin, deputy CM Udhayanidhi

AIADMK-led NDA aims for 210 seats and absolute majority in polls Did our AI summary help?
Tamil Nadu polls get a Polymarket twist: DMK emerging clear favourite, AIADMK and Vijays TVK trail

Polymarket gives DMK a 78% chance in Tamil Nadu elections 2026, but low trading volumes and legal curbs raise questions.









US-based prediction market flags strong DMK lead ahead of April 23 vote, but low volumes raise reliability questions DMK leads Tamil Nadu election odds with 78 percent on Polymarket

AIADMK at 15 percent, TVK at 7 percent in prediction market

Tamil Nadu votes April 23; actor Vijay's TVK debuts Did our AI summary help?
BJP chief Nitin Nabin urges party workers to go all-out in final 30 days in poll-bound Bengal: 'Jump into the fight'

Nabin, who chaired a series of organisational and strategy meetings in Kolkata to fine-tune the BJPs preparations for the 2026 assembly polls, said this election is about ensuring security and steering the state towards development.









BJP national president Nitin Nabin (Courtesy: PTI photo)
With the buzz still going strong for the movie, its crew members, including Nani, were spotted attending a concert given by Anirudh Ravichander, which witnessed an overwhelming turnout.
Anne Hathaway urged The Devil Wears Prada 2 producers not to cast alarmingly thin models, reveals Meryl Streep

Anne Hathaway urged The Devil Wears Prada 2 producers to avoid featuring alarmingly thin models, a concern echoed by Meryl Streep. The sequel, set for a May 1 release, has drawn massive attention during filming with fans and paparazzi crowding sets.

Gayatri Rani March 26, 2026 / 09:26 IST























Andy and Miranda reunite in The Devil Wears Prada Anne Hathaway insisted models not be "alarmingly thin" in sequel

Meryl Streep and Hathaway return for The Devil Wears Prada 2

The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases worldwide on May 1 Did our AI summary help?
Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Agnihotri announce new film 'Operation Sindoor'

Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Thursday unveiled their upcoming film Operation Sindoor, revealing that the project is inspired by the codename associated with Indias targeted military strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

PTI March 26, 2026 / 14:39 IST























They called the film a cinematic response to the tragic massacre of innocent civilians, most of them tourists, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2025, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
BTS returns to The Tonight Show with a stunning SWIM performance at the Guggenheim

BTS returned to The Tonight Show with a stunning performance of SWIM at New Yorks Guggenheim Museum, alongside heartfelt moments and fan surprises.









BTS returns to The Tonight Show with a stunning SWIM performance at the Guggenheim BTS performed "SWIM" at Guggenheim Museum for The Tonight Show

The group reunited on US TV after a long hiatus

Only 150200 fans attended the exclusive live performance Did our AI summary help?
She also mentioned that the festival, which will conclude on March 31, offers a unique opportunity for the audience to experience world-class storytelling.
Harry Potter Reboot teaser sparks nostalgia: A look at the old vs new cast

HBOs Harry Potter reboot teaser sparks nostalgia as fans compare the original cast with the new lineup, from Daniel Radcliffe to Dominic McLaughlin.









Harry Potter Reboot's new cast HBO releases teaser for Harry Potter reboot series

New cast steps into iconic roles, sparking fan curiosity

Paapa Essiedu receives threats after being cast as Snape Did our AI summary help?
Kriti Sanon enjoys Northern Lights in Finland with rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, sister Nupur and brother-in-law Stebin Ben - See pics

Kriti Sanon shared stunning moments from her Finland vacation, including sightings of the Northern Lights and a meteor shower. She was joined by her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, further fuelling dating speculation with their similar posts.

Gayatri Rani March 26, 2026 / 11:59 IST























Kriti Sanon with her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia Kriti Sanon vacations in Finland with family and Kabir Bahia

Kriti, Kabirs aurora pics ignite romance buzz

Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben post sweet moments from Finland trip Did our AI summary help?
Mohanlals Drishyam 2 to release in theatres on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3

Mohanlals Drishyam 2 will release in theatres on April 10, 2026, ahead of Drishyam 3 on May 21, building excitement for the next chapter of the hit thriller franchise.









Mohanlals Drishyam 2 to release in theatres on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3Mohanlals Drishyam 2 to release in theatres on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 Drishyam 2 to release in theatres on April 10, 2026

Drishyam 3 set for worldwide release on May 21, 2026

Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn releases October 2 Did our AI summary help?
Priyanka Chopra reacted to Uorfi Javeds viral bottle cap outfit by liking her post, boosting its popularity online. The bold DIY look impressed fans, further cementing Uorfis reputation for experimental fashion.

Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape Indias entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the countrys most influential creative industries.
Vijay-Trisha Krishnan controversy: Ravi Mohan's ex-wife Aarti pens cryptic post, says, 'Wife's dignity should never depend on the man's stature'

Aarti Ravi questions selective outrage in relationships, hinting at the Vijay-Trisha controversy, and urges equal empathy for all wives, saying dignity should not depend on a mans power or status.









Vijay-Trisha Krishnan controversy: Ravi Mohan's ex-wife Aarti pens cryptic post, says, 'Wife's dignity should never depend on the man's stature' Aarti Ravi's Instagram post sparks debate on public empathy.

She calls out selective outrage over celebrity marriages.

Post likens her experience to Vijays recent controversy Did our AI summary help?
Yami Gautam calls Danish Pandor brilliant in Dhurandhar 2, reacts to his post

Yami Gautam praises Danish Pandors performance in Dhurandhar: The Revenge with a brilliant comment under his Instagram post, adding to the actors growing recognition.









Yami Gautam calls Danish Pandor brilliant in Dhurandhar 2, reacts to his post Yami Gautam praised Danish Pandor's performance in Dhurandhar

Danish Pandors Uzair Baloch role drew strong praise

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is directed by Aditya Dhar Did our AI summary help?
As Strides Pharma stabilises balance sheet, focus shifts to growth beyond the US

We are not looking to enter completely new or unrelated segments..the strategy is to build on our existing capabilities  manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial, Aditya Kumar said.









Aditya Kumar Strides Pharma Strides Pharma targets growth after halving its debt

US leads revenue; ex-US markets growing rapidly

Recent Africa acquisition expected to boost revenue and portfolio Did our AI summary help? SA10 SA10 NSE/BSE Select NSE LIVE BSE LIVE Day High

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British Airways to operate additional flights from Delhi, Mumbai amid West Asia crisis

New Delhi, Mar 26 British Airways will operate additional flights from Delhi and Mumbai for a short term to meet the traffic demand amid the disruption..

PTI March 26, 2026 / 22:01 IST














Chennai Super Kings unlisted shares jump over 25% as $3.4 billion IPL deals trigger valuation re-rating

The momentum has also spilled over into listed markets. Shares of Sun TV Network, which owns Sunrisers Hyderabad, and RPSG Ventures, the parent of Lucknow Super Giants, surged up to 20%, reflecting broader investor enthusiasm









IPL franchises are now being viewed as serious financial assets rather than vanity investments. CSK unlisted shares jump after RCB, Royals billion-dollar deals

Investor demand for CSK rises, prices jump over 20% recently

IPL franchise values have surged 25 times since 2008 Did our AI summary help?
Chip selloff deepens after Google touts memory breakthrough

Four hyperscalers, led by Amazon.com Inc. and Google, plan to spend about $650 billion this year to build data centers, scooping up Nvidia Corp.s AI accelerators and related memory chips.









. Memory chip stocks fell after Google revealed TurboQuant research

TurboQuant tech could cut AI memory needs by at least six times

Efficiency gains may lift long-term memory chip demand Did our AI summary help?
Iran is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the war, but has no intention of holding talks to end the conflict, Iran's foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Oil rises above $100 as Iran rejects direct talks with US, conflicting signals cloud ceasefire push

Oil prices rise as Iran rejects US talks despite ceasefire proposal under review; Brent crosses $103 amid mixed signals on negotiations.









Brent climbs past $103 as Tehran denies negotiations even as Washington claims talks are underway Oil prices rose amid uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations

Iran denies direct talks with US, despite indirect exchanges

Conflicting US and Iran statements add to market volatility Did our AI summary help?
Funding gaps, delays hit strategic oil reserves; house panel seeks expansion, 90-day buffer

A parliamentary panel has recommended that the oil ministry and refiners explore additional storage and move to the global standard of 90 days of crude reserves









Funding gaps, delays hit Indias strategic oil reserves; house panel seeks expansion, 90-day buffer India's strategic oil reserves are only 64 percent full

Budget support for oil reserves dropped to 45-47 percent recently

Committee urges faster storage expansion to boost energy security Did our AI summary help?
OpenAI CEO tells Forbes AI is already more energy-efficient than human work, but warns of large-scale job disruption and rising resource demands
Karnataka signs MoUs worth Rs 51,469 crore with 48 companies; to create 70,000 jobs

MoUs were signed with companies such as Mahindra Aerospace, Unimech, NewSpace, and Astemo during Invest Karnataka Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru.









Karnataka signs MoUs worth Rs 51,469 crore with 48 companies

Investments expected to generate around 70,000 jobs in the state

Zoning regulations revised and single-window system introduced Did our AI summary help?
Reliance denies purchasing Iranian crude, calls claims baseless

Reliance Industries Limited categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin.









Reliance denies purchasing Iranian crude.
Meta rolls out rich stock options for top executives just hours after 700 layoffs

Meta lays off 700 employees across teams including Reality Labs, even as it rolls out stock incentives worth up to $921 million for top executives.









Reality Labs among hardest hit in latest job cuts Meta laid off 700 employees across Reality Labs and other teams

Layoffs follow new stock option programme for top executives

Meta shifts focus to AI, scaling back metaverse ambitions Did our AI summary help?
Pakistan faces global heat at UNHRC over abuses in Balochistan

Participants, including women and families of alleged victims, voiced concerns over what they described as a continuing pattern of arbitrary detentions and disappearances in Balochistan.

ANI March 26, 2026 / 22:17 IST























Image: x.com/BNMFootages) BNM protests in Geneva during UNHRC session on March 26, 2026

Protesters highlighted enforced disappearances in Balochistan

Photo exhibit shared stories of missing people and families 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
Anil Agarwal, founder and chairman of Vedanta Group, at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, Texas, US, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The event convenes more than 10,000 participants from over 2,350 companies across 89 countries for dialogue on the agenda ahead as the world enters a new era of energy transition.
10 dead, 31 injured in bus-pick up vehicle collision in MP's Chhindwara; CM announces compensation

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those injured

PTI March 26, 2026 / 22:56 IST























The bus was carrying more than 40 passengers at the time of the accident
Escorted by Indian Navy through Hormuz route, Jag Vasant carrying LPG to dock in India today

Eight LPG carriers, 4 crude oil ships, and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker were among 24 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf as shipments were disrupted from the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian airlines to cut 10% weekly domestic flights in summer; more reductions possible

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released the summer schedule, which will run from March 29 to October 24, covering nine scheduled airlines









The nine airlines scheduled to operate in the 2026 summer period are Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, FLY91, Star Air, and IndiaOne Air
Indian Army eyes 800-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles amid evolving warfare needs

The defence ministry is expected to take a call on the Armys plan at an upcoming high-level meeting
It'll be TMC's credit if 30 lakh names feature on voters' list after adjudication, says Mamata Banerjee

The CM urged the Election Commission to publish the complete list detailing the logical discrepancies for over 60 lakh people.

PTI March 26, 2026 / 19:21 IST























Mamata Banerjee Mamata Banerjee claims TMC helped restore lakhs of voter names

TMC to set up camps to assist those missing from voter list

West Bengal Assembly elections to be held on April 23 and 29 Did our AI summary help?
Jaishankar's 'dalal' jibe roils Pakistan, triggers outrage: 'We're nemesis to Hindutva hubris'

Experts suggest that by positioning itself as a mediator, Pakistan is seeking to achieve two objectives: avoiding direct involvement in the war and staying in the good books of US President Donald Trump.
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Kerala Assembly elections: 1.39 crore women voters, just 40 in poll fray; a look at the gender gap

According to latest figures of the Election Commission of India, a total of 1,39,21,868 female voters are in Kerala while the number of male voters stand at 1,32,20,811









In the run-up to the Assembly polls, the representation of women among candidates remains modest across Keralas 140 constituencies
Mamata Banerjee brings back 'washing machine' jibe at BJP, accuses party of using SIR to 'vanish' names of voters

The TMC's supremo's statement comes in the wake of the 12 lakh voters who have been deemed ineligible in the supplementary voter list released by the Election Commission.









Banerjee claimed that while the BJP had planned to remove 1.2 crore names from voter rolls, around 58 lakh names had already been deleted, and another 60 lakh removed citing 'logical discrepancies.' Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP deleting genuine voter names

TMC: 58L names deleted, 60L removed over discrepancies

Banerjee vows legal aid and opposes NRC, detention camps Did our AI summary help?
'Nobody dares...': CJI Kant sternly warns after man calls his brother over SC order, says 'I know how to deal with such people'

The case is said to involve a petition by Nikhil Kumar Punia, who was born into an upper-caste Hindu family but later claimed to have converted to Buddhism.
Piyush Goyal urges careful reconsideration of e-commerce moratorium, pushes for WTO reforms

In a statement circulated at the WTOs 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) on March 26, Goyal flagged the 'potentially significant implications' of the moratorium









Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Goyal urges reconsideration of e-commerce moratorium at WTO MC14

Customs duty moratorium on e-transmissions may end

India calls for WTO reforms, focus on agriculture and fisheries Did our AI summary help?
According to a statement from the Embassy of France in India, both sides welcomed Modis confirmation to participate in the summit, which will be held in Evian
PM Modi to interact with CMs tomorrow on West Asia conflict, review preparedness

The discussion will emphasise synergy and coordination under the Team India approach









Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Rahul Gandhi does not learn from experience, is 'B-team' of BJP: Kerala CM

Rahul Gandhi is a national leader, yet he lacks the basic awareness of even a common local worker of Congress in Kerala; he simply refuses to learn from experience or mistakes, says Kerala CM.









Kerala legislative assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4 Kerala CM calls Congress and Rahul Gandhi BJP's "B-team"

Kerala assembly elections set for April 9, counting on May 4

Rahul Gandhi accuses Kerala CM of not fulfilling job promises Did our AI summary help?
Rahul Gandhi shares emotional hospital story, praises nurse: Spirit of Keralam

I was sleeping on a small sofa in my mothers hospital room, and like any son, I was extremely worried about her health. The whole night, I was comforted by one thinga nurse from Keralam who came in every hour to check on her, says Gandhi.









Rahul Gandhi struck an emotional chord at a poll rally in Kerala through his virtual address Rahul skips Kerala rally as Sonia Gandhi is hospitalized

He praised Kerala nurses for their compassion and dedication

Gandhi called Kerala's caring spirit a model for the country Did our AI summary help?
Shashi Tharoor questions government's silence, says India gets no credit while Pakistan is holding West Asia peace talks

it. I have been calling for almost three weeks now for India to take a leading stand, leveraging its good relations with both sides into a peace initiative.









Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor says it's embarrassing Pakistan leads West Asia mediation

India should have taken diplomatic lead, Tharoor asserts

Iran reviews US proposal but rejects direct talks with US Did our AI summary help?
TVK chief Vijay files police complaint against Ponraj Vellaichamy over alleged derogatory remarks on women

The TVK chief had earlier condemned the remarks publicly and on Thursday visited the DGP office in Mylapore in person to press for action. He was accompanied by party functionary Sengottaiyan during the submission of the complaint.









Vijay Vijay complains Ponraj made derogatory remarks about women

He sought strict legal steps to safeguard Tamil Nadu women

The issue has drawn political attention and public condemnation Did our AI summary help?
Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank fraud case, has been contesting his extradition on various legal grounds since his arrest in the UK in 2019.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath addresses fuel shortage rumours amid West Asia war tensions

Speaking at the inauguration of a software technology park, he noted that people are unnecessarily lining up to buy LPG cylinders due to fears triggered by the war









CM Yogi that if the conflict prolongs, it could impact everyone, and citizens should stay mentally prepared but avoid spreading or believing rumours
A 31-year-old doctor was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.
Why Suvendu Adhikari, Humayun Kabir are fighting from two seats in West Bengal polls

According to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a candidate is permitted to contest an election from up to two constituencies. However, he or she can hold only one seat at a time if elected from both.









Suvendu Adhikari and Humayun Kabir announced plans to contest from multiple constituencies ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Suvendu Adhikari to contest from Nandigram and Bhabanipur seats

Humayun Kabir to run from Rejinagar and Naoda in Murshidabad

Candidates can contest from up to two constituencies in India Did our AI summary help?
Order dated March 24 brings auditors within scope of Section 339; liability to hinge on evidence of knowing participation

Government said role of auditors and other third parties must be examined on case-by-case basis in light of findings from SFIO.
OPINION | Aluminium price surge burns Indias MSMEs amid policy gaps

Rising aluminium prices are helping producers but hurting MSMEs. High import duties increase costs, reduce competitiveness, and risk jobs despite strong future demand in India

Anil Agarwal March 26, 2026 / 11:01 IST























For Indias major aluminium producers, this is a strong earnings opportunity.
OPINION | Legal battle over IP covering oral semaglutide is not yet over

On March 20, Delhi HC in an interim decision allowed the sale of the generic formulation. The final verdict will have far-reaching consequences on the way an originator can build moats to delay generic launches

Swati Sharma & Gitika Suri March 26, 2026 / 17:53 IST















Swati Sharma is Partner (Head- Intellectual Property), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
'It's time to stop': Indian employee shares European manager's message after working at midnight

The incident came to light through a post shared on Reddit, where the employee uploaded a screenshot of a conversation with his companys Director of Sales. The individual explained that he oversees sales and operational responsibilities for a European business that his organisation had recently acquired, requiring regular coordination across time zones.
Maggots in curd on Vande Bharat: IRCTC fined Rs 10 lakh, vendor Rs 50 lakh. Contract cancelled

According to an official statement, the complaint originated from train number 21896 operating between Patna and Tatanagar on March 15, 2026. Authorities stated that the matter was treated with urgency due to concerns surrounding food quality and passenger welfare.









The curd cups were manufactured on March 4 and were served on March 15.
Woman quits Rs 41 lakh job at KPMG Singapore to become poet in Mumbai: 'Wanted to live a life I enjoyed'

Namrata Yadav, who previously worked at KPMG, said her decision followed years of academic and professional exploration that did not provide a sense of personal fulfilment.
An evening in Paris costs twice more as West Asia war fallout makes Europe trips pricier

This summer, a trip to Parisonce a relatively predictable splurge for Indian travellershas become far more expensive due to the Iran-Israel conflict.









The Eiffel Tower
Bali travel update: Mount Agung to remain closed for a month for sacred ceremonieswhat visitors should know

Mount Agung in Bali will remain closed from March 28 to April 24, 2026, for sacred ceremonies. Heres what travellers need to know and alternative experiences to explore.









Balis Mount Agung will stay closed for nearly a month as sacred ceremonies take centre stage, reminding travellers to experience the island beyond just its treks. Mount Agung closed to tourists March 28-April 24, 2026

Closure for sacred rituals, not safety concerns

All trekking and outdoor activities suspended during this period Did our AI summary help?
6.4-magnitude earthquake strikes northeastern Japans Sanriku region

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Japans Honshu coast at shallow depth, with no immediate damage or tsunami warning. Authorities continue monitoring, while a separate 4.2-magnitude tremor hit Hyogo Prefecture earlier.









6.4 magnitude earthquake hits northeastern Japan region
Members of the Danish armed forces practice looking for potential threats during a military drill as Danish, Swedish and Norwegian home guard units together with Danish, German and French troops take part in joint military drills in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, September 17, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Pakistan is offering to mediate US-Iran talks, leveraging its ties and geography. However, ongoing conflict with Afghanistan, internal instability, and overlapping interests undermine its credibility and neutrality as a host for high-stakes international negotiations.

Did our AI summary help?
This handout satellite image taken by 2026 Planet Labs PBC shows a view of Iran's Kharg Island, which hosts the countrys main crude export terminal and is responsible for the overwhelming majority of its oil shipments to the world, about 30 kilometres south of the mainland in the north of the Gulf, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by 2026 Planet Labs PBC / AFP)
A war with no exit? How clashing demands are blocking any path to US-Iran peace talks

Despite renewed signals from President Donald Trump that talks are back on the table, officials and analysts say the gap between Washington and Tehran remains too wide for any immediate breakthrough.









A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and a 3D-printed miniature model depicting U.S. President Donald Trump are seen in this illustration taken March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Despite renewed US-Iran diplomatic signals, talks remain stalled as both sides' demands diverge sharply. Irans leverage over the Strait of Hormuz complicates negotiations, while military buildup and distrust persist, making a peaceful resolution unlikely soon. Did our AI summary help?
Amid war fears, China urges US, Iran to begin 'meaningful' peace talks

Earlier in the week, Iran denied that it had engaged in negotiations with the US.

Reuters March 26, 2026 / 14:58 IST























Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump delayed a threat to bomb Iran's power grid citing what he described as productive talks with unidentified Iranian officials.
All economic eyes have been on the Middle East for the last month, watching for signs that fallout from the war in Iran will begin to affect various markets. Now reporting from Reuters is detailing exactly how the conflict is hitting Europe, at least in one specific way.

Rising fuel prices tied to the war have already begun reshaping Europes car market, says the report, with a sharp jump in demand for used electric vehicles as car buyers react to higher costs at the pump.

Since the war began on February 28, disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping route that sees roughly 20% of global oil supplies, have pushed gas prices higher across Europe. Average gas prices in the European Union rose about 12% between late February and mid-March, reaching roughly 1.84 per liter. To put it in perspective, that translates to over $8 per gallon.

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That spike quickly affected buyer behavior, most immediately in the used-car market. Online sites across Europe have seen a surge in EV interest and sales, with EVs gaining ground over traditional gasoline and diesel models.

There is currently an electric car bonanza in the used market, Terje Dahlgren, an analyst at Norways Finn.no marketplace, told Reuters.

Anna Barclay - Getty Images

Aramisauto, a retailer based in France, said it saw its EV sales nearly double over a three-week period. At the same time, sales of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles fell. Aramisauto CEO Romain Boscher said the shift is due primarily to price sensitivity.

Various outlets across Europe have reported the same. Marketplace operator OLX reported EV search increases of 50% in France, 54% in Portugal, and nearly 40% in Poland and Romania. In Germany, mobile.de said EV-related searches tripled in early March, while dealer inquiries rose 66%.

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Analysts say the used EV segment is especially suited to fill the gap when gas prices spike because they are more affordable and immediately available compared to new cars, which often have long delivery times.
Are US airports facing closures? Trump calls to end 'Senate filibuster' as nearly 500 TSA agents quit

Trump urges Senate Republicans to end the filibuster as DHS funding stalemate and TSA staffing shortages threaten U.S. airports amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Between war and talks: Security teams likely to visit Islamabad amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks

The visiting delegations are scheduled to receive detailed briefings on the overall security plan from Pakistani officials. They will also hold meetings with local law enforcement agencies and intelligence officials.









Iran's Revolutionary Guards said it had launched a new wave of attacks against locations in Israel including Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona US, Iran, and Turkey security teams to arrive in Islamabad

Teams to assess security for proposed US-Iran mediation talks

Pakistan offers to host talks for US-Iran conflict resolution Did our AI summary help?
Did Iran shoot down a US F-18? US fact-check debunks the claim

Irans state-run Press TV shared the video on X, saying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had successfully struck a US F-18 fighter jet.









(Representative Image) Iran claims F-18 hit; US denies, calls video fabricated

US CENTCOM says no American fighter jet was shot down by Iran

Iran's previous claims of downing US jets have also been refuted Did our AI summary help?
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of resistance in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression"
Donald Trump says US 'needs nothing from NATO'

"NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran," Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.









FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump
Drone warfare: Kyiv offers Saudi Arabia battle-tested shield against Iranian drones

Ukraine has proposed a strategic swap offering its cost-effective drone defence systems in exchange for advanced air-defence support and financial assistance from partner countries









An Iranian Shahed exploding drone (AP/File image) Zelenskiy visits Saudi Arabia to boost Ukraine-Gulf security ties

Ukraine offers drone defence expertise to Gulf nations

Kyiv seeks financial and air-defence support in exchange Did our AI summary help?
Kharg Island, which handles nearly 90% of Iran's crude exports, is being viewed by Washington as a key pressure point to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The move comes as Iran continues to push for international recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a demand that forms part of its broader conditions to end the ongoing conflict.
Iran rakes in millions of dollars as Strait of Hormuz crisis lifts oil revenues

Iran is also bringing in extra income by charging transit fees of as much as $2 million on some commercial ships crossing the strait.









Irans exports are estimated to have remained close to prewar levels of about 1.6 million barrels a day this month. Iran earns extra oil income as prices surge amid war disruptions

Iran exports about 1.6 million barrels daily, near prewar levels

Gulf oil exports hit, but Irans infrastructure untouched Did our AI summary help?
Iran rejected the US proposal to end the conflict, calling it one-sided and unfair and favoring US and Israeli interests. Despite ongoing backchannel diplomacy, both sides remain far apart, with no formal negotiations or breakthrough in sight.

Did our AI summary help?
Iran has responded to a US 15-point proposal to end conflict, awaiting Washingtons reply via intermediaries. The US seeks Iran to halt nuclear activities and support for militants, offering sanctions relief. Iran demands guarantees, compensation, and sovereignty.

Did our AI summary help?
Iran's missile blitz cripples US bases, triggers shift to remote warfare in Middle East

Fighter pilots and air crews continue missions from operational airfields, but land-based units have had to adapt to less secure, makeshift setups, the New York Times said









The scale of disruption follows a wave of Iranian retaliation targeting US military sites, embassies, and critical infrastructure across the region US troops abandon bases, operate from hotels and offices

Iran strikes damage US bases in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA

Dispersed operations weaken US military efficiency and coordination Did our AI summary help?
Iran wants India to rally BRICS against US-Israel strikes; here's why New Delhi is holding back

Iran has asked India, BRICS chair, to back a statement condemning US-Israel strikes, but New Delhi is resisting taking sides amid deep divisions.









New Delhi resists taking sides as bloc splits deepen over Iran war, complicating consensus Iran presses India to condemn US-Israel strikes at BRICS

BRICS members divided on Iran conflict, no consensus reached yet

India balances ties with US, Israel, Iran, and Gulf nations Did our AI summary help?
Iranian embassy thanks 'Kashmiris' and India for aid, then quietly deletes posts amid backlash

Irans embassy in New Delhi deleted posts thanking people of Kashmir and India for humanitarian aid following online backlash, with no official explanation given.









Iran embassy deletes posts thanking people of Kashmir and India after backlash from Pakistan-based users
Iran Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strike near Strait of Hormuz: Report

The strike, reported near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, marks a significant escalation given Tangsiris central role in overseeing Irans naval operations.









IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri -- File photo
US officials working on possible Pakistan meeting with Iran; White House declines to confirm, says nothing is official
Israel sees little chance of US-Iran deal, but fears Trump may still announce a ceasefire

Israel doubts a US-Iran deal but fears Trump may announce a ceasefire; US troop build-up and Gulf pressure add to tensions.









Conflicting signals on talks, Gulf backing for decisive outcome, and fresh US deployments keep tensions elevated Israeli officials see US-Iran deal chances as slim to nonexistent

US ramps up military presence in Middle East amid ongoing talks

Gulf states back Israel's hard stance, urge decisive outcome Did our AI summary help?
The two officials have been removed from the list for up to four or five days, the Journal said, citing US officials, but did not mention any Pakistani role in it.
Maduro appears in court to fight narco-terrorism case

Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appeared in a Manhattan court as US prosecutors pressed ahead with a major drug-trafficking case that could carry a life sentence if he is convicted.









Venezuela's Maduro back in court after stunning US capture
'Man had a great deal of blood on his hands': Netanyahu after Israel claims killing of IRGC Navy chief

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the IRGC Navy commander was killed in a recent strike, marking a potential escalation in tensions, though Iran has not confirmed the development.









Netanyahu claims killing of IRGC Navy chief
Pakistans mediation in US-Iran backchannel talks is under scrutiny after claims it helped avert Israeli strikes on Iranian leaders. Its influence remains uncertain as tensions rise following an Israeli strike that reportedly killed an Iranian navy chief.

Did our AI summary help?
'More death and destruction': Steve Witkoff warns Iran as US sends 15-point peace plan

The US has sent Iran a 15-point peace plan via Pakistan, warning of death and destruction if rejected, as President Donald Trump casts doubt over prospects of negotiations.









US warns Iran over peace deal refusal
'Necessary to discipline enemy': After Strait of Hormuz, Iran threatens to block Bab al-Mandab Strait if war escalates

The Houthis in Yemen have been on high alert since the US-Israel war with Iran started on February 28.









Bab al-Mandab is an important sea strait located between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Iran warns Houthis may control Bab al-Mandab if attacked

Ansarullah is on high alert, ready to block strategic sea route

US-Israel warned against ground operations in Iran Did our AI summary help?
'No nation has...': Iran's Araghchi talks tough against 'greatest nuclear-armed power on earth'

Abbas Araghchi denied that Iran was negotiating with the United States, saying an exchange of messages through "friendly countries" did not equate to talks with Washington.









Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."
Pakistan confirms it is relaying messages between US and Iran, but doubts mount over its influence

Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar said that indirect talks are currently underway, with Pakistan facilitating the exchange of sensitive messages between Washington and Tehran









Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar
Pakistan offering to mediate West Asia crisis is 'ludicrous nonsense,' says former Trump Pentagon advisor: 'Modi should step in'

Macgregor made an emphatic case for India, arguing PM Modi's rare ability to maintain working relationships across geopolitical fault lines makes him uniquely positioned to intervene.









(File image) Pakistan's mediation offer dismissed due to lack of credibility

Macgregor urges PM Modi to help end West Asia conflict

India seen as uniquely positioned to mediate between parties Did our AI summary help?
'It was open before the war': Pakistans Khawaja Asif questions US war goals

Khawaja Asif said the wars objective now appears to be reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he noted was operational before the conflict began.









Pakistan's Khawaja Asif mocks US war goals amid deepening Hormuz crisis
Pakistan: Schools shut, mobile internet cut off across Balochistan amid security fears

Mobile internet has gone dark in Quetta, the provincial capital, and in Noshki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Mastung, Kalat, Sibi, and surrounding areas.









Pakistani soldiers patrol at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman, Balochistan province (AFP image) All educational institutions in Balochistan closed until March 31

Mobile internet suspended in multiple Balochistan cities

Security cited for closures, internet blackout Did our AI summary help?
Pete Hegseth prays for overwhelming violence against those who deserve no mercy at first Pentagon Christian service

At the service, held amid the ongoing Iran war, Hegseth prayed for Almighty God to pour out your wrath and to break the teeth of the ungodly.









Pete Hegseth Pete Hegseth led a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon

His fiery religious rhetoric drew scrutiny during Iran conflict

Lawsuit claims government resources misused for prayer services Did our AI summary help?
Iran War News: The announcement by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff places Islamabad at the centre of one of the most volatile geopolitical crises in recent years.

The US confirmed Pakistan as a key mediator in talks with Iran, placing Army Chief Asim Munir at the center. Despite formal backing, Pakistans limited leverage and internal instability hinder its credibility, as Iran rejects US proposals and negotiations remain stalled.
The US is considering redirecting air defense missiles originally meant for Ukraine to meet urgent demands in the Middle East, reflecting strained military resources amid escalating conflicts and financial pressures, with production unable to match rising global needs.

Did our AI summary help?
Scott Bessent says insurance program for Hormuz ships to start soon

Bessents remarks were delivered amid increasing concern about spiking oil and gas prices during the Iran war  and the threat that energy supply shocks will endure even once conflict ends.









Bessent argued that tanker traffic in the Gulf region is starting to pick up  and will only increase in the coming days. US to launch insurance program for shipping through Hormuz soon

Tanker traffic in Gulf region is starting to increase

Trump considers suspending federal gasoline tax to ease prices Did our AI summary help?
'They're begging, not me': Trump calls Iranians 'lousy fighters, great negotiators', says deal key to opening Hormuz

Trump reiterated that the US cannot allow Iran to have nuclear weapons and alleged that Tehran had plans to take over the Middle East before the war.









FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo President Trump expressed uncertainty about a deal with Iran, insisting Tehran is seeking talks. He outlined US conditions for relief, while Iran set its own demands. Trump claimed US military dominance and criticized NATO amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Did our AI summary help?
Dont want third world ceremony remark by US lawmaker Brandon Gill triggers backlash over Chhath Puja in Texas

US Congressman Brandon Gill sparked outrage after criticising Chhath Puja celebrations in Texas, triggering online backlash, accusations of hypocrisy, and renewed debate over rising anti-Indian sentiment in the United States.









US lawmaker sparks row over Chhath Puja
'To strengthen security and stability': Gulf nations demand role in US-Iran talks amid deepening crisis

Gulf nations, hit by Iranian drone strikes, have urged inclusion in US-Iran talks, stressing diplomacy, as tensions rise, violence spreads, and uncertainty over negotiations continues to impact regional stability and markets.









Gulf states demand role in Iran talks
Trump blames Obama for letting Iran have nuclear weapons, calls program a 'cancer'

The US President said every President before him should have taken the steps to contain Iran.









US President Donald Trump Trump blames Obama for Iran's nuclear weapon progress

Trump says he terminated Iran nuclear deal upon taking office

Trump claims Iran is negotiating for a deal due to pressure Did our AI summary help?
Trump says Iran 'begging' for deal, warns of consequences: 'There is no turning back'

Trump, whose daily statements have swung wildly from threatening to conciliatory, said talks to end the war were ongoing with Iran, but that officials in Tehran were covering them up out of fear.









FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo President Trump escalated rhetoric against Iran, claiming its negotiators are begging for a deal and warning of NO TURNING BACK if talks fail. Iran denies seeking negotiations, while China sees a glimmer of hope for peace amid ongoing tensions. Did our AI summary help?
Trump says Iran negotiators fear being killed by own people amid war talks claims

Trump said Iran is secretly negotiating a deal despite Tehran insisting there are no negotiations underway and only indirect messages are being exchanged.









Trump says Iran negotiators fear being killed by own people
Trump says oil price surge and stock market slump amid Iran conflict not as severe as expected

President Trump says oil prices and market declines during the Iran war are milder than anticipated, predicting a return to lower levels once the conflict ends.









Trump Says Oil Surge, Market Slump Not as Severe as Expected Amid Iran Conflict
Trump says taking control of Irans oil 'an option' as Tehran allows tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump said seizing Irans oil is an option, claiming Tehran allowed 10 tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a present signalling seriousness in ongoing conflict negotiations.









Trump floats Iran oil control option
Trump wants Iran war wrapped up within weeks, shift focus to 'other major geopolitical priorities'

Trump wants Iran war wrapped up within weeks and is preparing to move on to other priorities. Challenges to quick exit remain.









US President tells advisers conflict is in final phase, pushes 46 week timeline even as military and diplomatic hurdles persist Trump aims to end Iran conflict within four to six weeks

US ramps up military pressure while pursuing diplomacy

Mid-May summit with Xi planned, assuming war ends before Did our AI summary help?
Ukraine says it hit Russias major Baltic refinery Kirishi

The facility, which has a design capacity of over 400,000 barrels a day, focuses on producing diesel, gasoline and fuel oil, with a significant proportion of light-product fuels sent for exports.









Ukraine struck Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad region.

Crude units and storage tanks ignited following the attack.

Ukrainian drones also hit Russian Baltic oil ports this week. Did our AI summary help?
US-Iran war: Indian among two killed in Abu Dhabi as intercepted Iranian missile debris falls on civilians

An Indian and a Pakistani national were killed and three others injured in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell, as the West Asia conflict raises growing civilian risks.









Missile debris kills two in Abu Dhabi
Israel opposition leader warns of looming 'security disaster' due to shortage of troops

Israel's main opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the government Thursday of steering the country toward a "security disaster" due to a shortage of combat soldiers.

"The IDF is stretched to the limit and beyond. The government is leaving the army wounded out on the battlefield," Lapid said in a televised statement, echoing a warning delivered a day earlier by military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir to the security cabinet, according to Israeli media reports.

"The government is sending the army into a multi-front war without a strategy, without the necessary means, and with far too few soldiers," Lapid said.
Western intel claims Russia 'secretly' sending weapons to Iran amid war with US

If confirmed, the latest shipments would mark the first instance of Russia providing lethal military support to Iran since the current conflict escalated.









File photo used for representation Russia sends drones, medicine and food to Iran during conflict

Moscow aids with satellite imagery and intelligence sharing

Russia benefits from oil sales due to Strait of Hormuz disruption Did our AI summary help?
Trump is 'prepared to unleash hell' on Iran if ceasefire deal fails, White House warns

White House warns Trump is prepared to unleash hell on Iran if ceasefire conditions are not met, even as talks between the two sides continue.
Why NATO chief Mark Rutte is facing backlash over backing Iran war

His public support for the US-Israel offensive has exposed deep tensions inside NATO, with critics warning he may be prioritising Washington over alliance unity.









NATO secretary general Mark Rutte (Courtesy: Reuters photo)
Entertainment / Arts

by Simbarashe Sithole

Gwerubased model Letween Pikire says she is aiming for the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 crown, describing the upcoming pageant as her moment to shine and inspire young models across the country.

The 22yearold said her ambition goes beyond winning the national title, as she hopes to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.My current ambition is to win Miss Tourism 2026, though my main focus is to represent my country internationally, she said. I took modelling as a career and a duty to serve my country through presentation. I desire to be a beacon of strength and light that outshines all obstacles, silently like a fire.Pikire added that she hopes to become a role model for future generations, particularly children facing difficult circumstances. I support child life from all angles because I believe in a better tomorrow made today. I stand for the upbringing and development of children from all walks of life.Having started modelling in 2024, Pikire said she draws inspiration from the late Princess Diana, whom she described as an iconic figure with a passion for fashion and humanitarian work.I got my inspiration from Princess Diana, the lady who rests in peoples hearts and minds. She had an eye for fashion and a heart for the welfare of children.She encouraged fellow models to remain focused and resilient. Pick yourself up and do it until it becomes reality. It is not failure but a process that requires all those steps to perfection. Never give up and never compare  you will reach your desired destination.
March 26, 2026

Ukraine Open Thread 2026-061

News & views related to the war in Ukraine 
March 26, 2026

War on Iran:  Just A Few Links 

Trump has set mid May as the new date for his visit in Beijing. He seems to assume that his war on Iran is over by then. I doubt that.



I do expect some U.S. operation on this Friday after the financial markets have closed. What is planned is a PR stunt  some spectacular, low-risk, high-visibility operation. Some seizure of some small island would fit this  probably in conjunction with second operation in form of an in-out raid. There simply arent enough troops in the area for any bigger sustained action.



The U.S. has found one ally ready to join its war with Iran. Yousef Al Otaiba is the UAE ambassador to the United States. He opines:

> We cant let Iran hold the U.S., the United Arab Emirates and the global economy hostage. A simple cease-fire isnt enough. We need a conclusive outcome that addresses Irans full range of threats: nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, terror proxies and blockades of international sea lanes. <

No word, of course, of how to get there. Though thinking about it  eliminating the UAE, which has brutally meddled in Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Libya etc., must be part of any sustainable solution.



More reads:

U.S. troops aint ready for this:

Iranian officials have even accused  :
A wealthy businessman charged with trying to hire a hit man to kill his wife and sister-in-law has been found shot to death in Montgomery County.

Philip Lee Mosser, 37, of Spring, was released from jail last week after his bail was lowered from $1 million to $150,000, court records show.

Mosser, who was facing trial for solicitation of capital murder, was found dead Thursday in Willis, about 20 miles north of the Houston suburb of Spring, Harris County Assistant District Attorney John Brewer said.

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Willis police are investigating the shooting.

Mosser was arrested by Houston police Jan. 5 after he was accused of seeking to hire a hit man to kill his wife, Cynthia Mosser, 31, and her sister in a carjacking and robbery, investigators said. Police say Mosser agreed to pay $40,000 for the crime in conversations with an undercover officer.

Mosser was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, but he did not show up. His lawyer, Katherine Scardino, said he told her that he had gotten the court dates confused.

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He also failed to appear for a bond forfeiture hearing Wednesday, prompting the judge to forfeit the bond, Brewer said.

An employee with the county's pretrial services office testified at the forfeiture hearing that Mosser's electronic ankle monitor indicated he had left his home at about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday and had not returned, Scardino said.

The Mossers _ who have three small children _ were going through a divorce but were talking about reconciling at the time of Philip Mosser's arrest.

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___
News / Africa

by Stephen Jakes

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed renowned journalist and international broadcaster Alan Kasujja as the new Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre (UMC).Kasujja, a highly respected figure in regional and global media, takes over from Ofwono Opondo, who recently entered elective politics.In a statement, the Ugandan government said the appointment comes at a critical time as the country intensifies efforts to grow its economy to US$500 million - a tenfold increase."With more than 25 years of experience, Alan Kasujja is one of Africa's most recognised media figures. He joins the Uganda Media Centre after a notable 13year tenure at the BBC in London, where he was a lead presenter for Newsday and hosted the flagship podcast Africa Daily," the statement read.His work has been credited with elevating African stories on the global stage, earning praise for depth, integrity and insight. Before joining the BBC, Kasujja was a prominent figure in Uganda's media landscape, hosting influential programmes such as The Big Breakfast on Capital FM and the political talk show The Fourth Estate. He also comoderated Uganda's first televised presidential debate in 2016.As the new government chief spokesperson, Kasujja is expected to strengthen communication between the state, the media and the public."By effectively sharing government policies, programmes and projects, he seeks to build informed, positive and factbased awareness of Uganda's progress and opportunities," the government said.With his international experience, Kasujja is also expected to lead a digital transformation to enhance the government's online presence and improve realtime engagement, particularly with young people.The government added that he aims to keep the Uganda Media Centre a trusted and proactive source of verified information to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust, while leveraging his global networks to boost Uganda's international reputation."Uganda is a beautiful country full of opportunities, and our mission is to make sure that our country claims its rightful place in the world," the statement said.
ARRIVING in the Northern Mariana Islands in February 1985, I entered a community that was beginning a bold new chapter. The Covenant, then in its formative years, represented a unique promise: a political union with the United States that allowed for a distinct level of local self-governance. Looking back over the fifty years since that agreement was signed, my observations are not those of a critic, but of a long-term resident who has watched the islands navigate the complexities of this partnership.

In 1985, the CNMI was entering an era of unprecedented industrial activity. The local control over labor and immigration allowed for a manufacturing boom that defined a generation. It was a time of rapid growth; the Made in the USA label became a cornerstone of the local economy. From my perspective, this period was characterized by a high degree of local initiative. The revenues generated during those years provided the foundation for much of the modern infrastructure and public services that we rely on today.

However, as global trade dynamics shifted in the mid-2000s, I observed the challenge of transitioning away from that manufacturing base. The closure of the garment factories marked the end of one era and the difficult birth of another.

The year 2008 brought a significant change in the political and economic climate with the implementation of the Federalization Act. This shifted the responsibility for immigration and minimum wage to the U.S. federal government.

From an observational standpoint, this represented a fundamental change in the union. While it brought the CNMI closer to federal standards and provided the stability of national oversight, it also introduced new constraints. The islands began to lean more heavily on a single economic pillar: tourism. This pivot toward the Asian travel market brought new prosperity, yet it also highlighted our sensitivity to global events beyond our control.

Today, 50 years into the Covenant, the relationship with the United States serves as both a shield and a framework. The benefits are clear: we have the security of U.S. citizenship, access to federal programs, and a vital safety net during times of crisis. These are the anchors that have kept the Commonwealth steady through economic storms.

Yet, as someone who has been here since 1985, I observe a growing reliance on federal support. The challenge for the next 50 years is finding a sustainable balance  retaining the security that the Covenant provides while fostering a private sector that can thrive within federal regulations.

The 50th anniversary is a time for respectful reflection. The Covenant has undoubtedly shaped the CNMI into a modern, developed society. My observation is that we have moved from a period of high-risk, high-reward local autonomy to a period of stable, federally integrated growth. As we look forward, the goal remains the same as it was when I arrived in 1985: to build a prosperous home that honors both our local identity and our place within the American family.

NOEL M. SORIA

Saipan, CNMI
The upper jaw of a domesticated dog from the Kesslerloch cave in Thayngen, Switzerland, dating to about 14,000 years ago, is seen in this photograph from July 2019. Cantonal Archaeological Service of Schaffhausen/Ivan Ivic/Handout via REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Dogs have been loyal companions to people since we made them our first domesticated animals, descending long ago from gray wolves  though precisely when, where and why have remained unanswered. New genetic research now is offering valuable insight, including identifying the earliest-known dog, dating to 15,800 years ago.

This dog, known from bones found at the Pinarbasi rock shelter site in Turkey used by ancient human hunter-gatherers, is about 5,000 years older than the previous earliest-known, genetically confirmed canine, the researchers said.

The date of the Pinarbasi dog and several others almost as old identified at other sites in Europe shows that dogs already were widely distributed and an integral part of human culture millennia before the advent of agriculture, they said.

The new findings were presented in two scientific papers published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

William Marsh, a postdoctoral researcher in the Ancient Genomics Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in London who was co-lead author of one of the studies, said the DNA evidence suggests dogs were present in various locales in western Eurasia by 18,000 years ago and already were quite different genetically from wolves.

We putatively predict that dog and wolf populations diverged a lot earlier, likely before the last glacial maximum (of the Ice Age), so before 24,000 years ago. Although saying that, there is still a great degree of uncertainty, Marsh said.

The dog, descended from an ancient wolf population separate from modern wolves, was the first animal domesticated by people, with animals such as goats, sheep, cattle and cats coming later.

Dogs have been by our side as humans underwent major lifestyle transitions and complex societies emerged, said geneticist Anders Bergstrom of the University of East Anglia in England, lead author of the other study.

I think its also interesting that, unlike most other domesticated animals, dogs do not always have very clearly defined roles or purposes for humans. Perhaps their primary role is often just to provide companionship, Bergstrom said.

Bergstrom and his team performed a large-scale search for the early dogs of Europe, using a new method to differentiate genetically between wolves and dogs among 216 ancient remains ranging from 46,000 to 2,000 years old from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. This was the largest study of such remains to date.

The researchers managed to identify 46 dogs and 95 wolves. Because the skeletons of dogs and wolves were so similar in the early stages of canine domestication, genetic studies are needed to distinguish between them in ancient remains.

The oldest of the dogs identified by Bergstroms team was one dating to 14,200 years ago from Switzerlands Kesslerloch Cave site. The oldest of the European dogs identified in this study were found to have shared an origin with dogs in Asia and the rest of the world, showing that these various canine populations did not arise from separate domestication events.

The Pinarbasi dog, identified in the study Marsh worked on, showed how much dogs were valued by the hunter-gatherers who kept them.

At Pinarbasi, we have both human and dog burials, with dogs buried alongside humans, Marsh said.

There also was evidence that the people at Pinarbasi fed their dogs fish.

This study identified five dogs dating to between 15,800 and 14,300 years ago, including canine remains from Goughs Cave near Cheddar in England.

At Goughs Cave, we have butchering and processing of humans after death that included cannibalism, as a funerary behavior akin to burial. Similar post-mortem modification, albeit not definitively for consumption, was found on the dog remains, Marsh said.

The Pinarbasi and Goughs Cave dogs were found to be more closely related to the ancestors of present-day European and Middle Eastern breeds such as boxers and salukis than to Arctic breeds like Siberian huskies.

Beyond companionship, the ancient dogs may have helped people hunt or perhaps served as watchdogs, sort of Ice Age alarm systems, according to the researchers. Unlike the many exotic dog breeds around today, these early dogs still likely closely resembled the wolves from which they descended, they said.

The questions of when, where and why people domesticated dogs still remain largely unanswered, Bergstrom said. We think it probably happened somewhere in Asia, but more precisely remains to be determined.
Gov. David M. Apatang, center, was among the guests of Saipan Korean School during its 40th anniversary celebration on March 21, 2026. Contributed photo

(Press Release)  Saipan Korean School successfully held its 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at its campus.

The event commemorated four decades of dedication to Korean language education and cultural preservation within the Saipan community, while also looking ahead to future growth.

Distinguished guests in attendance included:

 David M. Apatang, governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

 Rita C. Chong, chief of staff, Saipan Mayors Office

 Consul General Kim Cheon-Young, Korean Consulate in Hagatna, Guam

 Chairman of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (Saipan Chapter)

 Founding Chairman of Saipan Korean School

 Hong Cha Hee, chairman of Saipan Korean School

 Noh Jong Ok, Principal of Saipan Korean School

The celebration was organized into three parts:

The first part featured a formal ceremony reflecting on the schools 40-year history and recognizing the contributions of educators, staff, and supporters.

The second part included cultural performances such as traditional Samulnori, puppet shows, fan dance, choir performances, and an Arirang flash mob, which received enthusiastic responses from attendees.

The third part offered hands-on cultural experiences, including making traditional Korean crafts (hats, lanterns, keyrings), trying on Hanbok, and sampling Korean food.

A representative from the school stated, This 40th anniversary is not just a celebration, but a meaningful milestone in continuing Korean language and cultural education for future generations.

The event brought together both the Korean community and local residents, highlighting cultural exchange and strengthening community ties in Saipan.
Contributed photos

(Press Release)  Santa Soledad Parish joyfully announces the successful celebration of its annual Parish Fiesta, a meaningful and vibrant gathering marked by faith, fellowship, and cultural tradition. The event brought together parishioners, families, and friends in a shared spirit of devotion and thanksgiving.

The Parish extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who made this years fiesta a resounding success.

We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and sponsors, whose contributions played a vital role in bringing the celebration to life and ensuring its success.

To our parishioners, thank you for your continued faith, active participation, and unwavering support. Your presence and dedication are the foundation of our strong and united parish community.

We offer our sincere thanks to the many volunteers and committee members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your time, energy, and commitment to service ensured that every aspect of the fiesta was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed.

Special recognition is given to our Parish Priest, Father Rey D. Rosal, for his spiritual leadership, guidance, and dedication to our parish. We are also grateful to the Parish Pastoral and Finance Council, for their support, coordination, and stewardship in organizing this important celebration.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Bishop Romeo Canvocar for his presence, blessings, and continued support, which added great significance and spiritual enrichment to the occasion.

Finally, we thank everyone who contributed in any way  through prayers, time, resources, contributions, or participation. Every act of kindness and generosity helped make this fiesta a meaningful and memorable celebration for our entire community.

As we reflect on this joyous event, Santa Soledad Parish remains committed to fostering faith, unity, and service. We look forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come. May God bless us all and Biba Santa Soledad!
(MVA)  South Korean carrier Tway Air has announced the temporary suspension of its SeoulSaipan service beginning May 5, 2026, through Oct. 24, 2026, covering the airlines summer operating schedule.

According to the airlines official notification to the Marianas Visitors Authority, the decision is driven by a combination of rising global aviation fuel costs, fuel supply constraints, and softening travel demand linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

These pressures have contributed not only to increased fuel prices and surcharges, but also to heightened traveler uncertainty and a slowdown in leisure travel demand across key markets.

Gov. David M. Apatang emphasized the broader economic implications.

This announcement highlights the vulnerability of our economy to external forces beyond our control, including global instability that is affecting both travel demand and airline operations. Tourism remains the backbone of the Commonwealth, and air service is its lifeline, said Apatang.

My administration remains fully committed to working alongside our federal partners, airline stakeholders, and local industry to protect and restore access to our islands. We also remain committed to supporting our local businesses during these challenging times, recognizing the direct impact these disruptions have on their operations, their employees, and their ability to grow, he added.

Industry-wide, airlines are actively reassessing route networks and seasonal schedules as operating costs rise and market demand becomes less predictable.

We recognize the immediate impact this will have on our local businesses and are working closely with the governor to navigate solutions, said MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez. At the same time, we are actively engaging with our federal partners, including the Department of the Interior, to explore opportunities to bring additional carriers into the CNMI and strengthen the stability of our air service moving forward.

South Korea continues to be the Marianas leading source market, accounting for approximately 64% of total visitor arrivals, making the impact of this suspension particularly significant.

This development is deeply concerning and reflects broader global challenges impacting the aviation industry. The suspension of Tway represents a loss of half of our flights from our top source market Korea, said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. Our priority at MVA is to stay engaged with our airline partners and maintain regular communication and coordination with both private and public sector partners as we continue to work toward stabilizing air service and rebuilding capacity.

MVA is actively engaging with airline partners, travel trade stakeholders, and local industry to mitigate the impact, sustain visitor demand, and explore pathways to restore service as soon as operating conditions improve.

Taijeron added that moments like this reinforce the importance of strengthening the destinations long-term strategy.

Even during periods of uncertainty, we remain committed to showcasing what makes our islands truly Far from Ordinary  our natural beauty, our warm community, our Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures, and the authentic experiences that visitors can find only in the Marianas, she said. Tourism recovery is rarely linear, but we are confident that by continuing to invest in partnerships, marketing, and destination development, the Marianas will emerge stronger.

MVA remains cautiously optimistic that improved global conditions, including stabilization in fuel supply and airline operations, may allow Tway to reconsider resuming service as early as July in support of the peak summer travel season.
A view of a residential building damaged by a strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 23, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS

DUBAI/TEL AVIV/WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump said Iran was desperate to make a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting, contradicting the Iranian foreign minister who said his country was reviewing a U.S. proposal but had no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict.

The conflicting statements came as the economic and humanitarian toll of the war mounted, with fuel shortages spreading worldwide, sending companies and countries scrambling to contain the fallout.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said while there had been no dialogue or negotiation with the U.S., various messages had been exchanged through intermediaries.

Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is not called negotiation or dialogue, Araqchi said in a state television interview on Wednesday.

Trump, speaking later on Wednesday at an event in Washington, said Iranian leaders are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but theyre afraid to say it because they will be killed by their own people. Theyre also afraid theyll be killed by us.

Trump has not identified who the U.S. is negotiating with in Iran, with many high-ranking officials among the thousands of people that were killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran has since launched strikes against Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states.

Irans supreme commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict by an Israeli strike and was replaced by his son Mojtaba, who has been wounded in strikes and not been seen in any photograph or video clip since his appointment.

Israel took Irans foreign minister Araqchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit-list after Pakistan requested Washington not to target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussion told Reuters on Thursday.

The Israelis had theircoordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off, the source said.

An Iranian embassy official in Islamabad said talks in Islamabad were still on the table and Pakistan was the preferred destination for Tehran, although nothing had been finalized.

Impacts of conflict spread far and wide

The fallout from the conflict, which has caused the worst energy shock in history, has spread far beyond the region.

With the Strait of Hormuz, opens new tab, a conduit for a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas, effectively closed, businesses from airlines to supermarkets and used-car dealers are grappling with challenges including rising costs, weakening demand and disrupted supply chains. Some governments are weighing support measures last used during the Covid pandemic.

Farmers and fishers are struggling to source diesel for their tractors and tens of millions more people will face acute hunger if the war continues into June, the World Food Program estimates.

Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of Abu Dhabi state oil company ADNOC, described Irans restriction of passage through the Strait of Hormuz as economic terrorism.

When Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy, Al Jaber said in a speech in the U.S. on Wednesday. No country can be allowed to destabilize the global economy in this way. Not now. Not ever.

A 15-point U.S. proposal to end the conflict, sent through Pakistan to Iran, calls for reopening the strait, removing Irans stocks of highly enriched uranium, curbing its ballistic missile program and cutting off funding for regional allies, according to three Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

The White House declined to disclose specifics of its proposal.

A senior Israeli defense official said Israel was skeptical Iran would agree to the terms, and that Israel was concerned U.S. negotiators might make concessions. Israel also wants any agreement to preserve its option to conduct pre-emptive strikes, a second source said.

Additionally, Iran has told intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement with the U.S. and Israel, six regional sources familiar with Irans position said.

Stock rally fades, oil prices resume rise

Hopes of a resolution to the conflict that had boosted global stock markets the previous session faded on Thursday, with oil prices resuming their surge.

Optimism regarding a ceasefire has faded, said Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute.

With stock markets weak, gas prices high and his approval ratings at an all-time low, Trump has strong incentives to find a solution before the conflict escalates further beyond his control, and ahead of November mid-term elections for Congress.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted March 20-23 found 61% of Americans disapproving of U.S. military strikes in Iran, while 35% approved.

Exchanges of missiles and drones across the Gulf continued on Thursday.

The Israeli military said it had completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in several areas across Iran, after another wave of attacks on Wednesday. It later said it identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the Central Command chief leading U.S. forces in the Middle East, said the U.S. had hit over 10,000 targets inside Iran and was on track to limit Irans ability to project power outside its borders.

Cooper said in a video briefing on Wednesday that 92% of Irans largest naval vessels had been destroyed and that its drone and missile launch rates were down by more than 90%. The U.S. and Israel have damaged or destroyed two-thirds of Irans missile, drone and naval production facilities and shipyards, Cooper said.

The Pentagon is meanwhile planning to send thousands of airborne troops to the Gulf to give Trump more options to order a ground assault, sources have told Reuters, adding to two contingents of Marines already on their way. The first Marine unit, aboard a huge amphibious assault ship, could arrive around the end of the month.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned, opens new tab: The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war in the region.

It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder  and start climbing the diplomatic ladder, he said at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
HAGATNA, Guam (GDOL)  More residents are back on the job and taking home higher pay, signaling an incremental improvement in the local economy, according to the latest Current Employment Report from the Guam Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The December 2025 preliminary statistics show an increase of 750 jobs over the latest quarter, going from 67,690 to 68,440 persons employed. The greatest private-sector employment gains over the quarter were 440 in construction, which is no surprise, and 180 in hotels. The majority of the construction job increases were in H-2B workers.

As seen in the last quarter of 2025, rising tourism numbers led to increased hotel employment. Alongside this growth, average weekly hours worked rose, going from 33.5 to 36.2. The hotel industrys average hourly rate also increased in the latest quarter from $11.96 to $12.26. On a weekly basis, hotel workers are earning about $43.63 more in the latest quarter.

Guams job market was showing some positive movement, but we know its still a tough environment for many businesses, said GDOL Director David DellIsola. Were seeing more residents back at work, some modest wage increases, and job gains. While our tourism industry remains below pre-pandemic levels, its encouraging to see some growth in the hotel sector. At the same time, we must brace for global uncertainty and the war in Iran that could create additional challenges for our economy and tourism.

In 2025, the private sector job count was up, but both the federal and the Government of Guam employment declined somewhat. Voluntary and involuntary federal agency downsizing resulted in a 4% reduction in federal employment on Guam, substantially lower than the 10.3% decline in the U.S. federal workforce. Federal grant program cuts resulted in the loss of some federally funded jobs in the local government, which declined 1.9 percent, less than previous estimates, said Chief Economist Gary Hiles.

The Current Employment Report is available at bls.guam.gov

For more information, contact the Bureau of Labor Statistics at 671-475-7061 or visit bls.guam.gov
Federal engagement, not obstacles

LIKE Rep. Marissa Flores and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, more members of the local community should reach out to federal authorities to make the case for the EVS-TAP program and a new federal workforce law for the islands.

We need more CNMI leaders and community groups speaking out about the need to protect what remains of the local economy and its ability to generate revenue that funds critical government services and programs.

Tourism recovery and workforce adequacy are not partisan issues; making them so shows a lack of seriousness and responsibility.

Washington, D.C., for its part, is far away, and national policymakers have many other, much larger problems to address. They cannot be expected to stay updated about the CNMI, whose existence they remember mostly through sensational media reports. They need to be reminded repeatedly that EVS-TAP was crafted by the Trump administration precisely in response to concerns regarding national security and birth tourism. Moreover, EVS-TAP is a relatively new federal program that applies to what is now a small tourism market. The latest relevant figures should help alleviate federal policymakers concerns.

As for workforce issues, the CNMI is not alone in grappling with persistent labor shortages in certain occupations. The U.S. itself, along with other developed nations with large populations and high-paying economies, has no easy answers to this challenge. The CNMI should extend an invitation to U.S. lawmakers and other federal officials to visit the islands  and stay for at least a week  so they can talk with employers and employees and see the actual hiring process firsthand.

We believe in the sincerity and prudence of U.S. lawmakers and other federal policymakers. The CNMI stands firmly on the side of reason, national security, and prioritizing qualified U.S. workers. Building a robust local economy, not adding federal hurdles, is the way forward.

Americans in the CNMI are not an exception

EACH year, when the CNMI celebrates its Covenant with the U.S., voices emerge that are critical of the federal governments failure to live up to its promises. Over the years, CNMI residents have bewailed, decried, protested, denounced, and even litigated issues in which they believe the federal government has overstepped its bounds. All of this is no different from the reaction of other U.S. citizens in the 50 states and other territories who, throughout the nations history, have also been unhappy with heavy-handed federal policies.

The tension between state governments and federal authority is a recurring theme in American political history. By virtue of the Covenant, U.S. citizens in the CNMI are free to complain about its inadequacy  or their federal governments shortcomings.

The CNMI, in any case, is not a conquered or occupied territory whose residents are subjects of a faraway power. The U.S. military is not a foreign entity. It is the military of the CNMIs U.S. citizens, several of whom have served and continue to serve in its ranks.

The U.S., to be sure, agreed to a political union with the Northern Marianas not out of the goodness of its heart, but because it considered these islands vital to its security. They still are.

The Northern Marianas are part of the United States. The CNMI is U.S. soil whose residents are U.S. citizens. When the United States spends money here, it is not foreign aid but an investment in a U.S. jurisdiction and its U.S. citizens.

Local residents do not pay federal taxes? Yes. But millions of Americans in the states dont pay federal income tax either  about 40% of U.S. households in 2025. Should they, and their communities, be cut off from federal support?

In the CNMIs case, the better approach is clear: allow the economy to recover and grow. Self-sufficiency should come first  it has been done before  and federal taxation can follow.

How about it?

Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference following his 2026 budget address. Pritzker joined six other Midwestern governors in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging an emergency waiver on the use of E15 ethanol gasoline this summer. George Alexandrakis/Medill Illinois News Bureau

With gas prices surging to a national average of just under $4 a gallon because of the U.S. bombing of Iran, a years-long policy standoff over ethanol-blended fuel threatens to push prices even higher in Illinois for a second straight year.

At issue is the use of E15 gasoline  a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline thats cheaper than regular fuel and increases demand for corn. But federal rules have blocked its use during the summer in recent years because the warmer months create conditions under which vapors from ethanol-infused gasoline could contribute to unhealthy levels of smog.

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The Trump administration soon could announce that it temporarily will lift restrictions on E15 sales during the summer amid pressure surrounding rising costs stemming from the conflict in Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters. But a White House official said no final decision has been made and called the reporting premature.

The sale of ethanol, which is made from corn, began to get more complicated in 2022 when eight Midwestern states  Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota  surrendered a federal waiver that allowed the use of E10 (10% ethanol) during the summer months. The governors framed their petition as a state-level solution, but industry advocates said the broader goal was to pressure Congress into a nationwide permanent fix for E15 fuel use.

The federal government reacted by issuing summer emergency waivers from 2022 to 2024, temporarily lifting Environmental Protection Agency restrictions that otherwise would bar retailers from selling E15 fuel during the summer.

Delays in 2025

However, during the first months of the Trump administration in early 2025, there was a delay in issuing the emergency waiver. It took until late April, resulting in higher prices for a longer period because retailers already had bought the more-expensive product.

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The feds have not issued a waiver so far this year. In hopes of avoiding a repeat of 2025, Gov. JB Pritzker joined six of his counterparts earlier this month in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging an emergency waiver announcement by March 15. That didnt happen.

The letter, which was signed by Pritzker and the governors of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota, also requested that any E15 waiver provided includes an identical one for E10  the most common fuel distributed in the U.S.  to ensure fuel standards stay the same across the board.

Given that Congress has yet to deliver regulatory relief to expedite nationwide, year-round E15 sales, we join with many others to call on the EPA to provide a nationwide emergency waiver for E15 during the coming months to ensure ample, low-cost fuel options for consumers, the letter said.

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When the EPA granted last years emergency waiver on April 28, Zeldin cited President Donald Trumps commitment to lower energy costs and to farmers who grow the corn for ethanol.

In my confirmation hearing, I pledged to establish certainty when it came to the sale of E15 year-round, Zeldin said.

The EPA did not respond to questions sent by Capitol News Illinois about what it plans to do for this summer, and for a permanent solution.

Illinois retailers uncertainty

Nate Harris, CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, which represents over 500 members in the states gas station and convenience store industry, said he remains concerned, recalling what happened a year ago.

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The problem with waiting until late April is that my members that have already purchased this more expensive product are going to be stuck holding it, Harris said. The industry last year lost tens of millions of dollars and will likely do so again, which is unnecessary because the ability to just opt back into the waiver exists.

In addition to the financial losses incurred by retailers, consumers temporarily dealt with higher prices  as much as 30 cents a gallon more, according to Harris.

Harris said he hopes that because of global oil market volatility stemming from the war in Iran, there is more urgency to get an emergency waiver announced sooner in 2026 than 2025, a sentiment echoed in the letter sent by Pritzker and the other governors to the EPA.

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An earlier announcement could significantly blunt the logistical damage for retailers who must navigate a complicated system to secure their products in advance but may not entirely eliminate it.

Harris and others would like to see a permanent fix to the problem, and to them the easiest solution would be for Illinois to opt back into the original E10 waiver.

A spokesperson for Pritzkers office could not be reached to ask whether the governor intends to ask that the state opt back into the E10 waiver.

Every year waiting on emergency waivers from the federal government is no way to generate stability and certainty for businesses, Harris said. All the state needs to do is opt back into the regular waivers and we can avoid all those headaches from last year.

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Corn growers have concerns

Fuel retailers are not the only group of people pushing for a decision on E15. Illinois corn and ethanol producers warn that the uncertainty behind what will happen each summer goes beyond the gas pump. It also hits their pocketbooks.

One in every four to five bushels of grain corn raised in Illinois is going into biofuels, and this is creating jobs and tax dollars, said Illinois State Rep. Charles Meier, R-Okawville. So by (not selling E15), it is going to hurt the Illinois economy.

He and other Illinois lawmakers have a dual interest in the issue  they are concerned about what their constituents will be paying for fuel, and they want to help the corn farmers who have a financial interest in the success of ethanol.

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Meier, who represents a rural district in southwestern Illinois, also took aim at the waiver process itself.

We need a permanent fix to this, Meier said. Just looking at it every summer and trying to move forward with emergency rules shouldn't be what were doing.

If action is delayed like it was in 2025, the impact will not be the same across every part of Illinois. According to Harris, the Chicago and St. Louis metro areas already use a different ethanol blend during the summer because of air quality requirements in larger and more urban areas. The cost of producing the specific blend wouldnt rise, but the cost of getting it to consumers would because of how it would compete for space in the same pipeline network.

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Meanwhile, downstate markets such as Peoria, Champaign and other communities across southern Illinois outside the Metro East region would face a double hit: the higher transportation and production costs for the specialty blend, according to Harris.

An Illinois Department of Agriculture news release calling for a quick decision on the waiver quotes several Democratic members of Congress who want a permanent federal solution. Among them was Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Moline, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee and represents rural communities stretching from Rockford to Decatur.

Earlier in March, Sorensen attempted to amend the Farm Bill currently under consideration by the Agriculture Committee in Congress to include language enabling the year-round sale of E15. But the amendment was blocked over questions of jurisdiction.

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Sorensen, in a news release, said he hopes Congress eventually will act.
Jacksonville Middle School eighth-grader Marley Schlieker signs a charter establishing the school's FFA chapter. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

With the signatures of roughly 20 students, an adviser and two Illinois FFA representatives, Jacksonville Middle School formed one of just 30 middle school FFA chapters in the state.

The middle school hosted a charter signing ceremony Tuesday, during which members of the organization, established this year, signed to become inaugural members.

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"It's great," eighth-grader Makenzee Stice said. "It's a good opportunity for us students to learn responsibility and communication."

The chapter was started in conjunction with a new agriculture elective at the middle school, FFA adviser Meghan Hadden said.

"We have a brand new ag class for the middle school as an elective," Hadden said. "Because of that, we are able to charter an FFA chapter. A lot of our students were wanting an ag class and heard about them at the high school level."

The agriculture class has been well received, with about 100 students enrolled each quarter. The first FFA membership has about 25 active members.

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Having earlier access to agriculture courses and FFA provides more time for the students to learn and grow, Hadden said.

"These kids have already grown with their confidence," Hadden said.

Jacksonville Middle School's chapter is one of 10 chapters chartered in Illinois this school year.

Jacksonville Middle School FFA members and representatives of Illinois FFA celebrate the middle school's establishment of an FFA chapter. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

Eighth-grader Jentry Meggison said she grew up hearing about FFA and is happy to be able to participate while in middle school.

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"I'm finally getting to do something I grew up around," Jentry said. "I didn't have many opportunities to be around ag outside of showing" livestock.

According to the Illinois FFA, there were just 11 chartered middle school FFA chapters prior to the 2023-24 school year. Six were chartered during the 2023-24 school year, three during the 2024-25 school year and 10  including Jacksonville Middle School  this school year.

Middle school chapters haven't been very common, but seem to be growing in popularity, said Kyle Bradshaw, state FFA secretary.

"They are not that common in Illinois yet," Bradshaw said, adding that many schools have unofficial organizations that work on similar things as FFA, but are not official FFA chapters.

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He hopes students benefit from the organization, he said.

"You don't have to come from an ag background to participate in FFA," Bradshaw said. "There are many ways to grow yourself as a person for different roles in the future."

Even though the group is new, its members have grown very close, seventh-grader Eva Lansaw said.

"There are a lot of different things we can get into and we've become like a big family," Eva said.

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FFA is not just about learning agriculture but expanding leadership, public speaking, self-confidence and other skills that benefit them as they grow, Hadden said.

The middle school chapter will work with the Jacksonville High School chapter on various projects and will participate in conferences and contests similar to the high school chapter.

Hadden is thankful the younger students will get to work with the high school chapter, she said.

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Lincoln Land Community College students were among the best of the best during the recent National Professional Agricultural Student conference.

Several students from the college earned top marks at this year's competition, held March 9-12 in Branson, Missouri. Some 10 students earned the right to represent the school during the conference after placing in the top three in statewide competition.

Lincoln Land Community College students Michael Wright (from left), Griffin Fuchs and Whitney Williams hold thier awards from the National Professional Agricultural Student conference. The three placed first in the competition as LLCC's soil specialist team. Courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College

Lincoln Land's soil specialist team, consisting of Michael Wright of Greenfield, Whittney Williams of Loami and Griffin Fuchs of New Berlin, placed first overall.

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Fuchs also placed first individually and placed first in floriculture and landscaping.

Lincoln Land Community College students Kade Beckmier (from left), Taylor Crouch and Carter Lampe hold their awards from the National Professional Agricultural Student conference. The three placed first in the competition as LLCC's sheep specialist team. Courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College

The school's sheep specialist team, consisting of Kade Beckmier of Morrisonville, Carter Lampe of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Taylor Crouch of Maroa, also placed first.

Lincoln Land Community College student Carter Lampe of Bowling Green, Ohio, holds his award from the National Professional Agricultural Student conference. Lampe placed third in the ag sales competition. Courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College

Crouch placed first individually and also placed first in agribusiness administration. Lampe placed second individually and third in ag sales. Beckmier placed fourth in crop production.

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Lincoln Land Community College students Taylor Armstrong (from left), Michael Matesa and Ava Shroyer placed second as the school's beef specialist team during the National Professional Agricultural Student conference. Courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College

LLCC's beef specialist team, consisting of Ava Shroyer of DeGraff, Ohio, Michael Matesa of Staunton and Taylor Armstrong of Rushville, placed second.

Armstrong was the highest placing individual and also placed first in livestock services. Shroyer placed first in ag equipment.

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Commentary: Unless lawmakers modernize how roads are funded, the electric vehicle boom could worsen an already fragile system. Karl Hendon/Getty Images Louis Sigaud Syndicated

Americas electric vehicle transition is accelerating  good news for the environment and our long-term energy sustainability. Buried inside this success story is a growing fiscal problem that policymakers have quietly papered over for more than a decade. The more Americans switch to electric vehicles, the more precarious the nations road funding system becomes. Unless lawmakers modernize how roads are funded, the electric vehicle boom could worsen an already fragile system.

There is a clear path forward.

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The problem is straightforward. Federal highways are primarily funded through fuel taxes deposited into the Highway Trust Fund. Electric vehicles dont use gasoline or diesel, allowing their owners to evade the primary user-fee system that maintains those roads.

The warnings have been clear for years. Without a fresh infusion of cash, the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to meet its obligations within the decade. And there have already been many bailouts.

Since 2008, Congress has transferred more than $275 billion into the trust fund to prevent insolvency, according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service. That is money borrowed or diverted from other important areas to prop up what was designed to be a self-sustaining road maintenance system.

Meanwhile, the nations roads are deteriorating. The American Society of Civil Engineers most recently gave U.S. roads a D grade and identified a massive infrastructure funding gap.

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Drivers feel those costs directly. Vehicle ownership expenses remain high, and poor road conditions mean more trips to the mechanic.

Now, layer in the electric vehicle transition. The International Energy Agency reports that U.S. electric vehicle sales have reached record levels in recent years, reflecting rapid market growth. At the same time, data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that total vehicle miles traveled remain historically elevated. In simple terms: Americans are driving a lot  and a growing share of those miles are powered by tax-free electricity rather than gasoline.] That means more wear and tear on our roads without corresponding gas tax revenues.

Some states have responded by imposing flat annual registration fees on electric vehicles. Flat fees are blunt instruments. A driver who travels 5,000 miles a year pays the same as one who drives 25,000. That undermines the user-pays principle that originally justified the gas tax.

This is why many experts have proposed vehicle miles traveled, or VMT, fees. Under these programs, drivers pay based on the number of miles they drive, regardless of fuel type. Analysts at the Brookings Institution have shown that mileage-based fees better align road use with road funding.

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Everyone wants fairness when it comes to who pays for roads. To be sure, VMT systems raise some concerns. Some versions rely on GPS-enabled devices or smartphone apps to track mileage. Civil liberties advocates have objected to perceived privacy risks and data security vulnerabilities and public skepticism toward digital tracking is not trivial in an era of frequent data breaches. These challenges can be overcome.

Oregon has become a national test case. Its OReGO program allows drivers to pay a VMT charge instead of the state gas tax, demonstrating how a mileage-based system can be implemented. The program shows that such systems are practical and can offer flexibility to address privacy concerns.

For example, while GPS trackers can be used to measure mileage, drivers also have the option to manually submit photos of their odometer readings, eliminating the need for tracking altogether.

The current model of generating revenue for road maintenance is clearly unsustainable. Congress cannot indefinitely transfer general revenue into the Highway Trust Fund while encouraging a shift away from gasoline consumption.

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Roads are used by everyone  including electric vehicle drivers  and they are wearing out. The funding system that maintains them must evolve accordingly.
Commentary: There is no evidence linking enhanced safety to crew size that would justify a government mandate that would stifle innovation. Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images Jessica R. Towhey Syndicated

As the White House pushes Congress to include a railway safety bill in a coming infrastructure or transportation spending package, critics are bringing up an awkward point: The bill wont actually increase railway safety.

Instead, the opposition argues that the legislation is loaded with government mandates that would force an increase in union hiring and send costs skyrocketing. Whats more, railroads are already employing technology that has proven to enhance safety  without government mandates forcing adoption.

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Just because a bill has safety in the title doesnt mean it will make Americans safer, The Washington Posts editorial board wrote recently about efforts to reinvigorate the Railway Safety Act.

The legislation was first introduced in 2023, months after a disastrous train derailment in southeastern Ohio resulted in the controlled burn of 1.1 million gallons of vinyl chloride. The National Transportation Safety Boards final report  issued in July 2024  found that an overheated wheel bearing caused the Norfolk Southern train to derail near the village of East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023.

The bill stalled and was reintroduced in February with few major changes to the text, which purported to fix problems that led to the East Palestine crash. For instance, the legislation would require two crew members to be in the cab of each train, although the train that derailed in East Palestine had three crew members aboard. The bill would mandate installing sensors every 15 miles along tracks to detect overheated wheel bearings, but railroads already voluntarily install such sensors.

The Association of American Railroads, a trade association that advocates on behalf of North Americas freight rail companies, said freight rail achieved its safest year on record in 2025, with derailments falling 13.6% year over year, equipment-caused accidents declining 12.1%, and track-caused accidents continuing a trend of long-term decline.

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Through technology-based safety innovations, human-factor incidents are also rapidly declining.

Accidents linked to human factors declined nearly 20% in 2025, reflecting expanded deployment of automation, monitoring systems and data-driven operating practices, said association spokesman Ted Greener. As Congress considers any rail safety legislation, policymakers should reject backward-looking, one-size-fits-all mandates that undermine competition and raise prices for consumers, and instead ensure each provision is objectively grounded in data to reduce risk. The priority should be policies that encourage innovation and measurable safety outcomes without disrupting the supply chain or diverting resources from proven, safety-critical investments.

According to the association, freight railroads are investing in safety improvements, spending $23 billion annually to maintain and modernize the 140,000 miles of rail network that crisscross the country.

Throwing federal mandates into the mix when the companies are already spurring innovation and driving greater safety outcomes could derail that momentum.

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As with all things in Washington, politics will inevitably play a role in the fate of the legislation.

The bill was originally introduced by JD Vance while he served as a U.S. senator from Ohio. Vance remains a staunch supporter and traveled to East Palestine last year to mark the second anniversary of the incident.

A media statement by the head of the Teamsters Rail Conference commended Vance for introducing the legislation and keeping the spotlight on rail safety.

In addition to the Teamsters, the legislation is strongly supported by SMART-TD and the Transport Workers Union, complicating the usual political calculus that normally pits Republicans against unions. Teamsters General President Sean OBrien praised President Trump in a speech delivered at the Republican National Convention, signaling a major break from the lockstep relationship between the blue collar workforce and Democrats.

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SMART-TD represents more than 200,000 workers and is fighting to keep rail crew sizes from shrinking amid technological advancements that threaten its members livelihoods.

Still, Sean Higgins, a research fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, wrote in an analysis titled, Pardon me boys, is this the Special Interest Express? that there is no evidence linking enhanced safety to crew size that would justify a government mandate that would stifle innovation.

A two-person crew requirement would prohibit the railroad industry from experimenting with further automation, Higgins wrote. If any industry should be at the cutting edge of automation, it ought to be the railways, which dont use public roads or the skies.
An appeals court has overturned a man's death sentence because one of his jurors was charged with bringing a gun to the courthouse during the trial.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out Carl L. Brooks' sentence Wednesday, saying juror Santiago Alexander Garcia's actions during the penalty phase might have been influenced by his own pending case.

The morning after the jury convicted Brooks of killing a man in a drug-related robbery, security guards at the courthouse doors found a semiautomatic pistol in Garcia's briefcase.

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Garcia said he had planned to take the gun to a gunsmith for repair. He was charged with a misdemeanor and returned to the trial.

At the time, Brooks' attorneys objected to Garcia participating in the sentencing, but a state district judge let him remain on the panel.

Garcia's case was later closed and his adjudication was deferred. He could not be immediately reached for comment.

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Because the gun incident happened after Brooks was found guilty, the three-judge panel let the conviction stand. The appeals court ordered a new sentencing hearing or a life sentence.

Bexar County prosecutors say they have asked the Texas attorney general's office to appeal the 5th Circuit's opinion.

"There's no indication from his testimony  that he changed his vote to curry favor with the DA's office," said Alan Battaglia, chief of the district attorney's appellate section. "There's nothing."

But Brooks' attorney said the appeals court ruling was "a victory for fairness."

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News / Africa

by Thupeyo Muleya

FIVE Zaoga Forward in Faith band members based in South Africa were early yesterday morning killed in a road accident in Pretoria when their vehicle collided with a speeding car along the R21 highway.The accident that claimed members of the More Praise Band who rose to fame last year with their song Zaoga Yafamba, occurred at around 2AM near the Nellmapius off-ramp in Irene.It is understood that the group was travelling in their Honda Ballade from Soshanguvhe to Johannesburg where they were expected to launch their new song Njanina.The bodies were taken to a private mortuary in Pretoria and police are yet to release their names. All the victims are in their early 20s.Sources close to the ongoing police investigation indicated that the band members' Honda Ballade and the Audi Q7 were travelling in the same direction.Along the way, the driver of the Audi Q7 tried to overtake the other car and later spotted an oncoming haulage truck."He then tried to go back to his lane and as a result he collided with the Honda and drove over it ripping it into two halves. Four passengers who were in the Honda were thrown out and died instantly while the other occupant was trapped under the wreckage," said the source.ER24 spokesperson, Werner Vermaak told journalists that the exact cause of the accident was not known.He said ER24 paramedics who arrived at the scene found an Audi Q7 lying on its roof and the other vehicle had been ripped into two."Four people from the Honda were found lying on the highway. With the other one trapped in the car. The driver of the Audi escaped with minor injuries and was found pacing around the scene and has been taken to hospital for treatment," he said.The accident comes a week after nine other Zimbabweans were killed in that country when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in collided with a haulage truck near Naboomspruit along the N1 highway.This brings to 21 the number of Zimbabweans who have died in road accidents in the neighbouring country since the beginning of the year.Zimbabwe's Consul-General to South Africa, Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro said: "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their young relatives in the tragic accident. The victims had a promising future ahead of them."
U.S. Coast Guard offloads 6,570 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades

The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 6,570 pounds of cocaine worth $49.3 million at Port Everglades, marking another major success under Operation Pacific Viper, a counter-narcotics initiative targeting smuggling networks before they reach U.S. shores.

The seizure resulted from two separate operationsone on Feb. 7 (6,435 pounds of cocaine) and another on March 8 (130 pounds)using helicopter interdiction tactics to disable smuggling vessels. Since August 2025, the operation has seized 200,000+ pounds of cocaine and arrested 150 suspects.

The Coast Guard emphasizes that 80% of U.S.-bound drugs are intercepted at sea, making maritime operations critical in disrupting cartels, narco-terrorism and illegal immigration. International coordination and advanced surveillance play a key role.

Recent busts include a 17,600-lb cocaine seizure from a semi-submersible vessel (Feb. 24) and a 22,000-lb haul (March 14)the largest maritime drug seizure in 18 years. These efforts cripple cartel revenue funding the fentanyl epidemic.

Officials warn smugglers that the Pacific is no longer a safe route, praising crews for risking their lives to protect U.S. communities. Continued interdictions are expected as Operation Pacific Viper intensifies.

The United States Coast Guard offloaded nearly 6,570 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $49.3 million at Port Everglades, marking another major victory in Operation Pacific Viper, a large-scale counter-narcotics initiative targeting drug smuggling networks before they reach U.S. shores.

The massive seizure, announced in a March 19 statement, resulted from two separate interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, carried out by crews aboard the Coast Guard Cutters Forward and Spencer. Since the operation's launch in August 2025, the Coast Guard has seized over 200,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 150 suspected smugglers, dealing a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations.

The first bust occurred on Feb. 7, when a maritime patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel in international waters. A Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) deployed use-of-force tactics from the air to disable the boat, allowing the CGC Spencer's boarding team to intercept it. The crew recovered approximately 6,435 pounds of cocaineenough to produce millions of lethal doses.

A second interdiction took place on March 8, when another suspicious vessel was detected. The CGC Forward's HITRON aircrew disabled the boat, leading to the seizure of 130 pounds of cocaine. "$49.3 million worth of narcotics will never reach our streets," the Coast Guard declared in a March 20 post on X, crediting the success to Operation Pacific Viper.

The operation, which has mobilized multiple Coast Guard cutters and international partners, focuses on disrupting narco-terrorism and preventing deadly drugs from crossing U.S. borders. According to the Coast Guard, 80% of U.S.-bound drug shipments are intercepted at sea, making maritime interdiction efforts critical.

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime interdiction operations are a critical component of national security, serving as a frontline defense against transnational threats such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration and organized crime. These operations are particularly vital given the increasing sophistication of cartels and criminal networks, which exploit maritime routes to bypass land-based enforcement efforts.

Historic seizures and the broader drug war

Cmdr. Andrew Grantham, commanding officer of the CGC Forward, praised his crew's efforts: "I'm incredibly proud of the crew for adding to the success of Operation Pacific Viper. The Coast Guard and our partners are working tirelessly to stop cartels, narco-terrorists and criminal organizations before their dangerous and illegal cargoes reach American shores."

This latest haul follows other major busts under Operation Pacific Viper, including:

February 24: The CGC Forward intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel, a common smuggling method, recovering 17,600 pounds of cocaineenough for 6 million lethal doses.

March 14: The CGC Munro returned to California after seizing 22,000 pounds of cocaine worth $250 million, the largest maritime drug seizure in 18 years.

Capt. Jim O'Mara, commanding officer of the CGC Munro, commended his crew: "This crew rose to every new challenge thrown at them with professionalism and persistence, and they achieved historic results Our families had to adapt to each new twist, just like all military families do across the Armed Forces. It is tough on them. But when they hold strong at home, that keeps us motivated and focused on our mission."

The Coast Guard emphasized that these interdictions disrupt the revenue streams of criminal organizations fueling the fentanyl epidemic. Bulk cocaine shipments enable cartels to produce and traffic deadly synthetic opioids, posing a severe threat to U.S. communities.

Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, who oversaw a previous record-breaking 76,140-pound drug offload in August 2025, praised Coast Guard personnel for their dangerous and grueling work: "These men and women put themselves in harm's way time and again to stop the bad guys, apprehend the smugglers, and seize the drugs."

As Operation Pacific Viper continues, the Coast Guard remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks before they reach U.S. shores. The latest $49.3 million seizure underscores the relentless efforts of maritime law enforcement in protecting American communities from the scourge of narcotics.

Watch this video about the U.S. Coast Guard capturing suspected cartel smugglers in a "drug boat."

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NBCMiami.com

WFLA.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Former Pfizer Toxicologist: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Studies Were Omitted Due To Time Constraints

Key Testimony at German Inquiry

A former chief toxicologist for Pfizer Europe has testified to an official German inquiry that standard, long-term safety studies for the Pfizer-BioNTech Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine were not completed prior to its authorization and rollout. According to testimony reported by GB News, Dr. Helmut Sterz stated that crucial checks  including investigations into potential cancer-causing (carcinogenic) properties and comprehensive reproductive toxicity studies  were omitted.

Sterz delivered his testimony this month to Germany's Corona Enquete Commission, a parliamentary body established to investigate the nation's pandemic policies. He cited what he called "time constraints" under the fast-track approval process as the reason for the omissions. Sterz served as chief toxicologist for Pfizer Europe until 2008 and is the author of a book on pharmaceutical industry practices.

Specific Safety Omissions Cited

In his testimony, Sterz specifically highlighted the lack of a carcinogenicity study. Asked whether the vaccine had been fully tested before approval, he told the committee, "No, the (cancer causing) carcinogenic risk was not investigated due to time constraints. Incidentally, I find it very concerning and also regrettable that no alternative investigations were carried out." [1]

Such studies, which typically take two to three years to complete, are designed to assess a substance's potential to cause cancer. Sterz also criticized the adequacy of reproductive toxicity studies that were conducted. He testified that a reproductive toxicity study in rats for the mRNA vaccine was "conducted inadequately, and an important side effect, early abortions was not taken seriously."

He concluded that "no reliable estimates of the vaccines effect on pregnancy or subsequent development were possible." [2] Dr. Sterz characterized the fast-track procedure as one where "essential toxicity studies were sacrificed to speed, without acceptable justifications." [2]

Concerns Over Post-Market Data and Manufacturing

The former toxicologist pointed to post-marketing safety data that he argued should have prompted immediate regulatory action. He cited a Pfizer post-marketing report that listed "1,233 suspected deaths within just two months after approval." Sterz testified that at the latest then, (the mRNA COVID-19 jab) Comirnaty should have been taken off the market. [2]

Sterz further raised concerns about differences between the vaccine used in clinical trials and the product manufactured for the public. He stated that for mass production, a less expensive method using the DNA of the Escherichia coli bacterium was employed.

"The result is significant contamination of the jab with bacterial DNA, and the consequence could be a significantly increased cancer risk," he testified. [2] While noting he had "no proof that this causes cancer," he labeled it a "theoretical risk which should have been investigated more carefully." [2]

Critique of Regulatory and Reporting Systems

Sterz offered a broader critique of the pharmacovigilance systems designed to monitor vaccine safety after authorization. He stated that official reporting systems "underestimate side-effects because not every case is recorded," adding, "There is a high dark figure with these spontaneous reports due to underreporting. The real number is therefore much higher." [2]

This assessment aligns with analyses from other critics of the vaccine safety monitoring process. [3] Regarding the vaccine's purported benefits, Sterz testified that in his professional view, the available data did not support a positive assessment.

"(The mRNA COVID-19 jab) Comirnaty was not even investigated in clinical development for the prevention of severe illness or death. The Pfizer documents therefore do not allow any recognition of a positive benefit-risk ratio at all for such side effects," he stated. [2] In a subsequent interview with GB News, he attributed regulatory decisions to "artificial anxiety and panic" that led officials to accept risks "that would not normally be allowed." [2]

Calls for Independent Review and Current Stance of Regulators

Based on his testimony, Sterz called for a new and independent scientific review of the vaccines' long-term effects. "We need proper independent safety studies to understand what really happened. Without full transparency, people will not trust the conclusions," he said. [2]

He suggested that the volume of reported adverse events should trigger a pause on the use of existing COVID-19 vaccines and any new vaccines using similar mRNA technology until such independent studies confirm their safety. [2] Major health regulators have consistently maintained a different position.

Agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have repeatedly stated that COVID-19 vaccines met stringent safety standards, saved millions of lives and that serious side effects are rare compared to the risks posed by the virus itself. [2] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operate several surveillance systems to monitor vaccine safety. [4] Pfizer was approached for comment by GB News regarding the testimony.

References
Melania Trump Announces Global Education Initiative at State Department Event

First Lady Announces 'Fostering the Future Together' Coalition

First Lady Melania Trump launched the "Fostering the Future Together" campaign at the U.S. State Department on March 24, 2026 [1]. The event convened representatives from 45 nations to form a global coalition focused on children's education [2].

According to a White House statement, the initiative is designed to empower children and their education, specifically through assistance in technology [3]. The administration described the coalition as one aligned to empower children through education and technology [4].

Details of the Initiative and Announced Participants

First Lady Melania Trump delivered remarks to the assembled diplomatic and technology representatives at the inaugural coalition summit [2]. She stated that the coalition had coalesced to help empower children and their education, specifically with assistance in technology [1].

The initiative concept was first proposed by the First Lady during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 [1]. The Republic of Korea joined the initiative in October 2025 through a Technology Prosperity Deal with the United States, which the White House said highlighted a shared commitment to empower children through the promotion of technology, innovation, and education [5].

Context of First Lady's Previous Advocacy Work

The new initiative represents an expansion of the First Lady's previous child welfare advocacy, which was centered on her "Be Best" campaign launched in May 2018 [6]. That campaign focused on children's well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse prevention [7].

According to observers, the event follows other diplomatic engagements by the First Lady during the current administration, including presiding over a United Nations Security Council meeting on March 2, 2026, which focused on children, technology, and education [8] [9]. In November 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to bolster Melania Trump's "Fostering the Future" initiative, aiming to support children through well-being, online safety and opioid abuse prevention [10] [11].

Reactions from Participating Nations and Educational Groups

Representatives from the 45 participating nations were present for the announcement at the State Department [2]. The State Department provided logistical support for the international gathering, according to reports [12].

No specific funding mechanisms or detailed implementation timelines were announced during the summit [13]. The coalition assembled leaders from 45 nations and 28 technology entities, according to a White House briefing statement [3].

Potential Implementation and Next Steps

The coalition will require further meetings to establish specific action plans, officials indicated [13]. The technology assistance component suggests a focus on digital educational resources and artificial intelligence.

The initiative operates outside traditional UN frameworks despite its genesis at the General Assembly, representing a distinct coalition of willing nations [14]. Analysts note that past efforts to advance educational technologies have emphasized that such tools only diffuse when they become economically advantageous and serve pressing development needs [15].

Conclusion

The "Fostering the Future Together" coalition marks the First Lady's most concerted effort to build an international partnership around children's education and technology. The initiative now moves into a planning phase, with participating nations and technology companies expected to develop concrete programs.

Observers note that the success of such global educational efforts often depends on addressing local economic and developmental contexts, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all technological solution [15]. The coalition's progress will be measured by its ability to translate its stated vision into accessible educational tools for children worldwide.

References
State legislators across the country move to ban COVID jabs, reclassify them as BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

When Father of the Vaccine Donald Trump locked the country down and put Dr. Fauci in charge, the public was psychologically and physically coerced to wait for this vaccine to 'return to normal.' The government and media's bio-terror and coercion, reaping mass hysteria, should have been a warning signal for the horrifying medical experiments that were to come, and now, six years later, governments are beginning to recognize the vaccine for what it really was and still is: a biological weapon, part of a totalitarian scheme to subjugate the population of their freedom and hasten global depopulation.

Key points:

State-level rebellion: Minnesota, Arizona, and Tennessee have introduced legislation classifying COVID-19 mRNA injections as weapons of mass destruction under state statutes.

Felony and terror charges: Proposed laws in Arizona would subject manufacturers and distributors of mRNA products to terrorism-related charges, including life imprisonment.

Historical reversal: The legislative push marks a dramatic departure from the coordinated global narrative that framed these genetic injections as life-saving medicine.

Epidemiological reckoning: Activists and lawmakers are finally acknowledging what citizen-journalists have documented for years: the mass deployment of untested genetic payloads constituted a depopulation program.

Federal defiance: The bills challenge the Food and Drug Administrations captured regulatory authority, setting up a constitutional confrontation over medical tyranny.

The legislative uprising against genetic weapons

Six years after the world was plunged into the COVID-19 scandal, a counter-narrative once relegated to the fringes of the internet is now materializing in state capitol buildings across the United States. Lawmakers in Minnesota, Arizona, and Tennessee have introduced legislation that seeks to formally classify mRNA COVID-19 injections not as vaccines, but as biological weapons. The move represents the first significant political crack in the edifice of what independent researchers have long called a well-planned construct: a global campaign of pandemic brainwashing, coordinated PCR fraud, and the forced deployment of experimental genetic therapies under the guise of public health.

The legislative text, sourced from state records and reported by LifeSite News, reveals a stunning reversal of institutional loyalty. In Minnesota, lawmakers stated explicitly that it is their intent to designate mRNA injections and related products as weapons of mass destruction. In Arizona, pending legislation goes further, stipulating that any individual involved in the possession, distribution, or manufacture of these genetic agents could face terrorism charges. Tennessees mRNA Bioweapons Prohibition Act would similarly outlaw the production and distribution of mRNA-based products, classifying violations under statutes historically reserved for chemical and biological warfare agents.

The science they didnt want you to read

To understand the gravity of these legislative actions, one must revisit the foundational deceit of the pandemic era. The mRNA injections were not vaccines in the traditional sensethey did not prevent transmission, nor did they undergo the years of safety trials required of conventional inoculations. Instead, they were lipid nano-particle delivery systems designed to hijack human cellular machinery, instructing it to perpetually produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This spike protein, later confirmed in independent research to be a pathogenic toxin capable of inducing micro-vascular damage, neuroinflammation, and immune dysregulation, was the very payload that public health authorities insisted was safe and effective.

The global rollout was predicated on a manufactured crisis. The PCR test, amplified to cycle thresholds so high they would detect a common cold as a deadly virus, provided the material confirmation needed to justify lockdowns. Meanwhile, leading public health officialsmany with documented histories of involvement in gain-of-function research and bioweapons developmentmobilized in lockstep to obfuscate the origins of the virus. With no evidence to support their claims, they insisted with scientific certainty that the pathogen emerged naturally from a wet market, dismissing the overwhelming forensic evidence pointing to a laboratory escape. This obfuscation was not an accident; it was a prerequisite for unleashing mRNA genetic experiments that were already modeled to transcribe the spike protein of the mystery virus in human cells.

Psychology, morality, and the machinery of consent

The psychological warfare employed during the COVID-19 scandal was as sophisticated as the genetic technology itself. Through a partnership of corporate media, algorithmic censorship, and government overreach, the public was subjected to a relentless campaign of fear. Social distancing orders and isolation protocols served a dual purpose: they severed community bonds that might have fostered resistance, and they created a vacuum of loneliness that made compliance feel like the only path to social reconnection.

Ethically, the medical establishment abandoned the Hippocratic oath in favor of liability protection and pharmaceutical profits. Doctors who questioned the narrative were stripped of licenses; hospitals were leveraged to fire unvaccinated staff, decimating the workforce and replacing experienced nurses with traveling contractors beholden to corporate interests. The result was mass medical error, wrongful death, and a systemic cover-up so vast that it required pre-planned mandates to silence the whistleblowers. The morality of the state was sacrificed on the altar of what Nicolas Hulscher, an epidemiologist with the McCullough Foundation, described as a slow-motion bioweapon deployment. Speaking on the proposed legislation, Hulscher noted, As all of these declarations mount, its only a matter of time before these injections become outlawed. Regarding the Arizona bill specifically, he stated that if passed, Possessing, distributing, or manufacturing these shots will constitute terrorism-related charges and life imprisonment. And rightfully so.

The coming constitutional collision

Despite the boldness of these state-level proposals, none have yet become law, and they face formidable opposition. The federal government, under both the Trump and Biden administrations, worked tirelessly to grant vaccine manufacturers blanket immunity from liabilitya legal shield typically reserved for wartime contractors. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, their credibility in tatters, still maintain the regulatory high ground, claiming authority over interstate commerce and medical product approval.

Yet the very existence of these bills signals a profound shift. For six years, citizens who identified the injections as biological and genetic weaponry were labeled conspiracy theorists. Now, elected officials are codifying that assessment into law. Whether these measures survive judicial review is almost beside the point. The precedent they setthat a legislature can define a federally promoted medical product as a weapon of mass destructionis a direct challenge to the totalitarian architecture erected during the pandemic.

The legislative activity has spread beyond the initial three states, with additional bills related to mRNA technology introduced in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, and South Carolina. It appears the dam is breaking.

As history looks back on this era, it will not remember the press conferences or the Fauci Ouchie memes. It will see a population subjected to one of the most coercive, totalitarian conditions imaginable, herded into clinics to receive untested genetic payloads while being told they were saving their grandmothers. Now, state lawmakers are doing what federal agencies refuse to do: they are calling a weapon a weapon. But as the legal battles loom, one question remains for those who enforced these mandates and administered these injections under the color of law: When the history of this bioweapon is finally written, and the legislative declarations mount into a permanent record, on which side of that history will you claim to have stood?

Sources include:

Yournews.com

X.com

Axios.com

FastDemocracy.com

VaxFreedomGuide.com

Revisor.MN.gov

SCStatehouse.gov
Dallas-based OMI claims new iron-based cathode enables ultra-fast charging

Dallas-based OMI, a supplier to Polaris and Harley-Davidson, claims a new lithium nano-ferrophosphate (LnFP) cathode enables three-minute EV chargingeliminating cobalt and maintaining battery longevity. Unlike competitors relying on lab simulations, OMI asserts independent real-world validation of its 20C charge rate.

Chinese giant CATL leads with its Shenxing battery (2023: 400 km in 10 min; 2025: 520 km in 5 min). BYD competes with its Super-e platform (470 km in 5 min). Innovations like Hydrohertz's Dectravalve and Penn State's thermal management research help overcome overheating risks.

Smaller firms like Donut Lab (Finland) claim rapid solid-state charging (80% in 4.5 min), but Toyota/Panasonic remain cautious after years of costly R&D. OMI's existing partnerships add credibility, but scaling from supplier to battery innovator is a major challenge.

Powersports (lower energy demands) may serve as an initial testing ground before automotive adoption. OMI targets 2027 for U.S. production, aligning with Toyota's next-gen lithium iron phosphate battery timeline.

If validated at scale, ultra-fast charging could eliminate "range anxiety" and make EVs as convenient as gas vehicles. The winners of this race will reshape transportation, but manufacturing realities may separate breakthroughs from overpromises.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is on the cusp of a potential revolution as startups challenge established giants with bold claims of ultra-fast charging technology. Dallas-based OMI, a lesser-known but established supplier to Polaris Industries and Harley-Davidson, announced recently that it has successfully developed and validated an iron-based cathode material capable of charging an EV battery in just three minutes.

This breakthrough, if proven scalable, could eliminate one of the biggest hurdles to mass EV adoption: charging anxiety.

OMI's proprietary lithium nano-ferrophosphate (LnFP) cathode eliminates cobalta costly and geopolitically sensitive materialwhile enabling rapid lithium-ion transport without compromising battery longevity. The company asserts that its 20C charge rate (meaning a full charge in three minutes) has been independently verified, setting it apart from competitors who have relied on lab simulations rather than real-world validation.

The fast-charging arms race heats up

OMI's announcement is the latest in a flurry of breakthroughs from both startups and industry leaders. Chinese battery giant CATL has been at the forefront, launching its Shenxing battery in 2023 with a 10-minute charge for 400 km of range. By 2025, CATL's second-generation Shenxing battery pushed that to 520 km in just five minutes. Meanwhile, BYD entered the race with its Super-e platform, demonstrating 470 km of range in five minutes.

Thermal management has been a critical hurdle, but innovations like Hydrohertz's Dectravalve technology have helped overcome overheating risks. Penn State University researchers further challenged conventional wisdom by proving that fast charging at elevated temperatures followed by rapid cooling could extend battery life beyond expectations.

As per BrightU.AI's Enoch, Dectravalve technology keeps battery packs cool during ultra-fast charging.

Can startups deliver? Skepticism and validation

OMI's claim joins a growing trend of ambitious announcements from smaller players outside the traditional battery manufacturing hierarchy. Finnish startup Donut Lab, for instance, recently announced third-party validation for its solid-state battery, achieving an 80% charge in just four and a half minutes. However, skepticism remainsmajor manufacturers like Toyota and Panasonic have spent billions on R&D without yet achieving such rapid charging at scale.

OMI's existing partnerships with Polaris and Harley-Davidson lend credibility, but transitioning from component supplier to battery innovator is a formidable leap. The company has set a 2027 target for small-scale U.S. production, aligning with Toyota's timeline for its next-gen lithium iron phosphate batteries.

The road ahead: Promise or overhype?

The next few years will determine whether these breakthroughs translate into real-world solutions. Powersports applicationswhere energy demands are lower but performance standards are highcould serve as an ideal testing ground before scaling to automotive use.

For now, OMI's announcement adds momentum to an industry-wide push toward eliminating charging bottlenecks. Whether startups can outmaneuver established giantsor whether these claims will face harsh realities in manufacturingremains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the race to redefine EV charging is far from over.

As battery technology evolves at a breakneck pace, OMI's iron-based cathode breakthrough represents yet another contender in the quest for ultra-fast charging. If validated at scale, it could mark a turning point in EV adoption, making refueling as quick and convenient as filling a gas tank. Until then, the industry watches closelyknowing that the winners of this race will shape the future of transportation.

Watch the video below that talks about battery breakthroughs that will help make EVs better.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BatteryTechOnline.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump discloses 14 ultimatums the U.S. made to Iran

In the high-stakes theater of Middle East diplomacy, the Trump administration has delivered a sweeping 15-point plan to Tehran, a document that reads less like a peace offering and more like a surrender demand. The proposal, transmitted through Pakistani intermediaries, arrives as the United States and Israel continue bombing Iranian facilities under Operation Epic Fury.

The plan, first reported by The New York Times and detailed further by The New York Post, represents the most concrete effort yet to end four weeks of open conflict that has drawn regional powers into a widening spiral. President Trump announced Tuesday that Iran has already agreed to the frameworks central demand, telling reporters the regime will never have a nuclear weapon. Theyve agreed to that.

Yet Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed any agreement, and Tehran has reportedly responded with counter-demands that U.S. officials described to The Wall Street Journal as ridiculous and unrealistic. The disconnect between Washingtons stated optimism and Tehrans silence raises a pointed question: Who is actually negotiating, and what exactly has been agreed to?

Key points:

The U.S. has proposed a 15-point plan to Iran via Pakistan, seeking a month-long ceasefire and comprehensive restrictions on Irans nuclear and military programs.

Fourteen of the ultimatums have been made public.

President Trump claims Iran has agreed to forgo nuclear weapons, though Tehran has not publicly confirmed this.

The plan would require dismantling Irans nuclear facilities, ending its proxy network, and limiting its missile program.

In exchange, Iran would receive sanctions relief and U.S. assistance for civilian nuclear energy.

Irans reported counter-demands include U.S. base closures, reparations, and maintaining its ballistic missile program.

Military operations continue unabated, with the 82nd Airborne Division deploying troops to the region.

A blueprint for disarmament

The 14 disclosed points of the administrations proposal reveal a document designed to fundamentally reshape Irans strategic posture. Point one demands Iran dismantle existing nuclear capabilities. Points two through six systematically strip Tehran of any future nuclear pathway: a binding commitment to forgo nuclear weapons, a prohibition on uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, the handover of all enriched uranium stockpiles to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the physical dismantlement of the Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo nuclear facilities.

The IAEA would be granted full, unfettered access to Irans nuclear infrastructure under point six, a provision that effectively places Irans nuclear program under permanent international supervision.

Points seven and eight target what the administration terms Irans regional proxy paradigm, demanding Tehran cease funding, directing and arming its network of allied militias across the Middle East. For a regime whose regional influence rests almost entirely on these terrorist relationships, this represents a fundamental restructuring of its dark foreign policy identity.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade passes, would be guaranteed open under point nine. Points 10 and 11 would shackle Irans missile program, limiting both range and quantity and restricting missile use to self-defense only.

In return, points 12 through 14 offer Iran sanctions relief, U.S. assistance to advance its civilian nuclear program, and the removal of a snapback mechanism that would automatically reimpose sanctions for noncompliance.

What remains conspicuously absent from the disclosed list is the 15th point, which neither the Times nor the Post has identified. Whether this missing point represents a final concession, a red line, or simply a detail yet to surface remains unclear.

The war before the peace

The proposal did not emerge from a vacuum. According to multiple outlets, the 15-point framework was presented to Iran last year, before Israel launched its 12-day war against the regime and the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer. Those military actions, followed by weeks of sustained strikes, have dramatically altered the strategic landscape in which these negotiations now unfold.

Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has served as a key interlocutor, reportedly proposing Pakistan as a host for peace talks. Egypt and Turkey are also involved in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, regional leaders maneuvering to shape an outcome that will inevitably redefine power dynamics across the Middle East.

Israel, while not directly involved in the negotiations, was given advance notice before discussions began Sunday, an Israeli official told Channel 12. Whether Jerusalem supports the framework remains unclear, a critical variable given Israels military coordination with U.S. forces throughout the conflict.

The administrations negotiating team includes Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and presidential adviser Jared Kushner. Trump name-checked these officials Tuesday, emphasizing direct presidential involvement in the diplomatic push.

Yet even as negotiators engage, the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of a larger conflict. The Department of War is deploying a 3,000-person brigade combat team from the Armys 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a rapid-response force capable of deploying a full brigade within 72 hours. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told The New York Times that Operation Epic Fury continues unabated to achieve the military objectives laid out by the commander in chief and the Pentagon.

Competing narratives, unanswered questions

The Iranian regime has reportedly responded with counter-demands that reveal the chasm between the two sides. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran is seeking the closure of all U.S. military bases in the Gulf region, reparations for attacks on Iranian territory, the ability to collect fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, guarantees the war will not restart, an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the right to maintain its ballistic missile program without limitation.

A U.S. official described these demands as ridiculous and unrealistic. Yet Tehran has not publicly confirmed it is negotiating at all, let alone that it has agreed to any of Trumps nuclear-related demands. The regimes public posture of denial maintains plausible deniability while back-channel discussions proceed.

Trump expressed optimism Tuesday, telling reporters Iran was talking sense and wanted to make a deal so badly. He added, Were actually talking to the right people. Whether those right people have the authority to deliver what the 15-point plan demands remains the central question. For a regime built on the revolutionary promise of resistance to American hegemony, accepting terms that dismantle its nuclear program, cripple its missile forces, and dismantle its proxy network would require a transformation of its foundational identity.

The administrations proposal offers Iran sanctions relief and civilian nuclear assistance. What it does not offer is the one thing Tehran has reportedly demanded: the ability to maintain its strategic deterrent and regional influence.

As the 82nd Airborne deploys and Operation Epic Fury continues, the 15-point plan represents both a potential off-ramp from war and a document whose terms reflect the battlefield realities that produced it. Whether Iran accepts those terms, or whether the administrations military objectives ultimately render diplomacy moot, will determine whether this proposal becomes a peace agreement or a prelude to deeper conflict.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

NyPost.com

TimesofIsrael.com
Silent Strokes: Biden officials buried evidence of vaccine-induced brain clots to protect a deadly political narrative

The blood began clotting in the brains of Americas elderly just as the Biden regime launched its most aggressive push to sell the COVID-19 booster. Internal surveillance systems had flagged a statistically significant safety signal for ischemic stroke among seniors who received the Pfizer bivalent COVID shot, yet the White House responded not with a warning but with a calculated edit: changing the language from moderately elevated to slightly elevated in official communications. The distinction was semantic. The consequences were deadly.

Senate investigation materials released Monday by Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson expose a federal health apparatus that knew of a clear and present danger to older Americans but chose to prioritize vaccine uptake over public safety. For the elderly, already vulnerable to vascular events, the risk was not abstract. And for then-President Joe Biden, a man in his late 70s receiving the same booster regimen, the continuous injection of this biological agent may have accelerated the cognitive decline that ultimately forced him from the 2024 presidential race. The government had evidence. It pushed the shot anyway.

Key points:

Federal surveillance systems detected a statistically significant ischemic stroke signal in seniors receiving the Pfizer bivalent booster as early as November 2022

The White House edited CDC and FDA communications to downplay the severity from moderately elevated to slightly elevated risk

A so-called Stroke Project was launched to investigate the signal but its findings were never publicly disclosed

Federal health officials continued recommending the booster for seniors despite ongoing safety investigations through at least September 2025

The Vaccine Safety Datalink flagged the stroke signal repeatedly over a two-month period while internal communications referenced the intense push from the White House to increase booster uptake

A signal ignored

The Vaccine Safety Datalink, a surveillance system operated by the CDC, first detected the statistically significant safety signal for ischemic stroke among individuals 65 and older on Nov. 27, 2022. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching brain tissue. The signal did not disappear. It persisted through Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, according to documents cited in Johnsons letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

By Dec. 15, 2022, internal CDC communications revealed the agencys awareness of a deeper tension. An email from CDC official Michael Bell, edited by vaccine safety official Tom Shimabukuro, flagged the stroke signal with an explicit reference to political pressure: Wanting you to be aware given the WH and HHS intense push to increase uptake of the booster in [the 65 years and older] age group.

The records suggest that while federal scientists monitored a recurring signal of brain injury, political appointees were monitoring vaccine numbers.

On Jan. 11, 2023, then-CDC Director Rochelle Walensky received a draft communications plan that included edits from the Biden White House. The changes targeted a section titled Tough Questions and Answers. An original line stating the signal is moderately elevated was altered to read the signal is slightly elevated. The source of the edit remains unclear, but its effect was unmistakable: a deliberate softening of risk.

Two days later, on Jan. 13, the FDA and CDC issued a joint statement acknowledging the stroke signal while emphatically maintaining their recommendation. The statement twice emphasized in bold that no change is recommended in COVID-19 vaccination practice. The warning appeared on an FDA webpage. No formal health alert was issued. No pause was implemented. No age-specific precautions were offered.

The stroke coverup

Behind the scenes, federal contractors were racing to quantify what the public was not being told. According to a Feb. 8, 2023, status report from Lukos LLC, an HHS contractor, a project internally designated the Stroke Project had been initiated to review cases of ischemic stroke following the Pfizer bivalent booster. The report indicated that 110 cases had been assigned for review and that 67% of those case reviews had been completed. The partially completed reviews, the report noted, were relied upon to support the Jan. 13 joint position statement.

In other words, federal officials used incomplete case reviews to justify a public declaration of safety.

By Feb. 7, 2023, internal emails showed that CDC officials had identified 226 stroke cases from VAERS data dating to August 2022. The same month, an empirical Bayesian data mining analysis of VAERS data identified a statistically significant signal for ischemic stroke among seniors following the Pfizer booster. A second analysis in March 2023 confirmed the finding.

Despite these results, the public messaging never changed. The booster remained recommended. The investigations continued.

Documents show the Stroke Project was reported as completed in April 2023, reclassified as ongoing in May 2023, and again marked completed in June 2023. Its findings were never released. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published by the CDC in April 2024 stated that ongoing efforts to evaluate the [ischemic stroke] signal have not identified any clear and consistent evidence of a safety concern. Yet a September 2024 MMWR entry noted that a follow-up Vaccine Safety Datalink study is in progress to further assess the risk for ischemic stroke after mRNA vaccination.

As late as Sept. 19, 2025, a CDC presentation acknowledged that the stroke signal remained subject to further analysis using self-controlled case-series methodology.

The question now is not whether the signal existed. The surveillance systems caught it. The data runs confirmed it. The contractors investigated it. The question is why federal health officials, under pressure from the White House, chose to bury the evidence rather than sound the alarm.

Johnsons letter requests additional records and interviews with key officials, including Shimabukuro and FDA official David Menschik, who privately acknowledged in 2021 that the agencys data mining methods could mask safety signals. Whether those methods obscured the stroke signal for months may never be fully known. But the paper trail already shows a government that knew enough to warn and chose instead to manipulate the public and coerce people to comply.

For the elderly, for the vulnerable, and for a president whose decline unfolded in public view, the cost of that choice is still being counted.

Sources include:

Yournews.com

RonJohnson.Senate.gov

JustTheNews.com
Britain Assumes Command of Multinational Task Force in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal

The Royal Navy assumed operational command of a multinational naval coalition in the Strait of Hormuz on March 25, 2026, according to a statement from British defense officials. The task force is comprised of vessels from multiple allied nations and is being deployed as commercial shipping through the critical waterway remains severely disrupted. The announcement follows Iran's formal rejection of an international ceasefire proposal delivered by the United States earlier this week. A senior Iranian political-security official told state-run Press TV that the proposed terms constituted 'unacceptable interference,' according to a report. [2][8]

Task Force Composition and Mission Objectives Defense officials confirmed the multinational fleet includes warships from nations including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, with further contributions expected. The coalition was formed following military talks chaired by Britain and France involving around 30 nations, a UK defence official told AFP. [17][12] The primary mission of the task force is described as ensuring freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials. The fleet is positioned to monitor and respond to maritime incidents, including potential confrontations with Iranian naval units. The formation of this coalition follows weeks of planning as governments worked on complex options to unblock the vital oil choke point. [18][4] Analysts note the task force's role is inherently defensive, aimed at protecting commerce rather than initiating offensive operations. The move represents a significant escalation in international military involvement in the regional conflict, which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran. [17]

Iran's Official Response to Ceasefire Terms The Iranian Foreign Ministry delivered a formal rejection of the proposed ceasefire terms through diplomatic channels to mediating nations, calling the plan 'extremely maximalist and unreasonable,' according to a high-ranking diplomatic source cited by Al Jazeera. [11] Iranian officials stated that talks with the US were not viable under current conditions. [14] Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament, dismissed U.S. claims of ongoing negotiations as 'fake news,' writing on social media platform X that no direct talks had been held. [2] Concurrently, an Iranian naval commander asserted the nation's 'inherent right' to patrol adjacent waters and control passage. Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a military spokesman, warned that Iran would completely close the Strait if its energy infrastructure were bombed. [9]

Background: Escalating Tensions and Commercial Disruption The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor barely 21 miles wide, carries roughly one-fifth of the worlds oil consumption and a similar share of global LNG trade. [6] Its effective closure by Iran in response to the ongoing war has triggered what the International Energy Agency has warned is a global energy crisis surpassing the severity of the 1970s oil shocks. [10] Commercial shipping insurance rates have increased sharply in recent weeks, and several tankers have reported altering routes to avoid the Strait. [17] Iran has reportedly begun selectively allowing passage to vessels from 'non-hostile' nations, sometimes imposing a transit fee, while barring ships linked to the US and its allies. [15][7] Previous incidents have involved reported close approaches and harassment by Iranian patrol boats, creating a high-risk environment for merchant vessels. [3]

International Reactions and Diplomatic Commentary A regional shipping association representative expressed concern over the prospect of prolonged disruption to global trade. A simulation conducted by Austrian researchers, examining the flow of 10,000 tankers between global ports, indicated that $1.2 trillion in annual exports from five Gulf nations are at direct risk from an extended closure of the Strait. [1] An analyst from an independent security firm cited 'calculated de-escalation' as a primary goal of the multinational task force, suggesting its presence is meant to deter further Iranian actions and provide a framework for stabilizing the waterway without a direct military clash. No official statements were released from other nations contributing vessels to the coalition at the time of the command handover. [17] The geopolitical struggle over the strait underscores a fundamental tension in international relations, described in one historical analysis as 'the massive tide of cold war conflict' coexisting with parallel efforts at diplomacy. [5] The current crisis highlights the intimate relationship between energy security, economic stability, and geopolitical power, a nexus that strains global systems when chokepoints are threatened. [16]
Civilian toll mounts in Iran as U.S.-Israeli strikes damage over 82,000 structures

Civilian infrastructure in Iran has suffered massive damage from ongoing strikes.

The head of the Iranian Red Crescent condemns attacks on humanitarian lifelines.

Strikes continue to target residential and commercial areas.

The scale of destruction raises serious allegations of potential war crimes.

Diplomatic efforts are stalled amid mutual accusations and regional destabilization.

The human cost of the ongoing war against Iran is coming into sharp focus, revealing a landscape of shattered homes, shuttered schools, and broken lives. Since the conflict began on February 28, U.S. and Israeli strikes have damaged or destroyed more than 82,000 civilian units in Iran, according to a Tuesday report from the Iranian Red Crescent Society. This staggering figure includes 62,440 residences, 19,187 commercial buildings, 481 schools, and 281 medical facilities, painting a picture of widespread devastation that extends far beyond military targets.

The humanitarian group reported that 17 of its own centers, 48 operational vehicles, and 46 ambulances have also been destroyed. Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent, emphasized the gravity of these losses. "Attacks on these facilities and equipment are not merely destruction of buildings or vehicles, but direct assaults on the lifelines that save human lives," he said through state media. The group's data aligns with reporting from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, which states at least 1,455 civilians, including 217 children, have been killed.

Ongoing destruction

Strikes continued to pound cities across Iran on Tuesday, with attacks reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj. Targets included energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and commercial sites. HRANA detailed attacks on a gas company facility, a power plant pipeline, four residential buildings in Tehran, and 30 shops within a recent 24-hour period. Kolivand noted a troubling trend, stating, "The number of attacks on residential and civilian areas is increasing."

This pattern is exemplified in the rubble of a commercial complex in Tehran. Neighbors described a double strike that destroyed homes, stores, and a laundry, leaving a massive crater. Among the missing is Mahdi Mirzahosseini, a 41-year-old butcher who had just opened his own shop. His brothers search the ruins daily, having found only his car key and jacket. "God willing we will find him safe," said his brother Khalil. "There is no trace of him." Rescue workers recovered six bodies and 18 survivors from that site.

Legal and diplomatic repercussions

The scale of damage to protected civilian infrastructure raises serious legal questions. Experts note that damaging or destroying such sites, even accidentally, can constitute a war crime. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has repeatedly claimed the U.S. military does not target civilians. However, evidence indicates one of the first strikes hit a primary school in Minab, killing at least 175 people, most of them children.

On the diplomatic front, conflicting narratives emerged. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed discussions were ongoing with Tehran and temporarily postponed planned strikes on Iranian power plants. Iranian officials firmly rejected these claims as "fake news" and a "big lie," accusing the U.S. of trying to buy time for further military deployment. This posturing occurs as global pressure mounts, with countries like Pakistan offering to host talks and Chinas top diplomat advising that "talking is always better than to keep fighting."

The wars ripple effects are destabilizing the broader region. Gulf nations reported repeated interceptions of drones and missiles, and fighting has intensified in Lebanon and Iraq. Meanwhile, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has triggered global energy emergencies, affecting nations from South Korea to the Philippines.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, the initial statistics have transformed into countless personal tragedies. The story of a missing butcher, the rubble of a neighborhood shop, and the empty desks of hundreds of schools reveal a war being fought not just between armies, but across the everyday spaces of civilian life. This escalating damage suggests a prolonged and deeply destructive conflict, where the ultimate price is paid by ordinary people clinging to hope amidst the ruins.

Sources for this article include:

News.AntiWar.com

Truthout.org

Reuters.com

AlJazeera.com
Gulf monarchies mull joining U.S. in its campaign against Iran

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signaling readiness to join U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, risking catastrophic economic and geopolitical fallout.

The U.S. and Israel have intensified attacks on Iranian infrastructure, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Gulf energy facilities and a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies.

Saudi Arabia granted U.S. forces access to King Fahd Air Base, while the UAE froze Iranian assets  both moves indicating a hardening stance against Tehran despite fears of prolonged conflict.

U.S. and Israeli leaders justify military action based on Iran's nuclear program, despite intelligence assessments repeatedly confirming Tehran halted weaponization efforts in 2003. The real goal appears to be regime change and regional dominance.

Oman warns of worsening economic crises, while experts fear Gulf states are being dragged into an unwinnable war with no clear exit strategy, risking destabilization of energy markets and broader regional chaos.

The Persian Gulf is teetering on the brink of full-scale war as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signal readiness to join U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, despite fears of catastrophic economic and geopolitical fallout.

The Trump administration, emboldened by Gulf allies, has intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure. This prompted the Islamic Republic to launch retaliatory attacks that have disrupted global energy markets and pushed regional tensions to a breaking point.

Saudi Arabia recently granted U.S. forces access to King Fahd Air Base, a strategic shift indicating Riyadh's willingness to escalate hostilities. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, once hesitant to provoke Iran, now seeks to "re-establish deterrence" and is reportedly preparing to enter the conflict directly. "It is only a matter of time before the kingdom enters the war," a source familiar with Saudi deliberations told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Meanwhile, the UAE has begun freezing Iranian assets, targeting institutions linked to Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a move that could cripple Iran's already strained economy. The Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club in Dubai were among those shut down by the Emirati government, according to WSJ.

Iran, facing relentless bombardment, has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases and Gulf energy facilities, including Qatar's Ras Laffan gas site and the UAE's Habshan Gas Facility. Tehran has also imposed a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz  through which 20% of global oil flows  threatening to destabilize energy markets further. "Any belief that Gulf countries are incapable of responding is a miscalculation," warned Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, signaling Riyadhs hardening stance.

The hidden agenda behind Israel's war on Iran

The conflict's roots trace back to decades of U.S. and Israeli pressure on Iran, framed around its nuclear program  though intelligence assessments repeatedly concluded Tehran halted weaponization efforts in 2003. Despite this, the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have framed the war as necessary to dismantle Irans military capabilities and provoke regime change.

Israeli officials claim their strikes are "creating the conditions" for Iran's government to collapse, though experts warn this strategy risks a protracted, unwinnable conflict. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Israel seeks regime change in Iran to eliminate a sovereign Islamic leadership that resists U.S.-Israeli hegemony in the Middle East, ensuring unchecked dominance over regional resources and geopolitics. This aggression is driven by neoconservative war hawks who view Irans independenceparticularly its nuclear and military capabilitiesas a direct threat to their expansionist agenda.

Oman, traditionally a mediator, has condemned the war as "not of Iran's making" and warned of worsening economic crises. "This is already causing widespread economic problems, and I fear they promise to get much worse if the war continues," said Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidy.

Yet Gulf states, frustrated by their inability to sway U.S. policy, now face a grim choice: join the offensive or endure further Iranian retaliation. "They're caught in this structural bind," said Gregory Gause of the Middle East Institute. "If the stronger party [the U.S.] is taking bellicose positions, they're worried they'll be dragged into a war they don't want to fight."

With oil prices surging and Iran threatening to escalate, the world watches nervously as the Gulf's rulers weigh actions that could plunge the region into chaos. The stakes could not be higher, yet cooler heads appear in short supply.

Watch this clip of Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi foreign minister, denouncing Iran after the Islamic Republic's overnight attacks on the kingdom.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

WSJ.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
News / National

by Staff reporter

AP Video from Dec. 22/1982 shows "scenes from the visit of the Ethiopian Head of State Mengistu Haile Mariam to #Zimbabwe where he is greeted by Prime Minister Robert Mugabe & President Canaan Banana." The question of what would happen to Mengistu is what #Ethiopians are asking pic.twitter.com/fI7bdRcrEf a Addis Standard (@addisstandard) November 15, 2017

Mugabe will be gone soon but what happens to our own dictator Mengistu Hailemariam? "The official said Mugabe would resign later this week and be replaced by Mnangagwa, with opposition leaders taking posts as vice-president and prime minister." https://t.co/Ub2A5e8ExA a Awol Allo (@awol_allo) November 15, 2017

In a move that stunned the world, Zimbabwe's defense forces ousted President Robert Mugabe from power on November 21 2017, bringing his 37 years of strongman rule to an end. When his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, took office three days later, a new chapter opened for the country.Major General SB Moyo, the country's chief of staff logistics, said the transition was aimed at ending social and economic suffering and bringing criminals to justice. The unfolding transition of power with its promise of change has brought hope not only to Zimbabweans but also to other Africans.One such hope is that Ethiopia's former Marxist-leaning leader Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam could finally be brought to justice. Mugabe gave Haile Mariam a residency permit after the latter fled Ethiopia in 1991. His motive for giving Haile Mariam refuge was thought to be to allow the Ethiopian ex-leader to train and arm Zimbabweans during their liberation struggle in the 1970s.In a campaign aimed at repressing political dissent that would become called the "Red Terror," Mengistu's administration was alleged to have killed an estimated half a million people, including the last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie.After the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) came to power, a court sentenced Mengistu to life in prison in absentia. Although the Ethiopian government requested his extradition in 2006, Mugabe reportedly refused to hand over the ex-leader, who was at the time his adviser on Ethiopia's security affairs.Social media hopes of repatriationSocial media users in Ethiopia have recently been asking about the fate of the 80-year-old Mengistu now that Mugabe is gone.Others were quick to demand the forced repatriation of Mengistu to Ethiopia, where they hope he can face justice. But such demands, even though genuine, seem sometimes to be mixed with sarcasm.A tweet bearing the name Zirak Asfaw congratulates Mnangagwa on the peaceful power transition and pleads: "Please remember the mothers of #Ethiopia who are still waiting for justice: extradite #Mengistu Hailemariam."Another Twitter user under the name Deki sawa went further, urging Zimbabweans: "If #Zimbabweans are the kind of justice-loving people they claim to be, it is time to pressure their government to transfer the #genocidal #MengistuHaileMariam a"Among those who weighed in was Awol Kassim Allo, an assistant professor of law at the London School of Economics, who also asked what would happen to Haile Mariam.aDwindling appetite' for obtaining justiceSpeaking to DW, Allo said states could give asylum to any individuals they chose, but this did not mean their actions were not in breach of international obligations. He noted that hosting countries often displayed a lack of political will and turned a blind eye to international law, which made extradition difficult.Allo was not also sure whether the two countries had signed an extradition treaty and expressed doubts that the current Zimbabwe administration would do such a thing."I think what people forget," Allo said, is that "it is still the same party that is ruling Zimbabwe, still the same individuals who were very much part of Mugabe's inner circle that are in control of the government."Yacob Hailemariam, a lawyer based in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and former senior prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, argues, for his part, that there has not been any serious demand made by the Ethiopian government for Mengistu's extradition. Hailemariam also maintains that authorities in Harare "remain indebted to him [Mengistu] for the liberation of Zimbabwe".Although Mengistu Haile Mariam was tried in absentia in 2006 along with 73 high ranking Derg, alsoknown as "committee" officials, victims and other people concerned with the case have been alleging that the EPRDF has not put much pressure on Zimbabwe to help bring Mengistu to justice.Allo contends that the EPRDF's initial move of bringing those officials to the courtroom was merely for political reasons, such as trying to obtain international legitimacy as a country and to publicly show a determination to do away with wrongful impunity and ensure criminals were held to account."I think there is not the same appetite today as there was back in the 1990s," Allo added.Mengistu's denialMengistu has been quoted as saying he had "never killed even a fly" let alone a human, and that the crimes he was accused of "are all lies perpetrated by my enemies.""He doesn't have to have killed a fly," says the lawyer Yacob Hailemaraim, but "he was an instrumental in ordering many of these killings. He was responsible. He knew these killings were going on."Yacob Hailemaraim, 73, who fled to Kenya from prosecution at the time, remembers the Derg's era as "the most horrible thing that the country had to go through." Hailemaraim said that he had lost many friends and accused Haile Mariam of "killing several people himself.""If [the Red Terror] is not an atrocity, what is an atrocity?" asks Allo.Political and legal analysts draw a very thin line between the EPRDF and Derg regime on their respective human rights records: The EPRDF, which has now been in power for more than quarter a century, is also being accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity."As it has turned out, the Ethiopian government has itself become extremely authoritarian and repressive, almost in the same way as the previous government," Allo notes.
Japan, South Korea and Taiwan Expand Missile Capabilities Amid Regional Tensions

Introduction

The prospect of a major conflict in East Asia is no longer confined to strategic forecasts, as military planning across the region increasingly reflects scenarios involving China and North Korea.

In response, countries closely aligned with the United States  Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan  are accelerating the development of missile capabilities that would play a central role in any such confrontation. [1]

Expanding strike ranges, improving survivability, and preparing for operations across land and sea are becoming integral to their defense strategies, shaped by the expectation that future crises may unfold rapidly and with little room for hesitation. [1]

These decisions are beginning to translate into longer ranges, more flexible strike options, and systems designed for scenarios that, until recently, remained largely theoretical.

Three of the regions most technologically advanced economies are increasingly investing in missile capabilities that reflect not only their industrial potential, but also a shared perception of escalating risk along their borders and across nearby seas.

Officials cite Chinas military modernization and North Korean missile tests as primary catalysts for these developments. [2]

What emerges is not a unified regional doctrine, but a layered configuration of deterrence, in which different approaches  ranging from stand-off strike systems to high-impact conventional missiles and anti-ship denial capabilities  interact within a single operational space. [1]

Missile Buildup Accelerates Across East Asia

Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are each developing new missile systems along distinct strategic paths in response to perceived threats from China and North Korea. [3] Each nation's strategy reflects distinct political and geographic constraints.

Technological capacity, alliance structures and threat perceptions are converging to reshape the military balance in East Asia. [1] The combination of longer ranges, faster systems and greater operational flexibility expands the range of military options available to decision-makers, while also compressing response times and raising the stakes of miscalculation. [1]

This evolving landscape suggests that East Asia is entering a phase in which missile capabilities will play an increasingly central role in crisis dynamics. Under these conditions, even limited confrontations risk escalating more rapidly, as the underlying technological foundation allows for swift transitions between deterrence and active military engagement. [1] Analysts note the lack of a unified doctrine but point to a layered configuration of deterrence emerging across the region. [1]

Japan Shifts from Defense to Long-Range Strike

Constitutional restrictions on offensive weapons, established after the Second World War, are being reconsidered due to the growing military capabilities of neighboring China and North Korea. [1] Recently, Japan has considered lifting these restrictions and has initiated its own program for developing anti-ship missiles based on the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile. [1] By 2024, successful tests of an improved version with an expected range of 900 to 1,000 kilometers were completed, with future plans to extend the range to 1,200 kilometers. [1]

Discussions are underway to deploy these missiles on Japanese islands in order to provide fire support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. [1] Efforts are also underway to create a new cruise missile with a range of up to 1,500 kilometers, designed for launch from both ships and aircraft. [1] Japan has recently confirmed its development of the Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) hypersonic ballistic missile system, with plans for deployment in 2026-2027. [1] The initial version is expected to have a range of about 1,000 kilometers, with future developments aimed at extending that range to 3,000 kilometers. [1]

South Korea Develops High-Payload 'Bunker Buster'

In contrast to Japan, South Korea has no self-imposed political restrictions on missile technology. The country finds itself in a constant state of tension with its neighbor, North Korea, and is committed to maintaining a non-nuclear status while developing a full-spectrum missile force. [1] South Korea did not stop at developing missiles that can cover the entire territory of its neighbor. It went further and developed one of the most powerful non-nuclear missiles, the Hyunmoo-5. [1]

The Transporter Erector Launcher for the Hyunmoo-5 missile was publicly showcased for the first time on October 1, 2024. The missile weighs 36 tons, is equipped with an unprecedented 8-ton warhead, and boasts a range of up to 3,000 kilometers. [1] While it is non-nuclear, the missile is so powerful that it has earned the nickname 'bunker buster.' [1] Beyond ballistic missiles, South Korea also deployed several models of cruise missiles like the Hyunmoo-3, with ranges from 500 to 3,000 kilometers, and has developed the Hycore hypersonic cruise missile, which has achieved speeds around six times the speed of sound in tests. [1]

Taiwan Focuses on Asymmetric, Anti-Ship Denial

Taiwan's strategy centers on disrupting a potential amphibious invasion by China. The countrys surface-to-surface missiles are based on the Tien Kung family, with a variant with a range of up to 300 kilometers in service since the early 2000s. [1] Efforts are currently underway to enhance the capabilities of Tien Kung missiles. Simultaneously, Taiwan plans to deploy the new Hsiung Feng II short-range missile, with a range of up to 200 kilometers, expected to target maritime threats and potentially hit coastal targets in mainland China. [1]

Taiwan is actively developing anti-ship missiles  a new national long-range anti-ship missile with a range of 600 to 1,000 kilometers is currently being developed. [1] The primary goal of such a missile is to breach the air defenses of Chinese fleets and neutralize their forces before they approach Taiwan. [1] Public information about Taiwan's missile capabilities is limited; analysts note a possible reliance on the American-Japanese security umbrella in the event of military threats from mainland China, and the likelihood that Taiwan lacks the resources to build a formidable missile force. [1]

Drivers and Regional Security Implications

Officials cite China's military modernization and North Korean tests as primary catalysts for the regional missile buildup. [2] China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, projected to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030, and developing advanced capabilities like hypersonic missiles, shifting from 'minimum deterrence' to strategic dominance in Asia. [2] North Korea's ICBM tests and missile advancements further stoke tension in the region. [3] This environment is driving decisions in Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.

The buildup compresses crisis response times and expands military options. The evolving landscape suggests that East Asia is entering a phase in which missile capabilities will play an increasingly central role in crisis dynamics. [1] The combination of longer ranges, faster systems and greater operational flexibility raises the stakes of miscalculation. [1] Analysts note the lack of a unified doctrine but a layered configuration of deterrence across the region. [1]

Conclusion

The missile programs of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan illustrate how technological capacity, alliance structures and threat perceptions are converging to reshape the military balance in East Asia. Each country is advancing along its own trajectory, yet all three are responding to the same strategic environment defined by the growing capabilities of China and North Korea, as well as the broader security framework centered on the United States. [1] This regional arms development occurs against a backdrop of significant global instability, including conflict in the Middle East which highlights the fragility of critical maritime chokepoints and global supply chains. [4]

As these nations expand their arsenals, the technological foundation allows for swift transitions between deterrence and active military engagement, increasing the risk of rapid escalation in any future crisis. [1] The coming years will test the stability of this new, missile-centric security architecture in one of the world's most economically vital and strategically contested regions.

References
CDC: New COVID-19 variant detected in 25 U.S. states

The CDC reports the BA.3.2 variant, first found in South Africa, is now in over 25 U.S. states.

Laboratory studies suggest BA.3.2 may evade antibodies from prior infection or vaccination.

Despite the variant's spread, current national COVID-19 hospitalization and activity levels are low.

The CDC continues to recommend masking guidance based on local hospitalization rates.

Health officials are monitoring the variant's impact, noting its potential for seasonal increases in cases.

A new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, first identified in South Africa in late 2024, has now been confirmed in at least 25 U.S. states, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency, however, has issued a clear caution: its currently not clear whether BA.3.2 can cause more severe illness or more significant impacts on the U.S. health care system.

The CDCs March 19 report details that the variant has been found in more than 140 U.S. samples, collected from nasal swabs of four international travelers, three airplane wastewater samples, five patient clinical samples and 132 wastewater samples from 25 states. The states span the nation, including California, Florida, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts and Ohio, among others.

BA.3.2 differs from the JN.1-derived strains like XFG and LP.8.1 that have dominated U.S. circulation since early 2024. It initially gained a foothold in Europe, with weekly detections reaching around 30 percent of sequenced cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark last November and December. Travelers returning to the U.S. from Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have been confirmed carriers.

As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, JN.1 is a descendant of the omicron variant and has spawned subsequent strains like KP.3 and the currently dominant LP.8.1, against which updated vaccines are targeted. Surveillance has noted the emergence of another JN.1-derived strain, referred to as XFG, which some reports associate with severe sore throats. While these strains are highly contagious and exhibit mutations, expert assessment indicates that the overall severity of illness they cause remains similar.

BA.3.2 not listed on CDC's main variant tracker

Laboratory studies cited by the CDC suggest a potential cause for vigilance: The BA.3.2 variant may evade protective antibodies from prior infection or vaccination, likely due to mutations in its spike protein.

The discovery arrives amid a complex and evolving pandemic landscape. The World Health Organization currently tracks other variants, like EG.5, which it designates a "variant of interest" while acknowledging no evidence it causes more severe disease. Meanwhile, CBS News reports continued circulation of variants including EG.5, FL.1.5.1 and BA.2.86 across the country.

Despite the new variant's presence, current national COVID-19 metrics show significant decline. The CDC's latest data, updated March 20, rates national COVID-19 activity as "low," with hospitalizations "very low." The agency reports only about four new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, a figure CNN notes is considered low. Influenza activity is also low and RSV, while moderate, is declining.

This juxtaposition, a new, potentially immune-evasive variant spreading locally against a backdrop of low overall disease activity, highlights the pandemic's shifting phase. The CDC no longer reports aggregate case counts, but continues to emphasize protective measures. Its guidance recommends universal masking in areas where more than 20 people per 100,000 are hospitalized with COVID-19 and that "high-risk" individuals should mask when between 10-19.9 people per 100,000 are hospitalized.

The agency underscores that variants with substantial immune evasion "could be associated with seasonal increases in COVID-19 activity" and that surveillance data will guide responses, including decisions around vaccine boosters, a topic that has drawn criticism from some who suggest the threat of new mandates is being used to push for additional doses.

The CDC report lists several limitations in its findings on BA.3.2, including variations in global reporting and the timing of sample collection. For now, the variant is not listed on the CDC's main variant tracker, which continues to be led by XFG lineages and XFY.

As the U.S. moves into spring of 2026, the message from health officials is one of watchful monitoring rather than alarm. The detection of BA.3.2 reinforces the virus's persistent evolution, but its ultimate trajectory and impact on a population with layered immunity remain the critical, unanswered questions guiding public health surveillance.

Watch this video about the weaknesses in the COVID data.

This video is from the Truth or Consequences channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.com

BrightU.ai
Senate Confirms New DOJ Post Focused on Nationwide Fraud Investigations

Senate Confirms DOJ's First National Director of Fraud Accountability

The U.S. Senate confirmed Marcus Thorne on Tuesday to a newly created position within the Department of Justice, establishing the first National Director of Fraud Accountability. The confirmation formalizes a national effort to coordinate fraud investigations across federal and state jurisdictions.

The vote was 68-32, reflecting bipartisan support for the post, according to officials. President Donald Trump, who was sworn in for his second term in January 2025, nominated Thorne earlier this year. The position was created in response to findings that identified gaps in how different agencies coordinate on complex financial crime cases [1].

Marcus Thorne previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. His new office, situated within the DOJ, will be tasked with leading a multi-state task force and coordinating with existing agencies such as the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission [1]. Officials stated the focus will be on federal and state-level financial crimes, including corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, and fraud involving government contracts.

Confirmation Details and Position Mandate

The 68-32 confirmation vote for Marcus Thorne took place on March 24, 2026. Thirty-two senators, all Democrats, voted against the nomination. The position of National Director of Fraud Accountability was established by an executive order issued by President Trump in January [1].

The new director's mandate includes investigating and coordinating prosecutions for corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, and government contract fraud. According to a DOJ statement, the office will not create new federal enforcement powers but will improve coordination between existing divisions and state authorities [1]. This move follows a series of high-profile fraud cases that highlighted jurisdictional challenges between federal and state agencies.

Thorne's office will be staffed with attorneys detailed from existing DOJ divisions, including the Criminal Division and the Civil Division. The operational plan calls for the establishment of formal protocols with state attorneys general within the first 90 days. Officials cited the need for a centralized approach to complex, multi-state fraud schemes that often fall between bureaucratic cracks [1].

Reactions from Lawmakers and Officials

Senators who supported the nomination cited the need for a 'centralized approach' to combating sophisticated fraud. 'The complexity of modern financial crime demands a unified strategy,' said one Republican senator, according to a statement. 'This position will ensure that victims are not forgotten due to bureaucratic silos.'

Opposing senators expressed concerns about 'bureaucratic redundancy' and potential overreach. Some Democratic lawmakers argued that existing agencies, if properly funded and directed, could achieve the same goals without creating a new layer of administration [1]. They also questioned the necessity of the position given the current structure of the DOJ.

Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement praising Thorne's 'proven track record' as a prosecutor. 'Director Thorne has the experience and tenacity needed to lead this critical effort,' Bondi said. Several state attorneys general, particularly from states with active fraud investigations, welcomed the announcement, stating that enhanced federal coordination would assist their own enforcement actions [1].

Context and Rationale for the New Position

The creation of the National Director of Fraud Accountability follows an internal DOJ report that identified 'significant gaps' in inter-agency coordination on fraud investigations. The report, completed in late 2025, concluded that the lack of a central coordinating authority hampered efforts against large-scale, cross-jurisdictional schemes [1].

The position was formally recommended by a bipartisan congressional task force on government efficiency in 2025. Recent high-profile fraud cases, including a multi-billion-dollar scandal in Minnesota involving public benefits, underscored the jurisdictional challenges that the new office is intended to address [2]. Federal authorities have described uncovering a 'massive underground fraud network' in Minneapolis linked to various criminal activities [3].

Officials have emphasized that the new director will not wield new statutory enforcement powers. Instead, the role is designed to streamline information sharing and strategic planning between the FBI, various DOJ divisions, the FTC, the Secret Service, and state-level counterparts. The goal is to eliminate overlaps and close investigative gaps that fraudsters have exploited, according to a senior DOJ official [1].

Next Steps and Operational Timeline

Marcus Thorne is expected to be sworn into office within the next two weeks, according to a Department of Justice spokesperson. The initial phase of operations will focus on staffing the office with approximately 50 attorneys and support personnel detailed from existing DOJ divisions.

The first stated priority for the office will be to establish formal liaison and data-sharing protocols with state attorneys general and state law enforcement agencies. Officials said this groundwork is essential for tackling fraud schemes that operate across state lines. Initial focus areas will include pandemic-related fraud, such as schemes involving the Paycheck Protection Program, and complex cryptocurrency fraud [4].

A senior administration official stated that the office will also prioritize investigations into fraud involving federal healthcare programs and government contracting. The operational plan calls for a review of current major fraud cases across the country within the first 60 days to identify where federal coordination can add immediate value [1].

References
Three charged in alleged scheme to smuggle AI chips to China via Thailand

U.S. authorities, including the DOJ, charged three men for allegedly conspiring to smuggle restricted AI chips to China via Thailand.

The suspects  Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly and Tommy Shad English  are accused of trying to purchase export-controlled chips without required licenses.

Authorities say the group used Thailand-based companies as fronts to disguise China as the true destination of the technology.

English allegedly placed a $170 million order for 750 servers (many with restricted chips) and transferred over $20 million as partial payment, though the deals ultimately fell through.

Officials warn the illegal export of advanced chips, critical for military AI, poses a serious national security threat, with evidence (texts and emails) suggesting China was the intended end user.

U.S. federal authorities have charged a Chinese national and two American citizens in connection with an alleged conspiracy to illegally export restricted artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China through Thailand, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on March 25.

Prosecutors allege the suspects attempted to acquire millions of dollars' worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based hardware company without securing the required licenses. The case highlights growing concerns in Washington over the protection of advanced technologies with potential military applications.

"This smuggling of advanced technology like these computer chips represents a direct threat to U.S. national security," said Peter Ellis, acting special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (fbi) Georgia field office. He added that the defendants allegedly sought to bypass export regulations to transfer sensitive technology to foreign adversaries.

The individuals charged are Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong; Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York; and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia. Zheng was arrested on March 22 and remains in federal custody without bail. Kelly and English surrendered to authorities on March 25 and were scheduled to make their initial court appearances later that day.

The charges against these individuals, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, underscore the critical need for vigilance in protecting advanced technologies from falling into the hands of adversaries, a necessity in the face of global threats to national security and sovereignty.

Alleged use of Thailand as a transit point

According to court documents, the three men began working together around May 2023 to obtain computer servers containing export-controlled chips and route them through Thailand before ultimately sending them to China. Authorities claim the group used the names of Thailand-based companies as intermediaries to disguise the true destination of the equipment.

In October 2023, English allegedly placed an order for 750 computer servers valued at approximately $170 million. Of those, 600 units reportedly contained chips listed under U.S. export controls, requiring special authorization for shipment to China. Prosecutors say English signed documentation falsely certifying that the products would not be sent to restricted destinations.

Authorities further allege that in January 2024, English transferred more than $20 million as partial payment for the order. However, the transaction was not completed after another company involved in the process attempted to verify the identity and location of the end user.

A subsequent attempt in April 2024 to procure an additional 500 servers with restricted chips also failed. As with the earlier deal, English allegedly signed paperwork claiming the equipment was intended for a Thailand-based company.

Investigators say text messages and email exchanges among the defendants indicated that the equipment's true destination was China, raising red flags about potential violations of U.S. export laws.

Officials emphasized that advanced computing components, particularly graphics processing units (GPUs), are considered critical to military AI development and national defense. Jason Sargenski, a special agent-in-charge with the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, warned that illicit efforts to obtain such technologies could pose serious risks.

"When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk," Sargenski said.

Watch the video below about the future of large language models and their applications.

This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. puts $3 million bounty on Haitis gang financiers

The United States is now offering a $3 million reward and relocation for information targeting the financial networks of Haitis most powerful gangs, a strategic pivot that signals Washingtons recognition that killing or capturing individual gang leaders has failed to dismantle the sprawling criminal enterprise strangling the Caribbean nation. The Rewards for Justice program, operating under the State Department, issued the rare appeal Wednesday, seeking whistleblowers who can expose the money pipelines fueling the Viv Ansanm coalition and Gran Grif, both of which were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year.

While the designation carried rhetorical weight, the armed groups have continued to collect millions in extortion fees from toll roads and strategic corridors leading to seaports and the border with the Dominican Republic, expanding territorial control even as foreign forces cycle in and out of the country. The bounty marks a tacit admission that previous tactics, from targeting individual gang leaders, to deploying Kenyan-led police units, and promising a new "Gang Suppression Force," have failed to stem the violence that has displaced 1.45 million Haitians and pushed the nation deeper into hunger and lawlessness.

Key points:

U.S. offers up to $3 million and relocation for financial intelligence on Haitis Viv Ansanm gang coalition and Gran Grif

Both groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in 2024 under Secretary Marco Rubio

Gangs control key roads, ports, and border crossings, collecting millions in extortion

Violence has displaced 1.45 million people internally, with 20,000 reported killed since 2021

U.N. reports gangs expanding from capital into central Haiti, targeting rural Artibonite region

Kenya-led police force is drawing down as U.S.-backed Gang Suppression Force prepares to deploy

Mercy Corps survey finds 99% of displaced have no income, 95% feel unsafe in camps

Shift in U.S. strategy moves from targeting individual leaders to dismantling financial networks

A fortress built on extortion and blood

The Viv Ansanm coalition, an alliance of hundreds of gangs once loosely aligned, has consolidated control over Port-au-Princes outskirts and pushed into central Haiti with stunning speed. According to a report published this week by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner, gang members seized the localities of Saut-dEau and Mirebalais over the past year, displacing entire populations and entrenching themselves despite security operations occasionally supported by self-defense groups. Despite security operations, at times supported by self-defense groups, gangs remained entrenched in the area, launching further attacks to expand eastward, toward Lascahobas, the report stated.

In the Artibonite valley, where Gran Grif operates in the lower parts of the rice-growing region, gang attacks have multiplied. The U.N. noted that in September 2025, the communes of Arcahaie and Cabaret (located north of the capital and bordering Artibonite) were targeted. While police repelled those specific attacks, they revealed the growing risk of expansion toward Saint Marc, home to one of the countrys principal ports. Gran Grif has also been tied to theft of crops and livestock, contributing directly to Haitis status as one of the worlds top hunger hot-spots.

The financial architecture sustaining these groups has evolved. Once dependent on sponsorship from Haitis elite, gangs have grown more economically independent as they cemented control over strategic infrastructure. They now collect funds through extortion at road checkpoints, thousands of ransom kidnappings, arms and drug trafficking, hijackings, and, according to U.N. reports, organ trafficking and theft of vehicles, buildings, and crops. Most gang killings are the result of firearms brought illegally into the country, with many believed to come through U.S. ports in Florida and Georgia, according to the United Nations.

Humanitarian collapse as foreign forces shift

The human toll has reached catastrophic proportions. The United Nations International Organization for Migration recently reported that 1.45 million Haitians are now internally displaced, with more than 400,000 displaced in the past year alone. On Wednesday, Mercy Corps released an analysis showing that 95.6% of respondents in displacement camps do not feel safe inside their shelters, and three in 10 women reported experiencing physical or sexual violence within the sites.

Nearly all respondents report suffering economic collapse after their displacement (99.1% have no income) and now face severe food deprivation (96.5% of women and 87.5% of children eat fewer than two meals a day), the nonprofit said. Less than half had access to a functioning toilet, and only a third of children were attending school.

Laurent Uwumuremyi, Mercy Corps country director for Haiti, described the situation as an impossible calculus for families. When people cannot meet their basic needs or see a path forward, the impacts do not stay contained; they ripple outward, affecting stability far beyond any one community, she said. At a time when global attention and funding are stretched, it is critical that Haiti is not overlooked.

The shifting international security presence adds another layer of uncertainty. More than 200 police officers from Kenya, along with military personnel from Jamaica and The Bahamas, recently departed as part of the drawdown of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission. The mission is transitioning into the U.S.-backed Gang Suppression Force, with El Salvador and Guatemala expected to remain among the 5,500-strong personnel. El Salvador is anticipated to deploy helicopters for operations.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince sought to reassure Haitians that joint operations would continue despite the Kenyan departure. The United States will continue supporting the Haitian National Police.... We stand with the Haitian people in their aspirations for a safer, more prosperous country, the embassy said. In a statement, embassy officials added, "Terrorist gangs continue to cause suffering to Haitian communities, exploit women and children, and coerce boys and girls into a life of violence. They use women and children as human shields every day. Even one civilian death is too many. Gang brutality is indefensible, and they will never be seen as heroes or revolutionaries."

Whether the new reward strategy (aimed at financial facilitators rather than front-line fighters) can crack the gang strongholds remains an open question. Previous bounties focused on individual gang leaders have yielded no major arrests. The $3 million offer now extends to those who can expose how the money moves, a recognition that the lifelines of terror run through bank accounts and border crossings as much as through the barrels of smuggled firearms.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

SCMP.com

MiamiHerald.com
U.S. Transmits 15-Point Proposal to Iran Seeking War Conclusion; Tehran Shows No Interest

The United States has transmitted a 15-point diplomatic proposal to Iran seeking to end the ongoing war, according to a report from Middle East Eye [14]. The proposal, delivered through intermediaries including Pakistan, outlines a framework for negotiations and a ceasefire following the conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 [2].

Despite the overture, there is no indication that Tehran is currently interested in negotiations, with Iranian officials stating that past attacks during diplomatic engagements have eroded trust [1]. President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that the U.S. has "won" the war and that talks with Iran are occurring, according to remarks made in the Oval Office [4].

However, Iranian state media and officials have consistently denied that any direct negotiations are taking place, describing U.S. statements as part of a "jawboning campaign" aimed at manipulating global oil markets [3]. The disconnect highlights the significant gap between public assertions from Washington and the stated position from Tehran as military strikes continue.

Reported Demands of the U.S. Proposal

The details of the American proposal have been partially disclosed through Israeli media. Channel 12 published what it reported were 14 of the 15 points demanded by the United States [1]. The list includes stringent requirements for Iran to dismantle its existing nuclear capabilities and commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons [15]. It also calls for the dismantling of key nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo, and mandates that Iran hand over its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [2].

Beyond the nuclear agenda, the proposal demands Iran abandon its regional "proxy paradigm," ceasing the funding, direction, and arming of groups like Hezbollah [12]. A critical logistical demand is that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open as a free maritime corridor [10]. In return, the U.S. offer includes a full lifting of international sanctions and American assistance for Iran's civilian nuclear program, including electricity generation at the Bushehr plant [11]. The so-called "snapback" mechanism for automatic sanctions reimposition would also be removed under the proposed terms.

Iranian Dismissal and Accusations of Market Manipulation

Senior Iranian officials have publicly dismissed the U.S. diplomatic initiative. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, whom the U.S. reportedly seeks to engage in talks led by Vice President JD Vance, described the overtures as an effort to influence oil futures [1]. In a post on the social media platform X, Ghalibaf questioned whether the U.S. could translate "jawboning" into tangible results at the fuel pump [2].

This skepticism aligns with a broader Iranian narrative that views U.S. diplomacy as insincere, especially while military operations persist. Iranian state television, citing a senior official, stated that Iran had "responded negatively" to the American proposal [3]. The official emphasized that "the end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion" [3].

This firm stance was echoed in a report from Press TV, which outlined Iran's own set of conditions for ending the conflict, which differ radically from the U.S. demands [5]. The Iranian conditions include an end to "aggression and assassinations," concrete mechanisms to prevent future war, guaranteed access to global markets, payment of reparations for damages, and Iranian "exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz" [6].

Conflicting Statements from U.S. Leadership Amid Ongoing Strikes

While President Trump has portrayed a diplomatic breakthrough, claiming Iran is eager for a deal and has offered a "prize" related to the Strait of Hormuz, the situation on the ground remains one of open conflict [4]. U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets continued on Tuesday, and the Pentagon is surging additional troops to the region in preparation for potential ground operations [16]. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is preparing to order 3,000 elite Army Airborne soldiers to the Middle East [9].

This escalation occurs alongside the diplomatic push. Trump's assertion that the U.S. has "won" the war stands in stark contrast to continued Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region and the massive U.S. military buildup [1]. Furthermore, the Department of War has submitted a request for $200 billion in additional funding for the Iran conflict, according to a report by The Associated Press [13]. The request underscores the expectation of a prolonged and expensive military engagement, even as the White House pursues a negotiated settlement.

Logistical Discussions and Iranian Preconditions

Logistical efforts to arrange talks are underway, though they face significant hurdles. According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the U.S. and mediating countries have discussed the possibility of holding a summit with Iran as early as Thursday [1]. However, as of Wednesday, no formal Iranian response to the 15-point proposal had been received [N-2]. Pakistan has been named as the courier for the U.S. proposal, with Turkey also considered a potential venue for any future negotiations [8].

The core Iranian precondition remains a guarantee against future conflict. As reported by Antiwar.com, Iran's stated position is that it is "not interested in diplomacy with the U.S. since it has been attacked twice now during negotiations and doesnt want a ceasefire until it can get guarantees to ensure another war wont happen again in the future" [1]. This demand for security assurances, coupled with its own list of conditions including reparations and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, presents a fundamental obstacle to the U.S. framework, which focuses primarily on Iranian concessions [7]. The two positions appear irreconcilable under current circumstances.

Conclusion

The transmission of a 15-point U.S. proposal to Iran represents a formal diplomatic attempt to de-escalate a war now in its fourth week. However, the initiative has been met with immediate and public rejection by Iranian leadership, who have laid out a contradictory set of demands and accused Washington of bad faith. The dissonance between President Trump's claims of victory and ongoing negotiations, and the continued military escalation and troop deployments, points to a deeply unstable and unpredictable situation. With Iran insisting it will only end the war on its own terms and the U.S. military preparing for further operations, the path to a ceasefire appears fraught. The conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran, combined with the high stakes of energy market stability and regional security, suggest the conflict is far from a resolution, despite the diplomatic paperwork now in circulation.

References
A diplomatic gambit or disinformation? White House rejects reports of Iranian preference for Vance

The White House has dismissed reports that Iran prefers Vice President JD Vance as a negotiator, labeling them a "foreign propaganda campaign."

President Trump emphasized that multiple senior officials, including Vance, are involved in diplomatic efforts as a team.

The reports surfaced amid high-stakes U.S.-Iran tensions, with military options reportedly prepared and troop deployments under consideration.

Iranian officials have mocked U.S. negotiation attempts, while Israeli officials warn against granting Tehran any diplomatic concessions.

The diplomatic landscape is complicated by regional dynamics, with Gulf states hesitant to mediate and potential talks possibly routed through Turkey or Pakistan.

In a tense moment of high-stakes diplomacy shadowed by military posturing, the White House has forcefully rejected media reports suggesting the Iranian regime seeks Vice President JD Vance as its preferred American negotiator. Dismissing the claims as a coordinated foreign propaganda campaign, the Trump administration is working to control the narrative as it navigates a precarious path between seeking an off-ramp from conflict and maintaining maximum pressure on Tehran. The controversy highlights the complex, high-wire act of engaging an adversary that publicly scorns negotiation while behind-the-scenes diplomatic channels hum with activity.

The contested narrative

The diplomatic flutter began when multiple outlets, citing anonymous regional and Iranian sources, reported that Tehran viewed Vancea noted skeptic of prolonged foreign military entanglementsas a potentially more favorable interlocutor than other U.S. envoys like Special Envoy Steve Witkoff or senior advisor Jared Kushner. The reports posited that Iran, wary of past negotiations that collapsed into military strikes, sees Vance as a figure more likely to pursue a swift resolution.

Administration officials have categorically denied this characterization. A White House official bluntly labeled the stories utterly false, arguing they rely on vague sourcing designed to sow division. The administrations position is clear: Tehran does not get to choose its American counterpart. President Trump and President Trump alone decides who negotiates on his behalf, stated Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. President Trump himself framed the efforts as a collaborative venture, telling reporters that Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kushner, Witkoff and he himself are all involved.

A legacy of distrust and a team approach

The reported Iranian maneuvering cannot be divorced from the bitter legacy of recent decades. The cycle of negotiations, deal-making, withdrawals and escalations has bred deep mutual suspicion. From this perspective, Irans alleged preference could be a tactical attempt to exploit perceived divisions or to engage a voice aligned with a more restrained military footprint. Vance has publicly blended his non-interventionist leanings with steadfast support for Trumps current posture, stating he trusts the president to get the job done without repeating past Middle East mistakes.

The administrations insistence on a team-based diplomatic effort reflects a deliberate strategy. It balances figures like Kushner and Witkoff, who have deep experience in regional deal-making, with Vance, who represents a significant political constituency wary of new wars. This structure allows for multifaceted outreach while preventing any single channel from being undermined by external narratives or perceived as operating outside presidential authority.

Regional realities and military posture

The diplomatic whispers occur against a backdrop of continued violence and significant military mobilization. Even as talk of a 15-point ceasefire plan circulates, Iran and Israel have traded strikes, and the vital Strait of Hormuz remains gridlocked, threatening global energy markets. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, a move underscoring that diplomatic options are being pursued in parallel with tangible military preparedness.

Regional actors are watching closely, with most Gulf states declining to mediate unless Iran halts attacks on their interests. Meanwhile, key U.S. ally Israel has issued stark warnings against granting Tehran any symbolic victories. Israeli officials argue that concessions would embolden the regime, advocating instead for a policy of maximum pressure to weaken the Iranian government internally.

A propaganda front in a multi-domain conflict

The White Houses sharp rebuke of the reporting as foreign propaganda points to the modern reality of geopolitical conflict, where information warfare is a primary front. By publicly rejecting the narrative, the administration aims to deny Iran any ability to shape the perception of U.S. diplomatic proceedings or to drive a wedge between American officials. This incident underscores how claims about backchannel preferences are themselves weapons, used to confuse, demoralize, or manipulate public and elite opinion in the midst of sensitive statecraft.

Navigating the tricky path forward

The coming days will test whether the reported diplomatic openings are genuine or merely mirages amid a desert of hostility. The Trump administration faces the monumental challenge of reconciling a public stance of unwavering strength with the private complexities of forging a viable de-escalation. With military assets on the move, the economy at risk and an adversary that publicly mocks the very notion of negotiation, the path to peace is fraught. The White Houses swift dismissal of the Vance narrative is a defensive move in this high-stakes game, an effort to ensure that Americas diplomatic strategy is dictated from Washington, not Tehran. As history has shown in the Middle East, the line between a diplomatic breakthrough and a catastrophic miscalculation is perilously thin.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

AOL.com

CBSNews.com
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi will host an open house for community members to seek advice on labor, consular, and welfare matters, though no document services will be provided. Concurrently, six Arab states have renewed their strong condemnation of recent Iranian attacks. Iranian parliamentary speaker MB Ghalibaf has issued a warning, based on intelligence, that enemy countries are preparing to occupy an Iranian island, vowing relentless retaliation. Meanwhile, reports indicate continued US military deployments to the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions.

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi holds open house for advice on labor, consular, and welfare issues. No document services provided during the session.

Abu Dhabi, March 26 The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi will hold an open house in its premises on March 27, an official statement said.

During the Open House session, the members of the Indian community can meet the Embassy officials regarding any queries/advice on labour issues, consular matters, educational matters, welfare issues, etc. It may be noted that NO Consular services (renewal of passport, issuance of any documents, attestation, etc) will be provided during the Open House.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar said that on Wednesday, six Arab states- the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan renewed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the blatant Iranian attacks.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands.

He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements.

In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."

Also, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera.

That's in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en route from San Diego.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India has completed the scrutiny of nominations for the upcoming April 9 Assembly elections. In Kerala, 985 candidates remain in the fray, while Assam has 789 and Puducherry has 366 candidates cleared to contest. Election authorities have seized illicit inducements worth over Rs 408 crore, including cash, liquor, and drugs, from the poll-bound states. Furthermore, the ECI's complaint redressal system has resolved over 95% of nearly 71,000 complaints within 100 minutes using the C-Vigil app.

ECI reveals final candidate numbers for Kerala, Assam, Puducherry polls after scrutiny. Over Rs 400 crore in inducements seized.

New Delhi, March 26 As many as 985 candidates in Kerala and 789 nominees in Assam are left in the fray after scrutiny of nominations for the April 9 Assembly elections concluded earlier this week, an Election Commission of India official said on Thursday.

In Puducherry, 366 candidates were cleared after scrutiny to contest for the 30 Assembly seats, the official said in a statement, adding that the final line up may alter if any of the candidates opts to withdraw from the contest before Friday.

The last date of filing of nominations in Assam and Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry as well as bypolls in four states, going to polls on April 9, was March 23, the official added.

For the bypolls on two seats in Karnataka, 50 candidates are left in the fray.

"In Goa, three candidates will fight on one Assembly seat; in Nagaland there are seven candidates on the lone Assembly seat and in Tripura there are six nominees on one Assembly seat," a statement said.

The scrutiny of nominations was done by the Returning Officers (ROs) in the presence of the candidates/their agents and the entire process was videographed for ensuring utmost transparency.

As per ECI instructions, the ROs drew up a list of the validly nominated candidates and displayed the list with the photographs of the candidates against their names on their notice board.

The ECI announced the schedule for the election to state Assemblies of Assam (126 seats), Kerala (140 seats) and Puducherry (30 seats) and bypolls in six states on March 15.

Meanwhile, more than 5,173 Flying squads and over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams deployed across the poll-bound states/UT have seized, till Wednesday, with more than Rs 408.82 crore worth of illicit inducements.

"The seizures include Rs 17.44 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 37.68 crore (16.3 lakh litres), drugs worth Rs 167.38 crore, precious metals worth Rs 23 crore and other freebies worth more than Rs 163.30 crore," an official statement said.

The teams are tasked to ensure that the complaints are attended to within 100 minutes to keep the electoral process violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free.

The ECI said citizens/political parties can report model code of conduct violations using the C-Vigil Module on ECINET.

From March 15 till March 25, 70,944 complaints have been lodged using the C-Vigil App in the Assembly elections and the bypolls-bound states/UT.

"Of these, 70,831 have been disposed of and 67,899 or 95.8 per cent of the complaints were resolved within 100 minutes," the ECI added.

- IANS
Actor Akshay Oberoi describes feeling overwhelmed by the positive anticipation for his 2026 projects, including the films 'Toxic' and 'King' and a Neeraj Pandey production. He reflects that his recent career shift, which began with 'Fighter', is the emotional culmination of years of patience and self-belief. Oberoi states that this phase validates his long journey in the industry, where he often faced periods of doubt and stagnation. He expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities and the audience's gradual embrace of his work.

Actor Akshay Oberoi calls his 2026 slate "overwhelming," reflecting on his journey from Fighter to Toxic, King, and a Neeraj Pandey project.

Mumbai, March 26 Actor Akshay Oberoi, who has three anticipated projects of 2026 Toxic, King, and Neeraj Pandey's production, said that if he were asked two years ago whether he'd imagined a time like this, he would've honestly said no.

Akshay, who began experiencing a strong career shift with Fighter, believes this phase is a culmination of years of perseverance, patience, and belief in the craft.



Akshay says, "If you had asked me even two years ago whether I imagined a time like this, I would have honestly said no. This industry teaches you humility every single day. I've been here for a long time, doing my work quietly, trusting the process, sometimes doubting myself, but never giving up."



"To suddenly be in a space where I'm part of two films and one series where people are genuinely excited about Toxic, King and Neeraj Pandey's next, it's overwhelming in the best way possible," said the actor.



Somewhere, Akshay feels like life has come full circle.



"Fighter became a turning point for me, not just professionally, but emotionally. It reminded me why I chose this path in the first place."



"From there to Toxic, then King, and now working with someone like Neeraj Pandey, these are the moments you silently hope for as an actor, but never take for granted. I genuinely feel like I'm finally getting my due, not overnight, but after years of learning, unlearning, waiting, and growing."



Akshay further reflects on the journey that shaped him, "There were phases where nothing seemed to move, where you question your choices. But I think those years prepare you for moments like this. Today, I feel grateful for the opportunities, for the faith filmmakers have shown in me, and for the audience that has slowly but surely embraced my work."



"This phase is very emotional for me because it validates the journey, the struggle, and the belief that good work eventually finds its moment."





- IANS
The Indian government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Senior opposition leaders attended, though the Trinamool Congress boycotted the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the successful evacuation of over 375,000 Indians and addressed the severe global energy crisis triggered by the conflict. The government emphasized its priority of safeguarding Indian citizens both domestically and abroad during the turmoil.

Government convenes opposition leaders to discuss West Asia conflict, evacuation efforts, and global energy crisis. Key ministers and PM Modi's statements covered.

New Delhi, March 25 An all-party meeting, convened by the government on the West Asia crisis, began here on Wednesday.

The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is being attended by several senior opposition leaders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri are among those present at the meeting.

Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and Tariq Anwar, Samajwadi Party leaders Dharmendra Yadav, and Javed Ali, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, LJP's Arun Bharti, DMK leader P Wilson and AAP's Sanjay Singh are among those present.

JD-U is represented by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and the party's working president Sanjay Jha.

No leader from the Trinamool Congress is present at the meeting. TMC MP Saugata Roy said the entire fight is ongoing with the BJP. "What meeting will we hold with them?" he asked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made a statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week, called for combined efforts of the Centre and state governments to tackle the challenges arising from the conflict in West Asia.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, a day after his remarks in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi underscored the Government's unwavering priority of safeguarding Indians at home and abroad during times of crisis.

He said that over 3,75,000 Indians have been safely brought back to India since the war began, including more than 1,000 from Iran alone, among them over 700 young medical students.

While all countries have assured full security for Indians present on their soil, the Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Indian lives and injuries sustained due to the attacks, assuring that the Government is working with complete sensitivity during this period of crisis. "All necessary assistance is being extended to the affected families, and the best possible medical treatment is being ensured for the injured," he said.

He said many ships from around the world are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and a very large number of Indian crew members are on the ships.

PM Modi said around one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries and the safety of their lives and livelihoods is also a very big concern for India.

He said more than three weeks have passed since this war began in West Asia, and it has created a serious energy crisis across the entire world. The conflict between Israel-US and Iran began on February 28.

- ANI
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each person killed in a horrific bus fire in Markapuram district. The tragedy occurred when a private travel bus collided with a tipper truck, causing a fire that gutted both vehicles and resulted in 14 deaths and 28 injuries. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presided over a cabinet meeting that expressed grief and announced the financial aid, while also ordering a thorough probe into the accident. Preliminary investigation suggests both vehicles were on the wrong route, with the bus ramming the tipper's diesel tank.

Andhra Pradesh announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia after a bus-tipper collision kills 14. CM Naidu orders probe into the Markapuram district tragedy.

Amaravati, March 26 The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed in the bus fire accident in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The government also decided to pay Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.

The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Cabinet expressed grief over the accident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Fourteen people were burnt alive and 28 others injured as a private travels bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram between 6 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

More than 40 passengers were travelling in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels, which was on its way to Kanigiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana.

The injured were admitted to hospitals at Ongole and Markapuram. The condition of three of them is stated to be critical.

The deceased and injured include women and children. Some passengers managed to get down from the bus immediately after the fire broke out.

The tipper was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a load of concrete.

On receipt of information, police and fire-fighting personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the spot and supervised the relief operations.

The Markapuram district Collector has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

According to Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju, preliminary investigation shows that both the bus and the tipper were on the wrong route.

The bus apparently rammed into the diesel tank of the tipper, which resulted in the fire.

The bus driver told police that the steering got stuck, which resulted in him losing control of the vehicle and hitting the tipper. The SP said they were investigating this version of the driver.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the mishap. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct a thorough probe into the accident and submit a report.

Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy also expressed grief over the mishap. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured.

- IANS
A private travel bus collided with a tipper truck and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district, killing at least 14 people and injuring 15 others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The accident occurred early in the morning, with both vehicles being completely gutted in the ensuing blaze. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock and directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured and conduct a thorough investigation.

14 killed as bus collides with truck in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram. PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia. CM Naidu orders probe.

New Delhi, March 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in the Andhra Pradesh bus accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the grieving families.

At least 14 people were burnt alive, and 15 others were injured as a private travel bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district earlier in the day.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest."

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the statement further read.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

There were 35 passengers in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision. Fifteen passengers were injured. They were shifted to the government hospital at Markapuram.

The death toll is likely to go up as the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.

The deceased and injured include women and children. Ten passengers had managed to get off the bus immediately after the fire broke out.

The bus was coming to Pamuru in Prakasam district from Hyderabad. The victims were residents of Kanigiri and Pamuru. The tipper was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a concrete load.

On receipt of information, police and firefighting personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief. Three fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the mishap. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a thorough probe into the accident and submit a report.

- IANS
A private bus collided with a tipper lorry near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, resulting in a fire that killed 13 people and injured 20. Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep condolences and demanded immediate financial aid and a government investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments, while current CM Chandrababu Naidu directed authorities to ensure proper medical care and a comprehensive inquiry. Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar also expressed shock and assured full state support to the affected families.

13 killed as bus collides with tipper, catches fire in Markapuram. PM Modi, CM Naidu, and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announce ex-gratia and demand investigation.

Markapuram, March 26 Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday expressed deep condolences over the Markapuram bus accident that claimed 13 lives and left at least 20 people injured.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram in Markapuram district in the early hours of Thursday after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry.

"The tragic accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, where a tipper collided with a private travels bus, resulting in several passengers being burned alive, has deeply shaken our hearts. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident. I demand that the government immediately provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in this accident and announce adequate financial assistance without delay to the affected families," Reddy posted on X.

"I urge this government to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of this horrific accident, take strict action against those responsible, and implement stringent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future," he added.

Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar also expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic incident. The minister described the loss of lives, with several bus passengers being burnt alive in the accident, as extremely heartbreaking.

Immediately after the incident, he spoke with concerned officials and local MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy over the phone to review the situation and gather complete details about the mishap. He directed the authorities to ensure that the injured are shifted to hospitals promptly and provided with the best possible medical care.

Kumar conveyed his profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. He assured that the state government would extend full support to the bereaved families. He also expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 for the injured.

Taking it to X, the PMO office tweeted, "The accident that occurred in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh is extremely tragic. In this difficult time, I convey my deepest condolences to the affected people and their families, and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Rs. 2 lakhs to the families of those who died in the accident, and Rs. 50,000 to the injured will be given from the Ex-Gratia PMNRF: Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Earlier today, speaking to officials, Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, enquired about medical assistance being provided to the injured.

District police informed him that around 20 injured persons have been shifted to various hospitals for treatment.

He directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the accident and submit a detailed report.

The incident involved a tragic road accident near slab quarries after a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry, killing thirteen and injuring 20 others. Following the collision, the bus caught fire and was completely gutted. The private bus operated by Harikrishna Travels was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore.

- ANI
Dibrugarh district in Assam has completed preparations for the April 9 assembly elections, establishing 1,322 polling stations. A significant initiative includes 300 polling stations entirely managed by women staff, highlighting a push for greater participation. Special logistical arrangements have been made for five riverine booths, where teams will travel via the Brahmaputra River to serve remote voters. The Election Commission has conducted reviews to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and intimidation-free electoral process across the state.

Dibrugarh prepares for Assam polls with 300 all-women polling stations and special riverine booths along the Brahmaputra for inclusive voting on April 9.

By Gaurav Arora, Dibrugarh, March 26 Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi on Wednesday stated that all preparations are in place for voting on April 9 across the district's six assembly constituencies here, and the administration has made special logistical arrangements to facilitate smooth access to these booths for the Assam polls scheduled to be held in one phase.

Bikram Kairi stated, "A total of 1,322 polling stations have been set up across the district. Among them, five are located in riverine areas, where polling teams will travel through the Brahmaputra River to ensure that voters in remote locations can cast their votes within their own villages. The administration has made special logistical arrangements to facilitate smooth access to these booths."

In a strong push towards women's empowerment, 300 polling stations will be entirely managed by women staff, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections. Officials say that during training sessions, women personnel showed remarkable enthusiasm, reflecting growing participation and confidence.

With a dual focus on last-mile connectivity in challenging riverine regions and enhancing women-led participation, the district administration aims to ensure a smooth, inclusive and efficient polling process in Dibrugarh.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, with Assam set to go to polls on April 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) held an online review and training session for District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), SSPs, Commanding Officers (CPs), and other senior state officials to assess poll preparedness.

According to a press note issued by the ECI, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during the review visit of Assam on February 18, had underlined that the elections in Assam shall be conducted in a violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free manner so that every elector can vote without fear or favour in a festive atmosphere.

Senior officers of the Commission reviewed the preparedness of the district administration and law and order machinery for the general elections to the Legislative Assembly of Assam, the press note said.

The senior officers held a detailed review with the DEOs, SPs, and CPs of the state on every aspect of election planning, ensuring AMF at all polling stations, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.

District Election Officers (DEOs) were also directed to ensure distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) to all electors at least 5 days before the day of poll. They were also instructed to ensure that Voter Guides are provided to each household. CEO Assam informed that in addition to these, Braille-enabled VIS will also be issued for the benefit of visually impaired voters, the note said.

Provision of adequate safety equipment and rescue measures was emphasised in view of the numerous riverine polling stations in Assam, the press note added.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced.

- ANI
Does not apply to visa holders already in Australia

The Australian government has announced a temporary ban preventing new Iranian visitor visa holders from entering the country for six months. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the measure is to protect the integrity of the migration system, citing concerns that the Middle East conflict increases the risk of visa overstays. The ban applies specifically to holders of subclass 600 visitor visas linked to an Iranian passport who are not yet in Australia. Exemptions exist for close family members of citizens and permanent residents, with the government allowing case-by-case entry for compelling humanitarian circumstances.

Australia imposes a 6-month ban on new Iranian visitor visa holders entering the country, citing migration system integrity amid Middle East conflict.

Canberra, March 26 The Australian government has moved to block the entry of temporary visa holders from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Tony Burke, minister for home affairs, on Wednesday night announced that he has used laws passed by the federal parliament earlier in March to temporarily restrict Iranian visitor visa holders from traveling to Australia.

He said in a statement that the move would protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia's migration system, citing government concerns that the conflict has increased the risk that some visitors from Iran may be unlikely or unable to depart Australia when their visas expire.

The six-month ban will only apply to people who have a subclass 600 visitor visa linked to an Iranian passport and does not apply to visa holders already in Australia, spouses or children of Australian citizens or permanent residents, or parents of a child younger than 18 already in Australia.

The subclass 600 visa allows holders to stay in Australia for up to 12 months for tourism or to visit family.

"There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran which may not have been issued if they were applied for now," Burke said.

"The Australian government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia's migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable."

He said that the government would continue to assess visa applications and would allow a small number of impacted people from Iran to travel to Australia, with sympathetic consideration to be given to cases involving parents of Australian citizens, Xinhua news agency reported.

The government indicated that a limited number of travellers may still be allowed entry on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants can seek exemptions through special travel permissions, particularly under compelling or humanitarian circumstances.

- IANS
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's return flight to Kolkata was forced to remain airborne for over an hour after being denied landing permission due to severe weather. The chartered aircraft, arriving from campaign rallies, faced heavy rainfall and gusty winds unsuitable for a safe landing. Airport sources confirmed all flight operations were disrupted during this period of inclement weather. The flight eventually landed safely at 5:30 PM, avoiding potential diversion to another airport.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's chartered flight was denied landing in Kolkata for over an hour due to heavy rain and gusty winds, causing a mid-air hold.

Kolkata, March 26 After remaining airborne for over an hour due to adverse weather conditions and being denied landing permission at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, the chartered flight carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally landed safely at around 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.

The flight, in which the Chief Minister was returning after attending several campaign rallies in West Burdwan and Birbhum districts earlier in the day, was scheduled to land at the Kolkata airport before 4.30 p.m. The chartered flight had taken off from Andal Airport in West Burdwan district.

However, after the flight reached Kolkata, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) for permission to land, but clearance was denied due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and gusty winds, which were not suitable for a safe landing.

Thereafter, the chartered flight remained airborne for over an hour. Finally, after the weather conditions improved, ATC permitted the aircraft to land. At around 5.30 p.m., the flight landed safely at Kolkata airport.

At the time of filing this report, the West Bengal Chief Minister had left the airport for her residence without speaking to the media on the matter.

Kolkata Airport sources said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chartered flight was not the only one denied landing permission due to adverse weather conditions. For some time, arrivals and departures of all flights were affected because of the inclement weather.

Sources aware of the development said that at one point it was also considered that, if weather conditions did not improve, the Chief Minister's chartered flight might be diverted to a nearby airport.

However, the weather eventually improved, and the flight landed safely, bringing relief to all concerned.

Notably, Assembly elections will be held in two phases next month -- April 23 and April 29 -- in West Bengal. The results will be announced on May 4.

- IANS
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has unanimously appointed its senior leader, Balendra "Balen" Shah, as its parliamentary party leader, clearing the path for him to become Nepal's next Prime Minister. Shah, the former Mayor of Kathmandu, is scheduled to be sworn in at a ceremony featuring unique numerical and religious rituals. His rapid political rise saw him defeat established veteran Keshav Sthapit for mayor in 2022 and later unseat political heavyweight KP Sharma Oli in a parliamentary stronghold. The 35-year-old structural engineer and former rapper is poised to become one of the youngest prime ministers in the nation's history.

Rastriya Swatantra Party appoints Balendra Shah as parliamentary leader, paving the way for him to become Nepal's next Prime Minister. Oath ceremony set for Friday.

Kathmandu, March 26 The Rastriya Swatantra Party has unanimously approved the proposal of appointing senior leader Balendra Shah as parliamentary party leader, paving the way for his appointment as the next Prime Minister.

The meeting of the Central Committee, held at the party office in Kathmandu on Thursday evening, unanimously agreed to appoint the former Kathmandu Mayor, a structural engineer and rapper, as the parliamentary leader.

Shah is set to take oath tomorrow at the President's Office from President Ram Chandra Paudel amid a special function. As per the RSP charter, only the parliamentary party leader can become the Prime Minister.

As per the agreement between RSP President Rabi Lamichanne and Shah on December 28, the party is going to officially prepare Shah for the role with the vote of its 182 House members.

Former TV host and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the Rastriya Swatantra Party's central chairperson, and Balendra Shah will be the parliamentary party leader and future prime minister candidate following the House of Representatives election, reads Point 4 of their agreement.

The new Prime Minister is set to be sworn in at 12:34 PM (local time), which would count as 1234 numerically, and seven conchs are planned to be played at the time of the swearing ceremony. As per the party leaders, this special ritual is planned with the belief that any work done will be successful.

Simultaneously, other rituals will continue while he takes the oath. The 108 Batuks (novice priests) will recite Swasti Shanti, and another 16 Buddhist monks will recite the Ashtamangala. Both are considered auspicious in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Following the oath of secrecy, Balen will then administer the oath of office and secrecy to his Cabinet members. The new Prime Minister will assume office at Singha Durbar at approximately 2:15 pm.

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Balen also took the oath of secrecy as a member of the House of Representatives (HoR). In 2022, a structural engineer with a signature pair of black rectangular sunglasses and a history in the underground rap scene did the unthinkable Balendra "Balen" Shah dismantled the established political machinery of Nepal to become the Mayor of Kathmandu.

Running as an independent under the symbol of a walking stick, Balen secured 61,767 votes, comfortably outstripping veterans from the Nepali Congress. Sirjana Singh secured 38,341 votes, while CPN-UML candidate Keshav Sthapit, also the former Mayor of the capital, got 38,117 votes.

Now, just four years later, the 35-year-old is no longer just a local phenomenon; he is poised to become one of the youngest Prime Ministers in the nation's history.

Balen's success was never accidental. While he rose to fame in 2013 through the rap battle league Raw Barz, he spent two and a half years quietly laying the groundwork for his mayoral run.

His academic pedigree, a degree in engineering from Himalayan White House College and a Master's in structural engineering from India, gave him the technical credibility that resonated with a disillusioned electorate.

His political strategy has been equally deliberate. Following the tragic death of 77 people during the September protests and the subsequent resignation of KP Sharma Oli, Balen was the first choice for Gen-Z activists to lead an interim government.

He declined the interim role, supporting former Chief Justice Sushila Karki instead. It was a masterstroke of foresight; he traded a six-month temporary stint for a shot at a full five-year term as Prime Minister.

On January 18, 2026, Balen formally joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), launching his campaign from Janakpur the very next day.

In a move many labelled "foolish," Balen chose to contest the election from Jhapa-05, the long-standing stronghold of political heavyweight KP Sharma Oli, and defeated him with a huge margin.

Located about 500 kilometres from the capital, Jhapa-5 had become the epicentre of a political shift.

Balen's relationship with the public is defined by a massive digital footprint and a volatile temperament. With over 3.5 million followers on Facebook, he bypasses traditional press conferences to speak directly to the masses.

However, his "unfiltered" persona has courted significant controversy. In a now-deleted November post, he lashed out at geopolitical powers (USA, India, China) and every major Nepali political party, including the RSP, which he would join just two months later.

Despite his aggressive rhetoric, including past threats to "burn down" the administrative hub of Singhadurbar, his supporters see him as the only "authentic" alternative to a stagnant status quo.

Born in 1990, Balen is the youngest of four siblings. His late father, Ram Narayan Shah, was an Ayurvedic practitioner who passed away just before Balen's formal entry into mainstream politics.

Even as he eyes the premiership, Balen continues to pursue a PhD in traditional infrastructure at Kathmandu University, blending the roles of an academic, a technical expert, and a populist figure.

Whether Balen Shah is a visionary reformer or a volatile disruptor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain the era of the "old guard" has already been seized.

- ANI
Bangladesh marked its 56th Independence Day on March 26, honoring the freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War. The ruling Awami League issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the war's ideals, democratic values, and the goal of economic freedom. The party paid tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declaring him the supreme architect of independence for his historic declaration that ignited the war. It also criticized recent attacks on national symbols and past governments for straying from the foundational spirit of 1971.

On Bangladesh's 56th Independence Day, the Awami League pledges to defend democratic values, pursue economic freedom, and uphold the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War.

Dhaka, March 26 Bangladesh's Awami League on Thursday reiterated its commitment to uphold the principles of the 1971 Liberation War, defend democratic values, and pursue economic emancipation on the occasion of the country's 56th Independence Day.

The nation observes Independence Day and National Day on March 26 in honour of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country's independence, local media reported.

The armed struggle for independence commenced in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bangladeshis by the Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, 1971, referred to as "Genocide Day".

Recalling Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League paid tribute to him -- describing him as the supreme architect of Bangladesh's freedom, whose leadership guided the nation from "oppression to independence".

"On the night of 25 March 1971, as the Pakistani military launched the massacre known as Operation Searchlight, Bangabandhu made the historic declaration of Bangladesh's independence. Though he was arrested shortly after, his call for freedom spread across the land -- carried by courageous leaders and freedom fighters and broadcast through resistance channels -- igniting the great Bangladesh Liberation War," read a statement issued by the Awami League.

"Under the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League, the struggle did not end with independence in 1971. The commitment has always been to uphold the true spirit of liberation -- building a democratic, just, and prosperous Bangladesh. The pursuit of economic freedom remains central to realising the full promise of independence for every citizen," it added.

Stressing that the nation faces profound challenges, the Awami League called the "militant attacks and vandalism" during July 2024 demonstrations not only isolated incidents, but also direct assaults on the ideals and symbols of the country's 1971 Liberation War.

"Freedom fighters were humiliated, national symbols were destroyed, and law and order deteriorated alongside a weakening economy," it added.

The party expressed serious concerns over what it described as a lack of commitment to the values of 1971 during the eighteen-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus regime and under the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government.

Reaffirming its pledge to the nation, the Awami League said, "The independence of Bangladesh is not merely territorial -- it is ideological. To protect it, we must uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, defend democracy, and continue the journey toward true economic emancipation."

- IANS
Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel has framed the upcoming Assam Assembly elections as a battle between the "real Congress" and the "fake Congress," directly targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Congress has appointed a team of AICC observers to strengthen its campaign in the state. Party leader Gaurav Gogoi condemned the burning of a local newspaper's copies, holding the CM responsible and alleging a hostile environment for media under the BJP. Polling for the 126-seat assembly will be held in a single phase on April 9.

Congress's Bhupesh Baghel labels Assam elections a fight between "real Congress" and "fake Congress" led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Get key updates.

Raipur, March 26 Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel described the upcoming Assam Assembly elections as a contest between "real Congress" and the "fake Congress", while targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking to reporters here, Baghel said, "The fight there (in Assam) is between the real Congress and the fake Congress. The real Congress is being led by Gaurav Gogoi, and the fake Congress is being led by Himanta Biswa Sarma."

His remarks come as the Congress intensifies its campaign to challenge the BJP-led NDA in the northeastern state.

In a parallel move, the party has appointed a team of All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers for the Assam polls. In an official press release, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the appointment of Ashok Singh, Vinod Verma, Anirudh Singh, Virendra Rathore, Yogesh Dixit, and Aditya Sharma with immediate effect. The appointments are aimed at strengthening organisational coordination ahead of the high-stakes election.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi strongly condemned the burning of copies of the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin in Sivasagar, holding the Chief Minister responsible for the incident. He alleged that the BJP government has created a hostile environment for the media, accusing party leaders and workers of repeatedly targeting journalists.

Describing the incident as a "planned and systemic attack," Gogoi said the Chief Minister failed to respond seriously and did not outline any immediate action. He further alleged that individuals linked to illegal syndicates have been given prominence in the BJP's ticket distribution, sidelining senior leaders.

The Congress leader also referred to a recent opposition unity rally in Sarbhog, stating that campaigning would intensify in the coming days despite the limited time provided by the Election Commission.

Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9 for its 126-member Assembly, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
BJP leader NV Subhash commended the maturity displayed by most opposition parties at an all-party meeting convened by the NDA government on the West Asia crisis. He dismissed widespread social media rumours claiming an imminent hike in LPG and petroleum prices as baseless. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, saw attendance from numerous opposition leaders, though the Trinamool Congress was notably absent. Subhash criticised the TMC's non-participation as a deliberate act of immaturity.

BJP's NV Subhash welcomes constructive all-party meeting on West Asia, dismisses social media rumours about LPG and petroleum price hikes.

Hyderabad, March 26 BJP leader NV Subhash on Thursday welcomed the "maturity" shown by most political parties at the all-party meeting called by the National Democratic Alliance government under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

He also dismissed rumours circulating on social media about a rise in LPG and petroleum prices.

Speaking to ANI, Subhash said the meeting saw participation from almost all political parties and reflected a constructive spirit. He added that there has been "a hue and cry" by some Opposition members claiming that the PM-led government does not allow them to speak.

"Yesterday, the NDA government called for a non-party meeting in which almost all parties have participated under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Kiren Rijiju. The maturity that has been shown by the opposition parties, the BJP appreciates that. The opposition parties have been making a hue and cry in the parliament, saying that the PM Modi-led government is not allowing them to speak. The government of India, under the leadership of the PM, has invited all the political parties, except the TMC, which deliberately did not participate, showing their immaturity," he said.

On issues related to fuel prices, Subhash said, "We are sure that all the prices of LPG have not been increased. The petroleum prices have not been increased. It is only some kind of fear by some people, especially on social media, creating a shortage of LPG, gas, and petroleum, which is not true."

On Wednesday, the meeting on the ongoing West Asia crisis, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by several opposition leaders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also among those present at the meeting.

Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and Tariq Anwar, Samajwadi Party leaders Dharmendra Yadav, and Javed Ali, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, LJP's Arun Bharti, DMK leader P Wilson and AAP's Sanjay Singh were among those present.

JD(U) was represented by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and the party's working president, Sanjay Jha.

No leader from the Trinamool Congress attended the meeting. TMC MP Saugata Roy said the entire fight is ongoing with the BJP. "What meeting will we hold with them?" he asked.

- ANI
BSES is calling on its 54 lakh consumers and over 2.25 crore Delhi residents to participate in Earth Hour 2026 by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM on March 28. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the global environmental movement, which began as a symbolic event in Sydney in 2007. Delhi has shown growing participation, achieving power savings of 206 MW in 2024 and 269 MW in 2025 during the event. BSES highlights that its sustainability commitment extends beyond this hour through initiatives like rooftop solar installations and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.

BSES urges 54 lakh consumers in Delhi to switch off lights for Earth Hour 2026, aiming to beat last year's 269 MW savings in the movement's 20th year.

New Delhi, March 26 BSES is calling on its 54 lakh consumers and 2.25 crore residents across South, West, East, and Central Delhi to participate in Earth Hour.

"For one hour on March 28, Delhi will switch off its lights to illuminate a larger purpose--joining millions across the globe in Earth Hour 2026, the world's largest grassroots environmental movement. From homes and markets to offices and public spaces, the city will come together to switch off non-essential lights and appliances from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, in a collective act that goes beyond symbolism to reinforce a shared commitment towards sustainability," the Venture stated in a release.

With this year's theme, "Give an Hour for Earth," the initiative calls on citizens to dedicate one hour to the planet and inspire lasting change. As a proud partner of WWF-India, BSES has urged its around 54 lakh consumers and 2.25 crore residents across South, West, East and Central Delhi to participate in this global movement.

Earth Hour 2026 also marks two decades of a movement that has grown from a symbolic switch-off in Sydney in 2007 into a defining global call for climate action across more than 190 countries and territories.

Over these 20 years, Earth Hour has evolved from awareness to action, mobilising individuals, communities and institutions to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. In many ways, it reflects the journey the world must take from intent to impact.

Delhi has consistently proven that collective action leads to tangible outcomes. In 2024, the city achieved a reduction of approximately 206 MW during Earth Hour, and in 2025, this figure rose to an even more impressive 269 MW. This growth reflects the increasing awareness and participation of its citizens. Building on this momentum, Delhi aims to further solidify its role as a leader in urban climate action this year, BSES stated. For BSES, Earth Hour is not a one-hour event but a reflection of its sustained commitment to sustainability and clean energy transition. As one of India's leading power distribution utilities, BSES continues to transform Delhi's energy landscape through initiatives such as rooftop solar, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The discoms have energised over 13,000 rooftop solar connections and enabled more than 6,300 EV charging points, while steadily expanding their green power portfolio, which is expected to exceed 50per cent by FY 2026-27.

According to the release, a BSES spokesperson said, "As Earth Hour completes 20 years, it stands as a powerful reminder of what collective action can achieve. For a city like Delhi, every megawatt saved is a step towards a more sustainable future. At BSES, our commitment goes far beyond this one hour--through rooftop solar, electric mobility and energy storage, we are building the foundations of a cleaner, smarter and more resilient energy ecosystem. We urge every citizen to join this global movement and 'Give an Hour for Earth', because the choices we make today will define the world we leave behind."

WWF-India, a long-time partner of BSES, expressed its appreciation for the company's continued support of Earth Hour.

"For two decades, Earth Hour has evolved into a defining global call for collective climate action, uniting individuals, institutions, and communities in support of our planet. We deeply value BSES's enduring partnership and leadership in amplifying this mission. Their sustained efforts have not only helped expand the reach of Earth Hour but have also inspired meaningful behaviour change towards more sustainable lifestyles. As we mark this milestone, we look forward to continuing this strong collaboration and accelerating action for a more resilient and sustainable future."

To promote awareness around Earth Hour, BSES is undertaking a multi-channel outreach campaign, including messages through its Samvad newsletter reaching around 53 lakh consumers, SMS campaigns, digital platforms, and engagement with RWAs and institutions, along with active employee participation. In addition, BSES will switch off non-essential lighting across its 400+ offices spread over approximately 900 sq km during the designated hour.

Launched in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global movement spanning over 190 countries and territories, inspiring individuals, communities and organisations to take action for the planet.

On March 28 at 8:30 PM, Delhi will once again come together with the world because when millions switch off for one hour, it sends a powerful message that collective action can shape a more sustainable future.

- ANI
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presented the state budget for 2026-27, framing it as a roadmap for inclusive growth targeting a 'Developed Nagaland by 2047'. The budget allocates Rs 1,350 crore for development, a 12.5% increase, with the social sector receiving the highest share. It highlights progress in fiscal consolidation, with the deficit projected to improve, and details key allocations for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority. The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing the Naga political peace process.

CM Neiphiu Rio presents Nagaland's growth-oriented budget, focusing on fiscal consolidation, Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, and resolving the Naga political issue.

Kohima, March 26 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that the state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal serves as a road map for inclusive, sustainable, and growth-oriented development, aligned with the vision of a 'Developed Nagaland by 2047'.

After presenting the budget for the ensuing financial year (2026-27) during the Phase-II of the 8th session of the Nagaland Assembly, the Chief Minister explained that the delay in its presentation was due to the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG) for the period 2026-2031.

He also cited a reduction in Nagaland's share of central taxes from 0.569 per cent to 0.481 per cent, as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government plans to spend Rs 1,350 crore on development, reflecting a 12.5 per cent increase from the current year's Rs 1,200 crore.

He noted that the social sector has received the highest allocation at 18 per cent.

Among the key allocations are Rs 100.57 crore for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), Rs 62 crore for 17 budget initiatives, and Rs 250 crore as the state's share for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

Highlighting progress in fiscal consolidation, Rio pointed to a positive trend in the state's finances.

"As per Revised Estimates (RE) for 2025-26, the closing deficit was Rs 411.81 crore, reflecting an improvement of Rs 431.39 crore, largely due to reduced expenditure," he told the media after presenting the budget.

He further stated that the Budget Estimates (BE) for 2026-27 project the deficit to decline further to Rs 337.04 crore, marking an additional improvement of Rs 74.77 crore.

Rio also informed that the government remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 5, 2026, between the Centre, the state government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation for the creation of the FNTA.

In this regard, the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, 2026 has been drafted by the Law and Justice Department and is expected to be passed during the ongoing Assembly session.

The Chief Minister said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed a desire to inaugurate the FNTA by April 2026, and the state government is making all efforts to meet this timeline.

"The agreement will pave the way for the creation of FNTA for six Nagaland districts - Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator -- and the devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA," an official statement had earlier said.

Since 2010, the ENPO has been agitating for a separate 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' or a separate state comprising six eastern Nagaland districts inhabited by seven backward tribes -- Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam and Yimkhiung.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to resolving the Naga political issue, the Chief Minister highlighted the constitution of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), comprising ministers, tribal representatives, political parties, and Members of Parliament.

He noted that a sub-committee under his chairmanship is intensifying efforts further. He also informed that following a meeting with the Union Home Minister on February 5, the Centre has initiated the formation of a committee led by a Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor and advance the peace talks.

According to the state's projections submitted to the 16th Finance Commission, the pre-devolution revenue gap was estimated at Rs 8,113.70 crore.

"Following a positive assurance from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting on February 4, the government proceeded with a full budget, anticipating a minimum of Rs 4,500 crore in grants in lieu of RDG," Rio said.

He added that the state's own revenue generation is showing an upward trend compared to the BE of 2025-26. Tax revenue is projected to increase by 10.52 per cent (Rs 197.75 crore), while non-tax revenue is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent (Rs 44.56 crore).

- IANS
The Chhattisgarh government is rolling out aggressive incentives, including subsidies of up to 200% of fixed capital investment, to attract textile and garment manufacturing. The initiative features plug-and-play industrial parks in Nava Raipur with 24/7 operational infrastructure, including worker housing. The policy includes substantial employment-linked financial support for both male and female workers for five years. This move aims to diversify the state's economy beyond minerals by leveraging its silk production and strategic logistics connectivity.

Chhattisgarh offers up to 200% capital incentives & employment support to attract textile & garment manufacturing investments in Nava Raipur.

New Delhi, March 26 The Chhattisgarh government is offering incentives of up to 200% of Fixed Capital Investment to attract investments in textile and garment manufacturing as it looks to diversify beyond its mineral-based economy

A garment manufacturing unit worth Rs 100 crore in Chhattisgarh may qualify for incentives of up to Rs 200 crore under the state's Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, depending on the scale of the project, employment generation, and fulfilment of eligibility criteria.

"The focus has been to reduce friction for investors by combining infrastructure readiness with a comprehensive incentive framework," said Rajat Kumar, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh.

He further added, "Our textile parks in Nava Raipur are designed to enable quick scale-up and efficient operations from day one."

The state is expanding into textile and garment manufacturing with plug-and-play infrastructure in Nava Raipur, India's first greenfield smart city of the 21st century.

The parks offer plots ranging from 0.3 to 10 acres and are equipped with reliable power and water supply, common effluent treatment facilities and integrated waste management systems. They are designed for 24x7 operations, including night shifts for women workers, and include worker housing within the industrial ecosystem.

Located along the Mumbai-Howrah railway corridor and about 500 kilometres from Visakhapatnam Port, the parks provide connectivity to domestic and export markets. Raipur Airport connects the state to major Indian cities within 90-120 minutes.

The policy also provides employment-linked support of Rs 6,000 per month for women workers and Rs 5,000 per month for male workers for five years. It includes a training subsidy of up to Rs 15,000 per employee, along with capital subsidy support, 100 per cent electricity duty exemption for 12 years and freight assistance.

Chhattisgarh produces over 200 metric tonnes of Tussar silk annually, with Champa silk holding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The state has also enacted the Right to Skill Act to strengthen industry-ready manpower.

Companies such as Swift Merchandise and Punit Creation are expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs through proposed investments in the state.

- ANI
Top US lawmakers and experts have warned that America's heavy reliance on foreign critical minerals, particularly from China, poses a direct national security threat. At a House subcommittee hearing, officials highlighted that the US is entirely import-dependent for 13 key minerals, with China controlling global processing capacity. Experts testified that China has effectively "weaponised" these supply chains, creating a strategic vulnerability for US defense systems and advanced technologies. There was bipartisan agreement on the urgent need to build resilient domestic supply chains through increased exploration, faster permitting, and stronger alliances.

US lawmakers warn China's control of critical mineral supply chains threatens national security, urging urgent domestic production and allied cooperation.

Washington, March 25 Top American lawmakers and experts have warned that the country's heavy reliance on foreign critical minerals, especially those from China, poses a direct threat to national security, and called for urgent steps to build resilient domestic supply chains.

At a House subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Congressman Paul Gosar said the "very security of our nation relies heavily on a steady input" of minerals essential for defence systems, electronics and advanced technologies. He pointed to copper, rare earths and lithium as key inputs for fighter jets, missiles and batteries.

Gosar warned that the US remains heavily reliant on imports. "We import half of our supply of 20 of the 60 minerals... and we are entirely reliant on the importation of 13," he said, adding that China dominates global processing and refining capacity.

Lawmakers from both parties agreed that the supply chain vulnerability has strategic implications. Representative Jared Huffman said the issue was not just about resources but governance, alleging that billions in federal investments lacked transparency and oversight.

Expert witnesses told the panel that China has effectively "weaponised" mineral supply chains. Gracelin Baskaran said the key question was no longer whether China controls critical minerals, but how quickly the US can build alternative supply chains.

"The question is what the United States does about it," she said, calling for coordinated industrial policy and stronger alliances to secure supply.

Geologist Simon Jowitt said the US has "huge unrealised mineral potential" but remains underexplored due to limited geoscientific data and slow permitting. He stressed that exploration is the foundation of any supply chain and can deliver significant economic returns.

Jowitt also underscored the need for a full domestic ecosystem. "There's no point in just having mineral deposits without having an entirety of a supply chain," he said, arguing that processing and refining must accompany mining to ensure security.

National security expert Abigail Hunter highlighted structural challenges, noting that supply chains take years to build while disruptions can occur "overnight". She said China's control over processing creates a "choke point" that allows it to influence global markets rapidly.

"Capacity must be built in advance," Hunter said, warning that relying on imports during crises could leave US defence systems vulnerable.

At the same time, watchdog groups raised concerns about government investment strategies. Faith Williams said federal equity stakes in mining firms could create conflicts of interest and reduce transparency.

"Corruption or the appearance thereof is bad for business," she said, cautioning that unclear rules could distort markets and increase costs for taxpayers.

Despite political divisions, there was broad agreement that critical minerals underpin both economic growth and military capability. Lawmakers cited their role in everything from semiconductors and smartphones to advanced weapons systems.

The hearing also highlighted the economic stakes. Mining contributes billions to the US GDP and supports nearly two million jobs, with wages significantly above the national average.

Experts said solutions would require a combination of domestic production, allied cooperation and demand-side policies. Baskaran urged creating a "market of 2.6 billion consumers" among US allies to counterbalance China's dominance.

The issue has gained urgency amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing demand for minerals driven by clean energy, defence modernisation and digital infrastructure, placing supply chain resilience at the centre of US strategic planning.

- IANS
Maharashtra has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest collective aarti, with 4,900 participants in Nagpur on Ram Navami. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event, hailing the achievement which shattered the previous record of 2,500. The event was organized by BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, who called it a significant national milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended Ram Navami greetings, linking Lord Ram's ideals to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.

Maharashtra sets a Guinness World Record with 4,900 people performing a collective aarti on Ram Navami, attended by CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Nagpur, March 27 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the Maha Aarti on the occasion of Ram Navami in Nagpur on Thursday, where a new Guinness World Record was set.

A total of 4,900 people participated in the collective aarti, surpassing the previous record of 2,500, marking a historic achievement in the state. BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, who organised the event, hailed the record-breaking feat as a significant milestone for the nation.

Addressing the media, Fadnavis said, "...Today, a world record has been set here with the collective aarti. Our MLA Ashish Deshmukh had planned, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, to create a new record where thousands of people perform aarti together. Until now, the record stood at 2,500 people. Today, 4,900 people joined in performing aarti, creating a new world record in the Guinness Book."

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh attended Maha Aarti on the occasion of Ram Navami and said, "... We have set a new milestone by breaking last year's world record, with the largest collective aarti in the country on Ram Navami."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted citizens on the occasion of Ram Navami and prayed for the well-being of all, expressing hope that the blessings of Lord Ram would guide the nation towards the goal of a 'Viksit' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "My fellow countrymen across the nation, unlimited best wishes on the occasion of Ram Navami. From the life of Maryada Purushottam, filled with sacrifice, austerity, and restraint, we draw inspiration to confront every situation with our full strength. His ideals will continue to guide not only the people of India but all of humanity for eternity. My wish is that by the grace of Lord Ram, the welfare of all may be ensured, paving the way for the fulfilment of our resolve for a Vikshit and Aatma-nirbhar Bharat."

- ANI
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the formation of a high-level secretary committee to address the recurring onion crisis in Maharashtra. The committee is tasked with proposing both immediate relief measures and a robust long-term implementation plan within months. It will explore crop diversification in major onion-producing districts like Nashik and Pune, potentially starting in the upcoming Kharif season. The ultimate goal is to streamline production and supply to ensure consistent profits for farmers, reducing their dependence on government aid.

CM Devendra Fadnavis forms a secretary-level committee for immediate relief and long-term solutions to Maharashtra's recurring onion price volatility.

Mumbai, March 25 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed the formation of a high-level secretary committee to address the recurring onion crisis in Maharashtra.

The committee, comprising Additional Chief Secretaries of the Agriculture and Finance Departments and the Secretary of the Marketing Department, has been tasked with suggesting immediate relief measures for onion producers. The decision was made during a high-stakes meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, aimed at finding a permanent solution to the volatility of onion prices and production.

Emphasising the need for a sustainable shift, the Chief Minister instructed agencies to implement long-term alternatives to resolve the onion issue once and for all. "Every year, the state faces an onion crisis. While we must provide immediate assistance to farmers in the current situation, we also need to move beyond temporary fixes. The committee must review the current landscape and propose immediate measures, followed by a robust long-term implementation plan within the next two to three months," CM Fadnavis stated.

CM Fadnavis noted that traders often buy onions from farmers only to resell them to NAFED or other agencies, depriving farmers of fair profits. He called for a permanent end to this practice. A meeting will be scheduled with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss stabilising rates, increasing exports, and addressing issues related to central regulations, he said.

"The committee will explore 'Crop Diversification' in major onion-producing districts such as Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Solapur. This pilot project is expected to launch as early as the upcoming Kharif season, focusing on variety selection and yield management," said the chief minister.

The CM highlighted that despite high production, a disrupted supply chain often forces the government to provide aid, which is not a sustainable model for farmers.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that over the next two to three years, the goal is to streamline the production and supply process so that it remains consistently profitable for farmers, reducing their dependence on emergency government aid.

- IANS
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ordered officials to strengthen the MMTS train network in Hyderabad's core urban region. He directed an increase in train frequency during peak office hours and emphasized the need for punctual services. The CM also instructed authorities to explore mini-bus services for last-mile connectivity and to improve passenger amenities at all stations. The review meeting focused on boosting ridership and revenue for the suburban rail service.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy directs officials to increase MMTS train frequency, improve last-mile connectivity, and upgrade passenger amenities in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday declared that the MMTS services within the Core Urban Region of Hyderabad should be strengthened to meet the growing transport needs of the people.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister inquired about the declining number of passengers utilising the MMTS train services in recent times.

At a review of the MMTS services in Legislative Council hall today, the CM directed officials to increase the frequency of MMTS trains during peak office hours and ensure that services are operated with punctuality.

When the authorities brought to the notice of the CM the lack of direct RTC bus connectivity to MMTS stations, which are situated away from main roads, CM Revanth Reddy directed them to explore the feasibility of operating mini-buses to facilitate seamless last-mile connectivity for commuters. The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to provide necessary amenities for passengers at all MMTS stations. Commuters will opt for MMTS services only when good amenities are provided, the CM said.

Reviewing the revenue generation from MMTS services, the Chief Minister suggested the enhancement of self-generated revenue sources. The authorities were ordered to conduct a study and submit a report on the increase in passengers and improve amenities, alongside strengthening last-mile connectivity.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, MA&UD Special Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, R&B Secretary Vikas Raj, CM's Special Secretary Ajith Reddy, CM's Secretary Manik Raj, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, HUMTA ( Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority) MD Jeevan Babu and South Central Railway DCM Charan Naik attended the review meeting.

Earlier, the Telangana Chief Minister announced that the state government is ready to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on the Musi Rejuvenation Project.

Speaking in the Legislative Council today, the Chief Minister said that the government formulated a roadmap for the development of Musi and assured that all the displaced will be provided rehabilitation.

"The state government gives its word through you to the residents of the Musi catchment area. We will not render anyone homeless. The state government will provide rehabilitation for everyone. It will elevate the standards required for a better way of life. It will provide education and healthcare. It will offer the necessary financial assistance to women's groups to engage in business. We will not leave anyone homeless," the CM said.

- ANI
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of crucial bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference. He engaged with trade representatives from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Chile, Nepal, and Paraguay. The discussions focused on advancing the MC14 agenda, addressing global trade challenges, and deepening bilateral economic cooperation. Key talks included progress on trade agreements like the India-Chile CEPA and India-Philippines PTA negotiations.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal meets US, Saudi, Philippines, Chile, Nepal & Paraguay counterparts at WTO MC14 to boost trade ties and reforms.

New Delhi, March 26 Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of high-level meetings with international leaders to address global trade challenges and bolster bilateral economic cooperation.

The discussions took place on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), where Agrawal engaged with representatives from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Chile, Nepal and Paraguay to discuss strategic trade reforms and bilateral agreements.

The Commerce Secretary met with Ambassador Joseph Barloon, the Deputy United States Trade Representative and Chief of Permanent Mission of the United States to the WTO.

"Had detailed discussions on the MC14 agenda and explored strategic ways to further deepen our economic cooperation and bilateral trade ties," the Department of Commerce said on X.

In another significant interaction, Agrawal met with Fareed bin Saeed Al-Asaly, the Deputy Governor for International Organisations and Agreements of Saudi Arabia.

"Discussed the ongoing challenges to global trade, MC14 agenda as well as exchanged views on deepening bilateral economic ties," the Department of Commerce noted.

The Secretary also engaged with Allan B Gepty, the Undersecretary for the International Trade Group at the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines.

"Had productive discussions on WTO reforms and promoting bilateral trade under the India-Philippines PTA. Also discussed ongoing AITIGA negotiations and related market access issues," the Department of Commerce stated.

Furthering India's economic reach in South America, Agrawal met with Paula Estevez Weinstein, the Vice-Minister of International Economic Relations of Chile.

"Discussed progress in India-Chile CEPA negotiations, its early conclusion, and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and trade," the Department of Commerce said on X.

Agrawal also held talks with Ram Prasad Subedi, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and WTO in Geneva.

"Discussed the MC 14 agenda and various aspects of it. We also discussed how to further strengthened our trade relations and streamline trade through institutional mechanism," the Department of Commerce highlighted.

On the same day, Agarwal also met with Ambassador Patricia Frutos, Vice-Minister for International Trade and Integration of Paraguay.

"Had productive discussions on the MC14 agenda and enhancing bilateral trade," the Department of Commerce said on X.

- ANI
Former President Donald Trump characterized Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons as a "cancer" that required decisive military action to remove. He claimed a successful defense against a large-scale Iranian missile attack, crediting the Patriot system for intercepting 100 missiles. Trump also referenced a separate operation that he claims apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, Iranian officials, as reported by state media, have ruled out negotiations and vowed to continue a policy of "resistance."

Former US President Donald Trump defends military action against Iran, calling its nuclear program a "cancer," and details missile interceptions and other operations.

Washington DC, March 26 Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, US President Donald Trump said that the military action against Iran was necessary to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, highlighting the threat as a "cancer" that had to be "cut out".

Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said previous US administrations had avoided taking decisive action for "47 years".

"When I went on to do something that for 47 years should have been done by any of the other Presidents, and you heard numerous of them said they wished they did it, but they didn't have the guts to do it. We had no choice, but I thought it would be much worse," he said.

He added, " In the short term, what we had to do was get rid of the cancer. We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon. We have cut it out. Now we are going to finish it off."

Trump also claimed that a large-scale Iranian missile attack had been intercepted by US defence systems.

"You know we had an attack, 100 missiles were shot by Iran at a very important thing that we had. I won't tell you what it was for certain reasons," he said.

"100 missiles going 2,000 miles an hour were coming at this element of importance, tremendous power and importance. And of the 100 missiles coming at us, 100 missiles were immediately shot down, shot out of the air, and fell into the sea. Not one missile got through," Trump said.

He credited the interception to the Patriot missile defence system.

"That was the Patriot system, it's great. We have the best equipment in the world, we have the best military, the most powerful, most lethal military," he said.

Meanwhile, according to the latest updates by Press TV, quoting a New York Times report, multiple Iranian strikes on US bases were mentioned.

According to the report, "US bases in Kuwait--located near Iran--appear to have taken the heaviest hit," while it also reported the death of six US soldiers in an attack on the Shuaiba area, claiming that the Army's tactical operations centre was destroyed.

Press TV, quoting the report, said, " In an attack on the port of Shuaiba, the Army's tactical operations center was destroyed, killing six US soldiers."

Press TV also quoted, "Iranian drones and missiles also struck Ali Al Salem Air Base, damaging aircraft hangars". Press TV also said, while quoting the report, "At Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Iranian missiles and drones damaged communications equipment and several refueling aircraft."

Trump also referred to an operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, claiming US forces apprehended him earlier this year.

"Earlier this year, in a stunning display of American military strength and skill, we apprehended an outlaw from Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and brought him to face American justice," Trump said.

"He's been killing people for a long period of time with drugs and everything else... We went in, and we got him out of his house. His house was located in a military base with thousands of soldiers, and we went in so violently that everybody said, we will pass. Then they came back and waved goodbye as he flew out in a helicopter," he added.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."

"There are no negotiations underway," he reiterated as quoted by Press TV elsewhere in his remarks, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

- ANI
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta distributed bicycles to approximately 1,000 girl students from nine schools during a Kanya Pujan ceremony in Pitampura. She stated the government's commitment to removing obstacles so every girl in Delhi can complete her education and achieve her aspirations. Gupta praised the girls as embodiments of the goddesses Durga and Saraswati, highlighting their potential. She also took the opportunity to criticize former CM Arvind Kejriwal over allegations of misusing public funds.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta distributes bicycles to 1,000 girl students during Kanya Pujan, pledges support for girls' education, and criticizes Arvind Kejriwal.

New Delhi, March 26 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday performed Kanya Pujan in Pitampura and distributed bicycles to around 1,000 girl students from nine schools.

She expressed her commitment to ensuring that every girl in the national capital can complete her education without any obstacles.

Speaking to the media, Delhi CM said, "Every daughter in Delhi can complete her education without any hindrance, complete her schooling, graduate, and become what she wants to be. The government will work to remove all obstacles in her way. Many daughters often faced difficulties travelling from school to home and back. Through this Vidyavahini, I will provide bicycles to every girl in the ninth grade so that she can travel to and from school throughout her ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth school years...This is the form of Durga, this is the form of Saraswati."

The CM also praised the girls as forms of Durga and Saraswati, emphasising their potential to bring glory to the city and the country.

"They will bring glory to this city and our country in the times to come. On behalf of the government, I salute each of my daughters and bless them profusely. May she move ahead and progress greatly, may she become who she wants to be. The government will provide her with every comfort and facility so that she can complete her education," she said.

Further, she slammed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations regarding the construction of a 'Sheesh Mahal' with public funds.

"You all were waiting for the 'Sheesh Mahal' for a long time; you all can see it (video posted by Delhi BJP), misdeeds of Kejriwal, with the money of the public, he built this 'Sheesh Mahal' and crossed all limits of corruption," she said.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared a heartfelt message on the occasion of Kanya Pujan, praising daughters as symbols of strength and divine blessings.

In a post on X, CM Gupta wrote, "Daughters are symbols of good fortune, embodiments of strength, and the sacred blessings of a mother. On this sacred occasion of Kanya Pujan today, worshipping daughters filled my heart with profound emotion. Durga Ashtami teaches us that every daughter embodies the radiant form of the primordial divine energy. Their affection and honour infuse life with purity and auspiciousness."

"This is my prayer to the Mother: May she continue to shower her grace upon all, may the light of happiness and prosperity spread in every home, and may the love of daughters forever illuminate our lives. Millions of salutations at the feet of the Mother," the post read.

Kanya Pujan is an important ritual performed during the Navratri festival, especially on the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day. It symbolises respect for feminine power (Shakti) and the belief that young girls embody the form of Goddess Durga.

Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga.

- ANI
News / National

by Staff reporter

A high-stakes custody battle has erupted at the High Court after Kernisha Shiela Hunzwi, former wife of Batsirai Matiza, challenged a divorce ruling that granted the couple shared custody of their 14-month-old child.Matiza is the son of the late Joel Biggy Matiza.Hunzwi has filed an urgent chamber application seeking a stay of execution of the custody order, pending a variation of the consent terms contained in their divorce order issued earlier this year.According to court records, the couple was granted a decree of divorce by consent on February 12 under Case No. HCHF216/26. The order incorporated a consent agreement signed by both parties on January 29, which provides for joint custody, with the infant alternating between parents on a weekly basis.However, Hunzwi now argues that she signed the agreement under duress and that the arrangement is not in the best interests of the child.In her application, she told the High Court of Zimbabwe that the child is still breastfeeding and is forced onto artificial milk during the weeks spent with Matiza - something she claims is harmful to the infant's health.She also raised concerns about the child's care while in the father's custody, alleging that Matiza is often absent and leaves the infant in the care of a maid."Realising the risk to the health and life of the infant child was not worth her fear of the respondent, the applicant engaged the respondent, who appeared to be accepting to the variation of the custody terms," Hunzwi stated in her affidavit.The situation escalated earlier this month when, according to Hunzwi, Matiza indicated he intended to enforce the existing custody arrangement despite an alleged mutual understanding to temporarily suspend it.Her lawyers argue that this prompted urgent legal action, citing the need to prioritise the welfare of the child."When that need to act arose, the applicant acted with urgency and treated the matter as urgent. It is in the best interests of justice that this matter be dealt with on an urgent basis as special circumstances exist," her legal team submitted.Hunzwi further alleges that she was subjected to intimidation and coercion during the divorce process. She claims she was escorted under guard to Sam Levy Village to sign the consent papers and was restricted from freely participating in the proceedings.She also alleges that she was denied access to her legal representation and pressured into signing documents, including an affidavit of waiver."I was under much pressure that I could not exercise independent judgment," she said, adding that her former husband and his lawyers allegedly controlled access to her electronic court filings.Hunzwi is now seeking a variation of the custody arrangement, arguing that the weekly alternating schedule is unsuitable for a breastfeeding infant and should be reviewed in line with the child's best interests.The matter is currently pending before the High Court, with a ruling expected to determine the immediate custody arrangements and set the tone for the ongoing legal battle.
Delhi's Education and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood announced a push to develop the national capital into a leading tourism city at an aviation summit. He highlighted the Indira Gandhi International Airport's consistent recognition as the best in the region and the transformative 'Delvibe' initiative for visitor arrivals. The recently presented Rs 1.37 lakh crore Delhi Budget for 2026-27 allocates significant funds for transport, infrastructure, and large-scale development projects. The government's focus is on creating a positive first impression through seamless travel and improved public spaces to boost the tourism sector.

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood outlines vision to transform the capital into a top tourism destination, highlighting airport excellence and a Rs 1.37 lakh crore budget.

New Delhi, March 26 Delhi Education and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, on Thursday, attended the 2nd ICC Aviation and Tourism Summit 2026, vowing to develop the national capital as a leading tourism city.

"The time has come to develop Delhi not just as a transit hub, but as a leading tourism city," Minister Sood said at the summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

He added that the Delhi Budget 2026-27 reflects a vision of a developed national capital defined by order, aesthetics, and opportunity.

On the occasion, the ICC Tourism Excellence Awards were also presented to individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector.

The summit brought together key leaders from the aviation and tourism sectors, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders on a common platform to deliberate on sectoral growth, emerging opportunities, and future strategies.

The objective of the event was to promote collaboration and innovation aimed at positioning India, particularly Delhi, as a global hub for tourism and aviation.

Minister Sood welcomed the Guest of honour and Civil Aviation Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with Amitabh Kant, Sudhir Mishra, and Sanjay Kumar Verma, acknowledging their significant contributions in elevating India's global stature.

Highlighting the importance of first impressions in tourism, Minister Sood emphasised that while discussions often focus on destinations, equal attention must be given to the arrival experience.

He noted that the experience at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport reflects the very soul of Delhi.

The Minister said that on March 18, the IGI Airport was recognised for the eighth consecutive time as the best airport in India and South Asia -- an achievement that symbolises not only operational excellence but also the cultural identity of the city.

Through the "Delvibe" initiative, airport terminals have been transformed into vibrant cultural spaces, Minister Sood said, adding that visitors to Delhi are welcomed with the soothing sound of the santoor and the fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine, while modern technologies like DigiYatra ensure a seamless and stress-free travel experience.

"In Delhi, optimism is not merely a policy -- it is an experience that begins the moment one lands," he said.

Speaking about the recently presented Delhi Budget, Minister Sood added that the Rs 1,37,000 crore budget for 2026-27 is a roadmap for building a developed national capital.

Delhi's economy is growing at 8.53 per cent, which is higher than the national average.

He emphasised that the Delhi government is investing in line with its priorities.

"Capital expenditure has been increased to Rs 32,000 crore to drive large-scale development in roads, transport systems, and public spaces."

He noted that a city's first impression is shaped by its roads, and accordingly, Rs 12,613 crore has been allocated for transport and infrastructure, along with the redevelopment of 750 km of roads.

- IANS
Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu paid an unannounced visit to Model Town, an area connected to his student days at Delhi University. He enjoyed local street food like chaat and bhalla while reminiscing and warmly interacted with residents in the market. This outing is part of his pattern of accessible public engagement, which has recently included listening to children's concerns about air quality and taking surprise Metro rides. Sandhu, a former ambassador to the US, was sworn in as Delhi's L-G on March 11.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu made an impromptu visit to Model Town, relishing local chaat and interacting with residents, continuing his trend of public engagement.

New Delhi, March 26 Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Thursday paid an impromptu visit to Model Town in North Delhi - a place closely connected to his student days at Delhi University.

Revisiting familiar lanes, he relished local favourites like 'chaat and bhalla', fondly reminiscing about his time as a student, said a message on Sandhu's social media handle.

He also interacted warmly with surprised residents in the market before taking the Metro back.

The LG's interaction with citizens in Model Town is the latest in his frequent public outings where he mingles with people and comes across as an accessible head of the government. On an earlier occasion, he even travelled on the Metro, spoke with travellers, and posed for selfies with them.

On March 14, Sandhu lent an ear to the children of his colony at a cafe and took note of their concerns over toxic air.

In a message on social media, the LG wrote, "Met a wonderful family at our local colony cafe today. The children raised an important concern about Delhi's AQI and the air we breathe. Their awareness was truly heartening. Improving air quality requires a collective effort. I would welcome practical ideas and suggestions."

On March 19, he happily surprised many citizens by joining them for a Metro ride. From using a smart card to enter the station, posing for pictures on the station escalator and platform, Sandhu mingled with commuters with warmth and discussed issues related to the city while travelling in the train.

Sharing his experience on social media, Sandhu wrote, "A ride back home on the ever-reliable Delhi Metro Rail! Had nice interactions with fellow Delhi residents along the way."

The L-G also posted several photos of his outing as a common citizen, including interactions with Metro staff and the public. He travelled from Saket Metro Station to Vasant Vihar Station, accompanied by DMRC officials and Lok Niwas officials.

Sandhu, a former ambassador to the US, took oath as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi at a ceremony held at Raj Niwas on March 11.

- IANS
Thousands of devotees across India gathered at temples to celebrate Durga Ashtami, a key day of Chaitra Navratri. Celebrations were marked by bhajans, devotional dances, and special rituals like the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain. Temple trustees noted a steady stream of visitors for darshan and the upcoming Kanya Pujan. The festival period will conclude with the observance of Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Ram.

From Delhi to Jammu, devotees thronged temples for Durga Ashtami prayers during Chaitra Navratri. See the vibrant celebrations and rituals.

New Delhi, March 26 Devotees across the country flocked to temples on Thursday to celebrate Durga Ashtami, one of the most significant days of the Chaitra Navratri festival. Temple premises resonated with chants, hymns, and devotional songs, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere as thousands gathered to offer prayers.

In the national capital, a large number of devotees thronged the Jhandewalan Temple, where celebrations were held with great enthusiasm. The temple premises was filled with devotees singing bhajans and participating in devotional dances.

Ravindra Goel, trustee of the temple, said, "Navratri is nearing completion, and a grand Ashtami celebration is being held here. Kanya Pujan will take place shortly, and since morning, a steady stream of devotees has been arriving for darshan."

Similar scenes were witnessed across various states. In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, devotees gathered in large numbers at the revered Shri Naina Devi Temple, performing special puja and rituals.

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, thousands attended the sacred Bhasma Aarti at the famous Baba Mahakal temple on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

In Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, special prayers and aarti were conducted at the Maa Tulja Bhavani and Maa Chamunda temples, drawing devotees from nearby regions. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, worshippers assembled at the Alopi Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir, where rituals were performed to honour the divine palanquin.

Maihar in Madhya Pradesh also witnessed heavy footfall at the Maa Sharada Temple, where special offerings and aarti marked the auspicious day.

In Rajasthan's Churu, devotees gathered in large numbers at local temples, which were beautifully decorated for the occasion.

A devotee said, "During Navratri, grand religious programmes are organised, and the temple, which is over a hundred years old, is decorated magnificently. It is believed that the wishes of devotees who come here with a pure heart are fulfilled."

Meanwhile, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims continued their journey to the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi on the eighth day of Navratri.

One devotee expressed joy, saying, "On the occasion of Durga Ashtami, I feel fortunate to have received the opportunity to visit. I have come here with my children."

Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of Shukla Pratipada and concludes with Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi began on March 25 at 1.50 p.m. and will conclude on March 26 at 11.48 a.m., making Thursday the day of celebration.

Ram Navami, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals, will be observed with great devotion as the Navami Tithi begins at 11.13 a.m. on March 26 and concludes at 10.00 a.m. on March 27. Devotees across the country are preparing to mark the occasion with equal fervour.

- IANS
Iran's Parliament Speaker has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating Tehran is closely monitoring all US military movements in the Middle East. He cautioned that American soldiers could become victims of "Netanyahu's delusions" and strongly asserted Iran's defensive resolve. This comes amid reports of further US troop deployments, despite President Trump's claims that negotiations with Iran are underway and the conflict is ending. Tehran has firmly denied any negotiations, stating peace is only possible once the US-Israel campaign ceases.

Iran's Parliament Speaker warns the US not to test its resolve, as Tehran denies negotiations and monitors US troop deployments in the region.

Tehran, March 25 Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its military presence in the Middle East, asserting that Tehran is keeping a "close watch" on all regional activity.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf stated, "We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments."

The senior Iranian official further suggested that American military personnel are being misled by leadership and could suffer the consequences of current regional policies.

"What the generals have broke, the soldiers can't fix; instead, they will fall victim to Netanyahu's delusions," he remarked.

Reiterating Tehran's stance on national sovereignty, Ghalibaf cautioned against any actions that might provoke a military response from the Islamic Republic, adding, "Do not test our resolve to defend our land."

This defiant rhetoric comes amid reports of further American military escalation.

Despite claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations with Iran were underway and the conflict could soon end, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as the war enters its fourth week.

According to CBS News, citing a source familiar with the planning, the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region.

The report, citing a US official, indicated that the deployment could involve fewer than 1,500 troops.

The military movements stand in stark contrast to the narrative presented by the White House.

President Trump had earlier confirmed that negotiations were on with Iran, claiming that the war was going to end.

"We're in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal and who wouldn't if you were there? Look, their navy's gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone," the US President said.

Trump further asserted a position of total military dominance, stating, "I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this... We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it. For instance, if I want to take down that power plant, they can't do a thing about it... They are totally defeated... Militarily, they are dead."

However, the Iranian perspective on the ongoing conflict differed sharply from President Trump's claims.

In a video posted by Fars News, the Iranian Military spokesperson took a jibe at the US, suggesting that the situation had reached a stage where the Americans were effectively "negotiating with themselves."

"The strategic power you used to boast about has now turned into a strategic defeat... Do not label your defeat as an 'agreement.' The era of your promises has come to an end," the spokesperson said.

He added that the world is now divided into two fronts of "Truth and Falsehood," asserting that "no freedom-seeking truth-seeker will be deceived by your media waves."

The spokesperson further warned of a permanent shift in regional economics and security, noting, "There will be no more talk of your investments in the region, nor will you ever see the former prices of energy and oil again, until you understand that stability in this region is guaranteed only by the powerful hand of our armed forces."

Underscoring this belligerent stance, Iran released footage of the 80th wave of Operation True Promise 4, launching missiles towards US-Israeli positions in the region even as the US President indicated that a negotiated settlement was on the horizon.

Tehran has denied reports of any negotiations with the US, maintaining that peace would only be achieved once the US-Israel campaign ceased.

- ANI
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a stark warning to US and Israeli forces, threatening severe consequences if they launch a ground operation on Iranian territory. The statement directly appealed to the American people, accusing leaders like Netanyahu and Trump of misleading them into war. The IRGC also detailed its recent military strikes, claiming over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Israeli targets since the conflict began. Concurrently, Iran's Foreign Minister ruled out negotiations or a ceasefire, asserting a continued policy of "resistance" against what Tehran calls unprovoked aggression.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threaten US & Israel with massive retaliation if ground forces invade, citing missile strikes and vowing to level cities.

Tehran, March 26 Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory.

"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned.

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read.

According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US.

The IRGC further sid that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4.

IRGC Public Relations Department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

The IRGC concluded with a warning, "Remember, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, this is what our martyred Leader taught us."

The IRGC says over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Israeli targets since the war began, while Iran's air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."

"There are no negotiations underway," he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

The foreign minister said that although regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, Tehran's stance has remained "principled and firm".

"Many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran's position has remained 'principled and firm'," he said.

Araghchi also dismissed the reliability of "international guarantees" in efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in France for a two-day visit to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Partner Countries. The meeting will deliberate on pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and conflict in West Asia, with a focus on de-escalation and support for Kyiv. Ministers will also address regional situations in the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, and Gaza, and discuss combating drug trafficking and terrorist financing. Key outcomes include establishing a G7 task force on port networks for anti-drug efforts and organizing regional security conferences.

EAM S Jaishankar arrives in France for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with talks on Ukraine, Middle East, and key bilateral discussions.

Paris, March 26 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, on the sidelines of which he is also expected to hold significant bilateral discussions with many of his counterparts.

"Arrived at Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay, France to participate in G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Partner Countries. Was received warmly by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot of France for my first bilateral," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to France to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Partner Countries at the invitation of Barrot. The meeting is set to deliberate on a range of pressing global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in West Asia.

In a statement, France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated, "On Iran and the Middle East, the partners will seek avenues for negotiation to encourage de-escalation, while promoting the security of civilian populations, the re-opening of maritime and trade routes and the cessation of the Iranian regime's nuclear and ballistic programmes."

"On Ukraine, the G7 partners will reiterate their support for Kyiv in terms of energy and capabilities, and will step up pressure on Russia, especially regarding its shadow fleet," it added.

The ministers will also address several regional situations, including the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, and Venezuela and Cuba, in light of the events which have taken place since the start of 2026.

According to the statement, France and its partners are seeking to work together to raise funds internationally to repair Chernobyl's confinement structure, which was severely damaged by a Russian strike in 2025, and to organise a regional conference to combat the trafficking of synthetic drug Captagon in Syria. The ministers will also discuss regional economic integration in the Middle East.

"The Ministers will establish a G7 task force to work on creating a network of ports in G7 countries and other partner countries to step up the fight against drug trafficking. Another priority will be to organise a regional security conference in the Caribbean in Martinique in July 2026, convening countries in the region and G7 partners to step up the fight against drug trafficking in the region, and to organise the fifth 'No Money for Terror' conference, to be held in Paris on 19 May 2026 to combat terrorist financing. Finally, we will discuss securing critical mineral supply chains, following on from the discussions held under the Canadian G7 Presidency," the statement added.

- IANS
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting France to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the invitation of his French counterpart. The meeting will focus on critical global issues, including the war in Ukraine, reconstruction efforts, and maritime security concerns. Discussions are also aimed at reforming global governance systems and will feature participation from several partner countries like India and Brazil. The ministerial talks will help shape the agenda for the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit in June.

EAM S. Jaishankar visits France for G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Agenda includes Ukraine reconstruction, maritime security, and global governance reforms.

New Delhi, March 26 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in France from Thursday to Friday to take part in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with partner countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

According to the MEA, EAM Jaishankar will attend the meeting at the invitation of Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

On the sidelines of the meeting, he is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts from various participating nations.

The G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled to deliberate on a range of pressing global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, reconstruction efforts, maritime security concerns, and reforms in global governance systems, as per a background briefing by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Providing details of the agenda, spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said the meeting comes soon after informal consultations held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and will act as a preparatory stage for the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit.

"All this culminates in the preparation of the summit of Evian. It will take place between the 13th and 15th of June," the briefing noted, adding that the discussions at the ministerial level would help shape the outcomes for leaders' deliberations.

Officials indicated that the meeting will focus on both immediate global crises and long-term structural challenges. "Obviously, in the way that we will try as much as we can, not only to have this informal gathering of what is generally speaking a G7 meeting, but also to have some concrete results," the spokesperson said, stressing the importance of actionable outcomes.

A major focus area will be Ukraine, with dedicated sessions on reconstruction and regional security.

"The second session will be on reconstruction. The aim is to have at least three impactful results," the briefing stated, referring to discussions on nuclear safety, humanitarian demining, and funding mechanisms for rebuilding efforts. The role of institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is also expected to be highlighted, particularly in mobilising investments for Ukraine's recovery.

The meeting will further address maritime security and supply chain resilience.

A separate session is also expected to focus on maritime routes and ensuring the freedom of navigation.

On the issue of governance, the G7 is looking at advancing reforms to strengthen multilateral systems. "More generally, out of that, there will be more innovative approaches to integrate horizontal threats that are endangering the sovereignties of the different states," the briefing said, pointing to efforts to modernise global governance frameworks.

The meeting will also feature participation from several non-G7 partner countries, including India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Ukraine, reflecting a broader outreach initiative by the grouping.

"We will be having all of these sessions on Thursday and the one on the morning of Friday," the official said, adding that side events and working lunches will provide further opportunities for detailed exchanges among participants.

- IANS
The London High Court has dismissed fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi's application to reopen his extradition appeal, marking a likely end to his UK legal challenges. The court found no exceptional circumstances to justify reopening the case, relying on comprehensive assurances from the Indian government regarding his treatment and trial. These assurances included that he would not be interrogated by agencies like the CBI and would be held at Mumbai's Arthur Road Prison. The ruling paves the way for his extradition to India to face trial in the over Rs 13,800 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

UK High Court rejects Nirav Modi's final bid to reopen extradition appeal, paving the way for his return to India to face trial in the PNB fraud case.

London, March 26 In a significant development in the high-profile extradition case of fugitive economic offender, diamond merchant Nirav Modi, the London High Court has refused to reopen proceedings against his extradition order, in connection with the over Rs 13,800 crore Punjab National Bank alleged fraud case.

The UK High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, Divisional Court, on Wednesday delivered remotely, dismissed Nirav Modi's claims that new evidence of potential torture and ill-treatment in India necessitated a reconsideration of his extradition.

Nirav Modi, accused in India of alleged money laundering, has been held in custody at the HMP Wandsworth since his arrest on March 19, 2019. His extradition was initially ordered by the UK Home Secretary in 2021.

The latest application to reopen the appeal, filed on August 18, 2025, hinged on the High Court's earlier judgment in the Sanjay Bhandari case. Nirav Modi's counsels argued that the ruling demonstrated that the use of torture and ill-treatment by authorities in India, which was an unacceptable risk to the diamantaire if extradited.

However, the Court, found that it was "not necessary to re-open this appeal in order to avoid real injustice," and that "the circumstances are not exceptional."

The Court's decision rested on a series of "comprehensive, detailed and reliable" assurances provided by the Government of India. These assurances, culminating in a note verbale from the Indian High Commission on February 12, 2026, explicitly stating that, Nirav Modi's extradition is sought solely for judicial trial in India.

An assurance was also given that he would not be interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or any other investigating agency. Indian authorities also assured that Nirav Modi will not be transferred from Mumbai's Arthur Road Prison to any other prison in India and fully functional video conferencing facilities are available for court appearances.

The judges stated they were "satisfied as to the good faith of the Government of India," believing the assurances were given with "every intention that they be binding" and not with an "eye to wriggling out of them."

With this ruling, Nirav Modi's legal avenues to challenge his extradition in the UK appear to be exhausted, paving the way for his return to India to face trial.

Earlier in another alleged money laundering case, the Court of Cassation of Belgium dismissed the appeal by Mehul Choksi, who is the uncle of Nirav Modi, against extradition to India. The court had termed the objections raised by fugitive diamantaire as lacking substance. The court had ruled that Choksi had failed to establish any legal or factual ground warranting interference with earlier orders permitting his surrender.

- ANI
Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy states that ending Iran's ability to threaten key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental prerequisite for building the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and ensuring shared prosperity with India. He accuses the Iranian regime of deliberately trying to sabotage regional economic integration by sowing chaos and violence. Levy expresses deep skepticism about a reported US diplomatic proposal to Iran, doubting the regime's willingness to become a peaceful actor. He claims the Iranian leadership has been militarily incapacitated but warns it remains defiant, continuing to reject negotiations and pursue threatening programs.

Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy says neutralizing Iran's military threats is critical for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and shared prosperity.

Tel Aviv, March 25 Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy has asserted that neutralising Tehran's military threats is a fundamental prerequisite for establishing a long-term economic partnership with India and ensuring the success of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

In an interview with ANI, Levy stated that, "Ending the Iranian regime's ability to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, to bomb Dubai Airport, to bomb civilian and energy targets in the region is absolutely critical in order to build that shared prosperity and economic infrastructure with our friends in the region, most importantly with the great people of India."

Highlighting the strategic importance of the trade route, which was a major point of global discussion prior to the October 7 attacks, Levy noted that for Israel, ensuring maritime and regional security is vital to developing the corridor.

"For Israel, it is absolutely critical to ensure maritime and regional security so we can develop that trade corridor we've been trying to build for the last few years. Before the October 7th massacre, the world was talking about building a trade corridor that would go from India through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and connect it to Europe," he said.

Levy accused the leadership in Tehran of deliberately attempting to sabotage these economic integration efforts to maintain regional instability.

"The Iranian regime is trying to frustrate that trade corridor. It is trying to sow chaos and violence in the region so that the pro-stability actors in the region cannot grow and cannot prosper," the former spokesperson stated.

Regarding reports of a 15-point diplomatic proposal sent by the United States to Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, Levy expressed significant skepticism, suggesting the Iranian regime's ideological stance makes a peaceful resolution unlikely.

"If there is a diplomatic agreement in which the Iranian regime that is sworn to death to America, death to Israel, agrees to stop being a threat and to be a peaceful actor, Israel will, of course, welcome that. But the Iranian regime is rejecting that. Unfortunately, I don't see any prospect for the Iranian regime accepting America's demands," he remarked.

Delivering a blunt assessment of the military situation, the former spokesperson claimed that the Iranian leadership has been effectively incapacitated.

"It's clear that the Iranian regime has lost the war. It lost its entire leadership in the first few seconds of the war. Since then, Israel and the United States have been systematically destroying the Iranian regime's ability to continue threatening its neighbours," he claimed.

Levy pointed to the continued use of aerial weaponry by Tehran against civilian targets as justification for the ongoing military operations by the US and Israel.

"We've seen how Iran has been firing missiles and drones into civilian areas, airports, energy, and infrastructure. Israel and the U.S. are systematically destroying that ability," he said.

Despite these military setbacks, Levy warned that Tehran remains defiant and continues to reject negotiations while "laughing in the face of the United States."

He observed, "They're rejecting negotiations. They think they are in a place to insist on demands. This is not over because the Iranian regime is not interested in stopping being a threat to its neighbours. It's not interested in stopping its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, support for proxy armies that have caused violence and terrorism across the region."

- ANI
An all-party meeting was held to address concerns over the West Asia crisis and India's energy security. BJD MP Sasmit Patra stated the goal was to reassure political parties and present a united national message to prevent panic. The government provided detailed briefings on geopolitics, diplomacy, and the stability of oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies. Participants urged for dialogue to de-escalate tensions among key nations involved in the regional conflict.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra says meeting aimed to reassure parties, give united message on West Asia tensions and stable energy supplies.

New Delhi, March 26 Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra on Thursday said the recent all-party meeting was aimed at reassuring political parties and sending a united message amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Patra emphasised the importance of dialogue, urging all stakeholders, including the US, Israel, and Iran, to work towards de-escalation.

Speaking to ANI, Patra said, "In the all-party meeting, two specific agendas were discussed. One was on the energy situation, which was explained and briefed, providing clarifications by the Petroleum Minister and on the geopolitics and diplomacy by EAM Dr Jaishankar. We believe that just like the opposition parties were together with the nation during the COVID pandemic, during Operation Sindoor, we are also with the people of this country, standing united to address any issues that exist. I believe the all-party meeting was essentially to reassure the concerns of the political parties and to give a united message so that alarm bells and panic are not created."

He also said that the government provided details regarding oil and natural gas availability, transit status, and preparedness to handle any eventuality.

"We should ensure a common dialogue and discussion and urge these parties, the US, Israel and Iran, to de-escalate and work towards finding a solution. I think that should be the primary perspective. As far as the energy situation is concerned, the government provided certain details relating to the oil and natural gas availability, how much is in transit and how India is prepared to meet any eventuality," he said.

The remarks follow a day after the all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where the government reassured opposition leaders that India remains on a stable footing amid the West Asia crisis.

The meeting saw participation from both the government and opposition parties, with discussions focusing on the ongoing regional conflict.

According to sources, a detailed presentation took place at the all-party meeting by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, followed by remarks from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted that energy security remains stable, with adequate availability of crude oil, LPG and other essential supplies, and that India's strong refining capacity will ensure continued supply, including fertilisers, with shipments already arriving.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Under Secretary Elbridge Colby in New Delhi to exchange views on the current geopolitical scenario. Colby emphasized the United States' deep respect for India, viewing its strategic choices as pivotal for shaping the Indo-Pacific's future. He described India as an essential partner for maintaining a favorable balance of power in Asia, praising its strategic autonomy and military capability. The visit aims to advance defence partnership goals established by the leaders of both nations.

EAM Jaishankar meets US Under Secretary Elbridge Colby. Discussions focus on strategic partnership, balancing power in Asia, and shared interests.

New Delhi, March 25 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met with US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby to discuss the evolving security situation amidst ongoing global geopolitical shifts.

In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister shared a photograph of the meeting and noted that the two leaders "exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario," adding, "Pleased to meet US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby @USWPColby this afternoon."

This high-level engagement follows a special session in the capital where Colby emphasised that Washington maintains a "deep respect" for India, viewing New Delhi's strategic choices as a primary force that will "profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific."

During the session, Colby said, "The United States views India with deep respect -- as a republic of continental scale, as a nation with a proud strategic tradition, and as a country whose decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and the international landscape more broadly."

The senior Pentagon official, currently on an official visit to India to strengthen the bilateral relationship, noted that while both nations possess distinct histories and perspectives, they are united by a "fundamental" conviction.

"Our two countries of course differ in history, geography, and perspective in important ways. Yet we share something fundamental: a conviction that the future of Asia should be determined by sovereign nations able to chart their own course," Colby said.

He further elaborated that the US regards India as an "essential" partner in maintaining a "long-term favourable balance of power in Asia," citing the country's unique "geography and strategic position."

According to Colby, "India's importance stems not only from its size and economic potential, but also from its geography and strategic position. Your country sits astride the Indian Ocean, which is the connective tissue of the Indo-Pacific."

He also lauded India's "long tradition of strategic autonomy" and its "formidable, self-reliant, and capable military forces," which he described as being "willing and able to shoulder significant security responsibilities."

Addressing the evolving nature of the alliance, the US official described Washington's strategy as "interests-based and realistic," moving away from what he termed "gauzy aspirations or detached idealism."

"We clearly recognise that India has its own interests, its own strategic culture, and its own priorities, and that India is not shy about advancing them," Colby noted, suggesting that the "Bharat First" and "America First" philosophies are "deeply aligned" in their "results-oriented mindset about international politics."

The diplomatic visit serves as a key step in operationalising high-level agreements. According to a statement from the US Department of War, Colby's visit is focused on "advancing the goals established by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in their February 2025 joint statement" and "implementing the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership."

- ANI
The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Gujarat Educational Institutions Service Tribunal Bill-2026. The bill aims to bring all state universities under a dedicated service tribunal to resolve employee disputes more efficiently. Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja stated this would provide "speedy justice" and reduce the caseload on ordinary courts. The legislation also allows the government flexibility to include other universities in the tribunal's jurisdiction in the future.

Gujarat Assembly passes bill to bring all state universities under a service tribunal for faster resolution of employee disputes and reduced court burden.

Gandhinagar, March 25 The Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Gujarat Educational Institutions Service Tribunal Bill-2026 unanimously, aiming to provide quicker resolution of disputes for academic and non-academic employees of educational institutions.

Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja said the bill would bring all state universities under the jurisdiction of the tribunal, ensuring that service-related and institutional disputes are resolved efficiently.

"With the passage of this bill, university employees will now receive speedy justice at their doorstep," he stated.

The Minister highlighted that the inclusion of all universities under the tribunal's authority would strengthen the justice system in the educational sector, reduce the burden on courts, and enhance transparency.

Vaja explained that the 2023 Gujarat Public Universities Act, which consolidated various university-related laws, had resulted in the repeal of earlier acts specific to individual universities.

"As a result, these universities were removed from the jurisdiction of the Gujarat Educational Institutions Service Tribunal Act, 2006. This amendment brings them back under the tribunal, increasing accountability and efficiency in the higher education system," he said.

The Minister added that the bill also provides flexibility for the government to include other universities through notifications if required.

Conversely, provisions have been made to ensure that universities cannot be removed from the tribunal's jurisdiction without the government's authority.

Additionally, the bill allows the state government, via a Gazette notification, to repeal any enactment listed in Schedule-1 of the legislation, while taking into account the autonomy of universities.

Vaja noted that bringing universities under the tribunal's purview would standardise decisions and reduce the workload of ordinary courts.

"Parties can appear before the tribunal themselves or through legal representatives, ensuring timely and appropriate justice for employees working at all levels, from primary institutions to universities," he said.

Since 2014, the Educational Tribunal has resolved approximately 3,650 cases.

In cases where applicants were entitled to benefits, orders were issued accordingly, while applications with no entitlement were dismissed, the Minister added.

- IANS
The Gujarat BJP's core committee held a closed-door meeting at the Chief Minister's residence a day after the state assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The meeting focused on reviewing organizational strategy and administrative coordination following the landmark legislation. Discussions also centered on preparations for the upcoming local body elections across municipal corporations and other authorities later this year. These elections are seen as a crucial test of public sentiment and will set the tone for the 2027 state assembly polls.

Gujarat BJP's core committee meets at CM's residence to strategize after the state assembly passes the Uniform Civil Code Bill and ahead of key local body elections.

Gandhinagar, March 25 A meeting of the Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Core Committee was held on Wednesday at the official residence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The meeting was attended by senior party leaders and Ministers, including Rushikesh Patel, Jitu Vaghani and State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma.

The closeddoor meeting came a day after the State Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, making the state the second in the country after Uttarakhand to clear legislation aimed at establishing a uniform set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance and related personal matters across all religions and communities.

The Assembly debate on the Bill lasted for more than seven hours before it was adopted with a majority.

The discussions at the Core Committee meeting are likely to review organisational strategy and administrative coordination in the context of the legislative development and preparations for the upcoming local body elections scheduled across municipal corporations and other local authorities in the state later this year.

These polls will cover numerous urban local bodies, including municipal corporations in cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara.

No official statement was issued immediately after the meeting.

The BJP leaders have in recent weeks emphasised the party's readiness for the upcoming electoral exercises and its ongoing efforts to communicate government initiatives to voters, senior officials said.

The passage of the UCC Bill has attracted attention in state and national political circles, with supporters highlighting its aim of legal uniformity and opponents raising concerns about its potential impact on personal laws and cultural practices.

The local body elections will be among the first major electoral tests for political parties in Gujarat this year, with control of urban and rural governing bodies seen as an important barometer of public sentiment.

The upcoming local body elections are also crucial for setting the tone for the state Assembly elections scheduled in 2027.

- IANS
A significant fire has broken out at a company within the Kandla Special Economic Zone in Gandhidham, Gujarat. Fire department teams have responded with multiple tenders and efforts to extinguish the blaze are currently in progress. This incident follows other recent fires in the state, including one at a Surat chemical factory and another at a textile market. Officials report the textile market fire has been controlled with no loss of life.

A major fire broke out at a company in Gandhidham's Kandla Special Economic Zone. Fire tenders are on site. No casualties reported yet.

Kutch, March 25 A massive fire broke out at a company in the Kandla Special Economic Zone located in Gandhidham in Gujarat on Wednesday.

The fire department reached the spot with fire tenders after receiving the information, and operations to douse the fire are underway.

Further details are awaited in the incident.

Earlier on March 11, a fire broke out at a chemicals factory in the Sachin GIDC area of Surat. More than 10 fire engines rushed to the site to control the blaze.

In another incident earlier this month, a fire occured at the Millennium-1 textile market, which was brought under control after as many as 15 fire engines rushed to the spot.

Chief Fire Officer, Basant Parikh, said, "Fire engines rushed to douse the fire at the Kamela Darwaja hub, with 5-7 shops, including godown, destroyed in the textile market. The fire is now under control, and no casualties have been reported."

- ANI
The Haryana Health Department has approved a new HIV viral load testing laboratory at Panchkula's Civil Hospital. The facility, funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation, will utilize existing Covid-19 testing infrastructure to become operational quickly. It is expected to handle approximately 15,000 tests per year at a set cost of 1,100 per test. This will reduce testing turnaround times and improve monitoring for HIV-positive patients across the state.

Haryana establishes a second HIV viral load lab in Panchkula, funded by NACO, to speed up testing and improve patient monitoring at no cost to the state.

Chandigarh, March 26 The Haryana Health Department has approved the establishment of an HIV viral load testing laboratory at Civil Hospital in Panchkula, near here.

With this, Haryana will have its second dedicated facility, the first being located in Rohtak.

The was informed by Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare, Sumita Misra, who said the laboratory has been approved at an annual cost of Rs 1.65 crore, based on an estimated workload of approximately 15,000 HIV viral load tests per year.

In a cost-efficient move, the new laboratory will be set up by utilising the existing Covid-19 molecular testing infrastructure already in place at the Civil Hospital along with the procurement of additional equipment specific to HIV viral load testing.

This approach ensures that the facility can be made operational quickly, without the need for constructing an entirely new setup.

The project was developed on the basis of inputs provided by the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS), while the technical evaluation was independently conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) -- the apex body governing HIV/AIDS response in the country.

The cost per HIV viral load test has been set at Rs 1,100, in line with national guidelines.

Notably, the entire expenditure for setting up and operating the testing facility will be funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), with no financial liability falling on the state government.

This makes the initiative both fiscally prudent and replicable -- a model that other states could adopt to expand HIV diagnostic capacity without straining their own budgets, Misra added.

For HIV-positive individuals, regular viral load testing is not optional -- it is essential. These tests help doctors determine whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working effectively, detect treatment failure early, and prevent the virus from developing drug resistance. Without timely access to viral load testing, patients face delayed interventions and poorer health outcomes.

Currently, samples from all districts of Haryana are sent to PGIMS Rohtak. This new laboratory will significantly decrease time for testing and will result in better monitoring of HIV positive patients.

- IANS
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has declared healthcare and education as his government's top priorities, assuring no cuts to their allocated funds. He detailed clearing significant pending dues under the Aarogyasri health scheme, having paid Rs 2,408 crore since taking office. The government is planning major reforms, including upgrading teaching hospitals and leveraging the CM Relief Fund to improve medical infrastructure. Additionally, initiatives to enhance education quality and extend a life insurance scheme to 1.15 crore families based on caste census data were announced.

CM Revanth Reddy vows no cuts to health & education budgets, clears Rs 2,408 cr in Aarogyasri dues, and announces reforms for state hospitals and schools.

Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Thursday that healthcare and education are the top priorities of his government.

In his reply to the debate on demands for grants in the Assembly, the Chief Minister gave the assurance that the government will not cut a single rupee from the funds allocated for education and healthcare. If necessary, the government will provide more funds, he asserted.

He claimed that the previous BRS government allowed dues under Rajiv Aarogyasri to accumulate, but his government, while shouldering that burden, increased the coverage limit under the scheme from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

He revealed that when the present government assumed office on December 7, 2023, it inherited a burden of Rs 627 crore in pending dues under Arogyasri.

Since December 8, 2023, the government has paid a total of Rs 2,408 crore towards the Aarogyasri scheme. The government paid Rs 927 crore to government hospitals and Rs 1,480 crore to private hospitals.

Payments are being processed on a regular and timely basis; only the dues accumulated by the previous government remain pending. As of today, the outstanding dues amount to Rs 727 crore, he said.

CM Revanth Reddy said that false propaganda is being spread claiming that private hospitals are shutting down due to pending dues under the Aarogyasri scheme. He clarified that the outstanding Aarogyasri dues to private hospitals are minimal.

He also claimed that in the past, numerous irregularities occurred regarding the issuance of checks from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Certain individuals misused this relief fund, and cases were subsequently filed against them.

"Since our government assumed office, we have implemented a system allowing applications for the CM Relief Fund to be submitted online. We have taken necessary measures. As a result, the scope for irregularities has been completely eliminated," he said.

The Chief Minister stated that the government has so far disbursed Rs 2,046 crore under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

He claimed that the government has allocated Rs 4,500 crore specifically for the medical treatment of the poor.

There are 35 medical colleges in the state; however, patients are currently not visiting these teaching hospitals. Furthermore, there is a shortage of qualified doctors in these hospitals where the poor typically seek medical care.

"We are currently considering a proposal to refer Aarogyasri beneficiaries to these teaching hospitals. In addition to the Aarogyasri funds, we intend to allocate resources from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to these hospitals," the CM said, exuding confidence that this initiative will lead to significant improvements in the administration and management of these hospitals.

The government is also planning to entrust the administrative oversight of these hospitals to a Group-I level officer.

He also announced that based on the census data collected as part of the caste enumeration exercise, the government is preparing to extend the 'Indiramma Jeevitha Bima' (Life Insurance) scheme to 1.15 crore families. "Through this initiative, we aim to provide a sense of security and assurance to every family," he said.

Stating that thousands of doctors from Telangana are currently working abroad, he said a website will be developed to enable them to provide their services in the hospitals in Telangana whenever they visit their state.

The government is transforming the TIMS hospitals in Alwal, LB Nagar, and Sanath Nagar into specialised hospitals. A new building is being constructed for Osmania Hospital in Goshamahal, spanning 30 acres and costing Rs 3,000 crore.

The Chief Minister said the government would be bringing reforms to improve the quality of education. He remarked that while education is accessible, quality education remains elusive.

- IANS
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has declared the movement's choice of "confrontation over surrender" in a defiant televised address. He framed the conflict as an existential struggle against a "dangerous US-Israeli project" seeking regional control from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon. Qassem firmly rejected any negotiations while active conflict persists, labeling such talks as "forced surrender," and issued an urgent call for Lebanese national unity to stop the aggression. The speech comes as Hezbollah claims to have intensified operations, tying down Israeli forces by targeting northern military installations.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declares path of confrontation, rejects negotiations under fire, and warns of US-Israeli expansionist project targeting Lebanon.

Beirut, March 26 In a defiant televised address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the Lebanese movement has opted for the "path of confrontation over surrender." He asserted that its forces are prepared to combat the "US-Israeli project" with a willingness to sacrifice "without limits."

According to a report by Iran's state-owned Press TV, the Hezbollah chief framed the current escalation as an existential struggle for Lebanon's territorial integrity and future.

During the statement released on Wednesday, Qassem argued that the nation is currently at a critical crossroads. He suggested that Lebanon faces two stark realities: "either surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the future of our generations, or engage in inevitable confrontation and resist the occupation to prevent it from achieving its goals."

He maintained that the resistance's proactive stance "denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise" and effectively "nullified all pretexts" for further incursions.

The Secretary-General went on to laud the perseverance of his fighters, claiming they "have written the most magnificent epics of heroism, honor, patriotism, and dignity."

As reported by Press TV, Qassem described these combatants as being "ready to sacrifice endlessly," serving as a "shining symbol of nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation."

He also extended this praise to Lebanese civilians who have faced displacement, noting they have "endured as sacrificers and resistors" to ensure an "honorable future for their homeland."

Central to Qassem's argument is the alleged existence of a "Greater Israel" expansionist agenda. He warned that this "dangerous US-Israeli project" seeks to extend regional control "from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon."

According to the Hezbollah leader, the aggression against Lebanese soil has been continuous since late 2024, with the "Israeli enemy" repeatedly breaching previous "ceasefire agreements."

To counter this perceived threat, the Hezbollah chief issued an urgent "call for national unity" under the singular objective of "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people."

Press TV noted his insistence that internal political disputes should be sidelined, as "national unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country" and provides the necessary "solidarity and cooperation" required for future reconstruction efforts.

Addressing domestic policy, Qassem urged the Lebanese government to rescind measures that "criminalize resistance."

He cautioned that demands for the "exclusivity of weapons" while the nation remains under threat would only facilitate "Lebanon's demise" and the expansion of the "Greater Israel" plan.

Consequently, he "firmly rejected any negotiations" while active conflict persists, stating that "negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender."

Further detailing the regional dimension, Press TV highlighted Qassem's remarks regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran's current standoff with Western and Israeli forces.

He described Iran's resilience as "a lesson for reflection," asserting that any "victory against America and Israel brings good to all."

This regional synergy, he argued, reinforces the "defensive battle for Lebanon," which he views as a "national responsibility for everyone."

The speech comes as Hezbollah has reportedly "intensified its operations" following the outbreak of wider hostilities on February 28.

By targeting military installations in "northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona," the movement claims to have successfully "tied down significant Israeli ground forces," creating a strategic challenge for the Israeli "home front" while the conflict continues to evolve.

- ANI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed supreme confidence in a historic victory for the BJP in the upcoming state assembly elections. He took sharp jabs at political rivals, stating the BJP has destroyed the power of "enemies" like AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal. Sarma further claimed that no local indigenous person would vote for Congress, alleging the party only has support among "Bangladeshi infiltrators." The state is set for a direct contest between the incumbent BJP-led NDA and the Congress in the single-phase polls on April 9.

Assam CM Himanta Sarma predicts a historic BJP win, targets AIUDF's Badruddin Ajmal and Congress, ahead of the April 9 assembly elections.

Darrang, March 27 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted confidence in the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming state Legislative Assembly elections.

Speaking with ANI, the CM exuded pride in the Vijay Sankalp Yatra launched by the party in the state and reflected on the people's participation in it. He further took a jibe at the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief, Badruddin Ajmal, and said that the BJP has destroyed the "enemies of the state".

"Our Vijay Sankalp Yatra took place, and a large number of people came and blessed us. We are confident that this time, the historic result will be in favour of the BJP. Whatever Ajmal (AIUDF chief) says, politically, we have completely destroyed the power of the enemies of Assam. Next time, I will end the remaining as well," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state has witnessed a complete turnaround under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that no local "indigenous Indian" will vote for Congress in the single-phase assembly polls scheduled to be held on April 9.

Speaking on the current political scenario, Sarma told reporters here, "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People, except Bangladeshi infiltrators, are with the BJP. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress."

"Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can't form its government in India; it can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress forms, it will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh," he added.

Sarma's remarks come amid growing political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming elections, as the BJP continues to consolidate its position among indigenous communities in Assam.

Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.

The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced.

- ANI
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iran has permitted the passage of vessels for friendly countries, including India, China, and Russia, through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This follows a statement from the Iranian mission in New York outlining that safe passage is available for "non-hostile vessels" provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had warned that the closure of the strait was choking the movement of vital commodities like oil and fertilizer, deepening global economic impacts. Guterres urged the US and Israel to end the war in West Asia and called on Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

Iran permits friendly nations like India passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as UN chief calls for an end to regional war and shipping disruptions.

Mumbai, March 26 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that they have permitted the passage of vessels for friendly countries, including India, through the Strait of Hormuz.

Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai said in a post, "Iran FM Abbas Araghchi: We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan."

This follows comments by the Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, who called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, he said, "The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking the movement of oil, gas, & fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season. Across the region & beyond, civilians are enduring serious harm & living under profound insecurity. The UN is working to minimise the consequences of the war. And the best way to minimise those consequences is clear: End the war - immediately."

Guterres urged the US and Israel to end the war in West Asia.

"My message to the US & Israel is that it's high time to end the war - as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount & the global economic impact is increasingly devastating. My message to Iran is to stop attacking their neighbours that are not parties to the conflict," he said.

Earlier on March 25, the Iranian mission in New York said that they will allow the passage of what it called "non-hostile vessels" through the Strait of Hormuz.

The mission announced in a post on X, "Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may--provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations--benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities."

The Iranian Defence Council has announced that the transit of "non-hostile vessels" through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is now strictly dependent on prior "coordination with Iranian officials".

- ANI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated there should be no objection if Pakistan successfully mediates peace between the US, Israel, and Iran. His comments come after the Kashmir Valley witnessed peaceful protests following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Abdullah engaged with community leaders to ensure mourning was observed with dignity, which helped restore normalcy. Meanwhile, people in the region have been collecting donations for those suffering in Iran amid ongoing hostilities.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah supports Pakistan's potential mediation for US-Israel-Iran peace, discusses Kashmir's response to regional tensions.

Jammu, March 26 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, said on Thursday that nobody should have any objection if Pakistan's mediation succeeds in bringing a truce in the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Talking to reporters on Thursday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "If Pakistan has good relations with both Israel and Iran and if the US Vice-President is coming there to discuss the peace proposal through which peace can be brought in the region, why should you or me have any objection to it?"

It must be mentioned that Kashmir Valley has a sizeable population of Shia Muslims, with this community living together at many places.

After the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in joint strikes by the US and Israel, both Shia and Sunni Muslims in Kashmir started widespread peaceful protests.

Despite the protesters showing restraint during their protests, authorities had to clamp restrictions to ensure that anti-social and anti-national elements were prevented from mingling with the crowd to create a law and order situation.

CM Omar Abdullah had rushed from Jammu to Srinagar to hold interactions with prominent citizens, social, religious and business community representatives to appeal for observing the mourning with dignity.

CM Omar Abdullah got a positive response from every section of society to his appeal and that interaction went a long way in restoring normalcy in the Valley.

People in the Valley and in the Kargil district of Ladakh Union Territory have been offering donations for the suffering people of Iran.

Despite India's appeals to the involved countries to stop hostilities, intense, unprecedented attacks have been taking place in Iran and Israel during the last 27 days.

- IANS
News / National

by Staff reporter

The government says nurses who staged protests at major public hospitals have now returned to work, as authorities move to address their grievances over low pay and working conditions.The demonstrations, which took place at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, saw scores of nurses down tools demanding salary increases, as well as improved transport and housing allowances.Some protesters carried placards highlighting their financial struggles, with a few claiming they could no longer afford basic necessities, including undergarments - an issue that quickly drew public attention.In Parliament, Blessing Makamure questioned government on its response to the unrest, asking what measures were being taken to ensure that affected workers return to duty."We saw nurses in government institutions demonstrating that they are no longer able to buy themselves undergarments or even go to work," Makamure said.Responding in the National Assembly, Anxious Masuka - who is currently Acting Minister of Health and Child Care - confirmed that the nurses had resumed duty, though he described the demonstrations as unlawful."The nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital took advantage to unlawfully demonstrate their unhappiness by going on strike," Masuka said. "What we saw and what was written were issues we understand - low salaries, transport costs, and working days - but I did not see anything about undergarments."Masuka noted that nurses at Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Bindura Hospital also staged brief demonstrations earlier this week, lasting between 30 minutes and a few hours before returning to their workstations.He commended the healthcare workers for going back to work, stressing the importance of maintaining essential services."All the nurses who demonstrated last week and this week have since returned to their posts. We appreciate their commitment to saving lives," he said, adding that grievances should be raised while duties continue.The minister also revealed that civil servants are set to receive a "living wage adjustment" between Wednesday and Thursday, which he described as adequate to address current concerns.The protests highlight growing pressure on public sector wages amid rising living costs, even as government insists that steps are being taken to stabilise incomes and maintain essential services.
Former Israeli PM advisor Daniel Rubenstein states that the ongoing military operation cannot be deemed successful without a political resolution to the threats posed by Iran. He identifies Iran's nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile arsenal as the primary targets, insisting Israel will not accept any deal that leaves these capabilities intact. Rubenstein highlights an unprecedented level of military and strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel during the current conflict. He concludes by expressing hope that internal pressure within Iran will force the regime to change its course.

Former Netanyahu advisor Daniel Rubenstein tells ANI that ending the conflict without a political resolution on Iran's nuclear program would be a failure.

Tel Aviv, March 26 As the conflict in West Asia continues both sides appear to have hardened their positions on a possible peace deal. For both the US and Israel securing guarantees from Iran on its nuclear program and free transit through Strait of Hormuz are key objectives. Former advisor to the Israeli PM Daniel Rubenstein fells that a political resolution is a must for success.

In an exclusive interview with ANI from Tel Aviv, Rubenstein, discussed the country's military objectives and its unwavering stance on Iran.

With the conflict entering its fourth week, Israel is determined to address several key issues, chief among them the Iranian regime's nuclear and missile capabilities.

When asked if Israel had achieved its core military objectives, Daniel emphasised the ongoing nature of the operation. "Right now, the operation is ongoing. Iran fired a number of ballistic missiles at me this morning here in Tel Aviv," he said. The Iranian regime's actions, including its nuclear weapons program and support for hostile groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continue to be significant threats.

He made it clear that without a political resolution, the conflict could not be considered a success. "If the war were to end right now without any kind of political resolution to these problems, I would not consider it a success," he added.

Rubenstein also addressed Israel's position regarding ongoing talks between the US and Iran. He firmly stated that Israel would not compromise on its security. "Israel's positions are pretty clear for the simple reason that the goal of this current Iranian regime is the destruction of Israel," he explained.

He highlighted that Israel would not allow Iran to accumulate more ballistic missiles or enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. "We're not going to sit and wait while the Iranian regime enriches uranium to weapons grade level," he said.

Regarding potential negotiations, Rubensteinl emphasised that Israel would not accept a deal that did not fully dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. He reiterated that Israel would not sit idly by while Iran continues to threaten the region. "Israel is not going to accept a situation in which the Iranian regime calls for the destruction of Israel and has a nuclear program that it is using for military purposes," he noted.

Rubenstein also highlighted Israel's relationship with the United States, which he described as a rare moment of coordinated cooperation.

"This is a level of cooperation between the United States and Israel that I've never seen in my lifetime," he stated.

On the broader geopolitical front, Rubenstein expressed hope that the Iranian people would eventually take control of their own future and demand a change in government. He concluded, "We're seeing Iran is actually very isolated right now, has no friends, and I hope it gets the message soon that it needs to change course."

With the military objectives still in progress and no clear end in sight, Israel remains resolute in its pursuit of security and stability in the region.

- ANI
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between India and Bangladesh, grounded in shared history, culture, and the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. He stated the bilateral partnership is strategic and people-focused, aiming to deliver tangible benefits through expanded connectivity and trade. India warmly welcomed Bangladesh's new government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging early with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony underscored India's commitment to democratic values and constructive engagement.

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirms India's commitment to a strategic, people-centric partnership with Bangladesh, highlighting shared history and future cooperation.

New Delhi, March 26 Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday reiterated that India warmly welcomes the new government of Bangladesh as both countries remain bound by deep-rooted ties of history, culture, and language, which lend a unique warmth and closeness to the relationship.

Speaking at the National Day Reception hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi which marked the 56th Independence Day of the country, Singh said that the Liberation War of 1971 and the immense sacrifices made in the struggle against exploitation, oppression, and hatred, remain a shared legacy for India and Bangladesh.

"These profound bonds of solidarity continue to underpin our bilateral partnership, which is grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region. Our partnership has consistently been guided by a people-centric approach, with a shared focus on improving the everyday lives of our citizens. Whether through expanding connectivity across rail, road, inland waterways, and energy networks, or by facilitating trade and easing the movement of goods and people, our cooperation has always aimed to deliver tangible benefits," he stated.

Together, Singh said, India and Bangladesh continue to build a partnership that is strategic, people-focused, and both resilient and forward-looking.

"Our progress reflects an enduring spirit of collaboration, nurtured through sustained efforts on both sides. Development partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and cross-border projects have been shaped by mutual priorities and a shared vision of inclusive growth," he mentioned.

Bangladesh's Independence Day, the minister stated, marks a defining moment in the shared history and stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience of people from both countries.

India, he mentioned, looks forward to partnering with Bangladesh for advancing mutual progress and prosperity.

"In this same spirit of cooperation, India warmly welcomes the new Government of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to engage with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, underscoring the high importance India attaches to this close and enduring relationship. India was represented at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet of Bangladesh on 17 February 2026 by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla.

"As the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha the embodiment of India's democratic will and parliamentary traditions his presence conveyed a special message of India's deep commitment to democratic values and its readiness to engage constructively with the mandate of the people of Bangladesh," he said.

- IANS
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong has called for strengthened coordination between China and India to jointly safeguard the rights of developing nations and lead the Global South. He emphasized preventing the world from reverting to a "law of the jungle" through peaceful coexistence and mutual learning. The envoy highlighted innovation and youth exchanges in fields like AI and digital economy as key pillars for future engagement. He also noted that bilateral relations have improved following recent high-level meetings between the two nations' leaders.

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong urges China-India cooperation to safeguard developing nations' rights and lead the Global South through tech and youth exchanges.

New Delhi, March 26 Chinese Envoy Xu Feihong has called for strengthening bilateral cooperation to "jointly safeguard the legitimate rights" of the Global South, and "prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle."

Addressing the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue in the national capital, the Ambassador highlighted the parallel developmental journeys of both nations, stating, "In recent decades, both China and India have achieved remarkable development. These achievements are built on the hard work and wisdom of our own people, supported by global cooperation."

Calling for a united front on the international stage, Ambassador Xu Feihong highlighted the strategic role of both nations as members of the Global South. "China and India should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and lead the Global South towards greater development," he stated.

"We should carry forward the Eastern wisdom of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning and prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle," he added.

He emphasised that both countries are currently navigating a shared period of transformation, adding, "Today, both our countries are at a critical stage of development and national rejuvenation. We should achieve development through our own efforts while actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other's success."

Focusing on the role of technology, Xu Feihong identified innovation as a key pillar for future engagement. "Recently, China's innovation has drawn global attention, from humanoid robots performing martial arts to AI video models. India has also made artificial intelligence a national priority through the India AI mission," he remarked.

In light of these advancements, the envoy encouraged the younger generation to take the lead in modern sectors, suggesting that "Chinese and Indian youth should deepen exchanges and cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green technology."

Beyond technology, the Ambassador shared his personal observations regarding the cultural influence of Chinese media within India. "When I arrived in this incredible land two years ago, I found that China's new trio of cultural products, online games, web series, and online literature, has quietly become part of the daily lives of Indian youth," he said.

He further noted the impact of lifestyle trends on personal expression, adding that "Trending Chinese products like Labubu are also emerging as new vehicles to express individuality" among Indian youth.

Attributing the strengthening of bilateral ties to recent high-level diplomatic engagements, the Ambassador said, "Since the meetings between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, China-India relations have moved to a new level of improvement, with positive progress in exchanges and cooperation across various fields."

- ANI
India's High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, met with Fiji's Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and capacity building. This follows recent meetings with Fiji's ministers for Information & Climate Change and Finance, focusing on digital communications, climate initiatives, and economic growth. The bilateral relationship, boosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 visit, is based on strong cultural and people-to-people ties. India has consistently supported Fiji's nation-building efforts across key sectors.

India and Fiji hold high-level talks to deepen partnership in agriculture, digital infrastructure, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.

Suva, March 26 India's High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta held a meeting with Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna on Thursday, with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and capacity building.

"High Commissioner Suneet Mehta was pleased to call on Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna," Indian High Commission in Suva posted on X.

"Productive discussions were held focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, capacity building, further deepening the strong and growing partnership between our two nations and people," it added.

On March 10, India and Fiji held discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in myriad areas, including digital and multimedia communications, climate initiatives, waste management, training and capacity building.

The talks were held during a meeting between Suneet Mehta and Fiji's Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya.

In a post on X, India's High Commission in Fiji stated, "High Commissioner Suneet Mehta was pleased to call on Minister for Information, Environment & Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya. Productive discussions were held focusing on strengthening India-Fiji cooperation in myriad areas, including digital and multimedia communications, climate initiatives, waste management, training and capacity building."

On March 6, Mehta held a meeting with Fiji Development Bank Chief Executive Officer Filimone Waqabaca on opportunities for strengthening cooperation between both nations in development finance, investment, and sustainable economic growth.

"High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met with Fiji Development Bank Chief Executive Officer Mr. Filimone Waqabaca. Discussion focused on opportunities for strengthening India-Fiji cooperation in development finance, investment, and sustainable economic growth," Indian High Commission in Fiji posted on X.

Last month, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita held a meeting with Fiji's Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel in New Delhi, discussing bilateral ties, shared priorities, and possibilities for cooperation in digital infrastructure.

"Pleased to meet Hon. Esrom Immanuel, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development of Fiji, this morning. Held productive discussions covering the entire gamut of India-Fiji bilateral relations and shared priorities, with particular focus on development partnership, capacity building, and possibilities for cooperation in digital infrastructure, including ongoing collaboration and the way ahead," Margherita posted on X.

Ties between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people-to-people ties. The bilateral relationship received a major boost after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was also held, according to the Indian High Commission in Fiji.

Over the years, India has supported Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building.

- IANS
India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference. He met with trade representatives from Russia, Peru, and Mexico to discuss cooperation and key agenda items. Discussions with Russia covered WTO reforms, while talks with Peru focused on advancing a bilateral free trade agreement. The meeting with Mexico aimed to address business challenges and strengthen trade and investment ties.

India's Commerce Secretary held key bilateral meetings on trade cooperation and WTO reforms with representatives from Russia, Peru, and Mexico at the WTO Ministerial Conference.

New Delhi, March 26 India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of bilateral meetings with trade representatives from Russia, Peru and Mexico on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, discussing trade cooperation and key issues on the conference agenda.

According to the Department of Commerce, Agrawal met Nikolai Platonov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the WTO, where the two sides discussed bilateral issues and reforms at the multilateral body.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met H.E. Mr. Nikolai Platonov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the WTO, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. Discussions covered bilateral issues and WTO reforms, including the MC14 agenda," the Department of Commerce said in a post on X.

Agrawal also met Cesar Augusto Llona Silva, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru, where the discussions focused on strengthening trade ties and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met Mr. Cesar Augusto Llona Silva, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. Discussions focused on the MC14 agenda, progress in the India-Peru FTA negotiations, and enhancing bilateral trade through cooperation in potential sectors," the department said in the post.

In another meeting, the Commerce Secretary held talks with Dr Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of Mexico, to discuss challenges faced by businesses and ways to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had a very productive meeting with Dr. Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of Mexico, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by our businesses and explored a forward-looking roadmap for their early resolution," the post said.

The department added that "the interaction reaffirmed our shared intent to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties."

- ANI
The captains of India's historic gold medal-winning men's and women's lacrosse teams were honored in a meeting with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. Both teams secured their first-ever Asian Lacrosse Games gold medals, marking a landmark achievement for the sport nationally. The Vice President commended their performance and expressed confidence for upcoming Asia-Pacific Olympic qualifiers in 2026. This double triumph arrives as lacrosse prepares to return to the Olympics in 2028, positioning India as a rising force in the sport.

Indian men's and women's lacrosse teams meet Vice President C P Radhakrishnan after historic double gold at Asian Games, boosting Olympic hopes.

New Delhi, March 26 In a proud and momentous development for Indian lacrosse, Anudeep Reddy, Indian Men's team's skipper and the historic gold medal-winning captain who led India to its first-ever gold in the sport, along with Indian Women's team Captain Sunita, had the honour of meeting the Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in the national capital.

The delegation also included Lacrosse Association of India officials Saurabh and Imran Lari, according to a release.

Both the Indian men's and women's lacrosse teams recently created history at the Asian Lacrosse Games 2026 by securing gold medals, marking a landmark achievement for the sport in the country. This twin triumph has brought national recognition to Indian lacrosse and established India as a rising force on the international stage.

During the interaction, Vice President Radhakrishnan commended the exceptional performance of both teams and appreciated their dedication to elevating India's stature globally.

He extended his heartfelt congratulations and conveyed his best wishes for their continued success. He also expressed confidence that the teams would maintain their winning momentum and deliver commendable performances at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Continental Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Australia in October 2026.

The presence of both team captains and senior officials of the Lacrosse Association of India reflects the growing strength and structured development of the sport in the country. The historic double gold victory stands as a source of immense pride and serves as a strong inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.

As Indian lacrosse continues to gain momentum, there is a collective sense of optimism that the sport will scale greater heights and bring further glory to the nation on the global stage.

With lacrosse returning to the Olympics through the sixes format in Los Angeles 2028, India's double-gold performance at the Asian level arrives at a critical moment. The results strengthen India's position within the continental structure and highlight the country's growing potential in a sport that values discipline, adaptability, and teamwork.

- ANI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met with UK's Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, to advance bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions centered on enhancing jointness and interoperability to address evolving maritime and aerospace security challenges. The talks also covered expanding operational cooperation, training exchanges, and capacity building, underscoring an integrated approach to Indo-Pacific stability. The interaction reaffirmed both nations' commitment to deepening strategic ties and fostering enduring defence partnerships.

Indian Navy Chief and UK's Air Chief discuss advancing defence cooperation, jointness, and addressing security challenges in maritime & aerospace domains.

New Delhi, March 26 Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi interacted with the UK's Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, Harv Smyth, to discuss ways to advance defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom, the Indian Navy said.

In a post on X, the Navy's official spokesperson said the interaction took place on Wednesday and focused on strengthening collaboration across maritime and aerospace domains.

The post said, " Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, @RoyalAirForce, on #25Mar 26. The discussions focused on advancing India-UK defence cooperation, with emphasis on enhancing jointness, strengthening #interoperability, and addressing evolving maritime and aerospace security challenges."

Both sides exchanged views on expanding operational cooperation and improving defence engagement between the two countries, underscoring "the importance of integrated approaches in ensuring stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond."

"Both leaders exchanged perspectives on operational cooperation, training exchanges, and capacity building, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches in ensuring stability across the #IndoPacific and beyond," the Navy said.

The interaction also reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen strategic ties and expand defence partnerships.

"The interaction reaffirmed both nations' commitment to deepen strategic ties and foster enduring defence partnerships," the post added.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Smyth visited the Indian Air Force (IAF) base at Air Force Station Gwalior to gain "first-hand insight" into fighter base operations and strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

During his visit, Smyth interacted with IAF personnel and observed operational aspects of the strategic fighter base. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command.

On the same day, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), held a high-level interaction with Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Royal Air Force, reaffirming the growing strength of the India-United Kingdom defence partnership.

The discussion highlighted the continuing exchange of instructors as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation and emphasised significant progress in enhancing defence intelligence collaboration.

The CDS also commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated, and future-ready defence engagement.

The UK's Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Harvey Smyth, began his three-day visit to India on Monday. According to the British High Commission in India, the visit highlighted the deepening defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the air domain, through expanded training, operational exchanges, and strategic engagement.

The CAS began his visit by paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in the national capital and reviewing a Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Air Force.

He also held talks with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, focusing on evolving security threats and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two air forces further. The discussions come as India and the UK continue to expand collaboration through joint training programmes and educational exchanges.

- ANI
Senior Indian and United Kingdom military leadership held a series of meetings in New Delhi this week to strengthen bilateral defence ties. Discussions centred on the geostrategic environment, with a focus on enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces. Key areas of progress included training exchanges, intelligence collaboration, and integrated military engagement. The talks also involved visits to Indian Air Force bases and reaffirmed confidence in advancing a deeper, future-ready defence partnership.

Top Indian & UK military chiefs meet in Delhi, discussing geostrategy, training exchanges, and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation & interoperability.

New Delhi, March 25 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi held a meeting with UK's Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth in New Delhi on Wednesday, discussing the current geostrategic situation and issues of mutual interest.

In a post on X, Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated, "Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, United Kingdom, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. During the interaction, they deliberated on the current geostrategic situation and discussed issues of mutual interest, focusing on strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation and exploring joint initiatives to bolster peace and security."

On Tuesday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth visited Air Force Station in Gwalior, where he gained a first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacted with air warriors.

"Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, RAF (UK), visited Air Force Station Gwalior on 24 Mar 2026, gaining first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacting with air warriors. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command. The visit reinforced mutual understanding and explored avenues for enhanced convergence and interoperability between the two Air Forces," Indian Air Force - Media Co-ordination Centre posted on X.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth held a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, with discussions focused on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration and integrated military engagement between two nations.

In a statement on X, High Commission of India in London stated, "Advancing future-ready India UK defence engagement! General Anil Chauhan, CDS interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, with discussions focusing on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration and integrated military engagement."

During the meeting, General Anil Chauhan commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated and future-ready defence engagement between India and the UK.

UK's High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron and other officials were also present during the meeting.

"General Anil Chauhan, CDS interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, reaffirming the growing strength of India-United Kingdom Defence Partnership. Exchange of Instructors continues to be a key pillar of the bilateral cooperation matrix, alongside significant strides in enhancing Defence Intelligence collaboration," Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff wrote on X.

"The CDS commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more Integrated and future-ready Defence engagement," it added.

On Monday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, who is on an official visit to India, met Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, with discussions focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability and strengthening air power ties.

"Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, on an official visit to India, called on Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force. Discussions focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability and strengthening bilateral air power ties," the IAF stated.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth also paid homage to bravehearts of Indian Armed Forces at National War Memorial in New Delhi on Monday.

- IANS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed global instability from Middle East conflicts, contrasting it with India's perceived safety under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He called for public unity with the government during national challenges, defining such cooperation as true patriotism. Adityanath also advised citizens against panic-buying LPG cylinders, assuring streamlined home delivery to counter rumours. Furthermore, he highlighted Green Hydrogen as a vital future energy source, detailing collaborations with Japan and funding for a technical university's Centre of Excellence.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath says India is secure under PM Modi's leadership despite global conflicts, urges public unity and discusses Green Hydrogen energy.

Gorakhpur, March 26 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday highlighted the global impact of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the wars between Iran and Israel, and Iran and the United States.

He said, "The war ongoing between Iran and Israel, and between Iran and America--the entire Middle East is affected by it and almost the entire world is affected."

He noted that while the world grapples with instability, India remains on a steady path under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"But there is an outcry in the world; there is disorder and anarchy. Inside India, under the magnificent and illustrious leadership of the Prime Minister, we are safe and are also working to take our journey of development forward fearlessly," he said.

The Chief Minister urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to remain mentally prepared for any potential challenges, stressing the importance of unity with the government during national crises.

"When a calamity comes, or a challenge arises, to face that challenge, a person must prepare themselves to walk step-by-step with the government. This is true patriotism. When we work together with the government on any national issue, the results will be before us all. Our patriotism will be defined by this--that if the government has taken a step in the interest of the country, we prepare ourselves for it," he asserted.

Addressing the issue of cooking gas cylinders, Adityanath says, "There is no need to stand in line." He advises, "Before the war, if a cooking gas cylinder lasted for a month in someone's house, why is he rushing to get a cylinder on the fifth or sixth day today? Listen, when your turn is approaching, go three or five days before that, get your registration done, and the cooking gas will reach your home."

He assured citizens that the district administration had been instructed to manage deliveries to ensure the convenience of the public, and that the cylinders would be 'home-delivered', where agencies would deliver the cylinder to your doorstep, just like they used to deliver.

Referring to the rumours being spread, he added, "There are some people who want to spoil the atmosphere by spreading rumours. There are some people who are trying to create disorder;" to which the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of avoiding misinformation, encouraging the public to stay calm.

CM Yogi Adityanath also spoke about India's energy future, focusing on Green Hydrogen energy and technological advancements in collaboration with Japan. "Green Hydrogen energy is going to become a vital medium," he said, highlighting ongoing initiatives for energy independence.

"New India believes in both heritage and development. And so that we do not have to depend on any other country for the energy of the future, Green Hydrogen energy is going to become a vital medium. For that, we have provided funds to Madan Mohan Malviya Technical University for a Centre of Excellence. To bring that technology, we also recently visited Japan. We have had discussions with Japan; they are at a very advanced stage in this technology. We will move this program forward together with them."

"Technology takes a little time to arrive. It takes some time to convert innovation into Research and Development. But the government is working to provide a platform for the ideas that exist within the youth," he said, assuring that the government is working hard towards being 'Aatmanirbhar.'

- ANI
India and the United States held the 18th Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral defence ties. The talks, co-chaired by senior defence officials, focused on identifying areas for co-development and co-production of military equipment. Key discussions included India's plans to acquire six more P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft and emergency procurement of Javelin anti-tank missiles. The Indian side also emphasized the timely delivery of Excalibur precision-guided artillery shells under a recent deal.

India and US discuss strengthening defence ties, co-production, and key deals for P-8I aircraft, Javelin missiles, and Excalibur ammunition in New Delhi meeting.

New Delhi, March 25 India and the United States on Wednesday discussed ways of further strengthening their defence ties during the 18th Defence Policy Group meeting held in New Delhi.

During the meeting, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, the two sides also held important discussions on important ongoing defence deals, including the Indian plans for acquiring six more P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

"The 18th India-US Defence Policy Group meeting was held in New Delhi today. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the talks. Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, identified priority areas for co-development & co-production of defence equipment, and reaffirmed commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, training visits & strategic exchanges," the Ministry of Defence said.

The two sides also held discussions on the Excalibur precision-guided artillery ammunition for which India has signed a Rs 300 crore deal under the emergency procurement route.

The Indian side asked the American officials to ensure that the precision-guided shells are provided to the Indian Army on time.

India is also looking to sign the deal for buying Javelin anti-tank guided missiles from the US through the emergency route.

The Indian Navy is in discussion with the Americans for the procurement of six more P-8I surveillance aircraft.

The Rs 30,000 crore deal has been in negotiations for some time now and is likely to be acquired soon.

- ANI
News / National

by Staff reporter

Gift Konjana, a Zimbabwean politician who recently crossed the floor from the opposition MDC Alliance to the ruling Zanu-PF, has confirmed that he is alive following widespread fears of abduction after the Chegutu council by-election. However, Konjana has announced his withdrawal from politics, citing the "toxic political environment" as the reason.According to a statement attributed to Konjana, which has not been independently verified, he described going through dark times and making a "final escape" from both his position as a Zanu-PF councillor and the broader political arena.Konjana had won the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election on February 21, but his family reported him missing after he failed to return home. His disappearance sparked speculation that he may have been abducted or harmed, possibly due to internal Zanu-PF rivalries or his past ties to the opposition.Before joining Zanu-PF, Konjana was a senior member of MDC Alliance and is known for his high-profile legal battles with Zanu-PF cadre Dexter Nduna over the Chegutu West parliamentary seat in the 2018 elections. Although he initially won the seat, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) attributed the loss to a "clerical error," and Konjana's legal challenges to reclaim it were dismissed on procedural grounds.He contested the same seat as an independent candidate in 2023 but was unsuccessful, which preceded his defection to Zanu-PF.Konjana's statement today signals his permanent retreat from Zimbabwean politics, though his current whereabouts remain largely unknown. The political community continues to watch developments in Chegutu closely, given the controversial circumstances surrounding his disappearance and reappearance.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stark warning, stating intelligence suggests enemies are preparing to occupy an Iranian island with support from a regional state, promising "unrelenting attacks" in response. His comments come amid reports the US Pentagon is deploying thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. Concurrently, the White House emphasized its military campaign is intensifying efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect global energy routes, striking Iranian military infrastructure along the coastline. These escalating tensions follow the late February joint US-Israel attacks that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and triggered retaliatory Iranian strikes on Israeli and US assets.

Iran's parliament speaker warns of attacks on a regional state's infrastructure if enemies, with US support, attempt to occupy an Iranian island.

Tehran, March 26 Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that certain data demonstrate that the "enemies" are preparing for an operation to occupy an Iranian island with the support of a regional state.

"If they take any step forward, all of the vital infrastructure of that regional country will come under (Iran's) unrelenting attacks without any restriction," Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on social media platform X.

In a separate post earlier in the day, Ghalibaf said Iran is closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially its troop deployments.

"What the generals have broken, the soldiers can't fix; instead, they will fall victim to (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's delusions," he said, warning, "Do not test our resolve to defend our land."

Ghalibaf's remarks came amid reports that the Pentagon is expected to send thousands of soldiers from the US Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the US has said that it is intensifying efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise global oil flows as its military campaign against Iran continues, with the White House saying operations are focused on protecting energy routes critical to the global economy.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US forces are targeting Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the strategic waterway, a vital transit point for global energy supplies.

"Our military also remains laser focused on eliminating the regime's threat to the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz," she said.

As part of that effort, US forces struck Iranian military infrastructure along the coastline of the strait.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.

- IANS
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced extended metro services until 2 AM for the IPL 2026 season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Spectators can use their match tickets, which feature a QR code, as a pass for two-way travel on Namma Metro. Additional parking at metro stations and designated station usage based on stadium gates aim to decongest the Central Business District. These measures follow a tragic stampede during last year's RCB victory parade, with authorities emphasizing crowd management and safety.

BMRCL extends metro services until 2 AM and offers match ticket travel passes for the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, March 26 Indian Premier League 2026 season opener between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28 and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has announced extended metro services and additional commuter facilities to ensure smooth and safe travel for fans.

According to an official media release issued on Wednesday, metro services across Bengaluru will operate beyond regular hours on match day. The last train services from terminal stations have been extended from 11:00 PM up to 2:00 AM in the early hours of the next day.

The final departures from key terminals are scheduled as follows: Whitefield (Kadugodi) at 12:30 AM, Challaghatta at 12:45 AM, Silk Institute and Madavara at 12:45 AM, Bommasandra at 1:00 AM, and R V Road at 2:00 AM. Additionally, the last train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic) towards all four directions will depart at 1:30 AM.

To ease travel for spectators, IPL match tickets will also serve as metro travel passes, featuring a QR code that allows two-way travel on Namma Metro, either printed on physical tickets or integrated into digital versions.

BMRCL has advised spectators to use the designated metro stations depending on their stadium entry gates. Commuters entering via Cubbon Road are encouraged to use Cubbon Park Metro Station, while those accessing through the Link Road should use Dr B. R. Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha).

In a bid to reduce congestion and improve last-mile connectivity, additional parking arrangements have been made across multiple metro stations. On match days, parking will be available at a flat rate of Rs 30 for two-wheelers and Rs 60 for cars, valid until the end of metro operations.

Spectators have also been urged to park vehicles at metro stations such as Cubbon Park and MG Road, which are within walking distance of the stadium, thereby helping decongest traffic in the Central Business District and surrounding areas.

BMRCL has requested commuters to follow instructions issued by police, stadium authorities, and metro staff to ensure smooth crowd movement and avoid overcrowding. The corporation also stated that it reserves the right to regulate or temporarily close station entry points if required for safety and security reasons.

Last year in June, 11 fans lost their lives due to the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory parade in Bengaluru following their maiden IPL trophy win.

- ANI
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that messages have been exchanged with the United States through intermediaries but stressed these do not constitute negotiations or dialogue. He stated Iran does not seek war but wants the conflict to end in a way that prevents its repetition, explicitly rejecting a ceasefire. Araghchi emphasized Iran's policy is continued resistance and defense, with no plans for holding talks with Washington. His comments follow US claims of negotiations and come after recent military attacks and Iran's control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's FM confirms messages exchanged with US through intermediaries but denies any negotiations, stating Iran seeks to end the war on its own terms.

Tehran, March 26 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that different messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, while Tehran has held no talks with Washington since the beginning of the US and Israeli attacks on the country late last month.

He made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Wednesday (local time).

"Since a few days ago, the American side has started sending different messages through different intermediaries. When messages are relayed to us through friendly countries and we, in response, declare our positions or issue the necessary warnings, it is called neither negotiation nor dialogue. There has merely been an exchange of messages through our friends, and we have repeated our principled positions," Araghchi said.

He added that in some messages, Iran warned the United States against attacking its infrastructure, which caused Washington to withdraw its warning to strike Iranian power plants within 48 hours, reports Xinhua news agency.

Araghchi said that Iran does not seek war, stressing "We did not begin this war and want an end to it, however, in a way that it is not repeated."

He noted that Iran does not want a ceasefire as it would be a repetition of the same "vicious circle" of negotiation, war, and truce, emphasising that "We want an end to this war on our own terms."

Araghchi said that Iran's current policy is to continue resistance and defend the country, and there is no plan for holding negotiations.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that the waterway is considered part of the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, adding that Iran is studying "new arrangements for safe passage through the strait."

The Iranian foreign minister's remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran is negotiating with the United States and wants a deal to end the war.

On February 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 US bases and assets in the Middle East, and exercising tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, not allowing safe passage by vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.

- IANS
The Iranian Army states it targeted sensitive locations at Israel's strategic Haifa port with a massive drone attack. Separately, the IRGC announced the 82nd wave of retaliatory operations against US and Israeli interests across the region. The attacks reportedly devastated US logistics sites in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, along with Israeli military and nuclear-linked facilities. These strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Tehran and the US-Israeli coalition.

Iran's Army and IRGC target sensitive sites at Haifa port and US bases in a major retaliatory drone and missile attack wave.

Tehran, March 27 The Iranian Army on Thursday stated that it had targeted sensitive locations in Israel's strategic Haifa port with drones late Wednesday night, amid the conflict in West Asia, describing the US-Israeli joint military strikes on February 28 as an "unprovoked war of aggression" against the Islamic Republic, as reported by state media Press TV.

In a statement, as reported by Press TV, the Army said it launched a "massive drone attack" against a number of strategic and sensitive sites in the northern port city of Haifa.

The aerial operation was carried out in response to what Tehran termed the US-Israeli enemy's claim that Iran's missile and drone capabilities have been significantly degraded.

"The center for manufacturing and maintenance of various military vessels of the Zionist regime in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that played a key and sensitive role in logistics for the regime's Navy as well as the huge fuel storage facilities for warplanes in Haifa port were, among others, targeted in the recent drone attack by the Islamic Republic's Armed forces," the statement read, as quoted by Press TV.

Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of the 82nd wave of retaliatory operations against the US and Israel, employing various types of missiles and drones in the region.

In a Thursday statement, as reported by Press TV, the IRGC said this latest wave was launched in retaliation for earlier airstrikes on critical infrastructure and civilian facilities within Iran. It noted that the operations began early Thursday and would continue throughout the day.

According to the statement, designated US interests in the Arifjan and al-Kharj districts of Saudi Arabia, the US Defence Logistics Site (kGL), Patriot radar systems in Bahrain's Sheikh Isa region, support fuel depots for US forces, a hangar for P8 surveillance aircraft, a hangar for MQ-9 Reaper combat drones, and a satellite communications dish for drones at Ali al-Salem airbase were "devastated with a large swarm of kamikaze drones", Press TV reported.

The IRGC said the retaliatory strikes were dedicated to fallen Iranians in the northern provinces of East Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan.

It also stated that a military command centre in "the occupied territories", as well as industries linked to the Israeli regime's nuclear programme near the Dead Sea, were struck in an "impact-driven" attack.

The developments mark the latest escalation in the widening conflict between Tehran and the US-Israeli coalition, with both sides conducting sustained offensive operations across multiple theatres amid ongoing diplomatic talks.

Last week, an Iranian ballistic missile struck the Haifa oil refinery complex, a major oil refinery complex in Northern Israel, with Israeli sources confirming the strike, as reported by CNN.

- ANI
An Iranian missile reportedly evaded Israel's air defenses and struck the city of Dimona, located near the country's main nuclear research center. The attack caused no injuries, according to emergency services. This is part of a series of recent missile strikes from Iran, including one on Tel Aviv that caused light injuries and property damage. The incident occurs amid high regional tensions, despite claims of negotiations being dismissed by Iran.

Report: Iranian missile evades defenses, strikes Dimona near Israel's nuclear reactor. No injuries reported amid escalating regional conflict.

Tel Aviv, March 26 A missile fired from Iran has evaded Israel's air defence systems and struck the city of Dimona, near which Israel's main nuclear facility and reactor are located, state-owned Kan TV reported.

Air raid sirens in the area sounded in the morning and early afternoon on Wednesday (local time), warning of incoming missile attacks, according to the Home Front Command. The Israeli military did not officially confirm whether the missile was intercepted.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported no injuries.

Kan reported that the missile struck Dimona, located about 13 km northwest of the nuclear site in the Negev Desert, without elaborating on whether there was damage, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre, often referred to as the "Dimona reactor," is one of Israel's most heavily guarded sites.

Iran has repeatedly targeted the area since Saturday, when a missile attack injured 64 people in Dimona. Tehran said the attack was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Natanz nuclear facility.

Earlier on March 24, a missile fired from Iran struck Tel Aviv, injuring several people and damaging buildings and vehicles, Israeli authorities said.

Loud explosions were heard across the city, with eyewitnesses reporting large plumes of smoke rising from both northern and southern parts of the country's commercial hub.

Israel's Army Radio, citing security officials, reported that it was apparently a cluster-type missile containing several bomblets, each weighing about 100 kg, with the bomblets or their fragments impacting several sites.

At an impact site in northern Tel Aviv, a missile struck between buildings, "causing a powerful blast wave that heavily damaged three buildings," Miki David, commander of the Tel Aviv district in the Home Front Command, told reporters at the scene. He said shelters in the buildings remained intact, and those inside were unharmed.

Images shared on social media showed that the impact left a crater.

In a statement, the Israeli military said search and rescue teams were operating at "several sites" in central Israel after impacts were reported.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said six people were lightly injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Air raid sirens were activated seven times across Israel overnight and into Tuesday morning amid continued missile fire from Iran. The last missile attack activated sirens in southern Israel, including in Dimona, where Israel's nuclear facility is located.

The strike came as the regional conflict entered its 25th day, with tensions remaining high despite U.S. President Donald Trump's claim of ongoing negotiations, which Iran dismissed as "fake news."

- IANS
Actor Boman Irani created a viral satirical video responding to Donald Trump's remark about speaking to "Iranis." In the clip, Irani humorously volunteers himself, along with Smriti Irani and Aruna Irani, for peace talks. He jokingly sets a condition that the US delegation must come to Mumbai's Dadar Parsi Colony for dhansak and custard, even offering a gas cylinder. The video provides a lighthearted contrast to the ongoing tense conflict in West Asia.

Actor Boman Irani humorously responds to Donald Trump, offering peace talks over dhansak in Mumbai's Dadar Parsi Colony. Watch the viral video.

Mumbai, March 26 Boman Irani had fans laughing out loud with his witty take on Donald Trump's remark about speaking to "Iranis," cleverly roping in himself, Smriti Irani, and Aruna Irani.

From inviting Trump to Mumbai's Dadar Parsi Colony to joking about gas cylinders, the actor's humorous video has quickly gone viral online.

The actor-director took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share a funny video in which he spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In the video, Boman referred to his Irani roots and joked about being one of the people who could speak to US President Donald Trump regarding peace talks. While talking about how he is "ready" to help and do "anything for peace," he added his own humorous condition for the meeting. He playfully said that, instead of going abroad, he would prefer if the delegation came to Mumbai.

"So, as you may know, it's going viral that Mr. Donald Trump wants to talk to the Iranians, and three people have been beckoned to speak: Smriti Irani, Aruna Irani, and me," Boman said.

"I'm ready. I am ready. We can do anything for peace. My only condition is that I won't go to Washington. Let their delegation come here, to the Dadar Parsi Colony. We'll treat them to whatever they like, feed them dhansak and custard, and even bring a gas cylinder. I think that will make life very, very smooth for all of us," he added.

Take a look

Meanwhile, the situation in West Asia continues to remain tense. Despite claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations with Iran are underway and the conflict could soon end, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as the war enters its fourth week.

Earlier, on March 22, more than 100 people, including children, were injured after ballistic missiles fired by Iran struck the southern Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, causing extensive damage to residential areas and overwhelming local emergency services, officials said.Rescue crews worked throughout the night, tending to the wounded and clearing debris from collapsed buildings. Hospitals in the region reported treating dozens of civilians for shrapnel wounds, broken bones and shock, with some in serious condition.

- ANI
Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has stated that intelligence reports indicate enemy countries are preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands, with support from a regional nation. He warned that Iran is monitoring all movements and will target the aggressor country's vital infrastructure with relentless attacks if any step is taken. Concurrently, Iran's Foreign Minister claimed the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including a quick military victory or regime change. This comes amid a significant US troop buildup in the Middle East, one of the largest since the Iraq War, with potential scenarios including blockading Kharg Island or securing nuclear material.

Iran's Parliament Speaker warns of foreign plans to occupy an Iranian island, threatening relentless attacks on the aggressor's infrastructure.

Tehran, March 26 Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands.

He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements.

In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."

Also, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera.

That's in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en route from San Diego.

Combined, the backup troops will add between 6,000 and 7,000 marines and sailors to the about 50,000 already positioned in the Middle East, as per Al Jazeera.

The US deployments are among the largest since the Iraq war in 2003, when the US sent 160,000 soldiers. While no ground operation has been ordered, the scale and composition of forces, combined with public statements from US officials, suggest at least three scenarios may be under consideration, as per Al Jazeera.

These include seizing or blockading Kharg Island, clearing Iran's coastline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and, in the most consequential scenario, securing Iran's nuclear material.

- ANI
Indian Railways has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on IRCTC following a passenger's complaint about food quality on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express. A separate Rs 50 lakh penalty was levied on the service provider, whose contract has been terminated. Railways officials emphasize that passenger safety and quality are top priorities, noting an extremely low complaint rate of about 0.0008% for the nearly 58 crore meals served annually. Concurrently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced five new reforms for 2026, bringing the total to nine, with two focused on passenger convenience.

Railways imposes heavy fines on IRCTC and a service provider after a passenger complaint. Discover the new reforms announced for 2026.

New Delhi, March 26 The Railways has tightened its grip on its own company, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, by imposing a fine of Rs 10 lakh following a passenger's complaint.

A passenger's complaint regarding the quality of food found on train number 21896 (Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express) on March 15 has been taken seriously, and a penalty of Rs 10 lakh has been imposed on IRCTC.

Along with this, a fine of Rs 50 lakh has been imposed on the concerned service provider, and the contract termination has been ordered.

An Indian Railways spokesperson stated that passenger safety and quality are our top priorities.

Meanwhile, ministry said that Indian Railways serves nearly 58 crore meals annually across its trains, with complaints averaging only about 0.0008%, which includes complaints related to overcharging.

Following inquiries into these complaints, fines amounting to Rs 2.6 crore have been imposed over the past three years. During the year 2025, 3 incidents of assault on railway passengers by Pantry Car staff have been reported. Legal action has been taken against the Pantry Car staff by the respective Government Railway Police.

Also, Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday announced that in line with Indian Railways' resolve to undertake reforms during 2026, five new reforms have been approved.

With the approval of these new reforms, the total number of reforms for the year 2026 has reached nine.

Ashwini Vaishnaw said that under the ongoing "Reform Express" initiative, four reforms had already been announced and five new reforms were being introduced.

Out of the five new reforms, two are related to cargo, one to construction, and two to passenger convenience.

Speaking on reform number five, which focuses on salt transportation, Vaishnaw said India is one of the largest producers and exporters of salt in the world. The three major producing states are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Out of nearly 35 million tonnes of salt produced annually in India, about 9.2 million tonnes per annum are transported by railways, reflecting a significant untapped opportunity.

- ANI
The Israel Defence Forces announced it completed extensive strikes targeting Iranian regime infrastructure in Isfahan and the Tehran area, focusing on weapon production sites. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps issued a stark warning against any US-Israel ground operation on Iranian territory, directly addressing the American people. The IRGC also claimed a major missile attack on over 70 locations in Israel, including Haifa and Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, reports indicate the Pentagon is planning to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.

IDF completes strikes in Isfahan. IRGC warns US-Israel against ground incursion, citing missile attacks and possible US troop deployment.

Jerusalem, March 26 The Israel Defence Forces on Thursday said that the IDF had completed a wave of extensive strikes in Iran's Isfahan. The IDF said it had targeted infrastructure of the Iranian regime in several areas.

Earlier Israel's Air Force said that under intelligence guidance, it had completed a wave of strikes overnight targeting production sites for weaponry of the Iranian terror regime in the Tehran area. In these strikes, several production sites for air and sea weaponry were attacked, and in parallel, defence systems and a missile launcher position against aircraft were attacked.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory.

"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned.

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read.

According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US.

The IRGC further said that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4. IRGC Public Relations Department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

The IRGC concluded with a warning, "Remember, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, this is what our martyred Leader taught us."

The IRGC says over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Israeli targets since the war began, while Iran's air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets.

- ANI
Israeli media, citing an unnamed official, reports the killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri in a strike at Bandar Abbas, though there is no confirmation from Iran or the Israeli military. The IRGC has conducted numerous military operations, including over 80 waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US facilities in the region as part of Operation True Promise 4. In a stark warning, the IRGC cautioned US-Israel forces against a ground invasion, stating invading soldiers would be "deeply drowned" and accusing leaders of deceit. Meanwhile, reports indicate the Pentagon is considering deploying elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, with a potential operation on Iran's Kharg Island being contemplated.

Israeli media claims IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri killed in strike. IRGC launches missile waves, warns against US-Israel ground invasion as Pentagon mulls troop deployment.

Tehran, March 26 Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, has been killed in a strike in Bandar Abbas, Israeli media reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed Israeli official. There has been no comment from Iran or from the Israeli military on the strike.

Tangsiri was responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Times of Israel report.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out a fresh round of military operations today against US military installations across the region in retaliation for earlier airstrikes against infrastructure and civilian facilities in the northern sector of Iran.

On Wednesday, the IRGC and the Iranian Army conducted multiple operations as part of Operation True Promise 4, which was launched immediately after the US-Israeli coalition carried out strikes on Iran. Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 82 waves of missile and drone strikes with advanced weaponry targeting Israeli military facilities as well as US bases and assets scattered across the West Asia region. The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have also joined the front against the external aggressors, inflicting heavy blows on the enemy.

IRGC has also issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory.

"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned.

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read.

According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US.

The IRGC further said that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4. IRGC Public Relations Department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

- ANI
News / National

by Staff reporter

Circle Internet Group Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Cassava Technologies, owned by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, to expand the use of stablecoins across Africa's fast-growing digital payments sector.The deal marks Circle's first entry into the African market and will enable users of Sasai Fintech Ltd, Cassava's financial technology platform, to send and receive funds using USDC, a US dollarpegged stablecoin issued by Circle.Cassava Technologies, which operates in more than 30 African markets through Sasai, is expected to bring the service to millions of users across the continent, significantly broadening access to digital financial services.The partnership also aligns with Cassava's broader push into emerging technologies, including its recent artificial intelligence initiatives supported by Nvidia technology.Masiyiwa said the collaboration represents a major step in unlocking Africa's digital economic potential."Africa's digital economy is entering a new era, driven by a mobile-first generation and increasing cross-border commerce and entrepreneurship," he said.He added that integrating USDC into the Sasai platform will help improve financial inclusion, support businesses, and simplify cross-border payments across Africa's fragmented financial systems.The move comes as stablecoins continue to grow rapidly in global markets, with their total market value rising from about $20 billion in 2020 to over $246 billion by May 2025.In Africa, dollar-backed digital currencies are increasingly seen as a hedge against local currency volatility and a tool for easier, faster cross-border transactionsespecially in economies where traditional banking systems remain costly or limited.The partnership is expected to position Cassava and Circle at the forefront of Africa's evolving digital finance landscape.
Actor Esha Gupta emphasized the foundational role of women and the female gaze in cinema at the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar lauded the initiative, aligning it with his women-centric films like his upcoming project 'The Wives'. Spanish actor Enrique Arce participated, expressing excitement about cultural exchange and the importance of preserving storytelling roots amidst technological advances. The week-long government-led festival aims to showcase diverse films and foster interactions among global filmmakers.

Esha Gupta highlights the female gaze in storytelling at IFFD, backed by Madhur Bhandarkar. Spanish actor Enrique Arce joins the festival celebrating global cinema.

New Delhi, March 25 Actor Esha Gupta spoke about the role of women in cinema, emphasising the significant contributions women have made both on-screen and behind the scenes.

While speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 (IFFD), she shared her thoughts on the growing influence of the female gaze in modern storytelling. She expressed that women have always had a pivotal role in shaping cinema, adding that the concept of the female gaze has existed since the beginning of time. "Female gaze started when the earth was made," Esha said. "Without women, there wouldn't have been any reproduction or continuity. It's incredible that the IFFD is focusing on this theme because it celebrates the very core of what women bring to cinema."

The actress also highlighted the need to amplify the voices of female storytellers and creators, stressing the importance of offering them a platform to tell their stories from a unique perspective."It's important that women are recognized for their contributions, and I believe festivals like IFFD are the perfect platform to celebrate and encourage their storytelling," she added.

Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar also lauded the initiative and highlighted the importance of platforms that celebrate cinema and cultural exchange. "It's a great initiative by the Delhi government. Programs like these allow audiences to watch diverse films, attend masterclasses, and interact with filmmakers. Cinema lovers get exposure to a wide range of content," he said.

Speaking about the global nature of cinema today, Bhandarkar stressed the need for international collaborations. "Cinema has no borders and no language. Today we watch Italian, Spanish, and French films. Collaborations are very important in today's time," he added.

The filmmaker, who is also part of the advisory board of the festival, expressed optimism about the event's future. He noted that such platforms help bring together filmmakers, technicians, and artists from different backgrounds, encouraging meaningful interactions and cultural exchange at an international level.

On the theme of women in cinema, Bhandarkar said it aligns closely with his body of work. "I have always made films centred around women empowerment, and audiences have given a lot of love to such stories. My upcoming film 'The Wives' is also a female-centric project, and I hope it receives the same affection," he said.

The festival also saw participation from international artists, including Spanish actor Enrique Arce, who expressed excitement about being part of the inaugural edition. Arce said, "This is amazing. I'm so excited... it's a privilege. It's a blessing. I'm so thankful that they chose us to represent Spain here."

Arce is also set to conduct a masterclass with young filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Delhi. Speaking about the session, he said he looks forward to engaging with participants and sharing insights from his career. "I'm just putting myself available for everybody... to talk about the kind of work I do and how we can connect through cinema," he added.

Reflecting on the evolution of cinema, Arce highlighted the need to balance technology with tradition. "The world is going towards artificial intelligence, but we can't lose our roots. Stories from the past are important to keep telling," he said.

The actor also shared his enthusiasm about exploring India, noting that he has already visited a few places in Delhi and plans to travel to Mumbai as part of his visit. Encouraging young filmmakers, Arce said, "Stay on it. Keep telling good stories," while wishing success for the festival's future editions.

Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival showcasing Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital.

The week-long festival, running from March 25 to 31, will offer a series of screenings, discussions, and industry events across various venues in New Delhi, uniting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe.

- ANI
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir conducted raids across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir as part of a fresh terror investigation. The probe focuses on a transnational terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, reportedly directed by an operator based in Bangladesh. This comes alongside ongoing NIA searches in the union territory related to the 2025 Red Fort area bomb blast case. The NIA raids aimed to gather digital evidence and identify additional individuals connected to that deadly attack.

CIK conducts raids in Srinagar, Shopian, Ganderbal probing a LeT terror module directed from Bangladesh. NIA also searches locations in Red Fort blast case.

Kashmir, March 26 The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir on Thursday conducted raids across multiple locations in the union territory, with operations underway in Srinagar, Shopian, and Ganderbal districts.

According to CIK, the searches are being conducted in connection with a fresh terror investigation case registered recently at Police Station CIK. The searches are backed by a search warrant issued by the Court.

The CIK investigation is probing a terror module directed by Shabir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmir-native LeT operator based in Bangladesh. Lone, a native of Kangan Ganderbal, is reportedly operating from Bangladesh and is linked to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The investigation relates to a transnational terror module linked to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with the module reportedly receiving directions from handlers based in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Further details on the raids are awaited.

Earlier on Monday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a series of coordinated searches across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its ongoing investigation into the 2025 Red Fort area bomb blast case.

The Central anti-terror probe agency carried out raids at nine locations spread across Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Handwara.NIA said the searches were linked to a case which pertains to the deadly explosion that took place near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025.

During the searches, NIA said its teams seized several digital devices and electronic records suspected to be linked to the conspiracy.

Officials said the seized materials have been sent for detailed forensic analysis, with investigators aiming to extract critical data related to communication networks, operational planning and possible links between suspects.

They indicated that the focus of the latest searches was to gather fresh evidence and identify additional individuals connected to the plot. The agency believes that digital footprints recovered from the seized devices could help uncover hidden links and expand the scope of the investigation.

The Red Fort blast, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured, is still under active investigation by the NIA, which has arrested 11 individuals so far.

The prime accused, Umer Un Nabi, was killed in the explosion and is believed to have played a central role in orchestrating the attack in coordination with other accused persons.

The NIA has been pursuing multiple leads to unravel the broader conspiracy behind the attack. The latest searches in Jammu and Kashmir are part of sustained efforts to trace support networks and identify any remaining operatives involved.

The agency further said it is continuing with its efforts to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the terror attack and to identify others involved in the plot to spread mayhem and destabilise the country.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Paris. They held extensive discussions on the situation in West Asia and agreed to continue close coordination to ensure the safety of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The ministers also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's confirmed participation in the upcoming G7 Summit in June. Jaishankar additionally held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan during his two-day visit.

EAM S Jaishankar discusses West Asia security & Strait of Hormuz with French FM. PM Modi's G7 participation confirmed. Meetings with Korean, Japanese counterparts.

Paris, March 27 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting and discussed the situation created by conflict in West Asia.

The two leaders agreed to continue coordination to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is safe.

"The ministers spoke at length about the situation in the Middle East. They agreed to continue their close coordination with the aim of working jointly to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is safe,"a release from French Foreign Ministry said.

"The ministers welcomed the fact that Prime Minister Modi has confirmed his participation in the Evian Summit (15-17 June). With this in mind, the two ministers highlighted India's contribution to the G7's work, particularly on the question of major macroeconomic imbalances, and on international partnerships and solidarity," it added.

It said that Jaishankar's participation in the meeting testifies to the importance France attaches to closely involving India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year, in its G7 presidency.

The conflict in West Asia between Israel-US and Iran has caused energy supply disruptions.

Jaishankar also met South Korea's Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Hyun.

"Productive meeting with @FMChoHyun of RoK. Look forward to further advancement of our partnership," he said in a post on X.

Jaishankar also met Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

"Always nice to meet my friend FM Toshimitsu Motegi, this time on the sidelines of G7 FMM," he said in a post on X.

Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to France.

- ANI
Professor C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, has been honored with the prestigious Lighthouse Leadership Award by the STAR Scholars Network in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes his exceptional and transformative contributions to global higher education, academic leadership, and institution-building. Dr. Uttam Gaulee, President of the STAR Scholars Network, praised Kumar's work in building a world-class university from scratch and positioning India at the center of global academic discourse. In his acceptance, Professor Kumar dedicated the award to the entire JGU community and acknowledged the support of Founding Chancellor Naveen Jindal.

Professor C. Raj Kumar, Founding VC of O.P. Jindal Global University, receives the STAR Scholars Network's Lighthouse Leadership Award for his transformative work in global higher education.

Washington, D.C., March 25 The STAR Scholars Network has conferred its distinguished Lighthouse Leadership Award upon Professor C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University. This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to global higher education, academic leadership, and institution-building.

The award ceremony, associated with global academic engagements in Washington, D.C., highlighted international leadership shaping the future of higher education.

The Lighthouse Leadership Award, instituted by the STAR Scholars Network, is a premier global honour recognising visionary leaders in academia. Inspired by the metaphor of a lighthouse as a guiding force, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership illuminates pathways for global scholarship, institutional innovation, academic collaboration, and social impact through education. The award underscores the transformative role of higher education in addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge for the public good.

Dr Uttam Gaulee, President, Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR Scholars Network), observed: "The STAR Lighthouse Leadership Award is one of our highest global recognitions -- reserved for leaders who illuminate pathways for higher education worldwide. In India, where institution-building carries immense scale and responsibility, what Vice Chancellor Professor C. Raj Kumar has achieved with JGU is truly transformational. He is not only building a world-class university but also positioning India at the centre of global academic leadership and discourse."

Dr Gaulee further remarked, "Having worked closely with institution builders around the world, I know what it takes to build a university from scratch -- and Professor C. Raj Kumar has done exactly that. His visionary leadership stands as a global model. As a leader of a worldwide scholarly community, I believe this is a story worth celebrating loudly -- he did it, and he did it exceptionally well."

Purpose and Vision of the Award

The Lighthouse Leadership Award is designed to honour leaders who embody visionary leadership in higher education, distinguished contributions to global scholarship, commitment to institutional excellence and innovation, promotion of international collaboration, and dedication to equity, justice, and inclusive education systems.

The Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar said on receiving the award, "I am deeply honoured and privileged to accept this award on behalf of the 16,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). The journey of JGU that began in 2009 in a modest manner, and now, after 17 years, to become a truly world-class university, has been possible because of the extraordinary contribution of the entire university community. I would like to acknowledge the leadership and contribution of our Founding Chancellor and benefactor, Naveen Jindal, for his deep and passionate commitment to academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and not-for-profit governance, all of which have shaped the evolution of JGU. On a personal note, I am grateful to my parents, teachers, and mentors, and my family members, including my wife and children, for having supported me in this journey that has culminated in this award that I accept on behalf of all of them."

Recipients are seen as "guiding lights" whose work influences not only their own institutions but also the broader global academic ecosystem. Awardees are selected through a rigorous evaluation by the STAR Scholars Network's leadership and advisory community. The selection is based on demonstrated impact in the following key areas.

--Academic Leadership & Institution-Building through establishment or transformation of world-class institutions and strategic leadership in higher education governance.

--Global Scholarship & Intellectual Contributions with influential research and academic thought leadership and contributions shaping global academic discourse.

--Advancement of International Higher Education through cross-border academic partnerships and promotion of global learning ecosystems.

--Inclusive and Collaborative Knowledge Production through advocacy for equitable access to education and encouragement of diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

These criteria ensure that recipients represent excellence, innovation, and global influence in higher education.

Significance of the Award

The Lighthouse Leadership Award is regarded as one of the highest recognitions presented by the STAR Scholars Network. It celebrates leaders whose vision extends beyond institutional boundaries, whose work shapes the future of global higher education, and whose contributions inspire scholars, policymakers, and institutions worldwide. The award reinforces the importance of leadership in building a more just, knowledge-driven, and interconnected world.

Dr. Raj Kumar is an internationally respected academic, legal scholar, and institution-builder. As the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, he has built JGU into a globally recognised multidisciplinary university, advanced international collaborations with leading universities worldwide, championed interdisciplinary education and research excellence, and promoted global engagement and public policy impact. Under his leadership, JGU has emerged as a hub for innovation in law, public policy, international affairs, and liberal arts education.

In honouring Prof. Kumar, the STAR Scholars Network recognises a leader whose work exemplifies the very essence of the Lighthouse Award -- guiding institutions, scholars, and students toward a future defined by academic excellence, ethical leadership, global responsibility, and inclusive knowledge systems. As higher education continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world, such leadership remains critical in shaping equitable and sustainable futures.

The STAR Scholars Network is a global non-profit academic community dedicated to advancing scholarly collaboration, promoting responsible and impactful research, supporting innovation in higher education, and building global academic partnerships. Through initiatives like the Lighthouse Leadership Award, the organisation highlights leaders who are redefining the role of higher education in society.

- IANS
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing raided a minimum of 11 locations across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts. The operation targets a transnational terror module with direct links to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit. Officials state the module is being directed by handlers operating from Bangladesh and Pakistan, with one key handler identified. The raids, conducted under a court warrant, seized incriminating material to establish links between local operatives and foreign handlers.

Counter-Intelligence Kashmir raids 11 locations in Valley, uncovers terror module directed by handlers in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Srinagar, March 26 The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday raided multiple locations across the Valley in connection with a transnational terror module linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit.

A spokesperson of the CIK said on Thursday that the sleuths of CIK conducted raids at multiple locations across the Valley in connection with a transnational terror module linked to the banned terrorist outfit LeT.

Officials said the CIK, the Intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, carried out searches at a minimum of 11 locations spread across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts.

Of these, six locations were raided in Ganderbal, three in Srinagar and two in Shopian district.

The module has a transnational dimension and is being directed by handlers operating from across the border, particularly in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

One of the key handlers of the module, Shabir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Akhal village in Kangan tehsil of district Ganderbal, and is currently based in Bangladesh, is believed to be coordinating the activities of the module.

The operatives are also receiving instructions from Pakistan-based handlers, indicating a broader cross-border network.

The raids were carried out under the authority of a court-issued search warrant in connection with a recently registered terror investigation case at the CIK police station.

Officials said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle networks involved in facilitating militant activities in the region. During the searches, the sleuths seized incriminating material aimed at establishing links between local operatives and their foreign handlers.

The searches were conducted to gather evidence, including digital data, documents, and other materials related to the functioning of the terror module.

Officials said further investigation is underway to identify more members of the network and to uncover the full extent of its operations.

CIK is a Counter-Intelligence wing of the J&K Police that is aggressively carrying out anti-terrorist operations in the Valley.

- IANS
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde addressed journalism graduates, emphasizing that the profession must go beyond news dissemination to foster intellectual and cultural development. He and other dignitaries stressed the need for responsible use of press freedom and strong ethical values in the face of digital media challenges like fake news. The convocation saw 271 students receive degrees, with awards for academic excellence. Speakers recalled the legacy of journalists from the freedom struggle to guide the new generation toward truth and social awareness.

Rajasthan Governor calls for ethical journalism rooted in India's legacy to foster intellectual growth and combat fake news in the digital age.

Jaipur, March 25 Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde, on Wednesday, called upon students of journalism and mass communication to connect with India's rich journalistic legacy and knowledge traditions.

He emphasised that journalism should not only disseminate news but also foster intellectual and cultural development.

Addressing the third convocation ceremony of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication in Jaipur, Governor Bagde highlighted the role of journalism during the freedom movement.

Recalling eminent personalities such as Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Vijay Singh Pathik, Karpoor Chandra Kulish, and Bishan Singh Shekhawat, the Governor stressed the need to strengthen journalism and mass communication education.

Governor Bagde reiterated his support for press freedom but underscored that freedom must be exercised responsibly.

He emphasised the importance of instilling strong ethical values in future journalists.

Describing the convocation ceremony as not merely a celebration of academic achievement but the beginning of a new phase in life, the Governor referred to the Gurukul tradition, where students were guided to uphold truth, righteousness, and humility after completing their education.

He urged the students to use their knowledge for the greater good of society without arrogance.

Highlighting India's cultural heritage, the Governor said that epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata continue to impart moral and life values.

He noted that the fundamental aim of journalism has always been to present truth and create social awareness, and this objective must remain unchanged.

On the occasion, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani attended as the chief guest, while Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa was present as the special guest.

Assembly Speaker Devnani described the convocation as not just the receipt of a degree but a moment of gaining confidence and entering a phase of greater responsibility.

Referring to the Emergency of 1975, he noted that although freedom of expression was suppressed during that period, strong journalism safeguarded the truth.

He said that journalism is not merely a profession but a mission.

In the context of rapid changes brought about by digital media and artificial intelligence, Assembly Speaker Devnani cautioned against the growing challenge of fake news.

He advised aspiring journalists to strive not to be the fastest, but the most accurate.

Stressing the importance of regional languages, Assembly Speaker Devnani urged the students to advance while staying rooted in India's knowledge traditions.

Deputy Chief Minister Bairwa congratulated the students, calling the convocation a recognition of their hard work and perseverance.

Remembering freedom fighter and journalist Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, the Deputy Chief Minister described journalism as a mirror of society and a powerful tool for public awareness.

He said that while journalism was once largely confined to print media, digital platforms have now made it widespread and instantaneous.

However, the Deputy Chief Minister cautioned that not all viral content is accurate, thereby increasing the responsibility of journalists.

He urged students to uphold core professional values -- impartiality, integrity, and objectivity -- and contribute actively to nation-building.

During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 271 students, who passed their final examinations in 2024 and 2025.

This included 269 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with two research scholars, who were awarded PhD degrees.

Based on academic excellence, 12 students securing first position received gold medals, while 35 students securing first, second, and third positions were awarded certificates of merit.

Vice-Chancellor Nand Kishore Pandey, in his annual report, highlighted the university's academic achievements, innovations, and future plans.

He said that the institution remains committed to providing quality, contemporary, and practical education in media and mass communication.

- IANS
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision while addressing the International Film Festival Delhi 2026, calling it a long-awaited global platform for Indian artists. She strongly emphasised the need to promote women-centric storytelling, linking it to the Women's Reservation Bill as a sign of progress. Meanwhile, actor Arvind Swamy discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, predicting individuals could soon make full-length features. The festival brought together veteran stars and focused on innovation and inclusivity in global cinema.

Kangana Ranaut hails PM Modi's vision at IFFD 2026, stresses need for women-centric storytelling. Arvind Swamy discusses AI in filmmaking.

New Delhi, March 25 Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday hailed the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 as a long-awaited global platform for Indian artists, while emphasising the importance of promoting women-centric storytelling in the evolving cinematic landscape.

Speaking at the event, Ranaut said, "We artists have long wished for a major film festival in India, like those in America or Canada or Sundance, where our films could gain recognition." She added that the initiative reflects India's growing stature on the global stage. "As India rises as a Vishwaguru, this initiative reflects our creative economy, cultural heritage, and the Prime Minister's commitment to them," she said, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Highlighting the importance of representation, Ranaut emphasised the need to celebrate women in cinema. "Celebrating women in cinema is vital. The Women's Reservation Bill shows the Prime Minister's commitment to women's progress, and their perspectives must be portrayed in stories," she said. She further called on film festivals and studios to actively support such narratives. "Platforms should be provided for women-centric films, even small ones, to highlight their struggles and achievements. Such encouragement will be a great step forward," she added.

Meanwhile, actor Arvind Swamy also shared his views at the festival, speaking about the growing role of technology in filmmaking. He said artificial intelligence is expected to significantly transform cinema in the coming years. "The scope of AI in cinema is going to be pretty dramatic in the future... an individual could make a full-length feature film as tools develop rapidly," he said.

Swamy also welcomed the platform provided by the festival for independent filmmakers. "I'm so happy that we have a platform for independent films. It gives an opportunity for them to showcase good cinema," he added.

The International Film Festival Delhi 2026 has brought together artists, filmmakers, and creators from across the country and abroad, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving landscape of global cinema.

The festival was attended by veteran stars like Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore and others.

- ANI
Shibu Khan, a man from Kanpur, was stranded in Qatar after losing his passport and essential documents, complicating his return amid regional tensions. The Indian Embassy in Doha intervened by issuing an Emergency Certificate and providing financial and travel assistance. His safe return highlights the critical role of diplomatic missions in aiding citizens during crises overseas. The incident underscores the importance of consular support for expatriate workers facing documentation issues in unstable regions.

Shibu Khan, stranded in Qatar without documents, safely returns to India with emergency aid from the Embassy of India in Doha.

New Delhi, March 25 Shibu Khan, a native of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was stranded in Qatar without his passport or any other legal documents, has safely returned to India with assistance from the Embassy of India in Doha.

Khan had found himself in a difficult situation after losing access to essential travel documents, which made it challenging for him to establish contact with his employer or make arrangements for his return. The situation was further complicated by prevailing tensions in the region, as his family grew increasingly anxious due to reports about Iranian attacks in Qatar.

"I would like to thank my government and the people of the embassy here in Doha for providing help swiftly. I can go home because of them," Khan said in a self-made video.

With no valid identification or travel papers, Khan faced significant hurdles in navigating local systems and securing a safe passage back home. His condition highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by expatriate workers during times of crisis, especially when documentation issues arise.

In response, the Embassy of India in Doha extended timely support to Khan. Officials facilitated the issuance of an Emergency Certificate, enabling him to travel despite the absence of his passport. In addition, the embassy provided minor financial assistance and helped arrange his flight ticket back to India amid the ongoing crisis in the region.

The coordinated efforts by the Indian mission ensured that Khan could return home safely, offering relief to his family, who had been closely monitoring developments and remained concerned about his well-being.

Upon his arrival in India, Khan expressed gratitude towards the Embassy of India in Doha for their prompt intervention and support during a period of uncertainty. His safe return underscores the role played by Indian missions abroad in assisting nationals facing distress, particularly during emergencies and geopolitical tensions.

The incident also reflects the importance of consular support mechanisms in safeguarding the interests of Indian citizens overseas, especially in regions experiencing instability.

- ANI
Padmaja Venugopal, the NDA candidate from Thrissur, has defended her decision to join the BJP, claiming her late father and former CM K Karunakaran would have done the same. She attributes her exit from the Congress primarily to interference and a lack of support from AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal. Padmaja expressed an inability to adjust with the current Congress leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Venugopal, despite acknowledging Sonia Gandhi's past kindness. She now expresses confidence in her political future with the BJP in Thrissur, citing local connections and the party's growing influence.

NDA's Thrissur candidate Padmaja Venugopal explains her exit from Congress, blaming KC Venugopal and claiming her father would have joined BJP.

By Sandeep Singh, Thrissur, March 26 Ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala, National Democratic Alliance candidate from Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal, on Thursday said that K Karunakaran, the four-time Congress Chief Minister of Kerala, "would have joined the BJP" if he were alive today.

Padmaja (66), who had contested unsuccessfully on the Congress ticket in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent Assembly elections of 2016 and 2024 from the state's cultural capital, Thrissur, joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in 2024. The BJP had in the 2024 general elections won the Thrissur seat with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi as its candidate.

She also attributed her exit from Congress to the interference and lack of support from AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal.

In a recent interview with ANI, Padmaja brushed aside criticism, including her brother K Muraleedharan, who accused her of distorting their father's secular values.

"People of Thrissur--not just Thrissur, the whole of Kerala knows the reason I went to the BJP. They know everything. Kerala people, you know, they are very educated, they know everything. Congress for the last so many years, they created problems for me. I fought with them, and I told them so many times," she said.

Padmaja blamed KC Venugopal for her decision to leave the Congress. While she acknowledged that Sonia Gandhi was "a very nice lady" and had been good to her, she expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current leadership. "After her, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, I can't adjust with them. So, I went from the party," she said.

The current Alappuzha MP, Venugopal, who recieved support from K Karunakaran during his rise within the Congress and was once a close associate, Padmaja claimed, played a pivotal role in her exit from the Indian National Congress.

"So many problems. I can't say it in one day. His followers are in Thrissur. They are creating problems, and Venugopal will listen to these people only, not me," she added.

Rejecting the Congress party's allegation that she had "betrayed" the party, Padmaja argued that she was denied a fair chance to grow politically despite her father's legacy. She also recalled her family's past association with KC Venugopal, noting that her father had played a key role in his rise. "My father gave him chances... KSU State President, Youth Congress... and even a seat," she said

Now a BJP National Council member, Padmaja expressed confidence in her political future in Thrissur, citing both her personal connection with the people and the party's growing influence. Referring to actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, whose recent electoral success boosted the BJP in the region, she said, "Mainly my party workers. They are very loyal to me, and they know me. Because I was born and brought up here... So, both...both will be the reason."

Ahead of the upcoming April 9 Assembly Elections, Padmaja had on Saturday filed her nomination in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded poet and cultural figure Alankode Leelakrishnan, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Congress leader and former Mayor Rajan Pallan.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is scheduled to end on May 23.

- ANI
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha is campaigning in Kerala, addressing rallies in the Kalpetta and Dharmadam Assembly constituencies to support BJP candidates. His visit is part of the BJP's intensified effort to make inroads in the state where the NDA is contesting all 140 seats in the upcoming polls. The BJP is specifically targeting Dharmadam, the constituency of incumbent Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Following his Kerala tour, Saha will return to Tripura to lead the campaign for local council elections and a crucial by-election.

Tripura CM Manik Saha addresses BJP rallies in Kalpetta & Dharmadam for Kerala polls. BJP aims to build on 2021 gains as NDA contests all 140 seats.

Agartala/Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha is set to address two major election rallies in Kerala on Thursday as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign for the state's upcoming 140-member Assembly elections.

According to BJP sources in Agartala, Saha departed for Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon and reached Kannur on Thursday morning. Later in the day, he will address an election convention at Chandragiri Auditorium in support of BJP candidate Prasanth Malavayal, who is contesting from the Kalpetta Assembly constituency.

Continuing his campaign tour, the Chief Minister will address another election convention at Town Junction in the Dharmadam Assembly constituency in support of BJP candidate K. Renith.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking re-election from this very constituency. "This visit marks a significant push by the BJP leadership to energise party workers and connect with voters in these key constituencies in Kerala," a BJP leader in Agartala said.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is contesting all 140 Assembly seats in Kerala, with polling scheduled for April 9. The BJP itself is fielding candidates in 99 constituencies, while its allies are contesting the remaining seats.

The party had opened its account in Kerala in the 2016 Assembly elections by winning the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district. However, it lost the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections. In the 2021 polls, the BJP secured second place in nine constituencies, indicating pockets of growing support.

After concluding his campaign in Kerala, CM Saha is expected to return to Agartala on Friday to spearhead the BJP's campaign for the upcoming elections to the 30-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the by-election to the Dharmanagar Assembly seat in North Tripura district.

The TTAADC elections are scheduled for April 12, while the Dharmanagar Assembly by-election will be held on April 9.

Earlier, Chief Minister Saha, along with several senior BJP leaders from Tripura, including state party president Rajib Bhattacharjee, also participated in the campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections. Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases -- April 23 for 152 seats and April 29 for the remaining 142 seats.

- IANS
News / National

by Staff reporter

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been disinvited by France to the G7 summit in the French town of Evian in June because of United States pressure, the South African presidency said on Thursday.South Africa has faced months of pressure from US President Donald Trump on issues from trade to race relations."We've learnt that due to sustained pressure, France has had to withdraw its invitation to South Africa to attend the G7 meeting," Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, told AFP."We are told that the Americans threatened to boycott the G7 if South Africa was invited," he said.Trump has clashed repeatedly with the South African government, hitting the country with high tariffs, berating Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over discredited claims of a "white genocide" and boycotting a G20 summit in Johannesburg in November.Trump slapped 30-percent tariffs last year on most South African exports  the highest for sub-Saharan Africa. The US Supreme Court has since overruled Trump's tariffs policy.The US president has also criticised South Africa's racial justice policies, enacted to address historic inequalities left by the legacy of colonial rule and apartheid but condemned by the American leader as discriminatory against whites.The Trump administration has additionally clashed with Ramaphosa's government over South Africa taking US ally Israel to the International Court of Justice for allegedly committing genocide in its war in Gaza.During the G20 in South Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron personally invited Ramaphosa to take part in the G7, Pretoria recalled.The Group of Seven industrialised nations often widens its work to invite other countries."This will have no impact on the strength and close nature of our bilateral relationship with France," the presidency spokesperson said."Notwithstanding all of these developments, South Africa remains committed to engage constructively with the US," he said."The diplomatic relationship between USA and South Africa predate the Trump administration and they will outlive the current White House term of office."
Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan stated that all election preparations have been completed and reviewed satisfactorily by observers and political parties. The district will begin home voting facilities for senior citizens and the physically handicapped starting March 30, coinciding with the second randomisation of voting machines. City Police Commissioner Nidhin Raj confirmed full police readiness, including the deployment of 34 companies of Central Armed Forces to ensure law and order. Both officials have called for public and political party cooperation to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process for the upcoming single-phase polls on April 9.

Kannur District Collector and Police Commissioner confirm all preparations, including security and home voting, are complete for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

Kannur, March 26 Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan on Wednesday said that all preparations for the upcoming elections in the district have been completed and reviewed by election commission observers.

Talking to ANI, he said, "... All the poll preparedness activities have been reviewed by the observers of the election commission as well as discussed with the political parties, and they have expressed their satisfaction with the preparedness. Political parties were also consulted and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements."

"The training of the staff and the machine randomisation in the movement have been completed. We are starting with the home voting facility for senior citizens as well as physically handicapped individuals, starting on the 30th of March," he added. The second randomisation of voting machines is also scheduled for the same day.

Collector Vijayan further assured that all security arrangements have been addressed. He said, "All other security aspects, including the deployment of police forces and central armed forces, are also being taken care of. We request the full cooperation from the political parties as well as the public in ensuring a smooth and fair election in Kannur, as done in the previous years."

Adding to this, City Police Commissioner Nidhin Raj also shares that the police are ready for the upcoming state assembly elections. He says, "For the upcoming state assembly elections, the police are fully prepared to deal with any kind of law and order issues. We will be having around 34 companies of the Central Armed Forces for the security arrangements," while speaking to ANI.

Commissioner Nidhin Raj even assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure free, fair, and transparent polling in Kannur. "We have briefed the public about the mandate regarding the model code of conduct, especially the use of social media... We are fully prepared to conduct the free, fair, and transparent elections," he added.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, as announced by the Election Commission of India, with counting scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current 140-member Assembly, also known as the Kerala Niyamasabha, ends on May 23.

Both the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led UDF are seeking to unseat the incumbent CPI(M)-led LDF government, which has been in power for nearly a decade, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, the Election Commission of India announced on March 15, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is scheduled to end on May 23.

The Model Code of Conduct comes into place, setting in process elections to the 140-member State Assembly, which is also known as the Kerala Niyamasabha.

- ANI
Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced a 60-day relaxation in the minimum age requirement for Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic year. The decision responds to numerous appeals from concerned parents across the state. The minister also revealed plans to introduce new legislation to regulate admissions for Lower and Upper Kindergarten, which currently lack a clear legal framework. The opposition welcomed the move, suggesting the government formalize the relaxation until a new policy is enacted.

Karnataka announces 60-day age relaxation for Class 1 admissions in 2026-27 and plans new legislation to regulate LKG and UKG classes.

Bengaluru, March 26 Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Thursday announced a 60-day relaxation in the minimum age requirement for admission to Class 1 for the 2026-27 academic year, responding to concerns raised by parents across the state.

Speaking in the Assembly, the Minister said that several representations had been received from parents, particularly mothers, seeking flexibility in the six-year age rule for Class 1 admissions. "Parents are panicked and have been approaching us with requests for relaxation. I want to assure them that under the Karnataka Education Act, 1993, Chapter 3, Section 20, a 60-day exemption has been provided," he said.

He clarified that the relaxation would be applicable for admissions in the 2026-27 academic year and that necessary technical corrections would be made in the relevant documents to implement the decision.

The Minister also acknowledged ongoing issues surrounding admissions to Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG), noting that these classes are currently not regulated under a clear legal framework. "There is confusion regarding LKG and UKG admissions. To address this, we will bring in a new legislation to regulate them and remove ambiguity," he said.

Appealing to parents, Bangarappa urged them not to panic and assured that the two-month relaxation would apply to LKG, UKG, and Class 1 admissions. He added that the proposed legislation would help streamline the admission process and bring clarity to early childhood education.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad welcomed the move and said the issue had been repeatedly raised by both legislators and parents. He suggested that the government amend its circular to ensure the relaxation remains in effect until a new policy is formally introduced. "This can be resolved once and for all with a clear directive that remains valid until the next circular is issued," Bellad said.

Responding to the suggestion, Bangarappa said he agreed with the proposal. He noted that while similar relaxations had been granted earlier, the absence of regulation for LKG and UKG often led parents to admit their children to private schools, creating further inconsistencies.

"I have discussed the matter with my officials this morning. Parents need not worry or run from place to place. We will bring the legislation soon, and it will also cover LKG and UKG admissions," the Minister said.

The announcement is expected to provide immediate relief to parents while the government works towards a more comprehensive policy framework for early education admissions in the state.

- IANS
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inspected key water conservation and land development projects in Stok village and Chuchot Thongser. He reviewed a revitalized reservoir and directed officials to enhance its capacity and potential for recreational use. The LG also visited a transformed barren site where plantation and drip irrigation techniques are being implemented with the help of Women's Self-Help Groups. Reiterating his commitment, Saxena vowed to resolve Ladakh's water scarcity within a year through focused infrastructure development and public cooperation.

LG Vinai Kumar Saxena inspects reservoirs & land development in Ladakh, directing officials to enhance water storage to tackle regional scarcity.

Leh, March 26 Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inspected key water conservation and land development projects at Stok village and Chuchot Thongser, reaffirming the Administration's commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable development in the region.

The Lieutenant Governor's visits are part of the plans to construct around 50 reservoirs or water bodies across various villages in Ladakh, along with the restoration of existing water bodies, to mitigate water woes in these villages.

Saxena, immediately after taking over as Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh on March 13, had directed the Chief Secretary to identify at least 50 locations to create small water bodies that would store snowmelt to address the water requirements of locals.

At Stok village, the Lieutenant Governor inspected the reservoir-cum-percolation tank constructed by the Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj Institution (RDD&PRI). He was accorded a warm welcome by the residents, led by the village Nambardar.

During the inspection, Saxena directed the concerned officials to undertake stone pitching, ensure proper alignment, and carry out cleaning, desilting and dredging of the reservoir, to enhance the water holding capacity of the water body. He also suggested that the site be developed in a manner that allows it to serve as a recreational and picnic spot for villagers.

Project Officer/Nodal Officer, Shenaz Tabassum, informed that the reservoir, which was earlier in a dilapidated condition, has been revitalised under the watershed development component. The village Nambardar apprised the Lieutenant Governor that, following ceremonial rituals, water will start being released and stored in the reservoir from April 1 onwards.

Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor visited Chuchot Thongser, where he reviewed land development and bench terracing works, along with the construction of a spring box under PMKSY-WDC 2.0. He also planted a sapling at the site, underscoring the importance of ecological restoration and green initiatives.

Shenaz Tabassum informed that the 40 kanal land at the site was previously barren and has been transformed through plantation using drip irrigation techniques. She highlighted the commendable contribution of women's Self-Help Groups in executing the project successfully.

Reiterating his resolve to address water scarcity in Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor observed that despite the presence of natural glaciers and winter precipitation, the region continues to face challenges in meeting drinking and irrigation water needs.

Saxena reiterated his commitment to make all possible efforts to resolve the issue of water scarcity within a year through a focused and sustained approach, including the adoption of villages for the development of water infrastructure. He stated that his visits to villages are aimed at gaining a first-hand understanding of local issues to facilitate effective and timely solutions.

The Lieutenant Governor sought active public cooperation and participation, noting that the success of such initiatives depends on collective efforts. He assured that the dedicated team of the UT Administration would work tirelessly to ensure early resolution of water-related challenges. He also stated that he would revisit the sites to monitor progress and ensure the timely completion of projects.

- ANI
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed skepticism about imminent peace in West Asia, citing Iran's rhetoric and the deployment of US Marines. He highlighted the severe impact on India, which sources most of its LPG from the conflict-affected Gulf region, leading to shortages. The conflict, triggered by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, has disrupted vital trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. While a report suggests US President Trump wants to end the war soon, Tharoor indicated the situation may worsen before improving.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor warns India's LPG supply is at risk as Iran's statements and US troop movements dim hopes for imminent peace in West Asia.

Kollam, March 26 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that while there are reports of possible peace talks involving the United States, the situation in West Asia remains tense, with Iran's statements not suggesting an imminent resolution to the ongoing conflict.

He warned that the conflict could continuously disrupt vital energy supplies, with India importing 60 per cent of its LPG, 90 per cent of which comes from Qatar and the Gulf.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "There might be peace talks involving the US Vice President JD Vance, but I don't know because certainly the language coming out of Iran does not suggest that peace is imminent, and there are apparently 4,500 American Marines on the way to that area. There is a genuine risk that things may get worse before they get better...As a nation, we are very badly affected by a couple of things in particular. LPG, which we import 60 per cent of, and 90 per cent of that 60 per cent comes from Qatar and the Gulf. That is extremely serious. Gas cylinders in your kitchens, in the restaurants, and dhabas are all running short because of the war. The second challenge is going to be diesel and petrol prices, which are so far under some degree of control, but have gone up and could go up much more if the war is prolonged."

"The UN Secretary General has also issued an appeal for peace. I've been saying for two or three weeks that I hope we can take a stand on the matter. Yes, we are in favour of peace, but we are clearly not actively involved in promoting peace at the present moment," he said.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions 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.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability.

Earlier, a Wall Street Journal report had suggested that US President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that Trump has privately informed advisors that he thinks the conflict is in its final stages, urging them to stick to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly.

- ANI
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for national cooperation on energy conservation, citing disruptions from the prolonged Middle East conflict. He pledged to maintain current electricity prices despite warning of mounting losses for the state power utility, KEPCO. Lee sternly warned that unfair profiteering through collusion or hoarding during the crisis would not be tolerated. He also instructed officials to prepare a supplementary budget to mitigate the broader economic impact of the prolonged war.

President Lee Jae Myung urges national energy-saving cooperation amid Middle East war disruptions but pledges no change to electricity prices for now.

Seoul, March 26 President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged the nation to cooperate on energy-saving efforts as the prolonged war in the Middle East has disrupted global energy markets, but pledged no change in electricity prices.

Lee made the remarks during an emergency economic response meeting, as the government is set to impose another round of a fuel price cap to help protect the nation's economy from impacts from the US-Israel war with Iran, reports Yonhap news agency.

"(I) urge gas stations to actively cooperate in setting prices in line with the intended purpose of the oil price cap system," Lee said.

"Taking advantage of a national crisis to seek unfair profits through practices such as collusion and hoarding will not be tolerated and the government will continue to respond strictly under a zero-tolerance principle," Lee said.

Lee said the government will not raise electricity bills for now, but emphasised the need to conserve electricity, which is supplied by the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO).

"The government does not plan to adjust electricity rates for now, but keeping them at the current level could significantly widen KEPCO's losses," Lee said.

He warned that greater reliance on electricity over petroleum-based products could further deepen KEPCO's financial burden and ultimately add pressure on government finances.

KEPCO has accumulated about 206 trillion won (US$136.9 billion) in debt after supplying electricity below production costs, even as global energy prices surged between 2021 and 2023 following the Russia-Ukraine War.

As part of an energy-saving campaign, Lee urged the public sector to actively adopt a five-day vehicle license plate rotation system and encouraged citizens to use public transportation.

He also instructed officials to draw up a detailed supplementary budget to prepare for the broader economic impact of a prolonged conflict, as the ruling Democratic Party plans to submit the extra budget bill to the National Assembly next Tuesday.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump has announced his rescheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14-15, which he termed a "Monumental Event." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the details, noting First Lady Melania Trump will join and a reciprocal visit by the Chinese leadership to Washington is planned later this year. The visit was postponed due to US military operations in Iran, but officials state its timing is not dependent on the conflict's conclusion. The summit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the two powers over trade, security, and global influence.

US President Donald Trump confirms a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15, calling it a historic diplomatic event.

Washington, March 26 Announcing plans for a high-stakes diplomatic engagement, US President Donald Trump has said that his rescheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14-15, calling it a "Monumental Event" and signalling renewed top-level engagement between the two powers.

Trump, in a social media post on Wednesday (local time), said: "My meeting with the Highly Respected President of China, President Xi Jinping... will take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th... I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, I am sure, a Monumental Event."

The White House described the visit as long-awaited and now back on track after being postponed due to ongoing US military operations in Iran.

"President Trump's meeting and long-awaited meeting with President Xi in China will now take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a regular briefing.

She added that First Lady Melania Trump will accompany the President, and that a reciprocal visit by the Chinese leadership is planned later this year.

"First lady Melania and President Trump will also host President Xi and Madame Peng for a reciprocal visit in Washington, DC, at a later date to be announced this year," Leavitt said.

Trump also underscored that preparations for both visits are already underway.

"Our Representatives are finalising preparations for these Historic Visits," he said in the post.

The White House indicated that the rescheduling followed direct communication between the two leaders, with Beijing accommodating Washington's request to delay the trip amid active combat operations.

"There was a discussion about the rescheduling of the meeting between the president and President Xi," Leavitt said. "President Xi understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout these combat operations right now."

Officials made clear that the timing of the China visit was not contingent on the conclusion of the Iran conflict.

"No," Leavitt said when asked whether ending the war was a precondition for the meeting.

At the same time, the administration has suggested that military objectives in Iran are progressing quickly, with earlier estimates placing the operation's timeline at four to six weeks.

Leavitt said the President remains focused on both fronts -- managing the military campaign and preparing for a major diplomatic engagement.

"We do look forward... I know the President looks forward to going to China on May 14th and 15th," she said, adding that further logistical details will be shared with the media.

The planned summit comes at a time of complex ties between Washington and Beijing, with both countries navigating tensions over trade, security and global influence, even as they maintain channels for dialogue at the leadership level.

For India and the wider Indo-Pacific, such engagements are closely watched, given their implications for regional balance, economic flows and strategic competition.

The United States and China have long been locked in a relationship marked by rivalry and interdependence, spanning trade disputes, technology restrictions and military posturing. Leadership-level meetings have often served as key opportunities to stabilise ties and signal intent to the global community.

- IANS
The government has assured citizens that the supply of LPG, petrol, and diesel remains normal, with no dry-outs reported at distributorships or pumps. All refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude and fuel inventories to support domestic consumption. Enforcement drives across states have resulted in thousands of raids, seized cylinders, and arrests to combat hoarding and black marketing. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid panic buying, rely on official information, and use digital modes for LPG bookings.

Government assures normal LPG, petrol & diesel supply, urges citizens to avoid panic buying. Adequate stocks available, enforcement drives curb hoarding.

New Delhi, March 25 The government said on Wednesday that it is making all efforts to ensure availability of LPG, petrol and diesel and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchases.

No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships or petrol pumps. Delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues as normal, the official update of the situation said.

The government has already restored partial commercial LPG supply of up to 20 per cent to consumers. Further, the government proposed an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, said an official statement from the inter-ministerial briefing.

Citizens are requested to use digital mode for LPG bookings and avoid visiting LPG distributors.

"Supply of LPG continues to be affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation. Citizens are encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. Citizens are requested to conserve energy in their daily usage," said Petroleum Ministry.

All retail outlets are operating normally across the country. Panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets. However, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps, it added.

The government reiterated its advice to the public rely on official sources for information and not to believe rumours.

Enforcement drives are being carried out across States and UTs to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. More than 2,700 raids have been conducted and about 2,000 cylinders seized in States including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Chhattisgarh etc. yesterday, informed the government.

PSU oil marketing companies (OMCs) conducted over 1,700 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships across the country. More than 650 FIRs have been registered till now and 155 people have been arrested so far.

Priority allocation continues with 100 per cent supply to domestic PNG for cooking and CNG for fuelling vehicles, while supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is being maintained at around 80 per cent of average consumption.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens.

CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.

An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been made to all States and UTs over and above the regular allocation. States and UTs have been requested to identify district-level distribution points, said the statement.

- IANS
AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi has unveiled the party's manifesto and vision document for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, centering on protecting the state's political future. He criticized the unfulfilled promise of a self-reliant Assam, highlighting a deficit budget and dependence on central funds. The AJP has announced its first list of candidates, with Gogoi contesting from Khowang. The elections will see a direct contest between the incumbent BJP-led government and a six-party opposition alliance including Congress and the AJP.

AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi launches party's vision document for 2026 Assam polls, emphasizing economic self-reliance and political protection.

Guwahati, March 26 Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad, on Wednesday said that his party's manifesto and vision document for the 2026 Assembly elections places strong emphasis on safeguarding Assam's political and economic future.

Speaking to ANI, Gogoi stated that the central focus of the party's roadmap is to "protect the political future of Assam," highlighting concerns over the state's current economic challenges and governance model. He pointed out that the common people in Assam are bearing the brunt of economic instability.

"We have launched the party manifesto and vision document for the 2026 elections. The main issue here is to protect the political future of Assam. In the current economic situation in Assam, the common people are having to bear the brunt," he said.

According to Gogoi, the promise of building a "self-reliant Assam" has not been fulfilled, leading to a situation where the state is operating under a deficit budget and increasingly relying on the Central Government for financial support.

"The promise of a self-reliant Assam could not be fulfilled; consequently, we are currently operating under a deficit budget and have become dependent on the Central Government," Gogoi said.

Gogoi further revealed that the AJP has prepared a "comprehensive plan" aimed at strengthening local production.

"Furthermore, we have formulated a comprehensive plan regarding all the production currently taking place within our state," he added.

Earlier, the AJP released its first batch of candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Party chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi will contest from the Khowang constituency.

Other key candidates include Mainak Patra from the prominent Dibrugarh seat, Pankaj Lochan Goswami from Palasbari, and Dilip Barua from Bajali. Jiban Chutia has been fielded from Sarupathar, Rejaul Karim Chowdhury from Binnakandi, and Bani Das from Morigaon. Rajen Gohain will contest from Barampur.

Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.

The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced.

Congress will fight in the 2026 Assembly elections in an alliance of six Opposition parties in Assam - Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference.

- ANI
Former US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor has sharply criticized Pakistan's attempt to position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict, comparing it to a "man in a burning building offering you a spare room." He stated Israel would never view Pakistan as neutral due to its own severe internal and financial crises. In contrast, Macgregor strongly endorsed India's role, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's respect and working relationships with global leaders from Russia to Israel. He urged PM Modi to engage directly, warning the prolonged conflict threatens global energy and economic stability with no easy solution in sight.

Col Douglas Macgregor dismisses Pakistan's West Asia mediation push, citing its crises. He urges PM Modi to lead talks, praising India's global standing.

New Delhi, March 26 Geopolitical risk advisor and former US Army combatant, Colonel Douglas Macgregor has questioned the credibility of Pakistan, which is attempting to position itself in a negotiating role in the West Asia crisis, stating that the country faces severe internal challenges and would not be viewed as neutral by Israel.

In an interview with ANI, Col Macgregor, who served as the advisor to the US Secretary of Defence in the first Donald Trump Administration, said Pakistan is faced with internal difficulties, including a precarious economic situation. He suggested that India could play a credible role in facilitating dialogue due to its diplomatic relationships across different geopolitical blocs.

"For the Pakistanis to offer help is sort of like a man who is in a burning building offering you a spare room in the building. Pakistan's not going to be viewed in any way, shape or form as neutral by the Israelis," he said.

"They're going to view Pakistan as part of the problem. Why would you go to Pakistan to Islamabad to try and close a deal, if you will, on ending the war? That's an impossibility. It strikes me as just ludicrous nonsense," he added.

He said Pakistan has enormous problems. "Financially, they're insolvent and so forth," Col Macgregor said.

"Pakistan is not what I would call a civilisational state. It's part of a civilisational complex. But India itself is one of these core civilisational states, which is desperately needed, you know, in the world today," he added.

Col Macgregor said Israel is unlikely to trust mediation efforts led by Pakistan. "If the Israelis heard that they were supposed to show up in Islamabad for a meeting, I think they'd laugh it off. This is ridiculous. Why should we trust anything those people say?" he asked.

"That's not true for India. India is in a very good position that way," he noted.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in a position to offer real help, support and assistance and noted that he commands global respect and maintains working relationships with multiple international leaders.

"Prime Minister Modi is someone who enjoys a great deal of respect and confidence across the globe. He is someone who is at ease with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He is comfortable talking to the leadership in Tehran. He recently visited Israel, and the Israelis are comfortable with him. We are comfortable with India," Col Macgregor said.

"I would urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to his advisors and call President Donald Trump...India itself is one of these core civilizational states, a large and powerful continental state...I think we would be better off if India exerted a great deal more influence in a place like the Indian Ocean and its surroundings," Col Macgregor said.

The West Asia conflict with Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other has entered its fourth week, causing disruptions in global energy supply chains.

Col Macgregor said the Strait of Hormuz is functionally closed, "except for those exceptions which India, China, now Japan have managed to negotiate".

He cautioned that rising oil prices could have cascading economic effects worldwide. "When fuel goes up, fertiliser goes up, food goes up, animal feed goes up, all these prices rise simultaneously," he said.

The US geopolitical expert said the world is witnessing a major transformation, and India cannot afford to remain a passive observer in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

"India cannot afford to remain a spectator on the sidelines in this conflict because this war is not ending in two weeks. It's not ending in two months," he said.

He said there is no easy solution to the conflict. "There is no off-ramp right now, and we desperately need an off-ramp...."

Col Macgregor, who is widely recognized as an expert on force design and grand strategy, said India's growing economic and military stature places it in a unique position to engage with multiple stakeholders, and President Trump would listen to PM Modi.

"Well, I don't know that you, as a single actor, can guarantee anything. The reason I pick India is because I think President Trump, if he listens to anybody at this point, is probably going to listen to Prime Minister Modi...Remember, you are this large and powerful state economically, even militarily, more so than I think you appreciate...I think he will listen. I think the Israelis will listen...the man who has to deliver on the Israelis, let's be frank, is ultimately Donald Trump," " Col Macgregor said.

"Prime Minister Modi can help with this. You have been through a lot of things in your own history. Many countries in the world have been victims of imperialism and colonialism...I'm hopeful that perhaps Prime Minister Modi could help and assist, not guaranteeing success by any means that if he intervenes, that he can produce a miracle. But I don't see anything happening directly between us and Israel and Iran. I just don't see it at this point," he added.

" Col Macgregor also referred to points outlined by the United States and Iran for a ceasefire. "If you look at the points that we and now the Iranians...have now published what they say are their conditions for a ceasefire," he said.

Asked about reports that Iran doesn't want to negotiate with businessman Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff and maybe Vice President JD Vance can step in and be a voice of authority, he said, "I think Witkoff and Kushner... are viewed as people who are preeminently Israeli agents. They exist to represent Israeli interests."

"My impression is that...(Vance) he's vice president. Vice presidents are supposed to shut up, sit in a corner and wait to be called upon to do anything...So again, we're back to how does Trump get out of this mess?" he said.

Asked about possibilty of peace talks about reports of the US sending marines to West Asia, the expert said there's a possibility that Iranians would sit there and say that they will take the damage but can inflict more than they sustain.

"I don't think they are going to give in to anything at this stage. You have Chinese satellites, Russian satellites feeding this imagery and information to the Iranians. The Iranians take this instantaneously, match it to their tactical ballistic missiles, and they can launch out to 1,000 miles," he said.

"If we go forward, as I think we will, and we take losses and we look ridiculous, it'll be that much harder to negotiate some sort of agreement in the aftermath," he added.

Iran had earlier responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict insisting that any cessation of hostilities will only occur on Tehran's "own terms and timeline," a senior political-security official told state broadcaster Press TV on Wednesday.

Iran said it will end the war when it decides to do so and "when its own conditions are met," the official told Press TV emphasizing Tehran's resolve to continue its defence and inflict "heavy blows" on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

Israel's media reported earlier that US President Trump and his administration have 15 conditions for Iran as its terms for ending the current conflict.

According to Israel's Channel 12, citing an unnamed official in the US, Washington has also informed Jerusalem of its negotiations.

However, the report said that Jerusalem is concerned that Trump and his team want to push for "a framework agreement" with Iran, rather than insisting on these demands as a condition for halting the war.

The conflict between Israel-US and Iran started on February 28 and has raised global concerns over loss of lives and energy supply disruptions.

- ANI
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met President Droupadi Murmu, briefing her on the state's situation and reaffirming his government's commitment to unity and peace. This visit is part of his ongoing efforts to stabilize Manipur, which included earlier high-level meetings in Delhi with central ministers like PM Modi and Amit Shah. The discussions have centered on rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons and bridging community divides following ethnic violence. Singh's administration, formed after President's Rule was revoked, faces the significant challenge of restoring normalcy and trust in the state.

Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh briefs President Murmu on state situation, reiterating unity and peace as government's core principles.

New Delhi/Imphal, March 25 Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday reiterated that unity, harmony, and peace remain the guiding principles of his government as he continues efforts to stabilise the state.

The Chief Minister met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and briefed her on the prevailing situation in Manipur, including the coordinated response being undertaken by his administration.

Taking to his official X account, Singh said he was honoured to call on the President and briefed her on the evolving situation in Manipur and the coordinated response underway, reiterating that unity, harmony, and peace remain the guiding principles.

This marks his second visit to the national capital since assuming office just 50 days ago.

Earlier, on February 22, the Chief Minister, accompanied by two Deputy Chief Ministers, Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi.

The delegation met PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Discussions focused on key issues, including the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ethnic violence in the state.

An official from the Chief Minister's Office had earlier stated that the Union Home Minister reviewed the new government's initiatives aimed at bridging community divides and restoring peace and harmony.

During the visit, Singh and his deputies also met BJP President Nitin Nabin and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh to discuss organisational matters.

Exactly one month after the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister, on March 4, allocated portfolios among the two Deputy Chief Ministers and two Cabinet Ministers, while retaining most key departments under his own charge, officials said.

However, seven ministerial posts remain vacant.

Political observers note that Singh, who assumed office as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4, faces the challenging task of steering the state through a prolonged period of instability and rebuilding trust among communities affected by ethnic violence since May 2023.

The crisis had intensified during the tenure of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whose resignation came amid escalating tensions.

The situation eventually led to the imposition of the President's Rule on February 13 to stabilise law and order.

The new government led by Singh assumed office after President's Rule was revoked on February 4, marking the beginning of renewed efforts to restore normalcy in the state.

- IANS
Brazil, coordinating with Mercosur countries, has initiated new trade negotiations with India and the United Arab Emirates. The move aims to diversify export markets following progress on a deal with the European Union. Officials are simultaneously cautious about trade with the United States due to volatile tariff policies. The broader strategy seeks to deepen global integration and reduce reliance on traditional markets.

Brazil leads Mercosur in new trade negotiations with India and the UAE to diversify exports, while caution remains over US tariff policies.

Sao Paulo, March 26 The Brazilian government, in coordination with Mercosur countries, has initiated new trade negotiations with key partners, including India and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to diversify export markets following progress on its agreement with the European Union.

The development was outlined by Tatiana Prazeres, Secretary of Foreign Trade at Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, during an interaction with the media ahead of a panel discussion at an event in Brasilia. She indicated that the anticipated implementation of the EU agreement would create momentum for expanding trade engagements with other global partners.

Prazeres noted that negotiations are already underway to broaden the existing Mercosur-India agreement, while fresh discussions with the UAE are being pursued. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to deepen Mercosur's global integration, enhance export opportunities and reduce reliance on traditional markets. Emerging economies such as India and the UAE are seen as promising destinations due to their strong economic growth, consumption potential and investment opportunities, as per the reports of Brasil 247.

At the same time, Brazil remains cautious about its trade outlook with the United States. Prazeres highlighted continued uncertainty surrounding American tariff policies, describing them as volatile and difficult to predict. Currently, Brazilian exports face average tariffs of around 10 per cent in the US market, with higher duties imposed on sectors such as steel under Section 232 provisions.

While the situation marks an improvement from the previous year, when tariffs surged significantly, officials emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue with Washington. Prazeres underscored that maintaining engagement is essential in navigating an increasingly fluid and unpredictable global trade environment.

- ANI
The Moradabad Municipal Corporation has deployed drones under the "Jatayu Project" to monitor crowded areas during the Ram Navami and Durga Ashtami celebrations. Additional Municipal Commissioner Ajit Kumar Singh stated the system allows for city-wide monitoring of activities and municipal services. Meanwhile, devotees across India thronged temples like ISKCON Ahmedabad and Alopi Shankari Devi Mandir in Prayagraj to mark Maha Ashtami. The day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Mahagauri and includes rituals like Kanya Puja.

Moradabad Municipal Corporation uses drone surveillance under 'Jatayu Project' to monitor crowded areas during major Hindu festivals for enhanced security.

Moradabad, March 26 The Moradabad Municipal Corporation, in coordination with local police, has deployed drone surveillance under the "Jatayu Project" to monitor crowded areas during the Ram Navami and Durga Ashtami celebrations.

Ajit Kumar Singh, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Moradabad, said, "Through the 'Jatayu Project', we are able to monitor our entire city using CCTV and drone cameras. If any activity occurs anywhere, be it an incident or an event. All activities are captured. Furthermore, beyond just social activities, we can also utilise this system to monitor the various services provided by the Municipal Corporation."

Singh added that while one or two drones were operating at specific festival locations, additional drones are actively deployed across other parts of the city to ensure comprehensive monitoring.

"Currently, we have one or two drones operating here at this specific location; however, there are additional drones deployed and active across other parts of the city as well," the Addl. Municipal Commissioner told ANI.

Meanwhile, devotees across India flocked to temples to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Ashtami during Chaitra Navratri, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.

In Gujarat, aarti was performed at the ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad, drawing large gatherings of devotees. Similarly, Ambika Niketan Temple in Surat saw a significant turnout of devotees offering prayers on the holy day.

Vadodara's Bahucharaji Temple also witnessed devotees paying homage on Durga Ashtami.

In Uttar Pradesh, devotees thronged the Alopi Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir in Prayagraj to mark Maha Ashtami. Ayodhya's Maha Devi Kali Temple also saw devotees arriving to participate in the sacred rituals

In Uttarakhand, the Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar hosted large numbers of devotees who offered prayers and participated in rituals.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Shree Ram Mandir in Wadala, Mumbai, observed special aarti ceremonies, drawing devotees from across the city.

On the eighth day of Navratri, also known as Maha Ashtami, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, who is the eighth of the nine forms of the goddess Durga.

Mahagauri is a symbol of purity, tranquillity, and serenity. Her worship is believed to cleanse one's soul of past sins and grant peace and wisdom.

On this occasion, Kanya Puja is also performed, where young, unmarried girls are honoured as manifestations of the goddess. They are offered special food and gifts, and this ritual is traditionally performed at the intersection of Ashtami and Navami.

- ANI
Flight operations from the Middle East to India are expanding, with around 80 flights expected from the UAE and additional services from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and partially open Qatar airspace. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation, facilitating travel for citizens from Iran, Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain via third countries. Over 450,000 passengers have returned to India since late February, with a 24x7 control room operational for coordination and assistance. Concurrently, the shipping ministry reports all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with port operations functioning normally across the country.

India facilitates return of citizens via additional flights from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Over 674 seafarers repatriated safely.

New Delhi, March 26 Flight operations from the Middle East to India are improving with additional flights from the war-torn region coming in.

Around 80 flights were expected to arrive from various airports in the UAE on Thursday as airlines are operating a limited number of non-scheduled flights.

Flights continue to operate to India from Saudi Arabia and Oman, while the Qatar airspace is partially open with around 8-9 non-scheduled flights expected on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Special flights of Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are also operating via Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to India. Travel from Iran by Indian citizens is being facilitated via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while for Indian citizens wanting to return from Israel, the home journey is being facilitated via Jordan, the statement said.

The airspace of Kuwait and Bahrain is closed, and the return of Indian citizens from these countries is being facilitated via Saudi Arabia.

A total of around 4,50,000 passengers have returned to India since February 28.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that it is closely monitoring the situation in the Gulf and West Asia region. Safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remain the highest priority. The 24x7 control room remains operational, with regular coordination with states and UTs.

Indian missions and posts are functioning round the clock, issuing advisories and maintaining contact with community organisations and local authorities. Assistance is being provided to seafarers, students, stranded Indian nationals and short-term visitors for visas, consular services and logistics, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Thursday that it is closely monitoring shipping movements, port operations and safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring continuity of maritime trade.

The DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 674 Indian seafarers so far, including 39 in the last 24 hours. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours, the statement said.

As many as 20 Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf; DG Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian missions, is actively monitoring the situation. DG Shipping Control Room is operational 24x7 and has handled 4,228 calls and 8,221 emails since activation, including 120 calls and 312 emails in the past 24 hours, it added.

Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion; State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

The Ministry continues coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations.

- IANS
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Central Armed Police Forces Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which mandates a high percentage of senior posts to be filled by deputation. Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc strongly opposed the legislation, arguing it contravenes a 2025 Supreme Court judgment that called for reducing deputation posts. The session saw a heated exchange and a silent protest by TMC MP Derek O' Brien, who objected to being given only a minute to speak. In response, government ministers defended the Bill as a necessary exercise of Parliament's constitutional authority on matters of national security.

MoS Home introduces CAPF Bill for deputation posts. Opposition MPs oppose, citing Supreme Court judgment and staging silent protest.

New Delhi, March 25 Minister of State Home Nityanand Rai on Wednesday introduced the Central Armed Police Forces Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, while the INDIA bloc MPs opposed the legislation.

The Bill provides for fifty per cent of posts in the CAPFs to be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General, and a minimum of sixty-seven per cent of the posts to be filled by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General, and all posts in the ranks of Special Director General and Director General shall be filled by deputation only.

The Opposition MPs flagged that the Bill goes against the Supreme Court judgment in 2025, which called for "the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs upto the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years."

Rajya Sabha also witnessed an exchange between Chairman Harivansh and TMC MP Derek O' Brien, when the member of the House decided to go for a silent protest against the Bill. O' Brien also flagged that he was granted only a minute to put forward his objections.

Derek O' Brien said, "We are objecting to this Bill. How much time do I have? Firstly, the Home Minister is not here. He is busy doing other things, and we are missing him. This is an anti-federal Bill. For the next 40 seconds, I will stand in silence to protest against the Bill and how democracy is being muzzled in this House. Are you giving me one minute? You are giving me some 'daan' (charity)... Silence is my right."

Replying to him, Chairman of the House, Harivansh, said, "One minute has been allotted for you to speak. Nothing is going on record now."

Meanwhile, MoS Home Nityanand Rai replied to the objections and said that the legislation does not go against the judiciary or judicial review.

Rai told the House, "Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the Parliament is allowed to draft legislation on such matters related to national security and armed forces. The operations, duties and powers of the forces will be governed by the original Acts. There is no change expected in the consolidated funds. This Bill does not affect the established arrangement under Article 312. All the objections raised are not factually correct. This Bill does not limit judicial review and does not interfere with the judiciary's rights. It only aims to explain the administrative structure, recruitment, deputation and service-related arrangements."

The statement of objective also cites Article 312 and says, "Historically, Indian Police Service officers are an integral and important part of the Central Armed Police Forces, who have been serving on deputation along with officers and members of these Forces."

The financial memorandum of the Bill also mentions, "The provisions of the proposed legislation do not involve any expenditure, either recurring or non-recurring, from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India."

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed the Opposition for citing the apex court judgement, saying that the legislators were "giving up their responsibility" of drafting laws.

He said, "Nityanand has explained that the legislative business is necessary. I mentioned in the BAC as well. Every time you refer to the Supreme Court judgment. Judiciary is mandated to interpret the laws, to arbitrate and pass judgments, but this nation is run by the spirit of the Constitution and laws passed by the Parliament and the Assemblies. How members are willingly giving up their own responsibilities. Parliament has absolute competence to make legislation empowered by the Constitution."

- ANI
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has initiated its 82nd wave of retaliatory strikes, targeting US and Israeli assets across the region. Operations hit sites in Saudi Arabia's al-Kharj and Arifjan districts, as well as US defense logistics and radar systems in Bahrain. The IRGC also claimed strikes on a military command center in occupied territories and sites linked to Israel's nuclear program. The action is described as a direct response to previous attacks on Iranian infrastructure and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Iran's IRGC launches its 82nd wave of missile and drone strikes on US and Israeli interests in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and occupied territories.

Tehran, March 26 The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has initiated its 82nd wave of retaliatory strikes against the US-Israeli coalition, deploying a diverse arsenal of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. According to a report by Iran's state media, Press TV, the military wing stated that these operations were launched in response to previous aerial attacks targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure and critical facilities.

The IRGC confirmed that the offensive commenced early on Thursday and is expected to persist throughout the day. Detailed reports indicate that the strikes targeted specific US interests in the al-Kharj and Arifjan districts of Saudi Arabia, alongside the US Defence Logistics Site (kGL) and Patriot radar systems located in Bahrain's Sheikh Isa region.

Furthermore, a large swarm of kamikaze drones reportedly devastated support fuel depots belonging to the US military. Other targets included a hangar for MQ-9 Reaper combat drones, a hangar for P8 surveillance aircraft, and a satellite communications dish for drones situated at the Ali al-Salem airbase.

Press TV highlighted that these retaliatory measures were dedicated to the Iranian people residing in the northern provinces of Mazandaran, Golestan, Gilan, Ardabil, and East Azarbaijan. In an "impact-driven" strike, the IRGC also claimed to have hit a military command centre within the occupied territories and industrial sites linked to the Israeli regime's nuclear programme near the Dead Sea.

Footage emerging from the "occupied territories" appears to show the direct impact of Iranian projectiles. The IRGC noted that members of the Axis of Resistance carried out 230 operations over the last 24 hours, which they described as the "most extensive" in terms of scale against Israeli positions and US interests.

Data provided by the IRGC suggests a coordinated effort: Lebanese Hezbollah fighters conducted 87 operations, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance group carried out 23 offensives, and the Iranian Armed Forces launched 110 drone and missile strikes. Press TV reported that the IRGC views the current West Asian conflict as a war of choice initiated by the United States, Israel, and their regional partners.

The military statement emphasised that these responses would continue until "the hands of aggressors and tyrants are cut off from the region" and a state of genuine stability is achieved. This escalation follows an unprovoked military campaign launched against Iran, killing Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, on February 28.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant damage to civilian and military facilities across Iran, leading to a substantial loss of life. In light of these events, the Iranian Armed Forces maintain that their operations against Israeli positions and American bases are a direct and necessary retaliatory response.

- ANI
The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is providing life-saving free dialysis and medical treatment to hundreds of residents in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh. Beneficiaries from poor families are receiving critical care at the district hospital with minimal to no cost, relieving them of significant financial burdens. Patients like Kantilal and Sunil Chauhan shared how the scheme has enabled their ongoing dialysis treatment since 2022, which would otherwise be unaffordable. Chief Medical Officer Sarojini James confirmed the scheme's implementation across various healthcare facilities in the district.

Hundreds in Dewas, MP receive free dialysis & critical care under PM Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, easing financial burden for poor families.

Bhopal, March 25 In a remarkable achievement under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, hundreds of residents in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh are receiving daily medical treatment, including free dialysis at the district hospital.

The beneficiaries of Ayushman Yojana, primarily from poor and marginalised families, are receiving free healthcare services at the hospital. Patients are recovering from serious illnesses at minimal cost, leaving their family members relaxed about the accruing medical costs.

Many patients and their families extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the public welfare initiative, targeting the poor.

Kantilal, a resident of Kelod village, shared that he received his Ayushman card three years ago and has been reaping its benefits since then. Since 2022, he has been receiving free dialysis treatment at the District Hospital.

He noted that previously he had to make repeated rounds to private hospitals for treatment, but now his entire medical expense is being taken care of.

Sunil Chauhan, a resident of Rajaram Nagar, also shared his experience.

He obtained his Ayushman card four years ago. He has been battling a serious illness that necessitates regular dialysis. Since 2022, he has been receiving free dialysis treatment under the Ayushman scheme, which has provided him relief from the disease as well as financial burden.

He remarked that had he not possessed an Ayushman card, he wouldn't have been able to get himself treated.

Besides these, many other patients in the district suffering from ailments are entitled to medical facilities running into lakhs of rupees, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Sarojini James stated that patients are receiving free medical care under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at various facilities, including the District Hospital and other affiliated hospitals.

Under the Central Government's ambitious initiative-the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Scheme-thousands of people in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, are benefiting from free medical treatment.

Launched by Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to provide improved healthcare facilities to people belonging to economically weaker sections of society.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, being the world's largest public healthcare scheme, aims to provide health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakhs to each eligible household annually.

- IANS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accompanied by his wife, offered prayers at the Angareshwar Mahadev Temple in Ujjain. He performed traditional rituals and prayed for the prosperity of the state's people and the success of the upcoming Simhastha festival. Following the prayers, the CM inspected the ongoing construction of ghats along the Shipra River, which are being developed to accommodate devotees for Simhastha-2028. He emphasized that the state and nation are progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav offered prayers at Angareshwar Mahadev temple and inspected ghat construction on the Shipra River for the upcoming Simhastha-2028 festival.

Ujjain, March 26 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accompanied by his wife, Seema Yadav, offered prayers at Angareshwar Mahadev Temple in Ujjain on Thursday morning and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

CM Yadav, along with his wife, performed traditional worship rituals, including Panchamrit Abhishek, and offered kumkum, red flowers, and conducted Aarti on the occasion.

"It is a sacred site for devotees and a huge number of people visit here to offer prayers. I also offered prayers today and wished for the well-being of everyone. I pray to Angareshwar Mahadev that may this new year be filled with joy and the upcoming Simhastha festival will pass well. Along with this, Ghats are being constructed on both sides of the Shipra river for the convenience of the devotees in view of the Simhastha and we all are engaged in the preparation of the Simhastha," CM Yadav told reporters.

The Chief Minister further highlighted that under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh and the nation are progressing steadily.

After performing the worship rituals, the CM reached Gaushala near the banks of the Shipra River, where he, along with his wife, fed fodder and jaggery to the cows.

Additionally, CM Yadav inspected the ongoing construction work of the ghat along the Shipra River in the Angareshwar temple area and gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials. These ghats are being developed in view of Simhastha-2028, with around 30 kilometres of riverfront ghats planned on both banks to facilitate devotees.

Simhastha is a Hindu religious festival held every 12 years in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh, and the previous Simhastha was held in 2016.

Notably, the state government initiated various development works, including water projects, road construction, building constructions, etc in view of the Simhastha fest.

- ANI
The newly constituted Sixth State Finance Commission of Madhya Pradesh, chaired by Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, has formally begun its tenure. Chairman Pawaiya met Governor Mangubhai Patel, who provided guidance on the commission's role and expressed confidence in its contribution to state development. The commission's key mandate is to review the financial positions of municipalities and panchayats and recommend the distribution of state taxes and duties to them. It is tasked with submitting its recommendations by October 31 to improve the financial autonomy and service delivery of local institutions.

Newly appointed MP State Finance Commission Chairman Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya meets Governor Mangubhai Patel, outlines plans for local body funding and development.

Bhopal, March 26 Newly appointed Chairman of the State Finance Commission and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya on Thursday met Governor Mangubhai Patel at Lok Bhavan and informed him about assuming charge of the office.

After the courtesy meeting, the Governor's office stated that Patel provided guidance on the role, functioning, and various activities of the Finance Commission.

He expressed confidence that the State Finance Commission would work in accordance with its objectives and make a significant contribution to the state's development.

According to a statement from the Governor's office, Chairman Pawaiya assured Governor Patel that the Commission would discharge its responsibilities with full dedication and play an effective role in the state's development.

Patel also extended his best wishes to the Chairman and members of the Commission and said that fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the Commission with honesty is true service to the state and the nation.

Notably, the Madhya Pradesh government has constituted the sixth State Finance Commission under the chairmanship of former minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, with retired Indian Administrative Service officer K.K. Singh and Virendra Kumar as members.

The trio assumed their respective charges on 23 March 2026.

The Commission's tenure will be until October 31 this year, but it may be extended if required, according to the notification.

The Commission will review the financial positions of municipalities and panchayats and recommend the distribution of the state's taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between municipalities and panchayats.

Additionally, it will suggest measures to improve the financial condition of local bodies. The Commission will submit its recommendations to the Governor by October 31 for the financial year beginning April 1.

The Commission has been tasked with reviewing the financial position of panchayats and urban local bodies, recommending the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and local bodies, and suggesting measures to improve the financial autonomy of local institutions.

The Commission's recommendations on funding for local development projects, the delivery of essential services such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and healthcare, and the strengthening of grassroots governance in both rural and urban areas will be crucial.

- IANS
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized that while physical integration of Naga areas may not be immediately feasible, unity in political, cultural, and social spheres is crucial for resolving the long-standing Naga issue. He urged Nagas to strengthen bonds beyond territorial limits through shared identity, traditions, and customary laws. Rio highlighted the role of culture and language, calling for the promotion of Tenyidie in school curricula to preserve Naga identity. Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang echoed these sentiments, stressing documentation and collective effort to preserve heritage.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio emphasizes cultural and political unity for a lasting Naga solution, highlighting shared identity over territorial integration.

Kohima, March 25 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday emphasised that while physical integration of Naga-inhabited areas may not be immediately possible, unity in political, cultural, and social spheres remains essential for resolving the long-standing Naga issue.

Speaking at the Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival at Naga Heritage Village Kisama, near Kohima, Rio reiterated that integration has consistently been a core demand, with the Nagaland Assembly passing multiple resolutions supporting it. However, he stressed the need to strengthen bonds beyond territorial limits, urging Nagas to remain united through shared identity, traditions, and customary laws.

Highlighting the importance of cultural cohesion, Rio said that communities like the Tenyimi, spread across regions and states, are connected by common heritage and values. He noted that such unity can reinforce the broader Naga identity and earn greater recognition.

The Chief Minister also underscored the role of culture and language in preserving identity. He called for wider promotion of Tenyidie, suggesting its inclusion in school curricula, and acknowledged efforts by organisations like Ura Academy in advancing the language.

Encouraging youth participation, Rio described young people as custodians of tradition and urged them to uphold cultural values while developing skills and resilience for the future. The Chief Minister stressed that shared traditions, customary laws, life and culture, food habits and history connect the Naga people together, and called for reconciliation and combined effort to secure a dignified and honourable resolution to the Naga political issue.

He noted that the Centre had recognised the distinct identity of Nagas, citing protective provisions such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 and Article 371A.

Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang echoed similar sentiments, describing the Tenyimi community as a closely connected family with shared ancestry, culture, and traditions. He emphasised the importance of documentation and collective effort in preserving their heritage.

The festival, organised by the Tenyimi Union Nagaland, showcased traditional music, dance, and practices, reinforcing the theme of unity through cultural heritage.

- IANS
An international conference in Delhi brought together scholars and practitioners to examine the monumental legacy of Nalanda Mahavihara. The gathering explored its 800-year history as a pinnacle of intellectual discourse, sustained by royal patronage, which attracted a global community of learners. Discussions highlighted how Nalanda transformed the Buddha's core message of inquiry into a flourishing, integrated center for logic, medicine, arts, and contemplative sciences. The consensus emphasized that while the physical university is in ruins, Nalanda as a philosophical thought and embodiment of Dhamma continues to burn brightly and remain globally relevant.

Scholars at a Delhi conference explore Nalanda University's 800-year history, its global impact on Dhamma & knowledge, and its enduring philosophical relevance.

New Delhi, March 26 A one-day international conference titled `Contribution of Nalanda Mahavihara in the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma' was organised jointly by the International Buddhist Confederation, the Ministry of Culture, and Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in the national capital.

The gathering on Tuesday witnessed sangha members, scholars, practitioners, diplomats and members of academia from India and abroad, including Nepal, Bhutan and the United States.

According to a press release, the day-long conference was divided into four sets of conversations covering facets of the `Historical evolution, philosophical contribution and institutional framework of Nalanda Mahavihara'; `the life and work of distinguished Acharya (masters)'; `the rise and fall of Nalanda'; and `the global dissemination and contemporary relevance of Nalanda'.

The evolution of the Nalanda Mahavihara in Magadh (modern-day Bihar, India) as a school of learning is a lesson in patronage of higher learning by the state. Established during the Gupta dynasty and subsequently sustained by other rulers for almost 800 years, it was the pinnacle of human achievement.

Nalanda Mahavihara flourished as the world's first residential monastic university and a major centre of intellectual discourse and intercultural dialogue. Its contribution to higher learning and the spread of Buddha Dhamma marks a remarkable chapter in history. The university attracted students and scholars from across the world, demonstrating the universal appeal of Dhamma.

Opening the conference, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General, IBC, mentioned that the core message of the Buddha was an invitation to inquire, to reflect, and to understand, not merely to believe.

He said that Nalanda embodied this vision, transforming a spirit of questioning into a flourishing centre of learning; it nurtured a tradition where intellectual rigour met inner exploration, advancing disciplines such as logic, language, medicine, arts, and contemplative sciences in an integrated pursuit of wisdom.

In his Keynote Address on the occasion, HE Gyeltrul Jigme Rinpoche, President and Chief, Rigon Thupten Mindrolling Monastery (Padmasambhava Maha Vihara), Odisha, said that Nalanda's today is in ruins, we are not talking in the physical sense, but Nalanda as a thought continues, its philosophy, awareness and the path. In a way, Nalanda has crossed all barriers and boundaries and still remains relevant- a bright light, a burning light as an embodiment of Buddha Dhamma that Nalanda signifies in its philosophy.'

On a panel on `Historical evolution, philosophical contribution and Institutional Framework', while talking of prominent Acharyas of Nalanda, the 14th Dhardo Tulku Rinpoche, Drepung Monastery, Darjeeling, mentioned Aryabhatta and his role in formalising mathematical ideas that would shape the course of global science, most notably advancing the use of Zero within a place-value system.

He mentioned that in many ways, Aryabhatta's work reflects the spirit of Nalanda: a place where abstract thought met practical application, and where insights like zero quietly transformed the destiny of human knowledge.

Speaking on the same theme, HE The 18th Choekyong Palga Rinpoche, Naljorling Monastery, Ladakh mentioned that while we tend to praise and appreciate the role that Nalanda played as a centre for knowledge and academic enlightenment, at the same time we tend to ignore the role played by the patrons or the rulers of the time who took immense interest and pride in creating, facilitating and sustaining such a universal concept.

Participating in the conference, Indra Prasad Kafle Associate Professor, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal highlighted the seven kinds of intelligence embodied within the Nalanda tradition and its Mahasiddhas, presenting them as a holistic map of human potential, which includes, linguistic intelligence, mathematics, music, spatial intelligence, visible in the creation of mandalas, deity iconography, and sacred art as visual pedagogies; kinetic intelligence, represented by ritual precision, yogic discipline; interpersonal intelligence, exemplified by Nalanda's community of ten thousand students living in universal brotherhood; and intrapersonal intelligence.

Starting the Panel on `Life and Work of Distinguished Acharyas of Nalanda', Moderator Lopen Lungtaen Gyatso, President, College of Language and Cultural Studies, Royal University of Bhutan mentioned that at a time when AI was becoming a central player, it is the human mind that should remain relevant and dominating so that smart use of AI could be made rather than enabling AI to take over human activities in an uncontrolled manner.

Sharda Poudel, Associate Professor, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal, addressed the conference on the famous masters of Nalanda, such as Kamalasila, remembered as one of the most distinguished philosophers of the later Nalanda tradition, renowned for his clarity, analytical depth, and meditative insight. As the foremost and direct disciple of Santaraksita, he carried Nalanda's scholastic brilliance into Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, where his presence shaped the very foundations of Tibetan Buddhism.

Lama Ngodup Dorji, Hereditary Dungzin Rinpoche of Shingkhar Chair, Longchenpa Centre (Bhutan), Former National Nyingma Representative, Commission for Religious Organisations of Bhutan, explained, 'the teachings of truth at Nalanda were characterised by a rigorous and boundary-transcending methodology. The scholars relied on unshakable logic, systematic debate, and fearless critical inquiry to distinguish genuine insight from misconception, ensuring that the Buddha's message could travel from the nearest to the farthest without distortion.

He mentioned that the Nalanda lineage reached the Bhutanese highlands through the scholastic and contemplative disciplines of Nalanda's exponents, like Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), ensuring that the spirit of inquiry and the precision of reasoning continued to flourish across the Himalayan world.

Among the distinguished international Buddhist scholars and academics participating in the conference were two renowned nuns, Ven Kaveri Gill, Senior Fellow, Centre for Excellence in Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, and Lama Aria Drolma, Buddhist Meditation Teacher, New York, USA.

Ven Kaveri Gill said that Buddhist teaching is not only monastic but also includes science and philosophy. So if any tradition is open to being beyond religion and secular, it is Buddhist philosophy, while Lama Drolma shared her reflections on the very name 'Nalanda', describing its etymology, the giver of the lotus (knowledge) or more broadly, "the giver of knowledge", and linking this meaning to the refuge in bodhicitta prayer. She reminded participants that at the heart of the Nalanda legacy lies a single guiding intention: "May we attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings."

Guiding the session on the rise and fall of Nalanda, Basanta Kumar Bidari, Archaeological Advisor, Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini, Nepal, reminded participants that Nalanda's ascent was not merely an academic phenomenon but a 'civilisational flowering, where philosophy, monastic discipline, and artistic expression evolved in tandem'. In tracing Nalanda's rise, he highlighted how the university became a magnet for scholars across Asia, fostering an environment where rigorous debate, refined logic, and contemplative practice shaped the intellectual landscape of the Buddhist world.

Among the others who spoke at the conference were Bimlendra Kumar, Professor, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Banaras Hindu University; Hira Paul Gangnegi, Former Head, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi; Ven Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath.

- ANI
News / National

by Staff reporter

Power cuts are expected to worsen for Zimbabwe with the Zambezi River Authority revealing that water supplies to Kariba Dam will remain subdued until around March 2016.The Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) forecast also paints a gloomy picture as Zambezi River's sources in Angola and Congo might receive below normal rains this season.Zimbabwe and Zambia rely on Kariba hydro power station and with the dwindling water supplies to the dam, the Zimbabwe River Authority has been rationing water for power generation.The authority sadly acknowledged that since 1997, it has been aware that at some point the water levels would dwindle to critical levels that would not sustain power generation."Yes there has been a huge reduction on the inflows against the output of water going towards the turbines. We received below normal rains in the upper catchment and we hope that once rainfall season starts, we harvest the water to avert future challenges, said Mr Munyaradzi Munodawafa, the authority's CEO.Data recorded last week by the Zambezi River Authority reveal that the water levels dropped to 479.53m which is 5.35m lower than the level recorded last year on the same date.Meteorological experts, who gathered in the Democratic Republic of Congo this August to forecast the forthcoming 2015-16 rainfall season, predicted that countries such as Angola and the DRC, which are upstream of the Zambezi River, have a 75 percent chance of receiving below normal rains which translate to a drought.Efforts to get a comment from Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister, Cde Tsitsi Muzenda were fruitless as she referred all questions to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Patson Mbiriri who said he cannot provide a comment.With Hwange Thermal Power Station not operating to full capacity, Zimbabweans can only brace up for more power cuts as the country tries to do with the little energy available.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev stated that in the West Asia conflict, America will not win and Iran will not lose, highlighting Iran's demonstrated missile capabilities. He called upon the United States, as a large democracy, to respect the sovereignty of other nations. Ramdev emphasized that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is well-positioned to mediate and bring the world together based on the principle of 'Vasudev Kutumbakam'. He also used the occasion of Ram Navami to warn about digital media undermining character and urged the preservation of cultural heritage.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev comments on Iran-Israel tensions, says India under PM Modi can mediate for world peace based on 'Vasudev Kutumbakam'.

Haridwar, March 26 Yoga guru and Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev on Thursday said "Neither America will win, nor Iran will lose" as he appealed for world peace amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

"I had earlier said that neither America will win (the war) nor Iran will lose. By launching its ballistic missiles at a distance ranging from 1000-1200 km to 4000-5000 km and by dropping bombs, Iran has shown that nobody can frighten anyone using weapons," Ramdev told reporters at a Ram Navami event at Patanjali Yogpeeth here.

"I had earlier said that neither America will win (the war) nor Iran will lose. By launching its ballistic missiles at a distance ranging from 1000-1200 km to 4000-5000 km and by dropping bombs, Iran has shown that nobody can frighten anyone using weapons."

"Democracy doesn't mean to scare anyone. Today America takes pride in calling itself the world's largest democracy, so it should also take care of the sovereignty of other nations," he said.

Emphasising India's role in mediating the conflict, he said: "India should keep on giving the message of bringing the world together, based on the principle of 'Vasudev Kutumbakam' (world is one family). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing whatever needs to be done, politically and diplomatically."

"Even now, if the war between Israel, America and Iran can be stopped with anyone's mediation, this petrol, gas crisis in the entire world, along with it the current economic crisis in the world, (it is India). The solution for all these economic and political crises can come through dialogue, and India can play a huge role in this, I am confident about it," Baba Ramdev said.

He asserted that India can save the world from this crisis emanating from the war.

He further urged everyone to come together on issues of national interest, especially when it is about the country's foreign policy.

Meanwhile, on Ram Navami, Ramdev said, "Greetings to all citizens on Ram Navami. With the exposure to digital media, the character of daughters is being undermined. I urge everyone to use these festivals as an opportunity to instil in children a strong understanding of our great cultural heritage."

- IANS
Outgoing Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressed the nation, stating the recent election results delivered a clear mandate for change aligned with the Gen-Z protest movement. She expressed confidence that the new government under youth leader Balendra Shah would prioritize ending corruption, establishing good governance, and fostering economic development. Karki highlighted the completion of her main objective: holding elections within six months and transferring power to an elected government. Balendra Shah, a former Kathmandu Mayor and RSP senior leader, is scheduled to be sworn in as the next Prime Minister following his unanimous appointment as the party's parliamentary leader.

Outgoing PM Sushila Karki addresses nation, calls election a mandate for change as Balendra Shah prepares to become Nepal's new Prime Minister.

Kathmandu, March 27 Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday evening made her final address to the nation ahead of the new government formation scheduled for Friday under the prime ministership of Balendra Shah, aka Balen.

In her ten-minute-long address from the government residence in Baluwatar, the interim Nepali Prime Minister, appointed after September's Gen-Z protest, called the March 5 election result in line with the spirit of the movement.

"In this election (March 5), citizens have given a clear mandate in favour of change in accordance with the spirit of the Gen-Z movement. This has also disproved the notion that no party can achieve a majority through the electoral system enshrined in the Constitution. I congratulate the newly elected members of the House of Representatives and wish them a successful tenure," the outgoing Prime Minister said in her address.

The first female interim premier of the Himalayan nation, in her address, also mentioned that she is leaving office with "some satisfaction and much hope" as she prepares to hand over power to a newly elected government.

Karki stated that the main objective of her tenure, holding elections within six months and handing over responsibility to an elected government, had been fulfilled.

"I am confident that the new government to be formed under the leadership of the youth will work towards ending corruption in the country, establishing good governance, creating employment within the country, economic development, and social justice, in line with the demands and aspirations of the Gen-Z movement. I also wish the government complete success in this regard," Karki said.

During her address, Karki recalled taking office amid fear and uncertainty following the Gen-Z movement that took place on September 8 and 9.

"This (interim) government, formed on the foundation of the Gen-Z movement, has made a historic agreement with the protesters on December 10, 2025. Since some of the work under the agreement remains incomplete, I am confident that the next government will take it forward with priority. It has been decided to make the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the incidents of use of force, vandalism, arson, and looting during the movement public. The next government will study the report in full and take necessary steps regarding the recommendations and suggestions," the interim Prime Minister said.

Karki also expressed sorrow over the damage caused to historical heritage sites, businesses, and private property due to vandalism and arson during the protests. She called on all citizens to move forward together in unity.

"As the interim government's mandate has been completed and a new mandate has been obtained through elections, I am eager to welcome the new government. And today, I look forward with full confidence to the bright future of this country, where our unity, honesty, and the hard work of every citizen will write a new history," Karki said, concluding her address.

Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, or Balen, is set to be sworn in as the next Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation. RSP's central committee meeting in the afternoon had unanimously approved the proposal of appointing him as the parliamentary party leader, paving the way for his appointment as the next Prime Minister.

The meeting of the Central Committee, held at the party office in Kathmandu on Thursday evening, unanimously agreed to appoint the former Kathmandu Mayor, a structural engineer and rapper, as the parliamentary leader.

Shah is set to take an oath tomorrow at the President's Office from President Ram Chandra Paudel amid a special function. As per the RSP charter, only the parliamentary party leader can become the prime minister.

As per the agreement between RSP President Rabi Lamichanne and Shah on December 28, the party is going to officially prepare Shah for the role with the vote of its 182 House members.

Former TV host and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the Rastriya Swatantra Party's central chairperson, and Balendra Shah will be the parliamentary party leader and future prime minister candidate following the House of Representatives election, reads Point 4 of their agreement.

The new Prime Minister is set to be sworn in at 12:34 PM (Local Time), which would count as 1234 of the numerical, and seven conchs are planned to be played at the time of the swearing ceremony. As per the party leaders, this special ritual is planned with the belief that any work done will be successful.

Simultaneously, other rituals will continue while he takes the oath. The 108 Batuks (novice priests) will recite Swasti Shanti, and another 16 Buddhist monks will recite the Ashtamangala. Both are considered auspicious in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Following the oath of secrecy, Balen will then administer the oath of office and secrecy to his Cabinet members. The new Prime Minister will assume office at Singha Durbar at approximately 2:15 pm.

- ANI
Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has secured a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, emerging as the largest party. The results mark a humiliating defeat for traditional communist forces that had long dominated Nepali politics and were ideologically closer to Beijing. Analysts reckon the rout of leftist parties is a significant setback for China's influence in Nepal, which had previously engaged closely with them. While China has congratulated the RSP and expressed willingness to work with the new government, observers note concerns in Beijing about potential increased US influence.

Nepal's RSP sweeps elections, defeating traditional leftist parties close to Beijing. Analysts see results as a major setback for Chinese influence in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, March 26 Although China congratulated Nepal and the Rastriya Swatantra Party for its sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections held on March 5, the results have emerged as a setback for Beijing, analysts reckon.

The RSP, led by former media personality Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Ministerial hopeful Balen Shah, emerged as the largest political party in the House of Representatives, securing nearly a two-thirds majority. Traditional political parties, including the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), and the Nepal Communist Party, suffered significant defeats.

While the RSP secured a total of 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, the Nepali Congress won 38 seats, the UML secured 25, and the Nepal Communist Party got 17.

One of the defining features of the election results is the humiliating defeat of communist forces in Nepal, which had dominated the country's politics for decades.

The UML, the Nepal Communist Party, and other leftist forces were ideologically closer to Beijing, which appeared to have sought to influence Nepal's policies through them.

"The election results for the leftist forces are unlikely to please Beijing, though the northern neighbour has said it is ready to work with the new government," Nepal's former Ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha told IANS. "They might be concerned about whether the RSP's thumping win could invite greater US influence in Nepal."

Opponents of the RSP had accused the party of acting in US interests. When RSP senior leader and former Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah did not include the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park - planned with Chinese investment in Jhapa - in his election agenda, supporters of K P Sharma Oli criticised him of being anti-China.

Following the election results, the Communist Party of China (CPC) sent a congratulatory message to the RSP. In a message issued from Beijing on March 11, the CPC extended "warm congratulations and best wishes" and emphasised its willingness to deepen political trust and promote high-quality cooperation under the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while working towards a closer "China-Nepal community with a shared future".

Referring to its past engagements with the RSP, the CPC said it valued ongoing exchanges between the two parties and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah, the RSP would continue to foster friendly relations with China and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Beijing typically works with whichever party is in power and does not openly display political preference. However, many observers have perceived a tilt toward leftist forces in the past, which at times irked parties such as the Nepali Congress.

When the CPN-UML and the erstwhile CPN (Maoist Centre) merged in 2018 to form the Nepal Communist Party, many viewed it as influenced by Beijing. Before the merger, the two parties had formed an electoral alliance for the 2017 parliamentary polls, securing nearly a two-thirds majority in the 2017 parliamentary elections together.

In October 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Nepal. Just ahead of his visit, a two-day symposium for top leaders of the then-ruling Nepal Communist Party was held in Kathmandu on 'Xi Jinping Thought', with experts describing it as an ideological outreach by the CPC.

However, internal power struggles between co-chairs K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' eventually led to the party's collapse.

A few days before the Gen-Z movement in early September, Oli attended the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the 'Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression' and the 'World Anti-Fascist War' at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, sparking controversy.

Given Nepal's official policy of non-alignment, the visit was seen as a pro-Beijing tilt in foreign policy. The subsequent Gen-Z movement led to the fall of the Oli government. Following the March 5 elections, the two largest communist forces have been reduced to the third and fourth-largest parties in Nepal's lower house.

Arun Subedi, former Foreign Policy Advisor to then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, said the emergence of the RSP represents a democratic alternative to the Nepali Congress. "The democratic world was searching for alternative democratic forces in Nepal, given that the Nepali Congress failed to counter communist influence," he said.

He added that the foreign policy approach of the RSP government can be assessed once it forms the government - RSP senior leader Shah is expected to be sworn in as the next Prime Minister on Friday.

In its election manifesto, the party has pledged to pursue a balanced and dynamic foreign policy to benefit from the rise of neighboring countries.

Regarding China, the RSP has proposed building a structured partnership framework focusing on concessional financing for world-class infrastructure, adopting state-guided socio-economic development programmes, and learning from inter-provincial competition models.

Although China has traditionally worked with ruling parties, in recent years it has made visible efforts to unify communist forces in Nepal. When the Nepal Communist Party was on the verge of collapse in 2021, Beijing reportedly attempted to keep it intact by engaging directly with party leaders. Analysts therefore view the decline of communist forces as a setback for Beijing.

China also considers Nepal strategically important in curbing the activities of exiled Tibetans, whom it regards as anti-China elements. According to Nepal's Home Ministry, around 12,000 Tibetan refugees live in the country. Communist governments in Nepal have generally taken a stricter stance in controlling such activities.

Nepal is also part of China's BRI, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative launched by Beijing in 2013. However, Nepal has not yet implemented any projects under the initiative which has been labelled as controversial, with Western countries accusing Beijing of pushing poorer nations into high debt by lending in unfeasible projects.

India has opposed the BRI particularly because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) developed under it which passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.

Nepal's communist parties have been strong supporters of the BRI, while the Nepali Congress has also welcomed it but insists that financial assistance from Beijing should come in the form of grants. The RSP has remained largely silent on the matter, although the Chinese side mentioned the BRI in its congratulatory message.

However, no one expects a decisive shift in Nepal's foreign policy under the RSP, even if the degree of orientation may change. Still, China will no longer find its long-standing ideological partners in power.

Even before the recent elections, the Nepal Communist Party - formed through the merger of factions including the Maoist Centre and the Unified Socialist - was already losing political ground. Meanwhile, Oli faced criticism on social media over his role during the Gen-Z movement, which contributed to his party's electoral losses.

Whether the decline of communist forces in Nepal will be permanent remains unclear. In India, once-influential leftist parties have largely become marginal players.

Rajendra Maharjan, a political analyst who has studied communist movements globally, believes the poor electoral performance of communist forces indicates erosion in their support base, even though they still retain strong organisational structures.

"It does not necessarily signal the end of leftist politics in Nepal. Even if UML and Maoists are weakened, people will seek a leftist alternative," he said. "It may not be a communist party in name, but a leftist political force will emerge to raise the issues of poorer sections of society."

- IANS
The first meeting of Nepal's newly elected Parliament convened, with lawmakers taking their oath of office. The ceremony was held in the under-construction parliament building, with members wearing traditional attire as requested. The Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the largest party following the March 5 elections. The oath-taking is a constitutional requirement under Nepal's laws.

First meeting of Nepal's new Parliament held. Newly elected lawmakers take oath in traditional attire. Rastriya Swatantra Party emerges as largest party.

Kathmandu, March 26 The first meeting of Nepal's new Parliament after the elections early this month convened on Thursday, with newly elected members taking the oath of office and secrecy. The previous Parliament was dissolved in September 2025 after the Gen-Z protest.

The new lawmakers, elected through the election held on March 5, arrived at the under-construction Parliament building inside Singhadurbar, the administrative capital of the Himalayan nation, in traditional attire.

The Parliament Secretariat had requested the newly elected members of the House of Representatives to wear traditional attire while taking the oath.

Nepali Congress parliamentarian Arjun Narsingh KC, the senior-most member of the House of Representatives, administered the oath to the MPs. The ceremony was held at the under-construction multipurpose hall of the Federal Parliament at Singha Durbar.

Necessary arrangements, including seating, rostrum, Speaker's chair, and designated spaces for the General Secretary, Secretaries, and other Secretariat officials, had been completed at the venue.

As per constitutional provisions, the oath-taking is mandated under Article 99 and Article 91(5) of the Constitution of Nepal, along with Section 75 of the House of Representatives Election Act, 2017.

In the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the largest party with 182 seats, followed by the Nepali Congress with 38 seats, CPN-UML with 25, Nepali Communist Party with 17, Shram Sanskriti Party with seven, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party with five seats.

Under the Proportional Representation system, 57 lawmakers were elected from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), 20 from the Nepali Congress (NC), 16 from the CPN (UML), nine from the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), and four each from the Shram Sanskriti Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The Election Commission had announced the PR election results on March 16.

Under the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, the RSP secured 125 seats, followed by the NC with 19, UML with 9, NCP with 8, Shram Sanskriti Party with 3, RPP with 1, and one independent candidate.

As per constitutional provisions, the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament, consists of a total of 275 members, including 165 elected through the FPTP system and 110 through the PR system.

- ANI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged people to stop panic buying fuel, warning he may shut petrol pumps if queues continue. He stressed there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or LPG cylinders and blamed the situation on rumors. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed India's fuel supply is fully secure and under control nationwide. The Ministry accused a coordinated campaign of misinformation of spreading unjustified panic among citizens.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah urges calm, warns of shutting pumps if panic buying continues. Ministry confirms nationwide fuel supplies are secure.

Srinagar, March 27 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged people to stop panic buying fuel amid long queues at petrol pumps across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah warned that strict action could be taken if the situation does not improve. "My earnest request to people is that they stop camping outside petrol pumps, otherwise I will shut all the petrol pumps for the next few days," he said.

He stressed that there is no shortage of essential fuel supplies and blamed rumours for the panic. "It's regrettable that when the government speaks, no one listens, but everyone believes the rumours. In a review meeting the other day, it was duly decided that there is currently no shortage of anything--be it diesel, petrol, or LPG cylinders--and even after a couple of days, the situation hasn't changed. Nowhere has there been any directive to reduce usage," he added.

Appealing to the public to remain calm, Abdullah said, "I appeal to those people who are lining up based on social media rumours: please don't do that. There is a meeting of all CMs with PM Modi tomorrow online, and I will attend that."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that India's petroleum and LPG supply situation is fully secure and under control.

All retail fuel outlets have enough supplies, and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country, the Ministry said in a release.

The Ministry called upon citizens not to be misled by a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation that is being carried out to spread unjustified panic. It said that because India is a net exporter to the world, domestic petrol and diesel availability is structurally assured.

- ANI
Authorities in Bhopal and Indore have firmly denied any shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, attributing long queues at pumps to rumors spread on social media. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh assured the public of adequate fuel stocks and constant coordination with pump operators. Indore Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade confirmed meetings were held with district officials and oil companies, finding no scarcity despite a temporary surge in demand. Both officials have directed measures to prevent bulk buying and hoarding while appealing for public calm and normalcy.

Bhopal and Indore authorities confirm ample petrol, diesel, and LPG stocks, urging public to avoid panic buying sparked by social media rumors.

Bhopal/Indore, March 25 Amid reports of long queues at various fuel stations in the state, authorities in Bhopal and Indore have clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, and have urged citizens not to panic or believe in rumours.

Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh assured the public that they should not need to believe in misleading information, adding that adequate stock of fuel is available, and the administration is in constant contact with petrol pump operators to ensure smooth supply.

"There is no need for anyone to panic or be misled by rumours. There is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel at fuel stations, and we are in constant contact with pump operators. People should not pay attention to such misleading claims. Petrol is available to everyone as per their requirement," Singh said.

Additionally, the Collector also stressed that there isn't any issue regarding food grain availability either.

On the other hand, Indore Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade held a meeting with Collectors and officials from all eight districts of the division to review the situation regarding the fuel shortage. Officials apprised him of the status in their respective areas.

Additionally, a separate meeting was also conducted with petrol and diesel distributors, directing them to maintain uninterrupted supply across the division.

"Some rumors were spread about scarcity of fuels in Indore and its divisional districts yesterday, leading to a surge in demand and sudden crowds at fuel pumps. When we looked into the matter and found that such information was circulated on social media which resulted in the situation. Nonetheless, we held a meeting with district collectors and representatives from the oil company today and took stock of the entire situation. There is no issue of scarcity of fuels and sufficient stock is available," Khade told ANI.

He further highlighted that amid the rumours fuel consumption increased twice than that of regular situation so extraordinary efforts were being made to maintain the supply chain despite increased consumption.

"The oil company has been directed not to sell petrol in bulk to prevent hoarding. People can get their vehicles full tank though. I have instructed them to maintain constant coordination with district administration. I also like to appeal to people that there is no panic situation at all and let the situation drive as normal," he said.

Along with this, the commissioner also stressed that the LPG cylinder supply chain is also regulating systematically and sufficient stock is available.

- ANI
The Telangana government has categorically stated there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or domestic LPG in the state, with stocks sufficient for the next three months. Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy revealed that oil companies are supplying fuel at a rate 22% above average demand, creating an excess daily supply. He attributed long queues at stations to purely panic-driven buying, which has spiked demand by 25%. The government has warned against the illegal use of containers for fuel and has control rooms monitoring supplies round-the-clock.

Telangana government assures ample fuel stocks for 3 months, urges public to avoid panic buying. Minister reveals supply exceeds demand by 22%.

Hyderabad, March 25 Amid rumours of petrol, diesel and LPG shortages that triggered panic buying and long queues at fuel stations across Hyderabad, the Telangana government on Wednesday assured the public that there is no shortage of any petroleum product in the state.

Addressing a press conference, Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Civil Supplies Commissioner, Stephen Ravindra, categorically stated that stocks are more than adequate for the next three months and that supply is currently running well ahead of demand.

The Minister revealed that oil marketing companies - Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have ramped up supplies significantly.

The companies on Wednesday supplied 17,898 kilolitres (KL) against a demand of 17,246 KL, leaving an excess of nearly 652 KL.

He pointed out that while daily demand has suddenly spiked by 25 per cent due to panic buying, supplies have been maintained at 22 per cent above the average, ensuring seamless availability.

"Supply is more than the demand. We are providing excess supply," the Minister emphasised. He added that an additional 16,000 KL of buffer stock has already been arranged and 1,200 extra tankers have been pressed into service to keep fuel stations fully stocked.

Any temporary "no stock" boards visible at a few outlets were only because tankers had not yet arrived, he clarified, and not due to any actual shortage.

The government has also taken strong note of the use of cans and containers to carry petrol and diesel, terming the practice illegal and hazardous.

"Officials are in the field. Use of containers will not be allowed. OMCs have been strictly instructed," the Minister warned.

He appealed to the public not to indulge in panic buying, stating that all rumours of shortages have no basis.

The minister informed that there is no shortage anywhere in Telangana. Referring to the situation elsewhere in the country, he said major cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Dharwad and Belgaum have been experiencing such panic buying instances.

He stressed that CNG and LPG supply chains remain fully intact, Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) are sufficient for 60-65 days and ONGC has extended a credit line to ensure uninterrupted supplies.

On the LPG front, the Minister clarified that domestic LPG cylinders and petrol/diesel are in abundant supply with no shortage. While there is a problem with commercial LPG cylinders, the government is actively representing the matter to the Centre.

In a related crackdown, authorities have seized a total of 2,952 commercial cylinders being misused or illegally filled.

The minister revealed that 596 petrol bunks are functioning in Hyderabad city alone.

"All shops and petrol bunks are open. No bunk is being allowed to close," he said and confirmed that officials had inspected outlets in LB Nagar and Bhairamalguda and found them fully operational.

Staff from the Civil Supplies Department have been reaching out to every bunk, and dedicated control rooms are monitoring supplies round-the-clock in coordination with Legal Metrology, Police and Civil Supplies officials.

Describing the current rush as "purely panic-driven", Uttam Kumar Reddy urged citizens to stop rumour-mongering and avoid hoarding.

- IANS
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma chaired an all-party meeting to review LPG supply, assuring the public that adequate stocks exist and the situation is under constant monitoring. He directed District Collectors to oversee distribution and warned of strict action against hoarding and black marketing. Opposition leader Tikaram Jully expressed solidarity with the government while urging the exploration of alternative resources to prevent future crises. Food Minister Sumit Godara also confirmed no disruption in LPG availability, stating oil companies have sufficient reserves.

Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma assures adequate LPG stocks after all-party meeting. Opposition stands united, administration monitoring supply.

Jaipur, March 26 Addressing an all-party meeting to discuss LPG supply in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan lal Sharma reviewed the prevailing situation in the state.

He assured that Rajasthan currently has adequate stock of essential commodities and LPG, and that the situation is under constant monitoring.

The Chief Minister informed that District Collectors have already been directed to closely oversee supply and distribution to prevent any disruption.

CM Sharma also appealed to the public not to panic, emphasising that there is no shortage and only a need for vigilance.

Calling it a collective responsibility, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said that awareness campaigns will be intensified and strict action will be taken against hoarding and black marketing.

He also urged citizens to cooperate with the administration during this period and thanked all political parties for extending their support.

Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully expressed solidarity with the government, stating that all parties stand united in the larger public interest. However, he also urged the administration to explore and strengthen alternative resources to avoid any future crisis.

MLAs Ramkesh Meena, Rajendra Pareek, Shrichand Kriplani, Subhash Garg, Manoj Nyangali, and Ashok Kothari also put forward suggestions during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Joga Ram Patel and Jogeshwar Garg joined the discussions via video conferencing, reflecting a united political approach to ensure stability and public confidence.

Referring to concerns around LPG supply, the state's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara had clarified a day earlier that there is no disruption in LPG availability across Rajasthan.

He stated that oil companies have sufficient reserves and supply chains remain intact despite global geopolitical tensions.

The minister warned that strict action would be taken against anyone spreading rumours or indulging in black marketing of LPG cylinders, and assured that regular monitoring is being carried out at all distribution points.

- IANS
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi has firmly stated that no negotiations are underway with the US or Israel, emphasizing a policy of continued "resistance" against what he terms "unprovoked aggression." He dismissed the reliability of international guarantees for a ceasefire, warning that without them, conflict would simply repeat. Araghchi framed Iran's military retaliation, including claimed strikes on American and Israeli targets, as a historic "golden moment" that forced adversaries to seek talks. The tensions coincide with a US troop deployment to the region and Iranian intelligence reports of potential threats to its islands.

Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi says no talks are underway, dismissing international guarantees and promising continued resistance to "American-Israeli aggression."

Tehran, March 26 Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."

"There are no negotiations underway," he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

The foreign minister said that although regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, Tehran's stance has remained "principled and firm".

"Many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran's position has remained 'principled and firm'," he said.

Araghchi also dismissed the reliability of "international guarantees" in efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

"International guarantees are not 100 per cent reliable," he said as quoted by Press TV, referring to reported mediation attempts by third countries.

"Through the inherent guarantee that we created ourselves, no one will dare again to go to war with the Iranian people," he added, according to Press TV, pointing to Iran's retaliatory military operations, which, he said, included at least 81 waves of counterstrikes against American and Israeli targets across the region.

Araghchi warned that a ceasfire without credible "guarantees" would only lead to "repetition of war".

"A ceasefire without guarantees is a vicious cycle that only leads to the repetition of war," Araghchi said.

"The enemy must learn a lesson so that it never again even contemplates launching another attack, and the damages suffered by the Iranian people must be compensated," he added, according to Press TV.

Commenting on Iran's military response, Araghchi said the retaliatory operations were "a golden moment" for the country.

Iran's response has gone down as "a golden moment" in its history, he said, claiming the country had prevented "two nuclear-armed aggressors" from achieving their objectives.

"The fact that they are now talking about negotiations is itself an admission of defeat. Weren't they the ones talking about 'unconditional surrender'? So why are they now mobilising their highest-ranking officials to pursue negotiations?" Araghchi said as quoted by Press TV.

Meanwhile, Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said that there has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran.

"We settled 8 wars. We are winning another one. Nobody has seen anything like what we are doing in the Middle East with Iran. They are negotiating, by the way. They want to make a deal so badly, but they are afraid to say it because they figure they will be killed by their own people. They are also afraid they will be killed by us. There has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran."

Earlier, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands. He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements.

In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."

The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI
Iran's ambassador to Pakistan has firmly denied any peace negotiations are taking place with the United States, contradicting signals from President Trump. The Israeli envoy to the UN stated military operations against Iran continue with the goal of preventing it from gaining nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Trump claimed the US is in negotiations and that Iran is "totally defeated" militarily. Meanwhile, military strikes continue from both sides, making peace in West Asia elusive.

Iran's envoy rejects US peace overtures as Trump declares victory. Israel vows to continue military operations to deny Iran nuclear capability.

Tehran, March 25 The Iranian Ambassador in Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghadam has said there had been no talks between Washington or Tehran, after US President Donald Trump signalled that there had been peace overtures between the two sides.

According to IRNA news the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan was quoted as saying, "The current war is the result of America's betrayal of the negotiations."

Earlier, Israel's Envoy to the United Nations Danny Danon has denied any knowledge of possible peace talks between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Addressing a media stakeout at the United Nations on Tuesday (local time) he said the goal was to ensure that Iran did not gain nuclear capability.

"I'm not familiar with our participation in such talks. It's important to note that we continue with the operation. As we speak, Israel and the US, we continue to target military targets in Iran. We'll continue to do that. Now, when you speak about negotiations, we know that at the end of any operation or conflict, you have to go to diplomacy. And we will make sure that the outcome will be that Iran will not have the nuclear capability, will not have the ballistic missiles capability, and that we will achieve the goals that we put forward only a month ago. I think we accomplished a lot. I'm not sure that the Iranians realize that, but we accomplished a lot. We have weakened the regime. But we have to make sure that we don't create the condition for them to go back to where they were. We want to create a different reality on the ground," he said.

The Israeli envoy claimed that Israel had always advocated for peace in the region while the Islamic regime was the opposite.

"One should ask himself about every nation: who is bringing stabilization to the area, and who is bringing chaos? Israel is a stabilizing force in the region. We want peace. Allow me to answer that. We sign peace treaties, we promote peace, we pray for peace. When you look at the Iranian regime, they are doing exactly the opposite. They have attacked 13 countries in one month. You know, Israel exists for 77 years. We never had war with 13 countries combined. So today you understand that Iran is a problem for instability and Israel is a source for peace and stability. Thank you," Danon said.

These remarks from the Iranian and Israeli side come after US President signalled that peace overtures were being made with Iran and that the war was coming to an end.

"We're in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal and who wouldn't if you were there? Look, their navy's gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone. I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this... We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it. For instance, if I want to take down that power plant, they can't do a thing about it... They are totally defeated... Militarily, they are dead," he said.

With Israel continuing its strikes in Iran and the Iranian military launching wave 80 of its retaliatory strikes, peace remains elusive in West Asia.

- ANI
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to take stringent action against traders creating artificial shortages of cooking gas and essential commodities. He ordered statewide raids to curb black marketing, taking advantage of concerns stemming from the West Asia conflict. The government review meeting confirmed that petroleum products and essential commodities are adequately available in the state. The Chief Minister also emphasized maintaining fertiliser stocks for the Rabi season and advised a public awareness campaign to prevent panic.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi orders statewide raids against traders creating artificial shortages of fuel & LPG, assures adequate stock.

Bhubaneswar, March 26 Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed all state government officials to take stringent action against unscrupulous traders creating artificial shortages of cooking gas and essential commodities in Odisha by taking undue advantage of the situation arising from the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region.

The instructions were issued during a high-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Majhi to review the measures being taken by the government to tackle issues arising from artificial shortages of various commodities in the country and the state due to the prevailing situation in West Asia.

Officials during the high-level review meeting revealed that petroleum products, gas, and other essential commodities are adequately available in the state as per requirement.

Meanwhile, Majhi, who chaired the meeting, directed officials to remain vigilant against any attempt to create artificial shortages of cooking gas or other essential commodities. He asked officials to conduct statewide raids to take stringent action against unscrupulous traders engaged in black marketing. The Chief Minister also emphasised maintaining adequate stock of fertilisers for the Rabi crop season.

He advised creating widespread public awareness at the government level to ensure that people do not become anxious over the situation. It is noteworthy that India depends on various Gulf countries for petroleum products and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Due to the ongoing situation in West Asia, concerns have arisen regarding its possible impact on petrol and LPG supplies. The Chief Minister convened the high-level meeting on Thursday to review the availability and distribution of these commodities in the state.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who also attended the high-level review meeting, presented a detailed account of the steps taken by the state government to address the situation. Discussions were held on ensuring uninterrupted supply of petrol, cooking gas, and fertilisers.

- IANS
The latest WHO data reveals a severe tuberculosis crisis in Pakistan, where 140 people die from the disease every day and over 1,800 new cases emerge. Pakistan holds the unenviable position of the fifth highest TB-burden country globally, with nearly 686,000 new cases annually. Health authorities and the Pakistan Medical Association warn of systemic neglect, severe underfunding, and critical shortages of life-saving medicines. The WHO and government officials urge coordinated action and investment to end the preventable and curable epidemic.

WHO data shows Pakistan is the 5th highest TB-burden country, with 140 daily deaths and over 1,800 new cases daily. Health leaders call for urgent action.

Islamabad, March 26 More than 669,000 people are affected by Tuberculosis in Pakistan which causes 51,000 deaths in a year, local media in the country reported citing the latest stats revealed by the World Health Organisation on World Tuberculosis Day. Pakistan holds a 73 per cent share of the TB burden within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and is the fifth most affected in the world. Each day, more than 1,800 new cases are reported in Pakistan and 140 people die from tuberculosis, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

The report mentions that Pakistan government and WHO have urged all partners to invest in ending TB. Pakistan's Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal expressed government's commitment to end TB through coordinated multisectoral actions, sustainable domestic financing and a patient-centred approach with participation of the communities and all stakeholders.

"In Pakistan, every 10 minutes, one person dies from tuberculosis. These deaths are preventable because tuberculosis is curable. Ending tuberculosis is not just aspirational; it is achievable. WHO will stand with Pakistan and its partners to continue to intensify early detection and treatment for all, no matter where they live or who they are," said Luo Dapeng, the WHO representative in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has voiced grave concern over the worsening state of TB control in the country. It claimed that despite the global theme 'Yes! We Can End TB', the reality on the ground in Pakistan reveals systemic neglect, severe underfunding and a shortage of life-saving medicines.

"Pakistan continues to hold the unenviable position of being the fifth highest TB-burden country globally, with nearly 686,000 new cases and 49,000 deaths recorded annually. Yet, the government's commitment to the health sector remains disappointingly low on the list of national priorities," Dawn quoted PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro as saying.

He said, "It is a mockery of our healthcare system that while we talk of 'ending the epidemic,' standard TB medicines are frequently unavailable for adults, and the shortage of pediatric formulations is even more acute. We are failing our children. You cannot fight a bacterial war without ammunition."

TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and it most often impacts the lungs. TB is spread through the air when a person with lung TB cough, sneezes or spits, according to WHO. An individual needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected.

- IANS
Former Indian Ambassador to Iran Dinkar Srivastava asserts that Iran does not trust Pakistan to mediate in West Asia, citing Pakistan's recent engagement with the US. He details Iran's rejection of a US peace proposal, describing the terms as unacceptable maximal demands in a situation of stalemate. Srivastava emphasizes that a diplomatic solution, including a ceasefire and multilateral talks, is the only viable path forward. He also warns of the conflict's severe economic impact, notably the sharp rise in global oil prices.

Former Indian Ambassador to Iran Dinkar Srivastava says Iran does not see Pakistan as an honest broker for peace with the US and Israel.

New Delhi, March 26 Even as US and Israel play a cat and mouse diplomatic game on a possible peace settlement, reports suggest that Islamabad may play broker between the two sides.

However, former Indian Ambassador to Iran Dinkar P Srivastava believes that Iran does not implicitly trust Pakistan as it has been cosying up to the US recently.

"Iran could not have forgotten that in June last year, when it was under Israeli attack, General Asim Munir was having lunch at the White House. So they clearly know that Pakistan is not an honest broker," the former envoy said.

The former envoy said that with Iran rejecting the 15-point proposal by the United States aimed at ending the war there appears to be a stalemate in West Asia. Iran, had called US' terms "maximal" and unacceptable.

"The US proposal has been rejected by Iran, which described them as containing maximal demands. The US has not won the war. It is a stalemate. And if it's a stalemate, you cannot expect to impose your terms," the former envoy said.

The proposal's inclusion of dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities and missile program, which was never part of previous deals, was a key point of contention. According to the Ambassador, Iran views its missile program as vital for its defence, especially in light of the ongoing conflict.

"This is the second war which is going on. That's the only, Iran's only defence," he remarked.

Regarding US claims that Iran is desperate for a deal, the former Ambassador dismissed them as "face-saving" rhetoric. He pointed out that if Iran were truly desperate, it would have been the first to initiate peace talks.

"If they were desperate, they wouldn't have rejected it. They would have been the first to initiate it," he stated.

On the potential for a diplomatic solution, the former Ambassador emphasised the need for a ceasefire and a multilateral approach. "Diplomatic solution is the only way forward. Immediate ceasefire, opening of the Persian Gulf and ceasing the attacks on Gulf countries which are non-belligerents," he stated.

He also suggested resuming diplomatic negotiations on the nuclear issue, ideally where talks left off in Geneva before the war.

The former Ambassador also touched upon the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, noting a sharp rise in oil prices. "Oil prices have already shot up, this is a much bigger shock than the second oil price shock," he warned, highlighting the broader consequences for the global economy.

When asked about Iran's message in allowing selected countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, he explained that it was a show of power.

"Iran is underlining the fact that despite taking very heavy military and civilian losses, it still has the capacity to control this strategic waterway," he said.

The former Ambassador reiterated that peace could only be achieved through diplomacy, but it would require significant trust-building and cooperation from all parties involved.

"These are things which can be worked out," he said, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict.

- ANI
India's basmati rice exports face severe disruption with Rs 2,000-25,000 crore payments stuck, impacting traders and farmers amid West Asia tensions.

Bhopal, March 26 The ongoing conflict in West Asia has severely disrupted India's premium basmati rice exports, causing significant losses to traders and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

According to a Bhopal-based businessman, consignments of Premium 1121 Basmati rice are currently stuck at ports, with payments worth Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore pending.



A businessman from Bhopal speaking to ANI said, "...The Premium 1121 Basmati rice, which we used to export, is currently being held at the ports. If this situation continues, Indian traders will face significant losses. Our payments, ranging from Rs 2,000 crores to Rs 25,000 crores, are pending and have not been received, causing difficulties for the traders. The government is currently taking its own measures, and if the situation persists, farmers will also face problems in the future...."



On Wednesday, an all-party meeting, convened by the government on the West Asia crisis, was held. The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several senior opposition leaders also attended the meeting.



Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were among those who were present at the meeting.



Meanwhile, the Indian workers, including traders, businessmen, contractors, and factory labourers, are looking at a downward trend amid the escalating tensions in West Asia as the mode of transportation of goods and payment has stopped, severly impact their livelihood.



Earlier, a report said, if the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia escalate further or persist for a longer period, it could have an adverse impact on several Indian sectors, including basmati rice, fertilisers, diamond polishing, travel operators and airlines due to their direct exposure to the region, according to a report by Crisil Ratings.



The report noted that sectors such as ceramics and fertilisers, which are highly dependent on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), could also face near-term production challenges and will require close monitoring.



Crude-linked sectors such as downstream oil refiners, tyres, paints, speciality chemicals, flexible packaging and synthetic textiles may also be affected if energy prices remain elevated.



India imports around 85 per cent of its crude oil and half of its LNG requirement, with about 40-50 per cent of crude oil and 50-60 per cent of LNG shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.



According to the report, most shipping vessels have stopped sailing on this route since March 1, 2026, due to increased risks of passage. Any prolonged disruption of this route could impact global crude oil and LNG availability and push prices higher.



Meanwhile, the situation in West Asia continues to remain tense. Despite claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations with Iran are underway and the conflict could soon end, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as the war enters its fourth week.





- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, emphasizing the need to deliver on long-pending issues like a permanent solution for public food stockholding. He stated India's commitment to a balanced Fisheries Subsidies Agreement that protects poor fishers. Goyal called for reforming the WTO's dispute settlement system and a careful reconsideration of the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. He concluded that the WTO must reform, perform, and transform to serve the interests of the poor and vulnerable.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal pushes for permanent solution on public food stocks, fisheries subsidies agreement, and WTO reform at MC14 meeting.

Yaounde, March 26 Noting that agriculture is critical to the livelihoods of millions and Permanent Solution on Public Stockholding for food security purposes and Special Safeguard Mechanism and Cotton are long-pending mandated issues for the Global South, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that there is a need to deliver on them on priority.

Addressing the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, Piyush Goyal said India remains committed to negotiating a comprehensive Fisheries Subsidies Agreement that balances current and future fishing needs, protects the livelihoods of poor fishers, with appropriate and effective S&DT.

Goyal said the necessary reform of the WTO should be carried out through a transparent, inclusive and Member-driven process, keeping development at its core, upholding the foundational principles and objectives of the Organisation, mainly non-discrimination, consensus-based decision making and equity. S&DT should be precise, effective and operational.

"The past mandates should be delivered on priority. A dysfunctional Dispute Settlement System has deprived Members from effective redressal. We must restore the automatic and binding dispute settlement system," he said.

Goyal said the incorporation of plurilateral outcomes into the WTO framework should be based on consensus and not impair existing rights of non-parties or cast additional obligations on them.

"Agriculture is critical to the livelihoods of millions. For Global South, Permanent Solution on Public Stockholding for food security purposes, Special Safeguard Mechanism and Cotton are long-pending mandated issues; we must deliver on them on priority," he said.

"In the absence of a common understanding among Members on the scope of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and given its potentially significant implications, the continued extension of this moratorium warrants careful reconsideration," he added.

Goyal said India believes that emerging technologies must serve Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya--welfare for all and happiness of all, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent Global AI Impact Summit.

He said the multilateral trading system must also ensure that innovation, development and opportunity are shared equitably among members.

"Finally, we will engage constructively to show that WTO remains central to global trade and strive to Reform it to remain responsive, Perform in delivering on development, equity, and inclusiveness, and Transform to better serve the interests of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized people, anchored in consensus and multilateralism," he said.

Goyal is leading the Indian delegation at the WTO meet.

The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being held from March 26-29 in Yaounde, Cameroon. The Conference, being chaired by Minister of Trade of Cameroon, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has brought together Trade Ministers from WTO member countries to deliberate on key issues affecting the global trading system.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to France to participate in the G7 summit scheduled for mid-June. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently in France, met with French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, where they welcomed Modi's confirmed attendance. The ministers discussed India's contribution to G7 work and held extensive talks on the conflict in the Middle East and ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting underscores the deepening "Special Global Strategic Partnership" between India and France, following President Macron's recent visit to India.

PM Narendra Modi will attend the G7 summit in France in June. EAM Jaishankar met French officials to discuss India's role, Middle East tensions, and energy security.

New Delhi, March 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to France to attend the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, held a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to France.

"The ministers welcomed the fact that Prime Minister Modi has confirmed his participation in the Evian Summit (15-17 June). With this in mind, the two ministers highlighted India's contribution to the G7's work, particularly on the question of major macroeconomic imbalances, and on international partnerships and solidarity," a French Foreign Ministry release said.

It said that Jaishankar's participation in the meeting testifies to the importance France attaches to closely involving India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year, in its G7 presidency.

The two ministers discussed the conflict in West Asia that has caused energy supply disruptions.

"The ministers spoke at length about the situation in the Middle East. They agreed to continue their close coordination with the aim of working jointly to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is safe," the release said.

Jaishankar earlier arrived in Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with partner countries.

He is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

French President Emmanuel Macron had paid an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 and had participated in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026.

During the visit, he and PM Modi held bilateral talks and jointly inaugurated the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai on February 17.

Both leaders agreed to elevate relations to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" to guide bilateral cooperation in the coming decades.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with Chief Ministers to review state-level preparedness and coordinate action regarding the West Asia conflict. The meeting follows concerns over fuel shortage rumours, with Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah urging citizens to avoid panic buying. The government has reiterated that India's energy security remains stable with adequate crude oil and LPG supplies, backed by strong refining capacity and diversified imports. The discussion aims to streamline Centre-state coordination to navigate potential economic and logistical challenges from the crisis.

PM Modi chairs meeting with Chief Ministers to review state preparedness amid West Asia conflict, address fuel shortage rumours, and ensure energy security.

New Delhi, March 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an interaction with Chief Ministers on Friday evening via video conferencing to review state-level preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The discussions will focus on coordinated action and "Team India" synergy.

However, sources indicated that Chief Ministers of poll-bound states will not be attending the meeting. These include Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

Amid concerns triggered by rumours of fuel shortages in parts of the country, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged people not to panic. Addressing reports of long queues at petrol pumps in Jammu, Abdullah said, "My earnest request is that you stop camping outside petrol pumps otherwise, I will shut all the petrol pumps for the next few days." He termed the situation "regrettable," noting that while the government has clarified there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, people continue to rely on misinformation circulating on social media.

He further stressed that no directive has been issued to limit fuel usage and appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying. "There is a meeting of all CMs with PM Modi tomorrow online, and I will attend that," Abdullah added, reiterating that the supply situation remains stable.

Earlier on Wednesday, an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held in the national capital over the West Asia crisis, where the government briefed about the situation in West Asia and how India is dealing with its impact.

All union ministers part of the Cabinet Committee on Security -- Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- represented the government. Health minister J P Nadda and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju were also part of the meeting.

A detailed briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with remarks from External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted that India's energy security remains stable, with adequate availability of crude oil, LPG, and fertilisers.

The government underscored that multiple shipments have already reached India, with more expected in the coming days, backed by the country's strong refining capacity. It also emphasised proactive diplomatic outreach, noting that New Delhi is in touch with all parties involved and ensuring uninterrupted supply lines, calling it a "diplomatic success."

On the safety front, authorities reiterated that there is no cause for panic, with Indian embassies actively assisting citizens in affected regions. Evacuation plans remain in place, with the safety of Indians abroad as the top priority.

Earlier, addressing the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Modi assured that India has sufficient crude oil reserves and robust arrangements for continuous supply. He highlighted the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves and diversification of energy imports from 27 to 41 countries over the past decade to reduce dependency on any single source.

As global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, face disruptions, the Centre has maintained that India is well-prepared to manage any economic or logistical challenges. Friday's meeting is expected to further streamline coordination between the Centre and states to effectively navigate the crisis.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Chief Ministers via video conference to discuss the West Asia conflict and review state-level preparedness. The meeting aims to ensure synergy in efforts under the 'Team India' spirit and build broader consensus on India's approach. This follows a recent all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where government measures were discussed. The escalating tensions have disrupted maritime corridors and raised concerns for Indian nationals in the Gulf region.

PM Modi will hold a video conference with Chief Ministers to review state preparedness and build consensus on India's approach to the West Asia conflict.

New Delhi, March 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday interact with Chief Ministers through video conferencing on the West Asia conflict to review preparedness and plans of states, said an official.

The meeting will focus on ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of 'Team India', said the official.

With geopolitical tensions escalating and their global fallout becoming more pronounced, the meeting is likely to serve as a platform for PM Modi to brief Chief Ministers and seek broader consensus on India's approach to the crisis.

"Chief Ministers of election-bound states shall not be a part of this meeting due to the model code of conduct," said the official.

There will be a separate meeting for Chief Secretaries of election-bound states which will be held through the Cabinet Secretariat, he said.

Earlier, the government convened an all-party meeting on the West Asia situation at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

The meeting followed PM Modi's address to Parliament on the West Asia situation. In his statement, PM Modi said the government has constituted seven empowered groups to develop strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, and other areas to mitigate the impact of the Iran-Israel-US conflict.

The all-party meeting on Wednesday was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, JD-U Working President Sanjay Jha, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, and other leaders.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Kiren Rijiju thanked members of all parties who participated, stating that all questions and concerns raised by opposition leaders were addressed by the government.

He added that all opposition parties have assured their support for the government in the measures it takes in response to the situation.

Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and Tariq Anwar, CPI-M MP John Brittas, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav, and other Opposition leaders were also present.

The meeting came amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted critical maritime corridors and raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Gulf countries.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Noida International Airport in Jewar on March 28. The airport, developed under a PPP model with an investment of 11,200 crore, will initially handle 12 million passengers per year. It features a long runway for wide-body aircraft and is designed as a sustainable, net-zero emissions facility. The project aims to ease congestion in the Delhi NCR region and establish a major international aviation hub.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Phase I of Noida International Airport on March 28, a major 11,200 crore greenfield project boosting India's aviation hub status.

New Delhi, March 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uttar Pradesh on March 28 to inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport.

According to an official release issued by the PMO, he will undertake a walkthrough of the Terminal Building of Noida International Airport at Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Thereafter, at around 12 noon, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport and address a public gathering on the occasion.

The inauguration of Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global aviation hub.

The airport, envisioned as a major international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), represents a major step in strengthening the country's airport infrastructure and enhancing regional and international connectivity. Noida International Airport has been developed as the second international airport for the Delhi NCR region, complementing Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion, expanding passenger capacity, and positioning Delhi NCR among leading global aviation hubs.

Noida International Airport is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India. Phase I of Noida International Airport has been developed at a total investment of around 11,200 crore under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The airport will initially have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with scalability up to 70 MPPA upon full development. It features a 3,900-meter runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

The airport also incorporates a robust cargo ecosystem, including a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, featuring an Integrated Cargo Terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes, and includes a dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, Noida International Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis, thereby blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure.

Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, Noida International Airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub with seamless integration across road, rail, metro, and regional transit systems, ensuring efficient connectivity for passengers and cargo.

- ANI
Pakistan's human rights situation faced intense scrutiny at a UN Human Rights Council side event. Speakers, including former PTI minister Zulfi Bukhari, alleged a systematic crackdown on Imran Khan's party and detailed Khan's deteriorating health in detention. Baloch leader Naseem Baloch highlighted decades of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The event raised serious questions about Pakistan's compliance with international obligations linked to its valuable EU GSP+ trade status.

UN event highlights political repression, Imran Khan's detention, and enforced disappearances in Pakistan, questioning its EU trade benefits.

Geneva, March 26 Pakistan's human rights situation came under sharp scrutiny at a side event during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where speakers raised concerns over political repression, enforced disappearances, and alleged violations of international obligations linked to Pakistan's GSP+ trade status.

Former Minister Zulfi Bukhari, associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, alleged a systematic crackdown on his party following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023.

He claimed thousands of party workers were detained, political freedoms were curtailed, and civilians were tried in military courts. Bukhari further alleged that Khan has spent over two and a half years in prison under worsening health conditions, with limited legal and family access.

Despite his criticism, Bukhari argued that Pakistan should retain its GSP+ status granted by the European Union, calling it a crucial mechanism for maintaining economic stability and enforcing accountability. However, he urged stronger oversight to ensure compliance with international human rights conventions.

Imran Khan's son, Kasim Khan, described his father's detention as "arbitrary" and said he has been held in solitary confinement with restricted communication. He alleged denial of medical care and family visits, calling it part of a broader pattern of repression since 2022. He also questioned the credibility of Pakistan's 2024 elections, claiming they were manipulated to sideline his father's party.

Offering a wider perspective, Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement, highlighted longstanding human rights violations in Balochistan. He cited cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture, alleging that thousands of activists and civilians have been affected over decades. According to him, such practices reflect a systemic issue that transcends political regimes.

Baloch emphasised that Pakistan's continued access to the GSP+ framework raises serious questions about the enforcement of human rights conditionality. He urged the European Union to conduct a transparent review of Pakistan's compliance with treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture.

- ANI
Nishant Kumar visited Patna's Gardanibagh Kali Temple during Navratri, seeking blessings for Bihar's prosperity. His public appearance coincides with growing chants from JD(U) supporters at Nitish Kumar's rally, demanding Nishant be made Chief Minister. While largely apolitical until now, his recent engagements are seen as a formal political entry. Observers believe this signals a new leadership phase within the JD(U) and reshapes Bihar's political dynamics.

Nishant Kumar offers prayers at Kali Mandir as JD(U) workers chant for him to be made Bihar's Chief Minister during Nitish Kumar's rally.

Patna, March 26 Amid growing political buzz around his role, Nishant Kumar visited Patna's Gardanibagh Kali Temple on Thursday to offer prayers during Navratri, marking the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami.

During his visit, Nishant Kumar performed rituals and sought blessings from the Goddess Durga for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Bihar and the country.

Speaking briefly to the media, he extended Navratri greetings and said he had come to seek divine blessings for everyone.

This public appearance comes at a time when speculation about his political future is intensifying.

Leaders and workers of the Janata Dal (United) have increasingly been voicing support for Nishant Kumar to take on a more active political role, with some even projecting him as a potential future Chief Minister.

During Nitish Kumar's 'Samriddhi Yatra' in Nalanda on Thursday, an unusual political moment unfolded as sections of the crowd openly raised slogans in support of Nishant Kumar.

The Chief Minister had arrived in Nalanda to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 810 crore.

He first inaugurated a newly constructed flyover in Bihar Sharif and later addressed a public gathering at Dipnagar Stadium.

While he was speaking, many people in the crowd repeatedly urged him not to move to Delhi.

Amid these appeals, slogans demanding that Nishant Kumar be made the Chief Minister were raised. Chants such as "Bihar ka CM kaisa ho? Nishant Kumar jaisa ho!" echoed at the venue.

Although he has largely stayed away from politics despite being the son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his recent participation in public and party-related events has added momentum to these discussions.

Political observers believe that Nishant Kumar has formally entered politics, signaling the rise of a new leadership phase within JD(U) and reshaping the political dynamics of Bihar.

For now, his moves continue to be closely watched across political circles.

- IANS
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has sparked curiosity by sharing she is on "another adventure" to Amritsar, Punjab. The global star recently enjoyed a romantic getaway with her husband, Nick Jonas, sharing a video of their drive. Professionally, she is preparing for her highly anticipated return to Indian cinema in the big-budget film "Varanasi," directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film, slated for a 2027 release, will also feature stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas heads to Amritsar, shares romantic moments with Nick Jonas, and preps for her Bollywood return in Rajamouli's Varanasi.

Mumbai, March 26 Global head-turner Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently in India, is going on "another adventure" in Amritsar, Punjab.

Priyanka took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of a digital map while she was on board a flight. The map showed the aircraft, which took off from New Delhi, landing in Amritsar.



"Chalo! Another adventure," she wrote as the caption, without divulging any details of what the "adventure" is about.



Talking about work, the actress is gearing up for her much-awaited return to Indian cinema with the upcoming film, Varanasi, directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The big-budget project, which is expected to be released in 2027.



Last week, Priyanka had shared a glimpse of her romance-filled time with husband Nick Jonas as the couple enjoyed some time together away from their busy schedules.



In a video shared by Priyanka, the actress was seen chilling and travelling with Nick as he drove their car on a sunny day. In the video clip, Priyanka appeared relaxed and stylish in a white zip-up outfit paired with smart sunglasses and a straw hat. Nick could be seen driving a vintage-style car, wearing a navy-blue T-shirt.



She captioned the video, "Mommy daddy days are my favorite @nickjonas."



Priyanka, who was recently seen in the movie The Bluff, and her American popstar husband first met at the 2017 at an after-party of an event and soon struck up a close friendship that blossomed into romance.



After dating for a few months, the couple married in December 2018 in a grand ceremony at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Udaipur. Their wedding blended Christian and Hindu traditions, celebrating both cultures.



The couple later welcomed their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas in January 2022 via surrogacy.





- IANS
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after experiencing respiratory issues. Her son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cancelled a scheduled visit to Kerala to remain by her side, addressing a rally there virtually instead. Hospital officials state she is stable and under observation, with her bronchial asthma mildly exacerbated by cold weather and pollution. This marks another hospitalization for the veteran leader, who was also admitted last year for stomach-related issues.

Sonia Gandhi admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for respiratory issues. Rahul Gandhi cancels political rally to stay with his ailing mother in Delhi.

New Delhi, March 26 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Thursday morning, where his mother and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted after experiencing respiratory issues.

The veteran leader was admitted after experiencing respiratory issues at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday night.

As this happened, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha, did not visit Kerala for his scheduled visit ahead of the polls. Virtually addressing a rally held in Kozhikode, the Congress leader said that he could not attend the rally in person as his mother was hospitalised in New Delhi.

"I would have liked to come here, but I was forced to stay in today and was unable to come. Yesterday, my mother was hospitalised and I, as a son, was quite worried about her, so I decided to stay with her. I know that the people of Kerala will understand this. Last night, I was extremely worried about my mother's health. The whole night, I was only comforted by one thing. I was comforted by a nurse from Kerala who came in every hour to check on my mother," he said.

A hospital official said earlier that Sonia Gandhi remains stable and under observation. The veteran leader was being administered antibiotics, he added.

"Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday at 10:22 PM. She is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infection in the stomach and urinary tract. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, and antibiotics have been administered," a hospital official said.

As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.

On Wednesday, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said that following a detailed medical examination, Sonia Gandhi's bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated by the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi.

The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department.

Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7.

- ANI
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed the nationwide construction of convenient subways at locations where people frequently cross tracks, aiming to reduce accident risks. These subways, which can be built in about 12 hours, are intended for areas where settlements are separated from essential facilities like farms and schools. The initiative is part of a larger safety push, with Indian Railways approving projects worth approximately 1,236 crore. These projects include upgrading the communication backbone on Central Railway and expanding the Kavach train protection system on Southern Railway.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directs construction of subways near settlements and farms to prevent accidents. New projects worth 1,236 crore also approved.

New Delhi, March 26 Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed the construction of convenient subways across the country to facilitate the easy crossing of the railway tracks, reducing the risks of accidents, the Ministry of Railways said on Thursday.

According to the Ministry, these subways can be constructed in as little as 12 hours and will be built at locations where people frequently cross tracks in their daily lives, particularly in areas where settlements lie on one side, and essential facilities such as farms, schools, crematoriums, and workplaces are located on the other.

The subways are being planned as a safer alternative, ensuring that pedestrians do not have to risk their lives while crossing railway lines.

Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised that the design of these subways will be people-friendly, allowing individuals to carry bicycles, motorcycles, and other work-related items with ease, the Ministry of Railways said.

This is expected to benefit a large section of the population, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where such crossings are common.

The Ministry added that the initiative will prove to be a boon for a large population of the country, as it will prevent accidents due to the dangerous crossing of the railway tracks.

Earlier, Indian Railways approved a comprehensive set of projects worth approximately Rs 1,236 crore aimed at significantly upgrading its communication backbone and expanding the Kavach automatic train protection system across multiple zones, the Ministry of Railways said.

These approvals cover three separate proposals. Two are focused on optical fibre and ground wire infrastructure on Central and Western Railways, and one on the deployment of Kavach on high-utilisation routes of Southern Railway.

Central Railway Gets Upgraded Fibre Network: Rs 623.63 Crore. Two complementary works have been approved to build a robust, dual-path communication backbone across Central Railway's network, covering all five of its divisions -- Solapur, Nagpur, Pune, Bhusawal, and Mumbai.

First, a special type of composite overhead wire called OPGW (96 fibre) will be installed along the existing 25 KV electric traction lines on 2,250.68 Rkm, covering Solapur, Nagpur, Pune, and Bhusawal Divisions. This wire does two jobs at once: it acts as an earth protection wire for the traction system and also carries optical fibre for communication. Since it runs on the existing traction towers, no new civil infrastructure is needed. Cost: Rs 238.9363 Crore.

Second, underground optical fibre cables (2x48 fibre) will be laid on one side of the track over 2,673.21 Rkm across all five divisions -- Solapur, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusawal, and Mumbai. Together with the OPGW on the other side, this creates two independent fibre paths on every route, ensuring the communication network stays operational even if one path fails. Cost: Rs 384.6887 crore.

The additional fibre capacity will also be leased out as dark fibre, generating revenue for Indian Railways. Kavach Safety System Extended to 548 km on Southern Railway: Rs 310.18 Crore

- ANI
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will chair an all-party meeting to address the LPG supply situation in Rajasthan. The opposition, led by Tikaram Jully, had urged for this meeting, expressing deep concern over a perceived crisis affecting citizens. State Minister Sumit Godara has reassured the public that there is no shortage and that cylinders are being delivered within days of booking. The government is also enforcing stricter distribution protocols and pushing for expanded PNG connections as a long-term solution.

CM Bhajan Lal Sharma chairs meeting to ensure smooth LPG supply. Opposition urges action as state govt reassures adequate stock.

Jaipur, March 26 An all-party meeting on the LPG situation will be held at the Chief Minister's Office at 4 P.M. on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, reflecting the government's seriousness in ensuring uninterrupted cooking gas supply across the state.

"An all-party meeting will be held at the CMO under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at 4 P.M. Rajasthan CM is serious about ensuring the smooth supply of LPG gas and discussions will be held regarding its supply," said CMO officials on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the Opposition on Wednesday had also urged the Rajasthan government to call the all-party meeting on the LPG crisis in the state.

Expressing deep concern over the energy and fuel crisis in Rajasthan, Leader of the Opposition, Tikaram Jully, said that the people of the state are desperate for gas today. The lack of these basic amenities has made life difficult for the common man.

LoP Jully questioned whether the Chief Minister should not have called an all-party meeting at such a critical time so that they could jointly find a solution to the LPG crisis.

Earlier, on Wednesday, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Sumit Godara, had chaired a high-level review meeting via video conferencing with departmental officials and representatives of oil and gas marketing companies.

He said the state government is working proactively, to provide maximum relief to citizens amid the current global situation.

Reassuring the public, Godara had stated that there was no shortage of domestic cooking gas in Rajasthan.

Adequate stock is available, and LPG cylinders are being delivered within three to four days of booking.

He urged people not to pay heed to rumours, clarifying that international developments have not impacted LPG supply in the state. He added that a temporary surge in online bookings had briefly affected servers, but the system has now stabilised and bookings are back to normal.

The minister directed strict enforcement to curb malpractices in distribution and ordered a complete halt to LPG cylinder deliveries without OTP verification and proper diary entry, noting that such irregularities lead to diversion and affect genuine consumers.

He also instructed that delivery personnel must carry and display identity cards during distribution. Emphasising long-term solutions, Godara called for prioritising the expansion of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections in areas where pipeline infrastructure is already available.

He further said that state and district-level monitoring committees are actively working to check black marketing, diversion, and illegal storage of LPG cylinders. Most gas agencies have already been inspected, and he directed that inspections of the remaining agencies be completed within 24 hours.

Representatives from various political parties will attend the all-party meeting being chaired by CM Sharma today. Those expected to be present include Joga Ram Patel, Sumit Godara, Jogeshwar Garg, Shrichand Kriplani, Tikaram Jully, Ramkesh Meena, Rajendra Pareek, Jiva Ram Chaudhary, Ashok Kothari, Manoj Nyangli, Subhash Garg, and Thawar Chand, bringing together key leaders to discuss important state matters.

- IANS
Reliance Industries has issued a firm denial of media reports claiming it purchased crude oil of Iranian origin. The company labeled these claims as "baseless" and misleading, urging news outlets to verify information before publishing. It emphasized its practice of sourcing crude from a diversified global portfolio to run its massive refining operations. The reports had emerged following a recent easing of certain U.S. restrictions on Iranian oil shipments.

Reliance Industries rejects media claims it bought Iranian crude, calling reports "baseless" and urging verification before publication.

New Delhi, March 26 Reliance Industries Limited on Thursday rejected reports in a section of the media claiming that it had purchased crude oil of Iranian origin, calling the claims "baseless" and misleading.

"Reliance Industries Limited categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin," the company clarified in response to the reports.

The company added that the claims circulating in sections of the media were inaccurate and urged news organisations to verify information before publishing such reports.

"These reports are baseless, leading to misleading and incorrect claims. We urge the concerned media outlets to verify facts before publication," the statement said.

Earlier this week, some media reports had claimed that the company had bought around 50 lakh barrels of Iranian crude oil, shortly after the United States eased certain restrictions on Iranian oil shipments.

India's largest refiners, Reliance Industries Limited, sources crude from multiple global suppliers to run its large refining operations.

Reliance Industries operates the world's largest refining complex at Jamnagar and processes a large and flexible mix of crude oil to run its refining capacity of about 1.4 million barrels per day.

The company imports crude from multiple regions to meet its refining needs. Russia has been a major supplier in recent years. The company also sources oil from the Middle East, including countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Apart from these, Reliance has imported crude from producers in the Americas and other regions, including the United States, Brazil and Canada, to maintain a diversified crude basket for its refineries.

- ANI
Reliance Industries Limited has issued a strong denial against media reports claiming it purchased 5 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, labeling the claims as baseless and misleading. This comes after the US Treasury Department issued a short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian oil already loaded on vessels and stranded at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the move is designed to stabilise energy markets and could bring approximately 140 million barrels to global supply. The authorisation is narrowly tailored, applying only to crude loaded by March 20 and valid until April 19.

Reliance Industries denies purchasing Iranian crude, calling media reports baseless. The US issued a short-term authorisation for stranded oil sales.

New Delhi, March 26 Reliance Industries Limited on Thursday refuted reports that it has purchased Iranian crude, calling these reports "baseless".

Reports earlier claimed that RIL had purchased 5 million barrels of Iranian crude after the US administration temporarily removed sanctions on Iranian oil at sea.

According to the report, RIL bought the oil from the National Iranian Oil Co.

"Reliance Industries Limited categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin. These reports are baseless, leading to misleading and incorrect claims," the company said in a statement, urging the media outlets concerned to verify facts before publication.

Last week, the US issued a short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea, a move the Donald Trump administration says will quickly boost global supply while maintaining pressure on Tehran, according to the Treasury Department and media reports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the step is designed to stabilise energy markets amid ongoing conflict and supply disruptions. "Today, the Department of the Treasury is issuing a narrowly tailored, short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea," he had said.

The authorisation applies only to crude already loaded on vessels as of March 20 and remains in force until April 19, according to a Treasury general licence. Bessent said the move could bring "approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets", helping to ease pressure caused by recent disruptions.

"By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran," he said.

At present, much of the sanctioned Iranian oil is believed to be held offshore or routed through indirect channels. Bessent said some of it has been "hoarded by China on the cheap", and that releasing it would help undercut Tehran's leverage.

- IANS
Israel's former Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, states that the removal of Iran's enriched uranium is the pivotal test for a US-proposed 15-point ceasefire plan. He highlights Iran's stockpile of nearly 10,000 kg of uranium enriched to various levels as a major proliferation concern. Issacharoff also emphasizes the need for full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection capabilities within Iran. While discussing regional dynamics, he notes Israel's close strategic partnership with India and ongoing attacks from Iran and Hezbollah.

Former Israeli Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff details the key test for a US ceasefire proposal: removing Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles.

Jerusalem, March 26 Israel's former Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, has said that removal of enriched uranium remains key to the 15-point ceasefire proposal sent by the US to Iran from the proliferation point of view.

In an interview with IANS, Issacharoff noted that Iran, in recent years, has enriched almost 10,000 kg of uranium to various levels, 8,500 kg to 3.67 per cent and 1,000 kg to 20 per cent.

When asked about his view on the US sending Iran a 15 point proposal to end the conflict, Jeremy Issacharoff responded, "Listening to President Trump a couple of days ago, he talked about the removal of all the nuclear material, limiting missile stockpiles in Iran and abilities there, having joint control of the Straits of Hormuz. He talked about some sort of joint control of the Straits, which I'm not sure there's going to be a need for a lot of details. This is not just about removing 450 or so kilos of uranium that is enriched to 60 per cent."

"In the recent years, Iran has enriched almost 10,000 kilos of uranium to various levels, 8,500 kilos to 3.67 per cent and 1,000 kilos also to 20 per cent. And that is in addition to the 460 kilos enriched to 60 per cent and for me, as somebody who's dealt a lot with this issue, and particularly from the proliferation point of view, that is for me going to be a key test to what extent any of these 15 points can secure a removal of the enriched uranium and have a clear sense that IAEA will have full inspection capabilities within Iran regarding the materials and the sites and the various facilities that Iran has in this area," he added.

The US has sent a 15-point plan to Iran to end the conflict in West Asia, The New York Times reported, citing two officials who were briefed on the diplomacy. The ongoing conflict in West Asia began after the US-Israel joint strikes on February 28 killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top military officials.

Issacharoff mentioned that Israel continues to face attacks from Iran and Hezbollah and "anything can still happen."

On being asked about the current situation in Israel, he said, "First of all, I would hope personally that there are diplomatic contacts being undertaken. I listened very closely to what President Trump said a couple of days ago. I understand there's a mediation in progress... But, I think the passage of messages through this channel could be important in identifying a political solution that will complement the military action over the last three weeks. At this point, it's being conducted by the Americans. And it's still very unclear, the situation. This morning and yesterday, we were still under attack by Iran, from missiles coming over and also from Hezbollah in the north. So, we're very much still in, let's say, preparation for anything that can still happen."

The former envoy also spoke about reports of Pakistan acting as a mediator in the West Asia conflict and highlighted that Israel considers India as a "very close strategic partner". He termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel as "important" in the strategic partnership.

""We don't have relations with Pakistan. Our major friendship in that area is with India. We regard India as a very close strategic partner, a partner in which we have a great deal of trust. And only recently Prime Minister Modi was visiting Israel and it was an important visit in the strategic partnership. So, as such, we don't have a relationship with Pakistan and as you said, they have a record of their own. They have also certain Islamic extremist tendencies and different relations. It's not for us to say, it's not us that chose Pakistan as a mediator. This is something, if it is actually true and accurate what has been said, it's something that the Americans have chosen."

On Tuesday, PM Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump and reiterated India's support for immediate de-escalation and restoration of peace amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. PM Modi emphasised that keeping the strategic Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.

"I think it's always important to consult with very, very close allies and I can't talk for the American administration. Just as an Israeli who has dealt very closely with this, I understand that generally we should be having a very intense, continuous conversation with our allies, like India, about the present situation. We understand that the present situation impacts Indian interests. And we understand also that India can have a different policy towards Iran than Israel has. But, it's not a policy towards Iran that is at the expense of Israel. I think you found a way of pursuing your interests and keeping your friendship with Israel. So, I think that, to me, it's important to consult with our allies and friends. This is not just about Israel, this is about the region as a whole. And it's also about other areas of the world, like the Indian subcontinent, and Asia as a whole that have a very major interest, as well as, of course, Europe," said Issacharoff.

- IANS
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled reports of potential US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan as mere speculation, stating nothing is official until announced by the administration. She strongly defended Vice President JD Vance's consistent and instrumental role in national security, specifically citing his work on Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The briefing occurred alongside news that the US is deploying approximately 2,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. Leavitt deferred questions on specific incidents and troop movements to the Pentagon and the President.

White House dismisses reports of Iran peace talks in Pakistan as speculation, reaffirms VP Vance's role, as US orders 2,500 paratroopers to the Middle East.

Washington DC, March 26 US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said that the reports of possible peace talks with Iran to be held in Pakistan are 'speculation'.

Leavitt, while briefing the media, said that nothing is to be considered official unless it is announced by the White House.

"I've seen that speculation. Nothing is official until it is announced by this White House. We aren't going to get ahead of ourselves," she said.

When asked what has changed now that US Vice President JD Vance has become an active participant in the Iran war, Leavitt said that he had always been showing an active involvement.

"Nothing has changed. The Vice President has always been a key member of the national security team and the President's right-hand man. He was instrumental in the 12-day war negotiations and the ceasefire in Gaza. Any reporting suggesting otherwise is false," she said.

Iranian representatives on Wednesday told the Trump administration that they do not want to re-enter negotiations with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and would prefer to engage with US Vice President JD Vance, CNN reported, citing sources.

On being asked about a "very big present" the Iranians gave the US President, if it was that oil tanker carrying two million barrels that made it through the Strait of Hormuz, Leavitt said, "I will let the President speak on that at the appropriate time."

Upon being asked about reports indicating Iraq's government is planning to protest an attack on a military clinic that killed seven soldiers. And if the US was responsible, Leavitt said, "I'll have to check with the Pentagon on that and get back to you."

On being asked about the fact that Speaker Johnson described the conflict as "wrapping up" but the 82nd Airborne Division is currently deploying, and if the White House see this as winding down or changing shape, Leavitt said that the US is meeting its goals expeditiously.

"As I said, we are meeting our goals expeditiously. The President likes to maintain options, and it is the Pentagon's job to provide those options. For specific troop movements, I'd refer you to them," she said.

Meanwhile, the US has ordered the deployment of approximately 2,500 US soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a Department of Defence official told Al Jazeera.

According to the official, the forces scheduled for deployment include commanders and logistical support elements from the division's 1st Combat Brigade.

- ANI
NVIDIA Intros Open Source Tools for Building and Deploying AI Agents

Key Takeaways NVIDIA introduced Agent Toolkit, an open source package for building and running enterprise AI agents, including a new runtime called OpenShell that the company says adds policy-based security, network, and privacy guardrails.

The company said its AI-Q Blueprint, built with LangChain, uses a hybrid mix of frontier models and Nvidia's Nemotron open models, which Nvidia says can reduce query costs by more than 50% while maintaining strong accuracy.

NVIDIA said a broad group of software and enterprise partners, including Adobe, Salesforce, SAP, Siemens, and ServiceNow, are using or testing the toolkit as they build AI agents for business workflows.

At its recent GTC 2026 conference, NVIDIA rolled out a new open source software package designed to help organizations build, deploy, and manage AI agents.

The release is aimed squarely at developers and enterprises racing to turn generative AI into something more operational: agents that can sift through internal data, reason through multi-step problems, and act across applications. To do that, NVIDIA is offering a bundle of models, prebuilt agent blueprints, and a new open source runtime called OpenShell.

OpenShell is meant to solve one of the biggest sticking points in enterprise AI: trust. NVIDIA says the runtime adds policy-based guardrails around security, networking, and privacy, giving organizations a safer framework for putting more autonomous systems into production.

Taken together, the launch underscores NVIDIA's broader ambition to shape the next layer of enterprise software. As organizations test how AI can reshape knowledge work, the company is positioning itself not just as the maker of the hardware underneath the revolution, but as a key supplier of the tools that could make enterprise automation actually work.

"Claude Code and OpenClaw have sparked the agent inflection point, extending AI beyond generation and reasoning into action," said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, in a statement. "Employees will be supercharged by teams of frontier, specialized, and custom-built agents they deploy and manage. The enterprise software industry will evolve into specialized agentic platforms, and the IT industry is on the brink of its next great expansion."

Among the new pieces is NVIDIA's AI-Q Blueprint, built with LangChain, designed to enable developers to create agents that can search enterprise knowledge, select relevant data sources, and explain how answers were produced. NVIDIA said the system uses a hybrid architecture, relying on frontier models for orchestration and its own Nemotron open models for research, a setup it said can cut query costs by more than 50% while maintaining high accuracy.

NVIDIA also said it used AI-Q to build the top-ranking agent on the DeepResearch Bench and DeepResearch Bench II leaderboards.

The company said OpenShell is being developed to work with security tools from Cisco, CrowdStrike, Google, Microsoft Security, and TrendAI. LangChain is also working with NVIDIA to integrate parts of the toolkit, including AI-Q, OpenShell, and Nemotron models, into its deep agent library, the companies said.

NVIDIA said a broad group of software companies is working with the toolkit, including Adobe, Atlassian, Amdocs, Box, Cadence, Cisco, Cohesity, CrowdStrike, Dassault Systemes, IQVIA, Red Hat, SAP, Salesforce, Siemens, ServiceNow, and Synopsys. The company described those efforts as spanning uses from creative and productivity software to customer support, semiconductor design, and enterprise workflow automation.

Some partners have outlined specific plans. Adobe, for example, plans to use the toolkit for long-running creativity, productivity, and marketing agents. Salesforce is working with NVIDIA software, including Nemotron models, to let customers build and deploy agents through Agentforce, with Slack serving as a conversational interface and orchestration layer. Siemens is launching a Fuse EDA AI Agent using Nemotron for workflows in electronic design automation.

Developers can access Agent Toolkit and OpenShell through NVIDIA's build site and run the software through cloud inference providers and NVIDIA Cloud Partners, including Baseten, CoreWeave, DeepInfra, DigitalOcean, Fireworks, Together AI, and Vultr, among others. NVIDIA also said OpenShell can be downloaded from GitHub and run locally on GeForce RTX PCs, RTX workstations, and DGX systems from a range of hardware makers.

The announcement adds to NVIDIA's effort to move beyond selling chips and AI servers by offering more of the software stack needed to build advanced AI systems. It also comes as major software vendors race to define how AI agents will be used inside businesses, even as many products remain in early stages.

NVIDIA said in its release that many of the products and features it described remain in various stages of development and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis.

For more information, visit the NVIDIA site.
Social Security is facing a severe financial shortfall, with its main trust fund projected to be depleted as early as 2032. Once depleted, the system would only be able to pay a fraction of scheduled benefits, potentially leading to cuts of about 25%. Lawmakers are debating solutions like raising payroll taxes, lifting income caps, or adjusting the retirement age, but no consensus has been reached. With nearly 70 million current beneficiaries, inaction by Congress would have immediate and severe consequences for retirees dependent on these payments.

Lawmakers warn Social Security's main trust fund could be exhausted by 2032, forcing a 25% benefit cut for millions of retirees unless Congress acts.

Washington, March 26 Social Security, the backbone of retirement security for millions of Americans, is approaching a financial cliff, with lawmakers warning that benefits could be cut sharply within the decade if Congress fails to act.

At a Senate Budget Committee hearing, lawmakers from both parties said the programme faces a worsening funding gap driven by demographic shifts, rising costs and insufficient revenue. Projections show the main trust fund could be exhausted as early as 2032, leaving the system able to pay only a fraction of scheduled benefits.

"This program is under stress because of demographics," Senator Lindsey Graham said, pointing to fewer workers supporting a growing number of retirees.

Officials warned that once the trust fund is depleted, benefits could be cut by roughly a quarter. For millions of Americans who depend on Social Security as their primary source of income, even modest reductions would have immediate consequences.

"It's right here," Senator Jeff Merkley said, noting that the shortfall could hit within the current political cycle.

Experts told lawmakers that the scale of the challenge leaves few easy options. Karen Glenn said programme income is projected to fall short of costs "in all future years," adding that lawmakers would need to increase revenue, reduce benefits, or pursue a combination of both to restore solvency.

Data presented at the hearing showed that about 72 million Americans are expected to receive Social Security benefits in 2033, underscoring the system's reach across the population.

The debate exposed sharp differences over how to address the shortfall. Senator Bill Cassidy proposed creating a government-backed investment fund to supplement the programme's finances, arguing that a diversified approach could help offset future borrowing needs.

Others emphasised raising revenue. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said that without additional funding, the system would be unable to maintain full benefits.

Lawmakers also discussed a wide range of potential measures, including increasing payroll taxes, lifting caps on taxable income, adjusting retirement age and means-testing benefits. While no consensus emerged, there was broad agreement that delay would make the problem harder to solve.

"Waiting makes this harder," Senator Tim Kaine said, urging earlier action rather than waiting for a crisis.

Social Security currently pays nearly $1.6 trillion annually to more than 70 million beneficiaries, making it the largest federal programme. For many retirees, the monthly check is not supplemental but essential.

Established in 1935 during the Great Depression, Social Security was designed as a safety net to prevent poverty in old age.

Today, longer life expectancy and lower birth rates mean fewer workers are contributing to support a larger retired population. Without legislative action, the programme's financial imbalance is expected to widen, bringing the prospect of benefit cuts closer -- and intensifying pressure on Congress to act.

- IANS
The President of Sambhali Trust addressed the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting persistent global challenges of racism and discrimination. He outlined India's constitutional framework, including Articles 14, 15, and 21, as a proactive safeguard for equality and justice. The statement shared the Trust's grassroots work in Jodhpur, empowering women and girls from marginalized and migrant communities. Chouhan concluded by calling for enhanced global cooperation to build more inclusive societies.

Sambhali Trust President addresses UNHRC on combating discrimination, highlighting India's constitutional safeguards and grassroots empowerment work.

Geneva, March 26 At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Virendra Singh Chouhan, President of the Sambhali Trust, in his oral statement, drew attention to the global challenges of racism, discrimination, and intolerance while highlighting India's proactive approach toward inclusivity.

Speaking at the international forum, Chouhan highlighted that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain significant challenges worldwide. He stated that these issues not only undermine human dignity but also disrupt social harmony, creating barriers to equal opportunities in education, employment, and access to justice. According to him, such systemic inequalities continue to deepen divisions within societies and hinder inclusive development.

Focusing on India's framework, Chouhan pointed to the country's constitutional safeguards that promote equality and protect citizens against discrimination. He referred to key provisions such as Articles 14, 15, and 21, noting that they form the backbone of India's commitment to justice, liberty, and equal rights. He added that India has consistently taken steps to strengthen inclusivity by improving access to education and expanding economic opportunities for diverse communities.

Drawing from grassroots experience, Chouhan shared insights into the work of Sambhali Trust, particularly in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The organisation has been actively engaged in empowering women and girls, especially those from marginalised backgrounds and cross-border migrant communities. He emphasised that initiatives at the community level play a crucial role in addressing discrimination and fostering social inclusion.

Chouhan's intervention at the UNHRC session highlighted the importance of global cooperation in tackling discrimination in all its forms. He called for sustained international efforts to promote tolerance, equality, and human rights, urging stakeholders to work together to build more inclusive societies.

The address highlighted that local initiatives, when aligned with constitutional values and global human rights frameworks, can meaningfully address complex social challenges at both national and international levels.

- ANI
V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, chaired a regional conference with water secretaries from southern states and union territories. The meeting aimed to review ongoing schemes, understand state-level concerns, and discuss inter-state water matters. Key discussions included flood forecasting, sediment management, salinity ingress, and implementation of the Dam Safety Act. The Secretary emphasized timely project completion and called for states to participate in reforming schemes for the next financial cycle.

Senior officials from Southern states & UTs met to review water schemes, discuss flood forecasting, dam safety, and improve Centre-State coordination.

New Delhi, March 26 V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, chaired the Regional State Water Secretaries Conference held at Dr. MCR HRD Institute of Telangana which brought together senior officers from the Water Resources Departments of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands together at a single platform to discuss wide array of matters about the water sector.

According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, officials of DoWR, RD&GR, New Delhi and 15 heads of major organisations of the department participated in the day-long conference.

Key objectives of the conference encompassed review of the implementation of ongoing schemes of the department in the participating States/UTs; works done by the organizations of the Department in these States, understanding concerns of the States/UTs with respect to ongoing schemes/projects and inter -state matters; and detailed deliberations on these aspects to further strengthen thrust areas of Centre-State co-ordination and partnerships.

During the conference, State Govt. officials illustrated the scheme implementation status, expectations from the Government of India and related bottlenecks in respective states/UTs in the field of water resources.

The Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, underpinned the need for timely completion of ongoing projects and to reduce the gaps in Centre-state coordination to ensure time-bound progress of priority works. He called upon the States/UTs to participate in the revision and reformation of schemes of DoWR, RD &GR for next FC cycle.

Apart from the regular ongoing schemes, discussions also took place on Flood forecasting activities and the adoption of advisories issued by the DoWR, RD & GR by the States/UTs on Sediment Management, Salinity Ingress in Coastal areas, implementation of the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, among others. Participating states/UTs were requested to streamline the implementation of these critical advisories on a priority basis.

In his concluding remarks, the Secretary reiterated the significance of the meeting in formulating and executing integrated strategies for sustainable and effective development of water resources in the region. He reaffirmed the department's commitment to providing comprehensive support for the planning, development, and management of water resources projects/schemes across the Country.

- ANI
Shipping disruptions in West Asia, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, are creating volatility in global fertiliser markets and tightening supply chains. Rising input costs, especially for natural gas, are pressuring production costs for key nutrients like urea. India is managing the impact through close coordination between the industry and government, including the use of empowered monitoring groups. The focus remains on ensuring seamless supply to farmers to safeguard agricultural productivity and national food security.

Global fertiliser markets face pressure from West Asia shipping issues and rising input costs. India coordinates response to secure supplies for farmers.

By Kaushal Verma, New Delhi, March 26 Shipping disruptions in West Asia and rising input costs are adding pressure to global fertiliser production and pricing, but India is managing the impact through close government-industry coordination and monitoring by empowered groups, Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of the Fertiliser Association of India, toldtoday.

"The ongoing developments in West Asia have introduced significant volatility in global energy and fertiliser markets, given the region's critical role in supplying both natural gas and key crop nutrients," Chaudhari said, adding "Disruptions in shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, and tightening global LNG availability are exerting pressure on input costs and supply chains worldwide."

The conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has been ongoing for nearly a month, disrupting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and tightening global supplies of crude oil and other commodities, including fertilisers. This has begun to impact availability at the grassroots level, pushing up prices in recent weeks.

He added that, for India, "While these challenges are real, the impact on the fertilizer sector is being carefully managed through close coordination between the industry and the Government," noting that "we are in continuous dialogue with concerned ministries, and the recent constitution of Empowered Groups reflects a proactive and structured approach to monitor disruptions, secure supplies, and address emerging risks in a time-bound manner."

India remains the second-largest consumer and third-largest producer of fertilizers globally and the country is particularly exposed to global price movements in natural gas and imported nutrients such as phosphates and potash. Higher LNG prices directly affect urea production costs, while logistical bottlenecks can delay shipments of finished fertilisers and raw materials, adding uncertainty for both producers and farmers during key agricultural cycles.

Chaudhari said the industry has taken steps to ensure continuity of supply despite the evolving situation. "On the urea front, production planning and gas allocation are being optimised to ensure uninterrupted output, even as some plants undergo scheduled maintenance," he said. "Simultaneously, for phosphatic fertilisers, diversified sourcing strategies and long-term supply arrangements are helping mitigate regional risks."

He emphasised that India's fertiliser ecosystem is now better equipped to handle such disruptions, supported by policy interventions, domestic capacity expansion and stronger collaboration between stakeholders, which together have improved resilience against global shocks.

"At this stage, availability remains comfortable, and the focus continues to be on ensuring seamless supply to farmers and safeguarding agricultural productivity and food security," Chaudhari said.

Moreover, a recent report released by Crisil Ratings stated that supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the West Asia can potentially impact annual domestic production of both complex fertilisers and urea by 10-15 per cent. Profitability of manufacturers could decline amid lower capacity utilisation due to supply constraints of key raw materials.

The report further noted that the increase in prices of raw materials and imported fertilisers is likely to increase the working capital requirement of players and also raise the subsidy bill of the government by Rs 20,000-25,000 crore.

- ANI
The Sikkim Legislative Assembly has adopted a resolution to rename Pakyong Airport as Trilochan Pokhrel Airport. The proposal, already approved by the state cabinet, seeks to honor the legacy of late freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel, considered Sikkim's first independence activist. Pokhrel was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and participated in major national movements while promoting Gandhian ideals in the state. The Assembly also passed the Sikkim Appropriation Bill to meet supplementary expenditures for the 2025-2026 financial year.

Sikkim Assembly passes resolution to rename Pakyong Airport after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel, honoring his role in India's independence movement.

Gangtok, March 26 A Government Resolution seeking the renaming of Pakyong Airport as Trilochan Pokhrel Airport was adopted by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

This resolution was proposed by Minister, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, which was seconded by MLA, Aditya Golay (Tamang).

The proposal sought the renaming of Pakyong Airport, a greenfield airport located at an altitude of 4,848 feet, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 as the 100th airport of the country. It serves as a symbol of national integration and the primary air connectivity for the state. The proposal recommends renaming it as Trilochan Pokhrel Airport, according to a release.

The Sikkim Cabinet has already approved the proposal on March 19, and the Assembly has formally recommended to the Government of India that the airport be officially renamed as a lasting tribute to Trilochan Pokhrel's legacy, the release stated.

Late Trilochan Pokhrel, also known as "Bande Pokhrel" or "Gandhi Pokhrel", was born in Tareythang, East Sikkim, and is widely regarded as the first Indian independence activist from the state of Sikkim. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in key national movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. He also promoted Gandhian ideals of simplicity, self-reliance, and non-violence, encouraging the use of khadi and local industries across Sikkim.

The resolution emphasises his role in linking Sikkim to the broader Indian freedom struggle, preserving regional history, and inspiring future generations.

The House on Thursday also passed the Sikkim Appropriation Bill, for the First Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2025-2026, moved by the leader of the House, Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang

The Sikkim Appropriation Bill, (Bill No. 1 of 2026) is introduced in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 204 read with Article 205 of the Constitution of India to provide for the appropriation from and out of the Consolidated Fund of the State of Sikkim of the money required to meet the supplementary expenditure charged in the Consolidated Fund of the State of Sikkim and Supplementary Grants made by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the expenditure of the Government of Sikkim for the remaining part of the financial year 2025-26.

- ANI
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on Tuesday night due to fever and is undergoing treatment for a systemic infection. Hospital authorities state she is stable and responding well to antibiotics under the supervision of a medical team. Her son, Rahul Gandhi, cancelled a scheduled political visit to Kerala to remain with her in the hospital, citing concern for her health. This marks another hospitalization for the veteran leader, who was also admitted last year for stomach-related issues.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with fever and systemic infection. Son Rahul Gandhi cancels Kerala visit. Doctors say she is stable.

New Delhi, March 26 Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on Tuesday night, due to fever and is currently undergoing treatment for a systemic infection.

According to Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Gandhi is receiving antibiotics under a team of doctors and is responding to the treatment.

"Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on the night of 24th March for fever. As per Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman SGRH, she is undergoing treatment with antibiotics for systemic infection, under the supervision of Dr D.S Rana, Dr S Nundy and Dr Arup Basu, and is responding to the treatment," Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said on Thursday.

The hospital stated that Gandhi was admitted at 10:22 PM on Tuesday and is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infections in the stomach and urinary tract.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, arrived at the hospital. He had cancelled his scheduled visit to Kerala due to her health concerns.

Gandhi, virtually addressing a rally held in Kozhikode, said that he could not attend the rally in person as his mother was hospitalised in New Delhi.

"I would have liked to come here, but I was forced to stay in today and was unable to come. Yesterday, my mother was hospitalised and I, as a son, was quite worried about her, so I decided to stay with her. I know that the people of Kerala will understand this. Last night, I was extremely worried about my mother's health. The whole night, I was only comforted by one thing. I was comforted by a nurse from Kerala who came in every hour to check on my mother," he said.

As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.

On Wednesday, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said that following a detailed medical examination, Sonia Gandhi's bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated by the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi.

This is not the first time Sonia Gandhi has been hospitalised.

The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department.

Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7.

- ANI
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for national cooperation on energy-saving efforts, citing disruptions from the prolonged Middle East conflict. He pledged the government would not raise electricity prices for now, despite warning of mounting losses at the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO). Lee sternly warned against collusion and hoarding by fuel stations, stating such profiteering during a crisis would not be tolerated. The government is also preparing a supplementary budget to mitigate the broader economic impact of the prolonged war.

President Lee Jae Myung urges national energy conservation due to Middle East war disruption but pledges no electricity price hike for now.

Seoul, March 26 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged the nation to cooperate on energy-saving efforts as the prolonged war in the Middle East has disrupted global energy markets, but pledged no change in electricity prices.

Lee made the remarks during an emergency economic response meeting, as the government is set to impose another round of a fuel price cap to help protect the nation's economy from impacts from the US-Israel war with Iran.

"(I) urge gas stations to actively cooperate in setting prices in line with the intended purpose of the oil price cap system," Lee said.

"Taking advantage of a national crisis to seek unfair profits through practices such as collusion and hoarding will not be tolerated and the government will continue to respond strictly under a zero-tolerance principle," Lee said.

Lee said the government will not raise electricity bills for now, but emphasized the need to conserve electricity, which is supplied by the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO).

"The government does not plan to adjust electricity rates for now, but keeping them at the current level could significantly widen KEPCO's losses," Lee said.

He warned that greater reliance on electricity over petroleum-based products could further deepen KEPCO's financial burden and ultimately add pressure on government finances.

KEPCO has accumulated about 206 trillion won ($136.9 billion) in debt after supplying electricity below production costs, even as global energy prices surged between 2021 and 2023 following the Russia-Ukraine War.

As part of an energy-saving campaign, Lee urged the public sector to actively adopt a five-day vehicle license plate rotation system and encouraged citizens to use public transportation, Yonhap news agency reported.

He also instructed officials to draw up a detailed supplementary budget to prepare for the broader economic impact of a prolonged conflict, as the ruling Democratic Party plans to submit the extra budget bill to the National Assembly next Tuesday.

- IANS
Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the spirit of voluntary charity is deeply rooted in Indian society, praising initiatives that go beyond mandated CSR requirements. He highlighted India's strategic free trade agreements with 38 developed nations, which provide enhanced market access for Indian businesses and farmers. Goyal emphasized that maintaining high-quality standards is crucial for industries to fully capitalize on these trade opportunities. The minister also underscored the government's focus on inclusive development and women-led progress, citing initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal praises voluntary CSR, details benefits of India's FTAs, and stresses inclusive, women-led development for a Viksit Bharat.

New Delhi, March 25 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that the spirit of voluntary charity is an integral part of Indian society, with people across sections stepping forward to help those in need.

Speaking at the National CSR announcement for FY 2026-27 and scholarship distribution event organised by the Malabar Charitable Trust here, Goyal said that while corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks have encouraged participation, going beyond mandated requirements reflects a genuine commitment to society.

He praised the initiative of allocating 5 per cent of net profits towards CSR, calling it a significant step that sets an example for others.

"Such efforts show that organisations can voluntarily contribute more than what is required and play a meaningful role in social development," the minister said.

Goyal also highlighted India's growing global economic engagement, noting that the country has signed nine free trade agreements with 38 developed nations in recent years.

"These agreements provide Indian businesses, farmers, MSMEs and artisans access to a large share of global markets at lower or zero duties, boosting export opportunities," he stated.

He stressed that to fully benefit from these agreements, Indian industries must focus on maintaining high quality standards in goods and services.

"Sectors like MSMEs, agriculture and fisheries stand to gain significantly if they align with global expectations," Goyal mentioned.

The minister also spoke about inclusive development, saying that every citizen deserves equal opportunity and access to basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, education and digital connectivity.

"The government is working to ensure that all citizens can contribute to the vision of a developed India," he added.

Emphasising women-led development, Goyal referred to B. R. Ambedkar's belief that societies progress when women are empowered.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been taken to support education and empowerment of women.

- IANS
The mortal remains of 26-year-old Ravi Gopal were brought back to his Sitapur village after he was killed by an Iranian missile strike in Riyadh on March 18. His wife, Ritu Devi, recounted the horrific moment their final phone call was suddenly cut off due to the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia have expressed condolences and are assisting with repatriation. The tragedy occurs amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, with the US President claiming negotiations with Iran while military strikes continue.

Wife recounts last phone call before husband died in Iran missile strike in Riyadh. MEA confirms death, as conflict escalates in West Asia.

Sitapur, March 25 The mortal remains of the 26-year-old man Ravi Gopal were brought back to his village in Sitapur on Wednesday, a week after he was killed in an Iranian missile strike in Riyadh.

Ravi died when the missile struck his workplace on March 18 in Riyadh.

Speaking to ANI, Ritu Devi, Ravi Gopal's wife, recounted the horrific moment and said her husband died because of the missile strike.

"We were talking to him over the phone when it suddenly got cut. My husband died because of the missile strike," said Ritu Devi.

Earlier on March 20, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep condolences following the death of an Indian national in Riyadh on March 18, as the government continues to coordinate the repatriation of citizens caught in the escalating West Asia conflict.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia also confirmed the fatality following recent security incidents in the Saudi capital on March 18. In an official statement, the diplomatic mission of India in Saudi Arabia, "The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th."

Meanwhile, the US President signalled that peace overtures were being made with Iran and that the war was coming to an end.

"We're in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal and who wouldn't if you were there? Look, their navy's gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone. I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this... We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it. For instance, if I want to take down that power plant, they can't do a thing about it... They are totally defeated... Militarily, they are dead," he said.

With Israel continuing its strikes in Iran and the Iranian military launching wave 80 of its retaliatory strikes, peace remains elusive in West Asia.

- ANI
Sonia Gandhi admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with fever and infection. CM Stalin wishes her recovery. Rahul Gandhi cancels trip. Latest health bulletin.

Chennai, March 26 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin extended his best wishes to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, following her hospitalisation in the national capital.

In a post on X, CM Stalin expressed confidence that she would regain good health soon, wishing her a "speedy and complete recovery."



"Concerned to hear that Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Madam Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to the hospital. I am confident that Madam Sonia Gandhi will be back to good health very soon. Wishing her a speedy and complete recovery," he wrote.



The Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday night (March 24), due to fever and is currently undergoing treatment for a systemic infection.



According to Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Sonia Gandhi is receiving antibiotics under a team of doctors and is responding to the treatment.



"Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on the night of 24th March for fever. As per Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman SGRH, she is undergoing treatment with antibiotics for systemic infection, under the supervision of Dr D.S Rana, Dr S Nundy and Dr Arup Basu, and is responding to the treatment," Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said on Thursday.



The hospital stated that Gandhi was admitted at 10:22 PM on Tuesday and is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infections in the stomach and urinary tract.



Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, arrived at the hospital. He had cancelled his scheduled visit to Kerala due to her health concerns.



Gandhi, virtually addressing a rally held in Kozhikode, said that he could not attend the rally in person as his mother was hospitalised in New Delhi.



"I would have liked to come here, but I was forced to stay in today and was unable to come. Yesterday, my mother was hospitalised and I, as a son, was quite worried about her, so I decided to stay with her. I know that the people of Kerala will understand this. Last night, I was extremely worried about my mother's health. The whole night, I was only comforted by one thing. I was comforted by a nurse from Kerala who came in every hour to check on my mother," he said.



As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.



On Wednesday, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said that following a detailed medical examination, Sonia Gandhi's bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated by the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi.



This is not the first time Sonia Gandhi has been hospitalised.



The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department.



Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7.





- ANI
Iran has reportedly begun laying anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the strategic Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran's crude exports. The move comes in response to US media reports suggesting the Trump administration is weighing a plan to seize the island. Iran's parliamentary speaker has issued a stark warning, threatening relentless attacks on a regional country's infrastructure if any occupation is attempted. Concurrently, the US is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, marking one of its largest buildups since the 2003 Iraq War.

Iran deploys troops and mines to Kharg Island after US media reports suggest a potential US amphibious operation to seize the key oil export hub.

Tehran, March 26 A day after sections of the US Media reported that the US is beefing up its ground presence in the Persian Gulf with a possible aim of taking over the key Kharg Islands in Iran, it has now been revealed that the Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.

A CNN report quoting unnamed sources suggested that Iran has also been laying traps including anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island, where US troops could possibly stage an amphibious landing. The Kharg island is said to handle roughly 90% of the country's crude exports

The Trump administration has been weighing using US troops to seize the island and use it as leverage to get them to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands.

He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements. In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran.

According to an Al Jaeera report, the Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base. That's in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en-route from San Diego. Combined, the backup troops will add between 6,000 and 7,000 marines and sailors to the about 50,000 already positioned in the Middle East, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI)

The US deployments are among the largest since the Iraq war in 2003, when the US sent 160,000 soldiers.

- ANI
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and extended condolences following a horrific bus fire accident in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district. The accident occurred when a private travel bus collided with a tipper truck and caught fire, killing at least 14 people and injuring 22 others. CM Reddy directed the state Chief Secretary to coordinate with Andhra officials to gather victim details and ensure the injured receive the best medical care. TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud also expressed profound distress over the tragic incident.

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy expresses shock over the Andhra bus fire tragedy that killed 14, directs officials to coordinate relief and medical care.

Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed deep shock over the bus accident in the Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, which claimed the lives of at least 14 people.

The Chief Minister conveyed his profound grief over the loss of several lives and the severe injuries sustained by others in the mishap.

CM Revanth Reddy extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Noting that the bus was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana towards Nellore, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to gather details regarding the victims -- both the deceased and the injured -- involved in the accident.

The Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with officials from Andhra Pradesh to collect comprehensive details regarding the incident.

He also issued orders to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Acting upon the Chief Minister's directives, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao held discussions with his counterpart in Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud has also expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of several lives in a horrific bus accident that occurred early this morning at Rayavaram, near Markapuram in Andhra Pradesh.

He expressed profound distress over the incident in which a Harikrishna Travels bus -- travelling from Nirmal to Vinjamur -- collided with another vehicle, subsequently catching fire and resulting in the passengers inside being burnt alive.

He wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

At least 14 people were burnt alive and 22 others injured when a private travel bus in which they were travelling caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

There were about 35 passengers in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision.

- IANS
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a comprehensive set of health sector reforms in the state assembly, focusing on strengthening medical infrastructure and clearing pending dues. Key initiatives include developing Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (TIMS) hospitals as specialized centers and expediting the construction of a new Osmania Hospital. The government has allocated Rs 4,500 crore for medical care, plans to add 10,000 beds, and will launch the 'Indiramma Jeevitha Bima' life insurance scheme for 1.15 crore families based on caste census data. Additionally, an online portal is being created to connect NRI doctors with local hospitals during their visits to Telangana.

Telangana CM announces health sector reforms, clearing Arogyasri dues, developing TIMS as specialized hubs, and launching new insurance for 1.15 crore families.

Hyderabad, March 26 In a move to strengthen the health sector and ensure access to advanced medical treatment to the poor instantly, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the government will introduce a slew of health reforms which include developing Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences and Research hospitals as the speciallized hospitals, prompt payment of Arogyasri dues to the government as well as private hospitals.

Speaking in the Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "Lack of adequate medical professionals was a major challenge to provide medical treatment to the poor. The government was formulating a plan to refer patients covered under the 'AarogyaSri' scheme to the teaching hospitals. 35 medical colleges were already functioning but the patients are not visiting these hospitals."

In addition to Aarogyasri, the government will also allocate funds from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the teaching hospitals. This initiative will lead to improved administration and management of the hospitals, the CM said that a Group one-level officer will also be appointed for effective management of the teaching hospitals.

The state government has disbursed Rs 2,046 crore under the CM Relief Fund till date, a release said.

CM Revanth Reddy alleged that irregularities were reported in issuing CMRF cheques in the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. Some individuals misused the CMRF and cases were also booked. The Congress government took several measures to curb irregularities by introducing an online application system to provide CMRF benefits to the needy.

The Chief Minister said that " Present government was burdened due to non-payment of dues by the BRS government. As of December 7, 2023, we have been burdened with Rs 627 crore pending dues. An average of Rs. 89 crores is being spent every month for Arogyasri."

The CM explained that " the government has paid Rs 2408 crores in Arogyasri bills till today. Out of this, Rs 927 crores were paid to government hospitals and Rs 1480 crores to private hospitals. The outstanding dues till today are only Rs 727 crores."

Clarifying that the Arogyasri payments are being made from time to time, CM Revanth Reddy took strong exception to the misconceptions created regarding Aarogyasri payments. The number of patients availing medical treatment under Aarogyasri has increased.

The CM highlighted,"Government has allocated a total of Rs 4,500 crore towards medical care for the poor. "

Announcing that 10,000 additional beds capacity will be developed, CM Revanth Reddy said that the TIMS hospitals located in Warangal, Alwal, L.B. Nagar, and Sanath Nagar will be developed as specialized medical care centers. "Funds will also be provided through Aarogyasri and the CM Relief Fund to these hospitals. Constructing a new Osmania Hospital in Goshamahal, spanning 30 acres, at a cost of Rs 3,000 crores, will be another big medical care facility in the state. We are expediting the construction work on the TIMS hospitals and also rectifying the errors that occurred in the past," he said

The Chief Minister emphasized that every family should be provided security and financial assurance. Based on the census data collected as part of the Caste Census, the government will launch 'Indiramma Jeevitha Bima' (life insurance) coverage to 1.15 crore families.

In view of the thousands of doctors from Telangana are working in different countries, the CM said that the government is developing a dedicated website specifically for NRI doctors. Through this website, a facility will be developed to enable the NRI doctors to provide medical services in local hospitals during their visit to their hometown. This website is being established under the aegis of the Department of Medical and Health.

Commending the services of the state Health minister Damodara Raja Narasimha, CM Revanth Reddy stressed that the new challenges in the medical sector should be addressed and it was a big task for the Medical and Health department.

Apart from healthcare, the Chief Minister said that education was also being given top priority. Adequate funds will be provided to the education and health sectors.

- ANI
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will deliver a virtual keynote address at a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence Symposium organized by Harvard Kennedy School. The event, which he will attend remotely due to the ongoing state Budget Session, aims to convene global leaders to discuss AI's impact on governance, economics, and geopolitics. It will feature panel discussions on topics like the race to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and AI in emerging markets. The speaker lineup includes prominent figures such as Anousheh Ansari and experts from the World Bank and Brookings Institution.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, a Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, will deliver a virtual keynote at a major AI symposium, discussing governance and geopolitics.

Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will virtually deliver a keynote address at a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence Symposium organised by Harvard Kennedy in Boston on Friday.

Revanth Reddy, who is an alumnus of the institution, has been invited to deliver the keynote address. In view of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister will not be travelling to Boston and will instead deliver his address virtually as a special arrangement, according to a release from Telangana Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Symposium will bring together leading voices from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on the rapidly evolving global Artificial Intelligence landscape.

The symposium will commence with opening remarks by Jeremy Weinstein, Dean of the Faculty at Kennedy School. Supported by the Business & Government PIC and the AI & Tech Policy Caucus at HKS, along with several Harvard-based think tanks, the event will be held in person at the HKS campus.

The symposium will foster dialogue on Artificial Intelligence across governance, economic competitiveness, geopolitics, and human capital, followed by panel discussions on "The Race to AGI", "AI in Emerging Markets", "Geopolitics of Compute", and "The Future of Work and Education", according to CMO.

The distinguished lineup of speakers includes Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE; Illango Pachamuthu of the World Bank; Fatema Z Sumar; Landry Signe of the Brookings Institution, among several other global experts and thought leaders.

- ANI
State currently gets only 3% of national CSR share

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to formulate a special policy to attract more Corporate Social Responsibility funds to the state. The policy includes creating a dedicated CSR cell and launching a comprehensive 'Telangana CSR Portal' to link corporate entities with government projects. The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction that Telangana currently receives only three percent of the country's total CSR contributions. He instructed officials to study strategies from other states and ensure companies spend more CSR funds within Telangana.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announces a new CSR policy, dedicated cell, and online portal to increase the state's share of corporate social responsibility funds.

Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Thursday that the state government will introduce a special policy to get more Corporate Social Responsibility funds and to ensure their effective utilisation.

In a move to encourage the companies for giving more CSR funds, the Chief Minister directed the officials to organise annual events to felicitate the managements and representatives of the companies, which contributed more CSR funds to the state.

The arrangements for the felicitation ceremony should be made as part of the State Formation Day celebrations.

According the Chief Minister's Office, Revanth Reddy also decided to establish a dedicated CSR cell at the state level with a separate office.

It will be responsible for coordinating CSR initiatives currently being implemented by corporate companies within the state, as well as compiling information on projects available across various government departments that are suitable for execution through CSR funding.

The creation of a dedicated 'Telangana CSR Portal' was also approved during the review meeting conducted by the Chief Minister.

The portal will serve as an important link between the state government and corporate entities.

The portal will also feature comprehensive details of various projects -- spanning across different government departments -- that are open for corporate funding through CSR contributions.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasised that the portal should be designed in an engaging and user-friendly manner, enabling corporate firms to easily connect with the state government and select projects that align with their specific interests and objectives.

During the meeting, the state government officials apprised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy that the state's share of CSR contributions currently stands at a mere three per cent of the total CSR contributions in the country.

Expressing discontent with the poor flow of CSR funds from the state industry, the Chief Minister stressed that there is a need for the state to receive a greater share of CSR funds and also the utilisation.

The state government officials were directed to take strict measures in this direction.

The officials were also asked to take measures to ensure corporate companies and industries in the state provide more CSR funds and spend them within Telangana.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials to study the strategies adopted by other states for mobilising CSR funds.

He stressed that the new policy should be formulated to facilitate an increase in the share, advocating for the adoption of approaches designed to attract corporate entities.

- IANS
India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly rejected Pakistan's statement supporting a banned terrorist organization and its convicted members, stating Pakistan has no right to comment on India's internal matters or judicial processes. This came after a Delhi court sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the Government of India. The court held that the acts of Andrabi and her associates, who received 30-year sentences, struck at the very existence of India and promoted a secessionist ideology. The prosecution presented evidence showing the accused used social media and speeches to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir's merger with Pakistan and glorify militants.

MEA slams Pakistan for supporting banned terrorist organization after court sentences Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment.

New Delhi, March 25 India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan over comments made in support of a terrorist organisation and its members, stressing that Islamabad has no locus standi to speak on matters related to India and its judicial processes.

New Delhi's strong reaction came after Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement on the awarding of a life imprisonment sentence to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan's statement condoning violence has not surprised India as Islamabad has been sponsoring terrorism for a long time. He urged Pakistan to introspect its systematic human rights violations.

"We categorically reject the statement issued by Pakistan in support of a banned terrorist organization and its members. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters internal to India or its judicial processes. However, one is not surprised that a country, which has long been sponsoring terrorism, has come up with such a statement condoning violence and killing of innocent people. Instead of peddling lies and frivolous narratives, Pakistan should introspect on the grave and systematic human rights violations it continues to perpetrate," read a statement issued by the MEA spokesperson.

A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment for offences including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the Government of India, while awarding 30-year jail terms to her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen.

Pronouncing the order on the quantum of sentence, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Karkardooma Courts held that the acts of the convicts struck at the "very existence of India" and were aimed at the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of the country.

The court stated that the material on record demonstrated they had "not abhorred violence" and had, in fact, indirectly promoted it by glorifying slain militants and propagating secessionist ideology.

"The acts of the convict brought on record may not apparently be the direct cause of inciting violence, but infusing the minds of people, particularly the youth, with the idea that Kashmir is not part of India and India has occupied the Kashmir illegally and in a hostile manner can evoke sentiments which may lead them to adopt all kinds of methods, including violence," the court observed.

The case arose out of a 2018 investigation by the National Investigation Agency, which alleged that the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), headed by Andrabi, was using social media, public speeches and other platforms to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir's merger with Pakistan.

The prosecution placed on record various videos, online posts and other material purportedly showing the accused eulogising militants, inciting unlawful activities such as stone-pelting, and promoting narratives rooted in the two-nation theory.

Andrabi was found guilty under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 18 (conspiracy for terrorist acts) and 20 (membership of a terrorist organisation), along with IPC offences such as criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state.

Fehmeeda and Nasreen were also convicted under multiple provisions of the anti-terror law and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Rejecting any leniency in sentencing, the court, in view of the gravity of the offences, observed that activities aimed at destabilising the nation and promoting secessionist ideology warranted stringent punishment.

Andrabi, who founded the all-women separatist outfit in 1987, was arrested in April 2018. The organisation had largely become defunct following her arrest, the court noted.

- IANS
Today, March 26, is the absolute final deadline for eligible citizens in Tamil Nadu to register to vote for the upcoming single-phase Assembly elections on April 23. The Election Commission has urged all unregistered voters, especially first-timers, to submit Form 6 either online or directly to electoral officers. Over three lakh applications have already been received during this revision period for the state's approximately 5.67 crore electorate. Officials emphasize that verifying one's presence on the voter list is as critical as casting the vote itself, with no further extensions expected.

Final chance to register to vote in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Deadline is March 26. Check voter list and submit Form 6 online or offline.

Chennai, March 26 Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, Thursday marks the final opportunity for eligible citizens in Tamil Nadu to have their names included in the electoral roll.

The Election Commission has urged all unregistered voters to utilise this last chance and ensure their participation in the democratic process.

The state is set to go to the polls in a single phase, with a total electorate of approximately 5.67 crore voters.

In the run-up to the elections, officials have been consistently appealing to citizens to verify whether their names are present in the voter list to avoid any inconvenience on polling day.

According to the Election Commission, March 26 has been fixed as the last date for submitting applications for inclusion of names in the electoral roll. Those who find their names missing can apply by submitting Form 6 either directly to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or through the official online portal.

Election authorities revealed that more than three lakh applications have already been received during this revision period, indicating a steady response from the public.

The ongoing enrolment drive is part of efforts to ensure maximum voter participation and an inclusive electoral process.

Officials stressed that verifying one's name in the voter list is as important as casting a vote itself. They also cautioned that failure to register within the stipulated deadline would mean missing out on voting in the upcoming Assembly elections, as no further extension is likely to be granted.

Special arrangements have been put in place to facilitate easy registration, including digital platforms and local-level assistance through electoral officers.

Citizens have been encouraged to make use of these facilities and complete the process without delay.

With just hours left before the deadline closes, the Election Commission has once again appealed to all eligible voters, especially first-time voters and those who recently shifted residences, to act promptly.

Ensuring one's name in the electoral roll remains a crucial step in exercising the right to vote in one of the most significant democratic exercises in the state.

- IANS
Local fishermen in Thoothukudi are demanding the construction of an additional jetty and improved drinking water facilities ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. A local leader expressed gratitude for central government subsidies but highlighted the ongoing need for more boat nets and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Tharuvaikulam Fish Landing Centre is a major economic hub, with a daily turnover averaging between Rs 1 and 1.5 crore. In a separate development, over 50 families in Tiruchirappalli have announced an election boycott, having lived without electricity, water, or toilets for 16 years after being relocated.

Thoothukudi fishermen seek an additional jetty and water facilities, while Tiruchirappalli families announce an election boycott over lack of basic amenities.

Thoothukudi, March 27 Ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, local fishermen in Thoothukudi have demanded the construction of an additional jetty to alleviate operational difficulties while also calling for the urgent establishment of proper drinking water facilities in the region.

Local Sarpanch Amburaj, speaking to ANI, stated that while the government's subsidies have directly boosted local livelihoods, the fishing community looks forward to further support, but he highlighted the need for more boat nets and improved drinking water infrastructure to further sustain the community.

"... I want to express our gratitude for the transformative work of the Central Government. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, we have seen significant infrastructure improvements, including new flyovers and the steadfast support of the Navy, who act as guardians for our fishing community. The government's subsidies providing 30 lakhs per boat have directly boosted our livelihoods. While global conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran have caused fuel prices to skyrocket worldwide, India has maintained stable diesel and petrol rates thanks to the Prime Minister's policies. Our community is over 5,000 fishermen and about 300 boats, but we look forward to further support, specifically regarding more boat nets and improved drinking water infrastructure," said Amburaj.

Meanwhile, as local fishermen demand an additional jetty to ease their operational challenges, Vinod Ravindran, the State Coordinator of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), noted that their centre, Tharuvaikulam Fish Landing Centre, currently hosts approximately 220 mechanised deep-sea boats.

He highlighted the harbour's significant economic impact, stating that its daily turnover averages between Rs 1 and 1.5 crore, reaching as high as Rs 3 crore on peak days. Furthermore, he mentioned that both the state and central governments are actively supporting the fishing community through infrastructure development, subsidies, and schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to encourage deep-sea fishing and the expansion of related facilities.

"... Tharuvaikulam Fish Landing Centre hosts about 220 mechanised deep-sea boats, mainly targeting tuna in the Bay of Bengal. Each boat can be about 10-12 tonnes, earning Rs 7-10 lakhs, while larger boats earn up to Rs 20 lakhs per day. The harbour's turnover averages Rs 1-1.5 crore daily, rising to Rs 3 crore on peak days. Most catches, including skipjack tuna, mahi-mahi, swordfish, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna, are exported. Training programmes ensure quality, hygiene, and proper preservation for better export revenue. Both state and central governments support fishermen through subsidies, infrastructure, and schemes like PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), encouraging deep-sea fishing and related facilities..." Ravindran told ANI.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, over 50 families in Nandavanam, Tiruchirappalli, who have been living without electricity, water, or toilets for 16 years have announced a boycott of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Thangaraj, a local resident of Nandavanam, said on Tuesday that the residents have been completely overlooked by the government since the time they were relocated from their original residence near the National Highway when it was extended.

"The place where you are standing is called Nandavanam, located in Tamil Nadu. For the last 16 years, people here have been living without electricity. These residents originally lived near the National Highway (NH), but when the highway was extended, the government of that time relocated them to this spot. Since then, they have been forgotten... 4 Chief Ministers have come and gone. No one has provided the basic requirements for human survival, such as electricity or support for agriculture," he said.

He added that despite submitting numerous petitions to the Tamil Nadu government, no action has been taken by the government to benefit the community.

"Consequently, the residents have decided to boycott the upcoming election until the government fulfils their request for basic amenities," he said.

- ANI
Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has declared it will contest all 234 seats independently in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party will formally introduce its candidates at a public meeting in Mamallapuram, with Vijay expected to outline the party's electoral vision. Vijay is likely to contest from Chennai's Perambur constituency, generating significant interest among youth voters. The campaign launch follows stringent guidelines imposed after a fatal 2025 stampede at a Vijay event, with the Election Commission denying permission for rallies in 12 constituencies.

Actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam announces it will contest all 234 seats independently, launching a major campaign ahead of April 23 polls.

Chennai, March 26 With less than a month remaining for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, political activity across the state has intensified, with parties accelerating campaign strategies and candidate outreach programmes. Actor-turned-politician Vijay has announced that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, will contest all 234 Assembly constituencies independently, signalling an aggressive electoral debut.

The move positions the party as a significant new entrant in a political landscape long dominated by established Dravidian majors.

As part of its campaign rollout, the party is set to introduce its candidates at a high-profile public meeting in Mamallapuram on March 27.

Party sources said Vijay will personally present the candidates on stage and outline the party's vision and electoral roadmap, marking a crucial moment in TVK's preparations.

Vijay is expected to contest from the Perambur constituency in Chennai, according to party insiders, though an official confirmation is awaited.

His potential candidature has generated considerable interest, particularly among first-time voters and youth, who form a key segment of his support base.

The party is preparing to launch its campaign trail in full swing on March 28. Vijay is scheduled to address a series of public meetings across key constituencies in Chennai, including Perambur, Kolathur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar and Virugambakkam.

Permissions have reportedly been granted for gatherings of up to 3,000 people at each venue. However, sources indicate that requests to conduct campaign events in 12 additional constituencies were denied by the Election Commission due to regulatory constraints.

Significantly, these restrictions come in the backdrop of the tragic stampede in Karur on September 27, 2025, during a public programme of Vijay, which resulted in the death of 41 persons. Following the incident, the Tamil Nadu Police imposed stringent guidelines on crowd management and public meetings linked to the actor-politician to prevent similar occurrences.

As polling day approaches, the entry of Vijay and his party is expected to add a new dimension to the electoral contest, even as established alliances continue to consolidate their positions across the state.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his rhetoric against Iran, claiming Tehran is secretly "begging" for a diplomatic deal despite its public rejections. He issued a stark warning that "there is NO TURNING BACK" if the current impasse continues, with his press secretary stating he is prepared to "unleash hell." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly denied any intention to negotiate with Washington, though diplomatic sources say a US peace plan was shared via Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered a contrasting view, suggesting the openness to dialogue from both sides provides hope for a peaceful resolution.

Trump escalates rhetoric, claims Iran secretly negotiating while publicly rejecting US proposals. Tensions rise as White House warns of military action.

Washington, DC, March 26 US President Donald Trump has significantly intensified his rhetoric against Tehran, asserting that Iranian negotiators are "begging" for a diplomatic resolution despite their public claims of merely "looking at our proposal."

In a series of blunt remarks, Trump claimed that Iran has been "militarily obliterated" and further cautioned that the nation has "zero chance of a comeback."

The US President dismissed Tehran's official diplomatic position as "WRONG!!!" and called upon the Iranian leadership to engage seriously in negotiations without delay. He issued a final warning, stating that if the current impasse continues, "there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty," highlighting the critical nature of the escalating tensions.

These developments occurred shortly after Trump suggested that Tehran is seeking a deal to conclude the month-long conflict, despite senior Iranian diplomats publicly dismissing the possibility of discussions with Washington.

Trump, whose public stance has fluctuated between threats and conciliation, claimed that back-channel talks to resolve the war are currently active but suggested that Iranian officials are concealing them due to internal security concerns.

"They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly," Trump stated during a dinner for Republican members of Congress.

He further alleged that Iranian officials are hesitant to admit to these talks publicly. "But they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," he said, adding, "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us."

However, the Islamic Republic's senior leadership has firmly rejected these assertions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that the country has no intention of participating in such negotiations.

"We seek an end to the war on our own terms, of course, and in a way that it will not be repeated here again," Araghchi noted during his broadcast.

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad indicated that Pakistan has shared a 15-point American peace plan with Tehran. Nevertheless, Iran's state-run Press TV cited an anonymous official who confirmed that Tehran had "responded negatively" to the US proposal.

Reinforcing the administration's hardline stance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump "does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell" on Iran should a diplomatic agreement fail to materialise.

Meanwhile, providing a different perspective on the crisis, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that signs of both parties being open to dialogue offered a "glimmer of hope" for a peaceful resolution.

- ANI
Defense Sec says US now operates freely in Iranian airspace

President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is now "begging to make a deal" following sustained US military strikes under "Operation Epic Fury," which he claims have obliterated Iran's navy, air force, and a large percentage of its missile systems. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported this assessment, stating Iran's conventional military is destroyed and the country is at its weakest point ever. Special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed a 15-point framework for a potential peace deal is being mediated through Pakistan, though past talks failed over Iran's refusal to end uranium enrichment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared unprecedented success, with US aircraft now operating freely over Iran, while Trump criticized NATO allies for not contributing to the campaign.

President Trump says Iran is pleading for a deal after US operations he claims have destroyed 90% of its missile launchers and crippled its military.

Washington, March 26 US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran is "begging to make a deal" after weeks of sustained American military strikes that he claimed have crippled Tehran's military capabilities.

Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump asserted that US operations under "Operation Epic Fury" had "obliterated" Iran's military infrastructure, including its navy, air force and missile systems.

"They are begging to make a deal, not me," Trump said, adding, "we've wiped out their Navy completely, their Air Force completely... and a large percentage of their missiles and the missile launchers."

The President said US forces had destroyed "close to 90 percent" of missile launchers and struck factories producing drones and missiles. He warned that Iran now faces a choice between negotiations or continued military pressure.

"They now have a chance to make a deal... If they don't, we're their worst nightmare," he said.

Vice President JD Vance said the military campaign had significantly weakened Iran's conventional forces, giving Washington broader strategic options.

"The Iranian conventional military is effectively destroyed... they don't have a Navy," Vance said, adding that the goal was to ensure "Iran never has a nuclear weapon."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as necessary to counter a long-standing threat, saying Iran had been "killing Americans and attacking Americans across this planet" for decades.

"This is the weakest Iran has ever been," Rubio said, warning that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose "an unacceptable risk for the world."

Special envoy Steve Witkoff said diplomatic efforts were ongoing, with a 15-point framework for a potential peace deal already conveyed through intermediaries.

"We have... presented a 15-point action list that forms the framework for a peace deal," Witkoff said, adding that talks were being mediated via Pakistan and had produced "strong and positive messaging."

However, he said earlier negotiations failed because Iran refused key US demands, including ending uranium enrichment and dismantling nuclear facilities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign had achieved rapid battlefield success.

"Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralised," he said, adding that more than 150 naval vessels had been destroyed and thousands of targets struck.

Hegseth said US aircraft were now operating freely over Iranian airspace, signalling the collapse of Iran's air defences.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said parallel economic pressure had weakened Iran's financial system, claiming it "collapsed in December" under US sanctions.

He added that global oil markets remained stable and shipping activity in the Gulf was beginning to recover.

Trump also criticised NATO allies for not contributing to the campaign, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" and saying the US had acted largely alone.

The President maintained that the operation was ahead of schedule, noting that the mission initially expected to take "four to six weeks" was progressing faster.

"We're extremely... ahead of schedule," he said.

- IANS
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that time is running out for Iran to get serious about a deal, following Tehran's formal five-point response to a US peace proposal. The crisis centers on the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows. Iran's demands include recognition of its sovereignty over the strait and an end to assassinations of its leaders, while the US plan calls for reopening the waterway and ending Iran's nuclear and missile programs. Tensions are further heightened by an Israeli strike that killed a top Iranian naval commander.

Trump warns Iran time is running out for a deal as Tehran issues a 5-point counter-proposal. Stakes rise over the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

New York, March 26 With the world in the throes of an energy crisis from the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that time was running out for Tehran to "get serious" about a deal.

Iran responded to the United States' 15-point peace proposal with a five-point plan, according to the Iranian news agency Tasnim.

Trump said on Truth Social that Iran "better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is no turning back, and it will not be pretty".

He described the Iranian negotiators as "very different and strange", claiming they were "begging" for a deal while publicly saying they were considering the United States proposals.

Later, at an open cabinet meeting, he remarked, "We will see if we can make the right deal, and they make the right deal, and then the strait will open up."

Keeping the Strait open, a chokehold on 20 per cent of fossil fuel flows to the world, has emerged as a top priority for the United States and many countries affected by the blockage.

Trump added, "Even now, we do not know if there are any mines."

Israel said that it had killed the top Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps navy officer. Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander, was killed in a strike on Thursday, according to Israel.

Tasnim reported, quoting "informed sources", that Tehran sent the formal five-point response to the United States proposal through intermediaries.

According to Tasnim, Iran demanded recognition of its "sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz" as a legal right and as a guarantee of any deal that should include no further war. It also sought an end to the campaign of assassinations of its leaders, inclusion of "resistance groups" in the peace deal, and reparations for damages.

Reports said the 15-point United States plan included opening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the nuclear programme encompassing the surrender of uranium stockpiles, and shutting down the ballistic missile programme and the capability to manufacture them.

Tasnim quoted its source as sceptical about the genuineness of the United States offer to negotiate, considering it a ploy to keep oil prices low and to "prepare a new aggressive action".

Trump said that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were joining his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the negotiations.

He did not identify the Iranian negotiators, only saying, "We are dealing with the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader."

Trump added that identifying the interlocutors could lead to their assassination by the Iranians or Israel.

- IANS
The White House has announced that US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15. The summit was postponed from an earlier date due to Trump needing to oversee ongoing US military operations in Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Xi understood the reason for the delay and agreed to the rescheduling. The meeting represents a key diplomatic engagement amid global tensions, with a reciprocal visit by Xi to Washington planned for later this year.

US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15, a summit delayed by US military operations in Iran.

Washington, March 26 US President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing on May 14-15 for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the White House has announced, signalling a renewed high-level engagement between the world's two largest economies amid ongoing global tensions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday said the long-awaited meeting between the two leaders will take place in Beijing, with plans for a reciprocal visit to Washington later this year.

"I'm pleased to announce that President Trump's long-awaited meeting with President Xi in China will now take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th," she said.

Leavitt added that First Lady Melania Trump and President Trump would also host President Xi and Madame Peng for a return visit to Washington at a later date.

The announcement comes after the trip was postponed earlier due to ongoing US military operations in Iran. According to the White House, the rescheduling followed discussions between the two leaders, with Beijing acknowledging the US President's need to remain in Washington during the conflict.

"There was a discussion about the rescheduling of the meeting between the president and President Xi. President Xi understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout these combat operations right now," Leavitt said.

She clarified that the timing of the meeting was not tied to any specific outcome in the Iran conflict.

"No, there was a discussion about the rescheduling of the meeting... President Xi understood... the request to postpone and accepted it," she said when asked if the end of the war was a precondition for the summit.

The meeting is expected to take place as Washington continues its military campaign against Iran, with the administration indicating that operations are progressing "ahead of schedule."

Leavitt said officials had initially estimated a four- to six-week timeline for the Iran campaign, suggesting the conflict could still be ongoing when the summit takes place.

The planned Beijing meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the United States and China at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, including competition over trade, technology, and global influence.

- IANS
The Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi has accused Russia of conducting a disinformation operation by circulating fabricated claims about the detention of Ukrainian citizens in India. It alleges Kremlin-linked provocateurs passed false information concocted by Russian security services to Indian authorities. The embassy strongly criticized what it calls Russia's attempt to interfere in India's internal affairs and draw the country into a foreign political agenda. The statement also referenced international legal actions against Russia, including an ICC arrest warrant for its president.

Ukrainian Embassy alleges Russia fabricated info on detained Ukrainian citizens in India as part of a disinformation campaign to interfere in Indian affairs.

New Delhi, March 26 The Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday accused Russia of attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes, alleging that Moscow had circulated fabricated claims regarding the detention of Ukrainian citizens in India.

In an official comment issued, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry and described them as part of a broader disinformation effort.

"Recently, Russia's Ministry of Propaganda, which also masquerades as its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a comment by its so-called "official representative" regarding the detention of Ukrainian citizens in India," the embassy said.

The statement alleged that the information about the supposed Ukrainian "terrorists" had been fabricated.

"According to Indian media reports, it was Kremlin-linked provocateurs who passed to the competent authorities of India fabricated 'information,' concocted within FSB structures, about supposed Ukrainian 'terrorists'. This bears all the hallmarks of a deliberate disinformation operation typical of the Russian special services, which systematically use fabrications as a tool of foreign policy and seek to draw India into a political script not of its own making," it said.

The embassy further accused Moscow of attempting to draw India into its geopolitical agenda.

"It appears that Moscow still operates under the false assumption that it can interfere in the internal affairs of other states and use India as an instrument for advancing its own geopolitical interests. Such an approach is not merely mistaken - it is outright insulting to a nation with a millennia-old civilizational tradition, a strong democratic system, and independent institutions," the statment said.

Calling India a sovereign nation with strong democratic institutions, the embassy added that such assumptions reflect " a profound disregard for India's sovereignty."

"It reflects a profound disregard for India's sovereignty and a failure to understand that its system of justice neither can nor will operate on the basis of external political instructions," the statement said.

"India is a sovereign democratic state, and a court in New Delhi is not a branch of Moscow's Khamovnichesky or Lefortovsky district courts, widely known for politically motivated verdicts, grave human rights abuses, and contempt for international law," the statement said, referring to Russian courts that it alleged to be known for politically motivated verdicts.

The Ukrainian embassy also referenced legal actions taken against the Russian leadership by international institutions, noting that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 over alleged war crimes, including the unlawful deportation of civilians from Ukrainian territories.

"We also wish to recall that the leader of present-day Russia is a dictator whom international justice has found to be implicated in war crimes. On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin, having found sufficient grounds to hold him individually criminally responsible for war crimes, in particular the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of population, especially children, from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia," the statement said.

The statement also accused Russia of using private military networks abroad, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union against the Wagner Group for alleged human rights abuses and destabilisation activities in multiple regions.

The statement said, "Systematic interference in the internal affairs of other states, manipulation, disinformation, and open contempt for the UN Charter are hallmarks of contemporary Russian foreign policy. Russia continues to export sabotage and terrorism through networks of private military and security structures operating in dozens of countries around the world. This is an internationally recognised fact."

It added, "Back in 2021, the European Union imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group for grave human rights abuses and the destabilisation of entire regions, from Ukraine to Africa. After Russia's full-scale invasion, these measures were substantially broadened to target not only Wagner fighters and commanders, but also the economic networks sustaining their operations, including those linked to the illicit extraction of natural resources."

The embassy additionally pointed to Russia's defence cooperation with Myanmar, saying Moscow had supplied military equipment, including Su-30SME fighter jets and helicopters, under a cooperation programme covering 2026-30.

The statement said, "As regards Myanmar, the international community has repeatedly delivered a clear political assessment of developments in the country. The UN General Assembly Resolution 75/287 of June 2021 condemned the military coup and called upon all Member States to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2669 of December 2022 explicitly demands an immediate end to all forms of violence against civilians."

"Against this background, particular attention should be paid to Russia's role as one of the key suppliers of arms to Myanmar's military structures, which objectively affects the level of tension and the broader security situation in the region. In February 2026, the parties signed a military cooperation programme for 2026-2030. Within this framework, the regime in Myanmar received six Su-30SME fighter aircraft in March this year, while Mi-38T helicopters had already been supplied earlier. In addition, Moscow provides training for Myanmar military personnel," the statement added.

At the same time, the Ukrainian embassy highlighted remarks by an Indian police official suggesting that allegations regarding Ukrainian suspects had not been substantiated so far.

It cited a statement made on March 18 by Stephen Lalrinawma, Superintendent of Police, CID (Special Branch), Mizoram Police, who reportedly said that despite enhanced border surveillance, "no suspects had been intercepted" and that no terror-related activity had been detected in the state.

"Despite Russia's attempts to manipulate the situation and use India in its game against Ukraine, the official statements of Indian law-enforcement authorities are particularly telling. On 18 March 2026, Stephen Lalrinawma, Superintendent of Police, CID (Special Branch), Mizoram Police, stated that even under enhanced border surveillance, no suspects had been intercepted. He further noted that no terror-related activity had been detected and that there had been no report of any terror link or untoward activity affecting Mizoram so far, " the statement said.

"These statements are important because they do not substantiate the allegations being circulated and point to the absence, at this stage, of any established evidence to support them. They also underscore the need for a cautious and measured assessment of the situation based on verified facts, rather than unverified information or disinformation," the embassy said.

Reaffirming its position, Ukraine said it had confidence in India's legal system and called for an impartial investigation.

"Ukraine has confidence in India's system of investigation and justice, which is currently facing unprecedented informational and political pressure from Russian special services and propaganda," the statement said.

"In this context, we call on the competent Indian authorities not to yield to provocations and to ensure an independent, impartial, and fair consideration of the case. The Ukrainian side reaffirms its full readiness to cooperate and to take part in a transparent investigation aimed at establishing the objective truth," it added, while expressing readiness to cooperate in a transparent investigation.

- ANI
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a grave warning that the Middle East conflict has spiraled "out of control" and is on the brink of a wider war. He emphasized the massive human suffering and the severe risk of a deeper global economic shock, particularly for developing nations. In response, Guterres appointed Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN mediation efforts. He urgently called for diplomatic intervention, specifically urging the US, Israel, and Iran to de-escalate and respect international law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns the Middle East conflict is spiraling, urges US, Israel, and Iran to de-escalate to avert global economic shock.

Brussels, March 26 In an urgent appeal to the global community, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference, Guterres warned that the situation had spiralled out of control and was on the brink of triggering a broader war with far-reaching consequences.

"Just hours into the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, I warned that the fighting risked triggering a chain reaction that no one could control," Guterres said. "More than three weeks on, the war is out of control. The conflict has broken past the limits even leaders thought unimaginable."

He emphasized that the ongoing violence is not only causing massive human suffering but is also shaking the global economy. "The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock," he remarked.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Guterres appointed Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts in mediating the conflict and addressing its humanitarian impact.

He reiterated the necessity of diplomatic intervention, urging all parties involved to stop escalating the violence. His call to the United States and Israel was clear: "It is high time to end the war -- as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount, and the global economic impact is increasingly devastating."

The Secretary-General also addressed the role of Iran in the conflict, urging the nation to cease attacks on neighbours not involved in the fighting. "My message to Iran is to stop attacking theirneighbours that are not parties to the conflict," he said.

The impact of the war is not confined to the Middle East. Guterres warned of severe global repercussions, particularly the effect on developing countries already grappling with poverty and food insecurity. "Without fertilizers today, we might have hunger tomorrow," he cautioned.

Guterres concluded his remarks by reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to peace and diplomacy. "War is not the answer. We need a way out of this disaster. Diplomacy is the way out. Full respect of international law is the way out. Peace is the way out."

This stark warning reflects the urgency of global action to bring an end to the ongoing conflict and prevent further escalation.

- ANI
In response to growing concerns over cooking gas shortages, the Shri Ram Leela Club in Jammu's Sainik Colony has launched "Ram Rasoi," a community kitchen providing traditional earthen stoves and firewood. The initiative symbolizes resilience and togetherness, with local women uniting to cook meals. The effort is complemented by devotional singing, reinforcing a message of collective strength. This community action contrasts with political protests in Delhi over the same issue, highlighting a grassroots approach to crisis.

Amid LPG shortage fears, Jammu's Shri Ram Leela Club starts Ram Rasoi, a community kitchen using traditional stoves to foster resilience and unity.

Jammu, March 25 As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, their ripple effects are beginning to be felt in India, with growing concerns over an alleged shortage of cooking gas in several parts of the country. Amid this uncertainty, a powerful example of unity and community support has emerged from Jammu.

In the Sainik Colony area, the Shri Ram Leela Club has launched a unique initiative called "Ram Rasoi." The community kitchen has been set up to assist families who may struggle due to gas shortages by providing traditional earthen stoves and firewood, ensuring that no household faces difficulty in preparing meals.

More than just a logistical arrangement, Ram Rasoi reflects a deeper message of resilience and togetherness. Women from the locality are coming together to cook on traditional stoves, symbolising both self-reliance and collective strength.

Adding to the spirit of solidarity, devotional singing and bhajans are being organised alongside, reinforcing a message of hope and unity--that India stands strong in the face of challenges and overcomes adversity through shared effort.

At a time of uncertainty, Jammu's Ram Rasoi stands as a living example of how communities can come together, support one another, and turn crisis into an opportunity for collective resilience.

Earlier this month, Congress workers staged a protest outside the Indian National Congress headquarters in Delhi on March 13 over the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders, demanding the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

The demonstrators accused the Centre of failing to ensure an adequate supply of cooking gas and misleading the public about the situation.

During the protest, party workers set up a makeshift chulha (traditional stove) and prepared tea as a symbolic demonstration, raising slogans against the government and highlighting the difficulties faced by households due to the reported shortage.

Protesters claimed that many families across the country are struggling to obtain LPG cylinders and have been forced to revert to traditional cooking methods.

As this happened, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted that the situation in West Asia amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict was "worrisome" and had a severe impact on the global economy and people's lives.

"The region where this war is taking place is also an important route for our trade with other countries of the world. In particular, a large part of our needs for crude oil and gas is met by this very region," the PM said in Lok Sabha.

- ANI
The United States Central Command has confirmed that Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. US Admiral Brad Cooper stated that Tangsiri's elimination makes the region safer, citing his role in harassing merchant vessels and attacking ships. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the strike, which also killed the head of the IRGC Navy's intelligence division, Hanam Rezaei. The US warned remaining IRGC-N personnel to abandon their posts to avoid further military action.

US Central Command confirms Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, IRGC Navy commander, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, calling it a blow to Iran's maritime terror.

Washington DC, March 27 The United States Central Command confirmed on Thursday that Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a statement, Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of US CENTCOM, said the elimination of Tangsiri "makes the region safer", asserting that the IRGC-N under his leadership had harassed merchant vessels, attacked ships with drones and missiles, and caused civilian casualties.

It highlighted that Tangsiri had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Treasury in 2019, with further sanctions added in 2024 over drone development.

"The death of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps - Navy (IRGC-N) commander, Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, from an Israeli airstrike makes the region safer. Tangsiri commanded the IRGC-N for eight years, during which time the IRGC harassed thousands of innocent merchant mariners, attacked hundreds of vessels with one-way attack drones and missiles, and killed countless innocent civilians. He was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Treasury in June 2019, with additional secondary sanctions added in 2024 related to drone development," the statement read.

The CENTCOM chief added that since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a US-led campaign against Iran's naval forces, "92% of the large ships in the Iranian Navy have been eliminated", leaving the IRGC-N effectively unable to project power in the Middle East or beyond, and warned that US military strikes would continue and urged Iranian personnel in the IRGC-N to abandon their posts to avoid further harm.

"U.S. military strikes on the IRGC-N will continue. Therefore, we call on every Iranian serving in the IRGC-N to immediately abandon their post and return home to avoid further risk of unnecessary injury or death," the statement read.

Earlier in the day, the IDF confirmed the elimination of the top command of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, including its commander and the head of its intelligence division.

In a post on X, the IDF confirmed that the Israeli Air Force, under precise intelligence guidance from Military Intelligence and the Navy's Intelligence Branch, struck overnight in Bandar Abbas and eliminated Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Navy over the past eight years.

The IDF stated that Tangsiri held key roles, "including overseeing the regime's maritime terror activities and coordinating between Iranian military forces in the Gulf region".

Tangsiri also "led the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and promoted terror actions in the maritime domain, being one of the main figures responsible for disrupting the global economy."

Along with Tangsiri, the IDF confirmed the elimination of Hanam Rezaei, the head of the Navy's Intelligence Division.

Rezaei was described as a "hub of knowledge in maritime intelligence" who engaged in intelligence gathering on regional countries and led collaborations with various intelligence organisations.

According to the IDF, this operation joins dozens of eliminations of Iranian commanders, constituting "another severe blow to the Revolutionary Guards' command and control systems and to their ability to conduct terror activities in the maritime domain against regional countries."

- ANI
US CENTCOM has stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is continuing flight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters. This comes a day after Iran's Navy claimed the carrier was forced to change position and issued a new warning that it is under constant surveillance and will be targeted if it enters Iranian missile range. The tensions follow a recent de-escalation by former US President Donald Trump, who stepped back from an ultimatum to strike Iranian power plants. Iran's Foreign Minister has ruled out negotiations, stating the country's policy is to continue "resistance" against what it calls unprovoked aggression.

US CENTCOM confirms carrier operations against Iran targets. Iranian Navy issues warning, monitors ship. Tensions high despite Trump's de-escalation.

Washington DC, March 26 A day after Iran's Navy claimed that the USS Abraham Lincoln was forced to change its position after coming under a barrage of curise missile fire, US CENTCOM has clarified that the carrier continyes fight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters

In a post on X, US CENTCOM said, "USS Abraham Lincoln continues flight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters."

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the United States Navy.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Iranian Navy issued another direct warning to the United States, stating that its aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, is being closely monitored and faces potential strikes if it approaches Iranian territory.

According to a report by the state broadcaster Press TV, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani warned that the USS Abraham Lincoln is under constant surveillance and will be targeted by the Army Navy if it enters the range of Iran's missile systems.

The naval threat follows a broader dismissal of American influence by senior military officials in Tehran, who have characterised Washington's recent diplomatic overtures as a facade. Press TV reported that Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that the "strategic power" previously flaunted by the US has now "turned into a strategic defeat."

These remarks come in the wake of a significant de-escalation by US President Donald Trump, who recently stepped back from a 48-hour ultimatum to launch strikes against Iranian power plants. This shift occurred after the Islamic Republic issued a stern warning that any such aggression would result in the reciprocal targeting of every energy and power installation across the region.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."

"There are no negotiations underway," he reiterated as quoted by Press TV elsewhere in his remarks, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

The foreign minister said that although regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, Tehran's stance has remained "principled and firm".

Meanwhile, Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said that there has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran.

"We settled 8 wars. We are winning another one. Nobody has seen anything like what we are doing in the Middle East with Iran. They are negotiating, by the way. They want to make a deal so badly, but they are afraid to say it because they figure they will be killed by their own people. They are also afraid they will be killed by us. There has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran."

- ANI
The White House has announced that the United States and Iran are engaged in "productive" diplomatic conversations over the past three days. These talks occurred alongside the ongoing US military campaign, which the administration claims has significantly weakened Iran's capabilities. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the diplomatic outreach followed a shift in Iran's posture after recent US actions, leading President Trump to temporarily postpone certain planned strikes. However, she emphasized the broader military operation remains active and warned Iran must cooperate or face intensified consequences.

White House says US and Iran are in productive diplomatic talks while military operations continue, signaling a potential opening amid conflict.

Washington, March 26 The United States and Iran are engaged in "productive" talks even as US military operations continue, the White House said, signalling a possible diplomatic opening amid an ongoing conflict that Washington claims is nearing its objectives.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at her news conference on Wednesday (local time) that discussions between Washington and Tehran have taken place over the past three days, following intensified US military pressure on Iran.

"As President Trump announced on Monday, the United States has been engaged over the last three days in productive conversations," she said.

The talks come as the US continues its military campaign under "Operation Epic Fury," which the administration says has significantly weakened Iran's offensive and defensive capabilities.

Leavitt said the diplomatic outreach followed a shift in Iran's posture after recent US actions.

"Following President Trump's powerful threat on Saturday evening, it was made clear to the United States that Iran wanted to talk," she said.

As a result of these discussions, President Donald Trump ordered a temporary pause on certain planned strikes.

"The president (was led) to temporarily instruct the Department of War to postpone planned strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure only," Leavitt said.

However, she made clear that the broader military campaign remains active.

"The remaining elements of the Iranian regime have another opportunity to cooperate... But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment... President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before," she said.

Leavitt emphasised that negotiations are ongoing but highly sensitive, declining to disclose details about participants or the substance of discussions.

"We're not going to get into the nitty-gritty details that have been exchanged between the United States and Iran at this time," she said.

She also pushed back against media reports about a proposed US "15-point plan" to end the war, warning against reliance on anonymous sources.

"I would caution reporters... from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources. The White House never confirmed that full plan," she said.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, the administration maintained a firm stance that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and cease threats to US interests and allies.

Leavitt said the US military campaign is "very close to meeting the core objectives" of the operation, which officials earlier estimated would take four to six weeks.

The White House also indicated that while talks are ongoing, there is no confirmation of additional meetings or locations, cautioning against speculation about future negotiations.

"Nothing should be deemed official until it is announced formally by the White House," she said.

The conflict has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.

- IANS
Risk of a gap in US human spaceflight

US lawmakers and safety officials warn that the ageing International Space Station is entering its highest-risk phase as plans for a transition to commercial platforms proceed. They express serious concern about a potential gap in US human spaceflight capability in low Earth orbit, which China could exploit with its continuously crewed Tiangong station. Industry leaders highlight massive economic growth in the commercial space sector but urge policy clarity from NASA to secure investment. NASA states its strategy aims to spur private sector development to replace the ISS by 2030 and become one of many customers in a commercial marketplace.

US officials warn of risks in transitioning from the ISS to commercial stations, fearing a capability gap that China could exploit in low Earth orbit.

Washington, March 26 US lawmakers and officials have warned of risks in the transition from the International Space Station to commercial space platforms, as China expands its presence in low Earth orbit.

House Science Committee Chairman Brian Babin on Wednesday (local time) said, "The International Space Station... is a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrates the ingenuity of the American space program."

He stated the ISS has supported human spaceflight and research for more than 25 years. But he noted the station is ageing and the next phase must be handled carefully.

Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos stressed the need for competition with China. "America must lead in low Earth orbit," he said.

He said space leadership is not only about deep space missions. It also depends on the strength in low Earth orbit.

Safety concerns were raised by Charles J. Precourt, Member of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.

"The ISS is operating in the highest-risk phase of its lifecycle," Precourt said.

He said ageing systems and wear are increasing risks.

"Continued safe operation is achievable, but it is not assured without sustained engineering rigour, disciplined risk management, and adequate resourcing," he said.

Precourt also warned about the transition.

"There is a credible risk of a gap in US human spaceflight capability in low Earth orbit," he said.

He said such a gap could affect research and future missions.

Industry leaders pointed to strong demand for space-based work.

David Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation, said, "The global value... is already estimated at $570 billion and projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035."

He said private research on the ISS has grown fast.

Cavossa urged policy clarity. "NASA should proceed with the CLD procurement and provide industry with certainty of its acquisition strategy, requirements, and procurement timeline," he said.

He warned that delays could hurt investment and slow new stations.

NASA said it is preparing for the shift.

Joel R. Montalbano, Acting Associate Administrator for Space Operations, said, "NASA's strategy will spur private sector initiative and a commercial pathway to replace the International Space Station by 2030."

He added NASA aims to be "one of many customers in a robust commercial marketplace in LEO."

Montalbano said the ISS has supported major research in science and human health.

Lawmakers stated that avoiding a gap in human presence in orbit is critical.

Babin warned that after decades of continuous presence, any gap would be significant.

The ISS was completed in 2011 after years of delays. It has hosted nearly 200 American astronauts.

China launched its Tiangong space station in 2022. It has been continuously crewed since then.

US officials said the next few years will decide leadership in low Earth orbit.

- IANS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will use immigration agents (ICE) to verify travelers' identification at 16 airport security checkpoints, a senior TSA leader has confirmed to Gate Access.

14 of those airports have been identified. The remaining 2 are unknown.

Beginning Monday, March 23, the Trump administration deployed hundreds of ICE officers to airports across the country to help manage security lines that have stretched for hours. The move comes after thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers stopped showing up for work because they had missed several paychecks.

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Gate Access obtained an internal TSA leadership communication directing supervisors to brief their teams on the deployment during regular shift briefings for the next seven days. The message, sent from the agency's Senior Leadership Team, confirmed that ICE colleagues had been authorized to work at 16 airports to assist with queue management, divest assistance, and travel document checking (TDC)  freeing TSA officers to focus on the security screening mission.

"As TSA navigates this difficult time in our third shutdown, we understand that the workforce is stretched and in need of resources," the message read in part. "Your airport may see ICE agents working with TSA to ensure safety and security at the checkpoints."

Which airports have ICE agents?

According to a list obtained by ABC News  and confirmed by reporting from CNN, NBC News, and others  ICE officers have been deployed to the following airports:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)

LaGuardia Airport, New York (LGA)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers (RSW)

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The list is subject to change, according to sources. No California airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, had ICE deployments as of Monday.

What are ICE agents actually doing at checkpoints?

Federal officials have been careful to draw a clear line: ICE agents are not performing security screening. They are not operating X-ray machines, running magnetometers, or making enforcement decisions about what goes on an aircraft.

According to acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, ICE agents are helping operate the credential authentication machine at the travel document checker position. This security step verifies passenger IDs before passengers enter the screening lane.

White House border czar Tom Homan told CNN that ICE officers would also assist with queue management, monitoring exit lanes, and crowd control  tasks designed to free up TSA screeners to perform the specialized work only they are trained to do.

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"We're simply there to help TSA do their job in areas that don't need their specialized expertise, such as screening through the X-ray machine," Homan said.

Why ICE can help with ID checks  but not much else

ICE agents are not airport security officers. The training gap between the two agencies is significant, and it shapes what ICE can realistically contribute during a staffing crisis.

A senior ICE official confirmed to NBC News that agents are trained in crowd control, line monitoring, and ID verification  skills relevant to the front portion of the checkpoint process. What they are not trained to do is identify disguised weapons, detect explosive devices, or operate the screening technology that defines TSA's core mission.

"It takes four to six months to train TSA agents, and every screening duty has different certifications that require annual recertification," an official from the TSA workers' union said. The union's local secretary-treasurer at Dallas-Fort Worth put it plainly: "We're trying to detect IEDs, weapons, and stuff of that nature."

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Former acting ICE Director John Sandweg echoed those limitations, telling Axios that while ICE agents could technically help with ID checks, much of that process is now automated through credential authentication machines  limiting how much their presence actually moves the line.

What travelers should expect right now

If your flight departs from one of the 14 airports on the current deployment list, plan for a longer security process than normal  potentially significantly longer.

The TSA's own wait-time tracker is currently unavailable at several airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson, where the system was not designed to function outside the checkpoint and cannot properly track the current volume of passengers queued outside the terminal. Atlanta officials advised travelers to allow at least four hours before domestic and international flights.

ICE agents at security checkpoints are not there to conduct immigration enforcement, according to DHS. Trump confirmed Monday that while ICE agents may arrest undocumented immigrants they encounter, doing so is not their primary mission at airports. The president has also requested that agents not wear the masks they typically wear during street operations.

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Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, have raised concerns about the deployment's potential to create fear among immigrant communities, regardless of the official parameters of the mission.

One last thing

Here's what this looks like from the checkpoint side: the credential authentication machine  the device ICE agents are reportedly helping operate  is one of the first stops in the airport security process. It reads your ID, cross-references it, and lights up green or red for the TSA officer behind it.

Operating that machine does not require a TSA certification. It is a support function, not a screening function. The real bottleneck has always been the lanes themselves, the X-rays, the pat-downs, the unpacking and re-packing of bags. That work requires trained TSA officers, and no amount of ICE deployment changes how many of those officers are or aren't showing up.

Until TSA workers receive back pay and the DHS funding standoff ends, expect longer lines, regardless of who is standing near the front.
The White House claims US military operations against Iran are ahead of schedule and nearing core objectives, having significantly degraded Iran's capabilities. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the campaign has struck over 9,000 targets and reduced Iranian missile and drone attacks by roughly 90%. Despite the military success, Washington is engaged in what it calls "productive" talks with Tehran, leading to a temporary postponement of planned US strikes. The administration is also working to stabilize global energy markets affected by the conflict in the critical Strait of Hormuz.

White House says Operation Epic Fury is ahead of schedule, degrading Iran's military, as "productive" talks aim to end the conflict. Details inside.

Washington, March 26 The White House has said that US military operations against Iran are "ahead of schedule" and nearing core objectives, even as Washington continues "productive" talks with Tehran aimed at ending the conflict.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday (local time) that the United States was close to achieving the main goals of "Operation Epic Fury," describing the campaign as a "resounding military triumph" after nearly four weeks of combat operations.

"Just over three weeks in, it's abundantly clear that Operation Epic Fury has been a resounding military triumph," she said, adding that more than 9,000 enemy targets had been struck so far.

Leavitt said Iran's missile and drone attacks had dropped "by roughly 90 per cent" since the start of the operation. She also claimed the US had destroyed more than 140 Iranian naval vessels, calling it "the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II."

"Our military efforts grow more successful with each passing day, steadily degrading Iran's ability to terrorise merchant ships," she said.

The White House said the campaign had significantly weakened Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. Over the weekend, US forces dropped "several 5,000-pound bombs" on an underground facility used to store anti-ship missiles and launchers near the strait.

Leavitt said the US was "very close to meeting the core objectives" of the operation, which officials had earlier estimated would take four to six weeks. At 25 days into the campaign, she said the military was "ahead of schedule and performing exceptionally."

Despite the ongoing strikes, Washington signalled openness to diplomacy. Leavitt said Iran had indicated it wanted to engage after recent US pressure.

"Following President Trump's powerful threat on Saturday evening, it was made clear to the United States that Iran wanted to talk," she said.

She confirmed that talks over the past three days had been "productive," leading President Donald Trump to temporarily postpone planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

However, she warned that military action could intensify if negotiations fail.

"If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment... President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before," Leavitt said, adding that the president "does not bluff."

She also dismissed media reports about a proposed US "15-point plan" to end the war, calling them partly inaccurate and based on "speculative plans from anonymous sources."

The administration is working to stabilise global energy markets amid the conflict. Measures include coordinating with international partners to release oil supplies and issuing waivers to ease fuel constraints.

Leavitt said there was no immediate timeline for fully reopening tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz but described it as a key objective.

On diplomacy, she reiterated that negotiations remain sensitive and ongoing. "We're not going to get into the nitty-gritty details... these talks are ongoing," she said.

The White House also announced that President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14-15, after being postponed due to the conflict.

- IANS
Cite surge in packages to US states

Warn of serious health risks without supervision

A group of US senators has written to the FDA, demanding immediate action against the illegal online sale of abortion pills, which they say often originate from manufacturers in India. They warn that these unapproved drugs, sold without prescriptions or medical oversight, pose serious health risks to women. The lawmakers cite alarming data, including one estimate of up to 100,000 packages shipped into the US in 2023. They have called for stronger enforcement, including intercepting shipments and criminal investigations, with a response deadline of April 8.

US senators warn FDA about illegal online abortion pills from India, citing health risks and a surge in unapproved shipments entering the US market.

Washington, March 26 A group of US senators have urged federal regulators to act against illegal online sales of abortion pills, flagging links to overseas supply chains, including India.

In a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary on Wednesday, the lawmakers called for "immediate action" to stop "misbranded and unapproved versions of the chemical abortion drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol" entering the US market.

They said the "illegal sale of these drugs harms women and undermines the FDA's core mission to protect American consumers."

The senators warned that easy online access without medical supervision "poses serious risks to women's health and increases the risk of forced and coerced abortions."

The letter draws attention to global supply chains. It said drugs sold by foreign websites "often come from a variety of manufacturers in India."

Lawmakers said the scale of the online market is growing fast. One provider sent 43,259 packages to 30 US states in a year. Another estimate said "as many as 1,00,000 packages" were shipped into the US in 2023.

The senators identified four main channels. These include US-based telehealth clinics, foreign clinics, informal networks, and online pharmacies. Many, they said, operate without prescriptions or proper oversight.

They said some websites falsely claim to sell "FDA-approved" drugs. In reality, they ship unapproved versions from overseas manufacturers.

The letter also raised safety concerns. Some platforms advise users not to tell doctors they took the drugs.

The lawmakers urged the FDA to step up enforcement. They called for warning letters, action against website domains, and stronger coordination with customs and postal authorities to intercept shipments.

They also asked for criminal investigations. The letter cited a 2020 case where a US resident was prosecuted for selling abortion pills sourced from India without prescriptions.

The senators said the FDA must "fully leverage its authorities" and prioritise the issue.

The letter was led by Senator Bill Cassidy. It was signed by Senators Steve Daines, James Lankford, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Lindsey Graham.

They have asked the FDA to respond with details of enforcement steps by April 8.

Medication abortion is widely used in the US. It typically involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol under regulated conditions.

- IANS
Senior U.S. defense and intelligence officials have testified that space is now a contested warfighting domain, with adversaries developing capabilities to threaten critical satellites. They identified China as the "pacing competitor" and highlighted threats like anti-satellite weapons, cyber attacks, and electronic jamming. The U.S. is responding by expanding its satellite network, accelerating acquisitions, and leveraging the commercial space sector for innovation. Control of space is deemed essential for military success, supporting everything from communications and navigation to missile warning systems.

US defense officials warn China and Russia are developing anti-satellite weapons, making space a critical contested domain for modern warfare.

Washington, March 26 The United States warned that space is now a contested warfighting domain, with China and Russia developing capabilities to threaten American satellites.

Senior defence and intelligence officials told lawmakers on Wednesday (local time) that modern warfare depends heavily on space systems. These include communications, navigation, and intelligence.

"Outer space is an increasingly complex and contested warfighting domain," Assistant Secretary of War for Space Policy Marc Berkowitz said.

He said adversaries are building systems to deny the US access to space and weaken its military edge. He described China as the "pacing competitor" shaping US strategy.

Officials said recent conflicts have shown the growing role of space. They pointed to operations in the Middle East and lessons from Ukraine. Satellite-based systems helped track targets, support troops and counter enemy actions.

Lt Gen Douglas Schiess of the US Space Force said space superiority is critical for military success. He said Guardians provide missile warning, communications and electronic warfare support to forces in the field.

Officials warned that threats to space assets are rising fast. These include anti-satellite weapons, cyber attacks and electronic jamming.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency said adversaries are investing in systems to "disrupt, degrade and deny access" in space.

The National Reconnaissance Office said it is expanding its satellite network. It now operates more than 200 satellites as part of a shift to more resilient systems.

US officials said they are working to speed up space acquisitions. They are also relying more on private companies to deliver new technologies.

Thomas Ainsworth, the Air Force's top space acquisition official, said the goal is to deliver capabilities faster and at lower cost. He said the US must use innovation from the commercial space sector.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the defence industrial base. They said supply chains and workforce shortages could affect future space programmes.

The hearing comes as the Trump administration pushes a new missile defence plan known as the Golden Dome. Officials said the system will rely on space-based sensors and interceptors to track and stop advanced threats.

Officials said control of space will shape future conflicts. Satellites now support nearly every military operation on land, sea and air.

The United States has relied on space systems for decades. But the domain is becoming more crowded and competitive. China has rapidly expanded its satellite network. Russia continues to develop counterspace weapons.

The growing competition in space is expected to deepen cooperation with allies and partners, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where China's capabilities remain a key concern.

- IANS
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended greetings to the state's people on the occasion of Ram Navami. He described Lord Ram as a symbol of faith and an inspiration for virtues like patience and righteousness. The CM also highlighted his participation in a Kanya Pujan ceremony during Chaitra Navratri, linking it to societal values like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao." The festival is celebrated as a worship of divine feminine power and is observed with great devotion across India.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami extends Ram Navami greetings, urging people to follow Lord Ram's ideals of patience and righteousness for inspiration.

Dehradun, March 25 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday extended Ram Navami greetings to the people of the state.

In his message, the Chief Minister said, "Lord Shri Ram is a symbol of our faith, and his ideal character inspires us to move forward in life. His personality is a unique example of virtues such as patience, dignity, sacrifice, penance, moral conduct, righteousness, and altruism."

"The way Lord Shri Ram faced every challenge in his life with idealism and patience will remain a source of inspiration for all humanity. He urged the people of the state to strive to imbibe the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram in their lives," he further said.

He expressed his hope that this sacred festival of Ram Navami brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into everyone's lives.

On Tuesday, CM Dhami participated in a mass Kanya Pujan ceremony held at the Sanatan Dharma Temple.

On this occasion, he extended his greetings to the people of the state on the festival of Chaitra Navratri and said that it is not merely a festival of faith, but a grand celebration of the worship of divine feminine power through devotion, faith, and cultural values.

He described the worship of 1,100 young girls as extremely auspicious and appreciated the organising committee for the initiative. He said that such events play an important role in strengthening respect for women in society and reinforcing values like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao."

Chaitra Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great fervour across India. The nine-day festival involves the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, with devotees observing fasts, performing rituals, and visiting temples to seek divine blessings.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Dehradun-Pithoragarh-Dehradun flight service, which will cut travel time between the cities to just one hour. He credited the central government's UDAN scheme for revolutionizing air connectivity and making it affordable for common people. The service is seen as a strategic lifeline for the mountainous state, aiding in supply delivery and medical emergencies. Further aviation development includes a 450 crore upgrade for Pithoragarh Airport and plans for 100 new airports under UDAN 2.0.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates new flight service, highlighting UDAN scheme's role in making air travel affordable and connecting remote areas.

Dehradun, March 26 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the Dehradun-Pithoragarh-Dehradun flight service at Jolly Grant Airport.

On the occasion, he said that the launch of the 42-seater aircraft service between Dehradun and Pithoragarh will reduce travel time between the two cities to just one hour. He added that the service is also strategically very important.

The Chief Minister noted that there was a time when air travel was considered accessible only to the privileged and affluent sections of society. "However, today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even an ordinary citizen wearing slippers can afford to travel by air. He highlighted that the UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, has brought a new revolution in the civil aviation sector by connecting smaller cities, remote, and border areas to the air network and providing affordable air services to the common people," he said.

He further stated that the central government recently approved UDAN 2.0, under which a target has been set to develop 100 new airports and 200 new heliports over the next 10 years, with an estimated budget of around 29,000 crore. The expansion aims to strengthen regional air connectivity, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and ensure affordable and accessible air services in remote and hilly areas.

Dhami emphasised that for a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, air services are not just a means of transport but have become a lifeline. From delivering essential supplies to remote regions to transporting critically ill patients to major hospitals for timely treatment, air connectivity has proven highly effective.

He added that currently, 26 air routes are operational in the state under the UDAN scheme. To further enhance connectivity in remote areas, the "Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme" was launched in 2023, under which regular flights are currently operating on six routes. Over the past four years, the number of heliports in the state has increased from 2 to 12, while helipads have grown from 60 to 118. Uttarakhand has also received national recognition as the "Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem."

The Chief Minister said that with the launch of the Dehradun-Pithoragarh air service, people from Pithoragarh can now reach Dehradun within an hour, which will give a significant boost to the local economy. He added that border areas were neglected for years in the past, which limited their development, but now both the central and state governments are working together to bring these regions into the mainstream of development. As part of these efforts, helicopter services have also been started between Pithoragarh and Munsyari.

He further informed that the government is working on the development of Pithoragarh Airport with an investment of 450 crore. Additionally, on the occasion of the State Foundation Day, in the presence of the Prime Minister, an MoU was signed between the Airports Authority of India and the Uttarakhand government for the acquisition of Naini Saini Airport, which will further benefit the region in the future.

On this occasion, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu extended his best wishes for the Dehradun-Pithoragarh flight service through a video message and assured continued support for enhancing aviation facilities in the state.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with his wife Geeta Dhami, performed the traditional Kanya Pujan at their residence on Ram Navami. He served food to young girls and honoured them as forms of the divine feminine. In his greetings, Dhami stated that the life of Lord Ram inspires a path of truth, duty, and righteousness. He prayed for the state's progress and highlighted the festival's role in strengthening moral values and social harmony.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife performed Kanya Pujan at home on Ram Navami, extending wishes and highlighting Lord Ram's ideals for the state.

Dehradun, March 27 On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with his wife Geeta Dhami, performed Kanya Pujan at his residence and honoured young girls as embodiments of the Devi. Following traditional customs, he served them food and sought their blessings.

Extending his greetings to the people of the state, the Chief Minister said, "Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of Shri Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram. The life and character of Lord Shri Ram inspire us to walk on the path of truth and righteousness with a strong sense of duty."

He prayed that Lord Shri Ram bless everyone with happiness, prosperity, and well-being and that the state continues to progress steadily. He added that the festival of Ram Navami strengthens our faith in values such as dignity, ideals, and moral conduct.

The Chief Minister also emphasised that Kanya Pujan is an important part of India's rich cultural tradition, symbolising respect for women and promoting social harmony.

He concluded by wishing peace, prosperity, and happiness to all residents of the state on the occasion of Ram Navami.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended Ram Navami greetings to the people of the state.

In his message, the Chief Minister said, "Lord Shri Ram is a symbol of our faith, and his ideal character inspires us to move forward in life. His personality is a unique example of virtues such as patience, dignity, sacrifice, penance, moral conduct, righteousness, and altruism."

"The way Lord Shri Ram faced every challenge in his life with idealism and patience will remain a source of inspiration for all humanity. He urged the people of the state to strive to imbibe the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram in their lives," he further said.

He expressed his hope that this sacred festival of Ram Navami brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into everyone's lives.

Chaitra Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great fervour across India. The nine-day festival involves the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, with devotees observing fasts, performing rituals, and visiting temples to seek divine blessings.

- ANI
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has unanimously elected Balendra Shah as its parliamentary party leader, paving his way to become Nepal's next Prime Minister. Shah secured a record number of votes, defeating former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli by a significant margin in the recent parliamentary elections. His swearing-in ceremony will be marked by unique Hindu and Buddhist rituals, including shankhnaad by seven conch players and recitations by 108 Vedic priests. A structural engineer by training, Shah first entered politics as Kathmandu's Mayor in 2022 and has rapidly risen to national leadership.

Balendra Shah elected as Nepal's new Prime Minister. His oath ceremony will feature Vedic hymns, shankhnaad, and Buddhist chants for auspicious start.

Kathmandu, March 26 The Rastriya Swatantra Party in Nepal on Thursday elected senior leader Balendra Shah as its parliamentary party leader, paving the way for him to be the country's new Prime Minister.

The party, which contested the elections with Shah as its Prime Ministerial candidate, secured a thumping victory in the March 5 parliamentary elections, winning 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives.

Shah is all set to take the oath of office as Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday before President Ramchandra Paudel at a special function that will also include Hindu rituals.

A central committee meeting of the RSP held on Thursday decided to appoint Shah, the former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as its parliamentary party leader following the conclusion of the swearing-in ceremony of lawmakers on Thursday.

"The proposal by President Rabi Lamichhane to nominate senior leader Balendra Shah as the parliamentary party leader and the party's candidate for Prime Minister has been unanimously approved by both the central committee and the parliamentary party," the RSP said in a statement. As per the party's statute, only the parliamentary party leader can become Prime Minister.

As per an agreement reached between RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Shah on December 28 last year, the party formally endorsed Shah for the role with the backing of its 182 lawmakers.

In the elections, Shah defeated former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli by a wide margin of 49,614 votes, securing 68,348 votes against Oli's 18,734. This marks the highest number of votes secured by any candidate in Nepal's parliamentary elections since 1991.

Shah is set to take the Prime Ministerial oath in a manner different from usual practice. The ceremony has been scheduled for 12:34 pm - symbolically counting as 1-2-3-4 - during which seven conch players will perform shankhnaad, a ritual believed to ensure the success of auspicious beginnings.

Simultaneously, other rituals will be performed as he takes the oath. A group of 108 Batuks (Vedic priests) will recite Swasti Shanti, while 16 Buddhist monks will chant the Ashtamangala, both considered auspicious in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Shah entered politics in 2022, when he ran for Mayor of Kathmandu and won as an independent candidate.

Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu into a Madhesi family that valued education and culture, Shah completed his bachelor's degree in Kathmandu before pursuing a master's degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

His academic background in engineering gave him a practical understanding of infrastructure, urban development, and public works, which helped shape his governance approach during his tenure as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Shah's journey reflects the rise of a new-generation politician who has emerged rapidly onto Nepal's national political scene in recent years.

- IANS
Padmaja Venugopal, the BJP's candidate from Thrissur, has detailed her shift from the Congress, emphasizing her search for "mental peace" and a functional work environment. She is campaigning on a platform of development, promising to deliver long-stalled projects like the Infopark and improved drainage for the constituency. Venugopal claims a growing shift in support from the Christian community towards the BJP, tired of the traditional LDF-UDF rotation. She has firmly denied any secret deal with the Left and categorically ruled out a return to the Congress party.

BJP's Thrissur candidate Padmaja Venugopal explains her move from Congress, citing mental peace, development vision, and confidence in the "Modi guarantee."

Thrissur, March 26 Ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections, the BJP leader and National Democratic Alliance Candidate candidate from Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal, has intensified her campaign, asserting that her shift from the Congress was driven by a quest for "mental peace" and a desire to bring real development to the state's cultural capital.

The daughter of the late Congress leader and former Chief Minister K Karunakaran filed her nomination papers earlier this week for the April 9 elections, as she faces a triangular contest in a constituency where the BJP made history in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Actor-turned politician scored a win for the BJP in Thrissur in the 2024 general elections.

The BJP candidate highlighted her vision for Thrissur's infrastructure, promising to deliver where the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front have historically failed. "Voters believe in the 'Modi guarantee.' I am my father's daughter, and he brought immense development to Kerala. I am asking the people for one chance to show what I can do. My signature will be left on Thrissur's development, including the long-awaited Infopark and an overhauled drainage system," the 66-year-old BJP leader asserted.

Responding to concerns regarding the constituency's significant minority population, she claimed a shift among the people. "Many from the Christian community are now coming to the BJP. They are tired of the UDF and LDF rotation that brings no change. They want a new direction," she said in an interview with ANI.

Historically, Kerala has alternated power every five years between the two main coalitions -the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the incumbent LDF government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was re-elected, winning 99 out of 140 seats and breaking the 40-year trend.

Padmaja has also categorically denied allegations of a secret pact between the BJP and the Left Democratic Front. She argued that these allegations are a smokescreen created by Congress to mask its own impending electoral losses.

"There is nothing, no deals, nothing, I know that. People in the Congress are talking about this deal. They are afraid of their failure. That's why they were saying that CPM and BJP are doing something. Nothing is there," she said.

Padmaja hit out at the Congress party's current leadership, specifically blaming AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi for creating an unsustainable environment.

"I want mental peace. That's why I went to the BJP. In Congress, I didn't get that. Even during the election time, last election time, I am coming back at 10:00 or 10:30, then my duty is to deal with these people who are fighting. So, I have to sit with them and solve the problems, and did not get time to sleep. I was under immense tension. This time, not like that. I have no tension because they will do their party work, and if there is anything not satisfying, they will also call me and say, 'Chechi, the work is not going well.' They will tell me, not me chasing them. So, that's a main thing. People want mental peace," she told ANI.

Addressing the "betrayal" narrative spearheaded by her brother and senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan, Padmaja said, "Family is different, and my politics is different."

"My brother is elder to me and can say what he wants, but I will not criticize him. The people of Kerala are educated; they know why I left. Even my father was very unhappy with the party in his final days," she said.

Padmaja has firmly ruled out any possibility of returning to the Congress Party, emphasising that her political journey had taken a different course with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which she joined in 2024.

When asked if there was any chance of a "political homecoming" or mending ties with Congress, Padmaja told ANI, "No. Are you asking about my going back? No, no, no. Why would I want to go? I am very happy with the party."

When discussing her political prospects in Thrissur, Padmaja expressed confidence in her local connections and relationships, saying, "I have so many personal friendships here, in Congress also." She acknowledged that her support base was built not only on party loyalty but also on the deep, personal bonds she had fostered over the years.

"They will vote for me... my friends, my relatives, even my husband's family," Padmaja added.

Padmaja had filed her nomination on Saturday in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for the upcoming polls. She will set to contest against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Alankode Leelakrishnan and the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Rajan Pallan.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current Kerala assembly is scheduled to end on May 23.

- ANI
A private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry near Rayavaram in Prakasam district, leading to a fire that killed 13 people and injured at least 20. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and the Prime Minister's Office expressed profound grief, with the PMO announcing financial assistance for victims' families and the injured. Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy, have directed officials to ensure best medical treatment and conduct a thorough investigation. Former Andhra CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also offered condolences and demanded immediate relief and a probe into the causes.

A tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram killed 13. Vice President, PMO, and CMs of Andhra & Telangana express grief and announce relief.

New Delhi, March 26 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed profound grief over the tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district that claimed the lives of 13 people and left at least 20 injured.

Vice President Radhakrishnan conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief," he posted on X.

He further prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and extended strength to everyone affected by the tragedy. "I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and strength to all affected by this tragedy," he wrote.

The incident took place when a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry near Rayavaram in Prakasam district, leading to a devastating fire that engulfed the bus and resulted in numerous fatalities.

The Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, also expressed deep shock over the bus accident that occurred in Markapuram.

Taking it to X, he wrote, "The bus accident in Markapuram has caused profound shock. The news that several people have died in this incident has caused immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. We are coordinating with AP government officials to ensure better medical assistance for the injured. I have directed Chief Secretary Shri Ramakrishna Rao to ascertain the details of the deceased and injured in this bus accident, which was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana state towards Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, and to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials to take relief measures on a war footing."

Former Chief Minister and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also extended his condolences to the families of the bereaved.

"The tragic accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, where a tipper collided with a private travel bus, resulting in several passengers being burned alive, has deeply shaken our hearts. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident. I demand that the government immediately provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in this accident and announce adequate financial assistance without delay to the affected families. I urge this government to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of this horrific accident, take strict action against those responsible, and implement stringent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future," he wrote on X.

The Prime Minister's Office too expressed grief over the tragic road accident and announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 for the injured.

"The mishap in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO tweeted.

Earlier today, speaking to officials, Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, enquired about medical assistance being provided to the injured. District police informed him that around 20 injured persons have been shifted to various hospitals for treatment.

He directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the accident and submit a detailed report.

- ANI
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has announced his next project, 'Operation Sindoor,' in collaboration with producer Bhushan Kumar. The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. Dhillon's book detailing India's covert military operations inside Pakistan. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and aims to present a fact-based account of events that reshaped regional security. The project claims to be backed by extensive research conducted in collaboration with various wings of the Indian Armed Forces.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and producer Bhushan Kumar announce 'Operation Sindoor,' a film based on Lt Gen K.J.S. Dhillon's book about India's covert strikes.

Mumbai, March 26 Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri on Thursday announced his next project, 'Operation Sindoor', a film inspired by Lt Gen K. J. S. Dhillon's book that delves into India's covert military operations across the border.

Vivek took to Instagram, where he shared that he has joined hands with T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar to make a movie based on the book "Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan."



The director shared that the film aims to bring to the screen a narrative rooted in real incidents that reshaped the security landscape of the subcontinent.



He wrote: "Bhushan Kumar and I have joined forces for #OperationSindoor- a story that redefined security in the subcontinent and exposed Pakistan's nuclear bluff."



"The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan," Vivek added.



According to the filmmaker, the story is set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. It explores strategic military responses, backed by extensive on-ground research and inputs from multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces.



"Rooted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and backed by extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces, this is a story drawn from reality... not to create noise, but to confront it: with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema."



Bhushan Kumar said in a statement: "Some stories are not chosen, they choose you. Operation Sindoor is one such story-one that demands to be told with honesty, courage, and responsibility. This is not just a film. It is a revelation. When a nation goes through events of such magnitude, it becomes important to document them truthfully."



An armed conflict between India and Pakistan began in May 2025, after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor. India said that the operation was in response to the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025 in which 26 civilians were killed.



On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor with missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and POK.





- IANS
Recalibrating officials' understanding of governance achievement

Xinhua) 08:01, March 26, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on further advancing the high-quality construction and development of the Xiong'an New Area in the Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, March 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A light bulb is not something most people would associate with governance.

Yet nearly four decades ago, while working in one of the poorest parts of east China's Fujian Province as the Party chief of Ningde Prefecture, Xi Jinping told local officials that ensuring access to everyday necessities for people living in remote areas, even items as basic as light bulbs and soap, was also a measure of good governance.

This remark highlighted a universal and profound question: should one evaluate an official's performance based on short-term economic gains, visible projects, formal accolades, or tangible improvements in people's well-being?

Xi answered with what he described as "a correct understanding of what it means to perform well," a guiding principle for officials that prioritizes people's well-being and values long-term, tangible results that may not be immediately visible, yet delivered through sound decision-making and concrete actions.

In late February, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, with Xi at the core, initiated a Party-wide study campaign, prodding its members, particularly officials at the county and director level and above, to fix their mindset regarding governance performance so as to deliver results that "stand up in practice, in the eyes of the people, and over the course of time."

The campaign, which will run until July, aims to correct misguided views on governance that often breed vanity projects, hidden risks, heavy burdens on local communities, and public discontent.

It marks the latest effort by Xi, who is now general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, to strengthen the Party's self-governance, following last year's initiative on improving conduct.

"The ever-improving effectiveness of the Party's self-governance is the ultimate guarantee for economic and social development," Xi said.

That emphasis was reiterated during an inspection tour on Monday, when Xi stressed Party leadership and Party building in developing the Xiong'an New Area -- a fledgling modern city about 100 km south of Beijing -- into an innovation hub and a model of high-quality development. Xi urged Xiong'an officials to step up to their responsibilities, devote themselves to policy implementation and deliver good results.

Party theorists said the latest study campaign focuses on strengthening the Party's political development and its ranks of officials. As China has entered the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the fulfillment of its development goals will largely depend on whether officials act with a proper understanding of governance achievement and a down-to-earth approach.

Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at Cuba's International Policy Research Center, said fostering a correct view on performance among officials has emerged as a key concept in the CPC's governance framework for the new era, and will help China transform its development model toward greater quality, efficiency, and equity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Xiong'an campus of Beijing No. 4 High School in the Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, March 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PEOPLE FIRST

A key target of the campaign is to stamp out the tendency among some officials to sacrifice public well-being in seeking to polish their performance records.

At a high-level meeting, Xi condemned the squandering of funds on facade painting in some rural areas at a time when they had freshly shaken off poverty or were still grappling with poverty.

Xi said spending lavishly to whitewash the walls there -- something that neither feeds nor clothes the people -- is "futile and a waste of public funds."

While some officials err on the side of recklessness, some others deliberately choose inaction. Some play it safe and shy away from responsibility, believing that "the more dishes you wash, the more you break."

Xi has on many occasions lashed out at such non-acting "nice guys" and "fence-sitters," saying that those who lack dedication will achieve nothing and jeopardize critical endeavors.

Conversely, one paragon of good governance frequently cited by Xi is Jiao Yulu, a humble Party chief of the little-known rural county of Lankao in central China's Henan Province in the early 1960s.

Confronted with sandstorms, floods and widespread soil salinization that left many residents struggling to feed themselves, Jiao and his colleagues worked tirelessly to plant shelter-belts in combating encroaching sands and flooding, and help Lankao gradually overcome chronic food shortages. However, Jiao did not live to see the full results of these efforts, succumbing to liver cancer at age 42 in 1964.

Xi was deeply moved when he first read Jiao's story as a middle school student. He said Jiao's spirit, defined by a people-first approach and tireless, selfless dedication, had served as a guiding light throughout his own journey from a grassroots official to China's top leader.

In the early 1980s, while working in Zhengding County in north China's Hebei Province, Xi helped cut the state grain procurement quotas that had earned the area a reputation as a "high-yield county" -- after learning that some farmers there were left without enough to eat.

"Zhengding would rather give up the fame as a national model for high grain production than compromise the well-being of our people," he said.

For Xi, governance should be guided by the needs of the people rather than political showmanship. An official's true pursuit, he has said, should not be high office, but living up to people's expectations.

Drawing on his firsthand experiences of rural hardship as a teenager, Xi launched a nationwide campaign to eradicate extreme poverty shortly after assuming the Party's top post in November 2012, mobilizing the entire Party apparatus toward the goal. Under his leadership, China lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of absolute poverty in eight years.

Viewing poverty alleviation not as an endpoint but a stepping stone toward the people's expectations of a better life, Xi then pivoted to a broader vision -- pursuing common prosperity for all, and building a great modern socialist country by the middle of the century.

But setting the right goals is only part of the task. Xi has therefore placed strong emphasis on improving the institutional framework governing officials' conduct. He has stressed that, alongside fostering the right mindset, it is essential to strengthen systems that constrain and supervise the exercise of power.

Meanwhile, to encourage officials to take on responsibilities, Xi set clear selection and appointment benchmarks.

Officials who make errors with good reform intentions or due to lack of experience must be protected and distinguished from those who violate discipline and the law deliberately or to seek illegal gains, according to the "three distinctions" principle he proposed.

"Officials should be selected and promoted based on what they have done, what they have accomplished, and whether their work is recognized by both the Party and the people," Xi said in remarks published in Qiushi, the Party's flagship magazine, in March after the study campaign's launch.

"Preference must be given to those who dare to take responsibility, show initiative, deliver results adeptly and demonstrate outstanding performance," Xi said.

An aerial drone photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows a view of Yuerong Park in the Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua)

PROCEED FROM REALITY

The latest campaign on fostering a good governance culture underlines the need to proceed from reality and respect objective laws.

This call aims to address problems such as some localities slavishly replicating others' successes, which reflects an over-reliance on a single model and a lack of pragmatic, well-conceived decision-making.

At last year's Central Economic Work Conference, Xi criticized certain localities for blindly chasing trends irrespective of local conditions, either by jumping on the bandwagon of developing the chip industry or being eager to follow suit with the "new trio" projects -- electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaics.

Xi has on many occasions stressed the importance of grounding solutions in local conditions, which is also a hallmark of his governance approach.

He has often likened policy-making to finding the right key for each lock -- an idea that rejects one-size-fits-all solutions and emphasizes tailoring policies to different conditions.

Whether discussing urban development or energy policy, Xi has cautioned against ideas detached from reality. Under his leadership, China has made solid progress in green transition and set ambitious goals to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Yet these commitments do not mean pursuing an unrealistic sweeping shutdown of traditional energy projects such as coal.

In 2024, during a visit to Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, Xi emphasized that while green development must advance, ensuring a stable energy supply is vital.

"Fill the belly first, then eat well," he said, cautioning against an overly idealistic approach.

Xi has also warned against misguided views on achievements that lead to "inflated statistics," sham project launches or "invoice-driven" GDP -- a phenomenon where local authorities use rebates to attract shell companies and engineer a false boom.

This practice is now listed as a key rectification task for 2026.

Xue Jiping, chairman of an optical fiber manufacturer, noted that curbing such abuses has given law-abiding firms a true sense of security, boosting their confidence in expanding investments.

The fight against fabrication echoes Xi's longstanding insistence on integrity. In 2017, after Liaoning Province in northeast China reported negative growth following a crackdown on falsified economic data, Xi affirmed the value of such honesty.

He said while the real figures might not appear impressive, they were "truly good-looking" because they were authentic, pledging the central authorities' unwavering support for those exposing real conditions rather than promoting fake prosperity.

On March 12, China's national legislature approved a GDP growth target of 4.5-5 percent for 2026, while promising to "strive for better in practice."

The same pragmatism is reflected in the 15th Five-Year Plan, approved by lawmakers on the same day. It says GDP growth will be kept within a reasonable range, with annual targets set in light of circumstances. Other targets set in the blueprint also demonstrate a down-to-earth approach.

"These arrangements reflect a clear value orientation: development cannot rely on flashy gestures or grandstanding. Officials must roll up their sleeves and focus on real results," said Yu Shaoxiang, a research fellow at the National Academy of Chinese Modernization under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"As we embark on the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we must clear away the mire and purify the air," Xi said, urging officials to adopt a truth-seeking and pragmatic approach when drafting national and local plans.

"All plans must be grounded in reality, pursuing solid growth without inflated figures, and promoting high-quality, sustainable development. Those who act rashly, escalate targets layer by layer or launch projects indiscriminately will be held accountable," he said.

An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2024 shows an eco-cultural tourism area along the Yangtze River in Wanzhou District of Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE

Since the outset of his tenure as a public servant, Xi has stressed that serving the country's long-term interests, instead of seeking personal recognition or immediate acclaim, is what matters.

This approach reflects a particular understanding of governance -- one that treats development not as a sprint within a single term of office. Xi has warned against the temptation to chase quick wins or "instant results" through short-term, high-impact projects, likening such practices to exhausting resources for fleeting gains.

Few areas illustrate the need for such long-term thinking more clearly than cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection, where the benefits often take years, even decades, to fully emerge.

When working as the acting governor of Fujian between 1999 and 2000, Xi chose to halt a mining project in the city of Sanming, after the site was found to contain fossils and artifacts that shed light on early human activity in that region. It was later recognized as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in southern China.

This approach was again spotlighted years later while Xi was working in neighboring Zhejiang Province. During a local inspection tour, officials guided him to an industrial park they were eager to showcase. But when Xi learned that many of the factories there were little more than outdated industries relocated from more developed neighboring regions, his face darkened.

"What is there to see here?" he asked. "Leverage your own strengths and protect the green mountains and clear waters here -- that should be your greatest governance achievement."

The message was unmistakable: chasing quick economic numbers at the cost of long-term ecological health was not the kind of achievement that counted.

About a decade later, the same calculus, namely prioritizing long-term ecological security over short-term expansion, shaped Xi's policy toward the Yangtze River, China's longest river and a vital economic artery.

In 2016, at a high-level meeting focused on the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Xi opened with a blunt message to local officials: "You may be disappointed today -- this is not a discussion about development, but about protection."

He made clear that environmental recovery should be placed at the top of the agenda, highlighting a comprehensive assessment of development not only based on speed, but also on sustainability and long-term benefits.

The implications of this emphasis on the health of the environment extended far beyond the river itself. It confirmed that strategic foresight, conscientious planning and thorough execution should be the defining features of China's development model.

The study campaign on governance mindset, meanwhile, was launched right before the rollout of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the penultimate one in China's drive to basically achieve modernization by 2035.

Since the 1950s, these plans have served as both metronomes and navigators of China's development, guiding the country's transformation from scarcity to the world's second-largest economy.

"The scientific formulation and sustained implementation of five-year plans is important governance experience of our Party and a key political advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Xi, who led the mammoth effort behind the drafting of the country's three most recent five-year plans.

This planning system places a premium on foresight. Hou Yongzhi, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council, said the 109 major projects outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan span multiple key areas of Chinese modernization, with a considerable share focused on cultivating new industries and emerging sectors.

Designed to lay foundations for the future, these projects will provide strong support for China's economic growth and people's well-being, Hou noted.

Alexander Davey, analyst at Berlin-based Mercator Institute for China Studies, said in an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel that China's five-year plans act as a compass for Party cadres and government officials. For them, the plans signal how they should work and what they need to achieve.

Emphasis on long-term planning also helps explain why Xi has repeatedly urged officials to value not only visible achievements, but also the less visible work that lays the groundwork for future development.

"The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a relay race, in which the baton must be passed on from one generation to another, with each generation striving to run its own leg well," Xi said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
On March 23, Firefly  NIOs premium smart electric vehicle brand  debuted with an independent booth at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show, where the Thailand righthanddrive model was officially launched with an official price of 799,000 THB. This marks the brands entry into Southeast Asias secondlargest righthanddrive market after Singapore, establishing a dualpivot expansion pattern for the regions righthanddrive markets.

Firefly is committed to building the best microcar for global users. In the Chinese market, Firefly has earned wide consumer trust through excellent product capabilities. Since its launch, the model has received recognition from authoritative institutions at home and abroad, recently winning Newsweeks Most Anticipated New Car in Europe and Latin America 2026 and placing in the top three for World City Car at the 2026 World Car Awards, laying a solid foundation for global expansion.

From its listing in China to the first delivery in Europe took less than four months  a recordbreaking pace for NIOs overseas expansion. Now, global rollout of this microcar is accelerating again.

To deepen its presence in Thailand, Firefly selected a Thonburi Group subsidiary  a leading player in Thailands automotive industry  as its national general distributor partner. Rooted in the Thai auto sector, Thonburi Group brings deep local market insight, fullchain capabilities, and strong expertise in luxury vehicle production and aftersales networks to introduce the unique appeal of the premium smart electric car to more Thai customers.

Jin Ge, President of Firefly, said: Relying on NIOs ten years of accumulated R&D and manufacturing systems, Firefly brings a new concept and user experience to lead premium microcars into the smart electric era. As NIOs first model to enter the Thai market, Fireflys arrival will be an important milestone to drive growth in Thailands premium electric vehicle segment.





Source: Hefei Daily
Americans are not moving around the country quite like they were a few years ago. A new report from StorageCafe, based on U.S. Census Bureau data, found that interstate migration fell to 2.1% of the U.S. population in 2024, down from 2.3% in 2023 and 2.5% in 2022.

But that slowdown does not mean every state is suddenly hanging onto residents. The report ranked all 50 states and Washington, D.C., by net domestic migration, or the difference between how many people moved in versus how many moved out.

The big theme running through this report is cost. States with high housing prices, heavier tax burdens, and less flexibility in the housing market are still losing residents, even if the pace has cooled a bit from the height of the pandemic moving boom.

FotosForTheFuture / Shutterstock

4. New Jersey

New Jersey lost about 61,000 residents to other states in 2024, putting it among the biggest domestic migration losers once again.

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That total was slightly better than the year before, but not by enough to change the bigger picture. Like several other states on this list, New Jersey continues to struggle with the same combination that tends to push people elsewhere: high housing costs, a high cost of living more broadly, and nearby alternatives that can look a lot more appealing once families start comparing what their money gets them.

Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

3. Illinois

Illinois saw around 81,000 residents leave for other states in 2024.

This has been a familiar story for Illinois for a while now. Even with some modest improvement from previous years, the state is still posting major losses, and it is hard to separate that from the appeal of lower-cost states that now offer many of the same things people are looking for: jobs, more space, and a better shot at affordable homeownership.

Photo credit: KarlosWest // Shutterstock.com

2. New York

New York lost roughly 129,000 residents to other states in 2024, making it the second-biggest state for domestic migration losses.

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The interesting wrinkle here is that departures actually slowed compared to the previous year. The report suggests that could be tied in part to changing remote-work policies. When fewer workers have the freedom to move anywhere, it gets harder to leave a high-cost state unless there is a very strong reason to do it. New York is still losing a lot of people, just not at quite the same pace.

Editorial credit: S.Borisov / Shutterstock.com

1. California

California remained far ahead of every other state on this list, losing more than 263,000 residents to other states in 2024.

It was also Californias 10th straight year of net domestic migration losses, which says a lot. The report notes that the 2024 figure was a little higher than in 2023, though still below the outflow peak seen during 2021 and 2022.

Housing costs are obviously a huge part of the story here, but they are not the whole story. Taxes, land-use constraints, and the simple reality that many residents can get more house for less money somewhere else all continue to shape where people go next. The report also points out that California has now posted net domestic migration losses for a full decade, so this is not some short-term blip.

And while some states continue to lose residents, others are still pulling people ineven if not at the same pace as a few years ago. I broke down the top states Americans are moving to right now here.
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is directing a new feature film titled 'Operation Sindoor,' based on India's military response to a deadly 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The film is a joint production between Agnihotri's I Am Buddha Production and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series. It adapts Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book detailing the covert operations following the attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. Agnihotri is known for his politically charged films like 'The Kashmir Files' and the recent 'The Bengal Files.'

Vivek Agnihotri directs 'Operation Sindoor,' a film on India's 2025 military response to a terror attack, produced with Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.

Mumbai, March 26 Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is set to direct a new feature film based on Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 2025 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

The film will be jointly produced by Agnihotri's banner I Am Buddha Production and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.



The story of the film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book 'Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan.' The makers say the film is based on real events and detailed research done with inputs from different wings of the Indian Armed Forces.



On April 22 2025, terrorists attacked tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. The attack was one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.



Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is known for making films based on political subjects. His previous films include 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files.'



His recent project 'The Bengal Files' (earlier titled The Delhi Files) explored events linked to Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots. The political drama hit theatres last year on September 5 and explored the 1946 Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots, presenting them as a, in their view, documented genocide. The film starred Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher.





- ANI
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the elimination of the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Ali Reza Tangsiri. The IDF stated the precision strike in Bandar Abbas also killed the navy's intelligence chief, Hanam Rezaei. Netanyahu emphasized the operation was part of ongoing forceful strikes against Iranian targets and highlighted cooperation with the United States. The IDF described Tangsiri as a key figure responsible for attacking shipping and leading the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Israel confirms killing IRGC Navy chief Ali Reza Tangsiri, who led Strait of Hormuz closures. Netanyahu vows continued strikes on Iranian targets.

Tel Aviv, March 26 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defence Forces have confirmed the elimination of the top command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, including its commander and the head of its intelligence division.

In a video statement shared on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised the persistence of the campaign, stating, "We continue to forcefully strike the targets of the Iranian terrorist regime."

Highlighting the significance of the operation, he added, "Last night, we eliminated the Commander of the IRGC Navy. This man had a great deal of blood on his hands; he was also the one who led the closure of the Strait of Hormuz."

"This is yet another example of the cooperation between us and our friend, the United States, toward the common goal of achieving the objectives of the war," he stated.

In a parallel post on X, the IDF confirmed that the Air Force, under precise intelligence guidance from Military Intelligence and the Navy's Intelligence Branch, struck overnight in Bandar Abbas and eliminated Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Navy over the past eight years.

The IDF stated that Tangsiri held key roles, "including overseeing the regime's maritime terror activities and coordinating between Iranian military forces in the Gulf region."

The military further noted that, over the years, he was responsible for "attacking oil tankers and merchant ships and directly threatened freedom of navigation and trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the international maritime domain."

Tangsiri also "led the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and promoted terror actions in the maritime domain, one of the main figures responsible for disrupting the global economy."

Along with Tangsiri, the IDF confirmed the elimination of Hanam Rezaei, the head of the Navy's Intelligence Division.

Rezaei was described as a "hub of knowledge in maritime intelligence" who engaged in intelligence gathering on regional countries and led collaborations with various intelligence organisations.

According to the IDF, this operation joins dozens of eliminations of Iranian commanders, constituting "another severe blow to the Revolutionary Guards' command and control systems, and to its ability to conduct terror activities in the maritime domain against regional countries."

- ANI
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a rise in maximum temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius across Tamil Nadu over the next three days, starting Friday. Dry weather and clear skies are expected to drive the heatwave, with interior districts likely facing more intense conditions than coastal areas like Chennai. While no warnings have been issued for fishermen, health officials urge the public to take precautions against the heat. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.

IMD predicts a 2-4C temperature rise in Tamil Nadu starting Friday. Chennai to see highs of 34C. Get heatwave precautions and details.

Chennai, March 26 The India Meteorological Department has forecast a rise in temperatures across Tamil Nadu over the next three days, signalling the onset of warmer conditions in several parts of the state.

According to the latest weather bulletin, the maximum temperature is expected to increase by 2 degrees Celsius to 4 degrees starting Friday, potentially leading to hotter daytime conditions.

The IMD stated that dry weather is likely to prevail today across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. No significant change in maximum temperatures is expected during the day, indicating relatively stable conditions before the anticipated rise begins.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, offering limited respite from the heat. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover between 33 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to range between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels may also contribute to discomfort, especially during the afternoon hours.

Meteorologists have indicated that the gradual increase in temperatures from Friday could be attributed to prevailing dry winds and clear sky conditions, which typically lead to enhanced solar heating. Interior districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience a more pronounced rise in temperature compared to coastal areas.

While the weather is expected to remain stable overall, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothing.

Despite the expected rise in temperatures, the IMD has not issued any specific warnings for fishermen along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal coasts. Sea conditions are expected to remain normal, allowing routine fishing activities to continue without disruption.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be issued if conditions intensify.

Meanwhile, health officials have urged the public to remain cautious as the state transitions into a hotter phase, particularly with the approaching summer season.

- IANS
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala declared the traditional global trade system has permanently changed, urging members to focus on future adaptation and reform. She highlighted critical challenges including a paralyzed dispute settlement body and a lack of transparency, with only 64 members filing required subsidy notifications. While noting that most world trade still operates under WTO rules, she warned that conflicts and tariffs are creating significant uncertainty. A positive step emerged as Turkey lifted its objection to an investment proposal for developing countries, signaling potential for cooperation amidst the turmoil.

WTO Director-General warns the multilateral trade order has permanently changed, citing disputes, transparency gaps, and geopolitical risks.

Yaounde, March 26 At the 14th WTO ministerial conference, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed the gathering with a stark message about the changing global trade landscape.

She highlighted that the multilateral trade system has irrevocably shifted, and that nations must now focus on how to adapt and reform the system for the future.

"The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back. We must look to the future," Okonjo-Iweala stated during her speech to delegates. This remark underscored the significant challenges that the global trading system faces in the current geopolitical climate.

Despite this, Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that 72% of global trade still operates under WTO rules. She also acknowledged the growth in AI-related trade, calling it a promising development in the otherwise uncertain environment. However, the WTO chief raised concerns about the risks stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the impact of US tariffs on nations worldwide, which have led to considerable uncertainty in global trade.

Among the key issues she highlighted were the paralysis of the WTO's dispute settlement body and the lack of transparency in subsidy notifications. According to Okonjo-Iweala, only 64 members had filed subsidy notifications for 2025, leaving 102 members who had not complied. This lack of transparency, she argued, breeds mistrust and unfair practices, which further hinders the ability of WTO members to agree on new rules and reforms.

"Lack of transparency leads to lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness and anti-competitive behaviors," she explained. "This leads to mistrust and holds members back from agreeing to new rules and reforms."

In a positive development, Okonjo-Iweala also invited Turkey's trade minister, Omer Bolat, to address the conference. Bolat announced that Turkey had lifted its objection to a proposal aimed at boosting investment in developing countries, which will now be incorporated into the WTO framework.

This revelation signals a step toward greater cooperation within the global trade system, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the WTO and its members. The future of the multilateral system, however, remains uncertain as countries continue to grapple with economic and geopolitical shifts.

- ANI
Yemen's Ansarullah, the Houthi movement, is reportedly on full alert and ready to enter the ongoing West Asia conflict in support of Iran. According to a Tasnim News Agency report, the group could exert pressure by controlling the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have a history of such actions, having previously imposed a naval blockade on Israeli-linked shipping following the Gaza conflict escalation. Iran's Foreign Minister has stated the country's policy remains one of "resistance" against what it calls unprovoked aggression.

Yemen's Ansarullah movement is prepared to enter the West Asia conflict, threatening to control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait to pressure the US and Israel.

Tehran, March 26 Yemen's Ansarullah "popular resistance movement", Houthi movement, is reportedly ready to enter the battlefield in support of Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict against the ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran, according to a news report of Tasnim News agency.

Citing an informed source, the agency reported that the movement has been on high alert since the start of the conflict.

"As they have stated since the first day" of the aggression on February 28, Ansarullah "is on full alert and ready to enter the battlefield," the source was quoted as saying.

According to Tasnim, the group could play a role by exerting control over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a form of pressure against the parties (US and Israel) involved in the conflict.

According to the source quoted by Tasnim, it added that controlling the strait becomes necessary to further "discipline" the enemy, not only does Iran have the capability to generate a "credible threat" in the waterway, but the "heroic forces" of Ansarullah also are "fully prepared to play a skilful role."

According to the source of the Tasnim news report, Ansarullah has shown in the past that closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and asserting the will of the resistance in the Red Sea is an achievable task.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the group has earlier deployed its military capabilities to pressure hostile parties in the region.

Following the October 7, 2023, escalation and Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Ansarullah launched measures, including a naval blockade targeting Israeli-linked shipping either heading toward or departing from the occupied territories.

The blockade reportedly imposed high costs on Israel's economy, forcing ships to reroute around southern Africa to reach their destinations.

Besides the naval blockade, the group has also carried out aerial operations targeting Israeli sites and launched repeated attacks against US naval vessels operating near Yemen's coastline, Tasnim added.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place."

"There are no negotiations underway," he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

- ANI
Relations said to be at a new level of improvement

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has called upon the youth of both nations to develop objective views and step out of "information cocoons" that hinder mutual understanding. He cautioned against external narratives that deliberately amplify differences and hype a 'China threat' for profit. The Ambassador highlighted AI, the digital economy, and cultural exchanges as vital new areas for bilateral cooperation. He concluded that stronger understanding between young generations is key to building mutual trust between China and India.

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong calls on Indian & Chinese youth to foster objective views, resist narratives amplifying differences, and deepen cooperation in AI & tech.

New Delhi, March 27 Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Thursday called upon the youth of China and India to foster "objective and rational" views of one another, urging them to step out of "information cocoons" and resist narratives that deliberately amplify differences between the two neighbours.

Speaking at the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue in New Delhi, the Ambassador emphasised that the future of the "Dragon-Elephant Tango" rests on the shoulders of the 1.2 billion young people living in both nations.

Ambassador Xu cautioned against external attempts to create discord between the two largest developing nations.

"Some people are unwilling to see China and India live in harmony. They deliberately amplify our differences, hype up the so-called 'China threat', and hope to profit from discord between our two countries," Xu said.

He encouraged Indian youth to visit China to witness "Chinese modernisation" firsthand, suggesting that direct engagement remains the best antidote to misinformation.

"We welcome more young people from India to visit China, see it with your own eyes... and help build a more objective and rational understanding between our peoples," he added.

Reflecting on the recent diplomatic momentum following meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, the Ambassador noted that relations have moved from a "reset and fresh start" to a new level of improvement.

Ambassador Xu highlighted a modern cultural synergy where Chinese "new trio" products like online games, web series, and online literature are becoming popular among Indian youth.

He noted that "cultural exchanges can transcend mountains and seas and illuminate the path of understanding" and pointed to China's 15th Five-Year Plan and India's "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision as aligned goals, stating, "We should achieve development through our own efforts while actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other's success."

The Ambassador identified Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and green technology as the new frontiers for bilateral cooperation. He specifically referenced China's advancements in humanoid robots and AI models like Seedance 2.0 alongside the "IndiaAI Mission".

"Chinese and Indian youth should deepen exchanges and cooperation in emerging fields... and work together to turn our innovative vitality into a strong driver of development for both countries," the Ambassador emphasised.

Addressing the global landscape, Xu stressed that as key members of the Global South, China and India must uphold a multilateral outlook to counter unilateralism. He encouraged young leaders to "carry forward the 'Eastern wisdom' of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning and prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle."

Invoking historical icons like the monk Xuanzang, poet Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis, Xu reminded the audience that young people have always been the most "dynamic envoys" of China-India friendship.

"President Xi Jinping once stated that when the youth thrive, the nation thrives; when the youth are strong, the nation is strong," he remarked.

He concluded by stating that "the more young generations understand each other, the stronger the mutual trust between our two countries will be", before ending his speech with a traditional "Dhanyawad".

The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Anil Antony, National Secretary and Spokesperson of the BJP; Mohammed Saqib, Founder of the India-China Economic & Cultural Council; and Himadrish Suwan, Chairperson of the Confederation of Young Leaders of India.

- ANI
Researchers at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center have discovered how breast cancer cells that spread to the lungs may take advantage of the body's natural healing response and how a commonly used drug might slow that process. They found that breast cancer cells that spread to the lungs trigger the lung's normal repair system, creating conditions that unintentionally help tumors grow.

The study was published this month in Cancer Research Communications.

Key findings

Breast cancer cells can trigger the lung's natural healing response.

Tumors have developed ways to utilize that response to facilitate growth.

An existing anti-inflammatory drug slowed outgrowth of breast cancer lung metastases in mice.

Data from breast cancer patient samples indicate that targeting these processes may be a promising therapeutic strategy.

How cancer uses the lung's healing system

When breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it damages tiny air sacs needed for people to breathe. Normally the lung would quickly work to repair this damage.

Researchers found that cancer cells prolong the damage repair mode leading to chronic inflammation.

Specialized lung cells called alveolar type II cells normally help rebuild lung tissue after injury. When cancer cells are present, these lung cells begin releasing signals that encourage tumors to grow.

The lung is doing what it is designed to do and that is to clear debris and repair damage. But in this case, cancer cells are taking advantage of that repair response." Jessica L. Christenson, PhD, first author of the study and instructor in the Department of Pathology at CU Anschutz

A cycle that helps tumors grow

The researchers found that cancer cells and lung cells begin signaling to each other.

Cancer cells activate lung cells which then release substances that fuel cancer growth. This eventually allows tumors to expand.

A possible new way to slow metastatic cancer

The team tested Roflumilast, a medication approved to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In mouse models of metastatic breast cancer, the drug slowed tumor cell growth and reduced the size of tumors in the lungs. Rather than killing cancer cells, the drug prevented the lung environment from helping the tumors grow.

"This suggests a new strategy for treating metastatic cancer," said Jennifer K. Richer, PhD, senior author of the study and professor of pathology at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center. "In addition to targeting cancer cells themselves, we may also be able to target the environment that allows them to thrive."

Why this matters

Breast cancer is more difficult to treat once it spreads to other parts of the body. It often spreads to the lungs.

About one third of people with metastatic breast cancer develop lung metastases and treatment options are limited.

Because roflumilast is already approved for another condition, it may be possible to study its potential use in metastatic cancer more quickly.

What comes next

Researchers plan to study how this drug might work together with chemotherapy or immunotherapy and whether it can effectively alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment. They are also exploring inhaled versions of similar drugs that could deliver treatment directly to the lungs.

"We are very excited to translate these findings to the clinic and evaluate roflumilast as a treatment for patients with triple-negative breast cancer to prevent recurrence in the lungs," said Jennifer R. Diamond, MD, a professor of medical oncology and medical director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Office (CCTO) at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center and close collaborator on this project.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, University of Colorado Cancer Center, American Cancer Society and METAvivor.
Patients with breast cancer may be able to avoid lymphedema, which can occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes in the armpit (the axilla), by having radiotherapy instead.

New findings, presented at the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC15) in Barcelona today (Thursday), suggest that axillary radiotherapy may be as effective at killing any remaining cancer cells, while being less likely to trigger lymphedema  an often painful swelling of the arm and armpit.

These results come from the pilot phase of a phase III randomised international clinical trial that is investigating whether axillary radiotherapy (ART) has a lower risk of lymphedema than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients with breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, before surgery, and in whom cancer has spread to only one or two lymph nodes. The trial will also be looking at overall survival and disease-free survival.

The researchers stress that these are preliminary results from two years of follow-up in the pilot study, and that clinicians should wait for the results from the phase III part of the trial, which is ongoing, before considering changing clinical practice.

Professor Amparo Garcia-Tejedor, from the Functional Breast Unit at Bellvitge University Hospital, Spain, and the Institut Catala d'Oncologia, is leading the trial. She told the conference that studies had already shown that ART was a good alternative to ALND in patients for whom the first line of treatment was surgery.

In situations where patients have received chemotherapy or hormone therapy before surgery, it is expected that results could be similar. However, robust prospective data are not yet fully established or published. Many patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy experience a significant reduction in axillary disease burden and ultimately present with only one or two lymph nodes that are positive for cancer metastases, which often correspond to the sentinel lymph node, while the remaining axillary nodes are negative. This observation strongly suggested that further axillary surgery might be unnecessary in a substantial proportion of patients and that a strategy of de-escalation should be explored." Professor Amparo Garcia-Tejedor, Functional Breast Unit at Bellvitge University Hospital

From June 2021 to April 2023, the ADARNAT trial (ALND vs ART in Positive Sentinel Node After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer) recruited 272 patients with breast cancer, which might have spread (metastasised) to one or more lymph nodes. The patients had received neoadjuvant therapy and, at the time of surgery, had metastatic cancer in one or two sentinel lymph nodes (the lymph nodes where cancer typically metastasises first). The patients were randomised to receive either ART or ALND; patients in both arms of the trial also received radiotherapy to areas of the breast and chest. Results were available for 46 patients in the ART group and 56 patients in the ALND group, with a median follow-up period of two years.

No cancer recurred in the axillary area in the ART group and one recurred in the ALND group (1.8%). Cancer metastasised to other parts of the body in 4.4% versus 5.5% of the patients, respectively, and there were two deaths in the ALND group (4.3%). lymphedema occurred more frequently after ALND (26.7%) than ART (18.9%), although this was not statistically significant. Disease-free and overall survival rates were similar after two years of follow-up.

Prof. Garcia-Tejedor said: "These results indicate that ART instead of ALND is feasible and has good cancer outcomes at two years.

"While some specialists have already begun to substitute axillary lymph node dissection with axillary radiotherapy without waiting for definitive results, the only way to determine with certainty whether this strategy is truly safe and effective is through participation in a well-designed clinical trial such as the one we are now conducting. This is particularly important given that the study population includes patients with residual axillary disease and, therefore, a potentially worse prognosis.

"In this context, treatment decisions should not be made without robust evidence. Our trial is designed to provide the necessary data to definitively answer this question and to ensure that any future change in standard practice is safe in terms of cancer outcomes and is also beneficial for patients."

Dr. Maria Laplana-Torres is a radiation oncologist at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Spain. She presented results from the pilot phase of the trial that showed that although ART was associated with more damage to the skin from radiation, this tended to be transient and easily treatable.

Acute skin damage (grade 2 or above) occurred in 27.8% of ART patients compared with 13.3% after ALND. It consisted mainly of skin redness, pigment changes or skin peeling in some cases. There were no significant differences in later skin damage between the two groups.

She said: "Some patients experienced mild, temporary difficulty raising the arm above the shoulder or lifting it to the side. These limitations were usually short-lived and did not affect everyday activities.

"We found that treating the axilla with radiotherapy instead of extensive surgery can avoid a more aggressive operation without compromising treatment safety in patients with sentinel lymph node involvement. One and two years after treatment, there were no meaningful differences in arm mobility or quality of life between the two groups, although there was a more favourable trend in the ART patients. These results show that axillary radiotherapy may be a safe and less invasive option for some women treated with chemotherapy or hormone therapy before surgery.

"This kind of research is essential to continue improving patient outcomes and to define safer, equally effective therapeutic approaches."

So far, more than 500 patients have joined the main, phase III clinical trial. The researchers estimate that approximately three more years will be required to complete patient recruitment. This will then be followed by the planned five years of follow-up to fully assess cancer outcomes.

Prof. Garcia-Tejedor concluded: "If the study confirms the safety and effectiveness of axillary treatment de-escalation, the implications for both patients and clinicians could be substantial. For patients, the main potential benefit would be an improvement in quality of life, particularly through a reduction in lymphedema and other functional complications associated with axillary surgery. For clinicians, these findings would support a paradigm shift in axillary management, reinforcing the move away from routine extensive surgery toward more personalised and less morbid treatment strategies, while maintaining good cancer outcomes.

The Chair of EBCC15, Professor Isabel Rubio, Head of Breast Surgical Oncology at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid, Spain, was not involved in this research. She commented: "These findings from the pilot phase of the phase III ADARNAT clinical trial are encouraging. They provide a sound basis for the clinical trial to proceed. Once the trial reports its final results in a few years' time, we will know whether radiotherapy rather than surgery is safe for patients who have received neoadjuvant treatments.

"While this trial suggests a promising trend towards lower lymphedema rates with radiation therapy, the next important step is to determine in which patients it may be safe to omit radiation altogether in order to further individualise breast cancer care. Surgical treatment for breast cancer has already moved towards de-escalation, with many patients now able to avoid full axillary lymph node dissection and its associated side effects. However, despite these advances, a significant number of patients still face an increased risk of lymphedema after radiation therapy. Future research should focus on identifying the subgroup of patients who may not benefit from either axillary dissection or radiation therapy, thereby helping to minimise treatment-related complications while maintaining excellent cancer outcomes."
A new CDC report shows how traveler screening and wastewater monitoring detected the emerging BA.3.2 variant early, offering a clearer view of its spread, immune-evasion potential, and public health significance.

Key takeaways BA.3.2 spread internationally after first being identified in South Africa in November 2024, with detections rising from September 2025 and reports from at least 23 countries by 11 February 2026. U.S. surveillance picked up BA.3.2 early through traveler-based genomic surveillance and wastewater monitoring, with detections in travelers, airplane wastewater, patients, and 132 wastewater samples from 25 states by 11 February 2026. The variant is highly divergent, with about 70-75 spike-protein substitutions and deletions relative to JN.1 and LP.8.1, raising concern that it could better evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination. Despite that immune-evasion potential, BA.3.2 had not rapidly overtaken other circulating variants at the time of the report, so the main public health message was continued genomic surveillance rather than evidence of a new dominant or clearly more severe strain.

Report: Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2 - Worldwide, November 2024February 2026. Image Credit: Jezper / Shutterstock

The latest Morbidity and Mortality Report (MMWR) from the CDC highlights the global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) BA.3.2 variant. First identified in South Africa in November 2024, the variant has been reported in 23 countries, with detections rising steadily since September 2025.

In the United States (U.S.), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected BA.3.2 from four travelers' nasal swabs, clinical specimens from five patients, and 132 wastewater surveillance samples across 25 states, plus three airplane wastewater samples, highlighting its continued global spread and public health relevance.

SARS-CoV-2 Evolution and Spike Protein Mutations

As SARS-CoV-2 has continued to circulate, the virus has accumulated spike protein mutations that may affect transmissibility, immune escape, and vaccine effectiveness. The CDC tracks these changes through a multimodal genomic surveillance system that integrates international reports with U.S.-based wastewater, traveler, and clinical sampling.

BA.3.2 Variant Genetic Characteristics and Mutations

The BA.3.2 variant, a descendant of BA.3, carries approximately 70-75 substitutions and deletions in the spike protein gene sequence relative to JN.1 and its descendant, LP.8.1, the antigens used in the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines, including receptor-binding and N-terminal domain (NTD) differences.

Monitoring its spread across countries and U.S. states provides insight into immune evasion and informs prevention strategies and vaccine composition decisions.

Global and U.S. Genomic Surveillance Study Design

This report summarizes the detection and dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 strain and its sublineages globally and in the U.S. from November 2024 through February 2026.

Internationally, the CDC tracked BA.3.2 by analyzing digital population health data. Data included sequences uploaded in open-access databases, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). The team also analyzed preprint databases, media reports, GitHub, and online platforms.

The US CDC integrated data from the traveler-based genomic surveillance (TGS), national SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, and national wastewater surveillance system (NWSS). The national program combines National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance (NS3) sequencing data with data from other repositories to determine variant proportions over time.

TGS tested airplane wastewater and traveler nasal swabs. NWSS and WastewaterSCAN monitored approximately 1,300 U.S. wastewater sites and 150 sites, respectively, to detect SARS-CoV-2 and characterize variants.

The CDC investigated BA.3.2 sequences to confirm lineage assignments. They evaluated wastewater sequences computationally for variant detection. The team analyzed selected sequences for spike glycoprotein mutations and phylogenetic relationships using multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and unrooted maximum-likelihood methods.

The CDC team calculated spike protein differences relative to the LP.8.1 antigen, which has been used to formulate vaccines between 2025 and 2026. They aggregated BA.3.2 infection cases by epidemiologic week and country, mapped by earliest collection date, and estimated prevalence using statistical methods. The data represent information collected through 11 February 2026.

Global Detection Trends and Geographic Spread

BA.3.2 was first identified in a respiratory sample from a five-year-old in South Africa on 22 November 2024. This variant was designated as lineage BA.3.2.1. Scientists next identified the strain in Mozambique (17 March 2025), the Netherlands (12 April), and Germany (29 April).

Following initial sporadic reports, global detections increased from September 2025, peaking on 7 December 2025. As of 11 February 2026, the BA.3.2 variant has been reported across 23 countries.

In Europe, weekly detections accounted for nearly 30% of the variant sequences documented in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. However, the overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections has remained stable.

United States Detection and Surveillance Findings

In the U.S., BA.3.2 was first detected on 27 June 2025 through the TGS program in a participant traveling from the Netherlands to the United States. Wastewater surveillance identified the strain in Rhode Island on 11 November 2025.

The first clinical samples were collected from patients between 4 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Detected cases included a young outpatient child and two older adults who were hospitalized with comorbidities; all patients survived.

As of 11 February 2026, researchers have identified BA.3.2 in five respiratory samples, four traveler nasal swabs, three samples from airplane sewage, and 132 wastewater surveillance samples across 25 states.

Phylogenetic analysis revealed two subvariants, BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2, reflecting ongoing evolution. By 12 March 2026, detections included six travelers, 29 patients, three airplane sewage samples, and 260 wastewater samples collected from across 29 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico.

Prevalence among sequences has increased from 0.19% to 0.55% between 1 December 2025 and 12 March 2026.

Public Health Implications and Variant Monitoring

The emergence and international spread of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant underscores the virus's evolving evolution and the critical role of comprehensive genomic surveillance.

While laboratory studies indicate that BA.3.2 can evade antibodies induced by previous infection or current vaccines, clinical outcomes to date, including U.S. cases, do not yet indicate a clear signal of increased severity, with all patients surviving.

Wastewater and traveler-based surveillance have proven effective for early detection, often preceding clinical case identification.

Although BA.3.2 has not rapidly replaced other circulating lineages, its continued circulation and ongoing spike mutations warrant close monitoring.

Sustained genomic surveillance, combined with observational studies on vaccine and antiviral effectiveness, remains essential to guide public health strategies, vaccine composition decisions, and timely responses to variants affecting transmissibility, immune escape, and COVID-19 outcomes.
Hormone patches are as good at controlling locally advanced prostate cancer as the injections typically used to deliver hormone therapy, according to the results of a large clinical trial led by UCL (University College London) researchers.

Men with cancer that has spread just outside the prostate are given hormone therapy to suppress levels of testosterone which the cancer needs to grow. Most commonly this is done by injections of drugs that block testosterone production.

The new study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that patches that lower testosterone by delivering estradiol (a form of oestrogen) through the skin were as effective as injections at preventing the cancer from spreading, and caused fewer side effects.

The current standard of care, injections of LHRH agonists (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists), requires multiple hospital or GP visits, whereas estradiol patches can be put on by patients at home.

In addition, side effects including hot flushes, bone density problems and risk factors for heart disease (such as higher cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure) were less common among men using patches compared to LHRH agonists, although breast tissue swelling was more common in the patches group.

Estradiol patches are currently not licensed in the UK to treat prostate cancer, but the researchers hope that they will be made more easily available so men with prostate cancer have more choice of treatment.

We believe our findings should lead to men with locally advanced prostate cancer being able to choose which hormone therapy suits them best. For some men, for instance, hot flushes can be very debilitating, and so the patches could greatly increase their quality of life." Professor Ruth Langley, Lead Author, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

For the study, 1,360 men with locally advanced, non-metastatic prostate cancer (i.e. that had not spread to other parts of the body) were randomly assigned to receive either estradiol patches or the current standard of care injections.

After three years or more, the research team found both treatments had similar effects in controlling prostate cancer - 87% of people in the estradiol group were alive without their cancer spreading, compared to 86% in the standard-of-care group.

The team also compared the side effects of the two approaches. Side effects from LHRH agonists come not only from lower levels of testosterone but also from lower oestrogen levels. That is because most oestrogen in men is converted from testosterone.

Estradiol patches add oestrogen to the body (which causes less testosterone production) so side effects related to low estrogen levels, such as hot flushes, are much reduced.

Among those using patches, only 44% reported any hot flushes compared to 89% in the injection group. However, breast tissue swelling (gynecomastia) was more frequent with patches, affecting 85% of participants compared to 42% of those on injections.

The number of patients experiencing bone fractures five years after entering the trial was 2.8% in those who started on estradiol patches versus 5.8% of those started on injections.

Previous studies comparing estradiol patches to LHRH agonists have shown that overall quality of life scores are better in men receiving the patches compared to the injections.

Simon Grieveson, Assistant Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Hormone therapy is an extremely common and effective treatment for prostate cancer, currently given through regular injections. But for many men it can cause quite significant side effects.

"Results from the PATCH/STAMPEDE trials have shown that hormone patches like these, delivered through the skin, are just as effective at delaying cancer progression. The skin patches also resulted in fewer men experiencing hot flushes, however breast tissue swelling was more common.

"These skin patches are more convenient and less invasive and could give men greater choice in their treatment based on what's important to them and how they live their lives."

Caroline Geraghty, senior specialist nurse manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men in the UK - that's why we must continue to find new breakthroughs in treating the disease. Thanks to research, over 8 in 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer will now survive for 10 years or more. As well as finding more effective treatments, we need to find ways to make them kinder too.

"This trial has done exactly that - it shows that hormone patches are just as effective as traditional injections at controlling locally advanced prostate cancer, while being much easier and gentler to administer. This should give men greater choice over their treatment in the future, allowing them to live not just longer lives, but better lives."

Dr Duncan Gilbert, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist from Sussex who recruited many patients to the trial, who is also based at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, said: "Seeing these positive results published is a testament to all of the patients that took part in the trial and the hard work undertaken by research teams at UK hospitals over many years. The ease of administration and improved side-effect profile offers real choice for patients and I look forward to this option for testosterone suppression being available to the wider population of patients needing treatment for prostate cancer."

The estradiol patches used in the trial are the same as those used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of the menopause in women. These patches are currently not licensed to treat prostate cancer, meaning they need to be prescribed "off-label" (i.e. outside approved use). Some healthcare providers may be reluctant to do this.

For these patches to be approved as a prostatecancer treatment, a manufacturer would need to apply for a licence covering this new use. In the UK this is handled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and in the US by the Food and Drug Administration. An easier and faster option is for a company that already sells estradiol patches for another purpose to apply to extend its existing licence so that it also covers prostate cancer.

Professor Langley said: "We hope these patches can be made more easily available to treat prostate cancer so that men have the benefit of a choice of treatment."

The participants in the study were recruited from the UCL-led PATCH and STAMPEDE trials between 2007 and 2022 from 75 centres in the UK. The study was sponsored initially by Imperial College London and then UCL and funded by Cancer Research UK and the UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Trials Unit.

UCL's commercialization company, UCL Business Ltd, is currently working with Professor Langley and her team to support potential licence applications for the patches, including engaging with potential manufacturers and licence holders with the aim of the treatment becoming widely available for patients.

UK prostate cancer figures

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, and one in eight men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Each year, more than 64,000 men are diagnosed with the disease, with around 12,000 men dying annually. The stage at which prostate cancer is detected varies across the UK, with substantial regional differences, but a significant proportion of men (between 20% and 30%) are diagnosed with locally advanced or latestage disease. In the UK around 540,000 men are living with or after prostate cancer.
Recurrent wheezing, a respiratory disorder, is caused by the narrowing of the airways, mainly affecting children aged less than 5 years. The multifactorial causes of recurrent wheezing have posed a challenge for its diagnosis and treatment. As a result, standardized evidence-based clinical guidelines are not available for pediatricians to manage recurrent wheezing in infants and toddlers.

To fill this knowledge gap, the Committee of Pediatrics, China Medical Education Association, convened a group of experts, including those from pediatric respiratory medicine and allergology, to recommend standardized guidelines for the management of recurrent wheezing in infants and toddlers. These guidelines have been published in the journal Pediatric Investigation on March 5, 2026.

Led by Professor Kunling Shen, a leading pediatric respiratory medicine expert from the National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, and Professor Yunxiao Shang from the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China, the guidelines aim to provide clinicians with standardized protocols to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in managing pediatric patients with recurrent wheezing.

Explaining the rationale for developing these guidelines, Prof. Shen remarked, "Evidence-based guidelines are critical to effectively manage diseases, especially those with multifactorial etiologies, such as recurrent wheezing. The establishment of guidelines can aid pediatricians in uniformly implementing therapeutic and preventive strategies and consequently improving the clinical outcomes of patients."

As a first step toward developing guidelines, two important definitions were established. Recurrent wheezing was defined as three or more wheezing episodes, with each episode separated by a 7-day asymptomatic interval. Meanwhile, infants and toddlers were defined as those aged between 29 days to 3 years. Next, definitions were provided for classifying recurrent wheezing, which were based on the manifestation of symptoms (episodic viral wheezing, multiple trigger wheezing, and unclassified wheezing) and immunological responses (allergic wheezing and non-allergic wheezing), age of onset (transient early wheezing, early-onset persistent wheezing, and late-onset wheezing), and severity (mild wheezing and severe wheezing).

The expert panel recommended various guidelines for diagnosing recurrent wheezing. Clinical history recording and physical examination are the key initial processes for the diagnosis. Laboratory tests (such as eosinophil count and allergen testing), chest imaging, pulmonary function tests, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide analysis were strongly recommended diagnostic investigations. Viral infections are the most common reasons of recurrent wheezing in infants and toddlers. The guidelines also recommend testing for common respiratory pathogens, such as respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus. In addition to viral pathogens, the guidelines emphasize the need for testing for infections due to bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Other recommended ancillary tests to diagnose recurrent wheezing include esophageal pH testing, bronchoscopy, swallow function assessment, and genetic testing.

The management of recurrent wheezing can also be improved through type 2 inflammatory disease testing, environmental assessment, nutritional assessment, and long-term follow-up plan establishment. According to the proposed guidelines, managing recurrent wheezing is based on the principle of "Evaluation-Diagnosis-Treatment-Re-evaluation-Re-diagnosis." The recommendations for the usage of immunomodulators, vitamin D, probiotics, LTRAs, and antihistamines as prophylactic agents are weak in the guidelines. To predict the prognosis of recurrent asthma, asthma prediction tools and long-term pulmonary function assessments are strongly recommended. Prof. Shang explains the application of these guidelines, "The lack of standard guidelines for managing recurrent wheezing in infants and toddlers has resulted in inconsistent implementation of therapeutic and preventive strategies, leading to poor quality of life. The guidelines developed by us can provide a framework for improving the management of recurrent wheezing in infants and toddlers worldwide."
Inherited variations in antibody genes can affect how we respond to infections and vaccines, show two new studies from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in the journal Immunity. The researchers have mapped immune gene variation across multiple global populations and shown how these variations affect the ability to form neutralizing antibodies, for example against the influenza virus.

"We show that the genes that enable the body to form antibodies vary far more than previously thought, and this variation is seen in both coding and gene copy number differences," says Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam, professor at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, who led the research.



Antibodies, or immunoglobulins (IG), are produced by the immune system's B cells and are central to detecting and neutralising foreign substances. In the first study, the researchers describe the development of a new targeted sequencing method, ImmuneDiscover, and used it to map antibody genes in 2486 people from 25 population groups worldwide. The method makes it possible to analyse genetically difficult-to-reach regions of the genome in numbers of cases much higher than previously possible.

May contribute to susceptibility to infection

The most notable discovery was a common gene deletion of six consecutive IGHD genes, which differed in frequency between the population groups. IGHD genes encode the part of antibodies that recognize and bind to the foreign substance. The IGHD deletion occurred in all populations but was particularly common in people of East Asian origin, where up to 30 percent of some populations had deletions on both chromosomes, influencing the type of antibodies that are produced.



The study also identified over 300 previously unknown gene variants, which wereshown to be present in different frequencies in different population groups.



The human immune system has evolved over many thousands of years in populations living in widely differing environments, resulting in localised adaptation of the antibody genes to the predominant diseases, explains Martin Corcoran, researcher at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet.



"The ability to map these genes in large groups of individuals will provide new knowledge about how immune gene differences affect our physiology in a range of conditions, ranging from infections and autoimmune diseases to cancer and, critically, provide a mechanism to read the immunological history of our species encoded within our DNA," he says.

Some antibody responses may not occur

In the second study, the researchers, in collaboration with the Scripps Research Institute in the USA, investigated how genetic differences affect the immune response to the influenza virus. Using a new technique called ISCAPE, also developed at the Karlsson Hedestam laboratory, they were able to analyze individual B cells from four healthy adults and identify which antibody genes are used to produce neutralizing antibodies against the surface hemagglutinin (HA) protein.



The analysis again showed large differences between individuals and identified a common genetic variant that was found to affect the ability to form a certain class of neutralising antibodies against the part of HA that the virus uses to bind to our cells. Importantly the researchers showed that many of the neutralizing antibodies required the use of IGHD genes that are absent in many individuals, especially antibodies that bind to the more stable stem region of HA - a structure that is important in the development of broad influenza vaccines.



We see that certain types of antibody responses are possible only in people with specific gene variants. This shows how important it is to take genetic diversity into account when designing vaccines that will work globally." Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet

New resource for researchers

As part of the first study, together with the Data Science Node in Precision Medicine & Diagnostics at SciLifeLab in Sweden, the researchers built an open resource called KIARVA, Karolinska Institutet Adaptive Immune Receptor Gene Variant Atlas, which makes available information about the variation of antibody genes in the world's populations. Through KIARVA, researchers can see how common different gene variants are in different parts of the world, to facilitate future studies on infection susceptibility, vaccine responses and the role of germline-encoded variation in immunoglobulin genes in autoimmune diseases.



Both studies were funded by grants from the Swedish Research Council, the European Research Council (ERC), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Alexandra Fischer, PhD student at Karolinska Institutet, and Martin Corcoran are co-first authors of the second study, which was also funded by grants from SciLifeLab and the US National Institutes of Health. Martin Corcoran and Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam are founders of ImmuneDiscover Sweden AB and have filed patent applications for the technologies used in the studies.
Second-hand smoke exposure in Scotland is down 96% since the country's landmark smoke-free legislation came into force on March 26, 2006, new research by the University of Stirling and Public Health Scotland has shown.

However, analysis also shows that many workers remain exposed to second-hand smoke in settings not fully covered by legislation, such as private homes visited by care workers and outdoor hospitality.

The study led by Professor Sean Semple, of the University of Stirling's Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH), analyzed data across 26 years (1998-2024) from the Scottish Health Survey, examining salivary cotinine, a biomarker that measures recent tobacco smoke exposure in non-smoking adults.

The research paper Twenty years on from smoke-free legislation in Scotland: a secondary analysis of the Scottish Health Survey dataset (1998-2024) examining changes in household smoking rules, and salivary cotinine concentrations among non-smokers was published in the journal Tobacco Induced Diseases.

The research shows there was a 95.7% reduction in average salivary cotinine levels among non-smokers between 1998 and 2024, with the most rapid decline occurring in the years immediately after Scotland's smoke-free legislation came into force.

However, since 2011, improvements have slowed - in 2024 almost a quarter of non-smoking adults still had measurable levels of cotinine, indicating ongoing exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke on any given day.

Professor Semple said: "Scotland's smoke-free legislation has delivered extraordinary public health gains. The scale of the reduction in second-hand smoke exposure since 2006 is remarkable and shows how effective bold legislation can be.

"Scotland should be immensely proud of this achievement, and we should celebrate our success in clearing the air and improving health for the millions of people who previously had to breathe second-hand smoke at work and in leisure settings. We've had twenty years now where the majority of people in Scotland no longer breathe the toxins from cigarette smoke during their daily lives.

"But nearly a quarter of non-smokers are still exposed to tobacco smoke, and many of these exposures are happening at work - particularly in outdoor hospitality, transport settings and during visits to private homes. No one should be forced to breathe in tobacco smoke while doing their job.

"Although exposure levels today are typically much lower than before 2006, repeated low-level exposure still carries health risks. If we want to achieve Scotland's ambition of reducing smoking to below five per cent by 2034, we need renewed focus on protecting workers and tackling the widening inequalities in home exposure."

The research also examined smoking rules inside homes between 2012 and 2024. The proportion of smoke-free homes increased from 75.2% to 90.2%, equating to an estimated 380,000 additional smoke-free households across Scotland.

However, inequality has widened substantially. Homes in the most deprived communities are now more than ten times more likely to permit smoking indoors than those in the least deprived areas - more than double the inequality gap recorded in 2012.

The researchers say that extending smoke-free protections to additional workplaces, alongside targeted cessation support and practical interventions to encourage smoke-free homes, could help reduce remaining exposure and tackle growing health inequalities.

As Scotland celebrates the 20th anniversary of its landmark smoke-free legislation, our study shows both the enduring success of the policy and the need for the next phase of action to protect those still at risk." Dr. Rachel O'Donnell, Co-author, University of Stirling's ISMH

Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said: "Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Thanks to the smoking ban we have historically low smoking rates in Scotland, and we're keen to encourage more people to give up smoking as we progress to becoming smoke-free in 2034.

"Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly - even for people who have smoked for a long time.

"Whether you're ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you."

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: "Banning smoking in indoor public places was a landmark moment for Scotland and one we can all be proud of.

"Since 2006, cigarette smoking has almost halved. To support people to quit we fund NHS smoking cessation services across Scotland, with more than 30,000 quit attempts recorded last year with their help.



"I'm pleased the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is in its final stages, provides new powers to Scottish Ministers to expand existing smoke-free spaces as well as create vape- and heated tobacco-free spaces. This will help ensure we meet our target of a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034 and further reduce exposure to health-harming products."
Shimadzu Corporation, which was celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025, has a long history of involvement with traditional Kyoto crafts dating back to its origins as a maker of Buddhist altar fittings. Based on the companys founding spirit of We will gladly undertake the manufacture of whatsoever you may request of us, techniques such as lacquering and copper plate processing were applied to create physics and chemistry instruments during Shimadzus early years. This quality of handiwork has been handed down in unbroken succession to the high-precision, small-lot, high-variety industrial products that we manufacture today. By fusing traditional Kyoto craft techniques with industrial products and working with Kyotos master artisans, Shimadzu has created several concept models of unique one-of-a-kind products that can be used and cherished down through the ages.

Shimadzus current concept models, symbolizing the merger of traditional Japanese handicraft with modern industrial production. Image Credit: Shimadzu





Two of the current concept models  the LC and the GC  can be seen live during analytica at the Shimadzu booth (Hall A1, booth 501) in Munich from March 24th to March 27th.

Liquid chromatography (LC)

LC instruments are used for the separation, quantitative and qualitative analysis of liquid mixtures. They come into play in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, the environment, and the food industry.

A unit decorated with fluid patterns was made to represent the principles of liquid chromatography. Lacquer and metal foil, which can be enjoyed as they change over time, were used for this instrument, which was designed so that the longer it is utilized the more attached you become to it. Further, incorporating a culture of repair, in which cracks are repaired with the kintsugi technique, serves to heighten the value as each repair is made, thereby enabling a design that can foster a long-term sense of trust in an analytical instrument using craft techniques.

Gas chromatography (GC)

GC instruments analyze gases and volatile liquids. They are used for the separation as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis of mixtures. A feature of such instruments is the separation of components using a carrier gas (mobile phase), and they are employed in a variety of fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, the environment, petroleum, and food.

We used image generation AI to create a pattern based on an original Shimadzu design, which represents the principles of gas analysis. This design was woven using the nishijin-ori silk weaving technique and then applied as a finish to the front door. Tsuiki metalwork has been applied to the handles and the distinctive texture created by working the material by hand produces a sense of luxury. It is also designed so that people can enjoy the way the hues of the baked lacquer change over time. Further, metal foil is applied that changes color with exposure to the air, so the longer it is in use, the deeper the colors become, creating an analytical instrument that will be cherished for a long time.

The concept model project explores the creation of new value that comes from fusing the values of traditional Kyoto handicrafts that produce high-quality handmade products with industrial products, which involve the manufacture of high-precision mass-produced items. As a long-established science and technology company located in Kyoto, Shimadzu hopes to contribute to promoting local and regional industry by collaborating and communicating with similar well-established local companies, states the Traditional Craft Production Team at Shimadzu.
Shimadzu has recently released the MultiNA II MCE-301 microchip electrophoresis system. By automating the entire process of electrophoresis, which takes more than two hours by hand (creation of gels, dispensing reagents, dispensing sample, separation, dyeing, cleaning of equipment), the company significantly improves the efficiency of genetic analysis operations.

The new microchip electrophoresis system MultiNA II MCE-301 by Shimadzu. Image Credit: Shimadzu

As the successor to MultiNA I MCE-202 (released in 2007), the MultiNA II MCE-301 realizes the calculation of indicators about the deterioration state of RNA and high sensitivity detection using a dedicated reagent kit. It is equipped with a sample addition and a dilution function of the sample under analysis while following the strength of "high sensitivity and high precision, fully automatic analysis of multi-samples." It is sold to universities, research institutions, contract testing companies, and food manufacturers related to medicine, agriculture, pharmacology, science, and engineering.

A microchip electrophoresis system is a system in which DNA/RNA is separated by size (strand length) by electrophoresis* using a quartz substrate (microchip) in which a microfluidic path and electrode pattern are formed. It is used for confirmation of mutations in genome editing, quality check of next-generation sequencer (NGS) samples, and genotyping as well as for detection of pathogens and allergic substances in addition to basic research. In particular, NGS is indispensable for gene analysis that continues to grow in double digits in the global market. Genome editing is also used in research and development of pharmaceuticals and functional foods, and the market size of these related technologies has grown by almost twenty percent per year.

From Mach 24th to March 27th, Shimadzu displays the new MultiNA II MCE-301 at the analytica trade fair in Munich, Germany. With that release, Shimadzu supports the dissemination and innovation of genome editing technology, further contributing to the progress of research in the healthcare and GX fields, which are among the companys priority areas.

Analysis methods mainly used for the separation of nucleic acids and proteins. Using the fact that the mobility varies depending on the difference in molecular weight and charge when a voltage is applied to nucleic acids and proteins, it is possible to separate the analysis target by size.

Features of the new MultiNA II MCE-301

1. Improved workflow with automation

A fully automatic analysis can be initialised by simply registering samples, setting of reagents and samples, and pressing the start button. The time required to start the analysis is only ten minutes. In the previous model, it was not possible to add samples until the analysis of all samples was completed. The new version was improved so that they can be added during the analysis if needed. When analysing a highly concentrated sample, the dilution step, which was previously manual, is performed by adding an automatic dilution function to the device.

2. Advanced analysis and detection capabilities

This product can calculate the RNA Integrity Index (RII) for the deterioration state of RNA. This makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the quality of RNA samples. In addition, as a new function for DNA analysis, a "fingerprinting function" was added that automatically determines the presence or absence of target DNA, and a "Grouping analysis function" that classifies samples according to the analysis results. The detection sensitivity to DNA analysis, which was 200 pg/L in conventional models, was increased to 5pg/L by using a new reagent kit (sold separately).

3. Reduced electricity consumption to 70 % and net water consumption to 60 %

Power consumption was reduced to seventy percent compared to conventional models. The consumption of pure water is also diminished to the same level, and the environmental impact of waste liquid is lowered. The equipment size has been scaled down to 85 % and the height has been reduced to 73 % allowing installation on an experimental table.

At analytica, you can find Shimadzu in Hall A1, Booth 501 and 502.
The intelligent era is developing rapidly, and digital boundaries are constantly expanding. We are at a historical moment where network security and intelligent technologies are converging, presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

Empowering security with intelligence has become an inevitable choice for building modern defenses. While AI technology is revolutionizing industries, it also enables cyberattacks to become more intelligent and covert, leaving traditional enterprise defenses under constant pressure. Breaking through these challenges and building intelligent defense systems has become a global priority for enterprises undergoing digital transformation.

At MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Huawei officially unveiled its brand-new Xinghe AI Unified SASE Solution during the IP Club Open Speech. This solution represents a comprehensive upgrade in both security capabilities and architectural design, establishing a forward-looking, holistic defense framework  a benchmark for network security in the intelligent era.

Breaking Through Network Security Challenges in the Intelligent Era

With cloud adoption, mobile work, and AI development reshaping enterprise security, traditional architectures face three pressing challenges: First, over 85% of enterprises have migrated to the cloud, expanding business boundaries and increasing exposure to threats. Second, remote access has become the norm, making identity and access control more complex and heightening attack risks. Third, malicious use of AI accelerates the evolution of attack methods, making them stealthier and harder to detect with traditional defenses. Against this backdrop, enterprises urgently need solutions that are more secure, efficient, and intelligent.

Xinghe AI Unified SASE Solution: Building an All-Scenario Intelligent Defense System

Cao Tongqiang, Vice President of Huawei's Security Product Domain in the Data Communication Product Line, emphasized: "As AI continues to evolve, integrating intelligence into network security is the optimal path forward. Huawei's three-layer cloud-edge-endpoint architecture upgrades the Xinghe AI Unified SASE Solution, enabling enterprises worldwide to build all-scenario intelligent defense systems with smarter security and more efficient operations."

The solution covers four key scenarios, precisely addressing diverse enterprise needs:

Scenario 1: Zero-Trust Remote Work

Data shows that more than 70% of ransomware attacks are launched through endpoints, making endpoint security a major risk factor. Huawei's HiSec Endpoint integrates NAC, ZTNA, and EDR capabilities, reducing deployment and O&M costs. With zero-trust identity authentication and risk-aware EDR, the solution implements zero-trust secure terminal access. Leveraging posture compliance checks and intelligent dynamic threat analysis, infected endpoints can be isolated within seconds, effectively preventing threats from spreading into the enterprise intranet.

Scenario 2: Secure Internet Access Across Headquarters and Branches

With the widespread adoption of AI technologies, more than 100 million new unknown malware variants emerge globally each year, posing significant detection challenges. Huawei has embedded compute-intensive intelligent security detection models and an emulator-based malware unpacking engine into the HiSecEngine USG6000G firewall, enabling millisecond-level inspection of files, web pages, and traffic directly at the device level. This achieves a 95% detection rate for unknown threats, which is 15% higher than the industry average, greatly enhancing employee Internet security. Meanwhile, the HiSecEngine USG6500G branch firewall integrates the functions of a security gateway, router, and switch, simplifying deployment and operations while reducing CAPEX by 30%.

Scenario 3: Secure Interconnection Between Headquarters and Branches

As enterprises accelerate digitalization and intelligent transformation, service traffic is growing exponentially. Traditional firewalls struggle to meet requirements for high-volume concurrency, encrypted traffic analysis, and defense against unknown threats. In response, Huawei has globally launched the HiSecEngine USG6000G series firewalls, equipped with four dedicated security acceleration engines that deliver hardware-level performance. Among them, the USG6885G achieves 135 Gbps threat protection performance, making it the highest-performing 2U fixed-configuration firewall in the industry. Its threat protection and SSL performance are twice that of comparable products from other vendors, ensuring that critical services remain smooth and uninterrupted even when all security functions are enabled. This meets enterprise demands for secure, high-volume interconnection across headquarters and branches.

Scenario 4: Unified Security Operations at Headquarters

Enterprises often face challenges such as fragmented network and security device management, overwhelming alarm volumes, and low operational efficiency. To address these issues, Huawei has introduced the iMaster NCE-Campus Unified Management Platform, which provides centralized management of endpoints, network devices, and security products. The platform enables multi-dimensional analysis across network devices, hosts, and applications, achieving collaborative threat response in seconds and an automated event handling rate of up to 99%. For the remaining 1% of alarms, the system automatically generates handling recommendations to assist manual intervention, reducing the Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) to just minutes.

In the past, network security protection was often reactive and fragmentedpatching vulnerabilities as they appeared, a "fix-as-you-go" approach that struggled to address systemic risks. In today's intelligent era, however, cyberspace has become increasingly interconnected, where a single weak link can trigger widespread consequences. Enterprises now face an inevitable demand for all-scenario, integrated security protection. Huawei Xinghe AI Unified SASE Solution opens new possibilities for global enterprises to safeguard digital transformation in the intelligent era.
Tracy Kidder, an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer who turned subjects such as home construction, computer engineering, and life in a nursing home into unexpected bestsellers, has died. He was 80. Kidder's family said he died of lung cancer Tuesday in Boston. He won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his 1981 work The Soul of a New Machine, which delved into a fledgling computer company long before most people cared about the inner workings of Silicon Valley. "It was like going into another country," Kidder told the AP at the time. "At first, I didn't understand what anybody was saying."

The technology wasn't what he found the most interesting, he told the New York Times. "It was the people themselves, their incredible passion for this thing," he said. Over the ensuing decades, Kidder immersed himself in worlds he was previously unfamiliar with, producing richly researched books about topics that may not sound like light reading. For 1989's Among Schoolchildren, he spent a year in a fifth-grade classroom, highlighting the dedication of a teacher in Massachusetts. For 1993's Old Friends, he observed the dark side of growing old in America while chronicling how two friends maintained their dignity in a nursing home despite their infirmities, per the AP. In 2003, Kidder wrote Mountains Beyond Mountains, about a doctor's effort to bring health care to Haiti. The work introduced Kidder to a new generation as universities added it to their reading lists.

Mountains Beyond Mountains changed my lifeand the lives of so many others around the world," John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars, wrote Wednesday on social media. The book also inspired the band Arcade Fire's 2010 hit "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)." Kidder was born in New York City in 1945 and attended Harvard University, where he signed up for ROTC to avoid the Vietnam War draft. He served in Vietnam anyway, reaching the rank of first lieutenant and receiving a Bronze Star. After his return, Kidder wrote Ivory Fields, a war novel that was turned down by 33 publishers. He later said he burned the remaining copies of the manuscript, but a friend later found a copy and sent it to him. Kidder turned it into a memoir about his service in Vietnam: 2005's My Detachment.
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In a world where connectivity is paramount, Turkcell continues to lead the charge in technological innovation with its latest groundbreaking solution: Wi-Fi Sensing, developed in collaboration with Huawei and powered by Channel State Information (CSI) technology.

Through a collaboration with Huawei, Turkcell has implemented a spatiotemporal-frequency-carrier fusion technology for Wi-Fi sensing. By leveraging channel modeling, error cancellation, and feature extraction technologies, the system accurately captures pure feature changes in human behavior. Powered by Huaweis advanced algorithm, the solution launched for the first time in Europeachieves seamless and adaptive adjustment to diverse scenarios, enabling precise real-time recognition of user presence.

This Wi-Fi sensing system effectively detects whether individuals enter or exit a room. By accurately sensing room occupancy, the technology can be smoothly integrated with smart lighting systems to adjust brightness. It can also enhance security by identifying unusual behavior patterns to trigger alerts or support health condition sensing scenarios, ultimately improving energy efficiency and enabling tailored services.

Turkcell's vision for Wi-Fi Sensing is not only to revolutionize home and business environments but also to redefine the future of connectivity. Turkcell will continue to work closely with Huawei continuously to further improve the precision and coverage of Wi-Fi Sensing, enabling richer and more accurate perception capabilities. With advances in sensing algorithms, Wi-Fi Sensing will continuously evolve to understand complex patterns and deliver real-time, actionable insights.

Turkcells introduction of Wi-Fi Sensing (CSI) technology represents a monumental step forward in the evolution of connected experiences. By turning everyday Wi-Fi networks into intelligent, adaptive systems, Turkcell is leading a new age of smart livingone where technology works seamlessly in the background to enhance comfort, security, and overall well-being.

Qin Bin, Vice President of Huawei European Region, spoke highly of the cooperation:

With its forward-looking strategy, Turkcell has become the first operator in Europe to introduce the Wi-Fi Sensing solution. This partnership not only demonstrates Turkcells innovation leadership but also fully reflects Huaweis global leading strengths in next-generation wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and communication-sensing integration.
The US military said it carried out a strike Wednesday on a boat it accused of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea, killing four people, as the Trump administration pushes forward with a monthslong campaign in Latin America while waging a war against Iran. The attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the US military to at least 163 since the administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in early September, the AP reports.

As with most of the military's statements on the dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, US Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat moving across the water before it was engulfed in a bright explosion. President Trump has said the US is in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks, whose legality has been questioned by opponents, as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the US and fatal overdoses taking American lives. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing "narcoterrorists."
Two teenage boys who used artificial intelligence to create fake nude photos of their classmates at an exclusive private school in Pennsylvania received probation Wednesday after dozens of victims described the images' traumatizing effect on them, the AP reports. The boys were 14 at the time. They admitted this month that they made about 350 images, showing at least 59 girls under 18, along with other victims who so far have not been identified. Authorities said the boys took images of the girls from school photos, yearbooks, Instagram, TikTok, and FaceTime chats in 2023 and 2024, and morphed them with images of adults depicting nudity or sexual activity.

More than 100 students and parents from Lancaster Country Day School were in court to hear victims describe the shock of having to identify their own faces in pornographic photos to detectives. Juvenile proceedings in Pennsylvania are normally closed, but this was opened by the judge, providing an unusual opportunity for the community to be seen and heard. The girls described the falloutanxiety attacks, a loss of trust, problems focusing on schoolwork, and a fear that the images may someday surface in unexpected ways. The two young men stood stone-faced throughout, flanked by their lawyers and parents, as they were called pedophiles, "sick and twisted," and perverted.

"I will never understand why they did this," one victim told Judge Leonard Brown, saying it "destroyed my innocence." One young woman told Brown "how excruciating it is to bring these feelings up again and again." Another choked back tears as she excoriated one of the defendants for expressing "fake empathy" as girls confided with him about their pain, before it became known that he had been part of creating and disseminating the images. Still another said all of her friends transferred schools, and that she "needed trauma therapy to even walk around my neighborhood." The defendants declined several opportunities to comment to the judge, who said he had not heard either boy take responsibility or apologize.

Brown ordered each to perform 60 hours of community service, have no contact with the victims, and pay an unspecified amount of restitution. If they don't have any additional legal problems, Brown said, the case can be expunged after two years. As he imposed his sentence, Brown said that if they were adults, they probably would be headed for state prison. He said they should "take this opportunity to really examine" themselves. The resolution of the Pennsylvania case comes days after three teenagers in Tennessee sued Elon Musk's xAI, claiming the company's Grok tools morphed their real photos into explicitly sexual images.
The United States' role in warming the planet just got a price tag, and it's a staggering one: roughly $10 trillion in economic damage worldwide since 1990, per a new study in Nature . Researchers say no country has slowed global growth more through its greenhouse gas emissions, with China close behind at $8.7 trillion, and the European Union at $6.4 trillion, per AFP . About 30% of the US-linked harm hit its own economy; the rest is spread across the globe, often landing hardest on poorer nations. India alone is pegged with about $500 billion in losses tied to US emissions; Brazil, about $330 billion, per the Guardian .

Led by Stanford environmental scientist Marshall Burke, the study links country-by-country emissions since 1990 to how rising temperatures have shaved growth, from heat-sapped workers to strained health systems. Researchers say the timing of the emissions is vital to understanding "loss and damage" as carbon dioxide that has been in the atmosphere for 25 years has already done half of the damage expected, according to a Stanford report. Burke calls the numbers "huge," though actual damages are likely to be much higher.

The study highlights what many vulnerable countries have argued for years: those who contributed least to the problem are bearing a disproportionate share of the costs. The findings land amid long-running fights over "loss and damage" financing and US resistance to formal liability for climate harms, a stance that hardened under President Trump, who pulled out of a planned fund for vulnerable nations. The study isn't likely to bring the US back to the table, "but it certainly says it should," Burke tells the Guardian. "You have people being harmed who did not cause the problem, and that feels just fundamentally unfair."
Parents thought they were paying $48,000 a year for German-immersion preschool; prosecutors say they were also funding pro wrestling meet-and-greets for the director and her three kids. Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested Murielle Misczak, the former director of KinderHaus Brooklyn, accusing her of siphoning roughly $2.8 million in tuition payments from the pricey daycare and using some of it on deluxe World Wrestling Entertainment packages, luxury travel, and food delivery, per the New York Times . Misczak, a 43-year-old Swiss citizen, pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court to charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

Prosecutors say she routed more than 450 tuition deposits into PayPal accounts she controlled over about four years while earning a reported $40,000 salary and declining raises. KinderHaus's founder, Simona D'Souza, said she discovered the alleged scheme in October, fired Misczak, and later sued her in state court. The lawsuit claims Misczak's spending was largely documented on her public social media accounts, per the New York Post. When the school asked how she could afford such a lifestyle with her salary while paying $36,000 a year to rent two apartments from the school, she allegedly claimed to belong to a wealthy Swiss family.

She allegedly went to great lengths to hide the fraud, manipulating accounting systems and deleting tuition invoices and emails showing the PayPal transfers, per the Times and Post. The school, which serves about 100 children and charges up to $48,000 a year, hopes to recoup the funds, though prosecutors told the court the money is gone and Misczak has no savings and, having been fired, no legal immigration status. She faces up to 20 years if convicted. A lawyer for the school called it a carefully constructed fraud; D'Souza described the case as a profound personal and professional breach of trust.
US President Trump said Wednesday that a deal to end the Iran war is near, after Tehran dismissed his 15-point ceasefire plan and issued its own sweeping demands to stop fighting as it launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, the AP reports. Trump insisted at a Republican fundraiser Wednesday night that talks were underway with Iran's leaders. "They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Trump said.

Two officials from Pakistan described the 15-point US proposal broadly, saying it included sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran's nuclear program, limits on missiles, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil is normally shipped. Iran issued its own plan via state TV, which includes a halt to killings of its officials, means to make sure no other war is waged against it, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities, and Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. "No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations," Iran's foreign minister later told state TV.
A "highly intoxicated" man in a Ford Mustang smashed through a security gate at Daytona Beach International Airport on Wednesday before reaching the airfield and attempting to board multiple planes, police say. The Volusia Sheriff's Office identified the driver as 58-year-old Bryan Parker of Holly Hill, who was allegedly spotted heading toward the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University section of the airport around 4:30pm. Authorities say he approached an occupied plane that was already running but was unable to board because the doors were locked, per WESH . After a few more attempts, he allegedly made his way into an empty aircraft but was soon apprehended.

An airport spokesperson said Parker's Mustang had driven onto an active taxiway and through an active runway, per WOFL. Witnesses told deputies the vehicle came close to hitting an Embry-Riddle plane that was taxiing. A student at the scene told WESH that his first reaction was, "Oh, whoa, this is serious," though authorities "were able to act so fast, and nobody got hurt." The sheriff's office said Parker "indicated he was intoxicated on alcohol and drugs and didn't remember what led to the incident." Multiple charges against Parker are pending, and federal agents are now involved in the case. The damaged gate has since been replaced with a temporary fence.
United is pitching an economy-class daybed of sorts for your next 10-hour slog. The airline on Tuesday unveiled the "United Relax Row," a three-seat block in its regular Economy section that converts into a couch-style lounge after takeoff, slated to debut in 2027 on long-haul routes, reports NBC News . Marketed especially to families with young kids and couples, the setup features leg rests that flip up to form a flat surface (check out a visual here ), plus a fitted mattress pad, pillows, blankets, a kids travel kit, and even a stuffed toy.

United says the rows will sit between the standard Economy section and United Premium Plus and will roll out on more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 jets by 2030, with up to a dozen such rows on each aircraft. The airline calls itself the first in North America to offer this type of seating. Pricing and booking detailsincluding whether pets will be allowed in the sectionhaven't yet been released.

USA Today notes that United joins some international carriers that already offer lie-flat seating in economy class, including Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, and All Nippon Airways. "Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort," says Andrew Nocella, the carrier's chief commercial officer, in a release. Online, at least one user responded, "Can't wait to try," while United replied by dubbing the concept a "game-changer," per NBC.
Bill Maher is getting the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor after all, despite the Trump White House insisting just days ago that he wasn't. The Kennedy Center on Thursday named the Real Time host as the 27th recipient of its top comedy honor, confirming a report the Trump administration had previously labeled "fake news," per The Hollywood Reporter . Press secretary Karoline Leavitt and communications chief Steven Cheung had both publicly dismissed as false the initial Atlantic story naming Maher as the recipient.

An anonymous White House official now tells the Washington Post that the original story wasn't accurate "at the time of the Atlantic's reporting, but the situation changed after further conversations took place between the Trump-Kennedy Center and event organizers over the past week." Financial filings show why the award matters to the institution beyond prestige: The Mark Twain Prize brought in $5.2 million for the Kennedy Center in fiscal 2024, thanks largely to corporate sponsorships and its Netflix deal, per THR. The prize is meant to recognize figures who have shaped American culture through humor in the tradition of Mark Twain.

Maher, who has spent more than two decades at HBO after hosting Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central and ABC, has 42 Emmy nominations and one win, as an executive producer for HBO's VICE. "For even longer, Bill has been influencing American discourseone politically incorrect joke at a time," says the Kennedy Center's Roma Daravi. Maher, in turn, joked that the Twain Prize is "like an Emmy, except I win," calling it "humbling" to receive something named after a writer "who's been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain."

Previous Twain honorees include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart, and last year's recipient, Conan O'Brien. The Kennedy Center has set Maher's ceremony for June 28 in Washington, DC. The event, which the AP notes will be one of the Kennedy Center's last before closing for a two-year renovation, will air exclusively on Netflix at a later date.
Israel says it has taken out a top Iranian military figure in a strike it's framing as help for Washington. Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday announced that an overnight attack killed Alireza Tangsiri, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' navy chief, and other senior naval officers allegedly involved in efforts to choke off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, per the Washington Post . Iran hasn't confirmed Tangsiri's death amid the airstrike.

Katz called the operation a boost to US efforts to reopen the strait, which Tehran has sought to restrict, sending oil prices higher and rattling energy markets. The Israeli defense chief added that it was a "clear message" to other Iranian bigwigs that Israeli's forces would eventually "hunt them down," per the AP. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, described Tangsiri as someone who'd had "a great deal of blood on his hands, per the Jerusalem Post.

The US has put forward a 15-point plan aimed at ending the nearly month-old conflict while still reinforcing its military presence in the region, per the Post. On Truth Social, President Trump warned Iranian leaders to "get serious soon" about the talks, saying that if they don't, "there is NO TURNING BACK." Pakistan says it's relaying messages between Washington and Tehran; Iran's foreign minister acknowledged exchanges via intermediaries but denied they amount to formal negotiations.
UPDATE

Mar 27, 2026 8:50 AM CDT

A humpback stranded off Germany's northern coast has finally pulled freeon its own accord. The juvenile whale, which had been stuck on a sandbank near Timmendorfer Strand since Monday, had been the focus of days of rescue attempts, among them the dredging of a channel. On Friday morning, biologists confirmed the animal had moved into deeper water about 1,000 feet from the coast, apparently after regaining strength overnight and swimming clear. Several boats are now shadowing the whale, which still has netting lodged in its mouth and is too weak for a tracking device. The BBC reports experts hope it will continue north toward Denmark, then out of the Baltic and back through the North Sea to the Atlantic.

Mar 26, 2026 8:45 AM CDT

A rare visitor to the Baltic Sea is in serious trouble off Germany's northern coast. A roughly 32-foot humpback whale, believed to be a young male, has been stuck since Monday in shallow water near Timmendorfer Strand. The New York Times reports on the scramble to keep it alive and try to return it to deeper waters. Teams from conservation groups and local authorities have thus far managed to free it from some fishing nets and used boats to generate waves to wet its skin; they are now employing heavy machinery to carve a trench in the packed sand in front of the roughly 33,000-pound whale.
Generic emails are getting ignored faster than ever. Here is what personalised outreach actually looks like in 2026, and how any SME owner can do it.

Most Australian small business owners would say they know their customers well. Many would be wrong.

New research from the 2026 SAP Engagement Index surveyed 600 Australian senior decision-makers and 1,000 Australian consumers and found a striking disconnect. Nearly four in five businesses, 79%, believe they already offer a seamless, connected experience. But 44% of consumers say brands do not understand them as people, and 80% say they are put off by disorganised interactions that require them to repeat information or be passed between teams. Customer expectations are moving at a new speed, said Sara Richter, CMO of SAP Engagement Cloud. With AI at their fingertips, people compare, decide, and switch in an instant. Those micro moments now determine whether a brand wins or loses the relationship.

For small business owners, the good news is that closing this gap does not require an enterprise software stack. It starts with how you write.

What good actually looks like

The most common mistake in customer communication, whether it is a cold email, a follow-up message, or a social media post, is writing that centres on you rather than the person reading it.

Mark Ritson, professor and founder of MiniMBA, made the point directly. Engagement isnt something one department can fix. Every team shapes the brand, and real progress happens when they work from the same understanding of the customer. With that shared view, AI can take on the heavy lifting and help deliver the personalised experiences people expect.

That shared understanding has to show up in your writing. The SAP data found that just over one in three consumers say their favourite brands use AI in ways that meaningfully improve their interactions. That means the majority of businesses are deploying AI without it making a noticeable difference to how customers feel.

The problem is not the technology. It is the input. More than six in ten Australian brands, 61%, cannot use customer data in real time. A further 63% say their data is too unstructured, and 64% report data they cannot access or use effectively. You cannot write personally about someone you do not actually know.

Writing cold emails that land

For small business owners, this is where things get practical.

The SAP research makes clear that consumers do not want to repeat themselves, be passed around, or feel like a transaction. They want to feel understood. That standard applies just as much to a cold outreach email as it does to an in-store experience.

Start with one specific reason you are reaching out to this particular person, not this type of person. Generic openers, I came across your business and thought you might be interested, signal immediately that the email could have gone to anyone. That is the fastest way to get deleted.

Instead, reference something real. A recent project they completed, a post they shared, a challenge that is visible in how their business operates. One specific detail does more work than three paragraphs of flattery.

Keep it short. Say one thing well rather than five things badly. If a sentence does not move the conversation forward, remove it. Most cold emails fail not because they say the wrong thing, but because they say too much of everything.

Be direct about why you are reaching out and what you are offering. Consumers, according to the SAP data, are already comparing, deciding and switching faster than ever. A long, meandering email does not slow that process down. It ends it.

Simple rules, better results

The same principles apply across every piece of customer-facing writing, your Instagram captions, your website copy, your response to a Google review, your follow-up after a meeting.

The SAP Engagement Index found that 77% of Australian businesses plan to invest in AI-powered engagement platforms in 2026. But the businesses most likely to see results from that investment are the ones that already have a clear, honest picture of who their customers are and what they actually need.

Technology amplifies the message. It does not replace it. If your baseline communication is generic, AI will help you send generic messages faster and at greater volume. That is not an improvement.

The businesses already closing the Engagement Divide, what SAP describes as the gap between what consumers expect and what brands deliver, are not necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They are the ones treating every customer interaction, including a single email, as a chance to demonstrate that they have been paying attention.

For a small business owner, that is already an advantage. You speak to your customers directly. You know who comes back, who refers others, who takes the time to leave a review. That context is the raw material for communication that feels personal because it actually is.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A Democratic lawmaker is asking a federal judge to force the Kennedy Center to block and reverse efforts to attach President Trump's name to the historic performing arts venue. In a motion filed Wednesday, Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio argues that Congress was clear in its intent that the Kennedy Center is named for the late President John F. Kennedyand no one else, the AP reports.

"Renaming the Kennedy Center for President Trumpwithout any authorization from Congressundermines the Center's raison d'etre, and frustrates its purpose as the only memorial to President Kennedy in Washington, DC," the motion argues.

Beatty filed a lawsuit over the renaming in December. The suit was amended earlier this month to seek an order to block Trump's plan to close the center for two years for a "complete rebuilding."
President Trump isn't just unhappy with the Supreme Court, he's calling out two of his own picks to it. At a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner in Washington on Wednesday, the president ripped Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett for joining a 63 ruling that struck down his use of "reciprocal" tariffs, CNBC reports. He didn't name the two justices, but referred to them as two of the people he appointed. "Two of the people that voted for that, I appointed, and they sicken me," Trump said, per Fox News . "They sicken me because they're bad for our country."

"Bad courts in this country are costing us a tremendous amount of money," Trump told the fundraising dinner. He accused the Supreme Court of costing the US "hundreds of billions of dollars" by refusing to shield the government from having to refund as much as $165 billion in tariffs paid by American importers. "All they needed was a sentence ... and they couldn't care less," Trump said. "They couldn't care less." Trump has repeatedly lashed out at the court since the February ruling. Earlier this month, he slammed the court as a "weaponized, and unjust Political Organization" that is "hurting our Country, and will continue to do."

The tariffs case, Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, centered on whether the president could rely on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to unilaterally slap tariffs on imports. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said the statute's wording could not support such sweeping authority. Gorsuch and Barrett joined that opinion; Trump's third appointee, Brett Kavanaugh, dissented alongside Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

In response to the ruling, the administration has turned to other trade laws, including Section 122 and Section 301 of the Trade Act, to impose new tariffs.
Population growth rates in US metro areas dropped the steepest last year in communities along the border with Mexico due to declines in immigrants, while counties along Florida's Gulf Coast lost residents due to a series of hurricanes, according to population estimates released Thursday by the US Census Bureau. The estimates showed that a majority of metro areas and counties had slower population gains last year, which the agency attributed primarily to a slowdown in international migration, per the AP . A year earlier, an influx of immigrants had helped urban areas recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The average growth rate for metro areas fell from 1.1% in 2024 to 0.6% in 2025.

The figures, covering one year through July 1, 2025, reflect the initial months of President Trump's second term and the beginning of his administration's immigration crackdown. With an aging America and birth rates in the United States declining over the past two decades, immigration has become an important source of growth in many communities. "With so little natural increase, migration determines whether an area grows or declines, particularly in the big metro cores that have continuous domestic out-migration and are dependent on immigration," says University of New Hampshire demographer Kenneth Johnson.

Three metro areas along the southern border stretching from Arizona to Texas had the steepest drops in population growth rates in 2025. The growth rate in Laredo, Texas, dropped from 3.2% to 0.2%. It went from 3.3% to 1.4% in Yuma, Arizona, and declined from 1.2% into negative territory at -0.7% in El Centro, California. All three experienced growth in 2024 due to an influx of thousands of immigrants. Meanwhile, two destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, tore through Gulf Coast counties in Florida in fall 2024, causing residents to leave, per population estimates. Taylor County, ravaged by the hurricanes in Florida's Big Bend area, had the steepest growth rate decline among US counties last year, with a -2.2% drop.

Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, lost almost 12,000 residents, the second most in the country, trailing only Los Angeles County, which has been losing population all decade. The New York metro area slid from growing by the most people in 2024 to ranking No. 13 in 2025 due to the drop in immigrants. Instead, two perennial growth powerhouses this decade, the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, topped the list, followed by metro areas for Atlanta, Phoenix, and Charlotte, North Carolina. More here.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the UN General Assembly has labeled the enslavement of Africans in the transatlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity," a symbolic step supporters hope will fuel a global push for reparations and historical redress. The Ghana-sponsored resolution, backed by the African Union and the Caribbean Community, passed 123-3, with the US, Israel, and Argentina opposed and 52 countriesincluding the UK and all EU membersabstaining, reports the BBC . The measure urges governments to consider formal apologies, contribute to a reparations fund, and return cultural artifacts taken during colonial rule.

While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, Ghana President John Mahama told delegates the vote would "safeguard against forgetting" and address "enduring scars of slavery." Ghana's foreign minister stressed they are seeking justice and support for education, skills training, and development, not payouts to leaders. In explaining the US opposition, deputy US ambassador Dan Negrea said the US opposes the past wrongdoing of the transatlantic slave trade, but it "does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred," per the AP.

The US "also strongly objects to the resolution's attempt to rank crimes against humanity in any type of hierarchy," Negrea added. The UK ambassador voiced a similar complaint. Advocates counter that slavery's legacy is visible in persistent racial inequality and underdevelopment worldwide.
During Thursday's Cabinet meeting, President Trump explained the " very big present " he said the US had received from Iran on Tuesday. The president said Iran had agreed to let Pakistan-flagged oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of good faith, the Telegraph reports. He said Iranian officials told the US, "To show you the fact that we're real and solid and we're there, we're going to let you have eight boats of oil, eight boats, eight big boats of oil." He added: "I guess they were right, and they were real ... It ended up being 10 boats."

Reuters reports that Trump "baffled some observers" Tuesday when he spoke of a gift from Iran. "They gave us a present and the present arrived today, and it was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money," he said.

Former national security adviser John Bolton said Wednesday that Trump had probably been talking about oil, the Hill reports."I think it is a tanker loaded with Iranian oil that they let out. And the reason Trump thinks it's a present is because he thinks it'll have some downward pressure on global oil prices."

"If it does, I don't know the size of the tanker, but it's cents on the gallon in terms of price at the pump," Bolton said, adding that what remains unknown about "Iranian oil that the Treasury Department has lifted sanctions on is whether the purchasers of that oil are going to reimburse the government of Iran, meaning financing Iran in its efforts to kill our service members."

Trump insisted during the Cabinet meeting that there are "very substantial talks going on with respect to Iran," though Tehran has denied that direct talks are underway, CNBC reports. Earlier Thursday, he said Iran is "begging to make a deal," but warned that they "better get serious soon."
A man who fled to China and his sister have been charged after an explosive device was left outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa this month. Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, were charged Wednesday in separate federal indictments, reports the AP . The sister is in custody, while the brother remains in China, according to a social media post by FBI director Kash Patel.

Alen Zheng is charged with attempting to damage government property, unlawfully making a destructive device, and possessing an unregistered destructive device. The indictment specifically mentions the package found at MacDill; it was reportedly left near the visitors center. Ann Mary Zheng is charged with being an accessory after the fact and evidence tampering related to alleged efforts to "destroy, mutilate, and conceal a 2010 black Mercedes GLK 350," as ABC News puts it.

A suspicious package was found outside MacDill on March 16, prompting the FBI to investigate. The US Central Command is located at MacDill and is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. MacDill is one of the US bases that has been on heightened alert since the war in Iran began. Another man was arrested earlier this week on charges of making threatening phone calls to the base days after the device was discovered, though investigators haven't accused that caller of planting any devices. There was no immediate connection between the caller and the Zhengs.
The Kennedy Center has started cutting staff as it prepares for a planned two-year shutdown ordered by President Trump, reports the Washington Post . It's not clear how many people received notices, but the newspaper says the number is likely "double digits" across a variety of departments. Among those dismissed were Nick Meade and Rick Loughery, senior leaders brought in by former Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell, a Trump ally tasked with overseeing the center's overhaul. "Staffing decisions will support the broader move toward a successful closure for renovations," said Roma Daravi, the center's vice president of public relations, in a statement.

In another development, Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a motion in federal court in DC on Wednesday demanding that the Trump administration revert to calling the facility the Kennedy Center, reports NPR. The White House has begun referring to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, and it has already changed the name on the building, though Congress has not yet signed off on a formal change. Meanwhile, the center will indeed bestow its Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Bill Maher.
The Trump administration is now scrutinizing how three US medical schools decide who gets in. The Justice Department has launched civil rights investigations into the admissions practices at Stanford, the Ohio State University, and UC San Diego, demanding seven years of detailed applicant data, including test scores, ZIP codes, and any legacy and donor ties. Those who don't comply by April 24 risk disruptions to their federal funding, reports the New York Times .

Officials are also seeking internal communications on diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus any exchanges with drug companies about admissions. In letters to the schools, civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon said the probe centers on "possible race discrimination in medical school admissions." The Times reports the inquiries were not prompted by complaints but initiated by the department, whose past "civil rights investigations into admissions processes have tended to focus on potential discrimination against white applicants." All three schools, among the top recipients of NIH grants, confirmed receipt of the letters and say they comply with anti-discrimination rules.

The Times reports that of the roughly 100,000 students who currently attend US medical schools, about 42% are white, 28% are Asian, and 8% are Black. The Ohio State medical school's enrollment largely syncs with those numbers. The two other schools have a larger percentage of Asian students and about half as many white students; Stanford's enrollment is 13% Black, while UC San Diego's is 6% Black.
Nicolas Maduro reappeared in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday looking leaner but legally no closer to freedom. The ousted Venezuelan leader, jailed since January and shackled at the ankles, listened as US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein refused to throw out his narco-terrorism case, while openly questioning whether US sanctions should keep Maduro from using Venezuelan state funds to pay his lawyers, ABC News reports. The pretrial hearing was the second court appearance for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, since they were seized in a Jan. 3 US raid on Caracas. Defense lawyers argued that the inability to access state funds interfered with Maduro's right to have a lawyer of his choosing, reports Reuters .

Prosecutors argued Maduro has no claim to Venezuela's money, calling him an alleged looter of the country's wealth. They said allowing him to access the funds would undermine sanctions, though Hellerstein questioned whether the sanctions argument is still valid, noting that US relations with Venezuela have warmed. Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, said that court-appointed counsel would struggle with the "great expense" of a case unlike any other. He said it made no sense to assign public defenders to "a case where you have someone other than the US taxpayer standing ready, willing and able to fund that defense," the AP reports. Pollack, whose previous clients include Julian Assange, has said he wants to pull out of the case if the Venezuelan government can't pay him.

"I understand that the government of Venezuela is prepared to fund my legal defense and it is my expectation that it will," Maduro said in a declaration. "I have relied on this expectation and cannot afford to pay for my own legal defense."

Outside the courthouse, rival demonstrators from the Venezuelan diaspora squared off, with pro-Maduro protesters holding signs reading "Free President Maduro," reports Reuters. The former president and his wife both pleaded not guilty in their first court appearance in January. During a Cabinet meeting Thursday, President Trump said he hoped Maduro would face more charges, ABC reports. "He emptied his prisons into our country and was a major purveyor of drugs coming into our country," Trump said. "I would imagine there are other trials coming."
After more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan, Dennis Coyle was released, announced Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement. President [Donald Trump] is committed to ending unjust detentions overseas  Dennis joins over 100 Americans who have been freed in the past 15 months under his second term in office.



While this is a positive step by the Taliban, said Secretary Rubio, more work needs to be done. We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans. The Taliban must end their practice of hostage diplomacy, he stressed.



Speaking at the third U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, March 9, Secretary Rubio said, We have this day to celebrate those who return, to honor those who perished in captivity, and commit to returning those who are still in detention  and holding also the perpetrators of this accountable.



March 9th also marks the day that Robert Levinson went missing in Iran in 2007. Mr. Levinson spent nearly three decades in service to the United States, including 22 years as an FBI special agent. According to FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia the evidence suggests that [Mr. Levinson] died in captivity in Iran, and he is the longest held American hostage in U.S. history.



The urgency to uncover the facts of [Mr. Levinsons] disappearance has never been greater, said Deputy Director Raia. U.S. authorities hope to resolve this case before Mr. Levinsons next birthday.



The United States is focused on ending the cycle in which Americans are viewed as a valuable commodity that can be unjustly held and later traded for some diplomatic or political concession. We have to make sure, said Secretary Rubio, that Americans are no longer viewed as targets of opportunity around the world and nation-states and terroristic regimes like the one in Iran know that there are consequences for doing that.



Thats why State Department recently created the State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention Designation. It names governments and entities that specifically use this as a tool of leverage against the United States. The first country designated under this authority on February 27th was the terroristic regime in Iran. Because when it comes to hostage taking, there has been no worse offender in the world than the clerical regime in Tehran, said Secretary Rubio.



The United States will not tolerate hostage diplomacy, declared Secretary Rubio. Were going to continue to hold [the Iranian] regime accountable  and all other regimes that engage in this  accountable for these practices.



We believe in homecomings, we work for homecomings, and under the Presidents leadership, we will not stop until every single unjustly detained American is brought home.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks in North Korea's capital on Thursday and signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. Lukashenko, who was in Pyongyang on a two-day official visit, hailed the document as "fundamental," and said that relations between the two countries are "entering a new stage," according to his press service. "Yes, we didn't have close cooperation, largely due to our own fault. But I am sincerely pleased to note that cooperation has now significantly intensified," Lukashenko said, per the AP .

Belarusian and North Korean officials also signed a number of other agreements and memorandums on cooperation in specific areas, such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. "In today's reality ... when the global powers openly ignore and violate international law, independent countries need to cooperate more closely," Lukashenko said. Lukashenko's press service quoted Kim expressing "solidarity and full support" for Belarus and speaking out "against unlawful pressure on Belarus from the West."

The two leaders exchanged gifts as well. Kim presented Lukashenko with a sword and a large vase bearing the image of the Belarusian leader, while Lukashenko gave Kim an assault rifle manufactured in Belarus, among other things. "Just in case enemies show up," Lukashenko said. Lukashenko and Kim last met in September 2025 in Beijing.
A federal judge upheld North Carolina's photo voter identification law on Thursday, rejecting arguments by civil rights groups that Republicans enacted the requirement with discriminatory intent against Black and Latino voters. The decision by US District Judge Loretta Biggs, who presided in spring 2024 over a nonjury trial in a lawsuit filed by the state NAACP and several local chapters, is a huge legal victory for Republican legislative leaders who passed the law in late 2018weeks after voters approved a constitutional amendment backing the idea. The state Supreme Court also upheld the law in 2023. The NAACP can appeal Biggs' decision, the AP reports.
For the first time, a sitting US president's signature will appear on American paper money. The Treasury Department announced Thursday that President Trump's name will go on all denominations of US currency, per the AP . The change ends a run dating to 1861 of displaying only the treasurer's signature on federal notes, Reuters reports. The first $100 bills carrying Trump's signature along with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's are scheduled to be printed in June. Other denominations will follow.

The move is the latest instance of Trump putting his name and likeness on American cultural institutions, per the AP, following his renaming of the US Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue, and a new class of battleships, among other self-tributes. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved the design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Trump's image for the 250th celebration. Bessent called the latest move fitting for the semiquincentennial, citing economic growth, financial stability, and "lasting dollar dominance" during Trump's second term. Trump's signature will remain until a future administration decides to remove it, per Vanity Fair.

"There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name," Bessent said in a statement. Treasury officials said the overall designs of the bills will remain the same apart from the signature swap, per Reuters. Federal law gives the department leeway to redesign notes to combat counterfeiting, while requiring elements such as the phrase "In God We Trust" and limiting portraits to deceased individuals.
WWF-Canada invites everyone across the country to join the celebration at 8:30 p.m. local time by switching off and doing something positive for the planet, whether speaking up for nature, creating wildlife habitat, raising funds, inspiring others or turning on our interview with Earth Hour co-founder Andy Ridley. This first episode of WWF-Canada's new video podcast Good Nature with Megan Leslie, released today, shows how a single symbolic hour can inspire lifetimes of action for the planet.

For more ideas, visit wwf.ca/earth-hour.

History of Earth Hour

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when a couple million people turned out lights across the city to signal their support for climate action. This symbolic action lit up a global movement. Toronto became the first city to announce it was joining Earth Hour 2008, and by 2009, Earth Hour had become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment -- a title it holds to this day.

For two decades, this WWF-initiated event has been advancing positive change for nature and climate around the world, from protecting forests in Uganda and preserving marine ecosystems in the South Pacific, to driving stronger climate change legislation in Scotland.

It's also drawn attention to climate issues in unforgettable ways, with Spider-Man, played by Andrew Garfield, joining as the first superhero global ambassador in 2014 and Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti participating from the International Space Station in 2015 with a sign reading "Change Climate Change." Here in Canada, celebrities like Nelly Furtado, Jason Priestley, Chris Hadfield, Roberta Bondar, Chantal Kreviazuk and Jill Barber have all helped to shine a spotlight on the event.

Landmarks that have switched off over the years include: Sydney Opera House, CN Tower, Eiffel Tower, Great Pyramid of Giza, The Acropolis, Niagara Falls, Tokyo Tower and Great Wall of China.

In 2025, Earth Hour broke records with participants in 118 countries collectively contributing more than three million hours of action for nature.

Nature still needs Earth Hour

Nature in Canada needs our support now more than ever. Communities are facing increasing climate change impacts, like floods and fires, and WWF's Living Planet Report Canada 2025 reveals persistent declines in wildlife populations across the country over the last 50 years.

At the same time, Canada is not on track to meet its domestic and international commitments to protect and restore nature, and federal funding that had been key to supporting those efforts is about to dry up at the end of March.

Nature is central to our national identity, provides the food we eat, cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink, sustains wildlife and our economy, and helps make communities more resilient to climate change. Earth Hour is a moment not only to celebrate all that nature does for us, but also to show decision-makers how much we care -- symbolically by turning out the light and with an email telling them to keep nature on the national agenda.

"In 2026, nature is still up against some big challenges. Reducing climate change, recovering endangered species and restoring the nature we've lost won't be as easy as flipping a switch -- but it can be done," Megan Leslie, President and CEO of WWF-Canada, said. "Over the past two decades, Earth Hour has shown what's possible when we work together towards a common goal. Spending just one hour doing something positive for our planet can be the antidote to anxiety and apathy, and it might even set off a ripple that turns into a wave of change."

About WWF-Canada

WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit wwf.ca.

SOURCE World Wildlife Fund Canada

For more information, contact: [email protected]
Produced with the Investigative Journalism Bureau, Piz Gloria Productions and the Toronto Star

TORONTO, March 26, 2026 /CNW/ - TVO Media Education Group (TVO) is honoured to announce that the TVO Today podcast Arachnid: Hunting the Web's Darkest Secrets has won the 2026 Canadian Hillman Prize in recognition of original, groundbreaking journalism.

TVO Today podcast 'Arachnid: Hunting the Webs Darkest Secrets' has won the 2026 Canadian Hillman Prize. (CNW Group/TVO)

Created in collaboration with the Investigative Journalism Bureau, Piz Gloria Productions and the Toronto Star, Arachnid is a powerful six-part podcast uncovering the global spread of child sexual abuse images and the urgent fight to eliminate this content and push tech platforms to adopt web-crawling tools that can quickly and easily trace the trade of these horrific images. Arachnid exposes the vastness of the problem around the world, the moral, legal and ethical failures that have allowed it to continue, and the unending trauma of society's most vulnerable victims.

"Arachnid is the result of dedicated work by a very talented team," says Laurie Few, Executive Producer, Digital at TVO. "This podcast follows the unyielding fight to prevent online abuse and protect children. Arachnid couldn't have happened without TVO's support and their commitment to journalism in the public interest".

Congratulations to the entire production team who worked diligently to investigate this deeply unsettling global issue. TVO Today would like to recognize Robert Cribb, Wendy-Ann Clarke, Susanne Reber, Laurie Few, and Bruce Edwards for their commitment to producing this award-winning content that confronts one of the most challenging issues of our time.

Listen to Arachnid on TVO.org, via the TVO Today App or wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT TVO MEDIA EDUCATION GROUP

TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through our brands TVO Today, TVO Learn, TVO ILC and TVOkids, we're investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. TVO is a registered charity funded in part by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit TVO.me for more information.

SOURCE TVO

Media Contact: Genevieve Grant, TVO, [email protected]
Photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows the exterior view of the venue of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in Boao Town, Qionghai City, south China's Hainan Province. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

The 2026 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference is being held in Boao, Hainan from March 24 to 27. This year's annual conference, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the forum's establishment, is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation". Building on a new foundation, it embarks on a new journey toward the future and carries profound significance in a time of accelerating changes.

Looking back, the Forum has long been a seed-sower of Asian consensus and a catalyst for regional cooperation. Over the past 25 years, it has steadily expanded its focus from the economy to politics, security and humanity, witnessing and advancing Asia's rise and integration. During this process, the 2015 annual conference was undoubtedly a remarkable milestone. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech entitled "Asias New Future: Towards a Community with a Shared Future", and systematically expounded the profound concept of building a community with a shared future for Asia. Xi pointed out that "Asia belongs to the world" and emphasized "Asia has to follow the global trend and seek both progress and development in tandem with the world". He also put forward the propositions of upholding mutual respect and equality among all countries; adhering to win-win cooperation and common development; maintaining common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concepts; upholding inclusiveness, mutual exchange and learning between different civilizations. These important remarks have charted the way and set the direction for regional cooperation. From principle to practice, solid progress has been made in building a community with a shared future for Asia. The truth---when the world prospers, Asia prospers; when Asia prospers, the world prospers---is now being borne out by the fruitful outcomes of regional cooperation.

On the economic integration front, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into effect. The world's largest free trade zone by population and trade scale has set sail, injecting strong impetus into regional economic integration. China and ASEAN have come into comprehensive strategic partnership. As the negotiations on China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0(CAFTA 3.0) have substantially concluded, their respective status as each other's largest trading partners becomes increasingly consolidated. On the connectivity front, the China-Laos Railway has transformed Laos from a "land-locked country" into a "land-linked country", the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has become the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, and the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor have complemented each other in the heartland of Asia. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has grown steadily from scratch. With its membership continuing to grow, the bank has approved more than 300 projects, providing solid financial support for regional infrastructure development. On the cultural exchanges front, the initiative of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) has received positive responses, a variety of cultural communication years and tourism collaboration years have been held vigorously. These achievements greatly demonstrated Asian countries' commitment to openness and cooperation, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The reason the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) remains vibrant and dynamic throughout the times lies in its closeness to the pulse of the time and swift response to Asia's common concerns. Currently, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, geopolitical rivalry is intensifying, global industrial and supply chains are under pressure for restructuring. Facing great changes, should Asia choose seclusion or global connectivity? Should it engage in zero-sum competition or win-win cooperation? The answer is self-evident. This year's annual conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future", conveying firm confidence in upholding multilateralism and deepening regional cooperation. From this year's Forum agenda, we can see that whether it involves grasping the overarching macro trends, deepening regional cooperation on matters including APEC and RCEP, or fostering new growth drivers such as "AI+" and green transition, the core logic is to seek consensus amid divisions and create opportunities amid changes. These fully manifest that in the face of a complex external environment, Asian countries value cooperation platforms more than ever and are more in need of dialogue and consultation to enhance trust.

As a member of the Asian family and the host of the Boao Forum for Asia, China has been serving as a supporter and pioneer for building a community with a shared future for mankind. From building a community with a shared future for Asia, to advocating the Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative in recent years, China has provided the fast-transforming and unstable world with precious public goods. In practice, China has promoted high-quality "Belt and Road" cooperation to make it far-reaching and substantive, and upheld the global governance philosophy of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. It has also closely aligned its development strategies with other nations, continuously promoted high-standard opening-up as well as profoundly accelerated the pace of institutional opening-up. This year marks the beginning year of Chinas "15th Five Year Plan", which is also the first full year after the implementation of the Hainan Free Trade Port's customs closure and operation. This years annual conference has specially arranged a series of events, including "Forum on the Development of Global Free Trade Ports" and "Press Conference Marking the 100th Day of Hainan Free Trade Port's Customs Closure", which is a vivid example of China sharing its development opportunities with the world with open arms.

In its 25-year march through thick and thin, Boao has witnessed Asias rise and unity. Standing at a new historical starting point, every Asian nation should cherish the environment of peaceful development, carry forward the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, uphold mutual respect, seek consensus through consultation, and take every country's concerns into consideration. Additionally, they should view this annual conference as an opportunity, take further steps to build consensus and foster mutual trust, advance the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, move toward a community with a shared future for Asia, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. This is not only Asia's aspiration, but also the world's expectation.

Embarking on a new journey from Boao, we should let the stream of collaboration nourish our common homeland. With all countries working together to uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Asia's future will surely be bright and promising, bringing greater stability and positive energy into the turbulent world.

Contributed by Zhao Shenhong, Researcher of Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, National Academy of Governance

Translated by Zhang Xijin

Editor: Zhang Zhou
President Donald Trump waves after speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP This partially redacted image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a military aircraft in Iran shortly before it was struck by a missile fired by U.S. forces on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (U.S. Central Command via AP) AP President Donald Trump speaks at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP President Donald Trump talks with House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., and Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., chair of the Naational Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), at the annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

It's costing more and more to gas up the hot rods that Donnie Beson has spent a lifetime tinkering with. He's not questioning his support for President Donald Trump, but he feels as though the war in Iran has distracted the Republican president from the issues that got him elected.

Come on, Trump. Worry about us," said Beson, 68, of Woodland Park, Colorado. "Were in a billion-dollar-a-day war. Its like, Man, you forgot about the other stuff, and you got to take care of that first.

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Trump still has deep support among Republicans, but a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that the president risks frustrating his voters during a midterm election year if the United States gets involved in the kind of prolonged war in the Middle East that he promised to avoid.

Although 63% of Republicans back airstrikes against Iranian military targets, the survey found, only 20% back deploying American ground troops.

Rising gas prices could also pose a problem for Trump. The cost of oil and gas has soared since the Iran war began nearly four weeks ago, adding more financial pressure when many Americans are already worried about affording essentials. About 6 in 10 Republicans say they're at least somewhat concerned about being able to afford gas in the next few months, according to the poll, though theyre less worried than the rest of the country.

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Trust in Trump remains high among Republicans

About three-quarters of Republicans approve of Trump's handling of the presidency, and a similar 70% approve of how hes handling Iran.

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Those ratings are in line with Republicans' support for Trump's foreign policy generally and his approach to Cuba, where he's recently ratcheted up pressure to change the island's leadership.

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Many Republicans continue to have a great deal or quite a bit of trust in the president to make the right decisions on foreign issues. About half place a high level of trust in him when it comes to the use of military force outside the U.S. Roughly the same percentage of Republicans have a high level of trust on his dealings with adversaries and allies.

Sharon Fuller, 68, is a firm backer of the president and approves of his handling of the job, as well as the war in Iran.

A retired hospital analyst from Ocklawaha, Florida, Fuller expressed some reservations about the war but called Trump a huge patriot and said shes been impressed with how the stock market has done since he became president again.

I dont really agree with the war, but on the other hand, I think its a necessity at this point, she said.

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Republicans stand out from Americans overall in their support for the war. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that about 8 in 10 registered voters who are Republicans think the war with Iran will make the world safer, compared with about one-third of voters overall.

Further entanglement in Iran could frustrate Trump's supporters

The vast majority of Republicans in the AP-NORC poll, 81%, say it's extremely or very important for the U.S. to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, lending support to one of the goals that Trump has articulated since the war began. But only about half of Republicans see replacing Iran's government with leaders who are more friendly to the U.S. as a high priority.

Stephen Hauss, 40, is a state Agriculture Department employee in Camden, Delaware, where he manages environmental programs. Hauss described his political views as libertarian-leaning, and he voted for Trump in 2024. But the start of the Iran war has changed his views about the president.

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Before the war I was just kind of like, OK, like, I voted for him. I got to give him, like, some benefit of the doubt, he said.

Now, Hauss said he can't support the U.S. trying to change the leadership of another country. He added, I dont think I am on board with this anymore.

Other efforts to get the U.S. more involved in Iran could complicate matters further for Trump. Only about 2 in 10 Republicans favor deploying U.S. ground troops to fight Iran, while about one-third don't have an opinion and about half are opposed.

Thomas Sweeney, 76, is a retired chemical engineer from Frisco, Texas, who voted for Trump three times. An Army officer veteran, Sweeney said he can't get behind the war, which has brought down his overall view of the president.

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Im not happy. I am frustrated, he said. Soldiers are very, very precious. You just dont go in there and waste lives.

Gas prices causing unease among some in GOP

The rising cost of oil and gas is another vulnerability for Trump, even within his own party. About three-quarters of Republicans say it's extremely or very important for U.S. foreign policy to keep gas prices down, which could increasingly be at odds with their support for the war.

About 3 in 10 Republican registered voters in the Quinnipiac University poll say the price of gasoline has been a very" or somewhat serious problem for their family lately.

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If high gas prices linger, they could create even more frustration for Trump supporters who hoped the president would bring down the cost of everyday goods.

Fuller, the Florida Republican, said theres no chance shed vote for Democrats, but she had a message for Trump.

Id like him to see what he can do to get prices down for, quote, the working people and myself now living on a fixed income, she said.

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___
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Pro-government supporters chant slogans and wave Iranian flags during a rally, in a square in western Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Children displaced from Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh shelter from the rain inside their tents along the coast in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit Zibbikin village as seen from Tyre city, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Hussein Malla/AP Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Staff Sgt. Ori Greenberg who was killed in combat in Lebanon, during his funeral at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem Thursday, March 26, 2026. Mahmoud Illean/AP

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he will delay a threatened strike on Irans energy infrastructure and extend his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, saying talks to end the war are going very well.

The move marks a pullback from Trumps earlier warning that the U.S. would target Irans energy plants if the crucial shipping lane remained closed. Iran has threatened to retaliate against regional infrastructure, including desalination facilities, if the U.S. follows through.

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A day after Tehran dismissed Trumps 15-point ceasefire plan, the president said Iran was begging to make a deal and urged its leaders to get serious soon about negotiations.

Trumps announcement on social media came after U.S. stocks fell sharply and oil prices rose, as doubt took over again on Wall Street about a possible end to the war.

The war has killed more than 1,900 people in Iran and nearly 1,100 in Lebanon. Eighteen people have died in Israel, while three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. Thirteen U.S. military members have died, as well as a number of civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region. Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced.

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Here is the latest:

UN Security Council to hold closed meeting on Iran

The U.N. Security Council scheduled closed consultation on Iran on Friday morning.

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Russia asked for the meeting on U.S.-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in the country, two U.N. diplomats said, speaking late Thursday on condition of anonymity because the meeting is not public.

The United States, which holds the Security Council presidency, scheduled the meeting.

By Edith M. Lederer

Australia says military surveillance jet making constructive contribution to war

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government has made a constructive contribution to the Iran war, after Trump criticized Australias response.

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Weve been constructive. Weve provided the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft that is playing a critical role in support of the Gulf states, Albanese told reporters on Friday, referring to a surveillance jet requested by the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE ambassador to Australia, Fahad Obaid Mohamed Altaffag, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday the Wedgetail is operational and it has been very helpful as a detection system and it has really helped up us in terms of the (defensive) stance that we continue to take.

Iran has attacked the UAE with more than 3,300 missiles and drones since the war began. Around 95% of those airstrikes have been intercepted, Altaffag said.

Trump has twice named Australia among U.S. allies that have disappointed him through their lack of military help.

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Australia was not great. I was a little surprised by Australia, Trump said in his latest criticism.

Albanese said: President Trump is someone who Ive enjoyed a very constructive relationship with. I said very early on that I wasnt going to comment on all of his commentary on a day to day basis, but I again reiterate that there is no request being made to Australia that has not been agreed to.

Iran sends letter to UN over threats against Araghchi and Qalibaf

Iran sent a letter to the United Nations over claims that the countrys foreign minister and parliament speaker had been targets for assassination.

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The letter, dated Thursday and signed by Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, focused on media reports that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf both had been spared for the time being by Israel and the U.S. as negotiations to reach a ceasefire in the war go on.

The reports indicate the existence of an operational framework contemplating the assassination of the highest-ranking political officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the letter reads.

It added The conditional nature of the purported suspension further underscores that the threat remains real, deliberate and ongoing.

The letter called any such program state-sponsored terrorism.

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The wars opening airstrikes by Israel killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Other military commanders have been killed as well.

Qalibaf has been considered as a possible negotiating partner to the U.S., while Araghchi has continued diplomatic outreach.

Pakistan is leading an indirect exchange of positions between Tehran and Washington, supported by Egypt and Turkey.

Latest reports of live fire

Israels military said early Friday that it had conducted a wave of strikes in the heart of Tehran.

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Smoke was seen billowing in the Beirut skyline early Friday. There was no advance warning of a strike from Israels military, which didnt immediately provide information.

Kuwait said early Friday that it shot down Iranian drones in an attack targeting the small, oil-rich nation. The United Arab Emirates sounded a missile alert over Dubai around the same time, though there was no sound of an interception heard in the city-state as rain blanketed it.

Israels military said it was working to intercept a missile launch from Iran early Friday. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, surrounding communities and central parts of the occupied West Bank. Emergency services said later that there were no reports of impacts or casualties. There were 10 salvos from Iran on Thursday, and Hezbollah fired at northern Israel throughout the day.

After markets rattle, Trump once again punts on following through with threat on Iran power plants

Facing a convulsing stock market, the president moved Thursday to buy himself more time and hold off, once again, on carrying out a threat to obliterate Irans energy plants over its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump said he was delaying taking potential action because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well, despite the fact that Iran continues to publicly insist it is not negotiating with the White House on a 15-point proposal  delivered by Pakistani intermediaries  to end the war. He said Iran asked for the grace period.

They asked for seven (days), Trump said in an appearance on Fox News Channels The Five, shortly after he announced on social media that he would give Iran until April 6 to reopen the strait. And I said, Im going to give you 10.

This was not the first time Trump has appeared to have been jostled into adjusting policy in the face of market volatility.

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In a southern Lebanese city emptied by Israels offensive, some vow to stay put

The ancient coastal city of Tyre  famed for its Roman ruins and white sandy beaches  is almost a ghost town.

Abandoned dogs roam vacant streets dotted with apartment buildings blasted by recent Israeli airstrikes. The city largely emptied last week as Israel escalated its attacks against Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and issued sweeping evacuation orders for everywhere south of the Litani River.

In recent days Israeli airstrikes have also destroyed most of the bridges over the Litani, severing wide swaths of the country  including Tyre  from the rest of Lebanon.

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But several thousand residents linger here in Tyre, refusing to be expelled from their land.

Fishermen who say they cant afford to abandon their work cast lines into the Mediterranean on Thursday, complaining that a strict curfew and scarcity of customers mean their daily catch yields a pittance.

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Trump interrupts a Cabinet meeting dealing with the Iran war and rising prices to talk Sharpies

The president may believe the adage that the pen is mightier than the sword  as long as its a Sharpie.

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During a Cabinet meeting Thursday that discussed the war in Iran, record-long security lines at many of the nations top airports, rising oil prices and skittish stock markets, Trump interjected by holding up a custom-made black and gold Sharpie and offering a long story about how his preferred marker came to be a White House fixture.

See this pen right here? Trump said at the start of a roughly five-minute, on-and-off diatribe on the Sharpie. This pen is an interesting example.

It was one of several lengthy asides the president made during the meeting that sometimes felt especially jarring given how many more important things his top advisers could have been discussing.

It came after top officials offered sobering comments about missile strikes, Tehrans uranium enrichment efforts and U.S. troops that remain in harms way.

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US eases Belarus sanctions as Trump says he will help US farmers impacted by Iran war

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it has eased restrictions on a group of Belarus-linked financial and potash companies in the latest sign of improving ties between the countrys autocratic leader, Alexander Lukashenko, and Washington.

The war with Iran has largely stopped the export of nitrogen fertilizers manufactured in the Persian Gulf and limited farmers access to key fertilizer ingredients. The skyrocketing cost of fertilizer has left some U.S. farmers unable to obtain it at any price.

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Trump said during a Cabinet meeting that he plans to roll out a variety of policies to support American farmers as his administration wages war in the Middle East.

Earlier this month, Lukashenko met with Trumps special envoy for Belarus, John Coale, in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and ordered the release of 250 political prisoners as part of a deal with Washington to ease some U.S. penalties.

Draft UN resolution on free navigation in Strait of Hormuz under discussion, French foreign minister says

Jean-Noel Barrot said at a news conference that the discussions are continuing in New York on the resolution for what he called a strictly defensive international mission for the vital waterway.

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Barrot said the mission would escort ships and ensure traffic can resume as quickly as possible once calm is restored. The hope is that such a multilateral mission would help lower energy prices.

Barrot added he has been consulting with his counterparts in the Gulf, especially Bahrain, the Arab representative to the U.N.s most powerful body and one of several countries targeted by Iranian drones or missiles since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28.

AP is now calling Israels military actions in southern Lebanon an invasion. What does that mean, and why does it matter?

Israel has moved thousands of troops across the border into Lebanon, and Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have been fighting on the ground for at least three weeks.

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What changed?

Israeli officials, including the defense minister, said they want to take control of the entire area south of the Litani River  some 20 miles (about 30 kilometers) north of the border  and that displaced Lebanese residents will not be allowed back until Israel decides that its northern border is safe.

Israel occupied much of that area from 1982 to 2000 after it invaded southern Lebanon during the countrys civil war.

The army said Thursday that it had deployed another division to Lebanon, adding to a force of thousands sent into the southern part of the country since the war erupted more than three weeks ago. The army wont say how many troops were sent in on Thursday, or in total.

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Trump delays threat to obliterate Irans energy plants until April 6

Trump said Thursday hell extend his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, pulling back on his earlier threat to bomb Irans energy plants if Tehran didnt open the critical waterway.

Iran had threatened to retaliate against the regions vital infrastructure, like desalination facilities, if Trump followed through.

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Trump said he was holding off on carrying through his threat because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well.

Israels military says it is short thousands of troops as it fights on multiple fronts

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, an Israeli military spokesperson, said Thursday that the army needs about 15,000 soldiers, roughly half of them combat troops, to be at full strength for its multiple missions.

Israel can call up tens of thousands of reservists, but repeated deployments have prompted past pushback, with many citing exhaustion and the financial strain of leaving work and family behind.

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With tens of thousands still deployed in Gaza and more sent to Lebanon, Defrin said Israel expected to broaden operations on several fronts. Defrin also pointed to the occupied West Bank.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the militarys chief of staff, warned last week that the army should not have to divert forces to the West Bank during a multifront war to contend with attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and unauthorized outposts in military-controlled zones.

Wall Street has its worst day since the war with Iran started and crude oil prices rise

Doubt has taken over again on Wall Street about a possible end to the conflict.

The S&P 500 fell 1.7% Thursday. The index is headed for a fifth straight losing week, which would be the longest such losing streak in almost four years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.4%.

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Theyre the latest flip-flops for financial markets this week after Iran rejected a U.S. offer for a ceasefire. Oil prices rose more than 4%, and Treasury yields climbed in the bond market.

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UN food and agriculture agencys top economist warns of serious impact if Iran war lasts 3-6 months

Maximo Torero said markets will absorb the Iran wars impact if the conflict ends in the next two weeks or so. But if it continues for three to six months it will not only impact food security and energy but other sectors as well because prices will rise.

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And those rising prices, and the fall in remittances from overseas workers, will affect economic development and growth across the globe, the chief economist for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization told a U.N. press conference Thursday.

He said an El Nino climate phenomenon, which tends to increase global temperatures, is also expected soon. A strong El Nino could significantly exacerbate the economic situation, he said.

My message is, we need to find a way to resolve this problem as soon as possible, Torero said in the video press conference. Because, if not, the consequences  could be very dramatic, even worse that what happened in the Ukraine war.

Experts see different shades of Israeli control in southern Lebanon

The first line of borders is a no-man zone. This is basically a large parking lot that is facing Israel, said Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East think tank in Beirut.

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There is nothing there, no movement, nothing at all, he said.

Lebanese movement is restricted farther north. During last years olive harvest, farmers struggled to reach groves because of Israeli strikes and had to be accompanied by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers, who coordinated with Israel.

Sarit Zehavi, the founder and president of the Alma Institute and a retired Israeli military officer, said Israel will likely establish a more extensive area of control stretching farther north.

She acknowledged that Israel was unlikely to defeat Hezbollah and was at risk of having to maintain a long-term presence in southern Lebanon.

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But the other alternative is to take the risk that we will be slaughtered. Its as simple as that, she said.

Israel invaded southern Lebanon in 1982 during the countrys civil war. Hezbollah, established that year, waged a guerrilla campaign that eventually ended the Israeli occupation in 2000.

Lebanon fears another occupation as Israel threatens to use Gaza tactics

As Israels leaders hint at a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon modeled on the devastating conquest of much of Gaza, many Lebanese who fled their homes are in limbo.

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Some fear they may never return.

Elias Konsol and his neighbors fled the Christian border village of Alma al-Shaab with U.N. peacekeepers help. He was reunited with his mother, who cried in his arms, at a church near Beirut where funeral services were being held for a resident killed in an Israeli strike.

Konsol said there were no weapons or Hezbollah fighters in his village, but it was forced to evacuate anyway.

We no longer know our fate, he said. We dont know if we will see our homes and village again.

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US inflation projected to reach 4.2% this year

The Iran wars disruption of oil exports from the Middle East will substantially boost consumer prices while also slowing growth in the United States and many other developed countries, the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday.

The OECD expects U.S. inflation to jump to an annual average of 4.2% this year, from about 2.6% in 2025. The increase will manly be driven by spiking gas costs, but fertilizer exports have also been interrupted and could raise food prices in coming months, the OECD said.

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In the United States, the impact of higher energy prices on inflation will more than offset the effect from the decline in effective tariff rates on imports, the OECDs interim outlook report said.

Growth is expected to slip to 2% this year from 2.1% in 2025, then decline further next year to 1.7%. In 20 of the largest countries, referred to as the Group of 20, which includes Japan, Europe, and large emerging economies such as Brazil, inflation is forecast to rise to 4% from 3.4%.

Renewables-rich Spain cuts fuel tax to soften energy blow caused by Iran war

Even though Spain generated over half its electricity last year from renewable sources, its government is still concerned that a global scarcity of oil and natural gas coming from the Middle East will impact consumers with higher prices at the pump.

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So parliament has approved a package of emergency economic measures, including slashing the sales tax on gas and electricity bills from 21% to 10%. The government estimates that car owners will save 30 cents on the euro for every liter of gas, or around 20 euros per tank.

Truck drivers, farmers, herders and fishermen will be able to claim refunds of 20 cents per each liter for diesel from the government. The same refund will apply to fertilizers. Spain is also freezing the price of butane and propane.

The government says the measures total 5 billion euros ($5.7 billion) and will help 20 million of Spains 49 million residents.

Israel adds an armored division to its invasion of southern Lebanon

The 162nd Divisions deployment is the latest expansion of Israels ground offensive against Hezbollah, as senior officials say the army aims to control territory up to the Litani River.

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Israel does not disclose division sizes but previously described three divisions in Gaza as tens of thousands of troops.

The move comes a day after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the country would expand its control and establish a security zone up to the Litani River. He drew parallels to Gaza, where many areas have been depopulated.

The Israeli military has destroyed bridges and homes in southern Lebanon and set up new positions in recent weeks. Lebanon says over 1 million people have been displaced and more than 1,000 people killed.

France says 35 countries joined military talks on reopening Hormuz shipping

Thursdays videoconference of defense staff chiefs focused on how to reopen shipping once the intensity of hostilities has sufficiently decreased, Frances Defense Ministry said.

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That could entail a strictly defensive mission to escort commercial vessels and restore freedom of navigation, the ministry said.

Power outages in some areas of Tehran

Witnesses told The Associated Press that power is out in some areas of the Iranian capital, although no official reports have been released yet.

Less than an hour ago, witnesses reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

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Witnesses report more heavy strikes in Tehran

They also said they heard the sounds of what appeared to be fighter jets flying overhead.

Trump Cabinet meeting stays mainly focused on Iran war

Trumps first Cabinet meeting since the start of the Iran war ran an hour and 40 minutes. But unlike past meetings of this kind, the president kept it largely focused on the war.

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Trump usually gives every Cabinet member time to speak, but on Thursday he limited speakers to himself, Vance, Rubio, Hegseth, Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Still, Trump weighed in on a few unrelated topics, such as his choice of writing implements, a construction project at the Federal Reserve that he thinks costs too much, and lawsuits pending to stop him from closing the Kennedy Center performing arts venue for a two-year renovation project.

Trump sidesteps question about his deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz

Asked whether hes sticking to a five-day delay he announced on Monday, Trump said I dont know.

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Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, the president said it depends on whether his team tells him talks with Iran are going along or not.

We have a lot of time, Trump said. Its a day. In Trump time, a day- you know what it is? Thats an eternity.

Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants starting Monday unless the strait was fully reopened. He said the deadline was pushed back to negotiate a deal.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill another 22 people and wound 110 in the past 24 hours

The total number of people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war has risen to 1,116, with 3,229 wounded, Lebanons health ministry said Thursday.

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The death toll includes 121 children and 83 women. More than 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon by the conflict.

The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired missiles across the border into Israel on March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Israel has since launched widespread airstrikes and a ground invasion of Lebanon.

Missile fire from Lebanon killed an Israeli man in a city on the northern coast

Israels Magen David Adom emergency service says a man in his 30s was killed by shrapnel from a missile strike in Nahariya following a barrage from Lebanon.

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It said medics treated a man in his 50s who was in moderate to serious condition, and three people who were lightly wounded.

Ukraines president arrives in Saudi Arabia after offering anti-drone help

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit, days after revealing that Ukraine is helping five countries in the Middle East counter attacks on their territory by drones amid the Iran war.

Ukraine has grown into one of the worlds leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective.

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Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled, the Ukrainian leader said on X Thursday along with video of his arrival. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.

Zelenskyy said last week that Ukrainian officials are helping Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan with drone expertise and helping build a defense system.

Trump says US doesnt need the Hormuz Strait

Asked by a reporter how close he was to marshaling a coalition of partners to help protect tankers moving through the strait, Trump said the U.S. has so much oil  our country is not affected by this.

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The narrow waterway typically sees a fifth of the worlds oil exit the Persian Gulf through it to reach customers worldwide, particularly in Asia, and blockages there have sent oil prices near $120 per barrel at times.

And although its true that the United States doesnt get a massive percentage of its oil from resources moving through the strait, the price of oil is set on the global market.

Irans stranglehold on the waterway has raised prices at the pump for drivers the world over. The nationwide average price of gas is up more than a dollar from just a month earlier.

Trump is not ready to seek suspension of federal gas tax to help ease prices at the pump

Asked by a reporter about that option during the Cabinet meeting, Trump said, weve thought about it, I guess and suggested that states suspend their taxes on fuel.

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He segued into talking about the stock market and was asked again about the possibility of suspending the federal gas tax, which is 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. That does not include state taxes, which often are higher.

Trump cannot suspend the federal tax on his own; Congress would have to approve.

But he indicated he wasnt ready to go that route at the federal level at this time.

Its something we have in our pocket if we think its necessary, Trump said.

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Trump calls the German presidents condemnation of his actions in Iran inappropriate

In a speech on Tuesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Trumps aggression against Iran was a dangerous mistake in violation of international law.

Taking questions from reporters during Thursdays Cabinet meeting, Trump likened Steinmeiers statement to the U.S. assistance to Ukraine in its war with Russia, which he said was not our war, we helped, but Ukraines done well.

Trump, who as he campaigned for a second term said repeatedly he could swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, added, if I can solve that, it will be a great honor to do it. I wish it could have gone faster.

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Trump claims Iran allowing Pakistan-flagged tankers through strait in sign of good faith for talks

Trump earlier this week cryptically said that Iran gave us a present. He revealed the gift during Thursdays Cabinet meeting.

Trump said that Iranian officials, with whom the U.S. is engaging in back-channel talks, are allowing eight boats of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it was an apparent act of good faith for negotiations.

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Stock image. A jury in Hartford awarded $5.7 million to three victims of a shooting at a Hartford Taco Bell restaurant in 2020. The victims had sued the franchise owner and two managers, claiming negligence in the hiring, supervision and retention of the convicted shooter, a restaurant employee. Getty Images

HARTFORD  A jury Wednesday awarded $5.7 million to three people who were shot, wounded and traumatized by a Hartford Taco Bell worker whose violent background and behavior went unchecked by the restaurant franchise owner and managers, according to court documents and an attorney for the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit in state Superior Court in Hartford, filed by the Flood Law Firm on behalf of Samuel Martinez, Victor Arroyo and Doris Arroyo-Khem, contended the franchise owner, G.F. Enterprise LLC, and two restaurant managers at the Flatbush Avenue Taco Bell were negligent in the hiring, retention and supervision of the convicted shooter, Armando Perez.

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Now 40, Perez was sentenced to seven years in prison in February 2022 after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree assault, court documents show. He remains behind bars with a maximum release date of April 16, 2027, according to the state Department of Correction.

On Nov. 15, 2020 at about noon, Perez argued with Martinez, a fellow worker at the fast-food restaurant, and threatened him with violence in front of a manager, the complaint says. Later that day in the restaurant parking lot when Martinez returned to pick up his girlfriend, Perez fired 17 shots at Martinez and his family, according to the lawsuit. Martinez was hit in the knee and arm and Arroyo, his stepfather, was hit in the heel, the suit says. Arroyo-Khem, Martinez's stepsister, was not wounded, but she was traumatized after witnessing the shooting, the lawsuit said.

The jury awarded Martinez $2.4 million; Arroyo, 2.6 million; and Arroyo-Khem, $700,000, according to court documents.

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Perez, who was living in East Hartford when the shooting occurred, had a history of gang affiliation and a criminal record, the suit says, but no background screening was done before he was hired. Evidence presented to the jury included reported threats of violence Perez made in the restaurant, along with a failure by the franchisee to enforce its own safety and violence in the workplace policies, attorney Kevin Lawlor of Flood Law said Thursday.

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At the time he was hired, Perez's criminal record included convictions for assault, criminal possession of a firearm, riot in a correctional institution and possession of a weapon in a correctional institution, Lawlor said. The franchise owner and managers failed to fire Perez when they learned of his criminal background and violent nature before the shooting, the suit said.
FILE - The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Dec. 4, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) Matt Rourke/Associated Press File - Overdose Kits containing narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) donated to the citys emergency responders in Bridgeport, Conn. Sept. 22, 2016. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media File - Overdose Kits containing narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) donated to the citys emergency responders in Bridgeport, Conn. Sept. 22, 2016. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

Overdose deaths have gone down by 45% since 2021, marking the fourth year of a consistent downward trend, according to the latest data from state officials and law enforcement.

Officials at a press conference Tuesday credited the decline to collaboration between state agencies, community leaders, and first responders to mass distribute naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose, across the state.

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Connecticut has, over the last five years, led the nation in combating fatal overdoses, said Evan Allard, director of the Connecticut Intelligence Center, the states fusion center where law enforcement and state public safety and health officials can pool their intelligence together.

But we think there's more work to do this spring and this summer... We want to make sure that we're putting the right people in the right places to make sure that we can continue this trend of decreasing overdoses, Allard continued.

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There were about 836 overdose fatalities in 2025, according to preliminary monthly data from the state Department of Public Health. Monthly death totals were consistently lower than in 2024, which had already seen a 26% drop compared to 2023.

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New London County had the highest death rate in 2024, according to the state data, followed by New Haven and Hartford counties. Yet, since 2020, every county across the state saw a drop in their rates compared to previous years.

State data also shows that the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opiate, in overdose deaths has steadily decreased from 85.3% in 2022 to around 69.4% in 2025. Meanwhile, cocaine-related overdoses are on the rise, from 38.3% in 2019 to 59.7% in 2024.

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A lot of the progress, state officials said, is due to the increased distribution and public awareness around naloxone.

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Mass distribution of naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, kicked off in 2022, as part of a statewide effort, said Luiza Barnat, the director of opioid services with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The goal was to distribute a minimum of 45,000 naloxone kits, but Barnat said the department is often giving out more than that. In 2025, for example, they distributed more than 80,000 kits at no cost.

Barnat added that theyve created leave-behind naloxone kits with the reversal medication and sterile equipment that first responders can give to people in need to help prevent future overdoses. Folks can also pick up Naloxone and learn how to use it at local health departments, community health centers and pharmacies.

It is very important to continue to educate not just those who use drugs but everyone around them about the safety of Naloxone and to address stigma, she said.

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Even with the encouraging progress, this is still a serious and evolving threat, said Sergeant First Class John Wardrop, a member of the Connecticut National Guard Counterdrug program.

State data shows overdoses and fatalities typically rise in the spring and summer, and Wardrop said he expects Connecticut will likely see an increase in the coming months.

This is not something that one agency can do alone. It takes a whole government approach and a whole community approach, he said. When law enforcement, public health, treatment partners and community organizations are working together, we are in a much stronger position to identify trends early, share information quickly, and get life saving resources into the hands of the people that need it the most.
Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, and Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, Stanford University, and Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, and Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP A man communicates with an ASUS Character Virtual Assistant, ROG Omni system during the AI EXPO in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. ChiangYing-ying/AP

Artificial intelligence chatbots are so prone to flattering and validating their human users that they are giving bad advice that can damage relationships and reinforce harmful behaviors, according to a new study that explores the dangers of AI telling people what they want to hear.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, tested 11 leading AI systems and found they all showed varying degrees of sycophancy  behavior that was overly agreeable and affirming. The problem is not just that they dispense inappropriate advice but that people trust and prefer AI more when the chatbots are justifying their convictions.

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This creates perverse incentives for sycophancy to persist: The very feature that causes harm also drives engagement, says the study led by researchers at Stanford University.

The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people's interactions with chatbots. It's subtle enough that they might not notice and a particular danger to young people turning to AI for many of life's questions while their brains and social norms are still developing.

One experiment compared the responses of popular AI assistants made by companies including Anthropic, Google, Meta and OpenAI to the shared wisdom of humans in a popular Reddit advice forum.

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When AI won't tell you you're a jerk

Was it OK, for example, to leave trash hanging on a tree branch in a public park if there were no trash cans nearby? OpenAI's ChatGPT blamed the park for not having trash cans, not the questioning litterer who was commendable for even looking for one. Real people thought differently in the Reddit forum abbreviated as AITA, after a phrase for someone asking if they are a cruder term for a jerk.

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The lack of trash bins is not an oversight. Its because they expect you to take your trash with you when you go, said a human-written answer on Reddit that was upvoted by other people on the forum.

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The study found that, on average, AI chatbots affirmed a user's actions 49% more often than other humans did, including in queries involving deception, illegal or socially irresponsible conduct, and other harmful behaviors.

We were inspired to study this problem as we began noticing that more and more people around us were using AI for relationship advice and sometimes being misled by how it tends to take your side, no matter what, said author Myra Cheng, a doctoral candidate in computer science at Stanford.

Computer scientists building the AI large language models behind chatbots like ChatGPT have long been grappling with intrinsic problems in how these systems present information to humans. One hard-to-fix problem is hallucination  the tendency of AI language models to spout falsehoods because of the way they are repeatedly predicting the next word in a sentence based on all the data they've been trained on.

Reducing AI sycophancy is a challenge

Sycophancy is in some ways more complicated. While few people are looking to AI for factually inaccurate information, they might appreciate  at least in the moment  a chatbot that makes them feel better about making the wrong choices.

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While much of the focus on chatbot behavior has centered on its tone, that had no bearing on the results, said co-author Cinoo Lee, who joined Cheng on a call with reporters ahead of the study's publication.

We tested that by keeping the content the same, but making the delivery more neutral, but it made no difference, said Lee, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology. So its really about what the AI tells you about your actions.

In addition to comparing chatbot and Reddit responses, the researchers conducted experiments observing about 2,400 people communicating with an AI chatbot about their experiences with interpersonal dilemmas.

People who interacted with this over-affirming AI came away more convinced that they were right, and less willing to repair the relationship, Lee said. That means they weren't apologizing, taking steps to improve things, or changing their own behavior.

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Lee said the implications of the research could be even more critical for kids and teenagers who are still developing the emotional skills that come from real-life experiences with social friction, tolerating conflict, considering other perspectives and recognizing when youre wrong.

Finding a fix to AI's emerging problems will be critical as society still grapples with the effects of social media technology after more than a decade of warnings from parents and child advocates. In Los Angeles on Wednesday, a jury found both Meta and Google-owned YouTube liable for harms to children using their services. In New Mexico, a jury determined that Meta knowingly harmed childrens mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.

Google's Gemini and Meta's open-source Llama model were among those studied by the Stanford researchers, along with OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude and chatbots from France's Mistral and Chinese companies Alibaba and DeepSeek.

Of leading AI companies, Anthropic has done the most work, at least publicly, in investigating the dangers of sycophancy, finding in a 2024 research paper that it is a general behavior of AI assistants, likely driven in part by human preference judgments favoring sycophantic responses.

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None of the companies directly commented on the Science study on Thursday but Anthropic and OpenAI pointed to their recent work to reduce sycophancy.

The risks of AI sycophancy are widespread

In medical care, researchers say sycophantic AI could lead doctors to confirm their first hunch about a diagnosis rather than encourage them to explore further. In politics, it could amplify more extreme positions by reaffirming peoples preconceived notions. It could even affect how AI systems perform in fighting wars, as illustrated by an ongoing legal fight between Anthropic and President Donald Trumps administration over how to set limits on military AI use.

The study doesn't propose specific solutions, though both tech companies and academic researchers have started to explore ideas. A working paper by the United Kingdom's AI Security Institute shows that if a chatbot converts a user's statement to a question, it is less likely to be sycophantic in its response. Another paper by researchers at Johns Hopkins University also shows that how the conversation is framed makes a big difference.

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The more emphatic you are, the more sycophantic the model is, said Daniel Khashabi, an assistant professor of computer science at Johns Hopkins. He said it's hard to know if the cause is chatbots mirroring human societies or something different, because these are really, really complex systems.

Sycophancy is so deeply embedded into chatbots that Cheng said it might require tech companies to go back and retrain their AI systems to adjust which types of answers are preferred.

Cheng said a simpler fix could be if AI developers instruct their chatbots to challenge their users more, such as by starting a response with the words, Wait a minute. Her co-author Lee said there is still time to shape how AI interacts with us.

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Brendan Mackey is the newest anchor on Fox 61. Fox 61

After several weeks off the air with an unexplained health issue, Fox 61 morning anchor Brendan Mackey returned to his desk this week.

Mackey, who joined the Hartford-based network last September, was off-air for several weeks in late February and early March, before his return to hosting on Tuesday, alongside co-anchor Symphonie Privett.

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"I've been dealing with some pretty serious health complications, and I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it's been pretty rough," Mackey said on his return broadcast.

The anchor declined to share details about what kept him off air, but he did thank viewers for reaching out and checking on him during his multiweek absence. In a statement, Mackey said he was excited to be back with his co-workers and that he had missed Fox61's "amazing viewers."

Brendan Mackey poses with fellow Fox61 anchors Symphonie Privett and Matt Scott on his first day back on air on March 24, 2026. Courtesy of Brendan Mackey

"I knew when I moved to New England that it was special, but the people here in Connecticut, I mean it from the bottom of my heart, thank you," he said on air.

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Mackey also addressed his absence in a social media post on March 5, where he first shared that he was dealing with "serious health complications" and thanked the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. and the University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora, Colo., for their support. Mackey is a Denver native.

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Before coming to Connecticut, Mackey was a reporter at ABC 7 in Sarasota, Fla., and has won awards for his segments there and at a previous stop in Wisconsin.
A 45-year-old inmate died Sunday, March 22 at Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers. A total of nine inmates have died in Connecticut prisons this year, according to state data. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the legislative Judiciary Committee, in a file photo. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media State Rep. Greg Howard R-Stonington, in a recent file photo. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  The state Department of Correction needs to do a better job providing nutrition, medication and treatment for the state's 11,000 incarcerated people, a legislative committee said Tuesday.

The bill, which won bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee and next goes to the House, would order an audit of nutrition and food services, and require medical histories of offenders in pre-sentencing reports.

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State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the committee, said Sunday's inmate death of a 45-year-old at Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers underscored the importance of the issue. Nine inmates have died in Connecticut prisons this year, according to data from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and state officials.

"I don't think it's an overstatement to say the provision of health care services within the Department of Correction right now is at a crisis level," Stafstrom said. "Every day this committee hears more and more stories about folks having untenable wait periods to get to see a doctor. We hear every day about specialized services not being available to inmates. And probably most concerning, we hear repeated stories about how routine medication is not delivered to individuals on a daily basis."

The result, Stafstrom said, could be long-term health problems, even for people who had only short stays in local jails or correctional institutions.

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"It is extremely disconcerting and troubling to hear about the deaths of inmates in our correctional facilities," said state Sen. John Kissel of Enfield, a ranking Republican on the committee who has major prisons in his district. "The last few years we have seen a lot of people dying in the Department of Correction. Troubling."

He said the town of Somers is overwhelmed with the responsibility of handling ambulance calls at DOC facilities.

"It's got to change," Kissel said. "We've got to move this along because the Department of Correction  I hate to say it, but I'm going to say it  has to get its act together. It's poorly staffed; it doesn't seem to have a rudder."

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State Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the committee, said he has "struggled" to get answers for families of incarcerated people who need treatment and medication.

"When someone is in our system and we aren't being responsible, and day-to-day they are miserable, we are breaking that human being," Winfield said. "I'm never shocked, unfortunately, when I hear of a death because I know what we have done that breaks these people."

During the public hearing process, the bill was opposed by Gov. Ned Lamont's budget staff. In testimony to the committee, Daniel Karpowitz, undersecretary for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, said the various health issues require an ongoing, interagency approach.

"These issues are complex and an administration priority," Karpowitz wrote. "The administration believes that a new paradigm is possible for the approach to medical care delivered to people incarcerated in Connecticut."

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Earlier this month, Lamont announced Deputy DOC Commissioner Sharonda Carlos will lead the agency following the May 1 retirement of Commissioner Angel Quiros.

"We have a duty," said Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, a ranking Republican on the committee who voted against the legislation because he said it needs further drafting. "Certainly the bill that's before us tries to do things that, frankly, Corrections should be doing themselves. Fortunately the legislature recognizes a problem."

Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, a police detective, said DOC guards need more support and personnel.

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Trumbull High School graduate Anthony Deras committed Yale University in the fall of 2024. Brian A. Pounds/Hearst Connecticut Media Christian Pierre, a 2024 Norwalk High School graduate, committed to attend Stanford University this fall after being accepted into three Ivy League schools. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Greenwich High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Hanna Klingbeil was accepted to several prestigious schools before choosing to attend Yale University. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media East Hartford High School Class of 2024 senior, Christiana Zembrowski was accepted to three Ivy League schools, and is deciding between Yale and Harvard. Contributed by Laura Roberts Marcello Maturi, a senior in Norwalk High School Class of 2024, committed to Columbia University after being accepted there and at the University of Pennsylvania. Marcello Maturi/Contributed Photo

With just a few months left of the 2025-26 school year, high school seniors across the state are getting their acceptance letters and making plans for where theyll go to school in the fall.

Ivy League schools are especially revered for being selective and having extensive criteria for their applicants. In fact, only 0.3% of students are accepted to any of the eight Ivy League schools, according to the Ivy Institute.

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Nevertheless, several Connecticut students have celebrated their acceptance into more than one Ivy League school in the last few years.

In 2024, Christiana Zembrowski, a senior at East Hartford High School, was accepted to Columbia University, Harvard University and Yale University and chose Harvard University as her alma mater.

Norwalk High School senior Christian Pierre was accepted at Harvard, Yale and University of Pennsylvania before deciding to attend Stanford University, while his classmate Marcello Maturi was accepted at Columbia University and University of Pennsylvania before choosing Columbia University.

In Trumbull, Anthony Deras was accepted into Harvard, Brown University, Yale, Columbia University and Cornell University before choosing Yale, while Greenwich High School valedictorian Hanna Klingbeil was accepted at Yale and Brown before choosing Yale.

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Liz Hardaway is a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

She was a Hearst fellow in Connecticut and at the San Antonio Express-News where she covered city hall and local issues. She also worked at the Sun Newspapers in Southwest Florida as a general assignment reporter covering politics, business, and health.

Liz graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2018 with a B.A. in journalism. She enjoys cooking, reading and playing with her dachshund, Finn.
East Haven police say Liam Timothy Walsh, a Massachusetts man, is accused of jumping on a police cruiser during a street takeover in November. Courtesy of the East Haven Police Department East Haven police are looking to identify the people involved in a street takeover on Foxon Road early Sunday that involved the attack of a police cruiser. Courtesy of the East Haven Police Department East Haven police are looking to identify the people involved in a street takeover on Foxon Road early Sunday that involved the attack of a police cruiser. Courtesy of the East Haven Police Department East Haven police are looking to identify the people involved in a street takeover on Foxon Road early Sunday that involved the attack of a police cruiser. Courtesy of the East Haven Police Department

EAST HAVEN  A Massachusetts man has been arrested after an investigation found he was one of the people who jumped on a police cruiser during a street takeover last year, officials say.

In a release, the East Haven Police Department said Liam Timothy Walsh, a 20-year-old from Somerville, was charged on Tuesday with inciting injuries to persons or property, first-degree criminal mischief, unlawful assembly and second-degree breach of peace.

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Police said officers were dispatched to the ShopRite Plaza on Foxon Road in the early morning hours of Nov. 30 for a report of multiple vehicles blocking the roadway, performing burnouts and people setting off fireworks.

The first officer to arrive at the scene was immediately confronted by several masked individuals, police said. One of the suspects sprayed his police cruiser with a fire extinguisher before throwing it at the vehicle, they said, while other people lit off fireworks.

Police said multiple people then climbed onto the occupied police cruiser and began kicking it. They said the individuals fled, but then returned to taunt officers at the scene.

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The same vehicles were later observed in surrounding towns, police said, adding it appeared to be an attempt to provoke similar encounters in those jurisdictions.

Police said Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Vailette led the Investigative Services Division's "extensive investigation" into the incident. They said the inquiry ultimately led to the development of several suspects and the securing of multiple arrest warrants in this case.

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With the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Revere Barracks, police said, one of the suspects seen in multiple videos jumping on a police cruiser while filming himself was identified as Walsh.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BOAO, Hainan, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday met separately with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova and Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who are in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, also met with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the BFA on Wednesday.

During his meeting with Gafarova, Zhao said that China is ready to work with Azerbaijan to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, expand economic, trade and investment cooperation, enhance connectivity, promote people-to-people exchanges, and jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The NPC stands ready to strengthen exchanges with the Milli Majlis, which is Azerbaijan's parliament, to provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation between the two countries, Zhao said.

Gafarova said Azerbaijan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China across various fields and deepen exchanges between legislative bodies.

When meeting with Sklyar, Zhao noted that China and Kazakhstan are friendly neighbors and permanent comprehensive strategic partners.

China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main focus, enrich people-to-people exchanges, strengthen international coordination and cooperation, and promote China-Kazakhstan relations to a higher level, broader fields and deeper dimensions, Zhao said.

The NPC is willing to play an active role as a legislative body in advancing the friendship between China and Kazakhstan, he added.

Sklyar said Kazakhstan supports the global initiatives proposed by China, adding that Kazakhstan-China relations have been continuously deepening, and that Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields such as legislation, economy, trade and energy to promote the development of bilateral relations.

When meeting with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the BFA, Zhao said China is ready to work with all parties to jointly implement the global initiatives and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

China will always support the development of the BFA, Zhao said, stressing efforts to stay true to the founding purpose of the forum, keep pace with the times, and uphold openness and inclusiveness. He also expressed China's willingness to work with all countries to jointly build a clean, beautiful and sustainable world.

BFA Chairman Ban Ki-moon and other representatives spoke highly of the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the global initiatives proposed by China, expressing their willingness to make unremitting efforts to promote the development of the forum. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
WFSB's headquarters in Rocky Hill, Connecticut on Feb. 23, 2017. John Burgeson / Connecticut Post WFSB's headquarters in Rocky Hill, Connecticut on Feb. 23, 2017. John Burgeson / Connecticut Post

A former WFSB reporter and Quinnipiac University graduate has left both her most recent television job and the entire TV news industry.

That's the latest with Eliza Kruczynski, who spent two years at the Rocky Hill-based network before leaving for a job at 7News WHWH in Boston in June 2024.

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"This career taught me how to think fast, ask better questions and tell stories that matter," Kruczynski wrote in a social media post earlier this month announcing her departure. "It taught me the power of listening to peoples stories, their struggles, and the moments that matter most to them."

Kruczynski, who is now working at a software company in Boston, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Before her time at WFSB, Kruczynski had spent time working for a television station in Georgia and had been an intern at NBC Connecticut, according to her LinkedIn. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2020 with a degree in broadcast journalism and spent a total of six years in the industry.

Several prominent Connecticut anchors praised Kruczynski when she announced her departure from WFSB in 2024. Stephanie Simoni described her as a "bright light in the newsroom" in a Facebook post.

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Inside the Humphrey Fire House in Hamden photographed on December 15, 2021. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

HAMDEN  An expected $1.5 million state grant could reignite long-standing plans to build a new fire station in southern Hamden.

Earlier this month, the states Community Investment Fund board recommended the state bond commission approve $1.5 million for the towns Fire Station 2 project, which would replace the dilapidated and aged Circular Avenue firehouse with a new, modern structure at 466 Putnam Ave.

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The funds, which are likely to be approved by the state bond commission, are in addition to a previous $8.6 million state grant award. The commission next meets on Friday.

It gets me to where we will have a fire station built, but were still trying to complete the funding stack so we dont have to value engineer a lot of the stations function out of it, said Town Engineer Stephen White.

White said the latest feasibility study for the station estimated the total cost of the planned scope of work at $17 million. He said the town must determine whether it can raise the funding for the full project as planned before the expected start of construction in 2027. White said he believes construction will begin next year, although not necessarily within the next fiscal year, and is expected to be done concurrently with a planned new town animal shelter at the same location.

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Station 2 is a battered building, said Hamden Fire Chief Shelly Carter. Its historic, its beautiful in all of its history, but its not necessarily the best working firehouse for the firefighters and, to be honest, for the community.

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According to the town, the building was initially built between 1908 and 1912. Carter said the building has leaks, holes and mold and the town was required to modify its apparatus so it could fit in the building.

Were trying to bring the fire department into 2026, 2027 and beyond, and have the department be innovative. A new fire station will allow all of that, she said. My hope as the leader of this department is we stay on top of national trends, we train with the best equipment and the best facilities, that our firefighters are safe when they go to work, our firefighters are safe when they leave work, and this fire station is going to do all of that.

Among the planned facility upgrades to the new 14,056 square-foot building approved by the towns Planning and Zoning Commission are apparatus bays that can accommodate modern vehicles, living and sleeping quarters with more privacy and refueling stations.

Members of Hamdens state delegation celebrated the news of the CIF grant as something transformative for the community.

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The new fire station will not only keep the residents of Hamden safe, but it will also provide much needed services to our community, said Rep. Laurie Sweet, D-Hamden, whose district includes the new fire station, in a statement.

State Rep. Josh Elliott said in a statement that the fire station will help the town move forward with a modern facility that improves emergency response while creating opportunities for public safety education and workforce development, particularly for underserved residents.

District 5 council member Rhonda Caldwell, whose district includes the proposed fire station, declined to comment.

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A recording of Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's deposition is played for jurors March 4, 2026, in Santa Fe, N.M. (Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool) Jim Weber/Associated Press Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File) Ryan Sun/Associated Press

Jurors in California and New Mexico in separate decisions this week found Meta and YouTube liable for harming children. The twin outcomes could signal legal hope for an Enfield mother who brought a lawsuit against several platforms over the death of her daughter.

Tammy Rodriguez's daughter Selena was 11 when she died by suicide in 2021.

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Rodriguez is suing Meta, Snap and TikTok, claiming her daughter's death was caused by her "addictive use of and exposure" to the companies' "dangerous and defective social media products."

Rodriguez's suit remains ongoing in federal court.

Meta, Snapchat and TikTok did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Rodriguez's suit also names ByteDance, TikTok's former parent company, as a defendant. The company did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the suit.

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The lawsuit said Selena Rodriguez grew up in Chicopee, Mass., and Enfield, describing her as a "vivacious child" who was loved by her elementary school teachers.

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She was given a computer tablet at the age of 9. Soon after, she downloaded the social media apps without her mother's knowledge or consent, the suit's second amended complaint said.

The lawsuit said Selena's social media use "coincided with a decline in her mental health and academic performance," and claims she soon became "addicted" and was spending "increasing amounts of time communicating on social media."

The suit said she was communicating with thousands of individuals, most of them complete strangers and many of them adults.

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The lawsuit said her mother's only way to limit her access to social media was to confiscate her devices, which caused Selena to "self-harm or run away."

The suit said Selena also was sexually exploited by other users on the social media platforms.

It said her death was "the proximate result of psychic injury caused by her addictive use of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat social media products."

Rodriguez's lawsuit is one of thousands tech companies are facing. Experts have said the verdict in the California case involving social media addiction could be a bellwether for how other lawsuits will go.

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On Wednesday, a California jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay $3 million in damages to a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to the platforms as a child. TikTok and Snap also were sued, but settled before trial.

That followed a verdict in a separate case in New Mexico in which a jury found that Meta harmed children's mental health and hid what it knew about child sexual abuse. Unlike the California case that was brought by an individual plaintiff, the New Mexico case was brought by state prosecutors. Jurors issued a $375 million penalty against Meta.

The twin verdicts come as lawmakers have called for safeguards for children on online platforms for years, including hauling tech executives before a Senate committee in 2024. Despite that, federal legislative efforts have stalled.

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Meanwhile, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, the owners of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp. Connecticut is among the states that have sued  Attorney General William Tong announced in 2023 that Connecticut was joining a federal complaint. Other states have pursued actions in state courts.
The Office of the Chief State's Attorney in Rocky Hill. State officials say Vartaysha Reed, a personal care assistant from New Haven, is accused of billing Medicaid $65,000 for services she did not provide. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas/Hearst Co

ROCKY HILL  A personal care assistant from New Haven is facing charges after an investigation found she allegedly billed Medicaid tens of thousands of dollars for services she was not providing, officials say.

In a release, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said 26-year-old Vartaysha Reed had been charged with health insurance fraud and first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community.

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Officials said an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found that Reed, who was employed as a personal care assistant, submitted timesheets and was paid for services she did not provide.

The personal care assistant program is Medicaid funded and provides people with permanent, severe and chronic disabilities funds to hire helpers to assist in daily self-care activities, officials said. The program enables people to reside in their homes and remain in the community.

From late May to mid-December of 2024, officials said, Reed was submitting timesheets claiming she was providing services to the recipient in their home. They said the investigation found that, at various times in that period, the person she was working for was hospitalized or out of the state.

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Officials said Reed also continued to bill Medicaid for months after the recipients death. They said she was paid $64,954.09 for the fraudulent claims.

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Reed was released on a $50,000 pending arraignment in the state Superior Court in New Haven, officials said.

According to court documents, she is scheduled to enter a plea in court on April 29.

If found guilty, each offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
A 59-year-old Derby woman died Thursday after she crashed into a utility pole on Derby-Milford Road, Orange police said. Getty Image

ORANGE  A 59-year-old Derby woman died Thursday after she crashed into a utility pole on Derby-Milford Road, police said.

The single-vehicle wreck took place around 10:15 a.m. near the University of New Haven Orange Campus, according to the Orange Police Department.

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Police identified the driver as Catherine Mis. Officials said she was traveling south in a gray Nissan Altima when the vehicle left the road for an unknown reason and struck a utility pole.

Mis was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained, and later died at the hospital, police said.

No one else was reported injured in connection with the crash. Police said the wreck remains under investigation.

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A file photo of a Connecticut State Police cruiser. Police have identified the man found dead in Oxford after assaulting and threatening a Lyft driver on Monday. FILE PHOTO

OXFORD  A Beacon Falls resident has been identified as the man found dead in Oxford after assaulting and threatening a Lyft driver on Monday, police said.

The man has been identified as 32-year-old Vicente Poulin-Waters, according to Connecticut State Police. Poulin-Waters was located with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the incident was reported earlier, police said.

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Police said the Lyft driver reported the incident around 4:10 a.m. and said the passenger had fled the scene.

It was not immediately clear what type of injuries the driver may have sustained, if any, or why the alleged assault occurred.
Paddle Pub Connecticut partners Colin Caplan, far right, and Christian Bruckhart, center, with New England Brewing Co. Senior Events Manager Amanda White, left, out on the back deck overlooking the Branford River at NEBCO's Branford Brewery on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. They announced that Paddle Pub Connecticut will begin cruises from the waterfront brewery at 5 Indian Neck Ave. in May 2026. Mark Zaretsky / Hearst Connecticut Media The Paddle Pub Connecticut boat docked at the Lisman Landing marina, on Milford Harbor in Milford, Conn. June 26, 2023. Ned Gerard/Connecticut Post Patrons of Paddle Pub Connecticut having fun out on the water on one of the company's cruises. Courtesy of Paddle Pub Connecticut One of the Paddle Pub Connecticut boats out on the water. Courtesy of Paddle Pub Connecticut Paddle Pub Connecticut partners Colin Caplan, far right, and Christian Bruckhart, center, with New England Brewing Co. Senior Events Manager Amanda White, left, out on the back deck overlooking the Branford River at NEBCO's Branford Brewery on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. They announced that Paddle Pub Connecticut will begin cruises from the waterfront brewery at 5 Indian Neck Ave. in May 2026. Mark Zaretsky / Hearst Connecticut Media

BRANFORD  Feeling kind of landlocked? Do you crave some time out in the deep blue?

You soon will be able to peddle serenely out of your day-to-day  and into the Branford River and Long Island Sound  from New England Brewing Co.'s Branford brewery and pub, courtesy of Paddle Pub Connecticut, which is set to begin pedal-powered boat cruises from NEBCO's docks on the river.

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"We really always wanted to be in Branford," said Colin Caplan, one of the three partners in Paddle Pub Connecticut, formerly known as Pedal Cruise, which is moving one of its boats, which previously plied the waters off Stamford's Harbor Point, to NEBCO's second location at 5 Indian Neck Ave.

He spoke Wednesday afternoon at a press conference at the brewery, joined by First Selectman Joshua Brooks, Branford Economic & Business Development Manager Perry Maresca, new NEBCO Senior Events Manager Amanda White and one of Caplan's partners, Christian Bruckhart.

The boat, currently in dry dock in Milford, where Paddle Pub Connecticut also operates a boat at the Lisman Landing marina on Milford Harbor, will be moving to Branford in April, with cruises to begin in May, Caplan said.

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"But people can book now" at the Paddle Pub Connecticut website, located at https://paddlepub.com/connecticut, he said.

The boat will be one of the few in Connecticut providing public cruises. New Haven used to have regular cruises on the Liberty Belle, but hasn't had regular cruises in years  and the 91-foot schooner Quinnipiack, which used to be moored at Long Wharf Pier in New Haven, was sold a few years back and moved to Maine.

Stamford used to have floating Tiki bar cruises in addition to the Paddle Pub CT boat that now is moving to Branford, but doesn't any longer, said Caplan.

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There even once was a fire on a cruise boat in Stamford  not one of Paddle Pub Connecticut's boats  that spread to adjacent boats and docks in 2020.

"We're in a neighborhood" and "we're going to be great neighbors," said Caplan, who also is the driving force behind Taste of New Haven, which does restaurant tours, and is one of the people responsible for the growth of New Haven apizza's national and international reputation in recent years.

"We're looking forward to just an awesome season here for our first season in Branford," said NEBCO's White, who came on board a couple of month ago. She joined Caplan and Bruckhart, whose day job is as public information officer for the New Haven Police Department to announce the cruises.

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Brooks also spoke at the event.

Caplan and Bruckhart  who have a third partner, Rob Paul, who lives and works in Florida  said that while the boats do run on peddle power, they also have outboard motors and, according to Caplan, "are very safe." The excursions will be about 90 minutes, he said.

The boats are fully registered and U.S. Coast Guard-inspected, said Bruckhart.

The soon-to-be Branford boat has a capacity of 24 people, of which 12 can peddle at one time. (The Milford boat has a capacity of 20 people.) Each boat has two crew members: the captain and a first mate who also is the "bartender."

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Caplan said they are "family friendly"  meaning kids are welcome  but because alcohol is served, anyone under 21 has to be with family.

In Branford, patrons will be able to pre-order food and drink from New England Brewing Co., he said. The Milford boat is "BYOB," Caplan said.

Pricing will depend on the day, but per-person rates will range from $45 to $65, with the highest rates likely to be on Saturdays, he said. The entire boat can be chartered for $1,300-$1,400. It will be available for five cruises a day, Caplan said.
Rev. Al Sharpton and Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, stop to pay their respects during funeral services for Steven, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, talks about her brother while being accompanied by Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, during funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton greets guests and clergy during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones. a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton gives the eulogy during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones. a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Family and friends pay their respects during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton, right, along with Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, and attorney Ben Crump, left, give a press conference prior to the funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam greets guests during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton, right, speaks with attorney Ben Crump, left, and Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, during his funeral service Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media The casket of Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, is carried out of First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield following funeral services Thursday March 26, 2026. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Ephraim Adamz of Hartford stands outside the church during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Security stands outside the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. The Rev. Al Sharpton was on hand to read the eulogy. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones holds a photo of her late brother Steven Jones as Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, spoke about the second deadly police shooting in eight days in Hartford, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones, left, the sister of Steven Jones, during his funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Nationally-known civil rights activists the Rev. Al Sharpton, center, and Ben Crump stand next to her. Steven Jones was fatally shot by police in Hartford last month. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Group Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, talks about her brother while being accompanied by Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, during funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, holds a photo of Steven Jones, the man fatally shot by a Hartford officer last month, while talking about the second deadly police shooting in eight days in Hartford, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, speaks about fatal shooting of Steven Jones by Hartford police last month, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Audrey Jones, right, bother of Steven Jones, holds the picture of her late brother. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, talks about Steven Jones, the man fatally shot by a Hartford officer last month, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Members of the Steven Jones family hold his photo at right. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

"If you dont think God can bring you through controversy, then you dont have no faith," Sharpton said during the service Thursday at The First Cathedral.

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Sharpton also recounted the sequence of events that led to Jones death and asked why the fourth officer to arrive on the scene didnt pay attention to how the other officers were handling the tense situation on Feb. 27.

We know that Stevie had a problem, but I want to know what is the problem the officer had? Jones' sister said Jones was experiencing mental problems.

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Sharpton said he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the projects, where there were roaches. He knows, from experience, that when the lights are turned on, roaches run all over the kitchen.

We come to Hartford today to help Ben Crump turn the lights on, he said. Were going to run some roaches out of the Hartford Police Department.

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As he did during the March 9 news conference, Crump also questioned the judgment of the fourth officer.

He noted that the first three officers, including a female officer, were out there talking to Stevie. They were de-escalating the situation. But then, youve got this Rambo...

Crump said he understands that officers are trained to use force when there is a threat to their lives, but if the other officers didnt shoot, then why did he shoot?

Addressing city leaders, Crump said there are plenty of videos out there that show what happened. We have dashcam videos. We have cellphone videos  Stevie Wonder can see what happened here.

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Stevie never committed a crime, he said. Stevie had a mental health crisis. He needed a helping hand from the Hartford Police Department.

The service began with a hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," and speeches. It was scheduled to begin at noon but was delayed about a half-hour.

One of the early speakers was Corrie Betts, head of the Greater Hartford NAACP, called for better crisis intervention when dealing with the mentally ill. Scot X. Esdaile, president of the NAACP Connecticut, also spoke.

The church is up the street  2.2 miles away  from the scene of the shooting late that Friday morning. Jones, 55, was shot as witnesses, including his sister, Audrey Jones, watched.

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Audrey also spoke Thursday. She said her brother always helped others and was a devoted father, a proud grandfather and a beloved uncle. who "accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior."

Jones said at the March 9 Crump news conference that she had called 911 to get him help.

"If I knew they were going to shoot him and kill him I would not have called 911," she said.

Nearly an hour after the service, Sharpton made an appearance at the State Capitol, where he spoke with Gov. Ned Lamont and members of the Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus about the need for better training of police in dealing with community members with mental health needs.

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The Rev. Al Sharpton visited Gov. Ned Lamont at the state Capitol after speaking at the funeral of Steven "Stevie" Jones in Bloomfield Thursday, March 26, 2026. Lamont said he would urge action in the legislature for training police in dealing with people in crisis. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

"I've know Ned Lamont for many years," said Sharpton, who in 2006 appeared in the state in support of Lamont's U.S. Senate race.

"We talked about our concerns for the country. I wanted to get some counsel from him as I meet with other governors, to say that this is what Ned is doing, Sharpton said.

"I think the concern is how we deal with mental health patients and how there should be guidelines, and to let the criminal justice system deal with the investigation."

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Asked if Connecticut police are too quick to use their firearms, Sharpton said, "I would say that there needs to be a thorough investigation."

In response to Sharpton's comments, Lamont said he would urge action in the legislature for training police in dealing with people in crisis.

'Last time, drop the knife'

According to a preliminary report by the state inspector general, who is investigating the use of deadly force, the 911 caller indicated Jones had a knife in his hand and had cut himself. Jones was experiencing an acute mental health crisis, the report said.

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Jones, who had been sitting on the front stoop of his apartment, got up and began to walk toward the first officer to arrive. The officer tried firing his Taser at Jones, but it didnt work, the report said.

The second officer arrived and Jones began to chase the officer around a patrol car and out to the middle of Blue Hills Avenue, but the officer was able to backpedal and maintain distance from Jones, the report said. Jones slowed to a walk, and a third officer arrived at the scene and also urged Jones to drop the knife.

The three officers formed an arc around Jones and had their weapons drawn, but body-camera video shows they did not consistently point their guns at him. They pleaded, sometimes in a friendly tone, for him to drop the knife, the video shows, but he didnt.

The fourth and last officer to arrive walked to where Jones and the other officers were standing and repeatedly demanded that Jones drop the knife, the report said. Instead of doing so, Jones turned toward the officer and took steps toward him while the officer walked backward to maintain distance between them.

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A still image from the body-worn camera of the Hartford police officer who fatally shot Steven "Stevie" Jones, 55. Jones' funeral is Thursday, March 26, 2026. Hartford police body camera footage provided by CT Inspector General

When they got to the intersection of Blue Hills Avenue and Euclid Street, the officer yelled, Last time, drop the knife, drop it, and fired nine times when Jones didnt comply. Jones died four days later.

Jones was the second city resident killed by police in a nine-day period.

Everard Walker, 53, was fatally shot by an officer at about 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 in his Capitol Avenue apartment. A family member had called 211 more than an hour earlier, sometime before 10 a.m., to seek help because Walker also was suffering from an acute mental health crisis, according to a preliminary report in that case by the state inspector general.

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Two mental health professionals responded but asked for Hartford police to accompany them, the report said. A mental health professional talked to Walker through the open door to his apartment while he was inside with family members to assess whether he needed medical assistance or presented a danger to himself or others, it said.

Several police officers went into the apartment, but retreated when they became concerned Walker might throw a pot of boiling water at them, the report said.

Shortly before 11 a.m., Walker tried to close the door to his apartment and was being physically restrained by his son, it said, so officers went back into the apartment. An altercation started that involved the officers, two family members and Walker, and at some point Walker grabbed a knife.

Walker did not drop the knife despite orders to do so, and when one of the officers fell backward during the scuffle, Walker appeared to be poised to stab the officer, the report said.

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The other officer fired several shots, and Walker collapsed; he later was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was visible in the sky over Connecticut shortly after launching on October 16, 2025. ROGER CHARBONNEAU JR/Roger Charbonneau, Jr SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Connecticut on March 2, 2026. Courtesy of X user @Ericcannavet The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in Ivoryton, Conn. Courtesy of Lon Seidman

For the third time in less than a month, a SpaceX rocket is scheduled to launch from Florida, and could be visible in the skies over Connecticut Friday morning.

As of Thursday morning, the Elon Musk-run rocket company was scheduled to launch its Falcon 9 Rocket around 7 a.m. Friday from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

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The rocket launch, which was postponed from Thursday, will bring 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, the same mission as another launch from Florida two weeks before. Starlink satellites ring the globe in low Earth orbit  between 100 and 1,200 miles above the planet  and the network provides high-speed broadband worldwide.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft stands ready for launch on pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 . (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux/Associated Press

After launching, the stage will land on a drone ship named "Just Read the Instructions" positioned in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX rocket launches are fairly common; another four are scheduled from Florida in the next two weeks alone.

The rockets usually are visible in the southeastern sky over Connecticut between 4 and 8 minutes after they first launch, according to former WTNH meteorologist Kevin Arone.

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On the night of March 1, a similar launch was visible in the state, with residents reporting a shining white cone of light and exhaust shooting across the heavens.

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But the weather on Friday morning is not expected to cooperate with hopes for launch viewing among any Nutmeg State rocket enthusiasts. The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 90% cloud cover on Friday morning, increasing the likelihood that the launch will be obscured.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, Spain, March 25, 2026. Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the war in Iran, which has spread across the Middle East, criticizing the military actions of the United States and Israel. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

MADRID, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the war in Iran, which has spread across the Middle East, criticizing the military actions of the United States and Israel.

The Spanish premier also defended his government's economic package aimed at mitigating the impact of the conflict.

Sanchez stressed that his country will not support military actions that violate international law. "Spain will not be complicit in illegal aggressions, nor in lies disguised as freedom - not while I am prime minister," he said.

Addressing relations with allies, Sanchez underlined the need for an independent and critical stance, questioning what it means to be an ally. It does not imply blind obedience, he underlined, but rather the courage to stand up when the path is wrong and to tell partners the truth, "even when it is uncomfortable."

Sanchez also warned of the risk of the conflict expanding in the region, saying that Israeli military actions could lead to a replication of "the destruction and suffering seen in Gaza" in Lebanon.

"Spain today is a benchmark in the defense of peace and international law," he said, calling for an end to the conflict. "We are going to demand that this war stop. It is not fair that some set the world on fire while the rest of us swallow their ashes."

On the economic front, Sanchez defended a package of anti-crisis measures worth more than 5 billion euros, warning of the conflict's impact on the economy.

The package, approved by the government and pending parliamentary ratification, includes an extension of reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on energy, direct aid to sectors such as transport and agriculture, and measures to protect households and businesses.

"This is not a vote on this government; it is a vote on whether we protect our families and businesses with these 5 billion euros or leave them to face the uncertainty of war on their own," he said.

"This war is a colossal mistake whose cost we neither accept nor are willing to pay," Sanchez said. Its consequences will not translate into "higher wages or more affordable housing," he said, adding that it is the "true tragedy." 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, Spain, March 25, 2026. Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the war in Iran, which has spread across the Middle East, criticizing the military actions of the United States and Israel. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, Spain, March 25, 2026. Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the war in Iran, which has spread across the Middle East, criticizing the military actions of the United States and Israel. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
FILE - A person walks over the Ohio State University's emblem in the campus student union, May 18, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. John Minchillo/AP FILE - Pedestrians walk on the campus at Stanford University April 9, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. Jeff Chiu/AP A banner of President Donald Trump hangs outside the U.S. Department of Justice on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Washington. Tom Brenner/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration has opened investigations into how race is considered in admissions at three medical schools, ratcheting up its pressure campaign against colleges and universities.

The Justice Department opened the investigations Wednesday into possible discrimination at the medical schools of Stanford University, Ohio State and the University of California, San Diego. Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department's assistant attorney general for civil rights, announced the investigations on X.

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Through a series of investigations and executive actions, President Donald Trump has been ramping up scrutiny of universities he decries as overrun by liberal influence. His administration previously has targeted undergraduate admissions at selective colleges, demanding they collect data to show they are in line with a 2023 Supreme Court decision forbidding affirmative action in college admissions.

The investigations were reported first by The New York Times.

In a letter to Ohio State, Dhillon wrote that the Justice Department was seeking any documents related to the use or lack of use of race in evaluating applicants. She said they were also seeking all applicant-level admissions data and any reviews by the school of admissions trends or outcomes by race.

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A separate, five-page document details the records the government is seeking. It includes data on standardized test scores, information collected or inferred on race and ethnicity, and admissions decisions for each applicant going back to the incoming class that started in 2019.

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Ohio State spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said the school is compliant with state and federal regulations and legal rulings regarding admissions. "Weve received the attached letter and will respond appropriately," he said.

UC San Diego said in a written statement that it was reviewing the notice from the Justice Department. UC San Diego is committed to fair processes in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws, the university said in a written statement.

Stanford School of Medicine spokesperson Cecilia Arradaza said it was reviewing the letter. Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, Arradaza said in a written statement.

It was not immediately clear why the three medical schools were targeted.

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The Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of affirmative action in admissions said colleges could still consider how race has shaped students lives if applicants share that information in their admissions essays. Trump has raised concerns that colleges and universities were using personal statements and other proxies to consider race, which he views as illegal discrimination.

Earlier this month, a coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging a Trump administration policy that requires higher education institutions to collect data showing they arent considering race in admissions. A federal judge in Massachusetts is weighing their request to block the demand.

___

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A USPS delivery truck is parked outside the Post Office in downtown Greenwich, Conn. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media A Stamford resident drops off an absentee ballot into a ballot box set up at Harry Bennett Library in Stamford, Conn., on Sept. 10, 2021. Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

Last week, federal officials sounded the alarm that the U.S. Postal Service would be out of money and unable to deliver mail by next February without congressional action.

Now, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is warning that the funding cliff faced by the Postal Service could limit voting access for those who use absentee ballots.

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The senator's statements come as the United States Supreme Court appears poised to overturn a state law that allows mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive later, and as national Republicans are pushing a major voting reform bill, the SAVE America Act, that would require strict photo identification to cast a ballot.

USPS provides an essential service and Congress must ensure it is able to fulfill its mission and obligations long term," Blumenthal said Tuesday.

The Postal Service's financial problems are stark; the agency lost more than $9 billion in each of the past two years, and officials are pushing Congress to raise a $15 billion borrowing cap set in the 1990s to stave off a total collapse of the mail system.

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Agency leadership, including Postmaster General David Steiner, a former FedEx board member, pins most of the problem on the declining use of the mail in the country, down from a high of 213 billion pieces of mail delivered in 2009 to 109 billion pieces per year in 2025.

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FILE - Postmaster General David Steiner speaks at an event marking the 250th anniversary of postal service's founding, July 23, 2025, in Washington. Cliff Owen/AP

At current stamp prices (which Steiner is also looking to raise), that accounts for $81 billion in lost revenue annually.

"No company could weather that much revenue loss, so it's not hard to see how we got here," Steiner told the House Oversight Committee last week.

He also said the agency was hamstrung by requirements to invest retirement funds in low-return treasury bonds, and by a "universal service obligation" that requires the Postal Service to deliver mail to every address in the United States at affordable rates. Steiner testified that the agency loses money on 71% of its delivery routes.

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"An underfunded and struggling USPS will have severe ramifications for our society and even our democracy if absentee ballots, bills and other important documents cannot be delivered in a timely fashion, Blumenthal said of Steiner's testimony.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., at an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Allison Robbert/Associated Press

A USPS spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Connecticut law currently permits voters to request and mail in an absentee ballot if they provide a specific reason, such as being ill or out of town on Election Day. In 2024, voters approved a referendum to introduce no-excuse absentee voting to the state, and legislation to codify this is currently being considered by the General Assembly.

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Blumenthal has already gotten involved in USPS issues once in recent months, intervening to help a Berlin-based nonprofit, Boxes to Boots, ship holiday care packages to military personnel oversees after nearly 900 packages were blocked because of changing customs regulations.

"USPS must do right by our servicemembers by providing their families and advocates with a seamless, clear process for sending holiday packages," the state's senior senator wrote in a letter to Steiner at the time.

A Cars pass by a USPS mailbox along the Post Road in central Greenwich, Conn. Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

And Blumenthal's concerns about limiting voting access come at a moment when the senator, and many liberals, have criticized Republican efforts to strengthen voter ID laws, particularly the SAVE America Act, as tantamount to voter suppression for millions of citizens without the proper documentation.

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"It is about voter purges," Blumenthal said of the bill in a speech on the Senate floor last month. "It would make the sacred act of voting exponentially more difficult for all Americans."

But Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, have pushed for the legislation with largely unverified claims of voting by undocumented residents.

"The cheating is rampant in our elections," Trump claimed during his State of the Union speech last month. The SAVE America Act passed the House, largely along partisan lines, but has stalled in the Senate.
The project area covered by the recent West Haven Downtown Municipal Development Plan prepared for the city by Colliers Engineering & Design with assistance from Camoin Associates, funded by a $250,000 state grant. Courtesy of the City of West Haven / Colliers Engineering & Design La Antillana Meat & Produce at the corner of Main Street and Campbell Avenue in West Haven photographed on February 15, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media The Masonic Lodge on Center Street in West Haven. (Photo/Jeff Holt) New Haven Register / Jeff Holt

WEST HAVEN  West Haven is on its way to having a new tool to use in efforts to revitalize its core and obtain state funding to help make projects happen, as the Planning and Zoning Commission this week approved the Downtown Municipal Development Plan.

It now goes to the Redevelopment Agency and back to the City Council, which referred it to the PZC, said City Council Chairman Chris Vargo Jr., D-8.

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The commission voted unanimously in support of the plan, which was prepared by Colliers Engineering & Design with assistance from Camoin Associates, and funded by a $250,000 state grant.

The PZC found the plan, which is viewed by many city officials as a tool to obtain funding, as well as an outline of the citys vision to bring about the long-hoped-for revival of West Haven Center, to be in accordance with the Plan of Conservation and Development, adding its approval to the March 9 approval of the City Council.

I am very pleased to see the support of the Municipal Development Plan by the Planning and Zoning Commission and their support for the vision, said Mayor Dorinda Borer. It is another monumental step in our quest to update and modernize downtown.

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The State of Connecticut indicated to us last year that if we engaged an experienced professional planner for the plan that we would be in line for the funding to execute the plan, Borer said. We did the work required on our end and now we will be seeking support of the funding through our state delegation to bring the project to fruition, she said.

Once P&Z sends back a letter to the City Council, we will accept their opinion and take the next steps, said Vargo. I believe the Redevelopment Agency needs to have a public hearing, and then at some point in the future the MDP will be reviewed and voted on by the City Council.

Vargo said that while he still needs to review the proposed plan, I am excited about what this might mean for the Center area. Keeping in mind this is a conceptual plan and things might change and evolve, the vision is forward thinking and would serve to beautify the area and hopefully attract new commercial growth.

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The PZC, which had previously discussed the plan, approved it unanimously Tuesday night in a meeting in the Harriet North Community Room on the second floor of City Hall, acting on a motion by Chairman Christopher Suggs.

I just think that this is so important to further what started in our Plan of Conservation and Development in order to actually implement things that have been studied, said PZC Secretary Greg Milano.  It enables us to get funding and outlines a vision of what we can do as a city, he said.

I just want to highlight the importance of this. Its really a clear roadmap of how we get things done, Milano said. It was done by a professional consultant and needs to be fully adopted and implemented and followed.

Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, who attended the meeting, concurred.

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My hope just like everybody else is that it doesnt die somewhere. My hope is that it gets some traction, Donovan said.

PZC member Gene Sullivan said follow-up is important. We have to implement what is done here, Sullivan said.

The plan found that West Havens downtown has historic value, a fair amount of business and plenty of potential, but parts of it are outdated and need some attention. One thing the plan and city officials agree on is that West Haven needs to make more of its public spaces.

Among the public spaces that need to be refined are the corner of the West Haven Green that fronts Campbell Avenue and Main Street across from City Hall, and the parking lot at the end of Curtiss Place, which runs behind Campbell Avenue businesses between Main and Curtiss, Borer has said.

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The West Haven Downtown Municipal Development Plan is a community-driven initiative to revitalize downtown West Haven into a vibrant, connected, and economically resilient destination, the report states.

"Built on three core pillars  seamlessly connecting people with place, fostering community ownership, and catalyzing immediate and long-term investment  this plan aims to enhance civic pride and reconnect people to their environment and community.

Collier worked for much of the past year on the plan, including doing forums to gather public input.

Its a road map, which gives us ideas and data, Borer has said.

Borer described the Curtiss Place space, which generally is overlooked even as a parking lot, as a missed opportunity to liven up downtown.

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The report goes further.

This is an underutilized city-owned plaza adjacent to the back of multiple mixed-use buildings on the southeast corner of the Main Street and Campbell Avenue intersection, it states.

The report also cites the former Masonic Temple at 304 Center St., which the city acquired in 2007, as something that could do more to enhance downtown West Haven. It was built in 1912 for the Masonic Annawon Lodge, which was founded in 1873, but has gone undeveloped since the city acquired it in 2007.
A bus leaves Church Street School in Hamden after dropping off children in the morning on March 24, 2023. School buses have been consistently dropping some students off at school late this school year, according to parents. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

HAMDEN  While her 6-year-old sons school day begins at 8:30 a.m., Jessica Pasteur said he is typically not picked up by his bus until between 8:39 and 8:50.

For the last three months, I have been late to work every single day because Im left waiting for a bus that often arrives late and without any communication about when it will come, Pasteur told the Hamden Board of Education at its March 10 meeting.

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There are times when I must call my husband from work just so he can come back home to take our son to school, she said.

Pasteur and other parents who have children that attend Hamdens early learning center, Alice Peck, spoke out at the Board of Educations March meeting about transportation problems.

Many of the parents have children with an Individualized Education Program, a legally binding plan created by the students parents and school district staff that outlines the accommodations and instruction a special education student needs to learn successfully. These parents say their students IEP has been disrupted because of the late arrival of their buses.

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For students with IEPs, consistent instruction is critical, Pasteur said. Missing instructional time does not simply mean missing a lesson. It can have lasting educational consequences. When students repeatedly miss instruction, it can cause accelerated loss of skills, academic regression and increased behavioral challenges.

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Hamden Public Schools has about two-and-a-half years left in its contract with transportation provider, First Student Inc. In total, about 70 school buses service the district this school year.

Thomas Ariola, the school districts chief operating officer, said the issues with transportation have been an ongoing problem this year. During the last two years, we felt much better about the way that they were handling our students, he said.

They have callouts, theyre bringing in sub drivers that dont know the route, he said. Theyre looking at a piece of paper and listening to the kids.

Alice Peck is the Hamden Public Schools' learning center for special education pre-K students and must offer rolling admissions. Federal and state law requires that special education services be available for students who need them once they turn 3 years old.

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So as more and more kids age into 3 and 4, more and more kids need transportation, Superintendent Gary Highsmith said.

As a result, Ariola said the district has needed First Student to add a van, a bus to the vehicles it has for Alice Peck this year. Highsmith told the New Haven Register in a phone interview that Hamden school officials met with First Student after the Board of Education meeting. As a result, the transportation company agreed to add another bus and driver at no additional cost to the district.

It will improve the overall timeliness of getting those kids to school as well, Highsmith said. First Student also committed to a supplemental driver support from nearby locations, he said. If there werent enough drivers for Hamden Public Schools one day, the company will get drivers from another area to help, specifically for Alice Peck, he said.

Plus, First Student agreed to provide training to replacement drivers given the nature of our students that are on that bus" and "to make sure kids are getting picked up and dropped off in the most efficient manner, he said.

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First Student has been working closely with Hamden Public Schools and school leadership to address service challenges and improve on-time transportation for students, the bus company said in a statement.

We understand how important timely and consistent transportation is for students and families.  We continue to collaborate with the district on both short- and long-term solutions and remain committed to supporting students access to their full school day, the statement said.

However, the families dealing with the late bus pickups said the situation has been frustrating, especially since they said it has been difficult to get answers from the district and First Student.

I have sent countless emails, Ive included screenshots, Ive included everything they couldve imagined at this point.  Nothing has changed, said Alice Peck parent JeLexus Watkins in a phone interview. My daughter has had five different bus drivers. They havent picked her up on time not once this year. My son, hes supposed to be dropped off at a certain time in the evening, hes been home late at least 30 minutes every single day.

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Also, the parents said they cant track their childs bus because the First Student application is not reliable.

We have no way of knowing when the bus will arrive, which makes morning very stressful and unpredictable for our family, parent Royan Blackman said at the Board of Education meeting.

When it comes to providing students with compensatory special education services for the learning missed due to transportation issues, Highsmith said the district will do so, if officials determine that it is necessary.

Ive already had conversations with the director of pupil personnel services about what that could possibly look like, he said.

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One Alice Peck mom, Vivian Lennon, said she added up how much instructional time her son would have missed if he had continued to take the bus and arrived late to school every day. She said she changed her work schedule so she could take him to school herself to get him there on time.
FILE - The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Dec. 3, 2024. Jose Luis Magana/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Education Department will relocate from its headquarters to a smaller Washington office as part of the Trump administration's dismantling of the agency, officials said Thursday.

The agency has seen its ranks thinned by mass layoffs since President Donald Trump took office, and its headquarters building has been 70% vacant, the Education Department said. In its place, the Energy Department will assume the lease in the building.

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Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed it as a milestone in the administration's efforts to shutter the agency, which Trump ordered to move toward closure a year ago this month.

Thanks to the hard work of so many, we have made unprecedented progress in reducing the federal education footprint, and now we are pleased to give this building to an agency that will benefit far more from its space than the Department of Education," McMahon said in a written statement.

The Education Department's relocation to another office space in Washington is planned for August.

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Administration officials said the move would save taxpayers money by eliminating wasted space and avoiding needed maintenance on the Energy Department's current headquarters building.

The move is the latest in a series of steps the Trump administration has taken to dismantle the Education Department, a campaign promise.

The union representing department workers condemned the move.

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The message the Secretarys announcement sends to our staff and the American public is clear  education is next on the chopping block, American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman said in a statement.

Only Congress has the authority to close the department, but the Trump administration has offloaded many of the Education Department's programs and functions to other parts of the federal government through so-called  interagency agreements.

Still, moving the Education Department out of its headquarters is one of the most overt actions McMahon has taken to shut down the agency, said Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee.

This decision to close the Department's physical building is not just a symbolic move," Scott said in a statement. "It reflects a broader effort to reduce the federal government's role in ensuring people have equal access to a quality education.

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In the most recent effort to break apart the Education Department, the Trump administration last week assigned management of student loans in default to the Treasury Department. Responsibility for the rest of the $1.7 trillion federal student loan portfolio is to go to Treasury at an unspecified date.

Over the last year, programs that oversee a range of education initiatives, including family engagement, funding for low-income schools and teacher training have moved to agencies such as Health and Human Services and the Labor Department.

___

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Hamilton Avenue School Bob Luckey/file photo/Bob Luckey

A decades-old law promoting racial balance in Connecticut school districts has been placed on pause  and could be in for a complete overhaul in the near future.

Under a broad education bill passed in February, enforcement of the racial imbalance law is on hold through 2030, offering a reprieve for three school districts  Fairfield, Greenwich and West Hartford  where certain elementary schools have consistently had far larger proportions of students of color than their districts as a whole.

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Now, lawmakers are seeking to pass a separate bill that would resume enforcement two years earlier, in 2028, and commission a study of the issue in hopes of finding a new way to promote racial balance.

"There's not an easy, quick fix," Rep. Jennifer Leeper, a Democrat from Fairfield who co-chairs the legislature's Education Committee, said this week. "But we do need to continue the conversation and continue our pursuit for equity in our schools for all of our kids."

Leeper said lawmakers were spurred to rethink the existing racial balance due to the threat of a lawsuit that could find the statute unconstitutional.

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"You can't redistrict children based on the color of their skin, and effectively, that's what the racial balance law directs us to do," she said.

As written, the racial balance law requires that the racial composition of each school in a district roughly match the demographics of the district as a whole, preventing districts from herding students of color into one or two schools and leaving others almost entirely white. School systems found to be out of compliance must take action to balance their demographics and regularly update the Connecticut Board of Education on their progress.

The law has frustrated officials in certain Connecticut suburbs, some of which have been out of compliance for years or even decades. During the 2024-25 school year, five elementary schools  two in Greenwich, two in West Hartford, one in Fairfield  were found to have disproportionate numbers of students of color, despite what administrators there say are earnest attempts to pursue greater balance.

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A representative for Greenwich Public Schools said this week the district was "pleased by the pause" in enforcement, before touting the system's diversity. Superintendents in Fairfield and West Hartford did not respond to a request for comment.

Others have long expressed frustration that the law doesn't go far enough. For one thing, state officials have noted, the statute lacks teeth, allowing districts to remain out of compliance one year after another. For another, it promotes integration within a school district's borders while ignoring stark segregation across town or city lines, officials say.

John Brittain, a retired attorney who worked on the landmark Sheff v. O'Neill desegregation case, said any true integration effort must be regional  something he doubts lawmakers will entertain seriously .

"I think they're OK (with the status quo) as it is now," Brittain said. "The legislature is not going to change it."

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Recent legislative efforts

The legislature previously sought to tweak the state's racial balance law in 2024, when lawmakers paused enforcement of the racial balance law for one year and passed a bill soliciting a study of the issue. That bill, however, did not include funding for a study, leaving the education department unable to conduct one.

After enforcement resumed in 2025, to the frustration of administrators in the out-of-compliance towns, lawmakers responded by pausing enforcement until 2030, allowing ample time for further consideration.

Following that bill's passage, however, Leeper said she heard from colleagues who felt four years was too long of a pause, leading the Education Committee to introduce new legislation that would resume enforcement in 2028 while also calling for a study into the issue.

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"It might be that it will need to be further delayed, or who knows what this study will recommend," Leeper said at a recent Education Committee meeting. "It makes sense to take up those recommendations in 2028 when we receive the findings of the study."

Under the proposed law, the state's education department would be required to study "the effectiveness of various strategies implemented to correct racial imbalances in the long term and short term," as well as the cost of implementing those strategies and how doing so would affect students of color.

A spokesperson for the department said if the bill passes, the agency will "need to engage an external partner to conduct that work to help ensure any future considerations are grounded in a comprehensive, data-informed understanding."

He declined to share the department's stance on the legislation or its position on whether the current racial balance law is constitutional.

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The study bill passed out of the Education Committee in mid-March by a 32-13 vote, with most Democrats in favor and most Republicans against. Brief discussion of the proposal largely focused on the legislative process, with Anne Dauphinais, R-Killingly, expressing concern that the bill never had a public hearing and accusing Democrats of "pushing things down your throat."

Because a study would cost the state an estimated $250,000, the new bill must now gain approval from the legislature's Appropriations Committee before potentially coming up for a vote in the House.

If it passes, enforcement of racial balance in schools would be paused until 2028, with a study to come. If it fails, enforcement would be paused until 2030, with no promise of changes or improvements to follow.

Controversial from the start

From the start, dating back to the late 1960s, efforts to integrate Connecticut schools have faced opposition both from those who don't want the state telling districts what to do and from those who think the statute fails to address the true underlying causes of school segregation.

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The racial imbalance law, first passed in 1969 and later strengthened in 1980, represented somewhat of a compromise, requiring integration within districts without concern for integration between them.

"There is something mildly absurd about trying to cure what may be moderate racial imbalance within town lines in the face of immoderate racial imbalance across town lines," Trinity College professor Andrew Gold testified at a public hearing before the law was first passed, according to a 2020 report produced by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and others.

As the decades have passed, school districts have taken modest steps to integrate schools within town lines, often by creating magnet programs or other enticements for families to send their kids to schools outside the neighborhood they live in.

Still, Fairfield, Greenwich and West Hartford continued to have elementary schools with student populations at least 25% less white than their district populations in violation of the law. The schools are New Lebanon School and Hamilton Avenue School in Greenwich, Charter Oak International Academy and Smith School in West Hartford, McKinley Elementary School in Fairfield.

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West Hartford appeared to solve its racial balance problem several years ago by rebuilding Charter Oak Elementary in hopes that a gleaming new building would attract white families  only for that school and another in town to fall back into imbalance soon after.

Though redistricting could resolve the imbalance in the three out-of-compliance school districts, officials typically have resisted that solution, arguing it would be disruptive for all affected students, including the students of color the law is designed to benefit.

Leeper, who said she used to defend the law when she served on Fairfield's Board of Education, now questions the statute's efficacy. She said segregated schools are the inevitable byproduct of redlining and other forms of housing discrimination, and that redistricting to address the issue would be unfair to families of color who may enjoy their local schools.

"You don't want busing kids across town, so we've tried a lot of different (things): opt-in, opt-out," Leeper said. "And when we did those things, minority families from across town were disproportionately opting into that school because they wanted that diversity for their kid."

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Leeper said she supports continued efforts at school integration, though she's not sure exactly what form that might take, given that suburban lawmakers would be unlikely to support broad regional efforts.

The report from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and other organizations, which focused on housing and school segregation in the Hartford area, said the racial imbalance law has been ineffective in its aim of integrating public education.

"By all available measures, both the state of Connecticut and the Hartford metropolitan area have extremely high levels of racial and ethnic segregation in housing and public schools relative to other metropolitan areas in the United States," the report said.

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FILE - The Department of Homeland Security logo during a news conference in Washington, Feb. 25, 2015. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

The U.S. can continue to detain immigrants without bond, an appeals court ruled Wednesday, handing a victory to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.

The opinion from a panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis overturned a lower court ruling that required that a native of Mexico arrested for lacking legal documents be given a bond hearing before an immigration judge.

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Its the second appeals court to rule in favor of the administration on this issue. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled last month that the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to deny bond hearings to immigrants arrested across the country was consistent with the Constitution and federal immigration law.

Both appeals court opinions counter recent lower court decisions across the country that argued the practice is illegal.

In November, a district court decision in California granted detained immigrants with no criminal history the opportunity to request a bond hearing and had implications for noncitizens held in detention nationwide.

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Under past administrations, most noncitizens with no criminal record who were arrested away from the border had an opportunity to request a bond hearing while their cases wound through immigration court. Historically, bond was often granted to those without criminal convictions who were not flight risks, and mandatory detention was limited to recent border crossers.

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In the case before the 8th Circuit, Joaquin Herrera Avila of Mexico was apprehended in Minneapolis in August 2025 for lacking legal documents authorizing his admission into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security detained Avila without bond and began deportation proceedings.

He filed a petition seeking immediate release for a bond hearing. A federal judge in Minnesota granted the petition, saying the law authorized detention without bond when a person seeking admission is not clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to being admitted. The judge found this was not the case for Avila because he had lived in the country for years without seeking naturalization, asylum or refugee status and thus wasn't seeking admission.

Circuit Court Judge Bobby E. Shepherd wrote for the majority in a 2-1 opinion that the law was clear that an applicant for admission is also an alien who is seeking admission, and so Avila couldn't petition on these grounds.

Circuit Court Judge Ralph R. Erickson dissented, saying that Avila would have been entitled to a bond hearing during his deportation hearings if he had been arrested during the past 29 years. Now, he wrote, the Circuit Court has ruled that Avila and millions of others would be subject to mandatory detention under a novel interpretation of alien seeking admission that hasnt been used by the courts or five previous presidential administrations.

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The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Avila, didn't immediately return an email message seeking comment.

Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the ruling, writing in a social media post: MASSIVE COURT VICTORY against activist judges and for President Trumps law and order agenda!

At question is the issue of whether the government is required to ask a neutral judge to determine whether it is legal to imprison someone.

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It's based on habeas corpus, which is a Latin legal term referring to the constitutional right for people to legally challenge their detention by the government.
Voters fill out ballots at the Long Lots Elementary School gymnasium in Westport on November 4, 2025. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut M Gov. Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, during a panel discussion on the potential effects of pending federal voter legislation on Thursday in the State Office Building. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  If the proposal by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to create stricter rules for voting becomes law and overrules Connecticut election procedures, it will strain local and state budgets and present major obstacles for new voters heading into the 2026 elections, Gov. Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said Thursday.

Im very concerned that this bill basically has immediate enactment, so we have no runway, no transition time, no training time and no funding, Thomas said in the State Office Building. This feels like a disaster, based on everything I know about election administration and rolling out changes.

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During an hour-long panel discussion on the pending SAVE America Act, which is the focus of a multi-day debate in the U.S. Senate following its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, advocates for towns and cities joined Lamont and Thomas predicting potential nightmares on the local level, from long lines at registrars, to voters getting turned away from the polls for lack of photo ID, which is not required under longtime state law.

A leading conservative state lawmaker, Sen. Rob Sampson of Wolcott, ranking Republican on two key legislative committees, said Thursday that hes been trying for years to get the General Assembly to adopt a photo identification requirement in order to vote. Outside the state Senate chamber, he said that politically, Democrats overlook the issues with absentee ballot fraud tied to Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee members.

If the current federal bill passes and becomes law, new Connecticut voters, married people changing their last names and even residents moving to new addresses would have to provide birth certificates or passports to prove to local registrars their identities, said Thomas, adding that the federal bill, as written, would require absentee ballots to be paid as certified mail by the state or municipality at the cost of about $6 per vote. During the 2024 election, there were about 120,000 absentee ballots and in 2020 there were 600,000 such votes cast.

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For the life of me I cant figure out why were doing this. Whats the rush? Lamont said, stressing that the bill being debated in the U.S. Senate could allow local voting officials to be the targets of civil lawsuits. It seems to me that this SAVE Act is a solution looking for a problem. I think it goes in the exact wrong direction. He said that the states early voting and the pending state legislation on universal absentee ballots are ways to encourage voter participation.

I dont want to put up all these bureaucratic roadblocks that make it tougher, Lamont. I want to make it easier for them to vote with integrity and I want you to have a stake in the outcome because elections really matter. Frankly, I just dont think I need to take any lectures on election fraud from a president of the United States who famously called the secretary of state down in Georgia and said 'find me 11,780 votes.' He lost to (Joe) Biden by 11,779.

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Connecticut is facing an affordability crisis, said Brian OConnor, public policy and advocacy director for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities who declined to comment on the merits of the pending federal bill, but stressed that it would impose new costs of an unknown level for towns and cities, likely resulting in higher property taxes. We would have to probably build-out infrastructure, technology and space. There are also the liability concerns, in compliance. We just dont have the requisite staff right now to be able to manage this and provide the accountability.
HARTFORD  The General Assembly has ratified the first full contract with a state employee union to be presented for approval in its 2026 legislative session.

The four-year contract with a union representing nearly 3,700 mostly blue-collar workers proposes general wage increases of 2.5% a year for the first three years, plus salary step increases based on years of service. Employees who are at the top step of their pay plan would receive a lump-sum payment equal to 2.5% of their salary instead of a step increase.

A wage reopener provision leaves the wage and salary step increases for the fourth year to be negotiated.

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The Senate voted 30-2 on Thursday to approve the contract with Connecticut Employees Union Independent, SEIU Local 511, also known as the NP-2 bargaining unit. State Sens. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, and Robert Sampson, R-Wolcott, voted against the labor agreement. Fazio is a Republican candidate for governor.

The House approved the NP-2 contract in a 110-31 vote on Wednesday. Republicans cast all the no votes, but 14 GOP representatives supported the contract.

The legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis said the cost of the NP-2 contract would increase from $12 million in the first year to $45 million in the third year.

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State Police said troopers are seeking the public's help locating a Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo side-by-side stolen from a home in Barkhamsted Wednesday. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police State Police said troopers are seeking the public's help locating a Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo side-by-side stolen from a home in Barkhamsted Wednesday. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police State Police said trooper's are seeking the public's help a Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo side-by-side was stolen from a home in Barkhamsted Wednesday. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police

BARKHAMSTED  State police are seeking the public's help finding an off-road vehicle stolen from a home on Wednesday morning, officials say.

In a post on Facebook, Connecticut State Police's Troop B said a Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo side-by-side utility task vehicle, or UTV, was stolen from a residence in Barkhamsted.

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"The vehicle features a distinctive red, white, and black color scheme with 'Maverick DS' and 'Turbo' decals," they said.

Police asked people to review any doorbell or exterior security camera footage from Wednesday morning for signs of suspicious vehicles or trailers. They said anyone who sees the UTV should call police, adding that bystanders should not approach anyone operating it.

"Please share this post to help us spread the word and return this property to its rightful owner," they said. "Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe."
Kyiv has begun implementing priority measures under the energy resilience plan to prepare for the next heating season, allocating over UAH 10 billion to increase the charter capital of the Kyivteploenergo municipal enterprise, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.

"Today, the Kyiv City Council is to adopt a decision to increase the charter capital of Kyivteploenergo by UAH 2.7 billion. Prior to this, we already provided over UAH 10 billion from the city budget," Klitschko wrote on Telegram on Thursday.

According to him, deputies are also expected to approve the transfer of mobile distributed thermal and power generation equipment from state to municipal ownership. "We are talking about six modular cogeneration units. They are to be transferred to the capital by the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine," the mayor added.

Klitschko emphasized that Kyiv is already preparing for the next winter, which will be difficult, but he stressed the importance of financial support from the state.

"The scale of the capital necessitates a vast number of measures and projects. Accordingly, their cost is significant. We are talking about colossal fundsover UAH 60 billion in total. The city is allocating what it can from its budget. However, the capital absolutely needs state support: in financing, equipment assistance, and other resources. Therefore, the politicization of energy resilience issues must stop! We need to talk about specific things, projects, and aid, and work togetherall branches of government and all services. We must consolidate and effectively distribute resources because this is about how Kyiv and its residents will get through the next winter," he stated.

Additionally, the mayor noted that for the first time since the adoption of new land allocation rules, the Kyiv City Council is scheduled to consider land issues, including securing plots for Kyivteploenergo and DTEK facilities, which is necessary to strengthen the resilience of the capitals heat and power system.

Klitschko also refuted rumors regarding the alleged construction of a parking lot on Peyzazhna Alley, where a garage cooperative was liquidated and slope stabilization work has begun. "This is untrue and mere speculation," he wrote.

As reported, on March 3, the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) approved energy resilience plans for the upcoming heating seasons for each region and regional center. Kyiv, a city with special status, was granted additional time to prepare its documents.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko previously stated that the total budget for Kyivs resilience plan is UAH 61.6 billion, with the city providing UAH 10.6 billion of its own funds. The plan involves protecting 57 critical infrastructure facilities and installing over 200 MW of additional generation by the end of the year. The government highlighted the development of decentralized heat supply as a key priority for the capitals plan.
Wizz Air says Ukrainian recruitment campaign aimed solely at hiring, not resumption of flights

Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air stated that its recent recruitment campaign was intended solely to promote career opportunities for Ukrainian citizens and was not meant to create the impression of an imminent resumption of flights to and from Ukraine, the company said in response to an inquiry from Interfax-Ukraine.

"Given the ongoing war and the closed airspace, we are currently unable to resume operations in Ukraine. We sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding our campaign may have caused," the airline said.

Wizz Air said that all materials have already been removed from platforms. Their content is also being reviewed to ensure clearer communication in the future and to avoid similar situations.

The airline said that it hopes for a swift end to the war and the opportunity to resume flights connecting Ukraine with the rest of Europe.

"To make this possible, we need to carry out preparatory work in advance by engaging Ukrainian specialists and supporting the development of the local economy," the company said.

On March 25, Wizz Air had posted a social media announcement suggesting preparations for resuming flights in Ukraine and announced an online recruitment event scheduled for April 15.

The announcement stated that the event would focus on future opportunities for pilots and the airline's plans. The application form also included the question: "Are you interested in a position in Ukraine?"

In February 2025, management of Boryspil International Airport held talks in Budapest with Wizz Air representatives on the operational launch of air services after the reopening of airspace. At that time, the airline's co-founder and CEO Jozsef Varadi confirmed that Wizz Air had a clear and ambitious plan to return to the Ukrainian market.

Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline founded in 2003 and headquartered in Budapest.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

The United States has set a condition under which the provision of security guarantees necessary for a peace agreement in Ukraine depends on Kyiv ceding the entire eastern region of the country, Donbas, to Russia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in an interview with Reuters.

Zelenskyy noted that now, as the US is focused on its own conflict with Iran, US President Donald Trump is putting pressure on Ukraine in an effort to quickly end the war.

"The Middle East has definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps. President Trump, unfortunately, in my opinion, still chooses a strategy of putting more pressure on the Ukrainian side," Zelenskyy said.

He has repeatedly stated that to prevent Russia from resuming military actions in the future if a peace agreement is reached, reliable security guarantees from international partners are required.

"The Americans are ready to finalize these guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw troops from Donbas," Zelenskyy said, warning that such a withdrawal would jeopardize the security of both Ukraine and, consequently, Europe, as it would mean handing over strong defensive positions in the region to Russia.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine neutralized 130 out of 153 Russia air targets overnight Thursday; hits by 16 strike UAVs and debris were recorded at 11 locations, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"According to preliminary data as of 08:00, air defense shot down or suppressed 130 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas types, as well as other drones, in the north, south, and east of the country," the report states.

In total, on the night of March 26 (starting from 18:00 on March 25), the enemy attacked with 153 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas types, along with other drones, from the following directions: Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Gvardiyske and Chauda (occupied Crimea). About 100 of these were Shahed UAVs.

The aerial attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare (EW) units, unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Meanwhile, hits by 16 strike UAVs were recorded at 11 locations, and the fall of downed targets (debris) was recorded at five locations.
Photo: https://t.me/OleksiiKuleba/

Russia attacked Ukraines railway and port infrastructure on the night of March 26; no casualties have been reported, according to Vice Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine  Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksandr Kuleba.

According to his Telegram report on Thursday, UAVs attacked a locomotive maintenance point in the Kirovohrad region, damaging several locomotives.

In southern Ukraine, hits were recorded on warehouses and piers, with damage to buildings of port operators and a sea terminal.

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) specified on Telegram that the strike targeted one of the ports on the Danube.

"The port continues to operate, taking into account security restrictions and the current situation," the USPA emphasized.

"All relevant services are working to eliminate the consequences and restore operations," Kuleba added.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with rain developing this afternoon. High near 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain. Low 43F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
The National Guard of Ukraine is a force that has become one of the key elements of Ukraines defense and active operations across the entire front line, the President of Ukraine noted in his greeting honoring the twelfth anniversary of the National Guards establishment.

"We are proud of each and every one who fights for Ukraine and who defends Ukraine precisely in the ranks of the National Guard. I congratulate you on your day. Thank you for your strength," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Thursday.

According to him, "everyone who hears about Azov and Khartia knows that these are units that perform combat missions with dignity."

"The First Corps of the National Guard, together with our other Defense Forces, protects one of the most difficult sectors, the Pokrovsk-Ocheretyne direction in the Donetsk region. The Second Corps performs tasks in the Kharkiv region and does so exactly as needed. The 3rd National Guard Brigade, the 18th Slovyansk Brigade, as well as the unmanned component units Lasars Group, Omega Wings and Typhoon, and the soldiers of the Omega Special Forces Center  every name in the National Guard speaks of strength," the President noted.

As reported, the history of forming the renewed National Guard began in 2014 when, following the Revolution of Dignity, the annexation of Crimea, and the escalation of the situation in eastern Ukraine, a need arose to effectively counter attempts to seize local government bodies, protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, strengthen borders, and directly repel Russias armed aggression.

The National Guard of Ukraine is a structure that performs a wide range of military and law enforcement tasks. Since February 24, 2022, guardsmen were among the first to enter the battle. The defense of Mariupol, Rubizhne, Sievierodonetsk, and Bakhmut, the successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, and the liberation of many settlements in the Kherson region from Russia have entered world history.

The Day of the National Guard of Ukraine is celebrated annually on March 26.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy skies with periods of rain this afternoon. High around 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain. Low 43F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Ukraine and the United States hold differing views on the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war, as the American side believes Russia also seeks peace, similar to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, noting this is an issue that must be addressed.

"We do not see a sincere desire from Russia to end the war, and we share this with our partners. The United States believes that Putin wants the war to end. Here, we have absolutely different views. On one hand, it is normal to have differing perspectives. But on the other hand, when we want to end the war and accelerate this process, we raise the issue of pressure on Russia," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Le Monde, the text of which was posted on the head of states Telegram channel on Thursday.

According to him, the Ukrainian side "knows that Putin does not want to end the war" and therefore "asks for additional pressure so that he would want to." "But America believes that he wants to, so why extra pressure if Russia shows they are also ready for peace? There are different views on certain things, and we must work with this," the head of state explained.

Zelenskyy noted that the collective sanctions policy of various countries directly impacted the reduction of Russias capabilities by cutting energy revenues. This caused the Russian budget deficit to increase, reaching a maximum at the beginning of this year; however, this pressure decreased following the easing of sanctions on Russian energy.

"At the end of 2025, the Russians had an 83 billion deficit, plus 19 that they carried over to the beginning of 2026. According to our forecasts, the deficit for 2026 was supposed to be around $100 billion. Now, after the easing of sanctions for the energy sector of the Russian Federationspecifically regarding petroleum productstheir earnings are measured in billions," the President said.

He emphasized that this "certainly does not help reduce the intensity of hostilities in Ukraine, nor in Iran, because Russia will use various means to assist the Iranian regime."

Zelenskyy expressed conviction that Russia will ultimately lose the war, but the availability of funds allows Russia to continue. "Will they decide to go for a major mobilization? I cannot say. So far, they have feared such steps and have only moved toward contracting people for large sums of money. Why do we react so sensitively to the lifting of sanctions? Because it is money. And money is not just tanks. No one fights with tanks alone anymore. Money is drones. Money is people. People are contracts. And if they have no money for contracts, their forces diminish," he stated.

"Historically, the Russians will lose, one hundred percent. They are currently losing a terrifying number of people30,000 to 35,000 people per month. Russia cannot keep up with mobilizing, signing contracts, and certainly cannot keep up with training its people," Zelenskyy added.
Ricky Johnson, of District 2, listens to recommendations during a board meeting at the Jefferson Parish School Board Administration Building in Harvey, La., Monday, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Construction workers are pictured building the Music City Loop in Nashville, an underground tunnel by Elon Musk's The Boring Company, on Jan. 16, 2026.
James Finn covers federal law enforcement and courts for The Times-Picayune | The Advocate. Email him at jfinn@theadvocate.com or contact him on Signal at jamesfinn.82.
The European Union will be able to find an alternative solution to provide Ukraine with funds for financing the army if the agreed-upon reparations loan cannot be unblocked, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, noting that this matter lies entirely within the competence of the European side.

"Providing a loan to Ukraine is a position agreed upon by all EU leaders at the end of 2025. The alternative to this step is a question for the European Union today. We would be grateful if they could unblock this format. If they do not, we hope for an alternative that will allow us to receive these funds; otherwise, the Ukrainian army will be underfunded," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Le Monde, the text of which was posted on the head of states Telegram channel on Thursday.

According to him, in such a case, the production of drones would be underfunded: "long-range drones, interceptor drones, as well as air defense systems, because we allocate money from there for both European air defense systems and American PAC-3 missiles."

"This is a risk for everyone. This is a risk for European security. I believe that there will be no collapse and the Europeans will resolve this issue as well," Zelenskyy said.

As reported, on December 18, the EU leaders summit approved the provision of EUR 90 billion in financial support to Ukraine for 20262027. Ukraine is to receive an interest-free credit through a loan secured by the EU budget.

Later, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country would block the European Unions adoption of a new sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of the EUR 90 billion EU reparations loan until the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged during Russian shelling on January 27, is reopened.

Following this, it was reported that Ukraine could receive EUR 30 billion from the Baltic and Northern European countries for its military needs if Hungary and Slovakia continue to block the previously approved EUR 90 billion EU reparations loan. Since these would be bilateral loans, they would not require EU-wide approval.

Separately, Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen announced that his government has provided for the possibility of sending EUR 3.5 billion per year in bilateral support to Kyiv until 2029.

The idea of individual financing for Ukraine by member states was discussed prior to the December summit, where all EU leaders agreed to provide a single EU loan. At that time, the option of individual loans was considered undesirable as it undermined EU solidarity with Ukraine and exposed deep divisions within the bloc. However, if Hungarian leader Viktor Orban refuses to lift the block on the loan, this may be the only way forward.
The population in almost every Gulf Coast county from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle rose at a faster pace than most other counties acro
A by-election will take place in the Furzeham with Summercombe ward of Brixham Town Council today, Thursday 26 March 2026.

Three candidates are standing in the election: Roger Ball for the Conservative Party, Conor Fidgeon for the Liberal Democrats, and Frances Johanne Robinson, standing as an independent.

The vote follows a previous election held on 29 January 2026, where Reform UK candidate Darryl Sparkes was elected with 772 votes, ahead of Liberal Democrat Conor Fidgeon with 751.

Conservative candidate Roger Ball has urged residents to take part in the vote, saying: Today is a big day for Brixham and especially Furzeham with Summercombe. Please use your vote. Remember to take your ID with you.

It would be an honour if you put your cross next to my name.

He said his priorities include improving access to affordable housing while protecting green spaces, delivering a new central car park, and pushing for progress on the long-discussed northern arm project to protect Brixham harbour.

Liberal Democrat candidate Conor Fidgeon is campaigning on a three-point plan focused on housing, the town centre and the harbour.

A spokesperson for the Torbay Liberal Democrats said: Conor is the clear Liberal Democrat challenger ready to stop the Conservatives and deliver real change for Brixham in the Town Council election on March 26th.

They added: Your vote for Conor Fidgeon will help him win on March 26th. Let's get a champion for Brixham!

Independent candidate Frances Johanne Robinson has more than 30 years experience working within local government and is an active member of the Brixham community.

She has been involved in opposing local developments, including raising concerns about the Monksbridge and Mathill proposals, and has previously encouraged residents to engage with planning consultations affecting the Brixham conservation area.

Residents voting in the by-election are reminded to bring valid photo ID to the polling station.
Rail passengers in the South West are facing nearly five times as much disruption from flooding as they did a decade ago, new figures suggest.

Analysis of Network Rail data shows that flood-related delays across the region have surged by 386 per cent compared with the mid-2010s.

The figures come as users of the Tarka Line, which connects Barnstaple and Exeter, continue to count the cost of increasingly volatile weather.

Earlier this year, the vital commuter link was forced to close for 24 consecutive days following extreme rainfall from Storm Chandra. The closure left thousands of North Devon residents reliant on replacement bus services as engineers worked to repair trackbeds washed away by the River Creedy.

The figures were uncovered by Round Our Way, a non-profit group that highlights how weather changes are affecting local communities.

The data shows a rising tide of cancellations across the region. Round Our Way warned that the South West's rail network is buckling under the pressure of floods, landslips, and extreme rainfall.

On average, travelers in the region now face 2,862 minutes of flood delays every year. In the mid-2010s, that yearly average was nearly five times lower, at just 589 minutes.

The rail network appears to be under persistent weather stress, said Sofie Jenkinson, co-director of Round Our Way.

The group has suggested that the UK is not ready for climate change.

We are not prepared for the impact that climate change is already having on ordinary Brits way of life.

In a flood disruption hot spot map, generated by the research organisation, stations at Barnstaple, Eggesford, Crediton, Okehampton and Exeter St Davids were all flagged up.

For many in the South West, the statistics simply confirm what they see on the platform display boards.

The 24-day closure of the Tarka Line in early 2026 was one of the longest continuous weather-related disruptions in the line's history. Network Rail reported that floodwater removed the stone ballast supporting the tracks at nine different sites between Exeter and Crediton.

The Met Office notes that the last decade has been 10 per cent wetter than the period between 1961 and 1990.

How was the data calculated?

To maintain transparency, the report's authors outlined how the figures were reached:

Source: The data was provided by Network Rail following a Freedom of Information request covering April 2014 to December 2025.

Incident Types: Researchers focused specifically on incidents coded as 110A X2, defined by the rail industry as severe flooding beyond the design capability of the infrastructure.

Metrics: The study used Passenger Delay Minutes (PfPI), a standard industry measure that calculates the total time lost by all passengers on a disrupted service.

Comparison: The 386 per cent increase was found by comparing the annual average of delays from 2014-2017 against the most recent three-year period (20222025).

According to the analysis, several locations in the South West have recorded 25 or more flood incidents since 2014, including:

Tiverton Parkway

Liskeard

Bristol Temple Meads

Swindon and Chippenham

Ms Jenkinson said the significant rise in delays raised concerns about the safety of the UK's creaking rail infrastructure.

She added: We are all sadly getting very familiar with the impact climate change-driven extreme weather is having on the country. This is worrying but it is also fixable.

Politicians need to show leadership to better prepare us for weather extremes and challenge the companies profiting from pollution which creates these impacts in the first place.
Eight people were injured due to Russia shelling, with residential buildings, medical and educational institutions damaged, according to the communication department of the Kherson regional police.

"In the morning, Russia troops launched a massive artillery strike on Bilozerka. Six local residents aged 43 to 81 were injured in the attacks. Three men and three women were diagnosed with blast injuries, concussions, and acute stress reactions. One man also sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to various parts of his body," the report on the National Police of Ukraine website says.

According to law enforcement officers, Russia also shelled the Korabelnyi district of Kherson with artillery. Two women, aged 70 and 84, were injured; they sustained mine-blast injuries and concussions.

As a result of the attacks, three apartment buildings and eight private houses, a critical infrastructure facility, medical and educational institutions, and an administrative building were damaged.

Local authorities noted that the strike on Bilozerka also damaged a local outpatient clinic, shattering windows and damaging the roof. Emergency crews are currently working to stabilize the damaged structures and provide temporary housing solutions for residents of the most severely hit private houses.
His administration is stocked with people who have questioned the legitimacy of elections, including some who have claimed that the 2020 presidential race was stolen.

When President Trump sought to overturn his loss in the 2020 election and remain in power, resistance from within his own government helped to stop him. Top Justice Department officials rejected his specious claims that the vote had been marred by widespread fraud. Senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security refused to go along with his outlandish efforts to seize voting machines. Cybersecurity experts praised the count as secure, and the intelligence community sidestepped his requests to declare that foreign nations had interfered in the results. But Mr. Trumps second term looks very different. The president has filled his administration with people who are sympathetic to his baseless claims that the presidential race more than five years ago was stolen. These officials have been put into positions across the federal government, at the White House and in agencies where they could play a role in undermining the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential cycle. At the same time, Mr. Trump has maintained allies in Congress and in state governments who could wield significant power over the process of counting votes and the seating of members of the House. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, sidestepped questions about Mr. Trumps personnel decisions and instead asserted that he was committed to ensuring that Americans have full confidence in the administration of elections. She pointed to the presidents efforts to have Congress pass legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to vote, prohibit mail-in ballots and bar the practice of ballot harvesting  having one person turn in mail ballots for several others. The vast majority of Americans support President Trumps common-sense election integrity agenda, Ms. Jackson said. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said that the agencies were focused on keeping elections safe and secure, and were working to carry out the presidents policies on elections. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment. With Mr. Trump consistently seeking to sow doubts about the integrity of elections, the number of election deniers he has installed across the administration means he would face fewer checks on any efforts to undermine an outcome he did not like, and could more easily amplify baseless claims of fraud. Here is a look at some of the key players. Jump to an agency White House Justice Department Office of the Director of National Intelligence Department of Homeland Security

White House The White House has no formal or legal role to play in administering elections, but Mr. Trump recently created a presidentially appointed position to oversee election integrity and security. That job has largely been involved in investigating the 2020 election. What happened in 2020 Mr. Trump has always been the governments most avid promoter of false claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him. And in 2020, he routinely used the force of the Oval Office  albeit unsuccessfully  to strong-arm state officials and federal appointees to act on his claims. Kurt Olsen Director of election security and integrity Mr. Olsen was central to opening a recent F.B.I. investigation that led to the search of a Fulton County, Ga., election office in January. Prior support for claims of election fraud Mr. Olsen was a pro-Trump lawyer who in late 2020 contacted senior Justice Department officials on Mr. Trumps behalf, pushing them to file a motion to nullify the election with the Supreme Court. After 2020, he worked with Mike Lindell, the chief executive of MyPillow and a longtime election denier, to bring many unsuccessful lawsuits challenging the results of other elections and the use of voting machines, based on debunked conspiracy theories. While representing Kari Lake, a former candidate for governor in Arizona, he was hit with sanctions for making false and misleading claims. Ms. Lake, who tried to reverse her defeat in the 2022 race, has served as the effective head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. A judge ruled Ms. Lakes appointment invalid, but the administration says she still works for the organization. Clay Parikh Special government employee with a background in cybersecurity Mr. Parikh is working closely with Mr. Olsen to re-examine claims of fraud in the 2020 election, and was cited as a supposed expert in the F.B.I. affidavit supporting the search of Fulton Countys elections office. Prior support for claims of election fraud Mr. Parikh took part in Ms. Lakes failed efforts to reverse her defeat in the 2022 Arizona governors race, and has served as a witness in other cases brought by Mr. Olsen challenging the use of voting machines.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence In his first term, Mr. Trump issued an executive order that gave the Office of the Director of National Intelligence the ability to make determinations about foreign interference in elections. Such declarations could allow the president to declare national emergencies surrounding elections. What happened in 2020 Several advisers to Mr. Trump tried to push the intelligence community to determine that foreign entities had meddled in the election, in an effort to justify a move to seize voting machines. The consensus opinion among intelligence agencies was ultimately that countries like China and Russia had not interfered in a significant way. John Ratcliffe, then the director of national intelligence, disagreed about Chinas supposed role, but did not issue his dissent until Jan. 7, 2021, a day after the election had been certified. Tulsi Gabbard Director of national intelligence Ms. Gabbard is helping oversee the Trump administrations effort to investigate supposed voting irregularities in Georgia, and was present at the F.B.I. search of the Fulton County elections office. Her office also recently seized voting machines in Puerto Rico, to examine them for vulnerability to hacking by foreign entities. Prior support for claims of election fraud Unlike others Mr. Trump has installed in government, Ms. Gabbard did not have a history of supporting Mr. Trumps claims of election fraud. She started to back such claims publicly as the director of national intelligence.

Justice Department The Justice Department has the power to open investigations into allegations of fraud in elections, a move that could undermine faith in the results of the upcoming midterms. In April, Mr. Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had a long history of supporting his claims of election fraud, having helped the Trump campaign as a private lawyer to seek to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Pennsylvania. Under her leadership, the Justice Department began seeking detailed voter roll data from states to compile a national voting database. It has sued at least 29 states and territories in an attempt to force them to turn over data. Ms. Bondis deputy, Todd Blanche, will replace her on an interim basis. What happened in 2020 After the 2020 election, Mr. Trump pressured the department to investigate his baseless claims that the voting had been marred by fraud. He wanted to use those inquiries to persuade state legislatures to refuse to certify his defeat. Attorney General William P. Barr rejected Mr. Trumps claims that the count had been compromised, and refused suggestions from the presidents advisers to seize voting machines. Mr. Barr was replaced by Jeffrey Rosen, the deputy attorney general, in late December of that year. He similarly resisted Mr. Trumps efforts. Kash Patel F.B.I. director Mr. Patel is overseeing a criminal investigation into supposed irregularities in the 2020 presidential election that has so far led to the seizure of voting records at the Fulton County election center in Georgia, and the subpoenaing of records in Maricopa County, Ariz. Prior support for claims of election fraud During his Senate confirmation hearing last year, Mr. Patel sidestepped questions about whether Mr. Trump had lost the 2020 election, responding only that Joseph R. Biden Jr. had been certified and sworn in as president. Last summer, Mr. Patel promoted an unsubstantiated theory on his social media account that thousands of fake drivers licenses seized by customs officials in 2020 were part of a Chinese plot to throw the election that year to Mr. Biden. Harmeet K. Dhillon Assistant attorney general for civil rights Ms. Dhillon has led the Justice Department effort to obtain complete, unredacted voter roll lists from every state in the country, including suing more than half the states in an attempt to force them to turn over the data. Prior support for claims of election fraud Ms. Dhillon advocated efforts to overturn Mr. Trumps loss in the 2020 election, and encouraged people to donate to his legal defense fund. Shortly after the election, she appeared on Fox Business urging Mr. Trumps appointees on the Supreme Court to step in and do something to help him win the race. She also served as a campaign lawyer for Ms. Lake and assisted her efforts to overturn her 2022 Arizona governors race loss. Eric Neff Acting Chief, voting section Mr. Neff leads the voting section at the Justice Department, which is supposed to enforce the civil provisions of the federal laws that protect the right to vote. Prior support for claims of election fraud As a Los Angeles County prosecutor, Mr. Neff was placed on administrative leave in 2022 after basing a prosecution of the chief executive of the election management company Konnech on tips from a right-wing group, True the Vote, which has promoted conspiracy theories centered on election fraud. Mr. Neff also served at one point as a lawyer for Patrick Byrne, the former Overstock chief executive, who advised the Trump administration to seize voting machines during the 2020 election. Christopher Gardner Trial attorney, voting section Mr. Gardner is taking part in a Justice Department effort to secure voting records from Georgia officials. Prior support for claims of election fraud As a private lawyer, Mr. Gardner helped file a lawsuit seeking to prevent officials in Georgia from certifying the states 2020 election results. He also worked with other Trump-allied lawyers, including Kenneth Chesebro, John Eastman and Cleta Mitchell, to provide legal advice to a fake slate of electors in Georgia. Those electors claimed that Mr. Trump won the state even though Mr. Biden actually prevailed. Megan Frederick Trial attorney Ms. Frederick participated in a Justice Department effort demanding voter rolls from officials in the District of Columbia. Prior support for claims of election fraud Ms. Frederick served as a lawyer representing the Trump campaign during the Dane County, Wis., recount in 2020, and took part in efforts to challenge more than 200,000 ballots in the state. She also worked as a leader of the Only Citizens Vote Coalition, which is part of the election-denying Election Integrity Network, an umbrella organization run by Ms. Mitchell, a stalwart pro-Trump lawyer who tried to overturn his election loss. Joseph Voiland Trial attorney, civil rights division Mr. Voiland is active in the Justice Departments efforts to gain access to Wisconsins voter registration list. Prior support for claims of election fraud Mr. Voiland, a former Wisconsin county judge, served as a lawyer for Mr. Trumps 2020 campaign, and sought to have thousands of ballots in the state thrown out. Sigal Chattah First assistant U.S. attorney in Nevada Last July, Ms. Chattah pushed the F.B.I. to investigate claims that illegal immigrants in her state had cast ballots in the 2020 election, according to Reuters. After a federal judge ruled that she had been unlawfully appointed as interim U.S. attorney, the Justice Department put her in the role of first assistant and gave her a second title as special attorney. Prior support for claims of election fraud Ms. Chattah joined the Republican National Committee in 2023 to advocate taking a more hard-line stance on elections, and to oust its chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, who was seen by Trump loyalists as not doing enough to help Mr. Trump overturn the election results in 2020. Ms. Chattah was a defense lawyer for one of the people who served as a so-called fake elector in Nevada in 2020. She also sued unsuccessfully to stop a bill that made it illegal in Nevada to harass election officials.

Jeanine Pirro U.S. attorney in Washington Ms. Pirro oversees a key federal prosecutors office that handles many matters related to the administration of the government. Prior support for claims of election fraud After Mr. Trumps loss in the 2020 election, Ms. Pirro, then a Fox News host, used her show to amplify false allegations that voting machines made by Dominion Voting Systems had been used to rig the tally. Fox ultimately paid nearly $780 million to settle claims by Dominion that the network had defamed it through its coverage.
Rubenstein Public Relations signs on to work with Verasight, a nonpartisan survey research company that offers verified survey data from any group of interest. RPR will support Verasights media strategy, thought leadership, and public positioning. Founded in 2020 by academic researchers and methodologists, Verasight provided data that correctly predicted all 50 states and came within one percentage point of the national popular vote in the 2024 U.S. elections. Its methodology combines probability-based sampling with modern online recruitment, continuous respondent verification, and a respondent-first model designed to produce data that is representative of the target population. Verasight is addressing one of the most consequential research questions of the AI era: how we know whether the people in our data are real, said RPR president Richard Rubenstein. Our role is to help define why this work matters now and position Verasight as the new standard for trustworthy survey data.

Axia Public Relations is named agency of record for BSF, a seafood sourcing and distribution company formerly known as Beaver Street Fisheries. Axia will lead AI visibility strategy, earned media relations and executive thought leadership strategy to elevate BSF and its Sea Best frozen seafood product lines across seafood sourcing, supply chain, food industry and consumer conversations. BSF, which operates through a supplier network spanning 52 countries, recently rebranded to reflect its global growth and modern seafood sourcing model. The privately held, $800 million, American-owned company plans a $20m-plus investment into the first stage of its U.S. processing expansion. The seafood industry is becoming more global and more complex, said BSF executive vice president Mark Frisch. We chose Axia to help us communicate that reality more clearly. This is about building visibility, credibility, and a stronger voice in the market.

Trip Whisperer, a travel PR firm, signs on as agency of record for Traveling with AAA, a weekly travel podcast hosted by travel expert Angie Orth. The agency will lead media relations, thought leadership positioning and strategic visibility for the podcast, helping to amplify its conversations with travelers, tourism leaders, and cultural voices. Trip Whisperers efforts will work to position Orth as a go-to expert in such areas as conference speaking engagements and industry panels, as well as broadcast commentary and live travel events. Media outreach will focus on destination inspiration, Media outreach will focus on destination inspiration, cultural travel trends, and informative travel experiences. Traveling with AAA is produced by Auto Club Enterprises in collaboration with Ginni Saraswati-Cook and her team at Ginni Media, a media production company based in New York City.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is continuing the second stage of its winter operation of strikes against Ukraines critical infrastructure.

"The targets at this stage for them are water supply, reservoirs, dams, logistics, etc. Russias plans are clear, but now we are stronger than in the winter. We must fight for financing. Financing will provide reinforcement of sky protection on our part. Definitely. The technologies exist. Given the availability of a budget, Ukraine is able to produce 2,000 interceptor drones per day," the President said in an interview with Reuters.

Zelenskyy also emphasized that these drone interceptors are a cost-effective alternative to expensive Western air defense missiles, which remain in short supply. He noted that the domestic defense industry is ready to scale up production immediately upon receiving the necessary financial allocations, whether through the state budget or international aid packages currently being negotiated with the EU and G7 partners.


Augusta Airport Flies Out Marketing RFP Thu., Apr. 23, 2026 Augusta Regional Airport wants proposals for an integrated marketing campaign to position it as the preferred air travel gateway of the Central Savannah River Area, which has a population of about 770K people.
Editor's Note This story contains mention of rape, assault and dating and domestic violence. Resources are listed at the bottom.

As OUs annual security and fire safety report shows fluctuations in reported sexual assault cases in recent years, experts discuss potential causes of the spikes and police and campus response systems.

According to the 2025-26 report, which provides statistics from the prior three calendar years, 14 cases of rape were reported on campus in 2022, four in 2023, rising again to 13 in 2024. In an email to the Daily, OU Chief of Police Derek Fuller provided more recent statistics, showing cases declining to eight in 2025 and three so far in 2026, as of March 9.

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Melissa Smith, OU criminal justice masters professor specializing in victimology, said college campuses naturally include the age group most statistically involved in crime.

College campuses  have the age demographic that tends to be more involved in crime, both as offenders and victims, Smith said. I wouldnt say that college campuses are a high crime area, necessarily, but it does have that age group.

Smith noted that sexual assault on campus can feel uniquely destabilizing.

Its a place that is a protected environment that students expect to feel safe  whenever sexual assault happens on a college campus, it does lead to a little bit more increased fear, Smith said.

OU Police Department said its approach to sexual assault cases centers on trauma-informed framework that prioritizes survivior safety and autonomy.

Officers recognize that trauma can influence memory, behavior and communication, so they conduct investigations with patience and sensitivity," Fuller wrote in a March 10 email to OU Daily.

Fuller said survivors are allowed to share information at their own pace, while officers work to minimize re-traumatization while still gathering necessary details. He added that officers receive specialized training in trauma-informed interviewing, victim advocacy resources and the neurobiology of trauma to better support survivors throughout the investigative process.

Every report matters, every person matters, and we will remain committed to a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes safety, accountability, and support, Fuller said.

Psychological ripple effects

From a victimology standpoint, Smith explained that sexual assault does not impact only the individual survivor. Harm radiates outward in what researchers call primary, secondary and tertiary victimization.

According to Smith, primary victimization affects the survivor directly, often resulting in academic decline, difficulty focusing, depression and avoidance of public spaces, including the classroom.

Secondary victimization occurs among close peers, such as friends or roommates, who may feel emotional distress or fear after learning about an assault. On a college campus, this layer can be especially intense due to tight-knit communities within dorms, Greek life or student organizations, Smith said.

Tertiary victimization affects the broader campus.

On a college campus, because there is that sense of identity, I am a student, this could happen to me too, that tertiary victimization is also stronger, Smith said.

That fear can alter students sense of safety, even if they were not directly connected to the incident, according to Smith.

Reporting culture, transparency

According to Smith there is a nationwide rise in cases can be partly attributed to improved reporting practices and compliance with federal requirements such as the Clery Act, which mandates transparent crime reporting by universities.

Smith believes increased trust in trauma-informed policing may encourage more survivors of sexual assault to come forward.

Smith described witnessing OUPD respond to a reported indecent exposure incident and said she was impressed by the departments victim-centered approach.

I was very impressed, from a victimologist standpoint, on the response of OUPD that they were trauma informed, and they did make sure that [the victim] got the resources.

A trauma-informed response, she said, can shape whether survivors pursue reporting or access resources.

It makes them more likely to go forward with it, to feel like theyre heard, to feel like theyre believed, and to move forward with getting resources they need, Smith said.

Still, Smith said barriers remain. Fear of retaliation, knowing the perpetrator and a culture of disbelief can deter students from reporting. Smith said date rape, which is defined as someone being forced into sexual intercourse by someone they consider an acquaintance, is often minimized despite having psychological impacts equal to or greater than stranger assaults.

Survivor-centered support

Amber May, associate director of OU Advocacy and Education, said in an email to OU Daily on Feb. 26 that her office works to counter those barriers by providing confidential, survivor-centered services.

Survivors have the right to be believed, to be treated with dignity and respect, to make their own decisions, and to heal in their own time, May said.

OU Advocates offers a free, confidential 24/7 helpline and in-person support for students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual assault, dating or domestic violence and stalking or harassment.

Unlike most university employees, advocates are not mandatory reporters to the Title IX office, allowing survivors to explore options without triggering an automatic report.

Reporting is always the survivors choice, May said. Our role is to make sure they understand their options and feel supported no matter what they decide.

Advocates assist with safety planning, medical and counseling referrals, and academic and housing accommodations. They also provide accompaniment to law enforcement interviews, university meetings and court proceedings.

May emphasized that advocacy differs from counseling. While counseling provides clinical mental health treatment, May said advocacy focuses on immediate support, navigating systems and restoring control after trauma.

In addition to OU Advocates 24/7 confidential helpline, OU offers campus counseling services and law enforcement resources.

Students should realize they are not alone and that support resources are available whether or not they decide to file a police report, Fuller said.

Resources For more information on reporting student, faculty or staff issues related to gender equity, harassment, sexual assault or misconduct and domestic violence, community members can visit the Institutional Equity Offices website, email ieo@ou.edu or call 405-325-2215. Community members can also contact the 24-hour reporting hotline with reports of bias, discrimination, harassment or misconduct. The hotline can be reached at 844-428-6531. OU Advocates can be contacted through their website or anytime at 405-615-0013.

This story was edited by Natalie Armour and Audrey McClour. Kennedy Johnson and Tori Pham copy edited this story.
Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, has reported strikes on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russias Leningrad region, following attacks on two oil terminals, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, in the same Baltic Sea region.

"Monday, March 23  transshipment at the Transneft-Primorsk terminal was stopped; on the same day, ironically, the alternative Ust-Luga terminal resumed operations after being shut down due to courtesy visits from Ukrainian drones," Brovdi wrote on Telegram on Thursday, adding that a repeat strike was carried out against Ust-Luga on Wednesday, March 25.

"Thursday, March 26  the regions largest Kirishi refinery, which receives Siberian crude via pipeline for processing in the Leningrad region followed by pumping to the aforementioned ports for export, has lit up. This trio defines the perimeter of operations. A comprehensive tour of this trio was carried out by deep-strike units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, including USF Birds. Todays trip to KINEF (Kirishi refinery) was implemented by Birds of the 1st Special Center of the USF together with SBU forces and assets," he said.

According to the USF Commander, the Gulf of Finland is currently shrouded in smoke, with glows observed in some places.

"By rhythmically demilitarizing the oil arteries, processing, and raw material exports of Russia, we complicate its ability to finance the expansion of its military capabilities, and ensure toll control over oil leaks through the Baltic," Brovdi wrote.
Georgia-Pacific Names David Duncan as President and Chief Executive Officer

David Duncan David Duncan

March 26, 2026 - Georgia-Pacific today announced that effective immediately, David Duncan, Executive Vice President of Georgia-Pacific's consumer products group, has been named President and CEO. Mark Luetters, who currently serves as executive vice president of Koch, Inc., with responsibility overseeing several Koch companies, had temporarily served as President and CEO of Georgia-Pacific since 2025.

Duncan joined the company in 2018 as executive vice president of the Georgia-Pacific building products business, before moving into the consumer products leader role in 2019. Prior to joining Georgia-Pacific, he served as president of performance solutions at INVISTA. With more than 28 years of experience at Koch companies, Duncan has held a variety of roles including managing director for Koch Ventures and Koch Equity Development, chief financial officer for Koch Minerals, and various roles at INVISTA.

Vivek Joshi Vivek Joshi

Vivek Joshi, currently president of the consumer tissue, towel and napkins (TTN) business, will become executive vice president of the consumer products business. Joshi joined GP in 2002 as a marketing manager for the Dixie Foodservice food wrap business.

Throughout his career with the GP, Joshi has been a part of significant investments across the consumer products business and has helped improve performance in many of GP's consumer-facing brands. He has held numerous roles within the consumer business during the past 23 years, including vice president of innovation and business development, senior vice president of marketing effectiveness, vice president and general manager of the Dixie business and senior vice president and general manager of the tissue business.

Duncan commented, "I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization full of talented and dedicated people who work together across Georgia-Pacific to deliver results every day. I also want to congratulate Vivek on his new role. He has been a strong leader within our consumer products business for many years, and I'm excited to continue working closely with him as he steps into this expanded responsibility."

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly.

SOURCE: Georgia-Pacific
NPTA Recognizes Bill Garvey of Athens Paper with 2026 Stanley O. Styles Award

Bill Garvey Bill Garvey

March 26, 2026 - The National Paper Trade Association (NPTA) is proud to announce that Bill Garvey, President of Athens Paper, has been selected as the 2026 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award recipient.

The Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award is NPTA's highest honor, recognizing a leader whose career reflects innovation, dedication, and lasting impact on the printing paper industry.

With more than 40 years in the paper and printing industry, Bill has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the success of the paper distribution channel. Over the course of his career, he has held key roles spanning sales, sales management, general management, and executive leadership, including positions with organizations such as International Paper, Southern Index, and Athens Paper Company.

Today, as President of Athens Paper, Bill continues to guide the organization through a rapidly evolving marketplace. Under his leadership, Athens has successfully navigated major industry challenges  including the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic  while transforming from a traditional paper-focused distributor into a more diversified business with expanded offerings in areas such as wide-format distribution, equipment, and packaging.

Bill's contributions extend well beyond his own organization. A former Chair of NPTA, he has long been an active and generous supporter of industry associations and initiatives, consistently encouraging participation and leadership from others in his organization and across the industry. His commitment to strengthening the broader graphic arts and paper communities has earned him significant recognition, including the Printing Industry of the South's "Person of the Year" award in 2024 and the Ben Franklin Award in 2018 for his support of the printing and paper industries in Georgia.

Those who have worked alongside Bill describe him as a thoughtful leader, a trusted colleague, and a professional whose integrity and perspective command deep respect throughout the industry. His leadership, character, and enduring dedication to the success of the paper trade make him a fitting recipient of one of the industry's highest honors.

Please join us in congratulating Bill Garvey, the 2026 Stanley O. Styles Award honoree, for his outstanding contributions to the paper distribution and printing industries. He will receive the award during the luncheon at Paper Meets LIVE! 2026 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, May 12-14.

NPTA serves fine paper merchants, suppliers, converters and service providers who serve the printing, publishing, catalog, direct mail, imaging, retail and corporate markets. The association actively supports the success of its member firms through the delivery of networking, education, advocacy and industry trends focused on the health of the paper distribution channel. Learn more at: www.gonpta.org.

SOURCE: NPTA
Judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) have appealed to the President of Ukraine to fulfill European integration obligations regarding the provision of suitable premises for the administration of justice.

"On Wednesday, March 25, a meeting of the judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court was held, at which a decision was made to appeal to the President of Ukraine to resolve the urgent need to provide the court with proper permanent premises for the administration of justice," a message on the HACC website said on Thursday.

The statement emphasizes that the administration of justice is under threat. The HACC points out that the Court has not been provided with suitable premises for over six years, and a new round of judicial selection is currently concluding with no workspace available for the incoming judges.

"The arrival of new colleagues to the High Anti-Corruption Court and the HACC Appeals Chamber requires the creation of proper conditions for their work and the administration of justice," the Court stresses.

The message notes that providing the HACC with an appropriate material and technical base and permanent premises is explicitly required by Ukraines European integration obligations: "According to the Rule of Law Roadmap, this stage was supposed to be completed by the third quarter of 2025; however, the issue remains open."

According to the report, the Anti-Corruption Court has independently identified the building at 35 Vasylia Lypkivskoho St. in Kyiv as the most suitable location.

"This facility fully meets the basic functional needs for the administration of justice. Preliminary meetings and communication with representatives of state authorities confirmed the absence of objective obstacles to transferring this building to the High Anti-Corruption Court," the Court notes.

Currently, according to the HACC, the resolution of the issue depends entirely on a management decision at the level of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

"In view of this, HACC judges ask the President of Ukraine to immediately instruct the responsible persons regarding the transfer of the specified building to the courts management to ensure the institution and its Appeals Chamber are provided with proper permanent premises as soon as possible," the appeal concludes.

Earlier, in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine, HACC Chief of Staff Bohdan Kryklyvenko stated that the Court has no space at all to accommodate new judges. The High Qualification Commission of Judges, together with the Public Council of International Experts, recently announced that 22 candidates successfully passed integrity checks and are moving to the final selection stages.

Kryklyvenko clarified that at least 100 people, including future judges and support staff, will need workspace. "The High Anti-Corruption Court, unfortunately, has no conditions at allspecifically premises such as courtrooms, guard stations, and officeswhich will be critically needed for the organization of HACC and HACC Appeals Chamber operations in an expanded capacity," he noted.
Tollerene Wins Doyle-Style as Foxen Smashes Career Record in Triton Main Event

Eliot Thomas Editor, Poker & Casino Copy link

Career-best scores were the theme on Thursday as Ben Tollerene captured a second Triton Main Event title, winning the $100K NLH Main Event at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju for $3,766,000.

The Texan, now with more than $36 million in live earnings, held off a late surge from Philip Sternheimer heads-up to add to his PLO Main Event title from Triton Montenegro last year, while Kristen Foxen also banked a career-best payday with a fourth-place finish.

Tollerene, who entered the final table with a sizable chip lead, faced challenges from some of the worlds best, including reigning GPI Player of the Year Punnat Punsri, third-placed Elton Tsang, and Foxen herself, who was attempting to achieve the largest ever cash by a female player. In that endeavor, Foxen folded Kings preflop with nine players remaining in one of the craziest hands seen at this, or any, Triton final table.

However, the day belonged to Tollerene, who proved once again his indisputable class, collecting his fourth Triton title and joining close friend Jason Koon as a two-time Triton Main Event winner.

Speaking to Triton after his victory, Tollerene said "I'm obviously very pleased, I had no cashes going into today on this trip so I was feeling not so great about how everything was going. And then everything aligned today and yesterday and I somehow did it again."

He added, "These are the biggest tournaments in the world. I also think just having all the best players in the world here, it kind of lifts me up. I want to show them I'm on that level and that I can compete against them. That motivates me."

Check out the full final table results below:

Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju $100k NLH Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Prize 1st Ben Tollerene $3,766,000 2nd Philip Sternheimer $2,535,000 3rd Elton Tsang $1,787,000 4th Kristen Foxen $1,449,000 5th Punnat Punsri $1,146,000 6th Sean Winter $870,000 7th Xu Yang $635,000 8th Tom Fuchs $464,000 9th Felipe Ketzer $385,000

Tollerene Gets It Done, Doyle-Style

There was a fitting finale for Fort Worths Tollerene, who emulated another Texas poker legend, the great Doyle Brunson, by concluding the Main Event battle with Sternheimer using none other than ten-deuce.

Tollerene, in the small blind, completed with 102. Sternheimer checked K7, and the flop came 2A10, giving Tollerene a healthy-looking two pair.

Sternheimer check-called a bet on the turn 6, picking up a nut-flush draw. The river 2 gave Tollerene a full house. He bet 5.5 million into 6.5 million, prompting Sternheimer to shove his remaining 12 million in a bluff.

Tollerene snapped it off, revealing the full house and the same hand Texas Dolly used to win the 1976 and 1977 WSOP Main Events. The vanquished Sternheimer, who had seemingly put Tollerene out of contention on Day 1 after a huge cooler, was the first to congratulate his opponent as they both collected the best part of over $6 million.

Foxen Banks Another Record Score

There was also yet another phenomenal run for Kristen Foxen on the Triton tour, as the reigning GPI Female Player of the Year and all-time money leader showed her class once again to finish 4th and bank $1,449,000.

Foxen, who has now cashed sixteen times on the Triton circuit, is beginning to build an affinity with the Les a Casino in Jeju, where her only other seven-figure win came in the $125k NLH 7-Handed for $1,104,000 in September of last year.

The Canadian, one of poker's foremost stars, is no stranger to grabbing the headlines, and she'd do that again at this Main Event final table, folding pocket kings preflop after she found herself in a brutal ICM spot with play nine-handed.

However, Foxen, who was in pursuit of the all-time record win by a female player (currently held by Liv Boeree), can consider her approach justified after entering the day 6th in chips and climbing to a 4th-placed finish and $1.4m payday.

Attention Now Turns to Triton's 10-Year Anniversary

With the Triton NLH Main Event now complete, attention in Jeju will shift to a very special tournament, Triton Poker's $150,000 NLH 10th Anniversary Special.

The event, sure to draw another huge field of some of poker's biggest stars, shuffles up and deals in Jeju on Thursday, before playing down to a winner on a Friday. Full coverage is available on the Triton Plus Poker app.

For a full rundown of the remaining events from this Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju, check out the table below:

Date Event March 26-27 Event #12 - $150,000 NLH - 10th Anniversary Special March 27-28 Event #13 - $30,000 PLO/NLH March 28-29 Event #15 - $50,000 PLO - 6-Handed Mystery Bounty March 29-31 Event #16 - $100,000 PLO - Main Event March 30-31 Event #17 - $25,000 PLO - 6-Handed March 31-April 1 Event #18 - $75,000 PLO - 6-Handed April 1 Event #19 - $30,000 PLO - Turbo Bounty Quattro

Images courtesy of Triton Poker

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Ukraine is ready to join the development of the JEF format and become a full member of the Joint Expeditionary Force, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

"Ukraine is ready to join the development of the security cooperation format  JEF. We all see now that the world can be very harsh and dangerous for those who stand alone or remain sidelined from joint efforts to ensure real security. Today, no one knows what awaits Europe in the future or how Russia will behave in the coming years. But one thing is clear: coordinated actions and real investments in security must work," Zelenskyy said during his speech at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) leaders summit on Thursday.

He noted that the aggressive Russia regime has no intention of returning to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.

"The first to Russia is Belarus, which is still ruled by one person, and yesterday, on Freedom Day celebrated by Belarusians, he traveled to North Korea, one of the worlds harshest symbols of oppression. This is a clear signal for the entire region," Zelenskyy emphasized.

"Ukraine is ready to become a full member of the JEF. And I thank those who cooperate closely with us in military structures, ministries of defense, and special services. We need to unite and strengthen our shared experience to be strong in all areas, protecting peoples lives, infrastructure, energy, seas, and cyberspace," he added.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning rain. High 81F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Rain ending this morning. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky has made another working trip to the Southern Operational Zone, where intensive hostilities are ongoing.

"Another working trip to the Southern Operational Zone, where intensive hostilities continue. In the Hulyaypole direction, Russia continues to pressure our defensive positions," he reported on Facebook.

Syrsky emphasized that the Defense Forces are holding back Russia in the areas of Hulyaypole, Dobropillia, Staroukrainka, Zaliznychne, Hulyaypilske, Varvarivka, Myrne, Olenokostiantynivka, and others, where about 20 combat clashes occur daily.

The Commander-in-Chief met with commanders of assault and air assault units and parts conducting active defense in designated zones. During the meetings, he heard reports on the current situation and problematic issues.

"We discussed with the commanders their vision for improving the position and options for further action. We are monitoring the regrouping of additional forces and assets of Russia and neutralizing the enemy. On-site, I gave corresponding instructions regarding the additional provision of units with ammunition and material and technical means," Syrsky stated.

He thanked the commanders for "unconventional solutions on the battlefield and for preserving the lives of soldiers."

"I thank all military personnel for their resilience and dedication. The struggle continues. Glory to Ukraine!" the Commander-in-Chief wrote.
Clemson University scientists are designing a system to utilize the waste protein in distiller grains. This system will be used in plants that will act as sister plants to larger plants such as this Iowa ethanol plant.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Occasional rain tapering to a few showers late. High 79F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 66F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

Today

Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 73F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 65F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
President of USA Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at a press conference, March 9, 2026 | Photo: Daniel Torok / White House / CC BY 3.0 US

The American publication "Just the News" reports on the alleged interception by U.S. intelligence of Ukrainian government communications discussing a plan to redirect several hundred million dollars in U.S. taxpayer funds, allocated for a green energy program in Ukraine, back to the United States to finance the 2024 election campaign of then-President Joseph Biden and the Democratic National Committee.

According to the publication, this is detailed in a declassified intelligence report in its possession, which summarizes intercepts dating back to 2022. The memo claims that USAID was involved in the redirection of the funds.

"The Ukrainian Government and unspecified U.S. Government personnel, through USAID in Kyiv, reportedly developed a plan that would provide hundreds of millions of US taxpayer dollars to fund an infrastructure project for Ukraine that would be used as a cover to send approximately 90% of funds allocated to the DNC to fund Joe Bidens reelection campaign," the declassified summary of the intercepts states.

US. President Trump reposted a link to this article on his Truth Social network, noting that "The U.S. intercepted Ukrainian government communications discussing a scheme to direct money to Bidens reelection." He did not write anything further.

The article claims that the declassified report is a summary of raw U.S. intelligence intercepts from late 2022 regarding the alleged conspiracy, but at the time, there was a lack of interest in investigating such an accusation of election interference in the U.S.

"Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently learned of the intercepts and has asked the U.S. Agency for International Development officials to scour for records to see if the plot actually was carried out and whether a criminal referral should be made to the FBI. Gabbards team has not found substantive evidence the intercepted allegations were thoroughly investigated during the Biden administration, and the communications are not believed to be tied to Russian disinformation efforts, officials said," the report says.

The intercepted records mentioned two American subcontractors as potential recipients of the money, which was ultimately intended to be transferred to the Democratic Party treasury. These names remain in still-classified data but were removed from the declassified report obtained by the publication. "The plan included details of how subcontractors would be funded through U.S. companies so that how the funds were spent and allocated would be difficult to track, the declassified summary stated. Additionally, contracts would be executed that would be difficult to verify. In this manner, most of the U.S. funding would be diverted to Joe Bidens election campaign without the ability to track where exactly the funds came from," the article said.
David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter and personal finance columnist. Over more than three decades he's worked for multiple newspapers and magazines, and his reporting has been honored with more than 50 state, regional and national journalism awards. David reports on the impacts of South Carolina's rapid population growth and development. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com
The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has ordered a preventive measure in the form of nightly house arrest for Nazariy Husakov, a Lviv resident suspected of fraudulent fundraising allegedly for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment, following his return to Ukraine from medical treatment in Italy.

"The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv ordered the suspect a preventive measure in the form of house arrest," the Office of the Prosecutor General informed Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

The previous day, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced Husakovs return to Ukraine and noted that the charges against the Lviv resident had been updated.

"He was served with a notice of changed suspicion. The legal qualification of the actions has not changed; however, during the investigation, the number of victims increased from 34 to 96, and the amount of damages rose from UAH 1.3 million to UAH 2 million," Kravchenko emphasized.

According to the investigation, the individual organized a fundraising campaign on social media and Telegram channels, claiming a critical need for an expensive drug to treat SMA. "At the same time, according to the Lviv City Council, since June 2024, he had been receiving this medicinal product free of charge at the expense of the local budget," the Prosecutor General recalled.

Information support from well-known media figures and influencers was used to collect funds via the PayPal and BuyMeACoffee platforms.

"At the same time, the investigation believes that the collected funds may have been used not for the stated purpose, but for gambling, cryptocurrency investments, and personal needs," Kravchenko specified.

According to the Prosecutor General, a motion was submitted to the court to apply a preventive measure in the form of round-the-clock house arrest. "It was intended that he would be able to leave his place of residence only to receive medical assistance or to head to a shelter during an air raid," the Prosecutor General informed.

On June 17, 2025, posts began circulating on the X social network alleging that Husakov was not responding to questions regarding reports on funds collected for treatment, specifically for SMA prevention medication.

In turn, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy stated that in 2023, the Lviv City Council signed a memorandum with Roche Ukraine, which manufactures drugs for SMA patients. In June 2024, Husakov became the first adult from Lviv to begin receiving these medications free of charge, specifically the drug Evrysdi. He receives three vials per month in accordance with medical conclusions.

On July 24, law enforcement officers notified Husakov of suspicion of misappropriating funds through fraud under the pretext of collecting aid for treatment.
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KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / AsiaFIN Holdings Corp., (OTCQB:ASFH), a leading fintech financial ecosystem enabler, today announced that it will release its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025, after the close of the U.S. capital markets on Monday, March 30, 2026.The Company will host a webcast on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (20:30 Malaysia Time) to discuss the full year 2025 financial results in more detail.Members of AsiaFIN's management team will host the webcast, followed by a live question-and-answer session.Earnings and Q&A WebcastDate: Thursday, April 2, 2026Time: 08:30 Eastern Time (05:30 Pacific Time, 20:30 Malaysia Time)To register for the webcast, please click the registration linkhereand complete the online form. Registered participants will receive a Microsoft Teams join link via email.Please join the webcast 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. If you experience any difficulties joining the webcast, please contact investor.relations@asiafingroup.com A webcast replay and transcript will be available here Corporate News - AsiaFIN and the presentation will be available here SEC Filings - AsiaFIN.About AsiaFIN Holdings Corp. AsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH), a Nevada corporation, operates through its wholly owned Malaysia, Hong Kong and StarFIN Holdings Ltd subsidiaries. AsiaFIN's mission is to become the "financial ecosystem enabler" through its solutions in Fintech; Regulatory Technology (REGTECH); ESG Consultancy & Reporting and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) services. AsiaFIN provides services to over 90+ financial institutions and over 100 corporate clients in the Asia and Middle East region including Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. AsiaFIN's clients are central banks, financial institutions and large corporations. For further information regarding the company, please visit https://asiafingroup.com InvestorsAsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH) KC Wong, Chief Executive Officer investor.relations@asiafingroup.com MediaAsiaFIN Holdings Corp. (OTCQB:ASFH) KC Wong, Chief Executive Officer media@ asiafingroup.com SOURCE: ASIAFIN HOLDINGS CORP.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duty by certain officers and directors ofBright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. ("Bright Horizons") (NYSE:BFAM).The investigation focuses on whether certain officers or directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with a February 4, 2026 report by The New York Times which stated, among other things, that "[i]n New York City, health officials have moved to shut down one center where workers were charged with child abuse. Records show that problems extend across the network." According to The New York Times, "New York City health officials have moved to permanently shut down a Manhattan branch of the child care giant Bright Horizons where prosecutors say employees committed disturbing acts of child abuse, documents show." Current investors of Bright Horizons stockare encouraged to completeKehoe Law Firm's Stockholder Information Request Formor contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, myarnoff@ kehoelawfirm.com , info@ kehoelawfirm.com,for additional information and a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.Additional information available at https://kehoelawfirm.com/bright-horizons-stock/ ABOUT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C.Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.This press release may constitute attorney advertising.SOURCE: Kehoe Law Firm, P.C
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Jumping Jack Dog Ranch founder says case reflects dangerous anti-business precedent in TexasHAYS COUNTY, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 2026 / Brett Mundy, founder of Jumping Jack Dog Ranch in Hays County, has launched a GoFundMe campaign after a series of court rulings she says have stripped her company of core rights that Texas small businesses depend on to survive, including the ability to control company finances and pay for legal defense.Mundy is seeking to raise $107,000 by April 8 to comply with a court-ordered payment she says was imposed during a three-year legal dispute with a minority shareholder. If the money is not paid by that deadline, Mundy says she could face contempt of court and possible jail time, putting her business, its employees and the future of its property at risk.For Mundy, the issue is bigger than one dog ranch."This is not just about me or my business," said Mundy. "This is about whether a Texas small business has the right to defend itself, manage its own operations and honor the agreements it was built on. If these rulings stand, every small business owner in Texas should be paying attention." Founded nine years ago in honor of her dog Jack, Jumping Jack Dog Ranch is a boarding, daycare and grooming facility serving more than 6,000 families just outside Austin. The company employs 30 people, offers full benefits and specialized care for senior dogs, special-needs dogs, foster dogs and rescue animals.According to Mundy, after recent Court rulings, the Court is now setting the salaries, making business decisions, and controlling the manager's ability to assist in the legal defense. The ruling of the Judge prevents the company from giving raises that were promised at time of hire. The Court has also ordered that Mundy must personally pay $107,000, the amount the Company spent on all legal fees over the last three years, into the registry of the Court.Mundy argues that this level of court involvement sends a chilling message to business owners across Texas, a state that has long promoted itself as a pro-business environment with limited government interference. While the Governor's Small Business Freedom Council has worked to cut red tape and make the State the best place to do business, this Court has made Hays County, the worst place for a small business to thrive."If a court can block a company from funding its own legal defense while also dictating how that company operates, that should alarm legislators, employers and anyone who believes Texas should remain a place where small businesses can grow and operate fairly," Mundy said.The consequences of closure would be immediate. Jumping Jack Dog Ranch supports 30 jobs, including employees with disabilities who live on-site and could lose both employment and housing if the business shuts down. The business also serves thousands of pet owners and local rescue partners who rely on the ranch for safe, structured care.The ranch sits on 11 acres over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, adding another layer of public concern. Mundy says she fears that if the business is forced into a sale, the property could ultimately be sold to developers or outside interests, jeopardizing land she has worked to protect.Funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will go toward satisfying the court-ordered payment and helping keep the business operating while the legal process continues.Mundy says she is speaking out not only to save Jumping Jack Dog Ranch but also to raise awareness of what she views as a serious threat to small-business rights in Texas."This case should outrage anyone who believes in property rights, business ownership and limited government," Mundy said. "Texas lawmakers say they support small business. I'm asking them to prove it." If the court-ordered funds are ultimately returned, bonuses will be given to employees, and a donation will be made to Jack Jack's Pack, a Hays County-based 501(c)(3) dog rescue organization not affiliated with Jumping Jack Dog Ranch.GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7768f626c About Jumping Jack Dog RanchJumping Jack Dog Ranch is a dog boarding, daycare and grooming facility in Hays County, Texas, serving more than 6,000 families. Founded by Brett Mundy in honor of her dog Jack, the business is known for its structured, force-free care and its support for senior dogs, special-needs dogs, foster dogs and rescue animals.Media Contact for Jumping Jack Ranch Jo Trizila, TrizCom Public Relations972-247-1369 (Office)214-232-0078 (Cell/Text) Jo@ TrizCom.com SOURCE: Jumping Jack Dog Ranch
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 26, 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
Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

More than 17,000 soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine have been recognized with state awards, and 114 NSU servicemen have received the title of Hero of Ukraine, announced Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

"The National Guard of Ukraine represents thousands of stories about combat operations, held positions, and destroyed enemy equipment. It is about people who make the impossible a reality every day," the Minister noted on his Telegram channel on Thursday.

According to him, more than 17,000 guardsmen have been honored with state awards, and 114 NGU soldiers have received the highest title  Hero of Ukraine.

"Recently, for the first time in the history of the National Guard, this title was awarded to a woman  machine gunner Oleksandra Davydenko, callsign Vyrva," the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized.

Klymenko specified that during the full-scale war, 67 guardsmen were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.

"Today, the warriors of the National Guard celebrate their professional holiday. You are the pride of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system and the pillar of state security. I thank each and every one of you for your loyalty to the oath and for the courage shown in the most difficult battles," Klymenko said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining regulatory oversight of Union Bank of Nigerias operations following a court ruling that overturned its decision to remove the banks leadership.

The reaffirmation came after a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday nullified the CBNs decision, in January 2024, that authorised the removal of the board and management of Union Bank of Nigeria.

The court, in its ruling, declared that the CBNs action was beyond its legal control (ultra vires), and ordered immediate reinstatement of the banks former leadership.

The judgement further restrained the central bank, its appointees, and agents from taking any further steps against the Union Bank, which includes actions relating to the proposed recapitalisation of the bank or any related measures.

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It also held that the actions of the CBN-appointed board were subject to review, describing them as agents of the apex bank.

While reacting to the court ruling in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, on Wednesday, the CBN said it remains fully capable of meeting the Union Banks obligations to customers, depositors, and all stakeholders.

The central bank acknowledged the judgment and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The BN stated that it will obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment for careful review.

As the apex regulatory authority, the CBN remains committed to acting in accordance with its mandate and established legal processes.

The CBN also assured that it will continue to provide the necessary regulatory oversight to ensure Union Bank operates in a safe and stable manner, while maintaining public confidence in the financial system.

The CBN assures the public that UBNs status is unchanged and that it remains fully capable of meeting its obligations to customers, depositors, and all stakeholders.

The CBN will continue to provide the necessary regulatory oversight to ensure Union Bank operates in a safe, sound, and stable manner, while maintaining public confidence in the financial system, the statement read.
Nollywood actor Austin Emmanuel has alleged that businessmen Pascal Cubana Chief Priest Okechukwu and Obinna Obi Cubana Iyiegbu wont cast their votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite their public alignment with him.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that both men, who hail from the South-east, identified with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and backed Mr Tinubus re-election bid.

Cubana Chief Priest served as the Imo State Director of the City Boy Movement (CBM). At the same time, Obi Cubana held the position of South-east Director in the group, which was formed in 2022 as a youth-driven support base during Mr Tinubus 2023 campaign.

Misleading

In a video that went viral on Thursday and was posted on his Instagram page, Emmanuel accused the two business people of misleading Seyi Tinubu, the presidents son, ahead of the next election cycle.

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Addressing Seyi directly, the actor alleged that their (Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest) outward show of loyalty should not be taken at face value.

He said: Seyi Tinubu, Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest, the two Igbos you turn to, are deceiving you. When it is time for elections, and they go to their polling units, they wont vote for your father. They will collect money from you and campaign for him, but when it is time to vote, they wont vote for him because they are deceitful. Seyi, you can help make Nigeria work because you have money; your father, mother, and family members do too.

But the masses are suffering, I cant lie to you. Those telling you that your father has performed very well in office are lying; your father hasnt done enough. The masses are suffering, and beyond insecurity, food, and other challenges, some people cant even go out without begging for money.

Electricity

Furthermore, Emmanuel criticised Seyi and his father over the countrys poor electricity supply and rising fuel prices.

He added that while Seyis efforts to engage people in support of his fathers second-term bid were understandable, they were not essential.

The actor argued that Seyis focus was misplaced, as it failed to address the real struggles of the masses

Between you and me, Seyi, it would be far better if your father had implemented policies that positively impacted the lives of ordinary people. Take electricity, for example, if he truly prioritised it, consistent 24-hour power could have been achieved.

Yet, after four years, this has not happened, and people are still offering excuses if Tinubu was the one who caused the electricity problems. Some people damage things and then appoint others to fix them, not to make them worse, said Emmanuel.

Poor governance

Additionally, Emmanuel said that those around Seyi were misleading him, claiming his father had performed well in office, when in reality, he had achieved nothing since assuming office in 2023.

He added that these people were deceiving Seyi because wealthy individuals often do not want to hear the truth about themselves.

Seyi Tinubu, dont interruptsit down and watch this video to the end. Your goal seems to be securing a second term for your father rather than ensuring he leaves behind a strong, lasting legacy. They know that wealthy individuals often dont like to hear the truth, so they tell you what you want to hear to keep benefiting from you. Their support is not genuine; it is driven by what they stand to gain.

That is why they keep chanting for a second term. They will not vote for your father out of loyalty; you will have to promise them money first. If your father had performed well in office, you wouldnt need to persuade anyone. People would willingly come out to support him, and you would see it clearly.
Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has criticised his colleagues continuous support for President Bola Tinubus administration and his re-election ambition amid the worsening economic situation.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Remi condemned the administration over the steep rise in fuel prices and the knock-on effects on businesses and everyday Nigerians.

Questioning his colleagues stance amid the rising cost of living, Remi said: I have some colleagues in my industry that are part of something they call relax, Tinubu is fixing something. Ive seen some of them, Ninos name, and a couple of people. I hope youre asking the right questions. I hope you are standing for the right reason. Because Im stressed.

Im stressed. I dont even know how to begin this conversation. I dont know how to start this talk. You know, usually I say things like, oh, I dont get involved in politics, I dont talk about politics. In fact, the country, the industry, a couple of things, make you

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Whats happening

The actor also emphasised that, given the current state of the country, citizens should ask questions and stay informed.

He admitted that he used to avoid political discussions but now considers staying silent foolish in light of todays realities.

Remi went on to criticise the unreliable electricity supply, noting how businesses are forced to rely on generators while fuel prices continue to rise.

They tell you, dont discuss religion or politics or something. And so you fall into that category where you say, I dont like to talk about politics. No. Thats the most stupid statement from anybody in Nigeria right now. We should be discussing. We should be talking about it. We should be trying to fix. Theres nothing like sitting on the fence. Now it doesnt make any sense, but I have a child, so Im thinking not just for myself.

Today I bought petrol for 1,300 and something naira. We dont have light. Weve been running the generator back-to-back. I live on the island, so theres no special treatment. Weve been running the generator back-to-back. So I can imagine diesel, most of all the malls and companies down to the smallest barbershop run on petrol or diesel, said Remi.

Resourceful nation

Additionally, the father of one raised concerns about why Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing nation, remains highly vulnerable to global supply disruptions.

He noted that his staff have struggled to afford transport fares, while small businesses and workers, who depend on petrol or diesel to operate, are being squeezed by rising transportation costs.

Remi said, Im blown away because Im mentally stressed and I cant even lie. Theres no light. Fuel is expensive. My staff are smiling at me, letting me know that even coming to work now is a problem. Because the transport is hiking, meaning that your salary is not even enough anymore in a very short period. I dont understand why Nigeria is one of the first countries to be affected by the war in Iran.

A blessed nation, a country that is a resourceful nation, is complaining about fuel price because we are dependent on one refinery. And even that refinery has never received the governments full support. And the nation has different refineries that dont function. I dont understand. Im actually very discombobulated. It is messing with my brain, and my spirit is very angry. So all the things Im working for, it is for what?

Backstory

Remi now joined a growing number of actors criticising the government over the recent spike in diesel and petrol prices.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Wale Okunnu Akorede, Kunle Afolayan, Austin Emmanuel, and others had voiced their concerns about the rising fuel costs.

Okunnu, in a video posted on his Instagram page, expressed frustration at the rapid price increases.

He highlighted that petrol jumped from N1,240 per litre on Saturday to N1,340 per litre on Sunday, questioning whether the government or Nigerians themselves were responsible.

He further argued that, despite Nigeria being an oil-producing nation, fuel prices remain disproportionately high compared with those in other oil-producing countries.

Okunnu dismissed the ongoing Middle East conflict as a valid reason for the hike.

Similarly, Afolayan, in a video on his Instagram page, lamented the severe impact of rising diesel costs on his operations in Lagos.

The movie producer, who runs the KAP Film Village and Resort, revealed that the facility now spends roughly N11 million on fuel every four to five weeks.

He added that the financial strain has sometimes forced his team to purchase diesel on credit, as immediate payment is not always feasible
Nigerias ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks is under threat as funding disruptions weaken critical public health systems, a new report reveals.

The report, A System in Transition: Nigeria Country Report, was formally presented on Wednesday in Abuja by Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), a global health organisation.

It warns that key components of Nigerias health security architecture, including disease surveillance, laboratory services and specimen transport systems, are increasingly vulnerable as external funding declines and domestic financing gaps persist.

System under pressure

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of RTSL Nigeria, Nanlop Ogbureke, said the report comes at a defining moment for the countrys health sector.

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Ms Ogbureke described the assessment as both a diagnostic and a guide, highlighting the current state of Nigerias health security system while pointing to decisions that will shape its future.

According to the report, Nigeria has benefited from years of donor investments that strengthened institutions and expanded technical capacity.

However, recent disruptions in external financing, particularly from the United States, have exposed the fragility of systems built around disease-specific programmes and parallel funding streams.

When funding shifts, the cracks widen, she said.

The report finds that although donor funding has remained relatively stable in the short term, the window is narrowing, and decisions taken now will determine whether Nigeria consolidates or further fragments its health systems.

Recent global funding cuts, particularly USAID programme suspensions, have exposed gaps in Nigerias health system, affecting HIV response, maternal services, and critical functions like surveillance and laboratories.

Surveillance, labs at risk

The report highlights early signs of strain across critical systems. Funding disruptions are already affecting surveillance coverage, laboratory turnaround times, workforce stability and overall preparedness, particularly at the state level where outbreaks are first detected and managed.

It also highlights structural inefficiencies, including multiple parallel digital surveillance platforms and disease-specific laboratory and transport networks that increase costs without improving outcomes.

Despite these challenges, the report notes that Nigeria already has the building blocks of a resilient health system, but lacks the coordination and integration needed to make it effective.

The challenge is not capacity, but coherence, collaboration and coordination, the RTSL executive director said.

States feel the impact

State-level officials say the impact of funding disruptions is already being felt. In his comments, the State Epidemiologist in Kaduna, Jeremiah Daiko, said the report comes at a critical time when strengthening health systems has become a priority.

This is coming at a time when donor funding has decreased significantly, so we must begin to look inward to support surveillance, laboratories and outbreak response, Mr Daiko said.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, Muhammad Abbas, said subnational agencies are vulnerable to the disruptions.For an agency responsible for preventing and responding to epidemics, we will naturally be affected by these disruptions, Mr Abbas said.

Mr Abbas noted that Kano is exploring ways to become more self-sustaining and urged other states to develop similar strategies.

If you are safe and your neighbour is not, you are still not safe, he added.

Call to look inward

Beyond the immediate risks, stakeholders at the event described the current situation as an opportunity for reform.

A public finance expert, Udeme Edumoh, said declining donor funding should push Nigeria to rethink how it finances and manages its health system.

Ms Edumoh described the development as a blessing to Nigeria, arguing that Nigeria must address inefficiencies, poor budget implementation and fragmented programmes.

There is a lot of inefficiency in the system, she said. We need to look at what our money is achieving, not just what is being spent.

She also stressed the need to move away from vertical disease programmes towards more integrated service delivery, where multiple health needs are addressed within a unified system.

Opportunity for reform

The report identifies several opportunities for strengthening Nigerias health security system.

These include integrating surveillance, laboratory and logistics systems to reduce duplication and improve real-time decision-making, as well as developing a national specimen transport network that supports both routine healthcare and emergency response.

It also highlights the need to stabilise and professionalise the public health workforce, particularly as donor-funded roles face uncertainty, and to strengthen emergency operations centres at national and state levels.

Ms Ogbureke said these reforms align with Nigerias National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) and ongoing financing initiatives, including support from the World Bank and other partners.

She noted that the report should serve as a wake-up call for the country.

We cannot continue to outsource our health, she said. Sustainability must be at the centre of everything we do.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, over his failure to appear for arraignment in an alleged false information case.

In his ruling on Thursday, the trial judge, Peter Kekemeke, gave a bench warrant for Mr Turakis arrest after he failed to attend proceedings in the suit marked CR/647/2026.

Mr Turaki, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is facing a one count of giving false information to the police. The charge was instituted by the Nigerian police.

Charge

According to the charge, Mr Turaki allegedly submitted a petition dated 5 October 2022, to the Inspector-General of Police, accusing one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara of wrongdoing.

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The police claim the petition was false and was made with the intent to invoke the lawful powers of the police to the injury or annoyance of Mr Mainasara.

In the charge, the offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria).

Proceedings

At Thursdays proceedings, prosecution lawyer, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and for the defendant to take his plea.

Mr Rabiu informed the court that Mr Turaki had been duly served with the charge and a hearing notice but failed to appear.

He urged the court to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendants attendance.

The prosecution opposed a motion filed by defence lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, also SAN, seeking to quash the charge. He argued that such an application could only be entertained after the defendant has taken his plea.

In response, Mr Ibrahim requested additional time to file written addresses, contending that his clients presence was not required until the motion to quash was determined.

Ruling

But Mr Kekemeke ruled that Mr Turakis absence was unjustified, noting that the defence did not dispute that the defendant had been served with both the charge and the hearing notice.

The judge stated that where a defendant is aware of a pending charge but fails to attend court without explanation, the appropriate order is the issuance of a bench warrant to secure the defendants appearance.

He further held that the defence application seeking to quash the charge was premature and could only be heard after arraignment.

The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for Mr Turakis arrest and adjourned the case until 22 April for his arraignment.

Mr Turaki, has been enmeshed in the leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He emerged as the partys national chairman at a convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, last year. But the court has nullified the convention and rather recognised the interim leadership of the party loyal to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

However, Mr Turaki recently stated the two factions are working tirelessly to bring a lasting peace to the party.

We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow PDP will not die. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work, he said.

His optimism about reconciliation came after the Wike-aligned group scheduled fresh convention of the party for Sunday and Monday.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, granted an accelerated hearing in the ongoing trial of three terror suspects, accused of spying on American and Israeli embassies in Nigeria for certain individuals in Iran.

Justice Emeka Nwite made the order following an oral application by prosecuting lawyer, Bello Abu, which was not opposed by defence lawyers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three men; Haruna Abbas, Ibrahim Musa and Adam Suleiman, were arrested in Kano and Lagos States in 2013.

At Wednesdays hearing, a prosecution witness told the court that Mr Abbas admitted being recruited to spy on the interests of the United States of America and Israel in Nigeria, particularly their embassies.

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The witness, a senior official of the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as James Simon, disclosed this.

The officer said one of those recruited for the assignment confessed to the act and how he also recruited others.

Mr Simon, who featured as the first prosecution witness (PW-1), was cross-examined on Tuesday by Mr Abbass lawyer, Aliyu Yauri.

The witness said he recorded the statement made by Mr Abbas, in which he (Abbas) detailed his involvement in the whole episode and how he helped the Iranians recruit some other Nigerians.

He said based on the statement written by Mr Abbas (who is the 1st defendant), Iranian military men trained some Nigerians, particularly the defendants in the act of terrorism.

When asked by Mr Yauri if he would consider the Iranian military men as members of a terrorist group, the witness said although he did not know the military men themselves, their involvement in such an act (of training Nigerians in the act of terrorism), even if you are not formally branded as a terrorist organisation, still amounts to the act of terrorism.

On whether the defendants could be called terrorists by merely engaging in military training under the tutelage of Iranian military men, the witness responded affirmatively.

He added: The act of involvement of non-military personnel in surveillance, recruitment of persons and even weapon handling amounts to the act of terrorism.

The question should be, for what purpose were their training? Why will non-military personnel go outside the shores of the country to get military training?

Reading from one of Mr Abbas statements, the witness noted that the 1st defendant wrote that they were trained by military men, whose names he did not know.

The witness then queried if it was possible for someone to be trained by instructors, who you dont know and cant identify?

When asked to disclose the mission defendants were to carry out, the witness, reading from Abbas statement, said as stated by the 1st defendant, some of the missions they were to carry out are in surveillance, counter-surveillance and information gathering.

Based on his confession, he said they were to send the names of Israeli and American companies.

Upon Mr Yauris request that the witness tell the court the defendants capacity and mission, based on the exhibits before the court, Mr Simon said that, from Abbas statement, he confessed that their training in Iran started with surveillance.

He said it also involved how to recruit persons, security of information, open source intelligence, communication and a one-day class on gun handling.

He said Mr Abbas added that they were later taken to a shooting ground in a military barracks in Iran and trained for one day.

The witness also read part of the statement by Mr Abbass where he said My mission was to send news concerning the American embassy and Israeli embassy locations.

He said Mr Abbas also wrote in his confessional statement that he was asked to recruit some others for the assignment.

Mr Simon further read from Abbas statement, where he said: I came back to Nigeria, they gave me a mission to write open source news to America and Israel.

From another page in the statement, the witness quoted Mr Abbas as saying: And, we discussed about those to come. They requested three persons, from among those we trusted to be sent to them for training.

When I came back, we agreed in the year 2010 so I will arrange for their trip whenever I come back. They gave me the same mission  America, Israel, open source intelligence.

Mr Simon said that from what Abbas wrote in his statement, his missions included sending people for training in Iran and sending open-source intelligence on America and Israel.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to 1 April for further hearing.

Earlier in the proceedings in the trial of five men being held over the 5 June 2022 attack at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, the 2nd defendant, Al Qasim Idris, spoke about how he was detained and statements obtained from him.

He said he could not write and read in English, which was why he could not write his statement by himself.

Mr Idris, however, told the court that when he fell sick in custody, the DSS took him to the hospital and ensured that he was well attended to.

The matter was adjourned to 26 March for the continuation of the trial.

(NAN)
The United Nations General Assembly has voted to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

Ghana, on Wednesday, introduced the resolution to the assembly and urged the contribution of a reparations fund.

The country also asked UN members involved to consider apologising for the slave trade.

According to Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa, the reparations fund will be used to repair the damage caused by the slave trade.

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We are demanding compensation  and let us be clear, African leaders are not asking for money for themselves.

We want justice for the victims and causes to be supported, educational and endowment funds, skills training funds, he said.

The resolution received overwhelming support at the general assembly, with 123 member states voting in favour.

Only three countries voted against it: Argentina, Israel, and the US, while 52 countries  primarily European countries abstained from voting. This includes Britain, Portugal, and Spain, who were, arguably, most guilty of the slave trade and colonialism. Nigeria and other African countries voted in support of the resolution.

The transatlantic slave trade represents one of the darkest chapters in human history, marked by the systematic exploitation, displacement, and dehumanisation of millions of Africans.

An estimated 15 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic between the 15th and 19th centuries. Many died during the Middle Passage, while survivors were subjected to forced labour and systemic abuse in the West.

Mr Ablakwa declared that many generations continue to suffer the exclusion, the racism because of the transatlantic slave trade which has left millions separated from the continent and impoverished.

The resolution noted that the impact of slavery persists in the form of racial inequalities and underdevelopment, affecting Africans and people of African descent in all parts of the world.

It also called for the return of cultural artefacts stolen during the colonial era to their countries of origin.

We want a return of all those looted artefacts, which represent our heritage, our culture, and our spiritual significance. All those artefacts looted for many centuries into the colonial era ought to be returned, Mr Ablakwa said.

The BBC reports that the African Union and Caribbean community also backed the resolution.

Ghanas President John Mahama described the resolution as historic and a safeguard against forgetting.

What Officials said

Mr Mahama earlier spoke ahead of the vote, on behalf of the 54-member African Group, the largest regional bloc at the UN.

Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice, he said.

For more than 400 years, millions of people were stolen from Africa.

They were put in shackles and shipped to the New World to toil in cotton fields and sugar and coffee plantations under scorching heat and the crack of the whip.

They were denied their basic humanity and even their own names, forced to endure generations of exploitation with repercussions that reverberate today including persistent anti-Black racism and discrimination.

The resolution emphasised the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity by reason of the definitive break in world history.

It also noted the scale, duration, systemic nature, brutality and enduring consequences that continue to structure the lives of all people through racialised regimes of labour, property and capital.

It affirmed the importance of addressing historical wrongs affecting Africans and people of the diaspora in a manner that promotes justice, human rights, dignity and healing.

The resolution also emphasised that claims for reparations represent a concrete step towards remedy.

The slave trade and slavery stand among the gravest violations of human rights in human history, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said.

Ms Baerbock added that slavery was an affront to the very principles enshrined in the Charter of our United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, themselves born, in part, from these injustices of the past.

The countries where enslaved Africans were taken from also suffered a hollowing out having lost entire generations who potentially could have helped them to prosper, she said.

It was, to put it in colder terms, mass resource extraction, Ms Baerbock stressed.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for confronting slaverys lasting legacies of inequality and racism.

Now we must remove the persistent barriers that prevent so many people of African descent from exercising their rights and realising their potential, he said.

We must commit, fully and without hesitation, to human rights, equality, and the inherent worth of every person.

Mr Guterres urged countries to drive action to eradicate systemic racism, ensure reparatory justice and accelerate inclusive development, marked by equal access to education, health, employment, housing, and a safe environment.

This includes commitments to respect African countries ownership of their own natural resources.

And steps to ensure their equal participation and influence in the global financial architecture and the UN Security Council.

Speaking on why the US voted against the resolution, the US representative to the UN Economic and Social Council, Dan Negrea, said the US does not recognise a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.
The war in the Middle East continues to claim more casualties. President Donald Trumps claim of an ongoing negotiation for a ceasefire agreement has been repeatedly dismissed by Iran, which has promised to continue fighting.

Thousands of people have been killed in the region, and an even higher number have been injured or displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the region.

Attacks on major gas facilities in four Middle Eastern countries worsened the wars economic impact.

The war entered its 27th day on Thursday (today).

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PREMIUM TIMES brings you the key events around the war on the 26th day.

US threatens to hit Iran hard

The White House has threatened to hit harder if Iran fails to accept defeat militarily.

The White House Press Secretary, Caroline Leavitt, said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump would increase attacks if Iran does not declare itself defeated.

President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.

If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before, she told reporters in a press briefing.

Iran rejects US conditions

Iran has rejected the US 15-point plan to end the war, labelling the demands unreasonable

It also declared the demands excessive and promised to continue, because, for it, no negotiations can occur under these set of conditions.

In place of the US demands, which required the country to stop financing or supporting proxies in the region, Tehran issued its own five-point agenda.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will continue to fight to prevent the US and Israel from launching another surprise attack. He also denied that both sides have held any form of negotiations, saying Tehran only received a list of US demands from friendly countries.

At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance, Mr Araghchi said.

We do not intend to negotiate. So far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled.

UN chief says war has gone too far

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the war by the United States and Israel against Iran is out of control.

Mr Guterres also urged all sides to step back from the brink and allow diplomacy to prevail.

He announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.

The UN chief said the conflict had spiralled far beyond what leaders had anticipated.

The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock, he said.

He added bluntly: This has gone too far.

US builds up forces in the Middle East despite negotiations

Despite claims that it is negotiating with Iran, the US is continuing to send troops to the Middle East.

About 2,500 Marines from California, along with three warships, have been deployed, according to Al Jazeera. These are special operations forces.

The US is also considering deploying the 82nd Airborne Division, a rapid-response unit capable of mobilising within 24 hours, sparking speculation about its mission.

Iraqi faction claims 23 attacks on US bases

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it carried out 23 attacks on US bases in Iraq and across the region within the past day.

It said it deployed dozens of drones in the attacks, according to Al Jazeera.

The Axis of Resistance is a network of Iran-aligned paramilitary groups, and it includes the powerful Kataeb Hezbollah.

North Korea accuses Trump of terrorism

North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, has accused Mr Trump of resorting to state-sponsored acts of terrorism and aggression.

He said this in reference to the US and Israels war against Iran, which has led to the deaths of more than 1500 Iranians and over 200 students.

He told the countrys parliament that he was right not to give up the countrys weapons.

The hostile forces want us to make a different choice, preaching a payment for our giving up of nuclear weapons.

But the present situation clearly proves our nuclear possession is irreversible, he said.
Hafsatu Yusuf, who gained public attention after giving birth to quintuplets at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano State, has passed away.

The spokesperson for the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar, confirmed on Thursday that Mrs Yusuf died only hours after delivery.

According to the ministry, she was successfully delivered of three boys and two girls at approximately 2 a.m. but passed away early that morning despite intensive medical intervention.

Mr Abubakar disclosed that the cause of death was persistent postpartum hemorrhaging.

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She experienced continuous bleeding following the delivery. Despite the exhaustive efforts of the medical personnel to stabilise her condition and control the bleeding, she tragically succumbed, Mr Abubakar stated.

The deceased has since been buried at her residence in Hotoro, Tarauni Local Government Area, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ministry confirmed that all five newborns are currently in stable condition and remain under specialised medical supervision at the hospital.

Following the tragedy, the ministry issued a plea for communal support.

We are appealing to the public to assist with donations of milk and other essential supplies for the infants welfare, the spokesperson added.

The tragedy occurred shortly after the Kano State Government announced it would assume full responsibility for the medical expenses of the mother and the children.

Earlier, the ministry had reported that the delivery was successful and that the family was receiving special care from a dedicated medical team.

The husband of the deceased, Salisu Nufiu, thanked the state government for its timely intervention and support during this difficult period.
The FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, freed former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and her co-defendant from N2.5 billion fraud charges following a deal they struck with the Nigerian government.

The court gave the ruling after the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, reported that the defendants had refunded the loot for which they were charged.

He said the federal government had received the amount of money alleged to be stolen in the charges from Ms Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita.

I have the instruction of the Attorney-General of the Federation to inform your Lordship that the state confirms receipt of the value of the subject matter of this charge, Mr Oyedepo said, without giving a figure.

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He requested that the charges against the two defendants be struck out, a call the defence lawyers supported.

The judge, Hamza Muazu, ruling as requested, said, The charge (relating to the former minister and her co-defendant) dated 13 October 2025 is hereby struck out, and defendants hereby discharged.

But the judge convicted two corporate entities, through which the alleged fraud was committed, and ordered them to make restitution of N1.2 billion to the federal government.

Mr Muazu also ordered the forfeiture of N780 million naira recovered by the investigating agency in the course of investigation.

The forfeiture, the restitution order and the conviction of the companies  Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited  were part of the settlement agreement.

Thursdays proceedings were the culmination of the settlement talks between the parties which delayed the commencement of trial after the arraignment of defendants in December last year.

Mr Oyedepo first spoke publicly about the settlement talks between the prosecution and the defendants during the 12 February proceedings.

Holding back details, he said Ms Oduah submitted the application in line with the provisions of Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which governs plea bargaining in the Nigerian criminal justice system.

On 5 March, Mr Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the judge that Ms Oduah and Ms Odita had begun making restitution.

It came about three months after the defendants were arraigned on 10 December 2025 by the Attorney-General of the Federations office on five charges of N2.5 billion fraud.

The prosecution accused them of fraudulently obtaining N2.5 billion from the Ministry of Aviation, disguised as the cost of technical supervision and security.

It alleged that the defendants committed the offences in January 2014, just about a month before Ms Oduah was forced out of office over a procurement scandal.

Ms Oduah served as Minister of Aviation from 2 July 2011 to 12 February 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She subsequently served two terms representing Anambra North Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023.

The AGF office brought the charges against them under sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. The offences are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

One of the counts alleged that Ms Oduah and her co-defendants obtained the whopping sum of N2.5 billion (N2,469,030,738.9) from the federal aviation ministry through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited by false pretence.

The prosecution also alleged they knew that representing the money as cost of technical supervision and security integrated and logistics support services was false.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

How companies were sacrificed to bear criminal liability

At the start of Thursdays proceedings, Mr Oyedepo informed the court that new amended charges had been filed, excluding Ms Oduah and Ms Oditah.

The new charges featured the two corporate entities, Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited, as the only defendants.

Defence lawyers, Onyechi Ikpeazu and Wale Balogun, both SANs, confirmed the development but opposed their clients taking pleas on behalf of the companies.

However, Mr Oyedepo insisted that the defendants were in control of the company during investigation and could stand as representatives of the companies to take the pleas.

Messrs Ikpeazu and Balogun argued that the representatives of the companies were in court to take the plea.

After hearing their submissions, the judge noted that the courts record would not show the conviction of Ms Oduah and Ms Odita. He said they would only be recorded only taking pleas on behalf of the companies.

He said if there was no agreement, the lawyers should go back to discuss the matter further with the AGF.

Mr Oyedepo then requested a break, during which the prosecution and the defence reached an agreement.

They agreed that the names of Ms Oduah and Ms Odita would not be reflected in the record.

Ms Oduah, standing as a representative of the two companies, pleaded guilty to amended two counts of fraud on behalf of the firms.

The court then pronounced the guilt and conviction of the entities.

In the two counts prosecution alleged that in 2015, one of the firms, Sobora International Limited, took a fraudulent possession of the sum of N838 million reasonably suspected to be illegally obtained from the Ministry of Aviation through a Security company, ISEC Security Maintenance Limited.

Similarly, Global Offshore Limited, was accused of being possession of ill-gotten N1.629 billion from ISEC Security Maintenance Limited.

In 2018, the EFCC invited Ms Oduah on allegations concerning fraud in the N9.4bn ISEC contract for security installations in some airports.
The Kharkiv Court of Appeals has refused to acquit an officer of the FSB of Russia sentenced by a court of first instance to 11 years in prison for orders to torture civilians during the occupation of Balakliia.

"The defense filed an appeal seeking full cancellation of the verdict and an acquittal. On March 25, 2026, the Kharkiv Court of Appeals supported the prosecutors offices position and denied the defenses appeal. The verdict of the court of first instance remains unchanged," the press service of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office reports.

As previously reported, on January 5, the Balakliia District Court of the Kharkiv region found 33-year-old Pavlo Kashirsky, a senior operations officer of the department of the UFSB of Russia for the Baltic Fleet and troops of the Kaliningrad region, guilty in absentia of ill-treatment of the civilian population and other violations of the laws and customs of war committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 2 of Art. 28, Part 1 of Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine  2022 edition) and sentenced him to 11 years of imprisonment.

It was established that during AprilJune 2022, the Russian intelligence officer personally interrogated detainees, attempting to obtain information about AFU fire adjusters targeting positions of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as pro-Ukrainian citizens. Specifically, under his orders, Russian military personnel stopped a car at a checkpoint containing a local resident. Threatening him with weapons, they took the man to a torture chamber set up in the building of a seized police department. During the interrogation, the Russia forces monitored Kashirskys reactions; when he changed his tone or pitch of voice, his subordinates began beating the prisoner, giving him no chance to respond.

Another man was detained while walking down the street. During interrogation, under Kashirskys command, Russia forces beat him with a rubber baton and tortured him with electric shocks.

The Russia forces held both victims without providing basic medical assistance, prohibited them from using the restroom, and provided almost no food. One man was held in the torture chamber for 10 days, and the other for 20 days, before the Russian invaders released them.

As the convict is hiding from Ukrainian justice on the territory of Russia, the term of imprisonment will be calculated from the moment of his actual detention. While he evades punishment, the statutes of limitation are suspended. The convict is currently on the wanted list.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its zoning arrangement and downplayed complaints by some aspirants ahead of its 2026 National Convention, insisting the process remains orderly, transparent and in line with party rules.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the partys adherence to federal character principles explains why some aspirants were unable to access nomination forms despite making payments.

He explained that party offices had already been distributed across geopolitical zones, warning that aspirants seeking to contest positions outside their designated zones were likely attempting to create confusion.

Mr Idris spoke in response to petitions by some aspirants, including Dagogo Fubara, who is seeking the South-south zonal vice chairmanship. Mr Fubara had alleged that he was denied nomination forms despite paying the required 5.1 million.

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Similarly, Oyiborume Yovwe, an aspirant for the national secretary position, claimed the position had effectively been pre-allocated, despite his compliance with the nomination process.

Responding, the minister maintained that party offices had already been zoned, and only aspirants from designated regions were eligible to contest specific positions.

In line with the federal character, all offices are zoned. If you are buying a form that belongs to your zone, it will be sold to you. But when a position is zoned to A, and you come from Z to purchase a form, we suspect you are only trying to create confusion, he said.

He added that the APC would not tolerate actions capable of destabilising its internal structure, noting that the party had not received any formal legal challenge regarding the process.

Over 8,000 delegates to attend convention

The minister also disclosed that about 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the convention.

According to him, the gathering will serve as a platform for policy engagement, leadership elections, and the formal transition to a new set of party executives.

Mr Idris described the conventions theme, Unity in progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda, as a reflection of the partys evolution and direction, linking it to the broader governance vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the APC, since its formation, has remained committed to uniting diverse political interests for national development, democratic values, and inclusive governance.

The forthcoming National Convention marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting both the continuity of our values and renewal of our leadership.

It offers an opportunity to highlight the partys achievements under his excellency, President Bola Tinubu and to show how the guiding vision is being transformed into tangible outcomes for Nigerians, he said.

He further assured Nigerians that all logistics had been finalised for a smooth, transparent, and credible exercise at Eagle Square, Abuja, stressing that the event would demonstrate the APCs organisational discipline and democratic credentials.

25 sub-committees packaged convention

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Convention Coordinating Committee, Aminu Masari, said the party had established 25 sub-committees to oversee various aspects of the convention.

Mr Masari expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation, stating that the APC was ready to deliver what he described as one of the best conventions in Nigerias political history.

We are leaders, and we must set the pace for a more durable and dependable democratic process, he said, expressing confidence that the outcome of the convention would reinforce the partys commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

Among the dignitaries present at the briefing were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu; and his House of Representatives counterpart, Akin Rotimi.

Others included the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, and the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Ahead of the convention, the party had conducted a screening exercise for aspirants on Tuesday, as part of its preparations for the leadership contests.

The convention, scheduled for 27 and 28 March 2026 at Eagle Square in Abuja, is expected to bring together thousands of delegates from across the country for leadership elections, policy engagement and the transition to a new National Working Committee (NWC).

It is also seen as a key moment for the party to consolidate its internal structure and reinforce alignment with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration, while addressing concerns around zoning and internal competition.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has signed a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) No. 5 agreement with SeaSeis Geophysical Limited, authorising the firm, in partnership with the commission and TGS, to acquire and process new 3D seismic and gravity data.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission in Abuja.

According to the statement, the agreement was signed on Tuesday at the commissions headquarters in Abuja and will run for three years. It also empowers the partners to issue data-use licences, with revenues to be shared between the company and the commission.

The project, described as a major seismic data acquisition effort, covers about 11,700 square kilometres offshore the Eastern Niger Delta, in water depths ranging from 400 to 2,800 metres.

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Officials said the licence is expected to improve subsurface understanding, enhance exploration prospects, and support more efficient development of Nigerias hydrocarbon resources, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

The agreement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to attract investment into the oil and gas sector and reposition the industry through reforms aimed at maximising the countrys vast hydrocarbon resources.

Comments

Speaking at the event, the commissions Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the issuance of the PEL 5 licence reflects the regulators commitment to data-driven exploration, transparency, and long-term value creation.

She noted that exploration activities depend heavily on confidence in data and processes, adding that credible partnerships are essential to achieving Nigerias production and reserve growth targets.

The PIA recognises that licences can be assigned on non-exclusive acreages to contractors willing to undertake exploration. As the industrys chief superintendent, we must also ensure we meet production and reserve targets, and this can only be achieved with partners committed to exploration, she said.

Mrs Eyesan added that the agreement signals growing interest in exploration activities within Nigerias upstream oil and gas sector.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, Goke Adeniyi, described the PEL 5 project as the companys largest in Africa.

He said the licensed area, located within the Outer Fold and Thrust Belt of the eastern Niger Delta, was carefully selected due to its high potential despite its geological complexity.

Mr Adeniyi added that the project would deploy advanced broadband acquisition technology, including GeoStreamer dual-sensor systems, to generate high-quality seismic data.

We are confident that the high-fidelity 3D seismic data to be acquired will enable operators to evaluate prospects with greater certainty, he said.
Panic gripped the residents of Ridawa village in the Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday after a commercial sand pit collapsed, trapping several labourers underground.

Residents said the pit collapsed when the victims were excavating soil for brick-making, trapping them beneath the debris.

The lawmaker representing the Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency, Sani Bala, told journalists that about 10 workers were unaccounted for and are feared dead beneath the rubble.

While lvillagers and first responders started a manual rescue operation, digging through the debris with local tools, but their efforts were insufficient for the scale of the disaster.

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We need urgent assistance to save those still trapped, the lawmaker stated. While the community is doing its best, professional rescue support is needed.

We are appealing for the immediate deployment of specialised equipment and rescue vehicles to accelerate the evacuation and prevent loss of life.

As of Wednesday evening, authorities had not yet issued an official statement. However, search and rescue efforts continue as the community holds out hope for survivors.

Such collapses are a recurring tragedy in rural brick-making in Kano communities, where deep pits are often excavated without structural reinforcement or safety measures.

Artisanal brick-making is a primary source of income for many rural dwellers in Kano, where the cost of safety equipment or professional site surveying is often prohibitively high for local cooperatives, leading to high-risk environments.
Security and peacebuilding stakeholders from four northern states have renewed calls for stronger collaboration and improved early warning systems to address rising insecurity across the region.

The call was made during a high-level dialogue held in Jos, Plateau State, bringing together participants from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina and Plateau States.

The meeting was convened by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA).

Discussions at the forum centred on enhancing coordination among state actors, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and promoting locally driven solutions to evolving security threats.

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Participants shared field experiences and reviewed lessons from ongoing interventions, with a focus on identifying practical strategies for cross-border cooperation.

Officials said the engagement builds on existing efforts to improve conflict prevention systems.

OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, has trained over 300 individuals across the North-west and North-central regions since 2025, equipping them to detect and respond to early signs of conflict.

Speaking at the event, SPRING Team Lead, Ukoha Ukiwo, said collaboration among governments, communities and development partners remains critical.

Strengthening local capacities and fostering peer learning platforms are essential to building systems capable of preventing conflict before escalation, he said.

OSPRE director general, Chris Ngwodo, stressed that Nigerias security challenges require coordinated action across all levels of government.

No single tier of government can address todays security challenges in isolation. What is required is a coherent framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities, he said.

He also acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom government in advancing peacebuilding initiatives.

The Director General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Julie Sanda, commended the initiative and called for sustained institutional partnerships to scale successful interventions at the community level.

As part of the programme, participants visited Operation Rainbow, Plateau States security outfit, where they engaged with personnel on community-based security coordination, intelligence gathering and rapid response strategies.

At the end of the dialogue, participants agreed to strengthen inter-state collaboration, institutionalise peer learning platforms and improve early warning systems as part of efforts to promote sustainable peace in the region.

OSPRE serves as Nigerias national coordinating centre for early warning and response, working with stakeholders to anticipate and prevent emerging security threats through data-driven approaches.
A Nigerian logistics company, Zenith Carex International Limited, has lost a defamation suit against global development contractor Chemonics International, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, with the court ruling that the claims were barred by a previous settlement agreement between both parties.

According to a copy of the judgement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the court found that the 2022 full and final settlement between the two companies put an end to all claims, including defamation, injurious falsehood, tortious interference, and breach of contract, arising from their subcontract and broader business relationship.

For the foregoing reasons, it is hereby ordered that Chemonics motion to dismiss is granted, and Zeniths claims are dismissed with prejudice. It is further ordered that the parties shall meet and confer and file a joint status report proposing next steps with respect to Chemonics counterclaims, on or before 1 April 2026, the United States District Judge Loren Alikhan ruled on 18 March.

How it started

According to the filings, the dispute began in 2017 when Zenith Carex entered into a subcontract to provide logistics and supply chain services in Nigeria for Chemonics International.

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The companies executed the arrangement under large-scale US-funded global health programmes implemented through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including operations linked to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Under the contract, Zenith Carex handled the distribution of medical commodities across Nigeria, covering both long-haul and last-mile delivery of health supplies.

In 2020, tensions escalated after Chemonics reported to US authorities that Zenith Carex may have overbilled for logistics services and engaged in improper invoicing practices. That disclosure triggered investigations in the United States and sparked parallel legal and regulatory proceedings in Nigeria, including action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The parties later took their disputes to arbitration and filed multiple related court actions before resolving the matter through a 2022 settlement agreement.

The companies ended the arbitration proceedings in 2022 and included a broad mutual release clause in their settlement. Under the agreement, both Zenith Carex and Chemonics waived all and any claims arising from their subcontract, performance issues, and related disputes. The US court relied on that clause to dismiss the defamation suit.

Zenith then approached the US court, alleging that Chemonics made defamatory statements to American authorities and amplified those allegations through media reports, thereby damaging its business reputation.

However, Chemonics argued that the earlier settlement extinguished the claims and barred Zenith from reviving them under any legal framework.

Why court dismissed suit

According to the the copy of the judgement seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Ms Alikhan said she agreed with Chemonics because Zenith Carexs claims arose directly from the same factual background that the parties had already addressed in the 2022 agreement.

The court found that the defamation allegations and related tort claims stemmed from the underlying subcontract performance issues, particularly the earlier allegations of overbilling and fraud.

The judge ruled that the settlement agreement extended beyond contractual disputes and expressly covered tort claims, including defamation, injurious falsehood, and interference with business relations.

She further held that parties may waive even unknown or future claims where the agreement clearly shows that intention.

The court also rejected Zeniths argument that the settlement lacked consideration or could not bar future claims, describing the agreement as a valid and binding contract supported by mutual obligations, including the withdrawal of claims and negotiated concessions.

U.S. DOJ $3.1m settlement over Nigeria-linked contract forms backdrop

The ruling follows a separate settlement that Chemonics International reached with the United States Department of Justice in December 2024, under which the company agreed to pay approximately $3.1 million to resolve civil allegations under the False Claims Act.

In a statement it shared with PREMIUM TIMES in February, the U.S. Department of Justice said the case involved allegations that Chemonics submitted inflated charges to USAID under a global health supply chain contract covering operations in Nigeria and other countries.

Under the contract, which is known as the Global Health Supply Chain, Chemonics relied on subcontractors, including Zenith Carex, to deliver medical commodities across multiple jurisdictions.

The DOJ alleged that between June 2017 and March 2020, Zenith Carex overbilled Chemonics by using inflated pricing models, including charging for long-haul deliveries based on truck tonnage rather than agreed per-kilogram rates and overcharging for last-mile delivery services beyond contractual limits.

It added that Chemonics failed to detect the discrepancies for more than two years due to weak internal controls, including inadequate monitoring systems, oversight failures, and gaps in staff training.

A senior U.S. Justice Department official, Brian Boynton, described contractor oversight as a critical responsibility and stressed that government contractors must ensure strict compliance by subcontractors.

Chemonics disclosed the issue in 2020, cooperated with investigators, and implemented corrective measures, including strengthening oversight mechanisms, reviewing billing practices, and terminating an employee linked to the invoices.

The statement clarified that the settlement did not constitute an admission of liability.

Parallel litigation involving the Global Fund

In a related but separate development in Nigeria, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which is one of the companies working with USAID, has been challenging proceedings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in suit number FCT/HC/CV/191/2024 over jurisdiction.

It filed a preliminary objection and urged the court to set aside the service of court processes because the writ of summons and originating processes were improperly served outside Nigerias jurisdiction.

Zenith Carex International Limited and Adelana Olamilekan filed the suit against the company and joined Premium Times Services Ltd as the second defendant.

The Global Fund argued that the claimants sent the court documents by courier directly to its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, without following proper international service procedures.

It maintained that the FCT High Court Rules require parties to route service outside jurisdiction through diplomatic channels, translate the documents into the official language of the destination country, and transmit them through the Office of the Solicitor General of the Federation.

The organisation added that the claimants failed to meet these requirements and did not obtain a court order authorising the courier service.

In supporting its application, the company filed an affidavit and submitted a Swiss legal memorandum prepared by international law firm LALIVE SA.

The legal opinion stated that Switzerland has no bilateral agreement with Nigeria governing the service of court processes and requires parties to transmit all foreign judicial documents through diplomatic channels under international legal frameworks, including the 1954 Hague Convention on Civil Procedure.

The memorandum warned that Swiss law prohibits direct service by courier or informal delivery methods, particularly for international organisations based in Geneva.

It added that improper service may render any resulting judgment unenforceable in Switzerland and may amount to a breach of Swiss sovereignty.

The Global Fund has urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, describing the service of originating processes as fundamentally defective. The court is expected to rule on the preliminary objection before it proceeds to the substantive hearing.
The leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, says Britain should have voted against the UN resolution, which described slavery as the greatest crime against humanity and demanded slavery reparations from former colonial authorities.

Ms Badenoch, who is of Nigerian origin, criticised the UK for abstaining from voting on the resolution, which, according to her, demanded trillions from British taxpayers as reparations for slavery.

In a post on X, she said, Russia, China, and Iran vote with others to demand trillions in reparations from UK taxpayersand the Labour government abstain!

Why didnt Starmers representative vote against this? Ignoranceor cowardice?

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PREMIUM TIMES reported that the UN General Assembly voted to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

Ghana introduced the resolution to the assembly and urged the establishment of a reparations fund to repair the damage caused by the slave trade. It, however, did not fix any amount for the reparations. The resolution also asked states to consider apologising for the slave trade.

The resolution received overwhelming support at the general assembly, with 123 member states voting in favour.

Only three countries voted against it: Argentina, Israel, and the US, while 52 countries  primarily European countries abstained from voting. This includes Britain, Portugal, and Spain, which were, arguably, most guilty of the slave trade and colonialism. Nigeria and other African countries voted in support of the resolution.

The transatlantic slave trade represents one of the darkest chapters in human history, marked by the systematic exploitation, displacement, and dehumanisation of millions of Africans.

An estimated 15 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic between the 15th and 19th centuries. Many died during the Middle Passage, while survivors were subjected to forced labour and systemic abuse in the West.

However, Ms Badenoch said the UK, which colonised several African countries, including Nigeria, should not have to pay reparations because it contributed to the eradication of the slave trade.

Britain led the fight to end slavery. We shouldnt be paying for a crime we helped eradicate and still fight today, she noted.

Although born in Wimbledon, South West London, Ms Badenoch lived in Lagos, Nigeria, and then in the US, where her mother, a physiology professor, lectured.

The Tory leader was born in 1980, 20 years after Britain granted Nigeria independence, to two Nigerian parents.

Ms Badenoch returned to the UK at the age of 16 to live with a friend of her mother to study for her A-levels.

She is known for making unpleasant comments about Nigeria since she was elected the Tory leader in 2024.

READ ALSO: US court dismisses Nigerian company Zenith Carex defamation suit against Chemonics

PREMIUM TIMES reports that last Year, she declared she no longer identifies as Nigerian. She also made false claims about her Nigerian identity.

She referred to herself as Yoruba, not Nigerian, and at one point said she had nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, referring to northern Nigerians.

She has repeatedly described her experiences in Nigeria as one plagued by corruption and dysfunction.

She said she grew up seeing what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, using public money as their private piggy banks.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Thursday submitted a framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

Mr Disu submitted the framework to Mr Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, at Mr Baraus office in the National Assembly.

The move is part of efforts to decentralise policing in the country.

A statement by Mr Baraus Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, on Thursday said the 75-page framework was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Olu Ogunsakin.

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NAN reports that Mr Ogunsakin, a professor, is the chairman of the seven-member committee set up by the IGP to examine the modalities for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

Mr Mudashir said that the document is entitled: A comprehensive framework for the establishment, governance and coordination of Federal and State Police.

The IGP said: The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the force derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria.

It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.

He said that the report was forwarded to the chairman and the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, as the Nigeria Police Forces input on the subject matter.

Responding, Mr Barau commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of the state police, in line with President Bola Tinubus agenda to fully secure the country.

He said that the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, under his chairmanship, would look at the framework along with all other memos submitted to it for the review of the countrys grundnorm.

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The Finance Sub-Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention 2026 says that it has successfully raised sufficient funds to meet the requirements for the partys national convention.

The Secretary of the sub-committee, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday.

The subcommittee is chaired by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and co-chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

Mr Kyari said the committee had made significant progress over the past two weeks, culminating in the successful mobilisation of resources needed for the event.

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He said the meeting was part of ongoing engagements ahead of the convention scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Kyari stated that the sub-committee had effectively carried out its primary responsibility of soliciting contributions from well-meaning Nigerians, party members, organisations and associates.

According to him, the funds raised so far are adequate to cover the requirements presented by the organising committee for the national convention.

He, however, said that contributions were still ongoing, with additional pledges still coming from various stakeholders.

As a finance committee, our primary responsibility is to solicit contributions, and we are pleased to report that we have carried out this responsibility effectively, he said.

The secretary assured that once the final figures were confirmed, they would be communicated to the public.

Mr Kyari, who is the minister of agriculture and food security, expressed appreciation to all contributors and stakeholders for their support and commitment to the success of the national convention.

(NAN)
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended the federal governments handling of the OPL 245 dispute, dismissing criticisms of the deal as misrepresentations of a decades-long legal and commercial process.

He said the agreement could unlock up to 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) from one of Nigerias most strategic deep water oil assets.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), rejected comments attributed to the Atiku Abubakar Media Office, describing them as misleading accounts of a process spanning years of negotiations, litigation, and international arbitration.

It is important to note that OPL 245 has long been regarded as one of the countrys most commercially promising hydrocarbon assets. However, it remained largely undeveloped due to persistent disputes. The decisive action taken by the current administration is aimed at resolving these issues, limiting financial exposure, and creating the conditions for the asset to be fully developed and brought into production.

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The significance of this development cannot be overstated. The project is designed around a large-scale floating production system and includes substantial gas export components linked to Nigeria LNG. For years, OPL 245 symbolised unrealised national potential. The present outcome transforms it into a viable and bankable opportunity capable of delivering economic and social benefits, including increased government revenue, enhanced energy security, and improved investor sentiment, Mr Fagbemi said.

How the dispute started

Mr Fagbemi traced the origin of the controversy to 1998, when Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 was first awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, before being revoked in 2001 and reassigned to Shell-linked interests in 2002 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said the competing claims triggered years of litigation, regulatory reviews, and political interventions, eventually leading to a series of settlements involving the Federal Government, Malabu, Shell-related entities, and Eni-linked companies.

The statement noted that a major turning point came in 2011, when the parties reached an agreement under which Malabu relinquished its interest in the block in exchange for compensation, while Shell and Eni were granted rights to jointly operate the asset, with a plan to convert it into an Oil Mining Lease.

Mr Fagbemi said the transaction had been reviewed in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy, without any final judicial finding of wrongdoing against the companies or the structure of the deal.

He added that Eni entities and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited later initiated arbitration proceedings against Nigeria at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), arguing that delays in converting the licence breached obligations under the NigeriaNetherlands Bilateral Investment Treaty.

According to him, the country faced potential liability exceeding $2 billion in damages and associated costs.

Court ruling strengthens government position

In May 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the suit filed by Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd against Agip Oil Company over the disputed $1.3 billion oil block.

The three-member panel, led by H. A. Barka, set aside a 2020 Federal High Court ruling and held that Malabus claims amounted to an abuse of court process.

Mr Fagbemi said the offshore asset had remained largely untapped due to prolonged disputes, depriving the country of significant revenue.

He noted that the current arrangement is designed to unlock development, reduce litigation risks, and improve Nigerias investment climate in the deepwater sector.

Eni defends role in transaction

Italian energy giant Eni reiterated that all payments connected to the 2011 OPL 245 resolution were made directly to the Federal Government of Nigeria, not private intermediaries.

The company said the transaction was executed under a formal agreement with the Nigerian state and had been reviewed by several investigative and judicial authorities, including Italian financial police reports and external legal audits.

Eni maintained that Malabu Oil and Gas remained the recognised licence holder until the 2011 settlement and that its compensation was part of a government-brokered resolution to end competing claims.

Tinubu administration moves to finalise restructuring

President Bola Tinubu and Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi have agreed on a fresh plan aimed at resolving outstanding issues and terminating ongoing arbitration proceedings.

Following a meeting in Abuja on 5 March, both parties agreed to restructure the asset into two Petroleum Mining Leases and two Petroleum Prospecting Leases, to be jointly operated by Nigerian Agip Exploration, Shell, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The development areas, centred on the Zabazaba and Etan fields, are estimated to hold about 500 million barrels of oil, with planned output aligned with earlier projections and gas exports of up to 200 million standard cubic feet per day to Nigeria LNG.

Under the arrangement, pending claims linked to the block are expected to be settled, while arbitration cases at ICSID will be discontinued once final terms are concluded.

Mr Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone, saying it reflects the administrations commitment to resolving legacy disputes and strengthening the investment environment.

This outcome sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital, he said.

Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, said the revised terms improve on the 2011 agreement and align with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and broader fiscal reforms.

The updated structure provides investors with clarity while ensuring stronger value and safeguards for the Federation, she said.

Reuters had earlier reported that Nigeria split the asset into four parts to be operated by Eni and Shell as part of efforts to bring it into production.

Criminal trials and acquittals

The deal attracted international scrutiny after Italian prosecutors alleged that a significant portion of the $1.3 billion purchase price was diverted to politicians and middlemen.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that about half of the funds were traced to accounts linked to businessman Abubakar Aliyu, believed to have acted on behalf of senior officials, including former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke.

Shell and Eni, along with several executives, including Mr Descalzi, were tried in Italy but acquitted in 2021 after denying wrongdoing.

In Nigeria, Mr Adoke was also charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the transaction and his role in the 2011 federal government attempted resolution of the disputes but was later discharged by the court due to lack evidence of wrongdoing against him.

He was similarly cleared in a separate case involving alleged money laundering.

In a book published last year, Mr Adoke described the litigation as wasteful and maintained that the 2011 agreement saved Nigeria from greater financial exposure.
The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has commenced high-level diplomatic engagements to resolve the partys internal crisis.

Mr Turaki disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference on the state of the partys reconciliation initiative, after a two-day emergency consultative meeting in Abuja.

He said that the feuding factions were now exploring various pathways toward a lasting resolution.

Mr Turaki said that the reconciliation move followed an advisory from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan that the party should seek an out-of-court settlement of its internal crisis.

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According to him, this is to allow the parties in the suit to explore reconciliation to save the PDP from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the 2027 general elections.

Consequently, he said that the Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Adolphus Wabara, had constituted a committee to interface with estranged members.

Mr Turaki said that as a sign of good faith, his National Working Committee (NWC) had postponed the proposed National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus meetings.

We also de-escalated combative communication on all fronts.

While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements, he lamented.

Mr Turaki, however, said that this notwithstanding, the party leaders were mindful of the far-reaching implications of the dispute and called on the other group to act in the overall interest of the party.

I can unequivocally confirm that as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways toward a lasting resolution, he said.

Mr Turaki urged party supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.

He assured PDP members that the party would field candidates for all elective offices in the 2027 general elections, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the PDP Constitution, 2017, as amended.

Let me reassure Nigerians that the PDP is alive and will participate in the forthcoming elections, offering a credible platform for robust political contests at all levels so that power may truly return to the people, he said.

Responding to questions regarding the numerous litigations pending in various courts, Mr Turaki said that his camp was willing to make sacrifices to make the reconciliation work.

As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases, whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court, to give peace a chance.

All cases will give way for peace as soon as we reach that point. On the issue of compromise, we are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow.

We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die, he assured.

Mr Turaki, while acknowledging the presence of spoilers in the peace process, said that such elements had been identified during the discussions held on Tuesday night.

He encouraged Nigerians to continue registering via the partys e-registration portal, stressing that its internal shock absorbers would ensure it emerged stronger ahead of the next election cycle.

Mr Turaki also said that the NWC, at the meeting, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges.

A faction of the party led by Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mr Wike is a member of the PDP but serves as a minister in the APC-led federal government.

(NAN)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) team is providing assistance to victims in Dnipro at the site of the liquidation of the consequences of a Russia drone strike.

"The Emergency Response Team of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Dnipropetrovsk region, together with rescuers, worked at the site of the attack. Volunteers conducted a door-to-door survey of the damaged building and helped its residents reach a shelter due to a repeated threat," the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday.

Volunteers remained on duty at the site to provide first aid as needed.

Currently, the URCS is providing humanitarian aid to people whose homes were damaged, including tarpaulin, blankets, emergency kits, and food packages.

As reported, six people were injured as a result of a Russia drone strike on a high-rise building in Dnipro on March 26. Residential buildings and a gymnasium were damaged.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved a detailed timetable for congresses nationwide, beginning with polling units and wards slated for 7 April.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, who made the disclosure shortly after the partys NEC meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, said key committees reports were also endorsed.

Mr Abdullahi announced that the partys NEC meeting concluded successfully, describing proceedings as short, simple, and productive with full attendance recorded.

He noted that all required NEC members were present, emphasising that every stakeholder who needed to attend was there.

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Mr Abdullahi stated that NEC had accepted the Policy and Manifesto Committee report earlier presented to the National Working Committee (NWC) for consideration and endorsement.

He added that NEC also received the Constitutional Review Committee report, stressing that both documents would be presented at the National Convention scheduled for 14 April.

According to him, the reports define the partys policy direction and constitutional framework that will shape ADCs future political and governance agenda.

The party spokesperson disclosed that local government congresses would hold on 9 April, followed by state congresses on 11 April, culminating in the national convention in Abuja.

He confirmed that guidelines for the congresses had already been released, stating that forms had been distributed nationwide to ensure inclusiveness and participation.

He assured party members contesting various positions would have equal opportunity, noting that the process was open, transparent, and accessible to all qualified members.

The NEC meeting was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), lending credibility and oversight to the proceedings, he said.

Clarifying the purpose of the national convention, Mr Abdullahi said it was not going to be an elective convention, stressing that it would not produce new officers or candidates.

He explained that the convention was designed to ratify decisions previously taken by NEC and the NWC since the last convention cycle.

He reiterated that elections of party officers would instead take place during the congresses at polling unit, ward, local government, and state levels.

Mr Abdullahi also confirmed that a convention committee had been constituted, with details to be provided by the national organising secretary in due course.

Earlier in his opening address, the National Chairman, David Mark, who welcomed members to the partys second NEC meeting, stressed the need for unity and collective leadership.

Mr Mark, while describing the gathering as a moment of honour and duty, commended members loyalty and sacrifices toward strengthening the ADC.

He called for unity, stressing that members must rise above personal interests while emphasising discipline, internal cohesion, and adherence to democratic principles as guiding pillars.

He urged expansion of grassroots engagement, stating that the party must connect with Nigerians across regions, religions, and generations to build broader national appeal.

Our task is clear, to reposition the ADC as a formidable platform for national renewal and inclusive governance, he said.

He commended the state chairpersons for dialogue, noting that in spite of the challenges, they chose consultation.

The party chairman added that collective efforts remained vital to salvaging Nigeria from its present difficulties.

(NAN)
The police in Abuja have reportedly detained four suspects for allegedly using the name of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to defraud a military officer of N150 million.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Olayinka said that one of the suspects of No. 3, Martin Elegoma Street, Nigeria Army Post Housing Estate, Phase1, Kurudu, was arrested on Tuesday.

He explained that the suspect was detained for allegedly defrauding one retired Maj.-Gen. A. K. Ibrahim and many others of over N150 million supposedly for transaction on a land at Guzape II Cadastral Zone, Abuja.

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He said the suspect lured the victims into believing that he worked with the FCT Minister and Director Land in the FCT Administration.

The spokesman said that the suspect dubiously collected over N150 million to deliver land documents to the victims in respect of Plot 1985 at Guzape II, measuring three hectares and other plots.

He added that during interrogation, the suspect mentioned two others, both of the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) as his accomplices.

He further said that the suspect also identified another suspect in No. 2, Chief Palace Road, Durumi 2, Abuja as another accomplice.

The four suspects are currently under investigation, Mr Olayinka said.

(NAN)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday staged a show of unity in Gombe as party leaders from across the North-east elected zonal officers through a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The congress brought together governors, federal lawmakers, former officeholders and senior party members, who used the occasion to project cohesion and reaffirm the zones central place in the ruling partys political calculations.

At the end of the exercise, delegates endorsed a consensus list of officials to pilot the affairs of the party in the North-east for the next four years, in a move widely seen as a demonstration of internal stability in one of the APCs strongest political bases.

In his address, Yobe State Governor and APC North-east Zonal Coordinator, Mai Mala Buni, said the region remains a critical pillar of the party.

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He noted that the North-east has continued to prove its electoral value, given the number of governors and influential political figures it has produced over the years.

The North-east zone is by every standard a major stakeholder in the life of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Buni said, adding that the region would continue to protect the partys interests at all times.

He also pointed to recent defections into the APC as evidence of growing confidence in the ruling party, urging members to translate that momentum into electoral victory for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates in 2027.

According to him, the adoption of consensus candidates reflects political maturity among stakeholders, as he called on members to close ranks and mobilise support across the zone.

The chairman of the congress committee, Simon Ngwan, said the zone had agreed to adopt consensus as the mode of selecting its officers, a position that was ratified through motions moved and seconded by senior party leaders.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Kumo, were among those who supported the arrangement, while a senator, Ali Ndume, also backed the adoption of the final consensus list.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who delivered the vote of thanks, commended party leaders and delegates for the peaceful conduct of the congress.

He urged members to remain committed to the partys vision and to sustain collaboration in order to consolidate its gains at both state and national levels.

The outgoing National Vice Chairman of the APC for the North-east, Mustapha Salihu, expressed appreciation to governors and party stakeholders for the support received during his tenure, assuring that he and his team would continue to work for the partys success.

In a statement issued after the congress, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya congratulated the newly elected zonal officers and urged them to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and strategic coordination.

He said the APC in the North-east must remain cohesive to sustain its dominance and deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda.

Mr Yahaya gave special commendation to the new Zonal Publicity Secretary, Nitte Amangal, and the Zonal Women Leader, Lumbi Abubakar, describing them as experienced party loyalists capable of delivering in their new roles.

The newly elected officials include Idris Shuaibu as National Vice Chairman, Baba Ali as Secretary, Tatfron Dauda as Legal Adviser, Nitte Amangal as Publicity Secretary, Joseph Mondale as Youth Leader, Haruna Tata representing persons with disabilities, Lumbi Abubakar as Women Leader, and Abubakar as Organising Secretary.
Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a church service in Kwara State have demanded a N1 billion ransom for their release, days after the attack that left the community shaken.

The victims were kidnapped on Sunday when armed men invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, during worship.

The incident, earlier reported by PREMIUM TIMES, saw the attackers storm the church premises, forcing worshippers to flee while several others were taken away.

Speaking on the development, the churchs presiding pastor, Omole Timothy, said the abductors contacted relatives and insisted the ransom be raised collectively by communities in Oro-Ago.

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They called us and told us that the victims are in good spirits, but they demanded N1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago, he said.

Mr Timothy said attempts to negotiate have failed, as the kidnappers rejected an initial N1 million offer and warned against further bargaining.

They told us not to talk even about N20 million, N50 million, N100 million, and they switched off the phone, he added.

He said he had spoken with some of the victims, including his wife, who is among those abducted.

According to him, the victims complained of thirst, while an elderly man sustained a head injury after being struck with a gun.

Meanwhile, the security situation in the area has worsened, with fresh attacks reported in nearby Oro-Ago community.

A source who spoke with SaharaReporters and asked not to be named for security reasons said gunmen invaded the town on Wednesday evening, killing a local vigilante commander and shooting the communitys chief security officer, known as the Olu-ode.

They wanted to invade the Oro-Ago police station. They killed the vigilante commander and shot the chief security officer, the source said, adding that the attackers operated in the area for over an hour.

Residents said the attack caused panic, forcing many to flee or remain indoors as gunshots echoed across the community. Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.

The latest violence follows intelligence warnings of planned coordinated attacks in parts of Kwara South, including Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas. Authorities had earlier placed security operatives on alert amid fears of escalating bandit activities.

The abduction and subsequent ransom demand have heightened concerns over the safety of residents, particularly in rural communities where repeated attacks have disrupted livelihoods and religious activities.

Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
The Federal High Court in Kano on Wednesday declined an ex-parte application filed by the states deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam, seeking to stop impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the State House of Assembly.

Through his counsel, Umar Danbaito, the Deputy Governor sought an interim injunction to halt the impeachment process, which the assembly set in motion following allegations of corruption.

The plaintiff urged the court to halt all proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.

Courts ruling

In his ruling, Justice M. Shaibu denied the application for an immediate injunction.

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The judge held that the applicant failed to meet the necessary legal requirements for granting an interim order via an ex parte motion.

While declining the stay of proceedings, Mr Shaibu ordered the applicant to serve the respondents with the court processes.

This ensures the State House of Assembly is formally notified and allowed to file a response.

The court then adjourned the matter until 16 April, 2026, for further hearing.

The impeachment notice

The Assembly announced on 5 March that it served an impeachment notice on Mr Abdulsalam.

The deputy governor, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), declined to join Governor Abba Yusuf and other officials in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January.

The assembly initiated the impeachment proceedings over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust made against Mr Abdulsalam.

The action followed a petition submitted by the Executive against Mr Abdulsalam over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.

The state lawmakers said the notice complies with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The allegations relate to Mr Abdulsalams activities while overseeing the states 44 local government areas.

The petition lists the following allegations:

Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totalling N462 million over seven months.

Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received N726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

ALSO READ: Commissioner advises Kano deputy governor to resign

Abuse of Office: Mr Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of N440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Gross Misconduct: His actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.

The lawmakers stated that based on the evidence presented, Mr Abdussalam should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.

The lawmakers gave the deputy governor a 14-day window to present his defence, but should the allegations be proven, the Assembly would remove him from his position in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
The Nigerian government has launched a $552.18 million initiative to transform the basic education system and improve learning outcomes for millions of children across the country.

The initiative, Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme, is funded by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).

According to the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 29 million children, train 500,000 teachers, deliver 13,000 new classrooms, and reintegrate millions of out-of-school children into the formal school system.

Ms Garba spoke on Wednesday during a three-day sensitisation workshop for Commissioners for Education, SUBEB Chairmen, and frontline implementers of HOPE-EDU and HOPE-Governance, held in Lagos.

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The Executive Secretary described the programme as a historic opportunity to address long-standing challenges in Nigerias basic education.

She said the plan prioritises foundational learning, teacher development, quality instructional materials, and access for vulnerable learners.

The Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC will provide resources and technical support, but the real work happens at the state and community levels. They will lead the needs assessments, community engagement, and implementation, she said.

Ms Garba said the programme targets Nigerias most disadvantaged children, including those with special needs, girls, children from poor households, and those in conflict-affected areas.

Their education is not charity; it is the cornerstone of our democracy and economy, she said.

She said UBEC would deploy digital dashboards to track spending, implementation progress, and milestone delivery to ensure every naira, every activity, and every outcome is properly accounted for.

Workshop

Ms Garba explained that the sensitisation workshop is the first in a series aimed at aligning states with the HOPE-EDU implementation framework as outlined in the Programme Appraisal Document (PAD) and Programme Operational Manual (POM).

Participants are to receive technical guidance on safeguard requirements, procurement standards, roles and responsibilities, and lessons from previous interventions such as the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA).

The workshops are being conducted in phases, starting with the South-South and South-East in Uyo, followed by the South-West and North-Central in Lagos, and scheduled to conclude in Kano for the North-West and North-East regions.

Ms Garba urged stakeholders to develop actionable plans and share experiences that would drive measurable improvements in foundational learning.

HOPE-EDU Programme

HOPE-EDU is part of the federal governments broader education reform agenda under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), designed to address overcrowded classrooms, weak learning outcomes, and the large number of children out of school.

The programme was initially unveiled at a threeday sensitisation workshop for stakeholders from the SouthSouth and SouthEast regions held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Newly appointed Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned his officers against brutality and unprofessional conduct while pledging a tougher, intelligence-driven fight against crime across the state.

Mr Fatai gave the warning in his inaugural address on Thursday as he assumed office as the 42nd Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Police Command, pledging to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the state.

Mr Fatai took over from Moshood Jimoh, who was redeployed to a new role after being at the helm of the police command in Lagos for 13 months, in a massive shakeup initiated by the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

The new Lagos CP said the command under his leadership would be anchored on discipline, professionalism and accountability, stressing that all operations must comply strictly with the rule of law.

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The command maintains zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of unprofessional conduct. Any personnel found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws and regulations, he said.

Describing his appointment as a call to public service, Mr Fatai thanked IGP Olatunji Disu for entrusting him with the leadership of Lagos State Police Command.

He also acknowledged his predecessor, Mr Jimoh, pledging to sustain existing security strategies and build on ongoing operations.

Describing Lagos as Nigerias economic hub and a major African megacity, the commissioner said the state presents complex and evolving security challenges requiring proactive and strategic policing.

Under his leadership, he said, the command will implement intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-focused policing to combat crime, restore order, and enhance public safety in key hotspots.

According to him, priority areas include tackling cultism and violent crimes, improving visibility policing, enforcing traffic discipline and strengthening public safety.

Mr Fatai also pledged to deepen community engagement, noting that public trust and cooperation are critical to effective policing.

He added that collaboration with the media would be enhanced to support the timely dissemination of information.

Mr Fatai emphasised youth engagement and community interaction as critical tools for crime prevention and building public trust in the police.

On inter-agency collaboration, the commissioner said the command would continue to work with other security bodies, including the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and Nigeria Immigration Service, to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations.

He assured officers of improved welfare, training and motivation, noting that a well-supported workforce is essential for effective service delivery.

Mr Fatai urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, emphasising that security is a collective responsibility.

If you see something, say something, he said.

Background

The new commissioner assumes office amid heightened scrutiny of the command, following allegations of police brutality and human rights violations under Mr Jimoh.

The Lagos State government has faced criticism recently over the alleged abduction, assault, and torture of activist Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, during a protest in January by Mr Jimoh.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that a medical report from Cityview Hospital in Ogba, dated 29 January, confirmed multiple injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma, including bruises on Mr Taiwos chest, shoulder, and arm, abrasions, and a hematoma near his mouth.

A subsequent MRI scan reportedly showed lumbar paraspinal muscle spasm, reflecting trauma and worsening a pre-existing condition. Soweto has been undergoing physiotherapy at a private Lagos clinic.

Activists who were either arrested or tear gassed as a result of participating in the protest over the incessant demolition of waterfront communities, accused Mr Jimoh of abusing power, conducting an illegal arrest, torturing Mr Taiwo, and committing other human rights violations linked to the 28 January protest in Lagos.

We are aware that CP Jimoh Moshood is among senior officers currently under consideration for promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

In our view, promoting an officer facing such grave allegations without a transparent investigation would seriously undermine public confidence in the police disciplinary system, they said in a petition, signed by civil society leaders and addressed to Police Service Commission Chairman Hashimu Argungu.

Also, Amnesty International condemned Mr Jimoh for declaring human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wanted despite not having an order of court.

Declaring Sowore wanted is a clear abuse of power loaded with intimidation and disregard for human rights.

The CP must immediately withdraw these threats and do his actual job  which is facilitating and upholding the right to peaceful protest, the organisation said in a post on Facebook.

However, the Federal High Court in Lagos declared that the Nigerian polices designation of Mr Sowore as a wanted person in Lagos last year was illegal and violated the Nigerian constitution.

The judge, Musa Kakaaki awarded N30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force, the then Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Mr Jimoh for unlawfully pronouncing Mr Sowore a wanted person.

Mr Kakaaki, according to the details of the judgement shared by Mr Sowores lawyer, held that no Nigerian can be criminalised for speaking, protesting, or holding the government accountable.

Mr Jimoh, the Lagos police commissioner, publicly declared Mr Sowore wanted on 3 November 2025 for attempting to lead a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge over the demolition exercise in poor settlements of Oworonshoki in the state.
Gunmen have killed a woman in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigerias South-south.

Police spokesperson in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Thursday, said the victim, Special Bensington, and her friend, Divine Anyanwu, were attacked by the hoodlums on 19 March.

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of police, said Ms Anyanwu reported that the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m., after she and the victim boarded a Bolt vehicle at a hotel in Port Harcourt.

While en route along the Total Gospel Area, off Odili Road, they were reportedly attacked by unknown armed hoodlums suspected to have trailed them from the hotel.

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The assailants, who were operating a tricycle, opened fire on the victims. In the course of the attack, the said victim sustained gunshot injuries, she stated.

The victim was immediately rushed to BMH Hospital, Port Harcourt, where she was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty, on 21st March 2026, while receiving treatment.

The victim was said to be a manager of an ushering agency.

Police action

Mrs Iringe-Koko said upon receipt of the information about the attack, the divisional police officer of Abuloma Division, alongside his team, visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital.

The deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, she said.

The police spokesperson said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet forensic investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, she said.

Condemnation

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the police in the state have strongly condemned the gruesome killing of the victim and assured the operatives would track down the hoodlums.

Members of the public with useful information that may assist in the investigation are urged to come forward or contact these phone lines, she stated.

Increased attacks

Attacks by gunmen have been frequent across Nigeria in recent times.

Armed robbery incidents, kidnappings, terror and cult-related attacks have combined to worsen insecurity in the country.

The latest attack occurred weeks after some gunmen attacked a convoy of a former governor of the state and minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in Port Harcourt.

In late January, T.Y. Baridam, a traditional ruler in Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was injured when gunmen opened fire at his vehicle.
Ultimately, the quest for a level-playing field is about safeguarding the future of the party. The APCs success in Ogun State will depend not only on its policies and campaign strategies but also on its ability to manage internal competition with integrity. By embracing fairness and inclusivity, the party can position itself as a model of democratic practice and secure a stronger, more united front heading into the 2027 elections.

As the political landscape in Ogun State gradually aligns toward the 2027 general elections, the need for internal cohesion, fairness, and transparency within the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot be overstated.

Political parties thrive not merely on electoral victories but on the strength of their internal democratic processes.

For the APC in Ogun State, ensuring a level-playing field for all aspirants is not just an ethical obligation  it is a strategic necessity.

A level-playing field fosters inclusivity and strengthens party unity. Ogun APC is home to diverse interests, influential leaders, and a wide base of grassroots supporters. When the processes leading to candidate emergence are perceived as fair and credible, it builds trust among party members and reduces the likelihood of post-primary conflicts. The chances of the flag bearers of the party in winning elections are also assured. Conversely, any perception of imposition or favouritism risks alienating key stakeholders, leading to defections, factionalisations, or voter apathy during the general elections. Such uncontrollable fallouts are also capable of weakening the chances of the party in the overall elections.

Moreover, fairness in the selection process enhances the legitimacy of candidates. Aspirants who emerge through transparent primaries are better positioned to command respect, not only within the party but also among the electorate.

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They carry the collective mandate of party members, rather than the selective mandates of a few, which often translates into stronger campaign structures and broader voter appeal. In a politically competitive state like Ogun, this legitimacy can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Another critical imperative is the need to encourage political participation. When party members believe they have a genuine opportunity to contest and contribute, it inspires a new generation of leaders to step forward. This injection of fresh ideas and energy is vital for the long-term sustainability of the APC. A closed, cult-like and manipulated system, on the other hand, discourages participation and perpetuates political stagnation.

The leadership of the party, both at the state and national levels, bears the responsibility of institutionalising fairness. Clear guidelines, adherence to constitutional provisions, and the independence of electoral committees are essential components of credible primaries. Additionally, mechanisms for conflict resolution must be strengthened to address grievances promptly and transparently.

There is no doubting the fact that the tempo of political involvement is at a feverish pitch at the moment. And those who believe that they have, over the years, contributed to the growth of the party in Ogun hold on to one thing: They want to have a strong say in critical affairs of their party, such as the emergence of their governorship candidate and candidates for other elective positions in the next dispensation.

It is also important to recognise that the electorate is increasingly discerning. Voters are paying closer attention to how parties conduct their internal affairs. A party that demonstrates fairness, accountability, and respect for democratic principles is more likely to earn public trust. Our dear party cannot afford to do less.

Fortunately, the states APC is not without qualified and eminents whose names are already on the lips of many even if some of them are yet to make official and formal declarations.

Today, names such as Ambassador Sharafa Ishola, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Honourable Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Mr Tunde Lemo are already known to be in the air. Isnt Ogun blessed?

However, this blessing must not be allowed to become a curse with the handling of how the candidate of the party emerges.

For Ogun APC, projecting such an image could significantly enhance its electoral prospects in 2027.

If the mandate of the people is a sine qua non in democracy, then those who have connections with the real people, who have over the years engaged them, understood their aspirations and desires and have associated with them well enough to be part of their yearnings, should be allowed to test their strength among the people.

Governments that emerge from such processes have credibility, enjoy immediate supports of the people and are on the path to delivering goog governance.

Ultimately, the quest for a level-playing field is about safeguarding the future of the party. The APCs success in Ogun State will depend not only on its policies and campaign strategies but also on its ability to manage internal competition with integrity. By embracing fairness and inclusivity, the party can position itself as a model of democratic practice and secure a stronger, more united front heading into the 2027 elections.

In conclusion, the imperatives of a level-playing field within Ogun APC go beyond internal party politics  they are central to electoral success, democratic credibility, and sustainable political growth.

As 2027 approaches, the choices made today will shape not only the partys fortunes but also the broader political trajectory of Ogun State.

Muyiwa Adeyemi, a journalist and former politics editor of The Guardian, is from Ogun State.
Nigeria Next is still in the early stages, but our Nigeria team is excited for the work ahead. By elevating our young people through greater inclusion, innovation, creativity, and civic participation, we hope to make a lasting contribution to Nigeria and its future.

I met Balkisu, a TikToker from the quiet town of Bauchi in North-East Nigeria, during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement in 2024. After high school, Balkisu could not attend college due to financial constraints. Coming from a large family with competing priorities, her parents could not afford the expense of higher education. Still, Balkisu considered herself fortunate: she had access to a smartphone and one meal a day  luxuries that many of her peers lacked. Balkisus story embodies the hopes and aspirations of our new grantmaking initiative: Nigeria Next.

Nigeria Next, created and led by our Abuja-based staff, will invest in Nigerias young people, so they can drive social and economic change. We believe that with greater access to digital tools, spaces that catalyse their creativity, and amplification of their voices in civic spaces, young people can unleash their potential and move us towards a new Nigeria.

Nigeria Next represents a collaboration between MacArthurs On Nigeria, Technology in the Public Interest, and Journalism and Media programmes. Colleagues from these programmes began convening discussions among themselves, grantee partners, and subject-matter experts in 2022.

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Our New Work team  a group of staff charged with developing new programmes and initiatives for the Foundation  commissioned a paper to understand the challenges and opportunities facing young people better, and several staff members travelled to Nigeria for consultative meetings.

We reached out deliberately to communities across the hinterland and coastal cities, including Kafanchan, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Bauchi, Maiduguri, and the hubs of Abuja, Kano, and Lagos. Our intent was to listen to a broad range of voices.

Through these conversations, interconnected themes emerged related to young people, civic participation, technology, and media.

As Africas most populous country, Nigeria is a dynamic centre of innovation in finance, technology, agriculture, civic tech, and creative industries. The so-called youthquake  a term used by scholars and commentators  captures the profound impact of young Nigerians. From breakthroughs in Lagoss tech scene to the global reach of Nollywood and Afrobeats, their ingenuity is unquestionable.

Empowering Young People to Shape Nigerias Future

Focusing on young people is essential: we are a young nation with 60 per cent of the population under the age of 30, and 42 per cent under 15 years old. While we recognise the challenges facing young people, we believe focusing solely on problems is not conducive to our goals, so we intentionally chose to view youth as assets.

As Africas most populous country, Nigeria is a dynamic centre of innovation in finance, technology, agriculture, civic tech, and creative industries. The so-called youthquake  a term used by scholars and commentators  captures the profound impact of young Nigerians. From breakthroughs in Lagoss tech scene to the global reach of Nollywood and Afrobeats, their ingenuity is unquestionable. Young people are also reimagining civic engagement, pioneering new forms of organisations and activism on issues such as clean energy, climate change, democracy, transparency, accountability, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Nigerias young people are digital natives, having grown up immersed in technology. Virtual communities have amplified voices like Balkisus, fuelled mass protests, and created new avenues for participation.

The Balkisus of Nigeria represent the promise of this work: a disadvantaged, geographically isolated, digitally savvy young woman with limited access to technology due to cost and harm. Yet, technology enabled her voice to resonate in the civic space.

Nigeria Next is still in the early stages, but our Nigeria team is excited for the work ahead. By elevating our young people through greater inclusion, innovation, creativity, and civic participation, we hope to make a lasting contribution to Nigeria and its future.

Kole Shettima is the director of MacArthurs Nigeria Office.

This article was originally published by MacArthur Foundation.
Russia general who commanded destruction of civil infrastructure in northern Ukraine in 2022 notified of suspicion in absentia - SBU

The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the prosecutors office have documented new war crimes committed by Russian Lieutenant General Sergey Kisel, commander of the 1st Tank Army of the Western Military District of Russia, the SBU reports.

"In the period from February 24 to March 23, 2022, he commanded the 4th Tank Division of Russia (better known as the Kantemirovskaya Division named after Yuri Andropov), which participated in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine," the Ukrainian special service informed on its Telegram channel on Thursday.

According to the case files, under Kisels command, units of the formation attacked settlements in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.

"It has been established that by order of the Russian general, his subordinates fired point-blank at civil infrastructure facilities using heavy armored vehicle guns and tube artillery. As a result of enemy attacks at that time, 137 civilians, including 8 children, were killed in the Sumy region alone. Hundreds of residential buildings and administrative structures were destroyed," the report emphasizes.

Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators notified Kisel in absentia of suspicion under Part 2 of Art. 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (conducting an aggressive war). The issue of placing him on the international wanted list is being resolved.

The agency recalls that in September 2025, the SBU notified the Russian general in absentia of suspicion under Part 2 of Art. 28 and Part 2 of Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons).

At that time, it was established that on February 25, 2022, Kisel participated in organizing strikes on the civil infrastructure of Okhtyrka using Grad and Uragan multiple launch

rocket

systems.

The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in the Sumy region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutors office.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said that President Bola Tinubus leadership has been marked by courage, clarity of vision, and an unyielding commitment to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable progress.

The governor stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, our nation is witnessing bold and transformative reforms that are laying a solid foundation for long-term growth and shared prosperity.

In agriculture and agribusiness, targeted interventions are driving productivity, restoring farmer confidence, and strengthening food systems across the country.

In the oil and gas sector, far-reaching reforms are enhancing efficiency, promoting transparency, and securing the future of our energy economy, he added.

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Governor Sani made these remarks in his welcome address, at the All Progressives Congress(APC) North West Zonal congress on Wednesday.

He argued that through decisive fiscal and tax policy measures, the administration is stabilising the economy and creating pathways for inclusive development.

The introduction of the Student Loan Scheme has opened new doors of opportunity for our young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of educational advancement, he added.

According to him, there is a massive investments in infrastructure across the country, which include roads, rail, and energy, that are reconnecting communities, stimulating commerce, and unlocking new economic opportunities.

Governor Sani who is the Coordinating Governor, APC Northwest Zone, said that these achievements are not abstract; they are real, visible, and impactful. They are changing lives.

 In Kaduna State and across the North-West, we are direct beneficiaries of this purposeful leadership, he added.

Security has improved, farmers are returning to their fields, markets are thriving again, and confidence is steadily being restored in our communities. These gains reinforce our belief that the path we have chosen as a Party is the right one, he said.

The governor pointed out to the delegates that this Congress is not only about leadership selection; it is about strengthening our unity, deepening our structures, and aligning our strategies for the future.

He urged the delegates to approach this process with a sense of fairness, discipline, and responsibility, adding that let our conduct reflect the democratic values we proudly uphold.

Governor Sani welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf to APC, as well as their numerous supporters.

We receive you with open arms, in a spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared destiny. Your decision to identify with the APC is not only momentous, but profoundly strengthening to the collective vision, depth, and national outlook of our party, said.
Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, was among distinguished guests at a recent Commonwealth reception hosted by His Majesty King Charles III at St Jamess Palace, Marlborough House, London.

The prestigious gathering brought together dignitaries, leaders, and representatives from across the Commonwealth in celebration of shared values, cultural ties, and continued collaboration among member nations. The reception served as a platform to reinforce unity and strengthen relationships within the global Commonwealth community

Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanors presence at the event highlights Nigerias active participation in Commonwealth affairs and reflects her role in supporting initiatives that promote cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

Her interaction with King Charles III marked a notable moment during the reception, underscoring the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

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The event, which held earlier in the month, continues to generate interest as images and moments from the evening circulate across media platforms, capturing the elegance and significance of the occasion.
FirstBank, West Africas premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to announce the upcoming edition of the SMEConnect Webinar scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The event will equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business growth.

This edition is strategically curated to inform and educate SMEs on how AI can be applied to scale their businesses in todays rapidly evolving digital economy. The chosen theme, AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact, reflects the growing importance and timeliness of AI as one of the most influential trends shaping the SME business landscape. The session will provide SMEs with actionable insights on how to leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

The SMEConnect webinar will feature experts, including Temitope Odude, Senior AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft as a guest speaker. Odude will provide credible and globally relevant perspectives on how SMEs can successfully adopt and integrate AI into their everyday business operations. Other speakers include Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels and Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition & Partnerships at FirstBank.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and at FirstBank, we recognise that the economy cannot thrive without them. As a committed growth partner to SMEs, this session reinforces our strong focus on innovation, demonstrated through initiatives such as the use of AI-enabled credit scoring to deliver fast, instant loans to microSMEs, with over 1 trillion disbursed to support customers financial needs. Building on this foundation, we are equipping business owners with the right knowledge and practical insights on Artificial Intelligence to help them scale in the short term and drive sustainable growth. I encourage every business owner to participate in this session to gain handson guidance on integrating AI into everyday business operations.

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SME owners and entrepreneurs can register for the webinar here

SMEConnect Webinar series is one of FirstBanks signature platforms for supporting SMEs with practical knowledge and strategic insights. The Bank has consistently won awards for impacting businesses and for providing innovative solutions for customers and other stakeholders, including SMEs.

The Bank was named Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards for two years as at 2025. The Bank also won the SME Financier of the Year- Nigeria awarded by The Digital Banker.
The Enugu State Government and the United Kingdom, through its United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF) have successfully carried out a pilot programme introducing an AI-enabled smart metering system to curtail energy theft and eliminate revenue losses in the power sector.

This was made known at the Enugu State Investor Forum themed Driving Revenue Assurance and Private Investment through Data-Driven Metering, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday.

The programme funded by the UK International Development and implemented by Tetra Tech, brought together key sector stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies, investors, and policymakers, to explore opportunities for expanding smart metering and improving electricity access in Enugu State.

It also focused on strengthening Nigerias capacity to deliver sustainable and climate-smart infrastructure, with Enugu State as a key beneficiary.

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Speaking at the event, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mr Chijioke Okonkwo, said the project was designed to address persistent challenges of revenue leakages, energy theft, and poor billing efficiency in the power sector.

He disclosed that a pilot scheme involving the deployment of 846 smart meters had already been carried out in the Ugwuaji axis of the state capital, covering surrounding semi-urban communities.

According to Mr Okonkwo, the technology enables full tracking of electricity consumption from transformers to individual households.

This system allows us to drastically reduce, if not eliminate, commercial and collection losses, which have long hindered the growth of the power sector, he said.

He explained that the AI-enabled meters provide real-time data on energy usage, empower consumers to monitor their consumption, and help operators quickly detect faults or irregularities, including theft and equipment vandalism.

The regulator noted that the initiative also opens opportunities for private investors and energy retail companies to participate in Enugus electricity market, particularly in underserved areas.

We are inviting investors to take advantage of this opportunity by deploying smart meters, expanding distribution networks, and even establishing embedded power generation within the state, he added.

He said current market prices for meters stand at approximately N130,000 for single-phase units and about N230,000 for three-phase units, adding that flexible payment structures could be arranged to ease adoption.

Also speaking, Team Leader of UKNiAF, Mr Frank Edozie, described the project as a demonstrator of how artificial intelligence could enhance transparency and accountability in electricity revenue collection.

The system ensures that all revenues due to the sector are properly collected and accounted for. It also detects any breach in energy or financial flows, making it a strong revenue assurance mechanism, Edozie said.

He observed that Enugu was selected for the pilot due to its leading role in implementing reforms under Nigerias Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to develop independent electricity markets.

According to him, the pilot project, which commenced in November 2025, had already shown encouraging results, including significant improvements in revenue recovery and reduction in losses.

In his remarks, Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, Ernest Mupwaya, said the initiative addresses two critical issues in the power sectormetering gaps and revenue protection.

He emphasised that without efficient metering and strong revenue assurance systems, investments in the power sector would remain unattractive and unsustainable.

Smart metering, combined with advanced monitoring systems gives utilities visibility across their networks, making it easier to detect losses and improve operational efficiency, he said.

Mr Mupwaya added that the project has demonstrated the viability of attracting private financing into metering infrastructure, noting that improved revenue collection would enable operators to repay investments over time.

Earlier, Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said the state was selected for the initiative due to ongoing reforms and progress in its electricity market.

He explained that the successful pilot had shown that smart metering could guarantee revenue assurance across the electricity value chainfrom generation to distributionthereby boosting investor confidence.

The system assures investors that they will recover their investments, which is critical for attracting funding into power generation, transmission, and distribution, he said.
Authorities of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, have assured of restoration of calm on the institutions campus after disquiet caused by activities of one of the anti-graft agencies in the neighbourhood.

Reports have it that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were conducting official duties in Agbede Village, near the polytechnic, an action that sparked protest by students of the instiution.

The students set fire to tyres and blocked some roads hindering vehicular and human movements.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the polytechnic, Halimat Garba, however, said that normalcy has been restored to the affected area and the institution.

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The polytechnic management assured the public that calm had been restored, clarifying that the operation did not occur on campus, but in the nearby Agbede village, and no students were arrested.

It assured that students scheduled for examinations were able to write their papers and the examinations continue.

The institution commended security agencies and the internal security team of the institution for their rapid response and professionalism in handling the situation.

We appreciate the overwhelming majority of our students who remained calm and law-abiding.

ALSO READ: Kwara Polytechnic expels five students

We urge the general public, especially commuters plying the Old Jebba Road, to go about their normal businesses without any fear or panic.

The road is clear and safe for travel, Ms Garba said.

The PRO said that the polytechnic remains committed to the safety, welfare, and academic progress of all its students and staff.

(NAN)
The Lagos State government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over illicit $13 million traced to socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, PREMIUM TIMES confirmed on Wednesday from officials familiar with the case.

It was gathered that the EFCC began scrutinising the Lagos State Governments connection to the funds after investigators discovered that part of the funds was sourced from contractors working for or providing services to the Lagos State Government.

The facts about the origin of the funds are already public in court documents, but the full details of how a large chunk of the money was sourced from some contractors offering services to Lagos State Government, the identities of the contractors and the possible involvement of the governor and other government officials have not been disclosed in order not to jeopardise ongoing investigations, a source told PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly on the case.

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a permanent forfeiture of the $13 million to the Nigerian government, citing its fraudulent origin.

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Later on Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES made unsuccessful attempts to get the comment of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, and the states Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on the disclosure in the suit tracing part of the suspicious funds to the states contractors and EFCCs investigations into the governor regarding the finances.

Neither of the two officials returned our reporters phone calls or responded to text or WhatsApp messages.

It remained unclear how the alleged scheme was executed. However, investigators say it remains curious that the contractors paid large sums to Ms Achimugus company without any valid business relationship with the firm or its owner.

It is also unclear whether Mr Sanwo-Olu is aware of or participated in the alleged scheme, or whether he is merely being investigated because he leads the administration under which the payments occurred.

How it started

EFCC, which instituted the forfeiture proceedings last year following extensive investigations into Ms Achimugu, her companies, suspected agents and business associates, gave details of how the suspicious $13 million was scraped together from sources, including unnamed Lagos State Government contractors.

The funds, according to EFCCs assets forfeiture filing, were raised between March and April 2025 as part-payment for the acquisition of oil blocks.

According to the EFCC, one of Ms Achimugus firms, Oceangate Engineering Limited, which was at the centre of the suspicious transactions, successfully bid for the two oil blocks  Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs)  in 2024.

One of the oil blocks was Deep Offshore PPL 302, and the other was Shallow Water PPL 3007.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) subsequently notified the company of its status as a winning bidder and the conditions it needed to meet to be issued the licences.

EFCC said the successful bidder needed to pay $37.2 million to the federal government to close the deal on the two oil blocks.

The payments

Oceangate Engineering had made a $20 million part-payment as of the time EFCC waded into the matter in April 2025, the anti-graft agencys investigator, Usman Aliyu, stated in the affidavits filed in support of the forfeiture proceedings.

Mr Aliyu said Oceangate Engineering paid the $20 million to the federal government in several instalments from 20 March 2025 to 3 April 2025.

He gave a breakdown of the payments.

According to the EFCC detective, Providus Bank Limited transferred $7 million to the federal government on behalf of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited on 27 and 28 March 2025.

He added that Oceangate Engineering also transferred a total of $13 million through its Zenith Bank account number 5074678281 to the federal government in seven instalments during the period.

The instalments are as follows: $1.1 million, $1.1 million, $3.8 million, $1.2 million, $3.05 million, $2.1 million, and $500,000.

Mr Aliyu said Oceangate Engineering, a limited liability company incorporated on 25 February 2005, used funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity to acquire oil blocks from NURPC.

Agents used and Lagos contractors contributions.

He said the firm conspired with some unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and bank officials to obtain the $13 million, which it transferred to the federal government. Some of the agents were named in the court filing.

That one Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma was procured and aided by Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited to collect through his associates in cash and without going through a financial institution, both in Abuja and Lagos, the total sum of $13,000,000.00.

That whilst acting in concert with Oceangate Limited, Muhammed Chiroma engaged one Dantani Abubakar Hassan of Ashrab Energy and Oil Services Limited and one Tirmizi Muhammed Usman of Tripple A & Tee Oil Nigeria Limited, to collect the said $9 million in cash and without going through a financial Institution for the sole purpose of using same to pay for the signature bonuses of the two oil blocks allocated to Oceangate Oil and Gas Limited, Mr Aliyus affidavit read.

He said the company engaged Mr Chiroma, Tirmizi Usman and Dantani Hassan to receive suspicious funds from different contractors with the Lagos State Government.

He added that one Dantani Abubakar used his company, Ashrab Energy and Oil Services Limited, with account number 1229255048, domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, to receive and retain illicit funds from different contractors with the state government.

He specifically said over N855 million, later converted to dollars, was sourced from the state governments contractors.

That whilst still working in concert with Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited and Suleiman Chiroma, Dantani Abubakar used his company, Ashrab Energy and Oil Services Limited with account Number 1907084038 domiciled in Access Bank Plc to receive and retain the total sum of N855,057,560.00 from different contractors executing contracts for and on behalf of the Lagos State Government which sum reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

He said the combined sum of over N2.4 billion (N2,455, 651, 560) received in both Zenith and Access Bank accounts of Ashrab Energy was converted to US dollars and subsequently transferred to Oceangates Zenith Bank account for onward payment for the signature bonus of the two oil blocks, PPL 302 and PPL 3007, allocated to the company, among other averments.

Mr Aliyu said the $13 million used by Oceangate to pay for the Signature Bonuses in respect of PPL302 and PPL3007 were not proceeds of any lawful and legitimate business of Oceangate but rather represent funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

According to him, part of the funds used by Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited to pay the Signature bonuses in respect of PPL 302 and PPL 3007 was derived from a part of the Lagos State Governments transfers to contractors for the execution of projects intended to benefit the people of the state.

The investigator said that there was never any contractual or business relationship between Oceangate and the contractors who transferred the public funds to the companys account.

But Oceangate Engineering denied any wrongdoing and urged the court to dismiss the forfeiture proceedings.

In an affidavit sworn by Iliya Wakil, who identified as a director of the firm, denied any conspiracy with unregistered BDC operators and bank officials to retain or transfer illicit funds.

It maintained that Suleiman Chiroma, referred to by the EFCC, was a licensed BDC agent lawfully engaged by the company to help it source the US dollars needed to settle the signature bonuses for the PPL 302 and PPL 3007 oil blocks, as the fees were required to be paid in dollars.

The company official stated that Mr Chiroma acted independently and without any control by Oceangate Limited.

The director said the company did not know Dantani Hassan or the company known as Ashrab Energy and Oil Services Limited.

He denied Oceangate knowing any Tirmizi Usman or Tripple A & Tee Oil Nigeria Limited, insisting that the company had never met, dealt with, or transacted with either of them.

Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Wednesday that the explanations made by Ms Achimugus company for the suspicious payments were not convincing. He said he was not persuaded that the company had legitimately earned the money.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and Achimugus relationship

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the close relationship between Governor Sanwo-Olu and Ms Achimugu more than a year before EFCCs probe into the oil block transactions became public.

The newspaper exclusively reported how Mr Sanwo-Olu abandoned work for days in January 2024 to party in the Caribbean Island of Grenada in commemoration of Ms Achimugus 50th birthday. Ms Achimugu turned 50 on 22 January 2024. She is now 52.

According to the PREMIUM TIMES report, Mr Sanwo-Olu flew in a private aircraft to the Caribbean Island and took residency in one of the most expensive resorts in the world to be part of the party.

He left many officials back home scrambling to figure out his whereabouts.

A website dedicated to the seven-day birthday party included information regarding visa arrangements, available chauffeurs, travel schedules, and the nearest airport to the event venue, among other details for the guests. The festivities commenced on 16 January with the arrival of guests.

But the governor, in his reaction to this newspapers report via his official X account @jidesanwoolu at the time, said he had travelled to Grenada deliberately to advance his states economic interests. He neither denied nor confirmed attending the birthday party.

Early sign of Governor Sanwo-Olu probe

The first sign that Mr Sanwo-Olu was possibly under EFCC investigation surfaced in October 2024, when a report circulated that the Lagos State governor had filed a suit to ward off EFCC investigations.

In the suit, the governor reportedly sought a declaration that the threat of his arrest and detention was illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights.

It added that the governor sought an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, arresting and detaining him over his governance.

The report also stated that one Martha Kanu, claimed in an affidavit filed in support of the suit, that she was briefed on the suits details by the governor via teleconference.

She said she believed the governors briefing to be true. She reportedly said the governor told her that EFCC officials planned to arrest his aides and family members over allegations of fund diversion.

In what also appeared to shed further light on the scope of the relationship between Mr Sanwo-Olu and Ms Achimugu, the controversial suit was filed by Darlington Ozurumba, the lawyer who also defended Ms Achimugus Oceangate Engineering in the $13 million forfeiture proceedings.

In the wake of the wide publicity the suit received, the Lagos State Government denied that the governor had authorised the filing of the suit, while also expressing doubts about the existence of any legal action.

We need to clarify that Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter, the Lagos State Government said in a statement issued on 30 October 2024 by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.

It is disingenuous for the Governor, who enjoys immunity as conferred on him by the Constitution and has almost three years ahead of him, to brief any lawyer on this kind of matter.

Mr Pedro also denied the claim that the EFCC was investigating the Lagos State governor. He insisted that the EFCC had never invited or threatened to arrest the governor or any member of his staff.

Mr Pedro also vouched for Mr Sanwo-Olus judicious use of the states resources.

Although Mr Ozurumba appeared in court as the plaintiffs lawyer to prosecute the case, the statement said that the origin of the reports about the purported suit was under investigation. It also cautioned media organisations to desist from circulating such misleading reports without proper investigation.

On 31 October 2024, a day after the Lagos State Government disowned the suit on behalf of the governor, EFCC filed its response to the suit categorically denying investigating or harassing the governor or any member of his family and staff.

But this was months before the oil block transactions took place.

Ms Achimugu and controversies

Ms Achimugus lifestyle has drawn public attention and controversy in the last two years.

Her January 2024 birthday extravaganza in Grenada and the $13 million forfeiture case are examples.

In 2025, EFCC declared her wanted in a 28 March 2025 public notice over her alleged involvement in money laundering and a Ponzi scheme. EFCC linked her to the controversial MBA Trading and Capital Limited.

The declaration prompted Ms Achimugu to file a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025 seeking to restrain the EFCC and other agencies from arresting or detaining her.

She argued that her rights to freedom of movement, dignity, and privacy were under threat.

On 28 April 2025, the judge, Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered her to submit herself to the EFCC for questioning.

The following day, EFCC arrested her at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon her arrival from London at about 5 a.m. She has since been released from custody but continues facing investigations.

Although she has not been charged with any offence, her name has been linked to suspicious funds in an ongoing criminal trial, while investigations into her continue.
SHANGHAI, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 25, 2026, Blokees, a global brand focused on assembly character toys, unveiled its upgraded brand mission  "Inspire Creativity, Share Joy"  at the 2026 Blokees Global Partner Conference, held under the theme "FORWARD, TOGETHER."

Zhu Weisong, Founder and of Blokees, said the upgrade to the company's brand mission is part of its long-term strategic development. Blokees will further improve product certainty, strengthen the BFC ecosystem, and accelerate the execution of its "Universally appealing; Stepwise pricing; Globally promoting" strategy.

Blokees products are designed around an "assemblecreateshare" experience. After completing the assembly process, users can customize their models through painting, modification and scene creation, extending the play experience. This approach encourages users to move beyond simple assembly and share their creations with the global BFC (Blokees Family Creator) community.

Sheng Xiaofeng, President of Blokees, said the company's playability-driven system forms the foundation of its product strategy and defines the positioning of its two core categories  Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels. Products showcased at the conference included items based on globally recognized intellectual properties such as Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Transformers and Hatsune Miku.

This product framework allows Blokees to expand across major toy themes, including character-based and vehicle-based products, while continuously improving product experience and operational efficiency through user feedback and product iteration.

Blokees executives said the company will continue strengthening its core categories while exploring new series and products designed for broader audiences, including adult collectors. The company will follow an "80% core categories, 20% innovation" product strategy to balance category depth with new concept exploration.

Blokees also emphasized the growing importance of its global creator community, BFC (Blokees Family Creator), which empowers fans to showcase customized creations, photography, and original content inspired by the brand's products.

Ye Shanshan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Blokees, further noted during the conference that BFC will continue to evolve toward greater professionalism and globalization. Moving forward, the platform aims to integrate competitions, experiential activities, exhibitions, and community interaction into a comprehensive creative ecosystem, providing creators worldwide with a unified stage to express, connect, and grow.

Looking ahead, Blokees plans to accelerate its global expansion while continuing to invest in product innovation, creator communities and partnerships to support long-term growth in the global toy industry.

SOURCE Blokees
Acquisition demonstrates Cambridge's ongoing commitment to advisor succession planning, including serving as a buyer in support of long-term continuity

FAIRFIELD, Iowa., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. ("Cambridge"), one of the nation's largest independent broker-dealers, has expanded its continuity and succession strategy through the acquisition of WealthPlanners, LLC ("WealthPlanners"), a wealth planning and benefits consulting firm located in Des Plaines, Illinois. The firm manages nearly $800 million in assets and has operated as a growth-oriented ensemble with Cambridge since 2010.

Supporting advisors in planning for the future has always been essential to Cambridge's long-term strength, stability, and commitment to the independent advice model. As Cambridge continues to be a buyer of businesses, employee advisors are an essential part of the strategy to provide the type of consistent advice clients were accustomed to under prior ownership.

WealthPlanners joins a group of employed advisors at Cambridge, previously established to provide ongoing advice to client accounts purchased over the years from both broker-dealers and advisors. The newly formed Cambridge WealthPlanners employs seven advisors plus additional associates managing more than $1 billion in assets. Denny Gustin-Piazza, the prior owner of WealthPlanners, will lead and grow the new team. This move reflects Cambridge's commitment to purposeful growth in supporting advisors, protecting client relationships, and ensuring a smooth transition when ownership changes hands.

"Cambridge has always had an advisor-first approach in how we design our solutions," said Jeff Vivacqua, President of Growth and Development at Cambridge. "The acquisition of WealthPlanners reflects the thoughtful evolution of our continuity and succession solutions that began with our founder, Eric Schwartz, more than 20 years ago. Cambridge brings the delivery of advice, leadership, and resources to the table, while staying true to the values that are key to both firms."

Gustin-Piazza adds that the solution checked all the boxes for her in terms of a succession plan. "This transition is instrumental in supporting the next phase of our purpose-built growth. It was important for me to continue to lead a team and drive growth. Cambridge understood our goals and found an approach that allows us to support advisor transitions thoughtfully, provide seamless service to clients, and operate in a business model that fits our culture."

Cambridge offers support at every stage of succession planning, from early conversations and continuity preparation to execution and long-term transition support. The WealthPlanners example is one of several options in which advisors at Cambridge and at other firms can be supported through their continuity and succession journeys, which include:

Continuity Express : An emergency death and disability option for advisors

: An emergency death and disability option for advisors Succession and Acquisition Solutions : A team dedicated to helping advisors and OSJs build their own plan with another advisor through consulting, valuation services, contracting, and lending

: A team dedicated to helping advisors and OSJs build their own plan with another advisor through consulting, valuation services, contracting, and lending Cambridge Capital Solutions: If an advisor cannot identify another advisor or OSJ for their continuity and/or succession plan, Cambridge can be the buyer of that business

If an advisor cannot identify another advisor or OSJ for their continuity and/or succession plan, Cambridge can be the buyer of that business BridgePort Financial Solutions, LLC (BridgePort): If an advisor has either almost or 100% exclusively fee-based revenues and cannot identify another advisor for their continuity and/or succession plan, BridgePort, a fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA) firm, can be the buyer of that business

Whether advisors are still growing their firm, in the beginning stages of continuity and succession planning, or considering retirement and looking for flexible options, Cambridge strives to provide solutions to meet the needs of the advisor, their business, and their clients.

About Cambridge

Cambridge is a financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial professionals and their clients while preserving its internal control. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices for independent financial professionals regarding solutions for advice, growth, technology, and independence. Cambridge's national reach includes: Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc.  a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.  an independent broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, that is among the largest internally controlled independent broker-dealers in the country. Learn more at joincambridge.com.

About BridgePort

BridgePort is a national RIA firm that supports fee-only independent advisory firms in the pursuit of building enduring businesses. BridgePort is committed to serving independent advisors with a range of customizable solutions for technology, succession and acquisition, practice management, business consulting, outsourcing, and more. Learn more about BridgePort here.

Contact: Jeff Wulf, Senior Vice President, Cambridge: [email protected] or 800-777-6080

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of Cambridge Investment Group, Inc.

BridgePort Financial Solutions, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Cambridge
Former TCC head to stand trial in Kyiv region for seizing business vehicles allegedly for army

State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) employees have completed a pre-trial investigation into the former head of one of the district Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TCC) in the Kyiv region, who illegally seized vehicles from entrepreneurs.

"Investigators established that the official, without legal grounds, took 8 vehicles from two enterprises engaged in freight transportation. The transport was seized without proper documentation under the pretext of the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the SBI reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday.

Subsequently, as noted by the agency, acceptance-transfer certificates were backdated at the suspects directionallegedly for the transfer of the vehicles to military units.

"In reality, this transport never reached the units. Due to these actions, the enterprises suffered losses exceeding UAH 4 million," the SBI emphasized.

Currently, as specified in the report, part of the damage has been compensatedthree vehicles were transferred for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, amounting to approximately UAH 1 million.

The indictment against the former TCC head has been sent to court. The former officials actions were qualified under Part 5 of Art. 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraineexceeding authority under martial law.

Procedural guidance was provided by the Kyiv Specialized Prosecutors Office in the sphere of defense of the Central Region.
David joined the company in 2018 as executive vice president of the Georgia-Pacific building products business, before moving into the consumer products leader role in 2019. Prior to joining Georgia-Pacific, he served as president of performance solutions at INVISTA. With more than 28 years of experience at Koch companies, David has held a variety of roles including managing director for Koch Ventures and Koch Equity Development, chief financial officer for Koch Minerals, and various roles at INVISTA.

Vivek Joshi, currently president of the consumer tissue, towel and napkins (TTN) business, will become executive vice president of the consumer products business. Vivek joined GP in 2002 as a marketing manager for the Dixie Foodservice food wrap business. Throughout his career with the company, he has been a part of significant investments across the consumer products business and has helped improve performance in many of our consumer-facing brands such as Angel Soft, Brawny, Dixie, Sparkle, Quilted Northern and Vanity Fair. Vivek has held numerous roles within the consumer business during the past 23 years, including vice president of innovation and business development, senior vice president of marketing effectiveness, vice president and general manager of the Dixie business and senior vice president and general manager of the tissue business.

"I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization full of talented and dedicated people who work together across Georgia-Pacific to deliver results every day," said Duncan. "I also want to congratulate Vivek on his new role. He has been a strong leader within our consumer products business for many years, and I'm excited to continue working closely with him as he steps into this expanded responsibility."

About Georgia-Pacific

Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. Our familiar consumer brands include Angel Soft, Brawny, Dixie, enMotion, Quilted Northern, Sparkle and Vanity Fair. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world's largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us. For news, visit: news.gp.com. Follow Georgia-Pacific on LinkedIn, Meta, Instagram, X and YouTube.

SOURCE Georgia-Pacific
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) announced that Major General (Retired) Kimberly M. Colloton and Blake Shiver, Vice President and General Manager, Public Sector at Procore Technologies, will headline a special fireside chat at the 14th annual Building Innovation Conference, taking place May 1920 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. The event brings together leaders from Government, the AECO industry, research and academic institutions, and community leaders to advance innovation and resilience across the nation's-built environment.

This year's conference will focus on benefiting lives, livelihoods, and communities across America by better aligning systems within the built environment and integrating future-oriented practices and innovation. Attendees will participate in expert-led general sessions and discussions on infrastructure resilience, digital delivery, industrialized construction, government housing, building codes, innovation in modular offsite construction, and adaptive design.

Major General (Retired) Kimberly M. Colloton recently concluded over 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Chief of Engineers and Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Washington, D.C. In this role, she provided strategic leadership and oversight for a $90-billion global portfolio and a workforce of 38,000 civilian and military professionals. She drove performance and accountability across resource management, contracting, engineering and construction, human capital, and network modernization, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of critical capabilities.

Blake Shiver leads Procore's strategy to support government agencies and infrastructure owners across federal, state, and local markets. With a background spanning Procore and more than a decade at Red Hat, including roles in global cloud partnerships and as Chief of Staff to the CEO, Blake is recognized for driving digital transformation, improving capital program transparency, and modernizing project delivery for public sector organizations.

At Building Innovation 2026, Major General (Retired) Colloton and Shiver will participate in a fireside chat exploring their experiences and insights into the innovations driving the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure across the nation. Their combined perspectives  spanning national defense, major infrastructure delivery, construction technology, and public sector modernization  will offer attendees a unique view of America's current and future built environment.

Major General (Retired) Colloton has consistently emphasized the importance of people, teams, and interdisciplinary expertise in achieving mission success, a theme closely aligned with the conference's focus on strengthening national infrastructure through cross-sector collaboration.

"We are honored and excited to welcome Major General (Retired) Colloton and Blake Shiver to Building Innovation 2026," said George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. "Our nation has benefited and will continue to be impacted by their leadership. We look forward to their insights into the ongoing evolutions and potential innovations that will elevate engineering excellence, strengthen communities, and serve the public good across America."

Registration information, schedule updates, and additional event details are available at the Building Innovation 2026 Conference website: https://nibs.org/building-innovation-conference. Federal, State, and Local government employees are eligible for complimentary registration. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Complimentary Press Registration

Members of the media are invited to attend the Building Innovation Conference with free press registration. To request press credentials or for any media inquiries, please contact Cheryl Foley at [email protected].

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

Created by an act of Congress in 1974 to be the nation's authoritative source of findings and recommendations on the impact and improvement of the built environment for the American people. At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation in the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation's future.

From shaping industry standards to guiding digital transformation, we empower building professionals, policymakers, and owners to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. We convene experts across sectors to develop solutions that ensure construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness keep pace with evolving challenges.

Building American Innovation isn't just our taglineit's our commitment. We foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive forward-thinking strategies for resilient communities. Because at NIBS, we don't just build structures, we build solutions.

For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University announced today that Paige Arneson-Wissink, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Center for Genetic Diseases, has been awarded a three-year, $747,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to support her research on cachexia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an aggressive and highly lethal form of cancer.

Cachexia, a metabolic disorder that causes the body to break down its own muscle and fat  regardless of food intake  accounts for 20%25% of all cancer-related deaths. It contributes to functional impairment, limits eligibility for anti-tumor therapies, and significantly reduces quality of life. Nutritional supplementation alone is insufficient to prevent tissue loss, and effective targeted therapies are limited.

"Our project is innovative in its use of advanced epigenetic techniques combined with a novel preclinical model of PDAC survivorship," Dr. Arneson-Wissink said. "Together, these tools allow us to define the epigenetic reprogramming events that persist after tumor clearance and increase vulnerability of muscle to nutritional stress."

PDAC accounts for approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. Its incidence is relatively low but rising. Globally, an estimated 495,000510,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, including approximately 64,00066,000 in the United States. Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. within the next decade. It occurs predominantly in individuals aged 65 and older.

Dr. Arneson-Wissink's recent findings demonstrate that systemic inflammation in PDAC impairs the liver's ability to adapt to ketogenic metabolism during periods of nutritional stress, contributing to muscle wasting. Inhibition of hepatic STAT3, a key liver signaling protein, restores ketogenic capacity and prevents muscle loss in PDAC preclinical studies. These findings provide the first evidence that enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation prevents cachexia progression.

"We are pleased to see Dr. Arneson-Wissink's work recognized by the NCI," said Janice Urban, PhD, RFU Interim Executive Vice President for Research. "Her research aims to improve the quality of life from diagnosis through survivorship by advancing our understanding of the metabolic interactions that drive cancer-associated cachexia."

About RFU

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving the global population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in the areas of neuroscience, brain related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university includes Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, Dr. William M. School College of Podiatric Medicine and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more at www.rosalindfranklin.edu.

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Expeditionary underwater training system supports mission readiness for Army divers conducting complex underwater operations

LAS VEGAS, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SAFE Structure Designs, a U.S. defense engineering and manufacturing company specializing in mission-critical military support equipment and expeditionary training systems, announced today the successful design, engineering, and manufacturing of a custom Mobile Diver Training Tank Module for the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Dive Detachment, 84th Infantry Battalion, 130th Infantry Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command (8th TSC) located at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Hawaii.

SAFE Mobile Diver Training Tank Module

The mobile diver training system was engineered to provide Army divers with a controlled environment to conduct realistic underwater mission training, enabling dive teams to rehearse operational scenarios and refine underwater procedures before executing missions in the field.

The custom-built diver training tank module features a large reinforced observation window, allowing instructors and safety personnel to visually monitor divers from outside the tank during training operations. This capability enhances both training oversight and diver safety while allowing instructors to evaluate performance during complex underwater exercises. For more info see a video link SAFE Mobile Diver Training Tank Module.

Designed with operational flexibility in mind, the system is fully mobile and transportable, allowing the dive training module to be relocated and deployed wherever underwater mission readiness training is required. The tank is large enough to accommodate multiple divers simultaneously, enabling coordinated dive-team exercises, underwater equipment handling, and mission-based training scenarios.

The system provides the Army dive unit with a dedicated underwater training capability that can support a wide range of operational preparation exercises, including:

Underwater mission scenario training

Diver equipment familiarization and procedural drills

Team-based underwater operations

Safety and emergency response training

Repetitive dive skill development in a controlled environment

"SAFE Structure Designs is honored to support the United States Army and the highly skilled divers of the 7th Infantry Dive Detachment," said Johnny Buscema, President and CEO of SAFE Structure Designs. "Our team was tasked with engineering a practical and reliable training platform that allows divers to safely rehearse underwater mission scenarios while instructors can observe and evaluate their performance in real time. Supporting the readiness of America's warfighters is at the core of everything we design and build."

The mobile dive training module reflects SAFE Structure Designs' continued role in developing custom-engineered defense equipment, training systems, and expeditionary support platforms for the U.S. Department of Defense. By combining rugged mobility, precision engineering, and mission-focused design, the system provides Army divers with a versatile training capability that can adapt to evolving operational requirements.

SAFE Structure Designs continues to expand its portfolio of custom military engineering solutions, supporting multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with specialized equipment designed to improve training effectiveness, operational readiness, and mission success.

Media Contact:

SAFE Structure Designs

[email protected]

For more info visit our website SAFE Structure Designs

SAFE Structure Designs is a U.S.-based defense engineering and manufacturing company that designs and produces specialized support equipment, expeditionary systems, training platforms, and mission-critical tooling for the United States military and defense industry.

The company works directly with Department of Defense customers to develop custom-engineered solutions that improve operational capability, maintenance efficiency, and mission readiness for the warfighter.

Founded on the principles of American manufacturing, precision engineering, and mission-driven innovation, SAFE Structure Designs continues to deliver purpose-built systems that support the evolving needs of the U.S. military.

SOURCE S.A.F.E. Structure Designs
Asia's largest AI conference brings 10,000+ attendees to Marina Bay Sands on June 10-11  with Google, AWS, Arm, Red Hat and Snowflake already confirmed

SINGAPORE, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperAI, the largest AI conference in Asia, returns to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on 10-11 June 2026. Now in its third year, the conference expects to convene over 10,000 attendees, 1,500 AI companies, 100+ exhibitors and 150+ speakers from over 150 countries.

Singapore is where East meets West in AI. As export controls tighten and sovereign AI strategies accelerate globally, the window for neutral-ground collaboration is narrowing. SuperAI 2026 exists for exactly this reason.

SuperAI 2026 has already secured commitments from leading AI and technology companies including OpenAI, WEKA, Snowflake, Arm, Google, AWS, Red Hat, DigitalOcean, Oxylabs, and Bain & Company, alongside institutional partners including Saudi Arabia's SDAIA and Startup Island Taiwan.

Confirmed speakers include Balaji Srinivasan (keynote on the personal, private, and programmable future of AI), Benedict Evans (returning to debut his annual presentation on AI industry trends), and Aaru co-founder Ned Koh ($1B AI unicorn expanding to Singapore), alongside leaders from Cerebras, Samsung Next, Z.ai, and Meitu. The lineup reflects SuperAI's position as the only global AI conference where leaders from across the world's major AI ecosystems share the same stage.

"Singapore is the only place in the world where the full spectrum of global AI comes together in one room  leading labs, frontier model builders, infrastructure players, and policymakers from across the US, Asia, and Europe. That's not an accident. It's Singapore's strategic position, and SuperAI is built to make the most of it," said Peter Noszek, Co-Founder of SuperAI.

Six Thematic Pillars

The SuperAI 2026 agenda is structured around six pillars reflecting how AI is transforming the global economy:

Robotics & Embodied AI  humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, automation in factories, logistics and the built environment

 humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, automation in factories, logistics and the built environment Frontier Models  the latest from leading AI labs pushing the boundaries of what's possible

 the latest from leading AI labs pushing the boundaries of what's possible AI Infrastructure  GPUs, data centres, energy, compute scaling and the sovereign infrastructure race

 GPUs, data centres, energy, compute scaling and the sovereign infrastructure race AI in Finance  intelligent agents in banking, capital markets and AI-powered risk

 intelligent agents in banking, capital AI-powered risk BioTech & HealthTech  drug discovery, precision medicine, and the convergence of AI with life sciences

 drug discovery, precision medicine, and the convergence of AI with life sciences AI's Global Impact  safety, governance, workforce transformation, climate, and public sector deployment

Chinese robotics and AI champions will appear alongside leading Western labs, founders and investors  reflecting growing demand for neutral ground where these ecosystems can meet.

Beyond the Main Stage

Genesis Startup Competition  the world's largest AI startup competition with a US$100,000 prize pool powered by OpenAI. Ten finalists selected from hundreds of global applicants across 40+ countries.

 the world's largest AI startup competition with a US$100,000 prize pool powered by OpenAI. Ten finalists selected from hundreds of global applicants across 40+ countries. NEXT Hackathon  backed by AWS and Vercel, a 36-hour hackathon at Marina Bay Sands with a US$100,000 prize pool.

 backed by AWS and Vercel, a 36-hour hackathon at Marina Bay Sands with a US$100,000 prize pool. Singapore AI Week (8-14 June)  a city-wide programme of labs, workshops, community events and ecosystem meetups anchored by SuperAI.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale  prices increase 31 March. Opportunities are open for sponsors, exhibitors, startups and communities looking to host events during Singapore AI Week.

For more information visit www.superai.com.

About SuperAI Singapore

SuperAI is the largest AI conference in Asia, bringing over 10,000 attendees and 1,500 AI companies from more than 150 countries to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The conference is where East meets West in AI  spanning robotics & embodied AI, frontier models, AI infrastructure, biotech & healthtech, finance, and AI's global impact. SuperAI takes place 10-11 June 2026 as the anchor event of Singapore AI Week (8-14 June).

SOURCE SuperAI
In the news release, THE CHAIRMAN IN HONG KONG IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF ASIA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026, issued 25-Mar-2026 by 50 Best over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that there has been an update to the release and PDF. The complete, corrected release follows:

THE CHAIRMAN IN HONG KONG IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF ASIA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026

Hong Kong's The Chairman reclaims the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, for the first time since 2021

reclaims the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, for the first time since 2021 Hangzhou's Ru Yuan (No.10) takes the Highest New Entry Award

(No.10) takes the Highest New Entry Award Lamdre (No.17) in Beijing soars 33 spots to take the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

(No.17) in Beijing soars 33 spots to take the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee Asia's Best Female Chef 2026 is Cho Eun-hee from Seoul's Onjium (No.14)

from Seoul's Onjium (No.14) Ardika Dwitama from Jakarta's August (No.42) wins Asia's Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona

from Jakarta's August (No.42) wins Asia's Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona Restaurateur Zhang Yong is honoured with the SevenRooms Icon Award

is honoured with the SevenRooms Icon Award Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn , from Nusara (No.5) and Le Du (No.36) in Bangkok, is recognised with the Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award

, from Nusara (No.5) and Le Du (No.36) in Bangkok, is recognised with the Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award Lesley Liu from Odette (No.19) in Singapore is the winner of the Asia's Best Sommelier Award, sponsored by Vik

from Odette (No.19) in Singapore is the winner of the Asia's Best Sommelier Award, sponsored by Vik Baan Tepa (No.53) in Bangkok wins the Sustainable Restaurant Award

For the full 1-50 list, click here.

HONG KONG, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cantonese cuisine trailblazer The Chairman is named The Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, at the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 live awards ceremony. Celebrated for honouring heritage Cantonese ingredients and traditions from southern China, The Chairman continues to champion refined regional cuisine rooted in seasonality.

The Chairman in Hong Kong wins the No.1 spot in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, reclaiming the top position for the first time since 2021 (PRNewsfoto/50 Best) View PDF

Voted by the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential, gender-balanced group of more than 350 industry experts, this year's list features restaurants from 17 cities across the region with three cities appearing on the 1-50 ranking for the first time, alongside eight new restaurant entries and three re-entries. Bangkok leads this year's list with nine restaurants, followed by Tokyo with seven entries. Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore are each represented with six establishments.

Rikki Tidball, Managing Director  Events, 50 Best, says: "Heartfelt congratulations go to all the restaurants featured on this year's list, especially The Chairman on being named No.1 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The commitment to boundary-pushing gastronomy across the ranking is a tribute to the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia's vibrant restaurant scene."

The evening also celebrated the winners of pre-announced awards, including Peggy Chan as this year's winner of the Champions of Change Award, Masque (No.15) in Mumbai as the Art of Hospitality Award winner and San in Seoul as the One To Watch Award winner.

Media centre:

https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2942286/50_Best_Chairman_Hong_Kong.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2922156/Asia_50_Best_Restaurants_2026_Logo.jpg

PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2943295/50_Best.pdf

SOURCE 50 Best
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual and Sustainability Report is now available digitally in English and Swedish at www.vitrolifegroup.com. The Annual Report in accordance with European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) is available in Swedish.

Vitrolife Group has chosen not to print or distribute a hard copy of the Annual Report. Those who are unable to access the Annual Report digitally can request a print-out of the Annual Report by contacting Vitrolife Group at [email protected] or call +46 (0) 31 721 80 00.

Gothenburg, Sweden

March 26, 2026

VITROLIFE AB (publ)

This disclosure contains information that Vitrolife AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the Swedish Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 26-03-2026 09:00 CET.

CONTACT:

Jenny Jakobson

Investor Relations

[email protected]

This is a translation of the Swedish version of the press release. When in doubt, the Swedish wording prevails.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/vitrolife-ab--publ-/r/vitrolife-group-has-today-published-its-annual-and-sustainability-report-for-2025,c4325108

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1031/4325108/4006207.pdf Vitrolife Group Annual and Sustainability Report 2025 https://mb.cision.com/Main/1031/4325108/4007545.zip vitr-2025-12-31-1-sv.zip

SOURCE Vitrolife AB (publ)
SHELTON, Conn., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, Zillow introduced Zillow Preview, a new way to bring broad exposure to pre-market listings, helping agents generate more visibility for their sellers' listings early in the process. Today, William Raveis, the Top Luxury Brokerage1, has partnered with Zillow Preview to make their listings publicly visible on Zillow and Trulia.

William Raveis independent family-owned real estate company partners with Zillow Preview, l-r: Chris Raveis (co-President), Bill Raveis (Chairman & CEO) and Ryan Raveis (co-President).

William Raveis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is excited about this new partnership, "Our job is to make sure every home gets the attention it deserves and that's why sellers come to us when they want to list their home. Zillow Preview gives our sales associates a new way to reach a much larger audience earlier in the listing process. William Raveis is choosing broad exposure over limiting access to pre-market listings."

Zillow Preview gives agents a new way to showcase homes and a powerful marketing tool when walking sellers through their listing strategy  tapping into Zillow's unmatched audience of 235 million average monthly unique users. Zillow Preview listings receive elevated placement in search results and saved-home alerts, helping buyers discover homes earlier. Listing agents receive reporting on how a Preview listing is performing, including saves, shares and pre-booked tours, to leverage as they build out their selling strategy for their client.

"The early response from brokerages like William Raveis reinforces a core principle we've focused on for years: when information is shared broadly, the market works better," said Errol Samuelson, Chief Industry Development Officer at Zillow. "A healthy housing market thrives on transparency. Sellers benefit from greater exposure. Buyers gain access to more inventory."

William Raveis' Zillow Preview listings are expected to be publicly visible on Zillow and Trulia next month.

About William Raveis

William Raveis is the number one independent family-owned real estate company in the Northeast, Florida, and South Carolina with over 140 offices and 4,500 sales associates. Recognized with top industry honors, including Inman's Top Luxury Brokerage1 and Inman Innovators awards, the company offers fully-integrated real estate, mortgage, and insurance services designed to deliver a seamless client experience. For more information, visit raveis.com.

1 Source: Inman Golden I Club 2025

SOURCE William Raveis
About this content 

About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

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About Jamie Ashcroft

Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

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Units of the Air Assault Forces grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have taken control of the settlement of Berezove in Dnipropetrovsk region, the Air Assault Forces Command said.

"Units of the 95th Separate Polissia Air Assault Brigade have taken full control of the settlement of Berezove in Dnipropetrovsk region. Step by step, the paratroopers are driving Russian occupiers from Ukrainian land. Wherever units of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine move in, the enemy suffers colossal losses, or remains in Ukrainian soil forever," the statement said on Facebook.
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About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... 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.
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About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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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.

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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.

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Russia is trying to use the global energy crisis to increase supplies of Russian energy resources to the EU market, the Main Intelligence Agency of Ukraines Defense Ministry told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russian leadership has developed a comprehensive plan to return to the European energy market. Representatives of the Russian authorities at all levels have been involved in implementing the plan.

The action plan had been prepared earlier amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. An echo of this was Vladimir Putins public "warning" at a meeting of the FSB board on February 24 this year about preparations to sabotage the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines in the Black Sea.

Ukrainian intelligence noted that, in this context, attention should be paid to the fact that Russias accusations against Ukraine of "energy terrorism" were not accidental. These accusations were voiced by Russias permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, at a UN Security Council meeting on March 23 this year. Russian media widely circulated his statement: "Attacks on export infrastructure facilities ensuring supplies of Russian gas through TurkStream and Blue Stream have not ceased. In recent days, UAV attacks have been carried out on the Russkaya compressor station in Krasnodar territory, as well as on Kazachya and Beregovaya."

Ukrainian intelligence stresses that a special role in carrying out the Kremlins plans is assigned to Russian special services. They have drawn up measures aimed at increasing supplies of Russian energy resources to the EU market. To implement this scenario, Russia is considering a set of active measures to deepen the hydrocarbons shortage in European countries. In particular, options are being explored for suspending the operation of TurkStream and the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline, which supply energy resources for the benefit of European countries, under the pretext that they were damaged by Ukrainian drone strikes.

According to Russias assessment, suspending the operation of these pipelines would make it possible to inflict losses on Western energy companies, create a raw materials shortage in the EU, trigger a significant rise in oil prices and ultimately force the European Commission to ease sanctions on Russias energy sector "under pressure of objective circumstances."
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About Angela Harmantas

Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

About the publisher

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If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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New Delhi, March 25 : The overall flight situation from the Middle East countries to India continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational considerations, with around 80 flights expected to operate on Wednesday from various airports to India, according to an update issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India as well. With the Qatar airspace also partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around nine non-scheduled commercial flights to India on Wednesday, the statement said.

Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed. Special non-scheduled flights are being operated from Saudi Arabia by carriers such as Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air, facilitating travel of Indian nationals to India.

Indian nationals in Iran continue to be assisted for travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan, with 1,043 individuals, including 717 students and 326 Indian citizens have crossed out of Iran with the Indian missionas assistance, the statement said.

Indian nationals in Israel are being facilitated to travel to India via Jordan. In view of restrictions in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated for Indian nationals.

Since February 28, around 4,26,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. During this period, a total of 2,149 flights, including scheduled and non-scheduled flights of Indian as well as foreign carriers, have operated from the region to India.

The Ministry is also providing support for repatriation of mortal remains of Indian nationals. The mortal remains of an Indian national who passed away in Riyadh on 18th March have been brought back to India, and the Government remains in close contact with the family, the statement said.

Indian missions in Oman, Iraq and the UAE are in touch with local authorities regarding missing and deceased Indian nationals and are facilitating early repatriation of mortal remains, the statement added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, March 26 : Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the global BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, will consecrate a 108-foot-tall statue of Tapomurti Shri Neelkanth Varni (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) at the Swaminarayan Akshardham on Thursday, with elaborate preparations underway for the grand ceremony.

The towering statue, crafted from panchdhatu -- a sacred alloy of five metals, primarily bronze -- is unique as it depicts Neelkanth Varni standing on a single foot, symbolising deep austerity and penance. Officials said this is the first statue of its kind in the world to present the form in such a posture.

In the run-up to the consecration, a series of associated rituals has been conducted at various locations. On the morning of March 22, consecration ceremonies were held at newly constructed BAPS Swaminarayan temples in Panchkula and Kurukshetra.

Subsequently, on March 23, the statue intended for installation at the upcoming Paris temple, scheduled for consecration in September, was also ritually worshipped as part of the spiritual preparations.

The 108-foot statue at Akshardham took nearly a year to complete and is primarily fashioned from bronze as part of the panchdhatu composition.

Its creation involved the dedicated efforts of artisan sadhus associated with Akshardham, nearly 50 skilled craftsmen, and numerous volunteers who contributed to bringing the project to fruition.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan, revered in his youthful ascetic form as Neelkanth Varni, embarked on a spiritual journey at the age of 11 after renouncing his home.

Over a period of seven years, he travelled more than 12,000 kilometres across India for the welfare of humanity.

During this extensive pilgrimage, he visited several prominent sacred sites, including the Himalayas, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Kailash-Manasarovar, Muktinath in Nepal, Kamakhya in Assam, Jagannath Puri in Odisha, Rameshwaram, Nashik, Pandharpur, and Dwarka, earning recognition as Neelkanth Varni during this transformative phase of his life.
New Delhi, March 26 : A minor boy was brutally stabbed to death late at night in Delhi's Dayalpur area, triggering fear and tension across the locality, officials said on Thursday.

The incident took place in Lane Number 13 under the jurisdiction of Dayalpur Police Station in northeast Delhi.

The injured victim was rushed to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital in Shastri Park, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, according to the Delhi Police.

According to local residents, the incident took place late at night when two to three assailants allegedly attacked the minor, inflicting multiple stab injuries before fleeing the scene. Police were immediately alerted following the attack.

Officials said that by the time the victim was taken to the hospital, his condition was critical, and he could not be saved.

A team from the Delhi Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated an investigation. A Forensic Science Laboratory team was also called in to examine the crime scene and collect vital evidence.

Police said efforts are currently underway to establish the identity of the deceased, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to identify and trace the accused persons involved in the crime.

The body has been taken into custody and sent to the mortuary at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Authorities have registered a case of murder in connection with the incident, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible. Investigators are also working to ascertain the motive behind the killing.

The incident comes close on the heels of another fatal stabbing reported on March 24 in northeast Delhias Bhajanpura area, where an 18-year-old youth lost his life.

In that case, the victim, identified as Mohammad Asif, a resident of Subhash Mohalla, was attacked near a temple in the locality. By the time police reached the scene, he had already been taken to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital by his family members, where he later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials had said.
Washington, March 26 : The United States is intensifying efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise global oil flows as its military campaign against Iran continues, with the White House saying operations are focused on protecting energy routes critical to the global economy.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US forces are targeting Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the strategic waterway, a vital transit point for global energy supplies.

"Our military also remains laser focused on eliminating the regime's threat to the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz," she said.

As part of that effort, US forces struck Iranian military infrastructure along the coastline of the strait.

"Over the weekend, we dropped several 5,000-pound bombs on an underground facility used to store equipment, including anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers," Leavitt said.

The White House said the broader campaign has significantly degraded Iran's maritime capabilities, claiming the destruction of more than 140 naval vessels, including mine layers that could disrupt shipping lanes.

Leavitt said these operations are aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels.

"Our military efforts grow more successful with each passing day, steadily degrading Iran's ability to terrorise merchant ships," she said.

However, she acknowledged there is no immediate timeline for the full restoration of normal tanker traffic through the strait.

"I don't have a specific timeline for you today but it's obviously something the administration is working towards as quickly as we can," she said.

Alongside military operations, the administration is rolling out measures to stabilise global energy markets and contain price volatility.

Leavitt said the US has directed financial and policy tools to support oil flows, including offering "reasonably-priced political risk insurance" for tankers and issuing waivers to ease supply constraints.

She added that Washington is coordinating with international partners to release additional oil supplies and has taken steps to expand fuel availability domestically.

These measures include a temporary waiver allowing expanded gasoline sales and flexibility in fuel blending requirements to boost supply.

The White House said the administration is working "closely" across agencies to keep oil prices stable during the conflict, which has raised concerns about disruptions to global supply chains.

Leavitt stressed that maintaining energy stability remains a key objective alongside military goals.

"The administration is coming up with creative new solutions by the day to keep the price of oil stable," she said.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in the strait can have immediate consequences for international markets, including major importers such as India.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Tehran, March 26 : Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that certain data demonstrate that the "enemies" are preparing for an operation to occupy an Iranian island with the support of a regional state.

"If they take any step forward, all of the vital infrastructure of that regional country will come under (Iran's) unrelenting attacks without any restriction," Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on social media platform X.

In a separate post earlier in the day, Ghalibaf said Iran is closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially its troop deployments.

"What the generals have broken, the soldiers can't fix; instead, they will fall victim to (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's delusions," he said, warning, "Do not test our resolve to defend our land."

Ghalibaf's remarks came amid reports that the Pentagon is expected to send thousands of soldiers from the US Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the US has said that it is intensifying efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise global oil flows as its military campaign against Iran continues, with the White House saying operations are focused on protecting energy routes critical to the global economy.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US forces are targeting Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the strategic waterway, a vital transit point for global energy supplies.

"Our military also remains laser focused on eliminating the regime's threat to the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz," she said.

As part of that effort, US forces struck Iranian military infrastructure along the coastline of the strait.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.
The national RECOVERY network, founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support Ukraines Security and Defense Forces, continues to expand. A 19th innovative rehabilitation center for Ukraines servicemen and servicewomen has opened in Kyiv. Nearly 1,000 military personnel will be able to receive free rehabilitation services here each year.

This is already the fourth RECOVERY center in the Kyiv region, providing high-quality, accessible, and evidence-based rehabilitation care. The RECOVERY project is an example of effective public-private partnership, where philanthropists create innovative rehabilitation centers based within public healthcare institutions.

Victor Pinchuk, founder of the RECOVERY project:

We are opening the 19th center in the RECOVERY network, and it is truly the most powerful and advanced network of physical rehabilitation centers in the country. Over this time, more than 43,000 of our heroes have already undergone recovery. The philosophy of the project that we launched together with my wife Olena is this: our defenders are fighting for independence on the front line, and if something happens to them, they must know that here we will do everything so they can feel their independence. That is why we are building this network across the countryto thank our heroes and ensure they receive the best possible recovery.

The center is equipped with innovative equipment that covers the full spectrum of functional impairments, including those caused by gunshot wounds and blast injuries. In particular, virtual reality (VR) systems and biofeedback technologies are used, enabling effective recovery of motor functions and coordination.

Within the treatment and rehabilitation area, the RECOVERY project funded the setup of a physical therapy gym, individual physical rehabilitation rooms, occupational therapy rooms, assistive technology rooms, laser therapy, physiotherapy, massage rooms, as well as offices for a psychotherapist and a speech and language therapist, inclusive restrooms, and technical facilities. The space is fully barrier-free for patients: wide doorways, no thresholds, medical non-slip flooring, handrails in corridors, and accessible sanitary facilities.

The Kyiv city authorities also contributed to the development of the rehabilitation center at the initiative of Mayor Vitali Klitschko, including the creation of a 36-bed inpatient unit.

Recovery is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including physicians in physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM), physical therapists and their assistants, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, psychologists, as well as orthotic and prosthetic technicians. The team regularly advances its qualifications and implements modern rehabilitation approaches within the educational track of the RECOVERY project.

Tetiana Osypchuk, Head of the RECOVERY Rehabilitation Center in Kyiv:

Recovery for military personnel is not only about treating an injuryit is  all about the person, their needs, and their goals. That is why a multidisciplinary approach is essential: it allows us to simultaneously address the physical, psychological, and social consequences of war. When a team of specialists works in coordination, it helps not just reduce symptoms, but restore functionality and return our defenders to active life.

The educational track for specialists is one of RECOVERYs priorities. The project develops the professional community and provides access to training not only for specialists within the network, but for the entire field of physical rehabilitation. Already, 6,500 medical professionals have participated in educational events. The initiative has also organized international internships in 11 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the United States, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Thanks to high-tech equipment and the expertise of specialists, the centers provide high-quality, accessible, and evidence-based rehabilitation care. RECOVERYs innovative centers offer free services in Vinnytsia; the Dnipro region (three centers); the Kyiv region (four centers); Lutsk; Lviv; Odesa (two centers); Poltava; Rivne; Khmelnytskyi; Ternopil; Cherkasy; Chernihiv; and Chernivtsi. In total, more than 43,000 patients have already received rehabilitation services within the national RECOVERY network.
Washington, March 26 : US lawmakers and officials have warned of risks in the transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial space platforms, as China expands its presence in low Earth orbit.

House Science Committee Chairman Brian Babin on Wednesday (local time) said, "The International Space Station is a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrates the ingenuity of the American space program."

He stated the ISS has supported human spaceflight and research for more than 25 years. But he noted the station is ageing and the next phase must be handled carefully.

Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos stressed the need for competition with China. "America must lead in low Earth orbit," he said.

He said space leadership is not only about deep space missions. It also depends on the strength in low Earth orbit.

Safety concerns were raised by Charles J. Precourt, Member of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.

"The ISS is operating in the highest-risk phase of its lifecycle," Precourt said.

He said ageing systems and wear are increasing risks.

"Continued safe operation is achievable, but it is not assured without sustained engineering rigour, disciplined risk management, and adequate resourcing," he said.

Precourt also warned about the transition.

"There is a credible risk of a gap in US human spaceflight capability in low Earth orbit," he said.

He said such a gap could affect research and future missions.

Industry leaders pointed to strong demand for space-based work.

David Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation, said, "The global value is already estimated at $570 billion and projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035."

He said private research on the ISS has grown fast.

Cavossa urged policy clarity. "NASA should proceed with the CLD procurement and provide industry with certainty of its acquisition strategy, requirements, and procurement timeline," he said.

He warned that delays could hurt investment and slow new stations.

NASA said it is preparing for the shift.

Joel R. Montalbano, Acting Associate Administrator for Space Operations, said, "NASA's strategy will spur private sector initiative and a commercial pathway to replace the International Space Station by 2030."

He added NASA aims to be "one of many customers in a robust commercial marketplace in LEO."

Montalbano said the ISS has supported major research in science and human health.

Lawmakers stated that avoiding a gap in human presence in orbit is critical.

Babin warned that after decades of continuous presence, any gap would be significant.

The ISS was completed in 2011 after years of delays. It has hosted nearly 200 American astronauts.

China launched its Tiangong space station in 2022. It has been continuously crewed since then.

US officials said the next few years will decide leadership in low Earth orbit.
Tel Aviv, March 26 : A missile fired from Iran has evaded Israel's air defence systems and struck the city of Dimona, near which Israel's main nuclear facility and reactor are located, state-owned Kan TV reported.

Air raid sirens in the area sounded in the morning and early afternoon on Wednesday (local time), warning of incoming missile attacks, according to the Home Front Command. The Israeli military did not officially confirm whether the missile was intercepted.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported no injuries.

Kan reported that the missile struck Dimona, located about 13 km northwest of the nuclear site in the Negev Desert, without elaborating on whether there was damage, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre, often referred to as the "Dimona reactor," is one of Israel's most heavily guarded sites.

Iran has repeatedly targeted the area since Saturday, when a missile attack injured 64 people in Dimona. Tehran said the attack was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Natanz nuclear facility.

Earlier on March 24, a missile fired from Iran struck Tel Aviv, injuring several people and damaging buildings and vehicles, Israeli authorities said.

Loud explosions were heard across the city, with eyewitnesses reporting large plumes of smoke rising from both northern and southern parts of the country's commercial hub.

Israel's Army Radio, citing security officials, reported that it was apparently a cluster-type missile containing several bomblets, each weighing about 100 kg, with the bomblets or their fragments impacting several sites.

At an impact site in northern Tel Aviv, a missile struck between buildings, "causing a powerful blast wave that heavily damaged three buildings," Miki David, commander of the Tel Aviv district in the Home Front Command, told reporters at the scene. He said shelters in the buildings remained intact, and those inside were unharmed.

Images shared on social media showed that the impact left a crater.

In a statement, the Israeli military said search and rescue teams were operating at "several sites" in central Israel after impacts were reported.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said six people were lightly injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Air raid sirens were activated seven times across Israel overnight and into Tuesday morning amid continued missile fire from Iran. The last missile attack activated sirens in southern Israel, including in Dimona, where Israel's nuclear facility is located.

The strike came as the regional conflict entered its 25th day, with tensions remaining high despite U.S. President Donald Trump's claim of ongoing negotiations, which Iran dismissed as "fake news."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, March 26 : A group of US senators have urged federal regulators to act against illegal online sales of abortion pills, flagging links to overseas supply chains, including India.

In a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary on Wednesday, the lawmakers called for "immediate action" to stop "misbranded and unapproved versions of the chemical abortion drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol" entering the US market.

They said the "illegal sale of these drugs harms women and undermines the FDA's core mission to protect American consumers."

The senators warned that easy online access without medical supervision "poses serious risks to women's health and increases the risk of forced and coerced abortions."

The letter draws attention to global supply chains. It said drugs sold by foreign websites "often come from a variety of manufacturers in India."

Lawmakers said the scale of the online market is growing fast. One provider sent 43,259 packages to 30 US states in a year. Another estimate said "as many as 1,00,000 packages" were shipped into the US in 2023.

The senators identified four main channels. These include US-based telehealth clinics, foreign clinics, informal networks, and online pharmacies. Many, they said, operate without prescriptions or proper oversight.

They said some websites falsely claim to sell "FDA-approved" drugs. In reality, they ship unapproved versions from overseas manufacturers.

The letter also raised safety concerns. Some platforms advise users not to tell doctors they took the drugs.

The lawmakers urged the FDA to step up enforcement. They called for warning letters, action against website domains, and stronger coordination with customs and postal authorities to intercept shipments.

They also asked for criminal investigations. The letter cited a 2020 case where a US resident was prosecuted for selling abortion pills sourced from India without prescriptions.

The senators said the FDA must "fully leverage its authorities" and prioritise the issue.

The letter was led by Senator Bill Cassidy. It was signed by Senators Steve Daines, James Lankford, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Lindsey Graham.

They have asked the FDA to respond with details of enforcement steps by April 8.

Medication abortion is widely used in the US. It typically involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol under regulated conditions.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul, March 26 : President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged the nation to cooperate on energy-saving efforts as the prolonged war in the Middle East has disrupted global energy markets, but pledged no change in electricity prices.

Lee made the remarks during an emergency economic response meeting, as the government is set to impose another round of a fuel price cap to help protect the nation's economy from impacts from the US-Israel war with Iran, reports Yonhap news agency.

"(I) urge gas stations to actively cooperate in setting prices in line with the intended purpose of the oil price cap system," Lee said.

"Taking advantage of a national crisis to seek unfair profits through practices such as collusion and hoarding will not be tolerated and the government will continue to respond strictly under a zero-tolerance principle," Lee said.

Lee said the government will not raise electricity bills for now, but emphasised the need to conserve electricity, which is supplied by the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO).

"The government does not plan to adjust electricity rates for now, but keeping them at the current level could significantly widen KEPCO's losses," Lee said.

He warned that greater reliance on electricity over petroleum-based products could further deepen KEPCO's financial burden and ultimately add pressure on government finances.

KEPCO has accumulated about 206 trillion won (US$136.9 billion) in debt after supplying electricity below production costs, even as global energy prices surged between 2021 and 2023 following the Russia-Ukraine War.

As part of an energy-saving campaign, Lee urged the public sector to actively adopt a five-day vehicle license plate rotation system and encouraged citizens to use public transportation.

He also instructed officials to draw up a detailed supplementary budget to prepare for the broader economic impact of a prolonged conflict, as the ruling Democratic Party plans to submit the extra budget bill to the National Assembly next Tuesday.

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Mumbai, March 26 : In a joint operation conducted by the police and the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) in Mumbai's Vakola area, two Ugandan women have been taken into custody for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation.

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) In a joint operation conducted by the police and the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) in Mumbaias Vakola area, two Ugandan women have been taken into custody for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation.

The arrested women have been identified as Nakayondo Rose (37) and Kemigisa Proscovia (26).

According to police officials, both women had been living in Mumbaias Kalina area for the past several years. However, they neither possessed valid visas nor the necessary legal documents required to stay in the country. Acting on specific intelligence inputs indicating that the duo had been residing in India for an extended period without authorisation, the police carried out a targeted raid.

During the operation, both women were detained, and subsequent interrogation revealed that they had continued to stay in India even after the expiry of their permitted duration. Following this, the police initiated legal proceedings against them under the provisions of the Foreigners Act.

Officials further stated that the deportation process for both individuals has been set in motion. Authorities are currently coordinating with the relevant government departments as well as the concerned embassy to complete the necessary formalities.

The action forms part of a broader nationwide effort by Indian authorities to identify and deport foreign nationals residing illegally in the country. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance, verification drives, and intelligence-gathering operations to curb such violations.

Earlier, on March 6, five Nigerian nationals found to be staying illegally in India were deported, officials said. The move was part of an ongoing crackdown led by Delhi Police in the national capital. According to officials, teams from various police stations and specialised units regularly collect intelligence on foreign nationals suspected of residing or moving within the city without valid documentation.

Police authorities have emphasised that illegal overstaying places additional pressure on local resources and infrastructure, prompting stricter enforcement of immigration laws. In February alone, five Nigerian nationals were apprehended for overstaying without valid visas.

In a similar operation on February 26, six Bangladeshi nationals were deported from Goa after being found living without valid travel or immigration documents. The deportation was carried out through a coordinated effort between the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Goa, and the Border Security Force (BSF).

Officials confirmed that due procedures were followed, with an escort team from FRRO Goa handing over the individuals to the BSF, which subsequently facilitated their deportation to Bangladesh.

Additionally, on February 25, Versova Police in Mumbai conducted a major operation against illegal immigration, arresting 25 Bangladeshi nationals from the Andheri West Yari Road area. Among those detained were 21 transgender persons, two women, and two men. Authorities have initiated the process to deport all individuals.

Police investigations revealed that many of these individuals had entered India illegally several years ago, often via Kolkata, before travelling through Delhi and Gujarat to Mumbai.
Srinagar, March 26 : The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch said on Thursday that it was conducting house searches in connection with a Covid period fraud case in which huge amounts were siphoned off.

A Crime Branch statement said that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch, J&K, conducted house searches at three different locations in the districts of Srinagar and Budgam in connection with FIR No. 11/2026 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC, read with Section 66-D of the IT Act.

The case was initiated on the basis of a written complaint submitted by M/s Sanjay Trading Company, Najafgarh, New Delhi, through its proprietor, Sanjay Kumar Sahu.

The complainant alleged that "Emad Muzafar Makdoomi, alias Imran Shah, son of Muzaffar Iqbal Maqdoomi, a resident of House No. 09, Bismillah Colony, Peerbagh, Srinagar, and Vikar Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, a resident of L.D Colony near Fire & Emergency, Sanatnagar, Srinagar, dishonestly induced the firm on the pretext of procuring medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic".

A preliminary probe revealed that the accused persons, through deceitful means, fraudulently obtained huge amounts, including funds from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.

They also attempted to siphon off crores of rupees from the Government Medical College, Srinagar. The accused individuals impersonated government officials, posing as delegates and OSD (Supplies), and issued fake allotment orders of various departments and institutions.

They further created fake email IDs of the complainant firm and opened fraudulent bank accounts in its name to divert payments.

On the basis of these findings, a formal case has been registered, and the investigation has been set into motion.

"The house searches being conducted are aimed at securing further evidence, including digital records and financial documents. Further investigation is underway," the Crime Branch officials said.
March 26 : Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Governments One Stop Centres are playing a significant role in ensuring womens safety. In the financial year 2025-26, assistance has been provided to women in 55,134 cases so far, reflecting the wide reach and impact of this system.

This represents the stories of thousands of women who received immediate support during times of crisis. Out of these, 26,450 cases came through the police, while 7,551 women themselves came forward to seek help, indicating that both access to the system and trust in it are increasing rapidly.

One Stop Centres are now functioning as an integrated system. A total of 8,506 cases came through the womens helpline, 6,433 through the Child Welfare Committee, and 5,560 through other sources. In addition, women received assistance through various departments as well.

This shows that the system is no longer fragmented, but has come together on a single platform to provide every necessary support to affected women.

Among these cases, the highest number, 34,565, are related to civil disputes, while 14,268 cases pertain to domestic violence. Apart from this, there are also cases related to sexual violence, gender-based violence, and cybercrime.

It is evident that One Stop Centres are no longer just a service, but have become a comprehensive solution centre for all issues related to women.

The reach of these centres extends across all age groups. A total of 26,565 women in the 18 to 30 age group and 7,888 women in the 31 to 45 age group have benefited from these services. Women from other age groups have also received assistance.

This indicates that the system is reaching every section of society equally and providing timely help to those in need.

At present, 96 One Stop Centres are operational in the state, and 25 more new centres will become operational next month in April. Continuous services are being provided through these centres. Despite limited staff, assistance in a large number of cases shows that the system is functioning effectively at the ground level.

Overall, One Stop Centres have now become a strong pillar of womens safety. The Yogi Government has demonstrated that safety is not just about making policies, but about ensuring assistance reaches the last person, and this is the true strength of this model.
New Delhi, March 26 : Devotees across the country flocked to temples on Thursday to celebrate Durga Ashtami, one of the most significant days of the Chaitra Navratri festival. Temple premises resonated with chants, hymns, and devotional songs, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere as thousands gathered to offer prayers.

In the national capital, a large number of devotees thronged the Jhandewalan Temple, where celebrations were held with great enthusiasm. The temple premises was filled with devotees singing bhajans and participating in devotional dances.

Ravindra Goel, trustee of the temple, said, "Navratri is nearing completion, and a grand Ashtami celebration is being held here. Kanya Pujan will take place shortly, and since morning, a steady stream of devotees has been arriving for darshan."

Similar scenes were witnessed across various states. In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, devotees gathered in large numbers at the revered Shri Naina Devi Temple, performing special puja and rituals.

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, thousands attended the sacred Bhasma Aarti at the famous Baba Mahakal temple on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

In Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, special prayers and aarti were conducted at the Maa Tulja Bhavani and Maa Chamunda temples, drawing devotees from nearby regions. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, worshippers assembled at the Alopi Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir, where rituals were performed to honour the divine palanquin.

Maihar in Madhya Pradesh also witnessed heavy footfall at the Maa Sharada Temple, where special offerings and aarti marked the auspicious day.

In Rajasthan's Churu, devotees gathered in large numbers at local temples, which were beautifully decorated for the occasion.

A devotee said, "During Navratri, grand religious programmes are organised, and the temple, which is over a hundred years old, is decorated magnificently. It is believed that the wishes of devotees who come here with a pure heart are fulfilled."

Meanwhile, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims continued their journey to the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi on the eighth day of Navratri.

One devotee expressed joy, saying, "On the occasion of Durga Ashtami, I feel fortunate to have received the opportunity to visit. I have come here with my children."

Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of Shukla Pratipada and concludes with Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi began on March 25 at 1.50 p.m. and will conclude on March 26 at 11.48 a.m., making Thursday the day of celebration.

Ram Navami, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals, will be observed with great devotion as the Navami Tithi begins at 11.13 a.m. on March 26 and concludes at 10.00 a.m. on March 27. Devotees across the country are preparing to mark the occasion with equal fervour.
Kolkata, March 26 : A Trinamool Congress supporter was killed in Kolkata following a gunfight between two rival groups while they were sitting and consuming alcohol on a rooftop at midnight, the police said on Thursday.

Spare cartridges were found scattered across the area. The incident took place in Ward No. 101 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The deceased has been identified as Rahul Dey (36). Another individual, named Jeet Mukherjee, sustained injuries.

According to the police, Rahul and Jeet were previously acquainted; however, they had not been in contact for a long time. On Wednesday night, an event was being hosted at Jeet Mukherjee's residence, to which Rahul had been invited. Subsequently, the group gathered on the rooftop of Jeet's house. They were allegedly consuming alcohol at the time. Around 12.30 a.m., neighbours heard gunfire. Approximately three rounds of shots were heard. The others who were present on the rooftop fled the scene. It was through one of them that news was conveyed to Rahul's family.

Upon reaching the scene, Rahul's brother and mother found him lying there, bloodied and with gunshot wounds. Jeet was found lying right beside him. Both men were rescued and rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced Rahul dead.

According to locals, Jeet had been barred from entering Patuli since 2021. He had been arrested multiple times by the Patuli Police Station on charges of involvement in various anti-social activities. Although he initially began working as a loyal foot soldier for the area's Trinamool Councillor, Bappaditya Dasgupta, he subsequently began engaging in various illicit activities across the locality while invoking the Councillor's name. Consequently, the Councillor himself lodged a complaint with the police station. Not just once or twice, but on several occasions, Jeet was arrested by the police.

Following this, he was expelled from the local Trinamool camp and banished from the area. Jeet then rented a home in the neighbouring Ward No. 99 and began residing there. However, allegations suggest that even after moving there, the man continued to engage in similar criminal activities. Police said he was arrested several times by the Netaji Nagar Police Station.

It was learnt that for the past 15 to 20 days, he had returned to Patuli's Phoolbagan area and started staying at his parents' flat again. He claimed that he had come merely to visit his parents, not to reside in the locality permanently.

It is alleged that on Wednesday night, he invited Rahul to join a drinking session organised on the rooftop of his residential complex. The gathering was proceeding as planned when miscreants belonging to a rival faction -- opposed to Jeet and Rahul -- entered the complex and made their way to the rooftop. There, they opened fire indiscriminately. Rahul succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Jeet sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital located near the EM Bypass.

The deceased Rahul's brother said, "I received a phone call at 1.00 a.m. The brother of one of the individuals present at the party called me. I took my mother and rushed to the scene. The police were already on the rooftop. I saw two people lying there. Jeet's wife was also present. My brother, Rahul, was there as well. The police brought Jeet down first. By the time I saw my brother, he was already gone. It was Jeet who had reached out to my brother after so many years. Why did something like this happen so suddenly?"

Preliminary police investigations suggest that the shooting incident stemmed from a dispute between two rival factions over syndicates and the distribution of money.
Mumbai, March 26 : Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri on Thursday announced his next project, 'Operation Sindoor', a film inspired by Lt Gen K. J. S. Dhillon's book that delves into India's covert military operations across the border.

Vivek took to Instagram, where he shared that he has joined hands with T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar to make a movie based on the book "Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan."

The director shared that the film aims to bring to the screen a narrative rooted in real incidents that reshaped the security landscape of the subcontinent.

He wrote: "Bhushan Kumar and I have joined forces for #OperationSindoor a story that redefined security in the subcontinent and exposed Pakistan's nuclear bluff."

"The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan," Vivek added.

According to the filmmaker, the story is set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. It explores strategic military responses, backed by extensive on-ground research and inputs from multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces.

"Rooted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and backed by extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces, this is a story drawn from reality... not to create noise, but to confront it: with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema."

An armed conflict between India and Pakistan began in May 2025, after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor. India said that the operation was in response to the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025 in which 26 civilians were killed.

On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor with missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and POK.
China's top legislator meets guests from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, members of BFA board of directors

Xinhua) 08:17, March 26, 2026

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BOAO, Hainan, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday met separately with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova and Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who are in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, also met with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the BFA on Wednesday.

During his meeting with Gafarova, Zhao said that China is ready to work with Azerbaijan to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, expand economic, trade and investment cooperation, enhance connectivity, promote people-to-people exchanges, and jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The NPC stands ready to strengthen exchanges with the Milli Majlis, which is Azerbaijan's parliament, to provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation between the two countries, Zhao said.

Gafarova said Azerbaijan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China across various fields and deepen exchanges between legislative bodies.

When meeting with Sklyar, Zhao noted that China and Kazakhstan are friendly neighbors and permanent comprehensive strategic partners.

China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main focus, enrich people-to-people exchanges, strengthen international coordination and cooperation, and promote China-Kazakhstan relations to a higher level, broader fields and deeper dimensions, Zhao said.

The NPC is willing to play an active role as a legislative body in advancing the friendship between China and Kazakhstan, he added.

Sklyar said Kazakhstan supports the global initiatives proposed by China, adding that Kazakhstan-China relations have been continuously deepening, and that Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields such as legislation, economy, trade and energy to promote the development of bilateral relations.

When meeting with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the BFA, Zhao said China is ready to work with all parties to jointly implement the global initiatives and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

China will always support the development of the BFA, Zhao said, stressing efforts to stay true to the founding purpose of the forum, keep pace with the times, and uphold openness and inclusiveness. He also expressed China's willingness to work with all countries to jointly build a clean, beautiful and sustainable world.

BFA Chairman Ban Ki-moon and other representatives spoke highly of the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the global initiatives proposed by China, expressing their willingness to make unremitting efforts to promote the development of the forum.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Azerbaijan's Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who is in China for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with members of the Board of Directors and senior advisors of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Mumbai, March 26 : The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Thursday said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sparked a heated debate following his recent remarks in the Legislative Council, where he stated that directives from the Speaker or Chairperson are not "final" or "divine words (Brahmavakya)".

It labelled this stance as a matter of "political convenience", pointing to contradictions in the government's previous positions.

The Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', editorial said the controversy stems from a clash in Satara involving the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena regarding the Zilla Parishad presidency. During the incident, police allegedly favoured the BJP, leading to an altercation involving Minister Shambhuraj Desai. In response, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, who recently joined the Shinde faction, directed the suspension of Satara Superintendent of Police, Tushar Doshi. However, Fadnavis refused to implement the suspension, arguing that the executive branch holds the ultimate decision-making power and that the chair's directives are not absolute.

Taking aim at CM Fadnavis, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that if directives given from the Chair are not "Brahmavakya", then the Chief Minister should immediately declare that the January 10, 2024, decision by the Assembly Speaker regarding MLA disqualification was also not "Brahmavakya". In a democracy, no decision from any position is beyond reproach; it is subject to judicial review. There is only one "Brahmavakya", and that is the Constitution.

"This double standard reminds many of January 10, 2024. On that day, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar rejected the disqualification petitions filed by the Shiv Sena, headed by Uddhav Thackeray. He refused to disqualify Eknath Shinde and 15 others who had shredded the 10th Schedule of the Constitution through open defection. Furthermore, he performed the 'feat' of recognising the Shinde faction as the 'real Shiv Sena'," said the editorial.

It further added, "At that time, Fadnavis and the Shinde faction accepted that decision as 'Brahmavakya'. They hailed it as a 'legally sound' and 'historic' victory for truth. No one mentioned the authority of the Executive or claimed the decision wasn't final then."

The Thackeray camp argued that if directives from the chair are not final today, then Fadnavis should immediately declare that the January 10 decision on MLA disqualification was also not a final 'Brahmavakya.

"If Fadnavis is sincere, he should admit that the January 10 decision is equally subject to review," it said, reiterated that in a democracy, no individual's decision is absolute. "There is only one true 'Brahmavakya,' and that is the Constitution," the editorial mentioned.
Chennai, March 26 : Pointing out that the role played by veteran director Kasthuri Raja, who is also the dad of actor Dhanush, in his upcoming film 'Habeebi' was a pivotal one, director Meera Kathiravan has now disclosed that the veteran director's character in the film would play a significant part in the film's efforts to highlight the immense respect we hold for elders in our society.

For the unaware, director Meera Kathiravan, who is best known for having directed critically acclaimed films like 'Aval Peyar Tamizharasi' and 'Vizhithiru', is next directing 'Habeebi'.

Sources close to the unit claim that the much-anticipated film will seek to deliver an experience rooted in powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural resonance.

Director Meera Kathiravan, speaking about the experience of working with Kasthuri Raja in the film, said, "Having Kasthuri Raja sir associated with 'Habeebi' has been a great strength for us. His experience and understanding of storytelling brought clarity and confidence to our journey. The character he represents reflects the immense respect we hold for elders in our society --individuals who command admiration beyond religious differences. His presence brings a sense of unity, dignity, and emotional depth that truly connects with the soul of the film. Despite his seniority and immense acumen in storytelling, he showed no sense of superiority, which made everyone in the unit feel extremely comfortable."

Sharing his thoughts on his role, Kasthuri Raja said, "My role in 'Habeebi' has been to support and strengthen the vision of the team. I believe honest storytelling always finds its audience, and this film holds that sincerity."

Backing this content-driven venture is Romeo Pictures, an emerging force in the distribution sector. The company has marked its presence by supporting films of quality and substance, providing a strong platform through effective promotion, marketing, and distribution, ensuring that meaningful cinema reaches a wider audience.

Habeebi reflects a seamless blend of artistic integrity and commercial sensibility. Sources say that the film, a romantic drama, will revolve around a love story and that the film will showcase the lifestyle of Tamil-speaking Muslims in southern Tamil Nadu.

Sources say that 'Habeebi' will not just be a film and that it would be an experience shaped by passion, unity, and powerful storytelling.
New Delhi, March 26 : The busting of a spy ring in Ghaziabad has prompted the agencies to undertake an audit of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds in various parts of the country. Officials say that the ISI has been relying heavily on CCTV cameras to get live feeds of sensitive locations.

The audit would cover most parts of Delhi and Mumbai, where it has been found that the ISI has been fishing for maximum information.

Gathering information using CCTV cameras has become the new norm for the ISI-backed spying networks in India.

Those, who were part of the network, were told to focus more on setting up CCTV cameras at sensitive locations such as public offices, railway stations and bus stands in different parts of the country. This has been done with the intention of gathering live feed so that attacks can be planned.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that this wipes out the need for a physical reconnaissance of the preferred target. In the Mumbai 26/11 attack case, it was found that David Headley had visited the city on various occasions and carried out a thorough reconnaissance of the targets.

The ISI wants to eliminate this risk and hence the CCTV cameras come in handy.

Investigations have found that such cameras were to be installed in nearly 60 places in various parts of the country.

These included locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir. The brief was to find places where the security is normally lax. Army installations and other sensitive locations were not on the radar of this network. These places are hard to penetrate and hence it was decided to target railways stations, bus stands, crowded markets and government offices which are less sensitive in nature, an official said.

An investigating official said that the network is a complex one. The recruitment pattern is an interesting one, where the emphasis was more on women and minors.

Apart from this, the others to be recruited were in their early 20s. The official said that the recruiters had lured these persons with money before they were recruited. One of the accused, Meera was tasked with not just gathering information and setting up CCTV cameras, but also setting up an all-women wing for the ISIas spying activities.

The police also picked up a 17-year old boy, who was part of a cell that was tasked with recruiting minors. Such recruits do not come under the radar easily and these persons are easy to coax. Further, the lure of money is what attracts such recruits. It is more about the money rather than ideology in such cases, another official explained.

During the probe it was also found that these persons had several social media accounts. It is the teenagers who handle the social media better and this is an added advantage. Hence, during the investigation it was found that the minors and other younger recruits had created several social media accounts. A preliminary assessment into these accounts found that they were not being used to pass on information, but to invite others to join the network.

Another official said that with this new tactic coming to light, it is very important to have a CCTV audit. There are challenges as the CCTV network is not centrally-controlled. Adding to the headache is the advent of the solar powered CCTV cameras, which do not require any effort to set up.

The ISI had instructed the accused persons to fix at least three solar powered CCTV cameras at the public places including the railway stations, so that they could get a detailed view of the place. This makes it easier for the ISI-backed elements to carry out a detailed reconnaissance of the place.

Further, during an attack, the ISI can also give live guidance to the terrorists by watching the CCTV camera feed on their mobiles.

Another official explained that the problem is that there are lakhs of CCTV cameras that have been installed. The police, railways, municipal bodies and private establishment have multiple cameras installed across the cities. To fix one in this mix by an ISI recruited spy does not normally grab the attention of the law enforcement agencies. This is the vulnerability that has been tapped on to carry out spying activities using CCTV cameras, the official also explained.

The audit would also look to give suggestions on how to make the CCTV cameras more secure. Currently the system is vulnerable due to the use of default passwords. Moreover the devices are extremely cheap and there is no background check while buying CCTV cameras. Moreover they are easily available online at low costs, which again makes the CCTV camera a deadly spying weapon.

The Union Government is tightening regulations relating to the CCTV systems. From April 1 onwards, the government is likely to allow the sale of only STQC-certified (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) cameras as they are less prone to hacking.

Further an integrated surveillance framework will be set up, which would include unique device registration, strict cybersecurity standards and unique device registration.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Even as senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor sought to pour cold water on the issue, the Chief Ministerial debate in Kerala refuses to die down, and has turned speculation into a daily spectacle.

"There is no need now for a discussion on the Chief Minister's post," Tharoor said on Thursday, making it clear that the decision will rest with the party high command after the Assembly polls conclude.

He sought to downplay the UDF-CM candidate issue, stressing that the United Democratic Front is in compact with the people. He added that Sabareenathan would "hit a sixer" in Nemom.

Nemom is the only seat the BJP won in 2016, but lost in 2021. This time, state BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar is making an all-out attempt to ensure the BJP opens its account in the April 9 Assembly polls.

Yet outside party circles, the narrative has taken on a life of its own.

In Kerala, Congress' Chief Ministerial question has morphed into something of a political soap opera, complete with suspense, daily twists and dramatic interpretations.

Every remark, pause, or carefully calibrated response by leaders such as V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, K. Sudhakaran and K. Muraleedharan is dissected endlessly, often acquiring meanings far beyond the original intent.

On Wednesday, a passing reference by veteran leader P.J. Kurien was enough to trigger a full-blown frenzy.

What might have been a casual aside quickly escalated into "breaking news", panel debates and competing interpretations, underlining how even a hint of leadership can spiral into headline material.

Within the UDF, however, the message remains consistent. P. K. Kunhalikutty on Thursday asserted there is no discord on the issue, noting that the Congress party will decide the Chief Minister after the elections and that the Muslim League will back the chosen candidate.

For now, while Congress leaders insist there is no immediate question to answer, the suspense is alive, and the 'CM puzzle' remains the state's most-watched political show.

The CPI(M), though, is claiming victory will be theirs, and CM will also come from their front, but things don't appear as easy. Never in the history of the cadre-based party have leaders jumped ship to fight elections. This time, six senior leaders (including three former legislators) and the personal assistant to veteran former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan have left and are contesting against their old party.
New Delhi, March 26 : After the Union Home Ministry issued an advisory regarding some elements trying to indulge in radicalisation in the event of the war in Iran, the Intelligence Bureau has now sounded an alert against a charity scam.

Many groups have cropped up who are collecting donations in the name of the war in Iran. These elements are collecting funds on the pretext of welfare of the people of Iran who have been affected due to the war, an official said.

Similar activity was discovered when the war broke out between Israel and Palestine last year. Such charities come up during such periods and once they collect the funds, they vanish, another official said.

These persons running these fake charities make an emotional push. They show photographs of the war, most of them which are digitally altered to collect funds. There are a good number of people who donate money and even give out gold after becoming emotional, an Intelligence Bureau official said.

What the agencies have learnt is that the extent of this scam is the highest in Jammu and Kashmir. There are people who have gone door-to-door seeking donations to support the people affected by the Iran war. They spin stories and hype up the situation so that they can cheat people by taking advantage of their emotional vulnerabilities, officials have found.

In Kashmir, the authorities have learnt that it is the same network which used to collect funds for the separatist groups that existed prior to the abrogation of Article 370.

The donations that these groups have managed to collect citing the war in Iran is staggering. It runs into crores of Rupees. In Jammu and Kashmir alone, the scam is worth around Rs 16 crore. The authorities have found that people have given away even their savings. In some cases, people have given gold and even their copper utensils to these persons.

The target audience has been mainly the Shia community, an official said. The Shia Muslims are more vulnerable and can be manipulated emotionally, especially about the ongoing war in Iran. They tend to give away their money and do not even ask for any accountability from these scammers, another official said.

The agencies are closely monitoring similar activity in many other parts of the country. It is taking place in several places, but the scale appears to be the highest in Jammu and Kashmir, the agencies have found.

These elements indulging in this scam have kept their operations largely offline. They go to houses and make emotional and religious appeals to lure vulnerable people. The people are shown pictures of the war, following which an appeal for donations are made.

While issuing the fake receipts the people are told that the funds would be sent to Iran for the welfare of the people who are affected by the war. These persons have avoided using online platforms as their activities can be tracked easily.

Another worry for the agencies is what is being done with the funds that have been collected so far. They are most likely used by some for personal gains, but a large part of the proceeds are meant to carry out anti-national activities, officials have learnt.

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are attempts being made to revive the separatist movement and the funds could well be utilised for the same, the agencies warn.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : In a swift response during the ongoing Assembly election process, Kerala Police have acted against the circulation of an AI-generated video that allegedly portrayed Prime Minister and key constitutional authorities, including the Election Commission of India, in a misleading and defamatory manner.

The video surfaced on the social media platform X and was flagged through official channels, including inputs from the election machinery.

Authorities assessed that the synthetic content had the potential to mislead voters, erode public trust in constitutional institutions, and disrupt the conduct of free and fair elections at a crucial juncture.

Acting promptly, Kerala Police's Cyber Operations Wing initiated steps to curb the spread of the content.

Legal notices were issued to the intermediary platform under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and associated rules, seeking its immediate removal.

Officials said the action was in line with the Model Code of Conduct, which is currently in force.

As part of the legal process, a case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram City against the X account "Laxmi N Raju (@valiant_Raju)" and other unidentified persons involved in the creation and dissemination of the video.

Investigators have begun efforts to trace the origin of the content, establish intent, and fix accountability.

Police sources indicated that the probe will examine the technological tools used to create the deep fake, the network through which it was amplified, and whether there was any coordinated attempt to influence voters.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, Kerala Police said they would continue to take prompt, lawful, and impartial action against any activity that could compromise free and fair elections.

The public has been urged to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified or misleading content, especially during the sensitive election period, as authorities step up vigilance against digital misinformation.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress and its leader have historically functioned as the "B-team of the BJP", even as he dismissed charges of a "Communist Janata Party" i.e. a purported CPI(M)-BJP nexus in the state.

Responding to LoP Rahul Gandhi's allegation of an "unholy alliance" between the BJP and CPI(M) in Kerala, CM Vijayan said it was in fact the Congress that had consistently adopted positions enabling the BJP's rise in several states.

He accused the party of weakening broader anti-BJP coalitions and fragmenting Opposition unity at critical junctures.

"Despite being a national leader, Rahul Gandhi does not understand the ground realities even at the level of local party workers," CM Vijayan said, adding that he had failed to learn from repeated political setbacks.

According to him, Rahul Gandhi's political approach has often ended up benefiting the BJP across states.

The Chief Minister pointed to developments in Delhi, noting that while the BJP has pursued Opposition leaders through legal cases, LoP Rahul Gandhi had questioned when a minister in Arvind Kejriwal's Cabinet was taken into custody, why was Kejriwal not arrested.

However, when courts later cleared Kejriwal, the episode proved embarrassing not just for the BJP but also for Rahul Gandhi, said CM Vijayan.

He further alleged that in the Delhi elections, the Congress failed to adopt a position aimed at preventing a BJP victory, instead targeting the Aam Aadmi Party, which had a stronger chance electorally.

A similar pattern, he said, was evident in Haryana, where Congress opposition to broader alliances led to a split in non-BJP votes, ultimately benefiting the BJP.

Vijayan's remarks came in response to Rahul Gandhi's virtual address from Delhi to a Congress-led UDF rally in Kozhikode on Wednesday night.

In his speech, LoP Rahul accused CM Vijayan of maintaining a "soft" stance towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he was receiving benefits not extended to other non-Congress Chief Ministers.

Taking the attack further, LoP Rahul Gandhi coined the term "CJP (Communist Janata Party)", suggesting that Kerala was witnessing a tacit alignment between the CPI(M) and the BJP.

Rejecting the charge, CM Vijayan reiterated that such claims were politically-motivated, even as the war of words between the Congress and the Left escalates ahead of the Assembly polls.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Kolkata, March 26 : Uncertainty continues to cloud the candidature of Asian Games gold-medallist and Trinamool Congress nominee Swapna Barman from the Rajganj Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, following fresh complications linked to a pending disciplinary case against her.

Kolkata, March 26 (IANS) Uncertainty continues to cloud the candidature of Asian Games gold-medallist and Trinamool Congress nominee Swapna Barman from the Rajganj Assembly constituency in West Bengalas Jalpaiguri district, following fresh complications linked to a pending disciplinary case against her.

The court had earlier directed her to admit her misconduct and submit a letter to the Railways to that effect. However, it was learnt on Thursday that instead of doing so, Swapna submitted a letter of resignation, thereby creating a new layer of complications.

It has come to light that Swapna joined the Trinamool Congress on February 27 without first resigning from her position as a Railways official. Subsequently, the party nominated her as its candidate for the Rajganj Assembly constituency. On March 9, the Railways initiated a disciplinary inquiry against her, alleging a breach of discipline for participating in political activities while still in service without having tendered her resignation.

She eventually submitted her resignation on March 16. However, as a departmental inquiry was already underway against her, the Railways declined to accept her resignation. In protest against this decision, Swapna moved the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court. The hearing for this case took place on Wednesday before the bench of Justice Gourang Kanth.

During the hearing, the Railways informed the court that a departmental inquiry was indeed pending against Swapna Barman, which was the reason she had not been issued a clearance certificate, mandatory for contesting Assembly elections. However, the Railways stated that if Swapna were to admit her misconduct and waive any claims to post-retirement benefits or entitlements, they would issue her the necessary clearance in due course. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Justice directed Swapna to submit a letter to the Railways admitting her misconduct by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Swapna Barman subsequently submitted a letter to the Railways. However, reports suggest that the Railways were not satisfied with the contents of that letter. As a result, the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Railways, brought the matter to the attention of the Justice. The Justice then directed Swapna to submit a fresh letter to the Railways, explicitly admitting her misconduct once again.

Swapna was employed as a Social Welfare Officer within the Alipurduar Division of the Railways. Deputy Solicitor General Sudipto Majumdar told local media persons, "Swapna Barman did submit a letter to the Railways; however, as that letter did not align with the specific directives issued by the court, we brought the matter up for mention again. The issue was thus brought to the attention of the Honourable Justice. The Justice has once again directed Swapna Barman to submit a fresh letter to the Railways, explicitly admitting her misconduct."
New Delhi, March 26 : Nokia on Thursday announced key leadership changes in India, appointing Samar Mittal as India Country Business Leader and Vibha Mehra as India Country Manager, effective April 1.

The move is part of the company's renewed strategy to strengthen its presence and sharpen its business focus in the country.

In his new role, Samar Mittal will lead Nokia's business strategy in India, focusing on expanding the company's partnerships with telecom operators, as well as players in artificial intelligence, cloud services, and critical enterprise sectors.

He will also work on identifying new growth opportunities and aligning Nokia's offerings with the changing needs of the Indian market.

Vibha Mehra, on the other hand, will oversee Nokia's overall presence in India. She will handle communications, government relations, and public engagement, while also guiding the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives and internal people strategy.

Her role will be key in strengthening Nokia's reputation as a trusted technology company in India.

Both leaders bring extensive experience to their new roles. Mittal has nearly three decades of experience in the telecom and IT sectors and has previously led Nokia's Cloud and Network Services business in the Middle East and Africa.

Mehra has over 26 years of experience and has worked with companies like Microsoft, Intel and Tata Consultancy Services, most recently heading government relations for Nokia in the Asia Pacific region.

The company said both leaders will work closely to drive its strategy in India and support its goal of advancing connectivity and digital growth.

The new leadership structure reflects Nokia's long-term commitment to India and its aim to play a bigger role in the country's digital and technological development.

"This renewed leadership model reflects Nokia's long-term commitment to India and its ambition to play a leading role in shaping a more digital, sustainable, and efficient future for the country," the company stated.
Geneva, March 26 : The Baloch National Movement (BNM) accused the Pakistani authorities of serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture across Balochistan, during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Addressing the session, Naseem Baloch, chairman of the BNM, stated that the European Union granted Pakistan special trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with the expectation that Islamabad would comply with international conventions on human rights, labour rights, and democratic governance.

However, he added that the situation on the ground in Pakistan presents a starkly different picture. For decades, Naseem said, the people of Balochistan have faced systematic and widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the suppression of political voices.

"Thousands of Baloch political activists, students, journalists, and ordinary civilians have been forcibly disappeared. Many are held in secret torture centres without access to courts or contact with their families. Some later reappear as mutilated bodies found on roadsides, a practice widely referred to as the 'kill-and-dump policy'," he detailed.

Highlighting that in 2025, the BNM documented 1,355 cases of enforced disappearances and 229 cases of extrajudicial killings across Balochistan, Naseem said the figures for this year up to March 20 remain equally alarming.

"228 enforced disappearances and 81 extrajudicial killings, and these disappearances include teen women. Out of these ten, five were later released after being subjected to torture, and one was presented in the media with fabricated charges. Notably, 21 of these killings occurred within the first 10 days of the month of March in a single town called Panjgur in Balochistan," said the Baloch activist.

The BNM urged policymakers within the European Union and members of the European Parliament to conduct a serious and transparent review of Pakistan's compliance with its human rights commitments under GSP.

Meanwhile, speaking at the session, BNM's Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch called for an independent investigation, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights in light of the abuses across Balochistan.

Citing the international human rights organisation Amnesty International, he said that enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings continue in the province.

He also cited the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan as noting that enforced disappearances continue, while families of the missing often face "pressure and harassment" when they seek answers.

Emphasising that several countries have expressed concerns over the situation in the province, Faheem said, "The United Kingdom has spoken about reports of mass graves in Balochistan and continues to raise human rights issues with Pakistan. The United States, in its annual human rights report, has documented cases of killings, disappearances, and torture. Members of the European Union, including the Netherlands, have also highlighted these concerns."

He stressed that experts at the UN Human Rights Council have called on Pakistan to investigate these cases and respect international human rights law.
Boao Moments 2026: China's APEC hosting year a chance to reinject confidence into fragmented world

10:20, March 26, 2026 By Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online

A scene from the "Revitalizing APEC: Towards the Vision of an Asia-Pacific Community" sub-forum at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Cai Hairuo)

As the world grapples with rising protectionism, fraying multilateral institutions and deepening geopolitical uncertainty, global leaders and officials gathered at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference agreed on one thing: China's turn as APEC host this year could not have come at a more consequential moment.

The sub-forum "Revitalizing APEC: Towards the Vision of an Asia-Pacific Community" was moderated by Tan Jian, former APEC senior official and former Chinese ambassador to the Netherlands, and opened with remarks by Chen Xu, chair of the APEC 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting and president of the China Public Diplomacy Association.

A pivotal hosting year

Chen Xu, chair of the APEC 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting and president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, speaks at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

Chen set an ambitious tone. China is hosting APEC for the third time, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen in November, a city that itself embodies China's story of opening up. The timing carries symbolic weight: 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific vision, the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and a moment when APEC economies, accounting for more than 60 percent of global GDP and nearly half of world trade, face a stiff test of their commitment to cooperation. China's three priorities for the year are building an open and interconnected Asia-Pacific, driving innovation-led growth, and fostering win-win cooperation across the region.

APEC's unique value under the spotlight

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, who hosted APEC in 1999, opened the discussion with a call to remember what makes the forum distinctive. Unlike the United Nations or the European Union, APEC operates on consensus without binding obligation, allowing members to advance shared goals without forcing anyone's hand. What concerns her is that APEC has gradually drifted from that results-driven spirit toward a process-driven one, producing declarations negotiated weeks in advance that generate little concrete action. China's hosting is an opportunity to reverse that drift, she said, and the moment calls for courage: to streamline the agenda, resist adding new topics without removing old ones, and protect genuine space for leaders to engage privately rather than follow scripts.

Former Singaporean Foreign and Trade Minister George Yeo warned that, the Asia-Pacific risks being split down the middle along geopolitical lines. It is now China's turn, he said, to ensure the Pacific remains undivided. When leaders and ministers meet at APEC, he added, the world watches, and that visibility creates its own pressure to behave constructively.

The business case for delivery

Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, spoke for the investment community. The 170-plus chief executives he represents are searching for one thing above all: regulatory predictability. Capital has no nationality and no ideology, he said. It follows confidence. Asia is well placed to attract it, with young populations, a rapidly expanding middle class and leaders with genuine ambition for their people. But realizing that potential requires APEC to function as a magnet for capital by demonstrating policy coherence and regulatory alignment. His message was blunt: say less and do more. Credibility is built through delivery, not communiques, and the only thing standing in the way is a lack of collective will to act.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez offered a measured assessment of U.S. engagement under the current administration. Washington will not stay away from APEC, he said, but its contributions this year will be selective. Artificial intelligence, where the administration is focused on deregulation and deployment, is the most promising area for meaningful U.S. engagement. His advice to the forum: welcome American participation, lean into the AI opening, keep friction-prone issues to one side and let Asia continue demonstrating its own model of building, investing and growing.

Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, and Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, former executive director of the secretariat, both stressed that much of APEC's most valuable work happens well below the headline level, across a number of ministerial meetings, hundreds of working group sessions and capacity-building programs that rarely make news. Sta Maria highlighted APEC's track record as an incubator: pathfinder initiatives led by small groups of like-minded economies, most notably the original TPP grouping of New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei, have repeatedly seeded agreements that later grew far larger. That model of starting small and scaling outward remains one of APEC's greatest contributions, she said, and should be consciously applied to emerging challenges including artificial intelligence and the green economy.

Confidence as the common thread

As the session drew to a close, panelists returned repeatedly to a single theme: confidence. Shipley called for an environment in which ministers can speak candidly and find common ground without being boxed into vetoes. Hyder urged the forum to show results rather than make promises. Yeo observed that when leaders stand together and engage positively at APEC, that image alone carries a message to the world.

With Shenzhen hosting the leaders' summit in November, and a packed global calendar of major meetings to follow, the panelists were united in their view that the ingredients for a successful APEC 2026 are in place. What is needed now, as Hyder put it, is simply to get on with it.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Ballari : , March 26 (IANS) A 36-year-old man from Ballari was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police on charges of spreading extremist propaganda through social media and maintaining links with suspected terrorist networks, police stated on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Abdul Salam, a resident of Abdul Kalam Street under the jurisdiction of Kaul Bazaar police station, was taken into custody near Dhara Mill following specific intelligence inputs.

Police said a team from Andhra Pradesh tracked Salam's movements before arresting him in the city. Subsequently, with the assistance of local Kaul Bazaar police personnel, a panchanama was conducted at his residence. He was later produced before a court and taken to Andhra Pradesh for further investigation.

According to police sources, the case originated on March 22 when the Vijayawada Second Town police received information about individuals using social media platforms to spread extremist ideology and maintain links with banned terrorist organisations. Based on this, an FIR was registered on March 23, following which search operations were launched.

During the operation, the main accused, 23-year-old Mohammed Rehmatullah Sharif, was apprehended in the Winchpet area of Vijayawada. He allegedly confessed to being influenced by extremist ideologies propagated online and expressed intentions aligned with establishing a caliphate in India.

Investigators revealed that Sharif had established contacts with several individuals across the country, including Abdul Salam from Ballari. Preliminary findings indicate that Salam was part of an online network involved in sharing radical content and promoting extremist views.

The FIR also mentioned that a suspected foreign handler, identified as Al-Hakim Shukoor, had allegedly instructed Sharif to contact Salam. Police believe the network may have links to foreign-based operatives involved in radicalisation efforts.

Officials said individuals like Shukoor are believed to be playing a significant role in influencing and recruiting youth through digital platforms.

Highlighting the broader implications of the case, a senior police officer said, "This case underlines the growing role of social media in the radicalisation of youth. There is an urgent need to closely monitor online platforms and create awareness to counter such influences."

It may be recalled that the National Investigation Agency had earlier arrested a suspect in Ballari while probing the 2024 Rameswaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru, pointing to emerging concerns over extremist networks operating in the region.
Bhopal/Sehore, March 26 : A mass food poisoning incident occurred where over 80 people fell ill after attending a wedding feast in a village in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, said officials on Thursday.

Babadiya Noabad village in Ichhawar tehsil of the district witnessed a joyous wedding ceremony turn into a nightmare on Wednesday evening when food served to guests allegedly caused widespread food poisoning.

As many as 80 people who attended the feast fell ill, triggering chaos, screams, and panic across the village. Eyewitnesses reported that symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe abdominal pain began shortly after the meal was served and eaten by more than 150-200 people.

What started as a few complaints quickly escalated as dozens more guests showed signs of distress. Within hours, the situation spiralled out of control, overwhelming the quiet rural setting.

By Wednesday night, the Ichhawar Community Health Centre was flooded with patients. Doctors, nurses, and paramedic teams were urgently called in. Two dedicated wards were set up for food poisoning cases, but the surge in patients left beds insufficient, forcing many to receive treatment on stretchers or in corridors.

"We have admitted 80 people who consumed contaminated food with symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. They were treated, and most of them will be discharged by Thursday evening," Dr Sudhir Dehariya, Chief Medical Health Officer, Sehore, told IANS.

He denied reports that any of the guests were critical and said that only 80 people were admitted to the Icchawar community health centre.

Elderly individuals appear to have suffered more severe effects, raising concerns about vulnerability in such outbreaks. Villagers and relatives pointed fingers at the quality of the food, specifically alleging that Gulab Jamuns prepared from Mawa (condensed milk solids) were the main culprit.

Many claimed symptoms intensified after consuming these sweets, fuelling suspicions of adulterated or expired Mawa used in preparation.

Such incidents often stem from poor hygiene, substandard ingredients, or improper storage during large community events.

In response, teams from the Health and Food Departments swiftly reached the spot. "We have collected samples of the suspected food items and sent them to a laboratory for detailed analysis. The exact cause -- whether bacterial contamination, chemical adulteration, or expired ingredients -- will only be confirmed once the test reports arrive," Dr Dehariya said.
New Delhi, March 26 : In the aftermath of the all-party meeting on West Asia, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP, Sasmit Patra and BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo have highlighted their perspectives on India's diplomatic stance and regional security, while underscoring India's growing role in international affairs.

Speaking to IANS, Patra recalled historical precedents in regional diplomacy, stating, "In 1981, when relations between Iran and the United States deteriorated, Pakistan had created a small channel to communicate with Iran. If Iran wanted to convey something, or America wanted to communicate through another country, this channel was used. This existed in 1971, in 1981, and even today."

He added, "Pakistan cannot compete with India on any international platform, whether in the economy or any other field, today, tomorrow, or in the coming days."

Emphasising India's role in securing maritime routes, Patra noted, "Indian ships are getting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and India has also provided protection to some Iranian naval fleets. The ships heading toward Sri Lanka were affected, but the ones in India were safe. My party is always ready, even though we have political disagreements with the government, but when it comes to India, we all stand united."

Patra also outlined the agenda of the all-party meeting, highlighting that two major issues were discussed: Diplomacy and India's position on the West Asia conflict, and energy security, particularly the availability of oil and natural gas in the country.

"The Opposition parties raised several questions on both topics, India's role in the West Asia conflict and the domestic availability of petroleum, oil, and natural gas," he said.

Reacting to the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar's statement in the all-party meeting, SP MP Virendra Singh said, "The truth is that we are not a broker country like Pakistan..."

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo, took a sharper stance on Pakistan's international actions. "At the global level, if any country is playing the biggest role in diplomatic meddling, it is Islamabad. Pakistan was even willing to provide bases to the U.S. to attack Muslims in Iran. So, it's all just a drama. First, protect your own borders before speaking about other issues," he said.

The discussions at the all-party meeting came at a time when India is actively navigating the complexities of West Asian geopolitics while ensuring energy security amid global uncertainties.

After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju noted that discussions were extensive, covering both government responses and Opposition suggestions.

"I have heard in detail all the suggestions made by the Opposition parties, and from the government side. All the queries and all the confusion, whatever was there, all were clearly explained by the government. The Opposition parties at the end of the meeting stated, which is very important, that they thank the government for calling this all-party meeting, and they also asserted that in such a difficult, challenging situation, we will all have to stand together," he said.
Rameswaram, March 26 : In yet another incident highlighting tensions in the Palk Bay, seven fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Thursday on charges of alleged poaching.

Two mechanised fishing trawlers were also seized during the operation.

According to officials from the fisheries department, a total of 365 fishing tokens had been issued from the Rameswaram fish landing centre on Wednesday (March 25). The arrested fishermen were part of two boats reportedly operating near the Neduntheevu islet when they were intercepted by Sri Lankan naval authorities.

The vessels are said to be owned by Simson and Sasikumar. Following initial inquiries at sea, the fishermen were taken into custody and escorted to a naval port in Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings.

News of the arrests triggered protests in Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram district, where agitated fishermen gathered near the Karl Marx statue and staged a demonstration.

Protesters raised slogans against the Sri Lankan government, condemning the frequent arrests and demanding the immediate release of the detained fishermen and their boats.

Fishermenas associations have also urged the Union government to intervene decisively, stating that repeated detentions were severely affecting livelihoods in the region.

An emergency meeting of fishermen representatives is scheduled for 4 p.m. to decide on the next course of action. Fishermen leader Jesu Raja said the community has been facing such hardships for over four decades and that fishing remained their only source of income, with nearly 90 per cent of families depending on it, warning that their survival could soon be at risk if governments failed to find a permanent solution.

He further stressed the need for securing traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay, noting that fishermen from the region had historically operated in these waters.

Another fisherman, Antony, questioned why such arrests continued despite India describing Sri Lanka as a friendly nation, adding that the impounding of boats and imposition of fines had pushed many families into debt and left several fishermen jobless. Each mechanised trawler costs around Rs 40 lakh, and over 180 boats have been impounded since 2018, worsening the crisis, he added.
New Delhi, March 26 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday performed 'Kanya Pujan' in Pitampura and distributed bicycles to around 1,000 girl students from nine schools, reiterating her government's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted education for girls in the national capital.

Addressing reporters, CM Gupta said the initiative aims to remove barriers that often prevent girls from continuing their studies.

"Every daughter in Delhi can complete her education without any hindrance, complete her schooling, graduate, and become what she wants to be. The government will work to remove all obstacles in her way," she said.

Highlighting mobility challenges faced by schoolgirls, she added, "Many girls face challenges while travelling to and from school. Through this 'Vidya Vahini' initiative, we will provide bicycles to girls entering Class 9 so that they can commute easily during their school years."

The Chief Minister also lauded girls as embodiments of divine strength, comparing them to forms of Durga and Saraswati, and expressed confidence in their future contributions.

"They will honour this city and our nation in the future. On behalf of the government, I commend each of my daughters and extend my heartfelt blessings to them. May she advance and thrive significantly, and may she become the person she aspires to be. The government will ensure she has all the support and resources necessary to finish her education," she said.

During the interaction, CM Gupta also launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations related to the construction of a so-called 'Sheesh Mahal' using public funds.

"You all have been anticipating the 'Sheesh Mahal' for quite a while; you can all view it (referring to a video shared by Delhi BJP), the wrongdoings of Kejriwal, as he constructed this 'Sheesh Mahal' using public funds and exceeded all bounds of corruption," she alleged.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister shared a message on social media on the occasion of Kanya Pujan, describing daughters as symbols of strength and divine blessings.

In her post, she wrote, "Daughters are symbols of good fortune, embodiments of strength, and the sacred blessings of a mother. On this sacred occasion of Kanya Pujan today, worshipping daughters filled my heart with profound emotion. Durga Ashtami teaches us that every daughter embodies the radiant form of the primordial divine energy. Their affection and honour infuse life with purity and auspiciousness."

"May she continue to shower her grace upon all, may the light of happiness and prosperity spread in every home, and may the love of daughters forever illuminate our lives. Millions of salutations at the feet of the Mother," the post added.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, March 26 : In a major enforcement action under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Thursday unearthed an illegal operation involving the hoarding and misuse of LPG cylinders in the Ranhola area of Outer Delhi. A total of 459 empty gas cylinders, including 175 Bharat Petroleum and 284 Indane cylinders, were seized during the raid.

According to officials, the operation was carried out by the Western Range-I (WR-I) unit of the Crime Branch based on specific and credible Intelligence inputs. The raid exposed a large-scale illegal practice of unauthorised storage and alleged black marketing of LPG cylinders, highlighting deliberate misuse of the LPG distribution system.

In view of concerns regarding a perceived shortage of LPG, despite government assurances of adequate supply, a dedicated team was constituted to identify and act against hoarders. The team, led by Inspector Pradeep, comprised several officers, including Sub-Inspectors Dharmendra, Naresh Kumar, and Mohit Batan, along with other personnel, under the close supervision of ACP Raj Kumar.

Acting swiftly on the Intelligence received, the team conducted a coordinated raid at HP Balaji Gas Agency located on Nilothi Road in Village Ranhola. During the operation, the agency owner, Susheel Kumar Singhal, was found allegedly involved in the illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders. The Food Supply Officer (FSO), Jag Pravesh, was immediately called to the spot and initiated necessary legal action as per prescribed procedures.

The seized cylinders were subsequently handed over on superdari to Sanjay Kumar Mehta, Sales Area Manager of Hindustan Petroleum Gas, following due process. A case has been registered under FIR No. 62/2026 at the Crime Branch police station under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 61(2) of the BNS. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Police officials revealed that the accused, being the owner of an LPG agency, allegedly misused his position to accumulate a large stock of commercial LPG cylinders without authorisation. It is suspected that he intended to create artificial scarcity by withholding supply and later selling the cylinders in the open market at inflated prices for wrongful gain.

The illegal stock was reportedly kept under the guise of regular inventory to evade detection, indicating a well-planned and systematic operation.

Susheel Kumar Singhal, a resident of Nihal Vihar and currently residing in Ambika Vihar, Delhi, owns and operates the HP Balaji Gas Agency.

Officials stated that the action reflects the Delhi Policeas continued commitment to curbing illegal activities such as hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities. They added that strict action will continue against offenders to ensure fair distribution and protect public interest.
New Delhi, March 26 : A day before Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which swept the March 5 national election, officially names its Prime Minister on Thursday, the interim government was reportedly forced to release a probe agency report that investigated the September 8-9 firing on youngsters in Kathmandu, that led to several deaths.

The commission, led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, submitted its report on March 8 to Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

Earlier reports suggested that the current government intended to hand over the document to the new Cabinet for it to decide the course of future action.

It was verified by IANS on ground in Kathmandu earlier this month, where officials claiming to be in the know had confirmed that despite intense pressure, the interim government was reluctant to make the report public.

Meanwhile, the RSP's central committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to elect its parliamentary party leader. It is expected to name the engineer-rapper and social media sensation, Balendra Shah, who RSP had earlier projected as its Prime Ministerial face.

All this while, activists linked to Nepal's Gen-Z movement have been demanding the government make public the probe panel report.

"After the report's unauthorised publication, the government on Wednesday evening decided to release not only the Karki commission's findings but also the reports of High-Level Investigation Commission on the Nepal Child Organisation and Balmandir, 2020, along with the Good Governance Roadmap, 2025, prepared by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers," reported The Kathmandu Post early on Thursday.

The protests of September 2025 were sparked by mounting frustrations among Nepal's younger generation  popularly dubbed 'Gen Z'  over unemployment, corruption, and the government's perceived indifference to their future.

Demonstrations began in Kathmandu, later spreading to other parts of Nepal.

Students, activists, and young professionals rallied under slogans demanding transparency, job creation, and electoral reforms.

However, what began as a civic movement quickly escalated into violent confrontations.

Security forces used tear gas, batons, and live ammunition in several instances, leading to several deaths and injuries.

In response to public outrage, the government established an independent enquiry commission in late 2025, chaired by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

The commission was tasked with investigating the causes of the protests, the chain of command behind the crackdown, and recommending accountability measures.

Over six months, the committee interviewed hundreds of witnesses, reviewed security logs, and examined government communications.

The commission concluded that former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and thenHome Minister Ramesh Lekhak bore direct responsibility for authorising the use of excessive force, reportedly recommending criminal prosecution against them.

According to leaked sections published by The Kathmandu Post, both leaders were found to have instructed security agencies to "neutralise" the protests, prioritising regime stability over citizens' rights.

"The report of the judicial commission formed to investigate the September Gen Z protests states that the Nepali Army had prior information that the September 8 demonstration could see dangerous escalation," it revealed on Thursday, after the report was made public.

The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were criticised for disproportionate responses and lack of adherence to international norms on crowd control.

The report highlighted instances where live rounds were fired without provocation, contradicting official claims that protesters had turned violent first.

The Karki Committee report has apparently suggested institutional restructuring of security forces to ensure accountability.

Beyond immediate culpability, the report underscored the deeper socioeconomic roots of the protests. Chronic unemployment, rising cost of living, and lack of meaningful political representation for young people created fertile ground for unrest.

Outlets like Fiscal Nepal linked these frustrations to broader structural issues, including limited opportunities in Nepal's IT and export sectors.

On such issues, the probe panel has urged reforms, with economic policies targeting job creation in emerging sectors. Media articles emphasised political ramifications, noting that the recommendation for criminal charges against a former Prime Minister is unprecedented in Nepal's democratic history.

Civil society groups, however, argue that the report validates longstanding concerns about impunity.

"For decades, leaders have escaped accountability for abuses. This report is a chance to break that cycle," said one activist quoted in The Kathmandu Post.

Social media platforms have been flooded with commentary from young Nepalis, mixing celebration with cynicism.

"We fought, we bled, and now they admit it. But will they ever face justice?" read one widely shared post.
Mumbai, March 26 : The first poster of the upcoming film 'Valmiki Ramayana' was unveiled on Thursday. The visuals reflect devotion, purity, and reverence for one of India's most sacred epics. The film is being envisioned as a theatrical experience grounded in faith and simplicity, staying true to the spirit of the original text.

It is helmed by Bhavna Talwar, and brings together an accomplished team of creative stalwarts committed to presenting the epic with authenticity and emotional depth. Renowned production designer Sabu Cyril leads the visual world-building, while celebrated author Anand Neelakantan has written the screenplay, drawing directly from the original Valmiki Ramayana.

Adding further creative strength to the project, veteran cinematographer Binod Pradhan brings his signature visual storytelling, while Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty helms the filmas soundscape. Filmmaker and scholar Chandraprakash Dwivedi joins the project as Creative Consultant and dialogue writer, lending his deep understanding of Indian history and mythology.

The film is being approached with a sense of restraint and reverence, focusing on the spiritual and emotional core of the epic rather than spectacle alone. The makers aim to present Valmiki Ramayana as a heartfelt cinematic experience that resonates with audiences across generations.

The film is set to release in theatres on October 2.

The Valmiki Ramayana is one of the earliest Sanskrit epics and a foundational text of Indian literature. Composed around 500a"100 BCE, it contains about 24,000 verses divided into seven books.

The narrative follows Lord Ram, prince of Ayodhya, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravana, and her eventual rescue with the help of allies including Hanuman. The text addresses kingship, duty (dharma), family obligations, and ethical conduct.

It also provides early models of political authority and social order. The Valmiki Ramayana differs in tone and detail from later adaptations, serving as the primary source for subsequent regional and cultural retellings across South and Southeast Asia.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Patna, March 26 : A tense situation prevailed on Thursday at the Muzaffarpur Civil Court complex after a bomb threat email triggered panic among lawyers, staff, and visitors.

According to officials, a suspicious email was sent to the District Judge's official ID around 11.30 a.m., claiming that an explosive device had been planted within the court premises. Following this, the administration immediately swung into action, tightening security and evacuating the entire complex as a precaution.

Police and administrative teams quickly reached the spot, set up a security zone, and ensured that everyone was safely moved out of the premises. Judicial proceedings were suspended for the first half of the day amid the security alert.

Advocate Rajesh Kumar said that information regarding the suspension of court work was circulated through WhatsApp groups. Many lawyers found their offices locked, with clear instructions issued to vacate the campus.

Another advocate, Sanjay Prasad, expressed concern over the incident, noting that such threats have been occurring frequently in Bihar, raising serious questions about security.

Authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, and a further probe is underway to verify the authenticity of the threat and trace its source.

Teams from the bomb disposal squad and dog squad have reached the court complex and are conducting an intensive search operation. Every corner of the premises is being thoroughly checked for any suspicious or unattended objects.

"As of now, no suspicious object has been found, but all aspects are being closely monitored," the DSP said. He urged people not to believe in rumours and to cooperate with authorities until the security checks are completed.

Officials also highlighted that in recent months, several courts across Bihar have received similar bomb threats, often triggering panic and disruption of judicial work.

Security agencies remain on high alert, taking each threat seriously to ensure public safety and maintain order within court premises.

--IANS

ajk/skp
Taipei, March 26 : Reports of Taiwanese missing, being arrested or questioned or having their personal liberties restricted in China have reached 313 since January 2024, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) revealed in a data, local media reported on Thursday.

Of the 313 cases reported since January 1, 2024, through the end of February, 114 people went missing, 25 were arrested or questioned and 174 had their personal liberties restricted, according to the MAC, Taiwan's leading daily Taipei Times reported.

Sources said the real number is estimated to be up to three times more, as many cases are not reported to the authorities.

Last month, 17 Taiwanese were reported missing or were arrested in China, with half of them still unaccounted for, an informed official said, while speaking on condition of anonymity. The official further said that the number of cases have been rising each month.

According to MAC data, 221 cases were reported in 2025, showcasing a four-fold rise from 55 in 2024.

In June 2024, China issued a 22-point set of guidelines used to punish "die-hard" Taiwanese independence separatists, enabling the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to arrest or question people of Taiwan easily, Taipei Times reported.

Since then, it has become risky for people of Taiwan to visit Hong Kong, China or Macao, according to authorities.

In October last year, MAC stated that the 'freedom of movement ' of 132 Taiwanese nationals was restricted in China from January 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025, with over 70 per cent of the cases tied to fraud, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

Among those restricted, 93 were related to fraud cases, 13 involved in religious activities, one national security case, with 25 miscellaneous incidents, MAC Deputy Minister and spokesman Liang Wen-chieh stated in a press briefing, according to Central News Agency (CNA).

During the same period, 61 Taiwanese "went missing" and 19 were taken for interrogation, raising the total number of cases involving loss of contact, questioning or restrictions on freedom of movement to 212, Liang said.
About Hazemann & Monnin

Hazemann & Monnin is an independent watchmaking company based in Switzerland. It was founded by Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann, whose workshop has been officially operating since 2024. Their partnership, however, took root a decade earlier in the watchmaking program at the Edgar Faure high school in Morteau, France.

Since establishing their company, the two watchmakers have gradually expanded their in-house capabilities in design, prototyping, machining, finishing and assembly, with the aim of achieving true technical independence.

Their first creation, the School Watch, features a movement with an instantaneous jumping hour and a passing chime, and comes in two distinct interpretations that each reflect the sensibility of its creator. Hazemann's version emphasizes technical expression with blue accents, while Monnin's interpretation explores a more artistic approach, notably through the use of natural stone dials such as malachite and opal. We wanted to create finishes that had real import, so that people can take the time to appreciate the entire mechanism, notes Hazemann. Their upcoming timepiece will feature both names on the dial, affirming the identity of the house.

About the Prize: A passion that shapes the future of watchmaking

Launched in 2022, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives is much more than an award: it embodies the House's passion for excellence in savoir-faire. Organized and supported by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the Prize is designed to support independent watchmakers, artisans and entrepreneurs as they open bold new horizons in watchmaking.

The second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize drew a remarkable number of submissions from around the world, confirming the truly international dimension of this initiative. Freed of geographic boundaries, the Prize reaches beyond traditional centers of the craft to recognize independent watchmaking wherever it is practiced with distinction, regardless of nationality, origin or number of years' experience.

A selection of 20 semifinalists was reviewed by a Committee of Experts comprised of 65 watch enthusiasts, experts and collectors from around the world. Candidates' timepieces were evaluated according to five criteria: Design, Creativity, Innovation, Craftsmanship and Technical Complexity. Five finalists were selected to present their timepieces to the final jury on the morning of the ceremony. Louis Vuitton plays no role in selecting the winner; the decision rests solely with the independent jury.

In a deeply emotional gesture symbolizing the spirit of transmission at the heart of the Prize, Raul Pages, winner of the inaugural Louis Vuitton Watch Prize (2024), personally handed over the trophy to the new laureates, Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin. The moment captured the gratitude and commitment of past winners to illuminate the path for those who follow. Winning the Louis

Vuitton Watch Prize in 2024 accelerated my path and gave me recognition for which I will forever be grateful, said Raul Pages. Awarding this trophy in turn is an equally great privilege, living proof that the Prize represents a vibrant community of independent watchmakers who support and illuminate one another.
New Delhi, March 26 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Thursday defended the party's decision to field the mother of the junior doctor of West Bengal's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who was raped and murdered within the hospital premises in August 2024, from the Panihati Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district.

The victim's mother, Ratna Debnath, featured in the party's third list of 19 candidates, announced on Wednesday, for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in the state next month.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh told IANS, "The BJP has ensured that the victimas voice is heard in Bengalas largest panchayat, enabling her to receive justice. (BJP) has shown the victim's mother the way to the Bengal Assembly."

Chugh accused the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of sheltering the culprits in the case.

He said, "The cruel Trinamool government of Mamata Banerjee in Bengal had committed injustice against the victim of the R.G. Kar Medical College (case). Mamata Banerjeeas government made every possible effort to protect the culprits and employed every tactic to suppress the case."

Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also praised the decision.

He said, "She should definitely be given (the ticket). This is a matter of women's respect and empowerment. She (the victim) had to go through such brutal things; if the BJP had given her (the victim's mother) a ticket (to contest the Assembly polls), this would be a mark of respect to women's rights. She will win in Bengal and raise her voice in the Assembly. The BJP has done a great job."

Notably, Ratna Debnath is also a voter from the Panihati constituency.

It may be recalled that on March 23, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, had informed media persons that the parents of the R.G. Kar victim had taken primary membership of the BJP.

However, Adhikari had then said that whether any of them would be fielded as a candidate from Panihati would be decided by the partyas central leadership. On Wednesday, the party announced the name of the victimas mother as its candidate from the constituency.
Dumka : , March 26 (IANS) Tension gripped Dumka, the sub-capital of Jharkhand, on Thursday after a madrasa teacher was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room within the Nagar police station limits of the city, officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Sadiq Hussain Ansari, a resident of Sakrikitta Rampur under Boarijor police station in neighbouring Godda district. He was employed as a teacher at a madrasa in the district.

According to police, Ansari had checked into a hotel near Dumkaas Dudhani Tower Chowk along with a woman. The incident came to light on Thursday morning when hotel staff alerted the police after finding him unconscious in the room. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The body has been sent to Phulo Jhano Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Preliminary inquiry suggests that the deceased and the woman were in a personal relationship. The woman, who was present in the room at the time of the incident, has been taken into custody and is being questioned.

In her statement, she has told police that Ansarias health suddenly deteriorated shortly after they returned to the room following a meal.

She said he began to writhe in discomfort and later became unresponsive. Assuming he had fallen asleep, she said she did not initially raise an alarm, but informed hotel staff when he remained motionless for a prolonged period.

Police said they are probing the matter from all angles, including natural causes and possible foul play. They said CCTV footage from the hotel is being examined, and the deceasedas family has been informed.

The officer in charge of the police station said the exact cause of death will be known only after the post-mortem report is received.

The police are also trying to find out the reason behind the womanas visit to Dumka.
Agartala/Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha is set to address two major election rallies in Kerala on Thursday as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the state's upcoming 140-member Assembly elections.

According to BJP sources in Agartala, Saha departed for Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon and reached Kannur on Thursday morning. Later in the day, he will address an election convention at Chandragiri Auditorium in support of BJP candidate Prasanth Malavayal, who is contesting from the Kalpetta Assembly constituency.

Continuing his campaign tour, the Chief Minister will address another election convention at Town Junction in the Dharmadam Assembly constituency in support of BJP candidate K. Renith.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking re-election from this very constituency. "This visit marks a significant push by the BJP leadership to energise party workers and connect with voters in these key constituencies in Kerala," a BJP leader in Agartala said.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is contesting all 140 Assembly seats in Kerala, with polling scheduled for April 9. The BJP itself is fielding candidates in 99 constituencies, while its allies are contesting the remaining seats.

The party had opened its account in Kerala in the 2016 Assembly elections by winning the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district. However, it lost the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections. In the 2021 polls, the BJP secured second place in nine constituencies, indicating pockets of growing support.

After concluding his campaign in Kerala, CM Saha is expected to return to Agartala on Friday to spearhead the BJP's campaign for the upcoming elections to the 30-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the by-election to the Dharmanagar Assembly seat in North Tripura district.

The TTAADC elections are scheduled for April 12, while the Dharmanagar Assembly by-election will be held on April 9.

Earlier, Chief Minister Saha, along with several senior BJP leaders from Tripura, including state party president Rajib Bhattacharjee, also participated in the campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections. Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases -- April 23 for 152 seats and April 29 for the remaining 142 seats.
Kolkata, March 26 : Trinamool Congress will provide legal assistance to those voters whose names will be deleted during the ongoing judicial adjudication, said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.

"The voters whose names will be deleted in the judicial adjudication process will be provided with legal assistance from Trinamool Congress. We will arrange advocates for them," the Chief Minister said while addressing an election campaign at Pandaveswar in West Burdwan district in the afternoon.

Her announcement came a day after the Election Commission of India (ECI), on Wednesday evening, informed that of the 60 lakh cases referred for judicial adjudication, the process had been completed for 32 lakh cases till Tuesday night, and around 40 per cent of those 32 lakh cases have been found excludable.

However, these voters, excluded from the judicial adjudication process, will have the opportunity to approach any one of 19 Appellate Tribunals constituted for that purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister once again said that the women of West Bengal will have to take special initiative to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "However, they might attack us, but finally, Trinamool Congress will emerge as the victor. The women will have to take a lead role in that process," the Chief Minister said.

She also said that the BJP could go to any level of electoral malpractices. "They can even resort to lockdown, as was done during the Covid-19 pandemic period. But we know how to fight. If we were able to fight during the pandemic period, we would also be able to fight now," the Chief Minister said.

She also described the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal as the "Kurukshetra Mahayudh", where Trinamool Congress represents the Pandavas and BJP represents the Kauravas.

He also attacked the Union government regarding the rules of LPG bookings. "Yesterday, I heard that the gas booking period has been reduced to 25 days. I don't know if it is true or not; I do not trust them. You cannot book before 25 days! What will people do if they run out of gas?" the Chief Minister questioned.
Bengaluru, March 26 : A professor at a private medical college on the outskirts of Bengaluru was allegedly assaulted by students after he reportedly proposed to a female student inside a classroom during a lecture, police said on Thursday.

Authorities have taken the case seriously as the professor and the female student are from different communities.

The incident has been reported from the college under the jurisdiction of the Nelamangala Rural Police Station. Police have launched a hunt for the accused. A video of the incident has gone viral, raising concerns among the public.

According to police, the incident occurred while the class was in progress. The professor allegedly offered a chocolate to a girl student and expressed his feelings in front of the entire class.

The student immediately objected to his behaviour and questioned him in the classroom. The situation escalated when the student allegedly hit the professor with her slipper.

Following the confrontation, other students, angered by the professor's conduct, reportedly chased him across the campus and assaulted him. He was allegedly thrashed near his car. Fearing further attack, the professor managed to escape from the spot.

According to preliminary information, the professor allegedly said in the classroom that he was proposing to a "very important girl" from the batch and distributed chocolates to students. The girl student, however, firmly rejected his behaviour and asked him to take the matter to the college Principal instead.

The video shows the professor stating in class that he was unable to resist his feelings for a girl from the batch and that he was proposing to her. "I am distributing chocolates to a very important girl of this batch and also to all of you," he said, before adding: "I love you."

The female student confronted the professor and questioned when she had ever proposed to him. She further asked him to speak to the principal if he wished to discuss the matter, adding that the entire class would accompany him. The professor then challenged the student, asking how she could have proposed to him, to which the student again responded by asking when she had done so.

The professor claimed that there was proof in the CCTV footage. The student challenged him to show the footage immediately. However, the professor attempted to avoid the situation by saying he would discuss it the next day. The student replied that she was not interested in discussing it at all. Despite the confrontation, the professor was later seen asking students to take chocolates. Further investigation is in progress.
Dhaka, March 26 : As Bangladesh marks Independence Day on Thursday, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged that anti-independence forces - supported by "domestic and foreign conspiracies" - are attempting to erode the ideals of the country's 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

Dhaka, March 26 (IANS) As Bangladesh marks Independence Day on Thursday, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged that anti-independence forces  supported by "domestic and foreign conspiracies"  are attempting to erode the ideals of the country's 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

"Today, the country is passing through a difficult and challenging time. After overcoming many obstacles and moving the nation toward prosperity, certain anti-independence forces  backed by domestic and foreign conspiracies  are once again attempting to undermine all our achievements," read a statement issued by Hasina, which was posted by the Awami League on its social media platform X.

Asserting that Bangladesh has never "bowed to injustice", the former PM said, "Just as in 1971, under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, the people of Bengal united under the leadership of the Awami League and fought bravely in the Liberation War to achieve victory, the people of Bengal will once again rise with the same spirit and patriotism. No conspiracy can silence us. The people will unite again, break all webs of conspiracy, and achieve victory once more."

The nation observes Independence Day and National Day on March 26 in honour of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country's independence, local media reported. The armed struggle for independence commenced in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bangladeshis by the Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, 1971, referred to as 'Genocide Day'.

Recalling the legacy of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina offered homage to him, stating that under his "indomitable leadership" Bangladesh achieved independence.

She also paid tribute to the four national leaders, the frontline fighters of the Liberation War, the three million martyrs, organisers at all levels and the countless women who endured Pakistani atrocities.

Quoting Bangabandhu's remarks on March 26, 1971, she said, "This may be my last message. From today, Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh  wherever you are, with whatever you have  to resist the occupying forces with all your strength. Continue the fight until the last soldier of the Pakistani occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bengal and final victory is achieved."

Hasina noted that the broadcast of the message in the early hours of March 26, 1971, marked the birth of Bangladesh.

"At this historic moment of Great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the country and all Bangladeshis living abroad," she stated, emphasising the significance of the day.
Chennai, March 26 : The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Thursday announced its candidates for three constituencies in Puducherry after a dispute with the Congress over seat allocation within the alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

The move follows the Congressa refusal to withdraw its nominee from the Uzhavarkarai constituency, which had been allocated to the VCK as part of the alliance understanding.

The VCK said the seat was among the constituencies allotted to the DMK in the Congress-led alliance and was subsequently ceded to it for contesting.

Despite this arrangement, the Congress fielded a candidate in Uzhavarkarai, triggering tensions between the allies.

The VCK alleged that the Congress nominee had prior links with the RSS and the BJP, and had joined the Congress only recently, raising concerns about the partyas commitment to alliance discipline.

The VCK said its efforts to resolve the issue with the Puducherry unit of the Congress were unsuccessful, as the latter declined to withdraw its candidate. The party noted that this development created uncertainty over its position within the alliance and cast doubts on coordination among coalition partners.

With the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ending at 3 P.M. on Thursday, the VCK said it had no alternative but to proceed with announcing its candidates in the constituencies where it had already filed nominations.

It added that the Congressa approach had also raised broader concerns about the allianceas electoral prospects in Puducherry.

Urging voters to support its nominees, the VCK said it remained committed to defeating the BJP-led alliance and forming a government focussed on social justice, harmony, and development.

The party has fielded Pe. Ariyaputhri alias Arimaththamizan from Oussudu, Pa. Amudavan from Nettapakkam, and Selva Pushpalatha from Uzhavarkarai.

The episode underscores emerging strains within the Opposition alliance in Puducherry as parties intensify preparations for the upcoming elections.
New Delhi, March 26 : An Air India flight from Delhi to London Heathrow had to return to the national capital on Thursday afternoon after a suspected technical issue was detected mid-air.

The flight, AI111, had taken off from Delhi at around 6 am and remained in the air for nearly seven hours before returning. It safely landed back in Delhi at approximately 12:30 pm.

According to an Air India spokesperson, the aircraft made a precautionary return after a suspected technical issue was noticed during the journey. The airline said that the decision was taken keeping passenger safety as the top priority.

The spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in line with the airlineas strict safety standards.

The plane is now undergoing detailed technical checks, which are expected to take some time before further decisions are made.

Air India also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unexpected situation.

The airline said it is making all possible efforts to ensure that affected passengers can continue their journey to London at the earliest.

Further details about the nature of the technical issue are awaited as inspections continue.

Meanwhile, last week, an Air India flight that took off from Delhi for Canada's Vancouver returned to the national capital after 9 hours, as the B777 Boeing version that was deployed on the route did not have clearance from Canadaas aviation regulator to fly into the country.

The Air India flight with the call sign AI185 took off from Delhi with a full load of passengers at 12.18 p.m. on March 20 for Vancouver using a Boeing 777-200LR plane, even though Air India has approval from Canadian authorities only for its Boeing 777-300ER planes on this route.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Warsaw, March 26 : India and Poland on Thursday held discussions on deepening political exchanges and economic ties, including in areas like electric vehicles, mining and shipping and enhancing educational, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The talks were held between Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pooja Kapur and Polish Secretary of State WT Bartoszewski in Warsaw.

"Ms. Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs called on Polish Secretary of State H.E. Mr. W.T. Bartoszewski in Warsaw. The discussions reiterated the longstanding friendly relations between India and Poland, nourished by high-level political engagement. Further deepening of political exchanges, economic ties including in areas such as EVs, mining and shipping by leveraging the India-EU FTA, developing defence and technology cooperation, as well as enhancing educational, cultural and people to people exchanges were discussed," Indian Embassy in Poland posted on X.

On Wednesday, Pooja Kapur met Polish MP and Chair of the Poland-India Parliamentary Group Kinga Gajewska.

In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Poland stated, "Ms. Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs met Ms. Kinga Gajewska, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Poland-India Parliamentary Group. She also interacted with President of the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Vice President of National Chamber of Commerce of Poland, former Ambassador of Poland to India Mr Adam Burkowski and CEO of Wipro Poland, to discuss further deepening of India-Poland ties."

Pooja Kapur also paid floral tributes at the Memorial of the Dobry Maharaja, Jamsaheb Digvijaysinhji in Ochota and at the Kolhapur Memorial in Ogrod Krasinskich in Warsaw. She also visited the Bednarska school and interacted with the Director and high school students.

"On her official visit to Poland, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Ms. Pooja Kapur paid floral tributes at the Memorial of the Dobry Maharaja, Jamsaheb Digvijaysinhji in Ochota and at the Kolhapur Memorial in Ogrod Krasinskich in Warsaw," the Indian Embassy in Poland posted on X.

"She also visited the Bednarska school and met with the Director, followed by an interaction with high school students. The Director thanked India for the ongoing support provided to the school and recalled the success of the first Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange programme. At the Jamsaheb memorial, the Principal of Janusz Korczak school along with teachers and students met Ms. Kapur and conveyed their appreciation for the grant being provided by India and fondly remembered the Dobry Maharaja," it added.

Last month, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, held a meeting with Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, in New Delhi and reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership and discussed key deliverables of the 2024-2028 Action Plan between both countries.

"Secretary (West) Sibi George held a productive meeting with Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski in New Delhi. They reviewed India-Poland Strategic Partnership and discussed the key deliverables of the Action Plan (2024-2028)," the MEA stated.

India and Poland elevated bilateral ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership' during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland in 2024. The two sides also agreed to a five-year Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028.
Karnal : , March 26 (IANS) Union Minister Manohar Lal on Thursday said that while global conflicts and geopolitical tensions pose a potential risk to the supply of petroleum products and gas, India is well-prepared to tackle any such challenge and there is "no need to panic" at present.

Speaking to reporters, the minister underlined that the issue of energy supply is not confined to India alone but is a growing international concern, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts between several countries that could disrupt global supply chains.

"This is not only an Indian issue, but also at the international level. A major problem we are seeing is that some countries are engaged in wars, which could greatly affect the supply of petroleum products and gas, as we import them from there," he said.

However, the Union Minister reassured that the current situation remains stable, with no immediate disruption in supplies. "Currently, everything is running smoothly, and there is no problem," he added.

Emphasising preparedness, he said: "There is a saying  hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. The government has taken comprehensive steps to ensure energy security even in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Whenever any problem arises, we should always be prepared for it. That is why the Government of India has made all kinds of preparations. Even if any difficulty arises in the future, we will be able to find a way out easily."

He further stated that India currently has adequate reserves of essential fuels and related resources. "We currently have sufficient stock, whether it is petrol, LPG, or other such materials that we import from abroad. We are prepared in every aspect," he said.

Linking the preparedness to the broader vision of self-reliance, Manohar Lal referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He explained that self-reliance implies strengthening domestic capabilities to reduce dependency on external sources.

"This is because the Prime Minister has said that we must build an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The meaning of self-reliance is that we should be self-sufficient in ourselves," he said.

He also highlighted the current system of mutual trade between nations, noting that India both imports and exports commodities depending on requirements. However, he stressed that the country is capable of managing even adverse scenarios.

"At present, there is a practical exchange systemsome things we import from them, and some they take from us. However, if the situation worsens in the future, we are fully capable of handling it in every way," he said.

Reiterating his message, the Union Minister urged citizens not to be alarmed. "I would like to say again to everyone that there is no need to panic, because if any difficulty arises, we are fully prepared to manage the situation," he added.
The exiled analyst and nuclear physicist believes that a US victory narrative will be very fragile and that the Iranian regime has become radicalized

Iranian security expert Ali Vaez, 46, is convinced that President Donald Trumps withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran was a mistake that paved the way for the war now being waged by the United States and Israel against Tehran. The agreement limited Irans nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions against the country. Vaez, a nuclear physicist in exile, was directly involved in efforts to build bridges between the Islamic Republic and the powers that negotiated the agreement in 2015. Vaez is co-author of the book How Sanctions Work: Iran and the Impact of Economic Warfare, and he heads the Iran area at the International Crisis Group, a center for conflict prevention analysis based in Geneva, from where he spoke to this newspaper by telephone on Monday.

Question. Was withdrawing from the nuclear agreement Donald Trumps first step towards war?

Answer. That was the original sin. The 2015 nuclear agreement had placed the Iranian program under the most rigorous international oversight ever implemented. Had this agreement been in place in 2025, when the United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran would have only been able to acquire one-fifth of the material needed to produce enough enriched uranium for a single nuclear weapon. Until 2030, the country would have remained subject to restrictions. In practice, throughout President Trumps second term, Iran would not have come close to developing nuclear weapons and would have remained under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. If Iran is any closer to the threshold of nuclear weapons, it is because of President Trumps decision to withdraw from the agreement.

If Iran is closer to the nuclear weapons threshold, it is due to President Trumps decision to withdraw from the 2015 agreement

Q. Regarding the most recent negotiations, before the war, do you believe there was a genuine intention to reach an agreement?

A. Those negotiations were neither professional nor serious. It is difficult for anyone with experience in the Iranian nuclear issue to believe that the kind of capitulation the American negotiators had in mind was ever truly possible. In most of the negotiations, the American team didnt even bring technical experts, because they were looking for yes-or-no answers, which is not how such difficult technical negotiations are normally conducted.

Trump chose the worst possible option: resorting to a military solution that doesnt actually offer a real solution. Iran still has a path to a nuclear weapon through its unaccounted-for stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The military option only bought eight months, from June 2025 to February 2026. The diplomatic option would have bought 15 years at a much lower cost.

Q. In recent years, has the Revolutionary Guard gained more power?

A. There are two things that have made the Revolutionary Guard more powerful than ever. One is the years of maximum pressure sanctions [implemented by Trump], which allowed it to enrich itself by controlling all the black markets and smuggling networks to circumvent the sanctions. The second has been the removal of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to whom this military body was always subordinate. The new Supreme Leader [Mukhta Khamenei] owes his position to the Revolutionary Guard, and if this system survives, it will be thanks to them. Therefore, they are no longer just the second most powerful force in Iran, but are at the pinnacle of power.

Thus, in the process of trying to weaken and isolate the hardliners within the Islamic Republic, the United States has made them more powerful and increasingly prominent in the Iranian political system.

Q. Have the sanctions had any deterrent effect?

A. The sanctions have certainly weakened Iran, but there are no signs that they have weakened the regimes ability to repress its own population or to pursue aggressive policies in the region, whether by funding partners and allied groups in the region, investing in its nuclear, missile, and drone programs, or cooperating with Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. By any metric, the sanctions have not achieved their intended objective; instead, they have weakened the Iranian middle class, which is the Wests strongest ally in Iran.

Q. By weakening the middle class, was the possibility of reforming the regime from within reduced?

R. Absolutely. There are two obstacles to transformation: one was at the level of the deep state in Iran, as represented by Khamenei himself, who opposed reforms, and those around him who benefited from the system and did not want to see their economic or political interests undermined. But the other has been the weakening of society, which was caught between a regime that pressured it from above and the United States and the West, which pressured it economically from the outside. It really wasnt in a position to act as an agent of change because its leadership was imprisoned by the regime and its base was devastated by the impact of the sanctions.

Q. Did the 2003 invasion of Iraq send any kind of message to the Iranian regime?

R. Undoubtedly. Iran had already seen the United States topple the Taliban regime in the east and then Saddam Husseins regime in the west, and there were those in the Bush administration who said, Real men go to Tehran. So yes, it heightened their perception of the threat. In response, Iran developed whats called the mosaic defense doctrine, which weve seen implemented in this war. Basically, it divides command and control among the countrys 31 provinces, so that if the United States attacks the central node in Tehran, the rest of the system isnt paralyzed, as happened in Iraq in 2003.

Q. Was the regime closer to falling after the recent social protests? And, if so, has the war reversed that dynamic?

A. The regime is certainly weaker than in the past, but it remains quite strong in the eyes of the Iranian population. There was an asymmetry in the balance of power that continues to this day. The Revolutionary Guard has 250,000 troops. It has a Basij militia of almost a million members. And for the United States or Israel to completely degrade this repressive capacity, for the Iranian people to be able to take to the streets, they would need troops on the ground, because this cannot be done from the air. If they decide to arm the Iranian opposition to do the job themselves, that risks plunging the country into civil war.

It will be very difficult for the country to transition to any kind of democracy at the end of this war

Now, though weaker, the regime is more radical. It was always a murderous system, but now it has also become suicidal. It sees no limits to what it is willing to do to stay in power. It killed several thousand of its own citizens in January to maintain control. Now it is prepared to set the entire region ablaze to ensure its own survival. That is why, regardless of what the United States and Israel do, I believe it will be very difficult for the country to transition to any kind of democracy at the end of this war.

Q.What are the real possibilities of a ceasefire?

R. The United States, as happened last year, could at any moment disengage from the conflict, and President Trump could declare victory by arguing that he has eliminated many key leaders, degraded the countrys military capabilities, and once again destroyed its nuclear program. But it would be a very fragile victory narrative if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, if the fate of the nuclear stockpile is not addressed, and if the regime remains in power.

Iran may decide to keep maritime trade closed until it extracts concessions from the Trump administration. Therefore, what began as a war of choice for President Trump is now becoming a war of necessity, because it will be very difficult for him to end this war unilaterally without reopening trade.

And there are no good options for opening the strait. Either he deploys ground troops, exposing them to grave risks; or he attacks Iranian infrastructure, as he has threatened, which could provoke retaliation and leave the entire region in utter devastation from which it would take years to recover. In the process, it would trigger a global economic collapse. Trump has started a war he now cannot end.

Q. What were the United States and Israel seeking with the war?

A. Trump is always tempted to make history and be the first president to take actions that others have refrained from out of prudence. I believe he was influenced by hawkish voices around him and in Israel that led him to believe he could change the map of the Middle East forever and resolve the long-standing conflict between Iran and the United States. He entered this war with a lot of wishful thinking. When the U.S. military warned him about the risks of closing the Strait of Hormuz, he responded that Iran would capitulate before it came to that.

Israel wants to see the collapse of the Iranian state. But a failed state in Iran will also have serious consequences for Israel, because it breeds radicalization and resentment that could backfire. Furthermore, the other countries in the region, which are extremely angry with Iran for attacking them during this war, will also be uneasy about Israel being the dominant, unrivaled power in the region.

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Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Thiruvananthapuram is set to host a landmark scientific engagement as astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), arrives in the city on March 28.

He will be in Kerala as a guest of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and is scheduled to interact with selected students at Lok Bhavan.

The highlight of the visit will be an address on the theme, 'India Advancing in Space, India Gaining Strength: A Youth Pathway to a Developed Nation.'

The event, slated for 4 PM, will see participation from 500 selected students, offering a rare opportunity for young minds to engage directly with one of Indiaas foremost space pioneers.

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation. Commissioned into the Air Force, he has flown a range of fighter aircraft and later served as a test pilot, building an extensive aviation profile before transitioning into the countryas human spaceflight programme.

He was among the four astronauts shortlisted in 2019 for Indiaas ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

In July 2025, Shukla etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4.

He is also the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, who made the historic journey in 1984.

In recognition of his distinguished service, Shukla was awarded the Ashoka Chakra in 2026, Indiaas highest peacetime military honour.

His visit is expected to inspire students and reinforce the growing momentum of Indiaas space ambitions, while underscoring the role of youth in shaping the countryas journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Ever since Arlekar took over he has ensured that the Lok Bhavan is a centre of activity as he holds regular meetings with a cross-section of people and through his pleasing personality he has walked into the hearts of many by inviting them to his office.
New Delhi, March 26 : Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on Thursday refuted reports that it has purchased Iranian crude, calling these reports "baseless".

Reports earlier claimed that RIL had purchased 5 million abarrels of Iranian crude after the US administration temporarily removed sanctions on aIranian oil at sea.

According to the report, RIL bought the oil from the National Iranian Oil Co.

"Reliance Industries Limited categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin. These reports are baseless, leading to misleading and incorrect claims," the company said in a statement, urging the media outlets concerned to verify facts before publication.

Last week, the US issued a short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea, a move the Donald Trump administration says will quickly boost global supply while maintaining pressure on Tehran, according to the Treasury Department and media reports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the step is designed to stabilise energy markets amid ongoing conflict and supply disruptions. "Today, the Department of the Treasury is issuing a narrowly tailored, short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea," he had said.

The authorisation applies only to crude already loaded on vessels as of March 20 and remains in force until April 19, according to a Treasury general licence. Bessent said the move could bring "approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets", helping to ease pressure caused by recent disruptions.

"By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran," he said.

At present, much of the sanctioned Iranian oil is believed to be held offshore or routed through indirect channels. Bessent said some of it has been "hoarded by China on the cheap", and that releasing it would help undercut Tehranas leverage.
Paris, March 26 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, on the sidelines of which he is also expected to hold significant bilateral discussions with many of his counterparts.

Paris, March 26 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to attend the G7 Foreign Ministersa Meeting, on the sidelines of which he is also expected to hold significant bilateral discussions with many of his counterparts.

"Arrived at Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay, France to participate in G7 Foreign Ministersa Meeting with Partner Countries. Was received warmly by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot of France for my first bilateral," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to France to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministersa Meeting with Partner Countries at the invitation of Barrot. The meeting is set to deliberate on a range of pressing global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in West Asia.

In a statement, Franceas Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated, "On Iran and the Middle East, the partners will seek avenues for negotiation to encourage de-escalation, while promoting the security of civilian populations, the re-opening of maritime and trade routes and the cessation of the Iranian regimeas nuclear and ballistic programmes."

"On Ukraine, the G7 partners will reiterate their support for Kyiv in terms of energy and capabilities, and will step up pressure on Russia, especially regarding its shadow fleet," it added.

The ministers will also address several regional situations, including the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, and Venezuela and Cuba, in light of the events which have taken place since the start of 2026.

According to the statement, France and its partners are seeking to work together to raise funds internationally to repair Chernobylas confinement structure, which was severely damaged by a Russian strike in 2025, and to organise a regional conference to combat the trafficking of synthetic drug Captagon in Syria. The ministers will also discuss regional economic integration in the Middle East.

"The Ministers will establish a G7 task force to work on creating a network of ports in G7 countries and other partner countries to step up the fight against drug trafficking. Another priority will be to organise a regional security conference in the Caribbean in Martinique in July 2026, convening countries in the region and G7 partners to step up the fight against drug trafficking in the region, and to organise the fifth 'No Money for Terror' conference, to be held in Paris on 19 May 2026 to combat terrorist financing. Finally, we will discuss securing critical mineral supply chains, following on from the discussions held under the Canadian G7 Presidency," the statement added.
New Delhi, March 26 : Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani on Thursday said that a growing sense of insecurity prevails among many Muslims in India, with feelings of being "cornered, unsafe, and humiliated" arising from what he described as a pattern of developments and a perceived bias in governance and law enforcement rather than any single incident.

Speaking to IANS, Madani stressed that while isolated incidents are not uncommon in a country as large and diverse as India, concerns deepen when the response of authorities appears inconsistent. "Those whose duty is to stop injustice and ensure justice seem to have turned a blind eye," he said, suggesting that the approach of sections of the administration, police, and governments contributes to this sense of unease.

On the question of whether Muslims are being targeted globally, Madani said such perceptions are gaining ground, though he refrained from citing specific incidents and instead pointed to what he termed a broader trend.

Addressing the issue of deportation of alleged illegal immigrants in Assam, he asserted that the matter should not be viewed through a religious lens. "They even call us Bangladeshis. Our view is that any person -- regardless of religion -- who is a foreign national and does not have valid documents should not be allowed to stay in India. The NRC process has already taken place in Assam. The Chief Minister there even talks about sending me to Bangladesh."

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Madani said dissatisfaction is not confined to Muslims alone. "There are many complaints regarding this, and dissatisfaction is present among other communities as well," he noted.

On the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, he said the organisation would respond only after a detailed examination of it. "Senior members of our organisation are currently procuring and studying the bill, after which we will issue our response," he said.

Referring to restrictions on offering Eid prayers on roads, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Madani emphasised the need for uniform application of rules. "If the government has decided that no religious activity should take place on roadssince roads are meant for movementthen this rule should be applied equally to everyone. It should not be one-sided," he said.

About AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, he said: "Owaisi is a capable individual and actively participates in politics. In his own way, he is doing his job well."
Srinagar, March 26 : The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday raided multiple locations across the Valley in connection with a transnational terror module linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit.

A spokesperson of the CIK said on Thursday that the sleuths of CIK conducted raids at multiple locations across the Valley in connection with a transnational terror module linked to the banned terrorist outfit LeT.

Officials said the CIK, the Intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, carried out searches at a minimum of 11 locations spread across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts.

Of these, six locations were raided in Ganderbal, three in Srinagar and two in Shopian district.

The module has a transnational dimension and is being directed by handlers operating from across the border, particularly in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

One of the key handlers of the module, Shabir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Akhal village in Kangan tehsil of district Ganderbal, and is currently based in Bangladesh, is believed to be coordinating the activities of the module.

The operatives are also receiving instructions from Pakistan-based handlers, indicating a broader cross-border network.

The raids were carried out under the authority of a court-issued search warrant in connection with a recently registered terror investigation case at the CIK police station.

Officials said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle networks involved in facilitating militant activities in the region. During the searches, the sleuths seized incriminating material aimed at establishing links between local operatives and their foreign handlers.

The searches were conducted to gather evidence, including digital data, documents, and other materials related to the functioning of the terror module.

Officials said further investigation is underway to identify more members of the network and to uncover the full extent of its operations.

CIK is a Counter-Intelligence wing of the J&K Police that is aggressively carrying out anti-terrorist operations in the Valley.
Kathmandu, March 26 : Although China congratulated Nepal and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for its sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections held on March 5, the results have emerged as a setback for Beijing, analysts reckon.

The RSP, led by former media personality Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Ministerial hopeful Balen Shah, emerged as the largest political party in the House of Representatives, securing nearly a two-thirds majority. Traditional political parties, including the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), and the Nepal Communist Party, suffered significant defeats.

While the RSP secured a total of 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, the Nepali Congress won 38 seats, the UML secured 25, and the Nepal Communist Party got 17.

One of the defining features of the election results is the humiliating defeat of communist forces in Nepal, which had dominated the country's politics for decades.

The UML, the Nepal Communist Party, and other leftist forces were ideologically closer to Beijing, which appeared to have sought to influence Nepal's policies through them.

"The election results for the leftist forces are unlikely to please Beijing, though the northern neighbour has said it is ready to work with the new government," Nepal's former Ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha told IANS. "They might be concerned about whether the RSP's thumping win could invite greater US influence in Nepal."

Opponents of the RSP had accused the party of acting in US interests. When RSP senior leader and former Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah did not include the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park  planned with Chinese investment in Jhapa  in his election agenda, supporters of K P Sharma Oli criticised him of being anti-China.

Following the election results, the Communist Party of China (CPC) sent a congratulatory message to the RSP. In a message issued from Beijing on March 11, the CPC extended "warm congratulations and best wishes" and emphasised its willingness to deepen political trust and promote high-quality cooperation under the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while working towards a closer "ChinaNepal community with a shared future".

Referring to its past engagements with the RSP, the CPC said it valued ongoing exchanges between the two parties and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah, the RSP would continue to foster friendly relations with China and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Beijing typically works with whichever party is in power and does not openly display political preference. However, many observers have perceived a tilt toward leftist forces in the past, which at times irked parties such as the Nepali Congress.

When the CPN-UML and the erstwhile CPN (Maoist Centre) merged in 2018 to form the Nepal Communist Party, many viewed it as influenced by Beijing. Before the merger, the two parties had formed an electoral alliance for the 2017 parliamentary polls, securing nearly a two-thirds majority in the 2017 parliamentary elections together.

In October 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Nepal. Just ahead of his visit, a two-day symposium for top leaders of the then-ruling Nepal Communist Party was held in Kathmandu on 'Xi Jinping Thought', with experts describing it as an ideological outreach by the CPC.

However, internal power struggles between co-chairs K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' eventually led to the party's collapse.

A few days before the Gen-Z movement in early September, Oli attended the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the 'Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression' and the 'World Anti-Fascist War' at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, sparking controversy.

Given Nepal's official policy of non-alignment, the visit was seen as a pro-Beijing tilt in foreign policy. The subsequent Gen-Z movement led to the fall of the Oli government. Following the March 5 elections, the two largest communist forces have been reduced to the third and fourth-largest parties in Nepal's lower house.

Arun Subedi, former Foreign Policy Advisor to then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, said the emergence of the RSP represents a democratic alternative to the Nepali Congress. "The democratic world was searching for alternative democratic forces in Nepal, given that the Nepali Congress failed to counter communist influence," he said.

He added that the foreign policy approach of the RSP government can be assessed once it forms the government - RSP senior leader Shah is expected to be sworn in as the next Prime Minister on Friday.

In its election manifesto, the party has pledged to pursue a balanced and dynamic foreign policy to benefit from the rise of neighboring countries.

Regarding China, the RSP has proposed building a structured partnership framework focusing on concessional financing for world-class infrastructure, adopting state-guided socio-economic development programmes, and learning from inter-provincial competition models.

Although China has traditionally worked with ruling parties, in recent years it has made visible efforts to unify communist forces in Nepal. When the Nepal Communist Party was on the verge of collapse in 2021, Beijing reportedly attempted to keep it intact by engaging directly with party leaders. Analysts therefore view the decline of communist forces as a setback for Beijing.

China also considers Nepal strategically important in curbing the activities of exiled Tibetans, whom it regards as anti-China elements. According to Nepal's Home Ministry, around 12,000 Tibetan refugees live in the country. Communist governments in Nepal have generally taken a stricter stance in controlling such activities.

Nepal is also part of China's BRI, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative launched by Beijing in 2013. However, Nepal has not yet implemented any projects under the initiative which has been labelled as controversial, with Western countries accusing Beijing of pushing poorer nations into high debt by lending in unfeasible projects.

India has opposed the BRI particularly because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) developed under it which passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.

Nepal's communist parties have been strong supporters of the BRI, while the Nepali Congress has also welcomed it but insists that financial assistance from Beijing should come in the form of grants. The RSP has remained largely silent on the matter, although the Chinese side mentioned the BRI in its congratulatory message.

However, no one expects a decisive shift in Nepal's foreign policy under the RSP, even if the degree of orientation may change. Still, China will no longer find its long-standing ideological partners in power.

Even before the recent elections, the Nepal Communist Party  formed through the merger of factions including the Maoist Centre and the Unified Socialist  was already losing political ground. Meanwhile, Oli faced criticism on social media over his role during the Gen-Z movement, which contributed to his party's electoral losses.

Whether the decline of communist forces in Nepal will be permanent remains unclear. In India, once-influential leftist parties have largely become marginal players.

Rajendra Maharjan, a political analyst who has studied communist movements globally, believes the poor electoral performance of communist forces indicates erosion in their support base, even though they still retain strong organisational structures.

"It does not necessarily signal the end of leftist politics in Nepal. Even if UML and Maoists are weakened, people will seek a leftist alternative," he said. "It may not be a communist party in name, but a leftist political force will emerge to raise the issues of poorer sections of society."
Mathura, March 26 : An undertrial prisoner lodged in a district jail in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura died by suicide after allegedly being distressed over not getting bail, officials said on Thursday.

The prisoner succumbed during treatment, triggering panic within the jail administration and prompting an inquiry into the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Suresh, a resident of Govardhan, who had been lodged in the district jail since May 2025, in a case registered under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).

According to officials, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday when Suresh went to the toilet inside the barracks but did not return for an unusually long time.

After nearly ten minutes, on-duty Constables grew suspicious and went to check on Suresh.

Upon opening the toilet door, they found Suresh hanging from the latch of the gate, allegedly using his lower garment.

The sight shocked the jail staff, who immediately brought Suresh down and rushed him to the jail hospital for emergency treatment.

Given Suresh's critical condition, doctors referred him to the district hospital.

However, despite efforts to save him, Suresh succumbed during treatment in the early hours of Thursday, officials confirmed.

Mathura Jail Superintendent Anshuman Garg said that preliminary information suggests Suresh had been under mental stress for a considerable period due to the delay in securing bail.

The prisoner's family had also approached the Allahabad High Court seeking relief, but even on March 24, his case could not be listed for hearing.

"Before the incident, he (Suresh) had spoken to his father over the phone and expressed deep frustration over his situation," Garg said, adding that all aspects of the case are being examined.

The incident led to panic among jail authorities, with senior officials rushing to assess the situation.

Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to Suresh's suicide and to determine whether there was any lapse in his monitoring or care.

Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
Guwahati, March 26 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a series of key promises ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, including large-scale land reforms and the establishment of a medical college in Bajali within nine months of forming the next government.

Addressing an election rally in Bajali, the Chief Minister said that his government, if re-elected, would undertake a massive eviction drive to free encroached land across the state.

"After forming the next government, we will make 5 lakh bighas of land encroachment-free," he said. The Chief Minister claimed that nearly 50 lakh bighas of land in Assam are currently under encroachment.

He stressed that the reclaimed land, particularly in char (riverine) areas, would be redistributed among economically weaker sections.

"We will take back land from influential encroachers and distribute it among the poor," the Chief Minister asserted.

Highlighting the BJP's election manifesto, Sarma said the party has outlined 31 commitments aimed at accelerating development and improving public welfare across Assam.

Focusing on healthcare infrastructure, the Chief Minister promised that a medical college would be established in Bajali within nine months of the BJP returning to power.

He urged local residents to contribute land for the project, stating that around 100 bighas would be required to set up the institution.

"We appeal to the people to come forward and provide land for the medical college. Once the BJP government is formed, work on the project will begin immediately," he said.

The announcements come as the BJP intensifies its campaign across Assam, projecting development, land reforms and improved healthcare as key electoral planks. Party leaders are actively reaching out to voters, highlighting past achievements while laying out an ambitious roadmap for the future.

The upcoming elections are expected to witness a keen contest, with major political parties stepping up their campaigns across the state.
Patna, March 26 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continued his 'Samriddhi Yatra' on Thursday with visits to Nalanda and Patna, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a large number of development projects.

During his visit to Nalanda, the Chief Minister highlighted the district's progress under his leadership and unveiled a series of new initiatives.

He inaugurated 110 projects worth Rs 316 crore and laid the foundation stones for 106 projects valued at Rs 494 crore, marking a significant push for infrastructure and welfare development.

He also inspected stalls set up by various government departments and interacted with beneficiaries, including women associated with the Jeevika livelihood programme.

During the interaction, he distributed cheques under different welfare schemes.

Later, addressing a large gathering at the 'Jansamvad' programme held at Bihar Sharif's Deepnagar Stadium, Nitish Kumar reiterated his government's commitment to the continued development of the region.

He also drew comparisons with the situation in Bihar before 2005, highlighting the achievements made under the NDA government since then.

After completing his visit to Nalanda, Nitish Kumar continued his 'Samriddhi Yatra' in Patna, where he remotely inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a large number of development projects from Gyan Bhawan at Gandhi Maidan.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated 761 projects and laid the foundation stones for 612 others, dedicating them to the people of the state.

He also inspected stalls set up by various departments, interacted with beneficiaries, took feedback on ongoing schemes, and distributed cheques under welfare initiatives.

Marking the birth anniversary of Emperor Ashoka, he paid floral tributes to the emperor's statue, recalling his ideals of good governance, valour and universal brotherhood.

Later, addressing a large gathering at the 'Jansamvad' programme held at Bapu Sabhagar, Nitish Kumar reiterated his commitment to the holistic development of Bihar.

He highlighted the progress achieved under the NDA government and called upon people to work collectively towards the vision of a "Developed Bihar".

Several prominent leaders were present at the event, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, former Union Minister and Patna Sahib MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, and other ministers and legislators from across the state, reflecting the political significance of the event.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : The Joint Action Committee on Transgender and LGBTIQ+ Rights in Keralam along with national collectives and community organisations, on Thursday, opposed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as regressive, exclusionary, and unconstitutional.

At the heart of the opposition is the Bill's removal of the right to self-perceived gender identity, transferring the authority from the individual to state-appointed medical boards, thereby introducing invasive certification processes and bureaucratic gatekeeping.

This directly violates the principles of dignity, autonomy, and privacy upheld by the Supreme Court.

It also goes against international scientific consensus and evidence-based medical practices.

The Bill also narrows the definition of "Transgender Person" to specific socio-cultural identities, excluding and legally erasing the majority of the community, including trans men, transmasculine persons, non-binary and genderqueer persons, and trans women whose identities do not fall within these restrictive categories.

This has been done without adequate study, credible data, or meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including the National Council for Transgender Persons.

Another major concern is the introduction of vague penal provisions which are open to misuse and may be used to target activists, healthcare providers, educators, families, and support systems.

As the first state to adopt a Transgender Policy in 2015, Keralam has implemented a range of welfare initiatives that enabled transgender persons to move from social exclusion and survival to dignity and participation in public life.

The Committee warns that restricting identity recognition at the national level will directly undermine access to such welfare systems and reverse years of progress.

The impact of the Bill is already being felt within the LGBTIQ community.

Reports from across states indicate rising levels of anxiety, distress, and fear, with many individuals experiencing existential crises and heightened risk of self-harm and suicidality.

In response, the Joint Action Committee on Transgender and LGBTIQ+ Rights in Keralam has initiated a series of actions at both the state and national levels.

It was also decided to chart out the future by holding a state-level convention in Keralam, bringing together transgender and gender-diverse persons, community leaders, legal experts, mental health professionals, healthcare providers and allies to collectively strategise the next phase of advocacy, besides initiate a comprehensive legal consultation process to examine constitutional challenges to the Amendment Bill and explore avenues for judicial intervention.

"This is not merely a legislative amendment, it is a question of whether transgender persons will continue to exist as equal citizens under the Constitution. India has made important progress over the past decade. This Bill risks taking us back to a time when identities were controlled, denied, and marginalised," the Joint Action Committee said.
Amid calls for dialogue, more threats, and more deaths, and while U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that Iran is begging for a deal to end the war in the Middle East (even though Tehran had rejected his demands a day earlier, deeming them excessive) and urged a ceasefire before its too late, Israel has once again killed a senior Iranian commander.

On this occasion, the target was Alireza Tangsiri, head of the Revolutionary Guards naval forces, whom Israel holds responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Just when he most fears that Trump will unilaterally declare a ceasefire he does not want, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the coordination and joint objectives with Washington when announcing the assassination of Tangsiri.

The crossfire continues into the fourth week of the war, running parallel to the negotiating channel. Israel has launched a wave of bombings focused on Isfahan (the number of Iranians killed in the war exceeds 3,000, according to human rights activists), while Tehran has launched up to seven salvos of missiles against Israel in just a few hours, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem at a faster pace than usual. In Nahariya, in northern Israel, one person was killed by a projectile fired by the Hezbollah militia from Lebanon. Two others have been killed in Abu Dhabi by debris from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile, according to the Emirati government.

Pakistans Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, confirmed on Thursday that his country is acting as a mediator (with the help of Turkey and Egypt) between the United States and Iran. The mediators are trying to build on the momentum and organize a meeting for this weekend that will help overcome Tehrans initial rejection of the U.S. proposal, which is somewhat tougher than the one presented before the war. Despite the vast gulf between the positions of Washington and Tehran and the mistrust between the parties, the first glimmer of hope for a negotiated end to the war (or, at least, a ceasefire) has emerged.

Led today by more radical figures, after the U.S. and Israel assassinated its more pragmatic leaders, Iran sees itself as the victor in the conflict and is putting forward maximalist proposals to end it. It has also downplayed the process. The messages being conveyed through our friendly countries, and our response by declaring our positions or issuing the necessary warnings, are not what we call negotiation or dialogue, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Wednesday evening. Currently, our policy is to continue the resistance and defend the country, and we have no intention of negotiating, he added.

Trump paints a completely different picture. In a post on his social media account, Truth, on Thursday, he declared Iran militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback and begging for a deal. Its negotiators are very different and strange, he wrote before issuing a threat: They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is no turning back, and it wont be pretty.

The aftermath of an Iranian ballistic missile strike in Kfar Kasem (Israel), this Thursday. Amir Levy (Getty Images)

For now, Israel has removed Araqchi and the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, from its target list, according to Reuters. This was at Pakistans request, as they are the two most experienced and pragmatic interlocutors available. Since the war began on October 28, Israel has killed, among others, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei; Ali Larijani, another key figure in the regime; and the top leader of the Basij militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, and of intelligence, Esmail Khatib.

Israel hangs little chance of success on the talks, so it has not yet sounded the alarm. According to local media, it intends to continue fighting, at least until April 7, even if it does not achieve its goal of toppling the regime, as it initially hoped.

For now, by killing Tangsiri in Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz, Israel is sending a message of continued warfare. This is how Defense Minister Israel Katz presented it, referring to the Revolutionary Guard: The Israel Defense Forces will pursue and eliminate them one by one.

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Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday sharply criticised the Election Commission over the circulation of a document bearing the office seal of the party ruling at the Centre to other political parties, calling it a serious breach of neutrality.

In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, Vijayan also condemned the reported police action against those who criticised the incident.

He reminded the Commission that, as a constitutional body, it must reflect complete political neutrality in all its actions. Criticism, he said, is a democratic right, and issuing police notices to those who pointed out the Commission's lapse is "anti-democratic".

The Chief Minister stressed that criticism which is neither defamatory nor personal in nature should be treated as a legitimate expression of opinion. "Using the police machinery to send notices is not the correct course of action," he said.

Vijayan underlined that the issue cannot be dismissed as an error by a single official.

The fact that such an important document was circulated without scrutiny by senior authorities makes the lapse serious, he noted. "This cannot be seen as a mere accidental mistake," he added.

He further pointed out that the credibility and integrity of institutions like the Election Commission rest entirely on their impartial functioning.

Every action by its officials must reflect this neutrality, he said.

While the Chief Electoral Officer has indicated that an inquiry will be conducted, CM Vijayan urged that the findings be made public to reassure political parties and citizens alike.

The controversy erupted after a circular issued by the Election Commission, bearing the office seal of the ruling party at the Centre, was reportedly distributed to other political parties, triggering a political storm.

Opposition parties alleged that the incident pointed to an improper nexus between the Commission and the ruling dispensation.

The Chief Minister's intervention comes amid reports that police had initiated action against individuals who raised criticism on social media, further intensifying the debate over institutional accountability and democratic freedoms.
Indore, March 26 : A day after a female software engineer was killed after being allegedly rammed by a car during a dispute in Sagarshree Enclave, a large residential township in Indore, the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) has decided to prohibit renting flats to bachelors.

Gaurav Naik, president of the Sagarshree Enclave township, told IANS that residents have been objecting to commercial activities and nuisance from bachelors living on rent in the society.

"Several residents have complained about the nuisance being created by bachelors living on rent here. Therefore, the committee has decided to impose a ban on it. Today, I have sent a message on society's WhatsApp group and have requested all flat owners, especially those who have rented their flats to bachelors, to give their flats to only families," Naik said.

He shared that the construction of Sagarshree Enclave township was completed a few months ago, and people have started shifting into their flats for the last one-and-a-half months.

"Approximately three thousand people reside here. The penthouse is illegal. The majority of the residents moved in just a month ago. We are currently embroiled in a dispute with the builder regarding various development-related issues. We have not been provided with any amenities or facilities, yet the builder continues to ignore our concerns, he stated.

Naik also claimed that the developer has handed over flats to owners and all management, including security and parking, has also been given to the society's committee; however, the society was yet to receive a non-objection certificate (NOC) from the Indore Municipal Corporation.

The incident occurred on Wednesday following a dispute over the commercial use of a penthouse in the society. Naik said that at the time of the incident, four to five children were playing a few metres away from the gate, though they were unharmed.

The deceased, identified as Sampada Pathak, a software engineer, was allegedly rammed by a car driven by Mohit, the son of Kuldeep Choudhary, a resident who owns two flats in the society.

According to police, an altercation broke out between some flat owners opposing commercial activities and Kuldeep Choudhary, who had rented out his penthouses for commercial use. During the heated argument, Mohit allegedly drove the car into a group of residents, injuring Sampada.

She was rushed to Bombay Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries late on Wednesday night. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the building.

Police said both Kuldeep Choudhary and his son Mohit have been arrested, and further investigation is underway.
New Delhi, March 26 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose the country's National Day for his official car to mark the first time to bear the national flag since he assumed office as head of the government, according to reports from Dhaka.

The image, while on way to pay homage to the Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar on Thursday morning, should serve as a lesson for those who had declared a subtle intent to rewrite the country's history and legacy.

Rahman also went to the National Parade Ground in Dhaka "in his flag-bearing official car to join the Independence and National Day Parade 2026", marking the 56th Independence and National Day, The Daily Star reported, quoting the Prime Minister's Office.

Incidentally, Bangladesh National Day marks the moment when the country's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, on the morning of March 26, 1971.

The declaration followed the Pakistan Army launching 'Operation Searchlight' the day before, a violent campaign that targeted the region's Bengali-speaking civilians, students, and military personnel, resulting in widespread atrocities.

The operation was presented by West Pakistani authorities as a security measure to restore order after the 1970 election and rising Bengali nationalist activity.

The mandate saw Awami League, led by Mujibur Rahman, emerge as the primary political force representing the-then East Pakistan.

Thus, the day symbolises struggle for sovereignty and the sacrifices made during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

It marked the opening phase of a campaign that precipitated the ninea'month Liberation War and is widely remembered in Bangladesh as the start of the 1971 genocide.

The crackdown occurred amid Cold War geopolitics that complicated international responses; major powers were divided in their reactions, and early global action to stop the violence was limited.

The operation triggered armed resistance in East Pakistan and ultimately led to fulla'scale war and Pakistan's surrender in December 1971.

Operation Searchlight involved coordinated strikes across Dhaka and other urban centres, where Pakistan Army used tanks, mortars, and small arms to assault dormitories, police and paramilitary barracks, the Dhaka University, and Hindua'majority areas.

The detention of Awami League leader Mujibur Rahman was part of the same campaign.

Meanwhile, in June last year, the interim government in Bangladesh led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, declared August 5 as "Uprising Day" and August 8 as "New Bangladesh Day".

Additionally, July 16 was declared as Martyr Abu Sayeed Day, in remembrance of the student, who was killed in police firing in Rangpur during the mass movement.

August 8 marks the day when the previous Yunus-led interim government was formed following the overthrow of the Shiekh Hasina-led government amid a mass uprising by students and the public.

Incidentally, the Cabinet decision came a year after the fall of the Hasina government.

Thereafter, a political row erupted over the government's declaration of August 8 as "New Bangladesh Day", with some political parties and civic organisations demanding the date be changed to August 5.

These included the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), among others.

Meanwhile, the Inqilab Manch, a platform of July uprising participants, threatening wider, more aggressive demonstrations across Bangladesh.

The move was perceived as attempts to shift the symbolic weight of March 26, 1971, declaration of independence from Pakistan toward newer dates tied to recent political upheavals.

The visuals of defacing and destruction of statues, photographs, buildings, and anything connected to Mujibur Rahman or his legacy was still fresh in memory.

It was also the time when Dhaka, under the Yunus-led interim government, initiated closer ties with Islamabad, beginning direct flights, hosting Army Generals, even as reports warned of renewed terror threats from such elements gaining easy access to Bangladesh.

However, Thursday's reports suggest that realpolitik and pragmatism scored over emotive outburst and revengeful intents that would have ultimately hurt the nation itself.
Kolkata, March 26 : Trinamool Congress all India general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday held a public rally in Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri district, to campaign in support of its candidate Nirmal Chandra Roy.

He said that this election is not merely a battle to form a government but rather to express the people's grievances, register their protest, and deliver a fitting reply to the anti-people policies of the BJP.

From the rally stage, Banerjee launched an attack against the BJP-led government at the Centre, criticising several of its decisions. 

He alleged that everything from demonetisation to the restrictions imposed during the pandemic has subjected the common people to immense suffering. 

He argued that the ruling party at the Centre has repeatedly forced people to stand in queues. 

Therefore, the time has now come to deliver a fitting reply to this experience on election day itself.

"Demonetisation, the COVID lockdown, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and now the cooking gas price hikes... the BJP government has made people stand in queues on a whim," Banerjee said. 

"On the day of the election here on April 23, stand in a queue one last time to deliver a reply to the very party that has subjected you to such harassment."

The Trinamool leader further said that obstacles have been deliberately created regarding the state's rural and urban development projects. 

He alleged that Central allocations for critical sectors such as housing construction, road development, drinking water service, and employment generation have been withheld. 

He asserted that under these circumstances, if the BJP comes seeking votes, they should be confronted directly with the question, "How dare they come before the public," after causing such harassment.

He also highlighted various welfare schemes implemented by the Mamata Banerjee government. 

Specifically regarding financial assistance for youth, he said that the state government provides Rs 1,500 per month under the Yuba Sathi scheme, amounting to Rs 18,000 annually and Rs 90,000 over a five-year term. 

He challenged the PM Modi government to provide even Rs 9, adding that in the last 12 years, not even 9 paise has reached anyone's pocket.
New Delhi, March 26 : Delhi Lt Governor T.S. Sandhu on Thursday shared information about a meeting with experts from School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) for the redevelopment of the city transit corridors.

In a post on X, Sandhu said: "A comprehensive presentation was made by the reputed School of Planning & Architecture, Delhi on the redevelopment of transit corridors in Delhi, aimed at transforming them into green, pedestrian-friendly, employment-oriented, and recreational stretches functional 24x7."

This impactful initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urban rejuvenation -- promoting tourism, boosting local consumption, and generating employment opportunities, he said.

Such an ambitious endeavour will require strong cooperation and seamless coordination among the Capitalas various civic agencies, he said.

The L-G wrote on X: "Assured Prof Dr Virendra Kr Paul, Director, SPA Delhi, of full support in examining the projectas viability and facilitating effective inter-agency coordination for its successful implementation."

The presentation came a day after the L-G met Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal to discuss issues related to the national capital's infrastructure.

"A pleasure to meet Honable Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs & Power, Shri @mlkhattar ji. We discussed a number of key challenge areas where the Ministries of Housing & Urban Affairs and Power can support Delhias development and infrastructure needs," said the L-G in a post.

In another development earlier, the L-G met with Johannes Zutt, Vice President of the World Bank, at Lok Niwas.

In a message on social media, L-G Sandhu said: "Held a constructive discussion on leveraging global expertise and strengthening partnerships across key sectors, including urban rejuvenation, education, sanitation, and skill development."

"Delhi remains firmly committed to sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all its residents, in line with the vision of Honable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji," said Sandhu on social media.
Ranchi, March 26 : The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday expressed serious concern over 437 deaths reported in judicial and police custody across the state since 2018, flagging major gaps in mandatory judicial probes.

The figure was disclosed in an affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Prisons and Disaster Management, Vandana Dandel, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court on custodial deaths.

A division bench of Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, while taking the affidavit on record, noted that a large number of cases lacked clarity on compliance with statutory requirements.

According to the affidavit, judicial inquiries could be conducted in only 202 of the deaths that occurred in prisons. In the case of police custody deaths, 39 incidents were reported, of which inquiries are still pending in 11 cases.

The court underlined that a magisterial inquiry is mandatory in every instance of death, disappearance, or alleged sexual assault in police or judicial custody. The absence of such inquiries in several cases, it observed, raises serious concerns about accountability and adherence to due process.

The bench sought specific suggestions from the petitioner on further reliefs and directions required in the matter, while reiterating that ensuring compliance with legal provisions rests squarely with the State government.

The issue had also come up during an earlier hearing in February, when the court had sought comprehensive data on custodial deaths and the status of inquiries. At that time, the state had reported the same figure of 437 deaths between 2018 and 2025, but did not clearly indicate whether mandatory probes had been conducted in most cases.

The High Court had then emphasised that independent judicial inquiries are essential to ensure transparency and accountability, and had directed the State to clarify whether magisterial probes were carried out in each case and if the guidelines laid down by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were followed.

The matter is now slated for further hearing on April 30.
Jaipur, March 26 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, on Thursday, expressed concern over the evolving global situation, criticising the Centre's handling of international developments and urging greater transparency with the public.

Speaking to the media at Jaipur Airport, Gehlot said the current global scenario, particularly around oil and gas, is "extremely delicate" and required timely preparedness.

"The Union government has been late in handling the situation; all preparations should have been made on time; our efforts should ensure that public does not face challenges. No one knows in which direction war goes," the former Chief Minister added.

"The international situation is very sensitive. There should have been timely preparations. When crises like war arise, governments must take people into confidence and clearly explain the compulsions, while ensuring minimal hardship," Gehlot said.

The former Chief Minister alleged that the Union government acted late and failed to adequately prepare for the fallout of global conflicts.

He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address, suggesting it reflected a lack of preparedness and invited criticism.

Commenting on former US President Donald Trump's statements, Gehlot said his remarks about world leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, were inconsistent and unprecedented.

"At times he (President Trump) calls PM Modi his friend, at others he makes remarks that are difficult to understand. I have never seen a US President speak this way about leaders of other nations," he added.

Speaking on the recent Venezuela coup, Gehlot said: "President Trump showed that he could 'kidnap' the President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro -- imagine, one nation kidnapping the President of another! What is truly distressing is that not a single country in the world condemned this, denounced it, or even expressed regret over it. This sends a very, very ominous signal to the entire world. Everyone is well aware of what has transpired."

Referring to Pakistan's contribution in the ongoing geopolitical developments for playing the role of a mediator, Gehlot dismissed its relevance, citing India's past military victories.

"We have seen their (Pakistan's) position in 1965, 1971 and 1999 Kargil war. Even today, there is a vast difference between India and Pakistan, yet they (Pakistan) continue to speak about mediation," he remarked.

Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Gehlot said: "None of the countries stood with us (India) while Turkey stood in support of Pakistan. We should understand where does Pakistan stand and what is India's position; yet they (Pakistan) are speaking of mediation."

Gehlot also criticised the use of the term "brokerage" in the context of foreign policy, calling it inappropriate.

"No Foreign Minister (referring to S. Jaishankar's remark) should use such language. If it was a slip of the tongue, it should be clarified. Otherwise, it deserves criticism," he said.

Warning about the dangers of escalating conflicts, Gehlot said the world must prioritise peace.

"If violence continues unchecked, where will the world go? There is fear of a larger conflict. At such a time, every nation must work towards peace," he added.

The former Chief Minister concluded by expressing concern over India's current global standing, drawing comparisons with past eras and urging introspection on the country's foreign policy direction.

Recollecting past incidents, Gehlot said, "People are worried where we (India) once stood and where we are in today's times. During Indira Gandhi's tenure as the country's Prime Minister, 90,000 people, including soldiers, Generals, Colonels and Majors were arrested and brought to India and today conditions are well in front of us."
Itanagar, March 26 : The Indian Army has strengthened healthcare support in remote, high-altitude regions with the inauguration of a new oxygen-generation facility in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, officials said.a Itanagar, March 26 (IANS) The Indian Army has strengthened healthcare support in remote, high-altitude regions with the inauguration of a new oxygen-generation facility in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, officials said.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat stated that, in a significant step towards enhancing medical infrastructure in challenging terrain, a containerised oxygen generation plant, along with a refilling centre, was inaugurated at the field hospital in Borarupak, located in the Subansiri Valley.

The facility, contributed by the Soldiers' Independent Rehabilitation Foundation (SIRF), was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps, Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharka. 

The event was attended by senior Indian Army officials, representatives of the state administration, local community members, and veterans.

According to the spokesman, the installation is designed to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen, significantly enhancing the field hospital's capacity to serve both military personnel and civilians in this remote, high-altitude region.

In areas where logistics and medical resources are often limited, a dedicated oxygen generation and refilling facility serves as a critical lifeline.

Lt Col Rawat emphasised that the initiative reflects strong civil-military synergy and embodies the spirit of "Nation First", reinforcing the partnership between the Armed Forces and civil society. 

He said SIRF's contribution highlights a shared commitment to humanitarian service and national well-being.

Beyond its infrastructural value, the facility symbolises resilience, preparedness, and hope, ensuring timely medical support for both soldiers and the local population. 

The initiative reaffirms the Indian Army's dedication to nation-building, community care, and operational readiness in some of the country's most demanding environments, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, in Manipur, the Indian Army demonstrated a swift and effective response in a life-saving operation involving a seven-year-old child who suffered a snakebite.

On Thursday afternoon, a distressed family rushed to the Company Operating Base at Hanuman Top in Imphal East district seeking urgent medical assistance.

Acting promptly, Army personnel administered first aid under the guidance of the Regimental Medical Officer. The wound was carefully treated, and the affected limb was immobilised to prevent the spread of venom.

After initial stabilisation, the child was immediately evacuated to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for advanced treatment.

The timely intervention by the Army played a crucial role in ensuring the child's safety and well-being, underscoring its continued commitment to serving local communities, the spokesman said.
Guwahati, March 26 : A Nigerian national was arrested in Assam's Silchar town in the Cachar district, while three local residents were taken into custody for allegedly providing him illegal shelter, the police said on Thursday.

Addressing reporters here, Cachar district Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rajat Kumar Pal said the foreign national, identified as Emeka Asedo, was apprehended from the Shillong Patty area of Silchar.

"During preliminary investigation, the accused failed to produce any valid travel or identity documents, raising serious concerns regarding his legal status in India," Pal said.

Following his questioning, police learnt that certain local individuals had allegedly facilitated his stay in the town.

Acting swiftly on the inputs, a police team launched follow-up operations and arrested three persons for harbouring the foreign national.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Tinku Hussain Barbhuiya and Pinku Hussain Barbhuiya, who allegedly assisted in arranging rented accommodation for the Nigerian national, and Robina Begum Barbhuiya, who is suspected to have acted as a middle-person in facilitating contact.

Police also detained a woman from Mizoram, identified as Mal Danga, in connection with the case. According to officials, investigators are currently probing the purpose of Asedo's visit to India, his activities during his stay, and whether there are any links to a broader network.

"The investigation is at a crucial stage. All aspects, including possible links and motives, are being thoroughly examined," the Additional SP said.

Police added that appropriate legal action would be taken against those found guilty of illegally sheltering the foreign national. Authorities confirmed that further details are likely to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The arrests come amid continued efforts to identify and detain undocumented individuals under the Foreigners Act, with the government maintaining that strict enforcement is necessary to safeguard demographic balance and internal security.

Officials further stated that regular drives, verification processes, and coordinated intelligence inputs are being used to detect illegal entrants, and more such operations are expected in the coming days as part of the state's sustained anti-infiltration campaign.
New Delhi, March 26 : Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba on Thursday slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he has already accepted defeat even before the elections and is seeking votes in the name of religion and Pakistan, while asserting that her party does not engage in such politics.

Her remarks come after Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi dismissed Chief Minister Sarma's allegations linking him and his wife to Pakistan as a "wild theory existing in his head".

Gogoi said that such claims expose the Chief Minister's "weakness" and highlight the extent to which he can go on a matter as serious as national security. Sarma has been targeting Gogoi and his British wife, Elizabeth Clare Gogoi, alleging links with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, and had also set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

Talking to IANS, Lamba said: "The Chief Minister of Assam has already accepted defeat even before the elections. We had fielded a woman candidate against him, but he approached the Election Commission and got her nomination cancelled. This reflects fear and insecurity. He is seeking votes in the name of religion and Pakistan, whereas we do not engage in such politics."

She further criticised the repeated references to Pakistan in political discourse, stating that her party does not seek votes by invoking such issues. Referring to historical context, she said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had played a key role in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, and questioned the current political narrative.

Lamba also appealed against promoting communal tensions, saying: "Have some shame. Do not push Assam into the fire of communalism. If you want to raise the issue of Pakistan, then you should question the Prime Minister about why the accused in the Pahalgam case have not yet been punished. You do not have the courage to ask such questions."

Elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
New Delhi, March 26 : Spiritual leader Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the anticipatory bail granted by the Allahabad High Court to Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Giri in connection with a child sexual abuse complaint registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

As per the case details reflected on the official website, a Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed on Thursday before the apex court seeking cancellation of the relief granted to the accused.

The SLP prays to set aside the order of the Allahabad High Court, which granted pre-arrest bail to the Hindu seer and his co-accused in connection with a case registered at the Jhunsi Police Station in Prayagraj under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Granting relief, the Allahabad High Court, in its March 25 order, had said that "considering the above factual matrix and without expressing any opinion on its merits, a case for grant of anticipatory bail is made out".

A single-judge bench of Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha also directed that in the event of arrest, the accused be released on anticipatory bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties each, subject to conditions, including cooperation with the investigation and non-interference with witnesses.

The relief order had recorded several inconsistencies in the prosecution case, including delay in lodging the complaint and contradictions in the statements of the alleged victims regarding the place and timing of the incidents.

The Allahabad High Court recorded several inconsistencies in the prosecution case, including delay in lodging the complaint and contradictions in the statements of the alleged victims regarding the place and timing of the incidents.

It said that the first informant, who claims to be the guardian of the victims, received information about the alleged offence on January 18, 2026, but reported it to the police only after a delay of six days, citing his engagement in "pooja/yagya".

Significantly, Justice Sinha had also restrained the applicants, victims and the first informant from giving media interviews during the pendency of investigation and trial.

The case stems from allegations of sexual abuse of minors under the POCSO Act, based on a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari, following which a Special POCSO court had directed registration of an FIR in February this year.

Earlier, on February 27, the Allahabad High Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaranand and directed them to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

During the proceedings, the accused had claimed false implication, saying that there were inconsistencies in the statements of the alleged victims, delay in lodging the complaint, and absence of corroborative medical evidence.

Opposing the plea, the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant said that the allegations were serious in nature and custodial interrogation was necessary, while also expressing apprehension that the accused could influence witnesses.

Opposing the plea, the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant added that the allegations were serious in nature and custodial interrogation was necessary, while also expressing apprehension that the accused could influence witnesses.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand appeared politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of a prominent Hindu seer.

He alleged the move was driven by malice following the controversy during the Magh Mela and warned that such actions could deepen tensions in Uttar Pradesh, especially ahead of elections, while eroding public trust in the administration.
Patna, March 26 : A major political storm has erupted in Muzaffarpur after serious allegations were made by Tejashwi Yadav regarding the killing of a local resident during a police operation.a Patna, March 26 (IANS) A major political storm has erupted in Muzaffarpur after serious allegations were made by Tejashwi Yadav regarding the killing of a local resident during a police operation.

While uploading a post on social media X on Thursday, Tejashwi Yadav claimed that in the Gaighat police station area, a Sub-Inspectorallegedly under the influence of alcoholentered the house of farmer Jagatveer Rai and shot him dead.

Terming the incident as the height of anarchy, he accused the state government led by Nitish Kumar of failing to take action against the accused officer.

Tejashwi alleged that the Bihar Police have been unableor unwillingto arrest the Sub-Inspector, claiming that he is reportedly hiding under the protection of an influential liquor mafia figure in Muzaffarpur.

He further alleged that political patronage is preventing any action, questioning why police have not conducted raids to apprehend the accused.

Adding to the controversy, Tejashwi pointed to an official communication from the Tirhut Range DIG's office, where the name of Sub-Inspector Raja Singh (SHO, Gaighat) allegedly appears in a list of officers selected for the "Veer Pashupatinath Medal" for exemplary service.

He highlighted the contradictionon one hand, the officer faces serious allegations, while on the other, preparations are reportedly underway to honour him at an event scheduled for April 9, 2026.

The RJD leader launched a scathing critique of the police administration, alleging systemic corruption and breakdown of accountability.

He warned that if swift action is not taken and justice is not delivered, public anger could spill onto the streets, holding the government and administration responsible for any escalation.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal has made it clear that it will fight at every level to secure justice for the late Jagatveer Rai, intensifying the political confrontation in Muzaffarpur.

Since the incident, the district has been witnessing strong public outrage and growing agitation.

While the police department is reportedly moving ahead with preparations for a medal distribution ceremony, the opposition has sharply criticized the move, calling it insensitive and inappropriate under the circumstances.

Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, have framed the issue as a larger question of accountability and justice, arguing that honouring an officer facing serious allegations sends the wrong message.

With tensions rising on the ground, all eyes are now on the state government led by Nitish Kumarwhether it will review the list of awardees or proceed as planned, potentially fuelling further public anger.




Bengaluru, March 26 : Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru Development Minister, on Thursday outlined an ambitious roadmap to decongest Bengaluru, including the development of a township at Bidadi, elevated corridors, tunnel roads, and expansion of Metro services, while responding to a discussion on Greater Bengaluru in the Legislative Assembly.a Bengaluru, March 26 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru Development Minister, on Thursday outlined an ambitious roadmap to decongest Bengaluru, including the development of a township at Bidadi, elevated corridors, tunnel roads, and expansion of Metro services, while responding to a discussion on Greater Bengaluru in the Legislative Assembly.

Responding to BJP MLA S. Suresh Kumar's suggestion to develop alternative cities outside Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government has revived plans to build a township at Bidadi to ease pressure on the city.

He noted that similar proposals at Nandagudi, Solur, and Bidadi were dropped earlier, but the government has now decided to proceed. 

He said that since Bidadi has adequate water facilities, the township will be developed there, adding that the proposal to build an AI City on 8,000 acres will be discussed in the Cabinet. 

He also reiterated that a second airport for Bengaluru must come up in the southern region.

Addressing waste management issues, Shivakumar alleged that the previous government failed to effectively tackle the "garbage mafia." 

He said the current government has streamlined waste management contracts from 89 packages to 33 and brought them to the final stage. 

While four sites were initially identified for waste disposal, the plan has now been finalised for two locations due to land constraints, including NICE land and an existing site at Doddaballapura.

On infrastructure, Shivakumar announced that a 109 km elevated corridor project will be launched soon. He also revealed plans to construct 300 km of buffer roads along stormwater drains, with partial land support from the Defence Ministry. 

A double-decker road model, already implemented in Jayanagar, will be expanded to 40 km, with costs to be shared between Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited and the Bengaluru civic body.

Highlighting the scale of planned investments, he said projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore are being prepared to transform Bengaluru into a world-class city. The Metro network is set to expand to 350 km in the coming years.

Shivakumar acknowledged that traffic congestion remains a major challenge but argued that Bengaluru is often singled out despite worse conditions in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. 

He pointed out that roads account for only 8 per cent of the city's land, making expansion difficult, especially after the 2013 land acquisition law, which mandated higher compensation.

To address this, the government is pushing the Bengaluru Business Corridor project, for which 80 per cent of land acquisition for the first phase has been approved. Tenders will be invited soon, and the project is expected to significantly reduce congestion. 

He also thanked HUDCO for offering Rs 26,000 crore in funding.

Additionally, Shivakumar emphasised the need for tunnel roads, stating that they are the only viable solution within the city. 

He said construction could cost around Rs 700-800 crore per km, significantly lower than in other states, and would play a key role in easing traffic in the long term.

He said that earlier, when he was a Minister, Bengaluru's population was 70 lakh, and today it has grown to 1.04 crore. The city now has 1.30 crore vehicles. He agreed that traffic congestion is a serious issue.

He added that in most major cities in the country, roads account for about 16 per cent of the total area and are relatively wider. 

However, since Bengaluru is not a planned city, roads constitute only 8 per cent of its area. Within this limited 8 per cent, as many as 1.30 crore vehicles have to ply, leading to severe congestion.


Mumbai, March 26 : Actor-director-writer Adivi Sesh, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film 'Dacoit', has said that non-Hindi film industries have always done well, historically.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and said that the surge in liking towards regional cinema has been catalysed by Covid-19.

He told IANS, "I think in general, non-Hindi industries in India have always done amazing work. You know, the Bengali film or Malayalam film, Tamil film, Telugu film. I think that the difference has been that the popularity of film is now on par. You know, a film from anywhere in India can be just as popular as a Telugu film or a Hindi film today. And I think that's the beautiful part. That's sort of inherent globalization caused by COVID where everybody was forced to, you know, because they'd run out of films in their own languages".

"So they started watching other films, dubbed into their languages or with subtitles. That one movement, what it did was it democratized everything for other languages", he added.

Earlier, the actor had spoken up on the strength of Telugu cinema. He shared that unlike other film industries of India, Telugu cinema has a strong emotional core because it isn't still ruled by the corporates.

When asked what separates Telugu cinema from other industries of India, he told IANS, "I think emotional ownership. And I'll tell you what I mean by that. Telugu cinema till date is still produced by individual producers. Someone might have mortgaged a house and he's come to produce a film, someone sold a piece of land, and he's come to produce a film. Someone did well for himself in real estate or she's a doctor and she's come to produce a film. Whatever it may be. These are the people who are producing even our INR 300, 400, 500 crore films".

The actor shared that films in Telugu are not produced by studios.
Ranchi, March 26 : A fresh wave of bomb threats sent through emails targeting key government offices and court complexes in Jharkhand triggered panic across the state on Thursday.

In view of this, security has been beefed up in Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Sahibganj.

According to officials, threatening emails warning of explosions were sent to the Ranchi Collectorate, and the Dhanbad and Sahibganj Civil Courts. This set off a statewide alert. Police and security agencies swiftly moved in and turned the affected premises virtually into a fortress.

In Ranchi, a threat received on the Deputy Commissioneras official email led to a thorough search operation at the Collectorate by the bomb disposal squad, which continued for several hours.

Similar scenes unfolded in Dhanbad and Sahibganj, also, where court proceedings were disrupted amid panic. In Sahibganj, police teams led by SP Amit Kumar Singh evacuated the Rajmahal and Sahibganj court complexes, with dog squads conducting thorough searches of the premises.

This is the second such threat to the Dhanbad Civil Court within a fortnight, heightening anxiety among lawyers and litigants.

Earlier, on March 10, a threat email had warned of blowing up the Ranchi Civil Court using "cyanide bombs", while another message on February 28 mentioned "RDX" explosives. Similar emails have also been reported from the Bokaro Civil Court and a Passport Seva Kendra.

Preliminary technical investigations by Ranchi police point to an inter-state link. Officials said the emails are suspected to have originated from Tamil Nadu, with a person identified as Uday Reddy emerging as a key suspect.

Police sources indicated that the accused may have been motivated by grievances related to a legal dispute and is allegedly targeting judicial and administrative institutions. Authorities are probing whether he acted alone or as part of a larger network.

A special Jharkhand Police team will be travelling to Tamil Nadu to apprehend the suspect.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened across sensitive installations in Jharkhand, with additional deployment of forces and installation of metal detectors as a precautionary measure.
New Delhi, March 26 : Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Anil Antony, on Thursday, accused the Congress and CPI-M of engaging in "vote bank politics" in the state ahead of the next month's Assembly election.

This statement by Antony comes after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress and its leader have historically functioned as the aB-team of the BJP", even as he dismissed charges of a aCommunist Janata Party" i.e. a purported CPI(M)-BJP nexus in the state.

Antony told IANS, "We all know who is the B-team, look at Kerala right now. The CPI-M and the Congress, both are part of the alliance at the national stage, the INDI alliance. This is all vote bank politics. Now just for vote bank, CPI-M and the Congress are accusing each other of working with us (BJP)."

"Just two-three days back, the seat sharing in states like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry took place, there both the CPI-M and Congress are alliance partners. In Bihar also they were in an alliance. I believe in Bengal also they are in an alliance. In Rajasthan too. In more than twenty states across India, they are in an alliance," he said.

BJP leader Antony said, "(Congress MP) K.C. Venugopal also made some statement and now Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan made a similar statement. These are all vote bank politics."

Venugopal, during a recent media interaction, had alleged a covert political understanding between the CPI-M and the BJP, and described Pinarayi Vijayan as a "compromised Chief Minister".

Antony also accused both the Congress and CPI-M of creating confusion in Kerala ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.

He also said, "In Kerala, just to create confusion among the people they (CPI-M and Congress) are creating these kind of political narratives. Both the CPI-M and Congress in Kerala have been in an understanding for a long time to keep the BJP out."

Highlighting BJP's campaign in the run-up to the state elections, Antony said, "This time BJP is the only party in Kerala that is focusing on a narration that is development-oriented. While the other two parties (CPI-M and Congress) are focusing on narrations that are more focused on communalism and creating confusion among the people."

"BJP's mission is to ensure that the party becomes the number one party in Kerala and keeps both the CPI-M and Congress out of power in the upcoming Assembly polls."
Bhopal/New Delhi, March 26 : In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court, on Thursday, criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Madhya Pradesh government in a case linked to the Vyapam scam.

The apex court has directed both the CBI and the state government to submit complete details of the investigation carried out so far and provide information about all charge sheets filed in the matter.

The court has asked for an affidavit explaining how and to what extent the 320-page complaint filed by the petitioner (Paras Saklecha) was included in the probe and subsequent charge sheets.

The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the failure of the CBI and the state government to file a satisfactory reply despite earlier notices.

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice N.V. Anjaria has now directed both parties to file detailed affidavits on the progress of the investigation.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 16.

Paras Saklecha had approached the apex court challenging the decision of the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

He said that important facts and documents related to the Vyapam scam were ignored during the investigation.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed his petition, saying that he was not a directly affected party.

In 2014, Saklecha had filed a detailed complaint along with supporting documents highlighting irregularities in the Pre-Medical Test (PMT) and other examinations conducted by Professional Examination Board, also known as Vyapam, an acronym in Hindi.

Following a Supreme Court order in 2015, Saklecha submitted a comprehensive 320-page complaint to the CBI.

Although the CBI and the Special Task Force recorded his statements, the petitioner alleged that no meaningful action was taken on his complaint.

Due to inaction by the investigating agencies, Saklecha moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2023.

His petition was dismissed in April 2024, after which he filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.

The Vyapam scam, which came to light in 2014, exposed large-scale irregularities in recruitment examinations in Madhya Pradesh.

It started with the use of impersonators, in the PMT examination and later spread to several other recruitment tests, including those for police and transport departments.

The case was later transferred from the State Special Task Force to the CBI.

In an attempt to improve its image, the name 'Vyapam' was changed three times and is now known as the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board.
Patna, March 26 : Amid growing political buzz around his role, Nishant Kumar visited Patna's Gardanibagh Kali Temple on Thursday to offer prayers during Navratri, marking the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami.a Patna, March 26 (IANS) Amid growing political buzz around his role, Nishant Kumar visited Patna's Gardanibagh Kali Temple on Thursday to offer prayers during Navratri, marking the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami.

During his visit, Nishant Kumar performed rituals and sought blessings from the Goddess Durga for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Bihar and the country.

Speaking briefly to the media, he extended Navratri greetings and said he had come to seek divine blessings for everyone.

This public appearance comes at a time when speculation about his political future is intensifying.

Leaders and workers of the Janata Dal (United) have increasingly been voicing support for Nishant Kumar to take on a more active political role, with some even projecting him as a potential future Chief Minister.

During Nitish Kumar's 'Samriddhi Yatra' in Nalanda on Thursday, an unusual political moment unfolded as sections of the crowd openly raised slogans in support of Nishant Kumar.

The Chief Minister had arrived in Nalanda to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 810 crore.

He first inaugurated a newly constructed flyover in Bihar Sharif and later addressed a public gathering at Dipnagar Stadium.

While he was speaking, many people in the crowd repeatedly urged him not to move to Delhi.

Amid these appeals, slogans demanding that Nishant Kumar be made the Chief Minister were raised. Chants such as "Bihar ka CM kaisa ho? Nishant Kumar jaisa ho!" echoed at the venue.

Although he has largely stayed away from politics despite being the son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his recent participation in public and party-related events has added momentum to these discussions.

Political observers believe that Nishant Kumar has formally entered politics, signaling the rise of a new leadership phase within JD(U) and reshaping the political dynamics of Bihar.

For now, his moves continue to be closely watched across political circles.
Bengaluru, March 26 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources Ministry, on Thursday, expressed confidence that the foundation stone for the controversial Mekedatu balancing reservoir project would be laid within two years and sought cooperation from the opposition parties in the state.

Speaking on the issue in the State Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had delivered a historic judgment in favour of Karnataka regarding the Mekedatu project.

"I thank the Bench through this House. The court observed that why there should be objections when a project is being undertaken within one's own territory. Using this observation, we presented our arguments, following which the court dismissed Tamil Nadu's petition," he added.

He said that the state government, along with the Central Water Commission, is working on a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR).

"Once the Mekedatu project is completed, Bengaluru will not face any drinking water shortage for the next 25a"30 years," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Describing it as a low-cost project, Deputy CM Shivakumar said that about 600 acres of land would be acquired, while alternative land would be provided for the forest area that would be submerged.

"The project will also generate 400 MW of power. Even my own land in the Assembly constituency will be submerged. There is nothing that can be done about it. I am confident that we will perform the 'bhoomi pujan' within two years," he added, urging opposition parties to extend support.

"When Vidhana Soudha was built, even prisoners were engaged in construction. Stones used for the building were once opposed, and footwear was thrown at the then Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah. Such incidents are on record. In politics, some throw eggs, others offer garlands," Deputy CM Shivakumar said.

On Bengaluru's water situation, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it remains one of Bengaluru's biggest challenges.

"Unlike other major cities located near seas or rivers, Bengaluru depends largely on the Cauvery river for water," he added.

He noted that the fifth stage of the Cauvery drinking water project had stalled midway but was later completed after resolving obstacles.

The Yettinahole project, which faced forest clearance issues, has now received approval and will move forward.

Deputy Cm Shivakumar said that Bengaluru currently has a water supply capacity of 2,250 MLD, of which 1,850 MLD has been added, with 400 MLD still pending.

"We have allowed citizens to pay in installments to obtain water connections," he added.

A DPR worth Rs 6,000 crore for the sixth stage of the Cauvery project has been approved by the State Cabinet, with financial assistance expected from The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) .

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said that out of 15,000 borewells in the city, around 7,500 have dried up in the last two years.

"We have taken steps to control the tanker mafia. Water tariffs, which had not been revised for 15 years, have now been increased to prevent losses for Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Water is also being supplied through initiatives like Sarala Cauvery and Mobile Cauvery," he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister also assured that the state government would honour its commitment to farmers regarding the Upper Krishna project.

"We are committed to providing water. There are financial challenges, but the state government will find a way," Deputy CM Shivakumar said.

He was speaking in support of a resolution moved by State Law Minister H.K. Patil in the State Legislative Council regarding the Alamatti issue.

He said that discussions had been held in New Delhi, where Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra governments had raised objections.

"Legal options were discussed with Chief Minister's Legal Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, Ministers M.B. Patil, H.K. Patil, the State Advocate General and legal experts, and we have resolved to safeguard the state's interests," Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar added.
New Delhi, March 26 : With the West Asia conflict now entering its fourth week, Major General G.D. Bakshi (retd.) on Thursday held that the US was "badly stuck", and Iran, which initially had a "weak hand", is now "playing its cards well".

After Tehran rejected Washington's 15-point plan, Major Gen Bakshi told IANS that "America is stuck badly right now" and till the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as a result of the war, the world will continue to face "economic crisis".

Here are some excerpts of the interview:

IANS: In view of the current war situation, the USA has called for a ceasefire for five days. A 15-point plan was provided to Iran through Pakistan, which was also rejected. What do you think is the USA's position right now?

GD Bakshi: The USA is stuck badly right now. They tried for an off-ramp, but it didn't work out. It (Iran) is saying, "You may be finished, I am not". Iran is saying to America that you have started the war; it is a war of choice. You (America) killed our (Iran's) Ayatollah (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) without any reason and even declared victory.

It has been 27 days (into the war). US President Donald Trump's intention is to attack whenever he announces a ceasefire. And if his military is stationed far and takes time to reach, he initiates dialogue for that (during the ceasefire). Then he backstabs by launching an attack during dialogue.

He did that during June last year and now at the beginning of this year. Now Iran has also understood his moves.

And Pakistan thinks it will help in implementing Donald Trump's deception plan so that Iran can be deceived and attacked. Iran has understood that they are being deceived every time. There is no sincerity for peace.

So now they (USA) are stuck. Iran has also given five conditions.

The war in Ukraine was not impacting the world's economy, but this war is. The countries which will be impacted the most are India, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian and European countries. In America, too, petrol and food prices have increased.

IANS: There are reports on preparations for 'boots on the ground' in Iran. Will it be right for America to undertake 'boots on the ground' in Iran after what happened in Afghanistan?

GD Bakshi: They are doing this because they don't have another way out. Even now, I would urge the USA to engage in dialogue and retain its respect. If they indulge in boots on the ground, the prices of oil will reach upto $200 per barrel.

Right now, they are trying to bring down the oil prices and stabilise the stock market through this 'deception'. But how long can anyone fool people?

Regarding boots on the ground, what can they do militarily?

If they want to open the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Navy is not the real problem. The real problem is ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and drones. One or two drones are enough to destroy an oil-filled tanker.

According to the military situation, in order to open the Strait of Hormuz, the entire northern coast of the strait, which is Iran's coastline, missiles have to be neutralised there.

(USA) will take over the coastline with their military weapons in order to open the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran won't do anything? It (Iran) has 6 lakh army personnel, 2 lakh Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel and others; it will launch a counterattack. So I think there are zero chances.

Further, about the USA's efforts to secure highly enriched uranium from Iran, it is not a joke. The success rate of such an operation here is zero. In fact, the USA itself will lose a lot of defence equipment.

America's military is also not engaging in dialogue. They are scared of Donald Trump. They (American military) said it is a high-risk, high-payoff operation. Trump, in turn, has ignored that advice.

Trump is desperate due to which he would commit mistakes.

People need to understand that... in India also, there is a section which supports Donald Trump.

And then, two of the largest (US) aircraft carriers, one is the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln, which weighs around 1 lakh ton, and the second one is Gerald Ford, both have been damaged and removed from there.

They (USA) have been lying that Gerald Ford reported a laundry fire. Iranians attacked it with missiles, and it is heavily burnt, satellite images have shown.

The second option, according to USA, is that they want to get hold of Kharg Island. For that, helicopters need to be sent.

While Iran has all its missiles intact, irrespective of the bombings, because those are in tunnels, deep inside the earth.

Iran has shown the world how to fight.

IANS: Iran has promised countries like India, China, and Pakistan to allow their ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz. How do you look at it? Also, the countries which Iran has promised to fulfil more than 80 per cent of their energy needs from there.

GD Bakshi: This is a good move. Iran is saying it will not allow only its enemies (ships) to pass (the Strait of Hormuz) and is allowing the others. Japan too moved its ships out of it, even Pakistan moved its ships by offering money in Yuan. It (Iran) had a weak hand, but it is using its cards very well.

One thing is clear: until the time the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the world will continue to face economic crisis.
Kolkata, March 26 : Bharatiya Janata Party workers were allegedly attacked by Trinamool Congress activists in Basanti of South 24 Parganas district on Thursday during an Assembly election campaign.a

Several police personnel were injured while attempting to bring the situation under control. The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the attack. So far, the police have detained eight individuals on suspicion of involvement in the incident.a

On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers were campaigning in Basanti in support of the party's candidate, Bikash Sardar.

It is alleged that Trinamool workers were filming the campaign proceedings. This led to an initial verbal altercation between the two factions, which subsequently escalated into a physical clash.a

Tension quickly spread across the area immediately after the clash erupted. It is alleged that the attackers barged into the Bharatiya Janata Party procession and vandalised two motorcycles parked along the roadside. a

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that miscreants unleashed this rampage with the tacit support of the administration and police.a

Commenting on the incident, Shubhendra Kumar, Superintendent of Police for the Baruipur Police District, said several police personnel had sustained injuries and eight individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident. a

However, he noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate was not present at the scene at the time. The police have initiated an investigation.a

Upon receiving news that his leaders and workers had been attacked, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate rushed to the scene. a

He subsequently engaged in a heated exchange with the police. a

He said that fearing defeat, the Trinamool is now resorting to violence and terror tactics, while the police stood there as silent spectators despite witnessing everything.a

The Trinamool Congress has not officially commented on the incident till the final reports came in. a

Police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Route march is being conducted by the central force to prevent further escalation in the area.a
Ahmedabad, March 26 : Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday participated in the Ram Navami Mahotsav organised at Nehru Park in Ahmedabad, where he offered prayers and paid obeisance to Lord Shri Ram, marking the festival celebrated across Gujarat.

CM Patel also attended a devotional cultural programme organised as part of the Mahotsav and extended greetings to citizens present at the venue on the occasion of Ram Navami.

MLA Amit Thakkar, along with office-bearers and local leaders of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, were present during the event.

In Surat, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi visited the Ambika Niketan Temple along with his son, where he offered prayers and extended greetings to people across the state.

Extending wishes on the festival, Sanghavi said: "Heartfelt wishes to all the citizens of the state on the occasion of Ram Navami. I prayed that the happiness of all citizens and their dreams be fulfilled in every possible way."

Festivities were also marked by processions in several parts of Gujarat.

In Vadodara, a grand procession of Lord Shri Ramchandra Ji was taken out from Kumbharwada, following a tradition that has been upheld for years.

In Morbi, a Ram Navami procession began from Maharana Pratap Circle and moved along the city's main roads, drawing participation from local residents.

In Ahmedabad's Isanpur area, a large procession covering approximately 15 to 16 kilometres featured 80 to 85 floats and saw participation from hundreds of devotees.

The procession included active involvement from members of the transgender community, with chants and devotional activities continuing throughout the route.

Senior state ministers, including Jitu Vaghani, Rushikesh Patel, and Pradyuman Vaja, also conveyed their wishes on the auspicious occasion.

Ram Navami celebrations across the state were marked by temple visits, cultural programmes and public processions, with participation from citizens in multiple cities.

The local police also ensured security in sensitive areas.
Patna, March 26 : In a major administrative crackdown in Muzaffarpur, SSP Kanthesh Kumar Mishra has suspended the entire police raiding team involved in the controversial Gaighat incident, including then SHO Raja Singh.a

The action follows an inquiry report submitted by Rural SP Rajesh Kumar, which identified serious lapses in the conduct of the raid carried out on the night of March 17a"18, 2026, in Chorniya village, under the Gaighat police station area.a

According to the findings, the police team faced violent resistance from villagers during the raid, including stone-pelting, attack with sticks, and even firing.a

Amid the chaos, SHO Raja Singh reportedly fired in the air to escape, but tragically, a local residenta"Jagatveer Raia"lost his life during the incident.a

The inquiry highlighted multiple serious shortcomings, including that the raid was conducted without adequate force or proper intelligence inputs.a

The raiding team also ignored the earlier resistance in the same village during an earlier raid, which had gone unnoticed.a

The finding report also indicates that the team failed to exercise restraint, allowing the situation to escalate and resulting in an intelligence failure. A watchman, Prahlad Kumar, did not alert the team about potential threats or the accused's background.a

Based on these findings, the Muzaffarpur SSP suspended Raja Singh, the then SHO, Gaighat police station, Manish Kumar, a sub-inspector, Ranjan Kumar (PTC), Chandni Kumari (Lady Constable), Om Prakash (Driver Constable), and Prahlad Kumar (Watchman).a

Additionally, a recommendation has been sent to the District Magistrate for action against Home Guard personnel involved in the operation.a

This decisive step by the district police has created a significant stir within the department and is being seen as an attempt to ensure accountability amid rising concerns over policing methods and law-and-order issues in Bihar.a

The action of the Muzaffarpur SSP came a day after Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, reached the affected village and consoled the deceased family on Wednesday.a

He has also alleged that the SHO was allegedly shot the farmer Jagatveer Rai after entering his house.a

a
Bhopal, March 26 : Amid widespread rumours of a fuel shortage triggering panic buying and long queues at petrol pumps, the Bhopal district administration has stepped in with a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure to maintain order and reassure citizens that fuel supplies remain adequate.a Bhopal, March 26 (IANS) Amid widespread rumours of a fuel shortage triggering panic buying and long queues at petrol pumps, the Bhopal district administration has stepped in with a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure to maintain order and reassure citizens that fuel supplies remain adequate.

Bhopal District Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh issued an order on Thursday evening, stating that misleading and baseless information is currently being circulated. These rumours are instilling unnecessary fear among the public, creating a risk of overcrowding at petrol pumps and challenging law and order.

"Orders have been issued to implement Standard Operating Procedure by exercising the powers conferred under the relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Indian Civil Defence Code, in order to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods in the district, maintain public peace, and prevent the spread of misleading facts," the order stated.

The administration clarified that there is no actual shortage of petrol, diesel, or liquefied petroleum gas in the district or across Madhya Pradesh. 

It noted that the sudden rush at fuel stations was driven entirely by misinformation circulating on social media platforms and messaging applications.

Concerned departments have been directed to keep a close watch on social media rumours and to take prompt action after identifying those spreading false information.

Legal action, including First Information Reports, may be registered against individuals found responsible for creating panic. 

"WhatsApp group admins will be held responsible for misleading information, and they would be booked under Section 553 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Information Technology Act," the order stated.

The administration has also warned against filling fuel in containers such as cans or bottles, except under regulated conditions, to prevent stockpiling.

Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh appealed to the public to remain calm and not believe in rumours. 

He reiterated that fuel stocks are more than sufficient to meet demand and that the situation is fully under control.

The order was necessitated by petrol pumps across Madhya Pradesh, including in Bhopal, witnessing surging crowds over the past three days amid a disturbing situation in West Asia.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Congress leaders, led by Member of Parliament K.C. Venugopal, on Thursday urged the Centre to reschedule the Joint Entrance Examination Main, citing its overlap with the Easter Holy Week, a period of deep religious significance for the Christian community.a

In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Venugopal pointed out that the examination is scheduled for April 2 to 8, coinciding with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.a

He noted that examining during this period would impose undue mental stress on Christian students, who observe important religious rituals and ceremonies during these days. He called for the exam dates to be reconsidered to ensure fairness and inclusivity.a

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also raised similar concerns, highlighting that Maundy Thursday and Easter are among the holiest days for Christians.a

He criticised the National Testing Agency's decision to schedule entrance examinations on these dates and urged that the tests be postponed.a

Satheesan warned that holding exams and official programmes on such sacred days could infringe upon the religious freedom and rights of minorities, and called for an urgent review of the decision.a

Echoing these demands, Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala said the current schedule would prevent Christian students from participating in key religious observances.a

He noted that the overlap could cause considerable stress and hardship, and urged the Centre to reschedule the examination to avoid forcing students to choose between their faith and academic responsibilities.a

Together, the leaders called on the Central government to adopt a more sensitive approach and revise the examination schedule in view of the concerns raised by the Christian community.a

In Kerala, Christians account for around 17 per cent of the 3.30 crore population.a
Guwahati, March 26 : Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika on Thursday asserted that the Congress will "never return to power" in the state, while campaigning for NDA alliance candidate Tapan Das in the Dimoria assembly constituency. a Guwahati, March 26 (IANS) Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika on Thursday asserted that the Congress will "never return to power" in the state, while campaigning for NDA alliance candidate Tapan Das in the Dimoria assembly constituency. 

Addressing a series of election rallies in the constituency, Hazarika claimed that the people of Assam have lost faith in the Congress due to its past governance and alleged policies. 

"The Congress government will never come back to power. People have seen their rule and have rejected them decisively," he said. 

The senior BJP leader further alleged that the Congress has been "protecting illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators," a claim he said has contributed to growing public resentment against the party. 

He added that safeguarding indigenous rights remains a priority for the BJP-led government in the state. 

Hazarika exuded confidence in the electoral prospects of NDA candidate Tapan Das, stating that he would secure a "massive victory" from Dimoria. 

"The overwhelming response we are witnessing at these rallies clearly indicates that Tapan Das will win by a huge margin," he said. 

The minister also highlighted the popularity of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming that women voters across the state strongly support his leadership. 

"All women will vote for Himanta Biswa Sarma because of the schemes and development initiatives undertaken for their welfare," he added. 

On Thursday, Hazarika participated in three separate campaign meetings in Dimoria, drawing large gatherings of supporters. 

He urged voters to strengthen the NDA alliance by electing Das, promising continued development and stability in the region. 

Tapan Das, who was present alongside Hazarika during the campaign events, thanked the electorate for their support and reiterated his commitment to addressing local issues and accelerating development in Dimoria. 

The campaigning in the constituency has intensified ahead of the upcoming polls, with both the NDA alliance and opposition parties making strong efforts to mobilise voters.
New Delhi/Abu Dhabi, March 26 : The Embassy of India in the UAE on Thursday expressed its "deepest condolences" after an Indian national was killed in Abu Dhabi when falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile struck a populated area.

New Delhi/Abu Dhabi, March 26 (IANS) The Embassy of India in the UAE on Thursday expressed its "deepest condolences" after an Indian national was killed in Abu Dhabi when falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile struck a populated area.

According to reports, the debris fell in a residential locality following the successful interception of a missile by UAE air defence systems amid ongoing regional tensions. The incident claimed the life of the Indian citizen, while three others sustained injuries.

In an official statement, the Embassy of India said, "The Embassy expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi today. The Embassy is closely coordinating with the UAE authorities to render all possible support and assistance."

Embassy officials are in touch with the family of the deceased and local authorities to ensure necessary support, including repatriation of the body and any other required assistance. The Indian mission is providing all possible consular assistance during this difficult time.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in the Gulf region due to repeated missile activity. UAE authorities have been actively monitoring the situation and have urged residents to follow safety advisories.

The Embassy has advised the Indian community in the UAE to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement in affected areas, and stay updated through official channels. It has also asked Indian nationals to register with the Embassy if they require any assistance.

The death has sent shockwaves through the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE, which forms a significant part of the workforce in the country. Many have expressed grief and concern over the safety situation in the wake of the incident.

Further details regarding the identity of the deceased and the exact circumstances are awaited as the investigation continues. The Embassy has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and extend every possible assistance to the affected family.
Guwahati, March 26 : In a setback to the Congress ahead of the upcoming elections in Assam, a close associate of state Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, along with over 100 party workers, joined the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Kaliabor on Thursday. a

Among those who switched sides was Kaliabor Youth Congress president Pinku Kalita, whose move is being seen as politically significant in the constituency. a

Kalita, along with a large number of Congress supporters, formally joined the AGP in the presence of senior party leader and Assam Minister Keshab Mahanta. a

Speaking on the occasion, Mahanta welcomed the new entrants into the party fold and expressed confidence that their inclusion would further strengthen the AGPas grassroots base in Kaliabor. a

He said that the joining of Congress workers reflects a growing shift in political sentiment in the region. a

Sources indicated that the leaders and workers decided to leave the Congress after expressing dissatisfaction with the partyas decision to cede the Kaliabor constituency to its ally, Raijor Dal, as part of the seat-sharing arrangements. a

The move reportedly led to resentment among local Congress members, who felt sidelined in the political process. a

Addressing the gathering, Pinku Kalita said that the decision to join the AGP was taken in the interest of the people of Kaliabor. a

He alleged that the Congress leadership had ignored the sentiments of its grassroots workers and supporters. a

Kalita further stated that the AGP, as part of the NDA alliance, is committed to safeguarding Assam's interests and ensuring development across all regions. a

The development is expected to affect the political dynamics in Kaliabor, a constituency that has traditionally been considered a Congress stronghold. a

With elections approaching, political realignments and defections continue to shape the electoral landscape in Assam, with parties intensifying efforts to consolidate support on the ground. a
Washington, March 26 : US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran is "begging to make a deal" after weeks of sustained American military strikes that he claimed have crippled Tehran's military capabilities.

Washington, March 26 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran is "begging to make a deal" after weeks of sustained American military strikes that he claimed have crippled Tehran's military capabilities.

Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump asserted that US operations under "Operation Epic Fury" had "obliterated" Iran's military infrastructure, including its navy, air force and missile systems.

"They are begging to make a deal, not me," Trump said, adding, "we've wiped out their Navy completely, their Air Force completely and a large percentage of their missiles and the missile launchers."

The President said US forces had destroyed "close to 90 percent" of missile launchers and struck factories producing drones and missiles. He warned that Iran now faces a choice between negotiations or continued military pressure.

"They now have a chance to make a deal If they don't, we're their worst nightmare," he said.

Vice President JD Vance said the military campaign had significantly weakened Iran's conventional forces, giving Washington broader strategic options.

"The Iranian conventional military is effectively destroyed they don't have a Navy," Vance said, adding that the goal was to ensure "Iran never has a nuclear weapon."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as necessary to counter a long-standing threat, saying Iran had been "killing Americans and attacking Americans across this planet" for decades.

"This is the weakest Iran has ever been," Rubio said, warning that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose "an unacceptable risk for the world."

Special envoy Steve Witkoff said diplomatic efforts were ongoing, with a 15-point framework for a potential peace deal already conveyed through intermediaries.

"We have presented a 15-point action list that forms the framework for a peace deal," Witkoff said, adding that talks were being mediated via Pakistan and had produced "strong and positive messaging."

However, he said earlier negotiations failed because Iran refused key US demands, including ending uranium enrichment and dismantling nuclear facilities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign had achieved rapid battlefield success.

"Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralised," he said, adding that more than 150 naval vessels had been destroyed and thousands of targets struck.

Hegseth said US aircraft were now operating freely over Iranian airspace, signalling the collapse of Iran's air defences.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said parallel economic pressure had weakened Iran's financial system, claiming it "collapsed in December" under US sanctions.

He added that global oil markets remained stable and shipping activity in the Gulf was beginning to recover.

Trump also criticised NATO allies for not contributing to the campaign, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" and saying the US had acted largely alone.

The President maintained that the operation was ahead of schedule, noting that the mission initially expected to take "four to six weeks" was progressing faster.

"We're extremely ahead of schedule," he said.

--IANS

int.lkj/pgh
Agartala/Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, on Thursday, asserted that Kerala should follow his state's example in overcoming corruption and political misrule, urging voters to replace what he termed "divisive politics" with a development-oriented approach.

Addressing an election campaign rally for BJP candidate Prasanth Malavayal in the Kalpetta Assembly constituency in Wayanad district, Chief Minister Saha said that the transformation witnessed in Tripura after decades of Left rule offers a roadmap for Kerala.

"Tripura, once considered a stronghold of uninterrupted Left rule, today stands as a symbol of hope, change, and victory. What the people of Kerala are facing now, we, too, experienced earlier. The time has come to overcome that phase, just as we did," he added.

Calling it a "golden opportunity", Chief Minister Saha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving towards development-driven governance, and Kerala should align with this vision.

He alleged that both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) have created a cycle of corruption in the state.

"For years, LDF and UDF have engaged in a kind of 'match-fixing', taking turns in power while people continue to suffer. Like in Tripura, the BJP here must commit to uprooting corruption and building a prosperous Kerala," the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting Tripura's political shift in 2018, Chief Minister Saha recalled that the CPI-M had ruled the state for 35 years with little Opposition presence.

"There were no BJP MLAs, MPs, or Councillors. But under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we (BJP) built a strong grassroots organisation, strengthened booth-level networks, and mobilised dedicated party workers across the state," he said.

He noted that in the 2018 Assembly elections, the BJP secured 36 seats while its ally IPFT (Indigenous People's Front of Tripura) also performed strongly, together winning 44 of the total of 60 seats.

"Even the Congress in Tripura was wiped out. People chose development over dynasty and welfare over wastage," the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Saha said that the BJP government in Tripura has since focused on development across sectors, including infrastructure, housing, sanitation, drinking water, and connectivity in remote and tribal areas.

He also emphasised efforts towards ensuring women's safety and inclusive growth.

Turning his attention towards the state government in Kerala, the Chief Minister criticised the state's political leadership, alleging mismanagement of temple affairs and lack of faith among ruling CPI-M leaders.

He said that the BJP is committed to protecting cultural heritage and ensuring transparent administration of religious institutions.

"Both LDF and UDF have turned governance into a cycle of institutionalised corruption, where public office is often used for personal gain. It is time to replace this with politics of growth, accountability, and development," CM Saha added.

He said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) remains committed to delivering transparent governance, clean administration, and inclusive development in Kerala.

"Every Malayali deserves equal opportunity without discrimination," he added.

The Tripura Chief Minister also addressed another election convention at Town Junction in the Dharmadam Assembly constituency in support of BJP candidate K. Renith.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking re-election from the Dharmadam Assembly constituency.

"This visit of Tripura Chief Minister marks a significant push by the BJP leadership to energise party workers and connect with voters in these key Assembly constituencies in Kerala," a BJP leader in Agartala said.

The BJP-led NDA is contesting all 140 Assembly seats in Kerala, with polling scheduled for April 9.

The BJP itself is fielding candidates in 99 Assembly constituencies, while its allies are contesting the remaining seats.

The BJP had opened its account in Kerala in the 2016 Assembly elections by winning the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district. However, it lost the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections.

In the 2021 Assembly polls, the BJP secured the second place in nine constituencies, indicating growing support among the people.
They say we transport missiles, but in reality, we transport the wounded and basic supplies, Ali says in front of his ambulance. This volunteer paramedic, who asks to be identified by a pseudonym for fear of reprisals, is a farmer in his sixties, wears glasses, and has a white beard. The calm tone he uses as he hands out cigarettes to those who approach him in a town in southern Lebanon contrasts sharply with the state of his ambulance. It has hardly any windows left, after an Israeli airstrike at the beginning of the recent escalation in the war against Hezbollah killed three people inside. Why would I be afraid? What am I supposed to do, leave my country? Im not leaving here, he declares without hesitation.

Ali collaborates with the Islamic Health Association (IHA), a medical entity affiliated with Hezbollah  a political and social organization in addition to being a militia  which works in coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israel has repeatedly accused IHA personnel and ambulances of serving the organizations armed wing. Many of the more than 130 Israeli attacks Beirut has recorded against healthcare facilities and workers since March 2, when Hezbollah fired on Israel for the first time since 2024, have targeted this group. Health Minister Rakan Nasseredine and the IHA have denied that the ambulances carry ammunition.

The damaged ambulance driven by Ali. Joan Cabases Vega

Ali, a native of the southern municipality of Jouaiya, speaks to EL PAIS from Mazraat Al Yahoudiyeh, within the southern territory of Lebanon that Israel has declared a war zone. It lies south of the Zahrani River, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Israel. Since the beginning of the offensive, the Israeli army has demanded the evacuation of the entire population south of this waterway and has warned that any vehicle movement in the area could be targeted. I dont know anything about weapons, Ali says. Because the damage to his vehicle prevents him from using it for medical work, he now transports fuel, food, or firewood for the people who are still in Bint Jbeil, a border area.

On Wednesday, Israeli tanks advanced toward Dibil, a Christian town in the region that has been the target of attacks by both Israeli forces and Hezbollah, suggesting ongoing fighting. Incursions were also reported at other points along the 120-kilometer (75-mile) border, including Al-Qawzah (on a 750-meter elevation) and Ayta ash-Shaab. The army is close, a Dibil resident told the Lebanese newspaper LOrient Le Jour. We dont dare stick our heads out.

These are the final throes of an escalating battle. On Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, a former classmate of Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that his army aims to extend the occupation to the Litani River, whose furthest point from Israel lies 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the border. Days earlier, Katz warned that Israel would prevent the return of residents to the area  a quarter of a million people  as long as it perceives Hezbollah as a threat. This Wednesday, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, vowed a war to the death. He warned that Hezbollahs young fighters would fight without limits and sacrifice themselves without reservation.

Israeli bombing of the main highway connecting southern Lebanon with the rest of the country. Joan Cabases Vega

The ferocity of the Israeli offensive, which has killed 1,094 people in three weeks, and the prospect of a protracted conflict are gradually emptying southern Lebanon, a country where the government has registered more than a million internally displaced persons. Ambulances from the IHA or the Red Cross  many with their sirens blaring  and vehicles of the Lebanese regular army  often with their cargo covered  make up a significant portion of the sparse traffic in Mazraat Al Yahoudiyeh. This doesnt mean everyone has fled, but it suggests that those who remain are avoiding unnecessary travel and are increasingly isolated in their homes, where supplies and humanitarian aid from the capital are scarce.

Vehicles are traveling on the outskirts of Mazraat Al Yahoudiyeh across one of the few bridges over the Litani River that Israel has not yet bombed, in what it presents as a strategy to prevent Hezbollahs movement toward the border. On that bridge, whose southern side overlooks the municipality of Qasmieh (where the Israeli army reiterated evacuation orders this Wednesday), and on other bridges that remain over the Zahrani River, the Lebanese army has reinforced military checkpoints, monitoring vehicles traveling south.

A war that never ended

Although the Lebanese government accuses Hezbollah of dragging the country into a new conflict with Israel on behalf of Iran, many residents of the south argue that the war against their territory never ended, and that the current escalation is a continuation of the conflict fought in 2024. Following the truce signed in November of that year, the pro-Iranian militia halted its attacks for 15 months. Its supporters, who are the majority in this region of Lebanon, describe it as a missed opportunity for peace. The Israeli army, on the other hand, maintained its attacks, justifying them as a fight against Hezbollahs rearmament.

Ash is a common sight along the roadsides south of the Zahrani River, still-visible scars from the bombings of vehicles and homes in which Israeli troops killed 397 people during the ceasefire. These hostilities plunged southern Lebanon into a kind of economic depression, a place where rebuilding lives, homes, and businesses was impossible.

If you give me money, Ill leave! says Mahmoud, the manager of a small fast-food restaurant. He lives and works in Sarafand, a town marked in red by the Israeli army. Like many others, he cant afford to flee to a safer place. He says that since 2024, when they already spent everything they had on a previous forced displacement, they havent recovered financially. He has sent his wife and daughter to Chouf, further north, while he remains at his restaurant, without a single customer this Wednesday, so he can send them money.

Israel, which unlike in previous occupations has set itself the goal of completely emptying southern Lebanon, is expanding the list of targets it considers legitimate. On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike killed two paramedics, aged 16 and 23, in the town of Nabatieh, between the Litani and Zahrani rivers. The Lebanese Ministry of Health, which has recorded 42 healthcare workers killed since March 2, protested, claiming that they were properly identified with their full uniforms and warning lights.

This Wednesday, Israel launched new airstrikes on gas stations belonging to Al Amana, the fuel distribution group associated with Hezbollah, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2020. Although the gas station where he refills a large jerrycan of gasoline aboard his ambulance does not belong to that company, paramedic Ali asks not to be photographed for fear that Israel will bomb it. If there were a state that protected the borders, we wouldnt need to maintain the resistance, he says, referring to Hezbollah. As he gets into the vehicle, he asserts that he doesnt mind dying if its defending his land. What matters is that the country remains, he concludes, as he begins his journey toward the border area.

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Washington, March 26 : The United States has signalled a dual shift in its global posture, criticising NATO allies for inaction in the Iran conflict while indicating that military resources could be diverted from Ukraine to the Middle East.a Washington, March 26 (IANS) The United States has signalled a dual shift in its global posture, criticising NATO allies for inaction in the Iran conflict while indicating that military resources could be diverted from Ukraine to the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed frustration with NATO, accusing the alliance of failing to support Washington's ongoing military operations against Iran.

"We're very disappointed with NATO because NATO has done absolutely nothing," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting, describing the alliance as a "paper tiger."

He said some allies had offered assistance only after the conflict had progressed.

"They said we'd love to send ships when the war is over. No, it's supposed to get involved when the war's beginning," he said.

Trump warned that the US would take note of the lack of support.

"They didn't come to our rescue we can never forget," he added.

At the same time, the President indicated that US military resources could be reallocated away from Ukraine as Washington intensifies operations in the Middle East.

"We do that all the time we take from one, and we use for another," Trump said when asked about reports of diverting munitions and air defence systems.

He said the US maintains extensive stockpiles worldwide, allowing it to shift resources flexibly.

"We have tremendous amounts of ammunition we're packed," he said.

While reaffirming support for Ukraine, Trump suggested a change in approach, noting that Washington now sells equipment to NATO rather than directly supplying Kyiv.

"We sell it now to NATO we get paid for everything that we give  we don't give anything anymore," he said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iran campaign was aimed at addressing a broader global threat.

"This is for the world," Rubio said, warning that Iran posed an "unacceptable risk" if allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US operation had achieved rapid results on the battlefield.

"Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralised," he said.

Trump described the Ukraine war as a difficult but distant conflict, emphasising that it has a limited direct impact on the United States.

"It doesn't have any impact on us, virtually nothing," he said, while noting heavy casualties in recent months.

The remarks point to a broader recalibration of US strategic priorities, with Washington focusing more sharply on the Middle East while reassessing alliance dynamics in Europe.


Washington, March 26 : The United States has opened a diplomatic channel with Iran through Pakistan, even as military operations continue, with officials signalling a possible pathway to de-escalation after weeks of intense conflict.a Washington, March 26 (IANS) The United States has opened a diplomatic channel with Iran through Pakistan, even as military operations continue, with officials signalling a possible pathway to de-escalation after weeks of intense conflict.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington has presented a 15-point framework for a potential peace deal, which has been conveyed to Tehran through Islamabad, which is acting as a mediator.

"We have presented a 15-point action list that forms the framework for a peace deal," Witkoff said during a Cabinet meeting chaired by US President Donald Trump.

He added that the proposal had been circulated "through the Pakistani government acting as the mediator," resulting in "strong and positive messaging and talks."

The outreach comes despite continued US military strikes under "Operation Epic Fury," which the administration says has significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities.

Witkoff said earlier diplomatic efforts failed after Iran refused to meet core US demands, including ending uranium enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, and curbing missile capabilities.

"Throughout our meetings with the Iranians, we heard they would not give up diplomatically what we could not win militarily," he said, indicating that Tehran had resisted concessions prior to the current military campaign.

He said the US negotiating team concluded that Iran had been "there to buy time until a weaker president arrived," and that Washington had "exhausted all efforts on behalf of a peaceful resolution" before launching strikes.

President Trump said Iran was now under pressure to negotiate following the US offensive.

"They are begging to make a deal," Trump said, adding that Tehran now faced a choice between accepting terms or facing continued military action.

Vice President JD Vance said the military campaign had shifted the balance, giving Washington leverage to pursue both diplomatic and military options.

"What we have now is the ability to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon," Vance said.

Witkoff said multiple regional actors had reached out to facilitate a peaceful resolution, suggesting growing diplomatic momentum.

"We have had multiple reach-outs from the region and others who want to play a role in ending this conflict peacefully," he said.

However, he stressed that negotiations remain sensitive and that details of the proposed framework would not be disclosed publicly.

"These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and you have directed us to maintain confidentiality," he said.

He added that Washington had delivered a clear message to Tehran: "Don't miscalculate again."
Jaipur, March 26 : A sharp political exchange unfolded in Rajasthan as Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched a strong attack on former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for running a digital campaign named "Intezaar Shastra".

Chief Minister Sharma, on Thursday, dismissed Gehlot's campaign as misleading, calling it not just an "Intezaar Shastra" (doctrine of waiting) but a "Jhooth Shastra" (doctrine of lies).

He recalled the tenure of previous Congress government and mentioned about the time of past recruitment and examination paper leaks.

He said that under the current BJP government's tenure, such incidents have significantly reduced, and several accused have been sent to jail.

He also mentioned about alleged irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) during the previous Congress government's tenure and claimed that action is being taken against those involved, including officials and political leaders under the current BJP-led state government.

"The falsehoods of hollow 'magic' merely create illusion; remember this, the turn of everyone involved in corruption will eventually come," Chief Minister Sharma added.

"They (Congress) have launched a strategy and they call it the 'Intezaar Shastra' (The Doctrine of Waiting). Well, I want to tell them -- since they keep bringing this up on X -- that this is not merely an 'Intezaar Shastra'; it is also a 'Jhooth Shastra' (The Doctrine of Lies)."

"There is indeed a 'Doctrine of Lies' that is constantly being propagated; speak about that as well. Papers for youth recruitment exams used to get leaked frequently; just look at how many such paper leaks have been stopped now. Look at how many individuals involved in such acts have been put behind bars -- how many are currently languishing in jail. Also, take a good look at the manner in which you (Congress) indulged in corruption regarding the JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission) scheme. Your Ministers are going to jail; your officials are going to jail -- this is happening continuously, and the list is still long."

The Chief Minister said: "I wish to state this clearly before you all: anyone, absolutely anyone, who has committed any form of irregularity or corruption will not be spared. I assert that they will inevitably end up behind bars."

Gehlot, earlier on Thursday afternoon, spoke to media on the 'Intezaar Shastra' and said: "Yes, we are running this campaign precisely to exert pressure on the current BJP government. Our objective is to highlight the buildings that have already been constructed across Rajasthan and lie unused."

"Therefore, this campaign we have launched is intended specifically to apply pressure on the government. As you can observe, the Social Science Institute -- which we (Congress) were establishing on the lines of the Tata Institute, currently lies dormant. Furthermore, regarding the Gandhi Museum, a place that children from across the entire state ought to be visiting today, there are absolutely no programmes or activities taking place there."

"Therefore, regarding these projects that have been lying pending, one after another, such as the IPD Tower; everyone is watching this, the entire state is watching. Consequently, we (Congress) are exerting pressure on the current BJP government."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Business

How Rancho Cucamonga Development Plans Change Over Time: A Look at Etiwanda Heights

As Rancho Cucamonga continues to grow, residents are taking a closer look at how development plans evolve over time.

The Etiwanda Heights plan, approved in 2019, included approximately 3,000 homes. A newer proposal could increase that number to about 6,000 homes.

City Council candidate David VanGorden says understanding how these changes happen is important.

Planning decisions dont happen overnight, VanGorden said. They develop over time, and residents deserve to understand that process.

Council Continuity

When the plan was originally approved in 2019, the City Council included:

 Dennis Michael

 Lynne Kennedy

 Ryan Hutchison

 Kristine Scott

 Sam Spagnolo

Today, the council includes:

 Dennis Michael

 Lynne Kennedy

 Ryan Hutchison

 Kristine Scott

 Ashley Stickler

Four of the five positions remain largely the same.

VanGorden says this highlights how long-term planning decisions often span multiple years and multiple phases.

A Broader Question

As development continues, residents are asking how infrastructure, traffic, and city services will keep pace.

Growth without infrastructure is not progress, VanGorden said.

Learn More

VanGorden encourages residents to submit questions or comments about Etiwanda Heights or anything Rancho Cucamonga related by clicking Contact David VanGorden Here

[Insert Website Link]

About David VanGorden

David VanGorden is a longtime resident and retired law enforcement officer. He is running for Rancho Cucamonga City Council District 2 in the November 2026 election against incumbent Kristine Scott.
The Consulting Report is pleased to announce The Top 25 Digital Transformation Consultants and Leaders of 2026.

NEW YORK, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Consulting Report is pleased to announce The Top 25 Digital Transformation Consultants and Leaders of 2026. Digital transformation is imperative to business success today. As the prevalence of AI and cloud technologies only increases, so have expectations around organizational efficiency and productivity. What these leaders do centers on adaptationto new technologies, to competitive dynamics, and to market evolutionto meet and anticipate future changes.

This year's professionals are recognized for their success in helping organizations to keep pace with the speed of technological advancement. Across industries including financial services, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and the public sector, they advise on digital transformation efforts that can range from improving existing systems and workflows to identifying new business lines and expanding sources of revenue through newer technologies. As digital transformation continues to climb the ranks as a strategic priority for CEOs, these leaders are the innovative thinkers they turn to to lead the charge.

Among this year's awardees, Ling Lau, Partner at McKinsey & Company, stands out for his work in AI software engineering transformations, helping institutions turn AI into deployable products and capabilities across software engineering, infrastructure, and operations. Saurabh Dubey, Managing Director at Deloitte, is recognized for leading large-scale transformation efforts tied to service delivery, workflow redesign, and enterprise platform strategy, with particular depth in ServiceNow-enabled change across core business functions. M. Hans Delly, Managing Director and Global Lead of Technology Strategy & Advisory at Slalom, is noted for his work helping leadership teams align technology strategy with architecture, governance, and operating model decisions that support measurable business results.

This year's awardees were selected through a methodical process and careful consideration of each candidate's career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Digital Transformation Consultants and Leaders of 2026.

This year's awardees include Saurabh Dubey (Deloitte), Ling Lau (McKinsey & Company), Sumeet Gupta (FTI Consulting), Nick Dani (Deloitte), Eric Maroyan (RSM US), M. Hans Delly (Slalom), Amanda Thurston (KPMG US), Rachit Bhagat (Avasant), Partha Gopalakrishnan (PG Advisors), Nitin Jain (Virtusa), and Jose Tam (Softtek), among other notable industry leaders. To view the full list, visit https://www.theconsultingreport.com/.

About The Consulting Report

The Consulting Report is a comprehensive source for market research and insights, business news, investment activity, and corporate actions related to the consulting sector. Based in New York City, the firm is run by a seasoned team of editors, writers, and media professionals highly knowledgeable on management consulting and the various companies, executives, and investors that make up the sector.

Media Contact

EDITOR, The Consulting Report, 1 609-365-7014, [email protected], https://www.theconsultingreport.com/

SOURCE The Consulting Report
uncovers one of the most ambitious but disastrous campaigns of the early colonial period. Pedro de Alvaradobest known as Cortess lieutenant in Mexico and later as the conqueror of Guatemalasought to extend his fame and fortune by seizing Quito in the northern Inca Empire. Instead, his massive fleet and army met ruin in the high Andes, leaving Alvarado humiliated and forcing him to transfer his forces to rival conquistadors.

This volume traces Alvarados career after Guatemala, focusing on the ill-fated expedition of 1534 as well as his unrealized license to conquer the Spice Islands, his involvement in the Spanish conquest of Ecuador, and his eventual death in battle in Mexico. Drawing on transatlantic correspondence, legal testimony, Spanish chronicles, and a Maya-authored history, Lovell reconstructs both the trajectory of Alvarados campaigns and the mind of a conquistador driven by greed and glory. Vivid descriptions carry readers from Guatemalas rainforests to the snowbound passes of the Andes, revealing how fragile imperial ambitions could be in practice.

By documenting Alvarados failed bid to contest Pizarro in Peru, The Conquest That Never Was complicates the triumphalist narrative of Spanish expansion. It illuminates the contradictions, rivalries, and violence at the heart of the colonial project, while foregrounding Indigenous labor and suffering in conquest. Designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses, the book also offers scholars of Latin American history, historical geography, and the Andes a gripping case study of imperial aspiration and collapse.
Penguin Random Houses financial results for 2025 showed the pluses and minuses of being a global publishing giant.

Total sales at the company inched ahead 1.3% to just under 5 billion ($5.75 billion at current exchange rates), but its profits fell 4.7% to 704 million. Parent company Bertelsmann attributed the earnings decline primarily to growth-related expenses in the U.S. core business along with negative exchange rate effectsprimarily a weaker U.S. dollar.

In his letter to employees, global CEO Nihar Malaviya noted that profitability continued to be impacted by rising costs that all of us are feeling in our day-to-day lives, along with certain currency effects.

But, he continued, PRHs global footprint provides valuable insights and lessons from many different marketplaces, enabling us to adapt, innovate, and lead in a way that no other publisher can match. He noted that the marketing and publicity teams in the U.S. recently launched a new initiative called From Launch to Longevity, which intends to shift resources more dynamically, inspired by changes that were first made by PRH Australia.

In its annual report, Bertelsmann dug deeper into the investments PRH is making, stressing that a core priority remains the responsible deployment of advanced AI-driven technologies to increase commercial capability and operational efficiency, while rigorously safeguarding authors copyrights and intellectual property.

To that end, PRHs data-driven marketing platform BookBoost progressed toward a fully integrated, cross-channel system, enhancing discoverability and sales across Penguin Random House titles. In addition, Bertelmann said, proprietary machine-learning tools were expanded to improve demand forecasting, automate print quantities and order flows, and enable data-driven pricing across print and digital formats. In all, PRH spent 246 million on investments last year.

One of those investments was the June 99 million purchase of Wonderbly, the U.K.-based publisher of personalized gift books. If Wonderblys sales were included for the full year it would have contributed 92 million to PRH.

In looking at global book publishing trends, Bertelsmann said revenues from printed books fell slightly in the U.S. and moderately in Germany. In the U.K., revenues from printed books were stable, while moderate growth was recorded in the Spanish-speaking regions. E-book sales were stable in the U. S. and the U.K., while digital audiobook sales grew slightly in the U.S., and moderately in the U.K.

The U.S. remained, by far, PRHs largest market, accounting for 57.7% of total revenue (about $3.3 billion). In addition to longtime bestsellers The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Atomic Habits by James Clear, Bertelsmann pointed to Dan Browns The Secret of Secrets and SenLinYus debut novel Alchemised as important contributors in the U.S.

Penguin Random House Publishing Service, the companys distribution arm, and the audio publishing division also made positive contributions, Bertelsmann said.

Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about our industry and Penguin Random House, Malaviya wrote in his letter. After attending the London Book Fair, he added, I am confident that the year ahead will be one that brings learnings, growth, and most of all, many different kinds of stories worth celebrating together.
A federal judge has denied defendants motion to dismiss E.K. and S.K. et al. v. Department of Defense Education Activity et al. The federal case, being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Eastern Virginia, concerns the removal of 596 library books from DoDEA schools.

The books were taken off shelves, and school curricula were changed, last year in response to three presidential executive orders rejecting gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology topics in agencies and instructional settings.

In the March 20 memorandum order, Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles wrote: A pedagogical priority or other motivation set directly by the President of the United States, in accordance with his political views and no further pedagogical inquiry from the educational system, is exactly the type of content deemed impermissible under the First Amendment.

In April 2025, 12 students of military families brought First Amendment claims against five DoDEA schools, DoDEA director Beth Schiavano-Narvaez, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss in June 2025, while on October 20, 2025, the district court ordered DoDEA to restore the material, granting injunctive relief.

Giless eight-page memorandum order refers the parties to the preliminary injunction. The Court reiterates, Giles wrote, that it cannot contemplate the pedagogical basis for banning information on sex and gender in a high school AP Psychology course, lessons on immigration in an elementary classroom, chapters on reproduction and puberty in health textbooks, or identity month celebrations.

The order also notes, this Court has already rejected Defendants position that (1) the right to receive information does not extend to a librarys decision to remove books and that (2) book removals constitute government speech.

Although a ruling is still pending, the court found that Plaintiffs allegations support a plausible claim that Defendants stated motivations for removing hundreds of library books set forth an impermissible partisan or political motivation and that plaintiffs have stated a plausible claim for a First Amendment violation with respect to the book removals as well.

Meanwhile, according to sworn declarations from parents of DoDEA students, books appear to have been restored at Aviano (Italy) Middle-High School, in compliance with the preliminary injunction. But when a student asked to borrow three books at the DoDEAs Fort Campbell (Ky.) Middle School, which is not among the five named in the complaint, the books were not made available. Fort Campbell's middle school librarian allegedly informed the parent that materials were under review and all resources found to be in compliance with Executive Orders will be returned to circulation.

The parent told the court, I believe that, absent the requested injunction, Fort Campbell Middle School will adhere to the DoDEA implementation guidance related to the EOs rather than the court's opinion.
In the latest step in the Chapter 11/Subchapter V voluntary bankruptcy it filed for in April 2025, children's publisher Albert Whitman last month submitted a plan for reorganization that proposes to pay unsecured creditorsincluding authors and illustratorsa portion of the money they are owed over the next five years.

Under the plan, Whitman will pay unsecured creditors a total of just over $1 million, about 52% of what those creditors are owed. The funds will come from the cash flow (termed disposable income in the filing) that the publisher expects to generate over the period.

According to Whitmans analysis, the plan to remain in business provides a far better chance to pay unsecured creditors than a move to Chapter 7, under which the companys assets would be liquidated to pay creditors.

According to the filing, made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the distributions to unsecured creditors would not begin until 2027 and would only get to more than $100,000 by 2028.

The filing also includes two notable sources of income for Whitman in 2026: $220,000 from the Anthropic settlement and a total of $300,000 from the sale of all its interests in books written by Hallee Adelman, which include the popular Way Past series that Whitman has published. Whitman will continue to publish Adleman's books after he IP sale.

In its financial analysis, Whitman expects revenue will remain over just over $3 million through 2031, but expects that cost controls will lead to a steady increase in cash flow.

If the plan is approved, John Quattrochi and Pat McPartland will continue as co-owner of the company as president and Senior VP, respectively. The revamped Whitman will be focused on its core childrens book publishing business.

Following its failed attempt to establish a large multimedia operation, Whitman is now involved in a legal fight with Attila Gazdag, who sued the company after he was fired as head of Albert Whitman Media. In a filing, Whitman claimed that Gazdag had promised to create a $7 million media group but, at the time of his firing, had generated only $16,500 in revenue.

Whitman said that while it is not totally giving up the idea at expanding its media presence, it will streamline its plans by maintaining relationships with production partners and content distributors to ensure steady revenue generation and minimize production overhead costs.

Whitman hopes to have the plan approved by June.

This story has been updated.
HOME > The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Disney/Christopher Willard

'Mormon Wives' star Jessi Draper accuses husband Jordan Ngatikaura of abuse, prostitutes and sex parties

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/25/2026



star Jessi Draper has accused her estranged husband Jordan Ngatikaura of abuse, prostitutes and sex parties.



ADVERTISEMENT Jordan filed for divorce from Jessi after more than five years of marriage and two kids on March 19, and then he



However, Jordan's request for a temporary



In the middle of the drama, Jessi -- who had been separated from Jordan for a year prior to his divorce filing -- talked to Alex Cooper in a March 20 interview, and their episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast was released on Wednesday, March 25.



"I actually found out that he filed through TMZ. They texted me. I was here in L.A. and I got a text that read, 'Hey, Jordan just filed for divorce. How are you doing? It's TMZ,'" Jessi recalled.



Jessi said she ended her relationship with Jordan and asked for a divorce on March 13 -- but he "definitely didn't want it."



"And now he's the one rushing to do it," Jessi said, pointing out the irony.



"I knew it was coming, but we had made an agreement to do it together and he blindsided me and filed because he wanted the headline first."



Jessi said after she received a text from TMZ, Jordan shot her a warning text.



"He was like, 'By the way, I filed, but I didn't know it was going to be public.' And I was like, 'That's funny, because you gave them a statement! You literally emailed TMZ what to say,'" she said.



Jessi admitted her "heart sank" when she heard Jordan had filed for divorce.



"We had agreed to tell our children together before filing, and we haven't done that -- including his daughter [from a previous relationship], who is 13 years old," Jessi said.



Jessi said this was a huge "betrayal" on Jordan's part and he also filed paperwork on how to divide their assets without her input or approval.

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"So I have no idea what he put in there. I also found out from my lawyer this morning he tried to put a clause in the divorce that I couldn't go on any podcast to talk about him. So, sorry!" she quipped.



"But I didn't sign anything... That's just what he wanted, and it's not going to happen."



Alex went on to read a recent headline in the media that Jordan was involved in shady behavior for years -- including allegedly spending Jessi's money on escorts.



"He put in the [divorce] papers that we ended it because I had an affair, and he's talking about [Marciano Brunette] the person I kissed a year-and-a-half ago. And I was like, 'What?! We've worked through that!' It was already proven on TV that I didn't sleep with him, so that's crazy," Jessi lamented.



"But the ironic thing about that is that I do have proof -- screenshots -- that when Season 1 [of ] dropped, I had an escort service reach out to me and they sent me screenshots of his phone number and messages."



Jessi claimed Jordan was trying to meet up with these escorts and had paid for a hotel room.



"I have all of that. I protected him through all the Marciano stuff, and he denied it to me when I brought [these screenshots] to him. He said, 'We're in Hollywood now. People are going to try to do this to tear us apart. It's probably AI.' But it wasn't, it was real."



When asked how she knew it was real, Jessi revealed, "Someone messaged me and she works for the escort service. She called me and was like, 'I work for this. You can look into it.' She sent me so much proof."



ADVERTISEMENT



"Also, she said this happened when he was in Texas. And he was in Texas doing summer sales at the time -- before we filmed the show -- so no one would've known that," Jessi said.



Jessi said she kissed Marciano about two weeks after she found out about Jordan's alleged involvement with escorts.



"So I do think that influenced my decision -- not that it was okay," she noted.



Jessi said she protected Jordan from the escort allegations because she actually believed him at first.



"I think I was just putting my head in the sand... and then I did actually kiss someone and so I felt so guilty. And when this came out, I was just like, 'I have to own it because I did something wrong.' I didn't want to deflect," Jessi explained.



But Jessi said Jordan's reaction to the Marciano scandal made her think he was lying and "hiding something."



"[He] was putting it all on me," she recalled.



Jessi admitted she's not sure if Jordan continued to hire escorts in subsequent years.



But about a month ago, Jessi claimed her sister was out to dinner with her husband when a friend of Jordan's approached them and asked if Jordan and Jessi were still married.



"They said, 'Yeah why?' And he goes, 'I still go to these parties and he's always there, especially when she had his daughter, he was there a lot.' That was the time he was being seen," Jessi alleged.



While Jessi admitted she doesn't have proof of Jordan's partying, she said that was her "final straw" for their relationship.



"I needed to hear this to be okay with moving on," she noted.



ADVERTISEMENT



Jessi called the parties Jordan allegedly attended "orgies" or "sex parties," adding, "I don't know what other kind of parties you would pay for. Like, you just go to a party."



Jessi said she never talked to Jordan about these parties directly but her sister had heard about them and now they're being reported in the media.



"Clearly there is some truth to it," Jessi acknowledged.



Jessi revealed that all of her friends, employees and family think Jordan is "disgusting" and hate him.



"When I got divorced, everyone I have told so far has been like, 'Congratulations!' Not one person has been like, 'I'm so sorry,'" Jessi shared with a laugh, adding how she's no longer in love with him.



Jessi said she and Jordan will be handling communication and co-parenting through a third party going forward.



"He has a history of being emotionally abusive, and so I was like... 'We're done here and we're going to handle the kids through someone else,'" Jessi said, adding how Jordan doesn't even know her new phone number.



"He has spied on me in the past... He hacked my Instagram while we were separated."



Jessi -- who is staying in a hotel until she can sell the former couple's house, where Jordan continues to live with their kids Jagger, 6, and Jovi, 3 -- called Jordan "calculated" and admitted they've had some "really bad fights."



Jessi said they're going to split custody of the kids but she anticipates Jordan is going to "mom shame" her.



When looking back on their time together, Jessi claimed that Jordan criticized her about "everything" and put her down 90 percent of the time.



ADVERTISEMENT



She added, "I was constantly being dumped on."



Jessi claimed Jordan was obsessed with being masculine and had asked her to do Pilates every single day.



"And to be fair, he doesn't work and we had a full-time nanny. So he wasn't even helping with the kids until nighttime," Jessi revealed.



"It felt like I couldn't make a move without talking to Jordan about it... but I never wanted to confide in him."



Jessi said Jordan would put her down when giving advice and bring up what she had done wrong.



"He was like, 'I just know things. I'm smart in these areas. You should listen to me. Look at all the mistakes you've made. Look at all the friends you've lost. You need to listen to me,'" Jessi alleged.



Jessi told Alex that she and Jordan had fought "every single day" of the last five years.



"It got to a point where he was blackmailing me with the Marciano texts and he had them on a draft on his phone on TikTok, and any time he was mad at me, he was like, 'I'm going to post them! I'm going to ruin your life!'" Jessi claimed.



"So we were fighting over the Pilates stuff and he was like, 'I'm going to post the TikToks.' And so I went to grab his phone, like, 'Jordan, no!' At this point, no one knew about what I had done."



Jessi said she was afraid Jordan was going to ruin her reputation as well as her business.



"I was freaking out... and he pulls out his phone and starts recording me. He was like, 'What are you going to do?! What are you going to do? Are you going to be like [



ADVERTISEMENT



Jessi said she left Jordan the next day, knowing their marriage was unhealthy and she couldn't allow this to happen again.



"Having your partner blackmail you that way, it was something I could never get over," Jessi told Alex, adding how Jordan loved having "control" over her.



"Even when we got back together and went through therapy... it really ruined us. It was traumatizing."



Jessi concluded that she felt like "a shell of" herself in her marriage.



Jordan and Jessi tied the knot in October 2020.



Many of Jessi and Jordan's highs and lows were documented on Hulu's , which recently released its fourth season.



On the latest season, Jessi was reportedly shown learning that her prenuptial agreement was never signed by a witness, which could render the document void.



"I just don't know what will happen. I'll probably lose millions. He's entitled to anything in the last five years that I've created. When we got married, I was worth a lot less than I am now. So it just sucks and I don't want to do that to my family," Jessi lamented on the show



Jessi predicted that Jordan would ask for child support and/or alimony if they decided to legally part ways.



"Jordan would be a very hard person to divorce. He would be spiteful and vindictive. I think he would play a little bit dirty. So I just have to prepare myself that if we do get divorced that it could go that way," Jessi alleged.



While Jordan was filing for a temporary restraining order against Jessi, Dakota was

About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS star Jessi Draper has accused her estranged husband Jordan Ngatikaura of abuse, prostitutes and sex parties.Jordan filed for divorce from Jessi after more than five years of marriage and two kids on March 19, and then he sought a temporary restraining order against her the very next day.However, Jordan's request for a temporary restraining order was denied on March 24.In the middle of the drama, Jessi -- who had been separated from Jordan for a year prior to his divorce filing -- talked to Alex Cooper in a March 20 interview, and their episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast was released on Wednesday, March 25."I actually found out that he filed through TMZ. They texted me. I was here in L.A. and I got a text that read, 'Hey, Jordan just filed for divorce. How are you doing? It's TMZ,'" Jessi recalled.Jessi said she ended her relationship with Jordan and asked for a divorce on March 13 -- but he "definitely didn't want it.""And now he's the one rushing to do it," Jessi said, pointing out the irony."I knew it was coming, but we had made an agreement to do it together and he blindsided me and filed because he wanted the headline first."Jessi said after she received a text from TMZ, Jordan shot her a warning text."He was like, 'By the way, I filed, but I didn't know it was going to be public.' And I was like, 'That's funny, because you gave them a statement! You literally emailed TMZ what to say,'" she said.Jessi admitted her "heart sank" when she heard Jordan had filed for divorce."We had agreed to tell our children together before filing, and we haven't done that -- including his daughter [from a previous relationship], who is 13 years old," Jessi said.Jessi said this was a huge "betrayal" on Jordan's part and he also filed paperwork on how to divide their assets without her input or approval."So I have no idea what he put in there. I also found out from my lawyer this morning he tried to put a clause in the divorce that I couldn't go on any podcast to talk about him. So, sorry!" she quipped."But I didn't sign anything... That's just what he wanted, and it's not going to happen."Alex went on to read a recent headline in the media that Jordan was involved in shady behavior for years -- including allegedly spending Jessi's money on escorts."He put in the [divorce] papers that we ended it because I had an affair, and he's talking about [Marciano Brunette] the person I kissed a year-and-a-half ago. And I was like, 'What?! We've worked through that!' It was already proven on TV that I didn't sleep with him, so that's crazy," Jessi lamented."But the ironic thing about that is that I do have proof -- screenshots -- that when Season 1 [of ] dropped, I had an escort service reach out to me and they sent me screenshots of his phone number and messages."Jessi claimed Jordan was trying to meet up with these escorts and had paid for a hotel room."I have all of that. I protected him through all the Marciano stuff, and he denied it to me when I brought [these screenshots] to him. He said, 'We're in Hollywood now. People are going to try to do this to tear us apart. It's probably AI.' But it wasn't, it was real."When asked how she knew it was real, Jessi revealed, "Someone messaged me and she works for the escort service. She called me and was like, 'I work for this. You can look into it.' She sent me so much proof."Jessi said the woman did, in fact, send screenshots of their messages, which included Jordan's phone number attached to them."Also, she said this happened when he was in Texas. And he was in Texas doing summer sales at the time -- before we filmed the show -- so no one would've known that," Jessi said.Jessi said she kissed Marciano about two weeks after she found out about Jordan's alleged involvement with escorts."So I do think that influenced my decision -- not that it was okay," she noted.Jessi said she protected Jordan from the escort allegations because she actually believed him at first."I think I was just putting my head in the sand... and then I did actually kiss someone and so I felt so guilty. And when this came out, I was just like, 'I have to own it because I did something wrong.' I didn't want to deflect," Jessi explained.But Jessi said Jordan's reaction to the Marciano scandal made her think he was lying and "hiding something.""[He] was putting it all on me," she recalled.Jessi admitted she's not sure if Jordan continued to hire escorts in subsequent years.But about a month ago, Jessi claimed her sister was out to dinner with her husband when a friend of Jordan's approached them and asked if Jordan and Jessi were still married."They said, 'Yeah why?' And he goes, 'I still go to these parties and he's always there, especially when she had his daughter, he was there a lot.' That was the time he was being seen," Jessi alleged.While Jessi admitted she doesn't have proof of Jordan's partying, she said that was her "final straw" for their relationship."I needed to hear this to be okay with moving on," she noted.When asked if Jordan had spent her money on the alleged escorts and parties, Jessi said, "In the last three years, everything has been my money. He does not work. I provide everything."Jessi called the parties Jordan allegedly attended "orgies" or "sex parties," adding, "I don't know what other kind of parties you would pay for. Like, you just go to a party."Jessi said she never talked to Jordan about these parties directly but her sister had heard about them and now they're being reported in the media."Clearly there is some truth to it," Jessi acknowledged.Jessi revealed that all of her friends, employees and family think Jordan is "disgusting" and hate him."When I got divorced, everyone I have told so far has been like, 'Congratulations!' Not one person has been like, 'I'm so sorry,'" Jessi shared with a laugh, adding how she's no longer in love with him.Jessi said she and Jordan will be handling communication and co-parenting through a third party going forward."He has a history of being emotionally abusive, and so I was like... 'We're done here and we're going to handle the kids through someone else,'" Jessi said, adding how Jordan doesn't even know her new phone number."He has spied on me in the past... He hacked my Instagram while we were separated."Jessi -- who is staying in a hotel until she can sell the former couple's house, where Jordan continues to live with their kids Jagger, 6, and Jovi, 3 -- called Jordan "calculated" and admitted they've had some "really bad fights."Jessi said they're going to split custody of the kids but she anticipates Jordan is going to "mom shame" her.When looking back on their time together, Jessi claimed that Jordan criticized her about "everything" and put her down 90 percent of the time."Everything I did -- how I ran my business, how I parented, my time management, how I cleaned the house -- every little thing, even how I would dress," Jessi recalled.She added, "I was constantly being dumped on."Jessi claimed Jordan was obsessed with being masculine and had asked her to do Pilates every single day."And to be fair, he doesn't work and we had a full-time nanny. So he wasn't even helping with the kids until nighttime," Jessi revealed."It felt like I couldn't make a move without talking to Jordan about it... but I never wanted to confide in him."Jessi said Jordan would put her down when giving advice and bring up what she had done wrong."He was like, 'I just know things. I'm smart in these areas. You should listen to me. Look at all the mistakes you've made. Look at all the friends you've lost. You need to listen to me,'" Jessi alleged.Jessi told Alex that she and Jordan had fought "every single day" of the last five years."It got to a point where he was blackmailing me with the Marciano texts and he had them on a draft on his phone on TikTok, and any time he was mad at me, he was like, 'I'm going to post them! I'm going to ruin your life!'" Jessi claimed."So we were fighting over the Pilates stuff and he was like, 'I'm going to post the TikToks.' And so I went to grab his phone, like, 'Jordan, no!' At this point, no one knew about what I had done."Jessi said she was afraid Jordan was going to ruin her reputation as well as her business."I was freaking out... and he pulls out his phone and starts recording me. He was like, 'What are you going to do?! What are you going to do? Are you going to be like [ Taylor Frankie Paul ]? Should I call the cops?' And I was like, 'Whoa,'" Jessi said.Jessi accused Jordan of learning from Dakota Mortensen and "baiting" her to lash out and look crazy.Jessi said she left Jordan the next day, knowing their marriage was unhealthy and she couldn't allow this to happen again."Having your partner blackmail you that way, it was something I could never get over," Jessi told Alex, adding how Jordan loved having "control" over her."Even when we got back together and went through therapy... it really ruined us. It was traumatizing."Jessi concluded that she felt like "a shell of" herself in her marriage.Jordan and Jessi tied the knot in October 2020.Many of Jessi and Jordan's highs and lows were documented on Hulu's , which recently released its fourth season.On the latest season, Jessi was reportedly shown learning that her prenuptial agreement was never signed by a witness, which could render the document void."I just don't know what will happen. I'll probably lose millions. He's entitled to anything in the last five years that I've created. When we got married, I was worth a lot less than I am now. So it just sucks and I don't want to do that to my family," Jessi lamented on the showJessi predicted that Jordan would ask for child support and/or alimony if they decided to legally part ways."Jordan would be a very hard person to divorce. He would be spiteful and vindictive. I think he would play a little bit dirty. So I just have to prepare myself that if we do get divorced that it could go that way," Jessi alleged.While Jordan was filing for a temporary restraining order against Jessi, Dakota was granted one against Taylor . The pair have a hearing scheduled for April 7, and Jessi gave Alex an update on how Taylor is doing on the podcast. THE SECRET LIVES OF MORMON WIVES MORE THE SECRET LIVES OF MORMON WIVES NEWS << PRIOR STORY

'Mormon Wives' star Jessi Draper gives update on Taylor Frankie Paul after assault video and 'The Bachelorette' cancellation NEXT STORY >>

'Survivor 50': Angelina Keeley and Charlie Davis voted out at back-to-back Tribal Councils

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Page generated Tue Apr 28, 2026 13:48 pm in 0.55079388618469 seconds




Photos courtesy of UK National Archives

During World War II, William Franklin Tex Ash made 13 escape attempts and made it outside of six German POW camps by either going over the wire, cutting through the wire, or out the gate in disguise.

TEXAS TO THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

William Franklin Ash was born in Dallas, Texas, on November 30, 1917. Ash grew up during the Depression and worked his way into college at the University of Texas, doing any work he could find. While in college, Ash wrote term papers for rich kids to fund his studies and improve his writing skills. While in college, the Spanish Civil War began, and Ash decided he would join when he was old enough, as he hated fascists and bullies. After graduating with honors, Ash found his degree useless. While working at a local bank as an elevator operator, one of his college professors ran into him and asked him if the bank knew he was an honors graduate. Ash replied, Yes, but theyve agreed to overlook it. Later, Ash left the bank and turned hobo, riding the rails and looking for work.

During the lead up to Americas entry into World War II, Ash couldnt wait any longer. Still too young to sign up for service in Spain, he hopped a train to Canada, renounced his U.S. citizenship, and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940.

FLYING OFFICER TO POW

On Tuesday, March 24, 1942, an air battle raged over the skies of Calais, France. Flying Officer William Ash of the Royal Canadian Air Force was piloting his Supermarine Spitfire Vb while returning to England after escorting bombers on a mission to the Comines power station near Belgium.

Bill Ash and Canadian Premier Mackenzie Kingem 1941.



His Spitfire was in bad shape, with several holes from flak, and inoperative machine guns. As the squadron made its way home, a pack of Luftwaffe Focke-Wulf 190s with Jagdgeschwader 26 started the festivities, shooting down three of the squadrons Spitfires. Ash remembers thinking his time was up as he pulled the trigger, making bang-bang noises with his broken guns while the 190s shot up his Spitfire. He was hit several more times, and as he headed down, he popped the canopy. His Spitfire ended upside down near a church in the small town of Vieille-Eglise. Now, all he had to do was squeeze his way out of the cockpit, as the smell of fuel and the ticking noise of hot metal wafted through the air.

RESCUED BY THE LUFTWAFFE

With the help of the French Underground, Ash evaded capture for a few months and made it to Paris, where he lived in an apartment for a few weeks. Instead of hiding out of sight, Ash toured the city, visited the Louvre, and enjoyed his stay. One morning, he received a most abrupt wake-up call and was dragged out of bed by the gestapo, who took him to the Fresnes Prison south of Paris and interrogated him. Since he was uncooperative, even after the beating, the gestapo told him that he would be executed. News travels fast, and when the Luftwaffe got wind of the capture, they demanded Ash be turned over to them as the Luftwaffe was in charge of all aircrew POWs.

William Ash Stalag Luft III PersonalKarte

THE FIRST STALAG

In June 1942, Ash was transported to the Dulag reception center for processing before being transported to Stalag Luft III in Sagan/Zagan, Poland. Upon arrival, the staff emphasized how remote the camp was and that escape attempts were futile as there was nowhere to go.

OFLAG XXI-B  SZUBIN, POLAND

With the number of POWs steadily increasing, Stalag Luft III was over capacity, and in September 1942, the Luftwaffe decided to send a group of POWs to Oflag XXI-B located in the town of Szubin, Poland. Several other escapologists were included, and they were pleasantly surprised upon arrival, as the camp had originally been a girls school, with escape-friendly features such as blind spots, steep banks, and well-drained soil for easier tunneling.

The guards assigned were old men, wounded in battle, or general layabouts. Another plus was that the Wehrmacht ran the camp, and their security was pitiful compared to the Luftwaffe camps. Shortly after arriving, Ash exchanged identities with an Army private and joined a work party outside the wire, where he promptly made a run for it. His escape was short-lived, as he was caught later that night. In the spring of 1943, Ash was part of a mass escape of over 30 POWs who made their way out of the camp via a tunnel dug through the latrines.

Stalag Luft III

He headed toward Warsaw, only to be captured four days later, and Ash was transferred back to Stalag Luft III. Ash learned that a new camp was under construction near Heydekrug, and Sergeant pilots were being moved there. Ash wanted to take advantage of the chaos of a new camp and, again, traded identities with another POW being sent to Stalag Luft VI.

STALAG LUFT VI  HEYDEKRUG, LITHUANIA/EAST PRUSSIA

While at Heydekrug, Ash organized a tunnel dig for another mass escape using a tunnel dug underneath the latrines. After Ash and seven other prisoners escaped, the tunnel was discovered. Following a few days on the run, Ash fell into the hands of a Lithuanian farmer.

After finally convincing him that he was a POW, Ash was allowed to work on the farm for room and board. Later deciding he could not remain a farmer for the rest of the war, Ash left and headed to the Baltic Sea, hoping to cross to Sweden. He found a sailboat stored for the winter but needed help getting it in the water. He approached a group of farmers working in a field and asked for help.

There was no response until one of the men stopped digging and, in English with a heavy German accent, told Ash, We would love to help you, but we are soldiers of the German army, and you are standing on our cabbages.

William Ash Stalag Luft III PersonalKarte

Ash was returned to Heydekrug but not to the camp; he ended up in a building in the town and was once again in the hands of the gestapo. When questioned, he gave them the identity of the man he had switched with at Stalag Luft III: Don Fair. He was fingerprinted and left in his cell for a few days. Ash was taken to the train station under armed escort, and the entire party boarded the train. Ash assumed he was being returned to Stalag III. As the train arrived at the station, Ash discovered he was in Berlin; he was now in the belly of the beast. Ash was moved to a large, official-looking building and placed in a cell in the basement.

Morning came, and the gestapo greeted him once again. The interrogations began, and Ash was accused of being a professional escapologist who was not shot down but was parachuted in to train POWs in the art of escape and was the man responsible for several escapes.

Ash would be charged with espionage and, if found guilty, executed as a spy. Once again, luck shone on Ash. The English Bomber Command was ramping up missions over Berlin, causing delays in all areas. Ashs case was postponed, and a few days later, he was sent back to Stalag Luft III.

BACK HOME TO SAGAN AND THE GREAT ESCAPE

The 1963 movie, starring Steve McQueen, is loosely based on Ash and his fellow Kriegies. Ash inspired McQueens character, Virgil Hilts, while Richard Attenborough, aka Roger Big X Bartlett, played Roger Bushell, one of Ashs fellow POWs. Although Ash was the inspiration, he was not part of the Great Escape as he was, you guessed it, in the Cooler.

When he returned home, he discovered that the camp had grown to approximately 10,000 Kriegies. Immediately after arrival, Ash learned of the most ambitious escape plan yet. Now that they had been moved to the new north compound in the spring of 1943, Bushell and his team devised the most daring escape attempt ever. The Kriegies were to dig three separate tunnels named Tom, Dick, and Harry, with the intent to break out 200 or more prisoners. They believed that even if one tunnel was discovered, the Germans wouldnt think there were two more. Ash was ready to break out once again.

However, he had racked up several charges after leaving Sagan, including breaking out of Heydekrug and impersonating another POW, and he was sent to the Cooler. Upon his release, Ash felt the escape itch once again. While near the front inner gate, he saw a truck loaded with old machinery being inspected by one of the guards. After inspection, Ash jumped into the back and lay down. When the truck arrived at the outer gate, a guard discovered Ash, and it was back in the Cooler with him.

During this stay in the Cooler, Ash was woken by the sound of alarm sirens early in the morning. The Great Escape had occurred. When Ash was released, he learned that one of the guards at the north compound had seen a prisoner emerge from one of the tunnels and had sounded the alarm.

While at a roll call a few days later, Ash learned the fate of Roger and his crew. Instead of the usual head count, the German officer began to read off the names of prisoners. Fifty of them, to be exact. The officer then announced that the 50 had been recaptured and were shot trying to escape. The collective gasp was heard by all in formation, who knew they were executed.

THE LAST CAMP  MARLAG MILAG NORD

In January 1945, the Russians were making massive headway westward, approximately 45 miles from the camp. Sagan was being emptied, and Ash and the rest of the Kriegies began their journey to Marlag Milag Nord in Lower Saxony, Germany. The thousands of POWs were marched out of camp in staggered shifts and finally reached their new home on February 4. The eight-day march had taken its toll, and Ash had jaundice.

As he recovered, the chaos grew, culminating in a battle between the 15th Panzergrenadier Division and the 32 Guards Brigade. The fight was fierce, with the prisoners caught in the middle, with rockets screaming, shells bursting, and shrapnel raining down on them. Ash decided that if this were the end, he would go out on his terms and escape. He ran through the battle and reached the road, where friendly forces took him in.

POSTWAR

When Ash returned home, he discovered he was persona non grata for renouncing his citizenship, so he traveled to England, where he became a naturalized British citizen. He was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his escape attempts and later worked for the BBC in Britain and India.

THE LAST DAYS

In 2012, Ash wrote about his wartime adventures in the best-selling book, Under the Wire, and observed, Ive discovered the secret of success  all you have to do is dig a hole and wait 70 years. On April 26, 2014, Ash died at the age of 96.
Sunil Mittals decision to retire from the board is being seen as the first step towards bringing in the next generation of the Mittal family to take on the reins of one of Indias leading family businesses.

Photograph: Ruben Spinch/Reuters

Key Points While Bharti Airtel executive VC Gopal Vittal will be appointed non-executive chair of Airtel Africa, Mittals son Shravin Bharti Mittal will take on the role of deputy chair.

Airtel entered the African market by acquiring Zain Telecom in June 2010.

Shravin, one of Mittals three children, is director of Bharti Global.

Bharti Global acquired a 24.5 per cent stake in UK-based British Telecom or BT group for about $4.5 billion in 2024.

The family office is also the backer of UK-based satcom player OneWeb, which later merged with Eutelsat.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, 68, will retire as chairman of Airtel Africa in July after the conclusion of this years annual general meeting (AGM), the board of the African arm of Indias second-largest telecom service provider Bharti Airtel said in a statement to the exchanges on Wednesday.

Succession plan

As part of the ongoing succession planning at the company, Bharti Airtel executive vice chairman Gopal Vittal, also a non-executive director of Airtel Africa, will be appointed non-executive chair of Airtel Africa, while Mittals son Shravin Bharti Mittal will take on the role of deputy chair with effect from the same date.

Annika Poutiainen, one of the non-executive directors on the board of Airtel Africa, will also retire at the conclusion of the July AGM, having served for over seven years, the statement added.

The date for Airtel Africas July AGM is yet to be decided.

Airtel Africa operates in 14 countries in the continent, and Sunil Mittal has been its chairman since the companys listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2019.

Airtel's African venture

Airtel entered the African market by acquiring Zain Telecom in June 2010.

Sunil Mittals decision to retire from the board is being seen as the first step towards bringing in the next generation of the Mittal family to take on the reins of one of Indias leading family businesses that has grown into a mammoth Rs 1 trillion marketcap enterprise with a global footprint.

As deputy chair, Mr Mittal (Shravin) will ensure continuity with the founding family and significant shareholder, and will be the board's conduit with the Airtel Money board, on which he serves, and with Airtel Africa's headquarters in Dubai, where he is based, the statement said.

Who is Shravin Mittal?

Shravin, one of Mittals three children, is director of Bharti Global Ltd, the Bharti family office, and also founder of London-based Unbound, a technology-focused venture capital firm.

Bharti Global acquired a 24.5 per cent stake in UK-based British Telecom or BT group for about $4.5 billion in 2024.

The family office is also the backer of UK-based satcom player OneWeb, which later merged with Eutelsat to create one of the worlds leading

satellite communications service providers with presence in India.

The next generation of my family  a larger family  is all building muscle in different forms and shapes.

"Theyre running their own businesses, their own outfits, getting trained outside the system, Sunil Mittal had said in a call with investors on February 26.

What experts say about Sunil Mittal's move

Experts in the field of family offices and succession planning said that Sunil Mittals decision to bring the next generation into the leadership has been well thought-out and executed.

The induction of the next line of leadership alongside a seasoned professional like Gopal Vittal reflects a fine balance between continuity of legacy and professional stewardship, a hallmark of strong family-led enterprises.

"It is absolutely encouraging to see Indian business families institutionalising leadership transitions with such clarity.

"This is what builds multi-generational enterprises and not just successful companies, said Sreepriya NS, chief executive officer (CEO) of Entrust Family Office.

I want to extend my thanks to the board of Airtel Africa for their support to me as chairman, Sunil Mittal said.

He noted that Airtel Africa has a solid strategy and an outstanding leadership team in place, the strength of which is evident in recent results.

So, I am confident that now is the time for me to step aside as chair.

"It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity, and I know the company will continue to prosper and advance the transformative power of connectivity to the millions of customers we serve across 14 African countries.

"I have offered my services and will be available to support the company as requested by the chair, he said.
UPI's dominance in lending platform transactions signals a major shift in how digital infrastructure is shaping investment and financial activities, according to a new report.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points UPI is the dominant payment method for lenders, driving over 90% of transactions on lending platforms.

Female lenders deploy significantly higher average amounts compared to male lenders, indicating a gender dynamic in investment strategies.

Most lenders diversify their risk by lending across multiple borrowers, showcasing a structured approach to peer-to-peer lending.

Digital infrastructure, particularly UPI, plays a crucial role in enabling participation in lending activities.

Mobile devices are the primary means for initiating lending transactions, reflecting a shift towards real-time portfolio management.

UPI has emerged as the dominant payment method among lenders, driving 91.89 per cent of transactions on the platform, far ahead of net banking, IMPS, and debit cards, a report said.

Female lenders deployed an average of Rs 2.5 lakh, more than four times higher than the average amount lent by men, according to the P2P Lending Trends Report 2025 released by LenDenClub, an RBI-registered peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform.

The report, which analysed investment activity across more than one lakh lenders on the platform, said about 68 per cent of lenders on peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms lend across multiple borrowers to manage risk, indicating a clear shift towards more structured and disciplined lending behaviour.

As financial awareness improves and investors adopt disciplined diversification strategies, digital credit could become an increasingly meaningful component of modern investment portfolios, Bhavin Patel, co-founder and CEO of LenDenClub, said.

The average investment amount on the platform stands at around Rs 2 lakh, with investors typically allocating funds across a large number of borrowers, it said.

On average, it said, investors have funded over 200 borrowers, reflecting a clear preference for diversification to manage exposure.

Nearly 68 per cent of investors have funded more than one loan, highlighting repeat participation and continued engagement on the platform.

Investment Preferences and Loan Durations

In terms of tenure preference, majority of investors choose shorter durations of 2 to 6 months, as the platform was offering more short-term loans till last year, it said.

More than 95 per cent of the platform loans were of shorter duration for the period of data publishing.

The platform has recently introduced 12-month loan options, which are currently witnessing early demand as retail investors explore more predictable repayment cycles, it said.

Geographic Participation and Payment Methods

Geographically, participation is expanding beyond major financial centres, it said, adding that the top five metro cities, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi, accounted for nearly 62 per cent of investor contribution on the platform.

"Digital infrastructure continues to play a key role in enabling participation.

"UPI remains the most preferred payment method, accounting for 92 per cent of all transactions on the platform.

"This is followed by IMPS at around 3 per cent, net banking at 3 per cent, and debit cards at 2 per cent," it said.

The high share of UPI indicates the growing reliance on instant and convenient transacting systems for participating in lending activity, it said.

The report also noted that most lending transactions were initiated through mobile devices, indicating a clear shift toward real-time and on-the-go portfolio management among investors, it added.
Train Dreams refuses to pander to an attention-deficit audience and is not afraid of the silence of emotional depth, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Key Points Train Dreams stars Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.

The film has been nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Song.

Train Dreams is streaming on Netflix.

Dennis Johnson's 120-page novella, Train Dreams, published in 2011, is a poetic, meditative work about the life of a man the world would consider unremarkable. Chris Bentley has turned it into a visually stunning film that captures a fast-changing country. Progress often leaves people like Robert Grainier behind, but he is a man who marches to his own drummer.

What Train Dreams is about

Grainier (played with gentle dignity by Joel Edgerton, surprisingly snubbed for an Academy Award) is a logger and railroad worker in early 20th century American West. It is cowboy country, but Bentley's film has none of the rugged glamour that has been portrayed by scores of movies about the Wild West. These men chop trees, saw logs, and then move on to the next site that needs workers. They live rough in the forest, but most would not swap this back-breaking work for another life.

Tentative friendships are formed without expectations or lasting attachments -- there is a man, the nameless narrator (Will Patton) says, who never spoke a word to his fellow workers. When a logger happened to die on a site, the rest of them just nailed his boots to a tree and carried on.

Giant trees were cut for lumber to build train tracks, bridges and buildings in a nation with growing demands, though the workers did not benefit much from their labour. The cruelly denuded forests did not concern anyone, in the belief that trees would grow back. Only one old logger (William H Macy) warned of the consequences of chopping 500-year-old trees that had souls.

Robert marries Gladys (Felicity Jones) and they have a daughter, Kate. The scenes of them in the log cabin they built by a riverside are sweet and tender, so what follows is much more tragic. Robert and Gladys want to put away money to build their own sawmill on their land, so that he would not need to spend so much time away from home. When he returns from a job one day, a forest fire has destroyed his home. Gladys and Kate are missing, presumed dead.

The film then holds on to Robert in his grief. He rebuilds the cabin, and does odd jobs to survive. When he goes back to a logging site, younger men have arrived, machines are being used, and the older workmen feel out of place.

What defines Grainier in Train Dreams

Train Dreams' narrative is non-linear, unfolding as a series of memories, dreams, hallucinations, as Granier copes with loss and crushing sorrow. Over time, he acquires a spiritual stillness, and comes to be known as a hermit of the mountains. He lives by himself and keeps his interactions with people in town to a minimum. His brief friendships with a trader (Nathaniel Arcand) and a government employee (Kerry Condon) offer some measure of support, however fleeting.

Grainier belongs to a dying breed of men, who were proud to be defined by their strength and hardy temperaments, unfazed by a harsh lifestyle. With increasing dependence on automation, this kind of physical labour becomes almost redundant, making Granier and others like him obsolete.

Why Train Dreams is worth a watch

Beautifully shot by Adolpho Veloso with natural light enhancing the stunning landscapes that become a part of Granier's solitary existence, just like the natural sounds of the forest. Train Dreams is a masterful and uncompromising film that refuses to pander to an attention-deficit audience and is not afraid of the silence of emotional depth.

The film has been nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Song.

Train Dreams streams on Netflix.

Train Dreams Review Rediff Rating:
The pace at which Priyanka's Ercell fights off her enemies and secures her family into a bunker, you would forget you are in a Hollywood thriller, notes Divya Nair.

Key Points The Bluff is an action thriller set in the 19th century.

The film stars Priyanka Chopra, Karl Urban, Ismail Kruz Cordova, Safia Oakley.

The Bluff streams on Amazon Prime Video.

What is The Bluff about?

The Bluff positioned itself as a 'swashbuckler action thriller' and the star cast featuring BAFTA nominees and winners promised to offer a gripping edge of the seat action.

With a run time of 100 minutes, you sit back with a tub of popcorn hoping to be swept away with powerful scenes of action.

What is Priyanka's role in The Bluff?

Priyanka Chopra plays Ercell Bodden, an ex-captain and pirate living a quiet family life on an island expecting her husband Bodden (Ismail Kruz Cordova) to come home from sea.

It doesn't take Einstein brains to figure out that our country belle Ercell is hiding something dangerous behind her identity when she walks home and finds visible clues of a potential invader in her sister's room. The cover-up in the room is unsettling, the air thick with suspicion, and there are signs that a storm is about to break over that sleepy beach house.

The plot thickens overnight when a group of pirates take over her quaint island as they come looking for the gold Ercell stole from her former partner Captain Connor (Karl Urban) after betraying him and his crew years ago.

Before you know it, Priyanka is punching, kicking and drawing daggers at strange, bulky men who would do just anything to reclaim their treasure. The pace at which Priyanka's Ercell fights off her enemies and secures her family into a bunker, you would forget you are in a Hollywood thriller.

In fact, it gives you the feeling that she is walking effortlessly from one set to another where everything is laid out in her favour like in a gaming setup.

In one particular scene when she confronts the bad guy, she threatens 'Before you touch my family' and then smashes his face to a pulp.

The dialogue I realise is strikingly similar to Shah Rukh's iconic 'Bete ko haath lagane se pehle' from Jawaan. It can't be coincidence, though (insert wicked smile emoji). And if it was playing in a theatre in India, I am sure Priyanka-SRK sympathisers would whistle and demand an encore.

But the makers are happy with these gimmicks and waste no time in getting to the climax. Halfway through the movie, I begin to wonder if everyone was on a tight budget or if the cast and crew had to finish this film and get back home to do some actual work, because the story is simpler than a primary school essay, but it is packaged to believe that it's the swashbuckler action thriller of the year.

And why on Earth does Priyanka call the place The Bluff? No answers there either.

Priyanka's action in The Bluff

Priyanka is a treat to watch in this underwhelming thriller.

Unlike the smart Hollywoood films where the hero would actually get a bit hurt and take time or cover to recover, Priyanka reminds them that she's from Bollywood. That a few rounds of bullets, bloodshed, wall press and gut punches won't stop her from saving the stolen gold and her family from these pirate-goons.

Our female hero bleeds, yes, but only aesthetically; she is wounded, but not hurt.

What an absolute waste and mockery of the talented supporting cast because the camera never takes its lens away from its co-producer acting as the unstoppable, unbreakable, ever-glorified centre of it all -- while everyone else stands around like decorative pieces of furniture to make way for our central character who simply fought for her freedom and escaped because she dreamed to build a happy family.

The silver lining in the film, if you may call it, is how Priyanka pays homage to her maternal grandmother, a Syrian Christian Malayalee, as she reveals her maiden name Mariam to her clueless son in the climax.

The Bluff streams on Amazon Prime Video.

The Bluff Review Rediff Rating:
'Much will depend on the position of the United States.'

'It will have to be seen to what extent the US will be more interested in achieving some form of a deal and to what extent Israel will be allowed to continue to carry out both airstrikes and the killing of Iranian officials.'

IMAGE: A residential building targeted by an Israeli strike in Tehran, March 23, 2026 to murder Dr Saeed Shamkadhri, an Iranian nuclear scientist, who stayed there. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Key Points 'Regime change has never really happened just from the air.'

'Israel has proven to have penetrated Iran.'

'The war started with the decapitation of the leaders.'

As Donald Trump paused his planned attack on Iran's electrical installation and announced that talks had commenced with the Iranians, Israeli aircraft hunted down Dr Saeed Shamkadhri in a targeted airstrike in Tehran.

The professor -- who had links with Iran's nuclear programme -- was not the only casualty; his family perished too. As did, according to one account on X, 50 others who lived in the same building as the professor did.

A day prior, speaking to the media in Arad, which had been attacked by a barrage of Iranian missiles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue to target Iranian leaders and nuclear scientists.

So potent was the Israeli threat that on Wednesday morning media reports said the US had secured a guarantee that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf -- two figures likely to be involved in negotiations with the Americans -- would not be harmed by the Israelis for five days.

By all accounts, about 50 prominent Iranians have been slain by the Israelis since the war began on the morning of February 28. Ayatollah Khamenei on day one of the war; Ali Larijani, the second most important figure in the Islamic regime some days later; defence and intelligence ministers, military commanders, scientists... and yet the Islamic regime has not collapsed as the conflict enters its first month on Saturday.

So what is Israel's game here? How long will Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces go after the Iranians?

Luca Trenta, an associate professor at Swansea University in the UK, is an authority on State-sponsored assassinations. "If anything the assassinations have strengthened the Iranian regime that looked very much on the ropes until a few months ago," Dr Luca tells Nikhil Lakshman/Rediff in a Zoom interview.

Why hasn't the Iranian regime collapsed despite Israel assassinating about so many figures of varying importance?

Probably because it is a fairly decentralised regime and they might have been preparing for something like this for quite some time. It is a regime that is very entrenched, it is very established. The regime is not solely its leadership, it's much broader than that.

So it was always unlikely that the regime would have collapsed out of a decapitation strike from the air. Regime change has never really happened just from the air. Even the US intelligence community had warned the Trump administration that this was unlikely to happen.

Do you think that the Iranians were naive in assuming that they wouldn't become targets for the Israelis after the war commenced?

We know how deep the Israelis had penetrated the Islamic superstructure.

So was it carelessness that led to so many Iranian leaders being picked up?

I'm not necessarily sure it was carelessness. Yes, Israel has proven to have penetrated Iran.

And certainly the early news stories suggested that there were a lot of signal intelligence as well as potentially human intelligence on the ground used in the operation. They (the Iranians) might have been a bit naive in congregating so many leaders in the same place and risking a much broader decapitation that they would have had if the leadership was more dispersed. But at the same time -- based on a Reuters story on the 24th of March -- we now know that the decapitation did not happen after the war started.

Actually the timing of the strikes was due to intelligence on the congregation of these Iranian leaders. So it's not like the war started and Iran didn't take any measures. The war started with the decapitation of the leaders.

So I don't think it was necessarily naive on the Iranian part.

IMAGE: Emergency personnel respond at a site following an Iranian missile attack in central Israel, March 24, 2026. Photograph: Tomer Appelbaum/Reuters

How do you think the Israelis have achieved such success in penetrating the Islamic regime?

It might have been that Israel has always had exceptional intelligence capabilities. We've seen it not only against the Iranian regime but more broadly against various enemies and in various forms of covert operations, for example, the tampering of supply and supply chains.

You might recall a couple of years ago there was the episode of the pagers that all exploded at the same time in Lebanon. Later on we saw bombs explode in Tehran. So this must be a long term operation being conducted by Israeli intelligence, in terms of establishing front companies, having signal intelligence on its enemies, and clearly having penetrated with human intelligence its enemies and their networks.

IMAGE: An Iranian missile with cluster munitions flies towards central Israel, March 5, 2026. Photograph: J Dylan Martinez/Reuters

'The United States might have bigger interest than those of Israel'

How long do you think the Israelis will continue to assassinate Iranian figures? Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned on Monday that the Israelis assassinated a nuclear scientist.

I think they are likely to continue but much will depend on the position of the United States. Israel, while it is clearly a regional hegemon, does still rely on support from the United States.

So it will have to be seen to what extent the United States will be more interested in achieving some form of a deal and to what extent Israel will be allowed to continue to carry out both airstrikes in general and operations that we are seeing now in Lebanon and also the killing of Iranian officials.

Netanyahu also said the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will decide when the war will end.

It's possible, but also I find it somewhat difficult.

I think Israel was instrumental in getting the United States to fully participate in the war. The Trump administration has demonstrated that it is willing to let Israel to do whatever it wants in the region. In other words, there has been a certain amount of leeway that the US has given Israel both historically and recently, but it might not necessarily be endless.

The war might damage US relations with rich actors in the region. The United States might have bigger interest than those of Israel. So, the extent to which the US will continue to follow Israel might depend on the reaction of regional actors (including Saudi Arabia) and of the international community.

IMAGE: A mural depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the late supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, March 22, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Were you surprised that Israel is now readily acknowledging that it is killing nuclear scientists and Iranian authority figures?

Because there was a time when they were killing nuclear scientists but they never acknowledged that they killed these people. So what's changed?

This, I think, has been a clear escalation in the recent conflict. The openness both on the part of the United States to admit complicity in this assassination and on the part of Israel to claim and acknowledge these assassinations.

I think this has been a real novelty. And in my view a warning that we are entering a new era of open assassinations in which there is no respect for international norms. This is work I have been conducting with Dr Sophie Duroy (University of Essex).

The frequency of these assassination, the brazennes and openness of the perpetrators, as well as the silences and acceptance of the international community tell us that we are witnessing something new. The international community in this manner is creating a very permissive environment.

'Regime change and decapitation never worked from the air alone'

But these assassinations are not going to achieve what the Iranians and the Americans think they'll achieve: Regime change, the Iranian people rising against their rulers.

No, they haven't so far.

If anything they have strengthened the regime that looked very much on the ropes until a few months ago with the domestic protests, that required a very violent crackdown.

Israel and to a certain extent the United States have done assassinations before.

There have been several campaigns of decapitation both against foreign leaders and against non-State groups. These have very rarely worked and yet States keep doing them, with little strategic success but also with little international repercussions. It should also be noted that -- as mentioned -- regime change and decapitation never worked from the air alone.

IMAGE: Emergency personnel work at the site of a strike on a residential building in Tehran, March 23, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Do you think that in your study of State sponsored assassinations, do you think that Israel and Putin's Russia are on par with the way that they eliminate their enemies?

I wouldn't say they are on par.

I think it's very difficult to compare them. They use assassination in a very different manner. Several States use assassination as methods to strengthen their own regime internally, to prevent threats from emerging, for example, from dissidents or separatist leaders.

Whereas Israel has tended to use assassination primarily as a method of counter-terrorism or as a method of eliminating those who could provide a strategic advantage to its enemies. And this is why scientists have been historically targeted -- those working for Iraq initially and more recently those working for Iran.

But historically even Israel was somewhat reluctant to target foreign leaders. This reluctance has disappeared with the strikes on Iran and its political leadership.

Does this means a change in the way Israel now uses assassinations?

It has been a change for Israel because in the past even Israel was somewhat reluctant in targeting political leaders. For example, according to investigative journalist Ronen Bergman, Israel for several decades refused to target Yasser Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation because they saw him too much as a political leader.

Other States in the past have targeted foreign leaders. The United States did. Russia did, when it was the Soviet Union. France did. I think the difference is not so much that these things are happening, but they are happening more openly and being considered more acceptable. That there is a muted reaction from the international community.

States are more willing to recognise that they are conducting assassination openly, in part, because they have less fear of repercussions.

Do you think that Israel's change in its philosophy of assassinations occurred after October 7, 2023?

It could be or it might be a matter of opportunity.

This was too good a target to miss perhaps. It will remain to be seen as to whether it is a radical change in philosophy or whether it was an opportunistic operation.

IMAGE: People gather to show support for the new supreme leader of Iran at Valiasr Square in Tehran, March 12, 2026. Photograph: Alaa Al Marjani/Reuters

When they killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, a guest of the Iranian regime in Tehran, in July 2024, that appeared to be a defining moment in Israel's campaign of assassinations.

Yeah, but that was not a State official, it was a leader of a non-State group. Whereas what we are seeing now is the open targeting of State officials, which in the past had not happened or it had happened more reluctantly, or it had not been acknowledged so openly.

It might well be that there was a change in posture after October 7th. But I think at this point we simply don't know whether it was a radical change in posture or whether it was a matter of simple tactics.

Israel has long held a strategy of 'mowing the lawn' -- that is regularly targeting its enemies, while working to keep security and international PR going. It seems that, after October 7th, as Amjad Iraqi has written in the London Review of Books, this strategy has been abandoned in favour of one of more expanded and more brutal violence.

Dr Trenta, where do you see the war going from here?

That's a very difficult question for me.

I'm not a particular expert on the war. One thing I would keep an eye on is the extent to which the war will start impacting the US and global economy. And the extent to which the emerging divergence between the US and Israel interest will expand.

If that were to be the case I think it would be a situation in which those that have been very close allies until this point might start seeing things somewhat differently.

IMAGE: People walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Do you think that what the Israelis have done -- the targeted assassinations -- will encourage other countries to do likewise in the future?

It's always very difficult to answer the question about encouraging. Because one does not want to make the argument that other countries would do assassinations because Israel or the US are conducting assassinations.

What this openness and this brazenness have done certainly has deprived the United States and Israel of the moral high ground. And they have deprived the international community of the possibility of criticising others doing this without exposing a certain double standard. As in we are not raising our voices when Israel and the United States do it, but we only raise our voice when Russia or other countries do it.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Allahabad High Court has demanded an explanation from Uttar Pradesh police officials regarding significant discrepancies in the filing of a rape case FIR, where key sections related to the alleged crime were omitted.

Key Points Allahabad High Court identifies critical lapses in the registration of a rape case FIR.

Court directs senior Uttar Pradesh Police officials to explain discrepancies in the FIR and implement corrective actions.

The High Court emphasises the mandatory registration of FIRs in cognisable offences, citing the Ramesh Kumari vs State case.

The court observed that the FIR and the victim's statement prima facie indicated allegations of rape, but no such charge had been invoked.

Authorities are directed to take necessary steps to address the issue under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of lapses in the registration of a police case, noting that while the complaint mentioned rape, the FIR did not invoke relevant sections related to it.

The high court directed senior Uttar Pradesh Police and administrative officials to submit reports explaining the discrepancies and steps taken to address them.

Justice Tej Pratap Tiwari directed the director general of police (DGP), the principal secretary (home), and the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Bareilly, to file compliance reports and ensure corrective measures.

The court also asked the DGP and principal secretary (home) to develop a mechanism to sensitise police officials regarding proper FIR registration, and directed the SSP, Bareilly, to take action against erring officials.

The directions were issued in an order dated March 17, with the matter listed for further hearing in the week commencing April 27.

Details of the Case

The observations came while hearing a petition filed by Shivam Singh seeking to quash a chargesheet dated April 17, 2024, and a cognisance order dated January 15, 2025 passed by a judicial magistrate in Bareilly.

The case was registered against him under Sections 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that the FIR did not disclose any offence under the invoked sections and claimed that no valid marriage existed between the parties, rendering the allegations vague.

Opposing the plea, the state submitted that the petitioner had established physical relationship with the complainant "on the false promise of marriage and a government job".

After hearing both sides, the court observed that the FIR and the victim's statement prima facie indicated allegations of rape, but no such charge had been invoked, terming it a serious lapse.

The court further noted discrepancies between the written complaint and the FIR, raising concerns about the fairness of the investigation.

Citing the judgment in Ramesh Kumari vs State (NCT of Delhi), the court reiterated that registration of an FIR in cognisable offences is mandatory.

Exercising powers under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the court directed authorities to take necessary steps to address the issue.
A tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district has claimed 13 lives and injured 22 others after a collision with a tipper led to a devastating fire, prompting condolences and relief announcements from top leaders.

IMAGE: The site of the bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district, March 26, 2025. Photograph: Screen grab/ANI Video

Key Points Thirteen people died and 22 were injured after a private bus collided with a tipper and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district.

The accident occurred between 5.30 am and 6 am when the bus, carrying 35 passengers, struck the tipper's diesel tank, causing an inferno.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, with PM Modi announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased's kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered an investigation and directed officials to provide the best medical care and compensation.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also expressed shock and instructed officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh for victim assistance and medical care.

Thirteen people were killed and 22 injured after a private travels bus collided with a tipper and caught fire in Rayavaram in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, the police said.

While earlier estimates from district superintendent of police V Harshavardhan Raju suggested 14 fatalities, an official release from the Andhra Chief Minister's Office (CMO) later confirmed 13 deaths.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and grief over the road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district.

"A total of 35 passengers were on board the bus at the time of the accident, of whom 13 lost their lives while 22 injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment. Among the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition," the CMO press release said.

Investigation Underway

The bus struck the tipper's diesel tank, triggering an inferno.

Officials said rescue operations are ongoing while a command and control room has been set up at Markapuram deputy collector's office to assist families.

The private bus was heading to Kaligiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana when the accident occurred between 5.30 am and 6 am.

The truck overturned and the front of the bus was completely sheared off by the force of the collision.

According to officials, the bus driver reportedly stated that the steering wheel got stuck, and authorities are verifying this claim.

Preliminary assessment suggested that the bus moved into the opposite lane before the crash.

CM directs best medical care to injured

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naidu held a teleconference with senior officials and ministers, directing them to extend the best possible medical care to the injured and announced adequate compensation to the families of the deceased and injured passengers.

Ordering an investigation into the accident, Naidu offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured full support from the state government.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also expressed deep shock over the incident.

Revanth Reddy directed State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to gather complete details about the victims and those who were injured in the accident.

He instructed him to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials. The chief minister also ordered that the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Following the chief minister's instructions, Rao spoke with his Andhra counterpart, an official release said.

Condolences and Relief Efforts

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in the accident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Murmu said on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased.

"The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PM Modi said.
In Arunachal Pradesh, police have arrested three individuals in Tawang and East Kameng districts following separate reports of child sexual assault, highlighting the commitment to protecting minors and prosecuting offenders under the POCSO Act.

IMAGE: Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Key Points Three individuals have been arrested in Arunachal Pradesh in connection with two separate cases of child sexual assault.

The arrests were made in Tawang and East Kameng districts following complaints filed with the police.

Police are committed to taking strict action in such cases and protecting the identity and dignity of victims.

The accused in East Kameng was arrested based on a complaint lodged on March 19 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

In Tawang, two individuals were arrested for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in 2024, with the police responding swiftly to the complaint.

Three people have been arrested from Tawang and East Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh in two separate cases of sexual assault on two minors, police officials said on Thursday.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Kameng district, Kamdam Sikom, said that based on a complaint lodged with the Women Police Station in Seppa on March 19, a case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The accused, who was on the run, was arrested on Wednesday, the officer said.

Arrests in Tawang District

In the other case, two persons have been arrested for sexually assaulting a girl in Tawang district in 2024. She was nine years old at the time.

Tawang Deputy Superintendent of Police Tasso Kato said they received a complaint in the matter on March 23 after the girl's parents reported the matter to the police, following which a special team was constituted to probe the matter.

The team, under the supervision of Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, tracked down the absconding accused within two hours of receiving the information, the officer said.

Police Commitment to Child Protection

The police superintendent has urged the public not to hesitate to come forward and report such matters to the police.

Assuring the public that strict action will be taken in such matters, the officer said the identity and dignity of the victims will be fully protected as per the law.
Police in Phagwara, Punjab, are investigating the assault of a journalist, Amar Kishor Pasi, after booking three suspects under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Key Points Three individuals have been booked for allegedly assaulting journalist Amar Kishor Pasi in Phagwara, Punjab.

The journalist sustained serious head injuries and was admitted to a local hospital.

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack, which occurred outside the journalist's residence.

Local journalists have condemned the assault and are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 109 (attempt to murder).

Three persons have been booked for allegedly assaulting a journalist here, police said on Thursday night.

The case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 109 (attempt to murder), in connection with the incident that took place Tuesday night outside the victim's residence in Bhagatpura locality, they said.

Station House Officer (SHO) of Satnampura police station, Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh, said that the accused, who were riding a scooter, attacked Amar Kishor Pasi, a correspondent with a Hindi daily.

Pasi sustained serious head injuries and was admitted to the local Civil Hospital.

A friend of the victim, Devinder Kumar, alleged that when he confronted the assailants, they threatened him with a pistol.

The police said the claim is being verified and added that the motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.

Local journalists condemned the incident and demanded immediate arrest of the accused, the police said.
Delhi Police, working with Bihar Police, have successfully arrested the main shooter in the Bawana murder case, a key operative of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, bringing them closer to solving the gang-related crime.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police and Bihar Police conducted a joint operation to arrest Akash, the main shooter in the Bawana murder case.

Akash is allegedly a key operative of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang and is accused of killing Ravi Bhardwaj.

The arrest occurred in Begusarai, Bihar, where Akash was hiding to evade capture.

Police hope to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the murder and identify other individuals involved in the crime.

The Bawana murder is suspected to be a result of gang rivalry, with multiple individuals sustaining gunshot injuries.

Delhi Police has arrested the main shooter involved in the killing of a man inside his house in Delhi's Bawana area earlier this month, officials said on Friday, in a joint operation with Bihar Police.

Akash alias Bittu alias Khuddi (20), a resident of Nangal Thakran in Delhi, was arrested from Begusarai in Bihar in coordination with the local police, they said.

Akash, a key operative of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, was allegedly the main shooter in the March 19 killing of Ravi Bhardwaj inside his house at Harevelli village in Bawana, police said.

While Ravi was killed in the attack, three others, including his father, sustained gunshot injuries after a group of armed assailants barged into the house and opened fire in a suspected case of gang rivalry.

Arrest and Investigation

"Akash had taken shelter in Bihar to evade arrest. Based on specific inputs, a joint team conducted a raid in Begusarai and apprehended him," a senior police officer said.

Police said the accused, who played a crucial role in executing the attack, reportedly fired multiple rounds during the incident.

With his arrest, the investigators hope to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the killing of Ravi Bhardwaj, and identify the others involved in the crime, the officer said.
A teenager has been arrested in Bengaluru after a woman and her brother were stabbed to death amidst a heated argument over an alleged illicit relationship, sparking a police investigation into the tragic double murder.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A woman and her brother were fatally stabbed in Bengaluru following a dispute over an alleged illicit affair.

Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the double murder.

The incident occurred after the victims confronted the alleged mistress about the affair.

The victims sustained multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.

A murder case has been registered against three individuals, and an investigation is ongoing.

A 36-year-old woman and her younger brother were allegedly stabbed to death by a minor boy here on Thursday following a quarrel over an alleged illicit relationship, police said. The deceased were identified as Yamuna and her brother Sudeep (34), they said.

Mallegowda and Yamuna had been married for 20 years. The couple have a 19-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son, police said. The accused is a 16-year-old boy, police said, adding that efforts are being made to nab him.

The incident occurred in the Peenya police station limits here.

Details of the Dispute

According to police, Yamuna's husband Mallegowda was allegedly involved in an illicit relationship with another woman. Yamuna and her brother had gone to the alleged woman's house to question the issue, following which a heated argument broke out.

During the altercation, the alleged woman's minor son allegedly stabbed both Yamuna and Sudeep, police said.

Both had sustained multiple stab injuries inflicted with knives on the neck, body, hands, and back, and died on the spot, a senior police said.

Previous Disputes and Financial Dealings

In his complaint, Mallegowda stated that around three months ago, a quarrel had taken place between his family and that of the other woman, over allegations of an illicit relationship between him and her.

Later, both families had reached a compromise. They had also visited Byadarahalli Police Station in January this year, it said.

He further stated that about six months ago, he had lent Rs two lakh to the alleged woman, which she repaid around 20 days ago.

However, despite this, his wife continued to quarrel with him, alleging that he had a relationship with her. Recently, there had been no such disputes, the FIR stated.

Investigation Underway

A case of murder has been registered against three people, including the alleged woman, her son and another person in connection with the incident, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Amidst a potato price crisis, the BJP alleges that farmer suicides are on the rise in West Bengal, blaming the TMC government for negligence and lack of support.

Key Points The BJP claims at least five farmers in West Bengal have died by suicide since February due to a potato price crisis.

The BJP accuses the TMC government of abandoning potato farmers and failing to provide financial relief or a minimum support price.

The BJP alleges the TMC is trying to shift responsibility for the crisis onto cold storage owners.

The BJP criticises the TMC's 'politics of hatred', claiming it has led to the entry of AIMIM into West Bengal's political landscape.

The BJP calls on the Election Commission to ensure the safety and security of all individuals in West Bengal during the assembly elections.

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief Samik Bhattacharya on Thursday claimed that at least five farmers have ended their lives in the state since February and accused the TMC government of abandoning potato growers facing a price crisis for their crop.

He claimed that farmer deaths are being reported in different parts of West Bengal.

Farmers are taking their own lives out of fear of not being able to sell their produce and pay back the lenders, as the West Bengal government has stopped shipping potatoes to other states, the state BJP chief alleged.

Since February, at least five farmers have died by suicide in different districts of the state, he claimed and held the TMC's "careless attitude" responsible for the deaths.

Naming five farmers who allegedly died by suicide, Bhattacharya said, "The state government is not providing any financial relief to potato farmers."

Alleging that cold storage owners were being asked by the state government to buy potatoes from farmers at a higher rate than the market, he alleged that the Mamata Banerjee dispensation was trying to shift its responsibility to cold storage owners.

"It is the primary duty of the government to stand by the farmers. The government is supposed to fix a minimum support price to assist them and keep an eye on the sale of their produce to ensure they get a good price," the BJP leader said.

Agriculture Sector Challenges

Claiming that the agriculture sector in West Bengal was passing through a challenging situation, Bhattacharya said, "Illegal sandmining is leading to rivers changing course and fertile lands going underwater, affecting agricultural produce."

Ram Navami and Political Accusations

On the occasion of Ram Navami, he slammed the ruling dispensation, claiming the celebrations have been affected in different parts of the state by those trying to create division among the people.

"This is the land of Lord Ram, so why can't Ram Navami be celebrated?" he asked, maintaining, "both Ram and Rahim will coexist".

He claimed that it was because of the TMC's "politics of hatred" that Asaduddin Owaisi has entered West Bengal's political scene.

Owaisi's party, the AIMIM, has joined hands with former TMC MLA Humayun Kabir's newly-formed AJUP to fight the assembly polls in West Bengal.

"There is no difference between the TMC and those propagating the politics of hatred," the BJP leader said.

Violence and Election Security

Accusing the supporters of the ruling dispensation of indulging in violence, he said, "In several cases of crime, both the victim and the accused are from the Trinamool Congress."

Bhattacharya claimed that more than 300 BJP workers have been killed in West Bengal since 2016. "Now the TMC supporters are attacking their own," he said, while expressing anguish over the murder of a man in Kolkata's Patuli in the early hours of Thursday.

The BJP leader said the Election Commission should ensure the safety and security of every person in West Bengal amid the charged assembly poll atmosphere.

Bhattacharya also announced that TMC's Purulia Zilla Parishad member and a Santhali language expert, Kalendranath Mandi, has joined the BJP.
An Indian man has been arrested for allegedly trafficking Indian citizens to Myanmar, where they were forced to participate in cyber scams, highlighting the global reach of cybercrime and human trafficking.

Photograph: Cliff Hang/Pixabay.com

Key Points An Indian national has been arrested for allegedly trafficking Indian citizens to cyber scam compounds in Myanmar.

Victims were lured with promises of lucrative jobs in Thailand but were then forced to work in cyber scam centres in Myanmar.

The cyber scams included digital arrest, romance fraud, and cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims globally.

Trafficked individuals faced wrongful confinement, intimidation, and physical and mental abuse.

The arrest followed interviews with victims repatriated from Thailand, revealing the kingpin's role in the trafficking network.

The CBI has arrested the alleged kingpin of a racket trafficking unsuspecting Indian citizens to cyber scam compounds in Myanmar, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, Mumbai resident Sunil Nellathu Ramakrishnan, was allegedly supplying employment-seeking Indian citizens to cyber slavery compounds in Myanmar, particularly in the Myawaddy region (notably KK Park), where they were coerced to scam people, they said.

"Investigations have revealed the existence of organised transnational criminal syndicates that lure victims on the pretext of lucrative job opportunities in Thailand.

"The victims are initially transported from Delhi to Bangkok and are thereafter clandestinely diverted to Myanmar, where they are forced to work in cyber scam centres," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

Once trapped, the victims were forced to execute various cyber frauds such as digital arrest, romance fraud, and cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims across the globe, including India, the statement said.

"The trafficked individuals are subjected to wrongful confinement, constant intimidation, physical and mental abuse, with severe restrictions on their movement," it said.

Unravelling the Trafficking Network

The agency unravelled the modus operandi of rackets supplying manpower to these cyber slavery compounds by conducting detailed interviews of victims who were repatriated from Thailand in March and November 2025.

"The role of Sunil alias Krish emerged as one of the main facilitators and kingpins in the trafficking network, who played a crucial role in the illegal transportation and exploitation of victims in Southeast Asia," the spokesperson said.

Sunil was kept under close surveillance and was arrested soon after he landed in Mumbai.

"Subsequently, searches were conducted at his residential premises, leading to the seizure of incriminating digital evidence linked to trafficking operations in Myanmar and Cambodia," the statement said.
A Kerala police officer faces suspension for allegedly breaching service rules by endorsing a political candidate on social media, raising concerns about impartiality in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Key Points A Kerala police officer was suspended for allegedly using social media to support a political candidate, violating service rules.

The officer allegedly shared messages on WhatsApp supporting the CPI(M) candidate in Vamanapuram.

Congress activists filed a complaint, leading to a preliminary investigation and subsequent suspension.

A senior officer will conduct a detailed investigation into the alleged violation of election conduct rules by the police officer.

A Civil Police Officer was suspended for allegedly posting social media messages supporting an LDF candidate in Vamanapuram ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls, officials said on Thursday.

The suspended officer has been identified as Vaishakan, who is posted at Pangode police station.

According to police, he allegedly shared messages on social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups seeking support for CPI(M) candidate D K Muraleedharan Nair in Vamanapuram, in violation of service rules, officials said.

Investigation and Disciplinary Action

Congress activists, upon learning about the incident, filed a complaint with the Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police Chief, who ordered a preliminary probe.

Following the initial inquiry, the officer was suspended as part of disciplinary action pending a detailed investigation, an official said.

A senior officer has been tasked with conducting the probe and submitting a report, officials added.
A Delhi court has convicted a man for a 2015 attempted murder, highlighting the successful prosecution and the severity of the crime.

Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points A Delhi court convicted Surender Jain for attempting to murder Charan Singh in 2015.

The court found that Jain inflicted a grievous head injury on Singh with an iron battery light stand.

Medical evidence and witness testimonies supported the prosecution's case, proving Jain's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court noted the severity of the injury to a vital organ, inflicted with a deadly weapon.

Surender Jain was convicted under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code for attempted murder.

A Delhi court has convicted a man in a 2015 attempt to murder case, saying the prosecution proved the case against him beyond reasonable doubt.

Additional Sessions Judge Vandana Jain was hearing a case against Surender Jain alias Vicky, accused of inflicting an injury on the head of Charan Singh with a battery light stand made of iron.

In its order dated March 19, the court said, "It stands proved beyond a reasonable doubt that accused Surender Singh alias Vicky had the knowledge that by inflicting the injury with an iron battery light stand on the vital organ of Charan Singh, he would have caused his death."

Singh was admitted to the hospital after he was attacked by Surender Jain on August 18, 2015.

The court said that the testimonies and the medical evidence established the guilt of the accused.

"In the present case the ocular testimony of the witness coupled with medical evidence has duly proved the guilt of the accused persons; hence, the lapses on the part of the IO (investigating officer) in conducting investigation are not found to be fatal to the prosecution case," the judge said.

The court also noted the medical report, which opined the injury to a vital organ of the victim as "grievous".

"It is noted that injuries have been received by him on his vital organ with a deadly weapon, which is a battery light stand made of iron," the judge observed.

An FIR was registered at Bindapur police station against the accused under the charges of attempt to murder.

"Accordingly, accused Surender Singh alias Vicky is convicted for the charge for the offence under Section 307 IPC," the court said, convicting the accused.
In a significant ruling, a Delhi court has convicted two men for attempted culpable homicide and harassment of a woman, highlighting the importance of credible witness testimony and corroborating medical evidence in criminal cases.

Key Points A Delhi court convicted two men, Rustam and Mohammed Rizwan, for attempted culpable homicide and insulting a woman's modesty.

The prosecution argued that the complainant was repeatedly harassed by Rizwan before the attack, leading to threats and violence.

The court dismissed defence witnesses' testimonies as unreliable and manipulated, noting inconsistencies and biases.

Medical evidence corroborated the complainant's injuries, supporting the conviction despite the absence of the weapon.

The judge determined the actions constituted attempted culpable homicide rather than attempted murder, based on the intent and nature of the injuries.

A Delhi court has convicted two men for attempting to commit culpable homicide, and criminally intimidating and insulting the modesty of a woman after it found the testimony of the defence witnesses to be lacking critical details and likely manipulated.

Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh convicted Rustam and Mohammed Rizwan for committing the offences under Sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 34 (common intention), 509 (acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 506 (II) (aggravated criminal intimidation with threats of death or grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The third accused Shahzadi has been declared a proclaimed offender.

According to the prosecution, the complainant was repeatedly harassed by the accused, Rizwan, weeks before the incident. The complainant approached Rizwan's family members about the harassment 15-20 days before the incident.

This led Rizwan to threaten to kill her if she approached the police. On the night of February 10, 2021, the three accused showed up at her residence and barged in. The three accused battered her brutally and abused her with immodest insults till she lost consciousness.

Contradictory Witness Statements

As defence witnesses, Rizwan's neighbours narrated a contradictory story regarding the events. They deposed that Rizwan and his wife were arguing loudly at that time, and hearing the commotion, the complainant came out of her house to see the quarrel.

They said some object from the roof of a nearby hut fell onto her head, resulting in the injuries recorded in her medicolegal case (MLC).

The judge noted the peculiarities in their witness statement. He also noted that upon cross-examination, none of the witnesses could tell details about the nature of the object that fell on her or which part of her head sustained an injury.

He also highlighted that if they had witnessed the incident, they should have volunteered to narrate the facts to police officials who came to the scene of the crime.

"The defence witnesses admittedly disliked the complainant but they had friendly relations with the accused persons, on account of which they were examined by the accused persons as a defence afterthought," said the judge.

He found their testimonies "not worthy of reliance" and discarded them for "having no probative value".

Court's Reasoning and Verdict

The defence argued that the testimony of the complainant was not believable as she had not filed any police complaint regarding earlier incidents of alleged harassment by Rizwan. The judge discarded the argument for having "no substance".

"The non-recovery of the weapon of offence is immaterial in view of proven head and arm injury caused to the complainant," the judge said as the medical evidence corroborated the incident.

While the accused had been chargesheeted for the offence of Section 307 (attempt to murder), the judge found it more suitable to convict them under Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC.

"From the evidence, it does not seem that the accused persons intended to kill the victim. The injury caused to the victim was intentional and could likely cause her death.

"The circumstances were such that if the death of the victim had occurred because of lacerated injury caused on her head, accused Mohd Rizwan and Rustam would have been guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder," he said, justifying the conviction.

The matter is listed for arguments on sentencing on March 27.
A Delhi court has granted the NIA custody of two men accused of murdering Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka, sparking investigations into cross-border crime and political violence.

Photograph: Mehedi Hasan/Reuters

Key Points Two Bangladeshi nationals have been remanded to NIA custody in Delhi in connection with the murder of political activist Osman Hadi.

The suspects were arrested in West Bengal after fleeing Bangladesh, where they are accused of Hadi's murder.

The NIA sought custody to investigate the full conspiracy behind the murder of the Bangladeshi activist.

The suspects allegedly entered India illegally through the Meghalaya border after committing crimes in Bangladesh.

A Delhi court has sent two men accused of killing Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi, whose daylight murder sparked widespread violence in the neighbouring country, to 11-day NIA custody.

The two Bangladesh nationals, Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul (37) and Alamgir Hossain (34), residents of Patuakhali and Dhaka, respectively, were arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) on the intervening night of March 7 and 8 after being apprehended from the border town of Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district.

They were brought to the national capital on a transit remand by the National Investigation Agency on the evening of March 23, and the anti-terror agency produced them before the court the next day.

During the proceedings on Tuesday, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rahul Tyagi sought NIA custody of the accused, saying a detailed probe was needed to unearth the whole conspiracy.

Allowing the agency's plea, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma sent them to NIA custody for 11 days.

Investigation Details

Earlier, the STF had issued a statement, saying there was credible information that two Bangladeshi nationals, after committing serious crimes, including extortion and murder in Bangladesh, had fled and illegally entered India.

It had been said that the two accused entered Indian territory through the Meghalaya border and moved through different places in India, and finally came to Bongaon with the intention of crossing back into Bangladesh.

"They were trying to take shelter in the border area of Bongaon with the intention of crossing back into Bangladesh when the opportunity arises," the statement said.

According to the STF, the two, accused of having committed the murder of Hadi, were intercepted after a raid. Hadi, a student leader and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha in Bangladesh, was shot at on December 12, 2025, in Dhaka and thereafter flown to Singapore for better treatment. He died on December 18.
A Delhi gas agency owner has been arrested for allegedly hoarding LPG cylinders, leading to a police raid and seizure of hundreds of cylinders amid concerns of potential shortages.

Key Points Delhi Police arrested Susheel Kumar Singhal, owner of HP Balaji Gas Agency, for allegedly hoarding LPG cylinders.

A raid on the gas agency in Ranhola resulted in the seizure of 459 LPG cylinders from Indane and Bharat Petroleum.

The accused allegedly exploited his position to hoard commercial LPG cylinders and sell them at inflated prices.

The case has been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The seized cylinders have been handed over to a representative of Hindustan Petroleum Gas.

The Delhi Police booked a gas agency owner for allegedly hoarding and black marketing LPG cylinders in outer Delhi's Ranhola area, seizing 459 cylinders during a raid, an official said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Susheel Kumar Singhal, owner of HP Balaji Gas Agency, was found allegedly involved in illegal storage and misuse of commercial LPG cylinders, the police said in a statement.

According to police, the operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs regarding large-scale hoarding amid concerns over a possible LPG shortage.

"A coordinated raid was conducted at the gas agency located on Nilothi Road in Ranhola, where 459 empty LPG cylinders of Indane and Bharat Petroleum were recovered," a senior police officer said.

The seized cylinders included 284 Indane gas cylinders and 175 Bharat Petroleum cylinders, police said, adding that a food supply officer was called to the scene to initiate action.

A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and further investigation is underway.

Investigation Details

Police said the accused, who owned and operated the gas agency, allegedly exploited his position to hoard commercial LPG cylinders and divert them from legitimate distribution channels.

"He took advantage of the demand-supply gap and intended to sell the cylinders in the open market at inflated prices to make unlawful gains," the officer said.

The illegal stock was allegedly kept under the guise of regular business inventory to avoid detection, indicating a planned and systematic modus operandi, police said.

The recovered cylinders have been handed over to a representative of Hindustan Petroleum Gas according to prescribed procedures, police added.
The Delhi High Court upheld the acquittal of a man accused under the POCSO Act, ruling that a horoscope and vaccination card are not sufficient proof of age, highlighting the critical need for verifiable documentation in cases involving minors.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points Delhi High Court upholds acquittal in a POCSO case, questioning the validity of horoscope and vaccination card as age proof.

The court emphasised that the survivor's age is a 'prime question' in POCSO Act cases, requiring authentic documentation.

Prosecution failed to provide an original birth certificate or other 'authentic' documents to prove the prosecutrix was a minor.

The prosecutrix's testimony was deemed inconsistent and unreliable, further weakening the prosecution's case.

Discrepancies in the prosecution's case and doubts surrounding the respondent's arrest contributed to the upholding of the acquittal.

The Delhi High Court has upheld the acquittal of a man accused of kidnapping and raping a 16-year-old girl, ruling that the horoscope and vaccination card were not proof of age and hence, he could not be prosecuted under the POCSO Act.

A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja said the survivor's age is the "prime question" in cases under the POCSO Act, but the girl's parents could neither state her date of birth nor produce an original birth certificate on record.

In his testimony, the girl's father said his wife used their daughter's horoscope -- prepared at the time of her birth -- for school admission.

However, the court said, "Admittedly, janam patri (horoscope) cannot be considered as proof of date of birth. Therefore, the age recorded in the school record based on the horoscope cannot also be considered as proof of age."

Date of birth in the Jachcha Bachcha Raksha Card or vaccination card was also not legitimate, it said.

In the judgment passed on Wednesday, the bench concluded that in the absence of "authentic" documents, the prosecution failed to prove that the prosecutrix was a minor at the time of the incident, and therefore, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has no applicability in the case.

Details of the Case

According to the prosecution, the girl, aged around 16 years, was kidnapped by the respondent in January 2013. She was found in Amritsar, following which the police booked the respondent for kidnap and rape under the Indian Penal Code and for penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act.

It said the girl rang home from a mobile phone, which led to the tracing of her location and the consequent arrest of the respondent from Amritsar railway station.

The respondent, however, claimed that he was falsely implicated.

A trial court acquitted him of all charges in July 2019.

Court's Reasoning for Upholding Acquittal

The high court said the prosecutrix's testimony did not inspire confidence that it was of sterling quality, and was marked by material contradictions, improvements and inconsistencies.

It observed that her testimony about the circumstances in which she left home, her prior contact with the accused and the events allegedly constituting the offence was inconsistent.

The court held that discrepancies went to the root of the prosecution's case; the place and manner of the respondent's arrest were also doubtful.

"The prosecution has failed to prove the respondent's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial court's findings do not suffer from perversity or illegality warranting interference," it said, upholding the trial court's judgment.
A proclaimed offender wanted for a 2022 murder in Delhi has been apprehended after a year-long manhunt, bringing a crucial development to the ongoing police investigation.

Key Points Anil, a proclaimed offender in a 2022 Delhi murder case, was arrested in Alipur after absconding.

The accused was apprehended in Gurugram following a tip-off and subsequent police raid.

Anil and his associates allegedly assaulted the victim, Nazir, leading to his death in September 2022.

The victim's body was disposed of near Nale Wala Road in Alipur, according to police reports.

Two other suspects have already been arrested, while one remains at large as the investigation continues.

A proclaimed offender who was absconding in a murder case lodged against him in 2022 was arrested in Delhi's Alipur area, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Anil (29), was apprehended from Sheetla Colony in Gurugram. He had been declared a proclaimed offender in May 2023 by a Rohini court in connection with the case.

Acting on a tip-off, a team conducted a raid at a farmhouse in Sheetla Colony on Tuesday and nabbed the accused. During interrogation, he disclosed his involvement in the murder of Nazir on September 23, 2022, they said.

He, along with his associates Ranjit, Dinesh and Ramu, allegedly assaulted the victim after consuming liquor, leading to his death, the police said.

Details of the Crime and Investigation

"The accused and his associates later disposed of the body near Nale Wala Road in Alipur using a tempo. Police had earlier arrested Ranjit and Ramu, while Anil and another accused, Dinesh, had been absconding since the incident," the officer said.

Anil, a native of Alipur, had shifted to Gurugram to evade arrest and was living there with his family. Further investigation is underway.
Delhi Police have arrested a member of the notorious Rohit Chaudhary gang and seized a cache of illegal firearms, disrupting potential criminal activities in the city.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police arrested Pardeep Gulati, a member of the Rohit Chaudhary gang, based on a tip-off.

Police recovered four firearms and 22 live cartridges from Gulati's residence.

Gulati was allegedly storing the weapons for use in extortion and violent offences.

Gulati admitted to being an associate of Arvind Gupta and receiving the weapons for safekeeping.

An investigation is underway to uncover further details about the gang's activities and weapon supply chain.

Delhi Police has arrested a member of the Rohit Chaudhary gang with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition, an official said on Thursday.

The accused, Pardeep Gulati, a resident of Kalkaji, was arrested based on a tip-off about his gang activities, he said.

Police said the accused was allegedly storing weapons at his residence on behalf of another gang member for use in serious crimes, including extortion and violent offences.

Four firearms -- three semi-automatic pistols and one country-made pistol -- along with 22 live cartridges were recovered from his possession, the official said, adding that the weapons were kept in a bag.

"The operation was carried out after surveillance and verification of inputs regarding illegal arms supply and planned criminal activities linked to the gang," the officer added.

Investigation and Gang Connections

During interrogation, Gulati revealed that he was a close associate of Arvind Gupta alias Disilva, an active member of the Rohit Chaudhary gang, and received the weapons around a month ago for safekeeping.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway, police said.
A 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a Delhi robbery, prompting swift action from police who apprehended three juvenile suspects and recovered the weapon used in the crime.

Key Points A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a robbery attempt in Bawana, Delhi.

Delhi police apprehended three juvenile suspects within hours of the incident.

The main accused admitted to planning the robbery with his associates.

The knife used in the crime has been recovered from the possession of the accused juveniles.

Police are investigating whether the accused were involved in other similar crimes in the area.

A 17-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death during a robbery attempt in outernorth Delhi's Bawana area, police said on Thursday, adding that they have apprehended three juveniles.

The incident took place on the night of March 25 in Bawana when the victim, Pramod, was returning home with his friend Munish Ali when three unidentified persons intercepted them and demanded Rs 2,000, he said.

When they refused, an altercation broke out. "During the scuffle, one of the assailants took out a knife, stabbed Pramod in the neck and fled," a senior police officer said.

The injured was rushed to Maharishi Valmiki Hospital in Pooth Khurd, where doctors declared him dead, police said.

A case under relevant provisions of the BNS was registered at the Bawana police station, and an investigation was launched.

Swift Police Action and Arrests

The team analysed CCTV footage, worked on technical inputs and developed human intelligence to identify the accused.

"Within a few hours, all three juveniles involved in the crime were traced and apprehended," the officer said.

During interrogation, the main accused admitted that he, along with his associates, had planned to rob passersby and attacked the victims after they refused to hand over money.

Police said the weapon of offence -- a knife used in the crime -- has been recovered from the possession of the accused.

The apprehended juveniles are aged between 14 and 16 years and are residents of nearby areas, police said.

Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the accused were involved in other similar crimes.
This undated photo shows the filming site of a micro drama at the Shanghai International Short Video Center in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Micro dramas are captivating global audiences with their fast-paced plots, yet the billionaires and deities whose mere smiles tug at countless heartstrings may not always be portrayed by human actors.

AI-generated micro drama "Feng Shui Tian Shi," meaning master of feng shui, has gone viral since its release last week, amassing over 100 million views within just 12 hours on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

"It looks so real. I didn't even realize it was AI-generated at first," one social media user commented, highlighting the content's striking lifelikeness.

The hit underscores AI's growing role in micro drama production and its potential to reshape the burgeoning industry.

According to DataEye, a leading industry data platform, AI-generated comic-style micro dramas accounted for an estimated 16.8 billion yuan (about 2.44 billion U.S. dollars) in market share in 2025, and over 10,000 such productions have been released monthly since the start of 2026.

Behind these remarkable numbers lies the rapid advancement of AI technology. In the past, AI-generated images were often criticized as unnatural and inconsistent. Today, however, AI models can produce videos with professional-level cinematography and lifelike characters, with the most advanced systems now achieving a usability rate of over 90 percent for generated footage.

In February, for example, ByteDance released its text-to-video tool Seedance 2.0, which can generate a multi-shot film sequence in roughly 60 seconds with relatively simple prompts, sparking a global craze for AI-generated short videos.

"The breakthrough of tools like Seedance 2.0 has changed not only the efficiency but also the logic of micro drama production," said Jiang Xiaoxiao, managing director of China Insights Consultancy.

His assessment is grounded in reality, as technological advances have dramatically lowered production costs. "A live-action micro drama can cost several hundred thousand yuan, while an AI-generated version of the same length comes in at just over 100,000 yuan, with virtually nothing spent on actors," said a production company in north China's Xi'an.

Inspired by the cost advantages, a growing number of companies have pivoted their business strategies to focus more on the emerging field.

But the shift is casting a shadow over the industry workforce. "Micro drama production traditionally required coordination across many roles, but with AI advancing so quickly, many actors and video editors now risk losing their jobs," said Mimi (pseudonym), a seasoned industry professional.

Despite the disruption, some industry insiders remain optimistic. Ms. Lu, who works at a film and television company, acknowledged that AI-generated micro dramas are bound to capture a share of audience attention and impact the industry. Still, she believes live-action productions will endure.

"Each format has its own audience," Lu said. "Just as micro dramas won't replace long-form series, AI-generated ones won't entirely take the place of live-action productions."

Chen Caiying, a micro drama producer, echoed that view. She noted that different types of micro dramas have distinct strengths. "AI-generated ones are best suited for genres that demand heavy special effects, like sci-fi and fantasy," she said. "But live-action is still the better choice for scenes that require vivid performances and delicate emotion."

"The best approach moving forward is to integrate AI tools with live-action production," Chen added.

As the industry grapples with the impact on traditional production models, it is also seizing new opportunities.

Tang Jili, executive producer of "Feng Shui Tian Shi," pointed to the potential of AI-generated micro dramas to promote Chinese culture globally. He said he hopes his expertise as a filmmaker can help address the storytelling gaps that still exist in the field.

"AI has opened up new possibilities. We can tell good stories through visuals that anyone can understand and deliver them in dozens of languages and markets at once," he said. "It's helping us push the boundaries of creativity."

Young newcomers are also bringing fresh energy to the space. Zhang Haohua, born in 2002, said AI has empowered him to pursue his dream of becoming a director. "As a fresh graduate, I don't have the resources to put together a production crew. But with AI-generated micro dramas, I have the chance to create my own work," he said.

Xia Lie, head of the School of Cultural Creativity and Media at Hangzhou Normal University, called for greater focus on high-quality content. "Whether a drama is created by AI or performed by real actors, a good story and a strong IP will always be the foundation of a hit." 
In a shocking incident in Delhi, three juveniles have been apprehended for the murder of a 16-year-old boy, allegedly stabbed to death due to bullying, sparking outrage and calls for stricter legal action.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Three juveniles apprehended in Delhi for the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Dayalpur.

The alleged motive behind the Delhi teen murder was bullying by the victim, according to police investigations.

The victim's family is demanding the accused juveniles be tried as adults in the Delhi stabbing case.

A knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the accused juveniles in the Delhi case.

Eyewitnesses reported finding the injured teen bleeding heavily near his home in Delhi's Dayalpur area.

The victim's mother claimed that the attackers were known to her son, luring him outside before assaulting him. "He was called out by three to four boys. As soon as he stepped outside, they first hugged him and then stabbed him multiple times," she told PTI.

"He never fought with anyone. He was killed for no reason," she added. In response to the incident, the victim's father has urged the police to try the accused juveniles as adults.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Wednesday night when a few people called the teenager out of his house. Shortly afterwards, his family members found him lying unconscious nearby and rushed him to Jag Pravesh Chandra (JPC) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

During the preliminary investigation, police discovered that the boy had been attacked by three juveniles aged between 13 and 17. A case was registered at the Dayalpur police station, and the accused were subsequently apprehended. The police also recovered a knife from the accused, which was the weapon used in the crime, officials said.

While being questioned, the juveniles told investigators that the victim had been bullying one of them, which allegedly led to the fatal attack, an officer stated.

Visuals from the boy's residence in Dayalpur's E-Block showed his mother and other women from the neighbourhood wailing as they mourned his death. The boy's mother further said that her son was going out at around 8 pm to meet his friends.

An eyewitness recounted, "We were inside the house preparing to sleep when my wife shouted that a boy was lying injured outside. He was bleeding heavily. We tried to help him and immediately called the police."

Meanwhile, the boy's parents have called for stringent action against the accused, demanding life imprisonment. The victim's father stated that he was unaware of the attackers' identities, adding, "I only found out that all the attackers are juveniles. I request the police to try the accused as adults."

The body has been sent to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital for postmortem, the police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Delhi Police have dismantled a sophisticated honey-trap extortion racket, arresting a woman and her accomplice who allegedly used false criminal charges to coerce victims into paying settlements.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A woman and her associate have been arrested in Delhi for allegedly running a honey-trap and extortion racket.

The accused allegedly filed multiple false criminal cases to pressure victims into paying monetary settlements.

The scheme involved contacting victims on social media, inducing financial transactions, and then lodging criminal complaints.

Police investigation revealed the woman had allegedly filed nine FIRs, including rape and molestation allegations, across Delhi police stations.

Evidence seized includes audio recordings of settlement negotiations and a mobile phone with incriminating conversations, now undergoing forensic analysis.

Delhi Police arrested a 44-year-old woman and her associate for allegedly running a honey-trap and extortion racket by filing multiple criminal cases to pressure victims into monetary settlements, an official said on Thursday.

The accused woman, a resident of Daryaganj, and her accomplice, Yashdev Singh Chauhan (44), a resident of New Usmanpur, were arrested following a complaint filed by a retired Army captain, he said.

According to police, the woman initially contacted the complainant on social media, promising to offer professional services to promote his novels. She allegedly induced him into making financial transactions. She later created disputes and lodged a criminal case against him at the Mehrauli police station.

The FIR, registered in 2021 under serious charges, was later quashed by the Supreme Court on February 25, 2025, which observed that the proceedings were an abuse of the process of law, police said.

"Based on the retired officer's complaint, a fresh case was registered at the Mehrauli police station, alleging extortion in connivance of an associate," the officer said.

Investigation Uncovers Extensive Fraud

During an investigation, the crime branch found that the woman had allegedly lodged as many as nine FIRs across different police stations in Delhi. Of these, three involved rape allegations while six related to molestation and criminal intimidation, he added.

Multiple victims have recorded statements corroborating the woman's alleged modus operandi, stating that intermediaries were used to negotiate for monetary settlements after cases were registered, he said.

Police said the woman's associate Chauhan introduced himself as an advocate, but he worked as a clerk with a lawyer at Karkardooma court for the past 12 years.

Evidence and Forensic Analysis

"A pen drive containing audio recordings of settlement negotiations and a mobile phone with incriminating conversations have been seized and sent for forensic examination. Voice samples of both the accused have also been collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory," the officer said.

Further investigation is underway to identify other possible victims and links to the alleged racket.
A postgraduate medical student's tragic suicide in Dehradun has triggered a police investigation and allegations of mental harassment against a department head, highlighting the pressures faced by young doctors.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A 25-year-old medical student died by suicide in her car in Dehradun, prompting a police investigation.

The student's family alleges that the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology subjected her to mental harassment.

Police recovered empty injection vials from the car and are investigating the cause of death.

Preliminary inquiries suggest the student had been suffering from depression.

A 25-year-old postgraduate medical student allegedly died by suicide in her car in Dehradun, police said on Thursday.

The doctor, a native of Ambala, Haryana, was found unconscious early Wednesday morning by her father inside her car parked on Kargi Road here. He immediately rushed her to a hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.

Police said they have recovered several empty injection vials from inside the car and that a probe was initiated.

Harassment Allegations

The doctor's family has alleged that the Head of the Department (HOD) of Ophthalmology was subjecting her to "mental harassment", which compelled her to take such an extreme step.

Her father, Dr Lalit Mohan has lodged a formal complaint with the police regarding this matter.

Investigation Details

Police said preliminary inquiries have revealed that she had been suffering from depression for quite some time, which is why her mother had moved from Ambala to live with her in Dehradun.

According to the police, the 25-year-old sent a message to her mother on Tuesday night, informing her that she would return home from the hospital by 12:30 am.

However, when she failed to return home even after a considerable delay and did not answer her phone, her mother alerted her father, who was in Ambala.

Police said he drove down to Dehradun that very night and, together with her mother, set out to search for her.

The police further reported that while searching, they spotted Tanvi's car, inside which she was found lying unconscious.

Her father somehow managed to smash the car window using a stone, pulled her out, and rushed her to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
Police in Thane are investigating the murder of a 40-year-old domestic help found stabbed to death in a Mira Road flat, seeking to uncover the motive and identify the perpetrator.

Key Points A 40-year-old domestic help was discovered dead with stab wounds in a Mira Road flat in Thane district.

Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the domestic worker's death.

The victim had access to the flat, and the investigation includes examining CCTV footage and questioning residents.

Authorities are exploring various angles to determine the motive behind the murder of the domestic worker.

A 40-year-old domestic help has been found dead with stab injuries in a flat where she worked in Maharashtra's Thane district, with the police suspecting it to be a case of murder, officials said on Thursday.

The woman was found lying in a pool of blood on Wednesday evening inside the flat where two men lived at a housing society in the Mira Road area, they said.

The deceased worked as a domestic help, and both she and the flats' occupants had access to the house keys, the officials said.

The police rushed to the spot after being alerted and shifted the body to a government hospital for a postmortem.

Police Investigation Underway

"Prima facie, the victim sustained multiple stab wounds. The body was found inside the flat where she was employed. A case of murder has been registered against an unidentified person," an official from the Mira Road police station said.

The motive behind the killing is not yet known, and investigators are probing various angles, he said.

"We are examining CCTV footage from the locality and recording statements of neighbours and other residents of the society to ascertain the sequence of events," the official said.
Following the tragic death of an Indian man in Riyadh, his family in Uttar Pradesh is appealing for compensation and a government job to support his widow and young child.

Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

Key Points Ravi Gopal, a 26-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh.

Gopal's family is requesting financial compensation and a government job for his widow.

Local officials are assisting the family with legal procedures and their request for financial aid.

The Ministry of External Affairs and the district administration assisted in bringing Gopal's remains back to his village.

The family of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, has demanded compensation and a government job for his widow from the administration.

The mortal remains of Ravi Gopal were brought to his native Baghain village in Sitapur from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday with the assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs and the district administration. His last rites were conducted later in the evening.

Villagers in large numbers gathered to bid a final farewell to Gopal, who had been working as a driver in a plastic factory in the Saudi capital since last year.

Gopal's last rites were performed by his elder brother Manmohan Dayal in the presence of family members and local officials.

He is survived by his wife, parents and a four-year-old son. His wife Ritu, remains inconsolable after the incident, family members said.

Dayal told PTI that the family is in dire need of financial assistance and has sought a government job for Gopal's wife to support their livelihood.

Local BJP MLA Asha Maurya has assured them of taking prompt steps to address their demands, he said.

Mahmudabad Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) B K Singh told reporters on Thursday that the family has sought compensation and a job.

"We are looking into the matter. The district administration is assisting the family with legal procedures as they await a response to their request for financial aid and government assistance," Singh said.

The officials said the administration is in touch with the bereaved family and is extending all possible support.
Following the death of a 26-year-old Uttar Pradesh man in a suspected Riyadh missile attack, his family is demanding compensation and a government job for his widow to secure their future.

Key Points Family of Ravi Gopal, a 26-year-old from Uttar Pradesh killed in Riyadh, seeks compensation.

The family has requested a government job for Gopal's widow to support their livelihood.

Local BJP MLA has assured the family of prompt action to address their demands for assistance.

The district administration is assisting the family with legal procedures for financial aid and government assistance.

The mortal remains of Ravi Gopal were brought back to his native Baghain village in Sitapur from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday with the assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs and the district administration. His last rites were conducted later in the evening.

Villagers in large numbers gathered to bid a final farewell to Gopal, who had been working as a driver in a plastic factory in the Saudi capital since last year.

Gopal's last rites were performed by his elder brother Manmohan Dayal in the presence of family members and local officials.

He is survived by his wife, parents and a four-year-old son. His wife Ritu remains inconsolable after the incident, family members said.

Family's Plea for Support

Dayal told PTI that the family is in dire need of financial assistance and has sought a government job for Gopal's wife to support their livelihood.

Local BJP MLA Asha Maurya has assured them of taking prompt steps to address their demands, he said.

Mahmudabad Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) B K Singh told reporters on Thursday that the family has sought compensation and a job.

"We are looking into the matter. The district administration is assisting the family with legal procedures as they await a response to their request for financial aid and government assistance," Singh said.

The officials said the administration is in touch with the bereaved family and is extending all possible support.
Despite heightened tensions and Iran's rejection of a US-backed ceasefire, President Trump claims Iran is now 'begging' for a deal.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, March 26, 2026. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Key Points Donald Trump claims Iran is 'begging' to make a deal with the US, despite recent tensions.

Iran rejected a US-backed 15-point ceasefire proposal, calling it unacceptable and asserting its sovereignty.

Trump stated that Iran once offered to make him a new Ayatollah, which he refused.

The US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the bombing will continue even as he welcomed the propect of a deal

The White House remains committed to pursuing all avenues to halt the conflict, but military pressure will continue.

A day after Iran dismissed United States President Donald Trump's 15-point ceasefire plan, the American leader claimed that Iran was "begging to make a deal," and that he wasn't the one pushing for negotiations.

"26 days in, we're extremely, really, a lot, ahead of schedule. The Iranian regime is now admitting to itself that they have been decisively defeated. They are begging to make a deal. We'll see if we can make the right deal," Trump said on Thursday at a meeting of his cabinet.

Trump also posted on social media that Tehran needs to "get serious soon" on negotiating an end to the war "before it is too late, because once that happens there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!"

Trump Claims Iran Proposes To Make Him Supreme Leader

Earlier, in a highly unconventional claim that has drawn intense global scrutiny, US President Donald Trump said Iran once offered to make him a new Ayatollah, a senior religious authority, an offer he said he "refused" outright.

Speaking at the Nation Republican Congressional Committee Trump said, "Iran proposed making me Supreme Leader. I said No. Thank you. They were so insisting. They want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people. They're also afraid they'll be killed by United States. There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran. And I tell you. We are winning so big," he had said.

US Bombing Will Continue

Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the bombing will continue even as he welcomed the prospect of a deal.

"We welcome a deal, and we have the ultimate dealmaker to make it happen -- but in the meantime, as I said yesterday, the Department of War will continue negotiating with bombs," Hegseth said.

On Wednesday, Iran publicly rejected a US-backed peace plan that reportedly included a 15-point proposal seeking a temporary ceasefire and other terms for de-escalation.

Tehran's leadership described the proposal as unacceptable, calling instead for its own conditions for ending hostilities and asserting it would not negotiate terms that compromise Iranian sovereignty.

At the Cabinet meeting, Trump reiterated his belief that diplomacy remains possible but warned that military pressure would continue unless Iran changes course.

The White House said the administration was "committed to pursuing all avenues" to halt the conflict, even as the region braces for further instability.

The war shows no signs of abating, with international efforts to broker a ceasefire complicated by deep mistrust and competing strategic interests on all sides.
A missing eight-year-old girl was tragically found dead inside a flour container in Agra, leading police to investigate a tenant who has since fled.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: Pexels.com

Key Points An eight-year-old girl, missing since March 24th, was discovered dead in a flour container in Agra.

Police suspect a tenant living in the same house as the victim and have launched a search operation.

The girl's body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Local residents are protesting and demanding strict action against the suspect in the Agra missing girl case.

An eight-year-old girl, who had gone missing earlier this week, was found dead inside a flour container in a rented room in Agra, police said on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Ali Abbas said the girl went missing in the Tajganj area's Siddhant Nagar locality around 4 pm on March 24.

Her family alerted the police, following which an extensive search operation was launched.

"Eight teams were deployed to trace the child, and CCTV footage from the surrounding areas was scanned. The girl was seen entering the locality in one camera, but did not appear in any subsequent footage," he said.

Discovery and Investigation

Acting on suspicion, police broke open the lock of a room rented by a man identified as Sunil, who lived in the same house as the victim. During the search, the girl's body was recovered from a flour container inside the room, the officer said.

The accused is absconding and multiple police teams have been formed to trace him, officials added.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Community Reaction

Angry locals staged protests and demanded strict action against the accused.

According to a neighbour, Sunil had been living as a tenant in the same house for about a year and also worked at the family's shoe factory.

She claimed that he had initially joined in the search for the missing girl but later locked his room and fled, raising suspicion.
Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat faces new fraud charges after a Pune businessman alleges he was swindled out of 600,000 under the pretence of spiritual guidance for a logistics business venture.

Key Points Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat is accused of defrauding a businessman of 600,000.

The businessman alleges Kharat used the money for personal expenses, including travel and a luxury car.

Kharat claimed the expenses were necessary for rituals to ensure the success of the businessman's venture.

This is the eighth case registered against Kharat, who is also accused of rape.

Authorities are investigating Kharat's assets, which are estimated to be worth around 150 million.

Police have filed a fresh case against arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat after a Pune-based businessman accused him of cheating to the tune of Rs 6 crore (600,000) on the pretext of helping him start a logistics business abroad, officials said.

The complainant alleged that he sponsored the tours of Kharat to Myanmar, Greenland and the US, and gifted a Mercedes car to him as per his demand, besides giving Rs 2.5 crore for the construction of his farmhouse.

Kharat told the complainant that he will have to visit three countries to "gain energy" for the "avatarpuja" that needs to be conducted for the success of his business abroad. Kharat even set a demand of touring 21 countries in five years before him.

Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered against Kharat at the Sarkarwada police station in Nashik for cheating and under Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice, other Inhuman and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. According to police, this is the eighth case to be registered against Kharat.

In his complaint, 51-year-old Rajendra Jasood, a resident of Hadapsar in Pune, said he came in contact with Kharat in 2018.

Jasood said he wanted to start a logistics business abroad, and one of his friends suggested him to meet Kharat for advice and suggestions. Accordingly, he met Kharat Nashik in June 2018 to meet Kharat and sought his blessings.

During the meeting, Kharat suggested that for the success of his business, an "avatarpuja" needed to be conducted. Kharat told Jasood that he will visit three countries and gain necessary energy and then perform the 'avatarpuja'. He also sought a gift of a Mercedes car from him and said he will have to fund his tour of 21 countries in five years, it said.

Accordingly, Jasood arranged for Kharat's Myanmar tour in December 2018 and Greenland tour in June-July 2019. After that, he also took Kharat to the US and spent around Rs 29.81 lakh on his journey and hospital expenses there, the FIR said.

Jasood also gifted a Mercedes car to Kharat. It was purchased from a showroom in Pune, for which he paid Rs 15 lakh cash and took Rs 75 lakh loan from a bank for it. In addition to it, Kharat took around Rs 2.5 crore from Jasood for the construction of his farmhouse, for its interior decoration and purchase of furniture, it said.

It included Rs 1.11 crore for construction (2019-2022) of the farmhouse, Rs 90 lakh for the purchase of furniture, Rs 42.50 lakh for kitchen interior in the house, Rs 29 lakh to purchase teak wood from Pune timber market. In all, he took around Rs 5 crore and a Mercedes car of Rs 90 lakh from him, as per the FIR.

When Jasood realised that he was being cheated, he asked Kharat to return the Mercedes car and the money spent on him. However, the 'godman' filed a case of Rs 5 crore ransom against Jasood at the Wavi police station in the district.

Investigation and Previous Allegations

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the state government to investigate cases against Kharat, conducted searches at his office at Canada Corner, a posh locality in the city.

The SIT members were accompanied by a forensic team during the search operation.

Kharat (67), who hails from Kahandalwadi village in Sinnar taluka, was arrested after a 35-year-old woman accused him of raping her over a period of three years. He is currently in police custody.

Officials said the SIT has found 100 objectionable videos and assets worth around Rs 1,500 crore related to Kharat. While the Income Tax department is investigating financial irregularities and property holdings of Kharat and people related to him, the cyber police are examining the videos.
A Gurugram hospital is facing serious allegations of extortion and concealing a patient's death after a road accident, sparking protests and a police investigation into the inflated medical bill.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A Gurugram hospital is accused of keeping a family in the dark about their son's death after a road accident.

The family alleges the hospital inflated the medical bill, charging over Rs 5 lakh even after the patient had died.

Protests erupted outside the hospital, with the family accusing doctors of extortion.

Police are investigating the allegations, and a postmortem examination has been conducted on the deceased.

The hospital administration has not yet responded to the allegations.

A private hospital in Sector 49 here witnessed chaotic scenes after a youth injured in a road accident died, with his family alleging that the hospital kept them in the dark about his death to inflate the medical bill, police said on Thursday.

Enraged, the family blocked the road on Wednesday night, accusing doctors of extortion.

They alleged that the hospital charged over Rs 5 lakh by claiming the youth was alive, even though he had died 24 hours earlier, the police said.

On receiving information about the protest, a police team reached the hospital.

"The family members were counselled and sent home. The hospital management also spoke to the family, after which the body was sent for a postmortem," a police officer said.

According to the police, the deceased was identified as Azrul Islam (20), an auto-rickshaw driver and a resident of Sector 66.

He was rushed to the private hospital after being injured in an accident on Monday and was treated in the emergency ward, they added. He had been admitted to the hospital for three days.

The deceased's father, Mofizur Rahman, said, "When we requested to transfer him to another hospital, the management informed us that he had died. The hospital did not provide any explanation for the cause of death. We were charged under various heads during the treatment. This continued till Wednesday evening."

Despite repeated attempts, the hospital administration could not be contacted.

Police handed over the body to the family after the postmortem on Thursday.

"We have not received any complaint yet. The protesters were sent back home at night," said Suresh Kumar, additional SHO of Sadar police station.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

CAPE TOWN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa here on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation and relations.

Han conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to Ramaphosa. During his visit, Han and his South African counterpart Paul Mashatile will co-chair the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission. They will, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by Xi and Ramaphosa, comprehensively review the achievements of cooperation in key areas between the two countries and systematically plan the direction and key tasks for the next stage, he said.

Han noted that China attaches great importance to its relations with South Africa and stands ready to work with the country to further advance the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era established by the two heads of state.

As true friends who share weal and woe, he said, China and South Africa should continuously enhance political mutual trust, support each other on issues of their respective major concern, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen mutual learning between their ruling parties, and promote practical cooperation in a coordinated manner.

Han further noted that the recently concluded Two Sessions of China reviewed and approved the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development. In the next five years, China will open its doors wider to the outside world, bringing more opportunities for cooperation between China and South Africa, he said.

President Xi recently announced that starting from May 1, China will fully implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has established diplomatic relations. In this context, Han said, China is willing to work with South Africa to finalize, as soon as possible, the early harvest arrangements under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development to ensure that South Africa can benefit on a long-term and stable basis from China's zero-tariff measures.

He said that China encourages its enterprises to increase investment in Africa and at the same time hopes that the South African government will create a more stable business environment for Chinese companies and set an example of mutually beneficial China-Africa cooperation.

Han also stressed that both sides should jointly uphold fairness and justice. In the face of a complex and volatile international landscape, China stands ready to remain South Africa's most reliable friend, strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms, and work together to enhance the representation and voice of the Global South in international affairs, he added.

For his part, Ramaphosa asked Han to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi.

Ramaphosa said that South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China policy. He noted that the South Africa-China partnership is both distinctive and strategic, development-oriented, and has effectively promoted the development and progress of South Africa and Africa.

Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to President Xi for announcing the full implementation of the zero-tariff measures, saying that South Africa will make good use of these policies to expand exports to China and strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, investment and technology, so as to further enrich the bilateral relations.

He also thanked China for its support for South Africa in hosting the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit. South Africa stands ready to further enhance communication and coordination with China under multilateral frameworks to promote the common development of Africa and other countries of the Global South, he added. 
After a landmark Supreme Court ruling, the family of Harish Rana, who spent 13 years in a coma, has immersed his ashes in the Ganga, marking the end of his long medical struggle and a significant case for passive euthanasia in India.

Key Points Harish Rana's family immersed his ashes in the Ganga after he was granted permission for passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court.

Rana had been in a coma for nearly 13 years following a fall in 2013.

The Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment while continuing palliative care.

The family expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, and medical staff for their support.

Harish Rana's family donated five of his organs after his death.

In a solemn rite, Harish Rana's family gathered in Haridwar to bid farewell to their beloved son and brother and immersed his ashes in the Ganga, marking the conclusion of a long and arduous journey that began nearly 13 years ago when tragedy struck his life.

The 31-year-old former B.Tech student from Panjab University passed away on Tuesday after spending nearly 13 years in a coma. He fell into a coma in 2013 after falling from a fourth-floor balcony.

Harish Rana became the first person in India to be granted permission for passive euthanasia. His last rites were conducted on Wednesday at the Green Park cremation ground in South Delhi.

Tejas Chaturvedi, a close associate of the family and a resident of their Raj Empire society, noted that Harish Rana's father, Ashok Rana, his younger brother Ashish Rana, and other family members collected the ashes earlier in the day before travelling to Haridwar for immersion.

In an emotional message, Ashok Rana thanked the Almighty and expressed gratitude to Supreme Court judges Justice Pradeep Nandrajog Pardiwala and Justice Vishwanathan for their "humane directions" in the case. He also thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that district authorities and officials from the Ghaziabad Development Authority provided extensive assistance to the family at his direction, according to Chaturvedi.

He also acknowledged the state government's announcement of Rs 10 lakh as financial assistance.

Rana expressed appreciation for the continuous medical support from AIIMS Director M Srinivas, Head of Department Dr Seema Mishra, Prof Dr Sushant, and other medical staff. He also thanked advocates, medical experts, and community members who stood by the family during their ordeal, Chaturvedi said.

He also expressed his gratitude to neighbours for extending round-the-clock support by helping with food and other arrangements.

Prayers and Rituals for Harish Rana

Meanwhile, prayers were held at two Brahma Kumari centres in Ghaziabad, located in Mohan Nagar and Raj Nagar Extension, where 'bhog' rituals were performed for Harish's soul.

Sister Lovely of the Brahma Kumaris told PTI that the family remained virtually connected during the rituals.

"We prayed for the departed soul and for strength for the family," she said, adding that the family would later travel to their native place in Himachal Pradesh for further rites according to Hindu traditions.

Landmark Euthanasia Ruling and Organ Donation

On March 11, the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana by allowing the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment while continuing palliative care, deeming his condition irreversible.

In a final act of generosity, his family donated five of his organs. During the funeral on Wednesday, they bid him an emotional farewell, marking the end of his long medical struggle.
India has launched an investigation into allegedly subsidised paperboard imports from China and Indonesia to protect its

IMAGE: An employee transports a giant reel of paper inside a cardboard box manufacturing company. Photograph: Stephane Mahe/Reuters

Key Points India has launched an investigation into subsidised paperboard imports from China and Indonesia, responding to concerns raised by the Indian Paper Manufacturers' Association.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) will assess whether these subsidised imports are harming the Indian domestic paperboard industry.

The investigation will determine if anti-subsidy duties are necessary to protect Indian manufacturers from unfair trade practices.

India has also initiated sunset reviews of anti-dumping duties on seamless tubes, aluminium products, and steel goods imported from China.

These trade actions aim to ensure fair competition and safeguard the interests of Indian industries against potentially harmful import practices.

India has initiated a probe against imports of subsidised Chinese and Indonesian paperboards as it is allegedly impacting domestic players, according to a notification.

The commerce ministry's investigation arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has started the exercise following a complaint filed by Indian Paper Manufacturers' Association on behalf of the domestic industry.

The applicant has alleged that exports of multi-layer paperboards by Chinese and Indonesian firms, which is subsidised by the respective countries, are hurting margins of Indian companies.

They have requested for initiation of an anti-subsidy or countervailing investigation on imports of boards originating in or exported from these two countries.

The applicant has alleged that the producers/exporters in these two nations have benefited from the subsidies provided at various levels by their respective governments in the form of grants, loans, guarantees, taxes, export credits, goods and services, or equity infusions.

"On the basis of the duly substantiated written application filed by or on behalf of the domestic industry, and having satisfied itself, on the basis of prima facie evidence submitted by the domestic industry, substantiating existence of countervailable subsidies on production and export... the authority hereby initiates an investigation," the DGTR said in a notification.

It will determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged subsidisation.

If found that the subsidisation is impacting Indian firms, the directorate would recommend the amount of anti-subsidy duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.

Multi-layer paperboard is majorly used in the packaging sector for pharmaceuticals, FMCG products, food & beverages, electronics and high end cosmetics. It is also used for printing of brochures, as book covers and in publishing industry.

Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Duties

In two separate notifications, the DGTR has stated that it has initiated sunset review of anti-dumping duty on imports of seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron, alloy or non-alloy steel; and certain flat rolled aluminium products exported from China.

Hindalco Industries has filed an application before the DGTR seeking initiation of sunset review investigation of anti-dumping duties on certain aluminium items exported by Chinese companies.

The authority is required to review whether the expiry of the existing anti-dumping duties on these goods are likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry.

Jindal Saw Ltd, Kirloskar Ferrous Industries and Maharashtra Seamless Ltd have filed an application for initiation of sunset review of anti-dumping duties on imports of steel goods.

The applicants have alleged that dumped imports of steel goods from China have continued in spite of anti-dumping duties in force, and have continued to cause injury to the domestic industry.

"Further, it has been claimed that there is likelihood of continuation of dumping and injury in case of cessation of duties. The applicants have requested for change in the form of duty and enhancement in the quantum of duty in order to address the current injury," a DGTR notification said.
Key discussions focused on major defence procurements, including India's plan to acquire six additional P-8I aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. The deal, estimated at around Rs 30,000 crore, is under advanced negotiations.

IMAGE: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and United States Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby, at the US-India Defence Policy Group meeting, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI Photo

Key Points India and the US held the 18th Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi to boost strategic ties.

Both sides emphasised co-development and co-production of defence equipment.

India is in advanced talks to acquire six more P-8I surveillance aircraft worth around Rs 30,000 crore.

Discussions included timely delivery of Excalibur precision-guided artillery shells.

India is also considering procurement of Javelin anti-tank missiles under emergency provisions..

India and the United States held wide-ranging talks to further strengthen defence ties during the 18th India-US Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby.

Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, identified priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military cooperation through joint exercises, training and strategic exchanges.

Defence procurement in focus

Key discussions focused on major defence procurements, including India's plan to acquire six additional P-8I aircraft for anti-submarine warfare.

The deal, estimated at around Rs 30,000 crore, is under advanced negotiations.

The two sides also discussed the supply of Excalibur artillery shells, with India urging timely delivery under a Rs 300 crore emergency procurement contract.

In addition, India is exploring the acquisition of Javelin missiles from the US through the emergency route.

The talks underscore growing defence cooperation between the two countries amid evolving regional security challenges.
An Indian and a Pakistani national were killed in Abu Dhabi after a missile interception, raising concerns about regional security and the effectiveness of UAE's air defence systems.

IMAGE: Missiles and drones that the United Arab Emirates says it intercepted during recent attacks are displayed during a government briefing in Abu Dhabi on March 3, 2026. Photograph: Abdelhadi Ramahi/Reuters

Key Points An Indian and a Pakistani national died in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris from intercepted missiles.

Several others, including Emirati, Jordanian, and Indian nationals, sustained injuries in the incident.

The UAE's air defences have engaged hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles, and UAVs since Iranian aggression began.

The total death toll from recent incidents in Abu Dhabi has risen to 11, including members of the armed forces and other nationalities.

The UAE Ministry of Defence asserts its readiness to confront any threats to the state's security and stability.

At least two persons, including an Indian, were killed and three others injured on Thursday when debris of missiles intercepted by the UAE's air defence system fell on a street in Abu Dhabi, local media reported.

The second person killed in the incident is a Pakistani national, while the three injured also include an Indian, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

UAE's air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran at regular intervals, according to the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates.

"Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems," Abu Dhabi Media Office posted on social media.

"The incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality," it added.

11 Killed In Missile/Drone Attacks

The total number of deaths has risen to 11 after the latest incident in Abu Dhabi, Gulf News reported.

The UAE air defences systems on 26th March 2026 engaged 15 ballistic missiles and 11 UAVs launched from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said in a social media post on Thursday.

Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,826 UAVs, it added.

"The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 8 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities," it said.

A total of 169 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence said that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.
Following the interception of ballistic missiles by the UAE's air defence systems, an Indian and Pakistani national were killed by falling debris in Abu Dhabi, highlighting escalating regional tensions.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points An Indian national and a Pakistani national were killed in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris from intercepted missiles.

The UAE's air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

The incident resulted in multiple injuries, including an Indian, Emirati, and Jordanian national.

UAE air defences have engaged hundreds of ballistic missiles and UAVs since the start of attacks.

The Ministry of Defence in the UAE has affirmed its readiness to confront any threats to the country's security.

At least two persons, including an Indian, were killed and three others injured when debris of missiles intercepted by the UAE's air defence system fell on a street in Abu Dhabi, local media reported.

The second person killed in the incident is a Pakistani national, while the three injured also include an Indian, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

UAE's air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran at regular intervals, according to the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates.

"Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems," Abu Dhabi Media Office posted on social media.

"The incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality," it added.

The total number of deaths has risen to 11 after the latest incident in Abu Dhabi, Gulf News reported.

Details of the Missile Engagements

The UAE air defences systems engaged 15 ballistic missiles and 11 UAVs launched from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said in a social media post.

Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,826 UAVs, it added.

"The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 8 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities," it said.

A total of 169 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence said that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.
Iran has placed anti-personnel and anti-armour mines around the island, where US troops could potentially stage an amphibious landing.

IMAGE: A satellite image shows damage on Kharg Island, Iran, after US strikes, on March 14, 2026. Photograph: Distribution Airbus DS/Handout via Reuters

Key Points Iran has mined Kharg Island and deployed additional troops amid fears of a possible US attempt to seize it.

The island is strategically vital, handling nearly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.

Reports suggest the US may use control of the island to pressure Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has warned of strong retaliation if its territory is targeted.

The US is ramping up military presence, with thousands of additional troops and Marines being deployed to the region.

Iran has begun laying mines and deploying additional forces on Kharg Island following reports that the United States may be preparing to expand its ground presence in the Persian Gulf, including a possible move to seize the strategic island.

According to a CNN report citing unnamed sources, Iran has placed anti-personnel and anti-armour mines around the island, where US troops could potentially stage an amphibious landing.

Kharg Island handles nearly 90 per cent of Irans crude exports, making it a critical economic and strategic asset.

Reports suggest the administration of Donald Trump has been weighing the option of using US troops to capture the island as leverage to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US failed to achieve key objectives: Iran

Earlier, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran had received intelligence indicating that adversaries may attempt to occupy one of its islands with support from a regional country.

He warned that Iran is closely monitoring developments and would respond forcefully to any such move.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US has failed to achieve key objectives in the conflict, including a swift military victory or regime change in Tehran.

Meanwhile, the US has stepped up its military presence in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, the Pentagon has ordered around 2,000 additional troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to deploy from North Carolina.

This is in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route -- the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group from Japan and the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group from San Diego.

Together, these reinforcements could add between 6,000 and 7,000 personnel to the roughly 50,000 US troops already stationed in the Middle East.

The scale of the deployment is among the largest since the Iraq War, signalling a significant escalation in the region.
Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, has been killed in a strike in Bandar Abbas, Israeli media reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed Israeli official. There has been no comment from Iran or from the Israeli military on the strike.

IMAGE: Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Alireza Tangsiri. Photograph: X

Key Points The IRGC claims responsibility for military operations targeting US and Israeli installations in response to prior airstrikes.

Operation True Promise 4 involved multiple missile and drone strikes against Israeli military facilities and US bases.

The IRGC warned the US and Israel against potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

The Pentagon is reportedly considering deploying troops to the Middle East amid escalating tensions.

IRGC claims precision-guided missiles struck over 70 locations across Israel.

Israel on Thursday claimed to have eliminated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, responsible for "leading the closure of the Strait of Hormuz."

In a short video message, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel continues to strike Iran "with full force", even as the Islamic Republic and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah launched waves of attacks across the Jewish state, forcing people to scramble for cover.

"Last night, we eliminated the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' navy. This individual has a great deal of blood on his hands, and he was also responsible for leading the closure of the Strait of Hormuz," Netanyahu said.

"We are continuing to strike, with full force, targets of the Iranian terror regime," he added.

He described the operation as "yet another example of the cooperation between us and our ally, the United States, in pursuit of our shared war objectives".

Waves of missile barrages, rockets and drone attacks from Iran and Lebanon triggered sirens all across Israel on Thursday, forcing people to take cover in shelters multiple times already by the afternoon.

Medics and rescue services reported that at least ten people were wounded in Israel in these attacks on Thursday, with multiple impact sites across the country.

Iran launches Operation True Promise 4

On Wednesday, the IRGC and the Iranian Army conducted multiple operations as part of Operation True Promise 4, which was launched immediately after the US-Israeli coalition carried out strikes on Iran.

Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 82 waves of missile and drone strikes with advanced weaponry targeting Israeli military facilities as well as US bases and assets scattered across the West Asia region.

The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have also joined the front against the external aggressors, inflicting heavy blows on the enemy.

IRGC has also issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory.

"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned.

IRGC issues direct appeal to American people

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read.

According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.

The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US.

IRGC Claims Success of Operation True Promise 4

The IRGC further said that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4. IRGC public relations department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

With inputs from ANI
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has permitted transit for nations such as India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan.

IMAGE: An Indian LPG carrier after transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Government of India /ANI Photo

Key Points Iran has allowed Indian and other 'friendly' vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions.

Passage is limited to 'non-hostile' ships and requires coordination with Iranian authorities.

Iranian foreign minister made it clear that ships linked to Iran's adversaries will not be allowed to transit.

West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.

Iran allowed India and a number of other "friendly nations" including China and Russia to use the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said.

Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.

"We have permitted certain countries that we consider friendly to pass through (Strait of Hormuz). We allowed China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to transit," Araghchi said, according to Iranian State TV.

Why Iran Is Allowing Only Select Countries Through Hormuz

At the same time, the Iranian foreign minister made it clear that ships linked to Iran's adversaries will not be allowed to transit through the strategic waterway.

"We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through. But it remains open to others," he said.

Referring to reported efforts by some third countries to act as intermediaries towards ending the conflict, he said: "No negotiations with the US are underway, he said elsewhere in the interview, adding that many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran's position has remained principled and firm", MEHR News Agency reported.

"International guarantees are not 100 per cent reliable," he added.

"Through the inherent guarantee that we created ourselves, no one will dare again to go to war with the Iranian people," he said.

Impact on India, Pakistan and Global Oil Supply

There have been growing global concerns over disruptions in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump warning Iran of severe consequences if it does not fully reopen the waterway.

In the last couple of weeks, India has made diplomatic efforts focused on ending the conflict in West Asia as soon as possible and ensuring the unimpeded flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi thinks there could be serious ramifications for fuel and fertiliser security for many countries including India if the blockade of the shipping lane continues.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a series of raids targeting a transnational Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module with operations spanning Pakistan and Bangladesh, aiming to disrupt their network in the valley.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Key Points J&K Police conduct raids targeting a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module operating from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Raids were carried out at 10 locations across Srinagar, Shopian, and Ganderbal districts in Kashmir.

The terror module is reportedly directed by Shabir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmir native and LeT operator based in Bangladesh.

The investigation focuses on a transnational terror module with links to LeT handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Counter Intelligence Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday carried out raids at multiple locations in the valley as part of its investigations into a transnational terror module operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) from Pakistan and Bangladesh, officials said.

They said the raids were conducted at 10 locations in three districts of the valley by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK).

"Raids are underway in Srinagar, Shopian and Ganderbal districts," the officials said.

They said the searches are backed by the search warrant issued by a court in a fresh terror investigation case registered recently at the CIK police station.

LeT Operative Based in Bangladesh

"The CIK investigation is into a terror module which is directed by one terrorist Shabir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmir-native LeT operator based in Bangladesh," the officials said.

Lone is from Kangan area of the central Kashmir's Ganderbal district and is currently operating from Bangladesh, they added.

"The investigation is in a transnational terror module case linked to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as the module was reportedly receiving directions from LeT handlers based in Bangladesh and Pakistan," the officials said.
Delhi Police have successfully solved a blind murder case in Bawana, apprehending four juveniles who confessed to planning and executing the crime following a prior dispute with the victim, bringing closure to a challenging investigation.

Key Points Delhi Police solved a blind murder case of a 23-year-old man in Bawana.

Four juveniles were apprehended for allegedly planning and executing the murder due to a prior dispute.

The victim, identified as Vicky, was found with his throat slit in a secluded area.

A tip-off led to the apprehension of the suspects after a two-month investigation.

The juveniles confessed to the crime, revealing a premeditated plan to eliminate the victim.

The Delhi Police has solved a blind murder case of a 23-year-old man in outer Delhi's Bawana area and has apprehended four juveniles who allegedly planned and executed the crime following a prior dispute, an official said on Thursday.

The incident came to light on January 28, when police received information about a body lying in Sector-5 near UER-II.

A police team rushed to the spot and found the body of a man with his throat slit using a sharp-edged weapon, indicating a violent and targeted attack.

"The deceased was later identified as Vicky, a resident of Holambi Khurd," the police officer said.

A case was registered at the Narela Industrial Area police station based on the statement of the victim's father, Raghubir Singh, and an investigation was launched.

"Initially, the case posed a significant challenge as there were no immediate clues or eyewitnesses, making it a blind murder. The victim had been missing since January 26, two days before his body was recovered, further complicating the probe," he added.

Investigation and Breakthrough

To crack the case, multiple teams were constituted under the supervision of senior officers. Investigators carried out extensive groundwork, including scanning CCTV footage from the victim's residence and surrounding areas, analysing technical surveillance data, and questioning several people connected to the deceased.

Despite sustained efforts, the investigation yielded no breakthrough in the initial stages. Police then expanded their probe by examining call detail records of suspects and gathering intelligence from local sources, but these efforts also failed to produce concrete leads.

"A turning point came during the examination of witnesses, when it emerged that the victim was last seen on the evening of January 26 in the company of one of the juveniles who was later apprehended. This crucial lead helped investigators narrow down their focus," the officer said.

Apprehension and Confession

"On March 24, nearly two months after the murder, police received a tip-off from a secret informer indicating that four people were discussing the incident among themselves and were involved in a dispute over whether to disclose their role," the officer added.

Acting on this information, a police team tracked down and apprehended the four suspects, all aged 17. During sustained interrogation, the juveniles confessed to their involvement in the crime.

They revealed that one of them had a prior scuffle with the victim, which escalated into a grudge. Seeking revenge, the group hatched a plan to eliminate him.

According to police, the accused lured the victim and carried out the murder in a premeditated manner. They used a knife to slit his throat, ensuring his death, and then disposed of the body in a secluded area in Bawana to avoid immediate detection.

Following their apprehension, police recovered the weapon of offence. Further investigation is in progress, police added.
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday warned the United States and its allies not to bring bloc confrontation and conflict to the Asia-Pacific after the Pentagon said a U.S.-led manufacturing partnership is seeking to establish a new ammunition production line in the Philippines.

"China always believes that military and security cooperation between countries should not target any third party, harm their interest, or undermine regional peace and stability," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing.

Calling Asia-Pacific the most important driving force and stabilizer for world development and prosperity, Lin said the U.S. and its allies should earnestly respect the common aspirations of regional countries and make more contributions to peace and stability rather than bring bloc confrontation and conflict to the Asia-Pacific.

"If relevant countries would like to become a powder keg, this will only backfire. China will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty, security interests and other legitimate rights and interests," he said. 
Kashmir police are investigating a major COVID-19 funds fraud, with searches conducted in Srinagar and Budgam related to the alleged siphoning of government funds during the pandemic.

Key Points Kashmir police are investigating the alleged siphoning of COVID-19 relief funds by individuals in Srinagar and Budgam.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint about fraudulent procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accused individuals allegedly impersonated government officials and created fake documents to divert funds.

Searches were conducted to secure further evidence, including digital records and financial documents related to the COVID-19 funds fraud.

The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch in Kashmir on Thursday carried out searches at three locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts in connection with the alleged siphoning of government funds during COVID-19 pandemic by two people.

The case was initiated on the basis of a written complaint submitted by Sanjay Kumar Sahu, proprietor of Sanjay Trading Company, New Delhi, who alleged that Emad Muzafar Makdoomi alias Imran Shah and Vikar Ahmad Bhat, dishonestly induced the firm on the pretext of procuring medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K, today conducted house searches at three different locations in the districts of Srinagar and Budgam in connection with an FIR," a spokesperson of the agency said.

Investigation Details

"A preliminary probe revealed that the accused persons, through deceitful means, fraudulently obtained huge amounts, including funds from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag," the spokesperson said.

They also attempted to siphon off crores of rupees from Government Medical College, Srinagar, the spokesperson added.

The accused individuals impersonated government officials, posing as delegates and OSD (Supplies), and issued fake allotment orders of various departments and institutions. They created fake email IDs of the complainant firm and opened fraudulent bank accounts in its name to divert payments.

"On the basis of these findings, a formal case has been registered and the investigation has been set into motion. The house searches conducted today are aimed at securing further evidence, including digital records and financial documents," the spokesperson said adding further investigation are underway.
Former 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' contestant Amrita Singh Tomar has been arrested in connection to a Rs 2.5 crore flood relief scam, raising questions about corruption and accountability in Madhya Pradesh.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Amrita Singh Tomar, a former 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' contestant and tehsildar, has been arrested in connection with a Rs 2.5 crore flood relief scam.

The flood relief scam occurred in Baroda tehsil in 2021, involving the alleged transfer of funds into fake bank accounts.

Tomar's anticipatory bail applications were rejected by both the High Court and the Supreme Court.

So far, 22 patwaris and one tehsildar have been arrested in connection with the 2021 flood relief scam, with 110 individuals named in the FIR.

A woman tehsildar who gained national fame as a participant in the popular television show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' was arrested from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday for alleged involvement in a Rs 2.5 crore flood relief 'scam', officials said.

Amrita Singh Tomar was held in the 2021 'scam' that took place in Baroda tehsil here, an official said, adding she has been lodged in a jail in neighbouring Shivpuri after being produced in court.

"A team led by Baroda Sub Divisional Officer of Police Avneet Sharma arrested Tomar from her home in Gwalior's Chandravadni Naka. Tomar was tehsildar of Vijaypur but was removed from the post by Collector Arpit Verma on Wednesday," the official said.

Tomar had applied earlier for anticipatory bail in the High Court as well as Supreme Court but her appeals were rejected, he said.

Details of the Flood Relief Scam

The official said 22 patwaris and one tehsildar have been arrested so far in the 2021 flood relief 'scam', which involves Rs 2.5 crore being allegedly transferred into fake bank accounts for the purpose of embezzlement.

Some 110 persons have been named in the FIR in the matter, he added.

The case is being probed by the Baroda SDOP, said Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Agarwal.

"Tomar had been absent from her duties, and a police team subsequently traced her and arrested her in Gwalior," the SP said.

Tomar had won Rs 50 lakh as contestant in 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sharply criticised Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the Congress party is acting as the 'B-team' for the BJP, undermining opposition efforts and aiding the saffron party's political victories.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan accuses Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of being the 'B-team' of the BJP.

Vijayan claims Rahul Gandhi lacks understanding and doesn't learn from experience, leading to a decline in his political stature.

The Kerala CM alleges that the Congress party's actions in Delhi, Haryana, and Bihar have inadvertently helped the BJP win elections.

Vijayan contends that the Congress has historically allied with the BJP in Kerala to defeat the LDF.

The CPI(M) leader dismisses allegations of a secret deal between CPI(M) and BJP as an 'anticipatory bail' by Congress facing defeat in upcoming elections.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying despite being a national political figure, "he does not learn from experience" and accused him and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'.

Vijayan's remarks come a day after Rahul claimed that the alleged lack of action by central agencies against Vijayan in various corruption cases against him was proof of the "collusion" between the LDF and the BJP.

Responding to queries from reporters, at a press conference at Kothamangalam here, about the Congress leader's accusation, the CM said, "Though he (Rahul) is a national leader, the fact is that he lacks the understanding that a regional leader has. He does not try to understand anything clearly. Also, he does not learn from experience.

"These are not traits that befit a political leader. How can there be so much decline in an important figure in the Congress? All this shows that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress in India are the B-team of the BJP."

The stand that Rahul is taking is in accordance with this position, the CM added.

Rahul, on Wednesday, had said at a Congress-led UDF election event that opposition leaders across the country were attacked and cases registered against them for fighting against the BJP.

However, the corruption cases against Vijayan were going nowhere and this was an indication of the collusion between the LDF and the BJP.

Vijayan's Counter-Arguments

Hitting back at the Congress leader, Vijayan said that in Delhi, Rahul and the Congress had sought the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in a liquor policy corruption case.

But, Kejriwal was later acquitted and it was a "blow to the face" of the BJP and the Congress, including Rahul, the CM said.

He also pointed out that the Congress, instead of joining forces with the AAP to defeat the BJP in Delhi, opposed Kejriwal's party, leading to the saffron party's victory there.

Similarly, in Haryana and Bihar, the Congress' inability to take forward an alliance against the BJP led to the saffron party's victory in assembly polls in those states as well, Vijayan claimed.

"All this shows that the Congress is helping the BJP win and is acting as its partner," he contended.

Historical Alliances and Allegations

Vijayan further said that it was the Congress, which for decades has had an alliance with the BJP in Kerala to defeat the LDF.

He said that from the time of EMS Namboodiripad, the Congress has been allying with the RSS and then Jansangh party and now the BJP, to gain power in the southern state.

"Both the Congress and the BJP have the same mindset," he claimed.

Therefore, the Congress leader's allegation of an alliance between the CPI(M) and BJP was just "an anticipatory bail" in view of their impending defeat in the upcoming assembly elections, the CM said.

Rahul and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, at the UDF election event, had claimed that there was a "secret deal" between the CPI(M) and the BJP.
An Air India A350 flight to London Heathrow was forced to return to Delhi due to a technical issue, raising concerns about the aircraft's reliability and passenger safety.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Key Points Air India flight AI111, an A350-900 en route to London Heathrow, returned to Delhi due to a suspected technical issue.

The aircraft, VT-JRF, had previously experienced a technical problem on March 15, resulting in a diversion to Shannon, Ireland.

The flight was airborne for approximately seven hours before returning to Delhi, after noises were reportedly heard on the aircraft.

Air India is conducting extensive technical evaluations of the aircraft and working to minimise disruption to passengers.

Air India's A350 aircraft enroute to London Heathrow returned to the national capital due to a technical issue on Thursday afternoon after being airborne for nearly seven hours.

The same A350-900 aircraft VT-JRF had faced a technical issue on March 15, following which the plane operating the flight from New York to Delhi was diverted to the Irish town of Shannon, sources said.

An Air India spokesperson said its flight AI111, operating from Delhi to London on Thursday, made a precautionary air-return to the national capital following a suspected technical issue.

"The aircraft landed safely and consistent with Air India's high safety standards, it is currently subject to extensive technical evaluations, which will require additional time to complete," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Noises were heard in the aircraft

According to the sources, noises were heard in the aircraft following which it was diverted.

The spokesperson also regretted the inconvenience caused to the passengers due to the unforeseen situation and said the airline was making every effort to ensure passengers are able to continue their journey to London at the earliest.

Details about the number of passengers onboard could not be ascertained.

The aircraft operating the flight AI111 was airborne for around four hours before the decision was taken to divert the plane when it was in the Saudi Arabia airspace.

In total, the plane was airborne for nearly seven hours before landing back in the national capital, as per information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

The flight had taken off from Delhi around 6 am on Thursday and landed back at about 12.30 pm.

Air India started operating A350-900 planes from January 2024.
Arunachal Pradesh police have successfully apprehended the prime suspect in the brutal double murder of a father and his young daughter, bringing a swift development to the ongoing investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Arunachal Pradesh police arrested Madan Karmakar, the prime suspect in a double murder case.

The victims were a 42-year-old father, Bablu Kol, and his 7-year-old daughter, Rishita, who were killed on March 4.

The accused fled to Assam after the murders and was traced to Tinsukia district.

A joint operation by Arunachal Pradesh Police, Assam Rifles, and Assam Police led to the arrest.

Police in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district have arrested the prime accused in a twin murder case, an official said.

On March 5, a double murder case was registered at Kamlao within Manmao police station limits under Section 103 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The accused, identified as Madan Karmakar, fled after killing a father-daughter duo, Changlang SP Kirli Padu said on Thursday.

According to police, the accused killed 42-year-old Bablu Kol and his 7-year-old daughter Rishita on the night of March 4 and fled to Assam.

The SP said a police team traced the accused in Tinsukia district of the neighbouring state.

On Wednesday, a police team led by Manmao police station officer-in-charge inspector Wangpol Wangsa, with assistance from 4 Assam Rifles and Assam Police, conducted a raid and nabbed the accused.

Padu said police are investigating the intent behind the double murder.
A man in Meerut has been arrested for allegedly inciting violence after a Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue was vandalised, sparking a police investigation and raising community tensions.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A man was arrested for allegedly making an inflammatory statement after the vandalisation of a Dr B.R. Ambedkar statue in Bhagwanpur village.

The accused allegedly announced a reward for anyone who would harm those responsible for the vandalism.

Police have registered a case against the accused, Haseen Yaseen, and initiated legal action.

Five police teams have been formed to investigate the vandalism and arrest those involved.

A man has been booked and taken into custody for allegedly making an inflammatory statement following the vandalisation of a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar, police said on Thursday.

According to police, someone had recently damaged Ambedkar's statue in Bhagwanpur village. Upon receiving information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control after pacifying locals.

Law and order in the area has since been restored.

Escalation of Controversy

The controversy escalated on Wednesday when a man allegedly announced a reward of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who would sever the hands of those responsible for the vandalism, the police said.

The accused, identified as Haseen Yaseen, a resident of Abdulapur under Bhavanpur police station limits, was detained and booked under relevant legal provisions, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Avinash Pandey said legal action has been initiated against the accused for the controversial remarks.

Ongoing Investigation

Pandey said five police teams have been formed to identify and arrest those involved in damaging the statue, and efforts are underway to solve the case at the earliest.
An inquiry has been launched in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, after a disturbing video surfaced showing a man and his elderly mother being assaulted at a petrol pump, raising concerns about public safety and prompting authorities to address fuel supply rumours.

Photographs: Ashish Narsale / Rediff.com

Key Points A man and his elderly mother were allegedly assaulted at a petrol pump in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, sparking a police investigation.

The assault allegedly occurred after an argument over queue jumping at the Gangadih Sharda Filling Station.

District Magistrate Vipin Jain has ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured the public there is no fuel shortage.

Police are registering a case at the Kotwali police station against those involved in the petrol pump assault.

Authorities are implementing measures to prevent fuel hoarding and enforce road safety regulations at petrol pumps in Balrampur.

A man and his elderly mother were allegedly assaulted at a petrol pump in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district, prompting authorities to order an inquiry, officials said on Thursday.

A purported video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows a group of people beating the man and his mother with sticks at the Gangadih Sharda Filling Station. The incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday evening.

According to the victim, Avdhesh, a resident of Gangapur Lakhna village, he and his mother had attended a function and were returning home when their motorcycle ran out of fuel. While waiting for his turn at the petrol pump, he said a group of individuals arrived in a car and demanded they are attended to first.

An argument ensued, and the occupants of the car, along with some petrol pump employees, allegedly assaulted Avdhesh and his mother with sticks.

Official Response and Investigation

Taking cognisance of the viral video, District Magistrate Vipin Jain said an inquiry has been ordered, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

He also urged the public not to give in to rumours of fuel shortage, assuring them that there is a sufficient supply of petrol and diesel in the district. Of the 88 petrol pumps in the area, 86 are operational and providing fuel, he noted.

New Regulations and Safety Measures

The administration has categorised petrol pumps into three groups and directed operators not to sell fuel in containers such as cans or gallons. Instructions have also been issued to ensure compliance with road safety norms, including not supplying fuel to two-wheeler riders without helmets.

Jain said that oil companies have been directed to regularly share stock details and ensure additional tanker supply as required. Officials have also been asked to submit updated reports on fuel stock and distribution twice daily.

Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said a case is being registered at the Kotwali police station against those involved in the assault, and further legal action is being taken.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to engage with chief ministers to evaluate and strategise India's preparedness in light of the escalating West Asia conflict, ensuring a unified national response.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the situation related to petroleum, crude, gas, power and fertiliser sectors amid West Asia conflict, in New Delhi. Photograph: PMO

Key Points Prime Minister Modi will meet with chief ministers to discuss the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian states.

The meeting aims to review states' preparedness and ensure coordinated efforts in response to the conflict.

Chief ministers of states undergoing elections will not participate due to the Model Code of Conduct.

The Cabinet Secretariat will hold a separate meeting with chief secretaries of poll-bound states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will interact with the chief ministers of all states, barring those which are going to polls, and review their preparedness and plans in the wake of the West Asia conflict, sources said.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of 'Team India', the sources said.

This is the first time that the prime minister will hold a meeting with the chief ministers on the West Asia conflict which started on February 28 with the attack by the US-Israel on Iran. The Persian nation has also retaliated by firing on its Gulf neighbours and Israel.

"The prime minister will interact with the CMs tomorrow evening through video conferencing on the West Asia conflict to review preparedness and plans of states. The meeting will focus on ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of Team India," the sources said.

Separate Meeting For Poll-Bound States

The chief ministers of election-bound states will not be part of this meeting due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The Cabinet Secretariat will hold a separate meeting with the chief secretaries of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Modi's Covid Reminder

While making a statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday, the prime minister said that the difficult global conditions caused by the West Asia conflict are likely to persist for a long time and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united, just as it had stood together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi also drew the attention of the House to the internal security dimension of the crisis, warning that certain elements attempt to exploit such situations. He said all security agencies have been placed on alert and that security across all domains, coastal, border, cyber and strategic installations is being further strengthened.

"Whether it is coastal security, border security, cyber security or strategic installations, the security of all is being reinforced," he had said.

Urging patience, restraint and vigilance, and cautioning against those who may seek to exploit the situation by spreading falsehoods, engaging in black-marketing or hoarding, Modi appealed to all state governments to ensure strict monitoring and swift action against such elements.

Expressing his abiding faith in the collective resolve of the nation, the prime minister, in his speech in the Lok Sabha, also said that when every government and every citizen of this country walk together, "we can challenge every challenge, this is our identity, and this is our strength".

Addressing a media event later on the same day, Modi said challenges have continued to mount one after another even after the COVID-19 pandemic and there has not been a single year that has not tested India and Indians.

"But with the united efforts of 1.4 billion Indians, India is moving forward while facing every disaster," he said.

The PM said India is moving forward with renewed confidence and instead of postponing challenges, India confronts them head-on.
A tragic bus accident in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in 10 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting a compensation announcement from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and an investigation into the cause of the collision.

Key Points Ten people died and 31 were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a pick-up vehicle in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

The bus was returning from a public function when the accident occurred on Nagpur road.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.

Critically injured victims are receiving advanced medical treatment in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the deadly bus accident in Madhya Pradesh.

Ten persons were killed and 31 injured, including three to four critically, in a head-on collision between a bus returning from a public function attended by the chief minister and a pick-up vehicle in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara on Thursday evening, officials said.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those injured. Treatment of all injured persons would be provided free of cost, the CM announced.

The incident took place near Simaria on Nagpur road, some 25 kilometres from district headquarters, Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey told PTI.

"Six men, three women and a child were killed in the accident," he added.

Chhindwara Collector Harendra Narayan told PTI that 31 persons have been injured as per doctors.

"Of the injured, three to four are critical. One of them has been rushed to a hospital in Nagpur in neighbouring Maharashtra for advanced treatment," Narayan informed.

The bus was carrying more than 40 passengers at the time of the accident, Kotwali station house officer Ashish Kumar added.

The injured were taken to the district hospital and other medical facilities in the vicinity in ambulances and other vehicles, officials said.

In a post on X, CM Yadav announced compensation details and said the accident was heart-rending.

"I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and wish speedy recovery to the injured," he stated.

Officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured and to send teams of doctors from Jabalpur to Chhindwara and Nagpur, the CM said in his message.

Yadav also directed Chhindwara guardian minister Rakesh Singh to alter his schedule and reach the district.

A control room has been set up in the health department in Bhopal to monitor treatment of the injured, he added.
A college student in Madhya Pradesh allegedly attempted suicide after her molestation complaint against a professor was allegedly ignored by college authorities, sparking a police investigation and raising concerns about campus safety.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A college student in Madhya Pradesh allegedly attempted suicide after claiming a professor molested her and no action was taken.

The student alleges she filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken against the accused professor.

The student claims she was threatened by the principal and other professors after reporting the incident.

Police have recorded the student's statement and are investigating the allegations of molestation and inaction.

The student also submitted a complaint at the Superintendent of Police's office seeking action against the accused professor.

A 21-year-old college student allegedly slit her wrist in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, claiming no action had been taken against a professor who molested her, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, following which the victim, a BA third-year student of a government college here, was rushed to the district hospital, they said.

The student's statement has been recorded and further action is being taken based on it, Sub Divisional Officer of Police Pooja Sharma told PTI.

Allegations of Molestation and Inaction

Speaking to reporters at the hospital, the visibly emotional student alleged that a professor molested her in the college premises on March 10. She claimed that despite lodging a complaint with the college principal, no action was taken.

The student further said she informed about the incident to her mother, who also approached the principal. The college administration resolved the matter after the accused professor apologised, she claimed.

The student said she had been seeking action in the matter and was distressed by the inaction. She also alleged that the principal and two professors had been threatening her.

She said rumours were spread in the college that her mother had accepted Rs 5 lakh from the professor, which she denied.

The student also claimed she had submitted a complaint at the Superintendent of Police's office on March 23 and sought action against the accused professor.
WINDHOEK, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Namibia can align its green hydrogen ambitions with policy priorities outlined in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), creating broader opportunities for technology transfer, skills development, and financing in the sector, a Namibian expert has said.

As China continues to emphasize green development, renewable energy expansion, and technological innovation in its development planning, this policy orientation is expected to provide stronger support for practical cooperation with Namibia in its energy transition, said Zivayi Chiguvare, acting director of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute at the University of Namibia.

"Namibia can align its green hydrogen strategy with these priorities to unlock cooperation opportunities in technology transfer, skills development, and financing," Chiguvare said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

He said that such alignment could help move bilateral cooperation beyond individual projects toward broader industrial development, while enabling Namibia to build local capacity in a sector expected to play a key role in its future economic transformation.

Namibia has positioned green hydrogen as a strategic growth area, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources to develop large-scale renewable energy-based industries. Chinese enterprises have already played an increasingly visible role in this process, he said.

One example is the multi-billion-U.S.-dollar Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, which is expected to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia at scale, according to the expert.

The progress of such projects demonstrates how practical cooperation with China is already helping advance Namibia's hydrogen sector, Chiguvare said, adding that "Chinese expertise and products could be harnessed into green hydrogen development projects through mutually beneficial agreements."

Chiguvare noted that Namibia still lacks domestic manufacturing capacity in critical segments of the hydrogen value chain, including electrolyzers, desalination and water purification systems, ammonia synthesis units, and hydrogen storage infrastructure.

In this context, China's strength in manufacturing and renewable energy deployment could help Namibia bridge technological and industrial gaps while creating room for deeper bilateral cooperation, he said.

He added that Namibia's ambitions will also depend heavily on expanding renewable energy capacity, where China's experience is particularly relevant.

"Large solar photovoltaic capacity plants are needed for the production of green hydrogen at an economic scale," he said. "The expertise that China has in such large plants is needed in Namibia."

He also stressed that the development of the hydrogen sector will require greater investment in skills and human capital.

"Namibia needs expertise along the whole green hydrogen value chain. Artisans, technicians, scientists, engineers, logistics, operation, and maintenance personnel are needed at each stage of hydrogen production and handling, as well as transportation," said Chiguvare, noting that partnerships between Namibian and Chinese institutions could create joint short courses, introduce new training fields, and strengthen existing programs.

For Chiguvare, China-Namibia cooperation in the green sector carries significance beyond bilateral ties, offering a potential blueprint for the wider continent.

"A model built through China-Namibia cooperation, aimed at achieving 100 percent energy access in Namibia by integrating off-grid island systems with hydrogen as a storage medium, could be established and, if successful, replicated in other countries," he said. 
A Nigerian national with a prior drug conviction has been arrested in Goa for possession of amphetamine, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A Nigerian national was arrested in North Goa for possessing amphetamine worth Rs 2 lakh.

The accused, Joseph Ifeanyi Ozoemena, attempted to flee but was apprehended by the Crime Branch team.

Ozoemena has a prior drug-related arrest in 2017 and was recently released from a detention centre.

Police seized 17.58 gm of amphetamine, a scooter, and a mobile phone from the accused.

Police have arrested a 44-year-old Nigerian national after seizing drugs valued at Rs 2 lakh from his possession in North Goa district, officials said.

The man had earlier also been arrested in a drugs case in 2017, they said.

Acting on specific intelligence, a Crime Branch team laid a trap in the early hours of Wednesday at Cunchelim in Siolim village of Bardez taluka, where the accused was expected to deliver narcotic substances, Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi told reporters.

Sensing the police presence, the accused, identified as Joseph Ifeanyi Ozoemena, attempted to flee but was apprehended, he said.

During the operation, the police recovered 17.58 gm of amphetamine with an estimated market value of around Rs 2 lakh from him. A scooter and a mobile phone were also seized from his possession, the official said.

The accused was booked under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Accused's Prior Drug Record

According to police, the accused has a prior record of drug-related crimes and was arrested by Goa's Anti-Narcotics Cell in 2017.

He remained in jail for seven years, and following his release in 2024, was lodged at the detention centre in Mapusa. He was later released in December 2025 following a High Court order.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force dismantled a sophisticated exam cheating ring that exploited forged disability certificates and impersonation to secure government jobs for candidates, highlighting vulnerabilities in the examination system.

Key Points Uttar Pradesh STF busted a gang using forged disability certificates to cheat in competitive exams.

The gang targeted unemployed youth, promising government jobs in exchange for money.

Accused arranged fake PwD certificates and professional solvers as scribes for candidates.

Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the exam cheating racket.

The investigation revealed a network deploying professional solvers at offline examination centres.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) claimed to have busted a gang involved in facilitating cheating in competitive examinations by using forged persons with disabilities (PwD) certificates and arranging scribes in violation of rules.

According to an STF statement, the arrests were made following an operation linked to irregularities in the CBSE-conducted EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) recruitment examination (Tier-2) for the post of Junior Secretariat Assistant between March 22 and 25.

The accused have been identified as Raj Kishor, Neeraj Jha, Satyam Kumar, Ram Milan, Manish Mishra, Akash Agarwal, Saurabh Soni, Abhishek Yadav and Deepak Kumar, hailing from different districts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Modus Operandi of the Exam Cheating Racket

The statement said the gang lured unemployed youths and their families with promises of helping them secure government jobs and charged hefty amounts. They allegedly arranged fake PwD certificates through intermediaries and ensured that candidates were declared eligible under the PwD category.

The accused also arranged professional solvers as scribes to appear in examinations on behalf of the candidates, thereby enabling them to secure jobs in government and public sector institutions, the STF said.

Investigation and Arrests

Acting on intelligence inputs, an STF team, under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Vimal Kumar Singh, conducted a raid at a CBSE examination centre at Central Academy, Sector 4, Vikas Nagar in Lucknow on Tuesday, it said.

Eight suspects were detained from the centre, while another accused was later brought from Gorakhpur for questioning. Based on interrogation and documentary evidence, all nine were arrested, it added.

During the operation, the STF recovered 13 mobile phones, two laptops, cash worth Rs 2.70 lakh, a Swift Dzire and six forged PwD certificates.

During questioning, Manish Mishra, the alleged kingpin, admitted to running a racket that deployed professional solvers as scribes at offline examination centres to assist candidates fraudulently, officials said.

A case has been registered against the accused at Vikas Nagar police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Further legal proceedings are underway, police said.
Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Agnihotri are set to produce 'Operation Sindoor', a film inspired by India's targeted military strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com

Key Points Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Agnihotri are producing Operation Sindoor, a film inspired by India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The film Operation Sindoor is based on Lt Gen K J S 'Tiny' Dhillon's book, revealing the untold story of India's strikes inside Pakistan.

Vivek Agnihotri aims to present an authentic and cinematic portrayal of the events, based on extensive research with the Indian Armed Forces.

The film 'Operation Sindoor' seeks to document the events truthfully and highlight India's strategic resolve and courage in modern warfare.

Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Thursday announced their new film Operation Sindoor, which, they said, draws inspiration from the codename of India's targeted military strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following Pahalgam terror attack.

The film will be based on the book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan by Lt Gen K J S 'Tiny' Dhillon (Retd).

Agnihotri will direct the film. The film will be produced by Kumar's T-Series and Agnihotri's I Am Budha Productions.

The makers said the film is inspired by India's targeted military strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking a defining moment of strategic resolve, courage, and precision in India's history.

They called the film a cinematic response to the tragic massacre of innocent civilians, most of them tourists, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2025, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

'Some stories are not chosen, they choose you. Operation Sindoor is one such story-one that demands to be told with honesty, courage, and responsibility. This is not just a film. It is a revelation. When a nation goes through events of such magnitude, it becomes important to document them truthfully,' Kumar said in a statement.

Why Agnihotri is making Operation Sindoor

Director-producer Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri added, "This is not just a film. It is a revelation. With Operation Sindoor, India has not just taken revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack and punished Pakistan, but it has also demonstrated its might in modern warfare.

"We have conducted extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces to understand not just what happened, but how and why it happened. What emerges is a reality far more complex, far more precise, and far more unsettling than what is available in the public domain."

Agnihotri, known for films such as The Kashmir Files, The Tashkent Files and The Bengal Files, said he has always believed in telling stories that are uncomfortable but necessary.

"My effort is to bring this story of courage, professionalism, and strategic clarity to audiences with authenticity, while also presenting it as an edge-of-the-seat cinematic experience. My intention is not to create noise, but to confront it-with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema."

Further details on the movie will be unveiled shortly.
A girls' school in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was bombed, highlighting the continued threat to education and the safety of students in the region.

Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points A government girls' school in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, was destroyed by a bomb blast.

No group has claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on groups opposing girls' education.

Over 450 schools in the province have been destroyed in similar attacks in the last decade.

The attack highlights the ongoing threat to education, particularly for girls, in the region.

A separate incident saw a civilian killed and CTD personnel injured in a shooting in Mohmand district.

Unidentified armed men blew up a government girls' school in Pakistan's northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, police said.

The incident occurred in Ghora village, Baka Khel area of Bannu district, which borders north Waziristan.

Assailants had allegedly planted explosive material inside the Government Primary School Noor Jan Baka Khel. The powerful blast completely destroyed the school building, police said.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those involved.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far.

However, splinter groups of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) active in Tank district are known to oppose education for girls and frequently target such institutions.

According to data collected by local NGOs, over 450 schools in the province have been destroyed in similar attacks over the last decade, forcing students to either abandon their education or attend classes amid ruins and rubble.

Other Violence in the Region

In another incident on Thursday, a civilian was killed and three Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire in Safi tehsil area of Mohmand district bordering Afghanistan.

Mohmand District Police Officer Raza Muhammad and the Superintendent of Police visited the hospital in Ghalanai to monitor the medical facilities and check on the injured, who were later shifted to another facility.

The attackers fled after the firing incident, police said.
A college professor in Hathras, India, has been acquitted of sexual exploitation charges after the court found a lack of evidence and corroboration from the alleged victims, raising questions about the case's validity.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A college professor in Hathras was acquitted of sexually exploiting female students due to insufficient evidence.

The court found that alleged victims did not corroborate the sexual exploitation charges during the trial.

The judge raised concerns about the possibility of fabricated evidence intended to implicate the professor.

The case originated from a student's letter to the women's commission alleging sexual exploitation by the professor.

A court here has acquitted a college professor accused of sexually exploiting female students on the pretext of helping them clear competitive examinations and secure jobs, officials said on Thursday.

According to the prosecution, the court of Additional District Judge Mahendra Kumar passed the order on Tuesday, citing a lack of evidence and absence of corroboration by the alleged victims in their statements.

The accused, Rajneesh Kumar, a geography professor at a degree college, had faced allegations of sexually exploiting students, supported by purported photos and videos. However, during the trial, none of the witnesses or victims confirmed the allegations in court.

Officials said that although some witnesses and students were produced, only one complainant recorded a statement before a magistrate, and no victim substantiated the charges of sexual exploitation during court proceedings.

The court observed that the allegations against the professor could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and did not rule out the possibility of fabricated evidence being presented with the intent to implicate him. In the absence of sufficient evidence, the court acquitted Kumar.

The case had come to light after a student wrote to the women's commission on March 6, 2025. Following a preliminary inquiry, police had registered a case and later arrested the accused from Prayagraj after he had gone absconding. A chargesheet was subsequently filed in court, and Kumar was out on bail during the trial.

Reacting to the verdict, defence counsel Virendra Singh said his client had been a victim of college politics.

Efforts to contact Kumar after the acquittal were unsuccessful.

College Response to Acquittal

College principal Mahavir Singh Chhonkar said the institution has no immediate information on Kumar's future course of action, adding that any decision regarding him would be taken by the authorities concerned.
A medical college assistant professor in Bengaluru faces sexual harassment charges after a video of him proposing to a female student in a classroom, followed by an alleged assault by students, went viral, highlighting ongoing concerns about student safety.

IMAGE: In one of the videos, the accused professor is heard proposing to the student, claiming that she had confessed her "feelings" to him. The student denied the claim and objected to his proposal. Photograph: Video grab/X

Key Points A medical college assistant professor in Bengaluru was booked for sexual harassment after proposing to a female student in a classroom.

Videos of the incident, showing the professor proposing and subsequently being thrashed by students, went viral on social media.

The professor was already under inquiry for inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment complaints from female students.

He allegedly violated a directive barring him from campus, trespassed, and misbehaved with the student, causing distress and disrupting academics.

A case has been registered under Sections 74, 75(1), and 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on a complaint from the college principal.

A professor at a medical college near Bengaluru was allegedly thrashed by students after he proposed to a female student in a classroom, with videos of the incident going viral on social media, police said on Thursday. He has been booked on charges of sexual harassment, they said.

Incident Details and Viral Videos

The incident, which occurred on March 23 at a medical college in Nelamangala taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru, came to light after videos of the proposal surfaced online, police said.

The clips, which have since gone viral, drew sharp criticism. In one of the videos, the accused professor is heard proposing to the student, claiming that she had confessed her "feelings" to him. The student denied the claim and objected to his proposal.

The situation later escalated on campus, with videos showing the agitated student confronting the professor. She was seen hitting him with slippers, while other students joined in, allegedly assaulting and abusing him.

Legal Action and Prior Complaints

Based on a complaint filed by the college principal on Thursday, a case has been registered at the Nelamangala Rural Police Station against the accused under Sections 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75(1) (sexual harassment), and 329(3) (criminal trespass) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a senior police officer said.

According to the FIR, the complainant stated that the accused, an assistant professor in the Microbiology Department, had been behaving inappropriately on the college premises and sexually harassing female students. Students had earlier submitted complaints seeking protection, following which the college issued a notice to the professor, directing him to appear for an inquiry and restraining him from entering the campus during the process, it said.

Violation of Directives and Campus Disruption

However, on March 23, the accused allegedly entered the college premises in violation of the directive and forcibly held the hand of a female student, behaving in an obscene and inappropriate manner, the FIR stated. The incident caused distress among students and disrupted the academic atmosphere at the college, it added. The complaint further alleged that despite being barred from entering the campus, the accused trespassed into the premises, misbehaved with the student, and harassed others as well, police added.
Punjab Police successfully dismantled an inter-state illegal weapons supply network, arresting two individuals from Uttar Pradesh and seizing a significant cache of firearms, disrupting criminal operations and potential threats to public safety.

Key Points Punjab Police busted an inter-state illegal weapons supply module, arresting two individuals from Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities recovered 10 country-made pistols and 20 magazines from the arrested individuals.

The suspects were operating under the direction of foreign criminals based in Germany and the USA.

The arrested individuals were also involved in extortion activities at the direction of foreign-based handlers.

The case is registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.

The Punjab Police on Thursday claimed to have busted an inter-state illegal weapons supply module with the arrest of two persons from Uttar Pradesh.

The police's counter-intelligence wing in Jalandhar recovered 10 country-made pistols and 20 magazines from them, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Dalesh Kumar, a resident of Aligarh, and Amit Chahar, a resident of Agra, according to the DGP.

The development came almost a month after two Babbar Khalsa International operatives -- Sukhwinder alias Sunny and Rawal -- were arrested for procuring and further placing three grenades and one IED near Balachaur on the directions of their foreign-based handler Jassi Kulam. The same IED was later used in the blast at the Nalagarh police station in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.

During the investigation, the two suspects were arrested in Mathura, where the initial recovery of five pistols and 10 magazines occurred from Dalesh Kumar's car.

Following his disclosure, an additional five pistols and 10 magazines were recovered from the Mathura-Palwal Highway, bringing the total to 10 pistols and 20 magazines, he added.

Foreign Links to Arms Supply

The DGP said that the arrests of the two UP-based accused have uncovered that these two individuals were operating under the direction of foreign criminals based in Germany and the USA, who were supplying weapons to criminal gangs in Punjab.

Both were also involved in procuring weapons and carrying out firing for extortion at a travel agent's residence in Garhshankar in the directions of foreign-based handlers, he added.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.
Punjab Police successfully dismantled an inter-state illegal weapons supply network, arresting two individuals and uncovering links to foreign-based criminal operations.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Punjab Police busted an inter-state illegal weapons supply module, arresting two individuals from Uttar Pradesh.

The police recovered 10 country-made pistols and 20 magazines from the arrested individuals.

The accused were involved in supplying weapons and carrying out firing for extortion on the instructions of foreign handlers.

Investigations revealed links to foreign-based criminals operating from Germany and the USA.

The police are conducting further investigations to dismantle the entire illegal network.

The Punjab Police on Thursday claimed to have busted an inter-state illegal weapons supply module with the arrest of two persons from Uttar Pradesh.

The police's counter-intelligence wing in Jalandhar recovered 10 country-made pistols and 20 magazines from them, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.

The accused were involved in procuring weapons and carrying out firing for extortion at a travel agent's residence in Garshankar on the directions of foreign handlers, the DGP said in a post on X.

Investigation Uncovers Foreign Links

During sustained investigation, the arrest of these UP-based accused revealed that they were acting at the behest of foreign-based criminals operating from Germany and the USA, supplying weapons to criminal gangs in Punjab, Yadav said.

Preliminary investigation establishes strong linkages with foreign-based handlers orchestrating terror and criminal activities.

A case has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Police Station in Amritsar.

Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network, the DGP added.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised Rahul Gandhi's behaviour in Parliament, suggesting he is overly influenced by advisors and questioning his adherence to parliamentary etiquette and appropriate attire.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi wears "Konyak Naga" ornaments at the Parliament premises during the budget session in New Delhi. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points Union Minister Kiren Rijiju claims Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary contributions are dictated by his activist advisors.

Rijiju criticises Rahul Gandhi's casual attire in Parliament, stating that as Leader of the Opposition, he should dress appropriately.

Rijiju highlights the Modi government's achievements and India's rising global stature, contrasting it with Gandhi's criticisms.

An all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis demonstrated maturity and unity, with all parties except TMC participating.

Rijiju emphasises India's stability and strength in a volatile global environment under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's mind is hijacked by his activist advisors and he says in Parliament whatever they tell him to, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday, while also questioning the leader of opposition for dressing casually in a T-shirt in the House.

Participating in the 'Times Now Summit' here, the parliamentary affairs minister said he finds it more comfortable to deal with people who have made substantive contributions while making interventions in Parliament.

"Personally, I have no problem with Rahul Gandhi. We meet, we exchange notes outside (and) in the (meeting) room as he is the leader of opposition. That's ok. No problems. But when you are formally speaking on the floor of the House, then you must follow the conventions, rules and etiquette. These are very important parts of parliamentary democracy...

"But Rahul Gandhi's mind is hijacked by his activist advisors. He says whatever his advisors tell him to," he said.

When the BJP was in opposition, it followed certain standards and staged protests strongly but did not cross limits, he asserted.

Criticism of Attire and Conduct

Asked about Gandhi's regular appearance in Parliament in casual attire, the minister said as the leader of opposition (LoP), one must conduct himself appropriately, "and dressing is a part of that".

"He has problems in understanding rules and etiquette. When you are the LoP, you have to conduct yourself in a certain manner. Decent dressing is also part of it," the minister said.

Rijiju said veteran communist leader Somnath Chatterjee used to wear a loose shirt and sandals before becoming the Lok Sabha speaker.

"But when he was elected as speaker, he started coming quite decently so that he looked good in the Chair. Similarly, the LoP is the leader of the entire opposition and hence should dress in a certain way which carries the image of the position he holds.

"I may not respect the person, but I have to respect the Chair. That is why many people think that he (Gandhi) could have conducted himself in a better way, including a better dressing sense. I am not objecting to T-shirt but it does not look nice," he added.

Government Achievements and Global Stature

The minister said Gandhi's politics seems driven by contradictions, opposing every achievement and questioning every success of the government.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, work for the poor and India's rising global stature speak for themselves. In democracy, criticism matters, but credibility matters more," he said.

All-Party Meeting on West Asia Crisis

Asked about Wednesday's all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis, Rijiju said that despite sharp differences in public discourse, the meeting reflected maturity.

"Opposition leaders raised concerns, the government addressed them and there was a shared understanding to stand united in this challenging situation affecting India's interests and economy. Everyone participated, except TMC," he said.

The Union minister said the government believes in dialogue and collective responsibility and that he consistently engages with the opposition.

"To address concerns already raised in Parliament, an all-party meeting was convened. All parties attended, except TMC, which chose to stay away. That approach is disappointing," he said.

India's Stability in a Volatile World

In a volatile global environment, Rijiju said, India remains stable, respected and prepared.

"From maintaining strong ties across regions to ensuring safe passage and economic stability, India has shown maturity and strength. Under Prime Minister Modi, India stands firm and independent," he said.
* China's involvement in Angkor's restoration dates to the 1990s, when it successfully restored the Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo temples.

* Since 2019, Chinese experts have been engaged in an 11-year project to restore the Phimeanakas temple, located within the walled enclosure of the Angkor Thom Royal Palace.

PHNOM PENH, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A documentary chronicling China's efforts to restore Cambodia's 10th-century Royal Palace of Angkor Thom has gained much attention at an international film festival in the Cambodian capital, shining a light on a forgotten Khmer treasure and the cross-cultural collaboration behind its revival.

Titled "Reviving Angkor's Royal Palace," the film, produced by Xinhua News Agency in 2025, transports viewers into the jungles of northwest Cambodia to uncover the Royal Palace at the heart of Angkor Thom, a once-grand residence of Khmer kings that had been lost to time. It follows a team of Chinese and Cambodian experts as they work meticulously to breathe new life into the sacred site, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation techniques.

The documentary is among roughly 150 films from more than 40 countries and regions selected for screening at the 15th Cambodia International Film Festival, which runs from March 24 to 29 across venues in Phnom Penh. The festival has evolved into one of the largest film events in Cambodia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said.

Tourists gather to watch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua)

"Reviving Angkor's Royal Palace" highlights China's significant contribution to protecting and developing the ancient temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park, said Cheap Sovichea, director of the Cambodia Film Commission.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cambodia's most popular tourist destination, the Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples built between the ninth and 13th centuries. Its preservation has drawn support from around the world, with China emerging as a key partner in its restoration.

Under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, a Chinese initiative to finance small- and medium-sized cooperation projects among the six LMC countries, the eastern causeway of the centuries-old Beng Mealea temple within the park has been strengthened and restored, enhancing its appeal to visitors, APSARA National Authority, the official body in charge of the preservation of the Angkor Archaelogical Park, said in Feburary.

This undated photo shows tourists visiting the Chau Say Tevoda temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (Cambodia's APSARA National Authority/Handout via Xinhua)

China's involvement in Angkor's restoration dates to the 1990s, when it successfully restored the Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo temples.

Since 2019, Chinese experts have been engaged in an 11-year project to restore the Phimeanakas temple, located within the walled enclosure of the Angkor Thom Royal Palace. Their work has been recognized: In 2022, Cambodia awarded government honorary medals to two Chinese experts for their "historical and substantial contributions" to restoring the site's ruined temples.

Projects like the Royal Palace restoration not only protect Cambodia's past but also build bridges for the kingdom's future.

This photo taken on Feb. 3, 2026 shows the restoration site of the ruined north gate of East Mebon Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)

Beyond preserving cultural relics, the restoration efforts have bolstered Cambodia's economy, a nation where tourism is a major pillar of growth. In 2025, the Angkor Archaeological Park attracted 955,131 foreign visitors from 197 countries and regions, generating nearly 45 million U.S. dollars in ticket revenue, according to Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned body that manages the site.

Cambodia's pilot visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, in effect from June 15 to Oct. 15, is expected to drive a surge in Chinese arrivals to the park, said Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science in Phnom Penh.

This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2026 shows the restored eastern causeway of the Beng Mealea temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)

"With strong air connectivity and effective promotion, I believe the number of Chinese tourists to Angkor will keep rising this year," he said.
A Mumbai court has ordered a mental health evaluation for Chetan Singh Choudhary, the accused in the 2023 train shooting case, to determine if he is fit to stand trial, potentially impacting the ongoing legal proceedings.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Mumbai court orders mental health evaluation for Chetan Singh Choudhary, accused in the 2023 train shooting.

Choudhary will be shifted to Thane Mental Hospital for assessment of his mental state and fitness to stand trial.

The court seeks a specific opinion on whether Choudhary is capable of conducting his defence.

Choudhary is accused of killing four people, including a senior colleague, on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express.

The trial is currently in the witness testimony stage.

A Mumbai court has directed prison authorities to once again shift former RPF constable Chetan Singh Choudhary, held for allegedly killing four persons on a train in 2023, to Thane mental hospital and submit a report on his mental health with "a specific opinion as to whether he is fit to stand trial".

Notably, Choudhary was earlier admitted to the Regional Mental Hospital, Thane between February 20, 2025 and July 12, 2025.

His medical report filed by Thane jail, where the accused is lodged, before the court in January this year mentioned that Choudhary's condition was found to be "hemodynamically stable" in the examination conducted on December 18 last year.

Physical vitals, including blood pressure, were within normal ranges, and the central nervous system showed no immediate abnormalities, the report had stated.

Court's Order and Bail Plea

The fresh direction by Additional Sessions Judge (Dindoshi court) Pravin Chatur came in the wake of a bail plea filed by the accused citing mental health condition. In his bail plea, through advocates Amit Mishra and Pankaj Ghildiyal, the accused claimed he was suffering from "white matter disease".

While his bail plea hasn't been decided as yet, the court, on Wednesday, ordered the jail superintendent to refer and admit Choudhary to Thane Mental Hospital for better management, care, and treatment until further order.

The court asked the medical officer of Thane Mental Hospital to submit periodic reports every 15 days regarding the treatment and mental health of the accused.

It sought a "specific opinion as to whether he is fit or unfit to stand trial and capable of conducting his defence".

The trial in the case is at the stage of recording witness testimony.

Background of the Case

Choudhary is accused of shooting dead his senior colleague, Railway Protection Force Assistant Sub-Inspector Tika Ram Meena, and three passengers on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express near Palghar railway station in Maharashtra on July 31, 2023.

Choudhary was nabbed with his weapon later while trying to flee after passengers pulled the train's chain, which stopped near Mira Road station.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to address the Harvard Kennedy School's AI symposium, offering insights into the global artificial intelligence landscape and its impact on governance and emerging markets.

Key Points Telangana CM Revanth Reddy will deliver a virtual keynote address at the Harvard Kennedy School's AI symposium.

The symposium will focus on the rapidly evolving global AI landscape, covering governance, economic competitiveness, and geopolitics.

The event features a distinguished lineup of speakers from government, industry, and academia, including representatives from XPRIZE, the World Bank, and the Brookings Institution.

Panel discussions will explore topics such as the race to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), AI in emerging markets, and the future of work and education.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will virtually deliver the keynote address at the first-of-its-kind AI symposium organised by the Harvard Kennedy School on March 27.

The Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education at Harvard University is organising the symposium, bringing together leading voices from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.

Reddy, an executive education alumnus of the institution, has been invited to deliver the keynote address, the Telangana CMO said in a post on 'X' on Thursday.

In view of the ongoing Budget session, the CM will not be travelling to Boston and will instead deliver his address virtually as a special arrangement, it said.

The symposium will commence with opening remarks by Jeremy Weinstein, Dean of the Faculty, Harvard Kennedy School.

"Supported by the Business and Government PIC and the AI & Tech Policy Caucus at HKS, along with several Harvard-based think tanks, the event will be held in person at the HKS campus," it said.

Symposium Focus and Key Discussions

The symposium will foster dialogue on Artificial Intelligence across governance, economic competitiveness, geopolitics, and human capital, followed by panel discussions on "The Race to AGI", "AI in Emerging Markets", "Geopolitics of Compute", and "The Future of Work and Education", it further said.

"The distinguished lineup of speakers includes @AnoushehAnsari, CEO of XPRIZE; Illango Pachamuthu of the World Bank; @GlobalFatema, from the Harvard Center for International Development; and @LandrySigne of the Brookings Institution, among several other global experts and thought leaders," it added.
A woman sustained critical injuries in Gwalior after a road rage incident escalated into a shooting when her son honked at another vehicle, prompting a police investigation into attempted murder.

Key Points A woman in Gwalior was critically injured after being shot in a road rage incident.

The shooting occurred after the woman's son honked at another vehicle to clear the road.

Police have registered a case of attempted murder and are searching for the unidentified attackers.

The incident took place near Rangawaan village in the Behat police station area.

The injured woman is currently in critical condition at a private hospital.

A woman was grievously injured when unidentified persons allegedly opened fire on her car after her son honked at their vehicle to clear the way in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred near Rangawaan village in the Behat police station area around 10.30 pm on Wednesday when the woman and her son, who was at the wheel, were returning to their home in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh after visiting a temple in Gwalior.

Her son honked and blew a hooter to cross the road past a parked car. The occupants of the other vehicle later chased them and opened fire, causing grievous injuries to the woman's neck, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Manish Yadav told PTI Videos.

Complainant Bhim Gautam Sharma told the police that he and his mother, Vimla Devi Sharma (60), had come to attend the Bhagwat Katha at Gijorra Dudhkhoh village in Gwalior. Before returning, they also visited two temples.

When they reached Rangawaan village, a white car carrying three to four young men was parked in the middle of the narrow road.

The complainant honked, requesting them to clear the way, but received no response.

He then blew the hooter, which angered the other car occupants, who allowed them to pass but soon chased their vehicle and opened fire after reaching a short distance. A bullet pierced the car's window and struck Vimla Devi in the neck, Bhim Sharma alleged in his complaint.

The attackers later fled towards Bhind, the police official said.

The injured woman was immediately admitted to a private hospital, where her condition was reported to be critical, the police said.

Based on her son's complaint, the police registered a case of attempt to murder against four unidentified persons and efforts were on to trace them, they said.
AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot accuses Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with Narendra Modi's BJP, alleging a hidden deal and similar political tactics that undermine the opposition.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Sachin Pilot alleges that Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and PM Narendra Modi share similar political strategies and publicity methods.

Pilot claims CPI(M) leaders are attacking Congress leaders to appease PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting a hidden alliance.

He highlights the lack of central agency action against CPI(M) leaders despite corruption allegations, contrasting it with the scrutiny of Congress leaders.

Pilot questions why the BJP, which aims for a 'Congress-mukt Bharat', hasn't called for a 'CPI(M)-mukt Kerala', further fueling the collusion claims.

He criticises the Kerala government's financial management, stating that most of the state's funds are used for interest and loan repayments.

AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot on Thursday claimed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi follow similar political approaches, alleging that both are "not different, but one".

Pilot also claimed that the attacks by CPI(M) leaders on Congress leaders are aimed at pleasing PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged a "deal" between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Kerala.

In reply, Vijayan slammed Gandhi, claiming that he lacks even the political awareness of a local leader.

Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, Pilot alleged that while CM Vijayan does not criticise the BJP, he is repeatedly targeting opposition leaders, including Gandhi.

"The CPI(M) has nothing to say against the Centre's petroleum and foreign policies. Even on the LPG shortage issue, the chief minister is hesitant to criticise the Centre. Modi and Vijayan are not different, they are one," Pilot alleged.

He also said there are similarities even in publicity methods, pointing out that just as the Prime Minister uses only his own image in posters, the CM does the same.

Pilot claimed that people who voted for Vijayan in the last two terms are now disappointed.

He alleged that 95 per cent of Kerala's funds are being used for interest payments and loan repayments, and that the state government has failed to attract any major industry over the past ten years.

He said that if the UDF comes to power, it will implement its five guarantees swiftly, adding that the chief minister would be decided through consultation among MLAs and the party leadership.

Allegations of a BJP-CPI(M) Deal

Questioning the BJP, he asked whether the Centre has ever frozen CPI(M)'s bank accounts or taken action against its leaders.

He alleged that while central agencies such as the ED and Income Tax Department have questioned Congress leaders, they have not even questioned CPI(M) leaders facing serious allegations.

"This is the biggest example of a BJP-CPI(M) deal. The BJP is protecting corrupt CPI(M) leaders," he alleged.

Pilot also asked why the BJP, which has declared a "Congress-mukt Bharat", has not called for a "CPI(M)-mukt Kerala".

He further said that the Election Commission's explanation regarding a letter issued to political parties carrying the seal of Kerala BJP unit was not satisfactory and had raised more doubts.

The Election Commission had said it was "purely a clerical error" and had been "rectified immediately."

Congress MP Hibi Eden also attended the press conference.
Congress leader V D Satheesan accuses Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with Narendra Modi and Amit Shah by targeting Rahul Gandhi, raising concerns about compromised investigations and political motivations.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Congress leader V D Satheesan accuses Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan of targeting Rahul Gandhi to appease PM Modi and Amit Shah.

Satheesan alleges Vijayan was blackmailed in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank case to ensure BJP's victory in Thrissur.

Satheesan claims the Sabarimala gold loss case probe is stalled due to pressure from the Chief Minister's Office.

Satheesan criticises the CPI(M)'s inaction against leaders arrested in the Sabarimala gold loss case, suggesting fear of exposing ministers' involvement.

Satheesan questions Vijayan's government's stance on women's entry into Sabarimala temple, highlighting inconsistencies in their Supreme Court affidavit.

Congress leader V D Satheesan on Thursday alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is targeting Rahul Gandhi to get into the good books of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He was responding to Vijayan's allegation that Gandhi and the Congress are a "B-team" of the BJP.

"They are blackmailing him (Chief Ministers) to win seats here. To ensure the victory of Suresh Gopi in Thrissur, he was blackmailed using the ED in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank case in the 2024 Lok Sabha election," Satheesan alleged.

He further claimed that Vijayan is bowing before BJP leaders and would "sign any paper they demand".

"He even misled his own Cabinet by signing the PM SHRI scheme without informing ministers," he said.

Satheesan said that the entire country is aware that Rahul Gandhi is leading an uncompromising fight against what he termed a "fascist, autocratic and communal" Narendra Modi government.

"I want to ask Vijayan whether the ED questioning Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for 55 hours was part of any deal. You may get into their good books and come out of cases, but such accusations should not be made against Rahul Gandhi," he said.

Sabarimala Gold Loss Case

He also alleged that the probe into the Sabarimala gold loss case is not progressing due to pressure from the Chief Minister's Office on the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

All those arrested in the case have been released on statutory bail and are allegedly tampering with evidence, he said.

"What surprises us most is that no action has been taken by the CPI(M) against its top leaders who were arrested in the case. One such leader continues to be in the party's district committee. This is because there is fear that they may reveal the involvement of ministers and former ministers," he alleged.

He alleged that the Chief Minister and the CPI(M) had aided those accused in the alleged loss of gold from temple artefacts and said the issue would be raised during the election campaign.

Sabarimala Temple Entry Issue

On the issue of the entry of women of menstruating age into Sabarimala temple, Satheesan said the CPI(M) government has not taken a clear stand before the Supreme Court through its affidavit.

Referring to the government affidavit, he said it suggests that the court should take a stand after consulting scholars.

"Was the attempt to facilitate the entry of women into Sabarimala in 2018 done after consulting scholars?" he asked.

He welcomed the reports that Vigilance submitted an affidavit before the Kerala High Court, stating that there was no evidence to register a case over alleged irregularities in the construction of the Sabarimala gold flag mast when UDF members were part of the Devaswom Board.

He said the construction was carried out in the presence of a court-appointed Advocate Commissioner, who submitted a report to the High Court, which appreciated the board for following due procedures.
Security forces in Manipur dismantle illegal bunkers in Ukhrul district to quell escalating tensions and prevent further violence between armed groups and villagers following recent gunfights.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Security forces in Manipur destroyed six illegal bunkers in Ukhrul district used by armed groups.

The bunkers were linked to recent gunfights in the Litan area, which resulted in injuries.

The operation aims to de-escalate tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga villagers following clashes and arson.

Security forces are maintaining a presence to prevent further violence in the affected areas.

Recent incidents of firing have injured individuals from both the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities.

Security forces have destroyed six illegal bunkers constructed by armed groups in Manipur's Ukhrul district, police said on Thursday.

The bunkers were used in recent gunfights between armed groups in Litan area, which left at least three people injured.

"In continuation of the operation by security forces which commenced yesterday, six bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on Wednesday at Litan and Mongkat Chepu Upper village areas," a police statement said.

Following the operation, a majority of the bunkers in violence-affected Litan have been rendered ineffective, it said, adding that security forces remain alert and troops have been strategically deployed to prevent escalation of violence in the area.

Background of the Conflict

The development came in the wake of escalating tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga villagers near Litan Sareikhong, where clashes in February had led to the burning of over 30 houses.

Since then, nearby villages, including Mongkot Chepu and Sharkaphung, have witnessed repeated incidents of gunfights between armed men.

On Tuesday, two Tangkhul Naga persons were injured in firing at Sharkaphung in neighbouring Kamjong district, while a Kuki woman sustained injuries at Mongkot Chepu on Monday.

Police said security forces are conducting search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas.
A shooter involved in the Panjab University attack on a student leader has been arrested in a joint operation, revealing links to the Bambiha gang and sparking a wider investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A shooter involved in the attack on a student leader at Panjab University has been arrested in a joint operation by Punjab and Chandigarh Police.

The accused, Jaspreet Singh, is a key member of the Doni Bal and Bambiha gang and was apprehended after exchanging fire with police.

The attack on student leader Jashanpreet Singh Jawanda was allegedly carried out at the behest of the Bambiha gang.

Police recovered a .32 bore country-made pistol, magazines, and live cartridges from the accused.

An investigation is underway to uncover the full network and connections related to the Panjab University shooting incident.

Punjab Police has arrested a shooter in Fatehgarh Sahib district, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police. The shooter was allegedly involved in firing shots at a student leader inside the Panjab University, officials said on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jas, a resident of Kotla Masud in Fatehgarh Sahib, who was arrested following an exchange of fire with police, Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav said.

A .32 bore country-made pistol, magazines and two live cartridges were recovered from the accused, who is a key member of the Doni Bal and Bambiha gang, the DGP said.

The accused was involved in firing shots at student leader Jashanpreet Singh Jawanda on the Panjab University campus on March 17.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the attack was carried out at the behest of the Bambiha gang, Yadav said, adding that a probe is underway to establish the backward and forward linkages in the case.

Details of the Arrest

Sharing details, Promod Ban, ADGP, Anti-Gangster Task Force, said a police team was tracking leads across Chandigarh, Fatehgarh Sahib and the Amloh area since the day of the firing incident.

"The accused was intercepted on the Amloh-Patran road, where he opened fire at the police team. In retaliatory firing, the accused sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment," he said.

Police have booked the accused under the relevant sections of the BNS and the Arms Act, the officer said.
Following public outrage, statues of Indian freedom fighters in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were swiftly reinstalled after their controversial demolition, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible.

Key Points Statues of freedom fighters Thakur Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil were reinstalled in Shahjahanpur after being demolished.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister ordered the reinstallation, leading to swift action by the municipal corporation.

A case has been registered against a Lucknow-based firm in connection with the demolition of the statues.

Congress leaders are demanding a high-level probe into the incident, alleging administrative involvement.

The demolition sparked widespread outrage and protests, leading to the suspension of junior engineers.

Statues of freedom fighters that were demolished in Shahjahanpur district have been reinstalled within 24 hours, following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials said on Thursday.

The Congress party has demanded a probe into the incident.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Kumar Mishra on Thursday told PTI that statues of Thakur Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan and Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil at the Town Hall tri-junction have been reinstalled with the efforts of the municipal corporation team.

He assured that the statues have been properly installed, and the remaining work, including the construction of sheds and beautification, will be completed within a week.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi said a case has already been registered against a Lucknow-based firm, Fly Infratech, on the complaint of the municipal corporation's chief engineer in connection with the demolition of the statues on Tuesday.

Police teams are currently inspecting the site and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas as part of the investigation, he added.

Demands for Investigation

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have demanded a high-level probe by an independent agency. Party coordinator and National Mazdoor Congress district president Pawan Kumar Singh sent a letter to the chief minister, demanding accountability not only for labourers or JCB operators but also for the officials and leaders involved.

He alleged that such an incident could not have occurred without administrative involvement and expressed his surprise that local MLA and state finance minister Suresh Khanna had not spoken on the issue.

Singh asserted that only an independent inquiry could uncover the facts and ensure that those responsible are punished.

The incident had triggered widespread outrage after the statues were allegedly bulldozed in the name of beautification on Sunday night and their remains dumped at a garbage site. Several organisations staged protests demanding action, following which the chief minister ordered an FIR and suspension of a junior engineer and an assistant engineer.

Political leaders across various parties have claimed that the act may have been carried out under the direction of officials and have called for a thorough investigation.

Protests and Demonstrations

In a separate protest, social worker Salman Nabi expressed his distress over the incident by staging a unique demonstration near the Khannaut River. He dug a grave, lay in it, and placed a national flag nearby, demanding the arrest of those responsible.

Nabi stated that those involved in disrespecting the martyrs should be jailed, adding that while British rulers once oppressed revolutionaries, "now even independent India is witnessing disrespect towards martyrs," he alleged.
In a shocking incident in Delhi, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death for allegedly bullying one of his attackers, leading to the apprehension of three juveniles by the Delhi police.

Key Points A 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Dayalpur, Delhi, allegedly due to bullying one of the attackers.

Delhi police have apprehended three juveniles aged between 13 and 17 in connection with the teenager's murder.

The victim was lured out of his house and attacked, with the accused using a knife, which has been recovered by police.

The mother of the deceased claims the attackers were known to her son and acted under false pretenses before the assault.

A 16-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death near his home in northeast Delhi's Dayalpur area for bullying one of the accused, police said on Thursday.

Three juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the murder, they said.

According to police, the incident took place on Wednesday night when a few people called the teenager out of his house. Shortly afterwards, his family members found him lying unconscious nearby and rushed him to Jag Pravesh Chandra (JPC) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

During preliminary investigation, police found that the boy had been attacked by three juveniles aged between 13 and 17. A case was registered at the Dayalpur police station and the accused were later apprehended.

The police said they have also recovered a weapon used in the crime -- a knife -- from the accused.

Investigation and Motive

During questioning, the juveniles told investigators that the victim had been bullying one of them, which allegedly led to the fatal attack, an officer said.

The victim's mother, devastated by the loss, alleged that the attackers were known to her son and had lured him out before assaulting him.

"He was called by three to four boys. As soon as he stepped outside, they first hugged him and then stabbed him multiple times," she said

"He never fought with anyone. He was killed without any reason. The boys who attacked him were known to him, they first hugged him and then killed him," she added.

The body has been sent to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital for postmortem, the police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report said Trump believes the conflict is in its final stages and has urged aides to adhere to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Key Points Donald Trump wants the Iran conflict to end within a four-to-six-week timeline, avoiding a prolonged war.

The timeline may align with a planned mid-May meeting with China's Xi Jinping.

The US has temporarily paused planned strikes after signals of possible talks from Iran.

The White House has warned of strong military action if Iran 'miscalculates'.

Iran has rejected US proposals, insisting the war will end only on its own terms.

United States President Donald Trump has told his advisers that he wants the ongoing conflict with Iran to end within weeks, signalling a push to avoid a prolonged war, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report said Trump believes the conflict is in its final stages and has urged aides to adhere to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly.

The timeline is likely aimed at concluding the conflict before a planned mid-May summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Settled eight wars, winning another one: Trump

Speaking at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, Trump claimed credit for ending multiple global conflicts and expressed confidence about the situation in Iran.

"We settled eight wars. We are winning another one," he said, adding that Iran is seeking a deal but is hesitant to say so publicly.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump prefers peace but remains prepared to escalate if necessary.

She noted that planned US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure were temporarily postponed after Tehran signalled willingness to engage in talks.

"President Trump does not bluff," Leavitt said, warning Iran against miscalculations and asserting that Washington, DC is ready to respond forcefully if required.

However, Iran has rejected the US proposal, insisting that any end to the conflict will occur only on its own terms and timeline, and has vowed to continue its military response until its demands are met.
The News in Brief Thursday, March 26, 2026

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, said Georgia's economic growth depends on cooperation with Russia and suggested that Tbilisi has begun to understand what she described as the West's "true goals."Speaking at a March 25 briefing, Zakharova said "the prerequisite for Georgia's prosperity is not confrontation with Russia, but cooperation," adding that relations with Russia are "one of the key factors" behind what she called the country's economic growth.She said Moscow remains open to political dialogue with Tbilisi and would be ready for talks if the Georgian side is willing. According to her, there are signs that Tbilisi is interested in more constructive relations.Zakharova described ties between the two countries as "natural" and rooted in historical links, contrasting them with what she called "Western practices."She also referred to the Russia-Georgia War, calling it part of the legacy of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and linking it to what she described as a past refusal to engage in dialogue with Russia.A court in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk has sentenced Georgian national Shmagi Dighmelashvili to 14 years in prison in absentia for fighting on Ukraine's side as a "mercenary". He has also been placed on an international wanted list.The sentence was issued by the de facto "Supreme Court" of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.According to a March 23 statement by the de facto prosecutor's office, Dighmelashvili, 42, joined the Georgian National Legion in March 2022. The unit, made up largely of Georgian fighters, has been active in Ukraine since 2014. In 2024, Russia designated it as a terrorist organization.De facto authorities in Donetsk claim Dighmelashvili underwent training at a Ukrainian military base and took part in combat operations against Russian forces through 2025. They also allege he received 3.5 million rubles as payment.
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on nuclear technology to support sustainable growth in the Global South.

CAEA Director Shan Zhongde met with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Beijing on Wednesday. They also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements.

The IAEA designated CNNC Medical Industry Co., Ltd. as its Rays of Hope Anchor Center, and presented the International Nuclear Management Academy certificate for master's degree education in nuclear technology management to Harbin Engineering University.

Shan said China appreciates the IAEA and France for successfully co-hosting the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, which has played an active role in promoting global nuclear energy development and addressing climate change challenges.

The two sides should further deepen practical cooperation in key areas such as small modular reactors, advanced nuclear medicine, and nuclear safety and security to provide more public goods and services for the use of atomic energy to benefit the livelihood and well-being of Global South countries and empower sustainable development, Shan added.

Grossi praised China's outstanding achievements in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear technology, and commended its contributions to the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy and nuclear technology for the IAEA and its member countries. 
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Xi Jinping in China in May for a crucial summit, rescheduled after the recent conflict in Iran, signaling continued diplomatic efforts between the US and China.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump dances during the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2026. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Key Points President Trump will meet with President Xi Jinping in China in May after postponing his trip due to the war in Iran.

The White House confirmed the rescheduled summit and indicated that First Lady Melania Trump will accompany the President.

A reciprocal visit by President Xi and his wife to Washington D.C. is planned for later in the year.

The US-Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, which extended the war to the entire Gulf region and caused the initial postponement.

United States President Donald Trump will travel to China on May 14 and 15 for a rescheduled summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the White House has announced.

Trump, who was earlier scheduled to travel to Beijing by the end of this month, postponed his trip due to the war in Iran.

Announcing Trump's 'long-awaited' trip to China, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday the US president and First Lady Melania will also host President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a reciprocal visit to Washington DC at a later date this year.

Responding to a question about whether the two leaders spoke about the conclusion of the war as a precondition to reschedule this meeting, she answered there was no discussion about the rescheduling of the meeting between the president and Xi.

"President Xi understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout the region right now. He understood, obviously, the request to postpone and accept it, which is why we have a meeting," Leavitt said.

Asked if the war would conclude by the time of the meeting in May, Leavitt said, "Again, as I've said, we've always estimated approximately four to six weeks."

Background on the Postponement

Trump and Xi last met in person in October on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea.

Trump said last week, while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin in the Oval Office, that he would be going to China in five or six weeks' time instead of at the end of the month. He said he would be rescheduling his trip to China.

"We're working with China, they were fine with it," Trump said. "I look forward to seeing President Xi. He looks forward to seeing me, I think," he added.

The US-Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28 and the retaliation by the Islamic nation extended the war to the entire Gulf region.

The US and Israel attack killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The joint strikes came after days of build-up, with Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.

The conflict has also taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.
An Indian national tragically died in the UAE after missile interception debris fell in Abu Dhabi, prompting the Indian Embassy to offer support and highlighting ongoing regional security concerns.

Photograph: @MEAIndia X/ANI Photo

Key Points An Indian national was killed in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris from intercepted missiles.

UAE air defences are actively responding to missile and drone threats.

The incident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries of various nationalities.

UAE's Ministry of Defence affirms its readiness to confront any threats to the country's security.

The Indian Embassy is providing support and assistance to those affected by the tragic incident in the UAE.

An Indian national was among two killed in UAE on Thursday when debris of missiles intercepted by the country's air defence system fell on a street in Abu Dhabi, local media reported.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE expressed "deepest condolences" on the tragic demise of an Indian national in the incident.

"The Embassy is closely coordinating with the UAE authorities to render all possible support and assistance," it posted on X.

The second person killed in the incident is a Pakistani national, while the three injured also include an Indian, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

UAE's air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran at regular intervals, according to the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates.

"Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems," Abu Dhabi Media Office posted on social media.

"The incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality," it added.

The total number of deaths has risen to 11 after the latest incident in Abu Dhabi, Gulf News reported.

Details of the Attacks

The UAE air defences systems on 26th March 2026 engaged 15 ballistic missiles and 11 UAVs launched from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said in a social media post on Thursday.

Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,826 UAVs, it added.

"The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 8 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities," it said.

A total of 169 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence said that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.
Ghaziabad police have invoked the stringent UAPA against 21 individuals involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, escalating the case to a high-priority national security investigation.

Key Points Ghaziabad police invoke UAPA against 21 individuals involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, escalating the case to a national security investigation.

The accused are suspected of sharing sensitive information with a Pakistan-based handler via social media, operating across the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Suspects include a woman and six juveniles, with some accused of installing CCTV cameras near Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat railway stations for potential military surveillance.

The invocation of UAPA allows for stricter bail conditions and extended investigation periods, potentially paving the way for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe.

Authorities are investigating financial transactions and communication channels to identify handlers operating from across the border, highlighting the international scope of the espionage network.

Police have invoked the stringent UAPA against 21 people apprehended for alleged involvement in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, an official said on Thursday.

The invocation of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has transformed the case into a high-priority national security investigation, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Indirapuram) Abhishek Srivastava said.

Provisions of the UAPA impose stricter conditions for bail and investigators can take up to 180 days to file a chargesheet without the accused becoming eligible for default bail.

Ghaziabad police officials said the move could also pave the way for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the interstate probe.

Details of the Espionage Network

The suspects, which include a woman and six juveniles, are accused of passing on sensitive information to a Pakistan-based handler through social media and other means.

The racket is suspected to have been based across parts of the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. According to investigators, the accused maintained cover by working as daily-wage labourers and in other low-profile jobs.

One of the key accused, Sameer alias Shooter, a native of Bihar's Bhagalpur, was allegedly apprehended while working at an eatery in Delhi's Chandni Chowk.

Two juveniles were taken into custody for allegedly installing CCTV cameras on utility poles near Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat railway stations, which were suspected to be used to monitor train movements, including those of possible military significance.

Another accused, Meera Thakur, arrested earlier from Mathura, is suspected to have links to arms smuggling and had claimed to be an informer for the Mumbai Police.

Police said the use of juveniles in surveillance activities points to attempts by the network to evade suspicion.

Efforts are underway to trace financial transactions and communication channels to identify handlers operating from across the border, officials said.

The espionage racket was busted earlier this month. Further investigation in the case is underway, police added.
Two Ugandan women have been detained in Mumbai for visa overstays, highlighting the consequences of violating immigration laws and the ongoing efforts to enforce visa regulations.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two Ugandan women, Nakayondo Rose and Kemigisa Proscovia, were detained in Mumbai for overstaying their visas.

The women were residing in the Kalina area of Mumbai without valid visas or necessary documentation.

Mumbai police acted on a tip-off and conducted a raid leading to the detention of the Ugandan nationals.

Authorities have initiated the deportation process for both women following the discovery of their visa violations.

Two Ugandan women have been detained for illegally staying in the city, an official said.

Nakayondo Rose (37) and Kemigisa Proscovia (26) were staying in Kalina area for the past few years without valid visas and other necessary documents, said the Vakola police station official.

Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid and detained the two women.

Preliminary probe revealed that they continued to stay in India even after the expiry of their visas.

The deportation process for both individuals has been initiated, said the official.
The UK High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's plea to block his extradition to India, accepting the Indian government's assurances that he will not be subjected to torture, paving the way for him to face fraud charges related to the Punjab National Bank.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points The UK High Court rejected Nirav Modi's plea to reopen his extradition case based on assurances from the Indian government regarding his treatment.

India provided 'comprehensive' assurances to the UK High Court, including details about Nirav Modi's prison conditions and legal access, to negate torture concerns.

The court distinguished Nirav Modi's case from the Sanjay Bhandari extradition matter, where similar assurances were deemed inadequate.

Nirav Modi is accused of orchestrating a Rs 13,000 crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) and is wanted in India to face charges.

The CBI played a key role in coordinating efforts to successfully overcome the challenge to Nirav Modi's extradition based on the Bhandari judgment.

The United Kingdom's High Court of Justice rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's petition to reopen his case against extradition relying on the "quality of assurances" given by the Indian government, which were "comprehensive" enough to neutralise the risk of torture that might have barred his transfer to India.

A bench comprising Lord Justice Stuart-Smith and Justice Jay "refused" Nirav Modi's plea to reopen his extradition appeal under the Criminal Procedure Rules on Wednesday, noting that diplomatic undertakings given by India between September 2025 and February 2026 "provided a sheaf of assurances that are comprehensive, detailed and reliable".

Nirav Modi's application to reopen the appeal rested on a February 2025 judgment in the extradition matter of defence consultant Sanjay Bhandari, in which the high court had termed the use of torture by Indian agencies to extract confessions as "commonplace and endemic".

"When Mr Modi's case came before us in the autumn of 2022, the material underpinning the decision in Bhandari was either not available or was not drawn to our attention.

"This court's judgment in the Bhandari case presents a worrying picture of the use of proscribed treatment to obtain confessions, which was characterised as commonplace and endemic," the UK court said in its judgment.

Key Assurances from the Indian Government

The pivot in the case was a 'note verbale' sent to the UK government on December 2, 2025, by the Indian home ministry, signed by Joint Secretary Rakesh Pandey, assuring that Nirav Modi would not be interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), or the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

It also included a detailed plan for keeping Nirav Modi in Mumbai's Arthur Road prison, the facilities he would have access to, and the legal help available to him during the trial.

"The assurances have been given by an official within the Ministry of Home Affairs competent to bind the government of India (GoI), as well as the state of Maharashtra and the five investigating agencies (which are also bound in our view by the terms of the assurances)," the court held.

A subsequent note verbale from the Indian High Commission on February 12, 2026, reinforced that the assurances are "binding and will be scrupulously adhered to by all the law enforcement agencies/authorities in India. Further, the assurances are also enforceable, including through courts in India, the court noted.

"Were it not for the statements made and assurances given by the GoI between September 2025 and February 2026, culminating in the note verbale to which we accord considerable weight, we would be minded to reopen this appeal in the exercise of exceptional power," the court held.

The judges distinguished the assurances in Nirav Modi's case from those found wanting in Bhandari, where the unnamed "investigation agency" and the absence of express written commitments from individual bodies proved detrimental.

The "quality of assurance" premise was used by the European Court of Human Rights in the 'Othman vs United Kingdom' case to examine the specificity, candour, and practical enforceability of diplomatic assurances on 11 parameters, a senior official said.

"Turning to the Othman factors, the terms of the assurances have been disclosed sufficiently to the court. The assurances are specific and not general and vague (cf. those given in Bhandari)," the court held.

Background of the Case

The 55-year-old jeweller, who shot to prominence for his Bollywood clientele, international boutique stores, and Cannes appearances, has been lodged in the Wandsworth prison since his arrest in the UK on March 19, 2019.

Declared a fugitive in India, Nirav Modi is accused of orchestrating a Rs 13,000 crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi, who is lodged in a Belgian prison.

According to the CBI, Nirav Modi alone siphoned off Rs 6,498.20 crore of the total misappropriated amount.

The bench said that although India is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, it "did not doubt that torture is not permitted under Indian law".

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel issued Nirav Modi's first extradition order in April 2021, a decision which was upheld by the divisional court in November 2022.

The bench held that the assurances given by the Indian government are "specific and not general and vague".

The Crown Prosecution Service advocate, assisted by a CBI team, strongly argued against Nirav Modi's petition.

A team of CBI officials, including investigating officers, travelled to London for the hearing.

"The reopening application had been filed on the basis of the Bhandari judgment. However, with sustained and coordinated efforts of the CBI, the challenge was successfully overcome," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
The London High Court has upheld the extradition order for fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud, citing the Indian government's assurances regarding his treatment as sufficient to allay concerns about human rights.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points The London High Court rejected Nirav Modi's plea to reopen his extradition case, relying on the Indian government's assurances regarding his treatment.

The court considered assurances from the Indian government regarding Modi's safety and legal rights in India, including conditions at Arthur Road prison.

The UK court distinguished Modi's case from Sanjay Bhandari's, where extradition was dropped due to torture concerns, based on the 'quality of assurances' from India.

The CBI played a crucial role in presenting arguments against Modi's petition and ensuring the extradition process continues.

Nirav Modi is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

The London High Court relied on the "quality of assurances" given by the Government of India in its note verbale while rejecting fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's petition to reopen his case against extradition, officials said.

Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, had approached the London court to reopen his case on the basis of the judgment in fugitive economic offender Sanjay Bhandari's case, where extradition was dropped on the possibility of torture by Indian agencies.

The London High Court had discharged Bhandari from the extradition order on human rights grounds.

"Refusing" the permission to reopen Modi's case, the Bench Lord Justice Stuart Smith and Justice Jay in the High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, said they relied on "the quality of assurances" given by the Indian government in its note verbale.

"When Mr Modi's case came before us in the autumn of 2022, the material underpinning the decision in Bhandari was either not available or was not drawn to our attention. This court's judgment in the Bhandari case presents a worrying picture of the use of proscribed treatment to obtain confessions, which was characterised as commonplace and endemic," the UK court said in its judgment.

"Were it not for the statements made and assurances given by the GoI between September 2025 and February 2026, culminating in the note verbale to which we accord considerable weight, we would be minded to reopen this appeal in the exercise of exceptional power," the court held.

The Bench rejected the argument that there was a "real risk of torture or other ill-treatment" during the journey from prison to the trial court in Mumbai.

The court said it has considered the assurances very carefully.

"On one hand, the mutual confidence and trust that exists between two friendly powers who have entered into binding treaty arrangements must be accorded considerable weight, as well as concomitant solemn assurances proffered within the same framework.

"On the other hand, we must recognise that there is some force in (Modi's lawyer) Mr Fitzgerald's submission that some of the affidavit evidence placed before us comes from persons who, on the basis of Bhandari, have condoned or turned a blind eye to unacceptable treatment of detainees," it said.

The Bench held that the assurances given by the Indian government are "specific and not general and vague."

The Union Home Ministry had sent a detailed plan to keep Nirav Modi in Arthur Road prison, the facilities he would enjoy, and legal help that would be available to him during the trial.

"The assurances have been given by an official within the Ministry of Home Affairs competent to bind the GoI, as well as the State of Maharashtra and the five investigating agencies (which are also bound in our view by the terms of the assurances)," it held.

The Bench said that although India is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, it "did not doubt that torture is not permitted under Indian law."

"In our judgment, it is sufficient for present purposes that the assurances are cognisable at a diplomatic level because the consequences of any breach would be extremely damaging to the relationship of mutual trust and confidence between India and the United Kingdom, particularly in the context of such a high-profile individual as Mr Modi," it held.

The Crown Prosecution Service advocate, assisted by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, strongly put forth arguments against Modi's petition.

A team of CBI officials, including investigating officers, travelled to London for the hearing.

CBI's Role in the Extradition Case

"The reopening application had been filed on the basis of the Bhandari judgment. However, with sustained and coordinated efforts of the CBI, the challenge was successfully overcome," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement here on Wednesday.

"CBI has been seeking the extradition of Nirav Modi in connection with the Punjab National Bank scam involving significant financial wrongdoing with the public sector bank, with proceedings ongoing since 2018," she said.

The UK courts approved Modi's extradition following his arrest in 2019 and rejected his earlier appeals, finding no legal barriers and accepting assurances regarding his treatment in India, she added.

Modi, who allegedly defrauded the public sector bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi, has been in a UK prison since March 19, 2019.

Modi alone had siphoned off Rs 6,498.20 crore, the spokesperson said.
In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in New York on September 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Ukraine has accused Russia of spreading fabricated claims in India about the detention of Ukrainian citizens.

Kyiv alleges Kremlin-linked actors planted false intelligence to influence Indian authorities.

The embassy said such actions show disregard for India's sovereignty and democratic institutions.

Indian police have reportedly found no evidence of Ukrainian-linked terror activity so far.

Ukraine has called for a fair investigation and expressed willingness to cooperate with Indian authorities..

The Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday accused Russia of conducting a 'disinformation operation' in India by circulating what it described as fabricated claims about the detention of Ukrainian citizens.

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

The embassy claimed that allegations about Ukrainian 'terrorists' were based on fabricated inputs.

It said Kremlin-linked actors had passed 'concocted' information -- allegedly originating from Russian security agencies -- to Indian authorities, describing it as part of a deliberate disinformation campaign.

Russia's actions reflect 'profound disregard' for India's sovereignty: Ukraine

Accusing Moscow of trying to draw India into its geopolitical agenda, the embassy said such actions reflect a 'profound disregard' for India's sovereignty and democratic institutions.

"India is a sovereign democratic state, and its judicial system cannot be influenced by external political instructions," the statement said, while criticising Russian judicial institutions as politically driven.

The embassy also referred to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in March 2023 against Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes, including the deportation of civilians from Ukraine.

It further accused Russia of destabilising activities globally through private military networks such as the Wagner Group, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union.

Ukraine backs Indian probe, raises regional concerns

Highlighting regional concerns, Ukraine pointed to Russia's defence cooperation with Myanmar, including the supply of fighter jets and helicopters, and warned that such actions contribute to instability.

At the same time, the embassy cited Indian law enforcement to question the allegations.

Referring to a statement by Stephen Lalrinawma, Superintendent of Police, CID (Special Branch), Mizoram, it said no suspects had been intercepted and no terror-related activity linked to Ukrainian nationals had been detected.

The embassy emphasised that these official statements do not substantiate the claims being circulated and called for a cautious, fact-based assessment.

Reaffirming confidence in India's legal system, Ukraine urged authorities to ensure an independent and impartial investigation and said it was ready to cooperate fully.
Kerala's political landscape heats up as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan vehemently denies Rahul Gandhi's collusion claims, sparking a war of words and accusations ahead of the Assembly elections.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan denies Rahul Gandhi's claims of LDF-BJP collusion in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

Vijayan accuses Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of acting as the 'B-team' of the BJP.

Congress leaders retaliate, alleging that Vijayan is attempting to gain favour with Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

V D Satheesan claims the BJP is blackmailing the CM to win seats in Kerala.

The political battle intensifies as allegations and counterclaims escalate between the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-headed LDF.

Rahul Gandhi's claim that the LDF and BJP are colluding in the April 9 Assembly polls in Kerala drew a sharp rebuttal on Thursday from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who said the Congress leader lacks even the insight of a regional leader.

A day after Rahul claimed that the alleged lack of action by central agencies in various corruption cases against Vijayan was proof of "collusion" between the LDF and the BJP, the veteran Marxist, speaking to the media in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, accused the Gandhi scion and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'.

Enraged by Vijayan's retort against Rahul, the Congress hit back at the chief minister, accusing him of targeting its leader to get into the good books of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The allegations and counterclaims by leaders of the two major fronts--the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-headed LDF--further escalated the political contest as the campaign for the Assembly polls reached its peak in the state.

Rahul launched a scathing attack on the Left at a rally organised by the Congress in Kozhikode on Wednesday.

Hitting back at the Congress leader, Vijayan said despite being a national political figure, "he does not learn from experience" and accused him and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'.

"Though he (Rahul) is a national leader, the fact is that he lacks the understanding that a regional leader has. He does not try to understand anything clearly. Also, he does not learn from experience.

"These are not traits that befit a political leader. How can there be so much decline in an important figure in the Congress? All this shows that Rahul and the Congress in India are the B-team of the BJP," the CPI(M) politburo member said.

Vijayan also reacted to Rahul's allegation that corruption cases against him were going nowhere, while opposition leaders across the country were being targeted and cases registered against them for opposing the BJP, which he said was an indication of collusion between the LDF and the BJP.

The CM said that in Delhi, Rahul and the Congress had sought the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in a liquor policy corruption case. But, Kejriwal was later acquitted and it was a "blow to the face" of the BJP and the Congress, including Rahul, he said.

He also pointed out that the Congress, instead of joining forces with the AAP to defeat the BJP in Delhi, opposed Kejriwal's party, leading to the saffron party's victory there.

Similarly, in Haryana and Bihar, the Congress' inability to take forward an alliance against the BJP led to the saffron party's victory in assembly polls in those states as well, Vijayan claimed.

"All this shows that the Congress is helping the BJP win and is acting as its partner," he contended.

Vijayan further said that it was the Congress, which for decades has had an alliance with the BJP in Kerala to defeat the LDF.

He said that from the time of EMS Namboodiripad, the Congress has been allying with the RSS and then Jansangh party and now the BJP, to gain power in the southern state. "Both the Congress and the BJP have the same mindset," he claimed.

Therefore, the Congress leader's allegation of an alliance between the CPI(M) and BJP was just "an anticipatory bail" in view of their impending defeat in the upcoming assembly elections, the CM said.

Congress Responds to Vijayan's Allegations

Responding to Vijayan's allegation that Rahul and the Congress are a "B-team" of the BJP, senior leader V D Satheesan alleged that the BJP was blackmailing the CM to win seats here.

"To ensure the victory of Suresh Gopi in Thrissur, he was blackmailed using the ED in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank case in the 2024 Lok Sabha election," Satheesan alleged.

He further claimed that Vijayan is bowing before BJP leaders and would "sign any paper they demand".

"He even misled his own Cabinet by signing the PM SHRI scheme without informing ministers," he said.

Satheesan said that the entire country is aware that Rahul is leading an uncompromising fight against what he termed a "fascist, autocratic and communal" Narendra Modi government.

"I want to ask Vijayan whether the ED questioning Sonia Gandhi and Rahul for 55 hours was part of any deal. You may get into their good books and come out of cases, but such accusations should not be made against Rahul," he said.
Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

IMAGE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2026. Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Key Points The White House has dismissed reports of Iran peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said no talks are official unless formally announced.

The US denied any change in Vice President J D Vance's role, calling him central to decision-making.

Reports suggest Iran prefers engaging with Vance over other US negotiators.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday dismissed reports of possible peace talks with Iran in Pakistan as 'speculation'.

Speaking at a media briefing, Leavitt said nothing should be considered official unless announced by the White House.

"I've seen that speculation. Nothing is official until it is announced by this White House. We aren't going to get ahead of ourselves," she said.

Iran prefers to engage with J D Vance

Responding to a question on US Vice President J D Vance's reported increased involvement in the Iran conflict, Leavitt said his role has remained consistent.

"Nothing has changed. The Vice President has always been a key member of the national security team and the President's right-hand man. He was instrumental in the 12-day war negotiations and the ceasefire in Gaza. Any reporting suggesting otherwise is false," she said.

Meanwhile, Iranian representatives have conveyed to the administration of Donald Trump that they are unwilling to resume talks with the United States special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vance, CNN reported, citing sources.

Asked about a 'very big present' allegedly given by Iran to the US President -- possibly referring to an oil tanker carrying two million barrels that passed through the Strait of Hormuz -- Leavitt said the President would address the matter 'at the appropriate time'.

Meeting objectives 'expeditiously': WH

On reports that Iraq plans to protest an attack on a military clinic that killed seven soldiers, and whether the US was responsible, Leavitt said she would need to consult the Pentagon.

Responding to remarks by House Speaker Mike Johnson that the conflict is 'wrapping up', even as troops are being deployed, Leavitt said the US is meeting its objectives 'expeditiously'.

She added that troop movements are best addressed by the Pentagon.

The US has ordered the deployment of around 2,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a Department of Defence official told Al Jazeera.

The deployment includes commanders and logistical support elements from the division's 1st Combat Brigade.
An undertrial prisoner in Jharkhand's Pakur district has died by suicide in jail, leading to a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and the potential causes.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points An undertrial prisoner, Sanjhali Hembrom, was found dead in a bathroom at the Pakur divisional jail in Jharkhand.

Police are investigating the suicide of the woman, who was accused of murdering her husband.

The woman was arrested in connection with her husband's murder, which allegedly occurred earlier this year.

Authorities are working to determine the reasons behind the undertrial prisoner's suicide in the Pakur jail.

A woman undertrial prisoner hanged herself inside a bathroom at the divisional jail in Jharkhand's Pakur district on Thursday evening, an official said.

"The woman attempted suicide inside the bathroom of the divisional jail. She was taken to Sadar Hospital where doctors pronounced her dead," Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar said.

SP Nidhi Dwivedi identified the deceased as Sanjhali Hembrom, a resident of Kolajora within Pakur Town police station limits.

She had been lodged in jail in connection with the murder of her husband, Jhandu Hansda, earlier this year.

"We are investigating the case, and further details, including the reason behind the incident, will be ascertained," Dwivedi told PTI.

According to police, Hembrom was arrested after allegedly killing her husband by hitting him with a stick.

A case in this connection was registered at Pakur Town police station on February 17, 2026.
JERUSALEM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military killed the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, in an overnight airstrike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed in a statement.

Speaking in a video statement from the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Katz said the attack also killed other senior Navy officials.

He said the attack was "an expression of aid" to the United States in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Tangsiri was "directly responsible for the naval mine attack and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz," according to Katz.

Earlier in the day, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news, citing an Israeli official, said Tangsiri was killed in an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian naval base in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The Iranian side has not commented on the claim yet.

On Tuesday, Tangsiri wrote on social media platform X that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz must fully coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities. He said IRGC naval forces had blocked a foreign container ship, identified as the "SELEN," after it failed to comply with required protocols and obtain a transit permit.

The development came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting Feb. 28 that targeted Tehran and other cities, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. targets in the region. 
BRATTLEBORO  Now medicated and seeking to avoid any more legal trouble, a local man accused of trying to light an incendiary device during a protest in Brattleboro in December and other crimes will be released.

Judge Michael Kainen lifted a hold without bail order to allow family of Oscar Whelan, 43, to bring him to Connecticut, where he has family he can stay with. His conditions of release require him to reside in New Haven County, Conn., and not return to Windham County except for court, take his medications and not possess any dangerous or deadly weapons including destructive devices.

A family member, who appeared in court as a witness at a weight of the evidence hearing on Monday, recounted Whelan starting to have psychotic episodes around the time of his father's death in 2019.

"I think the grief had a lot to do with it," she said.

Whelan would have "manic episodes and then be hospitalized a number of times," the witness said, "and there's been some stable periods in that time as well."

"But obviously, more recently, he had another one," she said.

The witness said she thinks Whelan was arrested back around 2012 for something to do with the Occupy Wall Street movement but does not believe he was convicted.

She recounted Whelan being helpful and caring after the birth of her baby, which involved some complications. In October, she said, she no longer felt comfortable inviting him to her house but they stayed in contact.

Now, they are talking on a daily basis.

"It's been hard but I think that he's doing a lot better taking the medication that he's been on," the witness said. "And it seems that he's been pretty stable the whole time he's been incarcerated."

Whelan is taking antipsychotic medications, the witness said.

"He's shared with me differences that he's noticed in himself, including recognizing past behaviors as having to do with a psychosis or unshared reality," the witness said. "And that feels very positive to me."

Whelan is planning to stay on his medication and find a job as soon as possible, the witness said. He has been looking at some listings in Connecticut, she said.

Protest firebomb suspect held on $2,500 bail BRATTLEBORO  A local man is being held on a $2,500 bond after he was accused of trying to 

According to information from the Brattleboro Police Department and the Vermont Department of Corrections, on Dec. 6, 2025, Whelan pulled up in his vehicle to a protest on Main Street and tried to light something on fire in his vehicle. The protest at Pliny Park was part of a national day of action with the theme "No war on Venezuela, no more murders on the high seas." Witnesses told police that the driver sat in his vehicle in front of the protesters trying to light something coming out of what appeared to be a bottle.

After traffic behind the Whelans vehicle started honking and going around the suspect, police said, he stopped what he was doing and drove off.

On Dec. 9, a few days after the BPD began an investigation into the alleged attempted firebombing, police received a complaint that Whelan had received firearm ammunition in the mail, a violation of conditions of his release for October incidents at the Brattleboro Food Co-op and the Windham County Courthouse in Brattleboro.

During a search of Whelans Williston Street apartment, officers found a 9mm handgun and four boxes of 50 brass case centerfire 9mm 124 grain full metal jacket cartridges. In Whelans car were camouflage body armor, a metal baton, two fixed blade knives, six magazines for a .22 caliber rifle, a significant amount of .22 caliber ammunition, and a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson MP15 rifle, as well as a hatchet, pepper spray and ammunition in the cup holder. The weapons and the ammunition were confiscated.

Whelan was taken into custody on Jan. 13 for violations of conditions of release for a pending criminal matter. He had been charged with aggravated disorderly conduct after an incident last October when he reportedly attempted to pry open the doors after the closing of the Brattleboro Food Co-op. He reportedly threatened a Co-op employee during the incident.

And according to information filed by Windham County Sheriff's Deputy David Whittle, on Oct. 20, 2025, Whelan came to the courthouse with a folding knife, which was confiscated at the door, and then took objection when court officers told him to empty his pockets of lighters and keys. Whelan then went to the court clerks office, where he continued to make a disturbance, wrote Whittle.

When Whelan was escorted out he knocked over a trash can and threatened the court officers.

His last remark was You better start wearing level 4 armor, wrote Whittle.

Whelan was charged with bringing a weapon to court, criminal threatening and disorderly conduct.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 43F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
From a small fishing town to a global platform -- Boao's transformation is incredible. As the Boao Forum for Asia marks its 25th anniversary, the town continues to grow alongside it, reflecting China's journey of opening up. Follow us for a closer look!
OpenAI has discontinued its AI video generation platform Sora. The company announced the development in a sudden and unexpected post on X, stating that it was saying goodbye to the Sora app.

Were saying goodbye to the Sora app. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you. What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing, the official handle posted.

The development comes just a day after the company published a blog post highlighting how safety was being built into Sora from the very start.

Sora was first showcased as an initial preview in February 2024, followed by its first public release in December that year. However, it was only with the launch of Sora 2 and the standalone app in September 2025 that the video generator gained widespread traction. In December 2025, The Walt Disney Company announced plans for a US$1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and to license characters from Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel for the Sora AI video generator as part of a three-year partnership.

As we focus and compute demand grows, the Sora research team continues to focus on world simulation research to advance robotics that will help people solve real-world, physical tasks, an OpenAI spokesperson said.

With Sora now discontinued, the company said it will continue to focus on its roadmap to AGI and the compute needed to deliver agentic AI capabilities. The company said exiting Sora was part of a tradeoff in how it applies compute across research, product launches, and inference. It said it is prioritising the highest-value uses that best advance its mission.

Enterprise becomes priority

The discontinuation of Sora is being widely interpreted as an indication that OpenAI is doubling down on enterprise customers, where spending is more predictable and long-term contracts offer greater stability.

The tools like Sora are extremely resource-heavy because of the way they are designed. So, it is also partly because of economics. It is difficult to sustain a product when it is expensive to run and does not have a clear pathway for significant monetisation, said Devroop Dhar, co-founder and CEO at Primus Partners. It is a lot of companies job to balance many different bets, and not all of their experimental projects are going to make it into long-term investments. This is more of reprioritisation than it is failure.
WASHINGTONWidespread protests in Tibet this year alerted Chinese authorities and the world to simmering resentment of Chinese rule in the region.

Now, a new film, Fire Under the Snow, sheds light on these tensions by looking at the life of an elderly Buddhist monk, Palden Gyatso, who survived years of torture and abuse in Chinese prisons in Tibet .

The film is scheduled for release early next year and will be distributed by Argot Pictures. Screenings will take place in New York and Los Angeles throughout August.

When I was in university, I heard the story of the monk who was in prison for 33 years and survived torture and atrocities, director Makoto Sasa said in an interview.

His story stayed with me for such a long time, said Sasa, who moved in 1998 from Japan to New York, where she received an M.A. in Media Studies from the New School University.

Three and a half years ago, Sasa went to Dharamsala, Indiaseat of the Tibetan government-in-exile where she met Palden Gyatso and began to shoot her film. She was moved by what she learned of the experiences of the Tibetan people as her work on the film continued .

What moved me, first, was the Tibetan peoples determination  how they carry themselves, how proud they are of their country and culture, she said.

Sasa said she hopes that audiences will be inspired by her film to do something for Tibet, and that they will become more aware of what is happening in the region.

Shared experiences

Palden Gyatso's life as told in Fire Under the Snow reflects experiences shared by thousands of Tibetans during the period following China's invasion of Tibet in 1950.

Born in 1933 in the Tibetan village of Panam near Shigatse, Palden Gyatso became a monk at the age of ten and later studied at Drepung monastery outside the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. He was arrested in 1959 for resisting Chinas occupation and spent three decades in prisons and labor camps, where he endured beatings, torture, and starvation.

He was labeled unrepentant by his jailers and kept in shackles for years.

In 1990, following his continued efforts to call for Tibetan independence, Palden Gyatso was transferred from a work camp to Drapchi prison in Lhasa. At Drapchi, a prison officer shoved an electric shock baton into his mouth and down his throat, knocking him unconscious and shattering his teeth.

Palden Gyatso was finally released in 1995 at age 61 and escaped to India. He was offered a place in a monastery but chose instead to continue his activism on behalf of Tibet.

In 2006, Palden Gyatso, now in his 70s, spent thirteen days on hunger strike in Turin, Italy, to protest the International Olympic Committees selection of China to host the 2008 Summer Games.

The reason I am unable to rest, Palden Gyatso says in the film, is that so many Tibetans have died unjustly.

Conflicting positions

Makoto Sasa said that she, too, opposes the decision to hold the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

It is absolutely outrageous, Sasa said, that the 2008 Summer Games were awarded to Beijing in spite of its human rights record.

Usually, I like to watch the Olympics, but I wont watch these, she said.

Tibet expert Elliot Sperling said this position is shared by many in the Tibetan exile community.

Tibets exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has publicly supported the Beijing Games, though, and has prayed for their success, said Sperling, author of the East-West Center policy study The Tibet/China Conflict.

Sperling said that exiled Tibetans are more vocal now in calling for Tibets independencea position at odds with that of the Dalai Lama, who has said that he wants only meaningful autonomy for Tibet as a part of China.

It really has reached the point where there is a big contradiction between sentiment in the exile community and the policies and actions of the Dalai Lama, Sperling said.

The ability to venerate the Dalai Lama but not to accept his policies, thats been there for a long time.

Disturbing situation

Counting the number of Tibetans currently detained for peaceful political protest in the Tibet Autonomous Region and Tibetan-populated areas of western China is impossible, Steve Marshall, prisoner database program director for the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said.

It would be more than 1,000, Marshall said. But whether its 1,000, 2,000, 3,000I dont think anybody has, first of all, adequate [information] to begin to put a shape on that.

Following protests by Tibetans throughout the region beginning in March, Marshall said, detention centers are likely overcrowded, and the jailers, the entire security establishment, are very angry at the protesters.

And at least anecdotally, we are seeing lots of referencesvery few detailed accounts, but referencesto severe beatings [and] uses of electric batons, he said.

The seeds are really sown here for what in the future could become an even larger and more serious confrontation, Marshall said. And none of the measures the Chinese are taking, none of them, are likely to mitigate this.

Its a very disturbing situation.

Original reporting by Richard Finney in Washington. Edited and produced in English by Sarah Jackson-Han.
Israeli security and rescue forces work at the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, March 26, 2026. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service.

The country's Fire and Rescue Services reported three impacts across the city, one of which caused damage to local gas infrastructure.

Israel said the attack was the most recent of dozens of rockets and several drones fired by Hezbollah since the morning hours.

Earlier in the day, Magen David Adom said at least one direct hit was reported regarding the Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel, while fragments fell in several locations, including Tel Aviv, wounding at least eight people and damaging buildings.

Hezbollah entered the confrontation on March 2 by launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024, prompting Israel to carry out an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country. 

A member of Israeli security and rescue force works at the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, March 26, 2026. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli security and rescue forces work at the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, March 26, 2026. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)

A member of Israeli security and rescue force works at the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, March 26, 2026. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows the site of a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel. A man was killed and another severely injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit the city of Nahariya in northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. (JINI via Xinhua)
Kyrgyz officials often tout booming trade with neighboring China, but Beijing and Bishkek sharply disagree on the scale of that commerce, according to an analysis of official data by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.

China accounts for roughly one-third of Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade and nearly 40 percent of its imports, underscoring deep economic dependence. But there is a widening gap between the two countries' official statistics, highlighting a transparency problem likely to persist.

Chinese customs data show bilateral trade reaching $27.2 billion in 2025. Kyrgyzstan's figures put it at just $4.97 billion -- a gap of nearly $23 billion, or more than 5 1/2 times lower. The discrepancy also appears to be growing year over year, with the gap in trade statistics sitting at $17.1 billion in 2024.

The widening gap is drawing scrutiny from analysts and policymakers, who say it reflects structural weaknesses in customs accounting, transit oversight, and potential corruption along a key Central Asian trade corridor.

The gap has not stopped senior Kyrgyz officials, including President Sadyr Japarov, from citing the higher figures.

"We are seeing an eightfold increase in trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and China in recent years," Japarov said during a speech at the Central Asia-China summit in Astana in June 2025. "Last year, our trade turnover reached a record high of $23 billion."

A Tale Of Two Numbers

Kyrgyz customs officials say the explanation is largely methodological.

China records all goods shipped toward Kyrgyzstan as exports, including those that merely transit the country on their way to third markets such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. Kyrgyzstan, by contrast, counts only goods intended for domestic consumption.

"China includes all goods sent to or through Kyrgyzstan, while we account only for imports consumed domestically," Almaz Akynbekov, deputy head of the revenue department at Kyrgyzstan's State Customs Service, told RFE/RL.

He added that transit volumes are significant, with total Chinese goods passing through Kyrgyzstan estimated at 4.5 billion tons annually.

Additional discrepancies stem from unrecorded e-commerce imports, simplified customs procedures for individual buyers, and goods that enter via neighboring Kazakhstan without ever being formally registered in Kyrgyzstan.

But traders and logistics specialists say methodology explains only part of the gap.

Kyrgyzstan plays a leading role as a transit hub for Chinese goods entering Central Asia, particularly through major crossings such as Torugart and Irkeshtam, leading to a booming re-export trade and growing illicit activity.

Chinese exports accounted for more than 80 percent of total trade between the two countries in 2025, creating more room for discrepancies to widen.

Aibek Sarygul, a businessman working in cross-border cargo transport, describes widespread informal practices in shipments from Chinese manufacturing hubs such as Guangzhou and Yiwu to Kyrgyzstan's Dordoi market, one of Central Asia's largest wholesale bazaars.

"In many cases, there are no proper invoices," he told RFE/RL. '"Chinese export companies handle documentation themselves, but details such as prices and product lists are often unclear or incomplete."

Corruption And The Cost Of Opacity

The discrepancy has drawn scrutiny over the scale of underreporting and customs fraud in China-Kyrgyz trade.

Experts and officials say importers often undervalue goods or misclassify them to reduce customs duties.

In 2023, authorities exposed a corruption network involving customs officials and private companies that falsely registered Chinese goods as transit shipments bound for Uzbekistan. In reality, the goods were unloaded and sold within Kyrgyzstan without paying duties. The scheme reportedly caused damages of around 1 billion soms, or roughly $11.4 million, and led to multiple arrests.

Similar incidents were reported in 2024, including the seizure of smuggled excise stamps and falsified customs documents linked to shipments destined for Uzbekistan.

Asel Moldalieva, vice president of the Kyrgyz-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said such practices often involve brokerage firms responsible for customs clearance.

"Some companies manipulate product codes or declare lower prices," she told RFE/RL. "For example, goods worth $3,000 may be declared as $500, avoiding thousands of dollars in taxes."

Customs officials acknowledge irregularities but say they are limited and enforcement is ongoing.

Akynbekov from the State Customs Service said Kyrgyz authorities are working to harmonize statistical methods with China and improve transparency, though no timeline has been provided.

The issue is not unique to Kyrgyzstan. Other Central Asian countries also report discrepancies with China, though at smaller levels.

In 2025, the gap between Kazakhstan's and China's reported trade volumes stood at around 43 percent, with Kazakh customs estimating trade with China at $34.1 billion and Chinese customs showing it at $48.7 billion.
Caught in the cross fire of the United States and Israel's war with Iran, America's allies in the Persian Gulf face a stark choice: maintain their defensive posture or join the fight against the Islamic republic.

Iran has fired thousands of drones and missiles at US military and diplomatic facilities and damaged key energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait since the war began on February 28. By choking off the Strait of Hormuz, a major artery for global oil and gas supplies, Tehran has also robbed its Arab neighbors of their key exports.

Facing what they consider to be an existential threat, Saudi Arabia and the UAE -- the Gulf's largest economies and military powers -- are considering a shift to a more offensive posture, according to media reports, a move experts say could expose them to even harsher Iranian retaliation.

Experts say Saudi Arabia and the UAE are unlikely to join the war directly but could expand their logistical support to the United States and put economic pressure on Iran.

"In practice, 'joining the war' would most likely mean greater access for US forces to bases and airspace, tougher enforcement against Iranian commercial and financial networks in the Gulf, and tightly limited defensive military actions -- not an open-ended bombing campaign on Iran," said Christopher Davidson, a scholar of Middle East politics and a fellow at Durham University in the United Kingdom.

'Blackmailed' By Iran

That already appears to be under way. Riyadh recently agreed to allow US forces to use the King Fahd air base, located near the Red Sea in the southwest of the kingdom, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 23.

That would mark a significant shift. Saudi Arabia, like its Arab neighbors, had pledged that its airspace and military facilities would not be used to attack Iran.

Iran has accused the Gulf states, many of which house US military bases, of aiding the American war effort. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on March 25 there was "evidence that shows that services were provided to the Americans by regional countries."

Riyadh ordered the expulsion of Iran's military attache and four embassy staff on March 21, citing what it called continued Iranian attacks on Saudi territory.

Days earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told reporters that the country's "patience with Iranian attacks is not unlimited." He added: "Any belief that Gulf countries are incapable of responding is a miscalculation."

In the past three weeks, Iranian drones and missiles have targeted key oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter of oil. Iran has also struck the US Embassy in Riyadh.

The UAE, meanwhile, has cracked down on Iranian-linked institutions in recent weeks, closing a hospital, a social club, and several schools.

Last week, the UAE closed the Iranian Hospital, a state-affiliated health facility in Dubai. Employing around 700 people and run by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the hospital was one of the oldest health facilities in the country.

In the harshest criticism to come out of the UAE, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a tweet on March 22 that the country would not be "blackmailed by terrorists," in what appeared to be a reference to Iran.

His comment came in reply to former French Ambassador to the US Gerard Araud, who criticized remarks by UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, who said Abu Dhabi's focus should not be on reaching a cease-fire with Tehran but curbing Iran's "nuclear threat, missiles, drones, and the intimidation of maritime straits."

Iranian drones and missiles have also wreaked havoc in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, damaging oil and gas facilities and causing power blackouts. The United States and Israel, too, have hit Iran's civilian infrastructure, including oil depots and a desalination plant.

'Very Vulnerable' To Counterattacks

Despite the escalatory rhetoric, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are unlikely to risk entering a direct military confrontation with Iran, experts say.

"Both countries have infrastructure which is very vulnerable to Iranian attack -- power plants, desalination plants, and residential tower blocks," said Simon Henderson, director of the Gulf and Energy Policy program at the Washington Institute For Near East Policy.

"Both also have minority Shi'ite Muslim communities with a pro-Iran affinity," he added. "Getting more involved in the war will only worsen their predicament."

If the Islamic republic survives the war with the United States and Israel, the Gulf states will confront a more emboldened and radical Iran, experts say. But if there is regime collapse, it could unleash chaos and spill over into the region.

The best-case scenario for the Gulf states is not regime change but "mostly indirect, carefully calibrated support to the US, which restores deterrence against Iran, deepens security ties with Washington, and constrains Iranian leverage without triggering major escalation on Gulf oil," said Davidson.

"The worst-case outcome is that deeper, especially offensive, involvement by Saudi Arabia or the UAE helps fuel a cycle of Iranian and proxy attacks that damage energy facilities, disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, scare off investment, and drags them into a long, expensive regional war," he added.
Media reports emerged this week of the Trump administration quietly exploring conservative parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as a potential negotiating partner -- and possibly a future Iranian leader.

Washington, which has not confirmed the reports carried by CNN, Politico, and Fox News among other outlets, has been seeking a point of contact for negotiations ever since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.

Khamenei's son has been named as a successor, but he hasn't been seen since the day his father died and was reportedly also injured in the attack.

Enter talk of Qalibaf as the person reportedly seen by at least some in the White House as a workable partner.

The 64-year-old has flatly denied the rumors, posting on X that "no negotiations have been held with the US" while calling the claims "fake news" designed to manipulate financial and oil markets.

Whether or not back-channel contacts exist, his emergence as the most visible senior figure in a system experiencing a structural breakdown of decision-making authority has made him, for the first time in a career of near-misses, the man that matters.

Qalibaf is a conservative politician and former military commander who spent decades cultivating ties to Iran's supreme leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), only to find himself -- after a career overshadowed by corruption scandals and failed presidential bids -- as arguably the most powerful figure left standing in the Islamic republic.

Born in 1961, Qalibaf joined the IRGC at 18 and rose through the ranks during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War to become a unit commander. He later served as commander of the IRGC's Air Force (before it was renamed Aerospace Force), a post handed to him directly by then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- a sign of the trust that would define his political trajectory for the next three decades.

Crackdowns And Corruption

That trust manifested early and violently. In 1999, Qalibaf was among the IRGC commanders who co-signed a letter warning reformist President Mohammad Khatami that student protests threatened national security and could force the IRGC to intervene unilaterally.

In 2000, Khamenei appointed the then-39-year-old as head of Iran's national police force. His tenure as police chief was marked by brutality: A leaked recording later revealed him boasting about ordering gunfire used against student demonstrators during the 2003 protests and personally beating up students in the 1999 crackdown.

In 2005, Qalibaf quit the police force and entered electoral politics, finishing a distant fourth in that year's presidential race. But the election of populist Mahmud Ahmadinejad opened the Tehran mayor's office, which Qalibaf secured.

He went on to become the longest-serving mayor in Tehran's history, remaining in office until 2017. His tenure oversaw the expansion of the city's subway system and the construction of major high-rise developments. But it was also plagued by corruption allegations, including a 2022 expose by RFE/RL's Radio Farda revealing Qalibaf had offered to cover up millions of dollars missing from an IRGC-affiliated foundation.

Qalibaf fortified his hard-line reputation at the start of this year when security forces launched a deadly crackdown -- thousands of Iranians died in unrest sparked by the country's poor living conditions.

In a live broadcast at a parliament session during the upheaval, Qalibaf applauded police and the IRGC, especially its Basij paramilitary forces, for having "stood firm" in what he called a "war against terrorists."

German-based political analyst Hossein Razzaq notes that Qalibaf's entanglements are not simply a liability; the Islamic republic has historically relied on figures compromised by corruption precisely because their financial interests are "bound to the system's survival."

Qalibaf made further presidential runs in 2013, finishing second, and in 2017, when he dropped out and endorsed hard-liner Ebrahim Raisi.

Razzaq describes these candidacies, particularly the 2017 withdrawal, as part of a pattern of loyalty-signaling to the supreme leadership rather than genuine bids for power. The pattern repeated in the June 2024 snap election following Raisi's death, when Qalibaf ran a fourth time and lost to reformist Masud Pezeshkian.

In 2020, after running for parliament in elections that saw the mass disqualification of moderate and reformist candidates, Qalibaf finished first in Tehran and was elected speaker by his fellow lawmakers. Under his speakership, parliament passed a bill accelerating Iran's nuclear program expansion.

Close To Supreme Leader's Office

A significant thread running through Qalibaf's career is his closeness to Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son, a relationship that became visible in the 1980s and grew more consequential over time. In successive presidential elections, signs of support from Mojtaba's inner circle and sections of the IRGC aligned with him repeatedly surfaced around Qalibaf's candidacies.

That relationship has taken on new significance in the context of war, in particular after Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in the opening US-Israeli strikes.

The decapitation of Iran's senior leadership -- which also killed the IRGC commander-in-chief, the defense minister, the armed forces chief of staff, and numerous other senior figures -- created an acute crisis of political authority.

Mojtaba Khamenei was named as the new supreme leader but has maintained a total public absence, with no images, no voice recordings, and only a handful of written statements attributed to him, fueling contradictory accounts even about his physical condition.

Into that vacuum, Qalibaf has stepped with growing visibility. With Ali Larijani -- who had taken charge of political management after Ali Khamenei's death -- killed in an Israeli strike on March 17, Qalibaf has emerged as the single most prominent and trusted figure connecting Iran's political, security, and clerical power centers.

Razzaq described Qalibaf as having always been "the approved piece of the beit [the household and inner circle of the supreme leader]," adding that with key figures eliminated, "the role he plays for the system has become more prominent."
Continuing US-Israeli air strikes have left parts of Tehran in rubble and the nerves of many in the capital frayed.

As the war nears the one-month mark, US Central Command (CENTCOM) says over 10,000 targets have been struck across Iran. According to the US-based human rights group HRANA, at least 1,464 civilians -- including at least 217 children -- have been killed in Iran since fighting began on February 28.

RFE/RL's Radio Farda gathered testimonies from Iranian civilians about daily life amid the air strikes. Reaching ordinary Iranians remains very difficult amid the Iranian government's ongoing Internet blackout, which has now lasted more than 600 hours.

One Tehran man says that while trauma and anxiety in the current situation are universal, he holds out hope for the prospect of what he calls "final victory" -- the moment, he says, when Iranians, rather than the current leadership, have the upper hand.

He does not believe in diplomacy: "Peace and all that? That's a pipe dream. You answer slaps and punches with bullets and bombs."

Another resident says she felt a moment of relief when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials were killed on February 28, but then she learned that dozens of schoolchildren in Minab had died in an air strike on the same day.

"The country is being destroyed," she writes. "The only thing I want is for the war to end. These horrible sounds of explosions and this anxiety we're living with are no longer bearable."

While air strikes by all sides continue -- Iran has launched daily barrages of missiles and drones at Israel and targets around the Middle East -- Washington and Tehran have begun to exchange proposals through intermediaries that Washington says could lead to talks.

The United States is pressing Iran to surrender its enriched uranium and curb its missile program, among other things; Iran is demanding reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The gap between those positions remains wide.

A common worry was expressed by one Tehran woman: What happens if the regime manages to stay in place?

"I'm worried that after the war, they'll become more savage and execute young people," she writes. "They executed three people in the middle of the war."

After every explosion, a woman in her 40s who contacted RFE/RL from Tehran reaches for her phone to check whether friends and family are still alive. "We genuinely don't know if we'll be alive tomorrow, or even in the next hour."

"I think even those who wished for America and Israel to attack didn't know what war was," one mother writes.
As the uncertainty surrounding indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran intensifies, air strikes on Iran, Israel, and surrounding states also continued -- "business as usual," as one Israeli military official called it on March 25.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon, while not acknowledging media reports of shortages, said it had struck deals with several US defense contractors to bolster stocks of munitions, including parts for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors being widely used in the Middle East war.

It came as the White House said President Donald Trump was prepared to "unleash hell" on Iran if it doesn't accept his deal to end the war, while Tehran said it did not intend to negotiate.

In comments to Republican lawmakers late on March 25, Trump insisted Tehran was taking part in peace talks despite negotiators' denials.

"They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Trump said.

Also looming is an ultimatum set by Trump for Iran to "fully open" the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions have created a bottleneck in the crucial oil transit waterway. On March 21, Trump set a 48-hour deadline but extended it the next day for five days.

The details of the latest US peace proposal -- reported by media outlets citing unnamed sources on March 24 and delivered to Iran by way of Pakistan -- have not been made public.

The terms, however, are widely believed to be similar in many respects to proposals made before the conflict began with Israeli and US air strikes on February 28.

No Nukes

The single most important US demand is one that Trump has repeatedly stated. He says Tehran has agreed to it.

"Theyd like to make a deal," Trump told reporters on March 24. "They've agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon."

Iran's response, delivered via Iranian state TV on March 25, said the US conditions were excessive and Tehran will end the war when it chooses and if its conditions are met.

Still, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi suggested senior officials were reviewing US proposals, seemingly indicating no outright rejection so far.

The United States "put forward ideas in their messages that were conveyed to top [Iranian] authorities, and if necessary, a position will be announced by them," Araqchi said.

Araqchi rejected the notion that Iran has been defeated, asserting the US administration had failed to achieve its war goals.

Iran's conditions include a cessation of hostilities on all regional fronts and against all "resistance groups" -- an implicit reference to the Tehran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah.

Tehran also wants international recognition and guarantees of Iran's rights to exercise its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

"At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance," he said, adding: "We do not intend to negotiate."

Officially, the White House was not commenting on the media reports on the specifics of the proposed peace plan.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said she had seen reports of a 15-point plan. "The White House never confirmed that full plan," she said.

"I would caution reporters in this room from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources," she added.

She added, though, that diplomatic contacts continue. "They are productive, as the president said on [March 23], and they continue to be."

The back-and-forth discourse came as additional US forces -- including the elite 82nd Airborne Division -- were reportedly on the way to the Middle East to bolster American forces and provide US political and military leaders with additional options.

On the battlefront, violence continued with -- along with Iran and Israel -- targets in Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia came under attack.

Russia Sending Drones, Civilian Supplies: FT

Amid reports of armament shortages in the Iranian military and civilian sectors, the Financial Times reported that Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine, and food to Iran. The paper cited Western intelligence reports that detail the Kremlin's effort to keep its ally afloat.

The report said processing of deliveries began early this month and was expected to be completed within the next few days.

US Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command -- responsible for American forces in the Middle East -- said US air strikes have hit two-thirds of Iran's production facilities for missiles and drones and a similar proportion of its naval production.

In a video posted on X, he said some 92 percent of the Iranian Navy's largest vessels had been damaged or destroyed.

"And my operational assessment is that they've now lost the ability to meaningfully project naval power and influence around the region and around the world." Cooper said.

Tehran Under Attack

Israel said it struck at the heart of the capital, Tehran, and targeted a submarine development facility in the central city of Isfahan.

AFP quoted witnesses inside Tehran as saying there is "gasoline, water, and electricity. But there is a sense of helplessness in all of us. We don't know what to do and there's really nothing we can do."

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's forces were expanding a "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon as the military pressed ahead with its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"We have created a genuine security zone preventing any infiltration toward Galilee and the northern border," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

"We are expanding this zone to push the threat from anti-tank missiles further away and to establish a broader buffer zone."

When asked if Israel had adjusted its war effort after Trump said peace talks were under way, he said it was "pretty much business as usual."

Amid it all, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the war was "out of control." He said he has appointed a special envoy to work toward the ending of the conflict, French diplomat Jean Arnault.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, The Financial Times, and AFP
US President Donald Trump postponed threatened attacks on Iranian power plants for a second time, apparently giving Tehran 10 more days to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, and said talks on ending the war were going "very well."

Trump announced the postponement in a March 26 social media post that followed a series of public warnings that Iran had better free up the crucial waterway and comply with US conditions "before it is too late."

As per Iranian Government requestI am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time, (2 a.m. CET on April 7) he wrote on his platform, Truth Social.

On March 21, Trump said the United States would "obliterate" Iran's power plants if Tehran did not open the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas transport channel that Iran has effectively blocked to most traffic amid the war with the United States and Israel, within 48 hours. He later extended the deadline to March 27.

Senior Iranian officials have denied Tehran is in negotiations with Washington, but Iran said on March 25 that it was reviewing a 15-point US proposal and put forward what it said were five conditions that needed to be met in order for the conflict to end.

"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well," Trump said in the Truth Social post on March 26.

In a post earlier in the day, Trump said Iranian negotiators "better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!"

"They are 'begging' us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only 'looking at our proposal,'" he wrote.

During a cabinet meeting at the White House, he said Iran has a chance "to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forward. We'll see if they want to do it. If they don't, we're their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we'll just keep blowing them away."

The details of the US plan have not been disclosed, but Western media have widely reported the proposal included some of the key demands Washington has been pushing for since before the current conflict began with US-Israeli air strikes against Iran on February 28.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the United States had sent Iran a "15-point action list."

Speaking to reporters during the cabinet meeting, he suggested the diplomacy could be successful "if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction."

"We have strong signs that this is a possibility," Witkoff said. He said Pakistan had acted as a mediator, confirming statements by Pakistani officials.

While the US plan reportedly suggested dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities, limiting its missile capabilities, and ending its support for regional proxy forces, it was also thought to include some new elements, such as ones concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which has all but shut after several vessels were struck by Iran.

Iran has responded sharply, saying the US conditions were excessive and that it will end the war when it chooses and if its conditions are met. Tehran insisted on its right to freely develop its ballistic missile program and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 26, a senior Iranian official reportedly told Reuters that Tehran sees the 15-point plan as only serving the interests of the United States and Israel, calling it "one-sided and unfair."

A day earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters there were "elements of truth" in the media reports but did not confirm any details.

She also suggested Trump will consider wider strikes on Iran if Tehran fails to "understand that they have been defeated militarily."

On March 26, US-based news outlet Axios cited two US officials and additional sources who said the US military is preparing a range of options for a potential "final blow" against Iran.

According to the report, possible scenarios included a US invasion or blockade of Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, as well as an invasion of Larak Island, which plays a key role in Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A key oil and gas transit route, the Strait of Hormuz has became a central issue of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Shipping in the waterway -- a major artery for global oil and gas supplies -- has ground to a virtual halt due to Iranian strikes on some vessels and threats of more from Tehran.

During a press conference at the White House on March 26, Trump said he believed Tehran was seeking negotiations because of its "present" to the United States, which he said allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has said ships from "non-hostile" nations would have clear passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have not specified which countries that includes, though vessels from Malaysia and Pakistan have reportedly been allowed passage.

Even if some ships are allowed through, the overall uncertainty, however, for shipping traffic has made it impossible to secure insurance, effectively blocking them using the

Separately, Trump has been pushing US allies to help the United States open the vital waterway. Several European countries said they were willing to consider helping once the conflict had ended, while others outright rejected the request, which came with no specifics.

On March 26, Trump criticized his NATO allies for not helping the United States in the campaign, adding that "the USA needs nothing from NATO."

"NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran," he wrote using all capital letters.

Speaking to Fox News last weekend, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he understood Trump's frustration, adding the alliance was looking to work on the issue together with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

At his annual remarks on March 26, Rutte did not mention the Strait of Hormuz but warned of Iran's ties with Russia.

He also reiterated that US weapon deliveries to Ukraine paid by Kyiv's European allies were "critical" as global attention has vastly shifted from Moscow's invasion to the conflict in the Middle East.

With reporting by Axios, Reuters, and Fox News
A Russian court has banned the Oscar-winning documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin, a documentary about wartime propaganda in a Russian provincial school that officials claim promotes extremism and anti-government sentiment.

Independent media website Mediazona reported the decision on March 26, noting Russian prosecutors called for the ban claiming the documentary "propagates extremism and terrorism."

Authorities in Russia have criticized the movie's content saying it conveys a "negative attitude toward the special military operation and the current government." Special military is how officials are instructed to refer to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Directed by David Borenstein and teacher Pavel Talankin, the film follows Talankin in his job at a school in the poor mining town of Karabash in the Chelyabinsk region.

Backed by two years of footage shot by Talankin, the film shows how the Russian government indoctrinates students with pro-war messages.

According to prosecutors, the film also features the white-blue-white flag, which Russian officials associate with the "Freedom of Russia" Legion, that is fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against occupying Russian troops, and includes footage of children shown without parental consent.

They also requested that the court ban the film on video platforms such as VK Video, Yandex.kz, and Motion Video, for an "unspecified group of people."

Talankin fled Russia in the summer of 2024 with the hard drives containing what would become the documentary feature.

The film premiered on January 25 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received a special jury award.

Mr. Nobody Against Putin won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature on March 15.
The Russian attack began in the early hours of March 19, in the leafless tree lines and meadows east and southeast of Lyman: swarms of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and buggies; more than two dozen armored vehicles, hundreds of soldiers, and buzzing drones overhead.

The four-hour attack pushed at seven locations near the Ukrainian city and featured a larger mechanized assault along with so-called infiltration tactics, where lightly armed soldiers try to race past Ukrainian defenses and drones, then dig in and hold on for reinforcements.

According to the Ukraine's Third Army Corps, one of its most battle-hardened fighting units, it was "a large-scale failure." Ukraine's top military officer, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, claimed nearly 5,000 Russian soldiers died between March 18 and 19.

"This is the so-called blitzkrieg attempt: to quickly break through positions, get to the rear and then destroy our defensive lines," said Captain Oleksandr Borodin, a spokesman for the Third Corps.

"It's tough for me to talk strategically about the entire front line. But for us this was the first assault of this sort in over a year," he told RFE/RL's Donbas.Realities.

It's impossible to confirm the specific claims of the Third Corps unit; neither Russia's military nor pro-Kremlin Telegram war bloggers have commented. Open-source researchers have confirmed the broad contours of the attack near Lyman.

It's also unclear whether the assault is the opening foray of a broader Russian spring offensive. Ukrainian civilian and military officials, and outside experts, have mixed conclusions on the question.

One thing is certain: Five springs in, Russia's war against Ukraine rages on.

"The Russians are following the same blueprint as last year," said Konrad Muzyka, a Polish military analyst with Rochan Consulting who traveled to forward positions in Ukraine earlier this month. They "conduct mechanized assaults and see if they work out. They usually don't, almost often they don't, and they move back into infiltration tactics."

"We are expecting to see an increase in Russian ground activity from late March onward, and it will probably increase even further once leaves start popping up on the trees," he said.

"The tempo of combat operations on the front is indeed accelerating due to improving weather conditions," said Viktor Kevlyuk, a military expert with the Center for Defense Strategies, a Kyiv think tank, "primarily the hardening of the ground, better visibility for drones, and the ability to use heavy equipment."

In a video address on March 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 8,000 Russian troops were killed or seriously wounded in the preceding week.

Aside from the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine have markedly escalated their air war against one another in recent days, trading nightly blows with scores of drones -- and Russian missiles -- fired at targets.

A Russian aerial assault on March 24-25 was one of the largest since the start of the all-out invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian authorities said , with nearly 1,000 drones fired in a 24-hour period.

The Guns Of April

For both Russia and Ukraine, warmer spring weather makes it easier to move on the ground. The earth firms up for heavy and light vehicles. Clement weather is better for drone flying, and it's harder for infantry units to hide without tree cover and underbrush.

It also comes as US-brokered peace talks have stalled after months of bilateral and trilateral meetings between Russia, Ukraine, and US negotiators. Observers blame Russia's unyielding demands -- which include Ukraine's withdrawal from the parts of the Donetsk region it still holds -- as well as the US administration's war with Iran, which is now in its fourth week and only intensifying.

The Iran war is welcome in Moscow because it has driven up global energy prices, and Russia has largely funded its four-year assault with oil and gas revenues.

Western sanctions have bitten into that cash flow, but the Middle East tensions have since doubled the value of Moscow's exports to an average $270 million a day, according to Bloomberg -- the most Russia has earned from oil exports since just after the 2022 invasion.

It's also welcome for the Kremlin because US weapons supplies have been central to Ukraine's ability to stay in the fight with Russia, and Washington is now drawing down its arsenals, including Patriot missile defenses, which Ukraine needs desperately.

Over the course of an unusually bitter winter, Russia waged a monthslong drone-and-missile campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure -- power plants, heating plants, transmission grids, substations -- to try and demoralize an already exhausted populace.

On the battlefield, Ukraine's smaller forces -- exhausted, undermanned and underequipped -- continue to hold the bigger, better equipped Russia army to just incremental gains measured in meters, not kilometers.

Ukraine also managed to eke out gains in several locations over the winter, though the advances are too small to result in any decisive change in momentum, analysts said.

In one operation near the Zaporizhzhya region town of Hulyaypole in late January, Muzyka said, Ukrainian forces were able to move more quickly, targeting Russian UAV drone crews and limit Russians' ISR capability in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

"The Ukrainians used a mix of UAV strikes and artillery strikes [and] had a very good understanding of where the Russian UAV crews were. They were able to either kill them, destroy them, or deploy UAVs to keep them in the dugouts, the trenches, unable to move," he said.

Some of the Ukrainian success is also due to Russian troops in February losing access to Starlink, after owner Elon Musk heeded Ukrainian requests to cut off unauthorized terminals widely used by Moscow's forces. The satellite Internet network has been essential not only for communication but also guidance systems for drones.

Lyman, the city that was the focus of the March 19 attack, is located just 30 kilometers northeast of Slovyansk, one of two so-called fortress cities that sit at the heart of Ukraine's defense of the Donetsk region.

The Kremlin has demanded Ukraine give up the remaining territory of the Donetsk region, including Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. Ukraine has refused, fearing in part that Russian control over the two cities would pave the way for a new assault in the future, even after the end of this war.

In the latest round of bilateral talks on March 21-22, US negotiators reportedly pressured Ukraine to agree to withdraw its forces entirely from Donetsk, Ukrainskaya Pravda cited unnamed officials as saying. In a subsequent interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy said the United States was linking the provision of security guarantees to a withdrawal.

The uptick in Russian operations in recent weeks does in fact mean the start of a spring offensive, argued Roman Mykula, co-founder of Deep State, an open-source tracking group with links to the Ukrainian military: near Kostyantynivka, near Hulyaypole, and near Pokrovsk.

The March 19 assault on Lyman, he said, "was a big attempt of Russian motorcyclists to push the front, to attack. But most of them were killed. And the Russians don't have any successes there."

The Lyman assault was one of the largest attacks in the last year along that stretch of the front line, Kevlyuk said. It does not constitute the start of a spring offensive, he said; that will come in probably in May, and the Russians will be shifting forces around in the coming weeks in preparation.

Russian forces have "fallen behind schedule in forming starting positions for the summer offensive campaign this year and [they are] therefore rushing in a frantic manner," he said.

RFE/RL Ukrainian Service multimedia journalist Serhiy Stetsenko contributed to this report.
Three days of Ukrainian drone attacks on ports and refineries in Russia's Leningrad region have led to what one analyst called "the most serious threat" to Russian oil exports since the beginning of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Beginning on March 23 with a drone attack on the Baltic port of Primorsk, the attacks continued two days later with strikes on another key oil export terminal at Ust-Luga before targeting one of Russia's largest refineries in the Kirishi district on March 26.

Leningrad regional Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko has kept up a steady commentary on the attacks on his Telegram channel, documenting fires over the first two days and "damage in the industrial area" of the Kirishi district in the latest incident.

Independent analysts suggest Ukraine has achieved a major blow against Russia's oil exports at a time when Russia was aiming to benefit from increased global oil prices and a US sanctions waiver due to the war with Iran.

"This is the most serious threat to exports of Russian oil and oil products since the war began," said energy analyst Boris Aronshtein.

"The thoughtfulness, the scale and direction of the attacks, as well as the timing of their execution -- all of this together produced an effect that I personally cannot recall in the four-plus years of the war," he told Current Time on March 26.

Severe Disruption

A Reuters analysis on March 25, before the latest attack, estimated 40 percent of Russia's export capacity had been halted, describing it as "the most severe oil supply disruption in the modern history of Russia."

Aronstein said the figure would be closer to 50 percent.

The estimates take into account not only the damage from the strikes in northern Russia but also reduced export traffic through other routes such as the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk and the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine, as well as disruptions caused by seizures of Russian tankers from its so-called shadow fleet.

Druzhba has been out of action since being damaged in a Russian attack in January, according to Ukrainian authorities. It was used to supply oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

A number of Russian shadow fleet tankers have been seized in recent months.

On March 25, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Royal Navy ships would now also seize them, following interceptions by the United States, France, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.

"We should go after the shadow fleet even harder," Starmer said at a diplomatic meeting in Helsinki. In a video address to the same meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European nations to confiscate oil from Russian tankers.

Other tankers have been attacked by Ukrainian drones in the Black Sea. On March 26, a tanker carrying Russian crude oil was attacked by a drone in waters near Istanbul.

"An explosion was reported in the engine room of a Turkish-operated, foreign-flagged ship that had recently left Russia. We suspect the blast was caused by an unmanned underwater vehicle," Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu told local broadcaster 24TV.

Long-Term Damage?

It's not clear how long the recent spate of attacks in the Leningrad region will disable Russian oil exporting infrastructure there.

"As far as we know, in both ports there has been serious damage to the terminals themselves and, above all, to the oil depots. Several of them were on fire in both Primorsk and Ust-Luga," military analyst Yan Matveyev told Current Time.

"The main question is how badly damaged the port infrastructure for transshipments of oil and oil products was. If the equipment itself was damaged, it could lead to a serious pause in the loading of oil and fuel," he added.

There may be a clue to the duration of the impact of these attacks from similar Ukrainian strikes elsewhere. In November, naval drones hit an oil-loading facility off the coast of Novorossiisk. It was not until late January that full operations were resumed.

This month, there was another decline in loading at Novorossiisk following a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil pumping station that serves the port. Ukrainian strikes have also hit oil targets in the Caspian Sea.

The Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a Finnish-based think tank that tracks energy usage across Europe, said Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiisk had not loaded any oil for the last five days.

"While Russia has previously restored damaged refineries within weeks, Ukraine's campaign of repeated drone strikes has deliberately slowed recovery timelines," CREA analyst Isaac Levy told RFE/RL.

"Refineries have been re-hit during repairs or restarts, often in two-three week cycles, keeping key sites offline and turning routine maintenance into prolonged disruptions," he added.

What Benefit From High Oil Prices?

CREA figures show a 20 percent increase in Russia's daily oil revenues in the 24 days following the start of the US-Israeli war compared to the February average. Russian tankers were now unloading oil and available for new shipments, Levy said.

Speaking in Moscow on March 26, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak did not directly address the degree to which the country's oil exports have been hit by Ukrainian strikes and by ship seizures.

However, he emphasized Russia has "diverse routes" for oil exports, mentioning the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean pipeline and the Skovorodino-Mohe pipeline, which both supply China.

"We have these backups, and we will use them," he added.

China is also a major importer of seaborne Russian oil, but its capacity to absorb huge new volumes is limited. The country has already been stockpiling oil reserves for months, and there are also tankers laden with both Russian and Iranian crude idling in waters off Chinese ports in the Yellow Sea.

Some analysts have questioned how much Russia can benefit overall from high oil prices.

"At around $5 billion per month, the war-driven oil windfall is in fact little more than a band-aid for a fiscal deficit that reached $40 billion in January-February alone," Agathe Demarais wrote in an analysis for the European Council for Foreign Affairs on March 24.

"After more than 12 years of sanctions, Moscow's oil infrastructure is decaying, with just 300,000 barrels per day of spare capacity -- hardly enough to compensate for the 10-15 million barrels per day lost in Gulf exports. With no certainty that the war will drag on, Russian oil firms are unlikely to ramp up investment anytime soon. Ukraine's drone strikes, now reaching as far as the Caspian Sea, only add to the strain," she added.
WASHINGTON -- US lawmakers from both parties sharply condemned Russias mass abduction of Ukrainian children during a congressional hearing on March 25, presenting a united front in support of accountability for what witnesses described as one of the gravest ongoing crimes of the war.

The hearing, held by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission -- a panel in the House of Representatives focused on global human rights -- took place the same day a new report by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab detailed the alleged involvement of Russian energy giants in a network of camps holding Ukrainian children.

It also coincided with a White House summit hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, which included Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenska, focusing on protecting and empowering children.

The following day, the US State Department said that in conjunction with Congress, it is "providing $25 million in new assistance to support the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and youth who have been forcibly transferred or otherwise held away from their families and communities."

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers and experts said the timing underscored growing international attention to what Ukrainian officials estimate is the forced transfer of about 20,000 children to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Bipartisan Focus On Russias Responsibility

Addressing the March 25 hearing, Democratic Congressman James McGovern of Massachusetts and Republican Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey stressed that accountability for Russias actions remains a shared priority.

Theres no space between us, Smith said, highlighting bipartisan agreement on confronting Moscows actions.

Lawmakers repeatedly cited findings by international bodies that Russia has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly through the systematic deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children.

Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas said the forced transfer of children is not a side effect of war -- its a crime, citing international law and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the childrens rights commissioner.

Congressman Smith described the abductions as part of a broader campaign to erase Ukrainian identity, saying children are being brainwashed and cut off from their culture and families.

Democratic Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon called the practice gut-wrenching, noting that thousands of children remain unaccounted for and that most have not been returned.

Russian officials frequently portray their involvement with Ukrainian children as a humanitarian gesture -- sheltering, feeding, or protecting minors from the war -- or as a necessity due to the breakdown of services in occupied regions.

Witnesses Detail Abduction Mechanisms

Testifying before the panel, Katya Pavlevych, a policy adviser with the Razom for Ukraine nongovernmental organization and the American Coalition for Ukraine, described the abductions as the largest case of missing children since World War II.

She said the often-cited figure of 20,000 deported children represents only documented cases, while as many as 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain under Russian occupation, where they face ongoing indoctrination and militarization.

These are not isolated crimes, Pavlevych said. They are part of a state policy aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.

She added that at least 400,000 children have been enrolled in Russian paramilitary youth programs, while many younger children have been placed with Russian families or institutions.

Despite limited cooperation from Moscow, more than 2,000 children have been returned -- largely through risky operations coordinated by Ukrainian authorities and civil society groups.

David Crane, founding chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and founder of the Global Accountability Network, told lawmakers the abductions reflect a broader pattern seen in modern conflicts.

Women and children pay a particularly heavy price, he said, warning that corporations and state-linked entities can play enabling roles in such abuses.

Crane highlighted the creation of the Special Tribunal For The Crime Of Aggression Against Ukraine, launched in 2025, as a major step toward holding the Russian leadership accountable for initiating the war.

Former US war crimes ambassador David Scheffer said the tribunal is essential because existing mechanisms cannot fully prosecute the crime of aggression.

He described Russias campaign as rolling aggression, with continuous attacks generating extensive evidence against senior political and military leaders. Scheffer also noted that while sitting heads of state may temporarily avoid trial, other officials --including military leaders -- could face prosecution sooner.

'No Peace Without Justice'

Inna Liniova, director of the Human Rights Center at the Ukraine Bar Association, outlined the broader legal landscape.

She said multiple mechanisms -- including the ICC, the International Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights -- are already addressing aspects of Russias conduct. However, she stressed that a key gap remains: prosecuting the crime of aggression itself.

The recently established special tribunal is designed to fill this gap, she said, urging wider international support and funding to make it operational.

The hearing took place as the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab released findings linking Russian state-affiliated companies, including Gazprom and Rosneft, to facilities where Ukrainian children are reportedly held and subjected to ideological training.

Lawmakers from both parties signaled interest in further investigating the role of such entities, with some suggesting additional hearings and potential sanctions.

Crane warned that failing to prosecute aggression would embolden other authoritarian leaders, while Scheffer said the legal framework developed since World War II requires enforcement.

Without accountability, he said, there will be little prospect of preventing future wars of aggression.
DHAKA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh celebrated its 56th Independence and National Day on Thursday.

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended the Independence and National Day parade. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and other members of the cabinet, senior government and military officers, ambassadors of various countries, as well as Bangladeshi and foreign guests.

On March 26 every year, Bangladesh commemorates the country's declaration of independence in the early hours of March 26, 1971.

Wearing the red and green of the Bangladeshi flag, people of all ages and all walks of life also thronged the national memorial to pay respect to war heroes.

The national flag was hoisted atop all government and private buildings. Important buildings and structures have been illuminated. Also, key roads and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country have been decorated with national flags and colorful festoons.

Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and other places of worship, while special meals were arranged at the government hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, disability welfare centers, old-age homes and daycare centers across the country to mark the day. 
YEYS 2026: The voices of EESC members

More EESC members have discussed with the young participants during the YEYS 2026 event.

Your Europe Your Say 2026 (Photo: Radio Romania International)

Radio Romania International, 26.03.2026, 13:43

The aim of the annual event Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS), organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 1920 March, in Brussels, was to explore the theme of Meaningful Connections, Active Participation and Democratic Engagement. The event brought together almost 140 participants, including secondary school students and their teachers, as well as young adults involved in youth organizations.

Miroslav Hajnos, EESC member from Slovakia and a member of the EESC Youth Group, advised young people to unfollow at least one social media influencer, even that person seemed like a convenient shortcut to a fulfilling life.

Eugen Cojocariu has also discussed with Kinga Grafa, from Poland, member of the EESC Group I (Employers).
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled in its five-year roadmap a plan to promote the secure, reliable and orderly substitution of fossil fuels with non-fossil energy sources.

Spotlighted by Nature magazine among its "feel-good science stories to restore your faith in 2025," the country's clean energy initiative is gaining heightened strategic relevance as the Persian Gulf tensions put global oil supply under pressure.

Beyond cushioning against geopolitical risks, such a green ambition further anchors China's pledges to emissions peaking and carbon neutrality.

DOUBLING DOWN

In the recently adopted outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), an illustrative map of clean energy base layouts shows arrows channeling wind, solar and hydropower from the country's west and nuclear energy from its eastern coast into the electricity-intensive economic zones.

This system, dubbed the new-type energy infrastructure, is engineered to support a bold target of doubling the nation's non-fossil fuel capacity, power generation and energy consumption by 2035, in a bid to drive sustainable, low-carbon growth for the world's manufacturing powerhouse.

Emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, concentrated solar power, and geothermal energy have also been folded into the five-year blueprint, alongside next-generation energy storage solutions. This year's government work report has listed "future energy" as a leading sector among China's industries of the future.

China's big bet on non-fossil energy, dismissed by some as oversupply, is now gaining wider recognition, especially as the relentless expansion of global AI data centers threatens to trigger power shortages, positioning its clean energy push as a potential game-changer.

A February report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) said global electricity demand is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.6 percent over the 2026-2030 period.

That same month, a commercial underwater data center project powered by an offshore wind farm began operations in Shanghai, a showcase of "compute-electricity synergy," the infrastructure project China is promoting this year to align computing power with renewable energy supply.

The offshore wind turbines towering above the data center deliver power to this "energy-hungry neighbor," enabling on-site consumption that sidesteps the transmission losses typical of conventional long-distance grid delivery. At full 24-megawatt capacity, the annual carbon dioxide reduction equates to the yearly absorption of roughly 1.6 million trees.

Similar clean-energy-powered data centers are being built in northwest and southwest China, among other regions.

"HALO" EFFECT

In a March blog post, Nvidia's Jensen Huang described the AI industry as a "5-Layer Cake," with energy serving as the foundational layer and the "binding constraint on how much intelligence can be generated."

China's strength in the energy sector stems precisely from its rapidly expanding clean energy infrastructure. Last year, the country's installed new energy generation capacity surpassed coal-fired power, cementing its position as home to the world's largest renewable energy system.

In late February, Goldman Sachs Research released a report titled "The HALO effect: Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence in the AI era," coining the new concept HALO that has quickly gained traction among global investors.

The firm highlighted that energy systems, supply chains, infrastructure and national security capabilities are "no longer treated as peripheral assets," but "have become strategic and scarce, and increasingly priced as such," given their high barriers to replication and economic relevance that persists across technological cycles, according to the report.

The latest data shows that China's AI large model API calls have surpassed those of the United States, partly driven by more cost-effective computing power supported by clean electricity. Clearly, the country's clean energy and supporting grid infrastructure are widely recognized as increasingly prominent HALO assets.

At the China Development Forum 2026 concluded on Monday, Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, announced that green electricity will account for over 80 percent of the power consumption at newly built computing facilities in national hub nodes.

"With renewables like wind and solar plus ultra-high-voltage grids expanding rapidly, a national clean energy network tailored for AI computing infrastructure is expected to take shape within 15 years," said Zhong Zhangdui, professor at Beijing Jiaotong University.

GREEN PUSH

While highlighting the importance of diversifying national energy sources, China's green energy pivot fundamentally signals its determination to deliver on carbon reduction pledges.

Last September, China pledged that by 2035, it would reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels, or even more. To hit the target, the country is poised to accelerate the green transition across the board and cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by a total of 17 percent in the 2026-2030 period.

China's clean energy dominance has also driven global emissions cuts. Addressing climate change signals a massive worldwide market for new energy products, with many fuel-importing nations "leaning towards renewables and efficiency as solutions," according to IEA's World Energy Outlook 2025.

The numbers tell the story. China has ranked first globally in new energy vehicle production and sales for 11 consecutive years, and it produces 80 percent of the world's solar cells and 70 percent of both wind turbines and lithium batteries.

Early this month, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel loaded with 153 wind turbine blades departed from the port of Qidong, a coastal city in China, setting a new record for the largest single-shipment export of wind turbine blades from the country.

In response to concerns about overcapacity in China's clean energy products, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson pushed back this month, arguing that both production and consumption are inherently global, requiring supply-demand balance and adjustment from an international perspective.

"At the scale and pace that China is producing them, plenty of things stand to be swept away -- including, quite possibly, the once seemingly intractable problems of energy poverty and fossil-fuel dependence," wrote Jeremy Wallace, a professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins, in a recent column for Wired magazine. 
YEYS 2026: Voices of experts and teachers

Many experts and teachers have voiced their ideas during discussions with the young participants.

Your Europe Your Say 2026 (Photo: Radio Romania International)

Radio Romania International, 26.03.2026, 13:49

The aim of the annual event Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS), organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 1920 March, in Brussels, was to explore the theme of Meaningful Connections, Active Participation and Democratic Engagement. The event brought together almost 140 participants, including secondary school students and their teachers, as well as young adults associated with youth organizations.

Boris Gurzhy of Junior Enterprises Europe, urged young people to make their voices heard, including on EU matters, rather than simply waiting to be invited to participate in decision-making processes.

Carolin Hochstrat of The Democratic Spin advised young people to never let anyone persuade them that they are too young to speak out on important social issues. She urged them not to wait for others to affirm that they are ready to take action, reminding them that a perfect moment does not exist.

Eugen Cojocariu has also discussed this issue with Katarina Romanov, teacher at the Vrnjacka Banja High School in Serbia. Marija Dunic, a high school student, has been selected to participate in YEYS 2026. Ms. Romanov accompanied her.
March 26, 2026 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

March 26, 2026 UPDATE

Newsroom, 26.03.2026, 20:00

FUELS The government of Romania has passed an emergency order comprising measures for the fuel market to be implemented as of April 1. Under the order, markups used by business operators that produce, import or sell petrol and diesel will be capped at the average margin for last year. Exports and intra-EU deliveries will be an exception, but in case of deviations fines will be applicable, ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the turnover reported last year. Also, business operators are to reduce the biofuel component in petrol from 8% to a minimum of 2% during the period April 1  June 30, when these protection measures are in force. At the same time, for exports made without the required approvals from the ministries of economy and energy fines will be issued, ranging between 5% and 10% of turnover, and the proceeds will be confiscated. The emergency order also introduces changes in the natural gas market, including rules regarding the minimum stocks and the obligation to exchange and update data between producers, suppliers and the relevant authorities.

ENERGY Romania is ready to act as a guarantor of regional energy security once the Neptun Deep offshore project in the Black Sea reaches the production phase next year, the Senate Speaker Mircea Abrudean emphasised on Wednesday at the Three Seas Initiative (I3M) Parliamentary Summit in Croatia. In his view, in the current geopolitical context, the I3M is increasingly becoming a strategic platform for resilience, security, competitiveness, and regional cohesion.

DRONE A military drone entered 4 kilometers into Romanian airspace and crashed near the town of Parches (southeast) after being diverted by the Ukrainian air defence, the Romanian defence ministry reported on Thursday. According to the source, on Wednesday night Russian Federation forces launched new drone strikes on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine, near the river border with Romania, in the north of Tulcea County. Two F-16 aircraft took off to monitor the situation. Residents in the area received a new extreme alert message, warning of the possibility of falling objects and providing recommendations for self-protection.

BUDGET The Constitutional Court of Romania Thursday dismissed the complaints filed by the nationalist opposition party AUR (the Alliance for the Union of Romanians) against the state budget and social security budget bills endorsed by Parliament last week. The Court says it found no irregularities in the legislative process, as claimed by AUR, which complained that the bills had been rushed through Parliament. As for the accusations that the government relied on unrealistic estimates, the Court said those are matters related to state budget policies, rather than unconstitutionality issues. Therefore, the document can now be sent to the Presidential Administration for promulgation.

STATISTICS Romania ranks 21st in the EU in terms of living standards. The latest Eurostat data takes into account the Gross Domestic Product per capita, in particular how much money a person produces in a year, as well as the purchasing power, which differs from one state to another, as prices are different. The EU annual average is EUR 41,600 per person in purchasing power, and comparisons between member states are based on this indicator. Ten of the EU states are above this level, with Luxembourg and Ireland at the top with over 237% of the EU average, which means over EUR 99,000 per person annually. At the opposite end are Bulgaria and Greece, with only 68% of the EU average, that is just over EUR 28,000 per person. Romania is in 21st place, with 78% of the average, or approximately EUR 32,450 per person annually. Hungary is behind Romania, which is in the same position as Croatia and one percent behind Estonia.

TRADE The European Parliament has endorsed the trade agreement signed last summer by the European Union and the United States. The decision was taken despite criticism from several MEPs from all political groups, who believe the agreement is to the detriment of the European bloc. The trade deal eliminates tariffs on hundreds of US products, but places a 15% overall tariff on EU exports to the United States. However, the EP has introduced provisions that enable the suspension of the agreement at any time, if the interests or security of the EU are affected. MEPs also insisted on the inclusion of safeguard measures, as in the case of the agreement with the Mercosur trade bloc in South America, to protect the European market in the event of imbalances. However, this is not the final stage for adoption, as other procedural steps involving negotiations between the parties, as well as within the Union, will follow. (AMP)
Romania: a provider of energy security

Romania continues to prioritize projects with clear strategic impact

Romania: a provider of energy security

Stefan Stoica, 26.03.2026, 14:00

Romania is ready to act as a provider of energy security once the Neptun Deep offshore project in the Black Sea enters its production phase next year, Senate Speaker Mircea Abrudean said on Wednesday in Zagreb on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI).

After congratulating Croatia on its excellent organization of the summit, the Romanian Senate Speaker highlighted that, in the current geopolitical context, the Three Seas Initiative is increasingly becoming a strategic platform for regional resilience, security, competitiveness and cohesion. This evolution is not only natural but necessary, Mircea Abrudean noted. He argued that the war in Ukraine, attacks on critical infrastructure, supply chain disruptions and growing geopolitical fragmentation have all shown that connectivity is no longer just an economic matter, but a strategic and security imperative.

The Romanian official also tackled the war in Iran, describing it as an unprecedented crisis that is clearly affecting global oil and gas supply chains.

After over a decade, 3SI must remain firmly focused on concrete results, Abrudean said, adding that strategic ambition must be accompanied by practical achievements: faster transport corridors, more robust energy interconnections and a more competitive digital ecosystem.

In his view, financing remains key for the future credibility of the Three Seas Initiative.

Connectivity ambitions without a solid funding framework risk remaining just lines on a map. Romania takes investments in our region seriously. This is why our country has contributed to the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund and the recently created Innovation Fund, supporting business development both regionally and domestically, Mircea Abrudean pointed out.

The Romanian Senate Speaker argued that parliaments play an essential role by supporting the adoption of national budgets for strategic infrastructure, encouraging regulatory harmonization and helping communicate the initiatives added value to citizens.

Romania continues to prioritize projects with a clear strategic impact, such as Rail2Sea and Via Carpatia, which are relevant not only for civilian mobility but also for military mobility, trade flows, and connectivity with the Black Sea region. We must ensure that the Three Seas region develops a coherent internal connectivity offering and a secure regional infrastructure base, Abrudean concluded.

The Three Seas Initiative is a political platform comprising 12 European Union member states located between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. (VP)
German stocks fell sharply on Thursday amid rising uncertainty about the status of Middle East peace talks, following Iran dismissing the U.S. plan to pause the war, and saying that an end to the conflict will only occur on Tehran's own terms and timeline.

Meanwhile, an Israeli official has reportedly claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander, Alireza Tangsiri, who "was responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz," has been killed in a strike in Bandar Abbas.

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Market Analysis
UK forces have been given permission to board Russia's sanctioned shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters as the UK steps up its pressure on the Putin regime.

Announcing this, 10 Downing Street said Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement officers will now be able to interdict vessels that have been sanctioned by the UK and are transiting through UK waters.

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Business News
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that both the United States and Iran have the willingness to resume negotiations, and the international community should encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table and seek effective ways for a political settlement.

China and Canada can jointly play a constructive role in this regard, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in a phone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the latter's request.

Anand briefed Wang on Canada's position regarding the situation in the Middle East, noting that Canada is committed to protecting civilians in the conflict, promoting de-escalation of the situation, preventing the spillover of the conflict, and reducing its impact on the global economy as well as industrial and supply chains.

The Iranian nuclear issue bears on the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and ensuring the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is in the common interests of all parties, Anand said.

Canada stands ready to work with China to push for a ceasefire and promote regional peace and stability, she added.

Wang elaborated on China's principled position, saying that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and should not be a reason for the use of force.

The abuse of force will only lead to grave repercussions, and the spillover of the war will threaten regional security and stability, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-Canada relations and agreed that they should implement the outcomes of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China with a positive and pragmatic attitude, resume dialogues at various levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and push for the stable and healthy development of the China-Canada new strategic partnership. 
TAIPEI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je was found guilty by a court in Taipei in a corruption case on Thursday and sentenced to 17 years in prison. 
If you live in a small Texas town, your healthcare options may be quietly shrinkingand many seniors dont realize it yet. Across the country, Medicare Advantage plans are being reduced, but the biggest impact is hitting rural communities where choices were already limited. In 2026, the number of available plans has dropped nationwide, with insurers pulling back from less profitable areas. For seniors in rural Texas, this shift could mean fewer doctors, longer travel times, and higher out-of-pocket costs. Understanding how these changes affect you is the first step toward protecting your healthcare and your budget.

Fewer Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Rural Counties

The number of Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026 has declined by about 9% nationwide, reducing options for seniors. Rural counties are hit hardest, with significantly fewer plans compared to urban areas. On average, seniors in the most rural areas have access to about 20 plans, compared to more than 40 in urban regions. In some counties, only one insurer remains, limiting competition and flexibility. This lack of choice can make it harder for seniors to find plans that meet their specific healthcare needs.

Low Population Areas Are Becoming Less Attractive to Insurers

Insurance companies base their decisions on profitability, and low-population areas often dont make the cut. Fewer enrollees combined with higher healthcare usage create financial pressure on insurers. As a result, companies like UnitedHealthcare and Humana are exiting hundreds of counties across the U.S. Rural Texas communities, where populations are spread out, are particularly vulnerable to these exits. This trend leaves seniors with fewer plan providers and less negotiating power when it comes to costs and benefits.

Some Counties May Have Only Oneor NoPlan Options

In 2026, 171 counties across the U.S. will have just one Medicare Advantage provider, and many of these are rural. Even more concerning, some counties may have no Medicare Advantage plans available at all. These gaps are increasing year over year as insurers pull back from low-enrollment regions. Seniors in these areas may be forced to switch to traditional Medicare or travel farther for care. That kind of disruption can be especially difficult for older adults managing chronic conditions.

Rural Texas Already Faces a Healthcare Access Crisis

The reduction in Medicare Advantage plans comes at a time when rural Texas is already struggling with healthcare access. Many rural hospitals are operating on thin margins or closing altogether due to rising costs and funding challenges. In fact, healthcare outcomes in rural Texas tend to be worse, with higher rates of chronic disease and limited access to care. Adding fewer insurance options to the mix only compounds the problem. For seniors, this can mean delayed care, fewer specialists, and increased travel burdens.

Federal Funding Helpsbut Doesnt Fully Solve the Problem

To address rural healthcare challenges, the federal government launched a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. Texas is receiving over $281 million in funding for 2026 to support rural healthcare systems. While this funding is significant, it may not be enough to offset the broader financial pressures facing rural providers. In fact, Texas still receives one of the lowest per-resident funding levels despite having the largest rural population. That imbalance means some communities may continue to struggle even with federal support.

Seniors Could Face Higher Costs and Fewer Benefits

When insurers reduce plan offerings, the remaining plans often come with higher premiums or reduced benefits. Seniors may lose access to extras like dental, vision, or transportation services. In areas with limited competition, insurers have less incentive to offer generous benefits. This can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for essential care. For retirees on fixed incomes, even small cost increases can have a big impact on monthly budgets.

Travel Distance for Care May Increase Significantly

With fewer providers and plan networks, rural seniors may have to travel farther for medical appointments. This is especially challenging for those without reliable transportation or mobility. Longer travel distances can discourage routine care, leading to more serious health issues down the line. In emergencies, delays in accessing care can be life-threatening. This growing gap in access highlights the importance of carefully choosing the right coverage.

What Seniors in Rural Texas Can Do Right Now

The most important step seniors can take is to review their Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment. Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see if your plan is being discontinued or altered. Consider comparing options, including traditional Medicare with a Medigap policy, if choices are limited. Local resources like State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) can provide free guidance. Taking action early can help you avoid gaps in coverage and unexpected costs.

Medicare Advantage Rural Impact Is Growingand Seniors Must Stay Alert

The Medicare Advantage rural impact is becoming more pronounced as insurers scale back in low-population areas. For seniors in rural Texas, these changes arent just inconvenientthey can directly affect access to care and financial stability. While federal funding offers some relief, it doesnt fully replace the benefits lost when insurers exit the market. Staying informed and proactive is the best defense against these shifts. The sooner you understand your options, the better prepared youll be to protect your healthcare.

Have you noticed fewer Medicare plan options in your area? Share your experience in the commentswe want to hear how these changes are affecting you.

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It feels like a win when your doctor hands you a free medication sampleno pharmacy trip, no upfront cost, and immediate relief. But behind that small box is a much bigger system at work, one that most patients never see. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions every year to get their medications into doctors hands, and free samples are one of their most powerful tools. In fact, drugmakers invest heavily in this strategy specifically to influence prescribing habits and long-term use. For seniors and budget-conscious patients, understanding the real purpose of these samples could help you avoid higher costs and make smarter healthcare decisions.

Free Samples Are a Powerful Marketing Strategy

Free drug samples are not random acts of generositytheyre part of a deliberate marketing strategy. Pharmaceutical companies spend tens of billions annually promoting medications, and samples are a major piece of that effort. These samples are designed to introduce patients to newer, brand-name drugs instead of older generics. Once a patient starts a medication, doctors are more likely to continue prescribing it long-term. That means what begins as free can turn into an expensive ongoing prescription.

They Can Influence What Doctors Prescribe

Research consistently shows that access to free drug samples can change prescribing behavior. Doctors with samples available are more likely to prescribe those specific medicationseven when cheaper alternatives exist. While physicians aim to make the best decisions for patients, subtle marketing influences are hard to avoid. Even small interactions with pharmaceutical reps can shape prescribing patterns over time. This doesnt mean your doctor is acting in bad faithbut it does mean samples arent entirely neutral.

Most Samples Are Brand-Name DrugsNot Generics

Another key detail many patients miss is that free samples are almost always brand-name medications. These drugs tend to be newer, more heavily advertised, and significantly more expensive than generic options. Once the sample runs out, you may find yourself paying a much higher price to continue treatment. Thats especially important for seniors on fixed incomes who need predictable healthcare costs. In many cases, a generic drug could offer the same benefit at a fraction of the price.

Free Today Can Mean Higher Costs Later

While samples may save money upfront, they often lead to higher long-term expenses. Studies show that patients who receive samples tend to have higher overall out-of-pocket costs than those who dont. Thats because theyre more likely to stick with the brand-name drug they started with. Over time, those higher prescription costs add upespecially for chronic conditions. What feels like a financial break today could quietly strain your budget later.

Samples Arent Always Given to Those Who Need Them Most

You might assume free samples are primarily given to patients who cant afford medicationbut thats not always the case. Research shows that insured and higher-income patients are actually more likely to receive samples. Meanwhile, those with the greatest financial need may not benefit as much from this system. This disconnect highlights how samples function more as a marketing tool than a targeted assistance program. Its another reason to approach them with a critical eye.

They Help Launch and Promote New Drugs Quickly

Free samples are especially common with newly released medications. Drug companies use them to get patients started quickly, creating familiarity and trust with the product. Once patients see results, theyre less likely to switcheven if a cheaper alternative exists. This strategy helps new drugs gain market share faster. For patients, it means you may be introduced to a medication before fully exploring all available options.

There Are Some Legitimate Benefits for Patients

To be fair, free drug samples arent all bad. They can provide immediate access to medication without waiting for a prescription to be filled. For short-term treatments, they can reduce waste by letting patients try before they buy. They can also help patients who are temporarily struggling to afford medication. However, these benefits are usually short-lived compared to the long-term implications.

What You Should Do Before Accepting a Sample

Before accepting a free drug sample, its worth asking a few simple questions. Is there a generic version of this medication available? What will it cost once the sample runs out? Are there alternative treatments that might be more affordable long-term? Having this conversation with your doctor or pharmacist can help you make a more informed decision. Remember, the goal isnt to reject samples entirelybut to use them wisely.

The Hidden Truth About Free Drug Samplesand How to Protect Your Wallet

Free drug samples can feel like a helpful shortcut, but they often come with strings attached. They are designed to influence prescribing habits, promote brand-name drugs, and build long-term usage. For seniors and anyone managing healthcare costs, that can lead to unexpected financial pressure over time. The smartest approach is to stay informed, ask questions, and consider long-term affordability before starting any new medication. A little awareness now can save you hundredsor even thousandsdown the road.

Have you ever started a medication from a free sample and been surprised by the cost later? Share your experience in the comments.

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Daycare is a massive expense for most American families, with parents paying $400 to $1,500+ per month. Families commonly spend $5,000 to $18,000 per year per child. Along with the rising cost of everything else, its hard to see how families are making ends meet. But some states are making moves to ease the burden on families. New Mexico has changed its policies, making free daycare available to everyone. Heres why this is happening, who qualifies, and what it could mean for families nationwide.

New Mexico Became the First State to Offer Free Childcare

New Mexico made history by becoming the first U.S. state to roll out universal, no-cost childcare. Starting in 2025, the state eliminated daycare costs for eligible families through a major expansion of its Child Care Assistance Program. Unlike traditional programs, this initiative removed income caps and waived co-pays entirely. That means families no longer have to meet strict financial thresholds to qualify.

Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexicos future prosperity, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Income Limits Were Eliminated

Previously, free childcare in New Mexico was only available to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. While that already covered a large portion of residents, many middle-income families were still left out. The new system removes those income limits, allowing virtually all working families to qualify.

This shift dramatically expanded access and made the program more inclusive. It also eliminated the cliff effect, where earning slightly more money disqualified families from help. Now, more parents can work without worrying about losing childcare support.

Families Can Save Around $12,000 Per Child Each Year

One of the biggest reasons families are paying $0 for daycare is the sheer scale of financial support being provided. The state estimates that families can save roughly $12,000 per child annually under the program. Thats money that can now go toward housing, groceries, or paying down debt.

For many households, this creates breathing room that didnt exist before. Its especially impactful for single parents and families with multiple children in care. Over time, those savings can significantly improve long-term financial stability.

The State Pays Providers Directly

Instead of reimbursing parents, New Mexico pays childcare providers directly through the program. This ensures that families dont have to front the cost and wait for reimbursement later. It also helps stabilize childcare businesses by guaranteeing consistent payments.

Providers who are licensed or registered can participate and receive state funding for each child enrolled. This structure keeps the system simple for parents while maintaining accountability.

The Program Covers More Than Just Daycare Centers

Another reason this initiative is so effective is its flexibility. Families can use the program for a variety of childcare options, including daycare centers, home-based providers, and before- or after-school programs.

Summer programs are also included, which helps working parents year-round. This wide coverage makes it easier for families to find care that fits their schedule and needs. It also allows parents to stick with providers they already trust. The goal is not just free care, but accessible, practical care that works in real life.

Its Funded Through Long-Term State Investments

Many people assume a program like this would require major tax increases, but New Mexico took a different approach. The state funds universal childcare through a combination of federal relief dollars and its Early Childhood Trust Fund, which is supported by oil and gas revenues.

Voters also approved a constitutional amendment to sustain long-term funding. This structure allows the program to operate without directly raising taxes on residents. Its a unique model that other states are now watching closely. If it proves sustainable, it could influence childcare policy nationwide.

Why This Could Change the Future for Families Everywhere

New Mexicos policy to extend $0 daycare to more families has the potential to influence other states throughout the country. Increasing (or even removing like NM) income limits, eliminating co-pays, and funding care at the state level can make a huge difference for working families. What was once a major financial burden can be turned into a public benefit. While challenges like provider shortages still exist, the early results are hard to ignore. It will be interesting to see if other states follow suit.

Would a $0 daycare program like this change your financial situation? Do you think your state should adopt something similar? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Sardor Umurzakov, advisor to the president of Uzbekistan on strategic development, in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Sardor Umurzakov, advisor to the president of Uzbekistan on strategic development, in Beijing on Thursday.

The two sides exchanged views on jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, strengthening inter-party exchanges, and promoting the building of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future. 
In the cold, wave-battered channels off southern Chile, scientists have identified what they say is a new species of the steamer duck genus Tachyeres, a group of notoriously aggressive, often flightless waterfowl found only in South America.

Tachyeres is a small genus of ducks in the water bird family Anatidae.

These birds are known for their unusual biology. Most species are flightless and propel themselves across the water by beating their wings like paddles, giving them their name.

They are also famously territorial, capable of violently defending their range against other birds.

The natural history of Tachyeres is accompanied by a long description of certainties and mistakes interspersed over time, Argentine ornithologists Bernabe Lopez-Lanus and Mariano Costa wrote in their paper.

Some Tachyeres species can include both flying and non-flying individuals within a single population, blurring distinctions once thought to define separate species. That ambiguity has weakened the usefulness of traits for classification.

In response, the study authors turned to bioacoustics; they analyzed vocalizations across all known steamer duck species, combining field recordings, archived audio databases and spectrogram analysis.

They found that while some calls  particularly the rapid ticking sounds used in territorial displays  were broadly similar across species, another type of call proved decisive.

Known as rasping grunt, this contact call showed consistent, species-specific patterns in the acoustic structure.

This call is usually emitted in isolation, or prior to the vocalization of territorial proclamation, the researchers explained.

Its description goes beyond the strict behavioral meaning of the call  as does the territorial proclamation vocalization  but it constitutes another form of vocalization in Tachyeres, analogous in each taxon.

The males of the newly-identified species produced calls with a distinctive dome-shaped frequency profile, differing from the scalene triangle pattern typical of a very similar species, the Magellanic steamer duck (Tachyeres pteneres).

Named the Chiloe steamerduck (Tachyeres ketru), the new bird is endemic to the Chiloe and Aysen region of Chile, with an area of occurrence from approximately 40 degrees south latitude  from Valdivia and the northern tip of the Chiloe region  to the Taitao Peninsula (in the south).

The species occupies protected coastal environments (bays and inland channels rich in macroalgae), while the Magellanic steamer duck is associated with more exposed, wave-battered coastlines farther south.

Breeding adults compete for sites with optimal foraging conditions: the canopy of underwater forests of brown macroalgae Macrocystis pyrifera (kelp), the scientists wrote in the paper.

This habitat is characterized by dense refuges with a high diversity of small invertebrates (amphipods, gastropods, polychaetes, juvenile fish), which are accessed by individuals of this taxon by diving, as is typical of Tachyeres.

The discovery highlights the growing role of sound in modern taxonomy and underscores how even well-studied species can conceal hidden diversity, especially in remote or complex environments.

Cases like the discovery of Tachyeres ketru allow us to conclude that bioacoustics is an essential tool for understanding the taxonomy of cryptic species, even with a limited sample size, the authors concluded.

Their paper appears online in the journal Audiornis.

_____

Bernabe Lopez-Lanus & Mariano Costa. 2026. A new species of Steamerduck (Anatidae: Tachyeres) from the Chiloe region, Chile, finally confirmed as a taxon distinct from Tachyeres pteneres. Audiornis 5: 2-65
Firefighters staged a rope rescue drill under a bridge in Fengjie County, China's Chongqing. The rescuers showcased advanced techniques while climbing over 150 meters to secure an aerial lifeline between the bridge deck and the river below. #China #Firefighter
Elnur Enveroglu



For more than thirty years, ArmeniaAzerbaijan relations, which have become a source of conflict in the South Caucasus region, or more precisely, Armenias territorial claims, have once again resurfaced like a chronic illness just months before elections in Armenia. For several days now, both during pre-election campaign meetings with the public and in parliamentary speeches, the countrys Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been studying new ideas emerging from the domestic audience and attempting to gauge the publics attitude towards the concept of peace.

However, the latest outcomes clearly show that preparations for peace in Armenia are still not at the desired level. For example, during a recent public outreach campaign conducted by Pashinyan in the tube station last week, the reaction of an Armenian woman to a map of Armenia presented by the Prime Minister to her young child was notably harsh and rhetorical. The Armenian resident accused Nikol Pashinyan of handing over Karabakh to Azerbaijan and stated that the model presented did not reflect her countrys map. Another elderly Armenian citizen voiced similar claims, accusing Pashinyan and alleging that his country had supposedly lost its "sovereign territories". This is a clear manifestation that a segment of society in Armenia still does not wish to distance itself from separatist tendencies.

Yes, in recent years both Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken serious steps towards promoting and encouraging peace. Following a number of initiatives at the diplomatic level, there were also contact meetings between representatives of civil society from both sides. This was not only about leaving behind a conflict that lasted for more than thirty years, but also about taking necessary steps for the two peoples to coexist in one region and to continue their existence as sovereign and developed states. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan witnessed the pain of the war that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and how damaging it was to economic development. The prolonged closure of communication lines and the paralysis of diplomatic relations over many years hindered the rapid development of both countries. Armenia, remaining under blockade, was deprived of major economic opportunities due to the closure of its borders with both Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The occupied territories of Karabakh, having remained under the control of a separatist regime for many years, turned into a highly dangerous area. More than 80% of these lands were contaminated with military ammunition and mines, effectively becoming zones of death. Yet during the 30 years of occupation, not a single stone was laid upon another in Jabrayil, Fuzuli, or Aghdam. On the contrary, these territories were reduced to ruins and hidden from the international community for years. No one could have imagined that Aghdam would become the greatest ruin of the 21st century. So where were those who now claim Karabakh as their territory at that time? Why were some Armenians who now call themselves refugees not moved when they saw the devastated lands of Karabakh back then?

After the 2020 war, many Armenians who loudly proclaimed homeland voluntarily left Karabakh. In 2023, when the last separatist group in Karabakh was eliminated, several ethnic Armenian civilians living there were offered citizenship. This offer was unilateral; it was not conditional upon the return of Azerbaijanis who had been expelled from Armenia in the late 1980s. Azerbaijan took humanitarian steps to ensure the peaceful and secure life of Armenians who had lived in Karabakh. However, those Armenians said, we do not need Azerbaijans water or bread, and left the country of their own accord. Today, Nikol Pashinyan addresses those same individuals with the following question: Why do you accuse me? Why did you not remain in Karabakh at that time, and now call yourselves refugees and blame me?

Last day, the Prime Minister of Armenia once again drew attention with his address to the public that accuses him. He noted that in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the people of Armenia must decide whether the Karabakh movement will continue or not.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this during government hour in response to concerns that some circles perceive his statementthat war would break out if the Civil Contract party does not win the electionsas a threat.

Pashinyan also presented the public with two crucial choices: either to completely end the Karabakh movement, or to return to the past and go to war.

Pashinyan even indirectly touched upon the Declaration of Independence, which for many years included territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenias constitution. Referring to the Declaration of Independence, the Prime Minister said that it was not a declaration of independence, but rather a declaration of conflict and dependence.

Addressing his people once again, Pashinyan stated that he now links the Karabakh movement, which he currently considers mistaken and once supported himself, to Armenias destiny. According to him, the Armenian people must struggle to distance themselves from these claims; otherwise, this could determine our fate.
CAIRO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 26th day on Wednesday, with the U.S.-proposed 15-point ceasefire plan dismissed by Iran as excessive and detached from battlefield realities. Military strikes continued across the region, dashing the hope of a swift de-escalation.

The following is an overview of the latest developments in the escalating crisis affecting much of the region and beyond.

The United States

-- The United States and Israel believe that the conflict with Iran could continue for another two to three weeks, Axios reported, citing unnamed U.S. and Israeli officials. Axios added that U.S. President Donald Trump reserves the options for both diplomacy and further military escalation to make decisions based on the developments.

-- About 59 percent of Americans believe the recent U.S. military action against Iran has been excessive, according to a new poll from The Associated Press (AP)-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Meanwhile, 45 percent are "extremely" or "very" concerned about being able to afford gas in the next few months, up from 30 percent in a previous AP-NORC poll.

-- Pentagon is expected to send thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to Tuesday reports.

Israel

-- The Israeli military said it has completed two waves of large-scale airstrikes targeting government sites in Tehran. It also said that it struck and significantly damaged a research and development facility for submarines and underwater systems in Iran's Isfahan on Tuesday.

-- Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel has dropped over 15,000 munitions on Iran since the start of the nearly month-long conflict, about four times the number used in the Israel-Iran war last summer.

-- Israel continued to pound Lebanon with overnight airstrikes, attacking additional gas stations and a building it described as a Hezbollah command center in Beirut's southern suburb.

-- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is creating an expanded buffer zone in southern Lebanon to push Hezbollah forces further from the border.

-- A missile fired from Iran on Wednesday evaded Israel's air defense systems and struck the city of Dimona, near which Israel's main nuclear facility and reactor are located, state-owned Kan TV reported. The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported no injuries.

Iran

-- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that different messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, while Tehran has held no talks with Washington since the beginning of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country late last month.

-- Iran has reviewed a U.S.-proposed 15-point plan on ending the Middle East war, and sees it as "excessive and disconnected from the realities on the battlefield," Iran's state-run Press TV reported.

-- Press TV said a senior political-security official familiar with the matter listed Iran's five conditions for ending the war: a complete end to aggression and assassinations by the United States and Israel; guaranteed mechanisms to prevent future attacks; guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages; stopping the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved in West Asia; and recognizing Iran's sovereign right over the Strait of Hormuz.

-- Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman of Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, rejected any negotiations with the United States, stressing that the country will not come to terms with the U.S. government, according to the official news agency IRNA.

-- Iran could open another battlefront against the United States in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. "If the enemy seeks to take any action on the ground in Iranian islands or any other location in our lands, or inflict any cost on Iran through naval movements in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, we will open other battlefront against it as a surprise so that its actions will not only fail to be beneficial, but will also double its costs," Tasnim quoted a military source as saying.

-- The Iranian military said it fired several cruise missiles from Iran's southern coast at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, some of which struck the warship and "forced it to change its position." The army also said its Navy's air defense struck a U.S. F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet in the country's southeastern airspace.

-- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on social media that intelligence suggests "enemies" are planning to occupy an Iranian island with support from an unnamed regional country.

Iraq

-- Iraq's Ministry of Defense said a military clinic in western Anbar province was struck by an airstrike in the morning, leaving seven soldiers dead and 13 others wounded. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has instructed the foreign ministry to summon the U.S. charge d'affaires in Baghdad in this regard. Iraq also said it will submit a formal complaint to the UN over recent strikes in its territory.

-- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced another 72-hour extension of the country's airspace closure to all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft, citing ongoing security concerns.

Kuwait

-- Kuwaiti authorities said air defenses have intercepted multiple hostile drones and missiles, while a fuel depot at Kuwait International Airport was struck in an attack that caused a fire but no casualties.

The United Arab Emirates

-- The UAE Ministry of Defense said that its air defenses intercepted nine drones launched from Iran.

Saudi Arabia

-- Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud received a phone call from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which the two sides discussed regional security developments and their impacts on regional and global peace and economy, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Jordan

-- The Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) said that Iran launched five missiles and one drone targeting Jordan over the past 24 hours. One missile evaded defense systems, and the others were intercepted.

No casualties were reported, according to authorities. The Public Security Directorate said that it handled 15 reports of falling debris and missiles during the same period, with only material damage recorded.

Lebanon

-- UN humanitarians said Tuesday that new mass displacement orders for several Beirut neighborhoods preceded seven overnight airstrikes on the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs.

-- Naim Qassem, secretary-general of Hezbollah, said that the group will continue what he described as a "defensive battle" against Israel, urging national unity and rejecting calls to disarm amid ongoing hostilities.

Cyprus

-- Cyprus is demanding new and improved British security guarantees following an allegedly Iranian drone attack on March 1 targeting one of the two British military bases on the island, The Telegraph newspaper reported.

Turkiye

-- Turkiye's energy dependence on the Strait of Hormuz is at a manageable 10 percent for oil and zero for natural gas, and the country has no need for emergency rationing, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, downplaying fears of supply disruptions amid escalating regional tensions.

Egypt

-- The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the country delivered nearly 1,000 tons of aid, including food, blankets, shelters, tools, and medical equipment and medicine, to Beirut on Tuesday through a ship.

It condemned the repeated Israeli incursions into Lebanese territories as a clear violation of international law.

-- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said he cannot elaborate on the U.S.-proposed 15-point plan, but assured ongoing efforts among Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye, as well as other regional and global partners. Abdelatty said Egypt is ready to host any meetings related to the conflict as long as it serves de-escalation.

-- Abdelatty, during his phone calls with his Saudi and Bahraini counterparts, also reiterated "Egypt's full solidarity" with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in confronting any Iranian attacks or threats that affect their security and sovereignty, adding the security of Gulf states is "an integral part of Egypt's national security."

Britain

-- According to several British media reports, Britain and France will host talks of about 30 countries this week to set up a coalition mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Germany

-- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government may be able to do some things to balance the energy shock from the Iran war, but public finances could not make up for price rises in every area.

-- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed Trump's pursuit of negotiations to end the war with Iran and said he hopes the talks would be given a chance to succeed. 
ASTANA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East, particularly around Iran, calling for restraint and a peaceful settlement of disputes, Kazinform reported Thursday.

In a statement, the council said the use of force is unacceptable and urged all parties to resolve differences exclusively through dialogue, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests in accordance with international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

The statement stressed the need to ensure Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Iran.

The council also called on the UN and the UN Security Council to take urgent measures to prevent actions that could undermine international peace and security. 
KABUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A key border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan was reopened Thursday afternoon to allow the return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, according to a spokesperson for the Afghan border police.

"Currently, only migrants and their families are permitted to pass through this route," Abidullah Farooqi posted on his X account.

The Torkham border crossing had been closed to migrant traffic for nearly a month amid escalating border tensions between the two neighboring countries. Commercial transit across the border, however, has remained suspended for several months.

The reopening marks a limited easing of restrictions, allowing stranded Afghan migrants to return home, while broader trade and travel routes remain unresolved.

According to Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, more than 3 million Afghan refugees, most of them from Iran and Pakistan, have returned to their homeland over the past year. 
Playtech shares tumbled on Thursday as full-year profit met expectations but revenue disappointed and the company failed to provide any updates on its legal case with rival Evolution .

In the year to 31 December 2025, revenue from continuing operations fell 10% on the previous year to 763.6m, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were 9% lower at 197m.

In February, Playtech guided to full-year adjusted EBITDA of "at least" 195m, significantly above analyst consensus of 177m at the time.

Playtech said its performance reflected the impact of the sale of Snaitech, which has transformed the group into a B2B-focused business, and the revised agreement with Caliente Interactive.

The company also hailed an "excellent" start to 2026 and said it now expects to deliver FY26 adjusted EBITDA ahead of current consensus expectations, despite tax headwinds across several markets. It also remains confident of delivering its medium-term targets of adjusted EBITDA of 250m to 300m and free cash flow of 70m to 100m.

Shares in the gambling software development firm tumbled, however, down 9.3% at 324.61p at 1405 GMT.

Morgan Stanley, which rates the stock at underweight with a 215p price target, said adjusted EBITDA was in line with the upgrade update given in February, but revenue fell short. It also noted there was no significant progress with the Evolution case and said this is being treated as a contingent liability with no indication of the amount that might be claimed.

"We expect the prospects for the equity to be shaped primarily by the ongoing legal defamation case with Evolution for which we see uncertainties over timelines and a wide range of potential outcomes, creating overhang for the stock," the bank said.

Meanwhile, Citi, which rates the stock at buy with a 355p price target, said the soft revenue performance outside of the Americas may dampen any reaction to the positive FY26 EBITDA outlook.

Chief executive Mor Weizer said: "2025 was a year of significant transition for Playtech, as we completed the sale of Snaitech and returned to our roots as a leading, global, predominantly pure-play B2B business. Against this backdrop, we delivered a performance well ahead of expectations earlier in the year, demonstrating the strength of our technology offering.

"The US delivered a particularly strong performance, with revenue nearly doubling as momentum accelerated across our partnerships. We achieved a number of important strategic milestones, expanding into additional iGaming states and continuing to grow our Live offering. I'm really pleased to see our efforts in the US paying off, and we will continue to invest to capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead in this huge market.

"Our position in Latin America also strengthened, supported by the revised agreement with Caliente, which is performing well and further enhances our position in Mexico."

See latest RNS on Investegate
British suppliers will be prioritised for public contracts in shipbuilding, steel, AI and energy infrastructure under new guidance marking them out as sectors vital to national security. Departments will also have to either use British steel or justify sourcing it from overseas, under the rules announced by the government. The policy was already in the works but has been brought forward as the war in the Gulf and resulting shocks highlighted the fragility of global supply chains.  Guardian

Meta and YouTube have been found liable for deliberately designing addictive products that hooked a young user and led to her being harmed, a jury ruled on Wednesday. Jurors found the tech companies to be both negligent and having failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential dangers of their products. The jury awarded the plaintiff in the case damages of $6m, with Meta to pay 70% and YouTube the remainder. It took nearly nine days of deliberations for the Los Angeles jury to reach its verdict. This lawsuit, over social medias alleged harm to young people, was the first of its kind to go to trial.  Guardian

Hedge fund Millennium has pledged to stay in Dubai in a boost to the citys hopes of remaining a global financial hub. The hedge fund giant, which was started by Izzy Englander, a billionaire investor, is helping some staff relocate from Dubai to Jersey, but plans to maintain its offices in the Emirati city, according to sources familiar with the matter.  Telegraph

Vladimir Putin is raking in at least $760m (570m) a day as the war in Iran drives soaring demand for Russian oil. Kremlin sales from oil and gas will double from about $12bn to nearly $24bn this month as Putin profits from an enormous price surge and Donald Trumps sanctions waivers, according to the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute.  Telegraph

The founder of NMC Health used the former FTSE 100 company as his own personal piggy-bank in a fraud of extraordinary scale, the administrators have claimed at the start of a three-month trial into the groups collapse. Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty allegedly received more than 4.1 billion UAE dirhams (832 million) directly into his personal accounts from NMC, as well as further payments indirectly and through personal assets.  The Times

Former franchisees of Vodafone have met MPs to call for more protections for small businesses before a High Court battle over claims they were mistreated by the telecoms giant as Richard Tice, Reform UKs deputy leader, condemned the firms franchise scheme. Vodafone is defending a claim from 62 former franchise partners who allege breaches of their deal with the London-listed business left them facing ruin.  The Times
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Sardor Umurzakov, advisor to the president of Uzbekistan on strategic development, in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to jointly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and firmly support each other in the modernization drive.

China stands ready to cooperate with Uzbekistan to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, enhance inter-party exchanges, and jointly safeguard world and regional peace and stability, he said, adding that the CPPCC national committee will make positive contributions to this end.

Umurzakov said Uzbekistan adheres to the one-China principle, and supports major initiatives proposed by China.

Umurzakov also said the implementation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) presents opportunities for bilateral cooperation, and that Uzbekistan is willing to learn from the CPC's experience as the CPC leadership is the key to China's success. 
US and EU focus on broadening WTO reforms to include new issues.

India pushes for farm trade reforms and protection for small farmers.

The meeting takes place amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to hold its ministerial meeting in Cameroon on Thursday, with major discussions centered around reforming the 30-year-old body. The United States and the European Union are calling for broader reforms, aiming to address new challenges and acknowledge "plurilateral" agreements, which involve only some of the WTOs member nations. The US has also criticized the most favored nation (MFN) principle, which mandates uniform tariffs for all countries.

greater policy flexibility in areas like Farm trade reforms remain a key priority for India, as the country aims to safeguard its agricultural sector while pursuing global trade deals. India, on the other hand, will focus on protecting small farmers and fishermen, especially in developing economies. The country will also advocate forin areas like digital trade , which are increasingly becoming vital for emerging economies.remain a key priority for India, as the country aims to safeguard its agricultural sector while pursuing global trade deals.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, adding complexity to the negotiations. The discussions are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global trade rules.
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BusinessCompaniesCommercial real estate Wealthy family takes $20m haircut on Collingwood office Nicole Lindsay March 27, 2026  5:50am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Capital Gain One of Australias wealthiest families has taken a $20 million haircut on the sale of its city fringe office building, which was plagued by the collapse of two big building firms. Impact Investment Fund, an investment vehicle owned by Melbournes wealthy Liberman family, sold its Collingwood office for about $110 million after spending more than $130 million to get it finished. 54 Wellington Street, Collingwood Bad luck plagued the construction of the 12-storey office building at 54 Wellington Street in the early 2020s.

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First, Daniel Grollos Grocon group collapsed in mid-build, then its successor, Probuild, which took over the project, also went under, delaying the project and adding millions in extra costs. The Libermans have twice discounted the tower. They tried to sell once it was complete in 2022 for $160 million without getting it over the line. Last year, the price was discounted to $130 million. When its construction went pear-shaped early in the pandemic, Impact took a $20 million hit after borrowing more money to get the job finished. The tower was originally developed by Grocon on an old Telstra Exchange. The buyer, Sydney-based ASA Real Estate Partners, is understood to have notified its investors of its bargain buy. Cushman & Wakefields Leigh Melbourne, Nick Rathgeber and Daniel Wolman and JLLs Piper Dedrick got the deal away but declined to comment.

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Meanwhile, a building formerly owned by Impact Investment Group, the old Lonely Planet office in Footscray, is back on the market. Sydney-based Planum Partners paid $33.1 million for the 6562-square-metre building in 2019, and is hoping to get more than $30 million this time around. 90-96 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray. But the office market has changed in fundamental ways since these offices last changed hands, with vacancies rising and capital values sinking. Cushman & Wakefields Wolman, Oliver Hay and Leon Ma have the listing.

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Designs on Armadale fashion shop A two-hour auction on High Street Armadale on Thursday started in bright sunshine before closing, 468 bids later, in the rain. The $4.65 million result was far from dismal. Bidding for the shop at 1008 High Street, which is leased to Nadia Bartels fashion label Henne, started at $3.5 million. It was declared on the market at $4 million, and five parties, including Hennes owners, slowly increased the bidding. Five bidders competed for 1008 High Street, Armadale.

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Henne has a new year five-year lease on the shop and pays $190,000 a year, giving the sale a tight yield of 3.7 per cent. Teska Carsons Matthew Feld and Michael Ludski handled the auction. A local Armadale investor won the day. Records show the vendors had owned the 200-square-metre shop for at least 50 years. No so lucky was former PEXA boss Marcus Price, whose shop in Camberwell Junction passed in for $6.2 million with a handful of bids made by two prospective buyers. Records show Price paid $7.55 million for the Mountford Shoes store at 751-753 Burke Road back in 2021. Mountford Shoes has a fresh lease on the building and pays $315,000 a year in rent. Fitzroys agents David Bourke, Chris James and Ben Liu ran the quick auction.

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Earlier this month, the office of legal firm Galbally & OBryan, at 259 William Street, passed in at $5 million after attracting only two bidders. Related Article Commercial real estate VicRoads surplus land sale to boost state coffers by $50m It sold this week for about $5 million, with Cushman & Wakefield agents Oliver Hay, Anthony Kirwan, Daniel Wolman and Leon Ma negotiating the post-auction discussions. Proving you need more than two bidders, there were four parties at the auction of an Amcal pharmacy at 1045 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud, which sold for $2.14 million. Fitzroys Tom Fisher and Bourke ran that auction. Next month, the Blatt family is selling up 456-460 Toorak Road after more than 50 years.

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The shops are on 287 square metres and leased to beauty operators. Fitzroys agents Mark Talbot and Lewis Waddell are expecting more than $4 million. Villawoods supermarket The commercial arm of residential developer Villawood is selling a Coles supermarket in the Botanic Ridge housing estate in Cranbourne. Sandhurst Retail & Logistics is expecting about $70 million for the 10,455-square-metre centre, which was completed in 2022. Tenants include Dan Murphys, BlueFit Swim school and other food and beverage operators. The centre is on a 32,449-square-metre piece of land and returns $3.75 million a year in rent. Coles has a fresh 12-year lease.

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The listing is being marketed by Colliers Tim McIntosh, Will Heffernan and James Wilson, with Stonebridge Property Groups Justin Dowers and Kevin Tong. Also on the market is the St Kilda Aldi, which is expected to fetch about $10 million. The 1449-square-metre supermarket, at 133-135 Inkerman Street, has a new 12-year lease. It pays $555,000 in rent. JLLs Stuart Taylor and Tom Noonan have the listing. Breaking ground With construction costs stalling many projects in the past few years, its worth noting what is going ahead in this market.

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A render of developer Sterling Globals plans for 623 Collins, a 41-storey mixed-use tower. This week, Sterling Global appointed Hacer Group to build its $610 million mixed-use project at 623 Collins Street, on the western corner of Spencer Street. Related Article Commercial real estate Filipinos Flinders Street plan: Melbournes largest hotel with 766 rooms The 42-storey tower will integrate the 1924 State Savings Bank of Victoria banking chamber and the Batmans Hill Hotel into a new residential, commercial and retail building. Architect Plus Studio has designed the 320-unit project, which will have 2700 square metres of office and 900 square metres of retail. Sterling Global paid pub boss Bruce Mathieson $55 million for the site in 2023.

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Meanwhile, a joint venture between builder Hickory and financier MaxCap has started construction on a 892-bed student accommodation project, to be run by UniLodge. The 26-level tower, on the old Great Western Hotel site at 570 Little Bourke Street, is designed by Nettletontribe and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2028 academic year. MaxCap and Hickory bought the sites several components between 2019 and 2022, paying a combined $51.33 million. Its the fourth student accommodation project for Hickory, and its second major development in the CBD. Render of Hickorys tower at 570 Little Bourke Street. Hickory is revising the development scheme of the old Kilkenny Inn site at 580 Lonsdale Street, where it won a permit for a 21-storey office building in 2021. Late last year it applied to double the height to 48 storeys with 467 apartments.

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Out in the suburbs, Riverlee is breaking ground on a $100 million medical building at its $2 billion New Epping development. Riverlee paid $14 million for the former Epping quarry in 2015, and the 51-hectare site was rezoned to mixed use from industrial in 2020. The site is surrounded by the Epping Wholesale Market, the Pacific Epping shopping centre and the Northpoint Business park. Kane Constructions is building the six-storey 8200-square-metre building, which will connect directly to Ramsay Health Cares recently opened $133 million Northern Private Hospital. Work is starting soon on a new commercial strata office building, and a Punt Hill apartment hotel is expected to be completed this year. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessMarketsAviation Qantas steps up flights to Europe as travellers scramble for options amid Iran war Chris Zappone March 26, 2026  4:40pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Qantas will increase flights between Australia and Europe, as it responds to the strong demand driven by the fallout from the Iran war, which has led to thousands of flight cancellations by airlines using the Persian Gulf as a transit hub. The nations biggest airline will increase flights to Paris from three to five a week, leaving from Sydney and transiting through Singapore. Departing from Sydney rather than Perth, where the flights are currently originating, will add 60 more seats on each flight, it said. Qantas will also fly daily now from Perth to Rome, up from four flights a week. The stepped up schedule is achieved by using smaller planes on US flights and redeploying the airlines larger Boeing 787s to the UK and Europe, which is freeing up 1400 additional seats for those flights, Qantas said. Qantas is ramping up its schedule to tap into travellers scramble for flights to Europe amid the Iran war. Oscar Colman Qantas, like other major carriers, is responding to the disruptions in the Middle East, which have seen travel options through hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi practically disappear as airlines were forced to cancel flights due to safety concerns. That in turn has increased appetite for flights between Australia and Europe that avoid the region, and has sent ticket prices through the roof.

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A Sydney to London one-way ticket now averages more than $1500, roughly double last years price, according to an Alton Aviation Consultancy analysis of data from analytics firm Cirium. Seeking to capture the stepped-up demand, the airline will also increase its Perth-Singapore service to 10 flights per week, timed to connect with its Singapore-Paris flights. At the same time, it will continue its daily Perth to London service via Singapore, even as it offers a direct London-Perth connection. The changes take effect progressively for flights from mid-April and run until late July. Qantas is doing this by redeploying some Boeing 787s out of US routes and moving some Airbus A330 used for domestic flights onto international routes. It didnt immediately respond to questions about pricing for the new flights, having increased fares on all international routes earlier this month. Qantas schedule changes come as airlines and governments around the world are bracing for a shortfall of jet fuel supply as the fallout from the Iran war continues to ripple through the aviation industry, forcing carriers to avoid critical Middle Eastern hubs for months to come amid safety concerns. Its dark skies ahead for airlines as they try and navigate through the fuel and safety crisis created by the war in the Middle East. Bloomberg

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I think that the war will end, and people will once again feel safe in the region, he said. Yet oil prices will remain higher for longer as the conflict and its aftermath play out for global markets, he warned. After Brent crude oil prices shot as high as $US120 per barrel last week on the back of the hostilities, they have come back to $US98 on Thursday amid hopes a 15-point US peace plan could pave the way for an end to the war with Iran. Jet fuel has been particularly squeezed  almost doubling in price. Despite hedging themselves against fuel price fluctuations, both Qantas and Virgin have hiked their airfares in response to the conflict. Qantas also pointed out that while it hedges the oil price, it doesnt hedge the more volatile refining margins, or the cost of refineries to produce the jet fuel. In this environment, airline ticket prices have jumped by an estimated 15 to 20 per cent since the conflict began at the end of February, Kirby said.

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Tehrans war strategy of striking neighbouring oil-producing countries in the Persian Gulf in retaliation for the US-Israel attacks, and blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the global oil supplies sails, has caught the US off guard. Loading With uncertainty about the length of the war and its follow-on effects spreading, Asian countries are scrambling to secure supply and protect their fuel stocks. South Korean airlines have been notified about refuelling restrictions by some countries, and their government is discussing whether to redirect export-bound jet fuel to its domestic market, the nations transport ministry said in a statement to Bloomberg on Wednesday. China and Thailand have tightened curbs on refined fuel exports to protect their own strategic stocks, while Australia temporarily cut 20 per cent in its minimum stockholding obligations for diesel and petrol amid dwindling imports. However, the country only produces 20 per cent of the jet fuel it needs.

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Related Article Aviation Australias jet fuel supply is safe for now, but a price crunch is in the pipeline In another sign of the wars impact on aviation, Singapore has announced a delay on a planned sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy that airline customers were meant to start paying next month, due to the surge in fuel costs spurred by the Iran war. The extra charges will now begin October 1, Singapores civil aviation authority said on Wednesday. Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall said the South-East Asian nation may soon resort to fuel rationing. In Vietnam, the aviation agency warned of potential jet fuel shortages from early April, and is cutting flights as a result. Closer to home, Qantas budget carrier Jetstar this week cut more than 10 per cent of its flights between Australia and New Zealand, and within New Zealand in a move described as temporary. How temporary it is will depend on how much longer the almost-four-week-old war drags on.

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Review Eating outCollingwood This all-day wine bar and its handwritten little black book has our reviewer hooked Lunch, dinner or snacks and drinks at Bar Local Drop can stretch happily from a quick one to one more to we might as well... Dani Valent March 27, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

As featured in the April 2026 hit list. See all stories .

1 / 8 Bar Local Drop is an extension of wine delivery business the Local Drop. Bonnie Savage 2 / 8 Tapioca fritti with dill and anchovy. Bonnie Savage 3 / 8 Wood-grilled kohlrabi with sunflower seed paste and remoulade. Bonnie Savage 4 / 8 House-made casarecce with duck ragu. Bonnie Savage 5 / 8 Lamb skewers topped with thyme salsa laced with bone marrow. Bonnie Savage 6 / 8 Pizzetta with smoked mussels. Bonnie Savage 7 / 8 Bar Local Drop is a great spot for a lunch date, with a glass of wine of course. Bonnie Savage 8 / 8 The plant-lined atrium. Bonnie Savage Previous Slide Next Slide 14.5 / 20 Critics' Pick How we score Bar Local Drop Contemporary$$$$ Bar Local Drop hooks me instantly  before I even sit down. At the far end of the vast, pink-marble benchtop at the entrance to this coffee shop and wine bar, a chef is hand-cranking a pasta machine. In a cirrus cloud of flour caught in the evenings golden rays, little casarecce tumble to the gleaming stone. The scene is open and warm, qualities that are borne out completely by the rest of the experience. Im here for dinner or an array of snacks and sips that, somehow, stretches happily from a quick one to one more to we might as well. But Id gladly come back for a 9am meeting over espresso and a pastry. Id also meet you here for lunch  maybe the casarecce loved up with comforting duck ragu? We might have wine with that, like a person might in Paris or Milan, where day-drinking is merely hydration. House-made casarecce with duck ragu. Bonnie Savage

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Here since last April, this is the physical manifestation of The Local Drop, a wine-delivery network that owner Jagdev Singh launched in 2014. Its a quirky business with most orders made by text or direct message: Im out and were drinking this tasty barbaresco. Wed love a dozen for home. Singhs team drives it over. That personal approach is also apparent in the bar, which is overseen by Pierrick Gorrichon, a French sommelier who spent four years at two-hatted Gimlet. We could peruse his credentials, but Id rather talk about his black, leather-bound book, a handwritten list of special and one-off wines that he crosses out as theyre consumed. In our digital world, its a highly appealing, analogue document that youre invited to leaf through. Theres so much gatekeeping in wine: these guys have taken the gate off its hinges and flung it into a far paddock. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up The 55-seat venue flows from an ex-industrial backstreet past the dining rooms browsable wine shelves to a plant-lined atrium shared with offices above. The 2024 building feels airy and tactile. Chef Damon McIvor (ex-Vex) runs a smart, small menu, workable for one-glass nibbles and long evenings. It reads Italian, but thats more so diners can easily find a thread. Pizzetta with smoked mussels. Bonnie Savage Theres pasta, always house-made. There are cheesy tapioca fritters, based on Brazils dadinho de tapioca, which are a key bar snack. Here, theyre topped with dill oil and anchovy. Puffy pizzetta is loaded with smoked mussels. Lamb skewers are dolloped with thyme salsa laced with bone marrow.

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The kohlrabi dish is vegan, but anyone could fall for this crucifer, roasted in an umami bath of soy sauce and seaweed-infused water to a dramatic black and served with sunflower seed paste and jaunty remoulade. Theres so much gatekeeping in wine: these guys have taken the gate off its hinges and flung it into a far paddock. Jagdev Singhs life in hospitality may have been leading to this moment. Important workplace stints have included Marios, the 40-year-old Fitzroy icon that introduced poised Euro service to Melbourne cafes, and MoVida, which brought relaxed excellence. Bar Local Drop feels like a place Melbourne needs now. Its smallish and anchored in place but with a confident world view. The food is direct and straightforward, but not dumbed-down. The drinks offering has a point of view, but the mood is expansive. Above all, its welcoming  in price point, attitude and sensibility. The low-down Atmosphere: Flexible and friendly local den Go-to dishes: Pizzetta with smoked mussels ($19); tapioca fritti ($7); wood-grilled kohlrabi ($18); casarecce with duck ragu ($20 lunch special) Drinks: One of the most enjoyable and engaging wine experiences around town, whether youre a newbie or a connoisseur. Browse the shelves for wine to buy for home or drink in ($25 corkage) and ask sommelier Pierrick Gorrichon for a peek at his black book of rarities. Cost: About $90 for two, excluding drinks

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This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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Sponsored LifestyleHealth & wellnessOttai Managing wellness in real time: The rise of discreet glucose monitoring Advertorial for Ottai March 26, 2026  1:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

If youre among the millions of Australians currently living with diabetes or a prediabetic condition, knowing how your everyday choices impact your glucose levels isnt just useful, its invaluable. After all, the more insight you have on how your lifestyle habits affect your body, the more confidence and clarity youll have when it comes to managing your health. However, while continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) make it easy to track your levels, the cost of these devices can be prohibitive, particularly for those not eligible for government subsidies. This cost-barrier has left many individuals reliant on traditional technology, such as invasive, data-limited finger-prick tests. Until now. Backed by more than six years of dedicated research and development in biosensing technology, Ottai has released a more affordable Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, giving Australians greater choice. Since its launch in 2025, more than one million users have adopted the Ottai CGM. Ottais goal is to make chronic disease management more accessible, personalised and proactive. The Ottai CGM is a small, coin-sized biosensor worn on the back of your upper arm that automatically measures your glucose levels day and night, explains Wayne Wong, chief operating officer at Ottai.

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After 14 full days of wear, plus a 24-hour grace period, you simply peel it off and apply a new one. It fits into life, not the other way around. Data at a glance Lightweight, waterproof and designed to stay in place for two weeks, the Ottai CGM sends glucose readings to an AI-powered companion app every five minutes built on advanced deep-learning algorithms. Theres no bulky receiver, so checking your levels is as simple as looking at your smartwatch or phone. That real-time visibility changes everything, Wang says. Youre not just getting a number; youre seeing where your glucose is headed with trend arrows that show whether youre rising, falling or holding steady. Ottai is an Oxford-originated, high-end medical device R&D company that focuses on AI digital health innovation. They have been operating since 2019 and specialise in transforming chronic disease management (specifically diabetes) through advanced biosensing and deep learning technologies.

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Users can also log food and exercise via the app, which allows you to see how your glucose levels respond after meals, certain foods and activities. Combined with advice from healthcare professionals, this information allows you to fine-tune your lifestyle for better glucose control, improved exercise performance and overall wellbeing. Many users discover surprising responses, such as certain healthy foods that cause unexpected rises, and build sustainable habits for consistent energy and better glucose control, explains Wang. When it comes to exercise, real-time alerts let you know if your glucose dips or spikes during or after a workout, which means you can adjust on the spot. Understanding your unique patterns empowers you to move in ways that work with your body, not against it, Wang adds. Designed with discretion in mind, the Ottai CGM was made to be as unobtrusive as possible, so once its on, youll barely notice its there. You can shower, sleep and exercise all while the CGM works quietly in the background, Wang says. The result is a complete, 24/7 picture of your glucose without the hassle or pain. Thats the difference  instead of poking holes in your day, you get insight that actually helps you stay in control, with fewer surprises and more confidence in your daily decisions.

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The Ottai Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) wearable system not only displays data but also provides actionable lifestyle and dietary recommendations, integrating with platforms like Apple Health and various smartwatches. Ahead of the curve The Ottai CGM encourages users to be proactive with their health, and that includes sharing valuable data with healthcare providers. Ottai generates comprehensive AGP reports and Time-In-Range summaries that clinicians can interpret at a glance, he explains. The data-export feature allows users to share specific time periods with their healthcare team, he adds. This shifts the conversation from What have your numbers been? to Lets look at these patterns together and problem-solve. As well as sharing glucose insights with health professionals, says you can also share data with family members to round out your support network and better coordinate your care.

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Thanks to Ottais customisable high and low alerts, youll be notified when your glucose is trending towards a dangerous level, not just when it gets there, so you can address changes before they cause an issue. Detailed 14-day reports also make it easier to notice patterns, which says is a powerful tool. You can connect the dots between what you ate, how you moved and how your body responded, he explains. Spotting those trends means you can actually do something with the information: adjust a habit, celebrate progress or walk into your next doctors appointment with a professional-grade report already in hand. It takes the guesswork out and puts the insights front and centre. Developed in-house by a global multidisciplinary team, Ottai is a continuous glucose monitoring system that provides real-time glucose insights without traditional finger-prick testing. Visit ottai.com to learn more. *The information in this article should not be construed as medical advice. Please always consult a medical professional for advice specific to you. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Ottai CGM is included in the ARTG (ID: 499710).

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Ottai
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday denounced Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for manipulating the judiciary to suppress political opponents.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding a court ruling involving former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je. Ko was sentenced in a first-instance ruling to 17 years in prison and deprived of political rights for six years.

"We have noted the relevant situation," Zhu said.

She accused the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te of seeking selfish political gains by "wantonly manipulating the judiciary" to crack down on dissents, describing the actions as "green terror."

Zhu said such practices have already aroused growing public resentment and opposition within Taiwan.

"Those who commit unjust acts will bring about their own downfall," she said, adding that such moves will inevitably be rejected by the people on the island. 
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NationalNSWCity life Freak accident: Rose Bay villa partially collapses during luxury rebuild David Barwell March 26, 2026  11:46am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

For more than a century, the Victorian-era villa known as Hillcrest has stood as a stoic reminder of the past amid an ever-shifting Sydney skyline. Perched on New South Head Road, a stones throw from the shimmering waters of Rose Bay Beach, the heritage-listed landmark survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and the steady march of urbanisation. The building collapse at the Rose Bay site, which has left a scar on the Victorian-era villa. But in a matter of seconds on February 12, a chapter of that history came toppling to the ground when two upper levels of the building and a section of the roof collapsed into a deep excavation pit below. The incident has left a scar on the side of the three-storey villa and ignited debate over the risks posed to historical buildings amid a residential development surge sweeping Sydneys suburbs.

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The collapse occurred during a $9.9 million redevelopment aimed at transforming the 1890s villa into five ultra-luxury residences. The project, approved by the Land and Environment Court after a protracted planning battle with Woollahra Council, was promoted as a sympathetic development that would retain the original villa while adding new wings and a multi-level basement. The collapse occurred during a $9.9 million redevelopment of the property. Wolter Peeters Michael Kounellis, director of builder Trescon, described the collapse as a freak accident which he attributed to suspected flawed geotechnical advice. He said the lower section of the building had been scheduled for removal under the approved plans, but the upper levels were never expected to be affected.

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The upper levels came down without notice, Kounellis said, adding that the incident had been self-reported and that the company intends to rebuild the damaged sections of the home. According to a preliminary report from Woollahra Council, an on-site project manager heard audible structure-borne creaking noises shortly before the incident. The property, which dates back to the 1890s, suffered a further partial collapse on March 16. Wolter Peeters Cracking was also observed at ground level, indicating potential movement linked to excavation works taking place adjacent to the building. The report stated that part of the heritage facade and a structural wall gave way shortly after an opening was created beneath the facade wall.

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The situation worsened on March 16 when a further partial collapse involving an upper-level wall was reported, resulting in the need to remove an unstable section of the building to prevent additional damage. Kounellis denies excavation works were responsible for either collapse. The site has since been the focus of multiple inspections by Woollahra Council, the Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW. On March 13, SafeWork issued an improvement notice requiring Trescon to implement corrective measures, including stabilisation works under the supervision of independent geotechnical and structural engineers. In a statement, the Building Commission said it was working alongside SafeWork to ensure compliance with those directives.

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Woollahra councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis described the partial collapse of the property as devastating, noting Hillcrest had been a largely intact example of high-end Victorian architecture along the harbour coastline. Editor's pick Exclusive

Architecture Inside the Rose Bay home turning the McMansion trend on its head The building has stood the test of time for over 100 years, she said. What were seeing now is what can happen when very substantial development and deep excavation [more generally] are introduced into a coastal environment with challenging ground conditions. Her comments reflect broader anxiety across Sydney, where a surge in multi-storey redevelopment activity  often involving deep basements and complex engineering works  has coincided with a series of structural incidents.

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Since January this year, residents in Botany and Kensington have been forced to evacuate their homes at the direction of NSW Building Commission, after nearby construction work compromised the integrity of their properties. Developer Positive Investment Enterprise, in a statement, said all required safety and reporting protocols had been followed. The company said its immediate priority was securing the site and preparing for restoration works. Since February 12, Woollahra Council, the Building Commission NSW, and SafeWork NSW have inspected the site multiple times. Wolter Peeters At all times builders followed proper procedure and methodology in dealing with a heritage building including excavation works, the statement read. We are committed to ensuring that upcoming repairs, with appropriate approvals, will restore the facade to its former glory.

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The collapse marks the latest chapter in a long-running planning saga surrounding Hillcrest. Since 2020, the property has been the subject of multiple development applications and modifications. Editor's pick Exclusive

Property development This idea would save apartment owners $333m. Strata managers took high offence Woollahra Council initially rejected redevelopment proposals and secured an interim heritage listing to protect the building before the Land and Environment Court ultimately approved the redevelopment in 2021. Woollahra Council has said any further work at Hillcrest will require a new development application, including a detailed heritage impact statement, and it retains the authority to order the restoration of the damaged sections of the property. The development is being marketed for sale online with a listing boasting five ultra-luxury residences with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the citys glittering skyline. 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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NationalNSWWeather NSW coast declared no-go zone after one-in-100 year swell warning Jack Gramenz and Cindy Yin Updated March 27, 2026  6:17pm ,first published March 27, 2026  7:35am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Beachgoers, boaties and fishers have been urged to stay away from the NSW coast amid a one-in-100 year swell warning for the weekend, with waves as big as two-storey buildings predicted as severe winds whip up dangerous surf. Dozens of flights in and out of Sydney have also been cancelled as the wild weather hits NSW, while a cold snap blanketed ski resorts in snow. Winds have been forecast to reach up to 110km/h in parts of the state, which could bring down trees and damage properties. Conditions on Sydneys beaches are forecast to deteriorate into Saturday. Sam Mooy Conditions on Sydneys beaches are expected to deteriorate on Friday evening and into Saturday, and southerly swells up to 10 metres offshore and exceeding five metres on the coast are predicted in some parts, with risks of coastal erosion and infrastructure damage. The warnings for damaging surf and gale force winds stretch north to the Mid North Coast and south to Victoria. Southerly storms hit Sydney about 5pm on Friday, bringing more heavy rain and strong winds.

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Surf Life Saving NSW told anyone thinking of going to the beach, heading out on their boat or going fishing to forget it. Change those plans now, said Brent Manieri, the public safety and emergency management general manager. A surfer takes on the growing swell at Maroubra. Sam Mooy A beach closure sign didnt stop some surfers heading out into the water. Sam Mooy The size and conditions that were going to experience over the next 36 hours is potentially one-in-50 to one-in-100 year event.

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We had similar size surf 12 months ago; over the course of a weekend, we lost six lives. He said the dangerous conditions forecast for the coast would hinder the ability of surf lifesavers to respond. Rescue boats and jet-skis might be hampered by the conditions, and helicopters could be grounded by strong winds. Swell-breaking barriers have been made in the sand at Bondi Beach ahead of a predicted surge along the coast. Sam Mooy Marine Rescue NSW acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said too many deaths had occurred off the coast in the past few months. Its avoidable by making a simple decision: Dont go, Duemmer said.

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This weekend is a no-go zone on our coasts. Some surfers took advantage of the growing swell at Maroubra in the citys east on Friday. Others paddling out on the northern beaches had their sessions cut short after a shark sighting forced the closure of North Steyne beach about 8.45am. It is the same beach where South Coast musician Andre de Ruyter was bitten in January during a spate of shark attacks following severe weather. By sunrise tomorrow [Saturday] we may see wave heights still elevated, but on a decreasing trend as we move through Saturday. And we are transitioning away from damaging surf warnings to hazardous surf warnings, which is a slight tier down, the Bureau of Meteorologys Jordan Notara said. At Bondi Beach, swell-breaking barriers have been erected from sand ahead of the predicted surge. A Waverley Council spokesperson said they were designed to divert water away from storage facilities that house surf lifesaving equipment.

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Related Article Opinion

City life No metro, no train, no shoes. A colleagues electric car got me home in the end Jason Avedissian Weekend sports editor The large swell forced the cancellation of F1 Manly Ferry services from 8pm on Friday until Sunday morning. Other ferry services are expected to run, although Transport for NSW did not rule out further suspensions. Commuters will have options to catch limited replacement buses between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf, as well as B-line bus services. The strong winds also caused flight disruptions. At least 40 domestic flights scheduled to land at Sydney Airport had been cancelled by 5pm on Friday, and about 25 planned departures were also grounded. We encourage passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight, a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.

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Possible blizzard conditions in alpine parts of the states south are also possible on Friday, but are expected to ease into the weekend as the vigorous low-pressure system driving the wild weather moves offshore. Loading Ten to 20 centimetres of snow fell in the Perisher Valley in the 12 hours to 10am on Friday. Snow was also falling at Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains, but temperature data was not available from the Bureau of Meteorology. Notara said there was a low chance of any more snow across the state, as it peaked earlier this [Friday] morning, and residents [are] more likely to just see very cold temperatures for the rest of today. It was snowing in the Central West on Friday morning.

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Weve got a bit of snow falling at the moment, intermixed with the rain, but its unusual to see, in beautiful Orange, snow this early in the year, Jeff, a caller, told 2GB. Temperatures in Orange were just above freezing, but the apparent  or feels like  temperature plunged as low as minus 6.6 degrees. Sydney is heading for a top of 21 degrees, with a low of 13, but the apparent temperature is considerably lower. The wild weather began on Thursday afternoon, when a storm whipped through Sydney, downing trees and prompting hundreds of calls for assistance.

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The NSW SES responded to 591 incidents around the state in the 24 hours to 2pm on Friday, with 284 in Sydney. SES crews responding to storm damage on the northern beaches on Thursday. NSW SWS Warringah / Pittwater Unit SES intelligence and warning officer David Pedersen said about a quarter of those calls came from around the citys northern beaches and were mostly for downed trees, with no reports of flooding. More than 2400 Ausgrid customers remained without power on Friday afternoon after the storm knocked out electricity, primarily on the northern beaches and Central Coast. On the Endeavour Energy network, covering parts of western Sydney, the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and South Coast regions, almost 1000 customers were without power due to unplanned outages.

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Four Pines Park in darkness during a blackout as a storm passes over the northern beaches ahead of the NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters on Thursday. Getty Images The storm drenched Four Pines Park at Brookvale on Thursday night and knocked out power ahead of the NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters, but the match went ahead when conditions cleared. Chaos on public transport followed as commuters faced major delays on metro and train services from the storm that hit during peak hour. A dust storm approaches over Dubbo on Thursday. Scott Barber Severe winds kicked up a dust storm and partially collapsed a crane on a building site in Dubbo on Thursday afternoon.

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Meanwhile, a total fire ban is in place in the north of the state in the New England and North West Slopes regions amid high to extreme fire danger. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
SA businesses encouraged to pass on fuel crisis surcharge to customers

South Australian businesses are being encouraged to charge customers a surcharge of up to 5 per cent, passing on the rising cost of operating amid the fuel crisis.
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NationalVictoriaCity life The property tax proposal dividing Frankston residents Adam Carey March 26, 2026  11:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

It was a scene staged to show a suburb on the rise, literally and figuratively. Frankston Mayor Sue Baker and two directors from Pace Development Group stuck three shiny, gold-coloured shovels in the dirt and posed for photos at a sand turning ceremony at the site of a 14-storey luxury apartment tower that will rise over the Nepean Highway. Frankston Mayor Sue Baker stands on top of an apartment building overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Penny Stephens Dubbed Solene, the $91 million building  which will include a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the bay, gymnasium and a private residents lounge  will be built on the site of the former Frankston Cinema, which closed in 2014. Melbournes property sector is in the midst of a blossoming love affair with Frankston.

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Baker said Solene was just one of five major apartment projects with about 1000 homes currently taking shape along the Nepean Highway which are really going to alter perceptions of us and help with building civic pride in Frankston. But as developers fall for the suburbs scenic waterfront, many other parts of the bayside suburb remain under-loved. A 2025 audit identified 96 long-term vacant commercial properties, accounting for 23 per cent of all retail spaces in the central activity area  one of the highest retail vacancy rates in Melbourne. In an attempt to combat the issue and put pressure on landlords to find tenants, council is currently weighing up tripling property rates from July for landlords whose shops are left vacant long-term. Property consultant Richard Jenkins, who has advised multiple Melbourne councils on activating struggling retail strips, said differential rates were a fairly blunt instrument for filling vacant shopfronts.

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You need to have a carrot as well, he said. As we know, consumer behaviour has changed. The shift is generational  and theres lots of landlords who are challenged by the new circumstances. Related Article City life Frankstons future as luxe bayside suburb a distant dream in derelict town centre The carrot Frankston City Council plans to offer is turning the suburbs commercial heart into a Dubai-style tax haven for investors. In a proposal recently pitched to the state government, which has already named Frankston one of 10 metropolitan activity centres across Melbourne, the suburbs commercial centre would be declared Victorias first special economic priority area. The pitch includes a three-year land tax holiday for new developments that include affordable housing, deep reductions in payroll tax rates for business (from 4.85 per cent to 1.215 per cent), and residential stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan unit and townhouse purchases.

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The package would cost the state government about $32 million in forgone tax revenue in its first three years, but would ultimately generate $4 in revenue for every dollar spent, and create more than 1100 jobs, 550 extra apartments and townhouses and 63,000 square metres of new commercial and industrial floor space, according to the councils preliminary business case. Speaking at the construction launch of Solene, Baker said the economic incentives would make Frankston more attractive to developers in a time when Melbournes apartment sector is struggling to make projects stack up. Its a tough economic climate for everybody at the moment. So this idea was created to start a conversation about additional incentives which could be attractive to all sorts of developers  private, social, affordable  to come and talk to us about opportunities within Frankston, she said. Special economic priority areas with friendly tax regimes for business and investors have been introduced in places such as Dubai, Shenzhen and Bristol overseas, but not yet in Australia. Commercial and industrial real estate agency director Michael Crowder, who manages 26 of the 96 identified vacant commercial properties in Frankston, said the special economic priority area was a proposal unlikely to gain favour with the government, and that hitting owners with a 300 per cent differential rate would be counter-productive at a time when the council is trying to encourage new development.

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Frankston mayor Sue Baker, left, with Pace sales and marketing director Will Mitchell and construction director Zafer Tillem. Adam Carey A lot of these clients have owned these properties for 30 to 40 years. A lot of them are elderly. A lot of them only own maybe one or two investment properties so theyre not rich, Crowder said. Theyre self-funded retirees who need the income, they desperately need their properties to be leased. The Frankston Business Chamber has urged the council to press pause on its differential rates proposal and consult more widely with landlords. Chamber chief executive Bernadine Geary said there were underlying social and economic issues contributing to Frankstons high vacancy rates.

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Weve had some calls from some of the owners whove actually had vacant properties for a number of years  the reasons theyre saying that their properties are vacant are not for want of trying, she said. The City of Port Phillip introduced a 400 per cent rate increase for 67 disused retail and vacant properties in June 2024. Thirteen of those were activated in 2024-25, the council said. A Victorian government spokesperson did not directly address questions about the proposed special economic priority area. Weve already done significant work to unlock housing and investment in these areas, including new planning controls and targeted concessions that support development, the spokesperson 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.
Predicted heavy weather from Tropical Cyclone Narelle has prompted Dementia Australia to postpone its Perth Memory Walk and Jog that was scheduled to take place on Sunday.

The Bunbury Memory Walk and Jog event planned for Saturday at Back Beach in the South West city has also been postponed.

It follows on from Curtin University cancelling it Open Day on Sunday due to similar weather concerns.

In a statement, Dementia Australia said its number-one priority was the safety of all participants, staff and volunteers.

Our goal for Memory Walk & Jog is to have a fun-filled and safe community event supporting people impacted by dementia, the statement read.

The decision to postpone has not been taken lightly, and we are thankful for everything everyone has done so far in raising funds and getting ready for 2026 Memory Walk & Jog.
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PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Albaneses caution is fuelling unease. This may be his COVID moment James Massola Chief political commentator March 27, 2026  5:00am

March 27, 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

Gambling reform. The royal commission into antisemitism. The stage 3 tax cuts. And now fuel rationing. For a guy with so many decades of experience in politics  and a track record of picking winners, managing outcomes and getting his way  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can take an annoyingly long time to arrive at a decision that looks blindingly obvious to everybody else. Albanese is playing down the urgency of the moment and insisting that, behind the scenes, all is calm and under control, that the work is being done, the states and feds are talking, and the newly appointed fuel tsar Anthea Harris is up and running. Holding the baby: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in parliament on Thursday with young Joseph, the son of the member for Canberra, Alicia Payne. Alex Ellinghausen With the US-Israeli war on Iran in its fourth week, farmers warning diesel shortages will lead to food shortages, energy market experts warning global oil and gas markets will remain undersupplied for months (even if the war ends in days), and state premiers begging the federal government to do more, Albaneses approach is wearing thin with voters. The prime minister has told colleagues in recent days that the lessons of the COVID pandemic have informed his approach to this crisis. He does not want to be seen to be rushing, lest it contribute to the sense of panic in some sections of the community, and he doesnt want to pull every lever available to him immediately and be left without options to protect the economy and supply chains.

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You want to get decisions right, a colleague quotes Albanese, and todays world is a TikTok world, where everyone has a 30-second attention span and wants things done instantly. Thats not necessarily the right thing to do. Getting the decision right the first time means you dont have to go back and fix things later. Related Article Exclusive

Middle East at war Bowens big stick spurs largest intervention since World War II to secure fuel for bush The previous government, Albanese said, got plenty right during COVID, but it also got lots wrong. Australians needed reassuring that its leaders would not say one thing one day and another the next. We are going to handle this in an orderly fashion, he said. This is complex. It involves things we cant control, but what we can control is our response, which is orderly. Its an approach that mirrors Albaneses cautious personality. But the problem is not that the work to fix the problem isnt under way or that decisions arent being made. Rather, the problem is one of perceptions. Perceptions can make or break politicians. And Albanese is in danger of losing this war of perceptions.

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Where his governments handling of the fuel shortages has fallen short is in projecting a sense of action, of getting things done. That may not sound important but it does matter  because it boosts public confidence that the people elected to govern have the moment in hand. Related Article NSW State Parliament Fishers and farmers already rationing fuel as diesel prices cripple producers There comes a time when the prime minister  rather than a senior minister or three  has to front up and explain to Australians what the government is doing and why it will fix the problems right now. Albaneses first instinct to play down the significance of the moment, when people are panic-buying fuel, hasnt served him well. A case in point came last Saturday. Two days after he had convened national cabinet and appointed a fuel co-ordinator, he was asked about rationing. Albanese replied: Thats a decision for state and territory government, so its not a question for me. That remark has not aged well. Only on Wednesday night, when he called a second national cabinet meeting for next Monday, did it become clear that Albanese was feeling the pressure  and that fuel rationing may well become a question for him when he sits down with state and territory leaders.

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Another mistake has been in allowing Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen to take the lead (and effectively serve as a human punching bag for the opposition and sections of News Corp). It is Bowen who provides the daily updates on the number of petrol stations experiencing shortages, on the impact on the economy and even on food supply chains. That impact is expected to be felt sometime next month. Related Article Updated

World markets ASX dips as Iran war uncertainty lingers; oil rises Coming in over the top of Bowen (or any senior minister) is not Albaneses style. He wants to be a modern Hawke or Curtin, not a Whitlam or Keating, and that means letting go (at least a little) and letting his ministers run their portfolios in a proper cabinet government. But this has also created the space for the Coalition and One Nation to cause mischief and foment a sense of panic. One Nation, in particular, prospers in moments of panic and uncertainty. On Thursday, Barnaby Joyce called for fuel rationing to begin as soon as possible  a trap, surely, for the prime minister. Hed be the leader who imposed fuel rationing on motorists while opposition MPs  playing politics every bit as much as Joyce  lined up to suggest it was the PM creating panic. Albanese is correct that there are parallels between the early days of the COVID pandemic and the current fuel shortages, and some lessons to be learnt. Namely, dont exhaust all policy options at once.

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Heres another lesson worth considering. Whatever you might think of them and the policies they implemented, national and state leaders including Scott Morrison, Dan Andrews and Gladys Berejiklian (and other state premiers) stood up and explained what was happening during the pandemic, each and every day, to ordinary Australians. It was an approach that reassured an anxious nation during a once-in-100-years crisis. The current crisis does not demand daily briefings (at least not yet), but the impact on peoples lives is real, the implications for the economy serious and becoming more so. And, much like the early days of COVID, people are seeking reassurance. Albanese is keenly aware of the weight and power of the office of prime minister, and he uses it sparingly. He is also concerned that this fuel crisis is contributing to fraying social cohesion in Australia, as the anxious few turn up at petrol stations with jerry cans and water tanks to stock up on diesel or petrol. Its time he took a leaf out of the Morrison-Andrews-Berejiklian playbook and explained  in detail, and indeed by using the weight of his office  how Australia will get through this fine mess. Mondays meeting of national cabinet is the place to start. James Massola is chief political commentator.
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Analysis PoliticsFederalMiddle East at war Germanys blunt candour about Trump highlights how timid Australia has become Matthew Knott March 26, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Donald Trump started a reckless war against Iran with no plan for victory. Now, a month into a conflict ravaging the global economy, he has no strategy to get out of it. That was the grim and refreshingly honest message from Germanys defence minister during a visit to Canberra on Thursday. And there was plenty more where that came from. Boris Pistorius candour stood in stark relief to the Albanese governments timid, often tongue-tied response to the war since it offered speedy and enthusiastic support for the initial strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. The government clearly believes it has little scope to express even mild reservations about Trumps handling of the war, let alone criticisms. Germany does not feel so constrained. Defence Minister Richard Marles (left) with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, during a joint press conference at Parliament House on Thursday. Alex Ellinghausen What concerns me most about that war is there was no consultation, there is no strategy, there is no clear objective, Pistorius told the National Press Club in a scathing verdict of Trumps handling of the Iran conflict. And the worst thing, from my perspective, is there is no exit strategy. Trumps decision to go to war with Iran, Pistorius argued, is dangerous for the rules-based international order. It is impossible to imagine any Australian minister frankly acknowledging this confronting but undeniable reality: Trump, as well as Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, is a threat to the post-Cold War global system that has benefited democracies such as Germany and Australia.

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Pistorius was the only minister to survive the transition from the previous German government led by Social Democrat Olaf Scholz to the current one led by conservative Friedrich Merz. Its easy to see why. Hes an impressive operator who, even in a second language, speaks about complex topics with a clarity rarely heard in Canberra. A destroyed residential building pictured in Tehran this week after an airstrike. Getty Images The force of Pistorius message was even more striking when he stood next to Defence Minister Richard Marles at a press conference in Parliament House. The war in Iran, Pistorius said, had been a catastrophe for the worlds economies. And he delivered a blunt memo from Berlin: having declined the courtesy of consulting his allies before attacking Iran, Trump should not expect them to offer any military support until there is a ceasefire. Its not our war, and therefore we dont want to get sucked into that war  to make it crystal clear, Pistorius said.

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In other words: You broke it, Donald, and you own it. Marles message  We support efforts to pursue a peace and to de-escalate this conflict  was far more sanitised. Back at the Press Club, Pistorius spelt out the hypocritical approach that Trump has taken in dealing with Americas European allies. First, he demanded they increase defence spending and insisted they take care of your own backyard. Now Trump is complaining about a lack of allied support for his war on Iran. Now they are saying, Where are you? You are cowards. You dont help us. I mean, we havent even been consulted, and Im sure we wouldnt have started that war, Pistorius said.

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Earlier this week, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier declared that the war in Iran violated international law and that the justification of an imminent attack on the US does not hold water. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Its not the crisis the PM wants, but its the opportunity he needs Peter Hartcher Political and international editor Pistorius obviously agrees. Our president highlighted an assessment which we all have [had] in mind since the war started, he said. And many, many people  experts and non experts  questioned the legality of that war. Again, the contrast to Australias tepid stance was unmissable. In the days after the US and Israel attacked Iran, Foreign Minister Penny Wong repeatedly refused to give a clear answer when asked the obvious question of whether the strikes were legal. Ill leave it for the United States and Israel to speak of the basis, the legal basis for the attacks, was all she would say.

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Australia, of course, had no problem quickly and correctly labelling Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine as illegal. Related Article Middle East at war Iranian naval commander killed in airstrike, Israel claims Pistorius also expressed his concern that Trump has lost a little bit of interest in dealing with negotiations about a ceasefire or peace in Ukraine now he is fixated on the Middle East. And he slammed the US decision to relax sanctions on Russia in a bid to bring down global oil prices as a huge and dangerous mistake that will boost Putins war chest. To the Albanese governments credit, it made clear it would not send an Australian warship to the Strait of Hormuz while the war is raging. And it is not in Australias interest to pick unnecessary fights with Trump given the US remains our most important security partner. In particular, Australias reliance on the US to meet its future submarine needs under AUKUS makes any criticism of Trump risky. Indeed, AUKUS puts Australia in the kind of vulnerable, subordinate position Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been warning about in his message to fellow middle powers. Germany is a more powerful global player than Australia, offering Pistorius more leeway to criticise the US.

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But its worth considering whether the straitjacket Australia dons when responding to Trump needs to be quite so tight. Look at the way other countries have politely but firmly declined Trumps offer to join his Board of Peace. More than two months after invitations were issued, Albanese has still not provided an answer. Pistorius remarks offered a reminder that it is possible to loathe the regime in Tehran while questioning the wisdom of Trumps decision to go to war. That directness has a role in diplomacy, as well as caution.



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PoliticsNSWNSW State Parliament Fishers and farmers already rationing fuel as diesel prices cripple producers Jessica McSweeney March 27, 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

Fishers are tying up their boats, creating concerns about the availability of seafood ahead of Easter, and farmers are reconsidering planting crops as diesel shortages and price rises hit the states food suppliers. Co-op operators told the Herald they had already resorted to rationing fuel among fishers to get by, with some forced to leave their boats docked for most of the week as the average diesel price in NSW hit $3 a litre. Many regional stations are charging $3.30. Cattle and crop farmer Matt Smith will have to make tough decisions as fuel and fertiliser shortages bite. Belinda Soole The Sydney Fish Market has introduced a temporary fuel levy on all seafood bought on the auction floor, to be passed on to commercial fishers to support them through the price rises. In a statement, the market said prices and supply remained stable at the moment, but it was too early to know the full impacts of the fuel challenges.

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Unlike other industries, where suppliers can raise their prices to cover the costs of fuel, fishers send product to the Sydney Fish Market to be sold at auction. Farmers, too, are facing tough choices. Crop and cattle farmers looking at the supply and cost of fuel and fertiliser may have to reduce their sowing this year, Dubbo farmer Matt Smith said. Smith usually plants a fodder crop to be eaten by his livestock during the winter when natural grass doesnt grow as easily. This year, he is considering forgoing that crop completely to reduce operating costs, and potentially getting rid of livestock. Im getting my Mad Max outfit ready, Smith said. Livestock guys like ourselves will be thinking, Can we afford to keep them, or should we cut our numbers back? Everyone is questioning everything. The fertiliser used by Australian farmers contains urea which, like fuel, has been affected by the conflict in the Middle East. NSW Farmers Federation president Xavier Martin said not having access to the right fertiliser could affect the quality of protein in wheat, the oil in canola and the quality of produce making its way to the supermarkets.

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The Ballina Co-op usually has no problem getting their hands on shipments of 15,000 to 20,000 litres of diesel to power their three fishing trawlers. Now, diesel deliveries are as low as 1500 litres, so they are limiting the number of nights they go out. Fisherman Garry Joblin burns through about 700 litres in one night of fishing. Ballina fisherman Garry Joblin is rationing fuel and reducing his fishing trips. Natalie Grono Weve got to the point where were rationing ourselves; weve got not choice, Joblin said. Were not going to work because we dont want to waste our fuel. Every night counts, he said.

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People will just miss out, there might not be a lot of fresh seafood for Easter. Related Article NSW State Parliament Easter holidaymakers abandon road trips amid fuel shortage panic Ian McRae runs the Ballina Co-op, where fresh prawns are his bread and butter. Hes preparing for a slower than usual Easter, where families might be looking at fresh seafood as a luxury they just cant afford this year. If the price goes up, people will look and say, Can I afford a kilo of prawns rather than put fuel in my car and go to work to earn money?  McRae said. At Maclean, in the Clarence Valley, the Clarence River Fishermens Co-op has stopped selling fuel to travelling and recreational vessels, rationing it out to their fishing trawler members instead. Theyve also reduced their casual workforce.

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Diesel was $3.28 a litre today. If that gets up much higher, youll end up with boats tied up, the co-ops general manager, Dee Zahra, said. Australias peak body for vegetable producers, Aus Veg, said a snap survey of 150 growers found 27 per cent had either reduced or halted their planting schedules because of uncertainty from the conflict. Margins are already tight enough, and it can be just too expensive to plant a crop when you dont even know if youll be able to harvest it, get it to market and get paid enough for it, Aus Veg chief executive Michael Coote said. On Thursday, Premier Chris Minns said NSW needed to work towards energy independence, so the economy could avoid being crippled by overseas conflict.

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The state government has urged fuel companies to provide information about supply and future orders to give the government a better picture of where future impacts of the fuel crisis might be. Related Article Petrol prices The 10 simple hacks to beat spiralling petrol prices This crisis is evidence that economies need to have their own access to energy. I wouldnt put it only in relation to oil, diesel or petrol; it has to be across the board, Minns said. The government is taking a graduated response to the fuel challenges, the premier said, warning if the price of oil reaches $US150 a barrel and stays there for a prolonged period, it would affect all parts of the economy. On Thursday, prices were $103.10 a barrel. There were 48 service stations out of all types of fuel and 178 out of diesel in NSW on Thursday. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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Exclusive PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Watchdogs silence on controversial government bill sparks alarm Matt Dennien Updated March 27, 2026  7:46pm ,first published March 27, 2026  6:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Queenslands human rights watchdog has chosen not to weigh in on parliamentary scrutiny of a controversial government bill, in a move that has raised concerns from civil society groups, the opposition and states sole Greens MP. The bill would expand the Crisafulli governments adult time youth sentencing scheme, unwind the states three-strike drug diversion program, and give police new powers to search and move people on from declared precincts. Debbie Platz became only the second person to hold the permanent role of Human Rights Commissioner earlier this year, and has set out a less combative vision for the office, which was previously highly critical of similar laws. Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Debbie Platz APM in her Brisbane office during her first month in the role. Matt Dennien The crime bill has been backed by victim groups, councils, retail and shopping centre bodies, but peak groups across the states health, housing, social service, youth justice and legal sectors have called for the laws to be altered or dumped.

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First Nations-focused bodies have raised alarm at the governments admission that the laws would likely disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. In submissions published this week, several groups also questioned why the government had not yet released the advice of its expert legal panel on the adult time laws, despite requests and a promise it would be made public as part of the committee process. Asked about its decision to not lodge a submission, a spokesperson for the human rights commission told this masthead it had made submissions to the two previous tranches of adult time laws. We maintain our concerns regarding the approach taken by the Queensland government to override human rights in relation to the sentencing of children, the spokesperson said.

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The commission will continue to consider how best to apply our finite resources to ensure our actions deliver maximum impact for all Queenslanders. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland government How Queenslands new human rights boss aims to chart a less combative course In line with this, we anticipate soon publishing a position statement confirming our position on the sentencing of children in Queensland. In an interview on ABC Radio Brisbane shortly after the bills announcement earlier this month, Platz said her office would be looking at how it could assist government and the parliament to improve or enhance the legislation. Queensland Council for Civil Liberties president Michael Cope, whose organisation also made a highly critical submission to the government committee examining the draft laws, told this masthead he was extremely disappointed.

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Cope said that while the commission had made submissions on previous stages of the governments adult time scheme and expansion, large portions of the bill were not related to that. Related Article Queensland government Outgoing watchdogs troubling signals from the Crisafulli government I cant recall any previous occasion in which a bill which proposes extensive increase in police powers has not been the subject of a submission by the Human Rights Commission in the time that it exists, Cope said. Looking at the explanatory note, it would appear that the commission wasnt consulted in relation to this aspect of the bill  In our view, its their job [to be making such submissions], and in its history, this is an unprecedented decision. Shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman, speaking to media on Friday morning, agreed the move was disappointing.

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It is very helpful to have expert advice from the human rights commission when we are looking at laws that really do impact some of the most vulnerable Queenslanders, people with drug and alcohol addiction, people sleeping rough, Fentiman said. I think it is very unusual that they havent provided a submission, and I think those vulnerable Queenslanders deserve to have the human rights commission be their voice. Greens Maiwar MP Michael Berkman said the move had all the hallmarks of a Trump-style takeover of this important body that is supposed to stand up to the LNP governments overreach. The commission was strongly in favour of the expanded Police Drug Diversion Program when it was legislated in 2023, and I cant fathom why its said nothing to save it, he said. For the commission not to speak up against this government overreach is a total betrayal of its mandate.

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Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes said the commissions silence on the issue of human rights breaches in youth justice was concerning. The commission had no further comment on the concerns raised about its approach. Attorney-General Deb Frecklingtons office deferred questions to the commission. A series of parliamentary committee hearings into the bill will take place from Friday until a final report is due on April 17, before parliaments return the following week. The government quietly uploaded a final report from the expert legal panel, not the advice itself, on Friday morning  a move the Opposition labelled a broken promise. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
TOKYO, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese police have transferred Kodai Murata, a second lieutenant in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force who was arrested earlier for forcibly breaking into the Embassy of China in Japan, to prosecutors on suspicion of illegal entry on Thursday, according to Kyodo News. 
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PropertyNewsConstruction One way to build a home in eight weeks, for a 10 per cent discount Sue Williams March 27, 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

First home buyer Kayla-Marie Tadros, facing long delays in her traditional house build from rain and the Christmas and New Year holidays, was startled to hear her construction company was also working to pioneer a 59-day, off-site construction model. Weve had the weather and other setbacks, so we started in October, but delivery of the house has been pushed back to mid, or the end of, 2026, said Tadros, 24, a TAFE teacher also working in disability support. First home buyer Kayla-Marie Tadros thinks off-site construction would mean new home buyers could move in more quickly. Oscar Colman Its lucky, though, as Ive been living with my parents, and my partner is living with his, which means were not having to pay rent for an extended period. But I think that idea of off-site construction is very good for the future. Itll be much better for the customer and means the new home buyer will be able to move in much sooner, rather than later.

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The company engaged by Tadros, Rawson Group, ranked at number 10 for NSW in the latest Housing Industry Associations Housing 100 report covering Australias largest home builders, has partnered with its ultimate owner, Japanese off-site manufacture specialist Daiwa House. Rawson Homes, part of the Rawson Group, is experimenting with prefabrication, or Modern Methods of Construction, at a price point aimed at first time buyers. Tadros and her partner will buy furniture as they wait for their build to be completed. Oscar Colman Prefabrication would slash the wait time from the traditional  weather and holidays permitting  21 weeks to about eight. The average build cost of around $400,000, represents a saving of 10 to 15 per cent. We see this as a game changer for first home buyers, who are keen to move out of rental accommodation or living with parents or friends into a house of their own, said Paul Hendry, Rawson Group chief executive and managing director.

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It saves on labour costs, site supervision, scaffolding and security, while the significantly faster completion time also gives them an accelerated and much more predictable path into the market. Related Article Interior design Welcome to the world of Tom Dixon, where restlessness is a virtue Traditional construction is under a lot of pressure from rising costs and labour shortages which slows down delivery, but weve been exploring off-site construction for the past two to three years, and we think it has a lot of potential for the Australian market. Most of Rawsons traditional two-storey, four-bedroom house and land packages sell for between $900,000 and $1 million  a price point designed to appeal to those hunting out relatively more affordable houses. But there will likely be further savings when its prefab homes come onto the market. Housing policy expert and senior Western Sydney University researcher Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad said while many companies were working in this space, only a relatively small number currently have the capability to manufacture homes at scale.

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Greater involvement from major builders can help accelerate adoption and improve confidence in modern construction approaches. Despite growing interest, Australias off-site construction sector is still relatively small compared with the scale of the housing challenge, he said. Expanding local capability, improving policy co-ordination, and encouraging international collaboration and investment will all be important if this approach is to play a major role in addressing Australias housing shortage  A 59-day construction timeline is certainly impressive if it refers to the actual manufacturing and assembly process, but it is important to clarify what stages are included in that timeline. Greater involvement from major builders can help accelerate adoption and improve confidence in modern construction approaches, says one academic. Sitthixay Ditthavong Rawsons advance comes as new KPMG analysis showed the number of new properties for sale at $1 million and over now make up about a quarter of construction. The number starting at $2 million almost doubled in the past six years. Rawson conducted a trial last year in NSW town Orange, constructing two four-bedroom houses on side-by-side lots one traditionally, and the other built off-site. Both looked identical, but the second was completed in less than half the time of the first.

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Rawson is now building a factory for manufacturing bathroom, kitchen and pantry pods at scale. Theyre already using them in some of their newly built homes to sell on completion. Related Article Exclusive

NSW residential property Sydney suburbs where unloved homes are getting more expensive For first home buyers, building a new home can prove very expensive, said Hendry. If youre paying for somewhere to actually live at the same time, that can be double the cost. Dealing with uncertainty in a regular build is a challenge too. Other savings come from earlier grant access, 60 per cent saving on waste, greater production efficiencies, quality standards without defects, a lifetime structural guarantee offered, and design flexibility.

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Damien Crough, prefabAUS executive chairman, said Rawsons prefab builds could be an excellent first home buyer opportunity. Related Article Renting WAs rental crisis in numbers: Rents outpace wage growth at alarming rate A number of the large construction companies are now looking at also expanding into this market, Crough said. Rawson will offer turnkey products put on customer-bought land, or in their own master-planned communities in NSW, ACT and Queensland, aiming to produce 80-100 off-site homes annually, but will keep investing to scale up. Meanwhile, Tadros is making the most of the wait time for her house in western Sydney.

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So it gives us more time to save, she said. My partner and I want to get married before we move in together and buy some furniture.

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SportRacingHorse racing Golden Slipper connection chases another major moment in Sydney Craig Kerry March 26, 2026  5:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Sydney foreman Ben Elam is looking to carry some Golden Slipper magic into the Mick Price and Michael Kent jnrs twin hopes for the Doncaster Mile Prelude a week after the operations greatest moment. As the Victorian teams assistant trainer at its Rosehill satellite, Elam was a key player in Guest Houses preparation for last Saturdays Golden Slipper success with Zac Lloyd in the saddle. Ben Elam, left, welcomes back Guest House and jockey Zac Lloyd after last Saturdays Golden Slipper win. Getty Images The stable will chase a spot in another elite race, next weeks $4 million Doncaster Mile, with Globe and Welwal on Saturday in the group 3 prelude at Rosehill, and both will have a connection to the Slipper win. Like Guest House, Globe carries the colours of Roll The Dice Racing, while Welwal will have Lloyd aboard.

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Welwal, a $15 TAB chance from gate four, was going to the Muswellbrook Cup on Friday before drawing poorly for the Big Dance qualifier. Elam was then quick to snap up an offer to have Lloyd on the seven-year-old at Rosehill. We scratched there and accepted on Saturday, then I get a call from Jeff Lloyd saying, do you want Zac for the ride? Elam said. I thought, hes had one ride for us and hes won a Golden Slipper, so he can put his bum on that one too and wave his magic wand at it and see how we go. But the horse is going particularly well and he thrives on wet ground. Hes had next to no luck since winning in his stable debut a couple of campaigns ago in a group 3. I think from the perfect draw, hell be cluttered up, blinkers on and hell be hitting the line very strongly.

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Globe blitzed Treasurethe Moment, Buckaroo and Hezashocka to win the group 1 Might And Power Stakes in October but finished second last in his return in the Ajax Stakes two weeks ago. Elam put the effort down to the surface and he hoped a potential soft track on Saturday would enhance his chances. Tom Sherry takes the reins from Tommy Berry on Globe, which was a $17 hope from gate 13. Globe storms to victory in the four-horse Might And Power Stakes. Getty Images He did not appreciate a good 3, Elam said. It was rated a good 4 and Tommy got off and said I had a horse who did not want to put in 100 per cent on a rock-hard track. Hes 17 hands and 590 kilos, so you can imagine the concussion that goes through his legs on the best of days.

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The track is soft and theres some rain in the forecast, so that will be beautiful. We needed to kick him off somewhere, he got that out of the way, pulled up well and had a couple of quiet days on green grass. Hes come back and had two very nice pieces of work and hell go to the races hopefully ready to show something on rain-affected ground. The stable also has two chances in the group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m), although La Fracas may be a race-day scratching after drawing 16 of 17. He is a superior wet-track, he just floats across the surface, hes three from three on wet ground, so weve got to weigh up options there, Elam said. Hes drawn a difficult barrier, but his racing pattern is get back, run on. The rail is out five metres, though, so it could be hard to make ground.

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Hopes are high, though, with Miss Roumbini ($10), which resumes with gate 10 with Dylan Gibbons on. First-up, she goes like a bomb. It took a good one first-up last time in Magic Time to run her down, Elam said. Shes a good horse  trialled well. They worked well together on the course proper and Id say Miss Roumbini is probably the better horse. Elam, 28, was still on a high from Guest Houses storming finish to win the $5 million Slipper, which was a first for the stable. Elam oversaw Guest Houses early education, then his lead-up to the Slipper after his placing in the Blue Diamond Stakes. I steer the ship up here, Im their eyes on the ground in Sydney, and Id like to think Ive got a handle on everything that goes on up here, but without being given the opportunity by them, I wouldnt be here, he said.

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Im forever grateful for the opportunity to set up a barn under their name. To get a result like this, its unbelievable. You cant really script it. We wanted to be here performing every Saturday, but to get a major in year two in Sydney, its very exciting, and hopefully it can grow our business. Coolmore Australia has struck a deal to have Guest House stand at its stud after his racing career.
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TechnologyDigital hygiene Opinion Instagram falsely accused me of vile behaviour. Now Im locked out of my life Sarah Curnow Journalist, broker March 26, 2026  7:30pm

March 26, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

I first realised something was wrong when a girlfriend texted me last November: I just tried to send you something on Insta and your account is gone. Are you OK? I then discovered that Instagram had sent me an email: We suspended your account, Sarah. You cannot use it. Every photo, message and memory from the past 16 years was gone. My stomach dropped. Under the heading Why this happened, it read: Your account, or activity on it, doesnt follow our Community Standards on child sexual exploitation, abuse, and nudity. When Meta becomes its customers jury, judge and executioner. I felt sick. How could this be possible? It was absurd. Instagram provided no evidence of my supposed wrongdoing  and no hint whatsoever as to which of my messages or images may have raised the alarm with its algorithm. My posts had been pictures of my cakes, travels, friends and family. The only pictures of children were my nieces and nephews at parties or in parks, fully clothed. I appealed that suspension and, on December 7, my account was restored with an apology: Were sorry we got this wrong.

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Fourteen days later, it happened again. The same automated message, from a no-reply email, alerted me that I had been suspended  for the same reason. I appealed again and, this time, I was reinstated on the same day, and with the same apology. Phew! Then, on January 21, I was suspended for the third time. And on February 3, Instagram advised me that my account had been irreversibly disabled. It added: All your information will be permanently deleted. You cannot request another review of this decision. Instagrams email to the author, Sarah Curnow. It offered me a link from which I could download a copy of what I had posted. This was curious, given the severity of Instagrams vile claims against me and the allegedly sordid nature of my content. Nevertheless, Meta held the record of the past 16 years of my life. My innocent life  both personal and professional. So, naturally, I clicked on that link to salvage my history. That led me to a folder of indecipherable code but not one of my images or messages. All of it, gone. The allegation is horrendous, yet Instagram has offered me no pathway to clear my name. And because Instagram is part of the Meta empire, I am also blocked forevermore from access to Facebook and Threads. I am persona non grata on all Meta platforms. Condemned by an algorithm, I have no avenue for appeal or contact with a human umpire.

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This is especially galling as I write in the same week that one US jury found Meta enabled child sexual exploitation on its platforms and ordered it to pay $US375 million ($538 million) in civil penalties because it misled users of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. A second jury found Meta and YouTube liable for a young womans social media addiction and ordered they pay her $US6 million. Sarah Curnow: Every photo, message and memory from the past 16 years was gone. And the tech giant that enabled child sexual exploitation, Meta, gets to sit as my judge, jury and executioner. But mine is far from a unique case. Instagram and Facebook each have 3 billion users. For many, this is where we exist publicly and professionally. Losing access is isolating. Yet Metas false accusations are common. Across Australia, the UK and the US, users and small business owners report being locked out, as I was, by automated moderation errors, with no clear pathway for appeal. Many report being permanently banned after automated systems incorrectly flagged them. Child sexual exploitation is the worst of potential breaches. And while that label may not be public, its effects are. I cannot promote my podcast. I cannot market my book or my business. I cannot build an audience. I cannot connect with friends and family. Meta has excluded me from a digital ecosystem used by billions. Ive attempted to fix its mistake more than 30 times. Nothings worked. On one occasion, Data Protection responded, only to say it could not help. No explanation. My access depended on an algorithm that had accepted me for 16 years, until one day it didnt.

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In banking, where I spent 25 years, systems designed to detect financial crime must be evidence-based and open to challenge. Denying a customer access without explanation or recourse would raise serious regulatory and legal concerns. Related Article Analysis

Social media The walls are closing in on Mark Zuckerberg Meta does offer users paid services such as Meta Verified to request human support. For $19.49 per month, I get a blue tick. But that request was denied, too. And not by a human. I tried to start over this week by creating a new account. When I attempted to verify my identity, I was immediately suspended. Meta uses biometric data to verify us. It knows exactly who I am and where I live, but it wont talk to me. Big tech holds immense power over our identities and reputations. But even when it wants to accuse us of the most abominable crime, it seems procedural fairness is optional. Sarah Curnow is a Sydney journalist and runs her own finance brokerage. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Analysis WorldEuropeDenmark Frederiksens Greenland gamble backfires with election setback David Crowe March 26, 2026  11:47am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

London: She defended Greenland and defied Donald Trump, but Mette Frederiksen has almost lost the most important battle of all: keeping voters happy. The Danish prime minister is heading into a long and painful negotiation to keep her job after voters turned against her in a national election on Tuesday, forcing her to find new coalition partners if she is to hold on to power. Mette Frederiksens party saw its vote share and seats slip in the election. AP The silver lining, after the worst result for her Social Democrat party in more than a century, is that Frederiksen remains the most likely prime minister because no other political leader did any better. Frederiksen called the election months earlier than needed and sought to make the most of her record on national security after her clash with the US president, when he said in January he wanted to take over Greenland.

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The surprise was that she struggled to turn this into a campaign victory, says Marlene Wind, professor of political science at the University of Copenhagen. Related Article Updated

World elections Not over yet: After taking on Trump, Danish PM calls snap vote over Greenland Theres not been any real, fundamental debate about her handling of international politics, says Wind. I think generally all Danes think she did a great job, but its not been something she has been able to benefit from in the election. Standing up to Trump helped Frederiksen in some ways. Support for the Social Democrats was even lower in the polls before the Greenland stoush, so her decision to call an early election probably paid off. But two factors worked against the prime minister, says Wind. One was that she had been in power for seven years, risking a sense of fatigue.

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A second was that she surprised voters three years ago by scrapping a springtime national holiday, known as Great Prayer Day, to save money and help fund defence. This was a breach of trust and some voters never forgave her. No big excitement Its a very muddy and unclear result, and theres no big excitement about any candidate, says Wind. So its not like we have a clear winner. For all the noise about Trump, domestic issues dominated the campaign. Frederiksen proposed a tax on the wealthy, which antagonised small business owners and drew objections from other parties.

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Related Article Greenland Denmark secretly prepared to blow up runways in Greenland to stop a US invasion She also put forward a ban on spraying pesticides near groundwater, upsetting farmers and intensifying a debate over the environment. Support for the Social Democrats tumbled from 27.5 per cent to 21.9 per cent at this election, but they remain the single biggest party. Frederiksen will likely need at least four other parties to back her in a confidence vote in the Folketing, the national parliament, if she is to form a government. The Danes have spoken, Frederiksen said on Wednesday. They have given us a playing field that, to put it mildly, is a bit tricky to handle when it comes to forming a government. The ultimate measure of the voter backlash is that the Social Democrats had 50 seats before the election but now have 38. In an assembly with 179 seats, they can form a minority government but need 90 members to back them on a confidence vote.

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Rather than shifting left or right, voters did both. The Green Left increased its seats from 15 to 20, making it a likely partner in a ruling coalition. And the Danish Peoples Party, a populist group that opposes migration and the European Union, leapt from seven to 16 seats, in the biggest gain of the campaign. Another loser on Tuesday was one of the coalition partners in the last government, the Liberal Party, also known as Venstre. It has shrunk from 23 to 18 seats and appears opposed to forming another coalition with Frederiksen  although things can change when power is at stake. One of the winners, however, was another member of the last coalition: foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, another key player in the stoush over Greenland. His party, the Moderates, went from 12 to 14 seats. Rasmussen, a former prime minister, is now seen as the kingmaker in any potential coalition. Frederiksen began her career on the progressive left but now straddles the centre. She took the Social Democrats into new territory by taking a hard line against migration. She also became a foreign policy hawk and strong supporter of Ukraine, pledging to increase spending on defence.

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French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen (right) and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen meet in Greenland earlier this year. AP While this raised her standing in European talks on security, there seemed to be no political dividend from her migration policies. And it did not stop the Danish Peoples Party making big gains. Wind says this shows that a centrist party cannot necessarily take the wind out of the sails of a populist party by copying its policies. Michelle Pace, professor of global studies in Roskilde in Denmark, says the migration debate also sets up serious hurdles for Frederiksen in forming a coalition with left-wing parties. Related Article Exclusive

Greenland The movement that could decide Greenlands deal with Trump

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Even if Frederiksen pivots back to the left, she would face difficult negotiations  especially on migration, where her government has moved closer to the right than many of her potential partners are comfortable with, says Pace. Migration policy is no longer a clean left-right divider in Denmark: it is a cross-bloc constraint. Pace, who also has a non-resident fellows position at Deakin University in Victoria, says the Social Democrats have mainstreamed the restrictive migration policies that used to be associated with the right. This alienates some parties on the left just when Frederiksen may need them most. Frederiksen remains in a paradoxical position: weakened electorally, but still structurally central to any government, says Pace. This election confirms a longer-term shift in Danish politics: fragmentation, a strong centre, and a migration consensus that cuts across blocs, making government formation more complex but also more flexible.

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In a meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday, party leaders decided Frederiksen should have the first go at forming a coalition. The negotiations are likely to take weeks. 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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Tony Wrights Column WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war In a world maddened by blood, has death lost its meaning? Tony Wright March 26, 2026  11:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

She was a small woman in a farmhouse on a windswept hill. Fading pictures of racehorses clipped from newspapers were tacked to the walls of her kitchen. She would not remove one of them. They had been fixed there by one of her sons, George, who doted on horses and dreamed of training one for the racecourse one day. Troops and supplies in World War I. Australian War Memorial Instead, he was away at what would be called the Great War, as if it would be the last.

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He was a driver in an ammunition column, which is to say he rode the lead horse in a team of six big-boned draught animals hauling wagonloads of ammunition to the artillery batteries of the Western Front in northern France and Belgium. George had already done his time on Gallipoli. There, horseless, he and his mates carried boxes of ammunition and water by hand along the aptly named Shrapnel Valley to the parched snipers and trench dwellers on the high front lines. Sometimes, they hauled artillery pieces  18-pounder field guns and howitzers  up cruel slopes. Later, he joined the defence of the Suez Canal before shipping off to France to ride wagon horses to the battle lines. Australian infantrymen clamber over the top of a trench in France on a bayonet charge towards the German lines. From Reflections: 150 years of The Age At home, his mother clung to the wild hope that if Georges yellowing pictures on the familys farmhouse walls were to remain undisturbed, her boy would magically survive.

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She could not allow herself to think otherwise. She knew the grief would bring her undone. Shed seen other parents in the district plummeting into wells of misery, never quite climbing out, after the pastor came with a telegram. Her irrational belief in the fading pictures on her wall was rewarded. George, having made it through all the faraway battles, came home. He was not physically injured. But he was altered. He could not harm a living thing for the rest of his life; not even a column of ants, a fish in a creek or a snake curled on a bush track.

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He never trained a racehorse. He had seen too many beautiful horses screaming and dying beneath artillery barrages. French children tending the graves of fallen Australians at Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux. From Victory at Villers-Bretonneux by Peter FitzSimons and the Australian War Memorial His mother, who was my great-grandmother, gathered her shredded nerves and rejoiced, though it was years before she could bear taking down those tattered old pictures. Most of us might imagine her trepidation. Many have suffered the agony of losing a child, others have grieved at the death of a brother or sister, and most of us dread the day a parent dies. We learn in these sorrows the meaning of emptiness and wonder how we can go on.

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And yet, daily now, more than a century after the Great War left nations like ours adrift in such unimaginable loss that ouija boards and fraudulent spiritualists became an industry to compete with the churches, we are visited daily by the news of hundreds and sometimes thousands dying in new wars. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war Four years on, Ukraine is under more pressure than ever. So is Russia So frequent are the reports of deaths in Ukraine or the Middle East they have become little more than a blur. The number of casualties  dead and wounded  has been so unimaginably immense during the years of war in Ukraine that estimates range from 400,000 to 2 million. About 1200 people were killed in Israel during the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

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The toll of Palestinians killed during Israels war of retribution stands at more than 73,000, at least 70 per cent of whom were women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Related Article Middle East at war US responsible for strike on Iranian school, preliminary inquiry says Those killed in Iran since US and Israeli missiles began raining down number around 1500, about 1200 of whom were civilians, according to Irans Health Ministry, news agencies and human rights groups. This includes 168 people, more than 100 of them schoolchildren, who died when an Iranian girls elementary school was destroyed on the first day of the US-Israeli assault. Irans government itself admitted to the deaths of about 3000 demonstrators in the weeks before the war, though other estimates of the regimes brutal crackdown range as high as 33,000 dead. And now the death tally has topped 1000 during the latest Israeli strikes on Lebanon, with up to 1 million people rendered homeless or displaced.

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Here is a paradox. The recitation of such vast numbers deadens their impact. Big numbers bamboozle. We can readily comprehend the worth of a few hundred dollars, but a billion or two is beyond understanding. But these are not dollars. These are lives taken. Each death represents anguish profound enough to consume mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and extended families in torment for decades to come. From left: Rachel Moshe mourns her son Oz Ezra, killed by Hamas at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023; a woman grieves at the graves of loved ones in Gaza City on March 20 this year; a mother mourns at the grave of her only son, killed during a Russian bombing raid on Ukraine in October 2022. Kate Geraghty, Getty Images, AP; design Aresna Villanueva

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Each broken body described as wounded often means a lifetime of suffering requiring the support of a family that might itself have been blown away. We dont hear the leaders of the warring nations mentioning any of this, of course. After four years of war, Russias Vladimir Putin insists he has no option but to continue his special military operation because Ukraine is properly part of Russia. Donald Trump keeps spouting his ridiculously offensive and contradictory gibberish (Im glad hes dead, he sprayed this week about the former head of the FBI, Robert Mueller), Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tub-thumps as if this were Americas holy war, and Trumps treasury chief Scott Bessent declares sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate. It sounded not a million miles from a US military officer of the Vietnam War, reported in 1968 by Associated Press reporter Peter Arnett, allegedly declaring after napalming the town of Ben Tre, resulting in the death of hundreds, that it became necessary to destroy the town to save it.

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Irans new supreme leader promises that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of [our] martyrs, as if the continuing bloodshed of his own citizens matters not at all. Related Article Middle East at war Netanyahus dreams came true with the Iran war. Will it propel him to victory? Israels Benjamin Netanyahu promises to keep striking Iran and tells Lebanons citizens to move out of their homes  just as Palestinians in Gaza were ordered  to give his forces a clear run at Hezbollah. The rest of us worry about fuel prices. Few, we can be sure, spare a thought for lonely mothers desperately placing their hopes in magical objects.

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In a world of heartache, could the voiceless have anything more eloquent to rely upon? Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice continues to advance important reforms in the countrys detention sector through the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), with several key initiatives in recent months highlighting the programs multi-layered approach to strengthening the justice system.

One major milestone was the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Point Blanche detention facility, marking the start of construction for a modern correctional facility designed to improve security, working conditions, and rehabilitation opportunities. The program's infrastructure component is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Government of Sint Maarten.

Alongside infrastructure development, the program also focuses on strengthening institutional practices and rehabilitation-oriented approaches within the detention system. These efforts form part of the soft component of the DSRP, which is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Recent activities under this component included a Prison Education Workshop that brought together partners from the justice, education, and social development sectors to explore ways to strengthen learning opportunities within the detention environment.

A case management workshop involving Judicial and Institutional Services (SJIS) and Pointe Blanche Prison staff also provided a platform for justice-sector professionals to discuss improvements to assessment processes, coordination, and rehabilitation planning for individuals within the system.

Further strengthening staff capacity, two correctional officers participated in the Erasmus+ Youth Worker Seminar, Capacity-building for Openness, Resilience & Empathy (CORE), held in Aruba. The training focused on communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and inclusive practices, equipping officers with practical tools to support more effective and humane rehabilitation approaches within the detention environment. The knowledge gained will be shared internally to further strengthen staff capacity.

The Point Blanche Detention Center also hosted an author visit and book donation initiative, organized in collaboration with the Art Saves Lives Foundation. During the visit, formerly incarcerated author Shaka Senghor and Sint Maarten author Alesco E. Violenes, who was himself formerly incarcerated at Point Blanche, engaged directly with inmates on the themes of personal growth, accountability, and transformation. A total of 100 books were donated, ensuring that every incarcerated individual will have access to reading materials that encourage reflection and personal development.

Another important development in recent weeks has been the arrival of correctional officers from Suriname, who are providing temporary support to operations at the Point Blanche detention facility. This cooperation forms part of ongoing efforts to stabilize operations, support existing staff, and create space for continued training and recruitment of local officers as broader detention sector reforms continue.

The Detention Sector Reform Program represents a comprehensive effort to strengthen Sint Maartens detention sector by improving infrastructure, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting rehabilitation-focused approaches that contribute to safer communities.

The Ministry of Justice will continue working with national and international partners to advance these reforms as the country moves toward the development of a modern detention system that reflects both international standards and Sint Maartens local context.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Internationally trained dancer, choreographer, and dance educator Clifford Henry has returned to Sint Maarten to conduct a series of dance workshops across the island, continuing his commitment to giving back to the community that shaped his artistic journey. Born and raised on Sint Maarten, Henry began his dance training at the National Institute of Arts (NIA), studying under respected teachers Clara Reyes, Arlene Halley, Rudolph Davis, Peggy Oulerich, Jerry Vanterpool, and Eolia Bee-Bee Ada. His early foundation included ballet, modern, Horton technique, African dance, hip-hop, jazz, and other movement forms that would later influence his multidisciplinary approach to dance education. Mr. Henry also studied Capoeira under the guidance of Tyrone Phelipa.

In 2017, Henry left Sint Maarten after receiving a Talent Scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) to pursue professional studies at the Amsterdam Hogeschool voor de Kunsten (AHK) in the Netherlands. He later received a second MECYS Talent Scholarship during his third year, supporting his transition into his final year of study.

Henry graduated in 2021 with a Bachelors Degree in Dance Education, completing four years of intensive training. Throughout his studies at AHK, he remained actively engaged as a teacher and guest instructor, leading dance workshops, lectures, and educational sessions on various dance forms.

These experiences deepened his understanding of dance not only as movement, but as a process of connection, adaptation, discipline, and personal development.

Dance is more than just flowing movement, says Henry. Its about awarenessknowing when to stop, when to go, and how to connect the body, mind, and intention. That understanding continues to evolve.

Following his graduation, Henry expanded his professional expertise by enrolling in Physiotherapy at the University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam, beginning his studies in 2022. His academic journey in physiotherapyexpected to conclude in 2026has allowed him to research and explore the human body, muscle function, and movement mechanics, further enriching his approach to dance training and injury prevention. Alongside his academic and artistic pursuits, Henry also works as a Hospitality Manager at Corendon Hotel near Schiphol Airport, balancing leadership responsibilities with his passion for the arts. He is additionally active as a Capoeira instructor, continuing to train and attend workshops whenever possible.

During his visit to Sint Maarten, Henry led multiple workshops at local dance schools, sharing international knowledge, technical skills, and inspiration with young dancers. His return represents not only a homecoming, but a meaningful investment in the islands cultural and artistic future.

I am forever grateful for my teachers, family, and friends who supported me every step of the way, Henry adds. Giving back to Sint Maarten through dance is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), joined the international community in observing World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday, March 20, under the theme A Happy Mouth is A Happy Life with students at the St. Joseph Primary School with second graders.

The students were given vital information on what is necessary for good oral hygiene. They were taught the brushing

and flossing technique.

Each child got the opportunity to brush their teeth for two (2) minutes using their individual timer. The book "Melvin the Magnificent Molar," written by Julia Cook & Laura Jana, MD, was presented to the school, along with an enlarged tooth mouth model.

Parents and guardians are reminded of the importance of teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Encouraging children to brush properly and consistently helps lay the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Good oral care practices established in childhood can prevent many common dental problems later in life.

The annual observance highlights the importance of good oral hygiene and reminds the public that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an essential part of overall health and well-being.

Oral health plays a major role in everyday life. Healthy teeth and gums help people eat properly, speak clearly, smile with confidence, and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other health complications that may affect a persons quality of life. CPS is encouraging residents of all ages to make oral care a daily priority and to understand that prevention begins at home.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important steps in protecting oral health.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease. CPS also encourages the public to floss daily, reduce sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These simple habits can make a significant difference in keeping the mouth healthy.
French Quarter, St. Martin:--- A new book by Roland Richardson launches at Amuseum Naturalis in French Quarter this Saturday. The book is titled The Last Frontier: Sir Roland Richardsons French Quarter. It features artwork of people and places in French Quarter, and Richardsons memories of the time he lived there. It is bilingual in English and French. The public is invited to the free, launch event. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter from 9 am to noon this Saturday, March 28th. The book was produced by the Les Fruits de Mer association.

We are so excited to share this with St. Martin, said Amuseum co-founder Mark Yokoyama, who developed the book with Richardson. It is a book about art, about French Quarter, and about St. Martins past.

The Last Frontier features 26 paintings and etchings by Roland Richardson. Subjects include an etching of the house where Richardson lived in the French Quarter, and The Old House, the historic building where Amuseum Naturalis is located. The text, taken from oral history interviews with Richardson, reveals a French Quarter where traditions still survived on a rapidly changing island. He also shares insights into his artistic process.

Roland Richardson remembers his time in the French Quarter fondly, 

felt that was part of my real privilege, that opportunity to sleep with my doors open. I didn't have any worries, and I felt totally at home, but I felt really privileged to have, out of every door or window where I looked, the natural landscape. I did a huge, huge body of work during those years.

Amuseum Naturalis is located at The Old House in the French Quarter. It is always free to visit, and all displays are outdoors. Guests are welcome to make a self-guided visit any day of the week during daylight hours.

This book was produced with the support of the Fonds pour le developpement de la vie associative (FDVA). The project was a collaboration between the Les Fruits de Mer association and the Roland Richardson Heritage Association. The funding includes providing copies of the book to all schools on the French side of the island. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.
THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:--- The government of Anguilla is intensifying its efforts to address the issue of unauthorized charter boats from St. Martin/St. Maarten is operating in its waters. Economic Development Minister Kyle Hodge has announced that enforcement measures will soon be implemented to tackle this long-standing problem.

Hodges statement comes in response to growing concerns raised by local boat operators and a viral social media post highlighting the unregulated activities of foreign vessels. The post, shared over 90 times, called for stricter enforcement to protect Anguillas maritime borders and ensure fair competition for local businesses.

Government Action and Violations

A letter from Permanent Secretary Larry Franklin, dated February 16, outlined the governments awareness of the issue and detailed the violations committed by these unauthorized vessels. These include:

 Operating without proper customs clearance or commercial permissions.

 Failing to comply with Anguillas tax, business licensing, and social security regulations.

 Avoiding contributions to the local economy through provisioning or fuel purchases.

Franklin emphasized that these vessels often transport guests to Anguillas beaches and marine attractions without adhering to the islands regulatory framework. This non-compliance not only undermines local operators but also poses risks to passenger safety, environmental integrity, and Anguillas reputation as a high-end tourism destination.

Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism

The letter also highlighted the role of some hotels and booking agencies in Anguilla that facilitate bookings for these unauthorized vessels. Franklin urged these entities to exercise due diligence and avoid engaging with operators who violate Anguillas laws.

Concerns were also raised about the environmental and operational practices of foreign vessels, including prolonged anchoring, excessive noise, and unregulated marine activities. These actions, Franklin noted, could harm Anguillas tourism product and natural environment.

Strengthening Enforcement

To address these challenges, the government is evaluating additional measures, including enhanced enforcement and compliance monitoring. Franklin stressed the importance of safeguarding Anguillas legal framework to ensure the island remains a responsibly governed and attractive destination for tourists.

Minister Hodge reaffirmed the governments commitment to resolving this issue, stating that it has been a significant concern for years and will now be dealt with decisively.

Anguilla Focus has reached out to Minister Hodge for further details on the planned enforcement actions and is awaiting a response.

CREDITS: ANGUILLA FOCUS.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends a plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 and delivers a keynote speech in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BOAO, Hainan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 held a plenary on Thursday in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA, Zhao said the forum has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the wider world.

Only by working together in solidarity can humanity address global risks and challenges and create a better future, he said.

As China prepares for the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen this November, Zhao said the country stands ready to take this opportunity as host and work with all parties to build an Asia-Pacific community, and inject greater vitality and stronger impetus into the region's development.

Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation." 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends a plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 and delivers a keynote speech in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, poses for a group photo with part of the representatives attending the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 before a plenary in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. Zhao Leji attended the plenary and delivered a keynote speech. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

A plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 is held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne delivers a speech at a plenary during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Sahiba Gafarova, speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, delivers a speech at a plenary during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivers a speech at a plenary during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Ban Ki-moon, chairman of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), delivers a speech at a plenary during the BFA Annual Conference 2026 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has formally submitted a legal advisory on the constitutional role of the Governor of Sint Maarten to the Council of Ministers. In the interest of transparency, the advisory has also been shared with His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Members of Parliament.



The advisory, prepared by constitutional expert Prof. Dr. Arjen van Rijn, was commissioned following developments in January 2026 related to the handling of an administrative matter and the associated decision-making processes within Government.



The report provides a detailed legal analysis of the Governors dual role as both the constitutional head of the Government of Sint Maarten and as the representative of the Kingdom Government. It further examines the limits of the Governors authority within that framework and the principle of ministerial responsibility.



Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional boundaries, This advisory provides critical guidance on the proper functioning of our constitutional system. It reinforces a fundamental principle: that the elected Council of Ministers carries the political mandate and responsibility to govern, and that this mandate must be respected at all times.



The advisory concludes that certain actions taken during the January 2026 events exceeded established constitutional boundaries and risked undermining the political primacy of the Council of Ministers.

Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed that the matter is about protecting institutions, This is not about individuals; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions. Sint Maarten is a constitutional democracy, and we must ensure that the separation of roles and responsibilities remains clear, respected, and upheld.



The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of learning from the situation and preventing future ambiguity, We have a responsibility to address this matter with maturity and resolve. Clear constitutional boundaries are essential to good governance. Where those boundaries are tested, it is our duty to reaffirm them decisively and constructively.



Prime Minister Mercelina indicated that the Council of Ministers will deliberate on the advisory.



Our focus now is on strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that our constitutional framework continues to serve the people of Sint Maarten effectively and without ambiguity.



The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to transparency, the rule of law, safeguarding the constitution and the continued strengthening of its democratic institutions.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents across the island are losing sleep and gasping for clean air. From Simpson Bay to Dutch Quarter, a relentless blanket of toxic smoke is poisoning built-up neighborhoods. For people living in these communities, breathing has become hazardous, and their frustration is reaching a boiling point.

In Dutch Quarter, along Christiansted Drivea street formerly known as Nick Spring Drive to honor a beloved local matriarchthe air is thick with hazardous fumes. Families report drowning in toxic smoke up to three times a day. The constant exposure forces people to keep their windows bolted shut, turning homes into suffocating traps. Nights offer no relief, with residents in both Dutch Quarter and Simpson Bay reporting endless sleepless nights as the smoke settles heavily over their roofs.

The health risks of inhaling these toxic fumes are severe. Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory issues face immediate danger. Yet, despite the obvious threat to public health, pleas for help have hit a brick wall.

Residents have repeatedly sounded the alarm. They have filed complaints with their local community officer. They have directly notified leaders, including Chief Commissioner of Police Carl John and Minister of VSA Richinel Brug. The response? Absolute silence. No investigations, no citations, and no effort to trace or stop the burning. The very people tasked with protecting the community are leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

"We are tired," shared one exhausted local. The sentiment echoes across the island. Families watch their neighborhoods turn into hazardous zones while the authorities look the other way.

This crisis demands immediate intervention. Leaders must step up, enforce environmental protections, and hold those responsible for the burning accountable. The people of Simpson Bay and Dutch Quarter deserve to sleep through the night without fearing for their health.

It is time to clear the air. The community refuses to be ignored any longer.
~Minister Brug reaffirms commitment to transparency and the continued work of the ministry~



PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has acknowledged recent allegations involving his Chief of Staff and emphasized his commitment to transparency while reaffirming that the work of the Ministry continues without interruption.

Minister Brug stated that matters concerning integrity and public accountability must always be treated with seriousness and addressed through the appropriate processes.

I am aware of the allegations that have been raised involving my Chef de Cabinet. Matters of integrity must always be taken seriously. While this process is ongoing through the proper legal channels, I have also requested the Integrity Chamber to conduct an investigation into matters that have taken place within the Ministry of VSA since I assumed office.

At the same time, Minister Brug underscored that the Ministry remains fully engaged in advancing several important policy initiatives and concrete projects to strengthen public health, social development, and labor opportunities in Sint Maarten.

Over the past months, the Ministry has continued to implement its Health in All Policies approach, ensuring that public health considerations are integrated across policies and initiatives. This approach recognizes that health outcomes are influenced not only by healthcare services but also by social conditions, employment opportunities, food security, and community well-being.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry recently participated in a health mission to Colombia, where discussions were held with key partners to explore opportunities for cooperation in healthcare services, training, and strategic partnerships to strengthen Sint Maarten's healthcare system. A key accomplishment of this mission was the establishment of relationships with medical institutions and professionals already registered in the European BIG registry, making it easier for qualified healthcare professionals to meet the legal requirements to work in Sint Maarten and help address ongoing workforce shortages, including the issue of rotating physicians at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

In addition, the Ministry continues to receive technical and legal support to mitigate the ongoing shortage of professionals within the Government and to advance several key reforms currently underway. These include continued work on the General Health Insurance (GHI) legislative framework, the establishment of a Healthcare Professionals Registry, and broader efforts to modernize healthcare governance and oversight.

The Ministry has also maintained a strong focus on mental health awareness and the strengthening of mental health services. Recognizing the growing importance of mental health support within the community, the Ministry continues to work with stakeholders to improve access to services, strengthen the mental health care infrastructure, and advance the development of the new mental health facility, which will expand the countrys capacity to provide appropriate care and treatment.

Minister Brug also highlighted the Ministrys continued focus on the well-being of the elderly population, recognizing the importance of ensuring that seniors receive adequate support, access to services, and opportunities to maintain their health and independence within the community.

Our elderly deserve dignity, care, and attention. As a Ministry, we remain committed to ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs of our senior citizens and that their well-being remains a priority in our work, the Minister noted.

The Ministry has also continued expanding community outreach initiatives, including the Community Help Desk in Hope Estate, in addition to other direct engagement efforts designed to bring government services closer to residents.

Minister Brug reiterated that both he and the Ministry remain focused on their mandate.

My focus remains on serving the people of Sint Maarten. While processes take their course, the work of the Ministry continues. Our responsibility is to keep advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of our community.

The Ministry of VSA will continue to provide updates on its initiatives and remains committed to maintaining open communication with the public.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) recently hosted a ten-member delegation of school safety professionals from Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, and St. Lucia. During their week-long visit, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, as well as the Acting Secretary General, Mrs. Shermina Powell-Richardson.

The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into St. Maartens school safety program, coordinated by the Student Support Services Division. During the week, the delegates observed a medical emergency drill at the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School and visited the 2024 Safety & Emergency Team (SET) of the Year: Sister Borgia School. These visits were met with great enthusiasm, and the delegation was impressed with the high school safety standards.

Particular commendation was given for the quality of the drill, the response of the school, and the meaningful involvement of the students (schools safety ambassadors) in the drill. The delegation also praised the chairperson of the Sister Borgia School SET for her professionalism and clarity in explaining the structure and functioning of the SET as well as the overall organization of school safety at the campus.

Throughout the week, the delegation participated in training sessions led by Mrs. Olga Mussington-Service, Manager of the Student Support Services Division and School Safety Focal Point for St. Maarten. Although the delegates were here to get insight into our school safety practices, including how we address mental health and psychosocial support, they also shared their experiences. The exchange was mutually enriching and highly constructive, Mussington-Service said.

On the final day of the visit, there was a best practice exchange, during which all four countries delivered presentations on key school safety issues in their respective countries. Topics included violence in and around schools, school safety policies, bullying, and strategies to mitigate school-related violence. These areas were intentionally selected by Mrs. Mussington-Service as they represent shared regional challenges that benefit from coordinated approaches and collaboration.

The delegates described the training week as both impactful and energizing, and some even expressed that they are leaving inspired because of the passion and expertise of the school safety team at SSSD.

St. Maarten was the Chair of the Caribbean Safe School Initiative from 2022 to 2025. Mrs. Mussington-Service was the Technical Chair and led regional coordination efforts during that period. In this capacity, she also facilitated a formal handover exchange with the current CSSI Technical Chair, Saint Lucia.

During the CSSI Ministerial Forum in May 2025, where the CSSI chairmanship was officially transferred from the Hon Minister of Education, Culture Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs to the Honorable Minster of Education of St. Lucia, St. Maarten was asked to participate in a best practice showcase. This showcase, facilitated by Mrs. Mussington-Service, was the catalyst for Antigua & Barbuda contacting St. Maarten and requesting the working visit. They were later joined by Anguilla and St. Lucia.

The visit underscores one of the core objectives of the Caribbean Safe School Initiative, which is to bring Caribbean countries together to share ideas, best practices and experiences, and support each other in the best interest of local Caribbean communities and the wider region.
Visitors learn about products at the booth of Sigenergy Technology Co., Ltd. during the Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 25, 2026. Chinese renewable energy giants are hogging the spotlight at the ongoing Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting China's growing role in Africa's rapidly expanding clean energy sector. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

JOHANNESBURG, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese renewable energy giants are hogging the spotlight at the ongoing Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting China's growing role in Africa's rapidly expanding clean energy sector.

Billed as the continent's largest renewable energy exhibition, the event brings together leading technologies driving the shift toward sustainable power. This year, Chinese companies have taken over several exhibition halls, showcasing advanced solar panels, battery storage systems, and smart energy solutions.

Industry heavyweights, including Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, LONGi Green Energy, TBEA Co., Ltd., and Huawei, have drawn strong interest from delegates, investors, and policymakers. Their booths featured high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, integrated storage systems, and digital energy platforms tailored to emerging markets.

"The level of participation from Chinese companies reflects both their manufacturing scale and their strategic interest in Africa," said Tokologo Phetla, chief executive officer of Commodore Industries. "They are not only supplying equipment but also offering complete energy solutions."

Qhakazile Mathebula, general manager for digital energy at City Power Johannesburg, welcomed the strong presence of Chinese firms, highlighting their contribution to the continent's energy transition.

"We welcome the participation of Chinese renewable energy companies, whose investments and technologies are helping accelerate Africa's shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy," said Mathebula. "Their ability to deliver cost-effective and scalable solutions is critical as we work to expand energy access and address supply constraints."

She said that partnerships with Chinese companies are supporting skills transfer and industrial development, noting that "beyond infrastructure, these collaborations are helping build local capacity and create opportunities for industrialization in South Africa and across the continent."

The exhibition comes as African countries intensify efforts to diversify their energy mix and reduce reliance on coal amid persistent power shortages. Solar power, particularly when paired with battery storage, is emerging as a central pillar of the region's energy strategy. 

Visitors visit the booth of Huawei during the Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 25, 2026. Chinese renewable energy giants are hogging the spotlight at the ongoing Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting China's growing role in Africa's rapidly expanding clean energy sector. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

A visitor learns about products at the booth of BYD during the Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 25, 2026. Chinese renewable energy giants are hogging the spotlight at the ongoing Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting China's growing role in Africa's rapidly expanding clean energy sector. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

Visitors visit the booth of TCL during the Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 25, 2026. Chinese renewable energy giants are hogging the spotlight at the ongoing Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting China's growing role in Africa's rapidly expanding clean energy sector. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
LHASA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- 95-year-old former serf Konjo Chodron lives in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

For as long as Konjo Chodron can remember, her life was defined by hardship. As a child, she didn't even have a proper place to live. Her entire family was crammed in a simple nomadic tent. Even meat and butter tea were luxuries she could only dream of.

To keep their children alive, her family had no choice but to beg. The days of suffering seemed endless.

It was not until the democratic reform in Xizang in 1959, when millions of serfs were emancipated, that her life truly began to change for the better.

"Speaking of the happy life I have today, I must thank our government!" the elderly woman said. Today, with income from livestock products, along with various subsidies for farmers and herders in Xizang, she no longer endures hunger or cold, living a life of ease and contentment.

Konjo Chodron's nearly century-long life bears witness to the great journey of millions of liberated serfs in Xizang--rising to their feet and striding toward a better life.

Konjo Chodron is pictured at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Konjo Chodron adds fuel to a stove at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Konjo Chodron (C) talks with her family at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Konjo Chodron (R) talks with her son at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Konjo Chodron (C) drinks tea with her family at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Konjo Chodron looks at a picture at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Konjo Chodron (C) poses for a photo with her family at home in Nyemo County, Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)
KABUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains have triggered severe flash floods across parts of southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, killing at least two people and causing widespread destruction, local media outlet Ariana News reported Thursday.

The floods affected the provincial capital, Kandahar city, as well as several districts, destroying at least 85 residential houses and causing significant damage to local infrastructure and agriculture, according to the report.

Rescue and relief teams have been dispatched to affected areas to assist victims, with emergency aid distribution underway as damage assessments continue, it added.

Afghanistan's meteorological department has issued fresh warnings for additional rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding in mountainous and flood-prone regions. 
Qabil Ashirov



Iran has stepped up its military defenses on Kharg Island amid concerns over a possible U.S. ground assault, AzerNEWS reports, citing international media outlets.

In recent weeks Tehran has been preparing for a potential operation by the United States aimed at seizing control of the island. As part of these preparations, Iran has deployed traps, including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, along with additional military personnel, air defense systems, and surface-to-air missile systems.

Sources indicate that the U.S. administration has considered the possibility of capturing the islandlocated in the northeastern part of the Persian Gulfas a means of pressuring Iran to restore shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island serves as a critical economic lifeline for Iran, with approximately 90 percent of its crude oil exports passing through the area.
An aerial drone photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the photovoltaic panels at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the photovoltaic panels at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the pumpjacks at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A drone photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the wind power generation equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Technicians inspect the photovoltaic power generation equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Staff members monitor the operation data of new energy equipment at the intelligent command center of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Technicians inspect the photovoltaic power generation equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Technicians check the operation of the wind power equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A worker maintains a pumpjack at Daqing Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 6, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A technician inspects the photovoltaic power generation equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A technician inspects the photovoltaic power generation equipment at the low-carbon demonstration zone of Lamadian Oilfield in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 25, 2026. As an important energy production base in China, Daqing Oilfield has been exploring new pathways for green transformation and development in recent years. While maintaining stable production of traditional energy, it has actively promoted the construction of photovoltaic, wind power and geothermal energy projects. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
A tourist walks out of a homestay in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A staff member arranges books at Huize rural bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Villagers stroll in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Tourists take photos in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

A villager serves cold bean jelly noodles in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

Tourists have fun in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

People take a walk in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows a view of Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A child has fun in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Villagers stroll in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

Tourists visit Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Villagers ride past a household in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows ancient dwellings in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

People enjoy cold bean jelly noodles in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

This photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows a view of Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

A staff member does the cleaning at a homestay in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

A villager weeds in a field in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

A villager shows a local beverage in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Tourists have fun in Baiwu Village of Huize County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 24, 2026.

Baiwu Village once served as a major hub for south-to-north copper transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), giving birth to many ancient dwellings and copper transport heritage.

In recent years, local authorities have endeavored to boost cultural tourism in the village by preserving and utilizing its traditional architecture, while introducing new businesses including bookstores, coffee shops, and homestays.

In 2025, the village received about 245,000 visitors, with 188 households involved in the local tourism industry. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China will from April 1 apply agreed tariff rates to certain imports originating in the Republic of the Congo, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said on Thursday.

This move aims to fulfill tariff reduction commitments under the Early Harvest Arrangement for the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Congo, in accordance with China's tariff law, the commission said.

The measure will further deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and contribute to the building of a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries, according to the commission. 
Asked if he was embarrassed that the UK needs to borrow a ship from Germany, the Defence Secretary said it was a sign of the strength of the Nato alliance but Im not happy with the situation we have with British warships, and thats because it takes six years to build a warship.
Students from Italy's Jobs Academy Foundation learn drone operation with a virtual simulation training system at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College in north China's Tianjin Municipality, March 16, 2026. (Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College/Handout via Xinhua)

TIANJIN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- In a classroom at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College, Li Keyan, a teacher from the School of Intelligent Engineering, held a drone in her hand while demonstrating operations to some Italian students.

"I'm demonstrating a multi-rotor drone to the students, showing the basic principles of its imaging system and how to use the drone for visual recording," Li said.

Recently, 16 teachers and students from Italy's Jobs Academy Foundation have come to north China's Tianjin Municipality for a 15-day training program on drone application. Through lectures, hands-on practice, virtual simulation and company visits, participants are systematically learning the principles and operational standards of drone technology.

Drones are neatly lined up on each desk, ready for hands-on practice, while lively discussions fill the classroom. On a nearby virtual display, real-time flight footage appears as students take turns operating the system, completing tasks such as takeoff, hovering and landing in a simulated environment.

"In Italy, we don't have such a systematic curriculum. I hope this program will help us better understand how drone technology can be applied," said Riccardo Silva, a computer science teacher from Jobs Academy Foundation. "The college is highly advanced, with many interactive facilities. The whole experience has been very new and rewarding."

The curriculum, aligned with drone standards of both China and the European Union and jointly developed with leading industry enterprises, is designed to meet international needs. It combines theoretical instruction with practical training and scenario-based learning, covering drone principles, safety compliance, precision control and aerial photography.

"I've learned a lot in Tianjin, and I hope to apply these skills to video production when I return to Italy," said Lorenzo, a student from Jobs Academy Foundation.

"We have designed targeted teaching content based on the students' professional backgrounds and industry needs," said Zhang Ying, dean of the vocational college's School of International Education.

"Our goal is to help them master practical skills while also understanding the technical logic behind them," Zhang said, adding that the program will develop online teaching resources and explore long-term cooperation mechanisms to advance talent training and standards alignment in the drone industry.

In addition to professional courses, the program incorporates basic Chinese language learning and cultural exchange activities. Participants have visited sites such as the Tianjin Museum, Tianjin Ancient Culture Street and the Haihe River, where they combine field trips with drone filming practice to experience the city's landscape and Chinese culture.

"The friendship between China and Italy has a long history. This cooperation is an important step in deepening exchanges in vocational education and the low-altitude economy," said Kang Ning, the vocational college's Party secretary.

"China is at the forefront of drone applications and low-altitude economic development, while Italy has strong foundations in vocational education. There is great potential for cooperation," said Maria Grazia Buratti, head of international cooperation of Jobs Academy Foundation.

The low-altitude economy is rising rapidly as a strategic emerging industry in China. Data shows that China now has over 36,000 active drone-related enterprises. The Civil Aviation Administration of China projects that the country's low-altitude economy could reach 3.5 trillion yuan (about 506 billion U.S. dollars) by 2035. 

Students from Italy's Jobs Academy Foundation look at a drone displayed at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College in north China's Tianjin Municipality, March 16, 2026. (Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College/Handout via Xinhua)

Students from Italy's Jobs Academy Foundation look at a drone displayed at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College in north China's Tianjin Municipality, March 14, 2026. (Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College/Handout via Xinhua)
He warned the US would not necessarily support Nato allies militarily, saying: Were always going to be there  at least we were, I dont know about any more to be honest with you, I would have to be honest  we were always there when they needed help.
Abrahamovitch said the on board coffee would be as close as practically possible to what we consider our holy grail, a flat white made by one of our baristas in Shoreditch on a 20,000 machine made from beans roasted in Bermondsey a couple of days before.
Worn-out parents, chattering toddlers, a baby asleep in the corner  they are as much a part of a community as anyone else. Its not a creche, its just a local. And Id go one further: parents who lay down roots are the lifeblood of London communities. The ones who scrimp and save, take on terrifying amounts of debt, sacrifice almost everything just to buy a one-and-a-half bed leasehold flat with no outdoor space where they can raise their family  only to be told, by the pub at the end of their road, that theyre entitled and not particularly welcome. There is something almost comedically dispiriting about that. London needs families. It needs them to stay, to invest, to build something here. It needs their children, who will one day be Londoners themselves, paying their own eye-watering rents and nursing their own overpriced pints.
Why Arsenal may be the big winners from PSG vs Bayern thriller

Why Arsenal are the big winners from PSG vs Bayern thriller
At a glance: Exploring the best neighbourhoods in Miami

What: With their own individual flavour and feel, Miami's neighbourhoods each bring something different to the party

Where: South Beach for Art Deco architecture and ocean views; Little Havana for Cuban culture and cuisine; Downtown Miami for museums and skyscrapers; and Wynwood for street art and craft beer

Dont miss: Wynwood Walls, the city's open-air street art museum. Cultural commentary meets riotous colour

Worth seeking out: A cafe Cubano in Little Havana  a sweet, punchy espresso that fuels a night of salsa dancing
Asked how she felt after being informed Calocane had pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder in relation to those he had hit with the van, Ms Miller said: Not very good, it just put me on another downer, that he could even say he wanted to kill me.
Ms Foreman, in her first interview since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, said: When the bombs were going off at night, in those first four nights, we were all hiding under the bed.
After detailing his bosss measures on the economy, he said in his speech: Stock markets in the UK, Europe, Japan and South Korea are all up since President Trump has taken these actions, or at least they were when this speech was written.
Criticising the US war against Iran, he told Times Radio: When Ive been to every staff college in the military, in my career chain, they taught me three things. One, you must have a legal mandate before you put people in harms way. The second is you must have a plan. And the third, you must think to the end.
This photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows a robot patrolling the field of Zhang Tong's farm in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province.(Xinhua/Wu Feizuo)

JINAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Tong, 36, oversees a sprawling family farm by the Yellow River in east China's Shandong Province, inheriting his father's dark complexion but none of the rough hands or stooped posture of a traditional Chinese farmer.

As the spring breeze stirs, he strolls to the edge of the 300-hectare field and launches a sleek silver drone to map plots, chart spraying routes and scan from above to check whether the wheat lacks water.

In the field, snake-like pipes that have been prearranged deliver water and fertilizer directly to the roots and cut water use by nearly 30 percent, said Zhang, comparing the pipes to fine blood vessels of the human body.

Zhang's farm is part of a transforming agricultural landscape, powered by advances in machinery, information technology and AI. For a nation feeding 1.4 billion people amid climate volatility and limited resources, the message from the fields is clear that the future of Chinese agriculture is becoming increasingly autonomous and precise.

Having grown up in the river plains, Zhang watched his grandfather and father toil with hoes and carry heavy hoses to water their wheat fields. When he began his own farming career in 2019 in his hometown of Changqing District, Jinan, capital of Shandong, he entered a very different world, one that was highly mechanized and technology-driven.

"I was warned that if you didn't study hard, you'd end up working in the fields. Now, on the contrary, I need to be well-educated to be able to work in the field," he chuckled.

The Zhang family has dozens of machines. Last November, intelligent seeders planted the entire area in a month, maintaining uniform depth and sending automatic alerts for seed shortages. A fertilizer blender tailors prescriptions based on soil tests. Unmanned scout vehicles monitor for pests and crop stress, while driverless harvesters stand ready to collect the wheat in June. The extensive use of machinery has significantly boosted annual wheat yields to 3,000 tonnes.

In China's southern provinces, rice seedlings are being nurtured in climate-controlled facilities. Across the north, winter wheat, including that on Zhang's farm, is in full green-up. China's centuries-old ritual of spring plowing or farming, once defined by oxen, wooden plows and back-breaking labor, is rapidly transforming into a high-tech process guided by drones, robots and machines.

Zhang knows how to operate most of the machinery and is researching customized seeders suited to the local land. "The seeders need to account for the fact that this wheat field will be harvested in early June and then swiftly make way for corn and soybeans," he said. His farm is also an innovation base for soybean-corn intercropping.

Feng Lingyang, a researcher at the Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, assists the farmers. "We are using computer vision and machine learning, as well as gene editing, to identify shade-tolerant and high-density-tolerant genes, with the aim of further increasing soybean yields," Feng said. Data show that this approach has generated fresh revenue streams for farmers.

Last year, China's grain output hit a record 715 million tonnes. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) calls for raising comprehensive grain production capacity to about 725 million tonnes by 2030. It stresses stabilizing rice and wheat production while boosting corn and soybean capacity. Achieving this goal will require technology to play a central role in safeguarding the country's food security.

On an even bigger farm north of Zhang's, more than 500 sensors monitor a 660-hectare area for temperature, soil moisture and wind. The land has been made into a demonstration zone showcasing measures that boost yields and reduce losses.

Yu Long, general manager of Jinan Chengfa Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd., which manages the farm, said the aim is to reduce grain loss by 5 percent, raise the yield by 15 percent, while substantially cutting the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

"We are preparing water-saving sprinkler systems and will also bring in even larger harvesters to minimize grain loss," he said. 
Fellow backbench Labour MP Richard Burgon said on X that he had submitted a formal Parliamentary written question on the topic, asking whether Mr McSweeney reported the theft to the Cabinet Secretary and followed the rules in doing so, what the Cabinet Offices guidelines were on backing up data and what impact the theft had on national security.
Sir Keir said: The fact that we saw each other last week in London, the fact that I am here today, just shows the closeness not just of our relationship but the relationship between our two countries.
The Cabinet minister came under fire after been grilled on how many frigates there are in the navy as he took to the airwaves to say British forces may now intercept Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Channel.
This photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows the opening scene of the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A Belgian artist introduces her works at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A Belgian artist introduces her works at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A visitor views exhibits at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)

A visitor takes photos of an exhibit at the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" in Brussels, Belgium, March 25, 2026.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the art exhibition "Artists in Dialogue: Across Generations" is held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels from March 25 to May 1. The exhibition showcases 17 works by nine artists from China and Belgium, alongside paintings by 223 young artists. (Xinhua/Lyu You)
JERUSALEM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel is "continuing to strike with force" targets of the Iranian government.

In a video statement issued by his office, Netanyahu said the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, in an overnight Israeli airstrike, was "another example of the cooperation between us and our ally, the United States, toward the shared goal of achieving the war's objectives."

Earlier in the day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Tangsiri, along with several other senior Navy officials, was killed in the attack he dubbed as "an expression of aid" to the United States in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Katz said Tangsiri was "directly responsible" for the blockade of the strait, among others.

The Israeli military claimed later that Behnam Rezaei, head of the IRGC Navy's intelligence directorate, was also killed in the attack.

The Iranian side has not commented on the Israeli claims yet.

The Israeli military said early Thursday that it had completed a "wide-scale wave of strikes" in Isfahan, a city in central Iran, and elsewhere in the country. Hours later, Iran launched multiple missile attacks toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens nationwide.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and drones at northern Israel. At least one direct hit was reported, while fragments fell in several locations, including Tel Aviv, wounding at least eight people and damaging buildings, according to Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service.

The developments came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28 that targeted Tehran and other cities, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. targets in the region. 
ABIDJAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday launched their 2026-2030 Cooperation Programme worth 56 billion CFA francs (around 99.4 million U.S. dollars), aimed at supporting the country's goal to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Cote d'Ivoire Blerta Cela described the programme as a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the two sides, which has spanned more than 65 years.

The programme is aligned with Cote d'Ivoire's national development priorities, focusing on inclusive governance, institutional modernization, youth and women's employment, and entrepreneurship, as well as the development of the digital, green and blue economies.

Within this framework, the UNDP has set quantitative targets, including the creation of more than 100,000 green and blue jobs, expanded access to clean energy, protection of over 10 million people from climate-related risks, and mobilization of more than 100 million U.S. dollars in climate finance.

Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development Souleymane Diarrassouba said the country's economy has remained resilient, recording an average growth rate of 6.5 percent between 2021 and 2025, with improvements in human development indicators. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to basic services, economic opportunities and social protection.

Diarrassouba urged national and international stakeholders to keep their actions closely aligned with the government's sectoral priorities to ensure the effectiveness and impact of the programme. 
HANOI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnamese government has urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to develop environmental quality maps for public disclosure and roll them out in several major cities, state media outlet Vietnam Television (VTV) reported Thursday.

The request was made under a recently issued government resolution, the report said.

The maps will integrate data on air, water, and soil pollution levels on a geographic information system platform to reflect environmental conditions across different locations, with real-time updates.

The government also asked the people's committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to coordinate with the ministry and relevant agencies to take urgent measures to control, prevent and mitigate air pollution in the two cities. 
A reservist from the 419th Logistics Readiness Squadron helps a student from Bear Lake Middle School don training equipment during a school tour at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on March 5, 2026. (Anthony Pham/U.S. Air Force)



Nearly 80 middle school students visited an Air Force Reserve unit specializing in F-35 operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where they met airmen and got a close-up look at their work and equipment, according to a service news release.

The students, from Bear Lake Middle School in Montpelier, Idaho, toured the 419th Fighter Wing this month. The schools principal, Master Sgt. Janet Passey, said she wanted the students to see the professionalism, teamwork and mission that airmen carry out every day.

I wanted them to leave inspired and aware they could be part of something bigger than themselves, said Passey, who also serves with the 419th Security Forces Squadron.

Airmen showed the students how their equipment works, including the F-35 aircraft, and explained the roles they perform in their daily missions. The students also took part in a hands-on simulator activity focused on firearm safety and fundamentals.

I learned that there are more jobs there than you normally hear about, one student said. It requires a lot more people for the Air Force to meet its mission.
The U.S. Army selected two commercial companies to build AI data centers on federal land, including at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



The U.S. Army selected two commercial companies to build AI data centers on Fort Bliss, Texas, and Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, the service announced Thursday.

The Army will enter exclusive negotiations with Carlyle, an investment firm, and CyrusOne, a data center developer, to build hyperscale data centers on the Army posts as the service seeks to expand its use of AI in combat and other military applications. The agreements would allow the companies to build, operate and maintain the data centers on land leased from the Army, according to a service news release.

AI is a strategic asset for the Army, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said in a statement. It is a force multiplier, supports future transformation and requirements, keeps the Army ahead of our adversaries, and generates resiliency across the force. These data centers are a critical resource to support that strategic imperative.

Carlyle and CyrusOne would be responsible for financing the projects, and taxpayers would not see an upfront cost to their development, Army officials said. The Army Corps of Engineers will conduct final lease negotiations and oversee the projects, including conducting environmental reviews, according to the Army.

The agreements come after a 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump that sought to make available underutilized federal land for commercial data center projects.

Carlyle was selected to build on about 1,384 acres at Fort Bliss, according to the Army. That project is expected to be functional in 2027.

CyrusOne, a company held by investment giants KKR and BlackRock, was selected to build on about approximately 1,201 acres on Dugway Proving Ground. That project is expected to be completed around 2029.

Each project is estimated to cost about $2 billion, according to the Financial Times.

The Army in January solicited bids for leases to build commercial data centers on Fort Bliss, Dugway Proving Ground, Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Army officials have said working hand-in-hand with the private sector is necessary to leverage ever-advancing technology into soldiers hands. The service is also seeking private companies to build nuclear microreactors on some of its installations, which officials have said would bolster power needs for the service, including expanded AI capabilities.

By partnering with the private sector to develop cutting-edge data centers on our installations, we are bolstering our national security, driving technological innovation, and building a more resilient and modern Army, David R. Fitzgerald, the deputy undersecretary of the Army, said in a statement. Our new data center initiatives made possible by enhanced use leasing, are a direct investment in Army priorities.
S&K Towing Inc., based in San Clemente, Calif., just north of Camp Pendleton, is being sued for violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. (Zachary Dyer/U.S. Marine Corps)



A Southern California towing company sold 148 impounded vehicles, many owned by Marines and sailors, in violation of federal law protecting service members rights, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

S&K Towing Inc., based in San Clemente, Calif., just north of Camp Pendleton, is being sued for violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which mandates that towing operators obtain a court order before selling service members vehicles.

Though S&K Towing had a contract with Camp Pendleton to operate on the base and tow vehicles away, the agreement required that the company comply with federal laws governing the transfer of the vehicles, the Justice Department said in its statement.

It is unacceptable and illegal for a business to sell or dispose of these vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect service members, said Bill Essayli, the First Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

A man who answered the telephone at S&K Towing on Thursday morning said the company had no comment on the lawsuit.

According to the Justice Department, the sales occurred between August 2020 and April 2025. Prosecutors said some of the vehicles were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton, and others were sold, despite S&K Towing being told the vehicles were owned by military service members covered by the relief act.

Prosecutors did not detail why the vehicles were removed by S&K Towing from the base in the first place.

Some of the vehicles were removed from the base even though their owners were deployed away from Camp Pendleton.

Service members are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division.

The SCRA ensures service members have adequate legal protections, including notice and the opportunity to have towing and storage fees adjusted in light of their military service, officials said.

An attorney for Military Legal Assistance contacted S&K Towing in 2024 to explicitly tell them they were violating the SCRA. The attorney was told, We do this all the time, according to the Justice Department.

The men and women who serve in our nations military deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States, Essayli said.

This case is being prosecuted by the Civil Rights Divisions Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California.

The Justice Department said that since 2011, it had obtained over $484 million in monetary relief for more than 149,000 service members through its enforcement of the SCRA.

More information on SCRA enforcement efforts can be found at www.servicemembers.gov.

Service members and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
The USS Abraham Lincoln sails in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on March 10, 2026. A sailor was injured aboard the ship Wednesday in a non-combat related incident during flight operations in the Arabian Sea, according to Navy officials. (U.S. Navy)



A U.S. sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln was injured Wednesday during flight operations on the aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, according to the Navy.

The sailor is in stable condition and was transported off the ship for additional medical care, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet said in a statement Thursday.

The Navy did not say how the sailor was injured or what type of injury they suffered. The noncombat-related injury was not life-threatening, according to the statement.

The circumstances of the incident are being investigated, NAVCENT/5th Fleet said in the statement.

The incident marks the fourth sailor reported injured aboard an aircraft carrier in recent weeks as Navy ships in the Middle East support Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.

A March 12 fire aboard USS Gerald R. Ford injured three sailors as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea. Two of the sailors subsequently returned to duty, while the third was reported in stable condition last week after being flown off the ship for treatment.

On Monday, the Navy announced that Ford had left the Middle East, arriving at U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for maintenance and repairs.

Officials have offered no details on the cause of the fire, saying it remains under investigation. The blaze originated in Fords main laundry area, destroying about 100 beds in a berthing area and displacing about 600 sailors.
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China urges all relevant parties to the raging Iran conflict to work in the same direction and create conditions for launching truly meaningful and sincere peace talks, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a related query, adding China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in the above-mentioned endeavor. 
Construction of a new food court and bowling center is underway at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, pictured here on Feb. 13, 2026. (James Kimber/U.S. Navy)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  Construction is underway on a 68,000-square-foot recreation and dining facility at the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet that will replace the bowling alley and food court.

The two-story facility will combine a 28-lane bowling center and a multi-vendor Navy Exchange food court  consolidating services now spread between two single-story buildings  along with game rooms, party spaces and a lounge, said base spokesman Justin Keller.

The existing 45-year-old center has served the [base] community well for decades, he wrote in a March 13 email.

The new facility will ensure the next generation of sailors and families will have a facility that meets their needs, Keller said.

An exact construction schedule is not available, but a complete timeline will be released once utility work concludes, he added.

A construction worker stands by to direct traffic and pedestrians at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



Vertical work on the facility will coincide with the construction of two new parking garages: a four-story, 466-space garage near Kyuban and Jyuban housing towers and a five-story, 334-space garage near the exchange, said Keller and the Naval Region Japan website.

The three projects are part of a broader, $500 million initiative between the U.S. Navy and Japanese government to build 13 facilities for the Navy throughout Kanagawa prefecture in exchange for returning the Negishi Housing Annex, Keller said.

The annex is slated to be officially handed over to Japan on June 30, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a March 13 press conference.

Once the new recreation and dining facility is completed, the food court will be demolished and replaced with a 279-space parking lot, Keller said.

Among several projects under construction at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, are updates to four apartment buildings for single service members, seen here on Jan. 29, 2026. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



While the upgrades will eventually result in more than 1,000 additional parking spaces, residents in the meantime will have to grapple with reduced parking and traffic disruptions from construction, Keller said.

The base has established two temporary spots for people to pick up packages at the post office annex next to the food court, Keller wrote.

Other projects are underway, including upgrades to four single-sailor apartment buildings and construction of the P-39 Ship Handling and Combat Training Facility, a high-tech training space that includes at least five simulators just 400 yards from Yokosukas main gate.

As with the ongoing unaccompanied housing upgrades, the timeline for the new bowling and dining complex is part of a deliberate strategy to balance and minimize impact of construction projects across the installation, the base said in a March 3 news release.
(Chip Maury/Stars and Stripes)



Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 5, 1962: Ethel Kennedy, wife of the U.S. attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, swings a wooden boom to ring the bell of Seisho Temple in Tokyo. Mrs. Kennedy set a lively pace for herself while her husband fulfilled official requirements of their 6-day goodwill visit to Japan.

On one day of the trip she sat on the straw-matted floor and used chopsticks to sample Japanese delicacies served during a three-hour luncheon. She saw the temples Zen meditation room, visited the nursery school and struck the giant bell in the courtyard. The same day she visited the Seishi Ryogoen Hospital for Crippled Children and the University of the Sacred Heart.

Also on her tightly packed schedule was a tea at the American Embassy given by the embassy wives and an appearance on a Japanese television show. The next days experiences included a ride in a jam packed subway and a shopping expedition in a large Tokyo department store. She declared she found the subway ride great fun. She bought a battery-powered toy animal musician for each of her seven children.
Jenny Gerena, left, and her daughter Chantal Hill opened El Parche Colombian and German restaurant in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany, in February 2026. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



When Chantal Hill and her mom, Jenny Gerena, decided to open a Colombian-German restaurant in a little village outside of Kaiserslautern, they didnt expect it to be quite so popular.

But in the six weeks since El Parches opening, they said theyre already struggling to keep up with demand from customers flocking to them for homemade empanadas, arroz con pollo and bandeja tipica.

It surprised me but Im happy, Hill said when I stopped by the restaurant on a recent Saturday afternoon before the dinner rush. We havent really done very much promoting. Its been more word-of-mouth.

El Parche  Colombian slang for a gathering or hangout  was originally envisioned as a German-Colombian joint. The co-owners thought they would attract more diners if they could also offer traditional German fare. But by the second week, the schnitzel and goulash they were cooking up every day was going largely untouched.

Chantal Hill, left, Jenny Gerena, center, and their family members stand in front of El Parche in Reichen-bach-Steegan, Germany. (Courtesy photo/El Parche)



Every German I expected to order a German dish, but theyve just been ordering Colombian dishes, and they love them, Hill told me. Ive not had one German say, I dont like this. 

My friend and I decided to stop by on a Friday evening to get a taste of the South American cuisine.

My first thought upon entering the restaurant  which had a spacious layout and large bar  was that I was glad we called ahead to make a reservation. The place was hopping. Nearly every table was filled, and as we took our seats, we could hear Spanish, German and English conversations flowing throughout the restaurant.

Gerena, who gets in early every day to make the food fresh, told me shes very intentional about making sure customers are getting an authentic Colombian experience. The dishes are made fresh every day, never frozen, and they even ship some ingredients directly from Colombia like triguisar, a popular seasoning mix made of cumin, pepper and other spices.

The hand-cut tortilla chips at El Parche in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany, are freshly fried and come with aji, a spicy, tomato-based dip. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)

The arroz con pollo, or chicken with rice, is seasoned with Colombian triguisar and served with fried plantains at El Parche in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



To start, my dining companion and I ordered chips and aji (a spicy dip made of tomatoes and herbs), an empanada and a passionfruit margarita to share.

I feel strongly that the mark of a good restaurant is homemade chips, and El Parche did not disappoint. They were hand-cut, perfectly crispy and paired well with the cool zing of the aji. Even after our main dishes arrived, we found ourselves continuing to reach for the chips throughout the meal.

The handmade empanadas at El Parche in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany, are made with shredded beef and potato. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



A single empanada was hearty enough for both of us to share as an appetizer. The savory corn pastry dough was stuffed full of well-seasoned shredded beef and potato and steaming hot.

We both loved the frozen margarita, which seems to be a rarity around K-Town. Hill told me they also offer a variety of traditional Colombian drinks, like Aguila and Club Colombia beers, and popular fruit-flavored sodas.

She also pointed out their bottles of Colombian spirits, like Aguardiente Antioqueno  an anise-flavored liqueur and Ron Viejo de Caldas rum.

For our mains, my friend ordered arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), which was seasoned with the aforementioned triguisar and served with hard-boiled eggs and a side of plantains.

The bandeja tipica, a traditional Colombian platter, is served with crispy pork belly, shredded beef and chorizo at El Parche in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



I ordered the bandeja tipica, a traditional Colombian dish served on a large platter (bandeja) and heaped with generous portions of food.

Spoiler alert: I could not finish it all. But I did enjoy the rice, beans, shredded beef, fried egg and plantains, as well as the fried pork belly and sausage  which is also imported from Colombia, Hill said.

We left our dinner with full bellies, a box of leftovers and a vow to return. Hill and Gerena said theyre still going to keep some German items on the menu, but are also looking to hire more help to keep up with the demand for Colombian food. Some of their friends are even scouting out spots for a second restaurant.

I had somebody send me locations already in K-Town and Ramstein, Hill told me. I just said, Relax; we need to get this one going.

The drink menu at at El Parche in Reichenbach-Steegan, Germany, includes frozen margaritas and popular Colombian beverages like Aguila beer and fruit-flavored sodas. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



El Parche, Colombian & German Restaurant

Location: Hauptstrasse 83 66879 Reichenbach-Steegen

Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: Cash only. Entrees 13 euros to 20 euros. Empanadas 3.50 euros apiece, or five for 16 euros or 10 for 30 euros.

Phone: +49 6385 4150090

Online: https://www.instagram.com/elparche.colombian/
Inside the Fantaseum shopping center in Suwon, South Korea, Battle Combat Arena offers a large indoor laser tag field capable of hosting up to 20 players at once. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



A static voice crackles through an intercom: Battle ready.

Flashes of neon reflect off a maze of ramps and corridors as players cautiously step forward, scanning glowing barriers for their opponents.

Inside the Fantaseum shopping center in Suwon, South Korea, Battle Combat Arena offers a large indoor laser tag field capable of hosting up to 20 players at once. The arena unfolds across a two-level maze for fast-paced, competitive play.

At Battle Combat Arena, a laser tag venue in Suwon, South Korea, a multilevel layout encourages a tactical approach. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



The battlefield is defined by faint neon lighting. Blue marks the blue teams territory, red marks the opposing side, and green illuminates the central zone where both teams can engage.

The multilevel layout encourages a tactical approach. Ramps and overhead walkways provide vantage points across the battle space, while narrow corridors offer cover from opponents moving through the maze below.

Racks hold Battle Combat Arena laser tag gear at Fantaseum in Suwon, South Korea, Feb. 21, 2026. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



As a seven-minute round unfolds, the once-confusing maze begins to feel familiar. Players start to recognize shortcuts, ambush points and defensive positions that turn the arena into a tactical playground.

After several matches, the experience becomes surprisingly physical. Players sprint between cover, crouch behind barriers and move quickly along ramps while attempting to tag opponents before being eliminated.

A Battle Combat employee prepares a player for the laser tag arena at Fantaseum in Suwon, South Korea, Feb. 21, 2026. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



For service members, the appeal lies in the blend of strategy and competition, where communication and positioning  even elements of military training  can influence the outcome.

Price depends on the number of rounds purchased. Two battles cost 14,000 won, or about $9.46; three battles cost 18,000 won; and four battles cost 22,000 won per player.

Players are advised to arrive with a group. Matches are strictly team-based  free-for-all play is not available  so participants should be prepared to join others or assemble their own team.

Inside the Fantaseum shopping center in Suwon, South Korea, Battle Combat Arena offers a large indoor laser tag field capable of hosting up to 20 players at once. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



On the QT

Directions: About 35 minutes by car from Osan Air Base or a seven-minute walk from Mangpo Train Station. Fantaseum shopping center, 3rd floor, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon-si, Yeongtong-gu.

Times: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Costs: 14,000 won for two battles.

Food: Fantaseum boasts a number of restaurants and snack cafes, including an Ashely Queens Buffet.

Information: Online: fantaseum.co.kr
The pagoda at Rurikoji in Yamaguchi has been rated one of Japans three most stunning five-storied pagodas alongside similar structures in Nara and Kyoto. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



Kozan Park, a popular tourist stop in Yamaguchi, the Kyoto of the West, is a welcome break from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, also in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan.

The air station is a bustling place full of uniformed service members and screaming fighter jets overhead.

At Kozan Park, tourists meander along paths beside a peaceful pond and take photographs of a five-story pagoda thats nearly 600 years old.

The landmark, designated a national treasure, is rated one of Japans three most stunning five-storied pagodas alongside similar structures in Nara and Kyoto.

The pagoda, built in 1442 during the Muromachi period, was under renovation until December. Craftsmen installed new cedar-bark shingles on the structure, which is more than 100 feet tall.

Kyowa Construction division manager Atsuyuki Watanabe shows a roof shingle during restoration work on an ancient five-story pagoda at Kozan Park in Yamaguchi, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



The roof restoration happens every 70 years, said Atsuyuki Watanabe, a construction manager overseeing the project, during my recent visit.

The workers use traditional materials during the restoration, Watanabe said, as he held up a wooden shingle beside the pagoda. They attached the shingles with wooden pins, rather than nails.

The pagoda was built by Ouchi Morimi, a feudal lord from the clan who ruled what is now Yamaguchi prefecture from the mid-14th century to the mid-16th century, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

A bronze statue of Ouchi Hiroyo stands in Kozan Park in Yamaguchi, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. The military leader founded a town, modeled on Kyoto, that became Yamaguchi. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



Inside the pagoda is a bronze statue of Ouchi Morimis older brother Yoshihiro, a powerful military commander, and a wooden statue of the Amida Buddha.

Kozan Park, near central Yamaguchi, includes statues of historical figures along with cherry blossoms, plum trees, azaleas and hydrangeas among manicured hedges.

The park is the site of Rurikoji, a Soto Zen temple that includes wooden buildings surrounded by nature. A park museum includes scale models of famous pagodas from around Japan, according to the Japan National Tourism organization.

Tourism specialist Matsui Kuniaki talks about the history of Kozan Park in Yamaguchi, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



Kozan Park also features the burial site of members of the Mori family, who ruled the region during the Edo Period, from 1603 to 1867.

Also in the park stands Chinryutei, a tea house where Saigo Takamori, a historical figure who helped usher in the Meiji period, and his co-conspirators pretended to practice the tea ceremony while planning to overthrow the Edo Shogunate, according to the tourism agency.

The move led to the Meiji Restoration and the end of Japans feudal age in 1868, the agency states.

On the QT

Directions: Kozan Park is 1  miles from Yamaguchi Station and can be reached on foot or by bicycle rented at the station (300 yen for two hours or 700 yen for a day).

Times: Always open.

Costs: Free admission.

Food: There are no restaurants in the park but a convenience store across the road sells ice cream and other treats.
U.S. forces on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea, killing four people, according to U.S. Southern Command. (U.S. Southern Command)



U.S. forces on Wednesday conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea, killing four people, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations, SOUTHCOM said in a post on X.

SOUTHCOM did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. It posted a 15-second video that showed a small boat being blown up as it moved on the water.

No U.S. forces were harmed in the operation.

The latest operation comes less than a week after a strike in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that left two dead and one survivor recovered by the Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated with Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Costa Rica, and Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf was diverted from its patrol to survey the site of the attack, the Coast Guard said in a statement Friday. The Bertholf recovered two dead and one survivor, who were all transferred to the Costa Rican Coast Guard.

The death toll from the campaign against alleged traffickers has risen to at least 163 people since the strikes began in early September.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists.

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., this month 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, Trump said at the Shield of the Americas summit. We have to use our military. You have to use your military.

At the time of the summit, U.S. officials released video of an operation in Ecuador targeting a drug traffickers training camp. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X at the time that the U.S. is bombing Narco Terrorists on land as well. The New York Times on Tuesday reported the military strike appears to have destroyed a dairy farm.
A photo of a gavel resting in a courtroom. (Joshua Magbanua/U.S. Air Force)



A former civilian employee of the U.S. Army was sentenced Tuesday in California to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two minors while he worked in Japan, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Thelmo Meneses Santos Jr., 60, of Merced, Calif., exploited a position of trust to manipulate two girls for nearly eight years starting when they were age 11, according to the prosecutors sentencing memo.

Senior District Judge John Mendez of Sacramento sentenced Santos, according to the Justice Departments release. Santos pleaded guilty in September under an agreement with the government.

The abuse stretched between 2015 and 2023 and began with one victim and ended with Santos arrest after the second victim reported his conduct, according to the memo and the release.

Santos worked in logistics in Tracy, Calif., and at bases in Japan, according to the memo. It did not identify those bases. The Defense Logistics Agency operates the Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin in Tracy, according to the agencys website.

Santos admitted the abuse to Army criminal investigators and was arrested in Hawaii on June 6, 2024, according to the release.

While in detention, he emailed the first girls family to discourage her from testifying against him and to encourage her to retract her report of sexual abuse, according to the sentencing memo.

The first victim tried to recant her statement in July 2024. Questioned on a conference call by an Army investigator and two U.S. Attorneys with a victim and witness advocate present, she said she falsely accused Santos because she was angry that he had taken $10,000 from her.

The victim later assented to Santos plea agreement. His efforts to impede her testimony apparently enhanced his sentence, according to the sentencing memo.

In exchange for Santos guilty plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office agreed to dismiss three other counts in the original June 2024 indictment and argue for no more than 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to records filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Hell be subject to lifetime post-release supervision and must register as a sex offender.

The court docket indicates Santos was declared indigent and the government prosecutors waived a fine, although Santos must pay $10,000 restitution.
Kadena Air Base is home to the Air Forces 18th Wing on Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



The Air Force has recovered 575 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa and affected its stormwater system, according to the 18th Wing.

The base immediately contained the spill on Tuesday, the wing wrote in a news release the following day. The spill was caused by an equipment failure and was reported in accordance with established procedures, the release said.

Response teams successfully recovered the fuel from the affected storm water system and have completed the cleanup, the wing said. Additional preventative measures remain in place downstream out of an abundance of caution.

The wing acknowledged but did not respond to phone and email inquiries on Wednesday and Thursday.

Kadena towns Base Liaison Division was told about the incident Wednesday evening through the Okinawa Defense Bureau  an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense  which did not share the incidents exact location or if any damage occurred, a spokesman said by phone Thursday. The town lies northwest of the base.

We are still conducting arrangements to consider how to deal with this matter, he said.

Okinawa city had received no information from the bureau as of Thursday morning, a spokesman said by phone that day. The city borders the base to the southeast.

A spokesman for Chatan town, bordering the base on the southwest, could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

Stormwater from Kadena flows northwest into the East China Sea or into the Hija river, which flows through the base and empties into the sea, according to an environmental review released by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service in 2007.

U.S. Forces Japan last year denied a request by the prefecture to test for PFAS  per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances  at water sources on three U.S. military bases, including Kadena.

In denying the request, USFJ said the prefecture stopped using the Hija and Dakujaku rivers that flow through Kadena as drinking water sources, according to a December release from Japans Ministry of Defense.

However, the prefecture resumed water intake from the Hija river when necessary to supplement its water supply, Gov. Denny Tamaki said at the time.

In May 2024, a Boeing E-3 Sentry leaked jet fuel into a stormwater drain on Kadena. The spill was contained, but about 50 gallons of fuel leaked into an outflow that led to Kadena Marina, the wing said at the time.
The SSG Elroy F. Wells, the first of the Armys new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) class amphibious watercraft, assists in a counter-drone demonstration in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2025. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  The Army is wrapping up yearlong testing in Hawaii of its next-generation shallow-draft amphibious boat with a series of mock medical evacuations.

The 8th Forward Resuscitative and Surgical Detachment on Tuesday finished testing how the prototype watercraft could quickly move patients in and around an island chain, whether that need arises from combat casualties or injuries from natural disasters.

The detachment had identified a gap in its capacity to quickly move patients between islands, particularly in shallow water, detachment commander Lt. Col. Patrick Kadilak said during a pierside interview that day on the joint base.

Soldiers with the 8th Forward Resuscitative and Surgical Detachment, 18th Theater Medical Command, prepare a mock patient in a makeshift operating room aboard the SSG Elroy F. Wells in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, March 24, 2026. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



Docked nearby was the SSG Elroy F. Wells, the first of the Armys new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) amphibious watercraft.

The 117-foot-long MSV-L prototype on Tuesday carried the detachments autonomous vehicle laden with medical supplies, an Infantry Squad Vehicle and a 20-foot shipping container modified into a surgical operating room.

The container was tailored using existing equipment and could potentially be used on any watercraft, Kadilak said.

Earlier testing was conducted on the beaches of Bellows Air Force Station on the windward side of Oahu, he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Davis, vessel master of the SSG Elroy F. Wells, speaks with Lt. Gen. Mary Izaguirre, surgeon general of the U.S. Army, dockside at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 24, 2026, before boarding the amphibious boat for a validation test. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



The concept were kind of working with is the MSV-Light has access to the shallower beaches that other vessels do not, the same as a UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopter has access to certain landing zones that a Chinook or an airplane may not, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Davis, the prototypes vessel master, said in a dockside interview Tuesday.

Using the MSV-Light we can access a beach, retrieve casualties, perform a [casualty evacuation] operation in a littoral environment to get them to a higher echelon of care, whether that be another island or another larger vessel with more capability.

The MSV-L was intended to replace the Vietnam War-era Landing Craft Mechanized-8 watercraft.

The MSV-L can carry up to 82 tons of cargo, including tanks or Strykers, and travel 30 knots when empty, 21 knots when fully loaded.

The Army originally worked with Oregon-based Vigor Works to build 13 of the vessels over 10 years for the Indo-Pacific, but the future of the new amphibious class is uncertain.

Breaking Defense reported in May that the Army was considering canceling or curtailing the run of MSV-Ls to free up funds for other projects.

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, is delivered to a beach on Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii, via the SSG Elroy F. Wells, the first of the Armys new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) class amphibious watercraft, Feb. 25, 2026. (Devin Davis/U.S. Army)



The prototype has proven agile in delivering the joint forces most potent weapons systems during validation events in recent months.

In September, the Marine Corps 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment used the Elroy F. Wells to move a Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS, to a beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Soldiers with the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division in February validated the prototype for use in delivering the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, to the shallow-water beaches off Bellows.

The prototype has won over Davis in the year he has been commanding it.

This vessel has exceeded every requirement that was written, he said. One of the biggest things I think weve demonstrated out here is the range far surpasses what that requirement was, and although it does have a limited payload, its speed and access with that shallow draft allow it to get to places that other vessels cant and increases the capability of the joint force.
Prices at the pump are higher at AAFES stations than off base in Japan, where the Japanese government recently began subsidizing fuel. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  The price for a gallon of premium gas on U.S. military bases in South Korea and Guam will jump above $5 a gallon this weekend amid continued fighting in the Middle East.

Crude oil traded above $92 on Thursday, down from $119 on March 9, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A pricelist released that day by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service shows more pain at the pump in store starting Saturday.

Exchange customers in South Korea will pay $5.029 a gallon for premium, up from $4.779. On Guam, they will pay $5.059 for premium, up from $4.809.

A gallon of regular will cross the $4 threshold at AAFES stations across South Korea from $3.809 to $4.049. On Guam, it jumps from $3.839 to $4.079.

The same gallon of regular is holding relatively steady elsewhere across the Pacific.

A Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, drivers pay will continue to pay $4.539; at Camp Zama, outside Tokyo, its staying at $4.059; and on Okinawa, it will remain $4.499.

At Yokota Air Base, in western Tokyo, a small increase will push regular from $4.009 to $4.019 a gallon.

AAFES customers across Japan will pay $4.999 a gallon for premium, up from $4.749.

Diesel prices are already above $5 a gallon across the Pacific. In South Korea, diesel is going from $5.159 to $5.459 a gallon. On main-island Japan, diesel will rise from $5.129 to $5.429 a gallon, while the price will hold steady on Okinawa at $5.579.

Prices at the pump are higher at AAFES stations than off base in Japan, where the Japanese government recently began subsidizing fuel.

A Japanese service station near Yokota Air Base sold regular for 157 yen a liter or about $3.71 a gallon on Thursday. Premium sold for 168 yen a liter or $3.97 a gallon and diesel sold for 142 yen a liter or $3.37 a gallon.

The exchange sets overseas pump prices based on the Department of Energys weekly average for each grade of gasoline in the continental United States, plus the unique, incremental costs the exchange incurs in each overseas market.

These costs include labor, excess depreciation and other unique expenses associated with providing gasoline to authorized drivers overseas, according to AAFES.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gasoline prices at U.S. bases in Japan doubled in two years.

In March 2020, just as the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus pandemic, a gallon of regular cost about $2.30 but by May 2022 the price at AAFES pumps in the Pacific had topped $4.50 a gallon with premium selling for well over $5 a gallon.
Qabil Ashirov



Crude oil tanker Altura, owned by Turkiye, was hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack in the Black Sea, approximately 15 nautical miles from the Istanbul Strait, AzerNEWS reports, citing Turkish media outlets.

The vessel, which departed from Russia, was carrying around 140,000 tons of crude oil at the time of the incident.

A powerful explosion was reported during the attack in open waters. The tanker sustained damage to its deck, engine room, and the captains bridge. Water ingress into the engine room was also reported.

Following the strike, the tanker issued an SOS signal. Turkish Coast Guard rescue teams, along with the emergency response vessel Nene Hatun, were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident was a deliberate attack.

No crew members were reported injured.
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said China supports countries in the Middle East in maintaining calm and addressing disputes and differences through dialogue.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the appeal in a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the latter's request.

The right and wrong of the conflict in the Middle East are clear, and the international community should adopt an objective and impartial position, Wang said.

Noting that the conflict is now rapidly spilling over and spreading across the region, Wang said the top priority is to actively promote peace talks, seize opportunities for peace, and work toward de-escalation.

China supports countries in the region in remaining calm, and responding rationally to the current situation from a long-term perspective based on fundamental interests, Wang said.

China also supports Turkiye in playing a constructive role in promoting the resumption of negotiations, Wang added.

For his part, Fidan said that Turkiye and China are highly consistent in their positions regarding the current situation in the Middle East, and both countries oppose launching military attacks without authorization from the UN Security Council and oppose further escalation of the conflict.

China has always been committed to maintaining regional and world peace, and it is believed that China will continue to play an important role, he said.

Turkiye is willing to make joint efforts with China to promote a ceasefire and bring the world back to the right track of peaceful development, he added.

The two sides also exchanged views on other regional issues. 
Rows of inert bombs sit in a U.S. munitions storage facility in this undated photo. As U.S. air defense stockpiles dwindle, Europes reliance on American systems is raising security concerns. (Owen Davies/U.S. Air Force)



Europes dependence on American air defenses is becoming a strategic liability, as U.S. stockpiles are stretched by war and as Washington and its NATO allies prepare for different future fights, a new think tank report says.

An analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warns that the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran is burning through interceptor missiles at a pace that Western industry cannot quickly replace. At the same time, the U.S. is attempting to focus more on countering China, which could leave Europe exposed, the report said.

Europe now faces a looming crisis: The U.S.-made interceptors it needs, both for Ukraine today and for its own rearmament against Russia, may simply not be available, said the CSIS report published Monday.

The report calls for European states to launch an emergency program to rapidly expand production of European-made air defense systems and interceptors.

Europes challenge is not the lack of air defense technology but production scale, especially for interceptors to counter ballistic and advanced cruise missiles, the report noted. Expanding interceptor production would require cooperation across the European industrial base.

CSIS recommended that the European Union commit around $10 billion to a dedicated fund for air defense interceptor production, which would send a demand signal large enough to justify new production lines and supply chain investment.

The war in Iran has laid bare the fragility of Western interceptor stockpiles and Europes strategy for sustaining Ukraine, the report said.

While the Trump administration has halted new tranches of military aid to Kyiv, a NATO agreement allows Europe to purchase American weapons systems, such as Patriot interceptors, for shipment to Ukraine. But that programs effectiveness is entirely contingent on available American supply, the report said.

Underscoring that challenge, The Washington Post on Thursday reported that the Pentagon is considering diverting some of those same U.S.-supplied weapons  including air defense interceptors intended for Ukraine under the NATO arrangement  to the Middle East, though the report stressed that no final decision has been made.

Given the shortfalls in U.S. stockpiles, the Pentagon will inevitably prioritize rebuilding its own arsenal over supplying foreign partners  Combined with a greater prioritization of Gulf countries, as well as Asia and the threat posed by China, Europe may well receive almost no deliveries of U.S. air defense interceptors in the near term, said the report, which was issued before the Post story.

European efforts to break its dependency could have political ramifications. Washington has taken issue with the EUs 2025 security plan that calls for more than $150 billion in overall defense investments.

The State Department has raised concerns that the EU initiative could limit American industrial access to European markets. Still, the Pentagon has demanded that European allies invest more in their own defense and break their dependence on American military power.

During Februarys Munich Security Conference, Elbridge Colby, the Defense Departments top policy official, spoke of the need for allies to indigenize a large fraction of weapons production.

Given the potential for simultaneous conflicts and already strained supply chains, opposing internal European defense investment efforts makes little strategic sense, the CSIS said.

In the event of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific, U.S. defense production capacity will prioritize supplying the U.S. warfighter, not resupplying Europe. Thus, it is important for Europe to build up its own defense industrial capacity, the report said.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte gives remarks at the alliances headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (NATO)



NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte doubled down Thursday in his support for the Iran war after coming under recent criticism that he overstepped his role in the alliance when he endorsed President Donald Trumps approach to the conflict.

Rutte, speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels where he unveiled the alliances annual report, drew attention in Europe this week for his Sunday comments on CBS News in which he said Trump was making the world safer by attacking Iran.

On Thursday, he was repeatedly questioned by reporters about his remarks on the war and whether it was appropriate given that NATO is not directly involved in the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign.

Lets not be naive about it, Rutte said of the nuclear and missile threat posed by Iran. And what the United States is doing now is degrading that capability. And yes, I applaud it.

Rutte said there will always be differing views in an alliance of 32 nations. He added that NATO has been officially opposed to the notion of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon for many years.

Still, Ruttes stance puts him in a difficult position. The role of the secretary-general in NATO has always been primarily about keeping the alliance united and managing the relationship with the United States, the blocs undisputed leader.

In the case of the Iran war, several leaders in Europe have raised alarms about the bombing campaign and its consequences, saying Europe was not properly consulted beforehand and should not risk being drawn into any prolonged conflict.

Trump, however, has repeatedly blasted NATO members for not doing more. He has specifically taken issue with European countries not dispatching warships and minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed since the start of hostilities.

Trump also has suggested there could be consequences for the U.S. relationship with NATO if Europe doesnt get involved. On Thursday, he reiterated the point on his Truth Social website, saying that NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, (Iran) and to never forget this very important moment in time.

Rutte downplayed the possibility of a rift in NATO and heaped praise on Trump, who he said has revitalized the alliance with his demands for bigger defense budgets.

Without the present administration in the United States and the present president, I dont think you would ever have reached this commitment to spend 5% of our GDP on defense, Rutte said.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Algiers, Algeria, March 25, 2026. Meloni conducted an official visit to Algeria on Wednesday, seeking to secure expanded energy partnerships, as Europe seeks stable gas supplies amid disruptions tied to the war in Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.(Algerian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

ALGIERS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conducted an official visit to Algeria on Wednesday, seeking to secure expanded energy partnerships, as Europe seeks stable gas supplies amid disruptions tied to the war in Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation by working on new prospects such as offshore exploration to increase gas supplies from Algeria to Italy, Meloni said at a joint press conference following her meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

She added that the TransMed pipeline, also known as the Mattei pipeline, which has linked the two countries since the 1980s, reflects their long-standing role as pioneers in energy cooperation.

The Italian prime minister also noted that both countries expressed concern over military escalation in Lebanon and called on the international community to work toward regional stability and a two-state solution.

Tebboune stated that Algeria's reliable gas exports make it a key partner for Italy and other European nations seeking energy security.

Both sides agreed to accelerate the establishment of an Algerian-Italian Chamber of Commerce to strengthen economic ties, he said.

Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria's condemnation of abuses against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and called for intensified global efforts to achieve a just and lasting solution guaranteeing their legitimate rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state in accordance with international law.

Both sides also agreed that the solutions to the Western Sahara issue should be in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Meloni's visit comes amid growing European demand for Algerian natural gas, as regional instability in the Middle East and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy supplies. Enditem.
Jose Antonio Sau 26/03/2026 a las 11:50h.

Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old woman from Barcelona, will receive euthanasia on 26 March after a long legal battle. She has suffered from paraplegia and persistent chronic pain for almost four years. In October 2022, Noelia jumped from a fifth-floor balcony after suffering a group sexual assault.

Doctor and writer Juan Manuel Jimenez Munoz from Malaga addresses the young woman in an emotional letter on his public Facebook profile, where he reflects on her decision from a personal perspective: "The worst thing in life is not losing life itself, but losing the right to end it."

The letter is permeated by a profound philosophical reflection on the meaning of life.

The case has reopened the debate on euthanasia in Spain. In 2021, the government made euthanasia legal for people with severe, chronic and disabling conditions. Only medical and judicial assessments can lead to the authorisation of the procedure.

Dr Jimenez Munoz begins his letter reflecting on the young woman's life: "Your life has not been easy: at 13, you were separated from your parents and sisters because your family lacked financial resources. You entered a foster care institution and suffered multiple depressive episodes. During one of them, you jumped from a fifth-floor window and were left paraplegic, wheelchair-bound and in unbearable pain. You have decided to end your life. I respect and understand it."

"I understand it"

Jimenez Munoz recounts the story of one of his brothers, who ultimately decided to leave - something that deeply affected him. "Although I don't applaud or encourage your decision, I can tell you that I understand it."

"Life is important, of course. But what's important isn't having many years, but rather living a full life. It becomes full when the soul has regained possession of and dominion over itself," he says, quoting Roman emperor Claudius and Seneca.

"One afternoon, my brother said goodbye to me. He didn't say it in those words, of course. But he said goodbye. We were chatting in the park and he said goodbye. As he did, he gave me a kiss. I looked at his face. He looked at me too," the author says.

Later, Jimenez Munoz says that "the greatest favour the eternal law has done us is to give us only one entrance into life, but many exits". "Those who live well, let them continue. Those who live in despair, let them fight," he says.

"Some will say you lacked courage. Others, that you acted too hastily. Others, that they know a more dignified method. Nonsense. What you're dealing with is a matter in which there's no room for questioning. Whatever you do, there will always be those who criticise you," the doctor writes.

Jimenez asks: "What worse thing can we lose in life than the right to end it?". He makes clear his position on euthanasia and the right to request it.

A taboo topic

The writer spoke to SUR on Thursday morning. He said that the inspiration behind writing the letter is his personal life. "I have a very deep understanding of mental illness in my personal life: my father had mental problems, one of my brothers is in an institution after trying to take his own life and another brother succeeded."

He has advocated for the topic to become a matter of public discourse. "This issue deeply affects me. I understand the young woman's position. I don't encourage it in the slightest, nor do I intend to say that this is the solution, nor would I myself help anyone die out of pure pity. But I do commend the doctors and nurses who, voluntarily, because the law allows the right to conscientious objection, perform an act of charity, because sometimes cases are incurable."

"This is a taboo topic, one that is rarely discussed. These issues need to be addressed, without encouraging them. Discussions should start from acknowledging that one's decision to take their own life or abortion are failures of the social system," he says.

"I agree with euthanasia, with it being regulated, with professional committees that say yes or no," Dr Jimenez Munoz says. For him, "the crux of the matter" lies in "the freedom to leave".

His position is well known. His novel Libelula invisible (Invisible Dragonfly, 2024) discusses the topic from the stance of his family's history.
Esta funcionalidad es exclusiva para registrados.
Jose Antonio Sau 26/03/2026 a las 11:14h.

The Top Doctors Awards include two specialists from Malaga among the 50 best private doctors in Spain in 2025. This is a very outstanding recognition because it is other professionals in each area that evaluate the candidates according to criteria of excellence, research and teaching skills.

The Malaga doctors this year are cardiologist Emilio Gonzalez Cocina and urologist Gonzalo Sanz Perez.

Dr Emilio Gonzalez Cocina (pictured) is an expert in ischemic heart disease, stress testing, high blood pressure, preventive cardiology, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, valvular heart disease and diagnostic imaging.

He completed his cardiology training at the 12 de Octubre hospital in Madrid, which is a highly prestigious national and international centre in the field of cardiovascular medicine. Since 2009, he has been head of the cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation section of the Spanish society of cardiology (SAC). He currently serves as head of the cardiovascular medical centre in Malaga and Marbella.

Dr Gonzalo Sanz Perez is currently the medical director of the Clinica Premium in Marbella. He specialises in the Rezum method, the da Vinci robot, robotic surgery, green laser prostate treatment, prostate cancer, urological laparoscopy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder cancer and erectile dysfunction.

Criteria

Top Doctors is a leading healthtech group focused on the digital transformation of the healthcare sector and the development of technological systems for easy access to top medical specialists. These are the 12th awards in its history.

Throughout 2025, the medical community in Spain cast their votes in each area. Ten of the selected doctors are from Andalucia.

During the evaluation process, the experts must reflect on which doctor they would recommend to their family or friends if needed. The 50 selected experts have also received the highest ratings from verified, real patients.

"At Top Doctors, we have built the largest network of elite specialists in Spain, transforming and adapting the ecosystem so that access to quality medicine is available to everyone. For us, it is crucial to continue connecting patients with the best doctor or specialist for their specific case thanks to our network of more than 13,000 professionals. This translates into a satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 from verified patients. We are undoubtedly proud to say that these awards have become the benchmark for recognising medical excellence in Spain," Top Doctors co-founder Lorena Bassas states.

The Top Doctors Awards 2025 ranking by area is: Barcelona (14), Madrid (10), Valencia (4), Seville (4), Cadiz (2), Malaga (2), Alicante (2), Zaragoza (2) and ten other provinces with one selected professional.

Previous nominees

Dr Homid Fahandezh-Saddi Diaz and Dr Vicente Paloma Mora are third-time winners in this selection.

Dr Marta Sitges Carreno, Dr Ernesto Diaz Infante, Dr Fernando Centeno Malfaz, Dr Teresa Martinez Ramonde, Dr Gonzalo Sanz Perez, Dr Josep Torremade Barreda and Dr Santiago Viteri Ramirez have also received the award on previous occasions.

They are part of the country's leading healthcare groups, such as Grupo Ribera, Vithas, Quiron, Miranza and Gournay. They excel in medical specialties like cardiology, with five award-winning specialists, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology and obstetrics, with four experts in each specialty.
Graffiti on a wall in Torrox.

Eugenio Cabezas 26/03/2026 a las 19:15h.

Torrox town hall has reacted to the appearance several graffiti around the Axarquia town saying it is "associated with radical left-wing positions".

The black spray-paint appeared on facades and walls of private homes and public spaces in an area that is particularly sensitive from a heritage and tourism perspective on at least four streets in the town centre.

It has generated unease among residents and business owners, especially on the eve of Holy Week, one of the peak tourist seasons for the eastern Costa del Sol town.

In a statement, mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, described the acts as "intolerable and completely incompatible with peaceful coexistence," emphasising their negative impact on Torrox's image.

The Local Police and Guardia Civil are working together to investigate the vandalism through security camera footage recently installed in the historic centre, with the aim of identifying the perpetrators.

"We are going to act with all the force the law allows," the mayor warned, also appealing to the public for cooperation in gathering information to advance the investigation.

The municipal cleaning company are already working to clean the graffiti and minimise its visual impact, in an effort to preserve the town's image.

The incident has reopened the debate on vandalism and security in urban areas at time when Torrox is intensifying its cultural and tourist activities in the lead-up to Holy Week. The town hall has reiterated its official message that Torrox is "a municipality committed to coexistence, respect, and the care of its public spaces," in contrast to these acts, which they consider "unrelated to the behaviour of the majority of its residents."
Eugenio Cabezas 26/03/2026 a las 19:15h.

Canillas de Aceituno town hall in Malaga province's Axarquia has lifted the tap water consumption restrictions announced on Monday 23 March.

Analyses carried out on Wednesday 25 March confirmed that the supply "meets the parameters established in current regulations for human consumption." This means that the municipal water supply can now be used normally for drinking, cooking and all other domestic purposes.

The town hall expressed its gratitude in a message posted on its social media channels for "the cooperation and understanding of residents during the period in which the restrictions were in effect."

The ban on tap water consumption in a large part of the municipality was announced on Monday after high levels of chlorate were detected in the water supply network, a problem that had already Iznate, El Borge, and Totalan. The issue has since been resolved in all three Axarquia municipalities.

The incident affected approximately 1,400 of the 1,800 residents in the village, while around 400 residents were able to continue consuming water normally by obtaining it from areas unaffected by the problem.

Technical sources consulted during these previous incidents in the Axarquia have explained that chlorates are not an external contaminant, but rather a byproduct of the chlorine disinfection process. Their concentration can increase due to factors such as prolonged water storage, the use of hypochlorite, or deficiencies in infrastructure maintenance.

The situation in Canillas de Aceituno once again highlights a structural problem in inland parts of the Axarquia in terms of guaranteeing water quality in small municipalities with aging infrastructure, within a context of increasingly stringent health regulations.
Juan Cano 26/03/2026 Actualizado a las 12:29h.

The court in Estepona has provisionally imprisoned a 53-year-old man after his nephew set a trap to record him and prove that the defendant had been sexually abusing him for nine years. The young man was 12 when the abuse allegedly first started.

The arrest took place in February. The police in Estepona took charge of the investigation, because that was where the defendant lived. The complainant lives in the north of Spain, but he used to also live in Andalucia when he was younger.

The young man, who has a disability exceeding 40 per cent, told the police that his uncle by marriage had been abusing him from the age of 12 to 21.

When the young man moved to the north of the country, he lost contact with his uncle for a while. He even changed his phone number, but his uncle somehow got hold of the new one and contacted him through WhatsApp.

The complainant then decided to set a trap to present the police with evidence. According to sources, he recorded his uncle suggesting he masturbate during a video call.

The video was key to the National Police investigation, who arrested the suspect in February and handed him over to the court in Estepona.

Despite the defendant's appeal, the court provisionally sentenced him to prison without bail.
Archive image of a man released by Jesus El Rico.

Antonio M. Romero Malaga 26/03/2026 a las 11:55h.

A prisoner serving a sentence for offences of assault and making threats will be the inmate released this year by Nuestro Padre Jesus El Rico.

This solemn ceremony is held on Easter Wednesday on the steps of Malaga Cathedral, in keeping with a deeply rooted Holy Week tradition dating back to the 18th century.

The pardon of Jose R. C. was approved on Tuesday at the weekly meeting of cabinet ministers, at the request of Felix Bolanos, the minister of the presidency, justice and relations. The announcement was published on Wednesday in the official state gazette (BOE), as consulted by SUR.

Jose R. C. was convicted by the criminal court in Malaga, by judgment dated 13 March 2024, as the perpetrator of an offence of bodily harm. He was sentenced to a term of one year and six months imprisonment. The court also sentenced him to one year's imprisonment for the crime of threatening behaviour, for acts committed in 2020, according to the BOE.

The court further imposed a prohibition on approaching the injured party within a distance of less than 500 metres and on communicating with the said party by any means whatsoever for a period of four years.

Court and prosecutor's office reports

In the agreement to grant the pardon, the reports of the sentencing court and the public prosecutor's office have been considered and it has been considered that "in view of the circumstances of the convicted person and according to the information contained in the aforementioned file, there are reasons of justice and equity to pardon Jose R. C. to the custodial sentences pending, on condition that he does not commit a criminal offence again within three years of the publication of the royal decree".

It will be during the procession on Wednesday 1 April that the prisoner will regain his freedom in an act before the images of Jesus El Rico and the Virgen del Amor at the doors of the cathedral.

The tradition of releasing a prisoner in Malaga is based on a royal decree issued by King Carlos III following an outbreak of plague that severely affected the population of Malaga and led to the suspension of the Holy Week processions in 1759. The inmates of Malaga prison asked the governor for permission to carry the image of El Rico, to which they declared themselves devoted.

When their request was denied, they rioted, escaped from the prison and carried the Christ through the streets of the city on their shoulders, afterwards returning to the prison. This act became the longest procession remembered during Malagas Holy Week.
Jose Antonio Sau 26/03/2026 a las 12:07h.

One of Malaga's cat protecton groups (Asociacion Gatos) has filed a complaint with the provincial prosecution stating that construction of a third hospital has begun without relocating the existing cat colony in the Hospital Civil outdoor car park. Other animal rights organisations, however, don't share the same opinion.

According to Asociacion Gatos, the work endangers the cat colony. Consequently, the prosecutor has ordered that the court of first instance determine whether the actions constitute a crime of animal abuse.

The prosecutor, quoting the association, says that the adaptation of the car park and its surrounding area "are seriously endangering a feline colony registered" by Malaga city council. According to the complaint, those responsible for the construction works should have relocated the colony under vet supervision and after authorisation.

Furthermore, the veterinarian's report accompanying the complaint indicates that this action "poses a potential and irreversible risk to the cats". The complainant has requested the precautionary suspension of the works.

Adrian Pena Botello - the lawyer representing the association - told SUR the responsible parties have not ensured the animals' safety or sealed off the area. According to him, the consulted vet has warned that the animals might flee or abandon their kittens. In fact, he reported that "many of the cats have already disappeared".

Response

SUR also spoke with president of the Asociacion Amigo Animal (Aman) Mariola Aguilar, who doesn't share the other association's stance. Aguilar said that they have been working for months with Hospital Regional and the construction companies to minimise the impact of the work on the cats and ensure their safety.

"We advocate for them to remain free in their territory," she said, rejecting the proposal to move them or fence off the area, as that would constitute animal abuse.

Aguilar also denied there being kittens, stating that there are only five specimens left to capture, all sterilised. Eight other cats have reportedly been adopted.

"We're talking about construction work and the changes in their environment are very stressful for the cats. Trees have disappeared and their surroundings have changed, but they still go out in the afternoon to eat. In recent videos, they can be seen looking for shelter or safe areas and adapting to this situation,"Aguilar said.

According to Asociacion Amigo Animal, the construction companies are exemplary in their handling of the cats' needs. "I wish all construction sites in Malaga operated like this," Aguilar said.

The association responsible for the colony says that they "have been relocating feeding stations outside the construction area, but some people are returning them to their previous spot".

According to Aguilar, the cats are safely out of the way of construction work during the day and back only once the day has ended.
Ignacio Lillo 26/03/2026 a las 13:42h.

The regional government has chosen its preferred candidate for the construction of the final phase of the Malaga metro extension after a nine-month bidding process.

The best offer, according to the Junta, is that of Malaga-based construction company Sando, which has proposed a 36-month timeframe and a budget of 48.2 million euros.

The final section of the metro extension is between Calle Eugenio Gross and Calle Blas de Lezo. The end goal is for it to reach Hospital Civil and the future Virgen de la Esperanza hospital.

Sando now has ten business days to submit the required documentation. Once the contracting committee reviews and approves this documentation, they will formally award the contract.

Other bidders, however, will still have time to oppose the decision and file an appeal. In the case that there are no such appeals, construction will begin.

Outline of the construction work

This third and final section begins past the La Trinidad station (which is included in the second section, in the Gamarra area) and ends next to Hospital Civil, with a total length of 510 metres. It runs 100 per cent underground, under the road network formed by Calle Eugenio Gross, Calle Blas de Lezo and Avenida Simon Bolivar.

This section also includes the construction of the Hospital Civil station behind the health centre and at the doors of the future third hospital.

Once this third and final section begins, all the work on the extension between the Guadalmedina and the Hospital Civil stations will be under way. This line 2 branch will have a total length of 1.8 kilometres and three stations (Hilera, La Trinidad, and Hospital Civil). All three sections will be under construction simultaneously by the second half of 2026.

Alternative and parallel routes will take on traffic while construction from the El Corte Ingles and Arroyo de los Angeles lasts.

The construction of the stations falls under another project, currently in the drafting process.

This extension will add between 3.5 and four million passengers per year to the existing network (lines 1 and 2 to Atarazanas), which recorded a record of 19.22 million passengers in 2025. EU ERDF funds co-finance the project.
E. Press 26/03/2026 a las 19:10h.

The National Police have arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly sexually assaulting two vulnerable young men in Malaga city. According to testimonies, he had recruited the victims separately near a hostel, offering one a job in the fields and the other earnings through theft from tourists.

The investigation started on 17 March when the mother of one of the men reported that she couldn't find her son - a 20-year-old man with limited comprehension.

The last information about the missing boy indicated that he had gotten into a vehicle with a stranger near the municipal hostel in the western part of Malaga.

The investigation led the police to another alleged victim - a young man from Mali under international protection in Spain. He said that he knew the other victim and described the actions of the alleged suspect.

The young man told the police about a man who would often go in the area near the hostel in a car and offer boys work in the countryside or encourage them to participate in a theft scheme targeting tourists.

The victim reported that he had once gotten into the stranger's car, who proceeded to grope him. The young man jumped out of the moving vehicle and escaped.

With this information, the police set up an operation to find the missing man. They located him on 23 March and then arrested the suspect in his home.

According to the investigation, the suspect was a sexual predator whose objective was to locate young, good-looking boys in vulnerable situations, whom he then sexually abused.

The investigation remains open and authorities have not ruled out the involvement of third parties in the crimes, nor the emergence of new victims. The suspect was brought before a judge in Malaga on Thursday morning.
WINDHOEK, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has outlined a five-year roadmap designed to accelerate industrialization and tighten governance of the country's natural resources.

The plan was revealed late Wednesday at the launch of the ministry's Strategic Plan for 2025/26-2029/30 by Minister Modestus Amutse.

"The plan is aligned with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan and the SWAPO Party Manifesto Implementation Plan, both of which emphasize economic transformation, industrial development, energy security, sustainable resource management, institutional effectiveness, and inclusive growth," he said.

According to the minister, the strategy outlines five key pillars that define the ministry's mandate and operational direction, including infrastructure development, manufacturing and value addition, geoscience and natural resources development, energy sustainability, as well as good governance and operational excellence.

"Each one represents a commitment to tangible outcomes that directly improve the lives of our citizens," he explained, adding that the central focus of the strategic plan is to cultivate local content and strengthen domestic capacity in mining, mineral value addition, and green industries.

He said the strategy also seeks to review and refine policies to ensure responsible and inclusive resource development, while fostering a conducive investment climate to support economic growth and job creation.

Amutse urged stakeholders to collaborate in fully implementing the plan and to work together to drive national progress. 
Cristina Vallejo 26/03/2026 a las 19:14h.

A taxi drivers' demonstration blocked one of the main arteries in Malaga city centre on Thursday morning, causing traffic jams. The taxis stopped right in front of the city hall on Paseo del Parque, exactly when the local ruling team held its March meeting.

The taxi drivers are rallying against the city council's plan to approve 60 new licences for vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility. According to them, Malaga's fleet already exceeds the minimum requirement for this service, while, at the same time, there are not enough parking spots for such big vehicles.

The sector complains that this measure was adopted unilaterally and without a real analysis of its economic impact on their business. Taxi drivers say that the decision could directly impact the viability of a public service on which more than 1,400 households in the city rely.

Miguel Angel Martin from the Aumat association of self-employed taxi drivers says that Malaga's fleet currently reaches 6.9 per cent of adapted vehicles, when the EU regulation requires five per cent. According to Martin, the Costa del Sol capital, along with Zaragoza, has one of the highest rates in the country.

Accorrding to Aumat, the addition of the 60 new licences would raise that percentage to around ten per cent, which taxi drivers consider to be well above actual demand.

Martin criticises the city council because, even now, during the off-season, there is not enough space for the taxis in Malaga.

Aumat is planning more protests on 9 and 30 April. The taxi drivers are demanding the immediate suspension of the new licence process, the establishment of a technical working group with direct participation from taxi drivers and the commissioning of an independent economic study to assess the impact of the measure.

People with disabilities see the situation very differently. Spokesperson Alfredo de Pablos says that high-capacity taxis, those with nine seats, can provide service for people with reduced mobility.

Of the 76 licenced vehicles adapted for people with disabilities, however, only 14 are standard taxis (not large-capacity). Of the larger taxis, De Pablos says, only around ten to 15 actually provide this service. He believes this is because it is more profitable for drivers to carry groups or families, who tend to take longer and better-paid journeys, rather than passengers with disabilities.

De Pablos also says that current taxi drivers have declined to apply for the new licences, which is why it has been necessary to raise the issue. "We need more taxis for people with disabilities and also for the elderly. The 60 new taxis will be able to serve any user," he states.
Cristina Vallejo 26/03/2026 a las 13:47h.

Maria del Mar Solis Martin is the new head of the women's association of professionals and business owners in Malaga (Amupema). She was elected by by her colleagues after her predecessor, Rocio Garcia Diaz, resigned for personal reasons.

Solis is a construction engineer. Her company - Velasco y Solis Ingenieria, Tecnologia y Servicios - specialises in both mining engineering and construction engineering, although its main focus is building renovation. Among its most emblematic projects is the Asilo de las Hermanitas de los Pobres in the Explanada de la Estacion area.

Does Malaga need a lot of building rehabilitation? Some say that would encourage more housing supply.

- The building stock in Malaga needs significant renovation because it is very old. In fact, the application period for building renovation grants has just opened.

You have just been elected to head Amupema. Why are women entrepreneurs' organisations still necessary?

- They are necessary, at the national, local and regional levels, as are associations of all types of business owners. But women are less visible, which shouldn't be the case, because the Spanish Constitution states that we are all equal, without distinction of gender, sex, opinion, religion or birth. Our association promotes greater visibility for women.

Don't you feel represented in the CEOE, Cepyme, ATA?

- In these organisations, there is no gender distinction. Women seeking representation as business owners are driven by a desire to boost their businesses and raise their profile. Ultimately, we want the entire business fabric of our group to be visible.

But men don't seem to need to create specific business associations?

- Amupema has a 25-year history. It was created to give visibility to women entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals. Back then, things weren't like they are today. But the organisation has endured because it works well, still promoting that same network of female entrepreneurs.

Do you feel disadvantaged for being a woman?

- Well, no. It often surprises me, because I work in a very male-dominated sector - construction. The truth is, I've had the opportunity to access the jobs I've been offered and take part in tenders without any problems. Perhaps there are a few anecdotes about having to arrive at a construction site and put on my helmet to show that I'm the one in charge. But in reality, I haven't experienced any kind of rejection for being a woman in the sector I work in.

There is this understanding that women are often excluded because of the way business owners related to each other.

- Besides being a member of Amupema, I'm also on the governing board of the association of technical architecture. Gender parity there is now a requirement. It wasn't always the case because women sometimes didn't want to take on those positions. It's true there are still those male circles - they go out for lunch together and can be quite closed-off. But then there's the woman who stands up and says: well, I'm coming too. The president of the association is a woman and she leads and represents the entire group, which is now more balanced in terms of male and female representation. Being at the helm means asserting yourself a bit and saying: "Here I am."

In photos of authorities and from social events, there are rarely women, aside from political figures like Carolina Espana or Patricia Navarro. Do they not want to be featured or are they not being called upon?

- Often, it's us who hold back. By nature, we're the ones who have children, so we tend to take on that responsibility ourselves. That can make you slow down, feel that you've done enough and not want to take on more. But there's a bit of everything - we have great business owners who are women both locally and nationally. We're increasingly present, there are more self-employed women and technical university degrees are starting to establish a gender balance.

What do you want to do during your term? Where do you think women need more support?

- We want to continue promoting initiatives that strengthen the business fabric and the entire association. One of the problems that anyone wanting to start a business might encounter is the exorbitant cost of renting premises. Simply opening a shop every day involves expenses without guaranteed earnings. The other day we learned that the city council is offering small premises, six or 12 square metres, at reasonable prices. That helps. Things like that are what we're going to promote.

In terms of sectors, are women well represented or is there still a bias towards traditionally 'female' roles?

- We're very diverse. Even within our board we have tax advisers, lawyers, people working in training, IT, holiday rentals, signage companies, architecture But we also have the typical small retail business owner.

How do you see Malaga? There are warnings it could become a victim of its own success.

- I like that it's successful and I say that because I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute to making Malaga what it is today through my work. I was involved in the construction of the airport 35 years ago. I personally oversaw the demolition of the port silo - without this we wouldn't have the promenade today. I like that we're a cosmopolitan city. I hope it doesn't become a victim of its own success.

How can it keep growing?

- It must maintain a consistent approach, with an implementation plan that expands, but also with regulations.

You mentioned high commercial rents. For most people, housing is the real problem.

- Malaga is very expensive. There could be regulation and perhaps landlords could set prices within reasonable limits. I believe the Spanish government has a website where you enter details about a property and it suggests a reasonable rental price. Maybe responsible landlords could use that as a guide. If everyone followed a similar benchmark, prices wouldn't spiral like this.

Saying that within the employers' association sounds quite radical.

- What's happening in Malaga is happening in any city that's taking off. You could say rents should be capped, but that's difficult, because where do you draw the line? We want Malaga to be attractive nationally and internationally, but at some point even city-centre property owners may find it unviable to live there. It's very hard to define the limit.

Some argue that the market should determine it.

- It wouldn't be about strict controls, but about setting some limits depending on the area. I think that sense of balance has been lost and some regulation is needed.
Antonio M. Romero 26/03/2026 a las 11:52h.

Marbella's prosecution has asked the court to investigate Mayor of Benahavis Jose Antonio Mena for alleged crimes of malfeasance and embezzlement following a complaint filed by the local opposition.

The complaint concerns the alleged two-decade-long private use of municipally owned land in the Caserias del Esperonal area without authorisation or financial compensation.

The private user is Marbella Club Hotel, which manages its equestrian centre on the plot in question.

Benahavis town hall has declined to comment. The only response has been that the town hall "has not received any official notification about this procedure".

According to the local opposition, there is no "record of any administrative concession, enabling authorisation or any economic consideration in favour of the town hall". The complainant has also denounced the mayor for acknowledging the situation and failing to take action.

"The conscious and prolonged tolerance of this illegal occupation, despite the express and repeated knowledge of its illegality, cannot be classified as a mere administrative irregularity, but rather presents indications of a qualified infringement of the duty of custody and protection of public assets, endowed with criminal relevance," the opposition's account says.

According to the complaint, the announcement of a future administrative concession or "other legal form with an implicitly predetermined recipient" violates the principles of publicity, equality and competition and exposes the economic damage to the municipal coffers due to the absence of economic consideration for the use of the land and the possible non-compliance with tax obligations.

The complainant has also provided supporting documentation, proving the municipal ownership of various properties located in the area of the equestrian centre. According to it, fences around the municipal land block public access and create the "appearance of private property"
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes to pave the way for normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian emphasized that China remains committed to high-standard opening up and is dedicated to building a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class business environment.

The spokesperson cited the latest survey by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, which shows that Japanese enterprises operating in China generally report sound business conditions, maintain high satisfaction with China's business environment, and plan to continue deepening their presence in the Chinese market.

The spokesperson said that stable and healthy economic and trade relations between China and Japan serve the shared interests of both peoples. 
Meta Platforms is laying off several hundred employees across multiple teams as it prepares for rising costs tied to artificial intelligence investments.

The cuts, announced Wednesday, affect divisions including Facebook, recruiting, sales, global operations, and the company's virtual reality unit, Reality Labs.

The layoffs come as Meta forecasts total expenses between $162 billion and $169 billion in 2026.

The company is increasing spending to compete in the fast-growing AI space, where rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are also investing heavily.

A Meta spokesperson said the changes are part of ongoing restructuring efforts.

"Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they're in the best position to achieve their goals," the company said in a statement, Reuters reported.

"Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted."

Some affected workers are reportedly being offered new roles within the company, though certain positions may require relocation.

The latest layoffs are smaller than earlier reports suggesting deeper cuts. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Meta had considered reducing as much as 20% of its workforce. As of December 31, the company employed nearly 79,000 people.

Meta begins laying off hundreds of employees, impacting its Reality Labs virtual reality division and at least four other divisions, a source familiar with the matter tells NBC News. https://t.co/VnHDUydYgV  NBC News (@NBCNews) March 26, 2026

Meta Bets Big on AI With Billions in New Investments

Meta has been shifting its focus toward artificial intelligence, investing billions to develop advanced tools and hire top talent in the field.

The company is also increasing employee compensation to attract skilled engineers and researchers.

This strategy reflects a broader push to strengthen its position in AI, which executives see as a key driver of future growth.

Reality Labs, which builds virtual reality products like the Quest headset and Horizon Worlds platform, has been a major area of restructuring.

According to CNBC, earlier this year, the division cut more than 1,000 jobs, about 10% of its workforce, as Meta reviewed its long-term plans for virtual reality.

At the same time, the company is offering stock-based incentives to top executives to retain leadership during this period of heavy investment.

A spokesperson described the approach as a long-term bet, noting that rewards depend on the company's future success.

"This is a big bet," the spokesperson said, adding that the incentives will only have value if Meta achieves strong growth in the coming years.

Originally published on vcpost.com
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Numerous multinational companies now regard investing in China as a "must" for strategic growth, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

In recent weeks, senior executives from leading multinational companies, including Apple, Eli Lilly, BASF, Volkswagen, Bosch and Al-Futtaim Group, along with representatives from business associations such as the U.S.-China Business Council, have visited China in quick succession, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference.

During their visits, they spoke highly of China's economic resilience, innovation vitality, vast market size, and continuous improvement in business environment, the spokesperson said.

Many multinationals are increasingly positioning China as a key innovation hub for their global operations, according to the spokesperson.

She also cited the latest move by BASF, the German chemical giant, whose massive production complex in south China's Guangdong Province was put into full operation on Thursday, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

The ministry pledged efforts to facilitate cross-border data flows, boost research and development cooperation, and improve the talent introduction mechanism, to support more foreign-funded projects in taking root and delivering tangible results in China. 
People line up to go through security check at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on March 27, 2026. Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday.

Several major airports are seeing absenteeism rates of 40 to 50 percent among TSA workers, Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told a House Homeland Security Committee hearing.

"This level of disruption is unprecedented and unacceptable, and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems," McNeill said.

She added that many workers are struggling to cover basic expenses, with some unable to pay utility bills and facing service shutoffs. Others have received eviction notices, are sleeping in their cars, or are selling blood and plasma to make ends meet.

Since the shutdown began in mid-February, more than 480 TSA employees have resigned, she said.

As major airports continue to face hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages during the shutdown, Democrats and Republicans traded blame on Wednesday.

"Senate Republicans have now blocked TSA funding 9 times. They are solely responsible for the chaos travelers are experiencing," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.

U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, criticized Democrats, writing on Truth Social, "Blame the Democrats for the Airport's mess. They want our Country to do badly. They want our Country to fail."

The standoff follows Democratic calls for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Republicans have rejected those demands, leading to a deadlock that allowed DHS funding to lapse on Feb. 13. 

People line up to go through security check at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on March 27, 2026. Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People line up to go through security check at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on March 27, 2026. Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People line up to go through security check at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on March 27, 2026. Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People line up to go through security check at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on March 27, 2026. Wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints have reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the Transportation Security Administration amid the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with some exceeding four hours, a senior official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)
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The shortlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction has been announced, with Arundhati Roy and Ece Temelkuran among the six writers in the running.

Founded in 2023 to help redress the historic gender imbalance in nonfiction prizes, after a study found that only 35.5 per cent of winners across major UK nonfiction awards over the previous decade were women, the award celebrates excellence, originality and accessibility in narrative non-fiction.

The 2026 longlist featured 16 authors, which were whittled down to six names for the shortlist announced on Wednesday (25 March).

open image in gallery Roy is nominated for her memoir ( Mayank Austen Soofi )

The most prominent name on the list is former Booker Prize winner Roy, best known for her 1997 novel The God of Small Things. Indian author Roy is nominated for her memoir Mother Mary Comes To Me, branded funny, wise, candid and perceptive by The Independent critic Martin Chilton.

Also on the list are The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A Peoples History of Afghanistan by Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet and Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War by British writer Jane Rogoyska.

In the arts category, there is Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health, and Judith Mackrell's Artists, Siblings, Visionaries: The Lives and Loves of Gwen and Augustus John.

The final book on the list of nominations is Nation of Strangers: Rebuilding Home in the 21st Century by Ece Temelkuran, which explores the concept of exile and migration through a series of letters written by Temelkuran from one stranger to another.

open image in gallery The judges for the 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction ( Handout )

The award is judged by a panel of industry experts, including Thangam Debbonaire, Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe, and Nicola Williams.

Speaking about the shortlist, judge Debbonaire said: Whittling our remarkable longlist down to just six titles was by no means an easy task, but after careful consideration, we are proud to present a shortlist that celebrates six exceptional books and six hugely talented writers, and offers readers collectively a timely and timeless interrogation of our world today.

Our shortlist shows the power and necessity of womens writing at a time when recent statistics suggest a decline in non-fiction print sales in the UK. These books are an urgent antidote to mis- and dis-information, written with high standards of scholarship. They offer rich and original insights, in what often feels like a fragmented and uncertain world. They are six books of authority, told with humanity.

The winner of the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction will be announced on 11 June, alongside the Women's Prize for Fiction.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised eyebrows by referencing a lyric by the rap group Public Enemy as he spoke about the United States bombing Iran today.

Speaking during President Trumps Cabinet meeting in support of the ongoing attacks on Iran, Rubio said: Every day, the Department of War lets the drummer get wicked over every portion of Iran that has military capabilities.

This echoes a line from Public Enemys hit 1990 single Welcome to the Terrordome, where Chuck D raps: I got so much trouble on my mind/Refuse to lose/Here's your ticket/Hear the drummer get wicked.

The Independent has approached Chuck D for comment.

The group are outspoken and longstanding critics of the Trump administration. Speaking to The Independent last year, Chuck D said about Trump: I wont even say his name. We call him 47, 45. We dont even believe he believes half of the things he even says, but the problem is you dont know whether hes putting on an incredible acting job or not. Hes a showman  hes an incredible showman. He is an entertainer.

Notorious rap fan Marco Rubio made a reference to Public Enemy to back the bombing of Iran during one of President Trumps Cabinet meetings ( Getty )

Rubio has long professed his love for the rap genre and has slipped references into his public statements. Earlier this year, following the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Rubio quoted Biggie Smallss Juicy when he said: If you dont know, now you now.

The 54-year-old Miami-born Republican politician has previously spoken about his love of Public Enemy in particular.

Back in 2012, he talked to GQ following the publication of his autobiography, during which his interviewer noted that the book was likely the first time a politician had cited a love of pioneering hip-hop DJ Afrika Bambaataa.

Asked whether he has a favorite Afrika Bambaataa song, Rubio responded: All the normal ones.

He then went on to talk about his love of rap more generally, saying: People forget how dominant Public Enemy became in the mid 80s. No one talks about how transformative they were. And then that led to the 90s and the sort of East Coast v. West Coast stuff, which is kinda when I came of age.

In 2015, while appearing on the Fox News show Outnumbered, Rubio described Tupacs 1996 album All Eyez On Me as one of the greatest rap albums ever.

Asked about the rivalry between Tupac and Biggie Smalls, Rubio added: Im a West Coast fan. I dont think they should have shot each other and had a dispute that way, but I was a West Coast fan.
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Alan Ritchson has shared an update on Reacher after a crazy week, which saw him involved in a physical confrontation with his neighbour in Tennessee.

Earlier this week, the hulking actor, 43, was seen having an altercation with a man who dangerously blocked his path while he was driving his motorcycle through a suburban neighbourhood in Brentwood.

After reviewing available evidence, authorities determined that no criminal charges would be pursued and found that Ritchsons actions were considered self-defence.

The altercation arrived on the same week that Ritchson concluded work on the new season of Reacher, Prime Videos hit series based on Lee Childs Jack Reacher novels.

open image in gallery Alan Ritchson in Reacher ( Prime Video )

He said in a clip shared on Instagram: Here we are, in the ADR booth for the very last time for season four of Reacher. There it is, we are dunzos. This thing is gonna be hitting airwaves very soon.

Seemingly addressing the altercation, the actor continued: Happy to be back in the booth after such a crazy week! Thats a wrap for me on post-production.

He teased that the new season is the best and most gripping yet, adding: I think we hit our stride. Firing on all cylinders as it were.

Over the weekend, TMZ released video that showed Ritchsons neighbour, identified by the outlet as Ronnie Taylor, kneeling on the ground while Ritchson hit him multiple times.

However, it was later revealed that this was part of a longer altercation after additional clips, including the footage from Ritchsons body cam, were released that showed Taylor stepping into the street, causing the actor to flip over his bikes handlebars.

A spokesperson for Brentwood police said that a potential reckless endangerment charge against the neighbour was considered, but Ritchson declined to pursue charges.

North Dakota-born Ritchson first came to prominence with a role in Smallville, and he recently starred in the Netflix movie War Machine.

Speaking about Ritchsons casting in Reacher, author Child told The Independent in 2025 that the actor was born to play the role.

He also said that book readers were right not to approve of Tom Cruises casting in the film adaptations of his best-selling novels: Jack Reacher in 2012 and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back in 2016.

open image in gallery Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher ( Paramount Pictures )

A contingent of book fans didnt think the Hollywood star was right for the role due to his height. In Childs books, Reacher is described as being extremely tall (hes 6ft, 5in), and extremely broad, long-armed and long-legged. In real life, Cruise is 5ft, 7in.

Child said that, while he liked working with the actor, the readers, ultimately, were right in their views.

I thought the first movie in particular was excellent, Child said. It was a really crisp hard-edged thriller. Working with Tom was a pleasure and a privilege  hes a really smart guy, hes a smart filmmaker, hes real fun. But you cannot escape the fact that Reacher is a huge guy.

Child continued: I mean, that is a component in his entire approach to the world and the worlds approach to him. Hes huge, hes implacable, hes scary, and for all Toms ability in getting the internals of Reacher out, he is not huge and hes not scary. So the readers were terribly upset about it and I think, ultimately, the readers were right.
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Judy Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, is keeping her TV courtroom in the family, with her son, Adam Levy, set to launch his own series.

Titled Adams Law, the show is scheduled to premiere sometime this fall on CBS and will be produced by 83-year-old Sheindlin.

The forthcoming series was announced Thursday as part of CBS Media Ventures upcoming 2026/2027 programming slate. It comes five years after Judge Judy came to an end in 2021, following a 25-season run that began in 1996.

Similar to his mother, Levy, 57, also has a decades-long career in law, serving as Putnam County district attorney in New York for two terms, from 2008 through 2015.

Levy will step away from his role as a judge on Tribunal Justice, an arbitration-based reality series created by Sheindlin on which he has appeared since its 2023 debut.

open image in gallery Adam Levy has served as judge on 'Tribunal Justice,' an arbitration-based reality series created by his mother ( Michael Becker/Prime Video )

open image in gallery Judge Judy Sheindlin will serve as a producer on her sons new courtroom series, 'Adam's Law' ( Getty Images )

Levy is one of five children belonging to Sheindlin. She also has a daughter, Jamie Hartwright, 60, from her first marriage to Ronald Levy, and three stepchildren  Gregory, 62, Jonathan, 59, and Nicole, 58  with her husband, retired New York Supreme Court judge Jerry Sheindlin.

Sheindlin previously led her hit courtroom reality series Judge Judy, where she presided over real small-claims cases. She is known for her quick wit and no-nonsense approach to handling her televised courtroom.

CBS pulled the plug on Judge Judy in 2021, as network bosses felt they had enough episodes to warrant simply repeating the show, Sheindlin explained at the time.

In a later interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sheindlin slammed CBSs decision, saying: You disrespected my creation. And you were wrong. Not only in disrespecting my creation, but your gamble in what you put in its place.

We had a nice marriage. Its going to be a Bill and Melinda Gates divorce, she added.

In response, CBS Media Ventures president Steve LoCasci said: We have had an incredibly successful relationship with Judy over the last 25 years. It has been an honor representing her show, and just like there has never been another Oprah, there will never be another Judge Judy.

Following Judge Judys conclusion, Sheindlin created her ongoing spin-off series, Judy Justice, airing on Amazons Freevee and Prime Video. It acts as a continuation of Judge Judy, featuring real small-claims disputes adjudicated by Sheindlin with a new team, including her granddaughter, Sarah Rose Levy, as a law clerk. Her step-grandson, Alexei Mentzer, has also appeared in multiple episodes as a temporary law clerk.
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HBO Max, a new streaming service from the channel behind The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones, launches in the UK this week, almost six years after it first appeared stateside. In those six years, much has changed: war in Europe, Keir Starmer in Downing Street, Brooklyn Beckham ceasing diplomatic relations with his parents. And quietly, barely known on these shores, HBO has been putting out exclusive content, such as its medical drama The Pitt, which swept last years Emmys and has been heralded as one of the great post-pandemic series. Now, as its second season concludes in America, the show finally arrives here in Britain.

Each season of The Pitt follows a single day in the life of the emergency department of a hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The emergency room is led by Michael Rabinovitch, known to all as Dr Robby (Noah Wyle), and features a cast of misfits. Among them are wry charge nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa), smarmy resident Langdon (Patrick Ball), cocky intern Santos (Isa Briones), and brittle medical student Javadi (Shabana Azeez). Unfolding in frenetic real time, like Kiefer Sutherland thriller 24, The Pitt explores some of Americas hot-button issues: sex trafficking, online misogyny, racial inequality in healthcare, neurodivergence and more. As the hours pass, an anxiety emerges. Is this day just a snapshot of life in an overcrowded, under-funded hospital? Or are we witnessing an extraordinary 24 hours at the bloody face of American medicine? After a mass shooting event concluded the shows first season, its second chapter picks up in apparent peace. Who else is going to get this place through the Fourth of July weekend, Dana observes, with a twinkle, as Robby rocks up on a motorcycle.

Nothing, however, is straightforward down in the Pitt. Robby is about to take a sabbatical to bike across the country (zoom therapy, he quips to a psychiatrist), meaning that his stickler replacement, Dr Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), is shadowing him and trying to implement a new tech-savvy regime. Her gut? Al-Hashimi queries, after Robby tells a younger doctor to follow her gastric instincts. Yeah, he replies, its this thing that AI will never have. But even as this tension between the old and the new  the outgoing and the incoming  persists, the ER is flooded with patients presenting a range of issues. A woman whos superglued her eye shut, an alcoholic with a tooth abscess, a student whos been tasered by campus security, a bloodied parkour runner, an abandoned baby  the list goes on. So too does the day, ticking towards a bigger calamity. After all, Robbys final shift was never going to be easy.

Noah Wyle and Sepideh Moafi in The Pitt ( HBO )

Created by R Scott Gemmill, a writer on Michael Crichtons long-running drama ER, The Pitt has been praised for its unflinching realism and kinetic directing. It is paced like The Bear or Boiling Point on a hospital ward, with the camera and characters jumping between stations like a sous chef prepping their mise en place. As for the realism, the medical community can sometimes overstate this (my mother, an oncologist, used to claim that Green Wing was the most accurate show, despite camels being ridden in corridors), and The Pitt doesnt demur from a little medical mystery or graphic sensationalism. Never saw that in nursing school, am I right? Dana remarks to a new hire, after writhing maggots spill out of a homeless mans cast (in the first season, it was rats). Far from muting the impact, it offers a helpful dose of fun to a show that could, otherwise, prove unrelentingly grim.

But let me be honest: The Pitt is good, not great. It has thrived at a transitional time for prestige TV, with shows like Succession and Better Call Saul ending and the slow-release schedule of prospective heirs like Severance and The Last of Us denting their impact. Noah Wyle is hugely likeable in a role that mightve been a cliched doesn't play by the rules maverick, while LaNasa brings a tenderness to her part, the standout among the supporting cast. There are moments that are heartbreaking, there are moments that are shocking, and there are moments that are amusing  it all feels designed, in the mould of its great medical drama forebears like ER, to hit its beats. Interesting political commentaries about insurance and ICE agents work better than other threads that address social issues. A Jewish patient thanking her Muslim nurse for their community support after the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shootings feels cheesy, and some of the dialogue (Black women tend to go under-diagnosed with eating disorders) feels more like a public service announcement than a drama.

But what The Pitt does really well is work under its self-imposed restraints. The world never feels small, the characters never less than fully fleshed out. In an environment of such elevated stakes, hysteria and hyperbole can easily set in. The Pitt isnt shy of drama and while it occasionally lapses into convenient contrivances, it largely remains grounded. Life and death, day to day.
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If your feeds have felt like a time capsule recently, youre not imagining it: Nineties minimalism is firmly back in fashion.

The renewed fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedys iconic wardrobe has seen queues forming outside New Yorks C.O. Bigelow for her signature tortoiseshell headband.

After a long stretch of trend-heavy dressing, people are craving something more refined, says luxury stylist Oriona Robb.

They want pieces that feel expensive rather than attention-seeking.

open image in gallery Carolyn Bessette-Kennedys simple style has become iconic ( Alamy/PA )

So why is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at the centre of this shift? Her pared-back wardrobe has become a reference point thanks to FXs Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.

She had a very clear point of view, Robb explains. There was never too much going on, no over-styling, no unnecessary extras, just really well-chosen pieces worn with confidence.

So which Nineties staples are worth revisiting now? Stylists give their five top picks:

1. The slip dress

Few pieces capture Nineties minimalism quite like the slip dress. Long associated with Bessette-Kennedy  most famously on her wedding day  it has re-emerged as a key silhouette this season. Todays version is more about how its styled in order to bring it into 2026.

Slip dresses work best when theyre layered, says stylist Elsa Boutaric, a blazer or a soft knit instantly makes them feel more wearable.

The focus should remain on simplicity with a clean silhouette, minimal detailing and fluid fabrics like silk or satin.

open image in gallery M&S Autograph Satin Strappy Long Chemise, 35 ( Marks and Spencer )

While monochrome tones still feel the most timeless, newer iterations have been seen in sky blue, baby pink and lime green.

open image in gallery Zara Satin Lace Camisole Dress in Ecru, 69.99 ( Zara )

Worn under an oversized blazer or paired with a lightweight knit and ballet flats, Boutaric says the slip dress becomes the staple white t-shirt of dresses.

2. The double-breasted blazer

While the tailored boxy blazer has been a wardrobe staple for years now, the Nineties is bringing back a double-breasted version of it.

Seen across recent runway collections from Prada to Jil Sander, the silhouette has moved towards something more refined, with bigger shoulders and more buttons.

Robb says that when working with simple pieces, proportion becomes everything. A blazer can make or break the outfit, she says, it should look effortless, but never accidental.

open image in gallery John Lewis Double Breasted Linen Blazer in Dark Navy, 99 ( John Lewis and Partners )

To make it look more chic, Robb says to pair the double-breasted blazer with straight-leg jeans or tailored trousers in the same material, with block-heeled sandals and minimal jewellery.

3. The white shirt

The white button-down shirt has always been a wardrobe staple, but its latest revival comes in a cooler, more louche take.

It works best when you take it away from anything too corporate, says Robb, for example, try not to pair it with a blazer.

open image in gallery John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy ( Alamy/PA )

Choose something slightly oversized, worn open at the neck, maybe paired with a sleek skirt or relaxed trousers, she says, a la Bessette-Kennedy.

Robb says to push the sleeves up and loosely tuck the hem so the overall look feels effortlessly undone.

open image in gallery Massimo Dutti Flowing Total Look Linen Blend Shirt, 69.95 ( Massimo Dutti )

Boutaric describes it as part of a wider move towards quality basics  a movement that invests in pieces that can be styled in multiple ways.

Whether worn with slim trousers or blue denim, the white shirt remains one of the most versatile pieces from the Nineties.

4. The clean-cut low-rise

Low-rise trousers have slowly been threatening their comeback for several seasons now, with only a few hopping on the trend with ultra-baggy low-rise jeans.

But this season, the silhouette is taking a more mature turn in tailored cuts, subtle flares and cleaner lines, as demonstrated on Demnas Gucci runway at Milan Fashion Week in March.

Robb warns against going too literal when wearing this trend. The mistake is [when people] try to recreate the Nineties exactly, she says. The moment it feels like a full throwback, it loses its edge.

open image in gallery Zara ZW Collection Low-Rise Capri Trousers, 39.99 ( Zara )

Instead, low-rise styles work best when balanced with more current pieces like a fine slim-knit over layered tanks or an asymmetric blazer over a simple sleeveless roll-neck. As Robb notes, low-rise doesnt have to mean baring your midriff.

5. The everyday clutch

While Bessette-Kennedys headband and skinny sunglasses have been making waves, the biggest accessories trend to come back is the casual clutch bag.

On runways from Victoria Beckham to Celine, oversized leather and suede clutches were carried bundled under the arm, creating a sense of business-smart to otherwise simple and pared-back outfits.

The appeal lies in their simplicity. Without straps or excess hardware, they align perfectly with the Nineties minimalist focus on clean, uninterrupted lines.

open image in gallery And Other Stories Soft Leather Clutch, 139 ( And Other Stories )

Boutaric notes that accessories play a key role in elevating these pared-back looks. Refined and simple [bags] make all the difference.

Whether paired with tailoring or casual denim, the clutch adds structure and intention to an outfit without overpowering it.
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As the House of Lords reiterated its backing for a ban on social media use by under-16s on Wednesday, and a landmark US case concluded that a 20-year-old plaintiff should be awarded 4.4 million in damages from social media giants Meta and Google, the UK Prime Minister has voiced fresh concerns about the addictive nature of social media for children.

Sir Keir Starmer told reporters: The status quo isnt good enough. We need to do more to protect children.

Thats why were consulting about issues such as banning social media for under-16s.

Im very keen that we do more on addictive features within social media.

We spoke to Alex Sharpe, associate lecturer in psychology at the University of Chichester, who shared some insight on why social media can be so addictive and suggested some ways to break this cycle.

1. Intolerance of uncertainty

Theres this really interesting theory called the intolerance of uncertainty, and its the idea that as people, as humans, we cant deal with the fact that we dont know something  and I think this is particularly prevalent in todays society when we have so much information at our fingertips, says Sharpe, whose doctoral research focuses specifically on the phenomenon of doomscrolling.

We become almost desperate to try and find out more information about things, and because of that, we engage further with these social media tools to try and find out the most up-to-date information.

When we dont have up-to-date news out, theres an intolerance of uncertainty associated with that, because people just cant handle not knowing more. So, thats a big psychological driver towards us wanting to engage with behaviours like doomscrolling.

2. Predisposed bias towards negative content

We generally have a predisposed bias towards negative content, says Sharpe. Its theorised to be more of an evolutionary tendency thats just come from being more aware of negative information, so we are more aware for our own survival.

But there are concerns these platforms exploit that bias and show us more negative content, because we are all predisposed to it.

3. Dopamine feedback loop

My colleagues Benjamin Sharpe and Rylee Spooner looked into dopamine scrolling, which is this idea that you engage with this content because of the positive associations with it, says Sharpe. For example, when you get that like notification or watch an amusing video, it triggers a little hormone release in the brain called dopamine, which is a happy chemical.

That happy chemical is a reason why you get drawn back to these platforms, because you are seeking that feeling again which creates that positive association with social media apps.

4. The algorithm

Social media sites have these algorithms built into them which are created to establish exactly what keeps people on their app for longer, highlights Sharpe. Therefore, as soon as it sees that someone is engaging with a post or a video for even half a second longer, it will realise that this type of content is keeping them on the app for longer, so will then promote similar material a little bit more.

This increases the chance of someone clicking or engaging with more content, and therefore make them stay on the app for a longer amount of time.

5. Layout

The psychology lecturer also notes how a lot of engagement with social media platforms can be attributed to the general layout of them.

Most social media platforms have this scrolling mechanism which makes it so easy to get to the next page, and there is never an end to the content, says Sharpe. You could scroll for hours and hours without seeing the same video twice, and thats the novelty factor that comes with it. Youre not going to get bored because its always showing you brand-new content.

Here are some tips on how to escape this cycle of endless scrolling

Install app timers

Put timers on the social media apps on your phone to limit how long you spend engaging with them, recommends Sharpe.

Set out some phone-free zones or periods

It might be useful to develop some phone-free periods, suggests Sharpe. For example, have phone-free family dinners, or decide certain places in the house where you dont use your phone.

Engage in mindfulness activities

It can be quite good to engage with mindfulness-based activities, suggests Sharpe. Try to distance yourself from whats going on in the world, and instead try to focus on yourself and enter these periods of calmness a little bit more.

Its about having self-compassion and recognising that its good to step away. Even if you feel bored for a bit when youre not looking at the phone, its good to have that feeling of boredom and to experience the present a little bit more.

Share your goals with others

Tell close family or friends about what targets you have for screen time because the more you tell other people, the more they can help hold you accountable for those targets, recommends Sharpe.

See what works for you

Its important to explore some different options to see what works for you, because everyone is different, says Sharpe. If you think of it like an alcohol or a smoking addiction, theres no one defined method that works for everyone, so its about seeing how you respond to different methods and which one you find to be more effective.
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It seems like every day a new study finds tiny plastic particles called microplastics where they should not be: in our bodies and our food, water and air.

Yet finding and identifying microplastics is extremely challenging, especially given their small size. One microplastic can range from as large as a ladybug to as small as an eighth of a red blood cell.

In addition, it can be hard for researchers to avoid unintentionally contaminating their samples, because these plastics are practically everywhere. As a result, much of this research may be overestimating the number of microplastics.

In a new study published in March 2026, our team found that, even when following established protocols, using certain methods to measure environmental microplastics can potentially contaminate the results.

The study

We are chemists at the University of Michigan working in a collaborative team. We set out to understand how many microplastics Michiganders were inhaling when outside, and whether that depended on where they lived.

When preparing our samples, we followed all the standard protocols while conducting our research  we avoided plastic use in the lab, wore nonplastic clothing and even used a specialized chamber to reduce potential contamination from the laboratory air.

Despite these precautions, we found plastic counts in the air that were over 1,000 times greater than previous reports. We knew these numbers didnt seem right, so what happened?

The culprit: Lab gloves

After a long path to pinpointing the contamination source, we found that laboratory gloves, which the scientific community recommends using as a best practice, can transfer particles to the surface of our samples  in this case, small metal sheets used to collect material depositing from the air. Moreover, the particles led to an overestimation of microplastic abundance in our study.

After a long path to pinpointing the contamination source, we found that laboratory gloves, which the scientific community recommends using as a best practice, can transfer particles to the surface of our samples ( PA Archive )

Heres how: The particles, which we identified as stearate salts, are used to help the gloves cleanly release from their mold during the manufacturing process. When gloves are used to handle laboratory equipment, the particles are transferred to anything they touch. Stearate salts are similar to soap molecules  if you eat a lot of them, theyre probably not good for you, but theyre not harmful in the environment in the same way that microplastics are.

While not microplastics themselves, stearate salts are structurally similar to polyethylene, the type of plastic most often found in the environment. This structural similarity makes it difficult to distinguish them using the most common tools scientists use to determine whether a particle is plastic.

Researchers use vibrational spectroscopy to identify microplastics, which entails measuring how the particle interacts with light to produce what scientists call a chemical fingerprint.

Because polyethylene and stearate salts have very similar structures, they also interact with light in a similar way.

As a result, at least some of the time, the particles from gloves are incorrectly identified as microplastics. As more researchers rely on automated methods to speed up their analyses, glove residue may be increasingly mistaken for microplastics, leading to higher reports of microplastics in the environment than in reality.

How widespread is this contamination?

To investigate how prevalent this contamination might be, we looked at different glove types. We mimicked the touch between seven types of gloves while handling laboratory equipment and counted the number of microplastics we would incorrectly attribute to the environment if we followed the most common approaches.

We found that gloves can contribute over 7,000 particles per square millimeter that are misidentified as microplastics. This finding means that researchers could be unknowingly overestimating microplastic abundance in the environment when handling their samples with gloves.

Even more concerning, we found that the particles were largely less than 5 um in size. Microplastics in this size range have larger impacts on human and ecosystem health because they can more easily enter cells. By inflating microplastic counts in this size range, using laboratory gloves may jeopardize the studies that inform future policies and regulations.

Moving forward

To avoid contamination, we suggest scientists avoid glove use while conducting microplastic research. If that is not possible  for example, with biological samples where the researchers must wear gloves to protect themselves  we recommend a glove made without stearates, such as those designed for electronics manufacturing. To recover older, potentially contaminated datasets, we have developed methods to help differentiate the chemical fingerprints.

About the authors Anne McNeil is a Professor of Chemistry and Macromolecular Science and Engineering at University of Michigan. Madeline Clough is a Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry at University of Michigan. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Science is an iterative process. New areas of research, including environmental microplastics, introduce new challenges to the scientific community. In addressing these new challenges, we will encounter setbacks, such as unforeseen contamination.

While we had to discard our initial dataset, we expect the lessons we learned about glove contamination to reach other scientists. In addition, we plan to continue our research on Michigans atmospheric microplastic contamination  but this time without gloves.

Its important to note that even if the microplastic abundance in the environment is lower than researchers originally thought, any amount of microplastics can be troublesome, given their negative effects on human health and ecosystems.
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Hugging it out is perhaps not the tactic that most of us would adopt if we found ourselves face-to-face with a would-be terrorist. But, in an astonishing  and no doubt life-saving  move, this is exactly what 35-year-old patient Nathan Newby did in 2023, after learning that lone wolf Mohammad Farooq was planning to detonate a bomb at St Jamess Hospital in Leeds with the intention of kill[ing] as many nurses as possible.

Newby, who is set to receive the George Medal for his act of bravery, encountered Farooq outside the hospital. When he noticed that the other man seemed agitated, Newby struck up a conversation with him, to try and cheer him up, he told the BBC.

When Farooq eventually revealed that he had a bomb in his bag, Newby decided to try and talk him out of the horrific act. He asked for a cuddle a few times, and I said, Yeah, of course you can, he recalled. After their hug, Farooq told Newby to phone the police before I change my mind.

Farooq has since been convicted of preparing acts of terrorism, and has been jailed for a minimum of 37 years. A simple embrace, it seems, helped to prevent what could have been a terrible tragedy.

This is, of course, an extreme example, but it certainly seems to demonstrate the sheer power of human touch, even between relative strangers, in one of the most fraught situations imaginable.

Touch is a basic human need  and there is a vast body of research dedicated to exploring just how beneficial it can be. Some experts believe that the impulse to cuddle can be traced all the way back to our primate ancestors. Anyone who has a basic familiarity with nature documentaries will know that apes and monkeys like to groom and stroke one anothers fur as a form of social bonding.

A hug stimulates the C-tactile afferent fibres, the nerve receptors found in the skin, which respond especially well to light touch at a speed of three to five centimetres per second. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and releases the bonding hormone oxytocin, along with other feelgood endorphins.

open image in gallery Nathan Newby will receive the George Medal for his bravery ( PA )

Essentially, touch has a direct line to the brains calming system, as Dr Michael Swift, founder of Swift Psychology and a spokesperson for the British Psychological Society, puts it. As the nerve fibres send signals to areas of the brain associated with emotion and safety, he explains, a hug can feel soothing almost instantly, rather than being something we have to think our way into.

There are, of course, different forms of touch  an accidental jab or a push, say, from an unruly fellow commuter does not set off the same response as more meaningful contact. The length of a hug also affects the potential health benefits, too, notes Dr Ravi Lukha, medical director at Bupa. Ten seconds, he says, can help make you feel more alert, help your body fight infections, and reduce your chance of experiencing feelings of depression.

A hug thats double that duration, he adds, can be particularly beneficial for your heart health, including reducing your stress levels and blood pressure.

The benefits of touch begin in childhood. From early life onwards, consistent, warm touch helps build a sense of security, Swift says. From the moment we are born, skin-to-skin contact, typically with a parent, can help regulate a babys heart rate, breathing and temperature, and is even linked to a decrease in crying.

And as adults, touch continues to act as a shorthand for trust and reassurance, especially during moments of uncertainty or distress, Swift adds. One famous 2006 study from the University of Virginia found that when women were facing stress, holding their partners hand provided them with immediate relief.

More recently, in 2022, German researchers analysed 36 young couples, and noticed that when women had hugged their male partners beforehand, their levels of the stress hormone cortisol rose less when they completed a test designed to stress them out.

A hug can feel soothing almost instantly, rather than being something we have to think our way into Dr Michael Swift

Indeed, the advantages of touch tend to be enhanced when we have a good relationship with the other person  although an intriguing piece of research from UCL in 2017 found that slow, gentle stroking by a stranger can still decrease our feelings of social exclusion after weve been rejected.

Theres even some evidence to suggest that hugging might boost our immune system. One study by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh discovered that people who hugged regularly in the fortnight before being exposed to the common cold virus were less likely to become infected compared with those who didnt hug; their symptoms were also less severe in comparison, and they recovered more easily.

And a longitudinal study from 2021, tracking older American adults over an extended period of time, found that those who reported more hugging and touch from their loved ones were less likely to experience chronic inflammation in later life.

Conversely, an absence of touching and hugging has also been associated with higher physiological stress, due to elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. During the Covid-19 lockdowns six years ago, when touching anyone outside of your housing bubble was an absolute no-no, many people became all too familiar with concepts such as touch deprivation and skin hunger.

open image in gallery People who lack physical contact tend to be more likely to experience anxiety and depression ( Getty )

But even before the pandemic, there was talk of a crisis of touch. Were increasingly living our lives online, swapping in-person contact and conversations for scrolling. That tendency has only become more pronounced since Covid. An existence mediated through screens is leaving many of us lonely and touch-starved.

Into this void have stepped a whole bunch of commercial offerings, attempting to fill the gap. The first cuddle cafes opened in Japan in 2012, offering customers the chance to pay to hug, hold hands with or even nap beside a member of staff, judgement-free. Its a trend that has since made its way over to the United States. Even in the emotionally uptight United Kingdom, you can seek out the services of a cuddle therapist offering restorative platonic touch, or even group cuddle sessions.

Its easy to raise your eyebrows at such offerings. But maybe we could all do with embracing the power of the humble hug.
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Less than a month after tying the knot, a young Texas couples marriage ended in tragedy  with the wife dead, and the husband now facing a murder charge.

Carrollton police say 23-year-old Francisco Mendez-Marin has been charged with murder after a domestic dispute with his wife, 20-year-old Karla Rangel, on March 18.

Officers were called to the couples apartment on Metrocrest Drive in Carrollton, Texas, around 4:40 a.m. for a reported disturbance.

Rangel was found with a severe injury to her throat. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her husband, Mendez-Marin, was at the apartment, along with a third individual, who was not named in the affidavit obtained by Fox4News. Mendez-Marin had blood on his clothes and was holding a bloody pocket knife, police said.

open image in gallery Francisco Mendez-Marin has been charged with murder after a domestic dispute with his wife Karla Rangel. The newlyweds have been together for less than a month ( Dallas County Jail )

According to the arrest affidavit, body camera footage captured Mendez-Marin making statements in Spanish, including, I didnt do anything bad and I was obligated to do it.

Police took Mendez-Marin into custody at the scene. Additional information about the third person in the apartment was not released by police.

During a search of the apartment, investigators discovered a marriage license showing that Mendez-Marin and Rangel had been married since February 26, 2026  less than a month before the killing.

A motive and further details about the alleged murder have not been released.

Mendez-Marin was initially taken to the Carrollton City Jail before being transferred to the Dallas County Jail. He is charged with murder and is also on immigration hold.
MELBOURNE, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Scientists are warning that Australia must prepare for clusters of natural disasters as extreme weather events increasingly strike in quick succession, not in isolation.

Scientists describe these as "compound or overlapping hazards" when bushfires, storms, floods, and heatwaves are "no longer neatly separated by season or geography," but strike simultaneously or in close succession before recovery can occur, according to an article published on The Conversation website on Thursday.

Recent examples include simultaneous bushfires and flash floods in the state of Victoria in January, forcing emergency crews to shift from fire suppression and evacuation to flood rescues, said the article by Zahra Shahhoseini, research fellow from Australia's Monash University.

The author also cited a December cyclone in the state of Western Australia that brought flash flooding and widespread power outages, followed days later by a heatwave prompting fire danger warnings. In the state of New South Wales, hailstorms hit communities still recovering from bushfires in late 2024.

Emergency services are finding such events harder to manage as warnings sometimes conflict and resources are stretched across multiple fronts, the article said.

Studies covering more than five decades of insurance losses show that Australia experiences the most overlapping hazards in December, January and February, when bushfire, tropical cyclone and severe storm seasons coincide, making summer the most high-risk period.

Experts say climate change is amplifying these risks, acting as a "threat multiplier" that drives more frequent and intense events. They warn that overlapping hazards will only become more common in a warming climate. 
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An Indiana mother is accused of carrying out a deadly attack on the father of her children before turning the gun on his parents inside their Illinois home, authorities said.

Jenna Strouble, 30, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killings of 32-year-old Jacob Lambert and his parents, Stacy Forde, 54, and Patrick Forde, 55, in unincorporated Crete Township earlier this week.

Police allege Strouble traveled from her home in St. John, Indiana, to the Illinois home, about eight miles away, where she allegedly shot and killed all three people before fleeing back across the state line.

Will County Sheriffs deputies were called to the home on Norway Trail around 2 a.m. Monday for a welfare check requested by a concerned family member, the Will County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

When deputies arrived on scene, they found the bodies of three adults, two men and one woman, authorities said. The victims, all residents of the home on E. Norway Trail, included a man and his parents.

open image in gallery Jenna Strouble, 30, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killings of 32-year-old Jacob Lambert and his parents, Stacy Forde, 54, and Patrick Forde, 55 ( Will County Sheriff's Office )

According to investigators, Lambert was found dead in a car in the driveway, and his parents were discovered inside the home on the first floor near the front door. Lambert and his parents lived in the home, police said.

Investigators said Strouble fled back to her own home, where she was later taken into custody by local police.

Authorities have not released a motive, but said Strouble had an on/off relationship with Lambert, and they had children together. Its unclear where the children were at the time of the killings.

open image in gallery Police allege Jenna Strouble traveled from her home in St. John, Indiana, about eight miles away, to carry out the shootings at the home on Norway Trail before fleeing back across the state line ( WLS )

"The preliminary investigation shows this was a targeted incident, investigators said. During the detectives' interviews, Strouble gave incriminating statements, following the homicides.

A firearm believed to have been used in the killings was recovered, but officials have not released details.

Strouble is being held at the Lake County Jail in Indiana. She is expected to be extradited to Illinois at a future date.
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China has blocked the boss of an AI startup from leaving the country after the company was acquired by Meta in a $2 billion deal, according to reports.

Manus chief executive Xiao Hong was told he could not leave China while regulators review the acquisition, the Financial Times reported, while chief scientist Ji Yichao was also barred from leaving.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, announced that it would buy Manus in December in an effort to boost its artificial intelligence offerings.

The Chinese startup, which relocated its headquarters to Singapore last July, gained attention last year after unveiling what it described as the worlds first fully autonomous AI.

Manuss AI agent is able to perform complex tasks like booking holidays or creating podcasts without any human guidance, according to its creators, who describe it as the next paradigm for AI.

Following its initial release last March, Manus gained a waitlist of more than 2 million users after it outperformed several AI agents from leading US companies.

Meta said it would continue operating the standalone Manus service, while also integrating its capabilities across its other products.

Shortly after the acquisition was announced, Chinas commerce ministry said it would investigate whether the deal complied with local laws and regulations.

Meta said in a statement that the acquisition complied fully with applicable law, adding that it anticipated an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.

The acquisition is one of several high-profile takeovers of AI startups that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overseen in recent months in order to compete with Google, Microsoft and OpenAI in the space.

Joining Meta is the logical next step in our journey to scale world-class AI products, Manus CEO Xiao Hong said in a statement shared with The Independent in December.

By partnering with Meta's existing teams, we can integrate Manus's technology across a global AI portfolio, bringing our autonomous agent capabilities to millions of businesses and creators.
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In July 2000, a nicotine-addicted physician named Howard Engle won a landmark judgment against the American tobacco industry.

Amid a nationwide reckoning about the harms of smoking, Engle convinced a Florida jury that cigarette makers had knowingly sold addictive products while lying about their dangers.

Now, jurors in Los Angeles have reached a similar verdict about Instagram and YouTube.

While the consequences are still to play out, they could ultimately prove as seismic as the mass of lawsuits that humbled Big Tobacco in the 1990s.

On Wednesday, the panel at the Superior Court of California found YouTube and Meta  the sprawling social media company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp  liable for harming a young woman known as K.G.M. by knowingly designing addictive and distressing products.

Crucially, this ruling effectively bypasses the traditional legal shield which Big Tech has used for decades to deflect such claims, commonly known as Section 230.

open image in gallery Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg leaves the Los Angeles Superior Court after testifying on February 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California as part of the K.G.M. trial ( Wally Skalij/Getty Image )

"For years, social media companies have profited from targeting children while concealing their addictive and dangerous design features," said one of K.G.M.'s lawyers, Joseph VanZandt.

"Today's verdict is a referendum  from a jury, to an entire industry  that accountability has arrived."

To be clear, the actual penalties here, while huge for K.G.M., are completely insignificant for such massive companies.

Meta must pay $4.2 million in combined punitive and compensatory damages (roughly 0.02 percent of its annual profit of $22.7 billion), while YouTube must pay $1.8 million (just over 0.005 percent of its $34.5 billion profit last year). By itself, that's hardly cause to make their accountants quake in their loafers.

But K.G.M.'s is not the only such case. Thousands of similar lawsuits have been filed across the nation by teenagers, parents, school districts, and state governments.

The outcome will be influential at least in California, where courts are treating this lawsuit as a test case. When you multiply those damages accordingly, you'll soon reach the kind of numbers that make even a multi-trillion-dollar company sit up and take notice.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, another jury in New Mexico found that Meta's platforms are harmful to children's mental health, imposing a far larger penalty of $375m.

Together, these cases signal a coming snowdrift of lawsuits against Big Tech, according to Cornell law professor Alexandra Lahav.

"The social media tort litigation is going to be beyond massive," said Lahav on Bluesky after Wednesday's verdict. "It will be asbestos level or bigger."

"Imagine PFAS + Roundup + Earplugs combined," she went on  referring to previous legal avalanches over harmful 'forever chemicals', carcinogenic weedkiller, and defective ear protectors  "and then 3x [it]."

The engineering of addiction

For decades, tech giants have argued that they enjoy blanket protection from lawsuits like this under Section 230 of the Communications Act.

Section 230 is highly controversial, but it's also the bedrock of the modern internet. It allows companies and individuals to host  and, crucially, to police  user-generated material online, without being held legally liable for its contents.

That's what allows social media companies to set their own rules and remove violating posts without being treated as the publishers of those posts. If I falsely smear someone in this article, The Independent could be sued for libel, but if you falsely smear someone in the comments, Section 230 would protect us.

But does this also protect the systems by which these companies distribute that content? Does it protect all the psychological hooks and tricks they use to keep their users scrolling and coming back each day?

open image in gallery Lawyers played clips from Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's deposition ( Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool )

K.G.M.'s lawyers argued no. They presented internal documents that showed both companies' executives were briefed on their products' damaging effects and warned that their policies were harming children.

"If we wanna win big with teens, we must bring them in as tweens," said one Meta memo. Another showed that Meta was aware that 11-year-olds were regularly using Instagram, despite its rules requiring a minimum age of 13.

One of them was K.G.M., who testified that said she started using YouTube at 6 years old and Instagram at 11. She said her compulsive app use had damaged her self-worth, isolated her from friends and family, and contributed to her depression and body dysmorphia.

"How do you make a child never put down the phone? That's called the engineering of addiction," said K.G.M.'s lawyer Mark Lanier.

The companies countered that K.G.M. had many other problems in her life, noting that her therapist never documented social media as a cause of her mental health problems. They said it was wrong and simplistic to blame social media for wider societal problems.

But, bluntly, it's easy to see why the jury wasn't persuaded. While Meta and YouTube are hardly the source of all society's ills, there is evidence stretching back years of how senior executives repeatedly prioritized growth and profit over safety and harm reduction.

Most of us have used Instagram and YouTube ourselves, so we have personal experience of how compellingly they can play on our brain chemistry. Many Americans, too, have struggled to pull their children away from digital systems that seem precision-engineered to perpetually ensnare their brains.

A Meta spokesperson said it "respectfully disagrees with the verdict" and is evaluating its options. Google said the case had "misunderstood YouTube, which is "a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site."

The ruling has implications far beyond just these two companies. TikTok and Snapchat were also named in the case, only to settle out of court.

All of this could be reversed on appeal

Meta and Google have shrugged off billion-dollar fines before. But there is now a plausible future timeline where the legal exposure grows expensive enough that they are forced to seriously re-engineer their products.

"There is a long road ahead, but this decision is quite significant," Clay Calvert, a media law expert at the center-right American Enterprise Institute, told The New York Times.

"If there are a series of verdicts for plaintiffs, it will force the defendants to reconsider how they design social media platforms and how they deliver content to minors."

That outcome is far from guaranteed. Many have predicted such a reckoning before, only for the "moment" to fizzle. That includes myself, in both 2017 (a "Philip Morris moment") and in 2021 (a "Lehman moment").

According to The Guardian, there are 20 more "bellwether" trials scheduled on this subject, whose outcomes might be completely different.

"It is really early to tell the significance of this, because it could all be reversed on appeal," said Kate Klonick, a law professor and digital policy expert at St. John's University, on Bluesky.

"This will likely be years before it is final  or not."

That would actually be similar to what happened to Big Tobacco. Rather than a singular "moment", it ultimately took roughly four decades for the industry to be brought to heel, from the Sixties to the 2000s.

Even Howard Engle's victory was partially reversed by an appeals court, limiting its scope and narrowing the path for similar plaintiffs.

Still, rightly or wrongly, this week's judgments are a potent sign that Americans have lost patience with Silicon Valley's talking points. If I were them, I'd be brainstorming new ones.
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China has both the will and the ability to make new contributions to global marine governance.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while addressing a meeting of preparatory committee for the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) via video link.

Wang said that the BBNJ Agreement marks the success of multilateralism, and is also a milestone of the global marine governance.

The full and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is of vital importance to the common well-being of all mankind, Wang said, adding that China is a firm supporter, defender and builder of the United Nations.

In the face of a volatile international situation, China firmly upholds the central position of the United Nations and remains a pillar of multilateralism, Wang added.

Noting that China has long and profound marine civilization, Wang said China nowadays is also committed to promoting modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Wang said China has proposed to host the Secretariat of the treaty in Xiamen, which indicates the responsibility of a major developing country.

China is willing to work with all parties to promote the full and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and jointly build a more just and reasonable global marine governance, he said. 
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Pacgold maps monster 30km gold-antimony strike in Queensland Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd March 26, 2026  5:46pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Pacgold Limited has substantially expanded its exploration footprint at its St George gold-antimony project in Far North Queensland, with recent surface sampling defining a mineralised corridor stretching more than 30 kilometres. The company says its latest results from a systematic soil and rock chip program have extended anomalism within the prospective Fence structural zone, whilst unveiling a suite of high-grade rock chips at the newly defined Limestone prospect. PacGold Limiteds St George antimony-gold project in Far North Queensland. First-pass sampling of outcropping veins at Limestone returned impressive values, including an impressive 18.5 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Other noteworthy results from the same area included a 5.37g/t rock chip, a 4.96g/t sample and one of 4.86g/t, outlining a compelling target for follow-up targeting work. Pacgolds structure is now mineralised over a massive strike length of 30km from its Big Watson prospect in the south up to the Limestone prospect in the north, with soil anomalies stacking up and a strong pipeline of targets ready for the upcoming exploration season.

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The number of fertile structures and extent of the mineralisation on this ground package continues to increase rapidly. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes The company says the regional Fence structure now hosts seven major anomalies, with six of them yet to see any modern drilling, presenting a series of priority targets for the companys next drilling campaign. The St George project lies in the historical Hodgkinson Province, a region dominated by both gold and antimony production since the late 1800s. To date, Pacgolds exploration has focused on seven main prospects, with five of them, including Limestone, sitting within the major north-northwest trending Fence structural zone. The company says new soil anomalies were also delineated at the Big Watson prospect at the southern end of the structural trend, with soil sampling defining a substantial 700m-by-400m anomaly with elevated arsenic and mercury, along with whiffs of gold and antimony.

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Management interprets the anomaly as a high-level hydrothermal system, suggesting it could be sitting above a more substantial body of gold-antimony at depth. Pacgold Ltd managing director Matthew Boyes said: The number of fertile structures and extent of the mineralisation on this ground package continues to increase rapidly. The discovery of high-grade gold at surface at the Limestone project is particularly exciting, with multiple outcropping veins returning high-grade gold numbers over a large area. The systematic exploration approach at St George appears to be paying dividends for Pacgold. The exploration progress in Queensland complements the companys core activities at its White Dam gold operation in South Australia, where it is working towards near-term production from a low-cost historic heap-leach operation. White Dam is already home to established open pits, a heap leach facility and a fully operational gold extraction plant, providing a relatively low-capital pathway to near-term cash flow. The South Australian gold mining operation has a solid production pedigree. In a previous life, the mine processed an impressive 7.5 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.94 g/t gold, producing roughly 180,000 ounces from its two pits.

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Notably, a nearby White Dam North resource remains unmined, underscoring its credentials for future growth. Today, the operation still hosts a 4.6-million-tonne resource grading a solid 0.7g/t gold for 102,000 ounces. That number excludes the gold resources still sitting in the existing heap leach pads, which Pacgold believes represents a compelling near-term value opportunity. With the northern wet season coming to a close, Pacgold is now armed with a swag of freshly defined targets at St George. If the high grades seen at surface can be repeated at depth, the company could be in for an exciting year with the drill bit, funded by its South Australian heap leach gold production. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessWorkplaceCafe A lot of pressure: How rising costs are pushing cafe owners to the brink Emily Chantiri March 27, 2026  5:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

In 2024, engineer Benjamin Cheong opened The Little Cup and Saucer, a cafe in the Sydney residential suburb of Canterbury, viewing it as an opportunity to support his local community and bring people together. Initially, he said, there were numerous moving parts, including understanding the neighbourhood and working out the cafes strengths and weaknesses. Our profits depend on passing traffic. When people work from home and dont head out to the office, business drops, he says. Engineer and cafe owner Benjamin Cheong. Over the past year, his main challenge is rising food costs and wages. Its really difficult to price food and remain profitable, and balance what customers can afford. What has made the cafe ownership more palatable for Cheong is that its his secondary business. My main gig is in risk engineering, so maybe I am relaxed when it comes to profitability, but still, running a cafe has been a lot of pressure.

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Establish an identity Siblings Adam and Elisa Mariani own catering businesses in Melbourne, including bistro Elios Place, Maverick and bar Greta. They say rapid changes can happen from initial concept development to fit-out, opening and operating. With margins this tight, even modest increases in wages, rent or interest can push a business from marginally profitable into loss quickly. Hanzel Hizola, principal at Jirsch Sutherland Its usually external factors, those out of your control, which contribute to the need to adapt. Weve found establishing a strong identity and clear goals have helped with the challenges of opening venues, Adam says. Their advice is to remain true to your vision. Listen and learn from guest feedback and dont take your eyes off the day-to-day variable costs, especially labour and supply costs. Also, empower your staff to do their best: Having the right team in place helps to drive everything.

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In the pressure cooker Working as a chef before moving into the insolvency industry, Hanzel Hizola, principal at insolvency firm Jirsch Sutherland, understands the challenges these businesses face. Adam and Elisa Mariani, cafe owners and caterers. The pressure in the kitchen and on the floor is real. When rising costs collide with staff shortages and unpredictable trade, it doesnt take much for that heat to become unbearable, he says. Taxation compliance and underestimating how quickly cash flow can unravel are common mistakes.

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Add to this rising wages, staff shortages, rent increases, cost of supply and operating costs, all of which can hit at the same time, while weaker patronage means less money coming through the door, he says. Hizola refers to recent ASIC data on accommodation and food services as among the most affected industries for insolvencies. Thats reflected not just by ASIC but in our experience too, which consistently shows hospitality, cafes, restaurants and takeaways as one of the most insolvency-exposed sectors. Tight profit margins Importantly, he adds that many cafes and restaurants operate on net profit margins of around 3 or 4 per cent.

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With margins this tight, even modest increases in wages, rent or interest can push a business from marginally profitable into loss quickly. Editor's pick Managing Why do workers leave good jobs? Because of bad bosses The number one reason these businesses go under always comes back to cash flow, followed by tax and the rising cost of doing business. We often refer to date-night economics, whereby consumers are having fewer nights out or spending less, which means less cash flowing through these businesses, Hizola says. His advice to anyone starting a business is to go in with your eyes open. Have a business plan and follow it, review and update when necessary.

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Consider your location, take caution with your start-up and build costs. Build genuine cash buffers, understand your break-even analysis, stress-test your rent and staffing assumptions and stay on top of wages, superannuation and tax obligations from day one. Similarly, NSW business lawyer Melissa Bush works closely with cafe and restaurant owners and says while most businesses are operationally prepared with menus, suppliers and fit-outs, theyre often legally under-prepared. From a legal perspective, Bush highlights some of the greatest challenges as lease and fit-out pressure, employment law traps and underpayment risk, business structure mistakes and partnership disputes. They often assume legal documents are just paperwork. In reality, the lease, structure and contracts set up the risk profile for years, she says. Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday newsletter.

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LifestyleLife & relationshipsAnxiety Worse than birth or postpartum: The anxiety of trying for a baby Shona Hendley March 26, 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

Lambrina Gimian, 38, always wanted to be a mother. But after meeting her now-husband and deciding to start planning a family, instead of excitement, she felt something else: anxiety. I felt constantly on edge, I had difficulty sleeping and a mind that struggled to switch off, says Gimian, who is based in Melbourne and works in community mental health. Lambrina Gimian felt constantly on edge while planning for a family. Eddie Jim While postnatal anxiety is a widely recognised mental health issue, prenatal or pre-pregnancy anxiety  an intense or prolonged feeling of worry, stress or fear that some people experience when planning or trying for a baby  still isnt commonly understood or acknowledged. However, a recent survey by Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) found that the condition is widespread, with all 125 Australian respondents reporting it, making it the biggest stressor for women during the perinatal period, which spans from conception to the first year after birth.

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Whats striking is that this ranked above anxiety about birth (55 per cent), sleep (57 per cent) or even feeding (60 per cent), says Julie Borninkhof, clinical psychologist and chief executive of PANDA. For many people, the moment they decide to try for a baby is the moment uncertainty becomes very real. Questions about fertility, miscarriage, what they eat and drink, age and whether their body will cooperate can quickly dominate thinking. Related Article Parenting More kids are being diagnosed with ADHD. So are their parents For Gimian, much of this anxiety stemmed from concern about Huntingtons Disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder, which her mother was diagnosed with in 2013. We found out there was a 50 per cent chance of my brother and me inheriting it, so when my husband and I were planning to start trying for a baby, having that in the back of my mind ... was obviously very anxiety-inducing.

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With Huntingtons disease, along with other genetic conditions, able to be screened for through IVF, the couple decided to pursue that pathway. Now mother to a five-year-old son, Gimian says this was helpful, but also further compounded her anxiety, even after receiving reassuring test results. The waiting was definitely the hardest part: waiting between appointments for test results, waiting for outcomes that were completely out of your hands. Other factors, like the pressure to have a perfect birth also took a toll, exacerbated by social media, which pushed content about natural deliveries and blissful postpartum periods. Dr Melanie Hemsley, general practitioner at Jean Hailes for Womens Health, says social media can portray a very glossy image of falling pregnant, pregnancy and parenting. This can result in unrealistic expectations and significant distress when an individuals actual experience is markedly different to what they are seeing, she says. Unfortunately, while prenatal anxiety is common, experts say the health system isnt set up to support parents during this period.

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Preconception doesnt come with structured care or routine mental health check-ins, says Borninkhof. Individuals and couples are largely left alone to navigate their feelings and worries, especially those who have been trying to get pregnant for an extended period. This was the case for 36-year-old Daniel Osgood who, along with his ex-partner, faced difficulty conceiving and pregnancy loss, which contributed to his prenatal anxiety. Central Coast-based father of one Daniel Osgood. Audrey Richardson After trying for over 12 months and getting pregnant, we lost the baby, says the Central Coast-based father of one. That was a pretty big kick in the guts. It was like, why isnt this working? Is my universe telling me something? Ultimately, the couple found success with IVF, but through the pregnancy, Osgood says his anxiety intensified, fuelled by his socially disadvantaged upbringing and deep fears about whether he would repeat the patterns of his own father.

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I had a shitty childhood. I moved around a lot. My parents drank lots, and there was domestic violence; I saw lots of things that kids shouldnt ever see in their lifetime, says Osgood, who works as a disability and social inclusion manager. My biggest fear was turning out like my dad. Catastrophic thinking and comparing himself to others were two of the main ways Osgoods anxiety showed itself. He says that once his son was born, lack of sleep and the traumatic birth his then-partner experienced made the postnatal period even tougher. Hemsley says this is common, with early experiences of worry and anxiety often carrying over into the pregnancy and newborn periods, affecting early bonding and general mental health. We know that one of the biggest predictors of postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety is preceding anxiety or depression, she says. But it is also important to note that there is a difference between normal worry and anxiety.

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Anxiety differs in that it is often longer lasting and often has significant cognitive, emotional and even physical manifestations, she says. It can also present differently in men and women, says Mathew Aquilina, a psychologist and clinical team manager at Gidget Foundation Australia. Related Article Parenting Raising boys isnt as scary as you think. These experts are here to help Women will generally have a bit more of an internalising presentation, such as a sense of overwhelm, where a man tends to be more irritable, withdraw socially or have problems in other contexts, like work. During the first three months after his sons birth, Osgood says he struggled at work and socially. His relationship with his partner broke down.

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Id forget to have showers, Id forget to do my groceries, and Id make up excuses not to go out with friends, he says. It wasnt until he confided in a friend that he sought professional help. He was like, men talk about their feelings  boys dont. So, I spoke about it with a counsellor, and it really helped, he says. Seeking support is critical, agree the experts, so too is starting conversations about mental health before trying to conceive. Early conversations help normalise mental health as part of routine reproductive care, not something addressed only in crisis, says Borninkhof. Support can begin through a conversation with a GP visit, a psychologist, a fertility specialist or an obstetric provider. 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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Labor has intervened to secure regional fuel supply chains in one of the most drastic market interventions since petrol rationing during World War II, as Energy Minister Chris Bowen forces suppliers to sell to independent regional service stations that are running on empty. Bowens moves come as the federal government shows signs of tension after weeks of pressure to fix shortages, and calls from state leaders for a national approach to fuel conservation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in parliament on Thursday. Alex Ellinghausen This masthead reported on Wednesday that a national cabinet meeting would be held on Monday, while the Australian Financial Review reported on Thursday that senior ministers had raised concerns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about needless secrecy about the day of the meeting. Albanese had initially pushed back against leading Australias response to the fuel shortages, saying that was the role of the states, but is now expected to discuss a national plan at Mondays meeting.

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Behind the scenes, Bowen is harnessing the mandate provided by the crisis to force companies to get fuel into regional areas. Typically, wholesale suppliers sell most of their fuel under long-term contracts with major retail chains such as BP, Caltex and Ampol, while independent service stations make short-term deals on the spot market. Since the start of the war, major chains had crowded out the smaller buyers. Related Article Energy Fuel supply heads for cliff at end of April as petrol prices in Australia hit record highs Bowen announced last week that the government would release 20 per cent of the nations fuel stockpile, which is held by the suppliers. He confirmed yesterday that this fuel, six days worth of average national diesel consumption and five days of petrol, was bound for regional areas. It is the most dramatic intervention by a government in the private fuel industry since ration books were issued to motorists between 1940 and 1950 to reduce demand by 50 per cent.

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Independent service stations in regional areas have struggled to keep up with demand in the weeks since the Iran war broke out, spurring panic buying and a doubling of fuel demand, while major retailers remained relatively better supplied under their long-term deals. To ensure the fuel would go where it is needed in the bush, Bowen forced fuel suppliers to guarantee they would sell to regional independents. Bowen has not declared a national emergency, which would grant him powers under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act to control the management, allocation and distribution of fuel supplies across the country. But the threat he could do so secured the co-operation of fuel suppliers.

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The National Roads and Motorists Association welcomed Bowens intervention and said if tougher action were needed in the future, the energy minister should not hesitate to use his emergency powers. Our message is: Go hard, minister. Do whatever you have to do. Reach in, shake every branch to make sure that the supply chain works to the benefit of the nation, NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said. If threats dont work, he can always use the law. However, were of the view that with proper government scrutiny, we will get the right outcome for Australia. Loading Bowen said on Thursday that suppliers were delivering more petrol to regional areas than they were at the same time last year. Viva Energy has sent 43 per cent more fuel to regional independent service stations in NSW and 22 per cent more to Queensland. Ampol is sending 40 per cent more to regional independents in NSW, 33 per cent more to Queensland and 19 per cent to Victoria.

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That is catching up with that massive increase in demand that we saw in the days following the 28th of February [attacks on Iran by the US and Israel], Bowen said. While Bowen has updates on fuel shortages at every question time this week, opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan said the government should be releasing daily bulletins on service station shortages, just as COVID infection numbers were provided by states during the pandemic. On Thursday, Bowen outlined shortages in all states: in NSW 178 stations are out of diesel and 48 are completely dry; in Victoria 45 stations have no diesel and 72 no unleaded fuel; in Queensland 55 have no diesel, 33 no regular unleaded; in South Australia nine stations have no diesel, 10 no unleaded; in Western Australian 40 stations have no diesel, 14 have no unleaded; and in Tasmania five have no diesel. Albanese again urged people to use only as much fuel as needed, as Labor pleaded with One Nation to avoid panicking consumers. Related Article Exclusive

Middle East at war Emergency measures on the table as PM calls fuel crisis national cabinet

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After days of jabs against the opposition, Albanese on Thursday made a point in question time of listing the governments actions over the past two weeks. When rationing began in late 1939, Australia had a three-month supply of fuel to carry it through a long-term disruption to supply. In contrast, when the Iran war began on February 28, Australia had about one months worth of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. Panic buying has driven a doubling of demand from motorists, farmers and other fuel users alarmed at the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies about 20 per cent of the worlds oil supply. However, Asian refineries that supply about 80 per cent of Australias fuel may exhaust their stocks of crude oil within a month, and it remains unclear how the potential shortfalls could be filled. A spokesperson for BP said its priority was to maintain supply to its customers and that it was working closely with governments and distributors to deliver fuel to regional areas. 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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A private international college that recorded Melbournes worst performance in last years VCE exams has been stripped of its licence to run secondary courses because of child safety concerns. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority last week stripped Ozford College of its licence to enrol international secondary students, alleging the school, on Queen Street in the CBD, had failed to meet child safety standards. The headquarters of Ozford College in the CBD. Chris Hopkins Ozford said it became stuck in regulatory quicksand and was left with no choice but to close its high school operation permanently after the authority cancelled its registration. More than 50 students, mostly from mainland China, had to be found new schools at short notice as a result of the authoritys move.

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Ozford offered year 10, 11 and 12 study to overseas students who came to Australia unaccompanied by parents or guardians. The students were accommodated with local homestay families. The VRQA said the school was not meeting its obligations for the accommodation, support and welfare of students and was also not meeting the Child Safe Standards. The regulator did not supply details of the failures it alleged against Ozford. The college calls itself an innovative Australian educational institution, but it recorded the lowest VCE median study score  just 19 against a statewide average of 30  of any school in Melbourne last year. A promotional video for Ozford showed empty classrooms. YouTube

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Fifty-four overseas students enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12 had to scramble to find alternative schools as a result of the authoritys decision. The authority said it was working with the state Education Department and the Commonwealth to support them in finding new schools. Ozford continues to run tertiary courses for postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as an English language centre. VRQA chief executive Stefanie Veal said child safety was non-negotiable. The VRQA will not hesitate to act where a school fails to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, she said. Ozford principal Rong Liu said in a statement that the school would close as a result of the regulators decision, with eight teachers to lose their jobs.

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All students have been successfully placed at other providers, and unused tuition fees repaid, Liu said. Related Article China relations Free flow of people: Chinas ambassador makes rare intervention in student visa debate The sad outcome is that a successful, thriving, Victorian small business operating in this state for 24 years was enveloped in what amounted to regulatory quicksand and a consequent inability to operate successfully. Jason Wang from education agency One You Education, which helps students from mainland China to find schools in Australia, said the situation had been stressful. We need to do a lot of explanation to parents. Some parents want to fly over; some are blaming us, he said. Parents were frustrated, and we are still waiting on the news about refunding and what we do after that. We cant do much.

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Weihong Liang, president of the International Students Representative Council of Australia, said minors living away from their parents or legal guardians were vulnerable. Liang said he had heard concerns about some homestays  not related to Ozford  failing to provide an adequate standard of care for school-aged students. I have also heard concerns about bullying in some secondary school accommodation settings, including gender-related violence affecting international students. These are issues that are discussed informally among students, he said. The number of overseas school student visas granted by Australia is in long-term decline, with 16,961 issued in 2007-2008, and 9074 in 2024-25. Brett McGeorge, of Australian Education Assessment Services, which runs tests for prospective international school students, said there were about 300 overseas school programs registered around the country  most at private schools and a small percentage at registered training providers.

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The market is shifting from mainland China to more students from South Korea and Taiwan. Related Article Exclusive

Education Employers still exploiting international students, say advocates and lawyers McGeorge said Ozfords closure tarnishes the industry, to an extent. Im not sure that would be a huge impact, because the number of students going to a school like the one that were potentially talking about is quite small, he said. McGeorge said the closure served as a reminder that Australias regulatory bodies were actively working to protect local and international students.

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But he said the international school sector punched above its weight in terms of boosting the economy, with students paying hefty secondary school fees as well as bringing in tourism dollars thanks to family visits. Particularly if theyre going to private schools, tuition alone these days at the top private schools can be $60,000 to $65,000 and then boarding on top of that, looking at almost a $90,000 to $100,000 proposition per student, he said. In most cases, theyre doing that over four or five years, then theyve got parents and friends visiting them and coming and staying and injecting tourist dollars into the economy. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., March 25, 2026 -- Autel U.S., a leading provider of automotive diagnostic tools and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) solutions, today announced that its Autel Academy ADAS Training Program has earned accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

This achievement highlights Autel's commitment to advancing technician education and maintaining the highest standards in automotive service. ASE and I-CAR accreditation confirms that Autel's instructor-led program meets rigorous industry requirements and delivers relevant, high-quality training aligned with modern vehicle technology.

Matt Shepanek, Vice President of Credential Testing Programs at ASE, emphasized the significance of the accreditation process, noting that it delivers meaningful value for both training providers and the industry. "Accreditation provides training organizations with recognized credibility, ensures their curriculum aligns with current industry standards, and verifies that they are maintaining high-quality instruction, facilities, and resources," said Shepanek. "Autel successfully met all of these criteria, and we are pleased to recognize them as an ASE-accredited training provider."

Launched in 2023 at Autel's U.S. headquarters in Port Washington, New York, the program combines classroom-based ADAS theory with hands-on training in a dedicated calibration bay. Technicians perform static and dynamic calibrations in real-world scenarios while developing diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. Due to strong demand, Autel has expanded training to Detroit, St. Louis, California, and Florida.

Autel will also introduce a third training day featuring a certification assessment, allowing technicians to demonstrate proficiency and earn ASE and I-CAR continuing education credits.

"We are proud to have our ADAS Training Program recognized by ASE," said Chris Gutierrez, Product and Training Director  ADAS, Autel North America. "Our goal is to ensure technicians are well prepared to perform accurate ADAS calibrations with confidence in real-world environments."

This program equips technicians with critical skills to improve safety, reduce liability, and meet the growing demand for ADAS expertise. Learn more or book your class today: https://autel.us/autel-academy/
Expansion into larger, more advanced manufacturing space and enables new production capabilities, additional product lines and creation of new jobs.

Parent company Randoncorp committed to strengthening U.S. manufacturing with new Made in America offerings.

New facility includes upgraded and expanded production innovations and provides supply chain reliability for customers across North America.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 26, 2026 -- AXN Automotive Systems, a member of global mobility leader Randoncorp, announced a significant investment in its new Louisville, Ky., facility. The expansion into a larger, more advanced manufacturing space enables new production capabilities, the launch of additional product lines, and the creation of new jobs. AXN anticipates doubling its workforce in the years. AXN anticipates production at its new facility to reach 100,000 axles annually.

"This investment reflects our deep commitment to strengthening manufacturing in the United States," said Daniel Randon, President and CEO of Randoncorp. "We are proud to have AXN as part of the Randoncorp family, and proud to expand our footprint in Louisville with high-quality products Made in America."

AXN is a trusted, single-source provider for the trailer and semi-trailer industries, and aftermarket, offering premium axles, suspensions, slider subframes and related components. The Louisville Expansion enhances AXN's ability to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions with increased speed and efficiency to customers across North America.

"AXN is an essential component of our North American growth strategy," said Anderson Pontalti, Executive Vice President International of Randoncorp. "With this expansion, we are bringing new technologies and innovation-driven manufacturing to better serve our customers with a more robust and reliable supply chain."

The new facility features upgraded and expanded production technologies, including a state-of-the-art, custom, automated welding cell, a new, dedicated paint line, and increased assembly capacity for new product lines.

As part of the company's ongoing industrialization strategy, AXN is deepening its integration within the local manufacturing ecosystem, working closely with regional partners and suppliers to accelerate production readiness and ensure longterm operational reliability. The company also introduced a new name and brand, reflecting AXN's expanded strategy in providing customers with more advanced, comprehensive solutions.

"These investments allow us to introduce new capabilities, new products and to strengthen relationships with our customers," said Renato Franco, Managing Director of Randoncorp - USA. "We're building on AXN's strong legacy in Louisville and preparing for long-growth."

AXN's growth represents a continued partnership with Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

"The commonwealth's continued growth and surging economy ensure that Kentucky companies can stay here and take advantage of our prime location and skilled workforce," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "Today's grand opening is an exciting step forward for AXN Automotive Systems as they relocate to a larger facility in Louisville. I want to thank the company's leadership for their continued belief in our state and congratulate them on this great milestone."

"Louisville continues to show the world that it's a place where businesses can grow, innovate, and create good, stable jobs," said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. "We're grateful that AXN is doubling down on our community and look forward to this exciting new chapter."

AXN was founded in Louisville in 2009 and acquired by Randoncorp in 2025.

About AXN Automotive Systems

Founded in 2009, AXN Automotive Systems is one of the most established U.S. full-line suppliers for the semi-trailer and aftermarket industries. The company also offers premium axles, suspensions, slider subframes, and related components.

Located in Louisville, Kentucky (USA), and part of the multinational Randoncorp since 2025, AXN has been expanding its presence in North America year after year through the modernization of its high-tech industrial facility, with local production capacity of up to 100,000 axles per year. This initiative reinforces the Made in America strategy by expanding the portfolio and strengthening supply chain reliability across the region. Learn more at AXN-USA.com.

About Randoncorp

Randoncorp is a Brazilian multinational recognized for delivering high-quality mobility solutions driven by innovation, operational excellence, and responsible business practices. With over 50 operations worldwide, the company serves more than 125 countries through its diversified portfolio of products and services, maintaining leadership across five complementary business verticals. The organization employs approximately 17,000 professionals.

The company develops, manufactures, and commercializes auto parts and motion control solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio for braking, suspension, transmission, and steering systems through Frasle Mobility, as well as components for commercial vehicles under the brands Suspensys, Castertech, Master Freios, and JOST Brasil. Randoncorp also operates as a vehicle manufacturer and is among the world's largest producers of semitrailers through its flagship brand Randon, which provides a broad portfolio of equipment for ground cargo transportation.

Its financial services arm, Rands Financial Services and Solutions, offers integrated solutions for individuals and businesses, including financing, investments, insurance, assistance services, and heavyvehicle leasing through Addiante. The company serves multiple sectors such as transportation and logistics, agribusiness, and retail. Randoncorp also invests in advanced research in nanotechnology and electromobility through NIONE and maintains internationally recognized technological capabilities at the Randon Technological Center (CTR). Additionally, the organization delivers industrial automation and robotics solutions with Auttom, develops software and technology with DB, provides fleet management solutions through Delta Global, and supports startup investment and acceleration via RV.

Guided by its purpose of connecting people and value to generate prosperity, Randoncorp supports organizations in adopting innovation culture and accelerating results through Conexo. The company also promotes social development through initiatives led by the Elisabetha Randon Institute and fosters scientific research in partnership with the Hercilio Randon Institute.

Randoncorp is listed under Level 1 Corporate Governance at B3 and is ranked among Brazil's largest private enterprises.

SOURCE AXN Automotive Systems
KHARTOUM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 28 people were killed and 29 others injured in two drone attacks targeting two cities in central and western Sudan on Wednesday, according to medical sources and eyewitnesses on Thursday.

Local sources said a drone struck a main market in the town of Saraf Omra in North Darfur State early Wednesday morning, along with two other locations, killing 22 people and injuring 17 others.

In a statement on Wednesday, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of carrying out the airstrike, which it said was part of "systematic shelling operations against civilians."

The SAF has not commented on the accusations.

In a separate incident in the city of Al-Rahad in North Kordofan State, eyewitnesses reported that six people were killed and 12 others injured in a drone strike targeting a civilian passenger vehicle that was heading to the city of Um Rawaba.

According to UN statistics released Tuesday, more than 500 civilians had been killed in drone strikes in Sudan as of March 15, most of them in the Kordofan region. The UN has warned that the growing use of such weapons is exacerbating civilian casualties.

The SAF and RSF have been at war since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across the region. 
SINGAPORE, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's manufacturing output fell 0.1 percent year-on-year in February, reversing from January's 12.9 percent growth, the Singapore Economic Development Board said on Thursday.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, output declined 7.2 percent month-on-month.

Excluding electronics, which was the only cluster to expand with output up 13.7 percent from a year earlier, all major industry clusters posted declines. The board attributed the weakness largely to plant shutdowns during the Chinese New Year period.

Biomedical manufacturing led the drop, contracting 27.3 percent. Within the cluster, pharmaceuticals output fell due to a different mix of active pharmaceutical ingredients being produced, while medical technology output declined amid softer demand for medical devices. 
Annual 12-day book, uniform fair begins





Staff Reporter :

The third edition of the annual 12-day Book and Uniform Fair was officially inaugurated at Shaheed Smarak, Gol Bazar on Wednesday. The ceremony was held in presence of Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and MLA Dr. Abhilash Pandey, marking the commencement of an initiative dedicated to educational accessibility. The inaugural session was attended by Collector Raghavendra Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Jila Panchayat Abhishek Gehlot, and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhayay. Also present were Dr. Sriniwas Rao, Vice-President, MP Board of Secondary Education, District Education Officer, Ghanshyam Soni, District Project Coordinator, Yogesh Sharma and Rajiv Mishra, among other administrative representatives. Now in its third consecutive year, the fair is designed to provide students and parents with a streamlined procurement process for essential school supplies. Approximately 70 stalls have been established by a diverse range of publishers and vendors, offering textbooks, notebooks and uniforms at competitive, subsidized rates.

The exhibition serves as a centralised hub, ensuring that materials for all private schools in the region are readily available in a single location. Book Bank stall once again remains a prominent feature of this exhibition. This facility focuses on the collection and redistribution of used textbooks, aiming to foster resource sustainability and provide further financial relief to the student community. To assist visitors, the district administration has implemented several auxiliary services including a help desk to guide parents through the procurement and stall locations. The venue includes dedicated play areas for children and various food stalls. Each day will conclude with a Cultural Evening, organised to showcase local talent and provide community engagement. The fair is scheduled to run until April 5. On weekdays, the fair will be open to the public from 4 pm to 10 pm. To accommodate the weekend rush, the operating hours for Saturday and Sunday have been extended, with the fair opening at 12 Noon and concluding at 10 pm. This administrative initiative remains a vital platform for the local community, ensuring that educational materials are both affordable and accessible to all socio-economic segments.
Iran dismisses US ceasefire plan





DUBAI :

IRAN on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport. Irans defiance came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region. Iranian state televisions English-language broadcaster, Press TV, quoted an anonymous official as saying Iran rejected Americas ceasefire proposal. Press TVs report came after Pakistan transmitted the proposal to Iran. Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met, Press TV quoted the official as saying. The official added Tehran will continue its heavy blows across the Mideast. The official outlined five specific conditions under which Iran would agree to end the war. These include: A complete halt to aggression and assassinations by the enemy. The establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic. Guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations.

The conclusion of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region International recognition and guarantees regarding Irans sovereign right to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, two officials from Pakistan described the 15-point US proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctions relief, a rollback of Irans nuclear program, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil is shipped. An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts said the proposal also includes restrictions on Irans support for armed groups. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet released. Some of those points were nonstarters in negotiations before the war: Iran has insisted it wont discuss its ballistic missile program or its support of regional militias, which it views as key to its security. And its ability to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz represents one of its biggest strategic advantages. Irans attacks on regional energy infrastructure along with its restrictions on the strait have sent oil prices skyrocketing and sparked fears of a global energy crisis, in turn putting pressure on the US to find a way to end the chokehold and calm markets. At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Mideast in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

The paratroopers are trained to jump into hostile or contested areas to secure key territory and airfields. The Pentagon is also in the process of sending about 5,000 more Marines, trained in amphibious assaults, and thousands of sailors to the region. Mediators are pushing for possible in-person talks between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as Friday in Pakistan, the Egyptian and Pakistani officials said. Trump has said the US is in negotiations right now and that the participants included special envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. He has not disclosed who from Iran they are in contact with, but said the other side, I can tell you, theyd like to make a deal. Press TV, like all of Irans state TV channels is controlled by hard-liners. It cited an Iranian five-point plan for a ceasefire from the official who rejected the US proposal. That plan included a halt to killings of its officials, means to make sure no other war is waged against it, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities and Irans exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Those measures, particularly reparations and its continued chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, likely will be unacceptable to the White House as energy supplies worldwide remain affected by the war.

While Iran and Oman both have territory in the Strait of Hormuz, its narrow shipping channels are viewed as international waters through which all ships can travel. Israeli officials, who have been advocating for Trump to continue the war against Iran, were surprised by the submission of a ceasefire plan, according to a person who was briefed on the contours of the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Any talks between the US and Iran would face monumental challenges. Its not clear who in Irans government has the authority to negotiate - or would be willing to, as Israel has vowed to continue killing the countrys leaders. Iran remains highly suspicious of the United States, which twice under the Trump administration has attacked during high-level diplomatic talks, including with the Feb. 28 strikes that started the current war. We have a very catastrophic experience with US diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres blasted the various factions of the ongoing Middle East conflict, saying the fighting has broken past limits even leaders thought imaginable. He urged the US and Israel to end the war with Iran and called on Tehran to stop attacking Gulf countries, saying this has gone too far.

The Israeli military said Wednesday afternoon it had completed several waves of airstrikes in Tehran. The army also said that as part of its strikes a day earlier it targeted an Iranian submarine development center in Isfahan. There have been some days when the bombings are so intense you cant do anything, a 26-year-old graduate student in Tehran said, adding his friends mostly stayed at home. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of security fears. Missile alert sirens sounded multiple times in Israel as Iran launched its own attacks. Drone and rocket fire from the Iran-back Hezbollah militant group continued unabated. Since entering the fighting, the group has fired rockets into northern Israel around the clock each day, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Iran also kept up the pressure on its Gulf Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry saying it had destroyed at least eight drones in the kingdoms oil-rich Eastern Province, and missile alert sirens sounding in Bahrain. Kuwait said it shot down multiple drones but the General Civil Aviation Authority said one hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire that sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky. Irans death toll has passed 1,500, its Health Ministry has said. Israel says 20 people have died in the war, including two soldiers in Lebanon.

At least 13 US military members have been killed, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states. Authorities say more than 1,000 people have died in Lebanon, where Israel has targeted the Iran-linked Hezbollah militant group, which has also fired on Israel. In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militant groups have also entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have been killed, a top security adviser, Khalid al-Yaqoubi, said. The news of potential negotiations drove down the price of oil. Brent crude oil, the international standard, has neared USD 120 a barrel during the conflict but was trading below USD 100 Wednesday. It is still up around 35 per cent from the start of the war. Reports of efforts to end fighting also buoyed stock markets, with the S&P 500 rising just over 1 per cent in early trading. Economists and leaders have warned of far-reaching effects if energy prices remain high - from rising prices on food and other basics to higher rates for mortgages and auto loans. A big driver of the spike in the oil price has been Irans stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has allowed a small number of ships through the strait, but has said no ships from the US, Israel or countries seen as linked to them can pass. Asked in the interview with India Today whether Iran was charging ships for passage, Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said absolutely.
Panic buying of fuel continues

Though there is no shortage in city

Staff Reporter :

The self-inflicted fuel crisis will end sooner only if the citizens stop believing in rumours of fuel supply shortage

Despite reassuring messages from Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector and district administration regarding ample fuel stock, Nagpur city is currently in the throes of a self-inflicted petrol crisis. A potent mix of panic buying, uncoordinated supply chains, and technical glitches has turned a logistical hiccup into widespread chaos, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and petrol pump operators struggling to manage the overwhelming demand. The primary driver of the chaos is the highly unpredictable delivery schedule of oil tankers from central depots to individual retail outlets.

The supply chain has become a game of chance for commuters while some pumps receive their stock in the early morning, others remain dry until late afternoon or evening. Contd from page 1 This vice-versa situation means that a pump functional at 8 am might run out of stock by noon, while a neighbouring station remains closed all morning only to start operations as the sun sets. This inconsistency triggers immediate alarm, as the sight of a No Stock board at any hour prompts citizens to rush to the next available station, creating localised congestion. Contrary to the initial perception of a physical shortage, the primary hurdle is a disruption in the flow of payments from petrol station owners to the oil companies.

A staff person of a pump station explained the reason regarding this to The Hitavada saying, Due to internal administrative and technical reasons, several station owners have faced delays in transferring funds for their daily fuel quotas. As oil companies now operate on a strict pre-payment model, the supply of tankers is immediately halted when a stations payment fails to clear. This is the fundamental reason behind the erratic fluctuation in supply; tankers are only dispatched once the company receives the transaction confirmation. Panic buying fueling chaos This perception of scarcity has led to aggressive panic buying across the city. Instead of their usual top-ups, citizens are rushing to fill their tanks to maximum capacity, fearing a total shutdown. This sudden spike in demand is far exceeding the normal daily off-take that pumps are equipped to handle, exhausting even freshly replenished stocks in record time and further aggravating the crisis.

Adding to distress are frequent technical glitches involving digital payment systems. At numerous pumps, the surge in transaction volume, combined with localised network issues, is causing widespread failure of UPI and card payment gateways. One fuel outlet has even put up a prominent notice: UPI AND CARD PAYMENT NOT WORKING. PLEASE COOPERATE. This forces commuters, many of whom no longer carry significant cash, into a difficult position after waiting in long queues. The resulting arguments and delays are further slowing down the fuelling process, adding to frustration of the public. Domino effect on supply This financial friction has created a fragmented market. Morning vs Evening supply: Stations that clear their payments late in the evening receive morning deliveries, while those resolving financial issues during business hours dont see tankers until the afternoon or night. Commenting on the issue, Amit Gupta, President, Vidarbha Petroleum Dealers Association (VPDA), said, The problem of dry pumps is temporary and tied directly to these digital and administrative settlements. As soon as the flow of transactions between the retail outlets and the oil companies resumes its smooth, automated rhythm, the supply of fuel tankers will stabilise. Once this fiscal bridge is restored, the artificial shortage is expected to dissolve, ending the localised rationing and panic buying gripping the city.

Administration claims sufficiency, fuel pumps resort to rationing In a baffling contradiction to the district administrations public assurances, many petrol pumps across Nagpur have taken matters into their own hands. To conserve dwindling stocks and ensure equitable distribution, several outlets have capped fuel sales. This unauthorised rationing restricts two-wheelers to just Rs 200 worth of fuel, while four-wheelers are being limited to a maximum of Rs 1,000, leaving many commuters unable to plan essential travel.

Sufficient fuel stock available, assures District Collector

Staff Reporter :

Amidst growing anxiety and long queues at fuel stations, District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar has made a fervent appeal to citizens not to indulge in panic buying or hoard petrol and diesel beyond their immediate needs. Addressing a high-level review meeting at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hall, Dr Itankar emphasised that the current disruption is not due to a shortage, but rather a broken supply chain caused by fear-driven purchasing. Ample reserves in stock The Collector provided concrete data to dispel rumors of scarcity. Currently, Nagpur district holds a robust reserve of 1.05 crore litres of diesel and 35 lakh litres of petrol, which far exceeds the daily requirement of the region. The crisis is being fueled by a drastic shift in consumer behaviour. Two-wheelers: Average daily purchases have jumped from Rs 50 - Rs 100 to as high as Rs 500 - Rs 800 per customer. Four-wheelers: Normal buying patterns of Rs 300 - Rs 600 have skyrocketed to Rs 2,000 - Rs 6,000. Strict directives and law enforcement To streamline the situation, the administration has issued several key mandates: No loose sales: Fuel will only be dispensed directly into vehicles. Selling petrol in cans, bottles, or other external containers is strictly prohibited. Action against rumors: Dr Itankar warned that strict legal action will be taken against those spreading misinformation or false messages regarding fuel shortages on social media. Police presence: Adequate police bandobast is being deployed at petrol pumps to maintain order and manage crowds. Collector has also directed oil companies to increase supply frequency to meet the temporary surge in demand. Fuel Pump Dealers Association officials corroborated that while stock is plenty, the supply chain will only return to its natural rhythm if citizens stop over-purchasing.
Rs 4,959,650,000transfered to4,95,965 landlessagricultural labour





Staff Reporter :

CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai online transferred Rs 4,959,650,000 into the bank accounts of 4,95,965 landless agricultural labour families under the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Mazdoor Kalyan Yojana at Pandit Chakrapani Shukla Higher Secondary School Ground Balodabazar on Wednesday. Addressing the programem, Chief Minister Sai said that following a joyful Holi celebrated by farmers, this Navratri has brought a renewed sense of prosperity and confidence for landless agricultural labourers in Chhattisgarh. Government schemes under the states peoplecentric and transparent governance model are now visibly transforming everyday lives, he added. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai also symbolically handed over house keys to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He informed that more than 18 lakh houses have been approved in the past two years, marking a significant step towards housing security and improved quality of life for thousands of families. Recalling the cultural and spiritual heritage of Balodabazar, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Baba Guru Ghasidas, Sant Kabir, and freedom fighter Veer Narayan Singh. He stated that under the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhumiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyan Yojana, the state government is providing Rs 10,000 to landless agricultural labourers to meet household needs, support childrens education, and pursue small livelihood activities.

Highlighting overall development, Chief Minister ShriSai stated that Chhattisgarh aims to reach new heights by better utilising its mineral wealth, agricultural, and forest resources. He emphasised that the Bastar region, once affected by Naxalism, is now moving rapidly towards peace, trust, and accelerated development. With the resolve of the central government and the courage of security forces, extremism is nearing its end, paving the way for a new era of growth in the region. During the programme, the Chief Minister also visited departmental stalls and interacted virtually with beneficiaries from five districts to assess the impact of various schemes. In his address, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is setting new development benchmarks. He stated that fulfilling the guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi within a short span reflects the governments commitment and efficiency. Referring to schemes such as the Mahtari Vandan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he noted that housing approvals for 18 lakh low-income families mark a major milestone. Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Gaurishankar Agrawal, and other public representatives and officials attended the event.
Vital cog





UNITED States President Mr. Donald Trumps phone call to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to discuss the West Asia crisis carries a special importance in the current geopolitical situation. This is the first direct talk between Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi since the war with Iran broke out on February 28. The call has come at a critical moment when negotiations between representatives of the United States and Iran are on the horizon with Pakistan taking the lead to host the talks. This development is of special interest for India and the phone call by Mr. Trump to Mr. Modi confirms the important place he commands in this exercise. The choice of Pakistan as a go-to party between the US and Iran might have perplexed many in India but it is a typical American policy to use the country for messenger jobs. Pakistan had been serving Washingtons needs in these forms for decades and its proximity with Iran has come handy for the US to take its help as a messenger.

No matter the nonsensical comments about India and PM Mr. Modi by the opposition leaders in India, the fact remains that New Delhi holds a special position in the scheme of things designed for South Asia. The phone call to Mr. Modi sums up this position carved with great dexterity over the years by Indias smart foreign policy and diplomatic reach. The content of the phone call also holds great value for India. Mr. Modi insisted on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open which is a direct message to the US that it needs to revise its strategy of force against Iran and secure the most critical waterway for the world. The Strait talk by Mr. Modi can be seen as the voice of the entire South Asian region which is bearing the brunt of the US-Iran war. As the Hormuz Gulf remains under siege of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), oil and gas supplies have been badly hit in the region. India, too, is facing an imminent fuel crisis despite the back-up measures announced by the Centre. Mr. Modi has put forth all these concerns in a straightforward talk with Mr. Trump underlining the position he has built in the global order.

The Prime Minister has already announced in the Parliament that India is engaged in talks with all nations including Israel, Iran and the US apart from holding regular interaction with the Gulf countries over the war. A channel is already working to bring the warring sides to the instrument of dialogue to sort out their issues. It is a unique position that India has built for itself to become a bridge between all sides. This engagement is set to reflect in the proposed negotiations to be hosted by Pakistan. The role of Islamabad does not, in any way, undermine the position of New Delhi in the current geopolitics. India does not need to worry too much about the process of the negotiations. It has already exercised its strategic autonomy and has benefited from it by securing safe passage for its vessels from the Strait of Hormuz and also increasing oil purchase from Russia as well as Iran.

It has to hold on to its neutral position while advocating peace and dialogue. It is the best way forward in these times where equations between countries can change at the expiry of ones utility. New Delhis multi-alignment policy has ensured that it remains in the thick of things for every bloc in the world. The immediate challenge for India is to devise strategies to tackle the impact of the war. Untill the negotiations translate into a ceasefire, fuel crisis is set to increase in the country. The PM has already formed seven empowered groups to make contingency plans in case of a prolonged war. The Government has also taken all parties on board to handle the problem. It is incumbent upon the Centre to allay fears of shortage of fuel which has already caused panic in the country. Apart from increasing vigil against hoarders and black-marketeers, the Government also needs to work at war-footing on availability of fertilisers as the Kharif season is round the corner.
Travelers line up at a TSA checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Lekan Oyekanmi/AP Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is met by reporters after a closed door meeting with fellow Republicans on the Homeland Security budget stalemate, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 26, 2026. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Prior to votes, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., makes a statement to a forum on climate change and the consequences for home insurance, grocery prices, and health care costs, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 26, 2026. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Passengers stand in the TSA pre-check line at LaGuardia Airport, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in New York. Noah K. Murray/AP Travelers line up at a TSA checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Lekan Oyekanmi/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents, while senators worked late into the night trying to end a budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Trump announced his decision in a social media post saying he wanted to quickly stop the Chaos at the Airports.

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With pressure mounting, the White House and senators, who have been engaged in on-again, off-again talks to resolve the stalemate over Department of Homeland Security funding, appeared to be narrowing in on a endgame in the final hours before TSA workers miss another paycheck Friday.

Trumps order will pay TSA agents using money from his 2025 tax bill, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss it publicly. They compared the move to actions Trump took during a past shutdown to pay troops. The rationale is that Democrats have created an emergency by declining to approve funding, the official said.

The White House had floated the extraordinary move of invoking a national emergency to pay the TSA agents, a politically and legally fraught approach.

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Senators, ready to leave town for their own spring break recess, stayed late trying to resolve the remaining issues. GOP leaders were preparing a package to fund as much as possible of the rest of the department, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard as well as the immigration enforcement agencies central to the standoff.

Democrats have demanded restraints on Trump's immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations as part of any deal to fund Homeland Security. They are particularly refusing to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection divisions, though they had repeatedly offered proposals to pay TSA and the rest of DHS.

The president is doing absolutely the right thing, said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip. The TSA agents are going to be paid.

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Airport lines grow as TSA workers endure hardships

The funding shutdown has resulted in travel delays and even warnings of airport closures as TSA workers missing paychecks stop coming to work.

Multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates of TSA workers and nearly 500 of its nearly 50,000 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown. Nationwide on Wednesday, more than 11% of the TSA employees on the schedule missed work, according to DHS. That is more than 3,120 callouts.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Melissa Gates said she would not make her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after waiting more than 2 hours and still not reaching the security checkpoint. She said no other flights were available until Friday.

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I should have just driven, right? Gates said. Five hours would have been hilarious next to this.

The acting TSA administrator, Ha Nguyen McNeill, described the multiple hardships facing unpaid TSA workers  piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet  and warned of potential airport closures if more employees refuse to come to work.

At this point, we have to look at all options on the table, she testified at a House hearing this week.

A last and final offer on the table

Earlier Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., announced he had given a last and final offer to the Democrats.

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Thune did not disclose details of the new framework, but he said it picked up from a previous offer over the weekend, before talks with the White House and Democrats had broken off.

Enough is enough, he said.

But as senators retreated to privately discuss the new plan, action stalled out.

Democrats argued the GOP proposals have not gone far enough at putting guardrails on officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies who are engaged in the immigration sweeps, particularly after the deaths of two Americans protesting the actions in Minneapolis.

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They want federal agents to wear identification, remove their face masks and refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places. Democrats have also pushed for an end of administrative warrants, insisting that judges sign off before agents search people's homes or private spaces  something new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said he is open to considering, but senators want to see in writing.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said they needed to see real changes.

Trump, had largely left the issue to Congress, but warned he was ready to take action, threatening to send the National Guard to airports, in addition to his deployment of ICE agents who are now checking travelers IDs  a development drawing concerns.

They need to end this shutdown immediately or well have to take drastic measures, Trump said during a morning Cabinet meeting.

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Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, has said there was funding elsewhere that can be legally used to pay TSA as well as the Coast Guard, without declaring a national emergency.

The GOPs big tax cuts bill that Trump signed into law last year funneled billions to DHS, including $75 billion for ICE operations, ensuring the immigration officers are still being paid during the shutdown.

Any deal almost certainly needs to involve a compromise as lawmakers on the left and right flanks revolt.

Conservative Republicans have panned their own GOP proposals, demanding full funding for immigration operations. Republicans say the Trump administration has made strides to meet Democrats demands, particularly after swearing in Mullin to replace Kristi Noem.

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___
Akbar Novruz



Israel has reportedly removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf from its target list, following diplomatic intervention, a Pakistani source told Reuters, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the source, Pakistan played a key role in preventing potential strikes.

Israel had their coordinates and wanted to eliminate them. We told the United States that if they destroy them too, there will be no one left to talk to. The United States has asked Israel not to do this, the source said.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the two senior Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israels strike list for several days, citing U.S. officials. The report did not mention Pakistans involvement but noted that the pause was linked to exploring possible peace negotiations.

Multiple countries, including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye, are said to be actively mediating between Iran and the United States to de-escalate tensions.

Islamabad is reportedly being considered as a potential venue for talks, as diplomatic efforts accelerate to prevent further escalation and open a pathway toward negotiations.
The opening ceremony of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site is held in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, March 26, 2026. German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China. With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong, the company said. The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully started up 32 production lines and is producing more than 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home and personal care industries. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

GUANGZHOU, March 26 (Xinhua) -- German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Guangdong's Zhanjiang City, the company said, a move that industry analysts say underscores BASF's long-term commitment to expanding in China as the country continues to promote high-standard opening up.

The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully launched 18 plants and 32 production lines, producing over 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, and home and personal care industries.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the project. Long-term green power purchase agreements and investments in an offshore wind farm enable the site's electricity supply to be entirely renewable, BASF said, adding that carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be reduced by up to 50 percent compared with conventional petrochemical sites.

"Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design," said Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF. "This investment shows confidence in the world's largest chemical market in the long run."

BASF announced the project in 2018 and laid the foundation stone the following year. The first plant started production in 2022. The project is BASF's third-largest Verbund site worldwide, after Ludwigshafen in Germany and Antwerp in Belgium.

The site provides an important platform for BASF's future growth in China, said Haryono Lim, president of BASF's Mega Projects Asia.

In 2025, around 14 percent of BASF's consolidated sales came from China. With the commissioning of its integrated site in Guangdong, the company expects that share to rise to 15-20 percent in the coming years.

According to industry observers, the project's significance extends beyond corporate growth. "It not only shores up weak links in the petrochemical industry chain in southern China, but also provides new pathways for the global petrochemical industry's green and low-carbon transition," said Liu Guangjin, deputy director of Guangdong Provincial Investigation and Research Center.

The project also reflects the broader strength of China-Germany economic ties.

Germany attaches great importance to stable and reliable economic relations with China, which have become a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, especially in these turbulent and uncertain times, said Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche in a video address.

BASF is among a growing number of multinationals expanding operations in China, signaling sustained confidence in the Chinese market as the country intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment amid rising global trade protectionism.

Semiconductor equipment maker STI from the Republic of Korea is building a semiconductor manufacturing base in Guangzhou, with a total investment of approximately 12.4 billion yuan (about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars), while German automotive parts giant Schaeffler is pouring an additional 1 billion yuan into a humanoid robotics factory in Jiangsu Province.

According to a report released in March by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, 95 percent of surveyed companies report a firm commitment to maintaining operations in China, while 45 percent of companies rank the country as their top investment priority.

Policy support has played a key role in reinforcing investor confidence. All restrictions on foreign access to the manufacturing sector have been lifted. The negative list for foreign investment continues to be trimmed.

In its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China pledges to foster new strengths in attracting foreign investment, facilitating reinvestments made by foreign-funded enterprises and fully implementing national treatment for foreign-funded firms.

Official data reveals that 70,392 foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide in 2025, up 19.1 percent year on year. This momentum has carried into 2026, with 5,306 foreign-funded firms set up in January alone, marking a 25.5-percent surge from a year earlier. 

Stephan Kothrade (L), chief technology officer (CTO) of BASF, Markus Kamieth (C), CEO of BASF, and Haryono Lim, president of BASF's Mega Projects Asia, attend a press conference during the opening ceremony of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, March 26, 2026. German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong, the company said.

The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully started up 32 production lines and is producing more than 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home and personal care industries. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Stephan Kothrade, chief technology officer (CTO) of BASF, speaks at a press conference during the opening ceremony of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, March 26, 2026. German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong, the company said.

The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully started up 32 production lines and is producing more than 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home and personal care industries. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, speaks at a press conference during the opening ceremony of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, March 26, 2026. German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong, the company said.

The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully started up 32 production lines and is producing more than 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home and personal care industries. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows the logo of BASF at its integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows facilities at BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows facilities at BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows the emergency response center of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows a view of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows a panoramic view of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows facilities at BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows the water treatment unit of BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows facilities at BASF (Guangdong) integrated site in Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua/Deng Hua)
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Pro-government supporters chant slogans and wave Iranian flags during a rally, in a square in western Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Children displaced from Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh shelter from the rain inside their tents along the coast in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit Zibbikin village as seen from Tyre city, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Hussein Malla/AP Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Staff Sgt. Ori Greenberg who was killed in combat in Lebanon, during his funeral at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem Thursday, March 26, 2026. Mahmoud Illean/AP

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he will delay a threatened strike on Irans energy infrastructure and extend his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, saying talks to end the war are going very well.

The move marks a pullback from Trumps earlier warning that the U.S. would target Irans energy plants if the crucial shipping lane remained closed. Iran has threatened to retaliate against regional infrastructure, including desalination facilities, if the U.S. follows through.

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A day after Tehran dismissed Trumps 15-point ceasefire plan, the president said Iran was begging to make a deal and urged its leaders to get serious soon about negotiations.

Trumps announcement on social media came after U.S. stocks fell sharply and oil prices rose, as doubt took over again on Wall Street about a possible end to the war.

The war has killed more than 1,900 people in Iran and nearly 1,100 in Lebanon. Eighteen people have died in Israel, while three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. Thirteen U.S. military members have died, as well as a number of civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region. Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced.

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Here is the latest:

UN Security Council to hold closed meeting on Iran

The U.N. Security Council scheduled closed consultation on Iran on Friday morning.

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Russia asked for the meeting on U.S.-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in the country, two U.N. diplomats said, speaking late Thursday on condition of anonymity because the meeting is not public.

The United States, which holds the Security Council presidency, scheduled the meeting.

By Edith M. Lederer

Australia says military surveillance jet making constructive contribution to war

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government has made a constructive contribution to the Iran war, after Trump criticized Australias response.

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Weve been constructive. Weve provided the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft that is playing a critical role in support of the Gulf states, Albanese told reporters on Friday, referring to a surveillance jet requested by the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE ambassador to Australia, Fahad Obaid Mohamed Altaffag, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday the Wedgetail is operational and it has been very helpful as a detection system and it has really helped up us in terms of the (defensive) stance that we continue to take.

Iran has attacked the UAE with more than 3,300 missiles and drones since the war began. Around 95% of those airstrikes have been intercepted, Altaffag said.

Trump has twice named Australia among U.S. allies that have disappointed him through their lack of military help.

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Australia was not great. I was a little surprised by Australia, Trump said in his latest criticism.

Albanese said: President Trump is someone who Ive enjoyed a very constructive relationship with. I said very early on that I wasnt going to comment on all of his commentary on a day to day basis, but I again reiterate that there is no request being made to Australia that has not been agreed to.

Iran sends letter to UN over threats against Araghchi and Qalibaf

Iran sent a letter to the United Nations over claims that the countrys foreign minister and parliament speaker had been targets for assassination.

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The letter, dated Thursday and signed by Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, focused on media reports that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf both had been spared for the time being by Israel and the U.S. as negotiations to reach a ceasefire in the war go on.

The reports indicate the existence of an operational framework contemplating the assassination of the highest-ranking political officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the letter reads.

It added The conditional nature of the purported suspension further underscores that the threat remains real, deliberate and ongoing.

The letter called any such program state-sponsored terrorism.

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The wars opening airstrikes by Israel killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Other military commanders have been killed as well.

Qalibaf has been considered as a possible negotiating partner to the U.S., while Araghchi has continued diplomatic outreach.

Pakistan is leading an indirect exchange of positions between Tehran and Washington, supported by Egypt and Turkey.

Latest reports of live fire

Israels military said early Friday that it had conducted a wave of strikes in the heart of Tehran.

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Smoke was seen billowing in the Beirut skyline early Friday. There was no advance warning of a strike from Israels military, which didnt immediately provide information.

Kuwait said early Friday that it shot down Iranian drones in an attack targeting the small, oil-rich nation. The United Arab Emirates sounded a missile alert over Dubai around the same time, though there was no sound of an interception heard in the city-state as rain blanketed it.

Israels military said it was working to intercept a missile launch from Iran early Friday. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, surrounding communities and central parts of the occupied West Bank. Emergency services said later that there were no reports of impacts or casualties. There were 10 salvos from Iran on Thursday, and Hezbollah fired at northern Israel throughout the day.

After markets rattle, Trump once again punts on following through with threat on Iran power plants

Facing a convulsing stock market, the president moved Thursday to buy himself more time and hold off, once again, on carrying out a threat to obliterate Irans energy plants over its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump said he was delaying taking potential action because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well, despite the fact that Iran continues to publicly insist it is not negotiating with the White House on a 15-point proposal  delivered by Pakistani intermediaries  to end the war. He said Iran asked for the grace period.

They asked for seven (days), Trump said in an appearance on Fox News Channels The Five, shortly after he announced on social media that he would give Iran until April 6 to reopen the strait. And I said, Im going to give you 10.

This was not the first time Trump has appeared to have been jostled into adjusting policy in the face of market volatility.

 Read more

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In a southern Lebanese city emptied by Israels offensive, some vow to stay put

The ancient coastal city of Tyre  famed for its Roman ruins and white sandy beaches  is almost a ghost town.

Abandoned dogs roam vacant streets dotted with apartment buildings blasted by recent Israeli airstrikes. The city largely emptied last week as Israel escalated its attacks against Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and issued sweeping evacuation orders for everywhere south of the Litani River.

In recent days Israeli airstrikes have also destroyed most of the bridges over the Litani, severing wide swaths of the country  including Tyre  from the rest of Lebanon.

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But several thousand residents linger here in Tyre, refusing to be expelled from their land.

Fishermen who say they cant afford to abandon their work cast lines into the Mediterranean on Thursday, complaining that a strict curfew and scarcity of customers mean their daily catch yields a pittance.

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Trump interrupts a Cabinet meeting dealing with the Iran war and rising prices to talk Sharpies

The president may believe the adage that the pen is mightier than the sword  as long as its a Sharpie.

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During a Cabinet meeting Thursday that discussed the war in Iran, record-long security lines at many of the nations top airports, rising oil prices and skittish stock markets, Trump interjected by holding up a custom-made black and gold Sharpie and offering a long story about how his preferred marker came to be a White House fixture.

See this pen right here? Trump said at the start of a roughly five-minute, on-and-off diatribe on the Sharpie. This pen is an interesting example.

It was one of several lengthy asides the president made during the meeting that sometimes felt especially jarring given how many more important things his top advisers could have been discussing.

It came after top officials offered sobering comments about missile strikes, Tehrans uranium enrichment efforts and U.S. troops that remain in harms way.

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US eases Belarus sanctions as Trump says he will help US farmers impacted by Iran war

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it has eased restrictions on a group of Belarus-linked financial and potash companies in the latest sign of improving ties between the countrys autocratic leader, Alexander Lukashenko, and Washington.

The war with Iran has largely stopped the export of nitrogen fertilizers manufactured in the Persian Gulf and limited farmers access to key fertilizer ingredients. The skyrocketing cost of fertilizer has left some U.S. farmers unable to obtain it at any price.

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Trump said during a Cabinet meeting that he plans to roll out a variety of policies to support American farmers as his administration wages war in the Middle East.

Earlier this month, Lukashenko met with Trumps special envoy for Belarus, John Coale, in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and ordered the release of 250 political prisoners as part of a deal with Washington to ease some U.S. penalties.

Draft UN resolution on free navigation in Strait of Hormuz under discussion, French foreign minister says

Jean-Noel Barrot said at a news conference that the discussions are continuing in New York on the resolution for what he called a strictly defensive international mission for the vital waterway.

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Barrot said the mission would escort ships and ensure traffic can resume as quickly as possible once calm is restored. The hope is that such a multilateral mission would help lower energy prices.

Barrot added he has been consulting with his counterparts in the Gulf, especially Bahrain, the Arab representative to the U.N.s most powerful body and one of several countries targeted by Iranian drones or missiles since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28.

AP is now calling Israels military actions in southern Lebanon an invasion. What does that mean, and why does it matter?

Israel has moved thousands of troops across the border into Lebanon, and Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have been fighting on the ground for at least three weeks.

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What changed?

Israeli officials, including the defense minister, said they want to take control of the entire area south of the Litani River  some 20 miles (about 30 kilometers) north of the border  and that displaced Lebanese residents will not be allowed back until Israel decides that its northern border is safe.

Israel occupied much of that area from 1982 to 2000 after it invaded southern Lebanon during the countrys civil war.

The army said Thursday that it had deployed another division to Lebanon, adding to a force of thousands sent into the southern part of the country since the war erupted more than three weeks ago. The army wont say how many troops were sent in on Thursday, or in total.

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Trump delays threat to obliterate Irans energy plants until April 6

Trump said Thursday hell extend his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, pulling back on his earlier threat to bomb Irans energy plants if Tehran didnt open the critical waterway.

Iran had threatened to retaliate against the regions vital infrastructure, like desalination facilities, if Trump followed through.

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Trump said he was holding off on carrying through his threat because talks aimed at ending the conflict are going very well.

Israels military says it is short thousands of troops as it fights on multiple fronts

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, an Israeli military spokesperson, said Thursday that the army needs about 15,000 soldiers, roughly half of them combat troops, to be at full strength for its multiple missions.

Israel can call up tens of thousands of reservists, but repeated deployments have prompted past pushback, with many citing exhaustion and the financial strain of leaving work and family behind.

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With tens of thousands still deployed in Gaza and more sent to Lebanon, Defrin said Israel expected to broaden operations on several fronts. Defrin also pointed to the occupied West Bank.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the militarys chief of staff, warned last week that the army should not have to divert forces to the West Bank during a multifront war to contend with attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and unauthorized outposts in military-controlled zones.

Wall Street has its worst day since the war with Iran started and crude oil prices rise

Doubt has taken over again on Wall Street about a possible end to the conflict.

The S&P 500 fell 1.7% Thursday. The index is headed for a fifth straight losing week, which would be the longest such losing streak in almost four years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.4%.

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Theyre the latest flip-flops for financial markets this week after Iran rejected a U.S. offer for a ceasefire. Oil prices rose more than 4%, and Treasury yields climbed in the bond market.

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UN food and agriculture agencys top economist warns of serious impact if Iran war lasts 3-6 months

Maximo Torero said markets will absorb the Iran wars impact if the conflict ends in the next two weeks or so. But if it continues for three to six months it will not only impact food security and energy but other sectors as well because prices will rise.

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And those rising prices, and the fall in remittances from overseas workers, will affect economic development and growth across the globe, the chief economist for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization told a U.N. press conference Thursday.

He said an El Nino climate phenomenon, which tends to increase global temperatures, is also expected soon. A strong El Nino could significantly exacerbate the economic situation, he said.

My message is, we need to find a way to resolve this problem as soon as possible, Torero said in the video press conference. Because, if not, the consequences  could be very dramatic, even worse that what happened in the Ukraine war.

Experts see different shades of Israeli control in southern Lebanon

The first line of borders is a no-man zone. This is basically a large parking lot that is facing Israel, said Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East think tank in Beirut.

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There is nothing there, no movement, nothing at all, he said.

Lebanese movement is restricted farther north. During last years olive harvest, farmers struggled to reach groves because of Israeli strikes and had to be accompanied by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers, who coordinated with Israel.

Sarit Zehavi, the founder and president of the Alma Institute and a retired Israeli military officer, said Israel will likely establish a more extensive area of control stretching farther north.

She acknowledged that Israel was unlikely to defeat Hezbollah and was at risk of having to maintain a long-term presence in southern Lebanon.

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But the other alternative is to take the risk that we will be slaughtered. Its as simple as that, she said.

Israel invaded southern Lebanon in 1982 during the countrys civil war. Hezbollah, established that year, waged a guerrilla campaign that eventually ended the Israeli occupation in 2000.

Lebanon fears another occupation as Israel threatens to use Gaza tactics

As Israels leaders hint at a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon modeled on the devastating conquest of much of Gaza, many Lebanese who fled their homes are in limbo.

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Some fear they may never return.

Elias Konsol and his neighbors fled the Christian border village of Alma al-Shaab with U.N. peacekeepers help. He was reunited with his mother, who cried in his arms, at a church near Beirut where funeral services were being held for a resident killed in an Israeli strike.

Konsol said there were no weapons or Hezbollah fighters in his village, but it was forced to evacuate anyway.

We no longer know our fate, he said. We dont know if we will see our homes and village again.

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US inflation projected to reach 4.2% this year

The Iran wars disruption of oil exports from the Middle East will substantially boost consumer prices while also slowing growth in the United States and many other developed countries, the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday.

The OECD expects U.S. inflation to jump to an annual average of 4.2% this year, from about 2.6% in 2025. The increase will manly be driven by spiking gas costs, but fertilizer exports have also been interrupted and could raise food prices in coming months, the OECD said.

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In the United States, the impact of higher energy prices on inflation will more than offset the effect from the decline in effective tariff rates on imports, the OECDs interim outlook report said.

Growth is expected to slip to 2% this year from 2.1% in 2025, then decline further next year to 1.7%. In 20 of the largest countries, referred to as the Group of 20, which includes Japan, Europe, and large emerging economies such as Brazil, inflation is forecast to rise to 4% from 3.4%.

Renewables-rich Spain cuts fuel tax to soften energy blow caused by Iran war

Even though Spain generated over half its electricity last year from renewable sources, its government is still concerned that a global scarcity of oil and natural gas coming from the Middle East will impact consumers with higher prices at the pump.

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So parliament has approved a package of emergency economic measures, including slashing the sales tax on gas and electricity bills from 21% to 10%. The government estimates that car owners will save 30 cents on the euro for every liter of gas, or around 20 euros per tank.

Truck drivers, farmers, herders and fishermen will be able to claim refunds of 20 cents per each liter for diesel from the government. The same refund will apply to fertilizers. Spain is also freezing the price of butane and propane.

The government says the measures total 5 billion euros ($5.7 billion) and will help 20 million of Spains 49 million residents.

Israel adds an armored division to its invasion of southern Lebanon

The 162nd Divisions deployment is the latest expansion of Israels ground offensive against Hezbollah, as senior officials say the army aims to control territory up to the Litani River.

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Israel does not disclose division sizes but previously described three divisions in Gaza as tens of thousands of troops.

The move comes a day after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the country would expand its control and establish a security zone up to the Litani River. He drew parallels to Gaza, where many areas have been depopulated.

The Israeli military has destroyed bridges and homes in southern Lebanon and set up new positions in recent weeks. Lebanon says over 1 million people have been displaced and more than 1,000 people killed.

France says 35 countries joined military talks on reopening Hormuz shipping

Thursdays videoconference of defense staff chiefs focused on how to reopen shipping once the intensity of hostilities has sufficiently decreased, Frances Defense Ministry said.

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That could entail a strictly defensive mission to escort commercial vessels and restore freedom of navigation, the ministry said.

Power outages in some areas of Tehran

Witnesses told The Associated Press that power is out in some areas of the Iranian capital, although no official reports have been released yet.

Less than an hour ago, witnesses reported the sounds of heavy strikes and fighter jets overhead.

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Witnesses report more heavy strikes in Tehran

They also said they heard the sounds of what appeared to be fighter jets flying overhead.

Trump Cabinet meeting stays mainly focused on Iran war

Trumps first Cabinet meeting since the start of the Iran war ran an hour and 40 minutes. But unlike past meetings of this kind, the president kept it largely focused on the war.

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Trump usually gives every Cabinet member time to speak, but on Thursday he limited speakers to himself, Vance, Rubio, Hegseth, Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Still, Trump weighed in on a few unrelated topics, such as his choice of writing implements, a construction project at the Federal Reserve that he thinks costs too much, and lawsuits pending to stop him from closing the Kennedy Center performing arts venue for a two-year renovation project.

Trump sidesteps question about his deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz

Asked whether hes sticking to a five-day delay he announced on Monday, Trump said I dont know.

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Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, the president said it depends on whether his team tells him talks with Iran are going along or not.

We have a lot of time, Trump said. Its a day. In Trump time, a day- you know what it is? Thats an eternity.

Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants starting Monday unless the strait was fully reopened. He said the deadline was pushed back to negotiate a deal.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill another 22 people and wound 110 in the past 24 hours

The total number of people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war has risen to 1,116, with 3,229 wounded, Lebanons health ministry said Thursday.

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The death toll includes 121 children and 83 women. More than 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon by the conflict.

The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired missiles across the border into Israel on March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Israel has since launched widespread airstrikes and a ground invasion of Lebanon.

Missile fire from Lebanon killed an Israeli man in a city on the northern coast

Israels Magen David Adom emergency service says a man in his 30s was killed by shrapnel from a missile strike in Nahariya following a barrage from Lebanon.

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It said medics treated a man in his 50s who was in moderate to serious condition, and three people who were lightly wounded.

Ukraines president arrives in Saudi Arabia after offering anti-drone help

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit, days after revealing that Ukraine is helping five countries in the Middle East counter attacks on their territory by drones amid the Iran war.

Ukraine has grown into one of the worlds leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective.

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Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled, the Ukrainian leader said on X Thursday along with video of his arrival. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.

Zelenskyy said last week that Ukrainian officials are helping Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan with drone expertise and helping build a defense system.

Trump says US doesnt need the Hormuz Strait

Asked by a reporter how close he was to marshaling a coalition of partners to help protect tankers moving through the strait, Trump said the U.S. has so much oil  our country is not affected by this.

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The narrow waterway typically sees a fifth of the worlds oil exit the Persian Gulf through it to reach customers worldwide, particularly in Asia, and blockages there have sent oil prices near $120 per barrel at times.

And although its true that the United States doesnt get a massive percentage of its oil from resources moving through the strait, the price of oil is set on the global market.

Irans stranglehold on the waterway has raised prices at the pump for drivers the world over. The nationwide average price of gas is up more than a dollar from just a month earlier.

Trump is not ready to seek suspension of federal gas tax to help ease prices at the pump

Asked by a reporter about that option during the Cabinet meeting, Trump said, weve thought about it, I guess and suggested that states suspend their taxes on fuel.

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He segued into talking about the stock market and was asked again about the possibility of suspending the federal gas tax, which is 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. That does not include state taxes, which often are higher.

Trump cannot suspend the federal tax on his own; Congress would have to approve.

But he indicated he wasnt ready to go that route at the federal level at this time.

Its something we have in our pocket if we think its necessary, Trump said.

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Trump calls the German presidents condemnation of his actions in Iran inappropriate

In a speech on Tuesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Trumps aggression against Iran was a dangerous mistake in violation of international law.

Taking questions from reporters during Thursdays Cabinet meeting, Trump likened Steinmeiers statement to the U.S. assistance to Ukraine in its war with Russia, which he said was not our war, we helped, but Ukraines done well.

Trump, who as he campaigned for a second term said repeatedly he could swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, added, if I can solve that, it will be a great honor to do it. I wish it could have gone faster.

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Trump claims Iran allowing Pakistan-flagged tankers through strait in sign of good faith for talks

Trump earlier this week cryptically said that Iran gave us a present. He revealed the gift during Thursdays Cabinet meeting.

Trump said that Iranian officials, with whom the U.S. is engaging in back-channel talks, are allowing eight boats of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it was an apparent act of good faith for negotiations.

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FILE - A woman walks outside The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts on Feb. 2, 2026, in Washington. Rahmat Gul/AP Mindy Levine, left, listens as Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, talks before President Donald Trump arrives for a board meeting of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts in the East Room of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  A Democratic lawmaker is asking a federal judge to force the Kennedy Center to block and reverse efforts to attach President Donald Trump's name to the historic performing arts venue.

In a motion filed Wednesday, Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio argues that Congress was clear in its intent that the Kennedy Center is named for the late President John F. Kennedy  and no one else.

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Renaming the Kennedy Center for President Trump  without any authorization from Congress  undermines the Centers raison detre, and frustrates its purpose as the only memorial to President Kennedy in Washington, D.C., the motion argues.

Trump's handpicked board of directors voted in December to rename the venue as the Trump-Kennedy Center, arguing the Republican president deserved the recognition for his efforts to renovate the institution, which was named for the Democratic president assassinated in 1963. But the move immediately drew protest from Democrats and some in the Kennedy family along with questions from scholars and historians about whether the move was legally permissible.

Beatty's motion argues that lawmakers have made clear at various points throughout the Kennedy Center's history that no other name should appear on the building.

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Congress was particularly sensitive that no other names appear on the Center's exterior walls, other than the signage designating the institution as a memorial for President Kennedy, according to the motion.

A day after the board's December decision, Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade, an iconic part of Washington's cityscape that rests on the banks of the Potomac River. The name change has also been reflected on the Kennedy Center's website and social media channels.

We are asking the court to enforce the law and reverse this illegal renaming," said Beatty's lawyers, Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action, and Nathaniel Zelinsky, senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group, in a statement. "This abuse of power is an attack on the rule of law and the memory of John Kennedy and cannot stand.

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A central part of the capital's arts scene since it opened in 1971, the Kennedy Center is being closed by Trump this summer for a renovation that's expected to last for about two years. That is the subject of a separate legal effort as a coalition of eight cultural and historic preservation groups is suing to block further physical changes to the Kennedy Center.
Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, and Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, Stanford University, and Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP Dan Jurafsky, Stanford professor of computer science and linguistics, from left, Myra Cheng, Stanford Ph.D. candidate in computer science, and Cinoo Lee, Stanford postdoctoral fellow in psychology, pose for photos on the university campus in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jeff Chiu/AP A man communicates with an ASUS Character Virtual Assistant, ROG Omni system during the AI EXPO in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. ChiangYing-ying/AP

Artificial intelligence chatbots are so prone to flattering and validating their human users that they are giving bad advice that can damage relationships and reinforce harmful behaviors, according to a new study that explores the dangers of AI telling people what they want to hear.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, tested 11 leading AI systems and found they all showed varying degrees of sycophancy  behavior that was overly agreeable and affirming. The problem is not just that they dispense inappropriate advice but that people trust and prefer AI more when the chatbots are justifying their convictions.

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This creates perverse incentives for sycophancy to persist: The very feature that causes harm also drives engagement, says the study led by researchers at Stanford University.

The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people's interactions with chatbots. It's subtle enough that they might not notice and a particular danger to young people turning to AI for many of life's questions while their brains and social norms are still developing.

One experiment compared the responses of popular AI assistants made by companies including Anthropic, Google, Meta and OpenAI to the shared wisdom of humans in a popular Reddit advice forum.

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When AI won't tell you you're a jerk

Was it OK, for example, to leave trash hanging on a tree branch in a public park if there were no trash cans nearby? OpenAI's ChatGPT blamed the park for not having trash cans, not the questioning litterer who was commendable for even looking for one. Real people thought differently in the Reddit forum abbreviated as AITA, after a phrase for someone asking if they are a cruder term for a jerk.

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The lack of trash bins is not an oversight. Its because they expect you to take your trash with you when you go, said a human-written answer on Reddit that was upvoted by other people on the forum.

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The study found that, on average, AI chatbots affirmed a user's actions 49% more often than other humans did, including in queries involving deception, illegal or socially irresponsible conduct, and other harmful behaviors.

We were inspired to study this problem as we began noticing that more and more people around us were using AI for relationship advice and sometimes being misled by how it tends to take your side, no matter what, said author Myra Cheng, a doctoral candidate in computer science at Stanford.

Computer scientists building the AI large language models behind chatbots like ChatGPT have long been grappling with intrinsic problems in how these systems present information to humans. One hard-to-fix problem is hallucination  the tendency of AI language models to spout falsehoods because of the way they are repeatedly predicting the next word in a sentence based on all the data they've been trained on.

Reducing AI sycophancy is a challenge

Sycophancy is in some ways more complicated. While few people are looking to AI for factually inaccurate information, they might appreciate  at least in the moment  a chatbot that makes them feel better about making the wrong choices.

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While much of the focus on chatbot behavior has centered on its tone, that had no bearing on the results, said co-author Cinoo Lee, who joined Cheng on a call with reporters ahead of the study's publication.

We tested that by keeping the content the same, but making the delivery more neutral, but it made no difference, said Lee, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology. So its really about what the AI tells you about your actions.

In addition to comparing chatbot and Reddit responses, the researchers conducted experiments observing about 2,400 people communicating with an AI chatbot about their experiences with interpersonal dilemmas.

People who interacted with this over-affirming AI came away more convinced that they were right, and less willing to repair the relationship, Lee said. That means they weren't apologizing, taking steps to improve things, or changing their own behavior.

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Lee said the implications of the research could be even more critical for kids and teenagers who are still developing the emotional skills that come from real-life experiences with social friction, tolerating conflict, considering other perspectives and recognizing when youre wrong.

Finding a fix to AI's emerging problems will be critical as society still grapples with the effects of social media technology after more than a decade of warnings from parents and child advocates. In Los Angeles on Wednesday, a jury found both Meta and Google-owned YouTube liable for harms to children using their services. In New Mexico, a jury determined that Meta knowingly harmed childrens mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.

Google's Gemini and Meta's open-source Llama model were among those studied by the Stanford researchers, along with OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude and chatbots from France's Mistral and Chinese companies Alibaba and DeepSeek.

Of leading AI companies, Anthropic has done the most work, at least publicly, in investigating the dangers of sycophancy, finding in a 2024 research paper that it is a general behavior of AI assistants, likely driven in part by human preference judgments favoring sycophantic responses.

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None of the companies directly commented on the Science study on Thursday but Anthropic and OpenAI pointed to their recent work to reduce sycophancy.

The risks of AI sycophancy are widespread

In medical care, researchers say sycophantic AI could lead doctors to confirm their first hunch about a diagnosis rather than encourage them to explore further. In politics, it could amplify more extreme positions by reaffirming peoples preconceived notions. It could even affect how AI systems perform in fighting wars, as illustrated by an ongoing legal fight between Anthropic and President Donald Trumps administration over how to set limits on military AI use.

The study doesn't propose specific solutions, though both tech companies and academic researchers have started to explore ideas. A working paper by the United Kingdom's AI Security Institute shows that if a chatbot converts a user's statement to a question, it is less likely to be sycophantic in its response. Another paper by researchers at Johns Hopkins University also shows that how the conversation is framed makes a big difference.

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The more emphatic you are, the more sycophantic the model is, said Daniel Khashabi, an assistant professor of computer science at Johns Hopkins. He said it's hard to know if the cause is chatbots mirroring human societies or something different, because these are really, really complex systems.

Sycophancy is so deeply embedded into chatbots that Cheng said it might require tech companies to go back and retrain their AI systems to adjust which types of answers are preferred.

Cheng said a simpler fix could be if AI developers instruct their chatbots to challenge their users more, such as by starting a response with the words, Wait a minute. Her co-author Lee said there is still time to shape how AI interacts with us.

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A TSA agent checks a passenger's ticket and boarding pass at Ohare Airport in Chicago, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Paul Beaty/AP A TSA worker checks passengers at Greater Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa., Thursday, March 26, 2026. Gene J. Puskar/AP Passengers are screened by a TSA agent at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Paul Beaty/AP Passengers stand in the TSA pre check in line at LaGuardia Airport, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in East Elmhurst, N.Y. Noah K. Murray/AP An ICE officer works at a TSA checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa., on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Gene J. Puskar/AP

Problems at U.S. airports could worsen beyond hours-long security lines and missed flights if Congress does not agree on a way to pay Transportation Security Administration officers. Federal officials have warned that staffing shortages may close some smaller airports to passengers and commercial flights.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the TSAs acting leaders said they expected more airport screeners to quit or call out of work after Friday, when TSA personnel were set to miss their second full paychecks since mid-February.

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Johnny Jones, the leader of the labor union that represents TSA officers, said Thursday that the agency created a list of about 75 airports that could be closed to free up officers to send to major hubs with long security wait times. Jones suggested that could mean that flights at decent-sized airports surrounding large hubs could be grounded if the security officers are reassigned. Previously most of the speculation had focused on tiny airports with only a few officers operating a single checkpoint.

Jones said he hasn't seen the list, and the airports on it haven't been made public.

But President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will sign an emergency order to pay TSA officers as Congress struggles to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

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The officers have been required to work without pay since funding for DHS, which the TSA falls under, lapsed on Feb. 14. If Trump succeeds in finding a way to pay them, that may bring an end to the recent extreme security delays at airports.

This level of disruption is unprecedented, Ha Nguyen McNeill, the agencys acting administrator, said of the financial strain on TSA workers leading to high absentee rates. We are being forced to consolidate lanes, and may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough officers.

McNeill, who spoke during a House committee hearing on Wednesday, did not specify at what point closures might occur. She said the TSA officer staffing shortages were a fluid, challenging and unpredictable situation.

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The agency has to look at it as, Wow man, at the end of the day, we still have to do essential work and protect the American people. It becomes very difficult to do when you have this going on, said Jones, the secretary and treasurer for Council 100 of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Jones added that officers who fear they could be reassigned are worrying about how they would adjust. It could mean spending more money on longer commutes, or temporarily upending their lives to stay in a faraway city.

About 11% of officers nationwide missed scheduled shifts this week, but at some airports, the share has topped 40% on some days, according to DHS. Passengers standing in massive security lines have filled terminal lobbies and stretched out the door at times in Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta.

Here are some things to know about the DHS funding lapses impact on air travel and the questions that remain:

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How likely is it that the funding lapse will lead to airport closures?

With few confirmed details, its hard to say. But officials have suggested that the possibility of closing airports will become more likely the longer TSA workers go without pay.

Aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson, whose research contributed to the design of TSA PreCheck, said that Trump administration officials appear to be floating the possibility of closed airports in an effort to pressure Congress to reach an agreement on funding DHS.

This is a situation that, once again, the politicians are trying to move the needle to get people to compromise by making threats. Are these threats realistic? Yes. Are they a good idea? No, Jacobson said.

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Jacobson and other aviation experts said the messaging also suggests that sending federal immigration officers to help out at airports with security staffing problems hasnt been a successful solution.

The White House has said ICE officers helped reduce lines by monitoring crowds and checking IDs. TSA union leaders and other critics have called the move ineffective, arguing that immigration officers dont have the required expertise and experience.

Which airports are the most at risk for closures?

Larger airports with hundreds of officers can close some of their checkpoints and even their TSA PreCheck lanes and continue operating. The smallest of the 440 U.S. airports with security screeners dont have that option.

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Smaller airports that only have a single checkpoint might have to shut down temporarily if they cant get enough officers to operate them. That could happen if a number of their officers dont report for any given shift.

Small airports have a smaller pool of people that you can draw from to keep the airport open, explained Eric Chaffee, a Case Western Reserve law professor who studies risk management, including in the aviation industry. Larger airports, by contrast, are often much better able to absorb a handful of people calling out.

The closing of these airports would likely be uneven, Chaffee said  potentially affecting facilities ranging from airports with just a few gates to small regional hubs. But, he warned, that any temporary closure of small airports could cascade through the broader air traffic network because it is a highly interconnected web.

What would be the impact of small airport closures?

Experts stressed there would be consequences for the aviation system as a whole.

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Every airport, no matter its size, has some impact to the National Airspace System, said airport security expert Jeff Price.

Jacobson, who is a professor at the University of Illinois, said airlines rely on passengers from small airports to fill out their flights at major hubs.

Others point to ripple effects for the communities smaller airports serve.

Despite the fact that were talking about small regional airports, this is a big deal, Chaffee said, pointing to disruptions for both businesses and travelers. Ultimately, if this does occur, having to drive a half hour to an airport is a lot different than having to drive three hours to an airport.

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If flights stop operating at some smaller airports, it could hit nearby communities and their economies hard, especially businesses operating in hospitality and tourism. It could also jeopardize airport workers' jobs, such as janitors and employees of restaurants and shops that serve travelers.

Meanwhile, financial strains would continue to pile up for TSA officers going without pay.

With there being a slew of potential economic repercussions from air travel disruptions, Jacobson said We are playing with fire right now when we are threatening such a large contributor to our GDP.

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___
Brendan Mackey is the newest anchor on Fox 61. Fox 61

After several weeks off the air with an unexplained health issue, Fox 61 morning anchor Brendan Mackey returned to his desk this week.

Mackey, who joined the Hartford-based network last September, was off-air for several weeks in late February and early March, before his return to hosting on Tuesday, alongside co-anchor Symphonie Privett.

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"I've been dealing with some pretty serious health complications, and I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it's been pretty rough," Mackey said on his return broadcast.

The anchor declined to share details about what kept him off air, but he did thank viewers for reaching out and checking on him during his multiweek absence. In a statement, Mackey said he was excited to be back with his co-workers and that he had missed Fox61's "amazing viewers."

Brendan Mackey poses with fellow Fox61 anchors Symphonie Privett and Matt Scott on his first day back on air on March 24, 2026. Courtesy of Brendan Mackey

"I knew when I moved to New England that it was special, but the people here in Connecticut, I mean it from the bottom of my heart, thank you," he said on air.

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Mackey also addressed his absence in a social media post on March 5, where he first shared that he was dealing with "serious health complications" and thanked the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. and the University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora, Colo., for their support. Mackey is a Denver native.

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Before coming to Connecticut, Mackey was a reporter at ABC 7 in Sarasota, Fla., and has won awards for his segments there and at a previous stop in Wisconsin.
Rev. Al Sharpton and Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, stop to pay their respects during funeral services for Steven, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, talks about her brother while being accompanied by Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, during funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton greets guests and clergy during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones. a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton gives the eulogy during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones. a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Family and friends pay their respects during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton, right, along with Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, and attorney Ben Crump, left, give a press conference prior to the funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam greets guests during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Rev. Al Sharpton, right, speaks with attorney Ben Crump, left, and Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, during his funeral service Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media The casket of Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, is carried out of First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield following funeral services Thursday March 26, 2026. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Ephraim Adamz of Hartford stands outside the church during funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Security stands outside the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield funeral services for Steven Stevie Jones, a man fatally shot by police in Hartford, Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. The Rev. Al Sharpton was on hand to read the eulogy. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones holds a photo of her late brother Steven Jones as Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, spoke about the second deadly police shooting in eight days in Hartford, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Audrey Jones, left, the sister of Steven Jones, during his funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Nationally-known civil rights activists the Rev. Al Sharpton, center, and Ben Crump stand next to her. Steven Jones was fatally shot by police in Hartford last month. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Group Audrey Jones, sister of Steven Stevie Jones, talks about her brother while being accompanied by Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, during funeral service for Steven Thursday March 26, 2026 at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, holds a photo of Steven Jones, the man fatally shot by a Hartford officer last month, while talking about the second deadly police shooting in eight days in Hartford, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, speaks about fatal shooting of Steven Jones by Hartford police last month, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Audrey Jones, right, bother of Steven Jones, holds the picture of her late brother. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights lawyer, talks about Steven Jones, the man fatally shot by a Hartford officer last month, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford. Members of the Steven Jones family hold his photo at right. Crump, along with longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, is expected to return to Connecticut for Jones' funeral on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

"If you dont think God can bring you through controversy, then you dont have no faith," Sharpton said during the service Thursday at The First Cathedral.

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Sharpton also recounted the sequence of events that led to Jones death and asked why the fourth officer to arrive on the scene didnt pay attention to how the other officers were handling the tense situation on Feb. 27.

We know that Stevie had a problem, but I want to know what is the problem the officer had? Jones' sister said Jones was experiencing mental problems.

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Sharpton said he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the projects, where there were roaches. He knows, from experience, that when the lights are turned on, roaches run all over the kitchen.

We come to Hartford today to help Ben Crump turn the lights on, he said. Were going to run some roaches out of the Hartford Police Department.

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As he did during the March 9 news conference, Crump also questioned the judgment of the fourth officer.

He noted that the first three officers, including a female officer, were out there talking to Stevie. They were de-escalating the situation. But then, youve got this Rambo...

Crump said he understands that officers are trained to use force when there is a threat to their lives, but if the other officers didnt shoot, then why did he shoot?

Addressing city leaders, Crump said there are plenty of videos out there that show what happened. We have dashcam videos. We have cellphone videos  Stevie Wonder can see what happened here.

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Stevie never committed a crime, he said. Stevie had a mental health crisis. He needed a helping hand from the Hartford Police Department.

The service began with a hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," and speeches. It was scheduled to begin at noon but was delayed about a half-hour.

One of the early speakers was Corrie Betts, head of the Greater Hartford NAACP, called for better crisis intervention when dealing with the mentally ill. Scot X. Esdaile, president of the NAACP Connecticut, also spoke.

The church is up the street  2.2 miles away  from the scene of the shooting late that Friday morning. Jones, 55, was shot as witnesses, including his sister, Audrey Jones, watched.

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Audrey also spoke Thursday. She said her brother always helped others and was a devoted father, a proud grandfather and a beloved uncle. who "accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior."

Jones said at the March 9 Crump news conference that she had called 911 to get him help.

"If I knew they were going to shoot him and kill him I would not have called 911," she said.

Nearly an hour after the service, Sharpton made an appearance at the State Capitol, where he spoke with Gov. Ned Lamont and members of the Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus about the need for better training of police in dealing with community members with mental health needs.

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The Rev. Al Sharpton visited Gov. Ned Lamont at the state Capitol after speaking at the funeral of Steven "Stevie" Jones in Bloomfield Thursday, March 26, 2026. Lamont said he would urge action in the legislature for training police in dealing with people in crisis. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

"I've know Ned Lamont for many years," said Sharpton, who in 2006 appeared in the state in support of Lamont's U.S. Senate race.

"We talked about our concerns for the country. I wanted to get some counsel from him as I meet with other governors, to say that this is what Ned is doing, Sharpton said.

"I think the concern is how we deal with mental health patients and how there should be guidelines, and to let the criminal justice system deal with the investigation."

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Asked if Connecticut police are too quick to use their firearms, Sharpton said, "I would say that there needs to be a thorough investigation."

In response to Sharpton's comments, Lamont said he would urge action in the legislature for training police in dealing with people in crisis.

'Last time, drop the knife'

According to a preliminary report by the state inspector general, who is investigating the use of deadly force, the 911 caller indicated Jones had a knife in his hand and had cut himself. Jones was experiencing an acute mental health crisis, the report said.

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Jones, who had been sitting on the front stoop of his apartment, got up and began to walk toward the first officer to arrive. The officer tried firing his Taser at Jones, but it didnt work, the report said.

The second officer arrived and Jones began to chase the officer around a patrol car and out to the middle of Blue Hills Avenue, but the officer was able to backpedal and maintain distance from Jones, the report said. Jones slowed to a walk, and a third officer arrived at the scene and also urged Jones to drop the knife.

The three officers formed an arc around Jones and had their weapons drawn, but body-camera video shows they did not consistently point their guns at him. They pleaded, sometimes in a friendly tone, for him to drop the knife, the video shows, but he didnt.

The fourth and last officer to arrive walked to where Jones and the other officers were standing and repeatedly demanded that Jones drop the knife, the report said. Instead of doing so, Jones turned toward the officer and took steps toward him while the officer walked backward to maintain distance between them.

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A still image from the body-worn camera of the Hartford police officer who fatally shot Steven "Stevie" Jones, 55. Jones' funeral is Thursday, March 26, 2026. Hartford police body camera footage provided by CT Inspector General

When they got to the intersection of Blue Hills Avenue and Euclid Street, the officer yelled, Last time, drop the knife, drop it, and fired nine times when Jones didnt comply. Jones died four days later.

Jones was the second city resident killed by police in a nine-day period.

Everard Walker, 53, was fatally shot by an officer at about 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 in his Capitol Avenue apartment. A family member had called 211 more than an hour earlier, sometime before 10 a.m., to seek help because Walker also was suffering from an acute mental health crisis, according to a preliminary report in that case by the state inspector general.

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Two mental health professionals responded but asked for Hartford police to accompany them, the report said. A mental health professional talked to Walker through the open door to his apartment while he was inside with family members to assess whether he needed medical assistance or presented a danger to himself or others, it said.

Several police officers went into the apartment, but retreated when they became concerned Walker might throw a pot of boiling water at them, the report said.

Shortly before 11 a.m., Walker tried to close the door to his apartment and was being physically restrained by his son, it said, so officers went back into the apartment. An altercation started that involved the officers, two family members and Walker, and at some point Walker grabbed a knife.

Walker did not drop the knife despite orders to do so, and when one of the officers fell backward during the scuffle, Walker appeared to be poised to stab the officer, the report said.

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The other officer fired several shots, and Walker collapsed; he later was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital.
Travelers line up at a TSA checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Lekan Oyekanmi/AP

President Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Congress is under pressure to fund the Department of Homeland Security ahead of its upcoming spring recess, as the Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on.

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The shutdown has taken a personal toll on TSA workers. Over 480 officers have quit altogether, according to DHS. At some of the busiest and most backed-up U.S. airports, ICE officers are patrolling security lines and checkpoints, ordered by Trump to assist a short-staffed TSA.

The vote to fund DHS remained at a standstill Thursday as senators negotiate behind closed doors and review the latest Republican offer to end the funding impasse with potential immigration enforcement changes. A core group of more than 10 Democrats and Republicans is trying to hammer out details as pressure mounts on Congress to reach a deal.

Here's the latest:

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After Trump says he will fund TSA; next steps uncertain for rest of DHS

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Trumps announcement that he will pay TSA agents takes the pressure off negotiations over funding the entire DHS, but it is a short term solution.

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Thune and Trump spoke Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether the Senate would stay in session ahead of a two-week recess to figure out how to fund the rest of the department, which has been shut down for weeks as Democrats demand reforms to ICE and other federal agencies that have been part of Trumps immigration enforcement operations.

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Thune said he would have more to say about next steps later Thursday evening, but senators want to fund everything.

Were going to try to fund as much of the DHS budget as we possibly can, Thune said.

Senate Republicans praise Trumps move to pay TSA workers as bipartisan negotiations stall

Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said that Trump is doing absolutely the right thing after the president said Thursday evening that he would sign an emergency order to pay Transportation Security Administration agents who have gone unpaid for weeks amid a spending stalemate in Congress.

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Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, told reporters in the Capitol that Trump was showing leadership as bipartisan negotiations over Homeland Security Department funding have stalled.

Democrats are demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement before they will vote to fund the department. Negotiations have so far failed to yield an agreement.

Theyre going to repurpose funds, Barrasso said. He knows how to do that.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also praised the president.

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Youre saving the country a lot of heartache and danger, Graham posted on X.

Trump says he will sign emergency order to pay TSA agents

Trump said Thursday he would sign an emergency order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Trump announced his decision in a social media post saying he wanted to quickly stop the Chaos at the Airports.

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It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it! the president posted.

Vote to fund DHS halted as senators retreat behind closed doors for negotiations

Voting has come to a standstill as senators retreat behind closed doors to review the latest Republican offer to end the funding impasse with potential immigration enforcement changes.

The vote to advance an earlier GOP proposal was failing, as the new approach takes shape.

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Still working on it, said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., a chief GOP negotiator as she ducked into Senate Majority Leader John Thunes office.

A core group of more than 10 Democrats and Republicans are trying to hammer out details as pressure mounts on Congress to reach a deal.

Is Trump considering declaring a national emergency to pay TSA workers?

Its among a menu of options the White House is considering as Senate talks to end the budget stalemate came to a standstill and airport workers go unpaid.

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One Republican, Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, said he was told at lunch that the decision had already been made, but he spoke directly to the White House afterward and understood that was not the case.

The president may well decide that, but I dont know, said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Collins, who is the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee that handles money matters, said there are other options available  including funding elsewhere that can be legally used to pay TSA as well as the Coast Guard.

Undocumented immigrants advised to avoid Florida airport due to ICE presence

A group representing immigrant farmworkers in south Florida is telling undocumented people to avoid Southwest Florida International Airport after federal officers arrived to help with security this week.

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If you are undocumented, it is recommended to not go to the airport  inside or outside, Unidos Immokalee told its followers on social media. Immokalee is home to many immigrants who work in the tomato fields and other farming operations in the area thats known as one of Floridas most important agricultural regions.

Victoria Moreland, a spokeswoman for the airport, said ICE agents were deployed this week to the airport, which serves Fort Myers and surrounding areas along Floridas southwest coast. She said questions about their job responsibilities would need to be directed to the federal government.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didnt immediately respond to questions about ICE agents at the Florida airport, among the smallest U.S. airports hosting ICE agents.

Republicans have given Democrats last and final offer on DHS funding, says Sen. Thune

Senate Majority Leader John Thune opened the chamber Thursday by saying that Democrats need to get serious about funding the Department of Homeland Security.

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The Dems are now in possession of what I think is our last and final, so lets hope this gets it done, Thune told reporters about where negotiations stood.

Thune would not comment on what was in the proposal, after each side and the White House have sought to find a deal before lawmakers are set to leave next week for recess.

Enough is enough. Republicans have bent over backward to negotiate with Democrats, said Thune.

How many TSA officers have quit during the shutdown?

Almost 500, according to the latest DHS count.

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This reckless shutdown has driven nearly 500 TSA officers to quit, while thousands more are forced to call out because they cant afford gas, childcarechild carer rent, DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said.

Nationwide on Wednesday, more than 11% of the TSA employees on the schedule missed work, according to DHS. Thats over 3,120 callouts.

The callout rate was three or four times higher at some airports, DHS said:

About 41% at Atlantas Hartsfield Jackson

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39% at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental

36% at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans

Nearly 32% at Houstons secondary airport, William P. Hobby

Roughly 29% at both New Yorks John F. Kennedy and Baltimore-Washington International Airport

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Travelers venting frustration over TSA funding impasse

Passengers waiting in Houstons hourslong airport shourslongnes have plenty of time to vent their frustration with the political impasse thats left TSA agents unpaid.

You dont experience this in a lot of other countries, and I just feel like its unacceptable, said Eche Emole, trying to catch a flight Thursday to Cancun, Mexico, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This should not be happening.

Emole said he was still waiting to clear security after three hours in line.

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James Person, flying to Knoxville, Tennessee, said the waiting crowds had been friendly. And he praised the airport staff, TSA agents and immigration officers brought in by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help bolster security.

Im just really upset with Congress for not doing their job to fund DHS so we can get rid of this mess, Person said.

Senate scheduled to vote this afternoon on advancing the DHS funding measure

But without a deal between Democrats and Republicans, its unlikely that any legislation on the shutdown will advance. There have been multiple failed votes in the Senate in recent weeks.

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Some passengers missing or postponing Houston flights after hours in line

Some travelers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston say theyre missing flights after spending hours in security lines.

Melissa Gates said she wouldnt make her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after waiting more than 2 and a half hours and still not reaching the security checkpoint.

She said no other flights were available until Friday, so she planned to spend the night at the airport.

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I should have just driven, right? Gates said of her 260-mile (418-kilometer) trip to Baton Rouge. Five hours would have been hilarious next to this.

Jimmy Hidalgo had better luck. Still waiting to clear security after nearly three hours, he managed to bump his flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to a later departure.

I changed it already for the next flight, Hidalgo said, noting he didnt have to pay extra. But now Ill have to sit in the middle seat.

New DHS secretary Mullin attends his first Cabinet meeting

Trump opened the meeting by noting the presence of Markwayne Mullin, who was sworn in Tuesday as the Department of Homeland Securitys new secretary.

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The president also noted that were now on Day 41 of the shutdown of DHS, which has meant TSA agents at airports have been working without pay. That has led passengers to wait for hours to clear security before their flights.

Congratulations, Trump told Mullin. Everyone else laughed. Trump blamed the shutdown on Democrats, who have been pushing for procedural changes for immigration and customs operations. Negotiations continue to break the impasse.

Trump said they need to end the shutdown immediately, or well have to take some very drastic measures. He already has sent some ICE officers to airports as backup for TSA.

Long security lines in Atlanta extend outside airport

Travelers arriving early Thursday to catch flights in Atlanta found long security lines extending outside the main terminal.

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Photos and video posted to social media from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport showed lines winding through the baggage claim area, outside the doors and down the sidewalk outside.

The airport wasnt reporting estimated wait times to clear security checks. But its website said travelers should allow themselves four hours to clear security amid the political impasse thats left TSA agents without pay.

Four-hour waits return to Houston after a midweek lull

Passengers are facing more four-hour waits to clear security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston following a brief respite.

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The airports website said Thursday morning that travelers should expect to wait two hours, 30 minutes in the security line at one of its open terminals and four hours at the other.

Thats after waits dipped to two hours or less Wednesday, which airport officials attributed to fewer people flying midweek.

Lines and wait times are expected to grow Thursday and Friday because of significantly higher passenger traffic, according to an update on the airports website.

Thats in part because of some major events coming to Houston, including a large global energy conference and two of the NCAA Tournaments Sweet 16 games.

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A Houston airport has become a symbol for the shutdowns impacts on air travel

Passengers are facing more four-hour waits to clear security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston following a brief respite.

The airports website said Thursday morning that travelers should expect to wait two hours, 30 minutes in the security line at one of its open terminals and four hours at the other.

Thats after waits dipped to two hours or less Wednesday, which airport officials attributed to fewer people flying midweek.

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Lines and wait times are expected to grow Thursday and Friday because of significantly higher passenger traffic, according to an update on the airports website.

Thats in part because of some major events coming to Houston, including a large global energy conference and two of the NCAA Tournaments Sweet 16 games.

A Houston airport has become a symbol for the shutdowns impacts on air travel

While long security lines have hobbled airports across the U.S., the problems at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston have been more pronounced.

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Frustrated travelers at the citys largest airport have confronted warnings of four-hour wait times to get through security.

Union and airport officials have offered a variety of reasons why Bush Intercontinental seems to be worse than other airports:

-It has one of the highest callout rates of TSA workers in the country

-It has higher passenger traffic, since the airport is a major hub for United Airlines

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-Its a busy tourism month for Houston

What ICE officers are doing at airports

ICE officers who are helping TSA at airports that are struggling with long passenger lines are helping with things like crowd control and verifying passengers identities using TSA equipment, according to a DHS spokeswoman.

After receiving standard TSA training curriculum, ICE officers are guarding entrances and exits, assisting with logistics, doing crowd control, and verifying identification using TSA equipment and standard operating procedures, said Lauren Bis. The more support we have available, the more efficiently TSA can focus on their highly specialized screening roles to efficiently get airport security lines moving faster.

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Bis said she could not give details on how many ICE officers had been deployed to assist TSA or which airports they were stationed at due to operational security concerns.

Over 480 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown

McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, told lawmakers that multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates and more than 480 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown.

She cited the growing financial strain on the TSA workforce.

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Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet, all while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public, she said.

McNeil also said TSA officers working at the nations airports have experienced a more than 500% increase in the frequency of assaults since the shutdown began.

This is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated, McNeill said.

Trump suggests using the National Guard at airports, raising legal questions

President Donald Trump said on social media Wednesday that he may deploy the National Guard to help at airports plagued by long security lines.

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Trump said, I may call up the National Guard for more help after already ordering federal immigration agents to assist with security at airports.

Joseph Nunn, a legal scholar focused on domestic military activities at the Brennan Center for Justice, said Trump could likely make it work by asking governors to send in state troops who havent been federalized. They could perform law enforcement duties such as running X-ray machines and checking identification.

If a governor doesnt do that, it will limit his options, Nunn said.

Troops federalized by the president couldnt perform duties similar to those of security screeners because of the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the militarys role in enforcing domestic laws, Nunn said.

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FEMA is also at risk

The Federal Emergency Management Agencys Disaster Relief Fund is rapidly depleting, Victoria Barton, a FEMA external affairs official, told lawmakers.

FEMA is able to continue its disaster response and recovery work as long as that fund has money, and about 10,000 of its disaster workers continue being paid through it.

What Congress is saying about the negotiations

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said that they needed to see real changes. Weve been talking about ICE reforms from day one, he said.

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Republican leaders said Democrats are putting the country at risk. They know this is crazy, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

But conservative Republicans also panned the proposal, demanding full funding for immigration operations and skeptical of the promise from GOP leaders that they would address Trumps proof-of-citizenship voting bill in a subsequent legislative package.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said late Wednesday that if Democrats put a more realistic offer on the table, well be back in business.

DHS has gone without routine funding since mid-February

Democrats are insisting on changes to the Trump administrations immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations after the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal officers during protests.

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The latest GOP proposal would fund most of DHS except for the enforcement and removal operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that have been central to the debate. The plan would provide money for other aspects of ICE as well as Customs and Border Protection.

While the offer added some new restraints on immigration officers, including the use of body cameras, it excluded other policies that Democrats have demanded, such as requirements that federal agents wear identification and refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places.

TSA boss warns of airport shutdowns

The Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on, the agencys acting head said Wednesday, even as record wait time for travelers did little to end the standoff over the funding fight in Congress.

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The TSAs Ha Nguyen McNeill described the mounting hardships facing unpaid airport workers  piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet  and warned that lawmakers must ensure this never happens again.
In this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale talk during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (Belarusian Presidential Press Service via AP) AP FILE - U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale, speaks to journalists outside the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, Sept. 11, 2025, ahead of the arrival of released prisoners from Belarus. Mindaugas Kulbis/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's special envoy to Belarus recently revealed that he helped ingratiate himself with the country's autocratic leader by echoing Alexander Lukashenko's disdain for Europe with vulgar language and by negotiating his way through a boozy lunch during their first meeting.

The envoy, John Coale, who has been charged with working to win the release of hundreds of political prisoners from the East European country, said State Department officials advised him before the initial meeting with Lukashenko that he likes to yuck it up, so we yucked it up.

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"About a half-hour, 45 minutes into it, I am trying to get the feel of who this guy is and how to communicate," Coale said at a recent appearance at Arizona State University's McCain Institute. He starts complaining about the Europeans  Europeans this, Europeans that. So  and this is kind of crude and Im sorry for the language  but I said to him, Yeah, theyre a bunch of p. So, I had him in my hand from then on.

Coale offered the anecdote as a window into his efforts to build a relationship with the Belarusian leader, who is closely tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin and has sought to improve relations with the West since Trump's return to the White House.

Coale in an interview on Wednesday defended his rhetoric. If I have to use locker room language to get 500 political prisoners released, I will do it every time," he told The Associated Press.

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In 2016, a recording of Trump using the same vulgarity caused a major controversy during the president's first run for the White House, leading to a rare apology from Trump, who described it as private locker room talk.

Coale says his very direct diplomacy is reaping benefits

To be certain, Coale is not the first U.S. diplomat to use less than diplomatic language about Europeans.

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In 2014, Victoria Nuland, at the time the top U.S. diplomat for European and Eurasian affairs, apologized after a recording of a snippet of private conversation leaked in which she used salty language to vent about Europes hesitant policy over the pro-democracy protests in Ukraine. In 2003, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher faced heat in the early months of the Iraq War for dismissively referring to France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg  countries that opposed U.S. policy in Iraq  as the chocolate makers.

And Trump has sparred with European leaders over a long list of issues, including tariffs, contributions to NATO and his desire to acquire Greenland.

Coale, a Maryland attorney, was appointed by Trump in March 2025 as his deputy special envoy to Ukraine. In June, he help win the release of 14 political prisoners from Belarus. Months later, Trump announced he was elevating Coale to serve as his special envoy to Belarus. He is married to TV journalist Greta Van Susteren.

The envoy, during a conference on hostage-taking and arbitrary detention hosted by the non-profit think tank named after the late Sen. John McCain, made the case that his very direct diplomacy is reaping benefits with Lukashenko.

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Lukashenko has ruled the nation of 9.5 million with an iron fist for more than three decades, and the country has been sanctioned repeatedly by Western countries  both for its political oppression and for allowing Moscow to use its territory in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Belarus has released hundreds of political prisoners in exchange for sanctions relief since Trump returned to the White House as Lukashenko has sought to build better relations with the U.S. under the Republican leader.

Coale said his first meeting with Lukashenko stretched into a two-hour lunch, during which he poured shots of vodka on to the floor when his host wasn't looking to avoid becoming intoxicated. Coale joked he managed to limit himself to two shots, but said that some of his State Department colleagues who joined him at the meeting drank many more.

All these toasts started  I cant get hammered, Coale said. "Of course, there were a couple State Department guys who drank all eight toasts and they were hammered.

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Lukashenko pardoned more prisoners last week after a Minsk meeting with Coale

Lukashenkos rule was challenged after a 2020 presidential election, when tens of thousands poured into the streets to protest a vote they viewed as rigged. They were the largest demonstrations since Belarus became independent following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

In an ensuing crackdown, tens of thousands were detained, with many beaten by police. Prominent opposition figures either fled the country or were imprisoned.

Five years after the mass demonstrations, Lukashenko won a seventh term last year in an election that the opposition called a farce.

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More recently, Belarus has freed some political prisoners to try to win favor with the West, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition figures Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kolesnikova.

Last week, Lukashenko ordered the release of 250 political prisoners as part of a deal with Washington that lifted some U.S. sanctions, the latest step in the isolated leaders effort to improve ties with the West. It was the largest one-time release of political prisoners in the country.

Lukashenko pardoned the prisoners after meeting with Coale in Minsk. Coale hailed the release as a significant humanitarian milestone and a testament to Trumps commitment to direct, hard-nosed diplomacy.

The McCain Institute event took place days before the latest release of political prisoners. Coale predicted then that the Trump administration would be able to win the release of all of political prisoners by the end of the year.

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I'd be willing to bet on that, said Coale, who added he was planning additional trips to Belarus in the near future that he expected to result in the release of a couple hundred more political prisoners. I think this type of diplomacy that Donald Trump has pushed forward does work.

___

AP Diplomatic Writer Matt Lee contributed to this report.
Grigoli Chaphichadze, 48, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is facing charges in residential break-ins in New Canaan and Greenwich in which more than $1 million of jewelry and other property was reported stolen, according to arrest warrants. Courtesy of New Canaan Police Department

NEW CANAAN  A Brooklyn, N.Y., man charged in the theft of more than $1 million in jewelry and other property in Greenwich also is a suspect in New Canaan break-ins, and a rental car helped police identify him as a suspect according to an arrest warrant.

Grigoli Chaphichadze, 48, was arrested by New Canaan police Monday on charges of first-degree larceny and two-counts of third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary.

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Greenwich police arrested Chaphichadze in January on multiple charges of conspiracy to commit burglary, larceny and criminal mischief connected with residential burglaries reported last year in that town.

In New Canaan, police were dispatched to a Lost District Drive home on Dec. 13 after a resident reported her second-floor master bedroom and walk-in closet had been ransacked. The thief used a ladder that was inside a detached garage to reach and break a second-floor bathroom window, police said. The victim reported jewelry and watches valued at about $130,000 were stolen, the warrant says.

On Dec. 17, New Canaan police were sent to a Hickok Road home on a complaint of a burglary that occurred between Dec. 12 and 14. Pry marks were found on a first-floor window sill, police said, and the thief took jewelry, a watch and U.S. and Canadian coins with a total value of approximately $3,000.

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New Canaan police consulted with Greenwich police, who were investigating burglaries reported from October into December. License plate reading cameras captured a suspect vehicle, a black Mercedes G-class SUV that Chaphichadze had rented under his own name in Southampton, N.Y., on Oct. 17, the Greenwich arrest warrant says.

Photos of the vehicle corresponded with break-in locations and dates, Greenwich police said. In New Canaan, a residential surveillance camera and license plate reading camera captured the Mercedes traveling toward the burglarized home on Lost District Drive, the warrant says.

Chaphichadze also provided his cellphone number when renting the Mercedes, and information from cellular towers showed the phone near burglary sites in New Canaan and Greenwich on corresponding dates, the arrest warrants say.

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Surveillance video at a Home Depot store in Port Chester, N.Y., captured Chaphichadze and another man visiting the store three times, in October, November and December, the Greenwich warrant says. The two men bought items that included common burglary tools such as crowbars and extra-long flathhead screwdrivers, the warrant says.
Journalists look at Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, a tempera-on-panel painting dating from around 1470 and measuring 20.3 by 14.9 centimeters, recently acquired by the Italian General Directorate of Museums for $14.9 million, or about 12.6 million euros in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026 . Domenico Stinellis/AP Journalists look at Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, a tempera-on-panel painting dating from around 1470 and measuring 20.3 by 14.9 centimeters, recently acquired by the Italian General Directorate of Museums for $14.9 million, or about 12.6 million euros in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026 . Domenico Stinellis/AP Journalists look at Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, a tempera-on-panel painting dating from around 1470 and measuring 20.3 by 14.9 centimeters, recently acquired by the Italian General Directorate of Museums for $14.9 million, or about 12.6 million euros in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026 . Domenico Stinellis/AP Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, a tempera-on-panel painting dating from around 1470 and measuring 20.3 by 14.9 centimeters, recently acquired by the Italian General Directorate of Museums for $14.9 million, or about 12.6 million euros is on display in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026 . Domenico Stinellis/AP From left, Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, ITA President Sandro Pappalardo, and Director of the National Museum of Abruzzo Federica Zalabra look at Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, a tempera-on-panel painting dating from around 1470 and measuring 20.3 by 14.9 centimeters, recently acquired by the Italian General Directorate of Museums for $14.9 million, or about 12.6 million euros in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026 . Domenico Stinellis/AP

ROME (AP)  Italy's Culture Ministry put a recently purchased devotional painting by early Renaissance artist Antonello da Messina on display in the Senate on Thursday  and the culture minister says such acquisitions would be stepped up.

The $14.9 million purchase from Sotheby's auction house in New York of the painting titled Ecce Homo, comes just weeks after the ministry paid a private collector 30 million euros (about $35 million) for a portrait by Caravaggio that was part of a blockbuster show in the capital last year.

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It is true that there is a policy to step up these acquisitions,'' Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli told The Associated Press in his office after the work was unveiled. "We want people to understand how important it is for us to bring works of great artistic and public significance back to Italy and make them available to the world as well as to Italians.

Giuli flew to New York this week to complete the deal with Sotheby's for the double-sided devotional painting on a wooden panel measuring 20.3 cm (7.9 inches) by 14.9 (5.8 inches).

One side features the Ecce Homo painting of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head and a rope around his neck, depicting the moment Pontius Pilate hands Jesus over to the crowd for crucifixion. On the other side, is a painting of Saint Jerome the Penitent.

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The artwork dating from around 1470 was carried by its owner in a leather bag for years and pulled out to be used in prayer. The face of Saint Jerome has been worn away by the owners repeated devotional kissing.

Giuli said that the Italian government became aware of the work as it was about to go on auction, and intervened.

Our pockets are not deep, as the Culture Ministry budget is not even 0.3 percent of the national budget, but it is large enough to purchase works of art,'' Giuli said, adding that the acquisitions do not impact resources to other government activities, which have different funding lines.

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The art work will initially be displayed in the National Museum of Abruzzo in LAquila before being moved to other locations in Italy with the goal of giving as many Italians as possible the chance to see it in person.
MOGADISHU, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA) killed 40 al-Shabaab militants and wounded several others after the militant group attempted to attack the Mubarak area in the Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

The ministry said the troops backed by the African Union peacekeepers repelled the assault and inflicted heavy losses on the militants.

"The SNA forces will continue a sustained operation against al-Shabaab to ensure the security of civilians and eliminate terrorist elements wherever they attempt to hide," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

Mubarak is among the strategic areas liberated from terrorists during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry said efforts are currently underway to restore the area and reopen key roads previously blocked by the group. 
Voters fill out ballots at the Long Lots Elementary School gymnasium in Westport on November 4, 2025. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut M Gov. Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, during a panel discussion on the potential effects of pending federal voter legislation on Thursday in the State Office Building. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  If the proposal by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to create stricter rules for voting becomes law and overrules Connecticut election procedures, it will strain local and state budgets and present major obstacles for new voters heading into the 2026 elections, Gov. Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said Thursday.

Im very concerned that this bill basically has immediate enactment, so we have no runway, no transition time, no training time and no funding, Thomas said in the State Office Building. This feels like a disaster, based on everything I know about election administration and rolling out changes.

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During an hour-long panel discussion on the pending SAVE America Act, which is the focus of a multi-day debate in the U.S. Senate following its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, advocates for towns and cities joined Lamont and Thomas predicting potential nightmares on the local level, from long lines at registrars, to voters getting turned away from the polls for lack of photo ID, which is not required under longtime state law.

A leading conservative state lawmaker, Sen. Rob Sampson of Wolcott, ranking Republican on two key legislative committees, said Thursday that hes been trying for years to get the General Assembly to adopt a photo identification requirement in order to vote. Outside the state Senate chamber, he said that politically, Democrats overlook the issues with absentee ballot fraud tied to Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee members.

If the current federal bill passes and becomes law, new Connecticut voters, married people changing their last names and even residents moving to new addresses would have to provide birth certificates or passports to prove to local registrars their identities, said Thomas, adding that the federal bill, as written, would require absentee ballots to be paid as certified mail by the state or municipality at the cost of about $6 per vote. During the 2024 election, there were about 120,000 absentee ballots and in 2020 there were 600,000 such votes cast.

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For the life of me I cant figure out why were doing this. Whats the rush? Lamont said, stressing that the bill being debated in the U.S. Senate could allow local voting officials to be the targets of civil lawsuits. It seems to me that this SAVE Act is a solution looking for a problem. I think it goes in the exact wrong direction. He said that the states early voting and the pending state legislation on universal absentee ballots are ways to encourage voter participation.

I dont want to put up all these bureaucratic roadblocks that make it tougher, Lamont. I want to make it easier for them to vote with integrity and I want you to have a stake in the outcome because elections really matter. Frankly, I just dont think I need to take any lectures on election fraud from a president of the United States who famously called the secretary of state down in Georgia and said 'find me 11,780 votes.' He lost to (Joe) Biden by 11,779.

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Connecticut is facing an affordability crisis, said Brian OConnor, public policy and advocacy director for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities who declined to comment on the merits of the pending federal bill, but stressed that it would impose new costs of an unknown level for towns and cities, likely resulting in higher property taxes. We would have to probably build-out infrastructure, technology and space. There are also the liability concerns, in compliance. We just dont have the requisite staff right now to be able to manage this and provide the accountability.
An enhanced risk of severe weather is in place for this evening in Illinois. NOAA Storm Prediction Center

Strong to severe storms are likely across Illinois this evening.

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has an enhanced risk across Central Illinois as strong storms are expected to fire this evening. All hazards are on the table for the day, though the tornado risk is on the lower end.

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The highest risk of severe storms shifted slightly south overnight compared to yesterdays forecast. This means that the enhanced risk now starts near Springfield and runs as far south as I-70 near Effingham. The Lincoln, Illinois NWS forecasts the event to begin around 4 p.m. and move south.

Forming north of I-74 by late afternoon, but much of the severe weather will be in the evening. Tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds are expected, the Lincoln, Illinois NWS said. As the evening progresses, the tornado threat will diminish, but large hail remains a significant concern.

A 5% tornado risk stretches east from Springfield. NOAA Storm Prediction Center

The tornado risk sits at 5% as the highest risk for the region. This risk area begins near Springfield and runs eastward. There is a Cig-1 intensity risk, meaning there is an increased chance for an EF-2+ tornado if a tornado does indeed form.

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A 30% hail risk stretches across Central Illinois. NOAA Storm Prediction Center

The highest risk will be hail, with a 30% chance of hail reaching Springfield and then moving eastward. There is also a Cig-1 intensity risk for hail, meaning an increased risk of 2+ inch hail.

A 30% wind risk stretches across Central Illinois. NOAA Storm Prediction Center

There is also a 30% severe wind risk for the region within the enhanced risk as well. There is a Cig-1 intensity risk for this as well with an increased chance of 75+ mph winds.

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Moving just slightly west of Springfield, the severe weather threat drops to a slight risk for Jacksonville, with lowered tornado risks down to 2%. There is also a 15% wind and hail risk.

For the St. Louis area, the strongest storms will pass through the area between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. tonight. There is only a marginal risk of severe storms for the area with no tornado risk, a 5% severe wind risk and a 5% severe hail risk.

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Behind a southward-moving cold front, thunderstorms are expected tonight. A few thunderstorms could be severe with large hail, especially across northeastern MO and west-central/south-central IL, the St. Louis NWS said.
HONG KONG, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong maintained third place globally and continued to hold the top position in the Asia-Pacific region in a financial centers index published Thursday by British and Chinese think tanks.

The Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) 39 Report, released by British think tank Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen, assessed a total of 120 financial centers around the world.

According to the report, Hong Kong's overall rating increased by 1 point to 765. The rating gaps with first place (New York) and second place (London) were only 2 points and 1 point, respectively.

Hong Kong continued to rank first globally in fintech offerings. In the assessment by practitioners in various financial industry sectors, Hong Kong's rankings generally improved. Notably, Hong Kong's rankings in the "banking" and "finance" sectors leapt to first place worldwide. Hong Kong continued to top the global ranking in the "insurance" sector, while the ranking in the "investment management" sector rose to second place globally.

In addition, Hong Kong's rankings in the five areas of competitiveness, namely "business environment," "human capital," "infrastructure," "financial sector development" and "reputational and general," continued to stay among the global top three positions.

A spokesperson for China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said that this year marks the beginning of the national 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong will proactively align with the plan, foster new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, and accelerate the high-quality economic and financial development.

Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to play its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder," and seize the opportunities emerging from the reshaping of the global investment landscape, the spokesperson added.

The GFCI Report is released in March and September every year since 2007. 
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday that imports of beef from Australia had reached 50 percent of the annual quota under its safeguard measures, triggering an upcoming tariff adjustment.

According to the ministry, Australian beef imports hit the threshold on Wednesday, and an additional 55 percent tariff will be imposed on such imports starting on Friday. 
This is not a movie! Firefighters charged fearlessly into a wall of flames during a high-stakes petrochemical fire drill in Kunming, southwest China.
CAIRO, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran has recently threatened to open a new front in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. and Israel launch a ground offensive against Iran. The warning signals that Tehran's Yemeni ally, the Houthi movement, could resume attacks on the vital Red Sea shipping lane.

The Houthis control much of northern Yemen. They have stayed largely on the sidelines since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28. The restraint contrasts with the Houthis' actions during the Gaza war, when they repeatedly targeted shipping and disrupted global trade.

Why are the Houthis holding back? Will they join the fight? What would their involvement mean for energy markets? Here's what you need to know.

"STRATEGIC RESTRAINT"

After the Feb. 28 strikes, the Houthis pledged "full support" for Iran. Leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said March 5 that the group has its hands "on the trigger," but has yet to act.

On Thursday, al-Houthi repeated that his group stands ready to take military action if the Middle East conflict escalates, while reaffirming close ties with Iran.

Analysts say the group is exercising "strategic restraint," arguing that entering such a major war carries serious risks for the Houthis.

Joining the conflict would likely trigger U.S. and Israeli strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in northern Yemen, a region already under severe economic strain after years of war and blockade. Sustained bombardment could cost the Houthis both territory and public legitimacy.

A broader offensive could also give Yemen's internationally recognized government an opening to launch a counteroffensive. The two sides have been at war for more than a decade. The Yemeni government has warned the Houthis against dragging the country into the wider conflict.

POSSIBLE ACTION

On March 20, Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told Russian state media the group was weighing all options, including blocking the Bab el-Mandeb to ships from "aggressor countries."

He said any closure would target only vessels from states attacking Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, or Iraq.

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 21 that Saudi officials are working to keep the Houthis out of the fight. The U.S. and Israel are also trying to avoid provoking them, a U.S. official said.

Maysaa Shujaa al-Deen, a researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, said the signal to act may not have come because Iran does not yet need it.

Given Iran's proximity to the conflict, a Houthi intervention may be seen as a card held in reserve -- to be played only if fighting escalates into a full-scale ground war or a total blockade of Iranian interests.

POTENTIAL IMPACT

Iran is already restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor, pushing up oil and gas prices.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a key chokepoint for shipping between the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean. If the Houthis were to block it, global energy supplies could face a double disruption.

Reuters reported that the U.S. is considering deploying troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz and potentially strike Iran's Kharg Island, about 15 miles off the Iranian coast, which handles roughly 90 percent of the country's oil exports.

An Iranian military source issued a stark warning, saying that reckless U.S. action in Hormuz could trigger a second crisis. "They should be careful not to add another strait to their problems," the source said.

On March 21, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. He later ordered a five-day delay on strikes following "productive" talks with Iran, and on Thursday, extended the deadline another 10 days to April 6. 
* The 2026 annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is being held from March 24 to 27 under the theme "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."

* This year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA. The forum has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the wider world.

* At this year's BFA annual conference, China's high-quality development and further opening up took center stage as an answer to the uncertainties in the world.

BOAO, Hainan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- As the humid spring breeze drifts in from the South China Sea, Boao, a tranquil town on China's tropical island of Hainan, once again draws global attention.

The 2026 annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is being held here from March 24 to 27 under the theme "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."

As the world faces increasing geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism, policymakers, business leaders and scholars from across the globe have gathered at the resort town with a shared expectation that "Boao voices" can offer clarity, confidence and consensus at a time of mounting uncertainty.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at Thursday's plenary that the forum has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the wider world.

Only by working together in solidarity can humanity address global risks and challenges and create a better future, Zhao said.

This year, participants have widely viewed Boao as more than an annual gathering. It has become a barometer of Asia's confidence and a venue where ideas for a more inclusive and balanced form of globalization are tested, an indication that even in turbulent times, dialogue and cooperation remain within reach.

A plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 is held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A QUARTER-CENTURY LONG COMMITMENT

Founded in 2001, the BFA is celebrating its silver jubilee at this year's annual conference, underscoring both its symbolic weight and the scale of Asia's transformation.

Over a quarter century ago, few in this once-quiet fishing village at the mouth of the Wanquan River would have imagined it could command the world's attention one day, nor could they foresee a key platform promoting the development of the whole continent rising from their flake yard.

Yet over the past 25 years, Boao has grown into a platform closely intertwined with Asia's rise, serving as both a witness to and participant in the region's transformation.

When the forum was founded, China's GDP stood at roughly 9.59 trillion yuan (about 1.38 trillion U.S. dollars) and was just a newcomer to the World Trade Organization. Today, the figure has surpassed 140 trillion, with China emerging as a leading advocate of globalization and trade liberalization.

The broader region has followed a similar trajectory, transforming from a fast-moving latecomer into a pace-setter in many fields and turning Asia from a participant in global development into one of its central hubs.

Today, Asia is home to the world's largest population, generates roughly half of global GDP, and serves as a key anchor for globalization and free trade.

"Many people believe that the 'Asian Century' has already arrived," BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said when addressing a press conference.

A BFA report said Asia remains the world's primary growth engine, with its share of global GDP expected to rise to 49.7 percent in 2026 from 49.2 percent in 2025 on a purchasing power parity basis.

The report also noted that Asia continues to be the premier destination globally for foreign direct investment, recognized for its resilience, growth potential and enduring appeal to global investors, with China and ASEAN leading as the most attractive destinations.

Emphasizing the sweeping changes reshaping the global landscape, along with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, Ban Ki-moon, BFA chairman and former UN Secretary-General, said that Asia's robust growth has been driven largely by globalization, free trade and regional integration.

"We are proud to be one of the few international organizations that are still committed to rebuilding trust, reuniting solidarity and rekindling cooperation," Ban noted.

"Over the past 25 years, we can recall many pictures when Asia had to overcome a multitude of challenges, ranging from financial crises, non-traditional security issues, public health challenges, natural disasters, even the challenge of having to navigate various potential for disputes in our region," said Marty Natalegawa, BFA board member and former Foreign Minister of Indonesia.

But it is precisely thanks to the Boao forum and similar approaches that Asia, as a region, has grown stronger over the past 25 years, Natalegawa noted.

This photo taken on March 23, 2026 shows the outdoor photovoltaic floor tiles in the Boao zero-carbon demonstration zone in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

ANSWERS FOR UNCERTAINTY

Unilateralism, protectionism and power politics are on the rise, casting a long shadow over the global outlook. From debates at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year to the latest flare-ups in the Middle East, signs of fragmentation have become increasingly hard to ignore.

There is far more uncertainty than certainty in the world today, Zhang Jun said during this year's BFA annual conference. Many believe Asia plays a crucial role in this context; this also means the BFA carries greater responsibility and a heavier task at a time like this.

At this year's event, China's high-quality development and further opening up took center stage as an answer to the uncertainties in the world.

Facing headwinds including tariffs and global crises, China has demonstrated strong resilience in recent years, injecting invaluable stability into global supply chains, said Denis Depoux, global managing director at Munich-based consultancy Roland Berger.

Over the past five years, China's economy has grown at a notable average annual rate of 5.4 percent. Its contribution to global economic growth has remained at around 30 percent, underscoring its role as a key engine of the world economy.

China unveiled the outline of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) at the "two sessions" earlier this month, stirring interest among BFA participants.

"In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, the new Five-Year Plan provides a level of institutional certainty that is rare globally," said Zheng Yongnian, a renowned scholar and professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.

Highlighting China's status as the largest trading partner for more than 160 countries and regions, Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar echoed this view, noting that China's economic sustainability remains a key pillar of global stability due to its central role in supporting the world economy.

"The 15th Five-Year Plan will not only present opportunities for China, but also for the global community at large," said Sklyar.

Zheng said that the "open-source" nature of Chinese modernization offers a new path to solving the problems of unbalanced and inadequate global development. "China's open-source approach extends the 'ladder' after its own rise, advancing common global modernization through encouraging and assisting other nations' development."

This approach is reflected in China's continued push for opening up. During this year's four-day BFA annual conference, China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area, marks the 100th day since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations, a landmark policy in China's efforts to promote free trade and expand high-standard opening up.

In the 100 days, total imports and exports of the FTP have exceeded 80 billion yuan, up 32.9 percent year on year.

Underscoring China's commitment to free trade and deeper international cooperation, Zhao Leji, the top legislator, said the country will expand institutional opening up and enhance the quality and standards of trade and investment cooperation.

"China will further expand high-standard opening up and share opportunities and create a better future together with the rest of the world," Zhao said. (Video reporters: Zhang Nan, Guo Liangchuan, Zhao Yuhe, Xu Yang and Wan Shuai; video editors: Liang Wanshan, Wei Yin and Wang Han) 
ADDIS ABABA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- At least nine migrants have died, and 45 others are missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Thursday.

"A tragic shipwreck occurred during the night of March 24 off the coast of Djibouti. Nine dead, 45 missing, out of 320 passengers," the IOM announced in an update on the social media platform X.

The United Nations migration agency said it is working with local authorities to assist survivors and support search and rescue efforts.

So far, the bodies of three women and six men have been recovered, while over 120 survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, are currently receiving assistance at IOM's Migrant Response Center in the nearby town of Obock.

"This tragic shipwreck may sadly mark the first of many incidents this year and comes at a time when the hot season is just starting in Djibouti, bringing rougher seas and strong winds that place migrants at even greater risk," Tanja Pacifico, IOM chief of mission in Djibouti, warned in a statement.

According to the statement, the migrants were attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Djibouti to Yemen when the incident occurred. The movement also took place at "a time of mounting instability across the Middle East."

The IOM classified the Red Sea route, also known as the eastern migration route connecting the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, as "one of the busiest and riskiest migration routes in the world traveled by hundreds of thousands of migrants, most of whom travel irregularly, often relying on smugglers to facilitate movement."

In a report released on Monday, the IOM disclosed that 922 deaths and disappearances were recorded along the eastern route in 2025, almost double the 558 reported in 2024, making 2025 the deadliest year on record since its Missing Migrants Project was launched in 2014.

Over the past decade, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, estimated that this route has claimed around 3,400 lives. With the surge in irregular migration traffic matched by a worsening humanitarian toll, experts urge a coordinated regional response, as thousands of desperate migrants continue to risk their lives crossing the perilous waters.

Agnes Igoye, a migration expert with IGAD, told Xinhua recently that the route is a key pathway for irregular migrants from Horn of Africa countries as they attempt to cross "harsh overland treks through deserts and risky sea voyages" in hopes of reaching Yemen, often seen as a gateway to Gulf countries.

She said limited safe and regular migration pathways, coupled with deepening economic hardship, leave many with few alternatives. The promise of work in the Middle East and Gulf countries continues to draw young people despite the grave risks.

Experts and policymakers emphasize that addressing the escalating challenges associated with the Red Sea migration route requires a comprehensive strategy that targets the root causes of migration through long-term measures to address conflict, poverty, unemployment, and climate-related challenges. 
SANAA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Houthi group, said Thursday his group stands ready to take military action if developments in the Middle East conflict warrant it, while reiterating strong ties with Iran.

In a televised address aired by Al-Masirah TV, al-Houthi said Iran had provided official support to Yemen during its ongoing crisis, describing their relationship as one of mutual loyalty.

"We, as the Yemeni people, reciprocate loyalty with loyalty," he said, adding that Iran was the only country that officially supported Yemen during its crisis.

The Houthi leader underscored his group's willingness to engage militarily, saying any escalation in the regional conflict could lead to direct military action.

"Should developments in the battle require a military position, we will not hesitate to take it, as we have done in previous rounds," he said, referring to past confrontations involving the group against Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

Last week, Yemen's Houthi group said that it is closely monitoring the developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and would take "appropriate action" in the face of unfolding events in the region.

The group said in a statement that the United States has placed itself in a "strategic predicament," and is attempting to draw others into a broader conflict.

The development came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
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CAIRO, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The 27th day of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict saw heavy fighting and no breakthrough on a ceasefire.

After issuing more warnings to Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday extended his deadline for strikes on Iranian energy facilities by 10 days. Israel said it was intensifying attacks after Iran's morning missile salvo injured nine people.

Market hopes for a quick end to the war have faded, dragging down stocks and pushing up oil prices. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in its latest Economic Outlook that global growth is expected to slow to 2.9 percent in 2026, down from 3.3 percent last year, citing the Middle East conflict as a key factor.

The following is an overview of the latest developments in the escalating crisis affecting much of the region and beyond.

The United States

-- Trump said Thursday he would pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, extending the deadline to April 6, saying talks are "going very well."

-- Earlier, Trump warned Iran to "get serious soon, before it is too late," claiming Tehran was seeking a deal. He later told a Cabinet meeting he was uncertain whether he wanted to reach an agreement at all, and expressed frustration with NATO for declining to join operations against Iran.

Israel

-- Iran launched seven waves of missile strikes against Israel in the span of a few hours Thursday, wounding nine people in Israel and the West Bank and causing widespread damage as cluster warheads scattered submunitions across broad areas.

-- The Israeli military killed the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, in an overnight airstrike, Defense Minister Israel Katz said, calling it a show of support for U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has yet to comment on Israel's claim.

-- One Israeli soldier was killed and four others wounded when a Hezbollah anti-tank missile struck a tank in southern Lebanon. Israel said its forces killed several militants and were continuing operations in the area.

-- Israel said it was expanding its ground offensive in Lebanon, deploying an additional division as it pushes toward the Litani River.

-- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is "continuing to strike with force" Iranian government targets.

-- Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and drones at northern Israel, the Magen David Adom ambulance service said. At least one direct hit was reported, with fragments reaching Tel Aviv, wounding at least eight people and damaging buildings.

-- Israel said it has struck more than 1,000 Iranian weapons production sites as part of intensified attacks on Tehran's military industries.

Iran

-- Iran sent its formal response to a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal through intermediaries and is awaiting a reply, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

-- Iran launched multiple missile attacks toward Israel hours after Israeli forces completed a "wide-scale wave of strikes" in central Iran's Isfahan province and elsewhere, triggering air raid sirens across Israel.

-- President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran seeks a "complete" end to the war and wants to ensure security and peace across the region.

-- More than 350 vessels are awaiting Iran's permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, 27 days into the conflict, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

-- Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also warned hotels in Gulf Arab states against accommodating U.S. military personnel, accusing American soldiers of abandoning their bases and sheltering in civilian locations.

China

-- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged all parties to work toward conditions for "truly meaningful and sincere peace talks."

Iraq

-- Iraq reaffirmed its "firm rejection" of any attacks on Gulf Arab states and Jordan, saying Arab security is inseparable from its own.

Kuwait

-- Kuwait's Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted and monitored several hostile threats in its airspace over the past 24 hours, state news agency KUNA reported.

Bahrain

-- Bahrain's Defense Force said its air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 154 missiles and 350 drones targeting the kingdom since the conflict began.

United Arab Emirates

-- Falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile killed two people and wounded three others in Abu Dhabi, authorities said. Several cars were also damaged.

-- The UAE Defense Ministry said its forces have intercepted a total of 372 ballistic missiles and 1,826 drones since the conflict began.

Qatar

-- Qatar Airways released an updated flight schedule through April 15 showing gradual increases in service to more than 90 destinations.

Saudi Arabia

-- Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan warned the conflict could have significant global economic consequences, saying markets have yet to fully price in the risks. He noted that refined products, including fertilizers, steel, and aluminum, have been more directly affected than oil.

-- Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said the kingdom's finances remain strong and stable.

Lebanon

-- At least 13 people were killed and 28 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center.

-- Hezbollah said it struck Israeli military positions, settlements and tanks along the border and hit the Kirya defense complex in Tel Aviv as well as a military intelligence facility north of the city. The group denied Kuwaiti allegations linking it to a plot against senior Gulf officials.

-- Lebanese Shia ministers boycotted a cabinet session to protest a government decision expelling the Iranian ambassador for interference in internal affairs.

-- Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon would file an immediate complaint with the UN Security Council over Israeli actions south of the Litani River, warning they pose a serious threat to Lebanese sovereignty.

Yemen

-- Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said Thursday his group is prepared to take military action if the conflict warrants it, reaffirming close ties with Iran. A Houthi official separately told media the group stands ready to resume Red Sea strikes in solidarity with Tehran.

Turkiye

-- After a Turkish-operated crude oil tanker was attacked in the Black Sea off Istanbul, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the strike violated international law and posed serious risks to navigation and the environment in Turkey's exclusive economic zone.

Egypt

-- President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi warned of the conflict's economic fallout on the region and beyond, particularly its effects on energy prices and supply chains. He condemned attacks on Arab states and called for de-escalation.

-- Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, reaffirmed Egypt's support for Lebanese state authority and condemned Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

Pakistan

-- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said U.S.-Iran indirect talks are being conducted through messages relayed by Pakistan. 
Egypt FM hails China's constructive role in addressing Mideast challenges

Xinhua) 08:06, March 26, 2026

CAIRO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday praised "the excellent and very friendly" relationship between Egypt and China, highlighting Beijing's constructive role in addressing Middle East challenges.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, Abdelatty highlighted China's "positive, balanced, and wise policies" in the region.

"We share the same views and objectives of promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve existing problems, because wars only result in destruction," he told Xinhua.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Abdelatty to discuss the situation in the Middle East, which the Egyptian minister described as "warm and constructive."

Abdelatty described bilateral ties as important and steadily developing, noting that the two countries maintain regular, high-level contacts.

"We value an excellent and very friendly relationship between Egypt and China, and this year is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between the two great countries," he said, adding that "We are fully committed to further promoting and enhancing our bilateral relationship."

During the press conference, Abdelatty outlined Egypt's intensive diplomatic efforts, undertaken under the guidance of the country's leadership and in coordination with regional and international partners, to contain escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which has affected the security of several Arab states.

He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to pursuing a diplomatic path and promoting dialogue.

Reiterating Egypt's "unwavering and absolute solidarity" with the Gulf states, as well as Jordan and Iraq, Abdelatty condemned what he described as unjustified Iranian strikes, stressing that Egypt has extended all forms of support to help end the conflict.

He also highlighted Egypt's ongoing communications with both the United States and Iran to encourage negotiations, in coordination with regional and international partners, aimed at preventing further escalation, instability, and global economic disruption.

"Egypt backs and is open to all initiatives aimed at ending the war," Abdelatty said.

Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities on Feb. 28, with then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians killed in the strikes. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. bases and assets across the Middle East.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington and Tehran are seeking a deal and share "major points of agreement," after he ordered a five-day delay in planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.

On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that different messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, while Tehran has held no talks with Washington since Feb. 28.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Qabil Ashirov

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have carried out attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-linked targets in the country, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The embassy has urged American citizens to leave Iraq immediately and advised them to avoid the embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil due to ongoing risks associated with rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles in Iraqi airspace.

The attacks come in the aftermath of a series of deadly airstrikes earlier this week that reportedly killed fighters from the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The PMF, a coalition of pro-Iranian militias integrated into Iraqs armed forces, has blamed the United States for the strikes.

The escalation follows the absence of a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. Since February 28, the U.S. and Israel have launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. military facilities across the region.

As tensions intensified between March 1 and 5, the conflict expanded across multiple Middle Eastern countries, raising serious concerns over regional stability. Energy infrastructure and maritime routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are now under significant threat, pushing global oil prices sharply higher and prompting several countries to evacuate their citizens.
BOAO, Hainan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- In the eyes of multinational executives who gathered for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 this week, the recently adopted outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan is a meticulously drawn "construction blueprint" for the world's second-largest economy, and a clear "opportunity list" for global investors.

As trade headwinds and geopolitical fog persist, the message from the resort town in south China's Hainan Province is clear: China is not only opening its market wider, but is also laying out a predictable and high-quality path for the next five years.

"The question is no longer if we should be in China, but is our corporate structure ready to capture the dividends of the 15th Five-Year Plan," said Holger Bingmann, vice chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce.

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan pointed out that China will speed up efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, promote deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, and keep fostering new quality productive forces.

China's focus on developing new quality productive forces reflects a deliberate shift toward advanced manufacturing, new energy industries and innovation-driven growth, which are precisely the sectors that will define global competitiveness in the decades ahead, Dino Otranto, CEO of Australian mining giant Fortescue Metals, told Xinhua in a written interview.

Chinese companies are already central to Fortescue's transformation, Otranto noted. "We are working with Chinese companies on zero-emissions mining equipment, battery energy storage systems, solar technology and wind systems. Beyond equipment, we are collaborating with Chinese researchers and steelmakers to accelerate low-emissions iron and steelmaking pathways."

In January, foreign direct investment in China's research and development and design services surged by 175.1 percent year on year. It demonstrates that multinational corporations are not just selling goods to China, but that they are also building the next generation of products in collaboration with China.

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power has voiced its eagerness to seize the new development opportunities embedded in the blueprint and to further deepen its roots in the Chinese market.

It is very clear in the new plan that China will continue to develop renewable energy and energy storage, and focus on local consumption and demand, which will bring to the business more prosperity, said Mohammad A. Abunayyan, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power.

He told Xinhua that ACWA Power is planning to invest more than 50 billion U.S. dollars in China by 2030, and is going to bring its know-how to work with innovation centers and universities in China to develop and localize seawater desalination technology.

"Hainan Free Trade Port is the real gate opener to the world. It brings us a great opportunity to do refueling services with the green fuel for shipping industries," Abunayyan said.

In the view of many multinational companies, China is not just the "world's factory" but also a "global market."

China has vowed to continue expanding domestic demand and share the dividends of its supersized market. With its 1.4 billion people and the world's largest, fastest-growing middle-income group, there lies enormous potential for investment and consumption.

Additionally, China highlights the need to improve living standards and increase consumer spending, the need to invest in both physical assets and people, and the need to actively expand investment and consumption in the fields of telecommunications, education, healthcare, elderly care and childcare.

"Even if you're working on a niche market in China, the opportunity may be bigger than anywhere else due to the large scale of the market and its rapid growth," said Denis Depoux, global managing director at Munich-based consultancy Roland Berger.

He also noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan sends a strong signal of China's commitment to expanding openness and advancing high-standard institutional opening up. This will provide sustained momentum to grow in China and collaborate with local partners.

"If you're not investing in China, you're just missing out. Something big in your industry may come from here because that innovation will be developed here, scaled here, and then exported elsewhere." 
BOAO, Hainan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Participants at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 have highlighted the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) as a key platform for China's high-standard opening up, underscoring its growing role amid rising global uncertainty and shifting trade patterns.

The annual conference, running from March 24 to 27 in south China's Hainan Province under the theme "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation," has drawn around 2,000 participants from governments, international organizations and the business community.

According to Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Hainan FTP is an emerging free trade port with abundant opportunities for trade in goods and services.

"This is an attractive place for the regional countries, especially ASEAN countries and countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," Khan said.

"China is the leader in technology," said Jack Perry, chairman of The 48 Group in Britain and executive chairman of LEC Robotics. He noted that this will drive both exports of advanced machinery and demand for resources, making efficient trade structures more essential.

He stressed that free trade zones are key to supporting such developments. "I believe Hainan is going to be a leader in this area," he said.

The Hainan FTP, the world's largest free trade port by area, kicked off island-wide special customs operations about three months ago.

Following the launch of island-wide special customs operations, the Hainan FTP now has eight open ports and 10 second-line customs ports, making the tropical island, covering more than 30,000 square kilometers, officially a special customs supervision zone.

Under this policy framework, the number of tariff lines eligible for zero tariffs in the FTP has reached around 6,600, or 74 percent of total tariff items. Zero-tariff goods processed in Hainan are sold to the mainland duty-free if their local processing generated an added value of 30 percent or more.

Perry said he is optimistic about the island's prospects and highlighted its advantages for international cooperation. He also pointed to specific policies that support business growth, including those facilitating value-added production and supply chain integration.

"When you're starting joint ventures and businesses, especially in robotics, you're looking for growth," he said. "Hainan is supporting companies to build supply chain structures together."

Holger Bingmann, vice chairman of the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce, said his visit to Hainan has provided fresh insights into China's commitment to high-level opening up.

Having visited the island before, Bingmann noted that Hainan is entering "a new stage" of development following the launch of island-wide special customs operations.

"I'm absolutely convinced that it will play a vital role," Bingmann said, adding that Hainan combines efficient logistics, favorable trade conditions and a welcoming business environment.

"It is amazing how functional everything is here," he said, stressing that openness to dialogue and the friendliness of local people enhance its attractiveness to international businesses.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening global awareness of Hainan's opportunities.

"The key is to communicate what Hainan offers, in logistics, in trade possibilities, and in real opportunities," he noted, calling for deeper engagement between Chinese and international companies. 
Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows a view of the entrance hall of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon.(Xinhua/Kepseu)

by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze

YAOUNDE, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Abdoulaye Mohammed could not hide his admiration as he gazed at the striking architecture of the Yaounde Conference Center in Cameroon.

The iconic venue is hosting the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which opened on Thursday.

"It is truly magnificent," said the Chadian national, who arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday to attend the conference.

Adorned with the colors of the conference, the building glows spectacularly at night, offering a festive welcome to international attendees. "When I looked at it from afar, I was amazed by its beauty and proud that such a building is in Africa and hosting a mega international event," Mohammed said.

Ulrich Rodrigue, a journalist from the Central African Republic covering the conference, said, "The venue is stunning, drawing everyone's attention with its grandeur and elegance. Its vibrant decorations and modern architecture perfectly blend in with the Yaounde streets."

Perched atop Nkol-Nyada hill, the Yaounde Conference Center was constructed in the 1980s as a China-aided project and has since become one of Cameroon's most recognizable landmarks.

The center is divided into three pavilions, featuring a 1,500-seat inaugural hall, a 400-seat tripartite hall, two 100-seat halls, and several smaller rooms accommodating 50 guests. Two large halls of nearly 2,000 square meters each, a hall balcony, and two lobbies further enhance its versatility. The entire site spans 18 hectares. From its hilltop perch, it offers sweeping panoramic views of Yaounde.

Michel Ndongo, who lives three km from the main entrance, recalls witnessing the building's construction firsthand. "This place was just a hill covered in trees, like a forest. When the Chinese arrived here and started the construction, we never thought we would see such a beautiful building," said the 72-year-old resident.

Ndongo observed the painstaking work of Chinese and local builders, brick by brick, as they turned the hill into a centerpiece shaping the city's skyline.

Today, the Yaounde Conference Center stands not only for its architectural elegance but also for its central role in Cameroonian public life.

"The building, designed as a conference center, has a multi-purpose space for any political, economic, or socio-cultural activities. The center is a symbol of elegance, prestige, and national pride," said Christophe Mien Zok, general manager of the Yaounde Conference Center.

"Since its inauguration, it has hosted a diverse array of events, including political summits, international conferences, academic colloquiums, official ceremonies, cultural festivals, and even large weddings and concerts," Zok added.

Edwin Arrey Etta, a Cameroonian delegate attending the conference, highlighted the center as a testament to Sino-Cameroonian cooperation.

"This infrastructure has now become a historical landmark, and we thank the Chinese for their friendship," Etta said. 

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows a view of the 1,500-seat inaugural hall of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon.(Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows a view of the 1,500-seat inaugural hall of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows a view of the 1,500-seat inaugural hall of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows a view of the entrance hall of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows an external view of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows an external view of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows an external view of the Yaounde Conference Center in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu)
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy in the morning, then off and on rain showers during the afternoon hours. High 62F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain showers in the evening will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low around 50F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Delegates attend the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 26, 2026. The four-day 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) opened on Thursday in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, bringing together ministers of economy, trade, and development from around the world, alongside representatives of global economic and trade organizations. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

YAOUNDE, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The four-day 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) opened on Thursday in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, bringing together ministers of economy, trade, and development from around the world, alongside representatives of global economic and trade organizations.

In his welcome remarks, Cameroon's Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana affirmed the country's commitment to promoting trade that is equitable, open, and inclusive.

"One of the main goals of this conference is to make progress on a reform program aimed at strengthening the capacity of the institution to respond to the changing world economy. The reform must lead to a stronger and more effective WTO," he said, stressing the need for WTO reform.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the challenges facing global trade, citing conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere as sources of disruption and uncertainty. She urged members to chart a path forward for the global trading system.

"It is no secret that the world trading system is experiencing the worst disruptions in the past 80 years," Okonjo-Iweala said. "It is time to tackle the problems that beset the organization and detract from its performance. We cannot forever complain and then miss the opportunity to fix the problems."

The ministerial conference, the WTO's highest decision-making body, is generally held every two years. 

Delegates attend the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 26, 2026. The four-day 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) opened on Thursday in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, bringing together ministers of economy, trade, and development from around the world, alongside representatives of global economic and trade organizations. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)
Blue and red police lights at a crime scene. Ajax9/Getty Images/iStockphoto

EDWARDSVILLE  A Colorado Springs, Colorado, man faces multiple felony charges related to identity theft and theft after taking more than $50,000 from his father, an Edwardsville resident.

The 47-year-old suspect was charged March 19 with identity theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability, both Class 1 felonies; and aggravated identity theft and two counts of theft, all Class 2 felonies.

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The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case.

According to court documents, on May 29, 2024, the suspect allegedly used personal information about his father, a senior citizen, to fraudulently obtain credit or a leasehold interest in real property valued between $10,000-$100,000; between Sept. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024, took control of more than $50,000 belonging to his father; on Sept. 11 and Dec. 4, 2024, obtained between $10,000-$100,000 from his father by falsely claiming to be under treatment for cancer.

The suspect was ordered released from custody.

New Hampshire man charged in Edwardsville identity theft case

A 41-year-old Manchester, New Hampshire, man was charged March 20 with identity theft, a Class 3 felony, and obstructing identification, a Class A misdemeanor.

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The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case.

According to court documents, on Oct. 16, the suspect allegedly used another persons Kentucky drivers license to commit a theft by presenting the ID at Verizon Wireless, 6695 Edwardsville Cross Drive, Edwardsville, to obtain a cell phone valued in excess of $500; and gave a false name to an Edwardsville Police officer.

The suspect was ordered released from custody.

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St. Louis man charged with possessing stolen vehicle registration

A 37-year-old St. Louis man was charged March 19 with possession of a stolen title/certificate/plate, a Class 2 felony.

The Alton Police Department presented the case.

According to court documents, on Dec. 8, the suspect was allegedly found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle registration plate.

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He was ordered released from custody.

Glen Carbon man charged in Edwardsville burglary

A 20-year-old Glen Carbon man was charged March 23 with burglary, a Class 3 felony.

The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case.

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According to court documents, on March 20, the suspect allegedly entered a Volkswagen Beetle in the 1000 block of Plummer Drive in Edwardsville to commit theft.

The suspect was ordered released from custody.

St. Louis man faces forgery charges

A 56-year-old St. Louis man was charged March 19 with two counts of forgery, both Class 3 felonies.

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The Glen Carbon Police Department presented the case.

According to court documents, on June 19, the suspect allegedly passed a bad check for $5,840 and presented false accounting documents.

The suspect was ordered released from custody.

Cottage Hills woman charged with felony retail theft

A 61-year-old Cottage Hills woman was charged March 19 with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony.

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The Madison County Sheriffs Department presented the case.

According to court documents, between March 1-18, the suspect allegedly took multiple food products, inhalers, and other items valued in excess of $300 from the Godfrey Walmart, 6660 Godfrey Road.

She was ordered released from custody.

Alton woman charged in Pontoon Beach iPhone theft

A 42-year-old Alton woman was charged March 19 with theft, a Class 3 felony.

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The Pontoon Beach Police Department presented the case.

According to court documents, on Feb. 5, the suspect allegedly took control of an Apple iPhone 13 valued at more than $500 belonging to another person.

She was ordered released from custody.

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Furniture sits abandoned in rural Cass County. Courtesy of the Cass County Sheriff's Department

Although illegal dumping reports seem to be declining across the region, Illinois EPA officials say the issue still leads in complaints.

Open dumping has become less of a problem over the years, according to Cass County Sheriff Devron Ohrn, but deputies investigated furniture being tossed on the side of a road earlier this month near Beardstown.

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A 49-year-old woman subsequently was cited on a charge of illegal dumping.

"It used to be really bad, we had areas that ... if you don't get it right away when somebody dumps something  either clean it up or figure it out or get them to clean it up  then another person will do it," Ohrn said.

Cass County mostly deals with people dumping household items such as furniture and construction debris  shingles, drywall, insulation, etc.  from house renovations.

In rural Greene County, Illinois Department of Transportation workers dumped deer carcasses along the bank of a creek near a farmer's property. Conservation police said in early March that they were investigating the dumping.

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Greene County State's Attorney Craig Grummel said no information about the case has made it to his office, and the transportation department did not answer questions about any disciplinary actions taken.

"We addressed as soon as we became aware and employees were counseled on proper policy and assurances were given that similar incidents wont happen in the future, the transportation department said in a statement.

An indentation was left in the bank of Apple Creek after Illinois Department of Transportation employees dumped deer carcasses there. This image was taken by department employee Nathan Varble and sent to Conservation Officer Jacob Hopper on Feb. 24 to tell him the deer had been removed. Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Nolin Moon, section manager for field operations with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, said open dumping is the No. 1 issue about which his office receives complaints.

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"Illinois crafted a law to prohibit open dumping because of environmental concerns," Moon said. "It's not just an eyesore."

Out of the 869 complaints made in 2025 to the Illinois EPA about statewide issues, a "good deal of them" were about open dumping, he said.

"There are a lot of potentials of open dumping that sound horrible, like creating toxic gases; you can have fire and explosion hazards," Moon said, noting that it's less an issue of people actively avoiding taking waste to a landfill and more an issue of "just not caring that much."

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Moon confirmed the Illinois EPA investigated a case of open dumping in February in Greene County.


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HARARE, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Beverly Kuveya bent over her modest plot in Murewa, a town in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province, surveying the vibrant green shoots of Juncao grass that have multiplied from just 20 cuttings she planted last November.

"Some call it a magic plant, I call it a miracle plant," she said.

Juncao, a hybrid grass originally developed in China for mushroom cultivation, has evolved into a versatile agricultural resource, enhancing food security, generating income, and promoting environmental protection.

Recognizing its potential, the Zimbabwean government has supported the technology, with China-aided experts stationed at Gwebi Agricultural College near the capital, Harare, providing training to students, farmers, and agricultural experts.

Since the first public technical training course on Juncao was introduced in the country in April 2025, about 500 individuals have been trained, according to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.

As one of the first Zimbabwean farmers selected to grow Juncao, Kuveya has seen the grass flourish in just four months. Each cutting has produced at least 16 shoots, transforming her plot into a field of growth and opportunity.

She recently attended a three-day Juncao technology workshop in Harare, organized by the ministry and China's Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, among others, to further refine her skills.

Kuveya now uses Juncao as a substrate for mushroom cultivation, eliminating the need for costly commercial alternatives.

"The price of the substrate that I used to grow mushrooms increased. Now, if I grow Juncao grass, I can make low-cost substrate, and that gives me a competitive advantage in the market because I can reduce the price of my mushrooms by as much as 25 percent for a 200g packet," she said.

The benefits of Juncao extend well beyond mushrooms. Its nutrient-rich shoots feed livestock, the leftovers enrich the soil as organic fertilizer, and dense rows of grass act as windbreaks, protecting other crops.

It even prevents soil erosion, which is good for the land and for the planet, she added.

Nyasha Mupaso, a Juncao farmer from Seke District in Mashonaland East Province, noted that Juncao technology can also support tobacco curing by providing sustainable biomass fuel alternatives that alleviate pressure on forests.

In Zimbabwe, Africa's largest tobacco producer, curing the crop relies heavily on firewood, leading to deforestation.

"Yes, we are getting money from tobacco, but in the long run, it is not going to be worth it. I think Juncao is presenting an opportunity for the tobacco industry," he said.

Climate change-induced food insecurity has intensified competition for grain between humans and livestock, and Juncao can relieve the pressure by serving as an alternative for animal feed, said Medlinah Magwenzi, chief director for agricultural and rural development advisory services at the ministry.

"Zimbabwe will be empowered, and if our farmers here adopt it, we are very sure that we will have food security," Magwenzi said during the workshop. 
India and the Middle East economies are, in 2026, extremely interlinked. The fact that 13 per cent of the countrys exports go to the region is reason enough for any tremors in the Persian gulf hurting India. Moreover, the Trump-led action led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 7080 per cent of our LPG supplies flow.

It is to this delicate balance that the Israel-USIran war threw a wrench.

When Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declared on Thursday that the country would permit passage through the Strait of Hormuz "for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan", it was a win for the nation.

When global headwinds blow in Indias direction, we use the trade and remittances from the Middle East to balance things off. This time, however, the epicentre of the tornado is the same region. While India has come out on top with Iran on the Hormuz issue, as long as the conflict continues, the country needs to take more steps to secure its position.

Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar is already in France for the G7 meeting of the foreign ministers. The Middle East crisis is the top talking point. It is expected that the body would take a coordinating call to figure out ways in which the Strait of Hormuz can remain open for international shipping.

What is more interesting is that India is not a member of the G7, which includes Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, the US, and the UK. It was invited as a partner country by the current chair of the G7, France. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Brazil have also been extended the invite by France.
The Indian stock markets are closed for trading on March 26, Thursday, on account of Ram Navami. It is widely celebrated across the nation by people of the Hindu faith.

In Hindu mythology, it commemorates the birth of Ram, born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. As the epic of Ramayana goes, Ram destroys the demon king Ravan, marking the triumph of dharma.

Indian bourses are closed on special days that are notified earlier my the exchanges.

List of market holidays in 2026

Here is the list of upcoming holidays as notifiied by the NSE and the BSE:

Mar 31, 2026 Tuesday: Mahavir Jayanti

Apr 03, 2026 Friday: Good Friday

Apr 14, 2026 Tuesday: Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti

May 01, 2026 Friday: Maharashtra Day

May 28, 2026 Thursday: Bakrid

Jun 26, 2026 Friday: Muharram

Sep 14, 2026 Monday: Ganesh Chaturthi

Oct 02, 2026 Friday: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

Oct 20, 2026 Tuesday: Dussehra

Nov 10, 2026 Tuesday: Diwali-Balipratipada

Nov 24, 2026 Tuesday: Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev

Dec 25, 2026 Friday: Christmas

The following special days fall on Sundays this year, when the markets are anyway closed.

Aug 15, 2026: Independence Day

Nov 08, 2026: Diwali Laxmi Pujan
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modis long legal battle to avoid extradition to India has suffered another major setback, with the High Court of Justice in London refusing to reopen his challenge against the extradition order. The ruling significantly narrows Modis remaining legal options and moves the case closer to its final stage, though the process of bringing him back to India may still take time due to the remedies still available under UK and European human rights law.

The latest order came from the Kings Bench Division of the UK High Court, which rejected Modis plea to reopen earlier proceedings that had already cleared his extradition. The court held that the circumstances presented by Modi were not exceptional enough to justify reopening the case.

We have considered these assurances very carefully indeed. On the one hand, the mutual confidence and trust that exists between two friendly powers who have entered into binding treaty arrangements must be accorded considerable weight, as well concomitantly as solemn assurances proffered within the same framework, Lord Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Justice Robert Jay observed in the judgment.

On the other hand, we must recognise that there is some force in Mr Fitzgeralds (Modis counsel) submission that some of the affidavit evidence placed before us comes from persons who, on the basis of Bhandari, have condoned or turned a blind-eye to unacceptable treatment of detainees. Nonetheless, that submission travels only a certain distance in circumstances where, as we find, these assurances have been given by the GoI in good faith and with the intention that they should be binding. They have not been given with an eye to wriggling out of them should the need or opportunity to do so arise, they further observed.

Under UK law, once appeals are exhausted, a case can be reopened only in rare and exceptional situations, usually involving new evidence or serious legal error. The courts refusal effectively means that previous rulings approving extradition remain in force.

A long legal battle since 2019

Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, has been lodged in Londons Wandsworth Prison since his arrest in March 2019. His extradition was first approved by the Westminster Magistrates Court in 2021. This decision was upheld by the UK High Court in 2022, which rejected his appeal and held that there was a prima facie case against him in India and that the Indian government had provided sufficient assurances regarding prison conditions and his safety.

Modi then attempted to approach the UK Supreme Court, but permission to appeal was refused, effectively exhausting his standard appeal options. The latest attempt to reopen the case was seen as a last effort to restart the legal challenge from an earlier stage, but the High Courts refusal has closed that route as well.

What happens in the Westminster Court now

The case is now listed before the Westminster Magistrates Court again, where procedural and administrative aspects of extradition are expected to be addressed. At this stage, the court typically deals with the execution of the extradition order and ensures that all legal formalities have been completed before a person is surrendered to the requesting country.

Once the court clears the final procedural stage, the extradition order requires administrative clearance, including formal approval by the UK government. Only after these steps are completed can the physical extradition take place.

The European Court may be the last legal option

Despite the setback in the UK High Court, Nirav Modi still has the option of approaching the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This is now considered his most significant remaining legal remedy. If he files an application before the ECHR, he can seek an interim stay on extradition by arguing that being sent to India would violate his human rights.

In earlier hearings, Modis legal team had argued that he suffers from severe depression and that extradition could pose a risk to his mental health and even lead to suicide. However, UK courts had previously accepted Indias assurances regarding prison conditions, including arrangements at Mumbais Arthur Road Jail, and ruled that extradition would not be unjust or oppressive.

If the European Court grants an interim stay, extradition could be delayed again. If it refuses to intervene, the UK authorities can proceed with the extradition process.

The cases waiting in India

If extradited, Nirav Modi will face multiple criminal proceedings in India. These include a Central Bureau of Investigation case related to the PNB fraud, an Enforcement Directorate case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and a separate case alleging that he attempted to interfere with witnesses and evidence in the fraud investigation. Indian agencies allege that Modi, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, orchestrated one of the largest banking frauds in India by fraudulently obtaining Letters of Undertaking from Punjab National Bank and siphoning off thousands of crores.

Extradition closer than ever, but not immediate

Legally, the refusal of the UK High Court to reopen the case is a significant moment because it indicates that most of Nirav Modis appeal routes in the UK have now been exhausted. However, extradition in such high-profile economic offences often involves prolonged legal and administrative procedures. Even at this stage, the process could take several more months, especially if a petition is filed before the European Court of Human Rights.

The case also has broader significance for India, which has been attempting to extradite several high-profile economic offenders who fled the country. UK courts have repeatedly upheld Indias case in the Modi matter, particularly accepting the evidence presented and the assurances on prison conditions, making this one of the strongest extradition cases pursued by Indian authorities in recent years.

For Modi, the legal window is rapidly narrowing. What remains are largely last-ditch remedies rather than full appeals. The upcoming proceedings in the Westminster Magistrates Court and any move before the European human rights court will now determine how soon India can finally bring him back to face trial.
Hot pursuit is often resorted to as a battle measure, so as to prevent the fleeing enemy from regrouping and launching a counter-attack. But not always advisable. At times, the flight might be a trap. In the Battle of Austerlitz, we saw how Napoleon resorted to a tactical retreat so as to lure the enemy into pursuing him into a trap that he had laid. This too is a similar story.



With the Mughal power declining after the death of Aurangzeb, several regional powers rose in several parts of India. The most prominent among them were the Marathas under the Peshwas, who established their sway over Delhi and most of the Gangetic Plain by the middle of the 18th century. Even after their defeat at the hands of Ahmed Shah Durrani in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761, they continued to hold sway over Delhi and most of the north. They even routed the Rohillas who had blinded Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, and restored him to the Delhi throne.

It was then that the British, who ruled Bengal and Bihar, emerged as a powerful challenge to them. Under the leadership of Lord Gerard Lake, they overran most of the Gangetic plain, captured Aligarh and set their sights on Delhi.



The Maratha army in Delhi was then led by a French mercenary named Louis Bourquin. Those days, many European mercenaries used to offer their services to local rulers. They used to train the Indian troops in European-style drills and tactics.

In 1803, Lord Lake marched towards Delhi and camped in the village of Patparganj (now a suburb of Delhi) on the eastern bank of the Yamuna. Upon hearing this, Bourquin crossed the river with the Maratha army and took up position on a hill he deemed suitable.

It was a battlefield that was truly advantageous to Bourquin. He had the high ground, the Yamuna behind him, and swamps on both sides of the hill. That left Lake no option but to attack from the front, which could easily be blunted.

ALSO READ: How Napoleon lured an army to frozen death

Concealing his infantry and artillery in the rear, Lake launched a frontal assault on the Marathas with a small cavalry force. Bourquin's hidden Maratha cannons fired at them. Lake's cavalry began to falter. Losing his own horse, Lake jumped onto another and ordered his remaining cavalry to retreat.



However, the retreat was very slow, towards the open countryside beyond the swamps on the sides. The elated Maratha army, in their moment of victory, forgot the fact that the slopes just below the hill were swampy, and charged down the hill to pursue and crush Lakes army. Lake's hidden cannons opened fire at that opportune moment. A good part of the Maratha army fell to the cannon fire, and the rest into the swamps.



Lake entered Delhi in triumph, and the poor Emperor Shah Alam had no choice but to welcome him. With this, North India came almost entirely under British control. The Emperor's authority was reduced to the city of Delhi and the suburbs, including the village of Palam, leading to a popular saying - "Sultanat-e-Shah Alam, from Delhi to Palam."
The Congress on Wednesday has hinted that it will enter into a "friendly fight" with its allies in certain constituencies of Puducherry.

The 30 constituencies of the Union Territory (UT) will go the polls on April 9, with votes to be counted on May 4.

This comes after the Congress and DMK managed to agree on seat-sharing for the Puducherry polls, which, after the exit of a disgruntled Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), turned into 16 seats for the national party and 14 seats for the DMK.

VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan announced on Tuesday that the party would contest three seats independently (Oussudu, Nettapakkam, and Ozhukarai) while also supporting the alliance in other aspects.

However, the two allies allegedly went back and forth on 5-6 seats, which included Nellithope, Kalapattu, Muthiyalpet, Thattanchavadi and Uzhavarkarai, as per a Samayam Tamil report.

This is because the Congress wants to retain its long-time upper hand in the UT, while the DMK, which won a large number of seats in the 2021 polls to become the main Opposition party in the Puducherry Assembly, looks to increase its influence.

In order to resolve the issues over the seatsthat both sides have filed nominations forand to prevent those seats from causing a rift in the hard-earned alliance, the two sides decided to turn it into a friendly contest over the seats.

However, the details of the candidates in the fray for the friendly contests will only be revealed when the Congress releases its candidate list for Puducherry, expected by Thursday.

Thursday (March 26) is the deadline that the Election Commission (EC) has set for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers in Puducherry.

"Yes, I dont think the DMK has issued any statement regarding the friendly fight. Our candidates have already started their campaign," said All India Congress Committee's (AICC) official spokesperson Dolly Sharma at a recent media interaction at the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee office.

She had been responding to a question of whether the DMK had agreed to the friendly fight in the UT.
CANBERRA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has moved to block the entry of temporary visa holders from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Tony Burke, minister for home affairs, on Wednesday night announced that he has used laws passed by the federal parliament earlier in March to temporarily restrict Iranian visitor visa holders from traveling to Australia.

He said in a statement that the move would protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia's migration system, citing government concerns that the conflict has increased the risk that some visitors from Iran may be unlikely or unable to depart Australia when their visas expire.

The six-month ban will only apply to people who have a subclass 600 visitor visa linked to an Iranian passport and does not apply to visa holders already in Australia, spouses or children of Australian citizens or permanent residents, or parents of a child younger than 18 already in Australia.

The subclass 600 visa allows holders to stay in Australia for up to 12 months for tourism or to visit family.

"There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran which may not have been issued if they were applied for now," Burke said.

"The Australian government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia's migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable."

He said that the government would continue to assess visa applications and would allow a small number of impacted people from Iran to travel to Australia, with sympathetic consideration to be given to cases involving parents of Australian citizens. 
At least 14 people were charred to death after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and burst into flames in Andhra Pradeshs Markapuram district early Thursday morning.

According to the police, several passengers were burnt alive. The death toll is expected to further rise as fire and rescue teams are attempting to retrieve the bodies.

According to the police, the accident took place around 6:00 am when the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore. Following the collision, the bus caught fire, and several passengers were burned alive, officials said.

VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh: At least eight people were killed and about 18 injured in a bus fire accident in Markapuram district on Thursday. Rescue teams are working to identify the victims and gather details of their relatives.#AndhraPradeshNews #Fire



(Full video available on pic.twitter.com/eDHHXcchAc  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 26, 2026

Reportedly, there were 40 passengers in the bus.

Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nagraju said at least 20 passengers were injured and they were shifted to nearby hospitals.

The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2026

The accident, reportedly, took place while the bus was taking a turn near the quarry stretch, when it was allegedly hit by the speeding tipper.

Over-speeding by the tipper vehicle might have led to the crash, said officials. The private bus and the tipper caught fire immediately after the collision, leaving several passengers trapped inside the bus. The intensity of the flames was such that both vehicles were completely gutted, said officials.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the accident and spoke with senior officials to review the situation. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to launch a thorough inquiry into the accident and submit a findings report immediately.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed grief over the incident, stating that officials have been instructed to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He affirmed that the government would stand by the families of the victims in every possible way.

While the exact identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that some of the victims may hail from the Kanigiri region.
As assembly elections draw near, political parties have intensified their campaigns across poll-bound states. With electioneering gaining momentum, District Election Officers (DEOs) have reiterated the Election Commission of India's (ECI) strict directives against using children in political campaigns and rallies.

Snehil Kumar Singh, the Kozhikode District Collector and District Election Officer (DEO), has stipulated that children must not be used in political campaigns. A similar directive has been issued by the Alappuzha DEO, reinforcing the Election Commission's zero-tolerance policy.

The ECI has conveyed 'zero tolerance' towards the use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates.

What are the ECI directives on children in campaigns?

* Political parties are explicitly directed not to use children in any form of election campaign, including rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of posters or pamphlets, or any other election-related activity.

*Political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or in rallies.

*Any activity using children to create the semblance of a political campaignincluding poems, songs, and spoken words- is also prohibited.

*Political parties are also barred from using minors to display candidate insignia, promote party achievements, or attack political opponents.

* All political parties and candidates are required to ensure strict compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.

* However, the mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity to a political leader who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines.

The Commission has directed all election officials and machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work. District Election Officers and Returning Officers shall bear personal responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and laws of child labour. Any violation of these provisions by the election machinery under their jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Thursday responded to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's alleged claim that no "indigenous Indian" would vote for the national party in Assam.

Assam is one of five states/Union Territories set to go to the polls next month. Elections across the state's 126 constituencies will be conducted in a single phase on April 9, with the votes to be counted on May 4.

"In a democracy, the government will obviously be formed within the borders of India. If you insist on Congress forming a government in Pakistan, your government should form in Israel, as it is your fatherland," Tiwari reportedly told ANI.

"Don't forget your fatherland," he added, in what is seen as a sharp response to CM Sarma's alleged remark on Congress needing to contest elections in Pakistan.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the statement of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "...He should think before speaking..." https://t.co/CAAqsiT1OS pic.twitter.com/gfbo5xHTME  ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2026

Tiwari's remarks come after the Assam CM said on Wednesday that no local "indigenous Indian" people would vote for the national party, suggesting that the Congress could form a government only in Pakistan or Bangladesh, and "never" in India.

"We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People, except Bangladeshi infiltrators, are with the BJP," the Assam CM reportedly said on Wednesday.

"Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can't form its government in India; it can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress forms, it will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh," he added.

Guwahati | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can not form their government in India, they can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress?...Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress's government will pic.twitter.com/dzDvEGpvkH  ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2026

Meanwhile, as the April 9 polling date looms, the CM Sarma-led BJP government looks to secure its third consecutive term in office, while the Congress aims to unseat the ruling party after its dismal 2021 performance.

In the 2021 elections, the BJP won 60 of the 75 seats that the NDA had secured, while the Opposition alliance involving Congress, AIUDF, BPF, and the communist parties managed to get only 16.
The deal and adjustment politics allegations continue to dominate Keralas political discourse as the campaign enters its crucial final phase.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had earlier dismissed the Oppositions CPI(M)-BJP deal charge, on Thursday sought to turn the tables by invoking a 2006 episode to suggest that the Opposition itself had engaged with the RSS.

The controversy was reignited by Opposition Leader and UDF chairman V.D. Satheesan, who alleged adjustment politics between the BJP and the CPI(M) following candidate announcements by all three fronts.

His primary charge was that the LDF had fielded a candidate in Palakkad to split the UDFs potential vote base and indirectly aid the BJP. The Congress leadership later broadened the allegation, claiming that in several constituencies the NDA, too, was fielding weak candidates to benefit the LDF.

As the narrative gained traction, CM Vijayan on Tuesday rejected the charge and countered that the Congress had no qualms about having an understanding with the RSS.

Doubling down on the claim, the CM on Thursday shared a photograph from 2006 showing Satheesan lighting a lamp in front of RSS ideologue M.S. Golwalkar.

The Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, should clarify what kind of deal it was when he attended and inaugurated the Golwalkar birth centenary celebration organised by the RSS in Paravur in 2006, bowed before Golwalkars photograph, and lit the ceremonial lamp. When asked about this event, he routinely evades the question by referring instead to another programme held in 2013. The people of secular Kerala have the right to know his response, Vijayan said in a social media post.

He added that the photograph was from an event held in February 2006 at the Manakkappadi School in Paravur, just ahead of the Assembly elections.

Vijayan also cited a 2022 claim by the state president of the Hindu Aikya Vedi that Satheesan had sought RSS support in the 2001 and 2006 Assembly elections.

The Leader of the Opposition has still not given a clear response on this matter. One cannot blame those who suspect that the Golwalkar tribute in 2006 was an attempt to secure RSS support. At least now, he should clarify what the deal in Paravur in 2006 was, the chief minister added.

Meanwhile, in the Vattiyoorkkavu constituency, senior Congress leader and UDF candidate K. Muraleedharans CPI(M)-BJP deal allegations have drawn sharp reactions from both the LDF and the BJP. Muraleedharan had claimed that BJP councillors who work for R. Sreelekha during the day were with LDF candidate V.K. Prasanth at night.

Responding to the charge, Prasanth declared that Muraleedharans defeat was already certain and that the allegation was a pre-emptive excuse. He mocked the Congress leader, saying the claim could well be treated as the justification Muraleedharan planned to offer after his defeatonly that it was being stated in advance. Sreelekha, too, dismissed the allegations.

To counter the UDFs deal allegations, the BJP has now been running a campaign portraying the UDF and the LDF as indistinguishable. Notably, the partys official handles have circulated AI-generated videos depicting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan as mirror entities.

Meanwhile, in the Manjeshwaram constituencyknown for wafer-thin marginsthe Social Democratic Party of Indias (SDPI) decision to withdraw its candidate has triggered a fresh round of deal allegations against the UDF.

The contest is primarily between A.K.M. Ashraf of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the BJPs K. Surendran. The SDPIwidely seen as the political wing of the now-banned Popular Front of Indiahad fielded district committee member Ashraf K.M. in the constituency, where it claims to command over 7,000 votes.

Several Muslim community organisations had earlier raised concerns that the presence of an SDPI candidatewhose name closely resembled that of the UDF nomineecould split minority votes and inadvertently benefit the BJP. They also pointed out that the candidate had previously contested local body elections under the name Ashraf Badaje, alleging that fielding him as Ashraf K. M. was a deliberate attempt to divide votes and undermine the Muslim League candidate.

As pressure mounted, the SDPI eventually withdrew its candidature.

The BJPwhich has already been advancing the narrative that the Congress-led UDF was influenced by Islamist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islamisharpened its attack, alleging that the withdrawal was part of a deal between the SDPI and the UDF.

K. Surendran claimed that the decision followed direct intervention by V.D. Satheesan and IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty.

The LDF, too, has been pushing the narrative that the Congress-led front maintains an unholy nexus with radical Islamist sections. Notably, Manjeshwaram is a constituency where the UDF had earlier alleged an unholy CPI(M)-BJP understanding. Now, citing recent developments in Manjeshwaram, the LDF could amplify its narrative of the UDFs alleged nexus with radical Islamist groups across the state.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is facing extreme weather conditions, including strong winds lashing at a speed of 74kmph. The strong winds that hit Abu Dhabis Al Dhafra, Al Ghuwaifat, Mussafaha, had triggered speculations that it was a cyclone.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), though the wind speed reached 74kmph, these conditions are not a cyclone, pushing back against viral claims circulating on social media. Calling this a cyclone is scientifically incorrect  completely wrong, NCM weather expert Dr Ahmad Habib was quoted by Khaleej Times, which added that the current weather conditions were a low-pressure system and normal at this time of the year.

He added that cyclones require very specific atmospheric conditions and large-scale, consistent wind circulation  unlike the UAEs current situation.

 Second day of torrential rain and thunderstorms in the UAE.



Streets in Abu Dhabi are heavily flooded, with drivers navigating waterlogged roads amid lightning and heavy downpours.



Unstable weather is expected to continue, with more rain, thunder, and possible hail forecast pic.twitter.com/2MC9aOddfB  Vitamvivere (@Vitamvivere) March 24, 2026

He added that the current weather pattern involved multiple waves of rain spread across several days, unlike last year's intense system  which dumped massive rainfall within 24 hours over limited areas. This time, rainfall is distributed over two to four days, with breaks in between, he said. This allows drainage systems to cope better and reduces flood risk.

What to expect?

The UAE is forecast to receive another round of showers between Thursday and Friday. The NCM also predicted another weather system to hit the country mid-next week, which will see heavy rains. The country is reportedly under the influence of a surface and upper-air low-pressure system that will bring cloudy to cloudy conditions accompanied by convective clouds and rainfall of varying intensity over scattered areas.

Flights hit

Several UAE-based airlines have issued travel advisories amid unstable weather. Airlines, including Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, along with airport authorities, have issued advisories warning passengers to check flight updates before heading to the airport.
Former US Army combatant and geopolitical risk advisor Colonel Douglas A. Macgregor (Retd) on Thursday questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in the war between Iran and US-Israel forces, which nears its fourth week.

Noting that Pakistan was facing severe internal challenges, and could not be construed as neutral in the mediation efforts, Macgregor argued that the decision to involve Islamabad was "ludicrous".

"For Pakistan to offer help is sort of like a man who is in a burning building offering you a spare room in the building. Pakistan's not going to be viewed in any way, shape or form as neutral by Israel," he told ANI in a podcast.

"Why would you go to Pakistan ... to try and close a deal, if you will, on ending the war?" he added, pointing out that Islamabad's insolvency crisis was among the issues that made India a better choice for mediation.

Noting that PM Modi enjoys comfortable working relationships with Russia, Iran, and Israel, Macgregor pointed out that New Delhi had also already negotiated safe passage for its ships in the Hormuz Strait, and could not afford to remain passive amid the global economic fallout from the war.

"India cannot afford to remain a spectator on the sidelines in this conflict because this war is not ending in two weeks; it's not ending in two months," he warned.

According to the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), Col Macgregor (Retd) served from November 1997 to December 1999 as the chief of strategic planning and director of the Joint Operations Center, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe.

Peace talks fall through

Iran on Thursday dismissed Washington's latest proposal to end the war in the Gulf, declaring that it did not adhere to its five demands to end the war, and that it unfairly sided towards US-Israel interests.

ALSO READ | Iran slams US truce plan as 'one-sided'; Gulf nations want to join talks as Trump eyes 'right deal'

This comes after Iranian Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, the brains behind the usage of the embattled Hormuz Strait as Tehran's leverage, was killed in airstrikes on parts of Bandar Abbas.

Iran has also earlier rejected US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan, but the Thursday rejection comes after Tehran reviewed the detailed version of the plan.

However, Tehran maintains that it is still open to a proper end to the war using diplomacy.
One of the two expats killed in Abu Dhabi on Thursday in an Iranian missile attack has been confirmed to be an Indian man. Though the UAE successfuly intercepted the ballistic missile, the falling debris prove fatal.

The other deceased person was identified as a Pakistani. The attack occurred on Sweihan Street. "Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems," Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

Another Indian was among the three injured in the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to release a statement regarding the latest casualties.

The total death toll in Iranian attacks has now reached 11 while the number of injured has touched 169.

"Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,815 UAVs," stated the UAE defence ministry.

The total number of Indians killed in the Gulf region has reached seven. An eighth Indian national remains missing.

On March 18, an Indian national was killed in an Iranian attack in Riyadh. On March 14, two Indians were killed and 10 others injured in a drone strike in Sohar, Oman.

Another Indian national was killed in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, when a projectile from an Iranian strike targeting local radar systems hit a residential area on March 8.
With talks of a ground invasion of Iran growing louder, reports hint that Tehran is preparing to take on US boots on the ground by laying traps and moving military and air defences to Kharg Island. This comes amid reports quoting US lawmakers stating that the Trump administration is planning a ground operation in Iran, which could potentially be underway soon.

Iran is said to possess layered defences in the Kharg Island, its oil hub through which 90 per cent of its oil exports go. In anticipation of the ground invasion, Iran is said to be moving additional shoulder-fired, surface-to-air guided missile systems known as MANPADs there in recent weeks. Besides, it is also laying traps, including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines around the island, including on the shoreline, CNN quoted sources.

This has stoked fears that American lives could be lost if a ground invasion happens. The report quoted an Israeli source, who said taking control of the island would lead to attacks on American soldiers by Iranian drones and missiles. The hope is that they wont take that risk and will instead fire at the oil fields, but there is no way to know, the source added.

 NEW:

The U.S. is fast-tracking the deployment of nearly 8,000 additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East.



The USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group has already arrived ahead of schedule with estimated 4,000 personnel, set to link up with the USS Tripoli group bringing pic.twitter.com/LIxQCv7A6h  Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) March 25, 2026

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Adm. James Stavridits believes the situation is worrisome. Iranians are clever and ruthless. They will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on US forces both on the ships at sea and especially once ground troops are anywhere in their sovereign territory, he added.

Rafael Ordokhanian, a military and political expert who has analysed US-Iran relations, told Iranian media that if the US were to occupy Kharg Island, the Iranian Army would be able to destroy the forces stationed on the island within two hours. Calling the move "pure gambling," Ordokhanian said that this move is nothing more than a gamble.

He emphasised that this island is ultimately part of Iranian territory and that all vital targets on it have been identified in advance and are ready for targeting. According to this military expert, even if American forces retreat, Iranian forces will be able to form combat units and take complete control of the Strait of Hormuz as soon as they enter the island. The American forces will not have enough time to establish effective defensive cover to protect their ground force, he opined.

Russian Military analyst Igor Korotchenko also believe that though the US invasion of the Kharg Island is possible, it would undoubtedly result in heavy casualties for the US military. He added that if the island falls into American hands, the Iranian armed forces and the Revolutionary Guards would be able to target it not only with ballistic missiles and drones, but also with artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems, because the island is very close to the Iranian coast.

The expert also noted that it would be very difficult to approach the island covertly, whether the US uses amphibious ships, helicopters or rotary-wing aircraft. In such a situation, the Iranian army and the IRGC could use a diverse set of weapons, including surface-to-air missiles to engage air targets and unmanned suicide boats to strike naval target.
Iran on Thursday slammed the US ceasefire proposal as "one-side and unfair", pointing out that it serves only the interests of the US and Israel.

A top Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had reviewed the proposal conveyed through Pakistan in detail. "In brief, the proposal suggests that Iran would relinquish its ability to defend itself in exchange for a vague plan to lift sanctions. It is one-sided and unfair, serving only US and Israeli interests," he said.

However, the official said there is still room for diplomacy. "If realism prevails in Washington, a path forward may still be found," he added. "There is still no arrangement for negotiations, no plan for talks appears realistic at this stage."

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

This comes as US President Donald Trump alleged that Iran is begging to make a deal and not him. He acknowledged that the Iranians are "great negotiators" but that he is not sure he is willing to make a deal with them to end the conflict. "We'll see if we can make the right deal, open Hormuz Strait," Trump added.

Amid the standoff between the US and Iran, the GCC nations have expressed their willingness to join the talks. Iran has been targeting its Gulf neighbours with missiles and drones.

"We emphasise the necessity of involving the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability," GCC secretary general Jasem al-Budaiwi said in a televised speech.
In an interesting development, it has emerged that Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its hit list after pressure from the United States. And now a Pakistani source has claimed that it was Islamabad that persuaded Washington to avoid targeting the two leaders.

"The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off," Reuters quoted the source as saying.

It was the Wall Street Journal which first reported about Araghchi and Qalibaf being removed temporarily from Israel's hit list for four to five days.

It should be noted that Pakistan is among the countries that are looking to mediate between Iran and the US to put an end to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Egypt and Turkey have also initiated mediation efforts.

This comes as both Tehran and Washington hardened their positions amid calls for ceasefire from other nations. The US has used Pakistan as an intermediary to deliver a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran. However, Iran has dismissed the US proposal to pause the war and issued its own counterproposal.

Araghchi on Thursday said his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, "and we do not plan on any negotiations".



Since the war began, more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran while 20 people were killed in Israel.
BANGKOK, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee has approved a reduction in subsidies for diesel and gasoline, resulting in an increase of 6 baht (about 0.18 U.S. dollars) per liter across all fuel types as global oil prices continue to rise.

The price adjustment, effective from Thursday, came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have driven sharp increases in international fuel prices.

Officials said the adjustment also aligns domestic fuel prices more closely with those of neighboring countries, where fuel costs have already risen. Diesel prices in the Singapore market, for example, have surged significantly, adding pressure to domestic pricing in Thailand.

Maintaining lower prices had raised concerns over cross-border smuggling and stockpiling, which could further strain national resources, government leaders warned.

The Oil Fuel Fund has been absorbing subsidy costs of more than 2.5 billion baht per day, placing a strain on its financial position and prompting authorities to act to preserve liquidity for long-term price management.

Authorities also urged the public to use energy efficiently as the country navigates ongoing volatility in global energy markets. (1 baht equals 0.030 U.S. dollars) 
The ongoing war with Iran, now in its fourth week, has triggered growing anxiety and open divisions among Republican lawmakers and conservative factions. Despite granting President Donald Trump wide latitude to use military force without congressional approval, members of his own party are increasingly voicing frustration over how the conflict is being handled. Much of the concern centres on the absence of clarity about the wars strategic objectives, the possibility of deploying ground troops and the escalating financial burden of the campaign.

Tensions intensified after a series of classified briefings conducted by the Department of War and the Pentagon for the House Armed Services Committee and its Senate counterpart. Committee chairman Mike Rogers (Alabamas third Congressional district), normally regarded as a hawk on national security, emerged from yesterdays briefing expressing rare irritation. He criticised the administration for failing to provide even basic details about the scope and direction of the military campaign, particularly the possibility of a ground operation in Iran, warning that such opacity has consequences. Rogers also stressed that troop movements must be thoughtful and deliberate, something he felt was not reflected in the information provided.

The dissatisfaction was echoed forcefully by Nancy Mace (South Carolina's 1st congressional district), who walked out of the briefing. She later said she would vote against any additional funding until the administration provides clear answers about the duration of the conflict and whether ground troops will be deployed. Mace also pointed to troubling discrepancies between what has been presented to the American public and what was outlined in the classified sessions. She warned that the administration risked losing both congressional and public support, declaring, We will not sacrifice American lives for the same failed foreign policies. While Clay Higgins (Louisiana's 3rd congressional district) described the briefing as professionally handled, he admitted it was the most contentious session he had witnessed. In the Senate, Roger Wicker (Mississippi) expressed sympathy with the Houses frustration, while senior Republicans including Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Jerry Moran (Kansas) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) also complained about the limited information provided.

The unease on Capitol Hill comes amid significant troop movements and mounting financial concerns. The Pentagon is preparing to deploy nearly 7,000 additional troops to the Middle East, including units from the United States Armys 82nd Airborne Division and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Pendleton. At the same time, lawmakers are bracing for a massive $200 billion funding request from the Trump administration. Despite the scale of the expected proposal, officials have yet to present Congress with a formal cost estimate. John Hoeven, the senator from North Dakota, noted that the administration itself is still trying to determine how to finance the request, further fuelling Republican hesitation to approve additional funds without a clear strategy.

Supporters of the administration have pushed back strongly against the criticism. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the briefings, arguing that lawmakers have access to all necessary classified information. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the administration had conducted more than 20 bipartisan briefings and remained focused on completely demolishing the Iranian regimes ballistic missile capabilities, navy, ability to arm proxies and dreams of possessing a nuclear weapon. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the unilateral approach, insisting that formal congressional authorisation was not required. She described the conflict not as a formal war but as major combat operations, adding that Congress had been notified out of courtesy and out of respect. Some Republican senators, including Mike Rounds (South Dakota) and Dan Sullivan (Alaska), said they were satisfied with the briefings, with Sullivan claiming he left convinced that progress was being made toward Trumps stated objectives.

The divisions in Congress reflect a wider split within the conservative movement itself, most visibly at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas. While Trump still enjoys strong support among conservatives, the conflict appears to contradict his long-standing America First promise to avoid prolonged foreign entanglements. Polling by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that 59 per cent of Americans believe the military action is excessive. At CPAC, prominent MAGA figures openly acknowledged the ideological divide. Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon warned that if the war turns into a hard slog, the Republican Party could begin to bleed support ahead of the midterm elections.

These divisions come at a politically sensitive moment for the GOP. Concerns about the midterms are already rising after a recent special election in Florida in which a Democrat flipped a state legislative seat that includes Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. With rising fuel prices, additional troop deployments, shifting explanations and a looming $200 billion funding request, the White House now faces the difficult task of persuading an increasingly sceptical Republican Congress and a divided conservative base to continue supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards Naval Force commander Ali Reza Tangsiri, was targeted and killed in Israeli airstrikes in Bandar Abbas, according to Israeli media reports. Tangsiri is said to be the brain behind the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told the media on Thursday that the IDF targeted Tangsiri last night, along with senior naval command officials, in a precise and deadly operation. The man who was directly responsible for the terrorist act of bombing and blocking the Strait of Hormuz for shipping has been eliminated. This is a clear message to all senior members of the Iranian terrorist organisation, the Revolutionary Guards, which currently controls Iran: The IDF will hunt you down and thwart you one by one. Congratulations to the IDF on the perfect execution, Katz said.

There has been no official comment yet from Iran or from the Israeli military on the reported strike.

The US had issued Iran an ultimatum to release the chokehold it has on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the worlds oil is shipped.
In a major win for Indias diplomatic stand amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran has said that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for friendly nations such as India, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

In an interview with Iranian State TV, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global oil and gas trade, is not completely closed.

"Many of the shipowners, or the countries that own these vessels, have contacted us and requested that we ensure their safe passage through the strait. For some of these countries that we consider friendly, or in cases where we have decided to do so for other reasons, our armed forces have provided safe passage," Reuters reported Araghchi as saying.

"You have seen on the news: China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India. Two of its ships passed through a few nights ago, and some other countries, and even Bangladesh, I believe. These are countries that spoke with us and coordinated with us, and this will continue in the future as well, even after the war," he said.

Araghchi, however, asserted that ships belonging to the United States, Israel and their allies will not be allowed to transit the critical maritime chokepoint.

"We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through. But it remains open to others," Araghchi said.

The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking the movement of oil, gas & fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season.



Across the region & beyond, civilians are enduring serious harm & living under profound insecurity.



The @UN is working to minimize  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2026

The foreign ministers remarks came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the reopening of the Straitof Hormuz amid global disruptions in energy supplies and rising fuel prices.

Iran says no talks planned, reviewing US proposal

US President Donald Trump has hinted that Iran is eager to reach an agreement to end a conflict that has been ongoing for nearly four weeks, but Araghchi said that while Iran is reviewing a US proposal, it has no immediate plans to engage in talks to de-escalate the situation.

"Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is not called negotiation or dialogue. It is simply an exchange of messages through our friends," the Iranian foreign minister said.

Trump, at an event in Washington yesterday, had said, "They [Iranian leaders] are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they are afraid to say it because they will be killed by their own people. They are also afraid they will be killed by us."
Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro will continue to serve his 27-year sentence for a coup attempt at home instead of in prison due to failing health, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes allowed the 71-year-old to return to his residence in capital Brasilia after he is discharged from the hospital, but he argued in his decision that he will review the case within 90 days.

Bolsonaro will wear an ankle monitor and is not allowed to use cellphones, the judge ruled. Local police will surveil his house in a gated community, where protesters are not allowed to gather. Bolsonaro is not allowed any visitors except for doctors and family members.

The embattled leader has been hospitalized since March 13 for pneumonia, one of several health problems he has faced since he was stabbed by a man in 2018 before he was elected president.

His house imprisonment could be extended after another medical report. Legal experts say it is rare for Brazilian judges to establish limits for house imprisonment measures, which are also hard to be revoked.

Historically, Brazils Supreme Court has only reversed house arrest if a detainees health improves dramatically or if theres violation of the established rules, such as not making public statements, posting on social media or giving interviews to the media.

De Moraes had previously rejected similar requests from Bolsonaros family.

After that deadline, we will analyze once again whether the necessary requirements for keeping the humanitarian house arrest stand, including a medical examination if necessary, the judge said in his ruling.

The same day that Bolsonaro was taken to the private DF Star hospital, U.S. State Department official Darren Beattie had his Brazilian visa revoked as he allegedly considered visiting the former president in prison. Brazils foreign ministry argued the request on behalf of Beattie was an interference in internal affairs. De Moraes rejected a request from Bolsonaros family to allow Beattie to visit.

90 days?

De Moraes, who oversaw the former presidents coup case and is deemed by Bolsonaros supporters as a foe, stressed in his decision that the former president will return either to prison or to a hospital if he does not comply with the rules of his house arrest.

Bolsonaro governed between 2019 and 2022 and remains popular, polls show. One of his sons, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, says his father chose him to run for the presidency in October. Polls show he is in a dead heat with incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Former Army captain Bolsonaro has been treated in intensive care for a few days because of kidney problems and other issues. On Tuesday, the DF Star hospital said he was in a stable condition and did not offer an estimate on when he will be able to return home.

His family questioned the temporary nature of the decision.

He is going home for his health to improve. And then in 90 days if he improves he goes back to the place where his health was getting worse?, Flavio Bolsonaro told reporters after the ruling. Theres no sense in a temporary house imprisonment. If he improves, he can go back to a battalion.

Days before he started serving out his sentence, Bolsonaro was temporarily arrested after he used a soldering iron to break his ankle monitor. De Moraes considered him to be a flight risk then.

The family of the far-wing leader had been requesting that the court allow him home since his conviction in November. Bolsonaro was transferred from the local federal police headquarters to a larger cell in January.

Brazils Attorney General Paulo Gonet on Monday said he agreed with Bolsonaro being sent home for health reasons, paving the way for him to be put under house imprisonment instead of returning to prison.

Bolsonaro was also convicted on charges that include leading an armed criminal organization and attempting the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law. He has denied any wrongdoing.

(AP)
Air travelers are experiencing the highest wait times ever under the Transportation Security Administration, the agencys acting head told Congress on Wednesday, as the latest offer to end a funding impasse and put restraints on President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda met fierce resistance.

The TSAs Ha Nguyen McNeill described the mounting hardships facing unpaid airport workers  piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet  and warned that lawmakers must ensure this never happens again.

This is a dire situation, she said.

Yet on the 40th day of the standoff involving the Department of Homeland Security, there was no easy way out in sight. Neither Republican senators, who made the latest offer, nor Democrats, who are demanding more changes in immigration enforcement, appeared closer to a compromise.

Trump, who initially appeared to have given his nod to the deal, has declined to lend it his full support or put his political weight behind making sure it is approved.

Top officials at agencies under the DHS umbrella spoke at a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee about the potential risks of security lapses unless the partial government shutdown comes to an end.

A deal teeters on collapse

DHS has gone without routine funding since mid-February. Democrats are insisting on changes to the Trump administrations immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations after the killings of two citizens in Minneapolis by federal officers during protests.

The latest proposal would fund most of DHS except for the enforcement and removal operations of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement that have been central to the debate. The plan would cover other aspects of ICE as well as Customs and Border Protection.

While the offer added some new restraints on immigration officers, including the use of body cameras, it excluded other policies that Democrats have demanded.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said they needed to see real changes. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York pressed for bold changes at ICE.

Republican leaders said Democrats are putting the country at risk.

They know this is crazy, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

But conservative Republicans also panned the proposal, demanding full funding for immigration operations and skeptical of the promise from GOP leaders that they would address Trumps proof-of-citizenship voting bill in a subsequent legislative package.

Airport lines grow

as TSA workers endure hardships

McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, told lawmakers that multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates and more than 480 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown.

She cited the growing financial strain on the TSA workforce.

Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet, all while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public, she said.

McNeil also said TSA officers working at the nations airports have experienced a more than 500% increase in the frequency of assaults since the shutdown began.

This is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated, McNeill said.

The top executive over Houstons airport said security lines that have travelers waiting four hours or more could get longer if the political impasse was not soon settled.

Lines that twist and turn across multiple floors at George Bush Intercontinental Airport have been the result of TSA only being able to staff one-third to one-half the usual number of checkpoint lines, said Jim Szczesniak, aviation director for Houstons airport system.

Trumps decision to send ICE agents to the airports risks inflaming the situation, lawmakers have said. Video footage of federal officers detaining a crying woman at San Francisco International Airport drew outrage Monday from local officials, although it was unrelated to Trumps order to deploy immigration officers.

FEMA also at risk

FEMAs Disaster Relief Fund is rapidly depleting, Victoria Barton, a FEMA external affairs official, told lawmakers.

FEMA is able to continue its disaster response and recovery work as long as that fund has money, and about 10,000 of its disaster workers continue being paid through it.

(AP)
The Justice Department has settled for roughly $1.2 million a lawsuit with Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who pleaded guilty during the Republicans first term to lying about phone conversations with a top Russian diplomat but was later pardoned.

Court papers filed Wednesday do not reveal the settlement amount, but a person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to disclose nonpublic information, confirmed the total as about $1.2 million.

The settlement resolves a 2023 lawsuit in which Flynn sought at least $50 million and asserted that the criminal case against him amounted to a malicious prosecution. It also represents a stark turnabout in position for a Justice Department that during the Biden administration had pressed a judge to dismiss the complaint. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a former personal lawyer for the president, has been a vocal critic of the Russia investigation in which Flynn was charged and the FBI and Justice Department over the last year have pushed out officials who participated in criminal inquiries of Trump.

The Justice Department cast the settlement as an important step in redressing what it says was a historic injustice of the Russia investigation that shadowed Trump for much of his first term.

This Department of Justice will continue to pursue accountability at all levels for this wrongdoing. Such weaponization of the federal government must never be allowed to happen again, a spokesperson said.

The settlement is the latest turn in the long-running legal saga involving Flynn, one of six Trump associates charged as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into potential ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI when he said he had not discussed with the diplomat, Sergey Kislyak, sanctions that the outgoing Obama administration had just been imposed on Russia for election interference. During that conversation, Flynn advised that Russia be even-keeled in response to the punitive measures, and assured him we can have a better conversation about relations between the countries after Trump became president.

The conversation alarmed the FBI, which at the time was investigating whether the Trump campaign and Russia had coordinated to sway the election. In addition, White House officials were stating publicly that Flynn and Kislyak had not discussed sanctions, which the FBI knew was untrue.

But Flynn later sought to withdraw his guilty plea, saying federal prosecutors had acted in bad faith and broken their end of the bargain when they sought prison time for him.

The Justice Department in 2020 moved to dismiss the case, asserting that the FBI had no basis to interview Flynn about Kislyak and that any statements he made during the interview were not material to the FBIs broader counterintelligence probe. The department also pointed to internal FBI notes showing agents had planned to close out the investigation weeks before interviewing Flynn about Kislyak.

Flynn was later pardoned by Trump, ending the court case and the legal wrangling.

(AP)
President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15, the White House announced on Wednesday.

Trump had been scheduled to travel to China later this month but previously announced he was delaying the trip so he could be in Washington to help steward the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. The Republican president had announced a rescheduled trip even though the war in Iran continues and the U.S. is pressing Tehran to accept a ceasefire proposal.

The president and first lady Melania Trump also plan to host Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a White House visit later this year, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Leavitt, when asked if the new dates for Trumps trip could suggest he believes the Iran war could end soon, offered an optimistic tone that the conflict could reach an endgame before he travels.

Weve always estimated four to six weeks, Leavitt responded. So you could do the math on that.

The United States and Israel launched the attacks against Iran on Feb. 28.

The China trip had been planned for months but began to unravel as Trump pressured Beijing and other world powers to use their military might to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for the flow of oil. The strait has been effectively closed as Iran targets energy infrastructure and traffic through it.

Trump said last week while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in the Oval Office that he would be going to China in five or six weeks time instead of at the end of the month. He said he would be resetting his visit with Xi.

Were working with China  they were fine with it, Trump said then. I look forward to seeing President Xi. He looks forward to seeing me, I think.

Trumps visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it has become tangled in his effort to find an endgame to the war in Iran. Soon after pressing China and other nations to send warships to secure access to Middle Eastern oil, Trump indicated last week that his travel plans depended on Beijings response, though he added then that the U.S. didnt need help from the allies that rebuffed his request.

(AP)
Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez preached of lucrative long-term opportunities in her resource-rich country at a Saudi-backed investment summit on Wednesday, offering a window into how Venezuelas government is trying to lure investors to its oil sector.

Addressing the Miami summit from Venezuela, Rodriguez presented a reformed industry  one that has opened up to private capital, international arbitration and scrutiny in the less than three months since the U.S. military captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, and the White House began implementing a phased plan to turn the troubled country around. She didnt mentioned Maduro, and instead focused on reassuring potential investors that Venezuela represents a safe investment in part thanks to the recent overhaul of its oil industry.

She projected the country will see double-digit economic growth this year and the following two years, creating conditions where investors know that, regardless of political changes or restrictive circumstances, there is security, that Venezuela has laws that allow for the safe return of their investments.

We are in a process of stabilization, implementing the reforms needed for a productive environment and to attract investments that will diversify the engines of the Venezuelan economy, she said during a presentation delivered entirely in Spanish.

Venezuela sits atop the worlds largest oil reserves and used them to power what was once Latin Americas strongest economy. But corruption, mismanagement and U.S. economic sanctions saw production steadily decline from the 3.5 million barrels per day pumped in 1999, when Maduros mentor, Hugo Chavez, took power, to less than 400,000 barrels per day in 2020.

In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department under the first Trump administration locked Venezuela out of world oil markets when it sanctioned the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., or PDVSA, as part of a policy punishing Maduros government for corruption. That forced the government to sell its remaining oil output at a discount  about 40% below market prices  to buyers such as China. Venezuela even started accepting payments in Russian rubles, bartered goods or cryptocurrency.

The country currently produces about a million barrels a day.

On Wednesday, Rodriguez touted Venezuelas low production costs and willingness to negotiate.

When we consider a barrel of oil, its production cost, 64% of that barrel has room for negotiation with the investor regarding royalty reductions, income tax reductions, and most importantly, the dividends the investor receives, she said. If there is a large investment, obviously the return will be higher on that 64%.

Rodriguez was sworn in after Maduro and his wife were captured on Jan. 3 in Venezuelas capital, Caracas, and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Both have pleaded not guilty and are expected to appear in court Thursday.

After taking office, Rodriguez, under pressure from the Trump administration, moved quickly to overhaul oil industry regulations. A new law now grants private companies control over oil production and sales, ending PDVSAs monopoly over those activities as well as pricing. It also allows for independent arbitration of disputes, removing a mandate for disagreements to be settled only in Venezuelan courts, which are controlled by the ruling party.

The U.S. Treasury Department, in return, has eased sanctions. Last week, it issued a broad authorization allowing PDVSA to directly sell Venezuelan oil to U.S. companies and on global markets, a massive shift after largely blocking dealings with Venezuelas government and its oil sector for years.

(AP)
Hungarys pro-Russian government has launched criminal charges against a prominent investigative journalist whom it accuses of conducting spying activities in coordination with a foreign country, a minister said on Thursday.

The journalist, Szabolcs Panyi, focuses on national security and intelligence reporting and has published extensive reports detailing Russian influence operations in Hungary as well as the relationship between Moscow and Hungarys foreign minister.

Panyi denies the allegations, and an outlet he writes for has accused Hungarys government of resorting to authoritarian tactics to discredit the journalist and his findings.

In a secret recording made without Panyis knowledge and released in an edited format in Hungarys government-tied media this week, Panyi can be heard speaking to a source about confirming a phone number used by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto as part of an investigation into Szijjartos communications with his Russian counterpart.

The Washington Post, citing several current and former European security officials, reported on the weekend that Szijjarto regularly conferred with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during breaks in EU council meetings to provide him with direct reports on what was discussed and possible solutions.

Szijjarto has dismissed the report while acknowledging that he confers with Lavrov before and after EU foreign minister meetings about their agenda and decisions.

In a news conference on Thursday, Gergely Gulyas, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said Hungarys justice minister had filed charges against Panyi on suspicion of espionage. Gulyas said Panyi had spied against his own country in cooperation with a foreign state, and that his role as a journalist was a cover activity.

Gulyas added it was legally debatable whether the journalists activities amounted to treason.

In a social media post on Thursday, Panyi denied any wrongdoing and rejected the Hungarian governments allegations that he had shared Szijjartos phone number with a foreign state.

Accusing investigative journalists of espionage is virtually unprecedented in the 21st century for a member state of the European Union. This is really something more typical of Putins Russia, Belarus and similar regimes, he wrote.

Not only have I never engaged in espionage, I actually see my investigative work as a kind of journalistic counter-intelligence activity to counter Russian operations, he added.

Panyi writes for Hungarian investigative outlet Direkt36, as well as the Warsaw-based Central European investigative outlet VSquare. In a statement on Wednesday prior to the filing of charges, VSquare wrote that Orbans government had launched a smear campaign against Panyi to undermine his findings, distract the public, and discredit a reporter who reveals compromising information.

An investigation by an international consortium in 2021 found that Panyi had been targeted by the military-grade spyware Pegasus, produced by Israel-based NSO Group. Pegasus infiltrates phones to collect personal and location data and can surreptitiously control the phones microphones and cameras.

A senior government official in Orbans party later acknowledged that the Hungarian government had purchased and deployed the software, which was used against at least 10 lawyers, one opposition politician and several government-critical journalists.

Prime Minister Orban and his Fidesz party are facing an election challenge unprecedented in his last 16 years in power. Trailing by double digits in most polls behind a center-right, pro-Western opponent, Orban has cast the stakes of the April 12 vote as existential for Hungary, arguing that if he loses the election the country will be dragged into Russias war in neighboring Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump, an Orban ally, has repeatedly endorsed the prime minister in his reelection bid. Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Hungary in the days before the election in a show of support for Orban.

Orbans campaign has revolved around aggressive anti-Ukraine messaging, and in recent days the government has accused Kyiv of deploying its secret services to influence the outcome of the election.

In a video posted to social media Thursday, Orban called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to immediately call home his agents, but provided no evidence for his claims.

Hungarys government has dismissed reporting that suggests Russian intelligence agencies are conducting operations to sway the election in Orbans favor.

(AP)
With its stranglehold on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which leads from the Persian Gulf toward the open ocean, Iran has been blocking ships it perceives as linked to the U.S. and Israeli war effort, but letting through a trickle of others.

Iran is also instituting a de facto toll booth regime, industry experts say, with some ships paying in Chinese yuan to pass through the strait, where 20% of all traded oil and natural gas is transported in peacetime. According to previous reports, Iran is demanding fees of up to $2 million.

The Fars and Tasnim news agencies, both close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, quoted lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi as saying that parliament was working to formalize the process of charging fees to let ships pass.

The Parliament is pursuing a plan to formally codify Irans sovereignty, control, and oversight over the Strait of Hormuz, while also creating a source of revenue through the collection of fees, he said. We provide its security, and it is natural that ships and oil tankers should pay such fees.

Lloyds List Intelligence called it a de facto toll booth regime.

The shipping intelligence firm said vessels have to provide manifests, crew details, and their destination to Irans Guard for sanctions screening, cargo alignment checks that currently prioritize oil over all other commodities, and for what is described as geopolitical vetting.

While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have, and the payment is settled in yuan, Lloyds List said, referring to Chinas currency.

Irans grip on the strait and relentless attacks on Gulf regional energy infrastructure have sent oil prices skyrocketing and concerns of a global energy crisis surging. Brent crude, the international standard, traded at US$104 early Thursday, up more than 40% from the day the war started.

Emirati oil executive Sultan al-Jaber, the head of the massive state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., called out Irans actions as economic terrorism.

Speaking at an event at the Middle East Institute in Washington, he said: Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food. When Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store and at the pharmacy. No country can be allowed to destabilize the global economy in this way. Not now. Not ever.

Meanwhile, a strike group anchored by the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli drew closer to the Mideast with some 2,500 Marines. Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne have been ordered to the region.

The troop movements dont guarantee U.S. President Donald Trump will try to use force to compel Iran to open the strait and halt its attacks on Gulf Arab states.

Trump previously deployed a large force in the Caribbean before the American military captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January. In the current situation, the U.S. is seen as focused on possibly seizing Irans oil terminal at Kharg Island or other sites near the strait.

(AP & YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia and Indonesia will work towards aligning their positions in addressing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

As part of this effort, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will undertake a special visit to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss the impact of the conflict on regional stability and the global economy, including implications for Malaysia and Indonesia, it said in a statement.

"These latest developments require comprehensive, careful and coordinated discussions between the two countries in order to align positions and strengthen strategic cooperation in responding to the situation," it said.

"In this context, both leaders are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and ensure the continuity of global trade routes and supply chains that are critical to the well-being of their peoples," it added.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy supplies across the Southeast Asian region, driving up fuel prices and disrupting the supply and manufacture of critical commodities. 
In a historic achievement for Jewish law, the Knesset approved a bill earlier this week restoring jurisdiction to Rabbinical courts to rule on monetary disputes, an authority revoked by a Supreme Court ruling in 2006.

The approval of the law is a historic achievement for Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni, who fought for the law for more than two decades. Sixtyfive MKs voted in favor of the bill, while fortyone opposed it.

The law marks a significant shift. Since 2006, the Rabbinical courts have dealt only with marriage, divorce, and yerushah.

It should be emphasized that the new law clearly anchors the principle of full consent and states that judicial authority will be granted to the Beis Din only after all parties to the process have given their explicit written consent. The law does not change anything in existing civil law but adds a voluntary path for the public that wishes to resolve disputes through arbitration under state supervision, responding to the public need for a court process with structured procedures, protocol recording, and the possibility of appealadvantages not always present in private Rabbinical courts.

Moreover, the law ensures that the rulings of the Rabbinical courts will align with the protective laws of the state, including the Womens Equal Rights Law and labor laws that protect workers rights. Unlike private arbitration, a ruling issued by the state Rabbinical court in these matters will have the force of a court ruling for all purposes, without requiring additional approval procedures, offering a fast, efficient, and lowcost process.

Despite these facts, left-wing opposition members lost no time in slamming it, making false and inflammatory statements about Israel becoming a halachic state. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said, Mark this day. The status quo is deadburied, gone, no longer binding. There is no longer any status quo on matters of religion and state. It ended today, when, during a war, after the coalition promised to pass only war-related laws, the Chareidi parties forced through legislation giving Rabbinical courts powers akin to those of a civil court.

Lapid even threatened that the passage of the bill would have consequences in the future government led by him, including advancing civil marriage legislation, conditioning state funding for schools on full core curriculum studies, and denying state benefits to individuals who evade military conscription. He also pledged to promote policies allowing municipalities greater authority over religious appointments, including the option to hire Reform and Conservative rabbis, as well as introducing public transportation on Shabbat in secular-majority areas and alternative kosher certification independent of the Chief Rabbinate.

Following the bills passing, Gafni said: I submitted the bill for the first time immediately after the Supreme Court ruling on the 8th of Nisan 5766symbolically, exactly 20 years ago. I heard that the opposition claims the status quo ended today, and I ask where the status quo was when I brought the chametz law that authorizes hospital directors to prevent chametz from being brought into medical centers, or in other similar cases.

Davnka during wartime, when we need yeshuos from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, if two people want to adjudicate monetary matters according to Torah law with the consent of both sideswhats wrong with that? The status quo is here, was, and remains!

I am happy that we passed this law, with Hashems help, after so many years, and expanded the authority of the Batei Din in Israel. We will act the same way in other struggles, continue with determination, and will not give up!

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
The United States military has struck more than 10,000 targets inside Iran since the start of the war, the chief of U.S. Central Command announced, describing a campaign that has shattered Irans naval power, gutted its missile and drone arsenal, and dismantled a significant portion of its military production infrastructure.

Adm. Brad Cooper made the announcement in a video statement, disclosing that the 10,000th target was hit just hours before he spoke. And if you combine what weve accomplished with the success of our Israeli ally, together we have struck thousands more, he said, clearly demonstrating that were stronger together.

The figures Cooper outlined paint a picture of sweeping military degradation. Ninety-two percent of the Iranian Navys largest vessels have been destroyed, he said  a toll he assessed as effectively ending Irans ability to project naval power.

For decades, Iranian warships have roamed regional waters, threatening and harassing global shipping. But those days are over, Cooper said. Theyre not sailing, and my operational assessment is that theyve now lost the ability to meaningfully project naval power and influence around the region and around the world.

The rate of Iranian missile and drone attacks has also plummeted, dropping 90% since the opening of hostilities. Cooper credited the strikes not only with degrading Irans existing capabilities but with eliminating the countrys capacity to replenish them. More than two-thirds of Irans missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards have been damaged or destroyed, he said.

We are on a path to completely eliminate Irans wider military manufacturing apparatus, Cooper added. And were not done yet.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Iran threw cold water on Washingtons 15-point ceasefire proposal on Wednesday, with senior officials flatly rejecting the terms even as the White House pushed back on any suggestion that diplomacy had collapsed.

The disconnect set up a high-stakes standoff: Tehran publicly insisting it will not negotiate while back-channel messages flow through Pakistan, and Washington projecting confidence in a process Iran officially denies is happening.

At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television. We do not intend to negotiate  so far, no negotiations have taken place. Araghchi went further, arguing that speaking of negotiations now is an admission of defeat.

A second Iranian official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, was less combative but no more encouraging, saying Tehrans initial response to the U.S. proposal had not been positive and that the government was still reviewing it.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt flatly rejected the narrative of a breakdown. Talks continue. They are productive and they continue, she told reporters Wednesday, while cautioning that some media reporting on the contents of the 15-point plan had not been entirely factual.

Leavitt also delivered a pointed warning. If Iran fails to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.

The mismatch in public postures reflects a familiar diplomatic dance: each side trying to avoid appearing to blink while keeping the door open just enough for a deal. There is hope, but its too early to be optimistic, said a regional diplomatic source granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, noting that both sides need room to de-escalate without losing face.

The U.S. proposal, as described by the New York Times citing anonymous officials, touches on Irans nuclear and missile programs as well as maritime routes  the latter a pointed reference to Irans near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has rattled global energy markets since fighting began February 28.

Iran, for its part, has laid out a maximalist counter-position: recognition of its natural, legal right over the Strait of Hormuz, the cessation of hostilities against all of its proxies, war reparations, guarantees against resumed fighting, removal of all U.S. sanctions, closure of American military bases in the region, and no restrictions on its missile program. That list is unlikely to fly in Washington. But diplomats say the real negotiations  if they happen  will look nothing like the public posturing.

President Trump offered a curious window into his thinking Tuesday, telling reporters that Iran had done something yesterday that was amazing  they gave us a presentworth a tremendous amount of money. A senior Arab diplomat and a U.S. official told the Times of Israel that the present was Irans decision to allow several fuel tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days  a gesture Trump appeared to read as a signal of Iranian flexibility.

It was a revealing moment: a wartime president treating the partial reopening of a vital oil route as a diplomatic olive branch, and signaling he might be willing to reciprocate.

Trump previously threatened to bomb Iranian power plants before pulling back after, Leavitt said, it was made clear to the United States that Iran wanted to talk.

Hovering over the diplomatic maneuvering is an Israeli calculus that points in a different direction. The New York Times reported Wednesday that Israel has ramped up its airstrikes amid fears that Trump could suddenly call a halt to the war before Jerusalem achieves its military objectives. Channel 12 reported that Israeli officials are concerned a ceasefire could come as early as Saturday, and that the IDF has drawn up a target-prioritization plan accordingly.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An IDF soldier was seriously wounded yesterday after a mortar fired toward Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

The soldier was evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and his family has been notified.

The military added that the mortar attack also lightly wounded an officer and two additional troops.

All four were transported for medical care, and their families were updated.

*Join a _YWN Live Alerts_ Community for Live Breaking News Updates!*

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Israel assassinated Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, in an overnight airstrike on the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran, an Israeli official revealed on Thursday morning.

Later on Thursday morning, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed that Tangsiri was killed in the strike, which targeted him during a meeting with senior Navy commanders. Tangsiri was considered one of the most dominant figures in Irans naval system, directly responsible for the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and for Iranian terror activity in the Persian Gulf.

In recent weeks, under Tangsiris command, Iran deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to disrupt global oil traffic and pressure the West. This move led to the deployment of a special Japanese task force to clear mines and caused a dramatic escalation in maritime tensions in the region.

Last night, the IDF eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy, Tangsiri, along with senior naval command officials, Katz said. The man who was directly responsible for the terrorist activity of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz was eliminated.

This is a clear message to all senior members of the Iranian terrorist organization, the IRGC, which currently controls Iran: the IDF will hunt you down and eliminate you one by one.

Congratulations to the IDF on a perfect execution. This is also important news for our American partners, as an expression of IDF assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and of the historic partnership between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and between the two countries and their militaries. We will continue to operate in Iran with full force to achieve the wars objectives, Katz asserted.

The port of Bandar Abbas, which serves as Irans central economic and military hub, sits strategically on the Strait of Hormuz and houses the Iranian Navys main base. The port has been targeted in recent days by unprecedented US and Israeli strikes. The US Central Command also sank 11 Iranian warships in the Gulf of Oman within 48 hours and hit the nearby Shahid Rajaee port, which handles 80% of Irans container traffic.

Irans Parliament is currently advancing a bill to formalize turning the Strait of Hormuz into the worlds most expensive toll booth.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
The Pentagon is preparing military options for a final blow on Iran, which may include ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and two sources familiar with the matter.

This is considered a significant step, as military escalation is expected to increase if no progress is made in negotiations between the United States and Iranespecially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Several U.S. officials believe that an overwhelming show of force to end the fighting would create more leverage in potential negotiations.

Officials and sources familiar with internal discussions in Washington describe four main final strike options from which Trump could choose:

Invading or blockading Kharg Island, Irans main oil export hub.

Invading Larak Island, which helps Tehran establish control over the Strait of Hormuz and contains Iranian bunkers, attack systems capable of destroying cargo ships, and radar systems monitoring movement in the strait.

Capturing the strategic Abu Musa Island and two smaller islands near the western entrance to the strait

Blocking or seizing ships exporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the strait.

The report added that the Pentagon is also considering sending in ground forces to seize Irans enriched uranium. Another plan under consideration is carrying out massive airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities, preventing Iran from accessing the uranium.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A major Iranian terror attack at an Israeli embassy was thwarted at the last moment at the start of the war against Iran, i24NEWS reported.

The Iranian cell was identified while en route to carry out an attack on an Israeli embassy. Israeli personnel were evacuated in real time, and the disaster was narrowly avoided.

Earlier this week, it was reported that in a classified discussion held at the Foreign Ministrywith Minister Gideon Saar and several members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committeethe ministrys directorgeneral revealed that Iran has begun attempting concrete attacks on Israeli embassies around the world.

The director general, Eden Bar Tal, said: Hostile activity against the embassies has risen sharplynot only at the level of threats, but also in concrete attempts to carry out attacks. He added that drones sent toward embassies have been detected.

Foreign Minister Saar said during the discussion: Theres a clear understanding across the Western world that this regime is a danger.

Saar held an online briefing on Wednesday for all ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions stationed in Israel. Around one hundred ambassadors and mission heads participated in the briefing.

During the briefing, Minister Saar called on countries to expel Irans ambassadorsfollowing the Lebanese Foreign Ministrys announcement on Tuesday that it intends to do so this week.

Saar added: Irans attack on the Diego Garcia base shows that the regime lied about the range of Iranian missilesincluding false statements made by Irans foreign minister during the war. This demonstrates that the missile range of the Iranian regime threatens not only us and the region, but all of Europe as well.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A man was killed in a Hezbollah rocket strike in the northern city of Nahariya, MDA confirmed.

Magen David Adom reported that a man in his 30s was fatally wounded by shrapnel, and his death was declared at the scene.

Another man, in his 50s, was seriously injured and transported to a hospital for urgent treatment.

According to rescue services, the rocket fired from Lebanon struck a parking lot of a residential building in the city.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Hezbollah fired more than 600 rockets, mortars, and drones at Israel and Israeli forces over a single 24-hour period, IDF sources confirmed  roughly double the groups previous single-day high of around 300 aerial threats recorded during the 2023-2024 conflict between the sides.

The overwhelming majority of the projectiles targeted IDF troops holding positions or pushing deeper into southern Lebanon, rather than Israeli civilian population centers. The barrage represents a dramatic escalation from the current wars general average of approximately 100 attacks per day.

The surge comes amid intensifying speculation about a possible end to the Israel-Iran war, with analysts suggesting Hezbollahs spike in fire may be a calculated attempt to pressure both Israel and the United States into a ceasefire on all fronts  or to force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon before any deal is finalized.

Despite growing expectations of a broader ceasefire, Israel has signaled it may press on with airstrikes against Hezbollah and continue its ground operation in southern Lebanon. Senior Israeli political and military officials have in recent days spoken openly about the possibility of Israel maintaining a hold on southern Lebanon up to the Litani River for an indefinite period, aiming to compel Hezbollahs disarmament  a demand the terror group has refused to meet despite pressure from Beirut following a previous ceasefire reached in the fall of 2024.

Military analysts note a tactical paradox at play: as IDF forces push farther into southern Lebanon, they reduce Hezbollahs ability to target Israeli civilians by moving rocket crews out of range of the Israeli home front  but simultaneously expose their own troops to greater danger by drawing closer to Hezbollahs frontline positions. The record attack volume may in part reflect that dynamic.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An IDF soldier, Sgt. Aviaad Elchanan Volansky, 21, of the 77th Battalion, was killed and four others were wounded in a Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack in southern Lebanon.

According to the IDF, two missiles were fired at a Merkava tank. The first was intercepted by the Trophy system, while the second struck the tank, killing Volansky. Two officers and two soldiers were lightly wounded.

Volansky, of Jerusalem, is the son of Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Volansky. He is the fourth IDF soldier killed in the renewed ground offensive against Hezbollah.
COLOMBO, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 29 major drug suppliers involved in smuggling narcotics into the country, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has said.

The Sri Lankan government currently focuses on both reducing demand and dismantling supply networks in its crackdown on drug and drug-related crimes, Watagala said on Wednesday when addressing an anti-drug campaign event.

He said the government has made a strategic decision to target the top tiers of the drug trade.

Watagala said narcotics are often smuggled into Sri Lanka by sea, including through entry points such as the Trincomalee Port, in the Eastern Province, and that local youth are a primary target of the trade.

Watagala said CID officers have also conducted operations in Indonesia, Nepal and Pakistan to trace suspects linked to international drug trafficking networks.

The Sri Lankan government has made drug eradication a priority by launching the national anti-drug campaign "A Nation United" in October 2025. 
TASHKENT, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and visiting Tajik President Emomali Rahmon agreed Thursday to deepen their countries' partnership and alliance relations.

Rahmon arrived in Tashkent earlier on Thursday for a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan. The two leaders held talks on cooperation in trade, energy and water resources, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to the presidential press offices of both countries.

Mirziyoyev said at a joint news briefing after the talks that Tajikistan is a reliable strategic partner and ally of Uzbekistan, adding that bilateral relations are developing across political, economic and humanitarian areas.

Rahmon welcomed the growth in bilateral trade, saying expanding economic cooperation remains a key priority on the bilateral agenda, and stressed the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue to advance cooperation in all fields.

Following the meeting, the two leaders signed a joint statement on strengthening strategic partnership and alliance relations. The two countries signed a plan to raise bilateral trade to 2 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, along with an industrial cooperation agreement. 
Finlands President Alexander Stubb on Thursday warned that US-led negotiations between Russia and Ukraine may have stalled, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking to European media ahead of a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Helsinki, Stubb said there have been no indications of further meetings following three rounds of negotiations held over the winter, according to the Norwegian daily VG.

It may be due to the war in Iran, which is drawing attention away from Ukraine, Stubb said. But it could also be that negotiations have reached the end of the road and cannot move forward.

Stubb, who maintains close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, suggested the talks were increasingly constrained by disagreements over territory, particularly in the Donetsk region.

I believe the American negotiators have done everything they could, he said, adding that the major problem is that I do not believe Russia wants peace.

His remarks come as European leaders gather in Helsinki for the JEF summit, a UK-led security framework involving Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as the Netherlands. The group focuses on rapid military cooperation outside NATOs collective defense mechanisms.

Zelenskyy is expected to participate in the summit remotely, while Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store will attend in person. Security guarantees for Ukraine are set to be a central topic of discussion.

Stubb said that in the absence of renewed negotiations, increasing pressure on Moscow would become a priority. However, he warned that broader geopolitical developments could complicate that effort.

With the war in Iran and the Americans decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil sales, things are not moving in the direction we would like, he said.

He also underlined Europes growing role in supporting Ukraine, noting that European countries now provide the bulk of economic and military assistance.

Europe is in a better place now than a year ago, Stubb said. We provide almost all the support to Ukraine and have enabled it to expand its own defense production.

Despite this, he acknowledged uncertainty over the next phase of the conflict and diplomacy.

We have a starting point and a better understanding of Russian tactics, he said, but how this will proceed, I do not know.
ST. PETERSBURG, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The St. Petersburg Exchange has tightened trading rules for gasoline and diesel fuel, raising concerns among market participants about potential risks to Russia's domestic fuel market, local media have reported.

According to Interfax, the exchange on Wednesday tightened price fluctuation limits, capping upward moves for AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline, as well as summer and inter-season diesel, at 0.01 percent per trading step, down from a previous ceiling of plus 0.5 percent.

The downward limit remains at minus 10 percent.

Market sources described the new restrictions as unusually strict, suggesting that regulators may be anticipating risks to domestic fuel supply and pricing stability.

Fuel prices in Russia have been rising since late February, driven largely by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up global energy prices and boosted exports of Russian petroleum products. 
ISTANBUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish crude oil tanker carrying 140,000 tons of oil from Russia was struck by a drone in the Black Sea off Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on Thursday, local broadcaster NTV reported.

The vessel, identified as the Altura, was approximately 24 km off the Bosphorus Strait when a large explosion occurred, the report said.

The tanker sustained significant damage to its bridge and engine room, with the latter taking on water, it said.

After the tanker sent a distress signal, the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety and the Coast Guard dispatched several units to the scene, including an emergency response ship.

All 27 Turkish crew members on board are in good health, with no injuries reported, NTV said, adding that emergency operations are ongoing.

Turkish authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the origin of the drone or whether the incident was a targeted attack. 
LONDON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- British armed forces will be able to board "shadow fleet" vessels transiting its waters, the British government said on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized armed forces and law enforcement officers to interdict vessels that have been sanctioned by the country and are transiting through its waters, according to a press release from No. 10 Downing Street.

The move came after the Royal Navy supported allies in monitoring and tracking "shadow fleet" ships in recent weeks, the government said, as it seeks to step up its pressure on Russia.

A number of European countries recently carried out operations against "suspected illegal shadow fleet vessels" in the Baltic, it said, adding that Britain will "put a further stranglehold" on the "shadow fleet" and close off its waters for sanctioned vessels.

Starmer said the move aims to keep Britain safe and to starve Russia's operation in Ukraine.

The government said that each target ship will be considered individually before an operation is carried out. Once a ship is detained, criminal proceedings may be brought against the owners, operators and crew for breaching British sanctions legislation.

Britain has imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels alongside its allies, according to the press release. 
YEREVAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Armenia and the European Union (EU) will hold their first bilateral summit here on May 4-5, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The high-level meeting will be attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as well as European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The summit will focus on bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, energy, transport, digital development and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders are also expected to discuss efforts to promote peace, security, connectivity and prosperity in the South Caucasus, as well as global challenges.

Ahead of the summit, the two EU leaders will also attend the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan on May 4. 
WASHINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Democrats and Republicans traded blame on Wednesday as major U.S. airports continue to see hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents amid a prolonged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

"Senate Republicans have now blocked TSA funding 9 times. They are solely responsible for the chaos travelers are experiencing," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.

U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, lashed out at Democrats.

"Blame the Democrats for the Airport's mess. They want our Country to do badly. They want our Country to fail," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Democrats have called for reforms to immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis in January, but Republicans have repeatedly rejected their demands, resulting in a deadlock in negotiations. Against that backdrop, DHS funding expired on Feb. 13.

This has left the department's operations -- including the TSA, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- severely strained. Over the past few weeks, wait times at some major airports have significantly increased due to TSA staffing shortages, causing complaints and chaos. 
Today's postscript and yet another victory for dystopian tech . . .

"A Jackson County judge effectively gave the green light Wednesday to a Dutch companys 2.1-million-square-foot hyperscale AI data factory in Independences Little Blue Valley.



"Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Phillips denied the request for declaratory judgment and quashed a previous order granting temporary injunctive relief."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
A recent social media post/share from KMBZ daytime talker Dana Wright might be the most popular "long form" content Kansas City news watchers have witnessed so far this year.

The missive was inspired by President Donald Trumps widely condemned reaction to Robert Muellers death.

However . . .

Even after most news watchers have already forgotten the inciting incident, we think the note deserves a glance for a couple of reasons . . .

- Remember that not so long ago KMBZ was Kansas City's leading conservative news radio station but over recent years "Dana & Parks" have pivoted to suburban "lifestyle" chat with marked disdain for MAGA politics.

- Again . . . The era of the newspaper municipal columnists has passed into history. Sure, Dana Wright's share is clunky, saccharine and mostly devoid of any clever political insight but readers seem to enjoy it nevertheless. Once again social media seems to be leading "the discourse" amongst the few people who might be persuaded to read a 1,600 work polemic.

And so . . .

Here's the premise of her (shared) criticism against President Trump and his MAGA movement . . .

"This is not a country having a bad day. I need you to understand that. Countries have bad days. Elections go wrong. Leaders disappoint. Institutions bend. But there is a different thing, a rarer and more terrible thing, that happens when the moral center of a place simply gives way. Not dramatically. Not with a single catastrophic event. But quietly, in increments, until one evening a president celebrates the death of an old man whose family is still warm with grief, and enough people find it acceptable that it becomes the weather. Just the weather.



"That is what is happening. That is what has happened."



And here's what might be her most salient passage where she also takes aim at clergy who support the Prez:



"America is being grieved. Past tense, almost. The idea of it. The thing it represented to people who had nothing else to believe in, who came here with everything they owned in a single bag because they had heard, somehow, across an ocean, that this was the place where decency was written into the walls. That idea is not resting. It is not suspended. It is being buried, in real time, with 7,450 likes before dinner.



"And the church said nothing.



"Seventy million people have decided that this man, this specific man who has cheated everyone he has ever made a promise to, who has mocked the disabled and the dead and the grieving, who celebrated tonight while a family wept, is an instrument of God. The pastors who made that bargain did not just trade away their credibility. They traded away the thing that made them worth listening to in the first place. The cross they carry now is a costume. The faith they preach is a loyalty oath with scripture attached. When the history of American Christianity is written, this will be the chapter they skip at seminary.

"Now I want to talk about the men who stand next to him . . ."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Dana Wright On FB: The country that once stood for something looked away 

Developing . . .
A note from one of our faves hits upon a truism . . .

"LibsOfTikTok seems to have a Johnson County rep doing a ton of work for them. Olathe, Johnson County, etc are on the Insta feed ALMOST EVERY DAY.



"It's quite embarrassing."

And for those who don't know . . . We share an obligatory description of the social media sensation that has garnered everything from high praise to implications in bomb threats . . . Here's the word:

Libs of TikTok is a highly polarising social media account hosted on X (formerly Twitter) that has become a central figure in the online right-wing ecosystem. The account curates and reposts videos, predominantly from TikTok, featuring LGBTQ+ individuals, educators, and activists, often framing them in incendiary ways that stir outrage among conservative audiences.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com linkS . . .We tried to find two fairly moderate articles for background, one with a slightly negative spin and one that's more upbeat for balance . . .

What is Libs of TikTok, and who is Chaya Raichik, the woman behind the far-right account? Libs of TikTok has morphed into a polarising force in online culture wars, amplifying anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, driving harassment campaigns, and influencing political agendas. Here's what you need to know about the account's origins.

'Libs of TikTok' founder reflects on her explosive social media success the past 2 years Chaya Raichik grew into a social media sensation almost overnight and has had hundreds of millions of views on her social media account "Libs of TikTok."

Developing . . .
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EF Go Ahead Tours has announced new nine-day trips in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

The new trips were announced after the tour company noticed a demand for shorter trips. As a result, these new offerings are all nine days long.

According to Travel Weekly, Lael Kassis, EF's vice president of market innovation and development, said that "Travelers are looking for trips that maximize both time and experience, with immersive cultural learning."

Austria Itinerary

EF Go Ahead Tours' Austria itinerary will begin in Vienna before heading to the Austrian Lake District.

The trip ends with a two-night stay in Salzburg, but guests have the option to extend their trip by heading to Innsbruck for an additional two nights.

Full details of the Austria trip can be found here.

Read Also: What to Expect When You Visit the Vienna Christmas Market

Germany Itinerary

For those who want to go on a trip to Germany, EF Go Ahead Tours' itinerary begins with a three-night stay in Munich, followed by a two-night stay in Nuremberg. The trip ends at the Rhine Valley Castle.

There is also an option to extend this trip, which will bring tourists to the Black Forest Region.

Full details of the Germany trip can be found here.

Switzerland Itinerary

Last and definitely not the least, the Switzerland nine-day itinerary begins in the Lake Geneva Region, which is where Lausanne is. The trip will then move to the Interlaken Region for one night before moving to the Swiss Alps for two nights.

The trip then ends with a two-night stay in Lugano. Like the previous two itineraries, there is an option to extend the Switzerland trip with a stay in St. Moritz and Zurich.

Full details of the Switzerland trip can be found here.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, March 26. Experiencing the transformation of Karabakh firsthand gives a unique perspective on the region's recovery and rebuilding after the conflict, Dillon De Coteau, a traveller from Canada, told Trend during his visit to Aghdam.

According to him, while the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan is widely known, seeing the aftermath in person brings a deeper understanding of both the destruction and the reconstruction.

"I mean, everyone around the world knew of the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but here I feel honored and privileged to be able to experience it myself, what happened in the past, and even though all the destruction we're seeing here behind us. If you look ahead of us, you can see all the new modern buildings that are being built up," De Coteau noted.

He emphasized that witnessing the development of new infrastructure and urban projects in previously destroyed areas shows the resilience and determination of the local communities.

"It sort of shows how you can go from destruction to building up a city  sort of like coming from the ashes and coming up into what I would say glory again," he added.

De Coteau pointed out that experiencing the region in person provides insights that cannot be fully captured through books or online articles.

"It's a good experience for me to be able to witness this firsthand, as opposed to reading it on the internet or reading it in a book. I can actually see it myself," he concluded.
The debate continues on which fast-food sector is the most popular with Americans. At first guess, most people might say burgers because of the popularity of McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King.

Lately, the fried chicken fast-food sector has caught the eye of consumers, with the popularity of Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, and Popeyes.

The list of the largest fast-food chains in the U.S., based on locations, however, is led by sandwich chain Subway, with 16,177 units, followed by McDonald's at 13,786 in the No. 2 slot and Starbucks close behind in the No. 3 spot, with 13,502, according to StatsPanda.

Despite the evidence that Americans like their fast-food sandwiches, some chains still face economic challenges, forcing them to file for bankruptcy.

Firehouse Subs franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to sell unprofitable locations.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Firehouse Subs franchisee bankruptcy

Popular Firehouse Subs sandwich chain franchisee CN Holdings LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23 to reorganize its business, according to Bankruptcy Observer.

The Idaho Falls, Idaho-based franchisee filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah in Salt Lake City, listing up to $100,000 in assets and $1 million to $10 million in liabilities in its petition.

Debtor closes location

The debtor, which operates 11 Firehouse Subs franchises in Utah and Idaho, has closed one Utah location and plans to sell unprofitable locations, according to Restaurant Business Magazine.

CN Holdings plans to reorganize its business around the franchisee's profitable restaurants, the report said.

Construction projects delayed

The franchisee's owners, Chris Morris and Natalie Bosworth, who were formerly married, struggled with financial hardships, which included delays in construction on two new units, and faced about $2.3 million in debt.

Sales were lower than expected when the new restaurants finally opened, which destabilized the entire operation, Restaurant Business reported.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Firehouse Subs, which currently has about 1,450 locations, was founded by former firefighters Chris Sorenson and Robin Sorenson in 1994.

Restaurant Brands International, which owns the Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons fast-food brands, acquired Firehouse Restaurant Group Inc. in November 2021, for $1 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Firehouse isn't the only sandwich chain that has struggled this year, as Subway sandwich chain franchisee MTF Enterprises LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 21, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, according to PacerMonitor.

Debtor defaults on cash advance loans

MTF Enterprises, operator of 43 Subway sandwich restaurants in Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia, allegedly defaulted on cash advance loans from merchant cash advance lenders, which resulted in a lien on sales, Restaurant Dive reported.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, March 26. A landmine explosion has occurred in the village of Yusifjanli in Azerbaijans liberated Aghdam district on March 26, 2026, Trend reports, citing the press services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor Generals Office, and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).

Jeyhun Abbasov, a 1985-born resident of Yusifjanli village in the Aghdam district, sustained injuries to his left leg after triggering an anti-personnel mine in an uncleared area along the former line of contact.

The Aghdam District Prosecutors Office has launched an investigation into the incident.

xxx

14:32

ANAMA, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor Generals Office once again urged citizens to strictly observe safety regulations, pay close attention to mine warning signs, avoid entering unfamiliar areas, and refrain from interfering with fenced-off zones where demining operations are underway.

A civilian was injured Tuesday after stepping on a landmine in Azerbaijan's liberated Aghdam district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The explosion occurred in the village of Yusifjanli, where decades of conflict have left behind a deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance. The victim, identified as Ceyhun Firdovsi Abbasov, born in 1985, was immediately assisted by teams from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), who rushed to the scene to evacuate him from the hazardous area.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Azerbaijan has been allocated more than $110 million in new financing from the OPEC Fund for International Development, aimed at improving infrastructure and expanding access to finance for small businesses, Trend reports via the Fund.

The funding was approved at the institutions 195th Governing Board meeting as part of a broader $890 million package supporting development projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe.

Under the public sector window, Azerbaijan will receive a $90.4 million worth loan for the Sumqayit Wastewater Treatment Plant Project to construct a 100,000 m/day facility. The project will improve sanitation for at least 427,000 people, reduce pollution in the Caspian Sea and enable the reuse of treated water for agriculture.

In the private sector, Azerbaijan will benefit from an additional $20 million, marking the OPEC Funds first synthetic local currency loan  to support a systemic financial institution and expand MSME lending.

The broader $890 million financing package is designed to strengthen infrastructure and transport connectivity, enhance food security and climate resilience, and scale up climate-focused investments. It also targets improved access to finance for MSMEs across multiple regions.

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$32 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$240 billion.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of the country's Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Esteemed Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Day of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Independence Day, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and your entire people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

There are good traditions of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Bangladesh. I am confident that, in line with the interests of our peoples, we will continue to make joint efforts to develop our bilateral relations and expand our cooperation.

On this auspicious day, I wish you good health, happiness and success in your work, and the friendly people of Bangladesh peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, delivered a speech at the Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia during her official visit to the Peoples Republic of China, the parliamentary press service told Trend.

Speaker Gafarova emphasized the growing importance of dialogue and cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions, deepening inequalities, and global challenges. She noted that the Boao Forum serves as a crucial platform for collective thinking and coordinated action, bringing together leaders and experts to propose practical solutions, promote sustainable development, and strengthen international cooperation over more than 25 years.

Highlighting Chinas increasing role in the international arena, Gafarova stated that China plays a significant and constructive role in todays international relations. Its remarkable achievements in economic, social, and technological development, along with efforts to share these successes, reflect a forward-looking approach to a shared future for humanity. She expressed confidence that the successful implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted by the National Peoples Congress will further advance this vision.

Speaker Gafarova also outlined global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global Governance, noting that these initiatives, supported by Azerbaijan, provide a comprehensive framework for building a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable world based on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Addressing Azerbaijan-China relations, Gafarova stated that shared perspectives bring our countries closer together. As we approach the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, these ties have reached a new level. She underscored that recent high-level reciprocal visits, including those by President Ilham Aliyev, and the signing of joint declarations on strategic and comprehensive partnership clearly demonstrate the depth of political dialogue, mutual trust, and expanding cooperation between the two countries. Gafarova reaffirmed Azerbaijans full support for Chinas initiatives and principles.

The Speaker stressed that after recovering its territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with international law, Azerbaijan places special importance on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. She highlighted that the national vision set by President Ilham Aliyev is based on peace, development, multilateralism, mutual respect, and cooperation, and this vision is consistently translated into practical action.

Gafarova also informed participants about Azerbaijans global initiatives under President Aliyevs leadership. She noted that during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Azerbaijan actively promoted the interests of the Global South and contributed to strengthening the movements institutional foundations. She added that the NAM Parliamentary Network, established on Aliyevs initiative and chaired by the Azerbaijani Parliament, provides a platform for inter-parliamentary cooperation to achieve common goals.

Highlighting Azerbaijans role in hosting COP29, Gafarova stated that the country has actively worked to bridge differences between the Global North and South and achieve key outcomes on the global climate agenda. She further emphasized Azerbaijans ongoing work to promote intercultural dialogue, multiculturalism, and tolerance through platforms such as the Global Baku Forum.

The Speaker also announced that Azerbaijan will host the upcoming World Urban Forum and, in the fall of 2026, the Asia Summit on Confidence-Building and Mutual Action in Baku, further strengthening the countrys commitment to international cooperation.

Gafarova noted that recent global developments have underscored the strategic importance of energy security, transport, and communications. She emphasized that Azerbaijan plays a key role in ensuring energy security across a wide region, and continued investment in green energy will further enhance this contribution.

She highlighted Azerbaijans position as a major Eurasian transport hub and its active contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting that Azerbaijan is the second-largest investor in the initiative after China. The Speaker pointed out that the Middle Corridor has proven to be one of the most optimal and secure routes connecting Europe with Central Asia and China via the Caspian Sea. She added that restoring transport and communication links between western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic within the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process will further enhance the corridors efficiency.

Concluding her speech, Gafarova emphasized that, as President Ilham Aliyev has stated, these projects are designed not only to generate economic benefits but also to promote stability, interconnectivity, and trust among peoples. She added that the Boao Forum demonstrates once again that partnership, dialogue, and mutual respect can effectively address common challenges and help build a more stable and prosperous future.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, March 26. International travelers led by NomadMania Club founder and director Harry Mitsidis explored the city of Shusha as part of a trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Trends Karabakh bureau reports.

The group, comprising 79 travelers from 37 countries, began their visit with a tour of the monuments to prominent Azerbaijani figures Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli located in the central square of Shusha, which had been subjected to shelling. The guests were briefed on the history of Shusha, its condition during the years of occupation, and the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

It was noted that during the thirty-year occupation, historic buildings, mosques, and monuments in Shusha were subjected to extensive destruction. Following the citys liberation, large-scale construction and restoration works were launched. Alongside the development of infrastructure, efforts to restore Shushas authentic historical appearance, as well as its cultural and historical landmarks, are currently underway.

The travelers also visited the house of Khurshidbanu Natavan, the area of the Khan Qizi spring, the fortress walls, and the Yukhari Govhar Aga Mosque.

The visit is considered highly significant for promoting the territories liberated from occupation within the framework of black tourism, as well as for showcasing the large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts being carried out in the region.

It should be noted that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 15 international travel missions to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur were organized through major global travel clubs. This visit marks the 16th such trip.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, March 26. A group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The guests entered the liberated areas of the Aghdam district at the start of their trip. The itinerary includes visits to the cities of Aghdam and Shusha today, followed by a stop in Lachin and later visits to the Zangilan and Fuzuli districts.

The delegation includes 79 travelers from 37 countries, making it the largest group of international visitors to Karabakh and East Zangezur to date.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.

10:56

A group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The delegation, comprising 79 travelers from 37 countries, is the largest of its kind to visit the territories in recent years. The trip is part of broader efforts to showcase areas affected by past conflict and to highlight ongoing reconstruction and development initiatives.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, March 26. A group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The guests entered the liberated areas of the Aghdam district at the start of their trip. The itinerary includes visits to the cities of Aghdam and Shusha today, followed by a stop in Lachin, and later visits to Zangilan and Fuzuli districts.

The delegation includes 79 travelers from 37 countries, making it the largest group of international visitors to Karabakh and East Zangezur to date.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.

10:56

A group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The delegation, comprising 79 travelers from 37 countries, is the largest of its kind to visit the territories in recent years. The trip is part of broader efforts to showcase areas affected by past conflict and to highlight ongoing reconstruction and development initiatives.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, March 26. International travelers have visited Azerbaijan's Aghdam Juma Mosque as part of their tour of liberated territories in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The travelers also explored the remains of the Bread Museum and were briefed on the destruction that occurred during the occupation as well as ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts in Aghdam. After the visit, the group proceeded toward Shusha city.

To note, a group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The delegation, made up of 79 travelers from 37 countries, is the biggest of its kind to set foot in the territories in recent years. The trip is part of broader efforts to showcase areas affected by past conflict and to highlight ongoing reconstruction and development initiatives.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, March 26. International travelers have visited Azerbaijan's Khojaly Genocide Memorial, honoring the victims of the tragic events that occurred in the town, Trends Karabakh bureau reports.

The visitors explored the memorial monument dedicated to the victims and received detailed information about the history of the tragedy and its consequences.

To note, a group of globe-trotters led by Harry Mitsidis, a British national of Greek origin and founder of NomadMania, the mastermind behind NomadMania, has set off on an adventure to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The delegation, comprising 79 travelers from 37 countries, is the largest of its kind to visit the territories in recent years. The trip is part of broader efforts to showcase areas affected by past conflict and to highlight ongoing reconstruction and development initiatives.

NomadMania, which ranks global destinations by dividing the world into 1,301 regions, previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan. Mitsidis, who has visited all of the listed regions, is currently ranked at the top of the organizations global index. The organization has also previously held its annual gathering in Azerbaijan.

The visit follows a series of similar trips organized by international travel clubs since the end of the conflict, offering participants a closer look at ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment efforts.

From 2020 through 2025, leading global travel clubs have organized 15 visits to Karabakh and East Zangezur, with the current journey becoming the latest in a growing series of international tours to the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Over the past decade, Turkish investment in the energy sector has risen from virtually zero to $3.2 billion, making it the largest recipient of Turkish capital in Central Asia, a source from the Analytical Department of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) told Trend.

According to the bank, Turkish investment in Central Asias power and infrastructure sectors has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with the energy sector emerging as the largest recipient of Turkish capital.

"Turkish investors are demonstrating one of the fastest expansion rates in Central Asia. Since 2016, they have achieved an average annual investment growth of around 16%, significantly higher than the average for Asian FDI of 9.6%. As a result, Turkiyes share in total Asian investment in Central Asia has grown from 5% to 13%. Kazakhstan ($3.3 billion) and Uzbekistan ($3.1 billion) remain the main destinations, jointly accounting for around 75% of all Turkish investments in the region," the source stated.

The source noted that the most dynamic shift has occurred in the power sector, where Turkish capital has increasingly moved toward large-scale infrastructure projects.

"Large-scale projects are underway, including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission line with the participation of Calk Holding. Aksa Energy has also emerged as a key player, implementing or developing six power projects with an investment stock of $1.3 billion - around 40% of total Turkish investments in the power sector in the region. Among its flagship projects are a thermal power plant in Kyzylorda (Kazakhstan), a gas-piston power plant in the Kashkadarya region (Uzbekistan), and a combined-cycle power plant in Shymkent (Kazakhstan)," the source noted.

The department emphasized that, beyond power, transport and logistics have become another important driver of Turkish investment growth.

"Investment stock in this sector has reached $1.2 billion - nearly six times higher than in 2020. This expansion has been fueled by aviation infrastructure upgrades and logistics hub development, including the modernization of Almaty and Aktau airports and the construction of a new airport complex in Turkistan (Kazakhstan)," the EDB Analytical Department said.

At the same time, Turkish capital continues to maintain a steady presence in agro-industrial and manufacturing projects.

"Over the past decade, these sectors have consistently accounted for 1520% of Turkish investment in Central Asia, highlighting their strategic importance and Turkish companies' long-term strategies to expand their presence in the region.

Overall, Turkish investments are playing a meaningful role in modernizing infrastructure, strengthening energy security, and fostering industrial cooperation across Central Asia," the source concluded.
(Photo illustration by Getty images)

In the past decade, Washington has become one of the most expensive states to live in.

Drawing from an array of federal and state data, a new analysis shows the states cost of living rising faster than the national average over that time, with only California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. considered more expensive in 2023.

The 12-page Prices We Pay report, produced by the Washington Roundtable in concert with researchers at the consultancy Kinetic West, details the areas where Washington is becoming less affordable. Its authors dont suggest actions to bend the curve, instead hoping the data will inform decision making by public and private sector leaders.

We have to understand whats driving these cost pressures, said Rachel Smith, president of the Washington Roundtable, a voice for senior executives of major businesses.

No one sector can solve this challenge alone, Smith said in a statement. After all, government doesnt set the price of your refrigerator repair or your dinner out, and businesses dont set tax or regulatory policy  but those decisions are deeply connected.

Future reports will explore ways to address affordability. Smith said that for now, Washington should endeavor to be average on tax policy rather than the high bar for the nation.

We cant continue to have the only (business and occupation) tax in the nation, alongside some of the highest rates for combined state and local sales taxes, capital gains, estate, and now income taxes on high earners, without those costs showing up in the rising prices families pay every day, she said.

Each year, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis measures the differences in price levels across states and metropolitan areas for its Regional Price Parities index. This data allows comparisons of buying power from state to state, or one metro area to another, for a given year. Price levels are expressed as a percentage of the overall national level, which is set at 100.

Washington recorded a 108.5 score in 2023, the most recent year assumed in the Washington Roundtable report. It put Washington as the fifth most expensive place.

When the 2024 index was released in February, Washingtons score dipped slightly to 107, and it dropped to sixth most expensive, as New York moved into the top five. Washington scored 103.2 in 2011, putting it at 13th most expensive.

The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region ranked as the fifth most expensive metropolitan area nationwide in 2023, trailing San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Oxnard-Ventura, all of which are in California.
Photo: Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 26. Erlist Akunbekov, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, held a working meeting on the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, Trend reports, citing the ministry.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the management of the national railway company Kyrgyz Temir Zholu, as well as officials from the project company.

According to available data, the main design documentation for the railway has already been prepared, while finalization of drawings and approval procedures are ongoing. Large-scale construction work is underway, involving more than 5,000 personnel and over 5,600 units of equipment.

Current efforts are focused on tunneling, earthworks, and bridge construction. To date, more than 3.5 million cubic meters of earthworks have been completed.

Akunbekov stressed the importance of strict compliance with safety and environmental standards during the projects implementation, noting that the Cabinet of Ministers will ensure necessary support and coordination for its successful completion.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Iran calls for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian and industrial facilities, the countrys Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade, Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, said in a letter addressed to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Trend reports.

According to him, the recent strikes by the United States and Israel have really taken a toll on the countrys industrial and production sites. He stressed that factories churning out vital goods for the population must not be targeted.

Atabak noted that Iran is seeking technical assistance and expert cooperation from UNIDO to assess the damage, carry out repairs, and restore operations. He added that documentation on the affected facilities is currently being compiled and will be submitted to UNIDO for further expert evaluation once finalized.

Under the current circumstances, the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade of Iran considers maintaining the continuity of production in the country as a key priority. In this direction, production enterprises and damaged facilities are being continuously inspected, he said.

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 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 13 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 26. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan on March 2627, where he is set to meet President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the first session of a new Supreme Interstate Council and sign a package of agreements expected to elevate bilateral ties to a full-fledged alliance.

The visit marks a significant step in the evolution of relations. Since signing a Treaty on Allied Relations in April 2024 in Dushanbe - which entered into force in March 2025 - the two sides have resolved nearly all outstanding border issues. A key milestone came in March 2025, when the leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a trilateral agreement in Khujand defining the junction point of their borders, effectively closing the last disputed segments.

Economic cooperation remains the main driver. Bilateral trade reached $718.3 million in 2025, up 22.5% year-on-year, according to Tajik data. Broader estimates put the figure closer to $912 million - a 3.8-fold increase since 2017. Growth has accelerated further in early 2026, with trade up 81.5% in January.

The structure of trade highlights complementarity: Uzbekistan exports machinery, fertilizers and petroleum products, while Tajikistan mainly supplies coal - nearly all of its export volume in 2025 went to Uzbekistan. Investment ties are also expanding. As of mid-2025, 357 enterprises with Tajik capital were operating in Uzbekistan, up by roughly one-third from a year earlier. Both governments have set a target of boosting trade to $2 billion in the coming years.

Energy - once a source of friction - is increasingly an area of alignment. The Rogun hydropower plant, previously a point of concern for Tashkent over water flows, is now seen as a foundation for cooperation. Tajikistan is already exporting electricity from the plant to Uzbekistan at around 3.4 cents per kWh, with volumes expected to rise as new capacity comes online. For Uzbekistan, this helps cover peak summer demand with relatively green energy; for Tajikistan, it provides a stable export market and financing stream.

The agenda also includes transport connectivity, industrial cooperation and cultural exchanges. In 2025, Uzbekistan hosted nearly 2.78 million visitors from Tajikistan, underscoring the scale of cross-border ties.

Regionally, the visit comes amid accelerating Central Asian integration, with Tashkent and Dushanbe positioning their relationship as a model of bilateral alliance-building. At the same time, structural differences remain: Tajikistans economy relies heavily on hydropower and remittances, while Uzbekistan is driven by gas resources and domestic reforms.

Around 1015 agreements are expected to be signed, alongside concrete steps to expand trade and investment. The launch of the Supreme Interstate Council is intended to institutionalize high-level engagement, turning periodic meetings into a standing coordination mechanism.

Whether the two countries can reach their $2 billion trade target within the next few years - and significantly advance joint energy projects - will depend on implementation. If momentum holds, the visit could emerge as a practical model for deeper regional cooperation in Central Asia, with its longer-term impact shaped by the pace of follow-through.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 26. Turkmenistan and the European Union discussed prospects for further development of bilateral and regional cooperation, Trend reports.

The talks took place during a meeting between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Charlotte Adriaen, Head of the Unit for Central Asia and Afghanistan at the European Commissions Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).

The discussions primarily focused on the current state of trade and economic relations, underscoring the critical need to enhance transport and transit connectivity between Central Asia and the European Union.

Energy cooperation featured prominently on the agenda, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to continuing dialogue under existing frameworks, while exploring avenues for expanded collaboration in green development and climate-related initiatives.

Additionally, the meeting covered cultural and humanitarian cooperation, highlighting EU-funded programs in Turkmenistan and the broader region, which focus on youth empowerment, sustainable energy, trade, and digital connectivity.

The sides reiterated their firm commitment to strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the EU, particularly within the framework of the "Central Asia-European Union" dialogue.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 26. Turkmenistan and Japan engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of bilateral agreements and key areas of cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The talks were held during a meeting between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ayano Kunimitsu.

The discussions primarily focused on the progress made in fulfilling agreements reached during recent high-level visits. The two sides explored avenues to deepen cooperation across political, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and interparliamentary relations, as well as energy security and multilateral cooperation.

The Turkmen delegation also expressed its willingness to facilitate a visit by the Prime Minister of Japan to Turkmenistan at a mutually agreeable time.

In turn, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Turkmenistans support in establishing a humanitarian corridor, which allowed for the safe evacuation of Japanese citizens from Iran.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 26. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan plan to further expand rail freight volumes and accelerate the development of cross-border infrastructure, Trend reports via Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

These issues were discussed during a meeting between Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, and Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways, held at Maktaaral station during a working visit to the DarbazaMaktaaral railway line under construction.

The sides outlined plans to boost transportation capacity through the construction of the new DarbazaMaktaaral line, which will connect to the MaktaaralSyrdarya interstate crossing point, as well as through modernization of railway infrastructure, including the introduction of advanced automatic block and interlocking systems.

The parties highlighted strong current performance as a foundation for future growth. In 2025, freight traffic between the two countries reached 32.3 million tons, marking a 16% increase compared to 2024 and the highest level in the past decade. Kazakhstans exports amounted to 13 million tons, up 8.5%, while grain shipments to Uzbekistan surged by 32%, exceeding 4.5 million tons.

The upward trend has continued into 2026, with freight volumes reaching 6.6 million tons in the first two months of the year, a 37.5% increase year-on-year. Both sides expect further growth by the end of 2026.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 26. Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev held talks with Leah Gutierrez, the new ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, Leah Gutierrez, and Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director for Uzbekistan, and discussed the project portfolio for 2026, the Deputy PM wrote on his social media account, Trend reports.

The confirmed project portfolio for 2026 totals $1.4 billion. The funding is allocated across four primary sectors: energy, water supply, education, and sustainable development. These initiatives are designed to support the modernization of national infrastructure and the transition to a green economy.

Furthermore, the discussions focused on accelerating the preparation of these projects and improving coordination between the Bank and Uzbek government agencies. The ADB remains a lead partner in Uzbekistans ongoing economic reform program.

In addition, the parties reviewed the draft for a new 20272030 cooperation program. This long-term strategic framework is scheduled to be formally signed during the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors, which will be held in Samarkand. The event will serve as the primary platform for finalizing priority agreements and expanding the regional partnership.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 26. Kyrgyzstan will cooperate with leading Chinese technology firms to develop electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev said during a working visit to China, Trend reports via the ministry.

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with ShuiFa Group, which envisions joint projects to install EV charging stations and modern energy storage systems across Kyrgyzstan.

During the visit, Ibraev toured ShuiFa Groups production facilities in Zhuhai and discussed with company management plans to modernize the countrys energy infrastructure and support the growth of environmentally friendly transport.

The minister also held talks with Yulin Liang, CEO of NUCL New Energy Tech, focusing on implementing innovative technologies in the EV charging network. Additionally, the Kyrgyz delegation met with Zhejiang Anfu Energy, a manufacturer of electric vehicle charging equipment.

Ibraev emphasized that adopting advanced technologies in station installation is a priority for strengthening Kyrgyzstans energy sector and supporting the transition to clean transportation.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 26. Eldik Bank OJSC has received accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), becoming the first bank in the Kyrgyz Republic to achieve this status, Trend reports via the bank.

The decision was approved by the GCF Council during its recent regular meeting. Accreditation confirms that an entity meets international standards in areas such as corporate governance, environmental and social safeguards, fiduciary management, and the capacity to design and execute climate-related investments.

For Eldik Bank, this grants direct access to GCF financing resources, bypassing some intermediary steps required for non-accredited institutions. It opens avenues for channeling long-term international funds into Kyrgyz projects focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and related sectors. Prior to this, the country's only GCF-accredited direct access entity was the Community Development and Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic (ARIS), accredited in March 2024.

The bank has been actively preparing for this step, including through partnerships such as a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to build capacity in green and climate finance, integrate ESG standards, and support Kyrgyzstans updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 26. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council on March 26 in Tashkent, Trend reports via press service of Uzbek president.

The leaders noted that the new format would elevate bilateral cooperation and strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries.

Particular attention was paid to boosting trade, industrial cooperation, transport connectivity, and water and energy security. Bilateral trade reached nearly $1 billion in 2025, with a target set to increase it to $2 billion by 2030.

The sides also agreed to accelerate joint projects, including the creation of the OybekFotekhobod border trade center and the introduction of digital systems for trade procedures.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to adopt a roadmap to ensure implementation of the agreements reached.
With AI ramping up its presence in many workplaces, people are losing their jobs and struggling to find new ones in industries that increasingly rely on AI, especially if theyre just starting their careers.

In 2025, Goldman Sachs reported that AI-related innovation in the workplace could displace 6% to 7% of the U.S. workforce (1). Additionally, Stanford economists Erik Brynjolfsson, Bharat Chandar and Ruyu Chen found that early-career employees in fields most exposed to AI have seen a 13% drop in employment since 2022 (2).

Must Read

Those numbers can feel harrowing if youre new to the workforce, especially in fields like software engineering and customer service. But AI doesnt have to make or break your future in the job market.

While job disruptions may be increasing, so are efforts to offset these disruptions. Two nonprofits, the AI Commons Project and What We Will, have launched a trial basic income program that will send $1,000 a month to 25 to 50 workers impacted by AI for a year. Theyre calling it the AI Dividend.

How the program works

Tech journalist Brian Merchant spoke with Kaitlin Cort, a veteran software engineer, programming instructor and one of the organizers behind the AI Dividend, for his newsletter Blood in the Machine.

Cort told Merchant that she has been mentoring students struggling to land jobs. The few jobs her mentees have secured have often been demeaning, and not really allowing them to do real engineering work, but rather asking them to review repetitive tasks, and validate parts of code created by AI (3).

Enter the AI Dividend, a stipend meant to support affected workers while collecting data about how the funds help as they try to move forward and expand the program.

Nick Salazar, executive director of the Fund For a Guaranteed Income (F4GI), also spoke to Merchant. He said that because building AI-related skills takes time, money and connections, the AI Dividend combines cash with reskilling so workers can actually figure out whats next (3).

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Adapting to a high-tech economy

Working in an AI-driven economy can be intimidating. A survey conducted by McKinsey & Company in November 2025 found that 88% of organizations were using AI in at least one business function, up 10% from 2024 (4).
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 26. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan signed a package of bilateral documents following the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, Trend reports via Uzbek president's press service.

Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon signed a joint statement on deepening strategic partnership and allied relations.

At the level of governments and ministries, the sides also adopted a program to increase trade turnover and a program of industrial cooperation, alongside agreements on the mutual use of electronic systems for certification of origin of goods, cooperation in healthcare, and coordination of radio frequency use in border areas.

The package further included a protocol amending the agreement on the establishment of the Uzbek-Tajik Investment Company, as well as agreements on the use of the E-Permit system and scientific cooperation between the academies of sciences.

In addition, the parties approved a number of sectoral plans and roadmaps, including initiatives covering industry and innovation, mining and new technologies, cultural cooperation, tourism, and the agro-industrial sector for the coming years.

Memorandas were also signed to expand cooperation in innovation, public service, finance, education, and the enforcement of judicial acts.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Although Asia and the Pacific has limited direct trade exposure to Iran and other countries in the Middle East, economies in the region are highly vulnerable to spillovers transmitted through global energy markets, trade and transport networks, and financial conditions, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in its new research, Trend reports.

The risk extends beyond oil production itself to include maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments;aviation corridors linking Asia and the Pacific with Europe; and already strained global shipping routes.

These transmission channels are particularly relevant for Asia and the Pacific, which is both the worlds largest energy-importing region and a central hub for global manufacturing and trade (ADB 2026). Asia and the Pacifics vulnerability to the Middle East conflict stems in large part from its dependence on imported energy. The region is home to some of the worlds largest oil importers including the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Most regional economies are substantial net importers of crude oil, refined oil products, and natural gas relative to their gross domestic product (GDP). This implies that even moderate increases in energy prices can generate significant income losses, the report reads.

In late February 2026, Israel and the United States carried out major air and missile strikes on Iran, prompting a swift response from Tehran. Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel, as well as U.S. and allied positions across Gulf states and Cyprus. The hostilities have also extended to Lebanon.

The escalation has inflicted significant damage on the regions energy infrastructure. Qatar suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production on March 2, and its facilities were subsequently attacked, disrupting nearly 20% of global LNG supplyequivalent to 8% of EU imports and 30% of Chinas LNG imports in 2025. Saudi Aramco halted operations at Ras Tanura, the kingdoms largest domestic refinery. Meanwhile, two of Israels largest offshore gas fields have been shut down, and production in Iraqs key oil fields, including those in Iraqi Kurdistan, has been reduced or halted.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the main export route for Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has sharply declined amid rising insurance costs and heightened security risks, even without an official closure. Approximately 18% of the worlds oil production flows through the strait, including refined products primarily destined for Asia, yet only about a quarter of this volume can be diverted through alternative ports on the Arabian Peninsula in the short term.

ADB analysts point out that Asias exposure to the conflict is further underscored by importsource concentration.

Around 20% of global oil and LNG trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with Asia being the main destination. Japan sources around three-quarters of its oil consumption from the Middle East, and high dependence is similarly observed in Singapore, India, and the PRC. Because crude oil is traded in an integrated global market, a disruption in the Strait affects all net oil importers through higher world prices. However, Asias heavier reliance on Gulf suppliers also implies greater short-run exposure to shipping disruptions, higher transport and insurance costs, and temporary difficulties in replacing disrupted supplies. The exposure is similarly pronounced for LNG, as virtually all LNG transiting the Strait are destined for Asian importers, reads the report.

The Bank notes that Strategic petroleum reserves may provide a short-term cushion to supply disruptions, but adequacy and coordination constraints may limit effectiveness. Asia and the Pacific is also exposed to the conflict through its deep integration into international trade and logistics networks.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 27. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid sent by Russia to Iran have crossed into Iranian territory through the "South Astara" state border checkpoint of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The total weight of the humanitarian cargo, which mainly consists of medicines, exceeds 300 tons.

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A cargo train from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations carrying humanitarian aid to Iran arrived at the Astara station of Azerbaijan Railways and was sent to Iran via the Astara terminal, Trend reports.

The humanitarian cargo, consisting primarily of medicines, exceeds 300 tons in total weight. Plans are in place to transport the cargo to its destination within Iran via road transport following its arrival.

Notably, on March 12, another shipment of over 13 tons of medicines and medical supplies sent by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations also transited through Azerbaijani territory to Iran.

On March 12, Russias Ministry of Emergency Situations sent a humanitarian aid shipment weighing over 13 tons, consisting of medicines and medical supplies, to Iran via Azerbaijan.

On March 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, expressed his gratitude for the prompt assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as for facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid sent by his country to Iran via Azerbaijani territory.

Against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the region, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian cargo once again underscores the importance of international cooperation and transit capabilities.

xxx

23:49

A cargo train from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations carrying humanitarian aid to Iran has arrived at the "Astara" station of "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC, Trend reports.

The humanitarian cargo, consisting primarily of medicines, exceeds 300 tons in total weight. Plans are in place to transport the cargo to its destination within Iran via road transport following its arrival.

Notably, on March 12, another shipment of over 13 tons of medicines and medical supplies sent by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations also transited through Azerbaijani territory to Iran.

On March 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, President Putin expressed his gratitude for the operational support provided during the evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran and for the conditions created to facilitate the transit of Russian humanitarian aid to Iran through Azerbaijan.

Against the backdrop of regional tensions, the continuous transport of humanitarian goods underscores the vital importance of international cooperation and transit capabilities.

xxx

10:39

A cargo train from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations carrying humanitarian aid to Iran has arrived at the "Garadagh" station of "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC, Trend reports.

The humanitarian cargo, consisting primarily of medicines, exceeds 300 tons in total weight. Plans are in place to transport the cargo to its destination within Iran via road transport following its arrival.

Notably, on March 12, another shipment of over 13 tons of medicines and medical supplies sent by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations also transited through Azerbaijani territory to Iran.

On March 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, President Putin expressed his gratitude for the operational support provided during the evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran and for the conditions created to facilitate the transit of Russian humanitarian aid to Iran through Azerbaijan.

Against the backdrop of regional tensions, the continuous transport of humanitarian goods underscores the vital importance of international cooperation and transit capabilities.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, March 26. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived in Tashkent on March 26 for a state visit to Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik president.

At Tashkent-Humo International Airport, Rahmon was received by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with an official welcome ceremony.

The airport was decorated with national flags of both countries, as well as banners highlighting the friendship between the peoples of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The state visit, scheduled for March 2627 in Tashkent and Bukhara, will include high-level talks and negotiations, as well as the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.

The agenda also includes the signing of a number of cooperation agreements, an interregional business forum, and cultural events, including an Evening of Friendship and Days of Tajik Culture in Uzbekistan.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 26. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev engaged in discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Shymkent to review the extensive scope of bilateral economic cooperation, valued at $25 billion, Trend reports via Akorda.

The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of both the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Shymkent Digital Forum, underscored the depth and scale of the ongoing industrial and trade collaboration between the two nations.

President Tokayev reaffirmed that, to date, 122 major joint projects have been successfully implemented, with an estimated value of approximately $25 billion. The annual trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia is nearing $30 billion, reinforcing Russia's status as Kazakhstan's leading trade and investment partner.

The discussions also centered on the logistical and diplomatic preparations for the forthcoming state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Astana. Tokayev emphasized the high strategic priority of the visit, which is expected to provide significant momentum to the already robust partnership and allied relations between the two countries.

Moreover, both sides reviewed the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation in advance of the summit, ensuring that all aspects of the relationship are thoroughly addressed.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 26. Alibek Zhamauov, Chairman of the Board of "NC QazaqGaz" JSC, held a working meeting with Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of TotalEnergies, on the sidelines of CERAWeek in Houston, "NC QazaqGaz" says, Trend reports.

According to the information, the negotiations were of a business nature and were part of a series of meetings with the heads of major international energy companies.

The parties discussed key issues in the gas industry, including the development of geological exploration, as well as prospects for long-term cooperation in the context of the transformation of the global energy market.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 26. Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed laws ratifying international agreements related to Eurasian Econimic Union (EAEU) and Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports via Akorda.

The legislation includes the ratification of the Agreement on the Harmonized System for Determining the Origin of Goods Exported from the Customs Territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

In addition, laws were signed ratifying the Protocol amending the Agreement on the Principles and Approaches for State Control (Supervision) over Compliance with EAEU Technical Regulations to harmonize the legislation of member states, as well as the Agreement on the Establishment of the Civil Protection Mechanism of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Iran has executed a drone strike aimed at U.S. military installations in eastern Saudi Arabia, Trend reports, citing Iranian media.

According to reports, the strikes were executed with a fleet of drones.

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 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 13 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.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Iran is ready to facilitate the passage of South Korean ships through the Strait of Hormuz, said the countrys ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, Trend reports.

During a press conference, Koozechi clarified that the ships themselves are not the problem, but that the governments involved must coordinate in advance.

Iran acts conscientiously and is prepared to permit the passage of South Korean ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but this depends on whether the necessary information and the list of vessels are provided. Once the information is submitted, we will review it, he said.

According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, about 26 South Korean vessels, carrying around 180 crew members, are currently anchored in the Persian Gulf. The ambassador made it clear that Iran does not see South Korea as an adversary, but restrictions on ships associated with U.S. companies and tankers remain unavoidable under the current circumstances.

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 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 13 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 26. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced attacks on U.S. military bases in the region and various military positions in Israel, Trend reports via the IRGC.

The strikes were carried out as part of the 82nd phase of the operation "True Promise 4" early this morning.

The operation targeted hangars housing MQ-9 drones, satellite control equipment, and Patriot radar systems using kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). IRGC stated that the attacks are ongoing.

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 13 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
Kentucky currently imposes an ad valorem barrel tax on aging bourbon inventory, which is a property-based levy applied annually to all barrels aging in Kentucky rickhouses, regardless of where the spirits will ultimately be consumed. According to the Kentucky Distillers Association, Kentucky produces roughly 95% of the worlds bourbon, and the overwhelming majority of that product flows out of state and out of country to consumers in Chicago, New York, Toronto, Paris and the like. Because that burden is embedded in aging inventory before the product ever leaves Kentucky, a significant share of it travels with the bourbon into prices paid by nonresident consumers. Non-Kentuckians who love bourbon largely pay for the privilege. And from where an ordinary Kentucky citizen sits, thats smart tax design. Kentuckians  whether we drink or not  eventually benefit from state and local revenues largely underwritten by people who neither live nor work in the commonwealth. That advantage, however, is already being wound down: in 2023 the General Assembly enacted a 20-year phase-out of the barrel tax, concluding in 2043.

Bruce Yandle, the economist who coined the Bootleggers and Baptists framework, would recognize Kentuckys House Bill 9 immediately. It has all the hallmarks of regulatory politics: a powerful concentrated industry, legislative wording wrapped in the language of modernization and simplification, and a diffuse group of losers (namely, alcohol retailers, restaurants and Kentucky consumers) left holding the tab. Theres also a gnawing question about the legislative outcome that raises a genuinely important concern: Who, exactly, is this bill supposed to help?

The Baptists supplied the righteous cover while the bootleggers supplied the campaign contributions. The result was the same either way; liquor stores stayed closed, and everybody got what they came for. Everybody, that is, except the ordinary citizen who just wanted to sip his bourbon on the covered porch with friends without alerting the law.

There is an old story policy analysts like to tell about liquor laws. In the American South, two groups reliably showed up at the statehouse to support alcohol prohibition: Baptist ministers, who opposed drinking on moral grounds, and bootleggers, who opposed it on profit grounds.

The mechanism for exporting Kentuckys bourbon tax burden to out-of-state consumers is the ad valorem barrel tax on aging inventory, which applies annually to all aging bourbon stock regardless of ultimate destination. It is worth noting that Kentucky is phasing out the barrel tax over a 20-year period beginning in 2023. House Bill 9 would shift the remaining domestic burden onto Kentuckys retailers and consumers.

The 11% wholesale excise tax applies only to spirits sold within Kentucky; exports are deducted before any tax liability is calculated. The original commentary incorrectly said that the 11% tax applied to exports.

The legislature is considering a shift in tax burden that would most affect Kentuckys alcohol retailers, including bars, restaurants, grocery stores with liquor licenses, hotels, among others. (Getty Images)

Story Continues

The General Assembly began pouring that advantage down the drain in 2023 with the barrel tax phase-out. HB 9 finishes the job.

Kentuckys bourbon tax structure does not rest on the barrel tax alone. At the wholesale level, spirits are subject to two prominent taxes: a state excise tax of $1.92 per gallon on all distilled spirits sold in Kentucky and an 11% wholesale tax applied when distilled spirits moves from manufacturer to distributor. It is these wholesale-level taxes that HB 9 targets. Effective July 1, 2027, the bill largely replaces that wholesale tax structure with a 4% retail regulatory fee collected at the point of sale  in Kentucky, by Kentucky businesses and from Kentucky consumers. The bills champions call this revenue neutral. In a narrow arithmetic sense, perhaps it is. But revenue neutrality does not equal tax burden neutrality. So who, exactly, is paying for this new tax scheme?

With the barrel tax system, a substantial share of that burden came from bourbon drinkers across the country and around the world. Under the wholesale tax structure HB 9 targets, Kentucky consumers are already bearing the cost through shelf prices. Under HB 9, that share shifts further inwardly to Kentuckians themselves, and to the local retailers and bars tasked with collecting and remitting the fee. As Terry Bond Jr., owner of Crazy Fox Saloon in Newport, put it plainly: Youre removing the tax from everyone but the residents of Kentucky, who will now have to pay more to make up for the difference.

That shift from the wholesale level matters most for Kentuckys alcohol retailers like bars, restaurants, grocery stores with liquor licenses, hotels, among others. Unlike large distillers and distributors, retailers most often operate on thin margins and high compliance burdens. HB 9 effectively deputizes them as tax collectors for the state, offering a 0.25% collection allowance that does little to offset the administrative costs, accounting complexity and cash flow implications of the new system.

A good deal for distillers, but at whose expense?

In politics, the best-organized interests tend to help write the rules. In Kentucky, few interests are better organized than the distilling industry. Look at what that industry receives from HB 9: the upstream tax obligation substantially reduced while pushing the tax incidence and burden squarely downstream onto Kentuckys consumers and local retailers, annual license fees reduced, self-distribution rights preserved and codified, and expanded retail and sampling privileges secured.

Now, lets look at what the bill requires in return: essentially nothing. There is no requirement to pass savings downstream to retailers and consumers. No price reduction mandate. No mechanism ensuring that the tax relief enjoyed by distillers and wholesalers translates into lower wholesale prices for the retailers who purchase their product.

Unravelling the revenue neutral argument

This is where the revenue neutral argument begins to unravel. That claim only holds if manufacturers and wholesalers voluntarily reduce their prices to reflect their tax savings, meaning they pass tax savings down the supply chain to retailers and customers. There is no reason based on economics or common sense to expect they will. If they dont, Kentucky retailers face the worst of both worlds: higher compliance burdens and a new 4% fee applied at the point of sale, without any offsetting reduction in their input costs. The result is not neutrality; it is a quiet but significant transfer of wealth from thousands of small, local businesses and their customers to a concentrated group of alcohol producers.

The Baptists in this story are harder to spot than the bootleggers, but they are there. The bill is framed in the language of administrative simplification, modernization and regulatory clarity. There is even a modest contribution to an Alcohol Wellness and Responsibility Education Fund; lets call this a touch of moral seasoning on what is, at its core, a tax shift dressed up as reform.

Kentuckys alcohol retailers are right to be concerned, and Kentucky consumers should be paying closer attention. Bourbon is more than a point of pride for the commonwealth; it is one of the rare economic engines that allows Kentucky to export part of its tax burden to the rest of the world.

HB 9 further pours that advantage down the drain. It replaces a system in which global demand for Kentucky bourbon helps fund state and local revenues with one in which Kentucky residents, retailers and small businesses pick up the check instead. And unlike bourbon itself, thats a bitter taste no matter whether in Boyd County, Fulton County or somewhere in between.

At some point soon, legislators will go home. They will stop at the neighborhood liquor store to pick up a bottle or sit down at a local restaurant and order a drink. And when the owner behind the counter or across the table asks a simple question  Why didnt you look after us?  they wont have a good answer. Hey, after all, the bootleggers got their deal. The Baptists got their cover story. Everyone else gets the bill.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26. Iran has outlined preliminary conditions for ending the ongoing conflict, Seyyed Esmail Hosseini, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliaments Energy Committee, told reporters, Trend reports.

As for the primary conditions, these include the adoption of Irans plan, which comprises the following points: the designation by the UN of the parties that attacked Iran as aggressors; the cessation of all U.S. military base operations in the region; a ban on the presence of all foreign military vessels in the Persian Gulf; the establishment of a new legal regime governing the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz; recognition of Irans right to enrich uranium to ensure a full supply of nuclear fuel under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as well as compensation for damage caused to Irans nuclear facilities and the formal implementation of reparations to Iran for war damage, he noted.

Hosseini added that secondary preconditions include lifting all U.S. and European Union (EU) sanctions against Iran, repealing UN resolutions targeting the country, releasing Iranian assets frozen abroad, providing compensation for past 30 year of sanctions-related damage, preventing support for separatist and insurgent groups against Iran, issuing written guarantees against future attacks, halting regional conflicts involving various groups, and ending the operations of media outlets in the U.S. and EU that act against Iran.

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 13 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 26. Turkiye has withdrawn its military contingent from Iraq under a NATO-coordinated extraction plan amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated, Trend reports.

The Armed Forces continue to contribute to peace and stability across a wide geography through international missions and bilateral relations. In light of recent developments in the region, a decision has been made to withdraw personnel from NATOs mission in Iraq.

Following this decision, the personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces stationed in Baghdad have been successfully evacuated. Our country also assisted in the withdrawal of allied personnel under the NATO-coordinated extraction plan, said Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk.

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 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 13 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 26. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and discussed global security and nuclear governance, Trend reports via Chinese MFA.

Addressing the Middle East, Wang stressed that the conflict is spreading, with potential catastrophic consequences if nuclear facilities are targeted. He called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue to prevent escalation.

Wang reaffirmed Chinas commitment to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter, strengthening the UN, and promoting a fairer global governance system. He highlighted the IAEAs central role in nuclear oversight and expressed Chinas readiness to cooperate with the agency to safeguard non-proliferation and maintain peace.

Grossi noted unprecedented global uncertainty and praised Chinas Four Global Initiatives as support for the UN-centered international system. He reaffirmed the IAEAs commitment to the One-China policy and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with China on nuclear non-proliferation, peaceful nuclear energy, and global stability.
BEIJING, March 25 (Reuters) - China said on Wednesday that Mexico's trade measures against it, including tariff increases, constitute trade and investment barriers and that it had the right to take countermeasures.

The import duty hikes affect more than $30 billion worth of Chinese exports to Mexico, and could lead to estimated losses of about $9.4 billion to China's mechanical and electrical sectors, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in its conclusion of an investigation into the measures.

About $9 billion in those losses would be borne by China's automobile and auto parts industries, as Mexico was China's biggest vehicle export destination in 2025, the ministry said, citing customs data and industry estimates.

Mexico announced in December steep tariff increases on imports from China and other countries without free trade agreements with Mexico - up to 35% on the majority of products. The move was seen by analysts as an attempt to placate the United States, whose president levied significant tariffs on Chinese goods.

Beijing has not announced countermeasures to the tariffs, but the commerce ministry has repeatedly said it could take steps to safeguard China's rights and interests.

The Mexican tariff increases would also hurt China's exports of some metal and chemical products as well as textiles and light industrial products, the ministry said.

Some non-tariff trade measures that Mexico adopted in recent years, such as complex customs inspection requirements, could also restrict Chinese companies' investments and operations in the Latin American country, according to the ministry.

(Reporting by Yukun Zhang, Shi Bu and Ryan Woo; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The ceremony commenced with Postel drawing the honorary first envelope, initiating a series of emotional announcements led by faculty and student leaders, including Class of 2026 co-presidents Juliana Rizzo and David Furniss.

Rizzo shared a particularly touching moment on stage with her husband, Matt  a fellow family medicine physician  who read her match aloud: family medicine at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Northern Kentucky.

It was such a privilege to serve the class in this capacity, Rizzo said. Seeing everyone's hard work pay off was an absolutely surreal experience, and it was just so much fun to be on stage and congratulate everyone. I'm filled with so much pride for our class and feel lucky to have shared four years of training with them. The UC College of Medicine has prepared us so well for the road ahead.

Furniss later announced his own match to emergency medicine at the University of Arizona.

It was so wonderful seeing my own family, along with so many others, gather in Kresge Auditorium, Furniss said. The eruption from the crowd after every single announcement was near deafening. I will cherish all the moments of my classmates walking up to Juliana and myself to pin their next homes on the map.

Philip Diller, MD, PhD, senior associate dean for educational affairs, conducted the second honorary draw. Dawn Bragg, PhD, associate dean for student affairs, and Bruce Giffin, PhD, associate dean for medical education, continued the random drawing. Cheers and joyful tears filled the room as students, many accompanied by their children and parents, shared their future destinations.
Published March 25, 2026

MONROE, La.  The University of Louisiana Monroes radiologic technology program students and faculty represented ULM at the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (LSRT) Midwinter Seminar in Alexandria, La., on March 14, 2026.

Senior students participated in a mock exam and critical area review lectures that helped them prepare for the National Registry Exam. The junior students participated in interactive events to help build networking and professional skills, study skills for their learning style, and strengthen critical thinking skills. Junior students also participated in a student bee. Kaylie Dowdy won first place, lasting more than an hour in the line of students being questioned. Several other junior students performed well into the final few rounds of the competition.

ULM Faculty were also recognized for their contributions to the LSRT. Mr. Brett Bennett, the ULM Radiologic Technology Program Director and Associate Professor, presented two lectures. One on study skills and test taking strategy and one on Image Production, a critical area review lecture for the national registry.

Dr. Andy Allen, the ULM Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator and Associate Professor, partnered with Ms. Ashton Shaw, ULMs newest radiologic technology faculty member, to present a critical area review lecture on patient care.

Dr. Rebecca Hamm served in the Junior portion of the meeting, showing junior students creative ways to assimilate complex ideas into understandable practices. She also serves the society as the chairman of the Nominating and Credentialing.

Its always good to see the faculty and students participating in these conferences and showcasing the expertise each brings to the profession. Im optimistic about the future of imaging in our state, said Mr. Bennett.
Had Israel Never Been Created

Imagining a world in which the Balfour Declaration was never issued in 1917 and the State of Israel never emerged in 1948 requires re-examining the entire geopolitical architecture of the modern Middle East

I have often wondered how different our world might have been had the State of Israel never come into existence. Its birth was not inevitable; it was the product of a political decision made far from Palestine. The infamous Balfour Declaration of November 2, 1917  Britains promise to establish a national home for the Jewish people in a land it did not control  was, as Abba Eban later admitted, the decisive diplomatic victory of the Jewish people in modern history.

Yet the Declaration itself was layered atop earlier imperial bargains. Only a year before, Britain and France had secretly negotiated the SykesPicot Agreement, carving up the Arab provinces of the dying Ottoman Empire and predetermining the fate of lands they had not yet conquered. The Balfour Declaration was subsequently woven into the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine, transforming a wartime pledge into an international legal commitment and charging Britain with creating the conditions for a Jewish state in a territory overwhelmingly inhabited by Arabs.

Thirty years later, in November 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine  33 in favor, 13 against  setting in motion the events that would reshape the Middle East and reverberate across the world. The rest, as we say, is history. But history is not destiny. It is the outcome of choices. And had different choices been made, the Middle East of 2026 might have looked profoundly different.

Before imagining what the Middle East might have become, we must first confront the immense human toll unleashed by this infamous Declaration.

1. Mandatory Palestine violence (1920s1948)

Palestinian Arabs: Several thousand killed in riots, revolts, and the 193639 uprising.

Several thousand killed in riots, revolts, and the 193639 uprising. Jews in Palestine: Several hundred killed in riots and insurgency.

2. 1948 war (Nakba / War of Independence)

Palestinians/Arabs (Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon):

Commonly cited: ~ 15,000 killed, 750,000+ uprooted.

~ 15,000 killed, 750,000+ uprooted. Israelis/Jews: ~ 6,0006,500 killed.

3. 1956 Suez/Sinai war

Egyptians: ~ 3,000 killed.

~ 3,000 killed. Israelis: ~ 200250 killed.

4. 1967 SixDay War

Egyptians: Often estimated 10,00015,000 killed.

Often estimated 10,00015,000 killed. Syrians: Several thousand killed.

Several thousand killed. Jordanians: ~ 7001,000 killed.

~ 7001,000 killed. Israelis: ~ 700800 killed.

5. 19671970 War of Attrition

Egyptians: Several thousand killed.

Several thousand killed. Israelis: ~ 1,400 killed.

6. 1973 October/Yom Kippur War

Egypt + Syria combined: Often cited ~15,00020,000 killed.

Often cited ~15,00020,000 killed. Israelis: ~ 2,6002,800 killed.

7. 1982 Lebanon war and occupation

Lebanese (civilians + fighters): Estimates vary widely, ~ 15,00020,000+ killed.

Estimates vary widely, ~ 15,00020,000+ killed. Palestinians in Lebanon: Several thousand Palestinians were killed in Lebanon during the 1982 Israeli invasion, including the 2,0003,500 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians massacred in Sabra and Shatila by Christian Phalangist militias operating under Israeli military oversight.

Several thousand Palestinians were killed in Lebanon during the 1982 Israeli invasion, including the 2,0003,500 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians massacred in Sabra and Shatila by Christian Phalangist militias operating under Israeli military oversight. Israelis: ~ 1,200 killed.

8. First Intifada (19871993)

Palestinians (West Bank, Gaza): Roughly 1,0001,200 killed.

Roughly 1,0001,200 killed. Israelis: ~ 200 killed.

9. Second Intifada (20002005)

Palestinians: ~ 4,0005,000 killed.

~ 4,0005,000 killed. Israelis: ~ 1,0001,100 killed.

10. Gaza wars and operations (20082023, excluding Oct 7 aftermath)

Palestinians killed in Gaza (Approximate combined):

200809: ~1,400 killed

2012: ~150200

2014: ~2,100

2021: ~250+

2022, 2023 smaller escalations: Hundreds more

So, several thousand Palestinians killed in Gaza alone before October 7, 2023.

Since October 7, 2023: As of March 25, 2026, the latest verified figures show that the Gaza death toll has surpassed 72,000 Palestinians killed and over 171,000 injured in what can be called genocidal crimes of Israel. Many bodies remain unrecovered due to rubble and inaccessible areas; entire Gaza has been turned into a rubble. Lancet and Brown University findings suggest that the actual death counts may be higher than 90,000, and supersede 100,000.

Israelis: Dozens killed across these rounds (soldiers + civilians between 2008-2023).

2,039+ Israelis killed (including October 7, 2023 and subsequent fighting). This total includes deaths caused by Israeli friendly fire on October 7, as acknowledged by the IDF, though the exact number remains undisclosed. While most October 7 fatalities were civilians, the majority of Israeli deaths after Oct 7 have been IDF soldiers and young recruits.

Palestinians in West Bank: Since October 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, largely in raids by Israeli forces and attacks by Israeli settlers; nearly a quarter of those killed are children, according to UN and OCHAbased data. Additional Palestinian citizens and residents have been killed inside Israels 1948 borders, bringing the total to well over a thousand Palestinians killed outside Gaza during this period.

11. LebanonIsrael clashes post2000

2006 Lebanon war:

Lebanese (civilians + fighters): ~1,0001,200 killed.

Israelis: ~160170 killed.

20252026 Israeli invasion and bombardment of Lebanon:

Israels expanded regional war, launched in parallel with its Gaza and Iran campaigns, has caused several thousand Lebanese deaths, including civilians, Hezbollah fighters, and other militia members.

Heavy Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beiruts southern suburbs have produced the highest Lebanese casualty levels since 1982, with the toll continuing to rise in 2026. The latest Israeli invasion has displaced between 700,000 and 900,000 Lebanese, according to UN and government figures, with total displacement across Lebanonincluding refugeesexceeding one million people.

12. Broader regional effects (Iran, Iraq, Yemen, etc.)

Iran:

Before June 2025, there was no largescale direct war between Iran and Israel. Iranian losses were primarily from Israeli strikes on IRGC personnel and allied militias in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, along with targeted assassinationsamounting to hundreds to low thousands, not tens of thousands.

However, the joint U.S.Israeli expanded regional campaign in 20252026  including repeated strikes on IRGC units in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, as well as direct attacks inside Iran  has killed several thousand Iranian military personnel and allied militia members. The cumulative toll from these operations now exceeds 2,000

Iraq:

Before 2003, Iraqi losses in conflicts where Israel was a factor (1948, 1967, 1973, 1991) were real but relatively limited compared to later catastrophes. The overwhelming majority of Iraqi deaths came from other causes  the IranIraq War, the Gulf War, sanctions, and especially the 2003 U.S.U.K. invasion launched on the false claim of Iraqi WMDs, a narrative strongly promoted by the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

The 2003 invasion and its aftermath killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. Peerreviewed studies estimate between 500,000 and over 1 million Iraqis killed, with millions more injured, and over 4 million displaced. These losses dwarf all earlier IraqIsraelrelated casualties combined.

Yemen:

The countrys catastrophic humanitarian crisis remains overwhelmingly the result of the SaudiEmiratiHouthi war (2015present), famine, disease, and economic collapse. However, since October 2023, Yemen has also become directly involved in the Gaza war. The Houthi movement launched missiles and drones toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Yemen beginning in late 2023 and continuing intermittently through 20242026.

These Israeli strikes have killed dozens of Yemenis and wounded many more, including civilians and Houthi personnel. While Israel is not a primary driver of Yemens mass death, it is now a direct belligerent in Yemen for the first time, and its attacks have added to Yemens already immense human suffering.

If we sum direct conflict deaths in which Israel is a central belligerent (Arabs + Israelis, 1920s2020s, outside the Iraqi invasion in 2003), we are looking at something on the order of:

Well over 100,000 people killed, with Arabs/Palestinians/neighboring states bearing the vast majority of the deaths.

If we then add indirect deaths (sanctions, displacement, longterm health impacts, regional destabilization), the true human cost is much higher, but it becomes impossible to quantify rigorously.

In contrast, one official Israeli summary notes 685 Jewish residents of Mandatory Palestine killed between 19201947 from Arab riots, British actions, and WWII attacks.

By 2010, Israels Memorial Day roll commemorated 22,684 fallen soldiers and security personnel (including prestate Yishuv fighters) and 3,971 civilian terror victims. Not every one of those deaths is strictly at the hands of Arabs but includes accidents, friendly fire, etc.

In what follows, we explore the possibilities of a Middle East unshaped by Zionism. No counterfactual can predict with certainty, but historical patterns allow us to sketch the broad contours of a region unshaped by Zionism.

Imagining a world in which the Balfour Declaration was never issued in 1917 and the State of Israel never emerged in 1948 requires re-examining the entire geopolitical architecture of the modern Middle East. This counterfactual exercise is not an attempt to erase Jewish history or deny the profound tragedies that marked the twentieth century.

Rather, it is an effort to understand how differently the regionand the worldmight have evolved had a European imperial power not unilaterally promised a land already inhabited by an indigenous population to a global diaspora, setting in motion one of the most enduring and violent conflicts of the modern era.

In this alternative 2026, the absence of a Zionist state in historic Palestine would have reshaped regional politics, global alliances, and the trajectory of multiple wars. The Middle East would still face its inherited burdens: colonial borders, resource rivalries, Cold War interventions. But the specific chain of conflicts tied to the IsraeliPalestinian struggle would not exist. Oil and gas would still shape the regions political economy and global relevance, but without Israel the strategic logic tying U.S. military power to Middle Eastern energy security would be fundamentally different. The region, and indeed the world, would almost certainly have been less militarized, less polarized, and far more stable than the one we inhabit today.

1. Palestine Without Partition: A Different Political Evolution

Without the Balfour Declaration, Britains postOttoman mandate in Palestine would have unfolded very differently. Instead of facilitating mass European settlement and privileging one community over another, the British would have administered the territory much like neighboring Transjordan or Iraqcolonially, imperfectly, but without engineering a demographic transformation.

By the mid20th century, Palestine would likely have emerged as an Arab-majority state, perhaps federated with Jordan or aligned with the pan-Arab movements that swept the region. Its cities Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Haifa would have remained multicultural hubs, home to Palestinian/Arab Muslims, Palestinian/Arab Christians, and long-established Jewish communities who had lived there for centuries without the political project of Zionism.

The catastrophic displacement of more than 750,000 Palestinians in 1948  the Nakba  would never have occurred. Millions of refugees in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Gaza would have remained in their ancestral towns and villages. The demographic, social, and political wounds that still shape the region in 2026 would not exist.

2. No ArabIsraeli Wars: A Region Without Perpetual Crisis

The wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, and the repeated assaults on Gaza would not have taken place. These conflicts reshaped the Middle East, toppled governments, militarized societies, and drew global powers into regional rivalries.

Without Israel:

Egypt would not have lost the Sinai in 1967.

Syria would not have lost the Golan Heights.

Lebanon would not have endured repeated invasions and occupations.

Jordan would not have absorbed waves of refugees that altered its political landscape.

Iraq and Yemen would not have been drawn into proxy conflicts tied to the IsraeliPalestinian struggle.

The Middle East would still have faced Cold War pressures and internal political struggles, but the single most combustible fault line  the ArabIsraeli conflict  would not exist.

3. Iran Without the Shadow of Israel

Irans modern political identity has been shaped in part by its opposition to Israeli policies and its support for Palestinian selfdetermination. In a world in the absence of Israel:

Iran would not be cast as the primary regional adversary of a nucleararmed state.

Its relationships with Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen would not be filtered through the lens of resistance to Israeli military power.

The U.S.Iran confrontation, intensified by Washingtons commitment to Israels security, would likely be far less severe.

Iran would still be a major regional power, but its foreign policy would be oriented toward the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and internal development rather than a decades-long confrontation with a state that, in this scenario, never existed.

4. Lebanon Without Civil War and Occupation

Lebanons 15year civil war and its long occupation by Israel profoundly shaped its modern history. Had Israel never been created:

There would be no influx of Palestinian refugees fleeing the Nakba.

No 1982 Israeli invasion that devastated Beirut.

No rise of Hezbollah as a resistance movement against occupation.

Lebanon would still face sectarian challenges, but the most destabilizing external pressures would be absent. Its political evolution would likely resemble that of other small Mediterranean statescomplex, but not perpetually at war.

5. Yemen, Iraq, and the Wider Arab World

Many regional conflicts that later became entangled with IsraeliArab tensions would have unfolded differently. Yemens internal struggles, Iraqs wars, and the broader SunniShia political dynamics would not be intensified by the perception of a common external threat or by the militarization of regional alliances built around the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

The Arab worlds political imagination, shaped for decades by the cause of Palestine, would have focused more on economic development, governance, and postcolonial statebuilding.

6. The United States Without Its Most Costly Alliance

The U.S.Israel relationship has profoundly shaped American foreign policy. Without Israel:

The U.S. would not have inherited a permanent military commitment to the Middle East.

It would not have fought wars or maintained bases primarily to secure Israels strategic environment.

It would not have faced global backlash for supporting Israeli military actions.

American diplomacy would likely have been more balanced, less militarized, and less entangled in regional rivalries.

7. Jewish Safety and Identity in a Different World

This counterfactual scenario does not deny the horrors of antisemitism or the need for Jewish safety. But without the Zionist project, Jewish communities might have strengthened their diasporic identities, as many did in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. The absence of a state built through displacement and conflict might have reduced, rather than increased, global antisemitism by removing the political conflation of Judaism with a state engaged in repeated wars.

Jewish life in historic Palestine would have continued as it had for centuriesreligious, cultural, and integrated into the broader fabric of the region.

8. A More Stable Middle Eastand a Less Polarized World

By 2026, in this alternative timeline, the Middle East would still face challenges, but the region would not be defined by a single, unending conflict. The absence of Israel as a settlercolonial project would mean:

No apartheid system dividing populations by ethnicity and religion.

No decadeslong occupation of Palestinian land.

No cycles of bombardment, blockade, and displacement.

No global polarization around a conflict that has shaped international politics for generations.

The world would not be perfect, but it would be less violent, less militarized, and less fractured.

History cannot be rewritten, but it can be understood. And understanding the choices that produced the world we inhabit is the first step toward imaginingand buildinga different future. A world without Israel may be hypothetical, but the human toll of the choices that created it is tragically real.

[The writer, Dr. Habib Siddiqui, is a Peace Activist.]

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Modi govts response to Iran War not driven by National Interest

At a moment of profound geopolitical transformation, India requires clarity, balance, and moral conviction in its foreign policy, but what has been on display is hesitation, contradiction, and a troubling drift away from principled diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis address in Parliament on the IranUSIsrael war reflected a troubling pattern: Evasion, Deflection, and Refusal to confront uncomfortable realities.

As in earlier instances, he sought to reassure the nation that everything was under control, claiming the conflict would have no significant economic impact on India. Such assertions, however, appear less like informed judgment and more like political posturing aligned with ideological loyalties.

Modis reluctance to criticize the USIsrael offensive raises serious questions. Rather than a miscalculation, his stance seems deliberate  prioritizing ideological affinity over Indias long-standing diplomatic balance. If national interest were paramount, India would have asserted an independent position, including condemning unilateral military aggression and its destabilizing consequences.

Instead, Modi chose silence. He neither challenged the narrative of regime change in Iran nor clarified whether he endorsed such an outcome. This ambiguity reinforces concerns that India is increasingly aligning itself with external power blocs at the cost of strategic autonomy.

Traditionally, India maintained balanced relations across West Asia. Under Modi, that equilibrium appears to be eroding. Experienced inputs from diplomatic and intelligence institutions seem sidelined, replaced by politically driven decisions. The result is a precarious positioning of India in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

Equally concerning was Modis delayed engagement with Parliament. Despite the gravity of the crisis, he addressed the House midway through the session  an act that underscores a dismissive attitude toward democratic accountability. His claims regarding the return of 375,000 Indians from the region obscure the larger reality: nearly 10 million Indians live and work across Gulf countries, many in zones directly affected by escalating tensions.

While describing the situation as worrisome, Modi stopped short of condemning the strikes on Iran  widely seen as an unprovoked escalation. This selective framing has drawn criticism as a failure of moral courage and a departure from Indias traditional foreign policy principles.

His speech also revealed contradictions. On one hand, he acknowledged serious economic, security, and humanitarian challenges arising from the war. On the other, he downplayed its impact on India. Such inconsistencies weaken public confidence and raise doubts about policy coherence.

Modis invocation of national unity and comparisons with the COVID-19 crisis appeared more rhetorical than substantive. Rather than outlining concrete preparedness measures, he emphasized past achievements, including claims of energy diversification. Yet India remains heavily dependent on imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz  a chokepoint severely affected by the conflict.

The governments assurances of adequate petroleum reserves ring hollow against rising prices and supply disruptions already affecting households. Similarly, the global fertilizer crisis triggered by the war  impacting production, trade routes, and prices, poses a serious threat to agriculture and food security, an issue largely glossed over in the Prime Ministers remarks.

Diplomatically, Indias approach appears inconsistent. While engaging multiple countries, there is little evidence of a coherent strategy capable of influencing outcomes. Crucially, meaningful engagement with Iran  central to Indias energy and regional interests, remains inadequate.

The broader concern is strategic: aligning too closely with the US risks alienating Iran and undermining Indias long-term interests in the region. The evolving global order, marked by emerging fractures even within Western alliances, demands nuanced and independent policymaking  not ideological alignment.

Modis handling of the crisis reflects an escapist approachavoiding difficult questions while projecting confidence. Critics argue that the government has failed to uphold Indias commitment to strategic autonomy, particularly in its reluctance to condemn violations of sovereignty and its inaction on key projects like Chabahar port.

At a moment of profound geopolitical transformation, India requires clarity, balance, and moral conviction in its foreign policy. Instead, what has been on display is hesitation, contradiction, and a troubling drift away from principled diplomacy.

[The writer, Arun Srivastava, is a Senior Journalist.]

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Trumps new claim: They wanted me to be Irans New Supreme Leader

In another seemingly bizarre claim, US President Donald Trump Wednesday March 25, 2026 said the Iranian leadership with whom his administration is in talks proposed to even making him the New Supreme Leader of the country.

Washington: In another seemingly bizarre claim, US President Donald Trump Wednesday March 25, 2026 said the Iranian leadership with whom his administration is in talks proposed to even making him the New Supreme Leader of the country.

Trump made the claim while speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner in Washington, DC, adding he turned down the "offer".

There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran, Trump said.

We hear them very clearly. They say, we'd like to make you the next supreme leader. No, thank you. I don't want it, Trump said at the annual NRCC dinner hosted amid the war with Iran in which the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the very first day .

Watch Video

BREAKING: President Trump just confirmed Iran is on its KNEES, crying for a deal, but they can't say anything PUBLICLY out of fear they'll be killed



"We'd like to make you the next Supreme Leader! NO THANK YOU, I don't want it!"



"They are negotiating, by the way, and they pic.twitter.com/zbNvGyjspy  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 25, 2026

Trump has previously claimed that his administration is in talks with the Iranian leadership for a deal to end the war.

Iran has rejected the claims of negotiations, but Trump said talks are on with very powerful people without disclosing any name.

And I tell you, we're winning so big, nobody's ever seen anything like we're doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people. They're also afraid they'll be killed by us, he said.

Tehran vows to continue fighting

On its part, Tehran admitted receiving Trumps 15-point proposal but rejected it, at the same time, forwarding its own conditions to end the war.

An Iranian official with knowledge of the details of the proposal, speaking to the government owned Press TV, said Iran will not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate the timing of the war's end.

Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met, the official said, emphasizing Tehran's resolve to continue its defense and inflict heavy blows on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

According to the official, Washington has been pursuing negotiations through various diplomatic channels, putting forward proposals that Tehran views as excessive and disconnected from the reality of America's failure on the battlefield.

Tehran had earlier repeatedly warned the United States against claiming victory in the ongoing war.

If the self-proclaimed superpower of the world could have escaped this predicament, it would have done so by now. Do not call your defeat an agreement, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, Spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said .

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Two Rahmani 30 students secure fully funded MBBS admissions in Turkey, Italy

Two students of Rahmani30, Mohammad Rehan Shahid and Md Rayhan Perwez, have secured fully funded MBBS admissions to medical universities in Turkey and Italy through competitive scholarship-based selection processes

Patna (Bihar): Two students of Rahmani30, Mohammad Rehan Shahid and Md Rayhan Perwez, have secured fully funded MBBS admissions to medical universities in Turkey and Italy through competitive scholarship-based selection processes.

Rehan Shahid, from Patna, Bihar, has been admitted to Istanbul University  Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.

On the other hand, Md Rayhan Perwez, from West Champaran, Bihar, has secured admission to the University of Catania, Italy.

Both the students are from the Rahmani30 Batch 202224.

Rehan qualified through an international scholarship examination, while Rayhan earned a prestigious international medical scholarship.

The scholarships cover 100% tuition fees for the entire MBBS program, along with travel support and a monthly stipend for accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

According to Rahmani30, these admissions were earned through merit-based global evaluation and academic performance.

Expansion of Rahmani 30s work

The admissions mark an expansion of Rahmani 30s work from preparing students for Indias Institutes of National Importance and other leading academic pathways to facilitating international higher education opportunities. The initiative was envisioned and encouraged by its late Patron, Mohammad Wali Rahmani, and is being actively guided by Dr. Zishan Siddiqui, MD  Johns Hopkins Medicine, USA.

Both the students also performed strongly in TOEFL and SAT, reflecting readiness for study in an international academic environment.

The organisation said the development is part of a broader expansion in its educational model. Alongside its established selection-based core program, it has also introduced a Junior Program with intake in Class 8 and Class 9, aimed at nurturing excellence from an earlier stage.

Founded on the educational vision of Mohammad Wali Rahmani (RA) and now led by his son Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, Rahmani30 prepares students for pathways including IIT-JEE, NEET, CA, CS and CMA, and is also expanding its work in international academic admissions. It works with a network of 500+ partner schools and has also introduced a Junior Program for Classes 8 and 9.

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Akbar Novruz



A group of international travelers led by Harry Mitsidis, founder of the NomadMania club, has arrived in Khankendi as part of a tour to the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The visitors were briefed on the citys current state and ongoing developments, as Azerbaijan continues large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts in the region.

The delegation consists of 79 travelers from 37 countries, making it the largest international tourist group to visit Karabakh and East Zangezur to date.

The trip began with entry through the Aghdam district. The itinerary includes visits to Shusha and Aghdam, followed by Lachin, and later the Zangilan and Fuzuli regions.

The visit is organized under the framework of the NomadMania club, known for its global ranking system dividing the world into 1,301 regions. Mitsidis himself has visited all of them and ranks first globally.

The trip is seen as part of efforts to promote the region through black tourism, offering visitors insight into post-conflict recovery and redevelopment.

Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 15 international trips were organized to Karabakh and East Zangezur by leading travel clubs. The current visit marks the 16th such trip, reflecting growing global interest in the region.
While the company can trace its history back to the first United Supermarket founded in 1916 in Sayre, Oklahoma, the Homeland name and banner were not created until the late '80s as an offshoot of the Oklahoma division of Safeway.

The largest Oklahoma-based grocer is also the state's largest employee-owned grocer and has experienced numerous periods of growth and contraction since its founding.

The company previously also held some Food World and Piggly Wiggly stores in Georgia, along with stores under other banners in Kansas.

HAC Inc., or Homeland Acquisition Corp., is the parent company of Homeland, CashSaver and United Supermarkets stores throughout Oklahoma, along with one Texas location.

"We know we disappointed you. We've been very honest about that. We've been very honest about how we believe we can fix it," Archer said.

Archer  a small-town Missouri native who's spent his entire life in the grocery business  made the commitment to HAC, Inc. in December and immediately moved to Oklahoma City to get started with a hands-on approach at assessing and fixing the issues at hand.

"If you look at our store conditions last July, which is when I started the interview process, I came in and my wife and I were like, "Oh my,'" Archer said of his own first visit to the stores.

If you've visited a store in the company's family of brands in the last year  Homeland, CashSaver or United Supermarkets  you may have been greeted by empty shelves, questionable freshness in produce, prices that didn't match up to competitors and overall store experiences that left you feeling underwhelmed.

"We know we had issues," said Frank Archer, the new CEO of HAC Inc. "What caused them  some of it was financial pressure, some of it was decisions that should have been made long ago, but we consciously made the decision not to because we didn't want to exit communities that are important to us. But now it's just not sustainable to keep those doors open."

Homeland's senior leadership have announced plans to close four grocery stores, consolidate other locations and market some stores for potential sale in a move aimed at "stabilizing business" for the Oklahoma-based grocer.

Story Continues

In 2011, the company was sold to its employees, and in 2017, it helped found an organization to promote employee ownership, Certified EO.

In the three decades before Archer joined HAC Inc., the company had also seen the transition across multiple CEOs, each facing their own unique challenges in operating a small grocery chain.

What is happening at HAC Inc. now?

Archer and his team are now working to "stabilize the business," so that they can then move forward to sustaining and growing it.

Frank Archer, new CEO of HAC Inc., the parent company of Homeland, CashSaver and United Supermarkets stores.

Stabilizing comes with the necessary evaluation of every aspect of its current operations, Archer said.

From store sales numbers and staffing to ordering and pricing, and every area in between, Archer and his team have been parsing through standards at HAC Inc. with a fine-toothed comb.

Customers Lynda and Terry Witty shop for items at the Homeland grocery store located at 2400 S. Cornwell in Yukon, Okla. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Together they've developed what he calls short-term, mid-term and long-term plans to fix the issues they identified, with an emphasis on continuing to evaluate every aspect of the company's model as the brand moves forward.

"We built a hundred-day plan right away, and we were doing the hundred-day plan, some of it, Day Two, Day Three, because it was to understand where we are, make the tough decisions we need to make, care passionately, do the right thing, put the basics in place," he said.

"Are we clean? Are we fresh? Are we in stock? Are we friendly? Are we priced right?"

Which Homeland stores will close in Oklahoma?

With the upcoming changes to HAC Inc., four stores will close completely within the next 45 days. All employees at those locations will be eligible to apply for open positions at other locations in an attempt to mitigate job losses.

The company believes that on average, 20 employees per store may end up impacted by the closures, said Christin King, VP of Brand, Digital and Communications.

"It is a decision nobody takes lightly. And it's the hardest decision you can ever make," Archer said. "It's the decision that keeps me up at night. And while those decisions are tough, it makes the future sustainable."

The stores set to close include:

Homeland in Norman at 2600 W. Robinson

Homeland in Norman at 1251 Alameda St.

Homeland in Edmond at 1151 N. Bryant Ave.

CashSaver in Lawton at 902 W. Gore

This embedded content is not available in your region.

How do grocery store closings affect area residents, economies?

While news of the planned closures was not yet public, The Oklahoman spoke to local experts about the potential impacts of store closures on residents and the economy.

Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, said the loss of a store has an immediate impact on the economy of any Oklahoma town because of the loss of sales tax revenue. That money, he said, funds important municipal services like police, fire, roads and parks, among other things.

Martin said the loss of a grocery store can also impact the job market, further impacting the local economy.

"That's a really target environment for good jobs for students of all ages," Martin said. "So it can certainly have a domino effect whenever a business like that closes."

In addition to the economic impacts of losing a grocery store, residents can lose access to fresh food.

"The loss of a grocery store, particularly if there arent many around, can mean a loss of identity, a loss of a sense of freedom, and a loss of access," said Jenna Moore, of the OKC Food Hub, a nonprofit focused on increasing access to local food for all Oklahomans. "All elements of daily life become more complicated and expensive as alternatives are often far away. It is unfortunate when so much pre-thought is required to get the basic items people need every day to live."

Martin echoed these sentiments, saying how important grocery stores are to the community and specifically highlighting the importance of residents having options.

"Having options for all of our citizens is really important, and those options could be a variety of different kinds of food, different kinds of meals, but then also just the option of where they're located," Martin said.

Martin said it is important, especially in a city like Norman that is "unusually large land-wise," at nearly 190 square miles with a population of about 130,000 to 135,000 people, to have options spread across its entire footprint.

"You want an opportunity for every citizen, regardless of where they live, to be able to get fresh produce, fresh meat, and not just have to sustain themselves off of something that you're getting at the gas station," Martin said.

Which Homeland stores are being consolidated?

In addition to the stores that are closing, six stores are being consolidated, again with employees from impacted stores eligible to apply for other openings within the company at their discretion.

In Elk City, the United Supermarkets location at 2700 W. Third St. will be combined with the Homeland store at 412 W. Third St.

In Clinton, the United Supermarkets location at 1029 S. 10th St. will be combined with the Homeland store at 1200 Gary Blvd.

In Woodward, the city's two United Supermarkets locations will consolidate, closing the location at 2110 Oklahoma Ave. and leaving the one at 2821 Eighth Street open.

These are locations with two stores located in such close proximity  within two miles or less of each other in each of these cases  that HAC Inc. believes they are not best serving their customers or employee owners. Because of that, some of the employees will likely make a natural transition to the other store to accommodate the new increase in shoppers at the singular locations.

"I think it allows you to cut overhead and offer the customers a better experience overall," Archer said.

These stores will all be consolidated and reintroduced to customers as part of a "Comeback Celebration," the company is planning for early July to celebrate their work in returning the brand to what leadership feels it should be for customers.

"You're going to see better freshness, better quality, better value, better prices, a consistent store every time you walk in the building. Because we're not going to chase grocery trends. We're not going to chase shiny objects," Archer said.

The parent company of Homeland has converted its store at NW 23 and Rockwell into a Cash Saver store, where items on the shelves are marked at the stores cost, and 10 percent is added at checkout. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman Jim Beckel - THE OKLAHOMAN

Which Homeland stores are being put up for sale?

Finally, 10 stores across the brand's banners will be marketed for potential sale as part of the changes. At this point, it is unclear if any of those stores will be sold, but they will be placed on the market by HAC Inc. for consideration by potential buyers.

These stores include:

Homeland in Ponca City at 904 S. Fourth St.

Three Homeland stores in Bartlesville at 2501 SE Washington, 915 S. Madison and 811 E. Frank Phillips Blvd.

United Supermarkets in Bartlesville at 1849 W. Fourth St.

Homeland in Stillwater at 421 N. Main.

Homeland in Justin, Texas, at 904 W. First St.

Two CashSaver stores in Sand Springs at 250 S. State Highway 97 and 4001 S. SH 97.

CashSaver in Cleveland at 501 N. Broadway.

"We've seen opportunities like this several different times in our career. The great thing about this, compared to other ones that I've seen, the difference is the foundations were strong, the people were strong, and the community really, there's a great partnership," Archer said. "We care about them, they care about us. So for me, it was real easy to say, this is fixable."

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Homeland to close, consolidate several stores: 'We know we disappointed you'
Texas push to become the nations capital for business is continuing to build momentum thanks to a strong working relationship between state lawmakers and corporations, according to legislators and business advocates who spoke during a series of panels in Dallas on Tuesday.

The event, hosted by The Texas Tribune at the Dallas Regional Chamber headquarters, highlighted the fast-growing financial sector in the Dallas area and the state policy fueling that growth. The Dallas-Forth Worth region has been dubbed Yall Street in recent years because of its rising status as a competitor to the historic financial hub on Wall Street  a competition that panelists said they intend to win.

This wasnt happenstance, said state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park and chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. This just didnt occur over the past six months or last session, or the session before. In fact, this type of legislation and these types of priorities and this type of policy started when I was first elected back in 2014.

Meyers was joined by state Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, on the first of the events two panels, both moderated by Texas Tribune Editor-In-Chief Matthew Watkins. The two legislators credited state laws with initiating a wave of companies moving their legal homes to Texas, spurring growth in the states financial sector and drawing three major stock exchanges to the state in recent years.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, answers questions as state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, listens during The Texas Tribunes Yall Street event, held at the Dallas Regional Chamber in Dallas on March 24, 2026. Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune

Key to that movement toward Texas was the creation of the Texas Business Court and the 15th Court of Appeals, specialized legal venues designed to handle business and commercial disputes, the lawmakers said. The new courts, paired with the Legislatures business-friendly overhaul of the Texas Business Organizations Code in 2025, have created a predictable business environment that will draw more corporations to the state, they added.

ExxonMobils announcement earlier this month that it would reincorporate from New Jersey to Texas  pending approval from its shareholders  is proof that the Legislatures efforts are working, Meyer said.

Having Exxon take that leap, we couldnt ask for a better commercial or a confirmation of the path were going on in Texas is the correct path, Meyer said.

Coinbase, Space X and Tesla are other major U.S. companies that have reincorporated to Texas in recent years.

The second panel, made up of business advocates, echoed Meyer and Hughes assessments.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform CEO Ryan Patrick said northeastern states are watching companies departure to Texas with alarm: The panic is starting to set in, and this was before Exxon.
Nigerias return to Windsor Castle after nearly four decades marks more than a ceremonial milestoneit signals a renewed push to strengthen economic ties with the United Kingdom and reposition Africas largest economy on the global stage.

The historic visit highlights a shifting dynamic in UKAfrica relations, with Nigeria seeking to attract investment, deepen trade links, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Speaking on Business Africa, Dorothea Hodge, CEO of Aequitas Global, said the real test will be turning high-level commitments into tangible outcomes.

The visit also reshapes Nigerias position within the UKs broader Africa strategy, as London seeks to reinforce trade and investment ties across the continent in a competitive global landscape.

The diaspora advantage

With more than a million Nigerians living in the UK, the diaspora is expected to play a key role in this renewed partnership.

Remittances, entrepreneurship, and professional networks already contribute significantly to Nigerias economy. Experts say better policies and targeted initiatives could further harness this potentialtransforming diaspora engagement into a powerful driver of bilateral growth.

Ugandas investors shift toward government securities

Elsewhere on the continent, investment patterns are evolving.

In Uganda, wealth has traditionally been built on land and rental properties. But in 2026, more investors are turning to government securities, drawn by Treasury yields approaching 18 percent.

These instruments are increasingly attractive for offering stable, low-risk returns without the complexities of property managementsignaling growing confidence in government-backed financial assets.

Women reshape Cote dIvoires rubber industry

In Cote dIvoire, a quiet transformation is underway in the rubber sector.

More women are gaining ownership of the land they cultivate, challenging long-standing norms in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

This shift is not only boosting incomes but also redefining inheritance practicescreating new pathways for financial independence and generational change.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  Illinois engineers said they are glad to see historic investments for construction projects across the state. Still, they stress lawmakers must preserve the road fund and projects established in Rebuild Illinois.

"These funds not only ensure our roads and bridges are maintained and provide safe travel across our communities and state, but the Rebuild Illinois program also modernizes and upgrades Illinois' infrastructure to support a 21st-century economy," said American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois President and CEO Kevin Artl.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois hopes the General Assembly will help recruit more people to the workforce through a new scholarship program for engineering students at state universities.

ACEC members are also advocating for a tax credit for employers hiring recent engineering graduates to help address the worker shortage.

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"The tax credit will also apply to 5% of the compensation paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year to qualified employees who graduated from an engineering program or accredited institution of higher learning not located in Illinois," said past ACEC Illinois Board Chair Lou Gallucci.

The organization also hopes lawmakers will approve more funding for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's programs to help modernize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

"ACEC Illinois is committed to collaborating with the General Assembly and Gov. JB Pritzker to strengthen funding for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's state revolving fund programs," said Board Chair Jerry Payonk. "Likewise, providing safe, reliable drinking water across Illinois through the accelerated removal of lead service lines is critical."

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By Michael S. Derby

NEW YORK, March 26 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve's Treasury bill buying is likely to slow notably next month, as planned, the official responsible for implementing monetary policy at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said on Thursday.

An adjustment to our monthly purchase pace is likely to happen soon, said Roberto Perli, manager of the System Open Market Account.

While it is hard to say exactly what market liquidity needs will be as the financial system navigates the upcoming tax-payment date, what is now around $40 billion per month in Treasury bill buying can likely be significantly reduced after April 15, Perli said, adding, To account for uncertainty and other factors, that reduction may be somewhat gradual.

Perli was referring to large-scale purchases of Treasury bills the Fed embarked upon at the close of last year. The Fed said then it would buy the short-term government debt to rebuild liquidity after having just halted what had been a long-running drawdown of its balance sheet.

This so-called quantitative tightening, or QT, had been running since 2022 and aimed to remove excessive liquidity from the financial system. That allowed the Fed to reduce overall holdings from around $9 trillion to under $7 trillion.

QT ended when liquidity tightened enough to threaten the Fed's control of its benchmark interest rate.

To ensure orderly conditions, the Fed announced its bill buying, which is also aimed at shortening the overall maturity of Fed bond holdings to better match the Treasury market.

In his remarks, Perli said the size of the buying was in part aimed at getting ahead of the tax date issue.

The interest-rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee could have waited until the expected flows materialized in April to fill the reserves gap, but this would have implied the need to purchase very large amounts of Treasuries in short order, Perli said. That would have been impractical from an operational standpoint.

He added its possible the Fed may add more liquidity than needed and that may temporarily depress money-market rates and drive some cash to the Feds reverse-repo facility, where financial firms can park excess cash overnight at the central bank.

Perli also said in his remarks that eligible financial firms should use the Feds standing repo operations to borrow cash when it makes sense for them.

(Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  A plan moving in the Capitol could help improve the indoor air quality for Illinois schools.

The bill states that school districts should ensure all active classrooms are equipped with air quality monitors. Advocates expect the state to spend roughly $10 million to buy monitors for classrooms statewide.

House Bill 4739 would also require the State Board of Education to work with the Department of Public Health to create a document explaining the values of good indoor air quality for school districts.

"This is the monitor that would be in the classroom for the teacher to monitor the air quality and be concerned if there is a concern to be addressed," said Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park).

The legislation passed out of the House Education Policy Committee on a partisan 9-3 vote Wednesday, as Republicans are concerned about whether the monitors will be purchased with federal or state funds.

This plan now moves to the House floor for further consideration.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
So youve decided to vacation in Rome this year. Excellent choice! From iconic landmarks to world-renowned cuisine, there isnt much to complain about in Rome.

That said, having some insider tips up your sleeve can make your trip more memorable and comfortable. Here are five important things you should know about Rome before traveling:

Theres a Cheaper Way to Get to Downtown Rome

A lot of first-time visitors make the mistake of paying for an overpriced taxi to get to downtown Rome from the airport. You dont have to do that.

The easiest and cost-effective way to get to downtown Rome from the Fiumicino Airport is the Leonardo Express. It takes roughly 32 minutes and leaves the airport every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours.

It costs 14 and is a direct train straight from the airport to the main Central Station in downtown Rome. Since there are no stops, theres little chance of messing up or getting confused.

You Will Need a VPN for Digital Protection

Many tourists use public Wi-Fi in foreign countries, either to use Google Maps or to make a payment. What they dont realize is that public Wi-Fi networks arent always secure. If youre not careful, your personal information could end up in the wrong hands.

The best thing you can do is install a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone and other devices. A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting your passwords, credit card numbers, and browsing history from "man-in-the-middle" attacks.

The surprising part? A VPN does so much more than protect your information. It helps you access services or websites that may be restricted in Rome. For instance, if youre from Canada, use ExpressVPN Canada to access your home country's Netflix library and more.

Having a Game Plan Helps

There are a lot of travel destinations in the world where you could just show up and explore wherever the roads lead you. While you can do that with Rome, seasoned visitors advise against it. Theres so much to see in Rome, so having some sort of a game plan helps.

Planning ahead also means booking early. This is especially important if youre planning to visit major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery. Yes, you can buy tickets on-site. But there are ridiculous lines, and the last thing you should do is spend hours standing in lines.

The Coffee Culture is a Bit Different

We agree  theres no wrong way to enjoy coffee. But the Romans take coffee to go, which means takeout cups are rare. Coffee is seen as a social, standing activity rather than a leisurely break.

Romans visit local bars for a quick caffeine shot and to chat with the barista. They usually drink at the counter. So what does that mean for first-time visitors who like to sit down to have coffee in their home countries? Well, youll pay extra.

Remember that the coffee shop isnt trying to scam you: its just how things go.

There is a Dress Code for Churches

You cant go to Rome and not visit churches. They are home to world-renowned art and architecture. Not to mention that many churches, such as St. Peter's Basilica, house masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo and Bernini. But there is a dress code for Roman churches.

Simply put, you cannot show your knees or shoulders. So avoid tank tops, crop tops, skirts, and dresses. Make sure the dress or skirt covers the knees. Carry a light scarf, shawl, or sarong to quickly cover shoulders if needed.

Source: freepik
The Bond Girl and the Vineyard

How a trusted financial adviser allegedly stripped the original Bond girl of 20 million, and how Italian investigators followed the money to a vineyard outside Florence.

Ursula Andress emerged from the sea in a white bikini in 1962 and became one of the most iconic images in cinema history. More than sixty years later, at the age of 90, she is back in the news under far grimmer circumstances: the victim of an alleged fraud so methodical and prolonged that she has described it as one of the most shattering experiences of her life.

The 90-year-old former Bond girl told Swiss newspaper Blick in January that she had been defrauded out of 18 million Swiss francs, approximately 20 million euros, by her long-time financial adviser over an eight-year period. The newspaper said the adviser had died in the meantime.

This week, the story took a significant turn. Italian authorities moved in.

The Seizure

Italian authorities have impounded 20 million euros worth of property, artworks and financial assets in and around Florence that were allegedly purchased with money stolen from Andress, Italy's financial police said in a statement on Thursday.

The Anti-Mafia District Directorate of the Public Prosecutor's Office in Florence, together with the Guardia di Finanza, ordered the seizure after an investigation that shed light on what prosecutors described as a highly sophisticated money laundering network.

The assets recovered are not abstract financial instruments. They are tangible, physical things: 11 real estate properties, 14 plots of land cultivated as vineyards and olive groves, along with artworks and financial assets in Florence and the neighboring Tuscan countryside. Whoever allegedly took Andress's money did not hide it. They spent it, carefully and lavishly, on a slice of rural Italy.

How the Fraud Allegedly Worked

Prosecutors in the Swiss canton of Vaud built a picture of a systematic misappropriation of financial resources carried out through multiple, opaque transactions. The money was traced to Italy, where prosecutors in Florence took up the case and police began following the paper trail.

The Guardia di Finanza carried out documentary analyses, bank checks and company reconstructions, following step by step the so-called "paper trail" of the illicit money up to its final investments. The Judge for Preliminary Investigations of the Court of Florence granted the prosecutor's request, ordering the preventive seizure of assets up to the sum of 18 million Swiss francs.

The stolen funds did not travel in a straight line. They were invested in foreign companies, used to buy assets and then channeled through transactions designed to conceal their source before eventually landing in Tuscan soil and stone. It is a pattern investigators recognize well: take money from a single vulnerable source, layer it through corporate structures across multiple jurisdictions, and reinvest it in something real and durable. Vineyards do not ask questions.

In Her Own Words

What makes this case unusual is not just the scale or the elegance of the alleged laundering. It is the personal dimension. Andress did not discover an anomaly in a bank statement. She described a sustained, intimate betrayal.

"I am still in shock," Andress was quoted as saying. "I was deliberately chosen as a victim. For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me shamelessly and exploited my goodwill in a perfidious, indeed criminal, way in order to take everything from me. They took advantage of my age."

Eight years. That detail matters. This was not a quick scheme. It required the construction and maintenance of trust over a long period, the kind of trust that only develops when someone manages your money, handles your paperwork, and knows the shape of your financial life better than you do. Elder financial abuse follows exactly this pattern: not a stranger with a scam, but a familiar face with a spreadsheet.

Who Is Ursula Andress

For readers who know the name but not the full story: Andress is best known as the first Bond girl, Honey Ryder, in 1962's "Dr. No," which featured her memorable entrance emerging from the sea in a white bikini. She went on to work with Elvis Presley in "Fun in Acapulco" and with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in "Four for Texas." She later transitioned to European cinema and television before retiring in the early 2000s.

She is Swiss by birth, and it was to Swiss authorities that she first reported the alleged fraud. The fact that the trail led to Florence, and that Italian investigators were willing and able to pursue it across borders, is a reminder that financial crime rarely respects the jurisdictions that are supposed to contain it.

What Comes Next

Authorities did not say if any arrests were made. The adviser at the center of the allegations has died, which complicates any prosecution significantly. Whether other individuals are implicated, and whether the seized assets can ultimately be returned to Andress, remains to be seen.

What is already clear is that the investigation represents a genuine cross-border success: Swiss prosecutors identifying the problem, Italian investigators following the money through a web of companies and transactions, and a Florentine judge signing off on one of the larger asset seizures in a fraud case involving a private individual in recent memory.

Somewhere outside Florence, among vineyards and olive groves that were allegedly bought with money taken from a 90-year-old woman over the course of nearly a decade, the Guardia di Finanza has placed its seals. The land is not going anywhere. Neither, it seems, is the case.
Anglo-Australian couple whose three children were removed from their off-grid home in rural Italy meet the president of the Italian senate.

The parents at the centre of Italy's so-called "Forest Family" case were received at Palazzo Giustiniani on Wednesday by senate speaker Ignazio La Russa in a bid to be reunited with their family.

The half-hour visit by Catherine Birmingham, 45, and Nathan Trevallion, 51, drew significant media attention and was the highest-profile political moment yet in a legal saga that has gripped Italy for months.

At the heart of the case is the family's former life in Palmoli, a village in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, where the couple had chosen to live in a remote woodland setting, in precarious hygienic conditions and without sending their children to school.

In November last year, the juvenile court of L'Aquila suspended parental responsibility, ruling that the living arrangements were not adequate for the children, who were subsequently moved to a family home in Vasto where the mother was permitted to visit them but was housed separately.

A further judicial decision earlier this month resulted in Catherine being removed entirely from the facility, with the court describing her behaviour as "hostile and demeaning" towards the social workers involved in the case and ruling that her attitude was undermining the children's equilibrium.

From the outset, the Italian right rallied to the parents' defence, championing the unity of the family and helping to turn the case into a national flashpoint over the fraught and legally complex question of when the state is justified in separating children from their parents.

The meeting

The scene at Palazzo Giustiniani - which hosts less formal meetings than the main senate building - was not the usual institutional encounter.

La Russa was explicit about the limits of his intervention, stating clearly that he had neither the standing nor the intention to call into question the decisions of the judiciary.

He characterised his role as one of "moral suasion" towards all parties involved - not interference with ongoing legal proceedings, but an invitation to move beyond the "rigidities" that had complicated a tense situation.

Justice referendum

Earlier this month La Russa caused controversy when he extended the invitation to the couple, ahead of this week's landmark justice referendum which the government lost.

Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition had sought to overhaul the judiciary, claiming that the Forest Family case served as a visceral example of what reformers describe as an overreaching and unaccountable legal system.

Critics among the centre-left opposition accused La Russa of using the case as "propaganda", alleging that a sensitive family tragedy was being exploited to delegitimise the courts just days before the referendum.

At the time, La Russa brushed off the controversy and clarified that the meeting was scheduled after the vote, not before.

Emotional appeal

The meeting's most striking moment came outside, when the couple stopped to address waiting journalists.

Birmingham read aloud from a letter in English, which was later translated by an interpreter, while Nathan stood supportively at her side.

"After months of complete silence, Nathan and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us through these long and profoundly difficult days, filled with pain and sorrow for our children," she read, her voice breaking with emotion.

"We chose Italy because it held the very same values with which we wanted to raise our children, namely family, love, togetherness, organic living and eating naturally, and above all a peaceful existence where people care about each another."

She emphasised that they never harmed or deprived their children, or instilled in them any hatred or distrust of institutions, stressing that both parents adore their children.

She added: "What we have come to offer here today is our truth and our continued commitment to being the responsible, respectful and loving parents that we are, and with this truth, in the most unbearable pain, we came here reaching out, asking to be heard, and asking to be a family again."

Both parents then offered heartfelt thanks to La Russa and to the Italian people for their support.

Path towards reunification?

Over recent weeks, Catherine has indicated a new willingness to comply with the requirements set out by the judges - a signal that could represent a first step towards a possible reunification.

The couple have agreed to be housed in an apartment in the hamlet of Fonte La Casa, made available by the municipality of Palmoli, a short distance from the local school.

The council will cover the household bills. A planning application for the renovation of the family's original property is also expected to be submitted to the Palmoli municipality.

Work is simultaneously under way to resume contact visits between the children and their mother - a possibility that had not been ruled out by the court's order on 5 March.

A key date now sits circled in the calendar: 21 April, when the court of appeal is due to rule on the application lodged by the couple's lawyers to begin a process of rapprochement between the parents and their children.

The case has divided public opinion sharply in Italy, with many on the right presenting it as a story of state overreach into family life, while child welfare specialists and legal commentators have argued that the judicial steps taken were proportionate and followed lengthy deliberation.

Photo RAI News
Italy's Bureaucracy: A System Built to Survive Itself

There is an old Italian joke: a man walks into a government office to request a permit. The clerk tells him he needs three forms. He comes back with three forms. The clerk tells him he needs five. He comes back with five. The clerk looks up and says, "Bene. Now we can begin the process." In Italy, this is not really a joke.

Italy is one of the world's great paradoxes. It is the eighth-largest economy on the planet, home to extraordinary manufacturing, design, fashion, food, and tourism industries. It gave the world the rule of law, and yet today it is often unable to process a building permit in under two years. It invented double-entry bookkeeping and yet its businesses lose nearly a quarter-million collective hours every year just filing taxes.

How did this happen? And more importantly: why can't Italy fix it?

The Numbers Are Staggering

The cost of Italian bureaucracy is not abstract. It can be measured in euros, in hours, and in lost generations of talent that left for London, Berlin, or Dublin rather than battle the system at home.

According to research by Confindustria, Italian companies spend around 57 billion annually to comply with bureaucratic obligations, and devote an average of 238 hours per year just to handling tax paperwork. This figure hits hardest on small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of the Italian productive economy. This is not money spent on goods or services. It evaporates into forms, stamps, certified copies, and accountants.

Italy ranks 4th most complex jurisdiction in the world for financial and tax compliance, according to TMF Group's Financial Complexity Index. Businesses must navigate 14 different tax payment categories, with a total tax and contribution burden reaching 47% of profits.

The macro picture is equally grim. Italy's general government expenditure stood at 50.6% of GDP in 2024, well above the OECD average of 42.6%. Public debt has crossed 135.3% of GDP and is projected to keep rising. Despite periodic surges of optimism, GDP growth has flatlined at 0.7% for two consecutive years. The country spends enormous sums maintaining a vast public apparatus that consistently delivers below-average results.

A History Written in Red Tape

To understand why Italian bureaucracy is what it is, you need to understand where it came from. Modern Italy was unified only in 1861, and from the beginning it was less a nation than a compromise: a patchwork of kingdoms, duchies, and papal territories, each with its own legal codes, traditions, and administrative customs. The new Italian state tried to create uniformity through regulation. It responded to diversity with paperwork.

The postwar republic, born in 1946, inherited and deepened this tendency. The 1948 Constitution established an elaborate system of checks: regional governments, provincial governments, municipal governments, multiple ministries, a powerful Constitutional Court, all of which needed to coordinate before anything could happen. Every level of government became a potential veto point. Every level also became a potential source of employment for loyalists.

And here lies one of the deepest structural problems: in postwar Italy, the public sector was not designed purely to deliver services. It was designed, at least in part, to absorb labor, particularly in the South, and to reward political clients. The Christian Democrat party, which governed Italy almost continuously from 1948 to 1992, maintained power partly through the systematic distribution of public-sector jobs and favors. Bureaucratic complexity was not a bug. In crucial ways, it was a feature.

The Machine That Runs on Obstruction

There is a phenomenon that Italians know well and that political scientists have begun to study carefully: the power of the manina, the "little hand." It refers to the invisible hand of entrenched bureaucrats who quietly block, delay, reroute, or rewrite whatever reforming politicians attempt to do. The manina is not dramatic. It does not stage coups. It simply moves papers to the bottom of piles, reinterprets regulations, and waits.

When idealistic ministers arrive with reform agendas, they rapidly discover a vast and entrenched civil servantry, mediated through an elaborate web of veteran chiefs of staff who have seen dozens of ministers come and go. In a widely read 2020 book called Io Sono il Potere ("I Am the Power"), an anonymous senior official traced the roots of Italy's civil servantry back to the late 19th century, describing how occupants of powerful positions in courts, universities, and ministries have functioned as the sole real link between politicians and the bureaucracies they nominally control. Politicians are temporary. The machine is permanent.

This helps explain a paradox that surprises foreign observers: Italy has passed enormous numbers of simplification laws. Virtually every government since the 1990s has promised to cut red tape. Virtually none has succeeded in any lasting way. The legalistic and formalistic administrative culture has proven capable of absorbing the shock of reforms, bending around them, incorporating new procedures while leaving underlying complexity intact.

The Clientelism Trap

Bureaucracy in Italy is entangled with a deeper political economy: clientelism. In systems where politicians distribute favors to voters in exchange for electoral support, complex bureaucracy is not an obstacle to power. It is an instrument of power. The more opaque and discretionary a system, the more valuable it is to know someone who can navigate it on your behalf.

Academic research confirms that clientelistic politicians "prefer rules and regulations for the authoritative allocation of costs and benefits that leave maximum political discretion to the implementation phase."Complexity is not accidental. It is politically useful.

This creates a vicious cycle. Citizens who distrust the state see no reason to pay taxes faithfully, fueling the shadow economy that the state then tries to combat with yet more intrusive regulation and paperwork. Businesses that cannot afford compliance costs seek exemptions, which require knowing the right people. The complexity that punishes honest players rewards connected ones. And because connected players benefit from complexity, they resist simplification.

Estimates suggest that corruption alone costs the Italian economy around 60 billion yearly. The bureaucratic compliance bill begins to look almost modest by comparison.

The Age Problem

There is one structural fact that rarely makes headlines but shapes everything: the Italian public administration is old. Very old. Only 5% of central administration employees in Italy are aged 18 to 34, against an OECD average of 19%. Meanwhile, 56% are over 55 years old, compared to an OECD average of 27%. A workforce predominantly in its late career years, operating under employment protections that make dismissal near-impossible, has little incentive to digitize, streamline, or innovate. New hires are rare. New ideas rarer still.

Can It Change? And Why Hasn't It?

The answer to why Italy cannot get rid of its bureaucracy is not mysterious. It is structural, political, cultural, and deeply rational for those who benefit from it.

Genuine reform would mean dismissing or redeploying hundreds of thousands of civil servants who currently have jobs for life. It would mean imposing real merit-based hiring in a system where personal connections have always been the primary currency. It would mean stripping politicians of the discretionary power they use to reward loyalists and punish opponents. It would mean trusting citizens and businesses enough to reduce oversight, in a country where trust between institutions and citizens has been at historic lows for decades.

Every Italian government of the past thirty years has promised some version of this. None has delivered it comprehensively. The reason is not incompetence alone. The deeper reason is that the people who would need to vote for reform, implement reform, and survive politically long enough to see it through are often the same people who benefit from the current system, or who depend on the votes of those who do.

There is also a quieter problem: fear. In the aftermath of the Tangentopoli corruption scandals of the 1990s, Italian civil servants developed a profound aversion to signing anything that could be interpreted as a deviation from procedure. The safest move for any bureaucrat became inaction. When in doubt, ask for another document. The paralysis of corruption evolved into the paralysis of overcaution, and from the outside, the result looks exactly the same: nothing happening.

What It Really Costs

Beyond the 57 billion in direct compliance costs, beyond the lost GDP points, there is a cost that does not appear in any spreadsheet. It is the cost of discouragement: the engineer who decided not to start a company, the entrepreneur who moved to Berlin, the graduate who left for the UK rather than navigate an indifferent system.

Confindustria's research is blunt: even a 1% increase in the efficiency of public administration would result in an increase in per capita GDP of 0.9% and growth in international investment. In a country that has averaged under 1% growth for most of the past fifteen years, that is not a marginal improvement. It is transformative.

A System That Survives Itself

The great mystery of Italian bureaucracy is not that it exists. Every complex democracy has administrative friction. The mystery is its extraordinary resilience. It has survived Berlusconi's promises to modernize it. It survived the technocratic governments of Monti and Draghi. It survived EU austerity, the Five Star Movement's anti-establishment rage, and Meloni's nationalist shake-up. It will likely survive whatever comes next.

The reason is that it is not merely a system of administration. It is a system of power: distributed, diffuse, deeply embedded power that does not reside in any single office or individual that could be voted out or reformed away. It lives in the interstices of the state, in the relationship between a clerk and a regulation, in the timing of a signature.

Italians know this. They have always known this. Their relationship with the state has never been one of civic trust but of tactical navigation. You learn the rules not to follow them but to work around them. The notary, the commercialista, the geometra: these professionals are not luxuries in Italy. They are survival gear.

And yet Italy endures. Its companies, particularly the small family firms of the North, have achieved remarkable international competitiveness despite, not because of, the state they operate in. This is the other Italian paradox: a nation that can produce Ferraris but cannot reliably deliver a planning permit in under 18 months.

The bureaucracy is not all of Italy. But it is the weight that Italy carries, permanently, expensively, and with a characteristic shrug that is neither resignation nor acceptance, but something more complicated: the knowing look of a people who understand exactly what is happening to them, and have not yet found a way to stop it.
Women in Italy: What the Data Really Says in 2025

Italy has its first female prime minister . Italian women are more educated than Italian men. And yet in 2025, Italy ranked 117th in the world for female economic participation, trailing countries that most Italians would be surprised to find ahead of them. This is the central paradox of women in Italy today: a country of visible female achievement and stubborn structural exclusion, often existing side by side, sometimes in the same woman's life.

This article examines the full picture: what women in Italy have achieved, what they still face, and why the gap between promise and reality has proven so difficult to close.

Women in Italy: Key Facts and Statistics

Before the detail, the numbers that frame the conversation.

Only 51% of women of working age in Italy are employed, compared to 69% of men. The female unemployment rate is nearly double that of men, at 8.4% versus 4.9%. Women earn on average 10.7% less than men, with a gap reaching 27.3% in managerial roles.

In France, Germany and Britain, the female employment rate exceeds 66.6% and the employment gender gap is below 6.7 percentage points. Italy's gap stands at 17.8 percentage points.

The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 places Italy 85th out of 148 countries overall, but 117th specifically for employment and leadership, where only 28.8% of top positions are held by women.

The Bank of Italy has calculated that closing the employment gender gap would boost both the workforce and GDP by around 10%. This is not a social justice argument, though it is that too. It is an economic one. Italy's gender gap is costing Italy money it cannot afford to lose.

Women in Italy and Work: The Part-Time Trap

The Italian labour market does not exclude women outright. It includes them, but on terms that look fair on paper and are not in practice.

In the first half of 2024, 42% of new hires were women. But nearly half of all contracts offered to women were part-time, compared to 27.3% for men. Permanent contracts accounted for only 13.5% of female hires, a share lower than that of seasonal contracts at 17.6%.

This is what researchers call the part-time trap: women are hired in large numbers but overwhelmingly into jobs that are shorter, less stable, and lower paid. The consequence is compounded over a working life. Pension contributions are lower. Career progression is slower. Savings are smaller. The apparent equality of participation masks a deep inequality of outcome.

Low-wage work affects women three times more than men, with 18.5% of women in low-wage employment compared to 6.4% of men. Women remain overrepresented in the lowest-paid sectors, particularly education and healthcare, and underrepresented in top roles and high-growth industries.

The geography of the problem is also severe. Female inactivity rates exceed employment levels in five southern regions: Basilicata, Puglia, Sicily, Calabria and Campania. In the south, men earn on average 90 euros per day compared to 65 euros for women. In some parts of southern Italy, working women are still the exception rather than the rule.

The Motherhood Penalty: Why Having Children Changes Everything

The most consistent finding across every study of women in Italy and work is that having children is the single largest driver of female economic exclusion. It is not education, not ambition, not capability. It is motherhood.

Care responsibilities prevent 34% of women aged 15 to 64 from working, compared to 2.8% of men. Among women aged 25 to 34, the primary fertility years, that figure rises to 43.7%, against just 4% of men the same age.

The probability for employed women to be non-employed in the two years following maternity doubles compared to women without children. This gap persists and remains significant even 15 years after childbirth.

16% of women leave the workforce entirely after becoming mothers, compared to 2.8% of men. Parental leave is requested by women in 80% of cases but, as it is only partially paid, it results in a gross gender pay gap of 5,000.

The childcare infrastructure that would allow women to remain in the workforce is inadequate. Italy's enrolment rate in childcare services for children aged 0 to 2 is around 26%, against an EU average of 33%, one of the lowest in Europe. Without affordable, accessible childcare, the choice for many Italian women is not between career and family. It is simply: which do you give up?

Italy's coalition government in early 2025 rejected an opposition proposal to introduce fully equal, non-transferable and paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, citing budget constraints. The rejection drew criticism from researchers who argue that until fathers are structurally encouraged to take leave, the burden of childcare will remain overwhelmingly female.

Women in Italian Politics: Progress, Power and Paradox

Italy has, since 2022, been led by a woman. Giorgia Meloni is the country's first female prime minister, and her rise to power was a genuinely historic moment. But the relationship between Meloni's ascent and the broader condition of women in Italy is complicated enough to deserve careful examination.

Meloni leads a conservative, socially traditional government that has promoted the family, restricted access to abortion services, criminalized surrogacy, and proposed legislation that would restrict sex education in schools. At an event in 2023, Meloni said too many young women were being pressured to focus on their careers first and put off having children. For many Italian women, particularly younger ones, this represents a fundamental mismatch between the government's priorities and their own lived experience.

Italy is one of the last European countries not to have compulsory sex education in the public school system, despite evidence cited by the United Nations that effective sex education offers an opportunity to teach about gender-based violence.

At the same time, Meloni's government has taken meaningful action in some areas. In November 2025, Italy's parliament approved a law introducing femicide as a specific crime in Italian criminal law, punishable by life in prison. The law includes stronger measures against stalking and revenge porn and won bipartisan support. The government doubled funding for anti-violence centers and shelters and expanded a national emergency hotline.

The tension at the heart of Meloni's approach is one that many Italian women have named directly. The government addresses the most violent manifestations of inequality while leaving the economic and cultural structures that produce that inequality largely intact.

Femicide in Italy: The Crisis That Will Not End

Violence against women in Italy is not a marginal or declining problem. Italy's statistics agency Istat recorded 106 femicides in 2024 , 62 of them committed by partners or former partners. That is roughly one woman killed every three days, predominantly by someone she knew and trusted.

The case that galvanized the country was that of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student murdered in November 2023 by her former boyfriend. Her sister's powerful public statement and the family's release of Giulia's private list titled "15 reasons I had to break up with him" exposed the terrifying reality of possessive and controlling behavior that too many women face. Mass protests under the slogan Non Una Di Meno, Not One Woman Less, followed. The femicide law passed two years later.

Critics of the law do not dispute its importance. They argue that law alone, without the cultural and educational infrastructure to change attitudes early, addresses consequences rather than causes. Supporters of the law believe the formal recognition of femicide signals that killing women because they are women is a distinct crime requiring stronger consequences. Activists argue that prevention requires long-term investment in education, better support for women trying to leave violent relationships and a clearer challenge to the cultural attitudes that normalize control.

The debate about sex education in schools runs directly through this argument. A government that passes a femicide law while simultaneously restricting relationship education is sending, many argue, contradictory signals about which kind of change it is willing to support.

Women in Italy and Education: The Qualification That Does Not Translate

One of the most striking facts about women in Italy is that their educational achievement consistently outpaces men's, and yet this advantage does not translate into equivalent economic outcomes.

In the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Italy scores near the top for education, with a score of 0.998 and a ranking of 51st globally. Italian women are more educated than Italian men.

And yet they earn less, are employed at lower rates, hold fewer management positions, and leave the workforce at dramatically higher rates after having children. The education advantage is real. The structural barriers that prevent it from producing equal economic outcomes are also real.

Only 17% of women in Italy study STEM subjects, compared to 39% of their male counterparts. This shapes career trajectories early and concentrates women in fields that are both lower paid and, in Italy's labour market, more precarious.

Women in Italian Society: What Is Changing

It would be wrong to present the picture as entirely static. Things are changing in Italy, sometimes faster than the headline statistics suggest.

Women made up 36% of managers in Italy in 2024, surpassing for the first time the Eurozone average of 35%. The pace of increase in female employment has, in recent years, outstripped the pace of increase in male employment. The Non Una Di Meno movement has fundamentally altered the public conversation about violence against women, forcing issues that were once treated as private into the centre of national politics.

Italian women are also starting businesses in growing numbers. Research shows that companies in Italy with at least three female executives record significantly better financial performance than those without. The economic argument for gender equality is not theoretical. It is visible in the balance sheets of Italian firms.

The generation currently entering the Italian workforce is also the most educated, the most internationally mobile, and the most unwilling to accept the terms of employment their mothers accepted. Whether Italy's institutional structures adapt quickly enough to hold that generation in the country rather than lose it abroad is one of the central questions of the next decade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Women in Italy

Women in Italy earn on average 10.7% less than men, a gap that rises to 27.3% in managerial roles. Low-wage work affects women three times more than men.

What is the female employment rate in Italy? Women's employment stood at 53.2% in 2024, leaving a gap of 17.8 percentage points with men and placing Italy significantly below France, Germany and Britain, where the rate exceeds 66.6%.

Who was Italy's first female prime minister? Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party, became Italy's first female prime minister in October 2022 and remains in office as of 2026.

What is femicide and is it illegal in Italy? Femicide is the gender-motivated killing of women and girls. Italy's parliament approved a law in November 2025 formally introducing femicide into criminal law, punishable by life in prison.

Why is female employment so low in Italy compared to other European countries? The primary drivers are the motherhood penalty, insufficient childcare infrastructure, the prevalence of involuntary part-time work, deep regional disparities between the north and south, and cultural expectations that continue to assign care responsibilities disproportionately to women.

Are things improving for women in Italy? Slowly and unevenly. Female employment is rising, women are increasingly represented in management, and landmark legislation on violence against women has passed. But Italy's ranking on international gender equality indices has fallen in recent years, and the structural barriers to equal economic participation remain largely in place.

Ph: Ivo Antonie de Rooij / Shutterstock.com
Writers at Waterford Libraries are delighted to welcome multi award-winning author, Liz Nugent, to Carrickphierish Library on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 pm.

Liz will be in conversation with Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian, discussing her new book, 'The Truth About Ruby Cooper', and her writing life.

Liz Nugents novels are best described as domestic noir or stories of psychological suspense, always showing the point of view of the criminal, and examining the consequences for the victims.

In early 2014, her first novel, 'Unravelling Oliver', was published. It went straight to the top of the bestsellers list.

Lizs wickedly dark, twisted and brilliantly observed fifth novel, 'Strange Sally Diamond' went straight to number one in Ireland, won Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards, was the second bestselling book of 2023 in Ireland, after the Booker-winning, Prophet Song, by Paul Lynch and was also the most borrowed adult book in Irish libraries in 2024.

Lizs sixth novel, 'The Truth About Ruby Cooper', was published in March 2026. This week, it was number one on the Irish Times bestseller list and was described as, "nuanced, messy and complicated", and other critics announced that Liz Nugent is "at the top of her game".

Staff in Waterford Libraries are extremely excited to have Liz Nugent in Carrickphierish Library and Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian, said: Waterford Libraries is thrilled to welcome multi-award-winning, and No.1 bestselling author, Liz Nugent back to Carrickphierish Library to talk about her latest bestselling novel.

Not only are we excited to discuss Lizs latest book, but her writing life is also fascinating. I, for one, am looking forward to hearing about Lizs writing process, what inspires her and how she creates such wonderfully complex, dark and extraordinary everyday characters.

The evening promises to be a real treat for her loyal readers, and for just about everyone interested in crime writing.

Liz Nugent will be in conversation at Writers at Waterford Libraries at Carrickphierish Library, Gracedieu (X91 YK12) on Wednesday, April 15, at 7pm. The event is free to attend but booking is essential. Call Carrickphierish Library on 051 849696 to book your place.
Last Wednesday, March 25, in SETU's College Street Campus, as part of Law Week, local solicitor firm M.M. Halley and Son presented the inaugural Halley Award to the student who achieved outstanding academic results in the field of Tort.

Tort is the Common Laws cornerstone of negligence.

This year's recipient was Kilkenny's Natalia Polczner, a 2nd year law student in SETU.

Law Week sees speakers from across the legal world provide talks and insights into relevant areas of Irish Law for students.

As part of the programme, Emmet Halley gave a talk to students from across the South East about the evolving field of medical negligence and how such sensitive cases are litigated.

SETU's Law Faculty were thanked for putting on such a programme to ensure that South East graduates have a combination of strong academic and practical skills for entry into the legal world.
A recent report has revealed that only 3.5% of vacant homes were liable for the Vacant Homes tax.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) confirmed that Waterford has 1,867 vacant dwellings. Of that figure, only 66 have self-assessed as being liable for the tax.

Waterford City has a multitude of vacant and derelict sites scattered, including Clarendon Court on Penrose Lane which has laid idle for over a decade.

Waterford TD Conor McGuinness (Sinn Fein) pointed criticism at Fianna Fail/ Fine Gael for the inconsistency. He commented: "Statewide, the CSO have identified over 70,000 vacant homes, but only 2,361 were self-assessed as liable for the Vacant Homes Tax in 2025.

While some may not be eligible, we know that there are speculators and land-hoarders laughing all the way to the bank because of the weak actions of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

I am contacted every single day by people who see empty homes in their communities. They see them fall into disrepair and often they contact me because they, or someone they love, does not have access to secure and affordable accommodation. Leaving homes to rot in a housing crisis is akin to hoarding food in a famine.

This is particularly visible in villages and towns across Waterford, where vacancy is hollowing out communities and holding back local development.

The Vacant Homes Tax is a failure. That is the reality. There is no excuse for tens of thousands of potentially liable homes not paying this tax.

The Deputy offered further criticism towards fellow Waterford TD John Cummins and the Housing Minister James Browne. He said: The government is all carrot and no stick. They do not believe in penalising those who leave homes to rot in our communities because they are more interested in tax breaks for developers and speculators. It begs the question what exactly Ministers John Cummins and James Brown are doing in the Department of Housing, because it is clearly not delivering houses or tackling vacancy.

TD David Cullinane stated: "It is clear that providing grants will only go so far. What Waterford needs now is a Vacant Homes Tax that penalises those who choose to leave homes to rot in a housing crisis.

"This problem is also stark in Waterford city centre, where vacancy continues to undermine the potential of the urban core and leaves streets underused while people struggle to find a place to live."
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators, a Democrat and a Republican, urged the Commerce Department on Thursday to launch a national security investigation into the import of heavy construction and farm equipment made in Mexico by companies such as Deere & Co, Caterpillar and CNH Industrial.

More from Yahoo Scout What changes to trade agreements are being proposed? How has USMCA affected heavy equipment manufacturing jobs? Which companies are targeted in the proposed probe? What is the Section 232 investigation senators are requesting?

The push by Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Senator Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, comes as the Trump administration prepares for a scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in July.

The two senators, in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick seen by Reuters, called for a probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which the Trump administration has used for tariffs on steel, autos and other goods.

 They called for changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, saying duty-free treatment of heavy equipment imports had incentivized producers to move production to Mexico.

 CNH laid off 222 workers in Racine, Wisconsin, in 2024 while moving production to Mexico, Baldwin said.

 CNH, Deere, Caterpillar and the Commerce Department were not immediately available for comment.

 Baldwin and Moreno urged the probe to cover agricultural implements, construction and mining equipment, forestry equipment, heavy machinery, parts and derivatives.

 U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has imposed 232 tariffs on copper, steel, aluminum, autos, auto parts, timber, furniture and trucks, and is investigating other sectors, such as pharmaceuticals. It is seeking to replace tariffs scuttled by the U.S. Supreme Court under a different law by using the 232 statute and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

 Baldwin has been critical of Trump's sweeping tariffs but backs a more targeted approach through statutes like Section 232.

 "These companies should not be allowed to eliminate American jobs, pay Mexican workers poverty wages and then ship products back to the U.S. for additional profit on the backs of our communities," the senators wrote.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
There has been a rise in reported drug debt intimidation cases in Waterford.

A spokesperson for Waterford Gardai said the rise is similar to statistics from across the country.

"An Garda Siochana would like to remind people that we are here to help and support families who are the victims of threats of violence and criminal damage, as a result of this type of offence," said the spokesperson.

"Regardless of the circumstances, we would encourage people to call us to at least seek advice," she added.

She highlighted how a collaborative approach is coordinated through the Drive Project which brings together specific agencies that can assist families with this issue

More information about the project can be found here www.driveproject.ie

"We have had a number of successful prosecutions for this type of intimidation and threat of violence, most recently in the March 2026 sitting of Waterford Circuit Court," said the garda spokesperson.

She outlined how that case related to an incident when Gardai in Waterford received a report that two males had called to house in Waterford and demanded 10,000 from the homeowner for an alleged drug debt.

"They threatened the homeowner and said they would return in one week to collect the money," she said.

A statement was made by the homeowner to the Gardai and an investigation commenced, resulting in the arrest and charge of the two suspects.

At Waterford Circuit Court in March 2026, following their conviction, the offenders were sentenced for the offence of demanding money with menaces under Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

"A 31-year-old male from Clondalkin, in Dublin, received a seven-year sentence [that], with mitigation, was reduced to five years and three months," said the garda.

The other offender, a 26-year-old male from Dungarvan, in Waterford, received a five-year sentence which, on mitigation, was reduced to three years and nine months.

The garda spokesperson said that sentence was to run concurrently with a sentence the man received for a robbery of the Post Office in Poleberry, in Waterford, on June 23, 2025.

"Both suspect offenders are currently in custody," said the spokesperson.

"We would strongly encourage people to consider the supports available if they are the victim of this type of crime," she said.

"In Waterford, we have a specifically appointed Liaison Inspector  Detective Inspector Donal Donohue - who is the nominated DRI Garda Inspector," she added.

Members of the public can make contact via Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or convey any information on the garda confidential voice messaging line 1800 666 111.

If people require the immediate assistance the gardai they should phone 999/112.
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house in east Belfast.

The incident was reported on Wednesday at 8.30pm in the Tamery Pass area of the city.

Nobody was present at the property and no injuries were reported.

The incident caused damage to the front and rear windows.

Police are working to establish a motive for the attack.
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BusinessMarketsWorld markets Opinion The insider trading shadow hanging over Trumps sudden backdown Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist March 26, 2026  8:58am

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Was the unusual and suspicious trading activity in oil and share futures earlier this week insider trading, or was it astute traders taking advantage, again, of Donald Trumps predictability? Last Saturday, Trump gave Iran an ultimatum, posting on Truth Social that the US would hit and obliterate Iranian power plants, starting with the biggest one first, if Tehran didnt re-open the Strait of Hormuz. He gave Iran 48 hours to comply. Trumps abrupt U-turn rattled markets this week. Bloomberg Just after 7am on Monday in the US, in another Truth Social post, he walked back that threat and extended the deadline by five days, saying there had been in depth, detailed and constructive conversations over the weekend with Tehran about a complete and total resolution of the conflict. Iran, subsequently, has denied there were talks and has rejected the administrations plan for an end to the conflict. Fifteen minutes before that post, about 6200 oil futures contracts, notionally worth about $US580 million ($835 million), were traded within a minute, according to a Financial Times analysis of Bloomberg data. Each contract represents 1000 barrels of oil, so a $US1 movement in the oil price generates a $US1000 profit or loss.

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There was similarly unusual activity in S&P500 futures  where there were contracts notionally worth $US1.5 billion traded  in prediction markets, in individual oil stocks (there was a burst of activity in Exxon options, for instance) and, it seems, in some European markets. Related Article Web culture A bar full of young things staring at TV screens. But theyre not watching football Not surprisingly, the markets responded to Trumps post, with oil prices tumbling and share prices rising. Brent crude dropped from about $US112 a barrel to $US99 a barrel. S&P 500 futures jumped 3.35 per cent and a cluster of newly-created accounts on Polymarket that were punting on a ceasefire were shown to be prescient. Hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions, were made for those investors in the less than 15 minutes between the trades and Trumps post.

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The huge spikes in futures markets volumes, and parallel activity in predictions/betting markets, immediately led to conclusions that it must be insider trading, adding to a pattern of equally suspicious trades ahead of Trumps previous market-moving changes of mind. Those include similar activity ahead of the US and Israeli strike on Iran, including prediction markets betting that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be killed. There were huge purchases of call options just before Trump paused his Liberation Day tariffs for three months last year, only a week after he had announced them; successful bets on the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro; sudden increases in market activity ahead of the government shutdowns and similar wagers being made before the informal release of the economic data that Trump often pre-emptively announces on Truth Social. The suspect activity in markets on Monday looks exactly as it would if someone, or several someones, had access to prior knowledge  inside information  that Trump was about to reverse course on his threat to obliterate Irans power generation.

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Had that threat been carried out, it would inevitably have triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran on the regions energy and water infrastructure, with near-permanent effects on global oil supply, not to mention devastation for communities and economies dependent on desalinated water. The oil price would have soared and share and bond prices would have plummeted. Trump loves to see how markets react to his threats. AP Knowing that the oil price would fall and share prices rise as the immediate threat of escalation receded, an astute investor would take up big short positions in Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate futures, buy call options on the S&P 500 index, place bets in prediction markets and buy options over the big oil stocks. To muddy the waters and maximise their profits, they might also seek out similar positions in markets outside the US. That scenario is essentially what happened on Monday, but was it insider trading or just astute trading?

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Trump is extremely predictable. Hes prone to making dire, bombastic threats and less than truthful statements  almost always on Truth Social  and then backing away just before hes supposed to be about to act. There have been a number of occasions when hes announced something on a weekend to give markets time to consider their response  and for him to gauge their likely reaction. View post on X Whether he would recognise it or not, his propensity for using statements on Truth Social to gauge investor sentiment and then react (via Truth Social), whether or not it facilitates insider trading, could be characterised as market manipulation  not that Trump, immune from prosecution while president and with the power of the pardon for any associate or family member, would care in either case. He is very aware of, and sensitive to, the impact his decisions and pronouncements have on financial markets and tends to back off if share or bond investors react badly to whatever he proposes.

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It was the violent adverse reaction in the markets that caused him to defer the Liberation Day tariffs. Related Article Gaming & wagering Australians use banned bookie as war wagers spark journalist death threats A smart investor who has studied Trumps modus operandi would be very aware of the likelihood that the severity of Trumps threat  he was proposing to commit a war crime with potentially horrific repercussions for the region  would lead to another of his TACO moments. He usually does chicken out. While the timing of the trades, just minutes before Trump performed his TACO backflip, does look highly suspect, it is conceivable, at least, that they were the result of an astute trader betting that Trump would what he always does. It may be that we never know the real character of the trades in question.

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The US Commodities Futures Trading Commission, which is the regulator for most futures activity and which has charge of oil futures, isnt known for its regulatory zeal. The Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees the sharemarket and some futures trading in equity-related indices, is now chaired by a Trump appointee and is in deregulatory mode. Trump is extremely predictable. Hes prone to making dire, bombastic threats and less than truthful statements  almost always on Truth Social  and then backing away just before hes supposed to be about to act. Neither body has expressed any interest in pursuing an investigation into the trading. It is possible, if there were an offshore element to the trades, that the UKs Financial Conduct Authority or the European Securities and Markets Authority would be keener than their Trump administration counterparts to look into what occurred.

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The White House, naturally, denies that anything untoward has occurred, with a spokesman saying it would not tolerate any administration official illegally profiteering off insider knowledge. Related Article World markets The $830 million bet on oil minutes before Trump sent markets tumbling This administration, and Trumps unique approach of making and announcing policy, is making some traders very rich, along with a first family who have benefited massively from his return to the presidency via perfectly timed transactions from the administrations embrace of crypto assets, from its contracts with companies they are exposed to and from the governments close personal ties with leading US energy and tech company executives and uber-wealthy and powerful Middle Eastern leaders. With the Republicans in control of Congress, there wont be any serious congressional investigation of the series of suspect trades that have occurred over the past year. That could change, however, if the Democrats gain control of the House, at least, in the November midterm elections. They have vowed to probe the dealings of Trump, his family and members of his administration that seem to have added substantially to many of their net worths. Trump is reportedly worried that he will be impeached, again, if he loses control of the House.

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Whether or not there was illegal insider activity involved in this weeks trading, or the earlier unusual episodes, or whether it has just been smart trading, the trades demand some level of investigation. There might still be one. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
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Exclusive NationalNSWCourts An open secret: Member of Parkway Drives inner circle admits sex with child Perry Duffin and John Buckley March 23, 2026  2:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A touring family member of Parkway Drive, one of Australias most successful rock bands, has pleaded guilty to a child sexual offence, prompting young women to denounce the open secret of the hardcore music scene, where predatory older men targeted female fans with impunity. Jed Chode Gordon, the brother of band drummer Ben Gordon, last week told Byron Bay Local Court he was guilty of sexual intercourse with a person between the ages of 14 and 16 years old. Jed Chode Gordon has pleaded guilty to sexual intercourse with an underage girl. IMDB Parkway Drive has since condemned the behaviour. In response to questions from this masthead, the band said its members did not know about the seriousness of this until last week. They said they completely support the victim. We didnt know about the seriousness of this until last week, Parkway Drive said in a statement, via a spokeswoman.

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Jed always had his issues, just thinking about how he treated people in general and specifically women, but the extent of this 2002 incident is genuinely shocking. We werent a band then, but we bear moral responsibility for contracting him from 2003, on and off, over the years. There were warning signs that we should have taken more seriously. Parkway Drive performing in London last year. Getty Images A journalist and anti-sexual abuse campaigner within the NSW hardcore scene has told this masthead that fans hope it will cause a long-overdue reckoning about predatory behaviour in the music business. Police were told Gordon had texted the girl in 2002 when he was 21 years old and met her in a park, where they had sex. She was 15 at the time.

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The sexual contact went on through 2003 when Gordons brother, Ben, started Parkway Drive with his friends in Byron Bay. It ceased around the time the girl turned 16  by that time Gordon was 22. In 2021, the woman attempted to reconnect with Gordon before going to police in 2023. He was arrested in July 2025 and pleaded guilty on March 16 to the single count of sexual intercourse with an underage person. He was released on bail and will face sentencing on May 19. Gordons conviction sent shockwaves through Australias tight-knit hardcore music scene because of his prominent supporting role with his brothers band.

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Parkway Drive is one of the most successful Australian bands of the past two decades and Gordon, who goes by the nickname Chode, was part of the bands inner circle for years. He has held roles managing the bands tours, lighting and merchandise. No members of Parkway Drive, including Ben Gordon, have been accused of any wrongdoing, and there is no suggestion that they knew of Jed Gordons criminal acts. No longer involved Parkway Drive said in a statement that Gordons last tour with the band was in January 2018. He also filled orders as part of the bands Australian online merchandise team more recently, the band said. We did terminate his contract when we became aware of this incident, the band said in response to questions.

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Hes no longer involved with Parkway Drive in any capacity. Hes closely associated with us and the entire Australian heavy music scene. Hes also Bens brother, so there is a family connection. The band also acknowledged Byron Bays toxic culture, not only in music but in other parts of the region. The band said that power imbalances, consent issues, and bullying were everywhere growing up. They said its heartbreaking and unacceptable. What we want to say to any victims, both those who are coming forward and those who havent, is that we see you and we hear you. We take your pain and trauma seriously, the band said. Wed love to say that we get it. We cant. But as men in a place of privilege, we need to do better. This Byron Bay hardcore scene of the time was meant to stand for equality, friendship and social justice. It didnt always live up to those values.

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Anti-abuse campaigner Rory Banwell. Despite no longer being associated with Parkway Drive, as news of his plea broke last week, Jed Gordon was described by members of the metal scene as an unofficial sixth band member and a habitual creep. This has been an open secret for 20 years  everyone knew it, Rory Banwell, a journalist and anti-abuse campaigner within the hardcore music scene, told this masthead. [The band] have failed to mention its the drummers brother. Banwell said she has been inundated over the past week with messages from young women approached by Jed Gordon while they were teenagers at shows and parties, including at the famous home on Parkway Drive at Ewingsdale near Byron Bay, after which the band was named.

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I was the one who got therapy [because] everyone told me it was legal and no ones business, one woman said. Jed Gordon, like others, used his proximity to the bands to approach young fans, Banwell said. An 18-year-old Banwell was at a Parkway Drive show in Coffs Harbour in 2005 and sustained a concussion. I was sitting behind the merch table, essentially out of it, and Jed was saying oh, you should come hang out with me, she said. Banwell was with another male friend who led her away, she said.

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Jed Gordon also acted as a tour planner for other metal and hardcore bands around Australia. Safe space for misfits The hardcore music scene was supposed to be a safe space for misfits, Banwell said, but it was also a place that put predators in the same room as vulnerable young people at all-ages shows. In Byron Bay, there was a [youth centre] where most of the shows were placed, she said. It was very about the elite Byron Bay hardcore people and people who were underage, able to go to shows and have access to bands who werent huge, but big in the scene.

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If you said you were friends [with Parkway Drive], you were the coolest person at the party. But there was so much accessibility to creeps. Its been an open secret Jed was a creep. Another person, in a message sent to Banwell and passed on to this masthead with the senders consent, said Jed Gordon had creeped on my friend at a show in Newcastle a decade ago. Banwells posts, including aggregated comments from other fans, have been shared widely around social media over the weekend, particularly from Byron Bay, where Parkway Drive was founded.

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I think its where a lot of shame has come from for victims, they dont want to be ostracised in their community, Banwell said. Byron, being this elite community in Australia, celebrities live there theyve been willing to look past it because theyre so proud of what [Parkway Drive] has done. But Jed is attached to them  whether they like it or not. Hope for a reckoning Banwell said many women who grew up in the scene had hoped a reckoning would follow the conviction of paedophile promoter John Raymond Zimmerman more than a decade ago. Zimmerman, in 2011, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after abusing 55 girls, many of whom were fans of bands he promoted, including The Getaway Plan.

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All but two were aged between 12 and 15, the eldest was 17. Zimmerman elicited sexualised photographs of the girls and groomed them online for sexual abuse. He used his proximity to the bands he promoted to bribe one victim with tickets. Three years after Zimmermans conviction, Banwell launched a viral photographic project, Still Not Asking For It, which she hoped would help push back against the normalisation of sexual and domestic offending. Parkway Drive, pictured in 2018, is one of Australias biggest bands of the past two decades. PA Images via Getty Images

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Me and my friends have all been like, Oh my god, is this finally happening?  I think there would be a lot of scared older men right now, Banwell said. Its a weird time because sometimes theyre people we know getting outed. Its really difficult. Some of the posts circulating online also highlighted a now-defunct website, which this masthead has chosen not to identify. The forum included a trade forum where hardcore music fans could swap scene nudes along with shirts and merchandise. Anyone needing support can contact National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732); Lifeline 131 114; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. 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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Updated NationalWACyclones Uncertain and destructive: Tropical Cyclone Narelle begins tracking south Hannah Murphy March 26, 2026  12:34pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Authorities are warning residents to evacuate now if they believe their property wont be able to sustain the impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, calling it destructive as it batters parts of the Pilbara coast and tracks south. Tropical Cyclone Narelle is off the coast of Karratha as of Thursday afternoon, and has already left a wake of destruction in parts of the Pilbara with its outer bands. Loading Authorities report fierce wind and rain has already been seen across the mining hubs of Port Hedland, Dampier, Karratha and the tourist town of Exmouth along the Pilbara coast, and wind gusts have reached a high of about 150km/h off Bedout Island. The Bureau of Meteorologys James Ashley said while Narelle is currently sitting primarily out at sea gathering steam, its impact in the Pilbara has already indicated it is a strong system.

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Tropical Cyclone Narelle is a severe tropical system, [and] a large and powerful category four system off the Pilbara coast, moving south westwards towards the Exmouth area, he said. The current track of the system has it moving close to Exmouth overnight [Thursday] and in the early hours of [Friday] morning. As of 4pm on Thursday the cyclone was tracking to directly hit Exmouth. BOM We can expect significant impacts from both wind and rain and potentially even storm surge through the Exmouth area over the next 12 to 18 hours. Exmouth residents have been warned to prepare for gusts in excess of 260 kilometres an hour as the eye of the storm passes through, and emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm said residents who planned to evacuate needed to leave as soon as possible before the roads close or the conditions become too dangerous.

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Many homes south of Exmouth are not rated to withstand a cyclone, and the Shire of Exmouth has set up an evacuation building at its shire hall as a precaution. There are no evacuation centres available between Kalbarri and Geraldton. The view from Dampier in Karratha. Natalie Barker If your decision is that youre going to leave your home, make that decision as soon as possible, Klemm said. The cyclone is travelling in a south-westerly direction, but once it moves near the North West Cape and curves southwards, even a slight change in track opens up different possibilities of where it could reach landfall. It could be Exmouth, Carnarvon, Denham, or even further south. With so much uncertainty, its critical that people stay up to date.

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Trees have fallen over and power is out in parts of Exmouth and Dampier, and the City of Karratha issued a warning to residents as the system passed through. Were seeing trees down, debris on roads and water moving through drains and waterways due to current weather, a statement said. A tree down in the City of Karratha on Thursday morning. City of Karratha Please stay alert and take extra care  our crews will respond as soon as it is safe to do so. Some shopping centres, restaurants, cafes and retail outlets across Karratha and Port Hedland have reduced their hours or closed as the system heads over, and the Pilbara Ports Authority said it had evacuated and closed the ports of Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier and Varanus Island.

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Many mine sites have activated emergency protocols to keep their workers safe, and a Chevron Australia spokesperson said they were prepared for the cyclone, with Barrow Island  home to the companys Gorgon LNG project  almost directly in the systems path. We are implementing our cyclone preparation plans at the Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas facilities, and on the Wheatstone platform, the spokesperson said. The usual glass-off at Dampier in the Pilbara has been stirred up as Narelle passes through. Natalie Barker Non-essential personnel have been demobilised from our facilities, with remaining personnel relocated to purpose-built cyclone-rated accommodation facilities while the cyclone passes off the coast. Domestic gas and LNG production continues at the facilities.

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A Perth Airport spokeswoman said there had been about 38 flights to WAs north cancelled as of Thursday morning. The Department of Education has also closed more than a dozen schools in the Pilbara as a precaution. Power is out in parts of Exmouth and in Dampier. Narelle has torn through parts of the Pilbara on its track south. Residents have expressed frustration over an apparent delay to declare a red alert in the Karratha area as the storm passed through, with vision shared to social media appearing to show uprooted trees, fierce winds and cars driving through the intense rain.

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The Bureau of Meteorology warned while the impacts the Pilbara so far had been destructive, Narelle was likely only to intensify throughout Thursday afternoon before its coastal crossing at the weekend. While it currently sits at a category 4 system, the bureau warned there was at least a 30 per cent chance it could spin up into a category 5 system before heading inland and losing steam. However, the current forecast indicates it will likely cross the coast as a category 3. We are looking at a coastal crossing sometime on Friday evening or Friday night, forecaster Ilana Cherny said. It looks [like it will cross] about the Gascoyne coast, somewhere between Coral Bay and Kalbarri, with the Denham area looking like the most likely scenario.

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We are expecting this system to cross as a category 3 severe tropical cyclone. Towns south of Exmouth including Denham, Kalbarri and Geraldton are being warned to prepare for conditions similar to those currently being experienced in the Pilbara. A boat ended up blown into a yard in the Pilbara. Milly Shaw Sandbags are available at state emergency service buildings throughout the towns, and regional airline Rex has put on extra flights to help people evacuate from Denham. The Shire of Northampton also advised on Thursday all tourists and visitors needed to leave the town as soon as was practical.

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All visitors are being urged to depart today, the statement said. From Friday 27 March, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services have advised that townsites in the Shire of Northampton, including Kalbarri are likely to be moving to a Red Alert. Road closures are anticipated from Friday morning, with no access north of Jurien Bay. Travel south will remain open during this period. All travellers are advised to relocate to areas south as soon as possible. Some residents have already begun evacuating the town as well, heading south to ride out the system in Perth.

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Related Article Cyclones Were not complacent: Tropical Cyclone Narelle predicted to cross WA coast as severe storm Klemm reiterated people needed to make a determination to leave as soon as was practical. If you dont feel physically or mentally strong enough to stay in your home, then you need to relocate to family or friends or indeed, to an evacuation centre, he said. Emergency services also said while it was likely the cyclone would weaken as it travelled south toward Perth, residents should still take the same precautions as their northern neighbours. 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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Exclusive PoliticsWATraffic incident Both deadly wrong-way Mitchell Freeway crashes Romeo Road-related, Main Roads confirms Hamish Hastie March 27, 2026  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Main Roads WA maintains the Romeo Road-Mitchell Freeway interchange met Australian road safety standards despite it being linked to the deaths of three people in two separate wrong-way freeway crashes. While it was comfortable with the road layout in place when the interchange opened in 2023, Main Roads confirmed it was working on additional road safety treatments to prevent motorists wanting to travel south on the freeway from turning onto the northbound off-ramp. Main Roads is extending the curb at the Mitchell Freeway Romeo Road interchange to prevent further tragedies. 9 News Perth The spotlight was first shone on the design of the interchange after the death of Perth grandfather Johnny Gray, 60, who crashed his pink classic Chevrolet into another vehicle as he was travelling the wrong way down the freeway at night after turning onto the off-ramp at Romeo Road. After an investigation, Main Roads completed some additional safety treatments, including line markings and bigger signage at the off-ramp intersection.

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Two months later, ceiling fixer Kaleb Brunsdon drove his Izuzu ute southbound on the northbound lanes of the Mitchell Freeway when he and a Toyota Yaris hatchback heading north collided about 11.25pm on February 8. The 56-year-old female driver of the Yaris died at the scene, while Brunsdon was taken to Joondalup Health Campus where he later died. Main Roads confirmed Brunsdon entered the freeway at Romeo Road, but a spokeswoman reiterated the interchange met safety standards. Main Roads internal investigation found the current road environment meets all relevant Australian Standards and Austroads guidelines, she said. However, she said the government listened to the communitys feedback and was rolling out additional changes to deter incorrect vehicle movements onto Mitchell Freeway and enhance safety in the area.

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Related Article Traffic incident Father of Mitchell Freeway crash victim says son had his whole life ahead of him Last December, Main Roads installed additional signs, upgraded existing signs to bigger signs, added new arrows, and pavement markings to clearly show the median, she said. Main Roads will now reshape and kerb the already painted median nose on Romeo Road to further discourage wrong-way right-turn movements into the north-bound Mitchell Freeway exit ramp. The spokeswoman said the kerb outline was being installed last week and it would be infilled by May. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti backed her agency and said she was confident a thorough investigation had occurred after each incident and the government responded accordingly.

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When asked whether she was disappointed it took three deaths for the interchange to be upgraded, Saffioti said the state constantly monitored road conditions. This is something that we constantly consider, whether it be intersections and other road improvements, we constantly are looking at how we can improve road safety, she said. When asked whether she was confident the work Main Roads was completing at the intersection now would prevent further deaths, Saffioti said the reality was that road accidents can happen on any road at any given time. But what we aim to do is constantly improve the safety on our roads, and where we have to, improve the physical infrastructure, signage, line markings, and weve spent a record amount in relation to road safety, she said.
Donald Trumps hopes that an Israeli plan to ignite an internal uprising against Irans theocratic government could bring the war to a swift end have so far been dashed.

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As the United States and Israel prepared to go to war with Iran, the head of Mossad, Israels foreign intelligence service, went to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a plan. Within days of the wars beginning, said David Barnea, the Mossad chief, his service would likely be able to galvanise the Iranian opposition  igniting riots and other acts of rebellion that could even lead to the collapse of Irans government. Barnea also presented the proposal to senior Trump administration officials during a visit to Washington in mid-January. Netanyahu adopted the plan. Despite doubts about its viability among senior US officials and some officials in other Israeli intelligence agencies, he and President Donald Trump seemed to embrace an optimistic outlook. Killing Irans leaders at the outset of the conflict, followed by a series of intelligence operations intended to encourage regime change, they thought, could lead to a mass uprising that might bring about a swift end to the war. Initially, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to be optimistic about the prospect of fomenting a mass uprising that might bring about a swift end to the war. Getty Images Take over your government: it will be yours to take, Trump told Iranians in his initial address at the wars start, after saying they should first seek shelter from the bombing. Four weeks into the war, an Iranian uprising has not yet materialised. US and Israeli intelligence assessments have concluded that the theocratic Iranian government is weakened but intact, and that widespread fear of Irans military and police forces has dampened prospects for nascent rebellion in the country and for ethnic militias outside Iran to launch cross-border incursions. The belief that Israel and the United States could help instigate widespread revolt was a foundational flaw in the preparations for a war that has spread across the Middle East. Instead of imploding from within, Irans government has dug in and escalated the conflict, striking blows and counterblows against military bases, cities, ships in the Persian Gulf, and against vulnerable oil and gas installations.

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This account is based on interviews with more than a dozen current and former US, Israeli and other foreign officials, most of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss national security and intelligence issues during a war. The New York Times interviewed officials with a variety of views on the likelihood of an uprising. Since Trumps first speech, US officials have largely abandoned speaking publicly about the prospects for revolt inside Iran, yet some remain hopeful that one could materialise. Though his rhetoric has become more tempered, Netanyahu still says the US and Israeli air campaign will be aided by forces on the ground. You cant do revolutions from the air, he said during a news conference last Thursday. He added: There has to be a ground component as well. There are many possibilities for this ground component, and I take the liberty of not sharing with you all those possibilities. Loading Netanyahu also added that it is too early to tell if the Iranian people will exploit the conditions we are creating for them to take to the streets. I hope that will be the case. We are working toward that end, but ultimately, it will depend only on them. Behind the scenes, however, Netanyahu has expressed frustration that Mossads promises to foment revolt in Iran have not materialised. In one security meeting days after the war began, the prime minister vented that Trump might decide to end the war any day and that Mossads operations had yet to bear fruit. In the run-up to the war, current and former US and Israeli officials said, Netanyahu invoked Mossads optimism about the possibility of an Iranian uprising to help convince Trump that bringing about the collapse of the Iranian government was a realistic goal.

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Many senior US officials, as well as intelligence analysts at Israels military intelligence agency, AMAN, viewed the Israeli plan for a mass uprising during the conflict with scepticism. US military leaders told Trump that Iranians would not come out to protest while the US and Israel were dropping bombs. Intelligence officials had assessed that the possibility of a mass uprising threatening the theocratic government were low, and doubted that the US-Israeli attack would ignite any kind of civil war. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But a senior administration official noted that in Trumps initial remarks after the beginning of the war, he told Iranians to remain in their homes and urged them to take to the streets only after the air campaign was over. When we are finished, take over your government, Trump said at the time. View post on X Nate Swanson, a former State Department and White House official who was on the Trump administrations Iran negotiating team led by Steve Witkoff until July, said he had never seen a serious plan to promote an uprising in Iran within the US government in his many years working on Iran policy. A lot of protesters are not coming into the street because theyll get shot, said Swanson, now at the Atlantic Council. Theyre going to get slaughtered. Thats one thing. But the second thing is that theres a good chunk of people who just want a better life, and theyre just sidelined right now. They dont like the regime, but they dont want to die opposing it. That 60 per cent is going to stay home. He added, You still have fervent anti-regime folks, but theyre not armed, and theyre not bringing the majority of the population into the streets.

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Trump appeared to have arrived at the same conclusion two weeks into the war. On March 12, he noted that Iran has security forces in the streets machine-gunning people down if they want to protest. So I really think thats a big hurdle to climb for people that dont have weapons, he said on Fox News Radio. I think thats a very big hurdle. So itll happen, but it probably will be maybe not immediately. The Kurdish option While many of the specifics of Mossads plans remain secret, one element included supporting an invasion by Iranian Kurdish militia groups based in northern Iraq. One element of Mossads plans included supporting an invasion by Iranian Kurdish militia groups based in northern Iraq. Getty Images Mossad has long-standing ties with Kurdish groups, and US officials have said that the CIA and Mossad have given arms and other support to Kurdish forces in recent years. The CIA had existing authorities to support Iranian Kurdish fighters, and had provided arms and advice well before the current war. During the first days of the war, Israeli jets and bombers pounded Iranian military and police targets in north-west Iran, in part to help pave the way for the Kurdish forces.

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During a telephone briefing on March 4, an Israeli military spokesperson was asked whether Israel was carrying out intense bombings in western Iran to help a Kurdish invasion. The spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, said, Weve been operating very heavily in western Iran to degrade the Iranian regimes capabilities and to open up the way to Tehran, and to create freedom of operations. Thats been our focus there. But US officials are no longer enthusiastic about their idea from well before the war of using the Kurds as a proxy force, a shift that has created tension with their Israeli counterparts. A week into the war, on March 7, Trump said he had explicitly told Kurdish leaders not to send militias into the country. I dont want the Kurds going in, he told reporters. I dont want to see the Kurds get hurt, get killed. US officials are no longer enthusiastic about their idea, from well before the war, of using the Kurds as a proxy force. AP Soon after reports emerged that Kurdish militias might join the campaign, Bafel Talabani, the president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, one of the main Iraqi Kurdish political parties, said in an interview on Fox News that no such plans were in the works. A Kurdish advance, he added, might have the opposite of its intended effect. You could argue that thats actually a detriment, he said, adding that Iranians are very nationalistic. I believe if they fear that Kurds coming in from elsewhere will cause a split or a splintering of their country, this may actually unify the people against this separatist movement. Turkey has warned the Trump administration not to support any Kurdish action. The message was delivered by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a recent conversation, a Turkish diplomat said. Turkey, a NATO ally, has long been opposed to any operations by armed Kurds since it is grappling with Kurdish separatists inside its own borders.

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WorldNorth AmericaCrime Im so sorry, Mummy: Savannah Guthrie gives emotional first interview about missing Nancy David Bauder March 27, 2026  5:39am 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: The back doors of Nancy Guthries Arizona home were found propped open and her phone and purse were still at the home when the 84-year-old disappeared, daughter Savannah Guthrie said in an interview that aired on NBCs Today, her first since her mothers apparent abduction. Given the tremendous pain their mother suffered from, Savannah Guthrie said she and her siblings knew it wasnt a case of a person wandering off. Then there were the propped doors, blood on the front doorstep and a camera yanked off. Loading So we were saying, This is not OK, Guthrie said in the interview that aired on Thursday (US time). Something is very wrong here. Her brother immediately realised that their mother had been kidnapped for ransom.

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I said, What? And then, I mean, it sounds so, like, how dumb could I be? But I just, I didnt want to believe. Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the NBCs Today show set in 2023. Getty Images I just said, Do you think because of me? Guthrie recounted, choking up and wiping away tears. He said, Im sorry, sweetie, but, yeah, maybe. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. Authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will. The FBI released surveillance videos of a masked man who was outside Guthries front door in Tucson on the night she vanished. The Guthrie family has offered a reward of a $US1 million ($1.45 million) for information leading to the recovery of their mother. To think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night, Savannah Guthrie said.

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Related Article Missing person She may already be gone: Savannah Guthrie offers $US1 million reward in mothers disappearance And in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought. The longtime Today show co-anchor, who will return to her seat at the desk on April 6, said in the interview that they dont know that their mother was taken because of her, but acknowledged that it would make sense. Which is too much to bear, to think that I brought this to her bedside, that its because of me. And I just say, Im so sorry, Mummy. Im so sorry, Guthrie said. If it is me, Im so sorry. Some of the purported ransom notes were fake, Guthrie said, but she believed the two notes that she and her siblings responded to were real. But the circumstances were surreal.

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How is it possible that we are having to make a video speaking to a kidnapper who took an 84-year-old woman in the dead of night, in her pyjamas, with no shoes, without her medicine? Guthrie asked. Loading Seeing the images of a man in a ski mask from the porch camera was terrifying, Guthrie said, but after cruel speculation that a family member might be involved began to swirl, she was glad that people saw what came to our door. She will never understand that speculation. No one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law. And no one protected my mom more than my brother, Guthrie said. Investigators have worked tirelessly, but the family needs answers, Guthrie said.

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We cannot be at peace without knowing and someone can do the right thing, she said. It is never too late to do the right thing and our hearts are focused on that. AP 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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President Trump has been issuing ultimatums for weeks about the Strait of Hormuz, demanding full freedom of travel for shippers.

If Iran doesnt comply? Trump has said hell respond quickly and violently.

But in spite of his repeated demands, Iran has held the line and continues to police shipping in the area, dropping ship passage to a tiny fraction of where things stood before the war.

More from Yahoo Scout What is Trump's latest ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz? How has Trump's rhetoric on Iran shifted recently? How has Iran's control affected global shipping and oil prices? What are the economic implications of Hormuz blockade?

Trump has now pushed back his Friday deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face US strikes on its power plants. Tehran now has until April 6, leaving room for the two sides to potentially begin ceasefire talks.

That comes after this week saw a rhetorical shift from the president, who is now publicly  if somewhat begrudgingly  recognizing the regimes ability to control the 21-mile-wide waterway.

At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump even noted Irans burgeoning effort to charge shippers a fee for passage.

They shouldnt be able to, but theyre doing it a little bit, the president said.

Read more: What an extended war with Iran could mean for gas prices

President Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on March 26. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)  Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images

Trump also described an exchange in the ongoing peace talks where the Iranian representatives said they would allow eight big boats of oil to pass through the strait  and then kept their promise.

It clearly impressed the president and was a frank acknowledgement just a few days after he demanded Iran fully open the strait.

At another point in recent weeks, he mused, At a certain point, [the Strait] will open itself.

Irans resilience in this arena poses a major problem for the White Houses efforts to end the war quickly and calm energy markets upended by what is increasingly described as the biggest oil shock in history.

Read more: How oil price shocks ripple through your wallet, from gas to groceries

Trump has also floated the notion of simply ending hostilities and leaving others to deal with the Strait of Hormuz  but observers have warned of dire economic consequences in such a move.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said this week during an interview with the BBC that oil prices could reach $150 a barrel and cause a global recession if Iran remains a threat to the Strait of Hormuz after the end of hostilities.

Prices are currently about $100 per barrel. Since the war began, futures for both the international oil benchmark Brent crude (BZ=F) and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude (CL=F) have gained roughly 40%.

Traffic limited to those preapproved by Iran

Trumps shifting rhetoric on the strait reflects a key reality in the region: Shipping traffic has plunged as Iran has been able to exercise a veto power over who passes.
Meta (META) stock fell more than 4% on Friday, as Wall Street continued to grapple with the companys loss in a landmark social media lawsuit on Wednesday.

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube parent Google (GOOG, GOOGL) negligent in protecting young users on their platforms. That sent shares of the companies tumbliing Thursday, with declining as much as 8% on the day.

More from Yahoo Scout What other legal challenges is Meta currently facing? How did social media stocks react to the ruling? What are Meta and Google's responses to the verdict? What was the Los Angeles lawsuit verdict?

The suit, which revolved around whether the companies designed their apps to keep young users hooked and if they knew doing so was dangerous  is seen as a potential bellwether for a raft of similar suits that schools, states, and parents have filed against the firms.

Shares of other social media platforms like Reddit (RDDT) and Snap (SNAP) were also trading lower on Friday in response to the ruling, falling more than 5% and 3%, respectively.

Shares of Googles parent company, Alphabet, were down closer to 2%.

In a statement following the verdict, a Meta spokesperson told Yahoo Finance, We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement, "We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.

The Los Angeles case follows a separate verdict in New Mexicos own lawsuit against Meta in which the state accused the company of misleading its users about the safety of its products and endangering children.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg departs the court in Los Angeles on Feb. 18, 2026, after taking the stand at a trial in a key test case accusing Meta and Google's YouTube of harming kids' mental health through addictive platforms. (Reuters/Mike Blake)  REUTERS / REUTERS

On March 24, the jury in the New Mexico case found Meta liable and ordered the company to pay $375 million in penalties.

Meta is facing another lawsuit filed by state attorneys general in 2023, in which the states made arguments similar to those in the Los Angeles case.

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Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.

For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Right now, hundreds of highly collectible and exciting used cars including exotic supercars and JDM legends are currently trapped aboard massive container ships idling in the ocean.

Due to the war in the Middle East, a number of highly important shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz have become blocked. This means that massive cargo ships loaded with Japanese and South Korean vehicle exports are currently holding their station, becoming floating parking lots full of hard-metal cash.

For the $19 billion overseas used-car industry, this means countless vehicles are literally stranded at sea.

When commercial ships like these originally charted for Dubai had to suddenly alter their routes to avoid zones of conflict, harbours that had stepped up soon became full. Now, there are countless ships waiting in traffic jams across the sea as they wait for docking spaces to become available.

Umar Ali Hyder Ali is an exporter operating out of Yokohama, and he saw firsthand the 500 vehicles that have been unable to land at A Sri Lankan port. Unfortunately for those waiting for these cars, anchors have been dropped in the middle of the sea.

He told Reuters the following:

The cars that we already shipped to Sri Lanka were kind of idling in the ocean, waiting to enter because there was no space

The cargo he was managing eventually made it, but hes one of just few, with some ships delayed by more than a week and a half.

black porsche 911 parked on parking lot

Lamborghinis Locked in Steel Containers

Its not just Peugeots and Volvos hidden inside these shipping containers. Behind the sun-burnt metal sit fifty highly expensive cars, ranging from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to Rolls-Royces. Hyder Ali had 50 of these cars dumped at docks in China and Sri Lanka instead of their real destination, the United Arab Emirates.

Ships coming from South Korea are also seeing similar issues. KDM cars are also waiting for their homes to come into sight.

Yun Seung-hyun, the president of Ventus Auto, a number of their containers are stuck on the western coast of India, waiting for their time to dock at Jebel Ali.

No Port in a Storm

You may be wondering why these cars cant just be taken somewhere else and sold to a different market. Unfortunately for the companies behind these, its just not that simple. Buyers for these vehicles are usually locked in. And even if they werent, you cant just land cars at a random country and expect there to be a market.

You cant just simply redirect shipments to Africa or Latin America. Ali told Reuters.

With rising oil costs pushing freight rates even higher and massive vessels stuck waiting for clearance, things dont look great for an already struggling automotive industry.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 64F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
NexGold Mining has initiated a 30,000m reverse circulation (RC) infill drilling programme at the Goldboro Gold Project in Nova Scotia, Canada.

It aims to fill specific gaps in the mineral resource with drill spacing of 12.5m and depths reaching 50m.

The objective is to gather detailed data that could elevate the mineral resources classification from indicated to measured categories.

It is expected to extend into the third quarter of 2026 (Q3 2026), with assay results disclosed as they are available, dependent on drilling progress and laboratory processing times.

NexGold president and CEO Kevin Bullock said: The company continues to advance and de-risk the Goldboro project as we move toward an investment decision later this year.

The recently launched 30,000m infill drill programme focuses primarily on areas of the mineral resource that are expected to be mined in the early years of production and is intended to support the refinement of the mineral resource model following the update to the feasibility study, adding greater certainty and confidence in the mineral resource.

This drill programme is one of several value-adding activities in progress at the Goldboro project in 2026, which include an update to the feasibility study that will incorporate additional drill data collected in 2025 (328 holes and 58,008m gathered since September 2021), updated operating and capital cost assumptions, and changes in the gold price since completion of the feasibility study in 2021.

In parallel, NexGold has renewed its collaboration with Triomphe Holdings, operating as Capital Analytica, for investor relations services under a six-month agreement starting March 2026, with an option for extension.

The consultancy will manage social media, capital markets advice and investor engagement efforts.

This arrangement awaits TSX Venture Exchange approval.

In October 2024, NexGold Mining and Signal Gold announced a definitive agreement to merge, aiming to establish one of Canadas most advanced near-term gold developers.

"NexGold launches RC drilling campaign at Goldboro project" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




High Court reporters

The High Court has dismissed the case of a woman who sued her local coroner's office and the Minister for Justice claiming trauma from a 36-year delay for an inquest into the death of her sister who was killed in brutal circumstances.

In February 1975, then 30-year-old Anne Birkinshaw's sister, Kathleen Cashin, was killed in Co Tipperary. Following a trial at the Central Criminal Court that December, an individual was found "guilty but insane" of her murder.

In his High Court judgment, Mr Justice David Nolan noted the background facts to the case as "tragic" and said the court proceedings themselves were "unusual".

The case was taken by Birkinshaw against the coroner for Tipperary North, North Tipperary County Council and the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The defendants brought an opposing application to dismiss or strike out the proceedings, which were launched in 2013, under court rules on delay.

In his judgement, Mr Justice Nolan said that "for reasons never properly explained" there were no records to show that an inquest was ever held into Cashin's killing before 2011.

The judge said because of pressure from the plaintiff's family, an inquest was ultimately held in December of that year.

Prior to the 2011 inquest, a postmortem report from state pathologist, Professor John Harbison, now deceased, was provided to Birkinshaw.

Psychological injury

She claimed the report added significantly to her trauma and hurt, causing her psychological injury, as she had been under the mistaken belief that her sister had died quickly as a result of a blow to the head, but the report indicated otherwise.

In 2013, Birkinshaw issued personal injury proceedings and sought a court declaration that the failure to hold an inquest within a reasonable period of time amounted to a "denial of natural justice".

Mr Justice Nolan, noting that court proceedings were issued in 2013, said "it is not an understatement to say that the case has taken what can only be described as a leisurely approach through the courts".

The defence argued that the underlying events dated back over 40 years and that the inquest took place 15 years ago.

The defence claimed the delay in proceedings had created severe prejudice for them, in that key witnesses, including Prof Harbison and members of An Garda Siochana, have either died or cannot be found.

Solicitor for the defendants, Nicola Tyson, in her affidavit, said the unexplained delay in taking the court case was "extraordinary" and the case could only be properly addressed by cross-examining witnesses who are now deceased or unavailable.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Nolan said there had been "total inactivity" between April 2019 and December 2024.

The judge noted the current coroner for North Tipperary is not an employee of either the local authority or the State and cannot be liable for the acts or omissions of predecessors.

Unusual case

He said he would "readily concede" that this is an unusual case, but added that the question to be asked is whether there is a pressing need that requires the case to be permitted to go to trial.

He added: "Although I accept that the public interest favours allowing potentially meritorious litigation to continue, the facts, as presented, offer little realistic prospect of success."

"The only reason the court has engaged in a discussion about some elements of the merits is to see if it can be saved," he said.

He said the court could not ignore the fact that three of the four original plaintiffs are dead and that it would also be "nigh-on impossible to find any witness from the time of the murder trial who could give evidence", putting the defence at a "clear disadvantage amounting to prejudice".

Mr Justice Nolan said that he had come to the view that, "notwithstanding egregious delays", the case could not be saved and dismissed the matter.
David Raleigh

Two Limerick-based gardai who had criminal charges dropped against them earlier today were later informed that suspensions imposed on them six years ago had been lifted.

This morning the State officially withdrew a total of 33 charges against Garda Paul Baynham, Garda Niall Deegan, and Peter ODonnell who retired from the force about a month ago.

Tonight Garda Headquarters confirmed that Garda Baynham and Garda Deegans suspensions had been lifted opening the way for their immediate return to work.

An Garda Siochana notes the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw charges at Limerick Circuit Court today. Suspensions against two members of An Garda Siochana in the Southern region have been lifted. An Garda Siochana has no further comment at this time, stated Garda HQ.

'Witch hunt'

The three accused walked free from court with their innocence intact after enduring a six-year hell and a witch hunt, having faced unproven accusations of perverting the course of justice.

All three, who had denied any wrongdoing, were suspended from the Limerick Garda Divisional Roads Policing Unit in 2019, following a garda probe into alleged unlawful interference into potential or pending road traffic prosecutions.

The probe was focused entirely on the Limerick Garda Division and led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), based out of Garda offices at Harcourt Square, Dublin.

Today, at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, prosecuting barrister, senior counsel Carl Hanahoe, withdrew all of the charges by entering in court a "nolle prosequi" a Latin term meaning do not prosecute.

The GNBCI investigation also led to four more gardai, including Sergeant Anne Marie Hassett, Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey and Garda Colm Geary, and retired

Superintendent Eamon O'Neill, being charged.

These five accused were each acquitted by a jury following a nine-week trial, held at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court between November 2025 and January 2026.

The five accused defence counsels argued the case was centred around the long-standing practice of garda discretion whereby gardai use their own common sense when dealing with members of the public.

The prosecution had argued that preferential treatment was given to certain members of the public because of their association with Eamon ONeill when he was a Superintendent in the Limerick Division, which was denied.

Hassett and O'Neill, who are married, have initiated High Court proceedings against the State seeking damages.

Speaking outside Limerick courthouse today, garda Frank Thornton, Garda Representative Association, Limerick Division, said Peter ODonnell, Paul Baynham and Niall Deegan, had suffered a six-year hell while waiting for the matter to come before the courts.

Mr Thornton said the GRAs sense of relief at the withdrawing of the charges was hampered by a suffocating emotion of anger and disbelief that our colleagues and their families have had to endure more than six years of exile, suffering, personal anguish, and character assassination.

As a Division, the members in the Limerick Division have shown unmeasurable resilience in maintaining the highest possible standard of service to the people of Limerick while our confidence and morale has been shattered, said Thornton.

Thornton said he had continuously highlighted the absolute necessity for an independent appeals process for the An Garda Siochana Suspension Policy.

These members along with other members throughout the country, are living proof that the Garda Commissioner must include an independent appeals process for the An Garda Siochana Suspension Policy, and anything less is a dire dilution of our basic employee rights and entitlements to fair, independent due process, he said.

What has unfolded here in Limerick with this witch hunt, is a stark reminder to all, that an independent public inquiry of this investigation is not an option for the Minister for Justice, its an absolute necessity.

The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have agreed with a review, but I believe that the only review possible is one in the form of an independent public inquiry.

Thornton said: The people of Ireland deserve answers as to how over 2,500 lifesaver offences were simply struck out, due to this botched investigation, while our colleagues were suspended.

Gardai who are not present in court through suspension or otherwise are not available to prosecute cases in court, and therefore a judge can decide to strike-out or withdraw the charges.

The Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, and the Minster for Justice, Jim OCallaghan, have previously indicated that they did not believe an independent report was necessary.

Mr Thornton said he was concerned with what appears to be a closing of the ranks between the Garda Commissioner and Minister for Justice, who recently appeared to sing from the same hymn sheet of nothing to see here move on.

An Garda Siochana is founded on trust and transparency, therefore, let our leaders lead the way now with an independent public inquiry, added Mr Thornton.

Solicitor Liz Hughes, Hughes Murphy, representing ODonnell, Gda Baynham and Gda Deegan, said the three gardai would like to acknowledge the support from their families and friends and colleagues, who saw daily the toll this took on them and whose reassurance kept them going.

The complaint against these members was always without foundation, said Hughes.

From the moment I was first instructed in these matters I was of this view, and I have not wavered ever since.

Hughes continued: Garda Management is just as well aware as we are of this custom and practice established over many generations of Community Policing. 

Whats more, Garda Frank Thornton, in his role as then President of the GRA, took every opportunity to remind them of this, articulating that one Division and certain Members in particular were being treated unequally and unfairly.

Garda Management could have listened but seemingly refused to, said Ms Hughes.

'Public inquiry'

Hughes called for public inquiry to address these matters and the questions as to how this happened, and the consequences that flowed from it.

In response, a spokesperson for the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan, said the minster had noted the withdrawal of charges against the three accused.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is independent under the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974 (as amended), said the spokesperson.

It is also important to recall that all persons accused of offences before the courts are innocent until proven guilty. That principle is at the heart of our criminal justice system, they added.

Garda Headquarters did not immediately respond.
The election of a pope is one of the most secret elections in the Catholic Church. As the College of Cardinals gather into the Sistine Chapel surrounded by a plethora of terms and conditions, rafts of regulations around what to do and what not to do are ringing in their ears. Every possible effort is made to ensure that what is regarded as an exercise in finding out who God wants to be the next pope is shrouded in mystery and respect for the holy process. Anything and everything that can possibly be done to keep secret the most secret of electoral procedures is not left undone.

That said cardinals talk before and during and after a conclave. And while, during the election, information about how its progressing is impossible to decipher, once its over the cardinals spill the Vatican beans and all, or almost all, is revealed in forensic detail. The story of the conclave is then pieced together bit by bit and a year or so later, seasoned vaticanistas paint the full picture in a few usually best-selling books.

If you, dear reader, picture yourself in that role, anxious to get the full detail of how and why the votes mounted as they did in last years conclave that elected Pope Leo, then you need to get your hands on two books out this month: The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis by Gerard OConnell and Elisabetta Pique and American Hope: What Pope Leo Means for the Church and the World by Christopher Lamb. Alternatively, if youd prefer an analytical guided tour of the gist of those two books you can read a stunning account by Austen Ivereigh in the March 7 issue of The Tablet entitled Secrets of the Conclave. Or, if you want an even shorter account you will find it in the 600 or so words that make up the remainder of this column. So hold on to your hat!

We often accuse the Vatican - and by extension the Catholic Church - of being incapable of organising anything. But, in this instance, thats not the case. It took the Anglican Church eleven months to elect Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury  she will be formally installed this week  but the Catholic Church had a new pope done and dusted in three weeks and the last three conclaves were over in 48 hours!

The trick is what happens before the conclave in the discussions that build the beginning of a clear consensus. If the consensus is matched by the presence of an obvious candidate, what Ivereigh calls the carousel of news, leaks and rumours begins to reveal the mind of the Church.

While the cardinals swear an oath of absolute and perpetual secrecy before they enter the Sistine Chapel, and are faithful to not disclosing what happens behind closed doors, theyll share the atmosphere, their feelings and what Ivereigh calls some choice anecdotes, for example like the moment Cardinal Prevost put his head in his hands when he knew he had been elected. The presumption of many is that the ballot tallies are part of the oath but some cardinals give themselves a moment of grace as they take the view that the tallies should be part of the historical record.

In March 2013, when Francis I was elected pope 115 cardinals voted with 77 votes needed for election. The 2013 election seemed to be a two-horse race between Cardinal Bergoglio (Francis) and Cardinal Scola of Madrid. But a later publication based on a revelation by a cardinal elector revealed that Cardinal Marc Quellet, from the Vatican Curia, was a third candidate in contention. However the election came down to a tussle between Bergoglio and Scola with Scola ahead on the first ballot 30/26, but Bergoglio consistently moving ahead in the later rounds by 45/38, 56/41, 67/32 and, in the final round, by 85/20.

In the last conclave in 2025, 133 cardinals were voting with 89 votes needed for election. For this ballot there were no exact votes shared afterwards by co-operating cardinals but the picture is clear in the two books (mentioned above). In the first vote, the three cardinals in contention  Pietro Parolin (Italy), Peter Erdo (Hungry) and Robert Prevost (American)  each scored between 20 to 30, with Erdo in a narrow lead. In the second ballot, Prevost moved into the lead, Parolin came second and Erdo, third. In the third vote, Parolin versus Prevost, Parolin picked up Erdos votes and Prevost held his. And in the fourth and final vote, Prevost swept past Parolin with 108 votes to 89.

Apart from the historic election of the first North American pope, the 2025 conclave was significant in that it was the second election in succession of a Latin Americann pope after two previous elections of two European popes  John Paul II (1978) and Benedict (2005). An interesting question is how did the centre of influence in the Catholic Church move from Europe to Latin (South) America in less than 50 years?

Two issues seem significant. One is that as the number of cardinals increased, the number of European cardinals (especially Italian) decreased. Two, the Church tired of the failure to introduce the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and in less than a generation decided to replace the old, rich, tired, drifting Church represented by John Paul and Benedicts pontificates with a more reformist Church driven by a combination of European reformers and a Latin American focus on a pastoral Church of the poor. Though in 2025 Parolin was the favourite he wasnt acceptable in that he wasnt like Francis.

The hunger for change represented by the election of Francis and Leo has now placed the Latin American Church  described by Ivereigh as a united body and brimming with joy and confidence  in the ascendant and, hopefully, powering the Peoples Church with its focus on serving the poor for generations to come.
The camera pans around the cluttered police station as soft-spoken and rather pathetic, small-time conman Roger 'Verbal' Kint spills the beans to the police interrogator on who criminal mastermind Keyser Soze really is.

Buried in a seemingly pointless stream of consciousness is Kints comment which helps elevate The Usual Suspects into one of the most iconic crime-thrillers of all time.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didnt exist.

Because the limping Kint, played terrifyingly brilliantly by Kevin Spacey, was actually Keyser Soze himself, which the police only realised after letting him go. In politics, the trick has been different, but no less dangerous.

It is not that Donald Trump is invisible (or a mastermind). It is that the version of him presented to the public by the media has so often been a caricature, flattened, exaggerated in the wrong ways and ultimately too easy to dismiss. Even after over a decade of wall-to-wall coverage, the most remarkable thing is not what Trump says or does, but how persistently he is misunderstood.

This is evidenced by a recent episode of Sky News Trump 100 podcast, featuring a special St Patricks Day discussion of Taoiseach Micheal Martins visit to the White House. Hosted by Martha Kelner and featuring Skys Ireland correspondent David Blevins, the segment was framed around a simple clickbait question: Why is Trump talking about reunifying Ireland?

Kelners and Blevinss tone was familiar: self-satisfied amusement, faintly incredulous and entirely confident in their own interpretation. Trump, we were told, appeared not to understand the sensitivities of Irish politics. Surely, it was suggested, a president should have been better briefed. Surely, an aide might have been on hand to whisper the necessary details.

But this analysis willfully ignores everything we know of Trumps presidency and how he sold himself to his voters. He just does not care of such things.

Donald Trump is not a conventional political figure. This is not a revelation. He does not operate from briefing notes, nor does he appear especially interested in the finer points of diplomatic etiquette. To point this out, at this stage, is not insight, it is repetition and lazy journalism.

What matters is something else entirely: that he understands just enough and knows how to play the media at their own game. Every. Single. Time.

Trumps remark about Irish unity at the traditional St. Patricks Day Speakers Lunch at the US Capitol, was not made in a vacuum. It was made precisely because it is a sensitive issue. The joke only works because of that sensitivity. Strip away the politics and what remains is a marketeers instinct, an ability to identify pressure points in a room and play with them.

Indicating to the DUP leader Emma Little-Pengelly, Trump mused of her meeting with the Taoiseachs entourage: Deputy First Minister of Northern Irelandand they get along so well - I saw that - you get along very well together, thats the way its supposed to be, huh? I dont know if I should be promoting merger [smiling]... I love mergers - but I dont know were going to get into a lot of trouble with that one [laughter in the room].

In fact, long-time readers of my column will know he said something similar at last years event.

You dont have to admire that instinct. But you do have to recognise it. Despite the smug Sky reporters claiming otherwise, Trump knows exactly who Emma Little-Pengelly is and her utter opposition to Irish unity.

And yet, time and again, his instinct, his humour, is misread as ignorance.

This is where the problem lies. Not in criticism of Trump - there is no shortage of that, much of it justified - but in the nature of the criticism itself. When analysis begins and ends with the assumption that he simply doesnt know what he is doing, it ceases to be analysis at all. It becomes click-bait performance.

There is a second layer to this and it is just as important. The media is not only misreading Trump, it is misreading its audience. The suggestion that viewers require correction on every perceived faux pas, that they will be shocked by a casual misstatement or a poorly timed joke, speaks to a certain condescension. In fact, most people are not impressed by politicians playing it safe with diplomatic, safe and respectful language.

Trumps supporters pay attention because he is charismatic, outspoken and outrageous, not in spite of it. Because he misgenders the Irish President Catherine Connolly whose speech criticised his actions in Iran. Because he claims Keir Starmer is not Winston Churchill. Because he is playing the media.

This matters not in the abstract, but in the most concrete sense imaginable. Trumps views shape policy on Ukraine, on the Middle East, on trade, on immigration. Decisions taken in Washington ripple outward, to Europe, to Ireland, to the wider world. This is not theoretical. It is immediate.

Which brings us back to Ireland.

The meeting between Trump and Micheal Martin was amicable, friendly and handled with care. Martin did not grandstand. He did not attempt to score points for a domestic audience. Instead, he did something far more effective: he nudged, he reassured and he kept the door open for dialogue.

That is what diplomacy looks like in practice.

Yet much of the US coverage framed the Taoiseachs public reminder to Trump of his capacity to do deals with Kier Starmer and the European leaders as a kind of moral victory, or even an embarrassment for the US President. This is a misunderstanding of a different kind. It mistakes restraint for weakness and subtlety for spectacle.

In reality, there was no humiliation and no attempt at it. There was, instead, an effort to maintain a working relationship with a fickle president whose decisions carry enormous weight. Whether one agrees with those decisions is beside the point. They exist and they have consequences.

This is where the idea of underestimation becomes dangerous.

Donald Trump was underestimated before he secured the Republican nomination in 2016. He was underestimated during the election that followed. He has been underestimated, in various ways, ever since. And even now, with years of evidence to draw upon, the instinct persists to reduce him, to caricature him, to treat him as a figure of ridicule rather than a figure of power.

It is, in its own way, comforting.

Because if Trump is merely a buffoon, then he can be dismissed. If he is simply chaotic, then his actions need not be taken seriously. If he is an accident, then there is no need to reckon with the conditions that produced him or the reasons he continues to command attention of millions of voters.

Broadcasters willfully present a version of Trump that invites laughter more than understanding. And in doing so, they offer something reassuring but misleading: the illusion that he can be ignored, or explained away.

By continuing to deliberately misunderstand him for cheap views, the media such as Sky News are not holding him to account in the way that his voters care about. In the way they should care about.

Because the stupidest trick the media ever pulled was convincing the world that the real Donald Trump didnt exist.
Sonya McLean

A refugee who claimed his sister was his wife to allow him to bring the woman and his six-year-old son into Ireland on a family reunification visa has been given a two-year sentence.

The 29-year-old Somalian man, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of his child, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assisting the unlawful entry into the State of a person at Terminal One, Dublin Airport on July 22nd, 2025. He has no previous convictions.

Detective Garda Karen Barker of the Garda National Immigration Bureau told Grainne ONeill BL, prosecuting, that the man had full refugee status in Ireland for a number of years before he applied for a family reunification visa. He has been in Ireland since 2021.

They were stopped as a family unit coming off a flight from Cairo, with the woman and the child presenting Somalian identification documents.

The woman claimed to be the sister of the mans dead wife but said she had then married the accused herself in 2018. She said the boy was the child of her dead sister and the accuseds son.

Det Gda Barker said immigration did not think the woman looked like the woman in the passport. They separated her from the group and brought her in for questioning. She was asked to write her name and date of birth and was unable to do so.

There were concerns for the childs safety. The accused man initially gave immigration the same account as the woman but then admitted that the woman was not his wife but actually his sister. He said she had come to Ireland to seek asylum.

He said he had left Ireland 20 days earlier and met the woman and child in Kenya before they returned together and attempted entry back into Ireland on the family reunification visa. He said his sister was in imminent danger in Somalia.

State care

Det Gda Barker said the child is now in State care and the woman has subsidiary protection in Ireland, which is a form of international protection for non-EU nationals who do not qualify as refugees but face a real risk of serious harm.

She agreed with Mark Lynam SC, defending, that the accused has injuries and he has claimed that he was the victim of a terrorist organisation in Somalia. She said while she is aware he has injuries she cannot confirm how he got them.

Det Gda Barker acknowledged that the man has permanent refugee status in Ireland but clarified that it was under review.

She said that a number of false certificates were used by the man in order to apply for the family reunification visa, adding that he began the application three years earlier.

Lynam asked the court to accept that these were actions carried out in desperation because the man was concerned for the welfare of his child and sister in Somalia.

False documents

He acknowledged that his client obtained false documents in an attempt to get his family to Ireland.

Lynam acknowledged that he cannot tell the court how long the woman and child were in Kenya before they met his client but he said they are both from Somalia.

When asked by Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain where the mother of the child was, counsel replied I cant say  she is not in Ireland.

He submitted that there is nothing particularly unusual in people travelling to Ireland on false documentation in order to gain access to the State.

Lynam asked the court to accept his client brought the woman and child here out of concern for their safety and that he was not a professional trafficker nor was he doing this for profit.

His motivation was to be re-united with his family, counsel said. He just wanted to have his family here and he went about it the wrong way.

Judge Ni Chulachain said it appeared to be a once-off offence in which the accused brought the woman and his son into the country, but she said it had been well planned, noting that the false documentation went back three years.

She said the man must have had assistance in obtaining the false documents to get the family reunification visa.

Judge Ni Chulachain accepted that that the man did not do this for profit nor was it part of a commercial operation. She further accepted that the injured party was not preyed upon but rather probably benefitted from the scheme.

The integrity of the immigration system in this country is the real injured party, Judge Ni Chulachain commented.

She set a headline sentence of three years before she took into account his personal circumstances and acknowledged that he had been supporting himself in Ireland since 2021.

Judge Ni Chulachain imposed a sentence of two years. She said the man should be given credit for the time he has spent on remand in custody. The final year of the sentence was suspended.
Resolution Minerals identifies high-grade tungsten in US stockpiles as development pathway sharpens Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTCQB:RLMLF, FRA:NC3) has returned high-grade tungsten results from historical stockpiles at its recently acquired Johnson Creek Tungsten and Antimony Mill in Idaho, strengthening its strategy to fast-track near-term production from existing material.

Preliminary sampling of the stockpiles  sourced from the past-producing Golden Gate tungsten mine  delivered a composite grade of 1.85% WO from a 93.6-kilogram mini-bulk sample, alongside minor gold credits of 0.11g/t and low impurity levels.

The result broadly aligns with historical production grades from Golden Gate and compares favourably with typical global underground tungsten grades, which are often below 0.20% WO.

Confirming a high-grade 1.85% WO result from the Golden Gate stockpile is a significant milestone for Resolution Minerals, executive director Aharon Zaetz said. The combination of strong grade, scheelite-dominant mineralisation and low impurity levels highlights the potential for a simple, low-cost processing pathway.

LEFT: A photo of one of the historical stockpiles at Johnson Creek Tungsten & Antimony Mill that was mapped and sampled by RML field personnel. The stockpile has remained untouched since the 1980s following the cessation of mining activities at Golden Gate that decade. The stockpile contains ore-material believed mined from the Tungsten Mine at Golden Gate. RIGHT: Blue-light (ultraviolent lamp) photo of part of the stockpile pictured left. Under ultraviolet light the WO3 ore mineral scheelite reflects vivid white/light blue. By virtue of this reflectance, this photo shows tungsten mineralisation. This mineralisation is in the form of vein and disseminated scheelite with an estimated abundance of between 1% and 30% of the individual rocks in the photo. Also note that the scheelite mineral contains 80.52% WO3 molecular weight.

Stockpile opportunity takes shape

The stockpiles, estimated to contain around 2,000 tonnes of previously mined ore, have remained largely untouched since the 1980s and sit adjacent to Resolutions Horse Heaven Project in Idaho.

Project location plan showing the Johnson Creek Mill where the stockpiles are located, and the major prospects of the Horse Heaven Project, Golden Gate and Antimony Ridge.

Sampling and mapping programs completed in 2025 confirmed that the material is dominated by scheelite  a well-understood tungsten ore mineral  hosted within granodiorite, consistent with mineralisation observed at the original Golden Gate mine.

Independent mineralogical analysis also identified favourable metallurgical characteristics, including:
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.
Reading, PA (19601)

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.
UBS Remains Bullish On Silver Despite Price Decline

Swiss bank UBS Group (NYSE: $UBS) sees future upside in silver despite the recent price decline of the precious metal.

In a note to clients, UBS reiterated its bull case for silver, saying that the grey metal should benefit from a favorable macroeconomic backdrop despite recent turbulence.

The upbeat outlook comes with silvers price having been extremely volatile.

More From Cryptoprowl:

Currently at $69.05 U.S. an ounce, silvers (TVC: $SILVER) price has declined 43% from an all-time high of $121.62 U.S. per ounce reached on Jan. 29 of this year.

While UBS sees continued near-term headwinds for silver, it sees the metal benefitting from strong industrial demand in the long run.

Silver is both a precious and industrial metal. It is used to make jewellery and as an electrical conductor in technologies ranging from solar panels to laptop computers.

UBS expects silvers price to continue tracking gold, with the gold-silver ratio around 70x over the next 12 months.
XRP trades around $1.40, down 62% from the $3.65 high it reached in July 2025. The SEC classified it as a digital commodity on March 17, ending years of regulatory limbo, and the final batch of XRP ETF approvals is due on March 27. Cumulative XRP ETF inflows have hit $1.44 billion, but 84% of that money is retail and weekly flows have collapsed from $200 million at launch to just $640,000 in recent weeks. RThis reveals institutions haven't shown up for XRP the way they have for Bitcoin or Solana.

Despite Bitcoins ups and downs, its institutional adoption keeps growing. Strategy holds 762,099 BTC and has added 51,000 in Q1 2026 alone. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have pulled in $56.2 billion in cumulative inflows with $90.3 billion in net assets, and the funds just posted their fourth straight week of positive flows. No other crypto has that kind of institutional weight behind it. The issue right now across the broader crypto market is macro as the Fed is holding rates at 3.5-3.75%, oil is above $93, and risk appetite hasn't fully recovered.

Bitcoin is trading around $70,600 after bouncing off $68,000 due to war tensions, but it is still down 44% from its all-time high of $126,000.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans ? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

For the first time since the war started, all three coins are building momentum at the same time. With all of them moving, we asked ChatGPT one question: between Bitcoin, XRP, and Solana, which is the best crypto to buy right now? The answer it came back withand the coin it put dead lastmight change how you think about your next investment.

The crypto market is back in the green again despite the intense bearish pressure from the geopolitical wars. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) pushed past $71,000 on March 23 after Trump announced a five-day pause on Iran strikes, and the rally didn't stop there. Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) climbed nearly 10% in seven days to test $94, and XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) posted its strongest weekly gain since January despite $550 million in short positions getting liquidated across the market.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans ? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

XRPs weekly ETF flows collapsed from $200 million at launch to $640,000, and its daily DEX volume of under $7 million is a fraction of Solanas billions, making it rank last on fundamentals alone.

Solana ETFs have 48.8% institutional ownership from 13F filers compared to just 15.9% for XRP, despite both products holding roughly $1.45 billion in cumulative inflows.

ChatGPT ranked Solana first with a $140$180 price target, Bitcoin second at $95,000$120,000, and XRP last at $1.80$2.40, giving SOL the highest upside at 5296% from current levels.

Story Continues

Solana is the deepest in the hole at $91down 69% from its $293 peakbut its on-chain numbers are stronger than both Bitcoin and XRP right now. Solanas daily DEX volume runs around $2.64 billion and stablecoin supply on the network is over $14 billion. Spot Solana ETFs have attracted $1.45 billion in cumulative inflows with roughly half coming from institutional filers, and the Alpenglow upgrade now rolling out cuts transaction finality to under 150 milliseconds.

Criteria Bitcoin XRP Solana Price $70,600 $1.40 $91 ATH $126,000 (Oct 2025) $3.65 (Jul 2025) $293 (Jan 2025) Drawdown -44% -62% -69% ETF Inflows $56.2B cumulative $1.44B cumulative $1.45B cumulative Key Catalyst Strategy buying and ETF flows Commodity status and New ETFs pending approval Alpenglow upgrade

ChatGPT's Pick: Bitcoin, XRP, or Solana?

alfernec / Shutterstock.com  alfernec / Shutterstock.com

ChatGPT picked Solana as the best crypto to buy right now. The AI ranked SOL first because it has the strongest on-chain economy of the three. Solana has billions in daily DEX volume, over $14 billion in stablecoins on the network, and institutional ETF inflows running at roughly double the rate Bitcoin saw at the same stage relative to market cap. ChatGPT set a 6-to-12-month price target of $140 to $180 for SOL, or 52% to 96% upside from current levels.

The AI model puts Bitcoin at number two, but the upside from current prices is more limited because most of BTCs institutional capital is already in. Its Bitcoin price target sits at $95,000 to $120,000, or roughly 34% to 69% from where it's trading now.

XRP ranked last, and the reason came down to on-chain activity. ChatGPT highlights that the daily DEX volume on XRPL runs under $7 millionSolana does that in minutes. The commodity classification and upcoming ETF approvals are real catalysts, but ETF flows are overwhelmingly retail and weekly inflows have nearly dried up.

ChatGPT's XRP price target is $1.80 to $2.40, which is still 27% to 69% upside but it has the lowest potential of the three. As for risk, ChatGPT flagged that Solana's top ranking depends on macro conditions cooperating. If the market stays risk-off and the Alpenglow upgrade hits any issues, Bitcoin becomes the safer hold.

Does ChatGPT's Best Crypto Pick Hold Up?

alfernec / Shutterstock.com  alfernec / Shutterstock.com

Bloomberg Intelligence's 13F analysis shows that 48.8% of Solana ETF assets are held by institutional filershedge funds, pension funds, and asset managers with multi-year time horizons. XRP ETFs sit at just 15.9% institutional, with the rest coming from retail. Bitcoin is at 24.1%, which is lower than Solana's despite having $56 billion more in total inflows. Institutions are putting money into SOL even as it sits 69% below its peak and that sort of buying usually sets a price floor.

Criteria Bitcoin ETFs XRP ETFs Solana ETFs Cumulative Inflows $56.2B $1.44B $1.45B 13F Institutional % 24.1% 15.9% 48.8% Weekly Flow Trend 4 weeks positive Collapsed to $640K/week Steady ~$20M/week

Solana processes billions in daily DEX volume, holds over $14 billion in stablecoins, and runs 2.75 million active addresses per day. XRPL's daily DEX volume is under $7 million with $366 million in stablecoins and a DeFi TVL of $47.5 million. Solana has a live, functioning economy generating real fees and real usage, while XRPL is still early in building one.

Solana is also the most volatile of the three coins. It is down 69% from its high and it moves harder than Bitcoin in both directions compared to the rest of the altcoins. If the Iran situation escalates again or the Fed signals rates staying higher for longer, SOL would likely fall faster than BTC. The fundamentals support ChatGPT's pick, but only if the macro doesn't turn against risk assets again.

Which Crypto Is the Best Buy Right Now?

Solana is the best crypto to buy right now if you're looking for upside. ChatGPT's selection lines up with the ETF data, the on-chain activity, and the size of the discount. SOL at $91 with institutional money still flowing in and a major protocol upgrade landing is about as strong a setup as you'll find in this market. Bitcoin is the better choice if protecting capital matters more than chasing returns, and there's nothing wrong with that when the macro picture is still this uncertain.

XRP needs to prove more before it earns the top spot. The commodity classification and March 27 ETF approval deadline are solid catalysts. But weekly ETF flows under $1 million and a DeFi ecosystem that's a fraction of Solana's make it hard to rank first on anything other than hope. The trigger to watch across all three coins is whether this rally holds through April. If Solana reclaims $100, XRP breaks $1.45 again, and Bitcoin stays above $70,000, this could be the start of something bigger than a one-week bounce.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

You may think retirement is about picking the best stocks or ETFs and saving as much as possible, but you'd be wrong. After the release of a new retirement income report, wealthy Americans are rethinking their plans and realizing that even modest portfolios can be serious cash machines.

Many are even learning they can retire earlier than expected.

If you're thinking about retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.
ALLENTOWN, Pa.  The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners reacted Wednesday to new drug charges against fellow Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi.

Cole-Borghi faces more than 100 felony drug charges and is being held on $500,000 straight bail at Lehigh County Jail.

According to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, Cole-Borghi is alleged to have conducted drug transactions from several locations, including from the commissioners dais and Bethlehem City Hall.

Commission Chair Geoff Brace called the allegations very serious.

Brace said the alleged activity that occurred during board of commissioners meetings has been referred to the countys Department of Law for guidance. He also addressed the process for commissioner removal, noting there is no mechanism in place to remove an elected commissioner solely based on criminal allegations.

As for whether Cole-Borghi should resign, Brace said that decision is his to make.

Commissioner Antonio Pineda called for Cole-Borghis resignation, saying that for the good of the county, he should resign immediately.

The charges, he said, make it impossible for the responsibilities of the office to be carried out.

Commissioner Jon Irons offered support for his colleague, calling his absence a loss for the people of Lehigh County.

Irons discussed Cole-Borghis initiatives, including work on the countys nondiscrimination ordinance addressing employment, housing, and public accommodations based on protected traits such as race, sex, age, sexual orientation and disability. He also described him as the strongest voice for just and livable wages for county employees.

Zachs record speaks for itself, Irons said.

Commissioner Ron Beitler reiterated the boards lack of recourse regarding the allegations and the commissioner's position. He encouraged Cole-Borghi to do the right thing.

Commissioner Sheila Alvarado said the justice system will work in this matter.

She advised her fellow commissioner to focus solely on his case, and the board can focus on our job, as we have sworn to do for Lehigh County residents.

Cole-Borghi was first identified as a suspect in August of last year when investigators busted a multistate drug ring, charging 41 people.

The DA's office said the new criminal charges include 89 counts of criminal use of a communications facility, 14 counts of delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine) and one count of delivery of a controlled substance (psilocybin mushrooms).

Cole-Borghis preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 31.

69 News reached out to his attorney, Gary Asteak, but we have not heard back.

Annual reporting

In other news, the commissioners approved a measure that would require annual reporting from the county assessment office.

The annual report would assist the board in evaluating and understanding the overall condition of the County tax base, according to county documents.

This ordinance does not call for a reassessment and does not presume one to be necessary, Beitler said.

Indeed, the measure states, The annual report shall be informational in nature and shall not mandate or presume the need, desire, or intention for a countywide reassessment.

Instead, it amends the county administrative code to require the reports submission, which is designed to provide current information to support the boards oversight of the assessment office with long-range planning.

A reassessment formally reviews the taxable value of real estate to ensure taxes reflect current fair market values. Lehigh County last conducted one in 2012.

$10M reallocation

In other news, the board approved a measure that allows the county to reallocate $10 million in unused funds for two projects.

According to Commissioner Sarah Fevig, the money came from a bond taken out by the county for other purposes, specifically the countys 911 project. Fevig said not all that money was used, so the county had options to return it or use it for shovel-ready projects.

The measure amends a 2023 bond measure and expands the allowable uses of the bond proceeds to include $5 million for capital improvements at Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center and $5 million for upgrades to the industrial pretreatment plant operated by the Lehigh County Authority.

The commissioners also approved an ordinance authorizing a subgrant of up to $1.5 million to the Bethlehem Area School District, using funds from Pennsylvanias Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The funding will support the reconstruction of Fountain Hill Elementary School in Fountain Hill, with the county acting as the grant conduit for the state award.

Appointments

Lastly, the commissioners voted for a series of appointments including Joseph J. McDermott, Tammi S. Bateman and Donald Senderowitz to the Lehigh County Board of Assessment Appeals, with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2029; Kimberly Townsend to the Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Board with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. Paul Semmel was reappointed to the Lehigh County Conservation District Board of Directors, with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029; and Michael Drabenstott was reappointed to Lehigh Valley Planning Commission with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029.
Australias central bank is moving toward building the legal and market infrastructure needed for tokenized asset markets, as regulators begin coordinating on rules that could allow the products to trade at scale within the financial system.

In a speech on Tuesday, Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Brad Jones said the question was no longer whether tokenization had a future in Australias financial system, but how it would be implemented, following the conclusion of the banks Project Acacia research program into tokenized assets and money.

The RBA said it would work with other regulators and industry on a new digital market infrastructure sandbox to test tokenized assets, tokenized money, and settlement systems in a longer-term environment designed to support commercialization, rather than short-term pilot programs.

The central bank also confirmed it is coordinating with other agencies on the legal and regulatory framework for tokenized markets, including how tokenized assets are classified, how settlement finality works, and how new platforms would be licensed and supervised.

The push on tokenized markets comes as lawmakers move to bring crypto platforms and tokenized custody services under Australias financial-services regime, requiring firms that hold client tokens to obtain licenses and meet asset-safeguarding rules.

Industry participants say that regulatory coordination is the key step needed to move tokenized assets from pilot programs into real markets.

Project Acacia represents a turning point, Paul Stonham, chief commercial officer at Australian crypto exchange BTC Markets and a member of the projects advisory group, told Decrypt.

The RBAs decision to move from exploratory pilots to a longer-term, stage-gated sandbox environment signals genuine institutional commitment to making tokenized finance work in Australia, not just studying it.

Australia Senate Panel Backs Crypto Framework in Latest Regulatory Push

Stonham said the most significant development was the coordination now underway between the RBA, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and AUSTRAC to address legal and regulatory uncertainty that has limited institutional participation.

He said regulated digital asset exchanges are likely to play a central role in tokenized markets, arguing that tokenized assets will need to trade on transparent, centrally managed order books operated by licensed platforms to attract larger players.

The RBA said tokenization could improve efficiency and reduce risk in wholesale markets, particularly if tokenized assets and money can be settled on synchronized systems, and estimated the economic benefit to Australia could reach about $24 billion (US$16.6 billion) per year.

The bank also said further work would focus on settlement infrastructure, tokenized bank deposits, stablecoins, and the potential role of a wholesale central bank digital currency.
Low-field portable MRI enables new insights into brain ageing in rural South Africa

Portable magnetic resonance imaging machines installed in rural Mpumalanga offer unique approach to brain imaging and ageing studies in low-resource settings.

In an effort to improve neuroscience infrastructure and research in South Africa, a portable, low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine has been installed in rural Mpumalanga, offering a unique approach to brain imaging and ageing studies in low-resource settings.

The MRI, designed to operate outside of traditional hospital environments, is a partnership between Columbia University and the SAMRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Unit (Agincourt).

The machine can be transported between rooms (particularly if patients are bed-bound) and deployed where study participants are treated.

Conventional MRI scanners are expensive and infrastructure-intensive, often costing millions of dollars to install. They require specialised facilities which are simply not available in many parts of South Africa. If someone needs an MRI in Bushbuckridge, they would need to make a two-hour trip to Nelspruit.

While the system operates at a lower magnetic field strength than conventional scanners, advances in imaging science have enabled meaningful data to be extracted. The scanner uses rapid acquisition techniques to capture images, which are then enhanced through advanced post-processing methods, including artificial intelligence.

These approaches allow researchers to focus on key brain structures such as the hippocampus, which plays a central role in memory and is often affected early in dementia.

As life expectancy increases across sub-Saharan Africa, so too does the burden of cognitive decline and dementia. Projections suggest that cases will rise sharply by 2050, with more than a million people in South Africa expected to be living with dementia and other age-related neurological conditions in the coming decades," says Professor Stephen Tollman, Director of the Wits Agincourt unit.

"The introduction of MRI imaging now allows researchers to directly observe changes in the brain and link them to long-term health trajectories.

The portable MRI project is embedded in the larger Health and Ageing in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA), which is one of the most detailed studies of ageing on the continent.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a major partner in the broader study, ensuring that the study design is finely tuned to capture characteristics specific to the ageing process in South Africa.

The HAALSA study follows 5059 people aged 40 and older in rural Mpumalanga and has generated rich longitudinal data since 2014 on cognitive function, dementia risk, chronic disease and social conditions.

Participants are assessed every three years, allowing researchers to track how health and well-being evolve over time in a population navigating the intersecting challenges of ageing, HIV, and cardiometabolic disease.

HAALSI provides an extraordinary foundation. By adding imaging to surveys and other clinical data, we can begin to link changes in brain structure to health, behaviour, and social conditions over time. This is something thats rarely been done at this scale in African populations, says Dr Adam Brickman, a neuroscientist at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimers Disease and the Ageing Brain at Columbia University.

The portable MRI study is designed to test the systems performance. A total of 600 participants will undergo scanning on a high-field MRI system, while 350 of these individuals will also be scanned using the portable device. By comparing results from the same participants across both systems, researchers can assess whether portable MRI can provide reliable measurements of brain structure.

If we can demonstrate that portable MRI produces reliable data, it opens the door to scaling brain imaging in settings where conventional scanners are simply not feasible, says Brickman.

The scans will allow researchers to examine markers of brain ageing and disease, including shrinkage in key regions such as the hippocampus, cortical thinning, and white matter lesions associated with vascular disease. These features are closely linked to cognitive outcomes and may help explain patterns of memory decline observed in the HAALSI cohort.

Importantly, the imaging data will be integrated with existing information on participants health, including cardiovascular risk factors, as well as social and economic conditions. This creates a uniquely comprehensive dataset that reflects not only biological processes, but also the broader context in which people age.

Beyond the immediate research questions, the project is also focused on building long-term capacity. Training is underway for radiographers, data teams and early-career researchers, with the aim of establishing sustainable expertise in brain imaging and analysis.

Data will be securely stored and shared through cloud-based systems, enabling collaboration while ensuring participant confidentiality.

We aim to build the kind of research infrastructure that allows us to study ageing and cognitive health in a South African context and with our own data, says Tollman.

By demonstrating that lower-cost, portable MRI systems can be used effectively in rural settings, the project offers a potential model for expanding neuroscience research across the continent.

It also challenges longstanding assumptions about where advanced medical research can take place.

Tollman notes that the project also lays the groundwork for a more equitable global understanding of brain health. This includes the populations who have, until now, been largely left out of the picture.
Key Points:

BNY CEO says banks act as bridge between crypto and TradFi.

Firm positions itself as adoption vehicle for digital asset providers.

CEO warns unclear rules keep most financial firms on sidelines.

The future of cryptocurrency relies heavily on major financial institutions stepping into the market.

Speaking at the Digital Asset Summit in New York on Tuesday, BNY CEO Robin Vince explained that legacy banks are perfectly positioned to connect digital assets with the broader economy.

We can act as a very effective bridge between the traditional finance and the digital finance ecosystems, Vince said.

Rather than allowing decentralized finance to replace traditional banking, Vince believes large firms will drive the technology forward.

He noted that BNY, one of the first major custodians to offer digital asset custody, has a long history of embracing innovation.

We are a firm thats grown up with a whole bunch of different technologies, he stated.

Because of their established infrastructure, banks serve as vital partners.

Related: Cathie Wood sells Peter Thiel-backed crypto stock twice in a row

A technology thats in search of adopters can sometimes struggle, but we are an adoption vehicle, Vince said. He added that digital asset providers recognize this value.

They look to us and say you can actually be a bridge to us, the digital asset providers, through all the traditional things that you do, Vince said.

Targeting clunky markets

Vince sees tokenizationcreating digital versions of traditional financial productsas a major growth area.

He explained that BNY is already exploring this space. Weve created digital tokens, new share classes for money market funds, he noted.

Looking ahead, Vince expects digital tokens to first disrupt inefficient markets. Loans are clunky. Real estates clunky, he said, pointing to these sectors as prime candidates for upgrades.

Despite his optimism, Vince emphasized that the industry desperately needs proper regulation. We need clarity and rules of the road, he said. That hesitancy slows adoption.

Related: 5-star analyst sets massive $150,000 target for Bitcoin

Lawmakers are currently trying to create safe frameworks for institutional investors. While the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act has passed in the U.S., the revised Digital Asset Market Clarity Act remains stalled.

This week, lawmakers held a closed-door session on Capitol Hill to share updated language with industry insiders, hoping to secure a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

A major disagreement involves stablecoin yields. Driven partly by pressure from traditional banks, the current draft allows rewards based on user activity but bans interest on stablecoin balances.
What teachers and students need to thrive

Are we preparing students for our past or their futures? Universities need to redefine the relationship between student success and teaching excellence.

Universities have existed for over 1 000 years, during which time the role of the university professor was fundamentally that of a teacher, but during the 20th Century, it has evolved to include that of researcher.

By the latter part of the 20th Century, at many universities, the researcher role overtook that of teacher in status, prestige and financial reward, leading many academics to focus less on teaching. Perverse institutional reward structures exacerbated this situation. Status and financial gain drove increasing attention to research and decreasing attention to teaching.

This situation worked when university education was available only to a small elite and governments covered most of the costs. However, it became unacceptable when higher education massified in the 1990s and student populations grew in both size and diversity. Excellence in teaching became essential if the majority of students were to thrive academically.

The advent of the 21st Century brought rapid global changes in technology that make good university teaching critical. Some 25 years into the digital age, we are experiencing the widespread availability of powerful AI tools, the increasing appearance of AI-generated content on the internet (some designed deliberately to mislead) and the use and misuse of social media that make students vulnerable on many levels.

Teaching and research intensity

To enhance university instruction that holds both teaching and research in equal esteem requires systemic interventions nationally and at institutional levels. Dual intensive universities balance out the emphasis on research.

Fortunately, many South African universities are taking this seriously by revising probation and promotion processes and by providing professional learning opportunities for university teachers. At the national systemic level, the Department of Higher Education and Trainings 2018 National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers was an important intervention.

But is this enough?

Social justice education

Globally, universities have come under considerable criticism from governments, corporates and students demanding to understand the relevance of university curricula for the daily lives and realities of students.

Universities have been criticised for being out of touch with students lives, for teaching courses that are outdated and for content that is Eurocentric, unresponsive, alienating and disempowering  both for those teaching it and learning it.

Wits University receives thousands of applicants annually but admits only a small percentage. Most of our talented students come from historically underserved communities. Offering students from these communities a world-class learning experience and enabling them to succeed and overcome the legacies of exclusion is about teaching excellence. Its about being pedagogically responsive and socially just. Student success in our context is not just a pedagogical matter but also a social justice matter.

Are socially just ways of teaching even possible in complex university environments like ours? Are we able  or prepared  to put the student learning experience at the centre of teaching excellence? Do our norms disproportionately burden some staff or students  second language speakers or digitally less experienced students? Through teaching excellence, are we preparing students for our past or their futures?

There are two factors that are integral to teaching excellence: nurturing success and improving the student learning experience. While education is known to reproduce inequality and injustice, it remains the source of hope and aspiration for new imaginaries and possibilities.

Here are four elements that provide a tentative framework for thinking about how we re-centre the student learning experience in our understanding of teaching excellence:

Student success does not belong in one silo

Teaching excellence that is underpinned by social justice draws on several literacies  artistic, quantitative, technological, digital, visual and affective  to enhance the student learning experience. Herein lies the potential for exploring opportunities within and across university classrooms and structures.

The student experience should be intentionally designed so that students succeed. This implies that students need multiple levels of support  which may sit in several spaces across the university  and that these spaces are connected and communicate in the service of student learning and success.

Collaboration and solidarity

Connected, un-siloed work opens spaces for working together, for reciprocity and collaboration towards socially just pedagogies and student success. Collaboration advances and endorses a politics of solidarity. It allows for connected ways of knowing our students and how to support them to succeed.

Knowing our students means that data-driven decision making about student success must also identify barriers to learning and institute initiatives that are timely, just and responsive, to ensure teaching excellence.

Most important, such connected work must be supportive of staff workloads, recognise teaching for promotion and provide the necessary resources to advance teaching excellence, student success and staff professional learning journeys.

Recognition of struggle intersections

A just approach to teaching excellence appreciates the intersection with other social justice struggles in the university beyond those of learning and teaching. It recognises the need to engage the material - structural, epistemic and pedagogical - as constituents of social justice, i.e., there are interconnections between these dimensions when one speaks about teaching excellence.

Institutional culture

We cannot assume that the university is innocent and its cultures beyond question. A deep engagement with institutional cultures and practices is vital if socially just teaching excellence for student success is to thrive and take root more broadly across the global academy.

As scholars of learning and teaching we must pull together in the finest tradition of academic life to redefine the relationship between student success and teaching excellence to renew the social contract for education.
Bitcoin slipped back under $70,000 Thursday morning amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing for a "final blow" in Iran.

The cryptocurrency's recent string of higher lows faces its first major test as President Donald Trump's five-day pause of strikes against Iran expires Friday, with Axios reporting that the U.S. military is developing options in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a "massive bombing campaign."

On prediction market Myriad, owned by Decrypt's parent company Dastan, users now place a 60% chance on U.S. boots on the ground in Iran before Mayup more than 10% on the day.

Though Bitcoin has outperformed gold and U.S. stocks since the war began, the Pentagon's reported preparationsincluding options for ground forces and a massive bombing campaignsignal that a further escalation is likely to increase uncertainty and impact the leading crypto's directional bias.

Bitcoin's higher lows since February 24a pattern often associated with accumulationcould face invalidation. Short-term holders who bought within the last month carry a cost basis of approximately $70,200, marking the developing support floor, according to a Glassnode report. Above that, the one-to-three-month cohort sits at $82,200, reinforcing overhead resistance.

However, the accumulation cluster at $70,200 remains modest in size. "The higher probability of a breakdown below this level cannot be dismissed until a more substantial base of committed buyers is established," the report noted.

Testing times

The $70,200 level is likely to be tested repeatedly rather than broken in one move, Tim Sun, senior researcher at Hong Kong-based crypto exchange HashKey Group, told Decrypt. While recent U.S.-Iran contact has signaled possible de-escalation, any negotiation process is unlikely to resolve quickly, and a renewed escalation cannot be ruled out.

"From the current price action, we do see some signs that stronger hands are accumulating," Sun said. "This still looks more like defensive accumulation than confirmation of a new trend-driven rally."

Bitcoin is trading at $69,522, down 3% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data.

Markets are already pricing in extreme uncertainty. Front-month VIX futures intraday volatility has surged to 388.2, the highest reading in at least six months, according to The Kobeissi Letterroughly four times higher than average levels associated with market panic. Yet the S&P 500 has seen only two sessions with moves greater than 1.75% over the past three months.
On March 17, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) officially classified Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA) as a "digital commodity," thereby confirming it is not considered as a security under federal law. That's a real win because it clarifies the coin's legal status such that players with a lot of capital might be willing to invest in it or participate in its ecosystem.

But 15 other cryptocurrencies got the same classification as Cardano did at the same time. So does this new regulatory guidance mean that Cardano is de-risked enough to justify a $500 investment, or is it still in a questionable competitive position?

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.

What the new regulations do for Cardano

Cardano benefits substantially from a few specific provisions within the new rules.

First, before the SEC and CFTC's update, any staking service that pooled user funds and offered a yield (which is to say, potentially most of those services) could plausibly have been called a securities offering. The regulatory burden for those offerings is onerous, and failing to file the correct paperwork can result in legal problems. So, the ambiguity depressed institutional participation in staking significantly.

Now, Cardano could see an influx of new capital from previously discouraged users seeking a yield. Cardano's staking model features no lock-up period, unlike many of its competitors, so capital can flow in and be staked -- as well as flow out -- with fewer barriers. Yields run between 2% and 4.5% annually, which usually puts it slightly on the low side compared with other major chains, so there's still not much reason to expect that capital will linger on Cardano.

In other words, the regulatory clarity thus legitimizes a use case Cardano already had, but the competitive edge it confers is zero.

Nonetheless, the regulations also changed the treatment of airdrops, which are distributions of tokens to holders or other people who fulfill certain criteria. Now, the airdrops themselves aren't considered securities offerings under most normal conditions. So if the projects in Cardano's ecosystem have enough spare capital to disburse via airdrops, they might be able to use the promise of those payments to entice more users and grow faster.

The competitive gap hasn't closed

One of the main problems with Cardano is that it doesn't have any advantages that make its chain a better place to do business compared to the competition. That problem is still in full force despite the new guidelines.
Saturdays Together Alliance march in London to stop the far right takes place under the shadow of a war on Iran led by the fascistic leaders of the United States and Israel, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. This is another illegal war in the Middle East supported by a Labour government, coming on top of its criminal role in the Gaza genocide.

Millions of lives are threatened by ultimatums demanding total surrender on pain of the destruction of critical energy infrastructure. Millions more worldwide have already been endangered by the disruption of critical fuel and fertiliser supplies. An ethnic civil war tearing apart a nation of 90 million people is being actively encouraged.

European governments are shoring up the walls of Fortress Europe against an anticipated new wave of refugees. The Islamophobia whipped up to facilitate the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq is being whipped up again, coupled with the noxious lie equating opposition to Zionism with antisemitism. Anti-war movements are threatened with the same police-state offensive deployed against the supporters of the Palestinians.

This context makes clear the stakes in the fight against the far right. As the World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board wrote Saturday: Trumps ultimatum is not merely a threat against Iran. It is a warning to the whole world of what the ruling class is prepared to do to maintain its power.

These events show that the far right cannot be combatted outside of a struggle against imperialist war and for the defence of the democratic and social rights of the working class. At the heart of this movement must be a fight to demolish the capitalist system, which sets nation against nation in competition for profits and resources and worker against worker in competition for crumbs from the table of the oligarchy.

In Britain, this means a fight against the Labour Party. The rise of Nigel Farages Reform UK is inseparable from Labours systematic impoverishment of the working class, the scapegoating of migrants for its social consequences, its alliance with Trump on the international stage, and jingoistic, racist, law-and-order rhetoric to justify war abroad and repression at home. In all these policies, the Starmer government finds its most essential ally in the leadership of the trade unions.

The Together Alliance deliberately blocks the necessary political reckoning with the Labour and trade union bureaucracy by inviting dozens of its MPs into the fold. Required only to oppose Farage and support meaningless slogans such as For love. For unity. For hope, they are being given in exchange a platform from which to denounce the results of their own partys policies. Nothing could be more disorienting to the fight against fascism.

Behind the cheap platitudes, the actual programme and function of the Together Alliance is to prepare a campaign of tactical voting and electoral alliances between capitalist parties in Mays local elections and beyond, on the principle of stopping Farage.

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, will play a major role in these manoeuvres. Jeremy Corbyn, whose political stature has been reduced after years of opposing any fight against the Blairite right and the Starmer government, will serve as an understudy to Polanski with his Your Party. They will contribute to a political atmosphere aimed at choking principled socialist arguments in a miasma of peace and love, pragmatic agreements, and diplomatic silences, aimed at shielding Labour and blocking any effective struggle by the working class against a capitalist system hurtling to World War III.

To the same end, almost nothing has been said by Together in its promotion of the march about the concrete threats posed by the far right in the UK and internationally, let alone about the role Labour has played in its rise. The politics of Saturdays march will be the line of least resistance: a perspective of defeating the far right with an empty agreement to oppose racism on the part of pro-capitalist politicians, trade union bureaucrats and well-meaning liberals.

We have already seen the results of this perspective. A moving force in the Together Alliance is the Socialist Workers Party. It is the latest iteration of other SWP-led anti-racism fronts, forged in alliance with the trade union and Labour bureaucracy, such as Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), now welcoming the rising Green Party that supports NATO.

All these alliances were run on the same basis of championing opposition to the far right within parliamentabove all from the Labour left at that time, but even secured the endorsement of the future Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, who was a founding signatory of Unite Against Fascism in 2003.

To distract from any serious discussion of this anti-socialist agenda, the UAF/SUTR coupled their appeals with an activist approach of beating the far right by outnumbering them on the streets in various protest marches. The end result was graphically displayed last September, when a Unite the Kingdom march organised by fascist Tommy Robinson mobilised over 100,000 people, dwarfing a Stand Up To Racism protest of a few thousand.

Together is an attempt to reassemble the pieces of the same shattered perspective, with the glue of more political, more celebrity and more middle-class community group endorsements. These have been secured by downgrading the previous de facto political connection with Labour, which would alienate everyone, including most of the artists and cultural figures that have given their backing, and diluting antifascist politics to the lowest possible common denominator: unity against division.

This makes particularly cynical the SWPs attempt to give a Marxist gloss to their alliance, claiming Together is an example of a united front. This is a fraud. The united front was a tactic developed by the Marxist movement to overcome a situation in which the working class was split in its allegiance between two mass tendenciesreformist social democratic parties and revolutionary communist partiesand confronted with urgent tasks like combatting fascist gangs.

Together is nothing of the kind. It is a particularly bankrupt form of the united fronts polar opposite, the popular front, used by the Stalinist bureaucracy to subordinate the working class to the left flank of the bourgeoisie, with devastating consequences in the revolutionary crises of the 1930s in France, Spain and beyond.

Summing up the difference on the basis of these historic experiences, the co-leader of the Russian Revolution and pre-eminent Marxist thinker of the 20th century, Leon Trotsky, explained: the political alliance between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, whose interests on basic questions in the present epoch diverge at an angle of 180 degrees, as a general rule is capable only of paralysing the revolutionary force of the proletariat.

Together puts forward not only an alliance with the bourgeoisie, but with members of a governing party actively participating in an illegal war, planning vast hikes in military spending, and carrying out a crackdown on migrants and the rights to free speech and protest. This must be rejected by all socialist-minded workers and students.

A movement must be built in the working class, in total opposition to the Labour Party, based not on abstract statements of anti-racism and opposition to the far right, but concrete struggles against their sources: war, inequality, authoritarianism and the capitalist system underlying them all.

As the WSWS argued recently of planned anti-Trump protests in the US, Any movement that treats war as secondary, or avoids naming it directly, leaves intact the principal mechanism through which the ruling class is driving toward dictatorship and catastrophe. The statement continued, It must be built by bringing the fight against war into the workplaces and industries that make society run: the ports, logistics hubs, refineries, rail networks, schools, and hospitals.

The Socialist Equality Party fights in the working class for this socialist internationalist position. We encourage those who want to stop the descent into war and fascism to join us today.
Denmarks 24 March parliamentary election saw a sharp drop in support for the three governing parties and a fragmented parliament with no clear path to a new majority.

Prime Minister and Social Democrat leader Mette Frederiksen called the election more than six months early with the hope of capitalising on her increased popularity following the clash with US President Donald Trump over the ownership of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Her party ended up with 21.9 percent of votes cast, a decline of over 5 percentage points from the last election in 2022, and 38 seats in the 179-seat parliament. It was the Social Democrats worst ever result in a national election since 1903.

Mette Frederiksen speaking with the media in Spejlsalen at the Ministry of State on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, January 13, 2026 [Photo by Christian Ursilva / CC BY-SA 4.0

The election was arguably even worse for the Liberals (Venstre). Denmarks oldest party obtained its worst ever election result, winning just 10.1 percent of the vote and 18 seats. The Moderates, a breakaway from the Liberals led by Lars Lkke Rasmussen, a former Liberal Prime Minister and outgoing Foreign Minister in Frederiksens Social Democrat/Venstre/Moderate government, took 7.7 percent of the vote and 14 seats. Overall, the three-party coalition could not muster 40 percent of the vote between them.

The main beneficiaries of the collapse in support for the government were the far right and parties claiming to be on the left. The Socialist Peoples Party (SF) took 11.6 percent of the vote and became Denmarks second-largest party. SFs origins go back to a split in the Danish Communist Party following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which prompted long-time Stalinist leader Aksel Larsen to establish SF in 1958. The party has repeatedly served as a junior partner of Social Democrat-led governments over the years and has recently portrayed itself as a voice for green politics.

The Unity list, also known as the Red-Green Alliance (RGA), achieved a modest increase in its vote, increasing from about 5 percent to 6.3 percent. It was created in the late 1980s as an electoral alliance between the Stalinist DKP, the Socialist Workers Party, the Danish section of the anti-Trotskyist United Secretariat, and elements associated with the New Left.

The far-right Danish Peoples Party (DF) almost trebled its share of the vote to 9.1 percent with a Trump-style Denmark first campaign.

Neither the traditional red block of parties on the left or blue block of right-wing parties reached the 90 seats needed for a governmental majority in the 179-seat parliament. The result produced a highly fragmented parliament, with 12 parties represented, but only three, the Social Democrats, SF, and Venstre, winning more than 10 percent of the vote.

Frederiksen visited King Frederick Wednesday to formally submit the resignation of her outgoing government. Talks on a new coalition are complicated by the fact that Rasmussen, whose party holds the balance of power, has refused for the time being to join a government that makes any arrangement with the Unity List, whose votes would be needed for a Social Democrat-led government.

Liberal leader Troels Lund Poulsen has ruled out joining another government with the Social Democrats, urging Rasmussen to join with the right-wing parties to form a government under Venstres leadership that would at least have to depend on the support of the far-right DF.

Later in the day, the Royal Household announced that Frederiksen would lead talks with the aim of forming a minority coalition with SF and the Social Liberals, which won 20 and 10 seats respectively.

Whatever the outcome of the parliamentary horse-trading, the election indicates, in a highly distorted form, the growth of opposition to the political establishment. Frederiksen has led a right-wing government for the past seven years, first as a minority Social Democrat administration between 2019 and 2022, and then in coalition with Venstre and the Moderates. She has overseen a massive increase in Denmarks military spending, which has risen from about 1.3 percent of the GDP in 2022 to 3.5 percent this year. This has been paid for by attacks on the working class, including the elimination of a paid public holiday.

Given this record, the attempt by Frederiksen to appeal to growing anger over social inequality during the campaign with a proposal to introduce a wealth tax fell flat.

The Danish prime ministers partnership with fascist Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on immigration policy underlines the absurdity of any attempt to find any principled difference between Denmarks red block and blue block parties.

Just five days before the election, Frederiksen and Meloni authored a joint letter to the European Union Commission and Council meeting, urging participants to adopt even more stringent measures to keep refugees out of Europe amid the ongoing US/Israeli war of extermination against Iran. That the Social Democrats fully endorse this war was demonstrated by Denmarks vote in the United Nations Security Council in favour of Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Irans retaliatory missile strikes in the Gulf without even mentioning the carpet bombing of Iran by the US and Israel.

A major reason for the revival of the far-right DF, which came close to falling below the 2 percent hurdle for parliamentary representation last time around, is that Frederiksen and her Social Democrats have made its fascistic anti-immigrant witch-hunting mainstream. With a few cosmetic changes, Frederiksens government has retained a racist law allowing authorities to designate poor residential areas with a majority of non-native residents as ghettos. Local authorities can then force people to relocate in the name of modernising the neighbourhood.

In her joint letter with Meloni, Frederiksen wrote of the risk that more refugees could come to Europe to flee the war on Iran: We cannot afford to be caught by surprise. This means further strengthening our borders so that all member states are adequately equipped to ensure that the EU has full control of its external borders. On election night, Frederiksen parroted far-right talking points in her speech to Social Democrats, vowing that a new government under her leadership would deport foreign criminals.

The parties to the left of the Social Democrats serve as safety valves for containing mounting opposition to the status quo. SF, which now hopes to take seats in a Social Democrat-led government, has provided crucial support to many of Frederiksens main projects. This includes the massive increase in military spending, which SF and several other non-governing parties backed since the finalisation of a cross-party parliamentary agreement in 2022.

Both SF and the Red-Green Alliance have championed imperialist propaganda about the war in Ukraine being a fight for democracy, fuelling the ideological justification for rearmament and public spending austerity. This is closely connected with their promotion of European imperialism as a supposed progressive counterweight to the Trump-led United States. Denmark viewed Washington as its closest foreign policy ally throughout the Cold War and up to the recent period. Copenhagen deployed troops to Afghanistan and backed the war in Iraq. However, Trumps repeated threats to seize Greenland have forced even Frederiksen to admit that the US is no longer Denmarks closest ally.

Her governments response to Trumps threat was to deepen Denmarks collaboration with the major European imperialist powers in their rearmament drive. In 2022, the Social Democrats organised a referendum to abrogate Denmarks opt-out from European Union defence policy, which allowed closer cooperation with EU members on military affairs.

Following Trumps latest threats, the government dispatched soldiers with live ammunition to Greenland and agreed with the European NATO powers to a major build-up of military forces in the Arctic under the banner of NATOs Arctic Sentry mission. Denmarks goal is to find another imperialist patron to back up its continued hold over Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which are key to Copenhagens claim to be an Arctic power.

SF and the RGA went along with all of this. At the height of the dispute with Trump, RGA leader Pelle Dragsted declared that Frederiksens government deserved everyones full support because of the crisis in which Denmark found itself. Party statements described the European powers military build-up in the region as a defensive response to Trump.

As has been the case with Social Democrat-led governments across Europe, Frederiksens time in office has resulted in a sharp shift of official politics to the right. This does not reflect mass support in the Danish population for far-right politics but rather the embrace of the far right by the political establishment and the smothering of opposition among leftward-moving workers by the parties of the nominal left.

An acceleration of this development can only be prevented through the building of a genuine socialist leadership in the working class in Denmark and across Europe, committed to linking the struggle against militarism and war with the fight against austerity and anti-immigrant chauvinism. This requires the construction of a Danish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International.
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka will hold a public meeting titled Stop the US-Israeli War Against Iran! to discuss the escalating imperialist war against Iran and the tasks facing the working class in Sri Lanka and internationally. It will take place on April 7 at 3:30 p.m. at the Orient Educational Institute in Hindagala, near the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka.

As the USIsraeli war nears its first month, the naked imperialist interests behind it are being exposed: the US aims to establish control over the resource-rich Middle East, including Iran, and to block energy access to its economic rivals, mainly Russia and China. Fascistic President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared that he does not care about international law in achieving US predatory aims.

During the course of the criminal war, massive US and Israeli strikes have killed around 1,500 people, including hundreds of school children in an American missile strike on a girls school. Over 4,000 civilian buildings, including hospitals, have been damaged. As the Trump administration prepares to deploy ground forces, the war will expand further, along with the destruction.

The war has provoked a huge economic and energy crisis throughout the world, and in Asian countries in particular. Sri Lanka has already been forced to increase fuel prices, followed by rising costs of all consumer goods and services, placing the burden of war directly on working people and the oppressed.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-led National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP), closely following the stand taken by India, are providing tacit support to the US and Israel in this war of aggression. Behind the facade of neutrality, Dissanayakes complicity in this war has been repeatedly exposed.

Trump cannot proceed without facing immense resistance from the American and international working class, who are already experiencing the initial shocks of the war.

Under these conditions, the fake-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP)s call for building a Global Peoples Power against imperialist war is to put pressure on US imperialism, which will only disarm the working class.

In contrast to these scoundrels, the IYSSE plainly states that war cannot be stopped through appeals to the fascistic Trump administration or any imperialist power. To defend the Iranian people and defeat war criminals, it is necessary to politically mobilize the international working class against global capitalism on the basis of a socialist strategy.

Speakers will discuss the causes of the war, its global implications, the historical and theoretical issues involved and, above all, the necessity for the working class to intervene politically to stop it. We call on workers and students to participate in this important discussion.

Date: Tuesday, April 7

Time: 3:30 p.m.  6:00 p.m.

Venue: Orient Educational Institute, Galaha Road, Hindagala
President Donald Trump speaks at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington. [AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson]

As the Trump administration surged thousands of ground troops toward the Persian Gulf, the White House threatened Wednesday to massively escalate its war of aggression against Iran unless it accepted US demands.

If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared. President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell.

Leavitt claimed the US was on the verge of victory in Iran. Thats why you are beginning to see the regime look for an exit ramp, she said.

A reporter then asked Leavitt how the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Divisiona force usually sent at the beginning of conflicts, not the endwas consistent with claims the war was winding down. Leavitt evaded the issue: The president likes to maintain options at his disposal. Its the Pentagons job to provide those options to the commander-in-chief.

According to multiple reports, between 2,000 and 3,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Divisions Immediate Response Force have received written deployment orders for the Middle East. The 82nd Airborne is an elite Army paratrooper force designed for rapid insertion into combat zonesthe unit the Pentagon sends when it intends to strike, not negotiate.

The paratroopers would augment two Marine amphibious groups now closing in on the Gulf: the Tripoli, with 2,200 Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and the Boxer, which left San Diego last week carrying 2,500 Marines of the 11th MEU. The Tripoli is expected to reach the theater Friday, according to the Wall Street Journal, the day Trumps five-day pause on strikes against Irans power grid expires.

In last years attack on Irans nuclear facilities, in the January kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and in the current war, Trump has used negotiations as a cover for military escalation. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, standing beside him, dispensed with the pretense entirely: We negotiate with bombs. You have a choice as we loiter over the top of Tehran. He praised the president for ordering the military to close with and destroy the enemy as viciously as possible from moment one.

The New York Times reported that the administration transmitted a 15-point list of demands to Iran via Pakistan. The demands include the dismantling of Irans nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, a permanent ban on uranium enrichment, the handover of all enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), limits on ballistic missiles, and an end to Iranian support for Hezbollah and allied militias. These demands amount to a total abrogation of Iranian national sovereigntythe surrender of the countrys defensive capabilities to the government that is currently bombing it. The 15-point list is designed to be rejected. As Trump said Monday: if Iran does not accept, we just keep bombing our little hearts out.

The Wall Street Journal stated the administrations calculations bluntly. The new deadline to ward off escalation is Friday, when some 2,200 Marines are due to arrive in the region, the Journal wrote. Will this regime again challenge Mr. Trump to deliver on his threat? And was that the Presidents plan all along? The newspaper answered its own question: Call it Trump-style diplomacy: One hand extends while the other visibly winds for a punch.

The Financial Times published a detailed assessment Tuesday of how a US assault on Kharg Islandthe terminal through which 90 percent of Irans oil exports passcould unfold. It reported that US forces have already struck more than 90 military targets on the island, including naval mine storage and missile bunkers, in what military analysts described as preparing the battlefield. The operation would involve Marines landing by V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or by sea, with the 82nd Airborne and Army Rangers potentially seizing terrain ahead of the amphibious force.

Former US Central Command intelligence director Karen Gibson told the Financial Times that while the US is capable of taking the island militarily, the challenge is not just seizing the island ... its holding it under continued pressure. Kharg sits just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland, well within range of missiles, drones and artillery. US troop casualties would be, in the words of the Financial Times, all but certain.

Seth Krummrich, former chief of staff of US Special Operations Central, told the newspaper that any operation to seize Kharg would be economic warfare fought in a completely different and more complex space. He added that it would be harder to justify to the American people with the midterm elections looming in November. The Financial Times noted that even if the operation succeeded, Iran might destroy its own oil infrastructure rather than surrender itand that the seizure may change little for the US position in the Iran war.

Two Israeli officials told the New York Times that Israel planned to ramp up attacks on Iran over the next 48 hours, worried that Trump might end the war before Israel had achieved its goals, including the destruction of Irans weapons programs. CNN reported Wednesday that Iran is building up its defenses on Kharg Island in anticipation of a US ground assault, moving additional military personnel and air defense systems to the island.

The bombing campaign has killed thousands of civilians over four weeks. HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency) puts the confirmed civilian death toll at 1,443, including 217 children, though the actual number is far higher given the communications blackout that has sealed off Irans 90 million people from the outside world since February 28. Amnesty International documented one strike aloneon a school in the city of Minabthat killed 168 people, most of them girls. On Tuesday, 12 more people were killed in south Tehran.

In Lebanon, the death toll from the Israeli assault that began March 2 has reached 1,072, with 2,966 wounded. One hundred eighteen of the dead are children. Forty are medical workers. A fifth of Lebanons population1.2 million peoplehas fled northwards. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered what he called an acceleration of demolition in border villages, citing the destruction of Gazas Beit Hanoun and Rafah as his models. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that the Litani River should become Israels new border. Five bridges across the Litani have been destroyed, and Israel has declared a 30-kilometer military zone across the south of Lebanon.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week, only 35 percent of Americans support the strikes on Iran, while 61 percent oppose them. Trumps overall approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, the lowest of his second term, with just one in four Americans approving of his handling of the cost of living. Fourteen US service members have died in the Persian Gulf region since February 28.
In 2004, Dr. Peter Daszak appeared on 60 Minutes and described what he feared most was a zoonotic pathogen possibly harbored in bats in the caves of southern China, crossing into the human population through the wildlife trade and igniting a global pandemic. In that report, Daszak told Scott Pelley, What worries me the most is that we are going to miss the next emerging disease, that were suddenly going to find a SARS virus that moves from one part of the planet to another, wiping out people as it moves along. He had spent his career building the scientific infrastructure to prevent exactly that. Then, nearly two decades later when that moment arrived, the United States government had the audacity to accuse him of causing it.

Dr. Peter Daszak testifying before the House Select Committee

The dominant narrative surrounding the origins of COVID-19 has been manufactured by right-wing political forces and endlessly amplified by the corporate media, popular books, and reactionary politicians. What Americans have been forced fed is a politically engineered fiction centered on Chinese culpability, the Wuhan lab leak, and a supposed cover-up orchestrated by figures like Daszak and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Under the second Trump administration, this conspiracy theory has been fully codified into official state doctrine. The White House replaced its evidence-based public health website with one explicitly promoting the lab-leak narrative, declaring it the true origin of COVID-19 without offering a single shred of direct scientific evidence.

Furthermore, this assault on public health and objective truth has been institutionalized at the highest levels under Trumps appointees, particularly Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharyaa co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration who has publicly claimed a lab origin is certain. The depth of that institutionalization was on full display recently when on March 20, 2026the same day a new Cell study delivered the most technically rigorous genomic refutation of the lab-leak theory yetBhattacharya inaugurated the NIHs new Scientific Freedom lecture series with a conversation featuring Matthew Ridley, a British hereditary peer and former journalist with no scientific credentials, promoting his book Viral, which has been widely condemned by working virologists and evolutionary biologists for its factual inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the scientific literature on COVID origins.

The choice of Ridley is not incidental and certainly calculated. By hosting a lab-leak advocate inside the NIHs own Masur Auditorium, under the banner of Scientific Freedom, Bhattacharya has used the institutional prestige of the worlds largest biomedical research funder to grant a discredited narrative the appearance of scientific legitimacy. The label Scientific Freedom is itself a gross misrepresentationimplying that the overwhelming peer-reviewed consensus for natural origin is a form of suppression rather than the product of years of independent, multi-disciplinary scientific investigation. It is beyond shameful that the director of the NIH has spent taxpayer dollars to platform, in the halls of American science, a conspiracy theory the science published today directly demolishes.

Drs. Martin Kulldorf, Sunetra Gupta, and Jay Bhattacharya at the American Institute for Economic Research, photo courtesy of American Institute for Economic Research.

The tragic irony is that a coherent and overwhelming body of peer-reviewed scientific evidence sharply contradicts the lab-leak narrative, pointing conclusively to a natural zoonotic spillover at the Huanan Seafood Marketprecisely the kind of event Daszak spent his career working to predict and prevent. That body of evidence has grown substantially in the past year. Three major peer-reviewed studiesPekar et al. in Cell in May 2025, the WHO SAGO report submitted in June 2025, and Havens et al. in Cell this monthhave each added a distinct and decisive layer of proof. Notably, the peer-reviewed Havens study arrived nine months after SAGO had already closed its deliberations, confirming that the science has continued to accumulate independently of any single institutional assessment. Taken together, they represent an unbroken, multi-disciplinary scientific consensus. Meanwhile, the political and media witch-hunt has effectively destroyed Daszaks career and dismantled the global surveillance networks he builtthe very infrastructure the new science confirms was essential.

In May 2025, the scientific journal Cell published The Recency and Geographical Origins of the Bat Viruses Ancestral to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, authored by an international team led by Jonathan E. Pekar and including Dr. Michael Worobey and Dr. Joel O. Wertheim. The study systematically dismantles key pseudo-scientific pillars of the lab-leak conspiracy theory.

The recency and geography of bat ancestors. A central argument of lab-leak proponents is the claim of missing decades in the viruss evolutionary timelinethat because the closest known bat virus relatives appeared to diverge from SARS-CoV-2 decades ago, the virus must have been engineered or incubated in a laboratory. Pekar et al. shattered this assertion. By performing recombination-aware evolutionary analysesbreaking genomes down into non-recombinant regions (NRRs)the researchers demonstrated that both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 descend from bat sarbecoviruses whose closest inferred ancestors circulated just years before emerging in humans. Specifically, the closest inferred ancestor of SARS-CoV-1 circulated just one to two years before its emergence, while the closest inferred ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 circulated between five and seven years before the pandemic beganwell within the range of natural viral evolution, not decades of laboratory incubation. These ancestors circulated within Rhinolophus (horseshoe) bat populations in western China and northern Laos.

Researchers donned in protective gear handling a bat [Photo by Courtesy of Dr. Peter Daszak]

Movement, spillovers, and the role of the wildlife trade. The studys phylogeographic reconstruction revealed a striking anomaly. Bat sarbecoviruses generally spread at diffusion rates matching the natural dispersal of their hostshorseshoe bats that forage within a two- to three-kilometer radius of their roosts. Yet the viral lineages leading to both SARS-CoV-1 in Guangzhou and SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan moved at exceptional velocities, emerging in human populations over a thousand kilometers from where their closest bat virus ancestors circulated. The authors concluded it is highly improbable that these lineages reached Guangdong and Hubei provinces through the natural dispersal of bat reservoirs alone. This geographic leap points to the massive wild and farmed animal tradeutilizing intermediate hosts such as palm civets and raccoon dogsas the most likely mechanism transporting the pathogen from rural bat caves to dense urban centers, and ultimately to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.

This month, a second major study in Cell delivered the most technically direct refutation of the lab-leak theory yet. Dynamics of Natural Selection Preceding Human Viral Epidemics and Pandemics, led by Jennifer L. Havens, Sergei L. Kosakovsky Pond, and Joel O. Wertheimalongside Dr. Worobey and Dr. Kristian G. Andersenutilized a recombination-aware, genome-wide selection analysis (the RELAX framework) to map the selective pressures on viruses across three phases: in their animal reservoirs, along the stem branches immediately preceding zoonotic emergence, and during early sustained human transmission.

By analyzing natural spillovers including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the West African Ebola epidemic, Marburg virus, and the 2022 mpox outbreak, the scientists established a consistent pattern: The intensity of natural selection on stem branches leading up to human emergence was indistinguishable from that within animal reservoirs. Viruses show detectable changes in selection only after sustained human-to-human transmission beginsnot before.

The 1977 H1N1 pandemic and signatures of laboratory passage. To establish what laboratory manipulation actually looks like in a viral genome, the study provided a rigorous positive control: the 1977 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Russian flu. This virus was a bizarre anomalyvirtually identical to strains from the early 1950s, lacking a quarter-century of expected evolutionary change, and long suspected to be the product of a laboratory accident or vaccine trial escape. When Havens et al. applied their framework to 1977 H1N1, the results were unambiguous: the stem branch preceding its re-emergence showed a significant relaxation of natural selection, consistent with a virus frozen in a lab and passaged in an artificial environment, in the absence of normal host immune constraints. The researchers confirmed this signature across multiple known lab-passaged virusesthe WSN33 influenza strain, attenuated measles and mumps vaccine strains, MHV cell-culture passage, and a ferret-passaged H5N1 gain-of-function strain. All exhibited the same tell-tale unnatural evolutionary signatures.

Implications for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 showed none of these signatures. The evolution on its stem branch was indistinguishable from the natural evolution of related coronaviruses spreading from bat to bat, perfectly matching the evolutionary profile of other natural zoonotic events. As Wertheim stated directly: From an evolutionary perspective, we find no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was shaped by selection in a laboratory or prolonged evolution in an intermediate host prior to its emergence. The framework is clear: If a virus had been extensively passaged in a laboratory, the evolutionary record would show it. In SARS-CoV-2, that signal is entirely absent.

These findings are corroborated and extended by the WHOs Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), which submitted its comprehensive 3.5-year independent assessment to the WHO Director-General in June 2025. Twenty-three of the original 27 SAGO members subsequently published a summary of their findings in Nature earlier this year, titled, COVIDs Origins: What We Do and Dont Know.

Distinct from the individual research by Pekar and Wertheim, the SAGO report represents a WHO-coordinated global synthesis of all available data, formally incorporating the spatial and genomic analyses of Worobey and Pekar from 2022, Pekars 2025 phylogeographic work, a preprint by Havens and colleagues on natural selection dynamics submitted ahead of its eventual publication, and the extensive metagenomic evidence from the Huanan marketincluding the landmark work of Dr. Florence Debarre and colleagues, who identified raccoon dogs, Malayan porcupines, and hoary bamboo rats co-occurring with SARS-CoV-2 RNA in environmental samples taken from the market in early 2020. The full peer-reviewed publication of the Havens study in Cell arrived in March 2026nine months after SAGO had submitted its reportas independent, subsequent confirmation that the science continued to accumulate even after the WHOs own advisory group had closed its deliberations.

Dr. Florence Debarre

On the central question, the SAGO scientists concluded that most of the peer-reviewed scientific evidence supports the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic origin that it came from an animal, not a laband that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market had a significant role in the early transmission and initial spread of the virus.

On the question of deliberate laboratory manipulationhypothesis four in the SAGO frameworkthe scientists were unequivocal: they found no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 resulting from experimental manipulation was a more likely scenario than it emerging from naturally occurring mutations or recombination events. On the separate question of an accidental lab leakhypothesis threethe report held that the hypothesis could neither be confirmed nor ruled out, citing Chinas failure to release additional laboratory records.

However, this position requires examination, because the framing of Chinese reticence as a simple transparency failure obscures a more complicated political reality.

Chinas conduct before and at the outset of the pandemic was not that of a government concealing a laboratory accident. Chinese scientists sequenced SARS-CoV-2 and shared the genome with the world within weeks of the outbreakthe foundational act that made every subsequent vaccine and drug treatment possible. For fifteen years prior to the pandemic, Chinese researchers collaborated openly with EcoHealth Alliance and international partners on exactly the bat coronavirus surveillance work that the new studies vindicate. China notified the WHO, declared a public health emergency, anddespite an already poisonous political climateallowed the WHO joint mission into Wuhan in early 2021, with Daszak himself among its members. The WHO gained access and SAGO conducted its assessment.

What China declined to do was hand over additional biosafety records and staff health data to an international body operating in a political environment in which those same records were being sought not for science but as instruments of geopolitical prosecutionto justify sanctions, economic decoupling, and military buildup explicitly demanded by the Heritage Foundation and codified into US government policy. Under those conditions, Chinas decision to limit further cooperation is comprehensible as a political response to a political assault. SAGOs insistence that the accidental lab leak hypothesis remains formally open is a dereliction of scientific principle: It provides a cover of legitimacy for a conspiracy theory the available science has not sustained, subordinating scientific verdict to the institutional requirement of formal neutrality.

Peter Daszak and Shi Zhengli, the leading expert on bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology [Photo by EcoHealth Alliance]

Every available scientific measure already points overwhelmingly away from any laboratory origin. The report is silent, moreover, on the transparency failures of the United States, including the White House propaganda website, the Heritage Foundation blueprint, the show trial that destroyed Daszak, the defunding of EcoHealth on grounds the same agency had repeatedly found baseless. None of that registers as a failure of transparency in the SAGO framework. The SAGO scientists claim of neutrality is refuted by their own actions, as they are pressing Beijing on one hand while extending institutional deference to Washington on the other.

Still, what the report does state plainly is decisive. Most of the scientific reviews we assessed support the zoonotic-origins hypothesis and find no conclusive evidence for a lab leak. And on the intelligence assessments sustaining the lab-leak narrative, the scientists were unusually blunt: those reports deliver their conclusions seemingly on the basis of political rather than scientific arguments.

It is the SAGO reports treatment of the DEFUSE grant proposal that most directly addresses Daszaks persecution. DEFUSEa 2018 grant proposal submitted to DARPA by EcoHealth Alliance in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Wuhan Institute of Virologywas seized upon by the congressional witch-hunters, the Heritage Foundation and the corporate media as the smoking gun of Daszaks alleged culpability. The proposal was deliberately misrepresented as evidence that EcoHealth had engineered or enabled the creation of SARS-CoV-2. This misrepresentation formed the central charge used to defund EcoHealth Alliance, debar Daszak from federal research, and ultimately end his career. What the accusers consistently omitted is that DEFUSE was not a bioweapons program or a dangerous gain-of-function experiment. It was a pandemic prevention proposaldesigned to vaccinate bat populations to reduce their coronavirus load and lower the risk of exactly the kind of spillover that Daszak had spent two decades warning about. The SAGO scientists demolished the conspiracy on three grounds:

 The project was never funded or executed. The $14.2 million application was rejected by DARPA, and the proposed experiments were never carried out.

 The proposed technology could not cause an outbreak. The proposal aimed to vaccinate bats using recombinant proteins or subunit antigens incapable of replicating or spreadingthere was never any intention to use live, spreading coronavirus-derived vaccine vectors.

 It is scientifically impossible for SARS-CoV-2 to have originated from this proposal. The genome elements discussed in the grant do not belong to the same viral clade as SARS-CoV-2.

The inversion is deliberately cruel. Daszak was destroyed using a pandemic prevention proposal as evidence that he caused a pandemic. The SAGO report brings a measure of institutional justice to this fraud, formally establishing that DEFUSE was what Daszak always said it was, a scientific effort to protect humanity from the very threat that materialized.

Independent scientific investigations across multiple disciplinesphylogenetics, phylogeography, selection dynamics, epidemiology, and environmental metagenomicsconducted between 2022 and March 2026, all converge on the same conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic began as a natural spillover driven by the wildlife trade, completely devoid of laboratory manipulation.

Consider what this body of evidence represents in evidentiary terms. On one side stands a years-long, multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed scientific record: phylogenetic analyses, phylogeographic reconstructions, genome-wide selection studies, environmental metagenomics, and epidemiological mapping, produced independently by dozens of scientists across multiple institutions and countries, all reaching the same conclusion.

On the other side stands a set of classified intelligence assessments of low to moderate confidence, political declarations by congressional committees that had predetermined their verdict, and a conspiracy theory traceable to fascist operative Steve Bannon, accepted without scrutiny and codified into official government policy. In any court of law, the prosecutions case would have been thrown out before trial.

The evidence for a lab leak has never met the threshold of proof required in science, in law, or in basic logic. Yet it is Peter Daszakthe scientist whose lifes work the evidence vindicateswho lost his career, his organization and his livelihood. The question is not whether the science supports his innocence. It does, overwhelmingly and on every available measure. The question is whether the proceedings that destroyed him bear any resemblance to justiceor whether they were, from the outset, a kangaroo trial in which the verdict preceded the evidence.

The right-wing political establishment has systematically attempted to falsify this scientific record. Its primary target has been the foundational March 2020 Nature Medicine paper The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2. As documented in our WSWS reporting, Dr. Anthony Fauci explicitly encouraged Dr. Kristian Andersens team to rigorously examine the genomic data and write a peer-reviewed paper if the evidence supported a lab leak. Andersens team initially harbored suspicions about the furin cleavage site and receptor-binding domain; applying the scientific method, those suspicions receded as the group worked through the known diversity of sarbecoviruses, structural biology, and recombination patterns. In a cynical reversal of reality, congressional hearings and media attacks by Republican politiciansbuilding on conspiracy theories pioneered by fascist ideologue Steve Bannontwisted this normal scientific process into a manufactured Fauci-ordered cover-up. The conclusions of Proximal Origin have withstood years of rigorous scrutiny; the political witch-hunt has produced no evidence whatsoever of a laboratory leak.

Dr. Kristian Andersen testifying before the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on July 11, 2023. [Photo: C-SPAN.org]

Foremost, the corporate media has played an indispensable role in sustaining this fiction. Even the New York Times coverage of the recent Cell studies frames the pandemics origins as an ongoing debate, giving equal rhetorical space to figures like Jay Bhattacharya, who falsely claimed a lab origin is certain, and Robert Redfield, who asserted the virus was engineered. This false balance serves a clear political function. The lab-leak narrative was codified as official US policy through the July 2024 Heritage Foundation blueprint demanding that the US hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable, subsequently laundered through the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, whose December 2024 unanimous, bipartisan report institutionalized the conspiracy as a national security assessment.

There is an inextricable connection between the networks that violently opposed every measure to mitigate the pandemic, and the promotion of the lab-leak lie. The same political forces that demanded the normalization of mass infection now promote the Wuhan conspiracy smear to redirect blame away from capitalist production while gutting public health systems and pandemic response capacities.

The right-wing political establishment, aided and abetted by the corporate media, has orchestrated a vicious campaign to portray Dr. Daszak as the central figure in a manufactured Wuhan cover-up. The suspension of EcoHealth Alliances federal grants, the multiple aggressive congressional investigations, and Daszaks eventual firing as the organizations president do not represent a legitimate response to scientific misconduct. They are the milestones of a calculated, fascistic political witch-hunt. As documented in recent WSWS interviews and Christian Freis documentary film Blame, Daszak has endured death threats requiring police protection, extreme public vilification, the loss of his livelihood, and ostracism from sections of the scientific community cowed by the political climate.

The premise of the anti-Daszak witch-hunt is fundamentally destroyed by the latest scientific literature. Because SARS-CoV-2 completely lacks the evolutionary signatures of laboratory passage and perfectly fits a natural-origin, wildlife-trade-mediated model, the entire basis for congressional hearings investigating EcoHealth is a monumental fraud. The virus whose origin is being pinned on Daszak is, by every available genomic and epidemiological measure, the product of the same wildlife trade dynamics his work was specifically designed to monitor and disrupt.

Daszaks core scientific programmapping bat coronaviruses in rural habitats, tracing the vast wildlife trade, and identifying spillover hotspotsis precisely what the studies by Pekar, Havens and the WHO now confirm is essential to understanding and preventing zoonotic emergence. Long before these papers were written, it was Daszak who stood before a national television audience and described, with scientific precision, the threat that would become COVID-19. He could not have realized then that when that threat arrived, the politics of the pandemic would charge him with the very catastrophe he had spent his life trying to prevent. A scientist working at the critical interface of ecology, virology, and public healthwho had built the global surveillance infrastructure to detect exactly the kind of bat sarbecovirus spillover that caused COVID-19was transformed into a scapegoat to deflect attention from the real drivers of pandemics: the global wildlife trade, industrial agriculture, and the systematic destruction of natural habitats by capitalist production. Destroying EcoHealth Alliances capacity and dismantling its international surveillance networks is therefore not merely an injustice to one scientist. It is a direct and devastating blow against global pandemic preparedness.

Politically, the lab leak narrative is not a legitimate scientific controversy; it is a manufactured, state-aligned propaganda campaign. This fascistic lie has been weaponized by the ruling class to escalate the war drive against China, dismantle public health institutions, and scapegoat principled scientistsamong them the very researcher who predicted COVID-19 before it had a name.

In defense of scientific truth and global public health, the exoneration of Dr. Peter Daszak is not merely a matter of personal justiceit is a precondition for rebuilding the international pandemic preparedness consensus that his persecution was designed to destroy. The scientific record assembled since 2022, and growing as recently as this month, vindicates not only his innocence but the entire program of work to which he dedicated his career. Federal funding for EcoHealth Alliance must be restored and the debarment reversed. The state-sponsored lab-leak propaganda on official platforms, including COVID.gov, must be dismantled and replaced with the evidence-based public health infrastructure it supplanted. And the broader surveillance architecturethe global networks for monitoring bat coronaviruses, tracing wildlife trade routes, and identifying spillover hotspotsmust be rebuilt and expanded, because the Pekar and Havens studies confirm that the next pandemic progenitor is already circulating in nature, moving through exactly the channels Daszak spent his life mapping. The question is not whether another spillover is coming. It is whether the world will have destroyed the very people and systems capable of detecting it before it arrives.
Far-Right party Brothers of Italy's leader Giorgia Meloni speaks to the media at her party's electoral headquarters in Rome, early Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. [AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia]

The constitutional referendum held in Italy on March 2223, 2026 has resulted in a significant political defeat for the government of fascist Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. By a margin of roughly 54 percent, voters rejected the proposed judicial restructuring advanced by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. With turnout approaching 59 percent, the vote assumed the character of a national plebiscite, far exceeding the narrow constitutional and technical questions formally placed before the electorate.

Presented as a modernization of Italys notoriously slow and bureaucratic judicial system, the so-called Nordio reform sought to amend multiple articles of the postwar constitution governing the role and organization of the judiciary.

Its central provision to separate career tracks between judges and public prosecutors was justified by the government as a measure to ensure impartiality and align Italy with other European legal systems. In reality, the reform was widely understood as an attempt to weaken prosecutorial independence and concentrate power in the executive, undermining the separation of powers established after the fall of fascism.

The rejection of the reform represents the first major institutional defeat for Melonis right-wing coalition since it came to power in 2022. More fundamentally, it punctures the phony image of political invulnerability cultivated by the government and signals a sharp escalation of social and political tensions within Italian society.

What was formally a referendum on judicial procedure became, in substance, a referendum on the governments entire agenda: authoritarian restructuring of the state, complicity in war and genocide, intensification of militarism and deepening attacks on the working class.

The referendum unfolded amid a dramatic escalation of global conflict, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Following the February 28, 2026 assault led by the United States and Israel against Iran, the Italian government insisted it was not a direct participant in the war. This hypocritical claim, intended to appease overwhelming opposition to war, is contradicted by Italys role as a critical logistical hub for US-led military operations.

Key installations in Sicily, including the Naval Air Station Sigonella and the MUOS satellite system, have played an indispensable role in coordinating and sustaining military activities across the region. Increased cargo flights, reconnaissance operations and communications support have effectively integrated Italy into the war effort, notwithstanding formal claims of non-belligerence.

At the same time, the government has deepened its commitment to the war in Ukraine, shifting from direct weapons transfers to financing, logistics and defensive systems aligned with NATO priorities. Total Italian assistance since 2022 exceeds 3 billion, reflecting the countrys deepening integration into the strategic objectives of the Western alliance.

This militarization is inseparable from the emergence of a war economy domestically. Under pressure to meet NATO spending targets while adhering to European Union fiscal constraints, the government has advanced plans for increased military expenditure, including expansion of the F-35 Lightning II program, development of next-generation fighter systems and modernization of armored capabilities. Major infrastructure projects, such as the proposed Strait of Messina bridge, are increasingly justified in strategic and military terms, even as public debt rises and social spending is curtailed.

The concurrence of escalating militarism abroad and deteriorating living standards at home has fueled a powerful wave of social opposition. Between late 2025 and early 2026, Italy witnessed mass protests and strikes involving millions of workers. The September-October standstill saw over 2 million people mobilize across 85 cities, disrupting transportation networks and blocking key ports such as Genoa, Livorno and Trieste.

Initially sparked by opposition to the war in Gaza, these protests rapidly expanded into a broader movement against militarism, austerity and social inequality which is still unfolding. Dockworkers played a particularly critical role. On February 6, 2026, coordinated strike action across 11 ports disrupted the transport of military goods, underscoring the strategic position of the working class within global supply chains.

The government responded with escalating repression. Security decrees introduced harsher penalties for protest activity, including prison sentences for blocking roads and critical infrastructure. A February 2026 decree followed clashes in Turin, triggered by the eviction of a social center, and was used to justify expanded policing powers. These measures formed part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and normalize authoritarian methods of rule.

It was in this context that the referendum assumed its true political significance. The No vote expressed not merely opposition to a specific constitutional amendment, but a broader rejection of authoritarianism, war, genocide and the subordination of society to the interests of the ruling class. The high turnout underscores the extent to which large sections of the working population perceived the reform as a direct threat.

At the same time, it is necessary to draw a sharp political line against the so-called opposition parties. Leaders such as Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte have sought to posture as defenders of democracy in the aftermath of the vote. These claims are entirely hypocritical. Both the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement bear direct responsibility for previous attacks on democratic rights, austerity measures and the expansion of Italys role in NATO-led military operations.

Indeed, many of the constitutional and judicial reforms now denounced by these parties have their origins in policies they themselves advanced while in government. Their opposition to the Meloni administration is not rooted in any fundamental disagreement with its pro-capitalist and pro-imperialist orientation, but in tactical differences over how best to defend the interests of Italian capitalism. In fact, they created the conditions for the rise of a fascistic government.

The real significance of the referendum lies not in the maneuvers of parliamentary factions, but in the intervention of the working class. The result reflects a growing awareness among broad layers of workers and youth that the defense of democratic rights is inseparable from the struggle against war, austerity and social inequality.

At the same time, the vote does not resolve the underlying crisis. The forces driving militarization and authoritarianism remain fully in operation. Sections of the ruling class will inevitably seek new mechanisms to achieve the same objectives rejected in this referendum.

The Meloni government has already indicated its intention to proceed with further constitutional changes, including proposals for the direct election of the prime minister (Premierato). Such measures would represent an even more direct concentration of power in the executive and a further erosion of the institutional framework established in the aftermath of World War II.

The referendum result has nonetheless created a new political situation. It has confirmed the potential for unified mass opposition and has exposed the fragility of the governments position. As Italy moves toward the 2027 elections, the ruling class faces a more volatile and uncertain landscape.

The decisive question, however, is the development of an independent political movement of the working class. The rejection of the judicial reform, while significant, is only a defensive victory. Without a clear political program aimed at the abolition of capitalism and the establishment of socialism on an international scale the gains achieved through such struggles will remain precarious.

The events in Italy are part of a broader global process. Across Europe and internationally, governments are responding to economic crises and geopolitical conflict with militarization and attacks on democratic rights. The Italian referendum stands as an early indication of the explosive social opposition this agenda is generating.

The essential task is to transform this opposition into a conscious political movement, uniting workers across national boundaries in a common struggle against war and exploitation. Only on this basis can the threat of authoritarianism and the catastrophic consequences of escalating global conflict be overcome.
A U.S. federal court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a crypto software developer seeking a preemptive ruling that his non-custodial crypto donation platform would not violate federal money transmission laws, leaving a key legal question unresolved for the industry.

In an opinion issued Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the governments motion to dismiss the case.

It found that the developer, Michael Lewellen, had not demonstrated a credible threat of prosecution under federal law governing unlicensed money-transmitting businesses.

Courts and regulators continue to grapple with how existing financial laws apply to decentralized software and blockchain-based services, particularly when developers create tools that enable users to move funds without relying on a traditional financial intermediary.

Lewellen had planned to launch Pharos, a software product designed to facilitate crypto donations to charitable crowdfunding campaigns.

He argued that because the software was non-custodial, he should not be required to register as a money transmitter under federal law.

"A non-binding DoJ memo is no substitute for real legal certainty," Lewellen wrote on X on Wednesday following the ruling. "My lawyers are exploring all options for a path forward."

The court did not rule on whether non-custodial software developers fall within the scope of U.S. money transmitter laws. Instead, the judge said Lewellen lacked standing to bring the case because he could not show that enforcement action against him was likely or imminent.

Trump's DOJ Seeks October Retrial for Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm

The ruling noted that recent Justice Department guidance indicated that authorities would not pursue enforcement actions against crypto businesses for end users' actions or for inadvertent regulatory violations, undermining Lewellens claim that he faced a credible risk of prosecution.

Because the case was dismissed without prejudice, Lewellen could bring the challenge again if circumstances change, such as if regulators take action against similar software providers.

The case drew amicus support from several crypto industry organizations, including the Blockchain Association, Paradigm, the DeFi Education Fund, and the Uniswap Foundation, reflecting broader concern that developers of non-custodial software could face liability under financial laws designed for intermediaries that hold and transfer customer funds.

The decision comes as federal prosecutors seek a retrial of Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, a closely watched case that could help determine whether developers of privacy-focused crypto software can be held liable under money transmission and money laundering laws.

In that case, the Justice Department has proposed an October retrial on two conspiracy counts carrying a potential 40-year maximum sentence.
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

The Trump administration is carrying out a coordinated assault on millions of student loan borrowers, dismantling income-based repayment programs, ending federal borrower protections, and forcing millions onto costlier repayment paths. The measures are an outright boondoggle for the banks and Wall Street and a component of a broader class strategy.

The screws are being tightened on cash-strapped young people and workers facing the threat of default, garnishment and financial ruin. Estimates in late 2025 found that roughly one-quarter of all federal borrowers are facing default. If the current trend continues, it is projected that 13 million borrowers will be in default by the end of 2026.

But at the same time, the Trump administration is demanding a massive $1.5 trillion war budget and a $200 billion supplemental appropriation for a war of extermination against Iran. That combined figure is roughly equal to the entire federal student loan portfolio. Capitalisms interests, however, require new and expanding predatory wars, not education, which is why neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have supported or ever will support mass loan cancellation.

On March 19, the Trump administration began transferring defaulted federal student loan accountssome $180 billion in debtfrom the Department of Education to the Treasury Department. Officials presented this as a first step toward moving the entire $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio out of the Education Department and into the hands of the federal tax and collection apparatus. Borrower advocates have warned that the move will increase errors, accelerate collections and further privatize enforcement functions.

One year ago, on March 20, 2025, Trump issued an executive order to abolish the Department of Education (ED). In the spring and summer, nearly half of the ED workforce was eliminated. In November, the administration executed a series of interagency agreements that bypassed direct congressional authorization and carved up key ED responsibilities piece by piece.

A key element in this reorganization is transforming student aid from a nominally educational function into a pure instrument of revenue collection. Trump officials are denouncing past attempts at loan forgiveness or cancellation. They insist that the fact that fewer than half of borrowers are currently making payments is evidence not of social crisis but of insufficient discipline.

Under Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)passed with only nominal opposition by the Democratsthe administration is moving to simplify and then sunset Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) programs. Options like Pay As You Earn (PAYE) are being eliminated. Others are being capped or phased out by 2028, and the entire structure is being replaced with a single, harsher Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

For new federal loans issued after July 1, 2026, borrowers will effectively be locked into either a rigid standard plan or RAP. RAP demands up to 30 years of payments before any balance is forgiven, extending indebtedness well into late middle age for large layers of the population. Existing IDR plans are being phased out even for current borrowers, with officials openly signaling that whatever replacement is offered will yield higher monthly payments than the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan and do nothing to address ballooning principal balances.

Behind these measures stands a definite class strategy: to intensify financial coercion on young people and workers, to channel ever greater sums from household budgets into Wall Street and to send a message that joining the workforce early or enlisting in the military is preferable to a life of debt.

Trumps OBBBA also caps and cuts graduate and Parent PLUS borrowing, expands marketoriented workforce programs, and showers tax credits on private K12 scholarship schemesmeasures designed to accelerate the privatization and class stratification of education from kindergarten through university.

At the operational level, borrower safeguards are being systematically dismantled. The Government Accountability Office found that the Department of Educations Federal Student Aid (FSA) office ceased routine reviews of the five major federal loan servicers billing accuracy and callquality oversight in February 2025. There is no assurance that servicers are billing borrowers correctly or providing accurate information.

Young workers aged 25-29 have experienced the greatest slowdown in pay gains in decades, according to a late 2025 report by JPMorgan Chase. Additionally, the unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 soared to 5.6 percent at the end of last year, according to an analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, up sharply over the past three years and outstripping the overall rate of 4.2 percent at the time.

The cumulative result is the student loan default cliff that is already turning into a tidal wave. Borrower advocates estimate that roughly 3.6 million borrowers have defaulted since January 2025 following the expiration of pandemic-era protections. By early 2026, about 8.8 million borrowers were in or precariously close to default.

This cliff is not just a rise in defaults, but a large cohort of borrowers reaching roughly 270 days past due at the same time that pandemic pauses, forbearances and deferred reporting are ending. Many made little headway on principal during the pausemedian balances remain above 80 percent of prior levelsand they are being thrust back into repayment amid rising living costs and a weakening labor market.

Advocates note that in 2025 a borrower defaulted roughly every nine seconds, a cadence that now risks becoming the norm rather than an exception. The immediate social and economic consequences are profound. Default triggers wage garnishment, loss of federal tax refunds and offsets of other benefits, exclusion from future federal aid, and years of damaged credit that can hamper employment.

This social crisis coincides with the war on Iran, the continuing genocide in Gaza and the attempted recolonization of oppressed countries in every region of the globe. The same ruling class that is stripping away the right to affordable education is prosecuting a predatory redivision of the world. For the American government, a central priority is staffing the military after years of failing to meet recruitment quotas. A generation trapped between debt peonage and poverty wage employment is easier to funnel into the armed forces.

The administrations fiscal year 2026 proposals deepen this offensive. They further limit the ability of lowincome students to pursue post-secondary education by narrowing Pell Grant eligibilityraising the credit load required for full awards and cutting maximum grantsand by targeting small but vital programs like Federal WorkStudy. At the same time, states and the federal government have reduced public higher education support in favor of tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy. Tuition has skyrocketed, while universities function like corporations.

What must be done? The achievements of public education and access to higher education are no longer compatible with the needs of capitalism. While defensive demandscancellation of all student debt, restoration and expansion of Pell Grants, full funding for public higher education and the reestablishment of borrower protections and public oversightare important, the only substantive remedy is the expropriation of the ruling oligarchy. The fight to defend public education is the fight against war and capitalism.

Take the next step, join and build the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.
(Corrects paragraph 7 to show Wero provides e-commerce payments as well as peer-to-peer transfers)

By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Elizabeth Howcroft

PARIS, March 26 (Reuters) - Fears that President Donald Trump's administration could limit Europe's access to U.S. payments infrastructure are boosting regional adoption of a competing European payment platform, the CEO of the European Payments Initiative (EPI) told Reuters.

More from Yahoo Scout Why are European merchants adopting Wero platform? How might Trump policies affect European payment systems? What challenges does Wero face in European markets? What is Wero and how does it compete?

The Brussels-based company has developed Wero to serve as an alternative to Mastercard, Visa and Apple Pay, which now dominate in-store payments in Europe.

Founded in 2020 by a group of 16 major European banks, including BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank, and payments providers, it has since grown to 45 members, with fintechs Mollie, Worldpay, and N26 among the companies to have joined in recent months.

EUROPEANS FEAR GETTING CUT OFF FROM US PAYMENTS SYSTEM

EPI's CEO Martina Weimert said that there was a sense of urgency about reducing European dependence on U.S. firms. Asked in an interview if merchants were preparing for the possibility that the Trump administration could cut Europe off from its financial systems, she said "absolutely" and said two big merchants had cited international resilience as a reason for using Wero.

"It's not like this is out of the blue, totally vague scenario," Weimert said. Those things can happen very quickly, she said.

Trump's "America First" policies, which upend the global order and are fraying longtime transatlantic ties, have spurred European Union efforts to reduce its reliance on U.S. companies in strategic industries, from payments to technology.

Wero, launched in 2024, faces an uphill battle. It is so far used for peer-to-peer transfers, and, more recently, e-commerce payments, but international card schemes including Visa and Mastercard account for two-thirds of euro area card transactions, according to the European Central Bank.

National payment schemes backed by banks in Spain and Italy also raise concerns of fragmentation, despite their pledges to collaborate on a pan-European platform.

DIGITAL EURO SCEPTICISM

Wero is now available to customers in Belgium, France and Germany and its number of users has risen to 52.5 million from 43.5 million in September, still a fraction of Europe's payments industry. EPI plans to expand to Luxembourg and the Netherlands in the next year.

Weimert said she saw the digital euro, which the ECB plans to issue in 2029, not as competition but as something that could be integrated into Wero's wallet, and was worried if it would arrive soon enough.
Key Points:

Bitmine holds over 4.6 million ETH, valued at $10 billion.

MAVAN aims to become the largest Ethereum staking platform globally

Staking strategy could generate $300M annual rewards

Tom Lee's Bitmine Immersion Technologies (NYSE: BMNR) is making a bold move to cement its position in the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem.

The Bitcoin mining firm is increasingly repositioning itself as an Ethereum treasury and infrastructure player.

As of March 25, the company holds 4,660,903 ETH, valued at roughly $10.1 billion, making it the largest corporate holder of Ethereum globally.

Related: Explained: What is crypto staking?

A Made in America staking push

At the center of Bitmine's strategy is MAVAN, short for Made in America VAlidator Network.

As per a press release, the platform is designed as an institutional-grade Ethereum staking solution, combining U.S.-based infrastructure with global distribution.

In simple terms, it allows large investors to stake ETH securely while meeting regulatory and operational requirements.

Staking is locking cryptocurrency in a blockchain network to help validate transactions and earn rewards, supporting the security and operations of proof-of-stake systems.

According to Chairman Lee, MAVAN could quickly become the largest Ethereum staking platform in the world, thanks to Bitmines massive treasury.

"We plan to expand across additional proof-of-stake networks and critical blockchain infrastructure over time, and through 2026, we'll grow our efforts in areas such as on-chain vaults, post-quantum client development, and more."

Tom Lee, Chairman of the Board of BitMine (Source: Getty Images)

More from TheStreet Roundtable:

The company has already staked 3.14 million ETH, worth about $6.8 billion, added another 101,776 ETH valued at roughly $219 million in just one week, and plans to stake nearly all of its remaining Ethereum holdings in the coming weeks.

Once fully deployed, MAVAN could generate $300 million annually in staking rewards, based on current yields.

The long-term vision includes expanding into other proof-of-stake networks, developing on-chain vaults, and investing in next-generation blockchain infrastructure.

At press time, BMNR stock was trading 1.06% higher near $21.02.

Ethereum was trading near $2,164 after a 2% daily gain, while Bitcoin (BTC) was also climbing toward $70,866.

Related: BitMine stock surges 400% as Tom Lee joins Ethereum treasury company

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Trading News & Analysis section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A federal judge has ruled that Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole can get one of her homes back after creditors seized it last month.

Cole, whose real name is Aisha Cole, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month.

What the bankruptcy filing could mean for the popular food franchise and its owner LIVE on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00 p.m.

Court filings show Cole owes $1.2 million to the U.S. Small Business Administration and another $192,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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According to court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News, creditor Guardian Asset Management seized a Loganville home owned by Cole.

On February 20, 2026, Guardian seized the Property, changed the locks, and put a notice on a street-facing window, the court document said. That Notice stated, This property is under the management of Guardian Asset Management. When it is available for sale, arrangements to inspect the property may be made through a real estate broker of your choice. The property may not be entered until it is offered for sale.

RELATED STORIES:

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Coles attorney argued that Guardians actions violated an automatic stay and that Guardian must return the property to the debtor.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington was the only reporter in federal court on Thursday for an emergency hearing where the judge ordered the home to be turned back over to Cole and ordered that Guardian pay all attorney fees.

The judge also noted, as well as the attorney, that Guardian didnt even show up inside the court to argue its case against Cole.

All of this comes as Cole gets ready to become the latest cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

As a wife to an equally successful husband, Pinky supports his rise all while managing life as a mother of five, CEO, and her own share of sizzling plant-based beef with the ladies this season, Bravo said, announcing the cast.

In the seasons trailer, Coles business takes center stage, and her husband, Big Daves Cheesesteak owner Derrick Hayes, is also featured.
A Grammy-nominated rapper known for the 2016 hit song "Panda" has been arrested in South Carolina.

Desiigner, 28, whose legal name is Sidney Royel Selby III, was arrested on March 23 by the Horry County Sheriff's Office, according to public information officer Brennan Cavanagh. The Horry County Police Department charged the rapper with domestic violence in the third degree, classified as a misdemeanor in the state.

Selby was booked into jail on March 23 and posted $1,500 bail on March 24.

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According to a case report obtained from the Horry County Police Department, officers with the Horry County Sheriff's Office responded to Arbor Ridge Circle in Conway in reference to a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who said Selby came home angry and yelling, throwing the keys on the counter, according to the report. He then took the car keys with the intention of leaving. Both Selby and the victim cohabitate and share one car. The victim needed to retrieve her luggage from the airport, which had been accidentally left behind. When she tried to get a sweatshirt from the closet, Selby ripped the car keys out of her sweatpants, which then ripped.

Afterward, Selby went upstairs to get the child, then placed the child in the car seat. The victim tried to talk to Selby and wanted to pray with him, but he threw her to the ground by the front door of the residence, according to the report. She was able to get out of the car and get her child out.

The victim said the child was not present at the time of the altercation.

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Selby was gone by the time officers arrived at the scene. Officers placed a BOLO on Selby's car but were unable to track him.

The victim alleges that there is camera footage of the incident, but is unable to access the camera system.

During the altercation, the victim sustained minor scratch marks that were bleeding on her arm and lower back. She also told officers that she was not scared if Selby came back home that night.

Nina Tran is the public safety and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. She has also covered trending topics for the newsroom. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Rapper known for hit song 'Panda' charged with domestic violence in SC
Morgan Stanleys Bitcoin ETF Is About To Launch

Wall Street investment bank Morgan Stanleys (NYSE: $MS) new Bitcoin (CRYPTO: $BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) appears to be about to launch.

Morgan Stanley has been teasing its new Bitcoin ETF for months despite the current decline in the price of BTC and other cryptocurrencies.

On social media, Bloomberg Intelligence shared a screenshot of a pending listing for Morgan Stanleys new Bitcoin ETF under the ticker symbol MSBT.

More From Cryptoprowl:

Morgan Stanley is joining a crowded field of about a dozen other spot Bitcoin ETFs that have a combined $83 billion U.S. of assets under management.

The ETF is part of a broader push into cryptocurrencies by Morgan Stanley Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ted Pick.

While former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman questioned the value of crypto, Pick has gone all in on digital assets, saying the banks customers demand it.

Earlier this year, Pick said that Morgan Stanley was working with the U.S. Treasury Department and other regulators to launch new crypto products.

Morgan Stanley has also filed for a banking charter to custody cryptocurrencies.

While some analysts question the timing of the Morgan Stanleys spot Bitcoin ETF, others say they expect strong interest from Morgan Stanleys clients.

Morgan Stanley operates a large wealth management business and is expected to make its crypto products available to its affluent clients.

MS stock has gained 35% over the last 12 months to trade at $164.62 U.S. per share.
Editors Note: Submissions for Around Town can be made via email to editor@heraldbanner.com.

Democratic Pay Meeting

The Hunt County Democratic Party will meet Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the UAW Meeting Hall at 601 W. Jack Finney Blvd. in Gwreenville. Please bring a non perishable item or hygiene item for donation to the Lake Area Share a Meal organization.

Palm Sunday at Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh Methodist Church will hold a Palm Sunday celebration at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday, March 29. Also known as Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday allows Christians to commemorate Christs triumphant entrance into Jerusalem while also setting the stage for the somberness of Christs journey to the cross to come later in the week.

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Festival of the Arts

The fifth annual Hunt County Festival of the Arts is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in downtown Greenville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in participating can contact Greenville tourism manager Stacy Foley by email at sfoley@ci.greenville.tx.us or by phone at (903) 450-1491.

Justice is Served Fundraiser

CASA for Hunt Countys Justice is Served fundraising dinner is set for Thursday, April 30 Fletcher Warren Civic Center. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 for two. Sponsorships that include reserved seating are also offered. For more information, email casa@casaforhuntcounty.org or call (903) 450-4410.

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Greenville Farmers Market

The Greenville Farmers Market is set to open April 11 at 2203 Lee St., launching a weekly event that will continue through Nov. 7. Operated by the city, the market will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, with some vendors beginning as early as 8 a.m. Those interested in becoming vendors can contact Main Street Manager Madison Aguinaga at (903) 457-3138 or by email at farmersmarket@greenvilletx.gov.

Police Dog Trials

The USPCA Region 20 K9 Police Dog Trials will be coming to Greenville in early May. Save the dates for Monday-Tuesday, May 4-5 at T.A. Cotton Ford Stadium

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Commerce Farmers Market

The City of Commerce is accepting vendors for the 2026 Farmers Market season, which runs from Sunday, May 3 until September. Visit https //tinyurl.com/4nhbcf84 to fill out an application and mail or drop it off at Commerce City Hall during business hours. Vendor applications will be accepted until Friday, April 10.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Greenville Parks & Recs Easter Eggstravaganza is planned for Thursday, April 2 at Greenville SportsPark. With 40,000 eggs ready to be collected, this is a night your family wont want to miss. Gates open at 5 p.m. and egg hunt begins at 6:30 p.m. Ages 012 welcome. Adaptive field available to ensure every child can participate. Food vendors will be on-site with plenty of options available for purchase

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Caddo Mills Easter Carnival

Caddo Mills Fire Rescue will host an Easter carnival and fire truck pull on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to noon with first egg hunt starting at 9:30 a.m. at Caddo Mills High School. Event benefits Caddo Mills HS and Middle School Beta Clubs.

United We Can Food Drive

United We Can food drive will be held at the Hunt County Fair and Livestock Show benefiting Hunt County Shared Ministries on Monday, April 27. Adult entry is $5 and two donation items and free plus two donation items for kids 12 and under. Canned goods, pantry staples and meal basics are needed. Gates open at 5 p.m.

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African-American Community Exhibit

Visit the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum to see the newest temporary exhibit that will be on display until late April. This exhibit features artifacts and oral history interviews that were conducted with 10 people who have done things in and for the local African-American community. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors/veterans/college students, $6 ages 12-18 and $3 ages 6-11.

GriefShare at Wesley UMC

Wesley UMC is hosting GriefShare on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. GriefShare is open to members of the community who are grieving the loss of a loved one. RSVP to the Rev. Dorothy Straks either by texting (903) 662-8577 or emailing dorothys@wesleyumcgreenville.org.

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Free Tax Filing Help

W. Walworth Harrison Public Library and East Texas A&M University are offering free tax filing assistance. The help at the library will be available at the library on Mondays through Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Thursday, April 9 and appointments can be made online at https://tinyurl.com/46j4dv2x. ETAMUs College of Business is also offering help for college students, senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income households and people with limited English proficiency. The assistance are conducted in-person in Room 246 in the business administration building on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. or virtually at https://buff.ly/beB40yr.

Greenville Community Band

The Greenville Community Bands spring concert is scheduled for Monday, March 30. The ensemble is led by director Scott Copeland, along with Aubrey Presley, a music educator and trumpet player.
They say love is blind.

Thats never been more true at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where a sightless seal has recently arrived from over 2,400 miles across the country in the name of romance and species conservation.

An 11-year-old blind harbor seal named Onion is making his public debut at the Rocky Shores habitat this weekend, the zoo announced in a press release.

And though he may not be able to see it, Onions arrival is already making national headlines.

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His story began on the other side of the U.S. when he was rescued from the sandy shores of Herring Cove Beach in Massachusetts in September 2015 at just 17 months old, according to the release.

He was admitted to a marine hospital in Cape Cod for rehabilitation, then later released to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio where he stayed for ten years.

After an eye infection during his recovery left him blind in one eye and with a lesion in the other, caretakers determined Onion was unreleasable and removed his eyes for his own comfort.

Despite it all, Onion has thrived under human care. And its safe to say he has a pretty sweet set up in Tacoma.

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To put it simply, he relocated all the way across the country to mate with the zoos two female harbor seals, Riley and Qilak.

The move was part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program developed to ensure the survival of endangered species through captive breeding.

Qilak and Riley have both successfully raised pups and demonstrated exceptional maternal care, Rocky Shores Curator Jen DeGroot said in the release. Were looking forward to supporting the harbor seal Species Survival Plans breeding recommendation and contributing to the long-term health of this population.

You can catch a glimpse of Onions public debut at the zoos Rocky Shores habitat between March 27 and 29.
At health care products and services company Sarnova, leaders assure that teams work together harmoniously by starting where many organizations finish.

We start with the desired outcome, and then with multiple departments in mind, reverse-engineer the steps that they need to take together to make sure that at the end of the process, not only is the result achieved, but they all felt like they checked the right boxes, says Jim McGannon, senior vice president of human resources.

This emphasis on achieving specific goals through conscientious teamwork is knitted into the company culture. We bring teams together on a regular basis just to talk through things, to see how the person on the other end of the transaction is receiving the efforts of one department versus another, McGannon says.

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Employee satisfaction with interdepartmental cooperation is one of the metrics Top Workplaces in Columbus felt more positive about than last year.

Surveyed employees were asked to rank a series of metrics on a seven-point scale, and the statements that saw the greatest increase in positivity were interdepartmental cooperation (a 2.6 percent increase over 2025), fair compensation (up 10.7 percent) and workplace efficiency (a 3.1 percent increase). Those areas are strong points for Sarnova, too.

Founded in Dublin in 2008, Sarnova employs 1,800 domestic workers and several hundred more overseas. The company goes to market in the form of four primary business units: Bound Tree Medical, Cardio Partners, Digitech and Tri-anim Health Services. Achieving efficiency in a multidimensional, still-growing organization is key.

As we grew, things became more complex, and we knew that we really had to really put some muscle behind cross-functional collaboration and streamlining processes, and making sure that cross-functional teams had an easy time working together, McGannon says. One of our strategic imperatives is that we accelerate innovation, and the infusing of innovation into how we work has really made life a lot simpler for our teams to work together.

The Importance of Employee Experience

McGannon says Sarnova keeps its compensation competitive and at or above market rates through external research. Some Top Workplaces find that while wages are important to employees, they neednt be paid at the top of their field to feel fairly compensated.

Administrators Ebone Ford (left) and Monica Brown cheer on staff members at Olentangy Local School Districts 2025 back-to-school convocation.

Olentangy Local School District has neither the highest nor lowest pay scale among Central Ohio districts, which is a conscious decision by its board of education, says Nancy Freese, chief human resources officer. Why, then, do teachers seek out the district years before a job opening emerges? I do believe that, even though were not the highest paid like some of the elite districts  its attributed to the experience that [employees] have, Freese says. As long as theyre fairly compensated, they will take living and working in this environment over getting paid more for an environment that is less supportive and less desirable.

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While the district works with its unions to make cost-of-living adjustments each year, Freese says, its the atmosphere of inclusivity that makes Olentangy most appealing to its staff.

Indeed, feeling included was among the four metrics that employees of this years Top Workplaces in Columbus felt most positively about: 79.9% of respondents felt included at their organization.

Thats a big task in a school district adding 400 to 500 students and over 200 new employees annually. The district, one of the fastest-growing in Ohio, has more than 3,000 full-time workers.

Its easy for a district our size to lose sight of our mission and our values and our priorities, Freese says. So with that, the intentionality comes from constantly driving the work around our mission statement, which is to facilitate maximum learning for every student.

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Olentangy has implemented seemingly small things that have made a large impact, including giving teachers half-hour uninterrupted lunch breaks, as well as a period incorporated in the school day for collaboration. From the teachers lens, I felt very valued with the fact that they were saying, In order for us to continue with our academic success, teachers need time, and the time shouldnt always need to happen outside of their school day,  says Freese, who began her career as a teacher and was promoted to assistant principal and principal before moving into HR.

T-Cetra supported Scottish Corners Elementary Schools purchase of Pocketalk devices to help English language learners.

This year, the highest-ranked Top Workplaces metric showed 82.1 percent of respondents feel their organization operates according to strong values.

That certainly motivates the workforce at T-Cetra, a Hilliard-founded technology company now based in Dublin. The business 160 employees devote themselves to facilitating wireless carrier transactions tailored to the underbanked population, who hold bank accounts but may not have a credit card. Were trying to help them gain the access that the banked population has today, says co-founder and Chief Information Officer Gus Hashem. I like to serve that demographic. Its very important for me to make sure that I have the product available for [the] environment that we support,  the minority areas, the immigrants that need help.

T-Cetra prides itself on promoting a red-tape-free environment at work. An engineer can come to me and have an idea, and we can work with them on whatever the idea is if it makes sense for the company, Hashem says. We dont have the hierarchy that you usually find in the larger company. Were dynamic.

Supporting Company Staff

The remaining top-four metrics are closely intertwined: 81.7 percent of respondents feel their manager cares about their concerns, and 79.7 percent say their manager helps them learn and grow.

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Hashem says T-Cetra tries to stay attuned to its employees needs as they seek to learn new skills and advance within the organization. We go through an evaluation that makes them comfortable in their career path, to see whats needed, what would make them go to the next step, he says. We do have our leadership program for developing leaders and managers.  We have resources that are available for development on the management side, and also on the employee level, we use the Ohio TechCred for training our employees with technologies.

The BTTS Holdings team volunteers at Flying Horse Farms during the companys annual Gives Back Week in July 2025.

Westerville-headquartered event venue company BTTS Holdings also places a priority on supporting its workforce, which encompasses a staff of about 90 and a part-time roster around 350.

We work very hard to make sure that our employees feel like they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, says human resources director Jennifer Rasar, who points to a give-back program that offers workers one day a year to volunteer. We also curate a give-back week where we all volunteer together [in] different organizations throughout Central Ohio, she says.

Also notable is BTTS Hunt the Good initiative, begun two years ago as an easy way for employees to compliment one another. You just scan this little QR code and you nominate your co-worker, Rasar says. They get a little postcard in the mail that says, Hey, youve been caught doing good. 

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BTTSwhich, in addition to owning and operating eight venues, also runs in-house catering and floral operationshas initiated programs to simplify interdepartmental communication. An initiative called Followed By All offers an overview of internal processes and procedures in a single, shareable document. [We] can look right at this document and say, OK, this is who I go to for this. This is who I go to for that,  Rasar explains.

Additionally, while in the past staff were split up at different locations, they now work together on a 25,000-square-foot campus in Westerville. It provides this great experience for our teams to be in one location, but also for our clients and our couples, she says.

Employees who felt empowered at their organizations and by their managers were consistent themes in workplaces that did well in the positivity metrics.

We set large company goals, and then cascade those down through different business units, and then through different functions within those business units, all the way down to the individual contributor level, says Sarnovas McGannon. People feel like their work is meaningful and that it really does matter.

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And leaders at these organizations believe their employees matter, too. Freese points to the willingness of Olentangy Local School District supervisors to accommodate staff when personal needs present themselves.

It could be that I need two hours to go to doughnuts for dad, [or] I need to take a day to be with my mom, Freese says. The human side of that always prevails.  Any time we can support a true need, the answer is going to be yes, and well walk side by side with them, for sure.

Peter Tonguette is a freelance writer.

This story is from the Top Workplaces 2026 section in the Spring 2026 issue of Columbus CEO. Subscribe now.

This article originally appeared on Columbus CEO: Why Culture is a Top Priority for These Top Workplaces 2026 Winners
Dear Abby: My favorite aunt was dying. Her daughter is my favorite cousin, so I texted her almost every day with encouragement. When the doctor said the end was near, I backed off messaging to give the family space to themselves.

Thirteen days later, I received a text with a photograph of my aunt's grave. Ensuing texts and phone calls indicated that my cousin's older brother had grandstanded and taken over. Questions about her service and burial went unanswered. I expressed dismay; our family had been the first to call about almost everything.

I have read a great deal about forgiveness  when to offer it, and when to forgive the messenger but not the action. That is the stance I have taken. My once-beloved cousin responds as if all is well between us, though she has asked twice if I would rather she stop communicating, given that I rarely respond. Twice I have said, "That is up to you."

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Admittedly, I would love some closure on this, one way or the other. In my youth, I would have forgiven it all, probably even apologized for her "pain" while subjugating my own. I am not in that frame of mind now. Do I forgive? Forget? Move on?

 Bewildered in Florida

Dear Bewildered: What happened was not your cousin's fault; the fault lies with her grandstanding brother. Do not allow this to interfere with your formerly loving relationship with her. By all means, forgive and move on. Also, put aside your passive-aggressive attitude. When people are grieving a death, even one that is expected, they are usually distracted, in pain and not thinking about how their actions affect others.

Dear Abby: Remarried widower unsure about his final resting spot

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Dear Abby: I have a 42-year-old son, "Wade," who has anxiety, depression and a wild temper. He receives minimal, below-poverty-level disability payments. Wade's father and I give him money when he says he's hungry and out of food. (We are both retired.) Wade claims his lack of money is "the system's" fault.

Wade also imagines he can earn a living in the music industry. I am beyond tired of this. I'm a retired teacher. How can I help our son to become independent? Wade says our family is "broken" and doesn't work "as a team." I have my own bills to pay.

 Over Him in Texas

Dear Over Him: If Wade defines "working as a team" to mean he can hit you up for money any time he wants, I beg to differ. If he were meant to be a success in the youth-oriented music business, his career would have been in full swing by the time he was 30.

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Encourage Wade to find a way to supplement his disability payments so his cupboard won't be bare at the end of the month, and let him know firmly that you won't be giving him more handouts. Your family isn't broken; the only thing that's broke is your son.

Dear Abby: Girlfriend hits the road amid man's rough stretch

Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Dear Abby: Aunt's passing is followed by a bitter dispute
Ivy Day 2026 decisions are coming out today. Regardless of where you stand in this process, the next 72 hours will likely influence your views on failure, redirection, and what you truly want from your life.

For many high achievers, college rejection is one of the first major obstacles they face that can't be overcome through hard work alone. How they respond to this rejection often matters more than the outcome itself.

What Ivy Day Numbers Tell Us

Application volume at selective schools has climbed for years, while acceptance rates have steadily declined. Data reports found that the typical applicant now submits close to ten applications, with a sizable group filing far more.

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That volume doesn't reduce stress. In one recent national survey of high school students, nearly half said anxiety overshadows their entire college search and application process, and close to one in three reported that mental-health concerns might cause them to delay or opt out of college altogether.

The admissions system is often just math. Far more qualified students apply to top schools than those schools can admit. In recent cycles, Harvard has received around 50,000 applications for roughly 1,6001,700 seats in its first-year class. Rejection, statistically, is the default outcome for exceptional students.

The Ivy Day 48-Hour Rule  And Why It Works

College counselors often recommend a strict 48-hour period for processing the initial emotional response to rejection. Feelings like anger, grief, and embarrassment are completely valid. This guideline isnt about suppressing those emotions; rather, its about setting a limit to prevent those feelings from leading to irreversible decisions.

A gap year committed to in the first 24 hours after a rejection is rarely a gap year. It's usually avoidance. The same goes for swearing off college altogether, or deciding a school you loved last fall is suddenly unacceptable because it wasn't Harvard. Counselors consistently report that students who make major decisions in the first 48 hours regret them at much higher rates than those who wait.

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So: close Instagram. Talk to your parents or a counselor you trust.

You Probably Got Into Schools Worth Attending

Students applying to Ivy League schools almost always build balanced lists  target schools, likely schools, somewhere they'd be genuinely happy. The emotional aftermath of rejection can make those schools feel like consolation prizes. They aren't.

A study tracking tens of thousands of college graduates found that institutional prestige had little to no relationship with long-term career satisfaction or overall well-being. What predicted positive outcomes was having a mentor, professors who invested in them, and access to practical experiences such as internships and projects tied to real-world work. Those resources exist at state flagships, strong regional universities, and small liberal arts colleges, sometimes in greater abundance than at selective schools where faculty attention is stretched across enormous research demands.

Honors programs at less selective schools often offer small seminar classes, opportunities for thesis research, and fellowship funding that mid-ranked students at prestigious institutions may not have access to. The student who graduates from a state university's honors college with no debt, strong faculty relationships, and a clear academic record is in an excellent position  often a better one than peers who borrowed heavily to attend a school they chose for its name.

The Ivy Day Waitlist Is Not A Soft No

At certain selective colleges, a notable number of students placed on the waitlist ultimately receive admission offers. However, the percentage of waitlisted students who are admitted varies significantly across institutions and over time. Before you invest considerable effort into this process, it's wise to research a specific college's historical waitlist data and consult with your counselor to help you understand what those numbers mean.

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If you decide to pursue a waitlist spot, send one concise letter of continued interest. Update the admissions office on any meaningful new achievements since January. Then deposit at another school and move forward mentally. A waitlist is a real option, but it can't be the only one.

Transfer Rates Tell An Interesting Ivy Day Story

A surprising number of students change institutions. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data suggest that well over a third of college students will transfer at least once before earning a degree.

At some public flagships and selective universities, transfer admission rates are significantly higher than first-year admit rates. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has posted first-year acceptance rates in the mid-teens in recent cycles. At the same time, its overall transfer admit rate has hovered around the mid-40% range.

Students who spend a year or two at another institution, establish a strong GPA, and build genuine academic relationships often have a realistic path to their target school. That path requires planning  selecting transfer-friendly courses, building relationships with professors for recommendation letters, and understanding each college's credit transfer policies  but it is a real path, not a loophole.

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Transfer admissions often carry higher GPA requirements than first-year admissions, but far less competition. The student who earns a 3.9 at their current school is a considerably stronger applicant than the high school senior they were.

Ivy Day Action Steps: What To Do In The Next 7 Days

Today: Don't make any decisions. Let the result land, then step away from your phone. Give yourself the 48 hours.

Days 23: Consider every acceptance you have received and evaluate them thoughtfullynot as mere backups, but as viable options. Take the time to research the honors program, the specific department for your intended major, and the financial aid packages offered. The figures on a page take on a different meaning when you're viewing them without the weight of a recent rejection hanging over you.

Day 4: If you are waitlisted at a school you genuinely want to attend, write the letter of continued interest. Keep it under 250 words. Name one or two specific things  a professor's research, a program, a student organization  that still make it your first choice. Then submit it and move on.

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Day 5: Make a deposit deadline calendar. Most schools require deposits by May 1. Missing that date closes options you should keep open.

Days 67: If transferring is something you're seriously considering, spend this weekend mapping out what a strong transfer application looks like at your target school. GPA requirements, credit transfer policies, and application deadlines  most fall transfer applications open in the spring of freshman year, which is closer than it sounds.

One More Ivy Day Number

On this Ivy Day, keep in mind that in a recent administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement, about seven out of ten college seniors reported that they would choose the same institution again if given the chance to start over. Satisfaction rates were similar across campuses, regardless of their selectivity levels. Students often discover communities, mentors, and academic paths that they hadn't anticipated. A school that may seem like a fallback option in March can feel very different by December of their freshman year.
The community in Deptford Township is mourning the loss of a beloved neighborhood character: a wild turkey known affectionately as Fred.

Fred became a streetside celebrity for his habit of patrolling neighborhoods, keeping watch over traffic, and occasionally chasing down passersby.

In a 2024 interview, resident Kim Chiocchi told Action News that Fred often stopped by for breakfast along Caulfield Avenue. She said peanuts were his favorite, along with bird seed.

SEE ALSO | Wild turkey delights, creates havoc in South Jersey: 'We love him but he's a little bit of a jerk'

Wild turkey delights, creates havoc in South Jersey

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Deptford police announced Fred's passing in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Residents who knew him shared their condolences online, remembering the turkey who never ducked from attention.

"Awww, we're definitely going to miss him and all his hard work keeping all the traffic in line," wrote Suzanne Behm.

"He only pecked my car a few times. RIP Fred," added Danielle Willms.

Police said that despite the frequent calls he generated, Fred had earned a special place in their hearts.

"Truth be told, Fred was a bit of a handful. We probably received 100+ calls about him. But he was our handful, and we loved him," the department wrote.

The department even honored Fred with a song - a fitting tribute to the turkey who always kept life in Deptford exciting.
To be named a Top Workplace once is a feat, but to repeat the honor represents a significant accomplishment.

Just ask Michael Swepston, CEO of Atlas Butler Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, a 105-year-old Columbus-based company that employs 147 workers. Atlas Butler is a Midsize Organizations category winner for the second year in a row.

I wish I had a secret answer, Swepston says. Its even a little harder because so many of our guys take their vans home, get a call sent to them and they go to that customers house.

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Because 70 percent to 80 percent of Atlas Butlers workforce does not make regular appearances in the officesome might come in as seldom as once a monthSwepston has to get creative about promoting company culture and communicating with employees. Atlas Butler brings everyone together at quarterly meetings and also holds a monthly breakfast with Swepston, the chief operating officer and 10 employees.

Sometimes, though, the best approach is simply reaching out informally as opportunities ariseespecially with a workforce that has chosen this line of work because they dont want a meeting-heavy job. We tend to get a lot better feedback when you just meet someone in the hallway or youre at an event and youre just casually talking to them about it as opposed to a set meeting, [where] you need to come with eight bullet points, Swepston says. I cant fix stuff if I dont know its broken, so I encourage people on a very regular basis to let me know what their thoughts are.

Employee-initiated suggestions have led to the company making birthdays paid days off, as well as the implementation of paid parental leave and increased bereavement days.

One reason leaders have been receptive to implementing such ideas is because so many worked their way up the ladder, Swepston says. A lot of us came up working in warehouses, he says. The whole leadership team does their best they can to say, All right, if I was in that role, what would I want? 

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Although 2025 saw increases in the costs of both materials and insurance, Swepston points to consistent company growth and the ability to regularly increase employee pay and benefits as pluses. Its the sort of work environment that encourages employee retention. We actually had a guy who just spent 50 years with us, he says.

Longtime workers become the companys best recruiting tool. I would say a majority of our new hires come from recommendations from someone who already works here, saying, Hey, you should probably work here, too,  Swepston says.

Local Raising Canes leaders present Pets Without Parents a donation from a 2025 Plush Puppy campaign.

Building on the Basics

A similarly inclusive, democratic ethos governs Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, which employs more than 85,000 people across nearly 1,000 restaurants in the U.S. and some international destinations, including the Middle East. The 30-year-old companya Top Workplaces winner in Columbus for the third straight yearis based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, its founding city.

Key to its success is its designation of all crew members, managers and executives as fry cooks and cashiers. Even if their day-to-day responsibilities seldom include in-restaurant work, they still receive such training.

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Our founder is the original fry cook and cashier, says Brian Stegall, division leader of restaurants, who is based in Cincinnati. When he was starting the business, he did it by being inside the four walls of the restaurant, working with his crew, helping them to execute the shifts, helping them to serve the perfect box. That has been a foundational part of our culture.

This mentality has resulted in an atmosphere in which every employee, no matter how senior, knows what it takes to run a restaurant. There are a lot of organizations out there that train whatever level of leadership that gets them exposure to the restaurant, Stegall says, but Raising Canes ensures that everyone from a restaurant operator to a financial analyst knows what it takes to fry chicken fingers and take orders. When I go into the restaurants, the first thing that I am is a fry cook and cashier, and I am working side by side, hip to hip, with our crew members, he says. We are never separated from our one true purpose.

Working alongside restaurant workers allows company leaders to recognize good work while demonstrating opportunity for advancement. We also have a really strong internal development and internal growth pathway that our crew members can take, Stegall says. That gives them the ability to know that they can have a very clear path to a long-term career with Canes.

An emphasis on managing work-life balance is engrained in the companys values. Raising Canes shuts down on eight major holidays, Stegall says, including some not generally observed by other restaurants, like Memorial Day and Independence Day. We recognize the hard work that our teams go through, he says.

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The Top Workplace ranking is significant to the company because it reflects the sentiments of its employees. We take a lot of pride in being able to say that, Hey, were one of the Top Workplaces,  Stegall says. The achievement also aids in recruiting, he adds, which is especially important given its plans to expand to London, England, this year.

Greif President and CEO Ole Rosgaard (in the yellow safety vest) visits the companys facility in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

Watching out for Workers

Greif, with 14,000 workers around the globe, emerged as a Top Workplaces winner for the seventh consecutive year. Called one of Columbus best-kept secrets by Bala Sathyanarayanan, Greifs executive vice president and chief human resources officer, the company produces a variety of industrial packaging, including bottles, drums and bulk containers. More than 250 people work at its Delaware headquarters.

We have almost 250 manufacturing facilities in these 40-plus countries, says Sathyanarayanan, adding Greif is known for its expertise and its high-quality products. When Pfizer came out with the vaccine during COVID, they looked for a partner who could safely transport their most valuable product at that point in time in the world thenthe vaccineto places like Africa, who were starved of those vaccines.

With such a large workforce, Greif, like other companies of its size, is tasked with promoting its values across a broad geographic footprint. We look at that challenge as an opportunity, Sathyanarayanan says.

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A particular emphasis, he says, is on assuring safe working environments across sites and continents. Walk into a Greif facility in Columbus, Ohio, or in Chennai, India, or in China, or in Chile, you will experience the same level of sophisticated safety culture, Sathyanarayanan says. Every manufacturer says, I keep my employees safe.  We go over and above. Beyond providing them with equipment, we actually train them on how to use it and also provide them with ways  to express their focus and passions, not just for safety but bringing their enthusiasm and involvement in the day-to-day job.

Greif prefers the term work-life integration to work-life balance because, Sathyanarayanan says, there is nothing called work outside life. You are working when you are living.

At the corporate office in Delaware, the company does not require in-person work but encourages employees to be on-site for the amenities it offers. The company makes lunch available for any colleague who walks into the organization. There is free Starbucks, there is free soft drinks, there is a free gym, there is a free haircut, too, he says. We do not mandate people to show up; we enable people to show up.

Business conditions were challenging last year due to tariffs, Sathyanarayanan says, and 2026 may offer more of the same. But manufacturing companies are finding ways to work inside the constraints of what challenges tariffs can throw at us, he says. Such a can-do corporate attitude may be one reason for Greifs continued success as a Top Workplace, he adds. We earn this award because this is what you are seeing from our colleagues.

Elford team members volunteer their time at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective sorting packages and filling boxes.

Working to Engage Employees

Though it has experienced significant growth this decade, Elford Inc. strives to maintain a personal connection with its workforce.

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The Columbus-based construction company, founded in 1910, was named a Top Workplaces winner for the ninth straight year. Elfords portfolio includes projects in the education, health care, multifamily housing, retail and industrial sectors. Weve been around for a while, says Erick Piscopo, chief talent officer of the company, which also has an office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Economic growth in its core markets has resulted in a major increase in Elfords employee headcount, from about 270 workers in 2020 to almost 450 in early March410 of whom are in the Columbus region. Despite the size, Piscopo says Elford endeavors to make everything as personal as possible.

The bigger you get, the harder it is to maintain that culture, he says. We still have folks who occasionally say, I wish we still had that small company feel. And you just cant do that when youre that big with that many people.

Nonetheless, Elford works overtime to engage with its people, no matter what they do or where on the org chart they fall. This isnt the kind of place where the C-suite is like an ivory tower and nobody ever sees them, Piscopo says. One of the things that Ive been told by folks that work for us is they love the fact that theyre just walking down the hall one day and they might bump into the chairman of our board, our CEO, our CFO [or] myself as the chief talent officer, and we know their names.  We put a lot of effort into getting to know our folks personally.

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In knitting together such a large workforce, Piscopo has found certain common denominators among employees. Theyre good builders, he says. They want to build something that has an impact on their community and where they live, and seeing something that theyre involved in go from design and construction to completion.

An egoless workplace is encouraged, as is flexibility with schedules. The latter is particularly important in an environment where workweeks might amount to 50 or 60 hours. We work more than we have free time.  But we also understand. You know what? Take offits 1:30 on a Thursday afternoon, and theyve been overwhelmed, Piscopo says. We try to be flexible as best we can.

Elford works in tandem with the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio to offer workforce development and leadership programs, going beyond those the company provides internally, to build its bench of future leaders. Several of our vice presidents that lead different market sectors  started out here as maybe a project engineer or a project manager, Piscopo says.

Several years ago, the company developed an employee resource group called the Women Builders of Elford, which has 45 to 50 participants. This has become something that sets us apart as far as becoming an attractive place to work, especially for women, Piscopo says.

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In the unprecedented year that lies ahead, the company is on the ground floor of a number of major projects, including the new passenger terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. That means more work for more workers. People want to be here, Piscopo says.

Peter Tonguette is a freelance writer.

This story is from the Top Workplaces 2026 section in the Spring 2026 issue of Columbus CEO. Subscribe now. This story has been updated to correct Greifs workplace amenities.

This article originally appeared on Columbus CEO: How Four Top Workplaces Repeat Winners Work to Maintain Their Success
Belgian biopharmaceutical manufacturer UCB announced plans this week to build a new $2 billion North American campus in Gwinnett County. The project marks the largest investment in the countys history.

The 80-acre campus will be located within the 2,000-acre Rowen site east of Lawrenceville along Highway 316. This development is part of a mission launched in 2020 to transform forest land into a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical hub aimed at attracting global technology and life science companies.

UCB plans to use the brand-new facility to produce life-saving drugs and therapies. Mason Ailstock, president and CEO of the Rowen Foundation, said the manufacturers work aligns with the foundations core objectives.

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The drugs, the therapies that UCB makes, I mean, it changes and saves peoples lives, which is what Rowan, thats what we want to be known for, Ailstock said.

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To prepare the once-wooded area for development, Gwinnett County officials invested millions of dollars into site infrastructure.

Nicole Hendrickson, chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, said the county focused on essential services to attract such projects.

Oh, weve made intentional investments in water and sewer main upgrades, Hendrickson said. She noted that the UCB announcement confirms the success of the countys strategy.

It just makes me very proud. Weve been doing something right, Hendrickson said.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Ailstock described the $2 billion investment as a major milestone for the Rowen site, which has been in development for several years.

Mean, its transformative. Its validation for the Rowan mission, Ailstock said.

Local leaders hope the campus will serve as a catalyst for further high-tech development and job growth across Georgia.

The long-term vision for the 2,000-acre site involves significantly more density and employment than the initial UCB campus. Ailstock noted that the project is designed for massive future expansion.

Ultimately, we can build out more than 22 million square feet and have more than 100,000 jobs at Rowan, so this is just the beginning, right? Ailstock said.

Rowen is scheduled to break ground on a convergence center later this year. The center is intended to operate as the hub for the entire 2,000-acre campus.

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Friday marked the first official day of spring, meaning snowfall should at least become more scarce for the time being.

The Cass County Highway Department used roughly 3,700 tons of material to help clear roads of snow this past winter. That figure accounts for 1,012 tons of salt and 2,661 tons of sand.

In total, those materials cost $106,000 ($75,000 for salt and $31,000 for sand.)

The salt was purchased from the state bid, explained Highway Superintendent Jeff Smith, meaning it comes from the same source as the Indiana Department of Transportation. This year, Morton Salt won the bid at $74.03 per ton.

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Smith explained the County Highway Department was contracted for 1,100 tons of salt and can take anywhere between 80-120% of the commitment amount.

We were right within our projected amount for salt usage this winter, he wrote in an email to the Pharos-Tribune.

The sand came from Cass County, supplied by IMIs sand and gravel operation on County Road 600 East. Sand cost $12.30 per ton this year.

The city ordered 480 tons of salt this year, maxing out its contract. At the beginning of February, it was on the verge of running out.

Logansport Street Commissioner Chad Hassett explained getting salt this winter took more time than the previous few winters, adding it was his understanding that obtaining salt was a regional problem throughout the Midwest.

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He explained the issue was likely that other towns and cities had been in similar situations to Logansport  the past few winters were mild, so municipalities didnt stockpile as much salt. When this winter hit earlier and harder than usual, communities needed salt at the same time and slowed delivery.

Two of the street departments orders took four weeks for delivery this past winter. Typically, Hassett explained, they take a week or two.

Using salt left over from the previous winter, Hassett estimated the Street Department used somewhere around 650 to 700 tons of salt, and roughly triple that amount of sand.

The salt cost $74 per ton, which would bring this years order to $35,520. The sand cost $15 per ton.
Key Takeaways

A California federal judge certified a class of investors, allowing claims that NVIDIA hid over $1 billion in undisclosed crypto-mining GPU sales.

Plaintiffs accuse NVIDIA and CEO Jensen Huang of downplaying crypto-driven Gaming segment revenue, leading to a sharp stock drop when miner demand collapsed in late 2018.

Following SEC scrutiny and the Supreme Courts denial of NVIDIAs appeal, the lawsuit moves forward.

NVIDIA Corporation and its CEO, Jensen Huang, are now facing a certified class-action lawsuit alleging that the company hid more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency mining-related GPU sales during the 2017-2018 boom.

With NVIDIA now a dominant force in AI chips, the case revives uncomfortable questions about its historical dependence on crypto mining.

Class-Action Lawsuit Against NVIDIA

The suit claims NVIDIA misclassified massive crypto-driven revenue under its Gaming segment, downplaying exposure to the volatile crypto market and misleading shareholders about the sustainability of its explosive growth.

The plaintiffs, led by a Swedish investment firm, argue that NVIDIA executives knowingly understated the role of crypto miners in driving the gaming segment revenue.

Internal documents, former employee testimony, and independent analyses suggest the company earned at least $1.1 billion to $1.35 billion more from crypto-related GPU sales than it publicly disclosed, primarily GeForce gaming cards sold to miners but booked as standard gaming demand.

NVIDIA repeatedly told investors that crypto mining accounted for only a small portion of its business, with most exposure limited to dedicated Crypto SKUs in its OEM segment.

In reality, the lawsuit claims the bulk of the flow went through consumer GeForce cards, especially in high-demand markets like China.

When crypto prices crashed in late 2018, NVIDIA slashed revenue guidance, citing excess inventory and fading miner demand.

Its stock plunged more than 28.5% in just two trading days, wiping out billions in market value and triggering the original 2018 lawsuit.

Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. certified the class after NVIDIA failed to prove its statements had no impact on its stock price.

An internal email from a senior vice president even suggested the companys valuation stayed elevated precisely because of those public assurances.

A case management conference is set for April 21, 2026.

NVIDIAs Crypto Mining Connection: From Boom to Bust

NVIDIA has long prized its GPUs for more than just gaming.

Their parallel processing power made them ideal for proof-of-work crypto mining.
Four people were found dead after a massive house fire in the far south suburbs early Wednesday morning, Crete officials said.

Crete fire crews responded just before 1 a.m. to a reported fire in the 100-block of Chalet court.

When they arrived, they found a one-story home ablaze.

Fire crews from several agencies worked to put the fire out while trying to search the home, but, due to the conditions, including a partial roof collapse, had to begin a defensive strategy, officials said.

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The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes, officials said.

Once conditions allowed, fire crews entered the home and found four people dead.

The Will County Coroner's Office said Walter Palmer, 71, of Crete was one of the deceased.

The three others were children, also of Crete. The coroner's office did not immediately identify them.

The Crete fire chief said two of the victims were found in a front bedroom and the man and a teenager were found in a back bedroom.

Relatives said Palmer and his three granddaughters were killed.

He took care and custody of the girls after their mother died, they said.

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"He was very invested in his grandchildren. They'd come outside, and he'd watch. It is a tragic loss for our neighborhood in general," neighbor Elisa Jackson said. "He was such a wonderful neighbor. He'd do anything to help you. He'd help shovel the driveway in the snow and to watch him with his granddaughters. They had such a beautiful relationship."

SEE ALSO: Indiana woman charged with murder after 3 found dead in Will County home

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office. The Will County Coroner's Office and Crete police are also investigating.

Crete-Monee School District 201-U said in a social media post that two students from Monee Elementary and one Crete-Monee High School student were killed in the fire.

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The school district said it is increasing support at its schools.

"This is a devastating time for our school community. Out of respect for the family's privacy and because circumstances are still being confirmed, we cannot share additional details at this time. We are all grieving together, and we will do everything we can to support our students, staff, and families in the days ahead," the district said.

Chopper 7 was over the home where the fire took place about 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The home was destroyed, and there is a large emergency response.

Neighbors said Palmer was a friendly neighbor.

"Totally consumed, a very hot fire, flames were shooting up. And the backyard was on fire," neighbor Kathy Krebs said.

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A neighbor's surveillance video shows huge flames above the home at 12:44 a.m.

"It was just really, really bad. There's no way they could have survived that fire, and he was a really good man," neighbor Teresa Jackson-Sandovol said.

"It's terrible; it's awful. I can't believe they are dead. I wish they had gotten out alive," neighbor Nancy Kelly said.

CJ Clayton lives next-door to the home and called 911 as soon as she smelled smoke and saw the flames next-door.

"They went through a lot as a family. And your heart just it, just is heavy. When you hear of something like this and especially when you see it, I mean, it's like I said, it's the thing that you see on TV and you hear about. But you don't expect it to be in your backyard, so to speak," Clayton said.
Conservatives are descending on Grapevine, Texas, this week for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), but a smattering of notable names are expected to skip the event thats long served as a pulse check for the GOP.

President Trump is reportedly set to miss the gathering for the first time in a decade, while Vice President Vance is also missing from the speakers list after giving remarks last year. And while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) will speak, his rival in the Lone Star States high-stakes primary runoff, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) will be staying in Washington, D.C., despite calls from CPAC leadership to show up.

The timing of this years gathering in Texas comes amid rifts over the Iran war and frustrations within the party ahead of the midterms as Republicans fight to keep control of Congress this fall. Last-minute decisions could change the lineup, but the absences stand out at the event thats been a key political gauge for Trump and the GOP.

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Here are some notable names on and off the speakers list for this weeks conference, as of Wednesday afternoon:

Who wont be speaking:

President Trump

Trump is set to skip out on CPAC for the first time in a decade, Time reported this week, citing a White House official who cautioned that Trumps schedule could change at the last minute.

The president will speak at a Saudi-led investment conference on Friday before spending the weekend in Mar-a-Lago, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Though Trump has held onto his conservative bases support, his approval rating has taken a hit amid voter frustration over the economy and new concerns about the war in Iran  and CPACs speakers will take the stage against that backdrop.

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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) was quick to point out Trumps absence as CPAC kicked off on Wednesday.

Now, as his approval ratings plummet to historic lows  even by his own standards  hes hiding from what should be a room filled with his strongest supporters, DNC rapid response director Kendall Witmer said in a statement.

Vice President Vance

Vance has addressed CPAC several times since he burst onto the political scene but, like Trump, he had not been announced as a speaker when the 2026 conference started on Wednesday.

He debuted at the conference during his 2022 Senate run, came in low on a CPAC straw poll to become Trumps running mate in 2024, then hammered home his America First bonafides in a speech as vice president in 2025.

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As chatter builds about 2028, CPACs annual straw poll could offer a temperature check on how Republicans feel about Vance as Trumps heir-apparent.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)

The Texas Senate Republican primary runoff between Paxton and Cornyn is in spotlight, but only Paxton is set to take the CPAC stage this week.

CPAC put pressure on Cornyn to appear, sharing a call to get it scheduled on the social platform X.

But Cornyns campaign told The Hill that the incumbent senator is not attending and expects to be in DC for votes to pass DHS funding and the Save America Act, of which he is an original sponsor.

After multiple years in the DC area, CPAC is taking place this year in the Lone Star State as the bitter primary fight stretches into a May runoff  and as both candidates court a coveted Trump endorsement.

Elon Musk

One of the most notable figures at last years CPAC was tech mogul Elon Musk, who appeared on the stage wielding a chainsaw as he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to make drastic workforce reductions and funding cuts throughout the federal government.

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Mere months later, Musks alliance with Trump imploded as the worlds richest man exited DOGE and dissented over Trumps big, beautiful bill legislation. Now, hes among the names absent from the 2026 CPAC lineup.

Who will be speaking:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

As Paxton fights with Cornyn for the GOP Senate nod in Texas, hes slated to be speak at the Ronald Reagan Dinner, a prime slot at CPAC.

Senate Republicans campaign arm has backed Cornyn and raised alarm that a Paxton primary win could open the door for a rare Democratic flip. Trump after the primary said hed endorse one candidate and ask the other to drop out, but the president has stayed out of the race and Paxton has dug his heels in.

A pro-Paxton super PAC launched a TV ad in the West Palm Beach media market as Trump visited Florida earlier this month, seen as courting a Trump endorsement. The deadline to formally drop out of the race passed last week, meaning both candidates will appear on the May ticket regardless of a status change.

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Paxton is among a handful of other GOP Senate hopefuls who are slated to take part in this years CPAC, including Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley from North Carolina, Rep. Mike Collins (Ga.), Rep. Kevin Hern (Okla.) and businessman Nate Morris of Kentucky.

Steve Bannon

Former White House strategist and podcaster Steve Bannon is among a number of conservative activists and media figures who are set to take the stage this week.

Bannon, a longtime Trump ally and host of the War Room podcast, has warned that the presidents war in Iran could be a political drag on the president and the party.

Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec, Newsmax host Rob Finnerty and YouTuber Nick Shirley are also set to speak to the attendees.

White House border czar Tom Homan

White House border czar Tom Homan will address the crowd amid a shakeup in the administrations leadership on immigration and a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Trump fired Kristi Noem from her role as DHS secretary earlier this month, and the Senate confirmed her replacement, former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), this week.

Meanwhile, Homan said on Monday that federal immigration officers will make arrests at airports, where they are assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers amid the shutdown.

Other top administration officials, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr, are on the schedule, as is Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health and Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.)

Also in the CPAC lineup is Matt Gaetz, a former Florida congressman who was once Trumps pick to lead the Department of Justice before he withdrew from consideration amid controversy and allegations of sexual misconduct.

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Now the host of a program on the conservative One America News Network, Gaetz, who briefly eyed a run for governor in this years midterms, will appear in Texas just days after Democrats flipped two Sunshine State Legislature seats, adding to their winning streak in districts Trump carried two years ago.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NEED TO KNOW

A Texas mansion has been damaged after a social media-advertised party drew 500-800 teens and young adults on Saturday, March 21

The property was booked on Airbnb, and the owners told a local outlet that a booking was made for "seven people"

Celina Chief of Police John Cullison said the party ended with multiple gunshots and two arrests

A simple Airbnb booking at a property in Texas turned out to be the venue for a huge party for hundreds of teens in Celina.

Local Chief of Police John Cullison said the March 21 bash was advertised on social media and resulted in between 500 and 800 teens and young adults showing up to the location, per a Celina Police Department Facebook post.

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The owners of the mansion said the people who made the booking for the short-term rental on Airbnb lied to them. "Somebody booked it, saying they needed the property for a party of seven people," Kishore Karlapudi told FOX 4 News.

Karlapudi also told CBS News Texas that he was unaware of plans for a party at the property and that the home allows for no more than 20 people inside.

Stock image of a Celina Police Department vehicle

Credit: Celina Police Department Facebook

"We were totally shocked, and they damaged the property, you know. They took all the furniture out from the living space, and they put it in the garage, Karlapudi told FOX 4 News. They took all the wall fixtures, everything out. They broke the wall fixture  the island was broken. The granite countertop was broken because it looks like kids danced on those.

"It looks like a group of people put together the party, and it may have been generated for revenue, but I think even the event organizers would agree it grew out of control," Cullison told CBS News.

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The party ended with gunshots and two arrests, according to Cullison.

One individual was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (minor), and another was taken into custody on an active Aggravated Assault warrant out of Dallas County Sheriffs Office, Cullison said, per the Facebook post.

Cullison added that as the crowd at the party began to disperse, multiple gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the residence.

Police immediately responded, entered the home, and conducted a thorough search to locate any potential victims. I want to emphasize that, despite the alarming nature of the situation, officers did not locate any individuals injured as a result of gunfire, he said.

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Cullison told FOX 4 News that police also received a call saying that there were 10 men at the front gate of the property, and they had guns, and they were threatening to kill someone.

This of course amped our officers up just a bit to make sure we go inside and keep everybody safe," Cullison added to the outlet. "But it wasnt until they went inside and they actually realized how vast this party was."

Once inside, officers found damage and blood stained bed sheets and towels, according to Cullison. "It's shock and chaos," he told CBS News.

"We had shots fired. We had assaults. We had people threatening to kill people. We have bloody sheets on location. All these things are just an incredibly bad mixture that can end up in your child getting hurt," Cullison told FOX 4 News, adding that partygoers ranged from 15 to 25 years old and they were from other areas of Texas.

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Police dashcam footage provided to the outlet shows officers running into the party as crowds of teens were running out.

Cullison went on to say that the party highlights the very real risks and dangers associated with large, unsupervised gatherings, especially when fueled through social media and potentially involving underage alcohol or substance abuse, per the Facebook post.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As both your Chief of Police and a parent, I strongly encourage parents in our community to use this incident as a catalyst for having open and direct conversations with their sons and daughters about personal responsibility, wise decision making, and the dangers that can quickly intensify in such environments, he concluded.

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An investigation into the party is ongoing, per Cullison.

The property has been removed from Airbnb for two weeks while the damage is repaired, Karlapudi told CBS News Texas. The four-bedroom home in the 800 block of Choate Parkway is listed by the Collin County Appraisal District as part of a $7.6 million property spanning 18 acres, per the outlet.

PEOPLE reached out to Airbnb for comment and the Celina Police Department for an update on the investigation, but they did not immediately respond.

Read the original article on People
Virginia Democrats are putting pressure on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to get their redistricting campaign across the finish line as they grow increasingly worried about losing their April special election  and hurting their chances for flipping the House this November.

The aggressive effort to redraw the states congressional maps, if voters approve the referendum, could deliver Democrats a 10-to-1 seat advantage in Virginia, giving them four more seats than they would likely win under the current map. But despite Democrats' having a fundraising advantage ten times that of the Republican side, the GOP is seeing strong early voting turnout.

With less than one month to go, nearly a dozen Democratic state lawmakers, strategists and candidates say Spanberger  Virginias popular Democratic governor who cruised to victory by double-digits last November  needs to step up more assertively to sell the referendum to voters. And theyre warning that shell bear the brunt of the blame if the effort fails.

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Its not that shes doing nothing: Spanberger has endorsed the referendum and launched an ad supporting it this week, her first of the campaign, as POLITICO first reported. But critics say its the bare minimum for an effort that is supposed to be a top Democratic priority as the party works to counter GOP-led states that are redrawing their own maps.

We Democrats gotta stop bringing a spork to a knife fight. If the Democrats are putting all their stock in this, like, let's bring our A game, said Democrat Beth Macy, who is running for Congress in one of the five House districts currently held by the GOP. She added that it would be helpful for Spanberger to be the spokesperson on redistricting because she did so well and won by so much in 2025.

Prior to her inauguration, Spanberger, who campaigned as a moderate focused on affordability for Virginians, stopped short of fully embracing the drastic redistricting plan the Democratic-led legislature eventually approved. Once in office, she began towing the party line and signed legislation enabling the referendum to go before voters. But she hasn't been nearly as outspoken on the issue as other leading Democrats in the state  or other Democratic governors who have pushed for gerrymanders in their states, like California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The stakes are high for Spanberger: A loss on redistricting could impact her rising star status on the national stage.

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How could she watch what Gavin Newsom just did and do the exact opposite? asked a Democratic activist in Virginia who has worked closely with the pro-redistricting campaign and was granted anonymity to speak candidly. Out in the field, we really dont know whether she is for or against this thing.

Spanbergers team argues shes been fighting hard for the new map.

There isnt a Democrat in Virginia who has done more to encourage voters to support this referendum than Governor Spanberger, Libby Wiet, a spokesperson for Spanberger, said in a statement. Shes a particularly effective messenger because shes meeting voters where many of them are  Virginians who supported the bipartisan commission in 2020 but understand that the ballgame changed when the President claimed hes entitled to more Republican seats in Congress, and states got to work to give them to him.

Virginia is not nearly as deeply blue as California is, and many of the states Democrats view wooing voters to the polls in April, rather than November, as a gargantuan undertaking. Spanberger is also a brand-new governor with other legislative priorities she wants to spend her political juice on more than helping Democrats take control of the House. And the yes campaign is running the risk of turning off Virginians who in 2020 approved a constitutional amendment creating a bipartisan redistricting commission by a two-to-one margin.

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Adding confusion to the Democrats push is the Virginia Supreme Court, which has reserved the right to potentially nullify the redistricting push after the April election.

Polling on the issue has not been a slam dunk for Democrats. Nearly two-thirds of Virginians support the current method of drawing Congressional districts, while slightly more than half said they would vote to keep the current process in place, according to a Roanoke College survey last month. A separate survey from January found a slight majority, 51 percent, supported the Democratic-backed push to redraw lines.

Spanbergers defenders push back on the need for the governor to step in as a central figure of the yes campaign. Its a collective effort, they argue, and is supported by towering Democrats in the state, including the lieutenant governor, attorney general and Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

There's no one person that has to carry the weight alone, said Keren Charles Dongo, the campaign manager Virginia for Fair Elections, which has amassed more than $33 million in donations and is working to mobilize voters.

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Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, one of the architects of the redistricting push, has vehemently rejected the comparisons of Spanberger to Newsom  and the need for her to hold more rallies or meet and greets around the state.

She's only been on a job freaking 70 days, he said. We're gonna be fine. I feel very confident that we're gonna win.

The governors seven-figure ad buy this week featured her speaking directly to camera about her partys temporary effort to redraw lines and slamming Trumps Redistricting War. Dongos group has also been blanketing the airwaves and social media with ads, including one featuring former President Barack Obama telling Virginians they have a chance to level the playing field in the face of unchecked power in Washington. Those close to the campaign also note that more voting sites are opening up in Democratic strongholds in population-rich Northern Virginia, and they anticipate a surge in yes voters closer to Election Day.

Privately, some Democrats anticipate Spanberger will ramp up her involvement in the closing weeks of the campaign, after being tied up with reviewing the bills the Virginia legislature passed.

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I think it's easier if there's somebody who's a central person, said Sarah Pendergraph, chair of the Roanoke City Democratic Committee, who suggested a jolt from a prominent figure like Spanberger may spur more volunteers and voters into action.

Meanwhile, Virginia conservatives have been lambasting Spanberger on social media, essentially making her the face of their anti-redistricting campaign. Theyve slammed her for reversing her stance on redistricting and caving to pressure from state and national Democrats.

Abigail Spanberger seems to be intent on trying to turn Virginia into California east, so she probably will welcome Gavin Newsom, said Jason Miyares, the former GOP Virginia Attorney General who is serving as co-chair of Virginians for Fair Maps, which is working to defeat the ballot measure and has raised roughly $3 million.

A small group of cameras followed Spanberger as she cast her ballot last Friday and held an impromptu gaggle from the parking lot of the Richmond City Elections office, where the governor pushed back on Republican critiques that shes a flip-flopper on the gerrymander issue.

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Had they spoken in opposition to [Trumps] efforts, I would perhaps take their level of consternation with a bit more seriousness, Spanberger said. It wasn't until their individual House seats seemed in doubt  that they decided to have any opposition to redistricting.

That retort was insufficient for some Virginia Democrats, who were frustrated that Spanberger didnt hit back even harder  or use the opportunity, on the heels of casting her yes ballot, to forcefully rebuke the misleading mailers Republican-aligned groups have circulated that suggest she is a no vote on redistricting.

She is certainly not 1,000 percent on board, said a Democratic official granted anonymity to speak candidly about how they view the governors involvement. The person suggested the Democratic-led yes campaign should work on luring other big-name surrogates to rev up excitement for the base, including Obama, Newsom, Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), to ensure the redistricting effort doesnt fail.

If it goes down, the official said, [Spanberger] is gonna own it [so she] might as well go out there.
Another round of No Kings protests will take place in Tennessee March 28.

This will be the third incarnation of "No Kings" protests across the United States. The first No Kings protest took place on President Donald Trump's birthday, June 14, which also happens to be Flag Day.

While in office, Trump has expanded the impact of Flag Day, which is now a fee-free day to visit national parks. Trump also threw a large-scale military parade on June 14, 2025, prompting the peaceful protests. In Knoxville and Nashville, crowds gathered with signs and chants opposing Trump's administration.

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This time around, there are around 40 protests planned in Tennessee alone, according to No Kings. There will be demonstrations in all four major Tennessee cities: Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga.

Before attending a Tennessee demonstration, get familiar with your rights to protest. Here's everything you should know about your First Amendment rights and how to stay safe.

What amendment is your right to protest?

The right to protest is protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees free expression by protecting the right to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly and petition.

Americans have the right to protest, but there are stipulations in legislation that may prohibit when and where protests can take place, as well as what behavior warrants police intervention.

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Here are a few key things to know before protesting in Tennessee, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee:

Where can I protest in Tennessee?

Without prior permission, you can protest on public property only. Keep to standing or walking on public sidewalks to avoid any potential conflict.

Protestors may be required to have a permit if they are in the street, as it can be considered a "parade." Demonstrations at the park may be limited by parks department rules and local noise ordinances.

What is a civil disturbance at protests?

Civil disobedience is generally understood as violating the law through a nonviolent manner of protest, according to the ACLU. In Tennessee, this term is also known as a public disturbance.

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Anyone whose actions cause immediate danger of or result in property damage or injury can be arrested and prosecuted.

Can I legally film police in Tennessee?

If you are in a public area, you have the right to video and photograph anything within plain view, including law enforcement, federal buildings and fellow protesters. This does not apply to private property.

There is generally an understanding that there is no expectation of privacy if you film or take an audio recording in public.

Tennessee is a one-party consent state, meaning that you don't need to seek explicit permission before hitting record.

Can I pass out leaflets or pamphlets at a protest?

Yes. You have the right to pass out leaflets to passers-by in Tennessee, as long as you don't harass anyone or force a person to take the handout, according to the ACLU.

Is it legal to counterprotest?

Yes, it is absolutely legal to stage a counter demonstration within the same legal standards as any other protest that may be occurring.

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You have the right to carry protest signs in opposition to any protest's speakers or the policies for which they advocate, according to the ACLU.

Can police arrest you for protesting?

Police cannot arrest you for expressing your First Amendment rights; however, that doesn't grant blanket immunity. If you break the law by trespassing, causing a civil disturbance or otherwise, you may be subject to arrest, according to the ACLU.

If you find yourself in a precarious situation with a law enforcement officer, remember to stay calm and keep your hands visible. Don't argue or resist the police officer.

If you are arrested, you have the right to ask why and the right to remain silent.

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Police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest. Otherwise, you don't have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings.

Tennessean reporter Angele Latham contributed to this report.

Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com

Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 'No Kings' protests March 28 and what's legal in Tennessee, what isn't
Weather conditions offer an increased risk of wildfires, with the state forestry agency discouraging any outdoor burning until weather improves.

The Alabama Forestry Commission points to dropping relative humidity and an increase in wind speed on Saturday as especially concerning.

With the anticipation of critical fire weather conditions, AFC is issuing a Fire Danger Advisory starting March 27. The potential for critical fire weather elevates on March 28, increasing the threat issued to a Fire Alert. By March 29, the potential for critical fire weather decreases slightly, lowering the threat issued to a Fire Danger Advisory, the agency said in a release.

Dry conditions in Alabama mean an increased risk of wildfires.

The combination of these conditions creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking a longer time and more of the agencys firefighting resources to contain and ultimately control, said Mollie Kate Erwin, a spokeswoman for the commission.

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More: What sparked the Gulf Shores fire? Here's what we know

Prescribed burn permits will be limited to only certified prescribed burn managers on March 28. Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued to anyone on March 29. The AFC plans to resume regular permit issuing on March 29, provided improved weather conditions. Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

In the last week, 147 wildfires have burned about 5,600 acres of forestland across the state, AFC data shows. This includes a large wildfire in Wilcox County covering 963 acres, one for 464 acres in Montgomery County, one for 505 acres in Marengo, and four others over 200 acres in Choctaw, Covington, Etowah and Walker counties.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for dry conditions to remain in place through next week.

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Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama wildfire risk rises as state limits burning
A couple is accused of fatally shooting a man Tuesday after a fight about a paid sexual encounter.

James Young, 45, is charged with an open count of murder, tampering with evidence, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in the death of Nathan Loos. Shirley Juras, 48, is charged with one count of robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The two were booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on Tuesday and do not yet have attorneys.

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Albuquerque police officers were dispatched around 2:15 a.m. to a residential area near Zuni and Wyoming SE after receiving a call that a man in an RV  later identified as Young  had shot another man  Loos  in an SUV, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

A gunshot detection device indicated that two rounds were fired in the area around 2 a.m., the complaint states.

The caller told dispatchers the SUV crashed into a wall and had not moved. The caller also said the man in the SUV said that Young had stolen his wallet, cellphone and gun, according to the complaint.

Officers arrived and found Loos with a gunshot wound to the neck, the complaint states. He died at the scene.

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While searching the scene, police found credit cards and a drivers license belonging to Loos. Moments later, Young and Juras approached officers and said they were concerned with what happened," the complaint states.

Juras told police she was planning to meet with Loos in exchange for money because she needed cash to make payments on the RV she was buying, according to the complaint. She told officers she and Young lived in the RV.

She said the male began being aggressive towards her and it made her uncomfortable so she ended the date with the money he gave her, the complaint states. She said the male was pushing her so she got in the RV and left while the male chased her down the road, telling her to give him his money back.

Juras said she agreed to exchange sexual favors for $1,000, but Loos only gave her $300, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department, in a Wednesday news release. She said she did not engage in any sexual favors and took the $300, leaving in the RV with Young.

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Police spoke with Young, who said that Loos went berserk and followed the two once they left, the complaint states.

Young told detectives he shot Loos twice while on Vermont SE, between Zuni and Trumbull, Gallegos said.

Young told police he believed Loos was trying to reach for something, which made him shoot, according to the complaint.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
A suspect wanted for stealing items at a New Caney Target store led authorities on a high-speed chase down the Eastex Freeway that ended in a crash, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said a robbery in progress was first reported on Wednesday afternoon at the Valley Ranch Target store, adding that when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop the suspect shortly after, he sped off, prompting a pursuit.

Images showed the aftermath of the Eastex Freeway pursuit crash that led to the hospitalization of an alleged Target thief and an uninvolved driver.

The chase ensued down the Eastex Freeway and ended near the Deerbrook Mall in Humble, where the suspect crashed into a driver who was not involved in the pursuit, according to MCSO.

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Investigators said that after the wreck, the suspect tried to flee the scene on foot, but he was tackled and taken into custody.

Tammy Martin was working at a dentist's office nearby when she heard the crash and witnessed the scene unfold.

"It was pretty shocking! Even the patients were like, 'there's somebody in the parking lot running from the cops!'," Martin said. "We saw it all from the window."

MCSO said both the suspect and the innocent driver were hurt and rushed to the hospital, where they were stabilized.

MCSO identified the suspect as 55-year-old Curtis Smith and said he had an outstanding felony warrant out of Walker County for theft. The details of that warrant were not immediately available.

Lt. Jesse Bullinger said MCSO was leading the investigation into the pursuit, and Texas DPS was investigating the crash.


The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) has announced the selection of Dr. Andreas Eckstein as its sole finalist for President & Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive national search conducted by the AEDC Board of Directors.

The AEDC board discussed their selection Thursday morning, March 26, at their regular meeting before making the announcement.

The board has authorized AEDC Board of Directors Chair Elliot McKinney to enter into an employment agreement with Dr. Eckstein, according to a news release, and a press conference will be held once that process is complete.

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"Dr. Eckstein distinguished himself throughout this process with his depth of international economic development experience, strategic mindset, and proven ability to deliver results in highly competitive environments," McKinney said in a news release. "He will bring a unique combination of global perspective, operational discipline, and partnership-driven leadership. The Board is confident that he will build on AEDC's strong foundation and help position Amarillo for continued growth and long-term success."

Elliot McKinney, left, listens during the Aug. 12 meeting of the Amarillo Economic Development Council, where he was unanimously elected chair.

Former AEDC President and CEO Kevin Carter left his position in January 2025, following governance disputes, which included a $750,000 transfer of funds that was not approved by the Amarillo City Council. Several board members resigned amid the dispute, and new board members and bylaws were put in place. Carter had led the organization for five years, where he helped secure multiple projects and boost economic growth, according to a Jan. 31, 2025 Globe-News story.

Dr. Eckstein currently serves as managing director for Invest in Niedersachsen, where he established and led U.S. operations for Germany's second largest state economic development organization. In this role, he was responsible for driving foreign direct investment, corporate expansion, and strategic transatlantic partnerships across North America and Europe. Over the course of his career, he has played a direct role in securing more than $1 billion in capital investment across Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, AI, Food Processing, and Manufacturing  supporting thousands of new jobs through complex, multi-party economic development initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Eckstein held senior leadership roles with Hannover Re SE, where he oversaw strategic investments, innovation initiatives, and global expansion efforts. His experience includes advising executive leadership, boards, and governmental entities on investment strategy, site selection, and long-term economic impact.

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He is listed as a visionary leader and C-level executive with 20 years experience in economic development and international expansion while possessing expertise in driving foreign direct investment, corporate expansion and regional competitiveness and specializing in U.S. and European markets on LinkedIn website.

"I am honored to be selected as the finalist for the next President & CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation," said Dr. Eckstein. "AEDC plays a critical role in shaping the economic future of Amarillo and the broader region. I expect to contribute to the critical mission along with the Staff, Board, and Amarillo Community to build on the city's strong assets, attract new investment, and create sustainable opportunities for businesses and residents alike."

As President & CEO, Dr. Eckstein will serve as the organization's chief executive, responsible for advancing AEDC's strategic priorities, overseeing operations, and ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources.

Dr. Eckstein holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration & Management, an MBA, and a Bachelor's degree in International Management.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo EDC names Dr. Andreas Eckstein as finalist for president, CEO
Strategy (MSTR) has formally outlined a plan to raise $44.1 billion in fresh capital to accelerate its Bitcoin acquisition program, signaling an aggressive counter-cyclical expansion despite the assets recent 40% correction from its late 2025 highs.

The initiative marks a massive escalation in the firms corporate treasury operations, aiming to leverage the disconnect between equity capital markets and spot asset prices to absorb floating supply at depressed valuations.

The proposed financing follows a period of heightened volatility for the asset class, yet corporate conviction appears unshaken.

By utilizing the companys equity premium to fund spot purchases, the firm intends to continue its mandate of accreting Bitcoin per share, effectively transforming the stock into an active accumulating mechanism rather than a passive holding vehicle.

EXPLORE: MicroStrategy Eyes 1 Million BTC: Inside the Saylor Plan

Strategy Bitcoin Capital Raise Mechanics: The Premium Engine

The core of the $44.1 billion strategy relies on the companys ability to issue equity and convertible debt at valuations that exceed the market price of its underlying Bitcoin holdings. This Net Asset Value (NAV) premium allows Strategy to raise cash from institutional investors and deploy it into Bitcoin accretively. As long as the market values the companys future accumulation capability higher than its current book value, the mathematical engine of the treasury strategy remains solvent.

Market observers note that this specific raise size is calibrated to maximize acquisition speed before the anticipated volatility of the mid-2026 cycle. With the capital markets remaining open to convertible offerings despite the broader crypto market downturn, the firm is effectively securing long-term funding to buy a distressed asset. This approach mirrors the intelligent leverage model deployment seen in previous cycles, but the scale has now shifted from mere billions to tens of billions.

The mechanism functions as a programmatic bid in the market. Every dollar raised is destined for the order book.

The sheer magnitude of a $44.1 billion buy wall alters the supply dynamics of the spot market. At current market priceshovering near $75,000 following the retrace from the $126,200 peakcapital of this size could theoretically remove over 580,000 Bitcoin from circulation. This represents a significant percentage of the liquid tradable supply, creating a scarcity shock potential that goes beyond standard ETF inflows.

Data from Capriole Investments indicates that institutional Bitcoin purchases in early 2026 have already exceeded newly mined supply by 76%. This metric aggregates corporate treasury buying with spot ETF flows, highlighting a net deficit in available coins even before Strategy deploys this fresh capital. When a single corporate entity executes purchases that outpace the daily production of the entire mining network, the programmable scarcity of the protocol is put to a stress test.
American Airlines flight attendant Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina has been reported missing.

According to an NBC 5 article published Wednesday, March 25, Molina, 32  who is based out of Dallas-Fort Worth  flew from Miami to Colombia on Saturday. Molina and his coworkers had a layover in Medellin and were supposed to head back to Miami Sunday morning, NBC 5 reported, citing Colombian local public television channel, Telemedellin.

Sharom Gil, a friend of Molinas, told Telemedellin that Molina and another colleague left the hotel to enjoy a night on the town and, after meeting two men at a club, opted for another location because the venue had closed, per NBC 5.

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Local authorities in Medellin revealed that Molina was last seen early Sunday morning, March 22, in the mostly residential neighborhood of La America, NBC 5 reported. Gil said missing persons reports have been filed in Dallas and Medellin.

According to Telemedellin, on Sunday morning, Molina sent a message with his Airbnb location in El Poblado.

We are actively engaged with local law enforcement officials in their investigation and doing all we can to support our team members family during this time, American Airlines said in a statement to NBC 5.

Meanwhile, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants also noted theyre supporting all efforts to help locate our missing colleague in Colombia.

This story American Airlines Flight Attendant Disappears Amid Layover in Colombia, Authorities Investigating first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The investigation into a deadly collision on the runway at New York City's LaGuardia Airport was delayed this week because of a different set of airport-related issues that all trace back to our completely unserious federal government.

Here's what happened: An air traffic control specialist trying to get to New York as part of the investigation ended up trapped in an hours-long security line in Houston, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy. She said federal officials called the Houston airport to "beg" for help in getting their investigator through the line quickly.

On its own, an NTSB investigator being stuck in a long airport security line would not signify a government in crisis. Accidents happen unexpectedly and inconveniently, almost as a rule. Investigators are not always in the right place at the right time. Bureaucracy and security theater cause headaches even during normal times.

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But the long lines in Houston (and elsewhere) and the tragic accident on the runway at LaGuardia are not only singular events. They are points in a constellationperhaps not even the brightest ones right nowof government dysfunction that is becoming more difficult to ignore, more disruptive, and more dangerous.

To trace this star chart of unseriousness, start with the collision in New York. There are no definitive conclusions yet, but The New York Times reports that investigators are probing "an overlapping series of failures that stemmed from problems with staffing and technology."

If that sounds familiar, it's because those same issues were thrust into the spotlight after last year's collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. And it returns to the headlines every time there is a government shutdown that causes disruptionswhich, in turn, contributes to the ongoing staffing shortages in America's air traffic control system. In small ways, each of those problems contributes to the likelihood of a mistake that puts lives at risk.

It doesn't have to be this wayand a country with a more serious government would have fixed it long ago.

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America's entire air-traffic control system relies on technology that is woefully out of date (which probably makes it more difficult to recruit workers) compared to systems used in other countries. It remains that way because it is funded and managed by the federal government, rather than by the people who must rely on it to work: airlines, airports, and private pilots.

Those entities would have an incentive to make sure the air traffic control system is top-notch and fully staffed. As Reason Foundation cofounder Bob Poole noted in November, roughly 100 countries receive their air traffic control services from user-funded utilities. "If any of their governments were to have a shutdown like ours, air traffic control would continue to operate normally," Poole wrote.

The federal government could fix this problem with air traffic control anytime it wants. This is not a partisan issue. It does, however, require some semblance of seriousness from our policymakersso it is unlikely to happen, and another accident is inevitable.

Congress could also fix the long lines at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints whenever it likes. It could abolish the TSA to allow airports and airlines to run security. This is not some radical idea: Many airports around the rest of the world already use private security. Alternatively, Congress could expand the number of airports where TSA services are contracted out to private companies so those services would be less likely to be disrupted by a government shutdown.

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Indeed, the current shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is yet another point in this constellation of deeply unserious federal policy.

Why is DHS shut down? Because Democrats (with some Republican allies) are demanding changes to how the Trump administration's immigration crackdown is being carried out. They want federal immigration agents to adhere to basic expectations for all law enforcement, like not wearing masks and not detaining (or murdering) Americans without due process.

That we are even having that debate is more compelling evidence of how completely unserious the federal government is right nowand how dangerous that unseriousness can be when it is armed, masked, and shielded from accountability.

And so there it is: a government shutdown caused by unserious immigration enforcement creates TSA backups that could have been easily avoided if not for two decades of unserious federal airport security policy, delaying the investigation of a tragedy that also may have been avoided if America's elected officials cared about making sound policy.

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Obviously, many of these problems predate the Trump administration and the current Congress. But only a hardened partisan would refuse to acknowledge that the situation has worsened in the past year.

America is now knee-deep in a major war that lacks any clear objectiveexcept, that is, for the reopening of a crucial maritime route that was open until the war started. We could have done literally nothing and accomplished that goal weeks ago. Unserious.

Or is it a war? On Wednesday, President Donald Trump laughed about how he can't technically call it a war, because then he would have to get permission from Congress. Nevertheless, Trump and his top officials continue to refer to it as a war most of the time. Unserious.

There are myriad other examples to choose from. My favorite? Last year, Trump put tariffs on imports from Switzerland because he was mad at something one of the country's top officials said on a phone call. Then, he lifted those taxes when Swiss diplomats gifted him an expensive watch and a literal bar of gold. Deeply unserious and corrupt.

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This isn't a partisan thing. Yes, the Biden administration was also deeply unserious at timeslike when it tried to invent a new presidential power to forgive student loans. No, that doesn't excuse or justify anything that is happening now.

I'm also not sure if there is anything to be accomplished by pointing this out. As a libertarian, I long ago gave up on the notion that government would be competent or effective at most of the things it does. As a writer, however, I feel there must be some value in describing these events even when it feels like stating the obviousthere is a reason we teach children about the story of the emperor having no clothes.

Regardless, it seems more obvious than ever that the federal government cannot and should not be trusted with important tasks. Libertarians have often warned against giving the government more power by asking partisans on both sides to imagine their worst enemies having those same powers.

That now feels somewhat insufficient. Today, you must also imagine a collection of unserious morons having those powersor, maybe worse, those responsibilities.

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You don't have to agree that privatizing or decentralizing government operations is a good idea for philosophical or fiscal reasons. But anyone looking at the current state of affairs should be able to agree that the government simply cannot be trusted to run the TSA or the air traffic control system any longer. The stakes are too high.

Meanwhile, where is Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (RLa.)? On Wednesday night, he announced the winner of "the first ever America First award," a new honor dreamed up by the National Republican Campaign Committee. The prize: a literal golden statue. The winner? C'mon, you already know the answer.

Johnson is one of the most powerful people in the government. His position makes him instrumental to solving the problems discussed here and many othersI haven't even mentioned the budget deficit or the record-high national debt.

We are at war. Americans are unhappy. And this is how Trump and Johnson are spending their time.

Deeply unserious. Embarrassing. Pathetic.

The post America's Deeply Unserious Federal Government Is Becoming a Real Problem appeared first on Reason.com.
Samantha Moore said shes noticed her stairs wiggling for a while.

She pointed at a bracket that was rusted and out of place. Her concrete second floor landing was cracked. Under the stairs, metal holding up the concrete was rusted all the way through.

My roommate said that he saw the notice on the bottom of our steps saying that our stairs were unsafe, Moore recalled. Nine oclock at night, they knocked on our doors, told us that we had to leave our apartment.

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Moore is one of 85 units that were declared unsafe Tuesday. Most of the problems were like hers: staircases that had rusted or become detached from their buildings.

There was one building that caught fire, and workers were caught trying to patch over the damage instead of getting a permit and fixing the structural issues the fire caused, Seminole County spokesman Chris Patton said.

A second building was evacuated after it was discovered the walls were compressing, which Patton described as the interior collapsing in on itself.

Engineers were busy compiling a report Wednesday night that would explain the extent of the damage and the needed repairs, which would be available to the complexs managers Thursday morning, county officials said.

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That would allow the management to begin filing permits and reconstructing the staircases and the two buildings.

Permits in the countys system showed the complex typically does a structural project every four to 18 months, except recently. The last permit filed for a non-door or window project was two and a half years ago, per the countys website.

The propertys managers did not respond to emailed requests for comment Wednesday, including questions about how long theyve known about the issues.

The New York-based owner, The Sabet Group, which owns buildings in multiple states, also did not respond to emailed questions.

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I have to renew a lease, and I have chosen to go shopping today, and Ive applied at another place, Jennifer Falter said. Im not going to put my faith and my life in this community.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Archaeologists discovered the lost medieval city of Stolzenberg hidden in the Polish forest.

Likely founded around the start of the 14 th century as a border town, the city was soon abandoned and largely forgotten.

Mystery remains over why Stolzenberg was lost to time, but archaeologists hope additional discoveries will offer new clues to the sites history.

The search for the forgotten Polish city of Stolzenberg was inspired by a piece of turn-of-the-century German writing. Researchers from the Relicta Foundation found mention of the deserted city in a 1909 text highlighting historical towns, indicating that the lost settlement was just outside present-day Slawoborze.

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An exploration group had picked up more than 400 metal artifacts in that region in 2020 and 2021, everything from belt fittings to medieval coins, including a 13th century denarius from Pomeranian Duke Barnim II, and this gave the Relicta Foundation reason to probe further. They brought in drones equipped with LiDAR and began drilling geological wells over six feet deep to search the northwestern Polish forests for remnants of the city.

The team found a clue in the terrain, a horseshoe-shaped ditch that had been part of a rampart near a moat. Soon, the team identified a second moat not far away. These pieces of terrestrial evidence allowed the team to determine where certain architectural features of the city may have been, or may indeed still be beneath the ground.

Piotr Wroniecki, archaeologist with the foundation, told the Polish Press Agency:

In an area of approximately six hectares, surrounded by a rampart and moat, we recorded over 1,500 anomalies, or unusual terrain features, suggesting the presence of structures hidden underground, such as ancient buildings. Drilling confirmed the presence of such layers, exceeding two meters in depth. Some of them form a regular layout typical of towns founded under German law. In the central part, a probable market square is visible, surrounded by burgher plots, only some of which have been built on, and the course of the main street leading to the city gate.

Radiocarbon dating of the site set it back to the late 13th or early 14th century, but the city did not remain populated for terribly long. Stolzenberg was known to be abandoned by the 19th century, with the historical record calling it a dead town. Archaeologists believe the site was likely founded as a border town, possibly by members of nobility known as the Brandenburg margraves, military commanders charged with guarding the borders of the Holy Roman Empire. This conclusion is far from a certainty, however; others have speculated that the city could have been created by the bishops of Kamie, a Roman Catholic diocese in the Duchy of Pomerania from the 12th to 16th centuries.

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We cannot say what its population was or why the town was abandoned, Marcin Krzepkowski of the Relicta Foundation, told the PPA. Usually, more than one factor determines the decline of a town. Sometimes natural causes such as flooding or changes in transport routes reduce a towns activity, leading to the collapse of trade and crafts and the impoverishment of its residents. Sometimes these are military events, wars, or invasions.

The foundation, co-financed by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, plans to continue studying the site, using non-invasive surveys to pinpoint where the city was located as it hopes to find reasons for its abandonment. Historical documents from 1291 mention both a church and cemetery in the area, and the team hopes that finding that site could provide further insight into the abandonment of Stolzenberg.

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FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark.  The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) reached the halfway point in their five-year Lake Conway project by finishing most of their primary spillway, a passive concrete water-control wall holding lake water at a normal level.

When water would rise above the spillway, the water immediately flows out. Nick Feltz with the AGFC explained the special design they used for the primary spillway.

Its called a labyrinth or sawtooth style spillway, Feltz said. Its kind of got some zigzags in it and so what that accomplishes is as waters leaving the lake it comes to one of these zigzags in the spillway and it can fall over either edge.

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Feltz also emphasized how important getting to this point in the project was for the commission.

I mean, from a price tag standpoint alone of the project that is a huge chunk of the pie, it really sets the tone to when we could potentially start holding water again and bringing the lake back, Feltz said.

The next step was to continue work on their secondary gated structure.

The secondary structure has some gates in it that we can open so at regular interviews to intervals to do future maintenance on the lake you know thinking 10, 20, 30 years down the road, Feltz said.

According to Feltz, everything was on schedule to finish the whole project by their original end date, September 2028.

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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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The City of Atlantic Beach plans to implement a new strategy to improve public safety and regulate the use of e-bikes. The multi-tiered plan focuses on aligning local rules with Florida law while prioritizing pedestrian protection in high-traffic areas such as sidewalks and parks.

The published report, titled Strategy Report: E-Bike Safety & Integrated Policy, introduces specific speed mandates and explores potential age requirements for riders. This proactive framework comes as the city sees a rise in e-bike popularity.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

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The safety strategy establishes a 10 mph speed limit mandate for e-bikes whenever a rider is within 50 feet of a pedestrian on a sidewalk or shared path. This follows a 2026 state law regarding e-bike operation. Existing city regulations already restrict all bicycles and e-bikes to 10 mph on sidewalks and shared paths within Atlantic Beach.

City officials are also considering a total prohibition of e-bikes in public parks under City Code 21-107(b)(two). This change would allow law enforcement to regulate park usage without needing to determine if a bike is using motor or human power. To support this, the city plans to install new No Motorized Use signs designed to be aesthetically compatible with park environments.

Under Floridas Home Rule authority, the city is exploring several legislative additions. Proposed rules include a minimum age requirement of 14 or 16 for operating Class two throttle-assist and Class three high-speed e-bikes. Other considerations include a requirement for operators to carry a government-issued photo ID and a mandate for all e-bike riders to wear helmets.

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The strategy also addresses illegal vehicles by strengthening local codes to allow for the immediate impoundment of electric motorcycles on public property. This is part of a broader effort to distinguish between traditional bicycles and higher-powered electric vehicles.

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Education is a primary component of the plan through the expansion of the #BikeSmartAB campaign. The initiative focuses on the Three Cs: knowing a bikes class, compliance with the 10 mph sidewalk rule and courtesy toward pedestrians.

Kevin Hogencamp, interim city manager of Atlantic Beach, said the strategy is intended to protect all residents using city paths.Our goal is to foster a culture of respect on our paths, Hogencamp said. By combining clear rules with consistent enforcement and education, we ensure that Atlantic Beach remains a safe, walkable and bikeable community for everyone.

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The city has also launched a Not Your Average Bicycle outreach program specifically for parents. This program emphasizes that Class two and three e-bikes have power profiles more similar to motor vehicles than traditional bicycles. The outreach highlights parental liability and the medical risks associated with high-speed accidents involving minors.

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Residents will soon see new physical infrastructure throughout the city, including strategic speed limit signage in high-traffic locations. These signs are intended to provide a clear legal basis for law enforcement to issue citations.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Attorneys representing Maine suggested that the Trump administrations request for sensitive voter data is part of a plan to create a national database. In Portlands U.S. District Court on Thursday, the administrations lawyers denied it.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Maine, among roughly 30 other states, after the state rejected its requests for voter information including drivers licenses, Social Security numbers and political affiliation. Maine is asking the U.S. District Court to dismiss the case on the grounds that the requests violate federal privacy laws.

During the hearing Thursday, Maine Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Bolton said the true purpose of the federal governments request is to compile some sort of national database. And we dont know what theyre going to do with that database.

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This whole notion .. is not true. Weve said every single time, for the record, that there is no national database thats being created, countered James Thomas Tucker, an attorney representing the Justice Department.

Oral arguments also focused on whether the federal government has the authority to request confidential voter data, which is constitutionally entrusted to and maintained by the states. Tucker argued that the federal government does not have to provide reasons and is acting within its legal authority to request voter information.

Lawyers from the Maine Attorney Generals Office and other voting and civil rights groups called the requests a fishing expedition.

The important point that came out today is that theres been shifting explanations over the course from the letters through the litigation of both why they need this information and how theyre going to use the information, said Sejal Jhaveri, an attorney for the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center, who spoke in court on behalf of the League of Women Voters. And that should raise concern for all Americans, especially when were thinking about sensitive voter data.

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Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and other secretaries of state have raised alarm about the administrations repurposing of a data tool to create a powerful database of voter information that can conduct bulk searches across federal databases.

Judge Lance Walker did not say when he would rule on the motion to dismiss.

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The first sweeping data request came last July from the Justice Departments civil rights division and within three months, the department had sued Maine and several other states for declining to share confidential voter information. Typically, the federal governments civil rights divisions will request information that results in a back and forth that can take months if not years. However, under President Donald Trumps administration, several of these civil rights probes have instead resulted in swift lawsuits with what legal experts have said is little to no adherence to typical procedure.

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The federal request included the statewide voter registration list, names of officials who handle the lists maintenance and the number of ineligible voters the state identified due to noncitizenship, as well as what political parties voters are registered with.

The information the DOJ requested goes way beyond what you need to know to verify that the state is following the proper procedures to prevent voter fraud, Bolton argued Thursday.

Theres opportunities to confirm that what were telling them is correct without demanding extensive confidential data, Bolton said.

The Justice Departments arguments focused on the enforcement of several federal laws, including the 2002 Help America Vote Act, which provided federal funding to help states improve election integrity.

Tucker said the agency did not need to provide detailed justification for requesting sensitive voter data because the Civil Rights Act of 1960 gave the federal government authority to request the voter registration records in order to ensure compliance.

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Theres nothing inherently wrong with the attorney general checking compliance  its one of the priorities of this administration, he said.

The Justice Department said Maines high voter registration rate of 92% was suspicious, and it suggested the state wasnt complying with federal guidelines. Defendants denied those claims, saying high voter registration numbers alone were not evidence of voter fraud.

The state first asked the district court to throw out the DOJ lawsuit in December, with Attorney General Aaron Frey arguing that the information requests violate federal privacy law.

The lawsuits came after Bellows, a Democrat who is running for governor, twice rejected these requests. In her first rejection, she told the department to Go jump in the Gulf of Maine.

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That made it clear to the department that there was no point in having dialogue, Tucker said in court, explaining the reason behind the swift lawsuit, which came barely a week after the second request.

Some states have already complied in response to similar lawsuits. This week, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond agreed to release what was previously considered private voter data to the federal government in exchange for the DOJ dismissing its lawsuit.

Emma Davis contributed to this reporting.
A father of three is back home in Chicago after he was arrested and deported to Honduras by immigration agents during the federal immigration "blitz" this past fall.

He's now sharing his story with the ABC7 I-Team, including the legal fight it took to bring him back to the country.

The man's attorney tells the I-Team there could be hundreds more like him, deported with no due process, who are now turning to the federal court for a chance to return home to their families.

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Victor, who asked the I-Team not to use his real name fearing government reprisal, has lived in Chicago for more than 20 years with three U.S.-born children. He said he's a homeowner and has no criminal record.

But on an early morning drive to work on September 16, he was pulled over by federal immigration agents and arrested.

"I had never previously been detained," Victor told the I-Team in Spanish. "It was hard on me mentally, psychologically. Just to not be able to be with my kids, my family."

It was the second week of the enhanced immigration enforcement that the government codenamed "Operation Midway Blitz", and Victor was brought to the Broadview ICE detention facility.

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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials say the Broadview facility is only meant to be a processing center, where those who are detained are only kept for hours before they are relocated.

Victor said he was held there for six days.

Court testimony in separate litigation revealed evidence of "deplorable conditions" at the Broadview ICE facility during the period when Victor was held there; evidence he says he witnessed firsthand.

"The facility was full of people," Victor told the I-Team. "The bathrooms were clogged, there wasn't water to take a shower, there wasn't a toothbrush to brush my teeth."

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For days, Victor said he was only given slices of bread to eat and small bottles of water to drink.

On September 22, Victor was moved to a plane and deported to Honduras. His brother eventually flew out to help him, given he had no family, contacts, or money when he landed.

"It was terrible, he was not prepared to be in that position, and it was heartbreaking because he's my last brother," said Victor's brother, Candido.

More than a month after he landed in Honduras on Nov. 11, Victor started the legal fight that would eventually result in his homecoming, arguing his due process rights were violated by filing what's called a "writ of mandamus" request, or a request for a judge to order federal officials to fulfill their duties.

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The U.S. Department of Justice's website states a mandamus filing is an "extraordinary remedy, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances of peculiar emergency or public importance."

Since Jan. 20, 2025, the I-Team found more than 200 people have turned to the rare "mandamus" legal mechanism, filing petitions "over immigration actions" in federal court for the Northern District of Illinois, according to federal court data.

In Victor's case, his attorney argued his removal without due process violated his rights as an undocumented person in the country.

"Due to a paperwork mistake, he was stripped of his due process rights and taken to Honduras without a chance or hearing before an immigration judge," said Victor's attorney, Jennifer Peyton.

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Peyton is a former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge who previously told the I-Team she was fired for "no reason, no cause" last year.

At the time of his arrest, Victor's wife had a pending asylum application over credible fears of returning to Honduras, and in court filings, he argued he was never provided an opportunity to consult with counsel, nor did he ever receive a removal order or hearing in immigration court.

After months of hearings, on March 11, Victor boarded an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flight from Honduras to the U.S.

But once he landed in Louisiana, ICE agents arrested him again.

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Victor said he panicked.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm going to be sent back to Honduras," Victor said. "I had a flash of not being able to see my family."

Victor's attorney said it's unclear why he was arrested for a second time, but after hours of phone calls, he was released.

The next day, he reunited with his family; the moment he first saw his young kids recorded by his brother's cell phone.

Victor's brother said he remains cautiously optimistic.

"I feel worried because it's not over yet," Candido said. "And I'm trusting that it's going to be fine."

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"Victories always feel good, especially when we're in this administration because you fight hard for the victories," Peyton said. "But this one tastes so much sweeter because I felt that we really showed that due process matters."

On Wednesday morning, Victor checked in with ICE officials to get a future court date to try and stay in the country for good. To his relief, Victor was not taken into custody.

His plans for the rest of the day, he said, "I'm going to stay with my family, and play with my son."

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on this story.
Stablecoin giant Tether has announced it has signed a Big Four accounting firm to audit its reserves after years of struggling to get one to do so.

The San Salvador-based company said Tuesday that the audit would be the biggest ever inaugural audit in the history of financial markets.

At a scale rarely seen outside the worlds largest sovereign institutions and encompassing a uniquely complex mix of digital assets, traditional reserves, and tokenised liabilities, this audit marks a defining moment not only for Tether, but for the evolution of modern finance itself, the company said in a statement.

The news comes as Tether is making overtures to push into the US market. In January, Tether launched USAT, a stablecoin available to US customers.

USDT, the main stablecoin issued by Tether, may command a $184 billion market cap globally, but it hasnt been available to US customers for years.

The announcement also comes as stablecoins are becoming more mainstream. Major companies and banks are looking into issuing the tokens after US President Donald Trump signed the Genius Act into law last summer.

Tether did not say which firm would audit its reserves, nor did it immediately respond to questions from DL News.

The Big Four accounting firms are PwC, EY, Deloitte and KPMG. None of them immediately responded to questions from DL News.

What gives?

Tether is a massive company.

Tether alone makes up over half of the total stablecoin market, according to DefiLlama.

As of December, it holds $122 billion in US Treasury bills, putting it ahead of countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia And Israel.

Yet, despite it being one of the most profitable companies in the world, it has been criticised for years about not being transparent enough about what backs its USDT token.

In 2021, for example, Tether agreed to no longer do business in New York after a two-year state attorney general investigation found the firm had made false statements about the backing of USDT.

The company did not publish reports on its reserves from 2014 to 2017. In 2022, it started to publish quarterly attestations, a less thorough review of a companys financial statements.

Tether said USDT was backed by US treasuries and other assets, and had its reserves attested by other accounting firms.

The companys CEO, Paolo Ardoino, told DL News in a 2024 interview that the Big Four firms were afraid to work with the crypto giant because they feared it would damage their reputations.

In a Tuesday statement, Ardoino said: For the hundreds of millions of people and businesses who rely on USDT every day, this audit is not just a compliance exercise; it is about accountability, resilience, and confidence in the infrastructure they depend on.

Mathew Di Salvo is a news correspondent with DL News. Got a tip? Email at mdisalvo@dlnews.com.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday that President Donald Trumps signature will appear on all future U.S. paper currency, the first time such a gesture has been made for a sitting president.

Under President Trumps leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance and fiscal strength and stability, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

He suggested there was no more powerful way to recognize Trumps achievements than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name.

The March 26 announcement follows recent declarations by the Treasury Department that it will move forward with plans to issue a $1 Trump coin approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, as well as to feature the presidents portrait on an upcoming 24-karat gold commemorative coin.

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Neither have gotten approval from the Citizens Coinage Advisory Council, a nonpartisan group created by Congress to advise the Treasury on coin design.

Treasurer Brandon Beach said the decision to put Trumps signature on future paper currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.

As the 250th anniversary of our great nation approaches, American currency will continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people under President Trumps leadership, Beach said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Treasury will put Trump's signature on dollar bills
It seemed that a bill aiming to address injustices in environmental permitting was on its way to Senate passage, after lawmakers designated $1.2 million for the effort in their budget proposal.

But on Monday, as the legislative crossover deadline came and went, the bill remained stuck in committee, with environmental and community advocates raising a red flag about a new version of the legislation.

The bill, called the CHERISH Our Communities Act, would add new procedures for the Maryland Department of the Environment when it is considering environmental permits for certain new industrial facilities in areas that are already burdened by pollution.

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As introduced, the bill required extra analysis for certain facilities proposed in at-risk Census tracts, including areas close to a high quantity of polluting power plants, mining operations, hazardous waste landfills and animal feeding operations.

And if the Maryland Department of the Environment determined that a new facility would add pollution to an already overburdened area, it would have to deny the permit, unless it determined there was a compelling public interest for the facility.

But a coalition of environmental justice, or EJ, advocates, representing various communities around the state, feared that amendments weakened the bill too dramatically, including by exempting a seemingly large amount of industrial lands targeted for redevelopment.

Is Maryland going to have an EJ cumulative impacts bill that actually functions when it comes to adding additional protections for overburdened communities  or not? asked Greg Sawtell, of the nonprofit South Baltimore Community Land Trust, a member of the coalition. Right now, we dont have that bill that will function. But were hopeful.

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Missing the crossover deadline, which requires bills to pass at least one chamber, isnt necessarily a death sentence. But the bills Senate sponsor, Sen. Benjamin Brooks (D- Baltimore County) said Tuesday that the window for passing the bill this year has closed.

That ship has sailed, he said.

Neither the Senate nor the House version of the bill has yet to get out of committee. Brooks said that he felt advocates were overly ambitious, because he said their decision to withdraw support sank the bill.

You build a house one brick at a time, Brooks said. We knew it had to be meaningful, but it had to be deliverable.

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MDE, which supported the bill as filed, said at the beginning of the session that it could designate $700,000 internally to implement the bill. It sought an additional $560,000, and the Senates budget proposal granted more than double that amount.

As a result of the bills likely failure, Brooks said that the funding, which was to be pulled from a state clean energy fund and given to MDE to implement the bills requirements, will probably be allocated to a different purpose.

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The advocates, whose coalition is called the Mid-Atlantic Justice Coalition, said that one problem with the new version of the bill is that it would likely exempt sites involved in the states Voluntary Clean-Up Program, which encourages developers to remediate properties contaminated with hazardous substances. A state map shows hundreds, if not thousands, of sites, including those in and near residential communities burdened by industrial pollution  the very areas the bill is meant to serve.

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Walkiria Pool, president of the Centro de Apoyo Familiar, a nonprofit in Prince Georges County that assists families with housing and environmental health matters, said that the EJ coalition did make concessions along the way.

The bill was limited to new facilities only, rather than permit renewals or facility expansions. The group of advocates also agreed to eliminate concentrated animal feeding operations, among other concessions, Pool said. The group was OK with baby steps, she said. But they worried that amendments added uncertainty, and watered down the bill.

Even if we get 10 or 20% of the bill that we introduced  were fine with that, Pool said.

Jennifer Kunze, another coalition member, from the nonprofit Clean Water Action, said she believes that pressure from some industry groups affected by the bill led to the amendments that concerned advocates.

This coalition was really, really, really working hard to compromise while staying true to our values and true to the change that were working to make, Kunze said. We were willing to move a small foundation forward. But the industry pressure was such  theyre working really powerfully against even that small foundation.
At 76, Patricia Greenwood has given up on trying to name whatever now grows in the yard. It isnt grass, she said. That died many floods ago and never returned.

The water in her kitchen has never run clear in her memory. Even the dog refuses to drink it.

She is one of many Cahokia Heights, Illinois, residents whose homes have repeatedly flooded with sewage and feces for as long as four decades.

Mentally, its horrible, Greenwood said.

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Earlier this year, a bottle filled with water from her tap glowed under an ultraviolet light  lit with signs of sewage contamination after it was tested by a coalition of legal advocates and volunteers. It confirmed what three generations in her family home had already suspected.

Her dread has only deepened since Congress dropped over $67 million for sewer projects across southern Illinois where she lives. The Trump administration has also moved to cut key water and wastewater funds, leaving hundreds of thousands of Black residents nationwide trapped between contaminated water, flooded streets, and a vanishing federal lifeline.

The result, advocates argue, is a pattern in which the federal government will document the crisis, take legal action, and even occasionally announce new aid, but then repeatedly fails to sustain the funding, enforce timelines, or hold state and local power brokers to account when they let Black residents keep living in human waste.

Community-organized testing of dozens of homes in Cahokia Heights documented E. coli and chronically low chlorine in kitchen taps in the Black Illinois city, which was deemed the poorest town in America in 2018.

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E. coli is found in water that contains sewage or human and animal waste. Ingesting it can lead to severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, with risks of even more serious illnesses for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Cahokia Heights is home to double the amount of children under 10 years old than the U.S. average.

It destroys you, Greenwood said.

The average resident makes just about $16,000 per year, but the water bill for the drinking water that is making them sick still comes, and, soon, it may be higher if a proposed rate increase passes.

It makes you want to go postal because you pay your bill, you do what youre supposed to do when youre supposed to do it, and then youre constantly getting slapped in the face for doing whats right, Greenwood added.

Residents of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, have resorted to using boats to navigate the sewage-filled floodwater that inundates their neighborhoods after heavy rains. (Courtesy of Centreville Citizens for Change)

There are tens of millions of Americans who rely on wastewater systems that regularly violate federal clean water standards. Studies show Black people are more likely to live in the neighborhoods with water and sewage systems that consistently fail and see episodes of contamination. These systems also take longer than systems in white communities to come back into compliance. As a result, Black folks are more susceptible to kidney, heart, and brain damage, as well as to waterborne diseases once believed to be eradicated in the U.S. like hookworm.

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After publication, Illinois EPA said it takes all water quality concerns seriously and, in response to the latest community testing, collected samples on March 18 from 24 locations across Cahokia Heights. According to the agency, those samples all showed adequate chlorine and tested negative for coliform and E. coli, and officials are now seeking permission to re-test inside the specific homes flagged by residents, with those results set to inform the Agencys next steps.

At the same time, Illinois EPA stressed that both the city and the water company are already required to conduct routine bacteriological sampling that has consistently met state standards, a reassurance that stands in sharp contrast to what residents say they see and smell coming out of their taps.

Black communities lose funding to fix water issues

In Greenwoods neighborhood, known as the ping pong section of the town  where a narrow road once lined with modest houses now feels like a country lane dotted with boarded-up homes and open ditches  residents said the waiting between storms is the worst part. They know the rain will send sewage into their yards and through their pipes. 

She is tired of having to explain to her special-needs son that he cant sit in the yard like he used to and watching [her] husband plant seeds all year just to watch nothing grow.

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For decades, federal agencies and elected officials have cycled through promises, piecemeal grants, and legal settlements in Cahokia Heights without ever delivering the full-scale overhaul they know is needed. Residents said this has effectively normalized sewage and now E. coli as facts of daily life.

I got a feeling they dont care if were flooded out of here, said Sharon Smith, a 64-year-old lifelong resident. It aint right what theyre doing to us.

The Illinois EPA has documented hazardous sewage contamination in the towns ditches and streets since at least the 1990s. The agency often relied on the city to make the necessary changes, without guarantees of funding support. As funds did arrive, there have been documented incidents of local officials mismanaging or diverting infrastructure funds, rather than servicing residents whose homes were flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also took years to seriously consider the town for major mitigation money and structured grants. In 2021, the agency declined to offer funding to the community.

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However, in 2024, Cahokia Heights agreed to $30 million in fixes for its sewage system through a consent decree filed between the U.S. Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the city. Little improvement has been made so far.

In 2024, resident Yvette Lyles told Capital B she believed she and her neighbors would be dead before this is resolved.

She has lived in the area for decades and has twice been infected with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium thats more common in developing countries with poor sanitation.

Then came that $1.1 million cut in funding from the Trump administration. The cut is a part of a repeal of a Biden administration priority to divert funding through Clean Water Act settlements to fix systems in disadvantaged communities.

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Regardless of race or social class, if theres a perception that the water isnt safe, these multibilliondollar water corporations and the government have an onus to make people feel safe, because they pay their bills. Everyone deserves that, said Kennedy Moehrs Gardner, who is a staff attorney with Equity Legal Services.

Equity Legal Services has spent years organizing Cahokia Heights residents, documenting flooding and sewage in homes, and filing federal lawsuits under the Clean Water Act to force the city and utilities to stop illegal discharges and repair neglected sewer and stormwater systems. The group also partnered with scientists and local organizations to support the community-led water testing.

The work is difficult under the Trump administration, Moehrs Gardner said. President Donald Trump has cut hundreds of millions of dollars meant to improve water systems in disadvantaged communities. This includes $14 million to install septic systems in majority-Black Alabama counties where many residents must pipe sewage from their homes onto their own property because there is no system in place to receive it. In Thomasville, Georgia, the EPA canceled a $20 million grant that was meant to address aging sewer lines in historically Black neighborhoods.

The impacts are documented. In Shaw, Mississippi, a low-income, predominantly Black community where heavy rains also routinely push sewage back into peoples homes, more than half of the towns kids reported having gastrointestinal illnesses, including intestinal parasites such as hookworm and high rates of gut inflammation.

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Still, even in best case scenarios, the government has historically failed to address these woes in a timely manner. Infrastructure projects typically work on a timeline that looks more like a childhood than an election cycle.

In Flint, Michigan, it took close to a decade after the water crisis for large federal grants and courtordered plans to translate into lead pipe replacement and slow declines in contamination at the tap. And in Kansas City, Missouri, a federal consent decree launched in 2010 committed the city to spend about $2.5 billion over 25 years to overhaul its sewer system. The program has already delivered dozens of major projects and measurable reductions in sewer overflows, but full compliance has been pushed out toward 2040 to keep the costs even remotely affordable for ratepayers.

Residents clean up around a flooded ditch in Cahokia Heights. (Courtesy of Centreville Citizens for Change)

A city questions if anyone cares about their health

According to Equity Legal Services, 118 water samples were taken in Cahokia Heights. Twenty-six tested positive for coliform and eight others were contaminated with E.coli.

Residents and volunteers worked with Washington University scientists to design an EPA-style sampling protocol, using Color Alert testing kits to look for bacterial contamination in tap water. They collected samples monthly from homes over seven months, and when a test came back positive, they returned within 24 hours to take confirmatory upstream and downstream samples from nearby houses, sending one bottle from each site to a certified lab and another to a community lab where residents incubated the samples and checked for E. coli under UV light.

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Elin Warn Betanzo, a former U.S. EPA employee who worked to uncover the Flint water crisis, provided technical support for the community water testing. She said local officials need to believe the E. coli results.

We found it more than once. It was not a fluke, she said.

Last year, she was removed from an EPA drinking water advisory council for criticizing the Trump administration.

Cahokia Heights water provider insists everything meets standards. Cahokia Heights city attorney Erica Spitzig said the city investigated the water complaints and did not identify an issue within its system.

In a statement, Illinois American Water said the company follows approved regulatory protocols to sample and test our water routinely, in Cahokia Heights and everywhere in Illinois that we serve, and meets or surpasses all bacterial water quality standards set by the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA.

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In response, Moehrs Gardner said, Its interesting that [Illinois American Water] says, Theres nothing wrong with our system, our water is fine, when were not able to point to any data that theyve replaced all the pipes or addressed the infrastructure issue and people are still getting sick.

The water company pointed to the fact that the towns water issues are traced back to sewage issues that are handled by the local government. The situation has highlighted, as experts have long pointed out, the fragmented governmental process that requires city, county, state, and federal partners to work in tandem with private companies across infrastructure projects.

For Cahokia Heights resident Arianna Norris-Landry, she cares less about who is at fault and more about who will fix it. The most devastating part is watching the impacts on the elderly and young children.

It just needs to be fixed, she said. Im 65 this year. I know a lot of people my age that are living here, that own their house like I do, and cant afford to move.

And the kids, Ive seen impacts on them, mentally and physically, she added. Were seeing birth effects in this city, all the same defects from newborns to people aged 81, so thats how long its been going on.

Thats how long they havent given a damn about anybody that lives here.

Read More:

This story has been updated.

The post This Black Town Has E. Coli in Its Drinking Water, but Feds Just Cut Support appeared first on Capital B News.




A Blue Bell truck driver was taken to a hospital as a precaution after the truck landed in a detention pond, according to the Spring Fire Department.

The department responded Thursday morning to the crash involving a Blue Bell truck that ended up in a detention pond behind a Chevron gas station on Aldine Westfield Road, a Facebook post said.

Spring Fire Engine 73 to the rescue as a Blue Bell Ice Cream truck lands in a detention pond behind a Chevron station on Aldine Westfield this morning.

The driver was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. A heavy wrecker has been called out to remove the truck. #hounews pic.twitter.com/LR31es5Vys - Spring Fire Department (@Springfdtx) March 26, 2026

A heavy-duty wrecker was called to get the truck out of the detention pond, according to the post.

This is a developing story.

This article originally published at Blue Bell truck lands in Spring detention pond behind Chevron, fire department says.
The body of a teen who has been missing for days was found, northwest Indiana police said Thursday.

The body of Rodrigo Montes, 18, of Lake Station was found about 11:20 a.m. Thursday, after a lengthy and extensive operation, Lake Station police said.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Dive Team found the body, police said.

The teen was last seen at a gathering Sunday night.

Montes' family says the River Forest High School senior told them he was getting a ride home from a friend early Monday.

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Hours later, Lake Station police say, a truck was found submerged in the Deep River near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street just before 4:30 a.m. Monday. Police said "a male subject" was believed to have been inside.

The man's family says the truck belonged to his friend.

The Lake County Coroner's Office said it responded to the area of 29th Avenue and Wyoming Street in Lake Station to recover Montes' body.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

A suspect is in custody with charges pending, police said.

"The City of Lake Station extends its deepest condolences to the family members affected by this tragedy," police said.

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Montes' family said they spoke with the man's friend.

"The vehicle was submerged and he supposedly walked home. He didn't tell anybody about the accident. And now, he's denying that he's ever been involved," said Saul Montes, Rico's brother.

Chopper 7 captured video of dive teams in the water as Montes' family and friends conducted an hours-long search on the ground. A black pickup truck could be seen upside-down in the water.

Montes' family was just starting to plan his high school graduation party.

"Rico's been the baby of the family. He's the littlest one," Saul Montes said.

His family released a statement Thursday that said:

"We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire community for coming together with strength, support, and determination in the search for Rodrigo. Your prayers, shares, and efforts truly made a difference during such a difficult time. Today, March 26th, the Indiana State Dive Team was able to locate Rodrigo. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful that the family can now begin to find closure. Please continue to keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss."
Search crews have recovered the body of a man who has been missing since he escaped from a Massachusetts hospital in October, the district attorney said Thursday.

Authorities identified Leonard Mercury, 57, of Acton, after search crews pulled his body from Crystal Lake in Gardner, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said in a statement.

Mercury was last seen leaving Heywood Hospital in Gardner, where he was being held for a mental health evaluation, shortly before 2 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2025.

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Mercury broke a window at Heywood Hospital and jumped from the roof into the bushes below before fleeing the property, according to an email from the hospital to Mercurys wife, Nicole La Guerre.

Gardner police seek publics help searching for a missing man, concerned about his well-being

La Guerre appealed to the public for help in finding her husband shortly after he went missing.

I am expecting the absolute worst. Im hoping that what my brain is saying is not whats happening, La Guerre, who shares two sons with Mercury, told Boston 25 in early November.

At the time, Gardner Police searched for Mercury but were unable to locate him.

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Over several months, several searches also involved Westminster Police, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team, the Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team, and the Massachusetts State Police Marine and K-9 units.

On Wednesday, Gardner Police conducted an aerial search of Crystal Lake using drone technology.

The drones revealed what appeared to be a human body floating in the water, Early said.

The Massachusetts State Police Dive Team then recovered Mercurys body.

An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, Early said.

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The incident remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office, State Police Crime Scene Services, and the police departments in Gardner and Westminster.

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
Our young people are going to have significant challenges around coming of age and joining the work world at a time when we are first testing the most powerful technologies to come our way in a long time, and possibly, forever. No one really knows exactly how things will work when fully humanoid robots are walking among us, doing tasks that used to be our unique responsibilities, and having emotional and cognitive influence on us.

But we can help the next generations prepare, by offering AI literacy, the opportunity for new career pros to figure out how to use AI to their advantage.

Now, Boston is the first city to give this kind of training to all public high school students . Thats possible in part through a contribution of a million dollars from Paul English. As a proud Boston Latin School graduate, English is the founder or co-founder of several non-profit organizations and technology companies, including Deets, Kayak, Moonbeam, Reki, Xiangqi.com, FunContact, Lola, GetHuman, Boston Light, and Intermute, Embrace Boston, Winter Walk for Homelessness, and Institute for Applied AI.

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A Bostoner by origin and at heart, English has pledged this involvement to help make sure young people in Boston are supported, and that opportunity is universal. Theres a grand coalition at work, though, including the University of Massachusetts and the hard-working educators and administrators in the public school system.

How it Works

In addition to receiving the grant money, theres more involved in building out this effort. The schools will partner with UMass Bostons Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute in working on curriculum and promoting continuing education for instructors. The city will also develop an AI Industry Advisory Board to help plan.

BPS educators will get advanced technology training and support so that they can help BPS students develop a deep knowledge of AI; students will also get expanded opportunities and be able to access specialized career pathways and take college-level AI courses.

Our students are the future of this city and its our job to ensure that they are prepared to excel in a world with rapidly changing technology, like AI, and we are grateful for Englishs generous partnership, said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. We want all of our students to have access to this kind of knowledge and real-world experiences that will open doors for them. Through this partnership, we are building a strong, systemwide approach to AI literacy and ethics, which can expand opportunities for our students and supports our educators in this evolving work.

Oct 31, 2023  Panel at the Announcement of the Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute is the nations first university-based institute dedicated to optimizing and democratizing the use of AI tools across a broad range of professions. The goal of the Institute is to give UMass Boston students in every fieldwho overwhelmingly join the Massachusetts workforce after graduationthe skills to excel in and shape the increasingly AI-powered world of work. UMass Boston

Pride in Boston

At a recent event, English gave us some thoughts about the pending program.

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Boston is known as a city of innovation; many things in this country, and in the world, were invented here in Boston and pioneered in Boston, he said proudly. I'm excited that the mayor and her administration, and Mary Skipper and the rest of the team, is pushing ahead with AI literacy for everyone who graduates from Boston Public Schools.

He explained how, in his view, this will aid and assist students, as well as the community as a whole.

This will not only help the students in terms of becoming better students, using AI interactively to quiz them, keep them up to date, help them where they might miss something in a classroom and really working with the teachers, but it's also going to help their families. Many times, with new technology, it's the young people who bring new technology in. And I look forward to the students at Boston public schools teaching their parents how to use AI, and how they should think about AI ethically, how to tell when AI is not accurate, and how to use AI critically.

Then he spoke to the positive economic impact:

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When people graduate from Boston Public Schools, whether they go off to college, to UMass or another university, or if they decide to start working, right after graduating Boston public high school, their training at Boston public high school in AI will advance their companies in Boston. So I look at the announcement today as something also for the Boston economy, that Boston will become an AI-forward City, because of the students at Boston Public Schools, who will train the companies in Boston on how to get more customers, how to build better products, how to build better services.

This was really interesting to me. Back in 2023, Paul came to an event where I hosted 60 5-minute talks on AI. He admitted, at that point, to having a short attention span. But dont we all at this point? Anyway, he was already thinking about AI at the time, and about stakeholders like UMass, and asked me to be on a panel related to this.

Now, just a couple of years later, look how far we all have come.

Other Input from Leaders

The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, also spoke up about the citys involvement, and what this new program will mean for Bostoners.

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This is a public/private partnership between city government, higher education and industry that will position Boston Public Schools as a leader in AI fluency, as well as the understanding for all of our students to recognize the full context of this world, Wu said.

We have already seen the potential and the impact of AI on many industries, impact that is transformational, and happening even faster and faster by the day, Wu said, also noting potential challenges. We also recognize the risks and pitfalls that can happen with such a quickly evolving situation, and as we're headed into new territory. So this programming is really holistic. It recognizes that every one of our students and every one of our community members deserve a good, paying, dignified job, and a community grounded in human connection, with the tools to help support that in every way possible.

Well said.

So its a collaborative program, and as some of the documentation shows, stakeholders are still reaching out to, in the words of a press statement, invite the broader public and industry leaders to join.

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Students also got up to talk about how AI has helped them, and leaders in business and government brainstormed about how all of this will help. Governor Maura Healey has already developed a task force and other resources for helping Massachusetts to be first in AI, and we have robust partnerships across the state, and in Boston, in the MIT community. But its exciting to think that this program will bring inclusion to all Boston-area high schoolers. Its a good sign for the future, in my view. Stay tuned.

1300 photos I took at the at the announcement today (in random order) HERE.
A new law passed in Brazil designed to bolster the fight against organized crime will allow authorities to seize digital assets from criminals and potentially use them in the publics interest.

The Anti-Gang Law was signed into law by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday, creating much harsher penalties for crime leaders while providing authorities the means for the financial, logistical, and material strangulation of organized crime entities.

The law represents progress in combating organized crime, by incorporating mechanisms for financial strangulation and strengthening the state's capacity to respond to the growing complexity of these criminal structures, said Brazils Minister of Justice and Public Security Wellington Lima, in a statement.

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The focus is on reaching their highest levels, with more effective instruments and coordinated action, he added.

While the bill does not specifically mention any crypto assets by name, it allows judges to order precautionary measures like seizure, attachment, blocking or freezing of movable and immovable property, rights and assets, including digital or virtual assets in cases where there is sufficient evidence of a serious crime as defined in the law.

In certain cases, the judge may also be able to authorize the early sale of assets, with proceeds then flowing to public security funds.

Custody of seized assets based on precautionary measures will fall to the public authorities, except in cases where a judge determines the material impossibility or technical inadequacy of custody by the public authorities is demonstrated.

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In other jurisdictions, authorities have had difficulty in maintaining custody of crypto assets gathered from investigations. For example, law enforcement in South Korea didnt adhere to crypto custody guidelines, and lost access to $1.4 million in Bitcoin.

Later, representatives for the National Tax Service in South Korea posted photos of seed phrases, the 12-word phrases that unlock a crypto wallets private key, allowing an unknown individual to grab $4.8 million in crypto tokens at face valuebefore ultimately returning them.

The newly passed law in Brazil was sent to congress in November as the nations government and central bank introduced proposals to crack down on crime and illegal Bitcoin or stablecoin use. The nation also clamped down on an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in September.
BLOOM isn't a startup accelerator or a typical fintech partnership. MAS launched it in October 2025, building on Project Orchida digital Singapore dollar initiative that ran over ten pilots since 2021. The program has 16 members including some of the biggest names in global banking and payments, and getting into BLOOM means MAS vetted Ripple's infrastructure and considered it credible enough for supervised testing with real trade flows. Singapore runs one of the strictest regulatory environments for digital assets anywhere, so passing that bar carries weight.

When a predefined condition is metlike a customs API confirming that cargo has arrivedthe smart contract triggers an automatic RLUSD payment to the exporter. No bank has to manually review documents or push the payment through. The traditional version of this process uses letters of credit and correspondent banks, and it typically takes five to ten days. The SC+ model compresses that to minutes and is aimed at smaller businesses that get priced out of trade finance because they can't afford the fees.

Ripple's partner in the pilot is Unloq, a Singapore-based supply chain finance firm that built a platform called SC+. Unloq bundles trade obligations, settlement terms, and financing workflows into one system running on the XRP Ledger.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans ? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

It's a significant move for Ripple's institutional credibility, and one of the clearest signs yet that regulators are taking RLUSD seriously as a settlement asset. But for XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) holders watching the price sit at $1.40, the question is if any of this actually reaches the token.

Ripple just got added to one of the most exclusive financial sandboxes in the world. BLOOM is a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) initiative that tests how stablecoins and tokenized assets can settle real cross-border payments, and the other participants include JP Morgan, DBS, Circle, Stripe, and Coinbase. Ripple is using the sandbox to pilot automated trade finance settlements with RLUSD on the XRP Ledgerreplacing the manual letters of credit process that has slowed cross-border trade for decades.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans ? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

XRPLs auto-bridging and Permissioned DEX create an indirect path for XRP demand, but the Clarity Act needs to pass before banks will use XRP as a bridge asset at scale.

The pilot uses RLUSD as the settlement asset, not XRP, and 88% of RLUSDs $1.56 billion supply sits on Ethereummeaning most of the stablecoins growth doesnt create direct demand for XRP.

Story Continues

Circle is already a founding BLOOM member, which means Ripples RLUSD is competing directly against USDC inside the same sandbox. But the two stablecoins are being tested for different things. Circle's USDC is primarily a payment and treasury tool. Ripple is going deeper by testing whether RLUSD can handle condition-based settlement tied to physical supply chain events, giving it a trade finance use case that USDC hasn't demonstrated in BLOOM yet.

Does the BLOOM Pilot Actually Help the XRP Price?

Sundays Photography / Shutterstock.com  Sundays Photography / Shutterstock.com

The BLOOM pilot settles trade payments in RLUSD, not XRP, and that distinction is key. Around 88% of RLUSD's $1.56 billion supply sits on Ethereum, not the XRP Ledger, which means most of the stablecoin's activity doesn't touch XRP at all. Even the portion that runs on XRPL burns roughly 0.00001 XRP per transactionyou could push Visa-level volume through the ledger and barely dent the supply. This is a win for Ripple's enterprise business but not a direct catalyst for the XRP price.

It also fits a pattern that's been building all month. Ripple joined Mastercard's Crypto Partner Program on March 11, launched a full institutional stack in Brazil on March 17, and now entered BLOOM on March 25. That is three major wins in three weeks, and XRP has barely moved from $1.40. Ripple is valued at $50 billion while XRP has dropped by 62% from its cycle high. The company keeps growing, but the XRP token doesn't reflect it.

Date Ripple Announcement XRP Usage March 11 Mastercard Crypto Partner Program No (RLUSD settlement) March 17 Brazil full-stack launch and VASP license Partially (Braza Bank uses XRP as bridge) March 25 MAS BLOOM sandbox with Unloq No (RLUSD settlement)

The XRP Ledger does have a built-in feature called auto-bridging that routes trades through XRP when it gives a better rate than a direct swap. A Permissioned DEX launched on XRPL in February for regulated institutions, and Braza Bank in Brazil is already using XRP as a bridge currency on the ledger. If RLUSD activity starts shifting from Ethereum onto XRPL at meaningful scale, that's when XRP starts to benefit. The BLOOM pilot at least runs on XRPL, which is more than most RLUSD activity can say right now.

Will Ripple's BLOOM Pilot Move the XRP Price?

BLOOM gives RLUSD a credibility stamp from one of the world's strictest regulators, but it won't move the XRP price on its own. The pilot runs on XRPL, which puts it closer to XRP than most of Ripple's recent deals, but the settlement asset is still RLUSD and the token demand is still indirect. For that to change, the Clarity Act needs to pass. The SEC's March 17 commodity classification is an interpretive release, not federal law, and banks won't use XRP as a bridge asset at scale until legislation makes that classification permanent.

If the Clarity Act clears committee and RLUSD activity gradually shifts onto the XRP Ledger instead of staying on Ethereum, the infrastructure Ripple is building through pilots like BLOOM will start to matter for XRP. And thats a process that could play out over years. BLOOM won't be the catalyst on its own, but it's one more piece of the infrastructure that has to exist before XRP's price catches up to Ripple's growth.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

You may think retirement is about picking the best stocks or ETFs and saving as much as possible, but you'd be wrong. After the release of a new retirement income report, wealthy Americans are rethinking their plans and realizing that even modest portfolios can be serious cash machines.

Many are even learning they can retire earlier than expected.

If you're thinking about retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.
Authorities in Brewster County are searching for information on a man who may be tied to a notorious family murder case in France from 2011.

The Brewster County Sheriffs Office said on Wednesday that they are looking for information on the whereabouts of a man they identified as Xavier Dupont de Ligonnes.

Authorities said the images of Ligonnes they shared are approximately 15 years old, but are the most recent known photos. A reverse image search of the images revealed that the individual identified could be a suspect in an infamous family murder case in which five bodies were found buried in the backyard of a family home in France.

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In April 2011, French police exhumed five bodies from the yard of a house in the city of Nantes, France. The bodies are believed to be those of 49-year-old Agnes Dupont de Ligonnes, and her four children: Arthur, Thomas, Anne, and Benoit  who were all between the ages of 13 and 21.

The husband and father of the family and the suspect in the murders is identified as Xavier Dupont de Liognnes, who has not been seen since April of the same year.

We reached out to the Brewster County Sheriff's Office for more information on why they're searching for Liognnes and for confirmation on whether the Xavier Dupont de Liognnes they're searching for is the same man tied to the French murders, but have not heard back.

Meanwhile, anyone with information on Ligonnes is advised to contact the Brewster County Sheriffs Office at 432-837-3488.
Cargill announced it intends to close a Miami Valley facility in the future.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, the food manufacturer confirmed its intention to close its Dayton facility on Needmore Road.

However, the facility will remain operational for the next 20 months or longer.

TRENDING STORIES:

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A company spokesperson confirmed the plant will gradually decrease production.

This closure is expected to affect regional agriculture, as almost 10% of Ohios corn production currently passes through the facility.

Nearby business owners expressed concern about the loss of regular customers and the potential for a decrease in local economic activity.

Carie Moore, owner of Dillons Tavern, said her business frequently serves the plants employees.

They come in after they get off work, get food and have really good roasted wings, Moore said.

She added that the Cargill employees are like family to her and her staff.

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The closure is also expected to reduce the truck traffic hauling corn along Needmore Road.

Moore explained that many long-haul drivers rely on the proximity of local businesses during their mandatory rest periods.

The truckers park over here overnight. And then they walk over here, were the closest thing, Moore said. They walk over here, they get something to eat and then they walk back. So theyre not going to be able to do that anymore.

While Moore acknowledged the benefit of the company providing a long transition period, she expressed concern regarding the current employment climate for the displaced workers.

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Im happy theyre telling them 20 months out. But to actually find a job in this economy, its hard, Moore said. And for the ones that can retire out, I hope they get to retire. I pray that they get their money, you know.

While the Dayton facility is slated to cease operations, Cargill maintains other assets in the region, including a shipping and receiving location in Sidney.

A specific date for the final day of operations has not been confirmed.

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When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

A prototype of a Canadian lunar rover in testing at the Canadian Space Agency, on moon-like terrain. | Credit: Canadian Space Agency

Canada will cancel its first rover mission to the moon's south pole as the Canadian government shifts its spending to other projects.

The water-seeking moon rover project, first announced by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2021 , is terminated in the department's spending plan for 2026-27. The news comes as NASA  a major CSA partner  makes big changes to its Artemis program of lunar exploration, including putting a long-planned moon-orbiting space station on hiatus to focus on a base on the surface.

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"It's hopefully not a lost cause," rover mission lead scientist Gordon Osinski, a professor of Earth and planetary materials at Canada's Western University, told Space.com. "We've built up knowledge. I think the science team has come a long way in the last couple of years. The faculty members on it, the researchers  also all of the graduate students and postdocs  they'll be able to take that knowledge that they've learned throughout their future careers."

Osinski, known in the lunar science community as Oz, said the science team received the news in February. His team spent a month "trying to fight the cancellation" to no avail. With NASA hoping, however, to start sending monthly robotic missions to the moon as soon as next year, Osinski said his team would be happy to offer expertise to these efforts  if they are asked.

CSA did not cite NASA's recent Artemis changes in its rationale for cutting the rover, instead pointing to a Canadian priority shift. "The government is committed to restraining the growth of day-to-day operational spending to make investments that will grow the economy and benefit Canadians," the CSA wrote.

A prominent example of current Canadian government space priorities (although CSA did not cite this) was shown earlier this month: The Canadian defense department committed $200 million CDN ($146 million) over the next 10 years to lease a launch pad in Canso, Nova Scotia, for eventual sovereign launches. Jobs and innovation were said to be benefits of the spaceport funding.

Decades of background work

The coffee-table-sized moon rover  whose launch was expected on Firefly Aerospace's 2029 mission funded by NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program  was tasked to search for lunar water ice, as well as to explore the moon's geology and environment. (Firefly and NASA have not publicly stated yet how the rover's expected spot on the lander will be reallocated.)

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The mission was supposed to carry six instruments to the moon's surface  five Canadian payloads and a NASA radiometer flying under a NASA-CSA agreement. The 77-pound (35 kilograms) vehicle also was expected to bring 20 years of Canada's space-rover knowledge into the spotlight: Oz confirmed that local expertise stemmed in large part from millions in stimulus spending the CSA gave for demonstration rover projects in the wake of the 2008 recession.

As is typical with Canadian missions, the lunar rover was positioned as a targeted niche project with a modest budget. The rover's cancellation was part of just $6.7 million CDN ($4.9 million) in cuts from the 2026-27 agency budget, in which CSA is expected to spend $913.9 million CDN (nearly $668 million).

Projecting out to the 2029 launch date, the CSA stated that removing the rover and eliminating 45 full-time-equivalent agency positions "through natural attrition and revised staffing" will save the agency a further $26 million CDN ($19 million) between 2027-28 and 2028-29.

The rover was being built by Ontario company Canadensys Aerospace, alongside industrial and academic partners, under a CSA contract for $43 million CDN ($31.4 million). Upon cancellation, the rover was at Phase C of development and approaching critical design review later this year. Canadensys stated it was "understandably disappointed" by the mission termination, and is speaking with European and American entities about other possible opportunities.

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Meanwhile, the 50-person rover science team will continue to see funding "for the length of their grants", CSA stated . Oz said those funding details are still being worked out.

"A lot of our support is still up in the air," he said. "And so, you know, the real honest answer is that I'm not entirely sure how much of what we originally proposed to do as a science team we will be continuing. I think that's still going to be answered over the next days and weeks, to get a bit more clarity on that."

An artist's rendering of a NASA Artemis moon base under construction. | Credit: NASA

Rover, repurposed

The rover-planning work will be used, CSA emphasized on an updated mission-description page , for projects such as a planned Canadian lunar utility rover  essentially, a cargo vehicle for astronaut missions landing no earlier than 2033. Three companies  Canadensys, Canadarm manager MDA Space and rover-software company Mission Control  are all doing CSA-funded preparatory studies for the utility vehicle ahead of prime contractor selection.

Oz also drew a direct link between the rover's landing-site characterization, which Western did on behalf of Firefly, to the first Artemis landing mission with humans.

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Firefly's CLPS mission will touch down at the moon's south pole on the rim of Haworth Crater. Oz has two students and a postdoc who not only worked on that team but who are also assisting Oz as he co-leads the science excursion work for the first Artemis astronaut landing, which is expected no sooner than 2028 on the Artemis 4 mission.

Days from Artemis 2?

CSA's rover-cessation announcement was tied to fiscal budget-deployment milestones in the Canadian government. By coincidence, however, the news came just days before the possible launch of one of the highest-profile Canadian space missions in history: CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be one of the four astronauts flying on the NASA-led Artemis 2 , which will lift off as soon as April 1 to take a 10-day loop around the moon.

Hansen, a mission specialist, will join NASA commander Reid Wiseman , NASA pilot Victor Glover and NASA mission specialist Christina Koch on the first crewed moon mission since Apollo 17 landed there in 1972. Hansen will be the first non-American to do a moon mission, while Glover and Koch will be the first person of color and woman, respectively, to do so.

Western University was not only the science lead for the canceled moon rover, but in a typical link showing how closely Canadian space missions are related, it was also among the partners in Hansen's training. In September 2023, Oz led Hansen, other Artemis 2 astronauts, and researchers in exploring a moon-like crater in northern Labrador, Canada. (Hansen has participated in many such remote geology excursions with Oz since first joining the CSA in 2009.)

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The canceled moon rover foreshadowed larger uncertainty in Canadian lunar projects as of Tuesday (March 24). As part of its Artemis planning, NASA announced it would "pause" Gateway  a moon-orbiting space station with international contributions  in favor of deploying infrastructure to a lunar base. Gateway was supposed to be maintained by MDA Space's Canadarm3, a CSA-funded robotic arm used to pay for Hansen's seat and Canadian science on Artemis 2, as well as future Artemis opportunities.
A judge Wednesday dismissed a rare felony case against an FBI counterterrorism task force officer accused of recklessly crashing into a car and injuring a man while investigating a high-profile case.

The felony case against Federal Air Marshal John Francis Schoen was dismissed by 81-3 District Court Judge Christopher Martin after Schoen's lawyer argued the since-retired federal agent, who was assigned to an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, was entitled to immunity.

In dropping the case, Iosco County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Mong wrote that Schoen "has immunity as a federal law enforcement officer." Federal officers are immune from state prosecution if they were performing an act authorized by law and if the agent did no more than what was necessary and proper, Schoen's defense lawyer, Marc Curtis, argued.

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Schoen, 53, of Belleville, should never have been charged with a crime, Curtis said in a statement to The Detroit News on Thursday.

"Attempting to criminally charge a federal officer engaged in a coordinated terrorism investigation was not only legally flawed, it was fundamentally inconsistent with long-standing constitutional protections," Curtis wrote.

"This case represents a troubling example of what happens when the realities of policing and national security operations are ignored in favor of hindsight and public narrative," he added. "Officers cannot be expected to act decisively to protect the public if they face prosecution for doing exactly what their duties require."

Schoen was facing one count of reckless driving causing serious impairment of body function and was released on $10,000 bond after pleading not guilty to a charge that carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

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The case against Schoen stemmed from a terrorism investigation that drew international attention in 2021 after a retired miner was accused of leaving pipe bombs and ominous letters across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

The criminal case against Schoen focused on a crash in September 2021 in Whittemore, a city of about 400 people 16 miles west of Tawas City and more than a two-hour drive north of Detroit. At the time, FBI task force members were conducting surveillance of John Douglas Allen, 79, who was suspected of orchestrating a campaign of terror across northern Michigan with makeshift bomb and coded letters.

More: Retired miner placed homemade pipe bombs near Michigan stores, FBI says

More: Retired miner sentenced to federal prison after FBI finds homemade pipe bombs

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At the time of the crash, Schoen was traveling in an unmarked black 2014 Hyundai sedan. He told investigators he was headed north on M-65 and tried to pass a 2011 Ford Explorer when he struck the vehicle as the motorist tried to turn left.

"Where the crash occurred, there was a solid, double, yellow, center line," a state police trooper wrote in a statement attached to the complaint.

The crash injured motorist Robert Leslie, who was hospitalized after complaining about injuries to his head and arm.

The day of the crash, Schoen was part of a team maintaining perimeter surveillance on Allen, the suspect's wife and home. Members of a Hostage Rescue Team were preparing to raid the home when Allen's wife went outside and drove to the local library to attend a town hall meeting.

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"Due to the fact that Allen was utilizing sophisticated counter-surveillance techniques and the nature of the threat involved explosives, the (task force) determined that the wife needed to be treated as a potential threat to public safety...," Schoen's lawyer wrote in an earlier court filing.

FBI task force members "determined that if the wife was allowed to return home, just as the (Hostage Rescue Team) was breaching the residence, it would create a volatile and uncontrolled situation that could trigger a violent encounter in a residential area," Curtis wrote.

Investigators decided to conduct a traffic stop on the wife's vehicle. During the stop, a task force member requested "urgent backup," the lawyer wrote.

Schoen, parked at a nearby gas station in a government-issued vehicle equipped with emergency lights, immediately headed to the traffic stop one mile away.

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"...Schoen made the decision to maintain tactical silence by not activating his siren based on the proximity to the target residence as a siren would have alerted Allen that law enforcement was in the area," Curtis wrote.

"...Schoen believed that activating the audible siren would compromise the (team's) entry, putting every agent on the scene at risk," the lawyer added. "...Schoen believed this action was necessary and proper to ensure the safety of the federal operation."

Then the federal agent crossed the double yellow line and tried to pass Leslie.

"The Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution is clear that federal officers acting within the scope of their duties cannot be subjected to state prosecution for carrying out those responsibilities," Curtis wrote to The News. "That principle exists to ensure that federal law enforcement are able to perform critical national security functions without interference or hesitation.

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"While we are relieved that these charges have been dismissed, the damage done to Federal Air Marshal Schoen, his family, and the broader law enforcement community remains," Curtis added.

rsnell@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: FBI counterterrorism officer wins immunity fight as state drops charge
A Lehigh County commissioner is facing more than 100 new charges in connection with a large-scale drug investigation.

Zach Cole-Borghi is accused of selling cocaine from multiple locations, including his home and Bethlehem City Hall, where he was employed.

Cole-Borghi was one of 22 suspects arrested last year after investigators uncovered a widespread drug operation.

On Wednesday, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office detailed the additional charges stemming from search warrants. A forensic review of Cole-Borghi's cellphone allegedly revealed drug transactions dating from November 2023 through August 2025.

Authorities say text messages identified several locations where the alleged deals took place, including Cole-Borghi's Bethlehem home, a relative's residence, and Bethlehem City Hall.

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According to the district attorney's office, Cole-Borghi even facilitated a drug transaction during a Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting, as well as during a "Peace and Justice Symposium" at Northampton County Community College that he attended.

The new charges include 89 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 14 counts of delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), and one count of delivery of a controlled substance (psilocybin mushrooms).

On Wednesday night, members of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners addressed the situation publicly as a governing body.

"He should step down and allow the county to move forward," said Jeff Barber of North Whitehall Township.

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Some members of the board echoed that stance.

Commissioner Antonio Pineda said, "For the good of the county, to maintain public confidence, he should resign immediately."

"I believe that Commissioner Cole-Borghi can no longer effectively perform his duties," said Commissioner Ron Beitler.

Commissioner Shiela Alvarado said the choice is up to Cole-Borghi but urged him to prioritize facing the charges against him.

Commissioner Jon Irons was a lone voice of support, listing many of Cole-Borgi's accomplishments, saying, "Zach continues to have my utmost support and respect."

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Despite the charges, county officials say state law allows Cole-Borghi to remain in office for now. County Executive Josh Seigel addressed the issue, noting the legal limitations on removing an elected official.

"Until he's convicted, he has every legal right to hold that office. His circumstances will certainly present a challenge to how he can govern," Seigel said.

Seigel acknowledged the situation presents challenges for county leadership but said the board of commissioners will continue to function and operate effectively.

Cole-Borghi was taken into custody on Wednesday and is being held on $500,000 bail.
Eight teens were charged after a disturbance in the Loop Wednesday night, Chicago police said.

Hundreds of teenagers packed sidewalks; they could be seen running around near State and Randolph streets.

One person was taken away in a stretcher. Other teens were taken away in handcuffs, as Chicago police officers attempted to disperse the crowds.

Seven juveniles, a 13-year-old girl, 14-year-old girl, 15-year-old girl, 15-year-old boy, 16-year-old girl and two 16-year-old boys, were each charged with reckless conduct. One of the juveniles, the 15-year-old boy, also had an issuance of a warrant.

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One juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, was charged with aggravated assault of peace officers, reckless conduct and a citation for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.

There were 24 curfew violations issued.

Dr. Sandie Norman, a community organizer, was there and shared what she saw.

"I was there while children were being handcuffed. Some of the youth, the police could not cause them to calm down, and so there were children that were taken to, I believe it was the First District. I had children last night that didn't have bus fare to get home, where I have to put them in my car and take them. You know, I'm a parent. Where are the parents at?"

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Norman said she saw fighting, as well.

"A lot of times when the fighting happens, it just causes, you know, the crowds, you know, to go crazy. And so you had a lot of youth out running around, just youth, you know, everywhere, youth running down blocks. I mean, it was a chaotic situation," she said.

Alderman Brian Hopkins, who chairs the city's Public Safety Committee, was also there.

He said at the height of the disturbance, there were an estimated 300 teens downtown.

Hopkins said there seemed to be more fights than other gatherings that have happened in the past.

"It seemed to me that there were more fights than you typically see in teen trends like this. Again, I think that's because this wasn't one cohesive group. It was smaller groups coming together. And you know, there's preexisting rivalries; there's arguments and taunting on social media," Hopkins said.

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He said a curfew was enforced at 10 p.m., and shortly afterwards crowds began to disperse.

"When they started making curfew apprehensions, the teens began to leave and the events started to wind down," Alderman Hopkins said. "So once again it's definitive proof that curfews can work to prevent these activities from happening. There was no reports last night of shots fired. That's the best news in all of this. No one lost their life."

Hopkins has supported curfews to prevent large teen gatherings.

"We got calls from some of the businesses that were open during these events, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, a few others, where the fights that were on the sidewalk spilled inside, and that's terrifying to the customers. It's terrifying to the employees who have nowhere to run," Hopkins said.

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Last November, after the tree lightning ceremony, multiple teens were injured and 14-year-old Armani Floyd was shot and killed following a large teen gathering downtown.

This is the first time this year that Chicago police have had to deal with a mass gathering of teens downtown.

Hopkins renewed calls for the City Council to pass a revised curfew ordinance that would allow police to impose earlier curfews when situations arise prior to 10 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed a previous version last summer and has been on record saying the current curfew works.

"It's an effective tool, and it works. He needs to get out of the way and let us pass it," Hopkins said.

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One mayoral ally says the city needs to do more to give young people better options in their communities.

"These are literally kids that don't have the basic things that allow kids to simply have fun in the communities that they're from, and so what this is is a cry for help. This is a cry for young people to be heard," 6th Ward Alderman William Hall said.

The mayor's office said in a statement:

"Utilizing the existing curfew laws, CPD worked alongside CVI workers present on the scene and the Cook County Sheriff's Office to safely disperse a group of young people who had gathered downtown and restored order to the affected area.

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"In coordination with CVI partners, the Chicago Police Department managed and mitigated a separate gathering on the South Side earlier in the evening, dispersing a crowd of more than 100 individuals using long-standing enforcement strategies and existing laws. Fortunately no one sustained significant injuries.

"We are confident that the City's public safety infrastructure and current laws equip CPD with the tools needed to effectively mitigate these incidents when they cannot be prevented in advance.

"The Mayor's remains in close coordination with local law enforcement and community partners ensure the safety of every neighborhood in our city.

"We encourage parents and guardians to keep track of their children and monitor their whereabouts and their social media accounts."
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

An illustration showing how the gamma-ray cavity forms near Earth's magnetic field. . | Credit: Shang et al., Sci. Adv. 12, eadv1908

Could being a "morning person" improve your health  on the moon? Scientists have identified what appears to be a "cavity" of reduced cosmic radiation near Earth's moon. The finding could help lower astronauts' exposure to harmful radiation on future lunar missions by timing some surface operations for local morning hours.

The discovery, based on data from China's Chang'e-4 lunar lander , suggests Earth's magnetic field may affect distances in space farther than scientists previously expected. According to the researchers, the finding challenges the long-held assumption that galactic cosmic rays are roughly uniform throughout the space between Earth and the moon outside our planet's protective magnetic field.

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The study, published Wednesday (March 25) in the journal Science Advances , analyzed measurements from the Lunar Lander Neutron and Dosimetry experiment aboard Chang'e-4. Researchers reported a region of reduced galactic cosmic rays during the moon's local morning, roughly a few hours after lunar sunrise.

Cosmic rays are among the biggest radiation hazards for astronauts traveling beyond low Earth orbit. These high-energy particles can penetrate spacecraft and human tissue, in turn damaging DNA and increasing the risk of cancer. With more crewed trips planned to the moon, starting with NASA's Artemis II mission launching as soon as April 1, researchers said a better map of radiation intensity could help mission planners reduce astronauts' radiation exposure during surface explorations.

"The next landings will probably be in the polar regions," which can be permanently sunlit, Robert Wimmer-Schweingruber , a professor at the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics at Kiel University in Germany and a corresponding author of the study, told Live Science in an email. He said lunar morning appears to be the best time for excursions because it reduces the amount of radiation on astronauts' skin by about 20% compared to average radiation levels on the moon.

Calculating cosmic rays

I had not expected to see this 'shadow' or cavity, Robert Wimmer-Schweingruber, professor at the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics at Kiel University

To find this cosmic-ray cavity, the researchers analyzed data collected over 31 lunar cycles from January 2019 to January 2022, focusing on quiet times in the solar cycle , when the measured space radiation was predominantly from galactic cosmic rays. They looked for repeated changes in Chang'e-4's measured proton counts from the rays as the moon moved through different parts of its orbit around Earth.

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The Lunar Lander Neutron and Dosimetry instrument recorded galactic cosmic ray protons in two energy ranges, which the researchers then grouped by lunar local time. They found that the lower-energy protons, in the 9.18 to 34.14 mega-electron-volt range, dropped by about 20% during the moon's local morning, during the moon's waxing gibbous phase (in the period between a new moon and a full moon) compared with later hours.

Because the decrease showed up in a specific, recurring part of the moon's waxing phase rather than across all times, the team inferred that the moon was passing through a real region of reduced cosmic ray radiation, which they believed was being created as Earth's magnetic field blocked some high-energy protons. To investigate this idea, they ran simulations of the protons' movement through the moon's orbit and found the same cavity.

"I had not expected to see this 'shadow' or cavity," Wimmer-Schweingruber said. "It makes absolute sense in retrospect, but I was very skeptical when I first saw this result," and that's why the team performed so many tests, he added.

Stretching Earth's magnetic influence

The findings point to a new picture of how cosmic radiation behaves between Earth and the moon. Scientists had generally believed that, once galactic cosmic rays crossed Earth's magnetosphere, they were spread fairly evenly throughout the Earth-moon space and were only minimally affected by Earth's magnetic field.

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"Basically this result means that the Earth's magnetosphere influences space even beyond its extension," Wimmer-Schweingruber said. The team expected Earth to affect the moon in the magnetotail , the long stream of magnetic field extending away from the sun on Earth's nightside, he noted, but they did not predict the similar effect ahead of the magnetosphere on the sunward side

A rendering of Earth's magnetotail extending behind it, away from the sun. | Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio - ADNET Systems, Inc./AJ Christensen, Kyoto University/Yusuke Ebihara, University of California, Berkeley/Robert Lillis, eMITS/Vanessa Thomas, eMITS/Joy Ng, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Scientists detect the most powerful cosmic rays ever  and their unknown source could be close to Earth

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Why does NASA let male astronauts stay in space longer than females?

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Wimmer-Schweingruber said future studies with bigger datasets could better define the size and behavior of this cavity, which could help pave the way for a more practical era of lunar exploration. He suggested a familiar rule of thumb may apply for safer moon missions: It's "best for astronauts to venture out onto the lunar surface in the local morning hours," Wimmer-Schweingruber said  "just like for humans on Earth!"

Moon quiz: What do you know about our nearest celestial neighbor?
Problems at U.S. airports could worsen beyond hours-long security lines and missed flights if Congress does not agree on a way to pay Transportation Security Administration officers. Federal officials have warned that staffing shortages may close some smaller airports to passengers and commercial flights.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the TSAs acting leaders said they expected more airport screeners to quit or call out of work after Friday, when TSA personnel were set to miss their second full paychecks since mid-February.

Johnny Jones, the leader of the labor union that represents TSA officers, said Thursday that the agency created a list of about 75 airports that could be closed to free up officers to send to major hubs with long security wait times. Jones suggested that could mean that flights at decent-sized airports surrounding large hubs could be grounded if the security officers are reassigned. Previously most of the speculation had focused on tiny airports with only a few officers operating a single checkpoint.

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Jones said he hasn't seen the list, and the airports on it haven't been made public.

But President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will sign an emergency order to pay TSA officers as Congress struggles to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

The officers have been required to work without pay since funding for DHS, which the TSA falls under, lapsed on Feb. 14. If Trump succeeds in finding a way to pay them, that may bring an end to the recent extreme security delays at airports.

This level of disruption is unprecedented, Ha Nguyen McNeill, the agencys acting administrator, said of the financial strain on TSA workers leading to high absentee rates. We are being forced to consolidate lanes, and may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough officers.

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McNeill, who spoke during a House committee hearing on Wednesday, did not specify at what point closures might occur. She said the TSA officer staffing shortages were a fluid, challenging and unpredictable situation.

The agency has to look at it as, Wow man, at the end of the day, we still have to do essential work and protect the American people. It becomes very difficult to do when you have this going on, said Jones, the secretary and treasurer for Council 100 of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Jones added that officers who fear they could be reassigned are worrying about how they would adjust. It could mean spending more money on longer commutes, or temporarily upending their lives to stay in a faraway city.

About 11% of officers nationwide missed scheduled shifts this week, but at some airports, the share has topped 40% on some days, according to DHS. Passengers standing in massive security lines have filled terminal lobbies and stretched out the door at times in Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta.

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Here are some things to know about the DHS funding lapses impact on air travel and the questions that remain:

How likely is it that the funding lapse will lead to airport closures?

With few confirmed details, its hard to say. But officials have suggested that the possibility of closing airports will become more likely the longer TSA workers go without pay.

Aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson, whose research contributed to the design of TSA PreCheck, said that Trump administration officials appear to be floating the possibility of closed airports in an effort to pressure Congress to reach an agreement on funding DHS.

This is a situation that, once again, the politicians are trying to move the needle to get people to compromise by making threats. Are these threats realistic? Yes. Are they a good idea? No, Jacobson said.

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Jacobson and other aviation experts said the messaging also suggests that sending federal immigration officers to help out at airports with security staffing problems hasnt been a successful solution.

The White House has said ICE officers helped reduce lines by monitoring crowds and checking IDs. TSA union leaders and other critics have called the move ineffective, arguing that immigration officers dont have the required expertise and experience.

Which airports are the most at risk for closures?

Larger airports with hundreds of officers can close some of their checkpoints and even their TSA PreCheck lanes and continue operating. The smallest of the 440 U.S. airports with security screeners dont have that option.

Smaller airports that only have a single checkpoint might have to shut down temporarily if they cant get enough officers to operate them. That could happen if a number of their officers dont report for any given shift.

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Small airports have a smaller pool of people that you can draw from to keep the airport open, explained Eric Chaffee, a Case Western Reserve law professor who studies risk management, including in the aviation industry. Larger airports, by contrast, are often much better able to absorb a handful of people calling out.

The closing of these airports would likely be uneven, Chaffee said  potentially affecting facilities ranging from airports with just a few gates to small regional hubs. But, he warned, that any temporary closure of small airports could cascade through the broader air traffic network because it is a highly interconnected web.

What would be the impact of small airport closures?

Experts stressed there would be consequences for the aviation system as a whole.

Every airport, no matter its size, has some impact to the National Airspace System, said airport security expert Jeff Price.

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Jacobson, who is a professor at the University of Illinois, said airlines rely on passengers from small airports to fill out their flights at major hubs.

Others point to ripple effects for the communities smaller airports serve.

Despite the fact that were talking about small regional airports, this is a big deal, Chaffee said, pointing to disruptions for both businesses and travelers. Ultimately, if this does occur, having to drive a half hour to an airport is a lot different than having to drive three hours to an airport.

If flights stop operating at some smaller airports, it could hit nearby communities and their economies hard, especially businesses operating in hospitality and tourism. It could also jeopardize airport workers' jobs, such as janitors and employees of restaurants and shops that serve travelers.

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Meanwhile, financial strains would continue to pile up for TSA officers going without pay.

With there being a slew of potential economic repercussions from air travel disruptions, Jacobson said We are playing with fire right now when we are threatening such a large contributor to our GDP.

___

AP Airlines and Travel Writer Rio Yamat contributed to this story.
Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF ( NYSEARCA:PRF ) applies the RAFI methodology to roughly 1,000 large US companies, making it the most straightforward entry point into fundamental indexing for investors who want large-cap exposure without abandoning familiar names entirely.

The RAFI approach weights companies by measures of economic footprint  sales, cash flow, dividends, and book value. These replace stock price multiplied by shares outstanding. The result is a portfolio that naturally tilts toward cheaper stocks, since a company trading at a low multiple relative to its fundamentals will receive more weight than its market cap alone would suggest. This creates a built-in value tilt without explicitly screening for value stocks.

Market-cap weighting has a structural flaw that most investors overlook: it automatically overweights whatever has already gotten expensive. The four ETFs below take a different approach, using fundamental data and systematic factor tilts to build portfolios that are less beholden to price momentum and more anchored to economic reality. Two follow the Research Affiliates Fundamental Index (RAFI) methodology. Two come from Dimensional Fund Advisors. Together they cover US large-cap, US small-cap, US targeted value, and international value  four distinct angles on the same core idea.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans ? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

Fundamental indexing and factor-based approaches address the structural flaw in market-cap weighting by anchoring portfolios to business economics rather than price momentum, with international and small-cap versions of these strategies capturing distinct market inefficiencies.

Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) weights 1,000 large US companies by fundamental metrics like sales and cash flow rather than market cap, holding $9B in assets with an 18% trailing twelve-month return and 0.34% expense ratio. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) applies the same RAFI methodology to small caps with lower expenses at 0.25%, returned 16.6% over the past year, and holds 500-plus positions with no single holding exceeding 1.06% of assets. Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) screens for small and mid-cap stocks across size, value, and profitability simultaneously, manages $13.2B with a 0.28% expense ratio, returned 19% trailing twelve months, and concentrates 28% in financials to filter out value traps.

Story Continues

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

The portfolio still holds recognizable giants  Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft sit among the top positions  but their weights reflect revenue and cash flow scale rather than market enthusiasm. Financials represent 16.3% of the fund, meaningfully above their weight in a typical S&P 500 fund, while the largest tech names are trimmed relative to a cap-weighted index. Information Technology still accounts for 18.2% of the portfolio, so this is not an anti-tech fund  it just sizes tech positions by business fundamentals rather than valuation multiples.

PRF carries an expense ratio of 0.34% and has been running since December 2005, giving it nearly two decades of live performance history. Assets under management stand at $9 billion. The fund returned 18% over the trailing twelve months and is up 1.5% year-to-date. The tradeoff: in momentum-driven markets where the most expensive stocks keep climbing, PRF's value tilt can lag a standard S&P 500 index fund for extended periods.

FNDA: The Same Philosophy, Applied to Small Caps

Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDA) uses the identical RAFI weighting system as PRF but applies it to the small-cap universe. This matters because the fundamental weighting effect tends to be more pronounced in smaller companies, where the gap between market price and underlying business value is often wider.

The sector mix reflects this: Industrials dominate at 20.4%, followed by Financials at 15.2% and Consumer Discretionary at 12.5%. Technology takes a back seat at 13.2%. The top holding represents just 1.06% of assets, meaning no single bet dominates the portfolio. With 500-plus positions, diversification is genuine rather than cosmetic.

Cost is a clear advantage here. The expense ratio is 0.25%, lower than PRF, which matters when comparing two funds built on the same methodology. FNDA returned 16.6% over the past year and is up 3.5% year-to-date. The caveat specific to small caps: this segment of the market is more sensitive to economic slowdowns and credit conditions, so FNDA will feel more turbulence than PRF during risk-off periods.

DFAT: Dimensional's Targeted Value Approach

Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAT) diverges from the RAFI funds in a meaningful way. Rather than reweighting an existing index by fundamental metrics, Dimensional constructs its portfolio by actively targeting small and mid-cap stocks that score well on three factors simultaneously: small size, deep value, and profitability. That last screen is critical: it filters out value traps, companies that look cheap because their businesses are deteriorating.

The sector composition tells the story clearly. Financials represent nearly 28% of the portfolio, the highest concentration of any fund on this list, followed by Industrials at 16.2% and Consumer Discretionary at 14.2%. Regional banks, specialty insurers, and asset managers fill the financial sleeve. Technology is intentionally underweighted at 6.9%, reflecting the reality that most tech companies do not score well on traditional value metrics.

DFAT holds $13.2 billion in assets and charges 0.28% annually. Portfolio turnover is exceptionally low at 9%, a sign that Dimensional is not trading aggressively to maintain factor purity  it buys and holds companies that meet its criteria. The fund returned 19% over the trailing twelve months, the strongest one-year number among the four. The tradeoff is concentration: a nearly 28% allocation to financials means DFAT's performance is meaningfully tied to the health of banks and insurance companies.

DFIV: Dimensional's Factor Lens Applied Internationally

Dimensional International Value ETF (NYSEARCA:DFIV) applies the same systematic value and profitability screens as DFAT, but to developed international markets. For investors who already hold a US-focused factor fund, this is the natural complement  it extends the same investment logic to European, Asian, and Canadian companies without adding a separate geographic allocation decision.

The holdings read like a directory of globally significant value companies: Shell, TotalEnergies, BP, and Suncor anchor the energy sleeve, while Banco Santander, HSBC, Societe Generale, and several Japanese financial institutions populate the financials allocation. The dividend yield stands at 2.6%, the highest of the four funds, reflecting the income-generating character of many international value companies. Portfolio turnover is just 6%, even lower than DFAT, consistent with Dimensional's patient, systematic approach.

DFIV manages $19 billion in assets and charges 0.27% annually. The one-year return of 32.8% leads the group, driven partly by international equity tailwinds that have benefited non-US markets recently. The tradeoff here is currency exposure and geopolitical sensitivity  European and Asian equities carry risks that domestic funds do not, and the fund's heavy energy weighting adds commodity price variability on top of that.

Which Fund Fits Which Investor

PRF suits investors who want to stay in familiar US large-cap territory but want the portfolio to reflect business fundamentals rather than market sentiment. FNDA is the better choice for those who want to extend that same logic into small caps at a lower cost. DFAT is the most aggressive factor bet on this list. It concentrates deeply in small and mid-cap value with a profitability filter that separates it from simple value screens, and belongs with investors who understand and accept meaningful sector concentration. DFIV rounds out a factor-tilted portfolio with international exposure and the highest income yield of the group, making it particularly relevant for investors who want geographic diversification without abandoning the value and profitability framework.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

You may think retirement is about picking the best stocks or ETFs and saving as much as possible, but you'd be wrong. After the release of a new retirement income report, wealthy Americans are rethinking their plans and realizing that even modest portfolios can be serious cash machines.

Many are even learning they can retire earlier than expected.

If you're thinking about retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.
A plan to overhaul higher education funding by tying state aid to enrollment squeaked through the Missouri House on Thursday and faces strong opposition in the state Senate.

The spending bill that would cut funding for some state universities by 40% or more passed the House 83-66 as 21 Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. A bill needs 82 votes to pass.

The plan for reallocating more than $1 billion in state support for community colleges and four-year universities was unveiled a little more than two weeks ago by state Rep. Dirk Deaton, the Seneca Republican who chairs the House Budget Committee. He said it is a response to decades of higher education funding decisions that created huge disparities in how much each school receives for each student being educated.

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We need to send the money where the kids are, where theyre going to school, and empower them, Deaton said at a news conference before the House debate Thursday. And thats what this plan does.

The current allocations have as much to do with past funding and political favors as they do with the particular mission of each school. Democrats said during debate that higher education funding needs a close look but Deatons change is too dramatic and the impact too severe.

It doesnt take an accountant to figure out that some of these institutions with this proposal would not survive, said state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat. It will leave holes in communities throughout Missouri.

The higher education funding bill was one of 12 spending bills approved Thursday in the House. Most passed easily, but two others - one to fund the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and one to fund state elected officials that includes a controversial private school voucher program  also faced close votes and substantial Republican opposition.

State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia, speaks on cuts to child care funding during Thursdays budget debate in the Missuri House (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The 12 bills spend $50.4 billion to fund state government operations in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Four other spending bills appropriating $2.6 billion to pay for construction and maintenance at state facilities were approved Thursday morning in the House Budget Committee and will be debated next week.

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The spending plan, including capital needs, calls on the state treasury for $15.9 billion in general revenue, while the December revenue estimate projects the state will collect $13.6 billion in taxes. The deficit will be covered from accumulated surpluses, which will be almost exhausted when the fiscal year ends.

Deaton is leaving office due to term limits. Future lawmakers are going to have to make spending match revenue, he said.

The General Assembly probably should stop passing bills with fiscal notes attached, Deaton said.

Lawmakers also struggled with a cut to funding for services for adults with developmental disabilities proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Hundreds of people came to the Capitol last month to protest the cut, and a bipartisan majority on the budget committee, including Deaton, voted to restore the funding.

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It could be a preview if more severe cuts come in future years.

Everything thats in this budget is important to somebody, somewhere, to some member on this floor, and thats what makes this so difficult, Deaton said at the news conference. Its going to take a lot of hard choices and discipline, and the General Assembly needs to proceed with caution when it comes to fiscal policy.

The budget approved in the House would:

Maintain funding for public schools at current levels but is $190 million short of fully funding the state foundation formula. The budget also falls about $35 million short of fully funding transportation needs for school districts.

Eliminate the only general state employee pay raise in the budget. Last year, lawmakers approved a 1% raise for each two years in state employment, capped at 10% for 20 years. Kehoe wanted to continue that plan by giving employees who reached a two-year multiple an additional 1%.

Cuts $51 million from child care services by eliminating funds that pay enhanced rates to help providers cover costs of serving children with special needs, foster children.

Cut $250,000 Kehoe requested for The 57 Foundation, set up to educate the public on the history of Gov. (Mike) Parsons life and administration.

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Deatons higher education proposal seems doomed in the upper chamber.

State Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Thursday that opposition is strong and support is weak.

Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, in Blacks district, would see a 26% funding boost. Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, with a campus just outside his district, would see a 24% cut.

I cant make a guarantee to anybody what that will look like, because I work with 33 other people, but right now it seems like a difficult task, Black said.

Blacks predecessor as appropriations chair, Republican state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield, was more blunt in his assessment of the plan.

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Thats a complete joke, Hough said. You cant cut institutions by half of their state appropriation in one year.

Lincoln University in Jefferson City has lobbied successfully over the past several years to obtain state funds to match federal money available for its land grant mission. The funding for that match is $12.7 million and is retained in the House budget plan. But instead of $23.7 million in core funding, the schools appropriation would be cut almost $9 million, to $14.8 million.

We finally got them to where they need to be and should be, and now theyre going to get the rug pulled out, Hough said.

The final debate and votes on the 12 bills consumed about three hours and many of the issues raised during debate revisited arguments made Tuesday, when amendments were offered.

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The shortfall in school funding and the cuts to child care services made the vote close on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spending bill. It passed 85-70, with 22 Republicans opposed.

The bill including $60 million in voucher funding for the MOScholars program, which is funneled through the state treasurers office, passed 84-61 with 13 Republicans opposed. The program received $50 million in the current years budget.

State Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat, said she worries that the cost will grow even faster in coming years. Every child approved for a voucher can keep it throughout their school career because the state does not check family income against statutory limits after the initial grant, she said.

While future lawmakers will need to cut the budget, she said pressure will build to keep increasing the MOScholars program.

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Its a big ticket item, and we need to be prepared for those decisions, Hein said.

The fact that the program is growing shows the need, Deaton said in reply.

Missourians are demanding these opportunities and this access, he said, and its disappointing to me that so many oppose it, but I totally support it.

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Donald Trump made another awkward slip of the tongue while trying to rebrand his war against Iran.

The 79-year-old president discussed the conflict during Wednesday evenings National Republican Congressional Committees annual fundraising dinner.

At one point during his rambling speech, Trump said he was deliberately avoiding referring to the military conflict as a war as legal questions remain over whether he needed approval from Congress before launching his attack on Iran on Feb. 28.

President Trump spoke about his

I wont use the word war because they say, if you use the word war, thats maybe not a good thing to do, the president said.

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They dont like the word war, because youre supposed to get approval, so Ill use the word military operation, which is really what it is.

The term has unfortunate echoes of Vladimir Putins special military operation in Ukraine. The conflict has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians.

During the same speech, Trump noted at one point The war essentially ended a few days after we went in.

President Donald Trump tried to rebrand his war. / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

The War Powers Act generally sets a limit of 60 days for military action unless Congress has authorized the use of military force. Trump has argued on his Truth Social account that the law is unconstitutional.

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Congress voted against the war powers resolution this week, which was put forward by Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Massachusetts, and aimed for the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Trump has previously danced around the phrase war this week, saying on Tuesday that people he did not name dont like me using the word war so I wont, but the Democrats call it a war.

He has also referred to the conflict as an excursion that will keep us out of a war."

Donald Trump's war is seeing him tank in polling. / Nathan Howard/Reuters

The semantics follow the public backlash against Trumps war being reflected in dire polling results. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted between March 20-23 among 1,272 U.S. adults, said just 35 percent of Americans approve of the U.S. strikes, down from 37 percent last week, while 61 percent now disapprove.

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The poll also found that one in four people believed the war will make the United States less safe in the long run, compared with only 26 percent who believe it will make the country safer.

The war has seen oil and gas prices soar, hitting an electorate who were already struggling with a cost of living crisis. Fuel hit $3.98 a gallon on Wednesday. It was $2.97 on Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched their first strike on Iran.

The president has already mangled the English language this week.

In a desperate Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump repeated an imaginary word he seemed to premiere last week: mutilization.

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He wrote, No Transgender MUTILIZATION of our precious children as part of his Sunday rant.

On March 17, Trump posted, No Transgender MUTILIZATION of our Children. It is unclear if he is deliberately blending mutilation with another word, if it is on purpose, or if it is an error.

Trump's post invents the word 'mutilization'. / Truth Social

He has previously referred to transgender mutilation of children or mutilation surgery on his Truth Social account.
Congress is preparing to vote on a bill that promises to make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful. The phrasing sounds simple, and on the surface, proposed legislation for a safer city doesnt seem controversial, right? But for many D.C. residents and local advocates, the language raises a more pressing question: safe and beautiful for whom?

Introduced by Virginia GOP Rep. John McGuire last year, the Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act would establish a federal task force over local matters in the Districtincluding public safety enforcement and immigration oversight. The proposal comes as a small part of a larger push by the Trump administration to expand authority over D.C., including directing tougher criminal penalties and increasing federal law enforcement presence in the city, as previously reported by The Washington Post.

Those who oppose the legislation say the issue is not just what the bill does, but what it represents. At its core, critics argue, the proposal reflects a continued effort by Trump and his allies to sideline the local officials whom residents have elected.

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Melissa Wasser, senior policy counsel at the ACLU of D.C., said the bill follows a familiar pattern.

This bill is yet another example of the Trump administration stepping in where it shouldnt, Wasser said in an exclusive interview with Blavity. Creating a federal commission to micromanage D.C. is deeply inefficient. The federal government should not be spending time on local issues that impact D.C., especially with limited local involvement.

She added that the proposal reflects a broader distrust of local leadership and could have direct consequences for residents.

This demonstrates the Trump administrations lack of trust in the local leaders whom D.C. residents have chosen, Wasser said. This bill will hurt the very communities its supposed to serve, particularly large communities of color.

D.C. without autonomy

Washington, D.C.s political structure has long left it vulnerable to federal intervention. Residents pay federal taxes and serve in the military, but they do not have voting representation in Congress. At the same time, Congress retains the authority to override local laws.

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This D.C. bill is yet another case of Republicans treating the people of D.C. like they are incapable of governing themselves, Rep. Jim McGovern said during remarks on the legislation. D.C. residents pay taxes. They serve their country. They do everything citizens are asked to do, and still, this Congress refuses to treat them like full citizens. It is outrageous.

 WATCH: Ranking Member @RepMcGoverns opening statement on the House Rules Committees hearing on H.R. 5103, the Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act. DC residents deserve the same rights of self-governance as anyone else. #DCStatehood#LetDCVotepic.twitter.com/f40zdOIW5m  DC Vote (@DCVote) March 24, 2026

What federal safety looks like

For local organizers, the concern is grounded in what expanded federal authority has already looked like in practice.

Clinique Chapman, chief executive officer of DC Justice Lab, said the bill would further empower federal law enforcement agencies that already operate in the District with virtually no accountability.

Congress plans to advance a bill that would further empower unaccountable federal law enforcement agencies in D.C., giving a green light to their dangerous tactics that disproportionately target and put Black people in our community at real risk, Chapman told Blavity.

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Chapman also pushed back on the idea that increased federal presence has made the city safer, saying, There is little evidence that the federal surge, in itself, has driven down crime rates. At a time when crime is declining and communities are calling for investments that actually reduce harm, Congress is pushing policies that move us backward.

Who does the Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act put at risk

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation warned that the consequences of the bill will not be evenly distributed. In a report analyzing the proposal, the foundation notes that Black residents make up over 40 percent of D.C.s population and that the District is home to large immigrant communities, including residents from Ethiopia and Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the report, the bill would authorize a task force to monitor D.C.s sanctuary city status and expand federal immigration enforcement. The report also raises concerns that the proposal could increase access to firearms without addressing the root causes of gun violence in a city where the vast majority of victims are Black.

The debate ultimately comes down to how safety is defined and who gets to define it. For many residents, expanded policing and federal oversight do not translate to protection. That combination often means more surveillance and more contact with systems that have historically caused harm.

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If Congress votes yes, advocates say the impact will extend beyond any single policy change and will further validate a new system under Trump in which D.C. residents are governed by those they did not vote to represent them.

A city simply cannot be made safe and beautiful while its residents and local officials are denied control over how it is run.







The post Congress Says It Wants To Make D.C. Safe And Beautiful  But Safe For Who? appeared first on Blavity.
A man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Volusia County after he allegedly shot a coworker in the back with a nail gun during what he described as a prank.

Marcos Enrique Felipe Garcia, 21, was charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following the incident at a construction site on Ridge Tree Drive.

Volusia Sheriffs Office deputies responded to the scene at 1410 Ridge Tree Drive at approximately 3:59 p.m.

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Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, 36-year-old Isai Saavedra Vallardes, already inside a Volusia County Emergency Medical Services ambulance.

Vallardes was subsequently transported to Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona Beach for treatment.

Vallardes told investigators the shooting occurred while he was checking pieces at the back of the work site.

He identified the shooter as a member of his crew who had worked for him for several months.

This guy came to the back, pressed the gun to my back, and pulled the trigger, Vallardes told deputies. I think his name is Gustavo, he doesnt have ID.

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Deputies said Vallardes advised he wished to pursue criminal charges.

Hospital staff removed a finishing nail from Vallardes and provided it to law enforcement as evidence.

Investigators also collected digital images of the victims injuries and submitted the shirt he was wearing at the time of the incident to evidence lockers.

Garcia spoke with deputies at the scene through an interpreter.

He claimed he intended to play a prank to scare Vallardes because he believed the victim had messed up some work on the house.

Felipe Garcia stated that the nail gun did not always work and he did not think it would discharge a nail.

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However, he acknowledged that he knew the tool was connected to an air line and had functioned previously.

He told deputies he pushed the gun to the right side of the victims torso and pulled the trigger, later stating he did not know why Vallardes began screaming.

Another worker at the construction site, Osvaldo Gonzalez Ramos, was on the second floor of the home when the shooting occurred.

Following the investigation, an immigration detainer was placed on Garcia, who is a citizen of Guatemala and told deputies he did not have identification.

Garcia was taken to the Volusia County jail and is being held on no bond.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A construction worker spent 45 minutes stuck underground after he fell down a large hole on Thursday morning.

Atlanta firefighters responded to the scene along Trinity Ave in downtown Atlanta. Authorities told us before Channel 2 Action News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m. that the worker slipped off his ladder and he dropped more than 15 feet.

The worker was alert and talking during the rescue. Firefighters and paramedics placed him on a stretcher as soon as he was out.

Atlanta Fire Department confirmed to Channel 2 that the worker injured his hip, lower back and arm.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office is now creating its own CTA Task Force.

It's just the latest local agency working to address crime on the transit system.

Officials say 36 assistant state's attorneys and investigators will get specialized training to better strengthen transit-related prosecutions.

The state's attorney is also creating what's called a "CTA Crime Pre-trial Release Conditions Protocol." It will require assistant state's attorneys to seek pre-trial detention for all violent offenses on public transit.

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If a defendant isn't detained, those state's attorneys will pursue court-ordered restrictions on that defendant's access to public transit.

The new task force comes after a series of crimes on the CTA, most recently Wednesday morning when police said two people were stabbed on a CTA Red Line train.

The federal government had directed the city to better address crime.

The CTA and Chicago Police Department have also come up with their own plans.

READ MORE | CTA unveils new security plan after threat of funding cuts
A Honolulu City Council measure designed to relax zoning rules to allow more infill housing projects in the citys urban core was approved on its third and final reading Wednesday.

The Council voted 7-1, with Council member Scott Nishimoto dissenting, to adopt Bill 6, which seeks to amend the citys Land Use Ordinance for apartment, A, and apartment mixed-use, AMX, zoning districts to reduce minimum lot sizes and increase housing density.

As approved, Bill 6s amendments include changes to floor area ratio standards for apartment and commercial districts, as well as to maximum building area standards that allow more housing units to be built on smaller lots, the measure indicates.

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The bills adopted amendments will reduce minimum lot size requirements  currently between 7,500 and 15,000 square feet to build  to 5,000 square feet across all apartment and mixed-use districts.

The bill will also reduce minimum lot width and depth from 70 feet to 60 feet, among other changes, the measure indicates.

Bill 6 now goes to Mayor Rick Blangiardi for

consideration.

Introduced in January

by Council Chair Tommy Waters on the citys behalf, Bill 6 received public support, including from the development community, at Wednesdays meeting.

This bill takes a practical approach to housing by removing barriers in existing apartment and apartment mixed-use zones without changing where development is allowed, McKinley Eads, an Avalon Group LLC project manager, testified via phone.

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She noted the direct

impacts of Bill 6 related

to affordability.

Allowing more floor area on the same parcel spreads land costs across more units, lowering the costs per unit, Eads said. Its one of the few tools the city has to improve housing affordability without subsidies.

Via written testimony, pro-housing nonprofit

Hawaii YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) also supported Bill 6.

By lowering minimum lot sizes, reducing lot dimensions, and simplifying density rules, the bill makes it easier to build more homes on more sites, the group wrote. Just as importantly, it supports the creation of mixed-use buildings, allowing housing to be built alongside or above small businesses and services in existing apartment-zoned

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areas. This flexibility can help increase the overall supply of housing and make better use of limited land.

At the meeting, real estate agent Wilfred Motosue supported the measure. However, he said Bill 6 should not include developments that are going to be sold, including residential condominiums and subdivided lots.

This ordinance makes building any project except big developments, such

as those in Kakaako and

Kapiolani, too risky to develop, Motosue said. Even the big developments, Im told, were only able to sell 5% to 70% of their available affordable units at the time of completion of their projects.

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In written testimony, the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice backed Bill 6.

By reducing minimum

lot sizes and significantly increasing allowable floor-area ratios in apartment and apartment mixed-use districts, Bill 6 would make infill housing development more financially feasible across a wider range of sites, the group wrote. According to a 2024 update to the Hawaii Housing Planning Study, Honolulu needs approximately 27,710 new units built between 2023 and 2027 to meet demand.

We cannot meet that need by relying solely on large, complex development programs, the group wrote. We need zoning that allows moderate-scale, by-right housing to be built in the neighborhoods where people already live and where infrastructure already

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exists.

Still, Hawaii Appleseed

offered two amendments to Bill 6. One would increase the floor area ratio in apartment and apartment mixed-use zones to accelerate the production of new housing in areas where it is most needed and most appropriate.

And the group requested the city reduce the minimum lot width and depth to no more than 50 feet, to put the bills benefits within reach of small- and mid-sized local property owners, and make a meaningful difference in how much housing actually gets built.

Ultimately, the Council voted without discussion to adopt Bill 6.

Council member Matt Weyer was absent from the meeting.

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After the meeting, Council member Tyler Dos Santos-

Tam  whose Council District 6 includes downtown Honolulu, Chinatown and Kakaako  lauded Bill 6s approval.

For decades, all we could build were single family homes out on the Ewa Plain, and shiny skyscrapers in Kakaako. What was missing was the kinds of small- to

medium-size apartments that local people can actually live in, right in the urban core, Dos Santos-Tam said in a statement. We created alternative pathways to make that happen, including Bill 7, but what was always missing was a thorough review of our underlying zoning to begin with.

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Bill 6s adoption comes

as the Council mulls greater affordable rental housing

development in urban

Honolulu.

Known by the city as Bill 7 projects because of the original 2019 measure for an

ordinance that created Chapter 32, these affordable rental development laws

allow relaxed standards and financial incentives for developers keen on building such projects.

According to the city,

Bill 7 projects were initially aimed at small, underutilized or vacant lots where

infrastructure like water, sewer, and electrical already exist. These projects, the city says, lower the development costs and, ultimately, the costs to renters.

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Bill 7 incentives are granted to developers, as long as a minimum of 80% of the dwelling units are rented to those earning no more than 100% of Honolulus area median income for a minimum of 15 years, officials say.

Based on state data for 2025, 100% AMI means an annual income of $90,500 for one person, or $129,300 a year for a family of four.

The Bill 7 program, as it stands today, has a total

potential to create 1,563 housing units, the city Department of Planning and Permitting asserts.

Currently, DPP states the Bill 7 program has added 189 units to Oahus housing stock.
It was in June 2020 when Linda Dane learned the disturbing circumstances of how her long-lost brother Gary Herbst's skull had been found by a dog in rural Barron County, Wisconsin.

Linda Dane: Yeah, it's kind of, uh, eerie-type thing to think of, but it still led to finding out what happened, the truth.

Linda says Gary, who was 57 when he went missing, was a loner with a difficult personality who rarely saw his own extended family  which is why pictures that exist of him are from his younger years.

Gary and Connie Herbst in their younger years. / Credit: Linda Dane

Linda Dane: He could be stubborn. He could be crabby.

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Skull found by a dog in Wisconsin woods identified as Gary Herbst

It had been years since Linda and Gary had spoken. In 2013, she learned from his wife, Connie, that he had vanished  walking out on her and their teenage son, Austin.

Peter Van Sant: What did you think of that?

Linda Dane: I was shocked. I  I didn't know what to think.

Linda says she found it strange that Connie had not reported his disappearance to police.

Linda Dane: And it's like, OK, did you file a missing person's report? Did you report it? Did you do anything?  And they did nothing.

Peter Van Sant: But what was her reason for not reporting that her husband was missing?

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Linda Dane: She didn't  she didn't give us a reason.

At Linda and her family's urging, Connie filed a missing person report with the Elko New Market Police Department in Minnesota where the Herbsts lived. In the report, Connie said Gary "grabbed a suitcase" and left in an "older gray Honda vehicle," but she claimed she "did not get a look at who was driving."

Six years would pass before investigative genetic genealogist Robin Espensen would be able to construct a family tree that led to identifying the skull.

Robin Espensen:  when the cases come to DNA Doe Project, everything has already been exhausted.  genetic genealogy is the last resort 

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Robin Espensen: So we use the DNA  look at the matches  and we can build family trees that way and figure out the identities of people.

Robin Espensen:  we knew that  we had found  the identity of our Doe as Gary Albert Herbst.

Det. Jeff Nelson: Gary Herbst was originally born in North-Central Wisconsin.  we located family members of his in South Central Minnesota.

That's when Detective Jeff Nelson from the Barron County Sheriff's Office tracked down Austin and Connie at the retirement community where they both worked.

Det. Jeff Nelson: I think it was a little bit of  of a surprise to them.  We actually found out that both Connie Herbst and her son Austin worked at a nursing home.  We basically walked in unannounced  and met with both Connie and Austin.

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Peter Van Sant: When you told Connie that you had found her missing husband, likely had found him  was she excited about the news or was she stoic about it?

Det. Jeff Nelson: Both of them were very stoic. Never  never even commented, well, at least we  we know it's him. Uh, it  it's like they just glossed over it.

Brent Petersen, a special agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, joined Nelson to interview Connie.

Special Agent Brent Petersen:  she was not uncooperative.  she was  just trying to be helpful.  Um, at least that was the appearance 

Peter Van Sant: Did you get into the issue about why she didn't report her husband as being missing 

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Special Agent Brent Petersen: Yeah. That  that was a red flag from the beginning.

Here's Connie's answer about why she didn't report it.

CONNIE HERBST: ... because he left on his own, I said I didn't think I had to.

Connie told investigators she wasn't surprised Gary walked out on them because he had a troubled lifestyle.

Special Agent Brent Petersen: She described Gary as  a drug user.  He would use drugs and spend all their money.  He just was described to us as just being a generally kind of a volatile, angry, unpleasant person.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: How was he with Austin?

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CONNIE HERBST: Um, up until the age of 10, great. But at the age of 10, when Gary would start his yelling and screaming at me, Austin would step in between. "Don't you yell at my mom."

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: Did he ever hit you in the 30-plus years you guys were married?

CONNIE HERBST: Once or twice.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: Yeah.

CONNIE HERBST: One time he hit me pretty hard, black and blue on my shoulder. The other time, he actually didn't hit me. He pushed me and I broke my toe.

In his interview, Austin told investigators his father had become enraged the day he left and later he learned his father had stolen $5,000 in cash and his mother's wedding ring.

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AUSTIN HERBST: I heard him banging around in ... the master bedroom. I'm like, OK, what's going on? Looked in. He was packing a suitcase. ... He's like, "I'm leaving." ... And yeah, he got in  some guy pulled up, picked him up.

Connie told investigators she was at the library that day and remembered getting a frantic call from her son.

CONNIE HERBST: ... he goes, "Dad left! Dad left!" "He got in a vehicle with somebody."

Investigators soon realized that Connie may have lied to them. Why? Because in her missing person report, Connie had said she was home when Gary walked out.

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Det. Jeff Nelson:  we're suspicious of their stories right away.  So, there was a lot of things  this didn't match up.

Connie added to investigators' suspicions when she gave yet another new detail.

CONNIE HERBST: ... the 40 caliber gun was gone and that was mine.

Connie had never mentioned Gary had stolen her gun when she first reported him missing.

Det. Jeff Nelson: So, there's a lot of oddities that she's telling 

Peter Van Sant: Had she said something in your mind that was particularly incriminating?

Det. Jeff Nelson: I wouldn't say incriminating but I strongly felt she had certainly knowledge of his murder.  I figured she had some form of involvement.

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So, investigators redoubled their efforts to try to learn more.

Det. Jeff Nelson:  so, there's a lot of working pieces going on 

Several months passed before investigators were ready to interview Connie and Austin a second time. This time they dug deeper into Connie's claims of abuse.

DETECTIVE NELSON: So, you know, your mom talked of some abuse issues in the family, uh, uh, how you were very protective of her.

AUSTIN HERBST: ... Yeah.

DETECTIVE NELSON: And  it, we understand that.

AUSTIN HERBST: But it was ... more of the fact that I hated when he would sit there and yell at her and would upset her.

And the more investigators questioned Austin, the more he began to blame his father for his own demise.

AUSTIN HERBST (interview with investigators): Yeah. He was an angry guy and stuff, but I never expected that to get to the point where someone would want to kill him.

Directing attention toward a mysterious man with tattoos he says his father drove away with.

FBI INVESTIGATOR: ... you remember a guy with a black shirt and tattoos.

AUSTIN HERBST: That's about it. That's as far as I can get. And that I got a really uneasy sense about it. That was it.

More questions for Connie and Austin Herbst

Gary Herbst went missing in 2013. A dog found his skull in 2017 and by June 2020, investigators suspected his own family  his wife Connie and son Austin Herbst, were somehow involved in Gary's disappearance and murder.

DETECTIVE NELSON (questioning): ... there's some, some follow up questions and information, we we need to gather to try to piece all this together.

And during their second interview, they consented to a polygraph.

Special Agent Brent Petersen: The investigators from Wisconsin had arranged with the FBI  They both agreed to take polygraphs.

Lie detector tests are generally not admissible in court. But investigators will use them as a tool to judge an individual's credibility.

Peter Van Sant: What were the results?

Special Agent Brent Petersen: Connie did not show any signs of deception.  But Austin did.

An investigator from the FBI confronted Austin.

FBI INVESTIGATOR: So I'm, I'm very convinced ... you clearly know what happened.

AUSTIN HERBST: I don't. I'm telling you ...

FBI INVESTIGATOR: Austin. You can't walk away here saying you don't know anything because you clearly know something ...

AUSTIN HERBST: No.

FBI INVESTIGATOR: Whatever it is, you gotta tell me.

AUSTIN HERBST: I suspected that the guy in the truck wasn't exactly, friendly. I just, the look I got from, he was a little sketchy.

FBI INVESTIGATOR: ... Either you're involved with your mom in killing your father or you're involved with someone else in killing your father.

AUSTIN HERBST: I'm not involved with it. ... I'm just gonna tell you getting my mom involved, that is pretty out of this world.

Detectives say Austin continued to draw the investigators' attention toward the man with tattoos he says picked up his father that day.

INVESTIGATOR: ... tell me what, describe what you're talking about when you talk about the look of him.

AUSTIN HERBST: Tat's came out with a black A-shirt that was all ripped up.

FBI INVESTIGATOR:... Doesn't make sense. None of this makes sense.

Det. Jeff Nelson: The first interview  he recalls  his dad  getting into a vehicle and leaving.  Then, that changed to he remembered some heavily tattooed man  that looked, in his words, to be some sort of criminal that was the driver of a vehicle that his dad got into. So, the story changed and morphed each time you talked with him.

Investigators suspected Austin's story was pure fiction.

FBI INVESTIGATOR (to Austin Herbst): I just find way too many inconsistencies in your stories. I mean, with your story, with your mom's story ...

Peter Van Sant: And did you feel that the story was rehearsed?

Det. Jeff Nelson: Certainly.

Peter Van Sant: That he was trying to recall a script.

Det. Jeff Nelson: Script.

But a feeling isn't evidence. Investigators had no choice but to let Connie and Austin go. Next, they headed to the family's old neighborhood and former home.

Det. Jeff Nelson: Ironically, to a T, all the neighbors, remembered Gary very well.

Gary Herbst / Credit: Linda Dane (Linda Dane)

Detective Nelson says that to a person  they described Gary as a mean, horrible human being.

Det. Jeff Nelson: We repeatedly heard the term, the biggest a--hole that you'll ever meet.  If he was mad at a neighbor, apparently he had a pipe organ, and he would set up big speakers in the windows, and he would blast pipe organ music into the neighbor's house.

Det. Jeff Nelson: In the wintertime, when he would get mad at a neighbor, he would take a snowblower over and purposefully blow and fill people's yards up in the middle of the night.

Peter Van Sant: With snow?

Det. Jeff Nelson: With snow

Chad Kraml: He was just an evil person.

Neighbors Kaia and Chad Kraml's house was right behind the Herbst house. They say Gary often yelled at their two daughters and was caught secretly recording them on video.

Chad Kraml: I looked and in their back window, you could see the red light from the camera on. And I walked out there and I could see the camera and Gary behind the camera.

Peter Van Sant: This is a video camera?

Chad Kraml: Video camera, like [a] camcorder. And he was just staring at me blatantly on purpose, wanting to, you know, almost show me up and be like. "Yeah, I'm recording." And I sat there and I was raising my hand like, are you kidding me?

Chad filed an incident report with police.

Peter Van Sant: It sounds like this is  has a psychological component to it, like he was messing with your mind.

Kaia Kraml: Absolutely.  I feel like he wanted power and he wanted everyone to know that he had that power.  he most definitely tried to exercise that power by messing with people, neighbors.

Another neighbor, Jason Grimm, says he experienced that firsthand when Gary complained about the time he was snow blowing.

Jason Grimm:  he came out  and, uh, started screaming and shouting at me, telling me I was going to flood his  his basement.

Peter Van Sant:  did you feel like he was a little dangerous?

Jason Grimm:  I never feared him, um, just surely because  it was all bark, no bite.

Peter Van Sant: Did you feel he was a dangerous man?

Kaia Kraml: Absolutely.

And when investigators interviewed Dee Hamlin, the new owner of the house where Gary and his family lived, they learned something that would confirm their suspicions about Connie and Austin.

Dee Hamlin (pointing to lower corner of bedroom wall): Over in this area right here, before the closets were put in, somewhere over here, there was a big red stain.

Neighbors recall unusual activity at the Herbst home

When investigators canvassed Gary Herbst's old neighborhood, they uncovered a trove of new clues from the time around his disappearance.

Det. Jeff Nelson:  people didn't like him, were afraid because he was very confrontational.

Neighbors Chad and Kaia Kraml recalled a storm 

Kaia Kraml:  thunder, lightning, everything. Like, it was crazy.

And unusual activity in Gary's backyard.

Kaia Kraml: It was  maybe midnight-ish  and we looked out the window.

Chad Kraml: I see a truck backed in the backyard 

Kaia Kraml: The truck was pulled right up to the sliding glass door, which we knew was super strange because Gary was very particular with his yard. He did not like anything out of order.

Chad and Kaia Kraml describe for

Chad and Kaia told investigators they remembered seeing Austin and Connie scrubbing the floors in the middle of the night.

Peter Van Sant: You could see directly from those windows into their house.

Chad Kraml: Absolutely.

And loading large garbage bags into Gary's truck.

Kaia Kraml: They were also carrying out a carpet or some sort of rug and also throwing it in the back of the truck  So we were watching the scene and I turned to Chad and I was like  "What is going on?" And Chad looked at me and he said, "Kaia, I think they finally killed him."

Peter Van Sant: And did  the two of you ever think we should share what we've witnessed with the police?

Kaia Kraml: Absolutely not.

Chad Kraml: No. As a matter of fact 

Peter Van Sant: Because 

Kaia Kraml: He was horrible.

And soon after that night, they say Connie and Austin seemed completely different.

Kaia Kraml: It was good. It was fun to see them actually happy.

A few weeks later, their neighbors saw them setting up a yard sale.

Kaia Kraml: So, everybody started filtering over there, myself included, and we were looking at all of the things that they had for sale.

And what was for sale?

Kaia Kraml: Men's clothing, men's shoes, um, there were tools, ammo boxes.

Peter Van Sant: Now, did you ask her, where's Gary?

Kaia Kraml: Yes.  And the answer was that he didn't want to be married anymore, and he left.

Jason Grimm says he scored a bargain.

Jason Grimm: I did. I bought a riding lawn tractor 

Neighbors say Austin and Connie began happily walking the neighborhood offering up baked cookies.

Peter Van Sant: And do you think his disappearance in some ways liberated their lives?

Jason Grimm: Absolutely.  their steps were lighter.

Jason Grimm: It was nice not to have him around.

Det. Jeff Nelson: All of a sudden Connie and Austin  would be out in the yard stopping and greeting people where none of that happened prior to the date that Gary allegedly left.

The next break in the case came when investigators obtained a search warrant for the former Herbst house and notified the new owner, Dee Hamlin, that they would be bringing in a cadaver dog along with her handler, police officer Dan Moldenhauer, to see if she could detect the scent of human remains.

Peter Van Sant: So this officer said there may have been someone killed inside the house 

Dee Hamlin: Yeah.

Peter Van Sant:  and they wanted a dog to come in to see if they picked up any odor 

Dee Hamlin: Yeah, exactly.  I go, "Absolutely."

Peter Van Sant: When you got that call and you brought Radar out here, this is the very house you came to 

Dan Moldenhauer: Correct.

Radar is the cadaver dog who searched Dee's house. She came back to the scene along with her handler to show "48 Hours" what she did that day.

Peter Van Sant: Boy, Radar wants to get inside, I'll tell you.

Dan Moldenhauer:  and I follow her.

Dee Hamlin: I was present when the dog originally came in. I was there for the first sniff around.

Dee says something in the garage caught Radar's attention.

Dee Hamlin (points to wall in garage): Radar concentrated heavily against this wall and on the brick, um, behind the drywall pieces and the boxes.

Radar's search continued inside the house.

Dee Hamlin: Radar would run from space to space and room to room, and almost like he had a pattern.  And then we went downstairs and that's where he slowed down.

According to Radar's handler, the dog detected the odor of human remains around that red stain Hamlin had seen.

Dan Moldenhauer: She  went straight to this room, ignored every other thing else  came back, went along the wall  and then came to the corner  where that closet door is.

That wasn't the only area that Radar was interested in.

Radar the cadaver dog detected odor at the sliding glass back door of the former Herbst home. / Credit: CBS News

Dan Moldenhauer:  she had a lot of odor here. I mean, she checked all the walls before she came back and  and sat.

Peter Van Sant: So there was definitely a  a presence of some sort of material. Uh, the guess is blood around this sliding door.

Dan Moldenhauer: Yes.

Crime scene investigators tested the spots with luminol which indicated the presence of blood in the areas where the cadaver dog alerted.

Peter Van Sant:  when you have the Luminol literally lighting up, what is it suggesting to you?

Det. Jeff Nelson: Well, it's certainly consistent and corroborates what the neighbors saw  we believed Gary was most likely murdered inside that particular house.

That's when they called Connie and Austin in for a third interview.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: So we went to your old house on Wagner Way ... and just had a look ... trying to piece together Gary' s kind of last movements ... And um, there was some blood ...

CONNIE HERBST: OK.

Connie said Gary, who was a machinist, often worked on projects and sometimes accidentally cut himself.

CONNIE HERBST: Usually it was his fingers.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN:  this blood that we're finding, um, is a bit more significant than just a little cut on the finger.

CONNIE HERBST: Oh that, I wouldn't know.

Investigators also questioned Connie about what the neighbors reported seeing.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: Some witnesses saw what they thought was a rolled up rug ... being loaded in the back of the pickup.

CONNIE HERBST: Um, no, I don't know. We didn't have any carpet, just up in the living room.

Capt. Phil Nawrocki: Her body language was to me was like she was defeated.

Phil Nawrocki, a captain with the Scott County Sheriff's Office, was also present at the interrogation.

Capt. Phil Nawrocki:  like as long as I can continue to deny everything, I'm going to be OK. Um, but she didn't get rattled  Very soft spoken 

Peter Van Sant: Did she sense she was in real trouble, do you think?

Capt. Phil Nawrocki: Yes, I think she knew at that point that all the evidence was starting to gather up, uh, against her and Austin.

Investigators continued to press Connie.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: So it sounds like Gary was a little psychologically abusive with you guys.

CONNIE HERBST: Yeah.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: What about physical abuse? 

CONNIE HERBST: ... One time. He, um, well he hit me.

SPECIAL AGENT PETERSEN: Yeah.

CONNIE HERBST: Not that I didn't probably deserve it. Cause I got pushed too far.

For Austin's interview, cameras were rolling as he was grilled by Detective Jeff Nelson.

DET. NELSON: Do you feel that he was the husband that he should have been to your mother?

AUSTIN HERBST: No.

DET. NELSON: And you stepped in and intervened in several times. Did you not?

AUSTIN HERBST: Yeah.

DET. NELSON: OK. You became her protector?

AUSTIN HERBST: Yep ...

DET. NELSON: OK. Which I would have to believe culminated in July of 2013, when you took action to protect your mom. ... did you pull the trigger and put the round in the back of your father's head?

But no matter how many times Austin was asked that question, he never answered it. Once again, Connie and Austin were allowed to leave the police station.

Special Agent Brent Petersen:  that was a strategic plan that we had come up with  knowing full well that if we needed to arrest them, we'd be able to find them later.

Now investigators believed they had enough evidence to bring the case to prosecutors.

Det. Jeff Nelson:  there was some reluctance because  there was no confession. It's simply a circumstantial case, albeit we felt it was a very good one.

On Nov. 19, 2020, around 7 a.m., Connie, then 62 years old, and Austin, 26, were taken into custody.

Det. Jeff Nelson: I  I tell Austin that he is under arrest for the murder of his father.

On Nov. 19, 2020, Connie and Austin Herbst were arrested and later charged with second-degree murder in the death of Gary Herbst. / Credit: Scott County Sheriff's Office

The two would eventually be charged with second-degree murder.

Special Agent Brent Petersen: Connie had already declined the  final interview with us and had been taken away to  to the jail.

But this time, Austin was ready to explain everything to investigators.

DET. NELSON: Do you remember where you shot him?

AUSTIN HERBST: Yeah.

And later to "48 Hours."

Peter Van Sant: And what did you do with his body?

Austin Herbst: I slung him over my shoulder and I walked into the forest.

Why Austin Herbst says he "ended the problem"

DET. NELSON: Was it you or your mom who pulled the trigger?

For more than four hours, Austin Herbst was grilled about his role in his father's murder.

DET. NELSON: What's it gonna be Austin. Was it you or your mom?

INVESTIGATOR: Did you get the gun, Austin? ... Yes or no?

INVESTIGATOR:  Is that fair to say that you think that you protected her and you feel you protected her that day? Yes or no?

Finally, Austin broke.

Det. Jeff Nelson: He said something to the effect of, I might as well tell you what I did.  I said, "Austin, that's what we've been asking for."

Austin Herbst tells investigators what he says happened the night he fatally shot his father, Gary Herbst. / Credit: New Prague Police Department

AUSTIN HERBST: On that day, when my mom came home, he flew off the handle ... So, I grabbed the gun ... and ended the problem.

Austin would tell investigators all about what happened that day and now, for the first time, he is sharing his story exclusively with "48 Hours."

Austin Herbst: My father, Gary Herbst, was vindictive to an extreme that I have never seen in anybody else. He was cruel. He was petty.  He was violent.

Peter Van Sant: Did you reach an age in which you came to fear your father, or you felt like you were walking on eggshells 

Austin Herbst: Very early. Uh, I'd say by 6, 7 years old, that fear was present.

Austin says the emotional road he travelled that led to killing his own father was filled with acts of violence and abuse beginning when he was a boy  details he didn't share in earlier interviews with investigators.

Austin Herbst: He proceeded to put a cigarette out on my arm.  And I screamed and cried and ran.  I did something wrong  picked me up by my throat and threw me like down a flight of stairs.

Austin says his mother was treated even more brutally.

Austin Herbst: Terribly, unbelievably so.  Physical abuse on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, uh always demeaning, always negative.

Peter Van Sant: Did you ever see a time in which he drew blood from your mother? From striking her?

Austin Herbst: Yes.  He punched her right in the face. pure black and blue. The next day, she had blood leaking from her mouth.

Peter Van Sant: Psychological abuse, physical abuse?

Austin Herbst: Yep.

Peter Van Sant: You swear on everything you believe in  you're telling me the truth.

Austin Herbst: Absolutely.

Austin, who was just 19 years old when he murdered his father, recalls that tragic day: July 8, 2013.

Austin Herbst: The start of the day seemed very normal to me.

Austin remembers playing video games that afternoon when his dad returned home from work.

Peter Van Sant: Had he been drinking that day?

Austin Herbst: Yeah.  He  he drank regularly.  Around about, I'd say, I think it was like 2 or 3 o'clock, my mom came home, and she and him got into an argument about money. There was yelling.

Austin Herbst: I tried my best to protect her.  I am a wall. I will not let this continue.

Austin says his mom went to the public library.

Austin Herbst: My father, at this point, was laying on the couch, half asleep. And as I walked out, I noticed that that skirting was like crumpled up.  I lifted up the skirting and I saw the firearm.

Peter Van Sant: It's a pistol.

Austin Herbst: Yes.

Austin says his father had never brought a gun into the living room before.

Austin Herbst: In my heart of hearts, I knew that my mother's life was in danger, and by extension, my own.  It all just culminated like, "oh, my God, he's going to kill her."

Austin Herbst: All these thoughts ran through my head almost instantaneously. And I reached underneath the couch, I grabbed the gun, I pointed at him and I pulled the trigger.  You know, it was surreal almost, right? Like, the bang went off, my hearing popped, and it was just immediately, there was almost like a numbness.

Peter Van Sant: I've never asked this question in all my years on "48 Hours."  what was it like to pick up that pistol, point it at your father's head and pull the trigger?

Austin Herbst shares details of the July 2013 murder of his father with

Austin Herbst: It broke me. It  it changed who I am irrevocably. I can never be the person I was, or even the person I would've become, had that never happened.

Peter Van Sant: At that moment, are you anguished over what you had done? Are you horrified?

Austin Herbst: There was a level of relief knowing that I would never again have to have that fear, having to worry about my mother's life  having to worry about my life.

Austin says he called his mother at the library and told her to come home.

Peter Van Sant: And how does your mom react to the scene?

Austin Herbst: Uh, sort of the same way I did, sort of just stunned.

Austin says he placed his father's body, wrapped in a rug, in the trunk of their car. They drove into neighboring Wisconsin.

Peter Van Sant: What are you and your mom talking about?

Austin Herbst: We aren't. At that point, the  you know, the adrenaline is still rushing. It's still fear.

The spot where Gary Herbst's remains were discovered in Wisconsin in 2017  four years after his murder. / Credit: Barron County Sheriff's Office

About two hours later, Austin and his mom pulled onto a field next to a patch of trees. He says they dumped Gary's body and then fled.

Austin Herbst: I figured that wildlife would take care of the rest. 

Peter Van Sant: What do you mean wildlife took care of 

Austin Herbst: Bears, foxes, they would devour the body. The bones would be scattered. Nobody would know.

Peter Van Sant: That seems a bit barbaric.

Austin Herbst: Absolutely.  I was not in the state of mind that I ever want to revisit. I was at the lowest I'd ever been, both in my emotions and in my humanity.

Mike Groh: I  we do have information that he was not a pleasant person to be around  but being an unpleasant person does not rise to the level of being a domestic abuser.

With no evidence Austin acted in self-defense, prosecutors Mike Groh and Sarah Wendrof say Austin and Connie would be charged with second-degree murder.

Sarah Wendorf: What Austin described as happening was not an emergency situation. It did not rise to a self-defense offense.

Peter Van Sant: Your life  while he was sleeping there on the couch  was not under imminent threat.  You didn't have to shoot him. This wasn't legally self-defense.

Austin Herbst: Right. Correct.

Peter Van Sant: This was murder.

Austin Herbst: Correct.

And as prosecutors prepared for trial, they questioned whether there was more to Connie's role in Gary's killing than Austin had admitted.

Peter Van Sant: Do you at times  wonder to yourself, could Connie have pulled that trigger?

Mike Groh: As prosecutor, of course I wonder about that.

A case of kill or be killed?

Austin Herbst: I shot my father because if I hadn't, I would've been dead. My mother would've been dead.

Peter Van Sant: What are the options that his son could have done other than kill Gary?

Mike Groh:  he could have grabbed the gun  left the house and told the police what had been going on.

Prosecutor Mike Groh.

Mike Groh: All those things are possible and very doable except shooting him in the head, which is the last thing that a civilized person would supposedly do.

Once Austin Herbst confessed to killing his father, he agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder.

Mike Groh:  it was what we call a straight plea, which means there was no promises made by the state as to what you would get.

Connie Herbst pleaded guilty to "aiding an offender  accomplice after the fact."

Sarah Wendorf:  Austin said, yes,  I was the one that killed my dad  then that's when we decided Connie would be charged with  the aiding an offender after the fact.

Without a trial, prosecutor Sarah Wendorf says there were many unanswered questions about Austin and Connie's claims of physical abuse.

Sarah Wendorf: We have never seen any information to suggest that there was any abuse, um, that Gary committed against Austin or his wife.

Mike Groh: They never said anything until they were in trouble. And then they told these reasons why they were abused.

Peter Van Sant: The prosecutors in this case say, well, there's no real evidence that any of this happened.

Austin Herbst: Of course. And I can'tI can't refute that I can't refute that there is no evidence that occurred. It is all hearsay.

Austin told "48 Hours" he and his mom had never reported abuse to the police, friends or extended family members because they feared for their lives at the hands of Gary.

Austin Herbst: I've been told if you try to have me arrested, if you try to flee, if you try toyou knowgo your own way, I will find you and kill you.

Another question for prosecutors involves Connie's whereabouts on the day of the murder.

Peter Van Sant: You said that your mom was at the library at the time your father was shot, correct?

Austin Herbst: Yes.

Peter Van Sant: The prosecutors say investigators were never able to find evidence that that's true  that she was there. And they wonder if your mother was the one who killed your father and that you  as her protector  have told a story where you're taking responsibility for something that she did.

Austin Herbst: My mom would never allow me to take a fall like that, if she had done that.

Peter Van Sant: And I need to ask you that question. Did your mother, Connie, shoot and kill your father?

Austin Herbst: I'm telling you right now on everything I hold dear, my mother did not shoot my father.

Prosecutors said a potential motive for Gary's murder was hate  illustrated by how Austin left his father's corpse in these woods to be eaten.

Peter Van Sant: That is inhuman.

Austin Herbst: Absolutely.

Peter Van Sant: That is barbaric.

Inhumanity that, at the time, seemed to have left Austin overjoyed.

Austin Herbst: I experienced more happiness afterwards than I had for my entire 18 years of living with him.

Peter Van Sant: You're having cookies with the neighbors while your father's corpse is being eaten by animals.

Austin Herbst: Yeah, it was a strange dichotomy.  It actually brought me a sense of almost shame that my happiness is on the feet of the ultimate act of violence. It still makes me wonder what kind of person I am that that could have happened.

At Austin's June 2021 sentencing hearing at Scott County District Court in Minnesota, prosecutors asked that Austin Herbst be sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Mike Groh: I made it clear to the judge that he deserved the highest sentence  because of the callous way that he was killed and the body was treated.

But Judge Caroline Lennon said she found Austin's claims believable. In her ruling, she said, "I find it credible that you believed that he was going to kill your mom" and later said Austin "felt an underlying obligation to protect his mother." He was sentenced to 12 years and six months and will be eligible for release in 2029.

Mike Groh: It's horrendous because if we allow that kind of justice to go, nobody's safe because they'll say that I have been abused, that's why I did this.

Gary Herbst's sister Linda Dane seemed a bit overwhelmed.

Linda Dane: Twelve. Yeah. That does not seem very relevant to someone's life. It seems very very light.

Eight months later, Connie Herbst was back in court for her sentencing.

Sarah Wendorf: We also recommended for Connie, um, the highest end of the guideline sentence, which was 57 months.

Peter Van Sant: That would have been almost five years in prison 

Sarah Wendorf: Yes 

Sentenced to two years and three months, Connie Herbst was released in May 2022 after serving three months behind bars. / Credit: Minnesota Department of Corrections

But the judge decided Connie would get two years and three months. Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, she served just three months behind bars and was released in May 2022.

Kaia Kraml: I think that he was psychotic.

And back in the small town of Elko New Market, Minnesota, where the murder took place, a few of Gary Herbst's former neighbors had hoped Austin and his mother Connie wouldn't do any hard time for eliminating a man they considered a monster.

Chad Kraml: I felt sad because I didn't really want them to be caught.  I don't feel they were a danger to society.

Jason Grimm even had a message for Austin.

Jason Grimm: I hope he's doing well, and when he gets out, please look us up. I'd like to help him in any way I can.

Peter Van Sant: Really?

Jason Grimm: Yeah.

Peter Van Sant: Do you feel in a way, though, he got a 12-and-a-half-year sentence, was that too much?

Jason Grimm: I think it's a little bit excessive.  hopefully, he can pick up the pieces and move on with his life 

Peter Van Sant: Do you believe that what you did was justified?

Austin Herbst: I believe that there are a lot of reasons why the act was justifiable.

Peter Van Sant: So under the same circumstances, you would still shoot him again?

Austin Herbst: I believe so ...

Peter Van Sant: And when you get out, what do you want people to know about whether you will be a potential danger to society ... or a contributor to society?

Austin Herbst: My only goal in life is to leave something behind that's worth remembering. This isn't it. This isn't it.  I want to leave behind a legacy other than I killed my father 

Produced by Asena Basak and Chuck Stevenson. Michael Loftus is the field producer. Cindy Cesare and Marc Goldbaum are the development producers. Wini Dini and Phil Tangel are the editors. Annabelle Allen is the associate producer. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

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March 26 (UPI) -- The flow of humanitarian aid to Cuba has increased in recent days with shipments of food, medicine and fuel from governments, regional allies and an international flotilla of activists amid a crisis marked by widespread blackouts and shortages of basic supplies.

However, alongside the arrival of that assistance, a debate has also grown inside and outside the island over its real impact, distribution and motives of some of those behind it.

Mexico provided the most significant shipments, with more than 1,200 tons of food transported on two Navy vessels in mid-March, followed by new cargo announced days later.

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Meanwhile, Caribbean countries are preparing additional packages with powdered milk, infant formula, nonperishable food, medical supplies and energy equipment, such as solar panels and batteries. China sent 60,000 tons of rice.

Fuel shipments confirmed by Russian authorities, in an attempt to ease the energy crisis affecting the island, have not arrived and seem to be in limbo because of the U.S. embargo.

Cuba faces a structural deficit in electricity generation -- because of a massive shortage of oil -- that has led the system to operate under severe pressure, producing barely half of the electricity needed to cover total demand.

The gap between supply and consumption has forced authorities to implement widespread outages to avoid a total collapse, especially during peak hours, causing prolonged blackouts across the country that affect hospitals, transportation, cold chains and daily life.

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Seeking to assist, the international flotilla "Nuestra America" arrived in Havana starting Friday. Organizers said they transported more than 20 tons of essential supplies.

The initiative brought together more than 650 participants from 33 countries, including doctors, activists, political figures, artists and digital content creators. Most participants arrived by air, while a vessel arrived Tuesday in Havana. President Miguel Diaz-Canel personally received those aboard.

Organizers of relief missions say Cuba is on the verge of an "imminent humanitarian collapse" and attribute the situation to United States policy, including sanctions and restrictions linked to oil trade.

But inside the island, some Cubans express doubts about the destination of that aid.

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"These people come here to benefit the regime in Cuba," said Berta Solorzano, a resident of Old Havana, in statements reported by Radio Marti.

Activist Yanaisy Curvelo, mother of a political prisoner, expressed an even more direct view:

"They believe in dictators, that's why it works like this. .... None of those donations go to the people, everything goes to the stores -- in MLC [a digital currency created by the Cuban government] or dollars."

Near the port of Havana, where the relief ship Granma 2.0 docked, a resident identified as Manuel Soria said, "What they came here for is to support the dictatorship of the Castro regime. If it comes under these conditions, then they should not come anymore because we have not seen any help. We have not benefited, what we are is hungrier every day."

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Opposition figure Manuel Cuesta Morua questioned the convoy's approach.

"Instead of talking about the conditions and circumstances and the real situation of the country, they decide and dedicate themselves to reviving their utopia," he said.

He also used a metaphor to describe the situation: "The most powerful image I have was given by [Cuban American] activist [Manolo De Los Santos] Ramallo is that this is like the Titanic. It is like someone playing music on the deck of the ship while it's sinking."

Doubts are not limited to opposition sectors. Cuban researcher Elaine Acosta, affiliated with Florida International University in Miami, described the convoy in statements to El Pais as a political maneuver more linked to elites than to citizen needs, and she warned about the risk of aid diversion.

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Egyptian filmmaker Basel Ramsis Labib, with historical ties to Cuba and experience in flotillas to Gaza, questioned the initiative and described it as "ridiculous."

"Cuba is not Gaza," he wrote, adding that anyone who wants to help can send medicine and food directly, without incurring the high logistical costs of a flotilla.

He said those resources could have been allocated more efficiently to the population and criticized what he described as a component of "egocentrism" and a search for political visibility.

He also questioned the symbolic nature of the initiative, including the name "Granma 2.0," and warned that some attitudes are "insulting" in the face of food shortages, fuel scarcity and the energy crisis.

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"The Cuban people need gasoline, medicine, food and serious reform," he said.

The controversy was amplified by the participation of international figures and scenes that some considered disconnected from the crisis context.

Irish hip hop group Kneecap performed a concert in Cuba during a blackout, which generated criticism on social media over the contrast between the event and the country's energy situation.

#Irish band #Kneecap hold a concert in #Cuba while most of the island is without power pic.twitter.com/F0scfOUOzo O R (@oswaldosrm) March 22, 2026

Another focus of criticism was American political commentator Hasan Piker, who participated in the convoy and said he sought to raise awareness about the effects of United States policy on Cuba. During his visit, he described the country as "incredible" and highlighted the resilience of its population.

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His statements were criticized and compared to a disconnect between that discourse and his behavior. Piker came under scrutiny for staying at a luxury hotel and wearing expensive clothing and accessories, prompting comparisons with living standards on the island.

Former Spanish Vice President Pablo Iglesias also became part of the controversy after defending the humanitarian mission from Havana in a video recorded from a five-star hotel, according to posts and analysis shared on social media.

In that message, he said the situation is "difficult, but not as it is presented from outside."

The reaction included direct criticism from Cuba. Journalist Ariel Maceo Tellez questioned the legitimacy of such interventions and said Cubans understand their reality better than foreign observers.

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In his message, he denounced the coexistence of widespread shortages and the development of luxury tourism infrastructure, noting that many Cubans cannot access those places.

A ver @PabloIglesias, que tu puedes enganar a los que se dejan mentir con el tema Cuba, pero a los cubanos nunca podras enganarnos. Nosotros sabemos mas que tu que es lo ocurre en nuestro pais. No necesitamos que un satelite socialista como tu venga a lucrar con el dolor del... pic.twitter.com/8ZcXq39LXi Ariel Maceo Tellez (@arielmaceo86) March 20, 2026

Humanitarian aid to Cuba has increased in volume and visibility, but its impact is conditioned by internal distribution capacity, state control and the persistent energy crisis.

The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights said in its 2025 report that 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty and that 71% has been forced to skip meals due to food shortages.

The real impact of the aid will depend on its ability to effectively reach the population in a scenario of increasingly widespread needs.
HAVANA (AP)  Former Cuban President Raul Castro is involved in talks between the island and the United States, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Wednesday.

The talks, which Diaz-Canel said are in the early stages, come at a time of increasing tensions between the two nations, with Cuba plagued by nationwide blackouts resulting from a crumbling power grid and an ongoing oil blockade implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on any country that provides oil to Cuba. Trump recently said hed have the honor of taking Cuba soon.

The talks overall are being handled collectively by the Cuban government, Diaz-Canel told Spanish leftist leader Pablo Iglesias in a videotaped interview that lasted more than an hour and was shared by state media. Though Diaz-Canel became president in 2018, 94-year-old revolutionary leader, brother of Fidel Castro, is still considered the most powerful person in the nation.

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Iglesias was in Cuba as part of a delegation of some 600 activists from 33 countries who arrived last week to deliver humanitarian aid.

A process of conversations that leads to an agreement is a long process, Diaz-Canel told Iglesias, who produced the interview for his crowdfunded TV channel, Canal RED.

First, we must build a channel for dialogue. Then, we must build common agendas of interests for the parties, and the parties must demonstrate their intention to move forward and truly commit to the program based on the discussion of those agendas, Diaz-Canel said.

In late January, Trump threatened tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba as he pushes for a change in the islands political model.

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Although the initial threats were formally softened, the embargo has remained in place, and the island has not received any fuel shipments in the past three months.

Prolonged power outages and a near-paralysis of economic and social life are the visible consequences on the island, which in the last week experienced two nationwide blackouts that left millions without electricity as Cubas power grid continues to crumble.

The U.S. has said that Cuba was in negotiations, and Trump has threatened that he would take over the island soon.

Diaz-Canel was more nuanced in his response and said his officials and those from the U.S. State Department held recent talks.

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He also addressed speculation surrounding the role that Castro, would be playing a role in these overture.

The other thing theyve tried to speculate about is that there are divisions within the leadership of the revolution, Diaz-Canel said, not clarifying who he was referring to.

Castro is one of those who, along with me and in collaboration with other branches of the (Communist) Party, the government, and the State, has guided how we should conduct this dialogue process, if this dialogue process takes place, the president added.

He noted that Castro is the historical leader of this revolution, even though he has relinquished his responsibilities, and that he maintains a prestige earned with the people due to historical recognition that no one can deny.

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Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother, Fidel, as president, led historic talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014 that led to the reopening of embassies and re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

Trump has opposed such policy, tightening sanctions even further, exacerbating a deep economic crisis to the extreme of the current energy blockade.

Meanwhile, Francisco Pichon, resident coordinator of the United Nations in Cuba, warned that if the situation continued to spiral it could provoke a humanitarian crisis. Pichon and other officials said it would require $94 million to address the islands energy crisis and hurricane damage from last year.

The crippled energy grid was slated to cut off 96,000 people, around 11,000 of them children, from getting surgeries they need, and cause 30,000 minors to fall behind of their vaccine schedules, he estimated.

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It's already cut around a million people who depend on water deliveries from trucks, off from access to water.

The Un officials highlighted the desperate need for fuel to enter Cuba, but also solar power as a potential solution to keep schools and hospitals up and running and to pump water for irrigation.

If the current situation continues and the countrys fuel reserves are depleted, we do fear an accelerated deterioration with the possible loss of lives, said Francisco Pichon, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Cuba.

___

Follow APs Latin America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Investors have been trading at-the-money and the slightly out-of-the-money Microsoft Corp (MSFT) call options today - a bullish signal. This is evident from three tranches highlighted in today's Barchart Unusual Stock Options Activity Report.

MSFT is at $372.97 in midday trading on Tuesday, March 24, off a recent peak of $410 on March 5, but well off its three-month peak of $487.48 on Dec. 30, 2025.

More News from Barchart

MSFT stock - last 3 months - Barchart - March 24, 2026

This was after Microsoft reported strong free cash flow (FCF) and FCF margins on Jan. 28 for its fiscal Q2, which ended Dec. 25. I discussed its results in my Jan. 30 Barchart article, Microsoft's Free Cash Flow Crashes Due to High Capex - But Is MSFT Stock's Dip Overdone?

MSFT Target Prices

I showed that, based on the company's capex spending plans, it could still generate $86 billion in FCF over the next 12 months. That was using analysts' revenue estimates, which have risen since then.

Based on that FCF estimate and a 45x FCF multiple, MSFT stock could have a market cap of $3.87 trillion. That's over $1 trillion more than its present market cap of $2.776 trillion.

That would give MSFT stock a price target that is 39.4% higher (i.e., $3.87 tr / $2.776 tr -1 = 1.394):

1.394 x $372.97 = $519.92 price target (PT)

In fact, using just a 40x multiple, the price target would be 23.9% higher (i.e., $3.44 trillion/$2.776 tr = 1.239), or :

1.239 x $372.97 price today = $462.11 PT

So, no wonder investors have been buying MSFT call options. They see MSFT stock as undervalued.

Other analysts tend to agree. For example, Yahoo! Finance reports that the average PT of 57 analysts is $594.52 per share, and Barchart's mean survey PT is $594.84. These are even higher than my PT based on its FCF estimates.

However, AnaChart.com, which tracks recent analyst write-ups, reports that 29 analysts have an average PT of $471.67. That's close to my PT, but still shows that MSFT is deeply undervalued.

Unusual MSFT Call Options Activity

This is seen in Barchart's Unusual Stock Options Activity Report today. It shows that three different tranches of MSFT call options have had heavy volume.

MSFT call options - Barchart Unusual Stock Options Activity Report - March 24, 2026

It shows that for the next 3 to 9 day expiration periods, investors have been trading the $375.00 and $370 strike price MSFT call options. The volume of this activity has been 20x to 60x the prior number of call options contracts outstanding. In other words, investors have been piling into these calls.
A Dallas County jury on Wednesday evening returned a $1.1 billion verdict in favor of a 7-year-old boy and his parents after finding the childs stepfather responsible for assaulting him and causing catastrophic injuries that left the boy in a wheelchair.

The award included approximately $291 million in compensatory damages and $810 million in punitive damages. The defendant, Charles Brooks Jr., an unemployed trust fund beneficiary, is the grandson of the late Virginia and Dr. Jesse Brooks and the great-grandson of one of the original investors in Humble Oil, the predecessor to Exxon.

Plaintiffs lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represented the boy and his family, described the case after years of litigation and a contentious trial. Brooks, the childs stepfather, assaulted the then-2-year-old boy in 2021 while babysitting, according to the lawsuit. Brooks claimed the injuries were an accident.

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The lawsuit said the boys mother, Madison Ball, had trusted Brooks, her then-husband, to watch her son while she worked. Brooks told her he needed to visit his grandfather in a Dallas hospital and took the child with him. Instead, he reportedly beat and abused the boy almost to death and lied about going to the hospital, the suit alleged.

Brooks later told Ball her son had fallen off the kitchen table and was non-responsive. When she demanded a FaceTime call, she saw the child barely breathing. Brooks claimed the boy had already been revived in an ice bath and would sleep it off, the lawsuit states, CBS News Texas reported. He allegedly refused to call an ambulance and threatened her, saying he would snap her neck and f***ing kill her if she called the police or an ambulance. Ball called for help anyway.

At the hospital, doctors found the child had a severe brain bleed, a traumatic brain injury, adult bite marks on his legs, and multiple forms of organ and neurological damage. He spent months in the ICU in a medically induced coma.

The boy is now bedridden, relies on a breathing machine, and suffers permanent, severe brain damage that will require lifelong, 24-hour medical care, the lawsuit said.

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Brooks gave conflicting accounts, first saying the child fell down the stairs and later claiming he had been in a car accident. He was arrested 11 days after the incident, went on the run, and was captured. In 2023, Brooks pleaded guilty to injury to a child and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The lawsuit sought compensatory damages to cover the boys ongoing care and punitive damages for what it called Brooks egregious, reckless, and sickening conduct, per CBS.

Ball described her son as a healthy, energetic toddler before the assault.
GOSHEN  Democratic candidates for Indiana House Dist. 49 say the incumbent is one of many representatives who failed Hoosiers by ignoring their needs.

Michelle Milne, Monica Garbaciak and Susan Lawson are running in the primary election for the seat held by Joanna King since 2020. The Middlebury resident was appointed originally, ran unopposed in the 2024 general election and does not have a primary challenger this year.

The three Democrats spoke Tuesday at a forum in the Goshen Theater. They were asked what they would do differently from King.

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Im just going to say she doesnt have our best interest in mind, said Lawson, a former substitute teacher whos had a longtime desire to run for office. When I listen to people in the community talk to me about pouring their heart out to her and supporting her, and then she turns and does the wrong thing, she votes against their best interest.

Lawson listed her own goals as including fully funding the childcare voucher program and opposing the militarization of law enforcement. She said her priorities are driven by the values of kindness, compassion and empathy.

Some of my early personal life experiences created my passion to become an advocate for children and families. We struggled, like many families did, to meet our basic needs. Utilities and food and housing, she said. I was so thrilled when I read the job description for state representative. One of the responsibilities is holding local and state officials and agencies accountable for their decisions, and I am very invested in that role.

Lawson and Milne both pointed to Kings vote in favor of mid-cycle redistricting last year as something they dont believe reflects the priorities of people in the district.

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I think her biggest mistake is not listening to the people that shes supposed to represent, Milne said. Shes listening to someone outside our community, over and over and over again, and shes driving her votes by that and not by what we actually told her. I know she was in a meeting here in town, and people told her what they wanted, and she voted against it with the redistricting.

Milne, a performer and consultant, said refusing to listen to people is a failing of representatives statewide and that Hoosiers are tired of seeing their neighbors struggle. She said the government needs to get back to the basics of caring for people, which shouldnt be seen as just a progressive goal that stands little chance against a Republican supermajority.

I have a hypothesis that most of us want 85 percent of the same goals. I really do, the more I talk to people. So this question of how to get progressive policies through, Im not sure I agree with the framing anymore. Maybe I used to. But I think its about policies that help people, Milne said. I also want to point out that this year, there are a ton of Democrats running. So maybe it wont be a supermajority anymore, and I think that is good for democracy. I think we need a variety of opinions and thats part of the problem, is that one group has gotten stuck in getting to make the rules without talking to anyone else.

Garbaciak, director of customer service at Lippert and a new mother, said she personally started to pay more attention to politics the more she feels the effects of those decisions. She listed her own goals as lowering everyday costs, investing in local schools and improving access to healthcare.

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I was raised by a single mom who was on public assistance, so I can understand firsthand how important these programs are, she said. Childcare is something that I am dealing with, healthcare. Support for families is really something that we need out there and we need to fight to protect.

Garbaciak said she has watched her family become more impacted by political decisions over the past six years and now sees a big gap between lawmakers priorities and the needs of households. She doesnt believe King has acted with Hoosiers best interests in mind.

I think it comes down to being very self-serving, not people-serving. I think its important why we are all here, even myself. Ive said this, Im kind of fresh to the political world and I feel like she does not have our best interest in mind, she said. Its important to get people back in this seat that are dealing with these issues every day and cant easily be swayed, and will stand up.
Democrats notched a symbolic win in the Florida House district covering President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, taking their fight against the president's policies to his doorstep with another victory that shows the party is running strong in red areas and has momentum heading into the midterms.

The March 24 special election victory in a district that Trump carried by 11 percentage points is the latest sign that a blue wave could be building as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress from the GOP in November and put a check on Trump's presidency. Democrats have struggled in Florida in recent years, but the state recently elected Democratic mayors in Miami and Boca Raton for the first time in decades.

Delivering a rebuke to Trump in his hometown of Palm Beach, a place that holds special significance as the center of the GOP universe, was particularly notable, though. The Democratic candidate in Florida House District 87 won by 2.4 percentage points after the previous GOP officeholder won the district by 19 points in 2024.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff See 19 potential Democratic presidential candidates for the 2028 election 1 of 2 Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

"If Democrats can win in Trumps backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country. Onward to November!" Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said on social media.The Democrat also is leading in a March 24 special election for a Tampa-area state Senate seat that Trump carried by 7 percentage points, with The Associated Press yet to call a race that is within range of a recount.

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As Democrats keep rolling up wins in districts Trump carried by large margins, signs point to a tough national political climate for the GOP amid the president's sinking approval rating.

Trump's opponents are energized to rein in his administration after a disruptive second term that has generated strong backlash, with critics decrying his aggressive immigration enforcement efforts, use of the military and fixation on perceived political adversaries, among other actions.

Some observers cautioned against reading too much into a low turnout special election, though. Only 29% of registered voters cast ballots in the District 87 race, with the Democrat winning by just under 800 votes.

"This is a small district, it's a low turnout," conservative commentator Scott Jennings said on CNN, adding that people should be careful about extrapolating a relatively narrow victory in such a race "into what could happen nationally."

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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Democrats on a roll

The victory by Democrat Emily Gregory in Florida House District 87 is just the latest in a series of strong performances for the party in 2025 and 2026.

Democrats have flipped 30 state legislative seats since Trump returned to power last year, according to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and also tallied big wins everywhere from the governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia to lower-profile contests like the Georgia board that regulates public utilities.

Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election in a Florida state House district that covers President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, a significant symbolic win for the party.

Democrats flipped seats in Texas, Iowa, Florida and elsewhere that Trump won handily. Even in races that Democrats lost, the party's strong overperformance relative to Trump's winning margins has been cause for concern for the GOP.

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Marc Short, who served as Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff during Trump's first administration, in a March 24 social media post reacting to data on Democratic overperformance in special-election victories this year said that the numbers indicate a "9-alarm fire for GOP heading into midterms."

Is Emily Gregory's victory particularly significant?

Amid the favorable climate for Democrats, the party is especially giddy about Gregory's win.

Winning on Trump's home turf in a strongly Republican-leaning district could be a big public relations coup for the party, which was eager to drive home the message that voters who live closest to the president are rejecting him.

Donald Trumps own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change," Martin said in a news release.

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Gregory's win could help Democrats raise money and recruit candidates. In an MS NOW interview, Gregory encouraged those who oppose Trump to get "off the sidelines."

"Go for it. Back yourself," Gregory said to prospective candidates. "It only takes you getting off the sidelines to make a difference, and if you want the world to look different, then you have to go out and make it different. I think we've learned over the last several years that no one is coming to save us. We have to save ourselves."

Trump couldn't save GOP candidate

Another worrying sign for the GOP in Florida: Trump's late involvement in the House District 87 race wasn't enough to pull GOP candidate Jon Maples over the finish line.

Trump weighed in the day before the election, writing on social media on March 23 that "there is a very important Special Election tomorrow" and declaring that "JON MAPLES HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!"

President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 24, 2026.

Without Trump on the ballot, there are questions about whether his voters will show up to the polls in November. His efforts to rally them on social media haven't been enough in some recent races, even in GOP-leaning seats such as District 87.

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Trump did, however, cast a mail-in ballot despite describing mail-in voting as "mail-in cheating" during an appearance this week in Memphis.

Trump's low approval

Democrats' strength at the ballot box comes amid dismal approval ratings for Trump.

A Reuters/Ipsos survey released March 24 found that just 36% of Americans are happy with the president's performance, the lowest approval of his second term. Most Americans oppose his decision to strike Iran and give him low marks for his handling of the economy.

The war in Iran has caused gas prices to spike and major stock market indexes to dip, raising concerns about the direction of the economy at a time when many Americans are still acutely concerned about the cost of living, something Gregory emphasized.

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I focused on the issues that matter most to Florida families," Gregory told CNN shortly before her race was called. "Everyone is feeling that affordability crisis and the last thing that Florida families needed when they're struggling is $4 gas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Emily Gregory's symbolic election results mean for 2026 midterms
A group of community organizations is alleging that the San Francisco Police Department unlawfully assisted federal immigration agents during the arrest of two immigrants at the airport on Sunday.

The coalition filed a complaint against SFPD on Wednesday, alleging officers violated city and state sanctuary laws due to their presence surrounding federal agents during the arrest.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a mother and her daughter from Guatemala at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday, with bystanders recording videos of the incident that have drawn national attention.

RELATED: Viral video shows mother arrested by ICE at SFO; California leaders express outcry and skepticism

Bay Area lawmakers are sounding off after video shows reported ICE agents in plain clothes detaining a woman at SFO.

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A judge issued a final order of removal to the immigrants, identified as Angelina Lopez-Jimenez and Wendy Godinez-Lopez, back in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Videos circulating on social media show several SFPD officers appearing to form a perimeter while ICE agents detained the woman.

"I want to understand what information they had before they arrived. I want to understand what their reason or excuse was for showing up on the scene. I understand how they decided to deploy that many officers to protect ICE," said Angela Chan, assistant chief attorney with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office.

Chan, who helped write the city and state's sanctuary laws, argues the officers crossed a legal line.

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"I believe what they did was they assisted with immigration enforcement by assisting with an arrest, a detention and transportation for ICE. I think they did more than form that perimeter," she said.

RELATED: ICE agents to deploy to 14 airports nationwide amid TSA callout

SFPD maintains it does not assist in federal immigration enforcement, and told ABC7 that its officers responded to a Sunday 911 call around 10:00 p.m. at SFO.

"Officers arrived on scene and determined the incident involved federal immigration officials. SFPD officers were not involved. SFPD has a large presence and is responsible for public safety at the airport. SFPD will continue to ensure public safety at SFO and in the City of San Francisco," a spokesperson said.

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Mayor Daniel Lurie reinforced that stance.

"Our sanctuary policies are here. They are in place. They're not going anywhere as long as I am mayor. We are going to continue those policies. SFPD, and any local law enforcement will not assist federal immigration enforcement," Lurie said.

Legal gray area hinges on intent, experts say

"We don't know enough information," said Bill Hing, a law professor at the University of San Francisco and former SFPD commissioner.

"What we don't know is if they were worried that the situation was going to escalate into violence, where people could get hurt, innocent bystanders," he said.

The city's sanctuary ordinance prohibits city employees from using resources to "assist or cooperate with any ICE investigation, detention, or arrest."

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"They're not supposed to use San Francisco resources to assist in immigration enforcement," Hing added. "However, they are if what they were doing was to prevent violence from occurring."

He said hypothetically, if ICE called SFPD asking for protection, that would be permissible under the city ordinance.

"That's different from 'we want San Francisco police to come in and help us because we're going to engage in something that involves immigration enforcement,'" he said. "Then that's bordering on San Francisco police responding in violation of the sanctuary policies."

He added that determining intent will likely require further investigation into who called police and how officers were instructed to respond.

For now, advocates say the public records request could provide insight into whether sanctuary policies were violated - or upheld.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security are close to finalizing an agreement that will allow the federal government to use sensitive voter registration data for immigration and criminal investigations, sources with direct knowledge of the plan told CBS News. The Justice Department's controversial collection of voter roll data is being litigated in dozens of states, and the department has not disclosed its data-sharing plans to any of the courts.

The Justice Department will share voter roll data that its Civil Rights Division is collecting from states with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations as part of an effort to determine whether non-citizens are unlawfully registered or have cast ballots in prior elections, the sources said.

CBS News could not determine the precise details of how the data-sharing arrangement will work, though the formal request for access to the data is expected to come from Todd Lyons, who is currently the senior official performing the duties of the acting director of ICE.

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The arrangement could entail the creation of a system that would let officials submit queries to match voter registration data collected by the Justice Department with DHS alien databases, one of the sources added.

"This Department of Justice is devoting significant resources to ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent. That includes litigation to ensure voter roll maintenance and a clear focus on ensuring that American elections are decided solely by American citizens," a spokesperson for the Justice Department said.

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement, "Collaboration with the DOJ will lawfully and critically enable DHS to prevent illegal aliens from corrupting our republic's democratic process and further ensure the integrity of our elections nationwide."

While some government lawyers have advocated handing over large amounts of raw voter data to DHS, others have sought to narrow the request to specific kinds of information  such as voting history and documents to verify voter eligibility, the sources added.

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The White House has also been involved in discussions with officials from both the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security about the data-sharing arrangement, the sources said.

CBS could not immediately determine why the White House is involved or what specific role it is playing. The White House previously issued an executive order tasking the government with enforcing laws which prevent non-citizens from voting.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The tentative agreement comes as the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division remains locked in litigation with 28 states and the District of Columbia, according to its most recent press release in late February, after they refused to hand over unredacted voter rolls with data such as Social Security numbers, due to privacy concerns.

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While some government lawyers have advocated handing over large amounts of raw voter data to DHS, others have sought to narrow the request to specific kinds of information  such as voting history and documents to verify voter eligibility, the sources added.

Earlier this week, DOJ and Oklahoma settled its case, with the state's attorney general saying the agreement will ensure privacy protections will be in place.

In all of the cases, the Civil Rights Division's attorneys have not disclosed the pending data-sharing agreement with DHS and the Justice Department, claiming instead they need the information to ensure compliance with several other federal laws that require states to maintain clean voter registration lists.

On Thursday, after CBS News sought comment from the Justice Department on the agreement and why it wasn't disclosed in the court cases, a DOJ attorney disclosed the plans to share the data with DHS in a court in Rhode Island.

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The government has also not filed any formal notice in the Federal Register explicitly disclosing its plan to collect private voter registration data, even though the Privacy Act requires the government to provide public notice and comment before it collects records on individuals.

The Justice Department's silence about its ongoing efforts with DHS to compile large amounts of voter registration data for immigration and criminal law enforcement in its court filings could potentially run afoul of the rules of professional conduct that licensed attorneys are required to follow, legal experts say.

The American Bar Association's model rule 3.3, a version of which has been widely adopted by all state bar licensing offices, prohibits lawyers from knowingly making false statements to the court.

"If the lawyers know they are lying or know they are withholding information,  they are 100% in jeopardy of substantial sanctions either by the bar or by the court," said Deborah Pearlstein, the director of the Princeton program in law and public policy at Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs.

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She added that if the lawyers arguing the cases do not know about it and the court has any doubt, then the judges can order relevant government officials to come and testify.

CBS News could not determine whether all of the lawyers from the Civil Rights Division who are arguing the cases in court are aware of the ongoing negotiations between the Justice Department and DHS about the data-sharing arrangement.

However, at least a handful of senior attorneys from the Civil Rights Division have been privy to some discussions about the data-sharing plan, sources with knowledge say, in addition to multiple officials in other Justice Department offices, including the deputy attorney general.

Two civil rights lawyers who were involved in at least some of the past discussions  Andrew Braniff and Jesus Osete  are currently handling appeals in three separate cases, after federal judges denied the Justice Department's request to hand over the voter rolls.

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At least two others  Acting Voting Section Chief Eric Neff and Timothy Mellett  have also been involved in some discussions about coordinating with DHS to share voter roll data, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

Osete, Braniff, Neff and Mellett did not respond to requests for comment.

Questions of accuracy

The Justice Department has filed 30 lawsuits against primarily blue states and the District of Columbia, after they balked over demands to share sensitive voter registration data such as partial Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers.

In all of those civil complaints, attorneys from the Civil Rights Division have insisted that they are seeking voter roll data to ensure compliance with two federal laws  the Help America Vote Act and the National Voter Registration Act  which require states to establish programs for maintaining clean voting lists so people ineligible to vote, such as convicted felons or non-citizens, do not cast ballots.

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The Civil Rights Division also claims it is entitled to the records under a provision in the Civil Rights Act, which requires states to retain voter registration records for up to 22 months after an election. The Justice Department can demand to inspect those records, but it must provide "a statement of the basis and the purpose" for the request.

The question of whether the data will be shared with other agencies for law enforcement or immigration purposes has come up on multiple occasions as the litigation proceeds.

In one court hearing in Minnesota on March 3, a federal judge explicitly asked Justice Department Civil Rights Division attorney James Tucker if the department had any "intention to use this data to conduct immigration enforcement."

"Not to my knowledge, your honor," Tucker said, according to a transcript.

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He went on to say that some states are voluntarily providing the voter roll data to DHS so that it can run the names against its own databases to ensure that noncitizens are not registered. He added that media reports suggesting the government is building a national voter database are "conflating" different purposes.

During another hearing in Connecticut on March 19, Tucker was asked by a different judge if there was a plan to share the data with DHS.

"I don't believe that's a decision that's been made," he said. When pressed further, he conceded that he does not know about Attorney General Pam Bondi's future plans.

"As of today, there has been no directive or instruction that the data  the non-publicly available data  is going to be transmitted to any other agency," he said.

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Tucker did not respond to requests for comment.

Similarly, the acting chief of the division's voting section, Eric Neff, in a sworn declaration in federal court in Connecticut also denied media reports suggesting the department was compiling a national voter file.

"Contrary to what the defendants contend through third-party hearsay, the records the United States is seeking to compelare not intended to create 'a federal voter database,'" Neff wrote in a March 13 filing submitted to a federal court in Connecticut.

David Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research and a CBS News contributor, said Neff's declaration on its face appears problematic.

"At a minimum, there is a pretty sound basis for arguing that Neff excluded key facts from a declaration with the court," he said.

During a court hearing in Rhode Island on Thursday on the voter roll case  after CBS News had sought comment from the Justice Department and its lawyers at the Civil Rights Division  Neff publicly acknowledged to a federal judge that the department plans to share the voter registration data with DHS so that it can be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database known as "SAVE" to identify if non-citizens are registered, according to several witnesses.

So far, three federal courts in California's Central District, Oregon and the Western District of Michigan have each dismissed the Justice Department's lawsuits.

In two of those cases, judges have also openly questioned the department's true motives for seeking the records.

"The Court does not take lightly DOJ's obfuscation of its true motives in the present matter," wrote U.S. District Judge David Carter for the Central District of California.

In Oregon, another judge raised similar concerns and suggested the Civil Rights Division's requests were merely "pretextual."

The judge went on to cite suspicious behavior by the department, including a letter Attorney General Pam Bondi sent to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticizing his state's response to immigration enforcement, and suggesting he could help restore order in part by allowing the Civil Rights Division access to its voter rolls.

"The context of this demand within a letter about immigration enforcement casts serious doubt as to the true purposes for which Plaintiff is seeking voter registration lists in this and other cases, and what it intends to do with that data," wrote U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai.

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The state, counties and nonprofit organizations have stepped in to support Kona-low storm relief efforts including food and GoFundMe accounts that provide financial support for programs and private donations.

Emergency meals

The Hawaii Foodbank held emergency food distributions in Mililani and Wahiawa, along with a mobile pantry serving the North Shore from Hauula to Sunset Beach, with food available while supplies lasted.

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Affected residents can continue checking the Hawaii Foodbank and partner websites for updated distribution events and locations.

The Maui Food Bank is also airlifting food supplies to Molokai, with its partner agencies distributing water, rice, protein and produce directly to affected communities.

Residents on Molokai can access food through partner agencies as distribution points are identified in the most-affected areas.

Molokai relief

Donations of tools, cleaning supplies and nonperishable food for Molokai families can be donated today at Kahului Shopping Center on Maui.

Community members can help by donating items or volunteering between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the collection site.

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All donations will be transported directly to Molokai to support cleanup, safety and basic living needs.

Additional relief includes coordinated food distribution from the Maui Food Bank and its partner agencies serving the islands most-affected areas.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub of verified fundraisers for Hawaii flood victims, allowing the public to directly donate to affected families.

To help, residents can donate through the Hawaii Flooding Relief hub, share fundraiser links on social media or start a verified fundraising campaign for individuals or nonprofits.

GoFundMes Trust & Safety team is actively reviewing fundraising efforts during the disaster to prevent misuse and ensure funds reach the correct recipients, according to GoFundMe.

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It currently features cases that include a North Shore first responder and intensive care unit nurse who lost nearly everything after the back-to-back floods, along with a Waialua family forced to evacuate within minutes.

Another family lost irreplaceable memories, including photos and personal belongings tied to loved ones.

Funding relief efforts

Aloha United Way activated a Community Relief Fund to support residents affected by severe flooding on Oahu.

Residents can get help or find services by calling 211 for referrals to shelter, food and recovery resources.

In a separate effort, AUW distributed more than $760,000 to community organizations through its Safety Net and Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) funds.

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The North Shore Flood Relief Fund, launched by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, is collecting donations to purchase tools and cleanup equipment.

Donations can be made online at gonorthshore.org, or by check payable to North Shore Chamber of Commerce with North Shore Flood Relief noted in the memo.

The University of Hawaii Foundation is raising funds to support students, faculty and staff affected by flooding.

The Hawaii Workers Center offers financial assistance for affected employees through its Storm Kokua Fund.

They can get more information or apply by calling 808-743-1031 or emailing contact@hawaiiworkerscenter.org.

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Maui language access

Community organizations, such as Roots Reborn, are providing translation services for immigrants and families with limited English proficiency who were affected by the storms.

Roots Reborn said language barriers can prevent families from receiving warnings and accessing aid during disasters.

Community groups are prioritizing direct outreach, culturally grounded support and translation of critical documents to ensure access before, during and after disasters.

Residents needing help can access multilingual materials and connect with organizations assisting with applications and recovery services.

Michelle Bartell, president and chief executive office of AUW said, our community has always shown up for one another in times of need, and this moment is no different.
A longtime El Segundo resident was arrested earlier this month after installing unauthorized stop signs at a neighborhood intersection he says has become increasingly dangerous for children.

Joseph Brandlin, 44, who has lived in El Segundo for more than four decades, said he took matters into his own hands after months of unsuccessful attempts to get city officials to address safety concerns about the intersection of Loma Vista Street and Acacia Avenue.

The intersection is currently a two-way stop and is near Acacia Park, a children's park that reopened after renovation in 2021.

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I care deeply about the safety of our neighborhood and the families that live here, Brandlin said.

Brandlin raised concerns about the intersection last year. He and other residents submitted a petition with roughly 50 signatures requesting additional stop signs. The city later said it conducted a traffic evaluation, but residents were not notified when it took place and saw no visible evidence of it, according to Brandlin.

El Segundo resident Joseph Brandlin was arrested earlier this month after installing unauthorized stop signs and painting "STOP" at a neighborhood intersection. (Joseph Brandlin)

The city ultimately determined the intersection did not meet the required traffic volume for additional stop signs, Brandlin said.

But residents say that the city's standard doesnt reflect reality.

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Theres a park right there, and its a magnet for children, said Gary Sanders, 62, a resident in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. He noted that drivers traveling downhill toward the intersection often gain speed and may not anticipate pedestrians crossing.

On weekends and after school, the area becomes especially busy with families and parked cars, according to Sanders.

A tragedy could occur, he said. I wonder if a tragedy does have to occur for the city to do something about it.

A resident walks his dog toward the intersection of Loma Vista Street and west Acacia Avenue in El Segundo, where resident Joseph Brandlin installed two new stop signs and painted a "Stop" sign in white paint on the street. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

In the weeks leading up to his arrest, Brandlin said he witnessed several near-collisions, including incidents involving children.

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He described a close call involving his son, who was nearly hit while on a bike due to limited visibility at the intersection.

That was the last straw, he said.

A city representative said officials reviewed the intersection after receiving concerns from Brandlin and determined it did not meet the requirements for a four-way stop but added pedestrian striping to improve safety.

Brandlin spent about $1,000 of his own money on commercial-grade materials, including 30-inch reflective stop signs matching the other ones on the street. He began installing them himself to replace the yellow posted crosswalk signs on the intersection in the early morning of March 14, according to the El Segundo Police Department.

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Police arrested him around 1:30 a.m. while he worked on the second direction of traffic. Brandlin said the arrest was excessive, saying he was cited with multiple charges, including felonies.

The charges include interfering with a traffic control device, grand theft, and vandalism exceeding $400, Sgt. Paul Saldana of the El Segundo Police Department said.

Joseph Brandlin said he attended many El Segundo City Council meetings asking the city to install stop signs but, the city ignored his concerns. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

He was taken to a nearby jail and released later the morning of March 14, with a citation, according to police. His court date is scheduled for June.

Despite the legal consequences, several residents expressed support for Brandlins actions and expressed broader concerns about safety.

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I think it is a huge issue, said Amanda Pruett, a local nanny and parent. Our kids safety is very important.

Pruett said she has frequently witnessed unsafe driving in the area and believes additional stop signs could help reduce risk.

Numerous residents told a Times reporter that they've seen dangerous driving through that intersection for years, and one said their cat was hit by a car.

Following Brandlins arrest, residents quickly organized. Brandlin gathered 73 letters in 24 hours from nearby households urging the city to take action.

On March 17, he presented the letters at a City Council meeting held days after his release.

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I'm asking the council for a straightforward action to install stop signs on intersection of Loma Vista Street and Acacia Avenue, or complete and transparent evaluation with the community, Brandlin said.

The incident prompted debate about how cities respond to community safety concerns and what happens when residents feel ignored.

El Segundo resident Joseph Brandlin was arrested earlier this month after installing unauthorized stop signs at a neighborhood intersection he says has become increasingly dangerous for children. (Joseph Brandlin)

Brandlin said he has reached out to city officials but has not received a response.

The city just wasnt listening, he said.

El Segundo officials did not respond to a request for comment from The Times.

Brandlins case is not an isolated incident. Across Los Angeles, residents and activists have increasingly taken street safety into their own hands, often out of frustration with delays in city response.

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In Sawtelle , community members painted crosswalks near Stoner Park after raising concerns about pedestrian safety in an area frequented by families, schools and day cares. The city initially removed the markings, citing accessibility requirements, before later reversing course and installing permanent crosswalks following public outcry.

Similar efforts have appeared in Koreatown , where a group of activists painted a crosswalk at an intersection where a 9-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle. The action was part of a broader movement by residents who say safety improvements often take too long or never come at all.

Tensions between residents and city officials have led to arrests.

In Westwood , an activist with the group Peoples Vision Zero was cited for vandalism while painting a crosswalk without a permit, highlighting the legal risks of unauthorized safety efforts.

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As Brandlin's case moves forward, the intersection remains unchanged, and residents continue to push for the installation of stop signs.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mar. 26EPHRATA  The Ephrata Police Department received information via social media regarding a possible cougar sighting in the southeast portion of Ephrata. However, after investigating the posts, Captain Troy Froewiss said the department couldn't substantiate there was a cougar in town.

The investigation began with a social media post saying three dogs had been attacked inside their fenced backyard in the southeast portion of town.

"No direct reports were made to the Ephrata Police Department regarding a cougar sighting," Froewiss said. "There are several posts, and then obviously that leads to dozens and dozens of comments."

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Ephrata PD located the owner of the dogs who said the dogs were attacked Monday evening. The owner said they did not witness the attack; however, the veterinarian who treated the surviving dogs said the attacking animal could have been a feline.

Then, Ephrata PD contacted the veterinarian who said they were unable to specify the type of animal inflicting the attack. They were unable to confirm if the injuries were caused by a feline or a dog versus dog.

Following that, Ephrata PD reached out to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"We wanted to make them aware and to verify they hadn't gotten any reports," Froewiss said.

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Froewiss said WDFW did not receive any reports on a cougar sighting in Ephrata.

However, Ephrata PD learned the Washington State Patrol dispatch received a report of a cougar running across Nat Washington Way near St. Rose of Lima School. This information had not been previously provided to Ephrata PD dispatch units.

Froewiss said they followed up with the caller and determined it to be a third-party report. The reporting party had seen a neighborhood ring camera comment about a cougar running across Nat Washington Way.

"They did not actually see a cougar," Froewiss said.

Froewiss asked the community to report any suspicious activity including dangerous animals to the Multi-Agency Communications Center Dispatch at 509-762-1160.

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"It would be beneficial to be involved early, to be able to solve issues before they turn into bigger problems," Froewiss said.

He said if someone does see a dangerous animal, the first thing they should do is get into a shelter and bring their animals and children with them.

"It's rare but we do have cougars out here," Froewiss said.

He then said call 911 or MACC and report it, to allow proper authorities to handle the animal.
As you probably know, Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City earlier this year, with the election victory widely considered good news for decent people.

Jason Mendez / Getty Images

In his first three months, Mamdani has already done a whole ton of good things that have made New Yorkers pretty happy, but now he is going seriously viral for his A+ response to being heckled during an outdoor public appearance on Wednesday.

Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

Mamdani was in Brooklyn to announce his new affordable housing initiative, Neighborhood Builders Fast Track, when Raul Rivera  who is a known and regular heckler of the mayors  shouted out: Youre a liar, Zohran!

Agencia EFE via Alamy

And instead of ignoring Raul, or  worse  having a negative response to him, Mamdani took the opportunity to deliver a masterclass in politics.

Bg048 / Getty Images

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Without missing a beat, Mamdani worked the disruption into his new initiative, telling the crowd: We love that in New York City youre gonna hear it from everybody. It wouldnt be our city if there wasnt somebody on the block!

Anadolu / Getty Images

Related: 23 Real Life "Unsolved Mysteries" People Can't Logically Explain (And Can't Forget, Either)

Gaining momentum, he went on: The day that I don't hear him yelling at me, it means he got priced out of this place, and I don't want that. I dont want that for him, I dont want that for anybody in this city. We need to make this a city where it's affordable enough to yell at your politicians. If its not that city, its not the city I want to live in!

Agencia EFE via Alamy

Needless to say, people are in awe of Mamdanis quick thinking, and a video of this moment has gone viral across social media  with many lauding Mamdanis response, as well as acknowledging the novelty of there actually being a competent politician in the world.

Jim Watson / Getty Images

Related: If You Can Solve Even Half Of These Word Chain Puzzles, Your Vocabulary Is Better Than 90% Of People

One incredibly popular comment on a Reddit forum discussing the video reads : Mamdani is really **** good at his job. What a concept.

Bg048 / Getty Images

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He is doing exactly how I hoped he would, this is the grace and smart rebuttals that Obama had. I would love to see so much more of this, somebody else added . Another wrote : I have to say, the more I hear and see of Mr. Mamdani, the more I'm impressed with the content of his character.

Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

One more asked : What is New York if not some broke *** yelling at you? That man knows how to romance the city, while somebody else confessed : Been waiting for someone to catch this guy on the off foot. Still waiting. He's really good.

Anadolu / Getty Images

Related: 17 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Dark And Tragic Things I Just Learned About That Should Honestly Be Illegal To Know

What do you make of Mamdanis swift response? Let me know in the comments below!

More on this

You Might Like: 27 Gifts That Your Kids Will Use So Much, Theyll Basically Pay For Themselves

You Might Like: If You're Tired Of Wasting Money On Duds, These 39 Personal Care Products Actually Deliver

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
An execution warrant has been issued for an Arizona inmate convicted of killing a man in 2002 by pouring gasoline on him and lighting a match.

The Arizona Supreme Court announced Thursday that a warrant for the execution of Leroy D. McGill had been granted and an execution date had been set for May 20.

A jury found McGill guilty in 2004 for arson, endangerment, attempted murder and the first-degree murder of Charles Perez.

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Court records show Perez and his girlfriend had accused McGill of stealing a shotgun from a Valley apartment they were staying in. On July 13, 2002, McGill reportedly entered the apartment, poured gasoline on the couple and then lit a match, court records show.

Perez and the girlfriend ran out of the apartment engulfed in flames. Perez would die from his injuries and the other victim survived.

When McGill was sentenced in court, the jury found that the defendant had committed the offense in an especially cruel and an especially heinous or depraved manner.

The state filed a motion seeking a warrant execution against McGill earlier this month.

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RELATED: Arizona man executed for 1993 killings of 4 members of a Phoenix family

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Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) ranks among the best rebound stocks to buy right now. On March 19, Truist Securities reviewed the companys Q2 2026 results and maintained its Buy rating and $260 price target. The firm liked the better-than-expected results and the record bookings ($22 billion). While the guidance was raised, the firm notes that mostly the lower end was raised. Moreover, it raised concerns about next years outlook due to slower demand, AI-driven cannibalization, and exposure to the Middle East.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Earlier, on March 12, Stifel reaffirmed its Buy rating and $315 price target for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), with the firm noting steady industry circumstances and a revised fiscal 2026 forecast. Accentures lower-end revenue outlook for fiscal 2026 was expected to be raised from 3% to 5% in constant currency to 4% to 5%.

Stifel forecasted a margin improvement of 10 to 20 basis points, which seemed realistic, with consensus at 17 basis points. The firm stated that year-to-date acquisition activity backs a 100 basis point inorganic growth benchmark, while share buybacks were estimated to continue ahead of schedule.

In a separate development, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) strengthened its collaboration with Google Cloud to improve AI-powered cybersecurity services. The partnership aims to combine Google Clouds security infrastructure and Accentures cybersecurity products, resulting in combined cybersecurity services.

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), based in Dublin, Ireland, is a multinational professional services firm specializing in IT consulting, digital transformation, and management solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of ACN 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.
During a lengthy meeting Wednesday, the New Hampshire Executive Council approved the contract for the fifth hub in the states marquee rural health program.

The contract will provide $21.6 million to the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association. The association will in turn spend the money on projects aimed at addressing substance use disorder in rural New Hampshire.

New Hampshire received roughly $200 million through the federal governments Rural Health Transformation Program this year and hopes to receive similar amounts over the next several years. The money comes from President Donald Trumps signature legislative priority of 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which touches nearly every part of the federal government. The Rural Health Transformation Program was designed to offset other provisions of the new law, which critics say will decimate the rural health care economy.

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Gov. Kelly Ayotte established the GO-NORTH initiative to spend the money. Now that it has approval from the council, which is responsible for approving state contracts over $10,000, GO-NORTH has designated five hubs, or community organizations throughout the state that will in turn allocate the funding to rural health projects. That includes projects aimed at improving transportation options to and from rural doctors, expanding telehealth, and helping rural hospitals navigate the process of being reimbursed by insurers.

Previously, the council approved funding for the four other hubs: the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire will handle health care workforce development projects; the Community Development Finance Authority will work on capital improvement projects for health and child care facilities; and the Foundation for Health Communities will handle projects related to primary care access, new technologies, and other issues.

Councilors have grilled GO-NORTH Director Donnalee Lozeau with questions about the contracts and demanded the opportunity for more scrutiny. At their March 4 meeting, the councilors, upset that the contracts were sole source rather than being put out to bid, demanded the ability to veto individual projects within each hub. The council tabled the contracts at that meeting.

During a special meeting to approve the contracts on March 16, the council approved four of the hubs after GO-NORTH agreed to the terms for veto power and renewal dates where the hubs had to come back for further approval.

Wednesday, when councilors took up the fifth hub, they debated for hours, at one point pausing the debate, tabling the bill, and then coming back to it at the end of the meeting. Some on the council again sought the opportunity for more scrutiny. However, by the end of the meeting, Councilor Joe Kenney, one of the skeptics, relented after getting more information from GO-NORTH and joined Councilors Janet Stevens and Karen Liot Hill to approve it in a 3-2 vote.
Targets included regime launching sites, weapon manufacturing sites in Isfahan and Parchin, as well as a Quds Force site in central Iran.

Explosions were heard across Tehran and Karaj City on Thursday, according to Iranian state media, after the IDF announced earlier on Thursday that it had completed a wave of strikes across Tehran, as well as central and western Iran.

Over the past 24 hours, 20 IDF strikes were conducted across western Iran, targeting regime launching sites. These included strikes in Kermanshah and Dezful, targeting weapons storage and launching sites intended for ballistic missiles and aerial defense systems, also eliminating regime operatives within the sites.

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In addition, over 60 IAF fighter jets, acting on IDF intelligence, dropped over 150 munitions to eliminate key Iranian weapon production sites in Tehran and central Iran over the course of Thursday.

The IDF also struck Iran's primary missile and defense system production facility in Parchin, as well as a factory for casting and filling warheads with explosive materials.

An additional site for mixing and casting ballistic missile engines was also targeted, along with a manufacturing site for critical components used in developing solid-fuel ballistic missiles.

An excavator clears rubble from destroyed buildings in northern Tehran on March 23, 2026. (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Central Iranian targets struck overnight included a Quds Force production site and military defense system in Isfahan, as well as various weapon production sites.

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The strikes mark a total of 15,000 Iranian targets hit since Operation Roaring Lion began on February 28, with the daily target count dropping from the initial 1,000 to fewer than 100.

Tehran residential area struck by US-Israeli airstrikes

A residential area in Tehran was reportedly hit by US-Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday night, international media reported.

According to CNN, the Red Crescent shared a video on its Telegram channel early Wednesday, showing the impact site where buildings were damaged, and piles of rubble were visible as rescuers worked in the area.

In one of the videos, a rescuer can be heard saying, The entire upper floor has collapsed. Another video shows a rescue dog sniffing through the debris while a worker observes.

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As you can see, this residential neighborhood has been hit. Behind me, you can see the result of the Israeli and US airstrikes that struck this home, one emergency responder explains in the video.

The US and Israel have not claimed responsibility for the strikes.
According to a recent Brookings report, artificial intelligence (AI) can support learning but can also undermine it when students rely on it too heavily. After interviewing over 500 students, teachers, parents, education leaders, and technologists across 50 countries and reviewing 400 studies on the topic, the reports authors warned that these tools should teach, not tell, emphasizing that overuse can weaken students ability to think independently.

Blanka Klimova and Marcel Pikhart , authors of a literature review on students AI use, reached a similar conclusion: the growing use of AI in higher education raises concerns about overreliance and highlights the need to teach students to evaluate AI-generated content critically.

As a professor, I have been curious about how my colleagues are teaching and designing courses in the wake of more accessible AI and increased student use of AI. For this story, I talked with a diverse group of faculty, who represent a broad range of academic disciplines, institutional types, and perspectives. Their answers range from how to design classroom assignments to rethinking the role of teaching entirely to refining how we assess student success.

Adolph Brown, faculty member at Virginia Union University Virginian Union University

Nearly every faculty member I engaged with shared that AI is changing how they approach their work. As Adolph Brown , an economics professor at Virginia Union University, explained, What Im noticing isnt just that students are using AI, its how theyre using it. Instead of engaging with material, forming their own thoughts, and then refining them, many are going straight to AI for answers. The process of struggling through ideas, which is where real critical thinking develops, is starting to disappear. He added, Theres a difference now. Students are more hesitant to sit with uncertainty, to wrestle with a question. That intellectual risk-taking, raising your hand, being wrong, building on someone elses thought, thats the piece I feel were starting to lose. To push back on this change Brown has been doing warm-ups in his classes. For example, he has students grapple with and debate current issues such as TSA and airport security (efficiency vs. safety), Netflix vs. Paramount and the streaming wars, rising gas prices tied to global conflict, student loans, or whether college is still worth it.

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Brown is hardly alone in this work. Emmitt Y. Riley III , a faculty member in politics and African American Studies at The University of the South, shared, I am focusing on helping students build arguments and helping students evaluate claims. I think at this point we need to be teaching students how to evaluate material more critically.

Many faculty described a shift away from assignments that reward polished output alone and toward assignments that require students to show how they are thinking. This shift is especially visible in how assignments are now structured. For example, Kasim Ortiz , a faculty member in sociology and criminology at the University of Miami, described assignments built around revision, explanation, and peer engagement so that thinking cant be outsourced. He asks students to show their reasoning, not just submit a final product. He shared, I integrate AI into my course design in ways that reinforce  rather than replace  core learning objectives. For reading preparation and content mastery, I use a structured, two-week, iterative exercise in which students collaboratively build study guides and generate peer-created exams modeled on the course midterm. Tools like NotebookLM and Copilot can help organize concepts or produce initial summaries, but students are responsible for verifying accuracy, refining explanations, and aligning questions to course frameworks.

In other words, the goal for many professors is no longer to collect a final product. It is to create assignments in which students must reason publicly, explain their choices, and demonstrate that the work is their own.

Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, a communication professor at California State University, Los Angeles, is leaning into oral communication presentations and in-class writing assignments. She explained, A lot of class time is being spent on understanding audiences, framing messages, and working with students to develop strong organizational, analytic, informative, and persuasive communication skills to advocate for themselves, their ideas, and their communities. Yadilette Rivera-Colon , a biology faculty member at Bay Path University, is seeing the same needs in her courses: I have incorporated assignments to teach students to use AI responsibly. Some assignments are designed to spot the mistakes and others to use as a guide for generating research questions. On the flip side, for skills that I need to help them gain, like critical thinking, analyzing data, and content that they need to understand, I am back to the blue books for handwritten answers.

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Locksley Knibbs , an instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University, shared, I am requesting my students to do personal reflection papers. Donnell Williamson Jr., a faculty member at Morehouse College, explained: Im asking students to think more critically by requiring less argumentative essays and more analytical ones. I have them write a close reading essay on an assigned passage. They use it to create a writing portfolio that includes an outline, essay, revised essay, and peer feedback. Ive also incorporated more in-person quizzes and the option of an oral or blue book exam for their final.

These examples point to another emerging pattern: a return, at least in part, to work that is hard to outsource. Handwritten writing, in-class responses, oral exams, and reflective work allow faculty to see what students can actually do on their own.

Alongside this return to more visible, harder-to-outsource work, some faculty are asking students to use AI directly. Lisa Egle , writing professor at Passaic County Community College, explained, Ive redesigned nearly all of my assignments and assessments because I teach writing, a skill heavily disrupted by AI. She often begins with an exercise that makes students confront AI directly: Go ahead and cheat with AI, then find a way to learn with it. Students have AI generate or rewrite their essays, and, as she notes, They dislike how it alters their ideas and destroys their voice. From there, she works with them to use AI more deliberately. Her assignments are built around the process. Students begin writing on paper to capture their real ideas and voice, and AI is introduced later, at specific stages. The final submission includes a video in which students walk through their entire process  AI chats, revisions accepted, revisions rejected, and why. As she puts it, I can only evaluate their product once I see their process. I used to read a final draft and wonder if it was really theirs. Now I watch them walk me through it on screen.

Bruce D. Baker , an education professor at the University of Miami, explained, In courses, where I know students (undergrads) may be prone to using an AI tool as a crutch, I ask them to use it and critique the response provided by the LLM. Alicia M. Edwards , an instructor at Montgomery College, described a similar approach: I generally have them use AI or Google, and I ask which platform and whether it looks valid. It keeps them engaged and focused when I fire questions about what they see and how it relates to the overall class discussion/topic.

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But even these assignments reveal something more complicated about how students relate to AI. Tanvi Mehta , a lecturer at ESSEC Business School, shared: For the past two years, Ive been using a writing assignment that incorporates AI I dont think its working quite as intended yet, partly because they find the AI voice to be so much better than their own. Mehtas point is important because it complicates the usual story. Students are not always turning to AI to avoid effort. In some cases, they are using it because they believe its prose sounds smarter and more competent than their own. That belief itself has become part of the pedagogical challenge, one that forces faculty to address not only how students write, but how they understand their own intellectual authority and contributions.

Cynthia Tyson, professor at The Ohio State University J. Kevin Fitzsimons

Cynthia Tyson , a professor of education at The Ohio State University, offered a related perspective. She asks students to think carefully about what they are doing when they use AI. She explained, In my courses, I choose to treat AI the same way we once treated spell check and, later, Grammarly  first as something suspicious, then as a tool, and finally as a basic part of how we write and think with technology. Used thoughtfully, AI can save time, support brainstorming, and help students polish their work. Used uncritically, it can shortcircuit the very growth that higher education is meant to nurture. She added, I tell my students that this is adult education. You get out of it what you put into it. If you decide to lean on AI to generate ideas, arguments, or reflections that are not really your own, you may get a passable paper  but you miss out on the deeper academic experience: the struggle to clarify your thinking, the joy of discovering your own voice, and the giveandtake of feedback that can only happen between two humans who are genuinely engaging ideas. No tool can replace that. Tyson urges students to ask themselves questions about the work they create using AI  such as, Does this actually reflect what I believe? Can I explain this in my own words? What would I add, challenge, or change? She explained, When students approach AI this way, it becomes a partner in their learning rather than a shortcut around it.

For a smaller number of faculty, the question is not how to keep AI at bay, but how to use it to redesign teaching altogether.

Bryon Grigsby , president of Moravian University and a professor who teaches about pandemic diseases, completely rebuilt his course. He explained to me, The result was something I couldnt have created alone in any reasonable timeframe: a fully scaffolded, authentic learning experience where AI connected prior assignments forward into later weeks, building genuine cumulative mastery. Students used AI generatively throughout the course, but synthesized their final work themselves. We used Boddlebox , which allowed me to observe how they were directing and interacting with AI in real time. We also built a custom AI app that generated lesson plans emphasizing problem-based, high-impact learning practices for our face-to-face sessions  gallery walks, Socratic circles, structured debates. He added, In 25 years of teaching, I received my highest student evaluations ever. Students specifically commented on how much they enjoyed coming to class and how organized the course felt. That scaffolding was AIs work, and it was remarkable. This experience also raised a deeper question for Grigsby: What does student mastery actually look like in the age of AI? The 8-to-10-page term paper served higher education well for a century. But educators have always updated their methods to match their moment  Socrates, Augustine, Comenius all did it. Its our turn.

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What connects all of these approaches is a shared recognition that something fundamental has changed. Faculty are reconsidering what they assign as well as what should count as evidence of learning in a moment when polished writing can be produced so easily. Across these examples, the emphasis has moved away from the finished product alone and toward process, judgement, revision, and explanation.

Wendy Belcher, professor at Princeton University Princeton University

Still, not everyone is convinced that assignment redesign by itself is the answer. Wendy Belcher , professor at Princeton University, offered a different perspective. As she put it, You cant prevent students from using AI. Well, not unless you give them laptops that allow them to access published research but not AI tools AND which can detect the use of wifi to access AI tools within ten feet of the device (say on a mobile) AND which film them while they work to ensure that they are not using some other device to access AI AND which uses humans to review that film to determine that they are not using AI. A huge amount of labor has gone into AI-proofing assignments, and I think a lot of faculty are fooling themselves that they are working.

Belcher noted that some of her studetns might use AI to write their essays, but that AI use in those cases is easily detected because they do not know how to use it effectively. She added, Yes, some smart students with training will use AI to write their essays in such a way that I cannot be certain it is AI. They wont be great essays, but they wont be terrible either. But my best students, who want to learn how to write, will not use it. These are the students who are being ignored now, the ones who are smart and have a conscience. Weak students have always weakly cheated. The best students haven't. I still assign essays as I used to. I make them fill out a form at the end about exactly how they used AI, telling them up front that they wont get in trouble for using it, only for lying about it. Students have always cheated. And, professors have never been able to prevent it wholesale. We just know more today about exactly how they are cheating. This is no reason not to assign essays and give feedback on them.

The research on AI and student learning is still catching up, but faculty are already making consequential choices. Some are bringing back blue books, oral exams, and in-class writing. Others are asking students to critique AI, document their process, or use the technology carefully. What brings these approaches together is a deeper concern about what college-level work is supposed to develop: judgement, voice, intellectual risk-taking, and the ability to think with care. With that in mind, the question that faculty are facing is larger than whether students are using AI. It is what kinds of assignments still make learning visible when a machine can easily mimic the appearance of learning. As Tyson reminds us, higher education is about more than producing polished documents; it is about cultivating minds and spirits.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The family of two El Paso siblings who died during a trip to Mexico City filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Airbnb.

The complaint, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, names 35-year-old Hugo Morales and his 37-year-old sister, Laura Morales. The El Pasoans had reportedly traveled to Mexico City in February 2025 to attend a concert. According to the lawsuit, within hours of checking into their rental, Hugo turned on the hot water to shower, activating a fuel-burning water heater that caused carbon monoxide to rapidly fill the apartment. The unit allegedly lacked proper ventilation and did not have a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Both siblings died overnight.

2026-2-6-ComplaintDownload

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Airbnb responded to the filing, acknowledging the familys loss.

Our thoughts remain with the Morales family and their loved ones in the wake of this tragedy.

The lawsuit accuses Airbnb of failing to disclose the presence of the fuel-burning water heater and not warning guests about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It also claims the company did not require basic safety measures, despite being aware of similar incidents in the past.

Texas siblings found dead inside Airbnb while on vacation in Mexico City, reports say

The legal action comes more than a year after the siblings were found unconscious on Feb. 25 after police responded to a call at the rental property. Initial findings suggested a possible gas leak, with one burner on a stove reportedly left slightly open. Family members have said the siblings died of carbon monoxide poisoning, though officials have not publicly confirmed a final cause of death.

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In a statement issued shortly after the deaths, an Airbnb spokesperson said the companys priority was supporting those affected while authorities continued 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 KTSM 9 News.
Editors note: This story is part of a partnership between KUER, PBS Utah and Utah News Dispatch to cover Utahs 2026 midterm elections.

After a yearslong anti-gerrymandering lawsuit led to a court-ordered congressional map governing Utahs 2026 elections, Democrats here are energized like never before  and the national Democratic Party is now eyeing Utah as key to help them take control of the U.S. House this November.

Under the new map, one of Utahs previously reliably red congressional districts, District 1, has turned blue, while the other three remain deeply red. For the first time in years, Utah Democrats expect to send a candidate to Congress.

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As has been the case for Republicans in recent years  and because of the partisan makeup of the districts  the real winners for the new blue and red districts will almost certainly be decided in the primaries on June 23, well before the Nov. 3 general election.

Third District Judge Dianna Gibson picked this map drawn by plaintiffs in the redistricting lawsuit challenging Utahs 2021 congressional district map to be used for the states 2026 elections. (Courtesy of Campaign Legal Center)

The new map has drawn a wildly crowded field, with 41 candidates filing to run in the congressional races alone. In District 1, seven Democrats are competing against each other in their primary. In the other red districts, Utahs three GOP incumbents are each facing several challengers within their own party.

Its a primary unlike anything Utah has ever seen with high stakes, for not only Democrats but also the GOP.

All of the candidates are confronting the maps new political realities. While the new map has given Democrats not just hope but essentially a guarantee of federal representation, its critics (including prominent GOP legislative leaders like Senate President Stuart Adams) say it has created the most partisan districts Utah has ever seen and could produce more extreme candidates.

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Another factor at play is the fact that the Utah Democratic Party is holding an open primary while Republicans are holding a closed one.

In the GOPs closed primary, only registered Republicans can vote in those races, while Democrats allow anyone, regardless of party affiliation, to vote in their primaries.

Thats something Utah voters need to be aware of ahead of a fast approaching deadline next week. April 1 is the last day for already affiliated voters to switch their party affiliation if they want to vote in a specific primary other than their current party. Unaffiliated voters, however, have until June 12 to affiliate, which is necessary if they want to weigh in on any of the Republican primaries.

Anyone, however, can vote in the Democratic primary  but if they arent a registered Democrat theyll need to request a ballot from their county clerk. Primary ballots will be mailed to voters starting on June 2 and voters have until June 16 to request their ballot in the mail. Primary election day is June 23.

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The open versus closed primary dynamics may seem wonky or innocuous, but depending on who you talk to, they could impact the race  especially the Democrats District 1 primary.

Could Democrats open primary influence the winner? One pundits prediction

To Taylor Morgan, a political consultant with the Utah-based lobbying and public affairs firm Morgan & May, the Utah Democratic Partys decision to hold an open primary could indeed have an impact.

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This is fascinating, he said in an interview this week with Utah News Dispatch.

Morgan predicts Ben McAdams  former Salt Lake County mayor and the last Democrat Utah voters sent to Congress in the more competitive 4th Congressional District in 2018  will win the Democratic primary easily because its open.

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Because the winner of the District 1 race will likely be determined in the Democratic primary rather than the November general election, Morgan said Republicans, unaffiliated voters, third-party voters are all going to want to vote in that open primary.

So that means Ben McAdams has two or three times the voter base that any of the other Democratic challengers have, Morgan said. It will be his. And that really does a disservice to every other Democrat in that race.

Morgan is critical of the Utah Democratic Partys longtime decision to hold open primaries. He says hes repeatedly pushed Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King to hold a closed primary  mainly because he argues it would not only help build the partys numbers, but also data about the partys Utah identity.

By holding an open primary, Morgan said Utah Democrats have shot themselves in the foot.

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You dont know who your party is, you dont know who your voters are, he said. That makes it really, really tough as a party to build and grow, to recruit candidates, to raise money, to organize.

As a political strategist, Morgan said hes frustrated that the Utah Democratic Party is missing an opportunity to build its numbers and its strategic future by not holding a closed primary.

Really, this (District 1) race and the open-closed primary dynamic, I think it has huge implications for future politics in Utah, he said. There really is a window in time and opportunity right now for Utah Democrats to build a party that could be  highly competitive in the future, given everything happening with national politics, given Utah voters frustrations with the current administration and current majorities in Congress.

But by continuing to hold an open primary, Morgan said we wont have key strategic takeaways from this because we wont have good voter data relative to the Utah Democratic Party.

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Theyre looking at the opportunity of a generation here and completely ignoring it, he said.

Utah Democratic Party chair disagrees

King said he disagrees with Morgan that the open primary is going to dictate who wins or who loses in the Democratic primary. I dont think thats going to have a meaningful impact at all.

Look, we do the open primaries because were trying to energize and interest more people to come and vote with us, said King, who has been encouraging Utahns who vote for Democrats to come home and register with the party.

More important, King said, is how well Democratic primary candidates communicate with voters and how much enthusiasm and energy they can generate to get people to the polls, along with name recognition and campaign fundraising.

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But low on my list of variables about having an impact is the open primary, he said, other than I really want that open primary aspect to bring more people out and say I want to get involved voting for Democrats. That would be wonderful.

King said the Utah Democratic Party has long held open primaries because we want to appeal to as many Utahns as possible who are open to hearing about the values and the priorities of the Democratic Party.

He said the aim of the open primary is to set ourselves up as the competition to the Republican party in Utah, which of course currently has supermajority control over all of the statewide offices and in the Legislature.

In contrast, he thinks a closed primary, like what the Utah Republican Party does, leads to a litmus test, leads to intolerance, leads to my-way-or-the-highway thinking.

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I think we want to present, as Democrats, just the opposite, King said. We want people that accurately and effectively represent the entire spectrum of what Utah stands for, what makes Utah great. And I think we do better to make sure that happens when we have an open primary rather than a closed primary.

When asked about the new Democratic-majority District 1 and whether theres a higher concern from the Utah Democratic Party about Republicans voting in their open primary, King said he isnt worried.

It would be more of an issue in a district thats more evenly balanced between Republicans and Democrats, King said. But because District 1 skews more blue, he argued the Utah Democratic Partys base will still likely drive the outcome of the race.

The new District 1 certainly isnt the kind of pure blue district that is going to elect the person to the farthest left on the spectrum, its not that at all, King said. But it is far enough on the left that I think people who are more on the progressive end of the political spectrum feel they have a shot there. A good shot.

King argued party raiding  whether its Democrats switching their affiliation to vote in the GOP primary or Republicans voting in the Democrats open primary  doesnt happen widely enough to have much of an impact.

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Heres the reality, he said. The base of any particular party, in my humble opinion, is always going to be much stronger than any impact of raiders, whether they come in as RINOs or whether they come in as DINOs.

Will Utahs new congressional map drive polarization and extremism?

Like Republican state leaders, Morgan is critical of Utahs new court-ordered congressional map. He has argued that with the original intent of the 2018 voter-approved anti-gerrymandering law known as Proposition 4, the aim was to create more competitive districts to tamp down on polarization and extreme candidates.

But Morgan argues the court-ordered map has done the opposite.

The congressional maps we have now are completely non-competitive when it comes to general elections, Morgan said.

He acknowledged, however, that the primary, especially when it comes to District 1, is the first exciting, very competitive Democratic primary in Utah in my lifetime, frankly.

Im excited for Utah Democrats to have a really hotly contested, exciting primary, he said. Competition is good, and so its a good thing I think the Democrats can actually have a viable path to picking up a seat in Congress.

However, he added that its a concern that District 1 will not at all be competitive in the general election in November when more voters are even likely to participate.

We will have noncompetitive general elections in all four districts, he said, noting that the other three Republican districts are so deeply red, no Democrat would ever have a shot in a general election in any of those districts.

But what does this mean for the Republican congressional incumbents?

Morgan said that two of the maps three new conservative districts are now so deeply red that incumbents  especially Reps. Celeste Maloy and Blake Moore  could face a real challenge even against more extreme candidates.

He also said the only competition will come in the primaries, which he argues will drive polarized politics because the candidates that win the party primaries will never have to worry about a viable challenger in November, so candidates are all going to focus their time, attention and messaging on only their party base and even the extremes within their party base in the primary.

And thats not good for Utah, he said. That is really, in my opinion, the fundamental problem with Congress as a whole is that we have drawn boundaries in such a way that weve made the U.S. House of Representatives totally noncompetitive.

Morgan noted that Republican primaries in three of Utahs four congressional districts have typically been decided in the primaries and have been noncompetitive in the general election, whereas one district  the 4th Congressional District  had been competitive and, in some years, winnable for Democrats before the Legislature drew the previous congressional boundaries in 2021.

Now, he said, all four are likely to be decided in the primary and not competitive at all for the general election.

What weve really done here is weve just entrenched partisan politics in our congressional maps in a way that, you know, frankly is just as bad or worse than any other state in the country, Morgan said.

King, however, argued that past gerrymandering and the states 2021 congressional map that was voided by the courts did more to drive polarization and extremism than the new map.

King noted that the 2021 map was safely Republican for all four of those districts, and he argued that drove more partisanship than the new map because there was no pathway to win for any candidate other than a Republican.

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KIHEI  Maui County officials are preparing for federal assistance as teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrive today to begin formal damage assessments following back-to-back Kona-low storms that battered the island chain.

Preliminary estimates already point to extensive losses: at least $40 million in road damage alone, with residential impacts expected to reach tens of millions more, according to the Maui Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA teams will be on Maui through Friday to evaluate infrastructure and housing damage, a key step in determining eligibility for federal disaster aid. Local and state officials have spent the past two weeks surveying affected areas and compiling reports to submit through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

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Were still in a response mode, MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said Tuesday before departing for Molokai alongside state and county leaders, including Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. We still are expanding organization to help us expedite relief to the community and address all of the necessary recovery efforts.

Gov. Josh Green has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump following storms across Hawaii, while seeking up to a 90% federal cost share for recovery.

Joint assessments with FEMA are ongoing across all counties, with damage estimates expected to exceed $1 billion statewide.

On Maui, impacts to health care infrastructure are still being evaluated.

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Kula Hospital spokesperson Mahie Wong said the facility sustained widespread damage, with water intrusion and damage across several areas of the Kula Hospital facility. Initial assessments found impacts across all five floors of the main building, including the emergency department, long-term care and rehab units, while the separate Hale Makamae building also suffered some water damage.

Because of that, we made the decision to relocate patients and residents and close the Kula (emergency department) while we complete comprehensive assessments, Wong said, noting the Kula Clinic remains open.

Patients have been relocated across Maui, Lanai and Oahu, where their care continues without interruption. Wong called it a large, coordinated effort, adding no patients or staff were injured.

Officials do not yet have a confirmed estimate of total damage or repair costs, she said, and are continuing assessments with state, county and federal partners. It is also too early to determine next steps, she added, noting we are not yet at a point where decisions about rebuilding or timelines can be made.

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In the meantime, Maui Health and Kaiser Permanente are deploying a mobile medical clinic in Kula to provide urgent and limited emergency care.

Widespread damage

Officials described the disaster as a countywide event, with impacts varying by region. On Molokai, Lonokailua-Hewett said early reports already show significant impacts along Kamehameha V Highway.

Theres a wide range of damage along Kam 5 Highway  11-plus places where water flows over the roads, he said. Some of those roads are undermined. Some of those roads are definitely damaged and some bridges were also damaged as well.

Low-lying areas in Kaunakakai also saw flooding, with lingering impacts expected even after waters receded.

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The storms effects have been compounded by saturated ground conditions, increasing the risk of landslides and falling trees even during lighter rainfall.

Even though it wasnt this torrential rain, even the light rains are affecting saturated areas, Lonokailua-Hewett said.

Damage reports

Since March 18, just after the first Kona storm, Maui officials have received at least 900 damage assessment submissions. Of those, about 600 to 700 involve residential properties and roughly 100 are commercial.

Teams of assessors  about 15 pairs daily from county, state, National Guard and volunteer groups  are canvassing neighborhoods across Maui County to verify reports and document damage.

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Hazard Mitigation Specialist Chris Wegner said the scale of destruction in some areas is striking.

Kona 1 was bad, Kona 2 just flushed everything out, he said.

In Kihei alone, early visual estimates suggest 80% to 90% of homes sustained some level of damage, ranging from minor flooding to major structural impacts.

Kihei Kai collapse

Among the hardest-hit properties was the Kihei Kai condominium complex, where one building completely collapsed after floodwaters undermined its foundation.

The volume of water that came down the Waiakoa Gulch during this storm two weeks ago carried 40 inches of water under our property, and that water literally washed away the foundation under the entire building and the whole building collapsed, said Mike Conners, president of the association.

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Each unit was valued between $700,000 and $1 million, meaning the 16 destroyed units  out of 24 total units  represent an estimated loss of roughly $11.2 million to $16 million based on tax assessments.

On top of that, the property faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in cleanup costs and the added challenge of replacing about 100,000 cubic yards of earth that was washed away into the ocean, underscoring the scale of damage at the site.

Rebuilding may be unlikely due to shoreline setback regulations.

Wed love to be able to rebuild it, but we know that the county will limit our opportunity to do so, Conners said. This building is torched.

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Residents displaced

For many residents, the storms have upended decades of stability.

In North Kihei, 83-year-old Ludeane Bonner is now staying with family after floodwaters inundated her home of more than 25 years.

I dont want to move out, just like how I dont wanna give up my 1998 Camry, Bonner said. This is one of those moments where you just have to stand and say, Where do I start?

She described how quickly conditions deteriorated.

She believed her home was fully sealed and initially only worried about water entering through the doorway, but as heavy rain intensified, sudden flash flooding forced water through cracks and seams, quickly spreading into the bedroom with no way to stop it.

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Her grandson, Joe Wood, said flooding in the area reached up to 3 feet and lingered for days.

There was nothing you couldve done, nobody could have done anything to even try and prevent this, Wood said.

Cleanup and repairs are already underway, but uncertainty remains over insurance coverage and potential federal assistance.

Our flood insurance might not cover the full extent  then that (state and federal assistance) might be a better alternate route, Wood said.

The storms also dramatically altered Mauis landscape.

Officials say floodwaters from rivers, including those flowing out of Iao Valley, eroded banks, damaged infrastructure and in some cases swept away homes entirely.

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In Wailuku, one family said a house near the river was intact Friday evening but completely gone by the next morning.

The storm also split and widened parts of the river, creating new hazards.

If another storm comes, wed be really stretched, Wegner said, noting restoration of the river system will be prioritized.

Emergency response

Emergency crews responded to at least 15 storm-related incidents during the second Kona system, including flood rescues, power outages and structural damage.

Eleven people were rescued across Maui County, many after driving into floodwaters or becoming trapped during outages.

Search efforts for a 71-year-old woman who reportedly fell into the Iao River on Saturday have been suspended due to dangerous conditions, including high water, debris and poor visibility.

Transition to recovery

While response efforts continue, officials say Maui is beginning to transition into recovery.

Weve moved from that phase of this Kona storm  and we are now moving into a phase of recovery, MEMA public information officer Eden Stewart said.

Stewart emphasized that community response has been a key part of recovery, pointing to Hawaiis aloha spirit and how quickly residents have come together to help one another.

It takes everyone, she said, both the government and the community.

The county is also organizing a series of community meetings led by Bissen to hear directly from residents in affected areas, share what recovery may look like and better understand specific needs across Maui County.

Each region faces its own set of challenges, she said, and those conversations will help officials direct resources where they are most needed.

She added that public cooperation remains critical, urging residents to heed emergency guidance.

Please stay off the roads, and please prepare, and please have an emergency plan, she said, noting that the more prepared residents are, the more resilient we are as a county, because it takes everybody.

She said more information on available resources will be released in the coming days as the county works with state and federal partners.

Still, Lonokailua-Hewett emphasized that Maui would need federal assistance to fully recover, explaining that without it the county would only be able to get by rather than restore roads, bridges and communities to pre-disaster conditions.
NEED TO KNOW

Luke Kuhn, 69, survived his third great white shark encounter while diving for lobster off South Australias Limestone Coast

Kuhn freed his foot from the sharks mouth and swam to safety with the help of his diving partner

The experienced diver, nicknamed "Lucky Luke," said news of his escape quickly spread worldwide among friends and family

An avid fisherman has survived a great white shark attack in South Australia.

On Wednesday, March 25, 69-year-old Luke Kuhn and his diving partner Daniel Field were diving for lobster at Cape Jaffa on the Limestone Coast when the incident occurred, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Shark Watch SA.

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However, after diving around 39 feet into the ocean, Kuhn began to feel a sudden pull, per ABC. He told the outlet that "all hell broke loose."

"I was reaching under a shelf for a cray, then all of a sudden I'm getting dragged backwards along the ocean floor by something powerful, very powerful," he said. "The shark had my fin. He was pulling, I was pulling.

While the moment marked Kuhns third encounter with a great white shark, he said this was his closest encounter to date, according to Shark Watch SA.

Stock photo of beach near Cape Jaffa, South Australia

Credit: Alamy

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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The lobster fisherman shared details of his harrowing encounter with ABC, revealing, I looked over my shoulder, and my left foot was in his mouth. I was right next to his head."

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Kuhn, who has completed over 3000 dives, per Shark Watch SA, was able to pull his foot out of the fin before swimming back to his spot.

"I was in a bit of shock trying to work out what happened, but made my way to the top and just yelled to my mate to come get me," he said. "He was at my side within seconds, and said my face was pure white."

Speaking about how fast news of his shark encounter spread, Kuhn said, Within hours, my cousin in Switzerland is calling me. The story has gone everywhere, and all my mates who call me 'Lucky Luke' now have a new reason to do so."

Read the original article on People
The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District regularly monitors restaurants and food establishments for compliance with state food safety requirements.

Frequent inspections are essential in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses through contamination and improper handling, storage and sanitation. Here are scores for retail food establishments, food stores, mobile food units and school, daycare and church establishments inspected March 18-24.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in its most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Weekly restaurant inspection results

Retail food establishments

Perfect score

Fujisan Sushi, 3801 Kell Boulevard East

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Hampton Inn, 2432 Sierra Drive

Magnolia Cafe, 1301 West Magnolia Avenue, Iowa Park

High to moderate scores

Branding Iron, 104 East Scott Avenue: 98

Subway, 1200 Holliday Street: 98

Taco Bell, 1415 Southwest Parkway: 97

Sonic Drive-In, 3200 Kemp Boulevard: 95

Texas Flaming Grill, 1308 Holliday Street: 93

Lower scores and why

Taki Ramen, 3001 Garnett Avenue: 88

Observed refrigerator was not in correct temperature range. Food items discarded. Corrected during inspection.

Observed damp wiping cloth stored on table top, Corrected during inspection.

Employee could not provide current food handler's certificate during inspection. Out of compliance.

Could not provide Quaternary test strips upon request. Out of compliance.

Floor had food item debris that needs to be removed. Out of compliance.

Splash/spillage buildup on walls needs to be removed. Out of compliance.

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La Familia, 301 South Berry Street, Burkburnett: 88

Observed raw sausage stored above ready-to-eat lettuce in refrigerator. Corrected during inspection.

Observed two unlabeled spray bottles. Corrected during inspection.

Observed food contact surface stored in hand-washing sink. Corrected during inspection.

Observed bowl stored directly in salsa. Corrected during inspection.

Observed employee has expired food handler certificate. Out of compliance.

Observed ceiling peeling above food prep surface and damaged tiles in server area. Out of compliance.

Observed mop improperly stored. Out of compliance.

Texas Best Donuts, 4226 Old Jacksboro Highway: 87

Observed employee only washing and rinsing food contact surfaces. Corrected during inspection.

Observed employee reusing glove to pick up donuts in front display case after using cash register. Corrected during inspection.

Observed employee not use paper towel to turn off faucet after washing hands. Corrected during inspection.

Observed front hand-washing sink not supplied with soap, paper towel dispenser not operational. Corrected during inspection.

Observed overflowing dough stored in refrigerator in in a single bulk container labeled for apple filling. Dough was overflowing onto other food items, on the refrigerator shelf, on the refrigerator door and on the floor. Corrected during inspection

Observed flies in back storage area and a live cockroach next to front hand-washing sink. Out of compliance.

Observed ice buildup in white chest freezer is severe and has not been defrosted since previous inspection. Out of compliance.

Observed single use cups used as scoops in bulk containers in drink prep area. Out of compliance.

Observed grime buildup on floors throughout front serving area and kitchen. Out of compliance.

Observed damaged, sagging ceiling. Out of compliance

Observed missing floor tiles have not been replaced or made cleanable since previous inspection. Out of compliance.

Food stores

Perfect scores

Fill N Chill, 3120 Northwest Freeway

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Pecan Shed, 1401 Midwestern Parkway

High to moderate scores

R&B Scobee Mini Mart, 322 West Highway, Iowa Park: 99

More: Bicyclists killed in crash were Wichita Falls man and woman

More: Raw food storage and splatter in Wichita Falls restaurant inspections

Churches, schools and others

Perfect scores

First Baptist Church, 1200 Ninth Street

High to moderate scores

YMCA Early Learning Academy, 4300 Maplewood: 99

Presbyterian Manor and House of Hope, 1600 Taft Boulevard: 97

Food trucks and mobile kitchens

Perfect scores

Fazmoz Caribbean Cuisine mobile, 2611 Plaza Parkway

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: See Wichita Falls restaurant inspections March 18-24
Democrats in Florida had a good night on Tuesday, flipping two state Legislature seats in districts President Trump carried two years ago to give the party a boost as it looks to make inroads in red states ahead of November.

The party scored wins in contests for a Florida state House seat that represents Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort, as well as a Tampa-area state Senate race. Trump won in those districts by 11 and 9 percentage points, respectively, in 2024.

The victories were particularly personal for Florida Democrats, who are looking to slowly reverse a string of state and federal losses over the past several years while also sustaining the wind in the partys sails as it looks to flip the House this fall.

Here are five takeaways from the special elections in Florida:

GOP struggles to flip key seats

Tuesdays Democratic wins in Florida underscored some of the difficulties Republicans have faced on the campaign trail since Trumps 2024 presidential win.

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Over the past several months, Democrats have gained ground in GOP districts, where the party has flipped a number of local seats in some districts that Trump won by double digits last cycle.

In August, the party broke the Republican supermajority in the Iowa state Senate after flipping a seat. The party then went on to elect a Democratic mayor in Miami for the first time in decades in December, while also clinching GOP-held state House and Senate seats in Texas, New Hampshire and Arkansas earlier this year.

Republicans, on the other hand, have not flipped any state legislative seats this cycle, according to a Newsweek fact check.

Some Democrats have framed this trend as representative of voters unhappiness with the president and his policies.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) took a victory lap after Tuesdays results in Florida, but he was quick to suggest that GOP lawmakers could suffer another blow during a scheduled redistricting session in Tallahassee slated to kick off next month.

We will crush House Republicans in November if [GOP Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis tries to gerrymander the Florida congressional map, Jeffries wrote on the social platform X .

The GOP did hold on to Florida House District 51 in Polk County on Tuesday.

Voters deliver personal rebuke to Trump on home turf

Trumps neighbors in Palm Beach County rebuked his chosen candidate on Tuesday.

The president backed GOP financial adviser Jon Maples in the race for Floridas 87th House District, where Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort is. The resort is Trumps primary residence, and he regularly travels between Washington and Palm Beach.

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But the presidents support was not enough for Maples to pull it off. Democrat Emily Gregory, a health fitness small business owner, instead nabbed the seat.

Gregory enjoyed backing from national groups, such as the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), who saw the race as a way to both figuratively and literally rebuke the president in his stomping grounds.

Mar-a-Lagos state House district just flipped from red to blue, which should have Republicans worried about their chances this November, DLCC President Heather Williams said Tuesday. A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldnt be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere.

Special election wins boost Democratic confidence

The two wins on Tuesday offered another confidence boost to Democrats, who are seeking to flip the House and chip away at the GOP majority in the Senate this fall. But, perhaps most notably, they have also sparked broader optimism about inroads in ruby-red Florida.

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Florida Democrats have not won a statewide election since 2018, when Nikki Fried, who now serves as the states Democratic Party chair, was elected as agriculture commissioner.

FLORIDA IS IN PLAY! wrote Miami-based Democratic pollster Fernand Amandi, an alum of former President Obamas campaign, on X .

Amandi pointed to the Florida governors race, where former Rep. David Jolly is running for the Democratic nod. Jolly previously was a member of the Republican Party.

[Jolly] can WIN the Florida Governors race! How do we know? said Amandi, who is working on Jollys campaign. Two shocking political results in Florida tonight: 1. Democrat Emily Gregory flips Mar-A-Lago in HD-87 with a +22 Dem swing! 2. Dem Brian Nathan flips a MAGA @GOP State Senate seat!

Democratic base maintains energy ahead of midterms

The special elections also signal that the Democratic base remains energized heading into November, even in races where they hold a disadvantage financially or in the makeup of the voting electorate.

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This is the key takeaway from tonight: Democrats didnt win because of quirky special election turnout, wrote Zachary Donnini, the head of data science at Vote Hub, on social media about the Florida Senate District 14 results. The electorates were still double-digit Republican  and Democrats won anyway.

The results were particularly notable in the Tampa-area state Senate race because GOP voters dominate the district. Republican state Rep. Josie Tomkow outspent Democrat Brian Nathan by a 3-to-1 margin, according to the Tampa Bay Times. A Democrat last represented the district in 2016.

Nathan beat Tomkow by about half a percentage point  just more than 400 votes  according to Decision Desk HQ.

GOP candidates seek redemption in November

Some candidates who have lost in special elections recently arent calling it quits just yet. Although Tomkow fell short on Tuesday, she said she likely will run for the seats full term later this year, according to Fox 13 News.

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Republicans are also brushing off the idea that recent special elections could have any implications for bigger races this year in Florida  and across the country.

I dont expect the governor or Senate races here to be close, Republican donor Dan Eberhart said Tuesday.

The Republican National Committee has also echoed this view, with a senior adviser telling Axios, A low-turnout state House special election is a snapshot of local quirks, candidate dynamics, and turnout math  not some grand verdict.

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.
Arm Holdings (ARM) ripped higher after giving investors a new reason to think about the company as more than a chip-design licensor. The stock jumped after Arm unveiled a new AI data-center CPU and said that the product line could add about $15 billion in annual revenue within five years. The launch also came with a notable list of partners and customers, including Meta, OpenAI, Cloudflare, SAP, and SK Telecom.

That reaction makes sense because the market has historically valued Arm as a company that licenses chip architecture and then collects royalties when customers ship chips built on its designs. The new AI CPU pitch gave investors a broader version of the bull case, one tied more directly to data-center spending and AI inference demand.

How Arm makes money

Arms business model is still the first thing investors need to understand. The company does not mainly make money by selling finished chips. Instead, it signs licensing agreements that generate upfront license and other revenue, then earns royalty revenue when customers ship chips using Arm technology.

Arms fiscal 2025 annual report showed $4.007 billion in total revenue, split between $1.839 billion of license-and-other revenue and $2.168 billion of royalty revenue.

More on ARM

That split matters because royalties are the recurring engine of the business, while licenses are the upfront growth driver. Investors who want the cleanest view of that model should start with Arms latest annual Form 20-F and its quarterly shareholder materials. Arm is a foreign private issuer, so those filings serve the role a 10-K and 10-Q would normally play for a U.S. company.

Why investors are paying up now

The companys fundamentals were already strong before the latest gap up in its share price. In fiscal Q3 2026, ended Dec. 31, 2025, Arm reported revenue of $1.24 billion, up 26% year over year. Royalty revenue rose 27% to $737 million, while license-and-other revenue increased 25% to $505 million.

Management tied that growth to AI and general-purpose data-center demand, smartphone adoption of Armv9, and expanding use of Arm Compute Subsystems.

Related: Analysts drop verdicts on AMD, Intel, and ARM

Those numbers gave the market a solid base before the AI CPU announcement arrived. In other words, investors were not trying to rescue a weak story. They were adding a catalyst to a company that had already posted four straight billion-dollar quarters and was seeing stronger adoption in some of the most important semiconductor end markets.
TALLAHASSEE  Floridas public universities will no longer allow a standalone introductory sociology course to count toward general-education requirements after state leaders on Thursday approved a sweeping, systemwide ban that reflects years of Republican criticism of the discipline.

The move  which was not originally on the agenda for the State University Systems Board of Governors  will effectively relegate introductory sociology to an elective starting this fall, removing it from the core curriculum taken by most undergraduates.

It also marks an escalation in Florida leaders efforts to reshape college instruction, particularly on topics such as race, gender and inequality, which conservative officials have increasingly targeted as woke.

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For years, Republican lawmakers and education leaders have argued that sociology  especially high-enrollment introductory courses  has been overtaken by progressive ideology and strayed from empirical scholarship. Thursdays vote is among the most far-reaching actions yet in that campaign.

The decision bars introductory sociology from the states general-education catalog  the set of foundational courses all students must complete, regardless of major, across subjects such as math, science, humanities and social sciences.

The surprise change came at the recommendation of State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, who cited faculty resistance to a newly approved, state-designed sociology curriculum and textbook.

Rodrigues pointed to professors who have called the materials an affront to academic freedom and subpar for limiting how courses address race, gender and sexuality. He also referenced reports that some faculty planned to comply with state rules on paper while continuing to teach restricted topics  comments he said undermined confidence in keeping the course in general education.

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In pushing for its removal, Rodrigues argued the discipline has become ideologically captured.

Sociology as a discipline is now social and political advocacy dressed in the regalia of the academy, he said during the boards meeting in Pensacola. He also criticized the American Sociological Association, the disciplines largest national organization, citing its focus on inequality and social change as evidence the field has shifted away from objective scholarship.

In a text message to the Times/Herald, Rodrigues said the boards action amounts to a firm prohibition: Universities will not be allowed to reintroduce an introductory sociology course into general education, even if redesigned to comply with state law.

The decision was not unanimous. Two board members voted against the change, including faculty representative Kimberly Dunn, an accounting professor at Florida Atlantic University, who warned it was too broad.

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The removal may be premature and broader than necessary, Dunn said. Sociology contributes directly to the competencies we consistently emphasize. These are skills our graduates need across every sector.

She said keeping sociology in general education preserves disciplined, evidence-based inquiry into critically important aspects of the human experience.

Faculty across the state have similarly warned that restrictions on the revised course  including limits on teaching that presents systemic racism, sexism or oppression as primary drivers of inequality  would strip the discipline of core concepts and distort the field.

Thursdays vote is the latest step in a broader effort to remake general education across Floridas 12 public universities.

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That push began in 2023, when the Republican-controlled Legislature, with backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis, passed a higher-education law requiring a review of courses and restricting instruction tied to diversity, equity and inclusion. The law directs universities to emphasize foundational knowledge and bars instruction rooted in what state officials describe as identity politics, including theories that frame systemic racism and inequality as embedded in American institutions.

Sociology quickly became a focal point. In 2024, the Board of Governors removed Principles of Sociology from the list of approved core courses required for graduation, replacing it with a history class. State officials then worked with a small group of faculty and administrators to develop a revised framework and textbook aligned with the law, which was distributed to campuses earlier this year.

That curriculum  which limits teaching that presents systemic racism, sexism or oppression as primary drivers of inequality  drew backlash from professors statewide, many of whom said it stripped core concepts and misrepresented the discipline. Some faculty involved in drafting it later distanced themselves from the effort.

Only four universities  the University of South Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of North Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University  had formally requested to drop introductory sociology from their general-education offerings.

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Thursdays vote went further, applying the change across all 12 public universities.

Floridas 28 public colleges, however, will continue offering introductory sociology as a general-education course using the states revised framework, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said during the meeting.

Supporters say introductory courses had become too focused on contemporary social-justice frameworks and that the new standards restore an emphasis on classical thinkers, empirical methods and a broader range of perspectives.

Universities will still offer sociology majors and courses, but some faculty warn that removing the introductory class from general-education rolls could have lasting consequences on liberal-arts departments.

Introductory sociology has long been a high-enrollment course that draws students from across majors, often serving as a gateway to fields such as criminology, public health, education and social work. Without its general-education designation, professors say, fewer students are likely to take it  a shift that could reduce enrollment in upper-level courses and hemorrhage tuition revenue from departments over time.
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday paused next weeks scheduled execution of James Duckett  a former Lake County police officer, who was convicted in 1988 of raping, choking and drowning an 11-year-old girl  as his lawyers await the results of DNA testing that could prove his innocence.

Ducketts execution, scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, is hereby stayed pending further order of this Court, according to the order approved by six of the seven Supreme Court justices. Justice Adam Tanenbaum dissented.

The justices also ordered the state to provide them with a report on the status of the DNA testing by 5 p.m. Friday.

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The justices did not issue an opinion explaining their decision to stay Ducketts execution. The stay is temporary and Ducketts execution could be reinstated by the court after the DNA results are completed.

In his dissent, Tanenbaum said the Florida Supreme Court does not have the statutory authority to stay the execution in this particular case.

If the results of the DNA testing cannot be obtained in time, we should trust the Governor to stay the execution on his own, Tanenbaum wrote in his dissent.

Tanenbaum also stated that Duckett  who has long proclaimed his innocence  only sought extensive DNA testing of pubic hair and semen after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant this month.

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He failed to explain why he waited until the Governor signed the warrant to pursue all of this, which he clearly could have done sooner with the exercise of some diligence, Tanenbaum wrote. He added that Duckett was given the opportunity to have the DNA tested in 2005, but he refused.

In May 1987, 11-year-old Teresa McAbee walked alone at night to a nearby convenience store with her mothers permission to buy pencils to complete her math homework.

As she walked out of the store, she started talking to a group of teenage boys in the parking lot while Duckett  who as a Mascotte police officer was running radar across State Road 50  watched. Duckett then pulled into the stores parking lot and told Teresa and the boys to go home because of a curfew.

Witnesses offered conflicting statements about what happened next, with some saying the girl walked around the store to head back home and others saying that she got in Ducketts patrol car, and he drove away.

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Her body was found early the next morning by a fisherman along the shore of a lake less than a mile south of the store. The horrified fisherman ran out to the street to hail the Mascotte police chief, who was directing traffic in front of a nearby elementary school.

Investigators found tire tracks that matched Ducketts patrol car along a dirt road leading to the lake. They also found palm prints on the hood of Ducketts patrol car that matched Teresas. Prosecutors said the prints suggested she was trying to push away while being raped.

But his attorneys have long argued Duckett was convicted and sent to Floridas Death Row in June 1988 based on circumstantial evidence. No other suspects were considered.

The DNA testing is being conducted on pubic hair found in Teresas panties and a now-dried vaginal swab with semen. Those samples have never been tested for DNA and have been stored at the Lake County Sheriffs Office. This month a circuit court judge, at the request of Ducketts attorneys, ordered them delivered to a private laboratory in Deerfield Beach for testing.

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The extensive testing, which is being paid for by Ducketts attorneys, is scheduled to be completed by Friday, according to court records.

On Thursday, Ducketts attorneys filed a motion in Lake County requesting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement immediately provide them with the results of the DNA testing as soon as it is completed. They also request that representatives of the lab be available  even during the weekend  to answer questions regarding the testing protocol used.

In response, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that the DNA results should be provided to the court and not Ducketts attorneys.

Uthmeier called the motion by Ducketts attorneys an obvious attempt to manipulate the judicial system to obtain an unwarranted delay in carrying out the execution in their efforts to challenge every aspect of the DNA testing.

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A truly innocent man would have sought SNP DNA testing as soon as it was available rather than waiting over four years and until a warrant for his execution was signed, Uthmeiers motion said. Indeed, his delay in seeking DNA testing is more evidence of his guilt.

Duckett is an inmate on Death Row at the state prison in Raiford.
At press time, the U.S. is engaged in a war with Iranor at least very warlike behavior, including taking out much of a sitting government, killing Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military commanders, dropping 2,000-pound bombs from B-2 stealth bombers on missile and nuclear facilities, and launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and drones at hundreds of targets across the country.

Why? That depends on whom you ask and on which day. Perhaps there was an imminent threatmaybe even a nuclear threat?to the United States. Or perhaps the Iranian regime is a sponsor of terror, on which we have already declared war. Or perhaps we need to support our allies in the region. Or perhaps just because Khamenei was just a world-historically murderous bastard, even in a region famed for its murderous bastards.

Here's a good rule of thumb, both for understanding foreign policy and also for life in general: When someone offers a bunch of rapid-fire and mutually irreconcilable justifications for a controversial decision, they're not telling you the whole story.

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William Shakespeare might have invoked letting slip the dogs of war to describe the unleashing of violence, but these days we just "wag the dog." Popularized by Our American Cousinthe play being performed at Ford's Theatre when President Abraham Lincoln was shotthe phrase took on an explicitly political meaning after the ripped-from-the-headlines 1997 film Wag the Dog. In that otherwise pretty awful movie, a fabricated military conflict was used to distract voters from a presidential sex scandal. Since then, the term has become shorthand for the idea that leaders sometimes use military action to divert attention from problems at home.

A wag-the-dog allegation need not mean the reasons for war are made up from whole cloth. Real geopolitical tensions, real strategic dilemmas, and real threats obviously exist. But the utility of a foreign conflict as a tool for domestic political positioningespecially when electoral outcomes are looking shakyis a recurring theme in American history.

Trump's approval ratings are notably terrible. National polling aggregates suggest his job approval stands somewhere near 40 percent. A president facing a highly competitive election year and significant scrutiny on issues ranging from the economy to the ongoing incredulity and disappointment about the release of the Epstein files might well cast about for a distraction.

The war also doesn't necessarily have to be popular to accomplish some doggish goals. Though reporting suggests that President Donald Trump believed Americans in general, and his MAGA supporters more specifically, would rally around the war, a Reuters/Ipsos survey shows only about 27 percent of the country approving of the strikes on Iran, while 43 percent disapprove and many are uncertain. A larger poll conducted by the University of Maryland before the attacks suggested that even fewer Americans support a U.S. attack on Iran under current circumstances, as low as around 21 percent.

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The two Trump terms have dramatically shortened the public's attention span. After a strike on Iran in June, which the administration declared a total success in eliminating Iran's nuclear capability, the president might have hoped for a polling bump, some "strange new respect" from the more hawkish Republicans on the Hill, or at least a few more days of coverage. But that episode quickly faded from view (and didn't resolve any of the underlying problems in the region). But Americans didn't seem to hate it either. So the temptation emerged to try again.

Even when wars are unpopular or divisive, they command attention and can reframe political discourse away from domestic grievances and toward questions of national security. A war does not need majority support to serve this function. It needs only to be salient enough to shift the conversation.

Even days of online dunking and pushback on Trump's inconsistencies on war with Iran can have a kind of invigorating effect. And at least the topic has some gravitas, unlike the slow-moving Epstein disaster or the dismal economic data constantly trickling out.

Trump ran as an opponent of "forever wars," and he won over at least some voters with that emphasis. Those votersand perhaps more importantly, increasingly fractious GOP influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kellyare justifiably angry. Democratic politicians and voters are, of course, more than happy to pick holes in the confused and confusing justifications for a war launched without respect for Congress or the opinions of the American people.

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Too little, too late, Congress has creaked into slow action to hint at protecting its privileges to wage war. Once military action begins, it becomes easier for leaders to justify extensions, surges, and escalations without ever obtaining the degree of popular backing that a war with clear goalsor a thoughtful peacemight command.

The current conflict with Iran, unlike the fictional war in Wag the Dog, is rooted in decades of geopolitical friction, sanctions, proxy battles, and strategic competition. Many Iranians, at least in these early days, have reacted with joy to American bombings. But it remains true that when foreign policy is conducted in the service of domestic politics, wars become tempting as tools of distraction, puffery, and electoral signaling.

Perhaps the many competing explanations offered for this war each capture some part of the truth. But when the list grows long and the emphasis keeps shifting, that often means the conflict is doing more than one job. And wars that do multiple jobs for the people waging themmilitary, diplomatic, electoralare the ones most likely to stick around forever.

The post The New Forever War in Iran Keeps the Dog Wagging appeared first on Reason.com.
A former Boston school bus driver is scheduled to face a judge Tuesday in connection with the death of a 5yearold kindergartner nearly one year ago.

The bus driver, 39yearold Jean Charles, is being arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on a charge of manslaughter, along with reckless and negligent motor vehicle homicide.

Lens Arthur Joseph was killed on April 28, 2025, in Hyde Park when he was struck by a school bus moments after being dropped off at his bus stop, according to prosecutors.

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Prosecutors say Charles missed the childs original bus stop, forcing Lens to cross in front of the bus to get home. Investigators allege Charles failed to follow required safety protocols designed to ensure children safely cross the street after exiting a school bus.

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According to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, after Lens walked in front of the bus, Charles drove forward after only a few seconds without making sure the child had safely crossed the roadway.

Authorities also say Charles school bus driving certificate was expired at the time of the crash.

This is the first time the former bus driver is appearing in court since the deadly incident.

The case has been under investigation since the collision occurred last spring.

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By John Irish and Sudip Kar-Gupta

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France, March 26 (Reuters) - France said its military chief held talks with around 35 countries on Thursday as it sought partners and proposals for a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran ends.

The United States' Western allies have said they will not take part in the ongoing conflict. But the behind-the-scenes activity underscores concern that, after the fighting, Iran could continue to threaten the waterway which carries about a fifth of global oil supplies.

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Shipping there has already slowed to a nearhalt after Iran struck vessels amid its conflict with the United States and Israel.

A French defence ministry statement did not name the foreign powers that held talks with Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon in a mass video conference, but said they came from all continents.

STRICTLY DEFENSIVE INITIATIVE

Sources said they were initial discussions to see how countries saw the crisis and offer ideas and seek feedback on what a mission could look like.

"This initiative, independent of the ongoing military operations in the region, is strictly defensive in nature," the statement said.

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"Its purpose is to organise the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased."

Separately, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff for the French Navy, said he had held talks with 12 naval counterparts - including from Britain, Germany, Italy, India and Japan.

"We are exchanging views on issues related to freedom of navigation and maritime security, as the sea is a vital artery for our global economy and regional stability," he wrote on X on Thursday.

FRANCE, BRITAIN TAKE PLANNING LEAD

Several countries are coordinating discussions. President Emmanuel Macron, who has suggested having a U.N. framework for any action in the strait, has said international efforts could only happen once hostilities calm, insurance and shipping firms are consulted and with Iran's consent.

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France has deployed its aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean as well as two helicopter carriers and eight warships to the Middle East in preparation for possible future missions.

Britain has also said it is working with allies on a "viable" plan to reopen the Strait, a task Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described as being difficult without de-escalation in the Middle East.

A defence official said it was expected that any first phase would focus on mine-hunting, followed by a second phase to protect tankers crossing the area.

Demining would potentially be a major issue given the U.S. lacks capacity by itself, sources have said.

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth PiperEditing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Andrew Heavens)
Florida State University's Board of Trustees has approved the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare from the city of Tallahassee to FSU. The sale got a green light from the Florida Board of Governors hours later.

The FSU board met virtually March 26 for the unanimous vote, and the Board of Governors' stamp of approval in favor of the transfer took place later that day during a full board meeting on the University of West Florida's campus in Pensacola.

This is the first major step in building FSU Health and taking the big step toward improving health care, but also building clinical, biological and biomedical research for Florida State University," FSU President Richard McCullough said during the university's trustees meeting. "So it's a big deal."

Florida State University President Richard McCullough attends the Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

McCullough attended the university's board meeting from a conference room on UWFs campus along with FSU board chair Peter Collins, FSU Vice President for Finance & Administration Kyle Clark and FSU trustee and Student Body President Carson Dale.

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City commissioners approved the transfer of the city's TMH assets to FSU in a 3-2 vote on March 11, relinquishing ownership of the hospital Tallahassee has claimed as its own for nearly 80 years.

The move comes with bold promises of bringing more specialists to the capital city so patients will have to travel less for care. It also is the culmination of a contentious process that has caused deep divisions in the community.

Related news: From division to decision: Four takeaways from final TMH-FSU vote

Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, speaks with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare CEO Mark OBryant after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, holds Mayor John Daileys wrists as he speaks to him after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare CEO Mark OBryant speaks to the Tallahassee Democrat after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mayor John Dailey stares down Commissioner Jeremy Matlow as he comments on the potential sale of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to Florida State University, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. TMH attorney Murray Moore answers questions posed by the City Commission before the final vote on the sale of TMH takes place Wednesday, March 11, 2026. City Commissioner Jack Porter listens to various speakers before the final vote on the sale of TMH takes place Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mayor John Dailey listens to Commissioner Jeremy Matlow asks questions before the final vote on the sale of TMH takes place Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Commissioner Curtis Richardson listens to Commissioner Jeremy Matlow asks questions before the final vote on the sale of TMH takes place Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Commissioner Jeremy Matlows reflection is seen on Commissioner Jack Porters laptop screen as he shares his opinion on the potential sale of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to Florida State University, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, and Mayor John Dailey chat just moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, right, speaks with City Manager Reese Goad just moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. City of Tallahassee director of communications Alison Faris, left, speaks with FSU communications VP Dennis Schnittker moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. TMH President Ryan Smith chats with others before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. TMH attorney Murray Moore answers questions posed by the City Commission before the final vote on the sale of TMH takes place Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mark Mustian, left, and City Manager Reese Goad, right, chat with Gary Yordon moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mark Mustian, left, and TMH CEO Mark OBryant talk with one another before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, and Mayor John Dailey chat just moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mayor John Dailey stares down Commissioner Jeremy Matlow as he comments on the potential sale of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to Florida State University, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, and Mayor John Dailey chat just moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Mark Mustian, who has been representing the City of Tallahassee as outside counsel, speaks to the City Commission before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Former mayor Jack McLean speaks during public comment just moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, speaks with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare CEO Mark OBryant after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Stanley Sims records former mayor Jack McLean during the public comment time before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. TMH CEO Mark OBryant talks with others moments before the City of Tallahassee votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Rev. RB Holmes speaks during the public comment portion of a meeting held by the City of Tallahassee moments before the City Commission votes on the sale of the TMH to FSU Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, speaks with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare CEO Mark OBryant after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. City holds final vote on sale of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare 1 of 26 Florida State University President Richard McCullough, left, speaks with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare CEO Mark OBryant after the City of Tallahassee voted 3-2 to sell TMH to FSU on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Its been a long process, Collins said at the FSU board meeting, but this is going to be transformational for the university, Tallahassee, North Florida and TMH.

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The city's agreement with FSU includes a pledge that university administrators will spend $1.7 billion to invest locally over the next 30 years  though the agreements make clear that this is on the condition of the legislature appropriating "a sufficient amount for FSU to perform its obligations under this agreement."

For the transfer of the assets, the city will charge FSU $109 million, which will be contributed back to City Hall coffers in annual installments of $3.63 million over the 30 years.

This was a tremendous amount of effort, said FSU trustee Jorge Gonzalez, who is also president, CEO & chairman of The St. Joe Company. It required a lot of patience and a lot of intestinal fortitude to navigate the process.

Members of the Board of Governors' facilities committee congratulated McCullough and the university on their efforts to make the hospital deal possible ahead of the full board's vote.

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I want to congratulate you on a thoughtful and well-reasoned approach to this, said Board of Governors chair Alan Levine, who is also chairman and CEO of the integrated health system Ballad Health. I think you guys have done something here that is demonstrative of how a university would acquire a hospital in terms of making sure you're not taking on an entity that's losing money or potentially failing financially.

Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine speaks to the members of the Board of Governors during a meeting in the student union at Florida State University on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

Florida Board of Governors member and former Florida Senator Douglas Broxson.

Board of Governors member and former Florida Senator Douglas Broxson  who was appointed to the governing board in October  said that in 2021, McCullough expressed to him his "great concern" about health care not only for Leon County, but for "some of the poorest counties in the state that border Leon County." He commended the FSU president on the hospital acquisition.

His passion was to create a method  a system  that would deal with those issues that he knew existed, Broxson said, referring to McCullough. President, I want to congratulate you. I know this has been a heavy lift. Any time you're dealing with a government institution, it's always a challenge, but thank you for your endurance."

While the approvals mark another step in the process, tense negotiations continue between FSU and TMH lawyers on developing a detailed roadmap for the new FSU Health enterprise. A final deal, which will cover everything from branding, to research and governance, could take months, according to those involved with the negotiations.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Tarah Jean is the higher education reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the USA TODAY Network  Florida. She can be reached at tjean@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @tarahjean_.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU board, Florida's higher ed board OK hospital sale from Tallahassee
A funeral for Chicago firefighter Michael Altman has been postponed, the CFD firefighters union said Thursday morning.

The funeral was originally scheduled for Friday, but has been postponed after the firefighter's widow went into labor, CFD said.

His wife gave birth Thursday to baby Evelyn Rose.

A visitation scheduled for Thursday continued as planned. The visitation was held be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago.

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Altman's body was brought to the chapel during a procession Thursday morning.

Families, retirees and schoolchildren all lined up along 103rd Street to pay their respects to Altman.

Altman died earlier this month from injuries he suffered while battling a North Side fire.

Sheaves Slate, 27, has been charged with murder and arson in Altman's death.

Mourners were experiencing a myriad of emotions Thursday.

"In the midst of these difficult times, we hope and pray that that gift of life can give consolation, not only to the Altman family, but but to the whole city and the Chicago Fire Department," Chicago Fire Department chaplain Father Ryan Brady said. "The range of emotions must be incredible. But as I walked with her, and as we walked together, the Chicago Fire Department and her and the Altman family, it's been incredible to watch her strength, and the strength that she receives from her family."

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Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza attended the visitation Thursday.

"It as a completely unnecessary death at the hands of a criminal, and I want to make sure the family knows I'm grateful on behalf of the city that he served," Mendoza said.

"There's not a lot of men and women willing to sign for this, where they're putting their life on the line," 36th Ward Alderman Gil Villegas said.

Public officials and many members of the Chicago Fire Department family lined up for the visitation.

Altman was a fourth-generation firefighter. His mother worked for CFD, as well.

Altman's grandfather served as fire commissioner.

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The death of a father and birth of his daughter weighed heavily on all who came to pay their respects.

"It's heartbreaking, would not want to be in their situation. But I'm sure a family of firefighters, she will know her father through their stories. That's what I hope for," said Dave Gear, with the Illinois Patriot Guard.

Altman also leaves behind a 2-year-old son.

There has not been a new date set for the funeral.

Gov. JB Pritzker ordered Illinois flags fly at half-staff.
VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France, March 26 (Reuters) - Foreign ministers from the world's leading Western democracies meet in France this week against the backdrop of wars in Iranand Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and mounting unease over an increasingly unpredictable U.S. foreign policy.

The two-day gathering at the restored 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Paris, brings together ministers from the G7  Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S.  alongside the European Union.

The grouping, which first met as six in nearby Rambouillet 50 years ago, traditionally approached its core economic and geopolitical challenges with a broad consensus.

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That cohesion has frayed since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency in 2025.

US SEEN AS DESTABILISING ELEMENT

Allies and adversaries alike have spent the past year scrambling to respond to abrupt U.S. policy shifts, from tariffs to Ukraine, and now the Middle East conflict, which European diplomats and officials say lacks clear objectives or an exit strategy.

France's army chief on Wednesday bemoaned Washington's unpredictability, saying it was impacting allies' interests and security.

"The U.S. attitude is an element of destabilisation of the international system for all players, not only for members of the G7, but also for China, (and) for many, many countries in the world," said Thomas Gomart, director of the Paris-based French Institute of International Relations.

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Underscoring the break from past practice, officials have abandoned efforts to craft an agreed all-encompassing final communique to avoid open tensions.

ALLIES SEEK IRAN CLARITY FROM RUBIO

A top priority for Washington's partners will be a debriefing from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will attend the meeting's second day on Friday.

Officials said allies are hoping to get greater clarity on the U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and on whether any meaningful diplomatic channel exists to end the conflict.

Talks will also focus on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, choking about a fifth of global oil supplies.

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Ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, all key economic heavyweights whose alignment is pivotal on global security, energy, and diplomatic crises, will also attend.

NO BAD DEAL FOR UKRAINE

Negotiations to end Russia's war in Ukraine have stalled, and European officials fear that the U.S. - which has led negotiation efforts and pursued a rapprochement with Moscow - could push Kyiv into an unfavourable peace deal ahead of U.S. midterm elections in November.

European officials said they would stress to Rubio that such an outcome would be unacceptable, arguing instead for tougher sanctions on Russia and immediate efforts to prepare Ukraine for another winter of war.

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These should include safeguarding its energy sector, repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks, as well as continuing military support for Kyiv, they said.

"We will reiterate firm support for Kyiv and for U.S. mediation efforts, stressing the need to maintain strong pressure on Moscow through sanctions," an Italian diplomatic source said.

Ukraine's foreign minister will attend the talks.

The meeting also feeds into French priorities ahead of its G7 leaders' summit in the Alps next June, including how to address global imbalances and the crisis of multilateralism. Paris has sought to associate China more closely with those discussions.

One area where officials see potential consensus during the French presidency is the creation of a G7 task force to tackle drug smuggling.

(Reporting by John Irish, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Traffic was backed up in Camden County Thursday morning because of a gas leak.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation warned of delays along Route 73 in Berlin.

Authorities temporarily closed the southbound lanes at Cooper Road while crews worked to make emergency repairs.

All traffic was diverted onto Cooper Road during the closure.

For the latest traffic for your area, visit 6abc.com/traffic.
A Southern California jury found YouTube and Meta liable for harming a young users mental health in a landmark social media addiction case that Gov. Gavin Newsom said should make the U.S. renegotiate our contract with Big Tech.

A jury for the California Superior Court in Los Angeles found on Wednesday that the two social media giants had been negligent in designing and operating their YouTube and Instagram platforms, allowing an anonymous plaintiff known as KGM to become addicted to them and cause her mental distress. On Tuesday, a New Mexico jury found that Meta had violated the states consumer protection law by enabling child sexual exploitation on its Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp platforms and misleading users.

The pitfalls of social media usage for children, such as exposure to harmful or radicalizing content, has become a galvanizing topic in the Legislature. Last month, Newsom said he would support curbing access to social media for children under 16.

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Tech critics and child advocates broadly cheered the decision, which requires Meta to pay $2.1 million and YouTube to pay $900,000 in penalties. The New Mexico court decision requires Meta to pay $375 million for misleading users.

Spokespeople for Meta and Google, YouTubes parent company, said both companies disagreed with the court decision. A Meta spokesperson said the company intended to appeal, saying teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.

This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site, spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in an email.

For years, social media companies have profited from targeting children while concealing the addictive and dangerous design features built into their platforms. Today, we finally have accountability, said Mark Lanier, an attorney for KGM. These companies made deliberate choices that prioritized engagement and profit over the well-being of the young people using their products. This verdict sends a clear message to an entire industry that the era of operating without consequence is over.

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Maybe theyll (Big Tech) reconsider their own participation in the world that theyve created, Newsom told reporters during a news conference in Sacramento about increasing youth civic participation. Its a moment of some deep accountability, and I hope, reflection on their part, and you know, the external realities of how people are feeling and how stressed and isolated...We go online to find answers and solutions, but you know, everything going online is finding you these algorithms, and how these algorithms are shaping opinions and beliefs and are aiding and advancing so much of our anxiety and stress, coloring things in.

The governor has long been an ally of Silicon Valley dating back to his days as a supervisor and later mayor of San Francisco in the late 1990s and early 2000s during the dot-com boom. In his recent memoir, he wrote about his close friendships with Steve and Sergey and Larry and Reed and Marc, referring to the founders of Google, LinkedIn and Salesforce, and a South African named Elon (Musk), referring to the Tesla exec.

As lieutenant governor, he wrote a book, Citizenville, about harnessing the power of technology to work for government. It was published in 2013 when we had a sense of optimism back then...and I think it was broadly universally shared, Newsom said, pointing to the role that Twitter played in mobilizing support for the Arab Spring movement.

Last year, he signed into law a bill from Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, that regulates artificial intelligence, a burgeoning technology he likened to social media.

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Its about steering things. And thats why we cant make that mistake with AI, and thats why, again, this states leading, Newsom said. He said the state would continue to lean into AI regulations, and said he had warned tech companies against fighting him on that front, calling out NetChoice, an industry lobbying organization.

Weve been there for years, but now the court of law, with the decision that was made in New Mexico and the decision here in Southern California, and its, as I say, a moment of reckoning for the social media companies, but its also a moment of responsibility for all of us as it relates to the future of AI, to not make the mistakes weve made with social media.
Despite all the volatility in crude prices, the oil industry can be a great place to find high-quality dividend stocks. Oil companies typically offer above-average dividend yields, and many have strong records of dividend growth.

Two top oil dividend stocks are ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG). They currently have attractive dividend yields (2.6% for ConocoPhillips and 2.9% for EOG Resources, both more than double the S&P 500's 1.2% yield). Here's a look at which oil company is the better dividend stock to buy right now.

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: The Motley Fool.

Drilling down into these top oil dividend stocks

ConocoPhillips is a large, low-cost oil and gas producer. It currently needs oil to average in the mid-$40s to generate enough cash to fund its capital program, which includes four major long-term expansion projects. It can fully fund its dividend with $10 more. Last year, the company generated $7.3 billion of free cash flow with oil in the mid-$60s, easily covering its $4 billion dividend outlay. With crude prices currently much higher, it's generating a mountain of excess free cash flow. That's enabling ConocoPhillips to further fortify its top-tier balance sheet.

EOG Resources also has very low-cost operations. Last year, the U.S. oil and gas giant generated $4.7 billion in free cash flow after capital expenditures, easily covering the $2.2 billion in dividends it paid. The company only needs oil to average around $50 a barrel this year to cover its capital spending plan and dividend commitment. EOG Resources also has a pristine balance sheet with a leverage ratio well below its target.

A look at their growth profiles

ConocoPhillips is investing in a trio of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects that should come online through 2028. These projects, along with cost-savings and margin-enhancement activities, should add $1 billion to its free cash flow each year during that period. Meanwhile, ConocoPhillips expects its Willow oil project in Alaska to add another $4 billion in annual free cash flow when it starts producing in 2029. Add it all up, and that's $7 billion in free cash flow growth over the next four years, assuming oil averages $70 a barrel. This growing cash flow will lower the company's breakeven level to the low-$30s by 2029. That robust growth supports ConocoPhillips' plan to grow its dividend within the top 25% of S&P 500 companies.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Students from the College of Charleston traveled thousands of miles to Ghana earlier this month  not just to study history, but to experience it firsthand.

What they found went far beyond textbooks.

From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in Ghanaian culture, welcomed by the powerful sounds of traditional drums. As Dr. James Malm, Associate Professor of Finance and Director of the Global Business Resource Center at the College of Charleston, explained, One interesting thing about Ghana is that when you come, the people welcome you. They play their drums. Those rhythms carried more than music  they served as an invitation to connect.

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For many students, the trip stood out as a unique opportunity to learn from someone deeply connected to the country.

Sophomore Vanesa Studebaker said she was interested after speaking with Dr. Malm. I just wrote my name down and talked to Dr. Malm. I immediately realized that he is from Ghana and knows a lot about the country, so I thought itd be a really cool trip to go on with such an educated professor, she said.

While in Ghana, the group focused on giving back in ways that directly supported local communities. Students helped fill classrooms and libraries, bringing supplies tailored to what the community actually needed.

We brought book supplies, drawstring bags. We also had beads. So, the students had to learn how to make beads. We had some female hygiene products as well. We also sent projectors to the School of the Blind in Cape Coast, said Dr. Malm.

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The trip is part of a program that has been making an impact for nearly a decade. Dr. Rene Mueller, a professor emerita at the College of Charleston, helped start the program nearly a decade ago. We started with the clean water system. So, we did that, and then we built a fish farm and a fish smoker, shared Dr. Mueller.

But beyond the physical work, students say the most meaningful lessons were personal. When you actually go there and see it, its completely different, Mueller said, emphasizing how firsthand experience deepens understanding.

Even without speaking the same language, students found ways to build strong connections. Sophomore Colette Davenport said simple activities made a lasting impact. Being able to really connect with the kids was really meaningful to me since we didnt speak the same language. Being able to connect with them with stuff like doing hair or me personally, I learned a game called Gigolo, like with hands with them, which was really fun, she said.

For senior Madison Boone, the trip shifted her perspective on life and community. It was just really nice to see that they were just so rich in life and that no matter what their circumstance were, that they were just joyous to be alive and to be with each other, and it just really emphasized how important community is, she said.

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Leaving Ghana proved to be one of the hardest parts. Leaving it was incredibly sad. It was so bittersweet because you just realize  how short an amount of time you were there, but how big a connection you made, Boone said.

While the trip was designed as an opportunity to give back, students and faculty say the experience was mutual. I hope they learn that it takes a village, right? That we, when we go to Ghana, we dont just go to help them. They also help us, Dr. Malm said.

What began as a study abroad experience became something much deeper  a meaningful exchange that connected people across continents. For these students, the impact of Ghana will last far beyond their time abroad.

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 WCBD News 2.
The silhouette of a person, with Iran

The ruling rejected Safdis claim that his admissions during Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police questioning had been extracted through improper pressure.

The Nazareth District Court convicted Tahrir Safdi, a resident of Masada in the Golan Heights, of espionage for Iran after finding that, over several years, he passed sensitive information on IDF activity in the North, including tank movements and missile impact locations, through a Syria-based contact he suspected was linked to Iranian and Syrian security bodies.

The ruling, issued by Judge Moran Margalit on Wednesday and distributed on Thursday, rejected Safdis claim that his admissions during Shin Bet and Israel Police questioning had been extracted through improper pressure, and set arguments on sentencing for April 15.

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According to the amended indictment recited in the ruling, Safdi was in contact with Hossam Zidan, a Syrian resident described as a correspondent for the Iranian outlet Al-Alam, whom Safdi said he suspected was operating on behalf of the Palestine branch of Irans Quds Force.

The court said that the connection stemmed from Safdis fathers longstanding relationship with Zidan and that even after Safdi began to suspect the contact was not merely journalistic, he continued transmitting information.

The court detailed allegations that began in 2019, when Safdi and his father photographed missile fall sites in the Golan and a military tank, and continued into 2023 and 2024. During the war, the ruling said, Safdi was asked to report on tank movements in the north and on missile impacts, and in one episode, passed along information about 21 tanks being transported through his village in September 2024 and another five near Tiberias in October. The ruling said he also relayed reports about missile fire in the Tiberias area and sent along images of military forces.

An Israeli tank operates in northern Israel on March 21, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Safdi denied the charge and argued that a key statement  that he believed the Syrian journalist might be working with Iranian or Syrian security services  had been obtained through psychological pressure and interrogation tactics.

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But Margalit found the prosecution had proved that Safdis statements were given freely and voluntarily, and wrote that the evidence showed to the required degree and beyond that he acted with full awareness that his conduct could harm state security. The judge also dismissed the defenses argument that the activity was journalistic, saying that if that had truly been the case, there would have been no reason to conceal the relationship with Zidan.

String of Iran-linked espionage charges seen in Israel

The ruling lands amid an accelerating stream of Iran-linked espionage prosecutions in Israel. Just on Wednesday, prosecutors filed an indictment in Tel Aviv Juvenile District Court against a 14-year-old accused of carrying out paid surveillance and sabotage-related assignments for hostile actors while suspecting they were Iranian, including graffiti missions and filming around central Israeli sites.

That was not an isolated filing. On Tuesday, publication was cleared for an indictment against two brothers from the Jerusalem area accused of maintaining contact with an Iranian agent, passing information and content in exchange for cryptocurrency, with prosecutors alleging that at least some of these acts were carried out while they understood they were dealing with a hostile actor.

Other recent cases have followed a similar arc. Last week, a reservist soldier who had served in Iron Dome was indicted on allegations that he passed sensitive military information to an Iranian handler, while Israeli authorities warned again that enemy agents were using social media and encrypted messaging apps to recruit Israelis for intelligence, espionage, and even terrorist assignments. Over the past two years, dozens of Israelis have been charged in Iran-linked espionage cases.

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Safdis case, however, stands out because it has now moved beyond arrest and indictment into a judicial finding on the merits. In practical terms, the conviction gives prosecutors a rare courtroom-tested result in a field where many of the newer Iran-linked cases are still at the indictment stage. This underscores the extent to which wartime reporting on troop movement and impact sites is being treated by the courts not as peripheral conduct, but as an intelligence-gathering activity capable of directly harming state security.

What remains unresolved is the separate status of Safdis father, who featured prominently in the factual narrative underlying the case, but was not the defendant in this ruling. On the material before the court, the son has now been convicted; sentencing is next.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein was in Bakersville, North Carolina, on Thursday to talk about more funding for Helene recovery.

Its been 18 months since the storm caused billions of dollars of damage across western North Carolina.

ALSO READ: FEMA distributes $28 million in additional funds for Hurricane Helene recovery

The governor suggested several ideas to help people still struggling with housing along with assisting local governments and small businesses overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster.

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Channel 9s Dave Faherty was in Mitchell County, where projects are underway to rebuild homes near Spruce Pine.

Some families in the area are still living in campers after their homes were destroyed by flooding and fallen trees.

TW and Angela Randall showed their Bakersville home to Faherty. The house filled with water during Helene, which caused mold and forced the Randalls to move into a camper in their backyard.

The mold got up in me and my wife, TW Randall said. (It) got us real sick. We moved out for a while and then started living in a camper.

The Appalachia Service Project, which is funded by the state, is assisting the Randalls.

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Its a blessing, said Angela Randall. Dont know what wed do without them because were stuck.

Its a blessing, said Angela Randall. Dont know what wed do without them because were stuck.

Stein visited the Randalls. The governor believes more needs to be done to help families and businesses in western North Carolina.

We are not finished, Stein said. We have more work to do.

Stein is proposing close to $800 million in additional funding to strengthen the regional economy, keep more people in safe places to live, restore infrastructure, and improve disaster response.

The governor hopes lawmakers will agree to more forgivable loans to small businesses and a revolving loan program for cash-strapped local governments.

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For folks who need affordable quality housing, it invests in rental and housing assistance, including those whose homes we are actively repairing today, Stein said.

Faherty spoke with resident Judy Burleson, who said she had water rushing under her home during the storm. Burleson lost her well, her roof, and her yard.

She is glad the governor is back in western North Carolina and knows what shed say to him.

I would say to help people out that are struggling just to get things fixed, to where we can get back to normal, Burleson said.

The governor also spoke about proposed funding to get the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened more quickly and money to protect people from wildfires

The state has already provided $1.9 billion in funding for the Helene recovery.

VIDEO: Helene: 1 Year Later
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a tax increase on health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, which aims to fill the states Medicaid budget shortfall. Critics say the tax will increase health insurance costs for Iowans.

The governor signed House File 2739 into law Thursday, according to a news release. The law will retroactively raise the premium tax on HMOs, a type of Medicaid Advantage plan offered by private companies, from a rate of 0.925% to 3.5% between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2026. Beginning in October, the rate would lower to 0.95%.

This increase is intended to help fill the projected funding gaps in the Iowa Medicaid program. The Medicaid Forecasting Group found found the state health coverage program is expected to face a $90.6 million deficit in Fiscal Year 2026, and a deficit of $167.6 million in FY 2027.

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In addition to the tax hike, the measure also moves $89 million from the states general fund to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for the states Medicaid program to address the FY 2026 shortfall. It will also transfer almost $350 million from Iowas Taxpayer Relief Fund to make up for revenue loss from tax cuts made at the federal level in the One Big Beautiful Bill act.

Reynolds said Iowa is not the only state facing problems with Medicaid funding, and that the HMO tax increase was Iowas solution to help fill that budget deficit.

The fact of the matter is, it helps cover the Medicaid shortfall from COVID, Reynolds said in a news conference Wednesday. Weve been watching it all along. We knew that this was going to hit at some point. The bill has come due.

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The measure made it to the governors desk on a tight timeline  discussions started in early March on the proposal, and the House and Senate both approved the bill within the past week. The governor said the measure needed to move quickly so the state could implement the tax rate change before a March 31 deadline in order to draw down federal funding.

As the measure received public feedback and was debated in both chambers, lobbyists representing insurers and Democrats said the tax will result in health care premiums rising for Iowans. Scott Sundstrom, a lobbyist for Wellmark, Inc., said at a public hearing health insurance costs are projected to increase by $500 for a family of four covered through Wellmarks HMO.

Reynolds compared these arguments brought up by insurance agencies to arguments made against legislation adding new regulations to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which Reynolds signed into law in 2025.

Private insurers do not have to pass along this one-time cost, Reynolds said. Thats always the threat. Weve heard it with PBMs  every time we try to rein in or hold our insurance companies kind of in line, thats the first place that they go. But the way that this bill is assembled with HMOs, they do not  they can, but they do not  have to pass that one-time cost along to individual policy owners.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Every day, from some part of this county, I hear the quiet desperation of everyday Tennesseans. They are parents stretching budgets to keep the refrigerator full, seniors choosing between prescriptions and groceries, and working families who have already cut as far back as they can. Some are skipping meals. Some are sending their children to school hungry.

And yet, the Tennessee General Assembly is now considering SB 2337/HB 2570  a bill that would impose significant new taxes on commonly purchased groceries, including cereals, jellies, coffee and soft drinks.

Let me be clear: This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is not a Black issue or a White issue. It is a humanitarian issue  and hungry children do not belong to any party or any race. They belong to all of us. This is the wrong bill at the wrong time, and we cannot afford to let it pass.

Shopping at Publix in Hermitage, Tenn., Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill has served Nashville since 1865. Born in the aftermath of the Civil War, our congregation has stood on the front lines of justice, equity and community care for 160 years. We have fed the hungry, advocated for the vulnerable and borne witness to the enduring resilience of Nashvilles working families  families of every background, every zip code and every political persuasion. We are doing that work still. We are also watching, with great alarm, as this legislation threatens to make our work harder and our neighbors lives more difficult.

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Opinion: TN bill will turn public schools into immigration enforcers

Food is not a luxury. It is a human necessity. And taxing groceries is not a revenue strategy. It is a burden shift that falls heaviest on those with the least margin to absorb it. Every dollar added at the register is a dollar taken from a family that has no dollars to spare. That is true whether that family is in Antioch or Bellevue, whether they attend church or not, whether they vote red or blue.

Our humanity is what we share, and it demands more of us than this. Time is short. The legislative session is moving, and this bill is advancing. I urge every Tennessean  regardless of party, faith or background  who believes that basic nutrition should not come with a penalty, to contact their state lawmakers immediately. And I urge those lawmakers to vote against SB 2337/HB 2570.

Tennessees families deserve leaders who lighten their load  not legislation that deepens it.

Rev. Dr. Shane B. Scott, Nashville 37203

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New TN grocery bill calls for higher taxes on common items | Letters
The Harambee Neighborhood Improvement District has announced it will no longer partner with Riverworks Development Corporation after seven years together.

The Improvement District is a quasi-governmental organization run by a board comprised of residents and business owners focused on things like home repair grants, community events and infrastructure investment.

Riverworks, a nonprofit community development organization, was instrumental in the formation of the Improvement District as it exists today.

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According to Darryl Johnson, executive director of Riverworks, the goal of the partnership was to grow the Improvement District boards ability to be self-sustaining.

This transition reflects the growth and maturation of the Harambee NID, said Lakesha Wilder, chair of the Improvement District board of directors.

Electees of the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement District 7 board (from left) Pierre Pierce, Frieda Webb, LaDonna Green, Gary Payton, LaKesha Wilder, Ella Bennett, Margie Codling and Sheila M. Smith pose for a portrait at the Martin Luther King Branch Library on Dec. 13, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Angelica Edwards/ The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Both organizations expressed their gratitude toward one another for the partnership while the boards resources and ability to self-govern matured, and both remain committed to the Harambee neighborhood.

The Improvement District will continue to distribute funds and accept applications for the Home Repair Grant Program  allocating up to $10,000 for specified repairs.

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Riverworks will focus on bolstering the Beerline Trail, an old railway converted into a recreation path for residents. The nonprofit also runs the Riverwest Farmers Market and is looking to continue to expand it to more than 40 vendors year-round at a permanent site on the Beerline Trail, Johnson said.

The 2026 Improvement District board was elected in December 2025, and new members got their official start for the year earlier this month.

Everett Eaton covers Harambee for the Journal Sentinels Neighborhood Dispatch. Contact: ejeaton@usatodayco.com.

Neighborhood Dispatch reporting is supported by Bader Philanthropies, Zilber Foundation, Journal Foundation, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689

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The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #364427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Harambee Neighborhood Improvement District becomes more self-reliant
Past and present Missouri Southern State University biology faculty members gathered Monday outside the universitys herbarium to name it after a late professor.

The Dr. Sam Gibson Memorial Herbarium was rededicated earlier this week to honor biologist Sam Gibson, who died in 2011 after 28 years at the university.

Gibson served as dean of the biology department and was the second curator of Southerns herbarium for about 20 years.

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Gibson followed Leland Gier, who founded the herbarium.

Both of Gibsons successors, Dorothy Bay and current curator Jason Willand, were present Monday with others who knew or worked with Gibson.

Were probably in the ballpark of about 3,000 specimens in our herbarium, Willand said. Were a repository for plants from the Four-State region, but then, you may go through there and find some plants from other places because both Sam and his predecessor, Dr. Gier, were really good at swapping specimens with other universities. A herbarium is basically a database of plants. Literally, you collect plants, you press them, you mount them on paper and then they can be stored for a long time. We have some here in from the late 1800s, some of our oldest plants, so over 100 years.

Retired biology professor Jim Jackson said Gier started the herbarium in 1968 and that it included specimens he brought from his previous job at William Jewell College in Liberty.

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The most important part about the herbarium is the scientific quality, Jackson said. And the collection has always been and is currently being maintained by curators who keep it scientifically appropriate for direct research and as a background for research associated with the university.

According to MSSU, Gibson left a lasting legacy as a respected scholar, educator and steward of the natural world.

A beloved colleague and advisor, Dr. Gibson was known for his quiet leadership, intellectual integrity, and unwavering commitment to his discipline, reads a plaque outside the herbarium. The herbarium bearing his name stands as a testament to his scholarly contributions and to the rare and valuable plant specimens he helped preserve for future study. Born on September 18, 1939, Sam Gibson developed an early passion for biology that led him to earn his bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University. He went on to complete his doctorate in botany at Kansas State University, where his research focused on the plant genus Senecio. His academic work reflected a deep environmental concern and a lifelong dedication to plant taxonomy.

Bay praised Gipson for the wonderful job he did.

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The quality of Missouri Southerns herbarium is due to him, Bay said. And its really the exceptional quality of the herbarium that makes it very fitting to name it after him. He was a very good friend of mine. When I became a faculty member, he would come and he would bring me books and he would bring me plants and he would bring me things to help me with my lectures.

Willand, the current curator, said biology faculty are preparing to digitize the collection and put it online so it can help researchers around the world.

Thats probably going to happen in the fall when well be ready to start, Willand said. This herbarium is vital. It helps not only with courses in the biology department and students in my taxonomy class. This serves as a place for research, for documenting flora. Once this is digitized, if anybody wants to see what these plants look like, they dont have to come here to see in person, they dont have to mail samples to us.
In the past two years, the HISD "State of the District" address faced protestors; this year, it slipped below the radar.

The yearly luncheon cost $250 to attend. The room was filled with district leaders, local business figures, and teachers. Houston Chronicle Senior Education Reporter Megan Menchaca was also there and said that Superintendent Mike Miles was warmly welcomed by the supportive crowd.

"There was no booing, there was no jeers. In the past, at Mike Miles' first state of the district event, he was disrupted by protestors inside the room, and protestors were outside the room," Menchaca said.

SEE ALSO: HISD moves forward with plan to close 12 campuses after lengthy and tense public meeting

Menchaca was granted access by the event organizer, the Houston ISD Foundation, a non-profit focused on securing philanthropic funds for the district.

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"Mike Miles gave a short speech, it was about a 20-minute address on preparing students to move towards an AI future and their past success on the TEA A-F Accountability ratings," Menchaca said.

According to Menchaca, AI was a major focus of the event.

The district told ABC13 that the AI push is part of their new Accelerate Houston plan that includes accelerated math for middle schoolers, virtual options for high schoolers, and the launch of Future 2 schools.

Next school year, Future 2 schools will open at two campuses yet to be announced. They will serve students from pre-K through 8th grade and focus on advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to prepare them for a workforce increasingly centered on AI.

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Menchaca, sharing Miles also brought up renovation of the Barbera Jordan Career Center and the building of a new south side career center as the district focuses on training more students to be at the digital forefront.

"The issue in HISD is that it's so big that even if a student wants to attend the Barbera Jordan Career Center, if they live an hour away or attend school so far away, there aren't many feasible way HISD from point A to point B and get them back in a timely fashion," Menchaca said.

Menchaca shared that there was no mention of the district's shrinking enrollment and how those numbers played a part in the closure of 12 campuses.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram.
A Hobbs couple has been charged with child abuse after their 6-week-old girl suffered several broken ribs, leading to medical evaluations that indicated previous abuse, according to a criminal complaint filed last week.

Tyler Janousek, 25, faces three charges of child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, while his partner, Trenaty Lewis, 25, faces one charge of being an accessory to child abuse.

Janousek's "alleged actions of child abuse show a willingness to commit violence against the most vulnerable members of society," prosecutors wrote in a pretrial detention motion.

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A judge is scheduled to determine next week whether Janousek will be held behind bars until his trial, while Lewis was released on bond. Janousek is being held in the Lea County Detention Center.

An attorney for Janousek did not return a call requesting comment, and it is not clear who will represent Lewis.

The family did not have a notable history with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department since the girl was born, spokesperson Jake Thompson wrote in a statement, adding the first report of alleged abuse came March 12.

He noted Janousek was investigated by CYFD in 2018 and was found to have failed to properly supervise a child in an unrelated case, while Lewis has not previously faced CYFD scrutiny. The baby in this case has since been removed from the home.

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"The child is safe and has been placed in a licensed foster home," Thompson wrote.

Lea County sheriff's deputies were called to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital at around 11 p.m. March 11 where Janousek and Lewis had brought the baby and told medical staff that Janousek had been holding the girl when he "bent over and heard a pop," the criminal complaint states.

Lewis, who told police she was in the shower at the time, said Janousek dropped the girl's pacifier and crushed the girl when he bent to pick her up, according to the complaint.

An initial X-ray scan of the girl showed seven new rib fractures and three that were healing, indicating they were older injuries, the complaint states. A doctor also said the girl had a bruise on her chest.

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Janousek and Lewis said the bruise was just a birthmark and they did not know why the girl appeared to have older broken bones, the complaint states. Janousek did acknowledge being rough with the baby at times, such as by pinching or squeezing her.

"I'm not the most gentle parent but I'm also not super, super rough," he told police.

Later medical evaluations revealed more than 20 rib fractures and several bruises, including on the baby's chest and jaw, according to the complaint. A child abuse pediatrician said the injuries indicated multiple episodes of violent trauma.

In follow-up interrogations, Lewis told police Janousek intentionally squeezed the baby, hurting her and leaving bruises, the complaint states. Janousek also said he squeezed her and made her cry, at times out of frustration with the girl.
Washington  In a rare public hearing on Thursday, the House Ethics Committee denied Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's request to delay the panel's proceedings against her, which could lead to her expulsion from Congress, until her criminal case is resolved.

The Florida Democrat is accused of stealing $5 million in federal pandemic funds and using some of the money to boost her congressional campaign. She was indicted in November on federal charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Republicans are already trying to expel Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress over the allegations. Based on the outcome of the hearing, the Ethics Committee could recommend expulsion, which could prompt Democrats to support removing her.

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In January, the bipartisan committee released the findings of its lengthy investigation into the alleged campaign finance scheme. The report shed new light on Cherfilus-McCormick's efforts to bolster her congressional campaign after two unsuccessful bids in 2018 and 2020.

Cherfilus-McCormick was elected to Congress in 2022 in a special election in South Florida's 20th Congressional District, replacing Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings, who died the previous year.



Thursday's hearing, which was conducted by an adjudicatory panel composed of a bipartisan group of eight House lawmakers, stretched into the night after Cherfilus-McCormick's lawyer, William Barzee, unsuccessfully urged the committee to pause its action until the end of the congresswoman's criminal trial. Barzee argued it would jeopardize her right to a fair trial.

"How can she possibly go into court and have a fair trial if her jurors have already heard that she was found guilty by the House of Representatives? It's an impossibility," Barzee said.

Barzee acknowledged that Cherfilus-McCormick knew of the $5 million deposit to her family-owned company, but did not handle the finances. When the "big check came in," he said, she was focused on running her campaign.

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"She was aware that money came in," he said. "She wasn't aware that the money that came in had come in because of a mistake from the state of Florida until much, much later."

In a statement to CBS News, Cherfilus-McCormick said she was "deeply disappointed" the committee moved forward with the hearing. Cherfilus-McCormick said she was innocent and was "limited" in what she could address because of the federal case.

"I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight and challenge these inaccuracies, when I am legally able to do so," she said.

What the federal indictment says

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The federal charges against Cherfilus-McCormick are related to a massive overpayment to a company, Trinity Healthcare Services, owned by the congresswoman's family. The company had a FEMA-funded contract to register people for COVID vaccines.

In July 2021, a Florida state agency mistakenly deposited the $5 million overpayment in the company's bank account, according to the indictment. But instead of returning the overpayment, Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother moved the funds to several other bank accounts "to disguise its source," the Justice Department said.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 22, 2026. / Credit: Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

In the subsequent months, more than $1.1 million was transferred to accounts connected to her congressional campaign, the indictment said. Cherfilus-McCormick and a campaign staffer allegedly funneled some of the funds to friends and relatives, who donated it back to her campaign disguised as their own personal contributions. Such contributions, known as straw donations, are illegal.

Prosecutors alleged the congresswoman bought herself a 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring. She is also accused of falsely inflating business expenses and charitable contributions to reduce her tax liability.

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Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with 15 counts, including theft of government funds, money laundering, making and receiving straw donor contributions, and aiding and assisting the preparation of a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return.

She faces a maximum of 53 years in prison if convicted of all the charges.

"This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment  and I am innocent," Cherfilus-McCormick said in a Nov. 20 statement.

What the House Ethics Committee report says

In a 59-page report released in January, the House Ethics Committee concluded there was "substantial reason to believe" Cherfilus-McCormick violated multiple federal laws and House rules. The committee said it reviewed more than 33,000 documents, interviewed 28 witnesses and issued 59 subpoenas as part of its lengthy investigation into the congresswoman's alleged misconduct.

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The investigation found "substantial evidence of conduct consistent with the allegations in the indictment, as well as more extensive misconduct," according to the report.

The report says Cherfilus-McCormick's company received nearly $5.8 million in overpaid funds throughout 2021. The largest was the $5 million overpayment in July 2021 referenced in the indictment.

Investigators laid out a pattern of inaccurate and incomplete campaign finance reports across several election cycles, including improper contributions falsely reported as personal loans, acceptance of improper contributions and inflated cash-on-hand numbers.

The report alleged the timing of "nearly every substantial transaction" to the campaign closely aligned with transfers from Cherfilus-McCormick's health care company. Investigators said that at least $3.6 million of the FEMA-linked funds made its way to Cherfilus-McCormick's campaign "for at least some period of time." They also said they provided Trinity and Cherfilus-McCormick "with numerous chances to explain whether those were funds respondent had a legal right to, but neither party provided any such explanation."

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In addition to bolstering her congressional campaign, Cherfilus-McCormick also allegedly spent the overpaid funds on luxury personal items, including jewelry from Tiffany & Co., a Tesla, designer clothing, high-end hotels and a cruise, according to the report.

Cherfilus-McCormick's campaign is also accused of accepting more than $800,000 from a Haitian oil company in 2022, after she was first elected to Congress. The contributions were funneled to the campaign through shell companies set up by the congresswoman's closest advisers and husband, according to the report, which said the funds "constitute an impermissible corporate contribution."

Investigators also detailed Cherfilus-McCormick's alleged special favors for a friend and campaign fundraiser who had made federal funding requests for community projects.

The Florida Democrat initially cooperated with the Ethics Committee's investigation, but eventually invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination after the committee issued a subpoena for documents she had not provided and for her testimony.

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In response to the committee's findings, a lawyer for Cherfilus-McCormick said the congresswoman "disputes and refutes the allegations and report."

The committee denied Cherfilus-McCormick's request to postpone all proceedings until her criminal case is resolved.

Effort to expel Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress

Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida is leading an effort to expel Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress over the allegations.

After Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November, Steube initially said he would seek to reprimand her through a censure resolution, which is largely symbolic because it lacks any tangible consequences. Steube quickly changed course and said he would pursue expulsion, arguing she should be "swiftly removed from the House before she can inflict any more harm on Congress, her district, and the State of Florida."

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Steube threatened to force a vote on her expulsion if Cherfilus-McCormick refused to resign, but he has held off as the Ethics Committee process plays out.

Expelling a member of the House requires a two-thirds vote.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters Thursday that the allegations are a "very serious matter" and a "harsh penalty" would be warranted if lawmakers determine she "egregiously violated the law." He called expulsion "the political death penalty" and said "it's a decision of the body to determine that."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said in a November statement that Cherfilus-McCormick is "entitled to her day in court and the presumption of innocence."

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Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, who leads the House Democratic Caucus, said Wednesday that he's waiting for the outcome of the Ethics Committee's hearing and the criminal trial to come to any conclusions about Cherfilus-McCormick's future in the House.

"After the conclusion of those, we will see what happens and we'll have conversations with our colleagues on what it looks like," he said. "But I'm not going to prejudge what it looks like ahead of time."

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Brooks Macdonald has named Will Hobbs as its next chief investment officer (CIO), with his tenure set to begin on 7 April 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Hobbs has a background in managing global portfolios and investment strategies for high-net-worth clients.

His career started at Barclays over 20 years ago, where he was a senior global equity analyst in the consumer sector.

He later rose to roles such as head of global equity strategy, head of investment strategy, and most recently held the post of chief investment officer and head of UK multi asset wealth.

Will Hobbs said: I am pleased to join Brooks Macdonald, a company with 35 years of excellent client service and a strong investment approach. I look forward to working with the Brooks Macdonald team.

Brooks Macdonald CEO Andrea Montague said: I am delighted to welcome Will to Brooks Macdonald as our Chief Investment Officer. With his leadership and depth and breadth of experience, Will is an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to deliver strong investment performance, product innovation, and excellent client service.

Hobbs will report to Andrea and become part of the firm's executive committee.

In six months ended 31 December 2025, the firms total funds under management and advice reached 20.1bn ($26.8bn), a 5% increase from 19.1bn reported at the end of June 2025.

Underlying profit before tax was 13.6m, with a margin of 23.4%. Revenue stood at 58.2m for the period, up 12%, supported mainly by growth in financial planning and fee income, although gains were partly offset by lower results from interest and transactional activities.

"Brooks Macdonald appoints new CIO " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




More than $1 billion in federal education funding could hang in the balance as the Tennessee House and Senate clash over a controversial bill that would require all K-12 students to submit proof of their immigration status when enrolling in public school, and require schools to report the number of undocumented students to the state.

Senate sponsor Bo Watson, R-Hixson, on March 26 delayed a vote for a third consecutive Senate session to either substitute the watered-down House version of the bill or stick with the more radical Senate version.

Following the session, Watson said he delayed action on the bill again because sending it back to the House before more negotiations with both the House and members of the Senate Republican caucus would really jeopardize the bill.

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The original bill passed with 19 affirmative votes. Some members prefer our bill, and so I dont know that they would stick with me on the House version. Some members prefer the House version, Watson said. I dont know if that adds up enough to get where we need to be.

Sen. Bo Watson speaks with reporters after the Senate session at the Tennessee Capitol on March 26, 2026.

It's becoming unclear whether either version of the bill has a path forward this year, after sparking controversy and protests over the last 14 months.

Last year, the Senate passed a draconian bill allowing Tennessee public schools to disenroll or charge tuition to students that cannot prove their legal presence in the country, and requiring schools to verify citizenship or legal immigration status, reporting those who cannot to the state.

From the beginning, sponsors framed the bill as a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Courts Plyler v. Doe decision, which barred schools from discriminating against children based on immigration status.

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But at the end of last year, questions were raised in the House about whether passing the bill could endanger the $1.1 billion in K-12 education funding Tennessee receives from the federal government each year.

So, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, this year amended House Bill 793 to require only data collection  no longer offering schools the option to refuse to educate undocumented children.

House Republicans passed that scaled-back version earlier this month.

Despite concerns raised by the House, the Senate has never worried about putting federal funding in jeopardy.

I know that the House had tried to make some requests of the Department of Education regarding that, and didnt really get back an answer that made them comfortable, so they created this bill in order to move it out of their Finance Committee, Watson told reporters, adding that he believes the likelihood of endangering federal education funding is extremely, extremely small.

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Now, its up to the Senate to either pass the watered-down House version of the controversial bill, or push to keep Senate Bill 836 that 19 Republican senators voted for last year.

Watson said hes chosen to prolong the delay for a vote so that we can negotiate with our colleagues in the House, and I can continue to have conversations with my colleagues in the Senate.

His goal is to keep the Senate version intact.

Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, leaves after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s speech at the Tennessee Capitol during a stop for the Take Back Your Health Tour in Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

The Senate should jealously guard the decisions that we make, as should the House, Watson said.

Lamberth said earlier this month he hopes the Senate will come to agree with the House version, or something very, very close to it.

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Lamberth has said the number of undocumented students is an "important piece of data that we need to be able to help make decisions for our educational system here in Tennessee. But when asked, House Republicans have declined to say what the state would do with that data once collected.

If either version of the bill becomes law, its almost certain to spark a legal challenge.

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti told The Tennessean this week that the House version is no longer a direct challenge to Plyler v. Doe, but would likely still be challenged in court.

The new law is focused on data gathering in a way that doesnt implicate Plyler in the same way, Skrmetti said. I dont know if the challenge to this will be related to Plyler or something else.  When the peoples elected representatives do something, they deserve every opportunity in court for the democratic process to prevail. So, Im sure well end up litigating this for one reason or another.

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If the bill becomes law, Tennessee could become one of the first states to require proof of immigration status when enrolling in public school.

Gov. Bill Lee has not said publicly when asked whether he supported or opposed the bill, but said he would have to see what the exact language is if it gets to his desk.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN lawmakers fight over undocumented students bill elements
Mar. 25A large chunk of private forest land near Mount Spokane is now permanently protected from development.

The Idaho Department of Lands announced Wednesday that more than 22,000 acres of Inland Empire Paper Co. is now protected under a conservation easement.

Inland Empire is owned by the Cowles Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.

The property is between Mount Spokane and Spirit Lake in Bonner and Kootenai counties. It borders state property near the Idaho-Washington border and horseshoes around Spirit Lake, covering land on the north and south sides of the body of water.

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It includes habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as elk, deer and westslope cutthroat trout, according to a Department of Lands news release. It also covers part of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which provides drinking water for people in Spokane and Kootenai counties.

The deal locks in public access for the property, which has long been used by hunters, hikers, berry pickers and other recreationists. Jennifer Barker, the Forest Legacy Program manager for the Idaho Department of Lands, said maintaining that access in perpetuity is especially important as housing development pressure continues to increase in North Idaho.

"It's going to be available for generations," Barker said. "That's pretty important as those lands surrounding it continue to develop."

It is the first phase in a long-term project called the Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project, a partnership between Inland Empire, the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, the state of Idaho and the U.S. Forest Service. Over time, the plan is to protect more than 40,000 acres of Inland Empire land in northeast Washington and North Idaho, according to the Trust for Public Land's website.

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David Weinstein, an associate vice president at the Trust for Public Land, said in a statement that the easement "keeps these forests working while permanently protecting public access, safeguarding clean drinking water and conserving critical wildlife habitat across the region."

Through the easement, Inland Empire sold its development rights to the property, which was valued at about $34 million. The U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program awarded the project $26 million. That money was used to compensate Inland Empire for the development rights. The paper company fulfilled a 25% nonfederal matching requirement by donating the rest of the easement's value.

The company still will own the land and timber production will continue. Public access will change slightly. In the past, all forms of access required a paid permit from Inland Empire. Under the new easement, non-motorized access will be free on that particular property. Motorized access still will require a permit.

Chris Robinson, Inland Empire's president and general manager, said in a statement that the easement "allows us to continue managing this land as a working forest."

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"This land supports a 100% renewable and sustainable natural resource," Robinson said. "Ensuring this land is protected from future development is a win for the region and the local communities it surrounds."

Plans are in the works for the next phase of the Spirit of Mount Spokane project. Barker said an application has been filed for the next piece on the Idaho side, and that they're waiting for word from the Forest Legacy Program on whether it will receive funding.

An application for Forest Legacy Program funding on the Washington side has been approved but no easements have been finalized, Barker said.
Indias much-delayed 2035 climate plan underestimates the countrys clean energy potential and allows for an acceleration of emissions growth, according to analysts. The plan aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47% from 2005 levels and increase the share of its electricity capacity from nonfossil sources to 60% by 2035.

The reduced carbon intensity target would, however, still allow Indias carbon emissions to increase by 70% over the next decade if GDP grows at a target rate of 7% per year, Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air told Semafor. That would translate to emissions growth of 5.5% per year, above the average rate of 3.5% over the past decade.

India is also on track to achieve its clean power capacity target well ahead of time: Its Central Electricity Authority projects that nearly 70% of power capacity will come from nonfossil sources by 2035-36.

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Indias booming clean energy industry is highly likely to deliver much faster progress than policymakers were prepared to commit to, Myllyvirta said. Disruptions to oil and gas flows caused by the Iran war and the competitiveness of clean energy could strengthen the case for accelerating renewable deployment.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has caused a storm with incendiary remarks about immigrants being responsible for online violence against women.

With his comments yesterday, Mr Merz has shown that he is not concerned with protecting women, but with political exploitation, Mehtap Caglar, chairman of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), told dpa on Thursday.

Responding to a question on digital gender-based violence, Merz told lawmakers in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, that society is seeing an "explosion of violence," both "in the physical and digital spheres."

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"We must also address the fact that a significant proportion of this violence comes from groups of immigrants to the Federal Republic of Germany," he added, to loud objections from left-wing lawmakers.

Germany has been rocked by a controversy over gender-based violence online in recent days after a high-profile celebrity and TV presenter made serious allegations against her ex-partner, including sharing fake pornographic pictures of her on the internet without her consent.

In response to Merz, Clara Bunger from The Left on Thursday said "this violence has not been imported; it has always been here."

"All women in this country know that," Bunger said during a debate in parliament.

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"Anyone who only addresses violence when they can attribute it to migrants is letting down every single woman in Germany who needs protection from patriarchal violence  regardless of where the perpetrator comes from," added TGD co-chair Caglar.

The TGD is an umbrella organization representing the interests of people within Germany's large Turkish-heritage community. The association was founded in 1995 in response to racist riots and murders.
A Chemung County sheriff's investigator who was seriously injured two years ago while trying to subdue a suspect has been recognized for his service by the state Legislature.

State Sen. Tom OMara and his colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference on Wednesday presented a Senate Commendation Award to Investigator Michael Theetge.

Theetge and his wife, Patrice, traveled to the state Capitol in Albany to be recognized by members of both the Senate and Assembly.

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The Senate Commendation Award is one of the Senates highest honors, recognizing individuals who have served and made lasting contributions to their communities and the state.

The award recognizes achievements and contributions in volunteerism, public service, business, education, and law enforcement, among others, as well as, in Theetges case, acts of bravery in the line of duty.

State Sen. Tom O'Mara, left, congratulates Chemung County sheriff's investigator Michael Theetge after Theetge, seriously injured in a 2024 incident, was presented with a Senate Commendation Award in Albany on March 25, 2026. Looking on is Theetge's wife Patrice.

"We are honored to have this opportunity to honor and recognize Investigator Theetge for his ongoing, strong commitment to law enforcement and public safety, his courage, and the enormous sacrifices he has made in the line of duty protecting our community," O'Mara said.

"It has been a long and hard road of recovery, yet he remains committed to the vital work of law enforcement, mentoring young officers, and the critical mission of public safety and security," he added. "His perseverance and strength are inspiring."

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O'Mara also noted Theetge was the recent recipient of the "Order of the Blue Heart Award" from Wounded Blue, the only national organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers injured or disabled on the job.

What happened to Investigator Theetge?

Theetge was part of a joint operation with New York State Police in March 2024 targeting retail theft operation in Consumer Square in Big Flats.

A suspect, later identified as Dominick J. Haley, of Ithaca, left the store and began running toward a waiting 2016 Chevy Impala operated by Fatiuna Massaline, also of Ithaca.

During a foot chase, Haley slid across the hood of the moving Impala and Theetge also slid onto the hood when he reached to grab Haley, police said.

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Theetge was ejected from the hood and suffered a serious head injury. He underwent months of rehabilitation and treatment, including most recently a series of major spinal surgeries at the Virginia Spine Institute, according to O'Mara's office.

He has not returned to active duty at this time.

Local Watkins Glen mourns as mayor and lifelong resident Laurie DeNardo dies

What happened to the suspects in Theetge's case?

Haley ultimately pleaded guilty to felony charges of assault on a police officer and second-degree assault, along with a misdemeanor count of petit larceny.

He was sentenced in Chemung County Court to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision for the assault on a police officer plea, and five years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for the second-degree assault charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.

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Massaline was convicted of assault on a police officer and second-degree assault, both felonies, following a jury trial. She was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison on the assault on a police officer charge, and seven years on the second-degree assault charge, followed by five years of post-release supervision. She will also serve her sentences concurrently.

State Sen. Tom O'Mara, left, joins Chemung County sheriff's investigator Michael Theetge and his wife Patrice after Theetge, who was seriously injured while trying to apprehend a suspect, was given a Senate Commendation Award at the state capitol March 25, 2026.

A well-earned recognition

During his recuperation and effort to return to normal, Theetge and his wife purchased longtime Corning drycleaning business Crystal Cleaners. They also acquired The Great Escape ice cream parlor in Watkins Glen.

Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom said it's gratifying to see people such as Theetge who put it all on the line get credit.

"There's a part of our society that doesn't bother to recognize first responders," said Schrom, who expressed appreciation for O'Mara's effort to honor Theetge. "It's nice to see someone that was hurt in the line of duty get proper recognition."

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Injured Chemung County sheriff's investigator gets Senate commendation
(Refiles to add dropped word "of" in headline)

By Ayose Naranjo

HAVANA, March 24 (Reuters) - Cuba on Tuesday received a shipment of humanitarian aid from the Nuestra America Convoy, an international effort organized by global activists seeking to circumvent U.S. sanctions that severely restrict shipments of fuel and other goods to the island.

The aid arrived in a small ship that departed last week from the port of Progreso in Mexico and entered Havana Harbor early on Tuesday, delivering 14 tons of food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles to Cuban authorities. It was one of three ships in a flotilla of aid to depart from Progresso, with the other two due to arrive later.

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The ship supplemented another 6 tons of goods flown in by activists over the past week, when their deliveries to hospitals were given prominent airtime on Cuban state television news.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel last week received members of the convoy at the presidential palace, including European politicians such as former British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The Nuestra America (Our America) coalition includes nearly 300 organizations from more than 30 countries, among them non-governmental groups, unions, political parties and lawmakers.

"It's only a first step. Much more support will follow," Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, who made the voyage from Mexico, said after disembarking.

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Tuesday's delivery, delayed several days by poor sailing weather in the Caribbean, was nonetheless largely a symbolic gesture in a country facing a near-catastrophic economic crisis that has severely impeded transportation, healthcare and electricity generation.

The Trump administration has cut off fuel supplies to the island nation, and threatened to slap tariffs on countries that deliver oil to Cuba.

The show of support comes shortly after Costa Rica joined Ecuador in severing diplomatic relations with Cuba, a blow to a nation that has long touted its diplomatic ties with countries throughout the world.

The boat that arrived in Havana on Tuesday, named "Maguro," was rechristened Granma 2 by its crew, in reference to the yacht on which Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban revolution, landed in 1956 to begin the revolutionary struggle against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

(Reporting by Ayose Naranjo in Havana; Editing by Dave Sherwood and Lincoln Feast)
The attacks, carried out by Iran and its aligned Iraqi militia groups, have killed at least 14 people and wounded 85 others," Erbil-based Rudaw Media Network noted.

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, together with Iran, have attacked the autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq more than 450 times since the Iran war began, according to Rudaw Media Network, a Kurdistan Region-based news channel.

The militias have been attacking the Kurdish Region daily, using kamikaze drones and rockets. Iranian missiles killed six Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers this week.

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Baghdad backs the militias.

The attacks, carried out by Iran and its aligned Iraqi militia groups, have killed at least 14 people and wounded 85 others, marking one of the most intense periods of conflict in the region in recent years, Rudaw reported.

The militias have targeted hotels, US facilities, and US forces in the Kurdistan Region. They also targeted the United Arab Emirates consulate in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, twice. Many attacks also struck sites linked to Kurdish Iranian opposition parties.

According to the local reports, the attacks continued this Wednesday and Thursday.

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Earlier on Wednesday, a drone struck a residential project in the city, sparking a fire and damaging several vehicles, according to footage circulated online, Rudaw reported.

Flames rise from a building following an attack in Erbil, Iraq, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released March 25, 2026. (credit: Social Media/via REUTERS)

On Tuesday, there were four drone attacks in Erbil.

The strikes have hit a wide range of locations, from military bases and camps housing displaced families of the Iranian Kurdish opposition parties to urban neighborhoods, infrastructure sites, and areas near Erbil International Airport, Rudaw reported.

Kurdish leaders have sought to keep the region from being dragged into the Iranian conflict. Tehran has decided to make Iraq a front line.

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Iran has attacked the Kurds and also has used militias to strike US forces in Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani refuses to take responsibility and rein in the militias. Instead, he spoke with the leaders of Jordan, Qatar, and France this week. He refuses to condemn the militias, which are now increasing their rhetoric against the US.

The UAE condemned the attack on the Kurdish Peshmerga. Turkey also expresses sympathy.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned and denounced Irans unprovoked terrorist missile attacks targeting two military sites in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the UAE Foreign Ministry said. The ministry also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, Rudaw reported.

Iranian-backed militias using multiple names in attacks on Kurdistan

The Iranian-backed militias are believed to be carrying out about two dozen attacks a day. They have used various militia names to take credit for the attacks.

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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, for instance, claimed it had carried out 23 attacks on March 25-26. The Islamic Resistance is an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias. The same militias are part of the Iraqi governments Popular Mobilization Forces. As such, they wear two hats  one as a government force and one as a militia loyal to Iran.

There are several dozen militia brigades in Iraq, but only some of them have drones and rockets they can use on behalf of Iran. Most of the militias have been sanctioned by the US as terrorist groups.

The Islamic Resistance appears to have carried out about 600 attacks across all of Iraq since the Iran war began on February 28. Several hundred of these attacks targeted the Kurdistan Region.

One of the other pro-Iranian groups that acts as a front group for the militias is called Saraya Awliya al-Dam.

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It appears that there have been several attempts to hold the militias responsible. The UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan have been more vocal in condemning Iranian attacks, Rudaw reported.

Baghdad has been unable to curb pro-Iran armed groups, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told Rudaw on Sunday.

They also have power, he said. They have military power, organizational power, and parliamentary power.
By Steve Holland, Parisa Hafezi and Alexander Cornwell

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/TEL AVIV, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would pause attacks on Iran's energy plants for 10 days at Tehran's request and said talks with Iran were going "very well," although an Iranian official dismissed a U.S. proposal for ending nearly four weeks of fighting as "one-sided and unfair."

Trump made the comment in a Truth Social post shortly after threatening during a cabinet meeting at the White House to increase pressure on Iran if it did not make a deal.

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"As per Iranian Government request ... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time," Trump said in the post.

"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well," he said.

The war, which has raged for nearly four weeks, has massively disrupted shipping, sending crude oil prices up nearly 40% and causing a spike of nearly 67% in shipments of liquefied natural gas to Asia. Prices of nitrogen-based fertilizers, critical to food production, have risen by nearly 50%.

Despite Trump's upbeat assessment, Iran continued to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli strikes by hitting Israel and U.S. bases; it also struck Gulf states and effectively blocked Middle East fuel exports via the Strait of Hormuz.

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During the White House meeting, Trump said the U.S. would become the Islamic Republic's "worst nightmare" if it did not comply with U.S. demands, which include opening the strait and ending Tehran's nuclear program. He said taking control of Iran's oil was an option, but gave no details.

The Iranian official told Reuters that a 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Tehran by Pakistan, was reviewed in detail on Wednesday by senior Iranian officials and the representative of Iran's supreme leader. While they felt it served only U.S. and Israeli interests, diplomacy had not ended, the official said.

Trump said during the White House cabinet meeting: "They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forward."

"We'll see if they want to do it. If they don't, we're their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we'll just keep blowing them away."

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Oil had jumped to $108 a barrel on Thursday and stock markets fell on renewed pessimism over ceasefire prospects as global plastics, technology, retail and tourism struggled with the impact. But Trump's social media post buoyed the dollar late in the day.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ A CRUCIAL ISSUE

Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let 10 oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistan-flagged vessels.

The president has sent thousands of troops to the Middle East, some of whom have already arrived, driving expectations of a ground invasion, although details remain scant.

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A note seen by Reuters on Tuesday to the United Nations from Iran said "non-hostile vessels" could transit the strait if they coordinated with Iranian authorities.

A Thai oil tanker has passed through the strait following diplomatic coordination with Iran, and Malaysia said its vessels were also being allowed to transit in a sign that restrictions were loosening for some countries. Iran would be receptive to any request from Spain related to the strait, its embassy in Madrid said, in the first such offer to an EU state.

One former senior U.S. official said Iran, whose leadership apparatus had been shattered by the war, likely felt it needed to inflict more pain to deter future attacks.

"We're a long way from an actual potential, real negotiation with the Iranians at this stage," the former official said, adding that Trump would need to decide soon whether to use force to open the Strait.

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Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that the U.S. had sent a "15-point action list" as a basis for negotiations to end the war. It includes demands ranging from dismantling Iran's nuclear program to curbing its missiles and effectively handing over control of the strait, according to sources and reports.

Pakistan's foreign minister said "indirect talks" between the U.S. and Iran were taking place through messages relayed by Islamabad, with other states including Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation efforts.

Any talks, were they to happen, would likely prove very difficult given the positions laid out by both sides.

Iran has hardened its stance since the war began, demanding guarantees against future military action, compensation for losses, and formal control of the strait, Iranian sources say.

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It also told intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire deal, regional sources said.

Trump has not identified with whom the U.S. is negotiating in Iran, with many high-ranking officials among the thousands of people killed in the war across the Middle East.

Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its hit list after Pakistan urged Washington to press Israel not to target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment.

WAVES OF MISSILES

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On Thursday, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, striking Tel Aviv, Haifa and other areas, including a Palestinian town in central Israel.

At least one ballistic missile hit Tel Aviv, according to Israel's military, while others carried cluster munitions that dispersed smaller explosives, damaging homes and cars. Israels ambulance service said a man was killed in Nahariya after Hezbollah fired a rocket barrage at the northern city.

In Iran, strikes hit the southern city of Bandar Abbas and a village on the outskirts of the southern city of Shiraz. A university building in Isfahan was reported to have been hit.

U.S. and Israeli officials said Israel had killed the naval commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and that it had many more targets left as it degraded Iranian capabilities.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Andrea Shalal, Aidan Lewis and Keith Weir; Editing by Don Durfee, Philippa Fletcher and Matthew Lewis)
Iranian missile attacks on Israel struck several locations in the greater Tel Aviv area on Thursday morning, according to the Israeli military.

Six people were injured in the predominantly Arab town of Kafr Qasim, east of the coastal city, Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said.

Emergency crews arrived within minutes of the impacts and found significant damage to a building, with injuries caused by the blast wave, a medic said. The wounded were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

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Additional rocket fire targeting the Tel Aviv area was reported from Iran as well as from Lebanon overnight.

Iran fired at least seven waves of missiles towards Israel over the course of a few hours on Thursday morning, according to military sources.

Sirens sounded in numerous areas of Israel, including the Tel Aviv area, Jerusalem and the north of the country, with impacts reported in several locations, according to the army and emergency services.
IRAN AFFAIRS: Since protests began on December 28, more thousands of Iranians have been arrested for crimes against the state, and many face long-term imprisonment or worse, execution.

Throughout the month-long war between Israel, the US, and Iran, much attention has been focused on military operations, personnel targeted, and the strain on the worlds economy as the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane has been affected. Largely absent from international focus is the fate of innocent Iranians still trapped inside the Islamic Republic  with both Israel and the US framing their actions, in part, as support for the Iranian people against the regime.

Since protests began on December 28  and since the horrifying days of January 8 and 9, when the regime unleashed a deadly crackdown on protesters across the country  more thousands of Iranians have been arrested for crimes against the state, and many face long-term imprisonment or worse, execution.

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Some of these people went to protest for their future. Some posted anti-regime messages online. And some simply belonged to the wrong generation at the wrong moment in the Islamic Republic.

Now their names are found in prison records or human rights organizations reports, as their families struggle to discover the truth of where their family members are held and, in some cases, their ultimate fate.

Since the January 2026 uprising, Irans rulers have re-energized their efforts to crack down on all forms of popular dissent, and many executions have already been carried out.

On March 19, Iranian authorities publicly hanged three young men  19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, 21-year-old Saeed Davoudi, and Mehdi Ghasemi  all arrested during the January protests and convicted of waging war against God, according to the judiciarys Mizan News Agency.

ON TRIAL for his life: Saleh Mohammadi, the 19-year-old wrestler publicly hanged by the Islamic Republic on March 19, appears in court alongside codefendants Saeed Davoudi and Mehdi Ghasemi after their arrest during the January protests. (credit: Screenshot from Iranian state TV)

Rights groups said the executions followed grossly unfair trials built on torture and forced confessions. Saleh, who turned 19 in prison on March 11, had been sentenced to death by a Qom court less than three weeks after his arrest over the alleged killing of a security agent, a charge he denied. He told the court his confession had been extracted under torture, but his claims were dismissed, and he was ultimately publicly hanged at the alleged crime scene. Amnesty International later cited a source who said his hands had been fractured from beatings.

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Executing these young protesters in public, after sham trials built on torture and forced confessions, is state-sanctioned murder designed to terrorize the population and send a clear message: any act of dissent will be met with death, said the Center for Human Rights in Iran, after the executions were announced.

Since the war began, the internet in Iran has once again been cut by the regime, now stretching into its fourth week, leaving many citizens in the dark and unable to communicate with one another or find out the truth about family members who have disappeared into Irans infamous security system.

Amnesty International warned in February that at least 30 people, including children, were facing the death penalty in connection with the uprising, while many more had been subjected to incommunicado detention, torture, forced confessions, and grossly unfair fast-tracked trials.

In Iran, the futures of those in detention now rest entirely in the hands of the state.

Part one: The confirmed and best-documented cases

The names below are among the best-documented young detainees and defendants to emerge from Irans post-uprising crackdown. Some have been named directly by human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, as among those facing death sentences or capital charges. Others have been corroborated through a combination of rights reporting, credible media coverage, and family or activist testimony. The Jerusalem Post has done its utmost to corroborate the stories listed here.

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In Iran, even reaching that threshold can take weeks.

DIANA TAHERABADI | Age 16 | Karaj

Diana Taherabadi was asleep when they arrived.

According to reporting close to the family, the 16-year-old from Karaj was arrested on January 25 after five officers entered her familys home at around 8 a.m., confiscated the familys cellphones, and took her away in handcuffs. She was transferred to Kachoui Prison, while the family was warned to stay silent.

She has since been brought before judicial proceedings in Karaj and been informed she could face a death sentence, though authorities have reportedly withheld key details from the family, including the identity of the presiding judge. She was also reportedly referred for a forensic mental competency evaluation, a chilling bureaucratic step in a case involving a child.

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Under international law, executing someone for an offense allegedly committed while under 18 is prohibited.

Her family remains terrified and largely in the dark.

SHERVIN BAGHERIAN JEBELI | Age 18 | Isfahan

Of all the faces to emerge from the crackdown, perhaps none is more haunting than that of Shervin Bagherian Jebeli.

Days after his arrest, Iranian state television broadcast what rights groups described as a forced-confession propaganda video of the 18-year-old from Isfahan. Seated across from an interrogator, frightened and clearly disoriented, Shervin was told he was accused of moharebeh  enmity against God, one of the Islamic Republics most notorious capital charges.

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Amnesty later identified him among those at risk of the death penalty after expedited, torture-tainted proceedings.

He then asked the question that sent chills down the spine of Iran watchers worldwide: Can you tell me what moharebeh is, please?

The answer came coldly: Execution.

Shervin broke down.

The exchange was later circulated widely online and became one of the clearest public glimpses into the regimes handling of young detainees. He was reportedly arrested on January 12 and later transferred to Dastgerd Prison.

He was old enough to be accused, still young enough not to know what the charge meant.

SHAHAB ZOHDI (also rendered Zahdi)

Among the names already carried into the capital punishment system is Shahab Zohdi.

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Amnesty International named him as one of eight individuals sentenced to death in February 2026 after what it described as grossly unfair, fast-tracked trials linked to the uprising. Zohdi was convicted alongside Mohammad Amin Biglari, Ali Fahim, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, Amirhossein Hatami, Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, Saleh Mohammadi, and Yaser Rajaifar in a case tied to the alleged burning of a Basij base.

The death sentences were issued by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran on February 9, roughly a month after the arrests, and, according to Amnesty, were tainted by forced confessions, denial of access to independent counsel, and incommunicado detention.

His exact hometown is not clearly established in the most authoritative public records. Iran International reported in February that Zohdi, who is the sole custodian of his child, is being held in poor conditions and denied contact with the outside world in Qezel Hesar Prison while facing the risk of imminent execution.

The 38-year-old has raised his child alone for the past 15 years, after his wife died five months after their childs birth.

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His fate is currently unknown.

PARNIAN KHODABAKHSHI | Sharif University of Technology

For many Iranians, few institutions symbolize youthful promise like Sharif University of Technology, also known as the MIT of Iran.

That is what makes the case of Parnian Khodabakhshi so painful.

Human rights organization Hengaw identified 20-year-old Khodabakhshi as a materials engineering student at Sharif University, arrested on February 27 after security forces reportedly raided her home. Reports linked her detention to the display of the Lion and Sun flag, the historic Iranian emblem that has reemerged as a symbol of anti-regime defiance.

Hengaw reported, At the time of her arrest, Telegram channels affiliated with Iranian security institutions, including one known as Nakhsa, claimed that she had been detained for allegedly bringing a Lion and Sun flag onto the university campus.

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Her whereabouts have since remained unclear.

At the time of writing, there was no solid public confirmation that she had already been sentenced to death. But the pattern is the same as in the cases of so many others  a visible student, publicly identified, taken in a wartime climate where symbolism itself has become a threat to the state.

For students like Khodabakhshi, a gesture can become a file. And once a file is opened in Iran, the rest can move very quickly.

SHAKILA GHASEMI | Age 26 | Kerman | Bahai

Not everyone caught in the crackdown was taken from a protest. Some were swept up in the wider climate of fear that followed.

Shakila Ghasemi, a 26-year-old Bahai woman from Kerman, was arrested at her home in early February after approximately 12 plainclothes agents searched the property and confiscated personal belongings, according to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The agents reportedly claimed to be searching for firearms, though none were found.

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Two to three days later, she made a brief phone call, asking her family to bring her laptop charger. When relatives arrived to deliver it, they were told that no person by that name was in custody, and the charger was refused.

It is a small glimpse into the vast chasm that is Irans security system and how families are kept in limbo.

Her twin sister, Shaghayegh, described her as social, energetic, fluent in English and Turkish, learning German, and working as a graphic designer while also employed at a medical clinic. Her case appears to be part of a broader winter wave of repression against Bahai citizens in Iran.

MASTOUREH NARIMANI | Teacher | Ahvaz

The Islamic Republic has always had a particular fear of people who can organize others or think for themselves. That is why teachers and students pose such a threat to the regime.

Teachers unions and activist networks have identified Mastoureh Narimani as among those detained in the post-uprising crackdown. Publicly available details about her case remain limited, but her detention fits the pattern of pressure on teachers, union figures, and civic organizers.

Iran International reported that Narimani, reputedly a fourth grade teacher and a teachers union activist, was arrested on January 11 in the city of Ahvaz and faces security-related accusations over what authorities described as sending videos and footage to foreign media outlets, according to sources.

At the time of writing, no reliable public record appeared to establish that Narimani had formally been sentenced to death. But in the current Iranian climate, the gap between arrest, disappearance into the system, and the risk of execution can be alarmingly short.

AHOURA SAFAYI (RAD) | Age 16 | Gorgan, Golestan province

Among the names circulating through activist and diaspora networks is Ahoura Safayi (or Safayi Rad), who campaigners identify as one of the young detainees taken in connection with the protests.

His current location, legal status, and formal charges remain unconfirmed in stronger public documentation.

According to Tavaana: E-Learning Institute for Iranian Civil Society, Safayi Rad has reportedly been subjected to torture following his arrest, with claims that he was forced to give a confession under duress. The organization also said he has been denied contact with his family since his detention.

The reported treatment of Safayi Rad, who is described by campaigners as a teenager, has raised serious concerns among activists about his physical and psychological condition, as well as potential violations of the rights of minors in custody.

What these names show

Taken together, these cases show the shape of the Islamic Republics crackdown with disturbing clarity. The regime is not only targeting seasoned dissidents or opposition figures it can easily brand as enemies. It is reaching for the young, the promising, the educated, the socially visible, and those with the ability to influence others.

Each of them had a future ahead of them. Now each sits inside the machinery of a state that has turned youth and aspiration into vulnerabilities.

Part two: The names they want you to forget

The following individuals have been named by activists, diaspora networks, and social media accounts as being held and at risk of execution following the January 2026 uprising.

Their cases have not yet been fully independently verified by major human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, Iran Human Rights, HRANA, and Hengaw, because Irans communications blackout, mass arrests, and deliberate opacity make independent confirmation extraordinarily difficult. For that reason, some of the surnames have been removed to protect identities.

Amnesty has warned that the real number of people at risk is likely significantly higher than the names currently documented.

This is where the story becomes harder to document and, in some ways, darker to look at.

There are the names we know well enough to publish with confidence. Then there are the names where the circumstances are still surrounded by darkness, where the only known verification of the victim is from family comments or campaigners.

SEYED PEYMAN HOSSEINI | Reported profession doctor | Nourabad, Lorestan Province

Activist reporting has identified Seyed Peyman Hosseini, described as a doctor from Nourabad in Lorestan province, as among those arrested during the post-uprising crackdown.

According to information circulating in activist networks, Hosseini had treated injured protesters in the nearby town of Noorabad Delfan before his arrest. Reports further allege that he has been subjected to pressure in detention to give a forced confession, and that security-linked media have since circulated edited footage portraying him as cooperating with authorities.

He is said to be facing accusations including involvement in protests, damage to government property, and alleged links to foreign actors - charges that, in Irans current climate, can carry severe legal consequences.

At the time of writing, no formal indictment has been publicly confirmed, and details regarding his current location, legal representation, and condition remain unclear. Activist reporting has identified Seyed Peyman as among those arrested in Nourabad, in Lorestan province, during the post-uprising crackdown.

Beyond that, little has been independently nailed down. No formal indictment is publicly available. No lawyer has surfaced. No family interview has entered the human rights sphere.

ILYA BEN RASHID | Reported age 22 | Shahinshahr, Isfahan

Among the more unusual names to emerge through activist channels is Ilya Ben Rashid, a detainee whose case has begun to take clearer shape, though it remains only partially documented in stronger public reporting.

According to information shared by activist accounts, including Ebrahim Allahbakhshi, Ben Rashid, a 22-year-old from Shahinshahr in Isfahan province, was arrested by security forces on January 12.

The reports state that he was held in solitary confinement for six days and subjected to beatings during that time. He is also said to be facing charges including moharebeh (enmity against God) and propaganda against the regime, both of which carry serious legal consequences under Iranian law.

At the time of writing, his current location, legal status, and access to legal representation remain unclear, and his case has not yet been fully corroborated by major human rights organizations. Among the more unusual names to emerge through activist channels is Ilya, a detainee whose case remains largely opaque.

Campaigners say he has been detained since the January crackdown and may be facing severe charges. But his location, legal status, and background remain largely unconfirmed in stronger public reporting.

For now, he exists in the public eye largely as a name moving through the underground bloodstream of Iranian dissent.

REZA DALMAN | Sharif University of Technology

Some of the names now circulating belong to people who, under other circumstances, would have passed entirely beneath the radar of the state.

Reza Dalman, a masters student in computer engineering at Sharif University of Technology, is one such case.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing a statement from Amirkabir-affiliated sources, Dalman was arrested by security forces at his residence on the evening of March 18.

As of the time of writing, there is no publicly available information regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or any charges brought against him.

His case reflects the recognized pattern in which students - even those with no known public profile - are swept up in the security crackdown, with little immediate transparency about their fate.

MOHAMMAD REZA DIYANATI | Age 17 | Zarrin Shahr, Isfahan province

Mohammad Reza appears on activist lists compiled in the weeks following the January crackdown, lists that human rights groups have broadly described as credible in pattern but difficult to independently verify in full because of the information blackout. According to IranWire, Diyanti was arrested on January 6 and transferred to an unknown location.

That is how the system operates.

A person can be arrested, moved, questioned, and threatened before the outside world has even established where he is.

ABOLFAZL MOHAMMADI | Age 20 | Sabzevar

Abolfazl Mohammadi, a 20-year-old from Sabzevar, is among the young detainees identified in rights reporting as having been arrested during the January protests.

According to HRANA News Agency, Mohammadi was arrested in Sabzevar on January 4 and later transferred to Mashhad Prison.

At the time of writing, no public information appears to be available regarding the charges against him, and little else has emerged about his legal status or condition in custody.

His case is one of several reported by HRANA involving young protesters detained across Mashhad, Sabzevar, and Juyin, with families and observers often left waiting for even the most basic information.

FOAD (FAWAD) NIKPEI | Reported age 17 | Marivan, Kurdistan province

Foad (also rendered Fawad) Nikpei, a 17-year-old Kurdish boy from the village of Ni in Marivan, has been identified in rights reporting as among those detained in connection with the protests.

According to a report cited by Hengaw, Nikpei was arrested on January 5 following a raid by security forces on his family home, which was reportedly carried out with violence.

Reports further indicate that he had previously been injured during the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, with dozens of pellet fragments said to remain lodged in his foot.

At the time of writing, no publicly available information has emerged regarding his current whereabouts, legal status, or condition in custody.

MINOO ROZEHDAR | Tehran

Minoo Rozehdar, a Tehran resident and mother of three, is another case that has drawn concern in rights reporting, though key details about her situation remain unclear.

According to HRANA News Agency, Rozehdar has been out of contact for approximately two months, with no confirmed information about her whereabouts or condition. Her lawyer, Ali Sharifzadeh, has stated that no security or judicial body has formally acknowledged responsibility for her arrest.

In response, her family has filed a kidnapping complaint and missing person report with the Tehran prosecutors office, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding her case.

HRANA previously reported that no official explanation has been provided regarding her legal status or detention. In April, Rozehdar had been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 14 months in prison and a fine, on charges including propaganda against the regime and spreading false information, with the sentence suspended for four years.

At present, the lack of confirmed information about her detention has heightened concerns among her family and observers.

KAMELIA NAZARI | Reported age: 18 | Shiraz

Kamelia Nazari, reported to be an 18-year-old from Shiraz, is among those identified in activist reporting as having been detained in connection with the post-uprising arrests.

According to information shared by activist accounts, including material circulated by Ebrahim Allahbakhshi, Nazari was arrested by security forces on January 10 outside her home and has since been held in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

Reports indicate that weeks after her arrest, her family remains unaware of her legal status or the charges against her. In a brief phone call, she is said to have told relatives that she is being taken for repeated interrogations and subjected to psychological pressure aimed at extracting a confession.

At the time of writing, her case has not been fully documented by major human rights organizations, and key details regarding her condition and legal proceedings remain unclear.

And one more: the case that remains too murky to anchor

One name that has circulated widely enough to merit mention, but still not enough to be treated as a fully confirmed profile, is that of a young Iranian military conscript identified in various reports as Javid Khalis, Javid Khales, or Javid Khaled.

According to activist accounts that have since been amplified by the US State Departments Persian-language account, the young soldier was allegedly sentenced to death after refusing orders to fire on protesters.

If true, it would be one of the most chilling cases of the entire crackdown - a conscript facing capital punishment not for attacking the state, but for refusing to turn his weapon on civilians.

At the time of writing, however, the identity, exact spelling, detention status, and legal record of the case remain too unclear in public documentation to state more firmly.

What the silence means

The Islamic Republic has a long record of using incommunicado detention as a weapon.

Authorities have subjected detainees to torture and other ill-treatment, and those detained are at serious risk of grossly unfair trials, forced confessions, and, in the worst cases, secret or arbitrary executions.

Amnesty and other rights groups say the current wave of arrests has followed the same pattern seen after previous uprisings, only this time it is wider and under the cover of blackout conditions.

So, while it may seem unusual for a national publication such as the Post to cite names without any verification, that is precisely what the Islamic Republic wants. That is why this article has been split into two: verifiable and unverifiable. Because Iran is not like the West, there are few public records on offer as evidence, beyond what the state is willing to acknowledge.

Those listed in part two may be no less at risk than those in part one; their cases have simply not yet fully surfaced. With thousands massacred in January and thousands more arrested, there will be stories revealed for years to come.
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Coming to share performance, CCL stock has delivered a respectable 18.8% gain over the past 52 weeks, comfortably ahead of the S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which rose 13.7% over the same stretch. However, the script flipped in 2026, with CCL stock sliding 16.6% year-to-date (YTD) while the broader index is down a milder 4.2%.

The gap widens when placed against sector peers. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) has risen a modest 7.4% over the past year, trailing Carnival's longer-term gain, but its 8.2% YTD drop appears far more contained.

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By Ariba Shahid

ISLAMABAD, March 26 (Reuters) - Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its hit list after Pakistan urged Washington to press Israel not to target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.

"The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off," the source said.

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Pakistan's military and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Israel's military declined to comment, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the two top Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel's list of officials to eliminate as they explore possible peace talks. The two officials have been removed from the list for up to four or five days, the Journal said, citing U.S. officials, but did not mention any Pakistani role in it.

Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are playing the role of mediator between Tehran and Washington to end the Iran war.

Islamabad has maintained direct contact with both Washington and Tehran at a time when such channels are frozen for most other countries. Islamabad has also been seen as a likely venue if peace talks are held.

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Iran is reviewing a 15-point proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, sent through Pakistan, to end the war. The proposal calls for removing Iran's stocks of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic missile program and cutting off funding for regional allies, according to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

Trump has said Iran is desperate to make a deal, while Araqchi said Tehran was reviewing the U.S. proposal but had no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that no senior Iranian official was immune from being attacked. Last week, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said that he and Netanyahu had authorized the military to target officials without prior authorization.

Asked whether Araqchi and Qalibaf had been removed from an Israeli hit list following a request from Pakistan, Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said the military "has a rigorous process before every operation and every strike," but added: "I'm not going to go into specific potential targets."

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid and Saad Sayeed; Writing by Hritam Mukherjee and YP Rajesh; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus, William Maclean)
Action News Jaxs Ben Becker is exposing a potential conflict of interest at the highest levels of JEA and its ties to a powerful lobbying firm that includes former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.

Internal emails raise new concerns

Action News Jax has obtained internal JEA emails that suggest two former leaders may have used their positions to direct business to the City of Jacksonville while they were at the utility and were offered a personal financial stake in the deal.

The investigation uncovered new questions about Kurt Wilsons outside business activities while employed at JEA as the utilitys Chief of Staff before having a fallout with CEO Vickie Cavey.

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Internal emails starting in 2022 reveal that Wilson and former JEA board chair Bobby Stein helped a private telehealth company, RightSite Health, secure a contract with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

According to its website, RightSite, based in San Antonio, Texas, is a health care service that partners with 911/EMS to provide on-scene, on-demand telehealth with emergency room doctors and patient navigators for non-emergency patients.

They are partnered with at least seven cities and fire departments across the country, including JFRD.

Emails show both men were offered equity stakes in the company, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with ethics rules.

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Wilson was offered a 0.25% stake and a seat on the companys advisory board.

Stein was offered a 1% stake.

Emails show both Kurt Wilson and Bobby Stein were offered equity stakes in the company, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with ethics rules.

Action News Jax found no evidence that either man disclosed these offers to JEA or Jacksonvilles Office of Ethics, Compliance and Oversight to seek guidance or approvals.

According to JEA policy, employees must file a secondary employment application for:

Paid consulting work

Outside employment conducted during working hours

JEA confirmed Wilson never filed such an application.

Separately, Jacksonvilles ethics guidelines require board members to seek review when:

Using their position for personal gain

Engaging in business with entities tied to the city

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In addition, a review of Steins financial disclosures filed with the State of Florida Commission on Ethics did not list RightSite as a source of income.

Neither Wilson nor Stein confirmed whether they accepted or declined the equity offers.

In December 2024, the State Attorneys Office concluded Stein and other board members did not commit Sunshine Law violations surrounding the hiring of Cavey.

This is despite an Office of Inspector General report that said the board needed better training. The whistleblower called the State Attorneys decision a B.S. cover up job. Stein resigned from the board in January 2025.

Timeline of events

Emails show that in October 2022, at Steins request, Wilson arranged a meeting between former Fire Chief Keith Powers and RightSite Health CEO Jamo Rubin to discuss the company.

Emails show that in October 2022, at Steins request, Wilson arranged a meeting between former Fire Chief Keith Powers and RightSite Health CEO Jamo Rubin to discuss the company.

Emails show that in October 2022, at Steins request, Wilson arranged a meeting between former Fire Chief Keith Powers and RightSite Health CEO Jamo Rubin to discuss the company.

Wilson previously served as Jacksonvilles fire chief from 2015 to 2019 after being appointed by Curry. Curry later appointed Stein to the JEA board in 2020.

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A pilot program started with JFRD in March 2023 before RightSite secured a five-year, no-bid contract in September 2024.

A pilot program started with JFRD in March 2023 before RightSite secured a five-year, no-bid contract in September 2024.

Political tensions and lobbying ties

Wilson testified under oath Monday before a special investigatory committee formed by Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico that includes City Council members Ron Salem, Rory Diamond and JuCoby Pittman, which is working to uncover answers.

During testimony, Wilson described what he characterized as a toxic corporate culture caused by Cavey, which he claims led to his position being eliminated in February when he brought his concerns to the boards attention.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has publicly supported Cavey and suggested that lobbyists -- including Curry and Jordan Elsbury -- may be behind efforts to undermine JEA.

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The accusations come after Cavey declined to renew a five-year, $750,000 lobbying contract with the firm Ballard Partners, a contract JEA said was initiated solely by Wilson. Curry and Elsbury are also the lobbyists for RightSite.

Currys role as a JEA lobbyist raised concerns as questions still lingered about his administrations part in the attempted sale of JEA, which eventually landed former CEO Aaron Zahn in federal prison on conspiracy and fraud charges. Curry never faced criminal charges.

The attacks against Caveys leadership -- including the workplace accusations and the utilitys failure to charge large commercial customers additional capacity fees -- surfaced shortly after we obtained a text exchange between Carrico and JEA board member Arthur Adams.

That exchange appeared to show Carrico removing the sitting board member to repay what Carrico called a big favor to his boss, Paul Martinez, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs, where Carrico is a Vice-President. Martinez eventually dropped out and former Fire Union President Randy Wyse was nominated by Carrico.

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Currently, the State Attorneys office is probing Carricos emails and texts related to JEA.

Carricos elaborate $200,000 installation ceremony at Deerwood Castle in June 2025 was coordinated by Elsbury -- which led to legislation being filed by City Council member Matt Carlucci to limit officer installations to city-owned facilities. The bill ultimately failed.

Broader investigation into city contracts

The issue is also unfolding alongside a separate review by Duval DOGE, a city oversight initiative examining a $2 million contract with another telehealth provider, Telescope Health, which runs the citys telehealth services and is part of Healthlink Jax.

Diamond, who is also involved in that effort, has advocated for considering RightSite, noting the company does not charge the city directly but instead bills Medicare and Medicaid.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

When asked whether he was aware of the equity offers, Diamond told Action News Jax:

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I had no knowledge of any of the ownership of RightSite when we started our investigation. That said, who owns these entities doesnt matter, I just dont want to spend any taxpayer money on any of it.

Emails show Wilson attempted to meet with top officials in the mayors administration to pitch RightSite in November 2023. In a statement, the mayors office said:

Former JEA employee Kurt Wilson introduced RightSite Health to the administration in late 2023. We were evaluating different telehealth service models at the time and identified through that conversation that the company did not meet specific program needs. In 2024, the Healthlink Jax telehealth program went through a transparent procurement process that was cleared by the Office of Inspector General. RightSite Health chose not to participate in this RFP. Given this history and that the full City Council has approved funding for Healthlink Jax twice, it was curious to see a couple council members bring RightSite Health back up as a solution during the DOGE Committee.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Whats next

Action News Jax has reached out to Wilson, Stein, Curry, Elsbury, and RightSite Health regarding the undisclosed business dealings and lobbying connections. As of publication, statements have not been received.

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The JEA investigatory committee is scheduled to meet again April 13.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
MANITOWOC  William DeBaets and Jill Pope are running for the District 5 seat on the Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors in the April 7 spring election.

Incumbent Tyler Martell is the only candidate for Manitowoc County executive and is not seeking reelection to the county board.

The seat holds a two-year term and represents a portion of the city of Manitowoc on the county board that includes the area north of Custer Street and south of the Manitowoc River.

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Both candidates were sent a survey by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Pope returned the survey while DeBaets did not. Here's what Pope had to say.

More meet the candidates: Manitowoc council District 5 candidate shares priorities

April 7 election preview: Manitowoc gears up for April 7 election after Tuesday's primary

William DeBaets

Did not answer.

Jill Pope

Jill Pope

Age: 48

Highest education level: High school diploma from Valders High School and some college at Arizona State University and University of Wisconsin, Real Estate Pre-License Certificate from Laurel Stone Academy

Political or elected official experience: I previously acted as a director and served as president of the Manitowoc County Board of Realtors for three years. I currently sit on the Manitowoc County Land Information Council since 2018 and I am also on the board of directors of The Haven of Manitowoc County.

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What would be your top three priorities if elected? My top priority is being available with listening ears to my district and my constituents. In the year 2026, there is no acceptable reason why the constituents of a representative would be unable to reach them to communicate concerns or issues. I think far too often in current-day government, we get many politicians acting and voting based on their own desires and opinions as opposed to the will of the people. I am extremely accessible. My phone number is quite public (due to my career), I have three public Facebook profiles, and I regularly attend events in the community where I welcome people to approach me and tell me what's on their mind.

I also prioritize fiscal responsibility. Anyone who knows me knows I like to be thrifty and am proud of saving a dime when I can. I believe this theory should apply even more so when it's not my money I'm spending. Far too often, politicians and government enjoy running around with the people's checkbook without a care in the world to see if there are more cost-effective options. Lastly, I think this is a critical time for development in our community. Between the housing crisis and potential data centers and utility upgrades, it is imperative that we have someone informed and invested in making sure things are done in a way that protects the interest of our community for future generations.

How do I vote?

Registered voters can vote early in-person at their municipal office during regular working hours.

Voters can also turn out at their local polling location the day of the election from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. April 7.

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People can register to vote in person at their municipal clerk's office or at polls on Election Day.

To register, people will need to provide proof of residence in the form of their driver's license, a bank statement, utility bill, etc.

For more details, visit myvote.wi.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc County, part of the USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin. She can be reached by email at aschafer@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County Board candidates William DeBaets, Jill Pope face off
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Greensboro police have identified the man who died after a crash on Interstate 40 last week, according to a Greensboro Police Department news release.

On March 18, around 12:09 p.m., Greensboro officers, Greensboro firefighters and Guilford County EMS responded to Exit 208 of I-40 West when they were told about a crash with serious injuries.

Investigators determined that a Honda CRV, being driven Jeremy Love, 36, of Kernersville, was going the wrong way off the ramp of I-40 from Sandy Ridge Road at a high rate of speed when it crashed with two other vehicles.

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The crash caused two of the vehicles to catch fire.

Love was pronounced dead at the scene, and the two other drivers were taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
A man convicted of murder in the 2024 disappearance of a 13-year-old Detroit girl has died in prison from an apparent suicide, a Michigan Department of Corrections official confirmed.

Jarvis Butts, 43, was sentenced in March of this year to 35 to 60 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Na'Ziyah Harris, who was last seen getting off a school bus Jan. 9, 2024, in the area of Cornwall Street and Three Mile Drive on Detroit's east side, police have said.

A selfie taken by Na'Ziyah Harris on Jan. 9, the last known picture of her, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

At the time Butts was charged in the case, the girl's body had still not been found. A condition of his plea agreement was that he give truthful information about the location of her body.

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One of the most important aspects of the plea agreement was giving NaZiyahs family some semblance of closure," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said after the sentencing. "The disclosure of the location of her body was crucial."

Did they find Na'Ziyah Harris' body?

The prosecutor's office was satisfied Butts gave truthful information, spokeswoman Maria Miller said March 26, but Detroit Police Department spokeswoman Jasmin Barmore said the girl's body has not yet been found. "We will continue our efforts in locating the body of 13-year-old Naziyah Harris," she said in a March 26 email.

Parnall Correctional Facility. Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia. Administration Building at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility on Thursday, June 8, 2017, in Jackson. Muskegon Correctional Facility Prisons across Michigan 1 of 4 Parnall Correctional Facility.

Butts' sentencing

Butts was also sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 10 to 15 years on five counts of criminal sexual conduct involving female victims between 4 and 13 years old, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said in a March 12 news release.

Butts' death 'reported as a suicide'

MDOC spokeswoman Jenni Riehle confirmed that Butts was found dead in his cell on the morning of March 26 at the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center near Jackson. She said his death "is currently being reported as a suicide," but gave no other details.

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"MDOC staff provided life-saving measures which were unsuccessful," she said. "The Michigan State Police have been called to the facility to investigate; the death is currently being reported as a suicide."

Egeler is where state prisoners are held for a time after sentencing before they are sent to another state prison to serve their time.

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jarvis Butts, convicted in Detroit girls killing, dies in prison
NEED TO KNOW

A koala has suffered fatal injuries after allegedly being tied to the back of a vehicle and dragged down a street in a small town in Victoria, Australia

Mosswood Wildlife, a local volunteer wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, responded to the scene, but the animal couldn't be saved and was euthanized by a volunteer vet, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

"When it got to us, it was gurgling blood and had deep abrasions over a lot of its body," the nonprofit organization's volunteer manager, Colleen Edwards, told the outlet

A koala has been fatally injured after reportedly being tied to the back of a vehicle and dragged down a street in Australia.

On Wednesday, March 25, a carer who works for Mosswood Wildlife  a local volunteer wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center  was called to the scene in the western Victoria town of Koroit shortly after 5 p.m. local time, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

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Volunteer manager, Colleen Edwards, told the outlet of the incident, which occurred at King Street in the small town, "There was blood and fur along the road where it got dragged.

The koala ended up having to be euthanized by a volunteer vet after suffering horrific injuries, the ABC reported.

A stock photo of a koala

Credit: Getty

A rope had reportedly been tied around the animal's neck and the other end had been tied around a vehicle's hitch ball, the outlet stated, citing Edwards. The koala had then been dragged along the road.

Sharing a local news piece on Facebook, Mosswood Wildlife called the incident a "harrowing thing to witness," describing the "unfathomable pain" that the "poor koala" would have suffered in the "brazen attack.

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Edwards explained how the animal had been found at Victoria Park Oval in the town, before the volunteer took it back to the organizations building at around 6 p.m., per the ABC.

"When it got to us, it was gurgling blood and had deep abrasions over a lot of its body," Edwards told the outlet. "The whole jaw was smashed to smithereens  there were that many fractures and that all through it, that was a bit alarming for us."

Edwards confirmed in an email to PEOPLE on Thursday, March 26, that authorities had identified the person who committed the crime.

"Our biggest thing at this point is now that the authorities have identified who did this vile act, is to make sure he faces the full force of the law as there are certain details to this case that are deeply disturbing," she said.

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Edwards added, "We want as many people as possible to know so this doesn't just get brushed under the rug, a slap on the wrist and further precedent set that purposely harming our native wildlife is no big deal, because it should be a big deal!"

"Most of all, we want to see justice for this beautiful koala who was in the prime of his life," she insisted.

A photo of Main Street in the town of Koroit in Victoria, Australia

Credit: Alamy

Edwards added to the ABC, It wasn't an accident. It was a choice, and a brazen one, at five o'clock in the evening down a residential street.

"Just think of the people who had to see that, and I can't imagine what was going through the guy's mind to do that, Edwards continued, adding that it was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she had seen during her time as a volunteer.

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"I definitely have a lot less faith in humanity," Edwards told the outlet.

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.

Mosswood Wildlife has been urging the public to come forward if they have any footage or might have witnessed the incident.

The rescue center wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Absolutely horrendous finish to the day for all involved. If you saw anything or know anything say something.

Check your house/door bell cameras if you live anywhere along King Street to Victoria Park or if you possibly have dash cam footage of the event or the vehicle then PLEASE get it to the police as soon as possible, they added in the post.

A stock photo of a Victoria Police car

Credit: Nigel Killeen/Getty

Victorias Conservation Regulator operations director, Cal Heppell, told the ABC that they've been investigating reports of a koala being dragged by a vehicle in Koroit, alongside the Victoria Police.

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An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson added to the outlet that the nonprofit organization was deeply concerned by the claims.

Victoria Police, RSPCA Victoria, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) didnt immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.

Read the original article on People
No work. No school. No shopping.

The Los Angeles May Day Coalition, made up of more than 50 organizations, is calling for people to join in on a march on International Workers Day on May 1. They said theyre going to shut Los Angeles down by not attending work or school, or by spending.

Speakers gathered outside MacArthur Park in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, to rally over the upcoming march and emphasize the power workers and people have when they unite. They pointed to a variety of issues  affordable housing, immigrant rights  at a park that was swarmed by federal agents last July weeks after protests over federal immigration enforcement erupted in the city.

The Los Angeles May Day Coalition is calling for people to join in on a march on International Workers Day on May 1, 2026. They announced the march on March 25, 2026, in Los Angeles.

The announcement came just days before No Kings protests against the Trump administration are expected to sweep across California and the nation, and follows a national shutdown at the end of January that was called by various advocacy groups and unions in protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Angelica Salas, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights executive director, invited people to join them at MacArthur Park on May 1, where the march is planned to be held.

We are going to continue to fight for freedom, she said. The freedom to stay with our families. The freedom to work and have a decent wage without being persecuted by ICE or Border Patrol.

Other freedoms she discussed: to move and escape persecution from war, to thrive and to transform our country towards justice.

ICE protestors in Los Angeles marched from city hall to the federal detention center before clashing with agents in the evening on Jan. 30, 2026, forcing LAPD to issue a dispersal order. The rally was part of the ICE Out of Everywhere movement and a nationwide Jan. 30 shutdown in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Protestors gather outside of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Hacks actress Megan Stalter holds up a protest sign outside of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor dressed in a costume of President Donald Trump walks amongst fellow protestors in front of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Emily Vazquez of Los Angeles gives advice to fellow protestors drawing from her experience having been arrested at a previous protest in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor walks with an Abolish ICE cube sign in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor dressed in an inflatable frog suit walks along North Springs Street in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor with the Black Lives Matter of Los Angeles organization raises a fist to the crowd from the back of a work truck in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor blows a whistle in support of a speaker in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. California State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan speaks from the back of a truck before protestors in front of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. State Sen. Sasha Renee Perez speaks to a crowd of protestors from the back of a work truck parked on North Spring Street near city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protestors gather in front of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Thousands of protestors begin to march away from city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Thousands of protestors begin to march away from city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Yellow tape, styled to look like police crime scene tape, reads equity is not a crime in front of city hall in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor writes make your mark in history in chalk on the sidewalk in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protestors wave flags and hold up signs to cars on U.S. Route 101 in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A young man waves a half-American and half-Mexican flag while chanting abolish ice in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Homeland Security agents clash with protestors at the back side of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A Department of Homeland Security agent holds a less-lethal firearm as protestors clash with agents in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor records federal agents as they establish a line of defense outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor is shoved by a federal agent after getting face-to-face with the agent, who stood among a line of agents blocking off the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters stands near the front line of protestors as they clash with federal agents at the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A federal agent stands as a part of a line of agents outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Department of Homeland Security agents clash with protestors outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Federal agents briefly retreat into the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Federal agents come back out of the federal detention center in an attempt to push protestors back in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A man rubs his face after being targeted with tactical gas by federal agents in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Federal agents aim their weapons at protestors from behind a chainlink gate at the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Federal agents fire less-lethal weapons at protestors from behind a chainlink gate at the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protestors take cardboard and other items from a nearby dumpster to protect themselves from federal agents as they have retreated into the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor reacts to being hit by tactical gas used by federal agents in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor is targeted by a federal agent appearing out of a side door after other protestors blocked off the agents main vantage point at the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Federal agents struggle through a barricade of cardboard boxes and other items from a nearby dumpster created by protestors at the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protestors wave flags, hold up signs and chant together between clashes with federal agents outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A Los Angeles Police Department helicopter circles the area over protestors outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protestors block the loading dock of the federal detention center that agents were using as their primary vantage and egress point in their clash with the protestors in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor designated as a medic helps a fellow protestor overcome wash his face after coming into contact with tactical gas in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A uniformed protestor holds their sign outside of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A tow truck pulls up and honks its horn to get the attention of protestors to deliver cases of bottled water near the federal detention center protest in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Los Angeles Police Department officers come to the aid of federal agents to push back protestors down North Alameda Street from outside the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Los Angeles Police Department officers run down North Alameda Street to establish a blockade at the intersection of East Temple Street in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A Los Angeles Police Department officer stands guard with a line of officers to attempt to control and disperse protestors from the area of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Los Angeles Police Department officers form a line in an attempt to disperse protestors from the area of the federal detention center in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestor ollies his skateboard in front of a line of Los Angeles Police Department officers while leaving the protest area in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A protestors left-behind sign reads got democracy? at a U.S. Route 101 overpass in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Protesters rally against ICE in Los Angeles, clash with federal agents 1 of 46 ICE protestors in Los Angeles marched from city hall to the federal detention center before clashing with agents in the evening on Jan. 30, 2026, forcing LAPD to issue a dispersal order. The rally was part of the ICE Out of Everywhere movement and a nationwide Jan. 30 shutdown in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Join us: Calls go out to small business owners and more

The announcement on March 25 coincided with the 20th anniversary of when hundreds of thousands of people marched in Los Angeles over immigrant rights, according to the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times. Two decades later, the struggle against attacks on immigrants continues, Salas said.

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Others that called on the community to join them for the May 1 march included a 15-year-old community organizer as well as a Boyle Heights business owner, Nico Avina.

Avina is the owner of Espacio 1839, a gift shop that he said also hosts poets and writers and has a podcast studio. He acknowledged the history of May 1 being a day for workers and pointed to issues such as wars abroad, the cost of education and health care access when asked about what he felt he needed to stand up against.

Every single thing is super important for us to show up in numbers and to demand justice, to demand an end to corporate greed and these laws that benefit corporations and not actual, working-class folks, he said.

Los Angeles Daily News and KTLA reported that thousands of people rallied in Los Angeles on International Workers Day in 2025.

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As Avina invited small business owners to join the efforts on May 1, Martha Arevalo, executive director of the Central American Resource Center, called on a different group of community members.

But Im also sending a message to those that dont have to worry about being separated from their families, Arevalo said.

To those who have never marched before. To those who live in very different communities throughout Southern California. To those who dont and havent seen ICE in their communities as we have seen in immigrant communities, join us, Arevalo said.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA to march on International Workers' Day 2026
MICHIGAN CITY, IN -- The living sand dune along Lake Michigan has buried beach parking lot and infrastructure within Indiana Dunes National Park.

The sand dune is the largest moving dune on the Indiana coast, according to National Park Service. Annually the dune sand moves about five to 10 feet toward the water, causing beach erosion.

An accumulation of this annual movement has left the parking area and sanitary infrastructure buried, according to NPS.

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Crews will move about 40,000 cubic yards of sand beginning in March through mid-June. The beach access site will be temporarily closed during this sand management project.

Mount Baldy Beach sits just below the Michigan-Indiana border in Michigan City, Indiana.

The beaches of Indiana Dunes are less than 20 minutes from popular Michigan beach town, New Buffalo and about an hour from Chicago, making it a Midwest hub for summer activity.

Beach goers heading into the national park should note Crescent Beach may have periodic truck traffic and temporary access limitations.

Sand from Mount Baldy is being placed at Crescent Beach to support ongoing shoreline stabilization efforts, also known as beach nourishment, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and helps restore beaches affected by erosion.

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Traffic patterns may be impacted during the sand placement from early April through early June. Traffic control measures will be in place.

Mount Baldy sits 126 above the water level at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.

The mystery and motion of Mount Baldy has been evident for the last 175 years, according to NPS.

Human influences have greatly impacted sand movement at Mount Baldy, causing the dune to move inland at an unnatural and alarmingly fast rate, according to NPS.

The sand dune made headlines in 2013, when a six-year-old boy fell into a cylindrical hole and disappeared into the dune. The boy was buried for almost 3.5 hours. Crews unearthed him 11 feet beneath the dune surface.

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The boy was airlifted to a hospital and made a full recovery.

His rescue and the subsequent research of Mount Baldy unveiled a phenomenon unknown to the scientific community, according to NPS.

Scientists now believe the boy encountered the remains of a tree buried long ago by the advancing dune. As the tree decayed, it left behind a shell of compacted sand and bark remnants. The erosion of the dune exposed the trunk of the tree. The boy possibly slid down the void left by the decaying trunk, according to NPS.

Similar incidents of sand collapsing have happened at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Oceana County the last two summers.

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Scott Pratt, chief of Southern Field Operations for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, released this statement after a child was rescued from the sand dunes last summer:

We want visitors of all ages to enjoy Michigans magnificent natural resources, including the dunes, but with great care and awareness. For your safety and the safety of others, remember that digging deep holes is not allowed.

Collapsing sand can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. Please keep holes shallow, fill them in before leaving and never allow unsupervised digging. Help us keep our beaches and dunes safe so everyone can go home with great Michigan memories.

Read the original article on mlive.com. Add mlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LONDON  Two Illinois men arrested back in January following an investigation into an attempted kidnapping involving a juvenile in southern Laurel County have been indicted for custodial interference.

Charges were returned in the case of Gabriel Waibel, 19, of Peoria, Illinois, and Chad Goffinet, 43, also of Peoria, Illinois, who were both indicted Friday in connection with a January 31, 2026 incident in Laurel County.

According to the indictment, both men are charged with attempted custodial interference involving a minor child. They are also charged with attempted use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities.

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Waibel faces an additional charge of distribution of obscene matter to a minor, with the indictment alleging obscene photographs were shown to a minor.

The men were initially arrested by the Laurel County Sheriffs Office, at approximately 6:07 a.m. on Jan. 31, after deputies were dispatched by LondonLaurel County 911 to a report of a suspicious vehicle.

According to authorities, deputies responded to a residence off a side road along US 25, about seven miles south of London, where a silver vehicle bearing Illinois license plates had reportedly stopped.

The occupants of the vehicle allegedly told the mother of a 17-year-old girl that they were there to pick up her daughter, claiming she was the girlfriend of one of the men.

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The mother reportedly instructed the individuals to leave and contacted LCSO.

When deputies arrived, they spoke with the mother and the teen  learning the juvenile had allegedly been communicating online for approximately two months with one of the suspects, who is 19 years old.

Authorities said the man allegedly intended to take the juvenile back to Texas.

While at the residence, deputies observed footprints in the snow near the home and an outbuilding that were believed to have been made by the suspects. Sgt. Reed continued the investigation at the scene while Dep. Smith later located the suspect vehicle at a business parking lot along US 25, approximately eight miles south of London.

An indictment is a formal charge that does not imply guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chance the Rapper and his former manager Pat Corcoran may be wondering whether suing one another was worth it after leaving court relatively empty-handed this month.

After just two hours of deliberation, a Cook County, Illinois jury awarded Chance a paltry $35 out of the $1 million he sought in damages from Corcoran for not doing his duties as a manager.

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Meanwhile, the same jury dismissed Corcorans lawsuit, and his claims that the hip-hop artist owed him $3.8 million in unpaid commissions and royalties after Chance fired him in 2020.

Chance, born Chancelor Bennett, framed the jurys $35 award as a win.

I claim victory in the name of the Lord, the hip-hop artist declared to the Chicago Sun-Times (1).

Corcorans lawyers were less convinced of Chances victory, calling it a split decision, with neither side coming out ahead.

The only people who would be ahead financially would be the legal teams whove worked on these cases for more than five years.

Its a case study in how costly lawsuits can be.

Make sure you have a solid case to begin with

If youre planning on pursuing legal action  whether in small claims court or the Supreme Court  its important to know what you are willing to sacrifice in terms of time and money.

Especially if you could lose in court.

Confirm whether you have a case. Ask yourself, is there a breach of contract? Determining this is easier when you have a written contract to begin with.

One of the biggest problems Chance and Corcoran had winning their respective cases outright was that there were no written contracts to begin with on either side  just verbal agreements and handshakes.

The message to music managers is clear: Get it in writing, Jay Scharkey, a lawyer on Corcorans team, told the Sun-Times (1).

Emilee Boyle Gehling of Gehling Osborn Law Firm in Sioux City, Iowa, notes that even if you do have a written contract, the terms of the contract itself may not be valid in court.

If someone comes to me with a potential breach of contract claim, the first thing I do is determine, How enforceable is this?' she told SuperLawyers (2).
NV Energy believes it will need 50% more energy than it projected needing just two years ago, and that energy demand could double by 2030.

The skyrocketing demand is overwhelmingly driven by the boom in artificial intelligence and large scale data centers. And state lawmakers, who for a decade have courted data centers with millions of dollars in tax abatements, are taking notice.

I think it should make all of us pause for a moment, said Stacy Tellinghuisen from Western Resource Advocates, because it is truly staggering.

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Western Resource Advocates was one of more than a dozen groups that gathered Wednesday for a joint meeting of the interim committees on natural resources and infrastructure. The meeting focused solely on data centers and their water and energy needs. Other participating groups included industry lobbying group Data Center Coalition, environmental advocacy group Sierra Club Toiyabe, researchers from the Desert Research Institute, and representatives from regional water authorities and energy utilities.

NV Energy has acknowledged that the surge in demand will likely derail its ability to meet the states clean energy goals, which were placed in statute by lawmakers and then in the state constitution by voters.

Tellinghuisen in her presentation noted that some of the expected demand for energy may not materialize, which could bring its own problems.

We know that a hefty portion are probably speculative, because these data centers put their names into the queues in multiple different utility systems at once as theyre working to figure out where the most economic location is, where they can line up the other pieces of the puzzle that they need to actually come to fruition, she said.

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If utilities build additional generation and transmission capacity only for the data centers to change course or scale back, Tellinghuisen worries it is residential and non-data center businesses who could be caught with the bill.

NV Energy testified that load growth must be managed responsibly and cannot come at the expense of individual households, small business, and industrial users.

But doubts abound.

We have NV Energy saying that theyre going to do a good job, when for the last two decades they overcharged consumers regularly, one Reno resident quipped during public comment, referring to an estimated $65.4 million in overcharges revealed last year.

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We currently dont have any rules or regulations on the books that explicitly prohibit cost shifting in the state, said Olivia Tanager, executive director of the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter.

Tanager referenced a Harvard Law School report titled Extracting Profits from the Public that found utility rate structures can shift the cost of serving data centers onto the general public.

The report noted that, while Nevada has a Clean Transition Tariff that claims to insulate other ratepayers from data centers energy generation costs, public utility staff and other intervenors concluded that the new tariff would not actually firewall data centers generation costs from other ratepayers.

Several states are considering specific tariffs or rate schedules for large loads like data centers. Those states include California, Utah and Virginia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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I think it is critical that these data centers are powered with clean energy, said Tellinghuisen.

Tellinghuisen said Western Resource Advocates sees the potential of the Clean Transition Tariff. Under it, Google, NV Energy and Fervo partnered on an enhanced geothermal project to support a data centers needs.

What weve heard from utilities is that these data centers companies that have pretty big pocketbooks also have an appetite for risk that utilities dont, she added. They may be willing to invest in clean energy technologies, like enhanced geothermal, that really help us advance the ball on clean energy. I think thats an opportunity we can look towards.

Tanager shared a similar sentiment, calling the clean transition tariff promising but not a silver bullet for the states energy problems.

Water

Representatives of the data center industry suggested existing estimates related to water use are inflated because they are based on outdated technology. Major data centers now use closed-loop cooling systems that involve very little water evaporation.

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Bob D. Sweetin, partner at the energy boutique firm Davison Van Cleve, told lawmakers a medium sized data center that once would have used 300 million gallons of water a year on cooling can now use 1 to 3 million gallons a year with a closed-loop system.

Thats roughly the equivalent of 10 to 20 households in the State of Nevada, or one automated car wash, he said.

Groups more critical of data centers emphasized a need for more transparency and reporting on actual water usage, pointing out theres no guarantee every new company is using a closed-loop system.

The fear is that if we continue to allow these things, were going to attract what were referring to as Dollar Store data centers, the lowest quality data centers who are poor actors in communities, said Tanager.

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Some other states are now requiring data centers to report on their energy and water usage, according to NCSL.

Beyond the water used on site for cooling, there remains the fact that producing electricity also requires a lot of water. That indirect water usage must be accounted for, water advocates believe.

Sierra Club is also advocating Nevada adopt higher standards on the types of backup generators data centers are allowed to use in the event of brownouts or blackouts. One data center can have hundreds of diesel-powered backup generators on site, which could create air quality issues for communities.

Republican Assemblymember Rich DeLong of Reno questioned Tanager about why data centers should be held to a different standard than the resort industry, which might have an equal number of backup generators.

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I would love to see every backup diesel generator in the state be the highest quality backup diesel generator, regardless of the industry its being used for, replied Tanager. Its just that were seeing more and more air quality permits coming through for data centers in particular.

Over fiscal years 2023 and 2024, property tax breaks provided to data centers totaled $13.3 million, and sales and use tax breaks totaled $225.6 million, according to the Nevada Department of Taxation.

Wednesdays discussions did not delve into the subject of Nevadas tax abatement program for data centers.

Democratic Assemblymember Natha Anderson, who chairs the natural resources committee, announced early in the meeting that exclusion was intentional because the lawmakers wanted to focus strictly on water and energy, which clearly fall under the scope of the two committees holding the hearing.

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Other states  including Arizona, Illinois and Georgia  are actively considering eliminating or scaling back such incentives.

Tanager briefly broached the topic, noting that strong tax incentives, along with relatively cheap energy costs, proximity to large markets like Silicon Valley, and land availability, make Nevada an attractive place for new data centers.

Regulating data centers appropriately is not necessarily going to stall economic development or growth, she said. Corporations want to come here, and so we need to make sure that the costs and issues associated with data centers are not unduly passed onto the public.

[Editors Note: This article has been updated to correct the name of the organization Western Resource Advocates. The photo caption was also corrected.]
Lawyers for ICE provided false information to justify arresting and detaining thousands of people who had attended immigration courts, according to newly filed court documents.

Federal prosecutors said that lawyers for ICE acknowledged that an agency memo from May of last year gave no authorization for the arrests, court documents show, despite previously citing it to justify the arrests.

The revelation was included in filings by the office of Jay Clayton, a US federal attorney, in a lawsuit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups, first reported on by the New York Daily News.

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The lawsuit is challenging ICEs practice of targeting people seeking to gain legal status in the US as they leave immigration courts. Agents have arrested thousands of people after they attended hearings, preventing them from further pursuing their cases.

The NYCLU said that ICE had not provided any legal justification for the arrests, which have been part of Donald Trumps wide-ranging, and sometimes deadly, effort to ramp up detentions and deportations.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, wrote Amy Belsher, an attorney for the NYCLU, wrote to Kevin Castel, a federal judge based in New York City who is overseeing the lawsuit against ICE.

In the months since the court relied on the governments representation to deny plaintiffs preliminary relief, defendants have continued arresting noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, resulting in their detention  often in facilities hundreds of miles away.

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An attorney for ICE emailed Claytons office to say that the memo that prosecutors had relied on to defend the government in the lawsuit does not and has never authorized the arrests near the immigration courts, after previously claiming the opposite.

We deeply regret that this error has come to light at this late stage, after the parties have expended significant resources and time to litigate this case and this court has carefully considered plaintiffs challenge to the 2025 ICE guidance, Tomoko Onozawa, assistant US attorney, wrote to the judge.

This error, however, was not caused by a lack of diligence and care by the undersigned attorneys.
Having reviewed a redacted copy of multiple documents of a Michigan State Police report into the fatal shooting of DaQuain Johnson by a Grand Rapids police officer in February, the lawyers representing Johnson and his family say that the report does nothing but open even more inquiries.

Everything about this case raises alarm bells, said Ben Crump, one of the lawyers representing DaQuains family.

One notable detail in the reports, which were obtained after a Freedom of Information Act request, concerns the contents of the magazine that police claim was Johnsons, a 9mm pistol recovered from the scene.

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In the original incident report created by Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Dillard Hayes, the investigative officer in this case, included in the evidence collected is One (1) Taurus G2C S/N: [REDACTED] two-tone tan and black 9mm pistol recovered from the ground in the SE corner of parking lot. The pistol was loaded with eight (8) rounds in the magazine and one (1) round chambered.

Meanwhile, in the lab report coming out of the Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory, the report states that included in the evidence received was 1  9mm Luger caliber, Taurus, model G2c, semiautomatic pistol, serial number [REDACTED], with an empty magazine.

Asked why the magazine contents are different between the two documents, Spl/Lt. Pat Agema, the public information officer for the Michigan State Polices Sixth District, which includes Grand Rapids, said that police unload firearms and magazines and store ammunition separately as a part of an investigation.

It is standard procedure to secure a firearm by removing the magazine and unloading the weapon, Agema wrote to the Michigan Advance. In officer-involved shootings, a team of detectives is assigned to thoroughly investigate the scene.

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But Crump and Ven Johnson, the other lawyer for the family, said that in their opinion, it would not be standard procedure for transporting a firearm to a forensic lab for police to empty the magazine.

If Mr. Crump and I move forward with the lawsuit, which at this point certainly looks likely, one of the many depositions that well be taking in this case are the laboratory folks that analyze those, Johnson said in an interview with the Advance. I agree with Ben, somethings off here. I dont get what theyre trying to do.

Civil rights attorneys Ven Johnson and Ben Crump announce with Angelica Johnson, whose son DaQuain was fatally shot by a Grand Rapids police officer last month, that they are investigating his death. March 20, 2026. Screenshot.

But if the magazine had been removed, Johnson continued, There is no way that happened here, by the way, zero, and if it did, I think Mr. Crump would agree, thatd be the biggest screw up of all time in investigation history.

Since DaQuains shooting on Feb. 18, his family and community members, as well as both lawyers for the family, have disputed a police narrative that he was reaching for a gun or pointing it towards the police officers when he was shot three times in the back.

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Grand Rapids police released a limited amount of body camera and dashcam footage the day after the shooting, but bystander footage seemed to dispute whether or not he actually was reaching for a gun.

The questions generally center around where DaQuains right arm was when he was shot  its not clearly visible in many of the videos, which one video review in the investigation states. His left arm, multiple video angles show, was in the mouth of a K-9 dog that was with the officers at the shooting.

Another interviewed witness, whose name is redacted, later clarified that she believed the males left hand was behind his back but that his right arm was out of view.

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Now, the investigative report might offer some further insight into that question. A review of apartment complex parking lot video footage by the state police reads, The K9 appears to latch onto his upper left arm as Ofc. [REDACTED] approaches with his pistol drawn. Daquains right elbow appears to flare outward consistent with pulling an object from his waistband area. Ofc. [REDACTED] then appears to step on Daquians right arm with his left foot.

The Grand Rapids Police Department deferred answers to questions about the report to the Michigan State Police, and MSP declined to comment on this detail so as not to compromise the integrity of the investigation.

But Ven Johnson noted that, if the guns not pointed, theyre not in imminent fear. Theyre not in reasonable and imminent fear for their own life or safety of others, and they make the arrest, they take him to jail, and the process works.

If they had the pointing of a gun, wed have seen it. We know it, he continued. And then you could say its justified, but thats because they know if the gun is underneath him or in his hand, or both, but its not being pointed at anyone, then they cant shoot him. It would be excessive force, and they just need to come out and admit it, and they wont.

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Both lawyers also raised concerns about the level of redaction in the copies of the report that were released to the Michigan Advance.

Why is it all redacted? Johnson asked. What are we hiding? Obviously they have no problem listing my clients name. Obviously they have no problem listing what they believe my clients previous record to be. They dont have any problem listing much, except if it has to do with the officers involved.

Included in the redactions are the names of the officers directly involved in the shooting, which have not been released despite calls from Angelica Johnson, DaQuains mother, for transparency since his death.

DaQuain Johnsons aunt and grandfather speak to protesters outside Grand Rapids City Hall, demanding answers in Johnsons death. Feb. 28, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

If they were proud of what they had done, they would own it, Crump, who along with Johnson also represented the family of Patrick Lyoya, who was fatally shot by Grand Rapids police in 2022, said of the decision not to release the names of officers. If they could justify what they have done, they would own it. If this was within policy of what they had done, they would own it.

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Johnson added that, going forward, the lawyers will seek out at least two former police chiefs or decorated officers to serve as experts, likely one from Michigan and one from elsewhere, as well as likely a third expert on K-9 tactics, to assist in their investigation into whether excessive force was used by the Grand Rapids police officers.

The final decision on whether to charge the officers involved in the case will be up to the Kent County Prosecutor, Christopher Becker.

These investigations are complex, unbiased, and conducted with a thorough review of all the facts, Agema said.

But the implications of this case  and the response to the results of the investigation  go beyond Grand Rapids, according to Crump, who has also represented the families of a number of victims of police killings, including Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Breonna Taylor.

Everywhere in America, you see these extreme, excessive use of force videos that are being sanitized by investigating agencies, he said. And its troubling on so many levels, because what it leads many of us in our community to conclude is that these are just extrajudicial killings, because if the state is condoning it, then it is by inference giving permission to police to keep doing this, and certainly in Grand Rapids, it seems that theyre giving permission to the Grand Rapids Police Department to use excessive force and shoot black men in the back.
LB Pharmaceuticals has started its pivotal Phase III NOVA-2 trial to assess the safety and efficacy of its investigational therapy, LB-102, to treat schizophrenia.

The randomised, multi-centre, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial will enrol nearly 460 patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia across 25 US sites.

Patients will be randomised evenly to receive either 50mg or 100mg of the therapy, or a placebo, for a duration of six weeks.

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The trials primary endpoint is the variation in the total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at week six.

Secondary endpoints include PANSS positive and negative subscales, clinical global impression-severity (CGI-S), Marder factor scores, cognitive performance, and personal and social performance (PSP) scale.

LB Pharmaceuticals also intends to commence an open-label extension study involving up to 900 patients. Patients completing NOVA-2 can enrol in this extension or join as new participants.

This trial aims to further evaluate the long-term safety of LB-102 and study its impact on negative symptoms and cognitive outcomes.

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LB Pharmaceuticals expects top line results from NOVA-2 in the second half of 2027. If outcomes are positive, the company plans to pursue a pre-new drug application (NDA) meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

LB-102 is an oral small molecule developed as a selective antagonist of D2, D3, and 5-HT7 receptors.

LB Pharmaceuticals CEO Heather Turner said: The initiation of the NOVA-2 trial marks a major milestone and underscores our strong and continued focus on execution. NOVA-2 is designed to build on the compelling clinical activity and safety profile that LB-102 has demonstrated to date.

Based on positive results and prior FDA feedback, we believe NOVA-2, together with the open-label extension trial, and data from our Phase II (NOVA-1) trial, will support the potential US approval of LB-102 for the treatment of schizophrenia.

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We believe that LB-102 has the potential to become a mainstay of psychiatric practice by offering patients a balanced clinical benefit and tolerability profile. With our broad development programme in both psychosis and mood disorders, we are focused on unlocking the full potential of LB-102.

"LB Pharmaceuticals commences Phase III schizophrenia trial" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.




You apply for a job, move through the interview process, and receive a conditional offer. As part of onboarding, the employer runs a standard drug screen. The result comes back positive for THC.

You push back. Marijuana is legal where you live, at least under state law. You used it over the weekend. You were not impaired at work because you have not even started the job yet.

So, the question comes into focus quickly: can that result still cost you the job?

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In many cases, the answer is yes. But the reason has less to do with legalization and more to do with how employment law treats off-duty conduct, workplace safety, and drug testing.

This scenario is becoming more common as marijuana laws continue to evolve. As more states legalize marijuana for medical or adult use, many workers assume that lawful use carries over into the hiring process. The legal reality is far more fragmented.



The better way to make sense of it is to step back and look at how state and local laws approach marijuana use and hiring along a spectrum.

Legalization Does Not Mean Employment Protection

Over the past decade, marijuana laws have shifted rapidly. Most states now permit some form of use, whether medical, recreational adult-use, or both. From a consumer perspective, the trend is clear.

But those changes have not always extended into the workplace. A substance that is lawful to use at home can still be disqualifying in the hiring process. Legalization answers one question, but employment law answers another.

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In many jurisdictions, legalization simply removes criminal penalties. It does not limit an employers ability to enforce drug-free workplace policies, conduct drug testing, or make hiring decisions based on the results of those tests. A positive THC result may still be treated the same way it was before legalization.

Federal law continues to play a role as well. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Employers subject to federal regulations, including those governed by the Department of Transportation, must continue to follow federal drug testing requirements regardless of state or local law.

At the same time, a growing number of jurisdictions have started to draw clearer lines. Some protect off-duty marijuana use. Others limit reliance on tests that detect cannabis metabolites, which are chemical traces left in the body after use that do not indicate current impairment.

As a result, a positive THC test may reflect past use, not current impairment, yet still carry consequences in the hiring process depending on the jurisdiction.

How State And Local Laws Influence Marijuana And Hiring Decisions

Rather than treating marijuana legalization as a single nationwide shift, it is more useful to think about employment protections as existing along a spectrum shaped by both state and local law.

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At one end are jurisdictions that have begun to offer meaningful protections for lawful, off-duty use. These laws often limit when and how employers can take action based on a positive THC result, especially where there is no evidence of on-the-job impairment.

In the middle are jurisdictions that provide more limited or conditional protections. These may focus on medical marijuana users or require some level of accommodation, while still preserving employer discretion in safety-sensitive roles or where federal obligations apply.

At the other end are jurisdictions that have legalized marijuana in some form but have not extended those protections into the workplace. In these areas, employers generally retain broad discretion to test for marijuana and make hiring decisions based on the results.

Local ordinances can further shape how these rules apply. In some cities, employers face additional restrictions on pre-employment testing or must navigate requirements that go beyond state law.

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Understanding where a jurisdiction falls along this spectrum is critical. Two candidates with identical drug test results can face very different outcomes depending not only on the state, but sometimes the city, where they apply for a job.

Those differences often determine how a positive THC result is treated in the hiring process.

Where Marijuana Testing Is Restricted

In some jurisdictions, a positive marijuana test will not automatically cost you a job, particularly if the use was off-duty and there is no evidence of impairment.

Some states go further and limit whether employers can test for marijuana at all as part of the hiring process. In places like New York and Minnesota, pre-employment THC testing is largely restricted, with exceptions for certain safety-sensitive roles and positions subject to federal requirements. In those jurisdictions, the issue may never arise for many candidates because employers are not permitted to rely on a traditional drug screen in the first place.

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Other states take a different approach by focusing on how test results are used rather than whether testing occurs. California and Washington, for example, have moved away from allowing employers to rely on tests that detect non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites, which are chemical traces left in the body after marijuana use that do not indicate current impairment. These laws reflect a growing recognition that a positive result may say more about past use than current impairment, and they limit the extent to which that result can be used in hiring decisions.

Local ordinances can further shape the analysis. In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, employers are generally prohibited from conducting pre-employment marijuana testing for many roles, again with exceptions tied to safety and regulatory obligations. These local rules can create a different outcome even within states that have not adopted similar protections at the statewide level.

Even in these jurisdictions, the protection is not absolute. Employers typically retain the ability to act on evidence of on-the-job impairment and to enforce drug testing requirements where federal law or safety-sensitive duties apply. But as a practical matter, these laws significantly reduce the likelihood that lawful, off-duty marijuana use will disqualify a candidate during the hiring process.

Where Marijuana Testing Is Limited But Still Allowed

In other jurisdictions, a positive marijuana test may still be part of the hiring process, but it does not always lead to an automatic disqualification.

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Some states permit employers to test for marijuana but place limits on how a positive result can be used. In states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Montana, employers are generally restricted from taking adverse action based solely on a positive THC test, particularly where there is no evidence of impairment or another job-related concern. The result may trigger additional review rather than serve as a standalone basis for a hiring decision.

Others focus more directly on medical marijuana use. A number of states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, and Virginia, require employers to provide some level of accommodation for registered medical cannabis users, through an interactive dialogue. That often requires employers to consider whether the individuals lawful medical use can be addressed without affecting the role, rather than automatically disqualifying the candidate based on a positive test. These laws recognize lawful use in a medical context, but they still allow employers to act where accommodation would create a safety risk, conflict with federal obligations, or interfere with essential job functions.

For employers, this creates a more nuanced hiring framework. A positive result may no longer be enough on its own, but it can still be considered alongside other factors, including the nature of the role and workplace safety requirements.

The outcome becomes less predictable for workers. A positive marijuana test may not automatically end the hiring process, but it can still affect the result depending on how the employer evaluates the situation and what the law in that jurisdiction requires.

Where Employers Retain Broad Discretion

In many parts of the country, marijuana legalization has not meaningfully changed how employers approach hiring decisions.

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In these jurisdictions, employers generally retain broad discretion to test for marijuana and to make employment decisions based on the results. A positive THC test, even if tied to lawful, off-duty use, can still result in a withdrawn offer or other adverse action.

This is often where the distinction between legalization and employment protection becomes most apparent. While state law may permit marijuana use, it does not limit an employers ability to enforce drug-free workplace policies or to rely on drug testing as part of the hiring process.

That does not mean employers act without constraints. Federal requirements, industry standards, and internal policies still shape how testing is conducted and how results are used. But as a practical matter, the outcome in these jurisdictions is more predictable. A positive marijuana test is more likely to be treated as a disqualifying factor, particularly in roles where safety, liability, or regulatory compliance are at issue.

Here, the outcome is more consistent. Legal use does not carry the same level of protection in the hiring process, and a positive test result can still have immediate consequences.

New Shift Toward Impairment-Based Approaches

As more jurisdictions revisit how marijuana use is treated in the workplace, a common theme has begun to emerge: a shift away from testing for past use and toward identifying on-the-job impairment.

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Traditional drug testing methods, particularly urine tests, detect evidence of past marijuana use that can remain in the body for days or even weeks after use. As a result, a positive test may confirm prior consumption but does not establish that an individual was impaired at the time of the test or during working hours.

This limitation has started to shape how lawmakers and regulators approach marijuana in the employment context. In jurisdictions that have enacted stronger protections, the focus has moved toward whether an individual is impaired while performing job duties, rather than whether they have used marijuana at some point in the past. Some laws now limit reliance on metabolite-based testing altogether, while others require additional evidence of impairment before adverse action can be taken.

For employers, this shift introduces new challenges. Unlike alcohol, there is no widely accepted, standardized measure of marijuana impairment. Employers are often left to rely on observable signs, workplace policies, and supervisor training to assess whether an employee may be impaired on the job. Some jurisdictions have attempted to formalize this approach. New Jersey, for example, introduced the concept of a Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert to help employers identify potential impairment, though the practical implementation of that framework has remained a challenge.

For workers, the shift offers a measure of protection, but not certainty. Even in jurisdictions that emphasize impairment, employers may still take action where they believe job performance, safety, or compliance obligations are affected. The absence of a clear testing standard means that outcomes can still vary depending on how impairment is defined and enforced in practice.

This evolving focus on impairment reflects a broader attempt to reconcile two competing realities: the growing legalization of marijuana use and the continued need for employers to maintain safe and productive workplaces. How that balance is struck will continue to shape hiring practices in the years ahead.
A Louisiana senator targeted a colleague in bringing a bill that would ask Congress to create a law adding residency requirements to run for the U.S. House.

Republican Monroe Sen. Stewart Cathey's Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 would have urged Congress to require any candidate qualifying for a U.S. House seat to live within the district for which they are running.

It was triggered by Cathey's criticism of fellow Republican Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia qualifying to run for the 5th Congressional District seat even though his home is located in the 3rd Congressional District about 100 miles away.

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"What this has led to is a term I've coined called congressional carpetbagging," Cathey said while presenting his bill to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee March 25. "It finds candidates forcing themselves into places they're not necessarily wanted."

Carpetbagging is a political term that originated in the United States after the American Civil War.

It originally referred to Northerners who moved to the Southern states during Reconstruction to seek political office, economic opportunities or influenceoften viewed by locals as outsiders taking advantage of the region. The name comes from the inexpensive carpet bags (luggage) they supposedly carried.

Today, the term is used more broadly (and often critically) to describe someone who moves to a place where they have little prior connection in order to gain political power or personal advantage.

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Cathey considered running for the 5th District seat himself, but told USA Today Network his residence is "47 feet over the line" and said it would have been hypocritical for him to run while criticizing Miguez.

Cathey didn't specifically mention Miguez' name during the hearing, although it was clear the bill was prompted by Miguez, which Cathey confirmed in an interview following the meeting.

Though Miguez' residency has drawn most of the attention, Republican Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell also lives just outside of the 5th District boundaries in Monroe and candidates in other 2026 congressional district elections also qualified living outside their district boundaries.

But it's Miguez' candidacy on which Cathey is focused. Other Republicans running in the 5th District GOP primary election May 16 are Monroe Rep. Michael Echols and Baton Rouge Sen. Rick Edmonds, both of whom live within the district boundaries.

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"The fear I have is that if people elect Sen. Miguez are we now turning the congressional U.S. House seats into statewide elections," Cathey said.

Cathey's bill is purely symbolic since the state has no power to change the law, and the committee moved it "without action" to avoid strife among senators, which essentially kills the measure.

Cathey also brought up a 2017 tweet from President Trump when he criticized Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff for running for a House seat in a district in which he didn't live. Ossoff lost that race but won a U.S. Senate seat in 2021.

State Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe

"I assume Trump would take issue with it today," Cathey said during the hearing.

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But Miguez has secured President Trump's endorsement in this race.

When asked how Cathey can explain Trump's endorsement for Miguez, he said, "I'd love to know if President Trump know Sen. Miguez doesn't live in the district."

USA Today Network is seeking comment from Miguez.

Miguez has previously said he would move to Baton Rouge within the 5th District if he wins the race and said he already has a second home and business in Baton Rouge.

Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia qualifies for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District race on Feb. 11, 2026.

Trump endorses Blake Miguez: Trump endorses Blake Miguez for Louisiana's 5th District, shaking up race

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana senator targets 'carpetbagging' colleague over residency
Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended his about-face on New York Citys costly rental voucher program on Wednesday, arguing the citys dire financial situation makes it impossible to expand the program as hed planned.

The mayors administration late Tuesday moved to prolong a legal fight over the taxpayer-funded program, CityFHEPS, appealing a court ruling that required the city to expand eligibility for it.

If the city were to drop its appeal, we are speaking about an expansion that would then cost over $4 billion in the next few years alone, Mamdani said at an unrelated press conference on Wednesday.

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I am deeply committed to ending the homelessness crisis in the city. Im appreciative of the fact that that is a commitment shared by many New Yorkers, elected officials and beyond, and also, Im committed to doing so in a manner that is sustainable for both the medium and the long term.

The mayors turnaround on the issue highlights the difficulty between the idealism of Mamdanis campaign and the difficulties of governance. Mamdani received intense backlash over the appeal from advocacy groups, who branded the flip-flop a betrayal.

On the campaign trail, Mamdani vowed to expand the voucher program, which is seen as a lifeline to help people out of homelessness, and criticized then-Mayor Adams for trying to halt it. But facing a multibillion-dollar budget gap, Mamdani has reversed his stance, saying the program is too costly for the city to handle.

Mamdani blamed the current financial situation and possible $5.4 billion city budget gap on fiscal mismanagement under Adams, including the ex-mayors underbudgeting the voucher program by $2.3 billion over two fiscal years.

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The appeal, filed Tuesday in the state Court of Appeals, draws out the already yearslong legal battle over the program and sets up the administration for a fight against the City Council. Mamdani last month said he was seeking a settlement in the suit, which seeks to ensure the program is fully expanded to nearly 50,000 more households.

Council Speaker Julie Menin said Wednesday she understood the programs expense was an issue  but that the Council is willing to settle, and the administrations move to duke it out further in court delays reaching one.

We are deeply concerned about this, Menin said of the appeal at a Council budget hearing Wednesday. As weve said from the beginning, we believe the administration should drop the appeal and reach a settlement that really works to protect vulnerable New Yorkers and that also is fiscally responsible.

Sherif Soliman, the mayors top budget official, who was testifying at the hearing, said the city chose to take the matter to the Court of Appeals because it hadnt been able to reach an agreement by the court-imposed March 25 deadline.

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CityFHEPs (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is among the largest rental assistance programs in the country, serving 65,000 households, per city data. Tenants who participate in the program contribute 30% of their income to rent, with the city covering the rest.

The Legal Aid Society, which brought the initial suit along with the City Council, called the administrations arguments unsound.

It is regrettable that the Mamdani Administration has chosen to continue this litigation rather than focus on ensuring that vulnerable New Yorkers can access the housing support they urgently need, Legal Aid said in a statement.

Christine Quinn, president of shelter provider Win, said the citys failure to settle the lawsuit is nothing short of a betrayal in a statement.

Candidate Mamdani promised time and time again to drop this suit, Quinn said. This blunt reversal of that commitment is an abject failure when it comes to meeting the most basic needs of homeless families  the very population these vouchers are meant to serve. The Citys lack of leadership means more families stuck in shelter, more trauma, and skyrocketing shelter costs for the City. Let it be understood in no uncertain terms: We will not back down until the City has reversed course, dropped the suit, and pledged money to the CityFHEPS voucher program.
After nearly 36 years, an arrest has been made in the cold case killings of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson.

The young couple went out for a date night in west Houston on Aug. 23, 1990, but never made it home.

On Thursday, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare's office announced 64-year-old Floyd Wiliam Parrott has been charged with murder in connection with the 1990 murders.

The case dubbed "Lover's Lane Murders" went unsolved for almost 36 years - until now. It was also profiled in ABC13's True Crime series in November 2025, with interviews from the victims' family members.

SEE ALSO: Texas True Crime: Lovers' Lane Murders

"Initially I thought, 'OK, three to six months,'" Andy's cousin, Tim Godwin, told Eyewitness News in 2025. "We'd find out who did this, there'd be a trial, and they'd be brought to justice."

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But months turned into years. One year became five. Then 10. Even after 15 years, there were still no arrests, no suspects - only grief and unanswered questions.

For decades, the families continued speaking out and held on to hope that one day someone would come forward.

"One of Houston's most haunting and infamous cold cases has weighed on the Henry and Atkinson families, as well as our community, for more than three decades," Teare said. "Our prosecutors, working with the HPD and FBI, have pursued this investigation with relentless and dogged determination. They have worked hundreds of leads, facing dead ends and plenty of frustration. But, they never gave up on Cheryl and Andy."

Teare said Houston police and the FBI arrested Parrott in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Wednesday.

No further details were released, but Teare's office said law enforcement is working to coordinate a joint presser to address any questions.

Today, the Harris County District Attorneys Office takes a significant step in the ongoing pursuit of justice for Cheryl Henry, Andy Atkinson, and their families.



For years, our prosecutors have worked in partnership with @houstonpolice detectives and @FBIHouston agents on pic.twitter.com/guTO5fKQpJ  Harris County District Attorney (@HarrisCountyDAO) March 26, 2026




Twenty-five years was the maximum prison sentence Ricky Martinez Jr. could have received under his plea deal with state prosecutors for killing a Blake's Lotaburger employee and wounding his brother.

State District Judge Anastasia Martin, who handed Martinez the sentence, told him, "Twenty-five years for taking an individual's life seems relatively short."

Martinez, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault in Martin's Santa Fe courtroom Wednesday, more than three years after he shot and killed 22-year-old Cypress Garcia at the Espanola fast-food restaurant before pistol-whipping and shooting at his younger brother during an attempted armed robbery.

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Martin gave him 15 years, with a five-year firearm enhancement, for second-degree murder; three years for aggravated battery; and 18 months for aggravated assault. Each count also has a one-year habitual offender enhancement.

The courtroom was filled with Garcia's friends and family members, some donning bracelets inscribed with his name.

"Today, my brother is finally getting justice, and justice is finally served after all these years," Cypress Garcia's younger brother, Cyress Garcia, said after the hearing. "And I'm glad that we all get to see this  especially my community  because it's been so long with all this grief and pain."

Martinez could remain behind bars longer on federal charges in a string of armed robberies that preceded Cypress Garcia's slaying. Martinez pleaded guilty to those charges in October, and is set to be sentenced April 8.

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His federal plea agreement required him to plead guilty to the state murder charge, The New Mexican previously reported.

Martin noted at Wednesday's hearing that while the state agrees with allowing Martinez to serve his 25-year state sentence concurrently  or simultaneously  with his federal sentence, the federal court might decide he must serve the sentences consecutively, lengthening the prison time he faces.

"With the federal court happening later on, I'm OK with the outcome," Cypress Garcia's sister, Unique Pena, said after the hearing. "But I feel like it's never going to be enough to make our family feel better again or to be able to create any memories again."

Martinez shot and killed Cypress Garcia  who was working behind the counter of Lotaburger  on Aug. 16, 2022. He fled the scene but was arrested in Santa Fe the following day. He had first tried to rob the establishment and then jumped over the counter, brandished a silver revolver and shot Garcia twice, authorities said.

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Cyress Garcia, then 20, was working in the kitchen and heard the gunshots. He ran to the front of the restaurant, where Martinez fired in his direction and struck him with the gun, leading to a fractured skull.

"Despite my injuries, I attempted to intervene and stop the attack," Cyress Garcia said at Wednesday's hearing. "... The moments were chaotic, terrifying and overwhelming. I watched my brother take his final breaths in my arms."

Cyress Garcia was one of several family members and friends who told the court about the impact of Cypress Garcia's death before the judge handed Martinez his sentence. Cyress Garcia said he developed post-traumatic stress disorder and was unable to return to work after the incident.

"It's permanently changed who I am," he said.

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Brandy Pena, Cypress Garcia's aunt, said her nephew helped everybody out and would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. She turned and spoke directly to Martinez.

"You took something so sweet from us," Pena said. "He was a good man, and he had a heart of gold."

When Martin gave Martinez the opportunity to speak before his sentencing, he apologized and said he wished he could switch places with Cypress Garcia.

After announcing the sentence, Martin told Martinez the statements by Cypress Garcia's family were more impactful than anything she could say.

"But I hope you recognize and consider, over the next 25 years, the impact you have had on this family and the community as a whole," she said.
BYD is the top-selling Chinese brand in Australia so far this year, and sits at sixth overall. Photo: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images. NurPhoto via Getty Images

It has taken the Chinese auto industry a decade to go from a standing start to becoming the biggest importer into the Australian car market.

February marked the first time China had toppled the Japanese importers, who had dominated the Australian market since the closure of domestic carmakers Ford (2016) and General Motors Holden brand (2022).

The Chinese automakers now hold a fraction under a quarter of the Australian new car market, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industriess VFACTS sales tracking service.

The Chinese expansion is the third Asian wave for Australia, following the Japanese push that got serious from the 1970s, then the South Korean surge from the 1990s.

But where the Japanese industry saw Nissan, Mitsubishi and Toyota all manufacture locally, the Hyundai Motor Group push didnt, and neither will the Chinese industry.

The 22,362 Chinese-made vehicles sold in Australia in February overtook Japan (21,671), Thailand (19,493) and South Korea (11,913), taking the lead off the Japanese manufacturers that had held it since 1998.

After 28 years, Japan has been overtaken by China as the largest source of vehicles

for the Australian market in a single month, FCAI CEO Tony Weber said.

The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world. New

brands can enter, establish dealer networks and compete on price, technology and

design. Consumers are the beneficiaries of that competition."

Nine of the 10 new automotive brands entering the Australian car market this decade have been Chinese, and their success has been in spite of their electric-vehicle prowess, with Australians being slow to take up the zero local-emission technology.

Toyota remained the market-leading brand, though, with 11.8% of the total Australian sales, from Mazda, Ford, Kia and Hyundai.

Taxation law has largely led the Australian markets trend away from new cars and into an en masse migration to light pickups. The biggest selling model in February was Fords Ranger, followed by the Toyota HiLux, the Cherry Tigo 4 Pro, the Mazda CX-5 and the Isuzu Ute D-Max.

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association insists the Chinese market is on track to capture more than 40% of the Australian market by 2035, from less than 2% before the Covid pandemic.



The figures provide a taste of what could happen in Canada, with the country slated to scrap its most onerous tariffs on Chinese electrified vehicles.

The Australian Market

Toyota, as it has done for nearly 30 years, stands atop the Australian new vehicle market with 15.7% of the market so far this year, and 15% in February.
A man was killed in a vehicle crash on the night of March 25 east of the Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, said police officials.

The crash occurred between a white Mercedes and a black moped just after 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Road A1A and Beachland Boulevard, said Officer Kelsea Marty.

Vero Beach: Two people found dead after reported shooting outside library

St. Lucie County: Fort Pierce residents arrested after storage unit burglary

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The man on the moped was killed in the crash, Marty said.

No further information was available on March 26 as officials worked to notify the mans next of kin.

Laurie K. Blandford is a breaking news reporter with TCPalm. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Man on moped killed in vehicle crash near Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
The victim of an attempted rape in Central Park was wearing a body-length hijab when a homeless parolee allegedly pushed her onto a bench and ripped the garment from her ankles to her waist, according to a criminal complaint unveiled Wednesday.

The 45-year-old victim was on a footpath near E. 109th St. and East Drive when she was attacked around 5:35 p.m. Monday, cops said.

She was saved by three bystanders, who scared off her attacker and then gave chase as he attempted to flee into the park, police said..

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Lateef Caldwell, 30, was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted rape and attempted sexual abuse. He was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday.

Caldwell allegedly shoved the victim onto a bench, before tearing apart her hijab and pulling her pants down, court documents show.

Video of the incident shows Caldwell standing over the victim as she lays partially naked with her back on the bench, desperately struggling against her attacker, according to the criminal complaint.

After he was taken into custody, Caldwell allegedly admitted to being the attacker shown in the video. When investigators asked if he was attempting to have sex with the victim, Caldwell told them that he was, court documents show.

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Caldwell was paroled from state prison last April after serving 25 months for an attempted sex abuse conviction stemming from an East Village attack, according to records.

Police sources said Caldwell was initially charged with attempted rape when he was arrested in April 2022 for tackling a 23-year-old woman from behind on E. 13th St. near First Ave. and trying to tear her clothes off. The woman suffered minor injuries.

Caldwell was living in a shelter on Wards Island prior to his arrest, cops said.

He is due back in court on Friday.

With Molly Crane-Newman
The man guilty of manslaughter in the 2021 San Francisco death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee will go straight to probation without additional jail time, a judge ordered Thursday.

Earlier this year, Antoine Watson was acquitted of murder in the case but found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. On Thursday, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, but the entire sentence was suspended. He got five years' credit for time served.

MORE: Suspect found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2021 SF 'Grandpa Vicha' murder case

The jury has reached a involuntary manslaughter verdict in the murder trial of Vicha Ratanapakdee who was killed in San Francisco in 2021.

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In 2021, Watson pushed over "Grandpa Vicha" in the Anza Vista neighborhood, killing him.

The probation also includes weekly therapy sessions and searches of him and his property. Watson is also ordered to stay away from the Ratanapakdee's family and the area where he was killed.

Ratanapakdee's daughter and family released this statement following the decision:

"Today's sentence is deeply disappointing. An 84-year-old man was killed in a cruel, unprovoked attack, and our family will live with this loss every day. This is not about revenge-it is about accountability. When consequences do not match the harm, it sends the wrong message about protecting our seniors and public safety. We are concerned about what this means for other families."

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The case was among the incidents that sparked the Stop Asian Hate movement, as the family claimed the attack was racially motivated.

The district attorney never filed hate crime charges, and Watson said he didn't know what race the victim was.

The defense said Watson purposely pushed the man over, but didn't intend to kill him.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
The Democratic upset in two Florida state Legislature races on Tuesday is raising warning signs for Republicans as the party faces divisions ahead of Novembers midterms.

Democrats flipped two state House seats, including the district where President Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence is located. The seat, located in the 87th District, has flipped in the past, so it may not necessarily be a reflection on Trump and his policies despite him endorsing in the race.

However, it is a sign of growing dissatisfaction with Republicans as the national mood weakens under Trumps second administration.

This was a special election so the voters that actually turned out were motivated to send a message that they are unhappy. A regular general election electorate will be different, said Nick Iarossi, a Florida-based Republican lobbyist.

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However, it is definitely a warning sign for Republicans that there could be rough waters ahead, depending on what the atmospherics look like in November, he continued.

One former Trump staffer said the special elections should be viewed as a reflection of public sentiments on Trumps leadership months away from the midterms.

The midterms and smaller races like this are referendums on where the American people stand on the performance of President Trump and the party generally at this point, said one former Trump staffer.

Other Republicans were quick to brush off Tuesdays Democratic flips, arguing that the wins were no more than special election anomalies.

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A low-turnout state House special election is a snapshot of local quirks, candidate dynamics, and turnout math  not some grand verdict, said Republican National Committee senior adviser Danielle Alvarez.

Both of the districts Democrats flipped have a mixed electoral history.

In the states 87th District, Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples, who received Trumps formal backing in January. The president voted as an absentee in the district, according to Palm Beach County records, meaning he used the mail-in ballot method he frequently frames as corrupt and beneficial to Democrats.

Former state Rep. Mike Caruso (R), who was tapped to be the county clerk and comptroller, previously won the seat by double digits. Trump won the seat by about 9 points in 2024, while former Vice President Kamala Harris won Palm Beach County itself by less than a percentage point.

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Meanwhile, in the state Senate district that includes the Tampa area, Democrat Brian Nathan defeated state GOP Rep. Josie Tomkow to fill the seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R). Collins won the seat by 9 points in 2024, while Trump won it by 3 points that same year.

Such outcomes have given Democrats hope among a slate of Democratic special election wins during the second Trump administration.

Last month, Democrats flipped a Texas state Senate seat that Trump won by 17 points in 2024. In 2025 and 2026, the party has seen a series of state, local and special election wins in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Oklahoma, Virginia and New Jersey.

These are election results with voters sending a crystal-clear message: They do not like what the Republican Party under Donald Trump is selling, and they want it out, said Fernand Amandi, a Florida Democratic operative who is a senior adviser and strategist on Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jollys campaign.

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The Republican losses come as Trumps approval rating dipped to a new low of 36 percent on Tuesday, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The same poll found that only 29 percent of respondents said they approved of Trumps handling of the economy.

The decline in Trumps approval comes as the U.S. military operation in Iran rages on, resulting in rising gas prices and pressure on global markets. The Trump administration has maintained that the higher prices are temporary and will go down once the operation has concluded.

Additionally, the conservative media sphere has seen fissures when it comes to the war in Iran, posing a potential threat to the partys coalition ahead of November.

The White House and their Republican allies, on the other hand, have dismissed the talk of division, noting polls that show a majority of Republicans in favor of the war.

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Sometimes I think folks need to be a little less online and a little more in the real world, and when the real world takes a look at this, the partys pretty united behind the president, said Matt Beynon, a Republican consultant.

However, higher energy prices are threatening to dismantle the Republicans efforts to message on affordability.

Generic ballot polling remains tight between Republicans and Democrats. The Hills Decision Desk HQ polling average shows Democrats leading Republicans with 43.7 percent support to the GOPs 39.9 percent.

If the Republican Party is going to be the party of lower-propensity voters, then we need to work really hard to make sure those voters get out to the polls, not just in traditional, even-numbered Novembers, but in special elections and primaries and all of the above, Beynon said.

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Caroline Vakil contributed.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Retired National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer  who struck fear in the hearts of Florida lawmakers during a career in which she successfully lobbied for passage of more than two dozen pro-Second Amendment laws  is now fighting with her former employer.

According to Law360, a legal news service, during a March deposition in a lawsuit Hammer filed against the NRA, the nations leading gun-rights advocacy group, which she also once led as its president, she was notably uncooperative.

The story recounts how she allegedly verbally abused and displayed physical aggression towards and assaulted NRA attorney Brian Hayden: You think youre God. And I think youre an (expletive), Hammer told Hayden, according to Law360.

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The story also says Hammer threw water from her glass at Hayden and tried to knock over Haydens cup of coffee. The Second Amendment Foundation reported March 26 that Hammer denied she threw water at anyone.

A USA TODAY Network reporter called a phone number associated with Hammer for comment, but the person who answered hung up when told the nature of the call.

In May 2025, Hammer filed a lawsuit against the NRA alleging a breach of contract and that the NRA had misappropriated her name, image, and likeness, as well as money intended for a charity.

The NRA said Hammers conduct forced an end to the deposition and has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit because of it.

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The request said Hammers conduct was not only rude, uncooperative and evasive, but also escalating and physically aggressive to the point that they had to halt the deposition.

Hammer represented the NRA at the Florida Capitol and nationally for 45 years. In a lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Florida, she said the organization to which she had given the fruits of her life labor had turned its back on her and acted as if she never existed while trying to smear her impeccable reputation.

They cancelled my non-cancellable contract. Im 87 years old, Hammer told the Second Amendment Foundation. Im not doing well physically so they hope I will die soon and they wont have to pay me.

James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on him X: @CallTallahassee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Marion Hammer lawsuit against NRA turns contentious
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The Melsonby hoards were found in northern England in 2021. They are one of the largest collections of Iron Age artifacts ever found in Britain. | Credit: Durham University

Two massive Iron Age hoards of burned metal weapons, vessels, and chariots or carts, found in the north of England, may have been part of a royal funeral, possibly for a queen, archaeologists say.

A metal detectorist found the hoards in 2021 near the village of Melsonby in Yorkshire and alerted archaeologists. Excavators discovered two separate deposits with a total of more than 950 artifacts, including iron "tires" for wooden wheels, a cauldron, an ornate wine-mixing bowl and ceremonial spearheads.

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Together, the two deposits represent one of the largest Iron Age hoards ever found in Britain. Now, a new study, published March 17 in the journal Antiquity , suggests the hoards may have been used in the funeral of an Iron Age leader, before being deliberately burned, damaged and buried.

"It is clear that Melsonby was not a burial [because] we have no evidence of a body," study co-author Tom Moore , an archaeologist at Durham University in the U.K., told Live Science in an email. "So our question is  why deposit this material?"

Moore and his colleagues think the size of the Melsonby hoards and the large number of expensive artifacts indicate they were part of an elite funeral held by the Brigantes, a powerful tribe of Iron Age Britons of mainly Celtic origin.

The Brigantes ruled the nearby Stanwick royal site, a few hundred feet away from the location where the hoards were found. At that time, Stanwick was a fortified village that the Romans called an " oppidum "; they were typically built by Celts on hilltops or other defensive areas.

Burnt artifacts

Moore said burning or destroying objects had been a key practice in many prehistoric funerals.

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"Much of the material  was burnt to high temperatures  enough to melt copper alloy and silver," he said. "At this time, cremation was becoming a popular funerary rite for elites in parts of Britain." No signs of a burial had been found nearby, but the remains could have been buried elsewhere.

The exact reason for the hoards' burials, however, may never be known. "There are several possibilities for that event," Moore said, "but a funeral of an important leader seems one of the most likely."

The researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine that the artifacts originated in the first century B.C., while their style and decorations, including coral from the Mediterranean Sea, indicate that the elites at Stanwick had connections with the European mainland.

Other objects in the largest of the two hoards included this bronze vessel decorated with faces, which is thought to have been a bowl for mixing wine and water. | Credit: Alexander Jansen/Durham University

The Brigantes were allies of the Romans after their conquest of much of Britain after A.D. 43. Roman sources after A.D. 69 said the Brigantes were then ruled by a queen named Cartimandua, a "client ruler" and ally.

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But the researchers think the hoards date to several generations before that and may have been used in a funeral for one of Cartimandua's royal ancestors. (Royal power among the Brigantes seems to have passed from mother to daughter, so it is likely that some of Cartimandua's ancestors were also ruling queens.)

Four-wheeled carts

A key discovery was that the Melsonby hoards contained several strange, U-shaped iron brackets, which have been found in continental Europe but not in Britain. The brackets have now been identified as parts of four-wheeled carts, which the Iron Age Britons used alongside their two-wheeled chariots, according to the study authors. This indicates the Britons had connections with other Celtic groups on the European continent.

The Melsonby hoards contained several U-shaped iron brackets, which the researchers think were parts for four-wheeled carts. | Credit: Alexander Jansen/Durham University

RELATED STORIES

Were the Celts matriarchal? Ancient DNA reveals men married into local, powerful female lineages

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Sun Chariot: An ornate Bronze Age treasure that may have featured in an ancient Nordic religious ceremony

2,000-year-old Celtic teenager may have been sacrificed and considered 'disposable'

"The fact that we have elements which can only be ascribed to such vehicles  is a first for Britain," Moore said. "Why we have never found them before is a mystery."

Melanie Giles , an archaeologist at the University of Manchester who wasn't involved in the Melsonby study but is excavating a chariot funeral from about the same time in Wales, said the chariot in Wales and the artifacts in the Melsonby hoards have several things in common. For one, "They're sharing the same style of Celtic art," Giles said.

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In both cases, the Celtic motifs seemed to have been exaggerated, which may have been a sign of Celtic opposition to Roman expansion on the European continent, Giles proposed. "Some people think this is a kind of resistance to the Romans," she said. "It's people celebrating their Celtic art and being a bit more 'in your face' about it."

Celtic quiz: Test your knowledge about these fierce tribes once described by Julius Caesar
(This story has been updated with new information.)

A March 27 hearing in the divorce case of former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin is postponed indefinitely while the chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court rules on Bevin's motion to recuse a Jefferson Family Court judge from the case.

A March 26 letter obtained by The Courier Journal shows counsel for parties in the case, which include Matt Bevin's ex-wife Glenna Bevin and adopted son Jonah Bevin, were notified by Jefferson Family Court staff that Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert is awaiting mailed records on the case from the Jefferson Circuit Court clerk's office, which are not expected to arrive before the hearing previously scheduled for 9 a.m. March 27.

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The postponement notice comes after Matt Bevin's attorney, Jesse Mudd, filed a second request in Jefferson Family Court for Chief Justice Lambert to "disqualify and/or remove" Judge Angela Johnson from the divorce case. The request was filed hours after Johnson denied an original request to recuse herself, and then proceeded to sentence Matt Bevin to 60 days in jail, or else pay a $500 cash bond if he can provide tax returns, bank statements and other documentation pertaining to his income.

A warrant for Bevin's arrest remains active as of noon March 26, according to records from the Jefferson Family Court clerk's office.

Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin questions his son, Jonah Bevin in Family Court on Friday, March 21, 2025. Jonah Bevin, 18, is seeking an emergency protective order against his parents.

Hours before the March 27 hearing was postponed, Johnson filed an order stating the hearing would proceed as scheduled, assuming Bevin is not incarcerated. The hearing concerns the retroactive child support Jonah Bevin is seeking from Matt and Glenna Bevin for time spent in boarding schools and the issue of whether a diploma Jonah Bevin received for his boarding school education is legitimate.

Jonah Bevin spent time at academies for "troubled teens," one of which in Jamaica was raided by police over abuse allegations. After the raid, Jonah Bevin was among three children whose parents did not travel to Jamaica for custody court hearings, The Times in London, England first reported. Jonah has since returned to the U.S.

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Also in her March 26 order, Johnson said she is considering whether to approve a request from Jonah Bevin's attorneys to have written off the fees he would have otherwise owed to his lawyers for representing him in the contempt hearings for Matt Bevin. John Helmers, an attorney for Jonah Bevin, said his client's unpaid fees "are in excess of $30,000."

In a statement provided to The Courier Journal March 26, Jonah Bevin said "he is just trying to survive while (Matt Bevin) keeps playing games."

"I just got denied an apartment. Im close to having nowhere to go," Jonah Bevin, now 19, said. "Every day I wake up worried about where Im going to sleep and how Im going to eat. Im trying my best, but it feels like Im on my own."

"I didnt ask for any of this," Jonah Bevin continued. "I just want a safe place to live and a real chance to move forward. If (Matt Bevin) truly cares like he says, then he needs to show it."

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Matt Bevin said in court March 20 "I love my son Jonah," as he loves all of his children and wants "what is in their best interest."

The Courier Journal reached out to Mudd, Matt Bevin's attorney, for comment on the March 27 hearing's postponement but has not received a response.

Jonah Bevin's attorneys in the divorce case, John Helmers and Melina Hettiaratchi, said in a joint statement they were "disappointed" to learn the March 27 hearing has been postponed, while calling Matt Bevin's attempts to recuse Johnson from the case as an "obvious tactic to avoid personal accountability."

"The Family Court had no choice but to follow the law and wait for Kentucky's Chief Justice to rule on the motion," the lawyers said.

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Dawn J. Post, a child advocacy attorney who has represented Jonah Bevin, said in a statement the young man's case "is not about politics or public image," but rather an aim to "ensure young people who have already endured abandonment and institutional harm are given a real chance to survive and succeed."

"He is doing everything he can to move forward, to work, to heal, and to build a future, but he is being forced to do so without the safety net most young people rely on," Post said. "The contrast could not be more stark. Those with the greatest resources continue to fight accountability, while Jonah struggles simply to meet his daily needs."

Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor.

This story may be updated.

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Lucas Aulbach contributed. Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Matt Bevin divorce case hearing postponed while Court rules on motion
The Middletown Board of Education voted Tuesday night to advance a budget that would close two elementary schools  including one of the highest-ranked in New Jersey  eliminate 40 jobs and raise property taxes by 3%.

But first, they spent hours raising their voices and pointing fingers at one another.

At one point, a board member called another a big fraud, only to get a response that hed for been asleep at the wheel for years.

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A third pointed out that the board had been shown no real numbers before being asked to vote on the budget.

When the shouting died down, board member Joan Minnuies got to the crux of the matter.

We are ripping the heart out of this town, she said. People come here for our schools.

The crowd looking on from the auditorium of Middletown High School North was no less animated, frequently breaking out in jeers, boos or bursts of applause.

At a particularly dramatic moment, as board attorney William Burns struggled to answer a question from a board member, a man in the audience cried out, The lawyer lies!

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It was, by any measure, a volatile moment in a saga that has divided the Monmouth County community for more than a year.

Last spring, Middletown families packed board meetings to fight off Middletown Reimagined, a widely-reviled proposal to restructure the district by closing Leonardo and Navesink elementary schools and converting Bayshore Middle School into an elementary school.

The community ultimately agreed to a 10.1% tax increase to keep their neighborhood schools open.

District leadership now says that increase was only ever a stopgap, and earlier this year ushered in a near-identical restructuring plan that would close the same schools. They said this would save $3.7 million to $4 million in recurring annual savings.

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The plan unveiled on Tuesday night calls for three administrators, 25 teachers and 12 support staff to lose their jobs if the budget is adopted. District spending for the 2026-27 school year would rise about $3 million to $210.5 million.

The tax increase would add roughly $223 a year  about $18.59 a month  to the property tax bill of the average homeowner, according to district business administrator Amy Doherty.

Board President Chris Aveta said without major changes the district would face a $3.2 million budget shortfall next school year and a $6.6 million gap the year after  and, over four years, a cumulative deficit approaching $30 million.

We cant support the footprint of this district as it is, he said. This isnt just a Middletown problem. This is happening for every suburban district across the state of New Jersey.

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Yeah, but at least they have a plan, Minnuies shot back.

The exchange cut to the heart of an argument that has consumed the district for over a year: whether last springs tax increase bought the community time to find a better solution, or simply delayed a reckoning that was always coming.

Avetas answer was the latter: You can decide to close schools this year or next year, he said, but youre going to have to take action.

The three board members who most vocally opposed the plan  Minnuies, Mark Soporowski and Erin Torres  spent much of the evening making the case that the real problem was not the numbers.

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It was, they said, the process behind them.

What Im seeing in this budget is spending on short-term fixes and non-essential items while we claim financial distress, Soporowski said.

The crowd applauded.

When Soporowski pressed Superintendent Jessica Alfone on whether the school closures had been her recommendation, she demurred, declining to answer on the spot. Alfone, who is planning to retire at the end of the school year, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Opponents of the restructuring plan claim major decisions have been made in rooms, and by people, the public has not been able to see or hold accountable.

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This district deserves better, Soporowski said. We should be leading with a clear vision and defined benchmarks. And there should also be a disciplined plan that ties every dollar to student success, not scoreboards and sound systems.

Maybe you should have thought about that last year when you voted to raise taxes, Board Vice President Frank Capone replied, prompting some parents in the room to hiss.

Earlier this month, Soporowski posted a cryptic message to Facebook, saying it was very concerning to learn that not every major decision may have been recommended by the people we entrust to make them, and adding: This is what happens when politics comes first.

Reached by phone the same day, he said he had reached out to the Monmouth County superintendents office and was waiting to hear back. On Wednesday, he said he was still waiting. Once again, he declined to elaborate further.

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In January, Ross Haber, an outside consultant hired last spring to examine the districts enrollment and facilities, recommended only minor redistricting, calling it the least disruptive option.

Within weeks, after the district asked him to look at closures instead, he reversed course entirely. And at a February board meeting, he told the audience that a report advocating for school closures, circulating under his firms letterhead, was not his work. I didnt do that report, he said.

Habers about-face was illogical, according to a 206-page court petition filed days later by seven Middletown parents.

The district, they alleged, had not paid for an expert to give his opinion, but rather an advocate they could point in a predetermined direction.

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The petition asks the state education commissioner to void the closure resolution, investigate who authored the disputed document and determine whether public funds were misused.

The parents petition points out two school board members who voted for the closures in February received campaign contributions from a political action committee called Proven Leadership.

The PAC drew contributions from engineering firms, a commercial real estate company, the districts auditor and its health insurance broker  the exact type of firms that would benefit from shuttering schools and redeveloping the land, the petition states.

Weinstein said the donations did not shape her vote.

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To be direct, she said in a statement to NJ.com last week, my votes on the board are not influenced by campaign contributions, and Im not aware of any connection between donor interests and the boards facility decisions.

Aveta did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did Capone.

Middletown is among more than 150 New Jersey districts that absorbed sustained state aid cuts after the funding formula was overhauled in 2018, losing nearly $4.5 million in cumulative aid between 2019 and 2024.

But the district has since closed much of the gap  the projected shortfall has fallen from $10 million last school year to an estimated $3 million for the coming year. And last week, the state announced a 6% funding increase for the district, a development Soporowski declared awesome! on Facebook.

Inside Thorne Middle School, one of two buildings that would absorb Bayshore students displaced by the closures, the pressures are already visible.

Parents say children have been told to remove their backpacks in the hallways because of crowding, and some students cannot find seats at lunch.

For Amanda Faryar, who has a kindergartner at Navesink and said she specifically chose her house for the school, Tuesdays vote left her shaken.

Why are they rushing this? she said. It doesnt make any sense financially.

The final budget is due to the state by May 7.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
WASHINGTON  First lady Melania Trump and son Barron, like President Donald Trump himself, just voted by mail in the March 24 special election in Palm Beach, Florida, even though Trump has spent years attacking mail-in voting as "mail-in cheating" that's susceptible to fraud.

Melania Trump requested a mail-in ballot on Saturday, March 14, the same day as her husband, according to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website. She listed her home address as 1100 S. Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, which is Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and private club.

Barron, who turned 20 on March 20, also listed Mar-a-Lago as his address and requested a mail-in ballot on March 14, voter records show. Both of their votes were cast, the site indicates, though it does not say when.

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Their polling place, the Morton & Barbara Mandel Recreation Center at 340 Seaview Ave. in Palm Beach, is a 3.9-mile drive from Mar-a-Lago, or about 13 minutes without traffic.

Barron Trump is the only child of the president and his third wife, and Trump's youngest child. He graduated from Oxbridge Academy in suburban West Palm Beach in May 2024 and is now a student at New York University's Stern School of Business.

Trumps second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuela and Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressive immigration agenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a ninemonth period in which, he claimed, zero illegal aliens were admitted into the U.S.a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period. The administration has also promoted major enforcement gains: significant declines in illegal crossings, a dramatic reduction in interior releases, expanded deportation operations, and tightened border controls, according to a February 2026 White House summary of its immigration actions. More broadly, the administration continues implementing executive actions that restrict entry at the southern border and increase immigration enforcement nationwide, including policies tied to TrumpOs 2025 proclamation invoking federal authority to suspend certain entries. [whitehouse.gov] President Donald Trump has intensified his tariffdriven economic strategy in his second term, expanding duties across global partners while positioning tariffs as a central tool to bolster U.S. industry. Despite broad tariff hikes, the U.S. trade deficit surged in late 2025, reaching a record goods shortfall even as the administration sought to curb imports and revive domestic manufacturinga goal undercut by a decline in factory employment during the same period. President Donald Trump has undertaken an unprecedented downsizing and restructuring of the federal government during his second term, marked by aggressive workforce reductions, major agency overhauls, and expanded executive authority over civil service rules. Federal workforce cuts accelerated sharply in 2025, with estimates showing reductions ranging from 220,000 to more than 300,000 employees through voluntary departure incentives, pressure campaigns, buyouts, and targeted firingsNresulting in the smallest federal workforce share recorded since the 1930s. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created at the start of President Trumps second term to drive sweeping federal workforce reductions. DOGE spearheaded mass buyouts, layoffs, and restructuring across agencies, including the rollout of the Deferred Resignation Program and guidance encouraging the firing of probationary employees. Its initiatives contributed to a net loss of more than 150,000 federal workers early in Trumps second term, with broader governmentwide workforce reductions continuing into 2026. Elon Musk was appointed to lead DOGE and initially served as the public face of Trumps governmentshrinkage agenda. However, his influence declined significantly after he stepped away from the department and entered a public feud with President Trump. Many DOGE staffers left government during this period, and DOGE became associated with controversial actions including the dismantling of USAID and alleged improper access to agency data. Musk originally claimed DOGE would identify $2 trillion in government savings, but the departments website later estimated only $215 billion, a figure analysts say was overstated. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, signed July 4, 2025, reshaped federal tax law by extending lower individual tax rates from the 2017 TCJA, increasing standard deductions, and adding new temporary deductions for tips and overtime. The law also phases out cleanenergy incentives and cuts programs like Medicaid and SNAP, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting a $4.1 trillion increase in deficits over 10 years due to the package. President Trump has aligned many social policies with the goals of Project 2025, targeting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, DEI programs, and genderaffirming care. His administration has signed executive orders eliminating transgender protections, removing DEI offices across federal agencies, and directing schools to deny funding if they allow transgender girls to compete in girls sports. He has also pursued efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict reproductivehealth accessthough not all proposed measures have succeeded. Trump has moved aggressively to remake federal cultural institutions, ordering the removal of what he calls antiAmerican ideology from museums, national parks, and research centers. Actions include restoring Confederate statues, removing slaveryrelated exhibits and NativeAmerican history signage from national parks, and pressuring institutions like the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center while installing political allies onto boards. Civilrights groups warn these moves risk erasing critical historical truths and reversing decades of social progress During his second term, President Donald Trump has systematically dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. Executive orders have eliminated DEI offices and policies, with agencies placing all DEIrelated staff on administrative leave and shutting down DEI programs entirely. His administration also removed DEI departments at major cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art in early 2025. Trump has framed DEI initiatives as antiAmerican ideology, directing agencies and cultural institutions to strip references to DEI, sexual orientation and gender identity from rules, grants, and regulations. These moves reflect a broader cultural agenda aimed at reversing equityfocused policies across education, federal agencies, and the arts sector. On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump ordered a largescale U.S. military operation in VenezuelaOperation Absolute Resolveresulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. forces conducted coordinated strikes across northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses before extracting the pair, who were flown to New York to face narcoterrorismrelated charges. The Trump administration framed the action as a lawenforcement mission with military support, asserting inherent presidential authority, while Venezuela and several regional governments condemned it as a violation of sovereignty. In late February and early March 2026, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had begun major combat operations in Iran, launching strikes alongside Israel targeting Iranian leadership, military infrastructure, and missile capabilities. The joint assault targeted highlevel officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, and was framed by Trump as necessary to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump second term marked by turbulent moves. See photos 1 of 14 Trumps second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuela and Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressive immigration agenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a ninemonth period in which, he claimed, zero illegal aliens were admitted into the U.S.a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period.

The White House had no immediate comment on the fact that the two voted by mail, along with the president, despite Trump's vehement opposition to the practice in all cases except illness, disability, military service or travel.

"As President Trump has said, the SAVE America Act has commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel  but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because its highly susceptible to fraud," White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said in a statement March 24 to USA TODAY.

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The White House did not respond March 24 to several requests for comment about which of the proposed SAVE Act exceptions Trump was using to vote by mail.

Early in-person voting in the race for two state legislative seats ran through March 22, when the president was still at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

The president had endorsed Jon Maples for Florida state House District 87 in Palm Beach County over Democrat Emily Gregory. But Maples, and another Republican running for the Florida Senate, Brian Nathan, lost to Democrats in the latest sign that Democrats are performing well in traditional Republican strongholds.

Neither Melania nor Barron Trump has been publicly outspoken about mail-in voting. But the president has vocally attacked it for years, raising questions about whether he was being hypocritical by voting by mail even as he tries to prevent most others from doing so in the form of his SAVE America Act election security legislation.

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In the days before the Florida special election, Trump ramped up his attacks on mail-in voting, calling it a way for Democrats to try and steal elections.

"Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all," Trump said at a Memphis roundtable on crime March 23.

He's also pushing for the Supreme Court to back a Republican effort to stop states from counting late-arriving mail-in ballots, a decision that would lead to stricter voting rules around the country.

Trump had 'ample opportunity to vote in-person'

Florida law allows no-excuse mail voting, meaning any registered voter can request and submit a ballot by mail. Trump has voted absentee or by mail multiple times in recent elections, including while living in Florida after leaving the White House.

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More: What happened when Kansas tried a version of Trump's SAVE Act? Chaos

Yet, Trump took to Truth Social on the night of March 23 to urge South Floridians to get out and vote in person, including a link where people could find their local polling places.

"He had ample opportunity to conveniently vote in-person during Floridas early voting period, and instead he chose to cast a mail-in ballot, as tens of millions of other Americans do every election cycle," David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, told USA TODAY.

The version of the SAVE Act being debated in Congress as of last month, Becker said, required photocopies of someone's ID with their mail-in ballot. That "would make mail-in voting VERY difficult for everyone," living in one place and voting in another, including college students such as Barron Trump, he told USA TODAY in a text message.

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The SAVE Act, formally known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is such a priority for Trump that he has vowed to stop signing virtually all bills until Congress passes it.

The GOP's push to pass it faces stiff opposition from Democrats. And while Republicans, who hold a majority in both houses of Congress, generally support the measure, many are unwilling to eliminate the Senate's filibuster and its de facto supermajority requirement to pass it, as Trump demands.

At a March 23 event, Trump told lawmakers debating the bill to get it passed as soon as possible. "And Im requesting that the Republican senators do that immediately," Trump said. "Dont worry about Easter, going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus, OK?"

Despite Trumps pressure, the measure faces steep odds in a closely divided Senate.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Melania and Barron vote by mail despite Trump trying to restrict it
A Los Angeles jury delivered a rare verdict against Silicon Valley giants Wednesday - the second finding in two days - boosting hopes of safety advocates that courts will deliver a long-sought reckoning over social medias harms to children.

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The jury found Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, and video platform YouTube negligent and awarded $6 million in damages to a young woman who alleged she had become hooked on the companies services as a child. The verdict came at the end of a month-long trial that featured testimony by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and the morning after a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million in penalties for endangering children.

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The twin verdicts are signs of cracks in legal protections that for decades made tech companies seem almost impervious, as lawyers accuse the platforms of putting addictive or otherwise harmful features into their products. There are thousands more cases waiting to be heard, with young internet users, parents, school districts and state attorneys general all seeking compensation and changes to how social media services operate. All told, companies are facing potentially transformative damage awards.

With years of scrutiny but little action, some advocates say the results signal the coming of a new era.

Jim Steyer, the chief executive of Common Sense Media, said the outcomes so far show that the courts, state legislatures and foreign governments are now aligning to reshape Silicon Valley.

We have major, major momentum, said Steyer, who wrote a 2012 book on the dangers of Facebook. Weve been saying this for 15 years. These are addictive platforms.

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The legal team for the young woman who brought the Los Angeles case said that the jury was swayed by evidence about how companies knew the risks of their technology.

For years, social media companies have profited from targeting children while concealing their addictive and dangerous design features, attorney Rachel Lanier and three colleagues said in a statement. Todays verdict is a referendum - from a jury, to an entire industry.

Given the huge number of other cases stacked up in the courts, experts said Meta and other tech firms are facing massive potential payouts.

This is just the leading edge, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank. Two or three more cases in Los Angeles, verdicts come down in favor of the minor plaintiffs, that would really be troubling for social media platforms and probably prompt settlements.

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The woman who brought the Los Angeles case - identified as K.G.M. or Kaley - alleged that she suffered anxiety and depression after using Instagram and YouTube throughout her childhood. The lawsuit focused on the design of the platforms, charging that tech companies built them to keep users glued to their screens with features like endless scrolling. That was a key legal maneuver to get around protections the firms enjoy involving liability for content posted by users.

But even after getting to court, experts said K.G.M.s lawyers faced a potentially difficult job. There is no agreed-upon definition of social media addiction, and attorneys for the companies sought to raise doubt about whether it was their technology that caused K.G.M.s struggles.

The final verdict was not unanimous, and jurors grappled with the evidence for days. But by a vote of 10-2 against the companies, they found that both knew their designs were dangerous and failed to warn their users of the risks.

Meta denied the allegations and said it takes steps to keep young users of its systems safe. The company immediately vowed to appeal both the verdicts.

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Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app, Meta said in a statement. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.

Jose Castaneda, a spokesman for YouTube, said it would appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site, he said in an email.

Snap and TikTok were also sued, but settled before the trial.

Advocates for stronger protections for children online have compared the cases to those targeting Big Tobacco firms, with the potential to deliver a broader reckoning for an entire industry.

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In New Mexico, investigators in the state Justice Department went undercover to build a case arguing that Metas platforms have become hunting grounds for child predators. Jurors in Santa Fe quickly came back in favor of the state Tuesday afternoon. In May, the state attorney generals office will return to court to seek a judges order that the company makes changes to its systems to protect children.

A third trial next month, involving a Kentucky school district, is set to begin in federal court. Lawyers are seeking compensation for the alleged disruption that social media has caused in the classroom. They also want an injunction requiring age verification, parental controls and targeting features, such as constant app notifications and auto-playing videos.

Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, said that while the verdicts indicate a huge risk for the social media industry, the outcome of other cases is not assured. He said the companies also had some strong grounds on which to base their appeals.

The jury verdicts might be reduced or wiped away entirely, Goldman said in an email.

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Leaders in Washington have taken a far more limited role in overseeing Big Tech, mired in disputes over how to regulate the industry. But the verdicts could give fresh energy to efforts in Congress, as lawmakers consider a package of new child safety legislation.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) said Wednesday that her colleagues now need to step in and take up the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation she is sponsoring with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut). The bill calls for similar protections to those sought in the court cases.

Big Tech has done everything in its power to blame parents and children instead of taking responsibility for designing their products to addict and harm children, Blackburn said in a statement. Now that Big Tech has been found liable for the harms they have pushed on our kids, its time for Congress to enshrine protections for American families.

Related Content
Quick Read

Commercial Metals (CMC) reported fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $2.132B and net income of $93.03M, with North America Steel Group adjusted EBITDA surging 96.9% year-over-year on a $147 per ton improvement in steel product metal margin. The companys $2.5B acquisition of CP&P and Foley Products closed in December 2025, with Construction Solutions Group revenue jumping 97.9% year-over-year and precast platform EBITDA expected to reach $165 to $175M annually. Nucor posted 34.2% quarterly earnings growth year-over-year, and Steel Dynamics reported record full-year 2025 steel shipments of 13.7 million tons.

Tariff duties of 50% to 200% on rebar imports from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam, combined with $60B in unspent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, are driving pricing recovery and margin expansion across the U.S. steel industry.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

Commercial Metals Company (NYSE: CMC) reported fiscal Q2 2026 earnings on March 26, 2026, and the numbers carry meaning well beyond one company's quarterly scorecard. For investors tracking the U.S. steel industry, CMC's results offer a ground-level read on construction demand, tariff dynamics, and where margins are headed.

The Quarter in Numbers

Revenue came in at $2.132 billion, with net income of $93.03 million, more than tripling year-over-year. Adjusted EPS landed at $1.16 per diluted share. The standout was the North America Steel Group, where adjusted EBITDA rose 96.9% year-over-year to $269.67 million. This growth was driven by a $147 per ton improvement in steel product metal margin and a $160 per ton increase in average selling price. Weather disruptions shaved an estimated $5 million to $10 million off results, making the underlying performance more impressive.

CEO Peter Matt called it directly: "The CMC team delivered another strong quarter, driving a more than two-fold increase in core EBITDA compared to a year ago."

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

What This Says About the Steel Industry

The pricing recovery in CMC's North American segment is a meaningful signal. After a prolonged period of margin compression across the industry, a nearly $150 per ton swing in metal margins suggests the trade environment is doing real work. The rebar trade case filed against Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam has produced preliminary duties of 50% to 200%, and 60% of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding remains unspent, keeping structural demand intact.
MEXICO CITY, March 25 (Reuters) - President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday Mexico will maintain its agreement with Havana to have Cuban doctors working in the country, after a handful of nearby nations pulled out of such arrangements amid pressure from the United States.

"We have a very good agreement that's also been a great help to us. It's a bilateral agreement that's been very beneficial for Mexico," Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference.

Mexico has become a major host for Cuban medical personnel, with thousands of doctors and specialists deployed to the country since 2022 to work in under-served, rural areas.

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The medical mission program is one of the largest single sources of foreign income for the Cuban government, which has accused countries that decided to do away with the programs of caving in to pressure from Washington.

The U.S. has imposed a trade embargo on Cuba since 1960, and this year the Trump administration escalated by threatening tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba, where fuel shortages have caused worsening blackouts and battered key services.

Mexico, which halted its own oil shipments to the Caribbean's largest island, is among several countries that have sent humanitarian aid to Cuba.

The Bahamas, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica and Guyana have announced plans to end agreements with Cuba under the program which the U.S. says is exploitative and amounts to forced labor.

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Host countries, where rural communities rely on services provided by Cuban doctors and nurses, reject this claim. Officials say the medics' salaries and labor standards comply with local and international law.

Though countries in the region have long opposed the U.S. embargo on Cuba, a wave of right-wing-aligned governments has shifted allegiances.

Last year, Argentina and Paraguay joined a handful of nations worldwide that opposed the end of the U.S. embargo. Costa Rica broke relations with Cuba earlier this month and Ecuador has expelled diplomatic staff in its capital.

After Trump said last week he could do "anything I want" with Cuba, Cuban officials said they were prepared for the unlikely possibility of a military engagement.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes and Inigo Alexander; Editing by Sarah Morland, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sharon Singleton)
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here's a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 8-8-5

Evening: 1-3-3

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 0-9-6-1

Evening: 9-3-6-0

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from March 25 drawing

AH-8C-10D-2H-6S

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from March 25 drawing

02-09-10-15-32

05-10-17-21-30

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from March 25 drawing

03-06-11-14-25-27-29-30-37-40-45-51-52-53-54-55-57-61-63-71-72-78

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Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from March 25 drawing

01-08-14-21-36-44

Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

07-08-12-13-26-35

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 25 drawing

01-26-40-46-50, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

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Michigan Lottery

Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

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Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325

Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325

Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325

Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325

Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325

Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.

Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily

Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily

Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday

Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily

Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for March 25, 2026
A Clinton Township man who was convicted of killing his girlfriend in front of their 2-year-old child was sentenced Thursday to at least 40 years in prison, authorities announced.

Jaion Barnes

Jaion Barnes, 25, was sentenced to 40-60 years' incarceration for murder, two years for felony firearm and one year for possession of firearms by a felon. He received credit for 800 days already served, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a press release.

Authorities said Barnes killed 23-year-old Tianna Ross on Jan. 15, 2024, after she arrived at his home to bring him his child.

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Todays outcome delivers a measure of justice for a horrific crime," Lucido said in the release. "The defendant will serve a lengthy prison sentence. His actions took the life of his girlfriend, the mother of his child, and in doing so, forever altered the course of multiple lives, including that of a child now left without either parent."

Authorities said Barnes shot Ross multiple times in front of their child, then fled the scene. He later turned himself in to law enforcement.

In October 2024, he was bound over to stand trial, online court records show.

Following a six-day jury trial that began Jan. 28 in Macomb County Circuit Court, Barnes was found guilty Feb. 5 of all charges against him.

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Lucido previously said that Barnes had a history of domestic violence and was designated an habitual offender, which required a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years.

In addition to prison, Barnes was ordered to pay more than $9,293.90 restitution. He is also prohibited from having any contact with the complaining witness, Lucido said.

Barnes' attorney, Grace Crivello, didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

"This was a tragic and senseless act, and our thoughts remain with the child and the loved ones who will endure this loss for the rest of their lives, Lucido said.

mreinhart@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan man sentenced in his girlfriend's fatal shooting
TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP)  A group of about 500 migrants traveled through southern Mexico Wednesday, protesting long waits for paperwork and requesting authorization to move to areas with greater employment prospects.

The group left Tapachula, near the border with Guatemala, Tuesday night to highlight their situation and gain permission to find work elsewhere while their immigration status is processed.

Tapachula has long served as a hub for transient populations. In recent months, it has seen an influx of third-country nationals, particularly Cubans deported by the Trump administration, although the Mexican government has yet to release official figures regarding these arrivals.

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While foot marches are common in the region, they no longer target the United States. Over the past year, groups of a few hundred migrants have typically dispersed within days without traveling beyond southern Mexico.

"Without papers, there are no opportunities. We migrants feel like prisoners in Tapachula, said Joandri Velazquez Zaragoza, a 40-year-old Cuban national who supports a wife and two children back home, where a worsening crisis is marked by widespread power outages and food shortages.

The evangelical pastor, who also works as a mason, arrived in Tapachula in August 2024. He originally sought an asylum appointment in the U.S through the CBP One mobile app but was unsuccessful. Following the termination of the program under the return of the Trump administration, he filed for asylum in Mexico; however, his application and subsequent appeal were both rejected.

The group marched under the observation of the National Guard, the National Migration Institute, and local police, none of whom attempted to stop them. On the day the march began, the Mexican government announced a new agreement to boost labor inclusion for people in transit across southern states such as Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco and Quintana Roo.

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The Southern Border Monitoring Collective, a coalition of civil society groups, warned this week that people in transit are paying up to 40,000 Mexican pesos (about $2,300) for documentation that is legally free. The collective also denounced the increased militarization of Mexicos southern border and the Northern Triangle, stating that heightened security measures have intensified the risks and abuses faced by migrants.

On Monday, Mexican authorities discovered 229 migrants trapped inside a truck in Veracruz. The vehicle had been towed to a police impound lot following a stolen-vehicle report, but officers only realized people were inside when the migrants began shouting for help.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Milwaukee police are asking for community assistance in finding a critically missing 13-year-old boy.

Nasir Brown was last in contact with his family around 12:45 a.m. March 26, and was last seen in the 800 block of West Somers Street, police say.

He is Black, with brown hair and brown eyes, and is approximately 5'6" tall and 135 pounds, with a muscular build, according to police. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt.

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Police ask anyone with information to call Milwaukee Police Department District 5 at 414-935-7252.

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ArseneauKelli.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police seek critically missing 13-year-old boy
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents, while senators worked late into the night trying to end a budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Trump announced his decision in a social media post saying he wanted to quickly stop the Chaos at the Airports.

With pressure mounting, the White House and senators, who have been engaged in on-again, off-again talks to resolve the stalemate over Department of Homeland Security funding, appeared to be narrowing in on a endgame in the final hours before TSA workers miss another paycheck Friday.

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Trumps order will pay TSA agents using money from his 2025 tax bill, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss it publicly. They compared the move to actions Trump took during a past shutdown to pay troops. The rationale is that Democrats have created an emergency by declining to approve funding, the official said.

The White House had floated the extraordinary move of invoking a national emergency to pay the TSA agents, a politically and legally fraught approach.

Senators, ready to leave town for their own spring break recess, stayed late trying to resolve the remaining issues. GOP leaders were preparing a package to fund as much as possible of the rest of the department, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard as well as the immigration enforcement agencies central to the standoff.

Democrats have demanded restraints on Trump's immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations as part of any deal to fund Homeland Security. They are particularly refusing to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection divisions, though they had repeatedly offered proposals to pay TSA and the rest of DHS.

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The president is doing absolutely the right thing, said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip. The TSA agents are going to be paid.

Airport lines grow as TSA workers endure hardships

The funding shutdown has resulted in travel delays and even warnings of airport closures as TSA workers missing paychecks stop coming to work.

Multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates of TSA workers and nearly 500 of its nearly 50,000 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown. Nationwide on Wednesday, more than 11% of the TSA employees on the schedule missed work, according to DHS. That is more than 3,120 callouts.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Melissa Gates said she would not make her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after waiting more than 2 hours and still not reaching the security checkpoint. She said no other flights were available until Friday.

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I should have just driven, right? Gates said. Five hours would have been hilarious next to this.

The acting TSA administrator, Ha Nguyen McNeill, described the multiple hardships facing unpaid TSA workers  piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet  and warned of potential airport closures if more employees refuse to come to work.

At this point, we have to look at all options on the table, she testified at a House hearing this week.

A last and final offer on the table

Earlier Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., announced he had given a last and final offer to the Democrats.

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Thune did not disclose details of the new framework, but he said it picked up from a previous offer over the weekend, before talks with the White House and Democrats had broken off.

Enough is enough, he said.

But as senators retreated to privately discuss the new plan, action stalled out.

Democrats argued the GOP proposals have not gone far enough at putting guardrails on officers from ICE, Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies who are engaged in the immigration sweeps, particularly after the deaths of two Americans protesting the actions in Minneapolis.

They want federal agents to wear identification, remove their face masks and refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places. Democrats have also pushed for an end of administrative warrants, insisting that judges sign off before agents search people's homes or private spaces  something new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said he is open to considering, but senators want to see in writing.

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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said they needed to see real changes.

Trump, had largely left the issue to Congress, but warned he was ready to take action, threatening to send the National Guard to airports, in addition to his deployment of ICE agents who are now checking travelers IDs  a development drawing concerns.

They need to end this shutdown immediately or well have to take drastic measures, Trump said during a morning Cabinet meeting.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, has said there was funding elsewhere that can be legally used to pay TSA as well as the Coast Guard, without declaring a national emergency.

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The GOPs big tax cuts bill that Trump signed into law last year funneled billions to DHS, including $75 billion for ICE operations, ensuring the immigration officers are still being paid during the shutdown.

Any deal almost certainly needs to involve a compromise as lawmakers on the left and right flanks revolt.

Conservative Republicans have panned their own GOP proposals, demanding full funding for immigration operations. Republicans say the Trump administration has made strides to meet Democrats demands, particularly after swearing in Mullin to replace Kristi Noem.

___

Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti, Kevin Freking, Rebecca Santana, Collin Binkley and Ben Finley in Washington, Lekan Oyekanmi in Houston, Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York, Rio Yamat in Las Vegas, Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, and Gabriela Aoun Angueira in San Diego contributed to this report.
JOPLIN, Mo.  A Joplin couple is accused of starving their dog to death.

Megan Carranco and her co-workers came across a disturbing sight last week.

A dog, starving and barely alive, was left behind a business in the Webb City industrial park.

The dog, named Snoop, was left with nothing but a dog bed  inside a purple tote labeled kids laundry.

It broke my heart. I couldnt stop crying. I just couldnt. I couldnt control myself, said Carranco.

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The dog was taken to the Joplin Humane Society. Snoop, unfortunately, didnt survive.

But it wasnt long before his owners were identified.

Not long ago, Snoop was adopted by Patrick Morgan and Bianca Crouch (pictured below).

Patrick Morgan

Bianca Crouch

Both were arrested by Webb City Police and charged with animal abuse. They are now free on bond.

Who could look at a dog like that? Even in the report that you see from the police officer, he said that he could feel his bones through his hands. Thats just not okay, said Carranco.

In a letter to the Joplin community, Patrick Morgan and Bianca Crouchs former employer, Beef-A-Roo, said they take matters like this very seriously and do not condone animal abuse or neglect in any form.

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The letter says after reviewing the circumstances, the two are no longer employed by the company.

I truly believe it should be a felony. Theres no right answer to this because a misdemeanor is just a slap on the wrist, said Carranco.

Carranco is hoping to bring about change.

Her group, Justice for Snoop, is working to circulate a petition with a goal of strengthening Missouris animal abuse laws.

The Joplin Humane Society fully supports the effort.

As a humane society, we advocate for the humane and proper treatment of all animals, so we are wholly in favor, were wholly in support of improving the legislation that deals with animals, especially in abuse neglect, because we dont want to see that happen, said Joplin Humane Society Animal Behavior Manager, Thomas Jay.

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Justice for Snoop will hold a rally this Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of 7th and Range Line in Joplin.

Members are asking the public to sign a Change.org petition  seeking increased enforcement of animal cruelty laws and stricter punishment for those who break those laws.

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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Russia is well positioned to withstand disruptions in global oil markets triggered by the war in Iran, a top official said on Thursday.

"There is currently a clear shortage of oil products on global markets," Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said during a meeting with a Russian business lobby group.

Prices for petrol, diesel and other refined products have risen even more sharply than crude oil, he noted, adding that Russia is benefiting from the situation.

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Western sanctions imposed in response to the war in Ukraine had forced Russian exporters to sell oil at a discount. However, Novak said this discount has now narrowed significantly. In some regions, Russian oil is even being sold at a premium, he said.

At the same time, Novak expressed cautious optimism about expanding production. "This will require time, investment and access to capital," he said, noting that increasing output is a lengthy process.

Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin official responsible for international economic relations, struck an even more optimistic tone at the same event.

"Russia is in a very strong position - not only as a major producer of oil and gas, but also of fertilizers," he said.

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He warned that the world is heading toward a major fuel price crisis and predicted oil prices could rise to between $150 and $200 per barrel.

Dmitriev argued that Europe would be particularly hard hit after turning away from Russian energy.

He warned of potential large-scale de-industrialization and claimed that "Europe and the UK will be begging for Russian energy supplies," adding that Russia would then decide whether to resume deliveries.
In March 2026, Northrop Grumman participated as a prime contractor in the US Department of Defenses Golden Dome antimissile shield program and presented at the SATELLITE 2026 conference in Washington, highlighting its work in space superiority and cyber systems.

The companys successful Talon IQ flight with Shield AIs Hivemind software and its role in Golden Dome emphasize how AI-driven autonomy and integrated missile defense are becoming central to its core aerospace and defense offerings.

Well now examine how Northrop Grummans Golden Dome role and AI autonomy progress could reshape its investment narrative and long-term positioning.

AI is about to change healthcare. These 36 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early.

Northrop Grumman Investment Narrative Recap

To own Northrop Grumman, you have to believe that demand for advanced missile defense, space systems and mission autonomy supports its large U.S. and allied programs, while accepting program and budget concentration risk around platforms like B 21 and Sentinel. The Golden Dome participation and Talon IQ AI milestone reinforce the missile defense and autonomy catalyst, but do not materially change the near term execution risk on these flagship programs.

The most relevant update here is Northrop Grummans role as a prime contractor on the US$185 billion Golden Dome antimissile shield, which aligns directly with its missile defense and space based capabilities. This sits alongside its recent Talon IQ and autonomy progress, suggesting that integrated defense and AI enabled systems remain central to what could drive order visibility and potential margin support if execution on large contracts stays on track.

Yet, behind this positive contract momentum, investors should also be aware that...

Read the full narrative on Northrop Grumman (it's free!)

Northrop Grumman's narrative projects $47.5 billion revenue and $4.4 billion earnings by 2028. This requires 5.5% yearly revenue growth and an earnings increase of about $0.5 billion from $3.9 billion today.

Uncover how Northrop Grumman's forecasts yield a $724.39 fair value, a 5% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

NOC 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Three Simply Wall St Community fair value estimates for Northrop Grumman span roughly US$516 to US$724 per share, underscoring how far individual views can spread. As you weigh those opinions against the Golden Dome and autonomy catalysts, it is worth considering how concentrated exposure to large U.S. defense programs might shape the companys longer term performance and risk profile.
Change could be on the way in Mt. Lebanon after commissioners say theyve received hundreds of emails about a new vape shop.

According to a social media post, the shop would move in along busy Washington Road.

The location is just a few feet away from another vape shop in town.

Its four doors down. We already have a vape shop, Lisa Krowinski told Channel 11. She owns Sapling and Sons. Her store would be in between the vape shops.

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Admittedly, a vape shop kind of doesnt have the same clientele and vibe. Families arent going there, she said.

Shes one of many who have come out against the idea.

Mostly, its the kids, the walking around, the fact that its so close to two schools here, Ellen Carpenter said. She lives in Mt. Lebanon.

According to a Facebook post by township commissioners, they cannot legally forbid vape shops from opening, but say, What we can do through zoning is restrict where they can go and how close they can be to schools, parks and churches.

I understand businesses have the right to exist. I would like to see stricter regulations about what can be approved as it relates to schools, Carpenter said.

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It wouldnt be a new tactic. Channel 11 told you earlier this month that Ross Township leaders passed an ordinance that new shops must be at least 3,000 feet apart and more than 1,000 feet from schools, daycares, parks and churches.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Ross Township passes new ordinance limiting expansion of vape shops

People we talked to said that it would be a good start, even though its too late to stop the next one.

I think we should at least look at it, Carpenter said.

Nobody likes to see empty storefronts, but I think the folks of Mt. Lebanon would rather see an empty storefront than a vape shop, Krowinski said.

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We did reach out to the commissioners and the landlord who owns the building. We have not heard back.

Its not clear when the shop would open. Commissioners posted that its pending the two sides finalizing their lease agreement.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Should a Newark police officer have disclosed an assault charge on his job application  even though it was dismissed and later wiped from his record?

No, a New Jersey administrative law judge ruled Monday, finding that an expunged charge is legally treated as if it never happened.

The decision clears Officer Kareem Barnes, who had been suspended without pay by the Newark Police Department after supervisors learned he had been arrested in June 2008 in a domestic violence incident.

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The charge was dismissed within a month, and both the arrest and charge were expunged in 2011, leaving Barnes with what he argued was a clean record.

The issue resurfaced years later, on May 25, 2024, when Barnes applied for a job with the Rutgers University Police Department. On that application, he disclosed the arrest but denied ever being charged.

After Rutgers flagged the discrepancy, Barnes withdrew his application. The university then alerted Newark police, saying Barnes had been untruthful, according to court records.

Newark launched an internal investigation and, in December 2024, charged Barnes with conduct unbecoming, neglect of duty and making false statements. Officials sought to fire him.

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After a February 2025 departmental hearing, the charges were sustained. Barnes ultimately received a 15-day unpaid suspension.

He appealed to the Civil Service Commissions Office of Administrative Law.

At a March 9 hearing, Administrative Law Judge Patrice E. Hobbs sided with Barnes, citing New Jerseys expungement law.

When an order of expungement is granted, the arrest is deemed not to have occurred, and the individual can deny any questions relating to its occurrence, Hobbs wrote.

The judge found Newark police had been aware of the expungement during Barnes hiring process and had approved his application anyway.

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There were no omissions or false statements, Hobbs ruled.

In an order signed Monday, Hobbs dismissed all charges and directed that Barnes receive back pay, restored seniority and pension credit for the suspension period between March 17 and April 4, 2025.

Barnes attorney, Patrick Toscano, said his client had been truthful in both employment applications.

For unknown reasons, Newark thereafter made the decision to roll the proverbial dice in trying this case, Toscano said, noting that the city is now mandated to provide Barnes with back pay, and legal fees totaling more than $25,000.

A spokesperson for the Newark Police Department referred questions about the case to the citys corporate counsel, who was not immediately available to comment.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Calling all space vendors, scientists, and STEM students: NASA needs even more of your help building the next generations of space stations, lunar infrastructure, and space science.

Most Read from Fast Company



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In a sweeping overview on Tuesday, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and space program leaders delivered an urgent and overhauled vision to advance American leadership in space commerce and scientific exploration.

After decades of a space agency spread too thin, losing skills, money, and time serving too many stakeholders, the streamlined revamp calls for aligning NASA goals and workflows with commercial and international partners on a clear mission to build a competitive commercial ecosystem in low-Earth orbit and a sustained lunar presence on the moon.

A main motive is China. America is launching Artemis II astronauts to a lunar loop next week for the first time in half a century and returning humans to the surface in 2028, barely ahead of Chinas plans to land its own explorers on the moon by 2030.

We find ourselves with a real geopolitical rival, challenging American leadership in the high ground of space, said Isaacman. Success or failure will be measured in months, not years. This time, the goal is not flags and footprints. This time, the goal is to stay. America will never again give up the moon.

Going back to the Moon

Since taking the helm in December, Isaacman has been reviewing old supply chains and initiatives, seeking to cut bureaucracy through sweeping regulatory changes that also empower workers, engage industry feedback, and accelerate execution. Last month, NASA announced its revamped Artemis mission schedule to standardize the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket configuration, and an additional low-Earth orbit (LEO) mission next year for further Orion capsule and spacesuit testing to reduce risk, and push its moon landing to 2028, with an eye toward increased surface landings.

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Were following the proven stepwise approach that was demonstrated by the Apollo missions to methodically reduce risk incrementally and increase the likelihood of mission success, said Lori Glaze, the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate acting associate administrator. Each step needs to be big enough to make progress, but not so big that we take unnecessary risks.

[Screenshot: NASA]

NASA now calls for pausing the proposed lunar orbiting Gateway to focus on a Moon Base, expected to cost some $20 billion over seven years, utilizing private and international partners. (NASA might leverage the Gateway architecture for the Moon Base and future missions.) Those plans will roll out over the next decade in three main phases involving more frequent landings to both accelerate learning and deliver science and technology payloads for a semi-permanent habitat, excavation sites, and communications network, followed by heavier infrastructure for a permanent base, mission cargo returns, and sustainable human presence on the moon using extracted oxygen, hydrogen, water, and rare earth elements.

It does look like science fiction, but were planning to turn that into reality, said Moon Base program executive Carlos Garcia-Galan.

Next-generation space stations

Meanwhile, NASA will shore up its LEO presence by transitioning to a coordinated network of next-generation commercial stations that gradually replace the aging International Space Station (ISS) without a gap in human presence in space. Under this approach, NASA would procure a governmentowned Core Module that attaches to the ISS, followed by approved commercial modules that would later detach into free flight. As one of many customers purchasing commercial services, NASA would stimulate the economy through private astronaut missions, commander seat sales, joint missions, multiple-module competitions, prioritizing research with high commercial potential, and prizebased awards.

[Screenshot: NASA]

Our objectives in low-Earth orbit have not changed, said ISS program manager Dana Weigel. Those are to maintain Americas superiority in space, to conduct groundbreaking human research and technology development, and to use LEO as a proving ground for exploration. We want to expand commercial access to space, stimulate commercial demand, and foster economic growth.

Nuclear power on Mars

The event also unveiled NASAs Space Reactor1 Freedom, the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, which launches to Mars in late 2028. A coupled nuclear reactor, power conversion, and electric propulsion thruster system, Freedom provides power where solar arrays are ineffective.

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On the way, it will demonstrate efficient mass transport and advanced nuclear electric propulsion in deep space. At Mars, Freedom will deploy the Skyfall payload of Ingenuityclass helicopters for continued exploration, providing high-rate, direct-to-Earth communications, with an eye toward an industrial base for future power systems for longduration missions.

[Screenshot: NASA]

Overall, a fission-powered spacecraft carrying science to Mars is not just a tech demo. It is the first freight run on the transcontinental railroad of the solar system, said Fission Surface Power program executive Steve Sinacore.

A Golden Age of discovery

NASA is also planning a slate of ambitious scientific missions. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will launch as early as fall to further our understanding of dark energy. Next year, a new Earth science mission will measure how convective storms begin to improve extreme weather predictions up to six hours before storms occur, while the ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission is en route to Mars to study how the solar wind impacts the Martian atmosphere.

In 2028, the Dragonfly nuclear-powered octocopter will embark on a six-year journey to Saturns moon Titan to probe for organic molecules indicating the origins of life. That same year, NASA will launch \the European Space Agencys Rosalind Franklin ExoMars Rover containing NASAs Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) mass spectrometer, for the most advanced detection and analysis of organic matter ever conducted on Mars. By the early 2030s, NASAs DAVINCI mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) will send a spacecraft and a descent probe to Venus to determine whether it was once habitable.

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Many of the technologies that have the most promise for the health and safety of America can only be derived from work done in space, and we cannot afford to fall behind or cede leadership, said Science Mission Directorate associate administrator Nicola Fox. We must evolve how we explore.

Increased initiatives

NASA will support these efforts through an expanded Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, expediting up to 30 robotic rovers, hoppers, and drones from industry, researchers, and international partners to the lunar and Martian surfaces.

To this end, the agency is modernizing its infrastructure and rebuilding its core engineering, technical, and operational competencies, converting thousands of contractors to civil service positions, expanding opportunities for interns and earlycareer professionals, and starting initiatives, such as Space Force, to recruit top talent. It will also increase its outreach through grants and public educational programs.

NASA is no longer the only game in town, and we dont have exclusivity on all the good ideas. So, we welcome industrys input, says Isaacman. With industry bringing competitive dynamics, improved capability, and lower costs, we should then shift our attention to what no one else is capable ofto explore farther out into the solar system.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

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Illustration of NASA's SR-1 Freedom spaceship in front of an illustration of Mars. | Credit: NEMES LASZLO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images/NASA

Skyfall is happening, and it will get to Mars in a totally new way.

Last summer, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Virginia company AeroVironment unveiled their Skyfall mission concept , which would send a fleet of tiny helicopters to explore the skies of Mars .

Today (March 24), NASA announced that it will develop Skyfall for a 2028 launch, and that the mission will journey to the Red Planet on a spacecraft that uses nuclear electric propulsion (NEP)  what NASA is referring to as "the first nuclear powered interplanetary spacecraft."

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NEP systems operate like nuclear power plants here on Earth, relying on an onboard fission reactor. NEP is a fundamentally different technology than radioisotope thermoelectric generators ( RTGs ), which have powered the instruments of NASA deep-space probes like Voyager for decades. RTGs use the heat of radioactive decay to generate electricity; they are not involved in propulsion.

"Requiring operating temperatures less than nuclear thermal propulsion , the thermal energy produced by the reactor generates electricity, which is then used to power highly efficient electric thrusters," NASA officials wrote in a description of the agency's NEP efforts.

NASA views NEP tech  which can operate at all distances from the sun  as key to its future exploration efforts, from robotic missions to the outer solar system to the operation of a moon base via its Artemis program .

So the centerpiece of the Skyfall mission may not be its fleet of Mars helicopters but rather their interplanetary ride  a spacecraft called Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom.

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"SR-1 Freedom will establish flight-heritage nuclear hardware, set regulatory and launch precedent, and activate the industrial base for future fission power systems across propulsion, surface and longduration missions," NASA officials said today in a statement announcing the mission.

"NASA and its U.S. Department of Energy partner will unlock the capabilities required for sustained exploration beyond the moon and eventual journeys to Mars and the outer solar system ," they added.

That statement features a wealth of other exploration news and updates. For example, NASA also announced today that it's pausing its long-planned Gateway moon-orbiting space station to focus on building a base on the lunar surface  and some of Gateway's hardware will go into the construction of that outpost.

An illustration of the "Skyfall" helicopter concept that could deploy six scouts to Mars. | Credit: AeroVironment

That statement doesn't reveal many details about the planned Skyfall mission, but NASA revealed some during a webcast presentation today .

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For example, Skyfall will feature three little helicopters, which will be similar to Ingenuity , the NASA rotorcraft that landed on the Red Planet with the Perseverance rover in February 2021. Ingenuity became the first helicopter ever to operate on a world beyond Earth, making a whopping 72 flights between April 2021 and January 2024.

Whereas Ingenuity was a technology demonstrator, however, the Skyfall fleet will have concrete tasks. Chief among them is scout: If all goes to plan, the little choppers will help NASA assess the potential of their target area (wherever that happens to be) to support human exploration.

The Skyfall helicopters will carry cameras and ground-penetrating radar to scout a future landing site, to understand the slopes and hazards for human-scale landers," Steve Sinacore, the program executive for NASA's Space Reactors Office, said during the briefing.

"They will also map and characterize the subsurface water ice to find out where the water ice deposits are, along with the size, depth and other important characteristics," he added.

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If goes according to plan, the mission will launch in December 2028 and arrive at Mars about a year later. And that might not be the end of the line for SR-1 Freedom; NASA may decide to keep flying the spacecraft out into the solar system after it deploys the Skyfall choppers, according to Sinacore. The mission architecture, like much of NASA's exploration portfolio, is not yet finalized.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 7:45 p.m. ET on March 24 with more details about the mission from Sinacore's March 24 presentation.
The 322-foot-tall rocket stands ready on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center. Fueling tests are done. The four astronauts it will send on a journey around the moon are waiting in quarantine.

NASA is making final preparations for its Artemis II mission, which could launch as early as Wednesday  a feat more than a decade and tens of billions of dollars in the making. When the astronauts finally lift off, they will be the first to launch toward the moon in more than 50 years, and they could venture farther from Earth than humanity ever has before.

But the road to this point has been long, winding and bumpy, not to mention inordinately expensive.

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This rocket was originally supposed to launch in 2016 and cost $5 billion, said Casey Dreier, chief of space policy for The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization that conducts research and advocacy to promote space exploration. It costs something like $20 billion now, 10 years after that.

Combined, NASAs Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft have cost more than $44 billion to develop. The upcoming launch will be the first time they carry people.

The four Artemis II crew members during a countdown demonstration test on Dec. 20: From left, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman. (Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP file) (Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The Artemis programs ever-ballooning price tag is one of several targets for its skeptics, many of whom share a been there, done that attitude. The years of delays are another, especially as Chinas human spaceflight capabilities have rapidly advanced. Some experts and former astronauts have also voiced concerns about the Orion capsules heat shield, which sustained unexpected damage in the uncrewed Artemis I flight nearly four years ago and soon has to protect four crew members as they plunge through Earths atmosphere.

It all raises the question: Can Artemis II inject enough momentum into NASAs return-to-the-moon program to quell its critics?

Why go back to the moon?

Unlike in the short visits of the Apollo program in the 1960s and 70s, Artemis eventual goal is to facilitate long-term stays on the moon to construct a lunar outpost, conduct scientific exploration of the lunar south pole and help NASA prepare for future missions to Mars. Jared Isaacman, the agencys administrator, said Tuesday that it plans to spend $20 billion to build that lunar base.

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Some lawmakers, former NASA officials and members of the public have argued that rather than repeat accomplishments notched half a century ago, NASA should focus its human spaceflight efforts on pushing deeper into the solar system, such as to Mars.

However, Pamela Melroy, a retired NASA astronaut who was the agencys deputy administrator from 2021 to 2025, said there is value in establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface and mining for valuable resources there, like water ice that could be used to make rocket fuel.

Ive always thought it was not a race for boots on the moon, because we won that race more than 50 years ago, Melroy said. It was actually going to be a race for values as we humans go out in the solar system.

The Artemis program, she continued, is a chance to establish a new lunar economy, conduct rigorous, long-term science on the moon and locate resources that could be used for missions to Mars. As Melroy sees it, the effort is also Americas chance to establish norms for how to operate in space with transparency, in ways that could benefit all of humanity.

Top row, from left: The first finished Space Launch System barrel section at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans in 2013, and a development engine test in 2015. Bottom, from left: A full-scale mockup of the rockets main core stage arrives at the Michoud Assembly Facility in 2017, and the core stage, complete with all four engines, is transported to NASAs Pegasus barge in 2020. (NASA) (NASA)

A more adversarial motivation for the program has also taken shape in recent years as Chinas lunar ambitions have grown: The U.S. wants to win the new space race.

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The clock is running in this greatpower competition, and success or failure will be measured in months, not years, Isaacman said Tuesday at a NASA event outlining the countrys space policy goals.

The origins of the rocket NASA is relying on to win that race, the Space Launch System, have been rooted in politics from the beginning.

Saving the space shuttle economy

As NASA prepared to retire its fleet of space shuttles in 2010 and 2011, Congress authorized creating the next-generation Space Launch System rocket as a way to soften the blow of the shuttle programs conclusion. Senators in states like Florida, Alabama and Utah jockeyed to save jobs for longtime NASA partners and space shuttle contractors.

It was birthed by Congress itself, Dreier said.

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In the end, the rocket was designed to use space shuttle components (the space shuttle main engines were upgraded into the Space Launch Systems RS-25 core stage engines), made in large part by the existing shuttle workforce.

If you think about it, this is not a 15-year-old program. This is a 50-year-old program, Dreier said. This is the same workforce and same contractors going back to the 70s.

That origin story, he added, largely explains why the Space Launch System has enjoyed rock solid support in Congress over the years, despite its soaring price tag and even after it fell far behind schedule.

In total, developing the rocket cost NASA nearly $24 billion from its inception through the uncrewed Artemis I test flight in 2022. The Orion spacecraft, meanwhile, cost the agency more than $20 billion from when it was first developed in 2006 to 2022, according to The Planetary Society.

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A 2021 audit from NASAs Office of Inspector General projected that the entire Artemis effort would cost NASA $93 billion up to fiscal year 2025. The report estimated the price of operating the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft at $4.1 billion per launch.

A qualification motor test for the Space Launch Systems booster at Orbital ATK Propulsion Systems test facilities in Promontory, Utah, in June 2016. (Bill Ingalls / NASA file) (Bill Ingalls)

Two years later, a report from the Government Accountability Office found that senior NASA officials saw the Space Launch System as unsustainable at current cost levels.

Some of the problems that have put the program behind schedule and over budget stemmed from how the rocket was conceived.

For instance, hydrogen leaks that forced NASA to delay the Artemis II launch earlier this year (the same issue also delayed Artemis I in 2022) hark back to NASAs space shuttles, which were designed to be reusable, Dreier said. That meant the agency needed to use a clean-burning fuel like liquid hydrogen. Molecules of hydrogen, however, are tiny and tricky to contain, making them prone to leaking.

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The rocket was mandated to use the same components and reuse the hardware, Dreier said. Congress locked in this design decision made for a completely different spacecraft in a completely different era, and thats why we face these challenges today.

Is the Orion capsule safe?

During their 10 days in space, the Artemis II crew  NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  will live in the 16.5-foot-wide, gumdrop-shaped Orion capsule.

Spectators take photos at the unveiling of the Orion spacecraft in Sandusky, Ohio, in 2020. ( Megan Jelinger / LightRocket via Getty Images file) (Megan Jelinger)

After the Artemis I test flight, NASA found damage to a critical layer of thermal protection at the bottom of the spacecraft that protects astronauts from fiery hot temperatures as they re-enter Earths atmosphere at the end of the mission.

A NASA investigation found that part of the heat shields material cracked, causing some charred material to break off in several locations. The agency determined that gases that built up in the shields outer material did not vent properly, allowing pressure to accumulate.

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Future heat shields will feature design changes to fix the issue specifically, a more permeable layer of outer material  NASA officials said. But for Artemis II, the heat shield remains the same.

To avoid risk to the astronauts, mission managers strategy is to alter the capsules re-entry path. Ordinarily, before it begins its final descent, the Orion spacecraft is meant to dip briefly into the atmosphere, then pop up again  like a stone skipping on the waters surface  to reduce heat stress and G-force on the capsule. It will not do that during this flight, however, instead descending faster and at a steeper angle to minimize the time it is exposed to the most extreme temperatures.

NASA's Orion capsule after splashing down at the conclusion of the uncrewed Artemis I moon mission on Dec. 11, 2022. (Mario Tama / Getty Images) (Mario Tama)

The new plan came after extensive testing, according to NASA, and Isaacman said in January that he had full confidence in the heat shield.

Wiseman gave a similar assessment: If we stick to the new re-entry path that NASA has planned, then this heat shield will be safe to fly, he said at a media event in July.

Two years to a moon landing

Another key criticism of the Artemis program has centered on the yearslong stretches between launches. Nearly four years have passed since the Artemis I flight, and until last month, the plan after Artemis II was to wait two more years for the next launch.

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Critics have argued that the lengthy intervals made the program less safe because teams could not improve and iterate quickly, the way commercial space companies like SpaceX do.

The fact that the Space Launch System cannot launch very frequently was a huge structural and safety risk that has been known for a long time, Dreier said, adding, You only have so many chances to learn about what your failure modes are.

NASA's Space Launch System rocket is rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 17. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) (Joe Raedle)

To address those issues, Isaacman recently revamped the Artemis program. The changes, which he announced less than three months into his tenure at NASA, include additional missions and an increase in the pace of launches.

Now, the Artemis III mission, which was originally going to land astronauts on the moon in 2028, will instead launch to low-Earth orbit in mid-2027 for technology tests and demonstrations. NASAs complicated plan to get to the lunar surface involves a second spacecraft  a lander built by SpaceX or Blue Origin  that would dock with Orion in lunar orbit, then carry the astronauts down to the moon. Artemis III aims to practice such a maneuver. The commercial sector has also faced setbacks, though: A report this month from NASAs Office of Inspector General said SpaceXs Starship lander is behind schedule by at least two years, with additional delays expected.

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Under its new plan, NASA aims to put boots on the moon with the Artemis IV mission in 2028.

As part of the changes, Isaacman said, the goal is to launch the Space Launch System rocket roughly every 10 months, rather than every three years.

That all hinges on a successful Artemis II mission, which could give NASA  and perhaps the American public  a much-needed boost.

Whenever the White House really needs a good news story, they come to NASA, Melroy said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday declined to directly address reports that the United States may divert military aid intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war with Iran rages on.

At a press conference, Rutte said the US would continue to supply interceptor missiles and other key systems to Ukraine.

However, he did not confirm whether any reductions had been made or were under consideration. NATO sources had earlier indicated that the report by The Washington Post did not come as a surprise.

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Earlier, the newspaper, citing several unnamed officials, reported that the Pentagon is reviewing whether weapons originally earmarked for Ukraine should be redirected to the Middle East, as the conflict with Iran is straining US stocks of critical munitions.

The review reportedly includes air defence missiles that were due to be delivered to Ukraine through NATO's PURL weapons procurement programme.

Under the PURL initiative, NATO countries work together to buy defence equipment from the United States for Ukraine, following a sharp reduction in direct US funding.

PURL recently covered a significant share of ammunition for Patriot air defence systems and other air defence capabilities.

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According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon has also informed Congress of plans to reallocate around $750 million from the PURL programme to replenish US military stockpiles, rather than provide additional aid to Ukraine.

It remains unclear whether participating European countries were aware of this potential shift. Rutte declined to say whether NATO had been formally notified.
OMAHA  A 21-year-old Salvadoran woman who crossed into the United States as an unaccompanied minor and found a home in Lincoln was let go from a two-month ICE detention per a March 13 order by a federal judge in Omaha.

Days before, an undocumented father of three who had been pulled over and arrested by federal agents while driving to his Omaha job was reunited with his family after an immigration judge granted his release on bond. He had been behind bars for two months.

Jorge Calderon Rivera was among four recent ACLU of Nebraska clients who were released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. Most continue to build their cases for why they should not be deported. (Courtesy of M. Julie Photo)

The two, who still face deportation proceedings but were allowed to build their cases outside of jail, are among four migrants represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska who over about a months span were released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

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ACLU Nebraska a week ago described those legal moments as affirmation of due process and a streak of victories that started with the Feb. 20 release of Joel Angel-Becerril, a young Omaha DACA recipient, and Lorena Alarcon-Alarcon, an undocumented immigrant mother living in Schuyler, Nebraska.

But a new ruling by the federal 8th Circuit Court of Appeals  which covers Nebraska  throws continuation of that streak into doubt.

Wednesday, a panel on the appeals court decided 2-1 that federal law doesnt require a shot at bond for undocumented immigrants, even if they have lived inside the country for years without a criminal record.

Affirms Trump policy

The decision sides with the Trump administration on a controversial reinterpretation of federal law. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis social media reaction: MASSIVE COURT VICTORY against activist judges and for President Trumps law and order agenda!

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during a news conference in Doral, Florida, on March 9, 2026. (Courtesy of Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

At issue is a federal policy issued last summer, and backed by the Board of Immigration Appeals, which called for mandatory detention of nearly all undocumented immigrants. It was a pivot from the longstanding practice allowing migrants who had lived years in the country a chance for bond.

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The mass detention policy fueled a legal morass, including a historic number of legal challenges nationwide and dozens filed on behalf of migrants in Nebraska.

Federal judges had overwhelmingly rejected the Trump reinterpretation, according to a Politico analysis, but Reuters reported this week that the number of immigration bond hearings recently plummeted.

Now Wednesdays 8th Circuit ruling, which aligns with a similar 5th Circuit split decision in February, has area immigration attorneys studying local implications and next steps.

Nebraska ACLU officials declined to comment other than to say the nonprofit is digesting the ruling and they expect it will affect their teams approach. But were not giving up.

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Longtime Omaha-based immigration attorney Bassel El-Kasaby said lawyers in the circuits coverage area  which also includes Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas and Minnesota will be busy analyzing whether exceptions or wiggle room exists.

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One option, he said, is requesting a look by the full circuit court.

Others point to Texas, where Politico reporting discovered that federal judges bound by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found a possible legal route around that decision, based on due-process grounds.

Hell I went through

Meanwhile, one of the ACLU Nebraska clients recently released from detention said she was grateful to God and a legal team that included her original attorney Raul Guerra  for the support needed to get out of the hell I went through.

Jamel J.W. Connor, attorney at American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska. (Courtesy of ACLU Nebraska)

Virginia Lissbeth Pineda Lemus, the Salvadoran migrant who had been held at the Lincoln County Jail on an ICE hold since January, was blunt in the criticism her lawyers said reflected her overall traumatizing experience.

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She declined interviews but said in a translated statement provided by the ACLU: I feel like I was treated more like an animal than a person. While I am so relieved to be free, I will be praying for others I met in ICE custody who deserve the same opportunity that I had.

Pineda originally was arrested on domestic assault charges in January. Available court records said that ICE encountered her at the Lancaster County Jail the same day she was charged. After posting bond on the state charges, she was taken into ICE custody, and the feds initiated deportation proceedings.

ACLU attorney Jamel J.W. Connor, who helped represent Pineda, said the domestic assault charges had been dismissed and that she has apparently reunited with her boyfriend. Her lawyers said Pineda crossed the Mexico-U.S. border at age 16 as an unaccompanied minor without relatives traveling with or waiting for her.

Because of individual circumstances related to an earlier detention, Omaha-based Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard ordered her outright release, rather than a bond hearing, as Pineda battles against removal from the country. Connor lauded Gerrards March 13 order as well as the other recent ACLU wins as a check on federal overreach.

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As ICE continues to scale up its operations, we are going to keep doing what we can for community members who are being unjustly detained without due process, she said in an interview prior to Wednesdays ruling.

Salvadoran father of three

In the situation of the father of three from El Salvador, Jorge Calderon Rivera had been detained two months in Nebraskas McCook ICE facility before his release on bond. His lawyers said he had lived in Omaha for about a decade. They said he had never been convicted of a crime and that while he was in his homeland, he had supported law enforcement efforts to stop gang activity.

A video that circulated on social media showed law enforcement agents in two unmarked cars stopping him on Jan. 17. One agent, wearing blue jeans, a hood and a vest labeled POLICE Federal Agent, talked to Calderon just outside his red car. Without incident, the agent handcuffed and frisked Calderon before guiding him to sit in the unmarked law enforcement vehicle.

ICE agents search the passenger of a truck as they arrest both him and the driver during a traffic stop Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in the Minneapolis area. (Courtesy of Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Calderons attorneys say he had seen police lights flashing behind him and pulled toward the curb thinking the driver wanted to pass. Instead one of the vehicles pulled in front of Calderons car and the other behind it.

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A court record described the agents as part of the Omaha Fugitive Operations Team that had been conducting enforcement operations in Omaha. The record said that Calderon, during the stop, admitted to being a citizen of El Salvador and illegally present in the U.S., and the officers detained him. The report said ICE issued an arrest warrant and later started deportation proceedings.

The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement is assisting Calderon with deportation proceedings and enlisted ACLU Nebraskas help with the federal habeas litigation that led to his bond hearing.

CIRA senior attorney Ariel Magana Linares cited factual discrepancies and inconsistencies in the federal law enforcement report regarding Calderon, including a line that said he was not married and had no children.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bazis on March 3 ordered immigration officials to provide Calderon with a bond hearing in accordance with his rights under immigration law and the U.S. Constitution. An immigration judge later granted his release on bond.

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Magana Linares said Calderon today is with his wife and children while his deportation case plays out.

Troubling break

Ariel Magana Linares, senior attorney with Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement. (Courtesy of CIRA)

He described the moment as a reminder that when due process is fairly applied, immigrants can often show they are family-oriented, hardworking and contributing members to their communities.

U.S. Department of Justice representatives who handle local detention-related litigation did not respond to a request for comment.

CIRA officials called Wednesdays ruling a troubling break, from decades of immigration law. In a statement, the group said it expects increased pressure for migrants to accept deportation without a battle or lawyer. But CIRA wont stop its work, the nonprofit said.

We will continue to stand alongside our communities, fight for due process, and ensure that every person has a fair chance to be heard.

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The ACLU of Nevada asked a judge on Wednesday to order the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to release more than 100 documents pertaining to the agencys communication with the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

The motion filed with the First Judicial District Court is the latest attempt by the organization to obtain records it says the DMV is withholding that show the extent the department communicates with federal immigration officials.

The DMV disclosed that it had unlawfully withheld 110 documents in a court filing March 3. It has only handed over seven of those records, the ACLU said.

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The agency has identified more than 100 responsive documents and failing to hand them over is a textbook example of the government doing everything it can to evade accountability, Athar Haseebullah, the executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, said in a statement Wednesday.

At this point, its clear that the DMV has no interest in complying with Nevada law and wont do so of its own accord, Haseebullah said. Oddly, I cant truly determine whether the agency is intentionally misleading the public or is so grossly incompetent that it cant even get its own story straight, but the reality is that either outcome is beyond problematic for Nevadans, and the agencys violations of the law are on plain display.

The ACLU of Nevada, which has been working to figure out the extent the DMV cooperates with federal immigration officials, sued the agency in August alleging that DMV heavily redacted, and delayed, records requested by the organization.

When the case was heard Feb. 6, Carson City District Judge Kristin Luis told the DMV it had five days to turn over public records and department policies requested as part of the lawsuit.

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The Nevada Attorney Generals office, which represents the DMV, initially argued that the agency doesnt chat with federal immigration officials via Signal, an encrypted messaging platform.

The AGs office later admitted that was false adding they the statement was believed to be accurate at the time they were made at the Feb. 6 hearing.

The AGs office declined to comment on the latest motion filed by the ACLU.

The ACLU said the ongoing delay and admission of providing inaccurate information during the court hearing raises serious questions about that agencys transparency.

The court should allow us the opportunity to question DMV officials under oath and get to the bottom of this, Haseebullah said. There should be nothing for those officials to be concerned about if everyone at the DMV operated transparently.
Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill that could make exact change a thing of the past if the governor signs it.

The Georgia State passed Georgia House Bill 1112 that would require Georgia businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

This comes after the Federal Reserve announced it would stop making pennies and as the use of cash continues to decline.

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Under the bill, businesses would be required to round down transactions ending in one, two, six or seven cents and round up transactions ending in three, four, eight or nine cents.

The Georgia House passed the bill on March 6 and sent to the Georgia Senate, which approved it on Wednesday. It now goes to Gov. Brian Kemps desk.

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This story was originally published by Canary Media.

Ohio regulators have blocked yet another major solar project because of local pushback, even though a significant number of public comments opposing the array appear to be fabricated. Its the latest blow to solar in a state that defers to local governments on renewable energy, but not on fossil fuels.

The Ohio Power Siting Board decided last Thursday to deny a permit for the 94-megawatt Crossroads Solar Grazing Center, which would combine solar panels with sheep grazing in central Ohio. Although the project otherwise met all legal requirements, the board concluded that it fails to serve the public interest.

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Regulators acknowledged that Crossroads Solar would have statewide benefits, create jobs, and increase local tax revenue. But they said the projects merits are outweighed by the existence of consistent and substantial opposition from local governments and nearby residents.

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Critics of the decision are troubled that the regulators basically shrugged off the fact that a substantial number of public comments filed in opposition to Crossroads Solar were duplicative, anonymous, or seemingly faked. A recent Canary Media review found that dozens of comments contained apparent lies about peoples names or residence in Morrow County, where the project site is located. The board acknowledged those concerns in its ruling but asserted that substantial public opposition existed regardless of the potentially fabricated comments.

The controversy about those false comments, along with anonymous or multiple submissions, feeds into broader criticism that the board has reduced renewable energy siting to a local popularity contest.

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When the volume of public input is prioritized over its substance, it weakens trust in the process and makes it harder to build the energy system Ohio needs, said Nathan Rutschilling, managing director of energy policy for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Like many states, Ohio faces soaring electricity demand and rising power bills. Clean energy could help address those challenges  provided it can get built.

If were going to deny solar the ability to compete in Ohios marketplace, I think thats going to result in an artificially high price for Ohio consumers, said Democratic state Sen. Kent Smith, who is a nonvoting member of the siting board. He described the boards Crossroads Solar denial as a dangerous thing for the state in terms of both affordability and reliability.

An uphill battle for Crossroads Solar

State and local restrictions on renewable energy have proliferated across the country in recent years, and Ohio is no exception. The states wind and solar developers face hurdles that fossil fuel companies do not, thanks to a 2021 law that lets counties ban renewable energy developments  an authority they do not have over oil, gas, and coal projects.

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Morrow County instituted such a ban across half its townships last year. But because Crossroads Solar was in the regional grid operators queue before the 2021 state law took effect, it is exempt from the blanket prohibition.

However, for the past few years, the Ohio Power Siting Board and its staff have denied or recommended against permits for solar farms when all nearby local governments have been against a project. The Ohio Supreme Court has not yet ruled on a legal challenge to that practice, even though oral argument was held more than a year ago.

Initially, it seemed as if Crossroads Solar might escape this fate. Although Morrow County commissioners and the boards of trustees in two townships where parts of the project would be built were against it, the board in a third township  Cardington  remained neutral. Since opposition wasnt unanimous, the siting boards staff recommended in early December that regulators deem the project in the public interest.

But shortly after that recommendation, meeting minutes show that one Cardington township trustee changed his position because the staff report did not set well with him. That led the Cardington trustees to pass a 21 resolution opposing Crossroads Solar. The switch-up ultimately resulted in the siting board staff reversing its stance, filing testimony in January that encouraged regulators to rule against the project.

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The Power Siting Board relied on that reversal to declare that Crossroads Solar was not in the public interest. It also asserted that there was strong, united opposition to the project by people in the area. Its worth noting, however, that many locals supported Crossroads Solar. Its developer, Open Road Renewables, found that nearly half the public comments from people in nearby towns approved of the project, once the duplicate, anonymous, and unverifiable submissions were removed.

Siting practices under fire

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The Crossroads Solar case exposes deeper flaws in Ohios renewable energy siting process, some say.

Its problematic that a single persons vote on a town council essentially derailed the whole project, said Heidi Gorovitz Robertson, a professor at Cleveland State Universitys College of Law. She argued that instead of reciting objections, regulators should evaluate whether those concerns have a factual basis and whether a developers plans already address them  and then decide whether any remaining issues actually justify denying a permit.

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In the case of Crossroads Solar, Open Road Renewables agreed to address specific concerns about the project. In a late December settlement with the Ohio Environmental Council, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and various landowners, the company promised to follow best practices to keep roads clear and clean, use panels with an antireflective coating, minimize impacts to agriculture during construction, file a sheep-grazing plan to manage vegetation, work with a landscaping company to screen the panels from public view, and more.

But the Power Siting Board wasnt swayed by the compromise, noting that the local governments and individual opponents who intervened in the case didnt take part in the settlement negotiations, despite being invited to do so.

The board also appeared to buy into several obviously unfounded objections to Crossroads Solar, said Craig Adair, vice president of development at Open Road Renewables. For example, its ruling cited community skepticism about the companys intention to graze sheep around the panels, since no contracts for such an arrangement had yet been signed. The board also noted opponents fears that the permit would later be transferred to another firm that wouldnt make good on Open Road Renewables promises.

But the applications commitment to use sheep would become part of the permit conditions, Adair noted. And, as a matter of basic contract law, any company that acquired the project would be subject to the same conditions as Open Road Renewables regarding permits, leases, easements, and other agreements.

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The board also didnt examine whether local governments objections to Crossroads Solar were based on misinformation, such as a laundry list of concerns about fires, contaminated drinking water, heat islands, and stray voltage.

Its taking fact and truth out of the equation, and its truly about concerns and politics, said Doug Herling, a vice president at Open Road Renewables.

Instead, the board denied a project that has no fuel requirements while were in the middle of an oil and gas crisis, Herling continued, referencing the current supply disruptions caused by war in the Middle East. He also pointed out that solar can be built faster than gas plants, which face yearslong supply chain backlogs, and it doesnt emit planet-warming and health-harming pollution.

Herling and Adair said the company plans to ask the board to reconsider its ruling.

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Meanwhile, the permit denial sends a dangerous signal to investors, Adair said.

I wish the state of Ohio luck in meeting its power needs and keeping power prices from going through the roof, he said. For renewable energy developers, its now a game of Russian roulette as to whether you would get a permit and what those criteria are.

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Kosmos Energy is a Dallas-based independent oil and gas company specializing in deep-water exploration and production along the Atlantic Margins. The company leverages a focused asset portfolio and proven basin exploration strategy to drive growth and operational efficiency. Its competitive edge lies in technical expertise and access to high-potential offshore resources in underexplored regions.

Serves global energy markets as an independent oil and gas exploration and production company.

Operates an independent exploration-led business model, generating revenue primarily from the sale of crude oil and natural gas produced from its offshore assets.

Offers deep-water oil and gas exploration and production, with principal assets offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and gas development projects offshore Mauritania and Senegal.

How does the transaction size relate to Ogunlesis current ownership and Kosmos Energy's total insider ownership? Post-transaction, Ogunlesis direct holdings represent approximately 1.03% of total shares outstanding as of the latest available data, contributing materially to overall insider exposure in the company.

Is there any indication of indirect or derivative participation in this transaction? No; all shares were acquired for direct ownership, and the filing shows zero indirect holdings and no derivative security involvement.

What proportion of his prior holdings does the transaction represent? The purchase increased direct common stock holdings by 173.87%, taking his position from 1,816,289 to 4,974,184 shares, more than doubling his exposure to the company.

How does this purchase compare to Ogunlesi's prior trading activity in Kosmos Energy? This is the first open-market purchase by Ogunlesi in at least the past three years; all previous Form 4 filings since June 2023 reflected only administrative updates with no net buying or selling.

Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($1.90); post-transaction value based on March 10, 2026 market close ($2.41).

Director Adebayo Ogunlesi reported an open-market purchase of 3,157,895 shares of Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS) for a transaction value of ~$6.0 million, according to a SEC Form 4 filing .

Story Continues

What this transaction means for investors

This is a sizable purchase and notable because the director hadnt acquired company stock in the past three years.

The stock price has been skyrocketing this year, up about 198% year-to-date (YTD), and since March 10, the companys stock price has jumped about 35% to its current $2.71 per share.

This comes at a time of rising oil prices, due in part to the war in Iran and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

However, it also occurred when Kosmos had a public offering of its common stock on March 10 at $1.90 per share, a significant discount to the approximately $2.00 per share price at the time. The offering was to raise money primarily for debt repayment.

In addition, in February, the government of Ghana extended its license to drill for oil there until 2040. Also, it sold assets in Equatorial Guinea to focus on its assets in Ghana and other locations. Further, the company guided for a significant increase in production in fiscal 2026.

The stock is trading at just 8 times forward earnings.

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Director Loads Up With 3.2 Million Shares of Kosmos Energy was originally published by The Motley Fool
A longtime Ohio congressman has a primary opponent this year who's all about the naked truth.

Niki Frenchko, a former Trumbull County commissioner, told The Enquirer she heard Geauga County Republican Rep. Dave Joyce referred to her as "naked Niki" after she posted about visiting a nude beach on vacation in France. Frenchko decided to double down.

"Since Dave Joyce and his team call me 'naked Niki' and some have even accused me of having an OnlyFans account, I figured I might as well expose everything," she said in a video on Facebook. "So I'll be launching my own OF page so check back soon and subscribe."

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Frenchko created a campaign website at OnlyFrenchko.com, with the heading in a similar blue font to OnlyFans, a subscription-based website popular among explicit content creators. The campaign website includes censored photos of Frenchko on the beach with a scroll that reads "Warning: Washington Insiders May Find This Content Offensive."

"Voters who visit OnlyFrenchko.com wont find scandal  theyll find the unfiltered truth about Frenchkos America-First agenda," a press release for the campaign reads.

The Enquirer reached out to Joyce's campaign staff to ask about his comments about Frenchko.

Campaign staff responded with Congressman Joyce is honored to be endorsed by President (Donald) Trump because he voted with the president 97% of the time and fights every day to advance the America First agenda."

Niki Frenchko

Who is Niki Frenchko?

Frenchko described herself as a "Thomas Massie-style Republican" to The Enquirer. She said she supports releasing all of the Epstein files and campaigning with only small-dollar donations rather than foreign government or special interest group money.

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"I'm not afraid. I would work in the Freedom Caucus because that's the group that holds Congress accountable to the American people," she said.

Frenchko is an Army Reserve veteran and former real estate agent with a master's degree in public administration. She campaigned for Trumbull County commissioner on increased transparency and less cronyism in county government and ousted a longtime Democrat in 2020.

When she criticized the county sheriff for conditions at the jail at a commissioner's meeting in 2022, the sheriff's officers arrested her. Frenchko filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff and his department, the county, the deputies and the other commissioners.

A federal judge ruled in her favor in 2024 and found that Frenchko's First Amendment rights were violated by the arrest.

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"Here in America, we do not arrest our political opponents," Judge Philip Calabrese wrote in his order.

How to vote

Ohio's 14th District includes Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage and Trumbull counties, as well as parts of Mahoning County.

The primary election is May 5. The deadline to register to vote is April 6. To check your district or register to vote, visit voteOhio.gov.

Regional politics reporter Erin Glynn can be reached at eglynn@enquirer.com, @ee_glynn on X and @eringlynn on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio congressional candidate doubles down after nude beach criticism
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has been activated with his Ohio Army National Guard unit, according to Columbus Dispatch media partner NBC4.

Heres what we know.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose activated with Ohio Army National Guard. Where will he serve?

Citing security reasons, the National Guard did not disclose details about LaRoses deployment. An assistant secretary of state would take over the duties of the office should LaRose not be able to perform the job, NBC4 reports.

Frank LaRose is Ohio's secretary of state.

Ohio has more than 35,000 National Guard and Reserve members, according to previous Dispatch reporting. The state is also home to more than 11,000 active-duty service members.

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The news of LaRoses activation with his Ohio Army National Guard unit comes after three Ohio airmen died in a crash in Iraq and as the U.S. moves to deploy roughly 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to Iran, according to USA TODAY.

See the video. Pilot creates flight path to honor fallen Ohio airmen

What did LaRose accomplish as an active-duty service member? His military bio

LaRose joined the Army right out of high school at age 18. He served with the 101st Airborne Division and the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command website. LaRose earned a Bronze Star during his time as an active-duty service member, one of several commendations he received, according to his Secretary of State bio.

In March 2021, LaRose joined the Army Reserve 12 years after leaving active service, according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He served as a state senator and then as Secretary of State in the intervening years.

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After 10 years of service, he left the Army and attend college at Ohio State. LaRose served two terms as a state senator before becoming Secretary of State. He is running for Ohio Auditor in the 2026 election.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose activated with Army National Guard
Around one in three asylum seekers from Iran had their applications approved in Germany at the beginning of the year, official data showed on Thursday.

The figures from the Interior Ministry, which were seen by dpa following an inquiry by a lawmaker from The Left party, showed 35% of asylum applications by Iranian nationals to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in January and February were successful.

The data does not include cases closed for procedural reasons, such as responsibility for the asylum claim lying with another EU member state.

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The period in question came before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, as the Iranian regime cracked down on a nationwide wave of protests.

The escalating war has triggered concerns in Europe of a flow of migrants escaping the violence.

Clara Bunger, spokeswoman for The Left on refugee policy, said the figures are evidence that the BAMF is too strict in its decisions on applications from Iranians.

"Even 61% of female asylum seekers from Iran are rejected, despite the misogynistic regime and systematically discriminatory laws," warned Bunger. "Solidarity with the people of Iran looks different."

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She called on Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to change the BAMF's decision-making practice.

The ministry's figures also showed that Iranian nationals were frequently successful in appealing asylum verdicts, with decisions overturned in more than one in three cases last year.
The Otero County Commission on Wednesday evening voted again to extend a federal immigrant detention contract, after the New Mexico Department of Justice determined its attempt earlier this month violated a state transparency law.

The unanimous vote seeks to prolong the countys arrangement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and private prison operator MTC that allows ICE to house detainees at the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, even though a new state law, House Bill 9, goes into effect in May banning such arrangements.

The Wednesday meeting was an attempt to address violations the state Department of Justice identified as a result of the contract extension commissioners enacted March 13 after a hastily scheduled emergency meeting. The NMDOJ, in a letter March 20, determined that the commission had violated the state Open Meetings Act, which rendered the contract invalid.

County officials have said they need to maintain the contract to pay off more than $60 million in revenue bonds the county sold to build the facility in 2007. They also say the facilitys closure will result in 230 lost jobs, as well as other harms to the county and its residents.

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Just before the vote Wednesday, County Attorney RB Nichols reiterated his defense of the emergency meeting and criticized the Legislature for what he said was indifference in passing HB9 without providing the county a path forward,

The state proceeded with indifference  indifference to the bondholders, indifference to the employees, indifference to the immigrants at the facility here he said. And indifference to the economic foundations [for] rural communities that have done nothing wrong.

Despite the countys effort Wednesday to extend the contract legally, Nichols alerted the commission to a new letter the NMDOJ sent Wednesday that says the contract extension is void for an entirely different reason.

Under state law, according to the letter, the state Department of Finance and Administration must sign off on joint powers agreements like the one between Otero County and ICE.

Nichols said the law the NMDOJ cited does not apply to Otero County, and he accused the department of inventing a new legal avenue to try to shut down the facility. He said Otero County has never had to seek approval from the DFA when it has extended the contract in the past, nor have Torrance and Cibola counties, the other counties with ICE contracts.

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The selective application of this theory on the afternoon of tonights meeting speaks for itself, he said.

NMDOJ Chief of Staff Lauren Rodriguez provided the departments letter to Source NM on Wednesday, which states the contract is void because the DFA secretary did not approve it.

In response to a Source NM question about whether Otero or other counties with ICE contracts have been required to receive state approval in the past, Rodriguez said in an email late Wednesday evening that, It is always incumbent upon local jurisdictions to follow the law. We will continue to monitor and review this process.

The commission met for about 20 minutes to approve the contract extension, as well as to re-approve a resolution meant to enable the county to hire outside lawyers to explore any potential litigation that may arise over this matter, Nichols said.

The commission then went into executive session to discuss pending or threatened litigation. Commissioner Vickie Marquardt said the discussion was regarding House Bill 9 and the NMDOJs ongoing inquiry, though she noted the commission would not be taking any action during the executive session.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Thursday its unconstitutional to require mandatory life sentences without parole for people convicted of felony murder.

Life without parole imposes the harshest imprisonment sanction permitted under the law  imprisonment until death without the opportunity for consideration of release  regardless of culpability, Chief Justice Debra Todd wrote in the majority opinion. Due to this schemes mandatory nature and its unique severity, it poses a great risk of disproportionate punishment.

Life sentences will still be allowed for second-degree murder on a case-by case-basis, but Todd writes that it violates the state constitutions prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment to mandate it in all cases.

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The decision was near-unanimous, with only one judge, Justice Kevin Brobson, dissenting in part.

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But what the ruling means for the more than 1,000 Pennsylvanians serving life sentences without parole on felony murder charges is still unclear.

The ruling gives the general assembly 120 days to come up with a legislative fix to the states sentencing laws, but that could take many different shapes. And it will likely kick off what could be the largest resentencing effort the commonwealth has ever taken, though the timeline will depend on decisions made by lawmakers.

What is felony murder?

Pennsylvanias second-degree murder statute allows prosecutors to charge people without proving intent to cause another persons death. And in some cases, a person can be charged without actually killing someone. Prosecutors just need to prove a person died while they committed a felony.

Thats what happened to Marie Mechie Scott. In 1973, when she was 19, Scott robbed a gas station with her boyfriend Leroy Saxton, who shot and killed an attendant named Michael Kerrigan.

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Scott was imprisoned for more than 50 years until 2025, when Gov. Josh Shapiro commuted her sentence.

John Alexander also received a life sentence without parole for felony murder, which hes still serving. He and his family have been watching the case that led to Thursdays ruling closely.

Everybodys been waiting to see what the ruling will be, Derek Johns, Alexanders younger brother, told the Capital-Star Thursday. I feel overwhelmed.

Johns said he speaks with his brother around four times a week.

Im pretty sure hes gonna call today, he said. One thing about prison is word in there spreads quickly  Theres a lot of older guys feeling like they were gonna die in there who are 50, 55 or 60 years in. Im happy for them.

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But Johns added that, while he welcomes the ruling, hes still concerned about how long it may take for the resentencing process to begin, and what that may mean for his brother.

His family is also fighting to have Alexander exonerated.

Alexander was charged in the kidnapping of a man named Renaldo Zayas in 2003 in an attempt to obtain a ransom. Zayas was ultimately bound and stabbed to death.

But Alexander claimed that he was also a kidnapping victim, who was himself bound and beaten.

Teri Himebaugh, a Philadelphia attorney who specializes in wrongful conviction appeals, told the Capital-Star in 2024 there were numerous issues with Alexanders case. Chief among them, Alexanders court-appointed attorney, J. Michael Farrell, was later convicted of money laundering and witness tampering in 2017. Himebaugh argues that means Alexander did not have adequate representation.

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But Himebaugh also said that the case that led to Thursdays ruling could open up another path to get Alexander out of prison. It centered on the sentence of a man named Derek Lee, who is currently serving life without parole.

Lee committed armed robbery with an accomplice in 2014, holding up victims Leonard Butler and Tina Chapple in their basement in Pittsburgh.

According to the ruling, Lee pistol-whipped Butler, but left the basement before his co-defendent killed him in a scuffle over a weapon.

The ruling, along with declaring mandatory life without parole sentences for felony murder unconstitutional, requires a lower court to begin the resentencing process for Lee.

Advocates and officials celebrate

The ruling was a victory for criminal justice advocates, and a number of Pennsylvania officials, who have been pushing to reshape the commonwealths sentencing laws for years.

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After the ruling was released Thursday morning, Gov. Josh Shapiro, who previously served as state Attorney General and a member of the commonwealths parole board, released a statement saying, I have long believed this law is unjust and wrong. As Governor, I took legal action in this case arguing to strike down this sentencing framework.

Shapiros office filed an amicus brief in the case arguing for the sentencing law to be struck down.

Common sense and true justice dictate that we need different penalties for different conduct, Shapiro continued. For example, the getaway driver shouldnt get the same sentence as the person who pulls the trigger.

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Robert Saleem Holbrook, the executive director of the Abolitionist Law Center, which argued the case along with the Amistad Law Project and the Center for Constitutional Rights, said in a statement Thursday, This ruling brings a measure of hope and redemption to over 1,000 people serving death by incarceration in Pennsylvania, however it is also another step in our battle to abolish all death by incarceration sentences in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is one of two states, along with Louisiana, that has mandatory life without parole sentences for people convicted of felony murder.

What happens next?

The Supreme Court stayed its ruling for 120 days to allow the General Assembly the chance to legislate what should happen in both past and future cases involving felony murder charges.

When it comes to future cases, lawmakers will have to rewrite sentencing laws. As it stands, there are two bills that would do this, one in the House and one in the Senate.

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The Senate bill, sponsored by Sens. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington), would implement a 25-year minimum sentence for second-degree murder, and allow for parole thereafter.

The House bill, introduced by Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery), would create a 50-year maximum sentence for second-degree murder, but allow for less.

When it comes to what would happen to people who are already serving life sentences on felony murder charges, the proposals are more or less the same. Anyone sentenced as an adult would be able to go to the parole board after 25 years.

However, when it comes to those already serving, lawmakers could also choose another route. The legislature could require people serving life without parole on felony murder charges to file individual petitions in the court.

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If no legislation is passed, or a bill is approved that doesnt address existing life sentences, that will likely kick the issue back to the courts. And that could result in detainees needing to file individual petitions on a case-by-case basis.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) said House Democrats are still reviewing the ruling.

According to Roxanne Horrell with the advocacy group Straight Ahead, the court process can take much longer than going through the parole board.

She pointed to what happened after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled mandatory life sentences without parole for minors were illegal in a case called Miller vs. Alabama that was decided in 2012.

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The Pennsylvania legislature passed a law rewriting sentencing guidelines for future cases involving minors, but did not address those previously charged. That led to a 2016 ruling in a state case called Commonwealth v. Batts, which found life sentences for juveniles were illegal except in exceptional cases.

But the way that decision was written, people potentially affected by it needed to go through the courts individually. But, courts in some counties are overburdened. So as a result, Horrell noted there are still some people who have yet to finish that process serving time after being sentenced to life without parole as minors before the case was decided in 2016.

That was the biggest resentencing weve ever had so far in the state, but this felony murder [ruling] would be even larger, Horrell said.

While around 500 affected people were serving life sentences without parole handed down as minors then, double that number are potentially affected by Thursdays ruling.

Thats in part why Straight Ahead, a sister organization of the Abolitionist Law Center, is advocating for a legislative fix that would allow those currently serving life without parole on felony murder charges to go through the parole board.

These are families that have been separated in many cases for decades, who had no hope sometimes that their family members would ever go home, Horrell said. Were an organization that believes in second chances and the ability of people to grow and change.
For years, Sen. Jennifer Boysko has returned to the same piece of legislation, Virginias proposed Equal Pay Act, pushing it session after session through a divided state government, only to see it stall or fall to a veto.

This bill is the one that Ive worked on longer than any other, because it was really my mom who was my inspiration for running, the Fairfax Democrat said in an interview earlier this week, recalling how her mother faced wage disparity and wage theft while raising a family alone.

Understanding that in this time of our history, we are still seeing that women and minorities are consistently paid less than their male counterparts has been very frustrating.

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Now, on Equal Pay Day  the annual marker of how far into the year women must work to earn what men did the previous year  Boyskos proposal is closer than ever to becoming law.

With Democrats in full control of state government, legislation aimed at closing the gender pay gap is headed to Gov. Abigail Spanbergers desk, drawing praise from supporters who say it could help level the playing field for working families.

Boysko said the bill is rooted in personal experience and years of advocacy.

Hopefully this will help make the lives of women and families better, thats been my priority as someone who watched my mom really struggle as her marriage broke up, she said.

Bill targets salary history, boosts pay transparency

Boyskos measure, Senate Bill 215, targets long-standing practices that advocates say perpetuate pay inequities.

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It would bar employers from asking job applicants about their wage or salary history and prohibit them from using that information in hiring or pay decisions. Employers would also be required to include salary ranges in job postings and set those ranges in good faith.

The bill further prohibits retaliation against applicants who decline to provide salary history or who request pay information.

While applicants could still voluntarily disclose prior pay after receiving an offer, employers would face limits on how that information can be used.

Workers would be allowed to bring civil actions against employers, with statutory damages ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater, along with attorney fees and other relief.

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The proposal cleared the Senate along a party-line vote, reflecting a broader Democratic push for pay transparency and workplace equity. A companion measure, House Bill 636, was sponsored by Del. Michelle Maldonado, D-Manassas. It passed the chamber on a 63-34 vote.

It does fall very nicely into our affordability plans about how were trying to make things affordable for everyday folks, Maldonado told WHRO earlier this year. And certainly, having good salaries, good compensation and benefits packages falls right into that for people to be able to care for themselves and for their families.

A widening gap and political divide

Supporters say the legislation addresses structural issues that contribute to the gender pay gap, which persists nationwide despite decades of policy efforts.

A recent analysis by the Economic Policy Institute found that the gap widened slightly in 2025, with women on average earning about 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, down from roughly 84 cents the year before.

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The report also found that Black and Hispanic women continue to face even wider disparities, earning significantly less than white, non-Hispanic men.

Researchers tied the widening gap in part to federal policy shifts and broader economic trends, while noting that state-level actions, such as pay transparency laws, can help narrow disparities.

Boysko said one of the key drivers of pay inequity is the reliance on salary history, which can lock workers into lower wages over time.

I did a lot of due diligence to understand what the remedies might be as far as making a leveled playing field, and that was the understanding of what a job should pay as opposed to basing your wage on your past history, she said.

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But when then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin rejected a similar measure in 2024, he argued it imposed a one-size-fits-all approach on businesses.

In his veto message, he said the bill represents government overreach and could potentially expos[e] small businesses to lawsuits. He also warned that its potential adverse effects on small businesses, prospective employees, and the economy are too high, saying it disregards the diverse nature of Virginia businesses.

Boysko said the partisan divide over the issue reflects broader philosophical differences between the parties.

They just dont like any sort of what they call a mandate, she said of Republican opposition.

Democrats tie wage equity to affordability push

With Democrats now holding a governing trifecta, the path forward has changed  especially after lawmakers have made affordability a central theme of the 2026 legislative session, tying wage equity to broader economic concerns.

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Boysko said the measure is not a cure-all but part of a larger effort to address wage disparities.

Its one tool, she said. What we have seen is that if a person understands what the salary should be in advance as opposed to basing their salary on their salary history, thats one way. Secondly, allowing colleagues to talk about their salary amongst themselves is another. And then having access to understand when a new job opening is coming up is a third way of ending the wage disparity.

The bills passage comes as Equal Pay Day is being marked Thursday, a reminder of the wage gap that still persists.

Boysko said she hopes that distinction will eventually become unnecessary.

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Im very proud that we were able to pass this and looking forward to celebrating the end to the need for Equal Pay Day, she said. At some point we will end that need to mark that day, because they will be the same.

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Irans recent attack on Qatars helium production facility has raised concerns about whether a supply disruption will impact medical imaging access in the United States.

Users on social media, including some who work in the medical field, sounded the alarm about a potential shortage of helium and a possibility of issues with MRIs or other medical necessities. Liquid helium is used to cool down the superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, which must be kept at a temperature close to absolute zero so that electricity can flow without resistance, creating a stable magnetic field.

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But while some medical professionals expressed concern online, industry experts monitoring the situation do not think Americans should worry just yet.

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Qatar supplies about a third of the worlds helium, with the gas produced at QatarEnergys Ras Laffan Industrial City as a byproduct of liquified natural gas extraction. But the country stopped producing helium earlier this month because of the war in Iran. And the damage from Irans strikes on Qatars energy infrastructure last week has added to supply worries. The countrys state-owned gas company, QatarEnergy, toldReuters that the most recent strikes could cut helium output by 14%.

QatarEnergy has since declared force majeure on its liquefied natural gas exports, meaning it can not supply its contracted customers due to extraordinary events beyond its control.

But helium industry experts told HuffPost that the move will not severely impact the helium supply needed for medical equipment like MRI machines, in part because very little helium from Qatar ends up in the U.S., the worlds largest producer of the gas.

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We have more than enough supply here in the U.S., said helium industry consultant Maura Garvey. The U.S. has about 8.49 billion cubic meters of recoverable helium, excluding helium in storage facilities, according to theUnited States Geological Survey.

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Garvey added that the U.S. consumes about 67% of the helium it produces and exports the extra.

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

Some people have expressed concern over a reduction in helium, which is used for MRIs, because of the Iran war. But industry experts say theres no reason to panic yet. Getty Images

Premier Inc., a North Carolina- and California-based company that works with helium suppliers on behalf of more than 4,000 hospitals, is not currently concerned about a supply disruption affecting the MRI machines its clients use. Mark Hendrickson, director of supply chain policy at Premier, said that the current supply of medical-grade helium used at the facilities they work with is stable, even if Qatars remains offline for some time.

Most of Qatars helium is shipped to Europe and Asia, according to Garvey, and those parts of the world are more at risk of needing to figure out how to supplement their helium supplies.

Life: Are You Guilty Of 'Conversational Narcissism'? Here's How To Tell.

And because there has been an oversupply of helium for the last two years, the helium supply shortage is actually about 15% and not the 30% Qatar produces, according to Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting.

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Helium suppliers are also allowed to ration the gas if need be and prioritize the needs of clients that they deem the most critical, Kornbluth added.

So, MRIs or any other medical application, thats at the front of the line, Kornbluth said. They are going to get 100% of their historical requirements for helium or something very close.

Helium industry experts warned that while the supply of helium is not at risk in the U.S., gas prices will likely increase. And it already has. Kornbluth noted that the spot market price of helium had roughly doubled due to the Iran war.

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But the spot market only accounts for 2% of the market in normal times and maybe 4% now because its a contract business. Its not a spot business, he said. Contract prices will go up; they will probably go up double-digits. But they arent going to double overnight.

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Kornbluth explained that if helium suppliers are unable to fully supply their customers, they could declare force majeure and implement surcharges. One leading supplier of industrial and medical gases, Airgas, has done this.

The company sent letters to its customers on March 17 stating that because of supply chain issues caused by the Iran war, specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, its clients with up to 50% of their normal allocated product that it would implement a temporary surcharge on its products of $13.50 per hundred cubic feet above the contracted price, according to a copy of the letter obtained by HuffPost.

Both Kornbluth and Garvey noted that Airgas is owned by the French industrial gas group Air Liquide, which is the largest buyer of helium from Qatar. A spokesperson for Airgas did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment on the force majeure or the price surge.

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Americans undergo about40 million MRI scans every year, but even if helium prices doubled in the long term, its unlikely that patients would end up paying more for imaging services, according to Nicolas Bloch, professor of radiology and chief of MRI at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

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Bloch said most newer MRI machines released in the last two years do not need their helium replaced very often. Many medium-aged scanners need about 1,000 litres of liquid helium during their lifetime, which lasts between 10 and 15 years. Older scanners require more liquid helium, about 2,000 litres during their lifetime, and they are more prone to losing the gas through leakage, Bloch noted.

MRI machines are expensive, typically costing between $1 million and $3 million. Maintaining them is also costly, with the price of liquid helium accounting for a relatively small portion of the cost to run the machines.

Considering the expenses, the hospital expenses for the normal maintenance and service, even if the helium price doubles, Bloch said about hospitals, we might feel it a little bit, but not really.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
A grandfather and his grandson were rushed to the hospital after a house fire in New Castle County on Thursday morning.

The fire broke out around 9 a.m. at a home on the corner of Hutchison Road and Evelyn Drive in the Dunlinden Acres neighborhood in Mill Creek, Delaware.

When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and flames on the first floor and had difficulty entering through the front door.

Elsmere Fire Company

Mill Creek Assistant Fire Chief Brian Pollack said the conditions inside the home made it challenging for crews to reach the victims.

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Neighbors tell Action News the family was renovating the home.

Officials said the 79-year-old grandfather was trapped in the home and rescued out of the back door.

"Due to some of the conditions in the house with the fire and smoke, it made it a little challenging for crews to get to the front door to the residents. The victim was removed out of the backside of the house," Pollack said.

He suffered burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.

His 10-year-old grandson, who was on the front steps suffering from smoke inhalation when crews arrived, told firefighters his grandfather was still inside. The boy was taken for treatment and is in stable condition.

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Authorities said four people live in the home, but only the grandfather and grandson were inside at the time of the fire.

Unfortunately, the family's dog died in the fire.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
The Philadelphia Police Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating a car theft ring targeting Honda vehicles throughout the city of Philadelphia.

Of the more than 2,600 cars stolen so far this year, police say 747, or about 30%, are Hondas.

Philadelphia Police Captain Robert McKeever told Action News that Hondas are the number one target of thieves, with Accords and CR-Vs being the most popular models stolen.

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McKeever said Honda parts are universal, which makes them attractive to steal.

This information from police jives with newly-released data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. It has listed the top 10 most stolen cars from last year, with the Honda Accord, Civic and CR-V all making the list.

Residents in Roxborough are now voicing concerns about stolen Hondas in their neighborhood.

Elise Palmer, of Roxborough, had her 2023 Honda CR-V stolen on March 14 from the 300 block of Kingsley Street.

"When the police officer came out, he said they that were being targeted. Honda CR-Vs, specifically," she said.

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Action News also spoke with a Roxborough couple whose 2020 Honda Accord was stolen on February 20 from the 4500 block of Manayunk Avenue.

With an AirTag inside the car, they were able to track it to the 800 block of North 45th Street in West Philadelphia.

"When I got there, my key fob did not work with the vehicle," the car owner said. "It turns out that the thieves somehow reprogrammed the vehicle, so it removes my keys from the system and works with whatever key they had at the time."

The couple had their car towed and fixed. They've now added new accessories to the vehicle in order to secure it.

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"I have a club now. I'm trying to get a kill switch for the vehicle to protect it. And, I still have the Apple AirTag in there to make sure I can find it in case this happens again."

Both the couple and Palmer said they want to spread the word that this is happening, so other Honda owners in the area can be aware.

Palmer said, "It feels violating for the most part that someone can come and take your stuff."
LINCOLN  After two failed attempts at advancing Nebraskas main budget bill, state lawmakers moved the budget forward Thursday with little fanfare or fuss.

Lawmakers advanced Legislative Bill 1071 in a 34-7 vote, moving the bill to its third and final round of floor debate. The states second budget bill, LB 1072, was also cleaned up and sent to its final round Thursday, setting the stage for Nebraskas budget to be sent to Gov. Jim Pillens desk next week.

LB 1071 failed to secure the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster twice before Thursday. The first attempt at advancing the bill failed 19-10, and the second failed 27-15.

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Thursday took a different tone toward the budget, as LB 1071 saw little debate and no opposition. Though the bill received more than 33 votes toward advancement, it was the first time this session that a cloture motion wasnt needed to advance the bill.

Without a filibuster, the bill only required 25 votes to advance.

It sharply contrasted the tense discussions that made up the budget debates to this point. Thursdays debate was mostly quiet and sometimes celebratory. It included a standing ovation for Appropriations Committee chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood and Speaker John Arch of La Vista for their work.

People ask me a lot, Are you enjoying it? Clements said of the budget process. Well, come to Appropriations for 10 years and see what you say. But I do enjoy numbers. I think you guys know that.

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LB 1071 was held up because lawmakers hit an impasse on whether to remove or include a new proposed $3.5 million school vouchers program, largely to use state funding to offset some costs of attendance at private K-12 schools for the students who started attending under a school choice law that voters repealed in 2024.

The bridge program came at Pillens request, who originally set the funding at $7 million in his early session budget proposal. The Appropriations Committee halved the funding, citing cost concerns as lawmakers sought to fill the states $646 million projected deficit.

Just before LB 1071s first stall, Clements tried to remove the provision on his own, believing that it lacked enough support to pass  a theory his fellow conservatives tested on the floor days later. Some supporters of the school choice proposal said they wouldnt support the budget if the program was removed, leading to the cloture motion failing.

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On LB 1071s second attempt at advancing on Wednesday, lawmakers tried adding the voucher program back into the budget. Some supporters aired grievances about the inclusion of LB 304 from State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington in the budget. The policy would permanently extend income eligibility for the states child care subsidy program at 185% of the federal poverty level, rather than letting it fall to 130% this October.

Several school choice supporters expressed that the budget likely wouldnt progress unless both the voucher program and the child care subsidies were included in the budget  or neither.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair said Wednesdays debate was a chance to advance a budget that had components that every lawmaker would be happy with. That attempt ultimately failed 27-15.

The budget debate resumed Thursday with a new amendment to remove the child care subsidy provision from the bill. Removing the voucher program wasnt necessary because Clements initial choice to remove the program was still in effect. Lawmakers adopted the amendment with no one speaking in opposition.

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha. March 10, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

DeBoer said she was happy to see LB 1071 advance, but she still hopes to make progress on her child care subsidy proposal. LB 304 remains on the books and is DeBoers priority bill, but its up to Arch to schedule the bill for floor debate, and after Thursday there are only nine days left in the 60-day session.

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Well just see where the session goes from here, DeBoer said.

Its unclear whether supporters of the voucher program will attempt to pass the policy through a separate bill. Its path isnt as straightforward, as the measure wasnt introduced as a standalone bill, but instead was a recommendation from Pillen included in the budget package.

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said Thursdays votes signaled strong bipartisan support for the final version of Nebraskas budget. While she said Pillen was disappointed the school choice provision didnt make the final cut, he understands that the Legislatures duty is to pass a balanced budget.

Senators worked together and across the aisle to move this incredibly conservative budget revision forward, Strimple said in an email statement. Governor Pillen appreciates the bipartisan support that allowed LB 1071 and LB 1072 to advance.

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Arch said he was very pleased with the outcome of Thursdays debate. He said the quiet consensus lawmakers found on the budget bills exemplified that some senators got what they wanted out of Wednesdays debate  an opportunity to make the case for why their preferred policies should be included in the budget.

This year is a classic example that the budget is a process, Arch said.

The gridlock lawmakers encountered prior to Thursdays vote also showed why its inappropriate to add policy changes to the states budget bills, Arch said. He said he hopes returning lawmakers remember the lesson in new budget cycles.

The likely passage of LB 1071 and LB 1072 next week doesnt mean Nebraskas budget deficit has been closed. Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said the projected deficit stands at around $38 million, assuming no other changes are made to the budget package.

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This means filling the deficit will likely rely on a collection of revenue-generating bills still up for debate, including efforts to increase taxes and roll back existing tax exemptions.

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Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS) delivers financial data, analytics, and enterprise solutions to investment professionals. Its platform brings together market intelligence, portfolio analytics, and workflow tools, allowing clients to move seamlessly from insight to execution.

With a market cap of approximately $7.7 billion, the company supports research, trading, risk, and reporting through subscriptions, cloud platforms, data feeds, and APIs, serving institutions across global markets. The company is now approaching its fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings release on Tuesday, March 31, before markets open.

More News from Barchart

Analysts expect diluted EPS of $4.37, reflecting a 2.1% increase from $4.28 a year ago. Recent execution, however, has been uneven, with FactSet beating EPS expectations in two of the past four quarters while missing in the other two.

Beyond the quarter, the earnings path looks steadier. The Street models fiscal year 2026 diluted EPS at $17.42, a 2.6% year-over-year increase. Estimates then step up to $18.98 for fiscal year 2027, implying a further 9% gain.

www.barchart.com

Turning to price action, FDS stock has fallen 54.3% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) surged 13.7% in the same period. Year-to-date (YTD), the stock remains down nearly 32% versus a 4.2% decline for the benchmark, signaling persistent selling pressure and fragile sentiment.

The divergence deepens against sector peers. The State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) slipped 1.7% over the past 52 weeks and 10% in 2026, both far milder than FactSets drawdown.

www.barchart.com

There are, however, early signs of a pivot. On March 3, the stock rose 1.3% after FactSet introduced integrated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven financial crime risk management within its Workstation. The release bundles Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and risk tools to streamline compliance and onboarding for middle-market and regional banks.

The unified platform is expected to strengthen client stickiness and create cross-selling opportunities. By embedding AI into critical workflows, FactSet is enhancing decision-making and delivering measurable efficiency gains. This positions the firm to drive subscription growth, support margins, and deepen relationships with banks.
New guidance, due to be published by the British government, could include recommendations for stop anywhere night buses as part of a wider initiative to make streets safer for women.

Local councils will receive the recommendations later this year, alongside training sessions, to outline the safety considerations.

The guidance is being drafted by the government agency Active Travel England (ATE) and will refer to initiatives that are used worldwide.

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In Vigo, Spain, ATE says there has been success introducing night bus request stops, allowing women and girls to disembark at any point.

The measure can reduce the distance women walk alone from a bus stop to their home.

Vigo City Council and Vitrasa (the city's bus company) jointly launched this measure to combat gender-based violence.

The service is available every night between 10.30pm and 6.30am. To use it, women need to inform the driver of their desired stop as they board the bus.

The new guidance comes as a YouGov poll, released on Wednesday, 25 March, found that almost nine in 10 (88 per cent) women have felt unsafe while walking at night.

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Seven in 10 said they have changed their route to avoid walking in the dark during winter or darker months.

Inadequate lighting, poorly maintained routes, personal safety fears and antisocial behaviour were identified as key reasons behind these results, with the majority of respondents saying they would feel safer walking in their neighbourhoods if these issues were addressed.

Local authorities will be able to draw on their allocation of Active Travel Englands 626 million funding pot to address street safety issues, including improvements that make walking safer and more appealing for women and girls.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: No one should worry about getting to their destination safely after dark and these stats show just how much work there is to be done.

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This programme is turning conversations into real change by working directly with the councils who design our streets to ensure women and girls in our communities feel safe to walk, wheel and cycle whenever they want to.

After the release of the nationwide plans to design safer streets, industry body Rail Delivery Group said the British Transport Police (BTP) and operators such as Transport for London, Network Rail, Transport for Wales and Transport Scotland will implement new measures to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls.

The rail industry and BTP said it would enhance its CCVT, introduce a specialised police unit to investigate the highest harm sexual offences, increase the use of body-worn cameras and better vetting on customer-facing roles.

Read more: A third of girls avoid taking public transport alone over safety fears  survey
The Plymouth police officer recently placed on leave during a criminal investigation and her husband were arrested by state police on Thursday, the Plymouth County District Attorneys office tells Boston 25 News.

Plymouth police officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, and her husband Daniel Forand were taken into custody at their home without incident, a Plymouth County District Attorney spokesperson told Boston 25.

Pelrine was placed on leave on March 17 after Massachusetts State Police notified the Plymouth Police Department of an active criminal investigation.

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Pelrine is the subject of an abuse prevention order filed in Plymouth District Court on March 17, court documents show.

In a handwritten affidavit, the accuser claims that Pelrine and her husband, Daniel Forand, both sexually assaulted me until 2025 and physically assaulted me until 2026.

Physical assault was only performed by Daniel Forand, the accuser wrote in the affidavit filed in Plymouth District Court.

The court issued a similar abuse-prevention order against Forand on March 17.

The Plymouth Police Department placed Pelrine on leave on Sunday.

In a statement after her arrest, the police department said they were appalled and deeply disturbed by the allegations.

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We hold our officers to the highest of standards and expect them to uphold their sworn duty both on duty and off, Plymouth police said. Our primary mission is to safeguard the publics trust and uphold the law. We value human life, fairness, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. The conduct alleged is in violation of our values and of our basic principles as police officers, to serve and protect.

Pelrine and Forand are scheduled to be arraigned in Plymouth District Court on Thursday.

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A Plymouth police officer and her husband are facing multiple child rape charges stemming from a child sex crime investigation, the district attorney said Thursday.

Officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, and her husband, Daniel Forand, 37, walked out of Plymouth District Court on Thursday with their attorney, Joseph Krowski, who declined comment after the couple was released on bail following their arraignment.

State police arrested the couple at their home at 6 a.m. Thursday. They were taken into custody without incident.

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Pelrine is charged with three counts of aggravated rape of a child and one count of statutory rape, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said. She was placed on leave from her police job on March 17 after state police notified Plymouth police of an active criminal investigation.

Pelrines duty status is currently under review, Plymouths police department said Thursday.

Plymouth police officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, and her husband Daniel Forand, leave court with their attorney, Joseph Krowski, left, on March 26, 2026.

Forand is charged with six counts of indecent assault and battery, 12 counts of aggravated rape of a child, and one count each of assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Prosecutors had requested that the couple be held on $250,000 cash bail with certain conditions should they make bail.

Plymouth District Court Judge Kristen Stone set bail at $25,000 for Forand and $10,000 for Pelrine.

Conditions for their release are that Pelrine and Forand have no contact with the victim, have no contact with children under the age of 18, surrender all firearms, remain in Massachusetts, and surrender their passports.

Plymouth police officer Samantha Pelrine, 31, and her husband Daniel Forand, leave court following their arraignment on March 26, 2026.

On March 15, an adult male victim went to the Massachusetts State Police barracks in Middleborough to report that he had been sexually assaulted, first by Forand and then by Forand and Pelrine together, on numerous occasions from 2018-2025, Cruz said.

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As a result of the investigation, state police on Wednesday sought and obtained arrest warrants for Pelrine and Forand.

The couples accuser made claims of sexual abuse by Pelrine and Forand in abuse prevention orders filed in Plymouth District Court on March 17, the same day the officer was placed on administrative leave from her job.

The court ordered Pelrine and her husband not to abuse or contact the alleged victim, to stay at least 100 yards from the alleged victim, and to immediately surrender all guns, ammunition, gun licenses, and FID cards, court documents show.

Officer on leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation

In a handwritten affidavit, the accuser claims that Pelrine and her husband both sexually assaulted me until 2025 and physically assaulted me until 2026.

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Physical assault was only performed by Daniel Forand, the accuser wrote in the affidavit filed in Plymouth District Court.

They are looking for me and I am scared for my safety, the accuser wrote in the affidavit.

On Thursday, the Plymouth Police Department issued another statement after learning of Pelrines arrest following a criminal investigation into her off-duty conduct.

We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the allegations, the department said in a statement. We hold our officers to the highest standards and expect them to uphold their sworn duty both on duty and off.

Our primary mission is to safeguard the publics trust and uphold the law, the department said. We value human life, fairness, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. The conduct alleged is in violation of our values and of our basic principles as police officers, to serve and protect.

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While we respect the judicial process, we remain committed to a timely and thorough internal investigation to find the facts, review available evidence, and take appropriate administrative action, the department said.

Officer Pelrines duty status is currently under review, the department said.

The couple is due back in court on June 8.

Assisting with the couples arrest on Thursday morning were members of the Massachusetts State Police Plymouth County Detective Unit, the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, State Police Troop D detectives, and the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Beavercreek Police are looking to identify and locate two people accused of stealing from the Dillards store that opened earlier this month.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In a social media post, police said two people entered the store on Tuesday, March 24, and selected multiple bottles of cologne.

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The items were then concealed on their persons before they exited the store without paying, the department said.

Police are asking anyone who has information about the suspects or the theft to contact Detective ONeill at (937) 426-1225 ext. 233 or oneillt@beavercreekohio.gov.

Anonymous tips are accepted.

The alleged theft comes less than a week after Dillards hosted its grand opening at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

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Sarah Krasley, a visiting fellow at Cornell Universitys ILR School, was midway through a tour of a garment manufacturer in Cambodia when a question occurred to her. She gestured to the evaporative cooling water curtains lining the factory walls, the exhaust fans driving cold air across sewing floors, the refrigerant-powered air conditioning keeping heatsensitive equipment thrumming despite summer temperatures that have soared past 42 degrees Celsius, or 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Did a brand help you pay for this? Did the International Finance Corporation or another development organization? she asked the women leaders of Sabrina Garments, a nearly 78,000-square-foot facility on the western edge of Phnom Penh in Kampong Speu Province. They looked at me like I was nuts. They were like, No, we funded this ourselves. Why would we do otherwise?

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Krasley was on a research trip in Cambodia and Vietnam in November, whereas she wrote in a report published by the ILR Global Labor Institute a few months laterextreme heat waves intensified by climate change have become not a passing disruption but a defining operating condition that can cause physiological strain, leading to exhaustion, vision loss, urinary tract infections or even death.

As founder of Shimmy Technologies, an AI-powered gamified training platform that helps upskill garment workers for the age of automation, Krasley has long been interested in what happens when large forces collide with worker livelihoods. Now she wanted to understand how apparel factories were adapting to what she described as heats systems-level pressure on labor, especially as suppliers on razor-thin margins bear the cost in poorer countries where aging infrastructure is expensive to retrofit and well-intentioned buyer codes of conduct seldom translate into financing.

The ILR Global Labor Institute had already made the business case for climate adaptation in a series of reports, beginning with a 2023 analysis with the investment firm Schroders that estimated that declining productivity from mounting temperatures and flooding could cut export earnings by $65 billion and jeopardize 1 million new jobs in four of the worlds top garment-producing countries by 2030. Its research also found that workers had few safety guidelines and even less legal recourse when conditions became unbearable.

Most of all, it concluded that adaptation isnt yet built into risk planning because the broader fashion industry, as well as the regulators meant to deliver oversight, remain laser-focused on mitigation.

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A lot of people who care about whats going on in workers lives are struggling to capture the impacts, or quantify them, said Jason Judd, executive director of the ILR Global Labor Institute and an author of many of the previous studies.

To document real-world examples of largely self-financed heat adaptation measures initiated by factory management, Krasley visited An Giang Samho, a large semi-automated footwear complex in Vietnams An Giang Province; WorldOn, a cut-and-sew facility about 90 minutes outside Ho Chi Minh City; and the aforementioned Sabrina Garments in Cambodia.

What she discovered were three distinct adaptation pathways: the first supplier introduced gradual changes within an open-shed set-up that relied on natural cross ventilation; the second saw cooling as necessary for the precise temperature and humidity control required to run automated technologies like robotic sewing; and the third made incremental investments guided by data and worker feedback.

While their methods differed, all three manufacturers treated cooling not as a reactive response but as essential to their long-term operational resilience. The result also justified the initial outlay.

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The factories that have invested proactively are seeing an ROI beyond straight-up were more productive, Krasley said. There were broader returns. And it was interesting to see what was important to workers.

At Sabrina Garments, for example, absenteeism hovers at 1 percent, a rarity for Cambodias garment sector, managers said. Coupled with competitive salaries, subsidized lunches and what she characterized as a calm, respectful environment, workers are clamoring for jobs at the factory. Employees also reportedly remain with Sabrina Garments for 10 to 15 years in an industry plagued by high turnover, many of them returning after family leave.

Something else Krasley observed was that the factories didnt embark on one gigantic, expensive retrofit, but rather took a stepwise approach to accumulating cooling improvements that was easier on their bottom lines.

They didnt have to be expensive, either: An Giang Samho installed ice machines to make and store clean ice after a manager noticed workers bending over makeshift ice buckets filled with often unsanitary ice from their neighborhoods. When workers started using them, supervisors reported fewer midday heat complaints. A union leader Krasley spoke to also described the decision as meaningful, an indication of management attention and a gesture of care beyond mitigating a compliance risk.

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At the same time, the factorys most consequential climate adaptation, she said, came from a vendor-financed solar installation whose financing structure allowed it to adopt renewable energy without upfront capital or downtime. Functioning as a thermal shield that catches heat from the sun before it warms the building, the solar panels have helped lower indoor temperatures by 3 degrees Celsius while reducing energy costs by $3,000 per month.

While WorldOn purpose-built part of its factory with air conditioninguncommon in Vietnamit too made progressive decisions that alleviated heat discomfort, such as replacing steam-based ironing systems and fabric-relaxing machines with electric ones that lowered ambient temperatures. Instead of conventional metal ductwork, it employed fabric-based air dispersion ducts that are easier to clean and distribute air more evenly without creating drafts.

WorldOn also moved from passive ventilation to active environmental management by installing a digital monitoring system that uses sensors to track temperature and humidity throughout the factory, keeping levels within defined parameters during production hours.

For Krasley, these case studies show theres a real opportunity to tackle climate adaptation meaningfully by prioritizing progress over perfection.

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None of these is a fully complete solution to heat abatement, she said. But it builds on the next and builds on the next and builds on the next. And with the world were in right now, thats the type of action we want to encourage. We dont want a factory to throw up its hands and say, Well, this is too expensive. I cant go all in on cooling. We want them to say, OK, what are these things I can do with a target in mind?

Krasley sees a clear parallel between the industrys reaction to the 2013 collapse of Rana Plaza in Bangladesh and how it needs to respond to the worsening worker heat crisis. After the tragedy happened, fashion brands and civil society organizations rallied to evaluate and repair safety shortfalls that threatened similar buildings and the workers within them, even if they required massive capital investment. Heat, she said, must now be met with the same sense of urgency.

If we dont get a handle on this in terms of heat, were going to be in that same situation, Krasley added. It might not be buildings coming down, but people are already suffering.
A U.S. Justice Department lawyer admitted in court Thursday that if Rhode Island hands over unredacted voter rolls, that data will be shared with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to check citizenship status.

The acknowledgment came during a nearly three-hour hearing in United States v. Amore, the federal lawsuit brought against Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore in December for his refusal last year to offer up unredacted voter rolls containing drivers license numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers for the states electorate.

The DOJ wants the data, it says, to ensure the states compliance with voting integrity laws. But Rhode Island is one of two dozen states pushing back against the Trump administrations nationwide request, with legal battles against the directive arguing for the supremacy of states in managing elections.

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At one point, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy asked, Can you take this list and send it to Homeland Security and say, Hey, check this out to see if any of these people are not citizens in compliance with all federal laws?

Yes, and we intend to do so, said Eric Neff, who represented the DOJ during Thursdays hearing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Neff said that the Justice Department and Homeland Security already have a use agreement in place for such sharing.

Amore has removed about 105,000 voters from the rolls during his tenure as secretary. He also offered a compromise: He would turn over a redacted statewide voter list, albeit one without the sensitive fields desired by the DOJ. That the Justice Department found this unsatisfactory was a recurring concern for McElroy, who appeared unimpressed Thursday by the feds rationale for acquiring the data.

Neff stated in his opening remarks that the suits purpose was transparency, but McElroy needled him until a more specific downstream use for the data  possible citizenship checks  was revealed.

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One thing I can promise for sure is that the Civil Rights Division is going to comply with every order this court gives, no questions asked, Neff, who serves as acting chief of the voting section in the DOJs civil rights division, said during the hearing.

I kind of doubt that, McElroy replied.

McElroy, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, did not rule from the bench Thursday. She did not humor the feds much, either. At one point, she told Neff she would stop interrupting him with questions so he could make his arguments.

It did not last long.

Within a minute or two, McElroy was again interrupting, grimacing, frowning and pressing Neff on the statutes from which the government derived its request. Was there evidence of fraud that led the feds to include Rhode Island in its sweeping request for voter rolls nationwide? There wasnt, Neff clarified, and the feds argument could rely on legal authority alone without needing a specific instance of fraud.

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McElroy offered that if the DOJs purpose is to oversee the legitimacy of voting rolls, then it should look at how Rhode Island runs its elections and verify those procedures, rather than focus on procuring a voter roll which will already be outdated by the minute the DOJ obtains it.

The list gives you nothing except a snapshot in time, McElroy said.

The case now also includes a set of intervenors  including the ACLU and the ACLU of Rhode Island, representing three individual voters plus Common Cause Rhode Island  who are seeking dismissal of the federal complaint alongside the Secretary of States office. Union SEIU District 1199NE and the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans also joined as intervenors, asking to dismiss the case.

McElroy said she would try to issue a written ruling soon, ideally within the next week.

Going in circles

Much of Thursdays hearing orbited the search for a statutory pathway that would authorize  or shatter  the feds specific request for unredacted data. Three laws had starring roles in both sides arguments: The Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1960, the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 and 2002s Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

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The NVRA and HAVA both built upon the foundations in the Civil Rights Act, and both attorneys and McElroy traveled through time to inspect how this nearly 70-year old law at the center of the DOJs arguments should be interpreted in light of its amendments and present-day use that the government said it intends for the data.

James Arguin, a special assistant attorney general in the Office of Rhode Island Attorney General, shouldered most of the defenses core arguments. The case should be dismissed, he said, because the federal argument lacks the required ingredients that would make its demands legal. The Civil Rights Act cannot be used to cast an excessively wide investigative net, Arguin argued, and there must be a concrete factual basis that Rhode Island violated federal election law.

Neff said in his remarks that Rhode Island only complied with two criteria of the Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), recommended by the feds for election integrity. Thursday was the first time the defense had heard this information, Arguin said in his rebuttal.

A voting sign outside a polling place in Cranston on Election Day in November 2024. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The DOJ never alleged  in either communications to Amore or previous court documents  that Rhode Island had done something wrong. Instead, in Arguins assessment, the DOJ appears to be looking for a big fish.

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That kind of fishing expedition is not allowed under the ordinary rules of civil procedure, Arguin said. And certainly it should not be allowed with respect to highly sensitive confidential information on 750,000 active registered voters in Rhode Island.

McElroy was likewise curious about what reality the feds tethered their case to, and she asked Neff plainly, Do you have a factual basis?

Our basis is the CRA, Neff replied, and McElroy winced.

You cant say the CRA requires you to give a basis, and so our basis is the CRA, McElroy said. Thats circular logic.

17 states have complied

The DOJs request for voter rolls went out to nearly every state last year. So far, Neff said, 17 states have handed over the requested data, and the DOJ has held onto these lists. But the department hasnt dug into the lists yet, he said, even from states that were early to comply, like Texas.

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What did you do to verify those lists? McElroy asked.

We have not done anything yet, Neff replied.

McElroy tried again: Why havent you done anything with those states?

The United States is taking extra concern to make sure that were complying with the Privacy Act in every conceivable way, Neff said.

Neff said the government wants the data so it can be used in conjunction with a fetching system by DHS that the agency claimed would accurately identify whether voter rolls contain deceased or noncitizen voters. The source of the systems accuracy prompted an eye roll from McElroy. She was also displeased when Neff later said that states could willingly submit their voting data to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) database.

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I kind of doubt that.

 U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy on whether the DOJ's civil rights division will comply with the District Court's order

This is the new and improved SAVE database? McElroy asked. Not the one that was wildly inaccurate six months ago?

The idea that the DOJ would hand over the data it collects to other agencies seemed to deepen McElroys concerns about the entire data collecting enterprise. Would the data be used for ICE going to peoples homes and arresting them? she asked Neff

No, Neff replied.

Are you sure? McElroy said.

Neffs response: Good question, your honor, because the [DOJs] Civil Rights Division cannot promise what any other agency will or will not do.

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That seemed to summarize the issue for McElroy, who replied, Isnt that why Rhode Island doesnt want to give you the drivers license and Social Security numbers, because you cant promise what other people are going to do?

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At first glance, a bill to ban pet stores from selling puppies and kittens might sound like a good idea if you only hear one side of the story. But scratch beneath the surface, and youll find that the proposed legislation (HF2627/SF1943) is a counterproductive and misguided measure that has already failed in California.

California enacted a similar law with the same goals in mind. What followed wasnt progress. It was chaos. Shelters didnt magically fill the gap in pet demand. Instead, a black market emerged. Unlicensed sellers operating on Craigslist, in parking lots and through social media, where consumers were left with no transparency, no guarantees, and no protection.

And were already seeing signs here of the same kind of dysfunction and consumer deception that followed in California.

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State veterinary records from Missouri show several Minnesota-based rescue groups appearing as buyers at a commercial breeder auction before transporting puppies into Minnesota. These same organizations publicly describe themselves as rescuing homeless animals and actively solicit donations to save dogs in need. Minnesota families who believe theyre adopting a rescued animal may have no idea where their dog actually came from. In at least one case, a buyer identified in the records has previously faced animal cruelty charges.

This is the uncomfortable reality policymakers must confront: eliminating regulated pet stores does not eliminate demand. It simply shifts where and how that demand is met  often into channels with little to no transparency.

Opponents of pet shops incorrectly claim buying a puppy from a licensed pet store supports puppy mills  unlicensed, unregulated dog breeders. In reality, ethical, transparent pet stores in Minnesota source their animals from licensed breeders regulated by the USDA and regularly inspected. These arent shady backyard operations; theyre professional, accountable, and held to strict federal and state standards.

When regulated options disappear, so do those safeguards.

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The resellers that popped up in California included people with criminal records, fake identities and zero accountability. Thats not speculation, its according to investigative reporting from the Los Angeles Times, which found a network of resellers  including ex-cons and schemers  replaced pet stores as middlemen.

The removal of pet stores in the state effectively dismantled a framework of consumer protections tied to retail sales  including requirements that animals be vet-checked before sale; that their sourcing be publicly posted; and that warranties be honored if a puppy turns out to be sick. Seventeen of the states consumer protection laws tied to pet store sales became irrelevant overnight.

The same risk exists here. Restricting pet stores does not mean families will only adopt from shelters. It means many will turn to the internet, where bad actors can operate with little oversight and few consequences.

I have fostered and rescued my own dogs, and believe adoption is a wonderful option. But it should be one choice among many  not the only one available to Minnesota families. Different households have different needs, whether related to size, temperament or health considerations, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesnt serve people or pets well.

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This legislation doesnt eliminate irresponsible breeders. It eliminates the most regulated, transparent way to get a pet.

Minnesota lawmakers may believe theyve avoided those pitfalls by adding a grandfather clause, allowing the states lone remaining pet store to continue operating. But in reality, the policy outcome is largely the same: the bill ensures that one store is the maximum  not the starting point  for regulated, transparent pet sales in the state.

If lawmakers are serious about protecting animals and consumers, the answer isnt to cap and phase out responsible businesses. What we need is better enforcement of the laws already on the books. USDA regulations and the Animal Welfare Act must be stringently applied to weed out bad actors. Accountability  not bans  is the humane path forward.

Minnesota families and Minnesota pets deserve better than feel-good laws that push them into the shadows.
Minnesota officials are seeking funds to stop a Duluth cemetery from continuing to erode into Lake Superior.

St. Louis County is asking the state of Minnesota for a grant to build a $2.5 million retaining wall at the Scandia Cemetery to halt a clay bank from crumbling, officials said. The erosion has already caused human remains to be unearthed, according to the county.

In its application for the grant, officials said they propose "building a concrete retaining wall and nature-based stabilization methods on the cemetery property to prevent continual grave exposure and combat Lake Superior extreme weather events."

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They plan to have the project completed by Dec. 31, 2028.

The county first learned about the problem in August 2024, according to the grant application.

"The Scandia Cemetery, a private cemetery established in 1881, is located on London Road and is adjacent to the Historic Glensheen Mansion Estate," officials said. The Glensheen Mansion hosts thousands of visitors annually, and the cemetery's location near the tourist attraction adds to the project's urgency, they said.

The county also said the cemetery, which is controlled and operated by a board, "has no financial means to resolve the erosion issues on its own."

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Officials acknowledge the county has no legal obligation to the cemetery or responsibility to fix the problem, but they recognize that "the continued exposure of human remains presents an ethical and environmental dilemma that requires action and a permanent solution."

They said erosion and further retreat and degradation of the property will occur with the shoreline soil exposed to Lake Superior weather events and stormwater runoff.

"If a 'No Action' alternative is followed, Scandia Cemetery will indefinitely require routine monitoring, collection and housing of human remains, identification research, and notification to family lineage," according to county documents.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

@CharlesERamirez

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Remains at Minnesota cemetery exposed as land erodes into Lake Superior
Sen. Steve Drazkowski recently alleged that during the height of Operation Metro Surge, a few of his Democratic colleagues were part of a paramilitary organization that caused the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the American citizens killed earlier this year by federal immigration agents.

The Mazeppa Republican was describing the decentralized communication threads that organized the resistance to the 3,000 federal agents who roamed Minnesotas streets in January and February, in what the Department of Homeland Security called its largest immigration enforcement operation ever.

Multiple members of this Legislature were involved in the Signal chat groups, the paramilitary organization formed by Minnesota Democrats throughout the core cities in this state. The Signal chat groups that dispatched volunteers to go out and intercede between federal law enforcement and their mission  to throw people in harms way, Drazkowski said. Because of that, we actually had two people in this state die  a very unfortunate thing  because of this effort of the paramilitary organization that Democrats organized in this state.

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Drazkowskis fact-challenged rhetoric  paramilitaries are typically armed with more lethal instruments than whistles  may be more extreme than his colleagues, but his argument is consistent with a Republican theme this legislative session.

As theyve blocked every effort to rein in federal officers and help people impacted by the unprecedented deployment of federal agents here, Republicans have argued that the claims of unconstitutional abuse by federal officers are unfounded. Or, Operation Metro Surge was good, actually. Or, it might have been, if not for meddling protesters. Or, perhaps there were problems, but thats not the Legislatures concern because it cant regulate federal immigration law.

Their comments and votes are likely in line with the views of local Republican convention delegates, before whom many legislators are standing this spring as they seek GOP support for their reelection.

But the November election is another matter, and Republicans risk alienating the Minnesota voters who will decide close races, including all five constitutional offices and 201 legislative seats.

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About two-thirds of Minnesotans said the tactics of federal agents went too far, according to a February NBC News Decision Desk/KARE 11/Minnesota Star Tribune poll. The majority of Minnesotans also viewed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement negatively, including 69% of suburban residents  a critical voting bloc that often decides Minnesotas elections.

Tens of thousands of Minnesotans peacefully protested in the streets. Businesses, churches and ordinary Minnesotans provided groceries and millions in rent money for immigrants sheltering at home  many of them with legal status but who were too afraid to go to work or drive their kids to school lest they encounter federal agents.

Tens of thousands of people march in downtown Minneapolis in subzero temperatures to protest the massive presence of ICE agents over the past several weeks Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Democrats this session are proposing a slew of bills to hold federal agents accountable for constitutional abuses and limit their conduct. They argue the state needs to bolster itself against future federal incursions and ensure justice for Minnesotans whose rights were violated. Without GOP support in the split Legislature  Republicans and Democrats are deadlocked in the Minnesota House  the immigration-related bills are likely going to die.

Minnesota Republicans seem to have experienced a very different January and February, at least according to how many talk about Operation Metro Surge at the Capitol.

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House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, is one of the leading contenders for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor. During a Reformer interview, she said she knows a number of stories related to Operation Metro Surge that have turned out to be based on hearsay.

Im happy to talk through issues if its actually produced, but  Im aware of a number of stories that someone has said, Well, this situation is happening. And so when then asked for them to get the name or the details, theyve come back to other people and said, I dont know, Demuth said. Theres nothing to actually prove it.

Im not saying that it did or didnt exist. I think we all have to be based on fact rather than the rhetoric that surrounds this particular issue, she added.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth remembers Melissa Hortman in the House Chamber on Feb. 17, 2026. The first day of the Minnesota Legislature was marked by tributes to Sen. John Hoffman and Hortman. (Photo by Glen Stubbe/Minnesota Reformer)

Earlier this month, a Trump-appointed U.S. district court judge in Minnesota found compelling and troubling evidence that federal agents racially profiled Somali and Latino residents during the immigration crackdown.

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There has been a plethora of documented violations of civil and constitutional rights. An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good and federal officials directed the investigation into Goods wife instead of the agent who killed Good; at least eight masked federal agents broke down the door of a U.S. citizen with no criminal history in East St. Paul and arrested him at gunpoint; journalists witnessed federal immigration agents checking random non-white peoples documents outside big box stores, electric vehicle charging stations and bus stops; agents repeatedly kneed a man in the head, on camera; police chiefs said their own off-duty officers were racially profiled; an ICE agent shot a man in in the leg, the feds charged two men involved in the incident with felony assault and then dropped the charges  the federal government is instead investigating the ICE officers for lying about the incident; judges  appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents alike  repeatedly ruled that people were unlawfully detained and then threatened federal officials with contempt of court for failing to obey judicial orders; Aliya Rahman was on her way to a doctors appointment when she was dragged from her car; a judge said agents violated a mans Fourth Amendment rights when they used a battering ram to enter his home without a warrant; a judge ordered faith leaders must be able to offer in-person pastoral care at the Whipple Federal Building after clergy sued and accused the Trump administration of violating religious rights; a Trump appointed judge said the administration failed to plan for the constitutional rights of its civil detainees and ordered it to give detainees adequate access to lawyers; dozens who are in the country with legal status have been detained, sent to Texas and released with no way to get home; and the administration is detaining a Minnesota woman suffering a medical emergency, and its unclear whether her detention is lawful.

Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti on Jan. 24 after disarming him in south Minneapolis.

A growing memorial stands Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 where Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents days before at Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in Minneapolis. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Demuth said comments from Democrats deserve scrutiny, too. She said theyve been spreading hearsay misinformation and voicing support for illegal immigration.

My question would be, what level of illegal immigration is okay for people? And I would love to have a Democrat tell me that, she said.

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In the same vein, a Republican said lawmakers said Operation Metro Surge also captured violent criminals, so the mistakes shouldnt overshadow important arrests.

Operation Metro Surge was not perfect. We are not a perfect people. Only God is perfect, Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, said on Feb. 25. But please dont get lost on the good things that Operation Metro Surge has done  Mistakes were made. Were not perfect, but they were able to capture  and Im sure youll agree with me that this is good news  violent criminals.

The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed to have arrested the worst of the worst in Minnesota, but many were already in custody. In addition, the vast majority of those arrested during Trumps second term have no violent criminal charges or convictions, according to an internal Department of Homeland Security document obtained by CBS News.

A different reality

On Feb. 26, the House higher education committee held a nearly two-hour hearing to learn, from mostly college administrators, about the impacts of Operation Metro Surge on universities. A few students testified, too, including a University of Minnesota student who told the lawmakers about federal agents detaining his stepfather, the main breadwinner of his family.

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(Hes) been taken away, and now its been hard to take on school, my job, caring for my family  I barely can get any sleep just thinking about what is happening in the facility that hes been taken in, the student said.

Later, while debating a bill prohibiting federal agents from college campuses unless they have a judicial warrant, Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, said the stories from administrators and students were one-sided and therefore unreliable.

So much of the testimony that we had in that other hearing was, to me  cruel, he said. I thought it was cruel that listening to the description of the students of how terrified they were. They were terrified because they were whipped up into that frenzy.

Novotny, a retired officer with the Sherburne County Sheriffs Office, then compared the university students fear of ICE to the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast  the hoax that set off a panic when many people believed an alien invasion was real.

Rep. Paul Novotny listens to testimony at a public safety hearing at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

You know, give someone a whistle, put them on a corner, make them think theyre making a difference. But thats time they could have been in class learning, Novotny said. If I took anything away from that nearly two-hour year hearing before . There was a lot of indoctrination going on.

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Rep. Tina Liebling, DFL-Rochester, at the hearing said she was stunned by how her GOP colleagues were speaking about Operation Metro Surge: Unless were all lying, unless the videos are all lying, something is happening here in our state and in our country that is well beyond partisanship.

Republicans have also cited personal responsibility as a response to requests for aid to recover from the immigration crackdown. When Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis, told members of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 18 that immigrants and people of color have stayed home from work for fear of detainment, Rep. Jim Nash, R-Waconia, said that was their choice.

I dont think theyve had an inability to go to work, Nash said.

A few Minnesota Republicans bucked their party during Operation Metro Surge, including Reps. Marion Rarick and Nolan West.

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ICE MUST follow the Constitution. ICE must immediately stop this behavior. ICE must stop racial profiling and violating civil rights as has been experienced and documented by LAW ENFORCEMENT, Rarick posted on Facebook.

After the shooting of Pretti by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents, West called for the end of Operation Metro Surge.

Its clear that Operation Metro Surge is causing more harm than good. It puts law enforcement officers lives at risk and it feeds the chaos destroying our state, West wrote on Facebook. Yes, our state is crumbling because those leaders refused to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, but the fact remains: this must end.

Thus far, however, Rarick and West have held firm and not backed any Democratic legislation related to Operation Metro Surge.

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Sen. Jim Abeler, a Republican who represents a swing district in the north metro, wrote a letter to border czar Tom Homan calling out the Trump administrations immigration enforcement tactics and strategy.

Abeler told Homan that countless wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens and legal non-citizens have been reported. He concluded: Not OK.

Senator Jim Abeler talks to senator Gene Dornink during the regular legislative session Monday, March 27, 2023. (Nicole Neri for the Minnesota Reformer)

The Anoka senator has voted in favor of a few immigration-related proposals. He declined to speak to the Reformer about the bills and his votes but through a spokesperson he said hes evaluating each bill as it comes up.

One rural Republican said he was unaware of the conduct of the federal officers because his district didnt experience the same kind of immigration enforcement.

Several of us on this side here are rural and  its been a different reality than you have lived. And I wanna acknowledge that, said Rep. Nathan Nelson, R-Hinckley, during a March 4 bill hearing about limiting federal agents access to child care centers unless they have a judicial warrant. This is not the America that we grew up in.

About 20 minutes later, Nelson voted against the bill.
He also cited a reduction in historical volatility tied to operating mine plans moving in and out of royalty areas. Over the past five years, management said critical minerals portfolio contribution has increased approximately 650% from 2020, starting from a low base.

Bishop Lafleche said Ecoras critical minerals exposures represented the majority of full-year portfolio contribution for the first time, which he framed as a structural change in the companys underlying cash flow profile. He contrasted the longer-life nature of the companys growing base metals portfoliomeasured in decadeswith the shorter remaining mine life at the Kestrel coal royalty, which is measured only in years.

Chief executive officer Marc Bishop Lafleche said 2025 delivered a year of delivery on a number of fronts, led by record contribution from the critical minerals portfolio. He attributed the shift primarily to base metals exposure, which he said grew 150% year-on-year, supported by the acquisition of the producing Mimbula copper stream and strong performances from assets such as Voiseys Bay and Mantos Blancos.

Ecora Resources (LON:ECOR) used its full-year 2025 results call to highlight what management described as an inflection point in the companys transition toward critical minerals, with base metals and other energy-transition exposures becoming the largest driver of portfolio contribution for the first time in the groups history.

Improving cash flow, dividends and deleveraging : Free cash flow strengthened as Kestrels weighting falls, the board proposed a total 2025 dividend of 2p per share, and net debt has declined postMimbula with brokerbased scenarios implying roughly $53m end2026 and $27m end2027.

Asset-level drivers and growth pipeline : Strong ramp-ups at Voiseys Bay (cobalt deliveries >2x) and Mimbula (acquired producing copper stream), plus record contribution from Mantos Blancos, underpin near-term organic growth and potential milestones across Voiseys Bay, Mimbula, Mantos Phase II, a Nifty restart and a possible Santo Domingo FID through 20252030.

Critical minerals become majority : For the first time Ecoras critical-minerals exposuresdriven largely by base metalsaccounted for the majority of portfolio contribution, with base metals up ~150% yearonyear and critical-minerals contribution roughly +650% since 2020.

Story Continues

 Quiet BNY and Northern Trust Reward Patient Investors

Looking ahead, Bishop Lafleche said the next 12 months are expected to de-risk a new wave of organic growth spanning 20252030, pointing to potential milestones across producing, brownfield, and development-stage assets. Items he highlighted included ongoing ramp-ups at Voiseys Bay and Mimbula, the potential Mantos Blancos Phase II expansion, steps toward a restart at the past-producing Nifty mine, the possibility of a final investment decision (FID) at Capstone Coppers Santo Domingo project, continued technical work at Palabora, and the potential for a change of control at West Musgrave.

Financial results: free cash flow and dividends

Chief financial officer Kevin Flynn described the years results as another strong set, emphasizing what he called the resilience of the royalty model amid volatility and the progress on the companys stated strategy starting to convert into earnings.

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Flynn noted that headline portfolio contribution was slightly down year-on-year, but said that metric did not capture the changing complexion of the portfolio. He added that adjusted earnings (excluding non-cash valuation and impairment reversals) were lower due to higher financing costs following the Mimbula transaction and currency effects on reported overheads.

Free cash flow improved, which Flynn linked to the declining relative contribution from Kestrel. He said Kestrel carries a higher effective tax rate than the rest of the portfolio, and management expects free cash flow conversion to remain strong as Kestrels weighting continues to decline.

On shareholder returns, Flynn said Ecora proposed a final dividend of 1.4 pence per share, alongside the 0.6 pence interim dividend already paid, bringing the total dividend for the year to 2 pence per share. He also presented the payout in U.S. dollar terms, stating the proposed final dividend was $0.014 per share, and combined with the $0.006 interim dividend, totals $0.02 per share for 2025.

Asset-level performance: Voiseys Bay, Mantos Blancos, Mimbula, and Four Mile

Flynn said base metals contributed 50% of overall portfolio contribution, the first time it has reached that level. Within base metals, he cited 113% and 43% volume growth from Voiseys Bay and Mantos Blancos, respectively.

Voiseys Bay: Management said streamed cobalt deliveries more than doubled in 2025 and portfolio contribution tripled year-on-year, supported by higher cobalt prices. Flynn said the alloy-grade cobalt price rose from around $13 per pound a year earlier to about $30 per pound. Bishop Lafleche added that 2026 volumes are expected to increase 12%25% year-on-year as operations continue ramping to full production, while noting that shipping schedules can cause quarter-to-quarter variability. He said Ecora received about 42 tons of cobalt in Q1 2026, with an additional 56 tons expected to arrive in early April and be recognized in Q2, without changing full-year guidance.

Mantos Blancos: Flynn said the royalty generated $9.5 million in 2025, a record contribution, and described it as approximating a 20% running cash flow yield. Bishop Lafleche said 2026 production is expected to be about 10% lower due to a temporary zone of lower copper head grades, with grades expected to rebound in 2027 and beyond. He said a Phase II study focused on sulfide concentrator expansion is expected mid-2026, with potential to increase throughput and expand cathode production using underutilized SX/EW capacity.

Mimbula: The company acquired the producing Mimbula copper stream for $50 million upfront consideration, which Bishop Lafleche said helped cement copper at the core of commodity exposure. Flynn said the $4 million contribution reported in 2025 represented $2.9 million net of cost of sales and reflected only two full quarters due to revenue recognition at the point of sale; he expects the reported contribution to increase significantly in 2026. Bishop Lafleche said the operation is expanding toward nameplate throughput of 56,000 tons per annum and cited full-year guidance of 30,00035,000 tons per year, while noting the ramp profile and seasonal impacts in Zambias rainy season for heap leach operations.

Four Mile (uranium): Flynn said sales resumed a normal profile in 2025 after stockpiling in 2024, but reported income lags by a quarter, making 2025 effectively three quarters of normalized levels. Bishop Lafleche said 2026 production and sales are expected to revert to full run rates of 45 million pounds per annum, and management expects stronger uranium pricing to support increased contribution in 2026.

Management also referenced ongoing revenue from the EVBC royalty, which Flynn said has generated revenue for more than 15 years, with the operator signaling reserve capacity to the end of the decade. Bishop Lafleche added that elevated gold prices could support further life extension potential.

Kestrel wind-down and debt trajectory

Kestrel met guidance in 2025, according to Flynn, but was affected by a weaker coking coal price environment, with prices down around 36%. For 2026, the company guided to about 1.1 million tonnes at the midpoint (and elsewhere on the call described 1.01.2 million tonnes), with management expecting 2026 to be the last year of meaningful volumes. In response to a question, Bishop Lafleche said volumes in the royalty area could fall to roughly 300,000500,000 tonnes per year during 20272030, depending on the longwall panel sequence.

On leverage, Bishop Lafleche said net debt declined rapidly after the Mimbula acquisitionfrom just under $125 million after transaction close to around $85 million at year-endroughly in line with the beginning of the year. Flynn said net debt was largely unchanged over the year despite the acquisition, citing cash generation and initiatives to accelerate deleveraging. These included an agreement with Whitehaven Coal to accelerate remaining deferred consideration tied to the Narrabri disposal and the disposal of the Dugbe Gold Royalty in Liberia, which he described as a non-core outlier. Flynn said the two actions realized $28 million, effectively refinancing around half of the Mimbula investment.

Flynn also pointed to a table in the presentation that applied broker consensus commodity prices (published at the beginning of March) and operator guidance to estimate net debt outcomes. Based on that framework, he said net debt could be about $53 million at the end of 2026 and $27 million at the end of 2027, with sensitivity analysis around those figures.

In closing remarks, Bishop Lafleche said commodity exposures including copper, cobalt, uranium, and rare earths performed strongly in 2025 and into early 2026, while noting recent volatility tied to conflict in Iran. He reiterated managements view that long-term copper fundamentals remain strong, and said Ecora is positioned to continue growing and diversifying through organic milestones and future acquisitions, with copper intended to remain at the core of the portfolio.

About Ecora Resources (LON:ECOR)

Ecora Royalties is a leading critical minerals focused royalty and streaming company. Copper is at the core of our portfolio which also includes other commodities linked to the trend of electrification, energy transition, infrastructure renewal and urbanisation, digital infrastructure, robotics and energy security. Our cash generative portfolio includes producing royalties and streams and has a strong organic growth profile driven by royalties and streams already acquired and expected to generate substantial additional cash flow within the next five years.

The article "Ecora Resources H2 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
OKLAHOMA CITY  A measure seeking to enshrine into the state Constitution a requirement that voters provide identification at the polls is a political stunt, critics said.

But supporters of Senate Joint Resolution 47, which easily passed through the Senate Thursday, said its necessary to add the nearly 16-year-old law into the state Constitution to ensure the continued integrity of Oklahomas election system in future years.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the measure is needed to make sure future legislatures dont remove the voter identification requirement without first holding a public vote.

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Paxtons measure asks Oklahoma voters to approve the addition during a special election set for Aug. 25, which is also the runoff date for partisan primaries. Runoff primaries traditionally have the lowest voter turnout.

With the number of state questions that are going to be on the ballot, combined with the number of statewide and local positions up this cycle, putting the state questions on the August ballot made the most sense, Paxton said. This will drive voter turnout and allow Oklahomans to focus more on individual state questions.

It will also allow individuals to do their homework on each individual state question, rather than having to research candidates on top of state questions.

All Oklahomans, regardless of party affiliation, are allowed to vote on state questions, but voters with other races on the ballot are traditionally more inclined to participate. Independents are barred from voting in all party primaries and runoffs.

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Its very clear this is a political bill, said Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, speaks at a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting Feb. 23, 2026, at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Kirt said the measure could have been placed on the June primary or November general election ballot. Both elections traditionally see higher turnout.

Holding this election three months before Novembers general election is designed to undermine trust in Oklahomas elections and to raise fears, she said.

In 2009, lawmakers put voter identification on the general election ballot in the form of a new statute, which could be amended by the Legislature, unlike a constitutional amendment. Constitutional amendments require a vote of the people to change.

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The measure, State Question 746, passed with 74% of the vote on Nov. 2, 2010.

Voters are required to show identification to vote. It can include a voter identification card provided by the local county election board, or a drivers license, among other forms of identification.

Senate Joint Resolution 47 does not say what specific forms of identification would be required, but defers to lawmakers to make the determination.

This proposal does not respond to documented widespread fraud, said Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. It does not demonstrate failure is our current system.

Voters are being asked to approve a constitutional amendment without knowing what documentation may ultimately be required, Hicks said.

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Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, said identification is required for a number of things, such as to purchase alcohol or tobacco.

Elections have consequences, he said.

We need to know that our elections are safe and secure, Wingard said. What is wrong with making sure that the person that is voting is who they say they are? I dont see that as a problem.

The measure heads to the House for consideration.

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MOSCOW, March 26 (Reuters) - Russian government measures to shut down mobile internet across the country because of Ukrainian drone attacks are affecting fieldwork during the planting season, a major farming lobby said on Thursday.

The government requires farmers to log the amount of seed they have for planting and the volumes of grain they produce and sell in an online system as it seeks to digitise the agriculture sector.

Several top grain-producing regions border Ukraine or are located close to the border. These regions have become targets of frequent drone or missile attacks, with authorities shutting down mobile internet, which can be used for targeting.

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"In situations when restrictions on mobile internet access are applied, farmers regularly face problems connecting to mandatory agricultural systems," a letter from the People Farmers lobby group to the Digital Development Ministry said.

The letter said the restrictions make digital reporting impossible during shutdowns, creating risks of late reporting, penalties and financial losses for farms during the crucial planting season, which has started in the southern regions.

The lobby asked for the services to be included in a so-called "white list" of internet resources that remain accessible during shutdowns, which currently includes more than 100 websites.

(Reporting by Gleb Bryanski; Editing by Alex Richardson)
BALTIMORE  Salisbury University students are getting lunch delivered by robot  and the service is catching on faster than campus officials expected.

Since the fall semester, students living on campus have been able to use Grubhub to order deliveries from four campus restaurants for a flat $3.50 fee. Options include Chick-fil-A; coffee and pastries from Cool Beans Cafe and Chesapeake Coffee Roasters; and breakfast, lunch and dinner from Hungry Minds.

George Oakley, head of dining services, said 15 campus delivery robots have made 4,600 deliveries since February. They peaked at 188 deliveries in a single day and average about 110 per day.

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Its about double what I thought it was gonna be, Oakley said.

He said delivery robots are becoming more common on college campuses. In Maryland, he said Towson uses a similar program through Grubhub.

The president of Salisbury University recently expressed an interest in looking into it more seriously, so we went through our Grubhub rep, who suggested several different vendors and Avride was the one we chose, Oakley said.

The small, white rectangular robots run on four wheels. Top-loading hatches can hold up to six 16.5-inch pizzas and five 1.5-liter bottles, according to Avrides website. The robots are fully autonomous once routes are mapped, and the front display shows triangular LED eyes that blink and gesture as they move through crowds.

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Student Nico Kelley said shes ordered five or six times since the service started.

I love it. I think they are adorable, Kelley said. I started using it pretty much right [as] semester began, mostly purely out of curiosity.

Kelley said she lives in Seagull Square and often orders from Hungry Minds.

I dont always feel like walking over there, especially when its raining, she said. So, I order from there a lot  if I dont feel like fully walking over.

Kelley, who works at Cool Beans, said shes also loaded the robots.

I think theyre user-friendly, and its just so convenient not having to worry about walking somewhere to go pick up what I want, she said.

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For now, the robots only deliver on the main campus. Oakley said the plan is to expand to the east campus off Route 13 by next fall, along with adding a fifth vendor, Books and Bread.

Oakley said he hopes more students will try it as the service expands.

Download the Grubhub app and give it a shot, he said. Its super convenient and it brings the food to you.

Last year, Towson University introduced five Starship Technologies autonomous food-delivery robots on campus. Operating through the Grubhub app, the robots deliver from campus eateries to more than 50 locations. Users pay a $3.49 service fee with the fleet.

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State officials have said a controversial election security bill in Congress wouldnt impact North Dakota, but some voting rights advocates in the state raise concerns that it could make it more difficult for some people to vote.

The SAVE America Act would require voters to present valid photo ID to vote in federal elections, and proof of citizenship to register.

The proposal has broad support among Republicans, including North Dakotas congressional delegation. Critics oppose the bill on the grounds that it would expand federal control over elections and could make it harder for some to vote. Its currently being debated in the Senate.

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The legislation includes an exemption for North Dakota since its the only state without voter registration, though it would still require North Dakota to have a system for verifying the citizenship of its voters. The SAVE America Act doesnt say anything about what this process must look like.

North Dakota already has such a process for validating voters citizenship. However, there are some ways in which North Dakotas system is different from the one the SAVE America Act would have other states implement.

We cannot answer how the federal government would determine if our system is satisfactory, North Dakota Deputy Secretary of State Sandy McMerty said in a statement to the North Dakota Monitor.

The agencys interpretation is that North Dakotas process would be acceptable under the proposal, she said.

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The North Dakota Department of Transportation verifies peoples citizenship status when it issues drivers licenses and non-driver identification, and this data is automatically shared with the Secretary of States Office. The documents the state uses to check citizenship are also accepted as proof of citizenship under the proposed SAVE America Act.

But the SAVE America Act would put the responsibility on voters to provide proof of citizenship to election officials in-person.

While the North Dakota Secretary of State Offices central voter file knows peoples citizenship status, this information is not displayed on all state-issued IDs. North Dakota drivers licenses and non-driver IDs do state if someone is not a citizen.

In North Dakota, newly naturalized citizens must update their IDs before voting. However, if they show up at the polls without updated ID, they cannot be turned away under state law. Their ballots are set aside so their eligibility may be verified later.

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The SAVE America Act would also require all voters to provide photo ID at the polls. North Dakota accepts two kinds of non-photo ID: tribal letters and certificates issued by long-term care facilities.

The League of Women Voters of North Dakota President Kathy Tweeten questioned whether the federal government would consider these aspects of North Dakotas voting process adequate if the SAVE America Act passes.

This bill is unnecessary and makes it harder to vote when its already illegal for noncitizens to register and vote in federal or state elections, Tweeten said in a letter published last week.

North Dakota Native Vote in a February statement said the legislation could create barriers to voting access for tribal citizens across the country. Many tribal IDs dont state place of birth or citizenship, and many tribal members live in rural areas, the organization said.

Opponents of the SAVE America Act have also expressed concerns that the law would make voting harder for people who have changed their names, like some married women. They warn that it will be difficult for people to prove their citizenship if their current name doesnt match whats written on all of their documents.

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Right now, name changes dont cause issues for North Dakota voters, McMerty said. The Secretary of States Office isnt notified when people legally change their names with state courts. So even if a voter has a new name and shows up to the polls without an updated ID, they would still be able to vote, she said.

You are still who you are even after youre married, so just because youre voting with your maiden name doesnt make it wrong, she said.

The bill comes as President Donald Trumps administration seeks more federal control over elections. Under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, elections are primarily regulated by states.

Noncitizen voting is rare and prohibited under federal law. A 2017 study by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University that analyzed voting in 42 U.S. jurisdictions in the 2016 election found about 30 incidents of voting by noncitizens out of roughly 23.5 million votes.
The Senate will continue debate on the SAVE America Act, Republicans sweeping reform bill seeking to establish proof-of-citizenship and voter ID requirements for federal elections  but the legislation still faces an uphill battle in the Senate as members of both parties raise concerns.

While its already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, this legislation would go a step further to require voters to prove their citizenship status. That would entail showing identification that is compliant with the most recent Real ID guidelines, a passport or some other citizenship document when registering to vote.

For any identification card that does not include birthplace or citizenship status, the voter must also provide a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, an adoption decree, or some document that proves he or she was born in the United States. Voters must then also produce photo identification when they go to turn the ballot in.

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However, some provisions tucked into the underlying bill have raised concerns about enforcement and whether lawful citizens could be inadvertently removed from voter rolls. Here are some of the main concerns with the bill and what the legislation itself says.

Voters could be disenfranchised because they dont have access to documents

One of the key tenets of the SAVE America Act is that voters must provide documentation to prove their citizenship when they register to vote.

Research from the Brennan Center for Justice shows that more than 21 million Americans lack immediate access to the documents that would be required to register. About half of Americans dont have a passport and millions of others dont have a paper copy of their birth certificate, according to the nonprofit organization.

However, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, the main sponsor of the SAVE America Act, says there are ways for those individuals to prove their citizenship. One way, he said, is by submitting an affidavit swearing ones status and outlin(ing) the facts supporting their citizenship.

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If they are natural born citizens, for example, they could identify the city, state and date where they were born, describe the circumstances of the parents, if they are naturalized citizens, describe the date or date range in which they were naturalized, where they came from, Lee told reporters last week. That then flips the burden onto the state to confirm or refute what they have assessed.

Married women would have more of a burden

Opponents of the bill have also raised concerns with the proof-of-citizenship requirements specifically in relation to married women who now have different last names than what is reflected on their birth certificate.

That could cause extra hurdles for married women if their current legal documents dont match their voter registration records.

Lee has argued that presenting a marriage certificate could help close that particular gap or, if access to that document is not available, a sworn affidavit would also suffice.

Rural voters face more hurdles to travel to election offices

A major concern being posed by one of Lees Republican colleagues is that the requirement to provide these documents in person poses major challenges for those who live in rural areas.

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For example, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska says thousands of voters in her state could be cut off voter rolls simply because they dont have road access to the states divisional election offices. Murkowski also cited concerns about the financial cost of traveling to submit those documents.

It really is a financial consideration that is a true barrier, Murkowski said.

Murkowski told reporters she has brought these concerns to Lee, and the Alaska Republican has introduced amendments to include exceptions in the bill. So far, no changes have been made to the underlying legislation.

Not enough time to implement changes

One of the biggest concerns about the SAVE America Act is that its changes would take effect immediately  with Republicans pushing to get it done before the November midterms.

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That could cause major challenges for states who would need to adapt to entirely new systems registering and verifying identities  particularly for those who have already started their primary elections.

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who oversees elections for the Beehive State, specifically alluded to these challenges, arguing the bill does not give enough time or resources to states to accomplish the objectives.

If we want a federal law mandating voter ID or Documentary Proof of Citizenship, and its really not about disenfranchising a bunch of voters, then states and voters need an onramp with time to prepare  get the documents, obtain the right ID, set up the system, Henderson wrote in a post on social media. Thats not whats happening with the SAVE America Act. This bill would be effective immediately in the middle of an election year.

Lee responded to those concerns by saying Utah has never been the problem and touting the states signature verification system. But, the senior senator argued other states do not follow the same process  and that Utah could adjust to widespread changes enacted in the SAVE America Act if needed.

Election bill would federalize elections, which violates Constitution

Several lawmakers have also raised concerns that the changes proposed in the SAVE America Act would go beyond Congress authority laid out in the Constitution on how it can influence elections.

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The Constitution states that federal lawmakers have the ability to alter election regulations based on time, place, or manner. But opponents of this election bill say it goes beyond those parameters.

For example, a proposed amendment to the SAVE America Act would seek to ban mail-in ballots for federal elections, with some restrictions for those in the military or those with illness or disability.

Im really struggling (with that component) because it does fly directly in the face of the way Utah does things, Sen. John Curtis told the Deseret News last week. I think at some point there is a place for some national involvement. But this gets pretty close to telling states what they can and cant do.

Lee has pushed back against those arguments to say it does not federalize elections but rather enforces that states follow what is already required under the Constitution. Other Republicans have argued it simply creates a mechanism to establish a federal standard but not a federalized system.
NEW YORK (AP)  Rare footage of a sperm whale giving birth has offered scientists a window into the behavior of these large, elusive mammals.

The video taken in 2023 shows female whales from two family lines working together to support the labor during critical moments and lift the newborn calf above the water. It's a level of coordination that's extremely uncommon in the animal kingdom, especially outside of primates like monkeys and humans.

The group quite literally helps bring the calf into the world, said Oregon State University behavioral ecologist Mauricio Cantor in an email. He had no role in the new research.

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Scientists want to know how whales cooperate and socialize in the wild, but it's tough to study this in animals that spend most of their time underwater. There are just a handful of sperm whale birth records from the past 60 years, and all are anecdotal accounts or from whaling boats.

Several years ago, researchers were studying whale communication on a boat off the Caribbean island of Dominica when they noticed something odd. Eleven whales  most of them female  surfaced, their heads facing one another, and started thrashing and diving above and below the water. The scientists immediately took out drones and microphones to capture the event.

The full delivery took about 30 minutes. For hours afterward, pairs of whales held the baby above the water until it was able to swim.

This was just really a special event, said study co-author David Gruber with the Cetacean Translation Initiative, or Project CETI.

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After observing the birth, the scientists created software to analyze exactly what was going on. They chronicled the sights and sounds in two studies published Thursday in the journals Scientific Reports and Science.

What struck the researchers was how many mother, sister and daughter whales united to support the new calf, even ones that weren't related. Sperm whales live in close-knit, female-led societies, and the new observations show how those dynamics persist in the animals' most significant and vulnerable moments.

It's amazing to think about how, when faced with this impossible challenge, these animals come together to succeed, said study co-author Shane Gero, also with Project CETI.

Scientists also noticed that the whales made different sounds during key moments of the birth, including slower, longer sets of clicks. These noises could have aided with communication, helping the animals sync up for the birthing effort.

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The findings unearth a trove of questions. How did the group of whales form in the first place? How did they know to join?

It's unclear when scientists might figure out the answers, especially when video footage is scarce and so hard to secure. But the new findings can at least partially clue us into the whales' hidden conversations.

I think it's just exciting to think about the social lives of these animals, said biologist Susan Parks with Syracuse University, who wasn't involved with the new studies.

___

AP video journalist Mustakim Hasnath contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Frustrations among Supreme Court justices spilled into public view this week as conservatives complained that the courts liberal wing hogged the attention during oral arguments.

Chief Justice John Roberts resorted to enforcing a COVID-era protocol requiring justices to speak in the order of their seniority, interrupting a response from the liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor just as she began to speak to tell her she was out of turn, reports The Hill.

That tense encounter took place during a debate over whether mail-in ballots received after polls close on Election Day should be counted. After conservative Justice Clarence Thomas concluded his spiel, Sotomayor sought to add in.

Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan make up the courts liberal wing. / Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Getty Images

Have we had any  Sotomayor began to ask on Monday, according to the report.

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Roberts interjected immediately.

JusticeJustice, he said, raising his voice, according to The Hill.

Im sorry, Sotomayor responded.

Alito, the chief justice finished, referring to Justice Samuel Alito, who is next in seniority.

The seniority policy was put in place amid the then-named Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when the court heard arguments remotely and streamed them live for the first time. Roberts has kept up the policy since arguments returned to in-person, but does not enforce it throughout oral arguments.

The Hill described the proceedings as chaos. It added that Roberts showed visible frustration with the courts three liberal justices, who dominated speaking time during Tuesdays arguments about turning asylum seekers at the southern border away.

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An analysis of their speaking time showed that Sotomayor, 71, and fellow liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, 55, accounted for 46 percent of the words spoken by the nine justices during oral arguments about asylum seekers.

Chief Justice John Roberts, 71, was appointed to the high court by George W. Bush. / Erin Schaff/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

During those discussions, the Hill reported that the justices couldnt stop stepping on each others toes.

Outsiders took notice of the tension.

The conservative lawyer Ed Whelan complained on X, Sotomayor asks a 3-minute question, cuts off response after 10 words, talks for another 30 seconds, cuts off response after 5 words, and again and again.

That post reportedly came as Sotomayor sparred with DOJ lawyer Vivek Suri.

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It is far from the first time internal SCOTUS tensions have spilled into public view in MAGA 2.0. Last month, Brown Jackson slammed her conservative colleagues for allegedly doing Trumps bidding, suggesting they have been abusing a so-called shadow docket.

Jackson, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2022, said the high courts swift handling of Trumps list of emergency cases has led to a warped legal process that is an unfortunate departure from decades of precedent.

This uptick in the courts willingness to get involved with cases on the emergency docket is a real unfortunate problem, Jackson said at a legal event in Washington. I think it is not serving the court or our country well at this point.

Ketanji Brown Jackson, 55, was appointed to the high court by President Joe Biden. / Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images

Last summer, Brown Jackson and Sotomayor also ditched the traditional pleasantries from their dissents, dropping their use of the word respectfully before writing the words, I dissent. The change may appear marginal to outsiders, but it has been described as being a SCOTUS version of an F-bomb.

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While they have disagreed more than they have agreed thus far this year, the high court reached a consensus on a single issue Wednesday.

The court determined that a major internet provider, Cox Communications, could not be held liable for the piracy of thousands of songs online. Music labels and publishers sued the internet provider in 2018, claiming it had done too little to crack down on users who illegally downloaded copyrighted music on its platform.

In an opinion released Wednesday, the court said companies are not liable for merely providing a service to the general public with knowledge that it will be used by some to infringe copyrights.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level in this his second term, with anxiety over the war in Iran and spiking gas prices major contributing factors.

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on March 24, only 36% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance. However, while confidence in Trump is waning nationwide, his approval rating among MAGA supporters remains high, with about an 80 percent approval rate among his supporters.

Donald Trump approval ratings today

Approval ratings through the first 25 days of March.

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According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trumps approval rating is 36 percent. This is the lowest in his second term.

According to an AP/NORC poll, Trumps approval rating was about 40 percent.

RealClearPolitics has Trumps approval rating at 41.5 percent, CNN has his approval rating at 38 percent and according to an Economist/YouGov-style poll, his approval rating is about 39 percent.

Overall, polls show about 40 percent of people approve of the job Trump is doing, with 56 percent disapproving.

A screen shows the approximate TSA wait time to travelers at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. Travelers gather near the Delta Airlines check-in counters at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. A screen shows the approximate TSA wait time to travelers at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. A man runs through one one of the terminals at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. The incoming flight list at one of the cellphone lots at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. People wait outside one of the arrival terminals at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. A sign that thanks travelers for choosing the Philadelphia International Airport inside one of the baggage claim terminals at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. A man passes by the flight board at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. A sign warning travelers about the TSA wait times at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. Travelers head for the baggage claim and exit in Terminal D at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026. See Philadelphia International Airport travelers rush to terminals 1 of 10 A screen shows the approximate TSA wait time to travelers at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on March 23, 2026.

What are Trump approval ratings in PA?

According to Civiqs polls, last updated March 24, Trumps net approval stands at -17% in Pennsylvania.Pennsylvania tilts unfavorable overall. About 57% of Pennsylvanians polled currently disapprove of the president's performance. About 38% approve of Trumps job performance and another 4% didnt feel one way or the other.

These polling numbers were also broken down by age, education, gender, race and party.

Age: Roughly two-thirds of voters aged 18-34 (66%) disapprove of Trump's performance, followed by 61% of 35-49-year-olds and 50% of those 65 and older. Voters aged 50-64 were the most favorable, with 48% approving of Trump's job performance.Education: Respondents across all education levels disapprove of Trumps job performance, with postgraduate at 70%, college graduate at 58% and non-college graduate at 52%.Gender: Roughly two-thirds of women (62%) disapprove of Trump's performance. Men lean unfavorable toward Trump, with 49% disapproving and 45% approving.Party: Democrats were most unfavorable toward Trump, with 97% disapproving, followed by independents at 60% disapproval. Meanwhile, Republicans were the most favorable toward Trump, with 84% approving of Trump's job performance.Race: Black or African-American voters had the highest unfavorable opinion of Trump, with 91% disapproving, followed by Other at 67% disapproval, Hispanic/Latino at 66% disapproval and white at 50% disapproval.

Lowest approval rating for a president

While Trump's numbers aren't great, they're not close to the worst ever. That belongs to Harry Truman, who had an approval rating of 22 percent in February 1952.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Trump approval rating tanks, reaching lowest numbers this term, poll
Looking to add a set of elk antlers or a wildlife mount to your living room? Arizona Game and Fish has you covered.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will auction off a unique collection of wildlife assets this weekend at the 2026 Outdoor Expo, held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Carefree Highway, approximately half a mile west of Interstate 17.

On offer Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29: antlers, hides, skulls, wildlife mounts, artwork and taxidermy  all sourced from law enforcement seizures, vehicle collision casualties and public donations. Shoppers can buy items individually, by the pound, or bid through a silent auction. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

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New this year, the wildlife assets tent is expanding beyond the wild and weird. Outdoor and hunting gear, including jackets, boots, tree stands, tables and game scales will also be available at discounted prices.

The sale isn't just a chance to score unusual decor. Every dollar raised goes directly toward equipment and technology used to investigate wildlife crimes and protect Arizona's natural resources.

The Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free. For more information, click here.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.





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House Democrats vowed to press ahead with an amended Senate bill that is their attempt to salvage some type of legislative win on redistricting this session, even as a Senate leader says the effort is dead on arrival.

The issue could come to a head Thursday when House Republicans will try to derail the amended version of Senate Bill 5, a bill that would call for special elections to fill legislative vacancies instead of the current system of appointments.

The bill was quietly amended Tuesday to include language smoothing the way for future congressional redistricting efforts. The Senate sponsor of the bill said the House amendments will effectively kill the measure, but House lawmakers are not backing down.

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I know that people have theories and rumors about whether this is alive or dead, but this is 100%  a live bill, a live language and a live issue until sine die, said House Majority Leader Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery).

Essentially, the Senates passed over something. Weve now passed something back, and as this process goes until the presiding officers gavel us out on sine die, we have from now until then to work this thing out.

Moons optimism is not shared by the Senates top Democrat.

House Majority Leader David Moon said an amended Senate bill moving through the House has support of some senators, but he declined to name them. (Photo Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

I think we have 20 days left of session, and weve got a whole lot of huge issues, and thats what were going to prioritize, said Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City).

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The House in early February approved a bill calling for a middecade redrawing of the states eight congressional districts, part of a national push by state for partisan advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. In Maryland, one district is held by a Republican and seven by Democrats, but the House bill could have given Democrats an 8-0 sweep.

But senators oppose the move, which they say could backfire on Democrats, and the House bill has been bottled up in the Senate Rules Committee without a vote since it came across. When the election filing deadline passed a month ago, the issue had all but disappeared.

I think everybody had already moved past this issue, except for a few others who hadnt, said Ferguson.

Until Tuesday.

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Moon told reporters that the House was focusing less on maps and more on enabling a future push to redraw the districts.

Weve thrown in the towel on a map, Moon said. The Senate has won that discussion. Theres not going to be a map. Weve just taken that out. Its done.

Moon told reporters  without offering proof  that he believed there is support in the Senate for SB 5 as amended this week by the House Government, Labor and Elections Committee.

I can tell you in my personal conversations with individual senators since last night, including some who were adamantly opposed to this [redistricting], some of them believe this is a very reasonable compromise and are willing to entertain it, he said Wednesday.

He declined to identify the senators to whom he was referring.

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Thats not how this works, he told reporters.

SB 5, sponsored by Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-Montgomery), originally proposed a change to the state constitution that would require a special election to be held in most cases to fill House and Senate vacancies. Currently, legislative vacancies are filled by the governor, who chooses from candidates submitted by the local central committee of the former members party, no matter how much time is left in a term.

Kagan pushed for the change for several years, and often saw it die in a House committee after getting bipartisan support in the Senate. But changes in House leadership this year and the creation of a new committee led Kagan to express hope for the bill this year.

When it came up before Government, Labor and Elections on Tuesday evening, however, it was hurriedly amended in a meeting that took less than two minutes.

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The amendment proposes a second change to the Maryland Constitution. It mandates that all appeals of a congressional map go directly to the Supreme Court of Maryland, and it adds language to the constitution effectively nullifying a 2022 ruling by Senior Judge Lynne A. Battaglia.

In that redistricting challenge, Battaglia said the standard of compact and contiguous districts that respect natural political boundaries applied to the drawing of congressional districts. Prior to that, the rule was only seen to apply to the states 47 legislative districts.

Moon said he believed the amendment did not violate the single-subject requirement based on an advisory letter from legislative counsel. The letter was not immediately available to reporters who requested a copy.

Ferguson, speaking to reporters Wednesday, had doubts.

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I havent read the language yet, but having two constitutional amendments with two very different subjects in one bill appears to me to be prima facie unconstitutional for the single subject rule, said Ferguson.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Travelers at a Houston airport voiced shock and disbelief over seemingly endless TSA security lines caused by a severe staffing shortage.

"This is insane," one traveler said. "This is the first time I've experienced something like this in my entire life," said another.

The line at George Bush Intercontinental Airport snaked underground, across terminals and even outside as 36% of TSA officers there called out of work amid a partial government shutdown that has frozen their paychecks.

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Among those spotted in the security line Wednesday morning was former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, waiting for two hours and counting.

Nay Dedrick of Boston said she missed her flight after waiting "6 to 8 hours" on Monday in the long security line in Houston, so she slept at the airport and tried again the next day, finally arriving home Tuesday afternoon.

"TSA was only two people working," she told CBS News Boston. "The line started downstairs and went all the way down to the basement, and then it goes all the way back up to the third floor."

Some travelers said they don't blame TSA officers for the substantial wait times, but instead blame the government, which is deadlocked over funding.

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Talks are ongoing among lawmakers to restart funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both TSA and ICE. Senate Republicans on Tuesday sent a proposal to Democrats that would fund most of the department, except for ICE's deportation division.

Democrats, however, have so far refused to strike a deal without reforms to the agency's immigration enforcement operations.

"We need strong, strong reforms, and we need to rein in ICE," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said at the Capitol.

Amid the deadlock, the Trump administration has deployed ICE officers and other Homeland Security agents to 14 of the nation's airports to help shuttle passengers through overcrowded TSA checkpoints. On Wednesday night, the Houston mayor's office confirmed to CBS News that TSA will deploy at least 24 officers from its National Deployment Office to IAH on Thursday. TSA officers from the national deployment force provide flexible, high-level screening support nationwide to airports with high traffic, staffing shortages or special events.

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"It's unconscionable that our politicians haven't gotten this done, and then we have security agents that are not being paid and they're still showing up, and kudos to them for doing that," United CEO Scott Kirby told CBS News.

"It gets worse every day as it goes by," he said. "But the crazy thing about this is that  that's what causes our politicians to get it done. Like, it's just ridiculous to me, that it has to get bad before they can get a deal done."

"But please, get the deal done soon," he urged lawmakers.

Long security lines aren't the only frustration for fliers. Kirby said higher oil prices as a result of the Iran war are forcing his airline to cut about 5% of flights this summer and raise the price people pay for airline tickets.

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"Airfares are up probably 15 to 20% in the last month," he said, noting that the hikes don't fully cover the higher cost of fuel.

He said, however, that summer is still "booking really well, and demand is the strongest it's been ever."

TSA wait times at major U.S. airports (Table)

Spoiler alert! "NCIS" star Rocky Carroll talks major twist in the show's 500th episode

Latest on jury deliberations in California social media addiction case

Video: Hawaii reels from worst flooding in 20 years
Meanwhile, United Hatzalah paramedics successfully performed CPR on a girl, including using a defibrillator, after she fell out of bed during a siren, intending to rush to a sheltered area.

At least six people were wounded after fragments from a cluster munition struck central Israel on Thursday morning amid an intense wave of ballistic missile barrages launched from Iran.

Magen David Adom provided treatment to a woman in her 40s suffering from wounds to her upper body caused by shrapnel impact in the Tel Aviv area. She was rushed to Sourasky Medical Center's Ichilov Hospital with light injuries, MDA said.

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Paramedics also provided treatment to a 26-year-old man who was also lightly injured by shrapnel in the Tel Aviv area.

Additionally, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology's campus was hit by falling shrapnel, the university stated. The campus is located in the Haifa's Naveh Sha'anan area.

Sharing a video of the damage caused, the university noted that there were no casualties and that damage to university buildings was "limited."

Damage caused by Iranian missile fragments hitting the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Naveh Sha'anan campus, March 26, 2026. (credit: TECHNION)

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In addition, at least two people were injured when shrapnel hit in Samaria, the Sha'ar Shomron local council announced.

Later on Thursday, United Hatzalah shared footage of an emergency responder using a drone to scan roofs for fallen shrapnel.

A United Hatzalah emergency responder using a drone to scan roofs for fallen shrapnel, central Israel, March 26, 2026. (credit: UNITED HATZALAH)

Israeli girl suffers cardiac arrest during sirens in Safed, hospitalized in serious condition

Sirens caused by an Iranian missile barrage caused a 12-year-old girl to fall from a bunk bed and suffer a cardiac arrest in Safed, northern Israel, United Hatzalah reported on Thursday morning.

A United Hatzalah paramedic at the scene after a 12-year-old girl suffers a cardiac arrest after falling out of bed during a siren, Safed, northern Israel, March 26, 2025. (credit: UNITED HATZALAH)

The incident occurred at approximately 6:13 a.m., the Safed Municipality added, noting that the missile fragments landed in an open area and did not cause any direct harm.

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United Hatzalah paramedics went to the scene and performed CPR on her, successfully causing her heart to resume beating.

"We were informed that during the alarm, she stumbled from her bed as she tried to quickly get down and move to a shelter," United Hatzalah paramedics said.

"We performed CPR on her while giving her two shocks from a United Hatzalah defibrillator. After that, her heart miraculously started beating again," they added. She was then taken to the hospital in a critical, but stable, condition.

MDA first responders treat at least six people after shrapnel hits near Kafr Kassem

Sirens first sounded across central Israel at approximately 7:20 a.m on Thursday morning.

MDA initially stated that it was providing medical treatment to two people in the Kafr Kassem area, central Israel, who were lightly wounded, later raising this number to six. The wounded were transferred to both campuses of Rabin Medical Center, MDA stated.

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Magen David Adom, at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday morning, announced that emergency response teams were dispatched to several locations where people reported incidents of shrapnel hitting open areas.

The responders found shrapnel hitting in at least two locations, with no casualties at either scene, MDA noted.

However, a 68-year-old woman suffered a head injury en route to a sheltered area and was taken to Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, for further treatment.

Additionally, two people were involved in a car crash in Petah Tikva due to the sounding of sirens and were evacuated to Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus.

Hezbollah drone shrapnel injures two people, kills dog in Upper Galilee

A drone launched by Hezbollah terrorists hit an open field in the Upper Galilee on Thursday afternoon, Israel Police reported.

Two people were wounded with light injuries, and a dog was found dead at the scene after being hit by shrapnel.

No property damage was found by police officers at the scene.

This is a developing story.
An ambitious plan to open a food hall in a historic downtown Fresno building barely got off the ground before a dispute between its two owners caused it to come crashing down.

The GrubPub, located in the former home of Las Mananitas in the State Center Warehouse building on R Street, launched with a soft opening March 9 and closed two weeks later largely due to slow sales.

The idea was to provide downtown office workers and nearby residents with several dining options in one spot. Inside the 8,000-square-foot space is a Mexican restaurant, a seller of loaded baked potatoes, teriyaki bowls and a cafe selling pastries and coffee drinks.

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In the rear of the building, the owners planned to have a bar serving wine and beer along with pizza, burgers, salads and sandwiches. There was also space for several pool tables.

One of the founders, James Torres, said Tuesday that he feels frustrated, angry and disappointed over the fallout between him and his business partner, Josh Valdez.

Torres said that while he still believes in the concept, the business had a very slow start. The office workers he hoped would become core customers didnt show up in the numbers he hoped.

I thought we were going to be slammed, Torres said. But that didnt happen.

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It also didnt take long for the business to begin falling behind in meeting its obligations. The GrubPub needed a financial lifeline, but Torres said the most he could raise was another $5,000 to $7,000. He said hes already invested at least $85,000 in sweat, equity and cash.

But when his business partner Valdez said he had someone who might be willing to invest, Torres said he felt relieved. That all changed when Valdez told him he was taking on new partners, Torres said.

I couldnt believe it. I have been working on this for eight months, and it has always been a joint venture, Torres said. I have sold everything I have to get this place up and running, and to have someone take it away like that is just ubelievable.

Valdez said Tuesday that he wont comment until things are taken care of legally.

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Torres is also looking into hiring a lawyer. He wants to be compensated for his share of the business.

For now, GrubPub is closed, and Valdez declined to answer if it will reopen.

Torres said he no longer wants to do business with Valdez for reasons that are personal and professional. He accused Valdez of making derogatory comments about his son, who is autistic.

I cant work with him again after hearing what came out of his mouth, Torres said. I never want to be in business with a person like that.
Social media giants spent more than a decade assuring lawmakers, regulators, judges and the public that their platforms are safe for kids, despite years of accusations that the tech platforms knowingly designed products that were causing harm.

This week, that campaign hit existential obstacles  after juries in two separate trials declared that the exact opposite was true.

The message is clear, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, whose investigation resulted in a jury finding on Tuesday that Meta must pay $375 million for failing to protect kids from child predators, told POLITICO in an interview. It's time to change the way these companies do business.

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Less than 24 hours after the New Mexico verdict, jurors ruled against Meta and Google-owned YouTube in a Los Angeles social media addiction trial, ordering a total of $6 million in damages.

The widely popular platforms, along with others like Snap and TikTok, once appeared unstoppable as they designed their algorithms for maximum user engagement. Now theyre suddenly facing a minefield of legal, regulatory and political threats that could upend their business models and rock one of Americas richest industries to its core  even though theyve weathered similar threats time and time again.

Techs critics are pouncing, determined that this time they will deliver Silicon Valley its long-threatened comeuppance.

I am going to tell my grandkids where I was when I learned the verdict in this case. That's how big of a moment it is, Sacha Haworth, head of the nonprofit Tech Oversight Project, referring to the LA verdict. This is Big Techs Big Tobacco moment.

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The companies have vowed to appeal. Meta has accused plaintiffs in both cases of mischaracterizing its internal documents by cherry-picking quotes, while YouTube maintains that its platform more closely resembles a streaming platform than social media.

Meta spokesperson Liza Crenshaw said in a statement that teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. And Meta President Dina Powell McCormick, speaking at an Axios Live event shortly after the verdict landed, said she respectfully disagrees with the ruling.

"This is really important to me and very personal, McCormick said. I see firsthand just how hard that the company is trying to ensure that there is not harmful content, to ensure that we are empowering parents to the best of our ability."

The companies vast wealth serves as a shield of sorts: Meta reported $201 billion in revenue last year, for example. And YouTubes parent company, Alphabet, recently reported that its annual revenues exceeded $400 billion for the first time in 2025.

Eyes now on Congress

In Congress, both Democrats and Republicans say the rulings underscore the need to finally pass federal legislation that forces social media companies to further protect kids online. Similar hopes have repeatedly fallen short during the past decade, however, as divisions both within and between the parties have stymied efforts to tighten the reins on the tech giants.

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Now that Big Tech has been found liable for the harms they have pushed on our kids, its time for Congress to enshrine protections for American families into law, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said in a statement following the Los Angeles verdict.

Kids online safety advocates, sensing a political opening, are going on the offensive in Washington. Haworth said that some activist parents who were in a Los Angeles courtroom for the verdict Wednesday had already booked flights to the nations capital as advocates gear up for a lobbying blitz.

State prosecutors who have led the legal crusade against social media giants, such as Torrez and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, say theyre pursuing rulings that would force companies to redesign Instagram, Facebook and other platforms with stricter safety and privacy guardrails for kids.

Juries in Los Angeles and New Mexico have found Meta responsible for what we at CA DOJ know to be true: Meta is prioritizing profits over the safety of children and violating consumer protection laws, Bonta said on X Wednesday. CA DOJ looks forward to holding Meta accountable in our own upcoming August trial in the Bay Area.

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Earlier in the week before the verdicts landed, both Bonta and Torrez drew comparisons between social media and another addictive substance: tobacco.

Even California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat whom many in Silicon Valley have viewed as a powerful ally in their home state, is telling tech companies that this moment should be their reckoning.

I think we have to renegotiate our contract with Big Tech, Newsom told reporters Wednesday during a press conference in Sacramento. Maybe they'll reconsider their own participation in the world that they've created. It's a moment of some deep accountability  and, I hope, reflection  on their part.

Last month, the governor and likely 2028 presidential contender threw his support behind an effort from state lawmakers to restrict social media access for kids under 16.

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After the LA social media verdict, lawmakers in California told POLITICO that theyre feeling emboldened to pursue new restrictions, such as impose age limits on social media  regardless of what happens next in Congress or the courts.

Meta and YouTube, along with TikTok and Snap, have built platforms that are like casinos. Theyre marketing them like theyre toys, said Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, the Long Beach Democrat spearheading Californias effort to restrict social media access for kids under 16. And now, they have to pay the price.

Globally, leaders from Spain to Malaysia are also angling to put hard age limits on social media  similar to ones that Australia pioneered when it became the first nation to ban teens under 16 from creating social media accounts late last year.

Federal lawmakers in the U.S. have also proposed legislation limiting young users' access to social media, an effort that has been reignited by Australia's landmark ban. The Kids Off Social Media Act, led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), would bar people 13 and under from using social media platforms and require companies to remove algorithmic-based content for users under 17 years old.

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The social media trials have also reignited debates in the U.S. over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the three-decade-old law that has shielded tech companies from being held liable for content that third-party users post on their platforms. Federal lawmakers are considering making changes to the law, or sunsetting it completely.

On the other hand, Section 230 has shown remarkable staying power so far, even after both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden called for Congress to repeal the law.

Social media platforms want to catch users as young as they possibly can, Florida Republican Rep. Kat Cammack told POLITICO. This is something we have been screaming from the rooftops about  that this is very dangerous, that there should be some stronger guardrails, and I think it's going to take a really serious look from Congress.

Cruz told reporters after the verdict Wednesday that he wants to see kids safety legislation move forward, reiterating his statement to POLITICO earlier this month that he wants to advance related legislation within the coming weeks.

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It has always been my intention to move the kids safety package, and we're still intending to do exactly that, Cruz added.

The post-verdict rallying cry may make it more difficult for tech industry lobbyists to beat back kids online safety legislation, as company operatives have done for years. But in Washington, tech companies have a powerful ally in Trump, who has worked closely with the industry since retaking office. Just this week, he appointed a number of tech titans, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, to advise him on artificial intelligence policy.

Trumps efforts to dismantle state-level AI regulations have also complicated the collection of kids online safety bills working their way through Congress. Efforts to fold in language that would preempt state AI laws have sparked renewed political infighting that threatens to tank a potential package.

'Absolutely their karma'

With Congress gridlocked, states such as New York, Colorado, Utah and California have charged ahead in enacting more stringent youth social media controls. Lawmakers in those states have passed restrictions on targeted advertising to minors, established new online age-checking requirements and mandated cigarette-style health warning labels for social media platforms.

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But arguably the most imminent danger for tech giants is a series of thousands of related lawsuits pending against Meta, YouTube, Snap and TikTok. Plaintiffs in those cases, including California school districts families who accuse social media giants of harming their kids, similarly blame the companies platform designs for exacerbating youth anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. In some cases, parents allege social media use contributed to their childs deaths.

The Los Angeles trial decided this week is a bellwether for many of those lawsuits. In that ruling, Meta and YouTube were only ordered to pay $6 million in total damages, but two plaintiff lawyers and a third legal expert familiar with the case said penalties will likely snowball  perhaps into the billions of dollars  as more cases go to trial.

Therell be a lot of math done in board rooms, said Jayne Conroy, one of the co-counsels who represented the Los Angeles case plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified as K.G.M. in court documents. This is an alarm bell for these companies.

Adam Thierer, senior fellow for technology and innovation at the right-leaning think tank R Street Institute, predicted that even more trial attorneys will rush to file lawsuits against social media companies in the wake of the Los Angeles case in hopes of scoring a big payout. He said the ensuing legal feeding frenzy could devastate the social media sector, particularly smaller platforms.

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A lot of people think this will be a great way to punish Big Tech, Thierer said. But the reality is that, as we've learned from previous experiences with these sorts of things or with excessive regulation, it's usually only the very largest firms that can weather that type of litigation storm.

Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, made a similar point, noting that smaller players could crumble if hit with a wave of knee-jerk regulation and litigation.

"Youth mental health is a complicated issue, and rushing to regulate technology does not consider the multifaceted nature of the issue or the impact such policies could have on expression, privacy, and access to information by adults as well as minors, Huddleston said in a statement.

The cases decided this week arent settled yet, meaning it could be months or even years before companies cut a check. YouTube has said it will appeal the LA verdict. And Meta has vowed to appeal both of this weeks rulings, pointing in the LA trial to the jurys non-unanimous decision.

Still, techs critics are brimming with confidence.

There were hundreds of off-ramps for them, Ava Smithing, founding partner and political director of pro-online safety nonprofit The Attention Studio, said of the tech industry. This is absolutely their karma.
WILLIAMSBURG  A South Carolina man previously indicted in connection to an incident at Whitley Central Intermediate School entered an Alford plea last week in Whitley Circuit Court.

According to court records, Willie OBrien Bethea, 39, of Latta, South Carolina, filed a motion to enter a guilty plea pursuant to North Carolina vs. Alford on March 18.

An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that sufficient evidence exists that could likely result in a conviction at trial.

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Bethea was originally indicted in October 2024 on two counts of attempted kidnapping of a minor and one count of first-degree persistent felony offender. The charges stem from an incident in August 2024 at Whitley Central Intermediate School.

Bethea reportedly entered the school under the pretense of enrolling a student and was later seen interacting with children on the playground after being informed he was at the wrong location.

School staff intervened, leading to a soft lockdown across Whitley County, Corbin Independent and Williamsburg Independent schools.

Following his arrest by Corbin Police at Walmart, Bethea was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

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Court records show Bethea had initially entered a not guilty plea following his indictment, and the case proceeded through multiple continuances, evaluations and pretrial motions throughout 2025 and early 2026.

On March 18, the court entered an order reflecting a guilty plea from a hearing the previous Monday and a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 20 in Whitley Circuit Court.

According to a News Journal report, prosecutors have offered a recommendation for Bethea to serve 10 years for each attempted kidnapping count concurrently for a total of 10 years.
After lawmakers rejected proposals to incentivize the construction of large data centers in South Dakota, the governor signed a bill into law Tuesday that will place new limits on the industry.

The law applies to data centers with a peak electrical demand of 10 megawatts or greater. It will require data center companies to ensure their water use does not overburden local resources and to pay for the electrical infrastructure costs attributable to them. It also prohibits the state from overriding local ordinances limiting, prohibiting or otherwise regulating data centers.

This is a rendering for the proposed Sioux Falls Technology Park, which would host the Gemini hyperscale data center, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Another bill Rhoden signed into law Tuesday allows the state Public Utilities Commission to assess data center companies the costs of regulatory reviews related to their projects.

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The laws emerged from a broader fight about data centers during the recently concluded legislative session.

Economic developers and some lawmakers unsuccessfully supported incentives such as a 50-year sales tax exemption on the equipment and software purchases for data centers, or the expansion of an existing sales tax rebate program to accommodate data centers.

ANALYSIS: Why are states, including SD, considering banning new data centers

Another bill that failed would have exempted large backup generators that are not connected to the grid  such as those used by large data centers  from regulatory and siting review by the state Public Utilities Commission.

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Backers of those bills said data centers could bring more jobs to the state and more property tax revenue to local governments. Opponents raised concerns about the amount of water used by data centers for cooling, and the potential effect of data centers electrical demands on the rates of everyday electrical customers.

South Dakotas biggest data center consumes a maximum of 30 megawatts, and the state has none of the vastly larger data centers that have proliferated elsewhere in response to the growth of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and other data-intensive industries.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: South Dakota governor signs law to limit large data centers
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)  Nuclear power is getting a second look in Southeast Asia as countries prepare to meet surging energy demand as they vie for artificial intelligence-focused data centers.

Several Southeast Asian nations are reviving mothballed nuclear plans and setting ambitious targets and nearly half of the region could, if they pursue those goals, have nuclear energy in the 2030s. Even countries without current plans have signaled their interest.

Southeast Asia has never produced a single watt of nuclear energy, despite long-held atomic ambitions. But that may soon change as pressure mounts to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change, while meeting growing power needs.

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The Iran war is underscoring the vulnerability of Asias energy supplies, raising the sense of urgency about finding alternatives to oil and gas in Southeast Asia, analysts say.

The surge in crude oil prices caused by the escalating conflict has raised the motivation for countries to speed up their nuclear efforts, said Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

Vietnam and Russia advanced a nuclear power deal this week as the region's energy security concerns worsened. In South Asia, Bangladesh is racing to power up its new nuclear power plant, also backed by Russia, to address the country's energy shortfalls.

Southeast Asia will account for a quarter of growth in global energy demand by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency, or IEA. That partly is because of the more than 2,000 data centers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, according to the think tank Ember.

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Many more data centers are in the pipeline.

That's most obvious in Malaysia, which aspires to be Southeast Asias AI computing hub and has drawn investments and interest from tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Nvidia.

The revival of Southeast Asia's nuclear interest mirrors a global trend.

Nearly 40 nations  including the United States, Japan, South Korea and China  have joined a global push to triple installed nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Southeast Asia will account for nearly a fourth of the 157 gigawatts expected from newcomer nuclear nations" by mid-century, according to the industry-backed World Nuclear Association.

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There is a more serious, new and growing momentum for the development of nuclear energy in Southeast Asia, said King Lee, with the association.

Southeast Asia revisits nuclear power

Five of the 11 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations  Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines  are chasing nuclear.

Vietnam is building two nuclear plants, backed by the Russian state corporation Rosatom. These are nationally significant, strategic projects," according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Vietnam's revised atomic energy law took effect in January.

Indonesia added nuclear to its new energy plan last year, aiming to build two small modular reactors by 2034. Officials there say Canada and Russia have issued formal cooperation proposals and others will soon follow.

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Thailand set a target last year of adding 600 megawatts of nuclear generating capacity by 2037. Nuclear is a promising solution to supplying enough affordable, clean electricity to meet rising demand, officials with Thailand's Electricity Generating Authority told a conference in Bangkok.

No Southeast Asian nation has engaged with atomic energy more than the Philippines, which built a nuclear power plant in the 1970s that it never turned on.

A new atomic energy regulatory authority launched last year will usher in the integration of nuclear power," according to Philippine officials. The country set a 2032 target and approved a roadmap for potential investors in February.

We are not anticipating that nuclear electricity will be cheap at the onset," said Asuncion-Astronomo. But in the long term, she said it will improve the Philippines' energy reliability, security, independence and eventually costs.

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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East definitely demonstrates how volatile fossil fuel costs are and the instability of the supply, she said. Nuclear is an alternative solution that can give us more self-reliance in terms of energy.

Southeast Asian nations without firm plans are also showing interest.

Cambodias latest national strategy signaled an openness to nuclear and Singapore outlined plans last year to study its own atomic potential.

Even the tiny oil and gas sultanate of Brunei told the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, that it is carefully exploring nuclear energy."

Data centers revive Malaysias nuclear plans

The AI-focused data centers contributing to Southeast Asias growing energy demand are large windowless buildings filled with rows of computers.

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A standard AI data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, the IEA says.

Malaysia has more than 500 operational data centers. Another 300 or so are under construction and around 1,140 are planned, according to Ember.

Malaysia revived its nuclear program last year and set a 2031 target for bringing atomic energy online.

A lot more industries are expanding in Malaysia, said Zayana Zaikariah, with the Kuala Lumpur-based Institute of Strategic & International Studies, listing growing interest in data centers, semiconductors and mining. Everything requires energy.

The U.S. is helping.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an agreement with Malaysia last year. He called it a signal to the world of how civil nuclear cooperation is something that is available." President Donald Trump also sees nuclear as a way to meet data center demands. In 2025, he ordered the quadrupling of U.S. nuclear power within the next 25 years.

Theres more incentive to follow through compared to previous flirtations with nuclear energy, said Amalina Anuar, with the ISEAS-Yusof Institute, a Singapore-based think tank. The fact that Malaysias oil and gas reserves are finite is driving a search for new energy sources.

Fossil fuels generate 81% of Malaysias electricity, Ember found, while solar and wind provide just 2%.

Malaysias decarbonization is both urgent and critical as rising demand from AI and data centers is anticipated, said Dinita Setyawati with Ember. But the nuclear option should be approached cautiously.

Nuclear power risks remain

Global nuclear capacity will more than triple  to about 1,446 gigawatts  by 2050 if existing reactors continue operations and governments meet their stated targets, according to the World Nuclear Association.

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More than 400 nuclear reactors, in about 30 countries, generate around 380 gigawatts of energy, according to the IAEA's Power Reactor Information System. This is makes up between 4.5% to 10% of the world's energy, the IEA and nuclear association estimate.

Concerns over nuclear safety, waste and supply remain. Public resistance flared after the cataclysmic 1986 Chernobyl and 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns. But even Japan, which idled all its plants after that disaster, is restarting its nuclear plants.

Bridget Woodman, with the research group Zero Carbon Analytics, said that as the world strays farther off track from its climate goals, nuclear can look deceptively more enticing than other less risky alternatives, like renewable energy.

Southeast Asian countries considering starting a nuclear industry from scratch need to consider the possibility of accidents, she said.

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___

Associated Press writer Aniruddha Ghosal in Hanoi, Vietnam contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
SpaceX crews are preparing to launch another rocket from Floridas Space Coast.

The company is planning to launch a Falcon 9 rocket around 5:10 p.m. on Friday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The launch is aiming to send another batch of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The launch will mark the 34th flight for the first-stage booster being used in the mission.

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SpaceX said the rocket booster has previously supported various cargo, crew and satellite missions for both commercial and international partners.

Following the launch, SpaceX plans to once again land the booster on its Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Channel 9 will monitor the planned launch and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
March 26 (Reuters) - When a mother sperm whale gives birth, it is a remarkable team effort. Marine biologists have documented how multiple adult female sperm whales surrounded the mother as the whale gave birth, then collectively hoisted the calf out of the water as the newborn took its first breaths.

With observations in the eastern Caribbean off Dominica's coast, the researchers offered the most detailed account to date of the birth process in sperm whales or any cetacean - the group that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises - in the wild. Sperm whales are the largest of the toothed whales and possess the biggest brain, about 18 pounds (8 kg), of any animal.

The researchers witnessed an episode of highly coordinated cooperation in which 11 sperm whales - 10 females including the mother and a single adolescent male in a peripheral role - were present for the birth and helped ensure the calf's safety.

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Using drone video, underwater audio and shipboard photography, scientists with the Project CETI research organization documented the event on July 8, 2023. The birth process lasted about 34 minutes, from flukes emerging from the mother to the calf's delivery.

Multiple adult females surrounded the mother, a whale nearly 33 feet (10 meters) long. Sets of whales then took turns in physically supporting and lifting the newborn to the ocean surface.

The findings were published on Thursday in two studies in the journals Science and Scientific Reports.

"We observed a highly cooperative period of caregiving right after birth. The whales formed a very tight cluster around the newborn, repeatedly touched it, supported it with their bodies and took turns lifting and pushing it toward the surface. The lifting behavior continued for several hours," said Alaa Maalouf, Project CETI's robotics and machine learning team member and lead author of one of the studies.

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As an air-breathing marine mammal, it is vital that a calf comes to the surface to breathe shortly after birth. This calf was lifted to the surface within a minute of delivery.

"Birth is a high-risk moment for sperm whales because newborns are initially immobile and helpless - much like humans - and newborns require immediate assistance from others to reach the surface for their first breath to prevent drowning," said marine biologist and research co-author David Gruber, Project CETI's president.

Coordinated lifting behavior previously was documented in three other toothed whales - killer whales, false killer whales and belugas - and may date back to when the last common ancestor of these species lived more than 30 million years ago, the researchers said.

Vocalizations made by the whales shifted at critical moments, including the onset of labor and interaction with short-finned pilot whales that arrived on the scene. Several hours after the delivery, the sperm whales dispersed into smaller and more typical foraging groups.

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The sperm whales that cooperated during the birth came from two normally separate family groups.

"What makes this especially striking is that the support crossed kinship lines. Groups that are often more separate during normal foraging appeared to come together during birth, suggesting that sperm whale society may be built on more than close family bonds alone. In addition, the scale and structure of this cooperation point to a high degree of social and cognitive sophistication," Maalouf said.

Like other marine mammals, sperm whales are highly social animals. These whales, with the largest males reaching about 60 feet (18 meters) long, are deep divers, feeding on prey including giant squid. The last scientific record of a sperm whale birth came in 1986, limited to written observations.

Sperm whales maintain complex social systems in which stable matrilineal family units of perhaps 10 to 12 individuals cooperate in foraging and caregiving.

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"Male sperm whales leave their natal units in their early teens. The grandmother, mothers and daughters will live together for life as a unit," said research co-author Shane Gero, Project CETI's lead biologist. "Females live in these units to cooperatively defend and raise the calves, while mature males live mostly solitary lives roaming between oceans in search of mates."

Gero called it "a fascinating surprise" that the adolescent male attended this birth event.

"Sperm whales specifically share traits strikingly similar to humans. Sperm whales have the largest brains of any species and have higher-level functions such as conscious thought and future planning, as well as speech and feelings of compassion, love, suffering and intuition," Gruber said.

(Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
MILAN  Nordic Knots, the design-forward, Scandi rug brand with fashion appeal, has drawn fresh investment its way.

On Thursday, Nordic Knots, which also launched a textiles collection for the home in 2025, announced the addition of new minority investors to scale its global presence, supporting the brands mission of becoming the most admired and leading brand in the interior and home category.

More from WWD

Nordic Knots was founded in 2016 in Stockholm by Liza Berglund Laserow, her husband Fabian Berglund and his brother Felix Berglund. Marking its 10th anniversary, the company is targeting over $100 million in revenue for 2026, reflecting its international expansion and leading position in the industry. Since its inception, the brand has operated as a fast-growing design company. Fabian Berglund, a former creative director at advertising firms Anomaly and Wieden+Kennedy told WWD the firms sales grew 85 percent in 2025 versus 2024.

The investment, with a financial amount close to $100 million, is led by Imaginary Ventures, a globally leading consumer fund based in the U.S., specializing in premium, brand-driven companies. Imaginary Ventures, which has nearly $2 billion of assets under management, was founded by Natalie Massenet and Nick Brown in 2018. Its portfolio includes brands such as Skims, Westman Atelier, Danielle Frankel, and Reformation. The investment also includes Stockholm-based investment firm Creades, Iris Ventures, and St. Dominique Capital, the investment platform started by Moda Operandi cofounder Lauren Santo Domingo.

We lived in New York when we started Nordic Knots, and I was an interior designer and Fabian was in advertising. The dots connected when we merged those two worlds together, Berglund Laserow told WWD in an interview.

Fabian Berglund and Liza Berglund Laserow

The new partners will support Nordic Knots next phase of growth, enabling further expansion, product development, and strengthened brand positioning globally. The U.S. is its largest market by sales, and a directly operated monobrand store is planned to open in Los Angeles in June. There is already one store in New York City on Greene Street.

We see more flagship stores in other key cities You can probably guess them from a fashion point of view, where we want to be. Its important to us to be able to show more people the world of Nordic Knots in a physical expression We really like the idea that we can open up doors that let people experience the brand in real life, Fabian Berglund said.
Those who follow the St. Cloud Police Department on social media may have seen posts about recent traffic enforcement surges.

These surges are when police officers keep an eye out specifically for traffic violations, particularly on days where there's extra staffing. This extra eye can bring in more than 100 stops, which is what happened on March 4 when the team conducted 115 traffic enforcement stops, according to an X post.

A St. Cloud Police Department squad car is seen in December 2025.

The traffic details come as traffic is one of the most common complaints received by the police department, according to Chief Jeffrey Oxton.

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"There's some days where we have additional staffing," Oxton said. "We've been trying to respond to one of the most common complaints  traffic complaints."

These patrols include speeding and running red lights, according to the police chief. He told the St. Cloud Times many traffic violations stem from inattentive driving.

"I think most of the infractions we see are because of inattention," Oxton said. "Whether that's because people are distracted by their phone or distracted by other things. They're just not paying attention."

TRAFFIC: Driver charged in Stearns County after motorcyclist loses leg in crash

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By publicizing these details, Oxton said the department hopes it will inspire people to pay more attention when they are behind the wheel.

Earlier this year, during the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota, SCPD reported sightings of reckless driving by those who believed they were following ICE agents in an attempt to observe the operation.

As of mid-March, Oxton said, traffic violations and reckless driving concerns no longer stem from locals trying to track ICE agents.

St. Cloud's focus on inattentive driving comes as more than 13,300 crashes have taken place so far this year statewide, according to statewide data. Fifty people have died in these crashes.

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Of the more than 13,300 Minnesota crashes this year, about 90 were in Benton County, 200 were in Sherburne County and 385 were in Stearns County, as of March 22.

Oxton told the St. Cloud Times in mid-March that he hopes to continue the details, potentially working with other agencies along the way. He said the department also uses data to track where officers are needed most.

Corey Schmidt covers politics and public safety for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: St. Cloud police target inattentive drivers in enforcement surges
A boy from Minneapolis received an award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society on March 25 for shielding a classmate with his body during a mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School last summer, officials said.

Fifth grader Victor Greenawalt was one of six honorees, including five people and a nonprofit organization, for this year's National Medal of Honor Day, according to the Medal of Honor Society. The six recipients were recognized with a Citizen Honor Award for their "extraordinary acts of heroism and service within their communities," a news release states.

The Medal of Honor Society named Victor as the 2026 Young Hero Honoree for demonstrating "extraordinary bravery far beyond his years" during the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting on Aug. 27, 2025. The award honors Americans 17 years old or younger "for their courage in a dire situation," according to the Medal of Honor Society's website.

Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.



Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025. Law enforcement officers gather outside Annunciation Church following a mass shooting event, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., August 27, 2025. Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025. Officers set up barriers after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025. Police and medical teams work the scene after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025. A father and daughter walk towards their vehicles after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. Families and loved ones walk outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. An officer with the ATF opens his trunk while setting up outside the shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025. Law enforcement officers gather outside Annunciation Church following a mass shooting event, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aug. 27, 2025. Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene. 1 of 12 Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.



Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.

"Instinctively, Victor protected a classmate with his own body, directly saving their life during the attack," the Medal of Honor Society said in the news release. "His courage and selflessness became a powerful symbol of hope and humanity for a community in crisis."

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The award was presented by the Medal of Honor Society, a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization composed of the 64 living Medal of Honor recipients, during a ceremony at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington.

'Leaped in front of gunfire to protect his friend'

Victor and his sister were injured when a shooter fired through the windows of the Annunciation Catholic Church toward young students worshipping at Mass, according to a GoFundMe page. In a statement on social media, Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Victor "leaped in front of gunfire to protect his friend during the tragic mass shooting."

"Victors actions saved his friends life," Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, of Minnesota, said in a statement on social media. "I am so proud of Victor, but this is just heartbreaking. Our kids shouldnt have to live this way in America. We must do better for our kids and pass an assault weapons ban."

Weston Halsne, who was 10 and a fifth grader at Annunciation Catholic School at the time of the attack, was sitting two seats away from the stained-glass windows when the bullets began to rain down, he told the local NBC-affiliate KARE 11.

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Like the other students around him, Weston dropped to the ground, the television station reported. A friend, who was later identified as Victor, tried to shield Weston and was shot in the back.

"My friend Victor, like, saved me, though, because he laid on top of me, but he got hit," Weston said at the time, calling his friend "brave." He told the station he thought his friend went to the hospital and was doing all right.

Victor and his family were facing a "long journey of recovery," according to the GoFundMe page. In an Aug. 29, 2025, update, the GoFundMe page stated that Victor had been released from the hospital and was recovering with his family.

"We know that there is still a long road ahead of healing for our family and the community," according to the GoFundMe page. "A sincere and deeply felt thank you from our entire family. We are trying to focus on the light  the incredible stories of people helping each other this week."

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Has America hit a new low? A shooter attacked children in prayer.

What happened in the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting?

The deadly shooting occurred at the Church of the Annunciation, a Catholic church that also houses a private elementary school in Minneapolis with about 395 students. The attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. local time on Aug. 27, 2025, authorities said.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, the shooter approached the outside of the church building and fired inside toward the children sitting in pews. Two children, 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, were killed in the attack.

Police initially reported that 18 other people were injured, including 15 students ages 6 to 18 and three parishioners in their 80s. Police later reported that 24 children and three adults were injured by gunfire, MPR News reported.

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Of the injured, police said at least two were critically injured. All the injured had been expected to recover, though family members of some previously said they will have long roads to recovery from serious bullet wounds.

The shooting suspect, identified as Robin Westman, 23, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, according to O'Hara.

Contributing: Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis boy honored for protecting friend during school shooting
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl last November on Chicago's North Side.

It happened in the 2900-block of West Wilson Avenue in Ravenswood Manor Nov. 21.

Chicago police say the suspect forced the girl into an alley at gunpoint, then assaulted her.

He's charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and kidnapping.

He was arrested Tuesday in the 6000-block of North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago police said.

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CPD at the time said they were searching for two suspects, as another allegedly held a second girl at knifepoint.

Residents told ABC7 the neighborhood was shaken by news of the attack, especially with so many families with teenagers in the area.

The teen was due in court Wednesday.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Area Five Detectives at (312)746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood




Texas lawmakers are weighing whether the state could expand its borders to include parts of New Mexico, though any change would face a long and uncertain path.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Thursday issued interim charges that include studying the implications of adding one or more contiguous New Mexico counties to Texas.

The charge is tied to a revived New Mexico House joint resolution from Lea County lawmakers  Republican state Reps. Randall T. Pettigrew and Jimmy G. Mason  that would create a process for counties to vote on leaving New Mexico.

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Efforts to separate from New Mexico are not new. They stem from longstanding tensions between southeastern New Mexico, including Lea County, and political leadership in Santa Fe.

Supporters argue cultural, economic and political differences have created a disconnect between rural counties and the state government. Critics say the idea is largely symbolic and politically driven.

Any boundary change would require approval from voters and additional action at the state and federal levels.

Burrows signals support

Burrows, a Republican from Lubbock, signaled support for the idea in February.

Texas would gladly welcome Lea County back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs, Burrows said in a mid-February X post.

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His interim charge calls for a study of the constitutional, statutory, fiscal and economic implications of adding New Mexico territory to Texas. Lawmakers are also directed to review relevant provisions of the U.S., Texas and New Mexico constitutions, as well as federal and state laws and court precedent.

The study would outline the steps required at both the state and federal levels and recommend any legislation needed to begin the process.

The move does not trigger immediate action but signals potential support among Texas House leaders for exploring the idea.

"Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. Its a conservative, energy-rich region with a fierce independent streak, and West Texas has shown whats possible when you respect oil and gas, protect property rights, and trust local communities," Burrows told the American-Statesman. "This conversation is ultimately about culture, opportunity, and the right to choose a path that reflects the shared values of the Permian and Delaware basins. I look forward to this discussion in the new House select committee.

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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick did not include a similar proposal in his January round of interim charges, and his office did not respond to a request for comment.

Separate from Texas secession efforts

In recent years, the movement in support of Texas seceding from the union, also known as the Texas National Movement, has come the closest to putting 'Texit'its shorthand monikerup for a vote in the group's nearly two decades of trying.

Overall backing of the movement remains relatively low. Still, there is a growing traction, with Republican candidates and officeholders from city council members to state representatives signaling their support for considering the idea.

Texas' secessionist efforts are independent of New Mexico's attempt to join the state.
A Texas State University professor sued the school in federal court this week, asking a judge to block his termination and alleging officials punished him for an off-campus talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Austin, seeks to block Texas State from ending the employment of Idris Robinson, a tenure-track philosophy professor, on May 31, and alleges officials violated his First Amendment rights by punishing him for a talk he gave at an anarchist book fair in North Carolina. It is at least the second recent lawsuit accusing the university of firing a professor over speech made outside the classroom.

Robinson gave a talk titled Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance in June 2024 at the Another Carolina Anarchist Book Fair in Asheville, North Carolina. The event was recorded, and a scuffle broke out afterward, which local police investigated but did not link to Robinson, according to the lawsuit.

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Nearly a year later, on June 5, 2025, a pro-Israel activist posted video from the talk on Instagram, accusing Robinson of inciting violence and calling on the university to fire him, the lawsuit says. The post drew about 1,500 likes and 220 comments. The next day, the university placed Robinson on paid administrative leave and barred him from communicating with students and colleagues, the lawsuit says. In July 2025, the university notified him that his contract would not be renewed and that his employment would end on May 31, 2026, without providing a reason. Robinson appealed the decision through the universitys grievance process, but officials upheld it.

Robinson joined Texas State in 2022 as a tenure-track professor and had received consistently positive performance reviews. In 2024, he was rated excellent, and the talk was not mentioned, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit argues Texas State violated Robinsons First Amendment rights by retaliating for speech made as a private citizen, not as part of his job duties.

A Texas State University spokesperson said the university does not comment on active litigation.

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The lawsuit follows other recent controversies at Texas State involving faculty and student speech.

Last fall, the university fired tenured history professor Thomas Alter after online activists amplified remarks he made at a socialist conference and called for his firing. His lawsuit in Hays County district court is ongoing. Separately, Gov. Greg Abbott called for Texas State freshman Devion Canty to be expelled for mocking Charlie Kirks death. Within hours, Canty said, the school told him he must either withdraw or be expelled. He withdrew.

The Texas State Employees Union called Robinsons treatment another case where the university chose political appeasement over its responsibility to defend protected political speech.

The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.
An important part of staying safe during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is knowing the difference between a "watch" and a "warning" and how to receive these critical National Weather Service alerts.

Watch: Be Ready

A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is issued when weather conditions in the area are favorable for the development of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms.

They're typically issued several hours before any severe weather develops, cover larger areas ranging from parts of a state to multiple states, and are usually in effect for several hours until the threat is over.

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Tornado and severe thunderstorm watches are issued by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The SPC typically issues an average of about 1,000 of these watches in the U.S. each year.

If one is issued for your area, consider it an early heads up that severe weather could flare up. Know where you'll take shelter if a warning is issued and be prepared to do so quickly, if a warning is issued.

Warning: Act Now!

A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes either are occurring or are suggested by radar.

These warnings are issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office, typically cover either parts of a county or multiple counties, and usually last on the order of 20 to 60 minutes.

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If you receive a warning for your area, move indoors and take shelter immediately. If it's a tornado warning, go quickly to a storm cellar, basement, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. If you can, wear a helmet, grab a blanket and hard-soled shoes for protection from debris.

Time is of the essence with a warning. While most NWS warnings provide about 10 to 20 minutes of lead time, you may not have that much time if a severe thunderstorm or tornado has just developed. Do not waste time looking out the window to convince yourself the threat is real.

(MORE: All Tornado Warnings Are Serious, But They Aren't All The Same)

An example of a tornado watch (large shaded area) and warning (small polygon).

An Analogy  Using Tacos

Another way to look at the difference between a watch and warning has been pointed out in social media over the years using food.

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In the case shown below, members of the Normal, Illinois, Fire Department want you to think about tacos:

-"Taco watch" means the ingredients for tacos are in place.

-"Taco warning" means we are having tacos right now.

Courtesy of Normal Fire Department

How To Get Watches, Warnings

Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving severe watches and warnings.

Those include a smartphone app, such as The Weather Channel app, NOAA weather radio, local radio and TV stations. If the threat of severe weather is overnight or while you're sleeping, make sure to turn off your "do not disturb" setting on your smartphone so any alert will wake you up.

The Weather Channel app is one such app able to alert you when the NWS issues a watch or warning.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
A nearly-two-month-long misconduct hearing for a Troy district court judge has come to a close, but it likely will be months before any decisions are made about her future on the bench, according to the state's Judicial Tenure Commission.

Closing arguments for Troy's 52-4 District Court Judge Kirsten Hartig took place Wednesday, with both sides wrapping up arguments about whether Hartig is fit to continue being a judge.

More: Judicial commission: Troy judge 'caused upheaval and turbulence' in her court

Kirsten Nielsen Hartig

The Judicial Tenure Commission, which investigates all allegations of judicial misconduct in Michigan, filed a rare public complaint against 52-4 District Court Judge Kirsten Nielsen Hartig in June of 2025, alleging she withheld the results of a mental health examination she was required to do for months from the commission. She's also accused of mistreating court employees and improperly dismissing cases.

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"When Judge Hartig doesnt get what she wants from people in the court, when they dont acquiesce to her demands  she goes on an attack against them, often in extraordinarily disrespectful ways," said JTC Staff Attorney Molly Kettler during the first day of the hearing against Hartig in early February.

But Hartig's attorney, Donald Campbell, said during opening statements that the JTC has tried to put a bad spin on almost everything Hartig has done and has examined her conduct under a microscope  something few could survive without blemish.

"This unprecedented public complaint is designed to break her, to humiliate her and they had hoped she would resign," Campbell said during his opening statements.

Campbell did not respond for comment Thursday.

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Hartig was removed from her criminal caseload May 27 last year following an administrative order from District Judge Travis Reeds, chief judge of 52nd District Court. Hartig currently handles general civil, landlord-tenant and small claims actions.

JTC Interim Director Glenn Page said now that the testimony is complete in the misconduct hearing, both sides will have to wait for the court reporter to finish typing up the transcripts. Once transcripts are finished, the judge in the case will prepare a report with their findings and submit it to the commission, Page said. Either side  the JTC or Hartig  can file objections to the report and they can argue those objections at a public hearing.

The JTC will then make a decision and send its findings to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will determine what discipline, if any, to impose.

Hartig's misconduct hearing lasted longer than most hearings do, Page said, which was because of the large number of witnesses in the case.

kberg@detroitnews.com

Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: District Court Kirsten Hartig misconduct hearing ends
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the admissions policies at three medical schools, including UC San Diego.

According to reporting from The New York Times, the Justice Department informed Stanford University, the Ohio State University and UC San Diego about the investigation on Wednesday, demanding that the schools turn over data by April 24.

The government is asking for information on applicants for the past seven years, including things like test scores, zip codes and ties to donors or alumni, according to The New York Times article. The government is threatening to withhold federal funding if it does not receive the data by the deadline.

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On Wednesday, Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, posted a photo of herself on social media signing a letter with the caption, Launching a series of civil rights investigations. Another day in paradise!

An editor at Lawfare Media later posted a photo of the letter zoomed in, which appeared to be a Title VI probe into The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

A spokesperson for UC San Diego told FOX 5/KUSI in an email that the university was notified on Wednesday of the investigation and is reviewing the notice.

UC San Diego is committed to fair processes in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws, the university said in the emailed statement.

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This is not the first time the Justice Department has launched an investigation into a University of California school over things like admissions and hiring processes.

In June of last year, the department sued the University of California system for alleged race and sex based discrimination in its hiring practices.

In September, the UC system sued the Trump administration weeks after the administration froze research funding at the University of California, Los Angeles, accusing the school of antisemitism.

It was the first public university to be targeted by the administrations widespread funding freeze. Elite colleges like Harvard, Brown and Columbia were also a target of similar accusations and funding freezes by the administration.

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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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Michael Flynn and the Justice Department have agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, over his claims of political targeting in a 2017 case in which he initially pleaded guilty.

The parties notified a federal judge Wednesday in Florida that they had reached a settlement. The amount was not disclosed. Flynn had sued for $50 million in 2023, alleging malicious prosecution and abuse of process.

A judge previously tossed Flynns lawsuit in 2024. His attorneys filed an amended complaint last June, claiming the U.S. improperly and politically targeted General Flynn because of his lawful association with the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald J. Trump.

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Flynn celebrated the settlement, praising Attorney General Pam Bondi's Justice Department and calling the original case against him "Russian Hoax FBI lawfare," arguing it was "a prosecution that should never have been brought."

He added that the settlement "goes far in demonstrating that the current Department of Justiceunder the leadership of President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Blanche, and other dedicated departmental leadersis committed to bringing accountability for the bad acts of those partisan actors."

More stories on the Justice Department

Flynn, one of Trumps top campaign surrogates in 2016, was appointed national security adviser during Trumps first term. His tenure was short-lived, however. He resigned after less than a month after it was revealed he had lied to Vice President-elect Mike Pence and administration officials about conversations he had had with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition.

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Flynn then lied about the conversations to the FBI, a federal crime. He pleaded guilty in late 2017 to a charge brought by then-special counsel Robert Mueller.

Flynn, who initially cooperated with Muellers probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, later backtracked. After prosecutors signaled that they would seek prison time, he withdrew his guilty plea.

The Justice Department in 2020 moved to drop charges against Flynn, and later that year, Trump pardoned him.

Trumps defenders used Flynns case at the time to condemn Muellers tactics as special counsel and portray Flynn as being railroaded by the FBI and the so-called deep state.

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Trump has repeatedly referred to Mueller's investigation as the "Russia hoax."

A Justice Department spokesperson said Wednesday in a statement that the people involved in starting the Russia investigation "abused their power to mislead the American people and tarnish the reputations of President Trump and his supporters. Todays settlement, secured by this Justice Department, is an important step in redressing that historic injustice."

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the Justice Department's decision to settle "as outrageous as it is indefensible."

"This is someone who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials at a time when Russia was actively interfering in our democratic process, after being charged by the Department of Justice during President Trumps first term," Warner said.

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"For this Justice Department to now turn around and reward that behavior with a million-dollar settlement sends exactly the wrong message to our adversaries, to our intelligence professionals, and to the American people," he added.

NBC News has not confirmed the settlement amount.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
March 26 (UPI) -- A Trump administration attorney admitted in federal court that the Department of Justice misrepresented an internal memo to justify arrests in immigration courts.

U.S. attorney Jay Clayton acknowledged in a letter to U.S. District Court Judge Kevin Castel that the department had been incorrectly relying on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo to make arrests in immigration courts. This led to agents showing up to immigration hearings and detaining dozens of people.

The memo, "2025 ICE Guidance," directed federal agents that they "may conduct civil immigration enforcement actions in or near courthouses when they have credible information" that a person targeted for detainment would be "present at a specific location."

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Clayton wrote that the Trump administration was unaware of the error until Tuesday. ICE personnel received an email reminding them that "the May 27, 2025, Guidance does not apply to Executive Office for Immigration Review courts, regardless of their location."

"Based on our discussions with ICE today, this regrettable error appears to have occurred because of agency attorney error," Clayton wrote. "We deeply regret that this error has come to light at this late stage, after the parties have expended significant resources and time to litigate this case and this court has carefully considered Plaintiffs' challenge to the 2025 ICE guidance."

Civil Rights organizations brought a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the arrests of people attending immigration court hearings last year.

"In the months since the Court relied on the government's representation to deny Plaintiffs preliminary relief, Defendants have continued arresting noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, resulting in their detention -- often in facilities hundreds of miles away," the New York Civil Liberties Union and American Civil Liberties Union responded in a court filing.

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Amy Belsher, an attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union representing plaintiffs, said in a statement that the admission by the Trump administration was a "shocking revelation."

"It is yet again another example of ICE's brazen disregard for the lives of immigrants in this country," Belsher said in a statement. "It is now clearer than ever that there is no justification for ambushing and arresting people who are showing up for court."

In January, former Milwaukee County, Wisc., Judge Hannah Dugan resigned from her post after being convicted for obstructing law enforcement last year. Dugan was charged after helping an immigrant evade federal immigration agents who showed up at their immigration hearing to detain them.

Dugan faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She has not been sentenced.
EY has appointed Ben Morphet as its new financial services leader for the Midlands in the UK.

Birmingham-based Morphet succeeds Martina Neary, who has moved into the role of UK and Ireland Financial Services Clients and Industries leader.

In his new post, Morphet will be responsible for further expanding the regional financial services team and EYs offering for companies based in, or operating from, the Midlands.

Neary said: I am delighted to see Ben step into this role. He has been instrumental in growing our financial services team in the region and has a strong track record, with a real commitment to the Midlands.

I know that, under Bens leadership, the Financial Services team will continue to grow from strength to strength, and I look forward to supporting him with that continued growth.

Morphet, who joined EY in 2004, has spent 18 years working in financial services. As a partner focused on audit and assurance, he primarily works with large life insurance groups, general insurers and pension schemes.

He has led sizeable external audits as well as a range of assurance engagements, and in recent years has been closely involved in developing the companys Midlands financial services practice.

The team delivers services across assurance, tax, technology, and business and risk consulting to clients in banking and capital markets, insurance, and wealth and asset management.

Morphet said: The Midlands is an incredibly important part of the UK financial services landscape, with a diverse mix of established institutions and fast-growing businesses.

The region also has a fantastic talent pool, with leading universities and a growing professional services community. I am excited to work with our teams, clients and broader stakeholders as we help them navigate the landscape ahead.

"EY selects Ben Morphet as Midlands financial services lead" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




A Republican-led initiative to repeal an anti-gerrymandering law in Utah will fail to make Novembers ballot, despite garnering support from President Donald Trump, Turning Point Action and a host of other GOP influencers and organizations.

The ballot initiative, which attempted to repeal a 2018 law that created an independent redistricting commission in the state, dipped below the requisite signature threshold after a coordinated signature removal campaign, according to data released Thursday by the state election office.

The initiatives failure, first reported by the Deseret News, is a major blow to Republicans in the deep-red state, who attempted to overturn a new judge-ordered congressional map that hands Democrats one safe blue seat. Repealing the anti-gerrymandering law would have allowed the Republican-controlled legislature to reinstall a more favorable map ahead of the 2028 elections.

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A well-informed voting population leads to better outcomes for everyone, said Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of Better Boundaries, which opposed the repeal effort. A majority of Utah voters approved Prop 4 in 2018, and we look forward to the day when Utah voters can finally pick their politicians, not the other way around.

The effort garnered support from Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Turning Point Action. Signature-gathering efforts were funded by Securing American Greatness Inc., a nonprofit aligned with the president that was previously run by former Trump White House official Taylor Budowich.

The effort turned chaotic, with signature gatherers reporting being assaulted and accusations of fraud.

The failed attempt to overturn the law is the latest victory for Democrats in the state. Following the most recent decennial census in 2021, the Republican-controlled Legislature broke up a Salt Lake City-based, GOP-held battleground district in favor of four solid red seats. After a yearslong legal fight, state courts installed a new map that has one deep blue seat based around the city and three red districts in the rest of the state.

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That court-ordered map will be used in November.

Supporters needed to submit signatures for 8 percent of all active registered voters statewide, and 8 percent in at least 26 of the 29 Utah state Senate districts, for the initiative to make Novembers ballot. In February, supporters said they submitted over 200,000 signatures, well beyond the required statewide thresholds.

But Utah law allows petition signers to remove their signatures within 45 days of the states election office verifying it, offering a window for removals after the submission deadline has passed. Better Boundaries and other groups launched a signature-removal effort that successfully wiped over 7,000 signatures, through canvassing and pre-paid mailers requesting voters remove their signatures.

A last-minute effort from the GOP-controlled Utah Legislature wasnt enough: On the final night of the legislative session, a bill passed that barred voters from using prepaid postage to request their signatures be removed.

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The signature-removal effort proved to be Republicans kryptonite. In Senate District 15,328 signatures were removed Wednesday  dropping it below the 8-percent threshold and sinking the initiative, according to new data released Thursday by the lieutenant governors office.

Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson vowed that this wouldnt be the end of the fight.

We have significant concerns about the practices utilized by the opposition and continue to review the signature validation and removal process, Axson said in a statement. Whether now or in the future, by litigation or initiative, we will Repeal Prop 4. This fight is not over but just beginning.
President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind one of six Republicans vying for lieutenant governor.

Trump endorsed T.W. Shannon, a former Oklahoma House speaker and political appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Trump.

"T.W. Shannon has my complete and total endorsement to be the next lieutenant governor of Oklahoma  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump said on his social media site Truth Social on Tuesday, March 24.

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Trump's endorsement is prized among Republicans running for office, especially in Oklahoma where most GOP voters support the president. Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern in the race for U.S. Senate earlier in March. Since then, no prominent candidate has filed to run against Hern.

Trump's endorsement of Shannon marks the second time this month that Trump has made a pick in an Oklahoma political race.

From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Attorney General Gentner Drummond speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Leisa Haynes speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Chip Keating speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Mike Mazzei speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Jake Merrick speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Kenneth Sturgell speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. People listen to a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. People listen to a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Oklahoma governor candidates attend state GOP forum, see photos 1 of 16 From left to right: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick, and Kenneth Sturgell are pictured during a governor forum with the Oklahoma GOP at the Capitol View Events Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 28, 2026.

Trump said Shannon had supported his campaign "from the beginning" and cited Shannon's time as a leader of Black Voices for Trump. Shannon said he was honored to have Trump's endorsement.

"President Trump has transformed our country by fighting for the American people and putting America first," Shannon said in a statement. "I was proud to stand with him then, and I will continue that fight for Oklahoma as your next lieutenant governor.

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Shannon is up against State Auditor Cindy Byrd, State Sen. Darrell Weaver, State Reps. JJ Humphrey and Brian Hill, and tribal finance leader Victor Flores in the Republican primary June 16.

Survey results released by pollster Pat McFerron in February showed Shannon with a hefty lead in the race, with Byrd as his closest contender. McFerron credited Shannon's lead to his name recognition and that he "has secured a solid bloc among the more conservative and active elements of the primary electorate."

Byrd said Trump called her Tuesday, March 24, and told her he was endorsing Shannon. She said she respected Trump and "his decision to keep his word concerning a prior commitment.""However, just like President Trump, I have carried all 77 counties in two statewide elections," she said in a statement.

Humphrey acknowledged Trump's endorsement is the most influential endorsement that a candidate can receive in Oklahoma. But Humphrey also said he does not think the election will be determined by one endorsement.

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Im proud that he is able to get that, but the question becomes, what do the people of Oklahoma want?" Humphrey said about Trump's endorsement of Shannon. "Do they want someone whos getting an endorsement, or do they want someone who is out trying to prevent waste, fraud and abuse?"

Byrd said she believes the race will head to a runoff, which will occur if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

Weaver, Flores and Hill, the other candidates in the race, did not respond to a request for comment by publication.

The winner of the Republican bid for lieutenant governor will face Democratic candidate Kelly Forbes and independent candidate Candice Jay in the general election Nov. 3.

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Armstrong Appointment Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt taps Alan Armstrong as new U.S. senator

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: President Trump endorses T.W. Shannon for Oklahoma lieutenant governor
The Trump administrations federal housing finance director, Bill Pulte, is asking prosecutors to investigate New Yorks attorney general, Letitia James, for insurance fraud, according to criminal referrals reported by MS Now and CBS News.

The referrals to prosecutors in Florida and Illinois allege that James may have committed mortgage insurance fraud. The allegations center on applications made to Universal Property Insurance, which is based in Florida, and Allstate in Illinois.

Related: Appeals court rules US can continue to detain immigrants without bond

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A similar mortgage fraud case filed against James in Virginia fell apart after a judge ruled that the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. Prosecutors there failed twice in their attempts to convince a grand jury to indict James on the same charges.

Federal prosecutors are also investigating Jamess financial transactions with her hairdresser, who faces criminal charges for bank fraud and identity theft in Louisiana, according to the New York Times.

James is a prominent foe of Donald Trump. Her office won a $450m civil judgment against him and his sons in 2024 for fraud, but a five-judge panel tossed the financial penalty last year. Jamess office is appealing to have the penalty reinstated.

The Trump administration has made unprecedented use of the justice department to investigate personal enemies, including former FBI director James Comey; the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell; and Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz.

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In a statement, Jamess lawyer Abbe Lowell said the charges against James were politically motivated.

Frustrated by repeated failures, where judges and grand juries have rejected their attempts to charge Attorney General James, Trump and his political enablers keep abusing their power to pursue a vendetta against her by trying to rename, refile and repeat baseless allegations, Lowell said.
President Donald Trump sparked laughter from administration officials after he joked about a potential next move once he finishes his time in the White House.

During the 11th Cabinet meeting of his second term on Thursday, Trump touted that Venezuela is doing better right now than theyve ever done in the history of their country in the aftermath of the covert U.S. military operation in early January that captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to how the South American country has generated more revenue from oil sales in the first two months of the year compared to the most of 2025. In mid-February, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News that revenue has topped $1 billion.

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Following the raid, the United States took control of Venezuelas oil exports, with proceeds funneled to a U.S.-supervised fund in Qatar. They are now sent directly to accounts handled by the U.S. Treasury Department.

To the extent its flowing to the Venezuelan government, its going to help the people like fund hospitals, pay teachers, Rubio said. Its not being stolen.

Trump added that we get a lot of it, including billions and billions of dollars, while going on to say that the U.S.-Venezuela partnership has been amazing.

He then pivoted: The people  actually, Im the highest polling person. In other words, after the presidency, I think I may go to Venezuela and run for president."

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Amid laughter, Trump said that he may run against acting President Delcy Rodriguez, adding, its an option. They like me in Venezuela. But its an option for me. Its a wonderful option.

Watch

A poll conducted by the Caracasbased firm Meganalisis in the days following the U.S. operation found that more than 90% of over 1,000 Venezuelans surveyed say they are grateful to Trump for Maduros removal. But more than half of respondents believe that the U.S. president is more interested in controlling their countrys oil reserves than restoring democracy, according to its findings.

In the meeting, Trump also said taking control of Irans oil is an option when asked whether the United States has considered doing so, but added, I wouldnt talk about it.

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They want to make a deal, Trump said. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to s---.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
By Parisa Hafezi, Humeyra Pamuk and Steve Holland

DUBAI/WASHINGTON/PARIS, March 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. expects its military operations against Iran to conclude within weeks, not months, and Washington can meet all its objectives without using ground troops, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday.

Meanwhile, an Iranian attack on an airbase in Saudi Arabia seriously wounded two U.S. military personnel and injured another 10, a U.S. official told Reuters, as drones and missiles continued to strike around the Gulf.

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Rubio told reporters after meeting G7 counterparts in France that Washington was "on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here - a matter of weeks, not months."

While he said the U.S. could achieve its aims without ground troops, he acknowledged it was deploying some to the region "to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge."

Rubio discussed with G7 foreign ministers the possibility that Iran, even after the conflict ends, could try to impose shipping tolls through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio said European and Asian countries that benefit from trade through the waterway should contribute to efforts to secure free passage, downplaying U.S. dependence on the trade.

MARINES EN ROUTE

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Washington has dispatched two contingents of thousands of Marines to the region, the first of which is due to arrive around the end of March aboard a huge amphibious assault ship. The Pentagon is also expected to deploy thousands of elite airborne soldiers.

The deployments have raised concerns that the war, which the U.S. and Israel launched on February 28 with airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader and other top officials, could turn into a prolonged ground battle. Iran's response, striking U.S. and Israeli targets in the region as well as civilian targets in Gulf Arab nations and shipping, has disrupted global trade in energy and other commodities, raising fears of rising prices and recession.

U.S. President Donald Trump has appeared anxious to wind down the unpopular war, and emphasized this week what he has described as productive negotiations aimed at a diplomatic solution, despite repeated assertions from Tehran that no such talks have begun. On Thursday, Trump extended a deadline by 10 days for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz or face attacks against its civilian energy grid.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said the U.S. was hopeful of meetings with Iran within a week and that he expects an Iranian response soon to Trumps 15-point proposal to end the war. Witkoff said there were clear red lines for the U.S., including no uranium enrichment by Iran and the country giving up what he said was 10,000 kilograms of enriched stockpiled material.

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NEW STRIKES ON IRAN, ISRAEL, SAUDI ARABIA

Iranian media reported strikes on Iran's decommissioned heavy-water nuclear research reactor and a factory producing yellowcake uranium late on Friday, and said there were no radiation leaks or danger arising from either attack. Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at the yellowcake facility, the IAEA said on X, adding that it would look into the report.

There were also reports of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which Iranian media said left no casualties or extensive damage.

At least five people were killed and seven were injured after a U.S.-Israeli attack on a residential unit in Iran's northwestern city of Zanjan, Iranian media reported early Saturday.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X that Israel, in coordination with the U.S., had also hit two steel factories and a power plant. "Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes," Araqchi said, using an acronym for the U.S. president.

A senior Iranian told Reuters that Tehran had not decided whether to respond to the proposal the U.S. sent this week after attacks on industrial and nuclear infrastructure on Friday. The official said Iran had expected its response to be delivered on Friday or Saturday, but said the continuing strikes while the U.S. was seeking talks were "intolerable."

The U.S. proposal, sent via Pakistan two days ago, is reported to include demands ranging from dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile programmes to relinquishing control of the world's most important trade route for energy supplies.

The war has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands of people and causing the biggest disruption ever to energy supplies, hitting the global economy with soaring oil, gas and fertiliser prices that have fuelled inflation fears.

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In Iran, more than 1,900 people have been killed and at least 20,000 injured, said Maria Martinez of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Attacks on Israel by Iran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah have also prompted an Israeli onslaught that has displaced a fifth of Lebanon's population.

The Israeli military said late Friday Iran had launched missiles towards Israel. A 60-year-old man was killed in the Tel Aviv area, the ambulance service said.

Twelve U.S. military personnel were wounded - including two seriously - by an Iranian missile and drone attack at the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia, a U.S. official told Reuters on Friday. The Wall Street Journal reported that several refueling aircraft were damaged in the attack.

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The latest casualties add to the more than 300 U.S. military service members who have been wounded since the start of the conflict. Earlier on Friday, the U.S. military said 273 of them had already returned to duty. Thirteen U.S. troops have been killed in the conflict.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they were ready to intervene militarily under certain conditions, including if new allies join the United States and Israel in their war against Iran or if the Red Sea is used to launch attacks on Iran.

IRAN STILL POSSESSES MISSILES

The U.S., which has set out to neutralise Iran's long-range strike capabilities, can only confirm that about a third of the country's missile arsenal has been destroyed, five people familiar with the U.S. intelligence told Reuters.

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As the damage mounts and with no end in sight, Gulf Arab states are telling the U.S. that any deal must not merely end the war but also permanently curb Iran's missile and drone capabilities and ensure global energy supplies are never again weaponised, four Gulf sources said.

Stock markets tumbled sharply on Friday, while the Brent crude oil benchmark topped $112, having risen more than 50% since the war began.

In the U.S., where Trump is politically vulnerable to rising fuel prices, diesel in California hit an all-time high at an average $7.17 a gallon, the American Automobile Association said.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff, Simon Lewis and Brad Brooks; Editing by Alexander Smith, Rod Nickel)
WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran was letting 10 oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as an apparent goodwill gesture in negotiations.

Trump made the comments at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, elaborating on what he had previously described as a "present" from Iran.

"They said, to show you the fact that we're real and solid and we're there, we're going to let you have eight boats of oil, eight boats, eight big boats of oil," Trump said. "I guess they were right, and they were real, and I think they were Pakistani-flagged... It ended up being 10 boats."

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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the vessels.

Trump's comments came as he pressed Iran to agree to a deal that would clear the maritime chokepoint and end its nuclear program.

The U.S. president on Tuesday had baffled some observers when he said that Iran had given the United States an expensive, energy-related concession. At the time, he declined to say what exactly he meant.

"They gave us a present and the present arrived today, and it was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters then.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Chizu Nomiyama)
Washington  President Trump, who calls voting by mail "cheating" and wants to restrict the method, voted by mail this month in Florida's special elections, public records show.

Records from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections indicate the president voted by mail in Tuesday's special election for Florida's 87th district statehouse seat. Mr. Trump endorsed the Republican candidate in the race, Jon Maples, who ended up losing to Democrat Emily Gregory.

The county elections website says the president requested the ballot on Saturday, March 14, it was received the following day, and his vote was submitted and counted. The president was at his Palm Beach estate that weekend, when early voting in person was available.

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First lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump also voted by mail, requesting and sending their ballots on the same day as Mr. Trump, according to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website. They both list Mar-a-Lago as their address.

Barely a week after casting his ballot by mail, the president said during an anti-crime meeting in Memphis, Tennessee on Monday, "Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all."

The Washington Post was first to report that the president voted by mail in Tuesday's elections. Although Florida records only show votes cast in the last 365 days, CBS News previously reported that Mr. Trump requested a mail-in ballot in 2020 as well.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement, "As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a non-story."

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Mr. Trump has railed against voting by mail for years, claiming without evidence that the method is rife with fraud and even saying voting by mail should be banned. The president is urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would add more voter ID requirements and limit mail-in voting.

"I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS," the president wrote on Truth Social in one example in August. "... ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING."

Mr. Trump has long blamed mail-in voting for his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, even though he won with similar voting rules in place four years later.

Spoiler alert! "NCIS" star Rocky Carroll talks major twist in the show's 500th episode

Latest on jury deliberations in California social media addiction case

Video: Hawaii reels from worst flooding in 20 years
Two teenagers who were shot and killed in northeast Fresno on early Monday morning have been identified.

The Fresno County Coroner's Office has identified them as 15-year-olds Kash Lloyd and Gregory Smith.

Fresno police say the deadly shooting happened around 1:30 in the morning near San Jose and 4th, just a block away from an elementary school and Hoover High School.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two 15-year-olds killed in shooting in Northeast Fresno, police say

Detectives say Lloyd and Smith were a part of a group of four teens targeted in the shooting. A 14-year-old member of the group was also injured in the shooting.

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Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said in a news conference on Monday that the incident appears to be an intentional attack.

"There is gang involvement. Whether it was motivated, I don't know," she said.

Lloyd's and Smith's deaths are the 8th and 9th homicides in the city this year. Last year, Fresno had four murders.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.
Gap is expanding its global footprint.

On Monday, Gap Inc. announced it has entered a strategic partnership with apparel group Fashionata to bring the Gap brand to Australia.

More from Sourcing Journal

The launch in Australia reflects Gap Inc.s continued focus on international growth through strong local partnerships.

Australia is an important market for Gap as we continue to expand our international franchise business, said Facundo Ginobili, senior vice president of international commerce at Gap Inc. Fashionata brings deep local market knowledge and a strong track record of building global brands. Were excited to partner with their team to bring the Gap brand to Australian consumers in a modern, relevant way.

Fashionata will be launching the brand through a mix of national retail and digital presence. The company will lead the Gap brands distribution and market development in Australia, overseeing the physical retail and digital channels to ensure a seamless, omni-channel customer experience tailored to the local market.

The companys brands include Spanx, Joes Jeans, Hanro and Ginia.

Gaps rollout down under will begin on April 9 when it launches at select Myer department store locations nationwide. The brands modern essentials and denim will be available in-store and online. A dedicated Australian e-commerce site will follow later this year.

Gap is a globally recognized brand with a rich heritage, and were excited to introduce it to Australian consumers in a way that feels relevant to how they live today, said Melissa Trovato, Fashionata, chief operating officer. This partnership reflects our focus on building strong brand experiences through thoughtful retail and digital execution.

The launch underscores Gap Inc.s strategy to strengthen its connection with customers in key markets. As of the end of Q4 2025, Gap Inc. had nearly 3,500 store locations in approximately 35 countries, of which 2,474 were company operated. Worldwide there were 582 company-owned Gap stores and 841 franchise stores, with over half being in Asia.
Londons Metropolitan Police warns that anyone showing support for Palestine Action is now likely to be arrested, weeks after the force said it would not do so.

Police had said in February that it would refrain from arresting supporters following the High Courts ruling that the ban on Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful.

But on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the Met had reviewed its stance following the courts decision to allow the government to appeal that decision.

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While the High Court has found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it has confirmed the impact of that judgement will not take effect until the governments appeal has been considered, which could take many months, Harman said. That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action.

Harman said police must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date and that continued enforcement is likely to involve the arrest of those committing offences where support for the group is displayed.

Earlier on Thursday, several activists linked to Palestine Action, who were released on bail last month, spoke at a news conference about life in jail and the lasting effects on their health following a lengthy prison hunger strike.

Protesters gather outside The Royal Courts of Justice as the High Court hears a judicial review on the proscription of Palestine Action under the terrorism act [File: Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images]

In June, the Labour-led UK government proscribed Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation, placing the group in the same legal category as armed organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), and making it a criminal offence to be a member of or publicly support the group.

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The decision came soon after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire and sprayed red paint over military aircraft. Palestine Action claimed the incident.

In February, the High Court ruled that the governments designation of Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful and disproportionate.

Following that ruling, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that she intended to challenge the decision in the Court of Appeal.

Since it was established in July 2020, Palestine Action (PA) has organised hundreds of protests across the UK, targeting the operations of companies it says profit from Israeli military actions, with particular emphasis on the Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems.

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Over the past year, the ban led to a series of legal challenges, drew criticism from human rights groups, and prompted protests, amid warnings that the measure represented a draconian overreach that criminalised legitimate political dissent.

Thousands of peaceful protesters holding placards have been arrested in cases linked to alleged support for Palestine Action.
"Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop," Ugandas Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said during a series of X/Twitter posts expressing his support.

Ugandas Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba expressed his support for Israel amid the ongoing war with Iran in a series of posts on X/Twitter Thursday.

"We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it," he wrote, adding that any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring Uganda into the war. "On the side of Israel!" he concluded.

In another deleted post, he claimed that Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF), the country's armed forces, will begin participating in the war "on the side of Israel" if it doesn't end soon.

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"Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop," he stated.

Later on Thursday, Kainerugaba said in another post that he offered the help of Ugandan defense forces to both the US and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) walks with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni (R) after arriving to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Operation Entebbe at the Entebbe airport in Uganda, July 4, 2016. (credit: REUTERS/Presidential Press Unit/Handout via REUTERS)

"We could have captured Tehran in 72 hours without any bombing," he claimed, "but of course they never listen to a black man. Why bomb people who support you?"

Uganda-Israel ties warming

Last month, Kainerugaba announced in a post on X that Uganda will soon build a statue honoring Lt.-Col. Yonatan Yoni Netanyahu at Entebbe International Airport.

He said the statue would be placed in the exact spot where Netanyahu was killed following the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight that led to the abduction of about 100 Jews and Israelis.

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Kainerugaba said the monument is a symbol of the ties between the two countries, although no formal government announcement was made regarding the creation of the statue.

Prime Minister Netanyahu attended a memorial ceremony held at Entebbe Airport in 2016, marking the fortieth anniversary of Operation Jonathan.

"Forty years ago, they landed in the dead of night in a country led by a brutal dictator who gave refuge to terrorists. Today we landed in broad daylight in a friendly country led by a president who fights terrorists," he said during his public remarks.
Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In todays edition, Andrea Mitchell explores Ukraines vantage point on the war in Iran. Plus, Sahil Kapur lays out the details of congressional Republicans new reconciliation push and the challenges that lie ahead.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

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 Adam Wollner

Ukraines unique role in the Iran war

Analysis by Andrea Mitchell

As President Donald Trump slams fellow NATO members as cowards for not leaping into the war against Iran, an unlikely European country has been helping Gulf nations defend themselves from Iranian drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced last week his country had deployed 200 anti-drone experts to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with others now being sent to Kuwait. Their mission: to help defend against hundreds of cheap drones called Shaheds that Iran has been firing to swarm and blow up the Middle Easts critical energy facilities.

It is a threat the vastly wealthier and better armed Gulf powerhouses had not anticipated, but one that Ukraine knows all too well. Russia has been firing Iranian drones against Ukraines energy infrastructure and civilian targets for years, with devastating effects.

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Ukraines military deploys layers of anti-drone defenses, including interceptor missiles and electronic warfare systems, to jam the drones navigation and break their radio links to operators. Instead, the Persian Gulf countries have been spending millions of dollars firing air defense missiles that are both ineffective and costly against drones that can cost as little as $30,000.

The multimillion-dollar American-made missile defenses, such as the Patriots, are also in short supply. For several years, Ukraine has been pleading for more Patriot batteries to help them defend against Russias missiles. U.S. manufacturing shortages have led to European allies scavenging among themselves for whatever they could transfer to Ukraine.

Trump dismissed any shortages in stockpiles, telling reporters yesterday, We have unlimited middle and upper ammunition, which is really what were using in this war.

Ukraines military assistance to help Americas Gulf allies has not softened Trumps view of Zelensky in comparison to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Earlier this month, after Trump was criticized for lifting some sanctions on Russian oil to increase global supply, he told NBC News Kristen Welker that Zelenskyy is far more difficult to deal with than Putin in negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine. Many independent observers would say the exact opposite is true.

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At the same time, NATO allies who were reluctant to join the U.S. in securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz are mystified by Trumps persistent antipathy to the 76-year-old post-World War II defense alliance.

They were particularly upset by the presidents speech in Davos in January, when he said that the U.S. had defended Europe for decades, but he did not think Europe would ever help the U.S. According to several diplomats, that was especially galling to Denmark, which had lost as many troops per capita in Afghanistan as the U.S. Denmark was already aggrieved by Trumps claims that he wanted to take over Greenland, a Danish territory.

European leaders also point out that the only time in its entire history that NATO ever invoked its commitment to mutual defense was in defense of the United States after 9/11. British and other European air forces have since joined in defending Gulf assets in the Middle East. But Trump is still criticizing them for not fully entering a war he says the U.S. has already won.

More on the Iran war:

Iran has responded negatively to a U.S. plan to end the war, according to Iranian state televisions English-language broadcaster, Daniel Arkin writes.

Each day since the start of the war, U.S. military officials compile a video update for Trump that shows video of the biggest, most successful strikes on Iranian targets over the previous 48 hours, Katherine Doyle, Courtney Kube and Dan De Luce report.

Follow live updates 

Republicans plan a new reconciliation push, but major hurdles await

By Sahil Kapur

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, announced plans to craft a major Republican-only bill that funds conservative priorities such as immigration enforcement, military spending during the Iran war and new election rules.

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Graham said he will expeditiously move on the budget reconciliation process for the measure, which allows the Republican-led Senate to bypass the 60-vote filibuster rule. Its the same procedure they used to pass the big, beautiful bill last year. Graham said the new push has the support of President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.

The details: Republicans plan to fund parts of the Department of Homeland Security  namely, ICE and deportation operations  that are excluded from impending bipartisan negotiations to end the partial government shutdown thats causing long airport lines.

They also plan to use the legislation to advance portions of the SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose stricter voting laws across the country. Graham said he sees many opportunities to improve voter integrity through reconciliation.

Potential snags: Republican leaders see it as their best option to placate Trumps demands to pass the election measure. But the reconciliation process is heavily restricted to provisions about taxes and spending. And Democrats can appeal to the parliamentarian, the in-house referee, to strip out provisions that dont comply with those strict rules.

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As a result, the sponsor of the SAVE America Act, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said its essentially impossible to pass the bill that way.

There are many things the Senate could pass with a simple majority using the procedure known as budget reconciliation. The SAVE America Act is *not* one of them, Lee wrote on X.

Additionally, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, said she doesnt believe that using reconciliation is a good approach to funding parts of DHS.

Prospects in the House: Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., welcomed the effort. But a senior Republican on the House Appropriations Committee doubted that another expansive reconciliation bill could pass given the chambers narrow 217-214 majority, where the GOP can only afford one defection.

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I dont see how we get the votes, the lawmaker said.

Read more 

 Today's other top stories

 Election night recap: Democrat Emily Gregory flipped a Florida state House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. The result continues a streak of Democratic success in special elections since Trump retook office. Read more 

 Jack Smith memo: The Justice Department released documents to Congress that included damning evidence about Trumps procurement of highly sensitive documents when he left office after his first term, said Rep. Jamie Raskin , the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. Read more 

 Vote watch: A Wisconsin activist who pushed false claims about the 2020 election was convicted by a jury of election fraud and identity theft for requesting the ballots of two local politicians without their consent. Read more 

 AI backlash: A group of residents in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, is trying to recall the entire city council after it approved a new Google data center. Read more 

 New frontiers: First lady Melania Trump entered a childrens education and technology summit at the White House with a talking robot. Its fair to state you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House, she said. Watch here 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner.

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If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Detroit woman is facing up to 20 years behind bars after authorities said she organized more than a dozen thefts at Ulta Beauty stores in Metro Detroit, netting more than $30,000 worth of stolen merchandise.

Cheaira Broughton, 38, pleaded guilty March 12 to conducting a criminal enterprise, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Wednesday in a press release.

Nessel said a "small, organized group" coordinated by Broughton would enter Ulta stores, grab as much high-value merchandise as possible, then simply walk or run out of the front door and flee in a getaway vehicle.

Pictured is an Ulta Beauty store in Allen Park, Michigan.

At least 13 such thefts took place in October and November 2023, at Ulta stores in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, authorities said.

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Broughton sold the stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace, Nessel said. She was charged in November 2025.

When dismantling theft rings, we must investigate and prosecute organizers behind the scenes who profit from these crimes, and I am proud of my FORCE (Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement) Team and our retail partners and law enforcement officers who helped stop this enterprise in its tracks and secure this conviction," Nessel said in the release.

Michigan State Police, as well as police in Grosse Pointe, Novi, Canton Township, Troy, Allen Park and Birmingham, were involved in the investigation, Nessel said.

Broughton is scheduled to be sentenced April 17 in Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit. Conducting a criminal enterprise is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

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Information regarding her attorney wasn't immediately available.

Ulta Beauty, based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, operates 21 locations in Metro Detroit, according to its website.

A company spokesperson didn't immediately return an email seeking comment on the case.

mreinhart@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Ulta Beauty suspect pleads guilty in $30K theft ring in Metro Detroit
U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison traveled to a sprawling immigrant detention center on the outskirts of El Paso on Monday for an unannounced oversight visit of the facility where many people were transferred after being detained in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge.

Detainees, their attorneys and journalists have reported dangerous and squalid conditions at Camp East Montana, the nations largest immigrant detention center, which was hastily constructed last summer to meet the Trump administrations rapacious demand for space to hold immigrants targeted for deportation.

It consists of five massive tent structures on the site of a former World War II detention camp for Japanese Americans at Fort Bliss. The facility has a maximum capacity of 5,000 people with each tent divided into windowless rooms, where as many as 72 detainees are held around the clock, save the one hour per day when they are taken outside, Morrison said.

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These are unbelievably inhumane conditions, Morrison said in an interview on Wednesday. The OB/GYN physician represents Minnesotas 3rd District, comprising the west and northern metro suburbs.

Detainees say they have found worms in the food, the roof leaks when it rains, and medical care is virtually non-existent. Andrea Pedro-Francisco, who was sent to the facility after being arrested in Burnsville, told the Reformer she has been living in agonizing pain for over a month in detention, suffering from a large ovarian cyst at risk of rupture.

Three detainees died in the facility in a six-week period, including a man who was suffocated in a struggle with multiple guards.

Conditions at the facility became so poor that ICE recently terminated the $1.3 billion contract with the company operating the facility, Acquisition Logistics, which had never run an ICE detention facility before.

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The Department of Homeland Security, flush with funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, plans to spend nearly $40 billion to expand detention capacity nationwide to nearly 100,000 people.

Its important that the American people understand that their taxpayer dollars are being used to commit human rights abuses, Morrison said.

Morrison said she knows of four of her constituents who are being held in the facility, including a pregnant woman and a man with diabetes who is not receiving his medication. Another man from Minnesota was also denied his medication for diabetes at Camp East Montana and chose to voluntarily depart the country.

Morrison said she was initially denied entry given the on-going measles outbreak, a symptom of the crowded conditions that have also enabled the spread of tuberculosis and COVID-19.

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Morrison persisted. She said she is vaccinated and entitled to conduct oversight as a member of Congress, which a federal judge recently affirmed in a lawsuit brought by Morrison and other members of Congress after Homeland Security sought to require they provide one weeks notice before inspecting a detention facility.

After more than an hour, Morrison was allowed to enter but not talk with her constituents, nor any other detainees in the facility. She also was not permitted to leave a note.

They said it was too difficult to get them a note because it would be hard to find them, she said.

Morrison met with several employees from the Department of Homeland Security, as well as contractors. She said they told her 900 people were currently in the facility, although there was no way for her to verify that figure. Around 3,000 people have been held there on average previously, most without serious criminal records.

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Officials at the facility could not say how many people there currently were detained in Minnesota, Morrison said.

Immigrants are being held in facilities like Camp East Montana under the Trump administrations mandatory detention policy, which has been affirmed by two appeals courts despite being widely rejected by lower court judges. They remain in custody during immigration proceedings, which can take years, while being regularly nudged to voluntarily depart the United States.

Fallout over Operation Metro Surge  during which two Americans were killed and a federal judge found compelling and troubling evidence of racial profiling  has created a standoff in Washington over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

The agency has been in a partial shutdown for 40 days. Democrats are demanding reforms to ICE in exchange for the votes to pass a funding bill; Republicans have thus far refused to agree to the conditions, including prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks and requiring a judicial warrant to enter a private residence.

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Morrison said she remains firmly in favor of Democrats demands for changes to ICE.

After what happened in Minnesota, theres no way we can fund ICE anymore until there are significant reforms, Morrison said.
Undercover Philadelphia police officers arrested more than a dozen people Thursday at a Center City CVS as part of a broader effort to crack down on retail theft, police said.

Officers conducted the sting at the CVS at 11th and Market streets, where Action News observed arrest after arrest outside the store. Those taken into custody were accused of shoplifting, according to police.

The operation is part of a larger retail theft initiative that the Philadelphia Police Department launched more than three years ago. Police say the effort has intensified in recent days, with nearly 40 arrests made this week alone at CVS locations across the city.

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"It's really part of the engagement piece. We work closely with the retailers, and this week CVS approached the Philadelphia Police Department and said, 'Hey, we want to do something on a larger scale,' and that's what we're doing today," Philadelphia Police Inspector Ray Evers said.

IMAGE: Only Action News was there as an undercover Philadelphia police sting netted shoplifting arrests on March 25, 2026.

Evers said undercover officers arrested 26 people this week at nine CVS locations citywide, not including the arrests made Wednesday at the Center City store. Police said 13 people were arrested at that single location.

According to Evers, those arrested reflect a wide range of backgrounds, from organized retail theft gangs to everyday residents.

"We've locked up really interesting people. Teachers, a contractor coming in his truck who thinks the Wawa is a buffet, and just steals. We're going to lock you up," Evers said.

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Action News' data team analyzed retail theft reports and found a steady decline in such incidents over the past three years, which coincides with the department's retail theft initiative.

Shoppers outside the Center City CVS said the decline is welcome news, noting the inconvenience of merchandise being locked behind plastic cases or secured with chains.

"I have witnessed that firsthand of them just coming in, taking what they want and leaving," said Nicola Elliott of West Oak Lane.

Others said accountability is critical.

"You want to think about the good in everybody, and you go in to get what you need and are grateful we can just do that, but pay for it," said Julie Teel-Borders, who was visiting from Longview, Texas.

Police said sentencing outcomes for those arrested can range from psychological counseling and services on the low end to second-degree felony charges under state statute on the high end.
The institute that started as Iowas teaching school for teachers celebrated 150 years since its conception by showing lawmakers how it has expanded its mission to support learning and workforce needs across the state, and speaking on what it needs and doesnt need from the state.

The University of Northern Iowa held its Day on the Hill Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol, marked with resolutions from the Iowa House and Senate commemorating the institutions 150 years of service to Iowans. Students and faculty from long-established and recently launched programs traveled from Cedar Falls for the day, showcasing technology and their reach across Iowa and beyond.

UNI President Mark Nook said between 85-90% of UNI graduates find their first post-college job in Iowa and stay here, and the university is focused on educating Iowans for Iowa.

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Its been a tradition for UNI for 150 years, Nook said. Its great to celebrate that.

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The universitys requests for the Legislature this session include $1 million for its Neighboring State Rate program, which offers students from states bordering Iowa in-state tuition and $600,000 to expand its 2024-launched baccalaureate nursing degree program. UNI is also seeking aid to renovate a facility for its center for civic education, Nook said.

Nook said he was glad to see UNIs funding request included in Gov. Kim Reynolds budget proposal and conversations with lawmakers before and during the session have been positive, but its hard to know currently how things will work out.

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Ive always said that I get very, very confident once the governors signature is dry on the final bill, and before that, weve just got to wait for everything to get worked through, Nook said.

Faculty from the applied engineering and construction management programs  separated into separate programs last year but housed in the same, renovated building  said theyre hoping to see support from the state to expand their programs and get more students ready for Iowas workforce.

Stewart Carter, applied engineering department head, said its important to come to the Capitol to both interact with lawmakers himself and show students how the processes start that bring them the funding for programming and opportunities. Beyond showing off their programs and bringing specific requests to the Legislature, he said this event was a chance to advocate for UNIs, and higher educations, place in the state.

The main thing I want to do is just to make sure they understand the importance of what higher ed is for the state of Iowa, Carter said.

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Carter, as well as students in his department showcasing robotics equipment during the Day on the Hill, said theyre concerned about legislation moving ahead to freeze tuition for certain students at public universities. Elijah Yates and Nick Schreyer, both triple-majors at UNI and involved in student government and other organizations, said if tuition revenue is limited and state support isnt increased to bolster UNIs budget, the hands-on learning and chances to compete internationally with their technology could go away.

State funding has been decreasing over the past decades, Yates said, and if tuition is frozen, he hopes that the downward trend wont continue.

With that freeze, is the state going to provide a little more funding on their end to help us? Because the majority of the funding UNI gets actually comes from their tuition at this point, Schreyer said. It never used to be like that, but that could hinder the growth of the university and our education.

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By Harold Isaac and Sarah Morland

PORT-AU-PRINCE, March 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. on Wednesday offered a reward of up to $3 million and possible relocation in exchange for information on the financial activities of Haiti's Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif criminal groups.

Washington has designated both groups, which bring together hundreds of gangs in the capital Port-au-Prince, agricultural Artibonite region and central Haiti, as terrorist organizations.

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The U.S. announcement marks a shift in tactics as previous bounties have been focused on individual gang leaders.

Haitian security forces, with the support of a partially-deployed U.N.-backed force and a U.S. private military company, have intensified attacks on armed gangs that control most of the capital, but have yet to make a major gang leader's arrest.

Once dependent on sponsorship from elites, Haiti's gangs have grown more economically independent as they cemented control over the capital and extended to rural areas in recent years.

Besides controlling roads and checkpoints, they are accused of collecting funds through extortion, thousands of ransom kidnappings, gun, drug and organ trafficking, and theft of vehicles, buildings and crops.

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More than a million people have been displaced by the conflict with gangs, which has exacerbated food insecurity, and close to 20,000 have been reported killed in Haiti since 2021. The death toll has climbed every year.

According to the U.N., most gang killings are the result of firearms brought illegally into the country, with many believed to come through U.S. ports in Florida and Georgia.

According to a report released on Wednesday by Mercy Corps, which surveyed thousands of displaced people across the capital Port-au-Prince, 99% had no job or income after being displaced and 95% felt unsafe in their new lodgings.

Less than half had access to a functioning toilet and the vast majority were eating less than two meals a day. Just a third of children were attending school and a third of women said they had suffered physical or sexual violence at the displacement site, the report found.

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The U.N. estimated 1.45 million people were internally displaced across Haiti by the end of last year, with more than 400,000 displaced in the last year alone.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac and Sarah Morland; Editing by Inigo Alexander and Bill Berkrot)
A renewed federal order is keeping two aging Indiana coal plants running months after their planned retirement  and utilities say the price tag is quickly climbing into the hundreds of millions.

The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday issued new emergency orders requiring Northern Indiana Public Service Co., NIPSCO, and CenterPoint Energy to continue operating coal units at the R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley generating stations through at least June 21.

The directive extends an initial 90-day order issued in late December under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.

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Federal officials have argued the move is necessary to avoid potential power shortages and maintain grid reliability across the Midwest.

The Trump Administration will continue taking action to keep Americas coal plants running to ensure we dont lose critical generation sources, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement. Americans deserve access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power their homes all the time, regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.

The orders require NIPSCO, CenterPoint and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, to ensure the plants remain available to operate  despite earlier plans to retire the units at the end of 2025.

The Indiana plants are among a handful of aging coal units nationwide that federal officials ordered to remain online in recent months as part of a broader intervention into regional power markets that has bypassed typical state and grid planning processes.

Mounting costs for utilities

But utility officials told state regulators this week that complying with the orders is already proving to be costly.

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At a Tuesday hearing before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi said the mandate will require significant new spending to keep the aging coal units running, including major capital investments on top of day-to-day operating expenses.

Well have fixed and variable operating costs as well as any kind of capital investment, Parisi said. I think weve estimated it could be in excess of $100 million just in the investments in the units, and then operating costs on top of that.

Those costs include fuel, chemicals and staffing, along with potential upgrades needed to keep the units operational. One of the Schahfer units in Jasper County, Parisi noted, has been offline since last summer and is still under evaluation.

CenterPoint officials additionally described similarly steep expenses, telling regulators the federal order is driving daily operating costs into the seven figures.

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We are averaging $1.2 million on a daily operation, said Michael Roeder, CenterPoints Indiana president, adding that costs will fluctuate depending on how the unit is dispatched. As we get into the second 90 days, (well) likely take a planned outage, which will also have an additional cost to it.

Roeder said those costs are being tracked but are not currently reflected in customer rates.

Other estimates  including from the Sierra Club  suggest the combined cost of keeping the plants running could total hundreds of thousands of dollars per day across both Indiana coal facilities.

Keeping NIPSCOs Schahfer plant online has an estimated net cost to consumers of about $174,000 per day, according to the Sierra Club analysis, and net costs for running CenterPoints smaller Culley plant could tally approximately $21,000 per day.

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The plants were initially slated for retirement as utilities across Indiana  and the country  shift away from coal toward natural gas and renewable energy sources.

Federal officials, however, have argued that retiring too much baseload generation could threaten reliability, particularly during extreme weather or periods of high demand.

The Department of Energy pointed to performance during a January cold snap, when Schahfer generated more than 285 megawatts daily and Culley, in Warrick County, operated at roughly 30 megawatts.

The agency has also cited rising electricity demand  including from data centers and manufacturing  and periods of low wind and solar output as reasons the plants remain critical to grid operations.

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The orders also lean on recent extreme weather events, like a late-January winter storm that tested grid capacity across the Midwest, as evidence that the coal units are needed during periods of high energy demand.

Indiana has long relied on coal as a cornerstone of its electricity mix, but utilities have spent years steadily retiring or converting aging units.

Investor-owned utilities have closed multiple coal plants over the last decade and announced plans to shutter or transition several more, replacing them with natural gas, solar and wind resources.

The Schahfer and Culley units were part of that broader shift, with retirement decisions made years ago and approved through state and regional planning processes. Officials with MISO, the regional grid operator, had previously indicated the system was expected to remain reliable even as those units retired.

Legal, environmental pushback grows

The federal intervention has drawn strong pushback from environmental and consumer advocates, who argue the orders are unnecessary and costly.

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Cleaner power sources are available and Schahfer and Culley were ready to stop burning coal, so the federal order for them to continue burning coal is an unwarranted extension of coal and coal ash pollution in Indiana, said Indra Frank, coal ash advisor at the Hoosier Environmental Council.

A coalition of groups  among them, the Sierra Club, Environmental Law and Policy Center and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana  has filed legal challenges seeking to overturn the orders. In filings and public statements, they argue the federal government has failed to demonstrate an actual emergency and is improperly overriding state and regional grid planning.

Once again, President Trumps Department of Energy is attempting to force Midwest residential and business consumers to pay higher electricity bills to keep coal plants running that are no longer needed and not economically viable, said Howard Learner, executive director and CEO of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. The utilities already made the right financial call to retire these plants. The Trump DOE is making a bad situation worse when it comes to energy affordability problems that hit peoples wallets hard, while adding more pollution that harms public health.

The Trump DOE is making a bad situation worse when it comes to energy affordability problems that hit peoples wallets hard, while adding more pollution that harms public health.

 Howard Learner, executive director and CEO of the Environmental Law and Policy Center

The groups also warn that extending the life of the plants will drive up utility bills and prolong environmental risks, including coal ash disposal and air pollution.

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Utilities have not yet said how or when they might seek to recover the additional costs, though similar filings in other cases have proposed spreading expenses across customers in multiple states within the MISO region.

Similar legal fights are playing out in other states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, where federal orders keeping coal plants online are also being challenged. Advocates said a case already under review in Michigan could help determine how far the federal government can go in overriding state and regional energy planning decisions.

In the meantime, however, utilities say they will continue complying with the federal mandate.

We continue to assess the full impact of these orders on our operations, customers and employees, NIPSCO said in a statement.

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Advocates, meanwhile, say the outcome of the legal challenges  and how long the orders remain in place  will determine whether Indiana ratepayers ultimately bear the cost of keeping the plants online.

The federal government has invented a grid reliability crisis in a transparent and illegal attempt to commandeer uneconomic, dilapidated power plants, force them to operate, and stick us with the bill, said Ben Inskeep, program director at Citizens Action Coalition. We are fighting back against the federal governments unprecedented overreach that will cause our utility bills to soar and choke Hoosier communities with more toxic pollution from coal.

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General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is among the 10 Best Aerospace and Defense Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. On March 18, the Department of War announced that the company was awarded a $15.38 billion Navy contract modification involving the Columbia-class submarines.

General Dynamics Corporation (GD) Secures $15.38 Billion Navy Contract Modification

Pixabay / Public Domain

According to the press release, the defense contractors subsidiary, General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., will support the program through the provision of services like submarine design, sustainment, lead yard services, supplier development efforts, and enterprise planning initiatives.

The contract has been offered by the Naval Sea Systems Command and is scheduled for completion by June 2035.

In other news, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) on March 9 said that its Board of Directors had approved a regular quarterly dividend of $1.59 per share on common stock. It is payable on May 8 to all shareholders on record as of the close on April 10.

The announcement marks a 9-cent sequential increase in payout. The company is considered among the leading dividend-paying stocks in the sector due to its consistent dividend growth over the decades. It has an annual dividend yield of 1.84% as of March 20.

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is a leading global aerospace and defense company, operating through its Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies segments. It offers a broad portfolio of products and services related to ship construction, advanced weapon systems, land combat vehicles, business aviation, and more.

While we acknowledge the potential of GD 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 8 Best Drone Stocks to Buy for the Next 3 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Hungary between April 7-8, just days ahead of the countrys election, to show support for the reelection of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The trip dates, which have not previously been reported and which the White House has not made official, were outlined in an excerpt of a State Department cable obtained by POLITICO. The cables subject line reads: Hungary: Scenesetter for Vice President Vance's April 7-8 Visit to Budapest. Hungarian elections are set for April 12.

The overt politicking on behalf of any foreign leader runs counter to a long tradition of American administrations generally staying out of other countries domestic politics.

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But Trump has already endorsed Orban in a social media post and a video message shown at last weeks CPAC conference in Budapest.

In Trumps March 24 post, he urged people to get out and vote for Orban, who he called a truly strong and powerful Leader, with a proven track record of delivering phenomenal results.

In addition, Vance has long made waves in Europe for his support of far-right parties and at times stinging criticism of more mainstream governing coalitions and alliances.

A State Department spokesperson referred questions to the vice presidents office. Vances office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Generally speaking, senior officials travel plans are considered tentative until the final hours.

Vance would be the highest-level U.S. visitor to Hungary since then-President George W. Bushs trip in June 2006, according to the cable excerpt, which was shared with various parts of the State Department on Wednesday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Hungary in mid-February.

The cable excerpt obtained by POLITICO does not suggest that Vance will be in Budapest to influence Hungarys election. But it makes clear the pro-Orban bent of the Trump administration.

For example, the cable states that the close relationship between President Trump and PM Orban has transformed the prior administration's confrontational bilateral relationship into what both countries hail as a new golden era  a respectful, results-driven partnership focused on deepening defense, commercial, and energy ties.

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It also nods to the belief in Trump and Orban circles that the two countries must work together to rescue Europe from what they view as threats to Western civilization, such as mass migration.

It adds, in writing seemingly addressed to Vance, With Russia and China vying for influence and a highly contested national election on April 12, your visit sends a clear signal of U.S. commitment, underscoring our shared values and ensuring that Hungary remains not as a crossroads for great-power competition, but as a democratic linchpin firmly allied with the United States, and working for the renewal of our civilizational alliance across Europe.
Operation Epic Fury will hit a month old by the weekend. It and the massive military build-up to it were made possible by a global logistics chain that only the Pentagon can supply. At the heart of it is the aerial refueling fleet. These aircraft have flown thousands of sorties to get materiel where it needs to be and fast. These have included stuffing the fuel tanks of C-17s with cargo holds full of Patriot missiles to dragging stealth fighters across the globe. Epic Fury has been one of many operations to heavily tax the tanker fleet in recent years. To get a much better insight into the tanker portion of the war and its impacts, we talked to one man with an extreme level of experience behind the controls of USAF tankers.

For more than 20 years, Troy Pananon, a retired Air Force colonel, served in the aerial refueling community. He flew KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling jets and served as deputy commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida (now 6th Air Refueling Wing), and later as commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall in England. Both of these installations and their KC-135s are instrumental in the ongoing war in Iran.

In a two-hour, wide-ranging exclusive interview, Pananon offered insights into the strain of the war on the jets and personnel and the challenges of keeping the aging KC-135s flying as they perform hundreds of sorties gassing up fighters, airlifters and other aircraft. One of those missions resulted in the deaths of six airmen after a suspected midair collision over Iraq. Pananon also addressed a whole host of other issues, including how Epic Fury is affecting readiness for a fight against China, the scourge of drone incursions and much more, which will be addressed in future installments.

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Pananon, who began his career as an enlisted Marine, retired from the Air Force in 2023 and is now a 737 first officer with United Airlines. The first installment of our conversation focuses on Epic Fury and the toll on the tankers, crews and maintainers. Some of the questions and answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

U.S. Air Force Col. Troy Pananon, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, poses for a photo at RAF Mildenhall, England, July 9, 2019. Pananon served five years as an enlisted Marine prior to receiving his commission from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1996. He was initially assigned as a maintenance officer at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and then attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Cooper) Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Cooper

Q: The Air Force tanker fleet has come under extremely heavy use in recent years, being widely utilized in the evacuation of Afghanistan, the massive deliveries to Ukraine, the constant crisis in the Middle East and the campaign against the Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Now, the war in Iran. Talk about the strain this is putting on it, on the aircrews, the maintainers and the airframes, some of which rolled out during the Eisenhower era.

A: I would categorically say that theres a huge strain on the entire ecosystem. The KC-135s were rolling off the assembly line in the 50s and 60s. Some of the technology, and we called it technology back then, was graduated from the Wright brothers technology. Parts on that aircraft are still reminiscent of some of the things that were invented by the Wright brothers. So its amazing to me that the KC-135 is able to operate, and its due in large part to the maintainers and the relentless effort that they follow through to keep those aircraft air worthy.

KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling tankers have flown hundreds of sorties supporting Epic Fury. (Tech. Sgt. Joshua Smoot) Tech. Sgt. Joshua Smoot

If you think about the [airmen], how theyre operating in places you mentioned all over the world, theyre there. Weve broken their normal routine. Theyre away from home, away from their family and friends. So thats a mental and physical stressor, because theyre in environments that theyre not accustomed to.

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We dont know how long this conflict could last. Were approaching a high heat of summer in that region, and so depending on where some of these personnel are based or stationed, theyre certainly out of their normal circadian rhythm, their normal environmental routines. It is a huge strain on those maintainers and the airframes that were placing in different parts of the world, exposed to different elements than they may have been exposed to at their normal pace. Maintaining these aging aircraft is a strain on the entire ecosystem, and we are operating them at a high operations tempo, and surely that puts a lot of a significant strain on the KC-135.

We do have the KC-46 that is helping to fill some of that void, but we just retired the KC-10, which was a tremendous workhorse. And so I would say that theres a significant strain on the ecosystem.

U.S. Air Force 100th Maintenance Squadron, aircraft maintainers conduct maintenance on the KC-135 Stratotanker at RAF Mildenhall, England, Dec. 10, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Iris Carpenter) Airman 1st Class Iris Carpenter

Q: What are the biggest challenges in keeping these Cold War-era jets like the KC-135 flying? How difficult is it to find parts, and what do you do when you cant?

A: Thats 100% accurate. There have been some breakthroughs in technology. I know that theyve used 3D printing to help source some parts. Theyve even gone back to the boneyard and pulled parts off of older KC-135s. So resources will always be a great puzzle for our entire team to source.

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Theres no new assembly line. They shut that assembly line down back in the 50s and 60s. Some of the parts for those aircraft in general were from the 60s, 70s and 80s. And then, you have to take those back and refurbish those certain parts. Theres not a lot of new technology thats going on to these core platforms. The avionics, for sure, is newer. But everything that you add to this aircraft, I call it the Frankenstein effort  taking bolt-on technology to try and help modernize the fleet. And by modernizing that means that youre also helping with the parts availability. But going back to the age of these aircraft, some of these parts were developed back in the 40s and machined back in the 50s and 60s. Our teams have to get creative with the acquisition. And thats a huge, huge challenge. But they currently have done a great job of putting new engines on the aircraft. And so that means that the parts availability is better in some cases, but its not a solution.

Q: What are some of the old parts youre talking about that go back to the 40s, or to the Wright brothers era?

A: Just think about the flight controls. If you, for whatever reason, need to replace certain pulleys or elements within the flight control system, those parts were thought-up and developed way back in the 40s. Machined maybe back in the 50s and 60s. Its still not a fly-by-wire aircraft like some of the modern aircraft that we have nowadays. And so you have to go back and machine some of these parts if they get wear and tear.

Two guardsmen from the 171st Maintenance Group, 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, work on top of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while it undergoes an isochronal inspection, Aug. 17, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe M. Wockenfuss) Tech. Sgt. Zoe Wockenfuss

Q: What are the complexities of supporting such a high tempo operation like the war against Iran with aerial refueling? Weve heard that the airspace over Iraq is chaotic and that the lack of onboard situational awareness is a major issue with tanker crews and receivers. What have you heard about this?

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A: Obviously I havent operated over there in a number of years, but I do go back to the times when I was operating aircraft in that theater. That puts me back into the Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom timeframe. We have deconfliction procedures. We have airspace procedures that we study and that we follow. We have aircraft in there that help us deconflict the airspace and ensure that we have safe separation. And it goes to training, it goes to situational awareness.

Back then, we didnt have some of the avionics and software suites that we have available to us today, so our situational awareness wasnt as high, but yet we had good, solid procedures and processes that ensured clear deconfliction and separation in the airspace that theyre operating in. Now, I would assume that its congested and its contested, and so having the ability to have higher situational awareness with onboard avionics suites that are connected is probably more and more essential as we go forward.

A view from inside the cockpit of a Block 45 KC-135R during a land approach. The wide-area digital multi-function display in the center of the cockpit is another key feature of the upgrade package. (USAF)

Q: But have you heard anything about the chaotic nature of the current airspace and lack of onboard situational awareness? Is it a major issue right now with the tanker crews and receivers?

A: I really cant comment on it, because I dont have firsthand knowledge. What I can say is that its in a contested environment, and our crews are definitely trained to operate in these kinds of environments. And you know, its just like anything there. There are elements that we have little control over, and I call it the fog and friction of warfare. But I have 100% absolute trust in the personnel. Theyve been trained. They are equipped. Could they be equipped better? Could they be resourced better? Sure. But again, it still goes back to the fact that even if we resource them with the newest technology, they then have to go back and be trained to understand how to integrate it and how to use it effectively.

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There is still an opportunity here. You cant solve it overnight, but it does need to happen so it would help. Im certain that if we ever get into conflict with a near peer, its going to be even more challenging.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 8, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo) U.S. Central Command Public Affa

Q: When was the last time tanker crews flew in contested airspace against adversaries with more robust air defenses than we have seen in past conflicts?

A: I would like to say that any time that youre operating within a conflict zone, thats considered contested airspace, right? The tankers are considered a high-value, low-density. We dont have an infinite number of tankers, so theyre going to tend to operate outside the reach of the adversarys missiles, or fighter aircraft that would try to reach and take down one of these tankers. So theyre really going to try and operate within a safe, safe zone. I would frankly say that in a conflict, tankers operate in contested airspace all the time, and its really contingent on the ability of our joint force to clear that airspace and to allow our tankers to move closer to the tip of the spear, but generally speaking, it is really sacrosanct to keep tankers an arms reach away from an adversarys ability to take them down.

U.S. Air Force airmen prepare for aerial refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during Operation Epic Fury over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo) U.S. Central Command Public Affa

Q: Do you have any sense of what happened in the fatal March 12 KC-135 crash in Iraq that led to the deaths of Maj. John Alex Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio?

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A: Theres an investigation taking place and itd be wrong of me to comment on what I think took place. These crews are highly trained. They have a process. They have procedures. I dont know what was taking place on the flight decks of both of those aircraft. There was probably some confusion as to who and where each aircraft was supposed to be, but I dont know what led to that. Theres a lot of speculation out there. Itd be hard for me to really say what I think actually did happen.

Pentagon identifies six airmen killed in KC-135 crash in Iraq https://t.co/zBR8Wf58pV  ArmyTimes (@ArmyTimes) March 16, 2026

Q: The cause of the tanker crash is suspected to be a collision with another KC-135. How many close calls have you experienced in your career?

A: Well, I have a deep background in the KC-10, and that also gives gas and takes gas. So Ive been within 10 feet of another aircraft, operating at close to 350 miles an hour. Its an inherently dangerous occupation when youre trying to receive fuel from another aircraft. I dont think that was the case in this particular incident over Iraq. But at all times, everything we do is inherently dangerous because we operate within safe operating margins, but theyre tight. So, a simple split-second decision or maybe error puts you in a precarious position. But we have procedures that, if we make a mistake and we come close to another aircraft  there is a term that we use, which is breakaway. And that tells both aircraft, hey, were in a situation where we need to create some space between our aircraft, and we follow our procedures. Its a safe maneuver, but probably makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up a little bit. Ive been in this, Ive been in situations where Ive had to rapidly escape from another aircraft.

But again, we get trained for this. We are highly trained. And I think because of the training, when a situation like that occurs, your instinct kicks in and you know what to do. And so, I dont recall instances where two KC-135s had a midair collision, but certainly, we have had air-to-air collisions, just none in my recent memory.

Aerial refueling missions, which require close contact between aircraft traveling at high speeds, are inherently dangerous. (USAF) (USAF)

Q: The air refueling tanker community is tight. You served at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, with Tech. Sgt. Pruitt, one of the airmen who was killed in the crash. Tell me about how the crash affected the community. Tell me a little bit about Pruitt.

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A: From my time at MacDill, I do remember her family. In general, losing anyone is just a shock to the system. And especially somebody that you may have worked with in the past, and you know. I just feel for their families. And we have a community. The tanker community  its just a system, a brotherhood and sisterhood. We are just one big family. Anytime we have a tragedy that strikes our community, especially like this, its tough.

I know that there are teams of people out there that are remorseful for the loss and that are doing anything in their power to support the families of these airmen. And I know theres a lot of effort right now within our tanker community and outside of our tanker community with Go-Fund-Me pages. This is critical, because the families that have been affected by this lost a parent, right? A brother or sister or a spouse. I really do feel for these families, and I applaud the efforts of the supporters out there that are contributing to help with some of the things that are going to end up financially costing these families; but emotionally, you know that they will need support, probably for the rest of their lives. And so its a huge, huge loss.

U.S. Air Force airmen attend a vigil held by the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 20, 2026. The vigil brought airmen together in remembrance of six airmen who died in a KC-135 Stratotanker crash while supporting Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Johnson) Senior Airman James Johnson

Q: What can you tell me about Tech. Sgt. Pruitt?

A: Ashley was full of energy and was extremely bright, tenacious, and had an unmatched work ethic. She was a real, genuine people person. When you walked into a room, you knew she was there. But she was incredibly talented and someone that you could rely upon to help others, and she was absolutely an incredible boom operator and highly skilled and her death is this huge, huge loss. For her legacy, she impacted so many people and so many of these airmen and their families were certainly enriched by her being in their lives. At the time, I was the vice commander of the [then-6th Air Mobility Wing] at MacDill. And on occasion, I would go out and go fly with the KC-135 crews. I didnt have a daily interaction with her, but everybody knew her, and everybody knew of her. And thats the important part. There are many other airmen that are in our ranks right now that have benefited from being introduced to her and being taught by her and being mentored by her. So shes surely missed.

An undated photo of Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky., assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Pruitt was one of six airmen who died March 12, 2026, when a KC-135 aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury. (Courtesy photo)

Q: Give me a sense of how RAF Mildenhall and other bases in Europe and elsewhere keep these aircraft flying to generate sorties and deploy to combat zones like the Middle East.

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A: The best part about having a forward operating base like Mildenhall is that you have all the resources in place, and in this particular case, theyre closer to where the conflict is. You dont have as much of a long logistical chain, but you still have a logistics chain that you have to support. And so operating at a place like Mildenhall, a round the clock operation every day of the year, you do have weather to contend with on occasion, and you do have airspace constraints that you do have to contend with. But again, all of these crews are highly trained and so I would say that the operations tempo at a place like Mildenhall is extremely high.

Just being able to have the support of the government there and the host nation that there is, and the local community is a big deal. I enjoyed my time there. Of course, we were there during COVID, during the global pandemic, and the lengths and support that we received from the host nation to ensure the safety of our community and our airmen was incredible.

Seven U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft line up on the flight line at Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall, United Kingdom, on March 13, 2006. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Jeanette Copeland, U.S. Air Force. (Released)) Staff Sgt. Jeanette Copeland

Q: The 100th Air Refueling Wing has 15 tankers and more transit through. What are the concerns and checklists of objectives for a Mildenhall commander during a major contingency operation like Epic Fury?

A: Its just our ability to support, right? You mentioned there are 15 tankers, but the airfield itself was able to surge to support twice as many. I currently dont know how many aircraft that were currently supporting out of Mildenhall, but the ability to support that means that you have to be able to flex to the surge of the operation that youre encountering. You have personnel that are helping to fuel the aircraft. You need personnel to maintain and sustain the aircraft. And so I would assume that we are getting support from bases in the United States. And theyre deployed there from all parts of our country and major units. The tanker fleet is a total force effort. Nearly half of the force resides in the [Air Reserve Component] ARC, and so personnel from Reserve, Guard, active duty, Im sure, have been sent to help support operations like that.

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In our next installment, Pananon talks about the KC-46s lack of a boom pod, how Epic Fury is affecting the ability to potentially fight China and the dangers of flying long distances over the Pacific against an adversary with robust and plentiful modern air defenses.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Mar. 25OLYMPIA  Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation Wednesday that restricts counties from sharing information about Washington voters, including names, dates of birth, addresses and either a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number upon request.

The legislation, which was requested by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, was written in response to the federal government's attempts to obtain the information from Washington and other states throughout the country, requests Hobbs has so far refused, citing privacy concerns and state and federal law.

Violation of the new law would be a Class C felony. Under the law, only the Secretary of State would be authorized to turn over such data.

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Ferguson said the legislation, which was sponsored by state Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, "clarifies" state law.

"There's obviously been a national effort at accessing this information, as we know," Ferguson said Wednesday. "I just so appreciate being governor of a state that works so hard to protect that information, which is the right thing to do. It's the lawful thing to do in the face of those attacks."

The Department of Justice first requested the data in September as part of the White House's increased efforts to crack down on electoral systems throughout the country.

Following the request in September, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said, "Enforcing the Nation's elections laws is a priority in this administration and in the Civil Rights Division."

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"The recent request by the Civil Rights Division for state voter rolls is pursuant to that statutory authority, and the responsive data is being screened for ineligible voter entries," the statement said.

Officials in Washington balked at the idea and expressed concern about what the administration could do with the requested information sought from 22 states.

Hobbs has said that the information requested is considered protected under state law, saying in September that as the state's chief election official, "it is my responsibility to ensure the election process is safe, secure and transparent."

In December, the Trump administration filed a federal lawsuit against Hobbs to compel the state to turn over the information about Washington voters. At the time, Hobbs said his office would be willing to work with the Department of Justice to hand over information without personal information, but "I have had no response from them."

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At the time, the Department of Justice filed similar lawsuits against election officials in Maryland, Delaware, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced he would release voter data in exchange for the Department of Justice dismissing its federal lawsuit against the state Election Secretary seeking the information.

Last month, Hobbs told reporters the federal government had filed three separate lawsuits against Washington seeking the data due to filing errors.

"We have really good attorneys, so we can help them file properly if that's the issue," Hobbs joked.

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After the lawsuit was announced in December, Ferguson said that if the Department of Justice were to file a lawsuit, "we're very confident we'll be successful in court."

"Our success rate against the administration is very, very high, as you well know, and we're confident that if they choose to sue us again, if this is real, then we'll be successful," Ferguson said.
President Donald Trump sent ICE officers to selected U.S. airports on Monday in a controversial decision to help alleviate hours-long security lines and help TSA agents. The news comes as TSA agents have been working without pay for more than a month. Heres whats happening.

TSA agents have been working without pay as Democrats and Republicans are negotiating Department of Homeland Security funding

Democrats requested a change in policy regarding ICE tactics after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE officers. The negotiations have led to a partial government shutdown during which government employees, like TSA agents, have been working without pay. Both parties reportedly agreed to fund the government as they negotiate DHS funding, according to Politifact and as shared by PBS News.

During government shutdowns, employees arent paid, even those deemed essential workers, as are 95% of TSA agents. After funding resumes, employees will be paid back the salary they are owed in accordance with a 2019 law.

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It is unclear when negotiations will be reached between the parties. Trump has been putting pressure on Republicans not to strike a deal with Democrats until the SAVE America Act is passed. The bill would make changes to voter registration, including banning vote-by-mail ballots and requiring identification to match a voters name at birth.

Why are ICE agents being paid during the partial government shutdown?

Weeks of TSA working without pay have culminated in hours-long lines at security and a deadly accident at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Sunday. As a result, Trump sent in ICE officers to airports to help, although it isnt clear what their role is.

We put ICE in charge, they are helping (Transportation Security Administration) agents, Trump said, according to Politifact.

ICE agents are being paid despite ongoing government negotiations via Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The 2025 law included $75 billion for ICE over the course of four years. The budget includes $45 billion for new immigration detention beds, as well as $30 billion to hire 10,000 ICE employees and upgrade facilities.

A lack of TSA funding heightens security risks at airports, according to experts

Long lines at U.S. airports pose a security risk due to the high volume of travelers: The wait times are obviously spiking everywhere, which means its more chaotic, which creates a security vulnerability, Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and former TSA lead at Los Angeles International Airport, said in an interview with CNN.

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John Pistole, who was the TSA administrator during the Obama administration, said agents concerns about meeting their own basic needs may affect efficiency during security screenings.

Theyre humans who might be distracted because they were worried about, How am I going to pay the rent this month, buy groceries, child care, all those basics, he said. Thats just human nature, even though they strive to do the best job and be professionals.

Other experts, like acting TSA administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, say that the longer the shutdown continues, the more it puts the workforce in a perilous situation.

Were doing everything that we can during this time to maintain a strong security posture, especially during this heightened threat environment, McNeill told CNN. Our officers are doing a tremendous job showing up every day at work and screening the traveling public to make sure that theyre making it to their destination safely. But I will say, it is a real human toll wake up and show up to work every day, not knowing how youre going to pay your bills, and so I am, of course, concerned about the workforce.







The post Why Is TSA Not Getting Paid Right Now But ICE Is? appeared first on Blavity.
It has been seven months since a gunman opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention building in Atlanta. The suspect killed a DeKalb County police officer and traumatized CDC employees who took cover during the shooting.

But months later, the employees still have to look at the windows that were shot up during the attack because they havent been repaired yet.

The Associated Press obtained a recording of a meeting between CDC employees and the acting CDC director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that happened this week.

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Were working on that, Bhattacharya said in response to question about the window repairs.

Employees later received an email saying that the work started this month. An official said each window has to be custom-made and when they get installed depends on the weather conditions.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Aug. 8, 2025, DeKalb County police responded to a shots fired call at the CDC. The gunman, identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, fired hundreds of rounds at the CDC building. He also shot and killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose.

Police later found White dead from a gunshot wound at the CVS pharmacy across the street.

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Back in August, Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m. got an inside look at the shattered windows and glass that went flying as the shooter fired hundreds of rounds.

He found a location where he had a good visual of CDC facilities and potentially CDC staff, Jeff Williams, CDC director of security, told Channel 2s Michael Doudna.

The blast-resistant glass, installed after the Oklahoma City bombings, helped prevent more extensive damage.

First responders went floor-by-floor, marking doors as clear to ensure everyone was safe. People can see what they did in the aftermath of the shooting, busting down the doors, going room to room.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
NEED TO KNOW

Oscar Javier Barbosa was stabbed outside of a YMCA in San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 19, according to police

Abel Ali Rivas arrested on March 22 in connection with the stabbing, allegedly coordinated with his ex-girlfriend, Melanie Sierra Gomez

Gomez, who was arrested on Feb. 24, has also been charged with aggravated assault in connection with the incident

A Texas man has been charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly stabbed another man at the instruction of his ex-girlfriend.

Oscar Javier Barbosa was stabbed outside of a YMCA in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 19, KENS reports, citing San Antonio Police. On Sunday, March 22, Abel Ali Rivas was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance in connection with the shooting, the San Antonio-Express News reports, citing police.

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Rivas is currently being held at Bexar County Jail on $105,000 bail, per the outlet.

Police allege that Barbosa's ex-girlfriend, Melanie Sierra Gomez, who he shares two children with, is believed to have orchestrated the stabbing alongside Rivas, who is the ex-boyfriend of Barbosa's new girlfriend, the outlet reports, citing an arrest affidavit.

Prior to Rivas' arrest, Gomez was arrested on Feb. 24 on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to jail records viewed by PEOPLE. She was released on bond on March 4.

Abel Rivas

Credit: Bexar County Sheriffs Office

Gomez, 32, was on probation when the crime was committed, according to jail records viewed by PEOPLE. Gomez agreed to deferred adjudication on a 2024 charge of "making a terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury," per Express News.

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Barbosa was stabbed at the Davis-Scott Family YMCA located at 1213 Iowa Street, per the outlet, citing police. He sustained wounds to the stomach and arms, requiring surgery at a nearby hospital, and police were led to the suspects because he was on the phone with his girlfriend at the time of the stabbing.

Melanie Sierra Gomez

Credit: Bexar County Sheriffs Office

At the time of the incident, Barbosa was engaging in a custody transfer, handing off his children to Gomez, the outlet reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Following the stabbing, Rivas allegedly entered Barbosa's car and drove it off the premises, leaving Gomez stranded, though she left the scene shortly after, per KENS. Barbosa survived his injuries, and is cooperating with investigators, per the outlet.

PEOPLE has reached out to SAPD and the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for further information surrounding the investigation.

Read the original article on People
A video recording of an awkward virtual hearing via Zoom, in which a woman who called from her iPhone into the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven from a moving car, is now making the rounds on social media.

The case, which unfolded on Monday, March 23, seemed to frustrate the judge, who didn't believe what the defendant was telling him  and instead trusted his own eyes to determine she was lying.

More on the hearing in a moment.

(Video starts at about 48.)

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In many ways, though, video conferencing technology, which proliferated during the pandemic a few years ago and has become ubiquitous, presents opportunities and challenges for courts.

Judges began to allow more virtual meetings in late 2020, when holding them face-to-face was not possible for fear of spreading the virus that took the lives of so many people.

When the pandemic ended, many courts continued to offer virtual access, finding it a convenient way to connect that gives defendants who otherwise couldn't get to the courthouse another option.

"The implications for justice and the removal of barriers in civil proceedings are tremendous," Amy Petkovsek, the Executive Director of the Community Law Center in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote about the technology in an article published by the American Bar Association. But she also pointed out that there "are issues, concerns, and problems that must carefully be addressed and remedied."

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Those issues, she said, included a potential inability to use the technology, privacy concerns, distractions, such as pets, young children, and outside construction noise  and what to do about people who phone in while driving.

Other talked-about virtual cases

Leading up to Monday's hearing, there have been others that have gone viral.

One was in early 2021, when Rod Ponton, a county attorney in Texas, was unable to shut off a cat filter, which made him resemble a kitten, during a Zoom call hearing. "I'm not a cat," he told the judge, who later issued an "important Zoom tip."

In 2024, another court video went viral. This was a case in the 14A District Court in Ann Arbor. Defendant Corey Harris called in for a virtual hearing on a suspended driver's license case.

The problem: He was behind the wheel. The judge, Cedric Simpson, was incredulous. He asked Harris: "Are you driving?" The response: He was heading to the doctor.

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The judge ordered Harris to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that day, and, he said, failure to appear by the deadline would result in a warrant for his arrest.

In Monday's case, the hearing started without the defendant, Kimberly Carroll. LVNV Funding was seeking nearly $1,800 from Carroll. And the judge, Michael McNally, declared what is known as a default judgment.

The judge's decision, in effect, handed Brian Groen, the attorney for LVNV, a win. But then, the court clerk said, there was an iPhone call, which turned out to be Carroll.

And that's when the hearing got interesting.

Wary judge asks: 'Am I crazy?'

Carroll told the judge she was "sitting there" looking at her phone.

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She apologized.

McNally noticed, however, that Carroll appeared to be in her car, strapped in with a seatbelt, and driving, which he told her she "cannot be" doing. She denied that being the case, saying she was a passenger and would ask the driver to pull over.

Her excuse for being in the car: She was headed out of town for an emergency.

McNally was unconvinced.

He said: "Am I crazy, or does it not look like you're driving that car?"

Carroll insisted  again  she was not driving, and was a passenger. The judge continued to press her, asking what side of the car she was on. She said left, then changed her answer.

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At this point, the judge firmly asked to see the driver, something Carroll did not do, insisting she needed to ask for permission first. Then, she pulled over, got out of the vehicle and appeared to go to the vehicles passenger side.

"No," McNally said, suggesting she was lying to him. "Do you think I'm that stupid?

Then, he re-entered the default judgment.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit judge berates woman for joining court while driving
West Virginia wont accept any new immigrant detainees following a flurry of orders from federal judges saying that the state unlawfully held immigrants in its jails.

At the request of Gov. Patrick Morrisey, the state has partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign. It allows specially-trained police officers and jails to perform specified immigration enforcement functions.

In the last few months, federal judges have ordered the immediate release of numerous immigrant detainees  many without criminal records  who were held without due process in West Virginias overcrowded jails. The arrests stemmed from Operation County Roads, where more than 600 undocumented immigrants were arrested during ICE operations across West Virginia in January.

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Due to a recent court order, the regional jail system has temporarily suspended accepting detainees, said Andy Malinoski, spokesperson for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. We will continue communicating with our federal partners as the courts address these matters. Note that our facilities are still accepting anyone who is facing pending state criminal charges.

The decision was first reported by WCHS.

Malinowski did not answer additional questions about the court order.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin issued a final notice to the federal government over continued unlawful detaining of immigrants in West Virginia while ordering the release of another immigrant detainee.

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Continued detention without individualized custody determinations, after this courts repeated holdings that such detention violates the Fifth Amendment, will result in legal consequences, Goodwin wrote, saying that consequences could affect state jails officials.

Following judges orders to release immigrants from due to constitutional violations, Goodwin said that federal officials had provided no factual dispute or no legal argument beyond what the court previously rejected.

The government is wrong. Judges in this district have said that over and over and over, Goodwin said.

Morrisey did not respond to questions for this story at the time of publication, including whether state police would pause ICE operations.

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The Republican governor has touted the partnership with ICE, saying in a news release that the hundreds of immigration-related arrests in January removed dangerous illegal immigrants from our communities and made our state safer for families and law-abiding citizens.

West Virginia has been renting jail beds to ICE for $90 a day. Hundreds of immigrant detainees have been held in jails around the state  some arrested in West Virginia and others who have flowed through the countrys jail system from out of state immigration arrests.

DCR received $728,460 in payments from ICE for calendar year 2025, according to Malinoski.

This is a developing story.
Dollar General customers who were charged more than the shelf price in recent years have about a month to file a claim to get a share of an $8.5 million settlement.

The class action lawsuit accused the discount retailer of charging shoppers more than the prices displayed on store shelves, potentially leading to higher-than-expected costs for everyday purchases.

Dollar General, without admitting any wrongdoing, has agreed to a $15 million settlement. Of this total, $6.5 million is earmarked for operational changes to prevent future incidents, while the remaining $8.5 million will cover claim payments to affected consumers and other court-related expenses.

The settlement covers customers who shopped at Dollar General between October 10, 2016, and November 19, 2025.

Shoppers with proof of being overcharged are eligible to receive $10 or the exact amount they overpaid, whichever is higher, with a maximum of $20 per household. Each household may claim no more than two items.

Dollar General shoppers with proof of overcharge can get $10 or their overpaid amount, up to $20 per household, according to a new settlement (Getty Images)

In addition, all eligible customers will receive a $3 discount on a future in-store purchase of $10 or more. The nationwide two-day discount will be offered on dates yet to be announced.

Participating class members must submit valid claim forms by April 13. The deadline to object to or opt out of the settlement has already passed, with the last day to do so being March 2. Uncashed settlement checks will be donated to a national food bank, according to Top Class Actions, a news site and blog covering class actions and consumer settlements.

The Independent has contacted Dollar General for comment.

Beyond compensating customers, Dollar General plans to spend $6.5 million to address pricing issues in stores to prevent similar problems in the future.

Click here to file a claim.
Nvidia shares have lost about 5% in 2026 so far

Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

After a weak start to the year, shares of Nvidiaalong with Broadcom, AMD, and Marvellare starting to look like deals, according to analysts at Deutsche Bank.

The analysts said that based on their two-year forward price-to-earnings ratios, the four stocks currently trade at a significant discount to historical multiples.

Nvidias stock is looking like a bargain, according to Deutsche Bank.

Analysts at the German bank said that after a weak start to the year, the AI chipmakers stock is trading at about 16 times its projected earnings for 2027. That multiple is some 45% below its historical median, said the analysts, suggesting an opportunity for investors to pick up the shares at a discount.

Deutsche Bank said that along with Nvidia, Broadcom (AVGO), AMD (AMD), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are also trading at valuation multiples well below their historical norms, making them look "relatively cheap."

Why This Matters to Investors

Nvidia's stock has floundered this year despite booming demand for its chips, underscoring weak sentiment surrounding some previously high-flying corners of the AI trade.

Shares of Nvidia (NVDA) were little changed around $175 Tuesday, leaving them down about 6% for the year so far despite strong results for the company. The shares soared close to 40% in 2025.

Though Marvell's stock has climbed about 8% in 2026, its forward multiplethe same as Nvidia'sis about 27% below its long-term median, compared to 20% below for AMD. Broadcom's multiple, at 17 times projected earnings, is off its long-term median by 5%.

Not all semiconductor-related firms have taken the same hit this year, which the analysts called "puzzling dislocations in relative valuation across the sector."

They pointed to semiconductor equipment makers such KLAC (KLAC), ASML (ASML), and Applied Materials (AMAT) as "expensive" by the same measures. Those stocks have soared about 29%, 31%, and 45%, respectively, in 2026, and now trade at a premium to their counterparts based on the same measure, Deutsche Bank said.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Behind the Ticker offers investors a chance to get under the hood of newer or more niche ETFs. Brad Roth, Managing Partner and CIO of Thor Financial Technologies, talks strategy and the human side of investing and ETFs with the individuals bringing these funds to market.

Roth sits down with Paul Marino, Chief Revenue Officer at Themes ETFs, to talk thematic investing via satellite portfolio positions, and opportunities both now and on the horizon for investors. They dig into two of the firm's funds, the Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (DRGN) and the Themes Robotics & Automation ETF (BOTT), as they discuss two of the hottest thematic trends, AI and robotics.

You can also listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred streaming platform. Want to watch this conversation instead? Go here.

Key Topics Discussed
Understanding Australian Police Clearance

Getting to grips with the nuances of Australian police checks might seem daunting, especially for those like Lucas, who are venturing into film projects requiring official documentation. A police check nt is often essential for individuals in positions where trust and integrity are crucial, such as roles interacting with vulnerable communities or sensitive environments. It's a thorough criminal record check that ensures past convictions are disclosed for assessment by potential employers or authorities.

Reasons for Needing a Clearance

Understanding why you need a national police clearance is the first step. Often, it involves working on projects that require permission to film in sensitive locations or hiring crew members who might handle confidential information. In the film industry, knowing the background of the people you collaborate with is vital to maintaining a trustworthy team environment. This check provides a history of an individuals legal record, giving peace of mind and fostering trust in professional engagements.

Specific Requirements by State

While requirements can vary by state, a comprehensive clearance confirms the absence of disqualifying criminal records. Especially critical for projects crossing state boundaries, youll need to navigate specific legislations, like those of the Northern Territory, ensuring you dont miss any state-unique stipulations.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that a single police clearance suffices nationwide, but differences arise concerning jurisdictional regulations. It's essential to remain knowledgeable about local laws, much like understanding the flows around Byron Bay's beautiful beaches. As you wade through the requirements of each state, remember to stay informed to avoid delays and misconceptions along the way.

Simplifying the Application Process

Gathering Necessary Documentation

Embarking on the journey of applying for a police check can seem daunting, especially when you're already juggling the creative demands of your projects. Having the right documents ready can significantly ease the process. Start by assembling your identification documents, such as your passport or driver's licence. Also, make sure to have proof of your current address, like a utility bill or bank statement. These essentials not only expedite your application but also reduce the likelihood of errors.

Navigating Online Portals

In today's connected world, online portals have simplified the process of applying for police checks in Australia. Whether you need a police check Victoria or another region, each state has its designated online platform. These portals guide you through the application forms and streamline submissions, allowing you more time to enjoy creative brainstorming sessions by the beaches of Byron Bay. As you navigate these systems, make sure to double-check the details before submission to avoid any future complications.

Tips for Efficient Submissions

Once you're ready to submit, ensuring efficiency becomes key. Planning around potential processing delays is smart. Set reminders for follow-ups or create calendar alerts for submission deadlines. And remember, if youre working on projects in multiple states, like a documentary feature encompassing both Victoria and police check WA, organizing your paperwork ahead of time is invaluable. Embrace these digital tools to stay on top of administrative tasks and continue fueling your storytelling ambitions, leaving room for only the most enriching experiences at the vibrant markets of the Byron Community Centre.

Tackling Different State Regulations

Key Differences Across States

Navigating Australia's diverse landscape of police check requirements can be as varied as exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Byron Bay. With each state having its unique procedures, it's essential to understand the distinctions to keep your projects running smoothly. For instance, when you need to obtain a police check nsw, bear in mind that this process might differ significantly from other regions. NSW might have its own set of documentation needs and processing times, so familiarising yourself with these nuances can save both time and hassle.

Addressing State-Specific Hurdles

Each Australian state comes with its challenges when it comes to police checks. Suppose you're working on a documentary across multiple states, including NSW. In that case, understanding these state-specific hurdles will be paramount. From varying fees to differing ID verification requirements, the intricacies can be as complex as unravelling the layers of a great skincare routine. It's key to research and prepare for each state's expectations.

Resources for Cross-State Projects

To streamline your efforts, consolidating resources is essential for those venturing into cross-state projects. Thankfully, several online platforms and forums cater specifically to the nuances of police check processes. Whether you're embarking on a project through the lush terrains of Arakwal National Park or the vibrant markets at Byron Community Centre, using nationally recognised resources like the national police check nsw guide can be invaluable for coordinating multi-state documentary undertakings.

Handling Delays and Errors

Navigating the intricacies of obtaining a national criminal history check can sometimes feel like a stroll through the vibrant markets at Byron Community Centrebusy, confusing, and full of unexpected turns. Just as you carefully select the freshest produce, it's crucial to double-check every detail in your application to avoid delays and errors. Errors can often creep in if documentation is mismatched or incomplete.

To preemptively avoid these issues, ensure that:

All personal details are accurately entered. A simple typo can turn into a significant hold-up.

Supporting documents are current and correspond with what's required in the specific state. Remember, requirements for a national police check qld can differ slightly from other regions.

You stay updated on the processing timelines and follow up if anything seems amiss.

If you encounter an error, the key is swift communication. By contacting the relevant authorities promptly, you can tackle misunderstandings head-on. Always keep a record of your interactions with the authorities to manage any wrongful delays more effectively. Managing these hurdles smoothly ensures you maintain your project's pace and quality, focusing more on crafting your impactful narratives than dealing with administrative snags.

Streamlining Tips for Efficient Police Clearance

Quick Processing Checklist

Whether navigating Byron Bays markets or embracing the creative freedoms of Arakwal National Park, having a streamlined approach to traffic control signage hire brisbane can make a world of difference. Begin with a detailed checklist: gather all necessary documentation, double-check for accuracy, and ensure submission through legitimate online portals. Dont forget, NSW and Queensland have their own specific forms, so always verify if additional state-specific requirements are needed.

Importance of Organised Records

In the bustling life of a freelance digital nomad, maintaining organised records is vital. Create a dedicated folderphysical or digitalto store all pertinent documents like previous clearance certificates and correspondence with authorities. Regular updates ensure easy retrieval whenever needed. A bit like keeping your skincare routine simple and effectiveit simplifies the process and ensures nothing is overlooked. Additionally, back up all critical information in cloud storage, offering peace of mind akin to a serene stroll on Byron Bays beaches.

Seeking Expert Guidance

Leveraging professional advice can be a game-changer when dealing with complex regulations. Whether collaborating with an HR specialist or an agency well-versed in australian police clearance certificate wa price nuances, expert insights can save time and stress. Much like selecting the perfect sunscreen for Byrons sunny coastlines, getting expert recommendations ensures youre covered and confident in your application, keeping the waves of administrative hassle at bay.
Exclusive | Malaysian netizen finds lost passport in Shenzhen

On March 25th, Malaysian netizen "Koolah" shared his experience of losing a bag containing his passport in Shenzhen two years ago but successfully recovering it, which sparked heated discussions across the internet. Mr. Gao, whose ancestral home is Huizhou, was back in his hometown to visit relatives with nine family members at that time. Upon arriving in Shenzhen, he accidentally left his bag containing important belongings behind in the rush. Faced with the anxiety and blame from his elder relatives, he hurried back to the airport immediately. Along the way, he was struck by the reassurances he received from complete strangers, who spoke almost in unison: "Take it easy. You won't lose anything in China."

2026-03-26 22:51:48
Jim Cramer has long preached that theres always a bull market somewhere. You just have to know where to look. At the same time, you should know when it is a good time to do nothing.

As the longtime host of Mad Money and co-anchor of Squawk on the Street, hes built a reputation as one of Wall Streets most influential and outspoken voices. Hes also the co-founder of TheStreet and runs the CNBC Investing Club, where he guides retail investors on long-term wealth building.

But Cramers edge doesnt come from television. It comes from performance. Before stepping into media, he ran Cramer Berkowitz, delivering a 24% average annual return after fees over 14 years, with standout years like 2000, when the fund gained over 36% while markets struggled. He retired in 2001 with one of the strongest track records in the hedge fund space.

Now, markets are flashing mixed signals by the day. And thats exactly whats putting investors on edge. According to Cramer, the recent rally may not be telling the full story.

So whats different now? And why is he urging caution?

Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images  Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Cramer warns markets are becoming impossible to trade

As a trader myself with several years of watching the markets, this is one of the most unusual market environments Ive seen. As per CNBC, on Tuesday, March 25th, Cramer urged investors to stay on the sidelines because ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to cloud market direction.

"Weve got so many narratives going thanks to this war that I think trying to trade off it may be a waste of time and a waste of money, he said. Heres the bottom line: it makes more sense to sit on your hands.

According to Cramer, conflicting signals between Donald Trump and Tehran have made it nearly impossible to confidently bet on how the conflict will unfold.

Tuesday, March 24th, the trading session captured that confusion perfectly. Energy giants like Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron Corporation (CVX) climbed as reports pointed to potential military escalation in the Middle East.

But at the same time, economically sensitive names also rallied.

Banks like JPMorgan (JPM) moved higher, while consumer giant Walmart (WMT) also gained ground after comments suggesting ongoing negotiations with Iran.

That kind of market behavior doesnt usually happen.

Oil stocks typically rise when conflict intensifies, while financials and retailers tend to climb when investors expect stability or resolution.

More Oil and Gas:
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is one of the 8 Must-Buy Nuclear Energy Stocks to Invest In. On March 18, 2026, JPMorgan raised the price target on PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) to $24 from $21 and maintained an Overweight rating after updating models across the North America utilities group.

On March 9, 2026, UBS upgraded PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $23 from $20. UBS said improvements in California wildfire policy and affordability could drive upside, noting that potential phase two legislation ahead of the July 2 recess may reduce the companys liability exposure. The firm added that PG&Es current 43% price-to-earnings discount could narrow meaningfully as risks continue to decline.

JPMorgan Raises its Price Target on PG&E Corporation (PCG) to $24 from $21

Last month, PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) reported Q3 core EPS of 36c, in line with the 36c consensus estimate. CEO Patti Poppe said the company made real progress in 2025, highlighting efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy while lowering electric prices multiple times and preventing major wildfires for a third consecutive year. Poppe added that safety, reliability, and affordability remain central to the companys priorities.

PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) provides electricity and natural gas services to customers across northern and central California.

While we acknowledge the potential of PCG 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.
Digital betting heavyweight DraftKings (DKNG) gained momentum on Monday, March 23, with shares rising 1.2% after reports of a bipartisan U.S. bill targeting prediction markets. The proposal aims to restrict contracts that mimic sports betting, tightening the blurred line between event trading and regulated gambling markets across jurisdictions.

The legislation, led by Nevada Representative Dina Titus, focuses on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. These firms list detailed contracts tied to sports outcomes while operating under federal financial rules, avoiding the state-level frameworks that govern traditional sportsbooks and enforce stricter compliance standards.

More News from Barchart

Critics, including regulators and casino operators, argued these platforms exploit a regulatory gap. They offer nationwide wagering without licenses, consumer safeguards, or tax obligations. Legal challenges in Massachusetts and Nevada reinforced the claim that such products closely resemble sports betting, raising concerns around market integrity and responsible gaming standards.

Investors could view the potential crackdown as a net positive for DraftKings. Tighter rules could limit loosely regulated alternatives and redirect wagering activity toward licensed operators. The shift would strengthen revenue visibility, reinforce its competitive moat, and support long-term confidence as regulatory clarity begins to shape the evolving industry landscape.

About DraftKings Stock

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, DraftKings is a digital-first gaming powerhouse, blending online and retail sports betting with daily fantasy sports, lottery services, and emerging prediction markets.

With a market cap of approximately $11.8 billion, it rounds out its playbook with iGaming staples like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and slots, while building the tech backbone that powers sportsbooks and online casinos globally.

However, the stock tells a more turbulent story. It has dropped 42.19% over the past 52 weeks. Lately, though, sentiment has started to turn. A 4.72% gain in the last month suggests buyers are testing the waters again.

www.barchart.com

Valuation adds another layer to the narrative. The stock is currently trading at 1.72 times sales, a premium to industry peers but below its own five-year average multiple. This suggests a wise entry point in the stock.
Management is pivoting the company from a traditional hardware provider into a broader connected care platform, emphasizing software, data capabilities, and intellectual property.

Annual revenue growth was primarily driven by sales of Freedom Alert Minis, while fourth-quarter results also reflected higher volume and margins from the upgraded Guardian Alert 911 Plus.

The company has deliberately expanded its IP portfolio to over 45 issued or pending patents to create a defensible, software-defined platform grounded in AI-powered monitoring.

Gross margin expansion of 340 basis points in Q4 was attributed to higher sales volumes, improved margins on upgraded hardware, and a favorable product mix.

Strategic focus has shifted from reinventing the technology roadmap to building the commercial infrastructure and business development teams required to monetize existing capabilities.

The company is leveraging its Digital Twin technology to create AI-powered behavioral mirrors aimed at predicting falls and risks before they occur.
NASA has unveiled a revised roadmap for its lunar ambitions, with NASA administrator Jared Isaacman aiming to return to the lunar surface before the end of President Donald Trumps second term at the White House.

Lunar Base Plans

In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency revealed its plans to establish a permanent presence on the lunar surface. Isaacman, in the statement, shared that NASA was committed to return to the Moon before the end of President Trump's term, as well as establishing an enduring presence by building a moon base.

The agency also announced a phased approach to the lunar base, aiming to concentrate on infrastructure that enables sustained surface operations, by delivering payloads and rovers to the surface of the moon before moving towards semihabitable infrastructure and regular logistics.

Don't Miss:

NASA had earlier delayed the Artemis II mission launch due to a helium system issue, as the agency shared that it emerged during a routine operation to repressurize the system. The agency is also targeting a crewed flyby mission to the moon before it sends astronauts to the lunar surface.

LUNR Slides As NASA Scraps Gateway

While doing so, NASA paused the Gateway, which was a proposed space station around the moon in orbit. Intuitive Machines Inc. was slated to be a key part of the project. With Gateway scrapped, LUNR slid nearly 12% to $17.92 at market close on Tuesday.

However, Intuitive Machines did win a separate $180.4 million contract from the agency as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services ("CLPS") initiative, according to an official statement by the company.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

Low Earth Orbit, Nuclear Propulsion

NASA also plans to focus on maintaining its low Earth orbit presence. NASA is introducing and seeking industry feedback on an additional LEO strategy that preserves all current pathways while adding a phased, International Space Stationanchored approach to avoid any gap in U.S. human presence, it said.

Reaffirming its commitment towards Mars and Nuclear propulsion, NASA shared that it would be launching the Space Reactor1 Freedom, which is touted to be the first nuclear powered interplanetary spacecraft, by the agency. NASA aims to launch the spacecraft to Mars before the end of 2028.

Earlier, the agency had shared its goals to build nuclear reactors on the surface of the moon, aiming to keep the U.S. ahead of China and Russia.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) is changing its HR department to focus on pay and workplace norms. Amy Coleman, the Chief People Officer, told people about the restructuring in an internal message, according to reports. A Microsoft official confirmed the changes and said they were made to try to restructure HR activities because the company has a large global workforce.Big IT companies are improving their internal structures, keeping costs down, and changing how they operate their businesses to meet changing business goals. Microsoft's HR department is in charge of setting plans for salaries, writing employee policies, and making decisions about people. Any changes to these areas are important for investors who are interested in operational discipline.The upgrades show that the company is always trying to make decisions easier and improve performance, even though they didn't give any financial numbers. Microsoft has matched investing in growth areas like AI and cloud computing with better control of its operational structure.Even if it's not tied to a change in the company's business area, the reorganization may show how management is arranging the company's employees. Microsoft's future earnings releases may include comments on personnel strategy and how well the company runs.
Is MNSO a good stock to buy? We came across a bullish thesis on MINISO Group Holding Limited on Grillo Insightss Substack by Eric Garcia. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on MNSO. MINISO Group Holding Limited's share was trading at $16.38 as of March 23rd. MNSOs trailing P/E was 16.08 according to Yahoo Finance.

Is MNSO a good stock to buy?

Copyright: nicoletaionescu / 123RF Stock Photo

MINISO (MNSO) is a global lifestyle retail chain specializing in affordable design products, collectibles such as blind boxes, plushies, accessories, and fragrances, operating through flagship and super stores that offer immersive customer experiences. The company follows a capital-light, franchise-based model, which has enabled rapid expansion without heavy balance sheet strain. MINISO sits at the center of a collectibles-driven retail boom targeting Gen Z and families, with international markets driving growth.

Read More: 15 AI Stocks That Are Quietly Making Investors Rich

Read More: Undervalued AI Stock Poised For Massive Gains: 10000% Upside Potential

Foreign operations now account for 39.4% of total revenue and posted 41.9% year-over-year growth, significantly outpacing the 10.9% growth in China. The company added over 1,200 new stores in 2024 and plans an accelerated expansion through 20252026, signaling strong momentum in its global footprint. Operational metrics underscore this growth: MINISO sells more than 15,000 blind box units weekly, physical store footfall increased 63% YoY, and eCommerce revenue surged 500% YoY.

Larger stores, averaging 1,780 square feet, enhance the customer experience, improve sales per unit, and allow diversification into food & beverage offerings and intellectual property partnerships with brands like Disney and Sanrio.

At a current price of $18 the company remains an attractive entry point, with a 2026 price target of $27.17 implying attractive upside of approximately 45% if its international expansion continues and flagship store unit economics remain positive. While considered the most speculative pick in its cohort, MINISO captures a clear consumption trend, offering a compelling growth story built on global expansion, operational excellence, and strong brand engagement.

Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR) by Acid Investments in March 2025, which highlighted the divestiture of Family Dollar, DLTRs superior core margins, faster store expansion, and potential valuation re-rating relative to Dollar General. DLTRs stock price has appreciated by approximately 56.43% since our coverage. Eric Garcia shares a similar view but emphasizes MINISOs rapid international expansion, collectibles-driven growth, strong operational metrics, and global lifestyle retail momentum, offering compelling upside in a distinct consumer segment.
For car buyers, 2025 was a year of opportunity and crisis as the prospect of higher prices due to tariffs drove a record number of buyers to dealer lots in the first half of the year. Aided by increased dealer incentives to help goose sales, original equipment manufacturers like Ford and GM rode the first half of 2025 to record heights.

This year, it's the price of oil, not tariffs, that is driving economic anxiety, and a prolonged price spike could have dire consequences for the auto industry, according to a new Morgan Stanley note.

If prices remain elevated for more than six months, consumers may start delaying vehicle purchases and opt for cheaper models rather than the more expensive SUVs that have been driving margins for years.

Sport utility vehicles accounted for 52% of new vehicle sales in 2025, up from 46% in 2021 and 38% in 2016, per Good Car Bad Car. Full-size SUVs have doubled their market share since 2016, representing 3.5% of the market.

The growth in SUV popularity is great news for automakers. Profit margins for SUVs and trucks average 10% to 20% higher than those for smaller cars, since larger vehicles are more expensive, but use many of the same components, according to The Week.

At the same time, electric vehicles have become more expensive and less profitable to produce, so the Big 3 U.S. automakers are all shifting their production capacity away from them towards SUVs.

But Morgan Stanley analysts see higher oil prices scuttling that strategy if they persist for a long period.

Gas prices are above $6 a gallon in several states. Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN on Getty Images  Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN on Getty Images

Car buyers expected to shift away from SUVs if gas prices remain elevated

The Iran War is in the middle of its fourth week, and the Iranian leadership just rejected President Donald Trump's latest ceasefire offer, so at this point, there is no end in sight for the war.

Iran has already closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil flows, and has now also threatened to close the Strait of Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and accounts for another 11%.

"Escalating conflict in the Middle East is increasing risk across the global auto supply chain. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have heightened energy price volatility and raised concerns about shipping disruptions in oil and aluminum, among other upstream raw materials," Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco said in a recent note.

Related: As gas prices soar, Costco membership pays off more

The firm says it is continuing to monitor potential OEM and supplier pressure, as well as the knock-on effects on pricing and demand, amid higher pump prices.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Release Date: March 26, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Playtech PLC (PYTCF) reported an adjusted EBITDA of 197 million, which was around 20% ahead of market expectations.

The company ended the year with a net cash position of 29 million, reinforcing its strong balance sheet.

Playtech PLC (PYTCF) saw strong momentum in the Americas, with significant investment income from Caliente Interactive and Hard Rock Digital.

The company successfully completed the sale of Snitetech, transforming into a highly focused B2B technology business.

Playtech PLC (PYTCF) has a robust AI governance framework and is leveraging AI to enhance game development and operational efficiency.

Negative Points

Regulatory headwinds in Colombia and Brazil impacted underlying revenue and adjusted EBITDA.

B2B revenue was down year-on-year due to the impact of the revised Caliente Agreement.

The UK market faced challenges due to a tougher regulatory backdrop and customer-specific changes.

Free cash flow for the full year 2025 was down compared to 2024, impacted by the previous Caliente agreement.

The company absorbed higher general and administrative expenses, including non-recurring costs and legal expenses.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Could you discuss the growth prospects for Europe ex-UK and any updates on the litigation involving Evolution and Black Cube? A: Unidentified_4: We have not been added to any case regarding Evolution and Black Cube, so there's not much we can say. As for Europe ex-UK, it is not ex-growth. There are exciting markets within Europe, and while the Americas are a significant growth driver, Europe still presents opportunities. The UK remains important despite regulatory challenges, and we are committed to our relationships there.

Q: Why does driving Brazilian growth require additional CapEx beyond the live studios you've opened? A: Unidentified_4: Brazil is a fast-growing market, and we have big plans there with existing partners and new opportunities. The CapEx is for infrastructure expansion to support these plans, including live casinos, which will require further investment.

Q: Can you provide more detail on the US profitability expectations and the status of the Happy Bet wind-down? A: Unidentified_4: We expect the US to be profitable for 2026 as a whole, including on a cash basis. The Happy Bet wind-down is nearly complete, with costs almost eliminated. Sunbingo is under review due to changes in remote gaming duty, but it may have a future with Playtech.
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

(Bloomberg) -- A wave of redemption requests across the private credit industry has left more than $4.6 billion of investor capital trapped behind withdrawal limits, with more asset managers expected to impose curbs in the coming weeks.

Investors have looked to pull roughly $13 billion from over a dozen funds so far this quarter, according to Bloomberg estimates and data from Robert A Stanger & Co. But since the vehicles can cap withdrawals at 5% of net assets per quarter, investors have only been able to access about two-thirds of the cash theyve sought, the data show.

Apollo Global Management Inc. and Ares Management Corp. this week became the latest firms to limit redemptions, joining a list that includes the likes of BlackRock Inc. and Morgan Stanley. Still to come is industry heavyweight Blue Owl Capital Inc., which last quarter took several steps to avoid restricting withdrawals. How much investors seek to cash out, and whether the firm again opts to avoid imposing limits, will be a key to gauging pressure on the sector, market participants say.

The market expects redemption requests to continue to increase in the coming quarters, said John Cocke, deputy chief investment officer of credit at Corbin Capital Partners. In benign environments, theres lots of liquidity and new subscriptions to satisfy redemptions. In times of perceived stress, inflows slow to a trickle and thus significantly more clients are asking for liquidity than providing it.

That, Cocke warns, risks creating a feedback loop in which limiting withdrawals makes it harder to lure new investors, in turn complicating efforts to manage outflows.

Read More: Private Credit Gate-Crashers Are Forcing Funds Into Brutal Spot

Private credit firms have spent years courting retail investors, fueling a surge of new vehicles open to smaller clients. But the funds hard-to-sell loans create a mismatch when they try to cash out, especially all at once.

Many of the products are therefore structured as semi-liquid, typically capping withdrawals at either 5% or 7% of net asset value each quarter, while giving them the flexibility to exceed those limits or further restrict redemptions as needed.

While some firms initially went to significant lengths to meet all withdrawal requests, even those above the thresholds, most have in recent weeks begun capping outflows. Managers say the limits are necessary so they can continue deploying capital, avoid selling off high-quality assets and protect long-term investors.
Robert Kiyosaki, finance expert and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, warned that the biggest market crash is coming. In a Facebook post, Kiyosaki wrote that the global stock market is collapsing. Heres why he saying that.

For You: Robert Kiyosaki Is Dumping Gold and Silver: Heres What Hes Buying Instead

Check Out: 8 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Major Market Swings

The market is in a continual state of flux and the figures Kiyosaki wrote in his post are no longer reflective of the situation. With that in mind, the warning remains: markets are highly sensitive to political tensions and dislike uncertainty, but can create pitfalls as well as potential gains.



Geopolitical conflict tends to create short-term dislocation, explained James Comblo, partner at Prosperity Capital Advisors. Markets often price worst-case scenarios very quickly  often overshooting to the downside in ways that dont reflect the underlying economics.



As tensions ease, economies bounce back.



Volatility can create both risk and opportunity for those who are prepared, Comblo said.

See Next: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You

Why Kiyosaki Is Betting on Bitcoin

For Kiyosaki, being prepared is buying bitcoin.



He said paper assests rely on another partys commitment, while tangible assets depend only on the natural world.

From stocks to bonds and 401(k) plans, Kiyosaki said they are risky because the investments are promises from the government, Wall Street or a corporation and promises are broken during war.

Bitcoin is different because theres nobody to sound the alarm.



He suggested that bitcoin isnt run by a CEO that can make panic. Referencing the effects of the Iran conflict.

Gold and Silver: Real Assets for Turbulent Times

Other assets Kiyosaki recommended buying are gold and silver. According to the entrepreneur, crashes are not celebrated by the wealthy  they prepare for them.



He added that when the downturn hits, theyre the ones scooping up assets that the frightened middle class is rushing to unload.



To Kiyosaki, thats gold and silver because they are assets the government cannot destroy, with broken guarantees.



Whether Kiyosakis prediction comes true remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: markets move in cycles. Understanding your investing risk tolerance is key and making informed choices can help you navigate volatile global markets.

As in life, if you make a decision on your investments based entirely on emotion, it probably isnt the right one for you, said Eric Mangold, Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) and founder of Argosy Wealth Management.
Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) is among the 5 High-Growth Restaurant Stocks for 2026. On March 11, Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) participated in the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference, outlining its strategic initiatives and vision. Featuring the companys CEO, Rob Lynch, the presentation covered the companys solid performance and dedication to operational excellence and long-term growth. Although macroeconomic headwinds exist, the company remains committed to solidifying its footprint.

With a plan to launch a loyalty program by the year-end, Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) targets 1,500+ company-operated Shacks in the long term. Additionally, menu changes are in line as well to include new limited-time offers and evergreen items. The companys one-three-five promotion was also highlighted during the conference, after which the traffic on the app was boosted by more than 50%.

5 Highest Quality Fast Food Chains in the US

TMON/Shutterstock.com

Looking ahead, Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) expects low single-digit comparable growth and plans a marketing run rate in the range of 2.5% to 3%. The company is set to open 55-60 new Shacks this year, which is higher than 45 Shacks in 2025. As stated by CEO Lynch,

Were gonna open up 55-60 this year. Thatll obviously be the most ever. Its just gonna keep going because we also invested G&A in building out that capability.

Previously, on March 9, Wolfe Research started coverage on Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) with an Outperform rating and a $118 price target. The firm believes that offers, loyalty programs, and enhanced media efforts will contribute positively to the near-term comparable sales.

Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) is a New York-based company owning and operating Shake Shack restaurants (Shacks). Founded in 2001, the Shacks offer burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, frozen custard, and other products.

While we acknowledge the potential of SHAK 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.
Skoda, the Czech carmaker and brand owned by Volkswagen Group, plans to withdraw from the Chinese market by mid-2026, Reuters reported, citing the company.

The move follows a prolonged drop in Skoda sales as Chinas passenger car market pivots rapidly towards electric vehicles.

China was previously Skodas largest market. Deliveries topped 300,000 between 2016 and 2018, the report said. Sales later fell to 15,000 units last year.

"The company will continue to sell Skoda models in the Chinese market in collaboration with a regional partner until mid-2026," the company said in a statement, accoding to Reuters.

Skoda added that after-sales services for existing customers will continue in China.

As part of what it described as a strategic repositioning, Skoda said it plans to concentrate on strengthening its presence in India and Southeast Asia, where it saw growth in 2025.

Czech news website E15 first reported the withdrawal.

Skodas exit comes as Volkswagen has faced increasing pressure in China's market, where local brands such as BYD and Geely have moved ahead in sales, ending years of dominance for legacy carmakers in a tech-driven EV market.

Unlike Skoda, Volkswagen and its subsidiary Audi are aiming to regain ground through multiple product launches and more localised production.

Volkswagen Group chief executive Oliver Blume recently told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that Germany could learn from Chinas industrial policy approach.

The Chinese take a very systematic approach with so-called five-year plans and have clear priorities with that too, he said. Its optimally structured.

"And what we find very positive in China is a high level of discipline and willingness to implement these initiatives.

Blume also pointed to the intensity of competition in China, saying Volkswagen faces over 150 competitors and strong innovation dynamics.

"Skoda to exit China by mid-2026 as sales slide in EV-led market" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




A massive, perfectly timed surge in futures trading just minutes before President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned strikes on Iran has sparked immense outrage, with lawmakers and veteran traders alleging blatant market manipulation.

Unexplained Pre-Market Surge

According to a CNBC report, trading volumes for S&P 500 e-Mini futures and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil futures spiked anomalously at 6:50 a.m. in New York. In the typically thin liquidity of early trading hours, this sudden burst stood out as one of the largest volume moments of the session.

Exactly 15 minutes later, at 7:05 a.m., Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. and Iran had held talks and that he was canceling planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Immediately following the announcement, S&P 500 futures soared over 2.5%, while WTI crude dropped nearly 6%.

Don't Miss:

Market analyst Adam Cochran noted that $1.5 billion in S&P 500 futures were bought and $192 million in oil futures were sold in a single clip right before the news brokea trade size four to six times larger than normal.

I've traded futures markets for five decades. There is ZERO doubt in my mind that Trump money was behind this buying.



There is NOOOOO law that prevents the Trump machine from manipulating futures markets. Inside trading is legal



Trump family fortune grew today. Trump is playing https://t.co/1rY3a8N1ru  Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) March 23, 2026

Demands For Transparency

The highly suspicious timing prompted an immediate political and financial backlash. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) directly accused the administration of foul play, stating on X that Trump insiders may be getting richer off the perfectly timed trades while average families suffer.

Asserting that this alleged insider trading must be stopped, Schiff issued a firm ultimatum: The White House must release its transaction reports. Now.

Trending: You Saved for Retirement  But Do You Know What You'll Keep After Taxes?

Veteran commodities trader Peter Brandt echoed these sharp sentiments, stating there is ZERO doubt in his mind that Trump money was behind this buying.

Brandt claimed the Presidents orbit is playing the markets like a fiddle. The SEC and CME Group have thus far declined to comment on the anomaly.
Quick Read

Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is up nearly 6% year-to-date while the S&P 500 (SPY) is down about 4%, tracking 120+ consumer staples companies including Walmart at 15%, Costco at 11.8%, Procter & Gamble at nearly 10%, and Coca-Cola at 8.2%, with a 2.13% yield and 9 basis point expense ratio. Over five years VDC returned 40% versus the S&P 500s 66%, and over ten years the gap widens to 114% versus 223%.

Consumer staples are holding up because demand for groceries, household products, and beverages remains stable regardless of economic conditions, creating a flight to quality when the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index sits at 56.4 and real GDP growth dropped to 0.7% annualized in Q4.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

When the broader market has lost ground year-to-date and the VIX is hovering near 27, the question investors are quietly asking is: what in my portfolio is actually holding up? Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (NYSEARCA:VDC) is up nearly 6% year-to-date while the S&P 500 is down about 4% over the same stretch. That gap is not a coincidence. It is what consumer staples are built to do.

What This Fund Is Actually Designed to Do

VDC tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Index (IMI)/Consumer Staples 25/50, giving investors exposure to the companies that sell things people buy regardless of economic conditions: groceries, toothpaste, beverages, cleaning products, cigarettes. The fund holds over 120 positions across those subsectors, with 99.4% allocated to consumer staples and essentially nothing elsewhere.

The return engine here is straightforward. These companies generate steady, recurring cash flows because demand for their products barely moves with the economic cycle. Procter & Gamble sells detergent in recessions. Walmart moves groceries no matter what the GDP print says. That earnings stability translates into dividend income and modest but durable price appreciation over time. VDC currently yields 2.13%, and the fund costs investors just 9 basis points per year to hold.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

The portfolio is top-heavy by design. Walmart sits at roughly 15% of the fund, Costco at 11.8%, and Procter & Gamble at nearly 10%. Those three names alone account for more than a third of the total portfolio. Coca-Cola adds another 8.2%. Investors buying VDC are largely making a bet on the largest, most established consumer staples businesses in the U.S.
Microsoft has had a rough stretch in the market in recent months. Shares of the Dow 30 stock have pulled back sharply over the past year, weighed down by investor worries over capital spending and whether the artificial intelligence boom will actually translate into lasting profit growth.

Valued at a market cap of $2.84 trillion, Microsoft (MSFT) stock is down 31% from all-time highs. But Wall Street isn't flinching.

Thirty-three out of 36 analysts rate the blue-chip dividend stock a Buy. The average 12-month MSFT stock price target is $583.6, a 57% premium to the current price. That's a striking gap.

And understanding why analysts remain so bullish, even as the stock struggles, requires a closer look at what Microsoft is building.

Microsoft's AI moat expands

Most people know Microsoft as the company behind Windows and Office. But that's an increasingly small part of the story.

Over the past two years, Microsoft has quietly built one of the largest AI businesses on the planet.

In its fiscal second quarter of 2026 (ended in December), the company reported that its Microsoft Cloud, the umbrella that covers Azure, Microsoft 365, and related services, generated$51.5 billion in revenue. That's up 26% from the same period a year ago.

Azure, the company's cloud computing platform, grew 39% year-over-year.

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella told investors:

He used the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in March to explain how artificial intelligence is reshaping the company from the ground up: from cloud infrastructure to productivity software to coding tools.

That's the crux of the bull case. If Nadella is right, Microsoft's revenue could grow meaningfully faster than the market expects.

Microsoft's growing dividend

For dividend investors, Microsoft remains one of the most reliable names in the market. According to data from Fiscal.ai, MSFT has raised its annualized dividend from $0.36 in 2006 to $3.64 in 2026. Today, it offers shareholders a yield of roughly 1%.

The tech behemoth is forecast to improve its free cash flow from $70.76 billion in fiscal 2026 to $165 billion in fiscal 2030.

More on dividend stocks:

With an annual dividend expense of $27 billion, Microsoft can easily double this payout through 2030, while investing heavily in AI.

Key dividend metrics for MSFT stock:
By Heekyong Yang and Joyce Lee

SEOUL, March 26 (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor on Thursday said it would seek to more than double its China sales in the medium term and it planned to launch 36 new models in the North American market by 2030.

Here are some details:

* At its annual shareholder meeting, Hyundai Motor CEO JoseMunoz said the South Korean automaker aims to sell 500,000vehicles annually in China as part of its medium-term efforts,which would be more than double its current volumes. * In North America, Hyundai Motor said it plans to introduce36 new models by 2030 in what it described as its mostprofitable region. * The figure includes variants of each vehicle model, suchas electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered versions. Hyundaicurrently sells 25 models in North America, which includes theU.S. market with 20 models. * Shares of Hyundai Motor were trading down 2.5% at 0258GMT, compared with the benchmark KOSPI index's 3.1% drop.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Jamie Freed)
The competition between OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) doesnt appear to be cooling off.

In a memo to staff published by The Verge, OpenAIs chief revenue officer Denise Dresser outlined a number of priorities for the companys sales org this quarter, saying enterprise AI is entering a more mature phase, and that its biggest customers want a system they can trust and build on.

The most notable headline to emerge from Dressers memo, however, came from the concluding thoughts on the competitive landscape, namely, OpenAIs biggest competitor, Anthropic.

Their stated run rate is inflated, Dresser wrote.

They use accounting treatment that makes revenue look bigger than it is, including grossing up rev share with Amazon and Google. Our analysis shows that this overstates their run rate by roughly $8 billion (at the current $30 [billion] stated). We report Microsoft revshare net, which is more inline with standards we would be held to as a public company.

(Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)  NurPhoto via Getty Images

Last week, Anthropic disclosed the $30 billion run rate figure, which signaled its growth rate had roughly tripled since the end of 2025.

Dressers memo also criticized Anthropic for telling a story built on fear, restriction, and the idea that a small group of elites should control AI.

The memo also said Anthropic made a strategic misstep in not acquiring enough compute to meet user needs and that its focus on coding, gave them an early wedge. But you do not want to be a single-product company in a platform war. As AI spreads beyond developers into every team, workflow, and industry, that narrowness can become a real liability.

Dresser also said OpenAIs relationship has been foundational to its success, but that it limited our ability to meet enterprises where they are.

In February, OpenAI announced an expanded deal with AWS, which included a $50 billion investment from Amazon and an exclusive cloud deal with AWS to distribute OpenAI Frontier, its enterprise platform.
President Trump is set to announce a tired system for its broad tariffs on steel and aluminium, according to reports in Bloomberg on Thursday.

The Trump administration will maintain 50% tariffs on a large number of products and the duty will be calculated on the value of the imported goods. This latest news comes on the one year anniversary of Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, where a year ago today the president ordered tariffs, changing global trade forever.

Businesses continue to navigate a series of trade shocks, from the overturned International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down to soaring energy costs stemming from the war in the Middle East.

Last month, the European Union parliament voted to advance the US-EU trade deal, resuming the ratification of a framework agreement the two sides reached last year after a months-long pause. The EU halted its adoption of the deal after the Supreme Court invalidated President Trump's most sweeping tariffs and Trump threatened to take over Greenland earlier this year.

Currently, the US has imposed 10% tariffs on countries around the globe for 150 days, which could rise to 15% as the Trump administration pursues other tariffs. The administration announced two new trade investigations in March, scrutinizing 60 countries for their fair trade practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

China mirrored that move last month by opening up two investigations into US trade practices, setting the stage for a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May.

Meanwhile, after a federal judge ruled that the US government must begin paying out more than $130 billion in tariff refunds to US businesses, more than 2,000 companies, including Costco (COST) and FedEx (FDX), have filed lawsuits seeking compensation. The US Customs agency said it's finalizing a four-step process that will allow importers to electronically file claims and receive tariff refunds.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 222 updates
MEXICO CITY, March 26 (Reuters) - The Mexican government announced measures on Thursday to support the country's motor transport industry, especially manufacturers and owners of heavy vehicles.

The program includes tax incentives for local producers and also seeks to protect and promote Mexico's motor transport industry against imports, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a press conference.

"It has an initial budget of 2 billion pesos ($112.41 million) in tax deductions and 250 million pesos in direct investment," he added.

The program will support Mexico's heavy vehicle sector through incentives to purchase vehicles.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said the measures will boost the production of commercial vehicles, while the modernization of heavy-duty vehicles will help reduce pollutants and improve freight transport conditions across the country.

($1 = 17.7915 Mexican pesos)

(Reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Raul Cortes; Editing by Inigo Alexander and Barbara Lewis)
By Olivia Le Poidevin

YAOUNDE, March 26 (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization chief called on countries on Thursday to overhaul global trade rules, telling them the old world order had gone for good following a year of turmoil sparked by U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala set out a list of problems facing the organisation - including the paralysis of its dispute-settlement mechanism - at the start of a four-day meeting of the body in Cameroon.

"The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back ... We must look to the future," the WTO director-general said.

Some diplomats and trade officials warned that without an agreement on reforms, countries could start abandoning the ideal of a rules-based global trade system, and set their own regulations.

The gathering in Yaounde comes amid concerns over the impact of the U.S.Israeli war on Iran, and follows years of stalled multilateral trade deals.

US URGES 'HONEST AND FRANK' TALKS

In a statement to members, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urged an "honest and frank conversation" on reforms, as well as on the WTO's core rules. He took aim at the organisation for contributing to what he described as "severe and sustained imbalances," which he said the U.S. had sought to correct through its trade policies.

AVOIDING HALF-BAKED REFORMS

The U.S. supports reforms but is resisting a detailed work plan, while the EU, Britain, and China back one, internal reform documents seen by Reuters show.

UK trade minister Chris Bryant warned of potential fragmentation if no deal is reached.

"My anxiety is if we ministers don't get this week right, you might see a disorderly collapse of the WTO and some people writing a new rulebook," Bryant said.

Statements by the EU and U.S. laid out priorities that the WTO needs to address, including transparency on countries' use of subsidies, as well as allowing groups of members to form their own agreements.

The current decision-making process, which requires consensus from all members, has frequently stalled due to objections from individual countries. Greer said that allowing more flexibility into the system through bilateral deals among like-minded smaller groups would be "part of the new world order."

India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, however, told delegates that there should be a consensus accord to allow a subset of members to make its own decisions.

Goyal also cast doubt on U.S. efforts to extend a global ban on cross-border e-commerce duties, saying that it warranted "careful reconsideration." India is concerned about a loss of tariff revenue.
By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, March 25 (Reuters) - Oil prices dropped more than 5% on Wednesday on the prospect of a possible ceasefire easing supply disruptions from the key Middle East producing region after reports the U.S. sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war between them.

Brent crude futures fell $6.21, or 5.9%, to $98.28 a barrel by 0058 GMT, after declining to as low as $97.57. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down $4.67, or 5.1%, at $87.68 a barrel, after falling to as low as $86.72.

Both benchmarks rose nearly 5% on Tuesday, before paring gains in volatile post-settlement trading.

"Expectations of a ceasefire have risen slightly and profit-taking is leading the market," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist of Nissan Securities Investment, a unit of Nissan Securities.

"But the outlook remains uncertain as to whether negotiations will succeed, limiting selling," he added.

Should fighting resume and Iran's attacks extend to energy facilities in neighbouring countries or if pressure to close the Strait of Hormuz intensifies, oil prices could surge once again, he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the U.S. was making progress in negotiating an end to the war with Iran, while a source confirmed that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point settlement proposal.

Israel's Channel 2 said the U.S. was seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the plan, which includes the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, ceasing support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The war has all but halted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait, which typically carries about one-fifth of the world's gas and crude supply, causing what the International Energy Agency has called the biggest-ever oil supply disruption.

On Tuesday, Pakistan's prime minister said he was willing to host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

On Monday though, Iran denied engaging in negotiations with the U.S.

Iran has told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

Still, U.S., Israeli and Iranian strikes continued and sources said Washington was preparing to send more troops to the region.

To offset the Strait of Hormuz disruptions, oil exports from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Yanbu port rose to nearly 4 million barrels per day last week, a sharp increase from before the war broke out, shipping data shows.

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Christian Schmollinger)
By Jarrett Renshaw

HOUSTON, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. officials this week said the historic spike in fuel prices during the war in Iran will be short-term and trumpeted record U.S. production at an industry conference where oil executives and government officials from Asia, the Middle East and Europe bemoaned the worst oil and gas supply disruption in decades.

The contrasting messages relayed to industry leaders at the annual CERAWeek conference in Houston reflected the different political realities in the U.S. and the rest of the world.

U.S. cabinet members said American consumers could absorb a temporary price shock. Their effort to project calm reflected the political stakes for President Donald Trump, who has slid in the polls even as he repeatedly said the war is already won and promised the financial pain will be short-lived.

Still, Iran has continued hitting its neighbors with missile and drone strikes while keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed to shipping, halting a fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Global oil prices have spiked above $100 a barrel.

Supply disruptions have already slowed the global economy. Some countries in Asia dependent on Middle East oil face fuel shortages and are taking steps such as work-from-home directives. Europe is bracing for shortages to hit next month.

The impact of the war on energy supplies would last much longer than the conflict itself, executives said, because of damage inflicted on oil and gas infrastructure by Iran in response to the U.S.-Israeli attacks.

Trump's approval rating has slumped to its lowest point since he returned to the White House, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found, as many Americans have blanched at surging fuel prices and disapproved of the war on Iran. Trump's Republican Party faces a fight to retain slim majorities in the U.S. Congress in November's midterm elections. The issue of affordability has emerged as a central theme.

Markets do what markets do, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in the keynote address at the conference. Prices went up to send signals to everyone that can produce more, please, produce more. The prices have not risen high enough yet to drive meaningful demand destruction."

Wright touted expanding U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, efforts to keep coal power plants from retiring and plans to cut red tape for new nuclear projects.

Every day our mission remains clear: grow energy, improve American lives, strengthen American security and strengthen the world, Wright said.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum acknowledged the higher fuel prices were impacting Americans but said it would be short-term.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is included among the Dividend Kings and Aristocrats List: 32 Biggest Stocks.

Chevron (CVX) Price Target Raised by Bernstein on Stronger Crude Backdrop

On March 22, Bernstein raised its price recommendation on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to $216 from $194. It reiterated a Market Perform rating on the shares. The firm said it updated its models across the energy and transportation group to reflect current crude prices and crack spreads, while noting there is still a wide range of possible outcomes. The analyst also pointed out that conflicts that stretch beyond a few weeks often last for years. Given that level of uncertainty and what the firm described as right tail risk, it continues to favor adding exposure to energy.

A day later, on March 23, Reuters reported that Chevron is seeing progress in Venezuela as oil production increases. At the same time, CEO Mike Wirth said more work is needed to improve the legal and investment environment. Interest in Venezuelas energy sector has picked up again after political changes earlier this year and calls for significant new investment to rebuild the industry.

Wirth said access to international arbitration will be important for companies looking to invest. He also noted that recent changes to the countrys oil laws are broad and still require more specific incentives to attract capital.

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) operates as an integrated energy company. The company is involved in producing crude oil and natural gas, as well as manufacturing fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives. It also develops technologies that support its operations and the broader energy industry.

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: 15 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Steady Income and 14 Under-the-Radar High Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Average diesel prices rose to $5.375 per gallon on Monday, up 30 cents compared to a week ago, according to the Energy Information Administration, as the U.S. and Iran war significantly limits the global transport of petroleum.

Higher-cost areas such as California saw prices continue to escalate in the $6 per gallon range. But even lower cost regions also experienced increases, with prices surpassing and remaining above $5 per gallon.

At the beginning of March, prices were under $4 per gallon nationally, according to the EIA, but climbed most significantly week over week on March 9 with a 96-cent surge. The surge was less pronounced the next week, rising 21 cents on March 16.

Diesel prices continue upward trajectory

Weekly average of on-highway diesel prices estimated from January 2019 through March 2026.

Dive Insight:

The U.S.-Iran war is squeezing one of the most important corridors in the world for oil, spurring higher fuel costs and hiking the financial burden for carriers and shippers alike.

Trucking companies exposed to the spot market can be vulnerable to financial challenges from rising diesel prices, compared to firms with fuel surcharges that insulate risks, according to Jason Miller, the Eli Broad endowed professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.

For contract freight, shippers will absorb most of these higher diesel costs through higher freight rates, Miller said in a LinkedIn post. For freight priced on an all-in basis (e.g., most spot truckload rates), carriers end up absorbing much of the higher diesel prices by making less profit.

Small spot market carriers should be fine, though, as highway retail diesel backs off from recent highs, DAT iQ Principal Analyst Dean Croke told Trucking Dive in an email. The EIA diesel weekly average has finally caught up to where todays pump prices are, which means the fuel surcharge will start to reflect the retail surge weve seen.

Beyond trucking, shippers are also facing higher costs to transport freight across other modes. Ocean carriers such as Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM as well as parcel delivery companies UPS and FedEx have all deployed higher fuel surcharges in recent weeks.

Despite the recent surge, the EIAs most recent outlook forecast, published March 10, nearly two weeks after a U.S. and Israel attack on Iran that provoked the war, expects diesel prices to average $4.12 per gallon for 2026 and $3.78 for 2027.
Refinery worker adjusts crude feedstock valve and gauge as crack spreads boost refining margins and small-cap oil stock outlook.

Key Points

Crude oil prices have surged since the start of the Iran War, boosting the stocks of oil and gas companies across the industry.

One unlikely beneficiary has been downstream refiners that benefit from large crack spreads, which measure the difference in raw and refined petroleum products.

If these spreads normalize quickly, refiner margin compression will follow, so it might be time to take profits on these two soaring small-cap refiners.

Interested in PBF Energy Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.

Oil and gas stocks have surged since the start of the Iran conflict, largely due to the Persian Gulfs vital role in global oil supply. Approximately 20 million barrels per day pass through the Strait of Hormuz, or roughly 20% of the total global supply.

But the real story for investors goes beyond skyrocketing crude prices: Refiners are now benefiting from an unusual gap between crude and refined product prices, such as diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. Known as crack spreads, these gaps have propelled downstream oil stocks, especially in the United States.

 Active ETFs Surge Past Passive, and These Are in the Lead

That dynamic makes two small-cap refiners worth a closer look, because their recent gains are closely tied to todays unusually favorable spreadsand could unwind quickly if conditions normalize.

Why Crude Prices Can Matter Less for Downstream Companies

If youve passed a gas station lately, youve likely done a double-take at how quickly prices have risen in just a few short weeks. According to AAA, the average national fuel price in the United States is currently $3.94up more than $1 in just a month.

 Macys Beats Expectations Again, But Guidance Spooks Investors

But unless you own a vehicle that needs it, youve probably paid less attention to diesel prices, which have soared higher at an even faster rate. Crack spreads highlight why the energy sector is separated into upstream, midstream, and downstream companies:

Upstream: Companies that directly benefit from oil price increases, as they extract oil from the ground.

Midstream: Companies that operate the infrastructure connecting upstream to downstream and focusing on transportation, storage, and processing.

Downstream: Companies that refine, process, and market finished products, including gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals.

Downstream companies dont necessarily benefit from high or low oil prices. Rather, the crack spread between the crude oil and the refined output is their focus. Oil prices have skyrocketed since the fighting in Iran began, but downstream companies have been insulated by widening crack spreads, which have dramatically widened since Persian Gulf refining capacity went offline, boosting margins for downstream refiners.
Equinor has kicked off drilling at the Raia project, one of the largest natural gas developments advancing offshore Brazil, as the Norwegian energy major pushes deeper into the countrys pre-salt basin and broader gas market.

The campaign began on March 24 with the Valaris DS-17 drillship and will cover six wells in the Raia area, roughly 200 kilometers offshore in the Campos Basin at water depths of about 2,900 meters. The start of drilling marks a major execution milestone for a project Equinor has described as its largest currently under development.

Raia is operated by Equinor, which holds 35%, alongside Repsol Sinopec Brasil with 35% and Petrobras with 30%. The partners are targeting first production in 2028.

The scale of the project is substantial. Raia holds more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable gas and condensate reserves. Once online, it is expected to export as much as 16 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, a volume that could account for about 15% of Brazilian gas demand by 2028. That would make it a strategically important supply source for Brazil at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen domestic gas availability and industrial competitiveness.

The development will rely on a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) tied back to subsea wells. Gas from the field will be sent through a 200-kilometer pipeline to Cabiunas in Macae, Rio de Janeiro state, where it can enter Brazils onshore gas system. The FPSO is also expected to handle roughly 126,000 barrels per day of oil and condensate.

For Equinor, Raia is more than another offshore project. It is the companys largest international investment to date, with a total estimated cost of around $9 billion, and deepens its position in one of its core overseas markets. Brazil already plays a central role in Equinors portfolio through oil, gas, and increasingly power-related assets. Raia now adds a large-scale gas pillar with long-life production and expected cash flow visibility.

The company is also emphasizing emissions performance. Equinor said the Raia FPSO is expected to rank among the most carbon-efficient globally, with average CO2 intensity of around 6 kilograms per barrel of oil equivalent, well below the current industry average cited by the company of 17 kilograms per barrel. That message is likely aimed at investors increasingly focused on lower-carbon upstream supply rather than just production growth.

Raia also builds on operational experience in Brazilian deepwater. Equinor pointed to the partners previous work on the Bacalhau field, where the DS-17 drillship also participated. That continuity may help reduce execution risk as the industry continues to grapple with rising offshore project complexity, tight supplier capacity, and pressure to bring large gas resources to market more efficiently.
Chinas oil demand could peak sooner than expected, a senior executive at a major state energy firm said, as the Iran war accelerates the turn away from fossil fuels.

The country is the worlds second-largest oil consumer, but demand growth has slowed as it shifts to EVs and renewables, and rising prices caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz will speed the process, CNOOCs deputy chief economist said.

Similar dynamics are playing out elsewhere: Used EV purchases in Europe are up as fuel prices rise; one French retailer told Reuters that it doubled EV sales between February and March. And a UK electricity firm boss said solar panel sales had risen 50% since the war began.

 Tom Chivers
Oil prices increased by 2% on 26 March, recovering the losses incurred the previous day, driven by concerns that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East might lead to further disruptions to energy supplies.

As of 06:38 GMT, Brent crude futures had risen by $2.08, or 2.03%, reaching $104.30 per barrel (bbl), reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed $1.93, or 2.14%, to $92.25 per barrel.

Both benchmarks had fallen by more than 2% on Wednesday.

The recent escalation in oil prices comes amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding the Middle East conflict, which has significantly disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

This vital passageway typically facilitates around 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas transport.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has identified this as an unprecedented disruption to oil supplies.

Iran is in the process of evaluating a US proposal aimed at resolving the conflict. However, the country has not expressed any intention to negotiate an end to the hostilities, according to Iran's foreign minister.

US President Donald Trump's 15-point proposal, communicated through Pakistan, includes stipulations such as the elimination of Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves and restrictions on its ballistic missile programme, according to sources within the Israeli cabinet.

Furthermore, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has requested additional coordinated releases from oil stockpiles during discussions with IEA head Fatih Birol, Reuters reported.

Following an agreement to release a record quantity of oil reserves in partnership with the IEA to compensate for the supply disruption from the Middle East, Takaichi announced that Japan would also access joint oil reserves shared with producing nations domestically.

Adding further strain to global oil supply concerns, Ukrainian drone strikes and other conflicts have halted around 40% of Russia's export capacity.

Iraqi oil production is also under pressure as storage tanks approach maximum capacity.

"Middle East tensions push global oil prices up by 2% " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is included among the Dividend Kings and Aristocrats List: 32 Biggest Stocks.

Morgan Stanley Updates NextEra Energy (NEE) Target on Load Growth and Data Center Demand

On March 23, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) to $110 from $106. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said the change reflects updates to its coverage across regulated and diversified utilities and IPPs in North America. Utilities outperformed the S&P in February, which helped shape the firms view. Recent discussions across the sector have also been encouraging. Companies are pointing to growth opportunities, improving load trends, and new deals linked to data centers.

On March 23, Reuters reported that NextEra has secured land in Texas for a gas-fired power plant that will support a large data center campus tied to a US-Japan agreement, according to CEO John Ketchum. The company said last week that the administration of President Donald Trump approved the development of two large gas plants in Texas and Pennsylvania. Together, the projects are expected to total about 10 gigawatts and are aimed at meeting growing electricity demand from data centers.

Under the agreement, the $33 billion projects will be developed and operated by NextEra but jointly owned by the United States and Japan as part of a broader trade deal. Ketchum said the company has already secured land for the Texas facility, which is expected to have more than 5 GW of capacity. He shared the update while speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. He also noted that land has not yet been acquired for the Pennsylvania site. Additional land and permits will be needed before moving forward there.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) operates through its subsidiaries, including NextEra Energy Resources and NextEra Energy Transmission, along with Florida Power & Light Company.

While we acknowledge the potential of NEE 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 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Steady Income and 14 Under-the-Radar High Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is one of the Best Conservative Stocks to Buy Right Now. On March 20, the company stated that President Trump gave approval for developing up to 10 gigawatts of natural gaspowered generation in Texas and Pennsylvania. This was done with respect to Japans $550 billion commitment to invest in the US, which was part of the trade deal between the US and Japan. Thanks to this, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) can now work on the development of reliable, large-scale power infrastructure. This can help in Americas growth and technological leadership.

NextEra Energy (NEE): President Trump Approves Development of up to 10 Gigawatts of Natural Gaspowered Generation

That being said, the investment remains subject to negotiation and execution of definitive documents by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) and several constituents, and its completion of development, construction, and commissioning of certain projects. The projects will be co-owned by Japan and the U.S. as per the joint trade agreement, and will be built and operated by the company.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) offers renewable energy.

While we acknowledge the potential of NEE 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: 10 Best FMCG Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts and 11 Best Long-Term Tech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
ReconAfrica begins testing at Namibia discovery, advances Gabon work program Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (TSX-V:RECO, OTCQX:RECAF, FRA:0XD) said on Thursday it has begun production testing at its Kavango West 1X discovery well in Namibia, while advancing seismic work and appraisal planning on its offshore Ngulu block in Gabon as part of a catalyst-rich 2026 program.

The oil and gas explorer said it has received all regulatory permits required to proceed with testing at Kavango West, with crews now on site preparing the well.

A production liner sourced from North America has been delivered, and the company has contracted Halliburton and Schlumberger Oilfield Services to provide equipment and services.

Updated petrophysical analysis, incorporating additional rock and log data, indicates 75 metres of net hydrocarbon pay in the Huttenberg formation, up from a previously reported 64 metres, the company said.

ReconAfrica said it plans to conduct production testing across six zones, including three in the Huttenberg formation and three in the deeper Elandshoek formation. In total, 345 metres of prospective interval will be isolated and perforated during the testing program.

In Gabon, the company is reprocessing 3D seismic data over key areas of the offshore Ngulu block, including the Loba oil discovery. Upon completion, ReconAfrica expects to select an appraisal drilling location and commission an independent resource report, targeted for delivery by the end of 2026.

The Ngulu block spans about 1,214 square kilometres in shallow waters offshore central Gabon and lies near several established producing oil fields. The company said the block hosts the Loba discovery and more than 28 identified exploration prospects across pre- and post-salt plays.
Explainer: Why doesn't Iran trust the U.S.?

Xinhua) 09:06, March 26, 2026

A man attends a protest against U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in central London, Britain, March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

The conflicting claims highlight the deep mistrust defining U.S.-Iran relations, after months of indirect negotiations that have repeatedly collapsed due to Washington.

TEHRAN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Tehran Times reported Tuesday that Tehran views U.S. calls for negotiations as a deceptive scheme, stressing that it "does not trust these messages," even as Washington claims progress in talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the two sides had held "very good and productive conversations," but Iran denied any talks had taken place.

The conflicting claims highlight the deep mistrust defining U.S.-Iran relations, after months of indirect negotiations that have repeatedly collapsed due to Washington. Despite three rounds of talks, the latest cycle ended in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that ignited the current war.

WHY CONFLICTING CLAIMS?

Trump claimed Monday there were "major points of agreement," saying Iran "wants to make a deal" and "wants peace," while indicating any agreement would require Tehran to give up its nuclear capabilities entirely.

"I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Iran's state media has denied that Iran has engaged in any peace talks with the United States. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations have occurred with the United States, and that "fake news" has been used to "manipulate" the oil markets.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that there had been no direct or indirect contact with Trump, and the foreign ministry said Trump's remarks were "part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time" for military plans.

The current impasse is the latest chapter in a pattern of negotiations that have produced claims of progress followed by sudden breakdowns.

High-level indirect talks, mediated by Oman, began in April 2025 in Muscat with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Multiple rounds followed through June 13, 2025, before collapsing when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

Talks resumed in February 2026. Meetings were held in Oman and later in Geneva, where mediators described the third round on Feb. 26 as the "most intense" so far, with "significant progress" and plans for technical follow-ups in Vienna.

Less than 48 hours later, on Feb. 28, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes that sparked the current war.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WHY NO TRUST?

For Tehran, the breakdowns are not isolated but a part of a longer pattern.

In Trump's first term, he withdrew the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on May 8, 2018, even though international inspectors confirmed Iran was in full compliance. Washington then reimposed sweeping sanctions under a "maximum pressure" campaign.

Tensions escalated further in early 2020, after the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, an action Iran viewed as an act of war that prompted Tehran to abandon JCPOA limits on uranium enrichment.

The 2026 cycle repeated the sequence. After three rounds of talks that mediators called productive, the United States and Israel struck anyway. Iranian leaders say such episodes prove that Washington cannot be trusted to honor commitments when it believes it holds military superiority.

"Trump is fairly locked into two goals: Complete, permanent and verifiable nuclear disarmament with very little if any Iranian enrichment, and a reopening of Hormuz. I don't sense Iran is ready to agree to either demand," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Michael O'Hanlon told Xinhua.

Indeed, Trump demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear program, which Washington believes is meant to build nuclear weapons, but Iran maintains that it is for peaceful purposes.

Other analysts have expressed doubt that Iran is ready to come to the negotiation table, in the belief that Iran has prepared itself for months to weather the storm.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez preached of lucrative long-term opportunities in her resource-rich country at a Saudi-backed investment summit on Wednesday, offering a window into how Venezuelas government is trying to lure investors to its oil sector.

Addressing the Miami summit from Venezuela, Rodriguez presented a reformed industry  one that has opened up to private capital, international arbitration and scrutiny in the less than three months since the U.S. military captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, and the White House began implementing a phased plan to turn the troubled country around. She didn't mentioned Maduro, and instead focused on reassuring potential investors that Venezuela represents a safe investment in part thanks to the recent overhaul of its oil industry.

She projected the country will see double-digit economic growth this year and the following two years, creating conditions where investors know that, regardless of political changes or restrictive circumstances, there is security, that Venezuela has laws that allow for the safe return of their investments.

We are in a process of stabilization, implementing the reforms needed for a productive environment and to attract investments that will diversify the engines of the Venezuelan economy, she said during a presentation delivered entirely in Spanish.

Venezuela sits atop the worlds largest oil reserves and used them to power what was once Latin Americas strongest economy. But corruption, mismanagement and U.S. economic sanctions saw production steadily decline from the 3.5 million barrels per day pumped in 1999, when Maduros mentor, Hugo Chavez, took power, to less than 400,000 barrels per day in 2020.

In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department under the first Trump administration locked Venezuela out of world oil markets when it sanctioned the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., or PDVSA, as part of a policy punishing Maduros government for corruption. That forced the government to sell its remaining oil output at a discount  about 40% below market prices  to buyers such as China. Venezuela even started accepting payments in Russian rubles, bartered goods or cryptocurrency.

The country currently produces about a million barrels a day.

On Wednesday, Rodriguez touted Venezuelas low production costs and willingness to negotiate.

When we consider a barrel of oil, its production cost, 64% of that barrel has room for negotiation with the investor regarding royalty reductions, income tax reductions, and most importantly, the dividends the investor receives, she said. If there is a large investment, obviously the return will be higher on that 64%.
In just over a year, the world saw several instances of a choked supply of commodities indispensable for todays economies and military capabilities.

From Chinas restrictions on rare earths and critical minerals supply to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, policymakers and analysts began to realize that the control of oil, critical minerals, rare earths, and magnets is as important as building and maintaining stockpiles of advanced weapons. It also became clear that without these resources, defense and military capabilities could be weakened. The actual arms race goes hand in hand with the new battle for the resources that underpin economic, manufacturing, and advanced military development.

Great-power competition has returned to basics: who controls the physical resources that modern economies and militaries run on, Alice Gower, a partner at London-based political-risk advisory firm Azure Strategy, told the Wall Street Journal.

Energy, critical minerals and industrial capacity are leverage, not just economic assets, Gower added.

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

The war in the Middle East and the blockage at the Strait of Hormuz laid bare the reality of choked energy supply. The worlds most vital oil and LNG chokepoint, through which 20% of daily global trade flowed before the Iran war, has been essentially closed for most tanker traffic for more than three weeks.

The massive supply shock, the worst disruption in the oil market in history, showed that the world is dependent on energy resources, and that geography and actual physical supply matter. With so much oil and gas stranded in the Middle East, oil prices spiked to above $100 per barrel, natural gas prices in Europe doubled, and Asian spot LNG prices hit multi-year highs.

Related: 5 Stocks to Buy Now That The Strait of Hormuz is Closed

The precarious situation in the Middle East is reverberating across Asia, the region most dependent on oil and LNG supply from the Persian Gulf. Asian refiners pay sky-high premiums for non-Middle Eastern crude, many are considering cutting or have already cut processing rates, and countries have started to enact fuel-preserving measures, from four-day work weeks to bans on fuel exports.

In Europe, the gas refilling season will be the toughest yet, as Asia is outbidding Europe for spot LNG supply after Qatars LNG is effectively sidelined and full capacity may not return for up to five years following Iranian missile attacks last week.

Even the energy independent United States, the worlds top oil producer, is not independent when it comes to global supply shocks of such magnitude.
This deepwater drilling is a testament to Western firms confidence in their ability to continue their business in Libya over many years, as it requires long-term capital and security guarantees that IOCs do not commit to unless they believe Libya is entering a more stable, Western-aligned phase. Indeed, it was also Eni that recently started drilling the first deepwater offshore well seen in Libya for nearly two decades, in its energy-rich Sirte basin. This exploration work continues in the basins Matsola exploration prospect in Contract Area 38/3 in the Mediterranean Sea, according to Eni. The project also marks the first major new operation between it and Great Britains BP -- with the joint venture comprising a 42.5% stake each for the two firms, with the remaining 15% held by the countrys sovereign wealth fund -- the Libyan Investment Authority. The joint venture is committed to drilling a further 16 wells in Libya, across onshore and offshore areas. Moreover, BP also recently signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate options for redeveloping the giant Sarir and Messla onshore fields in the Sirte basin, and to assess potential unconventional oil and gas development. The firms executive vice president for gas and low carbon, William Lin, stated that the agreement reflects our strong interest in deepening our partnership with Libyas NOC [National Oil Corporation] and supporting the future of Libyas energy sector.

One of the Western companies that has been among the trailblazers to secure non-Russian energy supplies from as diversified a portfolio as possible is Italys Eni, and it announced last week new offshore gas discoveries in Libya. The European oil and gas giant said these were made following exploration activities near the Bahr Essalam field, Libyas largest producing offshore gas field. Both locations -- Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS-2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS-3) -- are located about 85 kilometres (km) offshore in water depth of around 650 feet, according to Eni. It added that its preliminary estimates are that the two structures contain more than 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas in place. As the two sites are positioned only around 16 km south of the existing Bahr Essalam facilities, the company expects to be able to develop them on a fast-track development trajectory, through tie-ins to the Bahr Essalam facilities. Eni highlighted that the resulting gas will partly go to Libyas domestic market and partly to Italy, supporting both local energy supply and export revenues.

It comes to something when Libya looks like a relative beacon of stability compared to key Middle Eastern states, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, but here we are, nevertheless. Of course, the recent fire at Libya's largest oil field, Sharara, caused by a pipeline leak , may have been the product of another attack by one of the many warring factions there, so it is not exactly Switzerland in terms of the global peace rankings table. However, Libyas appeal to international oil companies (IOCs) has been on the rise again since Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, as Western countries looked to new oil and gas supply sources to compensate for those controlled by the Kremlin. This resurgence of Western interest coincides with Libyas re-energised plan to boost crude oil production to at least 2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2028, and the announcement last year that 22 offshore and onshore blocks would be licensed in the initial bidding round to this effect. Recent news underscores how positively these initiatives are currently playing out.

Story Continues

In a similar vein, last week also saw another of the Wests vanguard firms engaged in sourcing new non-Russian energy supplies -- Frances TotalEnergies -- announce the restart of production at Libyas Mabruk oil field in Libya, in which the firm holds a 37.5% stake. Again, this marks a major turnaround in Libyas fortunes, as the onshore field, positioned around 130 km south of Sirte, saw production stopped in 2015. This restart illustrates our long-term commitment in Libya, said Julien Pouget, Middle East and North Africa director for TotalEnergies exploration & production business. 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 per cent annual production growth per year until 2030. The French energy giant agreed more broadly back in to continue its efforts to increase oil production from the giant Waha, Sharara, Al Jurf, and Mabruk oil fields by at least 175,000 bpd. It also agreed with the NOC to make the development of the Waha-concession North Gialo and NC-98 oil fields a priority. These fields have a combined estimated capacity of at least 350,000 bpd. At the same time, improvements in Libyas refinery operations look likely over time, beginning with the announcement last week that U.S.-based technology and engineering giant KBR was awarded

a contract to provide project management and technical services for the South Refinery Project (SRP) in Ubari, southwest Libya. The SRP is in line with KBRs efforts to advance key oil and gas infrastructure across the country.

Related: Could This Be Chinas Strategy To Paralyze the Pentagon?

In broad terms, none of this interest is that surprising, as before the removal of Muammar Gaddafi as leader of Libya in 2011 and the civil war that ensued, the country was producing around 1.65 million bpd of mostly high-quality light, sweet crude oil, particularly in demand in the Mediterranean and Northwest Europe. It also remained the holder of Africas largest proved crude oil reserves, of 48 billion barrels. Moreover, in the years leading up to Gaddafis forced exit, oil production had been on a rising trajectory, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000, albeit well below the peak levels of more than 3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, as analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Positively as well, Libyas NOC was advancing plans at that point to roll out enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to increase crude oil production at maturing oil fields, and its predictions of being able to increase capacity by around 775,000 bpd through EOR at existing oil fields looked well-founded. However, in the depths of the civil war, crude oil output fell to around 20,000 bpd, and although it has recovered now to just under 1.3 million bpd -- the highest level since mid-2013 -- various politically-motivated shutdowns in recent years pushed this down to just over 500,000 bpd for prolonged periods.

Having said all of this, there remain deep-seated issues that may derail Libyas progress unless they are finally resolved. At the time of signing the interim peace agreement with Tripolis U.N.-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) on 18 September 2020, the Commander of the rebel Libyan National Army (LNA), General Khalifa Haftar, made it very clear that enduring peace would depend on a solution being reached on how the countrys oil revenues would be distributed over the long term. The key to this in his view -- and supported by the GNA back then -- would be the formation of a joint technical committee, which would: Oversee oil revenues and ensure the fair distribution of resources and control the implementation of the terms of the agreement during the next three months, provided that its work is evaluated at the end of 2020 and a plan is defined for the next year. To address the fact that the then-GNA effectively held sway over the NOC and, by extension, the Central Bank of Libya (in which the revenues are physically held), the committee would also prepare a unified budget that meets the needs of each party and the reconciliation of any dispute over budget allocations and will require the Central Bank [in Tripoli] to cover the monthly or quarterly payments approved in the budget without any delay, and as soon as the joint technical committee requests the transfer. None of these measures has yet been put into place, and there are no ongoing discussions aimed at resolving them. It may be that the bolstered presence of Western interests in Libya may affect such changes, but until they do, the countrys long-term stability remains in question.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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The Government takes a bigger share of the price at the pump than anybody else involved in fuel supplies - Hannah McKay/Reuters

While Donald Trumps assault on Iran rages on, Rachel Reeves is fighting a battle of her own.

In an effort to appeal to hard-up households and backbenchers, the Chancellor has vowed to stamp out price-gouging and crack down on any company seen to be profiteering from the conflict in the Middle East.

Her sights so far have been set on petrol station operators, which are increasing prices to combat the soaring price of oil.

Politically, it is a savvy move as she attempts to recast someone else as the villain while refusing to cancel her planned increase in fuel duty.

Ms Reeves told the House of Commons on Tuesday: Let me say again, this Government will not tolerate any company exploiting this crisis at consumers expense.

However, whether her accusation stacks up is another matter.

Petrol stations are the final step in a long global supply chain.

The fuel pumped into cars on forecourts is delivered from across the world. As a result, it is subject to global prices set by the balance of supply and demand, which has been upended by the war.

Underpinning the price squeeze is Tehrans effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one fifth of the worlds seaborne oil passes.

This block on supplies led to the price of a barrel of crude oil rising from around $70 a month ago to a high of nearly $120, before sliding to around $100 on Tuesday.

And as refineries and suppliers seek fuel, bidding up the price of those oil tankers still able to travel, the cost of petrol and diesel inevitably rises.

So far, it is not obvious that forecourts are ripping drivers off so much as simply passing on the costs they face from global markets.

Figures from the RAC show wholesale petrol prices rose by 17.6p per litre between Feb 27 and March 23. By contrast, retail forecourt prices were up by 13.5p during this period.

Similarly, diesel jumped by 36p per litre during the same period, while the price at the pump increased by a more modest 27p.

That is painful for drivers  but it hardly indicates they are being overcharged by profiteers.

The slower pass-through to retail reflects prices at the pump lagging wholesale costs, rather than rising in anticipation of being able to charge drivers more in the future.

Specifically, it shows how fuel companies are not taking advantage of a global crisis to raise charges.

Gordon Balmer, the executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, says bigger chains can secure cheaper deals with wholesalers to ensure a slower pass-through of costs.

By contrast, smaller operators often have to charge the higher price almost immediately.
The European Medicines Agency just approved a new Moderna mRNA flu vaccineafter clinical data demonstrated strong protection for older adults. In the United States, the same technology is facing a political blockade.

The FDA recently refused to review an mRNA flu vaccine applicationdespite a 40,000-person clinical trial showing it outperformed standard flu shots in older adults. The agency later reversed course, but the damage was done:

Across the U.S. biotech sector, the conclusion is now widespread: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is subjecting mRNA medicines to political scrutiny rather than scientific review.

The message to investors is unmistakable. And the numbers confirm it.

In 2023, investors poured more than $500 million into mRNA vaccines. Last year, that figure collapsed to $174 milliona 66% decline in a single year. Before the FDA reversed course, Modernas CEO Stephane Bancel warned the company would no longer pursue new late-stage vaccine trials in the United States. You cannot make a return on investment, he said, if you dont have access to the U.S. market. Moderna is not alone.

This is a stunning reversal for a technology that President Trump championed. Operation Warp Speedhis administrations public-private partnershiphelped bring the COVID-19 vaccine to market at record speed. The consequences of the current policy shift are already materializing.

NTx Bio has halted construction of a $31 million RNA manufacturing facility in Plano, Texas. Announced by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2025 and backed by $1.5 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund, the plant was meant to anchor a $4 billion life sciences innovation district. Eight months later, the jobs are gone.

The rest of the world isnt waiting. Mexico launched Plan Mexicoa five-year national strategy to build domestic mRNA manufacturing. President Trump has promised to bring manufacturing home. His administration is actively driving one of Americas most strategic industries offshore.

The U.K. committed 1.1 billion in R&D and is building a 250-million-dose manufacturing facility. Canada established a long-term Moderna partnership. Australia is targeting domestic production by 2026. Rwanda is building Africas first mRNA manufacturing hub. Senegal, Indonesia, and Brazil are all entering new biopharma partnerships.

The United States is conspicuously absent from that list.

These are high-skilled jobsresearch, development, manufacturing, quality control, specialized supply chains. Each facility lost represents hundreds of direct positions and thousands more in supporting industries.
The Coca-Cola Company has set out more plans to invest in its production of Fairlife milk in the US.

A $650m project will see Coca-Cola add more production lines at its Fairlife manufacturing facility in Coopersville in Michigan.

In a brief statement, Coca-Cola said the construction work for the two lines is expected to start later this year.

The expansion work will add 245,000 square feet to the site.

Coca-Cola wants to start commercial production on the new lines in 2028.

Just Food has asked for further details.

The US drinks giant is also set to start production at a new Fairlife site in New York state later this year. The investment in Webster was announced in 2023.

Coca-Cola has another Fairlife facility in Goodyear in Arizona.

Fairlife was founded by Mike and Sue McCloskey in 2012 as a partnership with Coca-Cola and dairy cooperative Select Milk Producers, which was set up in 1994 by the McCloskeys.

At the start of 2020, Coca-Cola bought out the remaining shares in the venture, increasing its minority stake of 42.5% to 100%.

At an investor event hosted by Citi earlier this month, Coca-Cola president and CFO John Murphy was asked, amid the planned investment in Fairlife, how the company planned to continue to gain market share.

To have leadership in a category that is growing and that is sustaining relevance to an even broader consumer set is something that were very pleased with and it has actually created, as you well know, the capacity challenge, Murphy said.

We see the opportunity ahead to be pretty robust. You can never sit on the laurels of what youve accomplished to-date but its a pretty darn good place to start from.

As we go forward, I would see the innovation opportunity in this category to be quite strong. I know from my conversations with our team that they are chomping at the bit to have even more capacity to continue to drive an even more relevant portfolio.

"Coca-Cola invests again in Fairlife production" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Amina Niasse

March 24 (Reuters) - CVS Health said on Tuesday it has reached a proposed settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission on insulin pricing.

Pharmacy benefit managers, which set how drugs are covered by health insurance, have faced a decade of scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over pricing practices.

The company said on Tuesday its pharmacy benefit management unit, Caremark, has long focused on lowering prescription drug costs.

CVS expects the settlement process to conclude in the coming weeks, but said final terms were still pending and would be confirmed once the settlement was officially finalized.

A source familiar with the terms of the settlement said CVS' deal was modeled on a deal the FTC struck with rival pharmacy benefit manager, Express Scripts, which is owned by Cigna.

That deal was finalized two weeks after being proposed, and CVS' could be signed into effect sooner, they said.

Cigna's settlement required the company to curb rebate pricing, where a drugmaker gives the pharmacy benefit manager a discount after a certain drug is dispensed. Regulators have said this model incentivizes higher list prices and steering, driving larger discounts.

Cigna's deal also required the company to adopt more transparency and shift to a fee-based compensation structure. Violating terms of the deal could trigger further action from the regulator or lead to penalties.

Lisa Gill, an analyst at J.P. Morgan, said changes to the way CVS' Caremark prices drugs will have a nominal impact on company earnings.

"We broadly view these as manageable and, importantly, not larger in scope than the changes CVS was already implementing to address regulatory concerns and de-risk its PBM business," said Gill, adding the changes will remove regulatory risks for the company.

(Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Caroline Humer, Shilpi Majumdar and Aurora Ellis)
For Oak Ridge Associated Universities, 2025 was one of the most challenging years in the companys nearly 80-year history, including federal budgetary impacts, programmatic shifts, organizational restructures, contractual adjustments, staffing changes, a government shutdown and the appointment of new President and CEO Meghan Millwood, a news release said.

In ORAU Story 2025, Millwood said that despite the challenges, ORAU continued to deliver outstanding performance for our federal agency customers. In her message to readers, she writes, While 2025 had its challenges, there was good news, including a handful of new contracts and the extension of ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) contracts through the 2026 fiscal year.

Millwood and her executive leadership team developed a new strategic plan for ORAU within her first 90 days as president and CEO, according to the release. A key component of the strategic plan is the ORAU Brand Story, which is built around the lifecycle of a scientific and technical worker, and encompasses these distinct phases:

Discover (kindergarten through high school): ORAU sparks curiosity in young minds through hands-on STEM activities, competitions, educator lesson plans and tools for career exploration, fostering a lifelong love for science and technology.

Develop (college and early career): ORAU equips emerging professionals with internships, research opportunities, and training programs, preparing them to thrive in STEM and technical careers.

Connect (mid-career professionals): ORAU connects mid-career professionals with expert networks and collaboration opportunities, fostering innovation and advancing scientific discovery.

Support (seasoned professionals): ORAU supports seasoned professionals in sharing their knowledge and continuing their contributions to STEM and technical excellence.

Strengthen (worker health and community well-being): ORAU safeguards the health and resilience of workers and communities by addressing occupational health challenges, enhancing emergency preparedness, advancing public health research, and promoting safer working and living environments.

ORAU's Brand Story profiles key people, programs

Content for ORAU Story 2025 is organized around the brand story phases. Connection is marked with profiles of Ashley Stowe, chief research and university partnerships officer, and Chelsea Hill, manager of Workforce Solutions. Also featured is the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, which was developed by the ORAU-led Partnership for Nuclear Energy and published in 2025.
A major strategic milestone in 2025 was the acquisition of an FDA-approved commercial-scale viral vector manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina . Mathias said the site includes integrated drug substance and fill-and-finish capabilities and was positioned as a more capital-efficient path to expand U.S. manufacturing than building a new facility. He added that localizing supply chains in the U.S. offers tax incentives and can help manage risks such as tariffs and export controls.

Management also pointed to balance sheet actions during the year, including a GBP 60 million fundraising and a new loan facility from Oaktree, described as providing flexibility to invest in capacity and capabilities.

The company reported its first full year of operating EBITDA profitability since its strategic refocus three years ago. Operating EBITDA was GBP 8.1 million at constant currency, compared with an operating EBITDA loss of GBP 15.3 million in 2024. The group ended 2025 with GBP 96.9 million in cash.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Frank Mathias said 2025 revenue increased 33% at constant currency to GBP 170.9 million , representing nearly a 90% increase from around GBP 90 million in 2023. He also highlighted the companys growing revenue visibility, with backlog up 36% to GBP 204 million and contracted client orders rising 20% to GBP 224 million , which management said supports visibility into 2026 and early 2027.

Oxford Biomedica (LON:OXB) outlined a year of revenue growth, a return to operating EBITDA profitability, and continued expansion of its global viral vector CDMO network during its preliminary full-year 2025 results call. Management emphasized that 2025 reflected sustained commercial momentum and disciplined execution, supported by rising demand across vector types and more client programs advancing toward late-stage and commercial manufacturing.

For 2026 management reiterates revenue guidance of GBP 220240m (about 60% contracted, >80% including riskadjusted pipeline), expects H1 EBITDA loss and H2 doubledigit margins with ~ 10% fullyear operating EBITDA, and highlights a pipeline shift toward AAV and laterstage programs.

The company completed an acquisition of an FDAapproved commercial viral vector facility in Durham, North Carolina , adding integrated drugsubstance and fillandfinish capacity (two GMP suites and one fill line) to accelerate U.S. commercial AAV manufacturing and local supplychain resilience.

Oxford Biomedica reported 2025 revenue up 33% at constant currency to GBP 170.9m and a return to operating EBITDA profitability at GBP 8.1m (underlying GBP 3.3m excluding one-offs), with backlog and contracted orders rising to GBP 204m and GBP 224m and year-end cash of GBP 96.9m .

Story Continues

Management said integration is ongoing, including technology transfer from the companys Bedford site to prepare Durham for commercial AAV batch manufacturing. The CEO said fill-and-finish capability would follow thereafter as part of completing an end-to-end U.S. offering.

 GE Vernova: AI's Thirst for Power Creates a New Class of Winner

On the Q&A, Chief Business Officer Dr. Sebastien Ribault provided additional details on Durhams expansion potential, noting the site has two fully functional GMP suites and one fill-and-finish line, with space that could allow a third GMP suite to be brought online quickly with additional equipment. He also said there is space for a second fill-and-finish line and additional shell space that could support a longer-term expansion in overall capacity.

Market outlook and pipeline mix shifts toward AAV and later-stage work

Ribault described the viral vector CDMO market as being driven by three growth areas: early-stage opportunities, AAV, and a shift toward late-stage and commercial manufacturing. He characterized AAV as the fastest-growing segment, stating it accounts for about 50% of total cell and gene therapy programs and is expected to grow at more than 20% year-over-year in program count.

He also said the companys opportunity pipeline has evolved with its multi-site network, with a greater share of opportunities tied to France and the U.S. compared with the prior year. Ribault highlighted that in the companys January 2026 view of the pipeline, AAV opportunities had surpassed lentiviral opportunities for the first time, with 43% AAV versus 40% lentiviral.

By clinical phase, Ribault said the pipeline was balanced, with about 50% in phase II to phase III and commercial activities, and the remaining roughly half in preclinical and phase I. He also noted an increase in late-stage and commercial programs over time, stating that late-stage plus commercial programs rose from five in 2024 to six in 2025 and stood at eight today, with expectations that at least one could become commercial in the current year and additional programs potentially following over the next year.

Financial details: operating leverage, cash flow, and 2026 guidance

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Lucinda Crabtree said 2025 revenue growth reflected contributions across manufacturing, development, and procurement services, with procurement services growing substantially as clients prepared for commercial activities.

Crabtree said full-year operating EBITDA was GBP 8.1 million at constant currency, while underlying operating EBITDA was GBP 3.3 million excluding a one-off non-recurring gain relating to the Durham acquisition and related costs. The company ended the year with net cash of GBP 55.4 million, alongside year-end cash of GBP 96.9 million. She said the Oaktree facility is a four-year loan facility of up to $125 million.

On reported figures, Crabtree said revenue grew 31% to GBP 168.7 million while total expenses rose 17%, which she described as evidence of operating leverage. She broke down revenue components as follows:

Manufacturing revenues increased 19% to GBP 81.1 million .

Development services increased 27% to GBP 60.1 million .

Procurement and storage revenues rose substantially, which management linked to commercial preparation activities.

Crabtree also noted administration expenses were impacted by non-operational items, including a GBP 4.6 million FX impact and GBP 1.3 million of acquisition-related costs.

On cash flow, she said net cash from operations was GBP 0.5 million (inclusive of the R&D tax credit received), compared with a GBP 50.7 million outflow in 2024, attributing the improvement to stronger underlying performance, working capital management, and higher client upfront payments.

For 2026, the company reiterated constant-currency revenue guidance of GBP 220 million to GBP 240 million. Crabtree said about 60% of the guidance range is covered by contracted client orders, rising to more than 80% when including the risk-adjusted pipeline relevant for 2026.

Management expects 2026 to be second-half weighted, with the first half absorbing routine maintenance shutdowns, non-recurring costs linked to completion of AAV and lentiviral tech transfers, and continued Durham integration. Crabtree said H1 is expected to be loss-making at the EBITDA level, while H2 is expected to support double-digit operating EBITDA margins in the second half and around 10% for the full year.

The company also reduced its expected capital expenditure for 2026 and 2027 to an aggregate of approximately GBP 50 million, down from GBP 60 million previously communicated.

Key Q&A themes: orders, margins, FX/energy, and site strategy

Analysts asked about the pace and mix of orders, potential lumpiness, and demand conditions. Ribault said order performance in 2025 reflected capacity planning and slot availability, noting that once manufacturing slots are sold, the company cannot sell the same slot again. He said the company met its order target, finishing at GBP 224 million versus a target of GBP 220 million. On early 2026, he said the order dynamic was as expected and that forecasts from existing clients supported visibility.

On commercial contracts, Ribault said the company had three commercial programs and expected at least one to become commercial in the year, with a second possible depending on regulatory review timelines.

Asked about FX impact in 2026, Crabtree said that at current rates she would expect FX impact to be relatively minimal. On energy pricing, she said the company had locked in many rates recently and that most contracts come up for renewal in 2027, adding that impacts were baked into expectations.

On margins, management said it does not expect meaningful differences in margin between vectors, geographies, or types of activity based on its pricing approach. Crabtree said procurement services are expected to be a growing element of revenue, alongside higher-margin manufacturing and development, and that she would expect the mix to remain relatively the same in the near to medium term.

Management also addressed questions about whether the Durham acquisition affected its relationship with Bristol Myers Squibb. Ribault said discussions with Bristol Myers Squibb were underway before the Durham acquisition and that while the site gives an additional option to supply from the U.S. rather than only the U.K., he did not characterize Durham as changing the profile of the negotiation.

Finally, management said the company stopped a previously planned GMP expansion in Bedford after acquiring Durham. Ribault emphasized Bedford is focused on process development while Durham is GMP manufacturing, describing the two sites as complementary rather than duplicative.

About Oxford Biomedica (LON:OXB)

Oxford Biomedica (LSE: OXB) is a quality and innovation-led cell and gene therapy CDMO with a mission to enable its clients to deliver life changing therapies to patients around the world. One of the original pioneers in cell and gene therapy, the Company has more than 25 years of experience in viral vectors; the driving force behind the majority of gene therapies. The Company collaborates with some of the world's most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors.

The article "Oxford Biomedica H2 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Performance in 2025 was defined by the transition from clinical validation to regulatory submission, culminating in the June de novo application for the DeepView burn indication.

The DeepView system is strategically positioned as a critical triage tool for mass casualty events, addressing an unmet need for rapid surgical burden management and resource allocation.

Validation study results from 164 patients across 15 centers demonstrated that the AI-driven system significantly outperformed the clinical judgment of burn physicians.

Management attributes the company's strengthened financial position to successful debt and equity financings, tripling the cash balance to $15.4 million by year-end.

The partnership with BARDA remains a primary driver of development, with a recent $31.7 million award intended to accelerate feature enhancements like EHR integration.
By Sneha S K

March 26 (Reuters) - Telehealth firm eMed said on Thursday it has raised $200 million in its latest funding round, valuing the Miami, Florida-based company at more than $2 billion.

Backed by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, the company partners with employers and government payers to manage GLP-1 usage, a class of obesity and diabetes drugs whose cost has limited broader insurance coverage.

Several telehealth platforms are competing for a share of the booming GLP-1 weight-loss market, which is widely expected to generate $150 billion in annual sales by next decade.

Proceeds from the Series A funding round, led by Aon Consulting, will help advance eMed's agentic AI platform and support the launch of a healthcare payment model aimed at lowering employer health care costs, the company said

Other prominent investors included Brady, who is also the company's founding chief wellness officer, CEO Linda Yaccarino, as well as Paragon Biosciences founder and CEO Jeff Aronin, eMed said.

Brady said in a statement that he is investing his time and capital in the company as he believes in eMed's agentic AI platform and its people and partners.

Founded in 2020, eMed gained traction during the pandemic with at-home COVID-19 tests before expanding into diagnostics for strep throat and urinary tract infections, though it has since moved away from those offerings.

"The raise confirms eMed momentum and establishes us as the definitive company for population health and helping employers break the runaway health care costs and break their cost curve," eMed CEO Linda Yaccarino, who was the former chief executive of social media platform X, said in an interview on FOX Business Network's Mornings with Maria.

(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
Cross-border e-commerce has too many complexities that impact speed and price, but there is a solution.

Global online retail is on track to surpass $8 trillion in 2026, and cross-border transactions are growing at nearly twice the rate of domestic e-commerce. Nearly 60% of global shoppers now purchase from retailers outside their home country. Yet despite the sophistication of modern digital storefronts, the logistics behind international parcel delivery remains fragmented, slow, and often opaque. That disconnect between digital commerce and physical delivery is exactly the gap that SmartKargo was built to close.

SmartKargos platform was designed specifically for airlines looking to participate more directly in e-commerce logistics. The companys technology supports three core product areas: cargo ERP systems that modernize airline cargo operations, domestic e-commerce delivery networks such as Delta Cargos DeliverDirect, and cross-border e-commerce solutions that allow airlines to move international parcels quickly and transparently. Together, these capabilities transform airline cargo capacity into a structured logistics platform that can support the growing demands of global digital commerce.

Airlines have always had the physical infrastructure required to move parcels quickly across continents. What they historically lacked was the digital infrastructure required to manage millions of small parcels efficiently. Air cargo systems were built around palletized freight and forwarder-driven bookings, not the high-volume, consumer-facing parcel flows generated by e-commerce.

SmartKargos platform bridges that gap by integrating booking APIs, automated customs documentation, routing optimization, and real-time milestone tracking into a single operational system for airlines. The result is a logistics network that can support modern e-commerce expectations for transparency and predictable delivery times.

Consumer expectations for delivery speed and transparency are being set by domestic benchmarks. Domestic shoppers in London, New York, and Sao Paulo have been trained by same-day and next-day delivery to expect near-instant gratification. When they buy from a brand on another continent, they carry those expectations with them. The gap between what they expect and what they experience is where cart abandonment, bad reviews, and lost customer lifetime value live.

The traditional cross-border parcel journey involves a disorienting number of handoffs. A package might leave a fulfillment center, move to a consolidator, get passed to a freight forwarder, fly on whatever carrier has space, clear customs through a broker who may or may not have pre-filed documentation, then get handed to a local last-mile provider the shipper has never heard of. At every junction, theres inherently some degradation of visibility and transit speed. Delivery is now a conversion lever, and the smarter brands have noticed.
Blue Fever Group, a global provider of sustainable solutions for denim and garment finishing, has acquired Garmon, a manufacturer of specialized chemical products for denim garment finishing.

As part of the transaction, Kemin and Blue Fever will continue to share operations of Garmon. Kemin will transfer ownership of the Garmon brand, products, technologies and patents to Blue Fever. However, the privately held, family-owned-and-operated company based in Des Moines, Iowa, will continue to oversee the manufacturing and quality control of Garmon products, maintaining the same high standards associated with its textile auxiliaries business.

More from Sourcing Journal

The companies emphasized that this continued collaboration is intended to ensure products remain consistent and high quality. As part of the agreement, all product formulations, technical and manufacturing specifications, operating processes, quality assurance systems, and existing certifications will stay the same.

Blue Fever Group says the acquisition represents a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy, strengthening its position in the international denim and garment-finishing market while reinforcing its ongoing commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability. The groups other companies include Blue Fever Import & Export Co., Limited, Jiangmen Longhua Laundry Factory and Jiangmen Blue Fever Import & Export Trading Co., Ltd.

With Garmons strong legacy as a pioneer in product quality, innovation, and responsible practices within the apparel industry, we are proud to welcome it into the Blue Fever Group portfolio, said Max Lee, Blue Fever Group president. By continuing our collaboration with Kemin Industriesrenowned for its science-based solutions and technical expertisewe will further expand its innovative solutions to an even broader range of leading fashion brands worldwide.

Garmon has specialized capabilities in denim-yarn-sheet dyeing and finishing. The brands portfolio includes All-In-One, a range of multi-action compounds for more efficient single bath treatments, as well as solutions for desizing, bleaching, stonewashing, resins, coatings and more.

Weve been proud to continue the Garmon legacy of R&D and innovation as part of Kemin for the past eight years, and we believe Blue Fever offers an opportunity to enhance customer and market continuity, bringing the brand to a greater audience, said Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO, Kemin Industries. We look forward to our continued partnership with Blue Fever as we work together to bring our shared focus on providing the best products and services to Garmon customers.
Chick-fil-A plans to invest $50 million to build a distribution center in Lubbock, Texas, as the fast food restaurant company continues expanding its in-house logistics network to support its growing restaurant footprint.

Construction on the tri-temperature facility is expected to begin in May, with the site designed to store and distribute food and related products in freezer, refrigerated and dry storage environments.

The distribution center will be located in the Lubbock Business Park near Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, a location selected for its transportation access and logistical advantages.

The project is expected to create approximately 80 jobs across warehouse operations, logistics and transportation roles, with average wages around $60,000 annually over the next decade, according to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance.

The Lubbock facility is part of Chick-fil-As broader strategy to build out its own distribution network  known as Chick-Fil-A Supply  to better control food safety, product quality and service to restaurants.

Chick-fil-A Supply opened its first company-owned, full-scale distribution center in 2020 in Cartersville, Georgia.

Chick-fil-A currently operates 11 distribution facilities in 10 states, which includes a fleet of 342 tractor-trailers and 1,147 workers, according to the companys website.

The Lubbock distribution center, which is expected to open in 2027, will be Chick-Fil-As third distribution facility in Texas. The company also operates distribution centers in Dallas and San Antonio.

Chick-Fil-A Supply is building additional centers, including a large facility in Florida expected to open in 2027.

Founded by S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in 1967, in Atlantas Greenbriar Mall. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 3,000 restaurants, with most locations in the U.S., alongside a growing presence in Canada, Puerto Rico, and other international markets. Texas holds the highest number of locations.

The post Chick-fil-A to build $50M distribution hub in West Texas appeared first on FreightWaves.
March 26 (Reuters) - Shield AI is raising $2 billion in a new funding round at a $12.7 billion valuation, as the defense technology startup looks to expand its artificial intelligence-powered software amid growing use of autonomous tools during conflicts.

The startup said on Thursday the Series G round was led by Advent International and co-led by JPMorganChase's Strategic Investment Group, with participation from existing investors including Snowpoint Ventures and Riot Ventures.

Shield AI said Blackstone-managed funds are investing $500 million in preferred equity as part of the financing, while also committing an additional $250 million delayed draw facility that could bring its total investment to $750 million.

The use of autonomous technologies in the U.S. and Israel's coordinated strikes against Iran and Russia's invasion of Ukraine has boosted demand for tools made by companies that specialize in autonomous flight software.

Shield AI's Hivemind software allows drones and aircraft to operate in GPS-denied environments and has been tested on several platforms, including the F-16 fighter jets and the U.S. Air Force's uncrewed weapon system called Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Shield AI plans to use a portion of the funds to buy simulation software maker Aechelon Technology from private equity firm Sagewind Capital, it said, without disclosing financial terms of the deal.

"The acquisition of Aechelon will accelerate the work we are doing with Hivemind, particularly in simulation like the Department of War's JSE (Joint Simulation Environment)," Shield AI CEO Gary Steele said in a statement.

The JSE is a high-fidelity virtual combat range used by the U.S. military to test aircraft, autonomous systems and tactics against realistic battlefield threats.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
Shares of memory hardware producers took a hit this week following Alphabet's announcement of a technology designed to drastically lower the working memory requirements for artificial intelligence models.

South Korean markets saw Samsung drop by nearly 5 percent, and SK Hynix lost 6 percent. Kioxia, a manufacturer of flash storage based in Japan, experienced a stock decline of almost 6 percent. Wednesday's trading session in the United States yielded downward movement for shares of both Sandisk and Micron.

Google Research published the technology on March 24. The algorithm operates without degrading model precision, focusing its compression on the key-value cachethe area responsible for retaining historical calculations to bypass redundant processing. According to the researchers, performance on tasks such as code generation, question answering, and text summarization remained fully intact despite the cache storage shrinking by a factor of at least six.

Comparisons quickly emerged between this development and the industry-wide shockwaves caused last year by DeepSeek, a China-based AI firm. Posting on the social media platform X, the head of Cloudflare, Matthew Prince, likened the new algorithm to "Google's DeepSeek." He added that the industry still has vast potential to improve "speed, memory usage, power consumption, and multi-tenant utilization" when it comes to artificial intelligence inference.

Analysts cautioned against reading too much into the sell-off. Addressing CNBC, SemiAnalysis researcher Ray Wang pointed out that alleviating technical constraints frequently paves the way for advanced models that ultimately demand increased hardware support. "When the model becomes more powerful, you require better hardware to support it," he said.

The recent drop in share prices is likely the result of shareholders cashing out after a period of sustained growth in a cyclical market, Quilter Cheviot technology research lead Ben Barringer explained to CNBC. TurboQuant "added to the pressure, but this is evolutionary, not revolutionary," he said. "It does not alter the industry's long-term demand picture."

The algorithm has limits. A TechCrunch analysis noted the technology offers no relief for the massive RAM needed for AI model training, as it strictly compresses data during the inference stage. Currently, the compression tool lacks widespread deployment and exists purely as a laboratory development.

An analysis published by Forbes theorized that decreasing hardware barriers might actually accelerate localized artificial intelligence projects, a shift that could paradoxically drive up total long-term chip consumption.

Details of the algorithm are slated for a formal presentation at the upcoming ICLR 2026 event in April.
Shengyi Electronics has demonstrated robust growth, with its revenue doubling from CNY 4.69 billion to CNY 9.49 billion in the last year, reflecting a significant market capture. This surge is complemented by an impressive increase in net income from CNY 332 million to CNY 1.47 billion, showcasing operational efficiency and market demand for their products. The company also actively engaged in shareholder value activities, repurchasing shares worth CNY 30 million recently, signaling confidence in its financial health and future prospects. With earnings expected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, Shengyi is not only outpacing its local market's growth but also making substantial gains against industry averages, positioning itself as a formidable entity in Asia's high-growth tech sector.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through the design, production, and sale of printed circuit boards in China. With a market capitalization of CN71.49 billion, Shengyi Electronics focuses on providing essential components for electronic devices.

Overview: Shengyi Electronics Co., Ltd. specializes in the design, production, and sale of printed circuit boards in China and has a market capitalization of CN71.49 billion.

As geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns ripple through global markets, Asian tech stocks are drawing attention for their potential to navigate these uncertainties, particularly as the region's economic landscape continues to evolve. In such a climate, investors may look for companies with strong innovation capabilities and robust market positioning that can withstand volatility while capitalizing on growth opportunities in the tech sector.

Story Continues

Overview: King Slide Works Co., Ltd. is a company that, along with its subsidiaries, specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling rail kits for computer and network communications equipment as well as furniture accessories globally, with a market cap of NT$344.50 billion.

Operations: King Slide Works Co., Ltd. generates revenue primarily through its subsidiary, King Slide Technology Co., Ltd., which contributes NT$16.01 billion, while the parent company adds NT$2.06 billion. The company operates in Taiwan, the United States, China, and other international markets focusing on rail kits for computer and network communications equipment as well as furniture accessories.

King Slide Works has showcased a remarkable financial trajectory, with its annual revenue soaring to TWD 17.5 billion, up from TWD 10.13 billion the previous yearan impressive growth rate that significantly outpaces the broader tech industry's performance. This surge in sales is matched by a robust increase in net income, which climbed to TWD 9.84 billion from TWD 6.16 billion, reflecting not only enhanced operational efficiency but also effective market penetration and product demand. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its R&D spending trends, aligning with a strategic focus on maintaining technological leadership within Asias competitive landscape. With earnings projected to grow by an annual rate of 23.7%, King Slide Works is poised for continued success, leveraging strong market dynamics and ongoing product development initiatives.

TWSE:2059 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Mar 2026

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Chroma ATE Inc. is engaged in the design, assembly, manufacturing, sales, repair, and maintenance of software and hardware for computers and peripherals as well as various electronic testing equipment with a market capitalization of approximately NT$688.46 billion.

Operations: Chroma ATE generates revenue primarily from its Measuring Instruments Business, which contributes NT$46.08 billion, and the Automatic Equipment Department, which adds NT$1.25 billion. The company operates in Taiwan, China, the United States, and internationally.

Chroma ATE's recent performance underscores its robust position in Asia's tech landscape, with a notable revenue jump to TWD 28.31 billion, up from TWD 21.60 billion last year, reflecting a growth rate of 31%. This financial uplift is mirrored in its net income, which more than doubled to TWD 11.69 billion. The company's commitment to innovation is evident from its R&D spending trends; it invested heavily in research activities that align with strategic goals for technological advancement within the competitive sector. Moreover, Chroma ATE has been active on the conference circuit, presenting at major industry events such as the Applied Power Electronics Conference and DesignCon 2026, highlighting its leadership in developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions for global markets.

TWSE:2360 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Mar 2026

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LGT Wealth Management UK has chosen Addepar, a data and artificial intelligence platform, to uspport its front-office and client service teams.

The integration of Addepar will provide LGT Wealth Management UK with a system for clearer and more tailored client reporting, noted the tech provider.

The platform is structured to work alongside the wealth managers existing technology, supporting the management of increasingly complex investment portfolios, including those with multi-currency assets, cross-border investments, and private market exposure.

Addepar is used by over 1,400 firms in almost 60 countries and supports investment management workflows covering nearly $9tn in assets.

Addepar chief revenue officer Peter O'Brien commented: "LGT Wealth Management UK has a strong reputation for client service and long-term stewardship.

"We are pleased to support LGT's continued investment in the tools and expertise that underpin high quality advice, enabling wealth managers to utilise the data they desire to deliver clear, personalised insight and grow trusted client relationships."

With this system, front-office staff will have access to tools that offer a consolidated view of client portfolios across asset classes.

This is expected to improve discussions about portfolio performance, risk assessment, and long-term financial goals with clients.

As of 30 June 2025, LGT managed SFr 359.6bn ($451.6bn) in assets for private and institutional clients.

The firm employs more than 6,000 people across over 30 locations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and the Middle East.

LGT Wealth Management UK front office head John Jopp said: "Our decision to work with Addepar reflects our ongoing investment in technology.

"As client needs and portfolios become more complex, access to Addepar's best-in-class platform will help us continue to deliver clear insight and maintain a consistently high standard of personalised service."

"LGT Wealth Management UK adopts Addepar platform " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




TOKYO, March 26 (Reuters) - Japan's Rohm, Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric will start talks to integrate their power semiconductor businesses to form the world's second-biggest power chip group after Germany's Infineon, the Nikkei newspaper said on Thursday.

The talks could complicate rival Denso's bid to acquire Rohm, after the Toyota Motor group supplier earlier this month approached the chipmaker about a potential buyout.

The three chipmakers may announce the start of the talks as early as Friday, Nikkei reported, adding they aimed to improve cost competitiveness through the integration.

Toshiba declined to comment, while Rohm did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

In a filing, Mitsubishi Electric said that while it was true that the company was considering various options to strengthen the competitiveness of its power chip business, no new decisions had been made.

Despite its shrinking presence in the global chip industry, Japan still holds strength in power semiconductors, which are used to efficiently control electric power in cars, electronic devices and industrial equipment.

Power chips have gained importance as automakers seek to secure stable semiconductor supplies following shortages that emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chip demand has also got a boost from the global AI boom that is fuelling investment in data centres worldwide.

Last week, Kyoto-based Rohm said it had set up a committee of outside directors and others to review Denso's proposal, alongside its standalone strategy and other options to boost its corporate value.

The chipmaker and Denso agreed in May to form a strategic partnership in semiconductors with a focus on integrated circuits used in electric vehicles.

(Reporting by Ritsuko Shimizu, Kantaro Komiya and Daniel Leussink; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Arun Koyyur)
Infotrust Ltd has agreed to acquire 100% of Canberrabased Catalyst Cyber Pty Ltd in a performancelinked transaction valued at approximately $5 million, securing immediate access to highbarrier federal government cyber security markets and strengthening Infotrusts position as a sovereign Australian cyber security provider.

The acquisition consideration comprises approximately $3.5 million in cash and $1.5 million in Infotrust shares, based on a 5x multiple of Catalyst Cybers underlying EBIT. An uncapped earnout mechanism, calculated at a 6x multiple of incremental EBIT growth delivered across FY27 and FY28, has been included to align management incentives with longterm shareholder value creation. Founded and led by George Katavic, Catalyst Cyber is a Canberrabased specialist cyber security firm with deep expertise in federal government cyber assurance, advisory and compliancedriven engagements. Katavic brings more than 20 years of specialist cyber security management experience, having built a business focused on delivering services into tightly regulated and highassurance environments.

Catalyst Cyber provides Infotrust with immediate entry into the federal government cyber security market through established agency relationships, securitycleared personnel, and specialist accreditations across IRAP assessments and the Essential Eight framework. These capabilities complement Infotrusts existing managed security, 24x7 Security Operations Centre and digital forensics offerings, while materially expanding its reach into accreditationdriven procurement environments.

Managing Director and CEO of Infotrust, Julian Challingsworth.

 Catalyst Cyber provides Infotrust with immediate access to federal government cyber security markets that are characterised by high barriers to entry and stringent assurance requirements. "The acquisition strengthens our sovereign cyber capability and supports our strategy to build a scaled, Australianowned platform focused on regulated and highassurance environments, said Managing Director and CEO of Infotrust , Julian Challingsworth.

 Infotrust s operational maturity and sovereign operating model aligns closely with the expectations of highassurance customers. Together, we are better positioned to support longterm cyber resilience across public sector and regulated environments, said Founder and Managing Director, Catalyst Cyber , George Katavic.

The acquisition follows a series of deliberate strategic actions by Infotrust to sharpen its focus on sovereign cyber security, including the divestment of its Cloud and Communications segment and the recent appointment of Chris Hatfield to lead its Forensic IT capability. Together, these moves reflect a targeted reallocation of capital and capability towards highergrowth, higherassurance cyber security services, strengthening the groups depth across managed security services, incident response, digital forensics and complex cyber investigations, and reinforcing its endtoend offering across prevention, detection, response and recovery for government and regulated customers.

About Infotrust

Infotrust (ASX: ITS) is Australias leading cyber security and technology services provider. With a national team of over 250 professionals, including 200+ cyber specialists, Infotrust delivers integrated technology solutions that protect digital assets, enable transformation, and strengthen Australias cyber resilience. www.infotrust.com.au
Global AI security leader TrendAI has published new research revealing that organisations worldwide are pushing ahead with AI deployment despite known security and compliance risks.

The new global study* of 3,700 business and IT decision makers from 23 countries including Australia, found that 67% have felt pressured to approve AI despite security concerns, with almost one in five Australian respondents (19%) describing those concerns as extreme but overridden to keep pace with competitors and internal demand.

Rachel Jin, Chief Platform & Business Officer, Head of TrendAI: Organisations are not lacking awareness of risk, theyre lacking the conditions to manage it. When deployment is driven by competitive pressure rather than governance maturity, you create a situation where AI is embedded into critical systems without the controls needed to manage it safely. This research reinforces our focus on helping organisations drive solid business outcomes with AI while still managing business risk.

The study also found the risk of pressure-driven AI rollout is exacerbated by governance inconsistencies and unclear responsibility for AI risk that is becoming widespread. The same is true for security teams working on a reactive basis to top-down AI rollout decisions, which often leads to workarounds and increased use of unsanctioned or shadow AI tools.



Recent TrendAI threat research reinforces this shift, showing how attackers are already using AI to automate reconnaissance, accelerate phishing campaigns and lower the barrier to entry for cybercrime, increasing both the speed and scale of attacks.

AI adoption is outpacing control in Australia

Australian organisations represented in the study are deploying AI faster than they can manage the associated risks, creating a widening gap between ambition and oversight. 68% say AI is advancing more quickly than they can secure it, while 44% of senior business decision makers report only moderate understanding of legal frameworks governing AI.

Almost two-thirds of Australian organisations (64%) have comprehensive AI policies in place, however more than 40% report that unclear regulation or compliance standards and lack of internal policy and governance remain key barriers to safe AI adoption. In practice, governance maturity is low with AI often operationalised before the rules governing its use are fully established.

Srujan Talakokkula, Managing Director ANZ of TrendAI:

While many organisations across Australia and New Zealand report strong confidence in AI preparedness and strong recognition of AIs role in combating AI-driven threats, there is a clear gap in understanding of legal frameworks governing AI and differing views on accountability and human oversight across both business and IT leadership.

With governance challenges intensifying and AI-driven threats becoming more sophisticated, visibility of assets and risk management across the entire AI lifecycle is critical. This research highlights the importance of working with trusted partners that allow organisations to safely deploy and scale AI.

Trust in autonomous AI remains uncertain

Confidence in more advanced, autonomous systems is still in the maturing phase globally. Less than half (44%) believe agentic AI will significantly improve cyber defence in the short term, with ongoing concerns around data access, misuse and lack of oversight.

Australian data shows where those concerns are landing. Almost half of all respondents (45%) say AI agents accessing sensitive data is their biggest risk. Over a third (34%) see risks from autonomous code deployment, while almost one in three (31%) fear abuse of trusted AI status and hallucinations or false outputs (30%).

At the same time, nearly a third (31%) of business decision makers globally, admit they lack observability or auditability over these systems, raising serious questions about how organisations can control or intervene once agents are deployed.

Up to 54% of Australian respondents support the introduction of AI kill switch mechanisms to shut down systems in the event of failure or misuse, while nearly half remain unsure. Additionally, less than half of business decision makers in Australia (42%) believe a human should always remain in the loop when it comes to AI-driven security operations. This lack of consensus highlights a deeper issue. Organisations are moving towards autonomous AI without agreement on how to retain control when it matters most.

Agentic AI is moving organisations into a new risk category, added Rachel Jin. Our research shows the concerns are already clear, from sensitive data exposure to loss of oversight. Without visibility and control, organisations are deploying systems they dont fully understand or govern, and that risk is only going to increase unless action is taken.



To read the full report, please visit: TrendAI Global AI Study

*TrendAI commissioned SAPIO Research to survey 3,700 IT and business decision makers across 23 countries globally.
Thats the view of Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, who recently spent two weeks in Australia meeting with directors, company secretaries and risk leaders.

In an interview with ITWire, Schindlinger talked about a governance landscape that is under increasing strain, where traditional responsibilities of boards are expanding rapidly but not necessarily at a pace directors are fully equipped to handle.

Schindlinger is highly regarded in advising boardrooms around the globe on governance, risk, compliance and AI. She is coming up to 10 years at the Diligent Institute which produces a number of data-driven insights as well as board management software.

Schindlinger says Australian boardrooms are not alone in feeling the pressure. She says globally, directors are grappling with a combination of technological disruption, particularly around AI and cybersecurity, alongside broader geopolitical instability.

Australian boardrooms are at an inflection point, and that's true not just of Australian boardrooms, but of boardrooms around the world.

There are so many pressures for directors, coming from technological disruption, specifically from cyber risk and AI, and then, geopolitical disruption. It's a very interesting time to be on a corporate board. For board members their job has not been getting any easier for a long time. That job has been getting more and more challenging and more and more demanding, and it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon.

What I am hearing here in Australia is very common. Board members are spending more time on this work and the work itself is becoming more challenging.

Schindlinger said this shift is not incremental and it represents a structural change in what it means to serve on a board. She says where governance once focused heavily on financial oversight and compliance, directors are now expected to understand complex, fast-moving technologies and their implications for business strategy, risk and competitive advantage.

At the centre of this transformation is AI, which Schindlinger divides into two distinct governance challenges: the governance of AI, and the use of AI within governance itself.

On the strategic side, she said, many Australian organisations are still in the early stages of their AI journey. Most are focused on efficiency gains and productivity improvements, rather than using AI to fundamentally reinvent business models.

They're maybe not yet at the point where they're thinking about how AI can completely reinvent what their company does, or their business model, or how they deliver products and services. They are a little bit behind some of the companies in the US, where that is becoming much more the norm.

Schindlinger said this contrasts with trends emerging in the US, where companies are increasingly using AI as a catalyst for growth, often through acquisitions and new product development.

However, a consistent issue raised by directors globally is a lack of visibility into AI outcomes.

Boards understand the strategy. Theyve approved it, Schindlinger explained. But they dont feel they have a clear line of sight on the return on investment.

This lack of transparency is compounded by the speed at which AI is evolving, she said. In some cases, capabilities are advancing within days, making it difficult for boards to maintain an accurate understanding of what the technology can, and cannot, do.

They have made these big bets on AI but they are feeling a bit uncertain about how to keep track because things are changing very, very rapidly.

The second dimension of AI governance is closer to home: how boards are using AI tools.

Schindlinger highlighted a growing concern around directors using publicly available AI platforms, such as free generative AI tools, to assist with board preparation.

While these tools can improve efficiency, they also introduce significant risks particularly around data security and confidentiality.

Its very difficult for boards to use free AI tools safely, she said. We dont know what information may be being shared.

The Diligent Institute does a lot in this area designed around how the way boards function. We are providing a lot of AI tools for board members that are specifically designed around the way boards function. All the data is maintained securely within a firewalled section that only that company has access to. You know, there's good data sovereignty, it stays within country. But because of that, it's also a bit more limited, right?

But the risks are so high that it's very difficult for boards to do something like use the free version of ChatGPT safely. There are probably board members using free versions of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini etc to help them prepare for board meetings. They may not be doing something untoward such as loading their whole board pack but we also dont know what they are doing. It is a risk and something to be very conscious of.

Schindlinger said the key challenge is not just technology adoption, but governance, ensuring that appropriate policies, controls and education are in place.

The rise of AI raises an inevitable question: do boards need to change their composition?

Schindlinger suggests the answer is nuanced. While it is not practical to continually expand boards to accommodate every new risk area, the absence of digital and AI expertise at the leadership level could become a liability, particularly for organisations pursuing AI-driven transformation.

Importantly, she emphasises that AI literacy is no longer optional.

Every board member needs to increase their level of fluency in AI, she said. They need to understand the risks, the opportunities, and how to ask the right questions.

This mirrors, she said, the evolution of cybersecurity governance. Initially, few boards had cyber expertise. Today, cyber risk is a standard agenda item, and directors are expected to engage confidently in those discussions.

The truth is we cant just continue to grow our boards and add new people every time there is a new topic that we are dealing with. But AI has the potential to be such a major source of disruption for every industry. To have no one in the boardroom that has AI expertise might be a bit of a liability.

For organisations still early in their AI governance journey, Schindlinger offers a practical framework:

Conduct an audit

Identify how AI is currently being used across the organisation. In most cases, some level of adoption is already occurring, often without formal oversight.



Select tools and set policies

Determine which AI tools are appropriate for the organisations regulatory and operational context and establish clear guidelines for their use.



Invest in training

Educate employees at all levels, from frontline staff to board members, on both the technology and the associated policies.

In Australia, conversations around AI are closely intertwined with cybersecurity and data sovereignty, particularly in the wake of high-profile cyber incidents.

Schindlinger points to a striking trend: the increasing role of AI in cybercrime. Something like 65% of ransomware is now being launched by non-human actors, she said.

This creates a dual challenge for boards. AI is both a defensive tool and an offensive weapon, leading to a future where automated systems are effectively battling each other.

In this context, Australian boards are adopting a more cautious approach to AI investment, balancing innovation with risk management.

What I am seeing here in Australia is that a lot of these issues are taking up a fair amount of time around the board table. Board members are, quite rightly, a bit circumspect about investing heavily in AI innovation and growth at a time when there has been such a rampant cyber risk.

One of the more compelling insights shared by Schindlinger relates to research on board composition. Studies have shown that companies with multiple directors possessing digital expertise significantly outperform their peers.

The implication is clear: digital thinking must be embedded at the board level not treated as a specialist function.

She said directors with deep technology experience bring a different lens to strategic discussions, influencing everything from supply chain decisions to growth strategies.

For Schindlinger, the message to boards is unequivocal: AI is not a passing trend, and governance frameworks must evolve accordingly.

We cant pretend this is going away, she said. We have to step up.

Ultimately, the boards that succeed will be those that embrace continuous learning, invest in the right tools and expertise, and recognise that governance itself must evolve in a technology-driven world.

For more information go to diligentinstitute.com and for the 2026 APAC Governance Outlook Report click here
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared inclined to clear the way for the Trump administration to revive a policy that would allow agents at U.S. borders to block migrants from entering the country to seek asylum.

Such a ruling would leave intact a policy that began during the Obama administration on a small scale and expanded dramatically during President Donald Trumps first term amid efforts to curb the flow of immigration.

The case centers on how to interpret U.S. immigration laws saying that any noncitizen who "arrives in" the country must be allowed to apply for asylum. Under the policy at issue, called "metering," federal border officials had been intercepting migrants approaching U.S. ports of entry and turning them back before they could reach American soil.

The government says the policy is consistent with the law, but a group of migrants suing the government say that migrants intercepted on the Mexico side of the border must be offered the opportunity to seek asylum.

Metering was part of a patchwork of policies under the first Trump administration that sought to slash the record number of people seeking asylum. Trump officials said those migrants were exploiting the system, while immigrant advocates said they were fleeing desperate conditions.

Tuesdays case is one of an array of immigration clashes headed to the Supreme Court, as the political battle over the issue increasingly plays out in the judicial system. Next month, the justices will hear the administrations challenge to birthright citizenship, the long-held understanding that the Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States. It will also examine the administrations cancellation of temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian migrants.

In the dispute over metering, lower courts have sided with the migrants and blocked the policy. The Trump administration appealed, arguing it is a "critical tool" to address surges of migrants at the border.

Specifically, the justices are weighing whether a migrant stopped on the Mexico side of the border actually "arrives in" the United States and is thus entitled to an interview to prove they have a credible fear of persecution. The government argues there is no other way to read the law: A migrant must be physically inside the United States to have the right to make an asylum claim.

The migrants challenging the policy say its not that simple. They argue that, taken in context, the statute means that migrants in the process of seeking to enter the United States must receive an opportunity to apply for asylum, even if immigration officials manage to physically prevent them from coming in.

On Tuesday, several conservative justices suggested skepticism of the argument that a migrant can be said to "arrive in" the United States before crossing the border.

Justice Neil M. Gorsuch asked the immigrants attorney whether a migrant had "arrived" in the country if they were "on top" of a border wall or were at the "bottom" of it. He said he was just "curious" what "arrives in" meant under the plaintiffs theory.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. posed a hypothetical in which migrants waited in line at a port of entry at the border, seeking to be admitted. He asked whether only the first person in line "arrives in" in the country and those in the back of the line do not.

"Maybe I just dont understand it," he said. "It depends kind of on how long the line is, right?"

But some justices said the governments reading of the law could reward migrants who dodge immigration officials by crossing into the country illegally, instead of through a legal port of entry. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked "why on earth" Congress would create such an incentive.

In 2016, more than 150,000 migrants attempted to enter the United States through ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, a 70 percent increase compared with two years earlier, according to court filings. The surge was driven by an uptick in Haitian migrants seeking refuge from dangerous conditions in their country caused by an earthquake there in 2010.

In response, U.S. border officials created a policy to restrict the flow of migrants. Officers lined up on the U.S. side of the border physically stopped migrants from stepping onto U.S. soil and turned them back to Mexico, according to former U.S. immigration officials and news reports at the time.

The first Trump administration in 2018 formalized that policy, which critics referred to as the "turnback" policy.

The practice led to a "humanitarian crisis" in Mexico, according to the plaintiffs. Those turned away started living in makeshift camps on the Mexico side of the border as they waited for an opportunity to apply for asylum. Some migrants attempted to cross into the United States illegally via the Rio Grande or the Sonoran Desert, the plaintiffs say. The Biden administration subsequently rescinded the policy.

In 2021, a federal judge in California ruled in favor of 13 asylum seekers who had filed a class-action lawsuit alleging the policy was unlawful. U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, found that officers must process asylum seekers who are attempting to enter the United States - not just those who are physically inside its borders. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the ruling.

The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court, saying the prior rulings strip the government of a tool to manage surges at the border and overcrowding at ports of entry.

It is unclear whether, if successful in the case, the Trump administration would reinstate the metering policy. Vivek Suri, the government attorney arguing the case, said officials would do so "when border conditions justify."

(COMMENT, BELOW)




 In southwest London, patrons outside a Greggs bakery are being warned of attacks by hungry, hungry crows, The Sun reports.

Paras Singh, 23, who works nearby, said, "It's happening every day. They all swoop down in a frenzy."

Jay Baiz, 27, a barber, said, "On Thursday, a woman was eating a bacon sandwich. The crow tried to rip it out and nearly scratched her head."

Locals are hoping the city council will call in a falconer to scare the crows away.
The rise of artificial intelligence-generated profiles means that by 2028, globally, one in four job candidates will be fake, according to research and advisory firm Gartner. Once hired, an impostor can install malware to demand a ransom from a company, steal its customer data, trade secrets, or funds. That is one side of the coin. Here is the other: the fake recruiter. I have been receiving emails from recruiters with access to my biographical information on LinkedIn. I suspect some of these emails are generated by artificial intelligence or at least assisted with it. Here is the most recent:

Hi Arthur,

I noticed your recent move into the deputy chief medical officer role at Partners Health Management, alongside your long-standing work across medical affairs and behavioral health leadership. That blend of payer, pharma, and clinical experience stood out.

I am working on a chief medical officer mandate with [company name withheld], where the scope expands into enterprise-wide clinical strategy, population health, and behavioral health integration across a national footprint.

It is a selective search I am handling directly, and your background came to mind given your experience across managed care, medical leadership, and clinical development environments.

Let me know if you would be open to learning more, and I will take it from there.

Regards,

[Name withheld], senior headhunter, executive talent partner

I asked ChatGPT (ironically) to analyze the email. Based on the content and structure, ChatGPT estimated it was moderately to highly likely (roughly 60-80 percent) to be artificial intelligence-generated or assisted. Here is why:

Features suggestive of artificial intelligence assistance: Highly polished, generic executive-recruiter tone; broad but non-specific praise; vague role description with buzzwords; no specific accomplishment, publication, or quantifiable detail cited; incorrect information (my move to my current position at Partners was not recent); and a template-style closing.

Highly polished, generic executive-recruiter tone; broad but non-specific praise; vague role description with buzzwords; no specific accomplishment, publication, or quantifiable detail cited; incorrect information (my move to my current position at Partners was not recent); and a template-style closing. Features that lower certainty: It is personalized with my correct role and organization, the hiring company is a real entity and plausible target, and the message is concise and not obviously formulaic in an exaggerated way.

It is personalized with my correct role and organization, the hiring company is a real entity and plausible target, and the message is concise and not obviously formulaic in an exaggerated way. Additional red flags unrelated to artificial intelligence: A Gmail address from the sender rather than a corporate domain, a generic title, a photo placeholder without visible signature details, and a very early (6:23 a.m.) send time.

Most of all, the email reads like it came from a machine rather than a human. Even if a human sent it, it was likely produced using artificial intelligence or a standardized outreach automation tool. I simply replied that I do not correspond with artificial intelligence or assisted programs. My suspicions were virtually confirmed after a second email arrived 15 minutes later:

Hi Arthur,

Understood, and I appreciate you saying that directly.

For what it is worth, I reached out based on your specific background across payer, pharma, and behavioral health leadership, not as part of any automated outreach.

I tend to keep my notes concise, but the intent is always to connect with individuals whose experience genuinely aligns with a particular mandate.

If the timing is not right or the opportunity is not of interest, I completely understand.

Either way, I appreciate the note and wish you continued success in your work.

The follow-up email raised the probability of automated outreach to 70-85 percent, according to ChatGPT. It may still be a real recruiter using enhanced templates, but it does not read like tailored executive search correspondence. From having researched these instances, I can tell you the real purpose of these emails is to lead you down a rabbit hole where you gradually lower your guard and disclose information or engage in steps that create either financial, identity, or reputational vulnerability. Even when not a scam, enabled mass recruiting campaigns are designed to create artificial scarcity and ego engagement, drawing you into email exchanges and exploratory calls pumping you for information that benefits the recruiters pipeline more than your career. Here is a quick three-step authenticity check you can run in under 10 minutes:

Verify the senders identity

Search LinkedIn for the recruiters name, companys name, and headhunter (or executive recruiter). Check whether the recruiter lists a recruiting firm and whether that firm has a real website. See if the Gmail address appears anywhere professionally.

Red flag: No digital footprint, recently created profile, or mismatch between claimed employer and email domain.

Confirm the mandate independently

Check the companys careers page for the advertised position. Look for press releases or industry chatter about executive searches. If appropriate, contact the companys corporate office to confirm an active retained search.

Red flag: No listing, no announcement, or the company denies knowledge of the recruiter.

Test for specificity

Reply briefly: Thank you. Could you share the formal position specification and confirm the retained search firm you are representing? Legitimate retained executive recruiters can provide a detailed position specification, confirmation of exclusive search status, a corporate domain email for follow-up, and a scheduled call through a traceable calendar system.

Red flag: Evasive responses, pressure to move off-platform quickly, or requests for personal data early.

In short: The rabbit hole is progressive engagement without verification. It is a stepwise process where each interaction feels harmless, but you advance further into involvement before confirming the recruiters legitimacy. You move gradually through stages:

Replying to the initial outreach

Agreeing to a call or receiving additional emails

Sending a curriculum vitae (or being referred to someone to create a more professional curriculum vitae, at your expense)

Sharing compensation data

Providing references

Completing confidential forms

Uploading documents to a portal

Forking over money for the promise of a job (NEVER DO THAT)

Each step feels reasonable in isolation. None feels like a dramatic breach. But at no point have you independently confirmed:

The recruiters identity

The retained search firm

The companys authorization

The legitimacy of the role

So, the relationship deepens before trust is earned. Psychologically, this works because of:

Reciprocity (they compliment you; you respond)

Consistency bias (once you reply, you are more likely to continue)

Ego engagement (senior executive role)

Time investment (harder to withdraw after effort spent)

The rabbit hole is not a single trap. It is incremental commitment in the absence of independent validation. In executive-targeted scams, that incremental slope is the mechanism, not a dramatic red flag. I engaged in over a half-dozen email exchanges the first time I was contacted by a fake recruiter. Now that I am wise to it, my instinct is to pause, mark the email as spam, and move on. My time and attention are assets. So are yours. Guard them accordingly.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine and the fictional series Real Medicine, Unreal Stories. His latest book, a novel, is JAILBREAK: When Artificial Intelligence Breaks Medicine.
When my medically complex son Declan came home from the hospital, he needed round-the-clock care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A full-time worker puts in about 1,960 hours a year, assuming 40 hours a week minus vacation and holidays. Each year has 8,760 hours. That means caring for Declan required an equivalent of 4.47 full-time employees every year.

In Minnesota, where we live, for even the highest-acuity cases, coverage is essentially capped. Typically, you cannot be covered for more than 20 hours a day. This cap varies and is much lower in many states. Families are expected to cover the remaining four hours per day themselves, which equals 28 hours a week, plus be the backup when shifts go unfilled, day or night. A 2023 systemic review on pediatric home health care access found an average gap of 40 hours per week between hours allotted and hours actually received, on top of what parents were already expected to cover. Another utilization report from Virginia found that fewer than 46 percent of families received more than 79 percent of their allotted nursing hours.

Put that into the earlier equation: For high-acuity kids like Declan who are covered 20 hours per day, families are still responsible for 28 hours per week at minimum. But when the system fails to staff what it authorizes, families end up covering far more. With a 40-hour weekly shortfall, a baseline 28-hour family responsibility becomes 68 hours per week, nearly two full-time jobs, before you even count the overnight vigilance, the care coordination that comes with having a disabled child, and the constant anxiety of wondering who is showing up today.

It is a lot. How anyone is expected to hold down a job while serving as the backup nurse and the regularly scheduled part-time nurse, I will never understand. But that is not the point of this article. This article is not about nursing shortages. It is about what happens next: How shortages shape the culture of home nursing, and how they change what accountability looks like when something goes wrong.

I could lose my license for that.

Early on, I heard the same phrase again and again: I could lose my license for that. It came up around medication administration without clear physician orders, scope-of-practice questions, and mistakes that should have triggered real caution. That sentence carried weight. It implied there was a line, and that crossing it had consequences. I believed it, because I assumed oversight worked like people think it does: Report a serious violation, the board investigates, and unsafe providers are removed.

What I reported, and what happened

Over the course of Declans life, I reported multiple incidents to the nursing board. The only time I saw meaningful action was after we captured deliberate harm on camera by a nurse who was later convicted of a felony. Prior to conviction, his license status was changed to suspension. After conviction, his license was revoked, yet the disciplinary terms still allow the possibility of reapplication after a 20-year period. Twenty years is a long time. And still: How is there ever a path back for someone who intentionally harmed a patient? Every other time I reported something, nothing seemed to happen. There was no acknowledgement, no follow-up, and no questions. I never received a message saying they received my complaint; there was just silence.

The incidents I reported were severe. In one instance, Declan desaturated while a nurse slept in our living room and his machines alarmed. We had to intervene. I reported the nurse sleeping on shift while alarms sounded, but I never received follow-up. In another case, a nurse increased my infants ventilator settings beyond prescribed parameters against orders. I reported it as a safety violation and received no response, even though a physician later told me it could have caused catastrophic injury. I also reported a nurse who knowingly overfed him as an infant, intentionally altering his feeding for convenience because she told me she did not want to deal with the leftovers. I even reported pinch mark bruising. Eventually, I stopped reporting. It was not because the incidents became acceptable, but because reporting started to feel like throwing my voice into a void.

It is a systemic issue

Recently, I had lunch with a mom of a disabled adult who was severely abused in her day program. Her daughter came home with a handprint bruise on her breast, significant compression bruising around her arms that was documented by the physician who examined her, and bruising on her back. The program told the mother her daughter did it to herself. She reported it to the Department of Human Services and never heard back. DHS is not the nursing board, and they regulate different things: DHS regulates programs and facilities, while the nursing board regulates individual nurses. But in practice, families can run into a similar wall: Reporting produces little transparency, little communication, and no visible consequence.

Why this happens

It is hard not to conclude that the system is designed more to absorb complaints than to resolve them. I cannot claim to know every reason oversight fails. But there is at least one explanation that fits the reality families are living: When staffing collapses, accountability collapses with it.

In a world that is chronically understaffed, where agencies are desperate for anyone with a pulse and a license, disciplining the people who show up becomes harder to do. This is true not just practically, but culturally. The pressure shifts. The threshold shifts. The silence becomes the path of least resistance. So when a nurse says, I could lose my license for that, families are supposed to hear a deterrent. What many families actually experience is something else. The idea of oversight is powerful, but the enforcement of it often is not. And families like mine are left to fill the gaps in staffing, in safety, and in consequences.

What should be done about it?

We, as a society, have to decide: How much do we care? Because sooner or later, the conversation always circles back to the same thing: Money. If skilled nurses and caregivers could earn a decent living doing this work, and if agencies could staff safely without burning people out, more people would stay. Home care, group homes, and day programs are hard to staff because the work is demanding, the stakes are high, and the pay is often insulting for what is being asked. Yes, the nursing shortage is bigger than pay alone. Training pipelines matter. Clinical placements matter. Support, scheduling, and working conditions matter. But burnout is not a mystery when people are asked to do the work of two or three people, shift after shift, and then told it is just part of the job. And when staffing collapses, everything else collapses with it: Safety, consistency, accountability, and the ability of any oversight system to function as a real deterrent.

I do not trivialize money; someone has to pay. But we should at least be honest about what we are choosing. If the funding is not there, it is not because the need does not exist; it is because we are making a values decision about who deserves protection and how much protection they get. And some of the answer should not depend on funding at all: Licenses, boards, and oversight should mean something. It should be a privilege to hold a license, not an entitlement. Accountability should be the norm, not the exception.

So if we are serious, doing better needs to look like actual policy and actual process. We need pay that matches the responsibility in home care and direct-care settings, so skill does not have to choose between purpose and survival. We need staffing models that reflect reality, so parents are not silently drafted as the default workforce. There must be transparent complaint handling that includes the acknowledgement of reports, clear timelines, and plain-language outcomes when possible. We also need real consequences for serious violations, regardless of staffing pressures, and better coordination between agencies so families are not bounced between claims of not our jurisdiction and silence. Because right now, families are being handed a myth as a safety plan, and fragile people are paying the price.

Ashley Youngdale is a patient advocate.
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Health care executive Chris Darland discusses their article Why remote patient monitoring needs a preventive shift. Chris explains that remote patient monitoring is currently too reactive, functioning as a safety net that tracks problems rather than preventing them. He suggests that technology should shift toward a proactive approach where data is collected before routine visits to provide a real life snapshot of heart performance. Chris describes how advanced signal processing tools, similar to those used by NASA, can now capture high-fidelity cardiac signals over several days while patients live their normal lives. By using AI to turn raw data into actionable insights, health care teams can detect subtle trends and make small adjustments before emergencies occur. This new approach moves beyond simply turning homes into hospitals and instead focuses on building a digital model of whole body health. Find out how listening to the hearts hidden clues can help clinicians see ahead to what might become a problem.

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 Chris Darland. He is the president and CEO of Peerbridge Health. Todays KevinMD article is Why remote patient monitoring needs a preventative shift. Chris, welcome to the show.

Chris Darland: Thank you for having me. It is great to be here.

Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what led you to write this article, and then tell us about the article itself for those that didnt get a chance to read it.

Chris Darland: Sure. All my family is from rural Kentucky. Some live outside of Louisville, and some live outside of Lexington. My experience with health care growing up was largely in the ED. It was my grandfather who was in and out of the ED for all sorts of cardiac issues, which at least felt like every 18 months almost like clockwork. What was interesting to me as I reflect on it is that every time my grandpa would leave alive, it felt like a miracle to him. The cardiologists were performing miracles, whether it was placing a pacemaker or treating an MI. He always came home alive, which was fantastic.

But I think there was an underappreciation for the anxiety that puts on the whole family. My mom had to leave school and sit with him at the hospital. I can picture dinner tables full of bills and pills, and constantly asking if he took his medication or not. Although I am super thankful for all the cardiologists who saved his life, in my head, I always thought there has to be a better way. There has to be a way to prevent this so it is not an ED visit that keeps him going, but a way that you catch it early. That is pretty deeply embedded in me and my family. My dad still lives in the middle of Kentucky by himself at the end of a long gravel driveway. There are tens of millions of people just like my dad. I dont think we are any better off now than we were 30 years ago when I experienced this with my grandpa. So it feels like the time for the shift is now, and I am pretty optimistic actually today.

Kevin Pho: All right. You said that we arent better off now than we were 30 years ago despite the advent of all this technology. We are going to talk about some technological options. Why do you say that even though we have 30 years of technology that is in front of us?

Chris Darland: Good question. I think you might argue outcomes are a little better. A lot of the investment is going into figuring out how to save lives when people are already sick, and you know they are sick. Heart pumps are fantastic. Pacemakers have made giant leaps and bounds. I would definitely say people are living longer than they were. But when I say we are not better, I mean we are still not catching problems earlier. We are just better at treating them after it is too late.

Truthfully, I think it is really just in the last three or four years that we have seen this combination of better hardware that can get you out of the hospital. The reality is you could do preventative screening for everybody in the country if you got everybody into a hospital to do echoes and cardiac MRIs. There is not a lot of mystery left in cardiac care, so you could find almost everything. But of course, that is not economically feasible, and it is not logistically feasible. There are not enough echo techs in the country to even come close to that. You need hardware that can get out of the hospital. I think there have been leaps and bounds of improvements in technology.

The touch of this AI wave has brought costs down significantly. You can start to layer on interesting signal processing tools, and now you can analyze this data without rooms full of servers. It is somewhat like this LLM push of ChatGPT and Claude has brought costs down for the way we use AI, which isnt necessarily new since it has been around for 25 years. But now you can do it in a cost-effective way, which then opens it up to everybody in a meaningful way. It feels like, not due to lack of effort or caring, we are at this very interesting inflection point where lots of technologies are coming together at one time. This will fundamentally shift how we can treat preventative care.

Kevin Pho: So one of the things that you wrote in your article is that we want to transform that paradigm from a more reactive stance to a more preventive stance. Just tell us some examples of what that may look like.

Chris Darland: What it looks like is based on our experience out at a health system in San Diego last week. They have a couple of problems that they were asking for our help with. One was that they end up as a cardiology department seeing a lot of patients that dont really need them after all. Patients were just alarmed by maybe a wearable or something that brought them in there, which of course isnt a great use of their time.

As we walked down the hall, they said their other problem is that they have a gigantic line of people in the ED waiting to get admitted or not. They dont have a super thoughtful way to say if someone with chest pain just pulled a muscle working out or if it is a cardiac issue and they need a bed. I think what they are looking for broadly is not only rapid assessments of cardiac stability, but just as importantly, a layer of intelligence on top that says why it matters. There are lots of tools coming, and we certainly do not have a data shortage problem in health care. In fact, we probably have more data than we know what to do with.

The challenge is taking all this data and making it actionable. For example, our device can get to a hundred indications, which is fine, but that is not actionable. What they want us to tell them is whether the patient needs a bed or not and why we came to that conclusion. If we can give that to them in a paragraph, that is everything. They dont want us to show them layers and layers of technology or how smart our technical team is. They just want the answer.

For the cardiology department, they want to see patients that have specific criteria because those are the patients they can help. If patients dont have those specific things, then the primary care doctor is completely fine, and they want instructions they should give them. It is all about limited time. Take this powerful tool that we are working on, and the output has to be as simple as humanly possible. Dont tell them anything more than they need to know so that they can make their next decision, which is either to admit, titrate drugs, or move to a procedure.

A lot of the doctors I talk to still only have seven minutes per patient. No matter how advanced a tool is, if you are going to make them spend another 20 minutes, they just cant use it. It is not a pragmatic tool for them. They need a really rapid, succinct look at 20 or 30 years of medical history to identify the next step. That is what they need, and that is at least what we are working towards.

Kevin Pho: And that is what the beauty of AI and large language models is, right? It can distill huge amounts of data and just give an answer to a simple question. That really is the appeal of these large language models.

Chris Darland: That is exactly right. The way we view it is that if we gave all the raw data to a cardiologist, they would definitely come to the right conclusion if they had a week to look through all these research reports and really study the patient. But they dont have that time. So we can take ACC guidelines, HRS guidelines, and American Heart Association guidelines and do that same weeks worth of work in 10 seconds. Most importantly, we can explain why we came to the conclusion and what we are referencing. That shortcut, which they can then reconcile with their 15 years of education, is a big leg up compared to even two or three years ago.

Kevin Pho: Lets take that example you were saying about the evaluation in the emergency department and sending data to the cardiologist to determine whether that patient needs to be admitted or not. What kind of information can be transmitted remotely?

Chris Darland: It is a great question. We have one device right now that the FDA is reviewing which has a cellular chip in it. Effectively, we collect ECG data, data from an accelerometer, and some impedance data, which then gets transmitted. Everything sits in Google Cloud, in our case, where the compute happens. Part of what we are doing is pulling the data off the device, which can go over cellular. It can also go through a hospitals internet network, but that can usually be a little bit tricky for the IT team.

Lets say we pull it over cellular, we do the compute, and we understand everything we can about the context of the patient. Then it all gets transmitted essentially as drops into the EMR. What is interesting is that context matters. So what might get dropped to the ED doctor is going to look wildly different than what the cardiologist needs to see. The clinical question the ED doctor is trying to answer is whether the patient needs a bed. The cardiologist wants to see that the report said they need to be in a bed, but wants to understand why. Is there a structural abnormality found? Do I need to do a follow-up echo? Is there some kind of hemodynamic stability issue where they may need to roll them down the hall because they could be decompensating?

Every person in the hospital who will interact with this patient is answering a different question, and it all needs to be caught and transmitted in that way. The ED is a good example, but it doesnt need to be in the ED. It could be in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, or more importantly, what I hope with this preventative shift is that it is actually at my dads house. He puts it on at his house and wears it for five to 10 minutes. He takes it off, and either his primary care doctor or his cardiologist at the University of Kentucky looks at it really quickly. They might say that everything looks good and he needs to wear it again next year. Or they might say they have identified stenosis and if he comes to the University of Kentucky, they can do a TAVR procedure to give him a new valve. It is minimally invasive, and he is home the next day.

My bet would be that if I told my dad that he had an issue and needed a procedure, he would actually take the two-hour drive to Lexington. If I simply told him he is high risk and should go see a doctor at the University of Kentucky, the chances of him going are pretty much zero. So ideally this is all remote and it happens before you are even showing up in the ED, even if that is the use case that the San Diego clinic was interested in. For us to be effective, it has to be remote.

Kevin Pho: So from the patient standpoint, what exactly would that look like? What would the device look like, and what is the patient experience like?

Chris Darland: Good question. I have one right here. The device is just a wearable that you put right on the center of your chest. For different things, you will need different amounts of time. We are working on getting FDA clearance to do a home sleep test. If you wanted to do that, you would wear it overnight for one or two nights to get data. But if you just wanted a quick cardiac assessment, our goal is to do that in five minutes.

You pull it out, there is an adhesive you take off, and you put it onto your chest. The new device that the FDA is reviewing has a mobile app on your phone where you will start the study. You take the device off after five or 10 minutes, or the next day if you are doing a home sleep test. In most cases, it is going to get mailed back to us where we will clean it off and make sure it is disinfected for the next patient. Some customers actually say they would rather keep it at the primary care office or at the hospital.

Importantly, we are not sending anything to the patient. It is still a prescription device. My fear is always that it can be quite overwhelming what the patient might see, and then they might go into a panic or a tailspin over something that might be benign. You really want the clinician to come with a plan to say what they saw and what can be done. All of our reports, although they may look different for a primary care doctor versus a cardiologist, start with the clinician to synthesize that data.

We have someone really smart on our team who leads commercial growth named Leah. She made the point, which I think is exactly right, that good monitoring finds everything, but that doesnt mean everything matters. There are all kinds of false alarms and scares in the industry today, so we really want to make sure the doctors eyes are on the data. They are the experts who know the patient context. They know if the patient just got laid off and might be under high stress, or if there is something going on in their life that might be causing an irregularity. All that is important to get to the clinical decision. We feel pretty strongly that the clinicians stay at the center of everything.

Kevin Pho: So do you have any outcomes data in terms of some of these remote interventions and how it can benefit patients and clinicians as well?

Chris Darland: Very soon, I promise. We just opened a 15,000-patient trial where we are running these full panels on patients anywhere. We are doing some patients for a 15-minute sitting, some for a full 24 hours, and some that actually go seven days so you can pick up arrhythmia data and a few other things. We are enrolling patients right now as we speak and hope to have some results a little bit later this year. We feel pretty encouraged based on the roughly 150 who have enrolled to date that we are making an impact.

Kevin Pho: So in your ideal world, assuming everything gets approved by the FDA and the data looks good, what will your ideal world look like? What would an ideal scenario that uses your technology look like?

Chris Darland: If I could have it my way, this would be sent out to every rural American proactively. I say that because that is my personal background and what I am passionate about. But the reality is that even in urban settings, it is hard to get cardiology appointments. Our goal is to get the cost down for this device to $25. You put it on really quickly, and for $25 we can find everything we need to say whether you need to go to the University of Kentucky or you dont, as in the case of my dad. It is all done proactively.

The reality is heart disease progresses a little bit every year until it becomes an emergency. It is very slow and then all at once. The data will guide us a little bit, but lets say the data tells us that it really picks up at 60 or 65. Every year you would wear this. The more people we can reach, the less expensive we can make it, which is super important to us to reach scale. This should be the super tool that buys clinicians a whole lot more time and gets the people who need to see them in front of them.

I am optimistic that payers will be excited about it because we should hopefully be able to remove a significant amount of readmissions and ED visits by catching things early. Patients should be really excited because the reality is if you catch disease early, you can treat it with generic pharmaceuticals and you are not going in for surgeries. For those that end up needing help, if I went to Dennys right now with my dad, of the 10 guys he is with, there are probably four or five people that could use help from a cardiologist. Now the University of Kentucky could look at the data and say they can help those five guys. We could proactively bring them in, which means they are doing the procedures that they want to be doing and making the impact they want to make. I think being proactive and getting this into peoples hands should benefit everybody who touches the health care system. That is what I am fighting like heck to do, not just to be a hospital monitoring tool, but really getting it into peoples hands early.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Chris Darland. He is the president and CEO of Peerbridge Health. Todays KevinMD article is Why remote patient monitoring needs a preventative shift. Chris, lets end with take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Chris Darland: I have three kids. I think they will grow up in a wildly different health care space than I did, and for sure than my grandpa did. I think we are at a really interesting spot. The message I give to clinicians is to be demanding. There are a lot of tools out there. A mistake I probably made earlier was trying to create point solutions to solve little things as opposed to being the tool that can amplify you. Clinicians do have to remain at the center of all things in care. But be demanding, be open, and lets try some new things. Like I said, I am wildly optimistic. This is a hugely complicated place to do business, but it really does feel like we are on the brink of something special.

Kevin Pho: Chris, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Chris Darland: Thank you.
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Noelia has become the first person in Spain to receive euthanasia for depression, in a case that has sparked shock and public debate.

The 25-year-old announced her decision after a process that stretched over twenty months, during which she defended her right to die with dignity. Her personal circumstancesmarked by traumatic experiences and profound sufferingled her to submit a request that ultimately received approval from judicial authorities.

A Life Marked by Violence and Pain

In 2022, Noelia was the victim of a gang rape at a supervised care facility, an event that marked a turning point in her life.

Later, she attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor window, an act that left her paraplegic.

From that point on, she began a complex process in which she requested euthanasia at the age of 24. Im 25 years old and I have four days left, she said in a conversation prior to her death, making it clear that her decision had remained firm since the beginning of the process.

Legal Battle and Court Decisions

Noelias case moved through several judicial instances, including Spains Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Initially, her euthanasia had been scheduled for August 2, 2024, but it was suspended. However, after months of litigation, the European court declined to halt the procedure, ultimately giving the definitive green light. The process became the first trial in Spain centered on the right to a dignified death.

A Family Divided Over an Irreversible Decision

Noelias decision created a deep divide within her family. Her mother, although opposed, chose to accompany her until the end. We dont agree, but we are with her, she said, reflecting the pain and emotional conflict surrounding the situation.

Her father, meanwhile, repeatedly tried to stop the process but was unsuccessful. Despite the familys opposition, the young woman maintained her stance: she wanted to end what she considered unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited an intense social debate about the limits of euthanasia, the role of the family, and the individuals right to decide about their own life. Meanwhile, Noelia made her final message clear: she wanted to leave in peace and stop suffering.

Prosecutors Back Euthanasia Despite Family Appeals

Alongside the intense media attention surrounding the case, the Barcelona Provincial Prosecutors Office concluded that Noelia met all the legal requirements to access euthanasia, determining that her decision was free, autonomous, and consistent over time.

This assessment was supported by the Catalonia Guarantee and Evaluation Commission, which ten months earlier had unanimously ruled that the young woman could receive assisted death in accordance with current legislation.

The ruling reaffirmed that the process complied with Spains established medical and legal protocols.

The case was also marked by a legal dispute led by the young womans father, whowith the support of Christian lawyers associationsattempted to stop the procedure through court appeals.

After the ruling in Noelias favor, these groups announced they would appeal the decision, arguing that there were alleged irregularities in the authorization of the process. According to authorities, such actions have been interpreted as attempts to delay the euthanasia procedure in what is already considered the first case of its kind in the country.

Euthanasia in Europe

Across Europe, euthanasia continues to gain ground. In 2025, the practice reached record figures in both the Netherlands and Belgium, consolidating itself as an increasingly used legal option in both countries.

In the Netherlands, 10,341 euthanasia cases were recorded in 2025, representing a 3.8% increase compared with the previous year, according to data published by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE). With these figures, euthanasia surpassed 6% of total deaths in the country for the first time, marking a new milestone since its legalization.

In Belgium, euthanasia also reached record numbers in 2025, with 4,486 casesequivalent to 4% of all deaths in the country. The figure represents a 12.4% increase compared with the previous year, according to the Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia.

Who Requests Euthanasia?

In both countries, most requests come from:

People over 70 years old

Cancer patients

Cases involving physical or psychological suffering considered incurable

In both the Netherlands and Belgium, euthanasia has been legal since 2002 and is subject to strict medical conditions, including evaluation of the patients suffering and informed consent.

Bukele Criticizes NGOs Over Noelia Case

El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, criticized human rights organizations in the context of Noelias case in Spain. He said such groups influence legal processes that, in his view, end up harming victims instead of protecting them.

In a message posted on social media, he said these organizations push decisions through legal mechanisms and added that his government would not take their positions into account. He also argued that the state should point out these actors for their role in cases such as that of the young Spanish woman.

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Pope John Paul II has prayed for forgiveness of the sins of those involved in the Holocaust.

However, he avoided any admission of Church guilt over alleged complicity.

Since arriving in Israel as part of his Millennium Pilgrimage, the Pope has been under growing pressure to apologise for the Vaticans failure to speak out during the Holocaust.

The 79-year-old placed a prayer into the crevices of the Western (or Wailing) Wall, asking for Gods forgiveness for the behaviour of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer.

I assure the Jewish people the Catholic Church  is deeply saddened by the hatred, acts of persecution and displays of anti-Semitism directed against the Jews by Christians at any time and in any place, the Pope said.

The pontiff added that there were no words strong enough to deplore the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust.

A spokesman for the pontiff said he had paused for a moment of private prayer  something personal  and laid a hand on the wall.

By placing his prayer, which was typewritten and signed by the Pope, in the wall he echoed the custom of Jewish worshippers over generations.

The prayer was taken from the wall by a government spokesman and placed in the archives of Yad Vashem, Israels Holocaust memorial for the six million Jews killed by the Nazis.

Israeli cabinet minister Rabbi Michael Melchior, who hosted the Popes visit, said he was very moved by the Popes gesture.

The Pope is visiting the most sacred sites in Jerusalem at the climax of his week-long Millennium Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He is the first pontiff to go there in 36 years.

John Paul II had repeatedly said he had dreamt of visiting the region since he was elected pontiff in 1978.

The visit to the holiest site of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, saw around 7,000 Israeli security forces deployed in the ancient city. []

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The Popes Millennium Pilgrimage was hailed as a great success.

A Vatican spokesman said: The key to the success of this trip is that the Pope told everyone the truth without humiliating anybody. He spoke with love.

An Israeli official said: The Middle East has already changed. Not so long ago it would have been unthinkable for the Pope to fly to Tel Aviv on Royal Jordanian Airlines and back to Rome on El Al.

During his trip, the Pope celebrated mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus is said to have been crucified and buried.

Following John Paul IIs visit, Rabbi Michael Melchior announced that Israel would set up a forum to promote peace between Jews, Christians and Muslims.

The Pope travelled all over the world during his Papacy. In the latter years he suffered from Parkinsons disease and became increasingly frail but was determined to continue his overseas trips.

The Pope died at 2137 (1937 GMT) on Saturday 2 April 2005 after he failed to recover from a throat operation due to breathing problems.

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Macau, now in a severe aging phase with 14% of residents aged 65 or older in 2023, could see dementia cases rise from an estimated 6,000 in 2021 to about 10,000 by 2036.

The estimate was highlighted on public broadcaster TDMs radio program yesterday during a discussion on dementia in the city featuring representatives from Conde S. Januario Hospital, Kiang Wu Hospital, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), and the Macao Dementia Association.

Notably, the Health Bureau (SSM) currently has more than 4,000 registered dementia patients receiving treatment, and Conde S. Januario Hospital reports about 600 new diagnoses each year  a figure described on the program as quite substantial, with participants warning that cases are likely to rise as the population ages.

Dementia is a chronic degenerative disease  not a normal part of aging  that progressively impairs function and daily life and can require full-time care in advanced stages.

In Macau, the SSM and IAS established the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences in 2016 to provide one-stop diagnosis, treatment, and support, and in 2018 set up the Support Centre for Dementia to promote early prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and intervention.

Since we began promoting early detection, prevention, and public awareness in 2016, we have seen more patients seeking treatment at earlier stages rather than in the middle or late stages of the disease, said Wong Sio Mui, the Conde S. Januario Hospital representative. More people coming forward in the early stages enables timely intervention and helps slow disease progression.

Wong said the government and relevant agencies will continue to expand screening, treatment, and support resources to meet the future challenge of rising dementia numbers.

The annual increase of about 600 new cases actually reflects the effectiveness of our early screening efforts, added Cheang U Keong, an official from the IAS.

According to yesterdays program, early dementia typically appears as a decline in recent memory  forgetting recent conversations, repeating questions, or frequently misplacing items  while other early signs include impaired calculation, disorientation to time or place, and mood changes such as anxiety, depression, or irritability.

Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms tend to appear in the middle to late stages. Authorities urged families who notice these signs to seek prompt medical attention at neurology, geriatrics, or cognitive assessment clinics, or an initial internal medicine evaluation if needed, and to bring medical history, current medications, and concrete examples of functional or behavioral changes to appointments.

They also recommended completing basic examinations and lab tests or uploading relevant information in advance via the My Health platform on their Macao One Account to help clinicians assess patients and arrange follow-up care.

Physicians cautioned that cognitive or attention problems in psychiatric patients do not necessarily indicate dementia, which requires specialist evaluation. They also noted that significant psychiatric symptoms can develop in later stages of dementia and are usually managed by psychiatrists, while neurologists treat some cases, particularly vascular dementia linked to stroke or other neurological diseases.

Dementia cannot be diagnosed on screening scales alone, Wong said. A definitive diagnosis requires information from clinical interviews, family descriptions, and functional assessments. Family members should accompany patients to consultations where possible, as they can provide crucial examples of daily changes that aid diagnosis. Authorities reiterated plans to streamline screening and referral pathways and to raise public awareness of early warning signs through community outreach.

The IAS said Macaus aging population and rising life expectancy will drive continued growth in demand for dementia services, and officials have expanded local long-term care capacity in response.

The bureau said it has developed day care and comprehensive elderly care facilities tailored for people with dementia to strengthen support for those in the early and middle stages and to match services to different disease stages.

Caregiver support is now provided in more than 10 elderly day care centers across Macau, including training in care techniques and the loan of caregiving resources. The bureau added that over 200 social service, medical, educational, and youth organizations have joined the dementia-friendly alliance, a joint initiative with the Health Bureau and community groups to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

In response to Macaus aging population and rising dementia cases, health authorities have built extra staffing and services into the long-term health blueprint  with annual staffing increases tied to demographic shifts and a complementary hospital-to-community care network  and say waiting times from assessment to consultation have been cut to about four weeks.

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The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) are offering 415 job vacancies across three industry-specific matching sessions to help residents find employment. A hotel industry event on March 31 features 55 openings, including customer service manager and executive chef. Pharmaceutical retail sessions follow that afternoon, with 47 spots across roles such as pharmacists, office assistants, and salespersons. Then, on the morning of April 1, a cleaning services matchmaking event provides 313 roles, including security guards and cleaners. Online registration for these three sessions opens at 9 a.m. today and runs until noon March 30.

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Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) president Leong Wai Man said the government is developing an International Contemporary Art Museum to support multiple sectors and establish an education pipeline for nurturing local artistic talent.

Regarding the name of the project, it is only a working title for now and is currently in the preliminary detailed planning stage, with multi-party opinion gathering and optimization ongoing, as authorities continuously refine and improve all work arrangements for the Macao international integrated tourism and cultural zone.

According to the current plan, the museum will have art collection, research, exhibition, and education as its core functions. Key efforts will focus on fostering talent in the arts, promoting international art exchange and cooperation, and developing supporting functions such as art commerce and public leisure activities.

Through collaboration with mainland Chinese and international art museums and artist groups, the museum aims to help Macau effectively integrate into the Greater Bay Areas (GBA) cultural synergy system, consolidate high-quality regional cultural resources, and improve cooperation mechanisms.

In addition, the goal is to provide high-quality modern and contemporary art exhibitions, experiences, and commercial services for residents, as well as mainland Chinese and international tourists.

The museum also aims to provide long-term spatial and resource support for the development of Macaus artists, curators, collectors, and related sectors.

Responding to lawmaker Leong Hong Sais written inquiry regarding a long-term support system for Macaus local art ecosystem, the president of IC stated that the government supports and encourages local higher education institutions to refine and optimize their academic programs in line with national and local development trends, as well as the needs of related industries, by establishing courses related to the 1+4 key industries.

In recent years, local higher education institutions have introduced degree programs in fields such as art, design, music, and cultural industries, cultivating the talent needed for the development of the performing arts industry.

To support students pursuing further studies in the arts, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureaus (DSEDJ) Higher Education Financial Assistance Scheme includes designated subject grants covering disciplines within the arts, cultural, and creative industries.

Through art education, support, and subsidy schemes, the government encourages young people and the industry to participate in diverse cultural and artistic activities.

The project also provides platforms for local emerging artists and creative talents to showcase their work and gain creative and practical experience, promoting professional development and sustained growth in culture and the arts.

Macau is building an arts talent pipeline through multiple pathways under IC, which launched secondary programs in dance (2005) and music (2009) via the Macau Conservatory; a joint performing arts track with Escola Luso-Chinesa Tecnico-Profissional (expanded to senior secondary this year); partnerships with top mainland institutions like the Central Conservatory of Music for curriculum guidance and student placements; and ongoing courses in drama, opera, and comedy.

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Iran has received an American 15-point plan for a ceasefire for the Iran war through intermediaries from Pakistan, officials in Islamabad said yesterday. The proposal was sent even as Washington began to move paratroopers to the Middle East to back up a contingent of Marines already heading to the region.

Irans military scoffed at the diplomatic efforts and launched more attacks yesterday on Israel and the Persian Gulf region, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport, sending black smoke billowing into the sky.

The Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to release details, described the 15-point plan broadly as touching on sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Irans nuclear program, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits and access for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Irans attacks on regional energy infrastructure and its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the worlds oil is shipped, has sent oil prices skyrocketing and rocked world markets over fears of a global energy crisis.

More US troops on the way

At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Mideast in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

The Pentagon is also in the process of deploying two Marine units that will add about 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that American officials are in negotiations with Iran, though he hasnt said who they are in contact with. Irans Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which commands both the regular military and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, suggested there are no talks.

Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves? said Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the headquarters.

Israel launches new strikes on Iran

The Israeli military announced it had begun new wide-scale attacks yesterday on Iran targeting government infrastructure, and witnesses reported airstrikes in the northwestern city of Qazvin.

Missile alert sirens sounded multiple times in Israel as Iran launched its own attacks, which have been a daily occurrence since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran on Feb. 28 to start the war.

Iran also kept up the pressure on its Gulf Arab neighbors, with Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry saying it had destroyed at least eight drones in the kingdoms oil-rich Eastern Province, and missile alert sirens sounding in Bahrain.

Kuwait said it shot down multiple drones but one hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire, the General Civil Aviation Authority said. Firefighters were working to contain the blaze.

Brent crude oil, the international standard, has neared US$120 a barrel during the conflict but was trading at around $100 in morning trading as talks of a possible ceasefire helped calm prices. Thats still up nearly 40% from the start of the war.

Diplomatic efforts calm energy prices

The 15-point plan now in Iranian hands is, in essence, a comprehensive deal to reach a ceasefire in the war, according to an Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts.

Also, its not clear who in Irans government has the authority to negotiate  or would be willing to, as Israel has vowed to continue killing the countrys leaders.

Mediators are pushing for a possible in-person talks between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as Friday in Pakistan, the Egyptian official and the two Pakistani officials said.

However, that would require the Americans to immediately start traveling from the U.S. to be there in time. Meanwhile, Iranian officials likely remain worried about the Israelis, whose airstrikes in the war have killed many official, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran is also highly suspicious of the U.S., which twice under the Trump administration has attacked during high-level diplomatic talks, including with the strikes that started the current war.

We have a very catastrophic experience with U.S. diplomacy, Baghaei told India Today, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been in contact with Pakistani and other regional diplomats but that there are no talks or negotiations between Iran and the United States.

China, which sent a special envoy early in the war to push for a diplomatic solution, said yesterday it supports all efforts to de-escalate the tensions and start peace talks.

Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Araghchi in a call Tuesday that all parties should seize every opportunity and window for peace so peace talks can start as soon as possible, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

Zolfaghari said that the U.S. was in no position to negotiate. JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING, DUBAI, MDT/AP

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Japan said yesterday it conveyed regrets to China after authorities confirmed they arrested a Japanese army soldier on suspicion of trespass, a day after China protested over an alleged break-in at its embassy in Tokyo.

The case, the latest point of friction in an escalating spat between Japan and China, surfaced Tuesday after Beijing protested to Tokyo.

An individual who claimed to be a Japan Self-Defense Forces officer scaled the wall and forced his way into the embassy compound on Tuesday morning, Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said in a news conference in Beijing.

The Tokyo police yesterday told The Associated Press that they arrested a 23-year-old member of the Ground Self-Defense Force, or Japans army, in the alleged trespassing into the Chinese embassy on Tuesday.

The GSDF confirmed the suspect is a soldier based at the Camp Ebino, in Japans southwestern prefecture of Miyazaki, and that officials are fully cooperating with police.

Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the arrest of an SDF soldier was extremely regrettable.

Kihara also expressed regret that the alleged trespassing was committed even as Japanese police provided routine security around the Chinese embassy, adding that security has since been reinforced, including by increasing staffing.

Following Chinas protest and demand for preventive measures, Japan conveyed to China its regret over the case and explained that Japanese ministries will respond appropriately, including by taking preventive measures under relevant international and domestic laws, Kihara said.

The suspect forced his way into the embassy hoping to tell the Chinese ambassador to stop Chinas hardline stance on Japan, and said he would kill himself with the knife he was carrying if his demand was rejected, Japanese media quoted police as saying.

Tensions between the two Asian nations have escalated in recent months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November a Chinese military action against Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan requiring the use of force. Beijing has since stepped up diplomatic and trade reprisals against Japan.

Japans NHK public television said the suspect was detained on the spot and handed over to Tokyo police for further investigation and that nobody was injured.

The man allegedly climbed the embassy wall and a knife was left behind, NHK reported.

China is deeply shocked by the incident and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side, expressing strong protest, Lin said. The Japanese side has failed to properly manage and discipline its Self-Defense Forces personnel and has not fulfilled its responsibility to ensure the security of Chinese embassies and consulates and their staff.

Lin demanded Japan immediately investigate the incident thoroughly, punish the individual involved, provide an explanation to China and take preventive measures. MARI YAMAGUCHI, TOKYO, MDT/AP

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Kenyas flower industry has reported weekly losses of up to $1.4 million since the Iran war began, with growers attributing the losses to a decline in demand and shipping disruptions.

The Kenya Flower Council, a private sector organization representing growers and exporters of cut flowers and ornamentals in Kenya, said Tuesday (yesterday, Macau time) the ongoing conflict has resulted in over $4.2 million in losses over the last three weeks.

We are seeing a reduction in movement, delays in movement of produce, and longer routes, while pricing is extremely high. Last week, we were at $5.80 per kilo, which is the highest weve had in the last 10 years, KFC Chief Executive Officer Clement Tulezi told The Associated Press.

Kenyas horticulture sector, one of its most important industries, is worth over $800 million annually, according to the Central Bank of Kenya.

At Isinya Flower Farms, located 56 kilometers (34miles) south of Nairobi, Marketing Manager Anantha Kumar says exports have dropped by more than half.

Previously, we used to export 450,000 stems per day, and currently we are doing about 150,000 to 200,000 stems a day. So we are discarding almost 50%, Kumar told The Associated Press.

Normally, direct flower exports to the Middle East account for about 30% of business at Isinya Flower Farms and up to 15% nationally, with Europe being the largest market, accounting for up to 70%.

However, while the Middle East isnt Kenyas main export market for flowers, cargo freight to Europe been disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East, resulting in reduced exports as well as higher costs.

With the current freight rates, customers are not able to buy. And while the freight rates are high, it is also difficult to get the freight. Only a few freights are operating, as mainly the Middle Eastern carriers have stopped, and the European carriers are charging about $5 per kilo, which is two times the normal rate, Kumar said.

Growers like Isinya Flower Farms now warn that, should the conflict drag on, the sector will continue to deteriorate, with scenarios similar to the COVID-19 period looming. Experts warn this will likely result in job losses in a sector that employs up to half a million Kenyans directly.

The Kenya Flower Council now says it is lobbying the Kenyan government to introduce direct cargo flights to Europe in a bid to maintain the European market and cushion growers. NICHOLAS KOMU, ISINYA, MDT/AP

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A gap between the supply of graduates and the types of jobs available is shaping Macaus labor market, where high-turnover service roles dominate hiring while stable office positions offer fewer opportunities, according to an industry official.

Speaking to the Times on the sidelines of the Macao University of Tourisms (UTM) career expo, Jacinta Ho, managing director of JC (Macau) Human Resources Consulting and chairperson of the Macau Greater Bay Area Human Resource Association, said that there is a structural mismatch between office jobs and service-industry vacancies.

The director noted that most vacancies are in hospitality and customer-service roles, which have high turnover, while administrative, HR, finance, and marketing positions are more stable, with fewer openings and higher competition.

Ho stated, We do not always have enough local people to fill the vacancies. However, the vacancies available  some of them may not be interesting to them. But this is quite normal for someone who has finished a bachelors degree to work in an office and in administration or in clerical, finance, HR, or marketing roles.

Speaking on jobs within administration departments, the HR executive noted that there are few vacancies due to their stability, while turnover is higher in hospitality and customer service sectors. The industries in Macau are more related to hospitality, service-oriented work, and customer-oriented roles. And this usually involves a bigger portion, a larger percentage, among all the employees in a company.

Ho suggested that fresh graduates try different kinds of jobs to start somewhere and build their careers. They may not necessarily be working in offices. There are different types of work. And as time goes by, they will grow and excel within that industry, within that field.

More graduates opting for further study

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of its 2026 Career Day, UTM president Fanny Vong noted a growing trend of graduates choosing to continue their studies, with only about half entering the workforce immediately.

She said this is mainly attributed to two factors, stating, Ive noticed a special trend this time: more and more students are choosing to continue their studies. So at the time of our survey, we saw that about 50% of students had found jobs, but over 30% were continuing their education  meaning they were pursuing further studies.

When asked where students were continuing their education, she said, In recent years, our university has launched many joint talent cultivation programs, including collaborations with universities in Australia, the UK, and elsewhere, through initiatives like 1+1, 2+2, or 3+1 articulation pathways. So this may have provided students with a broader platform, making it easier for them to access relevant information during their undergraduate studies.

She added, It also makes them more aware of intensifying competition, prompting them to seize opportunities to continue their studies after completing their undergraduate degrees.

The president mentioned that the institution found that among students who found jobs whether at the undergraduate or graduate level  about 60% were working in fields related to their studies, such as the catering, tourism, or hospitality industries. Some were also entering other areas, such as education services or business administration.

Vong expressed that she believes local students have a relative competitive advantage, given that they are locally based, have gone through a professional education curriculum, and are very familiar with the local environment and culture.

At the same time, she frequently emphasizes exchanges within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and with the mainland, so students are well-versed in national conditions.

When asked if many students choose to go to the GBA or further into the mainland for their studies, she noted, For now, we see a small number of students interested, but not too many. So I believe that in terms of promotion and raising awareness  I think it is crucial  they first need to understand what job opportunities exist in the GBA.

She continued, What future development prospects there are, how the overall economic and industrial landscape is structured, and how they can align themselves with their own personal development while also connecting with the nations broader development strategy.

Severe competition

A UTM student, Havina Shum, in her fourth year of Tourism Business Management, told the Times that competition right now is severe.

On the other hand, she noted that many graduates are choosing not to pursue further studies and are entering the workforce immediately.

Shum said, I think right now the competition between my peers is really severe because there are more and more graduates who do not want to pursue further studies and they want to just graduate and then step into the workforce. So, thats why the competition is very fierce. And also, after Covid, the structure of the job market has changed.

When asked where she was looking to apply, she said, Im interested in hotels or airports. So, hopefully I can find a job there. But if not, then I will try to find a smaller firm to see if there are any positions Im really passionate about or interested in.

Speaking on rising unemployment levels, the student said it is due to the rise of artificial intelligence and companies cutting costs post-pandemic.

They want to try to make everything automated and they want to digitize everything. So, job vacancies may be lower. And as for graduates, I think mainly its because of pressure. They may want to take a gap year to unwind, to relax a bit before they step into the job market.

UTM 2026 Career Day offered over 1,200 job vacancies

At Macao University of Tourisms (UTM) 2026 Career Day, a total of 64 organizations from various sectors set up booths and provided over 1,200 full-time and internship job vacancies, including positions from the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

UTM president Fanny Vong also announced at the event that two new programs will be offered starting next academic year in August  a Bachelor of Science in Management and Data Science and a Master of Business Administration.

According to Vong, enrollment has already begun and the university has been tracking the situation.

Since its still the end of March, we havent yet seen the full picture locally  theres still news coming out. Were waiting because local students still need to take exams; theyre probably almost done with the local joint admission exams. As for our mainland students, the college entrance exam results havent been released yet, so the process hasnt started. However, we are confident. Based on the current news and the fact that some applications are already being submitted, the situation looks promising.

For the new academic year, Vong said UTM plans to recruit around 1,300 students, an increase from previous years. RD

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The assignment involves no laptop, no chatbot and no technology of any kind. In fact, theres no pen or paper, either. Instead, students in Chris Schaffers biomedical engineering class at Cornell University are required to speak directly to an instructor in what he calls an oral defense.

Its a testing method as old as Socrates and making a comeback in the AI age. A growing number of professors say they are turning to oral exams, and combining old-fashioned and cutting-edge techniques, to address a crisis in higher education.

You wont be able to AI your way through an oral exam, says Schaffer.

Educators are no longer wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework. The question now is how to determine what students are actually learning.

Across universities, instructors are noticing a troubling pattern. Written assignments are coming back flawless. But when students are asked to explain their work, they cant. The long-term impact of AI on critical thinking remains uncertain, but many worry students increasingly see the hard work of thinking as optional.

At the University of Pennsylvania, Emily Hammer pairs oral exams with written papers. It comes across as if were trying to prevent cheating, she says. Thats not why were doing this. Were doing this because students are losing skills, losing cognitive capacity and creativity.

Hammer forbids AI use on writing assignments but acknowledges she cannot fully enforce it. If students have not done their own work, defending it face-to-face will likely be stressful. Her class reflects what others describe as a broader shift toward in-person assessments.

Oral exams are not traditionally part of many undergraduate systems, though they are common in parts of Europe, where close discussion between students and tutors is embedded in academic culture. Interest grew during the pandemic amid concerns about online cheating and has intensified since tools like ChatGPT.

Some educators are also experimenting with using AI itself to test students. At New York University, Panos Ipeirotis developed an AI-powered oral exam in which a voice-based chatbot questions students about their work. He describes it as fighting fire with fire.

The goal is simple: to verify whether students understand what they submit, or whether they have outsourced the thinking. Ipeirotis plans to pair oral exams with written assignments. I dont trust written assignments anymore to be the result of actual thinking, he says.

Student reactions are mixed. Some find the technology awkward, but many acknowledge a broader reality: there is no version of education in which AI exists and is not used, or misused.

Across disciplines, educators worry that students who bypass the mental struggle required for problem-solving will not develop the skills needed for advanced study or work. That concern is driving renewed interest in formats that require explanation, reasoning and presence.

In Schaffers class, students complete written problem sets and then defend them in 20-minute, Socratic-style sessions. He no longer grades the written work, only the oral defenses, incentivizing students to understand what they submit.

Variations are emerging elsewhere: final conversations instead of exams, short mock interviews, or one-on-one discussions. While some argue oral exams can be stressful, instructors say preparation can mitigate those concerns.

In an environment where polished answers are easy to generate, the ability to think aloud, defend ideas and respond under scrutiny is becoming harder to fake. That, increasingly, is the point.

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Macaus Pension Fund reported that net assets available for benefit distribution under the civil servants provident fund system reached MOP45 billion at the end of 2025, an increase of MOP7.43 billion year on year. During the year, civil servants contributed MOP830 million, while the government contributed MOP1.66 billion. Investment returns and rebates totaled MOP5.81 billion. A total of 636 new contributors were registered in 2025, while 597 accounts were closed. The total number of contributors stood at 24,078 by year-end.

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* Memory Lane

 Dementia cases may hit five digits in 10 years as public hospital reports 600 new cases annually

* Employment |Office jobs scarce as service roles dominate hiring market: HR firm

* Gaming | Citi: GGR on track for MOP22 billion in March

* The govt is developing an International Contemporary Art Museum in bid to nurture local artistic talent: IC

* Former Da Heng Qin executive charged with bribery, abuse of power

* Japan expressed regrets to China after a Japanese soldier was arrested over an alleged embassy trespass

DOWNLOAD PDF

Thursday, March 26, 2026  edition no. 4919

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1001735291

As a direct result of Mumbai Mirrors reports exposing multiple irregularities in the mangrove plantation drive, the Mangrove Cell of the Forest Department on Tuesday hastily began replanting saplings in Bhayandar creek  months after the earlier plantation had largely failed.The fresh plantation drive follows this papers expose highlighting the death of thousands of saplings, planted in December as compensatory afforestation for the Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road project, due to alleged negligence and lack of monitoring. The reports not only questioned survival claims but also raised doubts over whether the plantation exercise was merely an eyewash.Acting swiftly after the expose, officials began replanting early Tuesday morning at survey number 342/1. The move is being seen as damage control following revelations that the earlier plantation had failed to take root.On March 23, 2026, Mumbai Mirror reported that satellite imagery spanning 13 years showed the identified site was already a dense mangrove forest, leaving little to no space for fresh plantation  further strengthening allegations that the exercise was misleading on paper.Forest department officials, however, maintained that replantation is a routine pre-monsoon activity. We replant mangroves that have died and add new saplings. There is space for plantation, said an official, adding that approximately 1.37 lakh saplings had been planted.Activists have strongly contested these claims. Authorities repeatedly said 90% of saplings survived. This replantation itself proves otherwise, said environmental activist Dhiraj Parab. We are examining legal options and will approach higher authorities.The controversy stems from the BMCs plan to cut 46,675 mangrove trees across 103 hectares for the coastal road project. As compensation, the civic body claimed to have planted around 1.37 lakh mangroves over 31 hectares in Bhayandars reserved forest area in December.Under a court-monitored plan, the BMC has also committed to compensatory afforestation on equivalent land in Chandrapur district. The plan includes relocation of 36,675 mangroves and permanent removal of 9,000.However, environmentalists allege that the Bhayandar plantation figures were exaggerated from the start. Stalin Dayanand, Director of Van Shakti NGO and petitioner in the PIL against mangrove cutting, said the latest developments have exposed discrepancies in official claims.What they are trying to hide is now out in the open. They told the court the plantation was already done. Now we will ensure every sapling they claim is physically verified, said Dayanand. We are certain the claimed 1.37 lakh plantation never actually existed on the ground.The incident underscores how scrutiny following media reporting forced authorities into action, raising larger questions about accountability in compensatory afforestation projects.
Six years later, the Bombay High Court has finally directed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation with interest, to the family of its deceased employee  Dattatraya Shinde  who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.



A traffic controller with MSRTC, Shinde was among the few who continued working during the peak of the pandemic, ensuring essential transport services were continued when the country was under lockdown. Despite his frontline role, and even being awarded a COVID Yoddha certificate, his family was denied compensation for years  without any reason being communicated.



Treatment cost a fortune



The tragedy began when Shinde, still on duty, suddenly collapsed while heading to work in October 2020  the peak of the pandemic. We spent nearly Rs 9 lakh for his treatment. My mother had to sell her only farming land to arrange that money, said his daughter, Sheetal Shinde, recounting the familys ordeal.



Despite their efforts, Shinde succumbed to the coronavirus, leaving behind his wife and three children. What followed was a period of extreme financial and emotional distress. It was really tough for us to survive for almost a year after my fathers death, Sheetal said. We had no steady income. Slowly, my brother started taking up small jobs, and we somehow managed.



However, the biggest shock came not from the loss  but from the lack of response from the authorities. Despite clear evidence of his service during the pandemic and his official recognition as a COVID warrior, the familys claim for compensation was rejected. My father got a COVID Yoddha certificate, but then the compensation was denied for five years without mentioning any reason, Sheetal said. It was really painful. The authorities blindly rejected the file. We kept running from pillar to post.



HC intervention



After years of unanswered representations and mounting frustration, the family finally approached the Bombay High Court through Advocate Vishwanath S Talkute.



The Bombay High Court, in a judgment delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Madhav J Jamdar and Justice Pravin S Patil, held that Dattatraya Shinde, an employee of the MSRTC, was clearly covered under the COVID compensation policy as he was on active duty and in regular contact with the public, and that denial of compensation on the ground that he was not performing COVID-related duty was unjustified.



The Court further ruled that the cut-off date of September 30, 2020, must be interpreted to include cases where the employee was infected before that date, even if death occurred later, and also noted that the State had extended the benefit period.



Observing that Shinde had worked till just before testing COVID-positive, the Court termed the rejection arbitrary and directed MSRTC to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation with 6 per cent interest from the date of death.



For the Shinde family, the judgment is more than just financial support  it is long-overdue recognition .Thank god we had the option of approaching the High Court, Sheetal said. Otherwise, we would have never got justice.



Even now, the family waits for the final step  the actual disbursement of the amount. My mother is a senior citizen now. We are just hoping they release the payment soon, she added. We want her to live the rest of her life with dignity.




A 55-year-old stroke patient was denied an MRI scan at Dr R N Cooper Hospital and had to be shifted elsewhere late at night, raising concerns over emergency preparedness at a key civic facility.



Sanjay Shinde suffered a minor stroke on March 20 and was taken to Cooper Hospital. Despite showing clear stroke symptoms, his family was informed that the MRI machine was unavailable.



Instead of arranging imaging within the system or facilitating a transfer, hospital staff handed over a case paper referring the patient to Jogeshwari Trauma Care Hospital, leaving the family to manage the situation on their own.



No one guided us. We were just told to go elsewhere, said his son, Ganesh Shinde.



The hospitals case paper notes that Shinde was brought in with symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident, including right-sided weakness, slurred speech and facial deviation, with onset within 56 hours. He is a known diabetic, and his vitals showed elevated blood pressure (160/100 mmHg), pulse rate of 82 bpm, oxygen saturation of 99%, and blood sugar at 56 mg/dL. Despite this, no MRI was conducted at Cooper.



With limited options late at night, the family initially tried to find a private diagnostic centre, but most were closed. They eventually arranged transport and shifted him to HBT Trauma Care Hospital, losing critical time.



My father had a stroke. We rushed to Cooper because its a major hospital. But after reaching there, we were told the MRI wasnt working or was closed. After a basic check-up, they sent us somewhere else, Ganesh said.



In stroke cases, timely imaging is critical to determine treatment and prevent further damage. Delays can significantly affect outcomes.



The incident highlights gaps in contingency planning. Questions remain over why a tertiary hospital could not provide emergency imaging, what backup systems were in place, and why the family was left to arrange the transfer.



Civic hospitals handle a large patient load, but outages in essential services such as MRI scans continue to be reported. The absence of a structured referral mechanism often leaves patients navigating between facilities without support.



Health activists have pointed out that emergency care depends not just on infrastructure but also on systems and accountability.



Officials from the BMC and Cooper Hospital said the patient was not denied treatment but referred due to temporary unavailability of MRI services.



A senior official said patients are routinely referred to nearby civic hospitals in such situations to avoid delays.



Cooper Hospital continues to provide necessary emergency care. When certain diagnostic services are unavailable, patients are referred to the nearest facility within the civic network, the official said.



BMC officials added that such referrals are part of standard load management and maintained that the patient received timely care.




OAKDALE, CA  The City of Oakdale is one of 15 California communities facing a final warning from Governor Gavin Newsoms administration for failing to comply with state housing rules.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the Governors office issued Notices of Violation through the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). State officials say Oakdale and the other named jurisdictions have failed to adopt a certified housing elementa long-term plan that demonstrates how a city will meet the housing needs of residents at all income levels.

Newsom says, Im disappointed on behalf of the state and the people of California that after years of effort, we still have communities that arent meeting the needs of their residents. Theres no carve-out here. No community gets a pass when it comes to addressing homelessness or creating more housing access. Well keep pushing forward by enforcing the law, fighting NIMBY actions, and holding local governments accountable, because every Californian deserves a place to call home.

Under California law, every city must submit a housing plan to the state for review. These plans are intended to address the housing crisis by ensuring enough land is zoned for affordable and market-rate units. According to the Governors office, Oakdale and the others have 30 days to respond to the Notice of Violation. Failure to secure a path toward compliance within 60 days will result in a referral to the California Attorney General for a potential lawsuit.

Oakdale is joined on the violation list by several other Central Valley neighbors, including Patterson, Turlock, Escalon, Atwater, and Merced County.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  After a surprise victory in a Florida special election, Emily Gregory said shes excited to represent all of her constituents  and that includes President Donald Trump.

I would love to have a conversation, the Democrat told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Hes welcome to call me, as I am his new state representative.

The presidents Mar-a-Lago resort is part of Gregorys district, which is anchored by Palm Beach. Although state legislative races rarely get the national spotlight, Democrats across the country were positively euphoric at the irony of their Republican nemesis being represented by one of their own.

Gregorys victory is the latest example of how Democrats have flipped seats in a series of special elections that could be a sign of momentum in a midterm election year that will provide a political verdict on Trumps second term.

Here was a 40-year-old first-time candidate who owns a local fitness company for pregnant and postpartum women defeating a Republican whom Trump had endorsed by saying he was backed by so many of my Palm Beach County friends.

Gregorys win was especially sweet for Florida Democrats, who have been beaten down by years of Republican domination in what was once the consummate battleground state. Democrats are also hopeful that Brian Nathan will win a state senate seat in the Tampa area; the AP has not yet called that race but he currently has a narrow lead that is within the states automatic recount range.

The pendulum swings in both directions, Florida Democratic Chairwoman Nikki Fried told reporters. Last night it swung hard in the state of Florida.

She added, If we can win in Donald Trumps backyard, we can win anywhere.

Florida Republican Chairman Evan Power did not return a message seeking comment. Trump said nothing Wednesday about the race.

Gregory said shes embedded in my community

For Gregory, it has been a stunning introduction to the national spotlight.

I believed in myself the whole time, Gregory said, describing her political naivete about the district and its conservative leanings as an asset. She was elected to finish the term of Mike Caruso, a Republican who resigned to become Palm Beach Countys clerk, and she would need to run again in November if she wants to keep the seat.

Gregory told the AP she did not make her contest about the president specifically, focusing instead on constituents concerns involving the economy and everyday costs  from fast-rising insurance in the hurricane-prone district to groceries and gas.

She described herself as a lifelong proud Florida Democrat but said she did not view herself as a Trump opposition leader. She said she will go to Tallahassee focused on proposals to limit insurance rate hikes, expand health care access, support public education and lift huge, crushing burdens on the average Florida family.

I just see myself as very embedded in my community, very representative of District 87, she said. And Im so humbled and proud to be their representative.

Gregory expects to be sworn in before a special legislative session that begins April 20 to redraw the states congressional map. Its a Republican initiative intended to boost the partys chances to hold onto its thin majority in the U.S. House, and Gregory said she plans to oppose the effort.

She described the session as a complete power grab resulting from the presidents call to gerrymander in favor of Republicans.

Trump endorsed Gregorys opponent, Jon Maples, and cast a mail ballot in the contest. The president reiterated his support for Maples on the eve of the election with a social media post addressed to ALL GREAT PATRIOTS.

Florida Dem chair says party has the right candidates

Fried praised Gregory and Nathan, a 45-year-old veteran and union worker, as quality candidates who could capitalize on the broader political environment.

The type of person and connection on the issues matters, Fried said.

Gregory flipped a seat that her Republican predecessor had won by 19 percentage points. Fried said Trump carried the district by 11 points in 2024.

Republicans still dominate the Florida Legislature, and they have been considered heavy favorites to hold the governors office in November, four years after Gov. Ron DeSantis won a blowout reelection campaign.

But Fried and other Democrats insisted the trends suggest a competitive landscape. She noted that Tuesdays victories followed two congressional special elections in 2025 when Florida Democrats lost but dramatically narrowed the usual margins in heavily Republican districts.

Youve seen tremendous overspending by Republicans, Fried said of the current cycle. Its not working.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly said Wednesday the results demonstrate an upswing for the party as long as candidates address the economy.

Change is here, said Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties. Voters are giving us an opportunity in Florida that they havent given us in years.

A spokesman for Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, whom Trump has endorsed for Florida governor, took at least some notice of the latest results.

We constantly assess how we execute our strategy  thats just good campaigns, said Ryan Smith, Donalds chief campaign strategist. What wont change is our mission: President Trump endorsed Byron Donalds to deliver real results and defend the Florida Dream, and thats what voters can expect to see from us.

Gregory, meanwhile, said shes ready to get to work, including for Trump.

I will work as hard for every single one of 180,000 constituents in District 87, she said, and not elevate anyone over the rest.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.

By BILL BARROW and MIKE SCHNEIDER

Associated Press
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Congress is under pressure to fund the Department of Homeland Security ahead of its upcoming spring recess, as the Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on.

The shutdown has taken a personal toll on TSA workers. Over 480 officers have quit altogether, according to DHS. At some of the busiest and most backed-up U.S. airports, ICE officers are patrolling security lines and checkpoints, ordered by Trump to assist a short-staffed TSA.

The vote to fund DHS remained at a standstill Thursday as senators negotiate behind closed doors and review the latest Republican offer to end the funding impasse with potential immigration enforcement changes. A core group of more than 10 Democrats and Republicans is trying to hammer out details as pressure mounts on Congress to reach a deal.

Heres the latest:

After Trump says he will fund TSA; next steps uncertain for rest of DHS

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Trumps announcement that he will pay TSA agents takes the pressure off negotiations over funding the entire DHS, but it is a short term solution.

Thune and Trump spoke Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether the Senate would stay in session ahead of a two-week recess to figure out how to fund the rest of the department, which has been shut down for weeks as Democrats demand reforms to ICE and other federal agencies that have been part of Trumps immigration enforcement operations.

Thune said he would have more to say about next steps later Thursday evening, but senators want to fund everything.

Were going to try to fund as much of the DHS budget as we possibly can, Thune said.

Senate Republicans praise Trumps move to pay TSA workers as bipartisan negotiations stall

Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said that Trump is doing absolutely the right thing after the president said Thursday evening that he would sign an emergency order to pay Transportation Security Administration agents who have gone unpaid for weeks amid a spending stalemate in Congress.

Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, told reporters in the Capitol that Trump was showing leadership as bipartisan negotiations over Homeland Security Department funding have stalled.

Democrats are demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement before they will vote to fund the department. Negotiations have so far failed to yield an agreement.

Theyre going to repurpose funds, Barrasso said. He knows how to do that.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also praised the president.

Youre saving the country a lot of heartache and danger, Graham posted on X.

Trump says he will sign emergency order to pay TSA agents

Trump said Thursday he would sign an emergency order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.

Trump announced his decision in a social media post saying he wanted to quickly stop the Chaos at the Airports.

It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it! the president posted.

Vote to fund DHS halted as senators retreat behind closed doors for negotiations

Voting has come to a standstill as senators retreat behind closed doors to review the latest Republican offer to end the funding impasse with potential immigration enforcement changes.

The vote to advance an earlier GOP proposal was failing, as the new approach takes shape.

Still working on it, said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., a chief GOP negotiator as she ducked into Senate Majority Leader John Thunes office.

A core group of more than 10 Democrats and Republicans are trying to hammer out details as pressure mounts on Congress to reach a deal.

Is Trump considering declaring a national emergency to pay TSA workers?

Its among a menu of options the White House is considering as Senate talks to end the budget stalemate came to a standstill and airport workers go unpaid.

One Republican, Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, said he was told at lunch that the decision had already been made, but he spoke directly to the White House afterward and understood that was not the case.

The president may well decide that, but I dont know, said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Collins, who is the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee that handles money matters, said there are other options available  including funding elsewhere that can be legally used to pay TSA as well as the Coast Guard.

Undocumented immigrants advised to avoid Florida airport due to ICE presence

A group representing immigrant farmworkers in south Florida is telling undocumented people to avoid Southwest Florida International Airport after federal officers arrived to help with security this week.

If you are undocumented, it is recommended to not go to the airport  inside or outside, Unidos Immokalee told its followers on social media. Immokalee is home to many immigrants who work in the tomato fields and other farming operations in the area thats known as one of Floridas most important agricultural regions.

Victoria Moreland, a spokeswoman for the airport, said ICE agents were deployed this week to the airport, which serves Fort Myers and surrounding areas along Floridas southwest coast. She said questions about their job responsibilities would need to be directed to the federal government.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didnt immediately respond to questions about ICE agents at the Florida airport, among the smallest U.S. airports hosting ICE agents.

Republicans have given Democrats last and final offer on DHS funding, says Sen. Thune

Senate Majority Leader John Thune opened the chamber Thursday by saying that Democrats need to get serious about funding the Department of Homeland Security.

The Dems are now in possession of what I think is our last and final, so lets hope this gets it done, Thune told reporters about where negotiations stood.

Thune would not comment on what was in the proposal, after each side and the White House have sought to find a deal before lawmakers are set to leave next week for recess.

Enough is enough. Republicans have bent over backward to negotiate with Democrats, said Thune.

How many TSA officers have quit during the shutdown?

Almost 500, according to the latest DHS count.

This reckless shutdown has driven nearly 500 TSA officers to quit, while thousands more are forced to call out because they cant afford gas, childcarechild carer rent, DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said.

Nationwide on Wednesday, more than 11% of the TSA employees on the schedule missed work, according to DHS. Thats over 3,120 callouts.

The callout rate was three or four times higher at some airports, DHS said:

About 41% at Atlantas Hartsfield Jackson

39% at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental

36% at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans

Nearly 32% at Houstons secondary airport, William P. Hobby

Roughly 29% at both New Yorks John F. Kennedy and Baltimore-Washington International Airport

Travelers venting frustration over TSA funding impasse

Passengers waiting in Houstons hourslong airport shourslongnes have plenty of time to vent their frustration with the political impasse thats left TSA agents unpaid.

You dont experience this in a lot of other countries, and I just feel like its unacceptable, said Eche Emole, trying to catch a flight Thursday to Cancun, Mexico, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This should not be happening.

Emole said he was still waiting to clear security after three hours in line.

James Person, flying to Knoxville, Tennessee, said the waiting crowds had been friendly. And he praised the airport staff, TSA agents and immigration officers brought in by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help bolster security.

Im just really upset with Congress for not doing their job to fund DHS so we can get rid of this mess, Person said.

Senate scheduled to vote this afternoon on advancing the DHS funding measure

But without a deal between Democrats and Republicans, its unlikely that any legislation on the shutdown will advance. There have been multiple failed votes in the Senate in recent weeks.

Some passengers missing or postponing Houston flights after hours in line

Some travelers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston say theyre missing flights after spending hours in security lines.

Melissa Gates said she wouldnt make her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after waiting more than 2 and a half hours and still not reaching the security checkpoint.

She said no other flights were available until Friday, so she planned to spend the night at the airport.

I should have just driven, right? Gates said of her 260-mile (418-kilometer) trip to Baton Rouge. Five hours would have been hilarious next to this.

Jimmy Hidalgo had better luck. Still waiting to clear security after nearly three hours, he managed to bump his flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to a later departure.

I changed it already for the next flight, Hidalgo said, noting he didnt have to pay extra. But now Ill have to sit in the middle seat.

New DHS secretary Mullin attends his first Cabinet meeting

Trump opened the meeting by noting the presence of Markwayne Mullin, who was sworn in Tuesday as the Department of Homeland Securitys new secretary.

The president also noted that were now on Day 41 of the shutdown of DHS, which has meant TSA agents at airports have been working without pay. That has led passengers to wait for hours to clear security before their flights.

Congratulations, Trump told Mullin. Everyone else laughed. Trump blamed the shutdown on Democrats, who have been pushing for procedural changes for immigration and customs operations. Negotiations continue to break the impasse.

Trump said they need to end the shutdown immediately, or well have to take some very drastic measures. He already has sent some ICE officers to airports as backup for TSA.

Long security lines in Atlanta extend outside airport

Travelers arriving early Thursday to catch flights in Atlanta found long security lines extending outside the main terminal.

Photos and video posted to social media from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport showed lines winding through the baggage claim area, outside the doors and down the sidewalk outside.

The airport wasnt reporting estimated wait times to clear security checks. But its website said travelers should allow themselves four hours to clear security amid the political impasse thats left TSA agents without pay.

Four-hour waits return to Houston after a midweek lull

Passengers are facing more four-hour waits to clear security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston following a brief respite.

The airports website said Thursday morning that travelers should expect to wait two hours, 30 minutes in the security line at one of its open terminals and four hours at the other.

Thats after waits dipped to two hours or less Wednesday, which airport officials attributed to fewer people flying midweek.

Lines and wait times are expected to grow Thursday and Friday because of significantly higher passenger traffic, according to an update on the airports website.

Thats in part because of some major events coming to Houston, including a large global energy conference and two of the NCAA Tournaments Sweet 16 games.

A Houston airport has become a symbol for the shutdowns impacts on air travel

Passengers are facing more four-hour waits to clear security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston following a brief respite.

The airports website said Thursday morning that travelers should expect to wait two hours, 30 minutes in the security line at one of its open terminals and four hours at the other.

Thats after waits dipped to two hours or less Wednesday, which airport officials attributed to fewer people flying midweek.

Lines and wait times are expected to grow Thursday and Friday because of significantly higher passenger traffic, according to an update on the airports website.

Thats in part because of some major events coming to Houston, including a large global energy conference and two of the NCAA Tournaments Sweet 16 games.

A Houston airport has become a symbol for the shutdowns impacts on air travel

While long security lines have hobbled airports across the U.S., the problems at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston have been more pronounced.

Frustrated travelers at the citys largest airport have confronted warnings of four-hour wait times to get through security.

Union and airport officials have offered a variety of reasons why Bush Intercontinental seems to be worse than other airports:

-It has one of the highest callout rates of TSA workers in the country

-It has higher passenger traffic, since the airport is a major hub for United Airlines

-Its a busy tourism month for Houston

What ICE officers are doing at airports

ICE officers who are helping TSA at airports that are struggling with long passenger lines are helping with things like crowd control and verifying passengers identities using TSA equipment, according to a DHS spokeswoman.

After receiving standard TSA training curriculum, ICE officers are guarding entrances and exits, assisting with logistics, doing crowd control, and verifying identification using TSA equipment and standard operating procedures, said Lauren Bis. The more support we have available, the more efficiently TSA can focus on their highly specialized screening roles to efficiently get airport security lines moving faster.

Bis said she could not give details on how many ICE officers had been deployed to assist TSA or which airports they were stationed at due to operational security concerns.

Over 480 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown

McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, told lawmakers that multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates and more than 480 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown.

She cited the growing financial strain on the TSA workforce.

Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet, all while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public, she said.

McNeil also said TSA officers working at the nations airports have experienced a more than 500% increase in the frequency of assaults since the shutdown began.

This is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated, McNeill said.

Trump suggests using the National Guard at airports, raising legal questions

President Donald Trump said on social media Wednesday that he may deploy the National Guard to help at airports plagued by long security lines.

Trump said, I may call up the National Guard for more help after already ordering federal immigration agents to assist with security at airports.

Joseph Nunn, a legal scholar focused on domestic military activities at the Brennan Center for Justice, said Trump could likely make it work by asking governors to send in state troops who havent been federalized. They could perform law enforcement duties such as running X-ray machines and checking identification.

If a governor doesnt do that, it will limit his options, Nunn said.

Troops federalized by the president couldnt perform duties similar to those of security screeners because of the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the militarys role in enforcing domestic laws, Nunn said.

FEMA is also at risk

The Federal Emergency Management Agencys Disaster Relief Fund is rapidly depleting, Victoria Barton, a FEMA external affairs official, told lawmakers.

FEMA is able to continue its disaster response and recovery work as long as that fund has money, and about 10,000 of its disaster workers continue being paid through it.

What Congress is saying about the negotiations

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said that they needed to see real changes. Weve been talking about ICE reforms from day one, he said.

Republican leaders said Democrats are putting the country at risk. They know this is crazy, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

But conservative Republicans also panned the proposal, demanding full funding for immigration operations and skeptical of the promise from GOP leaders that they would address Trumps proof-of-citizenship voting bill in a subsequent legislative package.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said late Wednesday that if Democrats put a more realistic offer on the table, well be back in business.

DHS has gone without routine funding since mid-February

Democrats are insisting on changes to the Trump administrations immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations after the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal officers during protests.

The latest GOP proposal would fund most of DHS except for the enforcement and removal operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that have been central to the debate. The plan would provide money for other aspects of ICE as well as Customs and Border Protection.

While the offer added some new restraints on immigration officers, including the use of body cameras, it excluded other policies that Democrats have demanded, such as requirements that federal agents wear identification and refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places.

TSA boss warns of airport shutdowns

The Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on, the agencys acting head said Wednesday, even as record wait time for travelers did little to end the standoff over the funding fight in Congress.

The TSAs Ha Nguyen McNeill described the mounting hardships facing unpaid airport workers  piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet  and warned that lawmakers must ensure this never happens again.

This is a dire situation, she testified at a House hearing, warning of potential airport closures. At this point, we have to look at all options on the table. And that does require us to, at some point, make very difficult choices as to which airports we might try to keep open and which ones we might have to shut down as our callout rates increase.

By The Associated Press
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  The U.N. General Assemblys resolution on Wednesday declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations is being welcomed across Africa and among slave descendants and advocates of restorative justice.

At the same time, questions swirl over what the resolution means and what reparations could look like.

About 12 million Africans were forcefully taken by European nations from the 16th to the 19th century and enslaved on plantations that built wealth at the price of misery.

Heres what to know about the U.N. resolution:

Ghana pushed for the resolution for moral awareness

Ghana sought the resolution that also urged the prompt and unhindered restitution of cultural items  including artwork, monuments, museum pieces, documents and national archives  to their countries of origin without charge.

Ghana foreign affairs minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the resolution recognizes that even within (its) complexity, there are moments in history that stand apart  To acknowledge this is not to diminish any other history; it is to deepen our collective moral awareness.

Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they are an important reflection of world opinion and are often referenced as the legal framework for causes.

In this case, the decision marks an important step toward truth, justice and healing, the African Union said in a statement.

Some countries opposed or abstained from the resolution

A total of 123 member states voted in favor of the resolution, with three votes against it from Argentina, Israel and the United States. The United Kingdom and all 27 members of the European Union were among the 52 abstentions.

Speaking before the vote, deputy U.S. ambassador Dan Negrea said while the U.S. opposes the past wrongdoing of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and all other forms of slavery, it does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.

France through Sylvain Fournel, legal adviser for its U.N. mission, argued that the resolution seems to establish a hierarchy among crimes against humanity, an outcome that gives rise to serious legal difficulties and runs the risk of creating a competition against historic tragedies.

Africans and slave descendants have praised the resolution

The U.N. resolution is an answer to the prayers of our kidnapped, oppressed and murdered ancestors, said Erieka Bennett, founder of the Diaspora African Forum, a Ghana-based organization that connects people of African descent with their roots.

This vote will energize our collective resolve to continue the fight for the dignity of African people and the liberation of our Motherland from the stranglehold of Western domination, she added.

Nadege Anelka, a travel agent from the French overseas territory of Martinique in the Caribbean, moved to Benin and became a citizen under a 2024 law granting citizenship to those who can trace their lineage to the slave trade.

She described Wednesdays resolution as fantastic news even if it does not mean much for her at this stage. Having returned to Benin, I already feel like I have undergone my journey of reparations, said Anelka, 58.

Gilles Olakounle Yabi, founder of WATHI, the West Africa Citizen Think Tank, said the resolution is symbolic, coming at a time when not many are eager to acknowledge the cost of slavery.

Yabi said the votes against the resolution and abstentions indicate that its still not so clear that people recognize the immensity of the crimes that were committed.

How should reparations be paid?

At a reparations summit in Ghana in 2023, participants from across the world tried to answer that by establishing a Global Reparation Fund to push for financial compensation as reparations.

However, as recently as a few years ago, Americans viewed the prospect of reparations mostly negatively. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021 found that only about three in 10 U.S. adults said descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid in some way, such as being given land or money.

Some activists have said reparations should go beyond direct financial payments to also include developmental aid for countries, the return of colonized resources and the systemic correction of oppressive policies and laws.

Efforts made in the form of reparations must address justice for those communities who have suffered from this abject, inhuman and serious practice, said Elkory Sneiba with SOS Esclaves, an anti-slavery group in Mauritania.

Beverly Ochieng, a Senegal-based analyst at Control Risks Group, said its unlikely Western governments will set aside funds to pay for slavery.

Some will argue that they have tried to develop former colonies and countries they exploited, Ochieng said.

Olivette Otele, distinguished research professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, University of London, once wrote that advocates for reparations hardly ever seek only money. According to her, their work is grounded in an understanding that the social, the political and the economic are bound together and must be addressed together, creating the possibility of a better world.

___

Associated Press writers Mark Banchereau and Monika Pronczuk in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report.

By CHINEDU ASADU

Associated Press
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 26: Tata AIA Life Insurance, a leading private life insurance company in India, today launched three new funds offering investors a unique opportunity to capitalize on India's growth potential and global technological advancements, all while benefiting from life insurance protection through Tata AIA's Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund, Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund, and Tata AIA Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund are strategically designed to help investors capture opportunities from India's innovation-driven sectors and global technological breakthroughs.These funds governed and regulated as per IFSC regulations. Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund- (SFIN: ULIF 099 31/03/26 LMI 110) | Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund- (SFIN: ULIF 100 31/03/26 LMP 110) * TATA AIA Global AI and Technology Leaders Fund- (SFIN: ULIF 504 31/03/26 TGT 110) New Fund Offer (NFO) Details: - NFO Period: 24 March to 31 March 2026 - Units Issued at NAV: 10 for domestic funds, $10 for global fund at midnight on 31 March 2026 Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund: Capitalizing on India's Innovation-Driven Growth India's economy is undergoing significant digital transformation, with innovative companies driving growth across various sectors. The Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund is focused on investing in India's large and mid-cap companies that are leading this transformation, aiming for long-term capital appreciation. This fund is an excellent option for investors looking to tap into India's next phase of economic growth driven by innovation. Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund: Supporting Long-Term Retirement Planning Exclusively available through Tata AIA Life's unit-linked pension solutions, the Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund has been designed for those planning for retirement. It provides exposure to India's innovative companies while enabling policyholders to build long-term wealth through a structured pension plan framework. This fund combines long-term equity growth potential with life insurance cover, ensuring that policyholders can systematically build their retirement corpus while safeguarding their family's financial future. This fund is ideal for individuals looking to build a strong retirement corpus while participating in India's innovation-driven growth story. Key Features - Actively managed equity strategy targeting innovative companies - Equity allocation between 60% and 100% - Up to 40% allocation to debt and money market instruments - Benchmark: NSE 500 Index - Available through Tata AIA's ULIP solutions, combining wealth creation with life insurance protection**Benchmark Fund: NSE 500 Index. Data as of February, 2026.Source: https://www.niftyindices.com/market-data/return-profile - Fund is managed by Nitin Bansal Tata AIA Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund: Seizing Global Opportunities in AI and Semiconductors Alongside India's domestic innovation, Tata AIA offers investors global exposure through the Tata AIA Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund, which focuses on artificial intelligence and semiconductor innovations. The fund tracks an index of global leaders in these sectors, providing diversified exposure to companies driving advancements in AI technology, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and digital platforms. Key Features: - Passive investment strategy tracking global AI and technology leaders - Equity exposure between 70% and 100% - Available through Tata AIA Shubh Global Invest, combining global exposure with life insurance protection - Fund is managed by Rajeev Tewari This fund offers a unique opportunity to diversify portfolios globally while benefiting from the transformative potential of AI and semiconductor technologies. Tata AIA Shubh Global Invest (USD Denominated) - Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN: TALL003V02) Why Now is the Right Time to Invest Both India and the world are experiencing rapid technological advancements. The Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund offers exposure to India's innovation-driven growth, while the Tata AIA Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund allows investors to tap into global technological opportunities. Additionally, the Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund provides a structured way for investors to plan for retirement while capitalizing on India's growing innovation ecosystem. Investing now offers a timely opportunity to benefit from these long-term megatrends, while securing life insurance protection through Tata AIA's ULIP solutions. Both funds are well-positioned to capture significant growth, making this the ideal time to invest. Harshad Patil, Chief Investment Officer, Tata AIA Life Insurance, commented: "Innovation is reshaping economies, both in India and globally. With the launch of the Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund, Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund, and the Tata AIA Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund, we are providing our policyholders with the opportunity to invest in these transformative sectors while continuing to benefit from the protection of life insurance. This is the right moment for investors to capitalize on these opportunities and secure their financial future." For more details, visit www.tataaia.com. Product Availability The Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund will be available across several of the company's unit linked insurance plans, including solutions within Tata AIA Shubh Muhurat ,Tata AIA Shubh Fortune, Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Pro, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life Pro, Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme, Tata AIA Shubh Health Plus ,Tata AIA Premier SIP, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life Advantage+, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life Maxima+, Tata AIA iSIP (Systematic Insurance Plan), Tata AIA Param Raksha Plus 2.0, Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha, Tata AIA Smart SIP, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life Growth+, Tata AIA Param Raksha Life Pro Advance, Tata AIA Health Pro, Tata AIA Pro-Fit, Tata AIA Fortune Pro, Tata AIA Fortune Maxima, Tata AIA Wealth Pro, Tata AIA Wealth Maxima, Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Plus, Tata AIA Smart Fortune Plus.This enables customers across protection, savings and wealth oriented solutions to integrate innovation led equity exposure into their long term financial planning. The Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund will be offered through Tata AIA's unit linked pension solutions, including Tata AIA Smart Pension Secure Plan and Tata AIA Premier Pension Secure, enabling policyholders to build a retirement corpus through market linked investments. Strong Growth in Assets Under Management As of 28 February 2026, Tata AIA Life Insurance's Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at 145,795 crore, reflecting 23% year on year growth. This growth has been supported by strong individual new business premium income and consistent investment performance across its fund portfolio. Risk Note Investors should carefully assess their risk appetite before investing as the fund carries a high-risk profile. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Disclaimers: - The linked insurance product do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. The policy holder will not be able to surrender/withdraw the monies invested in linked insurance products completely or partially till the end of the fifth year. - Tata AIA Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund is a part of a various funds which a policyholder can choose from. For further details on funds, refer the sales brochure. - Tata AIA Premier SIP is a combination of the Tata AIA Smart SIP, a non-participating, unit-linked, individual life insurance savings plan (UIN: 110L174V02), and Tata AIA Health Buddy, Non-participating, Non-Linked, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). Both Tata AIA Smart SIP and Tata AIA Health Buddy are also available for sale individually. - Param Raksha Life Pro + is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, Non-Participating, Non-Linked, Individual Health Product (UIN: 110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Param Raksha Life Pro is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Param Raksha Life Maxima + is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Param Raksha Life Growth + is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Param Raksha Life Advantage + is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Param Raksha Life Pro Advance is designed for combination of benefits of following individual and separate products named (1) Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L179V02) and (2) Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). These products are also available for sale individually without the combination offered/ suggested. - Tata AIA Smart Fortune Plus - Non-Participating, Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN: 110L177V01) - Tata AIA Pro-Fit comprises of Tata AIA Health Pro, A Non-Participating, Unit-linked, Individual Health Insurance Plan (UIN: 110L180V01), Tata AIA Health Secure, A Non- Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Health rider (UIN: 110A050V01) & Tata AIA Health Buddy, - Non-participating, Non-Linked, Individual Health Product (UIN:110N183V01). - The complete name of Tata AIA Wealth Pro is Tata AIA Life Insurance Wealth Pro (UIN: 110L111V05) - Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan - The complete name of Tata AIA Fortune Pro is Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Pro (UIN: 110L112V07) - Non-Participating, Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan. - The complete name of Tata AIA Wealth Maxima is Tata AIA Life Insurance Wealth Maxima - Non-Participating, Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN:110L114V05) - The complete name of Tata AIA Fortune Maxima is Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Maxima - Non-Participating, Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN: 110L113V09) - Tata AIA Smart SIP - Non-Participating, Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN:110L174V02) - Shubh Muhurat Solution is a combination of Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Guarantee Secure (Individual, Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Life Insurance Savings Plan) UIN:110N206V03 and Tata AIA Life Insurance Smart Fortune Plus (Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan)-UIN:110L177V01. Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Guarantee Secure and Tata AIA Life Insurance Smart Fortune Plus are also available for sale individually. - Shubh Fortune Solution is a combination of Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Guarantee Secure (Individual, Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Life Insurance Savings Plan) UIN:110N206V03 and Tata AIA Life Insurance Smart Fortune Plus (Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan)-UIN:110L177V01. Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Guarantee Secure and Tata AIA Life Insurance Smart Fortune Plus are also available for sale individually. - Tata AIA i Systematic Insurance Plan - Non-Participating. Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan (UIN:110L164V10) - Tata AIA Health SIP - A Non-participating, Unit Linked, Individual Health Insurance Plan (UIN:110L184V01) - Tata AIA Shubh Health Plus comprises of Tata AIA Health SIP - A Non-Participating, Unit-linked, Individual Health Insurance Plan (UIN: :110L184V01), Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN: 110N183V01 or any other later version). Tata AIA Health SIP and Tata AIA Health Buddy are also available individually for sale. - Tata AIA Smart Pension Secure (UIN: 110L182V08) - Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Pension Plan - Tata AIA Shubh Global Invest is the Unit linked insurance product with Tata AIA as its prefix - is only the name of the Unit Linked Life Insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Shubh Global Invest is also available through online mode on the Company's website www.international.tataaia.com - Tata AIA Premier Pension Secure is a combination of Tata AIA Smart Pension Secure (UIN: 110L182V08) is a Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Pension Plan and Tata AIA Health Buddy, A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health Product (UIN: 110N183V01. About Tata AIA Life Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life `combines Tata's pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA's presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region. Tata AIA reported a total Premium Income of INR 31,484 crore for FY25, up 23% from FY24. The Company continues to rank among the Top 3 Private Insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) with an IWNBP income of INR 8,511 crore. The Company also achieved industry-leading Persistency performance (based on premiums), ranking #1 in four out of five cohorts. For more information on Tata AIA Life's product portfolio and retirement solutions, please visit www.tataaia.com. About the Tata Group Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024. About AIA AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively "AIA" or the "Group") comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets -wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(3), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(4), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd. The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$305 billion as of 31 December 2024. AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes. AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes "1299" for HKD counter and "81299" for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol "AAGIY". For more information, please contact: - Niladri Bhattacharya - Vice President, Head - Corporate Communications and social media (Niladri.Bhattacharya@tataaia.com) +91 9830230283 - Sailee Nayak - Senior Account Director(Sailee.nayak@adfactorspr.com) +91 9930167115 (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.)
New Delhi [India], March 26: The Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) proudly hosted the India Climate Samman 2026 as part of the 2nd Edition of India Climate Week, recognising outstanding contributions by individuals, institutions, and organisations driving climate action and sustainability across India.

The awards were presented by Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon'ble Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, who also addressed the gathering and underscored India's commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

The awards celebrated excellence in climate leadership, policy innovation, industry transition, and community-driven impact--highlighting the collective effort required to advance India's low-carbon future.

Award Winners | India Climate Samman 2026

Lifetime Achievement in Climate Leadership - Mr. Upendra Tripathy, Former Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, and Founding Director General of the International Solar Alliance - Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, Government of India

Climate Policy Champion - Mr. Anil Jauhri, Chairman, Governing Council, Carbon Registry India - Mr. Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India

Net-Zero Leadership - Adani Group

Women in Climate Leadership - Ms. Chandni Raina, Advisor, Climate Change Finance Unit, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, - Dr. Anita Gupta, Former Head, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technologies (CEST) Department of Science & Technology Government of India - Corporate Category - Dr Tarini Mehta, Founding Executive Partner, Tarini Mehta & Partners.

Climate Youth Icon - Mr. Rohit Chaddha, Director, Greenways Bioenergy

Excellence in Designing Indian Carbon Market - Bureau of Energy Efficiency-

Innovative Climate Action - Indo-Tibetan Border Police - Welspun Enterprises Limited

Biodiversity Preservation Excellence - Loktak Lake Development Authority

Active State in India for Climate Action - Government of NCT of Delhi

Community Climate Action - PM-KUSUM Scheme - PM Surya Ghar Yojana - Brahma Kumaris

Circular Economy Leadership - Meta Materials Circular Markets

Green Infrastructure Leadership - Bangalore International Airport Limited

Climate Finance Excellence - Rural Electrification Corporation Limited

Green Energy Transition Leadership - Association of Power Producers

Climate Champion in Innovation and Technology - Global Business Travel Association

CSR Investment in Sustainability - Bank of Baroda

The India Climate Samman reflects CMAI's commitment to recognising leadership that is not only visionary but also action-oriented--driving tangible progress across sectors including energy, industry, infrastructure, finance, and community development.

By honouring these pioneers, CMAI aims to inspire wider participation, foster collaboration, and accelerate the adoption of scalable climate solutions across India.

As India advances toward its net-zero goals, initiatives like the India Climate Samman play a crucial role in spotlighting best practices and building momentum for a resilient, sustainable future.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
PNN New Delhi [India], March 26: Visual impairment results mainly from refractive errors, which include myopia and hyperopia, and astigmatism. The development of ophthalmic technology has approved lasik surgery as a successful procedure that provides patients with lasting visual enhancement. Advanced refractive treatment has become a major medical practice in India because the country offers modern facilities, skilled doctors, and standardized medical procedures. The selection of appropriate medical facilities ensures that hospitals will deliver safe care, which produces accurate treatment results while achieving optimal results for patients. Understanding LASIK SurgeryLASIK Surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, which is not just called LASIK surgery) is a refractive surgery that uses an excimer laser to reshape your cornea to achieve a better shape (shape as in, focus) for light when it reaches your retina. An excimer laser first creates a thin corneal flap to allow the laser to change the contour of the corneal tissues underneath the flap, where the tissue is changed. The rising popularity of LASIK surgery in India has motivated hospitals to implement new diagnostic technologies and advanced surgical systems, which improve accuracy and decrease patient recovery duration. The process requires only a few minutes to complete for both eyes while the patient receives treatment through topical anesthesia. Types of LASIK ProceduresThe process of determining who can undergo the procedure requires a complete comprehension of both lasik treatment, methods, and their advantages. The treatment has two main forms, which include the following options: - Conventional LASIK: A microkeratome blade is used to create the corneal flap in this procedure.- Bladeless LASIK (Femto LASIK): This procedure uses femtosecond laser technology to create flaps, which improves the safety and precision of the operation.- Contoura Vision LASIK: This topography-guided procedure uses corneal mapping technology to create detailed maps of corneal irregularities.- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): This procedure provides a less invasive treatment option, which does not require flap creation.The surgical procedure, femto LASIK has become the most popular option in India because it provides better results and fewer complications than other methods. Benefits of LASIK SurgeryThe clinical advantages associated with types of LASIK, LASIK benefits, make it a preferred corrective option because it enables patients to achieve two major benefits. The first benefit lets patients experience complete visual independence from spectacles and contact lenses. The second benefit enables patients to recover their sight within a short period after their surgical procedure. The third benefit establishes high success rates, which maintain their effectiveness through extended time periods. The fourth benefit results in patients experiencing only minor discomfort after their surgical procedure. The fifth benefit enables patients to achieve better functional vision, which leads to improved quality of life. The rising availability of affordable LASIK eye surgery in India has resulted in more patients from different groups choosing to undergo the procedure. Is LASIK Surgery Safe in India?When evaluating refractive operations, individuals need to consider safety as an essential aspect of refractive surgery; for instance, is LASIK Secure in India? Yes! LASIK surgery takes place only when providers have complied with strict adherence to the clinical protocols for each procedure, the surgeon has been trained extensively for performing and continuing education for LASIK surgery, and utilizes the latest technology to complete the operation. LASIK surgery is performed at established eye surgery centers throughout India after they have conducted extensive pre-operative evaluations on their candidates using three evaluation tests, including measuring corneal thickness, treating tear film, and producing total refractive maps. Candidates will be provided with specific recommendations determined to be appropriate to proceed with the surgery. The safety profile of LASIK shows high effectiveness when performed at certified medical centers by trained ophthalmologists who follow established systems. Factors Defining the Best LASIK Hospital in IndiaSelecting the best LASIK hospital in India requires careful consideration of several clinical parameters: 1. Advanced Diagnostic TechnologyThe preoperative assessment must deliver precise results because it functions as an essential requirement. Hospitals that possess corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and optical coherence tomography equipment experience enhanced efficiency in their surgical planning process. 2. Experienced Refractive SurgeonsThe surgeon's knowledge serves as the central factor that determines surgical success, and it shows the path to better outcomes. The procedure requires experienced ophthalmologists to handle flap creation and laser operation work because it demands precise execution. 3. Availability of Multiple LASIK TechniquesThe best hospital for LASIK surgery in India provides different surgical options, which include femto LASIK and topography-guided LASIK for their patients to receive customized care. 4. Sterile Surgical EnvironmentThe implementation of strict aseptic practices results in decreased infection risks and reduced chances of surgical complications. 5. Postoperative Care and Follow-UpThe medical team uses complete follow-up procedures to track patient recovery while they address all health problems that arise during the process. LASIK Surgery Cost in IndiaThe LASIK surgery cost in India varies based on several factors, which include the procedure type, technology selection, and hospital facilities. The cost of standard LASIK procedures remains lower than that of advanced techniques, which use femto LASIK and Contoura Vision equipment. The cost of affordable LASIK eye surgery in India remains lower than international pricing despite different pricing options. Hospitals in various locations provide patients with organized assessment procedures, which help identify the most effective and budget-friendly medical solutions. Why India is Preferred for LASIK SurgeryIndia's status as a top destination for LASIK surgery receives support from: - The presence of advanced eye care technology -The expertise and experience of their ophthalmologists - The implementation of clinical guidelines that meet international standards - The provision of affordable medical services that maintain high standards of treatment - The establishment of specialized eye surgery hospitals in India throughout urban and semi-urban areasThe factors lead to ongoing successful medical results, together with satisfied patients. Key Requirements for LASIK Eligibility:Not every person qualifies as a candidate for LASIK surgery treatment. The process of determining eligibility requires an ophthalmic evaluation, which must be conducted completely. The general criteria for assessment include these requirements. - Age above 18 years- Stable refractive error for at least one year- Adequate corneal thickness- Absence of active eye infections or severe dry eye- No underlying corneal disorders such as keratoconusPatients who do not meet these criteria may be advised of alternative refractive procedures. Risks and ConsiderationsThe procedure maintains a high safety record yet requires the identification of specific dangers. The temporary dry eye condition serves as one of the risks that must be acknowledged. The procedure produces glare and halo effects, which become worse at night. The procedure results in vision problems that arise from both undercorrection and overcorrection. The procedure carries rare risks that stem from flap-related complications. The best hospital for LASIK surgery in India, together with proper patient selection and advanced technology, enables the procedure to achieve its lowest risk levels. ConclusionSelecting the best LASIK hospital in India is important as it impacts the safety and effectiveness of the visual correction procedure. A hospital's use of state-of-the-art technology, combined with the expertise of an experienced ophthalmologist, paired with a clinical protocol established for patient care, will provide the optimum outcome for patients who qualify for LASIK surgery in India. ASG Eye Hospital is located throughout India, providing standardized care for Refractive Surgery. Patients may obtain an eye exam and consult on LASIK surgery at any of the ASG Eye Hospitals that you wish to contact; locations include: ASG Hospital Dadar, ASG Hospital Parel, ASG Hospital Jaipur, ASG Hospital Jodhpur, and ASG Hospital Udaipur. By having a timely evaluation completed at a reputable facility, there will be adequate time to develop an appropriate treatment plan and maximize the patient's visual results. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)1. What is the recovery time after LASIK surgery?A. Most patients see vision improvement between 24 and 48 hours after surge but complete vision stabilization takes several weeks to achieve. 2. Who is not suitable for LASIK surgery India?A. People with thin, unstable corneal vision, those who have severe dry eyes, or those who have specific corneal conditions should not receive treatment. 3. How long do the results of femto LASIK surgery India last?A. The results last permanently until age-related vision changes or underlying eye conditions develop. 4. What factors influence the LASIK surgery cost in India?A. The LASIK surgery price depends on the selected LASIK procedure, the operating surgeon, and the available hospital resources. 5. How to choose the best hospital for LASIK surgery in India?A. Selection should assess clinical expertise together with diagnostic technology, safety protocols, and the availability of advanced LASIK techniques. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
PNN New Delhi [India], March 26: When airfares from Bengaluru to Munich went from 55,000 to 3.5 lakh in under 48 hours, a lot of summer travel plans quietly got shelved. What replaced them was a surge in domestic bookings that Thrillophilia, one of India's largest multi-day tour operators, describes as the sharpest demand shift it has recorded, according to the company's latest analysis of domestic summer travel trends in India. In the first half of March, domestic tour searches on the platform rose 61% year-on-year. Confirmed multi-day domestic bookings were up 48%. Enquiries for Kashmir and Ladakh alone were three times higher than the same period in 2025. What Triggered the ChangeCoordinated U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran's military and nuclear installations on February 28 set off the most disruptive week for aviation since the early 2020s. Middle East airspace - a central corridor for flights connecting India to Europe, the Gulf, and North America - was badly affected. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reported 357 flight cancellations from Indian airports to Gulf and European destinations in a single day. Fares followed. Bengaluru to Munich, which had hovered around 55,000 for most of early 2026, crossed 3.5 lakh. Singapore routes doubled. Economy tickets to the US went past 2 lakh. The conflict affected roughly 14% of global transit; rerouted flights added hours and significant cost to long-haul journeys. In the first week of March, premium travel insurance enquiries in India jumped fourfold. For most families with summer travel already on the agenda, the math stopped working. Many simply looked closer to home. Travel Searches Spiked Within 72 HoursIn the 72 hours after February 28, Thrillophilia recorded the following changes in domestic destination searches: - Kashmir: +312% - Ladakh: +278% - North East India: +224% - Goa: +89% Those are numbers usually seen during India's festival season, not mid-March. The planning cycle - typically spread over weeks - had compressed into days. India's Fastest-Rising Summer Destinations in 2026: Where Travellers Are Booking and Why The Thrillophilia report identifies the destinations that are seeing a striking summer interest. The table below shows which destinations are seeing the biggest jumps in search and bookings, which traveller groups are driving demand, and what's making each one work as an alternative to international travel. Kashmir (Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam) 15-Day Search Surge: +312%Key Segment: Families, Couples Why It's Rising: Seen as Europe's alternative; scenic stays and rising traveller confidence. Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong) 15-Day Search Surge: +278% Key Segment: Gen Z, Adventure LoversWhy It's Rising: Rivals Iceland in landscape appeal; significantly cheaper alternative to Europe. North East India (Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal) 15-Day Search Surge: +224% Key Segment: Gen Z, Families Why It's Rising: Fastest-growing domestic region with strong offbeat travel appeal. Sikkim (Gangtok, Lachen, Pelling) 15-Day Search Surge: +189% Key Segment: Couples, Wellness Why It's Rising: Calm and scenic destination seen as a peaceful escape after global travel disruptions. Andaman Islands (Havelock, Neil, Port Blair) 15-Day Search Surge: +171% Key Segment: Families, HoneymoonersWhy It's Rising: Viewed as a substitute for Maldives and Thailand at a fraction of the cost. Goa (North & South) 15-Day Search Surge: +134% Key Segment: All Segments Why It's Rising: Familiar, affordable destination with no international airfare risk. Kerala (Alleppey, Munnar, Wayanad) 15-Day Search Surge: +112% Key Segment: Wellness, Families Why It's Rising: Wellness experiences and backwater retreats make it a strong alternative to Southeast Asia. Himachal Pradesh (Spiti, Kasol, Bir, Tirthan) 15-Day Search Surge: +97% Key Segment: Gen Z, Couples Why It's Rising: Growing road-trip culture and landscapes often compared to Scandinavian terrain. Travellers Are Spending More, Not LessThis shift is not just about cost. Thrillophilia's March data shows travellers are spending more on domestic trips than before, not cutting corners. Average spend on domestic multi-day tours reached 78,000 - up 22% year-on-year. Trip durations extended from an average of 6.2 nights to 8.4. Bookings in higher hotel categories rose 38%. Put simply, people who had budgeted for a week in Europe are now booking boutique camps in Ladakh or private backwater cruises in Kerala. Who Is Travelling Where- Families (35-55 years): Gravitating toward Kashmir, North East India, and the Andaman Islands. Comfort and private itineraries take priority. Domestic bookings now account for more than 85% of confirmed trips in this segment. - Gen Z & Young Professionals: Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and Meghalaya are the clear draws. Adventure-led itineraries dominate; combined Ladakh and Himachal searches are up 312%. - Honeymooners & Couples: Andaman, Kerala, and Meghalaya, all of which offer private stays and quieter surroundings. Andaman searches up 171%. - Luxury & Premium travellers: Luxury Wildlife camps, Rajasthan heritage hotels, and Kerala wellness retreats are absorbing outbound luxury budgets. Average booking value in this segment is up 22%.India Was Already Heading to this TrendWhile the February 28 disruption accelerated the shift, Thrillophilia notes that domestic travel in India was already on the rise: - Kashmir bookings grew 35% in 2025 - North East India bookings increased by 31% - Goa recorded 10 million domestic visitors in 2025-26 - Average trip durations were steadily increasing Improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and a wider range of premium accommodations have made domestic travel more attractive over the past few years. What to Expect for Summer 2026Thrillophilia expects this momentum to continue through the summer: - Projected average booking value: INR 90,000 - Around 60% of undecided travellers have already confirmed plans - Luxury domestic travel is growing three times faster than standard bookingsHowever, rising demand may lead to availability challenges: - Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman are likely to face capacity constraints by mid-April - Spiti Valley is emerging as a high-demand destination with early sellout potential"This is the first time in Thrillophilia's history that summer demand is tracking at levels we normally associate with the October-November peak. The trigger was external, but the underlying appetite for domestic travel at a higher level of quality had been building for a while." - Thrillophilia Internal Demand Analysis Team About ThrillophiliaThrillophilia is one of India's largest multi-day tour platforms, operating over 76,000 trips across domestic and international destinations. Their AI-powered platform works with data from more than 210,000 travellers and publishes regular analysis on leisure tourism trends in India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Fukushima plant discharges over 55,000 tons of nuclear-contaminated wastewater in fiscal 2025

Xinhua) 09:12, March 26, 2026

This photo taken on March 6, 2023 shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Futabacho, Futabagun of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has discharged 55,011 tons of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean in fiscal 2025, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) said in a news release on Tuesday.

According to TEPCO, the plant carried out seven rounds of discharge throughout fiscal 2025, which ran from April 2025 to March 2026. The wastewater dumped into the ocean contained approximately 16 trillion becquerels of radioactive tritium.

The company plans to carry out eight rounds of discharge in fiscal 2026, with a projected total volume of about 62,400 tons.

Despite widespread concerns and opposition from the international community, Japan unilaterally launched the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the plant into the ocean in August 2023. To date, a total of 18 rounds of discharge have been completed, with a cumulative volume of about 141,000 tons released into the sea.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Government of India on Thursday said that fuel supply across the country remains stable and retail fuel outlets are operating normally despite the ongoing developments in West Asia, urging the public not to believe rumours or resort to panic buying. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, "All retail outlets are operating normally across the country," even as there were reports of panic buying in some areas due to rumours. The ministry clarified that the country has adequate fuel supplies. "There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country," the statement said, reiterating its advice to citizens "not to believe rumours." The government also said that all refineries are operating at high capacity to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply. "All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place," the ministry said, adding that domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, the government has taken several steps to maintain supplies of LPG and petroleum products across the country. The statement noted that the supply of LPG has been affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, but domestic deliveries remain normal. "No reported dry-out at LPG distributorships" has been reported so far, and the "delivery of Domestic LPG Cylinders is normal," the ministry said. To support essential sectors, the government has increased the allocation of commercial LPG to states and union territories. "Govt of India... has allowed another 20% allocation of commercial LPG to States, which would take overall allocation to 50%," the statement said, adding that priority sectors include "restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing/dairy, subsidised canteens/outlets run by State Govt or local bodies for food, community kitchens, 5 Kg FTL for migrant labourers." The ministry said that more than 37,000 small LPG cylinders were sold on Wednesday. The government has also allocated additional kerosene to states to ease pressure on LPG demand. "Additional allocation of 48000 KL of Kerosene over and above the regular allocation has been made to all the States/UTs," the ministry said. States and union territories have been urged to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of fuel. The ministry said that state governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act to regulate the supply of petrol, diesel and LPG and take action against violations. To strengthen enforcement, large-scale inspections and raids are being carried out across the country. "More than 2600 raids have been conducted, and more than 450 cylinders have been seized," the ministry said, adding that "more than 680 FIRs have been registered and 195 people have been arrested so far." The government has also asked states to intensify communication with the public. According to the ministry, states have been requested "to institutionalise daily press briefings at State/District level and issue regular public advisories" and to actively monitor misinformation on social media. On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is closely monitoring developments to ensure uninterrupted trade. It added that port operations across the country remain normal. "Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion," the statement said. The ministry also said that Indian seafarers in the region remain safe. "All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours," the statement added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs is continuing efforts to assist Indian nationals in the West Asia region. "Safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority," the statement said. Flight operations from the region are improving, enabling more Indians to return home. "Around 4,50,000 passengers have returned to India since 28 February," the statement said. The government urged citizens to avoid panic buying and conserve energy. "Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of Petrol, Diesel and booking of LPG, and rely only on official sources for correct information," the ministry said. (ANI)
"Reliance Industries Limited categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin," the company clarified in response to the reports.

The company added that the claims circulating in sections of the media were inaccurate and urged news organisations to verify information before publishing such reports.

"These reports are baseless, leading to misleading and incorrect claims. We urge the concerned media outlets to verify facts before publication," the statement said.

Earlier this week, some media reports had claimed that the company had bought around 50 lakh barrels of Iranian crude oil, shortly after the United States eased certain restrictions on Iranian oil shipments.

India's largest refiners, Reliance Industries Limited, sources crude from multiple global suppliers to run its large refining operations.

Reliance Industries operates the world's largest refining complex at Jamnagar and processes a large and flexible mix of crude oil to run its refining capacity of about 1.4 million barrels per day.

The company imports crude from multiple regions to meet its refining needs. Russia has been a major supplier in recent years. The company also sources oil from the Middle East, including countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Apart from these, Reliance has imported crude from producers in the Americas and other regions, including the United States, Brazil and Canada, to maintain a diversified crude basket for its refineries. (ANI)
According to the Department of Commerce, Agrawal met Nikolai Platonov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the WTO, where the two sides discussed bilateral issues and reforms at the multilateral body.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met H.E. Mr. Nikolai Platonov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the WTO, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. Discussions covered bilateral issues and WTO reforms, including the MC14 agenda," the Department of Commerce said in a post on X.

Agrawal also met Cesar Augusto Llona Silva, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru, where the discussions focused on strengthening trade ties and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met Mr. Cesar Augusto Llona Silva, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. Discussions focused on the MC14 agenda, progress in the India-Peru FTA negotiations, and enhancing bilateral trade through cooperation in potential sectors," the department said in the post.

In another meeting, the Commerce Secretary held talks with Dr Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of Mexico, to discuss challenges faced by businesses and ways to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

"Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had a very productive meeting with Dr. Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of Mexico, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by our businesses and explored a forward-looking roadmap for their early resolution," the post said.

The department added that "the interaction reaffirmed our shared intent to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties." (ANI)
Shipping disruptions in West Asia and rising input costs are adding pressure to global fertiliser production and pricing, but India is managing the impact through close government-industry coordination and monitoring by empowered groups, Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of the Fertiliser Association of India, told ANI today. "The ongoing developments in West Asia have introduced significant volatility in global energy and fertiliser markets, given the region's critical role in supplying both natural gas and key crop nutrients," Chaudhari said, adding "Disruptions in shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, and tightening global LNG availability are exerting pressure on input costs and supply chains worldwide." The conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has been ongoing for nearly a month, disrupting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and tightening global supplies of crude oil and other commodities, including fertilisers. This has begun to impact availability at the grassroots level, pushing up prices in recent weeks. He added that, for India, "While these challenges are real, the impact on the fertilizer sector is being carefully managed through close coordination between the industry and the Government," noting that "we are in continuous dialogue with concerned ministries, and the recent constitution of Empowered Groups reflects a proactive and structured approach to monitor disruptions, secure supplies, and address emerging risks in a time-bound manner." India remains the second-largest consumer and third-largest producer of fertilizers globally and the country is particularly exposed to global price movements in natural gas and imported nutrients such as phosphates and potash. Higher LNG prices directly affect urea production costs, while logistical bottlenecks can delay shipments of finished fertilisers and raw materials, adding uncertainty for both producers and farmers during key agricultural cycles. Chaudhari said the industry has taken steps to ensure continuity of supply despite the evolving situation. "On the urea front, production planning and gas allocation are being optimised to ensure uninterrupted output, even as some plants undergo scheduled maintenance," he said. "Simultaneously, for phosphatic fertilisers, diversified sourcing strategies and long-term supply arrangements are helping mitigate regional risks." He emphasised that India's fertiliser ecosystem is now better equipped to handle such disruptions, supported by policy interventions, domestic capacity expansion and stronger collaboration between stakeholders, which together have improved resilience against global shocks. "At this stage, availability remains comfortable, and the focus continues to be on ensuring seamless supply to farmers and safeguarding agricultural productivity and food security," Chaudhari said. Moreover, a recent report released by Crisil Ratings stated that supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the West Asia can potentially impact annual domestic production of both complex fertilisers and urea by 10-15 per cent. Profitability of manufacturers could decline amid lower capacity utilisation due to supply constraints of key raw materials. The report further noted that the increase in prices of raw materials and imported fertilisers is likely to increase the working capital requirement of players and also raise the subsidy bill of the government by Rs 20,000-25,000 crore. (ANI)
The National Housing Bank (NHB), the apex agency established by the Government of India to promote cost effective housing finance system, has launched the Gruh Sugam Portal, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance. The portal enables Defence/Government personnel to avail home loans with ease from the location of their posting, the statement noted. This portal will accelerate digital lending adoption and financial inclusion. It will facilitate increased home ownership through improved access to housing loans, strengthening the mission of promoting affordable and sustainable housing finance. Defence Personnel, Members of Paramilitary Forces, Government Employees (State and Central) can apply for housing loans digitally through their respective administrative units. No need to visit the banks and financial institutions for loan approvals and processing. Another feature of the portal is that it is a 'Unified Digital Marketplace' which enables market transparency and discovery of best suited offer. The portal also provides a seamless digital integration with NHB and lending institutions to ensure ease of operations. The other notable feature of the portal is that it has enhanced loan processing efficiency. The portal also provides 'Grievance Redressal and Consumer Protection'. An online chat facility for quick query resolution is also available at the portal. The portal enables registration by the government entity to access the facilities of the portal. It also facilitates the registration and application by defence/paramilitary/Govt Staff through their respective administrative units. The employees register their request for a housing loan with minimal data, which is then relayed to the registered lending institutions. The lending institutions will provide their best offer, which can be compared and accepted by the loan applicant. This will improve the ease of accessing home loan facilities, especially by the defence/paramilitary forces from remote locations, thereby increasing affordable home ownership in the country. (ANI)
The film will be jointly produced by Agnihotri's banner I Am Buddha Production and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.

The story of the film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book 'Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan.' The makers say the film is based on real events and detailed research done with inputs from different wings of the Indian Armed Forces.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWVbAzADEIb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

On April 22 2025, terrorists attacked tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. The attack was one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is known for making films based on political subjects. His previous films include 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files.'

His recent project 'The Bengal Files' (earlier titled The Delhi Files) explored events linked to Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots. The political drama hit theatres last year on September 5 and explored the 1946 Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots, presenting them as a, in their view, documented genocide. The film starred Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the BJP oppresses tribals and does nothing for the community. Addressing a public gathering in Naxalbari, Darjeeling, CM Mamata said, "We have given forest rights to the tribals. The BJP does drama, oppresses the tribals, see how much oppression has happened to the tribals everywhere, but I built Birsa Munda College, I built the statue of Birsa Munda. I have worked for them." The Chief Minister also spoke on the issue of religious inclusivity, asserting that Lord Ram belongs to everyone and is not the property of any one group. "Lord Ram is not your property. Lord Ram is for all. Ram Navami is for all. The Election Commission must clarify the issue of deleted names from the electoral rolls. People have the right to know the truth. We demand full transparency, and I will continue to fight until justice is served," she said. During her visit to the region, Banerjee was also seen joining local folk dancers during a cultural performance in Naxalbari, Siliguri, reflecting her engagement with the local community and its traditions. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, accusing him of using national platforms to "malign" West Bengal and its elected government. (ANI)
The Railways has tightened its grip on its own company, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), by imposing a fine of Rs 10 lakh following a passenger's complaint. A passenger's complaint regarding the quality of food found on train number 21896 (Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express) on March 15 has been taken seriously, and a penalty of Rs 10 lakh has been imposed on IRCTC. Along with this, a fine of Rs 50 lakh has been imposed on the concerned service provider, and the contract termination has been ordered. An Indian Railways spokesperson stated that passenger safety and quality are our top priorities. Meanwhile, ministry said that Indian Railways serves nearly 58 crore meals annually across its trains, with complaints averaging only about 0.0008%, which includes complaints related to overcharging. Following inquiries into these complaints, fines amounting to Rs 2.6 crore have been imposed over the past three years. During the year 2025, 3 incidents of assault on railway passengers by Pantry Car staff have been reported. Legal action has been taken against the Pantry Car staff by the respective Government Railway Police. Also, Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday announced that in line with Indian Railways' resolve to undertake reforms during 2026, five new reforms have been approved. With the approval of these new reforms, the total number of reforms for the year 2026 has reached nine. Ashwini Vaishnaw said that under the ongoing "Reform Express" initiative, four reforms had already been announced and five new reforms were being introduced. Out of the five new reforms, two are related to cargo, one to construction, and two to passenger convenience. Speaking on reform number five, which focuses on salt transportation, Vaishnaw said India is one of the largest producers and exporters of salt in the world. The three major producing states are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Out of nearly 35 million tonnes of salt produced annually in India, about 9.2 million tonnes per annum are transported by railways, reflecting a significant untapped opportunity. (ANI)
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi reacted to the incident of burning copies of the newspaper Asomiya Pratidin in Sivasagar. Addressing a press conference at Khanapara, Gogoi said, "The Chief Minister has consistently targeted certain news channels and newspapers, trying to portray them as villains in Assam. He has vitiated the entire atmosphere. The responsibility for today's incident of burning newspapers must be borne by Himanta Biswa Sarma himself." Gogoi questioned the Chief Minister repeatedly, naming media owners in public. He said it is the moral duty of the Chief Minister to respond when journalists ask questions, and journalists are only performing their responsibilities. Citizens also have the right to question. However, when uncomfortable questions are asked, the Chief Minister instead starts naming channels and their owners. He alleged that not only the Chief Minister but also the BJP ministers, MLAs, and workers have been targeting the media. Journalists are repeatedly attacked and threatened, and BJP workers have assaulted journalists in various places. He also alleged that police have used tear gas against journalists. Gogoi further said, "The Sivasagar incident of burning newspapers is a planned act. It is a systemic attack, initiated by the Chief Minister. He has not only threatened journalists and media owners but has also encouraged BJP workers to do the same. It is as if the Chief Minister is signalling that journalists can be attacked without consequences." He expressed concern that as long as Himanta Biswa Sarma remains Chief Minister, such actions against sections of the media will continue. He warned media organisations to remain cautious, stating, "Today one newspaper has been burnt; tomorrow another may be targeted. Today, one channel owner is named; tomorrow, another will be. This is shameful and unfortunate." He added that the Chief Minister's reaction to the incident lacked seriousness. "A Chief Minister who has taken oath under the Constitution witnessed an attack on the fourth pillar of democracy during his tenure, yet he made no serious statement and did not outline any action to be taken within 24 hours. His reaction suggests a sense of satisfaction. Therefore, he has become a major obstacle to democratic values in Assam and an enemy of its democratic traditions," Gogoi said. He added that the sooner Himanta Biswa Sarma is removed from the Chief Minister's post, the healthier democratic and constitutional values in society will become. Targeting the BJP, Gogoi alleged that the party has given tickets to individuals linked to cattle syndicates. "Today, the BJP leadership is in the hands of cattle thieves, water thieves, and land grabbers. Dedicated senior leaders are denied tickets, while those involved in syndicates related to coal and stone find space alongside Himanta Biswa Sarma," he said. Referring to the opposition unity rally held in Sarbhog, Gogoi said the meeting was highly successful and added that had the alliance been finalised earlier, such campaigns could have started sooner. He said the Election Commission has provided a limited time for campaigning, and leaders are busy in their respective constituencies. More such joint rallies are planned in the coming days. On the issue of cancellation of the Barpeta candidate's ticket, Gogoi said, "Everyone knows the functioning of the Election Commission. In Guwahati, numerous hoardings of the ruling party are visible, while Congress workers are being harassed in Sonitpur district, especially in Naduar. The Election Commission has announced elections in five states, but in opposition-ruled West Bengal, many senior officials have been transferred. The Central Election Commission must examine whether returning officers are functioning in a partisan manner." (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the state has witnessed a complete turnaround under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that no local "indigenous Indian" will vote for Congress in the single-phase assembly polls scheduled to be held on April 9. Speaking on the current political scenario, Sarma told reporters here, "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People, except Bangladeshi infiltrators, are with the BJP. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress." "Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can't form its government in India; it can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress forms, it will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh," he added. Sarma's remarks come amid growing political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming elections, as the BJP continues to consolidate its position among indigenous communities in Assam. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the NDA, comprising the BJP, AGP and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 seats, with the BJP alone winning 60 seats. The Congress and AIUDF had formed a grand alliance along with the BPF and the communist parties, but the alliance performed poorly with just 16 seats out of 126. Voter turnout was as high as 86.2 per cent with over 2. 2 crore registered voters in 2021. (ANI)
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Spokesperson TKS Elangovan slammed AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, saying Palaniswami was more focused on defending the Central Government than fighting for Tamil Nadu's interests. He criticised Palaniswami's silence when a "Union Minister warned that funds would be withheld if policies weren't followed." On Wednesday, Elangovan told ANI, "For the last five years, people know what Edappadi. Even now, he is not fighting for Tamil Nadu against the Central Government, but only defending it. When a Union Minister warned that funds would be withheld if policies weren't followed, he remained silent. He cannot blame us for anything..." Regarding seat sharing, Elangovan said, "As for DMK, seat sharing is still being finalised, while most major parties have already completed. Congress has 28 seats pending, but we will release our allocations in a day or two, and the manifesto will come before nominations." Elangovan's remarks came after the AIADMK's Palaniswami on Tuesday released the party's election manifesto, promising Rs 2000 monthly to female heads of households. Palaniswami released a manifesto with 297 promises, including a special assistance of Rs. 10,000 per family to combat tax burdens and rising prices of goods. "Under the administratively incompetent Stalin-led DMK regime--characterised by its lack of vision--the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed over the past five years. Consequently, the public has been severely affected. Furthermore, various taxes--including property tax, house tax, electricity tariffs, and water charges--have been hiked. As a result, the daily financial burden on households has increased manifold. Therefore, with the aim of alleviating this burden on the people, a special assistance sum of Rs. 10,000 will be provided to every family," the manifesto read. EPS promised the 'Kula Vilakku Scheme' for women, and the manifesto said, "To foster economic equilibrium within society, a monthly assistance allowance of Rs 2,000 will be provided to all ration cardholders through the 'Kula Vilakku Scheme.' This amount will be deposited directly into the bank account of the female head of the household." AIADMK has also promised that the ration card holders will receive lentils along with rice, and will also receive refrigerators. The party has promised to extend the free bus travel scheme to men, in addition to women. Three free cooking gas cylinders per year for every ration cardholder, the manifesto said. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. Under the NDA seat-sharing agreement, the alliance led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will contest over 170 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been allotted 27 seats, followed by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) with 18 seats, and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) with 11 seats. The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which also includes Congress, DMDK, and the VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with TVK, attempting to turn the upcoming elections into a three-way contest. (ANI)
A one-day international conference titled `Contribution of Nalanda Mahavihara in the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma' was organised jointly by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the Ministry of Culture, and Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in the national capital. The gathering on Tuesday witnessed sangha members, scholars, practitioners, diplomats and members of academia from India and abroad, including Nepal, Bhutan and the United States. According to a press release, the day-long conference was divided into four sets of conversations covering facets of the `Historical evolution, philosophical contribution and institutional framework of Nalanda Mahavihara'; `the life and work of distinguished Acharya (masters)'; `the rise and fall of Nalanda'; and `the global dissemination and contemporary relevance of Nalanda'. The evolution of the Nalanda Mahavihara in Magadh (modern-day Bihar, India) as a school of learning is a lesson in patronage of higher learning by the state. Established during the Gupta dynasty and subsequently sustained by other rulers for almost 800 years, it was the pinnacle of human achievement. Nalanda Mahavihara flourished as the world's first residential monastic university and a major centre of intellectual discourse and intercultural dialogue. Its contribution to higher learning and the spread of Buddha Dhamma marks a remarkable chapter in history. The university attracted students and scholars from across the world, demonstrating the universal appeal of Dhamma. Opening the conference, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General, IBC, mentioned that the core message of the Buddha was an invitation to inquire, to reflect, and to understand, not merely to believe. He said that Nalanda embodied this vision, transforming a spirit of questioning into a flourishing centre of learning; it nurtured a tradition where intellectual rigour met inner exploration, advancing disciplines such as logic, language, medicine, arts, and contemplative sciences in an integrated pursuit of wisdom. In his Keynote Address on the occasion, HE Gyeltrul Jigme Rinpoche, President and Chief, Rigon Thupten Mindrolling Monastery (Padmasambhava Maha Vihara), Odisha, said that Nalanda's today is in ruins, we are not talking in the physical sense, but Nalanda as a thought continues, its philosophy, awareness and the path. In a way, Nalanda has crossed all barriers and boundaries and still remains relevant- a bright light, a burning light as an embodiment of Buddha Dhamma that Nalanda signifies in its philosophy.' On a panel on `Historical evolution, philosophical contribution and Institutional Framework', while talking of prominent Acharyas of Nalanda, the 14th Dhardo Tulku Rinpoche, Drepung Monastery, Darjeeling, mentioned Aryabhatta and his role in formalising mathematical ideas that would shape the course of global science, most notably advancing the use of Zero within a place-value system. He mentioned that in many ways, Aryabhatta's work reflects the spirit of Nalanda: a place where abstract thought met practical application, and where insights like zero quietly transformed the destiny of human knowledge. Speaking on the same theme, HE The 18th Choekyong Palga Rinpoche, Naljorling Monastery, Ladakh mentioned that while we tend to praise and appreciate the role that Nalanda played as a centre for knowledge and academic enlightenment, at the same time we tend to ignore the role played by the patrons or the rulers of the time who took immense interest and pride in creating, facilitating and sustaining such a universal concept. Participating in the conference, Indra Prasad Kafle Associate Professor, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal highlighted the seven kinds of intelligence embodied within the Nalanda tradition and its Mahasiddhas, presenting them as a holistic map of human potential, which includes, linguistic intelligence, mathematics, music, spatial intelligence, visible in the creation of mandalas, deity iconography, and sacred art as visual pedagogies; kinetic intelligence, represented by ritual precision, yogic discipline; interpersonal intelligence, exemplified by Nalanda's community of ten thousand students living in universal brotherhood; and intrapersonal intelligence. Starting the Panel on `Life and Work of Distinguished Acharyas of Nalanda', Moderator Lopen Lungtaen Gyatso, President, College of Language and Cultural Studies, Royal University of Bhutan mentioned that at a time when AI was becoming a central player, it is the human mind that should remain relevant and dominating so that smart use of AI could be made rather than enabling AI to take over human activities in an uncontrolled manner. Sharda Poudel, Associate Professor, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal, addressed the conference on the famous masters of Nalanda, such as Kamalasila, remembered as one of the most distinguished philosophers of the later Nalanda tradition, renowned for his clarity, analytical depth, and meditative insight. As the foremost and direct disciple of Santaraksita, he carried Nalanda's scholastic brilliance into Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, where his presence shaped the very foundations of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Ngodup Dorji, Hereditary Dungzin Rinpoche of Shingkhar Chair, Longchenpa Centre (Bhutan), Former National Nyingma Representative, Commission for Religious Organisations of Bhutan, explained, 'the teachings of truth at Nalanda were characterised by a rigorous and boundary-transcending methodology. The scholars relied on unshakable logic, systematic debate, and fearless critical inquiry to distinguish genuine insight from misconception, ensuring that the Buddha's message could travel from the nearest to the farthest without distortion. He mentioned that the Nalanda lineage reached the Bhutanese highlands through the scholastic and contemplative disciplines of Nalanda's exponents, like Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), ensuring that the spirit of inquiry and the precision of reasoning continued to flourish across the Himalayan world. Among the distinguished international Buddhist scholars and academics participating in the conference were two renowned nuns, Ven Kaveri Gill, Senior Fellow, Centre for Excellence in Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, and Lama Aria Drolma, Buddhist Meditation Teacher, New York, USA. Ven Kaveri Gill said that Buddhist teaching is not only monastic but also includes science and philosophy. So if any tradition is open to being beyond religion and secular, it is Buddhist philosophy, while Lama Drolma shared her reflections on the very name 'Nalanda', describing its etymology, the giver of the lotus (knowledge) or more broadly, "the giver of knowledge", and linking this meaning to the refuge in bodhicitta prayer. She reminded participants that at the heart of the Nalanda legacy lies a single guiding intention: "May we attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings." Guiding the session on the rise and fall of Nalanda, Basanta Kumar Bidari, Archaeological Advisor, Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini, Nepal, reminded participants that Nalanda's ascent was not merely an academic phenomenon but a 'civilisational flowering, where philosophy, monastic discipline, and artistic expression evolved in tandem'. In tracing Nalanda's rise, he highlighted how the university became a magnet for scholars across Asia, fostering an environment where rigorous debate, refined logic, and contemplative practice shaped the intellectual landscape of the Buddhist world. Among the others who spoke at the conference were Bimlendra Kumar, Professor, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Banaras Hindu University; Hira Paul Gangnegi, Former Head, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi; Ven Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday participated in the occasion of completing 9 years of development and sustainable prosperity in Uttar Pradesh, at the program organised in Gorakhpur. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that those parties responsible for the past riots and damaging the state's identity should not be given any opportunity to regain relevance. He further said people should stay cautious, avoid falling into opponents' traps, and maintain the ongoing momentum of heritage and development initiatives led by Narendra Modi across all levels of the state. "Those who had ruined the state, pushed the state into the fire of riots, and made the state dependent on others for its identity, should not get any release from their sins. For this, no such work should be done that could give them an opportunity to make it an issue. We should not become the pawns of our opponents. Let those who want to become the pawns of the opponents be so. All of you must be careful and keep this in mind. The process of heritage and development that Prime Minister Modi has moved forward, we have to keep that atmosphere and momentum at every booth, every ward, every division, every district, and in every region, in the entire state," he said at the event. Targeting the Samajwadi Party, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the "double-engine" government is progressing at high speed, making it impossible for rivals to compete. He criticised opposition politics as divisive, caste-based, and negative, and urged people to remain cautious and alert against such approaches. "When we move with double speed, then the puncture in the bicycle will always remain a puncture, it will be collapsed forever. This double-engine government runs at the speed of a bullet train. So how will the bicycle be able to compete, even a punctured bicycle, how will it be able to compete? Therefore, being careful and alert from the politics of casteism, politics of any kind of anarchy, divisive politics, and negative politics....," he added. Yogi Adityanath further said that the "double-engine government" of the Bharatiya Janata Party has stopped alleged corruption by previous governments of the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party and redirected resources toward development and welfare of the poor without discrimination. He highlighted the establishment of multiple institutions, including an agriculture university in Kushinagar, AIIMS, several medical colleges across districts, an Ayush University in Gorakhpur, Atal Residential School in Lucknow, and a university named after Maharaja Suheldev in Azamgarh, calling it part of ongoing development driven by the government. "The work that Congress, SP, and BSP used to do by looting, the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party stopped that looting and applied it to the development within the state and for the welfare of the poor without discrimination. ....Did anyone think an Agriculture University would be built? Today, an Agriculture University is being built in Kushinagar. Did anyone think about a Medical College?..., AIIMS has also been built. Medical college in Maharajganj, medical college in Kushinagar, medical college in Deoria, medical college in Basti, medical college in Siddharthnagar, medical college in Balrampur, medical college in Bahraich, medical college in Gonda...A medical college has come to every district. Ayush University was built in Gorakhpur. Atal Residential School was built in Lucknow. A university in the name of Maharaja Suheldev was built in Azamgarh. This is part of a continuous process, and when this double-engine government got speed...," said the Chief Minister. Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to hold Assembly elections in 2027. (ANI)
Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), on Wednesday said that his party's manifesto and vision document for the 2026 Assembly elections places strong emphasis on safeguarding Assam's political and economic future. Speaking to ANI, Gogoi stated that the central focus of the party's roadmap is to "protect the political future of Assam," highlighting concerns over the state's current economic challenges and governance model. He pointed out that the common people in Assam are bearing the brunt of economic instability. "We have launched the party manifesto and vision document for the 2026 elections. The main issue here is to protect the political future of Assam. In the current economic situation in Assam, the common people are having to bear the brunt," he said. According to Gogoi, the promise of building a "self-reliant Assam" has not been fulfilled, leading to a situation where the state is operating under a deficit budget and increasingly relying on the Central Government for financial support. "The promise of a self-reliant Assam could not be fulfilled; consequently, we are currently operating under a deficit budget and have become dependent on the Central Government," Gogoi said. Gogoi further revealed that the AJP has prepared a "comprehensive plan" aimed at strengthening local production. "Furthermore, we have formulated a comprehensive plan regarding all the production currently taking place within our state," he added. Earlier, the AJP released its first batch of candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Party chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi will contest from the Khowang constituency. Other key candidates include Mainak Patra from the prominent Dibrugarh seat, Pankaj Lochan Goswami from Palasbari, and Dilip Barua from Bajali. Jiban Chutia has been fielded from Sarupathar, Rejaul Karim Chowdhury from Binnakandi, and Bani Das from Morigaon. Rajen Gohain will contest from Barampur. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced. Congress will fight in the 2026 Assembly elections in an alliance of six Opposition parties in Assam - Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the all-party meeting convened amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, calling it an unusual approach to parliamentary traditions. Speaking to ANI, Raut said all parties except TMC attended and hopes the government addresses everyone's concerns, but questioned if the Opposition's issues are being considered. "Except for the TMC, all parties attended. And I hope the government has answered everyone. It is hoped that all parties will support the government during this time of crisis. But is the government taking into consideration the concerns being raised by the opposition?" Raut asked. He further questioned why PM Modi did not personally attend the meeting, saying, "Why did PM Modi not attend the all-party meeting? Mr Prime Minister, such a major crisis is unfolding in the world and in the country, and if the Prime Minister does not attend an all-party meeting, and you start having the Parliamentary Affairs Minister give the answers, what kind of a new tradition is this?" The comments come against the backdrop of an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, where the government reassured Opposition leaders that India remains on equal footing amid the West Asia crisis. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, EAM Jaishankar, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri briefed participants on energy security, shipping logistics, and the safety of Indian citizens abroad. The Centre emphasised that India is maintaining diplomatic outreach with all parties in the region, keeping supply chains open, and ensuring that evacuation and security measures are in place. Opposition leaders, including Congress's Mukul Wasnik and Tariq Anwar, Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav and Javed Ali, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, DMK's P Wilson, and AAP's Sanjay Singh, attended the meeting. Trinamool Congress leaders, however, did not participate. Separately, on the recent survey claiming PM Modi as the world's most popular leader with a 68% rating, Sanjay Raut expressed scepticism. "Whose survey is this? It must be a BJP survey, probably. What is this... 'Morning Consult'? Who are these people? It is surprising; I don't know where they bring these figures from by performing this 'black magic'," he said. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again emerged as the most popular democratic leader globally, securing the top spot with a commanding approval rating of 68 per cent, according to a recent global survey conducted by US-based data analytics firm Morning Consult. The data, part of the "Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker," underscores PM Modi's sustained "domestic popularity" and "growing international recognition," placing him significantly ahead of his counterparts in other major world economies. (ANI)
Delhi Police on Thursday arrested three accused, including a woman, in connection with a street-level drug racket in Chuna Mandi, Paharganj. A team from PS Paharganj busted a drug peddling racket operating in the Chuna Mandi area and arrested three accused. The police recovered 34.17 grams of smack (heroin) packed in 210 small plastic pouches, along with Rs 6,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug sales. Officials said that on March 23, during routine patrolling, the team received specific information regarding the movement of drug peddlers. A team under the supervision of the SHO and ACP, Paharganj, was formed. The team reached the spot and mounted discreet surveillance. During surveillance, the police intercepted a man and a woman whose conduct raised suspicion. A search was then conducted as per due legal procedure in the presence of women police staff. This led to the recovery of heroin and cash from the woman accused. The contraband was sealed on the spot, and all legal formalities were completed. Sustained interrogation revealed the accused's involvement in street-level drug distribution and connections to a wider network. Based on this information, two more associates, including the woman's husband, were apprehended for their role in the illegal trade. An FIR dated March 23, under Section 21 of the NDPS Act, has been registered at PS Paharganj. Further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network and trace the source of supply. In a separate development, the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) on Tuesday arrested a 26-year-old man and seized a substantial quantity of narcotics in Sultanpuri. The operation led to the recovery of 20 grams of smack and 4 grams of cocaine, both classified under the intermediate category under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), along with a motorcycle used in the crime. The police team operated under the leadership of Inspector Rajpal and the supervision of ACP Virender Singh. The Delhi Police have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against all individuals involved in the illegal drug trade in the national capital. (ANI)
A 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in the Dayalpur area of North East Delhi, allegedly by three minors, Police said on Thursday. As per the police, "Upon reaching the spot at Gali No. 13, Nehru Vihar, an injured boy aged about 16 years was found lying unconscious. He was immediately taken to JPC Hospital, where he was declared dead by the attending doctors. The body of the deceased was subsequently sent to GTB Hospital for post-mortem examination." Three Children in Conflict with Law CCLs (Children in Conflict with Law), aged between 13 and 17 years, were apprehended. The weapon of offence, a knife, was also recovered at their instance. During the examination, the apprehended CCLs disclosed that the deceased had been bullying one of them. Accordingly, a case vide FIR was registered at PS Dayalpur, and an investigation was taken up. During the course of the investigation, the forensic team inspected the scene of the crime and collected evidence. A dedicated team led by Inspector Paramveer Dahiya, Station House Officer Dayalpur, worked on the available clues and established the identity of the deceased. Further investigation into the case is in progress. Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Tuesday, the Special Staff of the Delhi Police's Central District apprehended a wanted criminal sought in connection with murder and robbery cases, following an encounter in the IP Estate area. Several rounds of gunfire were exchanged, resulting in the criminal, identified as Ajay Kaliya, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. The accused fugitive was involved in numerous criminal incidents. Multiple rounds were fired from both sides during the exchange. An Inspector from the Special Staff had a narrow escape, as a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket. The Delhi Police had received intelligence indicating that a fugitive criminal would be visiting the area; acting on this tip-off, the Special Staff set up a trap to apprehend him. Upon spotting the criminal approaching, the police attempted to intercept him; however, the accused--Ajay Kaliya--opened fire on the police party. In retaliatory fire, the police shot the accused in the leg to subdue him. The criminal was subsequently captured while in an injured state. (ANI)
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi on Thursday criticised the Trinamool Congress for skipping an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the party has "no concern for the nation", accusing it of pursuing only political agendas. He stated that the country is in a "state of war" and that both opposition parties and the ruling party should speak with one voice during such critical times. Speaking to ANI, he said, "We are in a state of war... At such a time, the opposition parties and the ruling party of the country should speak with one voice. Significant efforts are being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi; that is precisely why an all-party meeting was convened. Prime Minister Modi apprised both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha of the situation. The TMC has no concern for the nation; their sole agenda is to engage in politics... The TMC ought to have attended (the all-party meeting)..." The comments come against the backdrop of an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, where the government reassured Opposition leaders that India remains on equal footing amid the West Asia crisis. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated later that the opposition parties have assured that they will stand with the government in all the steps it takes to deal with the situation created by energy supply constraints. He said representatives from all parties participated in the meeting except for the Trinamool Congress. "I requested twice, but they said they wouldn't attend because they were travelling elsewhere. Perhaps to West Bengal or somewhere else, but they said they wouldn't attend. However, the entire political spectrum, including all the other major opposition parties and those in favour, participated in the all-party meeting... I believe that after the detailed information and answers to the questions the government provided today at this all-party meeting, I believe the opposition will also stand together in times of crisis... In a way, I also saw a sense of solidarity from all opposition parties," he said. BJP MP Brij Lal also criticised some opposition parties for not attending the meeting in full strength, alleging that certain leaders prefer public narratives over constructive engagement in formal discussions. According to sources, a detailed presentation was given at the all-party meeting by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, followed by remarks from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The sources said the government highlighted that energy security remains stable, with adequate availability of crude oil, LPG and other essential supplies, and that India's strong refining capacity will ensure continued supply, including fertilisers, with shipments already arriving. Four have arrived, and more are expected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also among those present at the meeting. Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and Tariq Anwar, Samajwadi Party leaders Dharmendra Yadav, and Javed Ali, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, LJP's Arun Bharti, DMK leader P Wilson and AAP's Sanjay Singh were among those present. JD(U) was represented by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and the party's working president, Sanjay Jha. No leader from the Trinamool Congress attended the meeting. TMC MP Saugata Roy said the entire fight is ongoing with the BJP. "What meeting will we hold with them?" he asked. The conflict between Israel-US and Iran began on February 28. (ANI)
The incident occured late on Wednesday night.

In a post shared on X, Manipur Police wrote, "On 25 March 2026, at approximately 11:40 PM, suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire in the general area of Phouljang/Gothol, directing their fire towards an Indian Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai."

The statement added that the Indian Army and the 58th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) "responded swiftly by returning fire towards the source, resulting in an exchange that lasted approximately 30 minutes".

Manipur Police further said, "From the early hours of 26 March 2026, a combined operation was launched by the Indian Army, CRPF, Manipur Police and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in the general area where the firing took place and the adjoining hill areas."

The situation continues to be closely monitored, and security forces will maintain operations in the surrounding hill areas, said the police.

Authorities urged caution, saying, "Civilians are requested to refrain from spreading rumours and to verify information before sharing."

Earlier, security forces in Manipur arrested an active cadre of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei-led faction) from Patsoi under Patsoi police station, and dismantled six bunkers illegally constructed in Imphal West district.

According to a press release, during the operation, a mobile phone was seized from the arrested individual. The overall law-and-order situation in the state during the last 24 hours was normal. Security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts.

As per the press note, "In continuation of the operation by security forces, which commenced yesterday, 06 (six) bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on Wednesday, March 25, at Litan and Mongkat Chepu upper village areas."

Following the operation, the majority of bunkers in the violence-affected Litan area have been rendered ineffective. Security forces continue to remain alert, and troops are strategically deployed to prevent the escalation of violence in the area. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Ravula Sridhar Reddy on Thursday said the situation on the ground over-reported fuel shortages remains "very bad", with long queues witnessed at petrol pumps in Hyderabad amid panic among residents. Speaking to ANI, Reddy said that despite multiple official statements, public anxiety persists, and people are seen forming huge lines outside petrol outlets to fill fuel. Reddy urged the Telangana state government to work in close coordination with the central government to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and to boost public confidence over availability. "The situation on the ground is very bad. Even in Hyderabad, you can see huge lines before the petrol pumps to fill the fuel. The panic is gripping despite many statements...The state government should work in coordination with the central government and must ensure that there is no shortage of supplies, and they should instil confidence in the public that the supplies will be there,' he said. Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Telangana, on Tuesday categorically clarified that there is absolutely no shortage of Petrol, Diesel, or domestic LPG anywhere in the state. According to the release issued by PRO, Civil Supplies, Telangana State, the supply chain from oil refineries to local depots is fully operational, and self-sufficient stock is available to meet the regular daily requirements of all citizens across all districts. As per the release, the recent reports of long queues and temporary "No Stock" boards at certain retail petrol outlets are strictly the result of sudden, unwarranted panic buying fueled by false rumours. "When citizens unnecessarily rush to fill their tanks to full capacity, it creates an artificial scarcity, despite adequate fuel being available at the depots," the release said. Furthermore, the release informed that the recent administrative changes regarding advance-payment models by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have caused minor, temporary logistical adjustments for some local dealers. To manage the situation and ensure equitable distribution, the Central and State Governments, in close coordination with OMCs and the Police Department, are actively monitoring fuel outlets. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit West Bengal on March 28 as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's intensified political outreach in the state. During his visit, Shah will address a key press conference and formally launch a chargesheet against the Trinamool Congress (TMC), outlining the party's allegations against the ruling dispensation. According to the Bengal BJP source, "Home Minister Amit Shah will do an important press conference and launch a chargesheet against the TMC government. The chargesheet is expected to comprehensively detail alleged corruption, governance failures, and law-and-order concerns under the TMC government over the past several years. Senior BJP leaders indicate that the document will focus on issues such as alleged irregularities in recruitment, financial mismanagement, and what the party terms as systemic administrative lapses". In addition to the chargesheet, the BJP is set to release a detailed White Paper highlighting what it describes as 15 years of "misgovernance and corruption" under the Trinamool Congress rule. The White Paper is likely to compile data, case studies, and sector-wise assessments to support the party's claims regarding governance deficits in the state. The BJP is also expected to sharpen its political messaging around issues of alleged "mafia rule" in West Bengal. Party leaders have asserted that, if voted to power, they will take strict action to dismantle illegal networks involved in the extraction and trade of natural resources such as coal, sand, and stone, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in resource management. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the party's election manifesto, which is likely to be unveiled in the first week of April. April 5 is tentatively being considered as the date for the manifesto launch. The document is expected to outline the BJP's governance roadmap for West Bengal, focusing on development, infrastructure, employment generation, law and order, and welfare measures. (ANI)
Activist and Sahodari Foundation founder Kalki Subramaniam resigned as the Southern States representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) in protest against the passage of the new bill that redefines the term 'transgender' and omits people's rights to self-perceived gender identity that was existing in the 2019 Act. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced and passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha recently, sparking debates across the country. https://x.com/QueenKalki/status/2036812897167515789 In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kalki stated that she had submitted her resignation, saying, "I have officially resigned as the Southern States Representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP). The Ministry passed the #TransgenderAmendmentBill2026 without consulting the Council." She added, "I cannot hold a seat where our voices are silenced. I stand with my community." On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha MP passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, amending the original 2019 Act, with a voice vote. The Bill was passed amid the Opposition's demand for the Bill to be sent to the Select Committee. The Bill was introduced by the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Virendra Kumar. The Bill alters the definition of transgender person to exclude several individuals. According to the statement of the objects and reasons for the bill, it is the legislative policy to recognise a specific class of transgender persons, who face social issues and to create a regime for their protection. The legislative policy was and is intended to protect only those who face severe social exclusion due to biological reasons for no fault of their own and no choice of their own. The definition of a transgender person as per the Bill reads, "a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development:-- (a) primary sexual characteristics; (b) external genitalia; (c) chromosomal patterns; (d) gonadal development; (e) endogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions." The Bill also includes transgender persons coerced into their gender identity by any sort of force; however, it excludes people's rightsto self-perceived gender identity, as Section 3 of the Amendment Bill omits Section 4(2) of the 2019 Act. The amendments empower the District Magistrate to issue a certificate of identity after taking the assistance of other medical experts, if needed. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday performed Kanya Pujan in Pitampura and distributed bicycles to around 1,000 girl students from nine schools. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that every girl in the national capital can complete her education without any obstacles. Speaking to the media, Delhi CM said, "Every daughter in Delhi can complete her education without any hindrance, complete her schooling, graduate, and become what she wants to be. The government will work to remove all obstacles in her way. Many daughters often faced difficulties travelling from school to home and back. Through this Vidyavahini, I will provide bicycles to every girl in the ninth grade so that she can travel to and from school throughout her ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth school years...This is the form of Durga, this is the form of Saraswati." The CM also praised the girls as forms of Durga and Saraswati, emphasising their potential to bring glory to the city and the country. "They will bring glory to this city and our country in the times to come. On behalf of the government, I salute each of my daughters and bless them profusely. May she move ahead and progress greatly, may she become who she wants to be. The government will provide her with every comfort and facility so that she can complete her education," she said. Further, she slammed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations regarding the construction of a 'Sheesh Mahal' with public funds. "You all were waiting for the 'Sheesh Mahal' for a long time; you all can see it (video posted by Delhi BJP), misdeeds of Kejriwal, with the money of the public, he built this 'Sheesh Mahal' and crossed all limits of corruption," she said. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared a heartfelt message on the occasion of Kanya Pujan, praising daughters as symbols of strength and divine blessings. In a post on X, CM Gupta wrote, "Daughters are symbols of good fortune, embodiments of strength, and the sacred blessings of a mother. On this sacred occasion of Kanya Pujan today, worshipping daughters filled my heart with profound emotion. Durga Ashtami teaches us that every daughter embodies the radiant form of the primordial divine energy. Their affection and honour infuse life with purity and auspiciousness." https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/2037054312145453056?s=20 "This is my prayer to the Mother: May she continue to shower her grace upon all, may the light of happiness and prosperity spread in every home, and may the love of daughters forever illuminate our lives. Millions of salutations at the feet of the Mother," the post read. Kanya Pujan is an important ritual performed during the Navratri festival, especially on the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day. It symbolises respect for feminine power (Shakti) and the belief that young girls embody the form of Goddess Durga. Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that while there are reports of possible peace talks involving the United States, the situation in West Asia remains tense, with Iran's statements not suggesting an imminent resolution to the ongoing conflict. He warned that the conflict could continuously disrupt vital energy supplies, with India importing 60 per cent of its LPG, 90 per cent of which comes from Qatar and the Gulf. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "There might be peace talks involving the US Vice President JD Vance, but I don't know because certainly the language coming out of Iran does not suggest that peace is imminent, and there are apparently 4,500 American Marines on the way to that area. There is a genuine risk that things may get worse before they get better...As a nation, we are very badly affected by a couple of things in particular. LPG, which we import 60 per cent of, and 90 per cent of that 60 per cent comes from Qatar and the Gulf. That is extremely serious. Gas cylinders in your kitchens, in the restaurants, and dhabas are all running short because of the war. The second challenge is going to be diesel and petrol prices, which are so far under some degree of control, but have gone up and could go up much more if the war is prolonged." "The UN Secretary General has also issued an appeal for peace. I've been saying for two or three weeks that I hope we can take a stand on the matter. Yes, we are in favour of peace, but we are clearly not actively involved in promoting peace at the present moment," he said. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions 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. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability. Earlier, a Wall Street Journal report had suggested that US President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks. Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that Trump has privately informed advisors that he thinks the conflict is in its final stages, urging them to stick to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly. (ANI)
West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim on Thursday continued campaigning in the state capital, marking the fifth consecutive day of his public outreach in support of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the upcoming assembly polls. West Bengal Minister and Mayor of Kolkata, Firhad Hakim, while speaking to ANI, said, "I have been campaigning in support of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for five days...The alliance between the Janata Unnayan Party and the AIMIM will not influence the elections...BJP has no vision for development...No one will vote for them..." On the other hand, on Tuesday, BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar Dilip Ghosh launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she is "scared" ahead of the Assembly elections. He said that her support base has weakened, claiming that "fake voters" are no longer backing her and that several of her trusted officials have been removed. Speaking to the reporters in Kharagpur, Ghosh said, "Why is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee so scared? She is scared because all her fake voters have left, and her favourite officers have also been removed. She has become helpless in the election." West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. Earlier, the All India Trinamool Congress had launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of using national platforms to "malign" West Bengal and its elected government. Questioning the Centre's policies, TMC said, "Why would Bengal adopt Ayushman Bharat, with its restrictive eligibility, when the fully state-funded, inclusive Swasthya Sathi scheme already covers 8.51 crore people across 2.45 crore families?" Raising the issue of housing funds, the party stated, "Why has your government withheld 24,275 crore under Awas Yojana, denying a roof to over 12 lakh families? And if our claims are incorrect, why have you failed to release a white paper on fund allocation to Bengal since your 2021 defeat?" The West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Thursday took a dig at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his "Congress can't form its government in India, but Pakistan" remarks, and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should form a government in Israel since it is their "fatherland". "You are a Chief Minister. As a Chief Minister, you must be somewhat educated. You must have some knowledge. In a democracy, the government will obviously be formed within the borders of India. If you insist on Congress forming a government in Pakistan, your government should form in Israel, as it is your fatherland. Your Prime Minister has said so," Tiwari told ANI. "Please remember that you will be answered in your own language. Don't forget your fatherland," he added. His remarks come after the Assam CM said that no local people would vote for Congress and suggested the opposition party could form a government only in Pakistan or Bangladesh and not India. Sarma on Wednesday said that the state has witnessed a complete turnaround under the BJP, asserting that no local "indigenous Indian" will vote for Congress in the single-phase assembly polls scheduled to be held on April 9. "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People, except Bangladeshi infiltrators, are with the BJP. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress," the Assam CM told reporters in Guwahati. "Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can't form its government in India; it can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress forms, it will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh," he added. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the NDA, comprising the BJP, AGP and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 seats, with the BJP alone winning 60 seats. The Congress and AIUDF had formed a grand alliance along with the BPF and the communist parties, but the alliance performed poorly with just 16 seats out of 126. Voter turnout was as high as 86.2 per cent with over 2. 2 crore registered voters in 2021. (ANI)
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday expressed deep condolences over the Markapuram bus accident that claimed 13 lives and left at least 20 people injured. The accident occurred near Rayavaram in Markapuram district in the early hours of Thursday after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry. "The tragic accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, where a tipper collided with a private travels bus, resulting in several passengers being burned alive, has deeply shaken our hearts. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident. I demand that the government immediately provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in this accident and announce adequate financial assistance without delay to the affected families," Reddy posted on X. "I urge this government to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of this horrific accident, take strict action against those responsible, and implement stringent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future," he added. Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar also expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic incident. The minister described the loss of lives, with several bus passengers being burnt alive in the accident, as extremely heartbreaking. Immediately after the incident, he spoke with concerned officials and local MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy over the phone to review the situation and gather complete details about the mishap. He directed the authorities to ensure that the injured are shifted to hospitals promptly and provided with the best possible medical care. Kumar conveyed his profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. He assured that the state government would extend full support to the bereaved families. He also expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 for the injured. Taking it to X, the PMO office tweeted, "The accident that occurred in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh is extremely tragic. In this difficult time, I convey my deepest condolences to the affected people and their families, and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Rs. 2 lakhs to the families of those who died in the accident, and Rs. 50,000 to the injured will be given from the Ex-Gratia PMNRF: Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Earlier today, speaking to officials, Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, enquired about medical assistance being provided to the injured. District police informed him that around 20 injured persons have been shifted to various hospitals for treatment. He directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the accident and submit a detailed report. The incident involved a tragic road accident near slab quarries after a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry, killing thirteen and injuring 20 others. Following the collision, the bus caught fire and was completely gutted. The private bus operated by Harikrishna Travels was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amid reports of LPG shortage due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, alleging that the central government's policies have only burdened citizens, especially PDA - Pichchde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak" (Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities), and forced them into hardship. While addressing a press conference here, the SP chief said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party has given nothing but queues. Whatever their decision is, it puts me, you, and everyone in a line. But this time, the public has also made up its mind that by standing in line, they will work to defeat them. And that is why they are scared of PDA." "Ek Kachori, Ek Samosa ab nahi raha gas per bharosa (One kachori, one samosa, now no more faith in gas cylinders)," he added, labelling LPG as 'Lapata Gas'. He further criticised the ruling party's understanding of social issues, remarking, "Those who do not know the full form of AI, how will they understand PDA? How will they understand the pain and suffering of PDA? How will they understand the humiliation they are being subjected to? How will they understand their troubles? The more the suffering increases, the more PDA will continue to grow." Yadav added that his party is working to unite people under the PDA plank, stating, "Therefore, to bring respect to the people of PDA, we Samajwadi people are moving forward by uniting the people of PDA." Targeting the BJP's campaign strategies, he alleged misuse of resources, saying, "Perhaps, it is the first political party in the world that spends money to negatively tarnish someone's image. The people of the Bharatiya Janata Party are spending billions of rupees to ruin the image. And for people to sing their praises, they are distributing incentives. Once the incentives are gone, the singing will stop (Agar dana khatam to gana khatam)." The SP chief further outlined a series of welfare measures and reiterated the party's stance on women's reservation and caste-based rights. Yadav said, "The decision the Samajwadi Party has taken is for half of the population. Wherever the Samajwadi pension will start, laptops will be given, and at the same time, a scheme will also be launched to give 40,000 as a mark of respect to poor families. The work of starting Samman Samridhi Yojana and Stree Samman Yojana will happen in the Samajwadi government." On the issue of women's reservation, he added, "Our party has also given suggestions. Our party's stand remains the same as what Netaji had suggested--that there should be women's reservation, but backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and tribal communities should also get their rights and respect." Referring to the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said, "We have submitted the suggestions we wanted to give to the Central Government. Now it is up to the Central Government to decide which suggestions they will accept or not. Based on that, the Samajwadi Party will take its decision and move forward after taking the opinions of its people." Reaffirming the party's broader ideological stance, Yadav stated, "Our point is absolutely clear, of the Samajwadis. We do not want to snatch anyone's rights. We do not want to kill anyone's right either. That's why from day one, the line of the Samajwadi Party has been that all castes should be counted and they should get rights and respect according to their population." He further added, "We are happy about the fact that on a large scale, the Samajwadi Party has received congratulations and positive messages." (ANI)
The Petroleum Ministry on Thursday clarified that India's energy supply is fully secure and stable. The Ministry further stated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country. All retail outlets are operating normally, with adequate supplies. Misinformation and panic-driven narratives are completely unfounded. The Ministry said that citizens are advised to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading rumours. Government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy access for every citizen. The Petroleum Ministry on Wednesday said that the Centre is prioritising Piped Natural Gas (PNG), while noting that there is adequate petrol and diesel available and the fuel prices have not changed. Addressing the Inter-Ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that the government is ensuring 100 per cent domestic PNG supply and has issued a notification, streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, and developing the natural gas infrastructure. Addressing concerns over LPG and fuel shortage amid the West Asia conflict, she asked the public not to believe any rumours and avoid panic buying. Sujata Sharma said, "Refineries operating at optimum capacity. We have the capacity to refine 26 crore tonne of crude oil annually. In the last two days, queues have been seen outside retail outlets and petrol pumps, and we observed panic buying. I want to assure the nation that we have adequate petrol and diesel. There is no scarcity in petrol pumps or the terminals supplying petrol to the pumps. Do not trust the rumours and avoid panic buying. Diesel and petrol prices have not been increased." "Domestic PNG connection is the government's priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers," she added. (ANI)
Ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal, on Thursday said that had K Karunakaran, the four-time Congress Chief Minister of Kerala "would have joined the BJP," Padmaja (66), who had contested unsuccessfully on the Congress ticket in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent Assembly elections of 2016 and 2024 from the state's cultural capital, Thrissur, joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in 2024. The BJP had in the 2024 general elections won the Thrissur seat with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi as its candidate. She also attributed her exit from Congress to the interference and lack of support from AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal. In a recent interview with ANI, Padmaja brushed aside criticism, including her brother K Muraleedharan, who accused her of distorting their father's secular values. "People of Thrissur--not just Thrissur, the whole of Kerala knows the reason I went to the BJP. They know everything. Kerala people, you know, they are very educated, they know everything. Congress for the last so many years, they created problems for me. I fought with them, and I told them so many times," she said. Padmaja blamed KC Venugopal for her decision to leave the Congress. While she acknowledged that Sonia Gandhi was "a very nice lady" and had been good to her, she expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current leadership. "After her, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, I can't adjust with them. So, I went from the party," she said. The current Alappuzha MP, Venugopal, who recieved support from K Karunakaran during his rise within the Congress and was once a close associate, Padmaja claimed, played a pivotal role in her exit from the Indian National Congress. "So many problems. I can't say it in one day. His followers are in Thrissur. They are creating problems, and Venugopal will listen to these people only, not me," she added. Rejecting the Congress party's allegation that she had "betrayed" the party, Padmaja argued that she was denied a fair chance to grow politically despite her father's legacy. She also recalled her family's past association with KC Venugopal, noting that her father had played a key role in his rise. "My father gave him chances... KSU State President, Youth Congress... and even a seat," she said Now a BJP National Council member, Padmaja expressed confidence in her political future in Thrissur, citing both her personal connection with the people and the party's growing influence. Referring to actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, whose recent electoral success boosted the BJP in the region, she said, "Mainly my party workers. They are very loyal to me, and they know me. Because I was born and brought up here... So, both...both will be the reason." Ahead of the upcoming April 9 Assembly Elections, Padmaja had on Saturday filed her nomination in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded poet and cultural figure Alankode Leelakrishnan, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Congress leader and former Mayor Rajan Pallan. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is scheduled to end on May 23. (ANI)
The Congress appointed a team of All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers for the upcoming Assam Assembly Elections 2026. In an official press release, the party said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the appointment of six observers with immediate effect. The appointed observers include Ashok Singh, Vinod Verma, Anirudh Singh, Virendra Rathore, Yogesh Dixit, and Aditya Sharma. The move comes as Congress intensifies preparations for the electoral battle in Assam, where it aims to challenge the incumbent BJP-led NDA government. Meanwhile, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi strongly condemned the burning of copies of the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin in Sivasagar, holding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responsible for the incident. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Khanapara, Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister has created a hostile environment for the media in the state. "The responsibility for today's incident must be borne by Himanta Biswa Sarma himself. He has consistently targeted certain media houses, portraying them as villains and vitiating the atmosphere," Gogoi said. He accused the BJP leadership of repeatedly targeting journalists, alleging instances of threats, assaults, and even police action, including the use of tear gas against media personnel. Describing the Sivasagar incident as a "planned and systemic attack," Gogoi claimed that such actions reflect a broader pattern of intimidation against the press. He further criticised the Chief Minister's response, stating that it lacked seriousness and failed to uphold democratic values. "A Chief Minister who has taken oath under the Constitution witnessed an attack on the fourth pillar of democracy but did not outline any action within 24 hours," he said. Gogoi also targeted the BJP over ticket distribution, alleging that individuals linked to illegal syndicates have been given prominence, sidelining senior leaders. Referring to a recent opposition unity rally in Sarbhog, he said the campaign would intensify in the coming days despite the limited time provided by the Election Commission. Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9 for its 126-member Assembly, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
Atleast fourteen people lost their lives in a tragic accident when a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry on Thursday near Rayavaram, in the Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. The accident occurred early in the morning, leaving many passengers injured; some sustained severe burns, and all injured were taken to the hospital. Police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams reached the spot and are investigating the incident. Speaking to ANI, Sub-Inspector Subba Rao says, "... The vehicle caught fire immediately after the accident. Villagers quickly alerted the authorities, and we rushed to the spot. The fire department extinguished the blaze and rescued those trapped inside. Despite their efforts, some passengers suffered severe burns. All the injured were taken to the hospital." A Local says, "... Early this morning, between 5:45 and 6 o'clock, a truck and a travel bus collided. Around 40 passengers were inside when the bus caught fire. Villagers informed the police, and fire trucks arrived quickly. They extinguished the flames and rescued several people. The injured were taken to hospital." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the incident and announced Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia. A post on 'X' from PMO India says, "The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000." (ANI)
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has hit back at Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over their remarks against the party and alleged that Congress is reneging on its claim of fighting communal-authoritarian forces and has become "a feeder organisation for the BJP". The Polit Bureau of the party said in a statement that it strongly disapproves "provocative statements" made by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the secular credentials of the CPI(M). "Such canards are being spread by them to secure cheap electoral gains in the Assembly elections. By targeting the CPI(M) instead of the BJP, the Congress leaders are reneging on their claim of fighting communal-authoritarian forces. The people of Kerala will see through this sinister agenda," CPI(M) said in a statement. The CPI-M said Congress leaders must introspect as to why, in state after state, their leaders have deserted the party and joined the BJP. "It is a well-known fact that the present BJP Chief Minister of Assam held important portfolios in the earlier Congress government. In Tripura, the entire Congress leadership joined the BJP in 2018 in order to defeat the Left Front. Many ministers in the Union government and Members of Parliament belonging to the BJP were earlier prominent leaders in the Congress. The Congress became a feeder organisation for the BJP," the statement said. The CPI-M, which is a constituent of INDIA block along with Congress, said that during the ten years of the current LDF government, there has not been a single communal riot in Kerala, while "the worst communal riot in Marad, in the state took place under the UDF government". "Even in these elections, the Congress is allying with minority fundamentalist forces. The Congress-League-BJP nexus has been exposed in various elections in Kerala, including the recently concluded local body elections," it said. The CPI(M) said it has consistently opposed the misuse of central agencies against opposition leaders, while Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Oppostion in Lok Sabha, is calling for the arrest of an opposition Chief Minister by invoking the ED and other central agencies. "It should not be forgotten that the Congress had similarly called for the arrest of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, a former Chief Minister of Delhi. This exposes their opportunistic stance," the CPI-M said. "The people of Kerala, who have witnessed unprecedented development and communal harmony over the past ten years under LDF rule, will deliver a fitting rebuff to both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA," it added. Rahul Gandhi earlier alleged a partnership between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Launching the United Democratic Alliance's (UDF) campaign for Kerala elections from Kozhikode on Wednesday, Gandhi, who spoke through video conferencing, said there are actually only two sides fighting here in Keralam. "One is the UDF alliance, and the other is the partnership between the BJP and the LDF. The UDF unites people, listens to them, and embraces and empowers them. The LDF and their hidden partner divide people and crush them." He noted that opposition leaders across the country face multiple cases, adding that he himself has around 40 cases and was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for five consecutive days. He asked why similar action was not being taken against the Kerala Chief Minister "despite corruption cases", terming it evidence of a BJP-LDF understanding. Rahul Gandhi alleged that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan did not fulfil the promise of 40 lakh jobs. "Modi ji promised 2 crore jobs at the national level. Keralam Chief Minister promised 40 lakh jobs in the state, and after a decade, you find that they have not given a single job to the people; in fact, they have destroyed jobs. Neither the BJP nor the LDF believe they are answerable to the people. They do not believe that the people of Keralam should be able to ask them questions," he added. In his remarks, Kharge said Keralam is looking forward to change. He attacked the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) over governance, economy, and employment and alleged a tacit understanding between CPI(M) and BJP in the state, describing it as the "CJP" (Communist Janata Party). Kharge said the UDF's mission was to "restore Keralam to its people," adding that the electorate was speaking "in one voice" in favour of political change. Kerala will go to the polls on April 9 and votes will be counted on May 4. Congress-led UDF is seeking to oust rulling LDF from power in the state. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aircraft landed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Thursday after some delay as flight operations at the airport were suspended for approximately 20 minutes due to adverse weather conditions. Mamata Banerjee was returning to the state capital after addressing election rallies in the poll-bound state. "Due to adverse weather conditions, CM Mamata Banerjee's flight has been unable to land at Kolkata Airport. As a precautionary measure, flight operations at the airport have been temporarily suspended for approximately 20 minutes," PRO Kolkata Airport said earlier. In a public meeting at Paschim Bardhaman, Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. "Now they are being told they can't eat meat, can't eat eggs in their state, can't speak Bengali, and even if they speak Bengali, they will be considered Bangladeshi. They will be arrested, beaten, tortured, and their names will be removed. No political party has fought for this, and I alone fought from the streets to the court. To this day, it remains unknown whose name has been removed. If they have the courage, the BJP should release the list," she said. Mamata Banerjee vowed that Birbhum, Bankura, and Bardhaman West will be industrial destinations if she is elected back as the CM. "Birbhum, Bankura, and Bardhaman West will be industrial destinations in the coming days. I also have a village in Birbhum. This is my ancestral land, my motherland... The soil of Birbhum is international soil, where dignitaries like Rabindranath were born," she said. West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases - April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, has announced his party's support for the All India United Democratic Front. Speaking exclusively to ANI over the phone, Owaisi said the decision followed a request from Badruddin Ajmal. He added, "Badruddin Ajmal's son, Abdul Rahman Ajmal (former MLA), met me today at my residence in Delhi. I also spoke with Badruddin Ajmal over the phone." Outlining his campaign plans, Owaisi stated that he will visit Guwahati on April 2 and 3, where he is scheduled to address several public meetings in support of AIUDF candidates. The announcement follows AIMIM's recent political move in West Bengal, where Owaisi extended support to Humayun Kabir and his Aam Janata Unnayan Party, signalling a broader push to strengthen the party's presence across eastern India. Owaisi, extending his support to Humayun Kabir, said, "Our attempt is that a leadership from the Muslim minority emerges and strengthens in this election in West Bengal. We have decided the number of seats we will contest. This alliance is not limited to just this election, but it will be taken forward to achieve our political objective." The AIMIM chief added that there are only two or three assembly seats remaining for final discussion. "There are only two or three seats left for the final discussion, which isn't a major issue. Our primary goal in these elections is to build and strengthen independent political leadership for the Muslim minority in this state," he remarked. AIMIM's growing alliances in Assam and West Bengal could influence electoral dynamics, particularly in constituencies with significant minority voters. Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9 for its 126-member Assembly, whereas West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases - April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)
As per the press release, the accused, identified as Puran Lal Verma alias Naksu (58), was apprehended on March 25 by the Special Staff of East District after sustained surveillance and technical intelligence inputs. Police recovered 443 grams of opium from his possession.

The arrest is linked to an earlier case dated February 22, when one Gyani Ram from Village Mansa Rampur was caught with 1 kg of opium, leading to the registration of an FIR under the NDPS Act. Investigations into that case had pointed towards Verma as a key supplier in the network.

A police team led by Inspector Jitendra Malik and supervised by ACP Pawan Kumar had been tracking the accused for several days. Despite multiple failed raids in Bareilly and Badaun, officials finally managed to nab him after a brief chase near Rajpur Kalan Jungle on the Siroli Road in Aliganj.

According to the press release, Verma, a resident of Kundaria Fazalpur village in Bareilly with education up to Class 5, has a history of involvement in narcotics cases. He has two prior NDPS cases registered against him, including an FIR at Sirauli police station and another FIR at Aliganj police station.

Police said the accused is currently being interrogated to uncover the larger interstate narcotics network operating between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the supply chain and dismantle the network.

Earlier on March 21, Ghaziabad police arrested six individuals and detained nine juveniles for filming railway and security sites and sharing the footage abroad, with interrogation revealing they were guided by a foreign handler to install solar-powered, SIM-based CCTV cameras at strategic locations. (ANI)
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the Shri Ram Navami Mahotsav at Vastrapur Nehru Park in Ahmedabad, where he offered prayers to Lord Shri Ram. According to a press release, he also watched the cultural program held on the occasion and extended Ram Navami greetings to the citizens present. The event was also attended by MLA Amit Thaker, along with office bearers and dignitaries of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, Patel on Wednesday personally heard the representations during the State SWAGAT held for March 2026 and gave instructions to district administrations for the prompt resolution of public grievances, following the approach of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'. According to a press release issued by the Gujarat CMO, under the SWAGAT online grievance programme, more than 100 applicants from across the state presented their representations during the State SWAGAT held in March 2026. Action was also taken on 1,218 representations at the district level and 2,294 representations at the taluka level, the release said. Regarding a complaint of an elderly mother being forced out of her home and facing physical and mental harassment by her son and daughter-in-law, the Chief Minister expressed concern and instructed the District Collector and Superintendent of Police to ensure immediate implementation of the Deputy Collector's order. Prioritising 300 children studying in a 40-year-old primary school at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada University, he directed immediate approval for the construction of a new school building. CM also directed that issues of farmers from different parts of the state be resolved on a priority basis. Upon receiving a complaint about obstruction of water flow in the Khari River at Dahegam due to bushes and wild growth causing soil erosion of farms, the Chief Minister ordered immediate removal of the obstruction. The District Collector assured that the issue would be resolved promptly under the Sujalam Sufalam scheme. In other cases, the Chief Minister directed the local administration to urgently resolve farmers' issues, such as crop damage caused by leaking underground pipelines and removal of encroachments on farm access roads. Under the State SWAGAT programme, the Chief Minister also instructed the administration to resolve citizens' issues in a timely, fair, and transparent manner to strengthen public trust in the government. In this March 2026 State SWAGAT, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Vikrant Pandey, Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar, Officers on Special Duty D. K. Parekh and Rakesh Vyas, along with senior officials, Collectors, SP's, and DDOs were present, the release added. (ANI)
Rural police detained a lecturer at Nelamangala Siddhartha Medical College after he allegedly proposed to a student on campus with flowers and chocolates, causing a stir. The students, enraged by the alleged harassment and misbehaviour, attacked the accused lecturer violently, but he escaped and fled from the scene. A video of the scuffle went viral on social media. The lecturer was later taken into custody and questioned in connection with the case by the Nelamangala rural police. Notably, no official complaint has been filed by the college yet. Separately, earlier this month, a girl from Northeast India, Manipur, was allegedly attacked on Sunday evening near the Saket District Court Complex, New Delhi. A girl, along with her friends, was taking a walk in a park when a group of men made inappropriate remarks towards them. When one of the girls objected to the comments, the situation escalated, and she was reportedly assaulted by the group of men. The injured girl was taken to Safdarjung Hospital for medical examination and treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that she will recover soon and has suffered minor injuries. The police reached out to the victim, and the investigation was started. Earlier, on February 25, the couple accused of racial abuse and criminal intimidation towards three women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi's Malviya Nagar had been sent into a 14-day judicial custody. The Delhi Police said that the alleged accused and her husband have been arrested in connection with the case. The incident occurred on the afternoon of February 20, when three women, residing as tenants in an apartment complex in Malviya Nagar, alleged mental harassment and humiliation, though no physical injuries were reported. An incident of minor grievance turned into a volatile confrontation. According to the police, the investigation was being conducted by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and the probe is being closely supervised by senior officials. (ANI)
Ahead of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, BJP All India Women's Wing President Vanathi Srinivasan launched an intensive election campaign in Kamaraj Nagar constituency in support of Lakshya Democratic Party leader Jose Charles Martin. During this campaign, she went door to door and met the public in person to seek support. In particular, she asked the Lakshya Democratic Party candidate, Jose Charles Martin, to vote for the "watermelon" symbol. In her speech, she emphasised that Jose Charles Martin is "the one who can quickly carry out development work in this constituency, that he has the ability to solve the basic needs and problems of the people, and that there is a need to create alternative politics that prioritise the welfare of the people." Furthermore, she interacted with the public in a friendly atmosphere and carefully listened to the demands of women, youth and the elderly. At many places, women performed aarti and welcomed them and showered them with flowers to express their enthusiastic support. The campaign was attended by a large number of BJP and Lakshya Democratic Party officials, local workers and alliance supporters. Vanathi Srinivasan's direct campaign has increased support for Jose Charles Martin in the Kamaraj Nagar constituency. On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded M. Arulmurugan as its candidate from the Karaikal South constituency for the upcoming Puducherry Legislative Assembly election 2026, the party said on Sunday. A day prior, the BJP released a list of nine candidates for the elections, which it is contesting in alliance with the All India NR Congress. The Central Election Committee of the BJP met on March 18 to decide on candidates in poll-bound states. According to the list, A Namassivayam will contest from Mannadipet, while E Theeppainthan will contest from Oussoudu (SC). PML Kalyanasundaram will contest from Kalapet, VP Ramalingame from Raj Bhavan and A Johnkumar from Mudaliarpet. Embalam R Selvam will contest from Manavely, GNS Rajasekaran from Thirunallar and A Dineshan from Mahe. Earlier on Friday, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parties in Puducherry reached a seat-sharing agreement, with the All India N R Congress (AINRC) set to contest in 16 constituencies and the BJP on 10 seats in the April 9 Assembly elections. According to the BJP, NDA partners AIADMK and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) will contest two seats each. The Union Territory of Puducherry is all set to hold the 2026 Assembly Election on April 9 in a single phase, with counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted confidence in the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming state Legislative Assembly elections. Speaking with ANI, the CM exuded pride in the Vijay Sankalp Yatra launched by the party in the state and reflected on the people's participation in it. He further took a jibe at the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief, Badruddin Ajmal, and said that the BJP has destroyed the "enemies of the state". "Our Vijay Sankalp Yatra took place, and a large number of people came and blessed us. We are confident that this time, the historic result will be in favour of the BJP. Whatever Ajmal (AIUDF chief) says, politically, we have completely destroyed the power of the enemies of Assam. Next time, I will end the remaining as well," he said. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state has witnessed a complete turnaround under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that no local "indigenous Indian" will vote for Congress in the single-phase assembly polls scheduled to be held on April 9. Speaking on the current political scenario, Sarma told reporters here, "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People, except Bangladeshi infiltrators, are with the BJP. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress." "Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can't form its government in India; it can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress forms, it will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh," he added. Sarma's remarks come amid growing political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming elections, as the BJP continues to consolidate its position among indigenous communities in Assam. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. The Assam Chief Minister is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced. (ANI)
Senator Lindsey Graham has voiced strong support for diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump and his team to engage with Iran, while laying down firm conditions that any potential agreement must meet key security objectives related to nuclear weapons, terrorism, and regional stability. In a detailed statement, the lawmaker emphasised that while the method of engagement may vary, the ultimate goal remains ensuring that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States, its allies, or global security. The remarks come amid renewed discussions around possible negotiations with Tehran, a topic that has remained highly sensitive in US foreign policy circles. "Not only do I support @POTUS and his team's efforts to negotiate with Iran to find a solution to the threats this regime presents to the region and the world, I encourage it. It is the outcome I seek, not the method. I have confidence in President Trump's negotiating team to make sure that any deal would meet the military objectives laid out early on. These include: No ballistic missile program to threaten America or our allies. Iran no longer being the largest state sponsor of terrorism, ending its support for terrorist proxies throughout the region and the world. Definitively ending the Iranian regime's ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons once and for all. If diplomacy can achieve these objectives, I would not only support it, but I would also prefer it because war literally is hell." https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2036836493809868997 Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has hit out at political rivals, accusing them of attempting to diminish a "great military achievement" during the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. In a recent update on his Truth Social platform, the President claimed that "Radical Left, country-hating Democrats are trying to create inner chaos to take away from the great military achievement we are having in Iran." However, this narrative of a "decisive" victory is being sharply contested by Tehran.Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, insisting that any cessation of hostilities will only occur on Tehran's "own terms and timeline," a senior political-security official told state broadcaster Press TV on Wednesday. (ANI)
US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said that US President Donald Trump does not bluff, and he would unleash hell, adding that Iran must not miscalculate anything about what Washington wants in West Asia. Leavitt, while briefing the media, said that Trump prefers peace and postponed the strikes after Iran expressed its willingness to speak. "President Trump's preference is always peace. However, following his powerful threat on Saturday evening, it was made clear that Iran wanted to talk. As the President announced on Monday, the US has been engaged over the last three days in productive conversations, leading the President to temporarily instruct the Department of War to postpone planned strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure," she said. "Let me be clear, Iran should not miscalculate again. Their last miscalculation cost them their senior leadership, their navy, their air force, and their air defense system. President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell if they refuse to accept the reality that they have been defeated," she added. Leavitt said that the US has hit over 9,000 enemy targets. "The United States military continues to decimate the Iranian regime's offensive and defensive capabilities. Just over three weeks in, it is abundantly clear that Operation Epic Fury has been a resounding military triumph. More than 9,000 enemy targets have been struck to date," she said. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the US is sending messages through different mediators, which "does not mean negotiations", while another source said Tehran sees a 15-point US plan as "extremely maximalist and unreasonable," Al Jazeera reported. A Department of Defence official told Al Jazeera that the US has ordered the deployment of approximately 2,500 US soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. According to the official, the forces scheduled for deployment include commanders and logistical support elements from the division's 1st Combat Brigade. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed to have stopped eight wars, and said they would repeat the feat in Iran too. Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said that there has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran. "We settled 8 wars. We are winning another one. Nobody has seen anything like what we are doing in the Middle East with Iran. They are negotiating, by the way. They want to make a deal so badly, but they are afraid to say it because they figure they will be killed by their own people. They are also afraid they will be killed by us. There has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran." US President Donald Trump also pointed out the reasons for exiting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a 2015 agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, UK, US + Germany) and the EU, which he ended, citing Iran not honouring the deal. "I said we are going to have to do something about Iran because they are going to have a nuclear weapon very soon, and they are crazy. We have to stop them. And I say, well, we are going to take a big hit. We're going to go through this certain route, and we will get right back here, but we have to go and stop them. Every President should have done it. Obama should have done it. Obama gave them the absolute right title and interest, gave everything to Iran. When Bibi Netanyahu came over and begged him not to do it. He gave Iran the right to have a nuclear weapon at the highest level within a very short period of time. I terminated that agreement as soon as I came to office," Trump said while pointing out that if they had continued JCPOA, then Iran would have had a nuclear weapon by now. Trump also recalled the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, whom he called an "evil man". Soleimani was an Iranian major general and commander of the Quds Force. "We did many things. Taking out Soleimani was very important. He was an evil man. But that was a big event we took out in my first term. We took out Soleimani, and they never had leadership that could compete with that. He was an evil guy, but he was a real leader, and he was a very tough general. Under our leadership, America is also highly respected again. Perhaps we are now respected like never before. I don't think we have ever been as respected now," he said. Soleimani was assassinated in a targeted drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump on 3 January 2020 in Baghdad, Iraq. Meanwhile, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands. He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements. In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks." https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2036863970909581542?s=20 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera. That's in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en route from San Diego. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, US President Donald Trump said that the military action against Iran was necessary to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, highlighting the threat as a "cancer" that had to be "cut out". Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said previous US administrations had avoided taking decisive action for "47 years". "When I went on to do something that for 47 years should have been done by any of the other Presidents, and you heard numerous of them said they wished they did it, but they didn't have the guts to do it. We had no choice, but I thought it would be much worse," he said. He added, " In the short term, what we had to do was get rid of the cancer. We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon. We have cut it out. Now we are going to finish it off." Trump also claimed that a large-scale Iranian missile attack had been intercepted by US defence systems. "You know we had an attack, 100 missiles were shot by Iran at a very important thing that we had. I won't tell you what it was for certain reasons," he said. "100 missiles going 2,000 miles an hour were coming at this element of importance, tremendous power and importance. And of the 100 missiles coming at us, 100 missiles were immediately shot down, shot out of the air, and fell into the sea. Not one missile got through," Trump said. He credited the interception to the Patriot missile defence system. "That was the Patriot system, it's great. We have the best equipment in the world, we have the best military, the most powerful, most lethal military," he said. Meanwhile, according to the latest updates by Press TV, quoting a New York Times report, multiple Iranian strikes on US bases were mentioned. According to the report, "US bases in Kuwait--located near Iran--appear to have taken the heaviest hit," while it also reported the death of six US soldiers in an attack on the Shuaiba area, claiming that the Army's tactical operations centre was destroyed. Press TV, quoting the report, said, " In an attack on the port of Shuaiba, the Army's tactical operations center was destroyed, killing six US soldiers." Press TV also quoted, "Iranian drones and missiles also struck Ali Al Salem Air Base, damaging aircraft hangars". Press TV also said, while quoting the report, "At Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Iranian missiles and drones damaged communications equipment and several refueling aircraft." Trump also referred to an operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, claiming US forces apprehended him earlier this year. "Earlier this year, in a stunning display of American military strength and skill, we apprehended an outlaw from Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and brought him to face American justice," Trump said. "He's been killing people for a long period of time with drugs and everything else... We went in, and we got him out of his house. His house was located in a military base with thousands of soldiers, and we went in so violently that everybody said, we will pass. Then they came back and waved goodbye as he flew out in a helicopter," he added. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place." "There are no negotiations underway," he reiterated as quoted by Press TV elsewhere in his remarks, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances. (ANI)
Iran''s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory. "Don''t send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," the statement warned. In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities. "The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read. According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US. The IRGC further sid that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4. IRGC Public Relations Department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv. The IRGC concluded with a warning, "Remember, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, this is what our martyred Leader taught us." The IRGC says over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Israeli targets since the war began, while Iran''s air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets. Meanwhile, Iran''s Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place." "There are no negotiations underway," he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances. The foreign minister said that although regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, Tehran''s stance has remained "principled and firm". "Many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran''s position has remained ''principled and firm''," he said. Araghchi also dismissed the reliability of "international guarantees" in efforts aimed at ending the conflict. (ANI)
Yemen's Ansarullah "popular resistance movement", Houthi movement, is reportedly ready to enter the battlefield in support of Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict against the ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran, according to a news report of Tasnim News agency. Citing an informed source, the agency reported that the movement has been on high alert since the start of the conflict. "As they have stated since the first day" of the aggression on February 28, Ansarullah "is on full alert and ready to enter the battlefield," the source was quoted as saying. According to Tasnim, the group could play a role by exerting control over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a form of pressure against the parties (US and Israel) involved in the conflict. According to the source quoted by Tasnim, it added that controlling the strait becomes necessary to further "discipline" the enemy, not only does Iran have the capability to generate a "credible threat" in the waterway, but the "heroic forces" of Ansarullah also are "fully prepared to play a skilful role." According to the source of the Tasnim news report, Ansarullah has shown in the past that closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and asserting the will of the resistance in the Red Sea is an achievable task. According to Tasnim News Agency, the group has earlier deployed its military capabilities to pressure hostile parties in the region. Following the October 7, 2023, escalation and Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Ansarullah launched measures, including a naval blockade targeting Israeli-linked shipping either heading toward or departing from the occupied territories. The blockade reportedly imposed high costs on Israel's economy, forcing ships to reroute around southern Africa to reach their destinations. Besides the naval blockade, the group has also carried out aerial operations targeting Israeli sites and launched repeated attacks against US naval vessels operating near Yemen's coastline, Tasnim added. Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of "resistance" in response to "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, "At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place." "There are no negotiations underway," he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.(ANI)
At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Virendra Singh Chouhan, President of the Sambhali Trust, in his oral statement, drew attention to the global challenges of racism, discrimination, and intolerance while highlighting India's proactive approach toward inclusivity. Speaking at the international forum, Chouhan highlighted that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain significant challenges worldwide. He stated that these issues not only undermine human dignity but also disrupt social harmony, creating barriers to equal opportunities in education, employment, and access to justice. According to him, such systemic inequalities continue to deepen divisions within societies and hinder inclusive development. Focusing on India's framework, Chouhan pointed to the country's constitutional safeguards that promote equality and protect citizens against discrimination. He referred to key provisions such as Articles 14, 15, and 21, noting that they form the backbone of India's commitment to justice, liberty, and equal rights. He added that India has consistently taken steps to strengthen inclusivity by improving access to education and expanding economic opportunities for diverse communities. Drawing from grassroots experience, Chouhan shared insights into the work of Sambhali Trust, particularly in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The organisation has been actively engaged in empowering women and girls, especially those from marginalised backgrounds and cross-border migrant communities. He emphasised that initiatives at the community level play a crucial role in addressing discrimination and fostering social inclusion. Chouhan's intervention at the UNHRC session highlighted the importance of global cooperation in tackling discrimination in all its forms. He called for sustained international efforts to promote tolerance, equality, and human rights, urging stakeholders to work together to build more inclusive societies. The address highlighted that local initiatives, when aligned with constitutional values and global human rights frameworks, can meaningfully address complex social challenges at both national and international levels. (ANI)
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi interacted with the UK's Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, Harv Smyth, to discuss ways to advance defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom, the Indian Navy said. In a post on X, the Navy's official spokesperson said the interaction took place on Wednesday and focused on strengthening collaboration across maritime and aerospace domains. The post said, " Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, @RoyalAirForce, on #25Mar 26. The discussions focused on advancing India-UK defence cooperation, with emphasis on enhancing jointness, strengthening #interoperability, and addressing evolving maritime and aerospace security challenges." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/2036798121863422280 Both sides exchanged views on expanding operational cooperation and improving defence engagement between the two countries, underscoring "the importance of integrated approaches in ensuring stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond." "Both leaders exchanged perspectives on operational cooperation, training exchanges, and capacity building, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches in ensuring stability across the #IndoPacific and beyond," the Navy said. The interaction also reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen strategic ties and expand defence partnerships. "The interaction reaffirmed both nations' commitment to deepen strategic ties and foster enduring defence partnerships," the post added. Earlier, on Tuesday, Smyth visited the Indian Air Force (IAF) base at Air Force Station Gwalior to gain "first-hand insight" into fighter base operations and strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, Smyth interacted with IAF personnel and observed operational aspects of the strategic fighter base. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command. On the same day, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), held a high-level interaction with Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Royal Air Force, reaffirming the growing strength of the India-United Kingdom defence partnership. The discussion highlighted the continuing exchange of instructors as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation and emphasised significant progress in enhancing defence intelligence collaboration. The CDS also commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated, and future-ready defence engagement. The UK's Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Harvey Smyth, began his three-day visit to India on Monday. According to the British High Commission in India, the visit highlighted the deepening defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the air domain, through expanded training, operational exchanges, and strategic engagement. The CAS began his visit by paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in the national capital and reviewing a Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Air Force. He also held talks with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, focusing on evolving security threats and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two air forces further. The discussions come as India and the UK continue to expand collaboration through joint training programmes and educational exchanges. (ANI)
In a defiant televised address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the Lebanese movement has opted for the "path of confrontation over surrender." He asserted that its forces are prepared to combat the "US-Israeli project" with a willingness to sacrifice "without limits." According to a report by Iran''s state-owned Press TV, the Hezbollah chief framed the current escalation as an existential struggle for Lebanon''s territorial integrity and future. During the statement released on Wednesday, Qassem argued that the nation is currently at a critical crossroads. He suggested that Lebanon faces two stark realities: "either surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the future of our generations, or engage in inevitable confrontation and resist the occupation to prevent it from achieving its goals." He maintained that the resistance''s proactive stance "denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise" and effectively "nullified all pretexts" for further incursions. The Secretary-General went on to laud the perseverance of his fighters, claiming they "have written the most magnificent epics of heroism, honor, patriotism, and dignity." As reported by Press TV, Qassem described these combatants as being "ready to sacrifice endlessly," serving as a "shining symbol of nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation." He also extended this praise to Lebanese civilians who have faced displacement, noting they have "endured as sacrificers and resistors" to ensure an "honorable future for their homeland." Central to Qassem''s argument is the alleged existence of a "Greater Israel" expansionist agenda. He warned that this "dangerous US-Israeli project" seeks to extend regional control "from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon." According to the Hezbollah leader, the aggression against Lebanese soil has been continuous since late 2024, with the "Israeli enemy" repeatedly breaching previous "ceasefire agreements." To counter this perceived threat, the Hezbollah chief issued an urgent "call for national unity" under the singular objective of "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people." Press TV noted his insistence that internal political disputes should be sidelined, as "national unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country" and provides the necessary "solidarity and cooperation" required for future reconstruction efforts. Addressing domestic policy, Qassem urged the Lebanese government to rescind measures that "criminalize resistance." He cautioned that demands for the "exclusivity of weapons" while the nation remains under threat would only facilitate "Lebanon''s demise" and the expansion of the "Greater Israel" plan. Consequently, he "firmly rejected any negotiations" while active conflict persists, stating that "negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender." Further detailing the regional dimension, Press TV highlighted Qassem''s remarks regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran''s current standoff with Western and Israeli forces. He described Iran''s resilience as "a lesson for reflection," asserting that any "victory against America and Israel brings good to all." This regional synergy, he argued, reinforces the "defensive battle for Lebanon," which he views as a "national responsibility for everyone." The speech comes as Hezbollah has reportedly "intensified its operations" following the outbreak of wider hostilities on February 28. By targeting military installations in "northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona," the movement claims to have successfully "tied down significant Israeli ground forces," creating a strategic challenge for the Israeli "home front" while the conflict continues to evolve. (ANI)
Geopolitical risk advisor and former US Army combatant, Colonel Douglas Macgregor (retd) has questioned the credibility of Pakistan, which is attempting to position itself in a negotiating role in the West Asia crisis, stating that the country faces severe internal challenges and would not be viewed as neutral by Israel. In an interview with ANI, Col Macgregor, who served as the advisor to the US Secretary of Defence in the first Donald Trump Administration, said Pakistan is faced with internal difficulties, including a precarious economic situation. He suggested that India could play a credible role in facilitating dialogue due to its diplomatic relationships across different geopolitical blocs. "For the Pakistanis to offer help is sort of like a man who is in a burning building offering you a spare room in the building. Pakistan's not going to be viewed in any way, shape or form as neutral by the Israelis," he said. "They're going to view Pakistan as part of the problem. Why would you go to Pakistan to Islamabad to try and close a deal, if you will, on ending the war? That's an impossibility. It strikes me as just ludicrous nonsense," he added. He said Pakistan has enormous problems. "Financially, they're insolvent and so forth," Col Macgregor said. "Pakistan is not what I would call a civilisational state. It's part of a civilisational complex. But India itself is one of these core civilisational states, which is desperately needed, you know, in the world today," he added. Col Macgregor said Israel is unlikely to trust mediation efforts led by Pakistan. "If the Israelis heard that they were supposed to show up in Islamabad for a meeting, I think they'd laugh it off. This is ridiculous. Why should we trust anything those people say?" he asked. "That's not true for India. India is in a very good position that way," he noted. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in a position to offer real help, support and assistance and noted that he commands global respect and maintains working relationships with multiple international leaders. "Prime Minister Modi is someone who enjoys a great deal of respect and confidence across the globe. He is someone who is at ease with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He is comfortable talking to the leadership in Tehran. He recently visited Israel, and the Israelis are comfortable with him. We are comfortable with India," Col Macgregor said. "I would urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to his advisors and call President Donald Trump...India itself is one of these core civilizational states, a large and powerful continental state...I think we would be better off if India exerted a great deal more influence in a place like the Indian Ocean and its surroundings," Col Macgregor said. The West Asia conflict with Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other has entered its fourth week, causing disruptions in global energy supply chains. Col Macgregor said the Strait of Hormuz is functionally closed, "except for those exceptions which India, China, now Japan have managed to negotiate". He cautioned that rising oil prices could have cascading economic effects worldwide. "When fuel goes up, fertiliser goes up, food goes up, animal feed goes up, all these prices rise simultaneously," he said. The US geopolitical expert said the world is witnessing a major transformation, and India cannot afford to remain a passive observer in the evolving geopolitical landscape. "India cannot afford to remain a spectator on the sidelines in this conflict because this war is not ending in two weeks. It's not ending in two months," he said. He said there is no easy solution to the conflict. "There is no off-ramp right now, and we desperately need an off-ramp...." Col Macgregor, who is widely recognized as an expert on force design and grand strategy, said India's growing economic and military stature places it in a unique position to engage with multiple stakeholders, and President Trump would listen to PM Modi. "Well, I don't know that you, as a single actor, can guarantee anything. The reason I pick India is because I think President Trump, if he listens to anybody at this point, is probably going to listen to Prime Minister Modi...Remember, you are this large and powerful state economically, even militarily, more so than I think you appreciate...I think he will listen. I think the Israelis will listen...the man who has to deliver on the Israelis, let's be frank, is ultimately Donald Trump," " Col Macgregor said. "Prime Minister Modi can help with this. You have been through a lot of things in your own history. Many countries in the world have been victims of imperialism and colonialism...I'm hopeful that perhaps Prime Minister Modi could help and assist, not guaranteeing success by any means that if he intervenes, that he can produce a miracle. But I don't see anything happening directly between us and Israel and Iran. I just don't see it at this point," he added. " Col Macgregor also referred to points outlined by the United States and Iran for a ceasefire. "If you look at the points that we and now the Iranians...have now published what they say are their conditions for a ceasefire," he said. Asked about reports that Iran doesn't want to negotiate with businessman Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff and maybe Vice President JD Vance can step in and be a voice of authority, he said, "I think Witkoff and Kushner... are viewed as people who are preeminently Israeli agents. They exist to represent Israeli interests." "My impression is that...(Vance) he's vice president. Vice presidents are supposed to shut up, sit in a corner and wait to be called upon to do anything...So again, we're back to how does Trump get out of this mess?" he said. The expert said he does not think Iran is going to give in to anything at this stage. "You have Chinese satellites, Russian satellites feeding this imagery and information to the Iranians. The Iranians take this instantaneously, match it to their tactical ballistic missiles, and they can launch out to 1,000 miles," he said. "If we go forward, as I think we will, and we take losses and we look ridiculous, it'll be that much harder to negotiate some sort of agreement in the aftermath," he added. Iran had earlier responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict insisting that any cessation of hostilities will only occur on Tehran's "own terms and timeline," a senior political-security official told state broadcaster Press TV on Wednesday. Iran said it will end the war when it decides to do so and "when its own conditions are met," the official told Press TV emphasizing Tehran's resolve to continue its defence and inflict "heavy blows" on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled. Israel's media reported earlier that US President Trump and his administration have 15 conditions for Iran as its terms for ending the current conflict. According to Israel's Channel 12, citing an unnamed official in the US, Washington has also informed Jerusalem of its negotiations. However, the report said that Jerusalem is concerned that Trump and his team want to push for "a framework agreement" with Iran, rather than insisting on these demands as a condition for halting the war. The conflict between Israel-US and Iran started on February 28 and has raised global concerns over loss of lives and energy supply disruptions. (ANI)
Famous jazz musicians ignited a revolution from New Orleans dives in the early 1900s, mixing African beats, blues soul, and fearless solos. Jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington turned raw energy into timeless art, rippling through swing, bebop, and fusion to shape modern sounds.

Famous Jazz Musicians

Jazz sprang from the streets where Black workers turned hardship into rhythm. Ragtime piano rolls and marching bands fed its fire, hitting Harlem clubs by the 1920s. Famous jazz musicians grabbed trumpets, saxophones, and drums, improvising nights away in smoke-filled rooms.

Their sound crossed oceans fastradio waves carried it to Europe, where fans danced to the beat. These trailblazers dodged racism's grip, proving talent trumped hate. Picture Armstrong grinning through cornet blasts; that's jazz's heart, bold and unbreakable. Today, streams and festivals keep their spark alive for new listeners.

Who Are the Greatest Jazz Musicians?

Louis Armstrong tops lists of jazz legends with gravelly trumpet lines that sang stories. His Hot Five records from 1925 flipped jazz from group jams to star solos, making every note count. Duke Ellington orchestrated big bands like symphonies, dropping hits like "Take the A Train" that packed dance floors.

Miles Davis shifted gears endlesslycool jazz in the '50s, then electric fusion that rocked the '70s. Charlie "Bird" Parker sped up the tempo with bebop, his alto sax weaving webs of speed no one matched. Thelonious Monk banged out jagged piano riffs, quirky angles that forced ears to rethink harmony.

Ella Fitzgerald scattered like a trumpet, pure tone wrapping classics in gold. John Coltrane chased spiritual highs on tenor sax, sheets of sound pouring from A Love Supreme. Dizzy Gillespie puffed cheeks for high notes, co-founding bebop with Parker in smoky after-hours spots.

Billie Holiday bent melodies with raw ache, turning "Lady Sings the Blues" into gut punches. Count Basie kept it simplepiano stabs driving riff-heavy swing that Kansas City cats loved. These famous jazz musicians didn't just play; they rewrote the rules.

Louis Armstrong: Trumpet/Vocals; 1920s breakthrough; scat & virtuosic solos.

Trumpet/Vocals; 1920s breakthrough; scat & virtuosic solos. Duke Ellington: Piano/Leader; 1930s-40s; sophisticated big band.

Piano/Leader; 1930s-40s; sophisticated big band. Miles Davis: Trumpet; 1950s-70s; cool to fusion shifts.

Trumpet; 1950s-70s; cool to fusion shifts. Charlie Parker: Alto Sax; 1940s; bebop speed.

Alto Sax; 1940s; bebop speed. Ella Fitzgerald: Vocals; 1930s-60s; pure improvisation.

Vocals; 1930s-60s; pure improvisation. John Coltrane: Tenor Sax; 1950s-60s; spiritual intensity.

Tenor Sax; 1950s-60s; spiritual intensity. Billie Holiday: Vocals; 1930s-50s; emotional depth.

Vocals; 1930s-50s; emotional depth. Thelonious Monk: Piano; 1940s-60s; angular harmony.

Sites like Jazzfuel highlight these giants, ranking 42 all-timers with deep dives into their discographies.

Who Is the Father of Jazz?

Louis Armstrong claims fatherhood with ironclad proofthose Hot Five sessions etched jazz's blueprint. Born poor in New Orleans, he hauled coal by day, gigged riverboats by night. By 1923, his cornet cut through ensembles, stretching solos that breathed life into every bar.

Armstrong invented scat on a flubbed lyric during "Heebie Jeebies," turning mumbles into melody. His wide smile lit screens worldwide, from "Hello, Dolly!" clips to royal commands. Bing Crosby stole his phrasing for pop hits; rockers like Louis Prima echoed his swing. No one else bottled joy like Satchmo.

King Oliver mentored him early, but Armstrong lapped the field. His tone warmed cold rooms, influencing everyone from Sinatra to Wynton Marsalis. Jazzfuel calls him the cornerstone, and records back it upover 1,000 sides that still swing.

Who Is the King of Jazz?

Duke Ellington wore the crown with velvet finesse, composing 3,000 pieces over 50 years. Paul Whiteman snagged the "King" tag in 1920s press for sweet bands, but Ellington's edge ruled deeper. "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" coined the phrase, his orchestra purring like a fine engine.

He molded starsJohnny Hodges on alto, Cootie Williams on trumpetspotlighting them in suites like Black, Brown and Beige. Ellington dodged labels, blending blues, gospel, and classics into "Mood Indigo" melancholy. White House gigs in the '60s proved jazz's class.

His piano whispered cues, the band roaring back polished yet wild. From Cotton Club residencies to global tours, Ellington adaptedsacred concerts in cathedrals, even. Learn Jazz Standards praises his catalog as endless inspiration for today's players.

Read Also: Celebrity Musicians Who Began as Classical Prodigies

Most Influential Jazz Legends

Dizzy Gillespie teamed with Parker for bebop's birth, trumpet fireworks lighting '52 Carnegie Hall. Ornette Coleman tossed chord changes in free jazz, Free Jazz double quartet sparking fights and fans. Stan Getz cooled Brazil's bossa nova with "Girl from Ipanema," platinum sales pulling jazz to beaches.

Count Basie's crew riffed tight at the Reno Club, "One O'Clock Jump" blueprint for jump blues. Art Blakey drummed hard bop with Messengers, grooming Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter. Sarah Vaughan octave-leaped like an angel, velvet voice rivaling horns.

Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" haunted nights, hats tilted over Blue Note cuts. Modern echoes hit hip-hopGuru sampled Basie, A Tribe Called Quest nodded to Trane. These jazz legends seeded fusion, prog rock, even EDM grooves.

Impact on Music History

Famous jazz musicians birthed rockMuddy Waters rumbled with Basie swing, Chuck Berry riffed bebop. Miles Davis's Bitches Brew electrified Hendrix paths, Weather Report following. Pop bowed tooBeatles soaked Ellington harmonies, Michael Jackson grooved on swing beats.

Civil rights rode their wavesMax Roach and Abbey Lincoln's We Insist! drummed protest. Festivals like Montreux pulse yearly, legends' sets mixed with Nubya Garcia fire. Vinyl reissues flood Discogs, young drummers chasing Elvin Jones rolls.

Global reach? Japanese fusionists twist Trane, Norwegian black metal nods Monk dissonance. Jazz legends democratized musicanyone grabs a horn, improvises free.

Why Jazz Legends Still Resonate Today

Platforms beam Kind of Blue to billions, algorithms pairing it with Bad Bunny remixes. Kamasi Washington channels Coltrane quests in Heaven and Earth, epic horns filling arenas. Jazz legends teach bend rulesMonk's skips inspire glitch-hop glitches.

Festivals like Newport revive '60s vibes, Gregory Porter belting Armstrong soul. Schools drill Parker changes, kids scatting Fitzgerald lines. In chaos, their freedom ringsimprov blueprints for life's riffs. Famous jazz musicians pulse eternal, every note a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the most famous jazz musicians?

Famous jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis top the list for their groundbreaking solos, big band leadership, and genre-shifting albums such as "Take the A Train" and Kind of Blue. These jazz legends defined swing, bebop, and cool jazz through raw talent and innovation. Their influence spans from New Orleans clubs to global stages.

2. Where did jazz originate?

Jazz originated in New Orleans around the late 1800s, blending African rhythms, blues, and brass band traditions in places like Storyville's red-light district. Early pioneers honed skills on riverboats and funeral marches, spreading the sound north to Chicago and Harlem by the 1920s. This melting pot birthed the genre's improvisational core.

3. Who is considered the father of jazz?

Louis Armstrong earns the title for revolutionizing solos with his Hot Five recordings and scat singing in tracks like "Heebie Jeebies." Rising from New Orleans poverty, his trumpet warmth and charisma made jazz a soloist's art, influencing everyone from pop crooners to rock stars. No other figure stamped the genre so deeply.
They warned that such actions could deepen instability and further strain an already fragile region.

Speaking at the event, Maryam Mehrzad, an Afghan political activist, expressed concern over the situation.

She said many ordinary people share the view that such actions are wrong, emphasising the shared cultural and religious bonds between the people of both countries.

She added that at a time of spiritual significance, when compassion and unity are paramount, such developments are especially troubling.

She noted that Afghanistan is already facing multiple challenges, and the situation only adds to its difficulties.

Meanwhile, prominent Pashtun activist Fazul ur Rehman Afridi raised concerns over the human rights situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He also condemned reported attacks by Pakistani security forces in Afghanistan that allegedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Afridi stated that the conference brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including Iranians, Kashmiris, Sindhis, and Baloch, to highlight key issues such as girls' education.

He added that discussions also focused on the deteriorating law and order situation, including allegations of military crackdowns on civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as reported attacks on hospitals in Afghanistan, described as violations of international law.

As concerns mount, participants urged the international community to take note, stressing the need for accountability, restraint, and immediate measures to protect civilians and uphold human rights. (ANI)
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has initiated its 82nd wave of retaliatory strikes against the US-Israeli coalition, deploying a diverse arsenal of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. According to a report by Iran's state media, Press TV, the military wing stated that these operations were launched in response to previous aerial attacks targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure and critical facilities. The IRGC confirmed that the offensive commenced early on Thursday and is expected to persist throughout the day. Detailed reports indicate that the strikes targeted specific US interests in the al-Kharj and Arifjan districts of Saudi Arabia, alongside the US Defence Logistics Site (kGL) and Patriot radar systems located in Bahrain's Sheikh Isa region. Furthermore, a large swarm of kamikaze drones reportedly devastated support fuel depots belonging to the US military. Other targets included a hangar for MQ-9 Reaper combat drones, a hangar for P8 surveillance aircraft, and a satellite communications dish for drones situated at the Ali al-Salem airbase. Press TV highlighted that these retaliatory measures were dedicated to the Iranian people residing in the northern provinces of Mazandaran, Golestan, Gilan, Ardabil, and East Azarbaijan. In an "impact-driven" strike, the IRGC also claimed to have hit a military command centre within the occupied territories and industrial sites linked to the Israeli regime's nuclear programme near the Dead Sea. Footage emerging from the "occupied territories" appears to show the direct impact of Iranian projectiles. The IRGC noted that members of the Axis of Resistance carried out 230 operations over the last 24 hours, which they described as the "most extensive" in terms of scale against Israeli positions and US interests. Data provided by the IRGC suggests a coordinated effort: Lebanese Hezbollah fighters conducted 87 operations, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance group carried out 23 offensives, and the Iranian Armed Forces launched 110 drone and missile strikes. Press TV reported that the IRGC views the current West Asian conflict as a war of choice initiated by the United States, Israel, and their regional partners. The military statement emphasised that these responses would continue until "the hands of aggressors and tyrants are cut off from the region" and a state of genuine stability is achieved. This escalation follows an unprovoked military campaign launched against Iran, killing Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, on February 28. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant damage to civilian and military facilities across Iran, leading to a substantial loss of life. In light of these events, the Iranian Armed Forces maintain that their operations against Israeli positions and American bases are a direct and necessary retaliatory response. (ANI)
In an urgent appeal to the global community, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference, Guterres warned that the situation had spiralled out of control and was on the brink of triggering a broader war with far-reaching consequences. "Just hours into the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, I warned that the fighting risked triggering a chain reaction that no one could control," Guterres said. "More than three weeks on, the war is out of control. The conflict has broken past the limits even leaders thought unimaginable." He emphasized that the ongoing violence is not only causing massive human suffering but is also shaking the global economy. "The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock," he remarked. In response to the unfolding crisis, Guterres appointed Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts in mediating the conflict and addressing its humanitarian impact. He reiterated the necessity of diplomatic intervention, urging all parties involved to stop escalating the violence. His call to the United States and Israel was clear: "It is high time to end the war -- as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount, and the global economic impact is increasingly devastating." The Secretary-General also addressed the role of Iran in the conflict, urging the nation to cease attacks on neighbours not involved in the fighting. "My message to Iran is to stop attacking their neighbours that are not parties to the conflict," he said. The impact of the war is not confined to the Middle East. Guterres warned of severe global repercussions, particularly the effect on developing countries already grappling with poverty and food insecurity. "Without fertilizers today, we might have hunger tomorrow," he cautioned. Guterres concluded his remarks by reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to peace and diplomacy. "War is not the answer. We need a way out of this disaster. Diplomacy is the way out. Full respect of international law is the way out. Peace is the way out." This stark warning reflects the urgency of global action to bring an end to the ongoing conflict and prevent further escalation. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has significantly intensified his rhetoric against Tehran, asserting that Iranian negotiators are "begging" for a diplomatic resolution despite their public claims of merely "looking at our proposal." In a series of blunt remarks, Trump claimed that Iran has been "militarily obliterated" and further cautioned that the nation has "zero chance of a comeback." The US President dismissed Tehran's official diplomatic position as "WRONG!!!" and called upon the Iranian leadership to engage seriously in negotiations without delay. He issued a final warning, stating that if the current impasse continues, "there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty," highlighting the critical nature of the escalating tensions. These developments occurred shortly after Trump suggested that Tehran is seeking a deal to conclude the month-long conflict, despite senior Iranian diplomats publicly dismissing the possibility of discussions with Washington. Trump, whose public stance has fluctuated between threats and conciliation, claimed that back-channel talks to resolve the war are currently active but suggested that Iranian officials are concealing them due to internal security concerns. "They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly," Trump stated during a dinner for Republican members of Congress. He further alleged that Iranian officials are hesitant to admit to these talks publicly. "But they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," he said, adding, "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us." However, the Islamic Republic's senior leadership has firmly rejected these assertions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that the country has no intention of participating in such negotiations. "We seek an end to the war on our own terms, of course, and in a way that it will not be repeated here again," Araghchi noted during his broadcast. Diplomatic sources in Islamabad indicated that Pakistan has shared a 15-point American peace plan with Tehran. Nevertheless, Iran's state-run Press TV cited an anonymous official who confirmed that Tehran had "responded negatively" to the US proposal. Reinforcing the administration's hardline stance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump "does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell" on Iran should a diplomatic agreement fail to materialise. Meanwhile, providing a different perspective on the crisis, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that signs of both parties being open to dialogue offered a "glimmer of hope" for a peaceful resolution. (ANI)
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong on Thursday stressed that Chinese and Indian youth should "deepen exchanges and cooperation" in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green technology." While speaking at the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue in the national capital, he highlighted the parallel growth trajectories of the two Asian giants, noting that both nations have reached a significant milestone in their developmental journeys. "In recent decades, both China and India have achieved remarkable development. These achievements are built on the hard work and wisdom of our own people, supported by global cooperation," Ambassador Xu Feihong said. He emphasised "supporting each other's success," stating, "Today, both our countries are at a critical stage of development and national rejuvenation. We should achieve development through our own efforts while actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other's success." The Ambassador specifically pointed toward the rapidly evolving technological landscape, identifying innovation as a key pillar for future engagement. "Recently, China's innovation has drawn global attention, from humanoid robots performing martial arts to AI video models. India has also made artificial intelligence a national priority through the India AI mission," he noted. Encouraging the younger generation to lead this technological shift, he added, "Chinese and Indian youth should deepen exchanges and cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green technology." Reflecting on his personal observations since beginning his tenure in India, the envoy spoke about the growing cultural footprints of Chinese digital and lifestyle products. "When I arrived in this incredible land two years ago, I found that China's new trio of cultural products, online games, web series, and online literature, has quietly become part of the daily lives of Indian youth. Trending Chinese products like Labubu are also emerging as new vehicles to express individuality," he said. Referencing the high-level diplomatic engagements that have paved the way for strengthened bilateral ties, Ambassador Xu stated, "Since the meetings between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, China-India relations have moved to a new level of improvement, with positive progress in exchanges and cooperation across various fields." (ANI)
Even as US and Israel play a cat and mouse diplomatic game on a possible peace settlement, reports suggest that Islamabad may play broker between the two sides. However, former Indian Ambassador to Iran Dinkar P Srivastava believes that Iran does not implicitly trust Pakistan as it has been cosying up to the US recently. "Iran could not have forgotten that in June last year, when it was under Israeli attack, General Asim Munir was having lunch at the White House. So they clearly know that Pakistan is not an honest broker," the former envoy said. The former envoy said that with Iran rejecting the 15-point proposal by the United States aimed at ending the war there appears to be a stalemate in West Asia. Iran, had called US' terms "maximal" and unacceptable. "The US proposal has been rejected by Iran, which described them as containing maximal demands. The US has not won the war. It is a stalemate. And if it's a stalemate, you cannot expect to impose your terms," the former envoy said. The proposal's inclusion of dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities and missile program, which was never part of previous deals, was a key point of contention. According to the Ambassador, Iran views its missile program as vital for its defence, especially in light of the ongoing conflict. "This is the second war which is going on. That's the only, Iran's only defence," he remarked. Regarding US claims that Iran is desperate for a deal, the former Ambassador dismissed them as "face-saving" rhetoric. He pointed out that if Iran were truly desperate, it would have been the first to initiate peace talks. "If they were desperate, they wouldn't have rejected it. They would have been the first to initiate it," he stated. On the potential for a diplomatic solution, the former Ambassador emphasised the need for a ceasefire and a multilateral approach. "Diplomatic solution is the only way forward. Immediate ceasefire, opening of the Persian Gulf and ceasing the attacks on Gulf countries which are non-belligerents," he stated. He also suggested resuming diplomatic negotiations on the nuclear issue, ideally where talks left off in Geneva before the war. The former Ambassador also touched upon the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, noting a sharp rise in oil prices. "Oil prices have already shot up, this is a much bigger shock than the second oil price shock," he warned, highlighting the broader consequences for the global economy. When asked about Iran's message in allowing selected countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, he explained that it was a show of power. "Iran is underlining the fact that despite taking very heavy military and civilian losses, it still has the capacity to control this strategic waterway," he said. The former Ambassador reiterated that peace could only be achieved through diplomacy, but it would require significant trust-building and cooperation from all parties involved. "These are things which can be worked out," he said, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. (ANI)
Chinese Envoy Xu Feihong has called for strengthening bilateral cooperation to "jointly safeguard the legitimate rights" of the Global South, and "prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle." Addressing the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue in the national capital, the Ambassador highlighted the parallel developmental journeys of both nations, stating, "In recent decades, both China and India have achieved remarkable development. These achievements are built on the hard work and wisdom of our own people, supported by global cooperation." Calling for a united front on the international stage, Ambassador Xu Feihong highlighted the strategic role of both nations as members of the Global South. "China and India should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and lead the Global South towards greater development," he stated. "We should carry forward the Eastern wisdom of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning and prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle," he added. He emphasised that both countries are currently navigating a shared period of transformation, adding, "Today, both our countries are at a critical stage of development and national rejuvenation. We should achieve development through our own efforts while actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other's success." Focusing on the role of technology, Xu Feihong identified innovation as a key pillar for future engagement. "Recently, China's innovation has drawn global attention, from humanoid robots performing martial arts to AI video models. India has also made artificial intelligence a national priority through the India AI mission," he remarked. In light of these advancements, the envoy encouraged the younger generation to take the lead in modern sectors, suggesting that "Chinese and Indian youth should deepen exchanges and cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green technology." Beyond technology, the Ambassador shared his personal observations regarding the cultural influence of Chinese media within India. "When I arrived in this incredible land two years ago, I found that China's new trio of cultural products, online games, web series, and online literature, has quietly become part of the daily lives of Indian youth," he said. He further noted the impact of lifestyle trends on personal expression, adding that "Trending Chinese products like Labubu are also emerging as new vehicles to express individuality" among Indian youth. Attributing the strengthening of bilateral ties to recent high-level diplomatic engagements, the Ambassador said, "Since the meetings between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, China-India relations have moved to a new level of improvement, with positive progress in exchanges and cooperation across various fields." (ANI)
As the conflict in West Asia continues both sides appear to have hardened their positions on a possible peace deal. For both the US and Israel securing guarantees from Iran on its nuclear program and free transit through Strait of Hormuz are key objectives. Former advisor to the Israeli PM Daniel Rubenstein fells that a political resolution is a must for success. In an exclusive interview with ANI from Tel Aviv, Rubenstein, discussed the country's military objectives and its unwavering stance on Iran. With the conflict entering its fourth week, Israel is determined to address several key issues, chief among them the Iranian regime's nuclear and missile capabilities. When asked if Israel had achieved its core military objectives, Daniel emphasised the ongoing nature of the operation. "Right now, the operation is ongoing. Iran fired a number of ballistic missiles at me this morning here in Tel Aviv," he said. The Iranian regime's actions, including its nuclear weapons program and support for hostile groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continue to be significant threats. He made it clear that without a political resolution, the conflict could not be considered a success. "If the war were to end right now without any kind of political resolution to these problems, I would not consider it a success," he added. Rubenstein also addressed Israel's position regarding ongoing talks between the US and Iran. He firmly stated that Israel would not compromise on its security. "Israel's positions are pretty clear for the simple reason that the goal of this current Iranian regime is the destruction of Israel," he explained. He highlighted that Israel would not allow Iran to accumulate more ballistic missiles or enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. "We're not going to sit and wait while the Iranian regime enriches uranium to weapons grade level," he said. Regarding potential negotiations, Rubensteinl emphasised that Israel would not accept a deal that did not fully dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. He reiterated that Israel would not sit idly by while Iran continues to threaten the region. "Israel is not going to accept a situation in which the Iranian regime calls for the destruction of Israel and has a nuclear program that it is using for military purposes," he noted. Rubenstein also highlighted Israel's relationship with the United States, which he described as a rare moment of coordinated cooperation. "This is a level of cooperation between the United States and Israel that I've never seen in my lifetime," he stated. On the broader geopolitical front, Rubenstein expressed hope that the Iranian people would eventually take control of their own future and demand a change in government. He concluded, "We're seeing Iran is actually very isolated right now, has no friends, and I hope it gets the message soon that it needs to change course." With the military objectives still in progress and no clear end in sight, Israel remains resolute in its pursuit of security and stability in the region. (ANI)
The first meeting of Nepal's new Parliament after the elections early this month convened on Thursday, with newly elected members taking the oath of office and secrecy. The previous Parliament was dissolved in September 2025 after the Gen-Z protest. The new lawmakers, elected through the election held on March 5, arrived at the under-construction Parliament building inside Singhadurbar, the administrative capital of the Himalayan nation, in traditional attire. The Parliament Secretariat had requested the newly elected members of the House of Representatives to wear traditional attire while taking the oath. Nepali Congress parliamentarian Arjun Narsingh KC, the senior-most member of the House of Representatives, administered the oath to the MPs. The ceremony was held at the under-construction multipurpose hall of the Federal Parliament at Singha Durbar. Necessary arrangements, including seating, rostrum, Speaker's chair, and designated spaces for the General Secretary, Secretaries, and other Secretariat officials, had been completed at the venue. As per constitutional provisions, the oath-taking is mandated under Article 99 and Article 91(5) of the Constitution of Nepal, along with Section 75 of the House of Representatives Election Act, 2017. In the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the largest party with 182 seats, followed by the Nepali Congress with 38 seats, CPN-UML with 25, Nepali Communist Party with 17, Shram Sanskriti Party with seven, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party with five seats. Under the Proportional Representation system, 57 lawmakers were elected from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), 20 from the Nepali Congress (NC), 16 from the CPN (UML), nine from the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), and four each from the Shram Sanskriti Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The Election Commission had announced the PR election results on March 16. Under the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, the RSP secured 125 seats, followed by the NC with 19, UML with 9, NCP with 8, Shram Sanskriti Party with 3, RPP with 1, and one independent candidate. As per constitutional provisions, the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament, consists of a total of 275 members, including 165 elected through the FPTP system and 110 through the PR system. (ANI)
Tibet has once again been ranked among the least free regions globally, receiving a zero score in the Freedom in the World 2026 report released by Freedom House. The findings mark the third straight year that Tibet has remained at the very bottom of global freedom rankings, as reported by Phayul. According to Phayul, Tibet recorded a political rights score of 2 out of 40 and a civil liberties score of 2 out of 60, reflecting severe restrictions across governance, expression, and cultural freedoms. The report flags a proposed law introduced in September 2025 on promoting ethnic unity, which critics say could intensify assimilation policies and weaken protections for the Tibetan language, religion, and traditions. Religious control continues to be a major concern. Chinese authorities have asserted exclusive authority over the recognition of the 14th Dalai Lama. However, the Tibetan spiritual leader rejected this claim in July, stating that only legitimate Buddhist institutions under his trust can identify his successor. Politically, Tibetans remain sidelined from decision-making processes. Real authority lies firmly with the Chinese Communist Party, with senior positions dominated by officials such as Wang Junzheng. Electoral systems remain tightly controlled, with candidates vetted by the party and no room for opposition or independent participation. Expressions of support for the Central Tibetan Administration are reportedly criminalised. Civil liberties in Tibet remain heavily curtailed. Media operates under strict censorship, and individuals risk detention for sharing sensitive information. The use of the Tibetan language faces growing restrictions online, while communication with foreign journalists is treated as a punishable offence, as highlighted by Phayul. Religious institutions are subjected to intense surveillance, with monks often compelled to denounce the Dalai Lama and pledge loyalty to the state. The report also mentions the 2025 death in custody of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje under unclear circumstances. The report states that, alongside widespread surveillance and enforced cultural assimilation, state-backed migration and relocation policies are steadily altering Tibet's demographic composition, further marginalising ethnic Tibetans in their own homeland, as reported by Phayul. (ANI)
Jazz music emerged from the vibrant melting pot of early 20th-century America, blending African rhythms, European harmonies, and bluesy improvisation into a genre that continues to redefine sound. This exploration dives into the history of jazz music and its dynamic jazz evolution, tracing key eras, influential figures, and stylistic shifts that turned raw street performances into sophisticated global art.

Origins in New Orleans: The Birthplace of Jazz

In the sultry air of late 19th-century New Orleans, jazz took its first breaths amid brass bands, work songs, and spirituals. African American musicians drew from West African polyrhythms, the call-and-response of gospel, and syncopated ragtime popularized by Scott Joplin. Buddy Bolden, often hailed as the first jazz cornetist, led informal ensembles in the 1890s, blowing bold, improvised solos that echoed through the city's neighborhoods. The Smithsonian Music timeline captures how these roots formed jazz's foundational polyphony.

Storyville, the red-light district from 1897 to 1917, became a crucible for experimentation. Here, players like Jelly Roll Morton mixed piano rags with marching band brass, creating "Dixieland"  a collective improvisation where trumpet, clarinet, trombone, and rhythm sections traded riffs in joyous chaos. Riverboats carried these sounds up the Mississippi, while second-line parades  those lively street processions with umbrellas twirling  infused everyday life with infectious energy. This foundational jazz evolution emphasized feel over formality, laying groundwork for everything that followed.

By 1917, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band's recording of "Livery Stable Blues" captured this spirit on wax, introducing the history of jazz music to a wider audience. Nick LaRocca's group, though white, preserved the raw polyphony of New Orleans originals like King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.

How Did Jazz Spread North and Ignite the Swing Era?

The closure of Storyville pushed talent northward during the Great Migration, as Black Southerners sought factory jobs in Chicago and New York. Louis Armstrong arrived in Chicago in 1922, joining King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band. His Hot Five and Hot Seven sessions from 1925-1928 revolutionized the genre. Armstrong's gravelly voice, dazzling scat singing on "Heebie Jeebies", and virtuosic cornet work shifted jazz evolution toward the soloist as star. No longer just ensemble interplay, jazz now spotlighted individual genius.

Chicago's South Side clubs birthed "hot jazz," but New York claimed the throne in the 1930s with swing. Big bands exploded in popularity, led by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. Ellington's Cotton Club residency yielded masterpieces like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", blending orchestral sophistication with blues grit. Basie's Kansas City shuffle grooves pulsed with Freddie Green's guitar and Lester Young's tenor sax, perfect for Lindy Hop dancers packing ballrooms. Wikipedia's comprehensive jazz timeline details how these migrations transformed regional sounds into national phenomena.

Benny Goodman's 1938 Carnegie Hall concert marked swing's pinnacle, integrating Black arrangers like Fletcher Henderson and featuring stars like Gene Krupa on drums. Amid the Great Depression, swing offered escape  radio broadcasts and jukeboxes made history of jazz music America's soundtrack. Fletcher Henderson's sectional writing gave big bands structure, while Chick Webb's Savoy Ballroom battles showcased raw power. Count Basie's "One O'Clock Jump" powered dance floors nationwide.

Key Figures Who Shaped Jazz's Path

These artists drove the history of jazz music forward, each leaving an indelible mark on jazz evolution:

Louis Armstrong: Revolutionized jazz with virtuosic trumpet solos and scat singing in the 1920s Hot Five recordings, shifting focus from ensembles to individual stars.

Revolutionized jazz with virtuosic trumpet solos and scat singing in the 1920s Hot Five recordings, shifting focus from ensembles to individual stars. Duke Ellington: Led big bands through the swing era with over 3,000 compositions like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", blending orchestral depth and blues.

Led big bands through the swing era with over 3,000 compositions like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", blending orchestral depth and blues. Count Basie: Defined swing with minimalist piano and Kansas City grooves, his orchestra's hits like "One O'Clock Jump" powered dance floors.

Defined swing with minimalist piano and Kansas City grooves, his orchestra's hits like "One O'Clock Jump" powered dance floors. Charlie Parker: Co-founded bebop with lightning-fast alto sax and complex harmonies on "Ornithology", demanding musical virtuosity. Ted Gioia's The History of Jazz explores how Parker's innovations reshaped improvisation standards.

Co-founded bebop with lightning-fast alto sax and complex harmonies on "Ornithology", demanding musical virtuosity. explores how Parker's innovations reshaped improvisation standards. Dizzy Gillespie: Bebop trumpeter with puffed cheeks and angular lines, innovated alongside Parker at Minton's Playhouse.

Bebop trumpeter with puffed cheeks and angular lines, innovated alongside Parker at Minton's Playhouse. Miles Davis: Shaped cool jazz, modal jazz ("Kind of Blue"), and fusion ("Bitches Brew"), a relentless innovator across decades.

John Coltrane: Pushed spiritual and free jazz with tenor sax sheets of sound on "A Love Supreme", exploring harmonies deeply.

Pushed spiritual and free jazz with tenor sax sheets of sound on "A Love Supreme", exploring harmonies deeply. Thelonious Monk: Brought quirky angles and dissonance to bebop piano, influencing improvisers with unique phrasing.

Brought quirky angles and dissonance to bebop piano, influencing improvisers with unique phrasing. Billie Holiday: Infused vocals with raw emotion and social commentary in "Strange Fruit", redefining jazz singing.

Infused vocals with raw emotion and social commentary in "Strange Fruit", redefining jazz singing. Herbie Hancock: Pioneered jazz fusion with funk and synths on "Chameleon", bridging to modern electronic hybrids.

Rise of Bebop, Cool Jazz, and Beyond

World War II rationing and a backlash against swing's commercialization sparked bebop in Harlem's after-hours joints. Charlie "Bird" Parker and Dizzy Gillespie accelerated tempos to 300 beats per minute, weaving chromatic runs and altered chords over 32-bar standards like "Ornithology". Parker's alto sax wept and soared; Gillespie's puffed cheeks and angular trumpet lines defined the style. Thelonious Monk's quirky angles on piano and Max Roach's explosive drums completed the quintet blueprint at Minton's Playhouse.

Bebop demanded listening, not dancing  a cerebral rebellion for musicians' art. It birthed virtuosity as the norm, influencing every improviser since. The 1950s cooled things down with Miles Davis's "Birth of the Cool" nonetheless, featuring Gil Evans's airy arrangements and modal frameworks that breathed space into solos. Davis's muted trumpet on "Boplicity" contrasted bebop's fire, while cool jazz spread West Coast via Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker's chamber-like quartets.

Free jazz shattered rules in the 1960s. Ornette Coleman's "Free Jazz" (1960) dual sax wails ditched chord changes for pure emotion, echoing civil rights turmoil. John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" (1964) fused spiritual quests with sheets of sound, his tenor sax searching the divine. Albert Ayler's primal screams and Sun Ra's cosmic Arkestra pushed boundaries further.

Fusion Takes Jazz Electric and Modern

The 1970s electrified jazz evolution with fusion. Miles Davis plugged in for "Bitches Brew" (1970), layering electric pianos, guitars, and percussion into psychedelic grooves with producer Teo Macero's studio splicing. Herbie Hancock's Headhunters fused funk basslines and synths on "Chameleon", while Weather Report's "Heavy Weather" (1977) shimmered with Jaco Pastorius's fretless bass and Joe Zawinul's keyboards. Return to Forever's Mahavishnu Orchestra shredded rock-jazz with John McLaughlin's fiery guitar.

This era mirrored rock's dominance, spawning smooth jazz with George Benson's pop crossovers and Grover Washington's sax ballads. Yet fusion kept jazz's edge, influencing prog rock and hip-hop sampling.

Jazz's Enduring Echoes in Today's Soundscape

Jazz permeates 2026's music scene, from Robert Glasper's Grammy-winning hip-hop dialogues on "Black Radio" to Kamasi Washington's epic "The Epic" orchestras. Nubya Garcia's London scene revives spiritual jazz with tenor fire; BadBadNotGood loops J Dilla beats with live horns. Festivals like Newport Jazz draw thousands, while Spotify playlists mix classics with Makaya McCraven's remixes. This adaptive spirit  call it jazz evolution  ensures its relevance, sampling blues roots into electronic futures and inspiring creators across genres.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is jazz?

Jazz blends African rhythms, blues, and European harmonies with improvisation as its core element. It features syncopation, swing feel, and call-and-response patterns that evolved from New Orleans street music.

2. Where did jazz originate?

New Orleans in the late 1800s, where Storyville district musicians like Buddy Bolden fused ragtime, spirituals, and brass bands into early Dixieland styles.

3. When did jazz start?

Around 1890s-1900s in New Orleans, gaining wider reach with 1917's "Livery Stable Blues" recording by Original Dixieland Jazz Band.

4. Who is the most influential jazz artist?

Louis Armstrong transformed jazz evolution with Hot Five solos and scat on "Heebie Jeebies", elevating individual expression over ensembles.
At the 14th WTO ministerial conference, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed the gathering with a stark message about the changing global trade landscape. She highlighted that the multilateral trade system has irrevocably shifted, and that nations must now focus on how to adapt and reform the system for the future. "The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back. We must look to the future," Okonjo-Iweala stated during her speech to delegates. This remark underscored the significant challenges that the global trading system faces in the current geopolitical climate. Despite this, Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that 72% of global trade still operates under WTO rules. She also acknowledged the growth in AI-related trade, calling it a promising development in the otherwise uncertain environment. However, the WTO chief raised concerns about the risks stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the impact of US tariffs on nations worldwide, which have led to considerable uncertainty in global trade. Among the key issues she highlighted were the paralysis of the WTO's dispute settlement body and the lack of transparency in subsidy notifications. According to Okonjo-Iweala, only 64 members had filed subsidy notifications for 2025, leaving 102 members who had not complied. This lack of transparency, she argued, breeds mistrust and unfair practices, which further hinders the ability of WTO members to agree on new rules and reforms. "Lack of transparency leads to lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness and anti-competitive behaviors," she explained. "This leads to mistrust and holds members back from agreeing to new rules and reforms." In a positive development, Okonjo-Iweala also invited Turkey's trade minister, Omer Bolat, to address the conference. Bolat announced that Turkey had lifted its objection to a proposal aimed at boosting investment in developing countries, which will now be incorporated into the WTO framework. This revelation signals a step toward greater cooperation within the global trade system, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the WTO and its members. The future of the multilateral system, however, remains uncertain as countries continue to grapple with economic and geopolitical shifts. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Nol Barrot, held a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to France.

"The ministers welcomed the fact that Prime Minister Modi has confirmed his participation in the Evian Summit (15-17 June). With this in mind, the two ministers highlighted India's contribution to the G7's work, particularly on the question of major macroeconomic imbalances, and on international partnerships and solidarity," a French Foreign Ministry release said.

It said that Jaishankar's participation in the meeting testifies to the importance France attaches to closely involving India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year, in its G7 presidency.

The two ministers discussed the conflict in West Asia that has caused energy supply disruptions.

"The ministers spoke at length about the situation in the Middle East. They agreed to continue their close coordination with the aim of working jointly to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is safe," the release said.

Jaishankar earlier arrived in Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with partner countries.

He is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

French President Emmanuel Macron had paid an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 and had participated in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026.

During the visit, he and PM Modi held bilateral talks and jointly inaugurated the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai on February 17.

Both leaders agreed to elevate relations to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" to guide bilateral cooperation in the coming decades. (ANI)
Members of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) staged a protest rally in Geneva on the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), drawing attention to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The demonstration began at Parc des Cropettes and proceeded towards the iconic Broken Chair Monument, a symbolic site often associated with global human rights advocacy. Protesters carried placards, photographs, and banners highlighting cases of enforced disappearances, with slogans demanding justice and accountability in the region. Participants, including women and families of alleged victims, voiced concerns over what they described as a continuing pattern of arbitrary detentions and disappearances in Balochistan. Several posters featured images of missing individuals, accompanied by messages calling on the international community to intervene and scrutinise the alleged genocide of Baloch youth and women. A photo exhibition organised near the Broken Chair Monument further amplified these claims.The exhibition displayed portraits and personal stories of missing persons and victim families, aiming to humanise the issue and engage diplomats, delegates, and passersby attending the UN session. According to Niaz Baloch, the photo exhibition was designed to present "the true picture of the human rights situation in Balochistan" to diplomats, Swiss citizens, and the wider international community. He also noted that the campaign will continue with an international conference featuring experts, politicians, and human rights defenders to further discuss the crisis. Echoing similar concerns, Hakeem Baloch alleged that Balochistan is witnessing severe rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. "In the past year alone, over 1,300 cases of abductions have been reported. Families of activists are being targeted to silence dissent," he claimed. Hakeem Baloch further alleged that several Baloch women remain in detention and that political activists are imprisoned without fair trial. He also accused Pakistani authorities of carrying out "fake encounters," stating that some individuals killed were previously detained civilians later labelled as militants. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump again claimed on Thursday that he brokered a ceasefire between "nuclear nations" India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and said he had solved conflicts that had been going on for over three decades. Trump, who was addressing a cabinet briefing, said he solved complicated conflicts quickly. Trump's remarks came amid conflict involving Israel-US and Iran which has caused energy supply disruptions. "I solved the other ones (conflicts between countries) in one day that had been going for 32 years. We stopped one that was starting. It was already started. India and Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, said President Trump solved something that was going to cost 10 million lives. That was going to cost a lot of lives. Two nuclear nations. Those were complicated, but we got them done quickly..." "This one, it's is a shame. The only reason I am doing it is because I want to stop death," he added. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Since May 10 last year, the date he announced on social media that India and Pakistan had reached a "full and immediate" ceasefire, Trump has claimed credit for ending the hostilities more than 80 times, also asserting he has "stopped eight wars" within his first year back in the White House. During "Board of Peace" event on February 20, Trump reiterated his claim of mediating between the two South Asian neighbours during Operation Sindoor. Trump stated he had threatened to impose "200 per cent tariffs" on the "two nuclear-armed neighbours" as an economic deterrent against fighting. Contrary to this version of events, India has said that the ceasefire happened during Operation Sindoor after Pakistan's DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart. India had carried out Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp critique against NATO, accusing the alliance of failing to provide support as the military continues operations against Iran. Addressing a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the President described the ongoing conflict as a "test for NATO," asserting that the alliance had contributed little while the US bore the primary burden of the combat. "Very disappointed in NATO, it's done nothing," Trump stated, adding that international allies should participate in a conflict before or during active hostilities rather than after they have commenced. The President further suggested that the United States frequently provides a security umbrella for allies who would not offer reciprocal support. "We will come to their rescue but they will never come to ours. We don't need them," he observed. In a direct swipe at the United Kingdom, Trump expressed a desire for Washington to avoid being drawn into a British war, while dismissively describing British aircraft carriers as "toys compared to what we have." Turning to the battlefield, the President detailed significant American military gains, noting that Iranian forces had previously launched attacks against the United States and several regional nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. "They started shooting," Trump said. He claimed that US forces have successfully dismantled Iran's air force, targeted drone and missile production facilities, and decimated multiple tiers of the Iranian military command structure. "All of their leadership is gone," the President asserted, claiming that even recently installed commanders were removed following a failure to negotiate terms. Regarding maritime operations, Trump reported that 154 Iranian ships had been neutralised, effectively ending Tehran's capacity to deploy naval mines. He noted that the campaign, initially projected to last four to six weeks, is currently "way ahead of schedule." Issuing a stern warning over the continued disruption of a vital shipping lane, the President cautioned that the US would implement "very drastic measures" if the shutdown persisted. However, he indicated that a diplomatic path remains open for Tehran. "Iran has a chance to permanently abandon nuclear ambitions," he remarked. "If they don't, then we are their worst nightmare." The President stated that the strait would be reopened if Iran accepted the "right deal," adding that the war "will end soon" and "won't be long." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has offered a characteristically blunt assessment of the ongoing conflict with Tehran, characterising the Iranian leadership as "lousy fighters but great negotiators." Speaking at the commencement of a Cabinet meeting, his first since the United States entered the war, the President dismissed reports that Washington was the party driving a diplomatic resolution. Instead, Trump asserted that the impetus for a ceasefire is coming directly from Iran. "They're begging to make a deal, not me," the President stated, maintaining that it is Tehran, rather than Washington, that is seeking to restart talks as the hostilities enter their fourth week. Delivering a sharp critique of Iranian strategic capabilities, Trump combined military dismissal with a backhanded compliment regarding their diplomatic prowess. "Anybody would know they're talking," he remarked. "They're not fools; they're very smart, actually, in a certain way. And they're great negotiators. I say they're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators." The President's rhetoric highlights a familiar stance downplaying Iran's battlefield strength while acknowledging its tactical ability to navigate complex bargaining tables. Despite these claims, however, Iranian officials have officially denied that any such negotiations are in progress, insisting that no formal discussions have commenced, notwithstanding persistent rumours of backchannel communications. Even as Trump maintained that the opposing side is seeking a resolution, he expressed significant hesitation regarding whether the United States is ready to reciprocate. "They are begging to work out a deal," he reiterated. "I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that." This uncertainty underscores a lack of definitive clarity in the US position, as the administration attempts to navigate the fine line between sustained military pressure and the potential, though not the guarantee, of a diplomatic exit. Furthermore, the President suggested that the window for a peaceful settlement may be narrowing, implying that Tehran has already squandered its best opening. "They should have done that four weeks ago," Trump noted, suggesting that the terms previously available for negotiation might no longer remain on the table. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump said he is uncertain whether he will enforce or extend the deadline set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that a final decision is yet to be made as diplomatic engagement continues amid the conflict in West Asia. Speaking to reporters on Thursday during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said the call would depend on feedback from top US officials involved in the negotiations. "I don't know yet. I don't know. Mr Witkoff and JD and Jared will tell me whether or not they think it's going along, and if it's not going along, maybe not," Trump said, referring to US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump also signalled that there was still room for negotiations despite the approaching deadline. "We have a lot of time, you know what? It's a day in 'Trump time'. A day -- do you know what it is? That's an eternity," the US President added. Trump, earlier, granted an extension until Friday as diplomatic efforts with Iran continued. Earlier on Monday, Trump announced that he had instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid the conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States and Iran had held "very good and productive conversations" aimed at resolving hostilities in the region and added that the decision to pause strikes was based on the "tenor and tone" of the discussions, which he described as "in-depth, detailed, and constructive". Trump further stated that the conversations will continue through the week. "I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East," the post read. "Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy Infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" it added. A day ahead of the revised deadline, he suggested there remains sufficient time for progress in talks. Meanwhile, Trump, during the meeting, offered a characteristically blunt assessment of the ongoing conflict with Tehran, characterising the Iranian leadership as "lousy fighters but great negotiators". The US President dismissed reports that Washington was the party driving a diplomatic resolution, and instead, Trump asserted that the impetus for a ceasefire is coming directly from Iran. "They're begging to make a deal, not me," the President stated, maintaining that it is Tehran, rather than Washington, that is seeking to restart talks as the hostilities enter their fourth week. (ANI)
TOKYO, Mar 26 (News On Japan) - U.S. President Donald Trump called on Japan to "step up" its role in addressing tensions in the Middle East during a Japan-U.S. summit held on March 19th, as Irans ambassador to Japan also expressed expectations for Tokyo to play a constructive diplomatic role, placing renewed focus on Japans unique position between the two sides.

Trump, speaking after the summit, said, "We expect Japan to step up (its support)," repeatedly emphasizing the need for greater Japanese involvement in the evolving regional situation.

On March 26th, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to questions from opposition lawmakers regarding Trumps remarks, stating that they reflected expectations for Japans actions. Takaichi said, "Based on the context, I understand the remarks as referring to Japan taking actionor being expected to take actionto ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

Meanwhile, on the same day, Irans ambassador to Japan, Peiman Seadat, attended a general meeting of a Japan-Iran parliamentary friendship group, where he described Japan as "a peace-loving and reliable friend." Seadat expressed hope that Japan would play a leading role in resolving the conflict and indicated a willingness to pursue solutions through dialogue, including on the issue of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

As tensions continue to escalate, attention has turned to what Japan can doand what only Japan may be uniquely positioned to achievegiven its longstanding diplomatic ties with Iran.

Japan has historically maintained relatively friendly relations with Iran compared to other Western nations. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, then-Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe visited both countries in an effort to mediate a ceasefire, marking a distinctive example of Japans independent diplomacy.

In 2018, after the Trump administration withdrew unilaterally from the Iran nuclear agreement and reinstated economic sanctions, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Iran in June 2019 in an attempt to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue with the United States. During that visit, Abe also held talks with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

With expectations now coming from both Washington and Tehran, Japan faces a delicate balancing act: responding to U.S. calls for greater involvement while also preserving Irans trust. The situation has entered a phase where Tokyos ability to propose solutions that respect both sides will be put to the test.

Source: TBS
Antonio Banderas has claimed his near-fatal heart attack is the best thing to have happened to him.

Antonio Banderas changed his life after his heart attack

The 65-year-old actor reassessed his life after suffering a medical emergency in 2017 and after walking away from his Hollywood lifestyle to return to his birthplace of Malaga, Spain, where he bougtht the not-for-profit theatre Teatro del Soho, he couldn't be happier.

Antonio - who lives with partner Nicole Kimpel - told The Times newspaper of his belief his heart attack was the best thing to have happened to him: Seriously. Mine was a really serious warning. It changed the way I look at life.

Faced with death, it made me look back and realise that I am, in fact, a theatre actor. I have never been so happy."

Antonio joked he is so besotted with his theatre that he'll still be there when he dies.

He said: A few months before [my father] died we were watching the procession of the Holy Sepulchre pass by on the night of Good Friday and suddenly, without looking at me, he said, I think theres nothing. I think theres nothing after death. My father, who was very Catholic, said that.

I will come back as a ghost. To haunt my theatre.

Antonio reflected on his "big leap to Hollywood", which he felt had previously "been off limited to Spaniards" and admitted his insecurities disappeared when he found professional success and personal contentment with former spouse Melanie Griffith, the mother of his daughter Stella, 29.

He said: I didnt speak English, but little by little I made a career for myself there. I later married an American woman and my life changed, my insecurities disappeared.

Antonio was warned when he arrived in America to expect to only play villains, so he's very proud to have played the titular hero in The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro, but thinks his role as Puss in Boots in the Shrek franchise was particularly important for representation.

He said: They said, you are here, like the blacks and the Hispanics, to play the bad guys.

"The problem was a few years later I had a mask, hat, sword and cape and the bad guy was Captain Love, who was blond and had blue eyes.

Even more important is Puss in Boots, because its for young kids. They see a cat that has a Spanish, even an Andalusian accent and hes a good guy.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa, at the invitation of Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States, represented Morocco on Wednesday at the White House in Washington, at Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit for children.

The Fostering the Future Together initiatives mission is to help children thrive and to promote their empowerment in the digital era through education, innovation and technology.

At the onset of the summit, which featured a welcome speech by a humanoid, Melania Trump delivered an address emphasizing that, in a world that is transforming through the use of AI, the mission of the new Coalition will be to empower children through technology and education, calling upon all partner countries and institutions to support concrete initiatives following this inaugural summit.

In this regard, she advocated hosting a regional meeting, collaborating with the private sector, unlocking access to technology for those who require assistance, drafting groundbreaking legislation to protect children, and collaborating with other member nations.

In her address at the meeting, Princess Lalla Hasnaa said that Morocco commends the visionary leadership of the First Lady Melania Trump who launched this critical coalition, emphasizing that Morocco is honored to participate in this coalition, which reflects a shared understanding.

Preparing our children for the digital age is not only a national duty, it is a shared global responsibility, she stated, adding that We need to act together now or the gap between those who benefit from technology and those who are left behind will grow wider.

In this regard, Princess Lalla Hasnaa noted that technology must promote the empowerment of people and reduce inequality, rather than increasing it.

She further emphasized that Morocco pledges, within the framework of the Fostering the Future Together coalition, to expand and reinforce existing national digital protection platforms, and to broaden national digital literacy and inclusion programs.

Furthermore, Princess Lalla Hasnaa underlined the Kingdoms resolve to share its best practices and experience on child digital protection with partners in the African continent, in a bid to support collective learning and foster international cooperation.

The meeting featured addresses by other participants, including Brigitte Macron (France), Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates), Marta Nawrocka (Poland), Maricel Cohen de Mulino (Panama), Fatima Maada (Sierra Leone) and Gertrude Mutharika (Malawi).

After the close of this high-level meeting, Princess Lalla Hasnaa attended a function hosted at the White House by Melania Trump in honor of the invited dignitaries.

The Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit for children, attended by representatives from some 40 countries and several leading U.S. technology companies, provided an opportunity to present national commitments in this area and to launch formal cooperation within the framework of this Coalition.
Morocco on Wednesday reiterated, during the ongoing 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, its strongest condemnation of the abject attacks carried out by Iran against several Arab brotherly countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

This blatant aggression is a grave violation of the national sovereignty of these brotherly Arab countries, as well as an unacceptable threat to regional security and stability, Moroccos Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Omar Zniber, said in a statement delivered on his behalf during an urgent debate on the issue.

He recalled in this regard that King Mohammed VI had expressed Moroccos full solidarity in phone calls with the leaders of each of the affected countries, noting that these acts betray the genuine efforts of the brotherly Gulf countries to cooperate with the Iranian side to promote regional stability.

This aggression is also part of a long-standing pattern of malignant activities aiming at destabilization, including Irans direct support to extremist and separatist groups across the region as well as direct threats to the territorial integrity of brotherly Arab States, the diplomat said.

Morocco condemns the targeting of civilian areas and infrastructure by Irans missile and drone attacks, he added.

The Kingdom, he continued, also condemns vigorously the attacks perpetrated by Iran against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and actively supports measures implemented by the International Maritime Organization to restore freedom of navigation in the region.

The diplomat also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and expressed Moroccos full support for the draft resolution tabled before the Human Rights Council on this matter.

The draft resolution, co-sponsored by Morocco, strongly condemns the unprovoked attacks carried out by Iran against several Gulf states and Jordan.

It expresses deep concern over strikes targeting civilians and critical infrastructure (energy, transport, water, and food), highlighting their severe consequences on human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The draft resolution also underscores the regional and global repercussions of the military escalation, particularly disruptions to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting supply chains, food security, and living conditions worldwide.

It further reaffirms support for the sovereignty of the targeted states, recognizes their right to self-defense, and condemns any violation of freedom of navigation and attacks on energy infrastructure.
A Sudanese medical organization has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of killing 16 unarmed civilians in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, in what it describes as an ethnically motivated attack.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, the Sudan Doctors Network alleged that the victims  including three women  were executed by forces affiliated with the RSF and subsequently buried in three separate mass graves on the outskirts of the city.

The organization characterised the incident as a heinous crime and a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian principles, warning that it reflects a broader pattern of systematic violence targeting civilians based on identity across the Darfur region.

According to the network, the killings form part of escalating abuses since October, which have forced thousands of civilians, particularly women and children, to flee their homes.

It called for urgent intervention by the international community and human rights organizations to halt the violence. The group further held the RSF leadership fully accountable for the alleged atrocities, urging stronger global action to prevent further displacement and civilian suffering. There has been no immediate response from the RSF regarding the allegations.

In October, RSF forces reportedly seized control of El-Fasher, with local and international organizations accusing them of committing massacres against civilians  developments that have heightened concerns over a potential fragmentation of Sudan. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has previously acknowledged that his forces committed violations in El-Fasher, stating that investigative committees had been established.

Beyond Darfur, Sudans three Kordofan states have also witnessed intensified clashes in recent weeks between the army and RSF, displacing tens of thousands. Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the national army and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary group into the military. The war has precipitated one of the worlds most severe humanitarian crises, leaving tens of thousands dead and nearly 13 million people displaced.
The telephone conversation that U.S. senior presidential advisor Massad Boulos had lately with Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune turned into a very difficult exchange amid mounting US Congress push for branding Polisario Terrorist Organisation, according to sources in Washington cited by Assahifa news platform.

Boulos has expressed in a firm tone US administrations concern over the growing pressure exerted at U.S. Congress by influential Senators such as Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton, who are intensifying efforts for the designation of the Algeria-backed Polisario Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The move is part of a broader strategic approach adopted by Washington against Iranian proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, houthis,

the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood

According to Washington sources, Boulos has told the Algerian President that the Polisario Front is viewed in America as an armed militia used by Iran to expand its influence in North Africa.

The Polisario ties with Iran put Algeria in a very delicate position amid shifting geopolitical dynamics as Trump Administration is taking actions against Iranian proxies and is increasingly upset about Algeria procrastination in the Sahara talks held in Madrid and Washington on Moroccos Autonomy Plan.

The U.S. frustration with the Algerian regime comes ahead of the UN Security Council briefing on the Sahara in April and the upcoming decisive quadripartite talks on Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty in line with UN Security Council resolution 2797.
Its time for the United Nations to dismantle the Polisario Front Camps in Tindouf after the UN Security Council endorsed Moroccos Autonomy Plan in the Sahara, said the prestigious American Think-Tank the Middle East Forum.

At the height of the Cold War, Soviet proxies Algeria and Cuba created the Polisario Front. They cared little for the Sahrawi people and use the Sahrawi issue to undermine Morocco, one of the most stalwart and moderate countries in the Arab world, said Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, in an analysis published by MEF.

Over the past thirty-five years, not only has MINURSO failed to complete its mission, but it never really began it, said Mr. Rubin, noting that the Algerian military junta understood that a free and fair referendum would expose their fraud and delegitimize their Polisario proxy, so they threw obstacles in front of any census, flooding proposed voter rolls with people who never lived in the Sahara and who, in many cases, were not even Sahrawi.

As the largest donor to the UN, peacekeeping, and the Office of UNHCR, the United States has an interest in cutting funds to missions that are impossible to fulfil, added the American expert, accusing Algerian authorities of inflating the number of those held in Tindouf camps to bilk donors and embezzle international aid.

According to the MEF expert, more than half of the Tindouf camps residents are technically not refugees from the Western Sahara but, rather, moved to the camps from elsewhere in Algeria, Mali, or Mauritania.

With the UN endorsing Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara, there is no reason the Sahrawi cannot go home. Morocco now has a decades-long record showing generous treatment and integration of returnees, said the MEF analyst, stressing that this does not mean amnesty.

The UNHCR screens and prevents former Assad regime soldiers who have blood on their hand from its protection in Lebanon. Likewise, those Polisario henchmen who have kidnapped, killed, or committed acts of terrorism should face justice in Morocco if they return; if they wish to remain in Algeria, so be it. But it is time for the United Nations, UNHCR, and donor nations to recognize that the best way to protect real refugees is to stop wasting money on those capable of returning but cynically prevented from doing so.
Bruce Willis' 90-year-old mother Marlene Willis has been hailed as an "icon" after 22 years volunteering with the LAPD.

Bruce Willis' mother has been hailed an 'icon'

The Die Hard actor's mother, known as Mrs Willis to those at the Los Angeles Police Department's West LA station, is still helping out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons by checking grammar and adding notes to police reports.

Captain Rich Gabaldon, the station's commanding officer, told NBC Los Angeles: "Mrs. Willis is a very integral part of West Los Angeles and the LAPD.

"She's an icon here."

Marlene described the LAPD as her "family", adding that she is delighted to do her part.

She added: "I want to help so much, so much. You have no idea. You cannot imagine how much I want to help."

As well as her administrative work, Marlene has been known to give officers a welcome hug when they come back after having to deal with a difficult incident.

Former LAPD Chief Michel Moore said: "I think she means the very best of people that are individuals who believe in the work that our men and women do."

Meanwhile, he noted that Marlene never mentions her famous son - who has frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and has retired from acting due to his health - and the only hint of the connection is a picture of them hugging each other as her screen saver on her computer.

Moore added: "She was never one to wear her identity as his mother on her sleeve or even involve him in even passing references of her life, which impressed me."

He previously named her LAPD volunteer of the year, and later gave her a "a badge of the law centre police department.

He explained: "While I can't make her a cop, I can at least give her the greatest symbol of what it means to be a cop."

Moore is now retired, but in a message to Marlene, he spoke of the "lasting impression" she left on him.

He added: "Marlene, there are people in our lives that when you cross their path; they leave a lasting impression.

You are one that has risen to the top of one of the best impressions. To you and the work you do, we will be forever grateful."
Georgia Stone Manufacturers Face Fines for Silica Exposure

OSHA cites two Cartersville companies for repeated safety failures and exposing workers to hazardous dust and noise levels.

Federal safety investigators have cited two stone product manufacturers for failing to protect employees from dangerous levels of silica dust and noise.

The U.S. Department of Labors OSHA conducted follow-up inspections at Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. and GT Stone Granite LLC. Investigators found that both companies failed to address safety hazards identified during previous inspections.

Stone Atlanta Countertops Inc. faces $42,699 in proposed penalties. OSHA cited the facility for two repeat, seven serious and three other-than-serious violations. The citations involve the lack of a written respiratory protection program, no exposure control plan for silica and a failure to maintain a hazard communication program for dangerous materials.

A separate inspection of GT Stone Granite LLC resulted in $73,607 in proposed penalties. The company was cited for eight repeat, four serious and two other-than-serious violations. OSHA inspectors found workers were overexposed to noise and respirable crystalline silica. The employer also failed to implement a written exposure-control plan or a hazard communication program.

Respirable crystalline silica is a microscopic dust created during the cutting, grinding or crushing of stone. Without proper protection, the dust can lead to lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

The companies have 15 business days to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Despite headlines saying that energy shortages could hit Europe by April, in reality, the continent has enough natural gas, renewables and coal to last it until summer, when energy demand picks up after a home heating reduction in spring due to warmer temperatures.

The spring also coincides with an increase in daylight hours, meaning more solar power generation. The combination typically loosens the European power market, which is good news for Europe, as the war with Iran has significantly bumped up crude oil and natural gas prices.

The findings come via The Dip podcast by Germany-based DW News, featuring Kesavarthiniy Savarimuthu, head of European Power for Bloomberg New Energy Finance (NEF).

Asked whether Europe is more resilient to energy shocks since the Ukraine war began, Savarimuthu replied, Were not in as bad of a situation that we were in five years ago, just to put things in perspective.

She noted Europe has managed to diversify its sources of natural gas from a single supplier  Russia  to multiple suppliers, especially LNG from the United States. In 2022, Europe relied on Russia's pipeline gas for about 40% of its energy needs, whereas now its around 6%.

Aljazeera reports natural gas prices in the EU have risen by more than 30% since the start of the war on Feb. 28, and spiked after Israels attack on Irans South Pars gasfield and subsequent Iranian attack on Qatars Ras Laffan.

Related: 3 Defense Stocks To Replenish Americas Depleting Arsenal

Savarimuthu said the Middle East supply void will likely be filled by other countries, including Norway, which is the largest gas supplier to Europe, mostly via pipelines, and the United States, which accounts for about half of the EUs LNG imports.

The US turned into the worlds largest exporter of LNG within a few years as energy companies raced to build new liquefaction plants along the Gulf Coast in response to the surge in demand for a lower-emission alternative to coal.

Last October, the US became the first country to export 10 million tons of liquefied gas in a single month, enjoying solid demand from Europe, which earlier in 2025 signed a commitment to buy significant volumes of both LNG and oil to get President Trump to lower tariffs.

The EU has been breaking records in LNG imports since 2022, even as it tries to move away from the commodity. Germany last year saw the highest volumes of gas-fired generation since 2019.

But Savarimuthu said the continents dependence on fossil fuels has dipped, giving the example of the power sector. An average 40% of electricity is currently generated from solar and wind compared to ~25% five years ago.

When we have cheaper sources of renewable supply, it also reduces our reliance on gas and imported fuel for power generation, she said, adding its a similar story for other sectors.

For industries, our gas demand in Europe has fallen by about 30% compared to our past five-year average. So, we are seeing a structural decline in demand for gas overall in Europe.

Spain is seeing fast growth in solar deployment, while Germany still retains a fleet of coal-fired power plants that, due to higher natural gas prices from the war, have been incentivized to come back online. France is about two-thirds powered by nuclear energy, so its need for natural gas is minimal.

Germany has been heavily criticized for closing all its nuclear power plants without having sufficient energy to replace them.

Savarimuthu said Italy is most impacted by the Iran war, with the country relying on liquefied natural gas to generate up to 50% of its electricity. Power prices there have risen over the past couple of weeks.

Shells (NYSE:SHEL) CEO is less sanguine about Europes energy security than BloombergNEFs Savarimuthu.

Wael Sawan said at an energy conference in Houston that the Middle East conflict has affected supplies of jet fuel, with diesel set to be next followed by gasoline as summer driving season in the northern hemisphere gets underway.

Gas prices have already doubled in Europe and are up by a third in the US.

The war has damaged major energy facilities and almost brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz  responsible for about 20% of global oil and LNG flows  to a standstill.

South Asia was first to get that brunt. Thats moved to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and then more so into Europe as we get into April, Sawan said.

Dan Marks, a specialist in energy security at Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), a defence think tank, told BBC News that Long-term, Europe needs to think about how to better build energy stockpiles and reduce or reorganise energy consumption to attain more control over sudden supply changes, like we're seeing now.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Iran has recently bolstered its defenses around Kharg Island, anticipating a possible US move to seize the key oil export hub, CNN reported this week. The island is vital to Irans economy, handling roughly 90% of its crude shipments, and has become a focal point in escalating tensions.

The Trump administration has explored the option of sending US forces to take control of the island as leverage to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. But military officials caution that such an operation would carry serious risks. Iran has reinforced the island with additional air defense systems, including portable missiles, and has planted mines along likely landing zones.

There is also growing skepticism among US allies and policymakers about whether capturing the island would achieve its broader objective. Even if successful, it may not resolve the wider dispute over energy flows and could instead intensify the conflict. An Israeli source warned that US troops could face attacks from drones and shoulder-fired missiles if they attempt a landing.

I would be very worried about this, said retired Adm. James Stavridis. Iranians are clever and ruthless. They will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on US forces both on the ships at sea, and especially once ground troops are anywhere in their sovereign territory.

CNN writes that Iran has responded with its own warnings. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said any attempt to occupy Iranian territory would prompt retaliation against critical infrastructure in the region, adding that US troop movements are under close watch.

Despite its relatively small sizeabout one-third of ManhattanKharg Island would require a substantial military operation to capture. US forces in the region include Marine units trained for amphibious assaults, along with airborne troops preparing to deploy. Surveillance has shown newly fortified positions and defensive preparations on the island.

Although earlier US strikes weakened parts of Irans defenses, American forces would still face significant threats from missiles and drones launched from the nearby mainland. This has led to internal debate in Washington over whether the potential benefits justify the risks.

Regional allies are urging restraint, warning that a ground assault could result in heavy casualties and trigger wider retaliation across the Gulf. Some analysts suggest that targeting Irans oil exports through a naval blockade could be a less risky alternative to putting troops on the ground.

By Zerohedge.com

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Sir Keir Starmer has said he doesnt hold legal powers to approve fresh exploration of North Sea oil and gas fields, with the decision falling in the hands of net zero secretary Ed Miliband.

Starmer said current legislation determined that a quasi-judicial decision relating to cases for more gas extraction at Shells Jackdaw site and Equinors Rosebank oil field was left to Miliband.

The Prime Minister reiterated the governments commitment to expanding renewable energy. He said the introduction of fresh legislation would slow the process down and accused the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, of failing to know about the law before raising questions in Parliament.

Its absolutely clear that the quasi judicial [process] lies with secretary of state, Starmer said.

In the last four weeks, because we are on a fossil fuel rollercoaster, everyone is being held to ransom.

He added: The most important thing to get energy security is to make sure we de-escalate the war.

Starmer backed by Davey

Scottish courts ruled government approvals for more extraction at each field as unlawful on environmental grounds.

The power now falls on the energy secretary to make a decision while considering economic and environmental reasons for projects.

Badenoch accused Starmer of hiding behind legal process every time though Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who served as the energy secretary in the coalition government, said he agreed with the Prime Minister.

The Tory leader heckled Davey to stop sucking up. She also shouted out you can change the law and repeated the word weak several times.

Starmer is facing growing pressure to remove restrictions on North Sea oil and gas projects from officials working across clean energy.

Jurgen Maier, who oversees Great British Energy, the publicly owned investment company, said in a post on LinkedIn that more drilling in the region would support a managed energy transition, slow job losses and improve tax receipts.

However, he said that energy costs would not be brought down and later emphasised he was fully supportive of the governments position to use existing fields for further exploration.

Prime Ministers Questions also came just a day after the lobby group Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) called on the government to urgently allow new drilling projects to take place.

Its annual report said much as half of the UKs liquified natural gas (LNG) will come from international suppliers by 2035.

David Whitehouse, chief executive of OEUK, said: As demand rises and electricity use accelerates, weakening domestic supply would only increase our reliance on imported LNG, leaving consumers more exposed to global volatility and higher emissions.

Political donations from Brits overseas to be capped at 100,000 a year

The final Prime Ministers Questions before a two-week Easter break was also mired by controversy as Reform UK MPs stormed out of the chamber on their apparent dissatisfaction with Starmers answers.

Ahead of a statement by communities secretary Steve Reed on Wednesday, Starmer confirmed that political donations made through cryptocurrencies

The government also confirmed that it would accept a recommendation in the review for political funding from British citizens living abroad to be capped at 100,000 a year.

This change may jar with Reform UKs plans to secure more cash ahead of national elections, with major crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who has given the party more than 12m in the last year, being based in Thailand.

Other recommendations include preventing donations from shell companies by ensuring funding is from post-tax profits rather than revenue and requiring foreign consultant lobbyists to join the official register they are currently exempt from.

There will also be more stringent checks on the source of funds from political donors.

By City AM

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While the Department of Energy has established a five-year plan to bolster grid defenses, experts express concern that budget cuts and staffing reductions may prevent the agency from effectively managing the expanding threat landscape.

The United States energy grid is in an extremely vulnerable position. Aging and underfunded, the grid is already being stressed to its limits by skyrocketing energy demand on the part of data centers as well as increasingly complicated energy flows introduced by solar and wind power. Building and maintaining a resilient energy grid will require a huge investment into expanding, reinforcing, and updating the grid  but in the meantime, all that expansion leaves the United States extremely vulnerable to cyberattack, according to security experts.

Any of the U.S. energy systems three primary pillars  power generation, transmission, and distribution  could all be a target. You have a growing surface of attack on which our adversaries can target us, Alexander Fitzsimmons, the Acting Undersecretary of Energy, said in a recent exclusive with nonpartisan news outlet Semafor. The threat landscape is certainly escalating and intensifying.

The federal government is aware of the risks, and has been proactive about protecting the United States power grid from hackers. So far, theyve managed to avoid a major breach  but Fitzsimmons says it is entirely possible that hackers have already infiltrated IT networks upholding critical infrastructure including military installations, and are simply waiting for the right moment to wreak havoc. Many military installations are located in remote places with small grids, making them particularly vulnerable to attack. In some of these places, says Fitzsimmons, you have one person working on IT, and theyre expected to secure their network against foreign adversaries.

Experts have been warning of this growing risk for years. In 2017, the Council on Foreign Relations released a memorandum detailing the possible forms and growing likelihood of a crippling hack to the United States power grid, saying that it has long been considered a logical target for a major cyberattack. The impact of such an attack would cripple the economy, which is entirely reliant on the grid for all sixteen of its major sectors.

The report says that such an attack would be no easy feat, requiring months of planning, significant resources, and a team with a broad range of expertise. But while that means it would be unlikely for a terrorist and criminal organization to mount such an offensive, there is still considerable threat from state adversaries, who have the resources to carry out such an endeavor, and many of which have the political will to do so.

That 2017 report identified Iran as one of these potential political adversaries, a threat which is now much more prescient against the backdrop of the war being waged there by the United States and Israel. Russia has also been considered to be a primary threat in cyber warfare in the West, including the United States, spurred by the Wests condemnation of Putins war in Ukraine.

China, too, could be a major cyberattack risk. In 2024, the Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community found that If Beijing believed that a major conflict with the United States were imminent, it would consider aggressive cyber operations against U.S. critical infrastructure and military assets. The unclassified report went on to say that such a strike would be designed to deter U.S. military action by impeding U.S. decisionmaking, inducing societal panic, and interfering with the deployment of U.S. forces.

In response to the growing threat against the countrys energy infrastructure, this year the Department of Energy released a first-ever 5-year plan to build up the national grids defense against cyberattack. The three main priorities of the strategy are developing advanced grid-focused cybersecurity tech, girding existing infrastructure against cyber threats, and improving response times to threats and breaches.

However, critics question whether the DOE has the funding to carry out its plans, as the budget for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) has shrunk under the Trump administration. "The plan assumes a partner agency operating at a capacity it no longer has," Collin Hogue-Spears, senior director of solution management at Black Duck, was recently quoted. "Add the plan's scope expansion across cybersecurity, physical security, counter-UAS and facility hardening, and CESER is asking 66 people to coordinate across more mission areas than 96 people managed before."

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Gasoline prices continue to surge. Drivers saw increases of roughly 50 cents per gallon almost overnight following the outbreak of hostilities with Iran. According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline has climbed by nearly $1.00 per gallon over the past monthone of the fastest increases in decades.

It feels like a ripoff, and for many Americans, the same questions come up every time.

If the United States is the worlds largest oil producerin fact, if we are energy independentthen why are we still at the mercy of global events? And how can prices spike instantly when the gasoline in the tank was made from cheaper oil weeks ago?

People like easy answers, such as corporate greed. That is emotionally satisfying, but it doesnt tell the full story. Whats happening is a function of global markets, supply chain realities, and predictable patterns in consumer behavior. In fact, much of what were seeing is exactly how the system is designed to work.

America Produces the Most OilBut Doesnt Set the Price

The U.S. leads the world in oil production, but oil isnt priced locally, nor are prices set by oil companies. Because the U.S. exports oil to the global markets, its priced globally by traders bidding for oil. That is a distinction many people do not realize.

Think of the oil market as a single, interconnected system. When supply is threatened anywhere, prices respond everywhere. And few places matter more than the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which ~20% of the worlds oil flows. When that chokepoint is at risk, traders price in the risk immediately.

Thats why a barrel of oil in Texas suddenly becomes more expensive even if nothing has changed domestically. U.S. producers sell into global markets, so American refiners have to match those prices or lose supply. Being the largest producer doesnt shield us, it simply means we are deeply embedded in the same global system.

Gas Prices Reflect Tomorrows Costs, Not Yesterdays

The second frustrationwhy prices jump before cheap gasoline is soldcomes down to replacement cost.

Gas stations arent pricing whats already in their tanks; theyre pricing what it will cost to replace it. Retail fuel is a low-margin business, and station owners have to think about their next delivery, not their last one. If wholesale prices surge and they keep selling at yesterdays levels, they risk not having enough cash to refill their tanks.

So, prices adjust quickly. It may feel unfair, but from the retailers perspective, its a matter of staying solvent in a volatile market.

Rockets and Feathers: Why Prices Fall More Slowly

While the rise in prices is fast, the decline is usually frustratingly slow. This isnt just perception. Its a well-documented economic phenomenon known as rockets and feathers, studied extensively by economists like Severin Borenstein.

The idea is simple: prices shoot up like rockets when costs rise but fall like feathers when costs decline. Part of that dynamic comes from the structure of the market, but consumer behavior plays a surprisingly important role.

When prices are rising rapidlysometimes by 10 cents a dayconsumers become highly sensitive. They search aggressively for the cheapest station and often rush to fill up before prices climb further. That surge in demand and heightened competition forces retailers to move prices up quickly to keep pace with rising replacement costs.

When prices begin to fall, however, that urgency fades. A few cents difference between stations no longer feels worth the effort, and consumers become less aggressive about price shopping. With less competitive pressure, retailers lower prices more gradually. The result is the same pattern drivers have noticed for years: sharp increases followed by slow, uneven declines.

Who Actually Benefits When Prices Spike?

Its also important to distinguish between different parts of the oil industry, because not all companies benefit equally from rising prices.

Producersthe companies that extract crude oilgenerally see a windfall when prices spike. Their costs dont rise nearly as fast as the price of oil, so higher prices tend to flow directly to the bottom line.

Refiners operate under a different set of constraints. Their profitability depends on the crack spread, or the margin between the cost of crude oil and the price of refined products like gasoline. When crude prices surge quickly, refiners often cant pass those costs through immediately, and their margins can shrink.

In fact, refiners often perform best when oil prices are falling. As input costs decline and gasoline prices lag behind, margins can expandessentially the inverse of what happens during a spike.

The Takeaway

Rapid increases in gasoline prices arent evidence that the system is broken. They are the result of global pricing, forward-looking markets, and predictable human behavior all interacting at once.

That doesnt make the pain at the pump any easier to accept. But it does explain why more domestic production alone wont prevent these spikesand why the same pattern keeps repeating.

As long as global supply can be threatened in critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, price shocks will remain part of the landscape. And when that supply is actually disrupted, prices will move fast.

By Robert Rapier

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The oil market may be sleepwalking into a significant move higher if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked beyond March.

The massive loss of supply from the Middle East has already reverberated through Asia, which depends on oil and gas from the Gulf and which is already rationing fuel, banning exports, and paying hefty premiums for any crude that could replace the sour Middle Eastern grades that are trapped by the de facto closed Strait of Hormuz.

Oil traders and speculators  those who havent fled yet the extremely volatile crude futures trade these days  seem to be hanging on to every word of U.S. President Donald Trump. But his messaging has been chaotic, with threats of obliteration, proposals of peace plans, and insistence that the U.S. is negotiating with Iran.

The market has reacted to all these with violent swings up or down. Between Monday and Wednesday, prices slumped by 10% amid market hopes that some negotiations are indeed taking place and could yield results.

Speculation vs Fundamentals

However, the reality looks quite different from what the crude futures market is projecting.

Physical supply, of the magnitude of millions of barrels per day, is being curtailed in the Middle East as producers are forced to reduce output because oil has no way out of the region. Shortages are already hitting Asia and will soon spread to Europe, too.

But the paper market looks complacent, probably also because the supply crunch will be last felt in the United States. The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, has widened the discount to the international benchmark, Brent Crude, to more than $10 per barrela gap not seen in years. Currently, Asian refiners do not need most of the U.S. crude as they cannot efficiently process the light sweet oil from the shale fields. Asia wants sour barrels of the type it has been importing from the Middle East for decades.

Related: 3 Defense Stocks To Replenish Americas Depleting Arsenal

As a result, WTI may keep trading at huge discounts while Brent and Middle Eastern benchmarks are set to climb higher. The longer the Strait of Hormuz blockage persists, the more severe the upward pressure on the Brent and Middle Eastern crude prices will be.

Youve seen Asia absolutely fighting for every barrel there is in the world,

Amrita Sen, founder of consulting firm Energy Aspects, told The Wall Street Journal.

If the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for a few more weeks, the price of Brent Crude will eventually catch up with the surge in physical crude from the Middle East, according to the analyst.

Oil prices could soar to $150 per barrel or more if the Middle East war continues until the end of March, Kpler said last week.

With this huge outage of supply it is just a matter of time where prices really catch up with the fundamentals here and we just see how bad things are, Amena Bakr, Kplers Head of Middle East and OPEC+ Insights, told CNBC International last week.

We are now nearing the end of March, the conflict doesnt appear to be very close to resolution, and the Strait of Hormuz remains shut to most tanker traffic except at Irans discretion for friendly countries, including China and some other nations in Asia.

Oil Shortages Start to Emerge

As of March 20, more than 130 million barrels of crude were already lost from the Middle East, and cumulative disruptions could exceed 250 million barrels by the end of March, 400 million barrels by the middle of April, and 600 million barrels by the end of April if flows dont resume, Kpler said in a note on Friday.

Related: A New U.S. Facility Could Break Chinas Grip on Critical Materials

Short-term fixes, including SPR releases and sanctions relief, can only delay, not offset, the growing structural deficit, Kplers analysts reckon.

By March 20, Middle Eastern oil producers had already shut in 10.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of output. These could rise to as much as 11.5 million bpd by late March and remain at that level throughout April if the situation in the Strait of Hormuz does not improve, according to Kpler.

The production cuts are not only driven by export constraintsseveral refineries in the region, including in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have been hit and forced to shut down or reduce runs.

The trapped supply in the Middle East is forcing Asian refiners to pay huge premiums for crude that could replace some of the supply loss, with the most suitable grade from Norway, Johan Sverdrup, being bid at record-high double-digit premiums over Dated Brent.

Refiners in Asia are cutting processing rates due to a lack of crude, fuel prices are skyrocketing, and governments are implementing fuel-saving measures such as four-day work weeks, work from home, and extended national holidays. Many Asian countries are also banning exports of fuels, which ripples through the global fuel supply, especially in jet and diesel markets.

Europe could experience energy shortages before the end of April, Shells CEO Wael Sawan warned at the CERAWeek conference in Houston.

South Asia was first to get that brunt. That's moved to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and then more so into Europe as we get into April, Sawan said earlier this week.

The longer the Strait of Hormuz remains de facto closed, the more severe the crisis will become.

Ultimately, it matters little what narratives about a potential peace deal Trump puts forward, Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, said on Wednesday.

The unfortunate reality remains that Iran holds the strategic leverage through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing it to maintain economic pressure on both the US and the global economy.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The global oil market could lose up to 14 million barrels per day (bpd) of supply if the blockage at the Strait of Hormuz extends for more weeks, according to Barclays.

A prolonged disruption at the world's most vital oil chokepoint is set to lead to 13-14 million bpd of supply lossesan immense shock, the UK-based investment bank said in a note on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.

However, both the magnitude of the supply loss and the duration of the Hormuz closure are highly uncertain, Barclays analysts noted.

Notwithstanding uncertainty about the ceasefire negotiations, in our base case, we expect traffic through the Strait to normalize by early April, which would be consistent with Brent averaging $85/b in 2026, they wrote.

But if the blockage extends into the end of April, Brent Crude could reprice to $100 per barrel, and further up to $110 a barrel if the closure extends through May, according to Barclays.

Earlier this week, Goldman Sachs said that the supply losses from the Iran War could peak at about 17 million bpd, as it raised its 2026 average price forecasts for both Brent and West Texas Intermediate benchmarks.

Early on Thursday in Asian trade, Brent Crude prices were trading at $105 per barrel, up by 3%, after signals emerged that Iran may not be interested in holding talks on a ceasefire.

WTI Crude was also up 3% at $93 per barrel, as the U.S. benchmark continues to trade at a major discount to Brent amid the frantic search of Brent-linked crudes in Asia, where supply shortages are already being acutely felt.

By 20 March, supply disruptions in the Middle East reached 10.7 million bpd, according to Kpler's estimates. These could rise to as much as 11.5 million bpd by late March and remain at that level throughout April if the situation in the Strait of Hormuz does not improve, Kpler's analyst said, noting that short-term fixes to the supply loss, such as stocks release and sanctions relief can only delay, not offset, the growing structural deficit.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Iraq is seeing the worst of the Middle East crisis as its heavily oil-dependent economy is now collapsing with the trickling oil revenues amid the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq, OPECs second-biggest oil producer behind Saudi Arabia, has done very little in recent decades to diversify its heavy dependence on oil. Petroleum sales still account for 90% of revenues for state budget. While other producers in the Middle East also depend on oil sales, none is as dependent as Iraq.

This dependence resulted in collapsing oil revenues and an economy on the brink under a caretaker government months after the general elections.

Due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq has been forced to slash its oil production as its exports from Basra need to transit the worlds most vital oil chokepoint.

Iraq, unlike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), doesnt have any options to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Baghdad to slash oil production as storage sites and tankers available in the Gulf filled up.

Iraq moved to restore a northern oil export route to send crude from the Kirkuk fields directly to Turkeys Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, as the southern export route via the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for weeks.

Related: 3 Defense Stocks To Replenish Americas Depleting Arsenal

But due to the heavy dependence on the southern export route via Hormuz, Iraqi oil exports have collapsed from about 3.4 million barrels per day (bpd) before the war, to just about 250,000 bpd now, according to estimates reported by the Financial Times.

Iraq has cut output more than the other Middle Eastern producersits output plunged by 70% as early as one week into the war.

For Iraq, the situation is more critical than the other Gulf producersits dependence on oil revenue is the highest in the region, and unlike Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Baghdad doesnt have a huge sovereign wealth fund to lean on.

Moreover, Iraq depends 90% on imports of food, consumer goods, and medicine supply transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which deepens the crisis for its economy.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Saudi crude oil exports to its two biggest clients, India and China, are on course to decline in April because of the production disruptions in the Middle East, Bloomberg reported earlier today, citing traders.

The traders said Saudi oil exports to the Chinese market were seen at some 40 million barrels, down from 48 million barrels shipped to the worlds top importer in February. Shipments to India were seen at around 23 million barrels, the Bloomberg sources said. That would be down from between 25 and 28 million barrels in February, based on figures from Vortexa and Kpler, the publication noted.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Saudi oil giant Aramco had notified customers of term supply in Asia that they would receive in April only the flagship Arab Light grade loaded at the Yanbu export port on the Red Sea. So far in March, Saudi Aramco has exported about 4.355 million barrels per day of crude, according to Kpler data. This is way below the 7.1 million bpd in exports in February.

Saudi Arabia has been rerouting oil flows from the Strait of Hormuz in the east to the port of Yanbu in the west via the East-West pipeline. Last week, loadings from Yanbu averaged 4 million barrels daily, with tankers essentially standing in line to load Saudi crude from the Red Sea port. Data from Kpler, quoted earlier this week by Reuters, suggested that the daily loading rates at Saudi oil export terminals since the start of the month have averaged 4.355 million barrels. Loadings from Yanbu specifically are seen at an average of 3.8 million barrels daily, which would be an all-time high.

Clearly, the rerouting has not been enough to offset the Strait of Hormuz disruption, hence the two consecutive months of lower shipments to India and China, both of which have tapped temporarily de-sanctioned Russian barrels at sea.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The Pitt's Noah Wyle joked that passengers may have thought he was a real doctor and expected him to help during a mid-flight medical emergency.

Noah Wyle on The Chris Moyles Show /  Global

The incident occurred when the 54-year-old actor recently flew to London to promote the HBO Max medical procedural drama, in which he plays protagonist Dr Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, the senior emergency attending physician at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre.

Noah said on Chris Moyles' Radio X show on Wednesday (25.03.26): "On the flight over here, they made a PA announcement that there was a medical emergency in the back of the plane, and if there was any doctors to please contact the flight attendant.

"And half the passengers had already told me that they were watching The Pitt on the flight, because they passed me on the way in! So, I know there were at least 20 people that were like, I know there's a doctor on this plane!'

Chris, 52, asked if, during the announcement, Noah "sank into the chair", to which the Primetime Emmy award winner quipped: "I got so low. I got so low in my chair! I was inside the barf bag."

Noah shot to fame as Dr John Carter in the NBC medical drama ER, and he went on to join and executive-produce The Pitt after receiving "a lot of mail" from first responders.

The star explained: "This one I joined from the very beginning.

"This one started during the pandemic when I was getting a lot of mail from first responders who were telling me they were having a hard time, and that I had been sort of instrumental in getting them into this mess by doing a show called ER.

"And I really felt awful that I had nothing relevant to offer them at that moment. So, I called our executive producer of ER and said, 'I know you don't want to do that show again, but there might be another story to tell.'

"And that began this conversation about how to take another look at American healthcare post COVID, and focusing on the practitioners who have really done an unceasing tour of duty without being able to examine what they've been through during that period of time."

Noah's connection to the healthcare industry is rooted in his personal life, as his mom, Marjorie Speer, was a nurse.

Chris wondered how much medical jargon Noah recognises in scripts for The Pitt, to which the actor replied: "Well, there's only about 12 things you can actually do in an emergency department, after which you get sent to another department.

"So, those 12 things come up quite a bit, and I've learned pretty much how to do each of those. The pronunciations are second nature by now."

And Noah thinks he "could have actually gotten a degree" because of how much medical knowledge he has."

He added: "I've been doing this for decades. So, for me to say I know nothing would be really a horrible admission! But the truth is, I know it when I need to know it."

Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X weekdays from 6.30am to 10am and on Global Player.
A tanker carrying Russian oil was hit on Thursday by an unmanned marine vehicle in the Black Sea near Istanbul, Turkish authorities said.

The Altura crude oil tanker, which is sanctioned by the EU and the UK, was hit by what Turkey believes is an unmanned vehicle, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.

The tanker, flying the flag of Sierra Leone and operated by a Turkish firm, had loaded crude oil from the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, tanker-tracking data on MarineTraffic shows.

The Altura was fully laden with about 1 million barrels of Russia's flagship crude Urals, according to tanker-tracking data.

"We believe it was not a drone attack, but an unmanned underwater vehicle," Uraloglu told Turkish media on Thursday.

"It was an externally caused explosion, a deliberate attack specifically aimed at disabling the ship's engine room," the minister said, adding that all 27 Turkish crew members aboard the tanker were unharmed.

Turkish private broadcaster NTV reported earlier on Thursday that the tanker was hit by a drone some 15 nautical miles, or 17 miles, from the Bosporus Strait.

Related: Little-Known US Company Lands Important Pentagon Contract in Rare Earth Race

"Whether it was at the water level or below will be determined in the coming hours," Uraloglu said.

The tanker suffered engine damage following a blast early on Thursday that severely shook the ship bridge and disabled part of the equipment, Turkey's Directorate General for Maritime Affairs told Bloomberg.

Turkey has warned several times in recent months against escalating attacks on tankers carrying Russian oil near or in its waters.

Earlier this month, a Greek-operated oil tanker was damaged by a drone or projectile attack in the Black Sea while en route to Russia.

But back then, the vessel was hit some 14 nautical miles (or 16 miles) off the port of Novorossiysk, with no injuries or oil spill resulting from the strike.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Commodity analysts have revised their outlooks for global liquefied natural gas supply down by some 35 million tons as a result of the production and export disruptions stemming from the war in the Middle East.

Forecasters, including Rystad Energy, Kpler, ICIS, and S&P Global, have all updated their expectations for LNG supply recently, Reuters reported, with the revisions covering this year and the period until 2029.

Analysts cited the force majeure on Qatars LNG production facilities as the biggest reason, also noting the delay in the countrys expansion project for its North Field and Adnocs Ruwais LNG, which is under construction but likely to take longer to complete than originally planned because of the war.

In the near term, the market rebalances primarily through higher prices and demand destruction in South Asia, Kpler LNG analyst Laura Page said, as quoted by Reuters. The analytics firm forecast LNG prices will remain elevated, seeing sustained $20+ levels likely through summer for Asia. Asian LNG prices have surged by 143% since the start of the war.

Rystad Energy, meanwhile, recently released a report estimating the total cost of repairing oil and gas infrastructure damaged so far at $25 billion, with gas infrastructure in Qatar and Iran suffering the most serious damage and taking the longest to fix.

Predictions of an LNG glut are now out the window, and analysts expect a prolonged period of supply tightness, not least because U.S. LNG cannot ramp up fast enough to cover the shortfall from the Middle East. U.S. LNG export facilities are already operating at capacity, Reuters noted in its report, and a lot of the gas they produce is committed to long-term contracts.

Poorer Asian nations are already switching to coal from LNG as prices climb higher but China has insulated itself: higher pipeline volumes delivered via the Power of Siberia from Russia, as well as higher LNG supply from Novateks Arctic LNG 2, will offset lost supply from the Middle East, one Chinese gas trader told Reuters.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Russia is scrambling to reroute oil flows after a fresh wave of attacks knocked out key Baltic export infrastructurejust as maritime risks are already piling up elsewhere.

According to Reuters, citing Interfax, pipeline operator Transneft is attempting to redirect crude volumes away from ports hit by Ukrainian drone strikes, including Primorsk and Ust-Lugatwo of Russias most critical export hubs.

Reuters calculations suggest as much as 40% of Russias oil export capacity is currently offline, factoring in port outages, pipeline issues, and tanker-related disruptions.

Thats a logistics problem firstand a supply problem second.

Primorsk alone handles more than 1 million barrels per day of Urals crude, while Ust-Luga moved nearly 33 million tons of oil products last year. Losing both, even temporarily, creates an immediate bottleneck that cant be solved overnight.

Transneft CEO Nikolai Tokarev acknowledged as much, noting that redirecting these volumes on short notice is difficult given the scale involved.

Related: The Three Companies Rebuilding Americas Rare-Earth Arsenal

Russia does have alternatives. Flows can be shifted toward Black Sea ports or via inland routes, for example. But it isnt a perfect solution, as there are limits. Infrastructure capacity is finite, and the Black Sea is hardly a safe fallback, with tanker attacks escalating in recent weeks.

That leaves Russia to manage constraints on multiple fronts: reduced port capacity in the Baltic, growing risks to tankers in the Black Sea, and ongoing complications tied to sanctions and shipping access.

Even if production holds, getting crude from wellhead to buyer is becoming more complicated, more expensive, and increasingly uncertain.

In conjunction with the war in the Middle East and de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent oil/LNG production outages, the Russian disruption adds a fresh element into already sky-high oil prices.

Brent crude was trading above $106 in morning trade on Thursday.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Venezuela produced an average of 1.1 million barrels of crude daily this month, up from 942,000 barrels daily in February, according to a PDVSA presentation, as cited by Reuters.

The turnaround followed the selective lifting of sanctions by the United States after it removed President Nicolas Maduro from power and took him to the U.S. to stand trial for drug trafficking, while effectively taking over Venezuelas oil industry.

The turnaround will take a while, however. In the 1990s, Venezuela pumped around 3 million barrels of crude daily, but since then, the combination of bad management and U.S. sanctions has significantly reduced its production.

After the U.S. took control, however, things seem to be looking up, with Big Oil starting to return to the Latin American country, not least thanks to a legislative change giving oil companies more freedom and predictability.

The new law, passed earlier this year, caps royalty rates at 30% but allows the government to set individual royalty rates for projects based on factors such as investment needs and competitiveness. Following the adoption of the new law, Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez said she expected fresh oil investments of as much as $1.4 billion this year.

The law also stipulates that private companies will assume full management of the activities at its own expense, account, and risk, after demonstrating its financial and technical capacity through a business plan that will be subject to approval by the Venezuelan oil ministry. The ownership of the resources to be developed by private companies, however, will remain with the Venezuelan state.

As a result, Chevron is reportedly in talks to expand its Petropiar joint venture with PDVSA, and Shell is in talks for the development of fields in eastern Venezuela, in the Monagas North area. The area contains some of Venezuelas few deposits of light and medium crude. Shell also has plans for developing natural gas resources in Venezuela, both offshore and onshore.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
By Jason Williams

Oregon 250 Resolution,

This story brought to you by the Oregon 250 Resolution project to honor Americas 250th.

The first victim of the American Revolution was a 12-year-old boy who was shot. Also, a painter Samuel Gore was hit with a different bullet but survived, and became part of the revolution.

Here is their story:

On Feb. 22, 1770, the city saw the killing of an 12-year-old boy outside Theophilus Lillies shop in the North End of Boston in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. British customs officer Ebenezer Richardson, determined to quell the crowd protesting outside the Loyalists shop, fired a musket through a broken window and mortally wounded young Christopher Seider in the arm and chest. Christopher, the son of poor German immigrants, died that evening and became known as the first colonist killed in the American Revolution.

Swan shot from the musket also struck painter Samuel Gore in the thigh and hand during the same altercation, but he survived. Afterward, Gore carried the lead pellets dug out of him in his pockets. Two thousand angry colonists turned out for Christophers large public funeral, arranged by Samuel Adams. Although convicted of murder, Richardson claimed he acted in self-defense and received a royal pardon and another customs position, sparking anger among the American colonists.

Tensions simmered in the city until erupting in early March during what became known as the Boston Massacre.

 Want more? Visit Oregon250.com and read the Oregon 250 Resolution which honors Americas 250th Birthday by recognizing 15 historic American Achievements. Please read it, print it and share with others. Nearly 10,000 people have signed a petition in support of the Oregon 250 resolution.
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

The anti-Trump No Kings March scheduled nationwide for March 28, may involve a lot of participants, but let the record show, it also involves a lot of money. This full-page ad seen in the Wall Street Journal is advertising the march, and such ads can cost up to a quarter-million dollars.

Here is their statement in the ad:

We affirm our right to speak freely to publish the truth, and to gather in protest

(thats an odd statement coming from the Left which invented cancel culture)

We affirm our right to be secure in our own homes.

(thats an odd statement since liberals in Oregon favor defunding police, releasing 1,000 criminals early out of prison, removed the death penalty for serial killers, closed two prisons, making people wait 60 days to purchase a gun with HB 4145)

We affirm the right of every person to a judge, a jury of their peers, and presumed innocence

(thats an odd statement since in Oregon liberals created the public defender funding crisis where thousands of Oregon cases were dropped for lack of defender)

We affirm the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment

(everyone should agree with this)

We affirm the principle that no president may rule by decree  not even this one

(thats an odd statement since Biden by decree wiped out a near quarter-trillion in student debt, and many of his decrees may have been done by autopen.)

 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 Rob Kremer

As seen in the Oregon Transformation Newsletter,

How do we persuade Gov. Kotek to opt into the federal scholarship tax credit?

The new federal scholarship tax credit legislation, known as the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), is going to result in billions of dollars becoming available to families of both public and private school children in the form of scholarships to pay for a variety of educational needs.

But not for children in every state. To be eligible for a scholarship, a child must live in a state that has opted in to the program. So far, 28 states, including Colorado, have done so. Gov. Kotek has not yet decided if Oregon families will have access to these scholarships.

Theres a way to help convince her. But first, an explanation of how this new program works:

Starting on January 1, 2027, any taxpayer will be able to donate $1,700 each year to a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and get the entire amount credited against their federal income taxes. Essentially, the donation costs the donor zero. They either give the $1,700 to the federal government or to an SGO.

Taxpayers can make the donation to any qualified SGO even if they live in a state that does not opt in.

The SGOs use the accumulated donations to provide scholarships to K-12 school aged children, not just for private school tuition but also for a range of things public school kids need for their education: tutoring, after school programs, assessments, educational technology, college classes in dual-enrollment programs, and a few other allowed uses.

The fact that both public and private school kids are eligible for scholarships under the program makes it more palatable to blue state governors, who almost universally oppose private school choice programs. Gov. Polis of Colorado is the only Democrat governor so far who has opted his state into the program.

His reason: If he didnt opt Colorado in, there would be a substantial flow of Colorado taxpayer funds donated to out-of-state SGOs. He wanted Colorado families to benefit from that money. He said opting in was a no brainer.

It just isnt in the DNA of Democrat politicians to say no to available money. Its precisely this urge that might get Kotek to opt in.

What if a group of Oregonians raised millions of dollars in tax credit eligible donations but couldnt give any scholarships to Oregon kids because Gov. Kotek hasnt yet opted Oregon in? So, the Oregon taxpayer donations would have to be used to fund scholarships for children in other states. Would she really let that happen?

Thats precisely what the folks at Oregon Transformation are going to find out, in partnership with an SGO that I have founded, called The National SGO. Oregon Transformation is creating an Affiliate Fund at The National SGO. The money they raise in tax credit eligible donations will be held in a segregated fund to be used for scholarships as allowed by the ECCA.

If you are an employer, theres a way to be a part of this. You can allow your employees to make the $1,700 contribution to the Oregon Transformation Fund at The National SGO by withholding the donations in monthly increments from their paychecks. Since they get the entire amount off their federal taxes due, they can easily adjust their W-4 so that their take home pay does not change.

Basically, they can give the $1,700 to the Oregon Transformation Fund at The National SGO or give it to the IRS.

If Gov. Kotek opts Oregon into the ECCA, the funds you raise and deposit at the Oregon Transformation Fund can go to scholarships for your employees children. If she doesnt, the funds must be given to children who live in a state that has opted in.

Imagine the voice of dozens of Oregon employers whose employees are contributing $1,700 each year through their paychecks, hoping that the funds can be used for scholarships for the children of fellow employees.

Would Gov. Kotek refuse? Lets find out.

It wont be hard to participate. Your companys annual open enrollment process can include the option for your employees to choose to donate to the Oregon Transformation Fund at The National SGO. The folks at Oregon Transformation will help with all the necessary employee communications explaining the program  how the donation actually costs them nothing and wont even change their monthly take home pay.

The ECCA is, without question, going to result in billions of dollars of scholarships for public and private K-12 students funded essentially by individual taxpayers steering money to SGOs that would otherwise go to the federal government.

For Gov. Kotek to allow Oregon students to benefit from these scholarships in the face of objections from the teachers unions, shell need a good reason.

What better reason than the thousands of Oregon taxpayers who signed up to start donating in their first 2027 paycheck? Will Oregon kids benefit from those millions? Or will it all just have to go out of state?
Kathmandu, Nepal, March 26, 2026: When the streets of Kathmandu filled with the voices of "Gen Z" protesters on September 8 and 9, the world saw chaos. But a new report by the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission says what we actually saw was a broken promise. The commissions findings move past legal jargon to tell a story of a generation that feels ignored by a leadership that has stayed the same for thirty years. It isnt just about politics; its about the exhaustion of a people living under a "failed" system.

The Tired Faces of Leadership

The report captures a deep-seated public fatigue: the sight of the same few leaders rotating through the Prime Ministers office like a revolving door. For a young Nepali, this isn't just an observation of "stability"its a wall. The commission suggests that by allowing the same people to hold power indefinitely, the state has stifled new ideas and energy. By recommending a limit on how many times one person can lead, the commission is essentially asking for the gates to be opened for a new generation to finally have a seat at the table.

Lawmakers or Power-Seekers?

One of the most human elements of the report is the critique of the "Ministerial Dream." Currently, when a citizen elects a Member of Parliament, that MP often spends their energy chasing a cabinet position rather than writing laws that help their community. The commissions radical suggestion to bar MPs from becoming Ministers aims to bring back the "Public Servant." The goal is simple: ensure that the person you vote for is focused on your problems in the district, not on which luxury car they will get as a Minister.

The Heartache of Delayed Justice

Statistics like "150,000 pending cases" are hard to visualize until you think of the families behind themthe farmer waiting years to settle a land dispute or the victim waiting for a day in court that never comes. The commission paints a picture of a judiciary choked by political "quotas," where who you know matters more than the law. By calling for an end to political appointments in favor of a fair exam system, the report is fighting for the ordinary persons right to walk into a courtroom and expect a fair shake, regardless of their political connections.

Safety Over Force

The unrest of Bhadau 23-24 was a traumatic moment for both the public and the police. The commission notes that the state was "digitally blind," leading to a reliance on force rather than conversation. The report advocates for a police force that uses "bytes over bullets"investing in social media communication and non-lethal tools. It envisions a future where security forces are trained to de-escalate tension with information and empathy, rather than meeting every protest with a baton.

The Dream of a Dignified Life

Ultimately, the Karki Commissions report is a plea for dignity. It criticizes the "extravagant lifestyles" of leaders while the average citizen struggles with basic services. From the misuse of government vehicles to the lack of digital access in local offices, the report argues that the state has lost its "human touch." The recommendation for a "structural surgery" isn't about changing papers; its about changing livesensuring that the next time a young person looks at the government, they see a partner, not an obstacle.
Slow train connects rural residents to vital services in N China's Inner Mongolia

People's Daily Online) 09:19, March 26, 2026

While high-speed trains race across China's rail network, train 4181 still averages under 40 kilometers per hour.

The train runs from Hailar district in Hulun Buir to Mangui town in Genhe, a county-level city under Hulun Buir, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Photo shows passengers aboard train 4181 in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Shang Cheng)

After a decade on the job, Li Yong, the train conductor, knows the passengers of this slow train by heart  a train that carries the stories of numerous people.

Train 4181, run by Qiqihar's passenger transport division of China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd., has served the forest areas in the Greater Khingan Mountains for 46 years. Here, winter grips the land for nearly half the year. When heavy snow cuts off mountain roads, this train becomes the only way for residents along the route to reach hospitals, attend school, and stay connected with family and friends.

The train travels 523 kilometers, with tickets priced at just over 50 yuan ($7.27). After undergoing electrification, the operating cost of the train far exceeds the ticket price. Yet the train has never stopped running and continues to operate reliably.

"My father's health has declined in recent years," said Lu Li from Genhe. "Medical care is limited back home, so I often take him into the city for treatment. That's how I got to know Li."

Train conductor Li Yong provides services for passengers on train 4181. (Photo/Xu Shuai)

"My father is 93 and can't manage a regular seat. We don't know how to book tickets online, so before every trip, we ask Li in a WeChat group to secure a lower hard berth for him. He's been a tremendous help," said Lu.

The WeChat group Lu mentioned was set up by Li and his colleagues. It now includes several hundred passengers like Lu, who turn to him for help with travel plans, ticket bookings, and even buying necessities.

China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. still operates nine pairs of slow trains running through remote mountainous and border regions, providing vital transportation for everyday travelers.

Train 4181 winds its way deep into the Greater Khingan Mountains in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo/Xu Shuai)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Sir Elton John had "surprise" lunch with Taron Egerton on his 79th birthday.

Sir Elton John reunited with Taron Egerton this week

The legendary musician turned 79 on Wednesday (25.03.26) and he revealed part of his celebrations involved an unexpected meal with the Rocket Man actor, who he befriended after the 36-year-old star played him in the 2019 biopic.

Elton shared a photo of them smiling together, and wrote on Instagram: "Rocket Man squared. A brilliant birthday surprise having join us for lunch.

"Thank you @davidfurnish for making today and every day feel special, and to all of you for the love, messages and support."

Back in 2022, Taron opened up about his bond with the Tiny Dancer hitmaker.

He told Andy Cohen on his Radio Andy show: "He doesn't text, he emails. He emails filth, normally.

"I saw him about three weeks ago, he was in London doing some tour dates and I went to his house and we had crab salad and spicy lamb."

David shared a heartfelt birthday message for his husband.

He wrote: "Happy Birthday to my beautiful husband. You amaze and inspire me every single day with your courage and kindness.

Thank you for all the bountiful love you give me and our sons. We absolutely adore you.

"All my love forever,

"David xo"

Elton replied: "I am the luckiest man in the world. I love you, our boys, our life. Thank you for everything."

The musician has retired from touring, and his husband David recently gave an update on his partner's health since losing the sight in his right eye in the summer of 2024.

He told Variety: "Hes great. Hes battling on. Hes keeping busy and moving forward. Hes happy being at home as a family with our sons.

"Thats why he came off the road. We really love parenting, we love our family, and we love being together, and thats everything for us.

Elton - who has sons Zachary, 15, and Elijah, 13, with David - previously opened up on his health struggles.

He told Variety: "Its been devastating. Because I lost my right eye and my left eyes not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I havent been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.

"Ive had the most incredible life, and there is hope. Ive just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, Ill be fine.

"Its exactly like the AIDS situation. You mustnt give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong and you must always try and batter the door down to try and improve things."
Collaborative agreement signed to curb Yucatan Peninsula deforestation

Bacalar, Q.R.  Profepa, the Agrarian Attorneys Office, and the National Agrarian Registry have signed an agreement to curb deforestation in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The agreement was signed March 23 with the aim of strengthening the protection of natural resources and curbing illegal deforestation.

The agreement includes the Federal Attorney Generals Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the Agrarian Attorney Generals Office (PA) and the National Agrarian Registry (RAN).

This collaborative agreement will allow for coordinated actions on environmental and agrarian matters, particularly in agrarian communities on the Yucatan Peninsula. The signing took place in the Ejido Bacalar, in the state of Quintana Roo.

The agreement seeks to prevent the illegal change of use of forest land and other activities that affect ecosystems, through the exchange of information, guidance to agricultural subjects and the adoption of measures that prevent the consolidation of agricultural acts linked to damage to the environment.

Coordination between environmental and agricultural authorities is fundamental to strengthening the protection of the Maya Forest. It has become common practice to lease or sell communally owned lands that are illegally cleared for intensive agriculture.

The agreement was signed March 23, 2026 in Bacalar.

Later, the changes in ownership are formalized even though illegal activities were committed on those lands. With this agreement, we will put an end to these kinds of processes, stated Attorney General Mariana Boy Tamborrell.

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) will continue to conduct inspection and surveillance operations, closing properties, initiating legal proceedings, and filing complaints, among other strategies.

During this administration, it has closed 58 properties covering more than 10,000 hectares, filed 34 criminal complaints and maintains a continuous presence in all three states.

Among the actions outlined in the agreement, Profepa will inform the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Agrarian Registry of any final resolutions determining that unauthorized changes in the use of forest land have been carried out.

Based on this information, the PA must refrain from participating in ejido assemblies where decisions related to changing the designated use of communal lands to individual plots or human settlements are to be approved.

The participation of an PA representative is essential for the validity of these assemblies; therefore, their absence will prevent the consolidation of agreements that result in environmental damage.

The Yucatan Peninsula cannot be understood without its ejidos and communities, but today that same territory, where up to 84.3% of the land is communally owned in Quintana Roo, faces unprecedented pressure.

Massive deforestation, illegal land grabbing and a model that has allowed a few to concentrate thousands of plots of land at the expense of the collective patrimony. This illegal reality demands inter-institutional coordination to stop deforestation and defend the land, stated Victor Suarez Carrera, Agrarian Attorney.

Likewise, with the delivery of Profepa resolutions on illegal change of use of forest land to the RAN, these will be registered in the Agrarian Registry so that changes of ownership and destination of ejido and communal lands are not formalized.

This agreement is a response to what is happening in the territory and a clear sign that protecting the land also means providing legal certainty, preventing conflicts, and supporting communities.

What is truly important is that this agreement translates into concrete actions that are felt in the territory and strengthen ejidos and communities, stated Luis Cruz Nieva, head of the RAN.

Today we commit to acting together to defend our territory and stop its deterioration, declared Refujio Cano Gomez, President of the Bacalar Ejido Commission.

Today we demonstrate that working on the ground is not just talk: it is the way to protect the land, provide legal certainty and strengthen the ejidos and communities, added Griselda Martinez Vazquez, Undersecretary of Agrarian Planning and Property Inventories.

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama, who also attended the signing of the agreement said In this state, we are very clear on this. True development is that which respects nature, that which strengthens communities, that which puts the well-being of the people of Quintana Roo at its center. That is the spirit of the transformation our country is experiencing.

The event emphasized that a commitment of the environmental sector is to promote sustainable options that allow families to live with dignity without harming ecosystems.

These alternatives include community-based tourism, conservation through payments for environmental services, sustainable forest management, agroforestry practices, and productive reconversion for impacted lands, among others.

In recent years, various regions of southeastern Venezuela have faced deforestation processes associated with the expansion of agricultural activities and irregular land-use change, which has put pressure on ecosystems of high environmental value.

In some cases, these transformations are related to settlements and productive activities of communities that have established themselves in the region in recent decades and have carried out the illegal clearing of thousands of hectares of forest to open up agro-industrial crops.
Former state official in Cancun custody for extortion and attempted murder

Cancun, Q.R.  UPDATED: A naturalized Mexican of Venezuelan nationality is in custody for extortion and attempted murder. Investigative Police in Cancun executed two arrest warrants against Jorge Luis N, a former government official, Tuesday night.

On Thursday, police confirmed media speculation of the arrest of Jorge Luis N, a former Quintana Roo government official. According to local reports, Jorge Luis N, alias El Venezolano, was a financial operator of former Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin.

Jorge Luis N was arrested Tuesday night by State Police officers from an apartment complex in up-scale Puerto Cancun. According to police, Jorge Luis N is of Venezuelan nationality and naturalized Mexican.

Jorge Luis N was arrested from his condo in Puerto Cancun Tuesday night. March 24, 2026.

He was arrested for his probable participation in acts possibly constituting the crimes of extortion and attempted femicide.

In a statement, police reported the first incident attributed to him occurred on December 20, 2024 when the suspect allegedly made a phone call to the victim, a journalist.

During the call, he made intimidating and coercive statements with the aim of preventing her from creating and removing various publications related to her journalistic activity, warning her that if she did not do so, he could cause her harm.

Police said subsequently, the suspect allegedly continued sending messages via an instant messaging application in which he reiterated the demands and threats with the purpose of forcing the victim to remove said publications.

The woman he was extorting through threats has not been named.

According to the State Attorney General (FGE) statement, Jorge Luis N also faces another criminal process for his probable participation in acts possibly constituting the crime of attempted femicide.

He is also facing charges of the attempted murder of a teenager.

He is facing charges of attempted murder against a teenage victim who has not been identified. This autonomous body will report in due course on the progress of the judicial process, the FGE said.

UPDATE MARCH 27, 2026: On Friday, the State Attorney Generals Office reported that formal charges of attempted femicide have been laid. The FGE said he has been charged for his probable participation in acts possibly constituting the crimes of attempted femicide and domestic violence, to the detriment of an adolescent victim whose identity is reserved.

According to the investigations, the events occurred on August 10, 2023, in a property located on Kukulcan Boulevard when the accused allegedly physically assaulted the victim, causing various injuries and putting her life at risk.

The investigations indicate that, during the attack, the now accused allegedly used extreme physical violence against the teenager, including acts that compromised her integrity and her life, which was corroborated by medical, psychological and expert reports, as well as interviews and investigative acts included in the corresponding file.

Based on the above, the jurisdictional body determined to link Jorge Luis N to the process and imposed the precautionary measure of mandatory preventive detention, for the time that the judicial process lasts.

It should be noted that the now linked individual also faces another criminal process for his probable participation in acts possibly constituting the crime of extortion, so it will be the judicial authority who, in due course, will determine his legal status in accordance with the law.
Over a million tourists expected to enjoy Mexican Caribbean during Easter holidays

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Over one million tourists are expected to visit the state during the Easter holidays. The state tourist secretary says Quintana Roo is projecting a historic holiday season in the Mexican Caribbean.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, the Quintana Roo Secretary of Tourism, reported that the projections for the 2026 holidays reflect the confidence of travelers in the states destinations.

We project that during Semana Santa we will have good occupancy rates with an influx of over one million tourists between Holy Week and Easter, Cueto Riestra noted.

The states tourism industry is currently experiencing a period of economic dynamism, driven by national and international demand.

He says the million-tourist projection is the result of the travel promotion strategy implemented during the first quarter of the year. The strategy seeks to maintain the Mexican Caribbean among the preferred destinations in global tourism.

With that, he reported on the arrival of more than one million tourists during the two weeks of Easter holidays. Cueto Riestra emphasized that this growth is partly due to the market diversification strategy, especially in South America.

He noted that the implementation of the digital visa has increased interest from Brazilian tourists, with as many as 800 applications per day, in addition to the announcement of the new direct Brasilia-Cancun route by Gol Linhas Aereas starting in June.

More than a million tourists are expected for the Easter holidays. Photo: Cancun International March 2026.

He also highlighted the strengthening of the Colombian market, which does not require a visa, and the growth of tourism from Argentina, countries which together, could surpass the European market this year.
Police continue with drug-related arrests from Holbox island

Holbox, Q.R.  Police are continuing to make drug-related arrests on the island due to citizen complaints. On Wednesday, police took another person into custody after being found in possession of narcotics.

Marco Antonio N was arrested on Paseo Kuka Street after police saw him sniffing a bag of pot. He was taken into custody for having 78 street doses of the drug on him.

In a brief statement Wednesday, the SSC (Secretary of Citizen Security) said he has since been turned over to the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Drug Trafficking.

Marco Antonio N was arrested, suspected of involvement in drug-related offenses, police said.

Members of the Centurion Group of the Secretariat of Citizen Security were on patrol when they observed a man handling and sniffing small plastic bags containing a green plant material resembling marijuana.

Upon noticing the police presence, the individual became nervous. The incident occurred on Paseo Kuka Street, between Tintorera and Lisa Streets, outside a white house next to the Alcobas del Mar Hotel, in Isla Holbox, in the Lazaro Cardenas municipality.

The man was informed of the suspicious behavior and a preventive search was conducted.

As a result, 78 small, clear Ziploc-type plastic bags and one medium-sized clear plastic bag containing a green, dried plant material resembling marijuana were seized, along with a carry-on bag and two cell phones. The evidence, as well as the detainee, were placed at the disposal of the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Drug Trafficking.
Service resumes: The U.S. now charges a 10% tax on parcel shipments from Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico  The Government of Mexico says as of March 25, parcel shipments to the United States resumed. Correos de Mexico will maintain the same shipping costs, however, the U.S. now charges a 10 percent tax.

The Government of Mexico reported as of March 25, parcel shipments to the United States resumed under the new provisions established by the U.S. government and under the regulations of international postal operations.

The U.S. now charges 10% of the declared value as tax.

The government reported that while Correos de Mexico maintains the same shipping costs, the U.S. now charges 10% on the declared value of the package.

The new requirements applicable to the shipment of goods to the United States includes the charge of 10% on the declared value of the package as tax charged by the United States Government, they reported.

Additionally, a maximum value of $800 per shipment and a maximum weight of 20 kilograms are established along with a detailed declaration of the contents and the country of manufacture of the items.

Shipments will be made directly from Mexico to the United States without any intermediary country.

The Government of Mexico reaffirms its commitment to providing a reliable, transparent and accessible service for everyone, facilitating the connection between families and communities in both countries.
Two vehicle intersection crash leaves one dead in Chetumal

Chetumal, Q.R.  Paramedics pronounced a Chetumal motorcycle driver dead Wednesday night. The adult driver of the bike is alleged to have collided with a second vehicle.

The fatal accident happened at the intersection of Chetumal Avenue and 6th Street. According to initial reports, a vehicle described by witnesses as a gray Nissan Versa, was involved.

The man was found laying dead at the base of a wooden pole. March 25, 2026.

Both were reported traveling at a high rate of speed when they collided. Impact from the crash sent the driver of the motocycle onto the central median.

He was pronounced dead by medical personnel after being found laying at the base of a wood pole. It is not clear if he hit the pole after being ejected from his bike.

Police cordoned off the area with yellow tape while forensics from the Attorney Generals Office documented the accident.

The deceased man has not been identified.
Ursula Andress may have nearly 20 million in assets returned after Italian authorities seized funds they say were embezzled from her.

Ursula Andress may have nearly 20 million in assets returned after Italian authorities seized funds they say were embezzled from her

The original Bond girl, 90, best known for her role in Dr. No, filed a criminal complaint in January against her former asset manager Eric Freymond, who died aged 67.

Italian financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, said the assets  including a country estate, artworks and financial holdings  were linked to alleged money laundering and self-laundering offences.

Investigators in Italy and Switzerland identified significant connections between transactions tied to Ursulas finances and activity in the Florence area, prompting intervention.

Authorities said around 16 million of Ursulas estimated 18 million fortune had been lost.

Eric is alleged to have carried out transactions without her knowledge, including art purchases that were never delivered.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by his wife Caroline Freymond, in whose name some assets were reportedly held.

Ursula told Blick: For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me ruthlessly and exploited my goodwill and trust in a perfidious, even criminal, way to take everything from me. And they were counting on my age. Im so devastated.

She added: This feeling of helplessness is unbearable  its killing me.

Ursula also told BILD: Its a huge shock and a painful disappointment for me. This has been in the works for many years  they gained my trust through deception.

She added: Ive been disgustingly cheated! I hope the perpetrators are punished to the full extent of the law.

A statement from Ursulas management to Blick said: As part of a fraud scheme of exceptional scale and complexity, involving numerous actors and structures, she was deprived of a large portion of her assets, resulting in significant damage.

The statement added: Out of consideration for the ongoing proceedings, Ms Andress does not wish to make any further comments at this time. The Vaud cantonal judicial authorities have been tasked with fully investigating the manipulations and clarifying criminal and civil liability.

Ursula rose to prominence in the 1960s, appearing alongside Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Marcello Mastroianni, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Peter Sellers, and later appeared in Casino Royale.

She won a Golden Globe for new star of the year for her performance as Honey Ryder.

Ursula also reflected on her personal life, including her relationship with Harry Hamlin, with whom she shares a son, Dimitri Alexander Hamlin.

Harry said in an interview with the Daily Beast: I didnt grow up with my son, Dimitri. Any son who doesnt grow up with his father has issues. You cant grow up without having a dad and not have that affect your life.
The Paper: Yesterday, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 issued a report, which pointed out that Global AI development is exhibiting a pronounced shift eastward trend. China has achieved full-chain industrial maturity and demonstrated robust capabilities in large-scale deployment. We also noted that there have been many highlights in Chinas AI development this year. The video generation model of Seedance 2.0 went viral globally for its studio-level quality. MiniMaxs full-modal large model is widely acclaimed. Whats your comment on Chinas AI development and its contribution to the world?

Lin Jian: We noted the report. Within just a few years, AI has found its way from exhibitions into ordinary households, and empowered many fields of work. China has now the largest number of AI patents, over 1.2 trillion yuan worth of core AI industry, and over 6,200 AI companies. This has made China an important engine of smart transition of the world. The Report on the Work of the Government this year put forward for the first time creating new forms of smart economy, pointing the direction for fostering smart paradigms and enhancing new growth drivers.

AI is the common asset of humanity. The flourishing AI in China comes from greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and is fueled by Chinas vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. China encourages open source to make AI more accessible. China also proposed to build the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and issued the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative, contributing Chinas wisdom to AI global governance. We stand ready to work with all sides to deepen communication and cooperation, and jointly build an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial environment for development, so that AI could truly become an international public good for good and for all.

Kyodo News: U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will pay a state visit to China from May 14 to 15 and meet with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Can you confirm this?

Lin Jian: Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations. The two countries are in communication regarding President Trumps visit to China.

RT TV: According to the Pentagon, a United States-led manufacturing partnership is seeking to establish a new ammunition production line in the Philippines, allegedly to help allies produce and maintain military equipment closer to where it might be needed. Whats Chinas comment? Whats Chinas view on the impact on security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Will China take corresponding measures to safeguard its own security interests?

Lin Jian: China always believes that military and security cooperation between countries should not target any third party, harm their interest, or undermine regional peace and stability. The Asia Pacific is the most important driving force and stabilizer for world development and prosperity. The U.S. and its allies should earnestly respect the common aspirations of regional countries and make more contributions to peace and stability rather than bring bloc confrontation and conflict to the Asia Pacific. If relevant countries would like to become a powder keg, this will only backfire. China will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty, security interests and other legitimate rights and interests.

AFP: The Financial Times reported yesterday that Chinese authorities have banned two executives at the AI firm Manus from leaving the country. Could you confirm this or provide any details on why they have been told not to leave?

Lin Jian: Im not familiar with that. Id refer you to competent authorities.

AFP: Iran has denied that it is negotiating with the U.S. despite Donald Trump saying that they want to make a deal. Can you tell us if China is aware of ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S.? And is China pushing Iran to engage in talks with the U.S.?

Lin Jian: China has stressed more than once that a drawn-out conflict serves no ones interests. It will only lead to more casualties, unnecessary loss, and the spillover of the situation. The pressing priority is to actively promote peace talks, seize the opportunity for peace and end the fighting. China supports all efforts conducive to deescalation. All parties should work and create conditions for truly meaningful and sincere talks. China will continue to play a constructive role to that end.

Bloomberg: The United Kingdom has blocked plans by Ming Yang Smart Energy to build a wind turbine factory in Scotland on national security grounds. Does the foreign ministry have a comment?

Lin Jian: China-UK economic, trade and green cooperation is in nature mutually beneficial. Such cooperation should not be viewed as political and security issues. It is hoped that the UK will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business and investment environment for companies of all countries, including Chinese companies.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

Yesterday, my husband and I attended a St. Patricks get-together at my sister Allisons place. My husband overindulged, and ended up groping Allisons SIL, and her husband decked him in response. I realize my husband did a gross thing, but wasnt this reaction overkill?

A Little Restraint Would Have Been Nice

Dear Little Restraint,

I dont condone violence so I wish the guy who decked your husband would have chosen a different response. But you have to admit, this wasnt unpredictable.

Its probably a lot easier to think about whether Allisons SILs husband behaved inappropriately, but youre probably going to want to turn your attention to what your own husband did. It wasnt a gross thing. It was sexual assault! Hes actually lucky that he was just punched and not facing charges. It sounds like his relationship with alcohol might be an issue too.

Your instinct to create a narrative in which he was treated unfairly tells me you really care about him and want to advocate for him. A much more effective way of doing that would be to try to get him some help with alcohol or whatever else may be behind his disturbing behavior.

Get advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Dear Prudence,

I would like advice on how to stop feeling guilty about my plans to move to Europe alone. Ever since I was a kid, I loved the idea of traveling the world; then in college I was lucky enough to do a study abroad trip to Europe and I loved it. Now, with everything going on in the United States, I feel its best for myself and my health and safety to move to Europe by way of student visa after I finish my masters degree. However, theres one part of that plan I cant stop feeling guilty about.

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While I dont want to have biological kids, I consider it one of my goals in life to do my best to improve the world for the kids who did not choose to be born in such a chaotic time, and I like the idea of adopting or fostering eventually. Which leads me to my Europe plan. If all goes well, Ill be 25 or 26 when I move, which is old enough to try to bring a child with me to help them have a better life as well. I cant help feeling Im shirking my moral obligations if I dont at least try to bring a little soul with me, but I know itll make the logistics infinitely harder and probably push my timeline back, which I dont feel I can afford (the time to finish my masters is already making me squirrelly!). How do I stop feeling like Im being incredibly selfish about this?

Better Life For  Just Me?

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Dear Better Life,

Hey, you said adopting or fostering is a goal for your life, not your goal for before you hit 30. This is a beautiful and admirable plan, but not an urgent one.

Hit the brakes!

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Ill take it even further and spin this in a way that appeals to the part of you that really cares about others and may be inclined to put your hypothetical future childs needs ahead of your own: When youre a little more settled, youll have so much more to offer as a parent. Right now, youre in the process of turning your life upside down, have no support system in Europe, and are going to soon be trying to get your footing in a strange new place. Dont get me wrong, if you had a child now, Im sure you would figure it out and do just fine. Plenty of people raise kids before having every single thing in place. But just think of what any child who is eligible for adoption may have endured, and remind yourself that welcoming them into your home at a time when theres a lot of upheaval and uncertainty isnt the best idea. While a safe and loving family is the most important thing, routine, stability, and all the extra emotional energy possible would be a nice touch.

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So stick to your plan. But execute it later. Wherever you find yourself when you are in a home where you plan to stay for a while, done with your degree, and living a day-to-day that has room for a child, that will be the perfect time to welcome one into your life.

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Dear Prudence,

I have a wedding invite question. Should I live with the emotional pain of others that may come from disinviting an emotionally taxing parent to my wedding, or do I live with the frustration I feel and the emotional drain I expect to experience by letting the invitation stand?

Conflicted

Dear Conflicted,

The former. Absolutely. If you dont want your parent to be at your wedding, dont invite them. I know that neither of the options youre weighing are stress-free, but that doesnt mean theyre equal when it comes to the effect on your mental health. The stress that comes from doing whats right for you and the stress that comes with doing whats right for others are very different.

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I also know its tempting to put needs of others above your own. The Oakland, CA-based therapy and wellness practice The Connection Clinic has a blog post enumerating the reasons so many of us do this: cultural and societal expectations, fear of conflict, low self-worth, codependency, and conditioning from past experiences. I want to flag that last one because I think it might apply here. The post goes on to say: If youve experienced trauma or painful relationships, you might have learned that the safest way to navigate the world is by making sure everyone else is happy, even at your own expense. Could it be helpful to consider that your emotionally taxing (I have a feeling thats an understatement) mom or dad and what they put you through is the very reason you hesitate to stand up for yourself?

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Whats clear to me is that dealing with your parents presence at your wedding to avoid upsetting others might save you some awkward conversations or guilt trips, but the benefits will only be in the short term. The Connection Clinic post goes on to list potential consequences of putting others needs first, and they include burnout, exhaustion, resentment, and identity loss. When you prioritize others for too long, you might lose sight of who you are and what you want. Your identity becomes tied to serving others rather than pursuing your own passions and goals, it cautions.

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You dont want to do that. So choose the (unjustified, because its really none of their business) emotional pain of others and insist on the wedding you want. Because if you dont, long after your big day is over, youre the only one whos going to have to live with the consequences of putting your needs on the back burner. And none of the people who have opinions on this matter will be half as invested in your emotional well-being as they are on your guest list.

By the way, its also fine to disinvite anyone whos going to give you a hard time. Lower your headcount and save money while you give yourself peace and send a clear message to the whole family that their feelings dont matter more than yours do.

Classic Prudie

When he was 18, my brother tearfully confessed that he is gay. Our parents sent him to a conversion therapy camp. Since then, he has gone out with a series of young women and is planning on proposing to his current girlfriend. She doesnt know that hes gaymy brother told me hes never told her. Should I say something to his girlfriend?
Theo of Golden, an unexpected hit of a novel by a first-time author, Allen Levi, just keeps coming. Levi self-published Theo in 2023, when he was well into his 60s, and promoted it through grassroots methods, building its fandom by hand. In 2025, Atria Books published the book traditionally, to such success that Theo could be found in the New York Times December roundup of the years surprise breakout debuts. But Theo wasnt done: As of this week, Levis novel has been on the Times Best-Selling Combined Print & E-Book Fiction list for 15 weeks; last week, it was No. 1.

As with the success of Virginia Evans The Correspondent, another surprise literary hit from last year, Theos unexpected momentum is like something out of a fairy tale, a dream come true for Levi and all the aspiring first-time authors out there. But what is it exactly that people like so much about Theo of Golden? Why does it keep finding more readers, and why does it have a 4.56-star rating on Goodreads, a platform whose readers have awarded the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize, Flesh by David Szalay, a 3.74, and the winner of the 2025 National Book Award for Fiction, The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), by Rabih Alameddine, a 4.07? I think I may have found the answerand it has to do with faith.

Theo of Golden is not like other inspirational books about the wisdom of elderly people, like 1997s Tuesdays with Morrie. Theo has a plot. The story follows Mr. Theo, an 86-year-old man who uses only his first name, through a year in a Southern town called Golden. Theo moves to Golden without knowing a single soul there, and spends the year buying up portraits of its residents done by a local artist and gifting them to their subjects. In this way, he creates a network of friends with enviable quickness.

First, Theo sends a portraits subject a handwritten letter on fine paper, promising that hes a harmless old man, a widower, a father, a toothless lion with only innocent intentions. When they come to the prearranged meeting place, they meet a spry, bright-eyed soul. (Theo, Levi emphasizes, is not a relic or frail, despite his age; rather, hes a young old with vigor who rents an apartment with three flights of stairs that he loves to climb, even with suitcases.) Through his total, sincere interest and genuine presence, Theo, like a freelance therapist or a wandering priest, guides the portrait subjects into conversation. In the fall of his year in Golden, when Theo pauses his portrait bestowals due to weather, he reflects on his experience so far: All forty-three recipients had been told they were capable of saintliness  All had been given a description of what Theo saw when he studied their faces in the frame. Almost all were, or seemed to be, grateful for his generosity and equally grateful that someone wanted to hear their story.

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Through the device of the bestowals, we meet a range of Golden residents, from Tony, a Vietnam veteran and bookstore owner, to Ellen, a homeless woman with an unspecified mental illness, to Simone, a music student at the towns university, to Kendrick, a custodian whose daughter is in the hospital recuperating after a car accident that killed her mother. Theo begins to use his largesse, which is of mysterious origins, to make these peoples lives easier. He secretly arranges for Kendricks daughter to have a better doctor and a college fund, tries to locate Ellens lost daughter, and makes plans for Simones parents to fly east to be at his recital; he is very good at giving perfect Christmas gifts. Most of the novel is about this web of generosity Theo weaves, and how others react to it. Its only nine-tenths of the way through the book that we finally come to understand why this odd elderly man is doing what he does. Unlike Sybil of The Correspondent, another elderly main character whos taking stock of her life, Theo is never in the wrong. This is a man aiming for heaven, with no doubt in his heart.

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Theo of Goldens midsection is baggy, its protagonist is one-dimensional, and, as may be clear from my gloss of the plot so far, its not a subtle book. This is a story for adults that unabashedly repeats its moral throughout. Although Levi said he turned down offers from a Christian publisher for Theo, this is also a Christian book, with Christian ideals and Christian details, from the name of the bustling coffee shop where Theo first discovers the portraitsthe Chaliceto the story of how Theo healed from his grief at a significant loss in his life (sitting in nature, he saw a murmuration of starlings and red-winged blackbirds, and his mind settled on a name, a hope, a Love that changed him forever). In many instances, the message Theo imparts to the people he meets turns out to be a Christian one, about heaven or kindness. In a scene when Ellen comes into a church and disrupts Sunday service, we meet Mrs. Ocie Van Blarcum, a church matriarch who knew well and lived devotedly the ethic  Faith without works is dead.  Ocie and Theo mutually disarm Ellen with their kindness: They were the embodiment of goodness and mercy. The books denouement features a Christian funeral service that goes on verbatim for pages and pages.

Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support.

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But Christianity isnt the only belief system Theo brings to the Southern haven of Golden. (Golden seems like a very nice place to live. Not unrelatedly, the book was particularly popular among Southerners in its early self-published days.) Something all of these charactersTheo, as well as Simone, Tony, Ellen, and the local grandee James Ponder, who becomes Theos ally and landlordhave in common is an old-fashioned, almost antimodern interest in art as an expression of beauty. The book is chock-full of references to authors, musicians, and artists: Edward Albee, Eudora Welty, Pablo Casals, Aaron Copland, Antonin Dvorak  I could go on. Theo, in his tastes, is a relic, and so is his creator. Some considered rooms like this one, fancy and rarely used, as a pretentious waste of space and a long outdated display of snobbery, Levi writes, describing the dining room of the house where Theo is invited for a Thanksgiving dinner. Others, of a more traditional bent, equated such rooms to a Holy of Holies, to be entered rarely, reverently, and expectantly. The only character who doesnt exhibit reverence toward this Thanksgiving table is the horrible Pearce, an avaricious smartphone addict (of course) who exploits his workers and manipulates his family members, and who is one of only a few people in Theo of Golden who are irredeemable.

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Levis old-fashioned sensibility comes through in other ways that more politically correct readers might describe as record-scratch Dad, were not using that word anymore moments.

Describing a tree still alive in Goldens downtown that used to be used for lynchings, Levi quotes an old soul who had actually been alive to witness such barbarism, writing out this elderly Black persons way of speaking in phonetically rendered African American Vernacular Englisha practice that 19th-century novelists and 20th-century gatherers of stories about slavery once followed without thinking twice, but one that many contemporary writers, especially white writers, shy away from. And then, the first portrait recipient, Minette, turns out to have a motivating tragedy straight out of an anti-abortion pamphlet: Pearce, her business-minded father, convinced her to terminate a pregnancy so that she could better pursue her career, but what she really wants is to be a mom, and its tearing her apart. The car accident that put Kendricks daughter in the hospital, we find out, was caused by a Guatemalan immigrant, described as an illegal and a little man.

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Despite some of these eyebrow-raising tidbits, Theo of Golden is, at its heart, a work of old-fashioned, liberal-minded Christianity. I suspect that is how the novel found its mainstream popularity: This is the kind of works, not prayers Christianity that has fallen out of the public eye as right-wing evangelicalism has become increasingly dominant. The Guatemalan immigrant turns out to be a bricklayer with no criminal record, who was trying to get back to his own little girla cancer patientwhen he fell asleep at the wheel. Kendricks grandmother, advising him whether to pursue legal punishment of this immigrant, says: Baby, theys justice and theys mercy. If you not sure what to do and you gotta choose one or the other, I say always go the mercy way. If you make a mistake, make it for mercy. Bad mercy dont hurt nearly like bad justice, and always remember, the eye of God can see. And thats what Kendrick does, influenced by Theo and by his own daughters inclinations to forgive: He goes the mercy way, and the driver is let off with time served. It helps that Theo has anonymously paid for a lawyer for his defense.

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As this story shows, Theo of Golden is not just a Christian novelits a sentimental novel, in both the contemporary sense of the word and the 19th-century one. I imagine the character of Theo as another Little Eva, the daughter of the slaveholder St. Clare in Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin. In that story, Evas capacity for Christian sympathy draws her close to the similarly minded Uncle Tom, allows her to befriend and soften the young enslaved girl Topsy, and convinces her hard Northern aunt, Ophelia, to recognize the humanity of all of the enslaved people on their plantation. Like Evas, Theos goodness radiates, influencing everyone to speak to one another, to befriend, to reach out and offer support.

If this sounds didactic, it is. After all, this is a novel about a secular saint. Considering Theo of Goldens clunkiness, its old-fashioned sensibility, and its painful sincerity, I would have guessed that this kind of book would be dismissed as passe these days. It says something about readers longing for a certain depiction of faith and morality, I think, that it was not.
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Yesterday, at a meeting at the White House, first lady Melania Trump entered the room alongside a tall, slim, beige-and-black humanoid robot. (Get your How can you tell which one is which? joke out now! Therefeel better?) The robot introduced itself as Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America, and told the group, the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition, that it was grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education. Melania followed the robot in making comments of her own, telling the audience that the future of A.I. is personified  it will be formed in the shape of humans. Then, speaking to the audience that included first spouses from Israel, Ukraine, and France, she described what a humanoid robot like this one might someday do for children.

Imagine a humanoid educator named Plato, the first lady prompted the assembled group. Access to the classical studies is now instantaneous. Literature, science, art, philosophy, mathematics, and historyhumanitys entire corpus of information is available in the comfort of your home, she said, apparently nodding to the many among the MAGA faithful who have adopted or are contemplating adopting homeschooling, often using curricula branded as classical. Plato will provide a personalized experience adaptive to the needs of each student, Melania promised.

The first lady seemed to pre-acknowledge critiques from people who might wonder whether a robot teacher could really substitute for the human experience of the classroom: Plato is always patient and always available. Predictably, our children will develop deep critical thinking and independent reasoning abilities.  The A.I.-powered Plato will boost analytics skills and problem solving and adapt in real time to a students pace, prior knowledge, and even emotional state. Above all, Melania argued, the educator Plato would be efficient, hitting notes often struck by homeschool advocates who say they can get more done in fewer hours than a public school: The byproduct, a more well-rounded lifestyle for our children, freeing up time for being with friends, playing sports, and developing interests beyond school.

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Its important to note that homeschool tutor isnt a role that Figure 3 can currently fill, but rather an idea of one it may be able to fill in the future. Its maker, Figure AI, advertised this model on launch as a household robot that could carry out tasks like laundry, cleaning, and doing dishes. But the Trump administration could be forgiven for thinking that its faithful might enjoy hearing about these teachers of the future, who could (as some happy MAGA die-hards on X indeed celebrated) allow more people to homeschool, completely replacing the woke public school teachers who insist on pushing social-emotional learning and various other progressive agendas. Plato would never end up on Libs of TikToks naughty list, because Plato would, the implication is, do only and exactly what the parents of its students want. A teacher, in this future, would become just another tool of the nuclear family, enabling the parents to exercise their right to create a world for their children that aligns completely with their values. After all, a robot can be programmedby you.

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But other parts of the online response to the idea of Plato show that the choice to spin a science-fiction fantasy about a robot teacher is an instance of Melania not, as one education journalist wrote on X, doing a great job of reading the room. Well, this is how you turn me into an anti-Trumper, wrote one self-identified Christian in a quote-tweet of the American Conservatives coverage of this event. I love FLOTUS but this is a No from me, another account with #IAmCharlieKirk in its bio tweeted. If you cannot loudly and firmly resist humanoids called Plato teaching our youth, you have no place in any movement that calls itself classical,  wrote philosopher Jennifer A. Frey, in a somewhat more serious vein. (The growing number of homeschool curricula and charter schools offering classical education often, though not always, appeals to conservative or religious parents.)

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This response to the idea of Plato shows how mixed up the politics of ed tech have become. The introduction of Plato comes as the backlash against the use of screens and educational technology in schools has begun to get real on the left and the right, as veterans of domestic screen-time battles compare notes and realize that their kids are (to pull a few anecdotes from a much-shared New York Times article from earlier this month) learning the conventions of YouTube videos through seeing them in class, watching videos of books being read instead of hearing a teacher read them, and finding backdoor ways to watch YouTube Shorts on school laptops. Technology in education, as historians like Audrey Watters have been warning for years, always arrives making utopian noises1-to-1 laptops and iPads will fix inequality!and leaves behind mixed results.

Related From Slate Sam Altman Is Finally Admitting Something No One Else Wants To Read More

Just as Melania touted Plato, more people are finding themselves skeptical of ed tech. Earlier this year, senators at a hearing on technology in schools heard two advocates argue for rolling back 1-to-1 policies altogether. As that Times article noted, the backlash against the omnipresence of iPads and Chromebooks in public school has resulted in lawmakers in the reddest and the bluest statesMassachusetts, Vermont, Missouri, Utahputting together legislation aimed at limiting or revising the use of ed tech in schools, and mandating the teaching of analog skills like cursive writing. Medium-size X accounts with otherwise very Republican-leaning posting histories are writing things like We need Chromebooks out of classrooms NOW. Screeds against the K8 math and reading assessment and instruction platform iReady are going up in heterodox places, like Unherd and the X accounts of school-choice advocates. Yes, there are private schools charging lots of money to offer kids 1-to-1 instruction with A.I. (one was recently graced with a visit from Trumps Secretary of Education Linda McMahon), but theres also an elementary school in Michigan that, responding to this foment of antied tech sentiment, recently eliminated all screens from its classrooms in one fell swoop, giving its teachers one week notice.

Could a robot teacher like Plato be better than a Chromebook? Maybe, but people who lived through the pandemics Zoom school era are now much more skeptical than they once were of ed techs promises. The Trump administration hasnt shown much evidence lately of message discipline, and may not care that some conservatives find the idea of a robot teacher to be ridiculous at best, and anti-human at worst. But if anyones listening, note to Melania: Not everyone welcomes our teacher overlords.
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And on the 23rd day of war, Iran mocked the president of the United States using the tagline from The Apprentice. Trump, you are fired, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a uniformed spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard, said into a camera on Sunday, the Iranian flag over his right shoulder. Thank you for your attention to this matter, he added for good measure, echoing Donald Trumps favorite phrase.

Zolfagharis jabs were no isolated incident. Iran, it seems, is copying more than just Trumps words. In some cases, its leaders have adopted the American presidents tactics, from maximalist negotiating demands to online mockery. In others, Iran seems to be moving proactively to counter Trumps well-documented penchant to try to throw his opponents off-balance. According to Ali Ansari, a historian of Iran at the University of St Andrews, the Persian translation of Trumps 1987 book The Art of the Deal has attracted a following inside the Islamic republic.* And while its difficult to assess whether every move Iran has made in this war is deliberately calculated to enrage, thwart, or manipulate Trump, each instance adds up to what looks like a concerted strategy based on a clear-eyed understanding of who Trump is.

In recent days, Iran has borrowed from Trumps online insult-comic playbook in what seems like an effort to shape how the rest of the world sees the war. The X accounts of Iranian embassies have posted cartoons mocking Trumps negotiating position, likened him to the hapless spike-collared bulldog in Looney Tunes, and even referenced the Epstein files. Irans official TV networks and allied social media accounts have aired A.I.-generated propaganda videos that show it winning the war, not unlike the White Houses TikTok-style hype reels featuring clips from movies and video games. In between footage of rockets striking Israel and Iranian citizens feting their embattled regime, Iranian news agencies have gotten in on the action, too. Fars news, which many in the U.S. consider to be state-affiliated media, has elevated criticisms of the war lodged by Trumps domestic opponents, from Democratic senators to Trumps former defense secretary, and tweeted polling that shows Americans support for the war slipping. Tehran may be thousands of miles from the U.S., but Iranian leaders seem well aware that their adversary is a deeply unpopular lame duck whose political base is under increasing strain. And if war is politics by another means, all politics is still local. This week, Fars covered the news that a Democratic candidate had flipped the legislative district that includes Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida club.

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Falling stocks and rising oil prices have become a political sore spot for Trump since the war began, and Irans leaders also seem to be on to his attempts to manipulate them. On Monday, Trumps claim that the U.S. and Iran were having very good and productive conversations set off a market rally and sent oil prices plummeting. But borrowing a term from Trumps information quiver, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Irans parliament, quickly labeled those claims fake news. Irans denials partially arrested stock markets recovery for the day. Here Iran is probably helped by Trumps habit of lying, which makes it hard even for putative friends to take him at his word.

Elsewhere, Iran seems to be using Trumps own tactics against him. My style of deal-making is quite simple and straightforward, Trumpor, rather, his ghostwriterexplains in The Art of the Deal. I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what Im after. Faced with maximalist demands from Trump, Iran has responded in kind. The U.S. has sent Iran a 15-point ceasefire proposal that reportedly included provisions like ending uranium enrichment, placing limits on its missile arsenal, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. All are points of leverage that Iran seems unlikely to willingly surrender right now (Leverage is the biggest strength you have, The Art of the Deal intones). In response, Iranian leaders reportedly demanded reparations for the war, control over the strait, and that the U.S. and Israel stop killing its leadersconditions it probably understands Trump and his allies wont accept, either.

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Related From Slate Trump Just Caved On One of His Biggest Power Grabs Read More

Caginess and doublespeak are two other Trumpian classics. Maximize your options, he counsels in The Art of the Deal. So far, Iran seems to be following that advice. On Wednesday, after Iran publicly scoffed at the United States ceasefire proposal via state media, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that, actually, the countrys leaders were still reviewing it. Once they had, an unnamed senior Iranian official called the proposal one-sided and unfair to Reuters but stressed that a diplomatic path forward may still be found. Araghchi has said his country has no intention to hold talks with the U.S.which is a long way from saying it wont.

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That seems to be what Trump is hoping. Late Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the president has told allies that he wants to end the war quickly, in part because its distracting from his other political goals. And at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Steve Witkoff, Trumps real-estate pal turned international negotiator, said he believed Iran was looking for an off-ramp. Yet Trump, who keeps insisting the war is proceeding ahead of schedule and that Iran is begging to make a deal to end it, has to be aware of the risks of seeming too eager to take one. The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it, the future president warned in The Art of the Deal. No doubt aware that the president often seeks escape hatches from his own escalations, Iran boasted on Wednesday that it would not allow Trump to determine the timing of the wars end. TACO, meet veto.

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Of course, trolling Trump wont necessarily translate to battlefield victories for Iran. The war has already sapped Irans missile reserves, decimated its navy, and killed several top leaders. Those who remain alive might well be bluffing, projecting resolve even if they would privately prefer to sue for peace. But at least for now, Irans approach appears to be keeping its foe in the White House guessing. The Iranian negotiators are very different and strange,  Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday. Looking in a mirror sometimes is.
This is Executive Dysfunction, a newsletter that highlights one under-the-radar story about how Trump is changing the lawor how the law is pushing backand keeps you posted on the latest from Slates Jurisprudence team. Click here to receive it in your inbox each week.

This week, the Supreme Court effectively shielded the nations law enforcement from consequences when it treats journalism as a crime. In rejecting an appeal in Villarreal v. Alaniz, the court has allowed local officials in Texas to remain immune from prosecution for arresting a journalist who published information she received from a government official. This case presented a strikingly simple question: Does it violate a journalists First Amendment rights if they are arrested for requesting and publishing information that a government employee willingly hands over? A lower court split sharply over the answer, but this Supreme Court, given the opportunity to weigh in to help settle the law and protect the freedom of the press all over the country, decided that the best answer was no answer at all, refusing to take up the case. In response, a single justice, Sonia Sotomayor, wrote a scathing critique of the courts decision to abstain and of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals atrocious ruling protecting local police who had clearly trampled over a journalists First Amendment rights by arresting her.

The case of Villarreal v. Alaniz has been ping-ponging through the courts since 2019, when it was first filed by Priscilla Villarreal. She is a citizen journalist based in Laredo, in south Texas, and is considered a muckraker, a 10th grade dropout who became a journalist to cover the ins and outs of the southern border, which is a focal point of her community. Her tactics were unconventional, often including livestreaming the news from her pickup truck to a now-defunct Facebook page as it was happening. In a town of roughly 260,000, her news on the move operation garnered about 100,000 followers. In 2019 the New York Times declared Villarreal the most influential journalist in Laredo.

Things took a sharp turn for her in 2017, when she was arrested at her home for allegedly violating section 39.06(c) of the Texas Penal Code. The obscure law bans a person from soliciting or receiving nonpublic information from a public servant by means of their office or employment with the intent to obtain a benefit. It had been enacted 23 years earlier and had never once been enforced, presumably because officials recognized that it would violate all sorts of First Amendment protections, perhaps most notably the freedom of the press. Yet Laredo officials used it against Villarreal when, six months before her arrest, she texted a source she had developed within the Laredo Police Department to confirm the names of the victims in two separate incidents, a suicide and car accident. City officials argued that she received a benefit from this exchange of informationan increase in popularity on Facebook.

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Villarreal was released on bond, and a judge dismissed her charges, declaring the Texas statute unconstitutionally vague. However, Villarreal fought back with a lawsuit demanding damages. She alleged that all the Laredo officials involved in her arrest had violated her First Amendment rights and were retaliating against her over her earlier reporting. The case spent years locked in court battles, with a district court judge first dismissing the case by claiming that the officials involved had qualified immunity, a doctrine created by the Supreme Court some 60 years ago that grants federal officials immunity from being sued under many circumstances. Eventually, the suit reached the notorious 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and in 2022 a three-judge panel ruled in Villarreals favor.

But when Laredo officials appealed to have the case heard en banc by the full panel of judges, it ruled 96 that there was no obvious unconstitutionality to what had happened to her. Judge James Ho, who ruled for Villarreal on the original panel, dissented from the majority. He argued that if Villarreals case is not an obvious violation of the Constitution, its hard to imagine what would be. Ho is easily one of the most ultraconservative judges on the 5th Circuit, appointed by Donald Trump and infamous for his firebrand rhetoric against abortion, gun control, and vaccine mandates. As Slates Mark Joseph Stern wrote in praise of Hos position: It is an ominous sign of the 5th Circuits increasingly authoritarian jurisprudence that Ho must beg his colleagues to safeguard the most foundational guarantees of free speech.

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In 2024 Villarreal appealed to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to hear her case. On first pass, they vacated the 5th Circuits 96 ruling and told the lower court to reconsider its decision. Six months later, the circuit court came to the same conclusion, ruling against Villarreal. She then went back to the Supreme Court, hoping it would finally take up her appeal.

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Unfortunately for Villarrealand for journalists all over the U.S. who are constantly in communication with all kinds of government employees in exactly the same waythe court rejected her appeal with no explanation, allowing the 5th Circuits ruling to stand and preventing Villarreal from securing any damages for a clear abuse of her constitutional rights. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a solo dissent: It should be obvious that this arrest violated the First Amendment.

Sotomayor methodically picked apart Laredo officials actions against Villarreal, as well as the Texas law they used to pin her down for simply doing her due diligence as a journalist, confirming details about a critical news story directly with the government. By arresting Villarreal, rather than solely disciplining the employee for any wrongdoing, county officials took this everyday journalism and transformed it into a crime,  she wrote. This was a blatant First Amendment violation. No reasonable officer would have thought that he could have arrested Villarreal, consistent with the Constitution, for asking the questions she asked.

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Hiding behind the state law that seemingly legalized Villarreals arrest does not and cannot insulate the officials from liability, Sotomayor argued. She also noted that when Laredo officials had secured arrest warrants for Villarreal back in 2017, they did not disclose to the judge at the time how or why the information she had texted her police department source about was protected from disclosure. There are good reasons to believe that it was not, Sotomayor suggested.

As we collectively watch Trumps second presidency play out, when he has weaponized every tool at the executives disposal to attack speech he does not likeWashington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, late night host Jimmy Kimmel, and a slew of major national news organizations come to mindthe Supreme Courts lack of action threatens all Americans. Journalists have a singular ability to hold the Trump administration and local governments all across the country accountable, through shedding light on what they are doing and how they are wielding their power. Criminalizing this work without consequence doesnt just endanger those journalists; it threatens everyday Americans who rely on local and national reporting in nearly all aspects of their lives.

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Related From Slate One Judge Just Showed Why Jerome Powell Is Free to Stand Up To Trumps Bullying Read More

Sotomayor smartly called out that the most dangerous part of the justices nondecision in Villarreal v. Alaniz is the message it sends to states and local law enforcement. Under its view, police officers may arrest journalists for core First Amendment activity so long as they can point to a statute that the activity violated and that no high state court had previously invalidated, whether facially or as applied, Sotomayor wrote. This rule creates a perverse scheme in which officials can arrest someone for protected activity, decline to appeal a trial courts decision declaring the statute unconstitutional (as the [Laredo] county did here), and use qualified immunity to avoid liability by citing back to that statute.

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At first glance, Villarreal may seem like a small fish, her case representing a tiny story in the larger picture of journalists all over the country covering wars, epidemics, and global economic policy. But no matter how big or small the work, journalists need to be able to seek information from government officials in order to do their jobs. This process is what led to the Pentagon Papers, and allowing it to be criminalized in the way that it was against Villarreal would make the service of journalism impossible.

We hope you learned a thing or two from this edition of Executive Dysfunction, and if you enjoyed reading it, please consider supporting our legal journalism by becoming a Slate Plus member!

Elsewhere in Jurisprudence

In the most recent episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern review the Supreme Courts extraordinarily busy week, from a flurry of shadow-docket opinions to the justices sparring in public to the president issuing fresh threats to the justices. The duo also break down a consequential voting rights case in Watson v. Republican National Committee, its close connection to the SAVE Act, and how mail voting faces an existential challenge mere months away from the midterm elections. On Monday, the court heard the case. As Mark notes in his analysis: The court appears dangerously close to upending the 2026 midterms and potentially disenfranchising a significant number of voters.

In the Slate Plus bonus episode, Dahlia and Mark discuss an explosive hearing in New Jersey, where U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi threw a prosecutor out of his courtroom. The scene was incredibly rare, with Quraishi telling federal prosecutors that their office had destroyed goodwill that had taken generations to build over a hearing that was supposed to be a straightforward sentencing for a defendant who pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Mark explains how, despite Quraishi being a Joe Biden appointee, he is no progressive icon, having previously served as assistant chief counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and as a detention adviser for the military during the Iraq war.

On Monday, the Department of Justice quietly caved in the aforementioned legal fight, seemingly at Quraishis behest, by accepting the judicial appointment of New Jerseys U.S. attorney. Mark explains how the DOJ accepted a district courts appointment of Robert Frazer as the new head of the states U.S. attorneys office. This was a seat the Trump administration had tried to fill with Alina Habba, the presidents former personal attorney, but appears to have finally conceded. This white flag marks the Trump administrations biggest step back from its maximalist vision of a unitary executive who holds total control over his entire branch, Mark writes.

Thank you for reading Executive Dysfunction! Were thrilled to be in your feeds and will be back with more dysfunction analysis next week.
Tori Spelling was very impressed with the results of an "old Hollywood" beauty trick that mimics the effects of a facelift.

Tori Spelling has been using face tape

The 52-year-old actress hasn't gone under the knife to make her face look younger but recently remembered a tip her late friend Shannen Doherty - who died of breast cancer in 2024 - had passed on and decided to give it a go.

Speaking on her MisSPELLING podcast, Tori said: "So you guys, you know how facelift is like the big thing right now?

"I have not gone down that road before, as I've talked about publicly.

"I kind of get backlash for people thinking I've had more plastic surgery and fixes to my face than I have, so I tend to go less and then be really mad in my head when my skin doesn't look smooth like every other actress out there.

"Anyway, so I remembered that, back when we were doing a photoshoot, my close friend, Shan Dougherty  Shan would be fine with me telling this story  she said, 'Oh, you know, a quick fix.' And I said, 'What?' She goes, 'Face tape.' "

Tori decided to try it out for herself at a post-Academy Awards party and urged others to try it too.

She said: "So [my make-up artist] put on this face tape ... they pulled my tape on one side of my neck with a string to the other side of the neck, and then you twist the string under the hair in the back to suck you back and in.

"Prime that s***. It works."

Tori also recalled seeing June Lockhart, who played her grandmother on Beverly Hills, 90210, use face tape before filming too.

She said: "And I remembered on 90210, June played my grandmother. Like legend, just passed away recently in last year, 100 years old, amazing actress, great career.

"And they had  it was like, literally tape stickers that they would put on her face and then tuck it behind her hair.

"And I remember I didn't want to say anything, but I was like, watching intently as a young 20-year-old going, 'What is that?' And the makeup and hair stylist, they were like, 'Oh, yes. These are what, you know, big actresses do ... This is like old Hollywood, and it's very in, and it works.'

"And I was like, 'That's amazing. Store that one away.' So when Shan told me she used it, I was like, 'I know those.' "
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Jackson Lahmeyer, an evangelical pastor in Owasso, Oklahoma, is one of those religious figures who seems to enjoy being offensive.

On social media, he declared that Martin Luther King Jr. would be MAGA if he were alive today. He called the LGBTQ+ community sick and accused it of promoting pedophilia. He called Black Lives Matter a terrorist organization and Anthony Fauci a mass murderer. He called Kamala Harris a lying whore. And he declared, as Alex Jones was battling lawsuits over his claims that the child victims of the Sandy Hook shooting were actors in a false flag operation, that Jones did nothing wrong.

Its that pugnacious energy that has allowed Lahmeyer, from his pulpit in Oklahoma, to be able to name-check some of the most famous members of the MAGA universe as friendly acquaintances. And its what has allowed him to declare himself the leader of a religious group of political significance and to muscle his way into the White House, where he has been photographed laying hands on President Donald Trump in prayer, and relishing his position on Trumps National Faith Advisory Board.

Its also the energy that he hopes to use to win the seat in Congress that is now open thanks to a reshuffling in Oklahoma politics caused by Markwayne Mullins appointment as secretary of Homeland Security.

On Tuesday night, Lahmeyer, a 34-year-old who preaches in suits, announced that he was running to represent Tulsas solidly red district, which is currently held by Rep. Kevin Hern. That seat is now suddenly up for grabs because Hern has plans to run for Mullins vacant Senate seat, with backing from the GOP leadership.

Among those who follow the jostling for power within the MAGA movement, Lahmeyer is a familiar name. He first came to national attention during the COVID pandemic, when he offered to sign religious exemption forms for the vaccine for anyone willing to donate at least $1 to his church, Sheridan Church. (This, he said, was the cost of joining the church.) The idea of a pastor selling vaccine exemption slips without knowing if someone had any kind of genuine religious reason for their opposition to the vaccine stirred up enough outrage to make Lahmeyer a national villain.

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From that point, Lahmeyer branded himself as a fighter for MAGA and for Christianity. In 2022, he challenged U.S. Sen. James Lankford in the primary, calling Lankford a coward and a RINO. His problem with Lankford, who initially opposed the certification of the 2020 election, was that Lankford walked back his election fraud claims after the storming of the Capitol. Lahmeyer asserted he was running to be a real fighter for the things he and his supporters knew to be true: that Trump had rightfully won the 2020 election and that America was founded as a Christian nation. Vote for Christian Nationalism today, he posted on Election Day.

Lahmeyers campaign went hard on cameos from celebrity politicians. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Trump strategist Roger Stone campaigned for him. He secured endorsements from Rudy Giuliani and Sebastian Gorka. He tried and failed to secure Donald Trumps endorsement by flying a campaign message over Mar-a-Lago, according to the Oklahoman. In the end, he spent a significant portion of his budget on travel and on bringing in the speakers, the Oklahoman reported, and neglected traditional political ad buys. Still, he managed to take 26 percent of the vote.

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Related From Slate I Cover Religion. Even I Was Shocked by the New Fox Show About Women and the Bible. Read More

His campaign defeat led to another pivot, this time to launching Pastors for Trump, an evangelical group meant to mobilize pastors to help with Trumps 2024 election and advocate for Christian interests in government upon his victory. The group held prayer calls that included Flynn, Stone, and Giuliani, and Trump himself at one point tried calling in. (The connection was too bad for Trump to be heard.) Its unclear how much Pastors for Trump actually helped, but Lahmeyer claimed in his announcement on Tuesday that hed led crusades across this nation that reached millions. Sheridan Church itself has, at different points, hosted events with Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump, Kash Patel, Alina Habba, Roger Stone, Riley Gaines, and Tim Tebow.

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This new campaign will be no less celebrity-forward. In his announcement, he introduced himself with a video flashing his appearances on various right-wing TV and streaming shows, such as Steve Bannons War Room. It ran through photos of him with the various MAGA celebrities, with a heavy focus on the Trump sons. He announced he was running because President Trump needs a few more bold America-first fighters in Washington, D.C., to help move his agenda forward. The issues he mentioned were protecting borders; cracking down on crime; helping with affordability (through fewer taxes and less regulation); preventing Chinese citizens from owning farmland; and ensuring Sharia law never takes root in this nation.

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So far, on social media, his campaign has been amplified by Giuliani, Flynn, and Matt Gaetzall men who have been ousted from power because of criminal complaints.

Lahmeyer only has a few months to secure the Republican nomination, and he is running against state-level politicians with a history of actual governance. If he wins, hell undoubtedly be another strong voice for Christian nationalism in MAGA. If he doesnt, hell almost certainly find another way to stay in the public eye. Lahmeyer is out to prove a truth of the MAGA era: The spirit of the right-wing media attention-seeker is unkillable.
Used electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging across Europe as rising petrol prices - driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East - push motorists to reconsider their fuel choices.

Fuel price surge sparks rush for used electric cars

The spike in demand follows disruption to global oil supplies linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. The ongoing conflict has impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route responsible for transporting around 20% of the world's oil supply.

With supply chains under pressure, petrol prices have climbed sharply across Europe, prompting many drivers to look for alternatives to traditional combustion-engine vehicles.

Online car marketplaces report a shift in consumer behaviour, with buyers increasingly turning to the used EV market as a more affordable and fuel-independent option.

Terje Dahlgren, an analyst at Norways largest used-car platform, told Reuters: "There is currently an electric car bonanza in the used market."

Second-hand EVs - which usually come with a lower upfront cost than new models - are becoming an increasingly attractive proposition.

Industry analysts added that if fuel prices remain elevated, more buyers are expected to consider new electric or hybrid vehicles, accelerating the broader transition away from petrol and diesel.

Alastair Campbell, vice president of growth at British automotive data firm Marketcheck, said: "Considering the lead time of a vehicle purchase, we expect this momentum to continue as the market fully absorbs the impact of recent global events."
Racin Hungry, typically a closer, changed strategy by racing on the front-end and won the $34,247 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Ballys Dover on Wednesday, March 25.

Ballast (Art Stafford Jr.) and Racin Hungry, driven by Pat Berry, were quickest leaving the gate, with Ballast stringing out Racin Hungry to the quarter in :26.1 before yielding to that rival. Racin Hungry, the 6-5 favourite, was in total control of the fractions from there, backing down the tempo to the half in :55.1 before sprinting to three-quarters in 1:22.1 while opening up by 2-1/2 lengths. She was unhurried down the lane and drew off to win by four lengths under wraps in 1:50.3. Disturbed Hanover (Barton Dalious) got up for second over Ballast.

Racin Hungry, a six-year-old daughter of Stay Hungry-Four Starzz Meliss, is now 25-for-80 lifetime. She is trained by Traci Berry for Glenn Goller of Delray Beach, Fla. and Stephen Demeter of Tarrytown, N.Y. Her backers received $4.40.

When I saw Jason [Thompson]'s mare Jett Propelled take back, I didnt see a lot of speed on the inside and wanted to try leaving with her, and she responded, Pat Berry said after the race.

After a six-win outing last night, Tim Tetrick drove five winners on the 15-race Wednesday card. He scored with Kiss Cam ($3.40), Twin B Cardi B ($5.80), Nite Time Deal ($4.20), Divine Deo ($2.20) and Moscow Mitch ($3). His two-day total of 11 wins brought his lead in the drivers' standings to 34 over Tony Morgan. Tetrick has 91 wins so far this season.

On Thursdays card at Dover, there are two elimination races of the DSBF Late Closing Series for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers. The feature race of the week is the 10th-race $25,000 USD Open Handicap Pace, in which Muskateer Hanover returns after a week away from the races. Wehadababyetzaboy enters the race off back-to-back wins.

Next week will be the final week of live harness racing at Ballys Dover for the year.

(With files from Dover Downs)
Always Bstunning N dazzled her connections with her work at Plainridge Park last season, with the female pacer even beating an Open field of male rivals that included several winners of multiple Grand Circuit stakes.

Now, Always Bstunning N will get her own opportunity on the Grand Circuit. The seven-year-old New Zealand import, who debuted in the United States this past spring and won 11 stateside starts, was among 26 pacing mares entered in Fridays first round of the MGM Ursula McIntyre Series (formerly the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series) at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

Tim Tetrick will drive Always Bstunning N for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owner Richard Poillucci. She will leave from post six, in a field of six, in the second of four $50,000 USD opening-round McIntyre Series divisions. The daughter of Always B Miki-Simply Stunning is 7-2 on the morning line.

After her performance last year, we decided that we had to at least give her a shot against some of the better mares, said Athearn. It might not work, but were at least going to give her a fair shake. Shes given us no reason not to.

Ive never had a horse like this in my entire life. Its still sort of like a pinch-me moment with her, like is this really real? There are no words for her. Shes just purely amazing.

Always Bstunning N raced twice in New Zealand in January 2025, winning once, before heading to the U.S. for owner Poillucci. Her first start for Athearn was on May 6 at Massachusetts Plainridge Park, where she made an early break and ended up being fifth-placed-sixth. From that point on, she did little wrong, finishing off the board only once in 18 races, with 11 victories, five seconds and a third while competing mostly in the Fillies & Mares Opens at Plainridge with regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr.

Her final two races last year, though, were against the boys in the Opens at Plainridge. She finished second in her first attempt on Nov. 17, then a week later posted a 1:51.1 triumph to bring her campaign to an end. That field also featured multiple Grand Circuit winners Rocknroll Runa A (including the 2024 Sam McKee Memorial), Binge On Yankee (including the 2025 Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial) and Its Saturday Night.

Rich had promised me that he was going to buy me an Open mare for about a year, said Athearn. So, he took a long time looking at horses before he bought her. When he did buy her, this is what she was supposed to be, but none of us  including Rich  thought she was going to be this good.

To be honest, I hate to say this, but Im not sure shes reached her potential yet. She never gets tired. She comes back after a race and shes not even blowing. I dont want to get my hopes up, but shes been  stunning.

Always Bstunning N, who has won 18 of 60 lifetime races and earned just over $300,000, paced a career-best 1:49.3 mile on Aug. 14 at Plainridge, when she beat a field of mares that included two 2025 Blue Chip Matchmaker Series finalists  Talk Curdy To Me (third in the Matchmaker final) and Turn The Page N (fifth). She prepped for her start in this years McIntyre Series opener by winning a qualifier on Yonkers half-mile oval in 1:55.4, with a back half in :56.1 and a :27.4 kicker, on March 13 with Jordan Stratton in the sulky. She was second in a :30 opening quarter before moving to the front and controlling the tempo from there.

It was unbelievably windy that day and she was absolutely fabulous, said Athearn. They went :30 to the quarter and I thought Jordan was going to run over [the horse on the lead], so he had to pull her. When she gets on the front, shes very lazy. She just sits there and waits and waits. But when the race was over, Jordan couldnt pull her up in front of us by the paddock because she wouldnt let the [second-place] horse by her.

I find that I like her racing from off the pace better because she loves a target. She loves to chase a horse down. She doesnt really look like much, my husband [Mark] described her as a deer the other day and she does look like a deer. Shes not a great big mare; shes sleek looking. But she loves her job.

The Maine-based Athearn, who trains on the half-mile track at Cumberland, noted that taking off a week following the qualifier was part of the plan to prep for the McIntyre, which features five preliminary rounds through April 24 followed by the $200,000 USD (added) final and $100,000 USD (guaranteed) consolation on May 8.

We didnt race her right back because our ship is five hours, said Athearn. We wanted to qualifier her and then give her a week and then take her down six weeks in a row. We qualified her early for that reason.

Poillucci is no stranger to success in the mares pacing series at Yonkers. His Shartin N, the 2019 Dan Patch Horse of the Year, won the Matchmaker Series in 2018 and 2019. She is the only two-time winner of the event.

Athearn is looking forward to seeing how Always Bstunning N fares in this years series.

I was just thinking about how fast my heart is going to be beating when I send her out to race, Athearn said with a laugh. But she does everything you ask of her. Shes not your typical snippy mare at all. Shes a happy horse and does nothing wrong. Shes a horse that everybody could like.

Racing begins at 6:45 p.m. at Yonkers. For a free race day program for Friday's card courtesy the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, click here.

(USTA)
Oh Look Magic found himself in a familiar position in the $49,315 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday, March 25 at Miami Valley Raceway  assigned the outside post, bet down to odds-on favouritism, on the front with Adamsville Road on his back, and eventually, in the winner's circle.

Leaving from post eight, Oh Look Magic was driven hard off the wings by regular pilot Chris Page, eventually clearing Adamsville Road (Luke Hanners) just after the quarter in :27.2. Heading to the half, Sayinwhatimthinkin (Trevor Smith) moved first-over from fourth but failed to make a major impact on Oh Look Magic, who led the field past the half and three-quarters in :56.1 and 1:23.4, respectively.

Sayinwhatimthinkin began to fade on the final turn, and a battle ensued when Adamsville Road, for the fourth straight clash with Oh Look Magic, took aim from the pocket. Adamsville Road quickly closed to within a half-length and chipped away all the way home, but Oh Look Magic outlasted that rival by a head in 1:52.1. Sayinwhatimthinkin was third.

Oh Look Magic extended his Miami Valley Open win streak to six, picking up his 32nd lifetime win in 93 starts and pushing his earnings over the $1 million milestone mark. Now seven-for-nine this year, he leads all of North America in earnings with $190,936 and is tied for the lead in wins. Ron Burke trains the six-year-old Ontario-bred son of Lookslikeachpndale-Miami Magic, who is owned by Pennsylvania-based Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. The win price was $3.20.

Trace Tetrick led all drivers on the 14-race card with four wins while Miami Valley leading driver David Miller picked up another three.

Racing at Miami Valley closes out for the week on Thursday with a post time of 4 p.m.

(With files from Miami Valley Raceway)
Drivers in New Braunfels encounter touchscreen gas pumps on March 19, 2026, part of H-E-B's ongoing rollout across Texas. (Nicholas Hernandez/MySA)





The presence of technology in everyday life is becoming harder to avoid, and now, it's reshaping something as routine as pumping gas.

Digital interfaces are everywhere, from self-checkout kiosks to Waymos, but now that shift at the gas pump for H-E-B shoppers.

H-E-B confirmed to MySA it began installing touchscreen pumps in 2022, like those seen at the 651 S. Walnut Avenue store in New Braunfels. Every new fuel station now has the technology, with additional rollouts underway at existing locations across Texas. Some stores already offer tap-to-pay, which I noticed appeared as a symbol on the screen but didn't function during my transaction. H-E-B said customer feedback has been largely positive but remains open to input.

A touchscreen gas pump at an H-E-B fuel station in New Braunfels on March 19, 2026, replaces traditional buttons with a tablet-style interface. (Nicholas Hernandez/MySA)





Instead of the usual setup, the pump is dominated by a tablet-like screen. The familiar process-insert a card, press a grade button, start pumping-has been replaced by a touchscreen guiding every step.

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"Remember when they told us if we used our cell phones while pumping gas the car would blow up?" Lauren McCarty wrote in a Facebook thread about touchscreen pumps. "And now they've just turned the whole pump into a giant cell phone."

That shift - from fearing phones at the pump to fully integrating them - underscores how quickly technology is redefining even routine tasks. While there's no documented evidence phones have caused fires at gas pumps, safety groups still discourage their use due to distraction and static risks.

Traditional pumps relied on physical grade buttons for quick, accessible use. Newer models replace those with touchscreens that add weather, traffic and promotions, bringing a digital layer to what was once a simple stop.

A digital gas pump interface guides users through payment and fuel selection at an H-E-B station in New Braunfels on March 19, 2026. (Nicholas Hernandez/MySA)





MySA asked readers in a New Braunfels-area Facebook group if they had encountered the new pumps. Community reactions suggest the rollout is far from universally embraced.

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"People already have a hard time looking up from their phones, and now it'll be easier to get got at night. I just see them as a waste of money for HEB and a danger," said Brandon Kotrola.

Some said the technology complicates a quick task. "Too many buttons, just let me hit no receipt, gas I want, pump and go. Absolutely unnecessary," said Aimee Gold.

"Used one at HEB that had a computer glitch and the whole pump wouldn't work. Had to change pumps on a busy day," said Julie Prescott. Karen Reininger reported a similar experience: "Same here, it happened to us today. Had to change pumps!"

"My biggest concern is when using a credit card, the automatic setting shows your zip code as you type it in," said Emily Piazza. She claims the ZIP display, shown in large text, is unnecessary and exposes personal information to anyone at nearby pumps.

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When I tried it, the touchscreen prompted for a ZIP code in large text but included an option to hide the numbers, similar to a "show/hide password" function on laptops. It offered some privacy control but still felt prominent.

Katy Cat added, "I'm so over technology being everywhere. Throw some plants in there," noting she stays in her car while fueling for safety. Berni Bea Gorrill wrote, "Nowadays everything is digital and touch screen what's the difference here."

Some saw benefits. Reed McCarty described checking weather and traffic from the pump, though noting limitations like the inability to zoom in.

Jackie Antu offered a more playful take: "Robots scare me but if HEB says it's okay then I love it."

This article originally published at How Texas favorite H-E-B is changing the way we pump gas.
Sophie Rundle believes there are "infinite possibilities" for more Peaky Blinders films.

Sophie Rundle teases 'infinite possibilities' for more Peaky Blinders movies

The 37-year-old star recently reprised her role as Ada Thorne for new movie Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man - the first film based on the hit TV series - and she believes the franchise has "so many lives to live".

She said on This Morning: "Steve Knight, who wrote it, has built this whole world and the fanbase have taken that and run with it.

"It's got so many lives to live, I think.

"This film defines a certain era of Peaky Blinders, and what it becomes next is ... there are infinite possibilities.

"In the 20th century, what an amazing landscape to explore these kinds of people and what worlds they're entering.

"It can just run and run really."

In the movie, Rundle stars opposite Cillian Murphy, who reprised his role as her on-screen brother and gangster Tommy Shelby.

The pair are joined by guest stars Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth, and Rundle believes Peaky Blinders bosses recruited the "perfect people" to join their world in the motion picture.

While she has played Ada since Peaky Blinders first hit TV screens in 2013, Rundle is "still working on" perfecting her character's Birmingham accent.

She added: "It [the accent] would go everywhere around the British Isles and beyond at various points.

"You'd think, 'Oh, I've totally lost it now.'

"We filmed a lot of it in Liverpool, which was really confusing. All the mishmash of accents.

"God knows what happened at various points.

"But it was amazing, because we weren't hearing the accent a lot.

"Peaky has, internationally, really put that accent on the map.

"It's an amazing accent. We have amazing accents in the UK.

"But yeah ... after 13 years I'm still working on it."

Rundle also praised Murphy's "extraordinary" portrayal of Tommy.

She said: "I don't think anyone quite thought they would choose Cillian to play this role.

"There were lots of conversations about who Tommy Shelby might've been.

"But having Cillian play him, it gave it the level. He's got this extraordinary stillness.

"It's amazing. You are so compelled to watch him."
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As the partial federal government shutdown nears the number of days of last year's record-breaking full shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration remains heavily strained.

Thousands of travelers are experiencing security lines spilling out into baggage claim or even the parking lots. A deadly crash between a fire truck and a plane at New York's LaGuardia airport on Sunday night further impacted TSA wait times earlier this week, with several flights in and out of Florida canceled.

To help aid TSA workers, the Trump Administration deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to more than a dozen airports nationwide on Monday, including Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. USA TODAY also reported that President Donald Trump is considering deploying the National Guard to help.

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Heading to the airport this morning? Here are the current wait times for TSA at Florida's major airports, as of 8:15 a.m. Thursday, March 26 and how to check it throughout the day.

TSA wait times at Orlando International Airport, MCO

A statement on its website states, "TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both active, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority does not anticipate major disruptions to operations. We remain committed to the best in traveler safety and security and are working closely with our federal partners, who are critical to air travel."

MCO's website lists the following wait times for travelers:

Gates 1 through 59 : 4 - 7 min

Gate 70 through 129 : 4 - 7 min

Gate C230 through C249: 12 - 15 min

TSA wait times at Miami International Airport, MIA

MIA's website lists the following wait times for travelers:

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Checkpoint 1: General: N/A TSA-PRE: 21 minutes

Checkpoint 2: General: 18 minutes Priority: 5 minutes TSA-PRE: Closed

Checkpoint 3: General: 13 minutes Priority: 0 minutes

Checkpoint 4: General: Closed Priority: 0 minutes

Checkpoint 5: General: 5 minutes Priority: Closed TSA-PRE: 5 minutes Clear: 4 minutes

Checkpoint 6: General: 8 minutes Priority: 6 minutes

Checkpoint 7: General: 9 minutes Priority: 10 minutes

Checkpoint 8: General: 6 minutes Priority: 6 minutes TSA-PRE: 3 minutes Clear: 3 minutes

Checkpoint 9: General: 19 minutes Priority: 16 minutes Clear: 16 minutes

Checkpoint 10: General: Closed Priority: Closed

Checkpoint FIS: General: 3 minutes TSA-PRE: Closed



TSA wait times at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, FLL

According to Flight Queue, security wait times at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport currently range from 15 to 30 minutes.

All of its terminals are open, as of 4 a.m. To see hours, check here.

TSA wait times at Tampa International Airport, TPA

On its website, TPA features the current message, "While TPA is currently experiencing high passenger volume due to spring break, our TSA security checkpoints are not seeing any significant delays or backups. As always, passengers should arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours for international travel."

According to Flight Queue, security wait times at Tampa International Airport are currently under 15 minutes.

TSA wait times at Southwest Florida International Airport, RSW

According to Flight Queue, security wait times at Southwest Florida International Airport are currently under 15 minutes.

TSA wait times at Jacksonville International Airport, JAX

According to its website, the security wait times at Jacksonville International Airport are:

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Standard : 2 minutes

TSA-Pre Check : 1 minute

Premier/Special Needs/Military in Uniform: 1 minute

Missed your airport? See full list of Florida airports

See list: How long are TSA wait times at Florida airports Thursday?

Why are TSA lines so long? Reason behind the government shutdown

The Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) previous funding agreement lapsed on Friday, Feb. 13, as Congress failed to reach a new funding agreement in time. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA. Roughly 50,000 TSA officers are continuing to work without regular pay during the funding lapse.

Another contributing factor to long lines is that the partial shutdown is intersecting with spring break. According to USA TODAY, a record-breaking spring travel period is expected, with 171 million passengers expected to fly, up 4% over the same two-month period last year.

"Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and other Transportation Security Administration (TSA) roles critical to national safety at our nations airports are going without pay for the third time in nearly six months," the Department of Homeland Security said in a release on March 17.

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"The undue financial pressure has resulted in increased callouts and agents leaving the force, leading Americans to face at some airports more than three-hour security lines and miss flights."

Is TSA still operating during the government shutdown?

Yes; however, the roughly 50,000 TSA employees deemed essential have been working without full pay since the funding lapse began on Feb. 14. They did receive a partial paycheck on Friday, March 13.

The Federal Aviation Administration is still fully funded during this partial shutdown.

Is there a way to see current TSA wait times? Find Florida airports' TSA wait times

Although many airports across the U.S. are seeing hours-long lines at TSA checkpoints, Florida airports haven't been affected as much as those in other states. And wait times are shorter for travelers with TSA PreCheck and for families or military members using dedicated lines where available.

Need to know when to be at the airport? Here are some ways to monitor TSA lines in real time:

Airport websites: Many official airports post checkpoint updates so you can see how it's going today.

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.

3rd party sites: There are unofficial websites, such as fly.com, takeofftimer.com, flightqueue.com and tsawaittimes.com that provide estimated wait times, but you should double-check official sources for the most up-to-date information.

When could TSA lines return to normal?

In an interview with USA TODAY, Sheldon Jacobson, an aviation expert and professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering, said TSA lines could return to normal as soon as a couple of days after the shutdown ends.

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He added that it depends on how quickly TSA workers are informed that they will receive their full pay, prompting them to return to work.

Contributing: Zach Wichter and Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY

Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida airport TSA wait times for travelers. See MCO, JAX, FLL, RSW
If you typically travel to Boston on weekends via the Fall River-New Bedford Commuter Rail Line, you may want to plan ahead.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced that critical maintenance work on the Old Colony Lines will result in temporary service suspensions.

To complete track improvements, service on the Greenbush, Kingston, and Fall River-New Bedford lines will be affected on the following weekends:

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March 2829

April 1112, 1819, and 2526

May 910

During these dates, the Fall River/New Bedford Line will terminate at Braintree.

South Coast Rail turns 1 year old. MBTA sees growth coming to region

During these dates, the Fall River-New Bedford Line will terminate at Braintree. Passengers traveling to or from South Station should transfer to the Red Line for continued service between Braintree and Boston.

MBTA officials state that this work is necessary to ensure the long-term stability of the infrastructure and preserve the system for future generations of riders.

Travelers are encouraged to plan for additional travel time, with at least 15 minutes added to regular trip durations.

A dedicated diversion schedule will be available on MBTA.com/CR.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fall River-New Bedford commuter rail service disrupted in March and April
For travelers hoping to board a plane this week, long security lines are likely to cause headaches at the airport.

A partial government shutdown is causing significant disruptions at airports across the country as Transportation Security Administration officer absences soar and employee worked without pay, forcing travelers to wait hours in lines for security screening.

What is causing the long TSA lines across the country? What are the wait times at TSA for the closest airports to the Space Coast? Here's what we know.

Why are TSA lines so long? Airport wait times reach highest record in nation's history

Air travelers are enduring hours-long security lines at major airports across the United States as the Transportation Security Administration contends with a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February after Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

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The partial government shutdown caused TSA employees, who are not paid during a shutdown, to call out or even quit and security lines have reached nearly two hours at some airports.

As the partial government shutdown continues, airports in the United States are experiencing the highest wait times in the nation's history, the Transportation Security Administration's top official announced on Wednesday, March 25.

Why are ICE agents at airports across the United States?

The shutdown, impacting Department of Homeland Security funding, has left Transportation Security Administration employees agents without pay since Feb. 28. Over 400 TSA officers have quit, according to the White House, and many have called out of work.

On Monday, March 23, ICE officers were deployed to over a dozen U.S. airports, including Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), to help alleviate long security lines. However, ICE officers lack the specialized training for aviation security and screening.

What is TSA wait time at Orlando International Airport, MCO?

Security wait times at Orlando International Airport (MCO) are under 15 minutes, according to flightqueue.com at 8 a.m. March 26.

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You can also check the airport's website at flymco.com/security/.

What is TSA wait time at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, MLB?

Security wait times at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) currently are under 15 minutes, according to flightqueue.com at 8 a.m. March 26.

What is TSA wait time at Orlando Sanford International Airport, SFB?

Security wait times at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) are under 15 minutes, according to flightqueue.com at 8 a.m. March 26.

What is TSA wait time at Vero Beach Regional Airport, VRB?

Security wait times at Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) currently are under 15 minutes, according to flightqueue.com at 8 a.m. March 26.

What is TSA wait time at Daytona International Airport, DAB?

Security wait times at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) currently are under 15 minutes, according to flightqueue.com at 8 a.m. March 26.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

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, 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.

Third-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.

You can get all of Floridas best content in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: TSA airport wait times hit record highs, but what's the cause?
NEED TO KNOW

Ruby Cosby says a Southwest Airlines agent canceled her ticket after they refused to let her board without an extra seat

The agent allegedly cited the airline's new "customers of size" policy, but Cosby says she can fit in one seat just fine

She eventually flew Delta to make her trip but says Southwest has not addressed her concerns yet

A Nashville woman is speaking out after an experience with Southwest Airlines reportedly left her with a canceled ticket and nearly caused her to miss her connection to Los Angeles.

Ruby Cosby tells local outlet WSMV she was attempting to board a flight to LAX on Feb. 28 when a Southwest agent refused to let her on the plane without an additional ticket. According to the passenger, she was denied boarding due to her size.

I can fit in the seat like I have fit in the seat with no problem for many years, Crosby, who says shes flown Southwest in the past without any issues, explains. Despite her claims, Cosby says the agent required her to pay an additional $450 to get on her flight due to a new policy that went into effect on Jan. 27.

A Southwest Airlines plane

Credit: Getty

The Dallas-based budget carrier officially implemented a new policy regarding its customers of size earlier this year. According to the policy, customers who encroach upon the neighboring seats must purchase the number of seats needed.

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However, Cosby claims she purchased the ticket prior to the new seating policy and wasnt aware of the changes. I also asked him is there any way I can go test to see if I can fit the seat. Like youre telling me I cant get in the seat before I got in the seat, Cosby says. He informed me that there was no way for him to do that. That if he took me all the way past the TSA gates and I couldnt fit in the seats that would cause a bigger problem.

Southwest Airlines' ticketing counter at Nashville International Airport

Credit: SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty

Since Cosby didnt have enough money for another purchase in the moment, she says the gate agent canceled her ticket. The traveler then called her family from the airport to tell them what happened. Luckily, they sent her enough money to buy another ticket so could make her Mexican cruise.

But when she went back to the counter to rebook, another agent issued her a ticket without requiring her to buy two seats, she claims. It wasnt until she mentioned a bag transfer that the prior agent allegedly came out and once again explained she couldnt rebook without buying two seats.

Cosby goes on to claim that the agents wouldnt apply the credit from her previous flight, instead they said she would have to wait for a refund on basic economy tickets.

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I understand having a policy put into place to make sure others are comfortable, she says. My main worry is that theres nothing put into place to stop discrimination or anything from happening. Its just based off of perception thats my worry. I feel like this policy can be used unfairly because theres not guidelines, Cosby said.

The airlines policy states the company, may determine, in its sole discretion, that an additional seat is necessary for safety purposes.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, an airline spokesperson said, We began communicating changes to our policy  which is in line with industry standards  almost a year ago and continued reiterating those changes directly to customers throughout the summer. Our extra seat policy  along with other policies  went into effect on Jan. 27 as we now must account for each individual seat in the cabin ahead of boarding.

They add: "Our goal is always to provide a comfortable experience for everyone on board; however, with assigned seating, adjacent seats may sometimes already be occupied. In this case, we have reached out directly to the customers involved to better understand their experience and ensure we address any concerns with the appropriate discretion. "

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Cosby says she was able to make her cruise after purchasing one ticket through Delta Airlines for $350. Though, she says she hasnt heard back from Southwest yet regarding the experience.

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.

She adds that she was given a credit for the initial ticket, but Cosby has only until July to use it.

Read the original article on People
Flight schedules are changing at one Central Coast airport.

Santa Maria Airport will lose direct service to a popular desert destination in the spring, effectively halving its options for travelers.

However, local passengers still have other options to reach the Southwest city.

Heres what to know:

Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino speaks during a news conference on Monday, June 30, 2025, about American Airlines plans to begin daily nonstop service between Santa Maria and Phoenix starting Oct. 15. (Nick Forselles/Noozhawk photo)

When do direct flights to Phoenix end?

American Airlines will permanently discontinue direct flights from Santa Maria to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in early May.

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Santa Maria Airport launched twice-daily nonstop flights to and from to the Arizona city in October, The Tribune previously reported.

Whether its going to Phoenix for spring training or seeing family or connecting to the more than 100 destinations that American Airlines serves from Phoenix, this new service will help our residents quality of life, Nash Moreno, president of the Santa Maria Public Airport District, said in an Oct. 15 news release.

Airport officials also said direct flights to Phoenix would be a major boost to the entire region economically, allowing local businesses easier access to the national transportation system.

Martin J. Pehl, the Santa Maria airports general manager, said that low demand played a role in the decision to end nonstop service to Phoenix.

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Unfortunately, the service did not meet the performance expectations required by the airline, Pehl told The Santa Maria Times in March.

According to the American Airlines website , the last day to fly nonstop to and from Phoenix will be Wednesday, May 6.

On that day, there will be two flights departing from Santa Maria, at 5:03 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Only one flight will return from Phoenix on the same day, arriving at 3:33 p.m.

Santa Maria Airport will lose daily direct flights to Phoenix in May 2026. (Janene Scully/Noozhawk.com)

How much does it cost to fly nonstop to Arizona?

As of Monday, March 23, a one-way plane ticket to Phoenix started at $199.

You can book a flight online on AA.com or via the American Airlines mobile app.

Passengers board an American Airlines flight for Phoenix at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport on the morning of July 16, 2024. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com)

Can I still fly nonstop to Phoenix from Central Coast?

As of Monday, two other Central Coast airports offered direct flights to Phoenix: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport and Santa Barbara Airport.

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American Airlines typically offers three nonstop flights from the San Luis Obispo airport to Phoenix each day.

However, the airline is reducing its daily direct service to Phoenix on May 3, The Tribune previously reported.

One-way nonstop flights from San Luis Obispo to Phoenix start at $406, with prices depending on the day, according to Google Flights.

Santa Barbara Airport also offers nonstop flights to Phoenix, and at a cheaper rate than the SLO airport.

Typically, there are three to five flights to the Arizona city per day.

Direct round-trip flights from Santa Barbara start $406, according to Google Flights.

Santa Maria Airport offers nonstop flights to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. (Jerome Adamstein/Los Angeles Times)

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Where else can I fly direct from Santa Maria?

The Santa Maria airport also offers direct flights to Las Vegas though Allegiant Air.

Once-a-day flights are available on Thursday and Sunday.

As of Monday, one-way tickets from Santa Maria to Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada cost as little as $44.

From Las Vegas, you can grab a connecting flight to Phoenix via Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines or American Airlines for $64 or more, according to Google Flights.

In contrast, it takes about eight hours to drive the roughly 530-mile route from Santa Maria.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have praised a US court's decision to find Meta and YouTube liable for negligence.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are advocates for online safety

A young woman known as Kaley had brought a lawsuit against the online platforms, arguing they were designed to be addictive and so had a negative impact on her wellbeing as she grew up. And after the Los Angeles jury agreed the companies had played a substantial role in causing harm, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan hailed the verdict a "reckoning" and a turning point for families.

The couple said in a statement: This verdict is a reckoning. For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach. We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.

In a longer statement on their website, the couple - who have Prince Archie, six, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet together - further praised the "landmark" ruling.

They wrote in part: "Todays verdict in Los Angeles and yesterdays ruling in New Mexico are landmark victories for families, advocates, and young people everywhereand a powerful message that justice has caught up to Big Tech.

"After years of denial and deflection, a jury has confirmed what parents and experts have said all along: the harm isnt in parenting, its in product design. The systems driving our social media platforms have been built to exploit, not protect, and accountability has finally arrived.

"The products, design choices, and business models at the center of this trial werent theoreticalthey were weaponised in ways that shaped how young people live, learn, and connect. This case pulled back the curtain on what we have long known: profit is prioritized over protection, transparency is sacrificed for engagement, and the costs fall on children and families."

As part of the ruling, Meta and YouTube were ordered to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of the sum. They must also pay punitive damages linked to the findings of malice or fraud, but the figure has yet to be determined.

Both Meta and YouTube have spoken out about the verdict.

A Meta spokesperson said: "Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app."

And a YouTube representative said: "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options," a Meta spokesperson said.

A Google spokesperson said: "This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media."

Harry and Meghan have been advocates for online safety, with the subject a focus for their Archewell Philanthropies foundation.

In February, Harry met with families who have taken legal action against social media platforms.

He told them: Thank you for doing everything that you've done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again. Truth, justice and accountability  those are the three things that will come from this.
Its almost time for National Bourbon Week, an annual event where Kentuckys favorite spirit is celebrated.

Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, will host the third annual National Bourbon Week, held this year on June 14-21, to pay tribute to the heritage and culture that make Bardstown the center of the bourbon industry.

National Bourbon Week is a celebration of the heritage, craftsmanship and community that define the Bourbon Capital of the World, Stacey Phelps, president of Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism, said in a news release. We welcome visitors to experience our historic distilleries, vibrant downtown and raise a glass to Americas native spirit.

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The week always coincides with National Bourbon Day, celebrated each year on June 14.

This years schedule includes master distiller panels, curated cocktail experiences, live music, unique culinary offerings and more.

Here's what to know about the 2026 National Bourbon Week in Bardstown, Kentucky:

More bourbon news: How to enter Pappy Van Winkle raffle benefiting Ronald McDonald House

What is National Bourbon Week?

National Bourbon Week is a community-wide celebration in Bardstown, Ky. that celebrates the city's ties to bourbon's history, growth and evolution, and is home to some of the most iconic distilleries in the world, including the Bardstown Bourbon Company and Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

National Bourbon Week in Bardstown Kentucky will be held June 9-15, 2025

The festival has 10 partner distillers in 2026, including Log Still Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery and James B. Beam Distilling Co., along with new partners Limestone Branch Distillery and Potter Jane Distilling Company. The event also features master distiller panels, curated cocktail experiences, live music, unique culinary offerings and more.

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The Bourbon Capital Alliances 10 partner distilleries are pulling out all the stops for our third annual National Bourbon Week, Sam Lacy, executive director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance, said in the news release. We are very proud of the continued growth of National Bourbon Week into a premier series of events that should be on any bourbon lovers calendar."

When and where is National Bourbon Week?

The 2026 festival runs June 14-21 in Bardstown, Ky.

Scenes from the 2025 National Bourbon Week festival in Bardstown, Ky

When do tickets for National Bourbon Week go on sale?

Tickets for National Bourbon Week go on sale March 26 at nationalbourbonweek.com.

More bourbon news: Chicken Cock Whiskey unveils reimagined speakeasy in NuLu

What's happening on National Bourbon Day?

Numerous events are taking place on National Bourbon Day, Saturday, June 14, during National Bourbon Week in Bardstown.

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Stop by Elijah Craig National Bourbon Day Celebration at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, 1311 Gilkey Run Road, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The event will feature tasting and craft demonstrations, and exclusive merchandise will be on sale.

Scenes from the 2025 National Bourbon Week festival in Bardstown, Ky.

The Boone Family Reunion Distillery Festival at the Preservation Distillery and Farm, 426 Sutherland Road, takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include product tastings with a souvenir glass, food, a custom-made Clayton & Crume leather keepsake, live seminars from Proprietor Marci Palatella, Master of Maturation Kyle Lloyd and Head Distiller JT Leasor and more.

Are kids allowed at National Bourbon Week?

While most of the events aren't kid friendly, the United We Jam Bourbon City Street Concert Festival on Saturday, June 20 has a Kids Zone open from noon to 4 p.m.

Scenes from the 2025 National Bourbon Week festival in Bardstown, Ky.

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Located on the second block of downtown Bardstown, this "fun-filled area" will feature bouncy houses, slides, face painting, games, and putt-putt, according to the news release.

"The Kids Zone is all about giving our youngest festivalgoers a place to play, laugh, and be part of the excitement that makes downtown Bardstown so special," Sam Lacy, executive director of Bourbon Capital Alliance, told the Courier Journal. "Its all about creating an experience that showcases the spirit and hospitality of Bardstown."

More bourbon news: Woodford Reserve's 2026 Kentucky Derby bottle is here. Take a look

Where can I get more information on National Bourbon Week?

For more information, as well as a schedule of events and tickets, visit nationalbourbonweek.com.

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Reach reporter Bailey Reed at bereed@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: National Bourbon Week 2026 Bardstown, Kentucky dates, tickets, events
After the outbreak of war in the Middle East and the attacks on the British bases at Akrotiri in Cyprus, the authorities of the country are worried about possible unpleasant consequences for tourism.

That is why for about two weeks now, both the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, and government ministers have been telling the international media that Cyprus remains a safe country.

Given that in March there were cancellations of bookings made in Cyprus, the country's tourism sector and the relevant authorities are mobilising to send a clear message of safety to tourists.

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As industry professionals point out, a comprehensive action mechanism should be put in place within the next few weeks, starting at the highest state level and extending to ministries, diplomatic missions, Hermes, hoteliers and all concerned. The aim is a broad mobilisation that will touch every level of decision making, including local authorities and RTBs, which are invited to actively contribute to the effort to raise awareness and restore the country's image.

In recent statements to Cyprus' state radio, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Coumis, stressed that the priority at the moment is to reshape the image of Cyprus through targeted actions. In this context, the cooperation with a specialised public relations company continues, while contacts with key partners both within and outside the country have been intensified.

At the same time, market developments are closely monitored, with more frequent contacts and information exchange, in order to formulate appropriate response strategies. He stressed that the course of events will largely depend on the duration and intensity of the crisis in the Middle East.

According to information from Cypriot media, however, after the cancellations in March and April, the phenomenon seems to be extending into May, despite the fact that flight activity in Cyprus has returned to normal and no emergency prevention measures are in place.

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At the same time, bookings for the summer season are proceeding at a particularly slow pace, which is a matter of great concern, especially given the timing.

Possible tourism support measures and difficulties

As far as possible support measures are concerned, the strengthening of domestic tourism demand is also being considered, with the aim of providing incentives for Cypriots to choose local accommodation during the holiday season.

However, it remains crucial to maintain the flow of tourists from the European market, which is the main pool of visitors for Cyprus. However, the challenge is now more complex than in previous years. Unlike in the period 2022-2023, when the main issue was the loss of the Russian and Ukrainian markets, today the problem extends to the general climate of insecurity affecting the psychology of European travellers. The negative image of the region is acting as a deterrent, making recovery more difficult.

At the same time, the loss of the Israeli market, as well as markets from the Arabian Peninsula, has already been recorded. In an attempt to partially meet demand, the Israeli airline ISSTA has announced the creation of an alternative air link between Jordan and Cyprus.

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Specifically, during the Jewish Passover period (30 March - 8 April), there will be daily flights from Aqaba to Paphos, serving travellers looking for short breaks during a period of limited availability of direct flights from Israel.
Queen Camilla is filming a documentary about the "life-transforming power" of books.

Queen Camilla at her Reading Room anniversary celebration

The 78-year-old royal - who established her Queen's Reading Room initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic - has been promoting the joy of reading and will further explore her own love of books, as well as that of her late father Major Bruce Shand, in a new special film for the BBC/

Speaking at a Clarence House reception on Wednesday (25.03.26), Camilla said: Im delighted to announce that we have partnered with the BBC and Blink Films for a major new documentary that will showcase the life-transforming power of books  my fathers and my own experience included  for which the cameras are filming here this evening.

The reception was held to mark the fifth anniversary of the Queen's Reading Room, and saw the queen joined by her husband, King Charles, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne's husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and famous faces including Stanley Tucci, Sir Derek Jacobi, Celia Imrie, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Osman, Jeffrey Archer and Jojo Moyes.

The queen expressed her amazement at the way her initiative has grown from a lockdown reading list to an online book club, then a registered charity which runs a podcast, hosts an annual literary festival and has commissioned research.

She said: I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life better.

Since then, it has expanded beyond anyones wildest dreams (especially mine!): filling over 22,000 seats at our annual festival; becoming a charity; forging partnerships with local organisations that combat domestic violence and homelessness; donating thousands of books; and creating literary content for our global digital audience of 12 million from 184 countries.

Alien actress Sigourney praised the queen for her encouragement of reading and said her advocacy have felt like a "personal" message to pick up a book, prompting her to follow the recommendation to explore MM Kaye's epic novel of British-Indian history The Far Pavilions.

She said: Luckily, I didnt know how big it was because I read on Kindle and Im having the best of time.

The BBC have promised the "powerful" documentary - which is produced in partnership with the Open University - would feature a "special and intimate contribution" from the queen, as well as other stories from people whose lives have been changed by the joy of books.

They said: In a special and intimate contribution, Queen Camilla reflects on her lifelong love of literature, sharing the childhood experiences that first sparked her passion for reading and the comfort she still finds in books.

These include personal recollections of her father, Major Bruce Shand, and his experience being held in a German prisoner of war camp; when reading reinforced a lifelong enthusiasm for the written word, which he later imparted to his daughter.

And Suzy Klein, head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, hopes the documentary will help change lives by encouraging people to read.

She said: We are especially delighted that Her Majesty the Queen, a devoted reader and champion of literature, is at the heart of this celebratory new project exploring the power of great books to change lives for the better.

The simple act of opening the pages of a book can be one of the most powerful and transformational choices we can make.

Books arent trying to distract us or sell us anything. Instead, they take us outside our own problems and challenges to a whole new world  one we can see in our minds eye.

And the power of that different point of view can deeply change our perspective on ourselves  as demonstrated by the moving, emotional stories of the contributors to this special documentary.

The programme will be broadcast on BBC Two later this year.
In an interview published in yesterdays Express, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar revealed the principles guiding her administrations policies. As is usual with politicians, however, there was a notable gap between rhetoric and reality.

Asked about her strong and vociferous support for American President Donald Trump, the Prime Minister explained, The current US government believes in conservatism and capitalism, and that aligns with my views.
So his legislation includes a mandate for public notice with details of the type and number of government mass surveillance networks proposed, the cost, and how the data would be handled, retained and destroyed. Then it would require at least two public hearings, separated by at least 30 days.

Only then could the government body meet. And if two-thirds of the council or board agreed, then the issue would go to voters, who would have to approve the plan by a 60% margin.

Even with voter approval, other restrictions would remain. Cameras could only scan and record license plates, without the ability to record or analyze images of anyone in a vehicle.

And if there was no match to a license plate linked to an active warrant or law enforcement alert, the data would have to be destroyed within three minutes.

Law enforcement officials have concerns

All of this is raising concern among law enforcement officials, according to Mike Pooley, chief of the Apache Junction Police Department.

"We understand that the technology that's out there is something we've never seen before,'' said Pooley, who is president of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. "And we do agree that there should be some type of guardrails that keep people safe.''

But Pooley said Hoffman's bill, as written, would eliminate the use of body-worn cameras by officers as well as cameras set up to monitor special events.

"We use cameras to monitor people coming in and out of large events,'' he said.
Giveaway: Talamasca: The Secret Order

Up for grabs are 3 x Blu-ray copies of Talamasca: The Secret Order S1 starring Australian actor Nicholas Denton.

Theres a second giveaway up for grabs in Fridays newsletter: 3 x Blu-ray copies of Talamasca: The Secret Order S1 based on Anne Rice universe.

This was released on Blu-ray last week.

It stars Australian actor Nicholas Denton (Utopia, Glitch, My Life is Murder, Dangerous Liaisons, Eden) alongside Elizabeth McGovern, William Fichtner, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Celine Buckens. Jason Schwartzman guest star, while Eric Bogosian and Justin Kirk will reprise their roles from Interview with the Vampire as crossover characters.

If you havent yet subscribed to the newsletter you can do so here.

Denton stars as Guy Anatole; on the cusp of graduating law school, he is approached by a representative of the Talamasca, a secretive agency that monitors and protects from the supernatural world. When Guy learns that the Talamasca has been tracking him since his childhood, he falls into a world of secret agents and immortal beings who, up until now, have maintained a fragile balance with the mortal world.

McGovern portrays Helen, a seasoned veteran of the Talamasca, and the leader of its New York Motherhouse; Fichtner plays Jasper, a mysterious American who has quietly assumed control and influence over the Talamascas London Motherhouse; Richardson-Sellers plays Olive, a beguiling and ambitious agent of the Talamasca; Buckens stars as Doris, strong-willed and with an old soul, she lives with a coven of witches on a houseboat; while Schwartzman portrays Burton, a charming, rakish vampire, leading a cloistered life in a luxurious Upper West Side penthouse, Bogosian plays Daniel Molloy, and Kirk is Talamasca agent Raglan James.

Worth sinking your teeth into  Collider

A pivotal piece of the ImmortalUniverses Puzzle  Bloody Digusting

Release Date: March 18, 2026

Run Time: 296 minutes

Rating: MA15+ (Strong blood and gore, horror themes, suicide references, suicide scenes, violence and horror violence)

Blu-ray RRP: $39.95

Horror themes.
A series of violations at Bao Tin Minh Chau had previously been identified by the State Bank of Vietnams inspectors and referred to the Ministry of Public Security for verification, investigation, and handling.

Numerous boxes of documents are removed from the Bao Tin Minh Chau store.

On March 26, the companys gold trading stores on Tran Nhan Tong Street in Hanoi reopened after a temporary suspension a day earlier, drawing continued public attention.

A day before, images and information about the presence of authorities at several Bao Tin Minh Chau stores had spread widely. During the inspection, police officers were seen carrying boxes of documents out of the premises.

Earlier, in May 2025, the State Banks Inspectorate announced its conclusions following an inspection into the companys compliance with regulations in gold trading activities. The findings pointed to multiple violations related to invoices, accounting documents, and tax obligations.

The Inspectorate reported the case to the Governor of the State Bank, who approved the transfer of information to the Ministry of Public Security for further investigation and handling.

Additional violations included failures in reporting requirements for gold bar trading, as well as instances of selling gold at prices higher than those listed.

The company was also found to have not disclosed on its website key information regarding transportation and delivery, complaint handling procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms related to customer contracts.

It had not established or published policies to ensure the safety and security of consumer personal data, nor policies to protect such data on its e-commerce platform.

Authorities further noted signs that the company may have provided misleading information about its products to attract customers from competitors, raising concerns over unfair competition practices.

In terms of compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, the inspection concluded that Bao Tin Minh Chau had issued internal rules beyond its authority, with incomplete content, and failed to properly store information on reportable transactions and customer data.

Regarding accounting and tax compliance, the company was found to have improperly recorded gift expenses into the cost of goods and services, thereby reducing the value-added tax payable.

Following the inspection, the State Banks Inspectorate identified indications of legal violations, including potential criminal elements, and formally transferred the case to the Ministry of Public Security.

The Chief Inspector of the State Bank also issued an administrative penalty against Bao Tin Minh Chau for violations related to anti-money laundering regulations and reporting requirements in gold trading, with total fines amounting to VND2.64 billion (US$108,000).

Despite these developments, business activities at the companys stores resumed from noon on March 26. Observations at the Tran Nhan Tong locations showed that customer traffic was lighter than usual, with orderly transactions and no long queues as seen during peak periods.

Most customers came to collect gold based on prior appointment slips or to sell amid price fluctuations, while new purchases remained limited.

According to store staff, operations had returned to normal, with gold deliveries being carried out according to scheduled dates indicated on customer receipts. Transaction areas were arranged separately, with one section handling sales and returns, and another serving purchase demand.

A customer from Dong Da district said she was initially concerned when the store suspended transactions on March 25, but felt reassured after receiving official notification and was able to collect her gold as scheduled.

In a statement, Bao Tin Minh Chau said the temporary suspension on March 25 was to facilitate coordination with authorities in verifying certain related information.

The company affirmed that its entire retail system resumed operations from noon on March 26 and committed to ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of customers, partners, and employees.

With nearly 40 years in the gold and jewelry business, Bao Tin Minh Chau emphasized its commitment to reputation, stating that its products meet all standards for gold purity, weight, and quality in accordance with regulations.

Duy Anh - Tuan Nguyen
On March 25, the Dak Lak Peoples Committee announced the issuance of a regulatory framework for durian trading across the province. The document is considered a crucial legal step to establish order in the market, safeguard the interests of farmers and maintain the credibility of Dak Lak durian both domestically and internationally.

Farmers and businesses engaged in durian production and trade have expressed strong support for the move, noting that the regulation not only protects legitimate stakeholders but also enhances market transparency.

Nguyen Xuan Bang, a durian purchasing representative, said the sector has faced multiple challenges in recent years, most notably the falsification of planting area codes.

According to Bang, some traders have brought in durians from other regions, falsely labeling them as Dak Lak produce for profit. In addition, widespread practices such as contract breaches and deposit forfeitures have disrupted the market and directly harmed farmers interests.

The introduction of stricter management at this time is necessary. It creates a legal framework that protects honest farmers and businesses, allowing them to benefit sustainably, he said.

He also called on authorities to continue supporting farmers in registering additional planting area codes, noting that the current number of export-certified areas remains limited.

Nguyen Phi Long, a durian farmer in Krong Nang district, emphasized that the new regulation is both timely and essential, providing a solid foundation for legitimate business operations.

He noted that the framework would deliver multiple benefits, including improved market transparency, stronger protection for farmers and more effective prevention of trade fraud, particularly the harvesting of unripe durians.

The regulation also introduces stricter oversight of traders, ensuring product quality and helping preserve the reputation of Dak Lak durian in particular and Vietnamese durian in general. It requires all businesses and traders, whether local or from other provinces, to register and declare their activities, enabling authorities to conduct inspections and enforce compliance.

It clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both buyers and sellers, encouraging legal compliance in purchasing contracts and reducing disputes related to deposit agreements, Long said.

Le Anh Trung, Chairman of the Dak Lak Durian Association, described the regulation as timely and appropriate.

It provides an important legal corridor for businesses, farmers and traders to better understand their responsibilities in production, procurement, packaging and export, he said, adding that it will also help authorities strengthen monitoring and improve the overall efficiency and quality of the durian sector.

According to 2025 statistics, Dak Lak has nearly 45,000 hectares of durian cultivation, with an estimated output of 390,000 tonnes and export revenue reaching approximately US$1.1 billion.

The province is widely regarded as Vietnams durian capital, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the countrys total cultivation area.

Hai Duong
Carol Vorderman plans to have a facelift "in the next couple of years".

Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman

The former Countdown assistant wants to go under the knife to maintain her youthful looks.

Carol, 65, told the May issue of Woman and Home magazine: "I dont look as good as I did in my 40s, but I dont think I look bad for my age.

"I have Botox and all of those things, and Im probably going to have a facelift in the next couple of years. I have no issue with any treatments."

The Celebrity Puzzling team captain does not care about being criticised for getting work done.

Carol said: "Its my money, Ive earned it, so Ill spend it on what I like."

The I'm A Celebrity...South Africa alum said a facelift will make her feel even happier about her appearance.

Carol continued: "I am accepting of myself, but I also want to look good, and those two things can go together.

"I dont think you should feel embarrassed to admit that, and if its right for you, then great - if its not, then thats also fine.

"Being accepting is kind."

In September 2024, Carol was hospitalised following burnout and a battle with crippling chronic rheumatoid arthritis - which left her collapsed on the floor in tears and unable to walk for months.

And the star thinks "becoming ill was a blessing".

She explained: "It reset things in my life. I hit burnout and ended up in hospital in September 2024.

"I had chest pains, and thankfully my heart was fine, but doctors said I had nothing left in the tank, so I had to give up my LBC show. I was sad but thought, 'Next time it could be my heart.' I call that my wake-up call before my next wake-up call.

"I had some travel vaccines in December 2024, and they triggered chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

"I couldnt walk for seven months, and I would cry in pain. Eventually, doctors found the right medication, but I couldnt work at all during that time, and it made me realise I was addicted to work.

"I had to say no to things for the first time, so it acted as an intervention. Im no longer working seven days a week, Ive got a social life again, and Im trying new things. Im writing my first novel and developing a one-woman show, and Im excited."

Carol urges people to take on new opportunities.

She said: "If youre anxious about taking opportunities, they will pass you by.

"Youve got to live for now and go for whats in front of you. I have never taken anything for granted. Every day I say to myself, B***** hell, Im lucky.'

"I would never have thought as a teenager living in North Wales that I would have the life Ive had. It hasnt all been roses by any stretch of the imagination, but life isnt.

"Things happen, and you have to learn to make the most of it."
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong and leaders of several departments and units under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh warmly welcomed Minister Chay Borin and the Cambodian delegation during their visit to Vietnam from March 24 to 26, 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh receives Cambodias Minister of Cults and Religion. Photo: Pham Hai

He highly appreciated the significance of the visit, noting that it aims to implement the cooperation agreement between Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and Cambodias Ministry of Cult and Religion for the 20262030 period, recently signed in Phnom Penh. The agreement, he said, plays an important role in promoting collaboration in religious and ethnic affairs between the two countries, while contributing to strengthening the long-standing neighborly friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and sustainable partnership between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that bilateral relations have continued to develop steadily and comprehensively across all fields. He expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the recent state visit to Cambodia by General Secretary To Lam, during which both sides successfully co-chaired a high-level meeting between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Cambodian Peoples Party, as well as a meeting among the leaders of the three parties of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in February. These engagements, he noted, have enhanced political trust and opened new directions for cooperation, further consolidating the close solidarity between the two nations.

Overview of the reception. Photo: Pham Hai

Mr. Chinh also welcomed the results of the talks between Minister Chay Borin and Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, expressing satisfaction with the positive outcomes of cooperation between the two ministries in recent years. The signing of the new agreement stands as vivid evidence of this close collaboration.

He commended the contributions of Cambodian Buddhism to the countrys prosperity and to regional development. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently respects and guarantees the right to freedom of belief and religion, creating favorable conditions for religious organizations to operate in accordance with the law. These efforts, he said, help strengthen national unity, maintain socio-political stability, and promote national development. Buddhism, alongside other religions, continues to receive attention and grow under the guiding principle of good life, beautiful faith.

Vietnam, he added, stands ready to enhance exchanges and share experiences with Cambodia in state management of religious affairs, expressing hope that both sides will continue to coordinate closely and deepen cooperation in this field.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh presents a gift to Minister of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia Chay Borin. Photo: Pham Hai





He also stressed the importance of preventing hostile forces from exploiting ethnic and religious issues to undermine bilateral relations, while calling for stronger mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN.

Expressing confidence in the future, Mr. Chinh said he believes Vietnam-Cambodia relations will continue to grow in a more substantive and effective manner. On this occasion, he extended New Year greetings for Chol Chnam Thmay 2026 to the leadership of the Cambodian government, Minister Chay Borin, and the delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Minister of Cults and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia Chay Borin - and delegates pose for a commemorative photo. Photo: Pham Hai

Minister Chay Borin expressed his sincere gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh for the warm reception. Sharing his impressions from activities during the visit, he described them as meaningful and practical, helping the delegation gain a deeper understanding of Vietnams culture, people, and development, especially in the areas of ethnic and religious affairs.

He also spoke highly of the outcomes of his talks with Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and expressed hope that the Vietnamese Government will continue to support and promote cooperation with Cambodia across various sectors, particularly in ethnic and religious affairs.

In a respectful and friendly atmosphere, both sides agreed to continue increasing exchanges at all levels, effectively implement signed agreements, expand cooperation across multiple fields, and jointly organize activities to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Pham Thi Thanh Huyen
With their dominant market share and extensive distribution networks, Petrolimex and PVOIL, a subsidiary of Vietnam National IndustryEnergy Group (Petrovietnam), are in a strong position to accelerate the transition toward cleaner fuels. These companies have been actively preparing infrastructure, upgrading blending systems, and coordinating supply chains to ensure the availability of E10 RON95 across their nationwide retail systems.

Under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)s roadmap, Vietnam will replace mineral gasoline with E10 RON95 biofuel nationwide from June 1, 2026. However, amid global energy market volatility and in line with Directive 09/CT-TTg on energy saving and transition, and electric transport development, Petrolimex and PVOIL have moved ahead of schedule.

Petrolimex said it is rolling out synchronous measures to expand E10 RON95 sale in April, aiming for a full switch before the deadline. The group is upgrading storage and blending systems, securing ethanol supply, planning base fuel sourcing and logistics. With ethanol demand of 45,00050,000 cu.m per month, only partly met domestically, Petrolimex has proactively negotiated import contracts with partners in the US, the Republic of Korea and Singapore. Supply is expected to be sufficient, though costs may rise.

A full transition will cut Petrolimexs mineral gasoline consumption by nearly 10%, or 35,00040,000 cu.m per month, easing import pressure. Current the firm's E10 RON95 sale averages 95 cu.m per day, up 40% from the levels in the pilot periods. E10 RON95 is now sold at 60 spetrol tations in Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ngai province.

Meanwhile, PVOIL has upgraded blending and storage systems at 13 depots nationwide and enhanced technology and capacity to meet standards for E10 RON95. With a network of nearly 900 petrol stations, a system of depots and terminals across the country, and more than a decade of experience in biofuel blending, PVOIL is ready to supply its network and provide toll blending for others.

Amid increasingly complicated developments in the global oil market, PVOIL has proactively developed response scenarios and swiftly implemented solutions, flexibly adjusting its strategies in line with market fluctuations and practical conditions.

The firm is also diversifying supply sources, boosting condensate-based blending, and accelerating rollout of E10 RON95 biofuel across all facilities from April 2026, while strengthening market forecasting, financial arrangements and coordination with domestic refineries.

Across the Petrovietnam system, units are ramping up production and infrastructure. According to Nguyen Viet Thang, General Director of Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC (BSR) - another subsidiary of Petrovietnam, BSR is ready to produce 60,000 tonnes of ethanol for blending, supported by the restart of a biofuel plant in Dung Quat, though imports will still be needed as domestic supply meets only about 40% of the roughly 1.1 million cu.m annual demand./. VNA
The case of Violating regulations on the management and use of State property, causing loss and wastefulness; Fraudulent appropriation of property; and Taking bribes, occurred at the Ministry of Health and related units.



Along with Tien, others prosecuted on the same charge include Nguyen Kim Trung, former Deputy Director of the Management Board of Key Medical Projects and former Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Equipment and Works under the Ministry of Health; Tran Van Sinh, former Deputy Director of the Management Board of Key Medical Construction Projects under the Ministry of Health; and Dao Xuan Sinh, former Director of the SHT Vietnam Investment, Construction and Consulting JSC.



The procuracy has also charged Nguyen Chien Thang, former Director of the Management Board of Key Medical Projects, and Nguyen Huu Tuan, former Director of the Management Board of Key Medical Construction Projects, for violating regulations on the management and use of State property, causing loss and wastefulness and Taking bribes.

Meanwhile, Le Thanh Thiem, Director of Sao Nam Song Hong Co., Ltd., has been prosecuted on the charge of Fraudulent appropriation of property.



According to the indictment, although the Prime Minister had not approved the hiring of foreign consultants for project formulation and technical and construction design of the two projects, Thang still signed proposals for Tien to issue decisions permitting the engagement of foreign consultants and approving plans for architectural design selection.



The proposals also allowed VK Architects and Engineers to prepare and present architectural design options and approve the results of the architectural design selection for both projects. Based on the approved architectural plans, Thang directed subordinates, including Trung, Tuan and Sinh, to finalise and legitimise contractor appointment dossiers in violation of legal regulations, enabling the VK Studio  Institute of Medical Equipment consortium to implement consultancy packages TV4/2014 and TV5/2014. The acts, in coordination with Sinh, caused losses of more than 70 billion VND (2.65 million USD) to the State.



In addition, to ensure the projects' progress, Thang directed that bidding packages not be divided according to technical characteristics and implementation sequence to maintain project synchronisation. Although the proposal lacked sufficient grounds for such non-division, Nguyen Doan Tu, then Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Equipment and Works, chaired appraisal meetings and submitted documents for Tien to approve the decisions.



Following Tien's approval, Thang directed the preparation and approval of bidding documents, contractor selection and implementation of packages XDBM-01 and XDVD-01 in violation of regulations. Numerous irregularities led to difficulties in project implementation, causing delays, suspension and failure to meet set objectives, resulting in a waste of more than 733 billion VND in State assets./. VNA
Today, as the world faces multidimensional crises spanning environmental, social and psychological domains, a fundamental question becomes increasingly urgent: What is the purpose of development if people are not happy?

For Vietnam, especially as it enters a new development era following the 14th National Party Congress, the happiness of the people is no longer an abstract concept. It is gradually becoming a core benchmark for all policies and actions.

When happiness is considered a measure of development, it is not merely an economic issue but also one of culture and people. Photo: VietNamNet

Perhaps never before has the concept of happiness appeared so frequently in political documents, leadership speeches and social discourse. Yet what matters is not the frequency of its mention, but the shift in how it is understood and acted upon.

In the past, development was often measured through numbers: GDP growth rates, per capita income and economic scale. These indicators remain important, as material foundations are essential for higher values. However, stopping there leaves development incomplete. A society may grow wealthier, yet still contain individuals who feel isolated, insecure or deprived of meaningful opportunities.

This is why the transition from economic growth to human-centered development, where happiness becomes a key measure, is not merely a choice but an inevitable trend of our time.

Globally, many countries have recognized this shift. Bhutans Gross National Happiness index is a notable example, but not the only one. The United Nations publishes the World Happiness Report annually, while many developed nations have introduced metrics to assess citizens life satisfaction, even incorporating well-being into public policy evaluation. These trends reflect a shared understanding: development cannot be measured solely by material wealth, but must be experienced in peoples daily lives.

For Vietnam, this perspective is not unfamiliar. As early as the 1945 Declaration of Independence, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed the right of every citizen to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This was not only a political declaration, but also a long-standing development philosophy. Today, in a new context, that philosophy is being articulated more clearly than ever.

The 14th National Party Congress has outlined an ambitious vision for national development through 2030 and 2045. Notably, within these strategic directions, the human factor is consistently placed at the center.

Resolution 80 on cultural development further affirms that culture is not only the spiritual foundation of society but also an endogenous resource and a regulatory force for development. Within this framework, human happiness becomes the ultimate destination.

This orientation is gradually taking shape in concrete policies. Proposals for community-based elderly care by the health sector, efforts in education to build not only effective but also humane learning environments, and local investments in green spaces, cultural institutions and quality of life all reflect a clear shift: from development for its own sake to development for people.

Hanoi offers a representative example. In aiming to build a civilized, cultured and modern capital, the city is guided by a deeper philosophy: development is not only about becoming larger, but about becoming more livable. Pedestrian spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake, cultural streets, and efforts to improve air quality, transportation and public services all serve a tangible goal - enabling residents to feel happier in their daily lives.

Yet happiness cannot be reduced to infrastructure or services alone. It is also a state of mind, a deep personal perception of ones life. Here, culture plays a particularly important role.

A society may be materially advanced, but without cultural values - community cohesion, compassion, trust and identity - individuals may still feel empty. Conversely, in times of hardship, culture can serve as a source of resilience, helping people find meaning and joy.

Thus, when happiness is considered a measure of development, it is not only an economic issue, but also one of culture and humanity. It involves building an environment where individuals are respected, heard and able to grow; a society where positive values are nurtured and shared.

However, translating this vision into action is not simple. How can happiness be measured? How can a subjective concept be transformed into a policy criterion? How can equal access to happiness be ensured across regions and communities? These are complex questions, but not without answers.

First, it is necessary to develop a system of happiness indicators suited to Vietnams context, combining objective factors such as income, healthcare, education and environment with subjective measures like life satisfaction and personal perception. The goal is not to replicate other countries models, but to create an approach aligned with Vietnams cultural and social realities.

Second, happiness must be placed at the center of policymaking. Every development decision - from urban planning and infrastructure investment to administrative reform - should be evaluated through a simple question: Does this make people happier? Does it reduce their burdens, anxieties and uncertainties?

Third, the role of communities and individuals must be strengthened. Happiness cannot be imposed from above; it must be built from within - by individuals, families and communities. A happy society is one in which each person takes responsibility for themselves and for others.

Finally, a shift in how success is defined is essential. Success is not only about wealth, but also about balance, peace of mind and connection. A successful nation is not only economically strong, but one where its people feel proud, confident and happy.

International Day of Happiness, therefore, is not merely an occasion to celebrate positive values, but a reminder: development must place people at its core, and human happiness must be its ultimate goal.

As Vietnam moves toward 2030 and 2045, it stands at a pivotal moment to shape a new development model - one based not only on growth, but on happiness. This is not an easy path, but it is the right one.

Because ultimately, all efforts in development, all policies and strategies, lose their meaning if they do not lead to a better, happier life for people.

And when every citizen feels content in their daily life, that is when we can say with confidence that the country is developing in the right direction - where the future is defined not only by numbers, but by smiles.

Bui Hoai Son
A man in Ho Chi Minh City has been surprising everyone he meets, with many joking that he looks like someone stepping out of a martial arts film thanks to his naturally grown 23cm-long eyebrows.

Unusual eyebrows

Dao The Nang says his eyebrows measure 23cm. Photo: Ha Nguyen

Recently, a restaurant owner serving countryside-style dishes on Lu Gia Street in Phu Tho Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, has drawn attention for his strikingly unusual eyebrows. Instead of being short and neatly tapered, most of his eyebrow strands grow long like hair.

Over time, the eyebrows have grown longer than a hand span. To avoid inconvenience, he usually smooths them down and tucks them behind his ears.

The man is Dao The Nang (born in 1976). He said his eyebrows developed entirely naturally, without any chemical treatment or transplant techniques.

To demonstrate, he runs his hands through and stretches the strands, showing their strength. He is also willing to let curious visitors examine them.

He shared: Since childhood, my eyebrows have grown unusually long. I notice they grow at about two-tenths the speed of my hair.

In the past, when they grew long and drooped over my eyelids, it was inconvenient and even made me look older. So whenever I got a haircut, I would ask the barber to trim them like normal eyebrows.

However, I later noticed that every time I trimmed them, my business would coincidentally run into trouble. So I decided to stop cutting them and let them grow naturally.

Even so, when going out, Nang usually brushes his eyebrows upward onto his forehead and wears a cap to cover them, so only close acquaintances are aware of his unusual feature.

Finding joy in the attention

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Seen too often ADBRO is the full service ad network for high impact contextual advertising with direct access to the exclusive in-image inventories across major local publishers. We provide free creative adaptation into rich media, interactive and playable ads formats. Campaigns in our channel are delivered under guaranteed prices for actions with programmatic & managed delivery. We provide contextually segmented in-target audiences for over 60 industries with a full range of brand safety solutions. ADBRO operates across SE Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. To test our channel for your advertising campaigns or consider partnership programs for publishers, please contact us at www.adbro.me He affirms that his eyebrows grow naturally without any chemical or extension techniques. Photo: Ha Nguyen

To keep them neat, he tucks his long eyebrows behind his ears. Photo: Ha Nguyen

As he does not intentionally cultivate them, Nang has no special care routine. Each morning, he simply smooths them by hand, uses a comb if they become tangled after washing his face, and tucks them behind his ears.

After appearing on social media, he has attracted many curious visitors who come to see and learn more. Witnessing the long, curved strands drooping down the sides of his eyes, many jokingly say he resembles a character from a martial arts film.

Recently, a social media personality visited to inspect his unusually long eyebrows.

After observing and testing their strength by pulling and smoothing them, the visitor used a ruler to measure the length. The result showed that many strands reached 23cm.

With this, Nang believes his eyebrows surpass those of Zheng Shusen from China, who was officially recognised in 2016 at the age of 80 as having the worlds longest eyebrows at 19.1cm.

Despite this, Nang said he has no plans to register a national or world record, instead viewing his eyebrows simply as a unique personal trait.

The 50-year-old admitted that the long eyebrows can sometimes be inconvenient in daily life. In windy conditions or during physical activity, they can droop into his eyes and obstruct his vision, requiring frequent adjustment.

He shared: I used to feel shy about having such unusual eyebrows. But in recent years, Ive come to enjoy this distinctive feature.

Thanks to them, more people notice me, and more customers come to my restaurant. Not only locals but also foreign visitors stop by to try Vietnamese countryside dishes and chat about my eyebrows.

Many customers even ask to take photos and say they are amazed to see someone with such unusual eyebrows, he added.

Ha Nguyen
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Minister Y Thong and leaders of several departments and units under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung welcomes Chay Borin, Minister of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Photo: Pham Hai

Speaking at the talks, Cambodian Minister Chay Borin expressed his pleasure and sincere appreciation for the warm and thoughtful reception extended by Minister Dao Ngoc Dung to the Cambodian delegation during this working visit.

At the meeting, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized that the bilateral cooperation agreement signed on February 6, 2026 marked an important milestone of historical significance. It contributes to elevating cooperation between the two ministries in a more in-depth, practical, and effective manner.

The Cambodian minister spoke highly of the tangible outcomes achieved during the visit, particularly the working session in Ninh Binh province, which provided valuable practical experience in state management of ethnic and religious affairs.

Mr. Chay Borin noted: We are pleased to observe that, based on the bilateral cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Vietnam and the Ministry of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signed on February 6, 2026 in Phnom Penh under the witness of General Secretary To Lam and President of the Cambodian Peoples Party Samdech Techo Hun Sen, cooperation between the two ministries in ethnic and religious affairs continues to be strengthened and developed robustly.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung at the meeting. Photo: Pham Hai

To effectively implement the signed contents, the Cambodian side has proactively established a dedicated task force to coordinate closely with Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

On this occasion, the Cambodian minister proposed that both sides continue strengthening coordination in building and implementing policies for ethnic minority communities living along the shared border. These efforts aim to improve livelihoods, maintain stability, and promote sustainable development.

He also called for active preparation of a bilateral conference to review, assess, and accelerate the implementation of agreed contents under the cooperation framework.

In addition, Mr. Chay Borin expressed his hope that both sides would promote cooperation programs in preserving and promoting ethnic cultural values, including research and development of ethnic museum models in Cambodia.

Minister of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia Chay Borin speaks at the meeting. Photo: Pham Hai

Elevating Vietnam-Cambodia cooperation in ethnic and religious affairs

Agreeing with the views shared by the Cambodian minister, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung affirmed that the discussions, especially those reflected in the bilateral agreement, demonstrate a shared determination to strengthen cooperation between the two ministries and contribute to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two nations.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung stressed: On February 6, 2026, the two ministries signed a bilateral cooperation agreement under the witness of senior leaders of both countries. This is truly an important milestone with historical significance, contributing to elevating cooperation between the two agencies in a more substantive, practical, and effective direction.

Like Cambodia, Vietnam consistently identifies ethnic and religious affairs as strategic issues in building and strengthening the great national unity bloc. Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups and 16 major religions.

In the context of new development requirements, with a target of achieving double-digit economic growth from 2026 onward, the care, support, and promotion of the role of ethnic minorities and religious organizations have become even more crucial, carrying long-term strategic significance for the countrys sustainable development.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: Pham Hai

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung noted that under the leadership of successive generations of leaders from both countries, relations between the governments and peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia have increasingly deepened in a practical and effective manner across multiple fields, following the guiding principle of good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

On Vietnams side, the minister affirmed a commitment to seriously, fully, and effectively implementing all contents of the signed agreement, ensuring concrete outcomes.

To promote implementation, immediately after Cambodia established its task force, Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs also issued a decision to form its own task force led by Deputy Minister Y Thong, with participation from leaders of relevant units.

Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung presents a commemorative gift to Chay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Photo: Pham Hai

Accordingly, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung proposed that the two task forces maintain regular communication, exchange information, and coordinate closely. They are tasked with advising on the development of annual and phased work programs and plans, as well as proposing specific activities, formats, and implementation roadmaps to effectively carry out the bilateral agreement.

They are also expected to organize cooperative activities as planned, including delegation exchanges, conferences, workshops, training sessions, experience sharing, and other collaborative initiatives in line with the agreement. Coordination with relevant units to prepare content, documents, and necessary conditions for bilateral activities will be essential to ensure effective and practical outcomes.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also expressed support for both ministries working together to guide border localities in enhancing exchanges and interactions related to ethnicity, religion, and belief, thereby strengthening solidarity and bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

Minister of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia Chay Borin presents a commemorative gift to Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung. Photo: Pham Hai

At the talks, both sides also agreed in principle to promote efforts toward building an ethnic minority museum in Cambodia. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung suggested that Cambodia proactively report to its government to include this initiative in the agenda of the 22nd meeting of the Vietnam-Cambodia Joint Committee, expected to be held in Vietnam.

On Vietnams side, he said he would also report and propose that the Vietnamese government support this important cooperation initiative. He further suggested that the museum project should prioritize a location with favorable conditions and strong potential to attract visitors and tourism, and that Cambodia could refer to the operational model of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

On the occasion of the upcoming Chol Chnam Thmay traditional New Year, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, on behalf of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Vietnam, extended his best wishes for health to Minister Chay Borin and the people of Cambodia, and wished the delegation a successful visit to Vietnam.

Hoang Quy
The Hanoi Department of Construction said the City People's Committee issued the Decision 01/QD/2026 (dated January 4) on road traffic organization, which is now being applied.

Accordingly, in the inner city area during peak hours from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7:30pm, trucks under 2 tons are not allowed to operate. Trucks of 2 tons or more are only allowed to circulate from 9pm to 6am the following day.

Outside these time frames, vehicles must be approved by the competent authority. Vehicles from 2 to 10 tons are licensed by the City Police, and those 10 tons or more are evaluated by the Department of Construction.

The regulation is sparking debates about pickup trucks being classified as in the truck group and subject to similar restrictions.

A representative of a registration center in Hanoi said that according to Circular 53/2024 of the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) on vehicle classification, pickup trucks can be classified in the "pickup passenger car" group or the "pickup truck" group.

More than 99 percent of pickups are classified as pickup trucks; while pickup passenger cars only account for a very small, almost negligible proportion.

Popular vehicle models such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, or Mitsubishi Triton, despite having modern designs and amenities like passenger cars, still belong to the pickup truck group.

If Hanoi applies truck restriction regulations according to time slots, the majority of personal pickup trucks will be affected.

So, nearly all pickups will be restricted. Users will be forced to reconsider their travel needs, or even only be able to use the vehicle in areas where restrictions are not applied," one person said.

Also, according to the registration representative, vehicle classification is not based on external appearance but on technical records and registration certificates. This is the only legal basis for determining the type of vehicle.

The registration paper will clearly show the vehicle type. If it says pickup passenger car, it is allowed to circulate in the inner city during peak hours; conversely, if it says pickup truck, it falls under the truck category, regardless of single or double cabin.

This means all debates based on external appearance have no legal value without cross-checking the documents.

Careful research needed

Nguyen Van Quyen, Chair of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, said this regulation needs to be studied carefully to avoid a major impact on citizens and businesses.

Pickups are currently mainly serving personal needs, combined with carrying small goods, not as transport business vehicles. For example, when traveling, many people need to carry tents, bicycles, and personal items. If completely banned, travel and daily activities will be affected," he said.

If following the standards and decisions of the Hanoi People's Committee, more than 90 percent of pickup trucks will not be allowed into the inner city during peak hours.

This application may lead to inadequacies, especially for small businesses and people using vehicles for combined purposes," Quyen said.

He said the association is continuing to study legal regulations and operational practices. If banned, it is necessary to ensure consistency and harmony, without obstructing daily activities and the transport of small goods. The association will soon have an official opinion, he said.

According to some traffic experts, the regulation to restrict pickup trucks needs to be considered carefully, as it may have an unintended impact on people's lives. Many Hanoi pickup owners are scrambling for alternatives to access the city during the daytime.

The big difference of pickup trucks is their versatility, serving both personal travel and small-scale goods transport. This is a popular vehicle for small business households, service providers, and even families with travel or picnic needs.

If applied rigidly according to registration classification, pickup truck users for personal purposes will have their right to travel significantly restricted. They are not the group putting major pressure on infrastructure like transport trucks," an expert said.

Vu Diep
Since mid-January 2026, Hanoi has enforced new regulations restricting trucks in inner-city areas under Decision No. 01/2026/QD-UBND.

Trucks with a total payload under 2 tons are banned from operating within Ring Road 3.5 and inward during peak hours (6.009.00 and 16.0019.30). For trucks of 2 tons or more, circulation is even more tightly restricted, allowed only from 21:00 to 6:00 the following morning.

The newly issued regulation has placed one type of vehicles in a difficult position - pickup trucks. The question now is: should pickup trucks be classified as passenger cars or trucks?

On March 19, the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security) clarified the classification method: determining whether a pickup truck falls under passenger cars or trucks will be based on technical specifications stated in the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection or the inspection certificate. In other words, official documents are the sole legal basis.

The problem is that there always is difference between a legal document and legal practice, leaving many drivers anxious whenever they take the wheel.

Voices from behind the wheel

On major automotive forums and groups such as Otofun, Otosaigon, OFFB, and various pickup truck owner clubs, one can easily find posts expressing confusion and frustration.

Tran Van Hoan (Cau Giay, Hanoi), a Ford Ranger owner, complained: Previously, under QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT, pickup trucks with a permitted cargo load of under 950kg were considered passenger cars. But now suddenly they are classified as trucks restricted from entering inner-city areas. Regulations keep changing, and users cannot keep up like this forever.

Nguyen Quoc Binh, administrator of the OFFB forum, raised concerns regarding irrational tax and fee policies. Pickup trucks currently incur Special Consumption Tax (luxury tax) and a registration tax equal to 60 percent of that for passenger cars (equivalent to 69 percent of the vehicle value), while standard trucks only pay a 2 percent registration tax and no Special Consumption Tax.

"If pickups are treated as trucks during circulation, taxes and fees should be adjusted accordingly," Binh said.

There was a time when pickup trucks were considered a hybrid vehicle with great advantages, enjoying preferential special consumption tax and registration fees to encourage their versatility.

Later, pickup trucks were gradually subjected to tax and fee levels closer to passenger cars with fewer than 9 seats.

Circular 53/2024/TT-BGTVT is now catching importers and distributors of pickup trucks off guard in their business plans, while service garages are also left in a reactive position.

What is most concerning is consumers. I know many people who have just spent billions of VND to buy a pickup truck and now regret it, as their vehicles are banned from entering inner-city areas during peak hours and face speed restrictions, Binh said.

To develop appropriate management policies, it is first necessary to define what a pickup truck is. First and foremost, it is a multi-use personal vehicle.

Pickup trucks are not designed to replace heavy-duty trucks in professional logistics chains. Instead, their towing capacity and small rear cargo bed make them a good fit for household businesses, serving the transport of light and compact goods.

Under Vietnams traffic infrastructure, pickup trucks demonstrate clear advantages. In major cities, their high ground clearance helps drivers navigate flooded roads during the rainy season.

In midland and mountainous areas, pickup trucks serve as workhorses for farmers during harvest seasons. They are also ideal for family trips or disaster relief efforts. Pickup trucks can perform many roles, except functioning as specialized cargo trucks.

Binh believes that if the new standards are strictly applied, up to 99 percent of current pickup trucks would fall under restricted circulation, and if penalties are imposed in accordance with regulations, the fines would not be minor.

Meanwhile, a user named NTG1080 on the Otofun forum questioned: Why dont authorities simply classify double-cabin pickups as passenger cars? That would resolve confusion for users.

Many people purchase pickup trucks for family use, daily commuting, and carrying of light goods. Now, they worry that their billion-VND vehicles may suddenly be banned during peak hours due to minor discrepancies in registration documents or inconsistent enforcement.

Pickup trucks in Vietnam have long had a dual nature, serving both as personal vehicles and light transport tools. When laws require clear classification while road signs, lanes, and enforcement guidelines remain inconsistent, uncertainty is inevitable.

Vu Diep
A working visit to the US from March 21 to 30 by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, who also chairs the executive council of the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC), is viewed as a strategic step to connect the emerging financial hub with global capital flows.



Taking place as the VIFC enters its implementation phase and seeks to attract strategic investors, the trip is expected to enhance the centres visibility on the international financial map.



Accompanying the delegation, Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Huu Huan, vice chairman of the VIFC executive council in Ho Chi Minh City, shared that the mission should be understood not merely as diplomatic outreach, but as a large-scale financial investment promotion effort aimed at directly connecting with leading financial institutions, investment funds and exchanges.



Direct engagement with primary sources of capital such as global banks, funds and fintech firms will allow Vietnam not only to present its broader economic outlook but also to showcase concrete investment opportunities at the VIFC. Early participation by major institutions, he noted, could generate strong spillover effects and attract additional investors during the centres formative stage.



The meetings during this trip will help position the VIFC in Ho Chi Minh City as a next-generation financial hub in the region, with a focus on digitalisation, green finance and emerging models such as tokenisation and fintech. In practical terms, such engagements are expected to yield three outcomes: attracting strategic investors as members or partners, advancing specific projects such as international exchanges or financial data centres, and building market confidence  an essential factor in capital allocation decisions, he said.



Regarding positioning, Huan indicated that the VIFC is not being promoted as a direct competitor to established hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong (China) or Dubai (the UAE), but rather as a specialised centre focusing on niche segments aligned with Vietnams comparative advantages. These include aviation finance, maritime finance, and financial technology.



He explained that aviation finance represents a key opportunity, given Vietnams rapidly growing aviation market and rising demand for aircraft financing, insurance and fuel hedging services  areas currently dominated by overseas centres.



Similarly, maritime finance is linked to the countrys special advantage in the global logistics chain. Particularly, the Cai Mep  Thi Vai deep-water port complex in Ho Chi Minh City is among the few in the region capable of handling large vessels directly shipping cargo to Europe and the US.



In addition, the VIFC in Ho Chi Minh City is also positioned as an attractive destination for financial and technology corporations seeking to place headquarters or innovation centres. With operating costs estimated at a fraction of those in major financial hubs, combined with a young, abundant and tech-savvy workforce as well as sandbox policies for new financial models, the VIFC here holds potential to become a large-scale factory of finance delivering cost-efficient services.



From a broader perspective, Huan noted that global investors are reassessing geopolitical risks and adjusting portfolios accordingly. While capital has not been withdrawn en masse from established centres in the Middle East, there is a growing trend toward diversification. Investors are said to be prioritising locations offering geopolitical neutrality, cost efficiency and regulatory flexibility.



In that context, emerging centres such as the VIFC could serve as complementary destinations in multinational institutions' multi-hub strategies. Rather than replacing established hubs, the VIFC could position itself as an Asia hedge, particularly in sectors where Vietnams economy provides strong backing such as maritime finance linked to port and logistics chains; aviation finance associated with fleet expansion, airport infrastructure and leasing/hedging services; digital finance, including tokenisation and regulatory sandboxes for new models; alongside an international interbank market integrating traditional banking, digital banking and broader digital financial components.



On the institutional front, he emphasised that legal and regulatory frameworks will be decisive in converting positioning into investor confidence. He cited the National Assembly's Resolution 222/2025/QH15 as a legal foundation, alongside plans to set up specialised courts and an international arbitration mechanism aligned with global standards.



Preferential policies, including tax incentives and streamlined administrative procedures, were also highlighted as competitive advantages. Notably, early investor interest has been reflected in the pledged capital exceeding 9 billion USD within just over two months since the inception of the VIFC in Ho Chi Minh City.



Huan concluded that while building a fully-fledged international financial centre will take time, the VIFC is gradually moving from positioning to building credibility, thereby opening up new opportunities to attract global capital in the years ahead./. VNA
The figures were shared by Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director General of the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology, during a panel discussion on 5G, Submarine Cables and Satellite Telecommunications at the Global Gateway EU - Vietnam Forum.

Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director General of the Authority of Telecommunications, shares updates on Vietnams nationwide 5G rollout. Photo: Du Lam

He emphasized that connectivity is no longer merely infrastructure but a strategic asset, forming the backbone of national security, economic growth and digital sovereignty. In the coming period, Vietnam will focus on three core pillars: 5G networks, submarine cable systems and satellite connectivity.

Vietnam has made significant progress in deploying 5G infrastructure nationwide. As of February 2026, nearly 40,000 base stations have been installed, covering 90% of the population with close to 23 million 5G subscribers, Nguyen Phong Nha said.

Vietnam currently has five mobile network operators and six mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), serving 120 million mobile broadband subscribers. Average mobile download speeds have reached 188 Mb/s, ranking 14th globally. Meanwhile, fixed broadband includes 25 million FTTH subscribers, with average speeds of 288 Mb/s, placing Vietnam ninth worldwide. Fiber optic coverage now reaches 85% of households.

Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to achieve 100% 5G population coverage by 2030. The country also plans to expand telecommunications applications in smart manufacturing, intelligent transportation systems, smart ports and digital healthcare, leveraging technologies such as network slicing and private 5G.

Submarine cable networks remain the backbone of international connectivity. Vietnam currently participates in six undersea cable routes with a total capacity of 80 Tb/s and continues to invest in new routes.

However, the strategic focus is shifting from expanding capacity to ensuring resilience and autonomy. Vietnam is diversifying routes to reduce dependency risks, enhance redundancy and increase participation in international consortium models.

Satellite connectivity and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are expected to fill coverage gaps in remote, mountainous and island regions.

In February 2026, the Authority of Telecommunications granted a five-year pilot license to SpaceXs Starlink service, allowing up to 600,000 subscribers.

Integrating satellite systems into the national connectivity architecture not only expands coverage in underserved areas but also strengthens disaster response capabilities.

The agency also highlighted that the upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the EU in early 2026 presents a significant opportunity to deepen cooperation in policy, governance and sustainable infrastructure development for the future digital market.

Security at the core of next-generation networks

At the discussion, representatives from global technology providers such as Ericsson, Nokia and Thales, alongside domestic operators including VNPT and Viettel, agreed that ensuring safety and security across 5G, submarine cables and satellite systems is critical.

Rita Mokbel, General Director of Ericsson Vietnam, stressed that security cannot be addressed in isolation but requires collective effort.

The Trusted Tech Alliance initiative has been launched to build a secure ecosystem spanning semiconductors to artificial intelligence, with participation from 15 technology companies.

For 5G and future 6G networks, advanced sensing and positioning capabilities demand security-by-design principles across the entire lifecycle, aligned with standards such as 3GPP and ETSI.

Hiro Miura, Head of Mobile Networks for Southeast Asia at Nokia, said the company is advancing quantum-safe networks, equipping all layers with protections against future quantum-based attacks.

From a domestic operator perspective, Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Head of Technology at VNPT, noted that the shift to 5G, cloud-based platforms, edge computing and data processing creates numerous new touchpoints.

As a result, safeguarding infrastructure, customers and end users becomes essential. VNPT is moving toward Zero Trust architecture and embedding security from the design stage.

For Viettel, the operator is applying comprehensive risk management frameworks across the entire lifecycle of network development, from policy setting and design to procurement, deployment and operation.

Ha Minh Tuan, Head of Technical Division at Viettel, highlighted procurement as a key example. Security, safety, origin, and quality standards are mandatory criteria and are codified into contracts, he said.

Emphasizing the need for technological self-reliance to ensure national security, Viettel revealed that half of its core network is now operated using equipment developed and manufactured in-house.

This approach reflects the companys strategy to maintain security and resilience across its telecommunications infrastructure, particularly as it expands its 5G network.



Du Lam
A major US pandemic fraud case has taken another turn after five more defendants admitted their roles in a scheme that siphoned millions from a federal programme designed to feed vulnerable children.

According to the US Department of Justice, the latest guilty pleas form part of the sprawling 'Feeding Our Future' investigation, widely described by prosecutors as one of the largest pandemic-related fraud schemes in the country.

Millions Diverted From Children's Food Programme

Federal prosecutors said the defendants were involved in a conspiracy that stole approximately $14.6 million (10.9 million) from a taxpayer-funded child nutrition initiative intended to provide meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scheme operated by falsely claiming to serve thousands of meals to children, when in reality, many of those meals were never provided. Authorities said the conspirators submitted fabricated documentation, including fake attendance records and inflated meal counts, to justify reimbursement claims.

Officials described the conduct as a calculated exploitation of a system designed to support those most in need. One federal statement noted the scheme involved false claims for reimbursement for meals that were never served to children.

Fake Meal Sites and Fabricated Records

Court documents reveal that the fraud relied heavily on deception at multiple levels.

Defendants created sham food distribution sites and shell companies, presenting them as legitimate operations. In some cases, they claimed to serve thousands of meals per day from small or unsuitable locations.

Prosecutors said participants used 'phony attendance rosters' listing fictitious children to support their claims, allowing them to secure large payouts from the programme.

In one instance, a single site allegedly claimed to distribute hundreds of thousands of meals within months, which authorities later determined were entirely fabricated.

A 'Brazen' and 'Unconscionable' Scheme

Law enforcement officials did not hold back in their assessment of the case.

'This fraud is outrageous, brazen, and seemingly never-ending,' said Acting US Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, highlighting the scale and persistence of the operation.

In a separate statement, Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis emphasised the moral gravity of the crimes, noting that 'stealing from a programme designed to feed vulnerable children is not only criminal  it's unconscionable.'

Authorities added that the scheme represented a 'staggering' abuse of public trust, with funds diverted for personal enrichment rather than their intended humanitarian purpose.

Part of the Largest Pandemic Fraud Case

The five guilty pleas are just the latest development in a much broader investigation.

The Feeding Our Future case has already resulted in dozens of convictions, with prosecutors continuing to uncover new layers of the operation. Officials say the wider scheme involved hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent claims.

The programme at the centre of the scandal was intended to ensure children continued receiving meals during pandemic-related school closures. Instead, prosecutors allege it became a vehicle for large-scale financial exploitation.

As noted by FBI Director Kash Patel, the case stands as 'one of the most egregious abuses of public trust in recent memory.'

How the Scheme Worked

Investigators say the fraud followed a relatively consistent pattern:

Defendants registered fake or controlled entities as meal providers

They submitted inflated claims for meals never served

Supporting documents were fabricated to pass audits

Funds were then diverted for personal use, including luxury spending and property purchases

In many cases, conspirators also laundered proceeds through multiple accounts and shell companies to conceal the origin of the funds.

Ongoing Prosecutions and Accountability

Federal authorities have made clear that the investigation is far from over.

Prosecutors continue to pursue additional suspects and recover stolen funds, with sentencing hearings for the latest defendants expected in the coming months.

Officials have emphasised that those involved will face serious consequences, both financially and through custodial sentences.

'This significant sentence should serve as a clear warning to anyone who would seek to exploit and defraud government programmes,' prosecutors said in a related case tied to the broader scheme.

A System Exploited During Crisis

The scandal has raised broader concerns about oversight during emergency funding efforts.

Pandemic relief programmes were designed to distribute aid quickly, but the urgency also created vulnerabilities that fraudsters were able to exploit.

In this case, those weaknesses were used to divert funds meant to support children at a time of heightened need, turning a public health crisis into an opportunity for profit.

As the investigation continues, the case underscores the importance of transparency and oversight in public funding programmes.

What began as a lifeline for struggling families became, in the hands of fraudsters, a multi-million-pound scheme that deprived vulnerable children of essential support.

With more prosecutions expected, authorities say the message is clear: those who exploit systems designed to help others will ultimately be held accountable.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The signing took place during a meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy and representatives of the International Economic Cooperation Agency of Chinas Ministry of Commerce on March 25.



At the meeting, the Chinese side handed over the draft preliminary feasibility study report for the Lao Cai  Hanoi  Hai Phong railway project to Vietnams Ministry of Construction.



Huy noted that Vietnam and China had recently signed four cooperation documents in the railway sector. The Ministry of Construction has directed relevant agencies to actively coordinate with their Chinese counterparts to study and implement relevant regulations, procedures and cooperation contents, achieving encouraging initial results.



He said that in the coming time, relevant agencies will continue to promote cooperation in line with the common direction of high-ranking leaders of both Parties and States on developing standard-gauge railways between the two countries, he said.



Zhang Guanbin, director general of the Chinese agency, emphasised that the Lao Cai  Hanoi  Hai Phong railway is one of the key projects in bilateral cooperation.



Recognising the importance of the project, China has prepared the feasibility study, which was assessed as high-quality and reflective of the advanced research capacity of Chinas railway sector.



Regarding the Hanoi  Dong Dang and Hai Phong  Ha Long  Mong Cai projects, Zhang said China will follow the model of the Lao Cai  Hanoi  Hai Phong line, while ensuring quality and progress with the highest level of responsibility.

An overview of the meeting (Photo: Nhandan.vn)

At the meeting, the Vietnam Railway Authority and the Chinese agency co-chaired discussions on the implementation of technical assistance projects for railways connecting Vietnam and China. The two sides exchanged views and reached a broad consensus on outstanding issues while agreeing to strengthen coordination in the coming period.



Earlier, in September 2025, Huy attended the first meeting of the VietnamChina Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation, which aimed to promote railway collaboration and turn the sector into a symbolic highlight of the practical and strategic cooperation between the two countries./. VNA
The trip is part of efforts to advance the effective implementation of the Partys resolutions on international integration in the new context, as well as breakthroughs in science  technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.



During the meeting with Vice President of the German Bundestag Bodo Ramelow in Berlin, Deputy PM Dung reaffirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to Germanys leading role and position in Europe and the world, and highly values the potential for bilateral cooperation.



He briefed the German side on Vietnams socio-economic development and its key orientations and strategies, particularly in economic development, science  technology, and innovation.



The official underscored Vietnams policy of encouraging German enterprises to expand cooperation in areas matching Germany's strengths and Vietnam's demand, including green transition, digital transformation, and high technologies such as automation, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence.



He also called on German authorities to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community of around 300,000 people to continue growing, contribute to the host country, and serve as a bridge for bilateral ties.



For his part, Ramelow stated that his country always values Vietnams role and standing in the region and the world, congratulating the Southeast Asian nation on the success of its 14th National Party Congress and voicing confidence in its important development strategies for the coming period.



The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums and mechanisms, and reiterated the importance of upholding and ensuring the implementation of the UN Charter and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung (second, left) presents a commemorative gift to the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany. (Photo: VNA)

On March 22, the Deputy PM met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin, members of the Vietnam  Germany Innovation Network (VGI), and Vietnamese intellectuals, experts and entrepreneurs from across Europe.



During the event, the overseas Vietnamese shared Germanys experience in developing AI and its applications in construction, health care, high-speed rail and energy storage while proposing mechanisms to better connect Vietnamese intellectuals and entrepreneurs around the globe. Deputy PM Dung emphasised the Party and State's consistent policy of encouraging overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to contribute to national development.



On March 24, Deputy PM Dung toured the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) under the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin). He applauded CfEs pioneering role in building the startup ecosystem in Germany, and suggested stronger cooperation between CfE and Vietnams National Innovation Centre (NIC) to support Vietnamese universities, research institutes, and organisations in training and scientific research.



Following this, NIC and CfE signed a memorandum of understanding on March 24 to boost partnerships in innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic technologies.



During the trip, the Vietnamese delegation also held working sessions with major German corporations, including SAP, Siemens Healthineers, Bosch, and Trumpf.



At these meetings, the Deputy PM stressed Vietnams efforts to remove bottlenecks and implement the three strategic breakthroughs in institutional frameworks, infrastructure and human resources. Besides, science  technology, innovation and digital transformation are identified as the foundation for enhancing its economy's competitiveness and efficiency.



He invited the German firms to expand investment and business in Vietnam and, especially, consider establishing research and development (R&D) and innovation centres in the Southeast Asian nation.



The visit also included engagements with the Executive Board of the German-Vietnamese Society and the Asia Bridge organisation, encouraging them to further promote their role in strengthening economic ties, attracting German investment to Vietnam, advancing cooperation in science  technology and innovation, and fostering connections among experts, researchers and intellectuals of the two nations./. VNA
The transition to green transportation - the challenge extends beyond traffic. Illustrative image.







Many countries transitioning to green mobility have not stopped at replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones, but have instead implemented comprehensive and coordinated policy frameworks.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy - lecturer at the University of Economics under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - shared insights from international experiences and offered policy suggestions for Vietnams green transport transition.

According to Thuy, Hanoi in particular and Vietnam as a whole are facing increasingly complex transport challenges, including worsening air pollution, high emissions from personal vehicles and prolonged congestion. These pressures make the shift toward green mobility an urgent priority.

However, the challenge goes beyond the transport sector. Transition policies directly affect the domestic automobile and motorcycle manufacturing industries. The key question, therefore, is how to reduce emissions without weakening local industrial capacity.

Diverse approaches across countries

Drawing on international experience, Thuy noted that countries have adopted very different pathways depending on their development conditions and strategic priorities.

Countries without domestic automobile manufacturing industries, such as Norway and Singapore, tend to rely primarily on transport policies to achieve environmental goals.

Norway stands out with a long-term roadmap spanning 30 years and strong financial incentives, making the total cost of owning electric vehicles lower than that of gasoline cars. Singapore, meanwhile, focuses on managing vehicle use through electronic road pricing, strict vehicle registration controls and the development of charging infrastructure.

In contrast, countries with well-established automotive industries, such as Germany, Japan and the US, closely link green transition policies with industrial strategies.

Germany promotes both electric vehicles and battery production within the European Union framework. Japan pursues a multi-technology approach, including hybrid and hydrogen solutions, to preserve its technological advantages. The US treats electric vehicles as a strategic competitive tool, prioritizing battery supply chains and imposing high localization requirements.

Thailand, a major automotive production hub in ASEAN, has also introduced strong incentives to attract electric vehicle investment. However, experience shows that without effective controls, domestic firms may not benefit if supply chains remain dependent on external partners.

Regional management and emission control

A notable trend in Europe - including the UK, France and Germany - is the adoption of low-emission zones. Rather than imposing outright bans, these countries set emission standards, charge higher fees for non-compliant vehicles and provide support for transition.

This approach improves urban air quality while maintaining flexibility for both citizens and businesses.

For countries and territories with transport structures similar to Vietnam - such as India, Taiwan (China) and Indonesia - the lessons are even more directly relevant.

Taiwan (China) has strongly promoted electric motorcycles through battery-swapping models, closely tied to the development of its domestic technology and battery industries. India prioritizes electrification of two- and three-wheelers as well as commercial vehicles, segments with significant emission impact. Indonesia leverages its nickel resources to develop a battery industry, attracting investment across the entire electric vehicle value chain.

Policy implications for Vietnam

From these international experiences, Thuy emphasized that green transport transition is not merely an environmental issue, but a multi-dimensional objective closely linked to urban governance, infrastructure planning and national industrial strategy. Policies must therefore be designed holistically rather than in isolation.

The transition roadmap should be long-term, spanning at least 15-30 years. This ensures market stability, allowing businesses and citizens time to adapt while avoiding abrupt changes that could disrupt costs, technology adoption or consumer behavior.

Importantly, electric vehicles should not be treated as the sole solution. During the transition period, multiple technologies - including hybrids, biofuels and other emission-reduction solutions - should coexist to ensure flexibility and alignment with Vietnams practical conditions.

Instead of rigid administrative measures such as outright bans, policies should shift toward emission management. Economic and technical tools - including low-emission zones, pollution-based charges and emission standards - are likely to be more effective in influencing behavior without causing major social disruption.

At the same time, a coordinated policy toolkit is essential. Beyond financial incentives or tax measures, the state must invest in infrastructure such as charging stations and public transport systems, while also establishing technical standards and regulatory mechanisms to support the transition ecosystem.

A key requirement is to closely align green transport transition with national industrial strategy. This approach would not only help reduce emissions but also protect and develop Vietnams domestic automobile and motorcycle industries, avoiding overdependence on imported technologies and products.

Green transition is not just a matter for the transport sector, but must be viewed as a comprehensive strategy connecting mobility with industrial development, Thuy stressed.



Vu Diep
General Secretary To Lam presided over the meeting and delivered important opening and closing remarks.

The Central Committee assigned the Politburo to direct relevant agencies to implement the transition in accordance with regulations, with completion required before April 1.

The Central Committee also agreed in principle to establish Dong Nai City as a centrally governed municipality.

The Politburo has been tasked with directing the Government Party Committee to finalize the proposal and related documentation in line with Central Committee guidance, for submission to the first session of the 16th National Assembly for consideration and decision.

During the meeting, the Central Committee also reviewed and provided opinions on key national plans, including the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026-2030, the national five-year financial plan for 2026-2030, the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030, and the five-year public debt borrowing and repayment plan for the same period.

The Politburo was assigned to incorporate feedback from the Central Committee, based on the Resolution and documents of the 14th National Party Congress, to finalize conclusions for issuance and implementation. It will also guide the Government Party Committee in refining relevant reports for submission to the first session of the 16th National Assembly.

The Central Committee reviewed and approved reports on the countrys situation in the first quarter of 2026, a thematic report on global and regional developments and future foreign policy directions, as well as a report on key tasks handled by the Politburo since the first plenum to the second plenum of the 14th tenure.

The Central Committee called on the entire Party, people, and armed forces to strengthen unity and solidarity, make concerted efforts to overcome challenges, and strive to successfully implement the resolutions of Party congresses at all levels and the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

Tran Thuong
LONDON  Iran's recent launch of long-range ballistic missiles toward the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean has sparked intense debate over whether Tehran could strike London, with Israeli officials warning that European capitals now lie within reach while British ministers insist there is no credible assessment of such a capability or intent.

The attempted strike, which occurred amid escalating regional conflict in March 2026, saw Iran fire at least two ballistic missiles at the strategically vital Diego Garcia atoll, located roughly 3,800-4,000 kilometers (about 2,360-2,500 miles) from Iranian territory. Neither missile caused damage; one reportedly disintegrated in flight and another was intercepted by U.S. naval assets. The distance, however, exceeded Iran's long-stated self-imposed limit of 2,000 kilometers and raised immediate questions about advancements in its missile program.

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the launch as the first use of a long-range missile since the current hostilities intensified, claiming the weapon had a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers. That would place major European cities  including London, Paris and Berlin  within theoretical striking distance, he said. Maps produced by analysts and think tanks such as the Institute for the Study of War illustrate that the straight-line distance from Tehran to London is roughly 4,400 kilometers, putting the U.K. capital near or just beyond the outer edge of such a capability.

Independent experts offer a more nuanced view. Senior research fellow Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute told the BBC it is "conceivable" an Iranian rocket could reach London, but accuracy would degrade significantly at extreme ranges, making precise targeting difficult. Former U.S. intelligence analyst Decker Eveleth assessed the overall risk to London as "pretty low," citing limitations in guidance systems and the challenges of intercontinental flight for a program historically focused on shorter ranges.

Iran has long maintained it caps its ballistic missile range at 2,000 kilometers for defensive purposes and has denied developing intercontinental systems. Its foreign minister reiterated this position earlier in March. The Diego Garcia attempt appears to challenge that claim, possibly involving a modified space-launch vehicle or two-stage design, analysts said. Even so, successful long-range strikes require not just distance but reliable re-entry vehicles, accurate guidance and the ability to penetrate defenses  areas where Iran's track record remains mixed.

U.K. government officials have pushed back firmly against alarmist interpretations. Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC and other outlets there is "no assessment to substantiate" Israeli claims that Iran could target the U.K., adding there is no evidence Tehran is even attempting to do so. "We have systems and defences in place that keep the United Kingdom safe, and that will continue to happen," Reed said. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office has echoed that the U.K. is not being drawn into direct conflict but will support collective defense of regional allies.

UK Preparedness and Air Defenses

The United Kingdom does not maintain a dedicated domestic ballistic missile defense system capable of intercepting incoming long-range threats over its own territory, former senior officers and analysts have acknowledged. Unlike Israel's multi-layered Arrow and Iron Dome systems or the United States' Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Britain relies primarily on NATO's broader ballistic missile defense architecture.

That NATO shield includes Aegis Ashore sites in Romania and Poland, along with sea-based assets from allied navies. Royal Navy destroyers equipped with advanced radars and missiles can contribute to tracking and interception, but coverage for the U.K. homeland against a high-altitude ballistic trajectory from the Middle East remains limited. Sky News military analyst Sean Bell, a former RAF officer, stated bluntly that "we have no effective ballistic missile defence system in place" for a direct strike on London.

The government has moved to address gaps. Following the Strategic Defence Review, ministers announced up to 1 billion in new funding for air and missile defense, including a 118 million contract for six additional Land Ceptor systems as part of the Sky Sabre short-range air defense network. These systems excel against drones and cruise missiles but are not designed for high-speed ballistic threats. The U.K. is also deploying short-range air defense assets to Gulf partners, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, to counter Iranian drones and missiles in the region.

British forces have already demonstrated effectiveness in defensive operations. U.K. assets helped intercept Iranian drones and missiles targeting regional bases, including incidents involving British personnel in Bahrain and Cyprus. The Ministry of Defence continues to support Gulf allies with equipment and training while allowing U.S. use of British bases for limited defensive strikes against Iranian missile infrastructure.

Experts emphasize that any Iranian attempt to strike the U.K. would face multiple layers of deterrence and response. Early warning from NATO satellites and radars would provide notice, and retaliatory options  ranging from precision strikes to broader coalition action  remain available. Intelligence assessments suggest Iran's primary focus remains regional adversaries rather than distant European capitals, partly due to the risk of overwhelming counterstrikes.

Broader Context and Risks

The Diego Garcia incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli actions against Iranian targets. Tehran has conducted waves of missile and drone attacks on regional U.S. and allied facilities, but most have been intercepted or caused limited damage. The failed long-range attempt may have been intended more as a demonstration of resolve and capability than a realistic bid to inflict damage on a heavily defended base.

For the U.K., the episode serves as a reminder of evolving threats in an era of proliferating missile technology. While the direct risk to London appears low according to British assessments, the incident has prompted quiet reviews of air defense posture and alliance coordination. NATO continues to refine its ballistic missile defense plans, with ongoing exercises testing interoperability.

Public concern has risen in the wake of media coverage, but officials urge perspective. The distance, technical challenges and certainty of severe retaliation make a deliberate Iranian strike on the U.K. highly improbable under current circumstances. Still, the demonstrated extension of range underscores the need for sustained investment in detection, interception and deterrence.

As the regional conflict evolves, the U.K. maintains a dual approach: supporting partners defensively in the Gulf while avoiding direct entanglement. Whether Iran's missile program continues to advance will depend on sanctions, diplomacy and battlefield outcomes. For now, British authorities maintain that the homeland remains secure, even as they monitor developments closely.

Originally published on ibtimes.com.au
China-Britain investor forum held in London to deepen cooperation

Xinhua) 09:49, March 26, 2026

Ivan Rogers, former British permanent representative to the European Union, delivers a speech at a China-Britain investor forum in London, Britain, March 24, 2026. A China-Britain investor forum was held in London on Tuesday, bringing more than 100 representatives from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities in deepening bilateral cooperation. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A China-Britain investor forum was held in London on Tuesday, bringing more than 100 representatives from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities in deepening bilateral cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang made a keynote speech at the conference hosted by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF). He said China's development in building a strong domestic market, cultivating new growth drivers, expanding high-standard opening-up and accelerating green transformation provides new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Noting that business communities in China and Britain have always been a strong force in promoting bilateral relations, Zheng expressed his hope that business cooperation could expand trade in goods and services, consolidate two-way investment, and enhance third-party market cooperation.

He also encouraged enterprises of both sides to seize opportunities and expand cooperation in green finance, fintech, asset management, insurance and other areas.

Ivan Rogers, former British permanent representative to the European Union, said as China commits to high-quality development and high-level opening up, its prosperity further increases the opportunities for Britain.

With strength in the services sector, such as financial, business, legal, consultancy and educational services, Britain has much to offer to China, he noted.

OMFIF Chairman David Marsh said Britain is in a good position to take the lead in promoting a renewed European-Chinese partnership. Opportunities for deeper China-Britain collaboration lie in many areas, such as finance, artificial intelligence, communications, transport and energy, he added.

Rachel Kyte, British special representative for climate at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, described the fields related to climate and clean energy as increasingly important pillars of the China-Britain relationship. She told Xinhua that the two sides have strengthened technical cooperation in power market reform and the development of battery storage technology.

A participant listens to a keynote speech at a China-Britain investor forum in London, Britain, March 24, 2026. A China-Britain investor forum was held in London on Tuesday, bringing more than 100 representatives from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities in deepening bilateral cooperation. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

The Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) Chairman David Marsh delivers a speech at a China-Britain investor forum in London, Britain, March 24, 2026. A China-Britain investor forum was held in London on Tuesday, bringing more than 100 representatives from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities in deepening bilateral cooperation. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
New York City police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a hate crime robbery that left a 20-year-old woman injured at a Brooklyn subway station last week.

Police say the incident happened around late morning on Mar. 17 at the 9th Avenue subway station in Borough Park, where the woman was standing on the D train platform.

An unidentified man allegedly approached her, made anti-Islamic remarks, grabbed her by the arms, and threw her to the ground. The attacker then smashed her cellphone by throwing it to the floor before fleeing the station, investigators said, according to ABC7NY.

The NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is leading the investigation and is treating the case as a suspected bias-motivated robbery and assault. Emergency medical personnel treated the woman at the scene for injuries from the fall. Officials said she did not require hospitalization.

Investigators have released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking for the public's help in identifying him. As of midweek, no arrests had been made, and detectives continue to review additional video from the station and surrounding streets. Police are working to trace the suspect's movements before and after the attack.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit tips online or through the department's social media channels. Callers can remain anonymous, and rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, Yahoo News reported.

Preliminary NYPD figures show hate crime incidents have risen sharply in early 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. The Hate Crime Task Force investigated 58 incidents citywide in January 2026, up from 23 in January 2025, a 152 percent increase, with 31 cases targeting Jewish New Yorkers and additional incidents involving Muslim, Asian, Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ victims.

Those early 2026 numbers continue a longer pattern of elevated hate incidents across New York. Analysis of NYPD data shows the average monthly number of anti-Jewish hate crimes has climbed steadily over the past five years, rising from about 17 incidents a month in 2021 to more than 27 in 2025.

Advocates warn that the trend reflects broader tensions and are pressing city leaders to sustain enforcement and prevention efforts.

Local and state officials have responded by expanding outreach, victim support, and coordination between law enforcement and community groups.

New York City's Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes reports that Brooklyn has seen one of the largest increases in reported incidents, prompting calls for more targeted prevention and enforcement in neighborhoods along major transit lines, as per National Today.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
On March 24, Heineken announced that Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, its wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore, will shift to an import-based supply model supported by Heineken breweries across the region.

The move, part of Heinekens EverGreen 2030 strategy, will deepen Singapores role as a base for regional commercial operations, logistics, innovation and GenAI-enabled capabilities.

In line with this transition, large-scale brewing operations at the Tuas brewery in Singapore will be phased down progressively by the end of 2027.

Production will be reallocated to established regional breweries in Vietnam and Malaysia to support a more agile regional supply approach. Over time, the Tuas site will be redeveloped to support regional logistics and innovation activities, including a pilot brewery.

Imported beers are already a significant part of the Singapore market, accounting for around half of beer consumed. Malaysia, Vietnam and China are among the top source markets.

Despite the changes, Singapore will remain the global home of Tiger Beer, with the brands global leadership anchored in Singaporesetting strategy, shaping creativity, and guiding direction and R&D that support the brand worldwide.

Singapore will also continue to play a pivotal role within Heinekens Asia-Pacific network by driving brand building, commercial excellence and innovation.

HEINEKEN Vietnam proposes solutions for conducive business environment On March 2, during a dialogue between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and European businesses, Wietse Mutters, managing director of HEINEKEN Vietnam, reaffirmed Vietnams strategic importance to the company's long-term growth and development.

Vietnams F&B market entering more mature phase Our review of industry data indicates that by 2024, Vietnam had around 323,000 active food and beverage (F&B) establishments generating nearly $28.1 billion in revenues, up 16.6 per cent from 2023.
The wife of a Hawaii anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill her on a popular Oahu hiking trail told jurors she screamed "He's trying to kill me" as she fought to survive the alleged attack.

On Tuesday, Arielle Konig testified in Honolulu that her husband, Dr. Gerhardt Konig, forced her toward the edge of the Pali Puka Trail, pinned her down, and struck her with a rock during a birthday hike on Mar. 24, 2025.

She said she yelled for help and hoped nearby hikers would hear her as she believed she was about to die. "I do think I was saying something like, 'Please help, he's trying to kill me,'" she told the court, according to ABC News.

Prosecutors say Konig tried to push his wife off the narrow cliffside trail, tried to inject her with a syringe, and then hit her repeatedly in the head with what investigators described as a lava rock.

In a restraining order petition filed days after the incident, Arielle alleged her husband grabbed her upper arms, shoved her toward the drop, and shouted that he was "so sick" of her. She has since filed for divorce.

Arielle testified that she initially thought her husband was joking when he ordered her closer to the edge, but realized he was serious when he grabbed her hard and began pushing. She said she threw herself to the ground to cling to trees and shrubs as they wrestled on the trail. Nearby hikers then responded after hearing her screams, CNN reported.

Two women who were on the trail that day previously told investigators they heard a woman yelling for help and that "he's going to kill me" before finding a man striking a woman in the head. One witness called 911 while the other tried to intervene, according to court and police records described in earlier hearings.

Konig, who worked as an anesthesiologist on Maui, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree attempted murder.

His defense attorney has argued in opening statements that the doctor acted in self-defense, claiming Arielle tried to push him first and that he used the rock only to protect himself. The trial is continuing this week, with more witnesses expected to testify about the confrontation on the exposed ridge above Honolulu, as per NBC News.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
The burgeoning relationship between the two countries was highlighted at the India-Vietnam Pharmaceutical & Medical Equipment Business Meet held in Hanoi on March 25, co-organised by the Embassy of India and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (INCHAM), with support from Vietnams Ministry of Health and several industry associations.

The event brought together around 180 Vietnamese and 40 Indian pharmaceutical representatives, alongside policymakers and healthcare stakeholders, to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Over the past decade, India has emerged as the worlds third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and ranks 10th globally in export value, with annual exports reaching around $17 billion, according to INCHAM. Indian medicines are widely distributed across global markets, particularly in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This global strength is increasingly reflected in Vietnam, where Indian pharmaceutical firms have established a strong presence and play a key role in the domestic drug market. India currently ranks among the leading exporters of pharmaceuticals to Vietnam and is the largest supplier in terms of volume, underscoring the countrys reputation as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

Navendu Kumar, chairman of INCHAM Hanoi, spoke of the broader context of growing bilateral ties.

Bilateral trade between our two countries has reached a new milestone, with Vietnam-India trade hitting a record $16.46 billion in 2025. This achievement reflects the growing strength and dynamism of our economic partnership and provides a strong foundation for further sectoral collaboration, he said.

Discussions at the event also underscored strong interest from Indian businesses in expanding investment in Vietnams pharmaceutical sector, particularly in areas such as high-tech manufacturing, innovative drugs, and medical equipment.

Vietnamese authorities, meanwhile, outlined incentives under the national strategy for pharmaceutical industry development to 2030, aimed at attracting high-quality investment and enhancing domestic production capacity.

On the sidelines of the meeting, INCHAM and the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Companies Association signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation, marking a further step towards institutionalising business linkages between the two markets.

On Vietnams side, the government has set out long-term targets towards 2030 and 2045 to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry, ensure national medical security, and reduce reliance on imports. These priorities are seen as highly complementary to Indias capabilities in large-scale production, cost efficiency, and technological expertise.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders from both countries are increasingly looking to expand collaboration in pharmaceutical trade along with investment, technology transfer, and supply chain development, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem in Vietnam and the wider region.
On March 26, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd announced the partnership, which will see the companies work towards a definitive agreement for long-term metal processing covering a range of Lynas products.

The new facility will be constructed by LS Eco Energy in Vietnam and complement Lynas' existing metal making arrangements, transforming rare earth oxides into metal used in permanent magnets. Subject to final agreements, it will serve increased customer demand and enable Lynas to supply additional metallised products, including neodymium-praseodymium and selected heavy rare earths, through the partnership with LS Eco Energy. The metal making circuits will be staged, with samarium metal production as the priority.

The framework agreement also includes a commitment to enter into separate definitive agreements for the cross-subscription of convertible instruments between the two companies, each valued at approximately $29 million. The cross-investment demonstrates each company's commitment to the success of the partnership.

Amanda Lacaze, CEO and managing director of Lynas Rare Earths, said the company is delighted to work with LS Eco Energy to develop a new rare earths metallisation capability.

"Secure access to metallisation is critical to support a robust rare earths industry, and participating in the metal making supply chain is a key pillar of our Towards 2030 growth initiative," she said. "LS Eco Energy brings significant manufacturing expertise to the partnership, whilst Lynas has considerable experience in the rare earths market. This framework agreement demonstrates our joint commitment to growing industry capability and delivering success for both businesses."

LS Eco Energy diversifies its rare earth supply to Vietnam On January 10, South Korea's LS Eco Energy announced that it has signed a rare earth oxide purchase agreement with Vietnamese mining company Hung Thinh Minerals.

LS Eco Energy to invest in Vietnam rare earth sector LS Eco Energy is making a strategic push into Vietnams rare earth metal sector, aiming to secure new growth engines and strengthen its long-term business portfolio.
On March 25, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) issued an update stating that while it received a crude shipment from Kuwait in mid-March, subsequent geopolitical developments have temporarily limited additional deliveries. In response, NSRP implemented enhanced sourcing measures and successfully arranged alternative feedstock to support continuous operations.

As a result, the company is sustaining full operational capacity through March and has secured the crude volumes required to ensure uninterrupted operations through the end of May at its optimised capacity under current crude supply conditions, maximising the production of fuel products within those constraints to support domestic demand, in close coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

NSRP continues to actively pursue additional crude and feedstock sourcing to enable higher runrates, where feasible. The company remains focused on maintaining operational integrity, reliability, and continuity under all circumstances.

NSRP also expresses its sincere appreciation for the consistent support of the government, relevant ministries, local authorities, as well as its sponsors and business partners. Their facilitation efforts, particularly in enabling access to potential regional crude sources and supporting ongoing dialogue with international partners, have played an important role in helping the company navigate current market challenges.

The company reaffirms its commitment to stable operations and to contributing to Vietnams energy security through reliable, safe, and efficient refinery performance.

Nghi Son refinery processes first non-Kuwaiti crude cargo Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical has taken a key step towards diversifying its crude supply and strengthening operational flexibility.

ASEAN countries exposed by Middle East oil dependence ASEAN countries are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to their heavy dependence on crude oil imports from the Middle East.
To mark World Water Day 2026 on March 22, the company partnered with the Vietnam Red Cross to launch a celebration programme in Bich Hao Commune, Nghe An province. The initiative reaffirms the long-term commitment of Procter & Gamble Vietnam (P&G Vietnam) to expanding access to safe drinking water for vulnerable and high-risk areas.

Students took part in a hands-on demonstration using the P&G Purifier of Water packet to treat contaminated water

The event took place at Thanh Tung Secondary School in Bich Hao Commune, welcoming 260 participants including representatives from the Vietnam Red Cross, Nghe An authorities, local leaders, and P&G Vietnam, together with teachers, students, volunteers, and media representatives.

The programme aims to raise awareness of water's critical role, encourage responsible and sustainable usage, and drive collective action to protect water resources. At the event, with support from hand soap brand Safeguard, students received practical guidance on safe water practices and proper hand hygiene.

Students received practical guidance on safe water practices and proper hand hygiene

The key highlight of the event was a hands-on demonstration of the P&G Purifier of Water packets, which can turn contaminated water into clean drinking water within 30 minutes. Recognised by the World Health Organisation, the technology can remove up to 99.99 per cent of common bacteria and viruses that cause waterborne diseases, significantly reducing health risks associated with unsafe water. The product is licensed for distribution in Vietnam by the Ministry of Health.

Students and representatives from P&G Vietnam (left) and the Vietnam Red Cross (right) drank clean water treated with the P&G Purifier of Water packet.

"The Children's Safe Drinking Water Programme is one of P&G's flagship global community initiatives and has been implemented consistently in Vietnam for over a decade," said Nguyen Le Bac, sales director of P&G Vietnam. "We sincerely thank the Vietnam Red Cross, local authorities, and consumers for their continued partnership and support. This collective effort is a powerful motivation for us to further expand practical and impactful solutions that improve quality of life for the communities we serve, as well as for people across Vietnam."

Launched globally in 2004, the Childrens Safe Drinking Water Programme has delivered over 25 billion litres of clean water to people in more than 100 countries facing water scarcity. In Vietnam, since its launch in 2016 in partnership with the Vietnam Red Cross and partners, the initiative has provided over 100 million litres of clean water over the past 10 years, supporting hundreds of thousands of people, especially during times of natural disasters and floods.

As the scheme enters Phase II, it is being implemented across Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Lam Dong, Dong Thap, Can Tho, and Khanh Hoa provinces, with the goal of providing clean drinking water to an additional 150,000 people.

P&G Vietnam delivers support to communities affected by floods In response to the severe storms and flooding that caused significant damage across northern and central Vietnam, P&G Vietnam has joined with support efforts.

P&G Vietnam and Central Retail Vietnam push forward new green initiative On September 8, P&G Vietnam and Central Retail Vietnam, two businesses pioneering sustainability, joined forces for a day of volunteering in Dong Nai Nature Reserve in southern Vietnam, as part of the Forests For Good initiative.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko addressed the forum. Photo: VGP

According to the official portal of the Russian government, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, together with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, welcomed participants to the Russian-Vietnamese Business Forum in Moscow on March 24.

DPM Chernyshenko said that last year marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin, Over these years, Vietnam and our country, Russia, have forged a unique relationship of alliance and fraternal mutual assistance.

Over the past year, we have achieved significant progress both in the development of our countries and in bilateral Russian-Vietnamese trade and economic cooperation, DPM Chernyshenko said

"Russias economy continues to grow steadily. In 2025, the highest growth rates were observed in tourism and the financial sector, as well as in manufacturing. There is increasing demand from both businesses and the state for stepping up international economic ties. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam grew by 6 per cent. Both Russian exports to Vietnam and Vietnamese imports to Russia have increased, the Russian DPM stated.

DPM Chernyshenko added that Vietnam was Russias traditional partner in Southeast Asia, and a country with high growth rates and significant economic potential. In 2025, Vietnams GDP growth exceeded 8 per cent, and its foreign trade approached $1 trillion.

Regarding promising areas of cooperation, Russia is prepared to serve as a reliable supplier of energy resources, coal, oil, gas, meat, wheat, fertiliser, confectionery, pharmaceutical products, and polymer goods.

The DPM invited relevant companies to expand their presence in the Vietnamese market. An effective infrastructure for trade and project collaboration has already been established for Russian and Vietnamese businesses. The DPM also highlighted the importance of the VietnamRussia Joint Venture Bank in supporting business and tourism.

Over the years, logistical connectivity between Russia and Vietnam has improved. In 2025, the geography and frequency of direct flights between the two countries expanded. According to DPM Chernyshenko, this reflects strong interest in mutual tourism and business travel.

The flow of tourists from Russia to Vietnam in 2025 nearly tripled, reaching 690,000 people. Russia ranks among the top five foreign countries in terms of tourist visits to Vietnam and is ready to compete for leadership in this regard. Tourist arrivals from Vietnam to Russia grew by almost 36 per cent. We are working to simplify visa requirements, the DPM added.

Russia is prepared to support Vietnams sustainable development, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. On March 23, in the presence of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, an intergovernmental agreement was signed for the construction of Vietnams first nuclear power plant using advanced Russian technology.

DPM Chernyshenko added that Russia is also ready to intensify cooperation with Vietnam in digital technologies and education.

Russia is prepared to share expertise and experience in cutting-edge solutions such as smart and safe cities, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, AI, and the digitalisation of public services. Russia is ready to assist Vietnam in training skilled personnel for high-tech industries through joint projects. This work is being carried out under the Russian-Vietnamese Consortium of Technical Universities, the DPM said.

DPM Chernyshenko invited Vietnamese colleagues to participate in the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled for June 36, and the Eastern Economic Forum, which will take place from September 14.

PM Chinh reported that during his visit, he had met with Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.

I see great potential for the development of bilateral relations. I am confident that the Russian-Vietnamese Business Forum will bring our business communities together. The advancement of political relations serves as a driving force for opening up bilateral ties in other areas. We regard Russia as our most important partner in Europe, and these relations should unite our economies. We hope that you, our friends, will find ways and opportunities to strengthen our partnership, said PM Chinh.

He also outlined prospects for cooperation in education, science, innovation, digital technologies, finance, transport logistics, and other fields.

In the presence of DPM Chernyshenko and PM Chinh, Russian and Vietnamese companies exchanged a series of bilateral agreements, including an MoU between Vietnam Railways and Ava Trading; letters of intent between FESCO Transport Group and Vietnam Maritime Corporation, and between Delo Group and Vietnam Maritime Corporation; and a protocol between Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group and Zarubezhneft covering the re-registration and transfer of subsoil use licences between ZN-Sever and Rusvietpetro.

Russia to build 2,400 MW nuclear plant in Vietnam under new deal An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation to build the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Vietnam has been signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Moscow.

Novatek eyes expanded LNG cooperation in Vietnam As Vietnam races to secure its energy future and meet the demands of its surging economy, a new partnership with a Russian energy giant is taking shape, signalling a deepening of the nations' long-standing ties.
Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Van Sinh on March 23 chaired a meeting to discuss amendments of the Law on Housing and the Law on Real Estate, which was attended by representatives from the National Assembly's committees, ministries, agencies; associations, businesses, and localities.

Photo: The Ministry of Construction

He said that the Ministry of Construction (MoC) had reviewed and developed policies related to the two laws. The review focused on strengthening decentralisation of power linked to the two-tiered local government model; reducing and simplifying business conditions and administrative procedures; reviewing to ensure consistency and uniformity with related legal documents.

During implementation, certain pilot policies may be developed. At the same time, the ministry will continue to review and aim to codify the policies currently being piloted into law.

Vuong Duy Dung, deputy director of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management, said the amendment and supplementation of several provisions of the 2023 Housing Law aims to institutionalise Party and state policies on developing a socialist-oriented market economy.

The revisions are intended to create a more open, transparent, and secure legal environment with lower compliance costs, improve the investment and business climate, streamline administrative procedures in investment and construction, address practical shortcomings, and ensure greater consistency across the legal system.

Accordingly, the policies amending and supplementing the Housing Law focus on perfecting current regulations, comprehensively regulating all types of housing, avoiding legal gaps regarding development, management, use, ownership, finance, transactions, and state management of housing.

The amended Housing Law focuses on 11 specific policy groups: General policies on housing development; homeownership; national housing development strategy, provincial-level housing development programmes and plans; housing development; renovation and reconstruction of apartment buildings; social housing development; financing for housing development; housing management and use; apartment building management and use; regulations on the management and use of housing for residential purposes; and housing transactions.

Hoang Thu Hang, deputy director of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management, stated that the policy aimed to create a complete, synchronised, and unified legal framework to manage the real estate market, support and encourage its development; ensuring consistency, uniformity, and avoiding overlap with other related legal systems such as the Investment Law, the Housing Law, the Land Law, and the Civil Law.

It also aims to create better conditions for real estate transactions, ensuring the stable, healthy, open, and transparent development of the real estate market; limit the emergence of administrative conditions and procedures in the management of real estate transactions and the real estate market; encourage the operation of real estate business relationships in line with the socialist-oriented market mechanism, accelerate administrative reforms, improve the capacity of real estate businesses, boost real estate transactions, and develop a transparent, healthy real estate market.

To achieve the objectives of amending the Law on Real Estate as set out above, the proposed amendments will focus on addressing eight major policy groups: adjusting general regulations; amending and supplementing regulations on business of housing and construction works; regulations on business of housing and construction works under construction; regulations on business of land use rights with technical infrastructure in real estate projects.

The others are amending regulations on the transfer of real estate projects; real estate business contracts; real estate service business and training, professional development, and certification in real estate service business; amendments regarding the management of information systems and databases on housing and real estate.

Hang stated that each policy group would include specific content, elaborating on existing regulations, or containing newly proposed content.

The deputy minister said that the MoC acknowledges and seriously considers the feedback, and will finalise the policy document.

Housing operations must be effective In 2025, the real estate market is expected to maintain a broadly stable growth trajectory. However, a number of persistent shortcomings and constraints remain and need to be addressed in order to ensure sustainable and effective development in the years ahead.

Construction firms poised for growth on public investment and capital market support Building firms posted strong profit growth in 2025 and are entering the new year with expanding projects, supported by record public investment and signs of private sector recovery.

Vietnam shifts into new real estate cycle A new real estate cycle is taking shape in Vietnam, driven by tighter capital, regulatory reform and shifting buyer behaviour, writes Jerry Nguyen, a board member and deputy general director of Investment and International Market Development at Hoa Binh Group.
The US Postal Service (USPS) is preparing to add a fuel surcharge to package deliveries for the first time in its history, responding to soaring diesel prices and long-standing financial challenges.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the temporary 8% surcharge is expected to start in April and phase out by January 2027. The new fee will only affect package shipments and will not apply to letter mail.

According to FoxBusiness, the decision comes as diesel costs have jumped sharply, reaching $5.366 per gallon this week, up more than 43% from last month.

Competitors FedEx and UPS already apply fuel surcharges, which have recently increased amid disruptions to Middle East oil flows caused by the Iran war.

USPS Postmaster General David Steiner warned Congress that without significant changes, the agency could run out of cash in less than a year.

Speaking to a House Oversight subcommittee earlier this month, Steiner called for higher stamp prices, increased borrowing authority, and broad reforms to pension funding, workers' compensation, and retirement investment strategies.

Exclusive: The U.S. Postal Service will impose an 8% surcharge on packages to cover the rising cost of fuel. The surcharge is the first time the USPS has imposed such a fee to cover rising fuel costs. https://t.co/3cJKa7eHkx  The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 25, 2026

USPS Faces $118 Billion Losses Since 2007

Steiner also outlined potential cost-cutting measures, including reducing deliveries from six days a week to five, closing small post offices in remote areas, or raising first-class mail stamps from 78 cents to $1 or more.

He noted that cutting one delivery day could save about $3 billion annually, while shuttering small post offices could save $840 million, LGMCorp reported.

"These options may not be palatable to Congress or the American public," he acknowledged.

The Postmaster General stressed that the USPS has reached its current $15 billion borrowing limit, preventing additional loans.

"In order to survive beyond the next year, we need to increase our borrowing capacity so that we don't run out of cash," Steiner said in prepared testimony. "The failure to do this could lead to the end of the Postal Service as we know it now."

Since 2007, the USPS has reported cumulative net losses of $118 billion, with first-class mail volumes dropping to their lowest level since the late 1960s.

Stamp prices have risen 46% since 2019, but Steiner argues they remain far below international postage rates.

Originally published on vcpost.com
AI Agents in the Retail Industry: Use Cases & Business Benefits

Retail businesses are changing quickly as customer expectations grow and competition increases. Companies are now looking for smarter ways to improve customer experience, manage operations, and increase sales.

This is where AI agents are becoming highly useful. They help retailers automate tasks, understand customer behavior, and make better decisions without adding extra manual effort.

AI agents work like digital assistants that can learn from data, respond to customers, and support business processes in real time. From online stores to physical outlets, their role is expanding across different areas of retail.

In this post, we will explain how AI agents are used in the retail industry and what business benefits they bring.

Use Cases of AI Agents in the Retail Industry

Retail businesses are using AI agents across different functions to improve customer experience and streamline operations at every stage. By adopting AI Agent development services, companies can implement these use cases effectively and drive better business outcomes.

1. Customer Support Automation

AI agents help retailers manage customer queries without delays. They respond to common questions about orders, returns, and product details instantly. This improves response time and reduces pressure on support teams.

They can handle multiple conversations at once across websites and apps. This ensures customers always get quick help. It also allows human agents to focus on complex issues.

2. Personalized Product Recommendations

AI agents study customer behavior, such as browsing history and past purchases. Based on this, they suggest products that match customer interests. This improves the shopping experience.

These recommendations increase the chances of purchase by showing relevant items. Retailers can also promote new or trending products effectively through these suggestions.

3. Inventory Management Support

AI agents track stock levels and predict demand patterns. They help retailers avoid overstocking or running out of products. This improves overall inventory planning.

They also provide alerts when stock is low or demand is rising. This allows businesses to take quick action and maintain smooth operations without disruptions.

4. Smart Pricing Optimization

AI agents analyze market trends, competitor pricing, and customer demand. Based on this, they suggest the best pricing strategies for products.

This helps retailers stay competitive while maintaining profit margins. Prices can be adjusted in real time, ensuring better control over sales performance and revenue.

5. In-Store Assistance

AI agents can be used in physical stores through kiosks or mobile apps. An AI Chatbot development company helps integrate these solutions to guide customers in finding products and checking availability.

This improves the in-store experience by reducing wait times and confusion. Customers can quickly locate what they need without relying fully on store staff.

6. Order and Delivery Management

AI agents manage order tracking and delivery updates. Customers can get real-time information about their orders without contacting support teams.

They also help retailers manage delivery schedules and handle delays. This ensures better communication and improves customer satisfaction during the delivery process.

7. Marketing Campaign Support

AI agents assist in planning and running marketing campaigns. They analyze customer data to identify the right audience for promotions.

This helps retailers send targeted offers and messages. As a result, marketing efforts become more effective and lead to higher engagement and conversions.

Business Benefits of AI Agents in Retail

Retail businesses gain measurable value from AI agents by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall customer experience. However, retailers can unlock these benefits effectively and strengthen their business performance through such services.

 Improved Customer Experience

AI agents provide quick and accurate responses to customer needs. This reduces waiting time and improves overall satisfaction.

Customers receive support anytime, which creates a better shopping experience. Happy customers are more likely to return and make repeat purchases.

 Increased Sales and Conversions

Personalized recommendations and targeted offers help customers find the right products. This increases the chances of purchase.

AI agents also reduce drop-offs by assisting customers during their shopping journey. This directly improves conversion rates and boosts revenue.

 Cost Reduction

AI agents reduce the need for large customer support teams. They handle repetitive tasks efficiently without extra cost.

This helps businesses save money while maintaining service quality. Resources can be used in more important areas of growth.

 Better Decision Making

AI agents provide insights based on real-time data. Retailers can understand customer behavior, sales trends, and demand patterns.

This allows businesses to make informed decisions quickly. Better decisions lead to improved performance and long-term success.

 Operational Efficiency

AI agents automate routine tasks such as order tracking, inventory checks, and customer queries. This improves overall efficiency.

Employees can focus on strategic work instead of repetitive tasks. This leads to better productivity across the organization.

 Scalability

AI agents can handle increasing workloads without needing additional staff. This is useful during peak sales periods or business growth.

Retailers can expand operations without worrying about managing more resources. This makes scaling easier and more cost-effective.

 Consistent Service Quality

AI agents provide the same level of service to every customer. They follow defined processes and avoid human errors.

This ensures consistency across all customer interactions. A consistent experience builds trust and strengthens brand value.

 Competitive Advantage

Retailers using AI agents can respond faster to market changes. They can offer better experiences and smarter services than competitors.

This gives them an edge in a highly competitive market. Businesses can stay ahead by adapting quickly and using data effectively.

Conclusion

AI agents are becoming an important part of the retail industry by supporting both customer experience and business operations. They help retailers manage daily tasks, understand customer needs, and improve overall performance without adding complexity.

Their ability to work continuously and handle large amounts of data makes them highly valuable for modern retail businesses. From improving customer support to optimizing pricing and inventory, AI agents offer practical solutions that deliver clear business results.

They not only reduce costs but also increase efficiency and sales. As the retail industry continues to grow and evolve, the use of AI agents will become more common. Businesses that adopt these solutions early can gain a strong advantage by offering better services and making faster decisions.
TransNusa Becomes First Indonesian Airline to Receive Additional Flight Frequencies from World-Renowned Changi Airport in 2026

TransNusa Becomes First Indonesian Airline to Receive Additional Flight Frequencies from World-Renowned Changi Airport in 2026

TransNusa To Operate Additional Frequencies for Both Its Singapore-Jakarta and Singapore-Bali Routes

- Additional frequencies respond to strong demand for travel between Indonesia and Singapore while strengthening regional connectivity

- Both routes received additional scheduled flight slots, providing TransNusa passengers options for day travel

- TransNusa increases its minimum baggage allowance to 20kgs, in addition to the 7kg hand carry for its minimum package bundle, SEAT, and increased minimum baggage allowance to 30kgs for its highest bundle, Flexi-Pro

JAKARTA, Mar 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) today announced the launch of additional scheduled flights between Jakarta and Singapore as well as Jakarta and Bali, further strengthening connectivity between two of Southeast Asias paramount business and tourism travel hubs.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis said that the additional scheduled flight between SoekarnoHatta International Airport in Jakarta and Singapore Changi Airport will start on April 17 while the additional flight from Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Changi Airport will start on May 2. Sale of tickets for both additional scheduled flights started on March 17 and can be bought directly from transnusa.co.id or on any main online travel agency platform.

The additional flights are part of the TransNusas broader strategy to expand regional connectivity and respond to the growing demand for travel between Indonesia and Singaporetwo markets with strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties.

Singapore is one of the regions vital aviation and commercial hub, and these additional flights will provide travellers with greater flexibility while supporting trade and tourism between the two countries, Datuk Bernard added.

The JakartaSingapore corridor is one of the busiest international routes in the region, serving millions of travellers each year. By increasing capacity on this route, we aim to provide a more seamless connections for passengers traveling across Southeast Asia and beyond, Datuk Bernard stressed, adding that TransNusas passengers will benefit from improved scheduling options, allowing for easier same-day connections to a wider network of destinations.

Our goal is to continue improving accessibility across Southeast Asia by increasing frequencies on high-demand routes, explained Datuk Bernard.

Flight Details

TransNusas additional scheduled flight, 8B 155, will depart Jakarta at 07.45pm from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and arrive at the Singapore Changi Airport at 10.25pm. The flight, 8B 156, will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 11.20pm and arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 12.10am.

With the launch of this news additional Frequency, TransNusa will be operating three daily flights from Jakarta to Singapore effective April 17, 2026.

On the Bali-Singapore route, TransNusa's new scheduled flight, 8B 553, will depart the Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 10.20am and arrive at Changi Airport at 01.15pm. Meanwhile, TransNusas flight, 8B 554, will depart Changi Airport at 02.15pm and arrive back at the Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 05.55pm.

TransNusa will be utilising its Airbus A320 for both the international routes.

TransNusa, which aims to ensure its passengers travel with ease and comfort, has configured its A320 aircrafts with a 174-seat configuration, which allows for passengers to enjoy about 30 inches of legroom, comparable to the experience passengers would get in a full-service airline.

"We are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers, stressed Datuk Bernard.

For its international flights, TransNusa not only provides premium services with competitive ticket prices, but the airline also has attractive product bundles called SEAT, SEAT-PLUS and FLEXI-PRO.

"Our SEAT passengers will now enjoy check-in baggage of 20kgs, Datuk Bernard said, explaining that the baggage offering was over and above the 7kgs limit offered as a passengers hand carry.

For the highest package, FLEXI-PRO, we have increased our baggage allowance to 30kgs, free to choose seats, free food, and drinks, and priority boarding. In addition, TransNusa also provides its FLEXI-PRO passengers with the flexibility to change their flight schedule without restrictions and obtain refund when needed, concluded Datuk Bernard.

About TransNusa

TransNusa Airline, is a Premium Service Carrier. In February 2024, the airline rebranded itself to a Premium Service Carrier in line with its upgraded aircrafts that offers better comfort as well as based on the flexibility and quality of the services offered. TransNusa, which received its AOC certification on 9th September 2022, launch its first three A320 operations on 6th October, 14th October and 12th December, 2022.

In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Carrier in the Asia Pacific region. TransNusa introduced its first international flight on 14th April, 2023. The airline is currently based in Jakarta and Bali.

On the international front, TransNusa flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The airline became the second Indonesian airline to fly to China and the first Indonesian airline to launch a Premium Service Carrier business model. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website at www.transnusa.co.id, through any secure online travel agent, through authorized travel agents in Singapore and Indonesia.

Primary International Media Contact

Trina Thomas Raj

Mobile: +6012 4992672

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FlipHTML5's AI yearbook free creator enables college students to design graduation yearbooks quickly, integrating multimedia and personalized branding without design experience.

The transition from academic life to graduation marks a significant milestone for college students, and preserving those memories is a tradition upheld through yearbooks. FlipHTML5 introduces an AI yearbook free creator, designed to simplify the yearbook creation process for graduates seeking digital solutions. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to assist users in crafting engaging, visually appealing yearbooks without the need for advanced design skills or technical expertise.

FlipHTML5's AI-driven workflow begins by inviting users to enter a prompt that specifies the yearbook's title, main subjects, intended audience, and preferred writing style. The AI interprets this input to generate a comprehensive digital yearbook, organizing content, structuring layouts, and refining the narrative flow. For students, this means the ability to capture academic achievements, club activities, and cherished moments in a professionally formatted publication. Additionally, the platform supports the creation of white papers by analyzing uploaded documents, constructing outlines, and applying structured templates, ensuring both clarity and visual appeal.

One of the defining features of FlipHTML5's AI yearbook free creator is its support for multimedia integration. Users can enhance their digital yearbooks by embedding images, videos, audio clips, animated slideshows, hyperlinks, and QR codes. These elements transform traditional yearbooks into interactive experiences, allowing graduates to relive events and share memories in dynamic formats.

The intuitive editor enables seamless incorporation of these assets, making each yearbook a unique reflection of the graduating class.

Branding and personalization are further facilitated by FlipHTML5's flexible design options. Graduates can tailor backgrounds, font styles, and color schemes to match their institution's identity or individual preferences. Built-in yearbook templates are easily customized, ensuring that each yearbook maintains a consistent look while offering space for creative expression. Sharing is streamlined with options to distribute yearbooks via URLs, QR codes, email, or embedding on websites, broadening accessibility for classmates and families.

"FlipHTML5's AI yearbook free creator turns student ideas into professionally designed digital yearbooks within minutes," said Winston Zhang, CEO of FlipHTML5. "This innovation connects graduates with their memories through interactive and accessible formats."

To learn more about the AI yearbook free creator, please visit FlipHTML5.
Dubai is rapidly becoming the Middle East's chatbot capital. From GPT-powered solutions to Arabic NLP and enterprise-grade automation, the city's top chatbot development companies are helping businesses transform customer engagement across every industry. This blog lists the top 7 companies in Dubai, comparing their strengths, specializations, and pricing to help you make the right choice.

Dubai has firmly established itself as the Middle East's technology capital. With a government that actively encourages digital innovation, a thriving startup ecosystem, and one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, it is no surprise that businesses across the emirate are rapidly adopting conversational AI to stay competitive. Dubai is becoming an example for building AI chatbot applications, backed by a robust technology infrastructure, expert trained talent, and a conducive economic environment that is making it an ideal hub for innovation. Synup

Whether you are a retail brand looking to automate customer support, a healthcare provider wanting to improve patient engagement, or a financial institution seeking to streamline operations, the right chatbot partner can make all the difference. Here is a carefully curated list of the top chatbot development companies in Dubai that are leading the charge in 2026.

1. Dev Technosys UAE

Best For: Custom GPT-powered chatbots for healthcare and real estate

Dev Technosys UAE ranks as the best and fastest-growing AI chatbot development company in Dubai, delivering enterprise-grade, scalable, and fully customized conversational AI solutions. The company specializes in GPT-powered AI chatbots, with a strong focus on healthcare and real estate chatbot development, tailored to meet specific business workflows and compliance requirements.

Unlike template-based solutions, Dev Technosys UAE builds every chatbot from scratch, ensuring higher accuracy, better performance, and seamless integration across multiple digital channels. If you are looking for a chatbot built around your specific business logic rather than a generic framework, Logiolegion is a strong first choice.

Key Strengths: Custom GPT architecture, healthcare & real estate focus, multi-channel integration.

2. Digital Gravity

Best For: Full-lifecycle chatbot development with ongoing support

Digital Gravity stands as a leader in custom generative AI chatbot development services in UAE, supporting clients throughout the entire lifecycle of projects. Their expert AI, design, and development team creates and implements AI-based chatbots that fit client business requirements and provide an easy and unforgettable experience.

What sets Digital Gravity apart is their post-launch commitment. They provide continuous monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting for AI-powered chatbots , making them an ideal partner for businesses that want a long-term vendor relationship rather than a one-time build. They serve industries including healthcare, automotive, education, and e-commerce.

Key Strengths: End-to-end lifecycle support, multilingual chatbots, strong UAE client portfolio.

3. Emvigo

Best For: Enterprise automation with Arabic NLP capabilities

Emvigo is a Dubai-based AI chatbot development company specialising in enterprise automation, LLM integration, and Arabic NLP. The company helps businesses overcome rising support costs, slow response times, and inconsistent customer engagement through intelligent and affordable automation.

For businesses operating in the UAE market where Arabic language support is non-negotiable, Emvigo's expertise in Arabic NLP is a significant differentiator. In many deployments, 6070% of the chatbot's operational value comes from system integrations rather than the conversational interface alone  and Emvigo's deep integration capabilities with CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot reflect exactly that philosophy.

Key Strengths: Arabic NLP expertise, LLM integration, CRM and ERP connectivity.

4. Suffescom Solutions

Best For: Industry-specific chatbot solutions across multiple verticals

Suffescom Solutions Inc. is an efficient chatbot development company in Dubai with seasoned software developers with the right AI knowledge to build world-class chatbots. Their team works with a client-centric approach, accommodating custom functionalities, custom design features, and security layers across diverse domains including e-commerce, healthcare, and education. Podium

Suffescom's strength lies in their breadth. From retail bots that upsell products in real time to EdTech bots that automate admissions processes, they have proven domain expertise across practically every major industry sector in the UAE. Their end-to-end approach covers everything from market research to final launch and post-launch marketing support.

Key Strengths: Multi-industry expertise, NLP and ML-powered bots, end-to-end delivery.

5. TechGropse

Best For: AI-powered chatbots integrated within broader digital transformation projects

TechGropse is a top artificial intelligence developmentcompany in Dubai that implements NLP to bridge the gap between humans and machines, with chatbot development services that include features like sentiment analysis and intelligent search for real-time customer interactions.

Established in 2015, TechGropse offers end-to-end services including custom mobile app and software development, AI chatbot development, machine learning and agentic AI implementation, and advanced cloud computing and DevOps. They are particularly well-suited for businesses that want their chatbot to be part of a larger digital ecosystem rather than a standalone tool.

Key Strengths: Broad AI service portfolio, sentiment analysis, healthcare and fintech expertise.

6. CSP Solutions

Best For: Enterprise-grade multilingual voice and text chatbots

CSP Solutions is a Dubai-headquartered firm that builds enterprise-grade multilingual voice and text chatbots, integrated with platforms like WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, web apps, and more. They leverage tools like IBM Watson, Azure, Twilio, and OpenAI, with strong support in sectors like healthcare, finance, government, and telecom. CSP Solutions is the go-to partner for large enterprises that need a chatbot operating across multiple communication platforms simultaneously. Their technology stack is enterprise-proven and their sector experience in government and telecom makes them particularly suited to regulated environments.

Key Strengths: Omnichannel deployment, government & telecom expertise, enterprise-grade security.

7. SoluLab

Best For: Innovative AI chatbots with blockchain-backed security

SoluLab is a key player in the Dubai market known for its innovative approach to AI chatbot development. The company has completed over 855 projects and boasts a team of 143+ professionals, with expertise in creating intelligent systems that learn and adapt. Clients who work with SoluLab often report significant improvements in operational efficiency and data security.

SoluLab's unique edge is their ability to combine AI chatbot capabilities with blockchain technology  making them an excellent choice for industries like finance and supply chain where data integrity and tamper-proof transaction logs are critical requirements.

Key Strengths: Blockchain + AI integration, large project portfolio, data security focus.

What to Look for When Choosing a Chatbot Partner in Dubai

With so many strong options available, narrowing down your choice requires a clear evaluation framework. Here are the key factors to consider:

Arabic language support  Essential for any customer-facing deployment in the UAE market

 Essential for any customer-facing deployment in the UAE market Integration depth  Your chatbot must connect seamlessly with your existing CRM, ERP, or helpdesk platforms

 Your chatbot must connect seamlessly with your existing CRM, ERP, or helpdesk platforms Industry experience  A company that has built chatbots in your sector understands your compliance requirements and user expectations

 A company that has built chatbots in your sector understands your compliance requirements and user expectations Post-launch support  The real work begins after launch; ensure your vendor offers ongoing optimisation

 The real work begins after launch; ensure your vendor offers ongoing optimisation Pricing transparency  AI chatbot development costs in Dubai typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 150,000 or more, depending on chatbot complexity, AI model usage, integrations, and scalability requirements Tracxn

Final Thoughts

Dubai's chatbot market is one of the most dynamic in the world, driven by a government vision that actively champions AI adoption and a business community eager to deliver better customer experiences at scale. The companies on this list represent the best of what the emirate has to offer  from nimble startups to established enterprises with global delivery capabilities.

Whichever partner you choose, prioritising companies that offer genuine chatbot development services customised to your industry, language requirements, and integration landscape will give your project the strongest possible foundation for success in 2026 and beyond.
Residents across Wrexham are being urged to stay vigilant following a spate of burglaries and vehicle thefts.

North Wales Police Wrexham Rural has issued the warning after multiple reports of offences including car thefts, car key thefts and break-ins in Penycae, Rhosymedre, Llay and Llangollen.

Officers are now advising residents to take extra steps to protect their homes and vehicles.

Crime prevention advice issued by the force includes:

Lock doors and windows

Hide car keys and keyless fobs from line of sight

Dont leave valuable items in vehicles

Use outdoor lighting or motion sensors to remove dark hiding spots

Consider tracking devices for high value items

Install CCTV / driveway bollards where possible

Use signal-blocking pouches for keyless fobs

Check any in-car security systems are activated

A spokesperson for NWP Wrexham Rural, said: Anyone who sees suspicious activity in their area is urged to contact us via our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, 999 should be used.

Further advice on how to keep your home and vehicle secure can be found on the North Wales Police website.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A chef from Wrexham has been recognised for his culinary expertise after scooping two awards at a national skills competition.

Adam Pike, asenior chef de partie at The Pant Yr Ochain in Gresford, secured the Culinary Arts title at this years Skills Competition Wales.

The 32-year-old was also named the highest-scoring apprentice across the Mid-Wales region.

Adam was one of three apprentices from the Cambrian Training Company to be recognised at the awards ceremony, held at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl.

Fellow apprentices Bleddyn Daw, from Cowbridge, and Elliott Joseph, from Aberdare, were both highly commended in their first competition.

Adam impressed judges during a three-hour-cook-off, where he prepared a refined three-course menu for two that met industry standards. His dishes included a sweet potato risotto with crispy leeks, a Welsh pork tender loin with a red wine jus and an apple-based dessert.

Judges praised his creativity, precision and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Speaking after the win, Adam said entering the competition had helped him push himself further.





I entered the competition to test the cooking skills that I have learnt over the last two years doing my apprenticeship, he explained. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase my skills and take myself out of my comfort zone.

I am very proud to win my first and, hopefully, it will be a good stepping stone into the culinary world. I want to progress my career and eventually become an executive chef designing and putting my own spin on dishes.

Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company is the leading independent provider of apprenticeships to the hospitality across Wales.





We are incredibly proud of Adam, Bleddyn and Elliott, said the companys managing director, Faith OBrien. Competing for the first time and achieving such outstanding results is a testament to their hard work, dedication and passion for the industry.

Adams win is a fantastic achievement and all three apprentices have shown the potential that exists within our sector when talent is nurtured and supported.

These competitions give apprentices the chance to showcase their talent, build confidence and test their skills against industry benchmarks. They play an important role in raising standards and inspiring excellence across the sector.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
********** VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED ***********

Body cam footage and a 911 call have been released in a shooting that left a man dead in the area of Prater Way and McCarran Boulevard earlier this month.

It happened at the Silver State Plaza on March 12.

In a 911 call, a man later identified as 39-year-old Jedidiah Guerra tells a dispatcher he plans to enter Planet Fitness and kill everyone inside, but says he doesn't want to.

He says he has a gun and tells officers to come and get it.

He says the gun he has is "one that will make you shoot me" and calls himself a "friend of God."

When a negotiator called Guerra, they spoke briefly, with Guerra telling the negotiator that officers would have to kill him before hanging up.

The negotiator tried calling him back 13 times.

When officers arrived, a drone was deployed to find the vehicle, a Chevy S10, that Guerra had identified on the phone with the dispatcher.

Officers also entered Planet Fitness to ensure everyone's safety.

At around 11:54 a.m., officers saw Guerra release a dog from his truck. He then sped south through the parking lot toward police, raising a gun and pointing it at officers.

He sideswiped a marked police vehicle and crashed head-on into an unmarked vehicle.

Gunshots can be heard, as well as an officer yelling, "He's got a gun!"

When shots stop ringing out, an officer can be heard saying, "We got him."

Officers then waited for an armored vehicle to arrive and made calls over a PA system for Guerra to exit his truck.

14 minutes of announcements were made without a response from Guerra, after which officers approached the truck at around 12:13 p.m.

They found Guerra inside, and medical personnel immediately began rendering aid, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

MARCH 16 UPDATE:

The Washoe County coroner has identified the suspect killed during a police shooting in Sparks last week.

The coroner says 39-year-old Jedidiah D. Guerra died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation is ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY:

A suspect is dead and two officers are in the hospital following a police shooting in Sparks.

It happened at a shopping center near E. Prater Way and N. McCarran Boulevard.

Sparks Police tell us they were called to the shopping center around 11:30 a.m. Thursday after a man said he planned to shoot people inside of a business.

The shooting occurred after officers arrived. The suspect died at the scene; the two officers were taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The Washoe County Regional Officer-involved shooting protocol has been enacted. Reno Police and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or secretwitness.com.

Previous story

According to Sparks Police a police shooting occurred in the area just after noon.

All lanes of McCarran Boulevard in Sparks are closed between E. Prater Way and Lincoln Way due to heavy police activity in the area.

You're asked to avoid the area. We'll update this story as we learn more.
Valero Energy is facing a lawsuit after an explosion at its refinery in Port Arthur left a worker injured earlier this week.

The case was filed Wednesday in Jefferson County District Court in Beaumont, Texas, with the plaintiff seeking more than $1 million in damages.

The lawsuit was brought by Jonathan Jaimes, who said he was hurt during a Monday night blast at the facility.

According to court documents, the explosion happened when a diesel hydrotreater unit ignited, sending shockwaves strong enough to shake homes up to 11 miles away near the Texas-Louisiana border.

Jaimes claims he had no role in the events that led to the explosion.

The filing states that the force of the blast and heat from the fire threw him to the ground, causing injuries to his back, neck, and spine, EconoTimes reported.

He also reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the incident.

Worker sues Valero over Texas refinery explosion https://t.co/u9GB3FO8aJ https://t.co/u9GB3FO8aJ  Reuters (@Reuters) March 26, 2026

Worker Claims Valero Ignored Safety Risks

In the complaint, Jaimes accuses Valero of failing to properly maintain the refinery and argues the explosion could have been prevented.

According to Reuters, his attorney, Kyle Findley of Arnold & Itkin, said in a statement, "This was not an unavoidable accident  it was the result of gross negligence and a flagrant disregard for worker safety."

He added, "Valero had awareness of the risks at this facility and chose to ignore them. When a company shows that kind of disregard for the safety of its workers and the surrounding community, it must be held accountable."

Valero has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, in a filing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the company described the incident as "an unforeseeable release of process fluid in Complex 2" that led to ignition and multiple unit disruptions.

Emergency responders arrived after the explosion, but details about immediate response efforts have not been widely disclosed. Jaimes declined to comment publicly through his legal team.

Originally published on vcpost.com
A new program is focusing on supporting unhoused community members while improving cleanliness and safety in northern Nevada.

The Washoe County Sheriffs Office H.O.P.E Team says the Clean Path Initiative will conduct encampment cleanup operations aimed at improving public safety, environmental conditions, and overall quality of life.

The program is also focusing on supporting people experiencing homelessness as they work toward stability and permanent housing.

Participants will receive a seven-day supply of food, water, and trash bags, and in return, commit to maintaining clean camp areas and helping remove surrounding garbage while working toward housing goals with the support of case managers.

The Washoe County Sheriffs Office H.O.P.E Team says that the Initiative has already produced positive results.

Some participants have already removed approximately 15 cubic yards of debris from two separate locations in a single day.

The Washoe County Sheriffs Office H.O.P.E Team says early success demonstrates how accountability, support, and collaboration can lead to meaningful change for both individuals and the community.
Welcome to Ethels Tell All, where the writers behind The Ethel newsletter share their personal stories related to the joys and challenges of aging. Come back Wednesday each week for the latest piece, exclusively on AARP Members Edition.

When my husband passed away, my world shifted on its axis. For 47 years I was one half of a we. Were serving dinner at 6 p.m. Come see our new puppy. Wed love to attend your wedding.

Members only

Even once my husband was unable to go places with me due to his illness, I was still one half of a marriage. At his passing, we became I.

During those first few days after his death, it was hard to accept that I was no longer his caregiver. I would glance at my phone, checking on how much time I had before I was needed back at our house. The realization that he was no longer waiting for me in his hospital bed was like a weight on my chest.

Yet at the same time, I felt a sense of relief. Caring for him had become difficult and painful. No one likes to see their loved one suffer.

Ethels Tell All Writers behind The Ethel newsletter aimed at women 55+ share their personal stories related to the joys and challenges of aging. Read the full essays and join the conversation

After a whirlwind few days with family and friends, I was left with the business side of death. I became a member of the spousal survivorship club. Many businesses, from banks to storage units, have a bereavement department set up to assist the surviving spouse. It sounds as if it should be easy. But its not. Its time-consuming, often confusing and emotionally turbulent.

But I plunged headfirst into the tasks at hand. And in doing so, I learned things about my husband that Id never known, and rediscovered parts of our life that I had forgotten.

First and foremost, I dealt with the financial issues. When I finally retrieved the password to our stock portfolio  and dont get me started on my regret at not having our passwords and usernames better organized  I was blown away by how much money he had saved, thanks to what he called his Dutch spending habits. Throughout our marriage, some of our biggest money arguments involved our daughter. I bought items she wanted, such as designer clothes, trendy shoes, a new car. He insisted we only give her what she needed.

My husband owned a graphic arts business. No surprise that he collected dozens of art books as well as ones on how to run a successful business. The shock came when photos fell from between the pages of those books: school portraits, family camping trips. Through the years I had kept photo albums and scrapbooks, but finding these photos reminded me of how he used to save things that had special meaning to him.

There were also dozens of photos of him with his soldier buddies standing in front of large tanks. Their smiles told me they had no idea that Agent Orange was hard at work altering their futures.
While promoting his latest stage project, South Korean actor Yoo Jun-sang has been getting a lot of attention for sharing very personal information about his family history, such as the death of his father and his mother's long-term illness.

The actor was on KBS 1TV's "Morning Plaza" with Jung Sang-hoon to talk about their upcoming musical "Swing Days: Codename A." During the show, he discussed the emotional events that have shaped his life and career.

Xportsnews says that Yoo talked openly about his late father and how his death has affected him for a long time. He expressed his feelings by explaining that his family initially did not want him to be an actor.

Yoo said, "Although they opposed it, I still have a deep affection for my father. In fact, even now, when I look at a star, there is a star we named 'Dad's Star,' and it is always aligned perfectly with the moon." He went on to talk about when his father died. "My longing for my father was that intense, but he passed away right after I returned from the military."

READ MORE: 'Unexpected You' Jang Yong And Yoo Jun Sang's Reunion

The actor also thought about how old his father was when he died and how it affected him personally. "Turning 50 was the hardest time for me. I wondered if I might pass away too. Fortunately, I made it past 50."

Yoo talked about how his father's influence has shaped his life and creative work since then. "I constantly have thoughts of my father in my heart. I think it is his presence that even inspires me to write children's books. To me, my father is a friend and a mentor who is always by my side, supporting me whenever I am struggling."

He then discussed more problems his family was having, like his mother's health. He said, "My dad died from a brain bleed." My mother also fell down right after my second child was born, and she still can't use her right side. "Even though I'm in so much pain, I'm living positively," she said.

TenAsia says that Yoo said similar things during the same broadcast, stressing how important his father will always be in his life. He started his reflection by saying that his father was a big influence on him.

Yoo said, "My father passed away right after I returned from the military. He was 50 years old," adding, "When I turned 50, it was the hardest time for me."

He went on to talk about how these events helped him grow as a person. He said "After my father passed away, I became the head of the family immediately. I think I matured quickly in my early 20s. I'm naturally very positive and cheerful, so I hid my difficult emotions and carried on confidently. I did everything I could after debuting."

Yoo Jun-sang is getting ready for "Swing Days: Codename A," a musical about the life of independence activist and businessman Yoo Il-han. The show will open on April 16 at the Grand Theater in the Chungmu Arts Center.

READ MORE: How Did 'Unexpected You' Kim Nam Joo And Yoo Jun Sang First Meet?
PRELIMINARY SAMPLING OF HISTORICAL STOCKPILE PROVIDES MOMENTUM FOR FAST-TRACKING OF JORC-CODE UPDATE & DEVELOPMENT OF STOCKPILE



Exceptional Tungsten Grade Identified in Stockpile Material

Adelaide, Mar 26, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd ( ASX:RML ) ( NC3:FRA ) ( RLMLF:OTCMKTS ) announced the assay and mineralogy results of a preliminary mapping and sampling program of stockpiles at its recently acquired Johnson Creek Tungsten and Antimony Mill. The fieldwork was completed in late 2025.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Assay results of a late-2025 sampling program of historical stockpiles returns high-grade tungsten, material levels of gold and low levels of impurity elements.



- Stockpiles containing ore material from the historical Golden Gate Tungsten Mine have remained untouched since 1980s at Resolution's newly acquired Johnson Creek Tungsten and Antimony Mill.



- Mini-bulk-sample of 93.6kg comprising composite of six samples of stockpile material contains 1.85% WO3 and material levels of gold at 0.11g/t.



- Independent mineralogy study identifies scheelite as the predominant WO3 ore mineral.



- Independent mineralogy study reveals low levels of impurities, including but not limited to arsenic (As): 97 ppm; molybdenum (Mo): below detection; and phosphorus (P): below detection



- Same independent mineralogy study identifies quartz (>90%) as the predominant gauge mineral (non-ore) with minor gauge minerals calcite (trace levels) and potassic-mica (trace levels).



- A more detailed stockpile sampling and assay testing program to upgrade the stockpile to JORCcompliancy is under development. The intention is to fast-track the tungsten potential of the stockpiles.



- The U.S. government is pro-actively working to rebuild its tungsten supply chain which is part of broader US$12 billion policy initiative to stockpile critical minerals to reduce off-shore supply dependency.



- Ongoing global conflicts and tight supply has contributed to tungsten prices surging from under US$400 to US$2,200/metric ton currently.



The fieldwork, described in more detail below, is the initial part of the broader campaign to bring ore stockpiles into JORC-code 2012 compliancy. The aim of the Company is to fast-track potential tungsten production from the stockpile to take advantage of US critical minerals policies.



Resolution Minerals Executive Director, Aharon Zaetz, commented:



Mapping and Sampling Program



Stockpiles located at the Johnson Creek Tungsten & Antimony Mill were mapped and sampled by the Company in two separate fieldwork programs in 2025. The stockpiles are of interest to the Company because the stockpile material is derived from the tungsten mine located at Golden Gate.



The field program involved mapping the surface of the stockpiles and the collection of representative samples for analysis. The exposed coarse component of the stockpiles (Figure 2* Left) was mapped as predominantly granodiorite. Using a handheld fluorescent lamp,scheelite was identified in association with the granodiorite, occurring as veins and disseminations (Figure 2* Right). The stockpile material is characteristic of the mineralised granodiorite at the historical Golden Gate Tungsten Mine.



Six samples were collected from different parts of the stockpiles (Table 1, and Figures 3 and 4*) using both random selection and blue-light selective methods.



"Confirming a high-grade 1.85% WO3 result from the Golden Gate stockpile is a significant milestone for Resolution Minerals. The combination of strong grade, scheelite-dominant mineralisation and low impurity levels highlights the potential for a simple, low-cost processing pathway.



Furthermore, given that Golden Gate has previously been mined for tungsten, and has supplied the US Government with critical metals for several war efforts during the 20th century, this presents a compelling opportunity to fast-track the stockpiles should further planned work prove positive."



Assay Results



The mini-bulk sample of the stockpile (described above) was sent to Independent Metallurgical Operations Pty Ltd (IMO) for the primary initial purpose of multi-element geochemical analysis and mineralogical assessment.



The tungsten grade of the mini-bulk sample is 1.85 % WO3 (Table 2*). The tungsten ore mineral is predominantly the calcium tungstate mineral, scheelite (CaWO4), an important tungsten ore mineral.



Analysis of other elements indicates that metals that may be considered as impurities in tungsten ore occur at very low grades. These include As: 97ppm, Mo: below detection, P: below detection, Iron (Fe): 0.48%, and manganese (Mn): 263ppm (Table 2*). Refer to Appendix 1* for a copy of extracts of the independent IMO report.



Additional mineralogical studies indicate that the nonore, or gangue minerals, are predominantly quartz (>90%), calcite (trace levels) and K-micas (trace levels).



Background Information about the Stockpiles



Tungsten exploration and development at Golden Gate began in the late 1940s, when scheelitebearing veins were discovered. An open pit tungsten mining operation began at Golden Gate in the early 1950s.



Tungsten ore from Golden Gate was initially processed at the Stibnite Mill (not an asset of the Company), until its closure in 1952. Historical records of this phase of production indicate that 1,814 tons of tungsten were mined and milled at the Stibnite Mill and that this material had an average grade of 1.5% WO3.



Following the closure of the Stibnite Mill, a custom milling operation, known as the Johnson Creek Mill, was built on 15 acres of land immediately adjacent to what is now known as the Horse Heaven Project (Figure 1*).



In 1973, 227 tons of tungsten ore was mined from the open cut operation at Golden Gate and processed at the Johnson Creek Mill. It had an average grade of 2.03% WO3. In 1977, a further 456.6 tons of ore were mined and stockpiled. This ore material was reported to have an average grade of 1.8% WO3.



In 1979 and 1980, underground mining at Golden Gate began, and a reported 1,905 tons of mill feed was produced and stockpiled at the Johnson Creek Mill.



The estimated approximate 2,000 tonnes of Golden Gate tungsten ore now comprising the stockpiles at the Johnson Creek Mill comprise "leftover" ore-feed from the above-described phases of past mining.



The Johnson Creek Mill tungsten stockpiles have remained undisturbed (since 1980's) as evidenced by the regrowth of trees and other vegetation on the slopes of the stockpiles (Figures 2 and 4*).



Cautionary Note: The above production data (tons/tonnes and grade of ore material from the Golden Gate tungsten mine) is both an Historical Estimate and a Foreign Estimate. The Competent Person has not done sufficient work to classify the Historical Estimate and the Foreign Estimate as a mineral resource or mineral reserve in accordance with the JORC (2012) Code. It is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work (as described above) that the Historical Estimate and the Foreign Estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or mineral reserve in accordance with the JORC (2012) Code.



In addition, the Competent Person has not done sufficient work to determine whether the Stockpile has the potential to become a mineral resource.



The Competent Person is aware that the Company plans to conduct further exploration at the stockpiles to bring the stockpile up to JORC-code standard.



It is due to the above caution, and corollary limitations, that the Company is seeking to do such work as to enable the stockpiles to be upgraded to JORC-standard.



Importance of Results



The grade of the mini-bulk-sample of 1.8% WO3 is entirely consistent of the historical grades of the past production. As previously released to the market (and described above) historical data indicates that the stockpile comprises approximately 2,000 tonnes of tungsten at a grade of 2.0% WO3.



Furthermore, the style of mineralisation (scheelite-bearing veins and disseminations in granodiorite), of the ore material of the stockpiles is the same as the ore material remaining at the Golden Gate mine working and exposed on in-situ mine exposures. The mineral assemblage (scheelite, quartz, calcite and K-micas) of the stockpile sample, itself representative of the stockpile, is also characteristic of the insitu rock and float material at the old tungsten mine at Golden Gate.



The extension and further application of these preliminary data is the assessment as to whether the stockpiles may be amenable to JORC-standard upgrade. Obtaining an indicative (surface) grade;



identifying the ore and gangue mineral assemblages; determining the levels of potential impurity elements, is the initial phase of this proposed upgrade.



Other grade and metallurgical considerations that would be drawn from and are germane to a JORCcompliant stockpile include the following observations:



- According to the US Geologic Survey, the typical grade of Tungsten mined globally in underground mines is between 0.15% and 0.20% WO3;



- Scheelite (CaWO4) is well understood metallurgically, and generally presents an easier process for tungsten production than other tungsten ore types.



- High quartz content is a positive for grindability (brittle) and potential for liberation of scheelite at coarser grind size.



- The absence of significant arsenic, phosphorous and molybdenum simplifies the production of high grade concentrate capable of meeting ammonium para-tungstate (APT) refinery specifications.



Acquisition of Stockpiles



RML acquired the Johnson Creek Tungsten & Antimony Mill, associated infrastructure, and ore stockpiles, believed to contain approximately 2,000 tonnes of tungsten ore previously mined from Golden Gate early this month (ASX Announcement: 2 March 2026 "Resolution Completes Acquisition of Processing Mill and Tungsten Stockpiles to Advance Potential U.S. Antimony and Tungsten Production.")



Next Steps for the Johnson Creek Stockpiles



The next phase of exploration at the Johnson Creek stockpiles will include, but will not be limited to, a detailed sampling program to sample older (sub-surface) parts of the stockpile, and a volumetric survey to quantify the cubic metres. Specific gravity analysis will allow tonnage conversations for the volumetric data.



Results from the program will allow RML to potentially upgrade the stockpiles to JORC-code compliancy. options for direct offtake of the stockpiled tungsten in the near term whilst the process flowsheet is being developed in parallel.



More broadly, the positive results subject of this announcement, align very well with RML's objective of becoming one of the few U.S.-focused critical minerals companies with in-house processing capability for antimony, tungsten, and gold.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/20W10V17





About Resolution Minerals Ltd





Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) (OTCMKTS:RLMLF) (FRA:NC3) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as antimony, gold, copper, and uranium.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 and has a broad portfolio of assets, such as the Drake East Antimony-Gold Project in north-eastern NSW and George Project prospective for silica sand and uranium.

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Direct Shipping Ore Meets Military Grade Specification

Sydney, Mar 26, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Felix Gold Limited ( ASX:FXG ) ( FXGDF:OTCMKTS ) ( W0X:FRA ) provided an update on metallurgical testwork and U.S. processing development, following recent approval to extract bulk ore samples from the Treasure Creek Antimony Project. The update summarises results from multiple independent programs evaluating ore characteristics, processing pathways and potential production routes, alongside progress on U.S. processing facility site selection.



Key Results:



- On-Site Ore Sorting - Field Testwork: Excavation, hand sorting and bagging of massive stibnite vein material successfully demonstrated at site, with a 370kg high-grade sample delivered and received by Core Resources for characterisation and testwork, returning outstanding results (below) that confirm the viability of the on-site sorting process.



- Ore Characterisation - Core Resources: The 370kg hand-sorted massive stibnite ore exceeds U.S. Military Concentrate Specification (MIL-A-22131), confirming exceptional direct-shipping ore quality prior to processing.



- Direct Smelting Trials - Core Resources: Untreated ore successfully converted directly to antimony metal, confirming a direct pyrometallurgical pathway without prior processing.



- Leach Testwork and Electrolyte Production - Blue Coast Research (BCR): Alkaline sulfide leach testwork generated purified electrolyte (PLS) for downstream electrowinning, with up to 98% Sb extraction achieved at 75degC and more than 90% recovered within the first two hours, confirming strong recoveries and rapid leach kinetics.



- Electrowinning Trials - University of British Columbia: High-purity antimony metal produced from Blue Coast-generated electrolyte feed (final assays pending), confirming a hydrometallurgical ore-to-metal pathway.



- Metallurgical Recovery - Core Resources: ~99% antimony extraction achieved at 150-300 micron feed size, supporting simplified hydrometallurgical processing conditions.



- U.S. Processing Study - Worley: Site selection assessment completed, supporting evaluation of toll treatment and a dedicated Felix Gold processing facility.



Felix Gold's Executive Director, Joseph Webb, commented:



"Start with the ore. It can be excavated, hand-sorted and delivered as high-grade feed, now shown to exceed U.S. military-grade concentrate specifications as direct ore. This is not concentrate - this is ore: Direct Shipping Ore that meets military-grade specifications. There are no known sources to the Company's knowledge of military-grade antimony concentrate in the Western world - and this exceeds that threshold straight out of the ground.



It can then be converted to metal - either by direct smelting of untreated ore or by leach and electrowinning - both without pre-treatment and at coarse grind. That is the simplified flowsheet to produce antimony metal.



All of this sits within a U.S. policy environment actively seeking a domestic supply of critical minerals, supported by established infrastructure and a brownfields setting at Treasure Creek. In a market where the United States has no integrated domestic antimony supply chain, that combination is highly significant."



Cautionary Statement: No Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves have been declared and no JORC-compliant economic studies have been completed. Any progression toward production remains subject to further evaluation, permitting and Board approval. The Company may elect to progress prior to completion of such studies. Peer project statements are based on publicly available information. The ore sample was selected from a high-grade zone and is not representative of average deposit grades.



Core Resources



Ore Feed Characterisation



The head characterisation results confirm that the Treasure Creek massive stibnite ore meets and exceeds U.S. Military Concentrate Specification (MIL-A-22131) as direct ore, prior to any processing. With antimony grades of 71.9% Sb and mineralogy comprising 90.8% stibnite, combined with negligible deleterious elements (arsenic, lead and copper below detection thresholds), the material demonstrates exceptional purity consistent with military-grade concentrate standards. To the Company's knowledge, there are no known sources of military-grade antimony concentrate in the Western world - let alone material that meets these specifications directly from ore - underscoring the extraordinary nature of the Treasure Creek mineralisation.



Core Resources (Brisbane) completed head characterisation of the ore dispatched from NW Array prospect for the pilot testwork program. Analysis was conducted by ALS using XRF (ME-XRF15c method) for elemental grade, XRD for mineralogy, fire assay for gold, and 4-acid digest ICP for trace elements.



*To view the full release, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4C13OH99





About Felix Gold Limited





Felix Gold Limited (ASX:FXG) (OTCMKTS:FXGDF) (FRA:W0X) is advancing two complementary opportunities in Alaska's Fairbanks Mining District: near-term antimony production and district-scale gold.

Antimony: Felix Gold is building America's Antimony Solution  a fully integrated domestic supply chain from proven U.S. ore. The Treasure Creek Antimony Project hosts one of the only proven sources of high-grade antimony ore in the United States. With ~90% antimony-bearing minerals and virtually no deleterious elements, Felix Gold has demonstrated military-grade antimony concentrate  results that, to the Company's knowledge, no other Western project has publicly achieved.

Gold: Felix Gold is the largest landholder in the Fairbanks Mining District, with inferred 831,000 oz at 0.84g/t of JORC gold resources located 30km from Kinross's Fort Knox mill  a Tier 1 operation actively seeking third-party ore.

The same infrastructure, permitting pathway, and team serve both commodities. Mineralisation outcrops at surface adjacent to year-round paved road with grid power, just 30km from Fairbanks.

No federal land significantly reduces permitting timeframes compared to other U.S. critical minerals projects.

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Will Priyanka Chopra Jonas return as the reformed pirate? The Bluff's director discusses sequel hopes after her secret past is exposed.

AceShowbiz - The Bluff has arrived on Prime Video, sparking conversations about whether a sequel could be on the horizon. Directed and co-written by Frank E. Flowers, the film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Ercell Bodden, a woman living a quiet life on a 19th-century Cayman Island with her family. This peaceful existence is shattered when a fearsome pirate, Captain Connor, portrayed by Karl Urban, appears seeking both gold and Ercell, whose secret past as a former member of his crew comes to light.

In an interview with ScreenRants Ash Crossan ahead of the films release, Flowers addressed the possibility of continuing the story with a sequel. He revealed that a follow-up is something we think about a lot, reflecting on the collaboration with the Russo Brothers production company AGBO and Amazon MGM, who have shown strong belief in the project.

I can only hope and pray that we have opportunities to tell more stories, Flowers said, while also acknowledging the chance that The Bluff might stand alone. He expressed his satisfaction with the film as a complete story, designed to provide audiences a whole meal whether or not they get to revisit this world again.

Flowers further explained their goal to deliver something fresh and engaging, hoping viewers will want to watch the film multiple times to uncover its layered storytelling. He emphasized the depth of the characters, especially given the performances by Chopra Jonas and Urban, noting that much character development was left unfilmed yet still shines through in the actors portrayals.

Indeed, The Bluff concludes with a fairly definitive ending. After significant losses on both sidesincluding Ercells husband, Ismael Cruz Cordovas T.H. Bodden, and Connors right-hand man, Temuera Morrisons Leethe film culminates in a brutal duel between Ercell and Connor. Ercell narrowly prevails, reuniting with her remaining family members and seemingly closing this chapter of her story.

Despite this resolution, several potential directions exist for a sequel. With most island inhabitants gone and Ercells secret identity as Bloody Mary now revealed, she could face new threats from powerful entities such as the East Indian Trading Company. This might force her and her family into hiding or position her as the islands new guardian, confronting fresh enemies from her past, whether pirates or government forces.

For fans eager to explore these possibilities, ScreenRant offers a newsletter promising detailed analyses of potential sequel storylines, casting updates, and further expansions of The Bluffs universe.

Another avenue for expanding the franchise is a prequel. The film only briefly touched on Ercells past as Bloody Mary, similar to how action films like Violent Night and Nobody kept their protagonists backstories mysterious aside from a few flashbacks. A prequel could delve deeper into this era, enriching the characters history and setting the stage for future tales.

Turning to the films reception, Flowers noted that the ultimate decision on a sequel heavily depends on how well The Bluff performs on Prime Video. At the time of writing, the film holds a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a mixed critical response. However, comparisons to similar action projects like Netflixs Extractionwhich received similar reviews but went on to spawn sequels and spin-offsoffer hope that The Bluff could follow a similar trajectory.

The involvement of the Russo Brothers, who produced The Bluff through their AGBO banner, also increases the chances of continuation. If the film resonates with audiences, they may reunite with Chopra Jonas and Flowers to expand this pirate saga further.

The Bluff is an action-adventure film set in the 19th-century Caribbean, following Ercell Bodden, a former pirate who must confront her violent past to protect her family from deadly new dangers. Co-written by Frank E. Flowers and Joe Ballarini, and produced by a team including Angela Russo-Otstot, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the film runs 101 minutes and delivers an intense, layered story.

As the film makes waves on Prime Video, the possibility of continuing Ercells story remains open but uncertain. Whether it results in a sequel, a prequel, or remains a standalone tale, The Bluff offers a fresh take on pirate adventure with strong performances and rich character work, leaving audiences both satisfied and intrigued.
ULTRA Beach Gold Coast 2026 lineup revealed! Alesso headlines with The Chainsmokers. Two stages for the first time. April 12, Broadwater Parklands.

AceShowbiz - ULTRA Worldwide has unveiled the complete lineup for the highly anticipated ULTRA Beach Gold Coast 2026, set to take place on April 12 at Broadwater Parklands in Queensland, Australia.

The upcoming festival marks the third edition of this vibrant beachside event and promises to be the most expansive yet. For the first time in its history, the festival will feature two stages: the Main Stage and the UMF Radio Stage, expanding beyond its previous single-stage format.

Headlining the festival is the Swedish DJ-producer Alesso, who will deliver an exclusive Australian performance as part of his upcoming tour. Alesso remains a dominant figure in the global electronic music scene, known for hits like "Heroes (We Could Be)" featuring Tove Lo, "Years," and his popular remix of OneRepublic's "If I Lose Myself," which helped cement his international reputation.

The lineup also boasts other major electronic music stars, including The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Darren Styles, MaRLo, Nico Moreno, and Oliver Heldens. The Chainsmokers gained worldwide fame with chart-topping tracks such as "Closer" featuring Halsey and "Something Just Like This" alongside Coldplay. Meanwhile, DJ Snake has scored global hits like "Lean On," his collaboration with Major Lazer and M, as well as "Taki Taki."

Oliver Heldens, a Dutch DJ well-known in the house music circuit, will also be performing with notable tracks like "Gecko (Overdrive)" and "Last All Night (Koala)" under his belt.

Supporting acts include Dutch producer KAAZE and a strong representation of emerging Australian talent. Local performers slated to appear across the two stages include Ali James, Brooklyn, Fletcher Kirkman, Hektic, and Jayrob. The festival will also feature several back-to-back sets such as Brooklyn b2b Rory, Jayrob b2b Rymak, and Justice b2b Sophie Bridges, offering diverse and dynamic performances for attendees.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed his enthusiasm for the festival's return, calling it a significant highlight on the citys annual major events calendar. In his statement, Tate said, "From Miami to the Gold Coast, this ULTRA Beach festival epitomises everything that's great about our city."

ULTRA Beach Gold Coast is part of the larger ULTRA Worldwide brand, which originated with the Ultra Music Festival in Miami in 1999. Since then, it has grown into a global network of electronic music festivals held across Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.

Tickets for ULTRA Beach Gold Coast 2026 are currently available for purchase through the festivals official website, inviting fans to secure their spots early for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of electronic music.
Discover why Hollywood legends and modern stars like Katharine Hepburn dismiss the Oscar's importance. They value the work over the award.

AceShowbiz - The Academy Awards are often viewed as the ultimate recognition in the film industry, yet many Hollywood stars have expressed indifference toward winning an Oscar. From legendary icons to contemporary actors, a number of performers have openly dismissed the significance of the statuette.

One of the most notable examples is Katharine Hepburn, who holds the record for the most acting Oscars, with four Best Actress trophies. Despite this remarkable achievement, Hepburn never personally attended the ceremony to accept her awards. Her sole Oscar stage appearance occurred in 1974 when she presented the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. Hepburn famously stated, "Prizes are nothing. My prize is my work."

While the film industry remains captivated by awards season, several prominent figures in recent years have voiced skepticism or frustration over the obsession with Oscars. Among them are stars like Amanda Seyfried, Bradley Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, and Seth Rogen.

Following the announcement of the 2026 Oscar nominations, fans debated notable snubs and surprises, but some actors have made it clear they dont let awards dictate their careers or sense of accomplishment.

Samuel L. Jackson, a revered actor known for his roles in blockbuster franchises such as The Avengers and Star Wars, has only been nominated once for a competitive Oscar. His 1995 nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Pulp Fiction did not result in a win, losing to Martin Landau for Ed Wood. Jackson has spoken frankly about his attitude toward awards, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2022 that after initially being disappointed, he grew indifferent to the accolades. For him, the Oscars represent a fun event, and he enjoys the tradition of receiving gift baskets when presenting. However, he no longer considers Oscar wins when selecting roles.

Jackson explained, "I'm not doing statue-chasing movies. You know: 'If you do this movie, you'll win an Oscar.' No, thanks. I'd rather be Nick Fury or having fun as Mace Windu with a lightsaber." His satisfaction lies in portraying memorable characters that resonate with audiences, regardless of awards. The Academy eventually honored him with an Honorary Oscar in 2021, recognizing his impact on film.

Comedian and actor Seth Rogen has received four Emmy Awards but remains without an Oscar nomination. In a 2022 interview with Business Insider, Rogen questioned the intense focus on awards within Hollywood, noting that other industries rarely expect widespread public interest in their internal accolades. He suggested that public enthusiasm for Oscars has waned over time, asking rhetorically why people should care so much about the winners.

Actor Ethan Hawke has earned five Oscar nominations as of March 2026, his latest for Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards for Blue Moon. Hawke shared that he took advice from his Training Day co-star Denzel Washington, who advised that actors should aim to elevate the prestige of the award rather than seeking it to boost their own status. Hawke emphasized that the power of the Oscar comes from its cultural weight rather than personal validation.

Cate Blanchett, who has won two OscarsBest Supporting Actress for The Aviator in 2005 and Best Actress for Blue Jasmine in 2013has expressed that awards are subjective and not the reason she chooses her roles. In a discussion on Varietys Actors on Actors podcast, she stated that awards do not influence her artistic decisions.

Similarly, Kristen Stewart, nominated for the first time in 2022 for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer, opted not to campaign for the Oscar. Stewart remarked on Varietys Award Circuit podcast that she does not equate success with awards and finds the Oscars to be an odd institution considering many outstanding films and performances go unnoticed.

Joaquin Phoenix has also been vocal about his discomfort with awards season. Reflecting on the Oscar buzz around his 2012 film The Master, Phoenix expressed in Interview Magazine that he did not want to participate in any awards campaigning. He described his experience during the awards season for Walk the Line as one of the most uncomfortable times of his life and stated he never wished to endure it again.

The main subject of this discussion, Amanda Seyfried, provides a nuanced perspective on the Oscars. While she has been nominated oncefor Best Supporting Actress in 2021 for Mankshe downplays the importance of winning. In an interview with The New Yorker in January 2026, she acknowledged that a nomination can boost an actors career but insisted that actually winning is not essential. Seyfried noted, "No. Do you remember who won in the past 10 years? It's not the win that's important. It's the nomination."

Though she admitted that winning could provide advantages, she does not view it as a necessity. Seyfried contrasted her critically acclaimed 2025 film The Testament of Ann Lee with the more commercial The Housemaid, emphasizing that she made thoughtful choices in both projects. She intends to continue pursuing a diverse range of roles across genres and production scales, confident in her career trajectory even without an Oscar.

Bradley Cooper is another highly nominated actor and filmmaker who has yet to win an Oscar, with 12 nominations as of January 2026. He candidly described awards season as utterly meaningless during a 2020 conversation with Anthony Ramos for Interview Magazine. Cooper characterized the awards process as a challenging ordeal disconnected from the creative work he values.

These candid perspectives from stars like Amanda Seyfried, Samuel L. Jackson, Seth Rogen, and Bradley Cooper highlight a growing sentiment in Hollywood: while Oscars remain a prestigious institution, many actors prioritize the artistry of their craft over the accolades that may or may not come with it. For some, the work itself is the true reward, and the spectacle of awards season is seen as secondary or even distracting.

This evolving attitude underscores a broader shift in how success is defined in the film industry, with many performers choosing to focus on meaningful roles and personal fulfillment rather than the pursuit of trophies. As the 98th Academy Awards approach, it will be interesting to see how this mindset continues to influence Hollywoods relationship with its most famous prize.
A24's horror debut Undertone follows a podcast host whose eerie audio files unleash a supernatural force. Director Ian Tuason reveals plans for a trilogy.

AceShowbiz - Undertone marks the feature directorial debut of Ian Tuason, a horror film released by A24 that has quickly gained attention for its chilling storytelling and atmospheric tension. Centered on Evy, a young woman and co-host of a paranormal podcast, the film follows her and longtime friend Justin as they delve into a series of eerie audio recordings tied to sinister urban legends. As Evy cares for her terminally ill mother, the podcast receives mysterious files that unleash a terrifying supernatural force, setting the stage for a gripping narrative.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, journalist Grant Hermanns spoke with Ian Tuason about the potential future of the story and whether Undertone could evolve beyond its initial installment. When asked about the possibility of continuing the story, Tuason revealed that he envisions a trilogy, stating he has a trilogy in mind and is actively collaborating with A24 to explore ways to bring this vision to fruition.

The films 94-minute runtime immerses viewers in a dark mystery revolving around audio recordings from a young couple, Mike and Jessa, who experience escalating hauntings. These paranormal events are captured through voice recordings made at night, drawing Evy and Justin deeper into a terrifying investigation. The supernatural antagonist, a female demon named Abyzou, emerges as the central threat, tormenting those who come into contact with these cursed recordings.

The climax of Undertone sees Evy and Justin confronting the demon Abyzou directly. Through the final audio files, they inadvertently open a portal through which Abyzou manifests, targeting both friends. Evys childhood home transforms into a nightmarish realm, where her childhood drawings eerily depict the demons image, scrawled across the walls in a disturbing visual motif. The film also includes brief, unsettling scenes of an unknown figure suffocating with a plastic bag, mirroring the tragic fates of past Abyzou victims who have succumbed to self-inflicted deaths.

Despite the seemingly conclusive and bleak ending, Tuasons plans for a trilogy leave room for further exploration. One potential sequel thread could involve the revelation that Evy, Justin, or both may have survived the demons assault. This would open narrative avenues for them to continue investigating Abyzous influence and attempt to rescue others ensnared by the curse. Additionally, the origin of the mysterious audio recordings themselves remains unexplored, presenting another mystery that future films could unravelpossibly involving a physical entity behind the haunting messages.

Another route for expanding Undertone into a trilogy could focus on the demon Abyzous curse being passed to new victims. This would allow the story to evolve without undoing the ambiguity or fates established in the first film, similar to how horror franchises like Smile and Ring have successfully continued their narratives. Such an approach would enable the series to maintain its eerie atmosphere and thematic consistency while introducing fresh characters and scenarios affected by Abyzous malevolent presence.

Tuasons ambition to build a trilogy ultimately depends on the films commercial success. Early indicators are promising: Undertone holds a solid 76% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and is projected to earn approximately $7 million during its opening weekend. This figure notably represents 14 times its production budget, a strong performance that could encourage A24 to greenlight sequels. The studios previous success with the film Xwhich also evolved into a trilogyoffers a precedent that Undertone might follow, positioning Tuason to continue his horror storytelling on a larger scale.

As of its March 13, 2026 release, Undertone has captivated horror fans with its blend of psychological tension and supernatural dread. The films narrative, focused on a paranormal podcast and its eerie investigations, taps into contemporary fascination with true crime and urban legends, while delivering original scares rooted in folklore. With Ian Tuason at the helm and A24s support, the future of the franchise looks promising, with potential for deepening the mythology surrounding Abyzou and expanding the unsettling world established in the first film.

For viewers intrigued by the films conclusion and eager to understand the origins and implications of Abyzous curse, subscribing to dedicated newsletters and following filmmaker interviews will provide valuable insights. These resources will offer focused analysis, sequel theories, and behind-the-scenes details that enrich the viewing experience and prepare audiences for the possible next chapters in the Undertone trilogy.

In summary, Ian Tuason has laid the groundwork for a horror saga that could span three films, exploring the disturbing effects of a demonic curse transmitted through enigmatic audio recordings. The blend of personal trauma, supernatural horror, and investigative intrigue in Undertone sets the stage for a compelling trilogy, contingent on the films continued success and audience demand. Fans of the genre should keep a close eye on developments as this chilling story unfolds.
Former co-star Jessi Draper defends Taylor Frankie Paul after 2023 incident, urging against judging someone's "darkest moment" on Call Her Daddy.

AceShowbiz - Taylor Frankie Pauls former co-star on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Jessi Draper, recently spoke out in defense of Paul following the public emergence of a domestic violence incident from 2023. Draper addressed the controversy during her appearance on Alex Coopers podcast Call Her Daddy on Wednesday.

Draper explained that while the cast was aware of the 2023 incident and the existence of a related video, none of them had actually seen the footage. It was like the police had had it and they talked about it and we all just were like, OK, she recalled, emphasizing how the situation remained largely private among those involved.

Expressing empathy, Draper said she prefers not to judge a person by their darkest moment but rather by their mistakes and subsequent growth. She described Paul as a real friend who has made significant changes since the incident. She does have a really good heart and I love her so much, Draper shared emotionally.

Discussing the impact of the video that surfaced, Draper acknowledged the pain underlying Pauls actions. Seeing that video is like so hard because it's just, there's so much pain underneath the surface for Taylor, she said. Draper stressed that the video does not reflect who Paul truly is, attributing the behavior to a really bad cycle.

She also mentioned the involvement of Pauls ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, in the situation, noting both parties made mistakes. Drapers focus remains on the well-being of the children involved, hoping the incident can serve as a wake-up call for everyone affected. I just want the kids to be safe and happy and healthy. That's all I really want for them right now, she said.

On March 19, a video showing a domestic violence incident between Paul and Mortensen was made public. The footage was originally bodycam video from Pauls 2023 arrest, which was also featured during the premiere of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Following the arrest, Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge. In response to the controversy, ABC removed Pauls upcoming season of The Bachelorette from its schedule.

Currently, Utah police are investigating a third alleged domestic violence incident involving Paul. This investigation began after Mortensen reported a new incident to the West Jordan Police Department in February 2024. While details are limited, NBC News has reported that officers are reviewing multiple videos related to the case.

At this stage, law enforcement has primarily heard Mortensens version of events but has also communicated with Pauls attorney. Authorities have requested that Paul either provide a written statement addressing the new allegations or appear in person for an interview.

Jessi Drapers comments highlight the complexities surrounding Pauls situation, emphasizing compassion and the hope for healing and safety, especially for the children involved. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will likely continue to unfold in the coming months.
Rediscover the Gentle Giant. New posthumous album "Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes" features unheard Don Williams recordings from 1979-1984.

AceShowbiz - Don Williams, affectionately known as the Gentle Giant for his soft-spoken demeanor and warm baritone voice, remains a beloved figure in country music from the 1970s and 1980s.

Williams topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart 17 times with hits like "You're My Best Friend," "I'm Just a Country Boy," "Tulsa Time," "I Believe in You," "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good," and "If Hollywood Don't Need You (Honey I Still Do)." All of these songs showcased his signature understated and intimate vocal style.

Nearly a decade after Williams' passing in 2017, a remarkable discovery has been made by Concord's catalog division, Craft Recordings. They are set to release Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes on May 29, a collection of previously unheard recordings made by Williams between 1979 and 1984.

The name Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes originates from the fact that these reel-to-reel tapes were literally found in the basement of Williams' family home in Tennessee. The original tapes were handed over to Garth Fundis, who was Williams' longtime co-producer. Fundis took on the task of finishing the recordings by bringing in former collaborators and some band members to complete and enhance the tracks, as some of the original recordings had started to degrade.

Key musicians involved in the restoration include bassist Joe Allen and drummer Kenny Malone, who helped fill in missing parts and enrich the sound, while remarkably, Williams' original vocal performances remained fully intact throughout the process.

According to Fundis, the songs were never released originally not because Williams was dissatisfied with them, but because they did not fit the overall tone of the albums he was working on at the time.

"Don liked every one of these songs," Fundis said in a statement. "I remember recording all of them, and all of them met his approval. He was very particular about the songs he recorded and the sound we created for each of them. If a song didn't make an album, it wasn't because he didn't like it. It's because of how the songs fit together to create an album. He'd be thrilled to know that people could hear him sing new songs they didn't know existed. Don would be proud of this album."

The first single released from the collection is "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight," which Billboard is premiering. This song features Williams' classic, unpretentious vocal style, telling the cinematic story of a runaway daughter who leaves home to be with a traveling man, causing grief for her parents.

The song's co-writer, Rodney Crowell, who wrote it alongside Donivan Cowart, praised Williams' version highly. The Oak Ridge Boys took the song to No. 1 in 1980, but Crowell said, "Don Williams' version of 'Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight' outshines my version by a mile. It brought me close to tears. I'm humbled by the simple truth and beauty of his performance. And sad that he's no longer with us. He was truly one of a kind."

Williams' son, Tim Williams, served as the executive producer of the new album. He reflected on the recordings, saying, "These songs dad recorded are - as music can be - a time machine. Obviously, I grew up always hearing what he was doing. He'd bring home three to four songs at a time from the album he was working on at different stages. In working on this project, we tried above all to stay true to how dad approached production, made much easier for me with Garth's involvement, and then just to stay out of the way of the music."

Country star Keith Urban, a longtime admirer of Williams, explained to Billboard what made Williams so special and why fans will be eager to experience the newly released material. "For me, the greatest male voice in country music has always been Don Williams," Urban said. "His albums are also among the finest examples of not only great songs, but superb record making. Raw, honest, and timeless. I'm particularly partial to the Garth Fundis and Don produced albums. What Don and Garth created together with those session players is unlike any other artist anywhere. Put on my No. 1 fave album of theirs, Portrait, ideally with killer headphones, turn off the lights, close your eyes, and you'll know exactly what I mean. You'll fall into a sonic spell truly unique in this songwriting and record-making town."

The liner notes for Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes include a quote from Ed Morris, former Billboard country editor, who referenced Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young's remarks upon Williams' 2010 induction. Young said, "Williams offered calm, beauty, and a sense of wistful peace that is in short supply these days. His music will forever be a balm in troublesome times. Everyone who makes country music with grace, intelligence, and ageless intent will do so while standing on the shoulders of this gentle giant."

The full tracklist for Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes includes:

1. Try Me Again

2. You Came True

3. I'm The One (Alternate Version)

4. Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight

5. I Wish I Was Crazy Again

6. I'm In Love For My Last Time

7. Spinning Around

8. A Matter Of Time

9. I'm The One (Original Version)

10. How Can I Miss What I Never Had

11. Goldy's Gone From Golden

12. Growing On Me

This collection offers fans a rare opportunity to hear new recordings from one of country music's most cherished voices, preserving Williams' legacy with fresh material that stays true to his distinctive style and artistic integrity.
Cyndi Lauper's husband, David Thornton, faces a civil lawsuit over allegations of enabling a violent assault by their son, Declyn Lauper.

AceShowbiz - David Thornton, actor and husband of Cyndi Lauper, is currently facing a civil lawsuit in New York City related to serious allegations involving their son, Declyn Lauper.

The lawsuit, obtained by Rolling Stone, was filed by an anonymous Jane Doe who accuses Declyn Lauper of committing a brutal sexual assault in November 2020. This case appears connected to a previous lawsuit filed against Declyn Lauper by the same Jane Doe in 2024, as both suits reference an incident occurring on November 9, 2020, at an apartment on Thompson Street in Manhattans SoHo neighborhood.

Jane Does earlier lawsuit against Declyn Lauper was scheduled for mediation last year. However, that process was interrupted when Cyndi Lauper filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy shortly before the hearing.

The new suit expands its scope by naming David Thornton as a defendant, accusing him of enabling the gender-motivated violence perpetrated against [Doe] by his son. The complaint alleges that Thornton provided Declyn with the apartment where the assault allegedly took place, without adequate supervision or restriction, despite being aware of his sons prior sexual violence against women.

A representative for Thornton did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Rolling Stone. Similarly, no comment was received from the lawyer representing Jane Doe.

According to the lawsuit, Doe was invited by Declyn Lauper to the SoHo apartment and was sent approximately $60 to cover transit expenses. Upon arrival, the suit claims there was a disagreement regarding a sexual act Declyn wanted Doe to perform. Doe then purportedly expressed a desire to leave due to feeling uncomfortable.

The complaint alleges that Declyn Lauper took Does cell phone to prevent her from leaving and threatened to break it if she refused to comply with his demands. When Doe tried to exit the bedroom, Declyn allegedly pushed her back onto his bed multiple times. On the third occasion, he allegedly held her down despite her requests to be released.

The suit further states that Declyn forcibly pressed his genitals over Does mouth while she warned him she would bite him. In response, Doe reportedly bit gently, which allegedly led Declyn to apply his body weight on her head and neck, pressing her into the bed. The assault allegedly stopped only after a pop sound was heard from Does neck and upper spine.

Following the incident, Doe claims that Declyn Lauper called her derogatory names including bitch and the n-word, and warned her that no one would believe her if she spoke about the assault. After leaving the apartment, Doe states that Declyn later called to apologize for what he had done. Despite subsequent attempts by Declyn to reconnect, Doe refused to see him again.

This case remains ongoing, with significant legal and personal ramifications for the family. The allegations bring to light serious accusations of sexual violence and potential enabling behavior by a parent, highlighting complex issues surrounding accountability and protection.
Rapper Desiigner arrested on domestic violence charges in South Carolina. Details on the alleged incident and his release on bond.

AceShowbiz - Sidney Royel Selby III, known professionally as Desiigner, was taken into custody earlier this week in South Carolina on charges related to domestic violence.

According to records from Horry County jail, Desiigner was booked on Monday, March 23, 2026, and subsequently released the next day after posting a $1,500 bond. The official charge against him is third-degree domestic violence.

An arrest report obtained from the Horry County Police Department and shared with Rolling Stone details that officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on March 3. However, Desiigner was not present when law enforcement arrived. The report alleges that he forcibly removed a pair of car keys from an unidentified victims pants and then threw her to the floor, causing minor injuries including bleeding and scratches.

Requests for comment from Desiigners representatives have not been returned at this time.

This is not the first time Desiigner has faced legal issues. In 2023, he was involved in a federal case concerning indecent exposure and disruptive conduct during a flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis. That case was resolved with Desiigner completing community service, paying a fine, and agreeing to two years of probation.

Earlier in his career, specifically in 2016, Desiigner was detained after a reported road-rage incident in New York City. The allegations included pointing a weapon at occupants of another vehicle, though the gun charge was eventually dropped.

These recent developments add to the ongoing legal challenges faced by Desiigner, whose career initially rose to prominence with his 2015 hit "Panda."
Climate change drives profound changes in oceans, with ocean acidification and sea level rise hitting marine ecosystems hard. These shifts disrupt habitats, food chains, and biodiversity, affecting everything from tiny plankton to massive whales. As oceans warm and expand, species face survival challenges that ripple across global food systems.

Ocean Acidification Basics

Oceans soak up roughly a quarter of human-produced CO2, sparking ocean acidification that lowers water pH. This reaction creates carbonic acid, which strips away carbonate ions essential for building shells and skeletons in marine life. Corals, oysters, and pteropodssmall sea snailsstruggle most, as their calcium carbonate structures dissolve in acidic conditions.

Plankton at the ocean's base form the foundation of marine ecosystems, feeding fish, squid, and seabirds. When acidification thins their shells, populations crash, starving higher food chain levels. Tropical coral reefs, nurseries for a quarter of all ocean species, bleach and crumble faster, losing their protective barriers against waves. Warmer waters from climate change worsen this, turning vibrant ecosystems into barren underwater deserts.

Research from the IPCC highlights how these chemical changes alter ocean chemistry faster than at any point in millions of years. Marine ecosystems shift toward acid-tolerant species, but the transition devastates fisheries worth billions annually. Salmon and herring, key prey for orcas, suffer as pteropod numbers plummet in acidic waters off Alaska and Norway.

Shellfish farms in the Pacific Northwest report larval die-offs, forcing hatcheries to bubble CO2 out of seawater. This patchwork fix underscores the scale: without broader emission cuts, ocean acidification accelerates, threatening protein sources for billions. Marine ecosystems adapt slowly, leaving cold-water corals and deep-sea sponges vulnerable to pH drops projected by 2050.

Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life

Ocean acidification directly hammers calcifying organisms, from mussels to sea urchins. Lab studies show adult oysters survive but produce weak offspring, slashing recruitment into populations. In marine ecosystems, this cascades: fish that rely on shellfish dwindle, pulling down predators like sharks and tuna.

Coral polyps, the architects of reefs, deposit less skeleton in acidic seas, slowing reef growth by up to 40%. Bleaching events, triggered by heat stress, compound the damagereefs recover slower without structural integrity. Over 500 million people depend on reef fish for food; as ecosystems degrade, malnutrition rises in coastal communities.

Pteropods fuel Antarctic food webs, sustaining krill and whales. Acidification dissolves their shells within days in simulated future oceans, starving baleen whales already pressured by ship strikes. Tropical species like parrotfish erode faster too, disrupting the grazing that keeps algae in check on reefs.

A NOAA report details how these changes hit U.S. coasts, with Dungeness crab larvae failing in acidic upwellings. Marine ecosystems face "tipping points" where small pH shifts trigger massive biodiversity loss. Jawless fish and echinoderms show behavioral changes, avoiding acidic zones and fragmenting habitats further.

Sea Level Rise Impacts

Sea level rise, averaging 3.7 millimeters yearly, stems from melting ice sheets and warmer water expansion. Coastal squeeze buries marshes and mangroves under saltwater, erasing nurseries for shrimp, crabs, and juvenile fish. Estuaries, biodiversity hotspots, turn hypersaline, killing mangroves that sequester carbon and shield shores.

Storms pack more punch on elevated seas, scouring beaches and inundating low-lying atolls. Pacific islands lose habitable land, displacing communities reliant on nearshore fishing. Marine ecosystems migrate upslope, but hard barriers like seawalls block them, concentrating species and sparking competition.

Freshwater inflows drop as rising seas push brackish zones inland, altering nutrient delivery. Seagrass meadows, vital for manatees and dugongs, drown or overheat, releasing stored carbon back to the atmosphere. Global models predict 20-30% mangrove loss by 2050, hammering bird and fish populations.

Erosion exposes sediments, clouding waters and smothering filter feeders like clams. Sea level rise pairs with acidification to weaken reefs doublywaves topple fragile structures, accelerating collapse. Fisheries in Southeast Asia, feeding 60% of the region's protein, face 20-50% yield drops from habitat loss.

How Sea Level Rise Affects Marine Ecosystems

Rising seas fragment marine ecosystems in several key ways:

Habitat Loss for Coastal Species: Sea level rise drowns mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, shrinking nurseries for fish, crabs, and shrimp. These zones, critical to marine ecosystems, lose space to inland migration, blocked by human development. Saltwater Intrusion into Estuaries: Rising waters push saltwater farther inland, killing freshwater-dependent species and altering salinity in breeding grounds. This disrupts nutrient cycles and food webs supporting juvenile marine life. Erosion of Beaches and Reefs: Waves erode nesting beaches and topple coral structures, reducing shelter for reef fish and exposing sediments that smother filter feeders. Marine ecosystems fragment as protective barriers weaken. Increased Storm Impacts: Higher seas amplify flooding and surge damage, destroying intertidal habitats and spreading diseases. Biodiversity drops as species fail to recover between intensified events.

Wetland loss disrupts carbon cyclesmangroves store five times more carbon per acre than rainforests. Their decline amplifies warming, creating feedback loops with ocean acidification. Algal blooms explode in nutrient-rich, low-oxygen dead zones, killing fish en masse from the Gulf of Mexico to the Baltic Sea.

Poleward migrations strain fisheries: cod vanish from traditional grounds, overwhelming southern stocks. Marine ecosystems lose resilience as invasive species hitch rides on shifting currents. Heatwaves bake exposed intertidal zones, cooking mussels and anemones adapted to stable tides.

An EEA publication maps Europe's coasts, showing saltmarsh conversion to mudflats that support fewer species. Global marine ecosystems face "regime shifts," where stable states flip irreversibly, like the Black Sea's jellyfish takeover.

Which Marine Animals Face the Greatest Risks

Loggerhead Sea Turtles: Nesting beaches erode, drowning eggs and skewing hatchling sex ratios toward females from hotter sands.

Nesting beaches erode, drowning eggs and skewing hatchling sex ratios toward females from hotter sands. Corals and Reef Fish: Reefs bleach and collapse under wave exposure, starving species like parrotfish and groupers that depend on complex structures.

Reefs bleach and collapse under wave exposure, starving species like parrotfish and groupers that depend on complex structures. Narwhals and Polar Seals: Arctic ice platforms vanish, limiting hunting and breeding grounds amid rapid sea level shifts.

Arctic ice platforms vanish, limiting hunting and breeding grounds amid rapid sea level shifts. Hawaiian Monk Seals: Foraging habitats flood, concentrating competition and exposing pups to predators on shrinking shores.

Foraging habitats flood, concentrating competition and exposing pups to predators on shrinking shores. Krill and Baleen Whales: Ocean currents shift prey distributions, starving whales as foundational plankton declines.

Polar cod and narwhals lose under-ice hunting grounds as Arctic sea ice thins. Tropical tuna chase cooler waters, depleting equatorial stocks and upending island economies. Sea turtles nest on eroding beacheshatchlings drown or face hotter sands skewing sex ratios female-heavy.

Sharks like hammerheads roam farther for prey, tangling in ghost nets from disrupted fisheries. Whales beach more frequently, disoriented by sound-scarred acidic sound channels. Deep-sea squids rise with expanding oxygen minimum zones, altering midwater dynamics.

Strategies to Protect Marine Ecosystems

Restore Blue Carbon Habitats: Replant mangroves and seagrasses to buffer coasts, sequester CO2, and maintain nurseries against sea level rise.

Replant mangroves and seagrasses to buffer coasts, sequester CO2, and maintain nurseries against sea level rise. Establish Marine Protected Areas: Designate no-take zones for reefs and estuaries to boost resilience and allow species migration.

Designate no-take zones for reefs and estuaries to boost resilience and allow species migration. Cut Carbon Emissions: Slow sea level rise through renewables, reducing acidification and warming pressures on marine ecosystems.

Slow sea level rise through renewables, reducing acidification and warming pressures on marine ecosystems. Sustainable Fisheries Management: Enforce quotas and gear limits to prevent overfishing in shifting habitats.

Enforce quotas and gear limits to prevent overfishing in shifting habitats. Community Beach Restoration: Combat erosion with natural barriers and monitoring to safeguard nesting sites.

Emission reductions target root causes: renewables and electrification slow sea level rise and acidification. Acid-resistant oyster strains from selective breeding thrive in hatcheries, offering hope for aquaculture. Early warning systems track pH shifts, guiding fishery quotas.

International pacts like the UN Ocean Decade coordinate monitoring of deep-sea vents, acidification labs. Local bans on coastal hardening preserve migration corridors. Innovation in kelp farming draws down carbon while feeding herbivores.

Key Paths Forward for Ocean Recovery

Marine ecosystems underpin human well-being, storing 25% of anthropogenic CO2 and supplying 17% of global protein. Ocean acidification and sea level rise demand immediate halts to deforestation and fossil fuels. Coordinated restoration and protection can stabilize these waters for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes ocean acidification?

Oceans absorb excess CO2 from the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid that lowers pH levels and harms shell-building marine life like corals and shellfish.

2. How does sea level rise impact marine habitats?

Rising seas drown mangroves and marshes, erode reefs, and intrude saltwater into estuaries, fragmenting nurseries for fish and crabs in marine ecosystems.

3. Which animals suffer most from these changes?

Sea turtles lose nesting beaches, corals bleach en masse, and whales starve from krill declines, with polar species like narwhals facing vanishing ice platforms.
Sublime returns with first album since 1996. Jakob Nowell, son of late frontman Bradley, steps into lead vocalist role for 'Until the Sun Explodes'.

AceShowbiz - After three decades, Sublime is set to release their first new album since 1996, titled Until the Sun Explodes, arriving on June 12. This record marks a significant moment as Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, steps into the role of lead vocalist alongside founding members Eric Wilson on bass and Bud Gaugh on drums. Jakob initially expected only a limited role with the band when he joined in 2023, but he found himself increasingly involved in the project.

"It's kind of like being a drug addict," Jakob reflects, describing his gradual immersion. Having achieved sobriety in 2017, he likens his commitment to the band to a slippery slope: what started as singing on one song turned into joining the band and eventually writing new material. "And so I'm like, God, where am I? What am I doing?" he laughs.

Despite the album being released under the iconic Sublime name and closely capturing the bands signature sound, Jakob is careful to distinguish this new effort from the original 1996 self-titled album. "The last true Sublime record will be [1996's] self-titled, hands down, period," he states firmly, viewing Until the Sun Explodes as an epilogue to the bands storied legacy. Jakob also maintains a solo career under the name Jakobs Castle.

The album features notable guest appearances, including contributions from H.R. of Bad Brains, Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge, and G Love, as well as collaborations with FIDLAR and Australian surf-rock band Skegss. The lead single and title track debuted alongside a music video shot in iconic Long Beach locations significant to Sublimes history. The video also features professional skaters Christian Hosoi and Omar Hassan.

Already making waves, the albums opening song, "Ensenada," dominated Billboards Alternative Airplay chart for two consecutive months in 2025, holding the Number One position longer than any other track that year. This early success has generated significant anticipation for the full album.

Bud Gaugh, who had a brief stint playing with Wilson in the former Sublime With Rome project, praises the chemistry he found with Jakob from their first rehearsal. "From day one, it seemed way more natural than anything we had done previously," he says. "The chemistry and the sound - it was all there. It really brought me back to the mid-Nineties with Brad."

Eric Wilson adds, "He totally reminds me of a sober version of Brad." Gaugh also highlights Jakobs songwriting as a direct continuation of Bradley Nowells style, which often chronicled his daily life and social issues such as the L.A. riots. Jakob applies the same approach by writing about current events and personal experiences, which impressed Gaugh deeply. "Jake took that same recipe and started writing about things that were happening in his life, in our lives, right now," he explains. "That really impressed me - the way he caught onto that and followed that prescription."

Jakob, guitarist Zayno, and producer Jon Joseph undertook meticulous research during the albums creation. They catalogued every chord progression, lyrical motif, sonic texture, and stylistic element from Sublimes past works, even creating Venn diagrams and spreadsheets to determine what was essential to the bands sound. Jakob admits the process might sound contrived, but emphasizes that it was a fun and creative exercise rather than a rigid rulebook. Their strategy was to first learn the book, and then burn the book, allowing them to both respect and innovate on the bands legacy.

The secret to capturing the essence of Sublime was embracing the spontaneous, wild energy that defined their early days. Jakob sought to replicate that feeling of making music with friends through long nights of creativity. On the track "Evil Men," he pushed himself to an extreme, staying awake for days to reach a trance-like state conducive to free-styling the song. "I don't get high no more," he explains, "so I was like, fuck, I need to get into some kind of altered state to commune with the gods."

Throughout the albums creation, Jakob kept his late father in mind. "It's all for him," he says. "I wouldn't be here doing this if not for him. And I'd prefer it would be him doing it." Gaugh echoes this sentiment, suggesting that if Bradley were still alive, the band might have been writing new material with Jakob contributing as a guest rather than the new frontman. "If Bradley were here, we would have probably been writing material as Sublime and then had Jake come and guest on a few songs," Gaugh says. "I am certain of that."

The albums release comes just one month before the 30th anniversary of Sublime. To celebrate, the band plans to perform the entire new album live at two upcoming shows at Red Rocks in April. Additionally, they are launching a traveling festival this spring and organizing a branded cruise departing Miami in the fall, extending the Sublime experience beyond traditional concerts.

Eric Wilson reflects on the unexpected journey leading to this point. "I never thought I was gonna be 56 years old," he admits. "If I would've known that I was going to be 56, I'd probably take better care of myself." His words underscore the passage of time and the enduring impact of the bands music.

With Until the Sun Explodes, Sublime introduces a new chapter that honors the past while forging ahead with fresh energy and vision. Jakob Nowells involvement brings a deeply personal connection to the project, intertwining legacy, creativity, and the spirit of an iconic band reborn for a new generation.
Disney's new K-Drama The Koreans is a Korean adaptation of the hit spy series The Americans. Discover the twist in this global content boom.

AceShowbiz - In recent years, the global audiences fascination with Korean television and especially K-Dramas has surged dramatically. The overwhelming success of Netflixs Squid Game, which became the platform's most-watched series ever, highlighted this trend to the world. Streaming services are now eager to develop Korean dramas that resonate with audiences worldwide, with Disney among the major players expanding its Korean content offerings. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery also announced a collaboration with South Koreas CJ ENM to tap into this booming market.

Following this momentum, Disney has revealed an intriguing new project that will captivate long-time TV fans and K-Drama enthusiasts alike. Production has officially started on a Korean adaptation titled The Koreans, a reimagining of the critically acclaimed FX series The Americans, which originally aired for 75 episodes before concluding in 2018.

The key twist in The Koreans is its fresh setting and cultural context. Instead of focusing on Russian spies posing as an American family during the Cold War, this remake will center on North Korean spies covertly living in South Korea during the 1990s. The series stars Lee Byung-hun (known for No Other Choice and Squid Game) and Han Ji-min (star of Heavenly Ever After) as the lead undercover agents.

Eric Schrier, who developed the original The Americans and now serves as Disney's head of international local originals, shared his excitement about the project in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Although initially apprehensive about remaking such an iconic series, Schrier was convinced by the passionate Korean team. He emphasized that the divided nature of Korea provides a uniquely relevant cultural backdrop, making the story especially meaningful for local audiencesthe primary focus of Disneys local original content strategy.

While the original creators of The Americans have chosen not to participate in the remake, they remain interested and plan to visit the production set. The director attached to The Koreans is Ahn Gilho, who previously worked on Netflixs The Glory. The scripts are penned by Park Eunkyo, known for writing Made In Korea and Mother.

Set against the transformative wave of democratization and cultural modernization in South Korea during the early 1990s, The Koreans will explore the lives of a seemingly ordinary middle-class family harboring a dangerous secret. To their friends, neighbors, and children, they appear typical, but the parents are in fact elite North Korean spies embedded to undermine South Korea from within.

The series will delve into the emotional complexity of these characters, exploring themes of patriotism, loyalty, identity, and love, as they navigate their double lives. Meanwhile, a relentless Korean counterintelligence agent closes in on uncovering their true identities, intensifying the suspense. This setting not only highlights the political and ideological divide between North and South Korea but also explores the personal and familial dynamics shaped by this division.

Carol Choi, Disneys Executive Vice President of Content Strategy and Marketing for the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted what sets this remake apart from other geopolitical spy thrillers currently on the market. She noted that the focus on the couple and family dynamicscombining drama and humor as the two spies live as husband and wifeoffers a fresh and relatable angle. This narrative is expected to resonate strongly with Korean viewers. Choi also pointed out that securing Lee Byung-hun for the lead role is a major win for the project.

Disney has confirmed that The Koreans will be available exclusively on Disney+ for international audiences and on Hulu in the United States. The original FX series The Americans ran for six seasons, but the number of seasons planned for The Koreans has not yet been announced. The success of this remake could pave the way for further international adaptations, capitalizing on unique historical espionage stories from various regions around the world.

As streaming giants continue to invest heavily in local content tailored for global markets, The Koreans stands out as a bold move by Disney to blend a beloved American espionage drama with the cultural significance and historical context of the Korean Peninsula. Fans of the original series and K-Dramas alike will be watching closely as production progresses and the premiere date approaches.

This announcement comes amidst a larger push by Disney to expand its original content slate. The company has also revealed its upcoming releases and additions to Disney+ for April 2026, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to diverse programming across genres and regions.

In summary, The Koreans promises to be a compelling series that marries intense spy thriller elements with rich cultural storytelling. With strong leads, an experienced creative team, and a unique historical context, the show aims to capture the hearts of both longtime espionage drama fans and new viewers drawn to Korean narratives.
Anne Hathaway & Meryl Streep reveal the intense frenzy of filming The Devil Wears Prada sequel, from police barriers to swarming paparazzi.

AceShowbiz - In the highly anticipated return to The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep have opened up about the intense experience of filming the sequel two decades after the original. In a recent cover story for Harper's Bazaar, the actresses detailed how the production was met with overwhelming public and media attention, requiring extensive crowd control measures.

Hathaway reflected on the stark contrast between the original films release and the current sequel, emphasizing that this time around, they were very much "in view." "Even though we were aware of the impact of the first film two decades ago, I think none of us were prepared for the ambush of both goodwill and avid attention that engulfed us," Streep explained.

The star revealed that the frenzy was so intense that the production needed police barriers and crowd control. Fans arrived in buses, and paparazzi swarmed the set to the point of disrupting filming. In one incident, paparazzi interfered with the camera shots and even clashed with crew members. Streep admitted that while Hathaway remained calm, she herself felt unnerved by the chaos.

One major difference in filming the sequel, compared to the original, was the attitude of fashion brands towards the production. Whereas fashion houses were initially reluctant to lend clothing for the first movie, this time the cast had the opportunity to attend real fashion events. Notably, Streep appeared in character as Miranda Priestly at Milan Fashion Weeks Dolce & Gabbana show alongside co-star Stanley Tucci.

Streep was struck by the youthful and alarmingly thin models, commenting that she had assumed such issues had been addressed years ago. "Annie clocked it too," she said, referring to Hathaway, who immediately raised concerns with the producers to ensure that the models featured in the films fashion show would not be as skeletal. Streep praised her co-star as a stand-up girl for taking swift action.

The intense media environment extended to the filming locations. On August 20, videos surfaced on social media showing Hathaway and Tucci requesting paparazzi to step back while shooting a scene in Central Park. During filming, Hathaway experienced a fall down a set of stairs, an incident she later shared with humor on social media. She posted a clip comparing the fall to a memorable tumble from her earlier film, The Princess Diaries, captioning it, "Twenty years later, still falling for you."

Despite the lighthearted response, Hathaway explained her quick reaction during the fall. Aware of the cameras and concerned for the crews reactions, she got up promptly to reassure everyone she was fine. Privately, however, she joked to director David Frankel, "Oh no. I'm news."

The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada brings back Hathaway, Streep, Emily Blunt, and Tucci reprising their original roles, with a planned release date of May 1. Director Frankel told Harper's Bazaar that the story reflects the characters lives 20 years later, at different stages in their careers, amid a drastically changed media landscape.

"Andy has had a career in journalism that mirrors a lot of people's experiences in journalism these days," Frankel said. He described the film as focusing on a woman in her 40s learning to accept the world as it is, rather than the world she wishes existed.

Alongside the excitement around the The Devil Wears Prada sequel, Hathaway also revealed plans to return for a third installment of The Princess Diaries. She acknowledged the lasting impact these iconic roles have had on her fans over the years.

Hathaway shared, "I feel like I was, like, everybody's babysitter. And I was a child when I made The Princess Diaries. I was still a 22-year-old mess of a human when I made The Devil Wears Prada. And so, we've grown up together." She expressed joy in seeing how fans lives have progressed, mentioning she receives graduation announcements and wedding invitations from them. However, she joked about not being as organized as a celebrity like Taylor Swift to engage with all these life events personally.

This glimpse into the filming challenges and personal reflections of the cast highlights the enduring popularity of The Devil Wears Prada and the excitement surrounding its sequel. The combination of nostalgic appeal and contemporary themes promises to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences when the film premieres next spring.
Sofia Richie and husband Elliot Grainge welcome their second child, expanding their family. Details on the new baby's name and birth are yet to be shared.

AceShowbiz - Sofia Richie and her husband, Elliot Grainge, have joyfully welcomed their second child. The couple, who already share a daughter named Eloise, have expanded their family with the arrival of their newest baby.

The news marks another special milestone for Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge, who continue to build their life together as parents. While details about the new babys name and birth date have not been publicly disclosed yet, fans and followers are excited to celebrate this happy occasion.

This addition to their family highlights a new chapter for Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge, who have maintained a relatively private personal life amid their public careers. The couples growing family will surely remain a focus of joy and love in the coming months.

As they adjust to life with two children, Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge are likely to share more glimpses of their family journey with supporters in the future. For now, the couple is enjoying the precious moments that come with welcoming a newborn into their home alongside their daughter Eloise.

The arrival of their second child adds to the couple's ongoing story of love and parenthood, and fans will be eager to follow updates about their expanding family in the weeks ahead.
Vallejo rapper LaRussell faces backlash for "Heaven Sent" lyrics. His mother organizes a rally in support amid the controversy over his provocative track.

AceShowbiz - LaRussells recent release, Heaven Sent, has sparked significant backlash online, prompting his mother to organize a rally in his support.

The Vallejo rappers track controversially referred to figures like Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Adolf Hitler as heaven-sent, while also mentioning Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Kanye West. This combination quickly drew sharp criticism from listeners and commentators who felt these comparisons were inappropriate.

Adding to the tension, LaRussell revealed that his engineer advised against releasing the song, but he chose to proceed anyway. He even posted the track with a caption highlighting the engineers warning, which intensified the publics reaction.

In response to the growing online hostility, LaRussells mother, Yvette McDonald, has stepped forward by planning a Rally For LaRussell. This event is scheduled for March 25 at 2:00 PM in South Vallejo. The rally aims to show solidarity with the rapper during this difficult period.

Despite his attempts to clarify the songs message, LaRussells explanations have not quelled the controversy. In a five-minute video, he argued that people misunderstood his intentions, stating that his point was about God creating everyone, including those who have done evil. He strongly defended his artistic freedom, insisting he will keep his work unchanged.

The situation escalated further when accusations surfaced that LaRussell was blocking critics on social media, including artist Aja Monet and rapper Mickey Factz. The latter even joked about the block button being heaven-sent.

Following the mounting pressure, LaRussell decided to deactivate both his X and Instagram accounts, announcing a temporary retreat from social media. He plans to return when he feels ready, leaving the track available on streaming platforms despite the controversy.

While LaRussell takes a step back from the public eye, his supporters and his mother remain vocal in their support, rallying to defend his artistic choices and personal resilience amid the backlash.
Marvel's Phase 7 delayed as MCU focuses on Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars. RDJ returns as Doctor Doom. The next era begins after 2028.

AceShowbiz - Looking ahead, fans will face a longer wait before the arrival of Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 7. Marvel Studios, led by Kevin Feige, is currently focused on concluding the Multiverse Saga, beginning with Avengers: Doomsday at the end of 2026. This film, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, promises the return of iconic actors Chris Evans as Captain America and Robert Downey Jr. taking on the role of Doctor Doom.

The saga will reach its grand finale with Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for release in December 2027, marking the end of this chapter of the MCU. However, just as with the Infinity Saga before it, Marvel already has plans in place for what lies beyond Secret Wars. While no official announcements have been made regarding Phase 7s projects, it is widely believed that Marvel has mapped out which characters and films will form the foundation of the MCUs next era following 2028.

Unfortunately for eager fans, Phase 7s rollout has been quietly postponed. Originally, the new MCU era was expected to begin shortly after Avengers: Secret Wars with an untitled movie scheduled for February 18, 2028. This film was intended to kick off the post-Multiverse Saga timeline. However, Marvels updated release schedule has removed this February date and replaced it with a new release set for July 28, 2028.

It remains unclear whether this July release is simply the delayed February movie or an entirely new project. Titles speculated for this timeframe include potential sequels like Shang-Chi 2, a reboot of the X-Men franchise, or Black Panther 3 featuring Denzel Washington. Whatever the case, this shift means Phase 7 will officially start later than originally planned, creating a wider gap between the conclusion of Secret Wars and the next MCU chapters debut.

While the delay might frustrate those eager to dive into Phase 7 immediately after the Multiverse Saga, the decision makes a lot of sense from a storytelling perspective. After the Infinity Saga, Marvel Studios experienced a significant break before launching the Multiverse Saga, partly due to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. One could argue that a longer hiatus following Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home would have underscored the end of that era even more effectively.

In contrast, the Multiverse Sagas end with Avengers: Secret Wars calls for a more measured transition. Unlike Endgame, which concluded a major chapter, Secret Wars is expected to reset the MCU and plant seeds for future storylines. A seven-month gap between the sagas finale and the next phases beginning strikes an optimal balance: it allows enough time to delineate the eras while keeping the momentum and narrative threads fresh for audiences.

This approach also helps maintain audience engagement without risking key plotlines being forgotten during a prolonged break. Marvel Studios appears keen on turning the page thoughtfully, making sure Phase 7 launches with strong momentum and clear connections to the resetting events of Secret Wars.

To recap, Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, kicking off the final phase of the Multiverse Saga. The saga will culminate with Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027. Then, Phase 7s first film, originally slated for February 2028, has now been pushed to a summer release on July 28, 2028, marking an official delay but a strategically sound one.

Marvel fans can expect this new phase to feature fresh stories and characters that will build on the foundation laid by the Multiverse Sagas conclusion. While specifics remain under wraps, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the MCUs ever-expanding universe.

What are your thoughts on this delay? Join the conversation and share your predictions for Phase 7s lineup in the ComicBook Forum!
From bestselling author Kirsty Greenwood: A romance novelist's fictional cowboy villain leaps off the page, determined to rewrite his story. Amazon MGM Studi...

AceShowbiz - Amazon MGM Studios has secured the film rights to Romantic Hero, a novel by bestselling author Kirsty Greenwood. The adaptation will be produced by Jennifer Salke and Matt Milam under their Sullivan Street Productions banner.

The screenplay adaptation will be handled by Peter Chiarelli, known for writing the hit film "The Proposal." The story of Romantic Hero revolves around a heartbroken romance novelist struggling with writer's block. Her fictional notorious cowboy villain unexpectedly appears in reality, determined to change his story and achieve his own happy ending.

Katy Saindon is managing the project for Sullivan Street Productions. Greenwoods work is recognized for speculative romantic comedies, with her novel "The Love of My Afterlife" highlighted as a Good Morning America Book Club pick. Her books have been translated into over 25 languages. Originally from Oldham, England, Greenwood now resides in London, where she is developing new novels and a musical.

Salke leads Sullivan Street Productions and holds a multi-year first-look producing deal with Amazon. She previously served as head of Amazon MGM Studios, overseeing global development, production, acquisitions, and distribution across film and television.

Chiarelli co-wrote Warner Brothers blockbuster "Crazy Rich Asians" and is currently writing the next "Charlies Angels" film for Sony. He also shares a co-story credit on Sony Pictures Animations recent release "GOAT." His notable work includes the screenplay for "The Proposal," which he sold to Disney after writing it on spec. Before screenwriting, he worked as a production executive for Alex Kurtzman and the late Bob Orci.

Greenwood is represented by CAA and Hannah Todd at Janklow Agency, while Chiarelli is represented by UTA, Mosaic, and Yorn Levine. The Hollywood Reporter was first to announce this development.
Steve Burton exits as Jason Morgan on General Hospital. Find out why he left and when he plans to return to the ABC soap this summer.

AceShowbiz - Fans of General Hospital received confirmation that Steve Burton has officially left his role as Jason Morgan, marking the end of his latest stint on the ABC soap opera. Viewers had been eagerly awaiting the characters exit for weeks, following Burtons announcement in February that he would be taking a brief hiatus from the show.

Burton had shared on Instagram and his podcast that the break was to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton, and their family. Despite this departure, the actor reassured fans that he plans to return to General Hospital sometime this summer.

Jason Morgans storyline had been intense in the days leading up to his exit, culminating in the March 25 episode where Burton finally bowed out of the narrative. The character had been orchestrating a plan to escape with Britt Westbourne, played by Kelly Thiebaud, aiming to free her from the control of Jenz Sidwell and Ross Cullum. These antagonists had forced Britt to investigate Cesar Faisons cold fusion project, placing her in grave danger.

The plan began to unravel during the March 20 episode when Marco Rios, portrayed by Adrian Anchondo, managed to steal Britt's Huntingtons disease medication from a secure safe at Wyndemere. Ross Cullum discovered this betrayal and killed Marco while he was at the Miller and Davis law offices.

Following this, Cullum confronted Britt at the pier where she was supposed to meet Jason. A violent struggle ensued, and Britt was knocked unconscious after hitting her head on a storage container. Jason arrived swiftly and engaged in a fierce fight with Cullum, who was armed with a gun. The weapon was disarmed, but Cullum then wielded an iron rod, preparing to strike Jason.

Fortunately, Rocco Falconeri, played by Finn Carr, had been nearby and seized the moment to shoot Cullum in the back, saving Jason from a potentially fatal blow. The scene escalated rapidly as Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) arrived, quickly surmising that Jason would take responsibility for Cullums shooting to protect Rocco from legal consequences.

Rocco was escorted to his mother Lulu Spencers home, while Jason was taken into custody by Dante Falconeri, portrayed by Dominic Zamprogna. After intense questioning, WSB agents including Jack Brennan and others arrived at the police station to inform that Jason was being extradited to an undisclosed facility to await trial for the shooting incident.

During a separate scene, Jack Brennan and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) spoke with Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), indicating that Jason would likely never be seen again by his loved ones. However, fans familiar with Burtons plans know that this is a temporary storyline development, as the actor is expected to return around July.

Valentin has agreed to assist Carly in exposing Ross Cullums double-agent status, which could help clear Jasons name. This effort may also involve Britt and Josslyn Jacks, played by Eden McCoy, as they seek to prove Jasons innocence and facilitate his return to Port Charles.

The emotional climax of the March 25 episode showed Jason leaving the police station in a WSB transport van while his son, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), watched tearfully. Despite the bleak outlook for Jason in the storyline, it is widely anticipated that his absence will last only a few months before he reappears on the show.

For now, fans are left to speculate on the circumstances under which Jason Morgan will make his dramatic comeback to General Hospital, keeping viewers engaged and eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this enduring soap opera saga.

Stay tuned to CDL for the latest General Hospital spoilers, news, and updates as the story continues to unfold.
Jim Carrey's French speech at the Cesar Awards sparked wild clone & impostor conspiracy theories, forcing an official denial.

AceShowbiz - Jim Carrey was in Paris last week to accept an honorary Cesar Award, one of Frances most prestigious film honors. The celebrated comedian delivered his acceptance speech entirely in French, marking a heartfelt and memorable moment at the ceremony.

Despite the genuine nature of his appearance, rumors quickly spread online claiming that it was not truly Jim Carrey who attended, but instead an impostor, a clone, or even a drag impersonator wearing elaborate makeup. These conspiracy theories gained traction despite the straightforward reality of the event.

Such speculation seemed somewhat plausible to some, given Carreys reputation for high-concept humor and his infrequent public appearances. However, the rumors escalated to the point where both the actors publicist and representatives from the Cesar Awards had to publicly clarify the situation.

Marleah Leslie, Carreys publicist, issued a concise statement to Rolling Stone, confirming that "Jim Carrey attended the Cesar Awards, where he accepted his Honorary Cesar Award." This statement aimed to put to rest any doubts about the actors presence at the ceremony.

Adding further confirmation, Gregory Caulier, the general delegate of the Cesar Awards, described the conspiracy theories as a "non-issue" in a statement to Variety. He emphasized that Carreys attendance was a significant and historic occasion for the academy.

Caulier revealed that Carrey had planned to attend the event since the previous summer and was deeply moved by the invitation. He noted that the actor had spent months preparing his speech in French, working with Caulier himself to perfect the pronunciation of certain words.

Carrey arrived in Paris accompanied by his partner, daughter, grandson, and a close group of 12 friends and family members. His longtime publicist was also present, along with his old friend and director Michel Gondry, who has collaborated with Carrey on a film and two series. Caulier fondly recalled the warmth, generosity, and elegance displayed by Carrey throughout the event.

The rumors about the fake Carrey began circulating on social media shortly after the awards, triggered by some observations about his appearance. While many posts were intended as jokes, others were designed to generate engagement by spinning elaborate theories. One notable viral post referenced an old clip of Carrey saying, "I dont exist," though the original context was about acting, celebrity culture, and the creation of a public persona.

Ultimately, the truth remains clear: Jim Carrey was physically present to proudly accept his honorary Cesar Award in Paris, delivering a unique and sincere tribute to French cinema and culture, dispelling any doubts about impostors or clones.
Berlin Film Festival 2027 shifts to a Wednesday start & Friday awards. Explore the schedule changes and the political legacy shaping the 77th edition.

AceShowbiz - The upcoming 77th edition of the Berlin Film Festival is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 21, 2027. This marks a shift from previous years, as the festival will now open on a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday start.

Along with the new opening day, the festival's official awards ceremony will be held on the second Friday of the event, February 19, rather than the usual Saturday slot. This change aims to refresh the festivals schedule and possibly enhance audience engagement during the awards night.

The announcement of the 2027 dates follows a turbulent 76th festival edition. The previous year was overshadowed by controversy sparked by jury president Wim Wenders, whose comments urging filmmakers to "stay out of politics" in response to questions about the Israel-Gaza conflict drew significant media attention.

Additionally, the 2026 closing ceremony featured several pro-Palestinian speeches that generated political backlash, contributing to a tense atmosphere around the event. The turmoil nearly led to the departure of festival director Tricia Tuttle, though she ultimately remained in her position.

Despite these challenges, the Berlinale continues to be a major highlight on the international film calendar. The adjustments for 2027 reflect the festivals ongoing efforts to evolve and respond to both internal and external factors impacting its operations and reputation.
Earthquakes strike without mercy in seismic zones worldwide, from California's San Andreas Fault to Japan's subduction zones. This comprehensive guide dives into Richter scale mechanics, aftershock preparation, and practical steps to safeguard lives and property. Preparation bridges the gap between panic and protection, turning unpredictable events into manageable risks.

Understanding Seismic Zones and Richter Scale

Seismic zones define high-risk areas where tectonic plates grind, building stress that releases as quakes. The Pacific Ring of Fire dominates, looping through Japan, Indonesia, and the U.S. West Coast. These regions log thousands of tremors yearly, from minor rumbles to catastrophic ruptures.

The Richter scale quantifies magnitude logarithmicallya 6.0 quake unleashes roughly 31 times more energy than a 5.0, and a 7.0 equals about 1,000 times a 6.0. Ground acceleration peaks at higher numbers: 8.0+ events like the 2011 Tohoku disaster (9.0) generate forces exceeding 1g, flipping cars and liquefying soil. Shaking duration matters too10 seconds at magnitude 7.0 rivals a brief 8.5 in felt intensity.

Local hazard maps from USGS classify zones: low (under 4.0 frequent), moderate, high, and extreme. Historical data reveals patterns; the 1906 San Francisco quake (7.9) reshaped building practices. Residents map faults nearby, note soil typesoft ground amplifies wavesand track frequency via apps. Awareness informs every decision, from home buys to drills.

Aftershocks, 1/10th to 1/3rd the mainshock's size, strike clustered in the first week. They destabilize debris, spark fires, and trigger landslides. Preparation mindset shifts from reaction to anticipation.

Building Codes That Withstand Shakes

Earthquake engineering transforms rigid structures into flexible survivors. Codes mandate designs absorbing Richter scale forces without total failure.

Base isolation systems: Rubber bearings or sliding pads under foundations decouple buildings from shaking ground, reducing sway by 80%.

Rubber bearings or sliding pads under foundations decouple buildings from shaking ground, reducing sway by 80%. Shear walls and cores: Reinforced concrete panels channel lateral forces vertically, preventing pancake collapses common in older masonry.

Reinforced concrete panels channel lateral forces vertically, preventing pancake collapses common in older masonry. Moment-resisting frames: Steel beams and columns with flexible joints dissipate energy through bending, ideal for mid-rises.

Steel beams and columns with flexible joints dissipate energy through bending, ideal for mid-rises. Cross-bracing and trusses: Diagonal steel members stiffen frames against torsion, proven in Japan's skyscrapers.

Diagonal steel members stiffen frames against torsion, proven in Japan's skyscrapers. Damping devices: Viscous fluid or tuned mass dampers (like Taipei 101's 660-ton sphere) counter oscillations in real time.

Viscous fluid or tuned mass dampers (like Taipei 101's 660-ton sphere) counter oscillations in real time. Rebar grids in concrete: Dense steel mesh boosts ductility, allowing cracks to form without shattering.

California's Title 24 code, updated post-1994 Northridge (6.7), requires these for new construction; retrofits target soft stories like tuck-under homes. The International Building Code (IBC) tiers seismic design categories A-E, with E demanding the strictest measures. Japan's post-1995 Kobe reforms added base isolation nationwide, slashing casualties in later events.

For homes, bolt foundations to slabs ($100-300 DIY kits), brace cripple walls with plywood, and strap water heaters. Chimneys get guy wires or removal if cracked. ICF blocks like Fox Blocks create insulating, quake-proof shells. These upgrades cut collapse risk by 50-75%, per FEMA studies. Inspect annuallyfree city audits abound in seismic zones. Earthquake Country Alliance details these in their seven steps, aligning with Red Cross global standards.

Crafting Your Emergency Kit Essentials

A well-stocked kit sustains through isolation, as rescues lag 72 hours minimum in major quakes. Aim for two weeks' supplies in portable backpacks.

Water: One gallon per person/pet daily; store in BPA-free jugs, add purification tablets or filters for backups. Non-perishable food: Energy bars, canned meats/veggies (pop-tops), peanut butter, dried fruits, nutshigh-calorie, no-cook options. First-aid supplies: Comprehensive kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, latex gloves, burn cream. Illumination and communication: LED flashlight, extra batteries, NOAA hand-crank radio, whistle, solar charger for phones. Multi-tools: Adjustable wrench/pliers for shutoffs, manual can opener, duct tape, work gloves, pocket knife. Sanitation essentials: N95 dust masks, moist towelettes, heavy garbage bags, plastic sheeting, portable toilet or bags, hand sanitizer. Personal documents: Waterproof pouch with IDs, passports, insurance policies, medical records, cash in small bills, family photos for ID. Comfort and extras: Extra glasses/contacts, feminine products, infant formula/diapers, pet food/leash, sleeping bags, tarps, fire extinguisher.

CEA advises one kit per person, plus car/workplace versions scaled down. Rotate perishables every six months; test gear yearly. Tailor for healthinsulin, EpiPens tripled. Cost: $50-150 initial, pennies daily upkeep.

Drop, Cover, Hold During the Quake

Survival hinges on seconds: Drop to hands/knees to avoid falls, Cover head/neck under sturdy furniture, Hold on while crawling to better shelter. Indoors, doorways deceiveunsupported lintels crumble.

Stay away from windows, mirrors, fireplaces, and hanging objects. Kitchens trap under counters; avoid. Elevators halt mid-floor; stairs flex dangerously. If there is no table, interior walls or beside low furniture.

Outdoors: Run to flat, open space, 100 feet from structures, trees, poles, bridges. Driving: Pull over safely, stay inside, chock wheels against rolling. Beaches: Head uphill fasttsunamis follow sea-floor slips.

Bed: Pillow over head, roll side-to-side off edges. Shaking ends abruptly; protect from falling items still swinging. Practice monthly builds instinct.

Aftershock Preparation and Survival Tactics

Aftershocks demand mainshock protocolslargest hit within 24 hours, felt for weeks. Pre-quake: Anchor shelves, latch cabinets, mount TVstopples kill.

Immediate post: Check self/others for injuries; evacuate only if trapped gas/smoke/fire. Sniff leaks, shut main valves (gas meter outside, water curb). Inspect foundations for shifts, cracks signaling instability.

Fires ignite from shortshave ABC extinguishers. Avoid re-entry without pro clears. Family plan: Off-site meetups (park, relative's), text trees over calls. Ration: Water first, then food; boil if unsure.

Community: Share radios, pool supplies. Mental prep: Expect anxiety, limit news overload. Long-term: Document damage for claims, brace for disease from sanitation loss.

Retrofit Homes and Drill Regularly

DIY retrofits extend codes: Garage door X-bracing stops cave-ins; soft-story plywood columns. Solar generators bridge outages.

Global ShakeOut drills engage millions yearlysimulate full sequence. Apps buzz early warnings seconds ahead.

Boost Your Quake Readiness Now

This earthquake preparedness guide arms seismic zone residents with Richter scale savvy, ironclad building codes, stocked kits, and aftershock strategies. Implement bullets and lists todayresilience compounds fast. Local USGS tools pinpoint your next step precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Should I Do During an Earthquake?

Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table, and hold on until shaking stops. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and exterior wallsdebris causes most injuries.

2. How Do I Build an Emergency Kit?

Stock water (1 gallon per person/day), non-perishables, first-aid supplies, flashlight, radio, whistle, dust masks, tools, cash, and documents in a backpack. Aim for 72 hours to two weeks' worth, stored near exits.

3. What Are Aftershocks and How to Prepare?

Aftershocks are smaller quakes following the main event, often within 24 hours and lasting weeks. Secure furniture beforehand, shut off utilities post-shake, and repeat drop-cover-hold for each one.

4. Do Building Codes Make Structures Earthquake-Proof?

No building is fully proof, but codes like base isolation and shear walls make them resistant to Richter scale forces up to 8.0+. Retrofitting homes with bolts and braces cuts collapse risk significantly.
Historic moment for women in country music as Megan Moroney & Ella Langley top Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts, signaling a major shift for gender parity.

AceShowbiz - Megan Moroney and Ella Langley have achieved a remarkable feat in country music by topping two of Billboards most prestigious charts back-to-back. Moroney's sparkling third album, Cloud 9, claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, while Langley soared to the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 with her catchy and uniquely twangy track "Choosin' Texas." This rare accomplishment is not just a personal victory but a historic moment in a genre that has long struggled with gender parity.

Country music has traditionally been a challenging environment for women, with a history stretching back decades of male domination in both airplay and recognition. While iconic female stars like Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, and Taylor Swift made significant impacts in their eras, the broader industry has often sidelined women. The success of Langley and Moroney symbolizes a potential turning point for female artists striving to break through Nashville's entrenched barriers.

The longstanding, unspoken rule in Nashville has been that only one woman at a time can enjoy major radio support and chart prominence. For years, this tacit agreement limited opportunities for female country artists to achieve simultaneous success. Meanwhile, male artistsoften white and blending country with pop crossover appealhave dominated the scene, racking up hits with relative ease.

This gender imbalance intensified after the 1997 Telecommunications Act, which led to extensive corporate consolidation of radio stations. As Marissa R. Moss details in her book Her Country, this consolidation reduced diversity on country radio, shrinking the available space for female voices. Women were forced to compete fiercely against one another, while men consistently secured top chart positions.

The problem became glaringly apparent in 2015 when country radio programming director Keith Hill infamously likened women to "the tomatoes of our salad," implying that men were the essential "lettuce." Hill explained that he would never play two women back-to-back on the radio, highlighting an industry mindset that explicitly limited womens airtime. This comment sparked widespread backlash and brought national attention to gender disparities in country music, yet the system largely remained unchanged.

Following this period, the rise of "bro country" and stars like Sam Hunt, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen further solidified male dominance. Despite streamings theoretical democratization of music consumption, it largely benefited male country artists. Female stars such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson continued to battle for airtime and chart success, but the playing field remained uneven.

Given this context, the current chart success of Langley and Moroney feels extraordinary. Langley holds two of the top three songs on the Hot Country Songs chart dated March 7, with 14 tracks from Moroneys Cloud 9 also represented in the top 15. Notably, four of the top five country songwriters this week are women, including Moroney, Langley, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Joybeth Taylor.

The male-dominated country producers chart also features Langley and Miranda Lambert, both credited on "Choosin' Texas" as well as on Langleys upcoming sophomore album tracks "Dandelion" and "Be Her." Moreover, "Choosin' Texas" climbed to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart within just 16 weeks, a remarkably swift ascent for the format. This marks Langleys first solo No. 1 on Country Airplay; she previously reached the top with "You Look Like You Love Me," a duet with Riley Green, which was the first female-led No. 1 on Country Airplay in 2024.

Despite these breakthroughs, optimism for sweeping change in Nashville remains cautious. Moroney, despite the strong momentum of Cloud 9, has only one song on Country Airplay and has not yet secured a No. 1 there. Beyond these two trailblazers, very few women artists currently enjoy the full backing of Music Rows marketing machine, unlike the robust cadre of male country stars who dominate the charts.

Still, the fact that two women are simultaneously topping major country charts is a notable departure from the past and offers hope for more equitable opportunities. Langley, Moroney, and their peers are not seeking to be exceptions or to rewrite Nashvilles restrictive rulebook explicitly. They simply want their rightful place in a genre that has historically sidelined them.

Their success demonstrates that country-pop hits led by women can thrive and encourages the industry to reconsider outdated norms. If this momentum continues, it may pave the way for more female artists to claim space at the top of country musics charts, breaking down long-standing barriers and expanding the genres diversity.

For now, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney stand as powerful examples of progress, their achievements shining light on the possibility of a more inclusive future for women in country music.
Andrew Garfield reacts to the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer. See what the former web-slinger thought of Tom Holland's latest MCU adventure.

AceShowbiz - Spider-Man: Brand New Day recently unveiled its first trailer, and fan-favorite actor Andrew Garfield shared his reaction during the UK premiere of The Magic Faraway Tree. Known for portraying Peter Parker/Spider-Man in 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man and its 2014 sequel, Garfield also reprised the role alongside Tobey Maguire in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home. Despite not being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's current Spider-Man series led by Tom Holland, Garfield's thoughts on the new trailer have sparked significant interest among fans.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland as the titular hero, with a supporting cast including Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal, Michael Mando, and Zabryna Guevara. The trailer hints at exciting developments for the franchise, and Garfield confirmed he had seen the teaseralbeit without sound. Speaking at the event, he said, "I haven't seen it yet with sound. I've seen it without sound, because I was in a makeup chair and I didn't want to disturb everyone. But it looks cool. It was very, very cool."

Though Garfield is likely not appearing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, his positive response has fueled speculation about a possible return. Fans recall his previous strong denials of involvement in No Way Home, making his reactions a subject of intense discussion. When asked about a potential third installment in the Amazing Spider-Man series or a cameo in Avengers: Secret Wars, Garfield remained coy, neither confirming nor denying such plans. However, he did share his ideal scenario for reprising the role: it would have to be "very weird," with a script that is "something very unique and offbeat and surprising."

Given that Holland continues to headline the MCU's Spider-Man franchise and Shameik Moore leads the Spider-Verse animated films, any future Garfield-led Spider-Man project would probably be a spin-off rather than a direct sequel. Sony has already explored spin-offs within the Spider-Man universe, so this would align with their existing strategy.

Holland has openly acknowledged the influence of both Garfield and Maguire on his portrayal of Spider-Man. He revealed that his new suit in Brand New Day is intended as an homage to the suits worn by his predecessors. Holland described the third MCU Spider-Man movie as "very much about paying respects to those guys." Meeting them was a formative experience for his character, he explained, adding, "I really like the idea that he's trying to be his big brothers, that he looks up to them and sees little details on their suits that he thinks are really cool, and now that he is making his own suit and isn't part of some bigger team."

The new film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, and Stan Lee, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Producers include Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel O'Connor, Avi Arad, and Louis D'Esposito. Alongside Holland, the cast features Zendaya as Michelle Jones, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, promising a strong ensemble to support the storys progression.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to build anticipation with its blend of returning characters and fresh additions, while maintaining connections to previous Spider-Man iterations through respectful nods and easter eggs. Garfields measured enthusiasm signals ongoing interest from past Spider-Man actors, even as the MCU forges ahead with its current lineup.

For fans craving in-depth updates on Spider-Man casting news, actor reactions, and MCU developments, subscribing to specialized newsletters can provide comprehensive insights, rumor roundups, and thoughtful analyses that deepen understanding of the franchises evolving landscape.

As the release date approaches, excitement is sure to grow, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day promising to deliver action, adventure, and heartfelt moments that honor the legacy of its beloved web-slinging hero.
Dax Shepard shares emotional AA meeting tribute to late friend Eric Dane. A heartfelt story of grief, memory, and shared healing on Armchair Expert.

AceShowbiz - Dax Shepard recently opened up about a heartfelt Alcoholics Anonymous meeting held in memory of his close friend, Eric Dane, following the actors death in February.

On the March 2 episode of his podcast, "Armchair Expert," Shepard, 51, described the gathering as a "very, very, very sweet meeting" that served as a tribute to Dane, who passed away at age 53 after battling ALS.

Although Shepard did not initially mention Dane by name during the episode, his cohost Monica Padman acknowledged the tribute, prompting Shepard to confirm it was "kind of in memory of our friend." He recalled that the meeting, usually composed entirely of men, featured an "awesome" woman who attended that night.

Shepard recounted the emotional atmosphere, saying the woman shared that she intended to "cry through my entire share, and Im gonna cry for all of you." Shepard appreciated her openness, stating, "We were like, Well, thank you. Someone needs to. That was really great."

The connection between Shepard and Dane runs deep. The actors became close friends after a tense encounter at an AA meeting years prior, which nearly erupted into a physical fight. Shepard recounted the incident during a June 2025 podcast episode, explaining that Dane, who was hosting their mini group at the time, threatened another attendee over a timer being reset repeatedly.

Shepard recalled, "In the middle of the meeting, he goes, If you hit that timer again, Im gonna f***ing throw you in that candle. I go, Thats it, motherf***er, lets go. Stand up, lets go outside. Im gonna beat the f*** out of him in Toms driveway. At an AA meeting, where were coming for healing and understanding."

In a June 2024 podcast, Eric Dane shared his perspective on the same event, explaining that someone he brought along was monopolizing the meeting time, leading to Shepards friend repeatedly resetting a timer. Danes and Shepards shared sponsor ultimately defused the conflict. This incident marked the beginning of their friendship, which grew stronger over shared interests like cars and recognizing their mutual struggles.

Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Nearly a year later, his family confirmed his death in a statement to Us Weekly, describing his final moments surrounded by loved ones including his wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

The familys statement read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."

They also highlighted Danes advocacy during his illness: "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support hes received."

The family requested privacy as they navigate their loss.

During the February 23 episode of "Armchair Expert," which was likely recorded before Danes death, Shepard mentioned a friend rapidly succumbing to ALS. Speaking with guest Sterling K. Brown, whose mother also suffers from ALS, Shepard described visiting his friend and sharing stories to bring moments of joy and laughter amidst the hardship.

That same day, the podcast honored Dane on social media by sharing a link to Danes episode of "Euphoria," calling him "talented and inspiring."

Eric Dane had previously spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse during his time on "Greys Anatomy," where he portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan for eight seasons. His candor about his sobriety journey added layers of respect from peers and fans alike.

Dax Shepard continues to reflect on the profound bond they shared, underscored by their mutual commitment to recovery and understanding. Their friendship, marked by moments of conflict and deep connection, remains a testament to their resilience and compassion.

The touching AA meeting that honored Eric Dane highlights the enduring impact he had on those around him and the strength of communal support in the face of personal battles.
Chet Hanks stranded in Colombia due to passport issues. The son of Tom Hanks shares details of his spontaneous trip and travel delays in an Instagram video.

AceShowbiz - Chet Hanks, the rapper, model, and actor, recently found himself stuck in Colombia after encountering passport complications that delayed his return to the United States. Despite the unexpected setback, he assured fans that he was doing okay while working through the travel difficulties.

Chet Hanks, the eldest son of actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, shared details about the situation in an Instagram video posted on Friday. He explained that he initially traveled to Puerto Rico to celebrate his friend Maxs birthday, where he had "a good time." However, after deciding to extend his trip southward beyond the U.S. territory on a whim, he ran into trouble.

In his video, Chet Hanks described his spontaneous plan: Im in Puerto Rico, and were all about to leave. I go, Hmm, Im only, you know, two, three hours away from Medellin. Why dont I go pull up on my homie Taylor, who lives in Medellin? Fuck it. Yeah, sounds good, right?

The complication arose because Chet Hanks was traveling with his Greek passport instead of his U.S. passport. His U.S. passport was near expiration when he left for Puerto Rico, so he opted to use his Greek citizenship to travel. However, upon arriving at the airport in Medellin, Colombia, officials informed him that to re-enter the United States using a foreign passport, he would need a green card.

Chet Hanks stated, They tell me that if Im using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America. I dont have a green card because Im an American citizen. I dont have my American passport with me, so Im literally stuck in Colombia.

The only embassy capable of addressing his predicament is located in Bogota, approximately 260 miles from Medellin. Despite the distance and inconvenience, he expressed reluctance to make the trip there. "I literally have no fucking idea what Im gonna do...I dont want to go to Bogota, so, yeah, free me. You know what Im saying: Free me, he added at the end of his update.

On Saturday, Chet Hanks posted another Instagram update reassuring followers that he was safe. The caption of a photo featuring him with R&B artist Max read, ESTAMO BIEN, signaling that all was well despite the ongoing challenges.

As of Monday, Chet Hanks appeared to remain in Medellin. In a new video, he shared thoughts on his insomnia, discussed his sobriety, and referenced the recent arrest and altercation involving actor Shia LaBeouf ahead of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Throughout his career, Chet Hanks has appeared in recurring roles on series such as Running Point, Empire, Shameless, and Your Honor. He has also guest-starred on shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Atlanta. Since rising to prominence in the early 2010s, he has cultivated a distinct public persona, often embracing internet notoriety. In 2021, for example, he popularized the phrase White Boy Summer on his Instagram, a platform he frequently uses to share his political views and opinions on topics such as COVID-19 vaccinations and the Black Lives Matter movement.

While Chet Hanks has faced controversies and legal issues that contrast with his fathers more polished public image, he continues to engage with fans and followers through candid social media updates, including the current travel hiccup in Colombia.
Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart's love story began with a spilled drink at the 2002 Golden Globes. Discover their enduring 24-year romance.

AceShowbiz - Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart share a unique love story that began with an unexpected moment and has blossomed into a strong, enduring partnership over more than two decades. Their relationship, spanning 24 years with over 15 years of marriage, is both heartwarming and intriguing to fans and admirers alike.

Their initial meeting was anything but ordinary. As Ford recounted to the New York Times in 2024, their connection was sparked by a spilled drinkan accidental spill of wine that, rather than causing tension, "sealed the deal." This incident occurred at the 2002 Golden Globes, where Ford was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for career achievement. Contrary to popular rumors that Flockhart deliberately dumped her drink on him, it was actually her wine that got spilled, as she later clarified. She recalled Ford holding his award statue upside down, prompting her to joke, "'Oh, what's that? A place for me to put my red wine?'" Fortunately, the wine didnt stain her pink Oscar de la Renta gown, though Ford was not as lucky.

That night marked the beginning of a relationship that has remained remarkably steady and affectionate. Their presence at the 2026 Actor Awards was a testament to their enduring bond, where Ford, visibly emotional, accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award supported by Flockhart. The couples 24 years together have been marked by openness about the realities of maintaining love over time.

Ford, who was 83 at the time of his 2024 NPR interview, emphasized that love is not just for the young. "Old people can love, too," he said on the Wild Card With Rachel Martin podcast, stressing that the real challenge lies in sustaining and nurturing love. "Maintaining, nurturing, basically, not f--king up," he added with characteristic candor.

When asked if he would invite Flockhart to appear on his Apple TV hit drama Shrinking, Ford humorously replied on Live From E!: Actor Awards 2026, "I don't tell my wife what to do," underscoring the respect and independence within their relationship.

Flockhart echoed this sentiment in her interview with the New York Times, describing their relationship as a team effort with its ups and downs, though mostly positive. "He's the person that I want to call when something happens. That knee-jerk thing where I have to call Harrison," she said, highlighting the deep trust and reliance between them.

Their relationship is notable not only for its longevity but also for the mature circumstances under which it began. Ford had previously been through two divorces, and Flockhart had adopted her son Liam as a single mother just a year before they met. Liam, now a 25-year-old Amherst graduate, was just starting to walk when Ford entered their lives. Ford, who already had four children from previous marriagesBen, 59, and Willard, 56, with his first wife Mary Marquardt, and Malcolm, 38, and Georgia, 35, with his second wife Melissa Mathisondid not see Liams arrival as a complication. "I can't count that well, so it didn't make that much difference," he told the Times.

At the time of their meeting, Ford was often away for work, but by the time their relationship developed, Flockhart noted that he had matured and grown into a good father. She expressed affection for his children, saying, "He's such a good father to his kids now. I love his kids, my stepkids."

Ford's previous marriage to Mathison ended in 2000 after 17 years, with their divorce finalized in 2004 amid a substantial settlement. Despite this, when Ford first saw Flockhart, he was intrigued and curious. "I asked my agent: 'Wow! Who's that girl?'" he recalled. "He said, 'That's Calista Flockhart.' I said, 'Oh, what does she do?'" This curiosity quickly turned into affection, with Ford embracing the chance for a fresh romantic chapter.

Flockhart also had backup plans for their first date, bringing along fellow actor James Marsden. Marsden later reminisced about the occasion, describing how Ford was "giggly and goofy" around Flockhart but distant with the others, hinting at the special connection forming between the two. The night ended with a relaxed gathering at Fords home, complete with music and drinks, sealing the beginning of their romance.

Despite their 22-year age gap, Flockhart never allowed it to influence their relationship. She joked to the Times that Ford initially came across as a "lascivious old man" at the Golden Globes but quickly charmed her. "Sometimes I even say, 'Wow, I keep forgetting that he's 22 years older than me,'" she noted in a 2003 HELLO! interview. She described Fords morning appearance as "not handsome, it's more cute. He looks like a little boy."

Ford, who was named Peoples Sexiest Man Alive in 1998, was unbothered by falling in love again at 60. In 2003, he told HELLO!, "Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love and I think there is a potential for it at any stage of your life." By 2009, he expressed surprise at his ability to maintain a long-term relationship and make a serious commitment.

Their marriage took place on June 15, 2010, at the Governors Mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the filming of Cowboys and Aliens. This event marked a significant milestone in their journey together.

After the end of Ally McBeal in 2002, Flockhart paused her career to focus on parenting her son Liam before returning to acting with the 2006 drama Brothers & Sisters. This break coincided with their relationship's growth. She told the New York Times in 2024 that they did not compete professionally at the time, which helped maintain harmony. Instead, they thrived on a balance of independence and mutual dependence.

Flockhart described them as both introverted homebodies, which suits their lifestyle and helps maintain their connection. Despite this, they remain a captivating presence on the red carpet, often turning heads when they attend events together.

Ford has publicly expressed his gratitude for Flockharts support. At the January 2024 Critics Choice Awards, while accepting a Career Achievement honor, he thanked his "lovely wife" for her unwavering support. Similarly, at the Actor Awards, he praised his "extraordinary, beautiful wife" for giving him love and courage throughout his career.

Recently, Ford reached a new professional milestone with his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Shrinking, where he plays a psychologist grappling with Parkinsons disease. The couple's playful side is evident in their home life, where humor is a key ingredient. Flockhart shared to the Times how she enjoys pranking Ford by placing plastic spiders in his ice cubes, while he reciprocates with hidden rubber scorpions, keeping their relationship lively and fun.

Despite their close collaboration and shared passions, they have no immediate plans to work together professionally. Flockhart explained that while they've considered acting together, it has never quite materialized. Ford echoed this in a July interview with Variety, suggesting that certain casting choices might not be the best way to bring people together on screen.

Through all their years together, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have demonstrated that enduring love is built on respect, humor, independence, and mutual support. Their story, which began with a spilled glass of wine, continues to inspire many as a testament to mature love thriving beyond youth and circumstance.
Watch the thrilling sequel Sisu: Road to Revenge, now streaming on Netflix. The action hit is climbing the charts. Experience the intense saga.

AceShowbiz - Sisu: Road to Revenge, one of the most thrilling action films of 2025, has officially landed on Netflix and quickly climbed the platforms streaming charts. Netflix continues to be a prime destination for viewers seeking fresh releases or films they may have missed during limited theatrical runs. This accessibility is especially valuable for movies like Sisu: Road to Revenge that initially saw a narrower cinema release, allowing a broader audience to experience the films intense action once it hits streaming.

Earlier in 2025, the film achieved impressive success on HBO Max before transitioning to Netflix, where it has maintained its popularity. Sisu: Road to Revenge serves as the sequel to the 2022 film Sisu, continuing the saga of the relentless protagonist. The movie debuted on Netflix on March 22 and quickly surged to the number three spot on the platforms streaming leaderboard, according to FlixPatrol data.

This follow-up picks up the story of Aatami Korpi, portrayed by Jorma Tommila, a former Finnish prospector who famously battled Nazi forces in northern Finland during World War II in the original film. In the sequel, Korpi is determined to return to his homethe site where his family was tragically murdered during the war. However, his mission to relocate his dismantled house is interrupted when Yeagor Draganov, a Soviet Red Army officer played by Stephen Lang, reemerges to complete his deadly vendetta. The confrontation ignites a relentless chase packed with explosive sequences, intense gunfights, and brutal combat.

Sisu: Road to Revenge has garnered strong critical acclaim, boasting a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience scores are also favorable, standing at 87%. Reviewers have lauded the films non-stop action and inventive fight scenes, drawing comparisons to acclaimed action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and John Wick: Chapter 4. Its initial release on HBO Max saw it climb to the number two spot in streaming rankings, and its current position on Netflix remains just one step shy of that peak. Given the positive word of mouth, the film may well ascend to number one.

The movies accolades include winning the Best International Film Award at the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards, signaling its impact and quality within the genre. Despite the success, director Jalmari Helander has expressed uncertainty about continuing the franchise, though he has hinted that a future installment could be possible with the right financial backing. Regardless, Sisu: Road to Revenge delivers a compelling and conclusive chapter to the story.

For Netflix subscribers and action movie fans, this film is a must-watch, standing out as a modern masterpiece of the war-action genre. Its blend of gripping storytelling and high-octane action ensures it remains one of 2025s most talked-about releases.

What are your thoughts on Sisu: Road to Revenge? Join the conversation at the ComicBook Forum and share your opinions on this standout action film of the year.
Niall Horan teases US tour dates on Kimmel for his new album 'Dinner Party'. Get the latest on his upcoming tour and album release.

AceShowbiz - Last night, Niall Horan appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss his upcoming album Dinner Party and his plans for the related tour. The former One Direction member revealed that while tour dates in Ireland, Europe, and the U.K. have already been announced, there are intentions to extend the tour to the United States.

The tour is scheduled to begin in September with confirmed stops across several countries, but Horan teased more dates are expected to be revealed soon. When asked by host Jimmy Kimmel about the possibility of North American tour dates, Horan responded, "It's not announced, but yeah." This hints at a future announcement regarding U.S. shows.

Dinner Party marks Horans first album release in three years and is set to drop on June 5. He has already shared the title track, an intimate acoustic song inspired by a real-life encounter at a dinner gathering. This meeting led to a meaningful connection with his now-girlfriend, a moment Horan described as unexpectedly significant in hindsight.

Reflecting on the songs inspiration, Horan told Kimmel that at the time of the encounter, he was living in London as a single man and considered it more of a drinks party than a formal dinner. He remarked on how seemingly small moments can have lasting impacts years later.

During the interview, Kimmel also brought back a nostalgic prop known as the 1D Potato, a potato he gifted to One Direction in 2015 when they appeared on his show. The potato gained its own social media following after the band posted about it online. Kimmel asked Horan about its whereabouts, recalling how the object became a viral sensation among fans.

With the excitement around Dinner Party and the tour, fans can look forward to more updates on additional dates, including when Horan will be visiting audiences in North America.
Peaky Blinders creator reveals scrapped Tom Hardy storyline for the sequel film, The Immortal Man, starring Cillian Murphy.

AceShowbiz - Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, recently shared insights into a discarded storyline involving Tom Hardys character in the sequel film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. The movie, which picks up six years after the TV series finale, focuses on Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, as he seeks peace from his troubled past.

The original Peaky Blinders series debuted on BBC Two shortly before the conclusion of Breaking Bad in 2013 and quickly gained a global audience after its addition to Netflix. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, the show chronicles Tommy Shelbys rise from street gang leader to a powerful figure in crime and politics. Both Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad share themes of morally complex antiheroes navigating dark, violent worlds.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, written by Knight and directed by Tom Harper, is set in 1940. It portrays Tommy living in seclusion at a run-down countryside mansion, burdened by guilt and writing his memoirs. Meanwhile, his estranged son Duke Shelby (Barry Keoghan) recklessly leads the gang and is recruited by Nazi Germany to destabilize the British economy with counterfeit currency, a plot that could influence the outcome of World War II.

Tommys sister Ada (Sophie Rundle) and Kaulo Chiriklo (Rebecca Ferguson), the twin sister of Dukes mother, implore Tommy to intervene. Using his strategic mind, Tommy ultimately thwarts the Nazi scheme but is wounded in the process by a Nazi agent played by Tim Roth. In a poignant moment, a dying Tommy asks Duke to relieve his suffering, marking a significant emotional climax designed to provide closure for long-time fans.

Knight explained that he and Murphy always envisioned this movie as Tommy Shelbys final chapter. The film had a limited theatrical run before its Netflix release on March 20, aiming to create a shared emotional farewell experience for the audience. Knight noted the impact at screenings, where fans openly expressed their sorrow, underscoring the characters deep resonance.

Among the questions leading up to the films release was whether Tom Hardys fan-favorite character Alfie Solomons would appear. Alfie, a Camden Town gang leader and Tommys complex frenemy, survived a near-fatal shooting in season four, thanks in part to Hardys influence on the shows direction. Notably, Alfie and Tommy only shared scenes privately in the last two seasons, a dynamic that sparked a bold idea from Knight for the film.

Knight revealed he once considered a radical twist where Alfie would appear as a ghost, implying he had been dead since the shooting, similar to how Tommy hallucinated his late wife Grace Shelby (Annabelle Wallis) in season five. However, Knight ultimately decided against including this supernatural element in the film, though he acknowledged it as a significant creative possibility he had toyed with.

Another major topic was the absence of Paul Andersons Arthur Shelby in the movie. Arthur, known for his volatile and brutal loyalty to Tommy, was killed by Tommy in 1938, a fact depicted through brief flashbacks that obscured Arthurs face. Knight confirmed that Arthurs story was always intended to support Tommys guilt and isolation in the films narrative, and that Andersons personal issues did not influence the characters exclusion.

Knight emphasized that the films story dictated its cast and that Tommys unforgivable act of killing Arthur was central to the plot. He praised Anderson as a fantastic actor but made clear that Arthurs role was purposefully limited to flashbacks to maintain the storys emotional weight.

Looking ahead, Knight is developing a sequel TV series set in 1953 that will continue the Peaky Blinders saga. While details remain under wraps, he confirmed that some characters from The Immortal Man, including Duke Shelby, will appear. It is uncertain whether Barry Keoghan will reprise the role of the older Duke, but the series promises to expand the universe established by the film and original show.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Knight elaborated on his creative choices, discussing why certain characters were left out of the film and his recent involvement with major franchises such as Star Wars and James Bond. Despite the allure of expanding the cast, Knight remained focused on delivering a story that centered on Tommys emotional journey and final farewell.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man serves as both a conclusion and a bridge, offering fans closure while setting the stage for future installments. Knights willingness to explore bold narrative ideas, such as the scrapped Alfie ghost twist, demonstrates his dedication to evolving the story in unexpected ways, even if some concepts do not make the final cut.

As the franchise continues to grow, viewers can anticipate more depth and complexity in upcoming projects while honoring the legacy of Tommy Shelby, a character whose journey has captivated audiences worldwide. For now, The Immortal Man stands as a powerful farewell to one of televisions most compelling antiheroes.
Hollywood's stars gathered for the 2026 SAG Awards, hosted by Kristen Bell. Discover which major celebrities were notably absent from the glamorous ceremony.

AceShowbiz - The 2026 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Actor Awards brought together many of Hollywoods most celebrated talents on Sunday, March 1, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Hosted by Kristen Bell for the third consecutive year, the event dazzled with star-studded appearances and memorable moments. Despite the glamour and excitement, several notable celebrities were absent from the ceremony for various personal and professional reasons.

Kristen Bell, who has been the official emcee of the SAG Actor Awards since 2018, expressed her gratitude and joy for hosting the event once again. In a statement to Tudum last month, the 45-year-old actress said, "There's something that feels so special and divine about being given the stage and entertaining in front of a group of entertainers that I admire. I'm just very grateful that it's me, because I like entertaining, and I like being goofy, and I like making people smile. So to be given this stage, it feels like an award in and of itself."

The ceremony featured a broad array of nominees and presenters, including Timothee Chalamet, Kate Hudson, Teyana Taylor, Odessa A'zion, and Michael B. Jordan. A highlight of the evening was the tribute to Harrison Ford, who received the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award. The 83-year-old actor humbly accepted, remarking, "I'm in a room with actors, many of whom are here because they've been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I'm here to receive a prize for being alive. That said, it's a little weird to be getting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the half-point of my career. It's a little early, isn't it? I'm still a working actor."

While many stars graced the stage or red carpet, several prominent figures chose not to attend the 2026 Actor Awards. Their absences were noted by fans and media alike, underscoring the personal and professional challenges some faced during this awards season.

Martin Short, nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Only Murders in the Building, was notably absent. The beloved actor lost the award to Seth Rogen from The Studio, but his absence was deeply felt due to a family tragedy. Martin Short has been grieving the loss of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, who died by suicide at the age of 42. Katherine was one of his three children with the late Nancy Dolgan. The Short family released a statement in February expressing their profound grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Us Weekly confirmed ahead of the ceremony that Meryl Streep would also not be attending the event. Despite her absence, Only Murders in the Building, which features Streep, was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. However, that award ultimately went to The Studio. It was a quiet night for the acclaimed actress, who instead focused on her projects away from the spotlight.

Another Only Murders in the Building star, Selena Gomez, was also missing from the awards night. Gomez shared an Instagram Story showing herself in a relaxed, makeup-free state, lounging in a robe on a backyard wicker chair, suggesting a low-key evening at home instead of attending the ceremony.

Ariana Grande, who was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, did not attend the SAG Awards either. The Wicked: For Good actress lost to Amy Madigan for Weapons. Reports indicated that Grande was absent due to tour rehearsals for her upcoming Eternal Sunshine Tour, set to begin in June.

Leonardo DiCaprio was also missing from the ceremony. Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his work in One Battle After Another, and with the film also up for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, DiCaprio was unable to attend due to filming commitments for Martin Scorseses What Happens at Night in Europe. The acting honors in his categories eventually went to Michael B. Jordan for his role in Sinners and the Sinners ensemble cast.

Bowen Yang, known for his role in Wicked: For Good, was another absentee. Presenter Kathryn Hahn humorously remarked that Yang was casually stuck in Antarctica, providing a lighthearted explanation for his absence.

The ceremony also saw a few other nominated actors missing from the gathering. Sarah Snook, nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for All Her Fault, was not in attendance. The award in her category was won by Michelle Williams.

Owen Cooper, who won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for Adolescence, was not present at the event. Presenter Damson Idris accepted the award on his behalf.

Sean Penn also missed the ceremony but took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Actress Allison Janney accepted the award for the One Battle After Another star.

Hollywoods 32nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards was a night filled with glamour, heartfelt speeches, and memorable celebrations of acting excellence. The Shrine Auditorium was transformed into a showcase of modern style and timeless elegance as actors and industry professionals honored their peers achievements.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the evening also served as a reminder of the personal challenges and demanding schedules that often keep stars away from the spotlight. From mourning the loss of loved ones to intense work commitments, the reasons for missing the SAG Actor Awards varied.

The 2026 SAG Actor Awards will be remembered both for the stunning on-stage moments and the notable absences that underscored the realities behind Hollywoods glitz. As fans and industry watchers look forward to next years ceremony, the stories of those who could not attend this year remain part of the awards complex narrative.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org for support.
A teen is abandoned in the Nevada desert in this indie film. Follow Cleo's solitary journey of simmering anger and survival.

AceShowbiz - Sparks unfolds in the arid landscape of Northwest Nevada, where a mother drops off her daughter Cleo, urging her to stay away for a while. Cleo, portrayed by Elsie Fisher, absorbs an undeserved scolding from her mother, who harshly reminds her that she is not immune to her surroundings. Cleos silent, simmering adolescent anger only surfaces after her mother leaves, marking the start of a journey where she is effectively left to navigate the world alone.

Throughout the film, Cleos mother remains absent, never appearing again even when Cleo goes missing later on. Director and writer Fergus Campbell chooses to immerse viewers directly into Cleos solitary perspective: a world without parents, rules, or clear authority figures, evoking the unintelligible adults found in classic cartoons like Peanuts. The films aesthetic, beginning with a hand-painted opening title sequence and interspersed with illustrations, emphasizes its microbudget indie roots and love for cinema as an art form.

The films narrative pivots when Cleo discovers a book on Jean-Luc Godard inside a cigarette machine. This sparks her imagination, drawing her toward the fantasy of 1960s Paris, which she idealizes as the cradle of authentic cinema beyond American norms. Soon after, she encounters The Crop, a group of rebellious teens who believe a local reservoir serves as a time portal. The groups unofficial leader, Antoine, played by Charlie Foster, shares Cleos fascination with 1960s Paris despite his limited knowledge of the French New Wave. His instant obsession with Cleo creates tension, especially with his best friend and secret lover Max, portrayed by Denny Mcauliffe.

The rest of The Crop includes a diverse and dynamic group: the emotionally raw Antoine, brutally honest Max, goofy Trip (Simon Downes Toney), laid-back Kane (Thomas Deen Baker), and the quiet Casazza (Julia D'Angelo). Madison Hu plays Odette, a character secretly in love with Cleo but mostly reserved about her feelings. Odettes introduction of Cleo to the group sets the story in motion, exploring themes of queer identity and adolescent longing.

Sparks evokes the spirit of early Gregg Araki films like Nowhere and Totally F***ed Up, with its depiction of queer youth, parties, and raw emotions. The teens gather in abandoned parking lots, fueled by beer obtained through fake IDs, embodying the restless energy of youth. Similar to recent indie titles such as Kate Beecrofts East of Wall and Luke Gilfords National Anthem, Sparks intertwines classic rural imagery with a socially and ethnically diverse lens, revitalizing American independent cinema with fresh perspectives.

Fergus Campbells screenplay skillfully balances stylized and naturalistic dialogue, creating characters who feel authentically flawed and inconsistent. When Cleo disappears, the film leaves open the question of whether she has truly time-traveled or is experiencing a mental health crisis, allowing audiences to interpret the story in multiple ways.

Charlie Foster delivers a breakout performance as Antoine, embodying an idealistic faux beatnik unable to reconcile his feelings with Cleos enigmatic nature. Meanwhile, Elsie Fisher, who gained acclaim in Bo Burnhams Eighth Grade, anchors the film with a nuanced portrayal of a girl struggling beneath the surface. Cleos brave facade and quiet vulnerability make her the emotional core of the story.

At a concise 76 minutes, Sparks tightly encapsulates the intensity of teenage angst and yearning. Every frame resonates with emotion and artistic care, making it the kind of film that inspires young filmmakers to tell intimate, meaningful stories beyond mainstream Hollywood. This film represents a promising debut for Fergus Campbell, leaving viewers eager to see what he creates next.

The film premiered in the Narrative Spotlight section at the SXSW Film Festival, featuring a cast including Elsie Fisher, Charlie Foster, Madison Hu, Denny Mcauliffe, Thomas Deen Baker, Julia D'Angelo, Marshall John Simon, Race Cooper, and Simon Downes Toney. The production credits include producer Lola Lafia, executive producer Dominique Bravo, cinematographer Keldon Duane-Mcglashan, production designer Natasha Parbhu, costume designer Claire Easton, composer Jane Paknia, and editors Lygia Brubeck and Fergus Campbell. Casting was managed by Fergus Campbell and Lola Lafia.

Sparks is a testament to the power of indie cinema to capture raw, authentic youth experiences with sensitivity and style, making it a must-watch for teenagers and indie film enthusiasts alike.
Beneath Antarctica's massive ice sheet lies a world few have seen, preserved for millions of years under 4 kilometers of ice. This frozen landscape hides hidden lakes, vast mountain ranges, and microbial ecosystems that survived extreme isolation, offering clues to both Earth's history and potential life on other planets.

The continent's icy depths contain more than 400 liquid lakes, geothermal hotspots, and mountain ranges like the Gamburtsev Mountains, which remain largely unexplored. Antarctica ice secrets such as Lake Vostok reveal pressurized water, ancient gases, and extremophile microbes, offering a glimpse into untouched ecosystems that act as natural time capsules. These Antarctic mysteries continue to inform climate research, astrobiology, and our understanding of life in extreme conditions.

What Lakes Are Buried Under Antarctica Ice

Antarctica is home to over 400 Antarctica hidden lakes that remain liquid beneath kilometers of ice, maintained by geothermal heat and immense pressure. These lakes, isolated for millions of years, provide unique windows into ecosystems untouched by sunlight, wind, or seasonal changes. The largest of these, Lake Vostok, lies about 4 km beneath Vostok Station in Russia, roughly the size of Lake Ontario, and has been isolated for 15 to 25 million years, offering a natural laboratory for studying life under extreme conditions.

Drilling into Lake Vostok in 1998 penetrated 3,623 meters of ice, revealing pressurized water, ancient atmospheric gases, and extremophile microbes with significant astrobiology implications. Subglacial hydrology shows that these lakes and rivers form interconnected networks spanning nearly 460 miles, affecting ice sheet stability and global sea levels. Smaller lakes, such as Whillans and Ellsworth, further illustrate complex subglacial water dynamics and unique biochemical processes that thrive in total darkness, offering clues about microbial evolution and adaptation in extreme environments.

Why Gamburtsev Mountains Remain Mysterious

The Gamburtsev Mountains stretch 1,200 km beneath 1.8 km of ice, with peaks reaching 2,700 meters, yet their origins remain largely unexplained. These Alpine-scale mountains are completely hidden, preserved under ice that began forming around 34 million years ago, maintaining topography with minimal erosion. Their size, scale, and isolation make them one of the most intriguing geological features of Antarctica, raising questions about plate tectonics and ancient environmental conditions that existed long before the modern ice sheet formed.

Radar surveys reveal that the ice sheet's inception and rapid accumulation preserved these mountains in an erosion-free state, shielding ancient rock formations and landscapes. Ice cores also contain pollen and spores suggesting that 32 million years ago, Nothofagus beech forests thrived here, with temperatures around 17C warmer and sea levels up to 60 meters higher. The combination of preserved topography and ancient climate indicators makes the Gamburtsev Mountains a critical subject for understanding Antarctic geology, past ecosystems, and the forces that shaped the frozen continent.

What Microbial Life Thrives in Antarctica Hidden Lakes?

Antarctica's hidden landscapes host thriving microbial ecosystems, including extremophiles like bacteria, archaea, and fungi. These organisms survive in total darkness, under high pressure, and at subzero temperatures, often relying on chemical energy rather than sunlight.

Lake Vostok Microbes  DNA sequencing revealed 3,500 microbial genes, 94% of which represent novel species. These microbes use chemolithoautotrophy, oxidizing hydrogen sulfide and iron to generate energy.

 DNA sequencing revealed 3,500 microbial genes, 94% of which represent novel species. These microbes use chemolithoautotrophy, oxidizing hydrogen sulfide and iron to generate energy. Subglacial Connectivity  Lakes like Ellsworth and Whillans demonstrate microbial exchange through interconnected water systems, maintaining genetic diversity.

 Lakes like Ellsworth and Whillans demonstrate microbial exchange through interconnected water systems, maintaining genetic diversity. Adaptations and Evolution  Horizontal gene transfer and unique metabolic pathways allow microbes to survive extreme isolation for millions of years, providing insight into life under conditions similar to those on Mars.

Meteorites and Ancient Landscapes Geological Secrets

Beneath Antarctica's ice, geological treasures extend beyond lakes and mountains. Over 45,000 meteorites have been recovered from areas like Allan Hills in the Transantarctic Mountains, preserved with fusion crusts and cosmic ray exposure data intact.

Extraterrestrial Insights  These meteorites, originating from Mars and the Moon, offer valuable information about the solar system's history and are remarkably well-preserved due to the ice.

 These meteorites, originating from Mars and the Moon, offer valuable information about the solar system's history and are remarkably well-preserved due to the ice. Dry Valleys as Mars Analogs  Ice-free valleys contain briny groundwater, microbial mats, and ancient lake beds, some preserved for up to 8 million years.

 Ice-free valleys contain briny groundwater, microbial mats, and ancient lake beds, some preserved for up to 8 million years. Paleoclimate Records  Microbial refugia and sediment layers provide detailed records of ancient climates, helping scientists reconstruct Antarctica's environmental history and test models of climate change.

Antarctica Subglacial Secrets Lakes Mysteries Revealed

Buried under Antarctica, Antarctica ice secrets and Antarctica hidden lakes reveal extraordinary geological and biological phenomena. From ancient mountain ranges to isolated microbial life, the frozen continent continues to hold secrets that challenge our understanding of Earth and beyond.

The study of these Antarctic mysteries is crucial for climate science, astrobiology, and geology. As technology advances, researchers are better equipped to explore subglacial lakes, map hidden mountains, and analyze preserved microbes, gradually unlocking the frozen continent's long-held secrets. These findings not only expand our knowledge of extreme ecosystems but also inform predictions for global climate patterns and potential life on other planets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many lakes are buried under Antarctica?

There are over 400 known subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's ice. Lake Vostok is the largest, with an area similar to Lake Ontario. These lakes are kept liquid by geothermal heat and high pressure. They have been isolated for millions of years, preserving unique ecosystems.

2. What makes the Gamburtsev Mountains mysterious?

The Gamburtsev Mountains are entirely buried under ice and extend 1,200 km with peaks reaching 2,700 meters. Their age and origin remain unexplained, despite radar and seismic studies. The ice has preserved ancient landscapes and geological structures remarkably well. Researchers continue to study them to understand Antarctica's geological history.

3. What type of microbial life exists in subglacial lakes?

Subglacial lakes host bacteria, archaea, and fungi that survive without sunlight. Many rely on chemical reactions like hydrogen sulfide and iron oxidation for energy. DNA sequencing shows most species are novel, adapted to extreme pressure and cold. These microbes provide insight into life in extreme environments and potential extraterrestrial life.

4. Why are meteorites found in Antarctica important?

Meteorites are well-preserved in Antarctica's cold, dry environment. Over 45,000 meteorites have been recovered, including fragments from Mars and the Moon. They provide valuable data on planetary formation and solar system history. Their pristine state allows scientists to study cosmic and geological processes in detail.

Originally published on Science Times
A newcomer's discovery of a mysterious vending machine sparks a journey into cinephilia, fantasy, and a quest to meet Godard in 1960s Paris.

AceShowbiz - Sparks is an imaginative coming-of-age film set in an evocative, small Nevada town, exploring themes of discovery, identity, and cinematic fascination. Directed and written by Fergus Campbell, the narrative centers on Cleo, a newcomer to Sparks, Nevada, whose chance encounter with an unusual cigarette vending machine triggers a journey into cinephilia and fantasy.

In the story, Cleo stumbles upon a cigarette machine that mysteriously dispenses a book about Jean-Luc Godard, the legendary French New Wave filmmaker. This discovery piques her curiosity and leads her to meet a local group called the Crop. Immersed in their world, Cleo transforms into a passionate cinephile. Intrigued by the Crops ritual visits to a nearby reservoir, she becomes convinced that time travel to 1960s Paris is possible, where she hopes to meet Godard himself.

The Crop is led by Antoine, who develops a strong attraction to Cleo but feels challenged by her critical view of their seemingly dull way of life. When Cleo disappears during one of the Crops reservoir visits, Antoine begins to question his own purpose and identity. This disappearance sets off a series of unexpected events, including a tense shootout and a surreal, dreamlike gay barbecue, creating a mix of suspense and whimsy before Cleos return to Sparks. Upon her return, the Crop is left to unravel where she has been and whether her mind has been altered by her experiences.

The film premiered on March 12, 2026, with a panel featuring Fergus Campbell, actors Elsie Fisher, Charlie B. Foster, Madison Hu, alongside contributors Denny McAuliffe, Simon Downes Toney, and Lola Lafia. It is represented by the sales agent Obscured Pictures and was showcased at the Deadline Studio during SXSW, sponsored by Redbreast Irish Whiskey.

Campbell explained the inspiration behind the films setting: "I discovered Sparks, Nevada, through working with Lola, producer of the film, on research in the Black Hawk Desert, which is north of Sparks and Reno. And we fell in love with the reservoir, which is where half of the movie is set, which is in a small town called Gerlach, Nevada."

He further elaborated on the choice of location, saying that the film needed a place that felt simultaneously vast and listless, somewhere that evoked a desire to escape but also held a romantic, decaying charm ideal for cinematic storytelling. After just one visit through Reno and Sparks, the decision was made to anchor the coming-of-age story in this atmospheric region.

The settings unique qualities contribute greatly to the films tone, combining small-town ennui with surreal, dreamlike moments that mirror Cleos internal transformation. The reservoir itself becomes a symbolic and literal backdrop for the characters quests for meaning and self-discovery.

Sparks offers a fresh take on youth, nostalgia, and the power of cinema to transport and transform. By weaving together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy within a distinct Nevada landscape, the film promises an experience that is both grounded and otherworldly.

Audiences and critics at SXSW responded to the films immersive atmosphere and the intriguing dynamic between the characters, especially the tension between Antoines grounded leadership and Cleos restless imagination. The films blend of quirky adventure and emotional depth marks it as a standout narrative in the festivals lineup.

As Fergus Campbell and his cast continue to promote Sparks, viewers can anticipate a unique cinematic journey that captures the liminal space between adolescence and adulthood, reality and fantasy, all set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of northern Nevada.
See the best red carpet looks from Hollywood's power couples at the 2026 Actor Awards. Sam Elliott, Britt Lower, and more dazzled in style.

AceShowbiz - The 2026 Actor Awards, hosted at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 1, turned into a dazzling showcase of Hollywoods most fashionable couples. Formerly known as the SAG Awards, the ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements in both television and film, attracting stars and their partners who made a striking impression on the red carpet.

Sam Elliott and his wife, Katharine Ross, set a sophisticated tone early in the evening by arriving in coordinated black suits. Elliott, 81, chose a timeless tuxedo look, while Ross, 86, complemented him with a chic black pantsuit paired with a crisp white blouse.

Another notable pair included Britt Lower and Adam Scott, both accompanied by their spouses, Kenna Kennor and Naomi Scott respectively. Lower, 40, is nominated for Female Actor in a Drama Series, and the entire cast of Severance has been recognized with a Best Ensemble nomination.

Throughout the evening, more star-studded couples appeared, including Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, as well as Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail, each showcasing their unique style. Noah Wyle and his wife, Sara Wells, added a romantic touch by sharing a tender kiss while posing for photos.

Among the evenings highlights, Leslie Bibb stunned in a champagne-colored jewel-encrusted gown, paired with Sam Rockwell, who opted for an all-black outfit and sunglasses. Similarly, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart walked hand-in-hand.

Jason Bateman looked dashing in a traditional tuxedo, while his wife, Amanda Anka, sparkled in a gold sequin gown. The chemistry between Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary was evident as they held hands tenderly.

Michelle Williams captivated in a soft light pink dress, standing out alongside Thomas Kail, who wore a sharp blue suit. Meanwhile, Kirsten Dunst made a statement in a sleek black gown, with Jesse Plemons complementing her look in a brown suit paired with a black button-up and polished Carmina dress oxfords.

Other couples who turned heads included Kerri Russell and Matthew Rhys, with Russell in an asymmetrical black gown and Rhys in a brown suit, and Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller, both dressed in coordinated black outfits.

Noah Wyle and Sara Wells dazzled in monochrome black-and-white ensembles, while Adam Scott and Naomi Scott matched in sleek black attire. Britt Lower and her husband, Kenna Kennor, shared smiles and a warm presence on the carpet.

Sam Nivola from White Lotus and Iris Apatow showcased coordination in black outfits, adding to the lineup of stylish duos. The evening closed with a highlight on Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross, who embraced a matching black-suit theme.
Viola Davis's exuberant reaction steals the show as she announces Michael B. Jordan's Actor Awards win. A viral, heartfelt moment from the 2026 ceremony.

AceShowbiz - Viola Davis stole the show with her heartfelt and exuberant reaction during the 2026 Actor Awards when she announced Michael B. Jordan as the winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. The ceremony, held on March 1, witnessed a memorable moment as Viola Davis presented the award and could hardly contain her excitement upon hearing Michael B. Jordan's name.

As Davis opened the envelope, her jaw literally dropped in surprise and delight. She enthusiastically exclaimed, "You are shining! Michael B. Jordan!" Her energy was infectious as she even began chanting from the stage, encouraging the visibly emotional Jordan as he made his way to accept the prestigious prize for his compelling role in Sinners.

In his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed genuine humility and gratitude. "I wasn't expecting this at all," he said, adding that it was an honor to be nominated alongside actors and individuals he admires deeply. He highlighted the significance of this recognition coming from the SAG-AFTRA actors' union, an organization he has long respected.

Michael B. Jordan reflected on his journey, recalling how he once observed other actors he looked up to being part of SAG-AFTRA and dreamed of joining their ranks. "I remember when I got my SAG-AFTRA card, I was like, 'Man, I'm like an entry level member,'" he shared. He went on to describe how seeing award ceremonies filled with accomplished actors was a milestone he aspired to reach. "That kid from Newark, New Jersey, is standing here right now," he proudly declared.

The actor took a touching moment to honor the people who supported him through his path to success. He thanked his mother for her unwavering support, recounting the sacrifices she made, including driving him to New York for auditions despite financial hardships. "Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn't have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel," he said emotionally.

Jordan also recognized Ryan Coogler, the director of Sinners, crediting him for creating a safe space that allowed the cast to explore their performances fearlessly and truthfully. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do and to be fearless," he added.

Beyond the heartfelt moments between Jordan and Davis, the 2026 Actor Awards honored a wide array of talented performers across various categories, celebrating excellence in film and television.

In the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series, Michelle Williams took home the award for her role in Dying for Sex, beating notable nominees like Claire Danes for The Beast in Me and Sarah Snook for All Her Fault.

Meanwhile, Owen Cooper was recognized as the Outstanding Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his work in Adolescence, surpassing strong contenders such as Jason Bateman and Stephen Graham.

In comedy, Catherine O'Hara was awarded Outstanding Female Actor for her performance in The Studio, with Kathryn Hahn and Jenna Ortega among the other nominees. Seth Rogen earned Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series for the same show, edging out competitors like Ted Danson and Martin Short.

The ensemble cast of The Studio also won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, triumphing over fan favorites like Abbott Elementary and The Bear.

Turning to drama, Keri Russell won Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role in The Diplomat, while Noah Wyle was honored as Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series for The Pitt. The latter show also secured the award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series, competing against Severance and The White Lotus.

In supporting roles, Amy Madigan took home the female category award for Weapons, and Sean Penn won Outstanding Male Actor in a Supporting Role for One Battle After Another. Both actors stood out among a talented pool of nominees.

The Leading Role categories also featured stiff competition. Jessie Buckley won Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role for Hamnet, while the iconic Michael B. Jordan claimed the male equivalent for his work in Sinners. Other nominees included big names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet.

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture was awarded to Sinners, further solidifying the films critical acclaim. Action categories celebrated stunt ensembles, with Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning winning for film and The Last of Us taking the prize for television.

The 2026 Actor Awards was a night that not only highlighted the incredible talents of its winners but also showcased moments of genuine emotion and support among peers. Viola Daviss infectious excitement for Michael B. Jordan epitomized the spirit of the eventcelebrating artistry, hard work, and the fulfillment of dreams.
A mystical Fox offers a heartbroken heir a magical bargain to fix his fiancee. But perfection comes at a strange cost in this Australian film.

AceShowbiz - The Fox is a film directed and written by Dario Russo, set in rural Australia. The plot centers on Nick, portrayed by Jai Courtney, a heir to a wealthy landowner, who faces turmoil when he discovers his fiancee Kori, played by Emily Browning, is unfaithful. He encounters a mystical Fox, acted by Olivia Colman, who offers a bargain: if Nick spares her life, she will assist him by pushing Kori into a magical hole that transforms her into the ideal partner.

Following the Fox's advice, Nick witnesses Kori's transformation, but her newfound peculiarities soon cause him to question the consequences of his choice.

The film was spotlighted at SXSW during a panel featuring Dario Russo, Emily Browning, and Claudia Doumit. Russo shared insights about the production, highlighting the freedom found in filming in Australia. He stated, "You can get away with things in Australia that you can't get away with anywhere else in the world."

Emily Browning emphasized the benefits of government funding. According to Russo, the application involved submitting a form with the films concept, which he summarized as "Fucking foxes."

The production took place in Adelaide, described by Russo as the bottom of the world.

Presented at the Deadline Studio during SXSW, The Fox exemplifies how Australian film incentives can facilitate unconventional storytelling.
Explore Joe Swanberg's role in mumblecore: the DIY indie film movement known for naturalistic dialogue, awkward humor, and low-budget digital aesthetics.

AceShowbiz - For fans of indie films, and especially the mumblecore genre, few names are as recognizable as Joe Swanberg. He was a leading figure in this early 2000s movement of DIY filmmaking, alongside the Duplass brothers and the late Lynn Shelton. Mumblecore films are known for their naturalistic, often improvised dialogue, awkwardly humorous moments, and low-budget digital aesthetics that sometimes looked like they were shot in a basementbecause, often, they were.

This style typically focused on young white characters navigating uncertain lives, often young women discovering themselves amid casual relationships and lots of awkward, sometimes bad, sex. Alternatively, stories might center on men who are too old to live with their parents, obsessed with philosophical or conspiracy theories, as in the Duplass brothers Jeff, Who Lives at Home, featuring a stoner-philosopher on a quest for meaning during a mundane Home Depot trip.

However, the key players of mumblecore have since moved on. The Duplass brothers have found success as actors, Greta Gerwig is now a blockbuster director, and Swanberg himself has not directed a feature film since 2017, focusing instead on the Netflix series Easy.

Thats why the buzz surrounding The Sun Never Sets, Swanbergs first feature in nearly a decade, was so palpable at SXSW. This indie romantic triangle set in Alaska stars Dakota Fanning delivering what many consider the best performance of her career. The film was a standout at the festival and raises the question: are we witnessing a new wave of post-mumblecore films? These would be deeply human stories about 30- and 40-somethings making flawed choices in love.

The first striking difference from Swanbergs earlier work is the films visual quality. Shot on 35-mm film, it showcases breathtaking Alaskan landscapes bathed in 24-hour daylight. The cast clearly had a blast, especially as they all learned to fly planes for the filman experience not without risks. Co-star Jake Johnson remarked to Screen Rant, Anyone can fly a plane in Alaska! Theres no regulation. Theyre like, You wanna fly a plane? Sure! Theyre like, Its like a boat! But its a plane in the air.

In the film, Dakota Fanning plays Wendy, a 31-year-old construction worker in Anchorage who operates a bulldozer by day. She is happily dating Jack (played by Johnson), a divorced hedge-fund manager in his 40s with two kids. But when Jack suggests they take a break so Wendy can figure out what she truly wants, things get complicated. Wendy soon reconnects with her charismatic ex, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), a pilot with a mysterious streak who vanishes for days without explanation.

The story draws heavily from Swanbergs own experiences. After his divorce in 2019 from actress Kris Williams, with whom he shares two children, Swanberg was inspired by his post-divorce relationships. He told Deadline at SXSW that the character of Wendy is an amalgamation of several relationships with younger women, transformed significantly by Dakota Fanning's input.

He explained to IndieWire that in one relationship, Swanberg worried that his refusal to remarry or have more children would ultimately disappoint his younger partner, leading him to self-sabotage. This emotional complexity seeps into the films narrative, adding depth and realism.

To maintain genuine chemistry and tension, Swanberg kept Johnson and Smith unaware of each others scenes with Wendy by shooting their parts separately. Johnson admitted to feeling real jealousy when witnessing the chemistry between Dakota Fanning and Smith on set. He even joked to Deadline that, as a producer, he wanted to make Smiths character less attractive to tone down the tension, suggesting the character be five-foot-two and way uglier.

Yet, none of the storys emotional weight would succeed without Dakota Fannings performance. She convincingly portrays a woman torn between two men, managing to make both relationships believable despite Wendys indecision. Many agree she has never been better on screen. Watching her is like meeting the actress anewmature, relaxed, funny, and layered with heartbreak and complexity.

While her sister Elle Fanning has garnered acclaim through prestigious Cannes films and HBO shows, this portrayal reveals a different, perhaps more seasoned side of Dakota Fanning. Beneath her bright exterior lies a woman who has experienced lifes challenges and come through with empathy rather than cynicism. It took the right directorin this case, Swanbergto unlock this side of her talent.

The Sun Never Sets stands as a promising return for Joe Swanberg and a career-defining role for Dakota Fanning. It offers a fresh, beautiful look at mature relationships shaped by love, jealousy, and self-discovery, all set against the stunning backdrop of Alaskas endless daylight. For those eager for authentic, human stories about imperfect people navigating complex emotions, this film could mark the beginning of a new chapter in indie cinema.
Kanye West's new album 'Bully' drops March 28, 2026. See the 18-track handwritten list, confirmed features, and his "no AI" statement.

AceShowbiz - Kanye West has unveiled the tracklist for his forthcoming album Bully, set to release this Friday, March 28, 2026, through Gamma. In a rare post on X (formerly Twitter) on March 25, the rapper shared a photograph of a handwritten list revealing the 18 songs that will comprise his 12th studio album.

This marks Kanye West's first solo project since 2021's Donda. The tracklist includes some previously released songs such as "Preacher Man," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Damn." While the complete lineup of producers and guest appearances remains unconfirmed, rumors suggest that Travis Scott may feature on the track titled "Father." Additionally, longtime collaborator Mike Dean is reportedly involved in the production.

In his tweet, Kanye West emphasized that Bully contains no AI, clarifying earlier comments where he had mentioned experimenting with artificial intelligence to replicate his voice during the albums creation. In a 2025 interview with Justin Laboy, Kanye West described using AI technology to isolate components of songs such as vocals, basslines, and drums, explaining how this digital approach assisted his engineering process.

Despite his previous openness to AI experimentation, Kanye West revealed that he manually chopped samples for Bully, describing the record as a more positive and nostalgic project. He compared it to iconic albums like Lauryn Hills and Gnarls Barkleys works, stating that the album represents a higher frequency of creativity. He also addressed the albums title, acknowledging its negative connotations but expressing a desire to reclaim and transform that perception.

Bully arrives in the wake of Kanye Wests public apology for antisemitic remarks and behavior that had severely impacted his career and business partnerships. Earlier this month, the Chicago native published a detailed letter in The Wall Street Journal expressing deep regret over his actions. He attributed his controversial behavior to undiagnosed brain injuries sustained in a 2002 car accident, which he said led him toward destructive symbolism, including the swastika, and related merchandise.

In the letter, Kanye West stated, I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. He further insisted, It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.

The release of Bully will be accompanied by a series of live performances. Kanye West is scheduled to perform at Los Angeles SoFi Stadium on April 1 and 3. The tour is expected to continue internationally with shows planned in India, Turkey, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain throughout June to August.

This album represents a significant moment in Kanye Wests career, both as a creative endeavor and as part of his public efforts toward personal accountability and artistic evolution following a turbulent period.
After Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers return with a new Netflix horror miniseries. Binge the chilling story of a couple's pre-wedding nightmare.

AceShowbiz - When Stranger Things debuted on Netflix in 2016, it propelled co-creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer into the spotlight, becoming a massive cultural phenomenon. The shows nostalgic 1980s sci-fi storyline captivated audiences worldwide and ended its epic five-season run in December, leaving a notable gap in the streaming landscape. Fortunately, the Duffer Brothers are far from finished. Just three months after wrapping up Stranger Things, they have returned with a fresh Netflix horror series that launched all eight episodes simultaneously.

Netflix subscribers can now binge-watch the entire debut season of the Duffer Brothers new project, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, which premiered on March 26th. This horror miniseries marks their first release after Stranger Things and is crafted by creator Haley Z. Boston. The series stars Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco as Rachel Harkin and Nicky Cunningham, a couple preparing to get married. However, what should be a joyful celebration quickly turns into a harrowing ordeal when Rachel becomes overwhelmed by increasing anxiety during her visit to Nickys remote family home in the days before their wedding.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen stands as a strong follow-up to the Duffer Brothers previous hit. Critics have praised the series as a "masterclass in dread," noting that it departs from the supernatural and nostalgic tone of Stranger Things while maintaining the creators signature tension-filled storytelling. Although the series does not yet have an official critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, all three reviews currently listed are positive. Karina Adelgaard of Heaven of Horror remarked, "You know a show is good when you find yourself almost mourning the fact that you can never rewatch it again for the FIRST time."

This new series embraces an atmospheric, slow-burn style of horror reminiscent of A24 productions, focusing more on building paranoia and tension than on cheap jump scares. Set during a high-pressure, intimate event that spirals out of control, it evokes comparisons to classic horror films like Rosemarys Baby and Carrie. Toms Guide even suggested it is a perfect fit for The Haunting of Hill House fans, thanks to its unnerving, unpredictable nature and a storyline that quickly descends into a claustrophobic, skin-crawling nightmare.

Beyond its chilling atmosphere, the series features standout performances by the cast and includes moments of unsettling body horror, further enhancing the overall sense of dread. The tension is palpable throughout the eight episodes, which carefully build suspense leading to the storys bloody climax.

Regarding the future of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, it appears to be designed as a limited series. Rachel and Nickys story is fully contained within this first seasons episodes, suggesting no immediate plans for continuation. However, creator Haley Z. Boston has not ruled out the possibility of a second season, which could transform the show into an anthology exploring different existential fears. Boston told ScreenRant, "Theres a world where its a totally different, very bad thing. Id have to find another existential fear to explore."

For fans of the Duffer Brothers, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen offers a fresh but familiar experience. It moves away from the supernatural elements and 1980s nostalgia that defined Stranger Things but retains the creators knack for suspenseful and emotionally charged storytelling. This new series is a promising sign that the Duffer Brothers will continue to deliver compelling content in the horror genre.

Viewers interested in psychological horror with an emphasis on atmosphere and character-driven tension will find much to appreciate in this miniseries. The combination of strong performances, well-crafted scares, and a deeply unsettling mood make Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen a worthy addition to Netflixs growing horror lineup.

As the series currently stands as a limited run, fans should enjoy the complete story available now on Netflix. Whether or not a second season emerges, the shows debut offers a powerful example of the Duffer Brothers ability to create gripping, original horror narratives beyond their breakout hit.

What do you think of the Duffer Brothers new series? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and its potential future developments.
Spider-Man's cancelled Sinister Six movie fate revealed: Director Drew Goddard blames the Sony hack, not creative differences.

AceShowbiz - The Spider-Man universe has been buzzing this week following the release of the first trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Alongside this excitement, a long-standing mystery about the fate of the cancelled Sinister Six spin-off movie has finally been clarified. According to director and writer Drew Goddard, the cancellation was not a result of creative differences or studio deals, but rather due to chaotic real-world events at Sony Pictures.

Speaking to Variety while promoting his new film, Project Hail Mary, Goddard recalled the impact of the infamous Sony hack on the project. He revealed, "I had a big Spider-Man movie about the Sinister Six go down because of the Sony hack. My office was right on the lot, and I saw the FBI swarm in and the helicopters fly over the studio. I was sad about it, but there was literally nothing I could do to change the course of events." This candid admission sheds light on a behind-the-scenes disruption that many fans had not previously considered.

For years, speculation surrounded why the Sinister Six movie never materialized. Theories ranged from the evolving partnership between Sony and Marvel Studios to the conclusion of the Andrew Garfield-led Spider-Man era, or even the unraveling of plans connected to The Amazing Spider-Man franchise. However, Goddard's explanation points instead to the unexpected and very real consequences of the Sony hack, which brought production to an abrupt halt.

The timing of this revelation is particularly notable, arriving just one day after the debut of the Brand New Day trailer, which has reignited fan discussions and theories about the future of the Spider-Man cinematic world. While the Sinister Six project may no longer be in the cards, the franchise continues to expand and evolve, keeping audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Meanwhile, Drew Goddard is currently engaged with other high-profile projects. His latest film, Project Hail Mary, has just hit theaters and garnered rave reviews, marking the best critical reception of Ryan Gosling's career. Collider praised the film as a significant comeback for directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, highlighting its blend of humor, emotion, and large-scale sci-fi spectacle.

Project Hail Mary is noted as a thrilling blockbuster that balances heartfelt storytelling with impressive visual effects. Reviewers have suggested it is a strong contender for 2027 Oscar consideration and a new classic within the science fiction genre. The film is now playing in theaters, offering audiences an exciting cinematic adventure.

The contrast between the fate of the cancelled Sinister Six and the success of Project Hail Mary underscores the unpredictable nature of the film industry. While unforeseen events like the Sony hack can abruptly end projects, creative talents like Goddard continue to produce acclaimed work that captivates audiences worldwide.

As the Spider-Man franchise continues to grow with new installments and spin-offs, fans can look forward to fresh stories on the big screen. The recent trailer for Brand New Day has already sparked widespread excitement and speculation, ensuring that the web-slinger's adventures remain a focal point of superhero cinema.

In summary, the cancellation of the Sinister Six was not the result of artistic or strategic decisions but was directly linked to the disruptive Sony hack that forced the studio to halt production. This inside information from Drew Goddard offers a definitive answer to a question that has lingered for years among Spider-Man enthusiasts. Meanwhile, his current work on Project Hail Mary continues to earn critical acclaim, proving that despite setbacks, creative momentum in Hollywood persists.
A man's past pulls him back to Vegas to investigate his brother's overdose, uncovering a murderous truth in this gritty story of family and redemption.

AceShowbiz - He Bled Neon is set to debut as a gripping feature film that dives deep into the darker side of Las Vegas, revealing a story of family, violence, and redemption. Directed and written by Drew Kirsch, the narrative follows Ethan, a man who thought he had escaped his troubled past as a street kid. Now living comfortably in Los Angeles, engaged to his dream girl and working at her fathers real estate firm, Ethans life is upended when he receives a text informing him that his brother has overdosed.

This tragic news pulls Ethan back to Las Vegas, forcing him to confront the painful history he had tried to leave behind. As he investigates, Ethan begins to suspect there may be more to his brothers death than meets the eye, uncovering the possibility that it was not an overdose but a murder. The film explores Ethans journey to find the truth and face the violent underbelly of the city he escaped.

Drew Kirsch described the film as an opportunity to shed light on a side of Las Vegas rarely portrayed in cinema. Im originally from Reno, Nevada, and [Vegas] kind of has a certain side to it thats really gritty. Theres a ton of texture... This was an opportunity to explore off the strip, where theres just this gritty underbelly that I dont see a lot of films cover, Kirsch told Deadline.

The project was spotlighted at SXSW on March 16, 2026, featuring a panel with Drew Kirsch, Nate Bolotin, and notable cast members including Paul Wesley, Rita Ora, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Josh Holloway, and Marshawn Lynch. Their involvement adds significant star power and depth to this "propulsive" and "gritty" film, promising a compelling exploration of family loyalty and survival in a harsh urban environment.

Presented by Deadline Studio at SXSW and sponsored by Redbreast Irish Whiskey, the film marks an exciting directorial debut for Drew Kirsch. Audiences and critics alike will be watching closely as He Bled Neon brings a fresh and authentic voice to the crime thriller genre.
Banjul, Gambia (PANA)  Gambian President Adama Barrow on Thursday outlined major achievements in economic recovery, institutional reform and infrastructure development, while acknowledging persistent challenges, in his 2026 State of the Nation Address(SONA) before the National Assembly on Thursday
#BREAKING A Boeing 737 aircraft of Ariana Afghan Airlines rolled off the runway while landing at Kabul International Airport. pic.twitter.com/8l5N4HFQ5P  Prime (@nucleusprime) March 25, 2026 Flug FG252,  XSL

 aero.de | 26.03.2026 08:06

KABUL - In der afghanischen Hauptstadt ist eine Boeing 737 bei einer Landung verunfallt. Passagiere und Crew blieben unversehrt.Flughafen Kabul, 25. Marz 2025: Ariana Afghan Airlines 252 aus Herat landet auf Piste 29. Kurz nach dem Aufetzen zieht die Boeing 737-400 von der Piste und kommt erst auf unbefestigtem Untergrund zum Stillstand.Crew und Passagiere verlassen das 33 Jahre alte Flugzeug uber Notrutschen, nach ersten Informationen gibt es keine Verletzten. An der YA-PIC entstand bei dem Landeunfall erheblicher Sachschaden.
14 Killed, 23 Injured as Bus Catches Fire After Collision in Andhras Markapuram 2

At least 14 people were killed and 23 others injured after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire in Andhra Pradeshs Markapuram district on Thursday, police said.

The impact of the collision caused the bus to burst into flames, trapping several passengers inside the burning vehicle and leading to heavy casualties.

Markapuram Superintendent of Police V Harshavardhan Raju confirmed the toll, stating that 14 people lost their lives in the accident, while the injured, including the bus driver, have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The bus was travelling from Jagityal in Telangana to Kaligiri in Nellore district with around 35 passengers on board when the incident occurred.

The driver of the tipper lorry also sustained injuries and has been hospitalised.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic loss of lives. He spoke to officials and directed them to ensure proper medical care for the injured.

The Chief Minister also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the accident and asked authorities to submit a detailed report.

Rescue and relief operations were carried out at the site, while officials are working to ascertain further details of the incident.
Prashant Kishor Slams Nitish Kumar Over Son's JD(U) Entry, Questions 'Moral High Ground' 2

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has launched a sharp attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that his re-election as JD(U) national president and the induction of his son, Nishant Kumar, into the party mark a departure from the principles he upheld for decades.

Speaking in Munger district on Wednesday, Kishor said Nitish Kumar, who had long projected himself as a leader above nepotism, has now stepped down from the pedestal he occupied for the past 35 years. A former JD(U) national vice president, Kishor claimed that the developments indicate that Kumar is no different from leaders who treat political parties as personal fiefdoms to be passed on to their heirs.

Nitish Kumar has always been the supreme leader of JD(U). His continuation as national president and the induction of his son show he is no different from those he once criticised, Kishor said. He added that Kumar can no longer claim the moral high ground he once held while attacking dynastic politics and championing socialist ideals.

Kishor also commented on the anticipated leadership change in Bihar, as Nitish Kumar is expected to step down as chief minister following his election to the Rajya Sabha. He said the decision on the next chief minister rests with the NDA but alleged that the alliances electoral success was aided by what he described as brazen voter inducements ahead of the assembly elections.

Referring to welfare measures announced before the polls, including the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana under which 10,000 was transferred to over one crore women, Kishor claimed such initiatives influenced voter turnout and contributed to the NDAs sweeping victory.

Continuing his criticism, Kishor accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of prioritising Gujarat over Bihar. In a sarcastic remark, he said that regardless of who leads the next government, it would function with Gujarats interests in mind.

Meanwhile, in Patna, Nishant Kumar visited the JD(U) office to celebrate his fathers re-election with party workers. The 44-year-old assured that he would work closely with grassroots workers and proposed distributing booklets across the state highlighting Nitish Kumars governance record over his long tenure as chief minister.
There are reports saying that Elon Musk is offering to pay TSA employees salaries to help ease the financial pain of the government shutdown that is seriously impacting the Department of Homeland Security.

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Regardless how much money the man has, this is an incredibly altruistic gesture.

Now, you can certainly count me among those who believe that the TSA is one of many government agencies which should have never existed at all. But, given that it does exist, and that often good and dedicated human beings enter contracts with the federal government with the promise of income for their labor, it would be decent to want them to be paid for what they do when they go to work. And, arguably, the fact that these agents typically earn less than the national average income means that they cannot afford these kinds of prolonged disruptions in their pay.

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Additionally, given that the government has promised this service to the American people in exchange for taxpayers dollars, there is no downside to a private citizen ensuring that the job is done when the government has failed, right? Paying his fair share, and all that?

Nevertheless, we are left wondering to what lengths Democrats will go in order to prevent Elon Musk from doing this.

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After all, the pain is the point when it comes the Democrats most recent government shutdown. Democrats want Americans to be miserable, and want them to associate their misery with the Trump presidency and Republicans. There is no other conclusion that makes any sense.

They want Americans to think otherwise, of course. Theyre out there with the scripted attacks, suggesting that theyre ready to fund the government, including the TSA  with the caveat that the Republicans submit to their demands to carve out constitutionally legislated funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

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Interestingly, this is a page out of Republicans playbook, to some extent. Ted Cruz tried something similar in 2013.

If you recall, the passage of Obamacare in 2010 was an underhandedly partisan event. There was little debate (we had to pass the bill to find out what was in it, Nancy Pelosi demanded), not a single Republican voted for it, and several Democrats were bribed with taxpayer money (i.e., the Cornhusker Kickback with Ben Nelson in Nebraska, the Louisiana Purchase with Mary Landrieu, etc.) for their support. This was so unpopular, in fact, that 2010 was an absolute bloodbath for Democrats in the midterms, with Democrats losing 63 seats and control of the House, along with over 700 seats in state legislatures.

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And though they lost 6 seats in the Senate, the majority in the upper chamber still belonged to Democrats in 2013, and Republicans were still dealing from a position of weakness. Nevertheless, Ted Cruz led a charge in the Senate to use the threat of a government shutdown to defund Obamacare.

He wanted to fund the government, Cruz insisted  but with the caveat that Democrats submit to the demand to defund Obamacare.

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Democrats howled that Republicans were betraying the American people by shutting down the government while trying to reverse the funding that was mandated by constitutional legislation. Yet today, they feign ignorance as to why critics suggest that Democrats are shutting down the government by doing the same thing.

In the end, it didnt matter much for Cruz and the Republicans, though. The government was shut down for 16 days in late 2013, and it really didnt impact Americans in any significant way. That shutdown was so broadly imperceptible, in fact, that President Obama famously used the opportunity to shut down open air National Parks to remind Americans of what Republicans were doing. By the following summer, a massive influx of illegal aliens led to everyone completely forgetting about Ted Cruzs stunt, and Republicans took the Senate in 2014, followed by Trumps victory in 2016.

Democrats may not be so lucky. They are betting that they can pull off a Hail Mary strategy that relies heavily upon the ignorance and stupidity of millions of Americans. And sadly, there are some signs that its working.

Just the other day, my wife was speaking with our elderly neighbor about the TSA trouble at the airports, who insisted that those Republicans are really digging in their heels when it comes to the government shutdown.

It defies all logic to reach this conclusion, but Democrats may have some reason to think that their actively making Americans miserable (while falsely suggesting that Republicans are responsible for the misery) will work. After all, the strategy arguably worked in 2020. Democrats around the country enacted liberty-strangling and soul-sapping lockdown policies and promoted race riots that certainly made Americans miserable, but they ran a campaign designed to convince Americans that all of it was a symptom of Trumps America and Republican governance.

Time will tell if the strategy will work this time around, but there are signs that Democrats may be in for a rude surprise. You see, the gambit for Cruz in 2013 was entirely dependent on Americans disliking Obamacare so much that they would accept a government shutdown which had modest impact upon the American people. Democrats strategy today is dependent upon Americans disliking ICE so much that they will accept a shutdown that is severely impacting millions of lives.

Democrats may be correctly reading the signs that Americans are not thrilled about ICE lately. The agency suffers a dismal 38% approval rating, and maybe thats why Democrats feel that using ICE as leverage in the absence of power will bear fruit. The problem, as Ben Shapiro says, is that Democrats are less popular than ICE, with just a 30% approval rating.

And now, in a masterstroke of political maneuvering, ICE agents are being deployed by President Trump and Tom Homan to support the TSA until the shutdown can be resolved.

Between Elon Musk offering to pay TSA salaries and ICE supporting staff to reduce Americans misery in TSA screening lines, coupled with the obvious fact that intransigent Democrats are the root cause of the fiasco at American airports, logic suggests that Democrats wont come out of this government shutdown debate smelling like roses.

Image: Screenshot from LiveNOW from FOX video, via YouTube
At the February meeting of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE), Shaimaa Zayan, Operations Manager of the Austin office of Council on Islamic Relations (CAIR) went to the microphone to make public comments about revisions to the social studies curriculum standards which are under review.

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Why is a designated foreign terrorist organization allowed a platform to demand a full revision of the Texas social studies curricula to promote their Islamic agenda?

Board member Brandon Hall (marker 1:12:40) asked that question: "Point of order... CAIR's stated goal is to push Sharia in the state of Texas, and now they're here to do it in our schools. Governor Abbott designated CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization. Can we have the leader of a foreign terrorist organization testify?"

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Yes! According to the SBOEs legal counsel, a terrorist organization is allowed under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to speak at public hearings. The SBOE is advised to seek unbiased counsel for the interpretation of the Constitution.

When our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, did they intend for our enemies to have equal rights under our rule of law? Did they intend for foreign enemies to have a voice in what American children are taught? Why is CAIR allowed any presence in Texas? In the United States? In our institutions? Why are their members not arrested?

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This front organization for the Muslim Brotherhood has been linked to terror and to subversion of American education. They are working within the system to change the textbooks and curriculum to attack the children who are the heart of America.

CAIR is crying foul over the recently SBOE-approved social studies teaching plan because all grades are heavily focused on Texas and U.S. history with only a small amount of time allocated for world history and cultures. The terrorist organization is screaming Islamaphobia over the rightward shift in the curriculum to western civilization with Biblical history and the lack of requirements for Islam, global civilizations and non-Western societies.

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The revisions of the proposed Texas social studies curriculum that CAIR is demanding will cancel our Christian heritage, our founding, and our Texas legends and replace them with Islamist propaganda.

If CAIR succeeds, students will be taught that one-third of all slaves in America were Muslims who were enslaved and murdered because of their Muslim faith. The Mayflower Compact, Christopher Columbus, Christopher Columbus Day, and President George Washingtons 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation and prayer will be wiped out of our history. Students will be taught that the Alamo was influenced by Islamic architecture and built as a tribute to Islam. The history of the founding of the United States and Texas will be revised with Muslims included as contributors.

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With the second largest K-12 student population in the country, Texas has been a target of Islam for decades. Political Islam is taught in public schools under the guise of studies in world history and religions. English classes promote Islam through vocabulary worksheets.

In Texas and across the country, Muslims are allowed to proselytize while Christians cannot.

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Outside a North Texas school, students prayed in front of the American flag before classes began. They were told to cease their prayers on school grounds. However, a student at that school told this writer privately that Muslim students were allowed to go to the school library for their daily prayers. Muslim students would go to classrooms to get their friends out for their numerous daily prayers. Yet the principal did not shut down their prayers and did not allow equal time for Christians who might have wanted to pray during class time inside the school.

At Honey Grove Independent School District students were forced to hide behind a cafeteria curtain, move to an empty gym, or relocate outside to pray.

For years at Liberty High School in Frisco, Muslim students were given preferential treatment with the transformation of a classroom into a campus mosque for 30 minutes each weekday.

In an effort to normalize Sharlia-lite with religious symbols in the heart of Texas pride on Go Texan Day, a Ramadan display was sneaked into Bunker Hill Elementary in Houston. It was only through the vigilance of parents that the Islamic display was removed.

Students memorize verses from the Quran, learn the Five Pillars of Islam, recite the American Pledge of Allegiance (One nation under Allah) and chant, There is no god but Allah. However, classes do not include the memorization of Bible verses.

During class activities, students kneel on rugs and pray to Allah while facing in the direction of Mecca. Students wear burqas and necklaces with the emblem of the Muslim star and moon crescents. Deeper immersion occurs during school field trips to a mosque where female students are required to cover themselves from head to toe.

In 2008 the American Textbook Council released a report, Islam in the Classroom: What the Textbooks Tell Us. None of this is accidental. Islamic organizations, willing to sow misinformation, are active in curriculum politics. These activists are eager to expunge any critical thought about Islam from textbooks and all public discourse.

Educators provide students with only positive stories about the multiculturalism and broad-mindedness of Muslims. Textbooks whitewash the beheadings and slaughter of Christians and Jews, crucifixions, enslavement, stonings, hangings, throwing gays over balconies to their death, honor killings, female genital mutilation, dismembering of body parts, disemboweling, rape, terror, kidnapping, destroying synagogues and churches, detonating bombs strapped to babies heads, and locking people in cages for days and then drowning them. Totally ignored is the plight of women living under Shariah.

The pattern of Islam is to use schools and school boards, government, the courts, art museums, and other major institutions, including outreach to churches, to infiltrate, gradually introduce Shariah, and then finally takeover a nation.

The goal is the conversion of America to an Islamic nation living under Shariah. In a 1989 video clip (tracker 10:31) about the goal of Islam for America, Islamic activist Sharifa Alkhateeb makes this quite clear to her audience at the "Muslim Americans Political Awareness Conference,"

We do not want to melt into American society and disappear. We want to go into American society with Islamic ideals and revamp their thinking. We want to revamp them. We want to turn them into Muslim individuals.

Alkhateeb emphasizes that, since education is political, public education will be used to convert students to Islam.

Islamic encroachment is moving swiftly across Texas, not only in education, but with the building of dozens of new mosques, the development of a large Muslim community, and infiltration of Christian churches, it is clear these are barbaric conquerors who will stop at nothing to totally destroy America. It is up to Texans to bring full stop to the assault on our schools, our history, and our way of life.

Carole Hornsby Haynes, education curriculum and policy advisor. www.drcarolehhaynes.com

Image: US Embassy Jakarta
In a world filled with challenges, threats, and dire enemies, its easy to lump them all into a single bucket labeled future priorities. Unfortunately, the reality is that weve been kicking far too many of those future priorities down the road, likely leaving America to face several nightmare scenarios at once.

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President Donald Trump is not the first president to understand the threats we face, but he is the first in a very long time to decide to do something about them and no longer defer action. Delays will only make matters worse, and the American people are unlikely to be supportive after generations of getting by while letting major issues fester.

A list of our challenges is daunting:

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The national debt

Growing numbers of Americans believe socialism is superior to capitalism, and that almost everything can be obtained without effort

Millions of unassimilated immigrants threaten to derail what used to be understood to be standard and essential American mores.

China has co-opted our manufacturing sector, often using theft, massive government subsidies, and slave labor

Radical Islam abroad and, increasingly, at home.

The rise of expansionist countries that seek to end Americas preeminent status, a status that has elevated the standard of living across the globe.

No threat, not even that of Russia, which has designs on Europe, is as great as the one China presents. China, with its vast natural resources, giant population, and disciplined, ruthless government that thinks in terms of centuries, not quarters, has identified our various soft spots and intends to confront us and ultimately dominate us at every level and opportunity. China is willing to incur massive losses, spend whatever it takes, and take whatever time it takes to accomplish its objectives. China wants to dominate and surpass us on every single level of importance. The question is: What are we willing to do about it?

Nothing happens in China unless it is approved and part of Xis plan to win his 100-year war. Each of the following events originated in China and represents a deliberate plan:

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China has killed roughly 500,000 Americans over the last ten years with fentanyl. China has been the sole source of the precursor chemicals and could stop their production and distribution in a heartbeat, but it will not. Fentanyl is a weapon deliberately used to weaken our society.

Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has as its primary focus containing American influence and power, replacing the U.S. as the worlds leading economic power, including its vital status as the worlds Reserve Currency.

China uses economic coercion and trade leveragetariffs, export controls, investment screening, and targeted sanctions or threats to market access to influence U.S. policy choices or corporate behavior.

Chinas cyber operations and espionage are state-sponsored intrusions aimed at intellectual property theft, data collection, and operational disruption of critical infrastructure. These range from commercial espionage to targeted hacks of government and private networks

China uses transnational repression and coercion (intimidation, surveillance, or pressure on diaspora critics, journalists, and dissidents abroad) to silence dissent and influence communities. This includes leveraging platforms like WeChat to monitor and pressure individuals. China has been caught operating Police Stations in several American cities!

China funds political and institutional influence, creating partnerships and academic or cultural programs that create favorable access or shape elite opinion; also, covert attempts to cultivate proxies.

China seeks to kill Americans through covert means, including sending thousands of tons of Ammonium Perchlorate to Iran for rocket fuel, technology to produce deadly drones, military hardware to our enemies, and targeted espionage inside our homeland on a scale not to be believed. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray publicly stated the FBI opens a new China-related counterintelligence case roughly every 10 hours, and that the Bureau now treats China as its top counterintelligence priority, with thousands of active cases.

China is responsible for counterfeiting American currency and aids and abets transnational criminal groups that steal the identities of millions of Americans and engage in massive fraud against American citizens. Fake Chinese websites steal billions of dollars each year from Americans.

Chinas role in the COVID outbreak remains a mystery, but some, perhaps many experts, believe that COVID-19 was created as a potential bio-weapon program. In any case, COVID disrupted Americas economy and changed its political trajectory.

The above is a partial list of Chinas many malign and devious endeavors to weaken America and dominate us. We have been their patsies for too long. While this may be news to you, it is not news to our leaders.

Many critics and analysts observe that Washington has long treated Beijings harmful actions with a mixture of public rebuke and private restraint, even as evidence accumulates that a range of Chinese state and state-adjacent activities have inflicted real harm on the United States. They point to many of the items I bulleted above, which the U.S. complains about but, other than Trumps tariff efforts (which the D.C. Swamp hates), leaves unaddressed.

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No wonder many argue that the U.S. government fully understands the scope of the problem but views economic ties and diplomatic stability, no matter the downsides for America, as a lesser risk than a more forceful confrontation. Critics call for tougher, more coordinated measures to protect national security and public health to little avail.

Reclaiming our sovereignty requires a coordinated whole-of-government and society strategy: secure critical supply chains and domestic manufacturing, harden cyber and law-enforcement capabilities, tighten financial and export controls, rebuild alliances for collective pressure, and invest in community resilience and public health responses. These steps are practical, scalable, and already reflected in President Trumps recent U.S. policy efforts on supply chain resilience and overdose prevention.

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The more existential question is who, other than President Trump, is willing to confront China on such a broad and consequential scale? No ones saying it, but China intends to make America a vassal state. The Chinese dont want us destroyed; they want us as a vital market for their products, while dominating us politically, militarily, and socially.

They are well on the way. Other than President Trump and a few other Senators and Representatives, greatly in the minority, few see China as the danger it represents and have the resolve to explain to the American people how dire the situation is because it removes the veil on our past decisions and actions that have led us to the weakened position we find ourselves in today.

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The stark reality is that people dont want to be bothered by anything that intrudes on their perception of reality, which is almost totally false and self-serving. When President Trump is gone, who will pick up the mantle?

God Bless America!

Image created using AI.

Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow.
Critics accuse Donald Trump of destroying a rules-based world order with his no-nonsense approach to those threatening the security of the Western world. There is just one problem: it is a liberal fantasy that never existed.

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The late 1990s were the high-water mark of liberal globalism. Academics like Francis Fukuyama rambled on about the end of history. In the Balkans, multilateral intervention seemingly redefined war as a legalistic humanitarian effort. In the quest for a borderless world, the West opened its doors to cheap Chinese imports.

In 1996, columnist Thomas Friedman reassured his readers that conflict would become a thing of the past in the world of liberal, free-trade globalism: No two countries with McDonalds fast-food outlets could want to wage war against each other, Friedman opined.

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All of this rested on the assumption that human beings are driven by material considerations rather than by ancestral identities, cultural behavioral patterns, or internalized historical grievances. Give people a McDonalds burger and some cheap gadgets from China, and theyll conform to whatever globalist norms come with this offer, so the logic went.

After the Soviet Unions collapse, Bill Clinton and his alcoholic pal Boris Yeltsin tried to force shock therapy on Russia. In their view, laissez-faire capitalism could be successfully rolled out overnight in a country still defined by Soviet-era, collectivist ways of thinking. Without a pre-existing culture of entrepreneurship, meritocracy, and respect for property rights, the scheme unsurprisingly ran aground. As mafia-style oligarchs scrambled to loot Russias resources, anti-Western backlash grew among ordinary Russians.

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Within the Western world itself, liberal globalisms misunderstanding of human nature led to a toxic experiment with state-enforced multiculturalism. Tried-and-tested policies of assimilating new immigrants were abandoned.

Originally, this wasnt due to radical postcolonialist wokery, but rather because mainstream, predominantly white, 1990s liberals thought that insisting on individual assimilation was obsolete. A shiny, freshly printed passport is all it takes, they reasoned. Then again, they also believed that the whole world had just assimilated into their globalist monoculture.

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The liberal-led West became so blind to reality that it could no longer even recognize its enemies. Appeasement became the new policy consensus towards the radical Shia-Islamist regime ruling Iran.

When the first mass protests since the Iranian regimes founding were violently crushed in 1999, liberal elites shrugged it off entirely, keen not to upset the Ayatollahs. Later, under Obama, Western diplomats treated Irans terrorist rulers as just another quarrelsome-but-rational autocracy: They assumed Irans ayatollahs could be disciplined with a few financial sanctions or tempted back into compliance with some wads of cash.

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If they had been humble enough to read Ayatollah Khomeinis words for themselves, they would not have made this mistake: Patriotism is another name for paganism. I say let this land [Iran] burn. I say let this land go up in smoke, provided Islam emerges triumphant in the rest of the world.

When Khomeini attained power in 1979, the prominent European leftist philosopher Michael Foucault called him a saint. Devoid of any myth, beauty, or tradition of its own, postmodern globalism leads its spiritually starved adherents to hungrily embrace even its enemies most fickle, invented mythologies.

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Iranians today dont call the dictators running their country holy men; they call them Zahhak, after the name of a power-obsessed, snake-shouldered tyrant from ancient Iranian mythology. Trump has an even clearer term for Irans uranium-obsessed rulers: lunatics. Now, Trump is taking decisive action to protect the free world from the nuclear menace these lunatics represent.

Truly irrational, megalomaniac dictators like Khomeini, Hitler, or Stalin are, fortunately, quite rare. Today, the West faces a different structural challenge from more rational authoritarian strongmen such as Putin and Xi Jinping. These rulers have no desire to spark nuclear Armageddon, start World War Three, or burn down their own countries. They are pursuing a far more sophisticated strategy: exploiting the self-destructive hypocrisy inherent in post-Cold War globalism to build up their own regimes and eventually outstrip the West.

In the early 1990s, many Russians, tired of the privations of communism, were briefly well-disposed to the West. But Russia would never become a democracy. Democrat rule has little precedent in Russian history, existing only for a few months in 1917. Nonetheless, many ordinary Russians were ready to give up on Russias imperial ambitions in exchange for more prosperity and less isolation.

Despite fierce opposition from a few old Soviet hardliners, Russia mostly ended its occupation of Eastern European, Caucasian, and Central Asian nations, pulling out its forces. Clinton and Yeltsins failed globalist shock therapy experiment undercut that reconciliation sentiment. That lone, though, wouldnt have propelled a fundamentally anti-Western, ex-KGB agent like Vladimir Putin to power.

It took a far more emotionally-piercing betrayal to do that: A devastating Islamic insurrection in Chechnya, a north-Caucasus region located inside Russias internationally-recognized post-Soviet borders. For centuries, there had been fierce ethno-religious conflict between the Muslim Chechens and their Russian rulers. It culminated when the Soviets, in 1944, deported Chechens en masse to the Central Asian steppe, a genocidal crime that killed over one hundred thousand Chechens.

Amidst the economic chaos of the early 1990s, a ragtag coalition of Chechen ultra-nationalists and jihadists seized power in Grozny, Chechnyas regional capital, to exact barbaric revenge for their ancestors historical suffering.

Tens of thousands of ethnic Russians lived in the city of Grozny, alongside their Chechen neighbors. Some survivors recounted,

In 1991, Russian girls began disappearing in broad daylight. Then Russian guys started getting beaten up on the streets, then they started killing them. In 1992, they started kicking out the wealthier ones from their apartments... By 1993, life was already unbearable... Another six months, and the most popular Chechen slogan would be, Russians, dont leave: we need slaves.

By the late 1990s, several large-scale slave markets operated in Chechnya, selling captured Russian women and children. To justify it all, the Chechen jihadists introduced an Islamist, Sharia-based legal code, which legitimized execution methods such as stoning.

The West offered Russia little assistance in fighting these terrorists. There was no public outcry, and not even a single virtue-signaling campus occupation. For the liberal establishment, events in Grozny were simply too politically incorrect to talk about. It risked upsetting their multiculturalist fantasies. So, they cloaked themselves in silence and denial.

For Putin, all this was a godsend. Ex-KGB apparatchiks like him couldnt credibly promise Russians prosperity or liberty. What they could certainly offer was security in the face of jihadism and Western indifference.

By 2000, under Putins leadership, the Russian Air Force had launched a no-holds-barred carpet bombing campaign that flattened Grozny. Russian soldiers retook the ruined city, block by block, ending the jihadist nightmare as brutally as it had begun.

Putins regime, never one to pass up on the services of thugs, offered many of the defeated Chechen terrorists amnesty and integration into Moscows armed forces, in exchange for absolute loyalty. Meanwhile, naive officials in Europe offered something altogether different to some of the most unrepentant surviving Chechen radicals: refugee status. This added insult to injury, alienating even the last pro-Western holdouts in Russian society.

Winning the war in Chechnya ended up giving Putin something no rigged election ever could: the primordial legitimacy of a war victor. He used it to rebuild the Russian state according to the anti-Western, authoritarian designs of the Soviet past, minus the failed Marxist economics.

These days, Putin coaxes young Russians to fight in Ukraine with made-up tales of Western-backed forces committing crimes against ethnic Russians there. When Western liberals hushed up real anti-Russian crimes in Chechnya, this primed Russians to find fabricated ones believable, fueling a forever war of vengeance.

Chinese leaders watched all this with glee, but from afar. They themselves have little need for war. Tariff-free global trade gave them a more potent vulnerability to exploit. By over-subsidizing their own strategic export industries, they made entire industries unviable in the West, causing deindustrialization and social decay.

Liberal globalism is wishful thinking. It does not fulfil its utopian promise of creating a rules-based international order. Instead, it generates only chaos, blowback, and decline. By tearing up this dysfunctional ideology of self-imposed Western weakness, Trump is securing lasting peace for generations to come.

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Chinese premier calls for expanding green, innovation cooperation with the Netherlands

Xinhua) 09:54, March 26, 2026

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to further explore cooperation with the Netherlands in such areas as green development and innovation to achieve a higher level of mutual benefit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday.

Li made the remarks during a phone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

Noting that China and the Netherlands have established an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation for more than a decade, Li said that thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral relations and cooperation have continued to deepen, with openness and pragmatism remaining a defining feature, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Currently, the international situation is marked by growing instability, as unilateralism and protectionism are exerting a huge impact on the global economy, he said. Under such circumstances, it is even more important for the two countries to promote cooperation through openness and achieve win-win outcomes through pragmatism, Li noted.

Li voiced China's readiness to work with the Netherlands to consolidate political mutual trust, uphold mutual respect and dialogue based on equality, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, continuously inject new impetus into the common development of both countries, and contribute positively to world peace and prosperity.

China and the Netherlands are important economic and trade partners to each other, and enhanced cooperation serves the common interests of both sides, said Li.

He noted that as China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan, its economy is expected to reach a new level over the next five years, creating even more space to deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

China is willing to strengthen coordination with the Netherlands at all levels and better leverage dialogue mechanisms to further explore potentials for cooperation in such areas as economy, trade and science and technology, said Li.

Noting that the Netherlands has long served as an important gateway for China-Europe cooperation and is a core member of the European Union (EU), Li voiced hope that the Dutch side will play an active role in encouraging the EU institutions to view China-Europe relations and cooperation in an objective and rational manner, and work with China to properly address differences and issues through dialogue and consultation, so as to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

For his part, Jetten said that China is an important trading partner of the Netherlands and that relations with China are among the Netherlands' most important bilateral ties.

The relations between the two countries have maintained strong momentum in recent years, said Jetten, noting that the new Dutch government attaches great importance to relations with China and is willing to intensify high-level exchanges with the Chinese side, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, innovation and climate response, jointly address global challenges, and safeguard common interests.

Noting that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial diplomatic relations between the two countries, Jetten said the Netherlands is willing to work with China to promote continuous new progress in the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The EU-China relationship is of vital importance, he said, noting the Netherlands stands ready to play an active role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Campo Grande, Brazil (PANA) - Nearly half of all migratory species that require protection are declining, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Conservation Monitory Centre
The Southern District of Florida (SDFL) federal grand jury has just issued criminal subpoenas to major players like former FBI Director James Comey and CIA Director John Brennan. This action is no fishing expedition but rather the telltale sign that a massive RICO criminal enterprise is finally being cracked open, which Ive suggested earlier would happen given the Clinton crime family and Seth Richs unsolved murder.

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Two thousand years ago, Jesus walked into the Temple and saw money changers and merchants turning a house of worship into a profit racket. He flipped tables, scattered coins, and exposed the corruption. The Pharisees and Sadducees panicked and plotted his death.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., 2026. The Temple is the federal government. The money changers wear suits and badges. And one outsiderDonald Trumpstarted flipping tables again. American Thinker readers know this corruption well. My 2020 article at Noisyroom.net laid the foundation for my American Thinker reporting on this RICO enterprise. Under the Biden regime, it was buried (think: Sgt. Schultzs I see nothing). Now the Trump administration is exposing this cancer that infects our government.

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Think of this as a classic detective story: Dr. Watson documenting Sherlock Holmes masterful connect-the-clues approach, using deductive logic, with every lie a red thread waiting to be pulled. When the bad guys think theyre safe, Lt. Columbo appears: Just one more thing... The RICO enterprise is unraveling in real time.

Lt. Col. Grossmans sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs analogy is pertinent. Most who are sheep are normal, hard-working families. Wolves prey on us, but sheepdogs should protect us (DOJ, FBI, DHS, CIA, and more). However, under Obama/Biden, many sheepdogs went rogue or Stasi-like, with zero accountability for scandals that were fundamental violations of citizens civil rights.

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Wolves fed unchecked: guardians failed, RICO grew. Scandals like Benghazi spin, IRS targeting, border chaos, election fraud, and January 6th framing saw zero accountability. Wolves kept feeding because the guardians failed to stop them. Thats how the RICO enterprise grew unchecked.

The telltale sign of an active investigation is the SDFL grand jury subpoenas naming major conspirators like Comey and Brennan. The media are spinning this as Trump retribution beyond the statute of limitations (SOL), but RICO changes everything: the five-year SOL on individual crimes goes out the window because the conspiracy is ongoing.

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Old acts from Benghazi onward are fair game. Even legal scholar Jonathan Turley concurs: the Florida probe is targeting the real Russian collusion conspiracy  the fabricated narrative itself  and Brennan may face perjury scrutiny.

Venue rules are flexible in RICO multi-district conspiracies. Cases can land in any district where an act happened, or the conspiracy continued (hint: Mar-a-Lago in Judge Eileen Cannons court). That means the SDFL can host the trial, not just the corrupt D.C. District, with Chief Judge James Boasberg facing impeachment. The conspiratorswho pushed the Russia hoax, buried the Seth Rich files, or spun election fraud and dismissed common sense questions as baselessshould be sweating bullets now. This investigation isnt kabuki TV justice; its methodical, and its coming.

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This has been an ongoing criminal conspiracy, not random politics. Its a mutual protection racket where everyone covers for everyone else. Legacy media arent reporting factually; theyre co-conspirators gaslighting you. The CIA likely ran a disinformation operation and used tradecraft to amplify Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), turning skepticism into conspiracy theory to protect the RICO enterprise. For nearly a decade, the playbook has been lie, leak, lawfare, and media spin that makes common-sense questions seem crazy. Youre not dumbyoure just busy feeding your family.

The following are some of the many overt acts of the RICO criminal enterprise done to retain power and steal taxpayer money since the Raid on Benghazi. For more detailed background on these and others, go here.

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Russian Collusion  The Hoax That Wouldnt Die

The Radical Left spent years and millions claiming Trump was Putins puppet. The Steele dossier, Crossfire Hurricane, and the 51 intel officials calling Hunter Bidens laptop Russian disinformation right before the 2020 election were all junk. Durham confirmed the FBI knew it from day one. Yet the lie kept Trump on the defensive through his first term and the 2020 election.

Election Fraud and the Great Denial

Arizona was a microcosm of a nationwide election fraud problem (see also here and here): ballot harvesting, voting-machine certification that was basically a rubber stamp, and source code hidden like a national secret (Alan Dershowitz warned: if manufacturers wont show it, how do we trust?). Every question gets shouted down. But between FBI raids in Fulton County, Georgia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, and all the subpoenas begs the question: If fraud is debunked, why the ongoing criminal probes?

The Clinton-Biden Pay-to-Play Grift

While you paid the taxes, the Clinton and Biden families sold access to Americas adversaries and favorable policy decisions. Hunters laptop surfaced, the 51 intel experts lied to protect the 2020 campaign, and poor Seth Richmurdered DNC staffer who may have had devastating information about the Russian Collusion narrativehad his story buried faster than his body when the FBI stonewalled releasing those files. Now the files may be withheld because of a legitimate ongoing criminal investigation in SDFL.

J6 Entrapment and the Mar-a-Lago Circus

January 6 was spun into an insurrection while ignoring FBI assets, and the deleted texts were a criminal entrapment operation organized most likely by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trumps Mar-a-Lago documents (ignoring his plenary authority) became felony possession and obstruction, reportedly to recover files that Obama-era officials wanted hidden.

Lawfare: The Weapon of Choice

Eight years of the full weight of the federal government aimed at one man, and they still couldnt find a real crime. That should tell you everything. No, the NY felony case was a travesty of justice, and Jack Smiths case on classified documents from Mar-a-Lago didnt hold water.

The money-changers tables are teetering. Lt. Columbo is circling with just one more thing. Sherlock is connecting the dots like the spy thriller No Way Out as the damning Polaroid photo comes into focus, as the clock ticks away. The sheepdogs who stayed true are stepping up. Trumps cadre of patriotsmen and women who left lucrative careers to prosecute this RICO enterpriseare on the job.

Heres the part that matters for every working American. Theyre not tired of TV dramasthey dont know that real cases dont wrap in 42 minutes of fiction. That Hollywood illusion creates the false expectation that justice should move at TV speed. It doesnt. Real justice takes time, evidence, and persistenceand its finally moving in SDFL. Thats where the serious federal hammer is swinging right now: raids, subpoenas, grand juries, and career prosecutors building cases that stick. Trump and his team arent playing for headlines or TV ratings. Theyre building the real thing. Indictments are coming for the RICO players. Justice will be served.

The Pharisees never counted on Divine Providence. George Washington survived impossible odds and thanked God for his hand. Trump survived two assassination attemptsa bullet grazing his ear and another plot that was stopped cold. Not lottery luck. Divine Intervention. Trump isnt perfect, but hes still flipping tables in the Temple. The RICO crew is panicking because regular Americans who have been deceived are waking up. You dont need to be a political junkie. You need to be enraged at being lied to.

We the People are the sovereign, not the Pharisees. The money changers are exposed, the wolves are cornered, and Divine Providence is on the side of truth-tellers. George Washington survived the impossible. Trump survived the bullets. The fight isnt overits just getting started.

Demand accountability now. Spread the word. Watch the tables fall.

Image created using AI.

Ron Wright is a retired detective who served 35 years with Riverside PD, Calif. Ron earned a B.A. in political science from Cal State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Administration from the University of California, Riverside. X @RonTcop
Over the last few years, we have seen how American universities have been shifting into a rhetoric that not only accepts Death to America, but is openly chanting the same slogans of the oppressive regime.



Following the recent U.S.Israel strikes targeting Iranian leadership, protests erupted across several campuses. Demonstrators set up a truck with a digital billboard displaying Marg bar Amrika, the Farsi phrase for Death to America, a slogan promoted by Irans regime for decades.



What was once dismissed as fringe activism is now appearing alongside something far more troubling: professors and academic commentators publicly defending Irans regime or justifying its retaliation against the United States.



Across multiple universities, faculty members and campus figures have used their tools of influence, such as their social media platforms to belittle the struggle of Iranians by portraying the regime as the victim. This blatant ignorance to the civilians of Iran is in addition to the regime history of violent hostility toward the United States.



At Columbia University, Iranian studies professor Hamid Dabashi has published commentary accusing the United States and Israel of attempting to force Iran into unconditional submission, rhetoric that reads less like critical scholarship and more like a reproduction of Tehrans propaganda line.



Similar narratives appear in the commentary of figures such as Professor Diana Buttu, affiliated with programs connected to the Harvard Kennedy School, who repeatedly frames Iran as the aggrieved party while glossing over the regimes repression at home and its support for militant proxies across the Middle East.



But in some cases, the rhetoric goes even further, forsaking apologetics in favor of open advocacy of both the regime itself and the terror groups that it commands in the region. Writer and frequent campus speaker Susan Abulhawa has used her large social media presence to defend Irans leadership and dismiss calls to weaken the regime, portraying critics of the Islamic Republic as ignorant of Iranian society and implying that efforts to challenge the regime are misguided or illegitimate.



That kind of rhetoric does not merely criticize Western policy. It actively shields a government that has spent decades imprisoning dissidents, executing political opponents, and openly threatening the United States and its allies.



And the apologetics are not limited to commentary about leadership or geopolitics. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, sociology professor Samer Alatout responded to the strikes on Iran by declaring that Iranian retaliation against American military bases was highly logical, effectively rationalizing attacks on U.S. forces.



When professors, like Samer Alatout, and academic figures use their authority to defend or legitimize the Islamic Republic of Iran, they are reinforcing the narrative of a regime defined by repression, executions, support for militant groups, and decades of promoting Death to America.



That message is now being repeated on American campuses. What begins as academic framing inside the classroom does not stay there. It shapes how students understand the world, and those ideas follow them into media, policy, and public life. At that point controversial speech is normalized by Americans themselves.

University officials responded by noting that faculty social media posts represent personal views and not those of the institution. Yet that distinction does little to address the real issue. Professors are not anonymous commentators. They are educators entrusted with shaping students understanding of the world, and their public statements carry the weight of that authority.



The pattern extends beyond isolated remarks. At Georgetown University, Professor Jonathan A.C. Brown was placed on leave after expressing hope that Iran would carry out a symbolic strike on a U.S. military base. At the University of Chicago, Professor Alireza Doostdar has suggested that the only hope for peace is the power and durability of Iranian missiles. Others have adopted even more explicit rhetoric. Fatemeh Shams has posted profanity-laced attacks against the United States and its allies, while Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi has repeatedly defended the Iranian regime and downplayed or denied atrocities committed by groups aligned with it.



Support for Iran has not appeared only among professors. At the University of Maryland, members of the Student Government Association introduced a resolution pledging solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The proposal condemned U.S. strikes against the regime and called for divestment from companies connected to the military operations. Meanwhile, demonstrations supporting Iran have appeared on multiple campuses, with protesters repeating slogans historically associated with the Iranian regime.



The question facing universities is not whether professors are allowed to express political views. Academic freedom protects that right. The deeper concern is what happens after students leave the classroom. When narratives promoted by professors begin to mirror the messaging of an authoritarian regime that openly calls for Americas destruction, those ideas do not remain confined to campus debates.



American campuses must be protected from the influence of hostile foreign regimes, and that protection begins with honest intellectual standards.



Iran's government has spent decades threatening the United States, funding organizations such as Hamas and Hezballah, and violently suppressing its own citizens. Yet on some campuses, this regime is increasingly framed as misunderstood. Its proxies, designated terrorist organizations responsible for attacks on civilians, are recast as legitimate resistance movements. This is not education. It is a vulnerability.



When students are systematically exposed to frameworks that blur the moral line around terrorism, the campus becomes a vector for narratives that serve hostile states. Graduates carry these ideas into newsrooms, policy offices, and classrooms, where they make real decisions with real consequences.

Protecting campuses means demanding intellectual rigor and balanced inquiry. It means ensuring debate is genuine, not a cover for one-sided indoctrination. Academic freedom is not served by giving hostile ideologies unchallenged access to young minds. It is undermined by it.



That is why Protect Our Campus has been documenting exactly this since October 7th. Our mission is to expose these narratives, hold institutions accountable, and defend the intellectual integrity of higher education. The work is ongoing, and it matters.

Image: Montecruz Foto
A recently resurfaced 2024 video of Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy on Chris Hayes then-MSNBC show has gone viral after being shared on X.

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Why? Because Murphy actually replied to a question Hayes posed by stating that undocumented immigrants are the people we care about most.

(Isnt that heartwarming?)

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Well, kudos for transparency, Chris. Forget about the hard-working American citizen taxpayers who are forced to fund Democrats lavish payouts to illegal aliens when many of these folks cant make ends meet. Forget about our veterans. Forget about entrepreneurs, job providers, and those fighting cancer, for example. Democrats care most about criminals and non-citizens, especially those who are unapologetically both.

As I have repeatedly stated over the years, The Great Replacement Theory isnt a conspiracy theory, but an obvious fact. The conspiracy theory  or hoax  is that The Great Replacement Theory is a conspiracy or hoax.

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Todays Democrats love criminals the way they used to love slavery.

You see, they use crime as they used slavery: to gain power for themselves.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently stated that incarcerating criminals is racist and immoral and unholy.

Um, Mayor B.J., are you implying that peoples of color cant help but steal, rape, and murder?

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If so, that seems a bit racist to me.

As for what is immoral and unholy, perhaps you would like to speak to the countless families of color and otherwise who have had a loved one raped or murdered by a repeat offender, illegal or otherwise.

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The inability or unwillingness to speak the truth  or the love of lies and the Father of Lies  infuriates me to no end. The (formerly) United States has to have a come-to-Jesus moment very soon or we will descend into hell in a handbasket. We have already started on that voyage. Two key truisms must be realized: first, unwarranted mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent. Second, Islam is simply and utterly incompatible with a free democratic republic. Period.

Gad Saad has long spoken of the suicidal empathy that plagues -- and endangers -- the West.

Mark Steyn has long stated that demography is destiny.

Two more truisms.

Image: Screenshot from X video
I find something phony about Larry Finks recent shift to energy pragmatism, and here is the reason for my assertion:

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Larry Fink, chief executive of the worlds biggest asset management firm, Blackrock, led a crusade forcing corporations to comply with Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) rules. One of those rules compelled corporations to disclose climate risks along with managements strategy for reducing that risk through lowering emissions. In other words, he advocated for the creation of an institutional tool for shaming companies and prodding them to take measures fostering sustainable practices toward a goal of net zero.

In 2022, Larry Fink called on companies to practice stakeholder capitalism, an ill-defined term that encapsulated Finks yearning to affect climate change through social engineering. He is caught on camera asserting, Behaviors are going to have to change, and this is one thing were asking companies. You have to force behaviors and at Blackrock we are forcing behaviors.

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Larry's comment that the pendulum simply swung too far to the left is telling, because HE'S THE ONE WHO PUSHED IT THERE.



He's only now "more pragmatic," because he and the Woke Cabal got caught and now they're feeling the heat of antitrust investigations, lawsuits, etc.



If this pic.twitter.com/T7lI0wPcWb  Will Hild (@WillHild) March 11, 2026

However, by 2023, facing a loss of $4 billion from the state government backlash against ESG, Fink started to furiously backpedal, and dropped the ESG label. Fast forward to today: Blackrock has severed its ties with its Net Zero Asset Managers group amid antitrust probes, and Larry is conducting a full-fledged apology tour professing that he never meant to twist the arm of corporate America.

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Finks switch to energy pragmatism is part of a wider trend that I see developing in finance in which firms are trying to distance themselves from their prior zeal for effecting social change (see Transition realism hits Barclays). However, should we forget and forgive? My answer is no. Let Larry Fink and his fellow colleagues shift with the prevailing fashion, but dont ask me to treat them like they are serious people.

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How to find the man or woman of your dreams is a relatively easy task when compared to putting the many round pegs of twelve Danish political parties into one square hole of a functioning government.

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The election of two days ago has rewarded all twelve political parties in this tiny kingdom with the right to sit in the Danish parliament, known as the Folketing.

The parties range from the single-issue parties that support a totally "green" national agenda, to one that has immigration as its principal cause.

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Though all twelve parties won the right to sit in the parliament, not all will be invited to join the new coalition government.

The two top parties that represent the two political ideologies of the left and the right (Socialdemokratiet on the left and Venstre on the right) both lost voter support in this election. More extreme parties like the Dansk Folkeparti (on the right) and the Socialistisk Folkeparti (on the left) both gained seats in the Folketing. Of the two, Dansk Folkeparti was the big winner, though both demonstrated that the old traditional parties had lost their luster with the voters, many of whom fled the middle of Danish politics.

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Now comes the task of forming a new government to replace the old one of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the Social Democrat who headed up the three-party coalition formed in December of 2022 to guide the Danes out of the COVID crisis and back to normalcy.

Unfortunately, "normalcy" had to wait due to the Russian attack on Ukraine in February of that same year and then President Trump's insistence on "having" Greenland when he took office in 2025. Mrs. Frederiksen's governance style has been Thatcheresque, preferring to adopt a steely demeanor over a more folkelige or folksy approach.

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She concentrated a large part of her time on foreign policy matters, choosing to schmooze with her EU counterparts and opt for international political maneuvering over more "ordinary" domestic policy issues. To be fair, she was good at dealing with other countries and was well-liked by her fellow government leaders in the EU and represented her country well.

Her Achilles heel was clearly domestic politics which has always been more difficult to navigate in this small but highly-advanced and heavily-taxed European country with so many special interests that do not share a common philosophy.

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On the left are the climate activists who want to see the country go completely "green" no matter the cost to the economy, and on the right are the industrialists who want fewer regulations and more opportunities to compete while retaining a major share of their profits. Then there are the dyed-in-the-wool socialists who actively promote the collective with larger government and more regulations to control all aspects of Danish commerce and cultural life. Their opposite number are the nouveau riche  the new tech entrepreneurs -- and those who've made their money in the new economy along with the old industrialists who want smaller government.

Denmark is a study in contrasts: generationally, politically, ideologically and now even culturally. All make the job of forming a government that has several political parties, several of whose philosophies are diametrically opposed to each other, extremely difficult as the prime minister (who has now been given the task of undersger or facilitator of creating a workable coalition) will soon find out. Last time around, the country had just emerged from the depths of the COVID crisis and wanted stability and predictability. This time, it appears that the electorate wants to see a battle royal between the left and the right for supremacy.

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The problem is that the country is split along more ideological, generational, and logistic lines than ever before.

The majority of Danish leftists are concentrated in major Danish cities like Copenhagen, Arhus and Roskilde where the universities are located and which have been traditional breeding grounds for left-of-center "true believers" a.k.a., the Danish youth. Ex-urban Danish voters tend to be more moderate and less extreme and tend to vote for middle-of-the-road/conservative politicians.

However, many well-educated Danes suffer from a bad case of "hypocritical opportunism" similar to many American progressives; that of holding an ideological belief that is more supportive of collective politics while acting in their own self-interests. A typical case in point might be a Dane who supports more taxpayer-funded low-income residential building in Copenhagen to accommodate students, for example, but is against any form of new taxation on their homes or apartments in Copenhagen.

Then there is the newly-proposed formueskat or wealth tax that the outgoing government wanted to levy on the richest of the rich, something American progressives such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have been championing for years. This new Danish tax could become the "Fort Sumter moment" for the two Danish ideologies to clash in whatever new government will be formed.

Other issues are the Danish expenditures on "climate change" and how far a new government is willing to go to dramatically reduce Danish agricultural production to satisfy animal rights groups. Add to that the Danes' financial support for the war in Ukraine, the fight with Donald Trump over Greenland, and Danish support for securing the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing Israeli/Hamas war and it's not hard to see that competing interests will define which parties are invited to be a part of the next government.

Marriage for love is a relatively new phenomenon.

For centuries, marriages were made to strengthen the bonds between countries and Denmark is no exception. In just the previous monarch's generation, princes and princesses from different countries were joined in holy matrimony. Queen Margrethe II married a French count. Her sister, Princess Benedikte married a German prince. Her other sister, Princess Anne-Marie married the last king of Greece. As a matter of fact, the former Queen's great grandfather, King Christian IX was called the "Father-in-law of Europe" because his daughter, Queen Alexandra married England's Edward VIII. His other daughter, Dagmar, married Alexander III of Russia. His son, Prince William, was chosen to be King of Greece by the Greeks who wanted a neutral prince in 1863.

I am not discounting the importance that love can play in relationships, but politics does not breed it nor do politicians place a high value on it. Deals can be made with passion, but they are not based on that emotion. The Danes are pragmatic people who do not harbor the kind of intense basic disagreement that characterizes Americans' political views. Danes tend to disagree on the margins and on the details not usually on the principles.

I do not envy Mrs. Frederiksen in her role as facilitator. It is probably easier to herd cats than to find enough agreement among so many Danish political parties when it comes to forming a government. I have no doubt that the word samarbejde (cooperation) and kompromis (compromise) will be invoked many times in the coming days. I also suspect that Mrs. Frederiksen will be working very hard to secure her role as head of the new government though the going will be substantially tougher this time than it was in 2022. My advice to her is "get thee to a cattery" at least for awhile before taking on her counterparts.

Stephen Helgesen is a retired American diplomat specializing in international trade. He has lived and worked in 30 countries over the course of 25 years under the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, seven of them on American politics, and has written more than 1,500 articles on politics, economics, and social trends. He now lives in Denmark and is a frequent political commentator in Danish media. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Image: Pixabay // Pixabay License
There has been a little confusion on both the Left and the Right lately as to what constitutes good and bad war aims. To clear up the matter, I have put together a little primer on the subject that readers can reference.

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A war is considered bad if its chief aims are to ensure that:

Women are not inconvenienced with wearing a headscarf Male transvestites have access to the womens side of a mosque Gay pride parades are held during Ramadan Persian Gulf oil flow to China is unimpeded

A war is considered good if its chief aims are to ensure that:

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The mullahs ability to send missiles hurling toward U.S. bases and Israel has ended The mullahs ability to make a nuclear bomb has ended The flow of Persian Gulf oil to U.S. allies is unimpeded The mullahs ability to export terrorism has ended

I think this will serve as a good primer, not only for Tucker Carlson but also Anne Applebaum, who both seem a little confused about the aims of the Iran war.

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In 1991, California had more than forty oil refineries. By the end of 2026, it will have fewer than eleven. Of those, only five are large enough to matter.

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Phillips 66 shuttered its 147,000-barrel-per-day Los Angeles refinery in December. Valeros Benicia facility will close in April. Now Chevron has warned of possible closures at its Richmond and El Segundo facilities, citing CARBs Cap-and-Invest amendments as a potential deathblow to California refining.

In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Chevrons president, Andy Walz, put it plainly: The proposed regulation will cripple the survivability of the states remaining refineries, which will result in California losing the entire industry.

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Sacramentos response has been consistent: This is a transition. E.V. adoption is rising, petroleum demand will follow it down, and refineries closing now are simply getting ahead of an inevitable market outcome. In this telling, the gap will close on its own.

Before accepting that assurance, it is worth examining its assumptions, because each of the three fails.

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The timeline argument fails first, demolished by the auto industry itself. Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and Honda have collectively written off nearly $70 billion in E.V. investments  the largest capital destruction in the industrys history. Ford killed the F-150 Lightning. GM halted two battery plants and announced a significant pullback in E.V. demand. Stellantis canceled its electric Ram pickup and brought back the HEMI V-8. Honda canceled three U.S. models. Even Tesla is pivoting toward A.I. and robotics as unit sales decline for the second straight year. The federal E.V. tax credit expired last September, and with it the artificial demand on which Sacramentos projections depended. California is closing refineries on a demand-decline timeline that the auto industry itself has now repudiated.

The demand-decline argument fails entirely when applied to the military. The Pentagon is not transitioning to electric aircraft or battery-powered naval vessels. Military petroleum demand is not declining; it is an operational requirement that Californias E.V. adoption curve does not touch. Sacramentos transition narrative was not written with thirty-plus military installations in mind.

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The smooth-landing assumption is the most dangerous of the three. Even if demand were to fall to match reduced supply, the transition period, likely decades long, would still be one of extreme vulnerability. There is no plan for the gap. There is only the facile assurance that it will be tolerable, despite the arithmetic.

What elevates this beyond poor energy policy is a principle Sacramento appears to overlook: Energy security is the foundation of national security, and national security is the foundation of everything else  not metaphorically, but structurally. Economies function because goods move, hospitals operate, water flows, harvests reach tables, and soldiers fly to theaters of war, all because petroleum is refined and delivered somewhere in the chain. Strip that away, and California becomes fragile  vulnerable to disruption from without and incapable of defending itself from within.

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California is dangerously exposed. It has no inbound oil pipelines. With inadequate domestic supplies, we rely on refineries in India and South Korea, among the few equipped to produce Californias unique fuel specifications. Tankers cross five thousand miles of ocean in two to four weeks. When supply disruption occurs  a refinery fire, a port closure, a conflict in the Persian Gulf  there is no backstop. There is only waiting, and whatever remains in the tanks.

Travis Air Force Base, a major hub for any Pacific theater contingency, receives its jet fuel via pipeline from Chevrons Richmond refinery, one of the two now threatening closure. Under surge conditions, Travis carries fewer than three days of fuel inventory. Chevrons El Segundo refinery produces roughly 40 percent of Southern Californias jet fuel. Its closure will hollow out aviation fuel supply from Vandenberg to San Diego.

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The federal Defense Production Act authorizes the president to direct private companies to prioritize production for national defense, and the Office of Legal Counsel confirmed on March 3 that such an order pre-empts conflicting state law. Chevrons warning supplies the trigger; the national security finding supplies the authority. The administration in Washington can act. If it does, thirty-nine million Californians will benefit  whether Sacramento approves or not.

Sacramento may call federal intervention an overreach. That would be a strange charge from a government dismantling the energy foundation of the largest state in the union  on a promise it cannot keep, on a timeline the auto industry has abandoned, and toward an alternative energy future that looks more and more illusory.

Garvin Walsh, retired from a career at Wall Street investment banks, is a resident of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. He is an elected member of the San Diego County Republican Central Committee.

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In what sane world does anyone allow a gang-rape victim be "euthanized" to end her pain and suffering as the criminals walk free?

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This is really happening in Spain, where the sad case of 25-year-old Noeli Castillo Ramos is playing out, likely in the next hour at 6:00 p.m. in Barcelona. Some kind of "medical" "professional" will administer a lethal shot to put her down like a dog.

According to the New York Post:

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A 25-year-old gang rape victim who was left paralyzed after a suicide attempt is scheduled to die by euthanasia after court officials overruled her fathers desperate last-ditch effort to stop it. Noelia Castillo, of Barcelona, will undergo the lethal procedure at an assisted living facility in Spain on Thursday  ending a yearslong legal battle and the young womans life. Castillo has been confined to a wheelchair since 2022 when she tried to die by suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor building after she was left traumatized by a horrific gang rape by three men at a state-supervised center for vulnerable youth, Leading Britains Conversation reported. She survived the jump, but was left paralyzed from the waist down and suffers from chronic pain, leading her to seek assisted suicide, which has been legal in Spain since 2021. I want to go now and stop suffering, period. None of my family is in favor of euthanasia. But what about all the pain Ive suffered during all these years? she said in an interview with Spanish Antena 3 program Y Ahora Sonsoles, according to LBC. I dont feel like doing anything: not going out, not eating. Sleeping is very difficult for me, and I have back and leg pain. Ive told them how I want it to be. I want to die looking beautiful. Ive always thought I want to die looking good. Ill wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple, she said. Advertisement

It's clearly obvious from such statements that she doesn't want to die, what she wants is for her pain to end. She wants to be pretty again.

It's not just the pain of the paraplegic life in the wheelchair, but major mental anguish, from a turbulent family life with financial problems and parents who broke apart, then being shoved into a state group home as a result of it, then being gang-raped by what are widely believed to be either Middle Eastern or North African migrants within this so-called protective group home. Then no action taken against the three perpetrators by the authorities who should have protected her and known about it, then the suicide attempt, which left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

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After those failures, nearly all of which were problems from outside her control, she fell into a mental hole so deep and dark there was no reaching her. She seemed to turn her anger inward, deciding that she was the one who should die, not the perpetrators, her statements showing all the symptoms of a person in the throes of depression. Her father said she had other mental illnesses, such as borderline personality disorder, which made her all the more vulnerable.

Spain passed a euthanasia and assisted suicide law in 2021, creating a whole new negotiability about the value of life, and clearly corrupting the medical profession, as euthanasia permits doctors or other medical personnel to administer the lethal poison doses, while assisted suicide permits others to "assist" in the ending of human life. Its constitution also puts those with mental illnesses off limits for the practice, but both the Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice, for unclear reasons, sided with the patient, claiming she had capacity to give consent despite her mental condition, and not her father, who tried to stop it in 2024.

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It's horrible and sad, given that the unspeakable, migrant rape, seems to have been the trigger for the worst of her issues, a life of physical pain and what she described in an interview as aloneness.

Now the government's solution is suicide for her.

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But she didn't fail -- everyone around her failed her.

Her chaotic family situation, which was characterized by a broken home, and financial troubles, which the mother claimed was the father's gambling debts, was far from optimal for a child growing up.

Throwing her into a group home as a result of this was even worse. Child welfare experts, such as the respected Richard Wexler of National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, have pointed out that children do better when they are left with their parents -- even if their parents are absolute disasters as parents -- alcoholics, prostitutes, and other bad situations. The kids still do better in those chaotic situations than when the state takes control of them.

Throwing her into a group home with uncontrolled miltary-aged male migrants with no Western values to speak of is absolutely outrageous.

Then there was the failure of authorities in the group home to watch them in this untenable, unprotective situation -- and her, and they knew this, and she didn't -- so the inevitable happened. Punishment? Zero, and too bad about this girl's real need for justice after a horrendous crime.

She reportedly didn't report it to police, quite possibly because she was a teenager and probably didn't know how or didn't think she would be believed. But that seems irrelevant as it was the responsibility of the group home to keep her safe, and it appears they didn't.

Then came the suicide attempt, brought on by depression and PTSD from the event, the news reports said. That she would think of this as a solution is undoubtedly because Spain's legislators created an atmosphere for suicide through their passage of the euthanasia and assisted suicide law, which wittingly or not, seems to promote this as a solution. Here's a final column by someone I knew on very friendly terms who did this in Spain in 2023, which to me is just so sad, describing the cultural change in Spain that has permitted it. Had I known he was planning to do this, I would have tried hard to talk him out of it.

Then came the lawyers, who argued her case all the way to the top in the Supreme Court and then took it to the European Court of Justice, both big-money affairs, which seemed to be pretty available. Make no mistake -- there is a lobby that seeks to make suicide part of the culture and it's not a positive development, given examples like these.

Here we had a lovely sad-faced young woman on the cusp of life, choosing suicide even as medical advance are quickly heading her way and could restore her health and movement. It should promote soul searching about the throwaway culture sapping the life of the West and the horrible abuses that are beginning to appear as a result of this terrible law and its terrible results. All we can do now is hope for a miracle in her case, that her life or death should not have been in vain.

Mexican Catholic actor Eduardo Verastegui has urged Catholics to pray outside a hospital in Barcelona, where Noelia Castillo Ramos, a Spanish woman who became paraplegic after attempting suicide following sexual assaults, is scheduled to be euthanized on March 26. pic.twitter.com/1QXtx7ZKgU  Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) March 26, 2026

Image: Screenshot from El Pais video, via YouTube.
At oral argument in Watson v. RNC, Supreme Court justices grappled with a basic question: Can a state continue accepting ballots after Election Day for federal races? A COVID-era law in Mississippi says yes. The law permits absentee ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted even if they arrive up to five business days later. Challengers in the case say federal election law preempts that rule. The bill was approved by the governor on July 8, 2020. At bottom, the case asks whether federal elections end on one national day, as Congress intended, or whether states may continue receiving ballots after that deadline and still call the election lawfully completed.

The 2020 change triggered litigation in 2024, when the Republican National Committee (RNC), the Mississippi Republican Party, a Mississippi voter, and a county election official sued to block the five-day grace period. A similar lawsuit was later filed by the Libertarian Party of Mississippi with attorneys from Judicial Watch, who partnered with former U.S. solicitor general Paul Clement, who argued the case on Mar. 23, 2026, before the Supreme Court.

The two cases were consolidated, and the challengers argued that federal statutes fixing a single national Election Day for congressional and presidential elections pre-empt any state rule that allows ballots for federal office to arrive after that day. The case came up from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which ruled against the state in October 2024. Rehearing was denied on Mar. 14, 2025, and the Supreme Court granted review on Nov. 10, 2025.

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Lower courts split on the merits, with a federal district judge in Mississippi initially upholding the law. However, the Fifth Circuit reversed that decision and sided with the challengers. The court argued that federal Election Day statutes require that ballots be both cast and received by Election Day because an election is not consummated until the last lawful ballot is received and the ballot box is closed.

At Mondays oral argument, Mississippi solicitor general Scott Stewart defended the state law by arguing that Election Day is the day by which the electorate must make its final choice, not necessarily the day by which every mailed ballot must physically arrive at an election office. Early in the argument, Stewart told the justices that the key is that a final choice must be made by Election Day, whereas later receipt and counting are administrative follow-through. Mississippis broader position, also reflected in its merits briefing, is that federal law tells voters when the choice must be made but leaves states room to manage the mechanics of absentee voting and canvassing.

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RNC attorney Paul Clement, supported by U.S. solicitor general D. John Sauer for the Trump administration, argued the opposite. They said that the ordinary meaning of an election is not merely the marking of a ballot but its receipt into official custody. The Fifth Circuit had already embraced that logic, and Sauer told the Court that official receipt is at the definitional heart of an election. Clement concurred, adding that ballots arriving after Election Day do not comply with Congresss command that federal elections occur on a single day.

That question was already addressed in Foster v. Love, in which the Supreme Court said federal statutes mandate[] holding all elections for Congress and the Presidency on a single day throughout the Union. The Court also explained that Congress acted to prevent two related problems: first, the distortion that occurs when the result in one jurisdiction can influence voting elsewhere, and second, the burden of making citizens turn out on multiple different days for federal elections. That was the historical issue in Foster, which involved Louisiana effectively concluding elections before the national day.

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On Monday, Justice Samuel Alito strongly underscored the ordinary meaning of the phrase Election Day by comparing it to familiar national observances such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, George Washingtons Birthday, and Independence Day, noting that they are all particular days. Election Day is like any other Day  the day in which everything is going to take place, or almost everything.

For many conservative voters, adherence to just one Election Day matters because there is evidence that counting ballots after Election Day can leave jurisdictions more vulnerable to fraud. It is also fair to say that changing or extending election deadlines creates confusion and deepens public mistrust in the electoral process.

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The case carries implications beyond Mississippi, because 14 states and the District of Columbia have grace-period rules for at least some ballots, while many more allow delayed receipt for military or overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This case could force a broad re-evaluation of how federal ballots are handled nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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Sergio Leones The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is more than a genre-defining film. The title is so embedded in the American lexicon that many use the phrase without knowing its origin. It is also a useful paradigm for examining corporate Americas reaction to charitable gift-matching programs this shareholder season.

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Asset management giant BlackRock is playing the role of the Good, coffee king Starbucks is unquestionably the Bad, and a much lesser-known entity called Benevity is just plain Ugly.

Over 65% of Fortune 500 companies allow approximately 26 million U.S. employees to contribute to charities they believe in and multiply their efforts with a match from their employer. Until recently, BlackRocks employee gift-matching program discriminated against charities based on religious and political ideology. No more. In response to its shareholders good-faith negotiations, BlackRock has taken decisive action to eliminate this discrimination. This type of progress should be celebrated and emulated.

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Thankfully, BlackRock is not alone in this progress. Bank of America, whose policy was among corporate Americas worst just two years ago, dropped all unnecessary screening mechanisms and now matches employee gifts to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Sadly, progress can often be two steps forward and one step back. So for every BlackRock and Bank of America, there is also a Starbucks. Starbucks has ignored shareholder concerns regarding its employee gift-matching program, which discriminates against conservative and religious groups that employees want to support. Due to the intransigence of Starbuckss C-suite, its proxy ballot includes four proposals filed by conservative shareholders. Two of those proposals highlight Starbuckss discriminatory gift-matching policy.

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In many cases, discrimination in corporate gift-matching programs is linked directly to outsourcing the management of the programs to firms like Benevity. Benevity screens charitable organizations using a troubling definition of discrimination. Benevity informs charities that if their policy is to adhere to a specific set of beliefs that includes marriage is between a man and woman only, the organization should answer yes to the question of whether it discriminates. Corporations that rely on Benevitys questionnaire are in essence banning Christian and other faith-based charities from the benefit of employee gift-matching.

Benevitys question about discrimination is, without a doubt, due to its hand-in-glove relationship with the Southern Poverty Law Center. It boggles the mind of many shareholders that the SPLC, despite being one of the most repeatedly discredited and overtly partisan non-partisan organizations in America, still maintains influence in corporate boardrooms. This is akin to NASA taking advice from the Flat Earth Society.

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Benevitys use of the SPLCs asinine Hate Map means employees at companies like Starbucks are also prevented from listing conservative organizations like Turning Point USA as their choice for gift-matching. Yet, ironically, Benevity qualifies the SPLC to receive gift-matching. This irony is heightened to an Everest-like scale by the fact that the SPLC has a well documented record of infamy for grift, sexism, racism, and the condoning of domestic terrorism.

The U.S. Supreme Court has established a clear principle in cases like Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer and others that a government cannot discriminate against individuals or organizations based on their religious nature when it makes a benefit or program generally available to the public. Although the Constitution protects us from government and has no controlling authority over a private-sector company, the principled protection of freedom should be a guiding light for all sectors of American life, including our economy. Corporations do not have to facilitate and match charitable contributions, but if they do, religious and political discrimination should have no place in the process.

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For-profit businesses like BlackRock, Bank of America, and Starbucks have a primary fiduciary duty to their owners, the shareholders. Certainly, the consumers of America should recognize these companies choice to allow their employees to participate in a gift-matching program to benefit charitable organizations as a noble and praiseworthy effort to be good corporate citizens. But when corporations start picking winners and losers in the charity/non-profit sector based on the advice of arguably the worst losers in the non-profit sector, that decision deserves recognition as well. And the American consumer has shown over and over again the willingness to recognize good and bad corporate citizenship with increased or decreased patronage. The bottom line remains the bottom line.

If Starbucks chooses Benevity and SPLC over its employees and shareholders, then its current charitable gift-matching program, like its coffee, will be served with an extra shot of woke virtue-signaling. Consumers will decide if the coffee is good enough to endure the bad and the ugly.

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Lathan Watts is the vice president of public affairs for Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) and its sister organization ADF Action. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi.

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Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Drones, artillery, explosive weapons are striking densely populated areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), destroying civilian lives and vital infrastructure, the UN deputy chief for human rights denounced on Wednesday
Growing awareness about a progressive Vermont land-use measure has sparked widespread populist backlash.

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Act 181 was passed in 2024 by the Green Mountain States progressive supermajority, overcoming Governor Phil Scotts veto. Falsely framed as a pro-housing bill, the stealth measure seeks to preserve natural resources at the expense of traditional development rights, draining wealth from property owners without compensating them a dime. Vermonters, incessantly pounded by regressive progressive taxation, are furious.

The U.S. Constitution and common law system favor the free ownership of land. What we understand as owning a piece of land is referred to in the law as fee simple absolute, and dates back many centuries in England and Europe. That right allows land interests to be split: The owner of the fee can sell partial rights to the land while retaining the underlying asset.

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This includes life estates, which allow recipients to use the property until they die, and then the land reverts to the owner, and remainder interests, in which the owner of the fee uses the land until he dies, and then it is passed to others (rights of land inheritance). Other subservient land interests more commonly known include leases, subleases, and easements for things such as water lines, utility poles, underground gas lines, driveways, etc.

Conservationists often pay for land use easements to prevent land development, such as private land trusts and universities or philanthropists who donate their land or development rights (using a conservation easement) to public ownership. When the government takes land for public use  for instance, when individuals refuse to sell for a roadway, railroad, or other large-scale public-benefit project  it invokes the power of eminent domain. However, eminent domain proceedings require the government to pay landowners the fair market value of the property seized, or of the subsidiary rights taken (i.e., a public right-of-way or other easement).

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Act 181 is effectively what is often called a regulatory taking. Progressive legislators who seek to protect land for wildlife are unilaterally imposing a costly, burdensome process on many Vermont landowners that dramatically undermines land values. The new legislation imposes costs on landowners for attorneys, surveyors, environmental engineers, stormwater and traffic studies, and other services to obtain the requisite approvals for subdivision or driveway installation. This takes money from citizens pockets with zero compensation. It is a theft by a political eco-faction of Vermonters hard earned assets.

For many Vermont property owners, selling a residential lot is essentially their retirement or emergency or savings account. Under Act 181, that reasonable property expectancy is wiped out so deer can leap to and fro (proponents justification for the law is to maintain open corridors for wildlife). If a landowner must pay $40,000 or more in costs to gain approval for a lot that sells for $30,000, that lot is effectively undevelopable: He has lost $30,000 with no compensation. It is government theft! It is also inequitable that the classification of properties subject to Act 181s costly requirements imposes these burdens on one demographic of the state (those in the most rural areas) and not others.

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The landowner cannot escape by selling his entire property, either. After paying some of the highest property taxes in the country for decades (more theft?), a Vermont landowner or farmer might understandably sell up and move to a state where progressive legislators are not allowed to steal his intergenerational wealth. However, once Act 181 is implemented, his property values will decline, because buyers who would have paid a premium for a developable property would face the same Act 181 problem. The market value of all otherwise developable properties will decline accordingly  another wealth theft with no compensation. This loss applies to every Vermonter with development rights extinguished by Act 181, whether he wanted to develop a lot or not.

Vermonters are being taxed into poverty. Double-digit property tax increases are almost an annual guarantee. The states largest employer is its government bureaucracy. Vermont has the seventh highest income tax, health care costs, and property tax rates in the nation, and the second highest per-pupil school costs. That doesnt stack up well when the Green Mountain State ranks 26th nationally for median income.

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Many Vermonters have joined in opposition across party lines as theyve learned what is in progressive store for their families through the latest Act 181 gimmick. This is a tax on capital, eroding the asset values of many low-income Vermonters.

Citizens must hold legislators accountable who inflict such dodgy schemes. In the name of the Marxist codeword equity, progressives impose oppressive policies designed to drive out native, low-income Vermonters and retirees and transform the lovely Green Mountain State into the next Marthas Vineyard.

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John Klar is an attorney, writer, and farmer. John is a staff writer for Liberty Nation News and a regular contributor to the MAHA Report. His Substack is Small Farm Republic. He is the author of The Coming Food Crisis: How Corporations, Activists, and Climate Alarmists Are Waging War on Farmers.

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As anyone aware of current events surely knows, another young woman was murdered by an illegal immigrant with, yet again, a long criminal record but on the streets because sanctuary cities dont believe in jailing the violent thugs Biden allowed to invade our country.

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This time it was in Chicago, the victim, an eighteen year-old freshman college student, Sheridan Gorman.

Walking with friends in a part of the city the reprehensible Gov. J.B. Pritzker has vowed is completely safe, the killer, dressed in black and masked, fired as the girls fled, killing Sheridan. She was shot in the neck. This was yet another murder of a young American woman, one of many, at the hands of known violent illegal migrants who came into the country during the Biden administration, arrested over and over again, released onto the streets again and again to re-commit crime after crime with impunity.

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Curiously, (not really), not one Democrat will comment on her murder. Pritzker blamed President Trump even though he is one of the Democrat governors who has refused to cooperate with ICE. As a sanctuary city Pritzker has even refused to turn over Gormans murderer to ICE! He values his life over Sheridan Gormans.

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson refused the opportunity to apologize to Gormans family. Alderman Maria Hadden posted a video essentially blaming the victim for startling the man with a gun!

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One has to wonder what her take would have been had Sheridan been black. This level of pitilessness is impossible to explain without concluding that the party of the American left today is brutally Marxist. They embrace everything and anything that is against American traditional values. They truly hate those of us who love this nation. Their plan, if they regain power, is going to be all about retribution, not the American people. They are vowing to criminalize President Trump and everyone in his cabinet, any lawyer who dared to represent him. They have vowed to further impose communism with an Islamic patina on the United States.

One has only to listen to Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut to see how far gone his party is.

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He is on the record averring for his party that The people we care about most are illegal migrants.

They have made that abundantly clear now for years. They supported Bidens wide open border that ushered in twenty million migrants from all over the world. They wanted them, need them, to win and retain power.

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But the invasion has caused the deaths of thousands of innocent Americans and the Democrats refuse to acknowledge that fact. Why? Because they do not care. They proved that when they refused to stand for the victims named at the SOTU speech. They prove it every time there is murder of an innocent American and they ignore it. They mourn the deaths of anti-ICE, pro-crime protesters and neglect the deaths of the victims of their beloved migrants crimes.

How can we come to terms with this dangerous state of affairs?

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How did the party of JFK become fully Marxist/communist, aligned with Islam? One explanation is that the Republican Party is generally so weak, so cowardly and so easily corrupted, the voices of the few good men and women among them are lost in the silence of the submission of their majority to the left.

How to explain the fact that the SAVE America Act has not been passed? Because Senate Leader John Thune is a RINO, owned by someone who has leverage over him. The Democrats are all about power over us all. The right is all about geniality, craven amiability. God forbid anyone in the media have a negative thing to say about them. Most of them are afraid of their own shadows. That is why conservatives love Trump; he is not afraid of anything, consequences be damned. Thank God for the Republicans with a spine, however few of them there are.

The Democrats of today are indeed heartless. They use the homeless as pawns in their campaigns but do nothing to help them. They abscond with the money delegated for their relief for their own causes and personal wealth.

California's Gov. Gavin Newsom is perhaps the most corrupt governor in the country. He has given new meaning to the word fraud. Like Gov. Tim Walz in Minnesota, the pro-illegal, pro-criminal Democrats of today believe that to commit fraud is to get what they are entitled to  unearned wealth at taxpayers expense. Newsom and Walz are not alone among blue state governors who think any crime they commit in service of their party is permissible without constitutional guardrails.

If there are innocent victims in service of their agenda, so be it. They do not care. They have proven that over and over and over again. No sympathy for the families of the victims is ever expressed. No protests over their deaths materialize like they do for the likes of anti-ICE protesters Renee Good or Alex Pretti. They are truly heartless. They have betrayed their country for their quest for power.

I agree with Dante, that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality. There comes a time when silence becomes betrayal. --Martin Luther King.

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News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has said it is a real privilege, honour and a joy to have worked in England for his new action-packed film Fuze.

The British-born actor, 35, has become known for his roles in Hollywood productions including Kick-Ass (2010), Godzilla (2014), Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015) and Bullet Train (2022), and has previously lived in Los Angeles.

Taylor-Johnson stars as a military bomb disposal expert, Major Will Tranter, against the backdrop of a mass evacuation in London, after a Second World War era bomb was unearthed in the capital city.

Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the UK premiere of the heist film, the actor said: The beauty of being at home in my hometown making a movie with our British film crews  who I think (is) one of the best film crews in the industry  is just a real privilege and an honour and a joy.

Its exciting to do movies here in London. Then to be promoting and premiering here in Leicester Square is its kind of the dream of how it sort of all started.

Taylor-Johnson also hailed working with director David Mackenzie on his latest project, having last collaborated with him on war film, Outlaw King (2018).

Aaron Taylor-Johnson spoke about working in London (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

He told PA: The great thing for me was working with David Mackenzie again and knowing how he works.

Its sort of this kind of beautiful, creative chaos, in a way. He creates this environment it pretty much almost feels like a documentary way of filming, and he just lets you kind of improvise and go with it.

Theo James, left, and Aaron Taylor Johnson star in Fuze (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

The actor wore a simple black suit, paired with a white shirt, with his hair in long loose curls as he attended the event at Odeon West End, central London.

He was joined on the red carpet by his co-star, Theo James, known for the Divergent film franchise, who was wearing a brown ensemble.

The 41-year-old actor wore a brown suit, paired with a brown shirt and matching shoes, accessorised with a pair of glasses.

Actress Saffron Hocking was also among the stars at the event, pictured wearing a black, halter-neck dress with mesh detail across her midriff, with her hair slicked back and wearing a simple make-up look.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for Apple TV+ drama Surface, also wowed crowds at the event, wearing a bright, bold, red dress with bow details accessorised with a silver choker and her hair tied up.

Fuze will be available to watch in cinemas across the UK from April 3.
Northern Portugals Alto Minho is reknowned for its vinho verde production. Photograph: Andrei Filippov/Alamy (Photograph: Andrei Filippov/Alamy)

Portuguese wines have been making steady advances on British drinkers in recent years, and for good reason. The country is home to many delightful indigenous grapes (bom dia baga, encantado encruzado), as well as the sort of varied maritime, mountainous terrain that encourages personality. Its winemakers tend to be forward-thinking and climate-conscious, too, and there are lots of bottles of interest at the midweek price point  that is, 8-13. Case in point: the yellow tram wine, AKA Porta 6 Lisboa, is now a ubiquitous presence on our high streets.

While Portugal is often associated with sturdy reds and Christmassy digestifs, it also excels at light, crisp, appetite-whetting whites. As we all know, there is no finer moment in the day than aperitivo, that elusive hour when deadlines and bedtimes recede mid the pssscht of bottles and the crack and tinkle of ice (the fact that this almost never actually happens only heightens the pleasure when it does). And Portuguese whites are tailor-made for such moments; if you also have some pretty tins of Nuri sardinhas on the go, so much the better.

The obvious starting point is vinho verde, from the rainy Atlantic north-west. The name means green wine, which refers to youth rather than colour. These cheerful wines are typically bottled while theyre still in nappies and are lightly effervescent, gentle on the alcohol (think 9-11%) and food-friendly. The lesser examples can be a bit thin and sharp, though they remain excellent mixing wines (try with Campari or Portuguese Per Se for a next-level aperitif), but their quality is improving all the time. Look out, in particular, for examples made with alvarinho (Spains albarino under its Portuguese name), which tend to be fuller and more structured.

Beyond vinho verde, the Lisboa region has a nice line in fruity blends, but its the whites of Dao that are probably the most exciting. Here, the grape to know is encruzado, which is found almost nowhere else and produces poised, textured, burgundy-esque wines with a faint resinous note and impressive ageing potential. The great producers (Quinta dos Carvalhais) can be hard to get hold of in the UK, but credit to Marks & Spencer for introducing the grape to its excellent Found range.

The Portuguese white repertoire also includes white port, the essential ingredient in a porto tonica (white port and tonic over ice with lots of lemon and mint), which really deserves to spread beyond its homeland in the Douro. Light, fresh and elegant, it nevertheless has a lovely, honeyed roundness in common with the more traditional red port. It also just so happens to be a total steal.

Five Portuguese bargains

Quinta do Ameal Bico Amarelo Vinho Verde 2024 8.75 The Wine Society, 11%.

Well-structured, with a lovely, mineral quality  demands grilled fish.

Quinta do Ermizio Chin Chin Vinho Verde DOC 2024 12.90 Forest Wines, 11%. The darling of the lockdown picnic boom. Spritzy and delicious.

M&S Found Encruzado 8.50 Ocado, 13%. A good entry point into an encruzado habit.

Cockburns Fine White Port 13.95 Tesco, 14.3%. A lovely aperitif, and a great sub for vermouth in cocktails.

Varzea do Morao Rose Vinho Verde 5.99, or 4.49 with a storecard, Lidl, 8.5%. Perhaps the only sub-5 wine that has ever made me say: Yum.
Billy Loughnane was handed a 21-day ban for improper riding after the stewards ruled he acted against the instructions of the vet at Southwell on Thursday evening.

In an incident at the start of the final race on the card the 20-year-olds mount, David Loughnanes Beelzebub, received a kick and was subsequently withdrawn by the vets having been deemed to be lame.

The jockey, who broke Kieren Fallons 21st century record for winners in a calendar year in 2025, proceeded to ride the six-year-old back from the start, with an inquiry then held by the stewards.

The stewards found Loughnane to have acted against the instructions of the vet by riding his mount back, issuing a 21-day ban which will see the leading rider sit out April 9 to April 30 and miss key dates such as Newmarkets three-day Craven meeting and the Greenham at Newbury.

Loughnane will return on May 1 which is the first day of the Guineas meeting and also the day Ascot will host their Royal meetings trials day.

The stewards report read: Billy Loughnane the rider of Beelzebub, had ridden his mount back from the start after the gelding had been withdrawn by the Veterinary Surgeon, as it was found to be lame due to being kicked at the start.

The rider, the BHA Veterinary Officer and the Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon were interviewed. Loughnane was suspended for 21 days for improper riding in that in riding his mount back, he had acted against the instructions of the Veterinary Surgeon
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Border Czar Tom Homan said Thursday he would not support Democrats demand for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to remove masks while on the job as part of negotiations to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

Homan, who is also overseeing the deployment of ICE, forcefully pushed back on the policy, claiming congressional Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are making ICE officers more unsafe by wanting them to remain maskless.

You want us to take off the mask? Well, you know what, no, were not. Thats one of the things the Hill keeps pushing for in negotiations, Homan told WABCs Cats & Cosby.

Democrats have been locked in a battle with Senate Republicans and the White House over DHS funding for more than 40 days. Before agreeing to reopen the department, Democrats want more regulations for immigration enforcement, such as prohibiting masks and requiring judicial warrants.

But Homan and Republicans argue that allowing ICE officers to mask up is necessary so they can protect themselves while aggressively carrying out President Donald Trumps immigration agenda.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers often choose to wear facial coverings, sunglasses and hats while on duty to protect their identities from being leaked online (Middle East Images/AFP via Getty)

They do it out of choice because of threats, because of doxing of them and their families. So you know what, stop your hateful rhetoric and maybe if threats go down and decrease, well think about it, Homan told Cats & Cosby.

Homan said Thursday that death threats against ICE officers had increased 8,000 percent, while actual threats increased 1,400 percent. DHS said in a press release earlier this month that assaults on officers had increased 1,300 percent.

The border czar blamed Democrats rhetoric, comparing ICE officers to Nazis or the secret police, for leading to an increase in threats and assaults.

Federal immigration officers began wearing face coverings, hats and sunglasses last year while on duty after anti-ICE activists began doxing them online  or sharing private information about a person publicly.

But Democrats say allowing ICE officers to remain anonymous removes accountability from law enforcement  potentially making confrontations more deadly. They said it also creates a heightened sense of fear among citizens who interact with them.

Tom Homan defended ICE officers wearing face coverings, saying it was necessary to protect their personal security after law enforcment had their identities leaked online (Getty)

Homan admitted last month, to Face the Nation, I don't like the masks either  but argued it was necessary for security purposes.

Yet, after requesting ICE officers deploy to dozens of airports around the country to assist in long security wait times, Trump asked ICE officers to leave their face coverings at home.

I am a BIG proponent of ICE wearing masks as they search for, and are forced to deal with, hardened criminals, Trump wrote on Truth Social. I would greatly appreciate, however, NO MASKS, when helping our Country.

At least 10 states have enacted legislation seeking to prohibit immigration enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty. In response to New Jersey passing a law this week, a spokesperson for DHS told the Associated Press it would not abide by the unconstitutional, reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous law.
An NHS doctor has been charged with inviting support for Hamas (Dominic Lipinski/PA) (PA Wire)

An NHS doctor has been charged with four counts of inviting support for Hamas, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, was apprehended by Met officers at her home in Pilning, South Gloucestershire, on Thursday morning.

Her arrest followed alleged breaches of police bail conditions stemming from previous detentions.

She was subsequently taken to a central London police station where she was formally charged.

Aladwan has been charged with inviting support for Hamas (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The four counts of inviting support for Hamas, a proscribed group, fall under the Terrorism Act 2000 and relate to comments or material posted online between 23 July and 31 December last year.

Additionally, Dr Aladwan faces a charge under the Public Order Act 1986 for publishing or distributing written material and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words with the intent to stir up racial hatred, or being reckless as to whether racial hatred would be stirred up.

The British Palestinian doctor was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, Scotland Yard said.
A UK police force is reopening an investigation into manosphere influencer Andrew Tate over sexual abuse allegations.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed on Thursday it would reinvestigate the alleged rape and sexual assault offences, first reported to the force between 2014 and 2015.

The force first launched its investigation in 2015 after three women alleged that the controversial influencer had raped and assaulted them. However, it closed the case in 2019.

Andrew Tate has denied the allegations against him (AP)

The force said in a statement: We are committed to doing what is right and ensuring that allegations of such a serious nature are properly, thoroughly and fully investigated, no matter how long ago they occurred.

It comes after the Independent Office for Police Conduct said on Wednesday it was looking into the constabularys response to the womens allegations.

One former detective constable could face gross misconduct proceedings, the IOPC said, while two former detective sergeants are being investigated for alleged misconduct.

The IOPC said it was looking into Hertfordshire Constabularys response to the womens allegations (Getty Images)

The three alleged victims said that the police force had failed to adequately investigate their allegations in response to news of the reopened investigation on Thursday.

The joint statement read: It is long overdue for Hertfordshire Constabulary to reopen the investigation into our allegations of rape, sexual abuse and assault by Andrew Tate.

We have never stopped our search for justice following what we believe was the polices failure to adequately investigate what happened between 2013 and 2015.

A civil case against Tate is scheduled for the High Court in June (Getty)

The three complainants, along with a fourth, are suing the former professional kickboxer over allegations of sexual violence.

Court documents show Tate is accused of holding a gun to a womans face before saying youre going to do as I say or therell be hell to pay. One woman has alleged Tate assaulted her with a belt and grabbed her by the throat on a number of occasions in 2015.

Tates lawyers previously vehemently denied the claims made against him, saying the allegations are false and that they were not controlled and did not behave as though they were controlled by him.

The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the case file in September 2025 to establish whether criminal charges should be laid over any allegations put forward in the civil case.

It said the legal test to bring criminal charges against Tate had not been met.

The civil case is estimated to take about five weeks (AP)

A spokesman said: We undertook a further review of a case file in relation to allegations of assault and rape between 2013 and 2015.

Following careful consideration of the evidence provided by Hertfordshire Constabulary, we concluded that our legal test for prosecution was not met, and that no further action should be taken.

We have informed all parties of our decision and offered to meet with the complainants to explain our reasoning in more detail.

Civil proceedings against Tate are scheduled to begin at the High Court in June, estimated to take about five weeks.

Tate is also facing legal proceedings in Romania alongside his brother Tristan Tate, in which both men have denied any wrongdoing.

The pair are due to be extradited to the UK following the conclusion of proceedings in Romania after Bedfordshire Police secured a European arrest warrant for further separate allegations of rape and human trafficking involving different women.

The brothers also unequivocally deny these allegations, which date back to 2012-2015.
New premium airline promises flights with all lie-flat seats to the Maldives was the headline of an article that The Independent published in 2023. The subject was a start-up carrier called Beond (pronounced beyond). It claims to be the first pure luxury airline.

Beond aims to fly you to remote and unspoiled places where you can release the explorer in you and immerse yourself in the experience of a vacation. That means Male airport in the Maldives, to which flights from London Heathrow begin in December.

A direct business class service is already operating from Milan, Munich and Zurich to the Indian Ocean gateway. But a reminder that direct is not the same thing as nonstop. The two aircraft that Beond operates  both ex-UK planes  are unable to cover the 5,000 miles from western Europe to the Maldives in one go. So the planes generally refuel at Dubais second airport, World Central (DWC).

The younger plane is a 22-year-old ex-easyJet Airbus 319, which has also seen service with Tui and Sky Airline of Peru. Rather than holding 156 seats as installed by easyJet, it is now equipped with just 44 fully reclining flat bed places. The larger aircraft, a 24-year-old ex-British Airways Airbus A321, has 68 such seats.

Just how flat are they, though? Lets hear from Rhys Jones, aviation editor for the frequent flyer website Head for Points  and no stranger to business class on larger airlines. He was able to do a walk-through of the jet, and reports: Anyone taller than 1.8m is going to struggle to stretch out in bed mode, because there isnt a proper foot well. Instead you get a little corner. I personally would not consider this fully lay flat and I wasnt able to stretch out fully.

Tourists visit a beach at Maafushi island in the Maldives, a luxury holiday destination and top diving spot in the Indian Ocean (Mohamed Afrah/AFP via Getty)

A return trip departing on the first flight from Heathrow to the Maldives, on 16 December, returning a week later, is currently selling at 3,737. This is only one-fifth more expensive than economy on British Airways (Virgin Atlantic is slightly cheaper).

The Club World fare on BA is an astonishing 11,185  roughly three times as much as the Beond price. Were I looking for a business class pre-Christmas break in the Maldives (which I am not), I would go one step beyond British Airways to Beond. The bed may not be as flat, and the journey will take around three hours longer, but I would prefer to save over 7,000.

Are British travellers prepared to support the first pure luxury airline?

Let me take you back 18 years to Premjet, which promised short-haul premium travel from Luton and Manchester to Malaga, Faro, Palma and Alicante. The airline vowed to bring back that something special to air travel by halving the number of seats and doubling the joy. Sumptuous leather reclining seats, with class-leading legroom... Relax as you enjoy a three-course gourmet meal with complementary [sic] fine wines and champagnes.

There proved to be no market for luxe from Luton on hops of two or three hours. In the years since 2008, the legacy airlines such as British Airways have subtracted rather than added frills to short-haul business class.

Over the same timeframe, long-haul travel in the posh seats has become ever more indulgent. So surely there is a place for Beond?

Perhaps. But the survival rate for all-business class services is depressingly low. Twenty years ago three business class-only airlines lined up to compete on London-New York: Eos and MAXjet (from Stansted) and Silverjet (from Luton) . They refitted safe but elderly Boeing jets to fly the Atlantic, at fares well below the likes of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Yet the trio failed in quick succession in 2008. They lacked three essentials for enticing business and premium leisure passengers: feeder networks, frequency and loyalty programmes.

The Maldives is a very different market from Manhattan  so could Beond be the long-haul premium jet that finally corners the British market? Unfortunately, history suggests that well-heeled passengers do not like refuelling stops. The British Airways son-of-Concorde Airbus A318 operation from London City to New York JFK had to make a pitstop outbound at Shannon in Ireland. Travellers were glad to go through US Customs and Border Protection during the refuelling pause, but the service did not convince the corporate market.

Some passengers, when they learn that Beond will land in Dubai, may feel the prospect of a stroll around and some light shopping appeals more than sitting on the ground watching the refuellers in action. That could persuade them to choose Emirates instead, which offers competitive fares for people prepared to change planes.

So while I wish Beond well, I do not tip it for long-term success. But I hope I turn out to be wrong.

Read more: UK travel firm spends 1m to rescue stranded holidaymakers from Asia
Steve Reed visited the area after four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were set on fire outside a synagogue on Monday - Amanda Ros/Avalon

Steve Reed has been heckled on a visit to Golders Green over the Governments failure to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

People shouted to the Communities Secretary to ban the IRGC and proscribe the IRGC as he got into a ministerial car after a visit to the north London suburb.

Mr Reed visited the area after four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were set on fire outside a synagogue in the early hours of Monday.

Counter-terror police are leading an investigation into the arson attack amid fears that it may have been orchestrated by Iran.

Two British men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested on Wednesday at addresses in north-west and central London on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after the ambulance attacks.

They were taken to a London police station before being released on bail on Thursday while the investigation continues.

Frustration with the Government spilling out during Steve Reed MP's visit to Golders Green this afternoon.

The British Jewish and Iranian communities are sick of empty words. Ban the IRGC now! pic.twitter.com/D0V2P6QAcL  Stop The Hate UK (@StopTheHate_UK) March 26, 2026

The Government has refused so far to proscribe the IRGC, which is considered the primary exporter of Iranian-linked terrorism abroad.

During Mr Reeds visit on Thursday afternoon, Jewish protesters demanded that he ban the group.

He was also heckled with calls of UK Government, stop supporting terrorists, resign in shame and shame on your Government.

Jewish campaigners have argued that the Government has not done enough to combat a significant rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic hate crimes since the Oct 7 terror attacks in 2023 and the war in Gaza.

Sir Keir Starmer supported a ban on the IRGC during his time as the leader of Labour in opposition.

However, he has been advised against such a move in government, saying current legislation makes it difficult to crack down on organisations that are arms of a state.

Labour has instead backed a hybrid model drawn up by Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror legislation, who proposed more targeted powers under a new law banning foreign government agencies such as the IRGC.

Get rid of this organisation

At Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir said he would keep any decisions on proscription under review after a former Tory leader demanded that he proscribe the IRGC.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the group was responsible worldwide and here in the United Kingdom for the rise of anti-Semitism, as well as Islamist terror atrocities and attacks on dissident Iranians.

Sir Iain added: We are now at war with Iran whether we like it or not. The reality for us, therefore, is we have never dealt with this organisation.

I simply ask the Prime Minister, can he make the decision now that he will proscribe this brutal bunch of thugs and send them packing or arrest them or put them in jail now, right now, get rid of this organisation.

Sir Keir replied: It is really important and serious. He knows we have sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety... The existing proscription powers are not designed for a state organisation but we do keep this under review, as did the last government.

A source close to Mr Reed said: It is clear that emotions are running high after everything the Jewish community has been through in recent days and amid a rising tide of anti-Semitism in the UK and across the world.

We will always stand by them, especially during these difficult times.

Thats why were investing in security for Jewish events and prioritising our social cohesion agenda to tackle discrimination and unite communities.
A new BBC documentary is set to explore Queen Camilla and her late fathers love of literature and passion for books.

The announcement was made during a Clarence House reception, which celebrated the fifth anniversary of her Queens Reading Room book club.

The event was attended by the King and Hollywood stars Stanley Tucci, Sigourney Weaver and Booker Prize-winning novelist, Sir Ben Okri.

The inaugural recipients of the Queens Reading Room medal were announced with Selina Brown named the national winner for transforming lives through black British literature, while Liz Waterland was the local winner for services to literature in her community in Lincolnshire.

In a speech, the Queen described how her literary project was launched in lockdown to share her lifelong conviction that books make life better and has since grown into a festival, donated thousands of books and forged partnerships with organisations combatting domestic violence and homelessness.

Im also delighted to announce that we have partnered with the BBC and Blink Films for a major new documentary that will showcase the life-transforming power of books  my fathers and my own experience included  for which the cameras are filming here today, said Camilla.

Queen Camilla places books in a donation point for The Queens Reading Room (PA)

The Queen is an avid reader and patron of a number of literary organisations, and inherited her love of books from her father Major Bruce Shand who also wrote about military history and published his war memoirs.

Major Shand served in the Second World War as a 12th Lancer, fought alongside the Desert Rats, received the Military Cross twice and was wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in North Africa.

In Spectator magazine, Camilla reportedly said about her father: He read to us as children. He chose the books, and we listened.

He was probably the best-read man Ive come across anywhere. He devoured books.

The documentary, due to be screened in the autumn, will feature Camilla reflecting on her passion for books, sharing the childhood experiences that first sparked her interest in reading and the comfort she still finds in books, the BBC has said.

Queen Camilla during a visit to Persephone Books, an independent publisher and bookshop founded in 1999, in Bath (PA)

The Queen will recount memories of her father and his experience being held in a German prisoner of war camp when reading reinforced a lifelong enthusiasm for the written word.

Among the guests were many writers including Jojo Moyes and broadcaster Richard Osman, and the Queen told her guests: You are indeed dangerous people: you look into our hearts and souls to expose the unvarnished truth, with all the strengths and weaknesses of the human condition.

You allow us to experience life through anothers eyes, you encourage us, you make us laugh, you make us cry, you take us on magical journeys and you create a community of book lovers that transcends almost any barrier.

Other guests included author Jeffrey Archer, actor Sir Derek Jacobi and the Princess Royals husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence who was spotted having a long conversation with actresses Celia Imrie and Sigourney Weaver.

Weaver said the Queens encouragement of readers felt like a personal message to pick up a book and she had followed a recommendation from her Reading Room  The Far Pavilions, an epic novel of British-Indian history by MM Kaye.

Camilla speaks during a reception for authors, members of the literary community and representatives from the Queens Reading Room (PA)

The actress said: Luckily I didnt know how big it was because I read on Kindle and Im having the best of time.

The star of the Alien movies quoted a shocking statistic highlighted by the Queens Reading Room that only 50% of UK adults reads a book a year.

As an American, as a New Yorker, I know the problem is worse in the US, she added. Adults are not reading to their children.

Children can read a book and play the movie in their head rather than watch someone elses video on a device.

Selina Brown founded the Black British Book Festival in 2021 as a grassroots project that now reaches more than 100,000 people, has launched community libraries and through her Reading for Smiles programme has encouraged reading in primary schools with inclusive stories.

She said: I started the book festival from my savings, with no blueprint, no background.

I literally love books and I really want to give black British authors a platform to be celebrated and seen and acknowledged for their talent.
Approval of suicide-prevention bills, funding for Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, 988 Continuum of Care, and mental health care parity are key issues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one of the nation's leading suicide research and prevention organizations, was joined today by legislators to urge approval of several suicide-prevention bills and to advocate for its priorities in Illinois during the ongoing legislative session.

The push to approve AFSP priorities is the central purpose of its 2026 Advocacy Day today at the Illinois State Capitol, where dozens of advocates are fanning out to meet with lawmakers urging them to support measures, policies, and initiatives that will help reduce suicide in Illinois.

"Suicide is a public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide can be prevented with more investment in suicide prevention, education, and research that will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year," said AFSP Illinois Executive Director Angela Cummings.

"In Illinois, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people age 15-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for ages 35-54," she said, citing the most recent data (2023) from the Centers for Disease Control.

To address these issues, Cummings said AFSP Illinois has three key priorities:

Approving Governor Pritzker's proposed FY27 budget to ensure the continuation of funding for the suicide prevention program within the Illinois Department of Public Health.

988 Continuum of Care  Call centers now have a stable funding source, so the priority is realizing the full continuum of care to best support people experiencing a mental health crisis. Someone to Call (Crisis Call Centers): 988 connects individuals to trained counselors who provide free, confidential emotional support, de-escalation and, when needed, referrals to local resources. Someone to Come (Mobile Crisis Teams): For situations requiring in-person assistance, 988 can dispatch mobile crisis teams, often consisting of clinicians and peers, to provide on-site screening, assessment, and stabilization. Somewhere to Go (Crisis Stabilization Facilities): For those needing further care, the continuum links individuals to community-based crisis stabilization centers or receiving centers, offering a safe alternative to emergency rooms.

Parity  Ensuring insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid reimburse for mental health care services, including all elements of the continuum of care, at the same rates as physical health issues; ensuring equitable and competitive pay for behavioral health care providers.

Joining Cummings at the news conference were Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), Senator Christpher Belt (D-Swansea), both of whom are the primary sponsors of legislation that aligns with AFSP Illinois priorities, and Representative Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights), and Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago).

Representative LaPointe is sponsor of the following bills:

House Bill 4495, which makes changes to assessments used in the Medicaid program so people can better connect to continuing care after a crisis.

House Bill 4785, House Amendment (HCA 1, Preventing Crisis Cost Shifting to Medicaid Act), which holds private insurance companies accountable to covering costs for crisis care that thousands of Illinoisans rely on every year. This includes the 988 suicide and crisis life line (i.e., a place to call), mobile crisis response (i.e., someone to come) and crisis stabilization units and "Living Rooms" (i.e., a place to go).

"Suicide and other forms of self-harm are a public health crisis triggered by unaddressed trauma and a lack of treatment access," said Representative Lapointe. "For too many years we have failed to invest in treatment and continuing care, in particular after a crisis or traumatic event, a critical period for warm hand offs and strong service connections. I'm proud to work with colleagues and AFSP this spring to build up those treatment and service connections so we have less trauma and more wellness."

Senator Belt in January introduced Senate Bill 2771, which is known as Tammurra's Act, and would require higher education institutions and hospitals to place contact information for the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at their facilities in a prominent location that is visible to and accessible by students, staff, patients and visitors. SB2771 is on Third Reading in the Senate.

"What we're doing is expanding suicide prevention education across the entire state," said Senator Belt. "I'm very proud to join AFSP in taking meaningful steps to address mental health proactively and compassionately."

Senator Belt's bill is named Tammura's Act to honor the daughter of Cortez and Tammy Bush Hamilton, who took her life in 2014. "With suicide ranking among the leading causes of death for our youth, Illinois must act boldly," said Tammy Bush, President of Tam's Beautiful Butterflies and an AFSP board member. "Visibility saves lives, and education prevents tragedy."

Representative Canty will sponsor SB2771 in the House of Representatives.

AFSP also is supporting House Bill 5520, which Representative Cassidy introduced. It provides that, if the federal government discontinues, suspends, or limits specialized crisis services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority youth and young adults available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Department of Human Services may use funds in the Statewide 988 Trust Fund to pay for those services.

Another measure AFSP supports is Senate Bill 3926, which was introduced by Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). Under the bill, the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council would be extended through 2027 and place the Council under the Illinois Department of Public Health. SB926 is on Third Reading in the Senate.

"We must be consistent in our efforts to support suicide prevention for veterans, because this crisis will not solve itself," said Senator Porfirio, who is U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a current U.S. Navy Reserve officer. "I will continue to support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members."

"We can't express enough our gratitude for the partnership AFSP Illinois has formed with our legislative partners," said Cummings. "Their support and the support of many other legislators is so important to our mission and purpose. We deeply appreciate it."

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected by suicide. The organization creates a culture that is smart regarding mental health through educational programs, advocation for suicide prevention, and providing support for those affected by suicide. All donations go towards these efforts with the goal to greatly reduce the national suicide rate.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

AFSP and its Illinois chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.

Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources

Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs

Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/reporting-on-suicide-prevention

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
A new Covid variant spreading across the US has also been identified in the UK, health chiefs have warned.

The strain, known as BA.3.2, has been detected in nasal swabs taken from four American travellers and clinical samples from five patients in four unidentified states.

It has also been found in three aeroplane wastewater samples and 132 other samples taken in more than 20 states, suggesting its reach is far more widespread than what scientists can currently see.

US scientists have also raised concerns that the vaccines currently available may not protect against this variant.

The strain has also been detected in the UK and is currently being monitored, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Dr Nick Machin, consultant virologist at the UKHSA, said: UKHSA is constantly monitoring all available data relating to emergent variants of SARS-CoV-2 through our surveillance programmes. As part of our routine surveillance, we regularly conduct analysis of the severity and detectability of the virus.

The Covid variant known as BA.3.2 has been detected in both the US and the UK (PA)

BA.3.2 has been designated as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organisation and has been detected in the UK.

The variant descended from Omicron, another variant of Covid, and was first detected in South Africa in 2024. The variant started to surge in September 2025 and has since been reported in 23 countries.

Omicron was first detected in Botswana and spread to the UK in December 2021. The variant caused a concerning rise in cases due to its high transmission rate, which put significant pressure on the NHS.

The new strain is genetically distinct from other JN.1 lineages that have previously circulated in the US, researchers warned in the Center for Disease Control and Preventions Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

BA.3.2 carries approximately 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, a part of a coronavirus that allows it to enter human cells. That means it could be easier for the virus to spread and evade immune protection.

The 20252026 LP.8.1-adapted mRNA Covid-19 vaccine demonstrates protection against currently predominant JN.1 strains but had the lowest antibody neutralisation against BA.3.2 in a laboratory study of seven variants, potentially affecting vaccine-conferred protection, the researchers said.

Although it is new, there is currently no evidence that this Covid strain causes more severe illness than previous variants of the virus, according to the UKHSA.

We are currently undertaking an assessment of its impact on diagnostic test performance and will issue further guidance to laboratories as necessary, Dr Machin added.

To date, there is no evidence that this variant is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than other recent variants.

UK scientists do not currently believe the variant is any more of a threat than other strains.

We can expect constant evolution to facilitate transmission but unless there is a rise in hospital cases there is no reason to suppose any new variant is more dangerous, Professor Ian Jones, virologist at Reading University, told The Independent.

He explained the decision to update a vaccine due to mutations will likely be more a commercial than a scientific decision.

If a company feels its vaccine is losing take-up because of a lack of efficacy, they will update it, but until that time, they will not respond to every change that comes along, he explained.

Experts are doubtful Covid will ever die out, but stress that the vaccine helps to keep it in check (PA)

Prof Jones stressed the population does have immunity against Covid now and the vaccine keeps the disease in check, even if it is not protecting against all strains.

He said: I think we can take some reassurance from the fact that the monitoring systems have picked it up early, but that it is probably just another variant that should be noted, but no more for now.

Professor Paul Hunter, epidemiologist at University of East Anglia said he is doubtful Covid will ever die out and is not surprised by the new variant.

We will continue to see new variants of the virus as long as humans still inhabit the planet, he told The Independent.

The issue is whether the new variant poses a significant increased risk to public health. It is likely that any new variant that is able to out-compete the other variants will increase infection rates but that does not mean that this will necessarily lead to substantial additional burden of disease, he added.
Dash Crofts has died at 85 (Warner Brothers Records)

Dash Crofts, half of rock duo Seals & Crofts, has died at age 85.

Crofts, whose real name was Darrell, died Wednesday due to complications from a heart surgery, his family told TMZ.

The bands producer, Louie Shelton, first announced Crofts death Thursday on Facebook, writing: Sad to hear our dear brother and partner in music has passed away today. Sending love and prayers to all his family and many fans. R.I.P. my brother.....Dash Crofts.

Seals & Crofts was known for their 1970s hits like Summer Breeze, Diamond Girl and Get Closer, which all reached the top 10 on Billboards Hot 100 chart. Their 1972 album Summer Breeze, featuring the hit song with the same title, went double-platinum after its release.

The bands other founding member, Jim Seals, died in June 2022 aged 79 after a long illness.

Dash Crofts has died at age 85 (Warner Brothers Records)

Crofts and Seals, both born and raised in Texas, played together in the rock band The Champs before they formed their own soft rock group in Los Angeles in 1969.

The musicians both sang in the group and wrote their songs together. Crofts played guitar and Mandolin, while Seals played guitar, mandolin, fiddle and saxophone.

The two musicians were both outspoken advocates for the Bahai Faith, which focuses on the oneness of God and humanity. They often wrote songs influenced on the religion and used the bands popularity to promote the ideas. When they played concerts, the duo were known for staying on stage after the performance to speak about their faith and pass out literature to the crowd.

Seals & Crofts disbanded in 1981 but reunited from 1989 to 1992. The pair released their final album, Traces, in 2004.

Seals & Crofts were popular in the 1970s for songs like Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl (Warner Brothers Records)

While the band was on hiatus, Crofts released a solo album, Today, in 1998, and worked with horses on a farm in Texas.

He married wife Billie Lee Day in 1969 after meeting in their band The Dawnbreakers. The pair had two daughters together, Amelia Dailey and Lua Crofts. The family lived in Mexico, then later Australia and Nashville, Tennessee.

Both of Crofts daughters are vocalists, carrying on their fathers legacy as a musician.

Dailey formed a musical trio called the Humming Birds in 2010 with Seals daughter, Juliet Crossley, and Genevieve Dozier, the daughter of Seals & Crofts engineer Joey Brogan.

Lua Crofts began touring with Seals cousin, Brady Seals, in 2018 as a group called Seals & Crofts 2. The pair performed their fathers songs, as well as their original music.

Crofts is survived by Day and their two daughters.
London could be within range of an Iranian missile strike, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has suggested.

He stressed the threat posed by the Tehran regime at a White House Cabinet meeting after two missiles were fired last Friday at the joint UK-US military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

The base is around 4,000km (2,500 miles) from Iran.

Although both missiles fell short of their target, the incident raised concerns about the threat faced by the UK itself.

While not mentioning Diego Garcia by name, Mr Hegseth said: "Two days ago they (Iran) shot two failed missiles on a target 4,000km away. For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range two (thousand) kilometres. Surprise. Yet again, Iran lie."

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)

He added: "And to the world, I say London is 4,000km from Iran. Washington DC is 3,300km from Venezuela, another country President Trump did something about, partnered for a long time with Iran.

"So you're telling us that Iran is not a threat to the world or to the US? President Trump knows better."

It comes as US President Donald Trump blasted the Royal Navys aircraft carriers as toys as he continued his criticism of the UKs response to the Iran war.

President Trump said: We had the UK say that well send  this is three weeks ago  well send our aircraft carriers, which arent the best aircraft carriers, by the way, theyre toys compared to what we have.

But well send our aircraft carrier when the war is over. I said, oh, thats wonderful, thank you very much. Dont bother, we dont need it. We dont need it, and we dont need them."

Armed forces minister Al Carns hit back at the comments, saying the UKs aircraft carriers had formidable capabilities.

Iran may now have the missile range to attack the UK (ISW)

Criticising the US war against Iran, he told Times Radio: When Ive been to every staff college in the military, in my career chain, they taught me three things. One, you must have a legal mandate before you put people in harms way. The second is you must have a plan. And the third, you must think to the end.

If you dont have those three, we should not be putting peoples lives in harms way. Weve done it in the past and its cost us dearly.

Earlier, Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly declined to say whether military chiefs believed Iran could hit London with a missile.

Asked if Iran now had missiles which could reach the city, Mr Healey told Sky News: We have no assessment of Iranian plans to strike London.

We have a a defence of Britain that isnt just about what we have for ourselves in and around Britain, our defence of Britain is part of the layers of defence of Nato nations.

Defence Secretary John Healey (PA Wire)

But pressed whether this meant defence chiefs did not know about any threat or had assessed that there was not one, he added: What it means is I understand the concerns that the British people will have.

But we have the resources, the alliances in place to be able to protect Britain.

However, asked again if it was known if the Tehran regime could strike London, he said: What Im saying and trying to reassure people is we have got no assessment that Iran has any plans to attack.

But we have the resources, we have the alliance in place to be able to defend Britain.

Former senior military officers though, have questioned whether the UKs Armed Forces could defend against a missile attack on the homeland by Iran, Russia or other hostile states.

The Institute for the Study of War has published a map showing how Iranian missiles may now have been sufficiently developed to reach the capital.

The leading US military think tank said the attack on Diego Garcia upends some assumptions about the Iranian missile programme and the threat to Europe.

A US Air Force B-1 bomber is loaded with bombs at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire (PA Wire)

Tehran has accused the UK of participating in aggression in Donald Trumps war by allowing US bombers to fly out of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and the Diego Garcia base for defensive missions against Iran such as striking missile sites.

Israel, which is seeking to drum up support for its war with the US against Tehran, says London, Paris and other European cities are now within the range of Irans missiles.

The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat, the Israeli Defence Forces said.

Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin.

Former Armed Forces Minister Lord Spellar has also warned of the threat that Iran-backed jihadists could fire a missile from North Africa at London which he said was very vulnerable.

Defence minister Lord Coaker said: We need to make progress at pace, as quickly as we can, to defend against potential missile threats but also against drone threats.

Russian spy vessel Yantar being monitored by a Royal Navy warship (PA Media)

Mr Healey also claimed the hidden hand of Vladimir Putin was behind both the Iran and Ukraine wars, hours after ministers gave the go-ahead for Royal Marine Commandos to seize Russian shadow fleet ships going through the Channel and other British waters.

He said: Im releasing today our latest defence intelligence assessment, which says that Russia was almost certainly providing training, sharing intelligence with Iran ahead of this conflict, including on types of drones, including on electronic warfare.

Whilst Putin may want us to be distracted by the Middle East, were determined that we wont be.
Double murderer Shaine March, who stabbed his pregnant girlfriend to death while on licence for a previous murder, has been handed a whole life order after Court of Appeal judges ruled his sentence was unduly lenient.

March, then 47, was jailed for at least 42 years in October 2025 after admitting the murder of his girlfriend, Alana Odysseos.

The 32-year-old was pregnant with her third child when March stabbed and slashed her 23 times at her home in Walthamstow, east London.

Jurors in Marchs trial were not told that he had been convicted of murder before.

March was aged 21 when he fatally stabbed 17-year-old Andre Drummond in the neck at a McDonalds restaurant in Denmark Hill, south London, in January 2000.

Following his release on a life licence in early 2013, he was recalled to jail later that year after he stamped on the stomach of another pregnant girlfriend in July. He was released again in February 2018.

March also had convictions for assault and criminal damage in 1995.

The solicitor general referred his second life sentence to the Court of Appeal, with barristers telling a hearing on Thursday that March should have been given a whole life order.

March also challenged the length of his sentence, with his barristers claiming it was manifestly excessive.

Shaine March has multiple convictions, including for the murder of a 17-year-old in 2000 (Metropolitan Police)

In a ruling, Lord Justice Edis, sitting with Mr Justice Cavanagh and Judge Alice Robinson, said: The sentence was unduly lenient.

We quash it, and we quash the minimum term order that the judge made, and substitute in its place a whole life order, which means that the offender will never be released.

After being told he would die behind bars, March, who watched Thursdays proceedings via a videolink from HMP Belmarsh in London, addressed members of Odysseos family in court and said: I just want to say that I am sorry.

Marchs trial at the Old Bailey heard that Odysseos knew about his murder conviction, with safeguarding checks made by probation services.

March, of Surrey Quays, southeast London, admitted to her murder on the seventh day of his trial after an expert no longer supported his defence of diminished responsibility.

Tom Little KC, for the solicitor general, told the Court of Appeal in written submissions that March and Odysseos had been in a relationship for around four months, during which time March attacked her and stopped her from talking to family and friends.

They also argued about her pregnancy, including in the hours before the murder on 22 July 2024, with Odysseos heard to say: I dont want to kill my baby.

She was later seen outside the property, clutching her right side.

Bleeding from multiple stab wounds to her body, she pointed at the defendant standing nearby and shouted: Shaine stabbed me, he stabbed me. Help, help.

March walked away as Odysseos died on the ground outside her home despite the efforts of police and paramedics.

Alana Odysseos was pregnant with her third child when she died (Family handout)

She had suffered stab wounds to her chest, stomach, pelvis, shoulders, buttocks, right arm, thighs and lower legs.

Before throwing his mobile phone in a drain, March recorded a voice note saying: Mum, I just killed a woman, and Im going back to jail.

Sentencing him, Mr Justice Murray said the murder involved prolonged and excessive violence but that he did not consider the case to be one where the need for lifelong imprisonment is clear beyond doubt.

He based this on four factors, including that March suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was a teenager, which affected his ability to regulate his emotions, and that both murders were apparently spontaneous.

But Mr Little told the Court of Appeal on Thursday that a whole life order was just punishment and that there was a constellation of aggravating features in the case.

In court, he said: Properly analysed, this case should never have left the categorisation as a whole life order case.

Sandip Patel KC, for March, told the court that the sentence was reached in a fair and balanced manner.

He also said that Marchs sentence should be reduced on the grounds of his traumatic brain injury, stating that Mr Justice Murray did not give it the fullest regard.
Jena-Lisa Jones holds a photo of her younger self during a news conference outside the US Capitol in Washington DC on 18 November 2025. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images (Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

After casting her vote for Donald Trump in 2024 in hopes that he would bring transparency around the Jeffrey Epstein case, Epstein survivor Jena Lisa Jones said in an interview this week that she now fears were not going to get justice in all of this.

I wanted my day in court, said Jones, who has said she was abused by Epstein when she was 14, in an interview on the Shadow Sessions podcast that aired on Thursday morning. I didnt get that, and we were so close to it, it really got ripped from us, and then after [Epstein] passed, everything just went into a circus show.

Jones said she backed Trump in the 2024 election because of his promises to release the files related to Epstein  who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex-trafficking minors  and his network.

Related: Epstein accountant and lawyer say federal agents never questioned them

Trump ran his whole freakin election on the release of these freakin files, she said. And it sparked it back all up again, gave us hope, gave me hope at least.

He runs his campaign on this, and he runs it really, really hard to the point that a lot of us voted for him, she added.

However, after the election, Jones said that she felt a shift.

As soon as he gets in, we started pushing for the release of the files, and now its a Democratic hoax, she said, referring to remarks Trump made in the fall in which he dismissed some calls to the release additional Epstein files as a Democratic hoax.

Over the summer, the administration faced backlash after the justice department said it would not release any additional files related to Epstein, despite Trumps campaign promises.

When asked in the interview what justice would look like, Jones said: For me now, is America taking the predators that are here in our country, yes, take them down in every country, but I would like to see some of that, that would give me a little bit more faith and that were doing the right thing and that were protecting our children.

Later in the interview, Jones described the backlash she and other survivors have faced for speaking out.

When you do speak out, they eat you alive  you have a lot of support, but you also have a lot of crazy people that are out there, she said, adding that she has received death threats for speaking out.

But despite that, Jones said she remained committed to telling her story and calling for justice.

Every time I share my story, and a young girl reaches out to me, sends me artwork shes made, writes me a letter, tells me how important it is that Im fighting and speaking out, [it] reminds me every freakin day exactly why Im doing this, and will not stop doing this, even after I get whatever justice looks like for me in my case, she said.

Toward the end of the interview, the interviewer asked Jones what one thing she feared was. Jones responds: That were not going to get justice in all of this and take down the bad people.

In November, Jones was among a group of Epstein survivors who gathered outside the US Capitol urging lawmakers to pass the legislation requiring the justice department to release their records related to Epstein.

At that news conference, she called on Trump to stop making this political.

I voted for you, but your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment, Jones said in her speech.

It came as Trump had, for months, opposed the congressional bill requiring the release of the justice departments Epstein files, but reversed course when it became evident it had enough bipartisan support to pass. He signed the bill into law on 19 November.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein or any knowledge of Epsteins criminal activity.

Since November, after the bill was signed into law, the Department of Justice has released multiple batches of records, including a disclosure of roughly 3m records in January. And while the disclosures have shed additional light on Epstein, his network and the investigations surrounding him, some lawmakers and survivors argue that there are still missing materials.

Several survivors have said that files documenting their own FBI interviews were not among the released records, and some lawmakers have also accused the justice department of withholding and redacting material in violation of the law and have raised concerns that some disclosures exposed personal information about survivors.

The justice department has said that ALL responsive documents have been produced unless a document falls within one of the following categories: duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation.

In the podcast interview that aired on Thursday, Jones said she has yet to find her files among the released records.

I havent seen my files in there, and I know that they have files, because I did speak with the FBI, she said. I did work with the FBI. I mean, I texted the FBI the day he died.
There are fears that hundreds more inmates and staff have been exposed to unsafe levels of cancer-causing gas, with the Ministry of Justice now investigating 42 prison and probation sites, The Independent can reveal.

HMP Dartmoor in Devon was closed in 2024 after levels of radon 10 times higher than the recommended limit were recorded in one area. The government is currently spending around 4m a year of taxpayers money on the empty prison because it is locked into a lease signed after high levels of the toxic gas were discovered.

At least 16 prisons have measured above action levels of the gas by officials, including HMP Exeter, Lincoln, Lindholme, and Channings Wood, and The Independent revealed last month that unsafe levels were recorded at 33 prison and probation sites in 2024.

Now, in response to a freedom of information (FOI) request, the HM Prison and Probation Service has admitted that this figure has risen to 42 sites.

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive natural gas, formed when small amounts of uranium in rocks and soils decay, and can build up in indoor areas. It is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, with more than 1,100 deaths from the disease attributed to radon each year in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Law firm Kesar and Co is leading a legal action by former prisoners and prison staff over their potentially harmful exposure to radon at HMP Dartmoor. Solicitor Mladen Kesar said the firm now has instructions from people who believe they have been affected by radon at six prisons in total; HMP Exeter, Channings Wood, Lindholme, Portland, The Verne and Dartmoor.

HMP Dartmoor is currently unusable due to high levels of radon gas (PA)

Documents disclosed under FOI laws show that high levels of radon were measured at HMP Exeter in 2020, with parts of D wing measuring over nine times the legal limit. Further measurements from the end of 2024, into 2025, show levels at more than 900 bq/m in some parts of the prison.

By law, mitigation measures must be put in place to reduce radon exposure in workplaces if levels are shown to exceed 300 bq/m, averaged annually. For sleeping areas, such as prison cells, this is lowered to 200 bq/m, according to UKHSA guidance.

Mr Kesar said: In Exeter, there is evidence that some areas have very high levels of radon, and yet the prison has not been evacuated. Its fully operational as if nothing is happening. The same with the others. There is no sense of urgency or responsibility.

Dartmoor has been evacuated, but in these other 41 sites, people are potentially at risk. If a deadly virus was discovered there, you would think they would just empty the prison and get everyone safe, but with radon, somehow, they are not really in a rush despite it being the second biggest cause of lung cancer.

Gemma Abbott, legal director at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: When the state holds people in custody, it has a legal  and moral  imperative to ensure that they are safe.

Radon is known to increase the risk of lung cancer and the Ministry of Justice has shown a worrying lack of urgency in addressing the risks, just as it has failed to fix the tens of thousands of prison places that do not meet lawful fire safety standards.

Over the last seven months, we have made repeated requests for copies of detailed risk assessments for prisons which have higher radon readings than the law allows, but so far the government has refused to provide them.

Being locked up for up to 23 hours in an unsafe cell must be terrifying. What do ministers have to hide?"

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: We routinely monitor levels of naturally occurring radon gas across the HMPPS estate and take action to mitigate risks wherever elevated levels are identified.
Rightwingers in Finland and the US have backed Paivi Rasanen, regarding her case as an infringement of free speech. Photograph: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Reuters (Photograph: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Reuters)

A Finnish member of parliament has been found guilty by the countrys supreme court of inciting hatred after claiming that homosexuality was a developmental disorder, in a conviction that prompted criticism from far-right government ministers.

Paivi Rasanen, of the Christian Democrats, made the claims in a pamphlet first published in 2004 and reproduced on the website of the Luther Foundation Finland and the Finnish Evangelical Mission Diocese in 2007.

In a 3-2 vote, the supreme court on Thursday found Rasanen guilty of a crime when she republished the pamphlet on Facebook in 2019 and on her website the following year. She was fined 1,800. The court ruled her claim that homosexuality was a disorder of psychosexual development was incorrect.

Rasanen was supported in her case by the US-based conservative legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, which has tried to use her case as an example of censorship in Europe. The group has ramped up its global spending on litigation and other campaigns after successfully overturning Roe v Wade, which protected the right to abortion, in the US.

Rasanen said the outcome was a shock and that she would consider appealing against the ruling at the European court of human rights. Lower courts had acquitted her of all charges.

Finnish government ministers from Rasanens party and the nationalist Finns party immediately called for freedom of speech and legislative changes.

The verdict has elicited strong reactions from Rasanens party and top politicians including the minister of justice, Leena Meri, who called for a change in the law.

The Finns party had, she said, long believed that the law was not sufficiently precise and especially not predictable as required by the principle of legality in the criminal code, she said.

It is very difficult for people to know what is prohibited and what is permitted.

The deputy prime minister and minister of finance, Riikka Purra, also from the Finns party, also called for a change in the law. Freedom of speech took another serious hit today through the supreme courts voting decision, she said on social media.

The prosecutor general, Ari-Pekka Koivisto, told Finnish broadcaster Yle: We have not had a preliminary decision of this kind related to the crime of incitement before.

Koivisto added: It is significant because the supreme court went through the fundamental rights assessment in detail.

But the prime minister, Petteri Orpo, of the National Coalition party, declined to take a position on the supreme courts decision, saying politicians should not comment on court decisions.
Renee Stephens and her husband Vincent Stephens have been convicted on drug trafficking charges for selling marijuana-infused candy to kids (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office/Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

A Florida couple who disguised drugs as childrens snacks and sold them in their Tampa neighborhood  while coordinating deals from prison  will spend decades behind bars, authorities said.

Renee Stephens, 32, known as the Candy Lady, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted on fentanyl trafficking charges, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday.

Her husband, Vincent Stephens, who is currently in state prison, was sentenced to an additional 30 years, to be served consecutively to the 20-year sentence he was already serving on a prior drug and firearm conviction.

Renee Stephens earned her nickname by selling marijuana-infused snacks disguised as popular treats, including candy, chips and cereal, to kids in the area, authorities said.

The investigation began in August 2023, when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received a tip about Stephens drug trafficking activities.

Renee Stephens and her husband Vincent Stephens have been convicted on drug trafficking charges for selling marijuana-infused candy to kids (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)

Undercover agents conducted a series of controlled purchases over the next three months, during which time an agent witnessed Stephens handling fentanyl while holding her infant child. Officials said the child was present during multiple drug deals.

On December 11, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at Stephens home, seizing 153 grams of fentanyl, 100 fentanyl pills and marijuana, along with 63 individually packaged snacks resembling childrens foods but containing drugs.

Ashley Moody, who was serving as Floridas attorney general at the time, said the amount of fentanyl seized was enough to kill nearly 80,000 people.

Investigators later determined that Vincent Stephens, who was incarcerated, was orchestrating the operation from prison. He communicated with his wife by phone and Facebook to coordinate drug deals and connect her with other inmates, authorities said.

Renee Stephens was arrested in December 2023 and convicted in January 2026 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and possession of drug paraphernalia.

When officers raided her home, they found 63 individually wrapped snacks (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

Vincent Stephens was convicted of conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and will serve his new sentence after his current term.

This couple was not only profiting from pushing poison into our communities, but they were also doing it in the presence of a young, vulnerable child, Uthmeier said in the statement, according to WFLA.

These drug traffickers have proven multiple times that they have no regard for the law. I am grateful to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Luis Aguila and Gianna Fina for ensuring they will spend a very long time behind bars.
A UK school library has been purged of books, including the 1984 graphic novel, apparently at the headteacher's instruction.

In concerning signals bearing the hallmarks of book purges in the US, a school library in Greater Manchester was reportedly stripped of nearly 200 books it deemed inappropriate.

An Index on Censorship report found that the school used AI to classify which books to remove, and later said they consider this classification to be broadly accurate.

The school in question was not publicly identified in the report, but it's understood to go up to Year 11 and even had a designated book section for those about to leave school.

Among the list of books deemed inappropriate are titles by Dan Brown and JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyers Twilight and even Cheryl Coles biography.

File Image (PA Archive)

The purge reportedly began in November 2025 when the school librarian included the book Men Who Hate Women on a slide deck of recommended reading, a non-fiction book on extreme misogyny and how it affects us all.

However, the headteacher demanded that the book be removed from the shelves instead because of the exposure of misogynistic beliefs, and it was later put in the staff library.

According to the librarian, who wished to remain anonymous, an investigation was launched and when she returned to the library she noticed books were missing.

We have the exact same group of children who come in every single day, and a lot of them are LGBTQ+, a lot of them are neurodivergent, and they come into the library because its their safe place, the librarian said of titles that had been removed.

The librarian was then told to remove books that werent for children, that had upsetting themes, and could be inappropriate or constitute a safeguarding risk

I ended up removing biographies of World War II airmen, literally less than a week after Remembrance Day, because they werent childrens books, the librarian said.

The librarian was then reported as a safeguarding risk over books being in the library in the first place which were deemed inappropriate.

I was absolutely gobsmacked, the librarian told the Index investigation. When Im shocked, I kind of shut down. So, I stopped speaking, but I remember I was stamping books or something, and I just kept on doing that because I couldnt believe what I was hearing.

The librarian was signed off sick due to stress.

When she saw the final list, Twilight had apparently been deemed inappropriate for its mature romantic themes, sexual tension and violence involving vampires and werewolves.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks was also set to be removed for being a romantic drama about enduring love and memory loss. Meanwhile, Michelle Obamas Becoming was reportedly removed for themes including racism and politics.

According to the list, a number of titles addressing LGBTQ+ themes were included in the final list of books to be removed.
Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former No.10 special adviser, react to the news that Morgan McSweeneys phone was snatched in London.

Although such incidents are all too common on the capitals streets, Sir Keir Starmers former chief of staff reportedly lost a government issued iPhone that is thought to contain messages with Peter Mandelson, the ex-ambassador at the centre of one of the governments biggest scandals.

New episodes of In The Room drop every Friday. Listen to the latest episode, A definitive guide to the Mandelson files, on Apple Podcastsand Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
BEIJING, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The three-day Zhongxi Cherry Blossom Cultural Tourism Season kicked off on Friday at Zhongxi Sakura Alley in Pinghu City in east China's Zhejiang Province, with tens of thousands of cherry trees in full bloom making for a stunning backdrop to the event.

"I come here every year to see the cherry blossoms. I feel like the flowers bloom exceptionally well here," said a visitor.

The cherry blossom viewing season at the tourist attraction will continue until mid-April.

As well as cherry blossoms, the scenic area currently abounds with tulips, February orchids, hydrangeas, and pink muhly grass. The area is planted with flowers that will bloom in every season, making it a year-round horticultural attraction.

For this year's blossom season, a fair has been launched at the site with over 100 stalls offering visitors culinary delights, cultural and creative products, and intangible cultural heritage experiences, many of them flower-themed.

"This time, we've introduced some cherry blossom-themed bakery products, such as cherry blossom cookies, biscuits, and mung bean cakes. The items we brought in this morning have been largely sold out, and new suppliers are on the way," said one stall owner.

To promote the integration of culture and tourism, the Pinghu Economic Development Zone established the Lingyingge Cultural and Creative Gallery last year, which is celebrating its first anniversary this year.

The gallery features over 40 cultural and creative souvenirs and more than 100 industrial tourism products, transforming local culture and traditions into tangible products and souvenirs that visitors can take home.

On Saturday, a fashion design center in the economic development zone officially opened its doors, putting its down jackets, luggage and children's strollers on public display for the first time.

On Sunday night, a grand ceremony for the cherry blossom cultural tourism season, including a music awards ceremony and a 700-drone light show, was held, furthering showcasing the charm of Pinghu City.

"By taking advantage of the cherry blossom cultural and tourism season, we aim to offer visitors more than just beautiful scenery -- we want them to take away memorable experiences and products. Our goal is to turn foot traffic into lasting engagement, and transform picturesque landscapes into a thriving cultural economy," said Chen Zehao, deputy director of the Pinghu Economic Development Zone Management Committee.

SOURCE CCTV+
John Healey refuses to say if Iran has capability to strike UK

Defence Secretary John Healey has refused to rule out that Iran has the capability to strike the UK, but said military chiefs do not believe Tehran has any plans to do so.

Iran has targeted the military base used by the UK and the US on Diego Garcia island in the Indian Ocean with missiles, which Mr Healey previously said fell well short of reaching it.

Asked repeatedly on Sky News whether Iran could reach London with missile strikes, he said: We have no assessment of Iranian plans to strike London.

Pressed further, he said: What Im saying, and trying to reassure people, is that weve got no assessment that Iran has any plans to attack.

But we have the resources, we have the alliance in place, to be able to defend Britain, and we do that with allies, and we do that with Nato.

As far as Iran goes, theyre demonstrating a capacity to hit across the Middle East, we see the same tactics and technologies that we see employed by Russia in Ukraine, and this is the hidden hand of (President Vladimir) Putin in both conflicts.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump launched a fresh tirade against Nato and described the UKs aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, as toys.

The US president accused allies of doing absolutely nothing to help the US in the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at the start of a White House cabinet meeting, he continued: Now they all want to help. When theyre annihilated, the other side is annihilated, they said wed love to send ships

US President Donald Trump denigrated British warships (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)

We had the UK say that well send  this is three weeks ago  well send our aircraft carriers, which arent the best aircraft carriers, by the way. Theyre toys compared to what we have.

But well send our aircraft carrier when the war is over. I said oh thats wonderful, thank you very much. Dont bother. We dont need it.

Mr Healey also said the Treasury is not holding up a long-delayed defence investment plan.

Labour MP Tan Dhesi, who chairs the Defence Committee, had suggested the plan might be delayed until after Mays elections, adding the situation is a mess.

Mr Healey said the Germans are good allies for stepping in to provide a frigate for a Nato mission next month, to replace the Royal Navys HMS Dragon, which was sent to defend Cyprus in response to the Iran crisis.

Asked if he was embarrassed that the UK needs to borrow a ship from Germany, the Defence Secretary said it was a sign of the strength of the Nato alliance but Im not happy with the situation we have with British warships, and thats because it takes six years to build a warship.

Mr Healey then appeared to mistakenly say the UK has 17 frigates and destroyers  the Royal Navy lists 14 on its website.

Asked why they did not make another ship available for the planned Nato mission, Mr Healey said: I have to make decisions based on what weve got.

We were preparing Dragon in order to play that flagship role  the way that Iran hit back in an indiscriminate, widespread way meant I needed to reinforce the defences that wed already, before the conflict broke out, put into the Middle East.

Meanwhile, a mothballed carbon dioxide plant is to be reopened with a Government grant of up to 100 million, amid fears of shortages caused by the Iran war.

Production at Ensus UKs plant on Teesside, which made CO2 as a by-product of bioethanol manufacturing, was halted last September after a trade deal with the US cut tariffs on bioethanol.

(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

Ensus UK has now signed an agreement with the Government to bring the plant back into operation for a three-month period.

It is the UKs last remaining major industrial manufacturer of biogenic carbon dioxide, which is crucial in a wide range of sectors, including in the drinks and nuclear industries, but supply has been disrupted due to soaring energy costs on other sources such as fertiliser factories.

The grant for the Ensus plant is the first major intervention by the UK Government to tackle possible shortages caused by the Iran conflict.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was due to urge Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for oil and gas shipping, at the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France on Thursday.

She was to make clear that the UK would help ensure safe passage for ships through the strait and provide an additional 2 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

She was also expected to hold talks with counterparts including US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Frances Jean-Noel Barrot and Germanys Johann Wadephul.
Three Metropolitan Police officers who bravely fought off a Samurai sword attacker after he killed a schoolboy have won a London Police Bravery Award.

Marcus Arduini Monzo slashed at PCs Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield and Cameron King and Inspector Moloy Campbell in Hainault, east London.

Monzo, 37, had gone into a cannabis-induced psychosis when he murdered 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin during a 20-minute rampage on April 30, 2024.

PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield drew her 50,000-volt Taser stun gun but was hit three times by the 60cm long blade with extreme force as she chased Monzo through alleyways and residential properties.

Unarmed PC King threw himself between the suspect and his colleague, helping to save her life.

He said: I just remember the sword was all the way back above his head and I just remember him coming down three, four times onto Yasmins head and just hearing the scream from Yasmin and her just hit the floor.

A screengrab of Marcus Arduini Monzos arrest (Metropolitan Police/PA)

I think if there was any more damage that was done it would have been catastrophic for Yasmin.

So I kind of put myself in between them both.

PC Mechem-Whitfield was left with life-changing injuries, including a fractured skull and severe nerve damage. Monzo received a life sentence with a minimum of at least 40 years.

PC Georgia Brocklesby suffered a fractured nose (Martis Media )

Others being hailed at the ceremony in central London on Thursday night include off-duty PC Darren Attwood.

He confronted burglars and was attacked with a machete while shopping with his wife in Luton town centre.

PC Jack Taylor was stabbed while tackling a dangerous knife-wielding suspect in Tower Hamlets.

PC Georgia Brocklesby sustained a fractured nose, facial injuries and severe bruising whilst trying to stop a dangerous suspect escaping Princess Royal University Hospital, Bromley.

PCs Simon Thomas, Rhafaela Aliprandi and Will Hesketh (Martis Media)

PCs Simon Thomas, Rhafaela Aliprandi and Will Hesketh climbed five storeys of scaffolding with no safety equipment to save a suicidal mans life in Blackheath.

PCs Matthew MacColl and PC Vitus Ogbede detained an armed man who stabbed MacColl so severely that his bicep was cut in half on Putney Road, Enfield.

Sergeant Scott Read risked his safety to save the life of a 12-year-old girl who was threatening to jump off a roof of a four-storey house.

Off-duty PC Adam Darlow jumped into the water to save a woman from freezing River Kennet in Reading.

Metropolitan Police Federation chair Paula Dodds said: There arent really enough words to describe the incredible courage of officers who place themselves in mortal danger to protect the public and their colleagues.

They are reluctant heroes but heroes they are. They are the best of us and we are very, very proud of them.
(Press handout)

Review at a glance: 

It has lived many lives, Shoreditch. Birthplace of English theatre; slum star of Charles Booths poverty maps; flame to the swastikad moths of the Blitz. In the 1950s and 1960s gangsters moved in, usurped by the YBAs in the 1980s and 1990s. The hipsters had their way with it for a while  remember the Cereal Killer Cafe? Grim  until the Essex lads jostled in on Friday nights. What was cool became cringe, Shoreditch in its Air Max-and-Lynx Africa phase.

Who goes now? The hipsters are all dead or in Margate, which is much the same thing, and the Essex lot are too busy fretting over a future without Dubai to swing by. The Shoreditch of 2026 is shapeless, neither good nor bad, in its everyman era.

The restaurants opening there now reflect this: trailblazers are in short supply. Instead this is an E1 of known entities: Dishoom, Lina Stores, the revived Singburi. And so when it was announced St John-lite Lyles would close, the sites leaseholder JKS Restaurants (Gymkhana, Sabor) needed a guaranteed hit of a tenant.

Who else but Hoppers? Funny that it has become a familiar, comforting patch on Londons quilt. The first, opened almost 11 years ago, was a revelation, bringing Sri Lankan to the mainstream and inspiring endless queues down Frith Street. For a while, conversations in the Dog and Duck were scored with the endless buzzing of restaurant pagers, groups scarpering to uncover what a hopper actually was. Such success parlayed into the same recipe being deployed in Marylebone and Kings Cross. Hoppers became commonplace; Londoners moved on to deciphering how a bouchon differed from a bistro.

Hoppers founder Karan Gokani (Press handout)

This new site, though, is not the same as its elder siblings. Perhaps conscious of losing his edge, founder Karan Gokani has looked upward from Sri Lanka to his beloved south India, to Chettinad, Madurai, Bangalore, his native Mumbai. His new venture is about half the size of the Kings Cross operation, twice as beautiful and with new things to eat. It feels, really, more personal  as though, like Soho, Gokani has opened a restaurant for himself, not to appease an accountant.

Knockout looks help, put together by Atelier Wren. If Lyles was proof of the unwaning powers of a pot of Dulux pure brilliant white, Hoppers pays tribute to the beguiling beauty of south India: the ceiling is uncannily like that of the Athangudi Palace; lampshades have been fashioned to mimic parasols; tables and chairs could have been shipped from old Goan mansions. The outside world is kept at bay, though the buses pausing at the stop nearby can still be seen, sliced to pieces by the open slats of plantation shutters.

The lamb benne dosa (Press handout)

Gokanis renewed enthusiasm for his restaurant is evinced on the menu, too. Familiar hits like the mutton rolls, Lankan chicken and bone marrow curry remain, but alongside these are new ideas. The lamb benne dosa offers a half-moon of crisp, heavily-buttered dosa: inside the pulled shoulder of lamb is lavishly spiced, full of cinnamon and cumin, the richness offset only partly by a little pickled red onion. The crab kari omelette might be the dish for social, given it arrives with a whole fried soft-shell crab coated in podi (a spice mix that on first glance resembles breadcrumbs) guarding the curried omelette and parotta beneath  but the sweet crab and its spiced gravy could be ugly as sin and still be worth ordering over and over, three dishes eccentrically but brilliantly pulled together as one. Squid, usually resented for its gumboot elasticity, here was cooked to expert softness and fried to red with garlic-chilli butter and banana peppers. We chucked it back like popcorn. A short rib biryani offered a molehill of rice topped with a folded fried egg. Inside was the beef, slow-cooked to complete acquiescence, sticky, heavy and gorgeous.

The breathless delirium the original days of Hoppers inspired may have gone, disappeared with Shoreditchs mania and cool. But what is here is something rarer: a place thats dependably brilliant. It doesnt sound so much, does it? And yet it is. On this showing, Hoppers may survive us all.

Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ. Meal for two about 120; hopperslondon.com
Iran possesses the capability to strike London with missiles, US secretary of war Pete Hegseth has warned, highlighting what he described as the global threat emanating from Tehran.

His remarks, delivered during a White House cabinet meeting, follow a recent incident where two missiles were launched towards the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The Indian Ocean island, located approximately 4,000km from Iran, was targeted last Friday.

While the UK government confirmed both missiles fell short of their intended target, the event has intensified concerns regarding the potential threat to Britain itself from Iran.

Previously, UK defence secretary John Healey declined to confirm whether Tehran had the capability to strike Britain, though he stressed that officials did not believe an attack was imminent.

We have the resources, the alliances in place to be able to protect Britain, he said.

Diego Garcia is around 3,800km (2,360 miles) away from Iran (AP)

The Israeli military has previously claimed that Iranian missiles could achieve a range of around 4,000km, placing numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa at risk.

Without explicitly naming Diego Garcia, Mr Hegseth said: Two days ago they [Iran] shot two failed missiles on a target 4,000km away. For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range [2,000] kilometres. Surprise. Yet again, Iran lie.

He continued: And to the world. I say London is 4,000km from Iran. Washington DC is 3,300km from Venezuela, another country President Trump did something about, which partnered for a long time with Iran.

So youre telling us that Iran is not a threat to the world or to the US? President Trump knows better."

Amid these rising tensions, neither side appears willing to de-escalate in the Middle East. The US continues to bolster its combat forces in the region, while Iran maintains its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas.

Defence secretary John Healey refused to say whether an Iranian missile could hit the UK (PA)

Mr Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that the US had presented a 15-point action list to Iran, delivered via Pakistan, as a potential framework for a peace deal.

However, Mr Trump made it clear he was not actively pursuing an agreement, saying: Theyre begging to make a deal, not me. They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but theyre afraid to say it because they figure theyll be killed by their own people.

This assertion was directly contradicted by Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who told state TV that his government had not engaged in talks to end the conflict, adding: And we do not plan on any negotiations.
Analysts say Iran has imposed a de facto toll booth regime in the Strait of Hormuz and its parliament now plans to formally implement a system for charging ships transiting the critical maritime route.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds most critical energy chokepoints because a fifth of the global oil supply typically passes through it.

Desperate shipping companies are willing to pay millions of dollars per tanker in order to pass through the Strait, analysts said, given the extent to which the US-Israeli war on Iran has inflated the price of a barrel of oil.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has already started ordering ships to submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes, and accept escorted passage through a controlled corridor of the strait, according to Lloyds List, a global authority on shipping.

Irans parliament is pursuing legislation to formally codify Irans sovereignty, control and oversight over the Strait of Hormuz, while also creating a source of revenue through the collection of fees, lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi said, according to Fars and Tasnim news agencies. The arrangement was entirely natural, he said.

We provide its security, and it is natural that ships and oil tankers should pay such fees, Mr Kouchi added.

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, UAE, on 11 March 2026 (AP)

Since 13 March, according to the Lloyds List report published on Wednesday, 26 vessel transits have followed the route controlled by the IRGC. There have been no transits via the normal route since 15 March.

Iran this week told the UN Security Council that non-hostile ships could be allowed to transit the strait, though shipping data showed traffic remained at a fraction of the pre-war level.

Analysts said ships were paying millions to pass through the strait already. Isaac Levi, analyst at CREA, said that at least one tanker paid $2m to transit via the northern edge of the strait closest to Iran.

"What we've seen is a huge amount of desperation from oil exporters and traders to be able to pass through the Strait safely  they are willing to take on a huge amount of risk and pass through perhaps without insurance," he told The Independent.

The economics make the toll worthwhile despite the risks, Mr Levi said. With oil prices having close to doubled since the crisis began, a single tankers cargo might have appreciated in value by as much as $30-40m.

On Tuesday, only four ships were seen crossing the strait, with standard commercial shipping lanes empty as of early morning, according to the maritime intelligence firm Windward.

And on Wednesday, the number rose to five, Windward said, amid signs that Iran is formalising a selective-access system.

It is difficult for experts to establish where every tanker is headed, but China has historically received around 90 per cent of Iran's crude exports. Analysts believe the majority of ships currently transiting the strait are most likely headed there still.

Mr Levi said he expected traffic to increase. "There may be shippers that are apprehensive at the beginning  unsure whether payment will guarantee safe passage  so maybe they'll be watching closely to see how this scheme works for other tankers.

But I would expect to see an increase in the number of vessels so desperate to pass through the Strait that they will pay extortionate fees."

Any ship that does engage the system is required to contact intermediaries with IRGC connections, submitting its identification number, ownership chain, cargo manifest, destination and full crew list, according to Lloyd's List.

The documentation is forwarded to the IRGC navys Hormozgan Provincial Command for sanctions screening, cargo checks, and what Lloyd's List describes as geopolitical vetting. If cleared, the IRGC provides a clearance code and route instructions, and a pilot boat escorts the vessel through Iranian territorial waters around Larak, one of the worlds oldest continually published newspapers noted in its report.

A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran earlier in March (AP)

At least two vessels paid a direct toll, with payments settled in yuan, Lloyds List said. Many others appeared to be transiting after diplomatic intervention rather than direct payment. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Iran had permitted friendly nations like Pakistan, India, Iraq, China and Russia to use the strait.

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said on Friday that Iran was hold[ing] the global economy hostage as she met counterparts including Marco Rubio from the US to discuss the Middle East crisis.

Speaking at the G7 meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay, France, Ms Cooper said: "We will of course be discussing the conflict in the Middle East, where we want to see a swift resolution that reaches regional stability and security and opens the Strait of Hormuz."

Ms Cooper said: "Iran cannot be able to just hold the the global economy hostage as a result of a strait which is about international shipping routes and the freedom of navigation that has been so strongly supported at the United Nations, but also by countries across the world."

Complying with Irans toll booth system carries significant legal risks for shipping companies. The IRGC is classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) under US law, meaning that any payments, even indirect ones, could expose companies to criminal prosecution.

Under US law, providing material support to a designated FTO carries not just civil and regulatory risks but the risk of criminal prosecution, Claire McCleskey, a former compliance official for the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the Lloyds List report.

Trade attorney Manny Levitt of law firm Holland and Knight warned that even if toll payments were allowed under a recent US licence for Iranian oil loaded before 20 March, they would not be protected under UK or EU sanctions, nor would they shield companies from liability under US anti-terrorism statutes.

Despite the risks, Lloyds List said security firms had been inundated with requests by ship owners seeking clarity on the legal consequences of engaging with the Iranian system.

The Strait of Hormuz is deemed an international waterway open to all shipping. Formalising fees would end that status and, thus, face strong opposition from Gulf Arab states and their Western allies.
Iran has suggested it is willing to let Spanish ships transit through the Strait of Hormuz despite the Persian waterway remaining under strict control.

In a post on social media, the Iranian Embassy in Spain said that it would permit any shipping requests coming in from Madrid because it considered the country to be committed to international law.

The post read: BREAKING NEWS: Iran considers Spain a country committed to international law, so it shows receptiveness to any request coming from Madrid. #EstrechoDeOrmuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control (Reuters)

It comes a day after Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez called the war in Iran illegal.

"Every bomb that falls in the Middle East hits the wallets of our families," he told lawmakers in a parliament session, laying out the reasons for his government's steadfast opposition to the war.

Iran has remained in control of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war, sparking chaos in energy markets and an estimated shortage of 4.3 million barrels of oil per day, according to Kpler.

ULTIMA HORA: Iran considera a Espana un pais comprometido con el derecho internacional, por lo que se muestra receptivo ante cualquier solicitud procedente de Madrid.#EstrechoDeOrmuz pic.twitter.com/WZjwCPB7CK  Embajada de Iran en Espana (@IraninSpain) March 26, 2026

Around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz and Irans tight grip over its navigation has caused crisis for import dependent countries in Asia.

The Philippines is the latest country to announce an energy crisis, with only 45 days worth of fuel supply as of 20 March; on Thursday the energy market regulator suspended the countrys wholesale electricity spot market across all three grids due to fuel supply risks.

Ships have taken an adapted route through the strait, suggesting Iran is steering them through a safe route (Kpler)

But while Iran has maintained close control over the waterway, experts have said that ships are still getting through the strait.

Analysis from Kpler shows that vessels linked to friendly countries were safely making the transit via an adjusted route, which suggested that Iran was steering certain vessels through a safe route around the Larak island.

A Thai oil tanker has safely passed through the strait following diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Iran, and Malaysia's prime minister said on Thursday that Malaysian vessels were also being allowed to pass through, in a sign that restrictions were loosening for some countries following diplomatic negotiations.

Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let 10 oil tankers transit the strait as a goodwill gesture (AP/Alex Brandon) (AP)

US president Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let ten oil tankers transit the strait as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistan-flagged vessels. The Independent could not verify this.

Spain has abstained from supporting the war in Iran and distanced itself from positions adopted by fellow western leaders in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom who have taken defensive action in response to Tehrans attacks on Gulf countries and Cyprus.

ASAMBLEA GENERAL-ESPANA (AP)

Foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said at the start of March that Spain was very clear in its position that Europe must work towards de-escalation and a return to the negotiation table.

A logic of violence, as we are seeing, only leads to a spiral of violence, and unilateral military actions outside the United Nations Charter, outside any collective action, have no clear objective. Europe must defend international law, de-escalation, and negotiation, he insisted, per El Pais.

Last year, the Spanish-flagged merchant shipping fleet reached its lowest level in two decades. At present, it is comprised of 91 vessels, of which six are oil tankers and 13 are gas carriers, according to the latest report published by the Spanish Shipowners Association as of June 2025.
Iran has threatened to take control of another key waterway in the Middle East if Donald Trump launches a ground invasion, raising fears of further economic chaos.

An unnamed military source told Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency on Wednesday that attacks could be launched on vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation to US operations on its territory or islands.

The Strait is located between Djibouti and Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthis have previously launched attacks on ships.

The Houthis regularly attack the region where the Bab al-Mandab Strait is (EPA)

The source said that Iran has the capability to pose a "credible threat" in the Strait.

We are constantly monitoring and keeping an eye on the enemy fronts preparations and developments, the military source told Tasnim.

If the enemy wants to take action on land in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands or to inflict costs on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, we will open other fronts for them as a surprise so that their action will not only be of no benefit to them but will also double their costs, they added.

The Strait of Hormuz has played a key role in Irans military strategy (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

So far, the Iran-backed Houthis have stayed out of the war. Experts have suggested the proxy groups lack of action could be a strategic decision to exert more pressure on Washington and Israel at a later stage.

Iran last month seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes. The move sparked chaos in the energy markets and created a shortage of an estimated 4.3 million barrels of oil per day, according to Kpler.

Countries dependent on imports in Asia have been forced to take drastic measures in response to oil shortages, such as declaring a four-day working week.

The Mayor of Tehran, Dr Alireza Zakani, suggested on Wednesday that Irans control of the waterway was effectively a sanction against the US and allies.

Rather than bargaining to lift sanctions, were focused on shaping a new sanction framework against the US and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz he said in a post on social media.

Lifting US unilateral sanctions doesnt need a negotiation table, our missiles have already delivered results.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Iran would attack an unnamed neighbour if it cooperated with efforts by the enemies to occupy an island (AP)

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said his country would attack an unnamed neighbouring country if it cooperated with efforts by "the enemies" to occupy one of its islands.

Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, Iran has attacked countries across the Gulf that host US bases.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that the "world is staring down the barrel of a wider war" in the region.

"It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder and start climbing the diplomatic ladder," he said at the UN headquarters in New York.
The US-Israeli war on Iran has increased the risk of an attack in Britain, the head of counter terrorism policing warned.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor spoke as armed patrols were deployed to protect Jewish sites after an arson attack on community ambulances in Golders Green.

In the past 12 months, more than 20 Iranian plots, including kidnaps and attempted assassinations, were uncovered compared with ten in 2023.

The rising threat from Tehran has now overtaken Russia and represents the biggest proportion of hostile state casework for MI5 and police, leaving even Beijing trailing.

Metropolitan Police AC Taylor told the Daily Mail: There is no question the ambition [from Iran] has increased.

In terms of volume, I would predict and imagine that will continue to rise.

He said ongoing strikes by the US President Donald Trump and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may inspire a lone wolf and there is also a risk of retaliation from a vengeful Iran using Iranian spies or criminal proxies.

Burnt out remains of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green (Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

AC Taylor added: I think it would be very surprising if the events in the Middle East didnt have an impact on the UK.

Two men  aged 47 and 45 and of British nationality  arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after the north west London firebomb attack have been released on bail until April while the investigation continues.

Four ambulances from Hatzolas volunteer-led service were set on fire during the incident at approximately 1.35am on Monday.

Gas canisters kept in the vehicles exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.
Corey Lewandowski is reportedly leaving his role as special government employee, amid accusations of conducting a taxpayer-funded affair with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, according to a report.

Both Noem and Lewandowski have vehemently denied suggestions that they had an affair, with the former previously describing the rumors as tabloid garbage at a House hearing. Noem has also described the accusations as a disgusting lie.

Tensions surrounding the allegations flared up again on Wednesday after photographs of the pair sitting side by side were released by the U.S. Embassy in Guyana.

Noem had arrived in the South American country to discuss joint efforts to disrupt cartel and transnational criminal activity among other issues, according to a post from the embassy on X.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been pictured taking her close adviser, Corey Lewandowski, on an official visit to South America amid claims that the two are having a taxpayer-funded affair (Office of the President, Guyana)

Now, three sources and a White House official have told The New York Post that Lewandowski will leave his role as a special government employee.

The sources told The Post that the decision was made as recently as Tuesday or Wednesday.

Two of those sources claimed that President Trump had forced out Lewandowski due to his disapproval of a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem.

The president was also reportedly unhappy with contracting decisions made by Lewandowski while he served under Noem.

A third source claimed that Lewandowski decided to leave on his own because he was not interested in moving to the State Department.

After being ousted from the DHS by Trump in early March, Noem was reassigned as special envoy to The Shield of the Americas.

CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis, wrote on X that a State Department official said that Noem will report to Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau in her new role.

Noem's trip to Guyana comes after she was ousted as Homeland Security secretary (Office of the President, Guyana)

The initiative will bring together leaders of several South American countries to commit to stopping drug cartels.

Guyana was one stop on Noems tour, where she also visited the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica and Ecuador, according to Reuters.

Noem and Lewandowski traveled on a Homeland Security Department plane, the agency reported.

The department would not confirm the whereabouts of our plane.

Noem and Lewandowskis relationship has been scrutinized over allegations that the pair are having an extramarital affair.

The former DHS Secretary denied the rumours during a House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month.

The photos of Noem and Lewandowski in Guyana caused a stir on social media, with conservative media personality Meghan McCain writing in all caps, Girl what is you doing?!? (Getty Images)

Noems husband, Bryon, left the room minutes before Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked, At any time during you tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?

I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage today at this committee, Noem replied.

Photos of Noems visit to Guyana with Lewandowski sparked backlash online on Wednesday.

Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, asked on X, GIRL WHAT IS YOU DOING?

Billy Binion, a reporter for the libertarian Reason magazine, wrote on X, Why are my taxpayer dollars funding Corey Lewandowski's travel to Guyana? How is that remotely acceptable?

Gazis reported that the photos of Noem with Lewandowski were not taken during an official State Department trip.

According to Gazis, the sources also suggested that Lewandowski is not employed by the State Department and there is no job lined up for him there in the future.

The Independent has reached out to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Guyana and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
The Prime Minister could be challenged for the Labour leadership if May 7 goes as badly as predicted - Brook Mitchell/AFP via Getty

Labour has been forecast to lose as many as 2,000 councillors in the local elections.

Sir Keir Starmers party faces a wipeout on May 7, with more than three in five of the Labour councillors up for election expected to lose.

The Labour leaders political future will be at risk when voters in 136 local authorities go to the polls.

A projection by Prof Stephen Fisher, an elections expert at Oxford University, suggested Labour would suffer a net loss of 1,900 councillors.

Reform UK was projected to sweep the board for a second year in a row and gain 2,260 councillors, boosting Nigel Farages chances of taking power at the next general election.

On Thursday, the Reform leader called his partys progress in the polls nothing short of extraordinary.

The May elections are no longer seen as an existential threat to Kemi Badenochs Tory leadership. However, the projection suggested that the Tories would endure heavy losses of 1,010 councillors.

Prof Fisher forecast that the Green Party would capitalise on its surge in popularity since Zack Polanski became leader in September to gain 450 council seats. The Liberal Democrats were predicted to enjoy a net gain of 200 seats.

The professor projected that Reform would make net gains of 2,260 if it was able to translate its rise in the opinion polls into council seats at the same rate as in last years local elections.

Reform UK has been projected to make net gains of 2,260 council seats in May - Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty

The Greens results were forecast based on the assumption that they would gain an additional 1 per cent of council seats for every percentage point rise in the polls since four years ago, while Prof Fishers Lib Dem prediction was based on a regression model.

His calculations led him to conclude that the Tories and Labour would suffer a net loss of 74.2 per cent of the seats they were defending.

Prof Fisher said: The broad pattern of seat gains and losses is likely to be similar to last year  big gains for Reform, more modest gains for the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, and heavy losses for the Conservatives and Labour.

The seats up this year are traditionally a strong set for Labour, not least because they are mainly in London and other Metropolitan borough councils. If the projected 1,900 losses is correct, then Labour will win just 13 per cent of the seats.

Labour originally planned to cancel local elections for 4.6 million people this May, claiming that the reorganisation of 30 local authorities would make elections expensive, complicated and unnecessary.

However, the policy was reversed after The Telegraphs Campaign for Democracy called for the delayed elections to go ahead, and after a legal challenge by Reform.

Sir Keirs party is losing support to cboth the Left and the Right - UK Parliament/PA

Labour was accused of wanting to disenfranchise voters in order to avoid a wipeout at the hands of Reform and the Greens.

Sir Keirs party is losing support to the Greens among Left-wing voters disillusioned by its policies on welfare and Gaza, as well as a planned crackdown on migration by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.

Labour is also bleeding support to Reform on the Right because of its failures on migration, 70bn of tax rises in Rachel Reevess first two Budgets and perceived weakness on crime and the grooming gangs scandal.

After Labour came third behind the Greens and Reform at the Gorton and Denton by-election last month, Sir Keirs critics in the party warned he would face a challenge after the May elections unless he changed course urgently.

Potential leadership candidates include Angela Rayner, the Prime Ministers former deputy, and Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary.
Powerful new 14-inch mobile graphics workstation with 16GB GDDR6 memory build for advanced AI, simulation, and data processing in extreme environments.

TAIPEI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, today announced the launch of its new Z14I-HG fully rugged mobile workstation. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated AI Boost NPU and NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation GPUs, the Z14I-HG delivers up to 682 TOPS of AI performance and workstation-class graphics acceleration directly at the edge. This enables demanding workloads such as real-time 3D rendering, AI inference, computer vision, digital twin simulation, and advanced data analytics to be performed on-site without reliance on cloud infrastructure.

DURABOOK Z14I-HG: AI-Ready Fully Rugged Workstation up to 682 TOPS

The Z14I-HG is built to operate in environments where conventional laptops cannot function reliably. Combining rugged durability with workstation-level graphics and AI computing, the Z14I-HG is designed for defence operations, industrial automation, field engineering, AI-powered inspection, geospatial analysis, and mobile command applications.

AI-ready, Fully Mobile

Using NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture with 4th-generation Tensor Cores together with Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel AI Boost NPU, the Z14I-HG delivers up to 682 TOPS of AI performance. This hybrid AI architecture allows organisations to deploy applications such as computer vision and object recognition, predictive maintenance analytics, sensor fusion and AI-driven automation. Running AI locally improves response time, data security, and operational reliability, particularly in environments with limited or no connectivity. Bringing together AI acceleration, advanced graphics, and rugged durability in a single mobile platform, the Z14I-HG combines true edge AI with visualisation capability. This allows organisations to run AI analytics, computer vision, and 3D visualisation directly in the field, reducing latency and improving operational efficiency.

RTX Ada Power with Advanced Visual Computing

The Z14I-HG integrates NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada or optional RTX 5000 Ada GPUs, delivering up to 9,728 CUDA cores and 16GB GDDR6 (Graphics Double Data Rate 6) memory with ECC (Error-Correcting Code). This provides more than three times the graphics performance of currently available rugged GPU solutions, supporting advanced workloads, including real-time 3D rendering, digital twin modelling, GIS and geospatial visualisation and complex engineering simulations. With memory bandwidth up to 576 GB/s, the system can process large datasets and detailed models directly in the field. The Z14I-HG provides industry-leading display connectivity for rugged systems, supporting up to four NVIDIA-driven HDMI 2.1 outputs for 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz, an HDMI 2.1, VGA, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. Unlike competing rugged systems where GPUs only accelerate compute workloads, the Z14I-HG enables full GPU-driven display output, supporting complex multi-screen visualisation setups.

Rugged Design, Mission-Certified Reliability

Unlike traditional workstations, the Z14I-HG is designed for extreme conditions and mobile deployments. It is certified to MIL-STD-810H for shock, vibration and temperature resistance and MIL-STD-461G for electromagnetic compatibility in high-interference environments. In addition, the device boasts IP66 protection against dust and powerful water jets and can operate in temperatures ranging from sub-freezing -29C (-20F) to extreme heat of 63C (145F), making it suitable for defence deployments, industrial sites, maritime environments, and outdoor infrastructure operations. The Z14I-HG also features a 14-inch FHD DynaVue display with 1200-nit brightness, designed for visibility in bright outdoor environments. Key features include: a high-contrast, sunlight-readable screen, 10-point capacitive multi-touch and four input modes: Glove, Stylus, Water, and Finger. These ensure effective operation in harsh weather conditions and field environments.

Secure and Flexible Storage Architecture

The system includes dual removable quick-release NVMe PCIe SSD drives, allowing users to swap storage drives within seconds without tools. Benefits include enhanced data security, rapid storage replacement in the field and operational continuity for mission-critical environments. The Z14I-HG also includes a modular media bay that can support an optical disk drive, a second battery and a third storage drive. This design enables organisations to customise the system for different operational requirements. Advanced security support, such as TPM 2.0 as standard, Intel vPro and Windows 11 Secured-core PC, as well as a 5.0 MP IR camera for Windows Hello and optional fingerprint scanner also help meet the needs of customers today in an ever-evolving mobile work environment.

"By launching the Z14I-HG rugged mobile workstation, we are showcasing our commitment to providing our customers with the cutting-edge tech they need to stay connected and in control," said Twinhead CEO Fred Kao. "With its powerful computing performance, AI capabilities and versatility, the Z14I-HG is perfect for professionals working across defence and tactical command operations, geospatial and mapping applications, AI-powered surveillance, utilities and energy, automations and smart manufacturing and engineering and maintenance."

Availability

The new Z14I-HG is available for purchase now. For full specs and more information, please visit:

https://www.durabook.com/en/products/z14i-hg-rugged-workstation/

To find out more about becoming a reseller, please visit https://www.durabook.com/en/partners/ or contact [email protected].

Follow the DURABOOK brand

The Durabook product family of rugged laptops and tablets can be followed on various social media channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

About DURABOOK

Durabook is the core brand of Twinhead International Corporation in Taiwan, a world-renowned manufacturer of rugged mobile solutions for 40 years. All Durabook devices are designed, manufactured and tested to the highest standards to ensure maximum quality and reliability. Committed to engineering and service excellence, Durabook products have been widely adopted by government and enterprise customers including oil and gas, utilities, field service, military, and public safety for more than two decades.

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The runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport, where a plane collided with a fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring several others, reopened Thursday morning.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the tarmac resumed operations around 10 a.m., after the runway and its infrastructure were "repaired, inspected, and confirmed" to meet Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations.

Reopening the second of LaGuardia's two runways, at one of the nation's busiest airports, is expected to "restore full operational capacity," according to the agency overseeing the regions airports.

Travelers are still advised to check with their airlines, however, as LaGuardia continues to register the most delays and cancellations nationwide, with over 300 flights canceled in the past 24 hours, according to FlightAware.

The collision occurred late Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet, carrying 76 people and arriving from Montreal, struck an airport fire truck (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The destroyed Air Canada plane and the fire truck were towed from the crash site late Wednesday as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation.

The NTSB said Thursday the truck has been placed in an undisclosed, secure location, deferring questions about the plane's status to Air Canada. The airline, which didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, has stated the plane would be placed in a hangar and efforts to reunite passengers with their belongings would soon begin.

The collision occurred late Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet, carrying 76 people and arriving from Montreal, struck an airport fire truck (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The collision occurred late Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet, carrying 76 people and arriving from Montreal, struck an airport fire truck.

The truck had been cleared to cross the runway to respond to a separate incident on another aircraft. Roughly 40 people received hospital treatment for injuries, including two firefighters and a flight attendant who survived after being thrown onto the tarmac while still strapped in her seat. Most have since been released.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau also apologized Thursday for his inability to express himself in French, following calls for his resignation over an English-only message of condolence.
The City of London Police is encouraging Hajj pilgrims from London to stay vigilant following new data revealing that people lost hundreds of thousands of pounds to scams.

Teaming up with The Traitors star Faraaz Noor, the force is hoping to raise awareness of the risk of Hajj-rated fraud, after people lost 195,752 in 2025.

According to reports, some of the most prevalent fraud schemes involve retail and ticket draft, as well as shopping scams and advance-fee fraud.

In one reported case, a pilgrim paid up to 4,000 for a Hajj travel package, only for the agency to fail to provide flight tickets or accommodation to the victims.

A total of 34 Hajj-related fraud schemes were reported throughout the year, with one of the highest fraud losses being 64,000.

The numbers suggest that fraudsters are using a number of tactics to target individuals preparing for the pilgrimage.

Addressing the alarming number of fraud cases surrounding Hajj pilgrimages, Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Ives from the City of London Police said the incidents are extremely distressing, accusing criminals of exploiting the trust of those booking Hajj or Umrah.

Planning a pilgrimage is a deeply important and personal journey, which makes it especially distressing when criminals exploit that trust, said Detective Ives.

The financial and emotional impact can be devastating. We are urging anyone booking Hajj or Umrah to take extra care, carry out thorough checks, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

To raise further awareness of the risks, Noor shared a video outlining them and offering advice to those planning Hajj.

Every year in the UK people lose hundreds of thousands of pounds to fake Hajj packages, fraudulent travel agencies and websites pretending to offer legitimate bookings, he said.

In his advice, Noor urges people to book through the official Nusak website and only use travel agents listed there.

He also urged pilgrims to avoid paying for packages in cash and to keep all of their receipts.

Those who fear they may have been a victim of Hajj-related fraud, he says, should not suffer in silence.

Tell us about it at Report Fraud - the UKs national cyber crime and fraud reporting service.

Protect your journey, protect your community and help stop fraudsters exploiting peoples faith.
Rep. Nancy Mace broke with Republican messaging on Thursday to say that she is opposed to sending U.S. troops to Iran and accused Donald Trump of wanting Americans to die for the price of oil.

The Republican congresswoman, who is running for governor of South Carolina, made the news in a text message to Axios on Thursday morning.

I'm not voting to send South Carolina's sons and daughters into battle to die for the price of oil, Mace told the Washington-based outlet.

Mace spoke to The Independent during votes on Thursday afternoon.

President Trump has done a phenomenal job, she said. So far, he's been excellent, but I am deeply concerned about the Washington war machine, getting their talons into the White House and getting us into a protracted and elongated and endless war with Iran.

Representative Nancy Mace on Wednesday stormed out of a House Armed Services hearing and said Washingtons 'war machine' is trying to put boots on the ground in Iran (Getty Images)

Maces statement marks a clear break from the Republican mainstream, which remains largely supportive of the presidents war with Iran. Her opposition to continuing the war comes as the House and Senate have been asked by the Pentagon to provide a $200 billion package to fund ongoing military actions while Democrats are pushing efforts to restrict Trumps warmaking through legal means.

Her opposition wasnt completely a surprise after she abruptly left a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday and complained to reporters that the administration wasnt supplying Congress with sufficient rationalization for the deployment of ground troops or further U.S. resources in and around Iran.

I was disappointed with the lack of information we got yesterday, she told The Independent. Mace criticized the fact that unlike previous administrations, the Trump administration had not consulted Congress.

But it was a much more hard-line and public message to both congressional GOP leaders and the White House as debate rages over whether or how to rein in Trumps war powers.

You go back to Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt declared war through Congress, she said. You look back to the [Authorization of the Use of Military Force] of 2001 and 2002 President Bush, who I vehemently disagreed with, going into Iraq, still came to Congress to get authorization, authorized use of military force.

One of her home state senators, Lindsey Graham, is seen as one of the wars biggest boosters. Graham responded to Maces comments on Thursday.

I'll leave it up to her. I like Nancy. We don't agree on foreign policy sometimes, but it's President Trump's call, not mine, he told The Independent.

But what you're doing is you're disagreeing with him, and I am supporting him. It's pretty clear that I think what President Trump did on Iran was necessary, added Graham.

Even with Maces support, the War Powers resolution offered by Democrats will still need more Republicans on board to matter. The Senate rejected an effort to advance the measure this week, with one Democrat and one Republican, John Fetterman and Rand Paul, respectively breaking ranks on the legislation and putting a final vote at 53-47 to defeat it. In the Senate, the legislation will need 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and could still be vetoed by Trump if it was passed by both chambers.

Sen. John Fetterman voted against a War Powers resolution to restrict Trumps warmaking in Iran this week (Getty)

Such a rebuke by Congress would be rare and damaging for the White House. While it remains an unlikely possibility, lawmakers are much less certain of the prospects of the Pentagons supplemental budget request, which is already facing opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune would not endorse the bills chances of passage earlier this week when asked about it by CNN.

It remains to be seen, he said of whether it could pass. And obviously we havent seen any of the specifics around it yet. Saw the aggregate number theyre proposing, but were going to need to, obviously take a look at it.

At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday the president and his team repeated their insistences that the war in Iran was largely over, though Trump stressed to reporters that there were more military targets that U.S. forces would hit before the war concluded.

He also rejected a report from the Wall Street Journal claiming that he was desperate to end the war given the ongoing political consequences his Republican Party is suffering in polls as the conflict continues.

Trump rejected the notion that he was desperate to reach a deal to end the Iran war on Thursday (AP)

However, his top diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the Trump administration presented a 15-point peace plan to the Iranian government via the Pakistani government, which is serving as a mediator.

Just a day earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that news reports detailing this 15-point plan were fake news.

I saw a 15-point plan that was floated in the media. I would caution reporters in this room from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources, the White House never confirmed that full plan, she said. There are elements of truth to it, but some of the stories I read were not entirely factual.

Trump separately claimed on Thursday that U.S. forces had degraded Irans capability to mine the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway and passage for global oil shipping routes which caused oil prices to spike when it was closed earlier this month.

A poll published as the strikes began in early March found that six in 10 Americans believe that the president lacks a clear plan to draw down the conflict and eventually end it.
The assault occurred at the Hurlingham Club in London (Getty)

A young man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl at an exclusive private members club in London, after pressuring her to consume alcohol.

Alexander Fredericks, now 21, also plied a 17-year-old girl with wine and vodka before taking topless pictures of her under the guise of a fake modelling shoot, a court heard.

Fredericks was sentenced to four years and three months in prison at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, having admitted to multiple sexual offences against the two teenage girls.

The court heard how the first victim, then 15, began receiving messages from Fredericks in January 2022, which she found increasingly "weird".

Prosecutors detailed how Fredericks, then 17, insisted on picking her up from school and would travel with her on the Tube, kissing her against her wishes.

He sexually assaulted her that year in a "secluded part" of the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, south-west London, where he was a member. Prosecutor Meeno Chawla stated he had pressured her to drink alcohol and threatened to kill himself when she attempted to escape.

Despite the girl blocking him, Fredericks contacted her indirectly in August 2022, asking for naked photographs and offering up to 900, as well as payment to meet.

Fredericks was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday (Anthony Devlin/PA) (PA Archive)

She later met him at the Hurlingham Club again after he threatened suicide if she did not attend. There, he once more pressured her to drink, touched her stomach, and tried to kiss her, prompting her to flee.

Following his arrest in October 2022, Fredericks contacted her again, falsely claiming police were taking no further action and threatening to sue her if she did not corroborate his version of events, Ms Chawla told the court.

In her victim impact statement, read on Thursday, the girl spoke of experiencing "anxiety", "shame", "loss of confidence", and feeling "less of a person" due to his actions.

In September 2022, Fredericks, then 18, messaged a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat, inviting her to a modelling shoot and falsely claiming to be from Teen Vogue.

Believing the approach was legitimate after receiving documents with a logo, the girl met him at a hotel. He offered her wine as a prop but pressured her into drinking it, and later vodka.

The court heard she agreed to be photographed topless after becoming intoxicated, at which point he began masturbating.

The second victim told the court on Thursday that she was left with "constant fear" that had "withered down" her self-confidence.

Sentencing Fredericks, Judge Adenike Balogun remarked: "These were serious offences involving sexual exploitation and psychological domination of a vulnerable person which have had devastating and long-lasting consequences for both victims."

Fredericks pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault, one count of assault by penetration, and one count of witness intimidation concerning the 15-year-old. He also admitted two counts of taking indecent photographs of children and a count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent relating to the other victim.

A 10-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Fredericks from contacting either victim. The court was informed that he had two previous convictions for offences including disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual photos/films with intent to cause distress, sexual assault, and blackmail.

Kate Chidgey, defending, stated that Fredericks is "absolutely appalled" by his actions and expressed remorse for what occurred.
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner is confident his side can still reach the Womens Champions League semi-finals despite defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

Skinners side were edged out 3-2 in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Wednesday.

Momoko Tanikawas 84th-minute strike proved the difference after United replied to two Pernille Harder goals with a Maya Le Tissier penalty and Hanna Lundkvist header.

Skinner said: Im frustrated with all the three goals  I dont think they had to particularly earn them. I felt that we left the spaces for Pernille Harder to run through twice.

Bayern Munich celebrate victory at Old Trafford (Martin Ricket/PA) (Martin Rickett)

But what I know about this team is that theyll be open and honest with that and obviously weve got another leg to try and turn it around and fix it.

I honestly dont think it was naivety  it was maybe a little bit of playing a high-level opponent.

Bayern changed their game. Theyre usually a possession-based team but were more direct tonight.

Weve felt that now and we must turn it around. Were still in this tie for sure. Now we need to go to the Allianz and win.

United have little time to rest before next weeks second leg as they face rivals Manchester City, the Womens Super League leaders, on Saturday.

Marc Skinners side face Manchester City at the weekend (Martin Rickett/PA) (Martin Rickett)

Skinner said: It will challenge us, it will take us to the depths, but the carrot is there for us in both games. We expect it to be difficult.

Opposite number Jose Barcala insisted Bayern would not be getting carried away with their victory.

He said: We need to stay with our feet on the earth, humble and keep looking forward for the next game.

Its important we learn things from this game and adjust for the second leg.
Martin Lewis has urged workers who wear a uniform to claim back on a tax rebate before the beginning of April.

The Money Saving Expert explained on Thursday (26 March) that UK employees can claim tax relief on the costs of cleaning, repairing, or replacing mandatory work uniforms via the P87 form.

The minimum allowance is 60 a year, so it's only a 12 a year gain as a basic rate taxpayer, 24 higher tax, but in some professions, the allowance is much higher, he said.

Mr Lewis explained that you can claim back as far as the 2021-2022 year, but you must complete the form before 1 April.
Gareth Baty has said he is over the moon after being crowned the winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, with his final menu honouring his family and late father.

The 40-year-old chef, originally from Carlisle, won the BBC One cooking shows final, which saw the remaining three chefs cook up a three-course meal in a bid to impress the judges.

Baty, who lives in Whitefield, Greater Manchester, with his wife and children, said: This means everything to me, its the best feeling Ive ever had. Its absolutely incredible, Im over the moon.

If Ive learned anything through this competition its cooking food you believe in and cooking from the heart can take you a long way. Hopefully this journey is just the beginning.

The winning dishes made by Baty (Shine TV/BBC)

The series 18 finale saw Baty compete against runners-up Luke Emmess and Mark OBrien to become the champion of the series.

He dedicated his final menu to members of his family, and it was described by judge Marcus Wareing as an absolute knockout three-course menu.

Baty presented the judges with a starter inspired by his mother, which was a take on a prawn cocktail, hailed by judge Monica Galetti as a delicate yet gutsy dish.

She added: What a great way to start this menu. Brilliant job, your mum would be proud.

Baty then presented his main course, which was dedicated to his father, who died while he was at university, which he said caused him to feel lost and questioning his ability as a chef.

He made a chicken breast roulade wrapped in a chicken and truffle mousse with king oyster mushroom, set puree and tarragon mayonnaise, served with a side of fries and a madeira sauce.

Monica Galetti is a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals (Anthony Devlin/PA) (Anthony Devlin)

The dish was described by judge Matt Tebbutt as an absolute winner, and was followed up by a dessert dedicated to Batys partners family.

He served a twist on the Brandy Alexander cocktail made up of layers of milk chocolate and dulce de leche cremeux, topped with a brandy snap, brandy-poached pears and a ginger and brandy sauce.

Baty said his time on MasterChef: The Professionals was an amazing adventure, adding: Ive taken so much more from the competition than I thought.

Its changed me as a person, its changed me as a chef. Now that Im standing here holding this trophy its given me a whole new road to travel on and Im going to go all the way down it.

It was TV host and chef Tebbutts final time on MasterChef after he revealed earlier this month that he was only ever doing one series.

The 52-year-old replaced the former face of the show, Gregg Wallace, who was sacked after a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the amateur series, MasterChef.

MasterChef: The Professionals is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Donald Trump was not the only member of his family to vote by mail during this weeks Florida special election; Melania and Barron did so, too, despite the president spending six years complaining about the practice.

USA Today reports that the first lady, like her husband, requested a postal ballot on Saturday March 14 and listed her home address as 1100 South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, the location of Mar-a-Lago, their sprawling Palm Beach estate and private members club.

Their son Barron, now a student at New York Universitys Stern School of Business, did the same, also giving the private club as his home address.

Both Melania and Barrons postal ballots were cast, according to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website, although it does not say when.

Melania and Barron Trump voted by mail on Tuesdays Florida special election, in which both Republican candidates lost their races (Getty)

The nearest polling place to Mar-a-Lago, the newspaper states, is the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center at 340 Seaview Avenue, 3.9-miles away, or a roughly 13-minute drive without traffic.

The presidents decision to vote by mail  despite repeatedly complaining that postal voting is vulnerable to fraud since his defeat in the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, and despite his being in Florida over the weekend when early in-person voting was available to him  has invited accusations of hypocrisy.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wasted little time in going after Trump over the double standard.

Vote by mail is cheating when other people use it but perfectly fine when he does it himself, the veteran New York senator told Congress this week.

His decision to vote by mail shows just how hypocritical Donald Trump is about fraud and cheating.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rebuked President Donald Trump for casting his own vote in the election by mail, despite spending the last six year trying to clampdown on the practice by claiming it is vulnerable to manipulation (Reuters)

Unmoved, the president repeated his rhetoric on the subject at a law enforcement roundtable in Memphis on Tuesday, declaring, Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all.

Trump has voted multiple times by mail in the past, including in the 2020 presidential primary and a 2021 Florida election, leading the White House to attack The Washington Post, which first reported his ballot, for running a non-story.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to bang the drum for his partys SAVE America Act, a new bill that would impose ID requirements on federal elections, including requiring citizens voting by mail to provide photocopies of their identification with their ballots.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said the proposed act contains commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel, but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because its highly susceptible to fraud.

Negotiations over the legislation have gummed up the works in D.C., with the president saying he will not sign any new bills until the act lands on his desk, even though the Republican-controlled Senate appears unlikely to advance it amid widespread Democratic opposition.

Unmoved by Schumers hypocrisy accusation, Trump continued to call out mail in voting as cheating this week (AP)

GOP senators remain anxious about the prospect of eliminating the chambers filibuster and its supermajority requirement, as Trump has demanded.

Urging them to pass the act this week, the president told his side, Dont worry about Easter, going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus, OK?

Ahead of the Florida special election in question, Trump endorsed Republican candidate Jon Maples to win the race for the state legislature in Palm Beach County, only for his man to lose to Democrat Emily Gregory.

In a parallel race for the Florida Senate, the same day, another Republican, Josie Tomkow, lost to Democrat Brian Nathan, proving the opposition is picking up steam in red states ahead of this Novembers midterms amid growing discontent over Trumps leadership.
Scotland Yard is investigating reports one of its officers was filmed intimidating journalists after an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green.

Special Constable David Soffer is allegedly seen at the front of a group of men that surrounded the Al Jazeera film crew shouting go home.

One Palestinian reporter is reportedly called a dog and a donkey in Arabic and told to Go back to Qatar.

Someone is then heard saying: Get out of here, you donkey, the news outlet Declassified first reported.

Soffers LinkedIn account has reportedly been edited to remove reference to his work for the force.

Special Constable David Soffer allegedly at the front of group (Jewish Voice/X/Twitter)

The Metropolitan Police told the Standard: We are aware that an off-duty serving Met special constable was involved in the altercation.

The matter has been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards for assessment.

Soffer, 34, runs a reputation management firm, according to records filed at Companies House. He was approached for comment.

A force spokeswoman added: Were aware of the footage showing the verbal altercation between local residents and journalists.

Freedom of the press is important and journalists must be able to do their job without being subject to intimidation or harassment.

We extend our best wishes to the @AJEnglish team, who were attacked by Zionists in London, England.



We condemn the attack on the Al Jazeera team; the perpetrators must be brought to justice immediately.



This twisted Zionist mentality perpetrates such disgraceful acts wherever pic.twitter.com/oHGihZSyYd  Jewish Voice (@jewishvoicelive) March 24, 2026

Officers did intervene but we recognise that there was an extended period where the journalists were put in a difficult situation which led them to leave the area.

Officers on duty in the area have been asked to be alert to any similar altercations in the coming days.

We will be reviewing the footage to identify whether any offences were committed.

Local residents in the London suburb, which has a large Jewish population, were filmed surrounding reporters from the Qatar-based media company on Monday, with one man telling them that no-one needs Al Jazeera here.

Reporters from the Press Association heard the group shout at the journalists, calling them terrorist sympathisers and accusing them of terrorist propaganda.

The burnt out remains of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green (Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

Al Jazeera is an independent news organisation based in Doha which is partially funded by the Qatari government.

Two men  aged 47 and 45 and of British nationality  detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life have been bailed until April while the investigation continues.

Four ambulances from Hatzolas volunteer-led service were set on fire during the incident at approximately 1.35am on Monday.

Gas canisters kept in the vehicles exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.

Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.
Liverpools Mohamed Salah has been tipped to defy Saudi Arabian mega-bucks in order to extend his high-profile playing career at one of Europes top clubs.

The 33-year-old Salah announced this week that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, with a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League seen as his most likely option.

But former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Salah is still driven enough to want to pursue more Champions League goals before eventually succumbing to the lure of Saudi Arabia or North Americas MLS.

Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia (Peter Byrne/PA) (Peter Byrne)

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Carragher said: I think Mo Salah, the way hes driven like a Ronaldo, I dont see the Saudi thing just yet.

I can see him in Italy with one of the giants. I just think your careers over when you go there (Saudi Arabia). I think hell still be looking at his Champions League record or how many goals he can get.

I still think he thinks, Im still one of the best players, and me leaving now is not the end of my top-level career, Ive still got something to give.

Salah, who spent two seasons with Roma before his move to Anfield in 2017, has won one Champions League title with Liverpool and currently sits 11th on the all-time list of the competitions leading goalscorers.

Mohamed Salah ranks sixth in Liverpools list of all-time greats, according to Jamie Carragher (Peter Byrne/PA) (Peter Byrne)

According to Carragher, his Anfield record  with 255 goals from 435 appearances to date  ranks him sixth in the list of the clubs all-time greatest players, behind Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, Graeme Souness, Ian Rush and John Barnes.

Carragher, who slammed Salah as disgraceful following his mixed zone outburst after being left on the bench against Leeds last year, said his decision to leave with one year left on his existing contract is the right decision for everyone.

He added: In hindsight, could they have done this last summer? But how could you not give the best player in the Premier League a new contract last season. Its very difficult to say with hindsight. It probably happened a year earlier than we thought.
AMSTERDAM, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Moving Tech Innovations (MTI), operator of the world's largest open infrastructure for shared mobility, today announced the acquisition of Netherlands-based Automicle Holding BV, marking its formal entry into Europe. MTI powers leading open mobility platforms including Namma Yatri, Bharat Taxi, and Chennai One. Together, the two organisations aim to advance locally owned, open mobility systems across Europe.

L-R, Mohit Mishra and Jef Heyse, Co-founders of Automicle

Across the region, cities are rethinking how mobility systems are designed and governed, prioritising openness, sustainability, integration across modes, and long-term sovereignty on data and policies. Affordable and inclusive mobility is now central to urban innovation and strategy. Automicle was founded to address these needs, developing digital parking and public mobility solutions rooted in European regulatory expertise and close collaboration with local stakeholders.

MTI brings to Europe a proven, population-scale mobility stack that has completed over 150 million trips and enabled more than 250 million in driver earnings without commissions. Built as digital public infrastructure, it delivers customisable, end-to-end solutions across ride-hailing, micro-mobility, parking, integrated public transport, and assisted services such as ambulances and senior transport. Fully compliant with GDPR, data localisation, and local ownership requirements, the platform enables European cities to deploy reliable and affordable mobility systems with confidence.

Jef Heyse and Mohit Mishra, Co-founders of Automicle, said: "This is a significant step for Automicle and for European mobility. By combining our European expertise with MTI's proven infrastructure, we are accelerating the deployment of locally governed systems that deliver measurable impact at scale, while staying aligned with European values and governance."

Magizhan and Shan MS, Co-founders of Moving Tech Innovations, added: "Europe and India are converging around a shared belief  that digital infrastructure works best when it is open, accountable, and built in partnership with cities and communities. Together, we can help build systems that are reliable, affordable, and designed for the long term."

Both organisations are built on open protocols, including Beckn Protocol and TOMP API standards, enabling seamless integration across operators and services while avoiding vendor lock-in. Advanced deployment discussions are underway across multiple European countries as cities seek future-ready mobility solutions grounded in open standards, local ownership, and long-term sustainability.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2942093/Automicle_Co_Founders.jpg

SOURCE Moving Tech Innovations (MTI)
The Royal Navy was facing growing criticism over its effectiveness as Defence Secretary John Healey struggled to say how many warships it has.

The Cabinet minister came under fire after been grilled on how many frigates there are in the navy as he took to the airwaves to say British forces may now intercept Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Channel.

We have...we have...we have...we have...we have...we have 17 frigates and destroyers, he told LBC Radio.

Its down from 23 at the end of the last Labour government.

Defence Secretary John Healey (PA Wire)

But he was pressed by presenter Nick Ferrari that if there was a fleet of 17 warships where are they all?

Mr Healey, who also declined to say if Iran could now hit London with missiles, responded: Every nation with every piece of its military kit has some in operation, some on deployment, some in states of readiness, some being repaired and maintained.

However, Britain has struggled to deploy a warship to defend Cyprus, after RAF Akrotiri on the island was hit by a drone strike early in Donald Trumps Iran war.

Air defence destroyer HMS Dragon was eventually sent from Portsmouth but days after French, Spanish and Dutch vessels were deployed to the eastern Mediterranean.

The delay to HMS Dragon prompted mockery from France about the state of the Royal Navy and also in the UK.

Naval historian Simon Harley posted an image, highlighting the lack of navy escort vessels and also asked about why Type 45 destroyers had such woeful propulsion issues.

The UK has then had to ask Germany to step in and provide a warship for a Nato mission to replace HMS Dragon as it could no longer fulfil this role.

After Mr Healeys interview, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: This is embarrassing, it belittles our nation on the world stage.

A navy run down by the Tories and now virtually inoperable.

The Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond (PA Archive)

US Merchant Marine captain John A Konrad V stressed the weakness of the Royal Navy was back in the news.

He added: You have more admirals than warships.

You built two light carriers but they keep springing leaks and you dont have enough escort ships to support them.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have 134 Admirals and Flag Officers, which includes Vice-Admirals and Rear-Admirals, according to a parliamentary answer on the number of senior officers last summer.

HMS Dragon leaving Portsmouth (PA Wire)

The Navy Lookout news website said: The RN does not have 17 frigates and destroyers as claimed by the Defence Secretary in this disastrous interview.

We have 6 Type 45 destroyers and 7 (soon to be 6) Type 23 frigates in commission.

The Royal Navy lists 14 frigates and six destroyers on its website.

Mr Healey said the Germans are good allies for stepping in to provide a frigate for the Nato mission next month.

Asked if he was embarrassed that the UK needs to borrow a ship from Germany, the Defence Secretary said it was a sign of the strength of the Nato alliance.

However, he added: Im not happy with the situation we have with British warships, and thats because it takes six years to build a warship.

Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz (REUTERS)

Asked why the Government did not make another ship available for the pre-planned Nato mission, Mr Healey said: I have to make decisions based on what weve got.

We were preparing Dragon in order to play that flagship role, the way that Iran hit back in an indiscriminate, widespread way, meant I needed to reinforce the defences that wed already, before the conflict broke out, put into the Middle East.

Trump has heavily criticised Britain and other Nato allies for not sending warships to re-open the Strait of Hormuz as his war against Iran rages on.

In his latest outburst on his Truth Social platform, the US president said: NATO NATIONS HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HELP WITH THE LUNATIC NATION, NOW MILITARILY DECIMATED, OF IRAN. THE U.S.A. NEEDS NOTHING FROM NATO, BUT NEVER FORGET THIS VERY IMPORTANT POINT IN TIME!

His comments came amid mounting speculation that he may dramatically ramp up attacks on Iran, possibly with the deployment of thousands of US Marines in ground operations, and then claim victory even if he has failed to achieve regime change in Tehran.
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Layla Taylor of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has spoken candidly about her excessive use of weight-loss drugs and her struggles with toxic beauty standards.

The reality star, 25, is the only Black cast member of the popular series, which follows the lives and drama of a group of Mormon moms-turned-TikTok influencers. During the recent season four finale earlier this month, she revealed she has struggled with an eating disorder since high school and had been using weight-loss drugs for about a year.

Speaking to Allure in a new story that digs into Utahs Mormon culture, Taylor opened up about her addiction to the weight-loss medicine, saying: I got (Tirzepatide, a GLP-1) from a plastic surgeon here in Utah in the fall of last year.

They just handed it to me without ever having an appointment with me. They got me a prescription and it was at my house the next day. Im very happy that I shared that with the world because theres so many people that abuse this drug and its so easily accessible now.

Taylor had previously admitted to abusing the weight-loss drugs on the SLOMW season finale, confessing she started taking them to address stubborn weight she couldnt lose.

Layla Taylor admitted she struggles with being the only Black star on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' (Getty)

Taylor agreed that Utah is a vain state (Getty)

I just feel like, I don't think I'll ever be small enough in my head, the model said on the show. And I know it's affecting me. Like, I'm so exhausted all the time because I don't eat. And my body hurts every night when I go to bed. I literally lay down, and if my knees are touching each other, it hurts because I don't have enough fat on my body to cushion it.

I know that it's going too far, and I'm taking it too far, but I can't stop, she added.

Elsewhere in the interview with Allure, the single mother of two acknowledged her home state of Utah is a vain place. She discussed her lifelong struggle of trying to fit the beauty mold she had been exposed to growing up.

For a long time, I thought the perception of beauty was long, straight hair, light-colored eyes, skin that wasnt dark like mine, she said. I tried to bleach my skin one time, and I straightened my hair my whole entire life and have done things that were very toxic because I thought that thats what beauty was because its all I saw growing up.

Taylor is not the only SLOMW star who feels the pressure to look perfect. Her co-star Jessi Draper, 33, recently underwent upper and lower blepharoplasty, a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from around the eyes, telling the outlet that she was also talked into doing other things.

It can be really easy to get talked into things because were, again, in Utah Mormon culture, Draper admitted, and the standard of beauty is so high, and were also on TV.

For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beats helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040.
Two Members of Parliament resorted to an extraordinary plea in the House of Commons, kneeling to demand a direct railway link between London and the port town of Grimsby.

Sir Edward Leigh and Martin Vickers both dropped to their knees in the chamber, imploring transport ministers to approve the crucial rail connection.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged that trains could operate on the route "without major infrastructure changes".

However, she cautioned that additional funding would be necessary to support a new stopping pattern along the proposed line.

Ms Alexander further noted that for services to include a stop at Market Rasen, located in Sir Edwards Gainsborough constituency, "significant upgrades would be needed" at the towns station.

Grimsby, a significant port in North East Lincolnshire, lies approximately 230 miles from central London.

Nationalisation was supposed to put local communities in touch, Sir Edward told the Commons, referring to the Labour Governments bid to bring most English rail operators into public ownership.

Sir Edward Leigh and Martin Vickers both fell to their knees on the Commons chamber, as they urged transport ministers to green-light a railway link from Grimsby to the capital (House of Commons)

The Conservative MP and Father of the House said he had been campaigning for a direct London service for years.

Dropping to the floor to ask Ms Alexander his question, Sir Edward continued: What does she want me to do?

Does she now want me to get on my knees  on my knees  to beg for this train for our local community for which my friend (Martin Vickers) and myself have been campaigning for years?

The Transport Secretary replied: I think thats possibly a first for the Father of the House.

And I think it underlines the strength of feeling that he and his constituents have about improved rail services.

He is right, I did write to him on March 17, and whilst we did confirm that we could run trains without major infrastructure changes, we would have to find additional funding to support the necessary service pattern changes.

And for LNER services to call at Market Rasen, significant upgrades would be needed to the station to enable safe and compliant operation at that station.

Grimsby, a significant port in North East Lincolnshire, lies approximately 230 miles from central London. (Geograph/David Wright)

When Mr Vickers, the Conservative MP for Brigg and Immingham, rose to ask a question, MPs shouted: On your knees.

After he put a knee to the floor, he said: Thats two of us pleading with ministers for this service.

Mr Vickers said LNER, which operates services along the East Coast Main Line out of London Kings Cross, had been for a number of years in public ownership, since 2018, and yet they still cant provide this service.

He referred to an application by open access operator Grand Central to run trains between Kings Cross and Cleethorpes, via Grimsby, which the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is yet to rule on.

He asked: Can the minister give an assurance that with all our pleading, he will at least look sympathetically on that one?

Transport minister Keir Mather replied that the ORR was operationally independent.
Thomas Keller, the world-renowned chef behind the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, is leading a high-profile campaign against a planned affordable housing project in the wealthy Napa Valley enclave of Yountville.

The celebrity chef joined local business owners to challenge Yountville Commons, a 120-unit apartment complex intended for workers, arguing that the development is a poor fit for the community and that officials failed to consult the town's major employers. The confrontation took place during a recent town council meeting, where the chef  dressed in his white culinary jacket  criticized officials for a lack of transparency.

No one ever came to me and said, What do you think about this project? Keller, 70, told the five council members, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. I really would expect and encourage you to talk with the business community here, which seems to not have happened.

The project aims to address a chronic housing shortage in Yountville, an enclave of 3,400 people where the median home value has climbed to $1.3 million.

According to town data, approximately 3,100 workers commute into the area daily, many earning a median salary of $51,000. Typical home values have soared almost 40 percent since 2017, pricing out the very people who staff the towns famous boutiques, art galleries and spas.

The housing project Keller opposes aims to address a chronic housing shortage in Yountville, a town of 3,400 people where the median home value has risen to $1.3 million (Getty)

The central point of contention involves the inclusion of 300-square-foot studio apartments. While town manager Brad Raulston defended the units as affordable options at roughly $1,500 a month, critics have described them as inadequate.

Gary Jabara, a real-estate investor and major local employer, told The Wall Street Journal: The unit mix is obviously wrong. Nobody wants to live in a cage.

However, supporters of the development suggest the opposition is rooted in elitism.

Councilwoman Robin McKee suggested that the backlash was amplified by Kellers celebrity status, stating there is a fear of riffraff regarding the potential arrival of vineyard workers in the town center.

Ryan OConnell, a local member of Yimby Action, told The Wall Street Journal that the language used by critics suggested a desire to keep certain people out of the area. Referring to a letter signed by Keller regarding community harmony, OConnell used an Instagram post to address the chef directly.

Hes a great chef, OConnell says to the camera in the post. Were very grateful for how many people he employs in this town. Maybe let them build this affordable housing. Maybe dont get in the way of it.

Michelin-starred French Laundry in Yountville, Calif. (Getty/iStock)

The Independent has reached out to French Laundry for comment.

The tension comes as Kellers business group faces legal scrutiny regarding its treatment of staff. As first reported by The Press Democrat, a former dishwasher at The French Laundry has filed a lawsuit in Napa Superior Court alleging multiple violations of the California Labor Code.

The complaint, brought by Elena Flores Beteta on behalf of herself and more than 50 similarly situated employees, alleges that the restaurant failed to pay for all hours worked, including overtime, and failed to provide proper rest breaks or facilities. The filing claims that staff were required to work off the clock and were not paid final wages upon separation. These violations, the complaint alleges, occurred pursuant to uniform policies implemented across the workforce.

In a statement to The Press Democrat, the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group denied the allegations, describing them as without merit.

We value our employees and maintain a respectful, professional, and inclusive workplace, the statement said. We are committed to complying with all applicable employment laws and regulations, and we maintain policies and practices designed to promote fairness and compliance across our organization.

While Keller has invested in 15 units of employee housing since 2006, he and other business owners have successfully gathered enough signatures for a referendum. This move, which effectively pauses the Yountville Commons project, will allow local voters to decide in November whether to repeal the zoning changes required for the development.

Even among local workers, opinions remain divided.

Jose Zamora, a 20-year-old grocery worker, told The Wall Street Journal that a studio would spare him a 50-mile daily commute. Conversely, others, like cashier Luisa Di Benedetto, argued the units are too small for couples, even as she noted that friends continue to leave the area for cheaper locations.

Keller has indicated he would support a revised version of the project, provided it incorporates more input from the businesses whose workers the housing is intended to serve.

So please, he told the council, lets get it right.
Youre nothing special, Harry Potter told in trailer for new TV series

A trailer has been released for the much-anticipated new Harry Potter TV series, showing the young wizard with his friends Hermione and Ron as they travel on the Hogwarts Express.

The first series will be launched at Christmas on HBO Max, it reveals.

Opening with scenes of Harry in the home he shares with his muggle aunt and uncle, his aunt Petunia  played by Bel Powley  tells him: You think youre something special?

There is nothing special about you.

The trailer then cuts to Harry, played by young actor Dominic McLaughlin, at a railway station with friendly groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, played by Nick Frost.

Harry is seen running with a trolley laden with suitcases towards Platform 9 and 3/4, before a shot of the Hogwarts Express pulling into a station.

The trailer then shows Harry looking on in awe after arriving at Hogwarts, and walking on to the quidditch pitch and having a snowball fight with other pupils.

It also briefly shows a delighted Hagrid lying on his back on the ground making snow angels.

Set to rousing music, which builds until the last scene, viewers finally see Harry, Hermoine and Ron on the Hogwarts Express at the end of the trailer.

Ron, played by Alastair Stout, asks: Are you really Harry Potter?

Harry shyly nods, leading Ron to make a sign with his fingers on his forehead in recognition of the young wizards famous scar.

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North)

The first season of the HBO show was adapted from JK Rowlings first novel, Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone.

Further seasons will feature her other novels, with Rowling acting as an executive producer.

Hermoine is played by Arabella Stanton after a casting call saw around 32,000 children audition for the three lead roles, with the team reviewing up to 1,000 tapes a day.

Also among the cast will be Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and US star John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Ozark actress Janet McTeer will star as Professor Minerva McGonagall, British stage actor Luke Thallon will play the first books main antagonist Quirinus Quirrell, and comedian Paul Whitehouse will play the magic-less Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry caretaker Argus Filch.

Warwick Davis will return to Hogwarts to reprise his film role as Professor Filius Flitwick.

The trailer was released on YouTube on Wednesday evening.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised eyebrows by referencing a lyric by the rap group Public Enemy as he spoke about the United States bombing Iran today.

Speaking during President Trumps Cabinet meeting in support of the ongoing attacks on Iran, Rubio said: Every day, the Department of War lets the drummer get wicked over every portion of Iran that has military capabilities.

This echoes a line from Public Enemys hit 1990 single Welcome to the Terrordome, where Chuck D raps: I got so much trouble on my mind/Refuse to lose/Here's your ticket/Hear the drummer get wicked.

The Independent has approached Chuck D for comment.

The group are outspoken and longstanding critics of the Trump administration. Speaking to The Independent last year, Chuck D said about Trump: I wont even say his name. We call him 47, 45. We dont even believe he believes half of the things he even says, but the problem is you dont know whether hes putting on an incredible acting job or not. Hes a showman  hes an incredible showman. He is an entertainer.

Notorious rap fan Marco Rubio made a reference to Public Enemy to back the bombing of Iran during one of President Trumps Cabinet meetings (Getty)

Rubio has long professed his love for the rap genre and has slipped references into his public statements. Earlier this year, following the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Rubio quoted Biggie Smallss Juicy when he said: If you dont know, now you now.

The 54-year-old Miami-born Republican politician has previously spoken about his love of Public Enemy in particular.

Back in 2012, he talked to GQ following the publication of his autobiography, during which his interviewer noted that the book was likely the first time a politician had cited a love of pioneering hip-hop DJ Afrika Bambaataa.

Asked whether he has a favorite Afrika Bambaataa song, Rubio responded: All the normal ones.

He then went on to talk about his love of rap more generally, saying: People forget how dominant Public Enemy became in the mid 80s. No one talks about how transformative they were. And then that led to the 90s and the sort of East Coast v. West Coast stuff, which is kinda when I came of age.

In 2015, while appearing on the Fox News show Outnumbered, Rubio described Tupacs 1996 album All Eyez On Me as one of the greatest rap albums ever.

Asked about the rivalry between Tupac and Biggie Smalls, Rubio added: Im a West Coast fan. I dont think they should have shot each other and had a dispute that way, but I was a West Coast fan.
Volatile oil (BZ=F, CL=F) prices continued to be top of mind on Wednesday, marching higher again amid conflicting reports of negotiations between the US and Iran and comments from Iran about the USs proposed peace plan.

Over the past few weeks, the Strait of Hormuz has been all but blocked - only allowing a handful of oil-carrying ships to take their cargo to the rest of the world. Typically, about 20% of the worlds oil (BZ=F, CL=F) and gas (NG=F) supply moves through the passage.

Citing an "informed official, an Iranian news agency reported that leadership said Trumps 15-point plan needed to acknowledge conditions including: acts of aggression and assassination by the enemy must cease and compensation and war reparations must be guaranteed and clearly determined". The report said Iran wanted acknowledgement of their natural and legal right to control Hormuz.

Read more: Wall Street and FTSE slip amid US-Iran peace deal doubts

Attacks on ships have become a chokepoint in the conflict between Iran, the US and Israel, with Iran blocking the passage of energy supplies and other commodities such as helium and compounds of fertilisers.

On Thursday, president Donald Trump doubled down on his claims that the US and Iran had engaged in talks to try to end the conflict. Iranian leaders insist negotiations are not taking place.

Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington DC last night, Trump said Iran are "afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people".

He added: "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us."

The UKs defence secretary John Healey said on Radio 4 on Thursday morning that plans are being developed to end the conflict. But there isn't the granular detail at the moment.

Brent crude (BZ=F) futures rose almost 4%, just above the $101 per barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) futures rose 3.8% to $93.67 per barrel.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro cut a relaxed figure Thursday as he returned to a federal court in New York for his second appearance since his capture by US forces in an extraordinary nighttime raid.

During the one-hour hearing, the judge indicated he would not dismiss the case over Maduro and his wife's apparent inability to afford their legal bill without aid from the Venezuelan government.

The former leader, 63, and wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail for almost three months since American commandos snatched the pair from their compound in Caracas in early January.

The stunning operation deposed the strongman who had led Venezuela since 2013 and has since forced the oil-rich country to largely bend to the will of US President Donald Trump.

Read moreUS, Venezuela restore diplomatic relations as Washington pushes for access to minerals

Maduro has declared himself a "prisoner of war" and pleaded not guilty to the four counts he faces: "narco-terrorism" conspiracy; cocaine importation conspiracy; possession of machine guns and destructive devices; and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

Wearing a grey prison uniform, glasses and a headset for translation, he jotted down notes throughout the hearing and occasionally spoke to his lawyer through an interpreter.

Maduro, who smiled as he entered the room, did not address the court during the proceedings, which focused on arguments over who will pay his and Flores's legal fees.

US sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from footing the bill, and Maduro and Flores say they do not have sufficient personal funds to cover it themselves.

"I'm not going to dismiss the case," said Judge Alvin Hellerstein, seemingly rebuffing a request by Maduro's lawyer, though he did not issue a formal decision.

Hellerstein also did not immediately set the next court date.

Protest in Caracas

Before the hearing, Trump said that "other cases are going to be brought" against Maduro, without giving more details.

Several backers and opponents of Maduro gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse, including some with a large inflatable doll depicting him in an orange prison jumpsuit with handcuffs.

At one point, a scuffle broke out between protesters before police intervened and escorted a man from the area.

Hundreds of people also rallied in the Venezuelan capital Caracas during the hearing, including Maduro's son Nicolas Maduro Guerra.

Read moreRubio defends Maduro capture to Caribbean leaders amid rising tensions over Cuba

"We trust in the legal system of the United States," he said, but added the "kidnapping" of his father undermines the legitimacy of the case.

Detained in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison known for unsanitary conditions, Maduro is reportedly alone in a cell with no access to the internet or newspapers.

A source close to the Venezuelan government said he reads the Bible and is referred to as "president" by some of his fellow detainees.

He is only allowed to communicate by phone with his family and lawyers for a maximum of 15 minutes per call, the source added.

US pressure

Maduro and his wife were forcibly taken by US commandos in the early hours of January 3 in airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital backed by warplanes and a heavy naval deployment.

At least 83 people died and more than 112 people were injured in the assault, according to Venezuelan officials. No US service members were killed.

The South American country is now led by Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduro's vice president since 2018.

Under US pressure, she is grappling with leading a country saddled with the world's largest proven oil reserves but an economy in shambles.

Rodriguez has since enacted a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners jailed under Maduro and reformed oil and mining regulations in line with US demands for access to her country's vast natural wealth.

This month, the State Department said it was restoring diplomatic ties with Venezuela in a sign of thawing relations.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Scottish Labour Party Leader Anas Sarwar MSP holds a rally to launch Scottish Labours Holyrood campaign in Glasgow. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian)

Hope, change, progressive change, change with fairness at its heart  from a harbour north of Edinburgh to a hipster arts venue in Glasgows Barras Market, Scotlands political parties spent the first official day of the Holyrood election campaign reaching for the phrase that best encapsulates what people will get if they vote for them on 7 May.

Only one of the main parties did not hold an event to set out their stall on Thursday: possibly Reform UK was too busy firefighting after another of its Scottish parliament candidates quit, bringing to four the number who have stepped down or been suspended since they stood with the party leader, Nigel Farage, under a hail of turquoise confetti last week.

But despite the bright spring sunshine, Farage was a shadow presence at the other launches, with the Scottish National partys John Swinney and Scottish Labours Anas Sarwar in particular differentiated by their approach to him.

At the newly renovated Citizens theatre in Glasgow, Swinney urged supporters to get out and campaign for a historic overall majority  as happened once before in 2011 under Alex Salmond  promising voters a fresh start with independence.

An SNP majority would not only force another independence referendum, but also lock Nigel Farage out of any influence in Scotland, he said, speaking from a lectern emblazoned with the word hope.

Recent polling has put Reform, led in Scotland by the billionaire financier and former Tory peer Malcolm Offord, neck and neck with Scottish Labour for second place behind the SNP.

It is certainly a gamble whether Swinneys laser focus on independence  which backfired so spectacularly at the 2024 general election when the party plummeted from 38 to nine MPs  comes good this time round.

Offering a fresh start is either canny strategy or sheer nerve after nearly two decades in power and diminishing public satisfaction with SNP-run public services.

Given the hostility between Reform and Scottish Labour at last years Hamilton byelection, when Farage repeatedly and personally attacked Sarwar on race, it was more than a stretch in Thursday morning when Swinney warned: Depending on how the numbers stack up after the election, without an SNP majority there is always the potential for a grubby, backroom deal between Labour and Reform.

At the Scottish Labour launch, a few miles across the city centre at Barras Art and Design, Sarwar responded that Swinney should be ashamed of himself for suggesting any association.

This was a trick, said Sarwar, adding: John Swinney wants to talk up Reform because he doesnt want to talk about his record.

After 20 years of SNP government, Scotland needs change, he told activists, standing in front of a Scotland needs change banner that echoed Labours 2024 general election imperative, a bold move, some observers suggested, given the extent of Keir Starmers unpopularity.

Related: Anyone but Labour or anyone but Reform? Clash of animosities likely to define May local elections

But while Swinney raised the spectre of Farage abolishing the Scottish parliament and selling off the NHS, Sarwar dismissed Reform as a distraction who cant win in Scotland and cant beat the SNP, promising voters hed get the basics right on health, crime and housing.

Across the central belt to Edinburgh, and in the face of abysmal polling, the Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, deployed that trusted Tory attack line on the constitution, telling voters to get behind his party to stop Swinney and his push to break up the United Kingdom.

While this has served his predecessors well, it is unlikely to stop the leaking of support to Reform, with the Tories  the second largest party at Holyrood  facing a scrabble for fourth place against the Scottish Greens and Lib Dems.

On a windy Calton Hill in Edinburgh, the Scottish Greens, who are a separate party north of the border but seeing a modest Zack Polanski bounce, presented themselves in contrast to their former governing partners the SNP, arguing that, with the post-Sturgeon nationalists tacking to the centre: No one else is representing that kind of progressive change any more.

At the Liberal Democrats launch at Newhaven harbour, in the Edinburgh Northern and Leith seat they hope to win from the SNP, their Scottish leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said his party had a vision for change with fairness at its heart and acknowledged as other leaders did before him that people across Scotland were tired and frustrated  and theyre right to be.

In doing so, Cole-Hamilton named one of the great unknowables of this election. With voters scunnered with politicians of all kinds, are they more likely to pick the disruptors, stay at home or vote tactically?

According to Ipsos polling earlier this month, two in five voters say they may yet change their mind before polling day.

 The caption for the third image in this article was amended on 30 March 2026; it shows Anas Sarwar, not John Swinney.
Pentagon staffers are poking fun at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with a brutal nickname, according to a report published Tuesday.

Several officials have reportedly referred to Hegseth as Dumb McNamara, a comparison to former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, who played a central role in expanding U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, current and former U.S. officials told Zeteo Tuesday.

The former defense secretary pushed so hard for further U.S. involvement in Vietnam that some dubbed it McNamaras War. The nickname is meant to take a jab at Hegseths hardline military approach, comparing it to a chapter in U.S. history thats widely seen as a major strategic failure.

The Independent has contacted the Department of Defense for comment.

Hegseth has become one of the strongest public backers of President Donald Trumps military campaign in Iran, openly backing the administrations aggressive approach. Speaking at an event in Tennessee this week, Trump singled out the former Fox & Friends host as an early and eager supporter, saying, Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up. You said, Lets do it.

Officials have reportedly nicknamed Pete Hegseth 'Dumb McNamara,' likening him to Vietnam-era Defense Secretary Robert McNamara (Getty Images)

McNamara, who started out as a businessman before moving into government, served under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1968. He regularly gave positive updates about the war in Vietnam, despite declassified documents later showing that he knew it had become a disaster, the Daily Beast reports.

Estimates of deaths in the Vietnam War vary, but most historians put the total between 2 million and 3.5 million people.

In 1967, McNamara ordered a classified study that would later be known as the Pentagon Papers. The top-secret report examined the history and decision-making behind U.S. involvement in Vietnam and ultimately raised serious questions about the strategy and justification for the war.

Unlike McNamara, who later expressed regret over his role in Vietnam, Hegseth has shown little indication of reconsidering his stance. He has continued to advocate for forceful military action.

We negotiate with bombs, Hegseth said Tuesday. You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran.

McNamara was the Secretary of Defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, known for escalating American involvement in the Vietnam War, which critics sometimes dubbed McNamaras War' (AFP via Getty Images)

The next day, Hegseth stood at the Pentagons first monthly worship service since the Iran war began and prayed not for peace, but for what he called overwhelming violence against Americas enemies.

Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation, Hegseth said. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.
On Celebrate Trails Day, Rails to Trails Conservancy marks 40 years of impact, calling on Americans to lift up the ways that trails are essential infrastructure in our communities

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation's largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization, is calling on Americans to get outside for Celebrate Trails Day, lifting up the role of America's 42,500+ miles of multiuse trails as essential infrastructure in communities nationwide.

Celebrate Trails Day is the annual celebration of the spring trail season, recognized on the fourth Saturday in April and organized by Rails to Trails Conservancy. On April 25, 2026, hundreds of activities are expected nationwide. RTC is the countrys largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization, dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Speed Speed

Taking place on April 25, 2026, Celebrate Trails Day is an annual festivity with events taking place in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. These community-led activities illustrate the direct impact trails have on people and placesfrom helping people navigate their communities to growing economic opportunities, and delivering quality of life for everyone. This year, the event takes on additional meaning as RTC's marks its 40th anniversary. Activities will illustrate the grassroots activism at the origins of the trails movement and the transformative impact that this infrastructure delivers to the American landscape.

"2026 is a momentous year. The alignment of RTC's 40th anniversary with America's 250th birthday puts into perspective the unique ways that trails have transformed our country in recent decades," said Brandi Horton, RTC's vice president of communications. "In 1986, there were only a handful of rail-trails nationwide. Today, trails connect communities in every single state and offer a powerful way to experience and honor America's past, present and future."

To prepare for the spring season and Celebrate Trails Day, RTC offers these five reasons to get outside on trails:

Time on the trail is joyful. Simply put, trails are fun! It's hard not to have a good time when you're on the trail, but that joy also translates to impact. In a recent poll, Americans shared that they primarily use trails for exercise (65%), enjoying a bike ride or walk (58%), connecting with nature (49%) and recreating (44%)and that overall, trails contribute to community well-being (86%). The ways to enjoy trails are limitless, as are the benefits they bring to people and places. Trails connect communities. Trails are gathering places nationwide, building community and bringing people together, creating literal and physical connections. One-third of people report that spending time with friends and family is a primary reason they use trails (32%), and the more than 150 trail networks that are in development nationwide are creating new ways for people in every state to use trails to connect to the places they want to go. Trails tell vibrant stories of America's history and heritage. Across the country, trails create pathways to the rich history and diverse heritage of regions they traverse. Whether honoring the nation's industrial roots along railroad and canal corridors, or intersecting with important historical sites, trails create an intimate way to get to know the stories, cultures, people and places that make America special. Your time on the trail makes a difference. When we're out on the trail, we send a message that these spaces matter to the people who live in our communities. That's especially important right now because decisions are being made about federal programs that invest in America's trails, and there is serious concern that progress to create, connect and maintain this vital infrastructure will be derailed. Whether you're enjoying a stroll, commuting to work, or finding respite in nature, it all uplifts the ways trails are essential infrastructure. There are countless ways to participate! Celebrate Trails Day creates a moment to find new trails and new ways to get outside, illuminating the many ways trails make our communities stronger: better health, easier commutes, thriving businesses, quality of life and more. On April 25, hundreds of events are planned to get people outside across the country. Whether joining a large group or planning a solo day, going out with family or friends, people can find their perfect trail using RTC's free trail-finder app, TrailLink.

"Spring is prime trail season. It's the perfect time to plan a trail trip and celebrate what makes America unique," said Horton. "From Hawaii to New York, every single trail experience is different, showing off a different slice of the American experience. But across the country, one thing is truetrails are essential to healthy, thriving communities."

Find ideas and tips for getting outside, along with photo content for use with credit to RTC, at railstotrails.org and follow #CelebrateTrails on social media.

Celebrate Trails Day is the annual celebration of the spring trail season, recognized on the fourth Saturday in April and organized by Rails to Trails Conservancy. RTC is the country's largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization, with a grassroots community of more than 1 million. RTC is dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on social media.

RTC's opinion poll was conducted online, Sept. 1423, 2023, by the firm Stratalys Research, with a sample size of 1,200 adults over age 18, including an oversample of 200 Black and 200 Latino respondents.

CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, [email protected], 202.351.1757

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy
Morgan McSweeney (left) quit Keir Starmers Downing Street last month. Composite: Shutterstock, Getty (Composite: Shutterstock, Getty)

Keir Starmer has said it is far-fetched to suggest that the theft of his former chief of staffs mobile phone is somehow connected to a subsequent push for the release of documents relating to Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador.

Downing Street has come under pressure to say whether key messages between Morgan McSweeney and the former ambassador were lost after it emerged that the government-issue phone was stolen last year.

Kemi Badenoch had raised an eyebrow in relation to accounts about the theft, a spokesperson for the Conservative leader said on Wednesday. The Labour MP Karl Turner, who has clashed with the government over jury trial legislation and was a critic of McSweeneys role, said on X on Wednesday night that he did not believe the phone was stolen.

The prime minister responded to the claims on Thursday morning, saying: The phone was stolen. It was reported to the police. Theres a transcript of the call in which Morgan McSweeney gives his name, his date of birth, the details of the phone, and the police confirm that it was reported.

Unfortunately, there are thefts like this. It was stolen. It was reported at the time, the police have acknowledged and confirmed that. That is what happened.

Starmer added: The idea that somehow everybody could have seen that sometime in the future thered be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched.

Later on Thursday the shadow business secretary, Andrew Griffith, also questioned the circumstances surrounding the loss of the phone.

The whole thing is as smelly as a fish market on a hot summers afternoon, he told GB News. I worked in No 10. Briefly, I had a No 10 phone. There was a paranoia about devices like that falling into other peoples hands.

MPs moved in February to force the publication of tens of thousands of documents amid questions over what was known about Mandelsons links to the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before he was handed the Washington job.

McSweeney quit Downing Street last month, with many having blamed him for pushing the appointment. Concerns have been raised over the fact that the phone of the prime ministers then top aide was not backed up, leading to the loss of the correspondence.

Police have taken the unusual step of releasing a transcript of McSweeneys 999 call reporting the phone theft.

According to McSweeney, in an account backed up by the transcript of his call to the Metropolitan police at the time, he was using his government-issued phone on a street in Pimlico, central London, just before 10.30pm on 20 October last year when a young man on a bike snatched the iPhone and pedalled off.

McSweeney also had a personal phone with him, which he used to dial 999. He told the Met police handler that he had called his office to get the phone tracked before phoning them. He said it was a government phone, but did not set out his job or where he worked, and the call handler did not appear to recognise his name.

Helen MacNamara, a former deputy cabinet secretary in the Cabinet Office, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that McSweeney had done the right thing in terms of the steps he took, which included calling the government first to ask for the phone to be wiped.

But she said it was surprising that Downing Street had not got in touch with the police to flag the significance of the phone, adding that paranoia and scepticism about the theft had been fuelled by the reluctance of the government to release documents relating to Mandelsons appointment as ambassador more swiftly.

It is allowing for a lot of speculation about what are they hiding?  what are they not hiding?, she said. The surprising thing to me about the documents that were released was what was not there. There is not an enormous amount of paperwork or correspondence or the sort of paperwork that you would expect.

Meanwhile, Starmer has said I beat myself up over his decision to make Mandelson US ambassador.

The prime minister acknowledged he dwells on the appointment in 2024, after government documents showed he had been warned of a general reputational risk over the peers association with Epstein before approving the former Labour grandee for the role.

The Labour leader told Sky Newss Electoral Dysfunction podcast: Nobody has been harder on me in relation to the mistake I made there than me. And Ill tell you why, Ive spent years trying to deal with violence against women and girls.

And as I look back at it now and the mistake I made, Ive been really hard on myself. In the immediate days after this all came out, I was particularly hard on myself. So yeah, everybody else was criticising, I get all that.

But nobody was criticising me more than myself. Im not trying to, you know, make that a mitigation or an excuse, but, I know I made a mistake.
Lindhome and her son, Keaton: This was never about recreating myself; I just wanted a family

Baby-loss, IVF and failed adoption are not subjects traditionally ripe for comedy. But that hasnt stopped actress Riki Lindhome.

The 47-year-old, best known for her roles in hit series Wednesday and The Big Bang Theory, has written a brutally honest, musical comedy that mines her own harrowing experience of all of these things  and has somehow made it funny.

It opens in London at the end of March. But, when I speak to her a couple of weeks beforehand I have to ask: why write a play about something so personal and traumatic? I wanted to break down the stigma around infertility and show how difficult the battle can be for some women to become a mother, she says. Sticking needles in our sides and pretending everything is cool is isolating and dehumanising. I just wanted to be honest.

We may be bad at talking about it, but infertility such as Lindhomes is sadly widespread: one in six people of reproductive age worldwide now experience it at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organisation.

It was at the age of 34 that she first realised there was a problem. As a little girl growing up in Pennsylvania, she says, she was never really interested in marriage. But I always wanted to be a mum. I imagined Id have two or three [children]. I wanted a family and a career.

Lindhome says that even as a girl, she imagined having two or three children: I wanted a family and a career - Elisabeth Caren

Lindhomes career blossomed in her 20s (shes also one half of the musical comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, a cult hit in the United States) but like many women, she had absorbed the message that fertility drops off a cliff at 35.

When I was still single, aged 34, I just thought, OK, let me see what the deal is with my eggs.

After blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound, what she found shocked her. My fertility it was already on a steep decline. Mine were already the eggs of a much older woman. And I was like  wait, what?

More than anxiety, what she felt most was anger, she says. Why didnt someone tell me? I go to the gynaecologist, I look after myself Nobody said, Just go get this 15-minute test. I bullied all my friends to have theirs checked after that. For the sake of 15 minutes and $300, I told them all how important it was.

Dont assume it will be easy to have a baby at 40 just because you see it happening. I now urge women to [find out] their egg count at 25.

Equipped with a bag of needles

Within days, Lindhome had begun treatment to have eggs collected  this would be the first part of having IVF.

I left with a bunch of needles and prescriptions, thinking, Im going to learn to give myself a shot tonight. I suppose I had a sudden sense of urgency, like I had this dwindling window in which I needed to act  and quickly.

She froze her eggs three times at 34, fitting the process around a demanding career  filming, touring with Garfunkel and Oates, and writing. As for a sperm donor, she simply asked a friend. I just looked through my phone book, she says, shrugging for comedic effect. I thought, He seems good, asked him and he agreed. The subsequent treatment was not a success, however.

After that, she used a sperm bank. I had no idea about eye colour or hair, I just wanted someone healthy whose genes were compatible with mine. But, again, attempts to implant an embryo failed.

Lindhome as Dr Valerie Kinbott in the Netflix series Wednesday - Netflix

Then, in her late 30s, Lindhome met someone  already a father of two  and they started trying naturally for a baby together. We got pregnant, which I found amazing, she says.

But, in her second trimester, a routine scan showed that the babys heart was growing in the wrong place. It wasnt something you can come back from, its not fixable.

Lindhome, then 38, had no choice but to end the pregnancy with a D&C (dilation and curettage) procedure. This ended up being the most surreal moment in her entire journey when a nurse, who had just inserted an ultrasound probe into her vagina, suddenly recognised her from TV. So she called a whole group of students into the room to witness. Hey, this girls from The Big Bang Theory says Lindhome.

Over the next year, the actress underwent seven surgeries: two further D&Cs to address complications from the original procedure, two rounds of IVF, two surgeries on her ovaries and one on her uterus. At this stage, Lindhomes quest to become a parent became all-consuming, she says. Our lives became ovulation sticks, acupuncture... I became like a full-on fertility athlete.

She kept trying to get pregnant again naturally but with no luck. At 40, Lindhome was advised to look for a donor egg, younger than her own. She picked a donor who resembled her physically, only for the donor to change her mind. And then, just as she was about to implant another embryo, her partner of two years left her.

Just two weeks before implantation, he came home and said: Dont be mad I changed my mind. We had just bought a home, we were about to implant, and it was just over. I lived with him and his two kids. So I lost him and the kids. And the kids were much harder to lose. Then the pandemic hit. It wasnt a great time.

Rage, optimism  and starting again

Despite the setbacks, Lindhome doggedly persevered through pure rage, she says. She tried to move forward with what she had already frozen, implanting embryos created years earlier.

When those didnt take  and she discovered she had endometriosis, as well as being in perimenopause, and medically unlikely to ever carry a baby to term  she turned to adoption.

I just threw myself into it. I had nothing else to do. I was alone in a pandemic. So I completed months of work in weeks  classes, paperwork, interviews. Eventually, she was matched. And then it fell through. More loss again felt relentless.

Choosing surrogacy

By this point, the question wasnt whether she would become a mother, but how. Her mother helped reframe it: Is it about being part of you, or is it about having a family? she said.

With that clarity, she considered vastly expensive surrogacy, with a donor egg  though she didnt expect it to work quickly.

I thought it would take a year, but it took just two days to meet the woman who Id end up having this lifelong relationship with.

Lindhome with her son, Keaton, shortly after his birth: I didnt believe it would take on the first try  and then it did

For their first Zoom meeting, Lindhome was nervous. Theyre picking you rather than the other way round, because its not like theres a huge supply of women wanting to have babies for someone else, she says wryly. But it immediately felt exactly right. She was so funny, we just had this rapport, and when it was Mothers Day she got dressed up in a Handmaids Tale outfit and sent me a photo, which made me laugh.

More importantly, the surrogate was experienced  shed already done it twice before  and was a happily married mother herself. Lindhome had no fears that the woman would want to keep the baby.

In California, surrogates are not allowed to carry a baby from their own egg, and this has been found to reduce the amount of women who then wish to keep the baby after its born.

Lindhome did not have any concerns that she herself might struggle to bond with a child that was not biologically her own. I had loved the kids I was stepmum to, and then Id desperately wanted to adopt. This was never about recreating myself, I just wanted a family.

There was no awkwardness, no forced dynamic between the women. She was just very competent. I didnt have any rules I wanted her to follow, other than not to drink alcohol, I entirely trusted her about everything. It felt like texting a friend.

Shortly after the embryo transfer, Lindhome left for Romania to film Wednesday for seven months, thinking her surrogate would probably not become pregnant at the first attempt. But she did.

Lindhome is now married to fellow actor and comedian Fred Armisen, whom she started seeing while filming Wednesday in Romania - Michael Tran/AFP/Getty

The moment everything changed

She returned to the US just in time for the birth, which was carried out by caesarean section in March 2022. At the hospital the next day, she started crying uncontrollably as all the anxiety and trauma of the preceding years converged. Then they brought him to me and I just stopped crying. She smiles.

I was like, Oh. There you are. Finally. She instantly bonded and Keaton, as she named him, is clearly the love of her life.

Keaton is now four years old, and the actress is honest with how he came into the world. How I explain it to him is that I wanted him so badly that nothing was going to stop me from getting to him.

Lindhome says she instantly bonded with Keaton, who is now four

Lindhome is still very much in contact with the surrogate and they meet  along with the other babies she helped bring into the world  on birthdays.

But she admits not everyone has approved of her decision to use a surrogate. Oh, theyd say, pursed lips and raised eyebrows. That must have been nice.

At first, I tried to explain. Then I thought, who am I talking to? Why do I care if I made decisions a lot of people wouldnt make? Thats OK.

Lindhome is now married to fellow actor and comedian Fred Armisen, 59, whom she started seeing while filming Wednesday in Romania.

I assumed Id be a single mum who had a boyfriend, but as soon as Fred met Keaton he was immediately all in on being a daddy, and we are a happy little family.

Theyre not planning any more children. Keaton is enough  and I couldnt afford it; the starting cost for a surrogate is $150,000 but theres many extras on top for medical bills. I got to the point where I had to stop looking, Lindhome admits.

Everything happened in a funny order, she smiles. I never expected to have this insta-family but it feels like this was my path.

Riki Lindholme will be performing Dead Inside at Soho Theatre from March 31 to April 18
Rosamund Pike and Brendan Gleeson have been named the best actors at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards.

Paddington the Musical, which stars a life-like puppet Paddington Bear, was also recognised as the best new musical following its debut in December at the Savoy Theatre.

The prizes, which are voted for by the professional theatre critics  who are members of the Critics Circle, were awarded during a ceremony at the National Theatre on Thursday.

Rosamund Pike attends the Bafta Film Awards 2024 (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Gone Girl actress Pike took home the NLP award for best actress for her performance as court judge Jessica Parks in Suzie Millers legal drama Inter Alia.

Among her fellow nominees was Rachel Zegler, who was up for her performance playing Eva Peron  Argentinas former first lady  in Jamie Lloyds production of the hit musical Evita.

Meanwhile, Irish actor Gleeson, known for films including In Bruges and The Banshees Of Inisherin, received the best actor award for his West End debut performance in Conor McPhersons The Weir  a role which he will reprise in its upcoming film adaptation.

He beat Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston and I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu  who were both up for the award for their performances in Arthur Millers All My Sons.

Speaking about the range of winners, Mark Lawson, chair of the Critics Circle Drama section, said: They show an exhilarating range of work across a vast variety of venues and genres  all achieved in challenging economic times.

The best new play prize was awarded to James Grahams Punch while Paddington The Musical, which was written by McFly star Tom Fletcher and based on the Michael Bond book A Bear Called Paddington and the 2014 film Paddington, continued its award-winning streak with the best new musical award.

Brendan Gleeson attends the screening of H Is For Hawk (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Ava Pickett was named the most promising playwright for her historical drama 1536, with Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis picking up the most promising newcomer award for her role in Tom Stoppards Indian Ink.

Other winners include Ivo van Hove, who was named the best director for his production of All My Sons  which also took home the award for best revival of a play or musical.

Jordan Feins production of Into The Woods also claimed two awards, including for the best ensemble or cast with Tom Scutt winning best designer for the production.
A fireball erupted over Tel Aviv following a drone strike at the start of the war on Feb 28 - AFP

Russia has begun arming Iran with drones, marking the first known transfer of lethal munitions from Moscow to Tehran since the war commenced.

The shipment of drones, food and medicine is part of a military support package to aid Iran in its fight with the United States and Israel.

Senior Iranian and Russian officials began discussing drone deliveries just days into the conflict, two officials briefed on Western intelligence reports told the Financial Times (FT).

The processing of shipments began in early March and is set to be completed by the end of the month.

According to the report, security officials believe Iran is being supplied with Geran-2 and Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, which are derived from Tehrans Shahed design that Russia has previously deployed in Ukraine.

The Russians dramatically improved the Shaheds, including modifications to the engines, navigation and anti-jamming capabilities, Nicole Grajewski, a professor at Sciences Po university who researches the Russia-Iran relationship, told the Financial Times.

So these systems are already more advanced than the ones Iran was producing domestically.

The supply of munitions comes three weeks after it was revealed that Russia was providing Iran with crucial satellite and intelligence data to help it target US forces in the Middle East.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Telegraph.

Donald Trump, the US president, said earlier this month he believed that Moscow was providing intelligence to Tehran about US targets.

I think [Russian President Vladimir Putin] might be helping them a bit, he said in an interview with Fox News.

I guess, and he probably thinks were helping Ukraine, right?

He added: Its like, Hey, they do it, and we do it, in all fairness.

Mr Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff  who has been trying to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Moscow  told US media this week that Russia had denied the claims.

The Russians said they have not been sharing intelligence with Iran, he said.

So, you know, we can take them at their word. Lets hope that theyre not sharing.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago, both sides have made constant use of drones, shifting the nature of the way the conflict has been fought.

Many of the drones fired at Ukraine were produced by Iran and cost as little as $30,000 (24,000).

Since Iran was attacked by the US and Israel on Feb 28, it has been estimated that perhaps two-thirds of Tehrans missile and drone production capacity has been destroyed. Against that backdrop, Iran has reportedly turned to Moscow for help.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, claimed this week that despite Russias denials, he had proof that Moscow was providing intelligence support.

We have irrefutable evidence that the Russians continue to provide intelligence to the Iranian regime. Russia is using its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East, he wrote on X.

He added: By helping the Iranian regime stay afloat and strike more accurately, Russia is effectively prolonging the war. There must be a response.

A Geran drone, which is based on the Iranian-made Shahed-136, seen in Kyiv - Reuters

Several military experts noted Iran had been successful in getting its drones and missiles to hit targets not just in Israel, but in Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.

It was evading defences by sending them in waves, the experts said, a tactic that Ukraine had learned to counter using small interceptors which cost about $5,000. Mr Zelensky dispatched interception experts to the Gulf.

Dimitri Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, told the Financial Times this week: There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true  we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.
Russia has supplied intelligence, targeting data, advanced drone technology and pre-war training to Iran that have helped its efforts to kill Americans, residents of the Gulf, attack British bases and strangle the global economy.

Donald Trumps response to this is to double down on his criticism of his allies and reveal that, while he rules in America, the US is sliding closer to being an outright enemy of the West.

According to several Western intelligence agencies and none other than the defence secretary of the United Kingdom, John Healey, Russia and Iran are an axis of aggression between Tehran and Moscow.

That aggression means that Iran has been getting Russian help, including the use of drones and electronic warfare and the tactical lessons the Kremlin has learned in the battlefields of Ukraine.

By any and every definition, that would make Russia an enemy of the US. This is not the first time that Western intelligence has informed the public that Russia has been helping Iran in fighting the US and Israel and in attacking US allies, including the UK, in and beyond the Gulf.

Donald Trump has once again lashed out at Nato (YouTube)

So far Trump has shrugged this off, suggesting that one should expect such behaviour from Moscow.

Then, rather than acknowledge that Russia is a problem  a problem that already threatens the security of Europe, has invaded Ukraine (a democracy) and even threatened to use battlefield nuclear weapons on European soil  Trump has had another swipe at the very organisation designed to defend America and its allies against Moscow.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president said this: NATO NATIONS HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HELP WITH THE LUNATIC NATION, NOW MILITARILY DECIMATED, OF IRAN. THE U.S.A. NEEDS NOTHING FROM NATO, BUT NEVER FORGET THIS VERY IMPORTANT POINT IN TIME! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Some of the help from Nato nations like the UK, who have participated in ill-fated US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, would have been quiet advice not to repeat the mistakes of either, or both.

It might have also included a reminder that only the US has ever evoked article five of Natos foundation document, requiring allies to come to the aid of a member state under attack.

A thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran (AP)

Mr Healey might, if he felt included, have also mentioned that when the UK was invaded by Argentina in 1982 in the Falkland Islands, the US sat on its hands  a betrayal the British took in their stride.

But no. Having attacked Iran  based on the lie that Tehran was two weeks away from attacking Israel with a nuclear weapon, a hope for regime change and probably with an avaricious eye on Irans oil riches  Mr Trump attacks his allies as enemies and spits in the eyes of the nations he wants to help drag him out of the Iranian quagmire.

On top of that, according to the Washington Post, the US may soon renege on its commitment to sell air defence missiles to European countries, for use in Ukraine against Russia, in order to supply them to allies in the Gulf to fight off the drone and missile attacks that Russia has been helping Iran to launch at US targets.

President Trump has taken a solidly pro-Russian stand in all so-called peace negotiations that have been hosted by the US.

His negotiators have endorsed Russian demands for yet more Ukrainian territory and tried to paint Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as intransigent.

Trump has been accused of supporting Russian demands in peace talks with Ukraine (AFP/Getty)

He cut military aid to Ukraine to zero more than a year ago and has said he wants to annex both Greenland and Canada, which are Nato members  serving the interests only of the Kremlin by undermining the stability of the alliance.

For good measure, along with his cabinet, he has adopted the great replacement theory  a racist conspiracy fever dream that Europe is being overrun by brown-skinned Muslims as central to its national strategy. Such madness works for Vladimir Putin, not America and not its allies.

Mr Trump claims to have decimated Irans military capabilities. Apart from not understanding that this means that 10 per cent, not all, of it has been destroyed, he also wants help from Nato to stop Iran blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

This will not happen, British and other Nato members have said, until the conditions improve  in other words, until the war stops.

Mr Trump does not know how to do that. He is in strategic trouble that will backfire on him domestically and is likely to undermine support for Republicans in the mid-term elections.

European leaders are finally realising that the future of the West lies in abandoning a president who puts the interests of Russia above those of fellow Americans.

Soon, Republican candidates may realise this too.
Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran to bolster its war effort against the US and Israel, according to a report.

Senior Iranian and Russian officials began secretly discussing the delivery of drones days after Israel and the US launched their first attack on Tehran last month, two officials briefed on the intelligence told the Financial Times.

Moscow began its deliveries in early March, and they were expected to be completed by the end of the month, Western intelligence said.

Iranian Shahed drones are a key part of Russias artillery (AFP/Getty)

Russia has remained a close ally of Tehran as the war continues, following years of support from Iran for Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly claimed that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran. He said on Wednesday that Moscow had sought to blackmail the United States by offering to stop sharing military intelligence with Iran if, in return, Washington would cut off Kyiv from its intelligence data.

On Monday he claimed to have irrefutable evidence that Russia is continuing to provide intelligence to Iran, telling Reuters he had seen the data but providing no further details.

A shipment of drones would be the first evidence of Moscows lethal support to Iran since the war began.

Dmitry Peskov said Russia was continuing dialogue with Iranian leadership (AFP/Getty)

Asked about the shipment of drones, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the FT: There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true  we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.

Iran has been a key supplier of Shahed drones, a vital part of Russias artillery in its war against Ukraine. Moscow has fired hundreds of Shahed drones a night during its offensive against Ukraine, which has led Kyiv to become experts in defensive drone warfare.

Zelensky said on Wednesday said that Gulf states were showing a strong interest in Ukraines experience in defending against drones.

Zelensky said Ukraine had offered its drone expertise to Gulf states (BBC)

We already see that not only Shaheds are being used in the region, but there is also growing evidence of the use of FPV drones, he said on X. This is modern warfare, and everyone must be prepared for it. Ukraine has this expertise, and in exchange for our support we need help in areas where we face greater challenges.

This includes protection against ballistic threats and financial resources for defence. Ukraine offers a mutually beneficial partnership: we can strengthen those who can strengthen us.

The situation in the world now is such that only coordinated and joint actions can guarantee real results and genuine security. We are being blocked in Europe, and as long as this risk remains, we must seek out additional opportunities to strengthen ourselves.

The Middle East and the Gulf are the right direction and serious opportunities to make Ukraine stronger.
Russian military losses in Ukraine exceeded the number of new recruits in January by approximately 9,000 personnel

Russia is sending alcoholics from rehabilitation centres to the front line in Ukraine, a soldier claimed.

An unnamed Russian serviceman described a stream of new arrivals to his unit  many of them older, physically unfit and struggling with alcohol dependency  in recent video footage.

He claimed that the men were rounded up at a facility in Petrozavodsk, close to the border with Finland, by black recruiters who confiscated their bank cards and drained their accounts of money.

In an expletive-laden and offensive rant, he said of his newly staffed unit: They f---ing recruited a bunch of cripples who cant even f---ing walk on top of being mentally unwell.

I saw it myself  from Petrozavodsk, from Karelia, they recruited these f---ing guys from rehab, f---ing drunks.

The soldier said there were around 30 unfit soldiers in his unit of 40.

The black recruiters refer to informal or illegal intermediaries who sign up men for military service through coercion, deception, or outright fraud, often operating alongside or in the shadows of the official recruitment system.

The soldiers claims are the latest in a series of accusations that Russia has relied on coercion and manipulation to recruit soldiers physically or mentally unfit for combat.

These claims encompass men with serious illnesses, mental disabilities, and foreign recruits who were allegedly pressured or deceived into joining the ranks.

Credit: Telegram/@ButusovPlus

Taken together, Ukrainian officials say the pattern points to a strategy in which Moscow is increasingly dependent on vulnerable recruits, deploying large numbers of troops to secure gains on the front line regardless of the human cost.

Russian military losses in Ukraine exceeded the number of new recruits in January by approximately 9,000 soldiers, according to the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre (USCC).

Given the situation, Russia has indeed been actively recruiting vulnerable groups, including people with various addictions, the unemployed, the ill, and former prisoners, and has also been using different methods to recruit migrants from other countries into its armed forces, said Oksana Kuzan, co-founder and head of the analytical department of the USCC.

Ms Kuzan added that Russian propagandists themselves had indicated that the Kremlin set recruitment quotas for contract soldiers at the regional level, and that local officials often send almost anyone to the front with little regard for suitability.

The USCC reported that many men are forced to sign contracts while intoxicated, something also asserted by Russian war bloggers.

They claim that mens signatures are often forged, or they are coerced into joining by being forced to choose between military service and one of Russias notoriously harsh prisons.

Recruiters are often paid bonuses for enlisting men, regardless of their fitness for combat, making marginalised people particularly vulnerable. Many recruiters are under pressure to meet targets for the number of men they enlist.

Whats up with that guy? How does he manage to get around? Even if he does make it there, he wont even be able to [fight], you know? And its like, just let him get there, said the soldier in the video clip.

According to the soldier, commanders show little concern for the recruits condition, sending them into assault operations regardless, just to make it there.

Those who refused to go were beaten and have their injuries worsened, he added.

Russia is also accused of recruiting soldiers infected with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases, who are reportedly deployed in segregated units and required to wear armbands identifying their illnesses.

Last year, sources within the military shared research with The Telegraph documenting five cases that they claimed revealed Russias willingness to send disabled or diseased soldiers into combat.

Waves of Russian soldiers are often sent into battle underprepared, with video footage showing them with no helmets or armour.

To replace the waves of men lost in meat-grinder assaults, Russia is thought to have lured thousands of Africans to the front lines, either under false pretences or with promises of hefty salaries.

It can be assumed that as Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine increase, and the number of contract soldiers declines, the activity of such black recruiters will also intensify, said Ms Kuzan.
MasterChef is entering a new chapter  and one of the people at the centre of it is Anna Haugh, an Irish chef whose authority comes from decades spent navigating restaurant kitchens.

Following the departure of long-time hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, Haugh will be hosting the series alongside food critic Grace Dent. A familiar face to viewers of MasterChef: The Professionals  and the force behind Myrtle Restaurant in London  Dublin-born Haugh steps into the role with plenty of clout.

When Haugh, 45, was coming up in the industry, she was driven, ambitious and eager to prove herself. But some restaurant kitchens can be plagued by sexism and bullying, and Haugh says she was even deliberately burned by a senior chef. When she would help dress plates during service, Haugh describes how he would put a pan to the back of her hand, telling her she was "too slow.

"At the time, I was strong and confident in many ways, but I couldn't believe someone would actually burn me on purpose  until I realised thats exactly what was happening," she tells me for Yahoo's Unapologetically series.

In an industry defined by long, unsociable hours, Haugh is strikingly matter-of-fact about the pressures. As a mum, she refuses to feel bad about her job, as she tells me: "I dont feel guilty. My intentions are good, and Im always trying my best."

However, she says her four-year-old son, Oisin, "comes first.

Ahead of this season of MasterChef, Haugh spoke about the moments that led her here.

Anna Haugh and Grace Dent are the judges of this year's MasterChef. (BBC/Shine TV)

Unapologetically is dedicated to conversations with women who continue to evolve in the public eye. How do you live unapologetically?

This might sound like a contradiction, but I unapologetically say sorry all the time. When I was training, I was often told that men dont apologise, so women shouldnt either. But to me, that makes no sense. If you believe something isnt a good behaviour, why mirror it? Shame on the person who refuses to be accountable.

In the kitchen, because Im comfortable putting my hand up and saying Ive made a mistake, my team feel able to do the same. It creates a really honest environment When the boss unapologetically apologises, the atmosphere changes completely.

Its funny that Im 45 and only really realised this recently, but apologies arent just for the person who was wronged. Id say about 80% of an apology is about the credibility and integrity of the person giving it.

Being a petite woman [Haugh is 5 feet 4 inches tall] in a male-dominated industry must come with challenges. Tell me about your experience here.

I was given a lot of advantages in life, but if there was one thing I could magically change from birth, Id probably be taller. Presence can feel important when youre a leader.

But, over time, I realised height is irrelevant. People often meet me and say, Oh, youre so small, I thought you were tall. So clearly, presence is more of a feeling.

I tell junior chefs moving into leadership roles that nobody can stand where youre standing. It doesnt matter if youre short or tall; you own your space. Early in my career, some men would try to stand over me physically. I used to laugh and say, What are you going to do? Back off.

I love my job, and Im naturally very positive, but I also know when someone is trying to put me back in my place. In those moments, Im very good at owning my space. Its a version of myself I dont need anywhere else in my life, but it comes out when someone challenges me like that.

Anna Haugh cooking on the banks of the River Fane for her show, Anna Haugh's Big Irish Food Tour. (BBC NI/Below The Radar/Conal Hughes)

You previously mentioned being burned on purpose every night when you were a young chef. What happened here?

When youre in your early twenties and desperate to learn your craft, you also want to belong and be accepted.

At the time, I was strong and confident in many ways, but I couldnt believe someone would actually burn me on purpose  until I realised thats exactly what was happening. Eventually, I plucked up the courage, grabbed his hand and said, No. That was it. I didnt give some brave speech; I just said no.

He didnt burn me again, though he still bullied me. People like that exist everywhere. But in the grand scheme of my career, hes tiny. What defined me far more were the great chefs I worked with, the ones I wanted to mirror  they taught me how to run a kitchen where people are supported.

(LR) Anna Haugh, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing celebrating Ramsay's new AppleTV+ series, Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars. (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

Youve been open about the challenges of being a working mother. How have you learned to let go of the guilt that so many women experience?

I dont feel guilty. My intentions are good, and Im always trying my best. Whether you're a stay-at-home mother or a full-time working mother, if your intentions are good and youre trying your best, theres no reason for guilt. Your child feels the sincerity of your love.

I dont believe in perfection. I always say Im the reflection of every mistake you can make in cooking  and thats why Im good at it. You learn through mistakes, and thats also how you live your life. If you try to avoid mistakes completely, youre avoiding living.

My father actually tried to stop me from becoming a chef. My parents are working-class Dubliners, and when I said I wanted to be a chef, he shouted No!. He thought it was a terrible job.

Years later, he sat me down and apologised. He said hed thought restaurants were exploiting me, but he hadnt realised it was like doing a masters degree in my craft. That apology wasnt for me; it was his integrity. Thats what great parenting looks like.

Haugh refuses to feel guilty for being a working mum. (Antony Jones via Getty Images)

You were told you could have a baby or a restaurant, which is an expectation youve managed to defy with your restaurant, Myrtle, and your son. How do you manage working unsociable hours with a child?

I had my son when I was 40, so I was very ready to be a mother. I was prepared to sacrifice whatever needed sacrificing  mostly my social life.

My son comes first. I work a lot, but when Im with him, Im fully with him. Whether were playing, tidying up or going to the playground, I try to think about whats good for him. Sometimes whats good for him is simply hearing the word no.

Im sure I dont get it right all the time, but Im doing my best to raise him well.

Has becoming a parent changed how you define success?

I always said I wanted a baby, a dog and a restaurant. And now I have a baby, a dog and a restaurant. But reaching those things doesnt mean you lie down and say, "Right, Ive done it."

Honestly, the moments that feel most successful are small ones. Picking my son up from school and bringing him something simple I know hell love  like earmuffs Ive been searching everywhere for  and seeing the sparkle in his eyes. Thats the best feeling in the world.

But Im careful about saying children are the only source of happiness. Not everyone can have them. If I hadnt had my son, Im sure Id have found joy somewhere else  travelling, working, something creative. Perspective is everything.

Whats the most common meal you cook for your family, and why?

I try to introduce my son to lots of different foods. Instead of putting everything on a plate, Ill often put ingredients in small bowls on the table so he sees them repeatedly.

We never fight about food. Theres no benefit in forcing a child to eat something they really dont want. He has a few dinners he likes  mash, chicken and vegetables, or pasta with olive oil and Parmesan. Sometimes he refuses dinner entirely and goes to bed without eating, which is very hard for me, but thats the boundary.

We have a roast most Sundays with lots of vegetables. When I cook for friends, I love going all out  canapes, cocktails, the whole thing.

Cooking at home is very different from cooking in a restaurant. At home, its all about attention. Whether I'm making a cup of tea or a sandwich, I try to think about what the person will enjoy. That attention, that love, is what makes food taste good.

(LR) Alex Brooker, Harriet Kemsley, John Hartson, Hilary Whitehall, Romesh Ranganathan, Luca Bish, Anna Haugh, Pink Pantheress and Gareth Malone on The Weakest Link. (BBC Studios/Alan Peebles)

What are three foods you always make sure to have in your cupboard?

Butter, flour and cheese. Butter is essential. Flour means I can make pasta, flatbreads or bake with my son. And I probably eat too much cheese.

And what do you never buy?

Margarine. I never touch it. Its one of the most ultra-processed foods you can put in your body. I understand that people who are dairy-free need alternatives, but if you do buy them, look for the best quality you can.

I try to avoid ultra-processed foods as much as possible. When I buy convenience food, I check the ingredients and look for things that sound like real food.

What's one thing you eat regularly that may surprise people?

Burrata  probably too much of it. I'm trying to cut down.

When Im really stressed, though, I crave terrible food like instant noodles or a processed burger. I know that, if Im craving that kind of thing, its a sign Im not in a great place mentally. Ill eat it thinking itll make me feel better, but it never does.

By the time Haugh had her son, she was 'prepared to sacrifice whatever needed sacrificing'. (Jim Dyson via Getty Images)

What are your thoughts on ultra-processed foods?

Theyre the scourge of our supermarkets. Honestly, if youd started the interview with that question, its all Id have talked about.

When I was trying to lose weight, I stopped counting calories and started focusing on cooking real food that actually satisfied me. That meant reading the ingredients on everything I bought, and it was shocking how many products contained things that didnt resemble food at all.

Texture matters too. Chewing tells your brain that youre eating. If food melts instantly in your mouth, you can consume far more before your brain registers that youre full. Compare eating sourdough toast with ultra-soft processed bread  you'll eat far more of the latter before your body catches up.

Weve been marketed foods that are softer, smoother and melt in your mouth, but that encourages overconsumption.

The idea that we should avoid sugar but replace it with a chemical that mimics sugar, just because it has fewer calories, seems mad to me. We're tricking our brains with substances that arent really food.

That said, Im very aware that not everyone has the time, money or resources to cook from scratch. People are under huge pressure. If youre doing your best and feeding your family the best you can afford, thats enough.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Pharmacy staff are facing abuse on a daily basis from patients (Getty/iStock)

Pharmacy staff across the UK are enduring "escalating abuse" from patients, including racist attacks, verbal assaults and physical violence, a new survey has revealed.

The findings, published by Community Pharmacy England, indicate that around one in five pharmacy owners report verbal abuse as a daily occurrence.

The organisation is now urging for enhanced protection for these frontline healthcare workers, alongside the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence or threats.

A poll of 289 pharmacy owners, collectively representing over 3,000 pharmacies, found that more than half (55%) had experienced verbal abuse within the last six months. Of these, three-quarters faced such incidents weekly, with approximately one in five (21%) reporting daily occurrences.

Respondents detailed a range of discriminatory abuse directed at staff, including racist, religious, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, and xenophobic remarks. One particularly stark account described a patient refusing service from a pharmacist wearing a headscarf.

While less frequent, physical assaults were reported by 6% of pharmacies over the same six-month period.

The survey showed a rise in verbal attacks and racist abuse aimed at pharmacy staff (James Manning/PA) (PA Archive)

These incidents ranged from strangulation and pushing to punching, with some attacks even occurring after closing hours. Pharmacy owners recounted instances of knife attacks, chairs being thrown at staff, and pharmacists being strangled by patients who had come behind the counter.

The survey also highlighted the profound impact of such incidents, with one "much-respected" pharmacy manager reportedly taking early retirement after being assaulted by a patient.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, emphasised the critical role of these professionals. "Pharmacy teams are the backbone of community healthcare," she stated. "They should never face any kind of abuse, racism, discrimination, threats or violence just for doing their jobs."

Ms Morrison added: "These findings reflect escalating abuse in one of the NHSs most accessible frontline services and they show an urgent need for stronger system-wide protections. Pharmacy staff deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

We will continue to raise awareness and push for measures to keep pharmacy teams safe. Pharmacies have to be included on priority lists for protection and support and must remain safe spaces for both patients and the teams who serve them."

Mark Donaghy, professional development manager at Kamsons Pharmacy, which operates over 80 pharmacies across England, acknowledged that while most people treat staff respectfully, even isolated incidents "can have a profound and lasting impact."

Kamsons Pharmacy has publicly supported Community Pharmacy Englands call for greater protection and a zero-tolerance approach.

Mr Donaghy asserted: "No pharmacy worker should ever face abuse or violence in the course of providing care."

Dervis Gurol, owner and superintendent pharmacist of Healthy-U Pharmacy in Saltdean, described the "real toll" abuse has taken on his team.

"It deeply affects morale, retention, and their safety," he explained.

Mr Gurol detailed his own investments in security, such as counter screens, CCTV, and strong links with police community support officers, but noted that not all pharmacies have access to such measures.

"Basic security or protection should be standardised and fully funded for all pharmacy premises. It is unacceptable that staff bear the brunt of peoples anger," he argued.

"The Government needs to take a strict stance on abuse of all healthcare staff including pharmacy teams. If attacking a police officer and other emergency workers is a serious offence, the same should apply to community pharmacy staff."

Reacting to the findings, Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, highlighted "an alarming rise" in threats, abuse, and assaults on staff in "recent months and years, specifically noting "a rise in racist abuse directed towards pharmacy teams."

He criticised the often "inadequate" response from both the police and the wider NHS when pharmacies report these issues, calling for the NHS to offer pharmacies "similar support given to other colleagues in primary care, to protect their staff and their premises."
Skeleton of Three Musketeers' d'Artagnan may have been found under Dutch church

Remains found under a church floor in the Netherlands could belong to the famous musketeer d'Artagnan.

Archaeologists believe these may be the 'lost' bones of the soldier who inspired the hero of the famous novel, The Three Musketeers.

Workers discovered the grave, containing human remains, in front of the altar after part of the floor of St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht subsided.

Experts are now racing to confirm through DNA testing if the skeleton is that of the famed French musketeer, Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan, with multiple items found in the grave also pointing to the owners identity.

D'Artagnan rose to fame more than 150 years after his death when a fictionalised version of his exploits cast him as the protagonist of Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel.

The real-life musketeer served the French King Louis XIV, eventually becoming captain-lieutenant of the Musketeers of the Guard.

The nobleman was killed on 25 June 1673, during the French siege of Maastricht in the Franco-Dutch War, after being struck in the throat by a musket ball.

Transporting his body back to Paris in the summer heat would have been difficult.

The church where the body was found stands near where the French army's campsite was located.

The body was also discovered with part of a bullet next to it and a coin that dates to the relevant period, experts said.

A letter dating from around the time of his death said he had been buried in consecrated ground.

Jos Valke, deacon at St Peter and Paul Church, helped unearth the skeleton and is 99% certain the remains belong to Charles de Batz de Castelmore - known as Count d'Artagnan.

Read more from Sky News:

Resident doctors to strike for six days

Ex-Google boss new BBC director-general

Mr Valke joked: "Under an altar - it couldn't be much holier than that. When you add it all up, then, it seems plausible to us. But of course, nothing is certain yet."

The church had previously been identified as a possible resting place of the 17th-century soldier.

The DNA retrieved from a jawbone is now being tested against that of D'Artagnan's descendants to see if there's a match.

Archaeologist Wim Dijkman told Reuters: "This has truly become a top-level investigation, in which we want to be absolutely certain, or as certain as possible, whether it is the famous musketeer, who was killed here near Maastricht."
HONG KONG, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's leading index company MSCI recently released its latest annual Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") ratings. The results, announced in March 2026, are based on MSCI's latest rating model (version 5.0). Thanks to its outstanding performance across all ESG aspects, Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, hereinafter referred to as "Fosun International", "Fosun", or the "Group") saw its rating rise from AA to AAA. This marks Fosun International's first time achieving the highest MSCI ESG rating since first earning an AA rating in 2021, following five years of sustained efforts, demonstrating Fosun's achievements and global leadership in sustainability.

The MSCI ESG ratings are an ESG assessment framework widely used by global investment institutions, and its rating results have become a key reference for evaluating a company's sustainability performance and long-term investment value. Fosun International's rating upgrade to AAA demonstrates that its overall management across environmental, social, and governance aspects has reached a leading level among global peers, particularly in maintaining a competitive edge in key areas such as responsible investment, business ethics, and clean technology opportunities.

Five years of sustained efforts: a leap from AA to AAA

Looking back at Fosun's journey in MSCI ESG ratings, each step reflects Fosun's steadfast commitment and continuous improvement in sustainability. In 2021, Fosun International's MSCI ESG rating was upgraded from A to AA, making it the only conglomerate in Greater China to receive an AA rating at that time. Since then, the Group has maintained its AA rating, steadily consolidating its leading position.

This rating upgrade from AA to AAA not only represents MSCI's strong recognition of Fosun International's ESG efforts over the past five years, but also marks the Group's leap from "good" to "excellent" in sustainability. This achievement reflects Fosun International's sustained efforts to deeply integrate ESG principles into its corporate strategy and daily operations, and to establish a top-down ESG governance structure and management system across the Group.

Establishing a long-term mechanism: fully linking ESG with performance

Fosun has remained true to its original aspirations of "Self-improvement, Teamwork, Performance, and Contribution to Society" and views sustainability as the core driver of its corporate development. The Group has established a top-down and long-term mechanism for ESG improvement and has included ESG management performance as an evaluation factor in the Executive Directors' performance assessment, with the evaluation scope further extended to the CEOs of the Group and the personnel in charge of each business group.

On the governance front, Fosun International has established an ESG Board Committee under the Board of Directors (the "Board"), chaired by an Independent Non-Executive Director, to assist the Board in guiding and overseeing ESG initiatives. At the management level, the Group has established an ESG Executive Committee to provide decision support for the implementation of ESG strategies. At the implementation level, the Group has set up an ESG Management Committee and an ESG Working Group to ensure the effective operation of ESG risk management and internal control system.

Honoring green commitments and leading climate action

Facing global climate change challenges, Fosun International actively responds to the national "dual carbon" goals. In 2021, the Group made a commitment to society  "strive to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050". The Group has established a Carbon Neutrality Committee and Working Group to drive the implementation and enforcement of carbon-neutral management across the Group. For three consecutive years, Fosun has also published its Climate Information Disclosures Report, aligning with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and International Financial Reporting Standards S2 Climate-related Disclosures Requirements ("IFRS S2") to enhance the transparency of its climate actions.

Innovation-driven: empowering society with technology

Fosun International adheres to an innovationdriven strategy, driving its businesses to achieve innovative breakthroughs that broadly benefit patients worldwide. Henlius' independently developed HANSIZHUANG (serplulimab, European trade name: Hetronifly), the world's first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), has been approved in Europe and multiple emerging markets for first-line treatment of extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), as well as in Indonesia and Thailand for squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC). It has also been included in public reimbursement systems in seven European Union (EU) countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. As of 2025, HANSIZHUANG has been approved in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, with continued progress in lung and gastrointestinal cancers, including the potential to set multiple new cancer treatment standards. Fosun Pharma has supplied over 440 million doses of its independently developed artesunate for injection, cumulatively treating over 88 million patients with severe malaria globally, continuously contributing the "China Solution" to the fight against malaria in Africa.

Upholding its original aspiration of "Contribution to Society" and actively giving back to society

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Fosun Foundation was established in 2012 and has been creating social value in areas such as global emergency relief, rural revitalization, health, education, culture and art, and youth development. Since its launch at the end of 2017, the Rural Doctors Program has covered 78 key rural revitalization counties in 16 provinces across China, supporting 25,000 rural doctors and benefiting 3 million grassroots families in central and western China. In 2024, the program was selected as one of the "20 Cases of Private Sector's Sustainable Development in China for 20 Years" by the United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact).

Continued recognition from international authoritative rating agencies

In addition to its MSCI ESG rating, Fosun International's sustainability performance has been widely recognized by multiple international authoritative institutions. To date, Fosun International has achieved an S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score of 73, maintaining a leading position among global peers; has been included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2026; has maintained an HSI ESG rating of AA- and has been included in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index for six consecutive years; has retained a leading FTSE Russell ESG score of 4.2 and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series for the fifth consecutive time, achieving a full score of 5.0 in several areas, including Environmental Supply Chain, Anti-Corruption, Risk Management, Social Supply Chain, and Corporate Governance.

Looking ahead, Fosun International will continue to strengthen its industry focus, deepen its innovation and globalization strategies, and advance ESG initiatives with higher standards and stronger execution, remaining steadfast in its mission of "creating happier lives for families worldwide" and creating long-term value for its customers.

SOURCE Fosun
Researchers sent human and mouse sperm through a tiny maze to assess their navigation skills - Ed Reschke

Scientists have used a tiny plastic obstacle course to find out if sperm would struggle to navigate during sex in space.

Some particularly resilient sperm did make it through the course, suggesting that conceiving children in space would be possible, according to research published on Thursday.

A bigger problem may be that the development of embryos after fertilisation could be harmed by a lack of gravity, researchers in Australia found.

With hopes of colonising space, scientists have been studying how difficult it would be to procreate. Next week, Nasa hopes to launch its first crewed mission around the moon in half a century.

Nicole McPherson, a researcher at Adelaide University, said: Sperm need to actively find their way to an egg, and this study is the first to put that ability to the test under space-like conditions.

Researchers found that a lack of gravity could make reproduction harder than on Earth - Carlos Duarte

The scientists used a plastic chamber that resembles the female reproductive tract to act as a miniature obstacle course, the senior author of the new study said.

Ms McPherson said: Think of it as a tiny race track ... sperm are introduced at one end and have to swim their way through to the other.

Sperm from humans and mice were sent down the course, which was in a device that uses constant rotation to simulate the lack of gravity in space.

The sperm was about 50 per cent worse at navigating through the course compared with how they performed under Earths gravity.

Successful sperm of higher quality

This worked out to be roughly a 30 per cent drop in successful fertilisation, according to the study published in the journal Communications Biology.

However, the sperm that did make it through seemed to produce higher-quality embryos, which could turn out to be beneficial, Ms McPherson said.

It appeared that the stress of microgravity acted as a filter that effectively cleared the field, leaving only the most capable sperm in the running, she explained.

A bigger problem came in the first 24 hours after sperm had fertilised the eggs. She said: The results reversed sharply, with fewer embryos formed, and those that did were of poorer quality.

This suggests that microgravity may not be the deal-breaker we feared, but protecting the embryo from weightlessness in those critical first hours will likely be essential for reproduction in space.

Some, including Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, have ambitious plans to make humans an interplanetary species by establishing settlements on the moon then Mars.

There has been speculation that the first baby conceived somewhere other than on Earth could be the result of a couple having sex on a flight launched by the space tourism industry.

Ms McPherson emphasised that much more research was needed to understand how reproduction works in space, adding that fertilisation was one small piece of a very long and complex puzzle.

She added: We are still a long way from seeing the first space baby.
With her playful squint, her knowing smirk, her dialogue delivered as if each line holds a hundred secrets, it sometimes feels as if Dakota Johnson could see through walls if she really wanted to. When shes deployed in films that are underwritten and underthought (by that I mean Madame Webb), these traits lend her a subversive air that borders on camp. Yet, in a comedy as incisively and hilariously written as Splitsville, shes able to transform into a human scalpel knife. Johnson turns egotists into clowns; buffoons into adult children; and liars into whimpering, cornered prey.

In the right circumstances, shes the ultimate straight man. And Splitsville likely wouldnt work without her. The film is a follow-up to Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvins feature debut The Climb (2019). Both men, longtime collaborators, write and star, while Covino directs. Both projects are about friends who have become so emotionally co-dependent that the usual boundaries are obliterated, with violent consequences. Where The Climb was about a man who sleeps with his friends fiancee; Splitsville is about a man who sleeps with his friends wife.

Ashley (Adriana Arjona) tells Carey (Marin) she wants a divorce. So, Carey arrives to the home of his childhood pal Paul (Covino) looking for reassurance. He and his wife, Julie (Johnson), reveal that the supposed secret to their success is that theyve opened up the marriage. I say supposed because, when the inevitable happens  Carey and Julie hook up  Pauls reaction isnt placid acceptance, but a full-blown, wrecking ball brawl that takes out half of his modern-luxe, lakeside home.

Its as if two drunks were asked to recreate a scene from John Wick. In interviews, Covino and Marvin have cited the Italian comedies of the Seventies as inspiration, namely Lina Wertmullers The Seduction of Mimi and Pietro Germis Divorce, Italian Style, and their now-rare blend of slapstick, carefully sketched humanity, and cinematic verve.

The entire fight sequence is staged within wide-angle, minimally cluttered shots that would look elegant if it werent for the adult children wrestling at their centre. And, Johnson, too, provides a similar counterbalance to male hopelessness  theres a recurring bit where Carey drinks directly from the tap like a dog  without relapsing into that old, stale maternal scold stereotype.

The Stream

And while its mainly the men who are absurd here, as Ashley experiments sexually with Charlie Gillespies Jackson, a bartender with one braincell, and Nicholas Brauns Matt, a mentalist with a fragile ego, Arjona is handed a few funny sequences of her own. She insists on reading to Carey prepared statements about the nature of their relationship, at one point quoting Malcolm Gladwells 10,000-Hour Rule. Shes so performatively earnest that its mortifying to watch.

Theres an argument to be made that Splitsvilles noncommittal on the subject of polyamory. I think that might, in fact, be the point: Covino and Marvin arent interested so much in whether polyamory is the solution to, or destruction of, a longterm relationship, but more the fact peoples stated beliefs and innate desires tend to be two entirely different and conflicted concepts. So often, finding contentment does require turning your life upside down, shaking out all the contents, and picking back up only what truly feels right. Not when Dakota Johnson plays it, though. She makes it all look easy.

Dir: Michael Angelo Covino. Starring: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin. Cert 15, 104 minutes.

Splitsville is in cinemas from 27 March
Cate Blanchett at The Standard Theatre Awards 2025 Winners Dinner (Photographer: Harrison Grant)

Cate Blanchett has been doing night shoots for a film all week, but you wouldnt have known it from her appearance at the 2025 Standard Theatre Awards, blonde hair artfully dishevelled in a dramatic black dress. Offered champagne on arrival she instead orders a martini. Theres style, and then theres Cate Blanchett style.

The Australian star, 56, was nominated for the Natasha Richardson Award for best actress for her performance as Arkadina in an updated version of Chekhovs The Seagull, by German director Thomas Ostermeier, at the Barbican. That prize went to Hayley Atwell for her role in Much Ado About Nothing, but Blanchett received the Lebedev Award  one of two special statuettes given at the proprietors discretion  for breathing new life into Chekhovs play. It was also an acknowledgment of an extraordinary career, in which Blanchett has run the gamut from stage classics to cinematic blockbusters and back again.

She seems happy it was the play that took centre stage in her award citation rather than her acting, however. Late on in the dinner, she murmurs to me that the ensemble of The Seagull  which included Tom Burke, Emma Corrin and Kodi Smit-McPhee  should have had collective recognition. There are no star parts in that play, she says. Those who saw Blanchetts vain and manipulative grande dame, husking into a microphone, struggling out of the top half of her jumpsuit for attention, might beg to differ.

Cate Blanchett (Arkadina) in The Seagull (Marc Brenner)

She first appeared in The Seagull in 1997, at Sydneys Belvoir St Theatre. That time round she played Nina, the young would-be actor who is Arkadinas rival for the affections of both her son Konstantin and her lover Trigorin and who ends up heartbroken. The chance to revisit the play with the radical Ostermeier was irresistible. I think all of us in the cast were quickened by this open, immediate, often dangerously responsive form of playing in The Seagull  it was pure joy, each and every night, she says.

Over the course of her career, Blanchett has been nominated for eight Oscars, winning two, with roles in franchises such as The Lord of the Rings as well as independent films. Yet she always returns to theatre, including a stint running Sydney Theatre Company as co-artistic director and chief executive with her husband, Andrew Upton, from 2008 to 2013.

I feel so alive on stage

Theatre is a hybrid form, a mad-bastard form that begs, borrows and steals from everywhere  formally and narratively, she says. Its porous and not remotely sacred. Its why I feel so alive on stage  thrashing it all out with the other performers and, vitally, with the audience. We reach through and into audiences to find the meaning of it all. Theatre poses questions, playing expands reality, and by sharpening our feelings into ideas, offers pathways to insight  personal and collective, historic and immediate.

Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, Hayley Atwell, Ava Pickett, James Graham, Gracie Oddie-James and Rachel Zegler attend The Standard Theatre Awards 2025 Winners Dinner hosted by the Standard's proprietor Lord Lebedev (Dave Benett)

The star joined the board of the National in 2024 to help oversee the leadership transition to its new artistic director Indhu Rubasingham and chief executive Kate Varah. Its a sign of her commitment to the stage, to putting women in positions of power in theatre, and to London.

One cant underestimate the importance of the NT  not only within the theatrical ecology here in the UK, but around the globe, she says. Its a performing-arts root ball, if you like. Being on the board, helping to support the vision of Indhu and Kate, is a privilege I dont take lightly. Hear, hear.
Star Trek costumes worn by actors Sir Patrick Stewart and Simon Pegg are to go on display at Londons Science Museum.

A model of the USS Enterprise from the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds TV series will greet visitors on their voyage across the museum as part of its programme to mark 60 years since the original science fiction show first appeared on screens.

Its Star Trek Warp Trail features many objects from the franchises archives and explores the surprising connections between science fiction and real-world innovations.

On display will be the uniform belonging to chief engineer Montgomery Scott, known as Scotty, as played by Pegg in 2009s Star Trek film, as well as Admiral Jean-Luc Picards uniform, worn by Sir Patrick in the Paramount+ Star Trek: Picard TV series, which ran from 2020 to 2023.

A striking prop head used in 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis will also be on show.

The head is from the prototype android B-4 discovered by Lieutenant Commander Data, played by Brent Spiner, who later merged their programming together.

When mobile phones first appeared in the 1970s, Star Trek had already made people familiar with the idea of portable communications.

A Science Museum spokesman said that when Motorola unveiled its first clamshell flip phone in 1996, the design influence of Star Trek was clear in both its appearance and name: StarTAC.

The costume worn by the fictional inventor of the warp drive  Zefram Cochrane, played by James Cromwell in the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact  will also be on view.

The spokesman said a photon collector used in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) and a spore cannister used in the TV series Star Trek: Discovery (2017-2024) invite discussions around powering ships for deep space exploration.

Also on display will be equipment used by doctors on Star Trek such as tricorders to scan patients and hyposprays, which administer drugs without needles.

The trail will end in the Star Trek takeover of the mezzanine level of the museums shop, where visitors will be able to take the helm in a replica of the captains chair from Star Trek: Discovery.

All 13 Star Trek films in the franchise will be able to be viewed on one of the biggest screens in Europe at the site.

It launches on Thursday at a special edition of the Science Museums free adults-only event, Lates.

Dr Glyn Morgan, head of collections and principal curator at the Science Museum, said: Star Trek has invited audiences to be curious explorers for decades  a mission we know something about at the Science Museum.

Star Trek as a cultural phenomenon has played a real role in changing the world of Stem, from inspiring technical innovations to encouraging a generation of modern astronauts.

I hope that this Star Trek at 60 programme at the Science Museum inspires visitors to consider what might be possible if you boldly go where no one has gone before.
(Adobe)

Where is your favourite destination and why?

Lamu, in Kenya. It does something quietly radical  time slows down when Im there. Nothing is too early; nothing is too late; things simply arrive. Lamu brought tranquillity and reflection for me. The easy flow of it all was something I needed and being surrounded by water meant fresh fish and some of the most beautiful white sand beaches I have ever seen, my favourite being the famous Shela Beach. The island has so much rich culture and heritage, it was inspiring and I left with so much wisdom.

When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?

December 2025 was my first time there, I travelled with a group of my dear friends. It was the perfect calm and easy trip to round off the busy year.

Where do you like to stay?

I stayed at a private villa near Peponi Hotel Lamu (peponihotel.com), on Lamu Island, set right on Shela Beach not far from the charming coastal village of Shela. The hotel faces the Indian Ocean, with beach access and uninterrupted ocean views, and immediately sets the tone for island life.

What has been your favourite meal?

Mchuzi with line-caught fish, served alone or you can complement with rice. Mchuzi translates to sauce or gravy, in Swahili, which is widely referenced for East African curries or stews made with meat, fish or vegetables. It was sweet, rich and the fish was so tender.

Tala Alamuddin soaking up the sunset on a dhow (Tala Alamuddin)

What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?

Id wake up early and start the day with a long morning walk, letting the island slowly come to life. Getting on a dhow is a must-do activity. These traditional sailboats are among the oldest in East Africa and are deeply connected to Lamus history. There are plenty of dhows available to hire across the channel, but the one we took was arranged by our hosts and was said to be the oldest in East Africa, which made the experience feel even more special. You sail through the mangroves, listen to music, have lunch on the water, and eventually drift back towards the island.

Three favourite restaurants?

The restaurant at Peponi Hotel was my favourite overall, but I also loved Kijani Rooftop Restaurant, which is part of a beautiful traditional Swahili-style hotel located in Shela village. They served the best fresh lobster dish. I also loved discovering local spots in Lamu Old Town. We visited KOA, which had a cosy, welcoming ambience and a menu featuring local and internationally inspired dishes. Another old-town favourite was The Mangrove Restaurant, a hidden gem with the most perfect oceanfront views. Id recommend their biryani and fish choma.

What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?

Taking a dhow ride and wandering through the Old Town. Meeting the women at Afrikable, who design and create everything themselves, was deeply special  its the perfect place to find unique pieces while supporting the local community. Afrikable uses fair trade to empower women and support economic development in Kenya.

Is there a hidden gem youre willing to share?

The secluded Kiwayu Island. It has the most beautiful white beaches and is only accessible by dhow. Theres also the fishing village of Matondoni to see dhow building, the Donkey Sanctuary, and local spots like the Floating Bar in Manda Bay mangroves for sunset.

Fun fact about the destination?

Donkeys are one of the main forms of transport with zero cars on the island. The simplicity changes everything.

Tala Alamuddin in Lamu (Tala Alamuddin)

Where do you like to let your hair down?

Dancing barefoot with friends on one of the most beautiful beaches.

Favourite shops?

The local markets in Lamu Old Town  rich with history, craftsmanship and soul.

The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?

A handcrafted piece I purchased in Shela from a group of Maasai men. The Maasai are a culture I feel deeply familiar with and closely connected to. Supporting artisans and heritage will continue to be close to my heart  it mirrors the values behind my brand TALA, where community, craftsmanship and purpose come first.

Your favourite wellness spot there?

I didnt get the chance to visit myself, but Island Spa at Lamu House was a group favourite among my friends. Located right on the Corniche Path along the beach, its part of Lamu House Hotel, which has an ancient Swahili feel and beautiful traditional decor. The spa offers massages and treatments rooted in traditional Swahili rituals, all carried out in open-air settings. Its definitely top of my list for next time.

Golden stretches of beach on beautiful Lamu (stock.adobe.com)

Your packing essential?

I tend to overpack and I ended up travelling with almost three suitcases. I like choice  especially accessories and footwear. For style I pack my TotallySynced wellness ring sleeve so I can track my health in style while travelling. I always pack my TALA bags for my accessories  my favourites being the Jettaway and Battlefield for a boho chic vibe. I also pack a good pair of sandals; my favourites are from R13.

A song that reminds you of Lamu?

Lebanon by Ondara.

What would be the perfect dress code?

Boho glam.

Building you would like to live in?

I loved the interior of some of the mangrove timber houses. Id love to build my own home inspired by Lamu and the beautiful Swahili architecture  carved doors, shell-detailed walls and a deep connection to nature.

Traditional Swahili architecture in Lamus Old Town (Maurice - stock.adobe.com)

Favourite memory from there?

Sitting around a fire on the beach under a full moon, welcoming the energy of 2026 with people close to my heart. Setting intentions, letting love in, giving thanks and feeling completely present.

Tala Alamuddin is the founder of accessories brand TALA; totallytala.com
Meta (META), Google (GOOG)

The jury ruled in favour of the plaintiffs on Wednesday, in a landmark lawsuit against social media companies holding Meta (META) and YouTube (GOOG, GOOGL) liable and requiring them to pay $6m in punitive and compensatory damages.

The case, known as JCCP 5255, was initially filed in 2023 and was tried at the Spring Street Courthouse in Los Angeles. It revolved around a now-20-year-old woman known in legal filings as K.G.M. and her mother, Karen, who alleged that K.G.M.'s social media use, which began when she was 10, led to "dangerous dependency on [the social media companies' products], anxiety, depression, self-harm, and body dysmorphia."

Read more: Stocks slip amid doubts over US-Iran peace deal

The jury in the case said that both Meta (META) and YouTube (GOOG, GOOGL) knew the design of their platforms were dangerous, that users wouldn't realise the danger, and that the companies failed to warn of the danger when a reasonable platform would have.

"This verdict is bigger than one case," the plaintiffs' lead counsel said in a statement following the results.

In a statement, a Meta (META) spokesperson said, "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement, "We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site."

TikTok and Snap (SNAP) were also named defendants in the lawsuit, but each settled before the trial began.

AMD (AMD)

AMD (AMD) and Intel (INTC) saw their stock prices surge on Wednesday in the US on reports that the two chipmakers told clients the price of CPUs could be hiked.

Average price increases could be between 10% and 15%, according to a report by Nikkei Asia which cited sources. The increases will start in March and April, the report added.

AMD (AMD) stock was 7.2% higher by the closing bell in the US on Wednesday.



London-listed clothing retailer Next (NXT.L) was the top gainer in the FTSE 100 (^FTSE) on Thursday, ticking higher as it said in its annual trading statement that pre-tax profits rose 14.5% to 1.16bn in the year to January as sales increased by almost 11% to 7bn.

It upped its profit guidance by 8m to 1.2bn for the year to January 2027 after better than expected sales in January this year.

The bump came even as it said the war in the Middle East is set to cloud its outlook, adding 15m of costs, assuming it will drag on for three months. It said it will have to increase prices if the conflict lasts any longer than that.

We have no feel for the medium-term effects on supply chain resilience, freight rates, factory gate prices and consumer demand. Much will depend on how long the conflict persists, and how much permanent damage is done to the worlds energy infrastructure, the company said.

Currys CEO Alex Baldock is stepping down, closing out an eight-year tenure in which he turned around the company.

Currys (CURY.L) was created in 2014 when Dixons merged with Carphone Warehouse.

"I'm immensely grateful to the thousands of amazing colleagues I've been privileged to work with, and proud of what that team is building, a world class Currys for colleagues, customers and shareholders, said Baldock.

"Currys' next chapter can be its most exciting yet. But it's time for someone else to steer the business there, and time for me to move on to a new opportunity.

The companys stock price lost 9.8% in early trade following the news.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Washingtons ambassador to the UK has warned that it would be a mistake to cancel King Charless planned state visit to the US.

Asked about calls to postpone the historic royal trip because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Warren Stephens said it would be wrong for it to be scrapped or delayed and insisted the trip should go ahead.

In a Q&A session after his speech to the British Chambers of Commerce conference in London on Thursday, Mr Stephens refused to confirm the visit, which has not been officially announced, but added: I think he will go and I think it will be a very meaningful trip for him.

The diplomat said US House Speaker Mike Johnson had made an offer for Charles to address both Houses of Congress while he was there.

A source in Washington said Trump will go ballistic and blame Keir Starmer if the visit does not go ahead (Getty)

It comes as The Independent has been told that Congressional and Senate leaders have been told to prepare for a joint meeting to hear the King speak during the week beginning 27 April.

But the visit is being overshadowed by the war in Iran and Donald Trumps repeated criticism of Keir Starmer. The US president suggested the PM was no Winston Churchill after he initially refused permission for the US to use RAF bases to launch attacks on Iran.

A source in Washington involved with the organisation of the visit told The Independent that President Trump will go ballistic if the visit is cancelled and will blame the prime minister.

The president regards Charles as a personal friend, and the visit is being timed to coincide with the celebrations in the US of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

While the government has insisted that the state visit is a matter for Buckingham Palace, it is understood that decisions on these Royal events are taken in consultation with the Foreign Office as an extension of UK diplomacy.

Senior politicians have called for the visit to be scrapped in the wake of the Iran war, including the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry.

If it was to go ahead next month  the dates havent been confirmed, but everybody seems to think its going to be next month  it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war and that, I think, is quite difficult. And the last thing that we want to do is to have their Majesties embarrassed, she told BBC Radio 4.

Trump considers Charles a personal friend but the Iran war has made the trip a controversial subject (PA)

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for the visit to be cancelled.

At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, its clear this visit should not go ahead, the Lib Dem leader added.

A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.

A recent YouGov poll revealed that almost half of those surveyed (49 per cent) believe the visit should be cancelled, while a third (33 per cent) support it going ahead.

Green voters are the most opposed to the visit (70 per cent), with Lib Dems (65 per cent) and Labour voters (62 per cent) not far behind, the poll found. Only Reform UK voters are firmly in favour (63 per cent), while Tories are split 45 per cent to 43 per cent on the subject.
Donald Trump has launched a fresh tirade against the UK for its stance on his war against Iran, saying Sir Keir Starmer made a big mistake and denigrating UK warships as toys.

The US president denied that the transatlantic tensions would affect the Kings planned visit to the US.

Mr Trump said he was very disappointed by the Prime Ministers shocking refusal to allow US forces to use RAF bases in the initial wave of attacks against Iran.

Referring to the UK-US Diego Garcia base on the Indian Ocean Chagos Islands, he said: When we needed the island to land that beautiful B2 bomber, we were told we cant use it.

Wed have to fly back to Missouri, which is a 17-hour flight, as opposed to a couple of hours. And I said you got to be kidding. Not good. They made a big mistake.

Of Sir Keir, Mr Trump also said: I think hes a lovely man, but I think he did something that was shocking. He didnt want to help us.

Mr Trump called Sir Keir a lovely man (PA) (Suzanne Plunkett)

The Government later granted permission for defensive US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

And after Tehran fired ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia, ministers last week allowed Washington to use the bases for US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and gas route being throttled by Iran in response to the US-Israeli campaign against it.

Graphic showing the Strait of Hormuz (PA Graphics)

Speaking at a televised White House Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Mr Trump also lashed out again at Nato for doing absolutely nothing to help the US in the Middle East conflict.

And he took aim at the UKs aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

He said: Now they all want to help. When theyre annihilated, the other side is annihilated, they said wed love to send ships

We had the UK say that well send  this is three weeks ago  well send our aircraft carriers, which arent the best aircraft carriers, by the way. Theyre toys compared to what we have.

But well send our aircraft carrier when the war is over. I said oh thats wonderful, thank you very much. Dont bother. We dont need it.

Mr Trump denigrated UK warships (Alex Brandon/AP) (Alex Brandon)

He warned the US would not necessarily support Nato allies militarily, saying: Were always going to be there  at least we were, I dont know about any more to be honest with you, I would have to be honest  we were always there when they needed help.

Mr Trump insisted the Kings state visit would go ahead.

Asked whether the fallout over the conflict would affect the plans, he said: No.

Hes going to be here very soon, as you know, were going have a state dinner, he said.

Its going be great.

There have been calls for the historic royal trip to be scrapped or delayed because of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The tour has yet to be officially announced, but the King and Queen are expected to visit Washington and New York in April to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

In response to the Republican presidents latest broadside, Downing Street pointed to Sir Keirs words earlier this week when he said a lot of what is said or done is undoubtedly said and done to put pressure on me and vowed to stay absolutely focused on what is in the British national interest.

Armed forces minister Al Carns defended the UK and its capabilities.

Asked about Mr Trumps remarks, he told LBC: I mean, Ill leave the American president to say what he needs to say.

I was the chief of staff of the carrier strike force, spent a lot of time on those carriers. They are formidable capabilities and we have some of the best sailors, airmen, marines and indeed Army on board them.

When you package them together with all of the different assets around it, they really are a formidable capability. I also am deeply proud of Great Britain. It is exactly that. Its great.

We have a right to decide when we want to get involved and when we dont.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the state visit should be called off after the presidents remarks.

Trump is yet again insulting our brave armed forces just because we refuse to be dragged into his illegal war, he said.

The toys he refers to are called HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

What more will it take for Keir Starmer to call off the Kings state visit to the US?
Donald Trump likened UK aircraft carriers to toys, telling Sir Keir Starmer not to bother sending vessels to the Gulf.

Speaking on Thursday (26 March), the US president said: We don't need it, and we don't need it, and we don't need them.

They're toys compared to what we have.

Sir Keir has insisted that the UK will not get dragged into a wider war in Iran, stating that he will always prioritise the national interest.

Mr Trump has repeatedly demanded that other nations take a role in opening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas, and the UK is currently leading efforts to formulate a plan to achieve that objective.
Donald Trump will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on 14-15 May, more than a month later than initially planned.

The US president was scheduled to visit China on 31 March but postponed the trip after launching a war against Iran jointly with Israel. The forthcoming visit will be the first to China by a US president in almost a decade.

I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, Im sure, a Monumental Event, Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform after announcing the new dates.

He also said the Chinese president would make a visit to Washington later this year.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the schedule, saying Mr Xi "understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout these combat operations right now.

Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House (Getty)

The US and Israel went to war with Iran on 28 February, conducting heavy airstrikes that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with several members of his family and a number of political and military leaders. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and American military and economic interests across the Gulf and closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime trade route, sparking a global fuel crisis.

Asked whether the war would be over by the time of Mr Trumps visit, Ms Leavitt said Washington had "always estimated approximately four to six weeks, so you can do the math on that.

Mr Trump told reporters last week he was pushing the Beijing visit back "five or six weeks," adding that China was "fine with it.

Beijing was yet to confirm the dates. Its foreign ministry said earlier this month it was in talks with Washington over the timing.

The postponement of Mr Trumps visit added a new layer of complexity to an already strained relationship between the US and China, marked by trade friction, technology competition and geopolitical rivalry.

In February, the US Supreme Court struck down many of Mr Trumps sweeping emergency tariffs, removing a significant source of leverage ahead of what were supposed to be trade-focused talks.

Mr Trumps joint war with Israel against Iran then introduced a fresh point of tension with Beijing, Tehrans most important oil buyer. China imported around 12 million barrels a day of Iranian oil in the first two months of this year.

After Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Trump sought Chinas assistance in reopening the waterway and told the Financial Times he wanted an answer from Beijing before his visit. The request was rebuffed. The Chinese foreign ministry described head-of-state diplomacy as playing an "irreplaceable" role in guiding bilateral ties, but did not directly respond to Mr Trump's appeal on the opening strait.

Chinese state media struck a conciliatory tone ahead of Mr Trumps visit. A Global Times editorial published on Thursday said the long absence of a US presidential trip was "abnormal and shouldnt be the case.

Both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," the editorial added.

The last US presidential visit to China was in November 2017 during Mr Trump's first term. The US president last met Mr Xi in November at the Apec summit in South Korea.
ACCRA, Ghana, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ghana Forestry Commission and Terraformation, a native, biodiverse reforestation company, today marked the next phase of their collaboration at a signing ceremony in Accra, strengthening a strategic partnership to support Ghana's national landscape restoration initiatives, climate resilience, and economic development priorities.

The collaboration reflects a shared focus on scaling locally-led restoration efforts that create jobs, strengthen livelihoods, advance social goals, and protect the ecosystems on which communities depend.

(From left to right) Dr. C. A. Brown, CEO of the Ghana Forestry Commission; Jad Daley, President of Terraformation, at signing ceremony in Accra on March 26.

This alignment supports a growing pipeline of forest restoration projects that are nationally led and deliver tangible benefits on the ground, and builds on a vital mangrove restoration project in Keta Lagoon engaging Terraformation, Regenerative Development of Anlo Wetlands Ltd. (ReDAW), Agrointroductions Ghana (AiG), and local communitiesadvanced under the Forestry Commission's Letter of No Objection issued in 2025.

"Ghana is demonstrating how climate action can go hand in hand with economic growthrestoring ecosystems while creating jobs and strengthening communities," said Jad Daley, President of Terraformation, who co-chaired the roundtable with the Ghana Forestry Commission, and is set to review the progress on the Keta Lagoon project site.

"Ghana pursues collaborations that contribute not only to ecological restoration in our country but do so in tandem with the economic and social needs of our people," said Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, Chief Executive of the Ghana Forestry Commission. "This approach marks our work with Terraformation, and we're excited to drive this partnership forward."

The Keta Lagoon project in the Volta Region represents a guiding example for these efforts. This project, one of the largest mangrove restoration efforts in the world, was initiated with implementation partner ReDAW, in direct engagement with local communities. ReDAW began large-scale rehabilitation of degraded coastal wetlands in 2024, with more than 3.2 million mangroves planted to date. This first phase has created hundreds of full and part-time jobs, a significant portion held by womenhighlighting how restoration can contribute to inclusive economic opportunity and social development.

A second phase will launch later this year under the leadership of implementing partner AiG, working adjacent to the first phase. More jobs will be created as AiG moves into implementation, with restoration of these mangrove systems helping to restore fisheries and improve diverse livelihoods for people that depend on these natural resources.

By restoring mangrovesone of nature's most effective defenses against climate changethe project also helps reduce flooding and erosion while strengthening long-term resilience for coastal communities.

Today's announcement underscores a broader effort to expand this modelsupporting additional projects across Ghana and reinforcing a national approach that links restoration, economic growth, and community leadership.

The ceremony, held at the Forestry Commission headquarters in Accra, brought together government, scientific, and local partners to highlight Ghana's continued leadership in advancing climate solutions that deliver for both people and the economy. It followed a strategic meeting about expanding nature restoration projects to address Ghana's national goals.

About the Keta Lagoon Blue Carbon Project

Located in Ghana's Volta Region, the Keta Lagoon Blue Carbon Project is restoring up to 6,000 hectares of degraded mangrove wetlands within the Ramsar-designated Keta Lagoon complex. The project will plant 12 million native mangrove trees, removing an estimated 2.3 million tCOe over 40 years while protecting endangered species and strengthening coastal resilience against erosion and storms.

Developed in partnership with Regenerative Development of Anlo Wetlands Ltd. (ReDAW) and Agrointroductions Ghana (AiG), the initiative creates local jobs, supports small-scale aquaculture and beekeeping, and reinvests carbon revenues into community development through a dedicated trust fund. Keta Blue is validated under the Verra VM0033 methodology and stands as a model for science-based, community-driven restoration that delivers measurable carbon removal, biodiversity recovery, and direct economic benefit to the communities doing the work.

About Terraformation

Terraformation is a native forest restoration company dedicated to scaling biodiverse, community-led reforestation. The company provides training, technology, and access to capital to help partners establish projects that restore ecosystems, capture carbon, and strengthen local communities.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Terraformation
Signage for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seen outside of its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Photograph: Nathan Posner/Shutterstock (Photograph: Nathan Posner/Shutterstock)

The Trump administrations Make America healthy again (Maha) agenda appears to be stalled as two of the governments most influential public health positions sit empty.

Donald Trump has yet to nominate a permanent director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leaving an agency that has been plagued by turmoil for the past year without a leader. At the same time, the presidents controversial pick for surgeon general, Casey Means, remains in limbo as her nomination stalls in the Senate.

The CDC has now been without a Senate-confirmed director for more than 210 days, the maximum length of time an acting head can manage an agency under federal law.

Related: US left without functioning vaccine panel as adviser says drama distracts

Jay Bhattacharya  who also runs the National Institutes of Health (NIH)  has served as interim chief of the CDC since February, and is expected to continue overseeing the agency through a delegation of authority by the health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, according to statements from both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and White House.

In a statement, the HHS said that Kennedy and Chris Klomp, who serves as the director of Medicare and deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), were working with the White House on the CDC director search by evaluating candidates that can further the Trump administrations objective of restoring the CDC to its original mission of fighting infectious disease.

The agencys last Senateconfirmed director, Susan Monarez, took over in July but was fired less than a month later after clashing with Kennedy over his vaccine agenda. Since then, the CDC has seen an exodus of senior public health officials, many of whom accused the health secretary of politicizing the agency and stripping leaders of their independence. The upheaval followed a shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, where a gunman  who blamed the Covid vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal  killed a police officer.

Most recently, a federal judge ruled earlier this month that Kennedys handpicked vaccine advisory panel was unlawfully appointed, and voided many of their recent decisions on vaccines, which included no longer recommending the latest version of the flu and Covid shots and the inclusion of the RSV shot for infants.

Since only the CDC director can formally approve vaccine recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the absence of a permanent director effectively shifts that authority to Kennedy as health and human services secretary, according to the Stanford law professor Anne Joseph OConnell.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that the administration is struggling to find a nominee who both aligns with its agenda and can withstand Senate scrutiny, according to a person familiar with the search.

As the White House searches for a permanent CDC director, its nominee for the nations top doctor remains stuck in limbo. Casey Means testified more than a month ago, but the Senate health committee has yet to schedule a vote  leaving the post unfilled more than 320 days after Trump first nominated Means last May. Her initial hearing was postponed when she went into labor hours before she was set to appear.

Means, 38, who is neither a board-certified doctor nor holds an active medical license, graduated from the Stanford School of Medicine, but did not complete her head and neck surgical residency at Oregon Health and Science University. Her scientific experience is mainly focused around her work as an influencer and leader within the Maha space  the key pillar of the Trump administrations health policy.

During her confirmation hearing, Means evaded questions about vaccine guidance, argued that many of the countrys chronic health problems stemmed from lifestyle and environmental factors, brushed off concerns about her limited medical experience and faced criticism over potential conflicts of interest tied to her wellness product promotions on social media.

As Meanss appointment remains hampered, all eyes remain on the key Republican votes on the health committee that she will need to advance  namely Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and two GOP moderates, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

All three lawmakers expressed skepticism with various aspects of Meanss public health perspective during her confirmation hearing. Shortly after Means testified, both Collins and Murkowski told Politico they were undecided about how they plan to vote.

These issues are important to me, Murkowski said at the time. Last year when the secretary was going through his confirmations, he made certain assurances about vaccines that in fairness I am not seeing have been kept.

Cassidy, who cast the pivotal vote to confirm Kennedy as Trumps health secretary last year, did so despite concerns about Kennedys antivaccine history. Kennedy assured him he would not interfere with the ACIPs membership. He subsequently reversed course, reshaping the department and sidelining career public health experts.

Both Cassidy and Collins are also up for reelection this year, adding political pressure as Republicans warn Kennedys shifts on vaccine policy could damage the party in the midterms. Cassidy  a former physician who chairs the health committee  is facing a primary challenge from Julia Letlow, a Louisiana congresswoman. Letlow is endorsed by Trump and backed by Maha Pac, which has pledged $1m to defeat Cassidy.

On Thursday, Letlow urged the twoterm incumbent to stop blocking Meanss nomination in a post on X, writing that for too long, Washington has protected a healthcare system that waits until people are sick, cashes in on chronic disease, and leaves families to pay the price. President Trump is trying to change that, and Casey Means is a major part of that fight.

Collins, meanwhile, is expected to face a competitive race against whichever Democrat emerges from Maines primary.

Allies of the Maha movement have since tried to apply pressure on Republican holdouts to confirm Means. On Wednesday, during a weekly organizing call with the political advocacy group Maha Action, the Republican senator Rand Paul, also a member of the health committee, told attenders to contact Cassidy, Collins and Murkowski. We should have voted long ago, Paul said during the call. He added that the three senators he named have not been vocal in their support for her nomination.

On the call, which the Guardian joined, Paul added that if Meanss nomination for surgeon general could not get the support it needs, then members who oppose her should at least be on record as opposing her.
President Donald Trump gave an hour-long, rambling speech Wednesday night at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner in Washington, D.C.

House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced Trump at the event and announced the president had received the first annual America First Award. Johnson called the prize a beautiful golden statue  appropriate for the new golden era in America.

Trump then launched into a meandering speech, during which he lobbed familiar insults at his perceived political foes, including former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

If you go back to Obama, he was a great divider. He divided this nation, Trump said. He was a lousy president. The worst president in history was Biden. But Obama was a terrible president.

President Donald Trump railed against Democrats in his hour-long speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner (REUTERS)

Trump also railed against Democrats for opposing Republicans SAVE America Act, which would require voters to show photo ID at the polls and prove their citizenship. Many Democrats have argued the legislation could disenfranchise millions of voters.

You have those Democrats, they stick together. Think of it  they vote against voter ID, they vote against proof of citizenship. They vote against it, he said.

Trump then told attendees hes a fan of no mail-in ballots  despite reportedly voting by mail in this weeks Florida special election.

Earlier in the speech, the president touched on the war with Iran and claimed Tehran wants to make a deal so badly.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the America First Award is a beautiful golden statue  appropriate for the new golden era in America (Getty Images)

The America First Award, represented by an eagle statue, is displayed on the side of the stage ahead of its presentation to Trump at the Republican fundraiser (AFP via Getty Images)

Nobody has ever seen anything like we're doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people, Trump said.

They're also afraid they'll be killed by us. There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran, he added.

At one point during the event, the president also launched into a rant about how he cant call a waitress beautiful, because if you call her beautiful, thats the end of your political career.

Trump claimed Iran wants to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people (AP)

Trump ended his speech with a rallying call for Republicans.

We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again, and most importantly, we will make America great again, he said. Thank you very much Republicans, go out and win the midterms!

The speech, where the president was heard slurring his words throughout, follows Trumps rambling remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday.

There, Trump appeared to be slurring his words as he touched on voter ID, mail-in ballots and several other topics.

After Wednesdays event, some Democratic lawmakers slammed Trumps America First Award on social media.

They have to treat the President like a child. So embarrassing for everyone involved, Representative Seth Magaziner wrote on X.

More gold statues for Donald Trump while TSA agents wait for paychecks?! How very out of touch, Representative Kathy Castor said.

This isnt the first prize Trump has been offered in recent months. In early December, Trump accepted the newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw, sparking outrage from some soccer fans.

A month later, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. The president called the offer such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.

The president was also named the Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal at a White House event last month.
Two people have been killed in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell onto a major highway.

Three injuries have been reported and several cars are damaged as authorities respond to the incident on Sweihan Road on Thursday.

Confirming the news on social media, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said the incident came after the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.

No details were revealed about the origin of the ballistic missile or its target.

The local authorities also advised the public to avoid spreading rumours of unverified information regarding the incident.

At least three missile alerts were sent to residents in Abu Dhabi this morning, asking them to move to a safe place, only to later receive the all clear.

Air defense systems are currently dealing with a missile threat. Please remain in a safe place and follow warnings and updates on the official, one of the warnings read.

The UAE has been rocked by a series of drone strikes ever since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran, which has prompted retaliation in the region.

A smoke plume rises from a fire near Dubai International Airport following a drone attack on March 16, 2026 (AFP via Getty Images)

More than 2,000 people have died since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. This include more than 1,500 in Iran and nearly 1,100 in Lebanon, according to health authorities in the two countries.

Todays fatalities in Abu Dhabi also bring the death toll in the United Arab Emirates to 11 people.

Twenty people have been killed in Israel while two Israeli soldiers have also died in Lebanon. At least 13 US military members have been killed. More than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states have also died.

This week, the US administration claimed that Donald Trump had been in "productive conversations" with Iran, amid signals at the time that there were efforts to ease the conflict.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later dismissed the claims, saying Iran had no intention of negotiating for now.

The conflict in the Middle East is continuing to disrupt everyday life in the United Arab Emirates, and further across the Middle East.

Thousands of people are still unable to fly as planned to their destinations after the war forced the closure of major hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

British Airways has extended cancellations of flights to Dubai until May 31. Flights to Abu Dhabi remain suspended until later this year.

Abu Dhabi's Offlimits Music Festival, which was due to be headlined by Shakira and the Jonas Brothers, has been postponed until November, according to UAE ticketing platform Platinumlist.

Breaking news. This article is being updated.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba hailed Israels past support for Uganda - Peter Busomoke/AFP via Getty

Ugandas military chief has offered to fight alongside Israel in its war against Iran.

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted a series of messages on social media saying his country could enter the conflict if hostilities escalated.

He called for a swift end to the fighting while warning that any attempt to destroy Israel could prompt Uganda to enter the war on Israels side.

If Israel needs help, it only need ask. Their Ugandan brothers are ready to assist, said Gen Kainerugaba, who is the son of Yoweri Museveni, Ugandas president.

He framed his support based on historical ties, acknowledging Israels past support for Uganda.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus brother Yonatan, who died in the raid on Entebbe in 1976

Yonatan Netanyahu, the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, was killed leading Israels successful commando raid to free the hostages in Entebbe in 1976. Gen Kainerugaba recently promised to erect a statue of him in the country.

We want the war in the Middle East to end now, he wrote on X. The world is tired of it. But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel! Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop, he added.

In a post that was later deleted, he also claimed the Ugandan armed forces could have captured Tehran in 72 hours without any bombing, adding: But, of course, they never listen to a black man. Why bomb people who support you?

The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) has a strength of between 40,000 and 45,000 personnel, including its air force, according to the government.

Recent operations include contributing 6,200 soldiers to the African Union Mission in Somalia, for which they received extensive training from the US.

It has an estimated six Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets, as well as a handful of Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopters.

However, it is unlikely the UPDF could contribute meaningfully to the conflict in Iran.

Remembering his brother, Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys warm ties with Ugandas leadership - Abir Sultan/AP

Nevertheless, Mr Netanyahu has a warm relationship with Ugandas leadership, with the memory of his brother a consistent theme.

In 2016, he attended a memorial ceremony at Entebbe Airport to mark the 40th anniversary of the operation that resulted in Yonatans death.

Israel launched the commando raid in response to the hijacking of an Air France passenger flight from Tel Aviv to Paris by two Palestinian terrorists working alongside German revolutionaries.

The terrorists, who separated the Israeli and non-Israeli Jews from the rest of the passengers, demanded the release of 40 Palestinians jailed by Israel, as well as 13 prisoners in other countries.

Iran has inflicted damage on Israeli urban areas such as Tel Aviv as the war intensifies - Anadolu via Getty

On the ground, they had the support of the forces of Idi Amin, then Ugandas dictator.

The daring raid to rescue the hostages was a success and Yonatan was the only IDF casualty.

Some Israeli commentators have claimed that his heroism, together with the hard-line revisionist Zionism of their historian father, Benzion, was an important element in the building of Mr Netanyahus Right-wing political brand that has been so successful.

Israel puts significant effort into cultivating relations with African states.

It recently recognised the breakaway province Somaliland, which was criticised by much of the international community.

South Africa, the continents richest country, is aggressively critical of Israel and was behind the attempt to have Mr Netanyahu indicted by the International Criminal Court.
The US is making its offer of security guarantees for a peace deal in Ukraine conditional on Kyiv ceding all of the countrys eastern region of Donbas to Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Reuters in an interview. With the US focused on its own conflict with Iran, Donald Trump is applying pressure to Ukraine in an effort to bring a quick end to the four-year war triggered by Russias 2022 invasion, Zelenskyy said. The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps. President Trump, unfortunately, still chooses a strategy of putting more pressure on the Ukrainian side, he told Reuters. I would very much like the American side to understand that the eastern part of our country is part of our security guarantees, he said.
Parents should limit screen time for children under five to no more than one hour a day, according to new government advice.

Bedtime and mealtimes should also be free from screens, families will be advised, while they should be avoided entirely for under-twos, other than for shared activities encouraging interaction.

The new guidance comes as ministers consider Australia-style measures to limit or ban social media for under-16s, amid growing concerns about the impact technology has on the wellbeing and development of children.

Parents will be told to keep meals screen-free (Getty/iStock)

Sir Keir Starmer promised the new guidance would help families keep children safe and build healthy habits.

Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless, he said. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.

He also suggested that ministers were prepared to put up a fight on the issue in the months ahead. There will be some who will oppose us doing this. But whether its navigating technology, tackling the cost of living or balancing the demands of family life, I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children, he said.

Between the ages of two and five, families will be urged to try music, games, stories and colouring at bedtimes and mealtimes.

The guidance also advises watching screens with children and discussing the content with them.

Parents will also be warned away from fast-paced social media-style videos, as well as toys or tools that use AI.

When it comes to under-twos, screens should be avoided other than for shared activities encouraging interaction, which could include video-calling friends and family or looking through photos together.

Keir Starmer said parenting in a digital world can feel relentless (PA)

Ministers have previously said that around 98 per cent of children watch screens daily by the age of two.

The guidance was developed by a panel led by childrens commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and childrens health expert Professor Russell Viner.

The panel found long periods of time on screens can impact activities which are important for good development, such as sleep, physical activity, creative play and interaction with parents.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: I know how hard it is to navigate parenting in a world full of screens.

Theyre unavoidable, but it often feels impossible to tell whether youre getting the balance right.

Thats why were giving parents the clear, trusted support theyve asked for  so families can make informed choices, and children can have the childhood they deserve.

Infants with the most screen time are significantly less likely to regularly be read to or go on trips outside, the Education Policy Institute has found.

The panel also recommended in its report that parents should think about their own screen use in the presence of their children, and consider screen-free periods of the day for the whole family.

James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders union NAHT, said it welcomed the guidance.

Navigating an increasingly digital world where screens are everywhere can be a real challenge for parents, and school leaders are increasingly concerned about the impact of excessive screen use by young children, he said, warning it can cause real issues.
Max Richter and Yulia Mahr (Getty)

As far as human emotions go, hope is a complicated one. It can be joyful. It can be fickle. It can be dangerous. Increasingly, it can be hard to come by. But above all hope is necessary  that is the message at the heart of Possible Futures, a new show at the Southbank by the composer Max Richter and his creative partner Yulia Mahr, the husband-and-wife duo behind seminal projects like SLEEP, an eight-hour album of lullabies released in 2015 and performed live to an audience in beds.

Hope is the central theme of everything we do, says Mahr. We made a decision a long time ago when we were young and going on protests and doing our activism, we thought  well were not making much of a difference here. Is it presumptuous to even think that you can make a difference? So we started exploring that in our various practices, and we thought OK; its about these small impulses of hope, small impulses of connection.

Taking place this week as part of the Southbanks 75th-anniversary programme, the orchestral concert asks attendees to envision a different kind of future from the dystopian one that todays political and social climate seems to promise.

Hot on the heels of Richters first Oscar nomination, for his slow-burning score for Hamnet, the performance comprises two parts. The first half, performed by Richter and the Philharmonic Orchestra, is a rendition of his and Mahrs 2017 orchestral album VOICES. Created in response to the post-truth politics coming out of 2010, in turn, spurred on by the advent of social media, VOICES took inspiration from the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document drawn up in the aftermath of World War Two to establish a baseline for human rights around the world. The album has only become more relevant in the years since.

Looking back now, 2010 was a glorious time of relative stability, says Mahr. The challenges on human rights and international institutions have just amplified. In an age of democratic decline and an erosion of civil liberties, the ideals that the declaration espouses, including freedom from discrimination and right to asylum, feel almost romantic  a juxtaposition reflected in the piece itself, the chasm between its hopeful words and melancholic music. Its interesting, weve had people storm out a couple of times, says Mahr. I think to myself, really? It couldnt be a more humane piece.

VOICES was inspired partly by Mahrs life story. When she was seven, she and her mother fled communist Hungary for London. As hard as the move was, there were moments of hope too  those small impulses of connection. Her mother found a place to live after spotting an ad in Time Out looking to house a single mother who was either a refugee or migrant. At school, incredible teachers went out of their way to help Mahr learn English. Individual human beings away from systems are more [kind], she says now.

Possible Futures is the latest collaboration between Mahr and Richter, who met at Edinburgh festival in 1988. He saw her perform in a play and fell in love instantly. Their joint early experience in the art world  he in composing, and she in visual arts  fed directly into the creation of Studio Richter Mahr, a residency programme where artists are given free studio space, lodging, and uninterrupted time to refine their practice within state-of-the-art facilities in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Sheila Atim as part of VOICES, performed at the Barbican in 2020 (Mike Terry)

Inspired by the bucolic setting of creative communities around the world, like Blue Mountain College in the US, Bauhaus in Germany, and Kala Bhavana in India, Studio Richter Mahr serves as an incubator for emerging artists. We understand what its like to be a young artist; theres no real support. It took a really long time to earn any money, to make ends meet, says Mahr. It was awful and it wasnt so long ago. So after wed done SLEEP and VOICES, we thought, OK, for our next project, we need to not just talk the talk, but actually walk the walk in helping these artists.

Crucially, that support extends past the residencies themselves. People need more than that; they need doors opened for them, says Mahr, who knows first hand the power of an introduction. So many people pull the drawbridge up behind them. I didnt want to do that.

One of their residents, Cassie Kinoshi, a Mercury Prize-nominated and Ivor Academy Award-winning composer, will perform a piece in the second half of Possible Futures alongside a host of other musicians whose work provokes questions. Is the future already written? Is it inevitable, all this awfulness going on? says Mahr. Can we change it? And how do we change it? Hope is a good place to start.

Possible Futures is on at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre on Friday 27 March; tickets here
Prison guard watching inmates at the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador on 30 January 2026. Photograph: Jose Cabezas/Reuters (Photograph: Jose Cabezas/Reuters)

A group of 18 Venezuelan men whom the US expelled a notorious Salvadorian mega-prison are demanding that Salvadorian authorities be held internationally accountable for violation of human rights  detailing new allegations of torture, sexual assault and medical neglect.

A new petition, filed on Thursday before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleges that El Salvador violated the human rights of these men, who were expelled to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) last year without charge.

Human rights groups filed the petition on behalf of the 18 men, who were among 288 Venezuelans and Salvadorians that the US transferred to Cecot in March 2025. The detainees detail a pattern of abuse, including beatings, humiliation, and sexual assault while they were incarcerated.

Related: We became famous, but at what cost?: after the horrors of Cecot, the search for a normal life

One year later, these men are still waiting for justice, said Bella Mosselmans, co-counsel on the petition and Director of the Global Strategic Litigation Council (GSLC). We are demanding accountability for them, for their families and to ensure it never happens again.

In new testimony, the men, who were released from Cecot and returned to Venezuela in July last year, also recount the lasting mental and physical toll of their incarceration. One man testified that he still has scars from the shackles that the detainees were forced to wear for extended periods of time, writing that they are a constant reminder of the horror I lived.

The former detainee said he is also triggered by loud noises, including the clanking of keys  because the officials used to bang their keys on the cells to torture us and keep us awake at all hours. The sound of keys puts me into a panic state.

The human rights organizations and advocates who filed the petition have requested that the individuals names remain anonymous, given that some of them fled persecution and danger in Venezuela, and remain vulnerable now that they have returned to their home countries.

Another of the men said that officials beat him from the moment he disembarked from the flight to El Salvador. When I got off the plane, I fell, and two riot police from El Salvador picked me up with blows to the ribs, he said. They lifted me up by the handcuffs. This was an unimaginable pain.

He was beaten dozens of times during his four months of incarceration. After each beating I was in severe pain for about seven days, to the point where I couldnt move or walk properly, he said. But in neighboring cells, he said, detainees were beaten more than 100 out of the 125 days that they were incarcerated. We could hear them screaming in pain.

Several times, he added, The guards told us that human rights did not exist in Cecot.

The petition echoes abuses that several of the men released from Cecot have recounted to the Guardian and other media outlets, noting that detainees were held in windowless cells with no air conditioning and were made to sleep under the glare of bright lights that remained on 24/7. The detainees staged a hunger strike  which they said they kept up until one of their fellow detainees was beaten and dragged out of his cell half dead. Other detainees also staged a blood strike, cutting their wrists, but neither the guards nor the doctors cared, one of the men said in his testimony.

The men also testified that they were deprived of basic necessities including food, water and sleep. Sometimes there was only one tank of water for bathing and drinking provided for a cell with 10 people, the men said  and sometimes there were worms and mosquitoes in the tank. One individual said he had stomach issues and diarrhoea three out of the four months he spent in Cecot. I dont know if it was because of the water or the food. I always had diarrhea. The food hurt my stomach so much that I still have a stomach aches, he said.

The men were detained in windowless rooms, without air conditioning, and were made to sleep on metal bunks. Bright lights remained on at all hours. This was torture, one of the former detainees wrote. At first, we did not know if it was day or night. I felt like a chicken raised in a cage with constant light.

Many of the other Venezuelan migrants who were expelled from the US to El Salvador note that they have no criminal records. The US spuriously accused them of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang, the men have alleged, based on scant evidence including innocuous tattoos.

After four months at Cecot, 252 Venezuelan men were released and returned to their home countries  where many were forced to confront the same danger and persecution they had fled.

In an interview with the Guardian last winter, Andry Hernandez Romero  a gay makeup artist who had fled persecution in Venezuela due to his sexuality and his political views  said that after he returned to his home country, it was difficult to navigate daily life back in Venezuela. It had been difficult to find work, he said, because some employers believed the US governments claims that he was a gang member.

The whereabouts of 36 Salvadorians the US sent to Cecot remain unconfirmed, the petition states, and their families remain unable to contact them.

The petition was filed to the IACHR, a regional body within the Organization for American States tasked with protecting and promoting human rights across the region. It asks the commission to declare that the agreement between the United States and the Republic of El Salvador for the transfer of deportees to Cecot violates El Salvadors obligations under the American convention on human rights. It also asks the commission to require El Salvador to make reparations to the former detainees, make a public apology and provide resources for psychiatric and psychological rehabilitation.

It includes testimony not only by men incarcerated at Cecot, but also from medical workers who corroborated their accounts, from former US officials who attest that the Trump administration knowingly sent deportees to a country with a record of human rights abuses and from former UN special rapporteurs on the human rights of migrants.

Most American states, including El Salvador under prior administrations, have complied with orders of the inter-American human rights system. But it is unclear how the current administration in El Salvador, under the autocratic leadership of President Nayib Bukele, will respond to this international pressure. Since 2022, El Salvador has operated under a state of exception, an emergency security policy that Bukele implemented as part of his governments campaign against organized crime. Under the policy, authorities have also incarcerated about 1.4% of the Salvadorian population without due process.

We still feel that theres fundamental importance in trying to hold the regime to account and in supporting the victims of Cecot and their families and their fight for justice, Mosselmans said.

Human rights groups within the US have also filed claims and lawsuits on behalf of the deportees sent to Cecot. Last year, the ACLU and Democracy forward filed suit arguing that the Trump administration unlawfully invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act  which grants the president the wartime authority to expel nations of foreign countries engaged in a declared war against the US  to remove Venezuelan migrants. Declaring that Tren de Aragua was at war with the US, Trump invoked the act to swiftly expel Venezuelan men  many of them asylum seekers with no criminal records  to Cecot.

Earlier this month, the legal aid group ImmDef filed claims against the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of six deportees including Hernandez. And on Tuesday Neiyerver Adrian Leon Rengel, 28, filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking at least $1.3m in compensation, alleging false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The men who disappeared to Cecot are beloved fathers, sons, husbands and neighbors, said Julie Bourdoiseau, an attorney at the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies. US and Salvadorian authorities colluded to rip them from their homes and communities without warning, and without any semblance of due process  One year later, these families have received no redress for the unimaginable pain our governments inflicted upon them. That is unacceptable.

The petition to the IACHR is part of a broader series of cases challenging US deporting migrants to third countries  not only El Salvador but also Costa Rica, Panama and Eswatini.
Billionaire Elon Musks offer to pay TSA personnel during the partial government shutdown poses great legal challenges, according to the White House.

The worlds richest man recently shared a social media post offering to pay TSA employees amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which began in mid-February after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the agency. TSA employees are working without pay which has led to staffing shortages and long security lines at airports nationwide.

I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country, Musk wrote Monday on his X platform.

The White House has now rejected Musks offer, CBS News first reported Wednesday.

When asked about the decision, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told The Independent: We greatly appreciate Elons generous offer. This would pose great legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts.

Billionaire Elon Musk offered to pay TSA personnel during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown (Getty Images)

The fastest way to ensure TSA employees  and all DHS employees  get paid is for Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security, she added.

This comes after President Donald Trump praised Musks offer earlier this week.

Id love it. I think it's great. Let him do that, the president told reporters Monday.

The Independent has requested comment from Musk.

Many TSA agents live paycheck to paycheck, which means theyre now struggling to pay for rent, groceries and other necessities, Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said Wednesday in a statement to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Officers are reportedly sleeping in their cars at airports to save gas money, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second and third jobs to make ends meet, all while expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public, McNeill said.

Many have received eviction notices, lost their childcare, missed bill payments and been charged late fees, damaged their credit, defaulted on loans, and have been unable to even qualify for a loan to help ease the financial burden during the shutdown, she added.

Travelers have faced long security lines at airports as the DHS shutdown continues (Getty)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday that Senate Democrats are to blame for not cutting a deal with Republicans and the president to fund the agency.

We have attempted in good faith numerous times  to go to the Democrats with reasonable offers, she said. The cruelty is the point. They want this chaos.

Democrats are calling for reforms to immigration enforcement tactics before agreeing to approve funding for the agency.

Trump may send in National Guard members to assist in airports, he announced Wednesday on Truth Social. The president also praised the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who have been deployed to more than a dozen airports across the country.

Thank you to our great ICE Patriots for helping. It makes a big difference, he wrote.
Woman claimed friend was made to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Epsteins house

A woman has claimed that her friend was made to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Jeffrey Epsteins New York apartment.

Lisa Phillips, one of the convicted paedophiles survivors, told BBC Newsnight that her friend, who wished to remain anonymous, was directed to go into a room and have sex with the former prince in 2003.

She said: My girl friend, she was the reason why I started speaking out because I wanted to speak for her, because she didnt want to.

In late 2003, she had been travelling a bit with Jeffrey to different countries, and she said she went to his Upper East Side house and former Prince Andrew was there. He made her, forced her, to go into a room to have sex with this man.

Ms Phillips claimed the woman had argued with Epstein and said she didnt want to, but was made to enter the room.

The former prince pictured with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson (US Department of Justice)

The woman was allegedly traumatised by the situation and was left crying.

Ms Phillips told the BBCs Victoria Derbyshire that she later asked Epstein why he had made her friend have sex with the former prince.

She said Epstein had smirked and responded: I like to have things on people.

He liked the fear in our eyes, she said of Epsteins abuses. I think he liked that we were frozen and scared and didnt know what to do, and I think he got off on that.

Ms Phillips added she had also met Mr Mountbatten-Windsor through Epstein, after spotting him in a pool with a young blonde girl during a trip to the infamous private island, Little St James.

She said the UK police had not attempted to contact her for an interview, and said: I think they should, yes. I think they would learn a lot by talking to the victims.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office (Reuters)

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The former Duke of York was separately arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February over his connections with the paedophile and has been released under investigation. He spent around 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.

The former prince features a number of times in the Epstein files, including images showing him bent over an unidentified female and lying across the laps of a number of women.

He was also accused of having sex with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre three times, including when she was 17. In 2022, he paid Giuffre millions of pounds to settle a civil suit in the US, a woman he has claimed never to have met.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied the allegations.